Page images
PDF
EPUB

THE

LIFE OF BISHOP WILSON.

BY THE REV. RICHARD B. HONE, M. A.

CURATE OF PORTSMOUTH.

CHAPTER I.

Introduction-His Early Life.

AMONGST the most delightful associations connected with

yet to whom we are linked in the closest union. They are those to whom we owe the thoughts and impressions from which we derive the greatest satisfaction;-those who, in bequeathing to us wholesome counsel, have inscribed in their the world of spirits, is that idea which originates in our be-holy pages a picture of their own minds; and concerning lief in the communion of saints, and which represents to have been wise and amiable companions, who did good whom we are thus able to gather incidentally that they must us the children of God, who have lived upon earth at various in their generation by a holy life and conversation. We think periods of time, as forming one fold under the one great shep-that it must have been a great privilege to have taken sweet herd. counsel with them during their sojourn on earth, and we con

The Scriptures countenance and warrant this interesting template with peculiar pleasure the prospect of commencing notion, for in them we find our blessed Saviour himself hold- an uninterrupted intercourse with them, in the better world ing out to his followers the prospect of being in Abraham's whither they are gone. bosom, and of setting down in the company of Abraham, Such feelings are particularly connected with the name of Isaac, and Jacob; and encouraging his disciples, both by the him who is best known as "the good Bishop Wilson." We tenor of his prayers and his promises, to expect that after are wont to fancy that a purer, gentler spirit has seldom indeath they should be assembled together, and thus, once more habited an earthly tabernacle; and multitudes of persons who united, should be with Him, and behold his glory and par- may never have read or heard one incident of his life, love' take of his joy for ever. and venerate the name of one whose Private Thoughts, and

Of those who, in humbly pursuing the paths of faith and Preparation for the Lord's Supper, and the little volumes of holiness are looking forward to be introduced to this com- whose simple Sermons, have been their familiar closet company of the redeemed,-there are few who have not fixed upon panions, and who has thus bound them to himself by helping a chosen circle of just men made perfect, from whose society them forward in the right way, through the influence of the they expect more particular pleasure. The idea is so natu- same feelings and convictions which confirmed his own faith, ral, so intimately blended with all our better feelings, and and animated his own piety.

really forms so beautiful and strong a tie to the invisi- Thomas Wilson was born in the village of Burton, in the ble world, that it is one which it cannot be wrong to enter-county palatine of Chester, on the 20th of December, 1663. We are not informed what occupation his parents followed,

tain.

This chosen circle, doubtless, consists in the first place of but they apparently moved in humble life, since in one of those, whom having seen, we have known and loved. Kin-his papers he speaks of his education raising him above his dred and friends who have died in the Lord attach us to the father's house; and says, that though honesty and industry citizens of heaven, and cause us to remember Zion with a secured the family from poverty, yet it was far from being

more vivid interest.

"Tis sweet, as year by year we lose
Friends out of sight, by faith to muse
How grows in Paradise our store."

Christian Year.

rich. In the subject of this memoir, therefore, we have one of those instances which are happily of such frequent occurrence in this country, of the elevation of a person who had none of the advantages of wealth or high connexion, to a high and important situation. But if his parents were not great, But it includes others also, belonging to distant countries they were good; and he confessed that he owed much to or times, whose hands we have never clasped, whose voices them. In his diary he mentions them with gratitude as we have never heard, whose bodily presence we have never "honest parents, fearing God;" and in a prayer which he seen, but with whose minds and characters we have become composed and used in their behalf, and which throughout intimately acquainted and strongly attached. The simple-betokens a conviction that they merited the warmest filial minded Christians of primitive times-the confessors who, be-affection, he makes an express acknowledgment, on the part ing faithful unto death, went to receive a crown of life-of his brothers and sisters as well as himself, that they could the staunch defenders of the faith, especially when their con- never be sufficiently thankful, either to God or their parents, scientious firmness and boldness in their Lord's behalf was for the care taken of them by the latter, and for all their godly associated with gentleness of spirit-these claim and possess instructions.

