The Express.
London, England, 1856-05-24 00:00:00

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TO CO Kit hBPONDENTIL
event's:seats towodal tor "Mu Rownws,"landos llvelagpogar.
eon A at ow 01110 e. In. !Jimmie-arse; by Two Voila es UM
doy of pobtlowdos.

SIGH ASTIR AT LONDON BEIM'.
Tu DaT—Marsiag, I.
toalosaow—ilaraiag, Ma. 20n Attain" U. 43a.

LONDON, SATURDAY, NAY 24.

A SAD lack of temper sad discretion is shown, on
loth sides, in this same Sunday Bands controversy.
The pertinacious and worrying agitation of organised
societies, with paid agencies, for the closing of the
Por.office on Sundays, the stoppage of Sunday trains,
the limitation of the hours during which refreshments
can be procured on Sundays, and so forth, has
awakened a spirit of indignant resistance throughout ii
the country. On the other hand, the ostentatious and
defiant manner in which Si, BENJAMIN HALL set
about the introduction of musical performances in
the Parks on Sunday (after voting against the open-
ing of the British Museum and the National Gallery
on that day) was a challenge to the opposite party
to interfere. Tree controversy opened under such
unhappy ahapices has been carried on with
more boldness of assertion and counter-aseer-
tion than strength of argument. There is, for
example, the averment of Sir BENJAMIN HALL that
more than 250,000 persons were present at the per-
Lamm., of the bends on the last Sunday, and more
than 85,000 in the Regent's Park alone. It is
asserted by his opponents that this statement is a
wilful exaggeration, inasmuch se the return for the
Regent's Park includes all persons who entered it
from seven o'clo.k in the morning till it was closed in
the evening. Sir BENJAMIN HALL has nevertheless
continued to repeat his original sanction at sundry
public meetings. Now if the fact be as he states it,
it must be obvious that there is no length to which
the Sabbatarians will not go in the way of falsehood
and calumny to carry their object If, on dm other
aide, their account of the matter is the true one, the
Minister of the Crown who stimulates the pumices
of public meetings by parading untrue retinue, pro-
cured by himself, is as obviously unfit for the plass
he holds either in the Government or the Legis-
lature. The question of personal character concern'
mainly the individuals engaged in the controversy:
the manner in which the controversy is conducted
seriously compromises the public interest. The par-
tisans on both sides are lashing themselves up to •
state of frenzied excitement. There is no talk of their
meeting for argument ; they are separating them-
selves into hostile camps, and daring each other by
muter. to show their respective numbers and
organisation. We are threatened to-morrow with an
open-air demonstration on Primrose-hill--• step very
closely bordering on intimidation, which can only be
justified by extreme necessity, mad which is not un-
likely to strengthen the hands of those who desire to
check any farther relaxation of the strictness of Sab-
bath Observance.
Such a state of the public mind is not to be dis-
regarded or trifled with. The question immediately
at inn is a very narrow one, and perhaps compara-
tively few persons take at present • keen interest in
it; bet it is a corollary of the much wider question
of Sabbath observance, upon which there is a great
division in society. History is full of instances in
which the passionate agitation of questions of little
moment in themselves, but calculated to arouse the
partisan feelings of contending parties, has led to the
most deplorable results. It is therefore to be wished
that the more moderate and judicious would rouse
themselves from their apathy, and endeavour to
mediate between the exasperated combatants. All
ponies may rest assured that Truth has never been
promoted by bullying, lying, or calling names.
The truth is, that the observance of the Sunday in
England ham for a long tract of years been strictly
Puritanical is theory, and ooesiderably lax in prac-
tice. For a time the Sabbetarians were coetented
with advocating their own views, and the more
werdly-minded with quietly going on in their own way
and listening respectfully to the objurgation' of their
more earnest brethren. So long as the Judaical
observance of the Sunday was little more than a
theory maintained in sermons and pamphlets, people
abstained from controverting it out of respect to the
feelings of men whose many estimable qualities com-
manded their esteem. But this mood of passive
resistance has paned away since organised and affi-
liated societies have been indefatigably labouring to
transform a theory into a compulsory law. A large
and increasing section of the public is now bent upon
asserting, not merely the Sunday liberty with which
they have hitherto been contented, but certain re-
lusting of the strict observance of the Sabbath
which they honestly believe would be conducive to
the improvement of public morality.
The advocates of these views argue thus—lt is
necessary to the perfection of the human character
that the devotional element in our nature be culti-
vated and developed. To this end then is
an advantage in recalling the thoughts of
men, too opt to be engrossed and dissipated
by the hurry and complexity of worldly affairs,
by setting apart moons of periodical recurrence foe
the discharge of religious duties. It is desirable
that the seventh day should be, not merely a day of
rest, but a day stamped with • religiose sanction.
It is, however, impossible for any mere human being
to keep his religious sentiments on the stretch for the
term of a whole day. There must inevitably be in-
tervals during which he must relapse into more Mee-
dam trains of thought. Then intervals cannot be
better filled up than by pursuits which Issemonise
with the general sacred character of the day, such
as healthful exercise which has not in view the
earning of money, contemplation of the beauties
of nature and art, or intellectual cultivation. In vin-
diatom of these opinion., it is shown that they
are in accordance with the principles and practice of
the most distinguished luminaries of the universal
Christian Church in all ages. It is, moreover, pointed
out that the habit of inculcating Sabbath observance
as an end, not as a mean to an end, has been found
productive of the most lamentable results. Those who
conform, not from conviction, but merely out of regard
to appearances, become hypocrites, and compensate
themselves by secret isdulgences, which are freqnsady
no• of the mast reputable character. Those who be-
lieve that every minute of the Sabbath ought to be
spent in a state of rapt devotional excitement are apt
to make themselves amends by banishing religiose
from their weekday thoughts. The advocates of
rational and possible Sabbath observance ask only
to be allowed to excrete their opinions freely, and
to act on their own convictions. They leave
those who hold other views of Sabbath obeervanoe
free to act and speak as their consciences dictate.'
They maintain that they themselves, seeing no harm,
but much good, in country* 'CUT lAOOI or visits to col-
lections of art and science on the Sabbath, ought to
be allowed to indulge in them. They do not insist
upon their Sobbsterien brethren following their ex-
ample ; ney,more, they defer so far to the feelings
of the latter as to abstain from boisterous amour

