The North Wales Chronicle and Advertiser for the Principality

MOLD. MOLD AND DENBIGH LINE.—The contract for the completion of this important line has been let to Messrs. Scott and Edwards, who intend commencing operations at once, and should the weather prove favourable it is intended to complete the line in time for the summer traffic-at the commencement of June. SUlclDE.-On Wednesday a respectable youth, named Henry Robert Jones, an apprentice with Mr Oliver Jones, draper, High-street, put an end to his life by hanging himself with a cord to a beam in the ware- house. Deceased, who was of a desponding disposition, had been in the Market Hall Assembly Room on the previous evening, when some disturbances took place between Dr Christie and Mr Parkinson, who had met to discuss religious topics, and was much affected by what was said, He, however, went to the shop at the usual time, and Mr Jones observed nothing unusual ill his manner during the morning. About twe:ve o'clock he was told by Mr J oneij to go to the warehouse to fetch a board he was away about twenty minutes, aud Mr Jones sent the servant to see where he was, who instantly returned stating Henry was ill. Mr Jones went to the warehouse and found him hanging to a beam, and quite dead. An inquest Was ln-ld at the Feather's Inn, the same evening, before Mr Peter Parry, and the Jury returned a verdict that deceased hung himself whilst in a temporary state of insanity. De. ceased's intimate friends state he had a habit of placing a handkerchief and sometimes cords and strings round his neck, aud pulling at them until he would get black iu the face the strange practice being dolle to produce a certtin sensttiou he felt under his ears. It is probable something of the kind was attempted on this day, with- out sufficient precaution, resulting in the sad end of taking away life.

The American correspondent of the London Standard says :—"Mrs H. Ward Beecher intends to publish a magazine which will bear the title Mothers at Home. It will print the contributions of a large number of female reformers—mothers who are never at home." Mr Firr, a gentleman well known in Hereford, was missed on the 20th of October, and his hat was found on the bank of the river Wye. The body of the de- ceased gentleman was discovered floating in the water a few days since. TUE CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY AXD BISHOP COLE.Nso.-The meeting of the members of the Christian Knowledge Society, on Tuesday, was one of the most uproarious ever held. The standing committee, having been advised by counsel that the resolution passed a couple of months ago by which it was agreed to hand over X2,000 for the assistance of Bishop Gray's schis. matical projects in South Africa was illegal, now resolved to recommend that j62,000 be granted for the promotion of Christian knowledge in Natal, the ex- penditure to be under the control of the committee. The Rev. W. G. Humphrey moved this resolution, and Mr E. A. Fitzroy, who moved the resolution which has been pronounced illegal, moved as an amendment that the Bishops of Capetown and Grahamstown should have the spending of the money. Archdeacon Denison seconded this, and on the vote being taken it was lost by 7ii5 to 671. The ruling of the chairman, the Arch. bishop of York, was disputed, and a regular row took place. The Archbishop had to threaten to leave the chair, but ultimately Mr Humphry's motion was ad* mitted to be carried by a considerable majority. The result of this decision is that the society is cleared from the imputation of subsidizing ^movement in opposition to the Church of England.

a n i—— —— ELECTION OF ntoCT >KS FOR THE BANOOii oiOCiilSE. Yesterday (Friday) week, as briefly announced in our last, the clergy of the diocese of Baugor assembled at the Chapter-room, to elect two proctors to represent tile diocese m Convocation. The Very Hev. the Dean of Bangor, in the absence of the Chancellor, presided, and the rules laid down at the commencement were, that the nominator of a candidate sliouid occupy not mine than five minutes, and that the secoudei should ill eke no speech at all, and that the candidates themselves should be allowed eight uiiuutts. The Very Kev. the Dean, in opening the proceed- ings, spoke to the following eliVct — Venerable, revet end and dear Bretilren-l have had the honour to be de- puted by the chancellor of the dioceae, actiug for the lord bishop, to preside over this court, now assem- bled for the purpose of electing two procto's to repre- sent the clergy of this diooese in the ensuing Con- vocation of the province of Canterbury. t "uty reyt for my own part that the chancellor himself could not now be present. At the same time 1 tmst uo iucon- venieuctj can arise from his absence, as accustomed rule and law see, td me lo give plain and utn.uUtika.ble directions witn regard to our mode of procedure, and in reference to tne persoua entitled to vote, viz. rectors, vievrs, and perpetual cuiates having cure of souls. With regard to uiyseii, although the duties I am, 1"0 hac via, called upon to discharge are novel to me, 1 have uo misgivings as to any difficulties present- ingtbeiusolves because I feel assured you will all, as the faithful servantsof Chri.it sChurcu, address yourselves without partiaiity or piejudiceto the important object COU\lJ.'Y lthi tu YUl\, namely — tue choice ol aucu iiueili- gent, energetic, single-iniuded, prudeut, and Qod-loviug men \&> far as we can discern our own aud other peo- ple's hearts) as will do their utmost in reliance. on the Holy Spirit, to advance the spiritual cdiUcatiou and catholic unity of the Church of Christ in this our com- mon country. Let us earnestly pray (or grace to place our wiiole dependence ou Him who is the Chief Corner- stone, —relying ou his meritorious atoueinent aud ln. deavouring in the spirit of love to banish error, from whatever quarter it may come,—aud to promote fearlessly the gospel of truth. Then, if we oliug to this auchor of the soul, whatever contingencies may threateu or alfect the temporalities of the Church, so long as we labour to build worthily on the foundation which our L >i d Himself has laid, we shall uever have cause to be ashamed, either here on earth, however great our own natural lutirmities, nor be left unsup- ported or trellluliug at it is awful presence in the last great and solemn day of account. Before entering upon the more strictly official part of my duty, I must crave your indulgence for a few minutes louger, ou a subject to which, 1 think, you will not blame me lor calling your attention. When on the point of inviting you to proceed to the nomin iti m of neW can lidates for the vacant I'roct..rship -1 should be doing violence to my own feelings were I to omit to express in your pre- sence my individual sense of obligation to those who have retired aud are no louger ciudidates for the office. I need not say that I mean my kiud friends the llev. Dr Charles Williams and tue Kev. Henry UweLI. The former was elected diocesan proctor at the same time as myself, about seventeen years ad. Few have been more regular or diligent ever since. in their attendance in thc Jerusalem Chamber than he has beeu, and none were listened to with greater interest or respect; and I may add, that on oue meuioraule occasion, compara- tively early in his proctorial career, he made an impres- sion ou the house