72 LIFE OF 



the Church of England admit, a lamentable laxity prevailed in 

 her discipline ; and unfortunately several strong cases of derelic- 

 tion of duty in her ministers came under his observation ; but 

 he rejoiced in the progressive improvement that has since that 

 period been gradually accomplished in the habits of the clergy ; 

 and in discussing his favourite subject, a modification of the 

 tithe laws, he never failed to mention, as the great object, the 

 advantage that would ensue from an alteration of these laws 

 to the cause of religion : and he always expressed himself de- 

 sirous that the parochial clergy should generally be better pro- 

 vided than at present, with the means of living in comfort 

 themselves, and of affording temporal assistance to their flocks. 

 He had himself originally been intended by his family to enter 

 the church ; but he declined to accede to their wishes, from the 

 deep sense he entertained of the responsibility of the duties 

 that such a course would entail ; and when he saw men, who 

 he believed had taken upon themselves the solemn vows of the 

 ordination service from mercenary motives, and whose conduct 

 would have been offensive in a layman, he was in the habit of 

 delivering in very strong terms his opinion of the injurious 

 fluence which such persons were likely to exercise on the 

 spiritual interests of those committed to their charge : but the 

 zealous and hard-working clergyman was sure to receive from 

 him, not only the warmest expression of approbation and re- 

 spect, but every proof of esteem and kindness ; and those who 

 had the charge of the parishes in the neighbourhood of Down- 

 ton Castle, can testify how readily he afforded his co-operation 

 and assistance to every plan for the relief and benefit of their 

 parishioners. 



By many persons, who do not think themselves deficient in 

 religious principles, the evangelical party are made an object of 

 ridicule ; but in this Mr. Knight never joined ; and though he 

 might sometimes think the zeal of some of its members mis- 

 directed, he was willing to give them the full credit due to good 

 intentions ; and he never would allow that the adoption of a 

 higher rule of duty should be a cause for reproach. 



