CHURCH PASTORAL-AID SOCIETY. Bishop of Winchester. Vice-Patrons. President. Marquis of Cholmondeley. Earl of Harrowby. Lord Feversham. The Right Hon. Lord Ashley, M.P. Hon. Lord Sandon, M.P. Sir Thomas Blomfield, Bart. John P. Plumptre, Esq. M.P. MR. ACLAND.-I am proud to have the honour of seconding this motion, and in doing so I will not offer any observations of my own, other than calling on the Meeting to join with me in discharging the debt of gratitude which is due to his Grace for his All Clergymen who are Members of the Society, and Twenty Treasurer. ing only occasionally, and benefitting by such pro- | him, either in his public or private character. We ceedings as these; we who cannot give so much of all know the zeal and readiness with which he our attention, ought to give liberally of that which attends on all of these occasions, and with which he is in our power to give, and which is so essential devotes himself to the duties he undertakes; we to enable the SOCIETY to maintain its usefulness. know also the zealous care with which he governs Every person who is now present is the centre of that Church over which he presides, so that it has some little circle of his own; all have friends and lost none of its influence, but I believe that it is acquaintances, among whom they can exert some daily increasing in its numbers and influence under influence; and we should not, if our intentions are his superintendence. At the same time that he sincere, allow our present feelings to evaporate, but has by his mild but firm conduct, not only not remember what has passed to-day; the subjects offended, but so conciliated those who differ from which have been presented to our notice; the claims that Church and its doctrines, that they speak of put forth on our Christian charity; and do all in him at all times with the highest respect. I beg to our power to urge these necessities on the attention propose that the thanks of this Meeting be offered of all over whom we have the slightest influence. to the Archbishop of Canterbury, for his Grace's SIR WILLIAM HEATHCOTE.-My Lord Arch- presence here this day, and for his uniform attenbishop, I have been called upon to recommend to tion to the affairs of the SOCIETY. the notice of your Grace, and of this Meeting, the resolution which the learned Judge who has just addressed you has read. I think that if there is any country towards which our anxiety ought to be more especially directed, it is the convict colony to which this resolution refers. Seeing that this popu-able superintendence over this day's proceedings, lation is placed in a vast continent, increasing daily and to call for their exertions to ensure that success in its resources of all kinds, and that we must look which the Church of England must and will have Rev. John Harding, M.A. forward to the day which sooner or later will arrive, over all competitors. when that continent will not be a dependent colony, but a mighty empire; surely all those who think on these matters must perceive the importance as well as the difficulty of providing that when that day does arrive, it shall find the inhabitants of Australasia so far advanced in civilization, morals, and religion, as to be able to conduct their government on principles worthy of a Christian nation. I will not presume, after all that has been said by those who have gone before me, to offer a word as to the general objects of this SOCIETY, on which I hope we are all agreed. I will conclude by pressing most earnestly to your notice and adoption, the resolution which has been read. Four elected Lay-Members. Mr. Nadir Baxter. Mr. Frederick Sandoz. Secretary, Rev. W. Pullen, M.A. Association Secretary, Rev. Horatio Moule, B.A. Assistant-Secretarg, Mr. T. Atchison. Collector, Mr. H. A. Oldershaw. SYNOPSIS OF THE SOCIETY. Object.-The salvation of souls, with a single eye to the glory of God, and in humble dependence on His blessing, by granting aid towards maintaining faithful and devoted men to assist the Incumbents of parishes in their pastoral charge. Principles.-That in a Christian land a Church established should adequately provide for the spiritual instruction of all the people; and that it is part of the duty of a Christian legislature to furnish the Church with means to this end; but that, if the legislature should fail of this duty, then, rather than souls should perish, Christian men must join together to supply the deficiency, and make the Church as effective as it is in their power to do. Plan.-The Church Pastoral Aid Society adheres strictly to the wants of the Church on the one hand, and the order of the Church on the other. It would make the Church efficient; it would carry the Gospel, by means of the Church, to every man's door, but it never obtrudes its aid; the Incumbent must apply for aid, or sanction the application; and till this is done, the SoCIETY cannot move. When aid is THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY.-I beg to return my most sincere and cordial thanks for this mark of your kind respect and attention. I can most truly assure you, that I shall never be wanting in my utmost exertions in promoting the welfare of a SOCIETY, the objects of which involve the best interests of mankind; and I beg to add, that I look on this Meeting with the greater satisfaction and pleasure, because I consider it as the beginning of a great effort that will be made in this country in support of this SOCIETY, to vindicate the national character from the charge of indifference to the preservation of religion in our colonies, and to the conversion of the heathen; as the commencement of The Rev. DR. Hook proposed the following reso- a great effort, co-ordinate and corresponding with lution:-"That to defray the cost of the extensive de- the extent of our dominions, and of the wealth of signs announced in the foregoing resolutions, it is the the country and of individuals, and with that spirit opinion of this Meeting that Public Meetings should of Christianity which is at all times remarkable in be held in all large towns for the purpose of increas- this country, but which of late years has shown iting the number of Subscribers and other contribu- self in a form beyond former example, and which I tors to the SOCIETY, and more especially for forming believe is still increasing. At this late hour, and additional District and Parochial Committees in after the unexampled display of eloquence we have every part of the kingdom, and for stimulating the heard to-day, from the advocates of the SOCIETY, I exertions of those already established." will trespass on your time only to express my hope SIR THOMAS DYKE ACLAND, M.P.