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PREFACE
IT was hoped that many of the letters in this volume would have had a place in Mrs. Charles Towle's " Memoir of John Mason Neale," published three years ago ; but the author found that the limitations of one volume forbade their inclusion, and it was then suggested that, if the book met with a favourable reception, it might be followed by a supplementary volume of letters. This idea has met with the warm approval of many of Dr. Neale's old friends and admirers, who, whilst charmed with the " Memoir," have regretted that the subject of it should not oftener speak for himself. Encouraged by this approval, his daughters, whilst conscious of their lack of literary skill, and of the difficulty of selection from so large a number of letters written upon such a variety of subjects, are emboldened to try and com plete in some measure the portrait of their father's character, the outline of which has been drawn by the graceful pen of Mrs. Towle.
It will be seen that the majority of the letters are written to the same correspondent, Benjamin Webb, who was at Trinity with John Mason Neale, and was co-founder with him and Edward Jacob Boyce and others, of the Cambridge Camden (afterwards Ecclesiological) Society. This corre spondence, begun in Cambridge days, continued almost daily for a great many years — years which include the memorable 1845, when Newman's secession had shaken severely, and, as many thought, fatally, the Catholic revival in the Church of England. The letters shewing the sad tale of daily secession, and consequent loss of friends, are intensely interesting, and though it may be said that more than enough has already been published on the ancient history
vi PREFACE
of the Oxford Movement, yet these letters, telling of Cam bridge losses and Cambridge steadfastness of faith, may per haps strike with fresh interest those who are accustomed to associate the Catholic revival with Oxford, and Oxford only.
Some of Mr. Webb's letters are, by the permission of his family, included. The correspondence shews how strong was J. M. Neale's faith in the Church of his baptism, how invincible his hope in her restoration — a faith and hope daily increased by his study of Church history, and perhaps by his growing experience of the Roman Church of the day. It is probable that, accustomed as he was to attend her services regularly and devoutly during the three winters he spent in Madeira, he knew, better than many of his friends in England, both her strength and her weakness. He seems to have felt all through his life that to the Church of England, attacked as she was not only from all sides but also from within, had been entrusted the most difficult, and therefore the most honourable, post in the battlefield of the Catholic Church Militant. Seceders, therefore, he speaks of severely as deserters ; secession as sin ; and many a weak and wavering combatant was strengthened and kept steadfast by his faith and his firm antagonism to Rome.1
" We may be sure of this : if England ever becomes a Catholic country, it will be by the Church of England, not by that of Rome." So he writes in a sermon on Secession ; and again, " England's Church is Catholic, though Eng land's self be not."
It is well to insist upon this, because his hatred of Protestantism may be misleading to the superficial reader of his books. In his letters the word "catholic" is used for all that is beautiful and venerable ; " protestant," for all that is mean and unworthy. Thus he stigmatizes, some what quaintly, the undignified behaviour of some Portuguese nuns as " protestant," whilst a beautiful oak wood is described as " catholic."
Yet this dislike of Protestantism was compatible with a
1 See also " Secession " in " Sermons preached in a Religious House," vol. i.
PREFACE vn
very friendly intercourse with Nonconformists. Thus some of the principal members of his Carol choir were un doubtedly Nonconformists, one of whom, in speaking of the Low Church vicar of the parish, said, " If I were a Churchman at all, I would rather be Mr. Neale's sort than his : " strong praise in a place and at a time when prejudice was strong, and " No Popery " a very frequent cry. And, as has been very truly said, " His charity knew no distinc tion of creeds." Amongst the earliest recipients of his aid at East Grinstead was an Independent minister, whom he frequently visited and -cheered during a lingering illness. Another, a Presbyterian, used frequently to resort to him for the loan of books, and for conversation on topics of interest. This minister had the courage to stand forth as his defender in a Dissenting paper in 1857, the time of his greatest unpopularity. Nor in his conversation with Non conformists is it likely that controversial subjects were uppermost, for in his directions to the Sisters of S. Mar garet's he says, " You who have to do with the poor, this I would always advise you : talk as little of doctrinal points as you can." And, after mentioning one of his exceptions to this rule, he adds, " Not even that in the last stage of disease ; then speak only of our dear LORD, and leave the rest to Him, who is so infinitely more merciful to us than we are to each other."
In reading his letters it must ever be borne in mind that they were written to a very intimate friend, are expressed strongly, sometimes impulsively, and without any view to publication. John Mason Neale was not a " polite " letter writer, and his apology for Froude's letters (see p. 20) gives the aspect in which his own should be regarded, and the way in which his judgments are to be interpreted. The outspoken nature of some of these can hurt no one's feel ings now, for sixty years and more have passed away ; and to alter, omit, or soften down, anything that may seem harsh, would be spoiling the truth of the portrait. And as regards style, it will be noticed that the orthography of certain words, such as « pue," " catholick," " heretick ," etc., is not consistent throughout, sometimes the older, sometimes the
a 2
viii PREFACE
more modern, form being given. The variation seems to mark a transitional period
Keeping in mind the versatility of Dr. Neale's gifts, and the multiplicity of his interests, I have thought it well to include in this volume letters bearing upon subjects very widely removed from each other, but on each of which he writes with as much earnestness and acumen as if it were the one object of his work. It may be that too much space has been devoted to some of these subjects, too little to others. Where there are so many to choose from it is difficult to keep a right balance. In making a selection the fact was kept in mind, that, whilst the study of architecture and ecclesiology has made immense strides since the early Cam bridge Camden days, yet the efforts of the Society should never be forgotten. The good seed sown by its members has borne such vigorous and manifold fruit, that nearly every English county, either singly or combined with others, has now its local Archaeological and Antiquarian Society, whose " Transactions " witness to the energy of the many workers who are pressing into the fields to which Dr. Neale shewed the way. And though countless beautiful and valuable volumes have been issued since his time, dealing with the architecture of the cathedrals and churches, both at home and abroad, yet nothing has superseded, for the practical student, the usefulness of the carefully prepared and exhaustive scheme for " taking " churches, set forth by the C.C.S., and reprinted in Appendix III. of Mrs. Towle's " Memoir."
Similarly in Liturgiology, his sound and valuable pioneer work will ever be held in honour by all who care for this fascinating study. His soul would rejoice to witness the outcome of those endeavours, as evidenced by the existence and prosperity of the many ecclesiological societies of the present day. The arrangements adopted by him for the worship in Sackville College Chapel, which seemed to people of his day fanciful and excessive, are now generally considered the minimum equipments required by decency in every ordinary village church in the land. In these, as well as in his two greatest literary works, the " History of
PREFACE IX
the Holy Eastern Church " and the " Commentary on the Psalms," both unfinished at the time of his death, his labours may be regarded as pioneer work ; these studies having indeed progressed during the last forty-three years.
But, — setting aside for the 'moment that abiding and visible monument of him, the Sisterhood of S. Margaret's, — there remain two provinces in which his influence is pre eminent amongst that exerted by any of the leaders of the Catholic Revival — two branches of literary church work in which he is not yet superseded ; these are, Hymnology, and the teaching of Church History and Doctrine to Children by means of " truth embodied in a tale." Hence, as regards the first, a great many letters are given on hymns, and especially on the method pursued in the production of the " Hymnal Noted."
Dr. Boyd (better known as A.K.H.B.), in his essay on the Hymnology of the Scottish Kirk, describes meeting on a steamer on a Highland river a friend, who, in the " pai: of conversation," was turning over the leaves of a book in a " supercilious skipping fashion," and " jauntily scribbling " here and there with a pencil. " On being asked what he was doing, he stated that he was a member of the Hymn Committee of that day ; and that here was a proof of a pro posed Hymnal which was sent to each member to receive his emendations. He was beguiling his time, sailing down the river, by improving the hymns. In this easy manner did he scribble whatever alterations might casually sug gest themselves, upon the best compositions of the best hymn writers."
Not in this fashion did the " Hymnal Noted " Com mittee set to work, as many of the letters in this volume shew ; and in the preface to the second edition of his "Mediaeval Hymns " Dr. Neale Some of the happiest
and most instructive hours of my life wore spent in the sub committee of the Ecclesiological Society, appointed for the purpose of bringing out the second part of the ' Hymnal Noted.' It was my business to lay before it the transla tions I had prepared, and theirs to correct. The study which this required drew out the beauties of the original in
x PREFACE
a way which nothing else could have done, and the friendly collision of various minds elicited ideas which a single trans lator would, in all probability, have missed."
Judging, however, from the quality of the "improve ments" which many of these hymns have suffered, A.K.H.B.'s jaunty steamer friend seems to have still some followers.
And as regards the second point — Dr. Neale's power as a teacher of children. Even before his death his stories were popular in America, and had been translated into French, Flemish, German, and Russ. Lately the S.P.C.K. has republished them "to meet a continuous demand," the editor's notice in each volume testifying that " nothing has as yet taken their place."
It seems well, therefore, to include in the present collection of letters several dealing with his home life, and with the homely Wardenship of Sackville College. It was there that for twenty years he exercised this special gift. Simplicity of language, clearness of explanation, local touches, and frequent familiar illustrations are necessary for the " teacher of babes," whether those babes be in their first or second childhood. All these qualities abound both in his " Readings for the Aged " and in his sermons and stories for children, and by means of them he aroused and stimulated their interest. And in addition to this, the picturesque setting, which gives so much charm to his stories, must have often inspired in other children, as it did in us, a love and appreciation of natural scenery: whether he wrote of our own Sussex, with its deep- hewn shady lanes, its ellenge cottages, its wind-swept forest, where, from the College terrace, we loved to see the shadows of the clouds chasing each other ; and its bare South Downs, where at evening the shadows lie smooth and purple like the folds of a mantle ; or whether of the wild rocky coast and weird " blow-holes " of Wales ; or of the desolate menhir-strewn Land's-end of Brittany. His letters, especially those written to his own home circle, shew how true to life was the local colour of his stories ; his were no superficial impressions gained by rapid travel, for on his church tours he was an indefatigable pedestrian,
PREFACE xi
and thus gained an intimate knowledge of the byways and highways of his own country, and of many parts of the continent. These domestic letters, therefore, of an author who wrote with so much skill for children, may prove interesting to many who found his stories their favourite Sunday reading in their childhood, and who now, perhaps, read them to their own children with equal pleasure, and with increased appreciation of their style and learning.
The editor had hoped and intended to avoid all mention of the troubles which disturbed his life at Sackville College ; her relationship seemed to make this the more desirable, lest in any measure she should tarnish what was so con spicuously bright in her father's life — his forgiveness of injuries. But it was found impossible to avoid the record of them, nor upon reflection would it be right and true. A chronicler must not be like the sun-dial with its motto, Horas non numero nisi serenas ; rather must he resemble the camera, which gives due effect to shade as well as light ; nor can the light be shewn without the shadow. And, as will appear in many of the letters in this volume, John Mason Neale's work was so incessantly and perseveringly carried on in the midst of turmoil and persecution, that the one cannot be related without the other. Unceasing energy in work, and cheerful fortitude in trial, were strands of equal strength, intimately bound together in the thread of his life, and doubtless the one strengthened the other.
I wish to record my hearty thanks to those who have come to my aid in editing this volume of letters, and more especially to the Bishop of Edinburgh, and Canon Christopher Wordsworth, for revising those which touch upon eccle siastical and liturgical subjects. The extreme difficulty of my father's handwriting, and my own ignorance of those studies, must have otherwise resulted in many flagrant errors. My thanks are also due to my cousin, Canon John Neale Dalton, for his invaluable help in correcting proofs, and in solving many problems set by the frequent abbreviations, initials, and references in the letters, and for many of the notes referring to articles in Church periodicals ; to the Rev.
XH PREFACE
R. E. Hutton, Chaplain of S. Margaret's, East Grinstead, and Sir Robertson Nicoll, for advice, encouragement, and suggestions ; and with these names must also be recorded that of my father's old friend, Canon Cooper, who has recently passed to his rest. It was at his request that the hymn on p. 364 has been inserted.
Those who have read Sister Miriam's Memoir in the S. Margarets Magazine will see that I am indebted to her, both for letters and for other material. And it is pleasing to feel that all my father's children, (and some of his grandchildren), have had a share in the work, although my only brother, Vincent Neale, is now separated from us by thousands of miles, and my sister, the Mother Superior of S. Margaret's, has countless cares to occupy her in her responsible post. And the dear sister who has been called home since the first sentences of this preface were written, was from the very beginning of the preparation, not only for this volume, but also for the " Memoir " by Mrs. Towle, an equal worker with myself. It is several years now since we determined, she and I, that, whatever the difficulties and hin drances might be, our father's Life must be written before our generation passed away. Many a stack of letters, copied in her handwriting, testifies to her patient toil ; and though for the last year she has been unable for this, her sympathy and interest were keen to the end. And beyond ?
" Yea, the dead in Christ have still Part in all our joy and ill, Keeping all our steps in view, Guiding them it may be, too."
The lines at the heading of the chapters, whether verses or translations, are in every case my father's, selected either from "Hymns for the Sick," " Hierologus," "Seatonian Poems," " Rhythm of Bernard de Morlaix," " Hymns and Sequences," or from MSS. poems not hitherto published. The sermons on the " Comes " in the Revelation, referred to on p. 368, may be found in "Sermons preached in a Religious House," vol. i.
PREFACE xiii
The two appreciations of my father and his work in the Appendix (pp. 371, 372) were written by his co-temporaries and fellow-workers in the Ecclesiologist and Christian Remembrancer — the magazines in which so many of his best articles appeared. Notes referring to these will be found throughout this volume.
MARY SACKVILLE LAWSON.
Allhallowtide, 1909.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I. 1818-35 PAGE
School and College Days— Phrenological Forecast . . i
CHAPTER II. 1836-39 Founding of C.C.S.— Letter of Rev. E. J. Boyce 12
CHAPTER III. 1839-42 Brighton — Downing Chaplaincy — Wells 19
CHAPTER IV. i^ Parochial Work at Crawley 55
CHAPTER V. 1842-45 Penzance — Madeira— Somerset 45
CHAPTER VI. 1843-44 Second visit to Madeira — Brighton . . . 63
CHAPTER VII. 1844-46 Newman's Secession — Easter in Madeira — More Secessions . . 76
CHAPTER VIII. 1846-48 Sackville College — Visit to Isle of Man and Orkneys .... 95
xvi CONTENTS
CHAPTER IX. 1848-49
PAGE
Sackville College — Visit to La Grande Chartreuse in
CHAPTER X. 1849-50 Gorham Judgment— Visit to South Wales 130
CHAPTER XI. 1850-51 Deanery of Perth—" Hymnal Noted "— " No Popery " Riot . . 149
CHAPTER XII. 1851 " Hymnal Noted" — Morning Chronicle 171
CHAPTER XIII. 1852-1853 Lectures — Tour in Denmark — Bishop of London's Inhibition . 187
CHAPTER XIV. 1853-54
Tours in Spain and Portugal — Table-turning — Bishop Gobat —
Tour in Holland 206
CHAPTER XV. 1854-55 Beginning of Sisterhood — On Confession 233
CHAPTER XVI. 1855, Tour in Belgium— Scotland— Homoeopathy 250
CHAPTER XVII. 1856-57 Sisterhood — " Hymnal Noted "—Disturbances 267
CHAPTER XVIII. 1857-59 Tour in South of France — Dealings with Children — Brittany . 287
CONTENTS xvii
CHAPTER XIX. 1859-60
PAGE
Tales— Tour in Dalmatia 308
CHAPTER XX. 1860-61 Removal of Inhibition — Tour in France — Catechizing .... 328
CHAPTER XXL 1862-65 Work of Sisterhood— Letters of Counsel 340
CHAPTER XXII. 1865 Laying First Stone of S. Margaret's — Lectures 354
CHAPTER XXIII. 1866 Last Days— Illness— Death 362
APPENDIX
Extracts from Ecclesiologist and Christian Remembrancer . .371
INDEX 373
3UC
CHAPTER I
SCHOOL AND COLLEGE DAYS — PHRENOLOGICAL FORECAST
JOHN MASON NEALE was only five years old when he lost his father, the Rev. Cornelius Neale (1823). His mother then went to live at Shepperton, and placed her son under the tuition of the rector of the parish, the Rev. William Russell, an Evangelical of the best type, for whom J. M. Neale had a lifelong affection and reverence. Many of his childish letters to his tutor have been preserved, some of them in round-hand, copy-book writing, and sentences to match, others showing a freedom and affection unusual at that age and in that relationship. One of these, written probably at eight years old, follows.
Thursday night. MY VERY, VERY DEAR PET,
I was afraid you would be doleful when we leave you to-morrow, so I thought I would just write you a little note. Don't be angry it's written so badly. I am writing in a great hurry, you are now drawing the ruins of Saltwood. Dear Pet, I hope he will love me as much as he did at Shepperton. I hope you will have a pleasant journey. Pray write soon. I hope Pet won't be so doleful as I shall be. Give my love to Mrs. Russell and Fenn. Your very affectionate and grateful pupil,
J. M. NEALE.
a
We part to meet again.
At the age of eleven J. M. Neale was sent to school at Blackheath, later he went to Sherborne, and from the age
B
2 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
of fifteen to seventeen he was at Farnham. One letter written at that time is given.
To A YOUNGER SISTER. Farnham (Feb. 7th), 1835.
MY DEAR CORNELIA,
Susanna has given you her motto — I will give you mine—
" The game is got with little joy
That's got with little seeking ; And if in parting were no grief, Where were the joy of meeting ? "
Well, since I wrote I have been very much pleased with Waverley. " What, has he got no book better than that to read ? Well, I wonder Mr. Sankey allows it ! " No, Waverley is a beautiful hill between here and Elsted, and I will now tell you of my walk there to-day. I set off (by myself this time) and walked along the Guildford road for about two miles and a half, and then turned off to the right, and after mistaking my way once, I got to Seale, a little village, the curacy of which Mr. Russell had, together with Elsted. It is an odd and very little Church, on the side of a hill, and put me a little in mind of Swainswick. I wanted to have seen the clerk and asked him if he remembered Mr. Russell (twenty years ago now), but he lived a mile over the hills. Well, I asked how far it was to Elsted ? Three and a half miles. How far from there to Farnham ? Three miles. That will do, I thought ; A walk in it wants ten minutes to three. So I set off, and a beautiful walk it was, but almost without a path ; very hilly, the sand over my shoes, and a way I knew nothing of, so it was not to be wondered at that I got wrong. I got to Hampton Lodge, where Mr. Long lives (the Radical candi date for Surrey), which is in the parish of Puttenham, joining on to Godalming. I cut across the path and got into the road again, which now, if possible, got worse than before. However, about a quarter past three I got to the bridge, which is beautiful indeed. The side next me was
SCHOOL AND COLLEGE DAYS 3
covered with mistletoe, and the Wey here being very shallow, becomes as broad nearly as the Thames at Shep- perton — not quite — and falls over some ledges of rock. Passing over there I came to the village, which consists of two streets. I took the one which led away from the Church, where I wanted to go. However, I got there at ten minutes to four; it is like Seale Church, only larger. Then, coming down the hill, I got to the village about four. How far to Farnham ? Five miles. Five miles ? Yes. I asked another man if it was. Yes, it was. Well, I thought, I will be back in time to-day, so, setting off to run, I came to a place where the road was nothing but a watercourse ; but fortunately there was a path, which, however, soon ended in two lanes, half water and half mud, and there was a farmhouse opposite. So I went up to the door, but found it had the key on the outside. So I called at the gate of the farmyard, but there was no one to hear except a cow, who left off eating to stare. I never felt so completely lost. It was getting dark, it was raining a little, I was five miles from home, and knew not a step of the way, and no one to tell me. Just as I was in despair the door of the house opened, and two girls made their appearance, who shewed me a way through the garden past the watercourse. So I set off to run again, but was soon stopped by such a sandy hill that I could hardly tell whether I should ever be able to get up at all, and then a long road by a wood of firs, above which I saw Crooksbury Hill between me and Farnham. One more sandy hill and one steep descent, and I got to the foot of it. It was duskish, and the red grey light among so many stems, and the roaring of the wind in the branches, and the great number of stems, yet all so immovable, and no other sound, except a water-mill in the valley and now and then a robin chirping, were very fine. Passing through Waverley I tried to run, but my feet were so sore, and it so bewilders the eyes constantly looking down to pick your path, that when I got to Farnham I could hardly distinguish anything, and missed my way in the churchyard. However, I got back to
4 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
Mr. Sankey's ten minutes after five ; but as, fortunately, dinner was not ready, I was in capital time.
