episcopal functions require something more than mere abstract excellence. It cannot therefore but be regretted, that such superior talents are not more frequently called forth, and combined in the necessary investigation, and discussion of ecclesiastical affairs. Where bodies should derive their energies, and power from the wisdom of united councils, advantage will always be taken of any scattered authorities, by those who lie in wait to profit from their disorder. In this view, it may be observed as a misfortune, that the constant residence of your Grace so far distant from the capital, should admit of no central point of communication; sơ that the bishops, far remote from their metropolitan head, becoming insulated within their respective dioceses, unavoidably fall into recluse habits which unfit them in some degree, for a more liberal and extensive discharge of their pastoral duties.

The writer of these remarks relies upon the acknowledged can dor of the venerable Archbishop, when he presumes to question the propriety of his palace, so sacredly annexed to the cathedral of St. Patrick, having been converted into a barrack for the soldiery, without any other metropolitan residence being previously, or even to this day provided, although the public money voted for that purpose is said to have been issued some years? This was an innovation which the Church might laudably have resisted.

The numerous ruins of temples of worship throughout this island, exhibit too many proofs of the dilapidated, and declining state of the Protestant establishment. On the Reformation it appears, that there were 2,436 parishes in Ireland with cure of souls, and nearly 3,000 clergy appertaining thereto. These are now reduced to 1,100 benefices, having but 1,001 churches, and requiring only the cure of 1,300 clergy. Much of this falling off may be imputed to the combination of several parishes into what is called an union,' a measure that has unfortunately led to the dissolution of all other churches therein, except one.

These unions are of two kinds : the one Episcopal, that is, constituted by the Bishop of the Diocese, which may be dissolved on the removal of the incumbent the others are decreed by an act of council, and are indissoluble by any existing authority. In the union possessed by the writer, as attached to his stall in the cathedral of Ferns, there are the remains of six parish churches in so many distinct parishes, (besides that of Kilscoran) on an ex

It is understood, however, to be the intention of government, to propose a bill in Parliament without loss of time, for dissolving the most extensive of those council unions, on the demise, or pro→ motion of their present incumbents. Under this desirable restoration of the churches, glebe houses, now so much wanted throughout Ireland for the residence of the clergy, would also increase, and the erection of them be greatly facilitated by the application of the parliamentary grant of 40,0001. out of the first fruits, which sum has unaccountably lain for many years unappropriated to this urgent service.

Even from this slight review, it will appear to your Grace, that our attention may be more beneficially directed to the improvement of the Protestant establishment, than to any reprehension of errors in our Catholic brethren. We cannot too often remind ourselves, that as opinion submits not to force, so no human power can command belief: this would naturally lead to a more liberal allowance in favor of those, who constitute so considerable a portion of the Irish people, and contribute so largely to the revenues of a Church, contrary, as they are too frequently taught, not only to their temporal, but their spiritual welfare.

The cursory remarks thus submitted with great deference and respect to your Grace, as the head of the Irish Church, cannot be better closed, than with a corresponding one from an elegant writer,' whose liberal opinions will long remain an ornament to our profession. "In religion, as in all other subjects, truth if left to itself, will almost always obtain the ascendancy. If different religions be professed in the same country, and the minds of men remain unfettered, and unawed by intimidations of law, that religion which is founded in maxims of reason, and credibility, will

tent of about 7,000 acres of well populated and highly cultivated land. The churchyard continues the burying place for the dead of each parish; but the temples for the reception of the living are almost rased to the ground. If the most laudable exertions on the part of a single prelate could have remedied this lamentable evil, it had not continued in a diocese, where so considerable an increase of respectable glebe houses, and so extensive a promotion of resident curates, have distinguished the active benevolence of its present bishop.

* Dr. Paley.

gradually gain over the other to it. If Popery, for instance, and Protestantism were permitted to dwell quietly together, Papists might not become Protestants, (for the name is commonly the last thing that is changed) but they would become more enlightened, and informed: they would by little and little, incorporate into their creed many of the tenets of Protestantism, as well as imbibe a portion of its spirit and its moderation."

Kilscoran House,

I have the honor to be,
With great respect,
My Lord,

Your Grace's most obedient

County of WEXFORD, Oct. 25, 1807.

And humble servant,

H. B. DUDLEY.

REPORT, &c.

THE COMMITTEE appointed to consider of Provision being made for the better regulation of Madhouses in England, and to report the same, with their observations thereupon, to The House; and who were empowered to report the Minutes of the Evidence taken before them from time to time;-Have, pursuant to the Order of The House, considered the Matter to them referred, and agreed upon the following Report.

YOUR Committee, deeply sensible of the importance of the matter referred to their consideration, have applied themselves, with great earnestness, to the performance of the duty imposed on them by The House.

The Evidence presented herewith, will show how extensive their enquiries have been. It was their intention to make observations in detail on the several heads of the Examination taken before them, and on the several public and private Establishments, for the reception of Insane Persons; but on reconsidering the whole subject, they have thought it advisable, in the first instance, to make their Report more general, for the reasons which will be stated.

Your Committee cannot however hesitate to suggest,