■,■ , '"■■9' 
 
 •^3te 
 
 
 1 . i^'
 
 L I E) R.AR.Y 
 
 OF THE 
 U N I VLR.5ITY 
 or 1 LLl NOIS
 
 'i 
 
 (
 
 fWT?/ /^ ^2^ . /C<r>^ 
 
 A CHARGE 
 
 DELIVERED TO 
 
 THE CLERGY 
 
 OP 
 
 THE ARCHDEACONRY OF OXFORD, 
 
 THE VISITATION 
 
 HELD JUNE 1833, 
 
 CHARLES CARR CLERKE, B.D. 
 
 ARCHDEACON 01' OXFORD. 
 
 OXFORD, 
 
 PRINTED BY S. COI.LINGWOOD, PRINTER TO THE UNIVERSITY, 
 
 FOR J. H. PARKER. 
 
 SOLD ALSO BY J. G. AND F. RIVINGTON, ST. PAUL's CHURCHYARD, 
 
 AND WATERLOO-PLACE, LONDON. 
 
 MDCCCXXXm.
 
 ^o.np< 
 
 JIUC
 
 TO THE REVEREND 
 
 THE CLERGY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE ARCHDEACONRY OF OXFORD, 
 THE FOLLOWING 
 
 CHARGE, 
 
 DELIVERED TO THEM, 
 
 AND MADE PUBLIC AT i'HEIR REQUEST, 
 
 IS INSCRIBED 
 
 BY 
 
 THEIR FAITHFUL SERVANT, 
 
 C. C. CLERKE,
 
 My Reverend Brethren, 
 
 It is in compliance with wise and 
 ancient constitutions that you have been cited 
 to be here assembled ; and meetings like the 
 present have for a long time borne the name of 
 visitation. It would, however, be culpable to 
 view this meeting as holden merely in compli- 
 ance with constitutions that are ancient; though 
 age may have made the custom venerable, yet 
 it has not lost its vigour or its practical utility. 
 It is a curious and highly gratifying circum- 
 stance, and one too which should not escape 
 our observation, that the advantage to be de- 
 rived from these meetings arises from a far dif- 
 ferent quarter now from that whence, in olden 
 time, good was by our forefathers expected, and 
 no doubt obtained. If originally the object in 
 citing ecclesiastics, and all the tribes of officers 
 connected with the Church, was to inquire — 
 to correct morals — to reform habits — to admo- 
 nish and to sentence those whose lives were 
 evil — the present object must, not in courtesy 
 but in justice, be described in other terms. The 
 difference in time, circumstances, state of so- 
 ciety, and of general knowledge, has rendered 
 this annual meeting a valuable means of im- 
 
 a3
 
 6 
 
 parting information, exhortation, and advice on 
 matters connected with the state of our Church 
 generally, and with the peculiar wants or ad- 
 vantages of the Diocese in which our labours 
 are engaged, that so, from time to time, our 
 judgments may be guided, and our exertions 
 quickened in that sacred cause in which we, 
 that is, our time — our energies — our mental pow- 
 ers — our bodily labours — our talents — and our 
 thoughts have been enlisted. The opportunities 
 on these occasions offered to us are far more 
 deeply important than can justify the wasting 
 them in complimentary declarations of satis- 
 faction : there are ever springing up fresh ob- 
 jects of local interest, fresh channels to which 
 our ministerial labours may be turned, and fresh 
 cause for the mutual exchange of advice and 
 information. Again, in accordance with this 
 view of the beneficial effects of these annual 
 meetings, the season of their recurrence seems 
 to each one of us as a time admirably suited for 
 our review of the sincerity and success which 
 may have accompanied our ministerial labours : 
 at such a time our own reflections may well be 
 occupied — in meditating upon our feeble and 
 fluctuating exertions during the year last past 
 — in reviewing the import of those solemn vows 
 and public declarations of steadfast resolution 
 made in humble and devout reliance on Gods 
 help and grace at our Ordination — in referring
 
 to that beautiful and affecting service in which 
 at our admission into the ministry we took part 
 — and in refreshing the memory and awakening 
 the conscience by there searching out what zeal 
 should influence, what occupations should inter- 
 est, what motives should guide, and of what 
 manner of spirit should be the ordained Min- 
 ister of our apostolic Church. A day like this 
 too may be well employed in learning, by com- 
 muning with others, various matters connected 
 with the management of parishes and of schools, 
 and the most acceptable and effectual method of 
 fulfilling our ministerial engagements. In these 
 last matters, however, details are better learned 
 through frequent intercourse than through stated 
 official meetings. He who would improve him- 
 self in all the practical parts of the ministerial 
 office; he who would seek for instruction as to 
 the best method of superintending a parish 
 school, or the most successful manner of ob- 
 taining access to the confidence of the ignorant 
 and afflicted, or the most effectual plan for re- 
 lieving the Mants of the distressed, and pre- 
 venting the demoralizing evil of that poverty 
 which is the offspring of improvidence ; he who 
 would improve himself, and gain information on 
 the many details in which it is, if not necessary, 
 at least most useful, that a clergy nuin should be 
 instructed, need scarcely be reminded, that what 
 he seeks can in no way be better supplied to 
 
 a4
 
 him than through friendly communication with 
 a neighbour competent to give advice. On this 
 account I rejoice that I am able to declare to 
 you, not simply that, as on the last occasion of 
 our meeting, the office of Rural Dean has been 
 restored, but that they who have on public 
 grounds accepted the appointment offered to 
 them, are zealously employed in rendering our 
 Church Establishment as effectual as possible 
 in the various districts committed to their su- 
 perintendence. The interference of their kind 
 offices has operated as an encouragement, in 
 many cases, to do what otherwise could not 
 have been effected without great trouble and 
 annoyance. It may be said, without incurring 
 the censure due to flattery, that the present 
 holders of this office, acting under delegated 
 authority, accessible, temperate in judgment, 
 zealous for what is good, and willing to offer as- 
 sistance and advice wherever it may be neces- 
 sary and well received, are conferring, in their 
 sphere, a benefit on the Church, when they ac- 
 cept and fully execute the office of Rural Dean, 
 which has been no idle appointment, no highly 
 paid sinecure — a mark of distinction truly — but 
 an onerous rather than an empty title of ho- 
 nour. I may safely affirm, that there is at pre- 
 sent every promise that the various parishes in 
 this diocese will derive considerable benefit from 
 their frequent visitation and survey of our pa-
 
 9 
 
 rish churches. I indeed feel under obligations 
 to them on many accounts, but the present is 
 not a fit occasion for making declaration of per- 
 sonal thanks ; and as expressions of gratitude 
 may soon sink into those of flattery, I abstain 
 from reiterating these, and proceed to matters 
 claiming your especial notice. 
 
