prospect of that great day I saw each man, like Paul the apostle, determining to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified," and trusting wholly, truly, holily, and exclusively in the one Mediator and one refuge of sinners, "who hath the keys of David, who openeth and no man shutteth, and who shutteth and no man openeth." I am, my Lord Bishop, Very respectfully yours, JOHN MARIUS WILSON. To the Rt. Rev. Dr. Browne, R. C. Bishop of Galway.

P. S.-Though I have addressed you by the titles given you in your church, I beg you to understand that I use them, not as they describe your religious office, but merely as your designation in civil society. In their religious application I protest at once against the titles themselves, the purposes they are designed to serve, and the authority whence they are derived; and I have used them only to prevent an appearance of disrespect, and lest you should have thought me wanting in courtesy. This explanation is due to my own conscience.

I wish to take no unfair advantage, and am anxious to view your church as favourably as facts will admit; and though twenty-four or forty-eight hours would be ample time for a reply, I shall patiently wait for your answer during six days.

J. M. WILSON.

The following are a few of the personal denunciations to which Mr. Wilson's letter refers; but we select them only as specimens from among many more of the

same sort :

"Is it to be tolerated that such reptiles as John Marius Wilson, et hoc genus omne, a hell-inspired junta of incarnate fiends, whom nothing but the wrath of Heaven could have sent upon the earth to

spread horror and devastation amongst the human race, should be allowed to crawl upon the earth without being at once trampled upon, that the malignant poison of their nature," &c. "Instead of resorting to the war of words, we would prefer applying to his (the Rev. M. H. Seymour's) shoulders; for he merits to be replied to by no other argument but one that might cause his bones to ache, and thereby bring his flesh in subjection to the spirit, no easy thing to accomplish," &c. "The Biblical junta must be put down in Galway." It is the interest of the people of Galway to put down such persons, for if the devil himself came upon earth, he would resume no other garb but that of one of these Biblicals." "We hold that the new junta of fanatics that have lately crept into Galway are dangerous to its peace, so long as they are permitted to pursue their present exasperating system; their opinions are ruinous to the peace and happiness of society.—And it would be a very false notion of liberality indeed, if we did not conceive that it was an act of virtue to check their dissemination by holding up their authors and abettors as marked objects for public contempt and indignation." "While such men as John Marius Wilson are allowed to strut the streets with the Bible under his arm, it is not to be wondered at," &c. “ We therefore repeat that such men should not and must not be tolerated within the walls of Galway, and we assert that it is the duty of Protestants and Catholics, for the sake of mutual good will, to unite in accomplishing this desirable object." One serpent has hence been banished to Ballinrobe, but there still remains a greater reptile, John Marius Wilson, who must at once be trodden under foot; we are determined to persevere until we TERMINATE HIS ODIOUS CAREER."

THE CHURCH.

His Grace the Archbishop of Dublin has been pleased to license the Rev. Robert Handcock, son of the Rev. Dr. Handcock, to the curacy of St. Thomas's parish.

His excellency the Lord Lieutenant has been pleased to appoint the Rev. Gorges M. D'Arcy Irvine (Domestic Chaplain to the Earl of Charleville) to be one of his Excellency's Chaplains.

The Rev. Arthur Herbert has definitely accepted the living of Killarney, in the gift of Lord Kenmare, vacant since the Rev. Mr. Hyde's death. The former clergyman had for some time declined the offer.

The Rev. Thomas Bland, previous to closing his ministry in the parish of Killarney, delivered, on Sunday last, a farewell address to the entire flock, whose faithful and beloved pastor he had been for nine years. Mr. Bland is succeeded, at Killarney, as curate, by the Rev. Mr. Harding.

The Prebend of Athnett, the parishes of Kilquane, Ardpatrick, Killmaley, and the non-cures annexed to the Bishopric of Limerick, are to be disunited from it, and the revenues arising therefrom placed at the disposal of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners.