the affection of the sincere Christian; they are even admired It is difficult to estimate how large a portion of the evil and revered by those who have no very deeply-rooted senti-and the good which exist in the world flows from the early ments of religion. But still that company comprises others, management of children; but, as we know that the most imperhaps even more beloved than these, whose lives may not portant consequences are dependent upon it, we cannot but have been distinguished by any very remarkable incidents, feel regret that there are no means of introducing us to the

domestic circle in the little parlour at Burton, where we early exercised the charity which Goldsmith so much commight have observed the planting, the watering, and the mends in the "Village Preacher" of sweet Auburn, though growth of the good seed in the heart of him, who was there his income fell short of that possessed by the latter, being led from a child to know the Holy Scriptures, which made only thirty pounds a year. Yet was he also "passing rich," him wise unto salvation, through faith, which is in Christ for he contrived, then and ever after, to set apart a stated Jesus. portion of his income for charitable purposes.

His classical education was entrusted to Mr. Harpur, an In the society of Dr. Sherlock he possessed very great eminent schoolmaster at Chester; and at a proper age he advantages, and had opportunities of studying a character, was sent to the University of Dublin, with an allowance of which he seems in many respects to have imitated, and of twenty pounds a year; a sum which, however small it may which he expressed his admiration and love in a memoir, be thought, was in those days sufficient, we are told, "for a which he commences in the following terms:-"When I sober student, in so cheap a country as Ireland." have said that he was born of very honest and religious

The medical profession was that towards which his thoughts parents, the pious reader will not be offended that he finds and studies were at first directed. But occurrences, appar-nothing more considerable in the account of his family." He ently trifling, are often appointed by Divine Providence to then proceeds to state, that after various sufferings and realter the current of our plans. While at college, young verses during the troublesome times of the great rebellion, Wilson became acquainted with the Rev. Michael Hewetson, Dr. Sherlock found a refuge in the family of Sir Robert one of the prebendaries of St. Patrick's cathedral, and arch- Bindlosse, of Borrick, in Lancashire, to whom he became deacon of Kildare; the acquaintance ripened into intimacy, domestic chaplain. It is remarkable, that at this time, and and the archdeacon, judging that his friend possessed a dis- in this neighbourhood, George Fox, the quaker, was then position and talents which might be employed advantage-making a stir; and hearing of his reputation for learning and ously in the work of the ministry, persuaded him to turn his piety, desired to bring him round to his views. Accordingly, thoughts towards the sacred office of a minister of Christ. he commenced a correspondence, which ended in Sherlock's "During his residence in Dublin, he conducted himself," publishing several small tracts upon the subjects in controsays his first biographer, "with the utmost regularity and versy between them, which, his biographer says, "by the decorum; and by his diligent application made a great profi- blessing of God, had their effect." ciency in academical learning. He continued at college till Sir R. Bindlosse afterwards recommended Dr. Sherlock to the year 1686, when, on St. Peter's day, the 29th of June, he the notice of Charles, eighth earl of Derby, who reposed so was, at the immediate instance and desire of his friend Mr. much confidence in him, that at the restoration he gave him Hewetson, ordained a deacon by Dr. Moreton, bishop of a commission to settle the affairs of the church in the Isle of Kildare," in the cathedral church of that diocese, which was Man, "which during the great rebellion had suffered in its consecrated on the same day. On that occasion, he and the doctrine, discipline and worship." "This difficult work he archdeacon jointly presented a small silver paten for the ser- went through (while his fellow-commissioners settled the civil vice of the communion table, on the inside of which was affairs), to the entire satisfaction of the lord and people of that engraved this inscription: island, which, by the blessing of God, continues as uniform DEO ET ALTARI ECCLESIÆ CATHEDRALIS in her worship, as orthodox in her doctrine, and as strict and S'TE BRIDGIDE DARENSIS SACRUM; with I H S regular in her discipline as any Christian church in the world." in the middle; and on the reverse, Ex unitis Devotionibus Upon his return from that "happy island," he was appointed maxime Amicorum Mich. Hewetson et Tho. Wilson: Ille to the valuable living of Winwick. Presbyter, et Prebendarius Ecclesiæ Cathedralis S'ti Patri- His mode of living was frugal and simple; he was hospitacij, Dubl: Hic ad sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem solemniter ble, and so "exceeding charitable," that at his death he left admissus die Consecrationis hujus Ecclesiæ, viz. Festo S'ti" not above one year's profits" of his living, and "even these Petri 1686."* in a great measure to pious uses." He always entertained

