The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1842-11-01 00:00:00

CAPTAIN F(TZROY'S BILL.

An adjourned meeting of the Liverpool Shipmasters' As-
sociation, was held in their rooms on Tuesday the 25th ult.,
for the further consideration of the bill proposed by Captain
Fitzroy, to qualify masters and mates in the merchant ser-
vice.

Captain BISSET in the chair. The secretary read the
minutes of the last meeting. After a few preliminary
observations, the chairman continued—l have only 'a few
more words to say upon this bill, and the very unseemly
proceedings that have arisen out of it. I did, I confess, feel
a reluctance at first in taking any steps to oppose the mea-
sure, knowing the conclusion that was likely to be drawn
from my doing so, and which has been drawn, in very plain
language, from the conduct of those who have opposed the
bill altogether, namely, that we were the incapables who
were afraid of examination, because, conscious of our own
ignorance and incompetence. I was willing, itqwever, to
brave this sneer, if, as I said before, I could be of any use to
the profession to which I belong ; and I consider that in
adopting this course, not attempting to throw the bill out
altogether, which is impossible, but to get it modified into a
shape more in accordance with our interests and feelings, I
have taken that course which a regard for my profession and
common sense alike pointed out. Having done this, I wash
my hands clear of the consequences. For I must say I have
no intention of taking any further part in a dissention, in
which, instead of that calm reasoning which can alone lead
to any good partial result, ill-natured bickerings, and of-
fensive personalities have prevailed. I think we shonid here
have only one object, and that is, the common good ; and to
promote that, it is necessary that petty jealousies should give
way, and that we should go hand in !lane towards the attainment
of that, which we find on cool deliberation, to be the best for
all. I have declared my sentiments sufficiently respecting
Captain Fitzroy's bill. To me it can be of no consequence
whether it passes or not ; but I say this in no spirit of
boasting; for if a bill was to be proposed to go back to
masters of ten or more years standing, I cannot say but that
I should begin to tremble for myself. A bench of examiners
would be no pleasing prospect to me any more than to
others, and I should be inclined to make myself a little better
acquainted with my book and slate before appearing in their
presence. At the same time, I think no one ought to wish
to take charge of a vessel, to be intrusted with life and"
property, before he is properly qualified; and, on this
ground, if we can get rid of the obnoxious clauses in the bill,
I think we ought not to complain. As I said at first, so I
say now—l have no objection to a board of examination ;
but as neither in the Royal Navy, nor in the East India
Company's service, nor yet in any local boards with which I
am acquainted, are such fees charged as are proposed to be
levied under this bill. Ido contend that it is unfair and un-
just to saddle us with the payment of the fees for our certi-
ficates of qualification. Having alluded to the Honourable
East India Company's Service, I may be permitted to hold
them up as a bright example for us to go by : no class of men
ever existed to whom nautical science, and all connected with
practical navigation, owe so deep a debt of gratitude. They
have not only, by their attainments and their works—for
instance, a Hoesburgh—done infinite honour to themselves,
but left a lasting and unrequitable obligation on mankind.
These, gentlemen, are my sentiments, and I thank you for
the attention with which you have heard me. I take the
chair, determined to act impartially, and I trust you will give
me your support, for if I observe any ebullition of those
angry bickerings and highly offensive personalities which dis-
graced our last assembly, I shall immediately vacate the
chair and dissolve the meeting.
The SECRETARY called attention to a letter from Captain
Chamley, which had been read at a former meeting, on the
subject of a clause which provided that individuals must have
been at sea for a certain number of years before they were
eligible for examination. Captain Chamley suggested that
ere parties were eligible for examination, they ought to have
served an apprenticeship of at least fivd years for the first
class, and four years for the second class.
Mr. JOSEPH BROOK YATES said, he thought neither the
one nor the other was right—neither the clause nor the
course which the latter suggested. Before any person passed
an examination either as mate or captain, he thought he
ought to have not only served an apprenticeship, but have
served some time at sea besides. He, as an extensive ship-
owner, had five or six hundred apprentices, and certainly
most of them had turned out such as were little fitted for
promotion. _ _

