RESOLUTE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue III, 18 January 1896, Page 79

RESOLUTE.

England has been made by men of resolute and uncompromising character, who had both the courage to express their convictions, and the willingness to sacrifice themselves at the call of duty. One of this class was the Rev. Richard Venn, of London, who, during the reign of George 11., actually vetoed the appointment of an improper person to be bishop, by threatening to appear publicly and oppose the confirmation. Venn’s decision of character was so well known that the Lord Chancellor, whose interest at court had procured the appointment, sent a gentleman to threaten or bribe the resolute clergyman into silence. The man found Venn in his study, with his wife and little boy, the afterwards famous Rev. Henry Venn, and hinted that he might be appointed to the Deanery of Wells, provided he would desist from his opposition to the appointment. ‘Let the Chancellor know that I scorn his bribes,’ answered Mr Venn. Whereupon the gentleman changed his tone. ‘You will be ruined, Mr Venn, you will be ruined and all your family !* said he. Mr Venn calmly turned to his wife, who was sewing, and said, ‘ My dear, could you not support yourself and me by your needle ?’ ‘ Yes, if it were necessary.’ Then turning to his son, he said, ‘ Harry, would you not like to be a waterman ?’ ‘ Yes, papa, very much.’ ‘ There, sir, report what you have heard to the Chancellor, and tell him I defy him.’ The appointment was cancelled.