Huddersfield Chronicle (18/Jan/1868) - page 8

The following is an uncorrected OCR conversion of a newspaper page and will contain numerous errors. The text is in the Public Domain.

Correspondence

The Volunteer Movement: What is it Coming to?

The VOLUNTEER MOVEMENT: WHAT IS IT COMING TO? TO THE EDITOR OF THE HUDDERSFIELD CHRONICLE.

Sir, - — I regret having to trouble you once more with a personal explanation, as I had hoped that your correspondent " Huddersfield," who admits he was nog present at the meeting at Kirkheaton, would not have ventured to make another statement on simple hearsay.

He said in his first letter, which appeared in your paper of the 28th ult., "that I had announced myself as a lieutenant of the Saddleworth corps," &c., which he now admits was incorrect ; but that " Ensign Taylor introduced me asa lieutenant," &c., &c., which, I beg to say, is like his first statement, equally incorrect. .

There are several other assertions in both his letters which, from my own personal knowledge, I know to be untrue; but I think it unnecessary to refute them, as the public will by this time be able to estimate at their Proper value the statements ant inferences ae ema

"s dersfield." — I am, Sir, y fale Had JONATHAN R. BRADBURY.

Huddersfield, Jan. 16th, 1868.

— _ — — _ — — — TO THE EDITOR OF THE HUDDERSFIELD CHRONICLE.

Sir, — I have noticed with regret, some letters which have appeared in your paper, tending to create a feeling of unpleasantness, between the volunteers of two neighbouring battalions in this district. I think it the duty of every one who snows oe facts of the case, to set the ic right on the subject. py ne to myself to notice the statement made by your correspondent signed " Huddersfield," with respect to the action of Lieut.-colonel Bradbury, in the Ou e matter, as it so happens I was present at the meeting, and know something of the circumstances, Your correspondent says : —

In his statement of the Outlane affair, "A Volunteer" puts a complexion upon it which is quite erroneous, inasmuch as Lieutenant-colonel Greenwood (then Major) announced, three or four days before the time, his intention of visiting Outlane, by juvitation. Lient.-colonel Bradbury's placard was posted in Outlane on the day of the meeting, and Major Greenwood knew nothing of it until he arrived there.

If any inference is to be drawn frem the facts, and I have correctly stated them, it can only be that Colonel Bradbury intended to spoil Major Greenwood's four o'clock meeting by calling another for seven.

It is well known that neither Colonel Greenwood, nor Colonel Bradbury would have taken any action without the sanction of the promoter of the movement at Outlane, so that it is important to ascertain what steps Mr. Sykes took in the matter. It was by arrangement with him on the Tuesday, and after he had that day refused to give a list of names to Major Greenwood, and to meet that gentleman at Outlane, that it was decided to issue the placards. There is reason to believe that subsequently Major Greenwood expressed a wish that intending volunteers should come down to the armoury on the Saturday, to be attested, and that in reply to that application, Mr. Sykes wrote to Major Greenwood on the Friday, suggesting that he should visit Outlane, but no request was conveyed to Col. Bradbury to withdraw the placards, and not until halfpast two o'clock on the Saturday did he receive any further communication from Mr. Sykes. Then, and not till then, did he hear anything of Major Greenwood's intended movenients, and in compliance with the request conveyed by Mr. Sykes in his note, he went immediately to Outlane, but as I can testify he did not interfere with Major Greenwood's proceedings. It is nonsense to suppose that under any circumstances Colonel Bradbury's placard, calling a meeting for three hours afterwards could iuterfere with Major Greenwood's meeting, inasmuch as the inference drawn by " Huddersfield" is based on an erroneous statement of facts, it is unnecessary to make any further comment. — I am, yours respectfully, UNE WHO KNOWS.

anaes THE

January 17th, 1868.


Rev. J. McCann's Farewell Sermon

REV. J. M'CANN'S FAREWELL SERMON.