 Amongst the several subjects to which my 
 attention has been called during the year last 
 past, there ranks first a habit, now growing- 
 common in large towns and populous parishes, 
 of persons applying to have their banns of mar- 
 riage published in churches of parishes where 
 they are not resident : these irregular proceed- 
 ings have led to frequent complaints both from 
 ministers and from relatives to the parties con- 
 cerned. It is desirable, but T fear that it will 
 be by no means easy, at once to check the re- 
 currence of this evil, for the most diligent min- 
 ister will in these matters sometimes be de- 
 ceived. Here it may with truth be said, that 
 there cannot be, morally speaking, an objection 
 to every marriage solemnized under such cir- 
 cumstances ; in many a case the wish to have 
 banns published in distant churches arises from 
 the party's natural aversion to too early an 
 exposure of their intentions to the idle remarks 
 of foolish gossipers in the parish where they 
 reside. This plea, however, must in vain be 
 urged in all cases. The shunning of publicity
 
 10 
 
 frequently arises from fear, and from a con- 
 viction that there does exist some just cause 
 and legal impediments, which must, where 
 known, prevent the solemnization of the mar- 
 riage. 
 
 In cases where banns are asked, the minister 
 should be satisfied that the usual place of abode 
 of one or both the parties, as the case may be, 
 is in his parish at the time of application to 
 have the banns of marriage published, and dur- 
 ing the publication of the banns ; and he should 
 beware that the time between the publication 
 of banns and the solemnization of the marriage 
 does not exceed three months. So also in cases 
 of marriages by licence, three months is the 
 longest time allowed between the licence and 
 the marriage, otherwise the banns or the licence, 
 as the case may be, must be renewed. It should 
 also be a system followed by us all, that seven 
 days' notice be required previous to the publica- 
 tion of banns. These last statements and re- 
 quest are grounded on modern acts of parlia- 
 ment, in conformity with the spirit of which I 
 have ordered to be printed a plain form, to be 
 filled up by an exact statement of the names 
 and residences of each of the parties requesting 
 the publication of their banns of marriage. 
 This form may be obtained at the house (in Ox- 
 ford) where the books on the list of the Society 
 for Promoting Christian Knowledge are sold ;
 
 11 
 
 and I confess that I can devise no other check 
 upon the practice complained of, than that 
 which 1 now have mentioned ^. 
 
 I proceed to consider for a few moments the 
 subject of our baptisms. I have already drawn 
 your attention to our fonts, not merely as be- 
 ing, as in many cases they are, the great orna- 
 ment to the interior of our churches, but as 
 being connected with the ministration of Public 
 Baptisms. 
 
 In my last Charge I said that I knew of no 
 reason, beyond a little additional trouble given, 
 why the original font should not, according to 
 ancient custom, be again made the receptacle 
 for water. This primitive and canonical ar- 
 rangement has in some churches been restored. 
 I do not state this as an improvement in itself, 
 or as important in itself, but because it appears 
 to be a more correct and decent method of 
 ministering this sacrament than can be the use 
 of basins, borrowed from the poor for the pur- 
 pose at the instant. But I would not seem to 
 attach too much importance to secondary matters 
 such as these, or be understood as unnecessarily 
 or arbitrarily interfering with the convenience or 
 settled habits, or even tastes of persons who 
 must be equally with myself desirous that every 
 thing should be done appropriately and in or- 
 der. Our paramount duty is " so to minister the 
 
 «"* See Appendix A, p. 27-
 
 12 
 
 " doctrine and sacraments and the discipline of 
 " Christ," that" the people committed to our care 
 " and charge" may, "with all diligence, keep and 
 " observe the same" for their own edification and 
 for the promotion of God's glory. In the pre- 
 sent instance, therefore, there is a demand upon 
 a Minister's time and study, that he may ex- 
 plain the reasons for bringing Infants to Christ's 
 holy Baptism, may enforce its importance, its re- 
 sponsibilities, and its benefits, and not pay atten- 
 tion only to the decorations of the vessels used, 
 when the Sacrament of Baptism is administered. 
 There is cause for sorrow to witness persons 
 standing as sponsors at an infant's baptism, who 
 hardly on any other occasion have appeared 
 Avithin the walls of our churches. I do not speak 
 of the validity of such a baptism, but of the in- 
 difterence with which this sacrament is viewed, 
 and of the heedless manner in which it is attend- 
 ed by many who offer themselves as sponsors. If 
 the appearance of godfathers and godmothers at 
 the baptismal font be considered as merely the 
 attendance of witnesses, so much importance 
 need not be attached to the selection of them; 
 but they stand in the light of sureties, and the 
 declarations which they make are in the highest 
 sense solemn. It is devoutly to be wished, that 
 in this instance present practice be more in ac- 
 cordance with our ancient canon, which states, 
 that " no parent shall be admitted to answer as
 
 13 
 
 " godfather for his own child, neither shall any 
 " person be admitted godfather or godmother to 
 " any child at christening or confirmation be- 
 " fore the said person, so undertaking, hath re- 
 " ceived the holy communion." The spirit of 
 which is followed, on the one hand, by preventing 
 persons entering upon this charge before they 
 understand the import of what is in the name of 
 the child professed; and on the other, by discou- 
 raging the disingenuous profession of purity of 
 faith, and strictness of obedience from persons 
 who take no heed themselves to walk in the 
 commandments of God, and to serve him, but 
 openly give themselves over to careless and li- 
 centious living. 
 
