AN OUTSPOKEN CLERGYMAN.

West Coast Times, Issue 2589, 9 January 1874, Page 2

AN OUTSPOKEN CLERGYMAN.

The Rev. Mr Cbx, Episcopalian Dean of Tasmania, having received telegraphic information of an appointment in. England waiting his acceptance, said a few farewell words to his congregation on a very recent Sunday. Now it happens that Mr Cox has hitherto been regarded as the mildest of the mild. The meekness of Moses was more than typified in Mr Gox, whose failing, it was considered, was that he could not say nol- At" any rate, ritualism and low churchism rage there. The bishop condemns what he countenances, and scarcely occupies that place as head of the church" in the Colony which a firmer course would secu>e ; ; while ;Dean Cox has, .. been looked on with suspicion by both parties. He has tried to be a pacifier, and to reconcile differences, and only succeeded * in impressing each party in the church with the idea that he did not break with it because he had not the courage of his 1 opinions. But on this Stinday he disabused their . minds. He told the.congregation of St. David's that .they were a stingy, worldly set, undeserving a good man's care, They would not go to church; they would not contribute to its object ; they occupied feats and wonlrl no- j;';ij :or them. He, had ceased to -b'is a house-going parson because he could employ his time better in study. He added \liat 1 lie would be well pleased to quit connection' with them,: and they Would be better without him. The congregationtare 1 prepared toe condone the unexpected slap at the Bishop that was conveyed in. the expression of thankfulness that oh returning to England he would have a superior to whom he could- look up, ! but no language- is bad enough :for , his declaration that it was matter of m:ch satisfaction that in returning to England, he would ; be restored to his proper" position, and have ah" opportunity of "again mingling among his equals." Seldom has such outspoken language been addressed 'to a congregation. The Argus's ' correspondent .adds :— " 1 offer no opinion as to the fitness of such a style of address in the pulpit on a Sunday,' bu tI do venture to prophecy that Dean Cox has forfeited the customary service of plate, furae of sovereigns, and/arewell address,"