Northern Times. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1859-10-25 00:00:00

VISITATION OF THE LORD BISHOP TO THE CLERGY OF LIVERPOOL. . . Yesterday forenoon the Right Rev. Dr. Graham. the Lord BiShop of Chester ? commenced his triennial Visita tion to the clergy of this part of the diocese. In con sequence of the repairs in.progress at St. Peter's Parish Church, the Visitation took place at St. Luke'S Church, and that beautiful edifice was crowded at the appointed hour by nearly all the leading clergymen of the town and neighbourhood, besides manf of tae laity. Prayers were read by the Rev. C. W. Lawrence, the incumbent of the church ; and the sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. MtNeile, who took his text front the 22nd chapter of St. Luke, 36th verse. The discourse, in its application, gave a beautiful summary of the duties incumbent upon the clergy in the present day, and was listened to with interest by all present. The Right Rev. Prelate then ascended, into the reading-desk, and said he thought it would be most con venifren. to the clergy assembled, as they were now ietietly seated in their pews, Veit they . should answer to their names where they sit, without being taken up to the communion rails ; and then he should, with their per.nission, read his charge front the reading-desk. The Bishop's Secretary having called over the names o f th e c l ergymen assem bl e l, His LOILDSTIIP delivered the following charge :-- My Reverend Brothren,--I gladly begin by expressing my grateful thanks for the kindTiess which I have received from you all in the three years that have elapsed since the last official vis'.talioa of my diocese, and more par tici:la:ly in the recent circuit of my confirm itions. Thes e proofs of your continued goo 1 -will lighten my work and cheer my heart. It has also been a source of great comfort :aid happiness to me, as I am sure it has been to 'ymirselves that peace rind liannony have, by the Divine blessing, continued to prevail throughout• the diocese generally in the relations of the chsrey to each other and ,to tissir lay brethren. Ido not i - ideed wish to convey an impression that the three passed rs have passed over witlenit any difficulties or dineseem arieine. But vhSieh , ...:t'.' orison hive 'l,lr the ma-it partbeenca.:eh ••, :eel to ;no, and hies with se Ire sly anv ev,se • h a eas adjostnd psomotly and amicably, with' 1, h e.he , • hhhr l _ - trim. I take no credit to n: j' , , l ;ft ill fret of havine• acted in an :enst 111'rii'v e lie is. The roil merit is clue _,TI !fr , who havj ,i 1 i L:i•V, to niv an , Seirity, bat he etSe co litation with ellerAil tad cordial co:.tidmie` i truly say that Inv exp•h•hee. sueli CA iC ihe left: on mv own T,s.; it'i of the good :; • , t •. feeling and , Co - i - ‘-I,ran • • - - h - h 111 •• j h ave esl !see ether nod tow, 's see hierhiy the .eh- • e !hes of tsis 1 sn e s t • • your 0 ,• ),* •,' !) iris Ut ,1;,•01-: ,! •• , . • i !; 1 oew c!:oro • 1: r▪ estOrk -, • M[ needei 1; r.Tiiired, or int •' moc1,1: !, , an:Lforp:. • ....• • I ,, c iii sen y:lt and . • spirit tea„ !1,•11 mini'ested a 1 .1 • inist.k. , L'ole proof of the e • ':eneet of the la s ehareh h Vic rail_ gre - pho • ettaehin hit is, 1 I. the • prinein!e; and -services se' i• _cinch are •lls' seriph:, :Pic forms of our litnegn, is which we 0 :hi upon: yerS, and praises to Almighty God, are to a great exteet hireSsed in the very ling:Lege of Seeipture, and throat , etotit are freesed after that model -e-are, as it were, . reflections of itslight, echoes of its tones'. \While this is the ITO ground of our people's attaeh meat and adlier , eucists oar liturgy, there are other suhonlinate assoeia etions bra which its services are endeared to us. These tire the services in which no:. o.dy own congrega tion but all the congregations of oar church every where- join. 'How strong a bond of uhion, that through the length and bren.l.tti of our tool, and even in far distant colonies of our empire thousands and tens of thousands of voic , s ar-. lifted up 411 each return , e 'inn- Sabbath in the sans ° forms, in the same ,words, of prayer praise which we ourselves are adlre.ssing to the thr ell of grace. There i•.; again another kindred assoeiation—less ' ex.tn led, iaked, bearings, hut comilr , home closely to oar heart, , . They are he ser vices.with whieli we ewe been familiar from our earliest -years—the s ces whic:i WO wyre _tit to kneel by the sitie o; our parents, in which we have taught o - ar children to kneel by our own side, and have felt every tie of natural, affection strengthened a id sanctified by this inrion ce.r devotions. r e cinnot but believe that these are feelings deeply . .seated is the hearts of the greatbscly of the members of our church. It is, however, apparent that at the present time the services of our church arc made a subject of .ouch discns3ion. Sonic Rersoris_ ,object that our ocdinary Sunday servicis trio long ;. others are desire-1, e,i letro ns _Awing . alterations into the substance of the liturgy itself. In the rem Irks whic'i I would respectfully offer ou this subjefq. I shall keep - these 'two questions distinct, as, in fact, they essentially are. It is generally admitted that the Order for Morning Prayer, the Litany, and the Order for- the Holy Com munion were originally intended to be used as three dis tinct services, and in this order. Whether continuously or - at intervals._ In the year 1571, Archbishop Griudal issued injunctions to the clergy and laity of the pro vince of York, of which one was that "the minister was not to pause 'or stay ,between 'the Morning Prayer, Litany, and Communion, but to continue and say the Morning Prayer, Litany, Communion, or the service appointed to be said when there was no communion, together, without any intermission, to the intent the people might continue together in prayer and hearinn. the Word of G o d, an d not d epart out of the church' during all the time of the whole divine service." 'Without entering into any question as to the authoritative force of the injunction, it may suffice to say that this hes now been for a long course o f t i me the settled practice in our church. And, as respects our Sunday mornine. service, I think that in general, and nacre particularly in the case of out' rural parishes, where the people are scattered over a largo nrea,. this practice must necessarily be the most convenient ; for it would be difficult to re-assemble the same congregation twice or thrice at intervals, or to carry on a four-fold succes sion- of services ou the same day. If I might express my own feelings, I should not hesitate to say that the ordinary combination in our Sunday morning service does not appear—has never appeared—to me to be too long. I assume that the service is read by the minister solemnly aul reverently, as I am happy to say I have alWays heard it read in my 'own diocese. If anything has ever made me feel the service to be long, it has been when I have, once or twice elsewhere, heard it read with such rapidity, as if the object was to make it short. I scarcely know how to express the pain which such an exhibition gives to my own feelings. Its effect must be . either to offend the minds of th ose w h o l ove our services, 'or to lower the services themselves . in the estimation of superficial hearers. Let me add that such a practice is not only unjust in relation to the Church, but irreverent in rela tion to the sacred purposes of public worship. If in the ordinary Sunday mornine. service there is any . real cause for shortening its duration, I should myself, if engaged in parochial duties, seek to meet the exigency by confining my sermon within narrower limits, p ar ticalarly on the Sundays wh en th e Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is administered. I d o not say this to dispango the value of preaching. I do n o t say i t in forgetfulness of the efficiency with wh i ich you yourselves I wouldoursels perform this important part , o your ofi ce , bu say that hurrying through the service of the Prayer-book is alhing not to be excused on any ground--perhaps least of all on the ;round thative a d r is e c t o h u e rs re e b s. y gaining an an extension of time for our own the more true, because the service in o r ur i tPriasyseor-hbaopopki happily in some measure, itself a sermon ;fo framed as to remind us throughout both of our Christian privileges and our Christian duties. It may be, however, that in large oins, where and rea numerous population is closely clustered v together,. where the minlster, from a desire to meet the et ies of the case, lia.