302 THE CECILS
of publicity removed the details of his private life from the region of public comment, and, until the able pen of his daughter and secretary gives the long promised biography to the world, no truly adequate account of the man is possible. Yet the main features of his character are known. He was, above all, a profoundly religious man, and his chaplain has testified, " without any reservation whatever, that his life was a conse- crated life. Each day, whatever the pressure of work might be, he was to be seen taking part in the devotions in the little private chapel, where it was my privilege to administer." * Of the depth of his loyalty to the Queen we have already spoken, and to these two qualities, forming together the very springs of his nature, must be added his affection for his home and family.
Like Lord Burghley, he made few intimate friends. His pleasure lay in the home circle, and he was never happier than when surrounded by his family. It was his greatest delight to gather round him on Sunday evenings as many members of the family as possible, and it is said that he was never seen to such advantage as on those occasions. 2 It was, in fact, the universal testimony of his guests that he was seen at his best in his own home. In early days, soon after his accession to the title, Bishop Wilberforce met Gladstone at Hatfield, and they agreed
1 Report of Sermon by the Rev. E. A. Smith, Times, August 24, 1903,. 3 Speech of Lord Rosebery, November i/jth, 1904.
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