The claims of St. Paul's District Visiting Society were advocated on Sunday. The Rev. J. M'cann LL.D., who has resigned the curacy of St. Paul's, preached in the evening, and, it having been announced that the rev. gentleman would take leave of his Huddersfield friends on this occasion, a large congregation assembled to hear his parting words from the pulpit. The text was selected from the 27th chapter of Matthew, v. 22, "Pilate saith unto them, what shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, let him be crucified." The rev. gentleman said now, as in the days of Pilate, the question was " What, then, shall we do with this man called Jesus?" Various attempts were made to answer the question. One school placed Christ on a pedestal of mere humanity — the highest, noblest, and grandest man that ever moved — but, while they admitted his self-denial and excellence, would not trust to Him as their Saviour. But there was another school that answered the question. They would say they placed Christ on the throne of Deity, as God of very God, the Son of the Father, and equal to Him in all things, so far as his godhead is concerned. They saw an evil; and they also saw a remedy. As was the evil, so must be the remedy. If the evil be simple, then the remedy must be simple; if the evil be complicated, so must the remedy be complicated ; as was the view of the evil, so would be the view of the remedy. There were others who looked at Christ as an example ; and, while they would have their lives like Christ, cared not for His death. The school to which he (Dr. M'cann) belonged placed one Christ before them — the Redeemer and their Sanctifier. During the time he had been amongst them he must confess to many a shortcoming, many a failing, many an error committed in ignorance ; but this he did claim — that never once had our Lord and Master been lowered by him from the pedestal of Deity. He had enthroned him as an approaching and approachable Majesty. In Him we were complete; without Him we were nothing. He (Dr. M'cann) cared not for creed, he regarded not sect, he asked them not to believe anything about Episcopacy, sacraments, ordination, heaven, or hell; but he would ask them this question, " What think you of Christ?" Ifa man asked him " What must I do to be saved?" turning to his Bible, he found only one answer. He waived all minor things, and had only this one thought, " Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." That was the one rock on which he had tried to place their souls, and, while he had endeavoured to teach other truths, it was only as they were subservient to this one, — to support and confirm this one. It was character that would gain them heaven: it was Christ who would make heaven possible to them — it was Christ and Christ alone who could give them entrance into the portals of heaven. Thse who had been in the habit of worshipping in that church during the time of his ministry had been warned again and again against giving up Christ to be crucified afresh. If he were to ask them individually were they true followers of Christ, were they always doing that which they believed to be right, did they make Christ their Alpha and their Omega? — some of them would be compelled to answer ' No." Were they not, then, doing what Pilate did — crucifying Christ in their rejection of his doctrine, and the rejection of his atonement? '" What," he asked, " would it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" and gain the whole world he could not. Place the two side by side, and let them perceive their own folly. They gave up truth, and gained a lie; gave up honesty — manly, godlike honesty — and gained gold ; they gave up eternity, that should never cnd, and gained time. They could not even do that, for none but the Christian truly possessed time. They could have no hope except in Christ. They could not burst open the doors of heaven ; they could not plead " not guilty," they could not sheath the sword of justice: then he would earnestly urge them to make Christ their only hope and only Saviour; and to enthrone Hi-n in their hearts as the supremest object of their love. The rev. gentlemen, in an appeal on behalf of the society fur which he was preaching, asked his hearers to give the visitors from that church an opportunity of making some homes brighter, of gladdening some father and mother's heart, by providing more food and clothing than there was in the home before. Let them show that Christianity did not consist in creeds, preaching, or singing ; but in lovingkindness, sympathy, and tenderness. Let them make Christ their Rock ; and then their souls would no longer be like a sea that could not rest- — -no longer would there be turbulent passions, no longer would there be any evil desires: then there would be no endless moaning of the spirit, like the boundless ocean, ever working, but never throwing up any products of industry, except broken weeds and shivered wrecks. Faith without works was dead ; but lct them make Christ the guide of their life, so that men would look at them, and see how great a thing it was to bea Christian. During the time he had been here, he had met with some discouragements, some coldness; but he wanted to forget and forgive it all as freely as he hoped to be forgiven, They might not all meet again in an earthly temple, but he prayed they might meet one day in a nobler temple, and sing grander strains than they ever could within those walls. He should be called upon to give an account of the subject, the spirit, and the aim of his ministry. His sole object been one of love, kindness, and an earnest desire to leave the minds and souls of the people better than when he found them. It was his duty to rebuke error of every kind, or what he believed to be error; but never, in the preparation of his sermons, had he thought of any one individual of the congregation, unless indeed they were in trial, suffering, or sorrow. He knew the thoughts he had uttered had been difficult of comprehension; and he would have it so. Surely, if they gave attention and study to secular subjects, it was not too much to expect them to study the highest of all subjects. He must ever refuse to lower his own peculiar subject, beneath all earthly subjects, merely to speak those facts that might be grasped by, or retained in, the mind without effort, study, preparation, or care. It would not be true to the people ; it would not be true to himself; it would net be true te his subject. He must ever remember that, if there be no earnestness of thought, no concentration of attention, no calm reflection, there was no faith, no belief, no true religion; therefore, he entreated them seriously, when they head thoughts coming from a preacher in that or any other pulpit which they could not readily accept in theirown minds, to search themselves, and see whether it was due to want of attention vt their own part, or the preacher's carelessness. If they did not show themselves to be Christians among their fellowmen, all their prayers and singing in churches were a mockery and were follies. He besought his hearers, whatever congregation they belonged to, to support their ministers by their sympathy, counsel, and by their union with him, remembering harsh words and unkind criticism acted like an evil spicit, and blasted their thought, so that they could not receive the benefit of the deep and earnest study they otherwise might have. It was to ticir own interests tu support their ministers in every po-sible way. In conclusion, he asked for their prayers fur the incumbent, whose one desire was to speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but what he believed to be the truth ; and he claimed their continued prayers for himself in the new field of labour upon which he was entering. These were dangerous and stirring tims. Every article of ; their faith was being examined ; and Christianity was being sifted more than it had ever been sifted before. But it would still be his desire to teach the truth; and he prayed that he might have cour: g> and strength to seared fearlessly fur the truth, and boldiy proclaim to men the results of his search. He asked their prayers for his successor, and hoped they would take him often before the throne of grace. Let them bear each other on their hearts before Him who loved them all; and, lastly, he would say his heart's desire and prayer for them all was that they might prosper during their sojourn on earth, and, when they should have run their earthly course, join each other in heaven.

or


Opening of the Meltham Church Memorial Schools


Lecture by the Rev. W.M. Punshon, M.A.

LECTURE BY THE REV. W. M. PUNSHON, M.A.

"Daniel in Babylon" was the title of a lecture delivered, on Wednesday evening, in the Wesleyan Chapel, Queenstreet, by the Rev. W. Morley Punshon, M.A., of London. Although the prices of tickets had been fixed at 2s. and 1s., the spacious chapel was crowded in every part, many of those present being friends from a distance, and members of various denominations.

After singing and prayer, N. Learoyd, Esq., was called upon to preside.