The Rev. Mr. Falkener, many years the worthy Curate of Templemore, has got a portion of that Union enjoyed by the late Rev. Harry Meggs Graves.

The Rev. Mr. Swayne is promoted to the Church living, near Cashel, held by the Rev. Mr. Bagenal.

His Grace the Archbishop of Cashel will certainly fix his residence at Waterford, and it is very singular that in the whole Archdiocese there will not then be one resident dignitary of the Church. The Dean of Cashel, Dr. Adams, resides at Northlands, near Cavan. The parishioners of Cove have voted an address and a piece of

plate to the Rev. P. W. Drew, on his removal to the curacy of Youghal.

DUNDALK CHURCH.-On Sunday, the 8th December, the Church of Dundalk, which has recently undergone various improvements, had an accession to its simple grandeur by the erection of a well-toned organ, towards the purchase of which we understand his Grace the Lord Primate, with his accustomed beneficence, presented, unsolicited, the Rev. Mr. Thackeray with the princely donation of 50%, saying that he considered this was due to Mrs. Thackeray for her unwearied exertions, during so many years, in forming and improving the choir of Dundalk.

The Lord Bishop of Derry, brother to the Countess Grey, will be one of the Irish Representative Bishops in the approaching session of Parliament. His lordship's right reverend colleagues, in the order of rotation, will be the Archbishop of Cashel (Right Hon. R. Laurence), the Bishop of Meath (Right Hon. N. Alexander), and the Bishop of Kildare (Right Hon. C. D. Lindsay.)

On Sunday week a collection was made in the parish church, Elgin, in aid of the Association for the purpose of sending clergymen, in connexion with the Established Church of Scotland, to our dominions in the East Indies, when 121. 7s. 7d. was collected.

CHURCH MILLION ACT.

The following is a list of the number of claimants for relief from the different counties under this act : -Antrim 4; Fermanagh 7; Leitrim 7; Londonderry 11; Tyrone 13; Monaghan 19; Armagh 20; Cavan 26; Longford 26; Wicklow 28; Down 29; Sligo 37; Dublin 46; Donegal 51; King's County 52; Carlow 60; Roscommon 61; Queen's County 62; Loath 62; Kerry 64; Westmeath 66; Meath 77; Mayo 83; Galway 111; Kildare 111; Waterford 115; Clare 126; Kilkenny

Wexford

157; Limerick 158; 215; Tipperary 275; Cork 307. Total 2,486.

At a Privy Council at Dublin Castle, on Thursday last week, an advance of money, under the 3d and 4th William IV., an Act for Relief of Owners of Tithes in Ireland, was awarded to the following clergymen in the diocese of Armagh, viz. :-Rev. J. S. Campbell, Rev. W. Maleuverer, Rev. J. Brownlow, Rev. C. Atkinson, Rev. R. Woods, Rev. J. Crawford, Rev. S. Jerrard, Rev. J. Kerr, of Termonfecken, Rev. J. Kerr, of Clogher, Rev. J. Kerr, of Mayne, Rev. A. Lindsay, of Rathdrum, Rev. A. Lindsay, of Port, and Rev. A. Lindsay, of Carrickboget.

NEW CHURCH IN CORK.

It gives us sincere pleasure, in times like the present, when the Papist, Infidel, and Radical, are unceasing in their efforts to destroy the Church Establishment, to perceive that our southern friends, who duly appreciate the blessings that flow from Christianity, are roused to exertion in the sacred cause of godliness, and are zealous for the communication of these blessings to their fellow-citizens. Cork is acting a conspicuous part; its excellent Diocesan, on a review of the state of his Episcopal charge, beheld, with regret, the want of accommodation in the churches of that city, for the Protestant portion of the community, especially those of the poorer order, and, with commendable ardour, subscribed the sum of 100l. towards the erection of a chapel of ease in the most populous part of the city. This praiseworthy example was quickly followed, and subscriptions to a considerable amount have been already received. An Episcopal Free Church is also about to be erected, the funds for which are deposited in the hands of trustees, the majority of whom are clergymen of the Established Church. The moral and religious inhabitants of