I have been talking of nothing but myself all this time ; however, I hope you will not think my adventures uninteresting. I should like to show you how beautiful this place is, and that you should go out with me sometimes. I have begun a thing which is called the " Contest of the Months," and which will be a description of how these places look in the different months, with their palaces, etc. Here follow two speeches out of it (for it is a dialogue between the fairies). Pray tell me how dear Mama likes them. If she does not, I shall leave them off, though I have rather an affection for them.
Oberon. — " How calm, how rev'rend rise these forest stems, Whose dark red twilight scarce admits a ray, Save where, on some green blade or mossy stump, An eye of gold is strewn. They stand around us, Motionless armies, fixed multitudes ; Fix'd, but not silent, for the branchy ocean In one deep, low monotony of sound, Ne'er changing, never wearying, as the rush Of distant host is heard ; while the great Sun, Perch'd in the intricate branches, seems a crest Of glory on the summit ; hills and vales, Or blue in distance, or with red heath cloth'd, Through which the green paths wind their tortuous way, All float in the thin vest of silver haze ! This forest, rising up the mountain sider Skirting its awful head, where in green strength Abrupt it fails, seems as the wave that rolls Rising upon the shingly steep, and laves Its very summit, but no further goes ! These solid walls of green, as they run down By rocks and caverns to the green vale's jaws, Are fittest for our court."
Titania. — " 'Tis pleasant now,
When hoary Winter throws one arm, bespangled With gems of frost, around young Spring, who half Shrinks from his touch, and half with pleasure viewing His form, now milder, from her flowery store Hangs her pale snowdrop on his icy neck."
. . . Mama wants to know about my class. On
SCHOOL AND COLLEGE DAYS 5
Sunday I had it, or rather not it, but one belonging to James, the Bishop's butler. I could not tell what they could do, nor did I know when I went that I should have any, so I had not the " Bible Teacher." First, to see how they read and understood, I gave them the second and Sunday third of S. Matthew, and, finding they did not know much about John the Baptist, I made them read the account of his death. Well, then I began to comprehend matters a little, so I gave them Daniel and the lions, which they did not know about, to read, and asked them a great many questions about it. It did very well, except that the " Medes and Persians " came so many times over, which they always would read Pharisees. In the afternoon there were so few that I sat by Hamilton and heard him. " Now, boys, I shall be so happy to answer any questions. What, have none got any to ask ? None at all ? " " Please, sir, would you take some of our potatoes, for mother says she has got some nice ones ? " Mayow reads Mrs. Sherwood's stories on the Church Catechism, but I really think that till they know some of the Bible stories well, they should not hear any others, which it stands to reason cannot be so interesting. As to being on the Commandments, so are all the histories in the Bible. Joseph's would do for some. I shall have some of those texts printed in red ink, which they are all very anxious to get, and as many of them as they like to learn in the week out of their own Bibles (for I shall mark them), so many red ones they shall have on Sunday. I know it would be better for them to learn something straight through, but one must begin gently. If I get them to learn at all, for I have no power to command it (no class but Harrison's does it), it will be something. And I shall make them read the stories out of Genesis in the morning, with the questions out of the Bible Teacher, and in the afternoon out of the New Testament, and I must write some questions for that. You have no idea how difficult it is to ask questions extempore which shall not be too difficult or else leading. There is a book to the New Testament, but I don't like it much. For instance, there are questions like these: — S. Mark xvi. I. "Now
6 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
when it began to dawn towards day." Now the question is, " To what did it begin to dawn ? " Now, besides that being a leading question, to what else could it begin to dawn ?
I am afraid, as Susanna says, I have written very much like a sermon ; so I will not put any more about it, except that I felt very foolish when I was left with my class alone at first.
To the same.
Bevan has just finished a letter, and has been com plaining of the difficulty and disagreeableness of letter writing, adding, " I make my letters do for a long time." How people can be so I cannot imagine ; for most certainly, next to writing verses, it is my most pleasant time.
In the beginning of 1836 J. M. Neale studied under Professor Challis at Papworth S. Everard. He continued to live with him after the Professor moved to the Observatory, Cambridge. It was at this time that the first great
interest of his life, his attachment to Mary R , had
entered into it. The following are extracts from a diary- letter written for her, and continued during the first part of his time at Cambridge. He went into residence in October, 1836, at Trinity, having obtained a scholarship there, in his eighteenth year.
April i$th. — I went to Shilleto's this morning, but did nothing in the way of reading with him. He only asked me as to what I had been doing, and settled with me to come at seven on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays ; so that obliges me to be up early.
April \%th. — I could sit with Shilleto from morning to night. It is impossible to conceive anything of the sort more delightful. He liked the Greek verses very much. The advantage is the being able to compare them with his, as he never sets his men any piece from Shakespeare that he has not turned himself.
Oct. 2Qth. — Poor Mr. Simeon, I am afraid, is dying.
COLLEGE DAYS 7
Mr. Carus watches over him as if he were really, as he is fond of calling himself, his son.
Nov. 6th. — I think you would like to hear what Mr. Carus has been telling us, in his rooms, about Mr. Simeon. I do think at this moment Mr. Simeon must be the happiest man in the world ! I will give you Mr. Carus's own words : —
" I went in to him after chapel this morning, and he was Death then lying with his eyes closed. I thought he was asleep, of Mr- but after standing there a little while he put out his hand to me. I said, * The peace of God, which passeth all under standing, shall keep your heart and mind.' He said nothing. I said again, * They washed their robes, dear sir, and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb ; therefore they are before the throne of God.' * I have, I have ! ' he said. ' I have washed my robes in the Blood of the Lamb ; they are clean, quite clean — I know it.' He shut his eyes for a few minutes, and when he again opened them I said, 'Well, dear sir, you will soon comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, and know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye
may ' He tried to raise himself, and said, after his
quick manner, ' Stop ! stop ! you don't understand a bit about that text ; don't go on with it — I won't hear it — I shall understand it soon!' After a little while he said, * Forty years ago I blessed God because I met one man in the street who spoke to me, and oh, what a change there is now ! ' I mentioned some other text to him ; he was then so faint that he could hardly speak, but he whispered, * I think — death — silence.' He had often spoken to me on this subject before, and I knew what he meant — he always expressed a wish to be alone when he died, not praying, but meditating, and not even to be interrupted with texts of the Bible. * Well, then, sir,' I said, ' we will not pray for you, we will only praise God.' At that he seemed to be very much pleased. Then he employed himself in giving away sundry little presents, such as his gold-headed cane, and so forth ; and then he said, ' There's one bottle of wine, a very precious wine, the Lachryma Christi, in my bin ;
8 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
bring that to me and raise me up. Now may God's mercy continue to me the same firm trust as I now have in the tears Christ shed for me (referring to the Lachryma Christi), I want nothing more. I can only use the language of my namesake, * Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart according to Thy word.' " He has not said anything since, but lies meditating. I could tell you nothing that you would listen to after this, so good-night.
Recogni- Nov. i$tk. — When I came in I heard that Mr. Simeon
tion of was gone. He died at ten minutes past two, and I, as you after death. mav easity conceive, have thought of little else all day since. I have not yet heard any particulars. So the day he has been preparing for fifty-six years has come at last. Oh, what a meeting he and Henry Martyn must have had ! All the pleasure of thinking of that would be taken away by that horrible thought that friends will not know each other in another world. I cannot think how any one can believe it. Poor Mr. Simeon ; I cannot tell you how much I am grieved for his loss. I should think there was a great deal of sorrow to-night in Cambridge. I was going to say, " What a glorious night for him ! " but there is no night there.
Nov. 2Otk. — To-day Trinity Church was a most strik ing sight : the deepest mourning everywhere, not silk, but crape, and the crowded state of every part, the altar and the ante part being overflowing. Though I was a quarter of an hour before time, I did not get a foot into the real Church, and had to stand all the time, as three or four hundred more had. Numbers had to go away. A beautiful sermon by Dr. Dealtry, from " Them that honour Me I will honour."
At all the Churches in Cambridge a funeral sermon was preached, excepting All Saints'.
Dec. 4.th. — Harvey Goodwin really makes me quite ashamed of myself. Every Sunday, for four hours, does he teach in that Barnwell school, amidst the noise and confusion of a hundred and fifty boys, in a room not thirty feet square, and the natural consequence is that he is knocked up almost every Sunday evening.
Jan. \6th. — At length I have completed a task which,
COLLEGE DAYS '9
at its commencement, seemed to me somewhat gigantic. To make you understand, I should tell you that Plautus consists of twenty plays. I began to read them Nov. Hth, but had only accomplished four by my coming here (home for Christmas). The remaining sixteen, consisting of 17,425 lines, I accomplished to-day, to my no small joy. But I am sorry to see that the number of lines I have each week read has suffered a continual decrease since I came back. The numbers were, 9,986—9,530—8,512—5,870—5,277. This may partly be accounted for by increased difficulties, but, I fear, not altogether.
March Ajh, 5//6. — I never miss a whole day (in writing "Panting the journal) without thinking what a very stirring sermon one thereby preaches to oneself on the insignificance of one's own history. We pass over unnoticed those poor twenty-four hours, and yet they had their little joys and sorrows, their hopes and fears, and contained in themselves a little epitome of life. And just so it will pass ; granting that our warmest wishes are fulfilled, we know well enough that when some journalizer, taken up with his own cares and joys, shall have entered an account of March 5th, 1939, there will long enough have been erected — I hope in some quiet village church — a tablet " To the memory of the Rev.
J. M. Neale, years rector ? of this parish, and of
, his wife," and so on. You will say I am seized with
a fit of melancholy. Oh no, and these thoughts do not make me so ; but they do make me long, and sometimes more ardently than I can express, that before that time comes I may have done something which may exempt that tablet from being carelessly passed by. If it be wrong to have this " Panting after Immortality," I must confess myself very, very guilty.
April ist. — It has struck me that, in the different Symbolism styles of architecture, we may perhaps find an analogy with the different stages of popular feeling in England. The Norman, heavy, dark, and gloomy, corresponds well enough to the absence of liberty which characterizes the reigns of our kings, till John. Then the Early English has certainly a resemblance to the far more cheerful and free
io LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
views introduced by Magna Charta. Still, though there is great beauty in the parts, there is a want of amalgama tion and unity in the whole, which, however, we find in -the Decorated, the most perfect style, which answers to what was perhaps the happiest age of England, Edward the Third's. Gradually the Commons asserted their own rights, and broke through the symmetry of the government, and behold, at the same time, the Perpendicular mullions cut the beautiful tracery, before unbroken, to pieces. I am disposed to think there is something more than fancy in that.
visit to After a visit to a phrenologist he writes : —
phreno logist. Shall I tell you Mr. Bunny's character of me ? I think I will.
" This individual," he says, " has the intellectual and moral faculties preponderating over the animal. Of the latter the affections are stronger than the passions ; but when under excitement he would be very violent, and lose his better judgment. He is too apt to concentrate his thoughts within himself, to think without acting. It is an unfortunate construction that Locality and Inhabitive- ness are both very large ; that is, that while exceedingly attached to home, he is also very fond of travelling. Of exercises, rowing would be his favourite, but he would in this have to practise keeping time. In the second division Imagination takes the lead, and Language, which should be cultivated ; it is intellectual rather than verbal ; that is, he can acquire a language with ease, but would be at a loss for words to express his own ideas. He would be exceedingly nervous at the beginning of any exami nation, and when it was really begun would be as cool as any man. He is very apt to draw hasty conclusions, and, though soon convinced in his own mind, is very slow to own his conviction. He is exceedingly reserved to strangers, and is very slow in making friends. The organ most deficient is Analogy ; this he must cultivate, or he will find that his hasty conclusions, and saying without any caution what he thinks, will cause him much trouble.
PHRENOLOGICAL FORECAST n
He is very fond of music, more especially as connected with poetry, but does not understand it, though his touch would be good. On the whole, those faculties which act upon ideas are much stronger than those which act upon things, which last, especially Individuality, which is very deficient, should be well exercised. He would be able to imitate and distinguish style, but would fail in verbal imitation. Order needs very much exercise, though less, as before, in ideas than in things.
" To conclude. This head is one which has more good and more bad points than most : with this consolation — that the bad consist more in the disuse of what is good, and not in any very strong propensity to what is bad. So that by correcting these deficiencies, one of the chief of which is carelessness, there is every promise of great excellency." 1
1 Cp. " Phrenology," Christian Remembrancer, vi. 661-676.
CHAPTER II
1836-39
FOUNDING OF C.C.S.
There runs
Such harmony of beauty through God's works, As that the loveliness of virtue needs Must find a correspondent loveliness In outward forms : for Truth is everlasting, And, being everlasting, must be One.
THE Cambridge Camden Society, founded during J. M. Neale's third year at Trinity, was such an absorbing interest at this time of his life, as will be seen in many of his letters, that it may be well here to insert an account of the beginning of the C.C.S. — afterwards developed into the Ecclesiological Society. The account is from the pen of the late Rev. Edward Jacob Boyce, himself a co-founder of the society. He was afterwards connected by marriage with J. M. Neale, the two friends marrying two daughters of the Rev. Thomas Webster, Vicar of Oakington, and Rector of St. Botolph's, Cambridge. Mr. Boyce wrote the following for the S. Margaret's magazine.
DEAR SISTER,
You ask me to tell you about the beginning and early history of the C.C.S., and Dr. Neale's connection with it. I cannot do this without some special reference to myself, which I hope will not be thought out of place. My narrative will be chiefly occupied with facts which immediately concern the foundation and progress of the C.C.S. It will, I think, shew the truth of what Dr. Newman
FOUNDING OF C.C.S. 13
says in Sermon xxii., vol. i., viz. : that " every great change is effected by the few, not by the many ; by the resolute, undaunted, zealous few — one or two men with small out ward pretensions, but with their hearts in the work — these do great things."
Neale and myself entered Trinity College, Cambridge, History of in October, 1836, becoming from the first fast friends, c-c-s- though previously unacquainted with each other. The times when we were together at college were very stirring ones, and full of excitement caused by the most varied and opposite circumstances. It may cause a smile when I illustrate this by saying that the Oxford Tracts on the one hand, and Pickwick on the other, produced a ferment which few can understand, except those who had to mix with the religious controversies of the hour, and to witness the actual furor with which men struggled to secure a copy of each new number of Dickens's serial. Added to this, there was the attempt of certain Trinity men to shame the Fellows and Dons of Colleges into something like a respectable attendance at the College Chapels, attendance being rigidly enforced upon the undergraduates. This was attempted by publishing lists of attendance upon the part of the Dons, and actually by offering the prize of a handsome Bible to the one who attended the most regularly. The prize was secured by a Fellow who after wards became a Colonial Bishop ; but it would have been given to a well-known Dean, had it not been part of his everyday duty, as Dean, to be present at Chapel. Some profanely called this effort a " Society for promoting Christianity amongst the Dons."
I have every reason to be grateful to Neale for his help to relieve many a long hour of tedium during my college course — caused by such weakness of sight as precluded studying at any time after dusk — for he read aloud to me after Hall, with the best intelligence, though not with a musical voice, every varied thing that could interest one — Oxford Tracts, Dickens, the whole of the Dramatic Poets, and the most of every other poet of note, and, in fact, anything that became of special interest
U LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
We spent the Long Vacation together at S. Leonard's, and from that centre made visits to all the Churches in the neighbourhood, Neale registering results, and myself copy ing the fonts. In the Long Vacation of 1838 we went together through Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Durham, on to Newcastle, Carlisle, and Glasgow, taking notes of Cathedrals and other Churches. During shorter vacations in these years, various gig tours were undertaken through Hertford shire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Sussex, etc.
In October, 1837, James Gavin Young (now Vicar of Hursley) entered Trinity College, and in 1838, Benjamin Webb (late Vicar of S. Andrew's, Wells Street) did the same, and Edmund Venables (now Precentor of Lincoln) entered Pembroke Hall ; W. N. Griffin, of S. John's College, took his degree in 1837 ; F. A. Paley in 1838 ; C. Colson and E. T. Todd in 1839. Harvey Goodwin was an under graduate of Caius College in October, 1836.
It was upon the coming up to the University of such men as Young, Webb, Venables, and others, that a small society of men interested as much as Neale and myself were in Church Architecture began to be formed : Neale, Webb, Goodwin, and myself, having taken the lead in form- First ing it ; and while the first members of this small Society were a^ undergraduates, sucn graduates as Griffin, Colson, Codd, Paley, Eddis, and others, quickly joined it. The Rules of our Association were framed for one of mutual friends resident in the University, as will be seen from the fact that one of them imposed " a fine on all members who did not visit some specified Church within four miles of S. Mary's Church weekly'' Certainly the originators never dreamt of anything beyond this. This small Association took the name of the Camden Society (the additional title of Cambridge was not then prefixed, I believe).
It was under the excitement caused by the opposition of some, who — because they could not rule — wished to destroy the original little coterie of lovers of Church Archi tecture, that the following step was taken by Neale, Webb, and myself. We were all in-college men. We determined to try and secure a Head and an influential Leader to the
FOUNDING OF C.C.S. 15
movement on behalf of founding a Society which should embrace the same objects as the smaller one, but open its arms wider and extend its operations beyond the narrow sphere to which the smaller Society had limited itself. To this end, after ten o'clock at night, we three waited on our tutor, Archdeacon Thorp, and laid the state of the case before him. We entreated him to come to the rescue, and did not leave him until he promised to call forthwith a Public Meeting to be held in one of the Lecture Rooms of Trinity College. The Meeting was called, and well attended by undergraduates, graduates, and even so-called Dons from various Colleges. At this Meeting in May, 1839, the Cambridge Camden Society was instituted^ and the Ven. Thomas Thorp, M. A., Fellow and Tutor of Trinity College, Archdeacon and Chancellor of Bristol, became the President of the Society.
