One of the reasons urged for
the destruction of the monasteries after the dispersion of
their inhabitants, was the pernicious influence of their
solemn and stately forms on the memories and imagination of
those that beheld them. It was impossible to connect
systematic crime with the creators of such divine fabrics.
And so it was with Mowbray Church. When manufactures were
introduced into this district, which abounded with all the
qualities which were necessary for their successful pursuit,
Mowbray offering equal though not superior advantages to other
positions, was accorded the preference, "because it possessed
such a beautiful church." The lingering genius of the monks
of Mowbray hovered round the spot which they had adorned, and
sanctified, and loved; and thus they had indirectly become the
authors of its present greatness and prosperity.
Unhappily for a long season the vicars of Mowbray had been
little conscious of their mission. An immense population
gathered round the sacred citadel and gradually spread on all
sides of it for miles. But the parish church for a long time
remained the only one at Mowbray when the population of the
town exceeded that of some European capitals.
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