4 OCTOBER 1873, Page 16

[TO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."]

SIR,—The letter of "A Country Parson" so completely represents the views of the vast majority of the clergy, that it is worthy of unusual notice, and if possible, of complete refutation. Your correspondent thinks that by siding ',with the labourers against the farmers (and he might have added the squires) he would incur the hostility of the latter. Let it be granted that this would be the case. What then ? Is it not his duty to incur obloquy in a just cause ? Is he not bound to preach from the text, "Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal : "

aixatoy za; 771v lefirro-a)?

Evidence has been given over and over again during the past generation which makes the rejoinder that no reform is needed impossible from any fair and candid person. When it is argued that the clergy have no business to mix themselves up with the controversies which are going on between the agricultural labourers and their masters, I cannot help replying that they have, in fact, already taken sides. Obedience and submission are favourite doctrines in the pulpit and out of it. The clergy are almost universally in favour of things as they are, and teach that im- provement where improvement is obviously needed is to be con- ceded as a favour from above, rather than claimed as a right from below.

In truth, we clergymen cannot remain neutral. It would be well for us and for our Church if we were to recognise our true mission, which is to side with the weak and the wronged against the strong and the oppressor.—I am, Sir, &c.,