174 DISTINGUISHED CHURCHMEN
were working up a business of a different type in the same locality. In one respect the two men acted similarly they migrated from the commercial atmosphere of Cheapside, the one destined to identify himself prominently with the Church, the other to link himself with distinction to the political fortunes of the country, each going his own particular way with every promise of accomplishing work of lasting good.
Mr Carlile was born at Brixton on January 14, 1847, ms father being a deacon of Stockwell Congregational Church. It is interesting to note in passing that about this period the family was so deeply imbued with the spirit of Congrega tionalism as to admit of the pastor s son tying the nuptial knot with one of Mr Carlile s sisters. As for young Carlile himself, in his youth it would have been difficult to define his religious convictions. Truth to tell, there was a leaning towards agnosticism, and it was not until he was well on for thirty that, thanks to the influence of a Christian lady, he was aroused to the obvious truth that religious people have been the pioneers in works of philanthropy. Verily, that was a happy awakening. A whole-hearted belief in the Supreme Being was then but a matter of natural development.
For a time Mr Carlile continued to labour in his father s business, giving his spare time to religious services. Though a Churchman, he
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