opinion is with them, and whilst they the
pagans and semi-civilised barbarians have it, we the enlightened
and civilised Christians are pursuing objects at variance both with
justice and with religion.[142]

_May 14th._--Consulted [various persons] on opium. All but Sir R.
Inglis were on grounds of prudence against its [a motion against
the compensation demanded from China] being brought forward. To
this majority of friendly and competent persons I have given way, I
hope not wrongfully; but I am in dread of the judgment of God upon
England for our national iniquity towards China. It has been to me
matter of most painful and anxious consideration. I yielded
specifically to this; the majority of the persons most trustworthy
feel that to make the motion would, our leaders being in such a
position and disposition with respect to it, injure the cause.
_June 1st._--Meeting of the Society for Suppression of the Slave
Trade. [This was the occasion of a speech from Prince Albert, who
presided.] Exeter Hall crammed is really a grand spectacle. Samuel
Wilberforce a beautiful speaker; in some points resembles Macaulay.
Peel excellent. _June 12th._--This evening I voted for the Irish
education grant; on the ground that in its principle, according to
Lord Stanley's letter, it is identical practically with the English
grant of '33-8, and I might have added with the Kildare Place
grant. To exclude doctrine from exposition is in my judgment as
truly a mutilation of scripture, as to omit bodily portions of the
sacred volume.

SOCIAL DIVERSION

His first child and eldest son was born (June 3), and Manning and Hope
became his godfathers; these two were Mr. Gladstone's most intimate
friends at this period. Social diversions were never wanting. One June
afternoon he went down to Greenwich, 'Grillion's fish dinner to the
Speaker. Great merriment; and an excellent speech from Stanley, "good
sense and good nonsense." A modest one from Morpeth. But though we dined
at six, these expeditions do not suit me. I am ashamed of paying L2,
10s. for a dinner. But on this occasion the object was to do honour to a
dignified and impartial Speaker.' He had been not at all grateful, by
the way, for the high honour of admission to Grillion's dining club this
year,--'a thing quite alien to my temperament, which req