removal of Mr. Molesworth from the diocese, describing his devotion to the parish, and his unfailing kindness to the poor.

Fifty years later, when the brave old Vicar of Rochdale had been called to his rest, one of his elder children, who so well remembered Millbrook, wrote:

Our father has left so many memorials of his life at Rochdale, in the shape of schools, churches, and other public acts, that anything we can do here will not satisfy the public, even if it satisfies ourselves.

If my own feelings were consulted, I should much prefer the erection of a memorial in the place where our father spent by far the happiest days of his life, and where we all were born.

It is there I should like to see some memorial, where none exists, instead of adding another comparatively insignificant one, where there are already so many noble ones.

His works here (Rochdale) are many and enduring, and will never be forgotten; but his work at Millbrook was equally beneficient, and there he had many friends; and, I believe, not a single enemy.

The following incident exercised a considerable influence on young Molesworth's future career. He had walked into Winchester, which was twelve miles distant, to avail himself of the advantage of the Cathedral Library, by consulting some books of reference, but found the Library closed. As he came away, he happened to meet Doctor Rennell, Dean of Winchester, who, when he explained his disappointment, kindly offered him the use of his private library in the Deanery.

While Molesworth was consulting the books, the Dean, with another clergyman, entered the library and commenced an animated conversation on a recent theological work by Davidson, on the Origin and Intent of Primitive Sacrifice.' This work, like the 'Essays and Reviews' of more recent times, had given rise to much perturbation in the Church; and the clergyman discussing the subject with the Dean said that it was doing great harm, but that it was difficult to answer it. Young Molesworth joined in the conversation, saying that he had read the book and could easily answer

it. Then,' said the Dean, 'why don't you answer it?' Molesworth replied, 'It is not a case to be undertaken by a young unknown curate of a small parish, even if he had the funds at his disposal to publish an answer.' The Dean, however, persisted: If you think you can answer it, it is your duty to do so, a duty you must not shirk.' The Dean further assured him that if he would undertake the work, no part of the cost should fall upon him. This offer was gratefully accepted, and in due time the answer appeared, doing great credit to the author's theological knowledge and powers of reasoning.

It had a very wide circulation and brought him to the notice of Doctor Howley, then Bishop of London, and afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury, who subsequently proved to be his firm friend and patron.

Whilst holding the curacy of Millbrook, Molesworth, as a young man, displayed that remarkable legal and business ability which characterised him throughout his life in sustaining his claims to that portion of the peerage estates at Swords which he had inherited from his grandfather, the fourth son of the first Viscount Molesworth of Swords, his affairs, owing to his father's death during his infancy, having been left in a tangled condition.

During his residence in Millbrook, he published the following pamphlets: The Passover,' which pointed out the error of commentators, relative to the departure of the Israelites from Egypt, and the interpretation of the Paschal types; St. Paul's Key to the Types of Genesis ; ' also a discourse on the Hampton Friendly Society; and 'James Forbes,' a tale founded on facts, with the object of inculcating humility, and the danger of placing too great confidence in one's own strength of mind.

In 1828 the Archbishop presented him with the living of Wirksworth in Derbyshire, and on the occasion of his leaving the curacy of Millbrook after sixteen years of residence, the parishioners presented him with a service of plate worth a hundred guineas in recognition of his services and a testimonial of their regard. He received also many

testimonials of regard, affection, and respect from the clergy of Winchester and Southampton.

The following extracts from his farewell sermon, preached on Sunday, December 7, 1828, give a clear indication of the principles which he then held, and which he consistently maintained unchanged until the end of his life:

I could (were I to consult merely the gratification of my feelings) gladly dwell upon those subjects of personal acknowledgment, which the present occasion might make in some degree pardonable even here, and which the many friendly and brotherly kindnesses I have received might seem to have rendered not less due to you than grateful to me. But the time allotted us would fail for all the subjects which present themselves, and I cannot but feel the duties of a higher and more momentous character, than the expression of goodwill, or the effusions of gratitude, urgently demand our notice here. . . . I cannot overlook the nature of our immediate situation; we are here as Teacher and Hearers,-Pastor and Flock; an account is closing this day which will be laid before us on the Day of Judgment. Would to God that our respective consciences could look back upon it with full satisfaction and acquit us of doing many things which we ought not to have done' and of leaving' undone things which we ought to have done.' We dare not either of us pretend to such a retrospect; it would be hypocrisy, it would be folly; our hearts are open, we are in a dreadful presence. We know that we must not demand judgment, but implore mercy through Jesus Christ. But in closing this account, let us each do our parts to make the best amends yet in our power for past faults; and to provide for future advancement towards Christian perfection. Let me take advantage of this moment to touch upon some leading points of Christian doctrine and practice; and do you supply my imperfections, administer to my feeble efforts, by increased attention and seriousness,-by regarding with a lively sense, our mutual danger and responsibility,-by Prayers and suitable resolutions, that you may employ whatever days may be granted to you, in securing the one thing needful, and in preparing for the coming of your Lord.

The first general exhortation of St. Paul in this chapter, suitable to our present purpose, is contained in the 7th and