any notable impression as Vicar of All Saints', Ennismore
Gardens, a parochial experience which lasted two years. Slowly he made
his way as author and lecturer, and it was not until he came to St.
Paul's that the world realised the greatness of his mind and the
richness of his genius.
As a correction to the popular delusion concerning his temperament and
outlook, although, I must confess, there is something about him
suggestive of a London Particular, I will quote in conclusion a few of
the many witty epigrams which are scattered throughout his pages,
showing that he has a sense of humour which is not always discernible in
those who would laugh him away as an unprofitable depressionist.
The clerical profession was a necessity when most people could
neither read nor write.
Seminaries for the early training of future clergymen may indeed be
established; but beds of exotics cannot be raised by keeping the
gardeners in greenhouses while the young plants are in the open
air.
It is becoming impossible for those who mix at all with their
fellow-men to believe that the grace of God is distributed
denominationally.
Like other idealisms, patriotism varies from a noble devotion to a
moral lunacy.
Our clergy are positively tumbling over each other in their
eagerness to be appointed court-chaplain to King Demos.
A generation which travels sixty miles an hour must be five times
as civilised as one which only travels twelve.
It is not certain that there has been much change in our
intellectual and moral adornments since pithecanthropus dropped the
first half of his name.
I cannot help hoping that the human race, having taken in
succession every path except the right one, may pay more attention
to the narrow way that leadeth unto life.
It is useless for the sheep to pass resolutions in favour of
vegetarianism, while the wolf remains of a different opinion.
After the second century, the apologists for the priesthood are in
smooth waters.
Not everyone can warm both hands before the fire of life without
scorching himself in the process.
It is quite as easy to hypnotise oneself into imbecility by
repeating in solemn tones, "Progress, Democracy, Corporate Unity,"
as by the blessed word Mesopotamia, or, like the Indians, by
repeating the mystic word "Om" five
|