 When cases like this last occur, the minister's 
 official interference at the time is not demanded ; 
 nevertheless, they are sorry sights; and I am not 
 without hope that private admonition and expla- 
 nation, through friendly intercourse, will gradu- 
 ally bring to a right understanding of these mat- 
 ters the lay-members of our Church, those espe- 
 cially of the rank in life which has not the means 
 of fully comprehending our Church customs, or 
 an intellect sufficiently cultivated to discern the 
 true object and purport of several of our Church 
 Services ; that they may know that their appear- 
 ance as sureties is not a bare compliance with 
 an unmeaning and antiquated form, and that 
 they cannot with impunity declare for others 
 what they care not to declare for themselves.
 
 14 
 
 There is one other point in parochial matters 
 in whicli the minister's decision may suddenly 
 be demanded ; I mean the burial in churches. 
 The practice is decidedly objectionable, and has 
 been, in certain new churches, prohibited by act 
 of parliament. I mention it in order to prevent 
 any difficulty which might otherwise arise when 
 the decision of the officiating minister is ex- 
 pected without delay, and he is surprised into 
 an expression of opinion at a time when it is 
 most painful to have a request refused. Of 
 course every disposition of kindness to afflicted 
 relatives should be shewed, every appearance of 
 harshness avoided, and permission for every 
 thing that is reasonable, as far as our power 
 extends, be granted ; but I am obliged to state 
 that much damage has been done already by 
 breaking up the floors of churches, and by mak- 
 ing excavations near their walls, and that it is 
 altogether most desirable that the custom should 
 gradually at least be dropt. I now, however, 
 recommend all persons anxious to secure the 
 use of a burying place in a church, to apply for 
 a faculty for the purpose. No person can be 
 secure in the constant use of a vault unless he 
 can produce from the Consistory Court a faculty, 
 by which I mean a licence or permission from 
 the person who has ordinary jurisdiction in any 
 church. In fact, in all matters of importance 
 the Ordinary should receive information, and an 
 application for his permission and consent should
 
 15 
 
 be made, when in a church any deviation from 
 what has been customary is meditated, whether 
 it be for change in the hour of service, for alter- 
 ing or enlargino- the church, enlarging the 
 churchyard, or making in either church or 
 churchyard a buryingplace or vault. This pro- 
 ceeding is not only correct, but is, I tliink, likely 
 greatly to relieve from responsibility the officiat- 
 ing minister, and will be attended with the ad- 
 vantage of the advice of a person, generally 
 speaking, experienced in the matter about 
 which information may be sought, and will ma- 
 terially lead to what is exceedingly desirable — 
 Uniformity of Practice. 
 
 To this Uniformity of Practice every encou- 
 ragement should be given, and I trust that I 
 am not detaining you unnecessarily whilst I sug- 
 gest it. We may suppose a clergyman to take 
 upon himself the cure of souls in the vigour of 
 youth, in the strength of health, endued with 
 talents of no ordinary cast, animated by zeal, 
 which the novelty of his situation has awaken- 
 ed, full of desire to become, from the highest 
 motives, an efficient minister of the gospel of 
 Christ. He seeks without delay to improve the 
 spiritual circumstances of the flock committed to 
 his charge, and is ready to spend and to be spent 
 in the holy cause in which he is embarked ; and 
 he does well ; and if he Mould, under God's 
 blessing, do permanent and essential good, if he 
 would that others enter into his labours and
 
 16 
 
 continue them, his attention in all arrangements 
 which affect the pubHc services of the Church 
 will be turned to Uniformity of Practice. This 
 does not prevent his sanctioning changes that 
 are convenient, or establishing, with the Ordi- 
 nary's consent, all reasonable increase of public 
 duty in his church ; but it points out one con- 
 sideration to be his monitor : his calculations 
 should be based, not on the powers of mind or 
 body of which he may be aware that he is at 
 the time possessed, but rather on what may 
 fairly be expected from clergymen generally. 
 Some ma^ be blessed with health that is good, 
 and a constitution that is strong, and may be 
 enabled to exert both body and mind to an ex- 
 traordinary degree. In the diverse directions in 
 which the unnumbered branches of parochial 
 occupations spread, there will be always scope 
 for the exertions of these powers, be they as 
 preeminent as they may ; but when we employ 
 them in the establishment of any thing to which 
 our parishioners have been unaccustomed, and 
 which to be effectual demands regularity and 
 continuance, our reckonings should not be made 
 on our own peculiar advantages, but on the 
 average powers of persons occupied as ministers 
 in the Church. This faithful guide alike forbids 
 acquiescence in the omission of any thing which 
 can be deemed to be accustomed service, or 
 to tend to the supply of the spiritual wants of 
 our parishioners, and discourages every ill-de-
 
 17 
 
 vised experiment, or attempt to establish what 
 is uncanonical or irregular, or to introduce ex- 
 pensive or laborious systems, without well weigh- 
 ing the probability of their being maintained, 
 the benefit of which, however great in promise, 
 cannot really be great, if their continuance can- 
 not be long. I need not, on the present occasion, 
 continue these remarks upon our ministration of 
 the Services of the Church, or the duties of the 
 Parish Priest. I shall with pleasure receive any 
 suggestions in these matters which may tend to 
 make our practice uniform, and facilitate the 
 general adoption of it by our successors, as we 
 one by one, as years roll on, are summoned from 
 this busy world, to give account of our preemi- 
 nently important stewardship, and to have our 
 portion in everlasting habitations. Watch we 
 diligently, and pray we earnestly, that our abode 
 may be in the mansions of blessedness and 
 peace ! 
 