whose effect has been permauent, having, by the convincing facts which he adduced, and by the conclusiveness of his reasoning, entirely set at rest, ('0 long as the constitution of Englaud remains unchanged) one of the in st important p uuts ever brought before the house, indeed involving the consti- tutioti; I existence of Convocation itself. My otht'r Rev. friend, Mr Henry Oweu, was not so long a member of convocation, but during the time he was so, his practical opinions were so much respected aud valued that he was several times placed on committee of the lower house As a clergyman worthy of our esteem and love, I will not say one word here; his character is too well known to need it. It has been a great relief to me to be allowed to say thus much, and I thank you warmly for your patience. It is my duty now to call upon The Hev. Henry Owou, Rector of Llangefui,—Mr Dean and Reverend Brethi-eu,-Iti rising to propose for your approval a gentleman to represent us in the Convo- cation of the proviuce, my first impulse is to tender you my respectful and grateful thanks for the honour you did me and the confidence you reposed in me, in time past, by twice electing me as your representative, by your unanimous aud unsought suffrages. Nor have I by any means ceased to appreciate the houour you were pleased then to confei upou me, though for private rea- sons, I decline to allow my friends to nominate me again as a candidate for the renewal of your suffrages. But, though no louger desirous of retaining the hon- ourable office, I hope I am not out of place in propos. ing for your approval and acceptance a gentleman to supply the vacancy. In the presence of the gentleman I am about to propose (and I may as well name him at ouce-the Rev. James Viuceut) I will say little as to his private worth, or his geueml etficiency as a clergyman. Nor is there any occasion for my doing so as he is as well known to most of you as he is to me; and I am sure that he is generally esteemed and respected. But I will say a word or two as to his general Church princi- ples. It may, perhaps, be known to most of you that I am a decided High Churchman. As a High Churchman I have lived, and as a High Churchman, with God's blessing, I hope to die. I believe that no earthly con- sideration could ever induce me to swerve from these principles—which I believe to have Holy Scripture for their basis. I need scarcely say, then, that I consider my candidate, Mr Vincent, to be a sound High-Church- man. But, then, I am a High Churchman of forty years ago, when the excellent Hugh James Rose, iu th? BritISh Jlug?,zi?te, laboured so assiduously and success- fully to establish, or rather to restore, a type of Church- mauship as far removed from Romanism on the one hand, as from Puritautism on the other. You will, therefore, be prepared for my adding, that I re- gard Mr Vincent as a moderate and safe High Church- man not disposed towards any extreme of doctrine or practice. For instance, I have authority in saying that he is in accord with the general feeling of the clergy of the diocese as regards the two most vital and anxiously agitated questions of the day—namely, ritualism and the disestablishment of the Irish Church. Mr Vincent is decidedly opposed to both movements. For my own part I will not hesitate to say that though more order, and decency, and reverence, and more of the out- ward expression of devotion, is needed in many of our churches, I am still of opinion that extreme Ritualism as developed in these days, is highly injurious to the cause of High Churchmauship. It has created an uu- merited prejudice against real and sound High Church- manship, and produced a reaction which will throw the cause back many years. Then, as to the disestablish- ment of the Church, or any branch of it. I am happy to say that Mr Vincent is decidedly opposed to any buch measure. Possibly he may agree with me in desiring more liberty for the Church,—less stringent control,— more freedom of action for Convocation to direct the spiritual concerns of the Church,-and, above all, some modification of the present most objectionable mode of electing bishops. But Mr Viuceut is far removed from that type of High Churchmauship—not very uncommon in the present day —which covets that degree of liberty for the Church which cau only be secured by her discs, I tablishment, and entire separation from the State. I onclude by proposing the Rev. James Crawley Vincent as a tit and proper person to represent the clergy of the diocese in the Convocation of the Province of Can- terbury. The Rev. J. Skinner Jones seconded the nomination of the Rev. J. C. Vincent. The ltev. 1). W. Thomas, St Anne's, who rose to pro- pose a candidate, and said,—He could not but congratu- late those present upon the fact that the election of their representatives in Convocation had now become a matter of sufficient interest to draw together so large a number of clergy from all parts of the diocese. It was a sign of the vitality of the Church amongst them, and a reply to those who thought that anything like corpo- rate action through representative assemblies was for Churchmen never to be. The day was not long past since it was difficult to bring together either electors or candidates in Bangor. It was diflerent that day, as th':y saw. Now, living as they did, in isolated positions in their own parishes, scattered over a large area, and inde- pendent of each other, it was scarcely to be expected that they should be able to agree, beforehand, upon two of their number, who would best represent them, or the majority of them, in Convocation. At any rate, it was not surprising that several candidates should be brought forward that day and he wished it particularly to be understood for himself, and he believed for others also, that when they had to make a choice, it was in no spirit of disparagemeut, with no feeling of depreciation of the merits of those for whom they did not intend to vote, but because they must make a preference, and by voting expressed that preference. It was his pleasing duty to pro- propose, for their suffrages, the Rev. E. Lewis, Dolgelley. Mr Lewis had been long connected with this diocese, in fact, with only a short interruption, for the whole of his ministerial career, and from the observation which he (lir Thomas) had been able to make in the district where he now lived, and where Mr Lewis once laboured, he could testify to the remarkable way in which he had made his impress upon a large population, and that a Church impress, the effect of which atilil reinaiued, and had been beneticially felt throughoont the whole diocese, if not through Wales. He made Church principles l'e spected in the quarry district, and by his writings, had shown to opponents that the position of the Church of Euzland, as against Dissent, was impregnable in argu- ment. it should not be forgotten again, that Mr Lewis had derived much experience of the condition of the Church iu Wales, having lived among the quarrymen of Carnarvonshire, and in the iron districts of South Wales, aud now he was ill a town parish in Merioneth- shire. Now he thought at this moment a large experi- ence iu the Welsh Church and of its waiiti had a special value in a proctor. They could not conceal it from themselves that the Chinch of Wales had beeu siugled out as a weak point iu the strong harness of the Church ot ElIghml; aud