-The resolu- that the strong and practical remarks and recomtion which has now been submitted to you is of a pecu-mendations of the Hon. Baronet (Sir T. Acland), liar nature; and I think I shall best perform the duty who has just now addressed you, will meet with the of seconding it by viewing it in its practical light, utmost attention; and that those who are present at and of urging it upon those whom, like me, Provi- this meeting, having come up from the country to dence has thrown among the distant towns and attend it, will, when they return to their homes, do villages of this kingdom, and to state my firm the utmost in their power to make collections for attachment to the SOCIETY, and my determination to support its objects by every means in my power. But allow me to say, that if you would have the pulse beat well at the extremities, it must first do so at the heart. At this time, and under all the circumstances that have been pressed on your attention, what person can doubt that a more than ordinary duty is required from members of the Church of England, to use their best exertions to respond to those calls, and to forward the noble objects we all have in view. Now, London is the heart of England: set us the example, and we will try to compete with it. Still, before the time arrives broke up. when the agents of the SOCIETY shall go through the length and breadth of the land, stimulating old societies, and forming new, place in their hands large and liberal statements of what you have done here, and I will answer for it that the extremities of the land will not be backward in the good work. MR. JUSTICE PATTESON.-One duty yet remains to be performed. One debt of gratitude, which I am glad it has fallen to me to bring under your notice; I mean the thanks of this Meeting to the most Rev. Archbishop for his presence here to-day; I will not enlarge before him on the uniform and earnest attention which he at all times evinces to the affairs of this SOCIETY; and not only to this, but of all societies having for their object the spreading of the word of God; although I know if I were to do so, I should carry with me the feelings, not only of every person who now hears me, but of confidence in the people, that he should be able on Tuesday Church and of the country, or in illustration of the all who have the honour and the pleasure to know this SOCIETY, through the means of public meetings, His Grace then retired, and the Meeting (From a Jamaica Paper.) the Honourable Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in sought and granted, the Parochial Minister must say how it is to be employed;-he must nominate the persons to be employed; he must engage them, as well as superintend and entirely control them; all that the SOCIETY does is to provide for their remuneration; and while so doing, to ask satisfactory proof of their qualifications. Operations.-The SOCIETY up to the present time has voted grants to 146 Incumbents of parishes and districts, having an aggregate population of 1,156,000 souls, in whose spiritual care, before the aid of the SOCIETY, only 147 Ministers were employed; the Incumbents having on an average a charge of about 8,000 souls each, with an average income of only 1657. a year each, and 76 of them being without Glebehouse or Parsonage. The grants of the SOCIETY provide for an addition of 137 Clergymen, and 24 Lay-Assistants. By the express terms on which the to be employed as a District-Visiter, Tract DistriSOCIETY'S aid is given, the Lay-Assistant is simply butor, and Scripture Reader, and by no means as a public instructor or preacher. Extracts from the Report to the Third Annual Meeting, It is with no ordinary cause for thankfulness to God, and with no small degree of satisfaction to their own minds, that the Committee of the CHURCH PASTORAL-AID SOCIETY have addressed themselves to the duty of preparing this their third Report. The proceedings of the past year may not, indeed, present any facts more remarkable than those adduced on former occasions, in proof of the wants of the benefits likely to result, under the Divine favour, II. The minister of a manufacturing district in vest of good to men, and glory to God, will speedily ensue. May every member of the church be awakened to energetic, self-denying exertion in providing the means, and to still more earnest supplication to the Lord of the harvest that he will raise up able ministers for the gathering in, from every side, such as shall be saved! . from such an institution. But that which gives the | been more satisfactorily performed, and many anxious Committee confidence in again meeting the members and inquiring souls, now in eternity, have been inof the SOCIETY is, the persuasion which they have structed and comforted in their last moments, by that the account now to be rendered will only tend means of your grant. In behalf, then, of the parish to strengthen in every mind the belief, that this and myself, I beg most cordially to thank you for scheme of Christian benevolence, so imperatively the kind assistance you have given us." called for by the circumstances of our times, was not attempted, nor has been prosecuted hitherto, but with the guidance and blessing of Almighty God. "It is little more than six months since the as- In leaving this part of their Report, the ComIn reference to the SOCIETY's finances, the Com-sistant provided me by the SOCIETY entered upon his mittee must express the mingled feelings of pleamittee have a gratifying statement to make of pro- ministerial labours, yet I have great satisfaction in sure and of pain, which the contemplation of such gressive increase. The amount received during the stating my belief that much has been done in a short cases as those to which they have been adverting year ending at March 31, 1838, was 80017. 1s. 10d. time. We have a considerable increase in the num- awakens in their minds. They are the cases, it will But with the constantly increasing demands upon ber of attendants on public worship; and have be remembered, in which from five to fifteen and their funds, the Committee feel that they must ear- recently had many applications for sittings at the twenty thousand souls were found nominally under nestly entreat their friends to form local associations church, which we have been unable to accommodate. the care of but one pastor, provided by the church. in their respective neighbourhoods, for the purpose I am thankful, however, to inform you, that a new It is, doubtless, a just occasion of much joy to see of enlisting a larger number of annual contributors in church, it is expected, will be completed in the in such parishes one or two more ministers introsupport of the SOCIETY; and whatever information course of the ensuing autumn. Our communicants duced. Still, how lamentable a disparity remains, may be necessary for this end, by supplies of the have increased from between 30 and 40 to upwards in too many instances, between the multitudes to be Occasional Papers, and other publications, they will of 90." attended, and the number of their appointed overmost gladly furnish. Especially do the Committee seers! Instead of one or two additional ministers venture to solicit from the clergy, in their pastoral in these overwhelming populations, twice or thrice office, an advocacy of the claims of the SOCIETY that number are required. The Committee would with their parishioners and congregations, feeling, rejoice to see a clergyman provided for every 3000 as they do, that, from the peculiar character of this of the people: and they cannot but think that until in stitution, its cause is one which can never be more some such provision is effected, the Church of Engfily or effectively presented to the members of the land can scarcely be regarded as effectively prepared Church of England, than by her own ministers, in for the duties incumbent upon her. the midst of their own people. The most numerous class of cases which the SOCIETY is relieving is, as might be expected, that in which clergymen stand charged with the pastoral care of large populations; and being unable, from their own resources, to provide for an adequate performance of the duties of their ministry, avail themselves