 There yet remain matters to which the atten- 
 tion of our lay -brethren should be invited. And 
 here, again, the advantage to be derived from 
 the appointment of Rural Deans is evident. Not 
 Ministers only, but Churchwardens will be glad 
 to know some person in their neighbourhood 
 whose authority may be their encouragement, 
 on whose discretion they can rely, and whose 
 directions, in the execution of their office, may 
 be their guide, and whose parochial visitations 
 
 B
 
 18 
 
 offer an opportunity for the solution of many 
 difficulties, and the correction of many errors, 
 which perplex persons who are not acquainted 
 with the technicalities and provisions of eccle- 
 siastical and parochial laws. The Churchwarden, 
 as on this day sworn into office, has the fabric of 
 the parish church, Avith many things appertain- 
 ing to it, as well as many matters in which the 
 wellbeing of the parish is concerned, in an espe- 
 cial manner committed to his charge. To him 
 therefore I recommend a careful and minute ex- 
 amination of the church as soon as is conve- 
 nient after he has been invested with the au- 
 thority of office. Expence attending such survey 
 there is none ; the trouble of it is not worth 
 consideration ; only let it be done thoroughly 
 and carefully, or not at all ; through the omission 
 of it damage to a great extent has been done in 
 many churches. I can assure you, that a hasty 
 glance or a general survey will do no good, by 
 yourselves, Churchwardens, or by some trust- 
 worthy substitute ; the pipes, the gutters, leads, 
 and tiles in every part of the church should be 
 examined ; for accident, and an accumulation of 
 leaves and dirt, will constantly render some of 
 these things worse than useless, although they 
 may in themselves be perfect, and stand in need 
 of nothing beyond cleansing of the simplest 
 kind. Houses which are inhabited have these 
 things attended to as a matter of course for the
 
 19 
 
 sake of the personal convenience of the resi- 
 dents therein ; but churches, like houses wliich 
 remain long uninhabited, lose all these advan- 
 tages, and suffer by the loss, unless it be sup- 
 plied by at least one annual survey under the 
 minister's or churchwardens' order and superin- 
 tendance. I am at present of opinion, that an 
 habitual survey of churches by competent 
 builders is not only the most methodical, but in 
 the end the best, the cheapest, and consequently 
 the most desirable system which can be adopt- 
 ed ; for it frequently happens that a small fail- 
 ing skilfully repaired will stand, but if left un- 
 noticed or neglected for several years will in- 
 crease into a breach which cannot be made 
 good without considerable trouble and expence. 
 Since the time when I first endeavoured to ex- 
 plain and to enforce upon churchwardens the 
 utility and importance of their office, much has 
 been done by them which demands a return of 
 thanks ; in many cases, the churches, in appear- 
 ance and in comfort, have been much improved ; 
 but here I will once again press upon you the 
 extreme importance of properly ventilating and 
 putting casements into every church, and clear- 
 ing; the accumulated soil from its foundation. 
 When I first brought these two subjects before 
 your notice, I spoke of the good effects which 
 might reasonably be expected from them. I 
 now earnestly request the minister and church- 
 
 B 2
 
 20 
 
 wardens, in every case where this has not been 
 done, to give their attention speedily to this 
 matter, because already in this diocese experi- 
 ence has proved its utility ; great satisfaction 
 has been expressed at witnessing, after a short 
 time, the manifest improvement produced by the 
 combination of these two simple and very cheap 
 methods of increasing the dryness, healthiness, 
 and general comfort of our churches. 
 
 In speaking however of the present state of 
 our churches, a point of far greater moment 
 than ventilation, demands attention. I cannot 
 pass over the fact, that there is a great want of 
 room in many of them both for rich and poor, 
 and especially for the latter. This grievance has 
 frequently been increased by the habit of letting 
 pews : such a proceeding has not the support of 
 law. Property in pews is of a singular charac- 
 ter, or I should say that property in pews is 
 an incorrect expression ; it generally speaking 
 amounts to this — that a certain family, inhabit- 
 ing a certain house, have, either by faculty or 
 by prescription, or by appointment, a right to 
 sit in a certain pew for the purpose of attending 
 divine service at the accustomed hours. Now 
 the habit of letting pews and of locking them 
 is not merely inconsistent, but at variance with 
 this system. The custom of letting pews in 
 new churches for the purpose of raising and in- 
 creasing the stipend of the officiating minister is
 
 21 
 
 good, and has its authority from acts of parlia- 
 ment; nor should objection be raised to the 
 system of obtaining a fund through the same 
 means by the churchwardens for tlie proper 
 maintenance and support of the building and 
 service of the church; but I wish to express, 
 not merely personal disapprobation, but con- 
 viction of the illegality of all mercenary trans- 
 actions amongst individuals concerning pews; 
 and with deep sorrow I learn the fact, that in 
 some cases inhabitants in parishes, who do not 
 use the pews attached to their houses, have let 
 those pews to persons not resident in the parish, 
 to the serious inconvenience of parishioners, and 
 that through the very objectionable system of 
 locking pews the same unfortunate result has fol- 
 lowed, namely, the exclusion of parishioners from 
 partaking the blessings of joining in public wor- 
 ship with their neighbours on the Lord's day. 
 
 I make mention of these unpleasant subjects 
 with the expectation, that when the evil arising 
 from them and their illegality are known, these 
 habits may not increase ; and not without some 
 hope also, that where they are at present prac- 
 tised they may be discontinued. 
 
 With Churchwardens also and Overseers rests 
 the power of summoning vestry meetings. Dur- 
 ing the year last past I have received frequent 
 applications for information on the subject of the 
 occasions on which vestries should be summoned.
 
