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instance, Mr. Gladstone himself; and the substance of the replies I have received, is that if the clergy decide for themselves that compulsory powers are necessary for their purpose, Parliament will, in common justice, give to us, as they have done to the two Kirks of Scotland, the necessary power for self-regulation in this matter.

The Rev. G. B. HOWARD, Secretary of the Clergy Friendly Society.

I PROPOSE to confine myself to two points. First, I ask you to observe that the scheme before you is of national-I might say imperial-extent. This is of great importance, because it provides for what is called the migration of labour; and I would submit that those who are engaged in diocesan schemes for clergy pensions, should so frame them that they can be affiliated to, and combined with, this large and general measure. Secondly, I wish strongly to urge my conviction that no scheme connected with clergy pensions will be satisfactory, unless it includes provision for the widows and orphans of the clergy. The reason why this scheme does not include them, is that we were instructed to consider a scheme for pensions for the clergy alone. But there is no reason why the scheme should not be extended to their families, and it will be observed that such an extension is contemplated. It is with no little satisfaction that I can point to the fact that the method of augmentation adopted by the committee, is that which, I believe, I was the first to propose in connection with this subject in the Churchman's Shilling Magazine for January, 1883-that is nearly three years ago; but I added a sliding scale, the principle of which was that augmentation should be larger, as the income of the insurer had been smaller. I do not care for this in connection with pensions for the clergy themselves, but I think it would be important in connection with provision for their families. Mr. Duncan objects to my sliding scale, as being inquisitional; but the widows of Indian officers are obliged to declare that their income does not exceed so much, in order to get their pensions, and this is all that would be required under my proposal. Tiny pensions are of little use. Pensions, to be of any use, must be adequate; but if a clergyman has difficulty in making payments for an adequate annuity for himself, how much more difficult must it be for him to do so for his widow and his children? I think, however, that at any tate in the case of widows and orphans, some well-considered sliding scale of augmenration would be very practicable, and that a scheme on such a basis might be available for augmenting pensions within six months of the present time.

The Rev. J. COWDEN COLE, Vicar of Upton, Somerset.

I HAVE only a few words to say upon the two points which have been raised in this discussion, namely, as to compulsion, and as to a widows and orphans fund. With regard to compulsion, I do not think there would be much difficulty in carrying it out, especially as the first payments would have to be made about the time of ordination, when it would be most easy to enforce a payment of this nature, if there was a tacit understanding that such a payment should be made. With regard to the question raised as to widows and orphans, I need but remark that the scheme now proposed is one for providing pensions for the clergy when they have become incapacitated for parochial duty, and, therefore, it ought to stand on its own merits. It would certainly bring in many other considerations if it was proposed to create a new institution in which the question of widows and orphans should be placed on an equal footing with the question of the retirement through old age of the incumbent of a parish. The whole scheme, as a practical matter, amounts simply to the purchase of a deferred annuity, and, though as a point of social economy, it may not rest on the highest law, which is rather "to spend and be spent," yet I think we ought to do our best to secure success for it.

The Rev. CHAS. H. RICE, Rector of Cheam, Surrey.

My sole excuse for speaking is the experience I have gained in connection with one of the many existing clergy charities. Nothing has been said to-day from the point of view of these societies, or by those who have had an opportunity of becoming acquainted with their working. I look upon the proposed scheme with a great deal of interest, but not with so much confidence as many of you. Much progress has been made, but there are several difficulties still to be got over. Let me deprecate anything like an attack on the old clergy charities. Depend upon it that the laymen who support these charities, are just those who will support the proposed scheme. Much may, no doubt, be said against the administration of these charities. But when it is said that the grants made by them fell short of their income by £26,000 in one year, I cannot think that that is a fair statement. For instance, one of these charities has large landed estates; and the expenses incurred in the management of these estates are not ordinary working expenses. I should like to endorse what has been said about the

claims of the widows and orphans, and I am not sure that the scheme has not begun at the wrong end. We are told, however, that these are to be considered hereafter. Still nothing has been said respecting what I believe to be a common trouble, the difficulty of providing the means of education for a young family. There are many clergymen who will find it hard to pay even two guineas for a pension for themselves, when they can scarcely provide the means of sending their children even to a day school. And I have known clergymen keep their children at home for a term or two, because they did not see where the school fees were to come from. I hope this movement may result in a reduction in the number of clerical paupers, but you must not allow this scheme to come into competition with the charitable schemes now in existence. I hope, however, that a line of demarcation will be drawn between the provident and the improvident, and that whatever is done will be carried out wisely and with due caution.

