Mr. Adams being in the house, Mr. B. sent to desire he would dine with us:  if it were but in respect to a gentleman of the same cloth, who gave us his company.

Mr. B., when dinner was over, and the servants were withdrawn, said, “My dear, Mr. Williams’s business, in part, was to ask my advice as to a living that is offered him by the Earl of ——­, who is greatly taken with his preaching and conversation.”  “And to quit yours, I presume, Sir,” said Lord Davers.  “No, the earl’s is not quite so good as mine, and his lordship would procure him a dispensation to hold both.  What would you advise, my dear?”

“It becomes not me, Sir, to meddle with such matters as these.”—­“Yes, my dear, it does, when I ask your opinion.”—­“I beg pardon, Sir.—­My opinion then is, that Mr. Williams will not care to do any thing that requires a dispensation, and which would be unlawful without it.”—­“Madam,” said Mr. Williams, “you speak exceedingly well.”

“I am glad, Mr. Williams, that you approve of my sentiments, required of me by one who has a right to command me in every thing:  otherwise this matter is above my sphere; and I have so much good will to Mr. Williams, that I wish him every thing that will contribute to make him happy.”

“Well, my dear,” said Mr. B., “but what would you advise in this case?  The earl proposes, that Mr. Williams’s present living be supplied by a curate; to whom, no doubt, Mr. Williams will be very genteel; and, as we are seldom or never there, his lordship thinks we shall not be displeased with it, and insists upon proposing it to me; as he has done.”

Lord Davers said, “I think this may do very well, brother.  But what, pray, Mr. Williams, do you propose to allow to your curate?  Excuse me, Sir, but I think the clergy do so hardly by one another generally, that they are not to be surprised that some of the laity treat them as they do.”

Said Mr. B., “Tell us freely, Pamela, what you would advise your friend Mr. Williams to do.”

“And must I, Sir, speak my mind on such a point, before so many better judges?”

“Yes, sister,” said her ladyship (a name she is now pleased to give me freely before strangers, after her dear brother’s example, who is kindest, though always kind, at such times) “you must; if I may be allowed to say must.”—­“Why then,” proceeded I, “I beg leave to ask Mr. Williams one question; that is, whether his present parishioners do not respect and esteem him in that particular manner, which I think every body must, who knows his worth?”

“I am very happy.  Madam, in the good-will of all my parishioners, and have great acknowledgments to make for their civilities to me.”—­“I don’t doubt,” said I, “but it will be the same wherever you go; for bad as the world is, a prudent and good clergyman will never fail of respect.  But, Sir, if you think your ministry among them is attended with good effects; if they