Those who urged his elevation had the support of the
body of the laity, and also of the public outside of the church, which
for once was interested in church politics on account of affection and
reverence for the candidate.
Mr. Strathmore himself had the discretion not to express himself freely
in relation to his own feelings in the matter. The enthusiastic
assertions of his friends that no one save him could fill the vacant
office he had answered by observing with a smile that the church was
indeed fallen upon evil times if there was in it but one man fit to be
made a bishop. He had added, it is true, that if it were the will of
Providence that he be the one chosen he should accept the office as a
duty given him by Heaven, and should devote himself to it with all his
ability. It was by no means the least of Mr. Strathmore's gifts that
he had the grace of speaking always without any suggestion of cant.
There was an impression of candor and enthusiasm in everything he said,
so that words which might on the lips of another sound conventional or
meaningless became on his spontaneous and vital. "He is too modest and
self-forgetful to wish for the honor," his friends commented now; "but
he is too conscientious not to put aside his personal preferences for
the good of the church.
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