A Bishop has at last declared himself upon the Labourers'
side,—Dr. Harold Browne, Bishop of Winchester. At his last Conference at Ely he told the clergy, in well-measured words, that he was afraid that in all Protestant countries, not the Church only, but religion was losing its hold upon the poor. There was no sufficient reason for this in the Church of England, at all events, for "of the two, it had far better lose the rich." " Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith and heirs of the promises, and evil will betide the Church which disregards those whom He has chosen." "The minister of God is the natural defender of the poor, and he had better err by defending him too much than by deserting him when he needs defence. It is admitted that in many parts of England the labourer has had wrongs." The speech was received by the poor about almost with enthusiasm, and was understood by the clergy as a strong hint, at all events, to stand neutral in the contest. If every Bishop were as wise, the Church would gain advocates such as she has never had ; but we are told that Lord A. Hervey—we have not seen the report of his speech yet—has outstripped Bishop Ellicott, particularly in his hostility to agitators, who, so far from being paid hirelings, are voluntary missionaries, trying to keep the people from excesses. Winter is coming on, and it would be well if every man with a heart in him, especially the Archbishop of Canterbury, were to speak it out.
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