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I am happy, on my part, to renew our acquaintance, which the reports of common friends, and of the press, also a common friend, have preserved from absolute decay. The essay to which you allude has not fallen in my way. I shall peruse it with much interest.

From several quarters intelligence had reached me of the sudden recovery of Miss Fancourt; and but a few hours before the arrival of your note of inquiry, I had perused the narratives of Miss Fancourt and her father, together with the clear and conclusive comments appended to them, in the Christian Observer, to which a friend had called my attention.

My recollection of the case is not so strong in particulars as to enable me to say much about it. It appears that I saw Miss F. twice, and that some weeks in tervened between my visits in the winter of 1824. My attention being directed to the hip-joint, I examined it carefully, and found that there was neither deformity nor want of mobility, but that the use of the joint was painful. I recommended that a long-established issue should be allowed to heal, and at the same time directed some leeches, a blister, and aperient medicine. On my second visit, Miss F. was so far relieved as to lead me to urge the discontinuance of her crutches and to prescribe tonic medicine, and I think a warm plaster. Most of these particulars have been confirmed by inquiry of the young lady's mother, for I had no minute of the case save in my memory.

To a medical man, this brief relation is a volume, as regards the opinion I must have entertained; namely, that the inflammation, if it had been acute, was not so then; that the seat of it was not the synovial or lining membrane of the joint, but the external ligamentous or muscular coverings; that more than had been already done, in the way of counter-irritation and drain, was not indicated; and lastly, that the general system was defective in power.

It should be observed, that the young lady was naturally somewhat delicate in frame and health; that she had already been confined and suffering for a length of

A twelvemonth prior to the local complaint, Miss F. had been a patient of a much-esteemed physician in the city, for some constitutional indisposition; for which, among other remedies, that gentleman had recommended horse exercise.

time from the disease and the treatment which gentlemen previously consulted had judged necessary; that, long after I saw the case, much and varied treatment, medical and surgical, was employed at Margate and in Devonshire,-at which latter place the local affection was regarded as symptomatic of a disordered state of the liver, and the system was put under the action of mercury; that other joints had been painfully affected at various times; and that at length, tired of ineffectual attempts at recovery, Miss Fancourt had betaken herself to her couch, and yielded up her case, in something like despair, to the slow but nevertheless powerful operation of time and rest.

It is quite certain from the statements of Mrs. Fancourt (the young lady was unfortunately from home when I called a few days ago), that Miss F.'s case bore no resemblance at any time to the "morbus coxa", and that no sign exists of any alteration having ever taken place in the structure of the hip-joint or of the spine. Thus it may have been a myalgia or a neuralgia +, or both, affecting chiefly the most fleshy and most important joint of the body, though others suffered in a degree; and this painful affection and loss of muscular power may have supervened upon original inflammation.

I shall now, my dear sir, take the liberty of offering one or two remarks upon this history. If there is a well made out point in pathology, it is the frequent existence of a painful local affection, symp tomatic of a disordered state of the nervous system,-this again depending upon a defect in some one or more of the important functions by which vigorous or tonic health is maintained. Such affections are sometimes, indeed often, so simulative of the symptoms of inflammation, as to require study and discrimination to distinguish them; and indeed they are not unfrequently the vestiges of former inflammations. For months, and sometimes years, we see them resist every mode of treatment: they lead to no organic mischief, and excite no alarm for the patient's safety; for they are not incompatible with an even, although a feeble, state of health. Eventually they cease, as if they had run their course, and worn themselves out; and the discovery of their cessation may be sudden, and may lead to the belief that such has been their actual termination, when in fact they have so far gradually abated as to be incapable of resisting any strong impulse or exertion to throw them off. The period of self-imposed restraint, as in many cases of a different description, tinated by the fear of relapse, and, in exis arbitrary: hence, sometimes procrastreme cases, by the paralysing influence of despair.

* Regular hip-disease.

+ Painful affection of muscles or nerves.

