REPLY

TO A

MEMORIAL FROM THE CLERGY OF DERRY.*

REVEREND SIRS,

To the Memorial presented to me from the diocese of Derry, I can only reply at present, that I am as anxious as they can be for the diffusion of the Holy Scriptures, and for the promotion of the best education among all classes, that the circumstances of each will admit. Several of the sentiments contained in the Memorial are such, that, though I heartily concur in them, I do not understand their applicability to the present question. And on several points, if I do not mistake the meaning of it, it seems to imply misconceptions of the plan

* See Memorial, p. 209.

alluded to, which might be cleared up by referring to the printed paper which the Commissioners have issued.* I hope it will not be regarded as any mark of disrespect, that I am unable to enter fully into separate discussions with all who bring before me their objections or suggestions relative to this subject. It would, in fact, be impossible for me to do so, even if I had no other avocations. I will beg leave, therefore, to refer you to a letter which I have sent to the Dean and Chapter of St. Patrick's, (and which I have no doubt they will be ready to lay before you,) which adverts to several of the topics of the present Memorial. I do not, however, expect that what I have there said will prove universally satisfactory. In fact, to seek for perfectly satisfactory answers to all the objections that may be urged, (or even to all that may be reasonably urged,) against any scheme that ever was devised by man, would be an endless and a hopeless task. The utmost that can ever be hoped for is to fix on the plan that shall be open to the fewest and the

* See page 220.

least weighty objections; and, accordingly, we can hardly expect that objections to any scheme will be much listened to by the framers of it unless some other, less objectionable, be proposed in its stead. Allow me, then, to suggest to my reverend brethren, that they should consult together (if possible with the assistance or concurrence of their bishop,) to devise some plan of national instruction which they may agree upon, as (I do not say, absolutely the best, but) the best that can be reduced to practice. If any such shall be resolved on, which shall appear to be preferable to the one proposed by Mr. Stanley, as affording, on the one hand, a better education to the children, and, on the other hand, obviating the scruples (unreasonable as they may be) which might deter Roman Catholics from availing themselves of it, I shall be most ready to use my best endeavours towards recommending it to his Majesty's Government.

REPLY

TO THE

ADDRESS OF THE CLERGY OF DUBLIN.*

DEAR MR. ARCHDEACON,

Ir is highly gratifying to me to be addressed by my Clergy in the language of kindness and esteem, and to hear from them sentiments of conciliation. I am almost ashamed, indeed, to appear to bestow commendations on the expression of that courtesy and Christian feeling which might be expected from almost every one. But these are times of such strong excitement, from political and religious controversy, that (as you need not be told) but too many have been led to forget what is due to Christian candour

* See Address, p. 201.

and Christian meekness. It is in such times that I feel the value, more than ever, of the friendly union of my Clergy with me and with each other; of moderation, charitable forbearance, and gentleness of demeanour; and it is in such times that those who evince these qualities may claim merit for not being influenced by the contrary examples which surround them. Not that I would reckon it a matter of praise to a gentleman and a Christian to abstain from gross scurrility and calumny; but it is a matter of praise to be in no degree affected by the prevalence of these. For bad examples produce, perhaps, the greatest amount of mischief in those who do not altogether follow them; but who are led by them to lower their standard of propriety, and to deem their own conduct temperate, because it falls so much short of the intemperance of others.

For myself, it is well known to all my acquaintance in England, that I have always kept aloof (as I ever shall) from all parties, and from all controversies, ecclesiastical or political. And all my tastes and habits would have led me (at any time, but especially at such a period as the