Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1859-10-25 00:00:00

ST. PETER'S WARD.

A public meeting of the friends of Mr. 11. C. Beloe,
one of the candidates for the repreentation of St.
Peter's Ward in the Town Council, was held last night,
in the Clarendon-rooms, South John-street. The chair
was occupied by Mr. 0. T. Bowrinf.T. In the opening
remarks, the Chairman said that they did not anticipate
any opposition in the ward ; and Mr. Holme's conduct
Iliad led them to this conclusion,' as he never in any
instance contradicted ibe reports Current in town, and
occasionally noticed in the public prints, that he in-
tended to retire inio private life on the expiring of his
term of office. Indeed it was evident he intended and
wished to do so, but he had been dragged forward by
his party. Under these circumstances they had re-
quested Mr. Beloe to come forward; and they would
coincide with him when he said, they could not find a
More fit or proper person. •

Mr. IliarnsGs then moved that Mr. H. C. Beloo is
a fit and proper person to represent St. Peter's Ward in
the Town Council.

The motion was seconded by Mr. WINCHESTER, and
was carried unanimously.
Mr. BELOE, who was greeted with great applause,
said that he could not express what he felt at this cor-
dial reception, seeing that he was not a native of the town.
He had, however, a great interest in Liverpool, and he
owed it a debt of gratitude. As to his coming forward
in the capacity of candidate for the representation of
the ward, he did not come forward to throw amongst
them the brand of discord; for if Mr. Holme had inti-
mated to him privately, or otherwise, that he intended
to stand, there would have been no contest so far as ho
was concerned. The requisition which was presented
is him was so under the. impression that there was a
vacancy, and, therefore, Mr. Holme opposed him—not he
Mr. Holme. He did not wish anything he might say to be
construed into disrespect of that gentleman, as he had often
met him under various circumstances, and had always
found him gentlemanly and straightforward. lie then re-
ferred to the Finance Committee, remarking that he
differed from them in many things, although open to
conviction if any one will show him that he is wrong.
lie could not understand the logic of making the in-
come equal every year by some extraordinary revolution.
He did not doubt bat the magnificent corporate estate
of the tow❑ was perhaps as well managed as any other ;
but he could not submit to the dictation of the Finance
Committee, or any one else, if they did not give him
reasons for what they did. He had long audited the
accounts of the Corporation, and he could only charac-
terise that duty in Liverpool as a farce, a delusion, and
a snare. He could not but consider Mr. Holme an
ineligible person to represent theni in the Council,
holding, as he did, a high place in the Dock Board.
It was clearly impossible for any man to hold high
• offices in both, and do his duty fairly between them.
Beloe then referred to the late defalcations
in the market accounts, the approaches to the
landing-stage, and some other matters of local in-
terest, concluding by saying that if he was returned, he
would do his best to have a better system of supervision
over the expenditure introduced ; anti in doing so, would
be influenced by no party or clique whatever.
Mr. DAItSIE then proposed, and Mr. RICKARBY
seconded, " That this meeting pledge itself to the return
of Mr. H. C. Baloe, on the Ist of November."
The motion was carried unanimously.

The business of the meeting concluded by movine, a
vote of thanks to the Chairman, which was warmly
responded to.

THE LONDON SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING
CHRISTIANITY AMONG THE JEWS.

Last night, the anniversary meeting of the Liverpool
Auxiliary to this society was held in the Collegiate
Institution. The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of the
Diocese occupied the chair ; and the Rev. C. J. Good-
hart, M.A., minister of Park Chapel, Chelsea ; and the
Rev. Thomas Nolan, of London (formerly of this town),
attended as a deputation from the Parent . Society.
Amongst the other gentlemen on the platform, we
observed the Rev. Dr. M'Neile, the Rev. J. B. I.owc,
the Rev. 11. Carpenter, and a considerable number of
the local clergy.

The meeting' having been opened with prayer,
The RIGHT REV. PRELATE delivered a brief intro-
ductory address. He said he joined heart and hand with
them in every effort they could make for that great
object—the conversion of the Jews. When they spoke
of the conversion of the Jews, there were two different
points of view with which the subject might be regarded.
They might look back to that great result, that trium-
phant consummation foretold in prophecy, when all the
nations of Israel will be converted to the true faith, and
there will be one fold for Gentile and Jew, under one
Shepherd, Jesus Christ, the Lord of All. Now, the
precise time when that great restoration of the Jewish
people will take place, has not been expressly revealed
to us. It was still reserved in the depths of God's
eternal counsel. It was, or it seemed to him, to be a
matter not within their own reach for common logical
calculation, but rather a matter for humble, patient,
hopeful faith. Well, that was one aspect. There was
another—for meanwhile, even now, there was a real
work going on in the same direction-70ot so extensive,
not so grand, not so imposing in its effect upon the 1
mind ; but still a real work. He meant the conversion
of individuals from among the mass of Jewish people, by
which they. were brought continually under the influence
of the Christian faith ; and it was to this object that the
efforts of their society were directed. (Applause.)
The Rev. J. B. LOWE, the local secretary, then read
the report. This stated that the society had now thirty
different stations occupied by their missionaries. There
were 30 ordained missionaries, 29 unordained mis-
sionaries, 29 colporteurs, Scripture-readers, &c. ; 27
schoolmasters and mistresses, with their assistants :
making a total of 115, of whom 56 were converts from
Judiasm. (Applause.) The report stated, as affecting
local operations, that the German Church and Hebrew
services, under the Rev. D. J. Hirsch, had been well
attended durin(-, the year. There had been many in-
quiries ; and the number of Jews visited amounted to
138. The,income of the Parent Society showed the
increased interest which was taken in the work, the
amount, contributed to it by associations last year ex-
ceeding 'that of the previous year by £l,lOO. The
income of the Local Auxiliary was .E 776 19s. 4d.,
showing an i) crease over last year of £125 odd. There
. were now eig teen branch associations in Liverpool and
1 its suburbs, be g an increase of three since last year.
Mr. 11. J. 1 EBSTER read a detailed statement of the
1
accounts; and
The Rev. Dr. M'NEILE, who was received with ap-
plause, moved the first resolution—for the adoption,
&c., of the report and the re-election of the officers of
the local auxiliary. He dwelt at considerable length
upon the obligations of the Christian world towards the
Jewish people. He proceeded at some length to detail
the peculiar views which he is well known to entertain
upon this subject; and, in concluding, stated that, for
some years, the income of the society had been increas-
ing ; yet the labours of the society had not extended.
The result of his inquiries upon the subject was this,
that in the great towns upon the Continent, where their
agents were principally found, since the Russian war

