The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
The Clerical Commission explained
Five clergymen meet at Dr.
What happens
Five clergymen meet at Dr. Tempest's house to inquire into Mr. Crawley's case regarding the cheque, deciding to invite Mr. Crawley to a future meeting. Mrs. Proudie's influence wanes as the bishop withdraws, and tensions among the clergy surface over the propriety of the ecclesiastical inquiry concurrent with the civil trial.
Themes in this chapter
Clergy and Morality
The commission debates whether a clergyman convicted of theft should be allowed to resume duties, questioning the moral fitness of Mr. Crawley.
Gossip and Public Opinion
Laypeople like Miss Prettyman and Mary Walker criticize the double prosecution, showing how public sentiment influences ecclesiastical matters.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Tempest
Hosts the clerical commission and steers the inquiry with prudence, keeping silent about his victory over Mrs. Proudie.
- Mr. Robarts
Attends the commission and argues against the bishop's interference before the trial, criticizing Mrs. Proudie's influence.
- Mr. Thumble
Represents the palace at the commission, complains about expenses, and defends the bishop's position.
- Mr. Quiverful
Attends the commission but grumbles about the cost and prioritizes his family's needs.
- Mrs. Proudie
Though not present, her influence is discussed; she is subdued at the palace, fearing the bishop is dying.
Key passages
“Men and women declared that it was a double prosecution, and that a double prosecution for the same offence was a course of action opposed to the feelings and traditions of the country.”
People said that pursuing both a civil trial and an ecclesiastical inquiry for the same crime went against national customs and sensibilities.
Reflects public disapproval of the concurrent legal and church proceedings against Mr. Crawley.
“I don't know the meaning of the word 'delicate,' said Robarts. 'I think his duty was very clear, to avoid interference whilst the matter is, so to say, before the judge.'”
Robarts dismissed the bishop's position as delicate, arguing he should have refrained from acting while the case was still in court.
Highlights Robarts' criticism of the bishop's premature ecclesiastical intervention.