and that you will favour me with your company at dinner on that day. - I am, Rev. Sir, your faithful and humble servant, T. L. OSSORY."

The meetings thus originated seem to have been well attended. One who was then a curate in the diocese says:"I well remember Dr. O'Beirne, Bishop of Ossory, presiding at Greek Scripture readings at the Library. He always commented on the portions translated, and in an eloquent manner. I remember his anxiety to engage the attention of his clergy to their qualification and duties; and his prediction of the dangers awaiting their order."

Bishop O'Beirne was succeeded by Dr. Hamilton, a prelate whose memory is still fragrant. His two excellent sons, the late Rev. George Hamilton and Dr. Hans Hamilton, trod in the steps of their father. George died in 1830, and an interesting account of his life and character was published by Mr. Roe, who speaks of him in the following glowing terms:

"These thoughts have been suggested by the removal from amongst us of a beloved friend and brother, the Rev. George Hamilton, at a time when, according to human judgment, his solid talents, his ready address and biblical knowledge, were so much needed, to combat the error that finds so many advocates, and to defend the truth that meets so many virulent and determined opposers. A lover of the Bible-a friend of truth-an enemy to, an exposer of, false doctrine-an advocate of free inquiry, and of the right of private judgment; he brought to the pulpit, to the platform, and into society, a comprehensive mind, well stored with facts, not with speculations-extensive and diversified information-an intimate acquaintance with the Hebrew Scriptures -a memory that scarcely ever failedan eloquence most convincing-a collectedness in spirit and manner, that was proof against taunts and captiousness -and a fearlessness that no aggression could daunt. He was an able Minister

of the New Testament--he walked with God, and he confessed the Lord Jesus Christ before men. Impelled by the

spirit of his Divine Master, he abounded in the work and labour of love, Such a man is no common loss. The Church of England has been deprived of one of her most enlightened and useful Ministers; the different religious societies, of one of their most zealous supporters; his family, of a relative, who, as a husband, a father, a son, and a brother, gave ample proof, that his faith faith was not inoperative, but that while it gave peace to his soul, it made him conscientious in the discharge of every Christian duty; his associates, of a friend, sincere and constant. His friendship was undeviating, like the principles upon which it was founded. In so selfish a world as this is, the death of such that may not easily be filled up.” a man does, indeed, produce a chasm

We have cheerfully digressed into this quotation respecting a man who was well-known and much esteemed; and whom we had the pleasure of numbering among our zealous friends and occasional correspondents. The attractive essays on the writings of Cowper in our volumes for 1818, 1819, were from his pen.

In 1832, Mr. Roe again appeared before the public in connexion with a member of the same family, by writing a Preface to a volume of Tracts and Sermons, by the Rev. Hans Hamilton, D.D., Rector of Knocktopher. This worthy man and excellent Christian minister came forward in his Master's cause at a time when religion was unfashionable, and any concern about it was sure to bring down ridicule and contempt. He was one of the original planners and members of the Ossory Clerical Association, a Society to which may be traced much of the good which has since been accomplished in Ireland through the instrumentality of the Church. Between

Dr. Hamilton and Mr. Roe a long and most intimate friendship existed; and they encouraged each other to love and good works. We grieve to say that the cause of Dr. Hamilton's publishing his volume (which well deserved it for its own

morning, Caulfield and Irwin waited on the Bishop with our address, and a copy of our resolutions. He seemed greatly amazed....He professed great attachment to us as individuals, but he never could approve of, or sanction our Association; and dwelt upon the hackneyed objections of setting ourselves up-censuring others of our brethren-causing division in the Church-obtaining great influence on account of our union.' C. and I. endeavoured to expostulate; and stated that our meeting was open. Yes, but it is a meeting. That it has existed six years. I am sorry for it.' He plainly and positively said he could not sanction it. He was then asked would he prohibit us from meeting; to this he answered, he could not say that. We have asked him for his sanction and support, and he at once refused both. It was then our subject of deliberation, whether by another deputation we should bring him to say

now

'no;' or meet on still till he should issue his prohibition. We have been unanimous in the adoption of the latter opinion; and with the blessing of God, shall meet as usual on the first Wednesday in October. Things are coming to a crisis. The eyes of the whole diocese are upon us; and if we were to betray indecision, or fear of man, all our past profession would be regard ed as hypocrisy. In the Kilkenny club hunt there are eight clergymen, and yet this association is not reprobated. "October 2nd, 1806.-The Bishop has not objected to our doctrine, but to a public meeting. Yesterday we had many hours' deliberation at Mr. Pidgeon's, and sent Shaw and Caulfield to

