The sexagenarian; or, the recollections of a literary life (Volume 2 of 2)Beloe, William
General
The sexagenarian; or, the recollections of a literary life (Volume 2 of 2)
Beloe, William
Authors, English; Beloe, William, 1756-1817; English literature -- Anecdotes
How Bishop B. has borne and exercised his faculties, has been
sufficiently observable. Upon this subject there is neither occasion or
opportunity here to expatiate. It is enough to be able to appeal to his
exemplary conduct in his diocese, which, from conscientious motives, he
has again and again refused to exchange for more lucrative situations, as
well as to numerous publications alike remarkable for their learning and
their piety.
The next Episcopal character who appears to merit a distinguished place
among the more successful adventurers in life, is one who did not
obtain this high station from his abilities, though of a superior kind,
nor from his literary productions, though of these there are many in
existence. He obtained his promotion from the friendship of a Minister,
discerning, cautious, accurate, and above all, strictly tenacious of the
characters of those whom he distinguished, and most strenuously resolute
in enforcing the rigid performance of all clerical duties, by whom of
course, his virtues must have been known, and his merits approved.
The appointment did certainly at first, excite some degree of surprize.
The venerable Bishop of Landaff, on being informed of the event, was with
difficulty prevailed upon to believe it; but perhaps there was an old
grudge, which on this occasion darted like a spectre on his recollection.
There is, however, neither the intention nor the desire to discuss in
this place either the merit of the receiver, or the sagacity of the
giver, of these honours; leave therefore is respectfully taken of them
both, with the simple remark, that Bishop ⸺ was certainly very, very
fortunate.
The elevation of those to the higher offices of the church, who have
been employed for a series of years in superintending the education of
the sons of our nobility, is honourable to all parties concerned, and
excites neither envy nor surprize. It implies on one side a consistent,
vigilant, and unvaried attention to the duties imposed and undertaken,
and on the other, a correspondent sense of services received, an
acknowledgment of merit, and a determination to reward it.
Many are the amiable and excellent individuals who, by pursuing this
path, have arrived at the most exalted honours of the profession, which
they have subsequently adorned by their virtues.
Nevertheless, whoever they may be, or may have been, all who have thus
risen to greatness, may, with the strictest propriety, be denominated
fortunate. Patrons sometimes either pay the tribute of mortality, or lose
their political influence, which in our country often changes hands,
before the opportunity presents itself, of rewarding the virtues they
have tried and approved. Differences of opinion may also eventually
arise, some “lis de tribus capellis” may intervene, abruptly to dissolve
connections, which in their origin afforded the strongest presumptions of
hope and advantage.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account