york00orns

54 YORK.
arbitrary. It is possible there might be another
reason.
Wilfrid was celebrated for his proficiency in
the Roman law, and it is not improbable that, in part
at least, he owed his unpopularity in England to this
circumstance. It contributed not a little unquestionably
to the undeviating support he received from the
apostolic see. His long delay in returning to York
was a convenient handle for such as had little love
for him, and Oswy was prevailed upon to make
another appointment. Chad, who had succeeded his
brother as Abbot of Lastingham, was suggested. His
fitness was undoubted. He was consecrated by
Wini, Bishop of Winchester, "the only prelate at that
time who had been consecrated according to the
Roman ritual." Wini was assisted in the office by
two British bishops, who adhered to the old practice
as regarded the time of the Paschal feast. Chad's
consecration took place about the beginning of 666,
after which he returned to his diocese, and devoted
himself with singular fidelity to all the duties of his
holy office. He was diligent in the study of Holy
Scripture. He traversed every district in his wide
sphere of labour, visiting the towns and villages, not
omitting the shepherd's hut and the herdsman's
cottage, anxiously desirous that all should have an
opportunity of hearing something concerning the
good news of salvation through Christ their Saviour.
And with apostolic zeal and simplicity his long and
painful journeys on this blessed errand were always
performed on foot.
W'ilfrid, we may well believe, felt no little chagrin
when he found that his see was occupied, especially