§ The Duke of Rutland presented a petition from certain of the clergy of Leicestershire, against the provisions of the Curates' bill; and lord Brownlow presented a similar petition on the part of the clergy of Lincolnshire. —Ordered to lie upon the table.
The Earl of Lauderdalerenewed his objections against the bill. It was a bill of the utmost consequence, both as it affected property and the established church; and above all, as it went to extend the power of the bishops, who already possessed too much. It was, moreover, brought into the house at so late a period of the session, that it was impossible to give it a full and minute consideration. It was yet only read the first time.
The Archbishop of Canterburyobserved that the prints of the bill were not yet on the table; but when they were, and he hoped it would be to-morrow, he should then, for then only would it be regular, move that the bill be read a second time on Friday.
The Earl of Lauderdalecomplained of the shortness of the notice, and again entered more fully into the mischievous consequences of the increased power which it would confer on the bishops; only one of whom, he believed, would be found to have the spirit to oppose it.
§ Lord Harrowbycalled the noble lord to order, as allowing himself to degenerate into personalities.
The Earl of Lauderdaledenied that he was out of order; and said, that he should take the next opportunity afforded him of proving that he meant nothing personal to the most reverend prelate who had spoken on the present occasion.