were, after mature deliberation, adopted, a short address to the public was drawn up, and all things being duly prepared, a general meeting was held at the Free Masons' Tavern, on the 6th of February, 1818, when the Archbishop took the chair, and the society, under proper officers, was in all due form instituted. Thus, by slow and steady steps, Mr. Bowdler and his friends proceeded to the attainment of the object which they had contemplated with such ardent desire, and laboured strenuously to accomplish. Full of expectation that their own wishes would be seconded by many good men through the country, they solicited and obtained the approbation and assistance of a large* number of highly respectable individuals, who contributed according to their means. It had been said, that it would be vain to embark in so vast an undertaking, unless they had secured a sum of at least 100,000l. The society began its labours with donations amounting to little more than half this sum, and annual subscriptions of only 3401. Some little time, however, as Mr. Bowdler used to remark, was sure to elapse before any payments would be required from the society; and in the mean time its funds would accumulate, and new subscriptions would be added. It is to be obsérved, also, that many persons whose contributions would, perhaps, have amounted to a considerable sum, were engaged in performing, in their several parishes or districts, the very work for

which the society was instituted.

Though its funds, therefore, were perhaps small, compared with the extent of what it had undertaken, its resources were in some respects great, and its powers very considerable; particularly in one very important instance, namely, that its proper business was, not merely to spend its own money in a pious and charitable work, but to stimulate the exertions of others, and by the promise of a contribution on its part, to render that easy, or at least practicable, which had, perhaps, been scarcely contemplated, or had been abandoned in despair. This Mr. Bowdler always considered as the proper business and true merit of the society, which in this respect differs from most others, that it invariably requires those places which apply for assistance to contribute so much as shall appear to bear a due proportion to their means; limiting its bounty, for the most part, to the advancing of a fourth part of the estimated expence. And in doing this, it is careful not only to shew its piety in promoting the glory of God, but to make it also a work of charity. Mr. Bowdler's great object, whenever he turned his thoughts to this matter, was the providing of church-room for the poor; this was the end which he chiefly proposed to himself and his friends, in the institution of this society; and in drawing up the rules and regulations*, he took

The rules and regulations of the society were originally drawn by Mr. Bowdler, but received various additions and alter

care to pledge the society," that in the aid to be granted, preference should be given to such parishes and places as should propose to afford the greatest extent of free sittings, in proportion to the aid granted; such extent to be in no case less than half the additional area and accommodation." There was yet another advantage contemplated by Mr. Bowdler in the formation of the society, which, though of minor consideration, was not unimportant; it was the forming of something like a standard and pattern in the style of church architecture. Mr. Bowdler used often to express his admiration of Christ Church in Bath; and his wish, that, as it had led the way in appropriating the whole area to the accommodation of the poor, it might also set an example in respect of the style of building, simple, chaste, free from all useless or expensive decoration; yet such, that no passerby can mistake its character. The want of true taste, and particularly of simplicity, in many of our modern churches, he often lamented; and he looked to this society as likely to correct a vicious taste, and encourage and compel a plainer and less expensive method. He therefore took care to insert among its rules, "That it shall be an object of the society to obtain and communicate inform

ations at the meetings at which they were discussed. It is to the praise of the care and foresight with which they were framed, that no subsequent alteration has been deemed necessary during six years that the society has been in existence.

ation that may facilitate the enlarging and building of churches, particularly with respect to economy in building; and that it be a condition in every grant, that no expense shall be incurred for ornamental architecture, beyond what shall, by the committee, be deemed essential to give to the buildings to be erected and enlarged with the aid of this society, the character of churches or chapels of the church of England."

The interest which Mr. Bowdler felt in this society, and the active part which he took in its formation, seem to render proper an insertion in this place of the steps which led to it. It was one of the most ardent desires of his heart, which, when accomplished, he thankfully and devoutly said, "Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine." He lived, however, not only to witness its active and successful operations, but to see nearly the whole sum expended which he had been so instrumental in raising. Having been appointed one of the members of the committee, he gave an almost constant attendance there; expressing his wish, when, from increasing infirmities, he withdrew from other scenes of active employment, to continue to the last at this post. The fifth annual meeting of the society took place a few weeks before his decease, when he was confined to his room by illness, and in almost daily expectation of a summons from his Lord; and, as if by a merciful appointment, his last hours were cheered by a flattering testimonial

from the members then assembled, in the form of the following minute, which the Archbishop of Canterbury graciously undertook to communicate to the dying labourer; having himself, in opening the business of the day, expressed the obligation due to Mr. Bowdler as the father of the society, and the general regret with which the loss of his assistance was contemplated by those who knew how best to appreciate it.

"At the annual general meeting of the society for promoting the enlargement and building of churches and chapels, holden by adjournment on Thursday the 22d day of May, 1823, at their rooms in Lincoln's-Inn-Fields: present, His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Chair.

"It was resolved unanimously,

"That we deeply deplore the absence of John Bowdler, Esq., in consequence of severe illness, one of our original and most valuable members, whose constant attendance upon the meetings of the society, while health enabled him, evinced the high sense he entertained of its great importance in the promotion of the best interests of true religion.

"That this resolution be communicated to Mr. Bowdler, and that His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury be requested to do it by letter.

"GEO. BRAMWELL,

Honorary Secretary."

Of the private life of a retired country gentleman there is little to record. One day telleth another nearly the same unvaried tale. "His virtues walk their daily round, nor make a pause, nor leave