The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1846-10-06 00:00:00

FOURTH ADDRESS TO THE PROTESTANTS
OF ENGLAND, BY THE COMMITTEE OF
THE NATIONAL CLUB.

We have seen what our resources are—let us now see
how they are to be practically worked.

The first question is, how are our local
be carried out ?

ssociations to

]. The prime object of the association should be to se-
cure fit representatives—men like-minded with ourselves
on those questions which affect the highest interests of
the state. On this, however, we shall do well to exercise
much forbearance. We must not seek for an entire
agreement with ourselves in all matters of political dis-
cussion. Enough for us, as practical men, if we secure
the great objects of our union. Tt ese must be kept in
Pr view as cardinal points, and on these the mind of the
- -

should be tested

If he di

us on t

ese national principles, our support should be

withheld

2. But care should be taken clearly to
opinions. We must be on our guard against the vague
promises and general profession of those who seek our
support. Candidates often decline to state their opinions,
because they hold it to be unconstitutional to give
pledges. It is, however, as just that he who seeks our
votes should state his opinions, as that we should give
him cur confidence. We cannot trust him unless we
know him. if he seeks to represent us, be must tell us
whether we are agreed. If he will not declare his views
on those points which are essential, he deserves to be sus-

scertain bis

3 and disc

in a post of tr

rightthathe should be backed, and:if need

checked

. .
by the views of his constituents. These,
should net be withheld from him. On eve

therefore

measure

rns our great interests, th
nd active. On the first

DU should

t suggestion of a plan injur
ssociation should meet, reco

) our princi-
Dpinioli, and

convey it to its representative. Thus
nest, strengthened—if wavering, he will be warned

e be, if ho-
This

is our wisdom

As our strength depends on the influence we can
should be taken to increase this. All who
our opinions should be urged to join our association.

exert. care
hem

vised to place their names on the register of el
should be assisted in doing so.

ectors, and

The weight of public opinion on C
Oiament should ever I

rnment and

With this view our voice should be exerted by petition,
and still more through the public press. The latter is the

active—playing every lawful tool—working a daily woritlj
6. Our opinions should be especially concentrated on
the minds of the community in which we live. For this
end such means as we have suggested should be resorted
to. Libraries should be established forthe circulation of
our publications, and others of a similar tendency.
7. These are the main objects to be kept in view ; how
are they to be effected ?
Let any person desirous to commence the work invite

three or tour clergymen or gentlemen to meet and deter-
mine who should be asked to join. Let each bring a list
of his own, and submit it to the others. Let a day be
fixed for meeting, each inviting those bFst kown to him-
self. Let that meeting choose a committee, making all
clergymen members ex officio, and select a secretary, re-
membering that on his tact and talent will mainly depend
their ultimate success.

Al The subscription should be fixed low, so as to admit all
classes who are attached to the constitution in Church
and State, but a separate fund formed by donations from
the higher ranks. The committee should meet monthly,
and communicate the result of their proceedings to the
National Club, which will, in its turn, supply them with
its papers, and with information of general interest;
they should use every exertion to place upon the registry
such voters as will maintain our Protestant Church in its
truth and integrity, resist the endowment of Romanisrn,
oppose all concessions to the Popish priesthood, with-
stand the introduction of a godless, and support a scriptu-
ral education in our schools. But whilst thus attending
to the political, the social objects of the National Club
must not be forgotten. Let the committee of each 56..
sociation seek to secure for the humbler classes who enter
their ranks all those benefits which they could derive from
joining one of the friendly societies which are so nu-
merous; let them deliver monthly lectures, inducing
clergymen, or laymen of approved character, and cautious
in their selection of facts, to do this ; let them create a
benefit fund, form a register for vacant situations, and
thus bind together the wealthier and more influential
classes with the poor but honest children of toil, who are
equally true to their country and faithful to their God.
But to carry through these objects, a central union is
wanted. That union will be furnished by the National
Club. From each local association the National Club
proposes to select one or more influential members, who
will enjoy all its privileges. Thus the different societies
will be brought into common contact, and enabled to
direct all their energies to one common end. If this be
done—and nothing hut the will is wanting to do it—when
the vital struggle comes, the nation will be found ready.

Signed, by order of the Committee, -j
RICEIARD NUGENT, Hon. Sec
13, Coekspur-street, September 29th.