of the SOCIETY's assistance in engaging additional clergymen to share their labours with them. The grants of the SOCIETY for this purpose are in number 118. III. Another clergyman, in Yorkshire, having charge of 7000 souls, states, that “The increased services are, in many parts of the district, very acceptable, and well attended; and, I believe, by persons anxious to be benefitted by the means of grace thus afforded. We have now three full services in this church, and two in schools at the distance of a mile from the church, every Lord's-day, and three regular weekly lectures, besides daily visit- But it is not in very densely-peopled districts ing. Still the darkness of the most gross ignorance only that the help of the SOCIETY has been found greatly prevails; and vice and immorality, especially available; other spheres there are, and of a differin the shape of drunkenness, is appalling. We hope ent character, to which its benefits have been exmuch good will result to a future generation from tended. Many of our rural districts exhibit some of our schools. There are about 550 children receiving the strongest possible claims on Christian piety. Sabbath-school instruction, and about 300 are taught Villages and hamlets are to be found without church daily. I hope our next year's remittance of sub- or school, their inhabitants, by reason of their disscriptions will prove that a strong feeling of grati-tant and secluded situation, almost cut off from tude has been excited." pastoral supervision, and living in deplorable ignorance of Christian faith and duty. IV. The incumbent of a parish in Cheshire, containing 9000 souls, writes thus: On behalf of such spots, applications have been 1. In the last Occasional Paper, the second of the "On my own behalf, and that of my parishioners made to the SOCIETY; and it has been urged, that cases there specified as assisted, was one of peculiar generally, I beg leave to tender my best thanks to places of worship might be provided for them, but and painful interest. The parish is in Staffordshire, your SOCIETY for its very great and very welcome the difficulty has been to raise, at least for some few and contains a population of 8000 souls. The cler-assistance. I feel confident that your grant has not years, the smallest stipend suitable for a resident gyman aided writes as follows: been in vain; and that, in an increasing attachment minister. This deficiency the "PASTORAL-AID "Allow me to make a few observations on the to the Established Church, and, which is far better, SOCIETY" has been solicited, either in whole or in advantages which we have derived from the grant. to the hopes, promises, and practices of the Gospel, part, to supply. And the Committee now feel much I believe that, in my application for it, I described among the people. The most satisfactory, I may say satisfaction in reporting, that the aid requested havthe extraordinary difficulties in the proper discharge plentiful fruits, have been reaped here, in conse- ing been given, churches and chapels, which, withof the ministerial duties of this parish; that it ex-quence of your assistance. The numbers in our out such help, would not have been attempted, are tended over 22,000 acres of land, that it had many Sunday lecture-room were taken a fortnight since, rising; clergymen are stationed in these hithertopopulous hamlets scattered over it, of from one to not by order, but merely through curiosity, and they neglected hamlets; congregations are gathering, and five miles and a half from the parish church,-that were found to be 694, and this in a congregation most happy consequences, temporal and spiritual, in these hamlets, for many years, I had cottage lec- not the most numerous which has been seen in the are resulting. In one part of Hampshire, especially, tures almost every night in the week; this being the room; so that this may be considered about the this has taken place. only means I had, in consequence of the extreme average of persons from all classes, though chiefly distance from the church, and want of accommoda- the poorest, and also chiefly adults, who meet us to tion in it, of bringing the Gospel to the ears and hear the word of God preached at an unwonted hour, hearts of my people; and that, in consequence of the and an extra and unusual service. Where these 690 great want of church-accommodation, especially for persons would otherwise be at that hour but for this the poor, I volunteered a Sunday evening lecture in lecture, we cannot say. Besides this lecture, we "The details connected with the hamlet are of the church, in addition to the morning and afternoon have another in the country, upon the Sundays, also necessity very brief, as three months only have services. Though, under the blessing of God, I fully attended, and three during the week. In short, elapsed since the SOCIETY'S grant became operative; sustained these services for many years, my health as the incumbent of the parish, and responsible for still the dawning moral renovation is of a soul-stirat length gave way, and I was compelled to relin- its spiritual state, I feel thankful that I can regard ring and cheerful character. The secluded position quish my cottage lectures, one after another, and the progress of religion amongst those committed of this colony had practically severed it from Episalso abridge my exertions in other particulars of to me with so much satisfaction. Our gratitude to copal communion; the extent of the parish being my ministerial duties. In this situation, and having the SOCIETY we hope to evince in a more substan- 24 miles in circumference, with a diameter of ten a young family entirely dependent on me, conse- tial way than in mere verbal thanks." miles, and this hamlet being five miles distant from VII. The following is a statement received from a clerical correspondent of the SOCIETY, residing in that part of the country. Alluding particularly to one instance of village destitution, relieved by the SOCIETY, he writes: quently being unable to pay a curate, and besides, V. From the minister of a parish in Yorkshire, the church, with a population of 1000 souls. In having been ordained to this charge, and spent all to whom, but a short time since, a grant was made, January last, Divine service was commenced in a my ministerial life in this parish, and, of course, the following gratifying fact, among other particu-school-room, and nothing could have been more deeply and feelingly interwoven into, not only the lars, has been reported :gratifying than the progressively-increasing influx spiritual, but also the temporal interests of the people, "The additional service on Sundays provided for of orderly and attentive hearers, from that time to and quite unwilling to make up my mind, under any by your vote, has been beneficial in exciting a desire, the present. The ministrations of the Curate, mainconsiderations regarding myself, to leave them, I with several influential people, to have a church tained by the SOCIETY, are gladly welcomed; the applied to your SOCIETY for help, which was kindly built in the place:-land has been given, and a very word preached seems to be received with all readigiven; and by the assistance of your grant I have considerable sum has been promised towards the ness of mind, and a corresponding desire is manisincere pleasure in informing you that I soon reco- undertaking." fested to obtain Bibles and Prayer-books, kindly