Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB

PROCEEDINGS AT FROME IN HONOUR OF BISHOP KEN.

INSTEAD of a plain stone and inscription, an iron grating, coffin-shaped, surmounted by a mitre and pastoral staff, were placed over the grave. Although touching and beautiful in its character, a rude and dilapidated enclosure surrounded the place of burial, and for years the sacred spot remained in a most neglected state. It was impossible for those who held in reverence the Bishop's memory, to walk through the Churchyard of Frome and behold the grave, thus forlorn and exposed to insults and injury, without feeling, not simply regret, but an anxious wish to rescue it from its sad condition. This wish was soon openly expressed, and received the sanction of the late Bishop Law, subsequently of the Bishop of Salisbury, (then the acting Bishop of the diocese,) and of the guardians of the Marquis of Bath, the lay rector of the parish, and patron of the vicarage.

A Committee of Management was appointed to carry the 'proposed works into effect, which consisted of the Venerable the Archdeacons of Bath and of Wells; the Rev. Charles Phillott, Vicar of Frome; the Warden of New College; the Warden of Winchester College; the Head Master of Winchester College; the Hon. and Rev. R. C. Boyle, Rector of Marston Bigott; the Hon. Mr. Justice Coleridge; T. D. Acland, Esq., M.P.; F. H. Dickinson, Esq., M.P.; A. H. Dyke Acland, Esq., Wollaston House, Dorchester; J. H. Markland, Esq., Bath; and several of the clergy and laity of Frome.

Considerable funds were raised. The house of Longleat came forward most liberally, and contributions both from the inhabitants of Frome and persons at a distance, were readily given. These have been devoted, chiefly, to the restoration of the chancel of the Church, which, in consequence of injudicious alterations, destructive of its ancient architectural character, was greatly needed, and which had suggested itself as an appropriate means of showing honour to the memory of one, who might well say with the Psalmist, "LORD, I have loved the habitation of Thine house, and the place where Thine honour dwelleth,"

Under the superintendence of the diocesan architect, Mr. Ferrey, a new oak roof, formed to the original pitch, with hammer-beam principals, has supplanted the former one, which had no architectural pretension whatever. Angels with shields, supporting the hammer-beams, have been given by ladies, inhabitants of Frome. The fine east window, of five lights, in the Decorated style, which was blocked up by stone, has been opened, the tracery restored, and a stained glass window, by Mr. Wailes, has been introduced. A full length figure of our Blessed LORD is placed in the centre. On the one side are S. Peter, (to whom it is believed the Church was dedicated,) and S. John the Baptist; on the other, S. John the Evangelist, and S. Andrew. These figures are surmounted by rich canopies. Above, in three trefoil openings, within a circle, are the following subjects, S. John the Baptist preaching in the Wilderness-the Baptism of our LORD-and the Beheading of the Baptist. The effect of this fine window and the general appearance of the chancel, on entering the church from the west, are very striking. Beneath the window is placed the Communion Table, with three arched openings in the front, kneeling angels in the spandrels, and similar openings at the ends. The whole richly ornamented and executed in a most creditable manner. On the north and south sides of the chancel the traces of the original windows were obliterated-new ones have been introduced which are all filled with stained glass. That on the north side is a memorial window, by Mr. O'Connor, for the wife of Mr. Sergeant Merewether, whose family is connected with that of Bishop Ken. This window is of two lights: the subjects are our LORD blessing little Children, and at the Well of Samaria: these are surrounded by circles, in which are represented, in miniature, the Nativity, the Flight into Egypt, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. The ground-work of this window (having a northern aspect) is light diaper, with bands of rich colour intersecting the whole. The south chancel window is a memorial one of Charles Palmer and Anne Palmer, the father and daughter of Mr. Edward Palmer of Frome, and contains, in two lights, the Raising of the daughter of Jairus, with the text, "Weep not, she is not dead, but sleepeth;" and the Resurrec

tion of our LORD-text, "I am the Resurrection and the Life." In the south chapel, the smaller window is in memory of Mary, the wife of T. D. Harrison, M.D. The second light is placed by Charles Bailey, Esq., of Frome, to the memory of his father and mother. The subjects are, our LORD meeting Mary in the garden, and Jacob's salutation of Joseph; with the arms of each family underneath. These windows are by Mr. Wailes.

The quatrefoils of two of the smaller windows in the chancel, were given by the Rev. W. Dusautoy, and Mrs. Dusautoy; that in the south chapel, by Mr. Wailes, whose liberality on these occasions is never wanting.

A very beautiful memorial window to Bishop Ken, the work of Mr. O'Connor and his son, has been placed in a chapel on the south side of the chancel; this window consists of three lights.

