york00orns

Wilfrid's character. 83
version of Northumbria was undoubtedly due. To
Rome, therefore, he conscientiously believed reference
should be made, as to a venerated mother, in all
doubtful cases and all disputed points. Who shall
blame him ? That he had grave faults of temper and
disposition is indubitable. He was tenacious and
unyielding, arrogant, perchance, at times, and hottempered
;
for great though he were, he yet was mortal.
We may admit all these faults of character ; but surely
much may be condoned when we watch the employments
of his different periods of exile, his earnest zeal
for the conversion of the simple-hearted Frisians and
the rude and unim[)ressiljle South Saxons, and his
manumission of the bondsmen at Selsey. Much
may be forgiven to the man who thought no toil too
great if he could carry the ministrations of religion
throughout his vast diocese, and provide for their
permanent exercise amongst its inhabitants. His
faults were those of an ardent, eager, and impetuous
temperament, conscious of its own rectitude of purpose,
confident in its own powers. His excellencies
were the fruit of a life of prayer, and of a stern selfdiscipline.
G 2