vered my strength, and renewed all my cottage lecAnd this, the Committee would remark, is becom- presented by the Society for Promoting Christian tures, and also commenced another, in a very popu- ing, they trust, no unusual result of this SOCIETY'S Knowledge. Those who are locally connected with lous hamlet; and, from my curate's incessant operations. An increase of the means of grace be- this population have, indeed, great reason to thank application to the schools, they have increased gets an increase of demand for the benefits of church the Lord for his goodness, who, through the instrusince he came, I may safely say, one half. We are ordinances and pastoral instruction; and they are mentality of the SOCIETY, is 'making the wilderness now in the midst of Lent-lectures in the church persuaded, from accounts they receive from all quar- a standing water, and water-springs of a dry-ground. every Wednesday night, which was never before ters, that if only the Church of England be now The hand of man, under the guidance and blessing attempted; and the most important and painful of supplied with adequate means and faithful ministers of God, has in a few short months created a garde all duties, the visiting of the sick and dying, has for the extension of her services, an abundant har-in the wilderness. The erection of a chapel to con tain 380 persons has been commenced, and will be ready for service by September next." conclude, without adverting to a subject upon which The Committee are happy in being able to record, that no less than six chapels have been raised in this one locality, in connexion with grants from the SOCIETY, and that there are other similar cases. In addition to these statements, showing the effects of increased ministerial services in various places, by the SOCIETY's aid, the Committee will But while the Committee will endeavour, make but one or two extracts from the correspond-to the best of their ability, to provide the needful ence of those clergymen who have been enabled to machinery for effectively conducting the SOCIETY'S engage lay-helpers to assist them in their parishes.affairs, they must entreat their friends, the clergy The number of grants for this end is 20, and the Committee are much gratified in being able to report, that in every instance in which the SOCIETY's aid is thus employed, the effects are altogether those which, as Christians and as Churchmen, they would desire. VIII. The Incumbent of a parish in Norfolk writes: especially, in every part of the country, to exert Fresh applications for help are "The industry, zeal, and discretion of my LayAssistant continue to give me great satisfaction. I But they will not yield to this apprehension; found his services very useful during the late win- they are resolved, by the help of God, still to go ter. I am better acquainted with the wants and forward, and while so many of the laborious clergy character of the poor than I could be without his of the land are soliciting their aid-while multiaid. He is daily engaged in leaving tracts and tudes of their countrymen are craving the blessings books, reading to the sick and aged, and conversing of Christian instruction, and Church ordinanceswith the ignorant and thoughtless. I believe that while multitudes, again, are living and dying in much profitable instruction has by these means been utter indifference to spiritual things, because the communicated, and many of the poor, through the Church which should have instructed them, has, for assistance of God the Holy Spirit, have been lack of means, been compelled to leave them hitherto strengthened in the faith and practice of Christians." unwarned and untaught; the Committee are perIX. The Minister of a District Church, in one of suaded that Christian men cannot refuse their help, the large towns of Lancashire, who has employed a their liberal, self-denying contributions, their comgraduate of one of our Universities, as his Lay-bined exertions, and their fervent prayers, in furAssistant, states, that he therance of a work, the simple object of which is, the saving of souls from death, by an extension of the means of grace, and of the knowledge of God's word, through the ministrations of the Church of the land. Statement of particulars of some cases aided. "Has been instrumental in effecting a change of considerable importance throughout that portion of the district wherein his visiting chiefly lies. He is very acceptable to the poor, and has gained considerable influence over them. There is a growing spirit of inquiry manifestly pervading my people, while the free sittings in my church are more fully and regularly attended, and many who had neither a Bible nor a Prayer-book have been provided with them. Exclusive of our Sunday services, I have now seven stations for Cottage Lectures, a Thursday evening lecture in our Sunday-school, a Teacher's Bible-class every Wednesday evening, a juvenile catechetical class every Thursday afternoon, and my Lay-Assistant is on the eve of organising an adult class of the working people. By these means we are endeavouring to evangelise the deeply destitute district; but when compared with 6 our 20,000 population, I am constrained to cry out, What are they among so many!" Summary of Grants. " 9 18 1 Case with 30,000 £150 120,000 190 133,000 223 8 10 11 2 160 7 21 20 18 2 These extracts, the Committee would observe, just serve to illustrate the views of the SOCIETY, as 32,, to the proper sphere of duty assignable to LayAssistants, being employed in accordance with the SOCIETY'S regulations, as the visitors of families, and by no means as public instructors. X. Thus, another clergyman, situated in a manufacturing town in Yorkshire, writes of his LayAssistant: 83 in aided to 1838, 779,500 £170 44 91 95 95 7711 8,000 1,556,000 £164 76 154 163 137 24 Auxiliary Associations, Secretaries, and Corresponding "Besides visiting the sick, he has been diligently 146 in all engaged in collecting subscriptions for Bibles, Prayer-books, Testaments and Psalters. He has distributed tracts, and taken an active part in our Church Provident Society. In the prosecution of these two latter departments of his services, he is in the habit of entering the cottages of 60 or 70 poor persons every Monday morning, and of taking this excellent opportunity of exhorting the parents to send their children to our school, and to come themselves to church. Two evenings in the week he gives to the duties of Librarian of a collection of religious books, and, in short, endeavours in all things, and by all means, to do his duty, under my direction and superintendence." Such, then, are a few, and but a few, of very many on the is in their power to record, as the first-fruits of his blessing on the SOCIETY's labours; and to these facts they point as the best recompence of past effort, and the strongest encouragement to perseverance in this sacred work which they can receive. The Committee feel, however, that they must not Aberystwith, Cardigan; C. M. Rev. J. Hughes. Brighton; C. M. Sir Thos. Blomefield, Bart. Christ Church, Hants; C. M. Rev. W. Jones. Rev. W. Scoresby; Devon and Exeter; Secs. Lincoln; C. M. Rev. J. Quilter, Canwick. Macclesfield; C. M. Rev. J. Burnett. Manchester; Secs, Rev. H. Stowell; Rev. W. J. Kidd. Newcastle-on-Tyne; Secs.