I may state here that in the year 1843 (i.e. in the fourth year of its Institution) such was the progress of the C.C.S., that there were connected with it either as Patrons, etc., 2 Archbishops, 1 6 Bishops, 31 Peers and M.P.'s, 7 Deans or Chancellors of Dioceses, 2 1 Archdeacons and Rural Deans, 1 6 Architects, and as ordinary members just 700. The first Committee was constituted as follows : — J. M. Neale (Chairman), E. J. Boyce (Treasurer), B. Webb and E. T. Codd (Secretaries), B. Smith and H. Goodwin (Auditors), C. Colson, A. S. Eddis, W. N. Griffin, J. S. Howson, M. Thomas, and J. F. Stokes (Ordinary Members).
Up to nearly the end of 1841, the C.C.S. had, as it were, no special means of spreading information upon the various objects it undertook to promote amongst its Members absent from the University, except those furnished by printed Annual Reports and the Addresses of the President delivered at the Anniversary Meetings. It was in October, 1841, that Neale paid me a visit at Southampton, where I was Curate of Holyrood. Naturally the C.C.S. became a chief subject of conversation, and upon my complaining that Members of the Society who had removed from the University, were left without any information of its doings, and suggesting that the C.C.S. ought to have its periodical,
16 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
Neale (one of whose characteristics was " a blow and a word") wrote off at once to the President and the Secre taries (Webb, Young, and Paley), mentioning the suggestion, giving a sketch of the design for a monthly publication, and proposing that the name should be The Ecclesiologist.
The first number was published in November, 1841. In the Report of 1842 it is stated that eight numbers had appeared, and that the sale was rapidly and steadily in creasing. This periodical obtained, in fact, such a circulation and influence, that it became scarcely so much a mere Report of the doings of the C.C.S., as a general Organ of Ecclesi- ology, for, indeed, this Magazine gave first its being and its name to that peculiar branch of science.
If any contributors to it deserve pre-eminent credit for its success from first to last, few will dispute that John Mason Neale and Benjamin Webb are two of these. I find from a copy of volume one, belonging to Neale, which has initials in ink to each article, that out of 158 contributions to that volume, Neale made 47, Webb 46, and Paley 36. Under Neale's name, in volume three, I find written, " Et quorum pars magna fui."
Details of the work, progress, and difficulties of the Society follow, and finally of its change of name. On May 8th, 1845, after canvassing the members it was resolved that a—
Committee be formed with instructions to revise the laws. The following Committee were elected : Messrs. Witts, Webb, Stokes1 (who resigned), Paley,1 Hope, Hodson, Freeman, Goodwin. The Committee added to their number Neale, Forbes, Bevan, Sir S. Glynne, Bart., F. H. Dickinson. The upshot was — the laws were revised, the local habitation of the Society was changed from Cambridge to London, and its name henceforth became the " Ecclesiological (late Cambridge Camden) Society." The Seventh Anniversary was held May I2th, 1846, in London, at the schoolrooms of the All Souls and Trinity Districts, S. Marylebone. . . .
1 Stokes and Paley seceded to Rome.
FOUNDING Of* C.C.S. 17
No wonder that he was proud of his connection with the C.C.S. He often said, " Well, whatever else has failed, the work of that will last as long as time exists ; " and he has often cheered me by simply saying, " Don't forget what you had to do with the C.C.S."
I am asked to give an idea of the number of Churches Work improved under the auspices of the C.C.S. It would be as difficult almost as to count the stars on a clear frosty night. It is sufficient to notice that in the year 1843 alone, no less than ninety-eight applications were made to the Committee for advice respecting the reparation of old Churches, the designs for new ones, the details in connection with the internal arrangement of existing Churches, and the designs for Church plate and ornaments. Two of these were from Dr. Selwyn, Bishop of New Zealand, and the Chaplain at Alexandria. In fact, it may be said without exaggeration that not only from every part of the British Isles, but from almost every colony of the British Empire, applications for designs and for advice were received almost every month without intermission.
Neale read many papers at the ordinary meetings of the C.C.S. In the Transactions, Vol. III., I find one on the Ecclesiology of Madeira, read April 3Oth, 1844, after his sojourn there for his health.
In the fourth part of the " Monumental Brasses," l the third plate represents Dr. Thomas Nelond, 26th Prior of S. Pancras, Lewes, and Rector of Cowfold, Sussex. Little being known respecting this ecclesiastic, Neale has thrown his remarks into the form of a contemporary letter, giving an account of the funeral of Dr. Nelond. This was so cleverly done in English of the I5th century that he had several enquiries from philologists as to the genuine ness of the document.
Neale wrote the introductory remarks to the whole volume of "Brasses," and a Latin Epilogue to the series, consisting of eleven stanzas of four lines in mediaeval verse, every line of each quatrain ending with one and the same double rhyme.
1 See Christian Remembrancer •, i. 321-331.
C
i8 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
To show the versatility of his powers, it is sufficient to enumerate the subjects of papers read by him, besides those in the Transactions, between 1839 and 1844 —
" On Epitaphs."
" On the Remains of Scottish Cathedrals."
" On certain Churches in Hertfordshire."
" On Ecclesiastical Brasses."
" On the Ecclesiastical Edifices in Cambridgeshire, which are connected with the Legend of S. Etheldreda."
*" On the Restoration of S. Nicolas' Church, Old Shore- ham." (November 7th, 1840.) Printed in Vol. I. of the Transactions.
*" On certain Churches in Northamptonshire." (March 20th, 1841.)
*" On Symbolical representations of certain Saints." (May 24th, 1841.)
*"On the History of Pues." (November 22nd, 1841.) Printed.
*" On the Ecclesiology of the Deanery of Penrith in Cornwall." (November, 1842.)
"On Private Devotion in Churches." (1844.) Printed.
He was Chaplain at Downing when he wrote those papers marked with an asterisk.
I do not know that I can add anything more to show Neale's connection with the C.C.S. It has been impossible to do this within a very limited space.
EDW. J. BOYCE,
Rector of Houghton.
April ^th, 1888.
CHAPTER III
1839-42
BRIGHTON — WELLS
Lord, we will not seek to know
What shall be our lot below :
This we feel, and here we rest,
What Thou sendest, that is best :
Take our thoughts, and wills, and powers,
And dispose of us and ours !
THE next few letters were probably written from his mother's house at Brighton.
To Rev. E. BOYCE. Jan. nth, 1839.
Your letter this evening — a very pleasant glass of the wine of life — I have been exceedingly delighted with, and, as you see, have taken a large sheet for my answer. And first, as you seem to think that I am rather apt to " take up with the ipse dixits of a Newman or a Pusey," I will endeavour to shew you that I have at least read the article on the Oxford Tracts which you mention with some care ; so, if I am rather tedious in my accounts of it, you must, as you have brought it on yourself, forgive me. I will say what I have to say with the book before me. And first, I think to call it an Article on the O.T. is a misnomer. The book from which the most objectionable passages are taken is " Froude's Remains." And who was "Froude's Froude ? A man, ardent in the cause, very careless in Remains." his words, writing to his most intimate friends without Rlvmgton- the most remote idea of publication. And is it wonderful
20 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
that such an one should now and then make use of expressions which cannot be justified, partly, I verily believe, in joke ? Supposing, for instance, that I in writing to you were to express my opinion that Luther was a rascal, you would know perfectly well what I meant, namely, that his character, bright though it might be, was not without its dark spots. But imagine that letter pub lished, and what would be the impression which it would convey of the writer ? Now look at " Froude's Remains " in the same light, and then say honestly, whether you think that his writings deserve to be brought forward as a specimen of the real tenets of the so-called Oxford Party ? Confine yourself to the O.T. and — so far as I have read them, and that is very nearly all — heart and soul, entirely and completely, do I join with them ; but for every loose expression of their partisans, it is too hard to be made to bear the blame.
But one or two remarks on this Review. Page 210. (He begins) " If such distinguished men," etc. The argument, as I understand it, runs thus —
S. Clement approved of an epistle of S. Barnabas. Granted. But we have an epistle of S. Barnabas now extant. Granted. Therefore he approved of that which we now have. Here the writer must plead guilty to either ignorance or knavery. Ignorance, if he did not know, — knavery, if he concealed, that S. Clement quotes a passage from that epistle which is not in that we now have. The fair argument is, that ours is either totally different, or greatly corrupted.
George p. 224. They find fault with N. for calling the Virgin
bert' Mary " the mother of God." Herbert says—
" I would address
My vows to thee most gladly, blessed Maid And mother of my God in my distress."
240. i. 3 "tapers." Are they not directed to be used in the very first leaf of our Common Prayer-book ? But more than enough on the subject. I think that Review the merest nonentity of an argument I have ever read.
CHAPLAINCY OF DOWNING 21
You have quoted a text for me. Let me quote one for you. " But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ- how that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts : these be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit." How admirably does that apply to Baptist Noelism !
I have bagged n churches, making me in all 212.
Poor L. E. L. ! You have seen her death. It is sad, but not, as a public loss, to be compared to that of Mrs. Hemans. L. E. L. had certainly put forth her utmost powers : Mrs. H. was but beginning to feel them.
Bannockburn l has reached 160 lines. I long to read it to you. The Greek Ode is all but finished.
Russell comes here, all well, on Monday. He, by-the- bye, is a convert, on general points at least, to the Oxford Tracts.
Here follows an interpretation of the connection of interpreta- 2 Cor. ii. II, 12, 13, 14, of which I wish to know whether ^c^ii. you approve. At first sight it is anything but plain. " We n, 12, etc. are not ignorant of Satan's devices : I have experienced them many times, and one of the most remarkable I will tell you of. When I came into Troas, and had every prospect of being of the greatest use, he stirred up my discontent, because Titus was not there, so that I took leave of them, neglected that opening, and returned. But thanks be to God, however much I may in times past have yielded to them, I am now able to triumph over them. . . .
In 1840 J. M. Neale was offered the assistant tutorship and chaplaincy of Downing, which he was glad to accept as keeping him in touch with the C.C.S., and also giving him a title to Holy Orders. He was ordained deacon at S. Margaret's, Westminster, on Trinity Sunday, 1841, by the Bishop (J. H. Monk) of Gloucester and Bristol. Find ing the position of chaplain to the college uncongenial, and having a strong desire for parish work, he resigned his office at Downing in November, and began parochial work at Guildford as locum tenens to Mr. Pearson in the following January.
1 College prize poem.
22 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
To E. J. BOYCE. S. Matthew's Day (Sept. 2ist), 1840.
Criticism Thank you for your sermons, which I have read over on< very attentively ; and will proceed (as you wished me to do so) to tell you how they struck me, claiming no other value for my opinions than that " in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."
I much like your very simple way of dividing your texts. I know that it is a mere matter of opinion, but to me a sermon seems always clearer if the preacher, at the beginning, tells his hearers what his divisions are going to be, and then recapitulates each as he comes to it. Bible I also admire your very apposite quotations from the
quotations. o n()t
into an excess in that line. I am not sure that I could have listened to " twice have I heard this " without smiling. Baxter may be a forcible example of the evils arising from a too indiscriminate use of Scripture language : " Fight, my brethren, against all your sins ; fight prayerfully, fight earnestly, and the victory shall be yours, and you shall pursue them even tmto the hill of Hachilah, that goeth down by Jeshimon"
Again, I think you use " my brethren " too often. Look
at the addresses of our Church, the Exhortation — the two
before the Holy Eucharist, and that before the Commina-
tion — look at the Homilies again — and you will see how
very sparing she is of a personal address of that kind.
Dislike of You know my general dislike to hymns and therefore
hymns. mav sav ^^ j am noj. an unprejudiced judge : but I do
not at all like their quotation in the pulpit unless there be
any very great advantage to be gained by them — which
I do not see that there is in yours.
One more thing, and I have done. I think your sentences beginning with "yes" or with an interjection are far too frequent. If you allow them to be so, you will of course have no force in them when you really want them.
So much, perhaps you will say too much, for the style : all which, however, does not prevent my telling you, with
CRITICISM ON SERMONS 23
truth, that I much like it, and that principally for this reason that I am sure it must have been intelligible to all. And as to the most important part, that I also like much, though I might be disposed here and there to say, " Friend, come up higher." One thing in particular I admire : the manner in which you speak to your congregation, when mentioning their religious state. You are far more like S. Paul in that matter than you are like Owen. Owen said in one of his Owen's discourses, " My brethren, I am well aware that a great many more of you that hear me now will be damned than will be Wjth s. saved." S. Paul said, " But, beloved, we are persuaded better Paul's, things of you, and things that accompany salvation though we thus speak."
Now, pray write soon and tell me that you are not angry at my very hypercritical remarks.
To Rev. E. J. BOYCE. Nov. I2th, 1840.
To-day I was hearing about your three sermons a week. Sermon Now, what I want to impress on you is the absolute wntin£- necessity, I may say, duty, of your not writing more than one of these. I do not mean on account of your over exerting yourself, and so hurting your health, though that is something. . . . You will hurt the powers of your mind, and so unfit yourself for much of the usefulness which otherwise you might hope for. It is absolutely out of the nature of things that any one can, even under the happiest circumstances, go on writing three sermons a week without exhausting themselves. You cannot possibly read, pro portionately to the immense quantity of matter you have to bring forth. Of course, we all know that there is such a thing as easy writing, but who would not rather sink under, than thus avoid the difficulty ? And once get into the habit, and you can never get out of it. Facilis descensus Averni. No one can more hate the idea of a clergyman with full strength and little parochial duty giving his people other men's compositions instead of his own, but this is quite a different case. I hardly suspect you of the
24 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
guilt of writing three sermons a week, but how far you may not attempt two, I doubt ; and if you do, it is one too much. So much for that.
To B.WEBB. Annunciation B.V.M., 1841. Brighton.
Tract 90. No. 90 of course has excited as much attention here
as elsewhere. No end of abuses are heaped on J. H. N. for not " leaving the Church," as they call it, and upon us for still intending to take Orders. I found the obnoxious book in a high state of perusedness ; homilies and articles collated with it, and every mouth crying shame on the horrible Jesuitry of the author. If you wish a farce after this tragedy, get a threepenny pamphlet called " No Peace with Rome," a lecture in monosyllables by Edward Dalton, Esq., Secretary to the Protestant Association. It is the richest thing I ever saw — almost beating McNeil.
To B. W. Wednesday in Passion Week, 1841.
... As to the piano, I wish you would see whether it wants tuning, because if it does, get it done as soon as may be. I hope to return on S. Mark's Eve ; and on S. Mark's we will, all well, open our Sacred Concerts with Jackson's Te Deum, which I have been diligently study ing. . . . Now may S. Ambrose assist me ! I have two hard battles to fight to-morrow. You remember Kingstone Church which Hare praises as " singularly calm and holy." Well, you may recollect that the North Aisle is blocked off. I always imagined it to have been destroyed ; but no — that part of this singularly holy Church is used as a potato cellar ! This I cannot stand — I only learnt it to-day — and to-morrow I am going at I to blow up furiously. If with no success, theii I shall, all well, apply to Hare. Fight That is battle one. Battle two will be de pevis at Old against Shoreham. I much fear we shall there be finally beaten. Hare doesn't seem disposed to act. I intend to take the C.C.S. money, etc., and tell them that they are only to have it on condition these nuisances or the majority are
ORDINATIONS 25
removed. When we voted the money, " we did it in glad hope and expectation " that such was to be the case, and therefore I conceive I may say this with the utmost truth. If we should be unsuccessful, nothing can be easier than for me to get the Committee's leave to say, that though we think their retention a shocking piece of taste, still, on consideration of the good done, we will give the money.
To B. W. Aug. i7th, 1841.
. . . Have you had enough Protestantisms ? Ready for some more ? Well, then, I will copy out a part of a letter of Burton to Addison (mark, by-the-bye, what he says of Boyce) —
" I was ordained priest by his holiness of Winchester An Ordi- on July nth, at Farnham Palace. There were about thirty nation. men ordained. The palace is a fine old place ; many of the men were lodged there during the examination, and all dined there every day. The dinners were sumptuous : all served upon silver. Oh, if some of the old bishops could have looked in !
" I arrived at Farnham on the Saturday ; after dinner we were ushered into the private Chapel — a queer place, comfortably carpeted and cushioned.
" The Bishop gave an exposition ; and then his chaplain offered up an extemporary prayer — such a prayer ! The Prayer-book was altogether discarded. The Ordination was conducted in the most comfortable manner. Great praise is due to the head valet for the orderly arrange ments ; he was most indefatigable in his exertions to secure the ladies and gentlemen good seats : and indeed I may say the same of the livery servants ; they were all motion — sliding about the Chapel in pumps — noiseless as cats. Nor should I forget the Bishop's Chaplain, who was especially polite to the elect few who honoured the ceremony with their presence.
"Arrayed in full canonicals, the flowing sleeves of his surplice floating on the breeze which his flight from the drawing-room to the Chapel occasioned, he smilingly
26 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
handed a galaxy of beauty and fashion to their cushioned seats. When all men were seated in breathless expecta tion, the sleeves were heard in the distance, and presently appeared the Chaplain, leading in the Bishopess, the first of a long procession of children and maidservants ; all the candidates, except myself and one or two others, arose, and testified their respect. Lastly the Bishop entered (all men on the tip-toe of expectation), wearing the Order of the Garter. He smiled blandly — the men-servants rushed to the Altar gates — they flew open, the Bishop entered — they closed — the men-servants retired. A hymn was given out — the Bishopess arose and led the singing, leaning gracefully over the pew door. Even at the very moment when silence is kept awhile, the Bishop's wife commenced singing the Veni Creator Spiritiis. Oh, Addison, is it not grievous ? It was Ordination domesticated. Boyce of Trinity preached a good sermon in the evening. In all the Charges I heard there was nothing about the Sacraments ! " Thus far Burton. Truly it is grievous. On Sunday morning I had the full service at Hove. There, as I take it, a Protestant clergy man in the Church. My text was " And we shall be changed." I happened to say that the Bible knew — and I was sure the Church knew — of no other regeneration but Baptism. And he grunted and snorted to that degree as to be troublesome. I am sure, that spite of the three hundred years' be-calvinization of England, there is yet a chord in most people's hearts that vibrates to Catholic truth. I cannot hide it from myself — and it would be affectation if I did — that, since I have preached at Hove, the congregation is nearly doubled. Much of this is the novelty of what they hear, but I hope not quite all.
To B. W. Dec. i8th, 1841. The Vicarage, Godalming.
... Dr. Hook says gloriously, with respect to the propagation of the truth, that the great law annexed to it is — the preachers suffer and the cause prevails ; and so the latter takes place, one surely ought not to mind about the former. One thing I see more and more plainly, that
EPISCOPAL HOSPITALITY 27
we are making out for ourselves lives of anything but No easy happiness in the ordinary sense of the word. I do not say this despairingly ; so be it, if we can only gain our end.
Mrs. Neale, senior, was at this time resident at Clifton, whence he visited Wells.
To B. W. Jan. nth, 1842. The Bishop's Palace, Wells.