increased, so that it
a-year to receive
to,Deeeive £l2O.
„ .
i the
N£N,laos
07nxecap-yeentssaaerrsyoaffno4dri;;l94,aos:hati
The Rev. C.- J. GoonuAnT seconded. the resolution,
:h'i largely'foa lih ad.. t£ 81000
in a speech of considerable 'length. lie urged 'greater
zeal in the. cause.; and said -that all that was wanted
to impart greater interest in the work was a full,
liScriptural acquaintance with the Jewish subject. They
should be. ooked . upon as dying sinners. They were
scatteredoier the earth ; but Christ was of the seed of
Abraham, and the son of David; and was it possible,
he asked, that a could pass away thus linked with i
on Saviour ?, :He, wished every Christian to consider
well . the question, ITQW does it affect me that.ChriA'
wasthe Son of David ? for questions. like this opened
re.it a mine .of . Scriptural wealth.c: and thie. pointed
clearly to the fulfilment of the double ;covenant in
tyke person of our Saviour, and the ultimate restoration
of . the Jens. That would .be a happy day for 'this
World,' because it worild road to the blessed period 'when
(the.knowledge of the Lord` shall cover the earth as the
waters' cover the ' But should remember.that all
. ..
such. •
prospects'as' this allays.carried with their preSent
dtities:,'s People calleoPon them to shoe So many bap-
- tismS• a,Montlr. • Nor, bn,ptitaiS were' not the :object,
properly speaking, 'Of. their-work. They (the society)
could not convert a Soul ;, and what he -wished the
,ineeting, to . understand 'WM, :that they had just gone
faithfully and honestly. to- -that point which they could
.:go, andfurtherthey could not, go—that was to circulate
;among the . Jewish people a knowledge of the truth of
God, in every variety of way that they could bring it to
bear... The Old Testament, the New. TeStament, the.
Prayer;Rook, and various books and tracts had been
translated into Hebrew ; and there were now thousands.
'of Jews, .especially ttpou the Continent, affected by the
teaching thus afforded and by their missionary efforts.
The rev, speaker gave several instances in. illustration,
and sat down amid considerable applause. - ' i
The second resolution was moved by the Rev., Mr.
Nolan, and seconded by the Rev, Dr. Taylor.
A collection was made on behalf of the funds of the
society; and after a vote of thanks to the Bishop for
presiding, the meeting broke up.

CONSERVATIVE DEMONSTRATION IN
ESSEX.

The annual meeting of the Hinckford Conservative
and Agricultural Club was held at Castlolledingham, on
Saturday. The chair was occupied by Mr. J. W.
Perry Watlington, M.P. who was supported by the
Right Hon. W. Beresford, M.P., Mr. Charles Du Cane,
M.P., Mr. T. J. Miller, M.P., Mr. P. 0. Papillon, M.P.,
Sir W. P. Smyth, M.P., &c:
Mr. A. Majendie proposed the health of the member
for North Essex. (Cheers.)
Mr. Beresford, M.P., said, since the last meeting of
the association, a very extreme and strong Reform Bill
had been brought forward—not by those who would
be the most fit and appropriate promoters of such
a measure, but by the leaders of the Conservative
'party in the House of Commons. Those leaders
had, previously to 1858, opposed any innovation
in our representative system, but they nevertheless
brought forward a strong Reform Bill. He did not
approve--and who with straightforward views could
have approved ?—of the course taken to arrest the pro-
gress of that bill; and lie had felt it his duty to stand
by Lord Derby, and vote with his government against
the resolution of Lord John Russell, not because he was
enamoured of the Reform Bill which was under discus-
sion, but because he plainly saw, and it was evident,
that the object of Lord John Russell was to drive the
occupants of the treasury benches from their position,
and to appropriate their places to his own party.
On a retrospect of the last kw years, he (Mi..
Beresford) could not see a very great and distinct
difference between a Conservative and a Liberal
Government, when they' were in actual possession and
installed. Conservatives in power were all for progress,
and in that enlightened mode they not only talked
but acted extremely liberally. They actually proposed
and passed the very measures which they had vitupe-
rated, and of which they had shown the danger. Again,
verie frinonotffiadcen
if
frequently elltSenotiltyl Yf
assumedairth saaiyi
et
xh
tarte .ntlhoeyloVolnls;v
position. Long disquisltions on Liberal Conservatives
and Conservative Liberals had bees heard from Whig
treasury benches ; and in the late session, and par-
ticularly towards the close of it, he heard many members
On his own side deprecate aay proceedings adverse
to the present Government, as the Conservative ele-
ment in the cabinet was very predominant. For his
owd part, instead of bailing with pleasure this approxi-
mation" to the same creed between antagonistic parties,
who, for a century and a half? had held diametrically
opposite opinions upon political matters and political
conduct, he viewed it with some suspicion and alarm.
It arose, lie feared, from a dereliction of principle,
through an overwhelming desire to obtain power. He
had not approved of all that Lord Derby had done
and was doing • what was more, he could not agree
that noble lord's administration in much they
had conceded ; but he wished to give them what they
had not obtained, namely, fair play, and he owned
also that he had a firm, and he trusted, a conscientious
dislike to that constant and eternal change of govern-
ment which was now the order. of the day. (Hear,
hear.) Next session, the policy of the new government
would be fully developed, and among the measures
which would be brought forward, no doubt a reform bill
would be the most prominent. He should wait till ho
saw the objects of that bill, and the means by which the
latter were to be secured, before he gave an opinion on
the subject. The unjust attempt at the total and uncon-
ditional abolition of church-rates was, however, a clear
and recognised subject. It was useless to look at the
details or the way in which such iniquity and spolia-
tion were to be carried out ; his opinions on the sub-
ject was distinct, firm, and unalterable. He looked
upon the scheme of church-rate abolition as an effort to
take away from the church property which had been
recognised for years as belonging to it, and which had
been given by our ancestors to those sacred fabrics
in
rr
ieti
sbhumri
man
- f
-war
Cs
still
ravvaetihveers
coloursbfl yyinthge,
which we adored our God, and in which our fore-
fathers we,
rudsp
Upon
nmd
eollniyee, r
mt
hdoee
rt
eemr msolibinojanetei
tomni
ed ue
wn
lastdi
sahue
ste c
church-rates, and it they, were to be defeated. let. the
d.
gfaotohde rosl dwße
Id
to
s(l4Heyre aarc,ofiehl
mon" for throwing the office of Lord Chancellor of Ire-
land open to Roman Catholics. That scheme; of course,
w:th his Protestant ideas, he did not admire, and he
thanked God there was still in the British House of
Commons • a strong Protestant party, who were deter-
mined to resist the plan. He trusted the Protestant
constituencies of England would jog the memories of
their representatives—a course which was always attended
with a certain weight and effect—if they wished to be
protected from a fresh aggression from Rome. (Cheers.)

THE HON. MR. AND MRS. NORTON AT KETTLE-
THORPE HALL, NEAR WAKEFIELD.,--During the past,
week, the Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Norton have been at their
old scat, Kettlethorpe Hall, near Wakefield, the occasion
being the painful ono of the burial of their eldest son.
The remains of the deceased, Fletcher Cavendish Chas.
Conyers Norton, first secretary of legation at Athens,
who died at Paris on the 13th instant, at the early
' age of thirty, were brought to the seat of his ances-
tors last week, the lying-in state taking place in the
interior
of chapel at the end of the lake. The
of the chapel was hung with black cloth. The. coffin
was placed on a bier in the centre. On the head
of the lid was a figure of Christ crncified,, with
wreaths of everlastings, and . a scroll, • bearing a
motto ; then the spiel i, with obituary, a wreath of
everlastings, yellow, and bound with black flowers,
of French manufact/re, terminated the bust ; then a
wreath of variegatAfurs, &c., on the bosom, followed
by wreaths of eyorlastings. The oak shell was deco.
rated with shields, with the cross in the -centre. On
-either side-f,--rthe bier were platforms, with wax candles
also silver
obnranthehe
esrigehft
threeand l
lights,e ft by mi
mu
nt
bur "g, and branches of three lights at the head,
leesd;iataeillyd
ooffn
either side of the chapel, on elevated platforms, stood
the chief mourners' stalls. The whole had a solemnly
imposing effect, and hundreds visited the ceremo-
nial during Thursday last. On Sunday, the inter-
ment of the deceased took place at Sandal, according to
the ceremonials of the Roman Catholic Church. The
Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Norton, the brother of the deceased,
and Sir Henry Johnson, were the ehi.f mourners. Mrs.
Norton was evidently in deep affliction, and she has,
both before and since the funeral, been paid every atten-
tion by her husband. The party have dined pgetlier
every day at the Pledwick Well lan; and it is lialy.d
twat the great sorrow v. itich has come
have the effect of chastening those asperities and animo-
sities which have, unfortunately, embittered so many
years of Mr. and Mrs. Norton's domestic life.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of

our correspondents.]