§ established three services on the Sunda), some practicalinconvenieace may be found to arise from the length of the customary morning service, and from the repetition of the' same evening service twice. It this be so, one obvious modie of removing the incon venience might be by a separation of the threefold morn ing service, so as to have in the first place the morning• prayer alone, then the Litany and the Communion . together, and lastly, the evening service in its proper plaee, with a sermon at each of the services, if the mini-'her has an assistant curate to take part of this seeeessioe of duties ; for I think it is too much in ordi- nary cases to expect that one clergyman,-unassisted, can long continue to bear such a pressure of duty, and to : he realty efficient in its performance. I mention . thi3 expedient not from any wish_ to see it adopted, but because, if the Sunday morning service is in any case to be shortened, this might be better done by so:ne internal regulation of the church itself than by an interposition of the Legislature.. It is not that I shrink from any contact with the Legislature when the occasion requires it ; but I think that where questions affecting the discipline and administration of the church can be lawfully settled by its own internal authority, this method is the wisest and the beSt. Even so I should deprecate any deviation from the settled practice in my own diocese, unless it had previously received-a general sanction or permission from the archbishops and bishops collectively. Were thiS sanction even obtained, I should deprecate any deviation unless it were generally acceptable to the regular congregation of the caurch. I •now proceed to offer some remarks on the wish that has been manifestedi s e h o t ri a r r e g q y. uart l e m rs o: f; t a h l e te , r p a i t . i i oLts ip i a n l w o l t i . ich, as I understand, such alterations particularsthe ista are desire:l . , are the, services relating to the sacraments and to the burial of the dead, the forms of absolution and of ordination, and the use of the Athanasian creed. Alterations in these particulars could only be made by the joint c)nenrreace of the canvocation of the church and the Legislature of the realm. Every one must see with what embarrassments such a course migbt be beset ; what a latitude of discussion might 'be opened in the popular branch of the Legislature; and what a disrup tion might possibly ensue within the church Far, however, be it from me to put any nacandid or ungenerous c mstraction on the moti ves o f th ose persons woo desire such alterations. I willingly believe that mmt of them are sincerely attached to the essential principle 4 of the Church of England ; that they do not seek to Capuuge, or dilate, or lower an- of 'its great doctrines. Nfillingly believe that th e ir desire is rather to remove app ssions which they think either open to superstitious rdisVonstruction, or out of lmrnaony with the comprehensive' principles anti charitable spirit of the Church itself. We may refer tooirt sister Episcopalian Church h the ITnitel States of - Arnmea as a case not aitogether similar. That Church derived its constitution front ofear own; it was Associated with us in the same unity of doctrine; hot. in atito!iuo; our liturgy. it his intro duced some t -,t ;:,1-i':uade some omissions, for the manif,,?.stf itta to upon teat unity of doetri,l•, •t • -t, t,rie f ,if misconcep tion or se;,l-iy. Ittti 2;,t.ttt]te alterations :F.:sired at it:t.t teu y y pt...1 - ,t-tititt- in our•own liturgy re.t,•!, .:t ;'ter c to emngcs ,itnrodneed into the A tori: t.t . itiirgo-; -!) t I 'me' adducad the case of the Amer,,c C,,nren as an example that a desire for change to some extent may not be inconsistent :s. - ith a sincere iitlt,hty to th., essential doctene.3 wliieli o ar own ehureh ort6s,es, and which she can lamer ceatse to pro fess without , ceasing to be herself. Bat. thon4h I frankly express thcac anntinitimits., I hop,: I :nay be .permitted to rectal to youvnnind..s•oht-riA attending any attempt at cluotg2 ; the dhnger . ikp tire pesos of the Church ; the exeit t:meat.,, theugltatillu. tilt° contention that would ensue. .e.ven if the- attemptiver 7e,t (Nei:tit! changes mar l^ t rt. tisty smie; •;•,. reason to ft-or that they woold tiissaifttfy• oti - pers; t.J • products disunion and seee;:siou. 1111 lie - osr church have declared their afeigatedi • - ! t,rentt to thie- lithurgy as ie sta::ds.- (Jan are • I • ireq - lvtt they would all aec.vt it wi±h the 1::- APity when it had been altered I. the t• is • sreit as to dienand any ehan-e Mink that said of our liturgy by those pima 'and I •-ir mei rho Were conecraed in the last revision o f i,in ay s ti.l of it. in its pre., , ett, /Orli even with gm - ter • neve, that 17 "does not eee:tiu anyti•ing contrary tei-the Thrti of God o:. to sou. 1•1 tl>etrine. ar whiela a ma') "Fly not with a good sonscience me and submit unto, or which is act fairly di•terisible. against any shall opdosts the same, if it small be all3swed such just ,-Rid ' favourable coastrictiou as in cotunawv cite should allowel to all huinair writings , .:'' • Wit - N relieet; indettf,, , to. thi general tenor of out- Sinulivy serviees, I an nit , aware that any exceptien iS taken , telt, sr :any indulgerA - of - construction requirtak It 'Jig- about ether parts of th.r • liturgy that difficulties hove becoraisett Li particular:. we know that the boptisinalsergieehnisteen the Occasion, of mach c ,atroversy: I hope 1 shalt not offelal any one if I a Id eoutrovers.y arising, in my- olAniert.,.to a verr great extent from what creates- se urtny coulroversies and rollers any of thern , hopeless—l. mean the •ns:• of the s.trae words in different - senses-. How-. ever this may be I think the practical difficulty of the ease is very Minh refl.:owl, it not altogiLther re e moved, by the latitude of comstructiOn which,- on this point, has long heea tacitly recognised in eta- church, and has recently been confirraeit by the autheay eta . judicial decision. I am not gein7, to eater intnsany examittation of the parts of our liturgy to which mpention been taken : . were there no other reason, the. time• would not ,permit this. There is, however, me point csi AvitielA I wish that my seati Meats (KO be distinctly known to every clergyman of my diocese. ; because it • effects: both the nature of our