Dr. Posey has written a somewhat remarkable letter on the
subject of the expected contest for the University of Oxford be- tween Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Gathorne Hardy. The doctor not only expresses a profound faith in Mr. Gladstone's " high-souled" nature, but states in rather emphatic terms his entire fearlessness -with respect to Mr. Gladstone's views on the extension of the suf- frage. "I doubt very much whether a bond fide universal suffrage (if the State should so think good) might not here (as it has in France) add to the political strength of the Church." He earnestly deprecates the University of Oxford parting "with a representative who has served her, the Church, and the State, with a very intelli- gent and illustrious, as well as a very devoted service." All this might be accounted for by—no dubt is in part due to—Mr. Gladstone's known preference for a new tribunal of appeal in spiritual matters, but Dr. Pusey's last sentence expressing faith in Lord Palmerston can scarcely be so accounted for. "Lord Pal- merston has in some important respects deserved the gratitude of the Church. The clergy would, I think, make a mistake if they should join in the attempt to disturb his Government which is aimed at in the opposition to Mr. Gladstone." The letter is a creditable one to Dr. Pusey. He at least is not a mere Conserva- tive in Church matters. He believes that his faith will stand the
test of democracy, and only be rooted more strongly by the rough- ness of the popular winds.
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