Page:Distinguished Churchmen.djvu/96

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DISTINGUISHED CHURCHMEN

on the other side of what we should call here a strong Orange party in things secular, and this reacted in some degree upon things ecclesiastical.”

Going more into detail, the Bishop spoke of the important work undertaken by the Temperance and Purity Societies in the Church, and of efforts like those put forth by the Church Army at home, for the special benefit of people whom it is desirable to raise in the social scale. Nonconformists wishing to become ordained, and giving proof of proper qualifications, are, it transpired, freely admitted to the service of the Church. The Bishop made it clear that Colonial Dioceses differ very much in character. In a Diocese like Sydney, for instance, the religious exigencies are very different from those of the newer and more rural Dioceses. The life of the country clergyman in Australia often requires great power to bear physical hardship. Large tracts of country have to be covered, generally on horseback, and the almost complete impossibility of getting domestic servants throws additional and heavy responsibilities on him, and still more on the wife and ladies of his family. On the other hand, in the great towns the life and work of the clergy are much the same as in England. The pressure of what is called the “voluntary system” on the rank and file of the clergy is great, because of their comparatively dependent position; and, as a consequence, young men, with their natural love