clerical authority, and tliy• prac tical exercise of it, I re' r• to. the solemn &cm of words used in the ordinat4a of . our peiests-:e--"-Whose sins Thou (lost forgive, they are for Oven; and whose sins 'Ton dust retain, • they- are retained. " These are the words of our Lord Jessie. Christ; addressed by Him to His Apostles, But even as : addressed to theca, the words are necessarily to be understood with senehlimita tions as the nature of the case. intrinsically mid essenti ally implied. The Apostles: had not the atithority to forgive all 'sinners : butt only such sinners as repented and believed. Their power was meessarily limited in this respect by the intrinsic-tering. of the-Gospel covenant itself. • And if the words of our Lord are applied to the ! ministers of the Church 11-OW, it must be still with the same limitation of meaning and power.. lan the exercise our • ministry, we - cannot go beyond the word of the Lord to do less or more, We areauthorised; as messen gers in His name, to pronounce forgiveness. of sins; but forgiveness only to- those who with hearty repentance and true - faith turn to God, through: oar Lord Jesus Christ.. Then, again, there its an. important difference.. to be borne in mind between the case of the Apostles and oar own. They were enahlied, at least in scene eases, by God's special grace, to, read the hearts of men and. detect their secret thoughts, They could this discover whether men had true repentance and true faith. But we cannot in any case. We can hear men profess their repentance and faith, but we cannot be sure that their profession is sincere. Consequently, all that we can say, all that we pretend to say, to the sinner, in all the plenitud.eommission, amounts to this, and ca n amount to of ou tonom r ore, that if lie truly repents awl believe, he is pardoned for the sake of Jesus Christ, and that his pardon is in that ease as sure as God's own word and promise. I have touched this point specially, because it affects not only the interpretation of our liturgy, .but also the exercise of our ministerial functiOns. Let me now add a very few words on another subject, collaterally con nected with the absolution of sins—l mean the confession of sins—a subject also practically affecting our ministerial functions. The confession of our sins to God, like prayer to God, is the overflowing of a penitent heart, conscious of guilt, anxious for pardon, hopeful of mercy. " I said I will confess my sins unto the Lord, and so Thou forgavest the wicked ness of my sin." (Ps. xxxii. 6.) These are the words of David to the Lord. This is the Scriptural doctrine of confession. In accordance herewith, our church, at the very opening of both morning and evening service, calls upon us to join in the "general confession" of our sins to Almighty God, which is followed by a general absolution ; that is to say, by a declaration that. God absolves all them who truly repent and unfeignedly believe His Holy Gospel. In two passages, imieed, of our Litany, our church recognises a more special con fession of si n . Th e one i s in th e e x h or t a ti o n to attend ance so to pre y at th eI Io ly p a C r o e themselves, nim un io n T t h h e a t m t i n h i e st e may r e xhboe m r t thes ee people t partakers ofptehieeteHdoley Sacrament. The way for them to d co o nv tb ers is at i i s on by the ruutl: "to examine thew whereinsoever they shall e perceive themselves ewad of tb G ei o r d' o s litvoes haveand v c i o n m si ma .nfu n l cl a in ee :nt a s, ad an t d o to b Al . m . ight z God confess themselves to th t e h m e s r e e l i v n es with full purpose mercy, e becauseuel Holy lt i of amendment of life." s requisite that- no man should come t - o Pui lhereilr e , and with Com munion but with a full trust in God's a quiet conscience ; therefore, if' there who cannot by this means quiet his conscienceanhyerer, but requires further comfort or counsel, h e is exhorted to " open his grief to his pastor or some other discreet and learned minister of God's Word, to the intent that, by the ministry of God's Holy Word, he may recei ve the benefit of absolution, together with spiritual counsel and ndvice, to the quieting of his conscience and avoid ing of all scrnple and doubtfulnt , :;:l;" that is to say, to the intent that he may receive from God's Holy 'Ord the assurance of pardon, according to the promises of NORMERN D mercy vouchsafed to mankind through Jesus Christ our Lord. The other passa ge i s in the Office for the Visitation of ' the Sick. The minister is directed to examine whether the:sick person .repents him truly of his sins, and is in charity with all the world. -To this general direction these is an addition made—namely, that the sick person shall be mcved to make a .special confession of his sins, if he feel his conscience troubled with any weighty Matter. But observe the limitations in both these pas sages to which I have referred. Mark the circumstances under which this recommendation for more special con- , fession of sins is made ; the cases to which it is confined. It is limited in both instances to cases where the indi vidual is disturbed in Isis conscience, and feels a burden and a doubt in his mind, and needs and seeks counsel and comfort. But with the exception of these pseticular and extreme cases, our church does not point to any special confession of sin to be made by penitent to the minister; .much less does our church warrant inquisitorial inter rogatories to be addressed by the minister to the peni tents, least of all, interrogations from which the sensi tiveness of female delicacy - shrinks, against which the instinct of manly spirit rebels. Tell penitents to confess their sin, but to confess it unto God, unto their HeaVenly Father, who heareth in secret, and who, when Ile heareth, will forgive. Tell them to confess their sin to Christ, whose ear is ever open to hear their cry ; to hear it with all the tenderness of human sympathy, with all the saving grace of a Divine Redeemer's love, with all the prevailing efficacy of a divine advocate's intercession. There is no sigh of repentant sorrow so faint as to escape that car ;no confession of guilt that - is of so deep a dye as to ropA the pity, or sully the purity of that spotless nature. He is the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever; able to save to the uttermost all that trust in him. His voice still calls the wanderer home. Tell all that are weary at,d heavy laden to go to IYim, today down their burden at the foot of the cross, and' He will give them rest. I have entered into semzi details on these two points of absefutioa and confession, because - I think it is very importali at the present time that WO should not lave any doubts in the minds of our het, brothreei - as to the view which s'o take of our own.ministerial fuoctiols in these reepeefs. - If we are to =retain their confidence; it must ne e net bygver,strained exorbittet pretensints of ministerial pawer, but by fidelity to the Seliptural prin ciples of our Chu'eb, neither stretching' beycnt nor sinking below them. I gladly bear ovi'mess-tellie troth ' fabeess and zeal -witle which' the clergy o f my-dioccse bfore been etrryi-g en- their work in aceeefbnee with these principles. aet only have the regular set- vie6s the Church have maintained folly and e ticientlr, bur ;e• sfeeeteal places, leirticularlv in our larger tow have mode to extend' Are religious influee :;1 oar church by special services, arranged with ' , 9pe of drawitrtr. to