The rev. LECTURER, who was enthusiastically greeted, said the old Hebrew prophets were a marvellous race of men; and it was difficult to regard them as part of the ordinary creation of God. They were not soldiers, yet they rebuked in a way which the most stalwart crusader might have envied. They were not priests, and yet never did priests speak solemn words with more seemliness of utterance, nor with more divinely power. As we gazed upon their long and lofty lives, their noted deeds crewded upon our Memory, and we seemed to shrink from any discussion of their characters, as if they were so many creatures from spirit land. The prophets seemed to be in the nature of humanity rather than of it ; and to be surrounded by conditions and move in an existence of their own with which the rest of the world could have but a scanty sympathy, or rather, in contemplating their lives, a mingled feeling stole over us of half admiration and half awe. They were not men so much as distinct and individual influences, passive beneath their swelling inspirations, standing before the Lord like the lightnings which were as messengers, or as the stormy wind, fulfilling His word. There must be identity of nature, and there must be similarity of circumstances; the men must have had like passions ; and those passions must have been powerfully tried. Perhaps there were none amongst the prophets who so thoroughly came home to us as one of ourselves as that Hebrew youth of the royal line of J udah, from whose history they were purposing to be instructed. He was inspired, but he had a life apart from his ins iration ; and we recognised in it the common elements of which lives were made — danger and deliverance, principle and persecution, sorrow and success, the heart song of thankfulness, and the pleasing and breezelike voice of creation. All the constituents which were shapely in the form of care were to be met with in his experience, just as we had felt them in our own. He came not in a strange guise nor foreign garments, but arrayed in our own humanness; he was no meteor vision flitting across our path, and playing for a brief space the masque of human life, and then vanishing in darkness as unbroken as before; he came eating and drinking and doing common things, thrilled with common feelings, though those feelings prompted him to heroic action, and those common things were done ina magnificent way. Religion was adapted for all circumstances of human condition, for all varieties of human character. Clearly, areligion which aimed to be universal must possess those assimilating powers, or, in the complexities of the world, it would be disqualified for the post which it had to fill. Christianity could translate its comforts into every language; but it might be that some were thinking their circumstances were somewhat exceptional, that religion was a good thing, but it was to be cultivated under circumstances that were favourable, and not amid the roar of business, nor the tragic hearts of a town. They could, he said, meet with God, in love and reverent fellowship, as thoroughly in London, the modern Babylon, as did Daniel in Babylon, the ancient Lendon. (Applause.) The chief characteristic of Daniel's life was his earnest and consistent piety. Daniel was lonely, he was tempted, he was in peril — add to these the further condition of bondage — a word which an Englishman did not now understand — (applause) — and they would have some idea of the state of Daniel when he was first introduced into the palace of the King. Babylon was wholly and earnestly given to idolatry ; but Daniel's piety failed not. Let a man be firmly principled in his religion, and he might travel from the tropics to the pole, and it would not catch cold on the journey. (Applause.) There were opposed to Christianity, in the present day, insolence and error; but one of the main excellencies of Daniel's piety he would especially commend for imitation, was that he made a stand at once, and resisted upon the earliest occasion all encroachment upon conscience. Asa Hebrew, certain meats were forbidden to him which other nations ate without scruple; and it was his duty to refuse them. The scornful worldling, with a curling lip, might say that was a small thing, an insignificant occasion, for a very unnecessary, obstinate, and supercillious display. A trifle! But, these trifles, were they not sometimes the mightiest forces in the universe? The falling apple, the drifting log of wood, the singing of a tea kettle, what trifles were these? Yet they had, through the instrumentality of man, facilitated the discovery of the law of gravitation, America, and the thousandfold appliances of steam. Daniel made a stand at once, and God honoured it. The foremost champion of the enemy slain, it were easy to rout the rest. Perhaps he (Mr. Punshon) spake to one in whom the critical moment impended, and who was beset with such formidable perils as made him shudder when thinking of them. If so, now was the moment, on their part, for the most valorous resistance, and, on his part, for the most affectionate and solemn warning. It was against this beginning of evil, this first trespass on the sacredness of conscience, that they should take their stand. It was the one false step that hurled the traveller into the deep crevice ; it was the first careless drifting into the current of the rapids which sped the frail bark into the whirlpools. Yield to that temptation which now invited, and it might be they were lost for ever; enter that hell of gambling, follow that strange woman, make that fraudulent entry, engage in that doubtful speculation, and they awakened their moral nature, and sharpened the dagger with which the assassin awaited to stab them ; they were accessory in the measure of the murder of their own soul. Let them be frantic, as a bondsman, to escape from slavery ; be it theirs to escape from the pursuing evil of sin. Close at their heels was the revengeful enemy : let them strive to be like Daniel, lest they be overtaken and consumed ; and, although strength be stretched to the uttermost in the conflict, once get within the City of Refuge, and they were free, and neither God's love, nor man's, would ever, though all the world demand it, give up to his pursuers a poor fugitive slave. (Applause.) Having noticed the piety — the Corinthian pillar — of Daniel's character, the rev. gentleman dwelt on the contentment of the prophet. It was supposed Daniel was 20 years old when carried away captive to Babylon; and how did Daniel act under those altered circumstances, which he could neither control nor remedy. There were three courses open to him other than the one he pursued. He might, for instance, have resigned himself to the dominion of sorrow ; he might have suffered grief and paralysed every energy of his being ; he might have harboured some sullen purpose of revenge, and glared at his captors with an eye whose expression, being interpreted, meant murder ; but Daniel was too true and bravea man: he knew it was his duty to make the best of the circumstances aruund him, to create content and exemplify it, although the conditions which originally surrounded and endeared him no longer existed. Not indifferent to the reverse of fortune, he became resigned and made himself useful in Babylon. Under the influence of discontent, some had become amateur chartists, railed eloquently at the distinctions of society, and sighed for an ideal equality ; some had become inglorious dreamers, and were always on the look out for "something to turn up" that would float them into a nabob's fortune ; and he was not sure whether our dispensation of popular lecturing was altogether guiltless in this matter. (Laughter.) Well, he thought he heard some indignant youth exclaiming " Do you mean to tell us that all the counsels we have had from the many lecturers, yourself among the rest, about aspiring and self-reliance go for nothing? Are we to be content always to grovel? Are we to be content always to remain as we are? Shall we never raise ourselves above the sphere of society in which we are found to-day?" Yes, some of them might — and if the elements of greatness were in them, they would come out; but, it was no use blinking the truth, 90 out of every 100 would remain as they were. Drapers to day, they would be drapers, or something like it, to the end of the chapter. (Laughter. ) Well, what of that? Better the meanest, honest occupation — and that was a long way below a draper — (laughter) — than to be the titled deceiver or drone ; better the poor Lancashire or Yorkshire artisan, who does not know where the morrow's breakfast is to come from, than the titled or untitled rascal who rides down Regent Street, in a carriage, built, cushioned, harnessed, and purchased with other people's money. (Applause.) The religion of Daniel not only made him contented, but it made him courteous to those by whom he was surrovnded. He bore himself respectfully, but without servility, never compromising his fidelity to God. The lecturer commended Daniel in this respect to the age in which we live ; and, if his hearers were Christians, as he trusted many of them were, he would give to them the grand old name of "gentleman." Manhood and gentlemen! Not only strength and energy, but affability and courtesy to temper it. Love was the essence of religion, and courtesy was just love in society. He hoped it was not necessary that good men should be abrupt and disagreeable ; there was no necesary connection between christianity and sinecisin ; but the Christian was to be so firmly principled that he could afford to be kind, so strong in faith that no amount of irritation could betray him into the practice of his oppremors. Christianity was never yet advantaged either by the sword of the bigot, or the tongue of the scold; and he protested against the grafting upon our holy religion of a spirit that was truculent scl cruel. Look kindly upon the vilest as man ought to look upon man. Both were royal, only the one was wearing, and the other had pawned, his crown. The religion of Daniel made him conscientious in the discharge of his multifarious duties; and diligent in the fulfilment of all the trusts confided to him. He secured the confidence of four successive monarchs who sat upon the throne of Babylon ; and the administration of justice formed no small part of his duty. There was in this country an unfortunate individual who held the office of Chancellor of the Exchequer, whose duty was not only to provide for the carrying on of the public service, but who was expected to have a patience that could endure an inconceivable amount of badgering, a pliant intellect which could at once grasp the comprehensive and be familiar with thesimple. It might be said there were no boisterous House of Commons in Babylon; but there were disappointed aspirants for office there ; and some conception of the anxieties of a Chancellor of the Exchequer in Babylon might be formed when they remembered that Daniel had 120 provinces to manage in that sumptuous and grasping olden time. The lecturer proceeded to show that Daniel, by his conduct in the hour of trial, proved that it was possible to combine, in grandest harmony of character, fidelity to duty and to God amid the restlessness of labour. Daniel, accused by vile conspirators, stood heir of two worlds: Daniel the faithful among men; Daniel the beloved of the Lord. (Applause. ) He trusted many of his hearers were emulous of Daniel's character. The exigencies of the times in which we lived, regard for character, the absolute requirement of God, all summoned us to an ennobling religious decision, When he thought of the agencies always at work to make this world better, he was thankful he lived. The work _was not dead; but the labour of the former tume was ripening into goodly growth. The great day, he concluded in most eloquent strains, was nearer for every out-worn lie, for every trampled fraud, for each scattered truth-seed, for each kindly speech and deed: they all might aid it in its coming — children who flung seeds about in sport, the gay school-girl crowned with flowers, manhood in its sublimity, the activity of womanhood in her ministry of mercy — all might speed it onward. Oh, be it theirs, in a blended activity of faith and labour, to watch and work for it. Mourn not the past, it had given place to better times; tread not the future, it should burst upon them in brighter glory. Come and be anointed as the Daniel's of to-day, at once the prophet and the worker, the brow all bright with shining prophecy, and hands both full of earnest and of holy deeds —