MR. CLARKE ASPINALL AND FAMILY

CLAIMS.

TO TIM' EDITOR, OF TIM NORTHERN DAILY TIMES.
ilceetynasot taoitiohgeeitllliderllbni toavi.:lle n ant uere.
hoasf hisexe
ccul at
ei s
fourp ouns
SlR,—This adroit young gentleman, with a laudable
dame:
the suffrages of. the St. Anne's electors, has hit upon a
fdaimngilyupgornoucpon,
t‘rvalisite,hileex pts notwithstandingwill trtohwe
favourable relief, as at present the most promi-
nenthad nimglntoers attractiveti t n
fl ure
aolf•titsitliec touch, perhaps other than superficial
piece. Giving every credit for the
observers may be disposed to .question whether he has
chosen the Most 'attractive guise, in thus presenting
himself before the public as the attenuated shadow of
a respected name. He has suggested to us in the first
ease an unfavourable, and in the second, an unpleasant
association. The mantle of his grandfather virtuous
and' respected tradesman, who won his way to the chief
social position-in his native town—sits awkwardly on his
degenerate shoulders. When Mr. Aspinall conies•for-
ward in Whig-Radical colours, he would do well to
sink the memory of a name so indissolubly ~onnected
with—so thoroughly steeped and infased in—the "back-
' bone " Toryism of Liverpool.' Could John Bridge
Aspinall rise from his grave, he would disown as a
recreant and pervert, so faithless a representer of his
family traditions. The Aspinall name in Liverpool con-
nects all its prestige with polities; and when a vain
and light-headed youngster offers to inaugurate.a new
political history he has made an ugly break in the chain,
and must rest his claims exclusively upon the indepen-
dent position he has assumed. If the name of Aspinall
dwells with any charm in the memories of the St, Anne's
electors, they will turn with instinctive disfavour from
its present unworthy representative. A Whig Aspinall,
appealing to his ancestry, turns himself into a political
impostor.

As for Mr. Clarke Aspinall's nearer progenitor, it
would ill become me to reflect upon a—l doubt not
most worthy—dignitary of the Church of England.
Unless his son had brought forward even the sacredness
of the paternal character, to strengthen his political
claims, it would have been sufficient to reflect how
much more consistently and how mull more respectably
the rector of Althorpe discharges the duties of his high
station, than the necessities of a partisan of the Radical
party. Yet neither does the latter accident of this clergy-
man's Liverpool career weaken the Tory traditions of
his family, nor add a grace to the political degeneracy
of his son. Since it is a familiar tradition to old Liver-
pudlians to give a somewhat sinister interpretation to
this phase of his life. So far as a clergyman ought to
be, the once incumbent of St. Luke's was, no doubt, at
one time, an adequate representative of his hereditary
political creed. I'trhaps, if the old Tory Corporation
had wished to retain the party allegiance of a clergy-
man, who bore the name of their most respected mem-
ber, they acted unwisely in disappointing his expectations
of the junior Rectory of Liverpool. But when the
Rectory of Althorpe has rewarded him for his sudden
change of politics, let us not bring his memory again on
the political arena of a town, which, as it was perhaps
ungrateful to his merits, cannot revert to his previous
connection with its politics, without some sort of dis-
satisfaction.--Yours truly,

nicicY SAM.

CASTLE-STREET WARD.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN DAILY TIMES.
Srn.,—l beg to call the attention of your readers to
Mr. F. S. Hull's letter in the Daily Post of Saturday,
and they will not fail to notice the very temperate com-
ments he passes upon the " Polite Literature " indulged
in by Mr. Steains. Yesterday being Sunday, I hope
Mr. Steains may have attended to his own proyers, if,
as he says, his opponents do " forget to say their's ;".and
that his mind may have been awakened to the passage
in our Church Litany asking deliverance from " evil
speaking." I
.do not doubt the Conservative electors
will show him on the Ist November how they appreciate
his "choice language," and how they value the promise
he made three years ago when he appeared before the
electors of Castle-street Ward to solicit their votes.
He is not the only Radical partizan who sailed into the
Council-chamber under false colours; but this time there
can be no mistake, and as one of his early supporters, I
cry . pECCAVL
24th October, 1859.

BURNS, SCALDS, WdUittiii, theßus.—ln the wide field of'
sa,-;,-,ry, nothing has given rise. to more dispute than the
treatment of these disorders. Ice, turpentine, astringents;
and warmth, have been the various remedies respectively
advocated by most eminent surgeons. Let deep science theo-
retically setae which mode of practise is best defended, whilst
the po,,r sufferer turns for ease, comfort, and cure, to Iloilo-
way's Ointment, which practically performs wonders in all
external sores, whatever their first cause or present nature,
by soothing the tortured nerves, and reducing inflammation.
The heat, pain, and tightness are soon removed, without •
leaving a blemish.

Ittritigetur.

RACING FIXTURES, 1859.
NOVEMBER.
I Liverpool A utumr
4 Shrewsbury Autumn

Worcester Autumn.
Upton-on-Severn
Hereford

5
19

NEWMARKET HOUGHTON MEETING,
MONDAY.
The CRITERION STAKES, 30 sovs. • each, 20 forfeit, for
two-yoar olds.

Thormanby
Thunderbolt....

Nine ran.
SELLING HANDICAP of 10 sous. each.

Lonalegs
Fernleaf..

r ANDIC .P SWEEPSTAKES.

Joskin..
Attonto

1
2

Five ran
• SWEEPSX k KES of 10 sovs. each. Bretby course.
FalcoOer • • • " •
Pauline
MAICIT• 800 fIOV/i. each Int: T.Y.C. Brown Bess filly beat
Tour de Potee.
MATCH 500 soya. each,-11 M. Prioress 7st. 21b. beat Toxo-
lthilite list. 121 b.
MATCII 200 says., D.M. Mouravieff beat Antonio.
MATCH 100 sous. T.Y.C. Adulation beat the Senorita filly.
PRODUCE MATCH 500 SON'S. Eda won.

•••• .... ......... ... I

I .
LATEST BETTING.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE STAKES.
7 to 1 against North Lincoln, taken.
8 to 1 against Artless, taken.
8 to 1 against Honey, taken.
9 to 1 against Mazzmi, taken.
It to 1 against Petra, taken.
14 to 1 against Ambush, taken.
15 to I against Lady Alice.
16 to 1 against Sam Spode, taken.
- . 16 to I against Mutineer, taken.
20 to 1 against Ariadne, offered.
25 to 1 against Orcus, taken.
30 to 1 against Broadlands.
1 , 3') to 1 against Geologie.
.33 to 1 against Maud, taken.
The Letting to-day has been in heavy amounts, and the con-
fidence displayed by North Lincoln's followers is sufficient evi-
dence to 1 against
ouns eno everythinghsmnio .1.
holds
eks
Iheithihs 1
eblhari
tel:tsrcetaa.egfnreo.
otbdeeHr
emdonensoseuti
yih:ardin't
trialoi 1 Am-
bushi
win.
tneog
thatb e horse
ti
reliedt l
fancye siss
leeeansa:einereielstwnmimOirattteet, is
Istt'the
however
back in earnest, but I certainly do not admire his style of
going. Maud is whispered a good thing, and is, I fancy, worth
backing for a place. were I compelled to name one absolutely,
it would be NORTH LINCOLN. " FISHEICHAN."