indivicluale , and 'families not ordinarily ett ea diag, .Divine Worship fiTiti inetraction otlier Peeaciter4;,admired for their eloquence and respected their ChrietiO-n zeal and stie=dovation,. have re takea a lead% in this movement,. and I trust that exertions leader i.kod's 1 -- ,Tessing. been prod or much !,.00eli it may' be true that the congregatiee,- , assembled ore - melt occasions are sexier t i:rres composed: to a considerable e7ttent, of persons whaere reseilar attendants , on the' ordinarn:eervites of the Ciiiirehe lint, no doubt, there are alwaeoesome persons present, nein main', Who rue not ia .the of frequenting either tine Crittreli or .l ay other place 'et worship. I `114,,pe• tin elf ouall, but' especially- on this' latter class, g,oexi liinpreseiosts, and penaanent imprenions , may, by qtN_M- blesairg, have befall produced. Ihese special serwl6es- nary ie this !mataraer operate el , a re rival of relf."ginna- * * ding; an I ofawakiere dormant - &Wile reusing the. lethargic eonscieptee. They may . *ice some dull eold aar ; may 'thrill some torpid, apathetic heart. IrcAr slit te=e must heariir mind that, Leone Its, . very naturit or the' case. itthese• special ciliaie-e can be only oecasiOnall; that sinvession of spc.eial services attOconstell'aition Orpreachers can be only temporary mild' at - intervals. ,may ,eive a new- impale to religi#ns: feeliu s; hurt; the- movement 011ie- began can only lie se:stilted by . the..constant, re,guihri- drsiltr' efforts. of each• clergy-: mart within his creme appointed spheee - of dutv. Jik must watch and . tbe flame whioh . has: heen Itindkeril He must kespetagether those wiimliatebeen Ell'aeorto.zether, so far ask by- diligence arkiLlzeal it is, - tuuleird4id's power. This it-the path - of isefiihress:marked out fze - every clergyman,. and which ve - ry• clergyman ea a pile e. All are nog - gifted with geont'pewers. or pop ulae c ingiaenc ; all are r,ot , q-niolifitel in this , respect to ch allenge-the public ear; but all can minister- in the cons regatiatr with reverence, can: preach • tbmlinrtilnf Muth sc 411 sienplieitr ; eau vieit the- t less and the- widow can tretin the young, coetfort the aged!.: and, by God's.- gruce, can frame den l-, own li,tes after-the nfle o ehich they preach' to others, lam gffileto kil3A7 that you ri:r pursuing this elm-se, and gaining the affectit ms of your people, and reapine;. thP.lrmits-nf'vetrr pee ceful inbothee I regard' it as no light proorat . the tot ,tidenci, with which yole have in spirectionte lily bred :rem, that they have contributed evenywhene freshiffrgely, towards the erection 'of new , Churches' Pflioclual Schools.. I rejoice in these-dbmonstrati ons of Christian piety... •• - ft -was, originaily, by" such- acts of voluntary liberality that, in most. cases, the ancient churehe; of" oar land were erected.. It is or.tiy by the .continuance of the emne.spirit that new 'ones can be built to keep pace with" the- exigencies e-f the increasing population. Nay, there- are sign ificant - -premonitions that* even the sustentAtien of our anti:et:it - churches maye ere long be leffb • - -taa.• depend' t ipon thin same Voluntarf-supplies. It isTrabable, as . I have-said, that the aneientparish churches-of this lat d were built. in most cases; . -by the free bounty of bid ividuelk The maintenance and reparation of them i then bruit was made a ltigni obliga tion upowthe inhab itantseof the parish. • Accordingly, for a kw-course of, time the expenses of maintaining - our paii&a: church, es: in repair have been defrayed by a rate levied upon the parishioners; acecording to the settled form °fie - law. This .public galley, if I navy. Without it npropriety, desig na t e it h y th a t name, was founded on bre . aid. and, solid principles, mainte nance oAthe public profession of-the Christian, faith was regard 4 as the ditty a:t&the- iaiterest of a Christian na tion, as-the, safeguard of social peace and order-of private happiness._ and pnblic prosperity. Tite,church was a natiorith institution, Op:auto* conferring!benef o all, entitlsdsto support from-all,. Even those who,.l*ht not • individnally profit by- its- ordinances, profited by the generatinfluence which _it exercised oaths good order of society,. This system: Wit& ad* only equitable in theory but easuv in practice ; , so. let. ig as the peopktgenerally were united in the profession of one antliths,same form of religion, and the State- aid the Cliinehmight be said to be-composed of the same members, only in diffe rent capacities.- 11ot:the-ease was alter* to some ex tent even in theory,, to-a, still greater- axtent in practise, ; wheneeonsiderable numbers of the paupleYornied theme, selves . into different., religious 'sect.s, distinct from the- National Church, with forms 'and places of worship of their own, under- the protection. - Of: the -law. I say the-case was affeeted to some extent even in theary. For-although there , were great masses. of the lowest class of the community?.fier whose spirittaal care these religious seats, did not intend to provide , ; : aleshough the.. duty andnecessity of - making such pr,ovision thus remained an ; obligation on the, nation eollealtively, yet it ; must be, admitted that the members, -of the Dissenting sects. had, on, this supposition,. not only - to. bear their- proportion of the amount' levied for the.eharch, but also to bear the additional expenses, voluntarily undertaken it is true, of supporting their own, places of worship and religious services. tat the system was affected still more materiaily ill its practical,Operation. The reparation of the churelf, indeed, was. still a legal liability ail the parish. But. it was necessary that a rate for this purpose should be voted by the-parishioners in vestry, before any le - vy• could be made,. No principle. • s e e ms to be more plain than that, where. any proposal is put to the vote, it can only he carried by a majority 'of votes. 'ln this manner the vestry -)sad it practically in their power to .prevent any- - rate being made at all., It might. be argued that the liability- still rested on the Parishioners ; that they could not divest themselves of it. But then came the- question, how was it to he enforced By penalties of the Ecclesiastical Courts ; censures which, in many eases, it would have been ineffectual to pronounce; penalties which in, any case it would have been most unpopular to inflict. -The case became an anomaly in our law. Here was an abstract right,,with out the paver of legally enforcing it. He re was a legal without a legal remedy, If, however, there had been nothing worse than this inefficacy of the faw, the question perhaps might have been left • to settle itself ; aerate being made in those parishes in which a majority of votes were in its favour ; and voluntary contributions being solicited where the proposal for a rate had failed. But a further evil no git doubt has been th e ex citement, the aation, the dis order, to which contested pollings for and against a rate have occasioned in vestries and parishes. The un -:,eemly aspect of these contentions, and the irritation which the Chinch, even by its victories, left to raakie iu many breasts, have, -not unnaturally; been rega'rthAl .ILY TINES as matters for regret, and have led many persons, some of them sincere friends of the . Church, to look upon the systeM generally in an unfavourable light, and to doubt, even as respects the interests of the Church itself, whether it does not lose more in