“But have you given sufficient thought to those who, for many years, have devoted themselves with single-hearted solicitude to the interests of Christ Church, and who have a right to feel that your duty toward them is at least equal to your duty toward those who have hitherto been strangers to religion?”
Westgate smiled. He felt that the bishop was reaching the vital point in the issue.
“I feel,” replied the rector, “that I have done my full duty to all my people.”
“And you have carefully considered the protests and appeals of those of your parishioners who have not agreed with you?”
“Carefully and prayerfully. I cannot concede what they ask. I cannot yield to their demands without stultifying myself in the eyes of men, and proving false to the trust which God has imposed on me.”
It was plain that his unyielding purpose left no room for compromise. The thing must be fought out. The bishop took up and glanced at the written complaint that had been filed with him.
“You are charged here,” he said, “with having violated the canons of the Church and the rubrics of the prayer-book. What have you to say to that charge?”
“I have not knowingly violated any law of the Church,” was the reply. “I believe in, and I have not failed to preach, every vital doctrine set forth in our articles of religion.”
The bishop turned to Westgate.