FRIENDS. 143 



ing its accounts with minute and scrupulous exactness, and 

 taking pleasure in its prosperous condition. Every Whit- 

 Monday the club used to march round with band and banner, 

 and paraded on the lawn in front of the house. There he met 

 them, and explained to them their financial position in a little 

 speech seasoned with a few well-worn jokes. He was often 

 unwell enough to make even this little ceremony an exertion, 

 but I think he never failed to meet them. 



He was also treasurer of the Coal Club, which gave him some 

 work, and he acted for some years as a County Magistrate. 



With regard to my father's interest in the affairs of the 

 village, Mr. Brodie Innes has been so good as to give me 

 his recollections : 



"On my becoming Vicar of Down in 1846, we became 

 friends, and so continued till his death. His conduct towards 

 me and my family was one of unvarying kindness, and we 

 repaid it by warm affection. 



" In all parish matters he was an active assistant ; in 

 matters connected with the schools, charities, and other busi- 

 ness, his liberal contribution was ever ready, and in the 

 differences which at times occurred in that, as in other 

 parishes, I was always sure of his support. He held that 

 where there was really no important objection, his assistance 

 should be given to the clergyman, who ought to know the 

 circumstances best, and was chiefly responsible." 



His intercourse with strangers was marked with scrupulous 

 and rather formal politeness, but in fact he had few oppor- 

 tunities of meeting strangers. 



Dr. Lane has described * how, on the rare occasion of my 

 father attending a lecture (Dr. Sanderson's) at the Royal Insti- 

 tution, " the whole assembly . . . rose to their feet to wel- 

 come him," while he seemed " scarcely conscious that such an 

 outburst of applause could possibly be intended for himself." 



* Lecture by Dr. B. W." Richardson, in St. George's Hall, Oct. 22, 1882. 