 22 
 
 I have no aiitliority to declare the nature, or to 
 limit the range of subjects which in these meet- 
 ings may be discussed. It appears, however, to 
 be most reasonable, that vestry meetings should 
 be summoned only for purposes which directly 
 concern the office of Churchwarden or Over- 
 seer, or matters officially intrusted to their care ; 
 and the proceedings in them are governed by 
 certain public laws, and must be governed by 
 them, and conducted according to them care- 
 fully, as they affect the management of the pa- 
 rish, and the raising rates to meet expenses, ne- 
 cessarily or voluntarily incurred by the parish- 
 ioners, and the resolutions passed in such meet- 
 ings bind the absent ; but it does not follow that 
 every parish meeting should be subject to the 
 same restrictions, either as to time or place, or 
 have the same authority attached to its de- 
 terminations. If in drawing this distinction be- 
 tween vestries and other parish meetings I ain 
 correct, I would state the important inference, 
 that no meeting summoned for purposes and 
 discussions irrelevant to the official duties and 
 responsibilities of churchwardens and overseers 
 should be holden in vestries. And above all, our 
 churches should be kept separate from all pro- 
 fane purposes, and not be made the arena of 
 wrangling discussions, on subjects of political 
 concernment or of secular interest. 
 
 If I had not felt obliged to detain you so long
 
 23 
 
 in speaking on these numerous details, I should 
 have proceeded now to the consideration of va- 
 rious matters touching the present state of this 
 Diocese and our Church Establishment gene- 
 rally. I must now however confine myself to 
 the mention of two points, from the knowledge 
 of which much advantage may be gained. I al- 
 lude to the establishment of two Societies '\ one 
 during the year last past, and one'" within but a 
 few months; the first, for the improvement of the 
 circumstances of small livings; and the last, for 
 promoting the education of the children of the 
 poor in the principles of the Established Church. 
 The first, I rejoice to say, has met with a support 
 which encourages every hope that the good ef- 
 fects of its operations will be substantial and 
 lasting. At the last meeting of the committee 
 of this Society it was resolved, that benefices in 
 the patronage of cathedral and collegiate esta- 
 blishments should be considered as excluded 
 from the contemplation of this Society ; and 
 that in all cases where aid is meditated, appli- 
 cation for cooperation be made to the patron, 
 incumbent, impropriator, and chief landed pro- 
 prietors in the parish. The subscriptions and 
 donations during the last year justified the com- 
 mittee in promoting the building a parsonage 
 house, and otherwise facilitating the residence 
 of a minister in one of the most destitute and 
 
 ^ Sec Aj)])en(Hx B, p. 21). "^ See A]»peii(lix C. ]>. 34.
 
 24 
 
 miserable of our benefices; and in another to aid 
 in the maintenance of a curate, in order that the 
 inhabitants may profit under the benefit of the 
 regular performance of the Sunday service. 
 
 I now, in the last place, announce the existence 
 of the Oxfordshire Society for educating the Chil- 
 dren of the Poor in this Diocese in the Princi- 
 ples of the Established Church. There are but 
 few counties which have not some establish- 
 ment similar to this ; and I think such a society 
 needed, because its object is excellent, and diffi- 
 cult of attainment, and because a multitude of 
 applications from various poor parishes in this 
 county have been made for aid in the esta- 
 blishment and support of schools. The Society's 
 aim is to build and to provide schoolrooms, and 
 to assist clergymen in their endeavours to esta- 
 blish and manage schools. The restrictions 
 adopted by the Society are very slight. There 
 is but one worth mentioning at present, namely, 
 that all applications for aid must be made by 
 the parish minister to the secretary of the So- 
 ciety. Every parish minister is considered as a 
 corresponding member of the Society, that they 
 may receive and tender useful information on 
 the subject of building, masters, management, 
 and books. Our hope is, that this Society may 
 flourish ; for with its prosperity will increase the 
 means of training up poor children in the way 
 of godliness ; teaching them a Christian's faith 
 and a Christian's duty; turning them "from
 
 '25 
 
 " darkness unto light, and from the power of 
 " Satan unto God." 
 
 Let us close these subjects, to view the posi- 
 tion in this country which is occupied by the 
 body whose members we are, and the conse- 
 quent obligations laid upon us as Christian min- 
 isters. To say that the Church now calls loudly 
 for the strenuous exertions of all her members, 
 is only to repeat what is in the mouths of all ; 
 to declare that there is a feverish anxiety with- 
 out the Church, whose restlessness increases by 
 indulgence in schemes of change, is but to pre- 
 sent a poor copy of pictures drawn already by 
 abler hands, and viewed by us with just appro- 
 bation for the correctness and truth of their re- 
 presentation. The temper and aspect of the 
 times may easily be discerned ; they seem to 
 forewarn the English Church of many a change 
 affecting her political position ; and the scorner 
 and the infidel already glory in the prosj^ect 
 of what they term its fall. Our prayers are 
 needed, and our good offices demanded, that in 
 the midst of all these threatened dangers the 
 Ministry be not blamed. If worldly troubles 
 henceforth be our portion, let heavenly liopes 
 be still our guide ; that, whether in fear or hope, 
 we may approve ourselves as diligent labourers 
 in the vineyard of the Lord, fearing — not them 
 who can destroy our temporal character and 
 state, but rather Him who shall one day bring to 
 light our spiritual condition. We have profess-
 
 26 
 
 edly renounced all worldly pleasure and worldly 
 gain, that we may give ourselves wholly to the 
 ministry of Christ ; in doing this, we know in 
 whom our confidence is placed; in Him who in 
 the midst of national commotions and party tur- 
 moils and the strife of tongues, will "keep him in 
 " perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him." 
 Though we are in an especial manner, by vows 
 and declarations, devoted to things spiritual, 
 there is yet none of us who does not hold an im- 
 portant station in the community, and must be 
 interested in its welfare; and in all matters in 
 which that welfare is concerned, we should do 
 well to promote all that is just, and honest, and 
 true, and lovely, and of good report. But as our 
 ministerial character can never be laid aside, 
 our course, as I conceive, lies equally wide of 
 that excitement which may clash with our min- 
 isterial efficiency, or that gloomy foreboding 
 which may paralyse our ministerial efforts. Our 
 probation may be in prosperity and wealth — 
 these may beguile us into forgetfulness of God : 
 our trials may be in tribulations, privations, 
 troubles, and sorrows; we may be maligned, re- 
 buked, and calumniated ; but if in the midst of 
 these, we, as diligent stewards of the mysteries 
 of godliness, and dispensers of Christ's holy word 
 and sacraments, are faithful unto death, man 
 cannot rob us of a hope full of immortality.
 
