Hake[1] came and consulted me about certain difficulties, which involved his leaving his wife and children pennyless, so far as he knew, or following a course that his conscience disapproved. I gave my opinion clearly; and he, with that holy simplicity which has ever characterized him, acted out what his con science dictated. Shortly after this, he called on me, and asked me if I did not hold war to be unlawful. I replied, ‘Yes.’ He then further asked, how I could subscribe that article which declares, ‘It is lawful for Christian men to take up arms at the command of the civil magistrate.’ It had, till that moment, never occurred to me. I read it; and replied, ‘I never would sign it;’ and thus ended my connection with the Church of England, as one about to be ordained in her communion.
“But shortly before that, my connection with Dublin was broken off in a most remarkable way, just when it had answered the purpose of breaking down the high church feelings which I had carried there. Mr. T., of Calcutta, asked me, ‘Why are you wasting your time, in going through college, if you intend going to the East?’ My reply was, that if I returned disabled, I should be able to minister in England; and here the matter ended. As we walked home, Mary said, ‘Don’t you think there is great force in Mr. T.’s question?’ I said, ‘I thought there was; but not so great as to prevent my going that time; for I had got my examination ready: and, moreover, if I did not go that term, then the last three would be as nothing; and it would look so unsettled to break off my course suddenly. It would, moreover, give additional pain to those whom we had already so deeply tried; and as I had my money laid by for the journey, I determined to go this time, and then I need not go again for nine months; and I thought this would allow me ample time to consider.’ She did not concur, but thought the reasons savouring more of this world than the next. However, I had made up my mind, and went to take my place on Saturday, to go on Monday morning. On Sunday morning, about three o’clock, we were awoke by the noise of something
- ↑ Mr. Hake is known as the master of a school, near Bideford, called Tusculum.