Captain CHAMLEY said, he would state one reason which
had instigated him to Write that letter. Captain Chamley
went on to relate that he was appointed some years ago the
master of a vessel, in which the owner recommended an in-
dividual to him as a mate. He had not been on board two
hours when he saw that this man was no seaman. He asked
him how long he had been at sea, and he said he had been
two voyages as carpenter ! He gave the man to understand
that he would not do for him, but the man replied in a man-
ner that gave him to understand that he considered himself
particularly well qualified. Becoming more than ever im-
pressed with the man's incapacity, be remonstrated with the
owners at the last moment, hut was compelled to submit, as
the alternative offered to him was to give up his command.
The result was that he found him totally inefficient, and was
compelled at length to discharge him, as unfit for his office.
This man, who had been two voyages to sea as a carpenter,
returned to Liverpool, and the owners sent him to sea in
command of a ship! (Hear, hear.) He thought ere a man
was eligible for examination he ought to serve five years at
sea. Gentlemen's sons might be sent to sea, as the clause
stood, and they might, out of the time mentioned, not have
two months' practical service.
Mr. J. B. YATES was decidedly of opinion that the term
of service should be extended after apprenticeship, both in
the general and coasting trade.
Captain CALLAN, of the ship Bland, had no objection to
the clause as it stood, but he thought the alteration proposed
would render the law too arbitrary. His experience, which
had not been trifling, had shown him that any such altera-
tion was unnecessary, and that young men did much better
when left to themselves and their own emulation.
Ultimately, Mr. YATES agreed to give up the two extra
years, and he proposed a motion to the effect that an altera-
tion of the clause should be recommended, making provision
that the qualification for examination for first-class mates
should be 21 years old, and an apprenticeship of five years ;
and the qualification for the coasting trade should be 20
years old, and an apprenticeship of three years.
This motion was seconded by Captain CHAMLEY, and
carried.
The 36th clause, to the effect that, after six months from
the passing of the act, no British vessel was to put to sea
until the master and officers had shown their qualifications,
was read.
Captain WHITE.—WiII the owners pay any more because
of the qualification?
Several voices.—No.

Mr. J. B. YATES.—I, as a shipowner, say yes.
The 37th clause, providing that persons not certificated
may take charge of vessels in emergencies, was read without
comment.
. . .

The 3Sth clause, empowering penalties of £5O for forging
certificates; being possessed of forged certificates ; transfer-
ring,__ lending, or borrowing certificates, 84c., was read.
Mr. CHARLES HOLLAND was of opinion, that, as the pri-
vilege would be very great under this act, the penalty was
too low.

Several opinions were expressed, but the prevailing one
was, that the penalty for any deception in this respect ought
to be severe. A. resolution was ultimately passed, recom-
mending that the penalty be not less than £5, and not more
than £lOO.

