could have accomplished it. His methodical disposal of his own affairs, at the same time, left his mind the more at liberty for breaking off from his usual employments when unavoidably interrupted. He rarely denied himself, when persons called on him for advice (as was frequently the case), though he might be closely occupied in his study. He would generally, under such circumstances, give a patient attention to any case of interest and importance which might be brought before him. He was also very punctual in keeping appointments: and his friends always found him the same man, uniformly courteous, open-hearted, and sincere.

There was another feature in Mr. Pratt's personal character, the practical influence of which on his course, though in a quiet manner, was so evident, that it ought not to pass unnoticed. He was naturally endowed with a large and liberal heart; and although possessing but a moderate income, was always ready to respond, to the utmost of his ability, to the various claims on Christian benevolence so abounding in the present age. He was, moreover, deeply impressed with the duty incumbent on Christians to devote at least a tenth part of their income to religious and charitable purposes; regarding this as a suitable average, to be varied more or less by special circumstances. This view he considered to be according to the spirit of Scripture, though he allowed that the present Dispensation leaves the conscience at greater liberty than the former, by giving no particular directions on the point. He used frequently to lament

the want of a higher standard among Christians on this subject, and the consequent want of a more extended liberality in the Christian world, whilst acknowledging, with thankfulness, that there were many exceptions. He would often observe on how much larger a scale we should see religious Societies supported, if this principle were adequately carried out.

These private virtues secured for him the respect and affection of the numerous persons with whom he had to deal; and combined with those public services which were "known and read of all men," to render him greatly beloved and deservedly popular.

But we must now revert to the narrative, and proceed to notice an important event, which determined Mr. Pratt's position for the remainder of his life.

CHAPTER XV.

1823-1831.

ELECTION TO THE VICARAGE OF ST. STEPHEN'S, COLEMAN STREET-LETTER TO THE REV. DANIEL WILSON-ENTRANCE ON PASTORAL LABOURS MARRIAGE OF MR. PRATT'S ELDEST DAUGHTER SEVERE ATTACK OF INFLAMMATION IN THE EYE-RESIGNATION OF THE LECTURESHIP AT ST. MARY WOOLNOTH'S-VISIT TO RAMSGATE-ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE A MELANCHOLY EVENT WHICH HAPPENED AT THAT PLACE.

THE character of Mr. Pratt's ministry, as "a preacher of the Word," has been already noticed. He had not as yet been the pastor of any parochial cure; but just when he was beginning to feel it necessary to seek relief from the daily increasing pressure of business connected with the Church Missionary Society, an opening was providentially presented, which promised to afford exactly that sphere of labour in which he desired to close his days.

In the spring of 1823, the living of St. Stephen's, Coleman Street, in the City of London, became vacant by the death of the Rev. Thomas Twigg, and several of the leading parishioners, personally unknown to him, invited Mr. Pratt to offer himself as candidate at the approaching election of a successor. The living of St. Stephen's was given by Queen Elizabeth to the parish, in consequence of which the choice of the Vicar is vested in the householders. He felt that he ought to view an invitation so unlooked for on his own part, as an indication of the Divine will; and therefore cheerfully and thankfully met the requisition by offering

himself as a candidate. Several others sent in their names to the feoffees; but on the day of election, three decidedly took the lead. Great excitement prevailed on the occasion, and Mr. Pratt's friends (especially Mr. Jeremiah Carter, Chairman of his Committee, and Mr. Warren S. Hale) exerted themselves with unwearied assiduity in his behalf. At the close he stood first by a few votes, and was declared duly elected. To a relative, who had given his assistance on the day of election, he thus writes:

"I have thought it my duty to address to each of my friends, who so strenuously supported me in the late arduous contest for St. Stephen's Vicarage, an acknowledgment of my sincere thanks; and though you, in common with the rest, avow the grounds of your efforts to have been public, I do not the less feel the personal kindness to myself, but rather an increase of obligation from the delicate manner in which the subject is thus put. For yourself, however your desire to establish the Gospel among the parishioners of St. Stephen's may have been stimulated and strengthened by family ties and feelings, yet I am persuaded that you would not have sacrificed to such considerations the interests of religion and the salvation of immortal souls. Accept then, my dear friend, my hearty thanks; and be assured that I feel it no small alleviation of the pain arising from some of the circumstances which attended the ballot, that I can address you, and each of my other active friends, as owing to your personal exertions, under the blessing of God, this important appointment. Whatever delays may occur in gaining possession, He, I doubt not, will overrule them, who has so remarkably manifested in this affair the government of His Almighty Hand. And I am not a little encouraged to hope, from this plain manifestation of His power and will, that He has graciously appointed me to be a minister

of good to the people. But you must crown all your past kindness, by helping together in prayer to God for me,' that Christ may be magnified greatly in the success of His Gospel. "I am ever, with sincere regard,

"Your affectionate relative,

"JOSIAH PRATT."

The "delays," here hinted at, did take place. The supporters of one of the unsuccessful candidates took exception to some of the votes on Mr. Pratt's side, and the case was thrown into chancery. After an interval of three years, the Lord Chancellor decided that the election ought to have been by poll, and not, as it had been, by ballot. A second election accordingly took place, which again terminated in favour of Mr. Pratt ; and in the autumn of 1826 he was inducted into the living.

The following letter, written July 4, 1826, in reply to one of congratulation received on this happy occasion from a circle of relatives in the neighbourhood of Birmingham, shews the spirit in which he desired to view the manifestation of Divine Providence in the whole affair :

"I beg to return to you, and through you to all my relatives and friends, who with you signed your affectionate letter of congratulation on my re-election to St. Stephen's, my cordial thanks. It is no little comfort to me, in the review of what is past, and in the anticipation of new duties to come, to be assured that many prayers have been offered for me. The hand of the Lord is so clearly to be seen throughout this whole affair, that I am encouraged to believe that He has purposes of mercy toward the people now committed to