tracts translated into the Gaelic language, as well as by bestowing pecuniary aid upon her poorer members, particularly in the northern dioceses, and stirring up active and willing friends, he may almost be said to have had the blessing of her that was ready to perish come upon him.

At the time at which we are now arrived, Mr. Bowdler had quitted his house and farm at Hayes, and was residing at Eltham, in the same county. A principal object in this removal, was the bringing of his expences to a scale more exactly adapted to the smallness of his income. To live on little, with a generous heart, is, he would often say, a painful task. This it was, however, which he was obliged to do, through nearly the whole of his life; and by means of strict economy, and denying himself almost all personal indulgence, he maintained an appearance, and exercised a charity and bounty far beyond what might have been expected from so small a fortune as that which he possessed.. It was a rule which he always prescribed to himself, to owe no man any thing; he paid ready money as far as possible; and was much disturbed and distressed if a single bill remained undischarged at the end of the year. * His removal to Eltham

* Extract from a letter from Mr. Bowdler to his second son, upon his leaving school.

"I need not, I hope, charge you not to leave one penny unpaid in all Hampshire; if you do, you blot the fair fame of

was attended with much comfort to himself.

It

brought him close to the parish church during the remainder of his days, and being at only a short distance from London, he was able to transact business (of which he had always much upon his hands) with great ease, and to enjoy the 'society of many friends. Most of these were the members of Nobody's Club, which he had been instrumental in forming, and which continued with increased numbers after the death of the excellent person from whom it derived its name. An account of this club may be seen in the Memoirs of W. Stevens, Esq. by the Hon. Mr. Justice Park. Mr. Stevens was the intimate friend of Mr. Bowdler, who loved him during his life, and had the happiness and honor of attending him during the few hours which preceded his sudden death.

But Mr. Bowdler's attention was not confined to the calls of business for himself or others, nor to the claims and pleasures of friendly intercourse. A time was come when a great and general desire prevailed, of giving to the lower orders the benefit of a better education; and the most active mem

your ancestors; who, for at least a century, have been noted for observing that noble rule, 'Owe no man any thing, but to love one another.' Never while you live buy any thing which you cannot pay for; or else change your name as soon as possible, for that is the Bowdler character and practice."

bers of the Church of England were exerting themselves to instruct the poor more generally in the truth, and at the same time prevent the dif fusion of error and false doctrine. Mr. Bowdler had assisted at the formation of the National So ciety for the Education of the Poor, and bore a prominent part in forming a school at Eltham in union with it. He acted for some time as secretary, and took much delight in giving a regular attendance at the school, and particularly in examining the children in the Church catechism and in arithmetic. The Society for promoting Christian Knowledge had also recommended the formation of diocesan or district committees, for the enlargement of its funds, and the wider circulation of bibles, prayer books, and useful religious tracts. A committee was established at Blackheath, for a district which included Eltham, and Mr. Bowdler having been accidentally placed in the chair, at a meeting of the Vice-Presidents, was requested to hold that office at the monthly committees. It was one for which his regularity and dispatch in business, and early acquaintance with all its forms, made him peculiarly qualified; and the appointment, as it was attended, probably, with considerable advantage to the committee, was productive of much comfort to himself and others, in the friendly acquaintance to which it introduced him, with those members who usually attended. After a few years, feeling the infirmities

of age coming upon him, and being apprehensive of their increase, he resigned the chair, to the great regret of the committee, who recorded their sentiments in the following resolution, conveying a vote of thanks, which, together with his answer, was ordered to be entered in their minutes.

"Resolution of thanks to John Bowdler, Esq.

"Resolved unanimously;

"That the cordial thanks of the committee be presented to Mr. Bowdler, for the regularity with which he has, under many inconveniences, attended the meetings of the committee, since its first formation, for his obliging and conciliating manners in the chair, for his uniform and zealous attention to all the best interests of the society. The members of the committee, in offering this small, but most just tribute of gratitude and respect to their late Chairman, cannot but recollect, that his conduct to them individually has excited in them so much warm and respectful esteem, that they regret his resignation of his office like the loss of a valued friend and counsellor; while conscious that any good, which their efforts may have produced, is largely to be attributed to his zeal, activity, and discretion; they deeply lament the causes which now deprive them of his important services, and beg him to oblige them by accepting their best wishes, that his useful life may long be preserved, and that he may still continue capable of advancing those great objects to which he has ever been most fervently attached, the promotion of Christian Knowledge, and the extension of the benefits and blessings, which have long resulted to the community, from the active exercise of his numerous virtues.

(Signed)

"W. BROWELL, Chairman."

Mr. Bowdler's Answer.

"Eltham, 16th October, 1820.

"Dear Sir,-Mr. Rashleigh was so kind as to bring me your obliging note, with the unanimous vote of your Committee: you will readily believe, that such a vote was most gratifying to me; but its value is enhanced in my estimation by many circumstances. When I first became a member of that committee, I was unknown to most of the gentlemen with whom I was to act; yet, from that hour to this, I have experienced from them all such attention and kindness as I had no right to expect; the value of which, and my satisfaction thereat, have been greatly augmented by witnessing the sound principles and zealous exertions of those to whom I am so much obliged.

"I beg you to assure the Committee, that as long as I live I hope to retain a grateful sense of the honor they have conferred on me. My regret at resigning the chair is great, but it is much alleviated by reflecting, that my place will easily be supplied, and that from the zeal and cordiality which prevail in the Committee, and the able assistance it will derive from its Treasurer and Secretary, there is abundant reason to hope, that my wishes and prayers for its success may be granted.

"I remain, with sincere regard,
"Dear Sir,

"Your obliged and faithful servant,
(Signed)

Addressed to the Rev. Wm. Jones,

"J. BOWDLER."

Secretary to the

Blackheath District Committee of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge.

The kind and friendly regard expressed by the members of the Committee towards their Chairman,