A heart so devout as Wilson's could not fail to be strongly in his house at least three curates, for the service of his church impressed by the solemn engagements into which he had and chapels. So that on account of the doctor's primitive that day entered. A beautiful prayer, preserved in a memo- example, as also the choice that he made of persons to serve randum book, records his feelings and desires on that occa- at the altar, Winwick became a very desirable place for young sion; he beseeches God, who gave him a will, to give him divines to improve themselves in the work of the ministry. also power and strength to serve Him in the sacred ministry, Dr. Sherlock died in peace, at the age of 76, June 20th, 1689. to which he was on that day dedicated; and the following Mr. Wilson, after having remained in deacon's orders rather passage conveys, in a few words, his views of that holy more than three years, was ordained a priest by the bishop of calling; "Give me, O Lord, I humbly beg, a wise, a sober, Chester, October 20th, 1689; and on this occasion he entered a patient, an understanding, a devout, a religious, a coura- in his memorandum-book a series of resolutions, by which he geous heart; that I may instruct the ignorant, reclaim the thought fit to bind himself, "in the beginning of his days," vicious, bear with the infirmities of the weak, comfort the not to obtain church-preferment by promise or reward; never afflicted, confirm the strong; that I may be an example of to give a bond of resignation; not to hold two livings with true piety, and sincere religion; that I may constantly speak cure of souls; and to reside and do the duties himself, whenthe truth, boldly rebuke vice, and cheerfully suffer for right- ever it should please God to bless him "with a parish and a eousness' sake. Let my great Lord and Master, let his ex- cure of souls."

ample, be always before my eyes. Let my days be spent in Full five years passed away in the discharge of the quiet doing good, in visiting the sick, helping their infirmities, in yet interesting duties of a country pastor in this place. With composing differences, in preaching the glad tidings of sal-all its responsibilities, anxieties and disappointments, there vation, and in all the works of mercy and charity by which I is no employment more fruitful in peace and joy, "if a man shall be judged at the last day.-Give us all grace, that we be found faithful." That Mr. Wilson was so, his previous may often and seriously lay to heart the nature and import- character, and the even tenor of a good life going onward to ance of our calling; that these thoughts may make us dili-perfection, which we shall see in his whole deportment, may gent and zealous, and that our zeal may be ever concerned in be deemed satisfactory evidence. And it is all the evidence matters of real moment." that we possess. Delightful as it would have been to have

Nor did he permit the solemn act of that day to fade from watched him acting in the spirit of his Deacon's Prayer,his memory, for he ever after set apart the anniversary for zealously cultivating pure religion and sound knowledge in reflection and devotion, and for the more express considera- his own heart; and then carrying a spark from that holy altar tion of his ministerial obligations, and the manner in which to light up a kindred flame in the hearts of his people; teachhe had discharged them. ing the poor of this world to be rich in faith; preaching peace

His further stay in Ireland was short; for in December of by Jesus Christ; turning sinners from the error of their ways; the same year he was licensed to be curate of New-church, a administering comfort in the chamber of woe;-he has left chapelry in the parish of Winwick, in Lancashire, of which no record of these good works, nor have his biographers been Dr. Sherlock, his maternal uncle, was then rector. Here he able to furnish any memorial of them.

In the year 1692 he was introduced to a new scene of ex

The following is a translation of these words:-Dedicated to ertion, by being appointed domestic chaplain to William earl God, and for the use of the altar of the cathedral church of St. Brid of Derby, and preceptor to his son, James lord Strange, with get of Kildare, by the united devotion of two dear friends, Michael a salary of thirty pounds a year. The earl was the patron of Hewetson and Thomas Wilson: The former a Presbyter and Pre- Dr. Sherlock's living of Winwick, and there can be little bendary of the Cathedral Church of St. Patrick, in Dublin; the latter, doubt that through this circumstance he became acquainted solemnly admitted to the holy order of Deacons on the day of the consecration of this Church, viz, on St. Peter's day, 1686. with the character and capabilities of Mr. Wilson.

