The Express.
London, England, 1866-01-11 00:00:00

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LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, JANUARY 11, 1866.

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STAMPED, ld. ADDITIONAL.]

MR. STANSFELD, M.P.

[TWOPENCE

Christendom had actually been serviceable in promoting the
truth. He then dammed Dr. Puny's recent work, dwell.
dug on the proofs Dr. Pussy gives of the mariolatry in the
Roma. catholic church, and pointing out the insistency
of Dr. Pussy's wishing a union with that church through the
priesthood—a union which could all lead to the wider
diffusion of similar wren. There is (he said) undoubtedly
at the present time somewhat of a reaction in the
Christian world against creeds and catechisms.
Now, I confer I am not one of those who are dig-
Posed to depreciate what is called scientific dog.
satin theology, In the first plats, it seems to me
to be an instinct of the human mind, and I am sure there is
no nation in the world in which there appears to be a
'kroner instinct than among the Scotch people ; but I say
it is an instinct of the hum: n mind to desire to deduce to •
Ingicel sod precise form all the eubjecte of their knowledge.
(Opium.) We may depend upon it that as this is an
iestioct—an undoubted Instinct in the human mind--so it is
as instinct which has • legitimate sphere of operation
and my own belief is that it will be impossible under
the doctrine which I trust we Mall ever maintain
of the freedom of individual opinion for churches
wholly todo without creeds and eatechisms and definitions
of dogmatic theology. Bat the great thing is we should
always remember they should be kept in their proper plats,
and it is of immense =podiums that we should remember
what they are—that they are purely human abstracts of
what we aniceive to be the truth of the gospel ; that they
have net the authority which the Bible itself has ; and that
too often they are apt to represent a passing aspect of the
troth. Now I am going up to-night to join my
colleagues, who are to hold a cabinet conned
during the next week in London, but I am hapw
to my that we shall not consider it any pet et
err duty to maintain natty in the church of IL'helet.
(Laughter.) lam not sure if we had such a duty we would
not "cast oot" lamoog ourselves. (Lengliter.) At all
events, I would recommend my right hoeourable friend as
our left, the Lord Provost of Glasgow, not to try his jute-
diction in maintaining unity among the churches of Mrlii
in Glasgow. (Reamed laughter.) There are matters entered
into in the Confession of Faith, and doctrines are laid down
which I apprehend DO man now believes. It is absolutely
necessary, therefore, that a certain amount of liberty
should be given to the individual conscience ; and
fortunately the Confession of Faith itself lays down the
principle that "the Lord alone is the Lord of the Gov
science "—that no man is to be bound to my doctrine or
to any belief which he does not believe to be founded
on and to be proveabla by the Word of God. (APPlaust4)
Now, ladies and gentlemen. before I lit down I would like
to my a word or two on • matter of very great importance -
that is, the bearing which our belief in the supremacy of th;
Scriptures has upon the many speculations now abased in
the Christian world on various questions connected with
the Christian faith. There is no doubt whatever that
this is a period in many minds of very great alarm.
I believe that in the domain of reason we can meet those
who doubt by showing that if there are difficulties in belief,
there are difficulties infinitely harder in unbelief. (Ap-
plause.) In reprd to the speenlatious now going on in the
Christian world, and which create such alarm in so many
minds, let me my this, that they may be clamed readily in
two categories. One class is the clam of those who openly
and avowedly are attacking Christianity. With them we
must deal according to the principles of their own argu-
ment, so far as we can adopt them, with perfect candour,
endeavouring to point out, es I have shown you,
that the difficulties of unbelief are greater than
those of belief. (Applause.) But there is another great
class, and I am not sure that it is not those of which we are
weakly somewhat more alarmed than of the other—specu-
lations as to Christian doctrine, which profess at least to
be strictly within the limits of Christi's faith--specula-
time of men as willing to appeal to Scripture as we are. I
think, in regard to them, we should always meet them in
the spirit of the most perfect friendliness and perfect can-
dour. (Applause.) I for one em not ate of those
who are prepared to my that any doctrine which
bee • new face, and the mere fact of its novelty, con-
demns it as necessarily untrue. (Applause.) Let as hear
what is said by • great divine of the Church of England.
the author, perhaps, of one of the greatest works which has
ever been written in Christian philosophy, and which, I
believe, will not cease for many ages to be the fountain of
thoughts leading to the most important consequesces is
the development of the Christian Church. Hear what
Butler rye in his " lusalogy"--(applanas)—ln regud
to Scripture. So far from saying there oan
the
nothing new, that we have already got out the
whole of it, that we have it practically con-
densed in our formularies and in our creeds—that the
mere fact of something new being said ought 10
condemn the doctrines. Butler says this:—" The hindrance,
too, of natural and supernatural light and knowledge have
been of the same tried; and as it is owned that the whole
scheme of Scripture is not yet understood, so if it conic to
be understood before the restitution of all thing' and with-
out miraculous istermaidoes, it must be in the same way
as natural knowledge is oome at by the continuance and
progress of learning and liberty, and by particular persons
attending to, comparing, and pursuing inrimetioes mattered
up and down in the Scriptures which are overlOoked or dia.
regarded by the generality of the world. For this is the way
in which all improvements are made by thoughtful men
tracing out obscure hints, as it were, dropped by nature
accidentally, or which come into our minds by chance.
Nor is it at all incredible that a hook which has been so
long in the possession of mankind should contain many
truths which are yet undiscovered ; for the same pheno-
mena and the same facilities of investigation from which
such great discoveries in natural knowledge have been made
in the present sod last age were actually in the possession
of mankind several thousand years before." (Applause.)
What a noble confidence is expressed in this passage in the
fulness of the Scriptures, in its power to march at the
head of the progress of mankind lin every legitimate deve-
lopment of his knowledge and of his thoughts. How
much more honour does this do to Scripture than
the nervous timidity with which we are so apt to
regard the &H airiest departure from the opinions to which
we have ourselves been accustomed how much snore
honour does it do Scripture It is because, as it appears
to me, the operations of this eociety express something of
that confidence, appealing to the Scripture without note
or comment—without creed or confemion —it is bemuse
our operations express some of the confide's°e expressed by
Bishop Butler, that I think they deserve the energetic
wiport of every enlightened Christian. These operations
are • pledge that we ourselves have the confidence expressed
by Butler ; they are • pledge, also, that we shall endeavour
—and be assured it will be a harder fight than many of
us suppose—that we shall endeavour, if we can, not to
allow our belief in the inspiration of Scripture to develop
into confidence in the inspiration of ourselves. (
,„L
lapplause.)