Thine the needy truth to speak, Right the wrong, and raise the weak;

Thine to make earth's desert glad, And in its hidden greenness clad;

Thine to work as well as pray, Clearing thorny wrongs away;

Plucking up the weeds of sin, Letting heaven's warm sunshine in;

Watching on the hills ef faith, Listening what the Spirit saith;

Hearing notes from angel choirs, Catching gleams of temple spires ;

Like the seer of Patmos gazing, On the glory downward blazing, Till, upon earth's grateful sod, Rests the city of our God. The rev. gentleman, after speaking an hour and a Half, resumed his seat amid applause.

On the motion of W. KEIGHLEY, Esq., and seconded by W. R. Hatcn, Esq., a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Punshon for his interesting and profitable lecture.

Mr. Punshon, in acknowledging the thanks, intimated that he had suffered very considerable oppression of the chest all the way through the lecture, The singing of the doxology brought the proceedings to a close.


The Political Aspects of the Church Establishment Question

THE POLITICAL ASPECTS OF THE

CHURCH ESTABLISHMENT QUESTION.

The Rev. Marmaduke Miller lectured, in the Gymnasium Hall, on Tuesday evening, on "The Political Aspects of the Church Establishment," and, at the same time, reviewed the lecture recently delivered by the Rev. G. G. Lawrence, M.A., incumbent of St. Paul's Church. The hall was well filled. Mr. Joseph Woodhead was called upon to preside.

The CHAIRMAN said the rev. gentlemen had the contest between them, ani the audience were present to judge which they thought most in accordance with truth and justice. With these few observations he begged leave to introduce Mr. Miller.

Before the rev. gentleman rose to his feet, Mr. GARRATT, who occupied a seat near the platform, said (addressing the chairman) : Do you admit discussion at the close of the lecture?

CHaIRMAN — Well, I don't know what time the lecture may be over. I hope we are not afraid of discussion.

Mr. GARRATT — Then I hope the lecturer will keep to the truth about the Irish Protestant Church, and not give the same base untruths — — (Signs of disapprobation. )

CHAIRMAN — Have you done?

Mr. GARRATT — Yes.

CHAIRMAN — Then that will do; you must sit down.

Mr. Gakratt — Very well, but I expect he will keep to the truth, and not make such statements as he did in his last lecture. (Hisses.)

CHAIRMAN — I shall expect the meeting to support me in keeping order. (Applause.) Mr. Miller will now procee.

