And even in the
parish church the frigid spell of Erastian self-complacency
fatally prevailed. A scanty congregation gathered together
for form, and as much influenced by party as higher
sentiments. Going to church was held more genteel than going
to meeting. The principal tradesmen of the neighbouring great
houses deemed it more "aristocratic;" using a favourite and
hackneyed epithet which only expressed their own servility.
About the time the Church Commission issued, the congregation
of Mowbray was approaching zero. There was an idea afloat for
a time of making it the seat of a new bishopric; the cathedral
was ready; another instance of the influence of fine art. But
there was no residence for the projected prelate, and a
jobbing bishop on the commission was afraid that he might have
to contribute to building one. So the idea died away; and the
living having become vacant at this moment, instead of a
bishop, Mowbray received a humble vicar in the shape of Aubrey
St Lys, who came among a hundred thousand heathens to preach
"the Unknown God."
Book 2 Chapter 12
"And how do you find the people about you, Marney?" said Lord
de Mowbray seating himself on a sofa by his guest.
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