Oh, that you could have spent this evening with me ! I never could have imagined that episcopal hospitality was practised to such an extent, or that so perfect a baronial mansion existed as this. But listen — and you shall hear all. I had finished writing to you and had just ordered tea, when Law (the Bishop's son) made his appearance, a most gentle manly man about forty. He pressed me to come to the Palace, and seemed to have made every arrangement ex pressly for my convenience. Ainger, the organist, wanted to know what chant, service, and anthem I would have to-morrow ; the verger, what time I would go through the Triforia, etc. Well, I soon promised to come ; he went before to get ready, and I was to follow. It was about 7. The Bishop s Palace is in the shape of a quadrangle, about the size of the Palace- great court of Trinity, only the sides right and left are only walls. Crossing a drawbridge, over a moat which encircles the whole, and is filled with flowing water, I knocked at the great gate with its fine tower. A portly and very civil porter appeared, who conducted me through the court to the door of the Palace, ringing first a most antique and sonorous bell. Here I was received by the butler ; and up a glorious old staircase was ushered into the drawing- room. It is sixty feet in length ; all the windows are on one side, Early Decorated, of two lights with Purbeck shafts ; old paintings of Bishops look down from the walls — Wolsey, Laud, Pearce, Lake, and many others — all originals. A screen divides the room in half, and under its shelter — the Bishop having just gone to bed — did Law and I sit and talk de omnibus rebtis^ etc. Then we had supper. He is beyond measure polite : forced me to take one of his horses to Glastonbury to-morrow ; hoped that
28 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
I should make myself perfectly at home in looking over any rooms I liked ; ordered breakfast for me in his Sanctum (as he calls it) at 8, and then shewed me to my room. It is in the oldest part of the building — one of the angular turrets — ascended by a corkscrew, and called the Virgin's Tower. And here, with a bright warm fire, a comfortable bed, a good library around me, I am writing to you. Truly, this is the place for a Catholick. The room where Laud and Ken have slept, how can one but feel inspired. What a lame and sorry account have I given ! But one cannot describe by particulars. It is the baroniality of the whole which is so wonderful. The Cathedral clock is now chiming eleven. My window is a fine Perpendicular one. Imagine that!
To B. W. Jan. I2th, 1842. 27, Caledonia Place, Clifton.
... If I was pleased with the Palace last night, how transcendently beautiful did it seem this morning ! After breakfast, which was served up very comfortably, I went to S. Cuthbert's, a large Perpendicular Church with fine tower, and then all over the Cathedral, which improves in acquaintance. After service (which was poor, the minor canon not chanting) I went through the Triforia, and to the top, whence is a most grand view. Then I went over the Palace — over its Early English hall, crypt, and chapel, all splendid. The drawing-rooms (which are Early Eng lish) are very fine, and are adorned with many old pictures. One particularly struck me, the portrait of a lady, temp. Car. Mart. You would never take it for a Saint, it might be such a person as any one might meet, but there was a Catholic expression in its beauty which perfectly haunts me. The hair was that auburn which we never see now, merely parted in front and let to fall carelessly on each side of the face, and kept off the forehead by a white satin band. Then I went over, or rather round, the garden, and on the walls which are perfect — and such loveliness on the one side, where the hills slope down to the very moat, and grandeur in the Cathedral and other buildings with
WELLS 29
S. Andrew's Well, etc., on the other, is what I never could have imagined. Law pressed me much to stay; that, of course, was impossible. Then I went to Glastonbury — Giaston- saw S. Benedicts, S. Nicholas, etc., and S. James. Then " I went to the Abbey. The Church must have surpassed anything in the world. From the extremity of the Lady Chapel at the East end to that of S. Joseph at the West, it is 720 feet long ! And the North Aisle (Early English) is about 100 feet high ! The rise to the East is really sublime. The late proprietor, having a taste for the useful, sold a great deal to mend the roads. I saw also S. Joseph's Well, and the thorn, in blossom.
70 Rev. E. J. BOYCE. March nth, 1842. Stogumber.
... I left Bristol on Wednesday at twelve, proceeded. Church by train to Bridgewater, and then came on by the Minehead Mail, through a most lovely country — the Mendip Hills on the left, and the sea, with the well-wooded Somersetshire combes running down to it, on the right. It poured all the way, but by good fortune, I was inside. At Williton, 20 miles from Bridgewater, I found a horse and man, the former to carry me, the latter to perform the same office for my carpet bag. It was very stormy, and in the intricate lanes I got quite puzzled, and finally lost my way, as I could only trust to my horse, who was not accustomed to the road. At last, about six, I arrived here, and as wet as ever I was in my life. Mr. Trevelyan is a very pleasant man about thirty, not married, but an elder sister keeps his house. It is a good old-fashioned rambling parsonage, with huge chimneys, and lattice windows for the most part. That night came on a most tremendous storm ; the wind was higher than I ever knew it before. Many of the neighbour ing families sat up till five, and though we did not, to sleep till quite morning was completely out of the question : huge trees were torn up by the roots in a lane just above the village. Yesterday morning I spent with Trevelyan in his Church — a fine building — and from which he is going to eject all the pews, in number seventeen. Afterwards we
30 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
went out to one or two of the neighbouring villages. I never knew such an odd state of things. The clergy have hereabouts very small incomes, but the spirit of Church Church Restoration has gone abroad, and up to and beyond their restoration. pOwer they are willing to give. But the ignorance in Church matters is so beyond all measure grievous, that I could hardly have believed it. As to the C.C.S., the wonderful ideas of our power — they are not far wrong there — but of our wealth also, are very amusing. But as to what they are disposed to do, take one instance. In a lovely little Church called Monksilver (it may interest you to know that the pasture land there is said to be the richest in England), the clergyman said he was willing to do anything, if I would only tell him what. I made out a list of things which cannot cost less than £50, and, to speak in the miserable language of the day, are not necessary ; these — knowing the expense — he intends setting about directly. In the after noon, Trevelyan had a large party, who were, or professed to be interested in the matter. How you would have laughed could you have seen the intense importance which they attached to everything I said in the matter ! I had some difficulty to preserve a grave countenance. One story I must tell you. A clergyman near here grew tired of his Font, so he cut a hole in the wall, put it in there, and bricked it up. Then he built up a post in the Chancel, made an excavation in the upper part, and put in a little basin. '' How do you like my new Font ? " he asked my informant. " Why," says the other, " I really can't say much in favour of it." " Can't you ? " said the clergyman. " Well, I think it excellent. I have some fear though that people when they see it for the first time will think me a Puseyite." I had invitations last night more than enough to last me a month : of which, as you may easily imagine, I accepted none. If I have been guilty of silence in company before, you would have had your full revenge last night, for I was not allowed a moment's peace. However, I hope I did some good, and that is a comfort. The " Churchwardens " * are well known
1 " Hints to Churchwardens." See review in Christian Remem brancer •, 1841, ii. 11-18.
SOMERSETSHIRE CHURCHES 31
here, and like the Athenians, every one said to me, " Thou bringest certain strange things to our ears : we would there fore know of thee what these things mean ! " We are just going to Church ; after that, we are going to see a certain Sir John Trevelyan, uncle of my excellent host. Their family have lived in the same place since Hen. VI., and then they obtained it by marriage into one which had held it since Hen. II. I fear there are few country gentlemen who could say as much.
I need not tell you when I saw yesterday, one after another, several quiet parsonages, each in its own wooded valley, and with its little Church standing by it (seeming almost to ask for Daily Service), what anticipations — I should rather say, hopes — they brought to my mind. They have a fine peal of bells here, which are now ringing in, so I must end.
Friday night, March nth.
. . . You cannot think (to go on where I left off this morning) what .a pretty sight the service was. There is not a pew in the Nave of this Church, and all the oak benches have most elaborate carving. There was a very fair con gregation, and the men are arranged on one side, the women on the other. In this part of the country the habit Bowing to of bowing toward the Altar is retained in the Church, as the Altar also of bowing at the Gloria, which last custom I never custom. before saw observed. It was a very wet day: however, about three, Trevelyan and I started on horseback to go to Nettlecombe, the seat of the Trevelyans. It is a mag nificent property of about 10,000 acres ; the house and Church stand in a valley, sheltered on the north by a wood 1 of oak trees, of about forty acres, and planted in the time of Hen. VI. or VII. The house is Elizabethan. The hall is very fine, panelled everywhere with the Trevelyan arms, and motto " Time tryeth trothe." The dining-room is some sixty feet long, and contains the family portraits.
1 Described in a letter to Mr. Webb as a " grand Catholic oak- wood."
32 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
We sat some time with Sir John T., a very old man, but in full possession of his .faculties, and possessing (in all things but Church building) an excellent taste. After this, we proceeded through pouring rain to S. Decuman's, a noble Church standing close to the sea, on a very bold hill , The clergyman is a sporting parson, and there is hardly a respectable person in the parish (which is very large, and includes the market town of Watchet) who is not a Dis senter. The Altar cloth was spotted over with ink and grease, and a pen and ink bottle stood on it. The incum bent himself showed us over the Church, and went to the Altar flourishing his huge riding-whip. After that, it having a little cleared up, we went on to Cleeve Abbey, a Cistercian foundation, now a farm house. The hall, which is far supe rior to Trinity College hall, is very nearly perfect — the windows unglazed, but wreathed with ivy most beautifully — and the roof uninjured. At one end of it were hung up the dried skin and bones of a sheep — lately slaughtered by some thief on the premises — by way of charm against the recurrence of a like misfortune. The Chapel is almost entirely ruined. By this time it was dusk, and while our horses were resting, we sat with the rest in a glorious old chimney corner of the (formerly) abbot's house. The old fire-dogs held something like half a cart load of wood, and really it was needed in so large and lofty a room, panelled too with dark oak. It would have made a very pretty A pretty group ; on one side of the fire two healthy, stout boys just group. come in from their day's work were drying themselves at the fire ; on the other, the old grandfather, a venerable- looking man, was telling us such traditions about the place as he could call to mind. By his side were two of his granddaughters, very pretty girls, nursing and playing with a younger sister ; and at some distance, in the deep oak window sill, enjoying themselves, I presume, most of the party — sat a young farmer of the name of Bond, and one of the young ladies of the farm, who is shortly to become Mrs. Bond. And the light and shade thrown over all by the wood fire, as the flames rose and fell, was very beautiful.
SOMERSETSHIRE CHURCHES 33
I said this morning that the clergymen round here clerical were very ignorant. A clergyman who knows Trevelyan ignorance, well, was lately asked to take the duty in a little parish about six miles from here. When it was over, there was a christening, and so he went to the Font and proceeded with the service as usual. When he took the child in his arms, he found there was no water ; he thought it of course an accidental omission, and asked for some. The clerk was in astonishment; however, he sent for a glass of water, thinking the clergyman wanted it to drink. And, in con clusion, it came out that they never used it there ! Is not this almost incredible ? But I can assure you it is true.
Saturday Evening.
We have to-day had a most delightful ride through The a country — lovely beyond description — skirting the base Quantocks- of the Quantock hills, which, with the Mendips, divide the country into two portions. The woodwork in the Churches is very splendid. I have been talking and lecturing — and I hope with good success — till I am almost tired. One view from a place called West Quantox- head, embracing Bridgewater bay from Devonshire to Gloucestershire, and the distant Welsh coast, was one of the grandest things I ever saw. The clergymen seem dis posed to do all they can, and the strong feeling everywhere arising against pews, it is delightful to behold. There is now staying here an old friend of Trevelyan of the name of Francklin, he is " going into the Church " as people say, and I am trying to get hold of him on the right side.
I must tell you of a thing practised in Tong Church. The Squire has built a pew in the Chancel ; when the Commandments are begun, a servant regularly enters at the Chancel door with the luncheon tray ! . . .
March I7th.
... On Monday morning we started for Milverton, a country town eight miles from here, and the living of Trevelyan's elder brother. It was not a very pleasant ride,
D
34 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
for it rained the greater part of the way, and I had a beast little better than a cart horse. However, we saw several good Churches, and reached Milverton in time for dinner, about six : spending a sufficiently dull evening, for the whole family express in pretty strong terms their dislike of music. On Tuesday, I had a long talk with Churchwardens, Rector, and " all other who bear office in that body," on the proposed plan for the enlargement of Milverton Church, which I have no doubt will be put into our hands. I also got three members for the C.C.S. Then we started on our Church expedition, and that day accomplished nine, of which two were in Devonshire. The scenery is very fine, more resembling our own South Downs than anything I have elsewhere seen. Wednesday, Trevelyan was knocked up : so Francklin, whom I mentioned before to you, and I, rode out by ourselves, taking a round by Wellington and Taunton, and managed seven Churches.
I shall not be sorry to find myself at home again, which I hope to be before you receive this ; but I have liked my visit very well, and learnt a great deal, and I hope taught something.
CHAPTER IV
1842
AT CRAWLEY
Lord ! by Thee my trust is bounded,
Let me never be confounded.
Thou my Praise, my Good, my Guard,
My exceeding great Reward :
Thou in labour my Fruition,
Thou in sickness my Physician.
J. M. NEALE was ordained Priest on Trinity Sunday, and the next day accepted the small living of Crawley, in Sussex. The following letters to Miss Webster, to whom he had been engaged some few weeks, relate the beginning of his short experience as a parish priest.
Saturday, May 28th.
MY DEAREST SARAH,
I can well imagine that you will look with Expert some interest for the account of our adventures. We ences at reached Three Bridges at a quarter to six, and then S. Crawley- and I walked over. We were received very nicely by the parties in authority. I called, of course, on the Church warden, and had a good deal of talk with him. He reckons Dissenters and Churchmen nearly half and half ; and that, although the former have to go five miles to the nearest meeting-house. Then I sent for the clerk. They begin the service by singing, " When the wicked," etc. Now all this melody may surely be turned to good account. Till lately the Commandments have been read from the reading- pew ! I have prepared them for the Prayer for the Church
36 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
Militant to-morrow. The Communicants average fifteen. The average congregation is three hundred.
I must be looking at my sermon. I know I shall have your prayers. My hoarseness is not very well.
May 29th. ist Sunday after Trinity.
I have got through to-day with very tolerable ease and comfort. After breakfast a visit from the clerk, who gave us some account of his sayings and doings. Down to the school, a nice, airy, commodious building. It is founded (as a writing on the wall tells) for the instruction Sunday of children "in the principles of the Protestant Religion, School. as established." Query, whether such principles may not soon be at a discount ? I never saw cleaner rooms or more airy: or cleaner children. They have but two teachers for the boys — poor men, and not knowing very much, but very civil — and one for the girls. There are thirty-five of the latter, and seventy of the former. I heard them read and so on, and cannot much approve of their system. They were reading the 2nd Epistle to the Corinthians, but as to who S. Paul might be they had no idea. However, those who can read (and that is nearly all) are able to read very well. At eleven we went to Church — the first time of my officiating as Priest. There were about two hundred and fifty ; the Church was decently full. They began by singing the Old Hundredth — there may be twenty voices — and certainly I must say that they sing much better than one could expect.
The They were very attentive during the sermon, especially
Bidding in those parts which more particularly interested them.
Prayer. They seemed to take the Bidding Prayer very naturally,
and were not surprised at the Prayer Militant, as Bernard
Leslie's clerk called it. My voice held out wonderfully
well ; for the Church, though not large, is, as we were told
before, remarkably difficult to speak in. After dinner we
went to the schools again. I made a large class and
catechized, and was quite delighted to hear the Sussex
dialect again. They got very much interested, and rose
AS PARISH PRIEST AT CRAWLEY 37
very much in my opinion. But they sadly want some superintendent — there is no list of children, and no one seems to know who ought to come. I made them go to Church in the evening, but must alter the plan of their coming somehow — for seven hours, with only one hour's break, is too much of a good thing. There was a Baptism in the afternoon. I had it in the middle of service. The Church was crammed. People were jammed into the square pews, so that I wondered how they would ever get out. Mr. Sweeting, and our squire, Mr. Broad- wood, who lives four miles from here, towards Horsham, were there. They sang Greene's anthem — " Lord, how are they increased that trouble me " — and really very fairly. Already in my mind's eye, I behold an incipient choir. They sing after the Second Lesson, but that is easily trans posed. But, in the middle of the service, judge of my horror, when the Churchwarden, wanting to open the east window, got up on the Altar ! Really the Protestantism of the people with respect to that is dreadful : it all arises from having a short Chancel. People are forced, from want of room, to put down their hats within the rails. The Church warden's deed certainly somewhat disheartened me — how ever, " the battle is the Lord's : and He will give them into our hands " ; that must be our comfort in these matters as in everything else. I am so very thankful that I have been able to get through these services. I was very nervous in the morning lest I should break down. A good many of the people turn to the East — of course I set them the example. The clerk bowed as regularly at the Saviour's Name as if he had been used to it all his life, in the evening : it shews the force of example. I returned the woman's fee for churching. Do you think I was right ? To-morrow there is a Club Sermon. Mr. Sweeting asked if I would " lend him my pulpit," to which of course I assented, but intend to read prayers myself. I think, the more I see of it, that we may well say of this place, " The lines are fallen to us in pleasant places."
(This was a preliminary visit of two or three days. He took up his abode at Crawley, June nth.)
38 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
June nth.
This village looked really quite beautiful as we came into it this evening. The people begin to recognize me a little, I think.
Baptisms duri ng service.
June 1 2th. 3rd Sunday after Trinity.
. . . The clerk came to me and said that there was a Baptism, but the parents hoped it might not be in the service — and it was the feeling of the congregation generally —because the other was the old custom. " Well," quoth I, " that is a good reason, where there is none stronger ; tell them to come in the service, and I will say something about it in my sermon." Then dinner with much speed ; I wrote something on the subject, then down to the girls' school. They are much less forward than the boys. Down to Church : very full it was. I baptized in the middle, and preached from " He that hath the Son," etc. Then I delivered an oration to the singers and had a talk with the Churchwardens. ... I have taken possession of the Church key : you can guess why.
Parochial visiti ng.
June 1 3th.
I have been the greater part of the day paying visits and taking down name§, and have met at present with nothing but civility. There are not so many Dissenters as I had expected to find, and I have hitherto met none who had any objection against coming to Church. Indeed, they seem to think one will be rather pleased to find they go occasionally to meeting ; and as to the sin of it; tJiat there will be some difficulty in teaching them.
I have got a promise for six or seven more children for the Sunday School ; it and the National School are completely different. The masters of the one seem to pique themselves on knowing nothing at all respecting the other. I have changed my pew with the one next to me, and shall probably pluck it away to-morrow. Oh, my pew- less Sarah ! how will you get on ? the only person with
CHURCH SERVICES 39
any pretensions to gentility in the parish who has no pew ! Now I am going down to the Church to see what arrange ments can be made for enabling the men who sit in the Chancel to kneel. I informed the clerk yesterday about Daily daily service ; he did not look much frightened. One's Servlce< love for the parochial system is rather severely tested here. A child is lying dead within thirty yards of my Church, and yet I cannot visit the parents because it is in I field.
Sunday, June iQth.
... In the afternoon I went to the School, fully bent on putting my threat into execution of keeping back the tickets of anyone who was late. But lo, the greater part of the children had no tickets — only those who say their Collects, which is only four classes. These tickets are afterwards bought for a penny a dozen by the master, so there was the rattling of money and a kind of bargaining going on. Well ! that shall not be done much longer. In the afternoon service there was a Baptism, and behold ! when I got to the font the child was not to be found. So I found that this was a plan to avoid the baptisms in the middle of the service, and determined not to give way. The clerk went and fetched up the people, who, when they found the whole congregation waiting for them, looked beyond measure ashamed ; and I made their discomfiture complete by giving notice, after the prayers, that I should only baptize when the sponsors were in Church the whole time.
