by trampling under foot the Acts of Union-the Act of Uniformity-the Bill of Rights-the Act of Settlementthe Act of Limitation-the Magna Carta—the Coronation Oath, and all that is most precious and invaluable in the whole past legislation of the land? Are these we demand, evidences of loyalty and constitutionalism.

Because if not, then let churchmen, and constitutionalists, and all true patriots and citizens beware. For this mighty conspiracy has already mounted up to fearful and portentous proportions. "It is no fancy of a 'heartoppressed brain,' but a serious, sober, literal truth, that a revolutionary propaganda exists in this country; that its ramifications extend to every corner of the United Kingdom; that it holds communication with all the revolutionary elements of the European continent; and that the end

and to her will be faithful against all conspiracies and attempts whatever, which shall be made against her person, crown, or dignity; and I will do my utmost endeavour to disclose, make known to Queen Victoria, her heirs and successors, all treasons and traitorous conspiracies, which I shall know to be formed against her or them. And I will be true and faithful to the succession of the crown, which succession, by an Act, entitled, 'An Act for the further Limitation of the Crown, and better securing the Rights and Liberties of the Subject,' is and stands limited to the Princess Sophia, Electress of Hanover, and the heirs of her body, being Protestants; hereby utterly renouncing and refusing any obedience or allegiance unto any other person, claiming or pretending a right to the crown of this realm. And I do declare, that no foreign prince, person, prelate, state, or potentate, hath or ought to have any jurisdiction, power, superiority, pre-eminence, or authority, ecclesiastical or spiritual within this realm."

T

sought is the establishment of a Democracy upon the ruins of the British Constitution."

This

And such being the case, what is to be done? Shall the clergy of the United Church sit with folded arms until the fatal mischief has been irretrievably accomplished? Who is it that says it is their only and sole duty to watch for souls ? For whoever he may be he is fit only for the mysticism of a Moravian settlement. is an age in which Christian character must be many sided. Only they who will work—and work vigorously as citizens not less than as clergy are fit for the offices they hold. Too many exemplify in their political capacity a description contained in Parnell's Allegory on Man.

"The man rose staring, like a stake;
Wondering to see himself awake!
Then looked so wise, before he knew
The business he was made to do."

It

The fact is that in an all-wise Providence, the clergy of the Established Church possess a mighty political influence. That influence is theirs as a solemn and sacred trust. is a precious" talent." the napkin of a treacherous security-the napkin of selfindulgence the napkin of apathy-of stolid, nay of criminal indifference? God forbid. The time is soon coming--if it is not already close upon us, when every

Shall it be buried in a napkin—

* Dissent and Democracy-by Richard Masheder, Esq., B.A., of the Inner Temple, p. 378.—(Saunders and Otley.)

man will need be at his post, armed and equipped for a struggle perhaps as intense and as momentous as any which this nation has ever yet been called upon to witness? Political Jesuits are everywhere on the alert. They are in the House of Commons-upon the judicial bench,in our municipal and other corporations. Keen,-farsighted, -vigilant, they are already gone far towards the realization of their treasonous ambitions their revolutionary reforms. And shall there be no adequate effort made on the part of the church, as yet, thank God, left in possession of of most of her ancient and hereditary rights! Has the Church of England no instincts of self-preservation—not to name principles of duty towards God and towards the body-politic? Where is there a churchman that will any longer remain unidentified with Church-Defence? Where is there a clergyman-who under plea of religious duties, can neglect the next most important duties of this lower life-the duties which he owes to his fatherland and his queen? Where is there a bishop, a dean, a vicar, an incumbent, or even a curate, who, knowing the nature of the times upon which God has cast his lot, can fail to make every exertion in his power to deliver the church and the constitution from the oblique patriotism of men, now no longer impotent for mischief? A clergyman or layman who is not deeply implicated in the safe issue of the National Church from the already impending politicoreligious struggle must be pitiably and miserably unaware of the "signs of the times." England expects every man to do his duty." The clergy, considered merely as citizens, owe a duty to the state and never, until they

66

have stood up manfully and courageously, with one heart and with one voice, in the defence of the protestant safeguards of the nation,-the rights of the church,-the privileges of the aristocracy,-the principles of the constitution, the securities of the empire, and the foundations of the throne ;-can they be considered to have proved faithful to those political responsibilities which in their place are not than the duties of religion in one single degree, less solemn, less momentous, or less imperative.

INDEX.