The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-01-10 00:00:00

BANK OF ENGLAND RETURNS.
An Account, pursuant to the Act 7th and Bth Victoria, cap.
32, for the Week ending Jan. 3, 1857.
ISSUE DEPARTMENT.

Debit.
Notes issued ..:624,022,615

Credit.
Government

Debt
Other securities 3,459,900
Gold Coin and
Bullion 9,547,615

£24,022,616

Total .... £24,022,615

BANKING D

Debit.
Proprietors' ca-
pital
Rest
Public deposits 7,592,202
Other „ 10,096,525
Seven days, and
other bills. . 786,5 ?.4

,EPARTMENT.
Credit.
Government se-
curities X 11,600,151
Other securities 19,295,308
Notes 4,797,315
Gold and silver
coin

Total .... £36,327,565
Compared with the rettr
have the following results :
Active circulation
Increase

Total £36,327,565
of the previous week, we

£19,225,300
569.225
10,182,406
47.905
3,299,314
45,804
786,504
14,865
7,592,202
90,867
10,096,525
36,130
11,60.151
585,051
19,295,308
333.153
4,797,315
659,000

Bullion
Decrease

Rest
Increase
Seven day and other bills
Increase
Public deposits
Increase
Other deposits
Decrease
Government securities
Increase
Other securities
Increase
Notes unemployed
Decrease

BANKRUPTS.

(From Gazette of last night.)
JOHN SwounEa, Wire Hentlard, matter.
JAMES GILBERT, Manchester, contractor.
SAMCEL CLARE, Ashton-under-Lyne, grocer and flour
dealer.

JOHN HAWORTH, Show Clough, Nossendale, Lancashire,
spinner and calico manufacturer.
HENRY Ducxwounr, Glen Topmil, near Newchurch,
Lancashire, cotton spinner and manufacturer.

MISAPPROPRIATION OF A FRIENDLY SOCIBTY'S FUNDS BY
A. COUNTY MAGISTRATE.-At a petty sessions hell OR
Thursday at Chepstow, a case was beard before the Rev.
Richard Williams, W. E. Soya, and Fenton Hort, Esqrs.,
which involved a point of much interest to the members
and officers of friendly societies, inasmuch as it was one of
the first informations laid for misappropriation of the club
funds under the Friendly Society's Act passed during the
last session of parliament. William Hollis, Esq., who has
been for mary years a justice of the peace for the county,
and who, until within the last few years, took his seat on
the bench, appeared to a summons issued under the act in
crestion, charging him with misapplying the funds of the
Shircnewton Uoitcd Friendly Society, of which he was
trustee, until lately removed from office. Upon the
information being formally read over, Mr. Hollis pleaded
guilty to the charge contained in it, and he was ordered
by the magistretes to refund the amoun., £56 ss. 4d.,
together with a penalty of £lO, and 83. 61. costs, and in
default of payment, to be committed to the House of
Correction at Usk, and there be kept to hard labour for six
weeks.