The Rev. M. MILLER, on rising tu deliver the lecture, was enthusiastically applauded. Before commencing, he might say, that personally he had never any objection to answer any question at the close of the lecture that was rtinent to the lecture ; but he had to say to-night that he would answer no question put by the gentleman who had just stood up. 'Hear, hear.) A man who came and insulted him by stating that he hoped he (Mr. Miller) would keep to the truth, should have no answer from him. (Applause.) If any other gentleman chose to put a question, pertinent to the lecture, and the chairman should allow it to be asked, he would be prepared to answer it as he waz able. (Hear, hear.) Ajter referring to the way in which the lectures had been commenced, he said the tone and spirit of Mr. Lawrence's lecture were all he could wish, except one or two sentences, and he distinctly and emphatically disclaimed any particle of illfeeling towards Mr. Lawrence. In his lecture, he (Mr. Miller} distinctly avowed himself a political Dissenter ; and contended that he and his congregation had as much right to dissent from the Church of England as the Church of England had to dissent from the Church of Rome. By 2 political Dissenter, said Mr. Lawrence, they meant a man who did not believe in religion at all. Was it not common to denounce all Dissenters who took part in the Liberation Society as political Dissenters? Therefore, either Mr. Lawrence's definition of a political Dissenter was sheer norsease, or the clergy were guilty of base slander. Mr. Lawrence said Dissenters were separatists; that was precisely the same argument the Church of Rome brought against the Church of England. He believed the Church of England was only half freed from Popery, and on that account had separated from her. Why, then, be stigmatised as a separatist? It was not of the slightest moment whether Dissenters were called political Dissenters, schismatists, or revolutionists: their forefathers had to bear hard blows; and the Dissenters of to-day were not to be frightened with hard words. After some other preliminary observations, Mr. Miller again referred to the objection of Mr. Lawrence against his assertion relative to the evil working of church establishments. Mr. Lawrence admitted that the days of the Tudors and Stuarts were days of cruelty and blood; but said he loved not to be ever dwelling on the memory of those "dark, sorrowful, malignant days," but would leave them "for dark, sorrowful, and malignant men." He (Mr. Miller) must protest against being stigmatised as a malignant man because he had pointed out the evils of the church establishments during the last three centuries. Was religious persecution quite dead, and buried beyond the possibility of resurrection ? Were not the evangelical clergy full of fears about the rapid increase of popery? Mr. Lawrence stated that, in modern times, there were three varieties of the Established Church, namely, the state enforced church, state paid church, and the state recognised church. Two hundred years ago John Bunyan was incarcerated in Bedford Gaol for abstaining from attending the Parish Church ; and he should like to know when there was a change from the state enforced to the state recognised church. It might be said this mighty change took place at the passing of the Toleration Act; but he (Mr. Miller) contended that, since the psssing of that act, Dissenters had suffered much persecution at the hands of the Church. He complained of the Toleration Act itself ; and said it was a piece of intolerance for one sect to talk of tolerating another sect to worship God. (Applause.) Toleration was something granted as a favour ; it was the endurance of a thing that had no right to exist. We spoke of tolerating error, but never of tolerating the truth. As Nonconformists, they had a right to say they wanted more than toleration. Since the passing of the Toleration Act, the Church of England had been a persecuting church, and had endeavoured to force its creed upon the peuple. We might persecute a man without cropping his ears ; they persecuted him if they deprived him of his civil rights on account of his religious belief. If this be true, it would not be difficult to show that. since the passing of the Toleration Act, the Church of England had been a persecuting church, and so far had been a state enforced church, and not simply a state recognised church. Until 1827 those who filled any important office, not only magistrates and councillors, but pedlars, gamekeepeis, custom House officers, &e., under the crown, were required by law to take the Lord's Supper at the Parish Church. Did the State, in this case, simply recognise the church? But those grievances were now gone, and, according to Mr. Lawrence, they had to thank churchmen for the removal of those disabilities, According to Mr. Lawrence's logic, Dissenters would be told that, when Church-rates were abolished, they had to thank churchmen for that. (Laughter. ) The rev. lecturer then drew attention to several grievances of which Dissenters had still to complain, beginning with Easter Dues. The clergy who persisted in exacting those paltry sums for Easter Dues, such men only wanted the power to send men to the pillory and prison. They bit as hard as they could, and the reason why they did not bite more was that the state had drawn some of their grinders. (Laughter.) The same remarks applied to the levying of church rates. A man's conscience might be violated in being compelled to conform to a fourm of worship which the man believed to be idolatrous. If Mr. Lawrence lived in Spain or Rome he would not be so eager about paying Church-rates, but he would begin to think a Liberation Society would be very desirable. (Hear, hear.) Another grievance lay in the fact that Dissenters were not allowed to enjoy the full priveleges of a university education. Mr. Lawrence was thoroughly satisfied that the Oxford and Cambridge schools were founded by Episcopaleans for the benefit of Episcopaleans ; but would Mr. Lawrence stake his reputation by saying they were founded by Protestant Episcopaleans? Certainly not; Mr. Lawrence knew very well that by far the largest portion of the property was left by Catholic Episeopaleans, and not a little was left that masses might be performed for the souls of the donors and their friends. The fact was Universities were founded by Englishmen, for the benefit of Englishmen, and all Englishmen had a right to share their advantages. The highest authorities at Oxford contended that the Universities were historically and legally national institutions, and that they were civil and not ecclesiastical corporations; and in a few months, or years at most, Dissenters would have the right to partake of all the advantages of an university education. Coming to the most important point at issue between Mr. Lawrence and himself, what, he asked, was meant by the State giving the Church special recognition? What was meant too, by the Church giving to the State certain control over its organisation? The Church could not increase the number of its chief officers, as population increased, could not adJ a prayer to the prayer book, could not divide one parish into two small ones, could not diminish or add to its articles, could not authoritatively interpret what those article meant, without the sanction of Parliament, in fact, Parliament, that orthodox assembly, was, to all intents and purposes the absolute lord and master of the Church. (Applause.) Mr. Lawrence asserted that the Church received from the State nothing more than special recognition ; but common sense would say there must be something more than special recognition to induce the Church to submit to the State's galling yoke. That something he would now proceed to show; and he should make it abundantly plain that the Church was endowed by the state ; and therefore the state had a right to exercise control over the Church. The great writers on church establishments assumed that int ; and he quoted Bishop Warburton, Paley, Dr. Chalmers. and Mr. Coleridge on the subject. There had been budgets, within the recollection of living men, of the kind named by Mr. Lawrence. More than 100,000,000 of money were voted out of the public taxes, and appeared in the bu:lget. (Cries of " Question," and " What date?") Mr. Miller replied from 1809 until 1820, (Applause. ) £100,000 were voted out of the taxes for the endowment of poor livings in the Church. (A Voice: ' Lawrence's church was paid for by Guoyernment — one part of it,") The discussion was not concerning the gift of the testa mentary property, which had come into the handy of the Church within our own times — -they rejoiced to see Churchmen building and endowing churches 3; and to say Nonconformists wanted to interfere with such endowments was grievously to slanJer them. In alluding to the nature and origin of tithe property Mr. Miller said it Was wlmitted that before Oonstautine's time the Chureh was sustained on the voluntary principle ; but, from the

