It is to point out the proper use of the Church Bells—and how very beneficial may be their influence when rightly put forth, what powerful coadjutors they may be made to the pastoral office—and also to give to his brother clergy the benefit (such as it is) of his own experience in the management of them,—that the writer has put together the following brief observations and suggestions: but, concerning which, he would humbly and earnestly express a hope that no one will act upon them, until he can himself realize the Church’s system on which they are grounded. It would be far better that one who (from whatever cause) is not endeavouring to spread practical holiness among his people, according to the Church’s method, (which such as have tried it, and other methods, well know to be the only successful one)—it would be far better that he should be content with silencing the Bells altogether, or preventing them being rung on improper occasions, than that he should introduce a system into his parish, which, in such a case, would be an _unreal_ one—and, as such, would be hurtful, instead of beneficial to his flock. In the ordinarily received formularies and Canons of the English Church—I mean those which have been put forward subsequent to her Reformation—there is not much special notice of the Church-Bells to be found. At the period of the Reformation, and for some time after, the use seems to have been generally understood and acted upon; and thus “a law of custom” superseded the necessity of any written law. Little, therefore, in the way of positive command was enacted, except for the abolition of certain evil habits which had grown up. Those notices, however, which do occur in the laws of our Church during the last two hundred and fifty years, are quite sufficient to show that she _now_ recognizes their ancient holy uses, and no others. _Preface to the Book of Common Prayer._ “And all Priests and Deacons are to say daily the Morning and Evening Prayer, either privately or openly, not being let by sickness or some other urgent cause. And the Curate that ministereth in every parish church or chapel, being at home, and not being otherwise reasonably hindered, shall say the same in the parish church or chapel where he ministereth, and shall cause a Bell to be tolled thereunto a convenient time before he begin, that the people may come to hear GOD’S Word, and to pray with him.” _Canon LXVII._, 1603-4. “ ... And when any is passing out of this life, a Bell shall be tolled, and the Minister shall not then slack to do his last duty. And after the party’s death, if it so fall out, there shall be rung no more than one short peal, and one other before the burial, and one other after the burial.” _Canon LXXXVIII._, 1603-4.