 27 
 
 APPENDIX A. 
 
 Stat. 4 G. IV. c. 76. s. 5. 
 
 " Provided always, and it is hereby further enacted, that 
 " no parson, vicar, minister or curate, shall be obliged to 
 " pubhsh the banns of matrimony between any persons 
 " whatsoever, unless the persons to be married shall, seven 
 " days at the least before the time required for the first 
 *' publication of such banns, respectively deliver or cause to 
 " be delivered, to such parson, vicar, minister or curate, a 
 " notice in writing, dated on the day on which the same 
 " shall be so delivered, of their true Christian names and 
 " surnames, and of the house or houses of their respective 
 " abodes within such parish or chapelry as aforesaid, and of 
 " the time during which they have dwelt, inhabited, or 
 " lodged in such house or houses respectively." 
 
 Stat. 4 G. IV. c. 76. s. 9. 
 
 "And be it further enacted, that whenever a marriage 
 " shall not be had within three months after the complete 
 " publication of banns, no minister shall proceed to the so- 
 " lemnization of the same, until the banns shall have been 
 " republished on three several Sundays in the form and 
 " manner prescribed in this act, unless by licence duly ob- 
 " tained according to the provisions of this Act."' 
 
 Stat. 4 G. IV. c. 76. s. 19. 
 
 " And be it also enacted, that whenever a marriage shall 
 " not be had within three months after the grant of a li- 
 " cence by any Archbishop, Bishop, or any Ordinary, or pei*- 
 " son having authority to grant such licence, no minister 
 " shall proceed to the solemnization of such marriage, until 
 " a new licence shall have been obtained, unless by banns 
 " duly published according to the provisions of this Act." 
 
 Form
 
 28 
 
 Form to he filled up hy Parties requesting the 
 Publication of their Hanns of Marriage. 
 
 It is ivcjiiesled by the parties concerned, that the banns 
 of marriage between 
 
 residing at 
 
 in 
 
 Parish, and 
 
 (( 
 
 " 
 
 residing at 
 
 in 
 
 the Parish Church of 
 
 Parish, be pubUshed in 
 
 Dated this day of 1 83
 
 29 
 
 APPENDIX B. 
 
 OXFORD DIOCESAN SOCIETY, 
 
 In Aid of Queen Anne's Bounty for the Augmentation of the Maintenance 
 of Incumbents of small Benefices, &c. 
 
 PRESIDENT. 
 The Lord Bishop of Oxford. 
 
 VICE-PRESIDENTS. 
 
 The Earl of Jersey. 
 
 Sir George Dashwood, Bart. 
 
 W. H. Ashhur.-^l, Esq. 
 
 Lord Villiers. 
 
 J. H. Langston, Esq. 
 
 The Archdeacon of Oxford. 
 
 COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT. 
 The Venerable the Archdeacon, and the Rev. the Rural Deans. 
 Rev. James Baker, R. D. of the Deanery of Cuddesdon. 
 Rev. Charles Barter, R. D. of the Deanery of Chipping Norton. 
 Rev. Dr. Burton, R. D. of the Deanery of Aston. 
 Rev. Charles Dayman, R. D. of the Deanery of Deddington. 
 Rev. William Gorden, R. D. of the Deanery of Woodstock. 
 Rev. William H. Hammond, R. D. of the Deanery of Henley. 
 Rev. T. Lewes, R. D. of the Deanery of Witney. 
 Rev. T. H. Newman, R. D. of the Deanery of Oxford. 
 Rev. H. D. Roundell, R. D. of the Deanery of Bicester. 
 
 The object of this Society is to augment or improve the 
 condition of small benefices in such manner as shall facili- 
 tate tile residence of the officiating ministers amongst their 
 parishioners. The Society will afford assistance towards 
 the building, purchasing, or improving glebe houses ; or to- 
 wards purchasing or exchanging lands, or purchasing stock, 
 to increase the income or add to the accommodation of the 
 minister. 
 
 The operations of the Society will be confined to the 
 small benefices in the diocese and county of Oxford ; and
 
 30 
 
 the committee, in selecting any benefice, with a view to its 
 augmentation or improvement, will consider the gross an- 
 nual value, population, duties rccjuired from the incumbent, 
 circumstances of patronage or appropriation, and the aid 
 which might be expected from other sources for the same 
 purpose. 
 
 THE MODE OF ASSISTANCE WILL BE 
 
 First, By co-operating with the Governors of the Bounty 
 of Queen Anne, or with other charitable societies, according 
 to their respective regulations. 
 
 Secondly, By granting a sum proportionate to any sum 
 w hich may be advanced by the patron or incumbent of any 
 benefice, or by any other person or persons, for purposes 
 consistent with the general objects of this Society. 
 
 Thirdly, By any other means which may appear most 
 desirable, according to the circumstances of each case as it 
 may occur. 
 
 N.B. The Society does not offer aid towards the aug- 
 mentation of livings belonging to cathedral or collegiate 
 establishments. 
 
 The Society will previous to their augmentation of any 
 benefice make application to the patron and incumbent of 
 the same, and to the chief landed proprietors of the parish 
 about to be benefited by the augmentation. 
 
 The Society is also desirous of aiding those incumbents 
 who may have become incapacitated, through age or in- 
 firmity, from continuing to exercise their ministry, and who, 
 possessing one benefice only, may be unable, from the small- 
 ness of their income, to obtain the assistance of a licensed 
 curate. Since the several objects of this Society are calcu- 
 lated to promote the spiritual and temporal welfare of the 
 inhabitants of very many parishes in the diocese, it is 
 earnestly hoped that the laity and the clergy may be in- 
 duced to give to it their support, by annual subscription, 
 donation, or bequest. 
 