[Th. following appears in the Daily News
TO TIM Koren 01 TER DAILY MIMI.
you will give me a place in your paper,
hitherto unsullied by anything in the shape of
Toryism, I shall feel obliged. My motives in writing
this cannot be misunderstood, and my signature will
show that Ido not wish to sail under false colours.
Singularly enough, it so happens that official cir-
cumstances have procured for me the acquaintance
(and I think friendship) of Mr. Stansfeld, the
member for Halifax. In politics our opinions are as
far asunder as the poles ; but I have been afforded
means, as a sub-official, of forming some estimate of
his value as an administrator, and I cannot help
lamenting that the nation is not likely, from
circumstances which have been discussed in
the papers, to receive the tenefit of hie
talents. It may be said, All this is very well, but
how can a Tory justify entrusting with power a man
whose political tenets are so democratic? I answer,
that he is never likely to be afforded the means of
carrying out his views as to the extension of the
suffrage; and no one knows better than he does that
the nation will not adopt them. I say, therefore,
don't lose what is valuable in him, when what is
ultra-liberal will be neutralized by the action of
circumstances. The manner in which Mr. Stans-
feld, during his brief tenure of office, mastered
subjects quite new to him, and acquired a know-
ledge of the scope and much of the detail of naval
accounts, and the modes of checking and sim-
plifying expenditure, was marvellous. Added to
this, his genial and kind demeanour to those
under him was calculated to make their duties,
however laborious, a pleasure. I think the
manner in which his name has been brought before
the public of late is neither fair nor generous. I
cannot believe that Englishmen will consent to
forego services they require from deference to any
foreign power. I don't think the French Emperor
deigns to consider the subject now the thing is gone
by ; and as for any apprehension of a hostile move-
ment on the part of the party to which I belong,
allow me to remind you that on being defeated ou a
bill on which they need not have resigned, and
which, having answered its purpose, was laid by,
they quitted office like gentlemen, and are far above
attempting to resume it by walking over a man
of genius. I do not mean to say that
there are not many of our party who,
from conscientious motives, might deprecate
Mr. Stansfeld's return to office ; but those amongst
us best able to judge would be glad, as long as the
Whigs remain in power, to see the country reap the
advantage of his great and acknowledged abilities,
well knowing that what they disapprove of in him
is very unlikely to work mischief. If the ministry,
which reports say is likely, lose the greatest god.
send they ever had in the shape of a Secretary to
the Admiralty—Lord Clarence Paget—Mr. Steam-
feld is the best man to succeed him. Objectors
say, " Oh, he knows a little about dockyard ac-
counts, but nothing of naval affairs." All the better ;
he brings no prejudices, and will soon be able to
compass and master the subject in all its bearings.
—I am, &c., AN ULTRA TORY.
Jan. 9.