Cork have contributed largely for both of these buildings; but, from an insufficiency of means, they are still obliged to appeal to all who "love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth,” to aid them in the good work. The people are “perishing for the lack of knowledge." Not more than one-fourth of the Protestant population can hear the joyful sound of the Gospel on each returning Sabbath! No wonder, then, that Irreligion, and its handmaid Disaffection, are seen in our streets-that drunkenness, with its disgusting scenes, is so familiar to our eyes. The publishers of the EXAMINER will be most happy to receive contributions for either or both of these hallowed undertakings, from the friends of God, from the friends of the Bible, in any part of the country.

RESISTANCE TO PRIESTS' DUES. -On Christmas Day a novel exhibition of party feeling occurred in the Chapel of Lisdowney. After the celebratian of Mass, the Rev. Mr. Tobin, the R. C. Curate, proceeded to call the names of several parishioners who had neglected to pay the customary dues, whereupon one of them, backed by others, came forward and offered some strong observations on the impropriety of such a proceeding. The Rev. Curate was astonished at this unexpected opposition. However, in a short time, a party, superior in numbers, made their appearance, determined to back the Priest, when a contest arose in the body of the chapel, in the course of which Mr. Tobin is said to have fainted at the altar. His friends, however, were victorious, and the opposing party were driven from the chapel.-Kilkenny Moderator.

TWENTY-THIRD REPORT OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL SOCIETY FOR IRELAND.-The progress of Sunday schools is slow, but we rejoice to observe that there is on the whole an increase in the past year. In the province of Ulster, out of

a population of 2,294,128, there are 156,712 at Sunday schools; that is 1 to 15 of the population. The increase during the past year has been 25 schools, 3,539 scholars, and 478 teachers,

In the province of Leinster, out of a population of 1,927,967, there are 28,630 scholars, 1 to 67 of the population, and the decrease in the whole province is 4 schools, 5 scholars, and 7 teachers.

In the province of Connaught, out of a population of 1,348,077, there are 7,162 Sunday scholars, 1 to 188 of the population, being an increase since last year of 4 schools, 539 scholars, and 27 teach

ers.

In the province of Munster, out of a population of 2,165,193, there are 14,213 Sunday scholars, 1 to 152 of the population, being an increase during the past year of 6 schools and 191 scholars. Thus these four provinces of Ireland, containing 7,734,365 souls, has 206,717 Sunday scholars, being 1 to 37 of the population, and the total increase of Sunday schools and scholars, from 1st January, 1832, to 1st January, 1833, is 31 schools and 4,564 scholars.

to

SABBATH SCENES.-A Roman Catholic chapel in the eastern part of this county, was on two Ŝabbaths in the present month the theatre of a rather extraordinary exhibition. Between the families of two of the most respectable of the parishioners by whom it is frequented (Mr. R. and Mr. M.) a misunderstanding had for some existed with respect to a pew, which both claimed the right of possession. As neither gentleman is celebrated for the placability of his disposition, neither was disposed to waive his claim, and each regarded the appearance of the other in the pew as an unwarrantable intrusion on his property. This was not wonderful, for as both these gentlemen are patriots, and have long been engaged in protecting what they call the rights

