James Skinner; A Memoir (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1883 Excerpt: ...OXFORD CHURCH CONGRESS. tact and amazing judgment with which the Bishop of Oxford conducted the proceedings. At one of the evening meetings, Meyrick read a paper on our relations to the Continental Churches. I had sent in my name to speak upon it; but long before it came to my turn, the temper of the meeting had waxed so warm that I foresaw a great row. The Bishop, with most consummate skill, shifted the scene, and passed to another subject which was a much less exciting one. Next morning he said to me, "I hope you were not offended that I did not call on you to speak last night." "No, my lord, not a bit; I saw what was brewing, and I think you did most wisely to pass on to another subject." "Yes," he said, "in that electric condition of the atmosphere, it was not safe to invite a storm, so I omitted to call on you or on any one to say anything...". I will just add, particularly, the order of my day, and you will be amazed at the extent of the grind. Tuesday. Arrived at i p.m. Theatre from 2 to 5.15, without intermission. 5.30 to 6.30. Evensong (choral) in Merton Chapel, a glorious Gregorian service. 6.30 to 8. Dinner and dessert in Merton Hall. Here Mildmay, Lawrell, Beresford Hope, and lots of friends, most jolly. I was so knocked up that I could not go to the "evening" in the townhall; so at 9 o'clock I went to my rooms. Wednesday. Called and up at 6.15. At 7.15 down, and in the vestry of the chapel, which is also the parish church of St. John Baptist in Oxford, and where all the services for the Congress were appointed to be held. Had been invited to assist in the Celebrations. These services were all special, and there was no regular staff of clergy to assist the incumbent of the church, who is a Mr. Se...