GOVERNMENT PATRONAGE OF TIIE CHURCH IN SCOTLAND.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR.
Loudon, 31st January 1531.
SIR—I call your attention to a paragraph in this evening's Globe ; in which the example of Sir Romer PEEL, in regard to the distribution of the Church patronage of Scotland, is held up as worthy the imitation of the Government. Now there never was a greater delusion than this crying up of this odd card of the Tory pack for his conduct in the mat- ter referred to. There is no doubt that he gave up—so far, however, only as country parishes were concerned—the practice which prevailed before his time, of appointing only such persons as were recommended to him by the Lord-Lieutenant or Member for the County : but to whom did he give the recommendation? Why, to the very persons who, under the corrupt system, had the right of election of that Member,— to the owners of the paper votes, the proprietors of the valued rent of the parish. The people got nothing by this alteration; nor did it give the slightest additional security for the choice of a person fit for the holy °dice, or agreeable to the parishioners over whom he was placed. It was a mere change in name, not in substance or effect; and the best proof of that would be found in a comparison of the politi- cal opinions of those who were appointed under it. I think it of some consequence to put the Globe right on this point ; because I have observed lately a great disposition to approximate towards the wily statesman referred to, by crying him up on all occa- sions, and preparing the way for a malition. The idea makes nie sick. The.stomach of the country could not digest such a nauseous meal. It would vomit the whole concern, Lord GREY, Whigs and all, were they
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