[Rev. Dr Henry Christmas.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Henry Christmas') to Arthur Hall, discussing the plan of a magazine, with the names of contributors and sub-editors of sections, for a prospectus, and describing a section of 'Lyra Evangelica'.

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged and unevenly-sunned paper. He begins by giving six numbered points which 'will do for the Introduction' to a prospectus for a magazine. The first reads: 'The biographical & archaeological portion of the Magazine will be placed under the superintendance of the Revd Professor Christmas, M.A. F.R.S.' The succeeding points refer to other sections, with the names of those in charge of three of them added later: 'Biblical Illustrations and religious information' ('Mr Power'); 'Natural History & General Science' ('Mr Wood'); 'Literature and Poetry Reviews' ('<?> Baynes'). He considers it 'quite necessary to have some name for each of the above but especially nos II & III'. He concludes: 'written to Messrs Wood & Morris', but does not have their addresses. 'with regard to Poetry I would say | A series of poems chiefly original and chosen, when selected, from the works of the most gifted writers of Devotional Poetry will appear in the successive numbers of the Magazine under the title of "Lyra Evangelica" It is contemplated after a certain time to form these into a volume - which it is hoped may be acceptable to the Christian Church'. Christmas edited the Church of England Quarterly Review (1840-1843 and 1854-1858), The Churchman (1840-1843), the British Churchman (1845-1848), and the Literary Gazette (1859-1860).