TOFICS OF THE DAY. - It is said that Lord Chancellor
BROUGHAM has intimated to the Archbishop of CANrsanuair his intention of presenting to all Church livings under 2001. a year, on the recommendation of the Bishops. To such a course there are many objections ; but if the pledge is given, we cannot advise or expect its retraction. Yet the noble and learned Lord may interpose a condition, which we very confidently submit to his consideration,—i. e. "Provided that such person be an unbeneficed curate, who has served in one parish for seven years at the least ; priority of appointment to be regulated, first, by University honours or literary distinction, and then, by standing in the Church." These terms would effectually exclude the sons, grandsons, nephews, and first cousins of the Lords Spi- ritual and Temporal and Commons, in Parliament assembled, on whom, and their hangers on, the patronage of the Right Reverend Bench would, nae times in ten, be otherwise bestowed. These gentry will seldom have remained seven years without provision ; very few of them have attained University honours ; yet fewer have distinguished themselves in literature ; nor is there much chance that their patrons will leave them to a rotation of senio- rity. Under this regulation, the Chancellor will avoid that dun- ning for patronage which he appears desirous of avoiding : and the poorer members of the Church will stand some chance of ultimate advancement.
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