the Bishop, to know whether he meant to prohibit us by an episcopal mandate ; and to state that our situation was a very trying one, as we had to preserve a good conscience in the sight of God-to preserve consistency of conduct in the eyes of the religious and irreligious world; and, at the same time, to yield obedience in many things to him as our Bishop. He received them most kindly; but did not say he would prohibit us, as he mentioned this would be to set himself up as a butt for calumny, &c. He requested us not to push him on this point; that he had no objection to our private meetings as often as we pleased; ection to our that he entertained the highest respect for us all; that if we were like others we

would have set the diocese in a flame and excited great commotion; and that he could not but approve of our prudence and coolness. He said much more in the same strain, and seemed greatly alarmed lest we might press CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 61.

him; for, however unpleasant our meeting might be, I do not see any legal ground he could have for dissolving it. I trust we have shewn firmness and consistency, without pertinacity; and, perhaps, if the truth were known, he respects us more than the tale-bearers that are about him. Our Association now stands, I trust, upon firmer ground than ever. We purpose meeting every month at each other's houses, viz.-Kilkenny, Caulfield's, Hamilton's, Irwin's, Roberts's, &c. We shall be more select : and that blessing which was so long confined to this city, will now be extended to many other places. We had but one mind on the business, and have been brought through without sacrificing one jot of either principle or practice, except the public meeting."

These clerical meetings, thus restricted according to the Bishop's direction, were continued during the life of Dr. Kearney, who died in 1813; and also during that of his successor Dr. Fowler, who survived till 1842; and who has been succeeded by Dr. O'Brien, whose invaluable work upon Justification we reviewed with so much pleasure (see our Volume for 1836, p. 285) that we cannot but congratulate the diocese of Ossory, and the Church of Ireland, upon the elevation to the episcopal office of this learned, able, and scriptural divine, who is well-gifted, not only to discharge the more tranquil duties of his responsible office, but to meet and repel some peculiar dangers which threaten our beloved Church at the present moment. We believe indeed that in Ireland the peril to which we allude is not so great as in England; first, because the extensive revival of scriptural piety in that church has, by God's mercy, fenced it in from the inroads of unsound doctrine, to a greater degree, perhaps, than on our side of the Channel; and secondly, because the Irish clergy have had such mournful occasion to study the workings of Popery in all its windings, that they have learned to dread the abomination of desolation" even in its specious

G

seductions of which full-blown Tractarianism is one. Indeed with ripe Popery all around them, they are not likely, if they court a more stimulating diet than Scripture and Protestantism can afford them, to content themselves with the stunted fruits of Oxford divinity. To us in England, Tract Ninety and the "British Critic" are high stimulants; but they are poor mockeries beside the substantial Romanism of Connaught and Munster.

Before quitting our reference to Mr. Roe's several diocesans, we ought to add, that though he never received from them any mark of professional distinction, he conciliated their good opinion and respect; and we have great pleasure in mentioning the kindness of that munificent prelate, Bishop Fowler, to him, as long since as the year 1815, when he was advised to visit Harrogate in consequence of ill-health. Finding it desirable to remain there longer than he had at first intended, he wrote to his diocesan, stating the circumstances, and requesting a prolongation of the period of his absence from his benefice. This was most readily granted and the Bishop, aware of Mr. Roe's narrow circumstances, and anxious that he should be enabled fully to avail himself of the benefits to be derived from the salubrious climate and waters of Harrogate, added these words to his kind permission"And that your return may not be hurried on account of any financial circumstances, I beg you will permit me to be your banker for whatever you want." This kind offer was deeply felt by Mr. Roe; and not the less so, because he had not occasion to avail himself of the liberality of the Bishop.

:

But we must trace back our steps to an earlier period of Mr. Roe's life and labours. We saw him setting out in his ministry conscientious and zealous; and, by God's blessing, rapidly acquiring, and

earnestly setting forth, scriptural views of Christian doctrine. A few further notices of him at this period of his life shall now be added.

An entry in his diary on the first day of the year 1801, exhibits a soul deeply anxious to serve God faithfully; and, at the same time, feeling, in the emphatic language of the Apostle, that "what he would he did not."