4th century, Constantine united the church to the state ; and the state soon benumbed the church's energies. Doomsday Book proved to what a large extent the land of England was, at the time even of the Norman Conquest, held by the Church. The Church derived large revenues from granting absolution; and commuted penances also were a fruitful source of wealth ; but, even worse than this, they positively stole some of their estates. Hallam said 'the monks prostituted their knowledge of writing to the purpose of forging charters in their own favour." The Church managed to get a large portion of the landed estates in her possession ; and, if the Legislature had not interfered, by this time they might have been probably masters of every foot of ground in Britain. Thirty years ago the tithes of England and Ireland were commuted into rent charge; and from those tithes, or rent charges, the parochial clergy derived their incomes. (A Voice: "No, not in Ireland.") He maintained that tithe property was the property of the nation; and he further maintained that, whenever the state saw good reason to redistribute that property or apply it to other purposes, it had the fullest moral right sv todo. Tithes, according to Dean Milman, were an imperial tax, enforced by imperial power. The time when tithes ceased to be a voluntary contribution was not exactly known ; but, from the days of Ethelstone, laws were passed relating to tithes almost in every reign ; and at last the civil power came in and made the payment of tithe compulsory. The owners of tithe land must have been compelled to pay tithe by the authority of the state, and therefore the state had taxed that land for the benefit of the Church. A man had no natural right to leave lands the profits of which should be devoted to the propagation of any opinions 1,000 years hence; and for many centuries { no man in England had been allowed to bequeath a single acre, ora single foot of land, for any religious purpose whatever. Tithe was not personal nor anded property: it was one-tenth of the land's increase. The increase of the profits depended on skill and industry ; and surely no man had a right by will to say how the profits of another man's skill and industry should be divided. It was indisputable that nearly the whole of the property held by the Church at the time of the Reformation came into the Church's possession during the time the Church was Popish in doctrine and in ritual ; and he would ask whether there was any difference hetween the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church of the present day? If not, the Church of England, as it mow existed, and 4s it existed before the Reformation, were not the same Church. The original donors of x large portion of the Church's property would have held the teaching of Mr. Lawrence to be rank heresy, and felt they were doing a religious duty in roasting him; yet he (Mr. Lawrence) claimed the right of endowments left by these men, and talked of "our pious ancestors." The lecturer contended at length that the bulk of the property now held by the Church was national property, and could be re-distributed or disposed of by the State when it was deemed necessary ; and, in confirmation of his statement that the Church was endowed by the State, and of the right of the State to dispose of Church proyerty, he cited the opinions maintained by Mr. Coleridge, Sir James Macintosh, Archbishop Whateley, Lord Brougham, Lord Campbell, Lord Melbourne, Lord Palmerston, the Duke of Argyle, Dr. Adam Smith, Mr. Anthony Trollope, and the Edinburgh Review. Those opinions were sufficient to show, that when they contended that the endowments of the Church belonged to the State, they were in most respectable company, and could afford to smile when rectors, vicars, incumbents, and curates, indulged in great swelling words about robbery and spoliation. (Applause.} In conclusion Mr. Miller touched upon the Irish question, and said that while they would do well to declare their utter abhorrence of the recent infernal deeds, they must not forget that Ireland had suffered the direst injustice at the hands of England. He believed there was no blacker page in our history than that which recorded England's treatment of Ireland. The lands, under various pretences, were confiscated and given to Protestants ; and the lecturer, after enumerating other wrongs from which Ireland was suffering, cited Dr. Fitzgerald, Hallam, Mr. Coleridge, the latter of whom said the penal laws imposed on Ireland exceeded in atrocity any which the Greeks, Romans, and Spaniards enforced on their conquered subjects. Need they wonder, then, that the Irish people were intensely Popish and had no love for England? Why we had burned Popery into them by the persecution of their ancestors. The Irish Chureh was to-day one of the most unjust institutions to be found in Europe.

An opportunity was afforded persons in the hall of asking questions, but none were put, and, after a few remarks, the chairman dissolved the meeting.


Volunteer Dinner at Marsden

VOLUNTEER DINNER AT MARSDEN.

Last evening the anniversary dinner of the Marsden company of the 34th West York Rifle Volunteers, was held in the Assembly Room, adjoining the New Inn, Mr. J. Hesslegrave, hon. surgeon, presiding. Amongst the guests were Lieutenant-colonel Bradbury, Messrs. Sykes, Slaithwaite; Ramsden, Golcar; G. H. Brook, Huddersfield; John Bower, Marsden; John France, and Brother Meller, Slaithwaite, &c.

After the usual loyal toasts, Mr. G. H. Brooke proposed the toast of the " Army, Navy, Militia, Yeomanry, and Volunteers."

Captain Buckkley, in responding, said the volunteers always considered it an honour to be associated with the other branches of her Majesty's service, the army and navy. (Applause.)

ieut.-Colonel BRADBURY proposed the healths of the " Bishops and clergy of the dioceses of Manchester and Ripon." (Applause.)

Mr. J. E. Dowse proposed the health of the "Commanding officer of the 34th W.Y.R.V., Lieut.-colonel Bradbury, and the other officers of the corps." .

