6

'and before he was Licensed thereto, did make ' and subscribe the Declaration above written.

En Testimony whereof, the Seal of the said 'Lord Bishop is hereunto affixed, and I have subscribed the same this

day of

in the

year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred,

and fifty.'

(Episcopal Seal.)

A***, B**

(Commissary).

THE LICENCE.

The Commissary upon this will immediately communicate with the Bishop, who will instruct his Secretary to forward to you a Licence, a copy of which will also be sent to the Registry Office of the Diocese, whence it will be transmitted to the Churchwardens of your Parish, to be deposited in the Parish chest, as required by the Act, 1 & 2 Vict. c. 106. (See post). The only expence attached to these proceedings will be the usual demand of ten shillings for the Licence.

Within three months after receiving your Licence you will be required to read publicly in the Church from the 'Desk,' at the conclusion of Morning Prayer,' the above Declaration of Conformity, as well as the Certificate of your having subscribed the same in the presence of the Bishop, or his Commissary, as the case may have been; in accordance with the Act (18 & 14 Car. II. c. 4. s. 11.). See page 48, and post.

Practical Bints

TO THE STIPENDIARY CURATE.

MATTERS of detail connected with the performance of Divine Service, and the Occasional Duties, both according to the ordinary practice, and the method adopted in particular districts, will be found in the 'Paper,' entitled 'THE OFFICIATING MInister.' In the meantime a few Practical Hints may not be unserviceable to the Stipendiary Curate.

I. As Assistant to a Resident Incumbent.

As the more usual position of a Curate is to assist, and co-operate with a resident Incumbent, I cannot but recommend that he should place himself unreservedly under his direction with respect to the performance of the Church Services, and other matters connected with his Ministerial duty; and strive not only to conform to his wishes with promptitude and decision, but zealously endeavour to carry out the plans devised and perfected by his maturer judgment, and

more enlarged experience; and which very probably were first set on foot at his individual expence, and have been since maintained by heavy and continued charges upon his private purse. I allude particularly to the Schools, Missionary Societies, Benefit Clubs, Charitable Societies, District Visiting, and so forth. If you are but young in your position, this course will be of material benefit to you, by putting you in the way of a systematic performance of your duties.

I am not of course advocating a suppression of all private opinion, nor imposing silence on your individual judgment. Nor do I enjoin, in matters of greater moment, a servile adherence to the decisions of your Incumbent, which may by possibility involve you in consequences you might have permanent cause to deplore; or, at least, bring you into a position of embarrassment, either in relation to your people, or to your Bishop. Not that your Incumbent would designedly place you in such a dilemma, nor expect you to rush inconsiderately, or unwillingly, into acts environed with doubts, and difficulties. I advert here to the Rites, Ceremonies, and Discipline, of the Church of England, as they stand with respect to the Statute Law; and to the difference of position between the Clergy, and the Laity, with regard to the Canon Law. This, however, will appear as I proceed.

GENERAL DEMEANOUR.

99

Points of Doctrine, as I have before observed, do not come within the scope of my remarks. You have in this, the Divine Exponent, 'Search the Scriptures,' and likewise the 'Articles,' and the 'Liturgy.' In any difference of interpretation between yourself and your Incumbent, show by carefully listening to every argument he may advance, that you possess Christian humility enough to be as willing to learn, as you are apt to teach.

With regard to your general demeanour and your intercourse with your people, the rule of St Paul "to be made all things to all men," will, rightly understood, be your surest guide. To win the confidence of each member of your flock, it will be necessary for you to identify yourself with the position of each. To be able to sympathize with them, you must understand their circumstances and feelings. They will open their hearts to you in their trials and distresses when they are convinced that the interest you take in them is hearty and sincere. Without any unseemly prying into family affairs, you may easily become so far acquainted with the domestic condition of most of your people as to be capable of advising, comforting, and directing them on numerous occasions. And nothing tends more effectually to dispel the reserve which often exists between the Minister and his Parishioners, than the discovery that in

G

their homes, he too is at home, and has a cordial concern for the well-being of each.

While as a well-bred man you respect the ordinary' convenances' of society, as a Minister of Christ you will not permit them to interfere unduly with your solemn duties. There are rules of conventional etiquette which you are excepted from observing. Doors will be opened to you at times when the rest of the world is excluded, if you are known as a kind comforter, a wise counsellor, and a faithful pastor. Seasons of affliction, of sickness, and bereavement, will make the visits of the Clergyman acceptable as they are appropriate, and give occasion for him to fulfil his mission with the greatest effect. You will not need the formality of a summons to secure your presence at such times; remembering however the discretion and tenderness with which they require to be treated. Seize on all opportunities that may bring you into closer intercourse with your flock. The absence of an habitual attendant from the Church, or from the Lord's Table, furnishes you with a reason for a special visit, and for such inquiries, exhortations, or rebukes, as the occasion demands. So too if a child fails in attendance at School, kind inquiry proves to the parents the interest you take in the welfare of their children, and opens to you the way for impressing upon them their own great responsibilities.