S. John the Baptist's Day (June 24th).
You would have been much pleased could you have seen Saint's day my congregation this morning. I do not mean that the Service- Church was crammed, but there were really a very respectable number of people, considering : the wetness of the day did not seem to keep any away. I felt no inconvenience at all from reading, and have had no pain in my chest nor any thing else to-day. . . . Pleased as I was with the attendance at Church this morning, I could not but feel sorrowful when
40 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
I compared it with that in some of the village churches which I saw this day last year, not to mention the magnificent ones in Dieppe, crammed with worshippers. However, by God's grace, we — or at least some of us — may live to see the like here in England, and those who do not may perhaps be better and more happily off. The schoolmaster turned somewhat rarnpagious this evening, but I soon quieted him. My texts on Sunday, all well, will be — in the morning, " Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward " — in the evening, " Prayer shall be made unto Him continually, and DAILY shall He be praised."
Saturday Morning, June 25th.
ill health. . . . My dear love, you will be sorry to hear that the service yesterday gave me so much pain and fever at night that I more than fear I must give it up for a few weeks. I shall go to town however, all well, and see Dr. Blundell again — and, I think, make some arrangements about getting a supply for the next few weeks. . . . And you must tell me what you think I ought to do. ... How I shall get through the service to-morrow I cannot exactly say ; and what steps to take about getting a supply, for how long to engage one, or to whom to apply, are considerations which rather puzzle me.
June 26th. 5th Sunday after Trinity.
After breakfast to the School ; 48 out of 59 boys, 20 out of 25 girls ; called over the names ; read the first lesson with the boys, 1st and 2nd class, and then back. The clerk brought me a basket of cherries — his first. A fair congre gation in Church ; gave notice of the Holy Communion and of service on St. Peter's Day and Friday. Preached on the character of Jeroboam ; somewhat above them. Spoke to them of kneeling and responding. After dinner to the School ; heard the boys. . . . Preached from " Let me die the death of the righteous."
WORK AT CRAW LEY 4*
Addle Hill. June 2;th.
I went with Webb to Dr. Blundell. I was determined Doctor's to hear the worst of the matter, so after I had seen him I vt sent Webb up to receive his verdict.
Well, he says there is no danger, but that it is necessary to take a good deal of care, etc. He says I must not take any duty at present, that he thinks the visiting, etc., would be a very good thing, that I ought not to be left alone— both because this might become worse suddenly, and also on other general accounts. He is very glad that I am thinking of being married, and thinks that it will be, in all points of view, a most excellent thing. The first thing evidently to be done is to get a supply till one may venture on the thing one's self, and that is not easy. . . . Dr. Blundell says that a little exercise for my voice is a good thing ; so I shall hope to administer the Holy Communion next Sunday, when one need not speak louder than in an ordinary room. . . .
Addle Hill. The Feast of St. Peter.
... I had a long argument with Wackerbarth, the Argument Romanist, and never felt before, so much, how invincible Romanists, we Anglicans are, if we will only abjure all common cause with Protestants. I do not think that I shall have Webb with me next Sunday, so I must do as well as I can by myself. ... I had, you know, intended to stay till to-morrow, thinking that Webb would have returned with me then ; as it is, there are so many who, I hope, will receive the Communion for the first time next Sunday, that I do not like to be away from them, and must try to see them all first. Indeed I could not feel comfortable away from Crawley, unless there were a regular Curate.
Crawley. June 3oth.
I have just had a visit from Mr. Bethune. I perceive, if we settle here, we shall be able to do anything with this neighbourhood. This man has a great idea of my know ledge in the Church line, and I lectured him about pews. I
42 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
do hope to have some hand, yet, in doing something for our Churches — but if it should please God that I should not, why, the comfort is, the work will go on just as well without me. . . .
I have just come in from a long walk to that part of Crawley which lies in the forest, and a wild and beautiful country it is. Once get over the ridge of the hill, and there are the South Downs in all their beauty. It came on to rain just as I got to Shelley, for that is the name of our hamlet, and I was glad of the shelter. There are but two Baptists cottages, and both the people are Baptists — the one so from Infant infancy, the other lately turned so. With the former I had Baptism, about half-an-hour's conversation. He referred me to the old argument — give chapter and verse for Infant Baptism — (what do " Bible, whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible " people say to that ?). Of course it would have been in vain to give him the true argument, Catholic consent — so I con tented myself with asking for chapter and verse about the Sunday (he had just insisted on our not being under the law). This, of course, he could not do, and he then flew off to that passage in Ezekiel, " I will sprinkle clean water," etc., which, he said, he knew by the " unctious " teaching of the Holy Spirit to mean the Blood of the Saviour. I explained to him that it meant no such thing, and then seeing the mother was listening I spoke to him of the horrible thing it would be if one of his children were to die unbaptized. Then I further explained to him that, to say the least, there was a fearful chance against his having been really baptized, and asked him who gave his minister the power ? Would you believe it ? he went to the succession immediately ! Mr. Davis was " brought under " by Mr. Brooks, and so on, up to the Apostles. " No," quoth I, " very far from it," and shewed him where their succession really did begin. " Well, sir," he said, " I wish you would read a little book that I would send you." " Willingly," I said, " on two conditions, that you read one I shall send you, and that you will hear what I have to say on your book when I have read it." He agreed, and so we parted very good friends. The place they go to is at Hand Cross, only a little more than a mile, whereas Crawley is three.
PARISH VISITING AT CRAW LEY 43
July ist, 1842.
... I have been very busy in the parish to-day, and Cottage paid some interesting visits. At one place, Mrs. P.'s, I V1 found that though the mother was a Churchwoman, and even a Communicant, the daughter had never been baptized. She is a nice modest girl, and I liked her frank way of speaking. She does not see the necessity of being baptized at all — thinking, I imagine, that it is all very well if done in infancy — otherwise it is no matter. And yet, with strange inconsistency, she belongs to, or rather often attends, a Baptist (if, indeed, it be not rather a Socinian) meeting. However, I hope I made some impression on her, and the mother seems to be glad of it. I am to lend her some books, first and foremost Richard Nelson. There are some parishes where one could not venture to lend any of the Tracts ; fortunately this is not one. My Baptist friend at Shelley has sent me his book, which I am to read ; by good luck it is not very long. I sent him a tract on the subject. Then after dinner (though it was Friday), I went to see the people whom I have been endeavouring to prepare for the Holy Communion, and to look up some irregular children. I think I have the art of making myself minded — at least the people here are very tractable. Among other things, I called on a woman of the name of Bollen, in the " Magazines " (the worst part, as you will soon, I hope, know) of our parish. I had only spoken to her husband before, and not been in the house. I never before saw such a place. It was used for a horse shed, but is much decayed since that time. One long room, with mud floor, constitutes the whole. The boards are half or at most three-quarter inch — huge cracks between — the door will not shut — only fasten to — the thatch :lets in the rain ; and in that tremendous rain last night, the wet poured in upon the bed, and the woman's ingenuity was almost exhausted in keeping it off her husband, who still slept on. How like a woman ! Well ! I was determined to do something for them — the more because they did not complain. So I sent to the landlord, himself a poor man, to come up to me at nine.
44 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
Then I read and prayed with the poor old bedridden woman, and talked to her about the Holy Communion, which I think she might well receive, though her memory is none of the best, and then walked to the Bridges. Pichard came up at nine. I represented to him the cruelty of keeping people where I would not keep a horse, and charging them eighteenpence a week for their house. He was rather obstinate at first, but I made him — partly by coaxing, and partly by threatening — penitent, and he promised me, if I could get him leave of absence from work for a week without being finally turned off, to repair the cottage. This I shall try to do to-morrow morning. I also reconciled two sisters who were at enmity. Scott's clerk has been taking measurements of my Church all day. I
find that Miss has been in the habit of giving money
for attendance at the Holy Eucharist ! There is something most horrible in this, and it must be put a stop to. Services. After much thought I have written to Thorp for a curate
for two months to take the Daily Service. I feel more and more that I cannot hold any living comfortably without it- eat the bread of the Church while neglecting her express commands.1
Writing many years later (1865) he says, "When I was at college my one great desire was for parish work. I feel certain that had I known that I was only to be a parish priest for six weeks in my whole life, I should not have wished for Holy Orders at all. And after having a very neglected living given me . . . and just beginning to work in it, I shall never forget (I scarcely ever am at Three Bridges, which is in that parish, without remembering) the bitterness of the disappointment, when it was said to me, ' Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.' "
1 As regards Daily Services, see his articles " On Ritual Irregu larity," Christian Remembrancer, v. 525-542, and " How shall we conform to the Liturgy," vii. 183-197.
CHAPTER V 1842-43
PENZANCE — MADEIRA — SOMERSETSHIRE
It matters little where we go,
If GOD'S good arm be o'er us ; It matters little, if the bow
Be in the cloud before us.
His sojourn at Crawl ey was very brief. Symptoms of serious lung trouble appeared (his father and two uncles had died of consumption) ; and he was reluctantly obliged to relinquish the living. He married Sarah Norman Webster on July 2/th, 1842. In the autumn, his health continuing very precarious, he and his wife went to Pen- zance, and early in the following year to Madeira, as the best hope of prolonging his life. The following letters tell of his literary work during the winter. It was then that he turned his attention to hymn-writing, not from any great love of hymns ; on the contrary, he speaks in a previous letter (p. 22) of his dislike to them. This early dislike was no doubt due to the hymns of Dr. Watts, which he and his sisters, in common with most of the children in Evangelical families, used to learn by heart. For it must be remembered that whilst we owe the delightful poem, "There is a land of pure delight," to the pen of Dr. Watts, the appalling hymn beginning —
" My thoughts on awful subjects roll,
Damnation and the dead," is also his.
A family treasure of his " Psalms and Hymns," contain ing this terrible one and many such, is in my possession. It bears the following inscriptions : " A Birthday Present from John Mason Good to his beloved daughter Susanna Good, given her Feb. 26th, 1798" ; and on the next page, " This little book, received from her ever dear Father, 1798, is now a birthday present from Susanna Neale to her
46 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
beloved daughter Susanna Neale, given her Sept. i6th, 1832." (This was J. M. Neale's sister.) The family, therefore, were brought up under Dr. Watts' and kindred teaching, and it was to free children from this "yoke," as he calls it, that John Mason Neale wrote his first hymns. The little volume entitled " Hymns for Children " was published in 1843. The spirit that pervades it is the spirit of the Church Catechism which teaches l a baptized child " heartily " to "thank our heavenly Father that He hath called me to this state of salvation."
To B. W. All Souls (Nov. 2nd), 1842. Penzance.
Writing Long ago I determined that if no one else did anything
for y to free our poor children from the yoke of Watts, I would Children." try. I have been seriously at work at it the last six weeks, and have accomplished a little volume of 34.2 This I sent to Burns, who returns word that he shall be very glad to print it, but one of Williams' is coming out, which he wishes to appear first. I wrote back it must be now or never, and if that does not suit him he must forward them to Stevenson. Now, I should like you to read these (and, if they will, the Professor and Dr. Mill), but you need not mention it to others. I should like to have them appear at Cambridge. You will see that Baptism is the chief thing insisted on, and the Lord's Supper (to speak Protestantly) is not even mentioned, on the principle of reserve. So much for them. I have been reading Thoresby's diary, some very curious things. It is surely a mercy and a miracle that we have any Church at all. I have thought of a good idea, as I think you will allow. It is a collection of anecdotes against pues, such as the editor of the British Critic gave us, for instance. You and I will do it, and put our names to it, as proofs that the stories are authentic ; we will set about it immediately. Scrap up all the stories you have been credibly told, or know yourself, and send them to me, and I will digest them into order. Let me hear what you think.
1 For his own religious teaching in childhood, see " Memoirs," by Mrs. Towle, p. 247.
2 See Christian Remembrancer ', iii. 435-443.
PENZANCE 47
To B. W. S. Cecilia (Nov. 22nd), 1842.
I took my wife to see Land's End, which we did to great advantage, there being a fresh gale from the north west, though it was hardly so fine as when I saw it before. Thence to the far-famed Logan. The distance is four miles, through singularly wild country. Reaching the inn at S. Levan we sent for a guide, and pursued our way across the fields. The distance may be a mile. The Logan, as you know, was thrown down in 1824 by a The Logan Lieutenant Goldsmith, who thereupon received orders from St the Admiralty either to put it up, or leave the Service ; and permission at the same time, to take from Plymouth whatever he might want. He took masts, bolts, chains, etc., and fifty men, was eight weeks about it, and spent £200, and so set it up. But it was not so well poised as before ; it was 3 1 feet from the proper place, and wore away. So in the spring of this year three poor men (one of whom was our guide) raised a sum of £15, and screwed it up quite right. Till this was done, it had been padlocked for fear of another accident. The scene is wilder than the Land's End, though not unlike it ; there is a most savage pyramid of rocks thrown into the sea, on the very summit of it the Logan lies. The heap may be 100 feet in height, and is joined by a narrow neck to the land. It is nothing but a heap, rifts and chasms and fissures yawn quite through it in all directions. Through these, with much difficulty, Sarah was got up. The summit, besides the space taken up by the rock, affords just room to go round. The vibrations are as much as half a foot — the stone weighs 80 tons. On a peak at a little distance is a stone called the Giant's Chair, where, I suppose, the presiding Druid sat. I cannot imagine a finer subject of a picture than an ordeal there. To the right, Cape Pedro-y-inver stretches out: three other capes to the left, the nearest being Cape Caloge (the g is soft). Every little cove has its own Cornish name. The Scilly packet (a sailing vessel) was a very pretty object in the huge expanse of sea. S. Levan's Church I could not see to-day. It is a mile
48 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
from the village, and a: way that flys cannot go. I have received your letter, and am glad to hear that Goodwin's paper is not likely to be printed. As to my tract, the delay will do no harm. They will doubtless propose alterations. In all these you may act for me — remembering that its publication is not necessary ; but its Catholicity, if published, is necessary. Especially I wish the protest against galleries and stoves to stand. I am glad that you "Hymns are not disgusted with the hymns. For myself, I have
Children " no <^ou^t' tnat hymns may 'm themselves be Catholic, but whether hymns for children may be so is another question.1 And I am glad to be borne out by Keble and Williams. However, of this you may be sure, that I did not write a syllable in them with an unCatholic intent : and of this also, that any passage which strikes any Catholic judge as having an unCatholic appearance, I will alter at once, without disputing about it. However, I am glad Stokes and Haskoll are reading them, and I hope they will continue to do so. You can read out ithis passage to them with my love.
To B. W. Jan. nth, 1843. Penzance.
Miss Ashburner has just shown me your letter con cerning the Cross ; with which I was much edified. I think, however, that we must distinguish between the two ideas set forth by the Symbol ; the Passion of our Saviour, and the Cross which His followers must take up. In the
Crosses, former case, of course, it cannot be too highly ornamented ;
piamor kut jn j^e iatter it seems to me that it may be plain.
mented? TcK/urj/ofov Si. The iron Cross at the top of a spire is always so ; because as the spire itself signifies our path to Heaven, so the Cross on it signifies the means by which we must endeavour to reach it. But by absolutely rejecting plain Crosses we get ourselves into difficulty not only about this, but about early Christian Crosses, and about them, when they do occur (though I agree it is very seldom) on gable-ends, etc.
Cp. Christian Remembrancer vi. 42-58.
LEAVING ENGLAND 49
To the Rev. E. J. BOYCE. Jan. iyth, 1843. Penzance.
MY DEAR BOYCE,
As you may well imagine, to leave England is a great trial, and especially to Sarah, but then we are not left without comfort. Truly, as you say, it is a lesson to every one to work while it is day.
I have now nearly rid myself of the things I was most anxious about, having sent off " Agnes de Tracy " to Stevenson, and nearly finished the other book. " Durandus " 1 will, I hope, be fully arranged when Webb comes here.
All this is in case it should be God's will that my work should be done — preparing for the dark does not exclude hoping for the bright side — nor ought it.
I shall leave the " Hymns and Songs " 2 (if you will take them) in your hand. I have some corrections, should a second edition be called for, and a new hymn, which I will send you. And will you also get the second series through the press ? keeping the capitals, etc., as in the first series. Let me hear this, for the getting ready another series of Hymns I think a very suitable employment for any one in my condition.
I will try, at all events, not to " rust out " ; and perhaps I may be good for something a good while yet. Who can tell ? With our united love, I remain, ever
Your affectionate brother,
J. M. NEALE.
To B. W. Feb. 2oth, 1843. Funchal, Madeira.
. . . This place, in an Ecclesiastical point of view, is R.C the most discouraging and regrettable that you can conceive, As to the Church, I fear it is in a most deplorable state. I dined on Saturday with a Mr. Monro, who has paid some attention to the subject, and, though a Protestant, is not a bigoted one — so his opinion may go for some thing. Indeed, the look of the thing may shew you that there is something wrong. Processions not allowed ;
1 " Durandus on Symbolism," reviewed Christian Remembrancer, vi. 332-335-
" Hymns for the Young," Christian Remembrancer, vi. 448.
E
50 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
the Church is not open ; and, though I have kept a pretty strict watch, I have not seen High Mass once. Yesterday I was in the Cathedral twice — the first time, perhaps three hundred worshippers, very devout ; but the Mass said at one of the side Altars was mere dumb show. The second time, perhaps 1 200 might be there ; one priest only ; no chanting at all. The interior of the Cathedral improves upon you — that is, if we had it, we could make something of it. The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament is one mass of gilding, over tolerably good Flamboyant work — something like Gisors.
The But about these Priests. The first thing that made
priests in Monro suspect them was this. He, I think, was walking
with one P , a Madeira merchant, whose brother is Curd
of Cunigal. As they went through the village (it was some feast), an Englishman who had been hearing the sermon complimented P— - on his brother's performance. " Yes,
sir," says P , " I'm proud to say that my brother is a
respectable man." Fancy that said under similar circum stances in England ! In the Island newspaper, O Defensa, I saw an article on the decay of the Catholic faith, which they attribute to the vicious lives of the clergy. . . .
I have learnt a good deal more about the Island ; but the rainy season has prevented my seeing much. I break fasted with Lowe on Saturday. He has promised me an introduction to the best parish priest on the Island, a most excellent man. I am getting on with Portuguese as fast as I can ; for none can talk with ease in Latin. The principal matter of talk here now is one Dr. Calley. He was a physician who has been missionarizing, at first, partly with the consent of the priests ; but latterly, against the Church. He is an Independent. The Government complains to Lisbon ; Calley gets up a counter petition, signed by the English, in favour of his proceedings and orthodoxy. Of fourteen clergymen in the Island, eight signed, six did not ; Guillemard was one that signed, but he is very sorry. Except Lowe, none is very orthodox, though some are well-disposed. However, the English are tolerably well- disposed — they uncover on meeting the Host, etc. I will
MADEIRA 51
try by the next packet to send you a short paper on the Cathedral for the C.C.S.1 It will contain a good deal that is new to them, and, I think, to you. I have seen Santa Luzia, a poor late tawdry Church, this morning at High Mass ; the voices of the Canons are good, but they are in abject poverty, many of them wine merchants, etc. I find it quite impossible to make any progress with them till I can get up some Portuguese. You will be glad to hear Dr. Newton's opinion. He was half an hour, I should think, examining my chest, and he says that at present the lungs are only threatened, and seems to say it may be got over. My story has got on very much. I think you will like it. I dwell principally on three points — The Curse of Abbey Lands, The Benefit, and the " Ayton Possibility of Monasteries — contrasting them with other Pnory." modes of giving vent to a devotional spirit. As I said before, I leave the publisher to you.
