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the ground of which is that where people disagree they should work separately; and how futile, on the other hand, is the attempt to constrain an united action between those who hold antagonistic principles may be inferred from Mr. Gee^s replies to a subsequent inquiry. "Supposing the Churchmen and Dissenters of a parish to be equal, and collectively to be too few for two schools, what would you advise then?"—(5157)"! would advise that they should meet on equal terms."
"5158. When you talk of putting them on equal terms, what do you mean?—I would let the school be upon the principle of the British and Foreign School Society.
5160. Do you see any advantage to the nation in a National Church?—No; I think that there is a disadvantage in it; I am a Dissenter.
5161. Your ideas are based upon the fundamental view that a National Church is an injury to a nation?—Yes.
5162. And that any national profession of religion is rather objectionable than otherwise?—I think so."
Mr. William Henry Darby, coal and iron master, near Wrexham, is a member of the Society of Friends, and has liberally assisted the establishment of schools. "He thinks (4777) that the British and Foreign system is a comprehensive unsectarian system, suitable for Church and Dissent; but the National system seems fit only for Church persons."
4836. Looking at the population of Wales in matters of religion, his opinion is "that no national assistance ought to be given to any but the schools on the British and Foreign system, as a system in which all can fairly unite." "The religious teaching of the British and Foreign schools is undenominational and unobjectionable," (he thinks) "except, perhaps, to Roman Catholics—except, perhaps, also to Jews, and possibly to Unitarians." (4840, 4874.)
4861. Mr. Darby objects to the Conscience Clause in Church schools, because it "requires Dissenters to make an objection." He would say (4863) "That in Wales they should support an undenominational system, and that is what he considers the British and Foreign system."
The Rev. David Charles, Calvinistic Methodist minister in Monmouthshire, concurs in this character of the British and
