228 JAMES SHANKS 



miles rather a long Sabbath day's journey 

 to attend Church ! But this gives an idea 

 of the character, the enthusiasm, the tastes of 

 the man. 



Like most Baptists, he was a rigid stickler 

 for principles. At many works much assist- 

 ance is often obtained by giving what is 

 known as ''allowance"; but whatever the 

 consequences, however great the incon- 

 venience, he would never sanction the 

 payment of a farthing. 



Church rates were his particular abomina- 

 tion, and although on very friendly terms 

 with Dr. Carr, the Vicar of St. Helens, the 

 Doctor had no more uncompromising and 

 determined opponent than James Shanks. 

 He would have allowed himself to be spoiled 

 of everything he had rather than have paid 

 one penny. 



In politics he was a thorough Liberal, 

 indeed a Radical of those days. Free trade, 

 vote by ballot, extension of the franchise, the 

 liberation of religion from state patronage 

 and control, these were the principles he 

 most enthusiastically advocated. Laodiceans, 

 whether political or religious, were utterly 

 distasteful to him, but with a good old Tory 

 like Gaskell Taylor, the eccentric solicitor, 