none of theUlought to be sllrprised, if they found the condition of the Welsh Chuicli, its sta- tistics, its administration, past, and present, schemes for its reform, becjmiug nutters of gi-eater public atten- tion. He would venture to say that those who held positions before the country as representatives of the clergy had some anxious work before them in c irrecting misreprcscnt..tious -in warding off itttitek,-i-iii giiitling opinion as to its uecds for a successful revival. Experi- therefcrc, had its value. One word more ouly, as his time was closing, aud that as to the ques- tion of establishment. Must of them would be glad to kuow that Mr Lewis had voted against Mr Glad. stone iu 1865, and had supported Mr Mowbray this time against Sir Rouudell t'aliuer. He himself could not have voted against Sir liouudell Palmer since his llich- m iud speech, but he was recouiiueudiug to them, he was glad to say, iiut himself, but Mr Lewi %viiu uiake them an excellent representative. There wete other subjects iind still graver ones. (Time called.) The Kev. It W. Mason, (Llanfair, llarlech) seconded the proposition. Tu* Rev. Thomas Jones. Hector of Llanengan,—Mr Dean and Keveiend Brethren,—I have the honour of proposing as a candidate for one of the vacant proctor- shifts. a gentleman who is well kuowu in the diocese, aud is highly respected by all parties. Ill speaking of his merits in his presence, I feel the same difficulty as Mr Owen, of l.laugefui did but I may say that from his position, his standing, his sound Churchmauship, and his varied attaiumeuts, I believe him to be in every way qualilied for the otlice of diocesan proctor. In times of exelteuieut and rapid changes both in Church aud State, it is of very great importance that our repre- sentatives iu Convocation should t-o siuu(I Church of Eughnd men, thoroughly attached to her constitution, her liturgy, and her articles. I have no hesitation in saying that the gentleman whom I am about to propose is such a a one. lie takes his stand firmly on the safe basis of the Thirty-nine Articles, interpreted in their natural, obvious, aud grammatical sense. He does not look with a longing eye towards Cieueva or Home, lie sails, as it were, in the safe twiddle course, avoiding Soylla ou the one side, and Charybdis ou the other, and iu medio tutissimus ibis." I am perfectly satistied in lay owu mind, that a clergyman holding these views aud possessin g the qualifications .vhich I have men- tioned, wilt meet with the hearty approval of the great majority of the clergy of the diocese. I have, there- fore, very great pleasure iu proposing the Rev. William Johnson, M.A., rector of Llauiestyu, aud chaplain of the bishop of iiangor, as a tit and proper person to represent the parochial clergy of this diocese in the lower house of Convocation. The Dean remarked, to the effect that he regretted that the proposer should have thought proper to add to the words Kector of Llauiestyu," the further title of Bishop's chaplain it was, besides being so for other reasons, obviously out of place when electing members for the lower house of Convocation. The Kev. T. Jones Williams, (Llaufaethlu,) seconded. The Itv. John Morgan, Kector of Llandudno, said W,)rshil)ful and Very llevereud Sir,—It is my privilege and great pleasure to propose to this Convention a gentleman, than whom there is no one in this diocese, in my opinion, more fit to re- present the clergy as one of the Proctors in Con- vocation. Having filled a post of great importauce, none other than that of Examining Chaplain to the Hisliop, for some years, this of itself would be sufficient pa-sport to your favour, were none other wanting; but when, added to this, I am able to state that Mr P. C. Ellis has ever since his ordination shewn an earnest zeal in the promotion of every movement which had for its object the benefit of the Church, and the furtherance of our great Master's glory, I advance strong reasons why our choice should fall upon Mr Ellis. I was one who deeply regretted that any misuuderstanding should ever have arisen between the Bishop and Mr Ellis, the more so as it caused a break in the intimate relationship which had for so long, and with such beuefit to the diocese at large, existed between them. I regret to find that this dispute has been now mooted, to the pre- judice of Mr Ellis, in reference to this day's proceed- iugs, for I am able to state that the much deplored estrangement between the Bishop and Mr Ellis is at an end. Our venerated Diocesan was not the man to retain the unkindly feeling towards any one of his clergy, and this letter which I now hold, breathes not only the spirit of reconciliation, but testifies also to the worth of Mr Ellis, Mr Ellis' consistent con. duct as a Christiau man and a clergyman is so well kuown to you, as to need no comment. What he thinks he says, and what he says he acts up to, and we all kuow he is well able both to think and to act. I have much and sincere pleasure in proposing Mr P. C. Ellis as a fit and proper person to represent this diocese as one of its Proctors in Convocation for the Province of Canterbury. The Kev. W. Hughes (Llanllyfni) seconded. Kev. R Parry Jones, Kector of Geirwen-I should not have had the assurance to stand up to propose a candidate had it not been pressed upon me as a duty by several preseut, who sympathise with me as to the qtiali. 14cations of the geutlemau I am going to name-pressed upon me because I am amongst the seniors—that I am grown old is a fact I cannot help. Under these circum- stances, I beg to propose the Rev. John Pryce, Vicar of Bangor. He is so well known for his talents, sound Churchmauship, and iudomitable energy, that a speech, happily for me, is not necessary. The Itev. M. Lloyd (Llanelltid) seconded. The Hev. J. C. Viuceut, vicar of Carnarvon, said,- Very Keverendsir, Venerable, and Keverend Brethren,— Having been invited by a considerable number of influ- ential clergy in the diocese to become a candidate for one of the proctorships vacated by the resignation of our late valued representatives in the Lower House of Con- vocation, for the Province of Canterbury, I venture, with some diffidence, to come forward to solicit your suf- frages. I cannot refraiu, however, in the first place, from expressing my regret that we are about to lose the services of those who have, for so long a period repre- sented us so efficiently, and I trust that we shall not se- parate without a public expression of our high estima- tion of the manner in which they have fulfilled their ar- duous and responsible duties. I should not, of my own accord, have presumed to present myself as a candidate for your suffrages, had I not, as I have stated, been in. vited to do so by friends, whose estimate of my qualifica- tions was a higher one than that held by myself. At the same time, should it please you to confer on me the high houour of representing you, I pledge myself, by diligent attendance at the Jerusalem Chamber, and by the careful consideration of all subjects brought before the Lower House, to endeavour, God helping me, to do my utmost to merit the trust reposed in. me. There can be no doubt that the present is a time when all the ener- gies of the Church will be required for her maintenance and defence. She is threatened from within and with- out,—and I feel strongly, that at such a crisis, we cannot attach too much