In Latham park, then the seat of the earl of Derby, there requires as much Christian courage, conduct and piety, to is an alms-house, consisting of several tenements, with a discharge it faithfully, (where there are so many temptations, chapel annexed, and shortly after the commencement of his and so much need of virtue to overcome them), as any state residence in the earl's family, he was appointed to the master- of life whatever; and, therefore, it often happens that such as ship of that charitable institution, which produced to him seek or accept that charge in hopes of preferment, do find a twenty pounds a year. necessity of quitting either those hopes or a good conscience." And it is probable that his own conduct on this occasion was influenced by his recollection of the example of his uncle, who was once placed in a similar situation, as is related in the following manner:

The ineinorandum in which he declares his intention of increasing the proportion of his income devoted to pious uses, in consequence of this addition to his means, will not be read without interest.

"Memorandum.-Easter-day, 1693. It having pleased God, Dr. Sherlock's patron, sir Robert Bindlosse, "had a just of his mere bounty and goodness, to bless me with a temporal esteem for the church and her ministers, both at that time income far above my hopes or deserts, and I having hitherto under a cloud: and being every way what they called an acgiven but one tenth part of my income to the poor, I do there- complished gentleman, it was no wonder that very many were fore purpose, and I thank God for putting it into my heart, fond of the honour of conversing with him; which had this that of all the profits which it shall please God to give me, unhappy effect, that it made him in love with company, and and which shall become due to me after the 6th of August many of the evils that attended it; and too many of the family next (after which time I hope to have paid my small debts), followed his example. To make some amends, as they thought, I do purpose to separate the fifth part of all my incomes, as for these liberties, they expressed an uncominon concern for I shall receive them, for pious uses, and particularly for the the interests of the suffering church; not considering that if poor.-T. W." we shall be shut out of heaven for our sins, it will be no great comfort to us what church we were members of on earth.

“August, 1693.—The God that gave me a will to make this solemn purpose, has given me grace not to repent of it, and he will give me grace to my life's end. Amen."

"The chaplain saw this with grief, and therefore, after general discourses and intimations that had little or no effect, During his residence in lord Derby's family, which con- he applied to his patron more closely, and in a letter he wrote tinued for about six years, a few incidents occurred which to him laid down his and the vices of the family, in terms demonstrate his soundness of principle and simple-minded- so home and serious, and yet so manly, that one could not ness, and clearly show what spirit he was of. imagine a mind so void of goodness as to be offended with

When lord Derby offered him the valuable living of Bad- his holy freedom. He desired him to consider what injury desworth in Yorkshire, making it a condition that he should he did to the distressed church for which he always expresscontinue with him as chaplain and tutor to his son, he refused ed so commendable a zeal. He intimated to him that this to accept it, as being inconsistent with "the resolves of his was both the cause of her sufferings, and that which made conscience against non-residence." He also refused to hold her the scorn of her enemies; that her friends did her more the living of Grappenhall in Cheshire, during the minority of dishonour than her enemies could do her hurt, so that she Mr. Boardman, then an infant, as being contrary to another of his resolves.

may truly say in the words of Zachariah, xiii. 6, These are the wounds I received in the house of my friends!' He assured him, that for his own part, he durst not seem to countenance such criminal liberties, lest the enemy should say that the ordinances of the Gospel were profaned with the consent of her ministers. And then, forgetting, or rather despising his own interests, the uncertainty of the times, and all the expectations he might have from a person of so good an His conduct on one occasion towards lord Derby, in a case interest in the world, he earnestly pressed either to be harkenof considerable delicacy, and one in which he risked his pre-ed to in this matter, or to be immediately discharged from his sent comfortable situation and all his expectations, shows him office.

The reflections on his recovery from a dangerous illness, in 1693, and the resolutions to walk more watchfully for the future, betoken a full understanding of the purposes and advantages of the afflictions which God sends upon the children of men, and a desire neither to despise the chastenings of the Lord, nor to faint when rebuked of Him.

made.