NoarsATtotis for the LIVERPOOL AUTUMN STEEPLE. CHASE
HANDICAP of 100sovs. added to ft Sweepstakes of .4sovs.
each, 2 ft. The winner of any Steeple Chase after the publi-
cation of the weights 7lbs. extra. The sccord to receive
lOsovs. out of the Stakes, and winner to pay 20sovs. towards
expenses of the Course. 2sovs. entrance. About three
miles.---28 subs.
Subject to the conditions as for the Spring Steeple Chase.
Lord Sefton nas hr g Physician by Ga:neboy, 4 yrs
Mr Land's b h Firefly, 5 yrs
Mr Ford's gr g The ROW by Fre.neya,
.I%?d
Mr Waffles cli g The Friar of Al 11 5 yrs
Mr W. Hodges' br Mahratts, aged
M H
r odgman's b Emigrant, aged
g
Mr J. McAdams' g Joe Maley, aged (11. b.)
Mr Harrison's b g thnar Pasha, aged (h.b.)
Mr Phillips' b m Heads or Tails, 5 yrs (h.b.)
Mr H. E. Johnstone's lir g Border Chief, aged
Lord Coventry's br g Ghika, 6 yrs
Lord Coventry's b g Longford, aged
Capt. Hunt's h h The Huntsman, 6 yrs
Capt. Runt's Goldsmith, 6 yrs
Mr Gooderham's br h Half Caste, 6 yrs
Mr C. Capel's b m Anatis; aged
Sir E Hutchinson's b ui Chance,
aged (h.b.)
Mr Catton's Chance, aged
Mr Buchanan's nas b 1 g i,seape, aged
Mr LtW'S' h • nn Topsy, 5 yrs
Mr Helen's Linkboy, 6 yrs
Mr Barber's hr g Old-do'T Tray, aged
Mr Fi-an3is' ch g Tease, a 5-70-
31r Itxy ley's J en JealollBY,
Mr T Goldby's br g Luck's All, 6 vrs
Mr T Goldby's b m Maria Agnes, 5 yrs
Mr J Gray nas br g North Tyne, 6 yrs (h.b..)
Mason nas hr g Mallon Messenger, 6 yrs (h.b.)

VISITATION OF THE LORD BISHOP TO
THE CLERGY OF LIVERPOOL.

. .
Yesterday forenoon the Right Rev. Dr. Graham. the
Lord BiShop of Chester? commenced his triennial Visita-
tion to the clergy of this part of the diocese. In con-
sequence of the repairs in.progress at St. Peter's Parish
Church, the Visitation took place at St. Luke'S Church,
and that beautiful edifice was crowded at the appointed
hour by nearly all the leading clergymen of the town
and neighbourhood, besides manf of tae laity.
Prayers were read by the Rev. C. W. Lawrence, the
incumbent of the church ; and the sermon was preached
by the Rev. Dr. MtNeile, who took his text front the
22nd chapter of St. Luke, 36th verse. The discourse,
in its application, gave a beautiful summary of the duties
incumbent upon the clergy in the present day, and was
listened to with interest by all present.
The Right Rev. Prelate then ascended, into the
reading-desk, and said he thought it would be most con
venifren. to the clergy assembled, as they were
now ietietly seated in their pews, Veit they. should
answer to their names where they sit, without being
taken up to the communion rails ; and then he should,
with their per.nission, read his charge front the
reading-desk. The Bishop's Secretary having called
over the names of the clergymen assemblel,
His LOILDSTIIP delivered the following charge :--
My Reverend Brothren,--I gladly begin by expressing
my grateful thanks for the kindTiess which I have received
from you all in the three years that have elapsed since
the last official vis'.talioa of my diocese, and more par-
tici:la:ly in the recent circuit of my confirm itions. These
proofs of your continued goo 1-will lighten my work and
cheer my heart. It has also been a source of great
comfort :aid happiness to me, as I am sure it has been to
'ymirselves that peace rind liannony have, by the Divine
blessing, continued to prevail throughout• the diocese
generally in the relations of the chsrey to each other and
,to tissir lay brethren. Ido not i-ideed wish to convey
an impression that the threepassedrs have passed over
witlenit any difficulties or dineseem arieine. But
vhSieh, ...:t'.' orison hive 'l,lr the ma-it partbeenca.:eh ••, :eel to ;no, and hies with se Ire sly anv
ev,se •ha eas adjostnd psomotly and amicably,
with' 1,
he.he , • hhhr l_- trim. I take no credit
to n: j',,l
;ft ill fret of havine• acted
in an :enst 111'rii'v e lie is. The roil merit is
clue
_,TI !fr, who
havj ,i 1 i L:i•V,
to niv an,Seirity, bat he etSe co litation
with ellerAil tad cordial co:.tidmie` i truly say
that Inv exp•h•hee. sueli CA iC ihe left: on mv
own T,s.; it'i of the good :; •,t •. feeling
and ,
Co -i-‘-I,ran • • --h-h 111 •• j
have esl !see ether nod tow, 's see
hierhiy the .eh- • e !hes of tsis
1 snes t • • your
0 ,•
),*
•,' !) iris Ut ,1;,•01-: ,!
•• , .
• i !; 1 oew c!:oro •
1:
r▪
estOrk -, • M[
needei 1; r.Tiiired, or int •'
moc1,1: !,,an:Lforp:. • ....•
• I,,ciii
sen y:lt and . •
spirit tea„ !1,•11 mini'ested a 1 .1
• inist.k., L'ole proof of the e • ':eneet of the la
seharehh Vic rail_ gre-pho • ettaehin hit is, 1 I. the
• prinein!e; and -services se' i• _cinch are •lls'
seriph:, :Pic forms of our litnegn, is which we 0 :hi-
upon: yerS, and praises to Almighty God, are to a great
exteet hireSsed in the very ling:Lege of Seeipture, and
throat ,etotit are freesed after that model-e-are, as it were,
.
reflections of itslight, echoes of its tones'. \While this is
the ITO ground of our people's attaeh meat and adlier-
, eucists oar liturgy, there are other suhonlinate assoeia-
etions bra which its services are endeared to us. These
tire the services in which no:. o.dy own congrega-
tion but all the congregations of oar church every
where- join. 'How strong a bond of uhion, that
through the length and bren.l.tti of our tool, and even
in far distant colonies of our empire thousands and
tens of thousands of voic,s ar-. lifted up 411 each return-
, e 'inn- Sabbath in the sans ° forms, in the same ,words, of
prayer praise which we ourselves are adlre.ssing to
the thr ell of grace. There i•.; again another kindred
assoeiation—less ' ex.tn led, iaked, bearings, hut
comilr, home closely to oar heart,,. They are he ser-
vices.with whieli we ewe been familiar from our earliest
-years—the s ces whic:i WO wyre _tit to kneel by
the sitie o; our parents, in which we have taught o-ar
children to kneel by our own side, and have felt every
tie of natural, affection strengthened a id sanctified by
this inrion ce.r devotions.
recinnot but believe that these are feelings deeply
. .seated is the hearts of the greatbscly of the members of
our church. It is, however, apparent that at the present
time the services of our church arc made a subject of .ouch
discns3ion. Sonic Rersoris_
,object that our ocdinary
Sunday servicis trio long ;. others are desire-1, e,i letro-
ns _Awing. alterations into the substance of the liturgy itself.
In the rem Irks whic'i I would respectfully offer ou this
subjefq. I shall keep -these 'two questions distinct, as, in
fact, they essentially are.
It is generally admitted that the Order for Morning
Prayer, the Litany, and the Order for- the Holy Com-
munion were originally intended to be used as three dis-
tinct services, and in this order. Whether continuously or
- at intervals._ In the year 1571, Archbishop Griudal
issued injunctions to the clergy and laity of the pro-
vince of York, of which one was that "the minister
was not to pause 'or stay ,between 'the Morning
Prayer, Litany, and Communion, but to continue
and say the Morning Prayer, Litany, Communion, or
the service appointed to be said when there was no
communion, together, without any intermission, to
the intent the people might continue together in
prayer and hearinn. the Word of God, and not depart
out of the church' during all the time of the whole
divine service." 'Without entering into any question as
to the authoritative force of the injunction, it may suffice
to say that this hes now been for a long course of time
the settled practice in our church. And, as respects our
Sunday mornine. service, I think that in general, and
nacre particularly in the case of out' rural parishes, where
the people are scattered over a largo nrea,. this practice
must necessarily be the most convenient; for it would
be difficult to re-assemble the same congregation twice
or thrice at intervals, or to carry on a four-fold succes-
sion- of services ou the same day.
If I might express my own feelings, I should not
hesitate to say that the ordinary combination in our
Sunday morning service does not appear—has never
appeared—to me to be too long. I assume that the
service is read by the minister solemnly aul reverently,
as I am happy to say I have alWays heard it read in my
'own diocese. If anything has ever made me feel the
service to be long, it has been when I have, once or twice
elsewhere, heard it read with such rapidity, as if the
object was to make it short. I scarcely know how to
express the pain which such an exhibition gives to my
own feelings. Its effect must be . either to offend the
minds of those who love our services, 'or to lower the
services themselves . in the estimation of superficial
hearers. Let me add that such a practice is not only
unjust in relation to the Church, but irreverent in rela-
tion to the sacred purposes of public worship.
If in the ordinary Sunday mornine. service there is
any. real cause for shortening its duration, I should
myself, if engaged in parochial duties, seek to meet the
exigency by confining my sermon within narrower limits,
particalarly on the Sundays when the Sacrament of the
Lord's Supper is administered. I do not say this to
dispango the value of preaching. I do not say it in
forgetfulness of the efficiency with whiich you yourselves
I wouldoursels
perform this important part, o your ofi ce , bu
say that hurrying through the service of the Prayer-book
is alhing not to be excused on any ground--perhaps
least of all on the ;round thative adrisectohuersreebs.y gaining
an an extension of time for our own
the more true, because the service in oruri
tPriasyseor-hbaopopki
happily
in some measure, itself a sermon ;fo
framed as to remind us throughout both of our Christian
privileges and our Christian duties.
It may be, however, that in large oins,
where
and
rea
numerous population is closely clustered v
together,.
where the minlster, from a desire to meet the et
ies
of the case, lia.§ established three services on the Sunda),
some practicalinconvenieace may be found to arise from
the length of the customary morning service, and from
the repetition of the' same evening service twice. It
this be so, one obvious modie of removing the incon-
venience might be by a separation of the threefold morn-
ing service, so as to have in the first place the morning•
prayer alone, then the Litany and the Communion.
together, and lastly, the evening service in its proper
plaee, with a sermon at each of the services, if the
mini-'her has an assistant curate to take part of this
seeeessioe of duties; for I think it is too much in ordi-

