§ THE EARL OF CARLISLE, in presenting a petition relative to church rates from the Society of Friends, of which he had given notice, said it was not his intention to originate a discussion on this subject, or to express his individual opinion on the subject before he heard whether Her Majesty's Ministers had any suggestion to make with respect to the mode of dealing with this important and long-vexed question. His object in giving the notice, and in presenting the petition, was mainly to mark his own respect, which he was sure would be shared in by their Lordships, for the character and position of the respectable body from whom it emanated. It styled itself "the petition of the undersigned members at a meeting representing the Religious Society of Friends of Great Britain." It was, in fact, adopted at the annual meeting of the Society of Friends, and conveyed, he believed, the unanimous 170 sentiments of every member of that body. They stated their views with great brevity and force of language, and set forth that for more than two centuries, apart from all party or political considerations, they had steadfastly maintained those great principles which they believed to be founded on the Gospel—namely, that man was responsible to God alone in matters of religion; and that all legislative interference with the rights of conscience is not only impolitic, but contrary to the true spirit of the Christian religion. Influenced by these considerations, they were of opinion that they ought not to be assessed in church rates, and that it was not in accordance with the spiritual nature of the Christian religion. To this exposition of their views he had nothing to add. For upwards of two centuries the Society of Friends had stood steadfast and consistent in their principles, and their general good qualities and great services to the cause of humanity and philanthropy needed no testimony from him; and he believed that at a cost occasionally of great hardship and oppression, of large pecuniary damage, and at all times of considerable personal inconvenience, they had borne witness to the principles which they asked their Lordships to adopt. It was, of course, only fair and candid that he should admit that the principles and opinions of the body would be equally opposed to the payment of tithes.
The noble Earl having handed in the petition, it was pointed out by the Clerk that it was informal, and could not be received, the word "humble" being omitted from the description.
§ House adjourned at a quarter to Eight o'clock, till To-morrow, Eleven o'clock.