BISHOP LIGHTFOOT.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."]
Sin,—I have read, in common with a large number of Church- men, your interesting and truthful articles on the late Bishop of Durham. It is curious to observe how great was the similarity of character, thought, and conduct of life in Bishop Butler and Bishop Lightfoot. Their extensive learning and originality were only equalled by their humility and self- denial. The appointment of Canon Liddon to the Bishopric of Durham would exalt the Church of England to a position hitherto unobtained, and more than satisfy the clergy of Great Britain. The Evangelical, or what is termed the " Low- Church " clergy, are candid in their expression concerning the merits of Canon Liddon. It was my lot some years since to be personally acquainted with an eminent Evangelical clergy- man, and I may add that I was a member of his congregation. On my congratulating him on his well-deserved popularity, he replied to my remarks in these words :—" I do not alto- gether agree with Canon Liddon's Church views, but I can say with truth that I have learned more from his discourses on. the divinity of our Saviour than from any work on the same subject published in England or Germany. In my opinion he is the greatest of living preachers, and as a teacher of divinity he is without a rival." Canon Liddon's moral courage is superb, for where shall we find another divine of this century who equals him in denouncing the favourite vices and weaknesses of the present day P—I am, Sir, &c.,
Previous page
