of 251., were paid as prizes for the best Essays on two subjects in Divinity; and that 75l. were distributed in smaller prizes to students for their ficiency in various branches of study.

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The greater proportion of the fund which has been specified accrued from the contributions of a clergy of very straitened incomes, many of them with large families, and forced to struggle against severe difficulties. The result forms a most honourable proof of their Christian zeal and charity, while the magnitude of the amount gradually created by this annual accumulation of small donations forms a striking comment on the important consequences of steady perseverance in the prosecution of a noble and well conceived scheme of utility and benevolence.

In the year 1807, the Bishop, on delivering his second Charge to the Clergy of St. David's, adverted in the following terms to the successful progress and beneficial influence of his plans of improvement:

"I cannot dismiss the subject of our society, without cordially congratulating the clergy of the diocese upon the progress of its several plans, and on the liberal encouragement which it has received. At the same time I must be permitted to renew my former recommendation, that all who partake of the patrimony of the Church, would contribute the tenth of one year's income of their benefices to the fund, which is devoted to the education of

young persons intended for orders, but who cannot partake of a University education.

"The patrimony of the Church is an awful subject to those who consider for what purposes it was endowed with the temporalities which it possesses. The labourer is certainly worthy of his hire they that serve at the altar, have a right, no doubt, to live by the altar: but it would be well for every incumbent to balance carefully the emoluments he has received with the good he has done; and to remember that Church benefices were intended for the support of religion, and for the honour of the Church, not to confer worldly superfluities and luxuries on individuals, nor for the enrichment of their families. In that portion of the Lord's vineyard, which is situated in this diocese, our benefices, in general, are not much in danger of the charge of superfluities and luxuries; and the liberality of the resident clergy is greatly to the credit of their profession. I only wish to suggest to all whom it may concern, that spiritual incomes, which are in a great measure diverted to mere worldly and selfish advantages, will be sources of spiritual uneasiness in the hour of serious reflection, and at that trying season which is to separate us for ever from all our earthly concerns.”

The operations of this society not only effected much direct good, but were also eminently useful to the diocese, by the frequent intercourse to

which they led between the Bishop and his clergy. They found in him a faithful monitor, anxious to impress upon them the importance of a zealous and conscientious discharge of their various duties, a wise adviser in their doubts and difficulties, and a kind sympathising friend in the hour of trial and affliction. Those who sincerely did their duty, were sure to be singled out by him for encouragement and promotion. His approving smile animated their pious exertions, his liberal hand was prompt to minister to their necessities, his hospitable mansion was always open to them, and he invariably met them with cordiality and kindness. Whatever were his studious pursuits, they were never allowed to interfere with his giving audience whether to the incumbent of an important living, or to the poorest curate of his diocese. The interruption to his studies was occasionally not a little trying, but this was never visible in his looks or manner, though, when a very wet day occurred, he not unfrequently expressed pleasure in the anticipation of having a long morning wholly to himself.

A room was expressly set apart for the reception of his clergy, and they always found it hospitably provided with substantial refreshments. He was, in fact, a sort of Elder Brother among them, uniting a singularly mild, winning, and gentle demeanour, with a constant endeavour to encourage and ani

mate their exertions, and to acquire as well as to impart instruction and information. Nor, when the occasion called for it, did any one know better how to assume that dignity of manner which effectually represses undue familiarity.

CHAP. XVIII.

THE BISHOP'S MODE OF PREPARING FOR, AND OF CONDUCTING, HIS ORDINATIONS.

In preparing for, and conducting, his ordinations, the Bishop acted in the spirit of the Apostolic injunction, "Lay hands suddenly on no man," and in order fully to ascertain the competency of candidates, he himself performed the functions of examining chaplain. The onerous duties which this office imposed upon him, so entirely engaged his thoughts and attention for the week preceding an ordination, that all other engagements were superseded, and he passed his time in the examining room, sedulously superintending the proceedings of the candidates, and satisfying himself as to their qualifications and attainments.

Whenever, after due examination, he met with cases of incompetency, he was inflexible in withholding orders; but it was his study and delight to encourage and to draw forth modest merit.

Accurate Biblical knowledge, a competent acquaintance with the Greek Testament, and facility in English composition, were among the leading qualifications which he required. But he also held out particular encouragement to the study of