T.
Acland conceived that a middle course would afford relief, while the
theoretical principal of the law would remain untouched. But it was
found useless to strive against the spirit of the age. After an abortive
project of Sir T. Ackland for suspending instead of repealing the acts
in question, as well as a proposition made by Mr. Peel to take more time
for consideration, Lord John Russell's motion was carried by a majority
of two hundred and thirty-seven, against one hundred and ninety-three.

Government had now one of two courses to adopt; either to resign their
opinions or their places. They chose the former alternative; for when
the motion for the house going into a committee was brought forward, Mr.
Peel said he could not think of pressing his sentiments against those of
the majority. Government itself, indeed, now took up the measure, adding
by way of security to the established church a form of declaration,
which all who accepted office were to take, that they would not exert
any power or influence which they might possess by virtue of that
office to the injury or subversion of the Protestant church as by law
established, or to disturb it in the possession of those rights
and privileges to which it is by law entitled. This declaration was
described by those who supported simple repeal as both useless and
unnecessary; but they recommended that the suggestion should be adopted
rather than the bill should not pass. With this amendment it was
carried, and it was introduced into the house of peers by Lord Holland.
There was no ministerial deposition encountered here, and being in
a manner a bill of the government it was generally supported by the
spiritual peers. The bishop of Chester said:--"I wish the bill to pass,
if for no other reason, yet for this--because the present laws do not
answer their purpose. If the declaration now proposed be taken by a
conscientious dissenter, it will prevent him from endeavouring, at least
from indirectly endeavouring, to injure the establishment; and that is
more than the sacramental test, if taken, could effect: if it be taken
by a person who does not conscientiously intend to observe it, that
person would not be kept out of office by any test whatever." Lord
Eldon, however, gave the bill his most decided opposition. He had heard
much, he said, of "the march of mind," but he never expected to see it
thus march into the house with the Duke of Wellington and the bishops at
its head.