"When I look back upon the year just past, and reflect upon how little I have done in it-what little advantage I have taken of that health and strength I have enjoyed from my heavenly Father

how much time I have spent in thoughtlessness, and in a total neglect of my duty, and how little in communion with my God, in reading the Holy Scriptures, and in praying over them; self before the Ruler of the universe, it is sufficient to make me humble myand confess that I am a great sinner, and cry aloud for mercy. Notwithstanding I do not, as I ought, see or acknowledge my own corruption, or depend upon the have not in my breast that love and gratitude which ought to be excited by a contemplation of the love and mercies of my God; of the many times he has called me from my wanderings by the gracious whispers of his Spirit. I ought to be thankful; I am bound to be thankful and I trust, therefore, I shall. I trust that this century will be the beginning of a new life; and that I shall give the most unequivocal proofs of such a change being wrought, by the whole tenor of my thoughts, words, and actions. I shall, for the future, under the Divine assistance, pray to God at least three times a-day; and shall attend more closely than ever I have done, to the visitation of the sick. And I shall, as far as in me lies, endeavour to fulfil the great purposes of my ministry, by reading the Holy Scriptures, meditating on them, and drawing from them observations for the regulation of my conduct. May I be enabled to put into practice all those resolutions which I have this day formed in my breast. May I not be any longer under the fatal delusion of worldly gratification; but having experienced how comfortable the way of the Lord is, may I press forward to the mark of my high calling, as it is in Christ Jesus. May I be endowed with zeal and perseverance in the great cause in which I have embarked; may

sacrifice and blood of Jesus Christ. I

I every day derive fresh comfort and

satisfaction; and see in the reformation of the people, the effects of my ministry."

A letter to his mother affords a concise view of his ministerial engagements at this period:

"I have preached every Sunday since I came home, and Mr. Pidgeon was but once at church; so that I have had the entire duty without any assistance-three times of a Sunday, twice in

the week, and lectures three evenings, independent of catechising the children to the amount of one hundred and seventy, thrice in the week. I have every reason to bless God for the great measure of health and strength he gives me; and I feel a sufficient reward for all my feeble exertions, in beholding the astonishing change among all classes of people here. It would delight you to be here of a Sabbath, and see the attention of the people to religious duties; and also, what numbers attend the evening lectures. On the third Sunday of last month there were one hundred and fourteen communicants at St. Mary's. I was not out of church till half-past three o'clock, as I had no person to assist me.. ...On Friday week we had a confirmation here, and one hundred and fifty young people were confirmed. I preached a sermon on the occasion. The Bishop was quite delighted at seeing such a number of young people, such an immense congregation, and such great regularity.""

Hitherto Mr. Roe was little known beyond the sphere of his own pastoral duty; but now his character began to be known at farther distances from home, and a desire was manifested to engage him in behalf of the charities in the Metropolis. In July, 1801, he preached his first charity sermon in Dublin, at St. Thomas' church, in behalf of the Royal Hospital School;

and the collection amounted to one hundred and thirty pounds. From this time Mr. Roe became "a very popular preacher" in Dublin and elsewhere.

But the work of the ministry, if it has its lights, has also its shades: and they who bear the precious seed are said to go forth weeping; and while, on the one hand, they may "thank God and take cou

rage," when they see the work of the Lord prospering in their hands, they have often cause to ask, with heaviness of heart, "who hath believed our report?" Besides this, they have often to endure much from the evil surmisings of men, who, not understanding their motives, are prone to attribute their exertions to some sinister or unhallowed

principle. Often, too, "a man's foes shall be they of his own household." This bitterness was now tasted by Mr. Roe; and it must have been peculiarly trying to him, as it was administered by a parent whom he loved and venerated. Dr. Roe's letter has not been preserved; but his son's reply exhibits respectful and firm self-defence, highly characteristic of the writer. He says:

666

'My dear Father, ........ You seem in your last letter to censure me for the exertions which I am making here, and to ascribe them to the effervescence of youth and bigotry. It must ever grieve me so to act as not to meet your full approbation: but in the present case, if you inquire, you will, I trust, find that I have been guided by a desire to save immortal souls-to do away the reproach that now, for near a century, has rested upon the clerical character-and to revive the doctrines and discipline of our Church. If this be not done universally and speedily, I fear for the existence of our Establishment. We are called a reformed Church. In what does the conduct of the Protestants, who are thus called, differ from that of the Papists ? Take them as two large bodies, and which is most holy? Without holi

ness no man shall see the Lord." While

Popery is increasing in some placeswhile Methodism is increasing in others

-we have here the pleasing reflection, that the bigotry of the former is daily wearing away, and that a stop is put to the growth of the latter. The Methodists themselves (who are more candid and more religious than the world will allow them to be) acknowledge, and do not hesitate to declare, that if similar exertions were made throughout the kingdom, their preaching would not be ne

cessary.

check here; and numbers who used to Sin has received a severe live in a total forgetfulness of God, are now faithfully serving him; and feel