THE LUSE OF ARGYLL ON THE UNION OF
CHURCHES.

The Duke of Argyll presided on Tuesday at the
asexual meeting of the National Bible Society of Scotland, in
theGleagow City Hall. In the course of • long address,
warmly advocating the claims of the society, he touched
upon oneor two of the theological questions of the day.
Referring to Dr. Newman's statement that the Bible was
not intended to teach doctrine, but only to prove it, he
said the society would still be useful in circulating the
proofs of true doctrine among those who bad to judge. It
was useful in promoting Christian union. It appears to me
(he mid) that we are very apt to bike it
too much for granted that efforts after what are
called a united Christendom are efforts which are
indicative of en eminently Christian spirit, and aim
at an object which is undoubtedly • good object in
the interests of Christian truth. I think that entirely de-
pends upon the understanding which we have of • united
Christendom, sod of the hood which is to be the bond of
union. (Applause.) There are, undoubtedly, some efforts
after a united Christendom which must be good, which
must do good to ourselves and to those with whom we have
to deal. I do not merely refer to what may be called •
charitable spirit. because there may be many simifficatioss
of that word. Very often it has been taken to mean the
mere giving of alms ; and even when we speak of it in regard
to our own feelings with respect to others, I think we
are very apt to deceive ourselves as to the real spirit
with which we regard our opponent*. I think we are very
apt to look with • sort of proud compassion upon those who
differ from us—a spirit which lam sure is neither profitable
tar ourselves nor tending to produce good in the opinions
and in the principles of others. If by charity we mean •
sincere endeavour to see what nisy be good and true in the
opinions of others—lf it means also that we shall not en-
deavour to think mare highly of ourselves than we
ought to think, then undoubtedly such efforts after
union most be good, and meat result in the most bene-
ficial consequences to the interests of Christian truth.
But we must always remember, after all, that the union
with one set of men very often means wider separation from
another set of men. (Applause I And so excellent
example may be found of this in the short account which
we have lately had rather by accident than otherwise,
of • meeting which appears to have been held
in London with regard to a union between the
church of England and the great community of the
Greek church in the East. (Hear, hear.) There is an
account which was published by a foreign nobleman, a
distinguished man in Russia. and which got, I
believe, by accident—and I supped rather to the confu-
sion of many of those who were at that meeting—into
the public papers. Prince Orloff says that the point which
he was meet anxious to dwell upon, and which I have DO
doubt that be knew those with whom he was associated
were most anxious to dwell upon, was thie—you will observe
it was • purely negative conclusion—he advised that works
should be published in Ragland, settiog forth the history,
doctrine, and preset% position of the Anglican church, with
a view to proving that it is sot • protestant bat • catholic
church. (Applause.) So that thereat object of this union
is, through • closer union with the Greek church,
to show au increasing separation between the English
church and the other protestant bodies from
whom those persons really wish to be more widely
separated than they were batmen (Applause.) This, I
think, shows that efforts after Christian union must be
very strictly examined as to the spirit in which they are
conceived, and as to the object which they set before them-
es' am, before we °occlude that they are either eminently
Christian in spirit, or eminently salutary sa to the
objects which they have before themselves. Now,
as to the objects of Christie° union, viewed in coo-
neotion, of wares, with our bond of union, which
is the exclusive authority of the Holy Soriptures, I
cannot help saying that the object which is set be-
fore many minds at present as • very imp-rtant object is
one as to the utility and value of which I have the greatest
possible doubt. It is impossible not to see that what many
men mean by • united Christendom means • great system of
priesthood—one system of priesthood over the whole of
Christendom. Union with the Roman catholic church
evident)) means that, for it is the fundamental principle
upon which that church is fonoded. (Hear.) Now I think
that, so far from this Wag • desirable object, it is a real
danger to Christian truth, and that if it could be effected
tomorrow it ought most earnestly on all accounts to be
avoided. (Applause.) It is very difficult to persuade
ourselves—but it is • truth—that our °plaices on all
matters, and on charity among °them are to • considerable
extent—rot exclusively, of course, but are to a considerable
extent—the melt of manes and not of reasons, It is very
difficult to persuade cionelves of this as regards ourselves,
bat we see it as regards other men ; and there can be no
doubt of this, that if we look beck upon the be
y of
human opinion, whether in theology or in other teatime,
there has been Nettie periods or ages is which there ware
certain defleed tendencies et °plaice. Bow they arose it is
sometimes difficult to explain, but theinevitable teedency
of
each tideless is to run to WNW ; and I hoow no safeguard
ageless that except the ladepeedeoce of individual action.,
and the independence of individual churches. (Appian...)
His Grace then expressed his belief that the divisions el

