In times and under circumstances of an ordinary character, the letter, to which the following pages refer, might with safety be left to find its proper place in the public mind. It is characterized by a spirit of mildness and conciliation; and, as much of its censure is founded on erroneous impressions, the consequences would have been but momentary. But, in the present extraordinary times, there are not wanting those who would gladly seize upon the occasion, as a favourable one for widening the differences and perpetuating the antipathies, which unhappily prevail among Christians, and hence it appears desirable that the public should be set right with regard to the course now taken by those who are implicated in the charges.
The main charges appear to be:—
I. That the parties in question have acted unkindly and disrespectfully, so far as they have interfered with the arrangements for the exhibition in St. Andrew’s Hall.
II. An assumption, (perfectly groundless,) that the plan of the proposed society would exclude all children except those of parents belonging to the Established Church, and
III. That a society embracing in its direction and operations, all sects and denominations, would have worked more for the public good than the one proposed.
It should be borne in mind, that the exhibition, in St. Andrew’s Hall, was Mr. Wilderspin’s own speculation. By myself and by some others, it was however favourably viewed, under an impression that a feeling would be excited where none had previously existed, and that it might possibly open the way for an extension of the system. Mr. W. was requested to meet a few gentlemen, at the Hall in the Market, to explain to them the nature of his system, and he there again mentioned his intention of assembling the children for examination in St. Andrew’s Hall. He was distinctly asked whether the directors or the committee of those schools had been consulted, and he as plainly replied that there would be no difficulty on that head. On the subject of the expenses the way was not so clear,—with his usual liberality he declared that he did not seek remuneration, but still he thought he ought to be indemnified from loss—and after some loose discussion it was agreed that those present should be responsible for any loss. It was finally arranged that free tickets of admission should be given to the Sunday school and other teachers. Of these, 300 were distributed to the various Dissenting Congregations in the city. The public were admitted at sixpence each person, and the proceeds went to the erection of the gallery, the purchase of buns for the children, and a gratuity to Mr. Wilderspin; a small contribution being collected from the responsibles to make up this sum.
I think, therefore, that my reverend friend, for so I beg in sincerity to designate him, must have been misinformed on some points which drew from him the charge that we had taken unwarrantable liberties either with the money or the schools of others.
But another and far more important error is manifest at pages 10 and 19, where I understand him to mean that it is intended to exclude the children of all except those of the members of the Established Church. Now this is an impression so utterly at variance with truth and fact, that I cannot conceive what part of the proceedings can have been so distorted, as to admit of such an interpretation. I have seen the progress of the society in embryo first, last, midst, and throughout all, without witnessing any symptoms of such a spirit. Should it appear, I am prepared to contend with it hand to hand—foot to foot, and should it unhappily prevail, I should feel bound to quit the society, however painful it might be to part from one in whose work my almost entire public services and affections are bound up.
On entering upon the subject of the union of all denominations in this work of benevolence, it appears to me, that my reverend friend has suffered the question of what is practicable completely to merge into that which he considers as most desirable. His affections and his sympathy have been so attractively led by the cases where such an union has been effected, as has induced him to overlook many whose efficacy is doubtful, and some, where the effects have rather hindered than promoted the cause. But while I truly sympathise with him in those views and feelings which, were it practicable, would suggest such an union, the cool deliberations of sober judgment are most convincing that the present state of things here in reference to the feelings of various parties, presents insuperable barriers, except at the expense of that cause which it is our object mutually to advance. Now I would fairly meet the question,
I. On the ground afforded by experience within our own locality.