The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-04-11 00:00:00

not disturb the fiat of the majority to employ the
ecclesiastical revenues of the country to ecclesias-
tical purposes. All, however, including a great
number within the pale of the Established Church,
desire there-distribution of those revenues, and the
concoction of a reformed discipline with regard to
the performance of parish duties by all the in-
cumbents, and recipients of ecclesiastical dues.

We have been led to these reflections by a
perusal of the proceedings which took place at
the meeting of the Church Commissioners, on
Tuesday last, for the purpose of auditing the
parish accounts preparatory to the Easter Vestry.
It is not often that a man is both right and wrong
at the same time ; nevertheless, such was the
peculiar position of Mr. ROBERTS on that occa-
sion. He was right in calling attention to the
inefficiency of St. Paul's Church, but wrong in
stigmatizing the venerable Rector CAMPBELL, as
a primary cause of tha.t inefficiency. We do not
entirely concur in all that that rev. gentleman
says and does, but we cannot shut our eyes to the
fact that, as far as in him lies, he endeavours to
fulfil his mission as the Rector of Liverpool. He
certainly does not grudge time nor money to pro-
mote whatever he conceives to be a good object.
On these grounds we wish that Mr. ROBERTS, in
his zeal for an efficient ministry, had been less
pertinacious, indeed, we must add, offensive.
He completely marred the object he had in view,
by the pert, petulant, and dictatorial tone which
he assumed. Zeal, without discretion, is the
failing of many well-intentioned men. It is,
however, a drawback in the advocacy of a
righteous cause, which is always sure to effect
more evil than good. In the present instance,
the public must sympathise with Rector
CAMPBELL, well knowing that he has been un-
justly and rather rudely assailed. Mr. ROBERTS
has not been able to realise any aivantage to the
cause he took in hand, but, on the contrary, laid
himself open to the charge of wilfully offending
an innocent and much respected gentleman.

Apart from these considerations, it will he well
to glance at the statements advanced by Mr.
ROBERTS, and which led to the deputation alluded
to. Mr. ROBERTS complains that the Church of
St. Paul's is wretchedly attended, and that
Romanism and dissent is rapidly spreading in
the district. These effects he ascribes to the
inefficiency of the minister. If this be so, and
we suppose it is, for Rector CAMPBELL himself
deplored the very small attendance, and stated
that he had done everything in his power to
remedy the evil, the fact must be deplored
Now, looking at the dense population in St.
Paul's District, and comparing it with the number
of persons who frequent the Church, everybody
must be forced to admit there is something
wrong. Why, if it were possible to plant St.
Paul's Church in the wilds of Connemara,
there would be a larger congregation than it is
said now frequents that venerable fabric.
unurches were uu►►c ror useful, not ornamental
purposes ; and if the incumbent either cannot or
will not act as a true minister and fill his church,
he should not pocket the public money for hum-
ming over the Church service, and reading a ser-
mon once, or at most twice each week. Let him
go forth and visit from house to house, seek out
in the streets and the lanes of his district the
spiritually destitute, converse with them on the
prospects not for time but for eternity. Let him
meet all who call themselves members of the
Church, and by earnest but affectionate exhorta-
tation show them the error of their ways ; break
among this spiritually benighted and hungry
people the bread of life with meekness and rever-
ence, and sure we are that he will soon draw a
congregation. How is it that the Rev. Messrs.
FALLOON and TAYLOR, ANDERSON and MooRE, el
hoc genus ontae, have filled their churches with
an attached people, and earnest and devout
worshippers ? It is only by the faithful perform-
ance of their duties. Preaching is but one of
these duties. The house to house ministrations
are, in our estimation, the most important of the
clerical functions ; and were he a APNEILE or a
SPURGEON. all his eloquence would fail to keep
together a congregation unless the requi-
sites alluded to were anxiously and fully observed.
Mr. ROBERTS gave us a hint why the minister of
St. Paul's Church was so unsuccessful. He
stated that he was a Surrogate, and gave us to
understand that the requirements of that office,
although appertaining to the Church, hindered
a more diligent prosecution of the duties enu-
merated above.

This may be true or not; but if it is, we would
entreat the reverend gentleman to whom the re-
mark applies to think of the reflection which it con-
veys. Maybe that the God of Mammon has a
greater place in his constant study and practice
than the conversion of souls. He has it yet in his
power to gainsay his accusers. Let him sincerely
and earnestly gird up his loins for the labours of his
ministerial office; be constant in season and out
of season, exhorting the sinner to repent, and
flee from the wrath to come,---comforting and
consoling the needy and afflicted. In every
phase of life, from the cradle to the grave, he will
find occasion for the exercise of his min-
isterial services. In the church and the school
let him teach by precept and example the doc-
trines of temperance, soberness, and chastity,
visit the sick, and be ever ready to attend the
bedside of the dying, then encouraging the glo-
rious hopes of the REDEEMER beyond the grave;
and urging prayer and humble contrition on the
hardened and impenitent. Such a minister will
be successful in his mission. Praises on earth,
and approval in Heaven will follow his footsteps,
and none can complain of his empty church.

