he had long maintained; his zeal, his activity, his judgment, his powers of usefulness in every branch of his profession, and all these illustrated and adorned by a most unblemished life, and the most conciliating and attracting manners; naturally marked him out as a person eminently qualified to supply the vacancy which had for some time been expected in the See of London. Accordingly, the very next day after the death of Dr. Lowth, which took place at the Palace at Fulham, November the 3a, 1787, the Bishop, who was then at Hunton, received by a king's messenger the following letter from Mr. Pitt: "IN consequence of the death of the Bishop of London, which took place yesterday, I lost no time in making it it my humble recommendation to His Majesty, that your Lordship might be appointed to succeed him. I have this moment received His Majesty's answer, expressing His entire approbation of the proposal, and authorizing me to acquaint your Lordship with His gracious intentions. I have peculiar satisfaction in executing this commission, and in the opportunity of expressing the sentiments of high respect and esteem with which I have the honour to be, "My Lord, "Your Lordship's most obedient This important communication, made in such flattering and gracious terms, was most gratifying to the Bishop's feelings: but yet the high station to which he was raised did not for a moment carry his thoughts from the great and only Disposer of all earthly good. Much as he felt the honour conferred upon him by his Sovereign, he looked beyond this world, up to Him, who is the King of kings; for, subjoined to a copy of the preceding letter, are written in his own hand the following words; "I acknowledge the goodness of a kind Providence, and am fully sensible that nothing but this could have placed me in a situation so infinitely transcending my expectations and deserts." This appointment, like all that he had before filled, was on his own part perfectly unsought for and unsolicited. So far indeed from being desirous of a change of station, he had on the contrary many substantial reasons for wishing to to retain the Bishopric of Chester. During his residence in that city, the attention he had uniformly shewed to all ranks of people; the ease and affability of his whole deportment; his kindness to all who needed his assistance; the warm interest he took in the affairs of his clergy; his endeavours to promote in every way the cause of religion, and the good of those committed to his charge; all this had placed him high in public estimation, and rendered him in every part of his diocese respected and beloved. It was not therefore without much regret, and a hard struggle with his own feelings, that he quitted a situation to which he was most sincerely attached, to enter upon another, where the duties were more burthensome, and the responsibility greatly increased. In addition to this, he was under the necessity, by accepting the See of London, of giving up his living at Hunton; that calm, delightful retreat, where he had spent so many years of happiness, and which, I am persuaded, no accession of dignity, no increase of revenue, would have ever induced him to resign, had it not been for the high and honourable principle, which in all circumstances governed him through life--the relinquishment of private enjoyment for the sake of public usefulness. To those who knew him well, as it was my privilege to do, it is superfluous to say, that he quitted this favourite residence with infinite regret. His own words will best express what he felt upon the occasion, "When I took my leave of Hunton early in the morning, and cast a parting look |