nary cases to expect that one clergyman,-unassisted, can
long continue to bear such a pressure of duty, and to:he
realty efficient in its performance.
I mention.thi3 expedient not from any wish_ to see it
adopted, but because, if the Sunday morning service is
in any case to be shortened, this might be better done
by so:ne internal regulation of the church itself than by
an interposition of the Legislature.. It is not that I
shrink from any contact with the Legislature when the
occasion requires it ; but I think that where questions
affecting the discipline and administration of the church
can be lawfully settled by its own internal authority,
this method is the wisest and the beSt. Even so I
should deprecate any deviation from the settled practice
in my own diocese, unless it had previously received-a
general sanction or permission from the archbishops and
bishops collectively. Were thiS sanction even obtained,
I should deprecate any deviation unless it were generally
acceptable to the regular congregation of the caurch.
I •now proceed to offer some remarks on the wish that
has been manifestedi se
hotriarregqy.uartlemrso:f;
tahl
ete,rpait.iioLtsipianl
wolti.ich, as I understand, such alterations
particularsthe ista
are desire:l., are the, services relating to the sacraments and
to the burial of the dead, the forms of absolution and of
ordination, and the use of the Athanasian creed.
Alterations in these particulars could only be made by
the joint c)nenrreace of the canvocation of the church
and the Legislature of the realm. Every one must see
with what embarrassments such a course migbt be beset ;
what a latitude of discussion might 'be opened in the
popular branch of the Legislature; and what a disrup-
tion might possibly ensue within the church
Far, however, be it from me to put any nacandid or
ungenerous c mstraction on the motives of those persons
woo desire such alterations. I willingly believe that
mmt of them are sincerely attached to the essential
principle 4 of the Church of England ; that they do not
seek to Capuuge, or dilate, or lower an- of 'its great
doctrines. Nfillingly believe that their desire is rather
to remove app ssions which they think either open to
superstitious rdisVonstruction, or out of lmrnaony with
the comprehensive' principles anti charitable spirit of the
Church itself.

We may refer tooirt sister Episcopalian Church h the
ITnitel States of -Arnmea as a case not aitogether
similar. That Church derived its constitution front ofear
own; it was Associated with us in the same unity of
doctrine; hot. in atito!iuo; our liturgy. it his intro-
duced some t-,t ;:,1-i':uade some omissions, for the
manif,,?.stf itta to upon teat unity of
doetri,l•, •t • -t, t,rief ,if misconcep-
tion or se;,l-iy. Ittti 2;,t.ttt]te alterations
:F.:sired at it:t.t teu y y pt...1-,t-tititt- in our•own
liturgy re.t,•!, .:t ;'ter c to emngcs ,itnrodneed into
the A tori: t.t .itiirgo-; -!) t I 'me' adducad the case of
the Amer,,c C,,nren as an example that a desire for
change to some extent may not be inconsistent :s.-ith a
sincere iitlt,hty to th., essential doctene.3 wliieli o ar own
ehureh ort6s,es, and which she can lamer ceatse to pro-
fess without, ceasing to be herself.
Bat. thon4h I frankly express thcac anntinitimits., I
hop,: I :nay be .permitted to rectal to youvnnind..s•oht-riA
attending any attempt at cluotg2 ; the dhnger. ikp tire
pesos of the Church ; the exeit t:meat.,, theugltatillu. tilt°
contention that would ensue. .e.ven if the- attemptiver
7e,t (Nei:tit! changes mar l^ t rt. tisty smie;
•;•,. reason to ft-or that they woold tiissaifttfy• oti-pers;
t.J• products disunion and seee;:siou. 1111 lie
-
osr church have declared their afeigatedi
• - ! t,rentt to thie- lithurgy as ie sta::ds.- (Jan are
• I • ireq-lvtt they would all aec.vt it wi±h the
1::- APity when it had been altered

