136 Miscellantes.[Feb.

Tn the zam?. SIR,

Arrow a few Short remarks on the Jetter in your last paper, Signed VST RAPE: He exprezzes his Surprise, that““ in a year when the deficiency of corn is greater than it has been within the memory of man, 50 direct “<< a: discouragement to its production as Tithes Should be brought “< forward to public notice.""To enter into a discussion how far Tithes are, in Sound reas0n, a discouragement to the production of corn, wonld require more room than you can spare; but I apprehend, that if Yarmers have, contrary to their own wishes in other respects, laid down productive corn-lands inta grass, in order to avoid paying the value of the corn-tithe to the Clergy, they have not acted wisely. If the Tithe was valuable, the other nine parts must have been propor- tionably 50; and the injury Such, consequently, to-themselves, in determining to lay those corn-lands down; but, Supposing this to be done, is“ the keenness of the Clergy" the Sole cause of Such a procedure? Have the lay-impropriators no Share in it? Have they no keenness in ascertaining their own claims? Are they all gentleness, forbearance, and moderation? 1 believe every thinking Farmer will acknowledge, that it is easier to make terms with the Clergy, than with the lay-impropriators, or their lessees. But, suppose"Lithes to be abolished, as your Correspondent wishes, and is persuaded they will be; what would be the consequence? Would he, as a Farmer, be benefited? Not at all. The landlord would immediately add to his rent the same Sum he now pays the clergyman for Tithe, or probably a larger; and the only alternative would be--»pay for it, or turn out.

When your Correspondent observes, that it is impossible for the Norfolk Rector““ to live in friendship with thoze from wham he re- ““ ceives pay, not in proportion ta his merits, but to their exertions;'* or, in other words, ta the produce and value of land, be Should be reminded, that this“ pay" is no other than a right of at least a thou- gand years Standing; a title much older than, propably,':any estate zn Kngland can boast; and that if'the Ministers of religion Should; from(he poverty of their Situation, fall into contempt, religion will do 50 t00: which consequence can only be prevented.by Ministers pos- SesSINg SOME property, or provision, that will keep pace(as Tithes) with the progress of agriculture, and the general wealth of the nation.

Let me, lastly, observe to your"Correspondent, that whatever “ odium" may be attached to the Tithe system, that/ odium, whilst one half(or, as Some 5ay, three fifths) of the Tithes are in lay-hands, ought not to rest with the Clergy only, TL. anjiiSIE,. N'aursSiee

Jan, 25, 1805, A SUFFOLK VICAR-

To the Same,

-«““«

SIR,

Tur Suffolk Vicar, in his letter of Wednesday, began with an assertion I am not inclined to contravert. A discussion, fiow far tythes are, in Sound reason, a discouragement to the productions of Corn, world require more room than you could spare: that they are 50, and als9 operate as a bouaty upon pasturage, he may, if he ever