New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-08-20
ENGLISH CATHOLICISM.
W. G. WARD IN THE ROMAN CHURCH


George Ward and the oxford Movement evo'
pp. XVI. 469. Macmillan d 20.
Tho value of this book lies chiefly in the
light IL throws on the problem of English Cathoii-
cism. For, though Ward was man who pos
sessed many interesting and unique character
istics he WAS never great leader Of thought IN
either the Anglican or Catholic Church. But
he was intimately associated with those VINO
were such leaders, and enjoyed their confluence
and esteem. When he left the Anglican Church
and Joined the Catholic Church Catholicism was
cvcn more an exotic in England thhn IL -
now "No longer" says Newman, in one OF his
sermons describing this period, the Cathoi'c
Church in the country-nay, no longer, may say
a Catholic community. but few adherents OF the
old religion moving silently and sorrowfully
about, as memorials Of what had BEEN Inc
Roman Catholics not q sect, not even an IN
forest. as men conceived of it, not body,
however small representative Of the great com
munion abroad but mere handful of lndlvldu
ais who might be counted like the pebbles ana
detritus of the great deluge; and who, forsoo'h
merely happened to retain creed "hic"'
it's day, indeed, was the profession OF a Church'
On the part Of Catholics there was Keen APP
probation OF the fact that they were cut VII
from the religious, social and national lie %
the country. Indeed, they were In sense prouo
of their isolation. In describing Old Hail. 'nc
Catholic college to which Ward was scnt AFTER
bis conversion, the biographer, who is son OF
W. G. Ward, says: There was not much III
tellectual culture. In short, the lntcliec'la'
apprcciation Of all the treasures of Catholic
piety and doctrine, for which Mr. "aru
looked, was not, specifically at least, to De
found Catholicism was lnJec'e" h''o
the veins: it was not tasted before it was as
similated., Naturally, under these crcum-
stances the Dons at Old Hall looked with sus-
picion on new converts. In fact, Mr. Waro re-
ception was decidedly chilling His greeting rom
the bishop was as follows. I'VE are giau u
welcome you Mr. Ward. OF course, we haV'
no work for you.'
Ward and Newman approached Catholicism
from two distinctly opposite points OF view
Newman was fascinated by the process OF de'eiop-
mont IN Catholic doctrine Ward did not have the
patience to understand or appreciate it. All that
be carcd 70 consider was the doctrines them
selves: and the more faith they called for the
more hichly he priced them. He was. in fact
man of most contradictory characteristics An
Enclshman of Engshmcn by nature ana cdu-
cation he nevertheless arrayed himself IN opposi-
tion TO the religious instincts of the English
people; not only that. but he enjoyed doing so.
He possessed that peculiarly cratic and combative
which made him feel happiest when he was deny
ing what every one else affirmed The pleasure
he took in shocking the prejudices Of people is
frequently referred to by his biographer. 1t is
trait Of character that is only amusing TO those
who do not come in personal contact with 1t.
But in Wards case il was counterbalanccd by
many amiable and lovable traits. which made him
friends among those who most disagreed with
his views. lie did not merely bring 70 Cathon-
cism the ordinary zeal of a convert his love for
it amounted 10 passion. which took possession
Of every faculty Of his mind. His new-found re-
ligion was TO him ill that there was in the uni
verse worth investigating or thinking about. And
IL was only the more beautiful and precious 10
him because it forlorn hope. Much as he
desired to see Catholicism grow in England, it is
doubtful il he would have been quite happy had
it suddenly become the dominant religion. Ma
ture intended him always TO be in In" minority.
Ward and Faber were fond Of engaging in half
humorous, half-serous controversies, in which
Ward gratified to the full his love Of paradox
"Shall go into retreat - Ward asked Faber ono
day. a retreat ~ exclaimed Faber. " 1t would
be enough TO send you 10 hell. Go to the play
as often as you can, but don't dream Of a re-
treat" lie professed not to take the slightest
interest in his children when they were small.
and he hardly ever saw them. Il am always
informed when they are born he used TO re-
mark but know nothing more OF them" When
they grew older however. he ]avshed upon them
all ths wealth of his affection. Says his eldest
daughter: One curious peculiarly was his hor-
ror of being thought pious. The name OF God
was always his lips, but II ! asked him what
his particular devotions were he would probably
answer eye and the Italian opera One day
put that very question to him, though I knew
@hat tba IIr.r md
Lords Resurrection were the two mysteries he
most loved, only wanted to get him to talk
about them. He answered By asking
me a question. Are sou often sublimely
wrapt in ecstasy. unconscious Of all sublunary
things NO rs it not rather absurd for me
to ask YOU? he said. We'll. il is inst the same
for you to ask me such questions. Those things
are quite out of my line" And again: IF he
thought any pious he looked up TO them
with humility that was almost amusing. An
Irish man-eervant Of was in many ways
tiresome and not very bright, but was considered
pious. And / remember the tone in which papa
said, Mcmahon is pious: wish | was pious.
lie told ME one day that the Opera, few nights
before, had done him so much good, and he had
poured out so many acts of love of COD between
the acts
Ward used to describe the strained relations
that generally existed between him and The mem
bers of his family in terms Of grotesquc paradox.
H. was the custom in his family, he sad if two
relations differed, for them to arrange not 10
speak, but TO meet strangers. AS rule, the
fact that relation did thing was a good reason
with Ward for doing exactly the opposite. When
reproached with being uns, mpathetc TO his re-
lations. he replied: On the contrary. The Wards
have always differed on every conceivable sub
;ect. Therefore best agree with my family by
differing from them Once when he and his
Brother Henry had been estrangcd for year CT
30. they accidentally met at the theatre For IA
moment they both forgot that they were not on
speaking terms. aud talked together about the
ulsv in the most friendly mann"r But next
.,o-u;,. tho follovino letter was received from