Our Memoirs are now drawing towards their close, for although numerous
recollections yet remain, they are rather of a miscellaneous and
desultory kind, consisting more of detached remarks and local anecdotes,
than of any regular and consistent narrative. Such parts of these shall
be selected and introduced, as appear best calculated to excite interest,
or promote entertainment.
To whom the following “Recollection” can apply, the editor has not the
remotest conception, but that the portrait was drawn from nature, is
evinced by the strength of the outline, the force of the colouring, and
the general appearance as a whole.
A Christian Bishop!—Much veneration has in various parts of these
Recollections been expressed for individuals filling this high and
important office, expressed too with an honest warmth, resulting
from a near contemplation, and personal experience of their virtues.
What ought the characteristics of a Christian Bishop to be?
Firmness—learning—charity—general benevolence—meekness—disposition to
forgive injuries—spirit of reconciliation—a love of peace, and desire to
ensue it.
Great and amiable qualities truly! Yet a Bishop did once present
himself in the progress of a literary life, who had not quite all these
peculiarly honourable distinctions. Firmness he had, if that term can in
justice be applied to him, who is _tenax propositi_—right or wrong. The
distinction of learning must be allowed him, without any qualification of
any kind. As to the rest—charity—general benevolence—meekness—disposition
to forgive injuries—spirit of reconciliation—love of peace—desire to
ensue it—a little reflection is necessary before the claim to these
qualities can be conceded.
Is it a proof of charity, or benevolence, or meekness, to provoke a large
body of united individuals by anonymous insinuations and attacks, which
there was a compulsory obligation subsequently to retract and disavow?
By which of the apostles or evangelists are maxims of persecution
inculcated? To admonish and advise, is certainly part of the episcopal
function, and as the very name denotes, to exercise a becoming vigilance
with respect to those who are comprehended in their flock. But suppose
an honest, industrious individual, proceeding in the line of his
professional duty, which he has invariably found to lead successfully to
the object desired, and suppose he declines from conscientious motives,
or from pride, or obstinacy, if you please, to deviate from this line,
or path, at the haughty suggestion of a superior, be he Dean, or even a
Bishop, is he to be persecuted, harassed, exasperated with unrelenting
malignity?
Lastly, supposing a professional brother, at the time, of equal
pretensions in rank, situation, connections, and accomplishments, from
whom attention and kindness had been previously received, and through
whom, and in concert with whom, a work of high importance to religion,
morals, and learning, had been prosecuted, should, in a thoughtless
moment, by a mere casual and inadvertent expression, give cause of
offence? Is such a trespass not only never to be forgotten or forgiven,
but is it compatible with those qualities, which ought to characterize
a Christian minister, whatever be his station, to retain a sense of
the transgression, implacable, and eternal; and forgetful of former
reciprocated kindness, to treat the offender as one deserving to be
deprived of “fire and water?”
Fye on such Christian ministers, bishops, or what not!!
Cupit hic regi proximus ipsi:
Clarusque latam via per urbem.