Another difficulty which will be likely to present itself in many places, is the provision of a fixed yearly salary for the Ringers. But the difficulty, however great, is as nothing in proportion to the benefits which will accrue. And while the accomplishment of the object is worth any effort and almost any sacrifice, the difficulty will seldom be found so great as it may at first sight appear.
In a parish which had six Bells, where the price of labour was at about the average rate in country towns, where the population was between four and five thousand, the great majority of which were Church people, and where there was a double daily service, (without which I do not suppose that the system would do much, if any good)—the whole annual expense was less than £19. But it is evident that the expense would be different for different parishes: in fact, for one fixed element in calculating the expense there are three variable elements. The fixed element is the number of ordinary days and Holy Days in the year. The variable elements are, 1, the ordinary price of labour in the parish: 2, the number of Bells: 3, the average number of Marriages and Burials—which must of course be dependent upon the number and character of the population.
In making a calculation of the proper amount of salary, the price of labour should, for obvious reasons, be reckoned higher than that usually paid in the parish, and the number of Marriages and Burials at above the average, in cases where all have not been brought to Church; inasmuch as any such return to consistent holy practice, if done in a Christian loving manner, is sure to win the affections of the people.
For raising the required amount, whatever it may be, a well-affected parish would doubtless contribute something from its “Rates”—if not all, as the law requires it to do. There might also be a collection at the Offertory, once or twice a year, for the purpose:—and there might be “a Ringers’ Box” placed in the Church, under the lock and care of the Minister and Churchwardens, to receive contributions of “the faithful” toward defraying the expenses of this part of Divine worship.—Lastly, in parishes which are moderately well endowed, the Priest may well take it into consideration, whether he may not duteously and beneficially devote some small portion, at any rate, of the income which is entrusted to him for the furtherance of the spiritual well-being of his flock, to the honour of God and the welfare of His people, in this so very important branch of His service.
[1] There is evidence that in the Sixteenth Century one hour was not too long for the short peal after the death, and half an hour for that at the burial; but the writer has found from experience that a much shorter time is now advisable, at any rate in commencing the system.
[2] On all such occasions the friends of the deceased would have opportunity of appeal to the Bishop, and the Clergyman would be open to censure for any improper exercise of authority.
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