MR. BRIGHT'S address to the electors of Man-
chester, forwarded from Florence, and bearing
date March 31, is one which will have been read
with interest, and even sympathy, by a large
portion of his countrymen. The late honourable
member for Manchester was esteemed by those who
differed from him in political opinion, for he had
that which commands confidence and wins respect
—great intellectual power, seconded by fearless
honesty. Some would say that he was crotchetty,

but that is a matter of opinion. His religious
convictions separated him, of course, from the great
body of the people on the question of the war. But
there is an advantage, perhaps, in having such views
as these defended in the house, and presented to the
codntry. Vree discussion should present, not
merely one side of a StibPjet, but, if possible, every
side. The men who would go very feat recede by
the action of the men who would go very slowly.
And so every phase of opinion has its use in the
general result, and contributes to form that com-
pound product which we call public opinion.

The electors of Manchester have exercised their
undoubted right of dismissing, as to them seemed
good, one set of representatives, and replacing
them by another. And yet we feel that they have
acted with something like ingratitude to one
who had served them with such distinguished
ability, so faithfully and Well. Tile whole country
listened to Manchester through her twe eminent
and able representatives, GIBSON and BRIGHT. It
happens that Mr. Batonfs health needs nursing
and repose; there is, therefore, but small disappoint-
ment to his ambition. It is natural that he should
wish to have been face to face with those who have
dealt him this blow; for, though belonging to that
denomination which makes peace so prominent an
article of their political and religious faith, yet
Mr. BRIGHT is full of combativeness. He is a
good fighter, while professing to be a peaceful
quaker " friend." No one has shown himself more
able to sound the war clarion, when an onslaught
was to be made on some giant abuse of church or
state. The amount of labour that he has gone
through must have been quite prodigious, and no
wonder that brain and health have been impaired.
We trust this will be only for a time, and that he
will rise up like a giant refreshed with sleep, and
again gird himself to the combat with politica'
and spiritual wickedness in high places.
Mr. BRIGHT'S intention of retiring into private
life is perhaps not irrevocable. Some constituency
may hereafter honour themselves by returning to
Parliament a man who so powerfully fought in the
first ranks among Reformers. Manchester seems
shorn of a part of its influence in the politics of
the country by losing Mr. BRIGHT. His succes-
sor will have no sinecure if he attempt to fill
the same place in the public eye and mind
which was filled by Mr. BRIGHT. All the country
acknowledges the late member for Manchester
to have been one of the most eloquent and
powerful men in the House. Indeed, we cannot
feel that the British House of Commons is pro-
perly itself without such men as Lord JOHN
RUSSELL, COBDEN, and BRIGHT. It would be
like playing " Hamlet," with the part of" Hamlet'
omitted by special request. Neither the nation
nor the world is prepared at present to agree
with those who are for "peace at any price." There
may be things more precious than life which
are to be defended at even the cost of life itself.
All are agreed that war is a mighty evil, a curse,
a folly, and, unless inevitable, a national crime
perpetrated on a grand scale. Whether it can
be justified in the cool eye of reason, may be
made a question. If human brotherhood were
become a practical principle in the world, war, and
a thousand other social evils, would conic to an
end. Tlnf is not advane,,a thin state,
and after doing every thing that justice may pre
scribe to avoid hostilities, it may happen that
nothing remains but the dreadful arbitration cf
the sword. It may be forced on us as many think
happened in the case of the late Russo-Turkish
war. But whether this be so or not, a majority of
his late constituents differ with Mr. BRIGHT in this
and some other points. The storm has been rising
for some time, and at length it has resulted in
the rejection of the two former members for
Manchester.

