Charles Wordsworth (1806–1892), Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane. Long and substantial 8p autograph letter signed (“Charles Wordsworth / Bp. of St. A. D. & C.”), dated Perth, 30 December 1858, addressed to [the editor of] The Literary Churchman (almost certainly Rev. John Charles Ryle, later Bishop of Liverpool). Eight pages of closely written text, responding to a printed circular sent to him in error after he had already discontinued his subscription.
A revealing and unusually candid letter in which Wordsworth explains why he cannot continue with the publication, and why he feels compelled to respond to an editorial remark in a recent issue. He had previously cancelled the magazine in July 1858, but continued to receive copies. Only when the editor sent him a printed circular requesting “the expression of opinion” did Wordsworth feel obliged to reply.
He takes issue with a line in the latest number (p. 458): “we cannot sufficiently regret the manner in which the questions have been dealt with by the Colleges of Bishops.” Wordsworth distinguishes between legitimate theological disagreement and what he sees as improper criticism of bishops’ official and judicial conduct. He argues that an anonymous presbyter of another church, unfamiliar with Scottish canons or circumstances, should not publicly judge the Scottish bishops — especially when they were nearly unanimous (6 to 1) in their decision.
He stresses the weight and sacred responsibility of episcopal κυβέρνησις (governance) in matters of doctrine, and warns that unauthorised criticism only aggravates the difficulties of those charged with doctrinal oversight. Wordsworth insists the bishops are fully aware of their accountability before God, and that his concern is not personal offence, but the spiritual impropriety of such public censure.
He concludes by noting that, regardless of the controversy, financial economy would have forced him to discontinue the Literary Churchman at year’s end.
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Charles Wordsworth (Aug 1806 – Dec 1892) was Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane in Scotland. He was a classical scholar, and taught at public schools in England and Scotland. He was a rower, cricketer, and athlete and he instigated both the University cricket match in 1826 and the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race in 1829.
John Charles Ryle (May 1816 – Jun 1900) was an English Anglican bishop, preacher, and writer in the evangelical and Calvinist traditions. He was the first Anglican bishop of Liverpool.
PROVENANCE:
One of c.2,500+ items once from the collection or dealer stock of Winifred A Myers (Autographs) Ltd, St Martins Lane, London, evidenced by the quantity of Myers pre-printed envelopes and paper folders and the general ‘presentation’ of the items, many having Myers identification notes in pencil.
Winifred Alice Myers (1909 - 1985) served as ABA (Antiquarian Booksellers Assoc) president, 1950-1952. See the ABA website for an extended article on Myers. Myers left her business, in 1985, to Ruth Shepherd, who traded from home until 2004.
Complete with digital .jpg CoA - as photo - for you to print if needed
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