Mr. Whalley on Tuesday night gave expression to the popular
feeling in this matter by asking Sir George Grey if he intended to bring in a bill for the purpose of expelling such persons as Mr. Wagner from their livings. Of course Sir G. Grey said "No," but the real question, seems to be this—Are not courts of justice too lenient towards witnesses in orders? It may be ex- pedient or advisable to protect the confidence between clergyman and penitent as much as that between attorney and client, but till that is done they should be forced, like everybody else, to obey the law. If John Smith, layman, refuses to answer a legal question, he is committed to prison till he does, and so should John Smith, clerk. Some of the clergy seem inclined to consider themselves a caste, and the sooner they are taught that they are simply members of a profession, the safer it will be for the Church. Mr. Wagner may call confession a sacrament if he likes, but he is subject to the law, and must obey it, sacraments notwith- standing.
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