bodily powers,-a result which may be much apprehended from a total cessation of the faculty of speech.* In such a case, happy are they, who, from want of physical strength, fall early victims to the system.

The extraordinary nature of the establishment I had witnessed, induced me to refer to a work which gives an account of the institution and progress of the order. Rotrou, 2nd Count of Perche, during a voyage he made to England in the year 1120, with his wife, and William Adeling, son of Henry the First, escaped from the shipwreck in which they perished, and in consequence erected a church to the Virgin, according to a vow he had made in 1122, and endowed an abbey attached to it; the site was a wild valley, called La Trappe, in the forest of Perche, near the town of Mortagne on the borders of Normandy. Many of the dependents of Rotrou and the nobles of the country made donations to the abbey, which received a charter from St. Louis, and the special protection of the Popes by several bulls. The rules of the order were founded by St. Benedict and St. Bernard. The original charter is lost, but an ancient memorial of the abbey thus relates the foundation :-" Dignum est memoriæ commendare, et litterarum monumentis consignare, quo modo monasterium istud quod dicitur Domus Dei de Trapâ, fundatum fuerit: cum autem A. D. MCXX Rotrodus quondam Comes Pertici transportaret in Angliam, cum uxore suâ Matthilde, Willelmo, Henrici regis Anglorum filio, et proceribus Angliæ, navis quâ vehebantur naufragium fecit: sed predictus Rotrodus, in tanta positus anxietate, Deo promisit, si intercessione beatæ Virginis Mariæ presens evaderet periculum, ut ecclesiam in ipsius honorem ædificaret. Incolumis et in patriam 'redux votum solvit anno MCXXII. et in tanti beneficii recordationem, voluit quod ecclesia inversæ navis formam referret," &c.

From the fifteenth century till 1662, the abbey had ceased to be inhabited by a regular abbot, and had been held

in commendam; it had partaken of the general relaxation of monastic establishments, and degenerated from its ancient austerity, when an event happened which effected a complete reform, and raised it to a degree of celebrity for severe discipline unequalled in the Catholic world. Armand Jean le Bouteiller de Rancé was born in the year 1626 of an ancient family, holding high situations in the magistracy; by favour of the court he obtained, at the early age of ten years, various ecclesiastical benefices producing a revenue of nearly 20,000 livres, among which was the Abbey of La Trappe, held by him as Abbé Commendataire. He early distinguished himself by his classical attainments, and in 1639 published an edition of Anacreon with notes; when he attained manhood, he was equally remarkable for his talents and his dissipation: his abilities raised him to distinction in the church, and to the office of almoner to Gaston Duke of Orleans. He passed his time between the pleasures of the capital and the chace at his patrimonial estate, and he formed an attachment to the Duchess of Mont Bazon, one of the most distinguished women of the age for beauty and accomplishments. This connexion began during the life of her husband, was continued till her death, which took place somewhat suddenly from malignant fever, and was followed by circumstances which exposed the lover to a trial, perhaps the most severe to which a man of ardent feeling was ever subjected. He was in the country, and his servants fearing to make the painful communication to him, he arrived in Paris in ignorance of what had happened, went immediately to the hotel of the Duchess, and using the privilege of a favoured lover, proceeded to her apartment: the first object which met his eyes was a coffin containing the headless body of his mistress! It would appear that the coffin provided having proved too short, the hirelings employed had, with a brutality we can ill conceive, severed the head from the body; and

the cloth, which had been carelessly thrown over the former, having fallen off, discovered to him her features disfigured by blood. This appalling sight produced the effect which might be expected on the Abbé: he withdrew from the world, and strove, by acts of penitence and prayer, to atone for the licentiousness of his former life. The same ardour which had distinguished him in his career of worldly distinction and pleasure, became apparent in his reform; he sold his estate, and gave the proceeds to the hospital of the Hôtel Dieu at Paris; he resigned into the hands of the King all his preferments except the Abbey of La Trappe, of which he became regular abbot by election, and by application to the Pope obtained permission to bring back the monks to the strict observance of the Cistertian rules: he found the buildings in a state of dilapidation, and the number of inmates reduced to seven, leading most irregular lives; he restored the buildings, and in a few years raised the number of monks to eighty, and so completely did they share their bread with the poor, that besides the daily distributions, the convent gave alms twice a week to from 1500 to 2000 persons. Subsequently, the number of brothers increased to 150, and it is said that, at one time, 6000 strangers received food and lodging in the course of a year, attracted thither by the fame both of their sanctity and their hospitality.* La Rancé lived thirty-six years in the full observance of the austerities he had restored, and died on ashes and straw in the 74th year of his age, A. D. 1700. The following passage from a petition, which he presented to Louis the Fourteenth, when he had met with opposition in his plans of reform, will show the importance he attached to the sanctity of monachism, and may cause some surprise in a former courtier of the seventeenth century.

