THE CLERGY AND THE COMING ELECTION.
[To TRY EDITOR OF THE " BIECTATOR.'q
Sia,—There are many of the clergy of the National Church in a difficult position in regard to the coming Election. Those who would take an active part in it expose themselves to the frown and disfavour of their ecclesiastical superiors, while the con- viction founded on the experience of the recent Election assures them that it is their responsible obligation to inform their less educated parishioners on the grave issues on which the coming Election will turn.
It is presumed, and probably not without some foundation, that the agricultural labourers, out of a feeling of sympathy for "poor Paddy," are largely in favour of the Home-rule Bill, supposing that of the millions to be voted some considerable amount will come into his pocket. Who is to undeceive them as to this and other like delusions ? I answer unhesitatingly that if the rural clergy do not undertake the office, no one else will. I put the question to a dignitary of the Church as to the duty of the clergy under such circumstances, and I was answered,--- " It is your duty to avoid party politics." Bene, as the Italians say ; but how is it to be done F—I am, Sir, &a.,
A PERPLEXED CLERGYMAN.
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