to have been actuated by no other feeling than that it was his "His patron was so far from being offened with this first duty to do good, when it seemed to be in the power of his liberty of his faithful chaplain, that he heard him with subhand to do it. His noble patron was very much involved in mission, knowing well whose ambassador he was; and ever debt, through extravagance and carelessness; and Mr. Wilson, after honoured him as his friend." trusting that God, who had favoured him up to that period of The prayer which Mr. Wilson constantly offered up in his life, would still " give a blessing upon his honest endeav- private for the family, has been preserved in the memoours," and sure that even if he were thrown upon the world, randum book, from which other extracts have been already he should "have the glory and satisfaction of having done a great good work," resolved to seek an interview with lord But little is known of the character and disposition of lord Derby on the subject. After a short conversation he left the Strange, or of his progress while under the care of Mr. Wilroom, placing in his lordship's hand a letter, which began as son. His tutor's desire was, "to instruct him in all the ways follows: of religion, piety, and honour," that he might be "useful to "MY LORD,-Nothing but a sense of duty and gratitude the world, and that his station and power might be beneficial could have put me upon taking such a liberty as this, but to mankind." One little anecdote only has been preserved because I have reason to believe it concerns your lordship, I concerning him. One day, as lord Strange was going to set can willingly hazard all the future favours your lordship de- his name to a paper which he had not read, Mr. Wilson signs me, rather than be unconcerned and silent in a matter dropped some burning sealing-wax on his finger: the sudden of this moment, though I have no reason to fear such a con- pain made him very angry; but his tutor soon pacified him sequence." The letter proceeded to declare that dishonour by observing, that he did it in order to impress a lasting rewas done to the noble family, and ruin brought upon many membrance on his mind never to sign or seal any paper which worthy persons by the irregularity of the payments; and con- he had not first attentively examined. Lord Strange died at cludes by saying, that none but a faithful servant would Venice in 1699, the year after the removal of Mr. Wilson to expose himself to the consequences of speaking with such another sphere of action. boldness, and therefore that in this character, as well as that

Had George Herbert lived a little after this period, we of a dutiful chaplain, he presumed to subscribe himself. This might have supposed that the example of this excellent man letter bears the date of October 22, 1696. suggested the following remarks, extracted from the second The result was equally honourable and satisfactory to both chapter of his Country Parson. "Let not chaplains think parties. The earl saw at once that nothing but the best mo- themselves so free as many of them do, and because they have tives could have induced his chaplain to take this step, and different names think their office different. Doubtless they was equally convinced that there was much need for reforma- are parsons of the families they live in, and are entertained tion; and to effect this desirable object, he applied immedi- to that end, either by an open or implied covenant. Before ately for the advice and assistance of Mr. Wilson, and thus in they are in orders, they may be received for companions or a short time removed the cloud which obscured his reputation, discoursers; but after a man is once minister, he cannot agree and relieved the distresses of those whom his extravagance to come into any house where he shall not exercise what he was ruining. is, unless he forsake his plough and look back. Wherefore

A few remarks which Mr. Wilson made in his Life of Dr. they are not to be over-submissive and base, but to keep up Sherlock, show that he was fully alive to the responsibilities with the lord and lady of the house, and to preserve a boldand difficulties belonging to the situation which he now held. ness with them and all, even so far as reproof to their very "The office of a chaplain," he says, "is an employment that face, when occasion calls, but seasonably and discreetly.

[ocr errors]

They who do not thus, while they remember their earthly lord,Į Bless, O Lord, thy holy church, and particularly this do much forget their heavenly: they wrong the priesthood, part of it, where thou hast made me an overseer and guide. neglect their duty, and shall be so far from that which they O, my great master, let me not satisfy myself in building seek, with their over-submissiveness and cringing, that they and beautifying the places dedicated to thy honour, but assist shall ever be despised. They who, for the hope of promotion, me by thy Holy Spirit, that I may use my utmost endeaneglect any necessary admonition or reproof, sell, with Judas, vours to make every one of these people living temples of the their Lord and Master." living God, that they may believe in Thee, the chief corner

The year 1697 was the last in which he was to reside stone; and that by this faith, both they and I may at last with the family of the earl of Derby, for early in the follow-come to worship Thee in heaven, and to give Thee praise ing year he was appointed to the bishopric of Sodor and and glory for all thy mercies bestowed upon us; for Thou art Man. worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power, for The circumstances attending this appointment were singu-Thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are, and lar and characteristic. The nomination to the see was vest-were created."