MR. SPURGEON'S DISCOURSES.—We will give but one
instance of the manner in which Mr. Spurgeon—and he is
only one illustration amongst a thousand of the same thing
—varies entirely in his teaching from the verbal teaching of
the Bible, even after he has taken his stand upon the verbal
inspiration of the Bible in its most literal form. There is
hardly any subject on which he lays more stress than that
of the future punishments of the wicked. His sermons
abound in fearful descriptions of hell. Eternal flames, red
hot iron, awful groans and lamentations, fearful taunts and
recriminations, are the materials of one side of his picture,
On the other hand, he insists constantly on the contras:
between the feelings of the saved and damned. Parents
will rejoice, he says, in the divine justice, when they see
their children in hell; wives will feel no pain at the
spectacle of their husbands' torments ; and the preaching of
a minister, which has no other result than that of being a
savour of death unto death, is not in vain, for God is glori-
fied in the damnation of sinners. Now, we will not rebuke
Mr. Spurgeon, or any other preacher, merely for speakinry on
the theme of future retribution. People constantly indulge
themselves in much false and empty boasting about their
own moral superiority to such arguments. It is the cheap.
est kind of courage to possess to be influenced by tellers
the reality of which is secretly or openly disbelieved. We
will take no such course. We will not, ou the other hand,
discuss with Mr. Spurgeon the meaning of the passages of
Scripture to which he refers ; nor will we enter into any
questions relating to the nature and meaning of tho word
"eternal." We will confine ourselves to a very simple
remark indeed. Of all the subjects upon which a preacher
can address his congregation, the subject in question is the
very last in which he ought to exceed his commission.
There is surely none in which be ought more rigidly to
study not only the words of his authority, but also the
frequency with which the subject is handled, and the
connexion fa which it is introduced. We assert, in the
strangest manner, that the way in which the subject of
"eternal damnation," no matter what be the meaning we
may attach to the words, is handled by Mr. Spurgeon, and
the class of popular preachers who resemble him, is utterly
and radically unlike the way in which it is handled in the
New Testament. Similarity consists among other things,
in the proportion and relative prominence of the different
parts of a set of doctrines. Damnation, described in the
plainest and most definite manner, as consisting of number-
less ages of physical torment, is perhaps the most prominent
doctrine of Mr. Spurgeon's preaching. The references to the
subject in the New Testament are, without any exception,
indefinite and mysterious. In many books of it —as, for
example, i❑ the Epistles of St. Paul—.the doctrine hardly
appears at all; in others—as in the Revelations—the whole
question is so involved in metaphor and scenical representa-
tion, that it is impossible to make any definite statement as to
its meaning. In the summaries of Christian doctrine, de-
livered by St. Paul to the Jews and Athenians, in the 13th
and 17th chapters of the Acts, no mention is made of this
doctrine ; and even the well-known passages in the Gospels
furnish no explicit and categorical statement on the subject.
Surely these undeniable facts might suggest to the most
literal interpreters in general, and Mr. Spurgeon in
particular, that it is possible to preach this doctrine too
prominently end too definitely, and that the very manner in
which it is treated shows that it was not intended to be
mado the one distinctive feature of Christianity. As to the
fearful and unnaturally horrible satisfaction which Mr.
Spurgeon has the audacity—unauthorised by one syllable of
the Bible—to impute to those who are saved in contem-
plating the tortures of their nearest and dearest friends in
hell, we only ask him to reflect very seriously what spirit ho
is of. He believes that Jesus Christ died on the cross to
save sinners. If those who are so saved rejoice in the damnation
of their fellow sinners, they are most unlike their God and
most unlike their Saviour. There is bat one being who can
consistently rej9ice in the damnation of the wicked, and
that is the devil. If Mr: Spurgeon will compare with his
own infernal language the parable of Dives and Lazarus, he
will, we should hope, find matter which will make him
ashamed for the rest of his life for the frightful libel which
he has uttered against the gospel. Abraham is not described
as exulting in the punishment of Dives, whom he addresses
as " Son ;" Dives is not described as cursing his six
brethren, and longing for-their ruin. The subject of retri-
bution is a fearful one, however it is regsrded. We do not
wish a preacher to shrink from handling it; but surely a
man who, without any authority at all, defines is limits,
ignores its moditleations, and takes no notice of the manner
in which it is introduced into the bcok which he professes
to expound, is guilty of a very grave offence.--National
Review for January.

FOREIGN INTELLIG ENCE

FRANCE

PARIS, THURSDAY EVENING.

I have no reason to believe that the Neuchatel
quarrel will not be pacifically settled, sooner or
later, but I doubt whether much progress has been
made in it for the last two or three days. Franco
and England are no doubt well disposed, but I
doubt whether the latter is desirous of having even
the appearance of exercising a pressure on the
Swiss Confederation by demanding the liberation
of the prisoners. England and France will use
their best influence with the King of Prussia for the
renunciation of his rights, tut it is probable that
the Federal Assembly will b. 3 expected to agree to
the previous liberation of the prisoners. There is
no doubt that the King has made up his mind to
renounce what he calls his rights, but he still
demands that the prisoners shall be previously and
unconditionally set at liberty. TLte day of the
trial, the 19th, is rapidly approaching, and if it take
place it will be too late for a settlement. In point
of fact, the question is now even more than before
reduced to one of etiquette. Who, will take the
first step ? The King has become less warlike ; the
discontent of the population through whose terri-
tory he would have to pass, the agitation and alarm
along the frontier of Baden and \Vurtemberg,
whose territories would inevitably be the battle
ground, and the incalculable injury sure to be
inflicted on so many in the German States by the
interruption of trade and commerce during the
hostilities, have had, they say, more influence with
him. He has got into a scrape of which he did
not anticipate all the troubles, and I have little
doubt he would be glad to get out of it.
The Patric says that notwithstanding the proba-
bility of an approaching arrangement the Swiss
Confederation continue their military preparations.
The effective of the two first divisions of the Fede-
ral army which have been called to active service
amounts to 33,000 men, and everywhere free corps
are being formed. A great number of retired
officers have sent their names in. 78 pieces of
artillery have been sent to Basle for the defence of
the place. The staff is shortly to proceed to
Zurich, but Gera. Dufour has not yet gone there.
The assassin Verger still maintains the same
sang froid as before. He, however, now affects the
character of a leveller—the avenger, rather, of the
inferior orders of the clergy. He had intended,
he is represented to have said, to have begun
by assassinating his old protector and benefactor,
the cure of St. Germain de l'Auxerrois, who had
been obliged to denounce him for acts of irreu-
larity, but he changed his mind, and resolved to
make a still greater example. His act he describes
as a warning to other prelates how they undervalue
the talents and the merits of the lower clergy.
Various motives no doubt will be ascribed for the
murder. But it is easy to see that Verger was a
man of strong passions, of immense conceit, and
ulhappily- of a dark, unforgiving, and vindictive
spirit. He put forth all his strength in the blow
he struck the Archbishop. The robes the Prelate
wore when he met his death have been examined
The poniard pierced the thickly embroidered. rose
of his stole, his surplice, soutane, and waistcoat,
and it split the heart in twain. An ordinary blow
might have been warded off by the gold embroidery
of the Pontifical vestments, but Verger struck with
all his might.