ments, or from following their favourite pur-
suits when they can in any way disturb
religious celebrations. We frankly avow that
we can tee no reason why those who
entertain these opinions should be prevented from
'acting upon them, even though they were a nume-
rical minority of the population. The Scriptures
abound in denunciations of mere outward conformity

to rites and ceremonies where conviction is absent.
Andes we feel convinced that, if men would speak their
minds freely and candidly, it would be found that an
immense majority do entertain these opinions, it does
seem to us intolerable tyranny to make a more than
Judaical observance of the Sabbath compulsory upon
all. We feel convinced that mutual tolerance in
practice by the opposed parties on this question
would promote incalculably, not only the peace and
comfort of society, but its religion and morality.
But this end can only be attained by calm and good-
tempered reasoning. And it really appears to us
that those who hold the opinions we have been
attempting to present to our readers are, as the more
rational and more enlightened section of society,
bound to set an example of self-control, patience,
truthfulness, and entire reliance upon the strength
of their arguments.

Zpe Court.

OSBORNE, MAT 23.

The Qaeen and Prince, accompanied by the Prince
of Wales, Prince Alfred, Prince Attbur, the Prince's
Royal, Price... Helena, Princess Louisa, Prince Frederick
Walla= of Prussia, and Prince Loa menswin, went on
board the royal yacht Victoria and Albert yesterday after-
noon, and mused is the Needles.

The royal dinner party yesteiday included the Dachau of
Kant, the Prineem Royal, Prins@ Frederick William or
Prussia, Prunes Lmweitemin, Lieutenant-General Baron
Scbreckenstan, the Hen. Mary Seymour, Lord James
Mummy, Captain the Run. James Drummond, and Colonel
the Hon. C. B. Phiiise.