The Venerable HENRY DE WINTON, Rector of Llandrindod, Archdeacon of Brecon.

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I REPRESENT a view of the case which has found no advocate in this room. I have no faith in the voluntary system in connection with this subject. I have no faith in "enlightened public opinion" respecting it, because public opinion has been tried and has failed. There is a certain amount of clerical improvidence which cannot be overcome by any voluntary system. I believe that the one certain and sufficient remedy for our present distress" in this matter, it to be found in a forced contribution, proportionate or graduated, levied upon all ecclesiastical benefices. The objection to the scheme of Mr. Sadler and Mr. MacKnight is, that the payment of a considerable sum of money at ordination would be, in many cases, very difficult, and in some cases impossible. But what has been said by those gentlemen confirms my belief that the clergy are, as a body, in favour of some compulsory scheme. I depre cate the scheme now before us, because I think that it will fail, and will only delay the commencement of a thoroughly satisfactory settlement of this important question. I have only heard three objections made to a tax upon all ecclesiastical benefices. One objection was that there are many of the clergy who have already made provision for themselves. But is it a fact that there is a large number who have made provision for retirement in old age? I think not. Another objection was that it would take twenty-five years to get an Act of Parliament. I do not think it would take one year. All members of Parliament, whom I have consulted, tell me that if the clergy agreed to go to Parliament upon such a question, they would get what they wanted. Again, it is said that this is not the time to put a fresh tax on the clergy. But what is the scheme now before us but a tax upon the clergy, though it is not called by that name? That scheme depends largely on the charity of the laity, and that I deprecate. In other respects it offers little advantage to the clergy; for its scale of payment is that of the Government Annuities, which is calculated upon a rate of interest of only 24 per cent. All honour and thanks to those who have devoted so much labour and ability to its elaboration. I regret that I cannot support it; for I believe that it will not be generally adopted, and that therefore it will not succeed.

The CHAIRMAN.

I THINK it was quite evident while Mr. MacKnight was speaking that the gentlemen then in this hall were in favour of the proposed institution including within its operations a provision for widows and orphans. The reason why Mr. Robinson did not refer to it was because the subject before the section was that of clergy pensions; but the institution of which Mr. Robinson and others have spoken, does not set its face against provision for widows and orphans, because I find in the prospectus setting forth the scheme, the following paragraph :-"Let it be observed that the mode of aug. mentation above described, is capable of application not only to pensions to the clergy, but to any other classes of benefit which may be included within the scope of the Institution, such as provision for widows and orphans, for sickness, accident, education, expenses, etc. It is therefore obvious that all depends upon the amount of premium that has to be paid. I have authority for saying that Mr. Robinson and others are perfectly willing to consider any addition to the scheme for including provision for widows and orphans, and that the only reason why Mr. Robinson did not refer to it, was because it did not come within the scope of the discussion this afternoon.

THE

CIRCUS,

THURSDAY

AFTERNOON,

OCTOBER STH.

The Right Rev. the LORD BISHOP OF NEWCASTLE in the Chair.

WORKING WOMEN'S MEETING.

ADDRESSES.

The Right Rev. the CHAIRMAN.

You have been asked to come here this afternoon that we may speak to you of some of the difficulties and trials of the Christian life, and I trust that the speakers will be enabled to set before you again some of the nobler principles introduced into this world by the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which will help you forward on your way; and can lighten and cheer even the darkest lot in life. I must, at the outset, ask you to extend to me your kind indulgence; for it is not a very easy thing to speak to such a large number of the opposite sex, and it is only natural to suppose that you will know your own difficulties and troubles better than I can. I can, however, assure you of this, that if you ever hold a meeting for the bench of bishops, I will come at any inconvenience, and from any part of the country, to attend it, for I have no doubt that I should learn very much at such a meeting, and return home with my hands strengthened for my own work. But this, at least, we have in common-all women possess some attributes which belong to men; and all men who are worth the name, have some feminine traits in their character. Now, I speak to you with a feeling of deep responsibility, for we shall certainly never all meet again in this way in this world; but there will be a day when we shall all be assembled at the Judgment Seat of God; and then it may be said to me, "When you had that opportunity of speaking to these women, did you then take the true and bolder course, and try to show them some of the mistakes in their lives which rendered those lives difficult and dangerous; and did you assist those who were on the right path with words of encouragement and sympathy? And, first I will speak of woman's position and influence in the world. Now, in the course of my ministerial experience, I have often known women downcast and discouraged because they