The 39th clause, giving power to the principal board to
make bye-laws, was read. In respect to the penalty named
in this clause, it was recommended to insert the words " not
less than" before the sum named. Clauses 2 and 3 were read
in explanation.
Capt. CALLAN said they ought not to be under any other
control than that of the local board.
Mr. J. B. YATES said, if they endeavoured to strike out
that clause, the bill would not pass. It was necessary that
there should be some control to guard against partiality. He
had heard some about him speak of the bribery that would
probably be practised. (A voice : " Yes, it will be all bribery
together.") It was to guard against bribery that the general
board was to he established.
The CHAIRMAN said he thought this clause was done away
with by what passed on clause3l.
Mr. YATEs—Then you will lose your bill.
Several persons—So much the better.
The SECRETARY was of opinion that much inconvenience
would result if each Board of Excise was allowed to act in-
dependently of any other, each board might, perhaps, be
competent to frame bye-laws for its own regulation ; but un-
less one system 9f examination was adopted, persons desiring
certificates would'apply to those boards -where the examina-
tion was lightest, or where they could make most interest for
themselves. By taking all their regulations from London,
they would avoid the evil of having several different sets of
laws.
Captain MACAULEY moved that the boards be elected
annually. This would do away with any fear of bribery or
partiality.
Captain CHAMLEY seconded the resolution, which was
carried.
The clauses were then read with little comment, as they
related chiefly to the executive operation of the bill.
Captain MIOGLEY said—Mr. Chairman, I am one of the
few, I am sorry to say, one of the very few shipmasters who
have signed a memorial to the Board of Trade, in favour
of a legislative enactment for the examination of masters and
mates in' the merchant service, and I did so from a sincere
conviction that such a measure would be not only advanta-
geous to the present class of shipmasters, but it would be
conferring a boon upon the rising generation, for it will
teach them that they can only hope for preferment by a long
course of sobriety, good conduct, and attention to the duties
of their profession. I wish to speak of that highly respectable
and meritorous body of men (the mates in the merchant ser-
vice) with every possible respect ; but I appeal with con-
fidence to the gentlemen present to say if there is not a very
great difficulty in meeting with an officer who is fully com-
petent and qualified for his situation. But let it be under-
stood that whilst I advocate the great principle of the bill—
the necessity for passing an examination—l am as much
opposed to various objectionable clauses contained in it as
any gentleman present. I contend, sir, that every shipmaster
should have a power of appeal from the decision of the
Board of Examiners—that he should derive a direct interest
from the payment of the fee, and that he should be examined
by his years. Indeed, the honourable promoter of this bill
has provided for this, by declaring that the Board of Exami-
ners shall consist of shipmasters only, and Captain Fitzroy,
in the strict spirit of candour and impartiality, has omitted
the very mention of " naval officers," to the best of my re-
collection, throughout this bill. I maintain, Mr. Chairman,
that this bill has been brought forward in a highly honoura-
ble and impartial manner; and I would intreat and implore
my brother shipmasters to discuss the various clauses in a
cool, temperate, and business-like manner ; and it will be
well to remember that vituperation is not argument, neither
is abuse conviction. I think it but an act of justice that the
shipmaster should in all cases have a power of appeal. This
power, gentlemen, is conceded to the vilest criminal ; how
much more then is it necessary that a similar privilege
should be enjoyed by the shipmaster, whose peculiar avoca-
tion so frequently exposes him to the difficulties and dangers
of an intricate navigation. With regard to the fees, I confess
I have derived a hint from an anonymous correspondent of
the Shipping Gazette; and I would propose that masters
should pay an annual sum of one guinea, and mates half a
guinea, and after allowing a reasonable sum to be paid to
the examiners and their clerk, the surplus should be con-
verted into a fund for the benefit of their widows and children.
Permit me a word or two, Mr. Chairman, as to the clause
for qualification. I can see no reason why the master of a

coaster should have a certificate of a lower grade than the
master of a foreign going ship. You are well aware, sir,
that it requires more skill and greater ability in seamanship
to take a ship from Liverpool to London than it does to take
a vessel from one of the outports—as Plymouth or Cork, for
instance—to the East Indies. There are various other
clauses in the bill which are somewhat obnoxious, and re-
quire a cool, calm, and unprejudiced discussion ; and I would
strongly recommend that a committee be appointed to con-
sider and report upon the merits and demerits of this bill.
I will, therefore, move, with your permission, Mr. Chair-
man, that Captains Crosbie, Callan, Dobson, Harmer and
yourself, be added to the former named committee, to con-
sider the various clauses of this important bill, and that they
be appointed a deputation to wait upon Captain Fitzroy, and
confer with him on the subject.
Mr. HOLLAND expressed an opinion that they would make
more pr ogress with the real objects which they had in view,
by considering the clauses in a small committee, than they
could do in a meeting.
It was ultimately resolved that the Chairman and four other
shipmasters, who were named, should form the committee in
question.

Captain CHAMLEY said lie should like to see something
introduced into the bill on the subject of paying captains in
cases of bankruptcy. All others were paid their wages in
such cases, but the captain came in as a mere creditor, and
was paid, perhaps, sixpence in the pound.
The CHAIRMAN said this was apart from the subject.
Mr. HOLLAND said it might be considered by the com-
mittee and represented. He had always thought the system
to which Captain Chamley alluded a great hardship. Mr.
Holland further alluded to the resignation of Mr. Rowett,
with many eulogiums on that gentleman for his zealous
exertions in favour of the shipmasters. He hoped a resolu-
tion expressive of that regret would be passed.
Mr. Moss, the Secretary, said, that the situation he held
in the association gave him opportunities of witnessing the
exertions of the different members, and would be his apology
for delivering his opinions upon Mr. Roweit, than-whom- a
more zealous supporter of the institution did not exist. He
(Mr. Moss) understood that Captain Engledue claimed the
merit of founding the association, but as Captain Engledue
left at the time of Mr. Moss's appointment, in September,
1840, he had not had an opportunity, except by report, of
judging of Capt. Engledue's exertions. But of Mr. Rowett's
unceasing and untiring exertions he could not speak in terms
of sufficient eulogium. He had been the Atlas by whom the
whole weight of the association had been borne. Mr. Rowett
had spared neither person or purse, and he was convinced
that no man had ever pursued with more singleness of pur-
pose any object than Mr. Rowett had in endeavouring to
promote the wishes and interests of shipmasters.
Captain CROSSLEY mbved, that the meeting learned with
regret that Mr. Rowett had tendered his resignation, and
they hoped that he would resume his duties.