ed in his patron, the earl of Derby, subject to the approbation His official residence, Bishop's-court, was at this time in a of the king; and it had been suffered to continue vacant from very dilapidated state; owing, in part, to its having continued the death of Dr. Baptiste Levinz in 1693. After a lapse of without an inhabitant for eight years; he was therefore oblig four years, the earl offered the bishopric to his chaplain, who ed to rebuild the dwelling-house, and almost all the offices, declined it, alleging that he was unequal to so great a charge, from the ground. The expense of these and other necessary as well as unworthy of it. Thus the matter rested till Dr. improvements amounted to fourteen hundred pounds; a heavy Sharp, archbishop of York, complained to king William that outlay, when we consider that the money-payments of his a bishop was wanting in his province, to fill the see of Man. bishopric did not exceed three hundred pounds a-year. One The king was thus induced to send for the earl of Derby, only regret seems to have possessed his mind with regard to who was then master of the horse, and urged the necessity this large expenditure; "It having pleased God," he says, of immediately nominating a bishop; upon which the earl" to bring me to the bishopric of Man, I find the house in again pressed the preferment on Mr. Wilson who (to use his ruins, which obliges me to interrupt my charity to the poor own expression) was thus "forced into the bishopric." On in some measure."

the 15th of January 1697-8, he, being first created doctor of It was also soon after his appointment that the earl of Der laws by the archbishop of Canterbury, was confirmed bishop by again offered to him the living of Baddesworth, to hold in of Man, at Bow church, by Dr. Oxenden, dean of the Arches: commendam. For this new proof of his noble patron's regard and the next day he was consecrated at the Savoy church by he was duly thankful, but as he still felt the propriety of the archbishop Sharp, assisted by the bishops of Chester and resolutions which he had made at an early period of his minNorwich. istry, he declined accepting the offer. In this instance, as

We have now arrived at a period in this good man's life well as in his conduct on many other occasions, he presented when he begins to be better known. And as his name is in a noble example of a strict adherence to the dictates of his no way connected with the politics of the day, or with public conscience, and showed that he would not allow his worldly events, we may be permitted, instead of following the order interest to give a fair appearance to what he really believed of dates, to bring together in each of the succeeding chapters to be wrong.

such little notices as show his temper and spirit in some dis- In order to our forming a right judgment of his conduct as tinct point of view; and we hope that they will combine to a governor of the church, it is requisite that we should be present an eminent and engaging example of one who, in acquainted with a few particulars relative to the scene of his the direction of his life, endeavoured by prayer, watchful- exertions. ness, and diligence, to keep a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man. His discharge of the duties of the episcopal office may naturally claim our first attention.

The Isle of Man is situated in the Irish sea, and nearly at an equal distance from the English and Irish coasts, in latitude between fifty-four and fifty-five degrees north, and longitude about five degrees west. It is about thirty miles in length, varies from eight to twelve miles in breadth, and is about eighty miles in circumference. We should form a very erroneous idea of the place and the people of whom bishop Wilson had the spiritual charge, if we were to judge by their present condition. The towns are handsome and extensive; large sums have been expended, (particularly since the commencement of the present century,) in erecting churches, chapels, a college, schools, places of public amusement, hotels and boarding-houses, markets, piers, and light-houses. Ele"A bishop is a pastor set over other pastors. They were to ordain gant mansions and tasteful villas are scattered throughout the elders. They might receive an accusation against an elder. They island, a considerable number of English families have setwere to charge them to preach such and such doctrines; to stop tled there, and the society differs in no respect from that of the mouths of deceivers; to set in order the things that were wanting."

CHAPTER II.

Ilis Conduct as a Bishop.

BISHOP WILSON's Sacra Privata.

our larger island. By the last census the population appears to be 41,000. Some soldiers of the British army are always quartered there. Manufactories of paper, cloth, linen, and other commodities, are in full work; and the number of ships belonging to the island in 1829, was 217, of the aggregate burden of 5714 tons.

Such was bishop Wilson's opinion of the nature of that high office in the church of Christ with which he was now invested; and as far as we can judge from the memorials of In all these particulars the Isle of Man has undergone a rehis life which have been preserved, he endeavoured, by the markable change since the days of bishop Wilson. When grace of God, to discharge its duties faithfully to the end of he was appointed to the see, the population did not exceed his days. And happy indeed was that island in being the 15.000. In the time of Bede, that is, in the eighth century, object of his paternal care. At the age of thirty-four he was it had not amounted to more than 2,000. In the early part of enthroned in the cathedral of St. Germain, on the 11th of the bishop's residence there, the island was frequented by April 1698, six days after his landing in the island. very few strangers; the higher classes of the inhabitants con

His devotional exercises on this occasion indicate a heart sisted of those who held the soil under the lord of the island; fully sensible of the goodness of God manifested in his ele- the poor were employed in agriculture and fishing, living vation, and a desire that it might not be bestowed upon him chiefly upon oat-cake and salted herrings, and dwelling in in vain. He confesses his unworthiness of the great favours cottages built of sods, often without a window, and with an he received; beseeches guidance and a blessing upon himself aperture in the roof for the passage of the smoke. Indeed, and his charge; seeks protection from the temptations which habitations of this sort are still to be seen in the more retired may be peculiar to his new condition; and particularly asks, parts of the island. that if affliction be required for his correction, it may not be withheld.