The operation of such lengthened and unnatural confinement as is imposed where the spine or lower limbs are thus affected, upon the patient's constitution, moral as well as physical, leads to some of the most curious phenomena which our profession offers to observation. These in detail are much depending on temperament, education, society, modes of thinking, &c. It would be easy to fill a volume with such histories, and very incredible some of them would appear. That such conditions are modified by sex, is, in addition to other proofs, demonstrated by the fact that these cases are almost peculiar to females under, or not exceeding, middle life. It is from this course of observation, that well informed surgeons have of late years recognised and described a class of hysteric local affections, of which pain, sometimes ex. cessive, is generally a predominant cha

racter.

Another position, which may be regarded as equally well established with the former, is the occasional sudden disappearance of these complaints, on the mitigation or removal of some obvious physical irritation, or under the action of some powerfully exciting mental stimulus. The removal of a biliary obstruction, or the expulsion of an intestinal worm, may serve to illustrate the first; and the energy inspired by terror, rage, revenge, &c. the latter.

It has been truly and beautifully said, "Hope springs eternal in the human breast;" but its character is too tranquil, passive, conditional, to arouse the extraordinary energies of the system depressed below the level; whereas confidence, assuming the character of religious faith, founded in a settled conviction, however inspired or characterized,--whether the fervour of an enlightened, or the frenzy of a fanatical, enthusiast,-when its force is concentrated upon an object of paramount interest, I apprehend to be the most powerful lever which can be brought to operate upon the human mind.

Taking the facts as stated in Miss Fancourt's case, namely, that she was enabled upon the word, to rise, and command, and controul the muscles, which five hours before had refused, or rendered a very imperfect obedience to her will, it cannot be doubted but that the impulse must have been a powerful one; but the fear of death, or of shame, might have done, nay has over and over again done, as much and, on the other hand, it must be remembered, that there was no such physical impediment to contend with as the slightest alteration of healthy structure, so far as we are cognisant of such deviation, that in that, the function only was at fault.

To the dispassionate observer, if this be considered miraculous, a miracle not unfrequently presents itself, that is, a physical

result not conformable to ordinary experience, brought about by the intervention of powerful mental impressions, but admitting of explanation, by reference to the well-known sympathies of the human economy. I refrain from pursuing a subject not in my province, and upon which the little that need, or the much that may, be said, can be said better, and more effectively.

I would treat with respect every attempt at the solution of this and similar natural problems, but I incline to such a solution as my reason and experience suggest; being disposed to regard the operation of what are termed "secondary causes" as sufficiently miraculous, abstractedly considered, to inspire a conviction of the uniformity, as well as universality, of the Divine superintendance. A philosophic mind, surrounded on all sides by mysteries which it is unable to fathom, discovers, in the most familiar objects of its contemplation, abundant sources of knowledge, and incentives to piety and gratitude;

"Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,

Sermons in stones,--and good in every thing!"

This letter has far exceeded its intended limits: I entreat your forgiveness, and remain, &c.

B. TRAVERS.

With this interesting communication from Mr. Travers I conclude my remarks for the present; but as the general subject is important, and I am in possession of some materials which appear to me very valuable, I purpose, as before remarked, resuming the discussion in your next volume. In the mean time, I am, &c.

W. NEWNHAM.

NAVAL AND MILITARY BIBLE SOCIETY.

This most useful institution has completed its fiftieth year. Its labours extend to the whole military and maritime population of the realm.

The society's receipts during the last year were 3,3961., and the disbursements 3,386. A reduction of debt to the amount of 6461. has been effected within the year, and the list of subscribers is on the increase. The number of copies of Bibles issued during the year has amounted to 13,233,-making the issues of the society since its formation 244,477 copies. Since the official regulation of 1825, the supply to the army alone has been 40,436 copies, being an excess of 6,436 beyond the total issues between the years 1780 and 1804, a period of 24 years from the formation of the society.

We have so often advocated the cause of this Christian and patriotic institution, that we shall not add any thing to the preceding facts, in proof of its claims to enlarged public support. The intended ad

ditions to the army will furnish new calls upon the exertions of the society; and we rejoice that such societies are in existence promptly to meet them.

SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRIS

TIAN KNOWLEDGE.

This venerable institution, it is remarked in the last Report," has now been actively engaged for more than one hundred and thirty years in labouring to advance by various methods, and to the utmost extent of its means and influence, the glory of God and the best interests of mankind. During this long period the society has never been unmindful that its primary duty is to extend the knowledge of the Gospel as expounded in the Articles and Liturgy of our Church, and to inculcate Christian duties upon Christian principles. ""The labours of the society," it is added, " have been continued on a scale of progressive extension; a fact which the present abstract of the proceedings during the past year will tend fully to establish."

From that Report we learn, that the number of Bibles, Testaments, Common Prayer-books, Psalters, and other books and tracts issued during the past year, is 1,715,560, which considerably exceeds the number issued in any former year. A large proportion of these books have been supplied to parochial, charity, national, and Sunday schools. Many books have been granted gratuitously to very necessitous schools and parishes, and likewise for the use of the settlers in Western Australasia. The society has also furnished considerable supplies of books on account of Government to his Majesty's convict ships and the Penitentiary at Milbank.

A new field for exertion on the part of the society was opened some years ago, in consequence of the order of the late Duke of York, that every soldier who could read should be furnished with a Bible and a Common Prayer-book. The society agreed to furnish as many copies as might be required; and it has supplied one half of the Bibles, and all the Common Prayer-books, which have been distributed in virtue of the above-mentioned order, besides religious books sent out for the use of his Majesty's troops in India.

An edition of 5,000 copies of the New Testament in the Irish language and character, with marginal references, has recently been completed at the charge of the society. The Board have determined to distribute among the bishops in Ireland 2,000 copies, to place 1,000 copies at the disposal of the Incorporated Association in Dublin, and to reserve the remaining 2,000, to be distributed as the demand may require. An edition of 5,000 copies of the Society's Family Bible was expected to be completed before the termination of the present year.

The pecuniary receipts for the

year

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amount to 67,018.; but it is hoped that the friends of the Society will not relax in their endeavours to furnish it with sufficient means to answer the increasing demands upon its exertions.

The diocesan and district committees have continued to render the most efficient assistance to the parent institution.-We postpone to another Number the review of the Society's foreign proceedings.

SERAMPORE MISSION.

We have received from India a powerful appeal on behalf of the Serampore mission, issued by the venerable Dr. Carey and his colleagues.

Circumstances, they say, of extreme urgency compel them to appeal to the Christian public of Great Britain." For themselves they have nothing to ask but the good will and the prayers of their fellow-Christians; but their petition must be earnest for support to that sacred cause in which they are engaged." The objects of the Serampore mission may be arranged under the heads of translation and printing, education, and missionary labour, or the direct preaching of the Gospel to the natives of India. For these different objects they require pecuniary aid in different degrees.

We cannot find space for the complicated details; but the result is, that besides books and schools, the missionaries have to provide for 20 stations, each of which has one or more resident preachers, and 32 missionary brethren, European, Indo-British, or native; and the entire annual expenses of which are about 1,5337. They add,—“ It has been said that we are rich. Were we so, we should send forth no such appeal as the present. We are really poor, and nothing but our poverty compels us to call for help. The only members of the mission who have it in their power to contribute to its funds are Dr. Carey, Dr. Marshman, and Mr. J. C. Marshman. They do contribute to the utmost of their ability; but it has pleased God greatly to curtail that ability, especially as the British Government have just abolished the professorships in the college of Fort William. We entreat of the Christian public a few hundred pounds per annum, for we have them not ourselves. Christian friends! these are our wants. Do you refuse us— do you refuse these stations--the small degree of support which is required? Which of them is to be abandoned? We cannot think of one. If unceasing industry or self-denial could by any means furnish us with the supplies we beg from you, we would toil and deny ourselves with joyful alacrity, and leave you unimportuned. But our hopes are small in this respect our present incomes even are uncertain. Again, then, we implore your help, and we trust we shall not implore in vain."

