Untitled - Electric Scotland

1857-59] EXETER HALL SERVICES 257
with the support of Bishop Tait. In the course of these
discussions Bishop Tait had occasion to refer, very fully,
to the Exeter Hall services, and, unpopular as they were
among most of his hearers, he gave them his unstinted
commendation.
" He
should be sorry," he said,
"
if any expression which
had fallen from his lips could be construed into a charge against
Mr. Edouart. That clergyman had acted most conscientiously,
and he (the Bishop of London) should deeply regret
it if he were
held up to opprobrium. When, however, so great a movement
as this which he, as the Bishop of the diocese, esteemed to be
one of the best works that had been undertaken since he entered
upon his office was stopped by a single incumbent, he did feel
that the gentleman who had put his veto upon it did not exer
cise a sound discretion. He desired to thank the noble Earl
(Lord Shaftesbury) and those who had acted with him for the
good work which had been done, and he was happy to think that
there was a prospect, a near prospect, that the example which
had been so worthily set by these by
gentlemen would be followed
our great cathedrals. He rejoiced to be able to announce
that Westminster Abbey would be open for Divine service on the
evening of the 3d of January, and he could express no better
wish for the services to be conducted there and in St. Paul s
Cathedral than that they might be attended by as great and
hearty a body of worshippers as were found at the services in
Exeter Hall. Even although the cathedrals should be thrown
open, there would still be room for other services, and he hoped
that so long as he occupied a position of responsibility he should
encourage every good work, whether it was carried on in a
cathedral or elsewhere." 1
With the Bishop of London s recommendation, the
Bishops Bill passed through the House of Lords ; but it
\vas withdrawn in the Commons, and in the meantime
Lord Shaftesbury and his friends recommenced the Exeter
Hall services, having been advised that by avoiding the
use of liturgical forms, they would deprive Mr. Edouart of
1
Uamard, Dec. 8, 1857, pp. 343-344-
VOL. I. R