been going through the contrary change from you as regards Church
and State. I thought _I_ was strongly for the connection (at
least of _a_ Church with the State, certainly not _the_
Church of England as it now is), but reflection on what the history
of our State Churches has been, the speeches in St. James's Hall of
the Bishops fostered by the State, and Arthur Stanley's pamphlet,
which says the best that _can_ be said for connection, and yet
seems to open my eyes to the fallacy of that best, and the
conversations I hear, have opened my eyes to the bad principle at
the very root of a State Church. If _all_ who call themselves
teachers of religion could be paid, it might be very well, best of
all perhaps; but I'm afraid there are difficulties not to be got
over, and the objections to the voluntary system diminish on
reflection.... This new political crisis raises John's hopes a
little; but he has small faith in the public spirit of the Liberal
party, and even now fears some manoeuvre to keep Dizzy in.

Ever, dearest Mary, your most affectionate sister,

F. RUSSELL

[70] Mr. Froude, in a talk with an Irish peasant on the grievances
of his country, remarked that one cause of complaint was removed by
Disestablishment of the Church. "Och, sure, your honour, that is
worse than all. It was the best gravance we had, and ye've taken it
away from us!"

_Lady Russell to Lady Dunfermline_

PEMBROKE LODGE, _December_ 3, 1868

MY DEAREST MARY,--Yesterday's _Pall Mall_ and Sir David
Dundas, who dined with us, set us all agog with the news that the
Ministry are to resign at once, probably have now resigned;
certainly much the wisest course for themselves, and John rather
thinks the best for everybody.... How different this change of
Ministry is to us from any there has been before since we were
married, and for John since long before! There is now only a keen
and wholesome interest for the country's sake--none of the
countless agitations which at all events on the formation of the
three last Ministries, of which John was either the head or a
prominent member, more than overpowered satisfaction and pride,
perhaps not to himself, but to his wife in her secret heart. As to
pride, I never was prouder of him in one position than in another,
_in_ than _out_, applauded than condemned; and I had