It is stated, though not yet "on authority," that Dr.
Thorold, the Bishop of Rochester, is likely to be translated to the Bishopric of Winchester, just resigned by Dr. Harold Browne. Dr. Thorold is a man of capacity and moderation, and not, so far as we know, identified with any party in the Church, though probably both the moderate Evangelicals and the moderate Broad Churchmen may claim a special interest in him. Still, his translation, if he is to be translated, to the great Bishopric of Winchester, and the simultaneous con- secration of Mr. Festing to the Bishopric of St. Albans, mark a period in which high practical qualities are more carefully weighed and appreciated as titles to a Bishopric than anything like commanding spiritual influence. High practical qualities are of great value in a Bishop, and it is difficult to imagine any gift, however high, compensating thoroughly for their deficiency ; but assuredly an Episcopate in which commanding spiritual influence is conspicuous chiefly by its absence, will be a somewhat dreary Episcopate in the history of the Church of England.
Previous page