 Every subscriber to the amount of five pounds per annum 
 is a member of the Societv ; and there will be an annual
 
 31 
 
 meeting of members of the Society, wlien the accounts will 
 be audited, and reports of proceedings read. 
 
 The committee will meet early in each year to settle the 
 annual accounts, and to receive applications and other com- 
 munications. 
 
 N.B. The committee undertakes to act as the Oxford 
 diocesan local board to the Clergy Mutual Assurance So- 
 ciety. 
 
 Subscriptions, &c. will be received by the Archdeacon, 
 the Rural Deans, and at the Bank of Messrs. Parsons 
 and Co. Oxford. 
 
 CHARLES C. CLERKE, Archdeacon. 
 
 ANNUAL SUHSCRIBERS. 
 
 L. 
 
 The Lord Bishop of Oxford 20 
 
 The Archdeacon 10 
 
 Rev. Dr. Burton, Canon of Ch. Ch 20 
 
 Rev. J. Baker, Rector of Nuneham 5 
 
 Rev. J. H. Newman, Vicar of St. Mary's, Oxford . . 2 
 
 Rev. W. Gorden, Dunstew 1 
 
 Rev, H. D. RoundelK Fringford •'» 
 
 Rev. E. Feild, Curate of Kidlington 1 
 
 Rev. W. A. Hammond, Whitchurch 5 
 
 Rev. R. W. Jelf, Canon of Ch. Ch 20 
 
 Rev. E. B. Pusey, ditto 20 
 
 Rev. Dr. Ashhurst, All Souls, (donation) 25 
 
 Rev. W. C. Risley, Curate of Souldern 1 
 
 Ditto, (donation) 10 
 
 Rev. C. L. Kerby, Vicar of Bampton ^ 
 
 J. H. Langston, Esq. Sarsden 10 
 
 Rev. C. Barter, Rector of Sarsden 5 
 
 Rev. J. Carter, Vicar of St. Giles's 1 
 
 Rev. G. Tyndall, Perpetual Curate of Holywell .... 5 
 
 Rev. D. Durell, IMongewell 5 
 
 Rev. T. G. Tyndale, Rector of Holton 2 
 
 Rev. E. Marshall Hacker, Perpetual Curate of Ifley, 
 
 (donation) 5 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 T) 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 

 
 32 
 
 Hon. and Rev. H. A. Napier, Rector of Swincombe 1 
 
 The Curate of a small Living, (donation) 2 
 
 A Friend to the Church, (donation) 3 
 
 An Incumbent, (donation) 5 
 
 Rev. L. C. Lee, Rector of Wootten 5 
 
 Rev. C. Dayman, Vicar of Great Tew 1 
 
 Thomas Brayne, Esq. Banbury, (donation) 1 
 
 The Very Rev. the Dean of Westminster, (donation) 20 
 
 Henry Brayne, Esq. Banbury, (donation) 1 
 
 Rev. Richard Young, New Coll 2 
 
 Rev. W. Birch, Rugby, (donation) 5 
 
 Rev. R. B. Bourne, (donation) 25 
 
 W. H. Ashhurst, Esq. (donation) 5 
 
 Rev. J. R. Roberts, Rector of Rotherfield Greys. ... 5 
 
 Rev. S. W. Cornish, Vicar of South Newington .... 2 
 
 Charles Peers, Esq 5 
 
 H. Goring, Esq. (donation) 5 
 
 Rev. J. Shuldham 1 
 
 Hon. and Rev. R. Barnard, (donation) 5 
 
 Patron of a Living, (donation) 20 
 
 Rev. J. King, Rector of Henley 2 
 
 Rev. G. "Whyte, Curate of Evvelme 1 
 
 Thomas Robinson, Esq 2 
 
 The Earl of Jersey 10 
 
 Lord Villiers 5 
 
 Rev. J. Stevens, Vicar of Swalcliife 1 
 
 Richard Brayne, Esq. (donation) 1 
 
 Miss Blackstone, Castle Priory, Wallingford 1 
 
 Sir G. Dashwood, Kirtlington Park 2 
 
 Rev. Walter Brown 2 
 
 Rev. W. L. Brown 1 
 
 Rev. W. L. Buckle 1 
 
 Rev. Dr. Wynter, Rector of Handborough 3 
 
 President and Fellows of St. John's College 5 
 
 Ditto, (donation) 2.5 
 
 Rector tuid Fellows of Exeter College 5 
 
 Rev. Ellis Ashton, Rector of Begbroke 1 
 
 Rev. M. Davy, Vicar of M^^aterperry 2 
 
 Rev. H. T. Jones, Rector of Tackley 1 
 
 Easter Offerings by a Curate 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 33 
 
 Rev. J. Ballard, Vicar of Cropredy 3 
 
 Rev. J. W. Hughes, Rector of St. Clement's 1 
 
 Rev. T. L. Cooke, Rector of Beckley 1 
 
 Rev. Thomas Lewes, Vicar of Tainton 2 
 
 R. N. Gresley, Esq. Student of Ch. Ch 3 
 
 The Provost and Fellows of Oriel College 5 
 
 Ditto ditto, (donation) 20 
 
 Rev. Dr. Ashhurst, xA.ll Souls 3 
 
 Mrs. Chapman, Holywell 1 
 
 Miss Penystone 3 
 
 Mrs. Chas. Dashwood 1 
 
 T. D. Ackland, Esq. All Souls 3 
 
 Rev. R. Wright 1 
 
 Rev. J. Farley, Magdalen College 2 
 
 Rev. J. Williams I 
 
 The Rev. the Provost of Oriel College 3 
 
 The Rev. the President of St. John's College 6 
 
 Rev. G. Prettvnian, Rector of Middleton 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 APPENDIX C. 
 
 Oxfordshire Society for instructing the Poor in the 
 Principles of the Established Church. 
 
 At a Meeting holden in the Town Hall, pursuant to Advertise- 
 ment, on Thursday, March "] , 1833, the Archdeacon having 
 been called to the Chair, the following Resolutions were pro- 
 posed by the Rev. Dr. Burton, Regius Professor of Divinity, 
 and seconded by the Rev. the Warden of Wadham. 
 