The Doke of Cambridge. left Linden for Yorkshire, yes-
terday, to attend the taketal (this day) of the late Lord
Adolphe. Praise/see.

A deputation had an interview with Mr. Secretary Ls-
bouchere, et tee Colonial-office, yesterday, on tn.) surket of
postal steamcommusleation with Australia. The deputa-
tion oensiated otthe Lord Mayor, Mr. W. C. Wentworth,
end Sir William bias Arthur (tate members of council fcr
New South Waive), Mr. G. Ltalie, Mr, Mathew Marsh ;
Mews. J. M Aire. and William Rotledge (late icemheis
of oouncil for V.ctoris), Mr. F. H. Dutton (late member of
e lased for South Australia) Mr. John Dena (late member
arousal for Tasmania), and Mr. James A. Youl (Hon.
Secretary to the General Association for the Australian
Colonise.)
A deputation relative to the Pawnbrokers' Art hal an
interview with to. Chancellor of the Rackequer yeitordaYr
at his oMcial reordering, in Downing-street. The deputation
consistellor, from Lampe hl, .ors. Cherie* Sateen, James
Fairhurst, sad Mt:ward Byford. Prom Manchester,
Mews. iOllll Cairns, John Richardson, sad John Blase.
From Sbegbeld, Mears. Cargo Eaton. and Joseph Wright;
seconspamied by Mr. Hadfield, M.P. ; Mr. William Broom,
M.P. ; Mr. T. R. Ho‘sfall, ALP.; Mr. J. C. Rout,
II P. • Mr. &rebate, M.P. ; and toe Kitt Hen. T. N.
Gibeei, M.P.

A deputation, eonsiatiog of Mr. Firbank, Chtirmsa of
the Hall Duck Company; Mr. Fall, Vice-Chairman; Mr.
Huffs.. Secretary; sad Mr. C. Parker, Perliamontrty
Agent, hao so inierViOW with the Risks Hos. B P. Bou-
rne*, yarterday, at the oMee of tits Poor law Board. on
the satjtet of the awn parochial clan Is of the Poor Lail
Ammo/seat Bill.

117etitii;OFtit; Orford traivereity Commiwion, ware held
at No. 17, Great Queeautreet,Westsoinater, on Wednesday,
Toureday, and yesterday. The Contmoseiocers present were
Ma Bari of Ellesmere, the Berl of Ilarrowby, the Bishop
of Ripon, Mr. Justies Coteridur, the lion. Edward
Twistition, the Dean of Well., and Sir John Awdry.
A deputation of Coal Factors, oa the Co.l Whippers'
Act, had ea iaterrlsw wi'h L rd Stanley of Alderley, end
the Right Boa. B. Lowe, yesterday, at the °She of the
Board of Trade. The deputation consisted of Mr James
Dixon, Dlr. E tward Charlet*, Mr. N cholas Wood, jun.,
Mr. Williams Sampan Potter, sad Mr. William Milne,.

(TlOll LAST !WIGHT'S o•zmTrl.)

LORD CHAMBERLAIN'S OFFICE, APRIL 29.—Notice
is thereby Owen. that her 111,je.ty will hula a drawing-room
at Si. i•OlieSPel.e., on Thuradey, the 29th May sett, at
%we o'ckek, to calibrate her Majesty's birthday. No pre•
mutations wilt take plate at this drawing-room. N.B. T.
koighta of the several orders are to sorer in their collars at
the drawieptvens on the 29th of May seat.
FOREIGN OFFICE, MAT 4.—The Queen has been
11=Ilsly pleased to eppolat Lord Wodekouse to be her
ty's Bosco, Extreordieory end Minister Plenitoten-
Aar, to his Majesty the Eaperor of All the Itueriaa.
May Queen hl' been preciouely pleased to appoint
dee Hon. Janata Fess, now fleet paid attach& to her Ma-
lil'slegation at Vilma., ti be B.cretery to her Majesty's
a at the court of Bt. Petershurn. May 21— me
ewes baa been pie sad to apprise of Mr. He there Aylwia
HI ataeal at Pert Adelaide, is Australia, to his Majesty dm
alniefliteedlea aced Nurw.y; and Mr. RoSett P owl' es
mod all Newfoandland, for the Fate Hanseatic
or of Hembarg.

