The completion of these works would cost more than £20,000; and for this great undertaking the Dean and Chapter have no adequate funds. They are compelled, by lack of means, to be content with many temporary and makeshift arrangements which they deplore but are unable to remedy. A poor and thinly-populated England, before the existence of Greater Britain, built and provided for the great Cathedrals, which are the pride and ornament of our country, and which the Deans and Chapters were never more desirous than now to elevate to their highest ideal of sacred usefulness. The sum needed could be supplied without the smallest effort by the unparalleled wealth and power of the England of to-day. The memory of so long an epoch of English Christianity should evoke and stimulate a glad munificence, and thus, we, of this generation, may confer a lasting boon on the generations to come. We therefore issue this urgent appeal to the people of England, to Americans, and to the English-speaking race in general. We earnestly trust that the response to our appeal may prove that the spirit of faith, self-sacrifice, and splendid generosity, which actuated our fathers, continues to glow no less brightly in the heart of their sons, for the glory of God and the honour of His Temple. All Donations sent to the Dean, or to Canon Holland, the Treasurer of the Cathedral, will be gratefully acknowledged, published, and accounted for. Subscriptions may be spread over three years; but it would save much trouble and anxiety if all donors, who can do so without inconvenience, would send their gifts at once. |