Really don't like this sect

Husbands authorised to beat their Wives (2nd S. ii. 108.219.297.) — Perhaps the following curious extract in connexion with this subject may be worth recording in " N. & Q.:"

" Wife-beating advocated by a Clergyman, SfC. — A very large number of wife-beating cases have recently been brought before the magistrates at Whitehaven, where there exists a sect of professing Christians who propagate the opinion that the practice is in accordance with the ■word of God. The Rev. Geo. Bird, formerly rector of Cmnberworth, near Hiiddersficld, has established himself there, and drawn together a congregation; and within the last few weeks it has transpired that he holds the doctrine that it is perfectly scriptural for a man to beat his wife. About six weeks ago, James Scott, a member of Mr. Bird's congregation, was summoned by his wife for brutally beating her because she refused to attend the same place of worship that he did. When before the magistrates, Mrs. Scott said she had no wish her husband should be punished if he would promise not to illuse her badly again. When asked by the magistrates whether he would make the requisite promise, he refused, saying,' Am I to obey the laws of God, or the laws of man ?' As he would not give the promise, the magistrates committed him to prison for a mouth, with hard lnbonr. The Rev. Mr. Bird has since delivered a course of lectures on the subject of Scott's conviction. He contends that it is a man's duty to rule his own household; and if his wife refuse to obey his orders, he is justified, according to the law of God, in beating her in order to enforce obedience."— The Examiner, Oct. 11. 1856.[1]