128 A CHRISTIAN PASTOR. 



the sacred functions of his profession, with the mode- 

 ration and humihty of a Christian, without aspiring 

 after riches or dignity. Nor will you accuse me of 

 drawing a flattering picture, when you know that, 

 through the means of a powerful family connexion, he 

 was, some time ago, presented to a lucrative and dig- 

 nified benefice; but no offers, however tempting — no 

 persuasions, — could induce him to leave his flock, to 

 whom he considers himself united for life ; and that, 

 having once engaged to devote his time and faculties 

 to their spiritual improvement, he has determined to 

 reject every proposal of temporal advantage, that 

 should dissolve a connexion so dear to him, and that 

 yields so much satisfaction.* With such opinions, 

 you may believe he has no taste for the pleasures of 

 luxury or indulgence : his table is plain, though plen- 

 tifully supplied. His wife admires his principles, and 

 promotes all his plans. Simplicity, with neatness, 

 appears in every part of her domestic arrangements. 

 The children are brought up to be useful, rather than 

 to shine : the cultivation of their understandings is 

 preferred to showy accomplishments ; but great atten- 

 tion is paid to their manners, and the government of 

 the temper. They are but young at present, there- 

 fore it is impossible to decide on their future charac- 



* A similar anecdote is related of Dr. Burgess, the present 

 bishop of Salisbury. 