Sire,-During the time that monks and those who lived in solitude pre

served the perfection of their orders and the purity of their rules, they were considered as the visible and guardian angels of monarchies; they have been seen to defend towns against numerous armies which attacked them by the power which they obtained in the sight of God, they supported the greatness and prosperity of empires; they have gained battles and victory which they had previously prophesied, and Christian emperors have had more confidence in their prayers than in their own valour and the power of their arms. It is well known that in Spain, at the end of the last century, a holy nun, living in solitude, knew in the spirit what passed in the memorable day of Lepanto, and that, even during the time of the combat, she obtained, by her tears and intercession with God, advantage and success in favour of the Church."

In the year 1789, on the motion of M. Talleyrand de Perigord, Bishop of Autun, the National Assembly decreed the suppression of monasteries; an effort was made by the council-general of the department to preserve that of La Trappe (an indication, surely, in the then state of public opinion, that they were not considered useless members of society). Two commissioners were sent to examine, but on their report it was determined that the institution was so anti-social in its character, that its preservation was inconsistent with the principles of liberty and reason. The commissioners found ninety members, viz. fiftythree priests and thirty-seven lay brothers. They were separately examined, and a large majority desired to continue their accustomed mode of life, having no thought but religion in their souls. Some were still in a high state of enthusiasm; others sunk into quietude, which may probably be translated-stupidity and deadened faculties; one was reduced to a total state of idiotcy, and another of insanity, said to be in consequence of the severe reproofs they had under

gone; a third was confined in the prison for having attempted to escape. What a sad picture does this present of the final result of self-devotion and enthusiasm too highly pitched, for no complaints were made of compulsory

introduction into the order.

"When the time for their departure arrived," to use their own words, "they left in profound grief the retreat where they had been so long permitted to pray and to suffer; they raised from the tomb the bones of De Rancé, and found a refuge in La Val Sainte in the canton of Friburg, in Switzerland; a more profound valley than that they had left." From thence they were driven by Napoleon in 1812, when an asylum was offered them by Mr. (since Cardinal) Weld, at a farm in the woods of Lulworth, Dorsetshire. In 1817, they embarked at Weymouth on their return to France, where they took possession of the ancient Abbey of Meilleruy, in the department of La Loire Inférieure, about twenty leagues from Nantes. They brought from England the most improved agricultural implements, obtained a flock of merinos, and the best breed of oxen, and introduced all modern improvements with such success, that it was proposed to consider their establishment as a ferme modèle, and to send young men to it for instruction: this, however, the government refused, from the fear that the pupils might imbibe notions injurious to their future prospects as citizens. After the Revolution of 1830, they interfered in political matters during the revolt in La Vendée, and were dissolved. I remember meeting one of them in a steamer on the Loire, in 1833, who informed me, unasked, who he was, and that he was a native of Dorsetshire, and seemed to have no objection to using his newly recovered liberty of speech; he was serving a church in Nantes. Another convent of Trappists exists near Amiens; and to judge from present appearances, that which I have described at Briquebec seems likely to become of considerable importance.

Admission of an Incumbent presented to the Commissioners for the Approbation of Ministers 1657.

KNOW all Men by these presents, That the five and twentieth day of Aprill in the year one thousand six hundred and fifty-seaven, there was exhibited to the Com'ission" for approbation of publique preachers-A

Presentation of James Howston Clerke

to the Vicarage of North Feriby in the County of Yorke, made to him by his Highnesse Oliver Lord Protector of the Com'on Wealth of England, &c. the patron thereof, under the great Seale of England. Together with a testimony in the behalfe of the said James Howston of his holy and good conversation. Upon perusall and due consideration of the premisses and finding him to be a person qualified as in and by the Ordinance for such approbation is required, The Com'ission's above menc'oned have adjudged and approved the said James Howston to be a fit person to preach the Gospell, and have granted him admission and doe admitt the said James Howston to the Vicarage of North Feriby aforesaid, to be full and perfect possessor and incumbent thereof, and doe hereby signifie to all persons concerned therein, that he is hereby intituled to the profitts and perquisitts, and all rights and dues incident and belonging to the said Vicarage, as fully and effectually as if he had been instituted and inducted accord

ing to any such lawes and customes as have, in this case, formerly been made, had, or used in this Realme. In Witness whereof, they have caused the Com'on Seal to be hereunto affixed, and the same to be attested by the hand of the Register, by his Highnes in that behalfe appointed. Dated at Whitehall, the five and twentieth day of Aprill, one thousand six hundred fifty and seaven.