{ Rev. H. W. Wright. Northwich; C. M. Rev. W. Vaudrey. North Wotton; C. M. Rev. W. W. Clarke. Otley, York; C. M. Rev. Joshua Hart. Pentonville Ladies' Association; Sec. Miss Churchill. Penzance; Sec. Rev. T. H. Vyvian. Plymouth; C. M. Rev. T. Hatchard. Pontypool, Monm.; C. M. Rev. T. Davies. Rochester and Chatham Ladies' Association; Sec. Mrs. Rev. John Gibson. Southampton; Sec. Mr. Allen. St. Helens, Lanc.; C. M. Rev. J. Furnival. Teignmouth, Devon; Sec. Rev. E. D. Rhodes. Totness, Devon.; Sec. Rev. J. Shore. The REPORT for 1838, with a SERMON by the Right Rev. the Lord BISHOP of CHESTER, List of Subscribers, &c., is now in course of delivery to Members of the SOCIETY, and may be obtained through any Bookseller in Town or Country, price Sixpence. Contributions will be thankfully received at the SOCIETY's Office, Temple Chambers, Falcon-court, Fleet-street; at the Banker's; and at Messrs. Hatchards, Piccadilly; Seeleys, Fleet-street; and Nisbet, Berners-street. Also, any sum may be safely, and free of expense, remitted through Country Bankers, who will desire their London correspondents to credit the same to "Messrs. Williams, Deacon, and Co., Bankers for the CHURCH PASTORAL-AID SOCIETY." In either case the Contributors are requested to write to the Secretaries, advising payment. CHURCH DISCIPLINE. [Presented by the Lord Chancellor, but withdrawn for the present session.] VII. And be it enacted, That every such suit proceeded in: Provided always, that there shall be A BILL, INTITULED AN ACT FOR THE shall be commenced within two years after the no appeal from any interlocutory decree or order MORE EFFECTUALLY ENFORCING commission of the offence in respect of which the not having the force or effect of a definitive sensuit shall be instituted, and not afterwards: Pro-tence, and thereby ending the suit in that court. XVI. And be it enacted, That the appellant vided always, that whenever any such suit shall be brought in respect of an offence for which a con- shall be required to give such security as the said viction shall have been obtained in any court of Court of Arches shall think fit for the costs to common law, such suit may be brought against the be incurred by such appeal, and for all other costs person convicted at any time within six months previously incurred. after such conviction, although more than two years shall have elapsed since the commission of the offence in respect of which such suit shall be so brought WHEREAS the present mode of proceeding in II. And be it enacted, That from and after the passing of this Act no ecclesiastical court whatsoever, whether royal, peculiar or otherwise, now possessing any jurisdiction to hear, determine, adjudicate, or pass sentence upon any charge or suit against any spiritual person below the rank or degree of a bishop, for the purpose of procuring any sentence of excommunication, suspension ab officio or ab officio et beneficio, deprivation, deposition, or degradation, or any other spiritual censure, shall possess or exercise any such jurisdiction, save and except the Court of Arches, which Court shall exclusively possess and exercise such jurisdiction in the manner herein-after directed, subject nevertheless to an appeal to Her Majesty in Council, to be referred to the Judicial Committee of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council. III. And be it enacted, That all such suits now pending in any ecclesiastical court (other than the Court of Arches) shall be and the same are hereby removed and transferred before the Court of Arches; and the same suits, and all suits for the correction of clerks now pending in the Court of Arches, shall there be proceeded in, either according to the law and forms and in the manner heretofore in force and use in the said court, or in the manner directed by this Act with respect to suits hereafter to be instituted, according to the discretion of the judge of the said court; and the decisions of the Court of Arches in such suits may be appealed from and such suits proceeded with before the Judicial Committee of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council as if this Act had not passed. IV. And be it enacted, That all such suits now pending before the Judicial Committee of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council shall proceed in all respects as if this Act had not passed. IX. And be it enacted, That if the promoter in any such suit desires to contradict any allegation or allegations in the defensive plea, he shall be required to give in such responsive plea forthwith, or within a time to be limited by the judge of the said | court. XVII. And be it declared and enacted, That so much of an Act passed in the twenty-seventh year of the reign of His late Majesty King George the Third, intituled "An Act to prevent frivolous and vexatious Suits in Ecclesiastical Courts," as enacts that no suit shall be commenced in any ecclesiastical court for fornication or incontinence after the expiration of eight calendar months from the time when such offence shall have been committed, does not and shall not extend to charges or suits against spiritual persons for fornication or incon tinence. XVIII. And be it enacted, That this Act shall not extend to Scotland or Ireland. XIX. And be it enacted, That this Act may be repealed or amended or altered by any Act or Acts to be passed in this present session of Parliament. PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE. HOUSE OF LORDS. CHURCH DISCIPLINE BILL. third reading of this bill. country. X. And be it enacted, That when all the several pleas in any such suit shall have been made up, and before any witnesses shall have been examined, but not afterwards, it shall be lawful for the bishop of the diocese to whose authority the defendant may be subject, or, if he is subject to the authority of more than one bishop, for the archLORD MELBOURNE moved the order of the day for the bishop of the province, to enter a nolle prosequi in such suit, provided the judge of the said court The BISHOP of EXETER rose to oppose the further proshall have made such bishop or archbishop a spe-gress of this bill, which he characterised as one of the heacial report that in his judgment the suit is fri-viest blows ever aimed at the Protestant Church of this volous or vexatious or otherwise improper to be The ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY said, the measure had proceeded with; and thereupon all proceedings in not been framed without consulting the entire bench of such suit shall be stayed; and it shall be lawful for bishops, two preliminary meetings had taken place, which the judge after hearing both parties, to make such right rev. prelate had attended, and objected to the bill. were numerously attended. Upon one of those occasions the order in respect of costs as he shall think fit. There was, he believed, only one other prelate who objected XI. And be it enacted, That when all the several to the bill, upon that occasion, and who did so simply on pleas in any such suit shall have been made up, own court. He (the Archbishop of Canterbury) was requested the ground, that he was satisfied with the working of his and before witnesses shall have been examined, or by that body of bishops to carry the heads of the bill to the afterwards, it shall be lawful for the judge, on Lord Chancellor, as having received their approbation. No motion in open court on behalf either of the pro-remedy could be proposed for the existing evils which were admitted, that would not be met by objections from some moter of the suit or of the bishop