importance to the operations of an as- sembly, (in itself an essential part of the constitution of our realm), representing so large a portion of the Church in this country, as the Lower House of Convocation for the Province of Canterbury nor can too much stress be laid upon the expediency of electing men who really represent the sentiments of the diocese from whence they come, and therefore, while soliciting your suffrages to-day, I deem it my duty to lay beiore you, distinctly, and clearly, my opinions upon some of the leading topics of the day, in order that you may have full opportuuity of j udging whether those opinions accord with your own. It has been said, not here, but elsewhere, that the ques- tion of the disestablishment of the Church in Ireland, was not one which should affect the election of represen- tatives for Convocation. I am not of that opinion nay, rather, believing as I do, that the highest religions and constitutional interests are involved in the question, I feel that it is due to you, that I should state clearly and unreservedly, that any motion having a tendency, di- rectly or indirectly, to the severance of the Irish or any branch of our Natioual Church from the State, I would oppose to the utmost of my power. Another point upon which I would not be silent, and on which I wish to de. clare my sentiments, feeling as I do its importance, and knowing the place it naturally and of necessity must oc- cupy in your minds, is, Ritualism—or rather, the so- called Ritualism in our Church, by which I mean the extravagant, and to we, meaningless costumes and no- velties introduced into our services by men of doubt- lessly earnest but wavering minds wavering, that is, between our own reformed Church and the Roman Com- munion. Holding, as I do, the views of the Church as set forth in her Articles, and Book of Common Prayer, I say, emphatically, that I would support any reasonable motion brought forward in the Lower House of Convo- cation, for the suppression of the extravagant Ritualism which is carried on for the most part in almost defiance of the wishes of the chief pastors of the Church, which, if it means anything, teaches doctrines we have abjured, and which, while it is alienating the friends of the Church, is cast in our teeth by her enemies. With re- gard 11 the admission of Dissenters into all the privi- leges of the Universities, I am strongly opposed to it, and would vote against that or any such scheme to de- prive the Church of that which belongs to her and to her alone. As to the Conscience Clause-my present feeling is against it, but I wish to be left free to judge as circumstances and greater experience may guide me. There is yet one point on which I would touch before closing, and that is, the constitution of Convocation itself. It is felt, and I think rightly, that the represen- tation of the parochial clergy is inadequate and require3 reform. I would give my support to any reasonable mo. tion, having for its object the increase of the number of the representatives of the parochial clergy. I would also advocate the admission of licensed curates, being in priests' orders, to the privilege of voting at the election of Proctors. I have touched on many important points, some of which, it may be said, may not directly, or im- mediately, come within the scope of Convocation, but it cau hardly be but that such questions (as that for in- stance of the disestablishment of the Irish Church) will, at least, indirectly, be brought forward in matters bear- iug upon them, and I will take leave to say, that the votes of your representatives will be given according to their sentiments on those questions and, Reverend Brethren, I would impress upon you. that, inasmuch as the weight of Convocation is now making itself felt in Parliament, it is of the highest importance that, while so large a majority is bent upon the disestablishment of the Irish Church,—the hands of our frkridi should be strengthened by the conviction that the representatives of the clergy, and therefore the clergy themselves, are 1_ ready, with all their heart, to uphold the cause of the Church and Constitution. Before concluding, may I be permitted to thank you for the hearing you have given me, and to express a hope that I have not, by anything I have said, hurt the feelings of those who differ from me. I have ouly lurther to repeat that if it should be your pleasure to elect [De, I will endeavour, by God's help, to fulfil the duties which will, in that case devolve upon me-if, on the other haud, a majority of votes should decide otherwise I shall retire, gratified, and honoured by the support I have received. Grateful to those who have thought proper to bring me forward, in perfect amity with those to whom I have been placed in momentary opposition, and contented to believe as one nobler than I did, that Sparta has many a worthier Bon than I." The Rev. K. Lewis, rector of Dolgelley, then said— Mr Dean and Key. Brethren and Friends: I now stand before you as a candidate for the honour of a seat, as one of the proctors for this diocese, in the Lower House of the Convocation of this proviuce. I am deeply sensi- ble of the greatness of the honour and of the import. ance of the responsibility attaching to it; and I now stand before you in compliance with the wishes of cer- tain friends, aud not because I think I possess any superior merits of my own. I must now say a few words with regard to my views on some of the subjects which are most interesting to churchmeu in the present day. Should your kindness allow me to be elected it is my wish to euter Convocation, unfettered by any engage- ments, to exercise my huloble indep-ndent judgment on the important topics which, doubtless, will be brought under discussion from time to time. I have recently discovered that some of my rev. brethren have been afraid chat I entertain opinions and intentions hostile to the. maintenance of the connection between the Church and the State. Now, I assure all such that there is no foundation for any fear in that respect, for it so happens that I hold very old-fashioned opinions on that subject. I hold that the establishment of reli- gion, that being the true religion as our own, is one of the greatest blessings that can be conferred upon any country, as it euables the gospel to be made known and the ministrations of religion to be sustained in every nook and corner of the laud, and I hold moreover that to deprive the Church in this country as in Ireland of her present uatioual eudowmeuts, would be an act of robbery of the most dangerous kiud, and more than that, it would be an act of sacrilege, for it would be robbiug God of that which has been solemnly set apart for ever for His service and glory among men, given, not by the State, but by muuilicent individual benefactors with the state, to teach, not a religion which the nation might change from time to time in compliance with the popular will, but that one true religion, which had been received traditionally from our Lord and His Apostles. Holding as I do these views, I am at a loss to conceive how any one could for a moment suppose that I was likely, in my capacity of proctor, to do anything to promote the disestablishment of the Church here as in Ireland. But the question of the disestablishment of the Church is not one that is likely to be discussed in the Convocation of the clergy at