(Signed) Jo NYE, Regr.

The seal is St. George's Cross, in an ornamented shield, round which is the inscription" The Seale for approbation of Publick Preachers." It is not engraved in Vertue's Edition of Simon's Seals; the Diameter-two inches; no Reverse.

5

THE following is an abstract of the important parts of all the orders in Council ratifying schemes of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England, which have yet been gazetted.

No. 1. Oxford and Salisbury, dated Oct. 5, 1836.-The whole county of Berks, and those parts of the county of Wilts which are insulated therein, forming together the archdeaconry of Berks, transferred from the diocese of Salisbury to that of Oxford; and the right of appointing the Archdeacon vested in the Bishop of Oxford.

No. 2. Salisbury, Exeter, and Bristol, dated Oct. 5, 1836.-The whole county of Dorset (except the parish of Stockland) and the parish of Holwell, in the county of Somerset, forming together the archdeaconry of Dorset, in the diocese of Bristol, and the parish of Thornecombe, in the diocese of Exeter and county of Devon, but insulated in the county of Dorset, transferred to the diocese of Salisbury, said parish of Thornecombe included in the archdeaconry of Dorset and deanery of Bridport. The parish of Stockland, in the diocese of Bristol and in the county of Dorset, but insulated in the county of Devon, transferred to the diocese of Exeter, and the right of appointing the Archdeacon of Dorset vested in the Bishop of Salisbury.

No. 3. Gloucester and Bristol, dated Oct. 5, 1836.-The whole diocese of Bristol, except the archdeaconry of Dorset, united to the diocese of Gloucester. On the first avoidance of the see the warrant for the election of a bishop to be issued to the chapter of Bristol, and afterwards alternately to the chapter of Bristol and that of Gloucester.

The deanery of the Forest in the diocese of Gloucester, but within the archdeaconry of Hereford, transferred to the archdeaconry of Gloucester; and the deaneries of Bristol, Cirencester, Fairford,and Hawkesbury,in the archdeaconry of Gloucester, separated therefrom, and together with all parishes within the city of Bristol, which latter are to be included in the deanery of Bristol, constituted the new archdeaconry of Bristol.

The site of the episcopal palace at Bristol to be sold, and the proceeds, together with the sum lately recovered as damages for injury done to the said palace, transferred to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, to be applied towards the purchase or erection of a second episcopal residence at or near Bristol.

No. 4. Foundation of Ripon, dated Oct. 5, 1836.-The collegiate church of GENT. MAG. VOL. X.

Ripon constituted a cathedral church, and the seat of a bishop, within the province of York. The dean and prebendaries styled dean and canons, and to be the dean and chapter.

The town and borough of Ripon, and all such parts of the deaneries of the Ainsty and Pontefract, in the archdeaconry, county, and diocese of York as adjoin to the western boundaries of the liberty of the Ainsty, and of the wapentakes of Barkston Ash, Osgoldcross, and Staincross respectively, and all that part of the county of York which is in the archdeaconry of Richmond and diocese of Chester, and the whole parish of Aldborough, constituted the new diocese; to be divided into the archdeaconries of Richmond and Craven; the former to consist of the deaneries of Richmond, Catterick, and Boroughbridge, and so much of the deanery of Kirby Lonsdale as is in the county of York; and the latter of the deaneries of Pontefract and Craven.

No. 5. York, Durham, and Endowment of Ripon, dated Dec. 22, 1836.All places within the peculiar jurisdiction of Hexbamshire, in the diocese of York, but locally situate in the county of Northumberland and diocese of Durham, included in the latter diocese, and in the archdeaconry of Northumberland and deanery of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The deanery of Craven, transferred from the diocese of York to that of Ripon. The parish of Craike, in the county of Durham, but insulated in the county of York, included in the latter diocese and in the

archdeaconry of Cleveland. Certain estates at Ripon belonging to the see of York, transferred to the see of Ripon. All the estates of the see of Durham situate in Howden and Howdenshire, Northallerton and Allertonshire, Borrowby, Brompton, Romanby, Osmotherly, and Sowerby Grange, co. York, transferred to the see of Ripon; the Bishop of Ripon to be entitled to the rents and profits from the day of the death of William late Bishop of Durham (21st Feb. 1836). The Bishop of Durham (for the purposes of the Act 6 and 7 William IV. c. 77, and so as to leave him an average annual income of 80007.) to pay to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England the fixed annual sum of 11,2001.