Lieut.-colonel Bradbury, in acknowledging the toast, said he thought the schoolmaster could hardly have been abroad in Marsden or they would have read something in the newspapers of the last three or four weeks which might have prevented them giving him the same reception which they gave him twelve months ago. (Cries of "It has not made a bit of difference," and "Not a bit.") Then it seemed they had seen all that had been said about him — (" Yes.") — and he came amongst them, the same as he did twelve months ago, to tell them a little about the 34th, and a little more about theirown company. It had been their custom to compare notes once a year, and he was always very happy indeed to have the opportunity of coming to visit the Marsden Company, inasmuch as he knew it was the invitation of the volunteers themselves, The Marsden Company had 51 efficients during the past year, 60 being the strength on the roll. There were nine none-efficients. Of the 51, there were 37 extra-efficient. During the year last past the Marsden Company had 31 extra-efficients, and 16 that were efficient ; making 47. Therefore, there had been an increase in a small way. That, he thought, was not quite satisfactory ; at the same time, he felt that they had kept themselves together, and hoped the arrangements which had now been made with regard to putting each company upon its own footing, and making it, to a certain extent, responsible for its own affairs, would also make them one of the mostefficient companies of the battalion. With regard to shooting, there were 17 men who had not fired atall. There might be a very good reason for that ; but, as they had a very good range, he thought it ought not to be so. If he had anything more to say with regard to the Marsden Company, it was that the members would lay themselves out as much as possible to increase their strength. He looked forward to the time when the company would have officers of its own ; but he did not believe that a company could not be maintained without officers of its own, inasmuch as he had had to do with one company, in a neighbouring township, for more than three years, which had not an officer, and which had been complimented by every inspecting officer that had ever seen it on the field. Some of those present would remember that Colonel Harman was once their inspecting officer; and he could not mention his name without feelings of very deep gratitude for the kindness he had shown to himself and the 34th West York during the time he was inspector. Since that time he had been in the West Indies ; and, much to his (Col. Bradbury's) surprise, two days ago he received a letter from him, in which he said, "The last West Indian mail brought me back to England. Since my return I have scarcely had any time to call my own, or I would have written sooner to enquire how you are, and how gets on the 34th West York Rifle Corps, of which, I am glad to sec, you are now the lieutenant-colonel." Afterwards Lieutenant-col. Bradbury remarked that he had been pitched into rightand left by certain people, of whom he knew nothing; but he had nothing whatever to say in hisdefence. He had been a volunteer for a great number of years: he had lived in Huddersfield and in the same house above 30 years ; and he hoped he might say he had a character which, if it was not worth the while of his friends to defend, it was not worth his while to defend himself, especially as against anonymous correspondents, even if those correspondents were put up to what they had to say by others who ought to know better. Therefore he had not thought it his duty in any way to refer to those letters in the newspapers ; but, at the same time, he would state to them, as he would readily state to anybody else, that, if the colonel of the 5th Administrative Battalion had any fault to find with him, or felt aggrieved in any way he was ready at once to comply with the request of his superior officer, the lord lieutenant, who, he thought, had the power to inquire into the matter. (Hear, hear). He had not expected that reporters would be present to take notes of what he said ; therefore he had not prepared himself in a formal manner to address them on the subject ; but he did feel most strongly that he had been very hardly used. He had endeavoured to do his duty quietly, and without interfering with anybody else ; and he thought he had a right to feel hurt and annoyed that, after what he had been endeavouring to do in promoting the volunteer movement, he should be publicly accused in print of haverne ectesd in a rep unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, by an officer of a neigbouring corps — should be accused by other officers, in public so aig, Be u societ: having acted to his own personal interest. As rain the latter, he could not take up that part of the accusa-

tion in the way it ought to be taken up; butanyboed knew anything about the volunteer movement ees me that there was no profit attending it and men who held commissions in her Pajen! See entie Majesty's servi accuse another of having done so, he could notfor ihe ties of him understand. (Here, here.) Those to whom he was then speaking did not know to what the two gentlemen who had made use of nett in public society, would perfectly well unders meant. (Hear, hear.) He had also harshly against with rezard to Outlane. at all to say against the Outlane c themselves to the Budderstield ba at the time they did SO, word to prevent them f uded ; but ose remarks, tand what he been spoken very He had nothing tapey having attached -Dattalion. He was and Sistinetly refused to as one same time, in his pocket a letter fro, thet coe Be tie mov i hi that thee hes expressed his own distinct wish Therefore he had not i i and they were perfectly welcome to take the Outlane covapany br oo ies Well, now, what was the meaning of all ee © heading of the first letter which appeared in ie Huddersfeld papers waa, "What is the volunteer Movement curing to?" As far as he was concerned, he had aever kept back what his own impressions were upon this subject; and he was happy to think that the scutients he publicly expressed fuur, five, or six years azo Whether that could be done through the volunteer force, through the militia, or, as appeared to be now the fashion, by volunteers becoming special constables, he would not say ; but his object was to do what was done 300 years ago by our ancestors — that every village, that could afford, should have its rifle company and its rifle butt. They had accomplished that to this extent — they had six companies and six rifle butts. Why should they be complained of for that? They had interfered with nobody, so far ashe knew of. His object was to bring home to every district, whether it be Saddleworth or Marsden, whether it be Slaithwaite, or Golcar, or Longwood, or any other place, the volunteer movement, to be centered in those particular districts. If he had done wrong in that, then the volunteer regulations were at fault. The be amalgamated in a certain way ; and he took precious volunteer regulations provided that certain districts might good care, when he had the offer of the Woodsome Company, which he did not seek, to consult the officials of the lord-lieutenant before he took any action in the matter; and ascertain from them that distance was no object at all, if people of one district requested to be joined to any other battalion ; and a case was shown him where they hopped over one district to another. He knew a case of a battalion spread over 40 miles, and in the midst of it wis a very splendid battalion, perhaps equal to the Huddersfield battalion. Four months ago, when at Woodsome, he said in public that, in all probability, all those distriets would be amalgamated together in a brigade, under the command of Col. Brook, who was senior to himself, and there was no officer that he should be more glad to serve under ; but, if they were to have those harsh sayings made with regard to the 34th, who had been toiling such a length of time ; and if the 34th were to be subjected te the remarks of the officers he had alluded to, with the view to prevent gentlemen joining the 34th as officers — and he said this advisedly — if they were to be brigaded together, they would not be likely to come in that cordial tone of mind which he had endeavoured from the very first to convey to the Huddersfield Corps. Himself and Mr. Bentley Shaw were the two first honorary members of the" Huddersfield Corps; but, very shortly after that, he had the cold shoulder shown him in a way he had never expressed before that night. Hehoped that anything he had to say would not at all influence the members of the 34th, and that they would not feel anything like antagonism to anybody else, because he was rfectly satisfied there were a few who really did not boon what was meant by the volunteer movement. He was quite sure they did not, or they would not have acted as they had done — and he was now speaking of what had appeared in the newspapers, but he stood up there to-night to say that, if he be guilty of what had been imputed to him, they might call for a court of enquiry, which he should be able to meet, and produce evidence which he could not do as a gentleman publicly, inasmuch ag the evidence which he had to produce was private. He did not fear to meet the lord-lieutenant or anybody with regard to the movement. Neither Mr. Whitehead nor Captain Hirst would accept the lieutenant-coloneley ; and, some six months afterwards, he received an official communication from the lord-lieutenant, saying it would give him very great pleasure if he would take the lieut.coloneley himself. In November last he had the satisfaction, by the kindness of Colonel Akroyd, of meeting Ear! Fitzwilliam, and his lordship expressed the pleasure it had given him that he (the colonel) had felt himself able to accept the post. So long as he had the approval of his superiors, he did not care; and, if he could not feel that, he would be the first to leave them. There seemed to be an impression abroad that, unless they had officers ready eut and dried, they could not get volunteers. He did not believe anything of the kind: he had the greatest possible confideace in the volunteers throughout the district. After some remarks on the organisation of the corps under his command, Colonel Bradbury concluded by saying that, if the members of the neighbouring corps had anything to say, he would simply ask them to go through the proper channel, and not attack him in public houses nor in the newspapers; but, if they would only appeal to the lordlieutenant, he should be most happy to meet them, and if he could not meet the charge to the satisfaction of the lord-lieutenant, or to the members of his own corps, he should retire from the position he held. (Applause.) After a round of cheers had been given for Lieut.-col. Bradbury, several other toasts were proposed, and afterwards preparations were made for a dance.