The exertions of the Serampore missionaries in the translation and dispersion of the Sacred Word deserve the gratitude of the whole Christian world; and for this particular department a special fund is appropriated, distinct from those departments of the Society's labours which involve questions of doctrine or church discipline.

AMERICAN EPISCOPAL VISITA

TION.

The laborious duties of the American Episcopate are little estimated in this country. Bishop Chase's journeys, which happen to be best known, are only a specimen of those of other prelates travelling through the more recently settled districts. We have before us the official account of the last completed episcopal tour of the lamented Bishop Hobart, from which we copy the following notice. The ordinary detail of exertion in confirmations, ordinations, and consecrations we pass

over.

"In the afternoon I visited the congregation of the Indians on the Oneida reserwation, and was inexpressibly gratified with the evidence afforded by many of them, of piety and Christian zeal. Their judicious and faithful catechist and instructor, Mr. Solomon Davis, presented ninety-seven for confirmation, whom he had previously instructed and prepared for this holy rite. On my first visit to them, a number of years before, I had confirmed nearly the same number, and at subsequent visits others were confirmed. It could not but excite the most gratifying emotions to find them still advancing in Christian knowledge, and in attachment to our church, in whose Liturgy they joined with affecting simplicity and devotion."

"Thursday I again visited the Oneidas, to attend their chiefs, at their request, in a council to request my advice as to some particulars in relation to their spiritual interests. The scene was to me novel and highly interesting. An ancient butternut grove, from time immemorial their council ground, was the place where their chiefs and warriors assembled, and arranged themselves in circles, within which the clergy and myself were seated. Groups of young men and women and children were scattered around the assemblage, regarding with evident attention and interest what was said and done. The address to me of one of the chiefs, to which I replied; the speech of another to the natives; and the final address of the orator of the nation to me, to which there was a reply from me, were marked by great good sense, and by simple and commanding eloquence. It is the strong dictate of Christian sympathy and duty to cherish this mission among the Oneidas, who are so favourably disposed to our church, and who are advancing in the arts and comforts of civilized life."

CHRIST. OBserv. App.

"I again visited the church at Oneida, and admitted the Rev. S. Davis, and the Rev. J. Young, Deacons, to the order of Priests. On this occasion, a pertinent and affecting address, drawn up, at the request of the chiefs, by a young Indian, who has received a good English education, was read to me in their name, in which they requested me to recognise Mr. Davis as their permanent pastor. This was done in a simple, significant ceremony, suggested by them. The chiefs standing behind each other, each chief placed his hands on the shoulders of the chief before him, and the first chief on the shoulders of Mr. Davis, whom I took and held by the right hand, while I replied to their address. By this ceremony they wished to signify that a strong bond of union was formed between them, their pastor, and their bishop."

The indefatigable prelate who penned this account, did not live to complete another visitation. His zeal and self-devotion, and mental and bodily exertions, during these episcopal journeys, have been described to us, by eye-witnesses of his labours, as sufficient to break down the most robust frame; and it was in the midst of these ministrations that he was summoned to give an account of his stewardship, and to enter into the joy of his Lord. We have received from our American Correspondents copious and interesting details of his life, which is closely connected with the history of the United States Episcopate, and we purpose inserting a memoir of him in our next Number. We did not agree with him on some important subjects, as our readers are well aware; but there was much in him to admire and love; and in the course of many years' friendly and confidential correspondence, with which he favoured us, we have ever found him anxious to promote what he considered for the glory of God and the interests of his church. Nearly his last words, in the prospect of death, were, "God's will be done. Oh pray for me, that I may not only say this but feel it, feel it as a sinner: for bear me witness, I have no merit of my own; as a guilty sinner would I go to my Saviour, casting all my reliance on him, the atonement of his blood. He is my only dependence, my Redeemer, my Sanctifier, my God, my Judge."