Very good congregation this morning. Perhaps 120— out of 288, the regular congregation, three-fourths Com municants. Lowe thinks that he has done much towards, Hopes of and considers very possible, the Union of the Churches.2 umon- The Portuguese Church has always been on its guard against Rome ; and there is said to be a very elabo rate work by a clergyman of the last century on Papal Usurpation.
To B. W. S. Gregory (March I2th), 1843. Funchal.
. . . We are anxiously trying to get a Quinta or country house ; for the heat is sometimes almost over powering. . . . One gets up a little before seven ; a fine morning of course ; the mountains and the white Church of Nossa Senhora de Monte are the first things one's eyes open on. Breakfast at eight ; just the same as in England, save that rusks with us supply the bread. Then usually Matins ; after which, if it be Litany or High Mass, I generally take a turn in the Cathedral, which is only about twelve yards off. Then we sit down to Portuguese j
1 See " Ecclesiology of Madeira," 227-232.
2 See Christian Remembrancer, xi. 1-64.
52 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
and three days in the week our master, Senhor Dellanave, an honest man, who was imprisoned for his loyalty three months, favours us. Then I get about whatever I may have in hand, writing (as I am now doing) at a Madeira- made standing desk. This brings us to dinner. First course : the most wonderful variety of fish (I mean one of) you can imagine. Second : tough beef, mutton, or kid. Third : oranges and bananas. Then, perhaps, a read in the English Library, which is an amusing, though not very good one ; and then out on horse-back, with our burroquieros. One can trot so little, that their method of holding at such times, the horse's tail, does not matter.
Mont- alembert.
"Shep-
perton
Manor."
" Mirror of Faith.1
To B. W. March 28th, 1843. Funchal.
... I am glad to say that we are going to leave our present town house, and to get up in the hills, all well, next Friday. Next week we hope to make a tour of the Island, and to be out four days : so I may probably have some thing to say then. Did I tell you that Count de Mont- alembert is here ? He lent Lowe his "Life of St. Elizabeth," in which he has written the letter he sent with it to the Pope, and the Pope's answer, both such as you might expect. The Pope regrets that he tantd mole curarum praesertim hoc tempore oppressus has not had time to read it. To-day I called on the Count for the purpose of being introduced to him, but he was out. One may have a fair opportunity of mentioning to him the honour we did him. . . . You will have this week, I hope, my short letter, and Burns will have "Ayton Priory." I have written three chapters of another story — intended to set forth the position of the Church qua Romanists and Puritans in King James the First's reign, and introducing Andrewes, Montague, etc. Also ten Ballads of a series on the principal Church events of English History, which are : " Last Hunt of William Rufus " — " Martyrdom of S. Thomas of Canterbury " — " Setting up the Standard "— " Lord Brooke's Death"— "Lord Derby's Execution "— " Oliver Cromwell's Death "— " Bishop Fullar- ton's Consecration "—« Bishop Jolly's Death "— " Meeting of
services.
MADEIRA 53
Bishops Broughton and Selwyn." I should wish to write about thirty, with a short introduction to each. That is all I have done. I generally write about four hours every day, and Portuguese takes up time besides. Last Sunday week was the Sunday Dos Passes. In the Franciscan Church there was as odd a scene the whole day as any I ever saw. It was so much darkened that on going out of the sunlight one could hardly see anything. There Passion were about 1200 people sitting on the floor, leaving a narrow passage up the middle. At the South-east end of the Aisle was an image or doll of the B.V.M., and all day there was a tide of persons walking up to it, kissing the hem of the garment and passing on. Behind the Altar, and separated from it by a curtain, was a rude scaffold on which was an image of our LORD sinking under His Cross ; people had the same thing here. There was a good deal of devout feeling, but I heard a laugh as some fresh visitors came stumbling up the dark scaffold. The streets were crowded — shops opened — like an election in England. At five there was a procession. First came a banner with S.P.Q.R.— the little girls dressed up with all kinds of finery to imitate angels, and bearing the instruments of crucifixion. Then the Canons chanting (I think) the Stabat Mater. Then the Saviour's Image. Then the B.V.M. in her agony. Then the band playing (and very well) a plaintive funeral March ; then a rascal rout. Considering the childishness of much, and the objectionable character of more in this, it was really a very touching representation of the March to Calvary. Many knelt when the first figure passed, I fear more when the second. So much for that. Since I wrote to you we have been to the Curral. The ride there is sublime beyond description, winding in and out among the mountains, with a precipice above and below, and in some places the road is far worse than it would be to go downstairs, if not very steep. If your horse made one false step, you would presently find yourself some half-mile below in the ravine. The height we went is about 4000 feet ; and it was almost too warm when we sat down to dinner. I have seen several more Churches,
54 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
but there is nothing in them worth mentioning. I hear that at the East of the Island are ten or twelve desecrated Chapels, and one Parish Church, thanks to the impoverished state of the Church here. They have very few Festivals of obligation — the only remarkable ones are S. Vincent and S Anthony of Lisbon (June I3th).
March 3ist. Santa Luzia.
To-day we have got into our new house. It stands on the side of a steep hill, some three hundred feet above the City, of which it commands a fine view, and has two small gardens and a vine corridor. Count Montalembert called to-day, unfortunately we were at dinner. He knows all about the C.C.S.'s election of him, through a mutual friend, as it would have been an awkward matter to explain. So he evidently takes it well. Both he and the Countess are said to be " delightful people." He speaks English like a native. [His mother was English, daughter of James Forbes, I.C.S.]
To B. W. April ;th. Santa Luzia.
Mont- I have seen Count Montalembert : and you will be
fnTthT £*ac* to kear tnat we seem to nave taken to each other.
c.c.s. I told him about our election of him, at which he was, or professed to be, very much pleased. He has asked me to go and see him at Paris, and talks of coming to Cambridge for the purpose of seeing Ely, etc. In all historical details connected with Monasteries, he is admirably well up, but does not know much about our Churches. One thing may be brought into your Ecclesiologist : he says, that French architects, in arguing against the possibility of introducing Gothic, point to our modern Gothic as their strong argument.
Churches in this shape jr{ J3 with Porch and Altar recess,
he calls, not badly, mousetraps. I shall probably see him again in a day or two, and then hear his opinion of our work. He was very well acquainted with the C.C.S.
MADEIRA 55
through the British Critic. The French C.C.S.1 lately,
and successfully, prosecuted a Priest for selling a reliquary
and buying candlesticks with the proceeds. He lent me
a book of his, "Vandalism "and Catholicism," and a history
with plates of Cluny, certainly the most wonderful Church
in the world, with nine towers. Last Friday I saw the Convent
Convent of Santa Clara ; and truly I never beheld any-
thing more horribly protestant We were shewn up a
straight, steep staircase, at the top of which were two rooms,
right and left, both separated by a double grating from
the Monastery. Into one of these we went. Out comes
an old merchant from the other. " The nuns will be round
to you presently — they are in the other room just now —
Captain So-and-so is joking with them, and making fun
of them." So he was : asking them to go with him to
China, etc. And this is allowed, every ship that comes
in. ... Presently they came round with feather flowers,
which they make for sale. They were passed to us by
means of a dumb waiter in the wall. I went into the
Church: it has a kind of barbaric splendour, from the
walls being inlaid with Dutch tiles in large patterns. There
is a very fine Flamboyant Monument at the West end,
which would do credit to any Church. I must get it copied.
We are going on much the same. Our change here has
certainly done me good. We breakfast and have tea out
in the corridor — it is too hot to dine there. We began the
system of having prayers, directly after coming here. Our
cook, Francisco da Conceigao, has conscientious scruples
(I don't think he need, for he eats meat on Fridays) : our
housemaid is very attentive. It is odd that in Portuguese
the Faithful are called as ovelhas, the sheep. The great Portuguese
devotion of the English seems to make a great impression Church
., T .r , . . and Union.
on them. I am sure that if we are to be m communion with Europe, the Portuguese Church will afford a very easy beginning.2 No news of the Bishop yet. The Confirmation
1 " Comite* des Arts" in 1834, and " Commission des Monuments Historiques" in 1837.
2 See Christian Remembrancer, xiii. 538.
56 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
must now be in Passion Week. However, it will not inter fere with the Services. I have been working at the Ballads — of which there are now twenty-two. But next week, all well, I shall lay them aside, and write a short tract on Private Prayer in Churches — bowing towards the Altar, etc. I will have some measurements of the Churches here for you, valuable as showing their gradual curtailment as corruption increased. I saw the first baptism in the Island Church to-day, that I have ever seen. And then, by way of contrast, we had one in ours. . . . Probably before I write again we shall have been round the Island. One travels quite in the primitive style. Two b^lrroqueiros and our cook will go with us, and they carry sheets, blankets, and all the bread and meat we want, for nothing can be got in the Island but eggs and perhaps milk. A shocking accident happened to a party, in which Guillemard was, last week. There was a quarrel between the burroqueiros — one of them was left on the top of a mountain — and when they enquired for him next day, he was dead ! Of course they left money, etc., for his burial at S. Vincente, it was all they could do. You cannot imagine the loveliness of the climate now — hotter, though, than any English August, but such unvaryingly glorious weather.
To B. W. Fer : vi. in Pasch : gaudio. 1843. Santa Luzia. . . . On Thursday, while we were at Evensong, the Bishop of Antigua landed. His coming created quite a sensation among the Portuguese. Thursday, after Matins, the Con firmation took place, and was admirably well-managed. The Bishop carried himself very Bishopfully. The Governor came with his family ; he was very attentive, and, I take it, pleased. The charge good in almost all points, not a word Confirma- in disparagement of the Island Church ; he spoke of " the Holy Table, or, as it may rightly be called, the Altar." One very touching thing : a young lady, very ill, was brought in a hammock to the Church door, carried in first of all, confirmed by herself, and then carried out again. Afterwards, we were all introduced to him ; and were to
MADEIRA 57
have dined with him the next day, the Bishop protesting against there being anything like a feast. However, he had to sail first He spoke of the hurricane which had destroyed his Cathedral ; then I could not speak to him of the C.C.S., but I gave Lowe all particulars, and he, being very willing to do us a service, found an opportunity of lay ing the case before him. The Bishop would not promise to apply to us for plans ; but he took a note of it, and seemed much in earnest, so I think that a good stroke. On Good Friday I heard the Tenebrae Service. The Count thought the Recitation of the Passion admirable. But the finest Service- thing was the "Alleluia" on Easter Eve. After Matins, we went to the Cathedral, and found our way with great difficulty into a W. Gallery set apart for the English. The Church was profoundly dark, every window curtained, and only one or two lights at various altars — none at the High Altar. As the eye got accustomed to it, we looked down on the sea of heads, as near as I could guess, about 5000, which filled every corner of the Nave and Transepts. You must remember that since the Gloria in Excelsis on Descrip- Maundy Thursday, not a bell was allowed to ring — not 5°^°^ o even a clock to strike. The Priests presently entered the Easter Choir — still no lights, except one or two held near the Eve- books. Litany was chanted ; and you may judge of the effect of that plaintive chaunt in that obscurity. When the Psalm was finished, there was a pause. In one second, and all at once, every curtain in the Cathedral was torn down, the organ struck up with the full choir, showers of rose-leaves fell from the roof of both Choir and Nave, and the fort guns fired. It was a noble sight, though something spoilt by the silly English comments around us. I could not see the Washing of the Feet,'nor the Interment of the Saviour. . . . The snow still lying on the mountains, we could not go to the North this week. But on Wednesday we made a day of it, and rode to Santa Cruz, some ten miles East — and ten miles in Madeira is not far short of double the distance in England. I saw two beautiful Flamboyant Churches ; and the Church of Santa Cruz much resembles the Cathedral, only its interior is better, except for stalls. I can make a
58 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
very good paper on the Ecclesiology of Madeira, which I shall take care, all well, to send in time for the last meeting, with the drawings. On Palm Sunday night I read the Passion at Prayers, and our servant was wonderfully affected, evidently never having heard it. My wife is teaching her to read — a curious operation.
The summer of 1843 Mr. and Mrs. Neale spent in England, most of it in Somersetshire, where he visited a great many of the villages, " taking " the churches for the Cambridge Camden. This meant filling in a paper with every architectural and archaeological detail.1 As these church tours were made either on foot or in a gig, he gained a great deal of topographical knowledge of the highways and byways of this beautiful county, and some of his stories for children are set in its scenery : examples of this are " The Rocks of Minehead," and " The Northside Pit." The " Story of SS. Cyriac and Julitta " was the outcome of his visiting the Church of that dedication at Tickenham, in what he calls " one of our sweetest English counties " ; and I think the very charming comparison of woodland and pasture counties with which " The Prayer for a Sign " 2 opens was inspired, as regards the pasture country, by his love of Somersetshire, although the story itself is located in Suffolk.
To B. W. August ist, 1843. Godalming Vicarage.
I clear my head of Alexandrine and Constanti- nopolitan Patriarchs3 by writing to you,. As to what you say about Hymns, on the general question I don't at all agree with you.4 Why should Hymns be less Catholick than prayers ? and, therefore, why English Hymns less Catholick than English Prayers ? We may wish to restore Latin in both, if you like. But till we can, surely English
1 For a copy of the scheme, see Appendix III. to Mrs. Towle's " Memoir " ; and Christian Remembrancer, v. 81-92.
2 " Victories of the Saints." Griffith & Farran.
3 Whilst in Madeira he had begun the " History of the Eastern Church."
4 See " Hymns for Public Worship," Christian Remembrancer, v. 39-52 ; and " Hymnology," vii. 85-102.
SOMERSETSHIRE 59
Hymns, if good, are better than none. This, of course, has nothing to do with the particular ones under consideration. But depend upon it, we shall be acting more on the general principles of the Church, in making the best of a bad thing — allowing the universal abrogation of Latin to be so — than in saying, If we can't have that, we'll have none.
To B. W. August 25th, 1843. West Town, Somerset.
Yesterday we were at Bourton Combe, one of the most singular places I ever saw. You go along a cheerful wood, embosomed in rocks, and at the end of a long green vista stands a grove of dead larches, feathered from the very roots, and looking peculiarly solemn — just like a land of death ; but at the entrance were two bright spots of sunlight, as if symbolizing the last hopes and offices of Holy Church for her children, before entering on it.
To B. W. Aug. 3oth, 1843. West Town.
To-day we have been to Weston in Gordano, and it is Weston-in- perhaps the most curious Church I ever saw. Chancel, Gorc Nave, South Chapel to Chancel. Tower opening West from church, the latter. S.W. Porch. On entering the Porch, there is on the right hand one of those staircases like that I told you of at Wraxall, leading up to a gallery running across the South door. The loft may be circ. 1470. What could this be for? On the South of Nave, projecting from an arch in the wall, and entered by a recess, and raised on two steps only, projecting semioctagonally, is a kind of lectorium. I never saw anything like it. Well, from the belfry, a steep flight of steps leads you up as if to the Rood-loft ; but all of it that seems ever to have existed is a stone projection on a large kind of bracket, fenced in with a Jacobean balustrade. The Roodscreen is very late and poor, and quite a distinct thing.
J. M. Neale had been preaching for E. J. Boyce at Godalming, and wrote of it thus —
60 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
To B. W. S. Giles (Sept. ist), 1843. West Town.
Heere followyth a litel tale :
"Aiitei There abidyth inne ye towne of Godlyman one Dame
Keene, which followyth harde after ye Gospellers, holdyng Poperie in abhorrence. And the saide dame ofttimes did complaine unto her gossippes, Woe-is-me that an personne giveth us not the pure milke of the Gospelle, but rather the unprofitable devisementes of mennes braines! And this dydde shee, not once nor twice. Now there came unto that towne one personne Neale, a great upholder and setterforth of Puseyism. To hym quoth personne Boyce, My worke pressyth sore upon mee : write then for mee a homilie, and I will deliver the same. Quoth he, I will. And he dyed write two. The which when Dame Keene hadde hearde, shee, (supposing them to be Syr Boyce's) did triumph and joy that now at the laste hee did againe break unto them the pure breade of the Gospelle, ye whyche maye hee evermore do. Amen.
To B. W. Sept. 2nd, 1843.
Crusaders jn your article on cross-legged effigies, which is very pretty reading, a good deal ought to be added ; else we shall appear ignorant : for example, that the thing is un certain whether the cross posture had anything to do with the Crusades,1 and that it has been, though probably with out sufficient ground, denied. Again, the difference in the position of the hands has often been noticed ; therefore it is absurd of the writer to speak as if it were a discovery of his own. There can be little doubt that the cross-legs only means the taking the vow; the sheathed sword its accomplishment.
To B. W. Monday in Ember Week, Sept. i8th, 1843.
West Town.
. . . As to your memoir,2 no one who admires it would not, I imagine, agree with you. But you don't seem to see
1 Ecclesiologist, iii. 7-9.
2 Probably a religious biography, name unknown.
SOMERSETSHIRE 61
how much more valuable such an account is, to such as we are, than the history of a Martyrdom, or even " deposition " Lives of of the Ages of Faith. Just as the Church commemorates her samtSt Saints, as for many other reasons, so also for this — that we might be able to form some idea both of the interval which separates them from their Master, as well as from us, and thereby, if it might be so, understand something more of the Adorable Passion ; — so it is now. At least I can speak for myself. In reading of such a deathbed as Ven. Bede's, or S. Bernard's, there is a mere passive feeling of its holi ness ; to draw any comparison between the Saint and yourself would be too foolish. But here, I see how superior were Mediaeval Saints to the subject of that Memorial. I also see how infinitely superior was she to myself ; and can therefore judge the better of the gulf between her superiors and myself. It is just like the Roodscreen increasing the apparent distance between the spectator in the Nave and the Altar. And, by the way, how wonderfully symbolical is that !
To B. W. Sept. igth, 1843. Chew Magna.