The social state of the people at that period was probably somewhat like the present condition of the Waldenses, or of A few months after, on the occasion of his laying the foun- the flock of Oberlin in the Ban de la Roche, both of which dation-stone of a new chapel, to be built at his own expense, have recently been made so well known to us by numerous he writes in his memorandum-book the following prayer, ex-publications. Indeed, not only did the bishop exercise his pressive of the same sense of the obligations that were upon ministry in a sphere similar to that of Oberlin, but he was him, and the same desire to fulfil them. also a man of the same spirit. Both were holy, zealous, dis

interested; both were distinguished for simplicity, integrity, Bishop Wilson saw that under particular circumstances and sweetness of temper; both were ardently loved and highly such discipline would only tend to irritate and harden offendrevered; and both diligently helped forward a poor, simple, ers, or to drive them to some other communion; he acknowand unlettered people on their way to heaven. ledged that it could not be maintained in England, "by reason

The Manksmen are represented as being then contented of the schisms and heresies which abounded there." But he and happy; and so honest that theft was unknown amongst felt that no such impediment existed within his own diocese; them. Their laws were for the most part nothing more than he hoped that the measures pursued by the church would unwritten principles of equity, and bore the significant name produce that godly sorrow which worketh true repentance, of Breast-laws; and bishop Wilson says, in his History of and in this hope he possessed the sympathies of those who the Isle of Man, which was written after the year 1739, that were anxious for the moral and religious well-being of their is, full forty years after his arrival there, that "it is but of native island. As for himself, there could be no doubt of his late years that attorneys, and such as gain by strife, have ever exercising authority with paternal mildness. So pious, kind, forced themselves into business; and except what these get and meek a pastor would never rule his sheep in a spirit of out of the people, lawsuits are determined without much severity; and even if other evidence were wanting, we might charges." He also expresses his opinion of the general cha- find it in the love with which the people regarded their bishop, racter of the people in the following terms:-"The natives and which proved that he dealt with them tenderly and kindly. are in general an orderly, civil, and peaceable people, well- We may perhaps connect his views of church government instructed in the duties of christianity as professed in the with his recollections of Dr. Sherlock, his respected relative. church of England, more constant in their attendance on the That good man, by his pious exertions, had made his parish public worship of God, and behaving with more seriousness a pattern to all around; and while he was singularly humble and decency, than in many other places where there are bet- and devout, he was also bold in rebuking vice, and by the ter opportunities of instruction." exercise, in extreme cases, of ecclesiastical discipline, kept

"The inhabitants have a great many good qualities; they his people free from gross evils and abuses.

are generally very charitable to the poor, and hospitable to Lord Chancellor King commended very highly bishop strangers; especially in the country, where the people, if a Wilson's Constitutions, and observed, that "if the ancient disstranger come to their houses, would think it an unpardonable cipline of the church were lost, it might be found in all its crime not to give him a share of the best they have them- purity in the Isle of Man."

selves to eat or drink. They have a significant proverb But bishop Wilson considered an united and zealous body (which generally shows the genius of a people), to this pur- of faithful ministers as the best means, by the blessing and port, When one poor man relieves another, God himself re-grace of God, of diffusing holiness and sound religious prinjoices at it.'" ciples. Lamenting, in one of his charges, the vices and cor

