be times when a few comments may be permitted to appear even in the columns of a secular journal. Far be from us, however to enter into a disquisition upon such a theme, our intention being merely to jot down a few items of local interest which for convenience may be classed under the terms here used.
Beginning with the Established Church of which, claiming to be dissenting members, we subscribe to a paradox - our thoughts naturally revert to that venerable structure known as St. Clements, within whose walls it has many times been our privilege to listen to the exhortations of a Whistler or a Foyster, and within whose sepulchral domain the mouldering remains of our sires and grandsires have been made additionally sacred by recent legislation. Would our readers know why we are dissenting members of that church? It is because we could not comprehend the incomprehensible malediction of the Athanasian greed, because we could not perjure ourselves at the baptismal font, and because our rebellious spirit would not submit to church rates. Yet, with all her faults we love the church; and we love our old St Clements with greater fervour now that she accepts the voluntary offerings of her parishioners in lieu of the compulsory rates. May those offerings be made in a liberal spirit!
Our Mayors and Corporate bodies have many times and oft assembled in that old grey church, an it gives us pleasure to note that on Sunday next (tomorrow) our present respected chief magistrate (J. Rock, jun), together with the members of the Town Council and the Artillery and Rifle Volunteers have arranged to be there, and where also a sermon is to be preached by, the Right Rev. the Bishop of Carlisle.
From the Church to the kirk is but a step, and we may therefore travel that one step out of the way to make known to such as do not already know, that "supplies" of Scotch ministers have been for some time past furnished by the Presbyterian Synod at the Quadrangle Chapel at St Leonards. A small, but, apparently increasing congregation doth there assemble, and we have heard it stated by members of such congregation that better sermons were never preached in the town. If by this is meant that the ministers officiating in St. Andrews (Quadrangle) chapel on the West Hill, have preached some very excellent analytical, logical and soul stirring sermons, then, as an occasional hearer, we can support the opinion thus proffered.
Let us not forget, while noticing the Presbyterians that the chapel at Silverhill belonging to that denomination continues its usefulness in an increasing ratio. We have no doubt that many will have cause to bless the day when a few generous persons set about to -
