THE REV. MR. BAKER.

Wellington Independent, Volume X, Issue 1259, 13 January 1858, Page 3

THE REV. MR. BAKER.

In our paper of Wednesday last, we inserted a letter from the Rev. Arthur Baker, the postcript [sic] of which demanded a word in reply from ourselves, but which we deferred, in the hope that we might succeed in engaging that ecclesiastioal editor to whom we alluded in our last, and who might have replied to the rev gentleman in his own tone, to which we confess we cannot condescend.

Mr. Baker refers to a statement made by us, and expresses his belief that It is a "gratuitous fabrication." These gentlemen seem to presume very much upon their cloth. Such charges are not usually hazarded by men who understand the courtesies of society, or the tone which is commonly adopted by gentlemen who differ in opinion. It would have been more consistent at all events with the charity enjoined by that religion of which Mr. Baker professes himself a minister, if, instead of making so gross a charge against an opponent, he had suggested that he was mistaken, or had been misinformed. We do not believe that we are more in the habit of making "gratuitous fabrications" than Mr. Baker is, and we recommend the rev. gentleman, whether in editorial or correspondential columns, to be more guarded in his expressions; As to the statement which he characterises by this insulting term, we repeal it deliberately, that we have been informed that the Church of England has lost more than one large subscription in consequence of Mr. Archdeacon Hadfield's violent political letters. We know one person who was prepared to give liberally towards the erection of a Church of EngIand which is being subscribed for; and the maintenance of a minister, who has positively refused, beeause as he said; the church so established might be brought under Mr; Hadfield's control. Another who has hitherto contributed as much, we as £20 a year towards the maintenance of a Church of England minister, told us himself that he had determined to withdraw it for the future, on account of Mr. Hadfield's letters; and a third refused to our knowledge, on the same ground a subscription towards the stipend of another minister of the same denomination near the town. And yet when we state that we have "been informed" that it is so, Mr. Baker charitably and courteously declares us guilty of a "gratuitous fabrication!" Whether persons who withhold their subscriptions under the circumstances, are, as Mr. Baker says, "ignorant of Christian principles, and foolish," is a matter of opinion. They probably think it would be more unchristian and more foolish to give their money to maintain a Church whose chief officers are remarkable, more for their railing accusations, and their refusal to submit to the powers that be, than for that meekness, and respect for constituted authorities which the Christian religion enjoins.