CHURCH PATRONAGE.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
Srn,—I rejoice to see that one of the reforms on which Mr. Bright dwelt last night with most feeling was that which would put an end to the purchase of Church benefices. On this point he appealed, with his characteristic moral impressiveness, to the national conscience. Surely the appeal, coming from such a quarter, will not be made in vain to any section of the community. The task of dealing with Church patronage is by common consent a very difficult one. But, as Mr. Bright says, we have abolished Purchase in the Army ; let us not shrink from attacking it in the Church. I trust that we may see in his remarks some encouragement to believe that the Government will support at least, if it will not initiate, the necessary inquiry on this subject in the coming Session.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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