I started at eleven this morning, in the most extraordinary tax cart you ever beheld — a thing compared with which the motion of our Barnwell one was smoothness itself. When I put on the steam, I could manage, on level ground, six miles an hour. That you may call pleasant travelling. First to Butcombe, a late Perpendicular, remarkable only for the odd way in which Tower and Porch are dovetailed Church into each other. So to Nempnett, a very late Perpendicular tour- Church. Here I lunched at a farmhouse dinner ; and had some conversation to the point with a young Wesleyan woman, staying there for her health. Then to Chew Stoke, another fair Perpendicular Church. And so here, a little after five. Here I found Francklin, as ever the most gentle manly of men, waiting for me. In his gig to Stanton Drew, a church of a wonderful shape. . . . Coming back, we dined at six. Besides Francklin and his wife, there was one Burroughs, Rector of Chelwood. Altogether it is evident
62 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
that the Church is making way in these parts. Francklin himself has read and thought a great deal, and has a good deal of influence, which I don't wonder at, for there is great fascination in his manner. His wife is a pretty enough girl, and ladylike, but as fit to be a clergyman's Celibacy wife as I am. The conversation turned on the celibacy of oftbe tke Clergy, and I was much amused with Francklin, it shews how people deceive themselves. The rooms are furnished most luxuriously, chimney ornaments, etc., hand some dinner service, well-cut glass, and so forth. "Ah," says Francklin, "when I was a single man, I did not mind my £5 or ^"10 in charity, but now we are forced to live in the extreme of economy, and can give away nothing, for my wife has never been used to anything like this." Thinks I to myself, No more has mine : nor I trust ever will be.
CHAPTER VI
1843-44
SECOND VISIT TO MADEIRA — BRIGHTON
Eye hath never seen the glory ;
Ear hath never heard the song ; Heart of man can never image
What good things to them belong, Who have loved the LORD of beauty While they dwelt in this world's throng.
MR. and Mrs. Neale returned to Madeira for this and the following winter.
To B. W. Nov. 2;th, 1843. Santa Luzia.
. . . You may imagine how I longed to be at Cam bridge at the time of the Queen's visit, and how much I envy you the quantity of news you have to tell. Till you His work are in exile, which I hope you may never be, you cannot carried imagine how entirely we seem to live here in a world of our Madeira own — we English, I mean ; there is not a single event which can possibly interest anyone who does not well know the place. Count Montalembert and I are particularly unfortu nate in missing each other ; but he keeps me pretty well supplied with the latest French Ecclesiological intelligence. So I am reduced to talk about myself, and will begin by telling you that I am much the same ; stronger in some points and not so strong in others ; but I hope that the former preponderate. I am very well satisfied with what I do, till a letter of yours comes ; measuring myself with those
64 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
around me, it is no vanity to say that I am doing wonders in the way of work ; but to compare myself with you at Cambridge makes me feel as if I were no good at all. Sometimes, as our worthy friend said, I could " lament and cry " with the thought. But this I am certain of, if ever I am restored to work with you all, I shall have authorities for almost everything. You cannot think how well I am getting up Ecclesiastical History. Writing and reading little else from morning to night is enough to make one so. The Greek History grows in interest upon me ; I am now writing away about Theophilus of Alexandria. I am in hopes in the section of the Introductory Essay on the Architectural differences between the Eastern and Western Churches, to strike out something new, and to prove to a dead certainty that our views on the subject of the final "Ballads development of architecture are most certainly true. I am for Maim- ajso engaged m taking the devil by the nose, in a new set of Ballads, to be a companion to the threepenny ones ; they are for manufacturers.1
An instance of popular religionism. Riding with Lane
the other day, I was pressing on him the dishonesty of
Baptismal not holding Baptismal Regeneration. " No," says Lane :
Regenera- « ^ j cannot do jt . whv> jf j did » (seeing a child cross
the road), " I must say that all those Romish children were regenerate." This I call Evangelical naivete. One Sunday evening, at six, we sat down with our Bibles before us, and discussed the topic till nine. I never talked over the matter so fairly before. Montalembert is writing the life of S. Bernard. He must be thoroughly happy. He and another French nobleman, also a distinguished eccle- siologist, are living together with their wives in the Deanery, one of the loveliest quintas (our own excepted) in Funchal ; busy on the Revival. I am rather startled by thinking that (in the "Greek History") I shall be the first Anglican, writing on Catholick principles, who has touched the Iconoclast controversy.
1 See Christian Remembrancer, v. 733-745.
SECOND VISIT TO MADEIRA 65
To Rev. W. RUSSELL. Nov. 28th, 1843. Santa Luzia.
MY VERY DEAR FRIEND,
I did not forget that Sunday was your birthday, for which you had all my best wishes, although at so great a distance, As we are writing home, I shall take this opportunity of sending you a few lines. You have heard, I dare say, of our arrival here, and of all other particulars, such as the earthquake, etc. You cannot think how com fortable we are in our little quinta, nor how much more we are surrounded by English luxuries than last year. It stands about 500 feet above the sea, embracing a view — below, of the City and the Roads — above, of the mountains, with the Church of our Lady of the Mount, towering up to the height of 2000 feet, or about that of Skiddaw. Our house is about 100 yards from the Mount road, approached through a long narrow garden shaded with orange trees, and with a vine corridor at the top of a terrace in front, for the whole mountain is terraced out from top to bottom. We have two servants, a woman and a boy, who neither Daily of them speak a word of English : — together they have routme- £i os. lod. a month. We have two sitting-rooms on the ground floor, one of which I take for my study, and in it I am now writing at my standing-desk ; and a drawing-room ; with three bedrooms upstairs. We get up about seven or a little before ; the days of course are now longer here than in England. The feeling in coming down is that it is a pleasant Spring morning, for we are several degrees cooler than the town ; the thermometer with us seldom gets above 67° in the shade. Before breakfast we have prayers, to the edification of our servants ; afterwards, I write all the morn ing at the "Greek History "till half-past one, when we dine. Then, when the heat has a little subsided, the horses come up and we sally forth, either to call or for a good ride. By sunset we come in, have tea about half-past five, and then I write again at one thing or another — principally at my Portuguese Translation of Bishop Andrewes — till prayers. We have supper at nine, and to bed by eleven. We have lately had stormy weather ; in one gale we lost 700 oranges,
F
66
LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
yet our trees still bend with their fruit. We have now as good as you have for the first six weeks after you get them, but we do not consider them good till Christmas. The scent of the green orange I take to be the most delicious of any ; I think superior to the lime tree in July. To-day is a thoroughly Madeira day ; a bright sun and small pointed rain. The rainbows in the island are superb. In going to the Curral the other day, the immense crater was filled with clouds boiling up, but across it from peak to peak sat two rainbows, the most lovely thing I ever saw. . . . Did you remember the day that made it twenty years since we came to Shepperton ? . . .
From a later letter —
It is only wonderful to think, if earth is so transcendently and ravishingly lovely, what Heaven must be! There is something in a mountainous country which seems to call forth all one's powers. Wilberforce, I think, says somewhere that he never loved his friends so well as amongst mountains. And it is very true.
Tour.
Conveyed in ham mocks.
To B. W. Dec. 7th, 1843. Santa Luzia.
I have at length been my long projected tour round the N.W. part of the island, and as I know how disagreeable tours are to read, I will not inflict a journal of it upon you. My companions were Lane and Wray : I will not tell how much I wished for you. Monday we went by water to Callete, twenty miles : slept in a house provided for us by one of the Portuguese merchants ; Tuesday across the island to S. Vincente, seeing the famous waterfall of the Rabagal ; and Wednesday, returned by the lovely Ribeira Brava. Our conveyance was by hammocks, I can assure you the appear ance is most imposing. We had fifteen men with us, four to each hammock, two luggage bearers, and Joaquim, our servant. Bivouacking on the top of some glorious mountain peak, the hammocks slung up kettlewise on forked sticks, the men in groups of two or three, is most picturesque ; then again the low plaintive chant of the bearers, taken up
CHRISTMAS NIGHT 67
antiphonally from gang to gang, as they advance up roads which an Englishman would think impassable. The half- dreamy state in which you are carried along through ever green woods in the midst of the most stupendous scenery, as you wind up the ravines, makes one feel as if one had eaten of the Lotus, and cared for nothing else but to live and die in such places. The unaffected delight of the Delight in bearers in the scenery, and the rapture of those who had scenery- not seen some part of it before, was unbounded : it shews that this country, with all its many faults, is still truly Catholick. I could have thought it a luxury yesterday to have a good cry in our progress up the Ribeira Brava ; the vale of Llaniltydd, though inferior beyond the power of words to express, may give you a faint idea of it, and the road, or rather sheep-walk, for fifteen or sixteen miles winds along through magnificent forest trees at half its height, the scene shifting every minute. The Rabagal, a fall of some 600 feet, is truly sublime ; and Wray says, that he never in Switzerland saw anything so grand as the first view of S. Vincente.
To B. W. Christmas Night, 1843. Santa Luzia.
Yesterday evening at 7.30, armed with a great coat, Christmas respirator and lantern, I sallied forth : the first time I have Eve* gone out at night since I was at Cambridge. Going to Edwards, I found a large family party : and but that nearly as much Portuguese was spoken as English, I might have fancied myself in England. After a meat tea, I went down to the Cathedral, but did not go with the others, as, wanting to be" close to the Choir, Padre Fa had secured me a chair in a very excellent place ; you know the Roodscreen here is only a rail : I sat close to it, on the South side of the Holy Poors. The Cathedral was crowded from one end to the other : The Choir lighted with tapers, and a Corona Lucis was in the middle of the Nave. I was, as I like to be, in the midst of the poor : though there were also some of the better sort by me. All the Priests in the city almost must have been there : besides the double Stalls there were
68 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
benches for them. I had a Missal and Breviary and went in about nine. I had only just taken my place, when the Choir in the little organ gallery (North of Chancel aisle) thundered out " Christus natus est nobis : venite, venite, adoremus ! " and Matins began. The chants were admirably well sung, and the thing : but the Antiphons were just as Protestant and operatic. Still, they were very well performed. It is a noble sight to see the whole immense assembly kneel at the "Venite, procidamus ante Deum." To be sure, we might introduce that in our Church. I was disgusted to see Count Montalembert, with all his French party, and some other ladies, admitted into the West end of the Choir — and shall not fail to gird at him upon the bye. " For the sanctity of the place doth not free those whom the accusa tion of temerity condemns." The Antiphons are throughout rather poor : the 7th lesson where S. Gregory says that having three Masses that day to celebrate he must be short, comes in beautifully. In the 8th lesson, the Celebrant, etc., in white and gold vestments, entered : and just before Mid night Te Deum was sung. Then the bells rang, and Cock Mass began, and very beautifully it was performed : always excepting the vile voluntary performed during the Canon. As the Proper Preface was chanted, one of the Priests in chasuble came from the Choir, bearing a little image of the Infant SAVIOUR : and going down with it presented it for the people to kiss. Enlightened Protestants are much disgusted at this. Mass was over about I : and as I came away and mounted our hill, the pealing of bells, and flashing of torches here and there upon the white houses, and con course of worshippers, carried me back to other times. The second Mass, you know, is said after Lauds, the third after Tierce, and the Portuguese spend the vigil in attending all. However I came home, none the worse. Our boy was with me ; our other servant went out after my return to the second Mass in the Jesuits' Church. I never so fully under stood the wonderful skill with which the Church directs enthusiasm, as I did last night. I am glad that we English did not disgrace ourselves. We had about 70 Communicants yesterday, and perhaps 1 20 to-day. To-day it is the fashion
HISTORY OF THE HOLY EASTERN CHURCH 69
to fire guns in all quarters at intervals. A man-of-war came in and fired a salute : and as the clouds were low, the roll and roar of its echoes among the mountains was singularly grand. The Portuguese dish for to-day is pork and garlic : the former, evidently by way of testifying abhorrence to the Jews. The flowers, etc., used, are sugar cane, roses, fern, and a kind of evergreen like alder, only darker.
To B. W. Jan. nth, 1844. Madeira.
. . . Now about the "Greek History." It goes on very "History slowly. I have to-day begun the fourth Book,1 from the Astern™ Mahometan Conquest of Egypt, to the Recapture of Dami- church." etta by the Saracens — 634-1223. I know you are afraid that I shall take an Oriental view, i.e. I suppose so Oriental that it will cease to be Catholick. I hope not. At the same time, without becoming a shade more Anglican, I do see more and more clearly that the High Papal Theory is quite untenable : as, for example, when the British Critic speaks of Gallicanism as "the cold and selfish daughter of the Sorbonne." I cannot make, as Montalembert does, visible union, or as the B. C. sometimes seemed to wish to do, the desire for visible union with the Chair ofchairof St. Peter, the key-stone as it were, of the Church, at least not in the sense in which the Western Church has some times done. We Orientals take a more general view. The Rock on which the Church is built is S. Peter, but it is a triple Rock, Antioch where he sat, Alexandria which he superintended, Rome where he suffered. You would be astonished at the weight of evidence in Doctors of the Western Church. By-the-bye, I must have you congratu late me on a Library turning up here. The Rector of the Seminary here has very kindly asked me to make any use I please of theirs, and it is a very good one, the edition of the Fathers particularly valuable. Is not this more than fortunate ? My chief difficulty at present has been what view to take of the second Nicene Council. You must remember that neither in the East nor in the West had I
1 " The Patriarchate of Alexandria," ii. 67-255.
70 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
anyone to whom I could look as a guide. I have drawn
up on a separate piece of paper what I think to do with
respect to it, and if Dr. Mill will read it over and let me
have his opinion of it I should be very much obliged to him.
Mont- Montalembert has read " Hierologus " and is delighted with
Si11*'* *tj anc* more particularly with the parts relating to Abbeys,
"Hiero- which I take as a great compliment, seeing that he has
logus." studied the subject so deeply, and visited Cistercian Houses
from Sweden to the Tagus for his Life of S. Bernard. By
the way, you have no idea what an immense quantity of
facts I have gleaned from French books for a second
edition of " Durandus."
Here follow examples with drawings.
Santa Prisca (Jan. i8th).
Newman's ... I am disgusted with the Article in the last Christian Sermons. Remembrancer on Newman's Sermons.1 In our own Com munion, I look on Andrewes and Taylor as superior to him as one man can be to another ; and out of it, how could they have forgotten S. Francis de Sales, to mention no other ?
To B. W. Candlemas (S. Blaise), 1844. Santa Luzia.
I hope and trust you are not going to Oxonianize. It is clear to me, that the Tract writers missed one great principle, namely the influence of Aestheticks, and it is unworthy of them to blind themselves to it. Don't you see, Pusey on that as you relate its contents Pusey's letter confounds two holders. tm'ngs ? " Have we," he says, " that purity of heart and life which can fit us to be great Church builders in a Catholick sense ? " Don't you see, that you or I, or Paley, never set up to be able to be Catholick Architects ? Nay rather, have not all our creative attempts, S. Albans, the New Zealand Cathedral, etc., been failures ? So far I agree with him. But it is absurd to say that it does not often please GOD to raise up, as defenders of His truth, men even of im moral lives : witness many of the Popes. If of His truth, why not of His beauty ? Thus it is necessary that a
1 Christian Remembrancer, vii. 102-113.
THE PAPAL THEORY 71
S. Athanasius or S. Cyril should be men of eminent personal holiness ; they were, for the first time, developing truth. But it is not necessary that its mere defenders should be so.
Feb. 26th, 1844.
We next come to the Papal Theory.1 I believe we mean very much the same thing, although expressions may seem different, else you would never talk of the possibility of a second Nonjuring body, but rather think of a return to Rome. But you do not know what the theory of the Revivalists in France really is. I will send you a letter I received a few days ago from Montalembert, written, you will see, in as kind a spirit as possible, in which he frankly says that he looks upon the English Church as one of the worst forms of heresy he knows. And he is well acquainted with it, and does not judge it from your tracts, etc. It is a curious thing, that letter, sixteen large quarto pages closely written. It is fair to say that he dislikes Gallicanism as Galli_ much, and will not hear of nationality in architecture, or canism. in anything else. In the " History of Alexandria " you need not be afraid of any anti-Romanism. For that Church and Rome have always been as it were allies : and with the exception of the Jesuits in Ethiopia and of one schismatical proposal to the Jacobite Patriarch in the i6th century, I am not aware that one has occasion to mention Rome except with praise, or merely historically. As to Primitivism commend me to " the large upper room " in the Protestant and religious foundation of Downing. I don't care two pence about the S.P.C.K. A society of that kind is radically uncatholick, and may be expected to do anything. I only wish I could send you, as a specimen of developed Romanism, the " Annals of the Arch-Confraternity of the Holy and Immaculate Heart of Mary," established in spite of the Archbishop, in Paris, " for the conversion of sinners," and publishing reports of their conversion by both lay and ecclesiastical members. I never read anything to match it, except in the Methodist Magazine. Pray, has marriage
1 See Christian Remembrancer, iii. 422-434 ; and vi. 353-372.
72 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
made a difference in my whole theology ? However, I agree that it does to most. . . .
I am delighted about the sale of " Durandus," because it gives me fresh courage for the Appendix. If the Catena is not proof positive, I don't know what can be. I will prove it in every half century, and in every Western Church, Africa included. Wherein is Rio more objectionable than A. F. Rio. Montalembert ? The latter wishes Rio l to be proposed ; whether Rio knows of it, I can't say. Montalembert may perhaps leave to-morrow, but I hope not. I look upon him as far above Pugin, as Pugin is above Carpenter : though it takes longer to find it out. How can people talk so of Southey ? — the man who " never was guilty of thinking about, far less writing on, Baptismal Regeneration." I am delighted to hear of your intimacy with Pusey, and much like his idea of books of devotion of foreign Catholicks — but why not first of all from S. Francis de Sales, and S. Thomas de Villanova ?
To B. W. Feb. 29th, 1844. Santa Luzia.
. . . Count Montalembert has just published, in Portu guese, a little book, against the Bibles and Tracts dis tributed by strangers ; which, I imagine, he wished the Clergy to distribute this Lent to their penitents. But it is too ultra-montane for Fa,2 and I imagine will be so for many. He has got into bad odour, in fact, for his Con fraternity of the Heart of Mary, which seems to be, in its principles, as schismatical as a class meeting : I am sure in its working it is as profane. I think it very possible that we may publish a paper on the subject ourselves.
To B. W. March nth, 1844. Santa Luzia.
. I am much obliged to Dr. Mill. Of course, during the periods where Alexandrian History is almost the same with that of the Catholick Church, such as in the Arian, Nestorian, and Monophysite controversies, I can only write
1 Rio on " Christian Art." Reviews in Ecclesiologist, xviii. 43 ; and Christian Remembrancer, xxxiv. 267-299.
2 The Portuguese Padre.
TOUR IN MADEIRA 73
popularly, but all after Mahomet will — I trust — be of a much higher character. I wish Dr. Mill would give me his opinion as to the propriety of applying the term " Church " to any The term body having Apostolick Succession, I. schismatical but not heretical, as the Donatists or Meletians ; 2. heretical, but not schismatical, as the Aethiopian Jacobites and Nubians ; 3. both heretical and schismatical, as the Aegyptian Jaco bites. Last week, Landon and I were out on a tour. Friday we started at nine : rode through the magnificent Serra d'Agua, and reached Santo Vincente at six, where we slept. Saturday we left about eight, and rode up the more magnifi cent Ribeira de Boaventura, the beauty of which surpasses anything I could have conceived, except in Heaven. It is a ride which from its intense labour, and the fearful nature of the road, very few take. We were eleven hours on horse back or foot, with only half an hour's halt. In one tremendous pass, with a precipice above and below, is a flight of ten or twelve steps, with water running down them. In another place, the earth at the edge of the precipice crumbled away, and one of my pony's hind legs went com pletely over. About five, we emerged at the Torrinhas, at a height of about 6000 feet, or nearly so ; the air delightfully fresh, but not cold : seeing from sea to sea, down the Boa ventura one way ; down the Curral the other. Then we descended into the Curral, and while it was dark with us, the lingering of the sunlight on the mountains was lovely. We reached the Curral Church at seven ; found the Priest gone to bed, and inhospitable: but were taken in by a cottager, and slept in his little cottage, put together of rough stones, with an open thatch roof. Landon and I lay down on one bed, our servants on another, the horses were tethered outside, and the family turned out into another cottage. Next morning (Sunday), started a little after six : when within two miles of home, my pony (he could get no corn the night before) fairly knocked up, and I had to walk in. So I had four hours' ride (and such a ride !) and walk before breakfast, but was not at all knocked up.