The resolution was seconded by Captain DOBSON and
carried.

Thanks were voted to the chairman for his able and im-
partial conduct in the chair, and the meeting separated at a
quarter to five o'clock.

•
Imono

Loss OF THE FRENCH SCHOONER. COUNT DADA.—AS
her Majesty's mail-packet Medina, commanded by Wm.
Smithett, Esq., R,N., was proceeding with the mails for Kings-
town last Thursday morning, after passing the Rock Light-
house, a vessel was seen by Captain Smithett on Burbo Bank.
The life-boat was immediately got ready, and at ten minutes
past seven put in charge of Mr. Dillon, second master, who
with nine men proceeded to the sand bank, with a view of
saving the perishing crew, as it was evident that the vessel
must go to pieces on the flowing tide; it was blowing very
strong from the north, with a heavy sea, The life-boat,
deeply laden, having in all seventeen souls, behaved well,
although at times she nearly filled with water. She returned
to the packet at half-past eight, having the crew of the vessel,
seven in number, who were put into the Magazine life-boat,
which Captain Smithett had observed making towards the
wreck, and had run to leeward to tow her in case of further
need, and afterwards safely landed at this port, the unfor-
tunate crew not having time to save any of their clothes.
The Medina proceeded to Ireland, and when passing the spot
on her return this morning, Captain S. and his crew saw the
schooner a complete wreck, bottom up, on the sand bank,
and felt highly gratified at having had it in their power to
rescue the sufferers from a watery grave. This is the second
instance in which the life-boats belonging to her Majesty's
packets on this station (which have been furnished within
the present year) have been instrumental in saving human
life.
THE CORPORATE ACCOUNTS.—The accounts of Mr. John
Wybergh, treasurer, with the corporation for the year com-
mencing the Ist of September, 1841, and ending on the 31st
of August, 1842, have just been published. They are pre-
sented under two heads—ordinary and extraordinary income
and expenditure. Under the former head the income
amounts to £126,660 9s. 7d.. and the expenditure to
£121,760 7s. Old., leaving a balance of £4,900 2s. 61d. in
favour of the borough fun. The extraordinary payments
have been £155,196 18s. 21d., the extraordinary receipts
£150,995 lls. 11d. Taking ordinary and extraordinary to-
gether, the total expenditure of the corporation during the
year has been £276,957 ss. 3d., the total income from all
sources £277,656 ls. 6d., leaving a balance of £698 16s. 3d.
in the hands of the treasurer. During the year there has
been a slight decrease in the amount of the bond debt,
£68,720 18s. 4d. having been paid off, (X 40,762 10s. with
money borrowed under the act of 1838,) and fresh bonds to
the amount of £57,349 17s. 6d. issued under the acts of
1837, 1838, and 1840. The total amount of bonds now out-
standing appears to be £1,110,821 12s. 6d. From the ge-
neral statement annexed to the accounts it appears that on
the 31st of August last there was due by the corporation for
interest, purchases, &c., £59,007 I9s. 6d., and to the corpo-
ration, including the balance of £698 16s. 3d. in the hands
of the treasurer, one of £19,908 14s. sd. in the hands of the
bankers, a balance of £147,902 Ils. 4d. due by the dock
trustees, balances due by the parish, the out-townships,
sums doe for premises sold, value of premises bought for
improvements, &c., £226,434 15s. 10d., leaving a general
balance of £167,426 16s. 4d. in favour of the borough fund.
EXTENSIVE EMBEZZLEMENT.—About two months ago, a
man of the name of Edward Knight, who held a confidential
situation in the malt warehouse of Messrs. Smith and Dutton,
of Warrington, unexpectedly left the town in the night time,
taking with him money to the amount of nearly £6OO. He
bad for a long time eluded the vigilance of the police, and it
was thought he had left the country for America. About the
middle of last week, however, a man who had formerly been
employed by Smith and Dutton, called in quest of employ.
ment, stating that he had seen Knight a little before near the
borders of Scotland, and as he supposed they had discharged
him, they would require another man. Upon this, a police
officer, accompanied by the man, were sent to make enquiries
in that direction without delay, and which led to the appre-
hension of Knight. He was conveyed to Warrington on
Monday night week, and was lodged in the bridewell there.
On Wednesday he was brought up for examination before
the magistrates in the Sessions-room. It appears the pri-
soner had been employed by Smith and Dutton for several
years, to superintend the malting process, and occasionally
to collect accounts due to them. The policeman despatched
in search of him traced him to Wigton, and there appre-
hended him. It was found he had £5O in his pocket, and
subsequently ascertained that he had deposited £l5O more in
a bank there. The evidence of the case not being perfect,
the ;magistrates remanded the prisoner until Monday, to
afford In opportunity of getting it completed in the meantime.