all. The secular legis- lature is the assembly in which, if anywhere, that ques- tion will have to be discussed, and when the two Houses of Parliament have settled among themselves that the Church in this country or in Ireland shall be disesta- blished, you may depend upon it that the feelings of the clergy either in Convocation or out of it will never be consulted. All national property, within the limits of a sovereign state, whether it consists of endowments of churches or of any other offices, is subject to the autho- rity and control of that state. The church really has no jurisdiction or power over the wealth of this world. Her power is not of that kind which could avail her in her struggles with the world for the preservation even of that which was rightfully her own. Her authority ex- tends over subjects of an entirely different kind. It deals with doctrines and sacraments, rites, and cere- monies, and these again ditfuse their influences over the souls of men, bringing them into close relationship with another kingdom which is unseen, spiritual, and eternal. It is the lamp of the church. It is to preserve the Faith whole and undefiled, and send it down, as re- ceived, from generation to generation to the end of time and she dues it through her synods and coun- cils. It may be that collisions may arise from time to time between the Parliameut of this country and the Church in Convocation on the subject of doctrines or rites which may be considered hearsay exponents of doctrines. It may happen that Parliament may desire to alter or modify doctrines so as to render the church more comprehensive on the side of dissent or latitudin- arianism. Should any such attempt ever be made I would resist it to the utmost of my power, and I would far rather cut asunder the connection between the Church and the State than submit to the degradation and the disgrace of allowing the state to tempt us by any serious worldly advantage to sacrifice one jot of that deposit of truth which we have had handed down to us from our Lord, and which we ought to feel bound to transmit, as we have received it, to those who come after us. The denial of the Faith or any part of it, is so far a denial of Christianity. The other subject upon which I find it desirable to say a few words is what is called Kitualism. I have been working in this diocese about twenty years, and I can say like the proposer of one of the candidates, that I am a High Churchman of many years standing, not of forty years, as he said he was, but of full twenty-five years; and I do not know that my views have changed upon any single doctrine since the time when I received Holy orders. I think most of you know my views on what is called Ritualism. I like a decent service in the House of God, and I would do anything in my power to promote increased revenues, and a more thorough realisation of the pre- sence and majesty of Him whom we worship. I am not what is called a Ritualist in the present day. I have never attempted the exhibitions of unusual ceremonies in the conduct of Divime services. But in this country the error is on the side of defect generally, and not on that of excess and I, for my part, would rejoice to see more reverence for Holy thiugs, more attention to the accessories of Divine service in the shape of well- appointed churches, and clean surplices prevailing gener- ally throughout the diocese. The Kev. WID. Johnson, Llaniestyn, said—Mr Dean and Gentlemen—In the first place I have to follow the example of one of my brethren who has already spoken, and to explain the cause of my occupying the position I now stand in before you. It is not one I have thrust myself into, nor o:ie which of myself I have thought myself entitled to accept, but the persuasions of many kind friends have been the sole cause of my presenting myself before you as a candidate for the office of Proc- tor, to which persuasions i have only at the last mo- ment give-i way. With regard to the questions already referred to, on which it will be well that I should make a statement of my sentiments—the Disestablishment of the Church comes first, and I am most decidedly of opinion that such a step would be in every respect most disastrous. I do not speak of ourselves. I should be sorry that it should be supposed that an opposition to disestablishment arises from our love for the loaves and fishes. It [is not so, for whatever may be done, our incomes as inoumbente are secure for our lives but it is for those who come after I would speak, and those not the ministers of the Church, nor Churchmen alone, but the people at large; for to leave out the more com- monplace arguments in support of the establishment, I can hardly imagine a state of greater oppression than would arise iu this country were the Church disesta- blished. This is already almost unendurable, as is too well known but had the people no doors left open, were our Churches swept from the land, it would be- come so in a still greater degree. Another argument which has great weight with me as regards the condi- tions of the Church itself—the very fact of its being established, 'gives it a bond of cohesion which is most valuable were this ever broken, there is too much reason to fear that the Church would become divided into as many sects as it contains parties, and that in consequence much of its usefulness and just influence would be lost. With regard to Ritualism-a" I should prefer calling it Ultra-ritualism—my sentiments are pretty generally known. I am utterly opposed to those novelties, which are either on the one haud mere sense- less mummeries, or on the other, exponents of doctrines which the Church of England has condemned. I have in my own practice endeavoured not to fall into the contrary error. My lot having been caat in country parishes, I do not say that I have been able to carry out all things according to the strict letter of the rubric, but have striven to do so as far as circumstances allowed. Indeed, I do not believe that anywhere within the diocese are things carried on entirely according to the rubric, not even within the walls of this Cathedral itself. To take an instance, there are not, I believe, more than three or four churches in the diocese where daily services are celebrated, nor the Saints' days ob- served. (Expressions of dissent.) Well, I withdraw what I said as far as regards Saints' days, but not the other part of my statement. With regard to another subject mentioned-the Constitution of the Lower House of Convocation—I am not prepared to say whether I should vote for any changes therein, not having studied the subject sufficiently to be prepared to give an opinion but this I will say, in conclusion, that if it is my lot to be elected by you to represent you in that house, it will be my earnest endeavour to do my duty towards you and the Church at large in Convoca- tion, to the best of my power and ability. The Rev. P. Constable Ellis, as usual, spoke elo- quently and with his accustomed energy, taking up nearly the same points and line of argmner.t as the Rev. Mr Lewis; but, as we have not a corrected report, we will not venture upon a mere approximation to the words he used, well knowing his tenacious desire at all times to avoid verbal inaccuracy. The Ruv. J. Pryce, Victr of Bangor, said —Mr Dean, and my Brother Clery-l am gitd that an opportunity has been given to the candidates