3-070-794 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The late Mr. Edward Miall, 1881. Portrait of '...Mr. Edward Miall, late M.P. for Bradford, the founder and editor of the Nonconformist newspaper, and for many years well known as the leader of the movement in favour of religious equality...The Hon. gentleman sat for Rochdale from 1852 to 1857...While member for that borough he proposed a resolution condemnatory of the Irish Church, but the House of Commons was not yet ripe for so drastic a proposal...he became a member of the Duke of Newcastle's Commission on Education...[and] took an active part in securing the abolition of church rates and University tests, and, later on, in throwing open the parish burial grounds to Dissenters. In the House he was generally respected for the force and moderation with which he advocated his opinions, and his fairness and amiable qualities. During an active public life he made many friends, and exercised great influence as a leader of advanced opinions...Amongst his many books was one entitled "Bases of Belief," which is in use as a text-book in many Nonconformist colleges'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.