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Fransham in Norfolk; which situation he changed in 1793 for the adjoining parishes of Litcham and Lexham, He died January 31st 1795. after a short illness, in the 38th year of his age. ⠀ It may be imagined, perhaps by many, that a life, of which such was the outline, must have been as useless and insipid, as it was short and retired. Not such, how ever, will be the judgment of those whom experience or obser vation may have taught more justly to appreciate the character of an exemplary parish priest Such will be aware, that to consti

tute

tute that character, there must be an union of learning and modesty; of spirit and of patience. that a marked detestation of vice must be made consistent with unabated charity for the offender.

that

the conduct of the man must ne

ver be at variance with the pre

cepts of the preacher. that reproof must be tempered with gentleness; faith be made manifest by works; and zeal be directed by 'knowledge.

Whoever, indeed, can estimate the advantages which result to society from the exertions of a man at once sufficiently dignified and

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conciliating to "

reprove, rebuke, “ and exhort with all long-suffer

ing and doctrine;" who can win over the rich to temperance and charity; and the poor to honest industry and contentment: above all, whoever reflects on the blessedness of turning but one sinner from the error of his ways unto righteousness, will admit, that when the conscientious discharge of such duties is chosen by any one as the basis on which to build his character, his labours (albeit hidden in the deepest retirement) are still directed to an end not unworthy the commendation of the

the wisest men, or the gratitude of the best.

The following discourses constitute the principal labours of their author in his ministry. The species of merit, on which their editor founds his hope of their being well received by the public, is their plainness: and it was with a reference to this quality that he has intimated in the title page the auditors to whom they were delivered. The reader is requested to carry this in his recollection while he peruses them; because it accounts for, and gives a value to, their great simplicity

of composition, and unornamented language; and is, at the same time, a mark of the carefulness with which their author accomodated himself to the duties of his situ ation. How far he was successful in this branch of his Christian duty, the publication of them will enable many to judge. how well his conduct accorded with his precepts can be known only within the limits of a less extended circle. Not a few, however, can bear testimony to a temper unruffled by accidents, and a cheerfulness which never degenerated into levity: to much learn

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