Page:A Pastoral Letter to the Parishioners of Frome.djvu/19

11 You have objected to me that I have preached against this alliance, and that I have frequently denounced it as unjustly and tyrannically used; but that seeing this alliance is still maintained, that the sitting of Convocation is still refused—that Government still interferes in the education of the poor; that Bishops still sit in the House of Lords; that Church rates still are levied against the conscientious feelings of dissenters; that men are still compelled to pay for the support of fabrics which they cannot conscientiously use; that therefore I ought to withdraw from the Church of England as many conscientious men have done both on the side of dissent and of Rome. To this I reply, that I have not altered my opinion in any way on the matter, that I still think it would be highly for the blessing of the Church, if she could be amicably separated from that which manifestly pollutes, interferes with, and clogs her full and free operation in the souls of men, namely, the State. But it is just because I do still hold this opinion that I think it my duty to abide in my own sphere so as the better to continue to help towards its fulfilment. I think more may be done by the clergy and laity in parishes uniting together with one heart and mind, to bring this great blessing about, (I mean in plain words, the separation of Church and State as at present maintained,) than by individuals gloomily and despondingly departing from her, as too many have already done, some on the side of Rome, some of dissent. If all that have opportunity and power, however little, go away and abandon that opportunity and power, how then can the issue they have at heart ever be attained? What is the use of men crying out that there is a wrong, if they do not stop to set it right? What is the use of the physician, saying there is a danger, and that the patient is sick, if after so saying, he goes away and neglects to administer a remedy? It is very disagreeable, toilsome, and wearisome, to have perpetually to work at stopping leaks, and mending holes, correcting things amiss, and restoring things lost; it would be more pleasant to rear a beautiful house and see it