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No fewer than twenty-seven ministers were present on the occasion, and, it is added, "found abundant matter of congratulation, while comparing the existing state of the church, attracting the respect of all parties, and imparting to numerous and attentive congregations religious instruction and consolation through the agency of no less than one hundred and twenty ministers with that which at no distant period presented only a body of forty-three dispersed over the two dioceses, and having little or no connection with each other. At the same time, however, that they dwelt with satisfaction upon this improved and improving condition of the church, and were thankful to Divine Providence, who had thus encouraged their zealous exertions, by giving a blessing to the seed which had been sown, and causing it to yield a more than corresponding increase, they were sensible that its present comparative prosperity offered additional reasons for renewed exertions on their parts, and firm dependence upon that assistance without which all human efforts are of no avail."

offers a pleasing source of reflection to those who are engaged in the management of its concerns, while observing the regular habits and consequent improvement of the population, affords but few materials to excite that intense interest which the Jabours of a Christian Missionary cannot fail to do, in countries where the great mass of the population have hitherto been strangers to the light of Christianity." Yet these portions of the British empire," it is added, "exhibit a scene where the patient endurance of a Christian Ministry, zealously labouring for the good of their fellow-creatures, with little reward except that which is derived from a consciousness of the value and excellence of their employment, is witnessed by the people with u feeling of gratitude to the humble instruments of Divine wisdom, and thankfulness to God for the means of grace thus placed within their reach." Great impediments, it is stated, have interfered with the progress of the arrangements made for the promotion of religion or education in the colonies; some of which, however, have been overcome by the perseverance of the Society, the labours of the Ministry, and the vigilance and influence of those in authority, whose united efforts have all been required to secure to the establishments of the Church that form and stability which they now enjoy; affording to large bodies of the poor means of education, dispensing to numerous congregations religious instruction, and encouraging the erection of edifices for the observance of those pure forms of worship which are cherished in the parent country as the best means of grace." But,

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great as the efforts of the Society have been, and considerable as their success, through the Divine blessing and the zealous co-operation of their servants, there remains a large and extensive field of usefulness requiring the continued and unremitted exertions of every friend of religion to provide for the spiritual wants of those who have to struggle with the difficulties incident to all recent settlements."

The national schools at Halifax flourish, and two new establishments of a similar kind have been formed in the same city; but the Society were under the necessity of declining to contribute any pecuniary assistance to these institutions, under the consideration of the large proportion of their funds already appropriated to the same objects in Halifax. The opulent inhabitants of that city, it is expected, will speedily be prepared to support the national schools from their own resources, and leave the Society at liberty to bestow their pecuniary aid upon places where the people are still struggling with the diffi. culties attendant upon recent settlements.

The visitation held by the Bishop at Halifax was attended by a larger body of clergy than were ever assembled together before in the North-American colonies.

In the course of the summer and autumn, Archdeacon Willis visited the missions to the north of Halifax. His report, it is remarked, “exhibits no features of novelty, but it proves that the labours of the Society, and the piety and diligence of the missionaries, have not been expended in vain; improvements in moral conduct and religious duties have been conspicuous; many new churches have been erected, and those of longer standing kept in good repair; the ministers respected, and the people grateful, and in many instances ready to testify their sense of gratitude by liberal contributions towards the maintenance of their minister."

Six divinity scholarships have been founded in the new college of Fredericton, with exhibitions of thirty pounds each for candidates selected by the visitor from the young men educated for holy orders. The institution has commenced its operaations. The Archdeacon is president, and the Rev. Dr. Jacob, of Oxford, vice-president.

In the diocese of Quebec the Society renew their congratulations upon witnessing a scene of similar exertion to that which exists in Nova Scotia, and of a similar and corresponding increase in its fruits. Bishop Stewart, Archdeacon Mountain, Archdeacon Strachan, and the visiting missionary, Mr. Archbold, have extended their labours during the past year to many distant settlements. The Bishop has taken possession of the estate of Burnside, the bequest of the late Mr. M'Gill of Montreal, for the commencement of a university in that eity, as a seminary for young men intended for holy orders. The property consists of a house, garden, and land, of the value of about 10,000, with 10.000. in money for the same purposes. The need of such an institution in Canada is severely

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