CRITICAL NOTICES OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 281 



Here the learned author takes occasion to make a few pertinent 

 observations on the ridiculous and contemptible structures erected and 

 being now erected in different parts of the kingdom, under the direction 

 of a committee whose discernment and taste are below that of the 

 meanest working carpenter or mason. For example, see the sacred edifice 

 recently erected at the bottom of Portland-place, in the metropolis, the 

 spire of which a witty member of parliament, in alluding to it, aptly 

 compared to a " kitchen extinguisher." 



«' In the middle ages art commenced with sacred subjects. Indeed, ecclesiastical 

 architecture was the chief boast of those dark times. Churches, therefore, inde- 

 pendently of early religious associations, must always be objects of great interest, 

 as they illustrate our history, and the state of the arts at the time in which they 

 were erected. It is painful then to remark, that, after such a lavish prodigality of 

 expenditure, we have so few beautiful new churches to compensate for the loss and 

 decay of the proud fanes of olden times. While these fill the beholder with awe, 

 admiration, and delight, there is nothing in those to raise the mind to a loftier state 

 of thought and feeling ; the latter — sublime structures, and therefore awakening 

 sublime emotions, — are as distinguished for their vastness, grandeur, and science, 

 as the former are devoid of such qualities or attributes. 



" Unfortunately, our present system of education pays little or no attention to art ; 

 or that great desideratum in our Universities, a Professorship of Ecclesiastical 

 Architecture from the era of the Norman Conquest to that of the Reformation, — a 

 period in which is exhibited such boundless variety in all the different gradations 

 of style, — would long ago have contributed not only to form the national taste upon 

 purer principles, but might have drawn the notice of the Government to the better 

 preservation of those highly interesting edifices which have not sunk under the 

 ruthless fury of the fanatic, or the more silent operations of time." 



We could multiply quotations from this interesting publication, and 

 comment upon them without limitation — but that a stated space only is 

 allowed us for this duty, and therefore we are restrained from effecting 

 what our wishes prompt. However, we will manage to dip into this 

 amusing history a little further, even at the chance of its eventual cur- 

 tailment by the editor. 



The cross is still preserved in the Abbey Church, although many well- 

 meaning but weak persons have solicited its removal. On the uses of 

 this symbol, the author, in one of his numerous notes, thus writes : — 



" Crosses we are told by a writer to whom every student of ecclesiastical 

 architecture is highly indebted, were erected at the entrance of churches, to throw 

 the mind into an attitude of solemn thought and reverence. See Britton on Stone 

 Crosses. May I avail myself of this opportunity (for want of a better) of saying 

 a few words upon some animadversions which have been passed upon me for not 

 removing a cross in the interior of this church. To the prattle of the ignorant, 

 and the sneers of the superficial, I will not throw out a sentence in my defence : 

 but I would endeavour to propitiate those of sounder and more impartial under- 

 standings, by addressing them in these lines and note of our great philosophic 

 poet : — 



'Yet will we not concesd the precious cross, 

 Like men ashamed.' 



*'The Lutherans have retained the cross within their churches : it is to be re 

 gretted that we have not done the same. Wordsworth's Ecclesiastical Sketches, 

 p. 123. Similar sentiments were once expressed tome by the late Mr. Davison — 

 nomen memorabile — a name never to be pronounced by low as well as high church- 

 men, without a pause of admiration. If moral and intellectual excellencies — if 

 orthodoxy without any species of bigotry — if an ardent desire to advance the great 

 cause of Christianity in every quarter of the globe — if a firm attachment to our 

 ecclesiastical establishments, without any hunting after professional honours — 

 if singleness of purpose — if inflexible integrity and extensive charity, without 

 ostentation — be among the best recommendations for a bishopric — as sure they are 

 or ought to be — then should not this man have died without a mitre on his head. 

 In the last number of the British Critic, p. 242, the epithet illustrious is affixed to 