popularity than it gains in pecuniary support. Meanwhile enemies of the Church find in this question a stock ready to their hand for carrying on their trade of agitation; a theme for constant declamation and invective; an opportunity for annual collision and contest. If the question were only one of • theory and abstract reasoning, I should not hesitate to avow my own opinion, that there is nothing "unjust or oppressive, no real grievance in the legal system of our church-rates. I think that the Church, as a national institution, is enti tled to a continuance of this Measure of national sup port. Even those who, in the free exercise of their religious liberty, have separated themselves from its membership, yet share in the general beae,fits which it produces on the community at large ; they acquired their property with the full knowledge of this liability being attached to it. No principle of toleration is infringed; no right of private judgment is restrained; every individual is free, as he ought to be free, to follow the dictates of his own conscience as to the form of worship which he will adopt, and the religious body to which he will join him Self. The only control over him is this, that he is required to bear hi s part in such rea sonable expenditure as the majority of his parish may recognise to be necessary for upholding their church;.in which all the inhabitants, he among the rest, can claim, and do possess an interest. But the theory . is not all in this case, or in any case; where we have to deal with the conflicting opinions and passions of mankind. The assertion of an abstract right may, in some instances, lead to great practical embar rassments. Such has been found, in this instance, to be the case in some of our largo towns; and, as a pacific measure, voluntary, instead of compulsory, church-rates have been collected; not alveays because a compulsory rate could not have been carried, but, in some eases, because there 1V,13 an unwillingnea ! to :li'etetelk the peace of the parish by a contest. This i an adadssion of the difficulty there is of 'carrying the theory at the law into practice systethaticallv and anaiVersally. The recant demonstrations of eekaion is the noose of Commons still more distinctly prepare us to es:pee thatr the present system of church-ratea, as it now still exists- by law, will not loneeremain unchanged. The bill that was in troduced last session int C.' th at house, and read a sacond ti arc, proposed the abolition:of ureh-mtbs absolutely and tmennditronally. But some who voted is the majority for • the second reading, did so, not froel a desire `hat the should be finally passed in that liar *a; but. with the bone that in committee conditions might, heintro&atnal and the bill be so altered as not to eatiapisla charefra rates without providing, to soma extent, a substitgorfer them; it is, r think, much to be-wished. that some fair :11 1 )stittiteeenuid be - devised, or seine reasonaNemodificas- made in the existing law. rA,t, desirable as such a . -.ere maybe, we cannot conceal from nurse:Wee the difte cel'•7es that thore• an in passing any definite eeheme for - . earpose. I will only give one instance by way of illustration., 'A scheme has, I believe,. been suggested; that every person' who. will make a formal declaration. of bi 3 bring - Dlssenter shall thereby ''ae; exeMpted from the paraent orchareh-rates, and, by- parity of reason; excluded from any - right to take part art,the proceedings of the restby. Snell an arrangement wOnld, no doubt, ' remove • one practical dilfienh3r ; became none could then complain' or having to , contribute to the mainte— ratnee of more thaw their own place of airship. Bat frankly' admit - this-, I roust ow that I could not `reconcile' myself' tte the scheme without 'seine re- luctance.• I think: it wandat make a mere positive; more exclUsiie. 'a morn - perniament line of 'demarcatfon between the members otonrClearch and theewarious d&- nearsinatinns of 'Protestnnt - Dissanters, than has hitherto existed. - It •would act' as a• kinJ of registratienaarraying men in sepiarato;'.if 'not hostile: ranks, from which after—, warfh-they couldhaot, without: the exercise•of towels' moralel courage;'sammon•up•reselution to recede. I' deenot •sayliiii front the snare spirit of pravely'tisrn e but Croatian- honest - &Sire not to obstruct . ray of.the avennes -or diminish, any of the facilities, for a.rennion between:the.Clurrehandoar Pl - oteztant brethreraofiather denominations.. My - wish is, and has ever been, taeregard oar Dissenting. Tirethrma with no other feeling-sr-but those of Christian charity and .kindness; to look -upon them noise much iii the lig;at of opponents aril rivals; but of felltivr-daboarers in the- Lord's vineyard. l a m willing to' , hope•that many of them are aninntee by the same- feelings- towards;' ourselires. For the- most paTt they dd not , difre - r-fiom: tri in the great, esaeretiali vital pointof. Mans' of them attach therm yes' to • some other f3eneminatierr, because they prefix the mode of 'conducting- public-wars-hip there, or Ii'CaTIST, they prefer the minaSter,who' officiates there; but with out intending - abseintely and definitively to dissever themselves frOm the Church. Sow of them still come,- not regularly. but•oceasienally to- our church, join in its Servicas a laten to the- instruction of its ministers ; : and freely co-operate with- us in works.of Christian charity. I should !re,grct if any- measures .were to be - ado-ptkl which might rails tepaa more. formal partition betweea this class •o`' Dissenters and' otirselYes, and - prevent .tany . nearer approachea. teareanion I have submitted:to yet theserentarks on the elites tion of - church-rates, not as: counting- on your cancur-• recce in them all, still less as. seeking- to dictate them for your adoption, , but in full confidence that- you all 'desire, equally: win myself,' to view this silted. cAnilfand temperately( and tae consider the praetieal diffieldties of our- positron, • as:, well as the theoretical strength of our case.-. • At leiast, you the-justice. to believe fat 4 spealin no pusillinitneus• or' desponding spirit... As. ministers of the Church we arealliourri in duty, as Itrust we are all true -iinhearti to, uphold its essential - prin. , ciples faithfully, fiiimlyi• without compromise, witkout surrender. Wero•we to do otherwise we should be- false. to cos.- trust—we should sinl and sink deservedly, in, the estiaiation of Dissenters, as:well as , of our own people. We are bound also to raise oar:-voice-in temperate catiiin of the lawftil?rights•oleur church, when occasion .so requires. have cheerfill hope that, under Gad's blessing, the people •of . .this• county. will:continue. to 'respect those _rir4; ats . so • ltmg.. as-the clergy continuo to fulfil their duties-with diligence and fidelity, in the-spirit csChristian zealand!of Christian charity. The visitati.on will be • continued. in the same place of - morsltiip this morning ( v‘thenhis lordship will adelitss a fill-titer section of the cl.orgy of the locality. cowmry TERDA Y. (Bef're ESC!, Jude.) SMITH I'..Wdi.soN - .