Dr. Wilson, of Ayr, one of the Bishops of the
Scottish Episcopal Church, has been exerting the powers of his office in a very extra- ordinary way,—a way, as unaccountable as it is unusual. The authorities of Glasgow University are in the habit of inviting eminent preachers of all denominations to officiate in the University Chapel. The Bishop of Argyle was thus asked,—upon the sug- gestion (so at least we have heard) of a Free-Kirk Professor, the colleague of the late Dean Mansel in the editing of Sir William Hamilton's works. Of course Dr. Ewing gladly responded to the 'invitation. But Glasgow is in the diocese of Dr. Wilson, who at once interposed his veto. Could anything more paltry be imagined? The motive for the prohibition has not been divulged, but the reason by which it is justified can easily be guessed at. The University Chapel is an unconsecrated building, and Dr. Wilson possibly thinks it would be sacrilegious to worship therein Him whose presence is not confined to "temples made with hands." At least, if this be not the reason, we should fear it was one of a still more paltry or bigoted character. It is not easy to conceive a worthy reason for the prohibition.
Previous page