to declare their senti- ments respecting the great ecclesiastical questions of the day, viz, Church Establishment, and Ritualism so- called. I shall try to express myself as briefly and as explicitly as I possibly can. Supposing that there are defects in the Irish Church Establishment, surely an attempt ought to have been made to reform them, with- out weakening, if not actually destroying what we must regard as the upholder of truth in Ireland. I am not prepared to deuy that the Irish Establishment required modifications, but I maintain that tliese modificitious should he of a restorative, and not of a destructive character; the work, in short, should be that of friends, and uot of hostile outsiders. This Irish Church question ha,s especial interest for us, inasmuch as many who are unfavourable to the uuion of Church and State, regaid it as the stepping-stone to the application of a simihr principle to ourselves. In reference to the Welsh Church lookeil upon as an Establishment, although there be anomalies to be removed, offices, if they are to be a source of strength, and not of weakness, to be quickened into life, fees to be reduced, I hold that the Establishment among us is the cause of the poor and of true liberty the cause of Apostolical Order and of Gospel Truth and I further hold that it is our sacred duty to do our utmost to prevent the disruption of the present union, and thus to hand down unimpaired to posterity the goodly heritage we have received from our forefathers. There is the other important question, Ritualism so-called. Every one will allow that it is a matter very difficult to be dealt with. I have, however, come nlyself to the conclusion that it is not only highly desirable, but absolutely necessary, that the present state of anarchy io the Church should be brought to an end. The unbridled eccentricities of individuals must be subjected to the collective sense of the majority, and should be bounded by the proscribed limits of the Prayer Book. If these limits be ambiguous, let appeal be made, in accordance with the principles of an Epis- copal Church, to the Ordinary, I may be told that in- conveniences will ariso from this—that we shall have a bishop in one diocese approviug of certain ceremonies, while in a neighbouring diocese the same ceremonies are condemned. I very much doubt whether this diversity would prevail to any great extent. Bishops are public characters, and the consciousness of the re- sponsibility of their office raises them above the blinding atmosphere of religious partisanship. At all events, no possible inconvenience can be so great as the unedifying spectacle we now present to those outside our commu- nion. I thank you all for your attention, and f will only add that, should it please you to elect me as one of your representatives in Convocation, it will be my duty and principle to prove by words and acts that your confidence has not been misplaced. The several candidates having concluded their ad- dresses, a show of hands was taken, which was declared to be in favour of Messrs Lewis and Vincent. A poll was then demanded, the result being that Mr Lewis received 37, and Mr Vincent 29. votes, these being the highest. The number of votes polled for the other candidates were not announced, but it was* understood that Messrs Johnston and Ellis were about equal, and that Mr Pryce received about 17 votes. Messrs Lewis and Vincent were declared elected.

THE WELSH CHURCH IN BIRKENHEAD. We have great gratification in informing the readers of the North Wales Chronicle that the Welsh Church in Birkenhead is now beginning to come out of the dark dungeon of obscurity in which she has been lying for a considerable period. It will, perhaps, be well to remark that the last census proves to us that in this town there are about 3,000 Welsh inhabitants, 1,200 of whom, we are told, absent themselves from public wor- ship on the Lord's Day, and are left to indulge in their own evil practices. Weare also inforrued by the dis- trict visitors that about 700 of this number profess the doctrines of the Church of England, and would atteud had they a church where those doctrines would be pro- pounded to them in their own native tongue. But here it must be remembered, that some time back many attempts were made in order to set up a Welsh church in Birkenhead and did once prove so far successful, that a few contributions were received towards main- taining a pastor for the Welsh flock who were spread abroad in different parts of the town. But, owing to adverse circumstance, the particulars of which it is not at present our duty to explain, this admirable cause be- came almost extinct, and but for the generous conduct aud energetic labours of Miss Price (who is well known in Birkenhead, and celebrated for her great acts of hospitality to the poor) every spark would have expired, who, seeing the inevitable consequences which were likely to follow the entire expiration of the cause, threw open the doors of her house for the purposes of having Welsh lectures, prayer meeting, &c., conducted in a room set apart to that end. The lectures were voluntarily held by a few Welsh students from St Aidan's College, who delivered, in their turn, a lecture every Friday evening, to a small congregation of about tweuty people. When, a few months ago, the Rev. Charles Fen ton, B.A., incum- bent of St Peter's Church, engaged Mr Edwards Ste- phens, a native of Aberystwyth, in South Wales, and late student of St Aidan's College, Birkenhead, to assist him in his very extensive parochial duties, and being desirous that the Welsh Church should be revived again, appointed that Mr Stephens should visit among the Welsh people and preach to them every Sunday even- ing in the Welsh language, at the Park Entrance Na- tional School-rooms. This having been done a few times the number of attendants began to increase, and still continue steadily to do so. And we hope that before long a church will be built for this congregation wkich is rapidly being added to. We should not be doing justice to our own feel- ings, as well as those of many others who take an inte- rest in the cause, if we had left unmentioned the fact, that since Mr Stephens has made his appearance in Birkenhead, he has spared no pains whatever, whether mental exertion or bodily labour, to win over those souls which are heedlessly trifling on the precipice of ever- lasting destruction to embrace the glorious truths of the Gospel of Christ. His active parochial habits are well known in his district. Notwithstanding the hard trials and difficul- ties which must be experienced among so many diffe- rent classes of people, his undaunted courage and ardent perseverance, combined with the assistance derived from a few other friends of the cause, has been stregthened by the unwavering confidence he possesses in the Divine Providence. God has never been absent from any causa which tends to extend the propagation of his kingdom and to implant the truths of the Christian religion in the hearts of all those who come within its power. It now only remains to add, that the present aspect of the Welsh Church in Birkenhead indicates a very favourable result. God grant that it may be so, and that those indivi- duals who have been so persevering in raising it to its present standard, may live to see the inestimable benefit produced by their good words. -Commuiticated.