Differing, as many of us do, from Mr. BRIGHT.
we can yet feel the touching truth of his words,
when he says, " I am not without a hope that when
a calmer hour shall come, you will say of Mr.
GIBSON and of me that, as colleagues in your
representation for ten years, we have not sacrificed
our principles to gain popularity, or bartered our
independence for the emoluments of office, or the
favours of the great. I feel that we have stood for
the rights and interests and freedom of the people,
and that we have not tarnished the honour, or
lessened the renown, of your eminent city." Even
his antagonists will not refuse the truth of this.-
Tey will remember how well and nobly he fought
with others the battle of Free Trade ; how a
Manchester League schooled and trained the
country into the doctrines of commercial freedom;
with how trenchant a logic all the pleas of Protee.
tionism were given to the winds ; how the popular
faith was forced upon reluctant Ministers ; how
Cabinets were overthrown ; and how England's
greatest and most cautious of Conservative states.
men sacrificed his friends and his party, and
carried into law the doctrines of the Manchester
School, in corn. Sir ROBERT PEEL generously
acknowledged that RICHARD COBDEN and his asso-
ciates had carried the thing out of doors, and it
remained for him only to propose a practicable
method of carrying it in the House. Now JOHN
BRIGHT was not one of the feeblest of those
associates. And not only on this question, but on
all the great popular questions of the day, was
heard the powerful and commanding voice of JOHN
BRIGHT. The cause of Parliamentary Reform loses
strength by his exclusion from the Senate. We
trust that, though not at present in the house, he
will not he entirely lost to the people. He can do
much out of doors to forward the cause that lies
nearest his heart ; and he may even yet be heard
within the walls of Parliament, if he will allow that
honour to be thrust upon him.

A farewell address from the once far-famed and
popular member for Manchester has a strange
sound to our ears. We part with him with highest
respect. and sympathy, our difE?rence of opinion
notwithstanding. The country will rejoice to hear
of his recovered health and energy; the esteem of
his countrymen accompanies him to the classic
land of Italy. Tile), remember his many solid
excellences and valuable public services, and they
set these against a few peculiarities of opinion
which are not yet become popular. The late
JOSEPH HUME was an universal target of opposition
yet at his death all parties united to do him honour
for his integrity and unswerving attachment to the
cause of Economy, Reform, and all national
progress. Similar is the feeling which attends Mr.
BRIGHT. Though all sides of the House had to
dread his opposition, and ho never feared to be in
a glorious minority of one, if he thought he was on
the right side, yet all now regret his exclusion
from Parliament; and if this exclusion should be
nermament, they will all unite in saying, " Wen
done thou good and faithful servant."

THE Money Market is in an exceedingly ticklish

and unsatisfactory position. The rate of interest °
has advanced, is advancing, and is likely to go a
step higher, until all the pi-Ate' of merchants and
manufacturers are swallowed up in the avaricious
maw of the money lender. Not satisfied with
giving the " serer" another turn on the 2nd inst.,
and advancing the minithurn rate of interest to (4-
per cent., the Bank of England Bisectors met on
Tuesday, and resolved upon a further measure of
restriction, less important probably in itself than
as an indication of what may be coming. Bills of
one month only are to ,be discounted to bill
brokers and on bills of longer date, advances will
only be made to Brokers for a fortnight.. In
ordinary times the Bank of England discounts
bills to brokers not having more than three months
to run, in the same manner, and for the same
terms as the public; but, according to Tuesday's
resolution we see that arrangement is set aside, so
that the facilities for obtaining discount accommo-
dation on the very best securities have been with-
drawn by the Bank. These changes, and that too
within such an exceedingly short tirneetell badly for
the state of the Money Market. From them one of
two things is evident—either that the Bank of
England is just now placed in peculiarly unfavour,
able circumstances, and as a measure of protection
must adopt its present stringent and restrictive
measures; or it is seeking to obtain at the expense
of the mercantile and manufacturing Interests of
the country exorbitant and undue profits.
We find by their recent movements in the Bank
parlour, that notwitiicterrding their large capital,
and the monetary monopoly which they enjoy, the
directors are unable to contend against the neces-
sity of being obliged always to buy or sell the
precious metals at a standard price, without
reference to the supply:or demand therefor. Hence
it is that •the European Continent can supply its
wants at the expense of England. Week after
week large quantities of gold are reaching our
shores from Australia, but it is carried off to the
Continent, and England is tantalised by being
starved in the midst of plenty. One or two turns
of the Bank screw will not stop this efflux of gold.
The Bank Charter Act is the root of the evil—an
evil which victimises England, and injures her
industrial population in the process. As matters
now stand, something must be done to avert the
monetary crisis which apparently threatens the
country. It is true that we ar© told that the
present exigency will be only of temporary dura-
tion, and that the next " arrivals from Australia''
will afford a slight alleviation. Surely the trade
and commerce of England has not come to that
calamitous position, that the hopes and prospects
of the mercantile community are dependent upon
the eariy,arrivals of vessels bringing specie amount-
ing to a few hundred thousand pounds. It is mons
trous to think of a monetary system which is
affected by the breaking down of a steamer, adverse
winds, or the thousand and one accidents which
cause the delay, if not disaster, to which sea-going
vessels are exposed.
We have repeatedly called attention to the
anomalies and inconsistencies of the Bank Charter
Act. Mr. Horsfall, in his speech on the hustings.,
a fortnight ago, alluded to them, and the impera-
tive necessity which exists for their abolition, and
tb.o framing of a monetary system in unison
with the present and growing wants of
our extended trade and commerce. A select
committee of the House of Lords which have
investigated the operations of the Bank Charter,
have clearly traced to it the deplorable events
which occurred in commercial circles in 1847.
Like causes produce like results. At present the
cause of alarm is, if anything, greater, inasmuch as
it is generally sdmitted that there is an entire
absence of undue speculation, and that the present
unwarranted pressure cannot be in any degree
attributed to domestic affairs. Looking at the
influence which the operations of the Bank of
England exercises upon the trade and commerce
of the country, we are disposed to regard the
monetary legislation as being of greater importance
than the fiscal. For, although we view with distaste
and dislike the exaetion of an oppressive and
inquisitorial tax upon incomes, and desire their
early abolition, it is certainly more urgent that the
monetary laws of the country should not prevent.
us acquiring the moans of meeting the unpalatable
and unjust charge.
It appears that the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHE-
QUER has intimated his intention of renewing the
Bank Charter Act, without change or modification,
for a further period of ten years. Surely this can-
not be. It is impossible that the new Parliament
will inflict such an injury upon the country. We
want a calm, full, and deliberate investigation of
the advantages or disadvantages of our present
Currency laws. Both sides should be heard. The
advocates of moneyocracy should not be allowed to
sway the judgment of the Legislature; and if it
can be demonstrated that the Bank Charter, as
it now exists, is a drag upon the progress and
extension of commerce, tho best interests of
the country demand its instant and unqualified
modification, if not repeal.