---The plaintiff, Mr. Stmthr.surgeen,, St. James's...terraee,raiSed this action against Mr:Wilson,. South pastit-street i . to recover the sum of £8 , 185...6d.,, for medic4l attendance' on Lascars on board the ship. British Empire.. The plaintiff' stated that he helievedi the defendintr to be secretary •to the company: who, owned thiS,ship, and that it was from him ho received. orders to attend! th men. The defence set upmas, that• defendantnvas not the secretary, and never had , been,;: that ever, since: the formation of the company, Mr: John: Shimmin i .Whten.street, had acted in that capacityl„, he therefern• was, the proper- person to sue for payment. The company-MS established on the prineiplenf limited liability;. and! therefore Mr.. Wilson, who was. a, partner, if he was liab at all, was so only in proportion ta the amount- of shares he held. —His Honour ; however;.ruled that;_as.Wiabon had given Mr. Smith thoorders, he was lialele•for payment. A verdict was tharefore• given for the. plaintiff. 111AW.T1SORNE V. COGAN.—This action was raised to recover the sum of ,E 1 103. 44d., theprice of two kegs of - soft soap. The plaintiff, Mr. Hawthorne, is a soap manufacturer in Liverpool, and the defendant, Mr. tilogan, a grocer, at Old Swan. Mr:, Gray eonducted the ease for the latter. The circumstances under which the claim was made, as stated by plaintiff and his traveller, were, that the latter: called at the shop of the plaintiff, and got an order from him for two kegs of soap, which were duly despatched, When the account was due, - 3U, Hawthorne called for payment, which plaintiff refused, on the ground that the soap was bad, and unfit for sale.—Mr. Cogan and his wife were called, who admitted that the order was given, but on the distinct understanding that it might be re turned, if found to be unsaleable. When Mr. Hawthorne called for payment of his bill, they represented" to him that it was useless to attempt to sell it, as nobody would have it. . He (Mr. Hawthorne) rejoined that they might distribute it to their customers gratis.—The defence was sustained by other evidence.—His Honour consequently gave a verdict in favour of the defendant. It is a well-known maxim that " time is money "-the terms are relative; so to save one is to save the other.. We save both time, and economise patience, and present good tempers, when we have a good Ping—a bad one upsets patience and temper. Preserve all, then, by purchasing your steel pens and other st4tirinery at E. T. Narehcl7 4 ., 23, South John-street. John Thordas Lowe's G. W. Hughes, and other maker's, cn sale at is. per grov - i'.. Pen Holders, 2d. per dozen, LIVERPOOL POLICE COURT.--YEsTEuDAy (Before Mr. MANSFIELD.) A SINGELMit CASE.—James M'Cauley and John O'Reilly were charged with being drunk and assau4ing officers, Williams, 566, and Shallcross, 37.—Mr. Cobb appeared for the prisoners. —Officer Williams said : About three o'clock on Sunday morning, he was on duty in Fontenoy-street. In coming round his beat, he found the prisoners back-door open. He went in and asked if they were not going to shut it. O'Reilly said, "I • know you--you are 'Black Charlie' - the man you have at the sessions is my brother, and I have a good mind "to take your life." M'Cauley then, without any pro vocation, came behind him and struck him on the back of the neck. He went for the assistance of another officer, and then went back to the house and took him into custody. O'Reilly went into the street, and be,gau to kick the other officer, and immediately afterwards the other prisoner came out and hem assaulting them.—Cross-examined by Mr. Cobb : I did not sit by the prisoners' fireside and smoke. I saw the dead body of a child on the table in the house. I did not take it and throw it on the ground. did not stop one minute in the house. M'Cauley went out,, but he did not bring the Inspector in. I know O'Reilly to be a very disorderly man. O'Reilly and his wife• were in bed at tie time.—Mr. Cobb : Had you; had anything to drink that night ? Officer : I bad not.—Mr. Mansfield: Did the rann say any thing before he struck you ? No, sir.—Was it dark ? No,. sir; it was no t so dark,. but that he mill see me.— Officer 37 (Shallcross) corroborated the statement of the last witness. Mr. Cobb called witnesses to prove that the policeman 566 was drunk, at the time and sat in the prisoner's house for an hour and a quarter smoking. Mt. Mansfield said he should dismiss the case—not that the - prisoners were not guilty, but that it was not proven. Ike°should like it mentioned to , the 'Watch Committee thathe thought the officer should' not lose his situation, inasmuch that - he frankly admitted having taken drink while. on duty,. which was certainly a wrong thirg ; but the coldnes..s of the night had Very - likely tempt d. him to , dbso. 1 - STEALING' ,E4------Gharles Miller, PlinteWilliam-streer f , was charnel by William Murray, joiner: and - ouilder, - Wellington , -streer, Wavertree, with haying stolen four' sovereigns- from' him. Mr. Worship' defended the prisOner.:---The prosecutor stated that he had occasion to go to Hunter'S-public-rhotse in Mill-street; on Saturday night, to pay some money. The prisoner , : waa in the house at the - tiine.• Ife(protiecuter) had to nay a person £5. He put his hand, into his pocket any;pullet' four sovereigns out;-which-ire' laid on the tabte. until 313 got another. he istas looking for the other, the prisoner picked; the four' sovereigns 'Up arA shortly afterwards left' the • bouse:,----Mr. IVership : 'Wren- you sober ? Witness: No r I vas not. -----Wasnq the prisoner in yout,' employment? Yes, he was for tlivo days, but I paid hithoff•en , Saturday. Officer 2PB' said the prisoner was selrehed - at the Bridewell laWnight, but there was nothing found. on' biro. A person ,, wiry was , present soon after the occurrence, stated that ha had traced' the pristiier to • scr. , tral rahlic-bouses yds ter , - day;- in one of7which , he 'said that if' Mr. Murray wpuld not , pmnaish him, he 'was • willing: to work it up.----ae minded till to-day: ELL-VSING A Wrx}:: , --Jarnes. Pure I, Hygeia-st;. vms•ehar - ,7ed with ill-using his-wife.- It appeared that: theprisorier had only - been married, about six months: o.irSiiturday night, while in drink; lie•liad come into the' house in a very violent manne4 knocked his wife (who , was- in a gate of premnancyy clinoni. and afterwara. jumped' ou her.—Orders'x't '• to pay P... 5 -and costs, or thres moxiths'' inF,wisonment. (Ilbfore Messrs. Toun and. CAsmitr...tts - n.) IticAtsig.Er-lfootan-&- - Co. , C Ti 10,11.&.% HUGHES - Tk~is• was art action brought to recover the sum of 65.- r the• amount of damage done •t'3 , the• ship Comma,- ddre,. through the negligence of Mr: Thomas. Ilughes, mastev - •of the ship Theoilre.. It apptars , that on the :28th4:e September, the Theodore was-being towed into 'the Oiriada•Drock. IVhen:iin the gat;:' the cock -master gave ordkrs,fer her to stoic; • and ser_il;c-mt ropes,. for the putipOg , dtlek-gate man: gcri no • • oni board._ did not - choose' to obey the- - ord'ers, , and' the Theodore drifted alwn on the Commockire, doing he 'damage coin pkined Worships , decided:teperuaworing the Stal'of _ . CiiIIVIVB • CA-ss.—Police-effieer • Williams- EMI sum moned one 'James Webster- for assaititing-:hiiii,_ From the evidence- of the cornplaistent, it .would ;appear that on aattirday•nif., ,, lit - weak, he war.,- on duty, in' Dover-street, when he heard a great noise, -. He rait4o , the •spot, and dlicaverce some five or siacraert .figliting;:. When they saw , hitn ((he-officer), they all ran off; hat the' Ififendant Webster ; - who a it was allcmtVre - fue , ,Kte go , away, and eomrnitttiarr aesnult upon Ofticer P6rftho• defence, Mir Cobb told a very differcntstory inaed...llle,said, that ou_the night in, question, the , Ileifeiulant, .who. very respeetableman,. a boiler-maker. by --tradeii• Woe,. wide his wiki,-proceeding along Doiner-stfeet towardi , homei. when three or: four drunken. blackguards , came up;. and ' dernaltde& money- for drink.