MEETING OF THE DOCK COMMITTEE.—The Dock Com-
mittee held their weekly meeting at one o'clock on Thursday
last, when the following members were present :—Messrs.
Sands (chairman), Middleton, Barclay, Holt, Molyneux,
Holmes, Smith, Nicol, Mellor, Aikin, Bulley, Evans, Tobin,
and Shand. The committee took into consideration the
plans of the Surveyor and the ship-carpenters for lengthen-
ing thqkClarence South Graving Dock ; and the Surveyor was
ultimattly requested to report upon them as to whether the
suggestibns of the carpenters or the original plan should be
adopta. The Surveyor stated, in reply to Mr. Holmes,
that the Canning Graving Docks would be ready for use by
the latter end of November. Authority was given to the
Surveyor to let the George's Dock and the Canning Dock
run dry, as soon as convenient. A report was made that
the keeper of the telegraphs on Hilbre Island had died, and
a successor was appointed. The Marine Surveyor reported,
that, on the morning of the 26th instant, the Barbara struck
on the Great Burbo bank, but, with the aid rendered by the
Magazine life-boat, the crew were rescued from their perilous
position. On the recommendation of the Sub-committee
for the department of the Harbour-masters, John Lancaster,
a gateman at Toxteth Dock, was dismissed for wilful care-
lessness in allowing a hut to be consumed by fire. The
receipt of dues at Runcorn for the last month was reported
tube £32 18s., being an increase of about £7 over the re-
ceipt of the previous month. The sum of .£295 was ordered
to be paid to the Watch Committee, on account of police-
men's wages. The Secretary reported that the Highway
Board had assessed the transit sheds at £l2BO a-year, and
laid a rate upon them. The opinion of the Solicitor was
against the legality of the rate, and he recommended mea-
sures to be taken in accordance therewith, but after some
conversation the matter was deferred. A return of dock
dues received in the port of Liverpool for the several docks
during the last year was submitted, and ordered to be printed
for the use of the committee. On the motion of Mr. Aikin,
a unanimous vote of thanks was presented to Mr. Mellor for
his efficient services on the committee, of which, as he re-
tires from the council, he ceases to be a member. The com-
mittee then adjourned. The retiring members are Messrs.
Sandbach, Mellor, and Shand.

DEATH OF THE LATE MR. BIBBY.—We last week stated,
that, in consequence of a communication made by a female
on the eve of transportation, a rumour had been circulated,
that the circumstances which led to the death of Mr. Bibby
would no longer remain a mystery. The character of the
woman was such that no credence was given to her testimony.
For some reason, which has not yet transpired, it was judged
expedient, at the commencement of the past week, to appre-
hend Henry Simpson, the driver of Mr. Bennett's car, in
which the deceased was driven homewards on the night of
the 17th July, 1840, and William Ratcliffe, who was at that
time a police-officer. These two individuals were appre-
hended at the beginning of the past week, and at half-past
twelve o'clock, on Friday last, an examination took place in
the magistrates'-room, before the Rev. Jonathan Brooks and
John Formby, Esq. The testimony taken altogether gave
the same account of the preliminary and collateral circum-
stances attending the melancholy event as was given by the
various witnesses at preceding examinations. The witnesses
examined were Charles Chalk, a waiter at the Mersey Hotel,
and William Edgar, keeper of the Royal Bank, who told of
the occurrences up to the time of Mr. Bibby's departure ;
Mr. Hayes, county coroner, who produced the deposition of
Simpson at the inquest ; Celia Ledger, of Stand Park farm ;
Henry Baker, the boy who found the body ; James Broom-
villeAkeeper of a beer-house at Aintree ; Richard Ewing and
Richard Murray, toll-gate keepers ; Thomas Kennedy, po-
lice-officer ; and Charles Stewart, a superintendent in the
county police. The last named individual had apprehended
the prisoners, whom he had cautioned and cross-examined.
The Rev. Jonathan Brooks remarked that the principle of
examining witnesses was a very improper one, and that the
constable had not given them the proper caution. An inno-
cent man might entangle himself by answering questions in a
case of mere suspicion, without knowing their drift; and
prisoners being so questioned was bad in itself, and ought
not to be practised. The prisoners were removed, and the
magistrates communed together. In a few minutes the pri-
soners were ordered to be brought in, when the Rev. Jona-
than Brooks, addressing them, said that they (the magistrates)
had given the case their best consideration. A great deal of
mystery hung over the transaction, and there were some
strange and suspicious circumstances in the evidence, but
still the evidence was not, upon the whole, of such a nature
as to justify the prisoners being deprived of their liberty and
sent for trial. As regarded Simpson, he was more immedi-
ately connected with the affair, as in his charge Mr. Bibby
was seen for the last time alive. There were, he repeated,
some extraordinary circumstances involved in the matter,
but the magistrates did not feel warranted in proceeding
against the parties in custody, who were, therefore, dis-
charged. The allusion to Simpson drew tears from that per-
son. The parties then left the court, which broke up at five
o'clock.

