Here beginneth an occasional series on the Bishops of Ely.
Peter Gunning (#42) made a brief head-only appearance in this blog recently, among other photos of the Cathedral. Above is his monument there in its greater glory: what a pose!
PG (Bishop of Ely 1675-84) was, however, no fop. He was a Royalist who spoke out against Cromwell and paid the price. It was rather ironic that he was eventually appointed to Ely (where Cromwell’s house is nearly next door to the Palace), via the masterships at Clare and St John’s and the Lady Margaret and Regius Chairs at Cambridge, and the see of Chichester.
Herbert Mortimer Luckock gives a substantial account of him in his Studies in the Book of Common Prayer (the link is to the electronic edition in the wonderfully named Christian Classics Ethereal Library).
His record already stated shows that he was no mean scholar, and he combined this erudition (which was surprisingly something of a hit with the ladies of the court, to Charles II’s annoyance) with a retentive memory and ready wit.
It is recorded as an instance of his readiness that once he engaged in argument with an enthusiast whom he happened to hear declaiming on the immediate nearness of the Advent in the presence of a great crowd who were completely carried away with his words. Gunning, after trying in vain to turn them from their convictions by Scriptural arguments, seized upon an observation casually dropped to the effect that his opponent had lately invested in an estate, and offered him two years’ purchase for the transfer. Taken off his guard, the man demanded twenty as its real value, and his converts left him.
He combined this with great courtesy and goodness, gravity and control. The stone which stands over his buried body in front of his monument has a pregnant presence: severely simple in its wording, but with just a hint of the Prince of the Apostles too.
My greatest joy, though, was to discover that one of my favourite prayers was probably written by him, for the Prayer Book,
A Collect or Prayer for all Conditions of Men, to be used at such times when the Litany is not appointed to be said.
GOD, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men: that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially, we pray for the good estate of the Catholick Church; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those, who are any ways afflicted, or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; [*especially those for whom our prayers are desired;] that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them, according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ his sake. Amen.
Filed under: Bishops of Ely, Church of England