THE, WILLIAM BROWN MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT AND
DEBATING SOCIETY.—The workmen in the employ of
Messrs Cope, Brothers and Co, the extensive cigar manu-
facturers, cf Lord Nelson street, have commenced a class
under the above name, the firm having kindly granted them
the use of a large room connected with the factory in
which to hold their meetings.
ARREST OP A WOMAN ON A CHARGE OP MURDER.—Some
three months ago, it may be remembered that an inquest
was held on two children, that were alleged to have been
smothered in a street off Scotland road. It was subse
qnently found that death was caused by arsenic, and the
mother of the children, Mary Coghlan, was accused of the
crime. She absconded at the time, but was brought to
town yesterday in custody. She was arrested at Boyle,
in the county Roscommon.
LIST OP PAssENG EaS PER S.S. NOM II AMERICAN,
FROM PoRTLAND.—MP Simpson, Mrs Simpson and
daughter, Mr T W Griffith, Mr W C Evans and
lady, Mr Kemp, Mr John Hooker, Mr John Barker,
Mr Platt, Mr A Leighton, Lieutenant Douglas, Mr
Archdall, Captain Dalrymple, Mrs Derbyshire and child,
Mr Carruthers. Dr McDowall, William Linlay, Joseph
Gent, James Langmore, D Wilcox, James Douglass, J H
Underwood, J Coolson, G B Blackhans, Joseph Tomlin-
son, and David Irnrie.-28 passengers.
COMPLIMENTARY DINNER AND PaESENTATION.—On
Thursday evening several friends of Mr. Robert Hums',
of this town, entertained him at dinner, and presented him
with a splendid and valuable lever watch on the occasion
of his removal to London. The dinner took place at the
house of Mr John Hilton, Copperas hill, and consisted of
every variety, and was served up in the best style. Mr.
Starkey ably occluded the chair, and Mr. E. C. Griffin
the vice chair, When the good things had been amply
discussed, and the loyal toasts duly honoured, the chair-
man, in a neat ana happy speech, proposed the health of
the respected guest, upon whose business habits, punctuality
and urbanity, he passed well merited compliments. He
also spoke of him in his private and social capacity, and
said in all the relations of life he was respected, and that
he bore with him, to his new sphere of action the esteem of
all whe knew him. He then presented Mr. Hume (with
appropriate observations) the watch, and trusted that he
would long live to wear it. The toast was drunk with
great, enthusiasm, and musical honours. Mr. Hume, who
evidently felt much, returned thanks, and assured the cons.
psny that he should never forget the kindness shown him.
The evening was spent most agreeably, songs, sentiments
and anecdotes enlivened the proceedings, and shortly after
eleven o'clock the company separated, highly gratified
with the whole proceedings