In the upper part of the centre opening is a figure of our LORD, as the Good Shepherd, bearing the Lamb upon His shoulders, and having the text, "Where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any man serve Me, him will MY FATHER honour." (S. John xii. 26.) At one side the subject is our LORD'S charge to S. Peter, "Lovest thou Me-Feed My lambs." (S. John xxi. 14.) On the other side, a group of angels, holding scrolls, upon which is written, "Holy, holy, holy:" text underneath, "Salvation to our GoD Which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." (Rev. vii. 10.) In the lower part of the centre opening, under the figure of "the Good Shepherd," is a kneeling figure of Bishop Ken, having his faldstool and book before him, and his mitre and staff lying by his side; this has been taken from the original portrait of the Bishop, at Longleat, and wrought with much care. The text accompanying this figure, is, "The LORD will be a defence for the oppressed, even a refuge in due time of trouble: for Thou, LORD, hast never failed them that seek Thee." (Psalm ix. 9, 10.) The other subjects are, "The Feast," illustrative of the Bishop's benevolent custom of entertaining at his table a number of poor persons once a week. Text, "They cannot recompense thee; for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just." (S. Luke xiv. 14.) Our LORD at the Pool of Bethesda, surrounded by the sick and maimed. The text, "O ye fountains, bless ye the LORD; praise Him and exalt Him above all for

ever."

All these subjects are placed under separate and distinct canopies of peculiar richness; their pinnacles and crockets rising upon grounds composed of the vine foliage, and varied by being upon ruby and white. A greater height is given to the centre and upper canopy, by which means the figure of "the Good Shepherd" stands out more prominently than any other. At the base is the seal of the Bishop-the anchor and crucifix; at one side, the arms of the See of Bath and Wells, impaled with the arms of Ken; along the bottom of the three openings runs a band, with this inscription, "Thomas Ken Bishop of Bath and Wells dyed A.D. 1711."

In the chief opening of the tracery is the Agnus DE1, and in the other openings are angels praying,-of equal richness with the rest of the window. The work is of great merit, and one of the most successful specimens of modern times in this interesting branch of modern art. Underneath will be placed, on a brass plate, the following inscription: "All glory be to GOD. Thomas Ken, born at Berkhamstead, in the county of Hertford, 1637; consecrated Bishop of this Diocese, 1684; imprisoned by one King, 1688; and deprived by another, 1689; suffering in both cases for the testimony of a good conscience, died at Longleat, under the roof of his friend Thomas Viscount Weymouth, March 19th, 1710--11, and by his own desire was buried in the adjoining churchyard. Many, revering his memory, have joined to protect from injury the grave of this holy confessor, and to restore this chancel to the glory of Almighty God. With like reverence, this memorial window has been set up by Harriet, Marchioness of Bath, 1848."

The floor of the chancel within the altar-rails and to the extent of the chancel steps, is laid with beautiful encaustic tiles from the manufactory of Messrs. Minton, Hollins, and Wright. The most important one, with the monogram TK., and the pastoral staff, is represented in this work, and the initial letters J. and B. surmounted by coronets, are placed around; the one allusive to the Bishop's friend Viscount Weymouth, the other to his descendant, the present noble proprietor of Longleat. On the face of the steps are inscribed the following texts: "O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness." "The place whereon thou standest is holy ground." "Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they shall see God." "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

It was intended by Mr. Ferrey and the Committee, that the vestry and south chapel should be separated from the chancel by open screens, and that appropriate stalls should be placed in the chancel, in order to provide additional accommodation for the Clergy when summoned for decanal and diocesan purposes; but in consequence of the inadequacy of the funds, these additions have not been executed.

Much indeed that has been accomplished in these restorations, must have been left imperfect, or wholly undone, had not the pious munificence of the before-named Benefactress been largely exercised; one, who not only "prays for the peace of Jerusalem," but unceasing "seeks to do good" to the house of our God.

The tomb has remained wholly undisturbed, and is now enclosed and covered by a small stone chapel, eight feet nine inches long by three feet eight inches wide internally, and nine feet three inches high to the ridge of the stone roof, executed from the design of Mr. Butterfield. The north and south sides have traceried arches of nearly their whole length, filled in with simple iron vertical and horizontal bars, the middle one on each side carrying a metal cross. The east gable has a circular open window with cruciform tracery. The west end of the chapel is the east wall of the chancel. The height is regulated by the cill of the east window of the chancel, which the ridge of the chapel roof runs into.

We have now followed Bishop Ken to his grave; but while holiness, singlemindedness, purity of heart, and undaunted courage in the maintenance of what is just and true, are cherished amongst us, that grave, and what has been raised to his honour, will be regarded with reverence, and his " memory be had in everlasting remembrance." When the love of some members of our Church has waxed cold, and, faithless to their vows, they have forsaken the altars where they both received themselves, and administered to others, the Bread of Life, we may point out to all, and especially to those who are wandering in doubt and error, as to a beacon-light, the bright example of a prelate of our Church, who, in days of rebuke and peril, was distinguished for his piety, his constancy, his meekness, his charity; "one who boldly rebuked vice, and patiently suffered for the truth's sake:" one who, "for his love of the chief Shepherd, taught his flock how they might make the knowledge and love of God, both their daily study and practice," and who, in his last, but undying declaration, made a profession which, like "a father's commandment and a mother's instruction," should be "bound about the heart" of every dutiful and loyal son of the Church of England.

