Untitled - Electric Scotland

192 LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP TAIT [CH. ix.
placed under the management
sioners.
"
of the Ecclesiastical Commis
If. as I hope, you should be willing to accept the offer, you
will perhaps have the goodness to place yourself without delay
in communication with the present Bishop with a view to settle
with him such arrangements as may be necessary for the transfer
of the duties of the Diocese. I am, my dear Sir, yours faith
fully,
Diary.
PALMERSTON."
"
Wednesday^ Sept. i7///,i856. I have this morning received
a letter from Lord Palmerston saying that he has the Queen s
command to offer me the See of London. I am now (n A.M.)
about to take an hour of prayer. The subjects on which to
pray are these- -That I may not act rashly, seeing that I have
no doubt of accepting the offer That I may have the grace of
the Holy Spirit of God abundantly poured down upon me
during the time of my holding this office That I may be kept
from worldliness in every form- -That I may have a single eye
to the glory of God and the good of His Church That I may
have such health as is requisite for so great a post.
"O Lord! grant that thy Church may take no injury through
my fault. Give me vigilance over myself first, next over others.
Enable me to arrange my days and all my time so as to have
ample time for prayer and the study of Thy Word. Give me
wisdom give me holiness give me strength of mind and body
-give me kind consideration for the feelings of all around me
-give me boldness give me decision. This is certainly not
the post which I should ever have dreamed of for myself. The
preparation which Thou hast given me for it has been deep
affliction. May the memory of these afflictions help to sanctify
my heart . . . May I undertake this office in the spirit of a
missionary. Soon I shall be called to give account. Teach me
to live
Amen.
in simplicity and in Thy fear, through Jesus Christ.
"
I think I am not rash in accepting it, God knows I have
not sought it. I trust to use it while life lasts for God s glory,
and to go about my work simply
in God s faith and fear . . .
As in God s sight I accept it, praying to Him heartily to help
me in all my ways."