Marriages

On the 16th inst., at the Parish Church of Bowden, Cheshire, by the Rev. T. W. Powell, M.A., brother of the bride, assisted by the Ven. Archdeacon Pollock, vicar, and the Rey. Canon Hulbert, father of the bridegroom, the Rev. Charles Augustus Hulbert, M.A., incumbent of Slaithwaite, to Louisa, fourth surviving daughter of the late Rev. Benjamin Powell, incumbent of St. George's, Wigan.

On the 16th inst., at St. Matthew's Church, Oldham, by the Rev. J. R. Dunne, B.A., Mr. John Sykes, of Lindley, to Eliza Anne, daughter of R. Higginson, Esq., Rush Bank, Oldham.

On the 16th inst., at South Parade Chapel, Halifax, by the Rev. T. J. Guest, Frederick Albert, fourth son of Mr. Richard Moore, of Blackpool, formerly of Halifax, to Emily, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Robert Watson, Oxenhope, near Keighley.

On the 16th inst., at the Register Office, John-streot, Mr. Richard Hoary Senior to Miss Clara Teasdale, both of this town.

On the 16th inst.. at the Huddersfield Parish Church, Mr. Edward Dyson, of this town, to Misa Jane Dedson, of Marsden.

On the 15th inst., at the Highfield Independent Chapel, Mr. Henry Linney, of Longroyd Bridge, to Mrs. Margaret Sutcliffe, of and Moor.

On the 13th inst., at St. John's Church, Bayhall, Mr. George Sorby to Miss Elizabeth Poppleton, both of that parish.

On the 18th inst., at Almondbury Parish Church, Mr. Walter Mitchell to Miss Esther Bower, both of that place. a = worn the re New Connexion Chapel, . James Edwar. son, of Milnsbrid: i i : bent, of Longwood. , ge, to Miss Alice Broad.

On the 11th inst., at the Register Office, John Street, Mr. Joshua Whiteley, of Paddock, to Mrs. Martha Iredale, of this town.


Deaths

On the 17th inst., aged 6 years, Eliza Ann, daughter of Wright Beaumont, Crosland Moor.

On the 16th inst., at Oxspring Lodge, Penistone, aged 10 months, Ada Taylor, the beloved daughter of Joseph Dyson.

On the 16th inst., aged 63, Betty, wife of Mr. David Shaw, Brierley Wood, Lockwood.

On the 15th inst., aged 72, Hannah, relict of Mr. James Thornton, Brewery Yard, Lockwood.

On the 15th inst., aged 55, Ann, wife of Mr. David Sykes, grocer, Tamewater Cottage, Dobcross, Saddleworth.

On the 15th inst., aged 42, Mrs. Sarah Wrigley, of Longwood.

On the 15th inst., aged 24, Mr. Franklin Broadbent, of Kirkburton.

On the 15th inst., aged 27, Mary, only daughter of Mr. Walter Haigh, pork butcher, Honley. 2

On the 15th inst., Wright, infant son of Mr. Robert Jenkinson, mason, Honley.

On the 15th inst., aged 19, William, second son of Mr. William Clough, grocer, Portland Street.

On the 14th inst., aged 29, William, second son of Mr. G. Allatt, of Storthes, Moldgreen.

On the l4th inst., aged 43, Mary Ann, wife or Mr. Thomas Atkin, carrier, York Street.

On the 14th inst., aged 74, Susanna, relict of Mr. David Firth, loom tuner, Grove Street.

On the 14th inst, aged 41, Frances Mary, wife of Mr. Edward Haigh, woollen salesman, Greenhead Lane.

On the 14th inst., aged 13, Ellen, daughter of Mr. Jonathan Moorhouse, Mill Moor, Meltham.

On the 12th ed 73, Elizabeth, relict of Mr. Benjamin Gledhill, Netherton, South Crosland.

On the 12th inst., aged 49, Mr. Charles Woodcock, Mechanic, Bent Ley Mill, Meltham.

On Sunday, the 12th inst., at his residence, Commercial Street, Joseph Taylor, iron merchant, of this town, in the 63rd year of his age.

On the 12th inst, aged 41, Mr. George Reeds, stone mason of Kirkburton.

On the 12th inst., aged 54, Mr. Bryan Moorhouse, Wood Bottom, Honley.

On the 12th inst., aged 4 months, Harry, son of Nancy Sykes, Crosland Moor.

On the 12th inst., aged 67, Ellen, relict of Mr. John Armitage, Newsome.

On the 11th inst., aged 22, Mr. Tom Hepworth, of East View Upperthong, late of Lockwood.

On the l1th inst., aged 5 years, Sarah Ann, daughter of Mr. Thomas Moorhouse, of Skelmanthorpe.

On the 1ith inst., aged 51, Mr. James Mallinson, stone mason, Paddock.

On the 10th inst., aged 27, Mary Hannah, wife of Mr. William Nickols, maltster, Lancaster House, Rothwell Haigh.

On the 10th inst., aged 18, Eliza, daughter of Mr. Henry Gill, of Shelley.

On the 9th inst., at Coley House, Hipperholme, aged 63, Mary Ann, only daughter of Joseph Sunderland, Esq., of Halifax.

On the 9th inst,, aged 35, Mr. John Dyson, Bath Terrace, Lockwood.

On the 8th inst., aged 76, Martha, wife of Mr. John Priestley, of Shelley.

On the 8th inst., aged 43, Ellen, wife of Mr. David Walshaw, weaver, Infirmary.

On the 8th inst., aged 73, Hannah, relict of Mr. Charles Stringer, clothier, Paddock.

On the 5th inst., aged 71, Lydia, relict of Mr. John Mellor, Crosland Moor.

On the 1st inst,, in Trinity Street, aged 55, Fanny, relict of James Waller, woolstapler, of this town.


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