CHAP. XIV.] AND RELIGION.-3 419 



ger of being* compelled to work for their bread. 

 This is what they mean. You remember, that, 

 at our last meeting; at Winchester, they pro 

 posed for us to tell the Prince Regent, that 

 we would support the Church. I moved, to 

 leave out the word church, and insert the word 

 tithes; for, as there were many presbyterians 

 and other dissenters present, they could not, 

 with clear consciences, pledge themselves to 

 support the church. This made them furious. 

 It was lifting up the mask; and the parsons 

 were enraged beyond measure. 



433. Oh, no ! Tithes do not mean religion. 

 Religion means a reverence for God. And, 

 what has this to do with tithes ? Why cannot 

 you reverence God, without Baker and his 

 wife and children eating up a tenth part of the 

 corn and milk and eggs and lambs and pigs 

 and calves that are produced in Botley parish ? 

 The Parsons, in this country, are supported 

 by those who choose to employ them. A man^ 

 belongs to what congregation he pleases. He 

 pays what is required by the rules of the con 

 gregation. And, if he think that it is not ne 

 cessary for him to belong to any congregation, 

 he pays nothing at all. And, the consequence 

 is, that all is harmony and good neighbour 

 hood. Here are not disputes about religion; 

 or, if there be, they make no noise. Here is 