An immense crowd went today and yesterday—
far greater than the day before—to the Archbishop's
palace in the rue de Grenello St Germain. It was
found necessary to open the doors leading into the
c4apelle ardente at an earlier hour than had been
at first fixed. Several low masses %were said in the
morning, after which the public were admitted, and
continued to pass through the rooms during the
whole day. Some thousands of persons must have
been unable to obtain admission.

The papers give the following additional parti-
culars about Verger :
In 1840. Verger, who was then 16 years of age, was
placed in the Ecclesiastical seminary of St. Nicholas at
Gentilly; it was there that he committed the robbery
which has already been mentioned. This robbery, which
was of 60f, he now denies having committed, and he says
that he was expelled-from the seminary, not for theft, but
for having in his possession the works of Racine and
Moliere which he had purchased out of a sum of money
(iiof.) given hit* by the Marquise de Rochearte to buy
books for study and devotion. He states also that at
Gentilly be obtained the first prize for good conduct and
religious knowledge. After leaving the seminary, Verger
succeeded in re-establishing his character sufficiently to
obtain employment as secretary to a priest. This priest
enabled him to take the minor order's, then to be ordained
deacon, and afterwards. priest. Shortly alter Verger was
appointed cure of the parish of .Guercheville (Seine et
Marne), but he had frequent altercations with his parish-
ioners about his fees, and he used to say, " Those fellows,
instead of paying me in money, would prefer to pay me by
a good beating." - At length the squabbles between him
and his flock rose to, such a height that he was summoned
before the Procureur Imperial at Fontainebleau, and was
afterwards removed from the parish. He was then sent
as first curate to Jouarre, but he soon got into quarrels
with the cure, and the latter got rid of him. Verger was
then appointed cure of Bailly Cauois, but he could not
live quietly there. He made repeated attempts to obtain
an appointment in the diocese of Paris, but did not
succeed.

The following private telegraphic despatch has
bees' received :

TURIN, 711 t;
The King, in opening the Chambers, delivered a speech
in which he alluded to the glorious participation of Pied-
mont in the war of the East, and declared that the Sar
dinian troops had behaved with the greatest gallantry, and
merited well,of their country. "The Congress of Paris,"
says the King, "has confirmed our alliance with France
and England, at the same time that it re-established our
ancient friendship with Russia. The interests of Italy
were defended for the first time in a European Congress by
an Italian Power; and in demonstrating the necessity of
ameliorating the situation of Italy in the interest of all,
Sardinia has issued from the discussion with a just repu-
tation for prudence, political moderation, and civil courage.
The Government, supported by the national sentiment, will
pursue with constancy the policy which it. has hitherto
acted on. Itr the budget the expenditure and receipts are
in a,cornplete equilibrium. Internal r, forms remain to be
effected. The institutions conceded to the country by
King Charles Albert have been strengthened by time and
consolidated by the intimate union of the throne and the
people. They ensure to the country a prosperous and
glorious future." The speech was received with loud
applause.

The cold weather which set in so unexpectedly
on Tuesday in Paris seems likely to continue.
Yesterday every one in the streets was wrapped up'
as if in the midst of winter. At six in the morning
the thermometer of N. Chevalier stood at 3 1-10th
below zero ceutigrade (20 1-3 d Fahrenheit),and at
noon 2 2-10ths centigrade (28 Fahrenheit).

