BISHOP WALLIS'S RESIGNATION.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 25, 31 January 1911, Page 3

BISHOP WALLIS'S RESIGNATION.

LETTER OF EXPLANATION. j The reasons for the resignation of the Anglican Bishop of Wellington (Dr. Wallis) are set forth in the following letter to the clergy and people of the diocese, the letter appearing in the February issue 'of the Church Chronicle :—: — "My Dear Brothers and Friends, — You are already aware that I have informed the Pnmata that I propose to resign the charge of this diocese shortly after Easter. If I learn from him, as I have good reason to expect that I shall, that the majority of my brother Bishops consent, than — but only in that case — my resignation will take effect. "Ths decision has cost me great pain, for the work is very near to my heart; indeed, there is, f believe, no office more full of happiness than that of the Bishop of such a diocese as ours. And the loving letters and messages that both Mrs. Wallis and I have received in the course of this month would have shown us, had we needed the proof, that we have very many dear iriends -n this land. Yet I have no misgiving, and for this I thank God, that I am doing what He would have me do. "But your affection to us both, your' patience with my failures and my faults, and your unwavering obedience when I have spoken with' the authority which God has entrusted to me, demand that I should inform you fully and without reserve why I think it right to relinquish the work which was solemnly committed to me this day sixteen years ago". "Since my return from the Lamoeth Conference rather more than two years ago I have known that my sterngth has bssn lessening. Signs of this failure had indeed begun shortly before I left England, and a doctor whom I consulted in that country told me that the only cure •'or my particular weakness was a course from time to time at one of the baths in Germany. This opinion has been confirmed by medical advisers in New Zealand, who are convinced that I have no longer "the bodily vigour necessary to the efficient discharge of the work of this diocese. Having thus been assured that I must either resign at' no very distant date, or else' leave important duties unperformed, I have come to the conclusion, after careful thought, and, I am convinced, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that I ought to go now. "In the first place, u he diocese is being served by a strong and devoted band of clergy. At the present time there is no vacant cure, except that of Palmerston North, and a clergyman is now on his way to undertake the charge of that very important parish. Then, I cannot help seeing, and I thank God for it with all my heart, clear signs of ■growth in the Christian life among both clergy and laity, which is largely the result of the late Mission ; and also a very strong spirit of brotherhood. I cannot conceive a time better suited for a change of Bishop, and I have full confidence that, with God's blessing, the new appointment will be made with wisdom, gravity, and concord. "Secondly, I have received from my brother, the Bishop of Salisbury, the offer of the Archdeaconry of Wiltshire, together with opportunities of helping him in nis episcopal work. When this offer first came, the Mission was approaching, and therefore I had no hesitation in declining it, and I did not expect that it would be made again. But now that it has been repeated, I have thought it my duty to accept. The work is in the main that for which I have been consecrated ; I believe that it is well within my bodily powers, and it will bring me within reach of the treatment the doctors have recommended. But lam especially thankful that I shall have opportunities of lightening I the labours of one who is very dear to j me, and to whom the Church, not only at Home, but almost throughout the world, owes an incalculable debt of gratitude. "These are the reasons, the only reasons, for my resignation. To myself, and to all those whom I have consulted, they appear conclusive : I hope they will approve themselves also to your own judgment. "But though I am convinced I ought to go, the pain of goin.tr is hard to bear. "Commending you now and always to ths grace of God, — I remain, your .affectionate Bishoo and Father in God, "FREDERIC WELLINGTON. "Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, "1911."