The average annual income of the Bishop of Ripon to be 4500l. and to that end the Commissioners to pay him and his successors, out of the same monies, the fixed annual sum of 22001. And a further annual sum of 500l. until an episcopal house of residence shall be provided.

G

The advowson of the vicarage of Birstall, co. York, transferred from the Archbishop of York to the Bishop of Ripon. The advowsons of the rectory of Birkby, the vicarage of Osmotherly, the vicarage and perpetual curacy of Leak and Nether Silton, in the county of York, and of the rectory of Craike aforesaid, transferred from the Bishop of Durham to the Bishop of Ripon.

No. 6. Lichfield and Worcester, dated Dec. 22, 1836.-The archdeaconry of Coventry, in the county of Warwick and diocese of Lichfield and Coventry, transferred to the diocese of Worcester. The remaining part of the diocese of Lichfield and Coventry, named the diocese of Lichfield, and the bishop thereof styled Bishop of Lichfield.

The right of appointing the Archdeacon of Coventry, and the advowsons of the rectory of St. Philip, and the perpetual curacy of Christ Church, Birmingham, transferred to the Bishop of Wor

cester.

No. 7. Lincoln, Norwich, and Ely, dated April 19, 1837.-The archdeaconry and county of Bedford, and so much of the archdeaconry of Huntingdon as is coextensive with the county of Huntingdon, transferred from the diocese of Lincoln to that of Ely. The parish of Rickinghall Inferior, in the deanery of Blackburn, the deanery of Hartismere, and that of Stow, transferred from the archdeaconry of Sudbury, to that of Suffolk, in the diocese of Norwich, and the remain. der of the archdeaconry of Sudbury transferred to the diocese of Ely.

The deanery of Camps, in the diocese and archdeaconry of Ely, included in the said archdeaconry of Sudbury.

The right of appointing the archdeacons of Bedford, Huntingdon, and Sudbury vested in the Bishop of Ely.

The Bishop of Ely (so as to leave him an average annual income of 55007.) to pay to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners the fixed annual sum of 25001.

No. 8. Welch Language, dated May 10, 1837.-Approval of a special report of the Commissioners, to abstain for the present from suggesting any scheme for carrying into effect the provisions of section II. of the Act 6 and 7 Will. IV. c. 77, for preventing the appointment of any clergyman not fully conversant with the Welch language to any benefice with cure of souls in Wales, in any parish the majority of the inhabitants of which do not understand the English language. Intimation from his Majesty in Council that the Commissioners are to keep the subject in view.

No. 9. Durham Benefices Augmenta

1100

..

5000

towards the augmentation of the incomes of the smaller bishoprics.

No. 11. Lichfield See Augmentation, dated July 12, 1837.-In order to raise the average annual income of the Bishop of Lichfield to 45007., the fixed annual sum of 850l. to be paid to him.

No. 12. Chichester See Augmentation, dated July 12, 1837.-In order to raise the average annual income of the Bishop of Chichester to 42001. the fixed annual sum of 6507. to be paid to him.

No. 13. Salisbury, Gloucester and Bristol, Bath and Wells, and Worcester, dated July 19, 1837.-The deaneries of Cricklade and Malmesbury, in the county and archdeaconry of Wilts and diocese of Salisbury, transferred to the diocese of Gloucester and Bristol and the archdeaconry of Bristol. The deanery of Pottern, transferred from the archdeaconry of Salisbury to that of Wells. The parish of Shenington, in the county and archdeaconry of Gloucester, and diocese of Gloucester and Bristol, but locally situate between the counties of Warwick and Oxford, and in the deanery of Campden, transferred to the diocese and archdeaconry of Worcester and deanery of Kineton. The parish of Iccomb, in the county, diocese, and archdeaconry of Worcester, but insulated in the county of Gloucester and Bristol, transferred to the archdeaconry of Gloucester and the deanery of Stowe. The parish of Bedminster, in the diocese of Bath and Wells, and in the archdeaconry of Bath and deanery of Redcliffe and Bedminster, to be transferred on the first vacancy of the see of Bath and Wells, to the diocese of Gloucester and Bristol, and the archdeaconry and deanery of Bristol.

No. 14. Lincoln, Oxford, and Glouces