6

Such was the flock of which bishop Wilson found himself ruptions which were creeping into this once "quiet little nathe pastor and patriarch. And considering, as he did, that tion," he says, "the most effectual way to prevent this will he was appointed to watch over their souls, and that he was be, for all of us, that are appointed to watch over the flock of bound by the most sacred ties to use all diligence in building Christ, to employ our thoughts, our zeal, and our time, in prothem up in their most holy faith, and to preserve them from moting of true piety; in labouring to make men good; and the infection of corrupt doctrine and evil practice, he betook in converting sinners from the error of their ways, that we himself at once to serious inquiry as to the most likely means may preserve the power, as well as the form of godliness." of discharging this duty efficiently. After mature delibera- He therefore encouraged his clergy in all their labours, and tion, he came to the conclusion that the primitive church had led them on to cultivate the Lord's vineyard with renewed exercised a wholesome discipline, warranted by holy Scrip- diligence and care. From the first, his conduct towards them ture, for the warning of heedless persons to walk more warily, presents an example which it is more easy to admire than to and for the punishment of evil-doers; and he wished that the equal. The kindness and gentleness for which he ever prayed church over which he presided might be regulated, as nearly were tempered by a sense of duty in the discharge, according as possible, according to that model. Such a discipline ap- to his ability, of the functions of his responsible office. He peared more likely to be useful and efficacious, since all the had a watchful eye, and a firm hand when it was needful, but inhabitants of the island at that time belonged professedly to his great desire was to be loved rather than feared, to be conone church, and therefore an offender who might be separated sidered as in all things their equal except in the exercise of from the congregation would be the more likely to be brought his duty as a bishop; he wished rather to be thought of as the to repentance by that punishment, because there was no other cheerful adviser and faithful counsellor, than as the officer inChristian communion with which he could take refuge. vested with power. Bishop Wilson found some ancient laws in the island which "His affection for his clergy," says Mr. Stowell, "was had been framed for this very purpose; and all that he now strong and uniform. He was attentive to all their wants, saw occasion to do, was to revise and arrange them, and to and laboured incessantly to advance their temporal, spiritual, adapt them to the present condition of the church of Christ. and eternal interests. He regarded their exigencies as his This was put into execution in the year 1703, when certain own, and was watchful to supply them as far as was in his Ecclesiastical Constitutions were at his suggestion adopted by power. He made additions to their glebes, contributed to a full convocation of the clergy; and all the official persons the repairs and improvements of their houses, and increased in the island, including the lord, subscribed the same, in to- their comforts in a variety of ways. There are few, even of ken that they "found them very reasonable, just, and neces- the present race of clergy, who do not feel the effects of sary." bishop Wilson's benefactions. Many of the conveniences The preamble of this document clearly shows the design which they enjoy are the fruits of his beneficence, and part with which it was drawn up. It is as follows:-"In the of the bread which they eat is raised from ground purchased name of our great Lord and Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, by his liberality. He maintained a constant intercourse with and to the glory and increase of his kingdom amongst men; his clergy," and took great pleasure in contemplating the We, the bishop, archdeacon, vicars-general, and clergy of the unanimity which prevailed amongst them, declaring, in one Isle, who do subscribe these articles,-that we may not stand of his addresses to them, how happy he was in the love and charged with the scandals which wicked men bring upon obedience of all his clergy, and that he had lived with them religion, while they are admitted to, and reputed members of, in perfect love and unity for more than three-and-twenty Christ's church; and that we may, by all laudable means, years, and had their interest at heart as much as his own. promote the conversion of sinners, and oblige men to submit" He encouraged them to apply to him in every difficulty, he to the discipline of the gospel; and lastly, that we may pro-assisted them in the prosecution of their studies, he animated vide for the instruction of the growing age in Christian learn- them to more vigorous efforts in their ministry, he sympaing and good manners;-have formed these following consti-thized with them in distress, and took a hearty concern in all tutions, which we oblige ourselves (by God's help) to ob- their affairs. The elder clergy he treated as his brethren, serve; and to endeavour that all others within our several the younger as his children. He considered all of them, in cures shall comply with the same." a great measure, as members of his family, and received them

The constitutions, thus prefaced, were in many respects under his hospitable roof with the most affectionate welcome. well calculated to repress vice; they would have been free They frequently spent days and weeks at his house, and from all exception if they had not authorised the use of tem- always returned to their own homes happier, wiser, and poral restraints for the purpose of enforcing the observance of better. In all their distresses, whether personal or professreligious duties. They appear however to have been attended ional, whether of a private or public nature, they were sure with good in that little society, impeding the growth of evil, to meet with the best counsels and the sweetest consolations and restoring the straying sheep to right paths. at Bishop's-court. Even in the most delicate circumstances

VOL. II.-3 L

« PreviousContinue »