believers in Christ; a statement of the duty and necessity of prayer for the presence and aid of the Holy Spirit incumbent on all men, but especially on the ministers of religion, and the assurance that such presence and aid will be granted, if prayed for in faith. But I need not multiply evidences of the impressive character which he was anxious should be given to these examinations; those which I have already adduced are, I trust, sufficient for the purpose. And I think it will be granted that it was next to impossible, but that in the minds of the majority of persons ordained by him, after such strict and searching preparatory requirements, the seeds at least must have been implanted of such principles of duty and responsibility as tend to alienate the heart from mere worldly engagements, and from pursuits calculated to discredit our function and lessen our usefulness. That in all on whom he "laid his hands" these dispositions reached the height to be desired may not be true; but I do not scruple to assert, of my own knowledge, that very many among the younger clergy did at the time of their ordination apparently form corresponding resolutions, and have since given satisfactory proofs of their striving to pursue and improve them. In the same proportion were the efficiency and influence of the parochial clergy increased, the spiritual interests of the diocese promoted, and the character of our apostolical Church exalted. On the whole, we may, I think, safely conclude that, as among the Prelates of modern times none was more distinguished for personal piety and learning than Bishop Burgess, so the services also, which he practically rendered to the Diocese of Salisbury were beneficial and permanent. We who had so many opportunities of studying his character and appreciating his many virtues, may, I trust, be permitted, without the charge of presumption, to apply to him, in testimony of our admiration and gratitude for his unceasing exertions in the cause of true Religion, the language of St. Paul; and as we know that, like that great Apostle, towards the end of his labours he waited patiently and "in the full assurance of hope" for his passage to eternity, we may venture to affirm that he fought a good fight," that "his course upon earth was "finished" with joy, that he "kept the faith;" that the work given him by his divine Master to do was effectually done; and that there is "laid up for him a Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give him at that day." " Believe me, my dear Sir, With every sentiment of respect and esteem, Your faithful Servant, دو LISCOMBE CLARKE. CHAP. XXXV. VARIOUS CORRESPONDENCE. THE Bishop's correspondents to the close of his life were numerous, including many eminent men in the two Universities, and some of the most gifted of his literary contemporaries. The topics chiefly touched upon in their letters were connected with the criticism of the Greek Testament, or with collations of MSS., or with one or other of the Bishop's learned publications; so that, among the large mass which have passed under the writer's examination, there are not many suited to the taste of general readers. The Bishop's own letters, of which but few are in his possession, were in general brief and confined to the immediate point of business; they were seldom discursive, and he rarely gave the rein to fancy in them, or full expression to the noble sentiments of his kind and generous heart. No one was ever more distant from professions of any kind. Among his more intimate friends, and frequent correspondents, were the late Archdeacon Churton and George Marriott, Esq. The letters of the former bespeak the scholar, and breathe the cordial, affectionate regard of early and intimate friendship; those of the latter are fraught with pleasant literary intelligence, with elevated Christian sentiment, and with high respect for the Bishop's character and office. The late Rev. Lewis Way was another friend, with whom the Bishop corresponded for many years. One of the links between them was a mutual interest in the objects and proceedings of the Jews' Society, the existence and present flourishing condition of which may be traced back to the munificence and zeal with which Mr. Way supported its funds, and laboured in its cause, when pecuniary and other embarrassments threatened its extinction. At this critical period, Bishops Burgess and Ryder were persuaded by him to become its joint patrons. The respect felt by both of these excellent men for Mr. Way's eminent Christian virtues, ripened into cordial friendship and regard, under the influence of his amiable and brilliant social qualities. The present Chapter will be principally composed of a select few of such of the letters referred to, as will tend to illustrate the general object aimed at in these pages. TO THE REV. CHARLES DAUBENY. DEAR SIR, August 15. 1825. THE Thirty-ninth Canon of our Church directs that "No Bishop shall institute any to a Benefice, who hath been ordained by any other Bishop-ex G G cept he shall appear, upon due examination, to be worthy of his Ministry." I wish to fulfil the intention of this Canon; and for this purpose, though I cannot at once exact the various proofs of competency, which I may require, yet there is one, upon which I must be fully satisfied, before I take any decisive step towards disposing of the Vicarage of Warminster: I intend that the person, who shall succeed to it, shall first read prayers and preach in the Church, that I may know whether he has sufficient ability in reading prayers and in preaching for such a congregation as that of Warminster. The judges of his competency in these particulars might, perhaps, be the Rural Deans of the district, and any two Clergymen, selected for the occasion. Incompetency of voice and of elocution is such an evil in our Church, wherever it exists, that I am anxious to provide against it in every way I can. I wish, therefore, to profit by your advice and experience, and shall be glad to have your opinion on the subject of this letter. I have already appointed a commission for the examination of candidates for orders as to the competency before mentioned, previously to their coming to me for examination in Divinity. I am, dear Sir, Yours very sincerely, |