A hundred years ago From the 'Spectator,' 25 December 1869—The
will of the late Bishop of Exeter contains a remarkable instance of a 'ruling passion strong in death.' The personalty was sworn under £60,000, and it is disposed of in various com- mendable ways, £10,000, for instance, being given to the Dean and Chapter of Exeter for the foundation of a Theological College, and good provision being, of course, made for the Bishop's family. The will then goes on to direct that with regard to the action of quare impedit brought against the deceased by the Rev. Mr. Marshall respecting the living of Tregony, against which the deceased had appealed to the House of Lords, the appeal being still pending' when the will was executed, the executors of his will are to prosecute the suit to a definite termination, "considering the great importance to the Church that the points involved should be decided." The Bishop should have considered that if he really went to heaven,—i.e., what would be heaven to him,—he would have no lack of appeals to prosecute, and before a higher Court than even the House of Lords,— nay, might almost have afforded to despise the luxury of a posthumous terrestrial suit.