[ xvi ] 



are warranted in complaining of a fyllem, 

 which both in its nature and tendency is un- 

 equal, inconvenient, and vexatious. — Hence 

 it is not unnatural for fuch a Society as this 

 to countenance a difcuflion of fuch a topic, 

 and to confider itfelf as acting the part of a 

 common friend to the Clergy and the Laity, by 

 endeavouring to point out a mode of fupport 

 for the former, more equal and righteous 

 among themfelves, more compatible with the 

 principles of peace, more promotive of uni- 

 verfal improvement, and, which is efpecially 

 defirable, lefs invidious to the claimant, , 



Such were the views of this Society in of- 

 fering a premium for the beft-written paper 

 on the fubjefb of a Commutation for Tithes: 

 and though the Society is not fo fanguine as 

 to expeft, that through their means a national 

 tithe revolution fhall be brought about -, yet 

 have they a hope, that, by agitating the fub- 

 jeft, the attention of ingenious men, both in 

 ^nd out of parliament, may be the more ex- 

 cited 



