world, deserve the obloquy and disappointment, which they frequently experience. By dependence is not meant, that deference, which the subordination of rank, of wealth, of age and of merit requires in all professions, and in all society. Where the connexions of any family put it into the power of parents, or even give them reason to hope, that they may be able to provide for their sons, after a due season of probation, according to their merits, it is perfectly reasonable, that this should have its weight in determining them in favour of the clerical profession. To put a young man of dull understanding, or of unfixed principles, into the church, would be folly or wickedness: but those who are convinced, that education can form the habits and principles, and successfully-cultivate the understanding, will feel little apprehension, that a youth, judiciously educated, should fail to do honour to that sacred profession, for which he has been early destined. Before education can be adapted to a given purpose, a clear and precise idea must be formed of the object to be attained. The object of clerical education is to produce men, who shall be worthy members of the established church as curates, rectors, and prelates. These offices and dignities have appropriate duties; and it may be useful to consider, what are the characters most desirable in each of these situations. A good curate is not the man who boasts of being the boon companion of the jolly squire, who is seen following him and his hounds at full cry, leaping five-barred gates, the admiration of the hallooing heroes of the chase, or, floundering in the mud, their sport and derision: he is not the man set officially at the foot of his patron's table, "to smack his wine, and rule "his roast:" he neither drinks nor swears he scorns to be the buffoon, and never can become the butt of the company. Indeed, he does not feel it absolutely necessary to be continually in company. Far from thinking, that it is only the wicked, who love to be alone, he is convinced, that it is only the good who can endure solitude. He does not fly from society as a misanthrope, incapable of tasting its pleasures; but he has the courage to withdraw, and the fortitude to refrain, from all situations and all amusements, which are unsuited to his circumstances, or which must deprive him of “leisure to "be good." He is persuaded, that Paley is right' in pro "Advice, addressed to the young Clergy of the Diocese of Carlisle, in a "Sermon preached at a general Ordination at Rosecastle, July 29, 1871, by "William Paley, A. M. Archdeacon of Carlisle." This short sermon contains the clearest and simplest exposition of the duties of young clergymen, that we have ever seen. It was recommended to our perusal by Paley's most intimate and valuable friend, Dr. Law, Bishop of Elphin : "And the first virtue (for so I will call it) which appears to me of import"ance for this purpose, is frugality—if there be a situation in the world, in which "profusion is without excuse, it is that of a young clergyman, who has little be"side his profession, to depend upon for his support. It is folly, it is ruin. * The habit I will next recommend, as the foundation of al"most all other good ones, is retirement. Were I required to comprise my advice "to young clergymen in one sentence, it should be in this, learn to live alone. "Half of your faults originate from the want of this faculty. It is impatience "of solitude, which carries you continually from your parishes, your home, "and your duty; makes you foremost in every party of pleasure, and place of "diversion; dissipates your thoughts, distracts your studies, leads you into ex nouncing retirement and economy to be the first virtues of a curate; those, without which they cannot long practice any others, or sustain independence, or preserve respect. A good curate has ample employment for his time and thoughts: he has the most important, and unremitting succession of duties to perform. It is his first duty to instruct his parishioners fully in the doctrines of the Christian religion; and to impress on their minds the belief, that the practice of moral virtue is essential to their salvation. Every means, which benevolent and prudent zeal can suggest to inculcate these plain doctrines, he assiduously employs. The church service he reads in a distinct voice, and in an unaffected manner; when he preaches, he does not declaim to display his own eloquence, nor does he, to show his orthodoxy or his learning, quote tomes of casuistry, or discuss nice points of polemic dispute; he does not, by defending and proving what none of his parishioners would question or attack, suggest doubts and cavils to those, who were quiet and happy in the possession of undisturbed belief. His sermons are plain discourses, suited to the capacities, situation, and characters of his congregation. In his mode of preaching, he does not aim at the graces of an orator; for he is aware, that in pulpit elo « pense, keeps you in distress, puts you out of humour with your profession, "causes you to place yourself at the head of some low company, or to fasten yourselves as despicable retainers to the house and society of the rich. What"ever may be the case with those, whose fortunes and opportunities can command a constant succession of company; in situations like ours, to be able to pass our time with satisfaction alone, and at home, is not only a preservative of "character, but the very secret of happiness." quence, the chief thing is to be thought in earnest. Being in earnest, he is sure to be thought so, and consequently secure of making a salutary impression upon the minds of his auditors after listening to his sermons, they are better informed, and better disposed: he is rewarded, not by the vain celebrity of the day, but by the certainty, that he is of service to his flock. He does not perhaps hear his plain sermons quoted in the drawing-rooms of the opulent, but he finds his intelligible instructions remembered in the cottages of the poor, and he is a man who does visit the poor, and his visits are always welcome; for if he cannot bring with him pecuniary relief, he ever brings kindness and consolation. He takes an interest in all the temporal as well as spiritual affairs of his parishioners, and by this honest sympathy he wins his way to their hearts, and to their confidence. He has it consequently in his power, to suggest useful advice, and to render reproof efficacious. Our good curate is peculiarly attentive to the children of the poor; he does not content himself with hearing them on Sundays repeat by rote their catechisms, nor if he keeps a school, does he confine his attention merely to the tasks of the day; but whenever he happens to meet his little pupils in their homes, at their plays, in those happy moments, when the heart of childhood is open to the warmest and the best impressions, he seizes the opportunity to instruct, while he delights them. The little children come, and are never forbidden. Age, as well as youth, sees his approach with pleasure, and the feelings of misery are suspended whilst he is near. As far as he is able, he administers to the wants of the sick, though it is not essential to the character of a good curate; he has some knowledge of medicine, and of surgery, so that upon sudden emer gencies, he is able to counsel or assist; but he is no quack, no dabbler in medicine. Nor is he skilled in law; yet he knows enough of its evils, to warn his parishioners against law-suits, and enough of its salutary forms, to be able to settle equitably their trifling quarrels: enough too, in cases of emergency, to direct, how to dispose of their property by will, without leaving behind them a source of vexatious litigation. His neighbours all look upon him as a peacemaker; yet he is no meddler in their families, no spy upon their actions or conversation. They resort to him for advice in all their affairs,' and he gives it with affectionate sincerity; but his principal concern is to prepare them for another world: to console them for their misfortunes in this life, by pointing to a better. By the precepts of religion he sustains indigent virtue, sooths incurable disease, and charms agony with words of peace and hope. He does not despair, even where he meets with persons of vicious dispositions and refractory tempers; he hopes, that truth and mild benevolence will in time have power to persuade and convince. To threats the stubborn sinner oft is hard, Wrapp'd in his crimes against the storm prepar'd; He melts, and throws his cumbrous cloak away. A curate so occupied, so intent upon his duties, and with duties so extensive, cannot probably have much leisure; but whatever time he has for reading or society, he devotes to the best books, and to the best company. To such his character will introduce him, and will ensure him its respect; and if his K |