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thought they had no power or influence in the world; yet all have at least some power. I am not going to flatter you, but you certainly have power. Pray remember that your greatest work lies in the home and family, and there a woman may so act as to be almost God's vicegerent upon earth. But there are some women who have no family ties, and no home-work, and to whom God has given the great and blessed work of lifting up those who are down in the mire of sin, or sunk in the gutter of defilement; women who have often the opportunity of speaking true words of kindness and sympathy to those who are miserable. Such are working with great power for God in this world. I want you to thoroughly understand the power of kindness in the home. You may think that an odd thing for me to say to women; but when shall we make some women understand that a kind word has more effect than a cross one; and that a slap of the hand often closes up a heart that would expand under a caress? Yes, kindness in the family, and in the home is a great power for good. From kindness, I come to loving-kindness. There is a great difference between them. Let me give you an illustration of my meaning. There was a man who, whilst working in one of our great workshops, was blinded by an explosion, which injured him sadly, and destroyed his sight. He was taken to the hospital, and there treated most tenderly by the surgeons and the nurses. They all did what lay in their power to alleviate the sufferings of that poor man. They found that the man had a mother living, and a message was sent to her far away in the country, and she came; but when she arrived the man was so ill that no one dare tell him of her coming. Now what did they do? At the time when the bandages over the poor wounded face were to be changed, they brought the mother silently into the room, and in the language of signs showed her how to apply the bandages. Then did loving-kindness manifest itself; for, as his mother's fingers gently touched him, the man's whole nature seemed to quiver with emotion, and he lifted up his poor blinded face and said, "Mother! mother!" Now have you not this same power, you mothers? Has not the Lord God given you a power-even more than he bestows on fathers-of moving the hearts and influencing the lives of the children who are entrusted to you; children He intends to be brought up in the fear of God? I urge you to use this power of kindness, and of loving-kindness. It comes from the Lord Jesus above you. His loving-kindness was such that we cannot understand it. He gave Himself up for us so that we might live for Him on earth, and dwell with Him in heaven. Then there is the power of prayer. Many of you, no doubt, are living very busy lives—and we all know the rush and pressure of these modern days yet those to whom God has given the means of daily, hourly communication with Himself, have indeed great stores of comfort and support. You can, and many of you no doubt do, often find time for that earnest prayer which gives strength and comfort in your greatest need. Yet do you trust in it enough? Let me tell you a story from real life. There was a mother long ago who had a most promising son. It was in the early days of Christianity, and this young man had never accepted Christ in baptism. His mother prayed for him day by day. She prayed long and earnestly, and with tears, but found no answer. She then thought that she would go and consult a certain good bishop, entreating him with tears, to see and converse with her son; but he said, after bidding her to continue her prayers, "Go thy way, and God bless thee, for it is impossible that the son of these tears shall perish." That son grew up to be the great saint of the Christian Church— Augustine. This is the power of continual prayer that you must exercise. The moment a Christian begins to pray, the ear of God becomes attentive, and the heaven is bowed towards the earth. Some of you may have a son in distant parts of the world for whom you can and do pray. Many a man in far distant lands, surrounded by temptations, and with all home restraints removed from him, has felt wondrous influences for good, and has wondered whence they came. It was his mother praying for him at home, for the Lord God has the power of linking the two ends of the world together, and can make the prayer of the mother turn to the blessing of the son. You should always remember the temptations of others as well as your own, and so you will never neglect that marvellous power of prayer. But it may be that your prayers seem unanswered, and that the continual perverseness of your children has nearly broken your heart, yet depend upon it that the prayer which is persevered in will have its answer at last. Then there is another power I should like to speak of, and that is the power of self-denial. You may say that your whole lives are lives of self-denial and full of privation. I know it only too well. Yet remem ber the true power of self-denial is experienced only by those who live under the Cross of Christ; and they who carry a cross will know that it marks the shoulder, and that it only ceases to mark the shoulder when it has found its way down to the heart. There is a great power in quiet self-denial. Let me give you an instance. Last Sunday I was

