2 63

Dr. Powell, that there is nothing in the regimen of the Church of England , or in that of the Church of Scotland , repugnant eitherto the natural rights of man, or to the word of God :—Ecclesiasticiregiminis in Anglia et in Scotia constituti, neutra forma, aut jurihominum naturali aut verbo Dei repugnat.

This improbable change in the Church-establishment, and achange at the same time not to be lamented, if brought about bya change in the sentiments of the nation, appeared to me to bean uncertain and distant evil of far less magnitude, than whatmight be expected from a continuance of the Test-Act. I wasafraid that the Dissenters, believing themselves to be ill-treated athome, might be induced gradually to carry their wealth, industry,and manufacturing skill into some other country; or, if motivesof prudence hindered them from adopting such a measure, thatthey would retain a grudge against the government, and be readyto show their displeasure whenever an opportunity of doing itwith effect might present itself.

About this time I wrote the letter, from which the subjoinedextract is made, to an intimate friend, in answer to one I had re-ceived from him:—

« My religion is not founded, I hope, in presumption, but inpiety. I cannot look upon the Author of my existence in anyother light than as the most commiserating parent; not extremeto mark what is done amiss, not implacable, not revengeful, notdisposed to punish past offences when the heart abhors them, but