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a blessing of the Lord; remembering how He hath said—"Them that honour me, I will honour; and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed." I have, therefore, addressed you, brethren, as men to whom I should do a wrong; if I were to believe that you had less desire to do your duty towards God in your office than I have in my own; and I am thankful that I have done so; and am persuaded that, as habits of obedience, reverence, and conscientiousness grow in us, we shall on both sides find a growing desire to fulfil our duties towards God in maintaining His House and worship with all needful and seemly provision. I take this opportunity of thanking the body of Churchwardens for their attention and kindness towards myself personally; and, what is of more moment, for the care and willingness with which they have complied and are still complying with my directions. Of this I have frequent evidences. Within a few days, for instance, one of the Rural Deans of a district visited last year, writes to me:—"I wish to speak of the willing exertions of the Churchwardens in the highest terms. Nothing has been unattended to. When any little matter has not been completed, it has been either from accidental circumstances or from further time having been originally granted." I could add further testimonies of the same kind, and adduce particular cases worthy of high commendation.
