CLERICAL POVERTY AND CONVOCATION.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR:1 Sin,—I regret that you throw water so cola on the attempt to supplement clerical incomes by voluntary contributions. You admit that a redistribution of the wealth of the Church will never be effected except by Disestablishment, and no journal has such powerful articles against that measure, whether by side or full wind, as yourself. There have been societies at work for long to increase endowments, and the quadrupling of contributions has failed to raise livings to a modest 2200 per annum. In this diocese some £24,000 would have to be raised. As you admit, it is impossib]e, and so the supporters of the Scotch Established Church have realised ; and the Small Livings Fund has two branches,—one for apportioning in- come by the Joint Committee of Distribution ; the other, for securing the permanent augmentation of small livings, in each case the aim being to raise the income to £200 a year. I do not think there will be any injustice done by, or any irritation remain after, the action of Diocesan Committees elected in the same manner and working on the same lines as the Royal Literary and Royal Medical Benevolent Committees. The wealthy clergy are contributing to voluntary funds, and the laity, rich and poor, must unite, or the position of the Church in the country, where it should be at its strongest, will be seriously enfeebled. Amalgamation of country livings is very desirable ; but a fresh endowment scheme will but hinder this, and aid must be promptly and substantially given, pending the adoption of some national scheme.—I am, Sir, &c., Fleet House, Weymouth, March 21st. HENRY PETO.
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