Mrs. Neale, senior, was at this time living at Brighton. After their return from their second winter at Madeira her
74 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
son and his wife stayed with her. Their first child, Agnes, was born there on August 6th, 1844.
To B. W. July 9th, 1844. Brighton.
... I hear from Wheeler, who is good authority, some very unpleasant reports about Newman. I had read almost all " Coningsby," and am much disappointed in it, that is, as an expression of young England. The novel that seems likely to do good is " Ellen Middleton." Singular that Keble should once have suggested to me the same subject, Confession, for a novel.
To B. W. S. Augustine, B. (Aug. 28th), 1844. Brighton.
... I will not repeat to you the success of my enquiries at Alexandria, and the compliments I have had from the Episcopos of the Catholic Convent of Alexandria. If you return l by Geneva you may do me a great service. I am in correspondence with G. Diodati, Librarian of the " Library of the Republick," and he is to get for me copies of the uncopied letters of poor Cyril Lucar which are kept there. If you could pay him what may be due, and bring the letters with you, I should be very glad. Cyril You might send him a line, fixing the time of your being Lucar. there ; and asking him to have the copies ready. This also : ask to see Cyril's Confession of Faith, I mean the original MS. If it is not forthcoming, hint that many, Romanists as well as Orientals, believe it to have been a Genevan forgery : and see what he says. I am, as people Books say, overwhelmed with business, (i) I have just finished printing. the « jriumphs of the Cross," a sort of first steps in Hagio- logy. I shall send one, all well, to your little sister. (2) Deck is publishing " Ballads for Manufacturers." (3) Walters, "Mirror of Faith." (4) Walters and Cleaver, " Shepperton Manor." (5) Walters, " Poynings," a sort of tale for his Juvenile Library on the Revolution. (6) Walters, " History of England for Children," this is done to the Reformation. (7) Walters, a little Portuguese book. (8) Walters, " Virgin Saints."
1 Mr. Webb was abroad at this time.
STORY OF THE SUPERNATURAL 75
B.'s conversion, which is not yet in the papers, is lamentable ; and shews that Aesthetics may be dangerous to a mind like his, though the most deplorable thing is his want of feeling, and frivolity. If the change were never so right, it would still be awful.
You will not need reminding to look out for Greek books at Venice. If you fall in with any Greeks there, try to discover what is the modern Oriental view of Cyril Lucar. The Russian view we know from Mouravieff.
To B. W. Sept. 6th, 1844. Brighton.
Last Tuesday, as I said, was the Christening : it was First very satisfactory on the whole. Two priests and a deacon ™^tir officiated, and there were six other priests present. That Dr. morning I sat a long time with Dr. Pusey, who is just the Pusey- man I fancied, and among other things, we spoke a good deal of " Durandus." I could not wish any man to be more aesthetic than he is. How different from Newman ! . . .
I must tell you a most remarkable supernatural in- story of terference which has just come to my knowledge through friends of the parties concerned. l A lady and gentleman, Deists in belief, lived in a lonely house near town, with one other equally lonely house at a short distance from them. They were going to give a party ; and the same morning a most extraordinary ringing of all the bells was heard. The lady desired that it might cease ; the servants assured her that the bells rang of themselves. The wires were cut, and still the bells rang, and went on ringing. When the guests arrived, the lady was so terrified that she besought them to stay, said she could make up beds, and so on. They did : and the bells rang the whole night. Next morning they heard that their neighbour's house had been broken into, and a murder committed ; and they afterwards found out that the thieves had previously intended to attack their own house, but had been prevented by the number of visitors that stayed, and of bells that rang. The parties con cerned gave up Deism and became penitents. Is not this one of the most remarkable things in that way you ever heard ? 1 See his " Unseen World," p. 145. 1847. Burns.
CHAPTER VII
1844-46
NEWMAN'S SECESSION — EASTER IN MADEIRA — MORE SECESSIONS
It matters little where we work, if God's the work we do, —
It matters little whom we fight, — if many or if few ;
The soldiers form one selfsame host, tho' scattered far apart ;
The labourers may be wide dispersed, who yet have all one heart.
WITH the next letters, written during 1844-45, will be found some of Mr. Webb's answers, as they bring back vividly the time of storm and stress, of doubt and fear, which shook the English Church at the time of Newman's secession.
To B. W. 20th Sunday after Trinity, 1844. Brighton.
. . . You cannot tell how painful it is to me to receive
such letters as part of yours of this morning. If you could
but see how utterly and totally and miserably unworthy
I am to work with the rest of us in Church matters, you
would not write in the same strain. This is one harm of
Protest writing books, they make people think so much better
depreca- Qf Qne ^^ Qne <-ieserveSj ancj j sometimes fear lest the
praise. ex ore tuo te judicabo ignave serve, may not in That Day be said to me. All this only by way of beginning and entreating you not to write in that manner again, for I cannot bear it.
You will receive " Shepperton Manor " in a day or two. I have no doubt that Stokes1 and that class of men will call it unCatholick, and say I am going back. I write,
1 One of the early members of the C.C.S., see p. 16.
CRITICISM OF " SHEPPERTON MANOR " 77
therefore, to explain to you what I meant. I know you Anglo do not think that Anglo- Romanists are in schism, or that Romanists they should join us. You know that I do : and the tale turns on that hypothesis. I may be wrong ; if I am, I shall be most willing to be set right ; anyhow my story can do no harm. I will not, nor is it intended to, persuade men who hold in this particular with Ward, that Romanists in England are in schism : but it may do some good to High Churchmen if it lead them to see how utterly little is the sin of that schism, and to Protestants it might do still more good. Read the Preface before you read the book, I hope you will think it a true picture of the state of the Jacobean Church.
From B. W. to J. M. N. Nov. loth, 1844. Cambridge.
I have just finished " Shepperton Manor," and what can I do better than begin a letter to its author ? I have read it with much interest ; and with admiration for a great deal which I can probably appreciate better than most. Still it is the work of an Anglican : I mean in its deepest spirit. For of course the discussion about Purgatory is obviously so. Not one hint of our Blessed Lady from one end to the other ! However would that all Anglicans were equally just and loving. But I scarcely know why I call you Anglican, as if I were otherwise. It is not indeed as if I did not acknowledge your far greater acquaintance with these subjects than I possess. But I sometimes fear that we shall not always think the same. I fancy the last week has been one of unparalleled excitement and fear amongst us Anglo-Catholicks here. Rumours from many different, and those most authoritative, quarters had been about to Rumours the effect that Newman had at last determined to secede, of New- At last it got into the papers ; the Record and the like reptiles gloated over the news ; consternation fell upon all who had ever so little sympathy with Catholick principles. Yesterday it was contradicted ; but I for one am persuaded on the best authority that one need at no time be surprised at the event. I know we do not feel quite alike about this. I do not think I am prepared to follow him now ; but
78 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
I should feel despair for any revival in our Communion. To eject the holiest among us : to cripple every struggle for anything high or noble by pointing to Newman : to give strength and triumph to the Protestant principle — it will be to lose the last remaining note. How could one develop doctrine or practice, if one saw that the result must be Rome, and that one was not prepared for such a result ? It appears to me that one would have nothing to do but to prepare oneself by hard penance to follow. I'll tell you what I believe will be the result of all this. Newman and almost all the true-hearted will secede, one by one ; our Erastian establishment will go on in some new vagary of Protestantism. The struggle will leave no more trace than the Laudian, or Nonjuring. Happy if any of those entangled in our net can save their souls by their flounder to get free. It seems to me one had need hope there is a Purgatory for our own sakes. You will see that I take a very dismal view now : indeed there seems to be no rainbow in the sky. Almost all I know seem to be equally gloomy. Quid est veritas ? From what I have observed I do not think very many would accompany Newman at once. The Record computes that about 100 will from Oxford and Cambridge, etc. They are about right, I should say. Very few beneficed or married men would go. Curates and barristers and men like Lord John Manners might go. It is said that the latter could carry over with him at least half of his father's tenantry. How ever, pride, timidity, and love of ease would keep back many, and myself among the number. I am astonished to find so many who seem ready to swallow the whole Roman system, if need be, in spite of the hard points it may have.
During his third and last visit to Madeira the following letters were written : —
To B. W. S. Leonard (Nov. 6th), 1844. Funchal.
You would rather have a line from me than nothing, so I just write to say by God's goodness we arrived at ten this morning quite safely. We had a very rough
ANSWER TO CRITICISM 79
passage : in a gale off Portugal our mainsail was blown to tatters. We were not quite fourteen days, and when sea- Voyage sickness was over, had Daily Service morning and evening, by Guillemard, a rather fair man.
I have read Ward, and think all the parts treating on the present Roman system of devotion most edifying and beautiful. But I can't take in his theory, at least at present. However I like the book much better than I expected, though some of his arguments seem to me very poor, and one or two false. But it must be the reader's fault if he does not learn very much from it. When I say I have read it, I must exclude the chapter on Justification, which required more thought than I could give at the time, it blowing very hard : but I mean to read it, all well.
To B. W. Nov. 26th, 1844. Madeira.
The steamer came in this morning. Thank you for your letter. The report about Newman has made us all very uneasy ; there was quite a collection of us in Phelps' counting-house to-day while the papers were being opened. Now to answer your letter in order. About "Shepperton Manor." I allow it to be more Anglican than anything which perhaps you would have written. But I do not see how I could have introduced much which I believe and which is not Anglican — how rather, — to make the story what I designed it, a picture of our Church at that time — I could help suppressing much on which I would fain have dwelt. It is not more Anglican than the Hier. Anglicana. To have made S. Francis teach Our Lady, would have been useless, as it would not have seemed my own teaching. To have made Dr. Linton do it, or Bishop Andrewes, would have been notoriously false. I do not believe that there is any real difference between us. If there is, it is theoretical entirely. You think that the R.C. in England is not in Position of schism, but that those of us who join them nevertheless R-c in do wrong. I think them in schism, allotting the very smallest possible degree of guilt to that word of which it is capable. If indeed it is ruled by Schoolmen that schism
8o LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
must in all cases be a mortal sin (which I am not casuist enough to know), then I do not think them schismatics. At all events, I have never said so, except in writing to such as you. After all, I believe that till it pleases GOD to clear up our way, this is a very immaterial difference.
You cannot doubt S. Cyprian would be on my side. I cannot doubt S. Peter Damian would be on yours. And whatever I have learnt to believe on this matter, I have learnt, not from Anglican writers — you cannot abhor them more than I do — but from such men as Querini, and Cardinal Bessarion, and Pereira, and, above all, from the Fathers of Constance and Basle. With the single exception of the denial of the Cup to the laity, I believe that I could sign all the decrees of these Councils. But do not do me the injustice to think that I do not hold the duty of prayers for the dead, and the development of the Communion of Saints as strongly as anyone, though I should always be careful at present of printing anything on the latter subject, because I feel that the time may come when I may more practically embrace it.
But this is very egotistic, and I must be a little more so yet. I wish you would read over that part of my "History of England"1 which reaches from the Reformation to the end of Elizabeth, and particularly notice if you think my account of Cranmer's death too harsh : and if you approve of what I have said as to the punishment of hereticks. I hope and believe that Newman will not leave us ; but I should not despair if he did. My sheet anchor of hope for the English Church is, that you cannot point out a single instance of an heretical or schismatical body which after apparent death awoke to life.
The Donatists might have done it, the Copts might have done it, the Nestorians might have done it, but they have not. Why should there be such a startling anomaly to all past experience first of all exhibited in the century ?
1 " History of England for Children." Master?.
MORE SECESSIONS 81
To B. W. S. Stephen (Dec. 26th), 1844. Madeira.
... I have not told you how greatly I delighted in the " Paradisus." I wish you would send me out another copy. . . . My two great difficulties now seem to be, the principle of the Invocation of Saints 1 generally, and how On the far, and in what sense, S. Mary is a Channel of Grace. ^^^° Intellectually or objectively, I could go along with the " Paradisus,"— but subjectively, I shrink from it. This may be, and probably is, my own fault : but the belief that it is, does not make the difficulty less. One thing is clear, that while one has the slightest doubt of the propriety of any invocation, to use it is wrong : and that is the only thing which does seem to me clear in the whole subject. I wish you would let me hear what your feelings are in the matter — for here I have no one that can feel for, or with, me in it.
From B. W. to J. M. N.
S. Sylvester (Dec. 3ist), 1844. Doctors' Commons.
. . . Now we fear for the worst. I want you to look this in the face : that in twelve months, if we live, we may perchance be in the Roman Church. We must be prepared for some such emergency ; for who could think again of nonjuring ? Yet, on the other hand, this may be only another trial of our faith. GOD may set us free from this danger, and then we shall be more strong than ever. But indeed things are in a dreadful state. The laity are rising to a man against us. Sometimes I think it a note against Webb.s us that such crowds are converted to sheer Romanism, pessimistic while so few become of us : as if " stammering formularies " views- were thus warned to give way to a consistent intelligible system of truth. In the meantime our own jealousies and contentions increase : no one sympathizes with another : there is no obedience and no charity. The Bishop of Exeter starts up (as you would say) bishopfully ; is snubbed and resisted, and gives up his point. The Sunday papers placarded one week " Cardinal Wolsey revived." The next week the placard was " Cardinal Wolsey fallen." Wherever
1 Christian Remembrancer^ i. 1 5-24.
G
82 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
I have been in London I have found the greatest anxiety prevailing: each shade of opinion throws all the blame upon others. We poor aesthetical fellows get kicks from all. That indeed is one point pretty fully agreed upon by Hookites, Manningites, Puseyites, Oakleyites, Dodsworthites, Ironsites, etc., etc. One uses the names for distinctions' sake. Qtwt homines — tot sententiae : we must not forget Camdenites. But, on the other hand, Dr. Pusey seems to be more than ever inclined to think well of us ; and he yields to none in saintliness.
To B. W. Feb. loth, 1845. Madeira.
I am waiting anxiously for your next letter, which was due yesterday. I will write to you no more about Rome because I shall run the risk of your misunderstanding me, and creating a difference where there is none. It must always be so in writing, and at a distance. The comfort is that such differences vanish when one comes to talk, like S. Athanasius and the supporters of the One and of the Three Hypostases. I was much interested in what you say of Dyce. You say, very truly, that unless we work together at it, the " Theoria " will never come out. That, I will hope, we shall be able to arrange.
Hospital. To-day I was over the Santa Casa de Misericordia, the largest Hospital in the place, and a most edifying sight it was. The cleanness and airiness of the rooms were like England : but not like England was the Altar and the Crucifix in the larger wards, and the Patron Saint of each. S. Isabel for the women, S. Sebastian for the men, and so on. There are but two lunaticks : for Madeira, with all its faults, is Catholick. I never happened to have seen one before ; and it seemed a bitter degradation of the Church, that her Priests have not the power of casting out evil spirits from them.
Easter Eve.
Service of Last night I went up to the Mount Church to see the Descent Descent from the Cross. It is a thing, I think, fairly open Cross. to criticism, as not being approved by the Church, but
HOLY WEEK IN MADEIRA 83
simply allowed in some few places. You know the noble situation of the Church, 1760 feet above the sea, and the feeling at that height and time, was that of an English evening in May. The noble flight of steps up to the church was alive with people, and alas ! all kinds of buying and selling were going on close to the door. A curtain was hanging overhead, and the Vicar preaching to a crowded congregation. And very well he did preach too, though one could not but marvel at the contrast between such a Passion sermon and one in England. The people sobbed and cried, and the whole church was rilled with a sound which it is impossible to describe, — more like that attending an unpopular candidate on the hustings than anything else that occurs to me. " Peter wept bitterly," said the preacher, "and is there anyone here that weeps not! If there be — out, out of the Church at once ; let him not dare to look on this spectacle : they are bringing the nails, the hammer, the Crown of Thorns, — the Saviour of the World is fastened to the Cross. Behold the Man ! " And, amidst a perfect agony of weeping the curtain drew up. The taking down from the Cross is then gone through by persons dressed in character ; they dress in the Sacristy, and their dresses are most wretched — horsetails for beards, etc. The bier is then borne in torchlight procession, among the wild defiles of the " Curral dos Romeiros," " the Pilgrim's Fold,"— and the service concludes with another sermon. The Procession to the Cathedral of the Interment of our LORD was the best I have yet seen — the soldiers with arms reversed, the Canons in the deepest mourning, their long trains attended by an Acolyte. The Bishop has already done much here : I hear that no meat — except, alas! for the English — was killed during Holy Week, and fish has been bought much more rapidly. The seriousness and attention of the people is greater, and more is done for them. Yesterday, e.g., there were eleven sermons : four at the Cathedral ; three at N. S. de Monte ; three at S. Antonio, and one at S. Clara. I was not at the Alleluia this morning, that the servants might go, but it was very beautiful when the wind brought up the first burst of bells that told of Lent's being over.
84 LETTERS OF JOHN MASON NEALE
I want to protest most strongly against forming an Architectural Society out of our ruins. People will ignorantly think that our religious views are given up, and our Archi tectural retained — as if the two were separable.
Easter Monday.
The mail anticipated its time to-day. ... I am more and more averse to the dissolution of the Society. I should like to be freed from an University yoke, and then set going again. Proxies being admissible you may have mine and Landon's ; but don't abuse them, because, if without giving up any principle, the C.C.S. can be organized again, we should vote for that ; if not (but only if not) for dissolution. A truly Camdenic mistake is yours, " a biting East wind-ow."
To B. W. All Saints' Day, 1845. Reigate.
Your news about Cambridge matters grieves me much, and I should feel some difficulty how to deal with those whose secession you fear. At the same time, I feel that Secession, if they do go, they will be less excusable than the Oxford Seceders. They have not to contend against Newman's immense personal influence. They have not been irritated (except Stokes) by personal persecution. They have not, it appears to me, a single reason for going now, that they had not when the Altar Case was decided. They do not even know (which doubtless the Oxford Seceders do) the particular train of argument by which Newman reached his present conviction. I do not think that any of them could give a straightforward answer to the question, why are you going now ? To my mind, the great argument against leaving our Church is that which Pusey so well puts forward in his August letter, and which has always — and the more — the more I have read of Church History, kept me the more from wavering. But again, I do think that the present divisions of the Romanists in England are very startling : the unfair character of their English contro versial writers more so — the crooked ways in which men,
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e.g. Oakeley and Ward, have left us, by no means edifying. I fear that Stokes takes up with the ground, " others may be safe in the English Church, I can only be so in the Roman." He is not going from a good thing to a better. If he is right in leaving us, we are in damnable