human
I suppose our bishops are sincere in their beliefs,
gpt
I'm sure I hope so. I have no possible reason to doubt it as to the two or three whom I have seen,--nor indeed as to all the rest whom I have not seen.
human
They are so much respected everywhere as good and pious men!
gpt
I do not doubt it. Nothing tends so much to respect as a good income. But they may be excellent men without being excellent bishops. I find no fault with them, but much with the system by which they are controlled. Is it probable that a man should be fitted to select guides for other men's souls because he has succeeded by infinite labour in his vocation in becoming the leader of a majority in the House of Commons?
human
Indeed, no,
gpt
And when you've got your bishop, is it likely that a man should be able to do his duty in that capacity who has no power of his own to decide whether a clergyman under him is or is not fit for his duty?
human
Hardly, indeed.
gpt
The English people, or some of them,--that some being the richest, and, at present, the most powerful,--like to play at having a Church, though there is not sufficient faith in them to submit to the control of a Church.
human
Do you think men should be controlled by clergymen, Mr. Barham?
gpt
In matters of faith I do; and so, I suppose, do you; at least you make that profession. You declare it to be your duty to submit yourself to your spiritual pastors and masters.
human
That, I thought, was for children, said Lady Carbury.
gpt
The clergyman, in the catechism, says, 'My good child.'
human
It is what you were taught as a child before you had made profession of your faith to a bishop, in order that you might know your duty when you had ceased to be a child. I quite agree, however, that the matter, as viewed by your Church, is childish altogether, and intended only for children. As a rule, adults with you want no religion.
gpt
I am afraid that is true of a great many.
human
It is marvellous to me that, when a man thinks of it, he should not be driven by very fear to the comforts of a safer faith,--unless, indeed, he enjoy the security of absolute infidelity.
gpt
That is worse than anything,
human
I don't know that it is worse than a belief which is no belief, said the priest with energy;--
gpt
That is very bad,
human
We're getting too deep, I think,
gpt
I think it is so pleasant to have a little serious conversation on Sunday evening,