MR. GLADSTONE
ON THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH
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    At St. Asaph's Diocesan Conference, on  Wednesday, and important letter
was read from the Premier, on "The Established  Church of England." The right
hon. gentleman stated that he treated the question  form an impersonal,
impartial and historical point of view. He avoided entering  on the controversial
points as to the utility or non-utility of an Established  Church, or the
probability of the disestablishment  of the English Church,  and whether such
disestablishment would be attended with disastrous results; but  Mr, GLADSTONE said
it would be disgraceful if it were brought about by the  neglect, indifference
or deadness of the church; it would be disgraceful if it  were brought about
by internal  dissensions among the members of the  church. That would be an
unworthy termination of the controversy, which ought to  be settled on higher
grounds.
 
    The Premier gives an historical account  of the Church. He points out
that defects and scandals have abounded. At present  the strifes of parties
within her is softened, but is still sharp. Generally,  however, the hopes of The
Church of England are higher and more buoyant than,  perhaps, they have ever
been, but he warns churchmen that if she is not to fall  they will have to
recognise the lines on which she is founded, and practise  mutual forbearance and
toleration.
 
    -The paper was well received by the  Conference.