I. the t• is • sreit as to dienand any ehan-e Mink-
that said of our liturgy by those pima 'and
I •-ir mei rho Were conecraed in the last revision of
i,in ay s ti.l of it. in its pre.,,ett, /Orli even with gm-ter •
neve, that 17 "does not eee:tiu anyti•ing contrary tei-the
Thrti of God o:. to sou. 1•1 tl>etrine. ar whiela a
ma') "Fly not with a good sonscience me and submit
unto, or which is act fairly di•terisible. against any
shall opdosts the same, if it small be all3swed such just ,-Rid '
favourable coastrictiou as in cotunawv cite should
allowel to all huinair writings,.:'' • Wit-N relieet; indettf,,,
to. thi general tenor of out- Sinulivy serviees, I an nit,
aware that any exceptien iS taken, telt, sr :any indulgerA -
of-construction requirtak It 'Jig- about ether parts of th.r •
liturgy that difficulties hove becoraisett Li particular:.
we know that the boptisinalsergieehnisteen the Occasion,
of mach c ,atroversy: I hope 1 shalt not offelal any one
if I a Id eoutrovers.y arising, in my- olAniert.,.to a verr
great extent from what creates- se urtny coulroversies
and rollers any of thern, hopeless—l. mean
the •ns:• of the s.trae words in different -senses-. How-.
ever this may be I think the practical difficulty
of the ease is very Minh refl.:owl, it not altogiLther ree
moved, by the latitude of comstructiOn which,- on this
point, has long heea tacitly recognised in eta- church,
and has recently been confirraeit by the autheay eta .
judicial decision.
I am not gein7, to eater intnsany examittation of the
parts of our liturgy to which mpention been taken : .
were there no other reason, the. time• would not
,permit
this. There is, however, me point csi AvitielA I wish
that my seati Meats (KO be distinctly known to every
clergyman of my diocese. ; because it • effects: both
the nature of our clerical authority, and tliy• prac-
tical exercise of it, I re' r• to. the solemn &cm of
words used in the ordinat4a of.our peiests-:e--"-Whose
sins Thou (lost forgive, they are for Oven; and whose
sins 'Ton dust retain, • they- are retained. " These are
the words of our Lord Jessie. Christ; addressed by Him
to His Apostles, But even as: addressed to theca, the
words are necessarily to be understood with senehlimita-
tions as the nature of the case. intrinsically mid essenti-
ally implied. The Apostles: had not the atithority to
forgive all 'sinners : butt only such sinners as repented
and believed. Their power was meessarily limited in
this respect by the intrinsic-tering. of the-Gospel covenant
itself. • And if the words of our Lord are applied to the !
ministers of the Church 11-OW, it must be still with the
same limitation of meaning and power.. lan the exercise
our • ministry, we -cannot go beyond the word of the
Lord to do less or more, We areauthorised; as messen-
gers in His name, to pronounce forgiveness. of sins; but
forgiveness only to- those who with hearty repentance
and true -faith turn to God, through: oar Lord Jesus
Christ.. Then, again, there its an. important difference..
to be borne in mind between the case of the Apostles
and oar own. They were enahlied, at least in scene eases,
by God's special grace, to, read the hearts of men and.
detect their secret thoughts, They could this discover
whether men had true repentance and true faith. But
we cannot in any case. We can hear men profess their
repentance and faith, but we cannot be sure that their
profession is sincere. Consequently, all that we can say,
all that we pretend to say, to the sinner, in all the
plenitud.eommission, amounts to this, and can
amount to
of ou
tonomrore,
that if lie truly repents awl believe,
he is pardoned for the sake of Jesus Christ, and that his
pardon is in that ease as sure as God's own word and
promise.
I have touched this point specially, because it affects
not only the interpretation of our liturgy,
.but also the
exercise of our ministerial functiOns. Let me now add
a very few words on another subject, collaterally con-
nected with the absolution of sins—l mean the confession
of sins—a subject also practically affecting our ministerial
functions.

The confession of our sins to God, like prayer to God,
is the overflowing of a penitent heart, conscious of guilt,
anxious for pardon, hopeful of mercy. " I said I will confess
my sins unto the Lord, and so Thou forgavest the wicked-
ness of my sin." (Ps. xxxii. 6.) These are the words of
David to the Lord. This is the Scriptural doctrine of
confession. In accordance herewith, our church, at the
very opening of both morning and evening service, calls
upon us to join in the "general confession" of our sins
to Almighty God, which is followed by a general
absolution ; that is to say, by a declaration that. God
absolves all them who truly repent and unfeignedly
believe His Holy Gospel. In two passages, imieed, of
our Litany, our church recognises a more special con-
fession of sin. The one is in the exhortation to attend-
ance
so to prey
at th eI Io lyp
aCr oe
themselves,nim un io n Tthhea
tm
ti nhie st e
mayr e xhboe m
r t thesee
people t
partakers ofptehieeteHdoley Sacrament. The way for them to
dcoonvtbersisatiison by the ruutl: "to examine thew
whereinsoever they shalle perceive themselves
ewadoftbGeiord'os litvoes
haveand
vcionmsima.nfunlclainee:ntas,adantdo
tob Al.m.ightz God
confess themselves to
thtehmesreelivnes
with full purpose
mercy,
e becauseuel
Holy
lt i
of amendment of life."
s
requisite that- no man should come t-oPuilhereilre, and with
Com-
munion but with a full trust in God's
a quiet conscience ; therefore, if' there
who cannot by this means quiet his conscienceanhyerer,
but requires further comfort or counsel, he is exhorted
to " open his grief to his pastor or some other discreet
and learned minister of God's Word, to the intent that,
by the ministry of God's Holy Word, he may receive
the benefit of absolution, together with spiritual counsel
and ndvice, to the quieting of his conscience and avoid-
ing of all scrnple and doubtfulnt,:;:l;" that is to say, to
the intent that he may receive from God's Holy 'Ord
the assurance of pardon, according to the promises of

NORMERN D

mercy vouchsafed to mankind through Jesus Christ our
Lord.
The other passage is in the Office for the Visitation of
' the Sick. The minister is directed to examine whether
the:sick person .repents him truly of his sins, and is in
charity with all the world. -To this general direction
these is an addition made—namely, that the sick person
shall be mcved to make a .special confession of his sins,
if he feel his conscience troubled with any weighty
Matter. But observe the limitations in both these pas
sages to which I have referred. Mark the circumstances
under which this recommendation for more special con-,
fession of sins is made ; the cases to which it is confined.
It is limited in both instances to cases where the indi-
vidual is disturbed in Isis conscience, and feels a burden
and a doubt in his mind, and needs and seeks counsel and
comfort. But with the exception of these pseticular and
extreme cases, our church does not point to any special
confession of sin to be made by penitent to the minister;
.much less does our church warrant inquisitorial inter-
rogatories to be addressed by the minister to the peni-
tents, least of all, interrogations from which the sensi-
tiveness of female delicacy - shrinks, against which the
instinct of manly spirit rebels. Tell penitents to confess
their sin, but to confess it unto God, unto their HeaVenly
Father, who heareth in secret, and who, when Ile heareth,
will forgive. Tell them to confess their sin to Christ,
whose ear is ever open to hear their cry ; to hear it with
all the tenderness of human sympathy, with all the
saving grace of a Divine Redeemer's love, with all the
prevailing efficacy of a divine advocate's intercession.
There is no sigh of repentant sorrow so faint as to
escape that car ;no confession of guilt that-is of so deep
a dye as to ropA the pity, or sully the purity of that
spotless nature. He is the same yesterday, and to-day,
and for ever; able to save to the uttermost all that trust
in him. His voice still calls the wanderer home. Tell
all that are weary at,d heavy laden to go to IYim, today
down their burden at the foot of the cross, and' He will
give them rest.