- On this,-being- refused, one- of , " them struck defenthict on! tie , ribs, and • knocked, Mm down,,, The wife, called: out "politer,''" and on Police-ciidsr 8S makinglam. appear -...was• told of the affair.,-. }1 -repliedi that it was ricalecitse ; that the row- , rms made by: Wibster ;. and. caught h.th. •by ;the- wrist; and nwaly turned the-aver out of the eoekot....l\rth§ter being; within three •or -four doors of his4orn houaa,- refused= to- go to Brißwell;. and the officer,.pulled out his. baton,. end struoki= five different4imes , airout the- hem! and - shoiddOrs:,---The magistr:tes summer..s ; and ME.- Chh.b, said he watibl advise • the , clitfendatit -to bring .- , fhe :officer before tie:Watch Commit:. • BANKRUPTCY COURT.,.--YERDA.a-.. [Before Mr. COtatnissioner-Pnitnv.] M,rer WILLIAM Carat....-This .bauk - rupt, a emot and coke mercbant in - Liveipool, came up on,application for •.his;certificate.--Mr. Petnberton,, who.:appeared for the assignces,. was not instatnted to oppose , allowance. 7-- Hia -llimour awarded :.hSecond,cZss,..cerlificate. rt. re. LENI- bankrupt;,. till la eiT pro , prittor of the restauraut under7tiwAttgel Hotel ; in this town, came up on his.adjourneAtlastrelmmination.—Mr. Dad was for the msignees, and: M Sandy.s.for the bankrupt —Mr. D o dp.exami Rad the bankrupt - , his wife, and iaiMr. Anthrose Smith„.vocith reifirence to. the furni ture• that was in hi-,cottag# , at Bootle previous to the .liankruPtcy, and whi4 ithey.allegodi to have been stolen. At the close of thi--exanungtiOn,, Mr. Dodge said he woultt leave the matter in, his. lifonour's hands, and 'should not oppose,his..passing f ----Kis Honour said, any objections the assignees. haditncrifer, could be made at ,-, the. certificate sitting,, .yid: upim that understanding would allow hina to, pass.. Che tertificata was appointed . for the 21st Novamber; In re HENui:ltGQ}4gc.—'rhis bankrupt, who carried on business as a.coke merchant at Wigan, and Liverpool, also came up on, his adjourned last examination. Mr. Conway, solicitor,. appearedt for the bankrupt ; and Mr. Deighton as counsel for the assignees. • The bankrupt:, was exaniined:en the part of the assignees as to various. items in his- halanise-Sheet, which, it appeared, were incorrectly stated: Corrections having been made, he was allowed., to. pass, The certificate sitting was fixtAl for the 21st November. To Molstmts,Arai: NURSES.- 7 -TO supersede the tardy uses of the tine tooth conib, in the nursery, and to cleanse the hair , and skin, preventing anitnalculx, obtain Greer'sratent Anti-Veinin Lotion (perfuraed),, 3d., 6d., and Is., at the Anti-Vermin Office, 49, Bmwnlew-biii. ExxstAcatpusikax AND USEFUL INVENLION.—There is nothing that hnnseNvixes• complain- of with greater truthfulness. than the breaking of some favourite piece of glass, valuableehina, or earthenwsze, In hundreas of e,ases such things cannot be matched, as of course cannot be mended. The latter want ha;ssheen obviated by an extraordilary and effective invention, by Mr. Ads:head, of Derby Pottery, near Derby. It is. a cement that, may be said to heal in a perfect manner, all cracks .and breaks in the articles spoken of, and not only in these, but in alabwitee, &c. The benefit of this articlemeed not be dwelt DA. We have seen some of its effects at /44;„ Hall's our neighbour's, anil the glass that has been cemented by , it is stronger in that part than in any other. The .article is very cheap, and no house can be long without it. Mr. Hall is the agent for its sale in Liverpool, and all intereste4 can judge for themselves by looking in at his establishment. Agent. for Liverpool, E. T. Hall, 23, South John-street, Sold in bottles, Is. each, or sent free on receipt of sixteen postage stamps. N.B.—None are genuine; except bearing Ow signature, "E. T Hall. Now ready, priee 6d., CASSELL'S ILLUS TRATED A LMANACE for 1860, containing. upwards of Thirty beautiful Engravings including Illustrations of Twelve of the Principal Events of the past year. The Literary Matterembraoes tthe following subjects :—Eclipses • Calendar for the Year, with Chronology, . Festivals, & c,; Gardening for each month ; Lis of London; , Bankers; Postal Regulations • List of the Principal Events 1859 ; Obituary o f Eminent Persians ; • Important Statistics; Stamps and Taxes • Exhibitions Parliament; Infor mation for Emigrants; Complete List of the New Acts 6f Parliament , Government Offices, &c., &c. T A e Lm e :NA CK has obtained in whiQlt CASSELL'S ILLUSTRATED extraordinary popularity has resulted class of publications, justifi es esulted in a circulation alto former years, and which Tether unprecedented with si:krable di the fficulty has n r d disappointment the Publishers in preparin io g e a l v i e „ ; n y nested to be given forthwith. Loridor, ensued, orders are requested supplying denis.nl, an has' cons equent l y : Cassell, Fetters and Grjpin, and all Booksellem OCTOBER 25, 18.-0. MEETING OF MAGISTRATES. .1 meeting of magistrates was held yesterday in the _scions-house, Chapel-street, Mr: - John Stewart in the air ; and there -were also present—Messrs. R. Glad s •)ne, Theodore Rathbone, J. H. Turner, Houghton , ".nn, Aikin, Sheil, Parker, Hamilton, H. Earle, NV. :Earle, Grant, and S. Rathbone. The CHAIRMAN said the object of the meeting Was to r..eeive a report of the committee of magistrates aP" printed to memorialise government on the evils of the present licensing system, and to transact other raagis" terial business. He then called upon Mr. Wybergh to read the report. Mr. WYITERGIt then read the following REPTRT : - The committee of magistrates appointed to mternorialise heY Majesty's Government on the steisject of the licensing systen having considered the matt er t o th em re f erre d , h ave agTeru that the following communication be addressed to the Right Iron. Lord Palmerston and copies thereof transmitted to the Right Hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Right 11 1; the Secretary of State for the Horne partn ent, and Right Hon. C. P, Villiers (the c h a i rman o f t h e l a t e eomini the on.publie houses.) The magistrates of the borough of Liverpool beg to repTe" sent to the Right Hon. Lord. Palmerston that in their opird°s Vie present law' of licensing public-houses in unsa ti s factory requires amendment ; that, while they do not presume to mai ,e. any suggestion of their own for its improvement, they mat remind his lordship that the whole Subject . has undergone a thorough investigation by a more appropriate tribunal—a coin" Mittee of the House of Commons; a committee moved for a their instance and obtained by one of their own body—Mr. Vi t°' Brown, the late honoura'ole member for Sorth Lancashire -- and they have much pleasure in referring his lordship to the italunble suggestions contained in the report of that committee to' the House of Commons (a copy of which they ..h? v , e . the honour to enclose) and, whito they may and do frviit , some of these suggestion; on points of detail, they des to intiniate to his lordship their acquiescence in the gene''' . principles enunciated in that report. They would also rest peeZtilly'call his lordship's attention to the fact that, thong° the Parliamentary committee emeluded their investigatio n and runiletlatir report to the House of Commons so for' tag thryear 