of the diocese to parties; but still he trusted that their lordships would now whose authority the defendant may be subject, or, allow the bill to be read a third time. if he is subject to more than one bishop, on behalf of the archbishop of the province, to suspend the defendant from performing any spiritual offices during the pendency of such proceedings; and thereupon it shall be lawful for the bishop of the diocese within which such defendant may be bene-Lord Wynford, decidedly recommended the postponement The DUKE of WELLINGTON, adopting the suggestion of ficed, licensed, or serving, to provide in the mean- of the measure till a future period in the present session, or time for the performing the duties of the cure, by till the next session of parliament. sequestration or otherwise, as in the case of nonresidence. XII. And be it enacted, That witnesses shall not be examined in any such suit until all the several pleas shall have been made up, and then on such parts thereof only as the said judge shall, on motion in open court, direct. XIII. And be it enacted, That the expenses of cross-examining witnesses shall in the first instance be paid by the party administering the interrogatories, but subject to the decision of the judge on the final question of costs. V. And be it enacted, That in all suits to be hereafter instituted in the Court of Arches in pursuance of this Act, the citations and all other processes shall issue, and all the proceedings shall be con- XIV. And be it enacted, That when in any such ducted in the same form and manner as if the suit suit a sentence of deprivation shall have passed had been commenced and originated by letters of upon the defendant, it shall be lawful for the said request from some diocesan or other jurisdiction, court to direct that the costs of the promoter shall and such letters of request had been accepted by nevertheless be charged upon the benefice of which the said court, save as such proceedings may be the defendant shall be deprived by such sentence, altered by any order or orders of court which may and the same shall be accordingly raised out of the from time to time be issued by the judge of the profits of such benefice by such instalments and in said Court of Arches to adapt such proceedings such manner as the said court shall by its order more conveniently and summarily to carry into direct; and for the purpose of raising such costs it effect the provisions of this Act, and which order shall be lawful for the bishop of the diocese within or orders such judge is hereby empowered to make which such benefice shall be situate to sequester and from time to time to rescind or alter, at his the profits of such benefice. discretion; and the order or orders so to be made XV. And be it enacted, That in all such suits shall be as valid as if the same had been inserted in this Act. VI. And be it enacted, That the jurisdiction of the said tribunal and of all its processes shall extend to every part of England and Wales. there shall be an appeal from the said Court of LORD BROUGHAM opposed the bill. the bill. LORD WYNFORD recommended the withdrawal of the bill for the present session, pointing out several objectionable points in the project which required alteration. The LORD CHANCELLOR thought, if the third reading were delayed now, that there would be a risk of even another session passing before there was any reform in ecclesiastical jurisdiction. he had heard advanced against the bill had shaken his The ARCHBISHOP of CANTERBURY said, that nothing that HOUSE OF COMMONS. PAROCHIAL ASSESSMENTS BILL. MR. SHAW LEFEVRE rose to move the second reading of this bill. The object of the bill was to place the law, in reand to put an end to those many differences and heart burnference to parochial assessment or rating, on a better footing, ings which sprang up every day. It went to affect not only the owners of tithe property, but other property. His object was to establish a uniform system of rating through the the case of the King v. Joddrell, as that upon which he country. The hon. gentleman cited the decision given in especially relied for a justification of the bill which he had ventured to introduce. He contended that the effect of the existing law had been to do great injustice to the landed proprietary. MR. GOULBURN said that in this bill there was one object which the framers of it had, as it appeared to him, ingeniously kept out of sight. He was not disposed to contend that others contributed, but he would always endeavour to prethe clergy should pay less as a contribution to the state than vent them being rendered liable to pay more than others. If this bill were to pass, which he trusted would not be the have to pay more than was just, and more than ever he had case, the consequences must be that every clergyman would been accustomed to pay hitherto. When the bill came to PRISONS. be fully discussed, and its latent object known, he trusted | confide. He did not despair of bringing forward the same | twice. Secondly, the tenants are not to be rated for their there was too much justice in the feelings of honourable measure with better success, and now gave notice he should profits, for the rent is the criterion of the value of the ocmembers to sanction a bill acting so unfairly to a great and introduce the bill early next session-(cries of "oh, oh!"cupation of land; and, therefore, in "Rex v. The Trustees meritorious portion of her Majesty's subjects. The right and laughter from the ministerial benches). of the Duke of Bridgewater," it was held that the prohonourable gentleman concluded by moving, as an amendprietors of a canal were rateable for the sum at which it ment, that the bill be read a second time that day three would let, and not for the gross receipts, minus their exmonths. penses. Thirdly, the rector has no right to any deduction for the land tax, for it is usually paid by the tenants in the first instance, but allowed to them by the landlord, and it is it ought to be paid by the rector. He certainly is not entherefore in effect paid by the landlord; and if that be so, titled to any deduction for the expenses of performing or providing for the duties of incumbency, for that is not a charge upon the land, but upon him personally. SIR R. INGLIS could not but regret that his hon. friend should have felt it his duty to introduce at this period a bill such as this, which would be highly objectionable at any time. At the present period of the session there was little chance of its passing through even that branch of the legislature. He trusted that the House would not pass a bill disturbing, as this would, the ordinary course of right. SIR E. SUGDEN said that he was very much inclined to think that the principle of the bill was good; but he could not support it, for two grounds. The first was, that the judges having decided the point in favour of the clergy, and the Tithe Commutation Act having said that rent charges should bear the same rate as tithe, and the right of the clergyman being expressly reserved by the law, he could not usurp the power of a court of law, and decide against the titheowner. The second ground was, that the recital of the act was not correct, because there was no doubt as to the construction of Mr. Poulett Scrope's act. