gestion, that I should make an apology to Mr. Wheeldriver, and offer to render him any aid in my power, that I can make no apology to him while I feel that I have done him no wrong, and can give him no support, while he continues to pursue his present course. "I have the honour to be, &c."

The parishioners of Cherrydale remonstrated once more, after this, to the bishop against their rector's proceedings; but, obtaining no redress, the most pious part of them left the church-not to go to a dissenting chapel (from that Faithful, always true to his Church, dissuaded them), but to go to another church, where their feelings might be offended with no Puseyite fooleries.

But Easter was coming round, when new churchwardens must be chosen, or the old ones re-appointed. Will the rector reappoint Mr. Straightforth? was naturally the inquiry. It was surmised that he would not, after the way in which he had performed his duty. As to Mr. Crookedsoul, it was concluded that the rector would certainly wish to see him reappointed, because he had served him so well; but his appointment rested with the parishioners, and it was determined by the majority of them, that he should not continue to hold the office. They decided upon making no stir about this matter, but quietly to set him aside by nominating another person in his place. But two or three days before the Easter meeting they heard, to their utter surprise, that the rector was actually canvassing the parish in person in favour of Mr. Crookedsoul. This excited their indignation to the highest pitch. "Is he not rightly named Wheeldriver," said Mr. Straightforth, "for this shows that he will drive all that will turn before him."

Mr. Straightforth now commenced a canvass on behalf of another person, and when the day of the election came, the two parties mustered all their supporters. Between the two the vestry was crammed. Never had there been witnessed before such a meeting in Cherrydale. The rector, as was expected, elected Mr. Pliant as his churchwarden, in the place of Mr. Straightforth. The parishioners next proceeded to the election of theirs. Mr. Standfast nominated Mr. Trueman as a fit and proper person to watch over the spiritual interests of the parishioners, and Mr. Straightforth seconded that nomination. The minister's party nominated Mr. Crookedsoul. To his being re-appointed some of the parishioners ventured to object, on the ground of his past unworthy conduct. Hereupon a wealthy Socinian in the parish, whom, from his satanic countenance, we may name Lucifer Leer, arose in his defence, and poured forth such a volley of abuse upon Mr. Faithful as threw the meeting into the greatest commotion. What could have induced him to take the Romanising rector's side was an enigma to all the parishioners, for he had, almost up to the very day of the election, expressed the strongest repugnance to his proceedings. There were, however, reasons assigned which cannot here be mentioned. That corruptest of all corrupt ministers, Walpole, has told us that "every man has his price." What was the price paid for the Socinian's support was only a matter of surmise. Some said it was an invitation to dinner. Certain it is that Faithful had never invited this gentleman to his table. But it was evident that, by some means, his mind had been strongly biassed against him, and his support engaged on the side of the Puseyite rector. Ile put himself forward on this occasion, indeed, as his champion. There were not wanting others to defend Mr. Faithful.

Provoked by the interference of the rector in the election of their churchwarden, the parishioners now charged him with having acted unworthy of his office in canvassing for Mr. Crookedsoul. He denied that he had solicited the vote of more than one individual. Several voices immediately responded"It is false." One said, "I know that you asked Mr. A.," and another said, "I know that you asked Mr. B. to vote for Mr. Crookedsoul." "You have no right to interfere in the choice of our churchwarden; we will choose our own." 66 Well, then," said the rector, "let it be put to the vote." Hands were held up and counted; and it appeared that there was a slight majority against Mr. Crookedsoul, and in favour of Mr. Trueman.

"Let me take the names all down," said the chairman, taking the pen in his hand. The names were all taken down in the vestry-book, and counted again, and still there was found to be a majority against Mr. Crookedsoul.

Now,"said the chairman, turning to a large landholder, an out-parishioner, who, with two or three others, had been brought to the vestry on this occasion to vote, "is the time for you to demand a poll." By Gilbert's Act these large landholders could have several votes in a poll, while in an ordinary vestry they could have but one. "I demand a poll," replied this gentleman. "You have no right, now," said the parishioners, "to demand a poll; the gentleman we nominated has been fairly and regularly chosen." The rector ruled that the poll should be taken. To this the other party unwittingly consented; whereas, if they had stood upon the names which had as unwittingly been entered by the rector in the vestry-book, (as they afterwards learned. by reference to the highest legal authority,) their election could not have been upset. The next day

was fixed for taking the votes of all who had a right to vote, which included many even of the poor. It was proposed, and acceded to by the rector, as being most fair, that the two outgoing churchwardens should take the votes; but when the day of the election came, he insisted upon taking them himself. In the meantime the two parties had been flying in all directions to get voters, and when the hour for going to the poll arrived, the once quiet village of Cherrydale was filled with all the commotion of a public election. Out-dwelling landlords were hurried (not knowing why) to the rector's help: even WOMEN were brought in postchaises to vote-treating at the "Inn' was resorted to by his party to a great extent. Many of the poor, and those in trade, who came to vote for Mr. Trueman were frightened into voting for Mr. Crookedsoul, when they saw the rector in the chair: thus, volens nolens, the rector secured a majority in favour of Mr. Crookedsoul, and got the parish absolutely under his own sway.

There was much in all these proceedings which must be passed over as coming under the description of the falsitas dispensativa of which the Tractarians are known so largely to make use.

It was from the midst of this scene of contention, Faithful, after having given his own vote, retired to attend the clerical meeting at Steepleton, which was held on the same day, where he had to witness a contention little more creditable.

CHAP. XVIII.

THE STAR CHAMBER REVIVED.

"The clergy, when they refuse to accept of divine grace, have always been the worst enemies to real spiritual religion. All experience declares this, and especially the history of the sufferings of Christ our Lord."

BISHOP WILSON.

"Now, like a long forgotten strain,
Comes sweeping o'er the heart forlorn
What sunshine hours had taught in vain
Of Jesus suffering shame and scorn,
As in all faithful' hearts he suffers still'

ON the day of the dreaded meeting, when, as warning had been given, the work of expulsion was to commence, Faithful, whose character it was never to shrink from danger, was waiting at the door of the church, in conversation with his unprejudiced high church friend, Mr. Stevenson, when he beheld Dr. Dominant at a distance approaching, with a long train of gentlemen in black following him as their general to the scene of action. As he passed Mr. Stevenson, he beckoned him away, saying, "Here, Stevenson, we want you." He evidently calculated upon having Mr. Stevenson, from his known high church principles, as one of his supporters. Into the vestry they proceeded; and Faithful, with a number of other members, quickly followed.