MR. GLADSTONE AND REFoltm.—ln the course of
last week, the Norwich Political Union presented to Mr.
Gladstone copies of resolutions in which confides:los was
expressed in the government of Earl Russell. sod a hope
that the forthcoming reform bill would extend the fran-
chise to every industrious and intelligent workbag man.
On Tuesday evening, the following reply from Mr. Glad-
stone was read at an adjourned meeting of the Union
" Downing-street, Jan. B.—Sir,--1 am directed by the
Chancellor of the Exchequer to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter of the 3rd iost, and to inform you that he is
sure that his colleagues will be gratified by the expres-
sion of confidence by the Norwich Political Uniesi.--r
am, sir, von, obedient servant, W. B. Gordon. C. J.
Booting, Esq."
NATIONAL REFORM lINION.—A meeting of the
executive was hold on Tuesday night at Manchester ;
Mr. George Wilson. the president, in the chair.
After the report of the operations of the union during
the past month, along with • statement setting
forth the financial condition of the union, had
been read and adopted, the agent read a correspondence
with members of parliament, secretaries of branch associa-
tions, and others. The executive then decided to hold a
great reform demonatration in the Free-trade Hall, om the
30th inst. ; also, that a numerous and influential deputation
from the noion should wait upon Earl Russell early is
February next. The agent reported that demands for
speakers for local and other meetings were daily being made
to the executive, and that already twenty-four meetings
were being arresged to be held this month.
REPEAL OF THE MALT TAX.—On Tuesday
evening a meeting to promote the reduction or repeal of
the melt tax was held at Balesworth, Suffolk ; Sir E.
Gooch. a young gentleman who has just attaioed his
majority, in the chair. Sir Fitzroy Kelly, M.P., in moving
the first resoluticie, recapitulated the principal resists in his
repent speech at Ipswich, and moved " That this meeting is
of opinion that the continuance of the excise duty upon
malt ie a great injustice to the grower of barley, ands
wholly at variance with the free.trade policy of the
country." Other resolutions were pined. the speakers
being Mr. R. Reward, Mr. A. R. Johnstone, Mr. R. L.
Everett, Mr. J. Crabtree, Mr. Vincent, and Mr. Garroulii ;
sad the chairman, in responding to the vote of thanks far
presiding, wound up by declaring that his 'simian would
always be ready to promote any good old tory wormiest.
(Sight biases sod laughter.)
ROYAL Hum Ass Soeizry.—The half-yearly
meeting of this society was held yesterday, at the office,
Trafalgar.equani ; Mr. J. M. Cave in the chair. Mr. L.
Young, the secretary, reed the report,
which stated list
the tend of general cases which had been brought before
the society during the past half-year bad been 297
persons. of whom 282 bad been anoeessfully treated.
and 15 were beyond recovery. Of the above annm
her, 22 were attempted suicides. The total number of
bathers in Hydmpark during the season bad been 314,351,
with only 45 casualties, and none of them fatal. There had
bees 11 attempted eideides, with three fatal. The hooorary
rewards dozing the half-year had been five silver medals, 92
broom intto, 23 thanks oo vegan, 57 thanks on parehmest,
sad 74 memodery rewards of ratio= sums. The receipts
for the half-veer had id been 1,8341. Bs. ld., and the expesdi•
tare 1,5364 7s. 10d. The report was adopted.

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