I have entered into semzi details on these two points
of absefutioa and confession, because- I think it is very
importali at the present time that WO should not lave
any doubts in the minds of our het, brothreei- as to the
view which s'o take of our own.ministerial fuoctiols in
these reepeefs. - If we are to =retain their confidence; it
must nee net bygver,strained exorbittet pretensints of
ministerial pawer, but by fidelity to the Seliptural prin-
ciples of our Chu'eb, neither stretching' beycnt nor
sinking below them. I gladly bear ovi'mess-tellie troth-
' fabeess and zeal -witle which' the clergy of my-dioccse
bfore been etrryi-g en- their work in aceeefbnee with
these principles. aet only have the regular set- vie6s
the Church have maintained folly and e ticientlr, bur ;e•
sfeeeteal places, leirticularlv in our larger tow
have mode to extend' Are religious influee :;1 oar
church by special services, arranged with ',9pe of
drawitrtr. to indivicluale,and 'families not ordinarily
ett ea diag,
.Divine Worship fiTiti inetraction otlier
Peeaciter4;,admired for their eloquence and respected
their ChrietiO-n zeal and stie=dovation,. have re
takea a lead% in this movement,. and I trust that
exertions leader i.kod's 1--,Tessing. been prod
or much !,.00eli it may' be true that the congregatiee,-,
assembled ore-melt occasions are sexier t i:rres composed: to a
considerable e7ttent, of persons whaere reseilar attendants,
on the' ordinarn:eervites of the Ciiiirehe lint, no doubt,
there are alwaeoesome persons present, nein main', Who
rue not ia .the of frequenting either tine Crittreli or
.l ay other place 'et worship. I `114,,pe• tin elf ouall, but'
especially- on this' latter class, g,oexi liinpreseiosts, and
penaanent imprenions, may, by qtN_M- blesairg, have
befall produced. Ihese special serwl6es- nary ie this
!mataraer operate el, a re rival of relf."ginna- **ding; an
I ofawakiere dormant- &Wile reusing the. lethargic
eonscieptee. They may. *ice some dull eold aar ; may
'thrill some torpid, apathetic heart. IrcAr slit te=e must
heariir mind that, Leone Its, . very naturit or the' case.
itthese• special ciliaie-e can be only oecasiOnall; that
sinvession of spc.eial services attOconstell'aition
Orpreachers can be only temporary mild' at- intervals.
,may
,eive a new- impale to religi#ns: feeliu s;
hurt; the- movement 011ie- began can only lie se:stilted
by
.the..constant, re,guihri- drsiltr' efforts. of each• clergy-:
mart within his creme appointed spheee- of dutv.
Jik must watch and . tbe flame whioh. has: heen
Itindkeril He must kespetagether those wiimliatebeen
Ell'aeorto.zether, so far ask by- diligence arkiLlzeal it is,-
tuuleird4id's power. This it-the path -of
isefiihress:marked out fze-every clergyman,. and which
ve-ry• clergyman ea a pile e. All are nog-gifted with
geont'pewers. or pop ulae c ingiaenc ; all are r,ot,q-niolifitel
in this,respect to ch allenge-the public ear; but all can
minister- in the cons regatiatr with reverence, can: preach •
tbmlinrtilnf Muth sc 411 sienplieitr ; eau vieit the- t
less and the- widow can tretin the young, coetfort
the aged!.: and, by God's.- gruce, can frame den l-, own
li,tes after-the nfle o ehich they preach' to others, lam
gffileto kil3A7 that you ri:r pursuing this elm-se, and
gaining the affectit ms of your people, and reapine;.
thP.lrmits-nf'vetrr pee ceful inbothee I regard' it as no
light proorat. the tot ,tidenci, with which yole have in-
spirectionte lily bred :rem, that they have contributed
evenywhene freshiffrgely, towards the erection
'of new, Churches' Pflioclual Schools.. I rejoice
in these-dbmonstrati ons of Christian piety... ••-ft -was,
originaily, by" such- acts of voluntary liberality that,
in most. cases, the ancient churehe; of" oar land
were erected.. It is or.tiy by the .continuance of
the emne.spirit that new 'ones can be built to keep
pace with" the- exigencies e-f the increasing population.
Nay, there- are sign ificant --premonitions that* even the
sustentAtien of our anti:et:it - churches maye ere long
be leffb •--taa.• depend' t ipon thin same Voluntarf-supplies.
It isTrabable, as. I have-said, that the aneientparish
churches-of this lat d were built. in most cases;.-by the
free bounty of bid ividuelk The maintenance and
reparation of them i then bruit was made a ltigni
obliga-
tion upowthe inhab itantseof the parish. • Accordingly,
for a kw-course of, time the expenses of maintaining -
our paii&a: church, es: in repair have been defrayed
by a rate levied upon the parishioners; acecording
to the settled form °fie- law. This .public galley,
if I navy. Without it npropriety, designate it hythat name,
was founded on bre. aid. and, solid principles, mainte-
nance oAthe public profession of-the Christian, faith was
regard 4 as the ditty a:t&the- iaiterest of a Christian na-
tion, as-the, safeguard of social peace and order-of private
happiness._ and pnblic prosperity. Tite,church was a
natiorith institution, Op:auto* conferring!benef o all,
entitlsdsto support from-all,. Even those who,.l*ht not
• individnally profit by- its- ordinances, profited by the
generatinfluence which _it exercised oaths good order of
society,. This system: Wit& ad* only equitable in theory
but easuv in practice;, so. let. ig as the peopktgenerally
were united in the profession of one antliths,same form
of religion, and the State- aid the Cliinehmight be said
to be-composed of the same members, only in diffe-
rent capacities.- 11ot:the-ease was alter* to some ex
tent even in theory,, to-a, still greater- axtent in practise,;
wheneeonsiderable numbers of the paupleYornied theme,
selves . into different., religious 'sect.s, distinct from the-
National Church, with forms 'and places of worship of
their own, under- the protection. -Of: the -law. I say
the-case was affeeted to some extent even in theary.
For-although there, were great masses. of the lowest class
of the community?.fier whose spirittaal care these religious
seats, did not intend to provide,;: aleshough the.. duty
andnecessity of -making such pr,ovision thus remained
an; obligation on the, nation eollealtively, yet it; must
be, admitted that the members, -of the Dissenting
sects. had, on, this supposition,. not only- to. bear
their- proportion of the amount' levied for the.eharch,
but also to bear the additional expenses, voluntarily
undertaken it is true, of supporting their own, places of
worship and religious services. tat the system was
affected still more materiaily ill its practical,Operation.
The reparation of the churelf, indeed, was. still a legal
liability ail the parish. But. it was necessary that a
rate for this purpose should be voted by the-parishioners
in vestry, before any le-vy• could be made,. No principle.
• seems to be more plain than that, where. any proposal
is put to the vote, it can only he carried by a majority-
'of votes. 'ln this manner the vestry-)sad it practically
in their power to .prevent any-- rate being made at all.,
It might. be argued that the liability- still rested on the
Parishioners ; that they could not divest themselves of it.
But then came the- question, how was it to he enforced
By penalties of the Ecclesiastical Courts ; censures
which, in many eases, it would have been ineffectual to
pronounce; penalties which in, any case it would have
been most unpopular to inflict. -The case became an
anomaly in our law. Here was an abstract right,,with-
out the paver of legally enforcing it. Here was a legal
without a legal remedy, If, however, there
had been nothing worse than this inefficacy of the
faw, the question perhaps might have been left • to
settle itself ; aerate being made in those parishes
in which a majority of votes were in its favour ;
and voluntary contributions being solicited where the
proposal for a rate had failed. But a further evil no
git
doubt has been the excitement, the aation, the dis-
order, to which contested pollings for and against a
rate have occasioned in vestries and parishes. The un-
-:,eemly aspect of these contentions, and the irritation
which the Chinch, even by its victories, left to raakie
iu many breasts, have, -not unnaturally; been rega'rthAl