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL thought that there would be The house then divided, and the numbers were- Majority The bill was then read a second time. JULY 19. THE IRISH CHURCH. -62 LORD J. RUSSELL moved the resumption of the adjourned The house divided, and the numbers were- ..... 131 Majority... 100 PAROCHIAL ASSESSMENTS. The state of the law with regard to Parochial Assessments being of considerable importance at the present time, we think it may be serviceable to the clergy, to put before them the decision of the court in the case of Rex v. Joddrell, which we have copied from the British Magazine for March, 1832. THE KING. THE REV. P. N. JODDRELL, CLERK *. THE following decision of the Court of King's Bench, on Upon appeal against a rate or assessment for the relief of THESIGER Contrà. The farmers ought to have been rated for the full amount of the rack-rent, including the corn-rent payable to the rector; for the rent payable by them would have been higher if they had not paid the cornfull amount of the corn-rent, the farmers ought to have rent to the rector. Secondly, as the rector is rated for the been rated not merely upon the rack-rent, which is the landlord's profit, but for the full annual value of the land, which includes both landlord's and tenant's profit. The rate, therefore, is unequal in this respect. Thirdly, the rector ought to have had the land-tax, ecclesiastical dues, and expenses of providing for the duties of incumbency, deducted from the full amount of his corn-rent. the land tax besides the rent, they have in effect not been First, as to the land-tax. It is clear if the tenants pay rated for that proportion of the annual profits with which rated for an equal proportion of his profits. The ecclesiasthe land-tax is paid, and then the appellant must not be tical dues ought to be allowed, because they, pro tanto, are a diminution of the annual profits. The Judgment of the Court was delivered in the Course of the Term by The parish of Yelling was enclosed under an act of ParIn the debate upon the Irish Tithe Bill, Lord Howick, liament, passed in the fifty-ninth year of the reign of PARKE, J.-This was a question between the rector of a said that in all previous measures of relief he had cordially Geo. III. intitled, "An act for enclosing lands within the parish and the farmers in it, as to the extent to which he, on voted for the appropriation clause; and he had never dis parish of Yelling, in the county of Huntingdon, and for the one hand, and they, on the other ought to be rated. The guised his sense of the fact that the real results to be ex-making a compensation for the tithes." By this act the tithes in the parish were extinguished, and the rector had a pected from the accordance of the House of Commons with thereof. On the part of the appellant it was proved, and on the full extent of all he received, with the deduction only tithes were extinguished, and a compensation made in lieu corn-rent or compensation in their stead. He was rated to the spirit that dictated the clause would far exceed the the other part not disputed, that the assessment for the rate of what he paid for parochial dues. He claimed, as addiimmediate practical consequences in the way of the appro-appealed against was made on the bona fide amount of the tional deductions, the amount of his land-tax, the amount priation of any surplus. He had never disguised his con-rack-rent which the farms were letting at, and were worth of what he paid for ecclesiastical dues (which would include viction, that had the people insisted on their clear undoubted rights much more important results than the resolution for to let at the time; that Elizabeth Bull, one of the respond- tenths, synodals, &c.), and a compensation for performing appropriation might have been obtained by them. But the ents, the occupier of one farm, the assessment upon which or providing for the duties of his incumbency. The farmers great end attained by the appropriation clause was the was the subject of this appeal, was therefore assessed in were rated at the bona fide amount of the rack-rent at evidence which it afforded the people of Ireland that the the sum of 2261., and that the said sum was the actual which the farms were letting, or which they were worth government was disposed to consult their feelings and in rack-rent paid by her for the same, and paid without any to let, the tenants paying the corn-rent or compensation for terests, and not those of the Church only. It tended to soothe deduction whatsoever; that in the said assessment the tithe; and the rector contended that they ought to be rated the wounded feelings of the Irish people, and produced so said Elizabeth Bull was in no manner whatsoever assessed in addition upon that corn-rent or compensation they paid long an interval of tranquillity that men's minds were far in respect of the corn-rent or compensation for tithe paid to him, and upon their share of profit beyond the rent. The more disposed to come to some rational arrangement. He the rector for the same, and that she paid annually to the great point to be aimed at in every rate is equality, and whatlooked upon that clause at the time, and he looked upon it rector in respect thereof 931, 68. 6d. That James Ford, the ever is the proportion at which, according to its true rateOther respondent, and occu4, od still, as the best chance which circumstances afforded of the other farm, the as- able value, any property is rated, is the proportion in which for saving the Establishment in Ireland; for he was of opinion sessment on which was also the subject of this appeal, every other property ought to be rated. The first thing upon that if the church of Ireland were reformed, and that secular was assessed in the sum of 607., the actual rack-rent paid every rate, therefore, is to ascertain the true rateable value of spirit which had too often manifested itself in the debates without deduction. That the said James Ford was not every property upon which the rate is to be imposed, and on these questions were done away with, the real obstacles therein assessed in respect of the corn-rent, and that he paid the next to see upon what proportion of that value a rate is to the general diffusion of protestantism in Ireland would 291. 13s. for the same to the rector. That in the said assess- in fact imposed. In the case of land, the rateable value is be done away with, and ultimately the Church itself, with ment the appellant and rector is assessed in the sum of the amount of the annual average profit or value of the reduced wealth perhaps, but based on a more enlarged foun- 368., in respect of the gross payments for compensation for land, after every outgoing is paid, and every proper allowdation of good feeling and in a more enlarged sphere of tithes, amounting to 4521. 2s. Od., and that the deduction in ance made; not, however, including the interest of capital, utility, might become as secure as the Church of England the assessment allowed the rector (to wit, 831. 2s. Old.) is the as the sessions have done, for that is a part of the profit. at home. These were his sentiments; but, at the same amount of parochial dues levied on 4511. 28. 