The Express.
London, England, 1863-07-25 00:00:00

RELIGIOUS TESTS.

Mr. DODSON called nit;iitio; to the petition from morn-
bars of the IJuiversity of Oxford for the abolition of the
requirement of subscription to formularies of faith as a
qualification for redemioal degrees. The petition was
signed by the Der of Christ Church, Canon Stanley, the
Dean of St. Pad's, Professor Jowett, Mr. Haman Merl.
vale. Mr. Godwin Smith, and other infirotial megrim of
the university, and its object was distinct from that of the
bill introduced by the bon. member for Kilmarnock
and the mottos of the hon. member for Maidstone.
The petition applied only to suberiptioas for academical
degrees, sad affected almost exclusively members of the
church of England, and asked that the University of Oxford
might be placed in a pride analogous to that of Dublin
and of Cambridge. He earnestly recommended those
hon. members who took an interest in the debility
and prosperity of that University to give the subject matter
of the radial their earnest oonsiderabou, and be trusted
they would arrive at • conclusion that it would be beneficial
to the university and just to the me who were educated
there to grant the prayer of the petition. (Meer, hear.)
Mr. HENLEY said after all, tree distinguished
men, beginning with Dr. Temple and Dr. Stanley and
down to Dr. Coker, were setting op a new schooL
Dr. Temple said there was no faith except upon
reason, and they were all acting on this same " plat-
Jam," as the Americans celled it. It seemed to him
ea odd sad of thing to say that subscription, were hard to
sidecribe to. If subscriptions were done away with the
government might be given to Jaws' Turks, or infidels.
The Der of Christ Church disclaimed in this petition any
iaterfereece with theological teaching. Who could suppose
that the Dean of Christ Church would wish to interfere with
theological teaching? Men who excused themselves in this
way often accused themselves. Why should the dean say
he would not remove any reronahle securities, or attempt
to impugn the doctrines of the church of England ?
No or could suppose that be would do say inch thing.
The real history of the petition be believed to be this. They
tried their bands in getting up • petition in favour of the
measure before the house, but ford it would not do. They
then thought they would draw it a little milder, and
' taking advantage of the immense origregatioe of people at
Oxford when the Prior was there, they contrived to get out
of the people who had belonged to the uoiversity during the
last half century ooly 107 signatures. No doubt there were
some high names attached to the petition. There were 13
professors, includieg three of the authors of the '• Brays and
Reviews," Dr. Temple sad Dr. Peterson being two of
them. Altogether those who signed the petition, COM-
prisirsg as they did some of the other party, presented a
very curious committee. Briegieg forward the subject on
that occasion afforded • little amusement at the end of the
110.40111, but no practical good could come of it At all
frets he entered his Protest against any step is the diem-
. tion indicated by the petition.
Mr. 009 CHEN said there never sou • greater
! riled of inquiry more independence of judgment, end
' more individndity of thought than now, and • system of
tests which meld be applied when men more generally
followed their leaders was injurious at a time when they
began more and more to think for themselves. There
was now greater conscientioureas and more inquiry, sod
therefore it was more difficult than formerly to get men of
ability I. sign the 39 Articles without having read them.
That wee the secret of the whole matter. The tendency of
tree torts was to discourage theological diacuesion. The
I right hoe. gentlemen said they did not want theological
' clergymen ; but he (111 r. Doodled, se • churchman, declared
that they did. They wooled clergymen powerful enough to
grapple with the adversaries of the church. If the church
wen able to maiataie re supremacy, r he believed she
could and would do so, men would have to fight with very
differed weapons from tree hitherto red. Bat if they
ahecourard theological study ie the university, and had not
men capable of =leg every theological rare, be believed
there would be lees boos for the churns. Hes. meshes
talked very glibly al pears setworihisg the Thirty-sir Articles, but as they embodied • grad member of very
leeperrat prolamines', that was a very serloss mike. He