Bishop B. was of respectable though humble origin, but was distinguished, at a very early period, both for his love of learning, and his success in the pursuit of it.
His accomplishments, added to his most truly irreproachable conduct, soon recommended him to his superiors. Few names stood higher in the estimation of scholars, and he was also classed among the ablest and most zealous vindicators of our Church establishment, at a perilous period, when it was in danger of being undermined by false brethren from within, as well as threatened by formidable enemies from without. His promotion was of course hailed by all, as an auspicious omen of the intention of the Minister, to render the Episcopal Bench venerable for its piety, admired for its talents, and respected for its erudition.
How Bishop B. has borne and exercised his faculties, has been sufficiently observable. Upon this subject there is neither occasion or opportunity here to expatiate. It is enough to be able to appeal to his exemplary conduct in his diocese, which, from conscientious motives, he has again and again refused to exchange for more lucrative situations, as well as to numerous publications alike remarkable for their learning and their piety.
The next Episcopal character who appears to merit a distinguished place among the more successful adventurers in life, is one who did not obtain this high station from his abilities, though of a superior kind, nor from his literary productions, though of these there are many in existence. He obtained his promotion from the friendship of a Minister, discerning, cautious, accurate, and above all, strictly tenacious of the characters of those whom he distinguished, and most strenuously resolute in enforcing the rigid performance of all clerical duties, by whom of course, his virtues must have been known, and his merits approved.
The appointment did certainly at first, excite some degree of surprize. The venerable Bishop of Landaff, on being informed of the event, was with difficulty prevailed upon to believe it; but perhaps there was an old grudge, which on this occasion darted like a spectre on his recollection. There is, however, neither the intention nor the desire to discuss in this place either the merit of the receiver, or the sagacity of the giver, of these honours; leave therefore is respectfully taken of them both, with the simple remark, that Bishop ⸺ was certainly very, very fortunate.
The elevation of those to the higher offices of the church, who have been employed for a series of years in superintending the education of the sons of our nobility, is honourable to all parties concerned, and excites neither envy nor surprize. It implies on one side a consistent, vigilant, and unvaried attention to the duties imposed and undertaken, and on the other, a correspondent sense of services received, an acknowledgment of merit, and a determination to reward it.
Many are the amiable and excellent individuals who, by pursuing this path, have arrived at the most exalted honours of the profession, which they have subsequently adorned by their virtues.
Nevertheless, whoever they may be, or may have been, all who have thus risen to greatness, may, with the strictest propriety, be denominated fortunate. Patrons sometimes either pay the tribute of mortality, or lose their political influence, which in our country often changes hands, before the opportunity presents itself, of rewarding the virtues they have tried and approved. Differences of opinion may also eventually arise, some “lis de tribus capellis” may intervene, abruptly to dissolve connections, which in their origin afforded the strongest presumptions of hope and advantage.
The persons of the description to which the above remarks allude, were the bishops of E. and L. the first of whom owed his elevation to the noble family of R. and the latter to that of A.