In those matters you require capacity. It is only when
you deal with the Church that you throw to the winds all ideas of
fitness. `Sir,' or `Madam,' or perhaps, `my little dear, you are
bound to come to your places in Church and hear me expound the Word
of God because I have paid a heavy sum of money for the privilege
of teaching you, at the moderate salary of 600 pounds a year!'"
Mr. Surtees sat aghast, with his mouth open, and knew not how to
say a word. Doctor Nupper rubbed his red nose. Reginald Morton
attempted some suggestion about the wine which fell wretchedly
flat. John Morton ventured to tell his friend that he did not
understand the subject. "I shall be most happy to be instructed,"
said the Senator.
"Understand it!" said the rector, almost rising in his chair to
rebuke the insolence of his guest--"He understands nothing about
it, and yet he ventures to fall foul with unmeasured terms on an
establishment which has been brought to its present condition by
the fostering care of perhaps the most pious set of divines that
ever lived, and which has produced results with which those of no
other Church can compare!"
"Have I represented anything untruly?" asked the Senator.
"A great deal, sir."
"Only put me right, and no man will recall his words more readily.
Is it not the case that livings in the Church of England can be
bought and sold?"
"The matter is one, Sir," said the rector, "which cannot be
discussed in this manner.
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