preaching in one of our northern towns. As we came out of the church there were a great many people standing outside, and over the shoulders of the crowd a strong man's hand was put out forward for me to grasp. There was the wife with a smile on her face, by the man's side. Only a few years ago that man was a drunkard. He was practically cured by his wife. And she did this, not by preaching at him, but by selfdenial and by loving-kindness. The man was a master blacksmith, earning very good wages, and spending the bulk of it in drink; and nothing could induce him to take the pledge. He used to come home so intoxicated sometimes, as not to know what he was about; sometimes just sober enough to see that he was not fit to associate with his wife and children. But his wife always managed to keep the house so clean, and the children so tidy, and had always such a cheerful and bright word for him, that at last he came one day to take the pledge; and being asked what induced him to take such a step at last, said he could bear to come home in that state no longer, and to see his wife and children so bright and tidy, and to know that he was not fit to associate with them. That woman's loving-kindness had broken down the sinful habit of that strong man, and now he is a praying, faithful Christian, a communicant, and is helping others to reform. Are there no drunkards in Portsmouth or Portsea? I have known what it is to see a drunken wife in a sober artisan's house; and I have seen the unutterable misery that necessarily ensues. Is it possible I speak to such a one here? Again, what are you doing for your children in this matter, you women? There is a story of Monica, the mother of that St. Augustine of whom I have already spoken, that when sent by her parents to draw the wine from the cask, she would wet the tips of her fingers in the wine, until daily adding to this little by little, she came at last to drink off eagerly her little cup nearly full of wine, and that she was only cured of this by the maidservant who used to accompany her to the cellar, and who one day, when alone with her, cast this in her teeth, calling her little "wine-bibber." For, stung by this taunt, Monica at once broke off the habit. Do you ever expose your children to the like temptation? Are they sent into public-houses to fetch drink, and if so, do they not there hear what may stick like arrows, and poison their whole after lives? I know that many a child has contracted a taste for drink by being sent to the public-house for beer. What are you doing for your children? Remember that in the present life and work of women-they who sit at the springs of human life-rests very much the future of English men and women, and, therefore, of the future of England. It is a simple fact that drunkards can transmit to their children a taste for drink just as a maniac, or as a scrofulous person can transmit the taint of madness or scrofula to his posterity. The children of a drunken father or mother are born into this world already prejudiced on the side of intemperance-born with a millstone of an hereditary tendency to drink already round their necks. Now, what are you to do? Let me again illustrate my meaning. There was once a man sitting at an open window, reading by the light of a candle, and a beautiful moth flew in and fluttered, as moths will, around the flame. What was he to do to save it? He did not wish to catch it for fear of destroying the beautiful minute feathers on its wings; and he therefore blew out the candle. I say to you, "blow out the candle " in this matter of drink. If there is no alcoholic drink used by you, your children will have far less temptation to taste it. I can only say for myself, that none of my children shall ever by my invitation taste alcoholic drink until they are of age to judge for themselves, unless it be in a case of serious illness, and by my own practice I set them the example of total abstinence. Will you undertake to do the same? It may possibly seem at first a great self-denial to some of you, but every self-denial in the power and for the sake of God is a blessing, and should be practised until the blessing becomes an integral portion of our lives. What are you doing for your children? I dare not speak too plainly on this subject, but if the mothers of England were to look after their children more truly and wisely, with true motherly instinct, there would not be so much of that awful misery, and of those fearful forms of sin which now defile our streets. I know that many a mother says "I cannot control my child." Whose fault is that? If only a mother begins early enough with prayers and with the power of loving-kindness joined to a good example, I am persuaded that her child will, in nine cases out of ten, grow up obedient and dutiful. And now to bring my words to you to a close, suffer me to say a few words on the personal relations between your soul and God. Your whole life must be one of dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ, if ever you would be strong to endure, and able to resist temptations. The lesson of Christianity is that of simple dependence on Christ. There may be some hearts here who have not yet found Him, and are not happy. I have lately seen wonderful things in the suburbs of a great town where the power and the love of Jesus Christ are now being manifested in answer to prayerful work. Women who have been drunkards, men who

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