BISHOP JENNER AT CLYDE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 358, 5 March 1869, Page 2

BISHOP JENNER AT CLYDE.

A meeting of the members of the Church of Engjan 1 and Ireland within the Dunstan District was held in the Church at Clyde, on Saturday evening last, to meet Bishop Jenner, and hear from him an exposition of his views. About one hundre 1 persons were present, including a few ladies. The chair was taken by Vincent Pyke, Esq., who opened the meeting by introducing hislorship. Bishop Jenner said, on one point he wished to be distinctly understood, and that was, he was not before them for the purpose of canvasing for their votes. It mi ,ht appear discorteous for him to say so, bat the fact was he di I not gre.il/ care whether their votes were for or against him. He occupied the position he did to endeavor to refute some of the charges laid at his door He did not intend detaining them with other than a few explanations in selfdefence. The charges against him were were numerous, and, in some instances, idiotic. For instance, he was charged with being a gentleman, and with being too great a favorite with the ladies ; blit the most grievous charge was that he was unfaithful to the Church. This was a grave charge, but he was rea ! y to meet it., r He had been called upon to resign all pretentions to the Diocese of Dunedin, to which he had been nominated. He ic'used, as for the past two years he had considered himself Bishop of Dunedin. With respect to the latter charge, he could only say that it was a calumny, which appeared to have originated fromhis attending at churches # where certain rites were performed which are repugnant to the people of this colony. He would say that, had he known that the feelings of the people of the Diocese had been so keen, so sensitive on the matter, he would not have attended those services; but, though he oid attend, he was not answerable for everything that was done, as his enemies contended. Since his consecration, it was true he hal attended live churches where these practises were carried on, but thou he had attended .fifty other churches for every one of these five, where these objectionable rites wore not performed; if answerable for the five, equally so for the fifty ; it appeared to him quite clear he was not the kind of man that was wanted by a certain section of the Church here, therefore to be got rid he was persecuted. By way of explanation, he might say, ho never intended, nor did he intend to introduce into his Diocese ary of the practises,, that aro so objectionable

. ■—■ ■ to tho people of this Colony, to do so would bi cruel in the extreme, and he would not be gmlty of such conduct. The question at issue was all important in which all were interested, and one which should be approached humbly, and with prayer to God. a-king his assistance. He hail not given up all hope of yet being Bishop of Dune ! in, God willing, ho would be elected by .the Synod, and he did not fear of giving satis faction if elected. At all events ho would not fail for want of endeavour. The position was no sinicure, but he trusted he w mid prove JheJwas fit to occupy it. His Lordship said he hoped he had spoken with sufficient clearness to bo understood, if not he wished they-,j*»ould say so, so that he would not be migjyidge'd; he expressed himself willing to answer any questions that might be put to him, other than those involving deep questions of doctrinal points. Mr G, Fache said he woul i like to put a question to his lordship.—"Will you state whether, as Bishop, you would be in favor of introducing or permitting the introduction int"> the Church of practices and ceremn i k own by the designation of Ritmjbistic.” His lordship in reply, said he pur-' fectly understood the question, and without' entering into the matter at length, said he would not. Mr. George Fa< hi on behalf of the Church of England Committee, and for fio e assembled, returned thanks to his Lordship for his explanation, and strait forward reply to tho question asked. . His Lonlship the for the patient bearing, and long remember the kindly towards him by the people and said if elected Bishop of DuneoinTthe present would not be his last visit to Clyde. Thanking the Cha : rman for officiating, the mooting dispersed.