I hope I never inquired within myself whether he did or no.

Such a matter would be unworthy of any inquiry, and very unworthy of the consideration of the chapter.

But I fear he intended disrespect to the ministration of God's services, as conducted in conformity with the rules of the Church of England." "But might it not be that he thought it his duty to express his dissent from that which you, and the dean, and all of us here so much approve ?" "It can hardly be the duty of a young man rudely to assail the religious convictions of his elders in the church.

Courtesy should have kept him silent, even if neither charity nor modesty could do so." "But Mr.Slope would say that on such a subject the commands of his heavenly Master do not admit of his being silent." "Nor of his being courteous, Eleanor ?" "He did not say that, Papa." "Believe me, my child, that Christian ministers are never called on by God's word to insult the convictions, or even the prejudices of their brethren, and that religion is at any rate not less susceptible of urbane and courteous conduct among men than any other study which men may take up.

I am sorry to say that I cannot defend Mr.Slope's sermon in the cathedral.