ENGLISH NEWSPAPERS IN CHINA.—An English news-
paper has been lately established in Hongkong, called the
Hongkong Gazette, and conducted by a gentleman until
recently residing in London. It is intended soon to com-
mence one in the Chinese language. Indeed the Gazette
sometimes contains extracts in that strange and extraordi-
nary language. The Chinese are represented as very anxious
and persevering in their efforts to learn English, as well as
to learn all relating to this country. Certainly they. need
learn something true of us, if they still hold opinions similar
to those of one of their own treatises in geography, which
describes England as " the kingdom of Yingkeihle, a de-
pendent or tributary estate of Hulan (Holland)."

CORRESPONDENCE.

"HEAR THE CHURCH."

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.
SlR,—The commencement of the letter which appeared in
your publication of Friday last, signed " R. H. Sherlock,"
led me to imagine your correspondent did not understand the
character of our Protestant Association, and to hope, for his
sake, that some one might take the trouble of explaining to
him the identity in principle and in practice of it and the
Established Church ; but as I proceeded farther, it became
evident be did not understand himself: explanation, there-
fore, would have been useless, and reason to none effect.
Passing by, then, his irrelevant "facts" and self-refuting
contradictions, I. trespass for a moment upon you, in order
to rescue from perversion the passage of Scripture misquoted
by Mr. Sherlock, in the words " Our Saviour bids us hear
the Church.' " The clause, as it occurs in Matt. xviii. 17,
runs thus : "But if he neglect to hear the Church," &c.
To Dr. Hook belongs the credit of curtailing and straining
it into the application now so much in vogue with the party
of which Mr. S. puts himself forward as the champion and
specimen. His sermon before the Queen in 1838, from the
words copied by Mr. S., will be in the recollection of your
readers.

In the original the word is parakous6 (will not hear), the
negative being implied in the compound verb, of which the
indefinite tense, subjunctive mood, is used by the Evangelist.
The Doctor has omitted the negative altogether, and adroitly
taking advantage of the English idiom, has, in effect, sub-
stituted the imperative mood of the verb, preparing the
passage at once for the unenquiring adoption of men of the
calibre of Mr. Sherlock.

A similar instance of breaking a text upon the rack to
make it serve a purpose is related of the facetious Dean
Swift. When preaching against the extravagance of ladies'
head-dress in his day, he distorted the words in Matt. xxiv.
17 into " Topknot, come down." The Dean's was a less
reverent, but consequently a less dangerous, perversion than
that of the Doctor. The violence offered to the word of
God was in both cases the same in kind, and is a palpable
" handling of the word of God deceitfully." lam far from
imputing such wilful dishonesty to Dr. Hook, whose ex-
emplary activity I am ready to acknowledge ; but I state a
fact, and as a lover of Scriptural truth I protest against it ;
since the more eminent his station, the more dangerous his
example.

As for Mr. Sherlock, had he used the words merely, with-
out marking them as a quotation from Scripture (which they
are not)—had he even been original, and not a.plagiarist, iu
his mistakes, 'tis probable that where his argument was felt
to be without weight, his scholarship also might have passed
without criticism.—l am, Sir, your s, &c., A. M.