CABINZT COUNCIL.-A cabinet council has been
summoned for this afternoon, at the Foreign-office.
Her Majesty the Quen, and H.A.H. Prince Al-
bert, ham made ajoist conttibetion of 600!. tv the fend foe
the Heeds' of the " Memorial Chereb," at Cunataatinoplo.
We are requested to state that the names of Sir
Andrew Agnew, But, M.P., and It. Hiebary, jut . Esq.,
aught to have appeared in the 1 is of the drpotet'our, who
were reiortei is oar °Gismos as baring had an interview on
Teeeday, with Bir G. Grey, on the balf•holidy qucation.

The Bishop of London returned to town yesterday
from Brighton. scamp cried by Km Blouafield and family.
We are happy to add that the eght rev prelate has derived
essaidarable benefit from his resideare at that wet. tie(
place.

Lord Lyndhurst attained his 84:h year on Wednes-
day last The nob!e sad learned lord and Lady Lyndhurst
had a dinner ;arty WI evening et their esaasi, vs in George-
street, Hanover-square, His Eaculleary the Preset au.-
_

basiador sod Cactus, de Poisigity, th. Comings/ of 0 Ng
gall, Bari °amain', Lard &yaiour, Ihroa aad D.raiaaa
Rothschild sad Mao Rothschild, Colooel HOB. Joel@
If scoloaald, Mr. °dory Ravioli, Mr. Woattroith, Re,
wort 'soot the pinto.

The Duchess of Sutherland has returned to Staf-
ford flora from mishits. the Comatosa of Cabala at Castle
Bowed, Tabbies..

The Marchioness of Exeter, we are happy to learn,
greatly improved is heath.

The Marquis and Marchioness of Drogheda have
arrived at Cleridge's Hotel kola Irelaad.

The Earl sod Countess of Wilton received a Hint
circle to dinner, lest evening, at the hail, reddens in

Groevenorequage. The Runt. included his Excellency
the Hanoverian Minister end the Counts.. Relate Kiel
maneeigt, the Doke sad Ditches, of Meacheetar, the
Me-qtne and Mgr hiantee of Aborgara end Lady Louisa
Ilgotiltoo, the Marquis and hiershioneee of Stafford. the
But and Lady Cnastence Grosvenor, Coast Chetek, the
Earl of Delkeilh, Viscount Velletut, Lard Other Etsdetald,
gad Mr. Kaightley.

The Berl uta Lady Coastaace ©rancor have
'darned to town from visiting the Duke of Sutherland at
Cliefden House. near Maidenhead.

Th. Countess of Gainsborough has arrived at
Marie's's Hotel, from attending on bar MOW' at
Osborne.

Lady Stanley of Alderley gave a brilliolt ball last
seeming, at the family sam'on ha Dver•strcet. The
Dashes' of Cambridge sad the Primes Mar• honour el her
ladyship with their presence, and the Greed Visier of Tar.
key wee moss the early arrivals, attearld by his Burl-
limey M Mamas.

Lord Forester, it Is arranged, will be married to
Visosunteee Melbourne about the asiddlt of the ensuing
month. The wedding panty will be lintind to the flume•
diets relativn of the eostra^ting parties. The noble lord
bu ',hutted to lien from Wil'ey Pork, Shropshire. •

---
The First Lord of the Admiralty will naive
omeers on the I Thursdays of Jew sad July, at two
o'clwk, sad say avers wishlsg to see Sir Charles Wood
are requested to liter 'heir same it a kook kept for kat
purpose is the hall, 'teeing their ChrißUS asses la fell, and
their rank is the navvies.

I Lord sod Lady Willoughby d'Egsby have arrived
is flys from Grigrotttorre. Liocolsr►oe, for tit. srearee.

Sir Robert Peel, Bart.. M.P., sal Lady Emily Peal
bays 'vivid fa town from %%yens Mazlr, when the hoe.
baronet received a select party during M holidays.

i