The Sun.
London, England, 1851-02-13 00:00:00

TO MR. HENRY BAGSTER.

Lambeth, Feb. 8, 1851.
Sir,—l beg to offer a few remarks in addition to my
former letter, hoping that the opinion of the many may
furnish the Hon. Gentleman who presents our petition
with sound and truthful arguments in its defence. Pro-
testant divines each us to view the Holy Scrip-
tures as the standard of our faith, and to guide us
through our earthly pilgrimage. The law which de
Glares a marriage to a deceased wife's sister to be illegal,
I presume is one of the canon or by-laws of the Church.
Now the question is—ls this said law founded purely
on Scripture authority? if so, lam one who have vio-
lated the law. I have searched the Scriptures myself,
and consulted working men who make the Scriptures
their daily study, and I am happy to say there aro many
such men adorn the working classes, and they say they
cannot find it. So as the said law is not founded on
the Word of God, what right have men to make a
law contrary to God's most sacred decrees, and raise
an unjustifiable barrier between parties whose
intentions are purely honourable and undefiled?
Such a law may have better suited the dark ages of
superstition and intolerance, when the mind was
cramped by a depraved priesthood, but it don't suit the
nineteenth century, as each man can have the law of
God in his house to consult for himself, and be directed
by his own conscience. Had the promoters of the said
law been acquainted with humble life, they would have
better known the position a poor man is placed in when
left with motherless children.

When the wife of a rich man dies, it is certainly a
great family aiaiction; but even then, he is surrounded
with such comforts a poor man is a stranger to. The
rich can provide nurses, schools, and colleges for their
children, whilst the bereaved parent takes a continental

, .
journey to recruit his health and happiness; but with a
poor man it is not so—he is doomed to toil, and when
toil is over, with reluctant steps ho returns to hi% home.
But where is the object of his affection who made his
home happy? Alas! she is gone for ever. Weeks and
months roll on, and as they roll, so his children's clothes
become tattered and torn; and, in numerous cases, one
child not able to mend for another, or any person to in-
struct them.

His once happy home then becomes wretched, and if
he has not sufficient fortitude, he drinks strong drink to
drown his sorrow. But, in some cases, his deceased wife
has a single sister left, whose heart yearns to see such
sad reverses in the family, and would gladly restore it to
its former happiness, but delicacy forbids, unless she is
warranted by the rights of marriage. The man sees no
other alternative. Now, I ask any gentleman what
would he do under similar circumstances? The above
is a correct picture. I have passed through its degrees;
there fore I speak from experience.
Now a word to the ladies. If any are halting between
two opinions, I advise theta to look to the humane side.
Although the law may appear to cast a stigma upon
their fame, their undertaking will be applauded by the
just and the wise; and they may rest assured, if mar-
rying to a deceased sister's husband be their only sin,
it will be but a small item to be accountable for when
before the just tribunal at the last day.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
Lambeth, Feb. 11, 1851. CHARLES HICKS.