.ILY TINES

as matters for regret, and have led many persons, some
of them sincere friends of the. Church, to look upon the
systeM generally in an unfavourable light, and to doubt,
even as respects the interests of the Church itself,
whether it does not lose more in popularity than it gains
in pecuniary support. Meanwhile enemies of the
Church find in this question a stock ready to their hand
for carrying on their trade of agitation; a theme for
constant declamation and invective; an opportunity for
annual collision and contest.
If the question were only one of • theory and abstract
reasoning, I should not hesitate to avow my own opinion,
that there is nothing "unjust or oppressive, no real
grievance in the legal system of our church-rates. I
think that the Church, as a national institution, is enti-
tled to a continuance of this Measure of national sup-
port. Even those who, in the free exercise of their
religious liberty, have separated themselves from its
membership, yet share in the general beae,fits which it
produces on the community at large ; they acquired
their property with the full knowledge of this liability
being attached to it. No principle of toleration is
infringed; no right of private judgment is restrained;
every individual is free, as he ought to be free, to follow
the dictates of his own conscience as to the form of
worship which he will adopt, and the religious body to
which he will join him Self. The only control over him
is this, that he is required to bear his part in such rea-
sonable expenditure as the majority of his parish may
recognise to be necessary for upholding their church;.in
which all the inhabitants, he among the rest, can claim,
and do possess an interest.
But the theory. is not all in this case, or in any case;
where we have to deal with the conflicting opinions and
passions of mankind. The assertion of an abstract right
may, in some instances, lead to great practical embar-
rassments. Such has been found, in this instance, to be
the case in some of our largo towns; and, as a pacific
measure, voluntary, instead of compulsory, church-rates
have been collected; not alveays because a compulsory
rate could not have been carried, but, in some eases,
because there 1V,13 an unwillingnea! to :li'etetelk the peace
of the parish by a contest. This i an adadssion of the
difficulty there is of 'carrying the theory at the law into
practice systethaticallv and anaiVersally. The recant
demonstrations of eekaion is the noose of Commons
still more distinctly prepare us to es:pee thatr the present
system of church-ratea, as it now still exists- by law,
will not loneeremain unchanged. The bill that was in-
troduced last session int C.' th at house, and read a sacond
ti arc, proposed the abolition:of ureh-mtbs absolutely and
tmennditronally. But some who voted is the majority for
• the second reading, did so, not froel a desire `hat the
should be finally passed in that liar *a; but. with the-
bone that in committee conditions might, heintro&atnal
and the bill be so altered as not to eatiapisla charefra
rates without providing, to soma extent, a substitgorfer
them; it is, r think, much to be-wished. that some fair
:111)stittiteeenuid be- devised, or seine reasonaNemodificas-
made in the existing law. rA,t, desirable as such a.
-.ere maybe, we cannot conceal from nurse:Wee the difte
cel'•7es that thore• an in passing any definite eeheme for-.
earpose. I will only give one instance by way of
illustration., 'A scheme has, I believe,. been suggested;
that every person' who. will make a formal declaration.
of bi 3 bring- Dlssenter shall thereby ''ae; exeMpted from
the paraent orchareh-rates, and, by- parity of reason;
excluded from any-right to take part art,the proceedings
of the restby. Snell an arrangement wOnld, no doubt,
' remove • one practical dilfienh3r ; became none could
then complain' or having to, contribute to the mainte—
ratnee of more thaw their own place of airship. Bat
frankly' admit- this-, I roust ow that I could
not `reconcile' myself' tte the scheme without 'seine re-
luctance.• I think: it wandat make a mere positive;
more exclUsiie. 'a morn -perniament line of 'demarcatfon
between the members otonrClearch and theewarious d&-
nearsinatinns of 'Protestnnt-Dissanters, than has hitherto
existed. - It •would act' as a• kinJ of registratienaarraying
men in sepiarato;'.if 'not hostile: ranks, from which after—,
warfh-they couldhaot, without: the exercise•of towels' moralel
courage;'sammon•up•reselution to recede.
I' deenot •sayliiii front the snare spirit of pravely'tisrne
but Croatian- honest- &Sire not to obstruct . ray of.the
avennes -or diminish, any of the facilities, for a.rennion
between:the.Clurrehandoar Pl-oteztant brethreraofiather
denominations.. My -wish is, and has ever been, taeregard
oar Dissenting. Tirethrma with no other feeling-sr-but
those of Christian charity and .kindness; to look -upon
them noise much iii the lig;at of opponents aril rivals;
but of felltivr-daboarers in the- Lord's vineyard. lam
willing to' ,hope•that many of them are aninntee by
the same- feelings- towards;' ourselires. For the- most
paTt they dd not, difre-r-fiom: tri in the great, esaeretiali
vital pointof. Mans' of them attach therm yes'
to • some other f3eneminatierr, because they prefix the
mode of 'conducting- public-wars-hip there, or Ii'CaTIST,
they prefer the minaSter,who' officiates there; but with-
out intending -abseintely and definitively to dissever
themselves frOm the Church. Sow of them still come,-
not regularly. but•oceasienally to- our church, join in its
Servicasalaten to the- instruction of its ministers;: and
freely co-operate with- us in works.of Christian charity.
I should !re,grct if any- measures .were to be - ado-ptkl
which might rails tepaa more. formal partition betweea
this class •o`' Dissenters and' otirselYes, and- prevent .tany.
nearer approachea. teareanion

I have submitted:to yet theserentarks on the elites-
tion of-church-rates, not as: counting- on your cancur-•
recce in them all, still less as. seeking- to dictate them
for your adoption,,but in full confidence that- you
all 'desire, equally: win myself,' to view this silted.
cAnilfand temperately( and tae consider the praetieal
diffieldties of our- positron, • as:, well as the theoretical
strength of our case.-.
• At leiast, you the-justice. to believe fat 4
spealin no pusillinitneus• or' desponding spirit... As.
ministers of the Church we arealliourri in duty, as Itrust
we are all true -iinhearti to, uphold its essential -prin.,
ciples faithfully, fiiimlyi• without compromise, witkout
surrender. Wero•we to do otherwise we should be- false.
to cos.- trust—we should sinl and sink deservedly, in, the
estiaiation of Dissenters, as:well as, of our own people.
We are bound also to raise oar:-voice-in temperate
catiiin of the lawftil?rights•oleur church, when occasion
.so requires. have cheerfill hope that, under Gad's-
blessing, the people •of..this• county. will:continue. to
'respect those
_rir4; ats . so • ltmg.. as-the clergy continuo to
fulfil their duties-with diligence and fidelity, in the-spirit
csChristian zealand!of Christian charity.
The visitati.on will be • continued. in the same place of
-morsltiip this morning( v‘thenhis lordship will adelitss a
fill-titer section of the cl.orgy of the locality.