 I. That a Society he now formed, to be called " The 
 " Oxfordshire Society for promoting the Education of the 
 " Children of the Poor in this County in the Principles of 
 " the Established Church." 
 
 II. 'I'hat with this view, Donations and Subscriptions be 
 
 C
 
 34 
 
 solicited, and that a Committee, to be appointed at this 
 Meeting, be instructed to grant, out of the funds intrusted 
 to them by the Society, sums, according to their discretion, 
 towards the building of Schoolrooms, and otherwise esta- 
 blishing and conducting Schools; and that all applications 
 for aid from any parish be made from the Parochial Min- 
 ster, to the Secretary of this Society. 
 
 III. That all persons subscribing Ten Shillings per 
 annum or upwards shall be members of the Society; and 
 that all persons making donations of Ten Pounds or up- 
 wards shall be members for life. And that all subscriptions 
 shall be considered as due on the 1st of January in each year. 
 
 IV. That all Parochial Ministers in the Diocese of Oxford 
 be considered as corresponding members of the Society. 
 
 V. That the business of the Society be conducted by a 
 Committee, of which the President, Secretary, and Trea- 
 surer shall ex officio be members. 
 
 VI. That the Committee shall meet for the transaction of 
 business on the last Tuesday in January, April, and October, 
 or oftener if necessary, and that five members shall consti- 
 tute a Quorum. 
 
 VII. That the Society be in correspondence with the 
 National Society, and will undertake to transmit to their 
 Treasurer the subscriptions and donations of the members 
 of that institution now resident in this County. 
 
 VIII. That the Annual Meeting be holden on the first 
 Tuesday in March, when the accounts shall be audited, the 
 Report of the Committee read, and a new Committee ap- 
 pointed. 
 
 IX. That annual subscriptions and donations be now 
 received, and books opened at the Bank of Messrs. Parsons 
 and Co. for this purpose. 
 
 X. That these Resolutions be printed, and circulated in 
 such manner as the Committee may direct. 
 
 2. It was moved by the Rev. the Rector of Exeter Col-
 
 35 
 
 • ( 
 
 lege, and seconded by Charles Peers, Esq. That his Lord- 
 ship the Bishop of the Diocese be requested to accept the 
 office of President of the Society. 
 
 3. It was moved by the Rev. Vaughan Thomas, and se- 
 conded by Baker Morrell, Esq., That the Vice-Presidents be, 
 the Right Hon. Lord Macclesfield, Lord Norreys, Sir Alex- 
 ander Croke,R. Weyland, Esq., G. Harcourt,Esq., Charles 
 Peers, Esq., W. H. Ashhurst, Esq., the Heads of the 
 Colleges, and the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of 
 Oxford. 
 
 4. It was moved by the Principal of Magdalen Hall, and 
 seconded by the Rev. William Jacobson, That the Arch- 
 deacon be requested to accept the office of Secretary. 
 
 5. It was moved by the Rev. E. Hawkins, and seconded 
 by the Rev. AV. W. Champneys, That H. -Parsons, Esq., be 
 requested to become Treasurer. 
 
 6. It was moved by the Rev. the Master of Pembroke, 
 and seconded by W. Bragge, Esq., That the following Gen- 
 tlemen be requested to become Members of the Committee 
 for the present year : The Parochial Clergy of the City of 
 Oxford, the Rev. Dr. Burton, the Rev. the Provost of Oriel, 
 the Principal of Magdalen Hall, the Rev. Mr. Pusey, the 
 Rev. the Warden of All Souls, the Rev. Dr. Ashhurst. 
 
 7. And the Thanks of the Meeting were voted to the 
 Mayor, for his kindness in permitting the use of the Town 
 Hall on the occasion. 
 
 SUBSCRIPTIONS AND DONATIONS. 
 
 Subscriptions. Donations. 
 
 £. S. d. £. S. d. 
 
 The Lord Bishop of Oxford I 
 
 The Archdeacon 1 
 
 Rev. J. Shuldham 1 1 
 
 W. Bragge, Esq 10 
 
 Rev. W. Gorden 1 
 
 C. Peers, Esq 1 1 
 
 Rev. Dr. Ashhurst 1 1 5
 
 36 
 
 Subscriptions. 
 
 Donations. 
 
 The Rector of Exeter Coll I 
 
 Rev. G. A. Denison 5 
 
 T. D. Acland, Esq 
 
 Sir Alexander Croke 
 
 Rev. V. Thomas 
 
 The Master of Pembroke Coll 
 
 The President of C. C. C 
 
 Rev. J. Jordan 
 
 Rev. W. Audland 
 
 Baker Morrell, Esq 
 
 Rev. A. B. Clough 
 
 Rev. E. Hawkins 
 
 Rev. Dr. Burton 
 
 Rev. W. W. Champneys 
 
 Rev. F. Clerke ' 
 
 The Warden of All Souls Coll. . . 
 
 Rev. Dr. Allen 
 
 Principal of Jesus Coll 
 
 Rev W. Jacobson 2 
 
 Rev. J. L. Richards 2 
 
 Rev. T. L. Cooke 
 
 The Warden of Wadham Coll 1 
 
 Rev. Thomas Griffiths . . . . : 1 
 
 Rev. W. A. Hammond 1 
 
 Rev. John Ley 
 
 The Provost of Oriel Coll 1 
 
 Rev. E. B. Pusey 1 
 
 Mr. J. Vincent 
 
 Rev. J. Williams, Trin. Coll 1 
 
 Rev. The Principal of New Inn Hall. 1 
 Rev. H. D. Harington, Exeter Coll.. . 
 
 H. Parsons, Esq., Oxford 1 
 
 Rev. C. Barter, Sarsden 1 
 
 The Principal of Magd. Hall 1 
 
 1 
 5 
 
 
 
 I 
 I 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 2 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 <) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 ;} 
 
 J 5 
 10 
 
 1 1
 
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