For this pleasing account of proceedings, in which all Churchmen cannot but feel a lively interest, we are indebted to the courtesy of the esteemed author of "Reverence due to Holy Places," who has favoured us with an early copy of a work not yet published, entitled "Prayers for the use of all persons who come to the Baths of Bath for cure." The life of Bishop Ken, though concise, is admirably executed, and we are confident that hundreds will thank the Editor of these prayers for the choice work he has prepared for them.

The Children's Corner.

PRESENT AND FUTURE.

THERE was once upon a time a beautiful garden, ornamented with costly flowers and the most graceful trees; but beautiful as it

was, the master of it used always to leave the gates open, so that every body was allowed to enter it, and was permitted to stay there during the course of one day. Only when they were in it, they were required to make themselves useful, and help him to keep it in order. Some had to dig the ground, and some few had only to gather flowers; but there were not many of these, and they did not look so happy as you might expect from so pleasant an employment they said their hands ached with holding them, and they came to have an unpleasant smell.

Now through the middle of the garden, there were innumerable narrow paths, which were so long that you had to go some way before you could see any end to them. These paths though separated, all met at one point; and being completely shaded by trees, they were, in comparison with the rest of the garden, gloomy and cheerless. But the master of the garden told every one who went in, that, beautiful as it appeared, it was dull and barren compared with one they might all reach by walking along those narrow and uninviting paths: there the birds never ceased to sing, or the flowers bloom; while in the first the birds had often to take refuge from the wintry storms, and the flowers withered under the scorching heat of summer. Though the way seemed long, it was only a day's journey, therefore all might have reached that beautiful garden; but some chose to stay in the outer one, and then when evening came, they were called by the master to quit it, and lost their chance for ever.

Crowds of people were continually going in, but among this throng you might have perceived two children, who stood hand in hand at the entrance of the garden, as if dazzled by the beauty of the scene around them. The sun shone on lawns of the softest turf, now covered with parterres of bright flowers, now shaded by trees, which threw a pleasant shade over them. Here and there fountains of water were placed, which sparkled in the sunshine, and seemed to cool the air, and refresh you by the pleasant sound they made, as they fell into their basins below: beautiful birds would come and rest upon the edge and drink, dip in their sweet heads, and then prune and dress their feathers, till quite refreshed and strengthened, they rose with renewed vigour into the clear blue sky.

The two children at the entrance looked upon this beautiful scene very differently from each other. One with an eager longing face, and one with a less curious and more thoughtful expression of countenance. Very soon they began to run hither and thither among the borders, now gathering flowers and chasing butterflies, and now bathing their faces and hands in the fountain, till quite tired they sat down to rest. under the shade of a large tree. Then the little girl became grave, and after a moment's silence she said to her brother,

"This is all very beautiful now, but we cannot stay here; what shall we do when evening comes and we are called away? We had better make the best of our way, as the master advised us, to the other garden: there, you know, there is no night, but perpetual sunshine."

"Well, this garden is quite beautiful enough to please me," said her brother. "I do not desire anything better. Look here,” and he opened his hands, which were full of fruit, “and I can gather as much more as I like: it all seems within my reach. No, you may do as you like, but I shall stay here, and not think about evening till it comes; besides, I have been told that those who enter those paths, are not allowed to take with them any of the flowers and fruit from this garden, but are to be contented with what they find there; and do you think I can part with all these good things and pretty flowers? no: come with me; at any rate we have plenty of time yet."

So he beguiled her on, and soon she was more contented, and began to make garlands of the flowers, and to bind them round her, and the closer she wound, the more she forgot that there was anything else to be admired in the world. One beautiful rose, especially, that she wore in her bosom, and prized above all the rest, every now and then sprinkling it with water to keep it fresh; but in spite of all her care, the rose after a time drooped and languished; she felt that it must wither, and that she must lose it, and the thought made her miserable, for in all the groups there was not one which could be compared with it. What was it then to her that the garden was so beautiful, and the flowers grew around her feet? Would they not all wither? Was there nothing, not one that would last? Among all the crowd of people she felt alone, and the child wrung her hands and was sick at heart. But then came the remembrance of that beautiful garden where the flowers never die, but bloom for ever, and of the narrow paths which led to it. She turned towards them, almost determining to enter one of them; but when she reached the entrance, she remembered that she must part with all the other flowers that she had wound around her. She felt she should never have resolution enough to do it, and she would have turned away again, if one of the gardeners whom the master employed, had not met her. He encouraged her, and told her it was not so bad as she expected, and showed her how to disengage herself from the flowers; but when she tried, she found that they clung so tight, she could only here and there break off a tendril, or some of the outer branches. Then the gardener helped her, and at last even the bindweed which clung the tightest, was torn away, though so great was the pain it gave her, she felt as if she was losing part of herself. He led her to the entrance of the path which conducted to the beautiful garden, and told her that though she might have to travel alone, she should

« ZurückWeiter »