of the people, it could not be expected that they would quietly submit to an infringement on their own. On Sunday fortnight, Mr. R.'s children were despatched to the parish chapel; but on attempting to enter the pew in which they had been accustomed to take their seats, they found themselves opposed by Mr. M., who had locked the. door, and most uncouthly accosted them with " you shan't enter here-go home and eat stirabout!" To the stirabout part of the business the poor children appeared to have no objection, but their blood was aroused by the allusion, and it was paid back with interest by the elder boy, who indignantly replied, that provided the stirabout could be procured "without shutting up shop and robbing the public," they would be quite satisfied to eat it. This retort was anything but relished by Mr. M., and he returned it in such measure as the terms in which he opened would lead one to expect. The children, however, were not to be bullied-the contention waxed warm-the tone in which it was waged rose higher, until at length general attention was attracted— the congregation interfered, and the youngsters were removed from the pew-door and conducted to another. Thus terminated matters for the present, but thus they did not long continue. Tidings of what had occurred were conveyed to the ears of Mr. R., who resolved to be first in the field on the next Sabbath, and to assert in person his right to the disputed pew, Accordingly, when the day arrived, Mr. R. was early on the alert, and entered the chapel with the air of a man who was determined to have every thing his own way. Mr. M., however, knowing that " possession is nine points of the law,” was there before him, and to render "surety doubly sure," had locked the pew, and when Mr. R. presented himself, he and the family were snugly seated in it,

without the remotest apprehension of disturbance. Mr. R. seeing how matters stood, applied his strength to the door, and in it went before him. A feat of this kind had not been calculated on by Mr. M., who, as soon as he recovered from his surprise, coolly seized the intruder by the collar, and endeavoured to eject him. This, however, was no easy matter. Having been at such trouble to get in, Mr. R. had no inclination so easily to go out, and the consequence was an appeal to the usual arbiter of Irish disputation. Blows were given and returned in good earnest, and blood must soon have flowed but for the interposition of some gentlemen, who, at consider able hazard, succeeded in parting the combatants. The scene which the chapel presented while these proceedings were enacting, it would not be easy to describe. The ladies screamed with terror, and the rougher members of the congregation were stricken with dismay. When the fray was over, the priest called on Mr. R. to quit the pew and apologize; but Mr. R. was inexorable, and he called in vain. The seat which he had won at the expense of so much prowess, he was determined to retain, and he did retain it, though during the remainder of the service three gentlemen were obliged to stand between him and Mr. M., to prevent a renewal of the engagement. Law proceedings, we understand, are likely to arise out of these amusements.-Cork Constitution.

THE GRAND JURIES AND CHARITIES OF CORK.-A most inquisitorial investigation into the corporate affairs of Cork, managed, as well as we can collect from the reports which we have seen, with great unfairness and impertinence, has been going on in that city. The papists there, as every where else, seem to take it for granted that the tolerance of a Protestant corporation, or even of a Protes

tant in any office whatever, is a calamity no longer to be endured. It was complained of, among other matters, that Roman Catholics were not more profusely placed on grand juries. The answer was ready-Cork does not contain persons of that creed of sufficient respectability to supply more than were generally selected. Although that city, greatly to the credit of its intellect, returns to parliament two gentlemen who figure in a procession after a holy water-pot through the streets (and this in the nineteenth century! and in Ireland, which has made such giant strides towards civilization!) the property there, as every where else throughout Ireland, is almost exclusively Protestant. A curious return offered to the commissioners, but by them rejected, was given in proof of this-it is the return of the sums subscribed to the public charities of the city. We take it from the Cork Constitution :The total amount of the subscriptions to the 11 charities for the last year was £3,190; of this sum there was subscribed by Protestants £2,782; by Roman Catholics £408. The number relieved by the above charities was 55,986. Of this number there were Protestants, 2,380; Roman Catholics, 53,606.

So much for the charities. Now for the cholera fund-a fund to which, if ever human wretchedness appealed with effect to human sympathy, it were to be expected all would have contributed cheerfully and liberally. How stands the fact? The total of the donations amounted to £3,974; and of this sum there was subscribed, by Protestants, £3,304; by Roman Catholics, £670 !!!

Independently of the above return, the Protestants of Cork support fifteen daily and twelve Sunday schools, besides upwards of twenty other benevolent establishments; but these being for the use and benefit of Protestants only,