EVIDENTLY MAD,—A French eating-house keeper named Homken, who has a shop in Greek-street, Soho, was brought up at Marlborough-street on Saturday, on the charge of assaulting a cook named Jean Francois Delastra, a fellow countryman. The prisoner told the magistrate that he had been twice murdered, that he supplied soup to the Queen, made soup for all the beggars of London, and entered into other extraordinary state- ments which satisfied Mr Knox that he was out of his mind. The prosecutor was of the same opinion, and declined to press the charge, observing that the prisoner was an excellent man. He was remanded. INTERESTING EXPERIMENT.—Place on the upper bar of agrate, with the heads projecting about one inch inwards, some ordinary lucifers in a few moments they ignite, Then in the same position place a few of the Patent Safety Matches of Bryant and May. London (which ignite only on the box), and it will be found that they may re- main for hours-in fact, until the wood becomes literally charred-without taking fire. We look on this as a singularly interesting confirmation of the Safety of the New Matches. Care must be taken in both cases to avoid actual contact with the flame. THE MANUFACTURE OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS. A most interesting and instructive little work, describing briefly, but with great clearness, the rise and progress of watch and clock making, has just been published by Mr J. W. Benson, of 25, Old Bond Street, 99, Westbourne Grove, and the City Steam Factory, 58 and 60, Ludgate Hill. The book, which is profusely illustrated, gives a full description of the various kinds of watches and clocks, with their prices, and no one should make a purchase with- out visiting the above establishments or consulting this truly valuable work. By its aid persons residing in any part of the United Kingdom, India, or the Colonies, are enabeld to select for themselves the watch best adapted for their use, and have it sent to them with perfect safety. Mr Benson, who holds the appointment to the Prince of Wales, sends this pamphlet to any address on receipt of two postage stamps, and we cannot too strongly recom- .men it to the notice of intending purchaser.

BETHESDA. LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH, December 5th.—Present the Ven. Archdeacon Evans, in the chair Dr Hughes, Messrs. W. J. l'arry, Robert Prees, Griffith Jones, Richard Owen, and E. Roberts. The Gas Contract.— This was the day for receiving tenders for the manufacture of the gas consumed by the town. The tenders were three in number the first was from Mr David Williams, Penybryu, who offered to undertake the manufacture of gas of the specified quality (oi the illuminating power of fourteen candles) at 4s per 1,000 cubic feet for the first year, 3; 9d for the second, and 3s 6d for the third year. The second was from the present contractor, Mr John Taylor, Bethesda, who offered the following terms: —If the consumption as shown by the town metres, should be 1,200,0u0 cubic feet at the rate of 4; 9,1 per 1,001); if 1,40tp,000, Is tH; if 1,700,000, 4s 3d if 2,000,000, 4s. The other tender was fruin Mr John William, Harrow-street, Tuxtetli- park, Liverpool, at 4s 6d per 1,000 feet. -Testitaot)ials were read in favour of the Messrs. Williami.- l'be tenders gave rise to considerable discussion, and the different teuders were closely criticised. The price of the present coutraot is 5s per thousand, and it was shown that, supposing the lowest tender to be accepted, the board would effect a saving of £ 48 *,5s. At length, Mr Parry proposed, and Mr Jones seconded that Mr John Williams's tender be accepted.—Mr Parry proposed, and Mr Roberts seconded the acceptance of Mr David William's tender.—Dr HugllCsthuuglit that they ought not to reject their old Contractor, Mr Taylor, for the sake of a small sum but it was pointed out, as already shown, that the ditference was cutisi,lemble.Vir Prces withdrew his motion, and ultimately Mr David Williams's contract was unanimously agreed to. The contract as advertised is for three years, and it was suggested that this should be altered to two and a half years, the time at which the one contract expired and the ether commenced (Christmas) being extremely inconvenient to the new contractor who had not the time to make the necessary arrangements, as he would have it the contract commenced at midsummer.—The expediency of adopting this suggestion was acknow- ledged on all hands, and it was unanimously agreed to. Mr Jones then proposed that the price of gas to the consumers should be rediued from the present rate of 8s 4d per thousand to 7s but the Clerk (Mr W. Y. Hardie) pointed out that there was a debt upon the gas works which ought to be liquidated, and that therefore if they reduced the price of gas and saved one pocket they would have to put their hands into the other in the shape of paying an increased rate. — Mr Precs thought they ought not to make too great a drop at once and Dr Hughes proposed that the reduction should be to 8s.—Mr Parry seconded the latter pro- p,)sal.I'Ile Cleik remiuded the board that they could not summarily dispose of the uiatt-r and Dr Hughes's proposition consequently took the shape of a notice of motion for the next meeting. Archdeacon Evans being obliged to leave at this point, Dr Hughes was voted to the chair. Mr Taylor was then called into the room and in- formed of the decision of the meeting; and while re gretting that his tender had not been accepted he thanked the board f)r their consideration towards him during the jast nine years. He asked for a testimonial and expressed a hope that the board would take the stock of him which he purchased of the old Improve- ment Commissioners.