0d. And it Tithe is an outgoing, and therefore the corn-rent or compentime, he could not disguise his conviction that a far more been assessed in the amount of the rent paid to the land-upon which the farmer is rateable; and in respect of that was objected by the appellant that the farms should have sation for tithe in this case is not to be added to the amount difficult, more embarrassing, and more important question would one day or other, as regarded the Church of Ireland, lord, added to the amount of the compensation paid to the portion of the annual profit or value which consists of tithe come to be argued in that house. There was no mode by rector, such being the actual value of the land to let at or corn-rent, the rector is himself to be assessed. We think, which the Irish people could be prevented from being sensible rack-rent; but the Court did not allow the objection. And therefore, that the sessions were right in over-ruling the first of the real state of things in that country-by no contrivance it was further objected by the appellant, that as he was objection. could the British legislature induce them willingly to sup- assessed at such a sum as, with his poor-rate, made up the port a Church alien, in some places, to 95 per cent. of the full gross amount of the corn-rent, the profit accruing to the population. The causes were existent in human nature occupiers beyond the amount of rent paid, and beyond the which must bring the question to a final settlement some amount of the interest of capital employed, and of expense day or other. He earnestly hoped that this final settlement of cultivating lands, including compensation for the farmer's would be put off for a considerable period, because every trouble and labour, and superintendence, ought to have day's delay was of the utmost importance, as every day been included in these assessments; and the appellant protended to remove the prejudices and animosities which posed to call evidence to prove the existence of such profit stood in the way of an amicable settlement. Every succeed 80 accruing generally; the respondents, however, admitted ing year would diminish the force of those prejudices, so such profits to have accrued generally. The Court did not that they might hereafter come to the discussion of the allow this objection. It was further objected, that the cornsubject under more favourable circumstances. He had now rent was not worth to the appellant any such sum as 3681., generally expressed his reasons for supporting the present he being liable, in respect of such sum, to the payment of measure for the adjustment of tithes, and the proposed and having further to do or provide for the duties of the a land tax and ecclesiastical dues beyond the parochial rates, grant of money. Many gentlemen would, no doubt, think that he had spoken too frankly on this occasion-(no, no!) incumbency: and this objection was not allowed, but the but he had felt it due to himself before this question finally rate confirmed, subject to the opinion of the Court of King's left the house candidly to state his views and opinions re- Bench, on the objections above stated. The case was argued specting it, in order that should he find occasion hereafter at the sittings in banco, after last term. at any time to act upon those views, he might not then be charged with the reproach of having been guilty of disguise -(cheers). VESTRIES IN CHURCHES BILL. DR. NICHOLL having moved that the house resolve into committee on the Vestries in Churches Bill. MR. HUME moved, as an amendment, that it be further considered that day three months. The house divided: the numbers were 78 For the motion...................... 76 The announcement of the majority was hailed with violent The second objection was, that the farmer's share of profit ought to have been rated, or which is the same thing, that the appellant should have been rated proportionably less; and that objection should, in our opinion, have prevailed. Of the whole of the annual profits or value of land, a part belongs to the landlord in the shape of rent, and part to the tenant; and whenever a rate is according to the rack-rent (the usual and most convenient mode), it is in effect a rate on a part of the profit only. It must, therefore, in the next place, be ascertained what proportion the rent bears to the total annual profit or value, and that will shew in what proportion all other property ought to be rated. If, for instance, the rent is one-half or two-thirds of the total annual profit half or two-thirds of its annual value. In this case it is or value of land, the rate on all other property should be on clear that there was a share of profit received by the tenant, upon which there has been no rate, and, in that respect, the farmers were assessed in a less proportion of the true annual profit or value than the appellant. The sessions were thereCOLERIDGE and KELLY in support of the order of ses-fore wrong in disallowing this objection, and they ought to perly rated on the amount of the rack-rent paid to the land- annual profit or value, and assess the appellant for his tithesions. The rate is perfectly right. The farmers are pro- ascertain the ratio which the rent of land bears to its average lord, for the rector is rateable in respect of the corn-rent, rent in the same ratio. and if the tenant also were rateable for it, it would be rated The last objection was, that the appellant ought to have had the land tax, ecclesiastical dues, and the expenses of providing for the duties of incumbency deducted. By act of Parliament, the tithes in a parish were extinguished, and in lieu thereof, the rector entitled to a corn-rent. In a rate for the relief As to the land-tax, that is always in practice paid in the of the poor, he was assessed for the full amount of that corn-rent less the first instance by tenants; and whether it is to be deducted parochial rates. The farmers in the parish who paid the corn-rent to the rector, were rated upon the bona fide amount of the rack-rent paid by or not in this case, must depend upon the answer to a prethem to their landlords. Held first, that the tenants ought not to be vious question, whether the tenants in the parish deduct it rated for a sum made up of the rack-rent paid to their landlords and the from the rents specified or not. If they do, the landlord corn-rent paid to the rector, but that they were properly rated on the on the ground that the farmer was rated, not for the full value of the land lant, to be on the same footing, must do the same; in that amount of the rack-rent only. Held secondly, that the rate was unequal, pays it in effect out of the rent he receives; and the appelwhich comprised the landlord's and tenant's profit, but for the rack-rent, case it must not be deducted in making the rate on him. which was the landlord's profit only, while the rector was rated for the full value of his corn-rent. Held thirdly, that in estimating the amount at which the rector ought to be rated, the land-tax ought to be deducted from the full amount of his corn-rent, provided the tenants of the other lands in the manor paid the land-tax, without being allowed for it by the bandero, but not if such allowance was made. Held also, that allowance upon the rectory, but not fotor for ecclesiastical dues, which the ducherr rectory, not for the expenses of providing for the duties of incumbency, because they were a personal charge only. But if the tenants pay the specified rents, and the landtax besides, then they have in effect not been rated upon that portion of the annual profit or value with which the land-tax is paid, but upon a part of the residue only, after deducting the land-tax. Upon this supposition, the appellant must also be rated in a proportionate part of his profit, after deducting the land-tax. |