TURKEY.

CONSTANTINOPLE, DEC. 29.

Some changes have taken slate iri the ministry.
Ali Clhalib Pacha, a son of Itedschid's, and a son
in law of the Sultan, has left the ministry, and in
his stead Mukhtar Paella, late minister of finance,
has bean named minister of the imperial house and
of the mint. Musa Safeti Pacha goes from the
ministry of commerce to that of finance, and
Ismael Pacha takes his place in the ministry of
commerce.

These chassez croisez in the more subordinate
ministries—and finance and commerce .must be
counted among them in Turkey—have usually
very little importance in themselves, for Mehmet
understands his department about as much as
Mahmoud does, but the manner in which such
changes take place, and the circumstances which
accompany them, are sometimes very significant.
This is the case in the present instance. Red-
schid Pasha's advent to power could not check
the expensive habits of the palace. Thera was
indeed, no want of promises at the moment when
his services were required, but they were soon
forgotten, as was proved by two new loans con-
tractod since on the civil list. Tha last one
negociated with the Ottoman Bank was .taken
advantage of by the Grand Vizier to make
humble representations about the necessity of
reforming extravagant, habits, and putting a limit

to the expenditure of the palace, The answer
was a dismissal of Ali. Ghalib Pasba, who had
negociated the loan, and the above-mentioned
changes, which are entirely the work of Court
influence.

It is difficult to see how a Government can be
carried on in a time of crisis, when almost every in-
stitution in the state has to be reformed, while a
Damocles' sword is hanging over the head of every
Member of the Government. The first condition,
therefore, which the Grand Vizier made before
accepting power was entire freedom in the choice
of his Ministry. The late changes were the first
infraction of this condition. Although- they are
trifling in themselves, yet if the principle is once
admitted all Government must be at an end.
Ito doubt, with the traditions which exist in the
Turkish empire, it is very difficult, if not impos-
sible, to fix a limit.to Court influence, especially as
in late years it has been pushed to an extreme;
but if Turkey is to take her place within the pale
of European. States; something must be done in
this respect.
I wrote to you in one of my last letters that the
affair of the National Bank had been more vigor-
ously taken un, and that orders had been given by
the Grand Vizier to the Commission which was
named for this purpose by the late Ministry to do
something decisive. This has been attempted,
with whAt success you will see. As was expected,
the Commission, after a rather stormy discusSion,
came out the day before yesterday with a new
project. All the_ competitors were summoned. to
the Porte, called in separately, and each received a
copy of the new project. . .
The project says that the Government, desirous
of establishing a bank, will grant
,an exclusiv6
privilege for thirty years for the formation of an
Imperial and National Bank. The capital of the
bank is to consist of from 10,000,0001 to 12,000,0061
sterling, of which 8,000,0001 will be appropriated
for the redeeming of Kaimos, Sabin's, andßerhliks
(paper money and debased currency), and the
rest for purposes of commerce, industry, and
agriculture. .
The statutes of the bank are to be framed after
the model of similar banks in France and England.
Adopting the principle of fusion, the contractors
oblige themselves to open subscriptions in England,
FranCe, Germany, and Turkey, and leave these
lists open' and free to everybody in those countries
for a certain time.

For all the advances which the Bank will make
to the Government for the 'aboVe named purpose,
namely, the redeething of the paper money and of
the debased currency, the Government will pay
six per cent at par and no commission.
The Government is to appoint the Governor of
the Bank and a limited number of directors; the
rest- of,the directors
.are to be appointed by the
subScriberS, in. proportion to the sums subscribed
by each of the above named four countries.
The'contractois are to deposit 200,000/ sterling
as a guarantee..
The Bank to begin its functions six months after
the delivery of the firman.
I.suppose it will not surprise you to hear that
the proposal was received with almost unanimous
astonishment., Indeed, three Of the competitors,
the. Ottoman Bank, the agent of the house of
Rothschild, and the representatives of the native
association, declared immediately that theY could
not for one moment entertain the proposal. Messrs:
Wilkin alone, 1 hear, gave no decided refusali and
promisedle Consider the Project.
As I told you above, the project is the child of
the Bank Commission. necked by the late. Govern,
ment and kept.up by Redschid Pasha.. Wishing
to avoid all interference in money matters, the
Grand Vizier left the Commission entirely free,
and he had, therefore, nothing to do with the pro.
.jest; but this affair must convince him that he
must brave all chances of calumny and take the
Matter into his own hands, or else he expeies the
country to remain for a long 'time. to come, in the
wretched financial condition which bows it down
at present.