18,51., no legislative' aztion h as y e t b een. t a k e n -*PG.! it They' theta - 6Tc earnestly pray' his lordship, as the hex ° t her Majn4ty'bHorovernment, no longer to delay that action, beL iutrodue a bill , in the ensuing session of Parliament, matn l7 „, founded upon- remedial suggZlstions t.) which they 1 10 " referred. Mr. Asn4. - ..s' ironed that the report in adopted, and that copies-be, •scr.t to the parties• roamed. . Mr. BEN Nrn ' see the motion, which w as una mously agreed' to.. • • Mr. T. Ifi.v•itnelw e. asked if •thc• parties named were all members ofthe•Mvernment ? The CHAIRmAN•:-=-Tes, I.believe Mr. T. Ra - runoNe said, if it wqs contemplated to seal to • any - other:. than members of the. Government, he theft ht it would` he wen to send a cepy.t-6 Mr. Aytone liartly, as he had givetea great deal of attention to the subjcpt of beer-liorises... GLkostoNt'suggertcd that Mr. ltathbone should remit - him a col y, and , tinttintwould not , be,- going out of the ordeal adopted: - Mr. Il,tTnnoNirsaid• he would do so itith plea Sure if a copy would be fntniAted: The CHAIRMAN '3bservt,cUtilat copies should be sent to any gentlnuan who could giveinformationon the subjec . Mr. AtILEN said there wassanother suf.ject. to w hich he wished to call attention though he• did not intend to make any epecifie'rnetion in the-- matter. I t was propcetd that they should take contsers , advice with regard' to. -somettiing;. - he• believed, acting this very subject of licenses. Hir then, sta•SAI that, they took counsel's crilinion;• they should: have to any the mtjonny out - of 616 , own pookete.. was then mtered 'by Mr:' Satcucl "[ohne- that the 'rewn Councif should take counsersopinion on•the sub ;jest.. lie theitght the ictagistrateolvere in a false' posi tibia, seeing t7iey of 'Him kinds -Of pounds ixatheehaP. ° ' yof fees. They ilmuld in a poeition to disbnrse their, lowil disbursement's, and then Nandi , over the balance 0 ; the. Town Council'. 14 'for:instance,' they required 0 •• 4kspekation to go; to - Londcm to back; out the memosiali. the' magistrates 'would. have to • ixvsy the mane cut their own pock std . or' gsO , cap-itt4tand to the Taw' oOunell. He di tot think-taintwke a proper-positio t ! feir 'Oise magistrates, to beim. - Ho di& think thershoula 1 the power t may theist own exposes: • ire threw . 7.oUttlinse remalks , togaim - as•- he had dune os one t 1 to ° occasions, but he not *v4r to make any motiotti 14runorrE;a6ked if Mil-. Ailt4l could make anY zuggestlen as to hoar it wits to be accomplished_? -- AMIN repiiithat mis , ht: be-accomplisiaed IT a sliaseins the act oftarliainent.-- The eitAiRmAN said hó: wasi snot - xware to t there vrere , Rimy- expenses that th e TO\rn C ¢rcil haerrefaseu - Ml'. Anzazi had net 'hcartY . *ll3,llling Lilo Goatr 1 7 •41e'• appeals that lind'becia•- uttered ag,a - inst them 4 l%r... regard , tas the• liceittts, -the-Tv - hid ,bee n successful pushing. But,. surpesing-,.that 'had not , been so,• wh o , to was •to • pay the expaase ? 'rider •any . circumstance'''. fro would' say that tile).- wercsplated- in an anomalou s _ positieni.to receive suers a surcaseErnoney, and not , the -Power. for paying lbr their- ewn inkand paperc. - 1 1'lle•ClalrabtAN sail- Ms Wfbeigh camld tkat part of EARLE R 517.- sttpp@sing..these appeal liB~ net.-4been quashed, -whoi would ltaV-apalaitho costs/ 4 The ,ChAnotAx—Tlie Mt.r . Wynußon.:—Thet they are not bc,tuid to parlt - - The -Cir..AinslAN—Tse toursie.-adoptell now is-a-ley is it not ? lrywnßGlE-0-1, yes. The magistrates'" clerk s take-Ake-fees, and theyure haniad over to the Council. Mt. If. RtuLE askl what had, beenidone withv th e report : 4 = The -eraiAIRMAN• said f it+ had heen alapted .hefore b e had nrriVed. Mbllkatus said he. was .sorry that ha. had•wat b een present - , as he wished to.know what was to be done-. Mr: GLADSTONE remarked that the • whole matter would end in nothing Mr: EARLE said, h• understood! that the publica ns i; interest in parliament vas so .strong,• that the•manb e foe the•berough did not wish toopposethem, Mt. ArKIN remarkeil that the-whole matter hacl gene into by the coMmittee in the Hense• of Cerole" - ,,,, r andithis proceeding was ,to baeksup the report raadel e that:committee. In. his -opinion, - a, more. effetiVe 1 0 ' mulct: not be adopted. Mt.. GLADSTONE said,' with respect to. the 001 1 tentter i: it appeared to,hi m . that if:the magistrate wer e represent to the Co unc il that them agistrates were Pre vented from doing what they considred to. b e for t h publie interest, in consequence of their haying no fun ct :i ha•helieved the Town Council would not refuse to oeY:, aTh.times. Th e Ch a ir man , as they were all aware,t e also.the Chairman of'the Finance Committee; and if would lay it b e f ore . that committee, Hhe thought th ere, would be ver y little difficulty. lie could not see tkg: the Council would put themselves in antagonism to t , magistrates in wor ki ng f or th e - pu bli c good. lie we be submit that th e chairman should communicate to r Council the opinions of the neeeistrates on the subject Mr. RATILBONE thought that by such a proceed iub: the object would be .gaitied. } Mr. ATKI N saidr so far th e y h a d no t been refu s ed money, but they Nve,:e in the. position of being refus e which they ought not to be.. The CnAinmAN said that every Council would thin. l4: • for themselves,. when the subject came before the , Ho thought it would b e muc h m o re ~to the point if 7 - 1 - the fees received. were i n th e power o f t h e benel,4 magistrates. That was the way h e un d e rstood . 11 P Aikin to put it: Mr. H. EARLE asked if the Council could vote [Le er- tain sum annually.?- The CHAIRMA.N. answered that it would not an , fo h r t this reason, that-they might net want it. this the expenses should be' paid out of the fees, aid balance sent to the Council. . WYBER,OH. said, in answer to a question, that,.t.l2: Town Council w er e - on ly b oun d t o prov id e su itable po_ ll l., offices for •the ad m i n i s t ra ti on o f jus ti ce by the 1 1 1; traces ; and they we r e a l so b oun d t o p a y the magistra clerk a fit and; proper salary. That was all. ,ht it The CHAIRMAN said, when the magistrates though t desirable to prosecute certain parties for keeping, a , A to putable houses, the magistrates' clerk was directe d furnish the Finance Committee with the notice or _, ice intention of the part of the magistrates. This ilf' be was thought quite sufficient, and the prosecutions to at the expense of the Council. Mr. GI ADS TONE submitted- that th ere s h o ul d be frect commun ication sent to 'the Town C ounc il t o the e ec. , that tha , magistrates felt themselve s h amper ed in cu a e d ting several matters'of publi c goo d wh i ch was o ccasion by the absence of funds. He th oug ht Mr. Aikin P7t paid his own expenses on one or two occasions when London on public bUsiness. if The CHAIRMAN said he could put that as a mo tion he choose. After some further observations, Mr. "Wybergh rp r e3d , the clause of the local act bearing upon the point. said that in Manchester the local act empowered the magistrates to pay their own expenses, 'l. over the balance of the fees to the Town CouT e and then Pa- , „ i ota Soei, further conversation took place, but was allowed t o d ro p w ith ou t any reso l u ti on being gcomp O. The meeti ng then separated, .1H ' `,l), 43t -Nn at 1,4 ( u 144. that -I, 3 p e Allow %i x c „ PAT Ltt to ' 12,11 ~ t tp st • a t 1~ *•-.\ kkIP PA% .1441 E