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THE CONSCIENCE CLAUSE.
AN ADDRESS.
IntroductionIt will be quite obvious that this paper must be taken as an Introduction. independent argument, and not looked upon in the light of a debating reply to the speech of Archdeacon Denison, though I hope it will be found to contain answers to his conclusions. I am only anxious, in the first place, to make a remark as to the way of conducting the controversy. Sincere friends of education do not desire to snatch a logical victory over any individual or any Society, nor, on the other hand, to protect or uphold a department or an official, even if need were, but to conduce to the sound and practical settlement of a grave political question.
Plan of the paper.I shall endeavour to recall the discussion to its proper and practical basis of Principle and Fact. Under the head of the facts of the case I shall include (l) the history, (2) the terms, and (3) the practical effect of the Conscience Clause; and though much matter of principle must enter into the mere statement of these—indeed, the main principle is made manifest in all of them—I shall endeavour to reserve for separate discussion, under the head of the Principle of the Conscience Clause, several considerations involving its relation to the National Church, and its policy as a measure "necessary for these times."