—The Chairman said the board had every disposition to assist Mr Taylor, but they questioned whether they could compel the new con- tractor to take the stock.—The board promised Air Taylor a testimonial, and then communicated to Mr David Williams the fact of their acceptance of his tender. He consented to the alteration of the period to two and a half years, and was satisfied to take Mr Taylor's stock and materials at a fair valuation. He named as the sureties for the due performance of his contract, Mr John Parry, Bryntirion, and Mr James Thomas, Penybryn, and they were accepted by the board. Messrs Parry and Owen and the Clerk were appointed to meet the new contractor on the following Monday to go over the works. The Accounts. -The examination of the accounts was deferred till the next meeting. The Inspector reported that complaints were made that all the streets and the houses in Gerlan were neither named nor numbered.—Mr Roberts and the Clerk to give names to the streets.—The Clerk suggested that enamel plates should be used for the door numbers, but nothing was definitely decided upon. The Inspector further complained that the streets in the Gerlan district were in a very bad state.—The Clerk said they had never been properly levelled, and during wet weather were almost impassable.—The Inspector was instructed to look into the state of the streets gene- rally, and report upon them at the next board meeting. A public path at Caergroes was ordered to be put into repair, as also the entrance to Lockup-street. Complaint was made that John Jones, butcher, conti- nued to deposit dung in Water-street, and a notice had been served upon him which he appears to have disre- garded.—The Inspector was ordered to proceed legally against him at once. Plans of houses, proposed to be built by Mr John Roberts, Gerlan, and Mr Owen Uwens, Gwernyth, were passed on condition that the street leading to them be first properly completed to the satisfaction of the board A printed abstract of accounts for the past year was laid upon the table by the clerk, but the board deferred their consideration till the next meeting; in the mean- time they were ordered to remain undistributed to the public. The board then separated.

HAWARDEN. PETTY SESSIONS, Thursday, December 3rd.—Before Sir Stephen R. Glynue, Bart., and William Johnson, Esq. A Koie about a Dog.—Henry Hayes charged William Gittins with an assault, on the lith of November, at Buckley. Defendant was fined J61 and 12s costs, and he was bound over in his own recognizances to keep the peace towards complainant for twelve months. Brother and Sister.-Hannah Jones charged Edwin Prince with an assault. The parties were brother and sister. Defendant was fined 5s and costs. Malicious Injury.-Thomas Smith was fined 10s and costs, and damage (is, for breaking the windows of John Weaver's public-house at Bromtwood. Assaulting a Police Otkccr.-P C. Edge charged Geo. Bankes as follows .-On Saturday, at 11 45 p.m., at the Wellington Inn, Saltney, defendant came up and used very violent language. I told him to go home and gave him a push. I was on duty. He knocked me down by a blow on the ear. He struck and kicked me after- wards. W. M. Lowndes, landlord, corroborated com- plainant's statement. Defendant had been up several times before for similar offeuces, and he was fined £5 5s and costs, or in default two months imprisonment. l'ired of Life,- John Walsh was brought up in cus- tody charged by Sergeant Ward with setting a stack of straw on tire at Shotton, on the 25th of November. The stack belonged to Daniel White. Defendant gave him- self up and confessed the offence, and said he was tired of his life and wanted to be transported. Wit- nesses were called who deposed to having seen him near the spot at the time. He was committed for trial at the assizes. AMATEUR CONCERT,—The amateur concert announced last week, was given on Friday evening, and was attended with great success. The programme was well selected. The performers consisted of ladies and gentle- men of Hawarden and Chester, and Mr F. Wriglev, organist of the parish church, conducted. Miss Ockfe- shaw, who is an old favourite, was encored in both her songs, Come back to Eriu," and "The Danube river;" as was also the Rev. T. Giles in Nazareth," and The schooner on the sands." The Hon. C. Lyttleton, M.P., 111. I 1 I -? -1 sang Home they nreugut her warrior (lead, and "The Vicar of Bray;" the latter being encored. Mr J. Dentith sang Nina," and My Queen;" both were well received. The following glees were also effectively sung: The dawn of day,' Sir Knight," (encored), Gather ye rosebuds," "Orpheus with his lute." The National Anthem with solos, sustained by Mrs Porter, Miss Ockleshaw, and Mr Dentith concluded one of the most pleasiug concerts ever given in Hawarden. Amongst the company were—Mrs W. E. Gladstone, the Misses Gladstone, Lady Mary Herbert, Miss G. Glynne, the Mayoress of Chester, the Hon. Misses Lyttelton, Sir S. R. Glynne, Bart., Lord Lyttelton, the Rev. H. Glynne, the Rev. E. and Mrs Isaac, the Rev. F. and Mrs Chamberlain, the Mayor of Chester, Mr and Mrs E. Thompson, Mr and Mrs R. Frost, Mr W. Hancock, Mrs Hancock and family, Mr F. Hignett, Mrs and Miss Gardner, Dr, Mrs and Miss Moffatt, Mr and Mrs F. Thompson, Mrs and Miss T. Davison, Miss Davison, Mr and Mrs Hurlbutt, Mr J. Fox, the Misses Fox, the Rev. 8, and Mrs Evans, &c., &c.