and munificently supported in this diocese by the late pious and learned Bishop Burgess, of whom it may be said with truth, that a man more devoted in heart to God, more zealous for his glory, and the diffusion of the Gospel of his Blessed Son, could scarcely be found. The love of God was the prevailing sentiment of his soul, and the moving spring of his actions; and next of kin to that, benevolence to man, and especially to those who were devoting themselves to their Master's work, and suffering for his sake: and in these principles and affections the Church Union Society had its origin. You are no doubt aware that a society has been instituted under the highest patronage," for promoting the employment of additional curates in populous places," distinct from that society which is called "The Pastoral Aid Society." It was thought by some excellent persons that the Church Union Society of this diocese might be combined with this "Additional Curates Society," a branch of which will in all probability be established in this diocese, and thus be made more extensively useful but after the fullest consideration on the part of the friends of both, it has been decided, the precincts of their respective parishes. Superannuated parish clerks are also objects of its benevolence.

that the former should remain independent of, and unconnected with, the latter, but that its rules should be attended to, its constitution made more popular, and its resources applied in a manner more likely to render it more immediately and more extensively beneficial. New rules have accordingly been drawn up, and they seem such as will be generally approved by the subscribers, to whom copies will be in due time forwarded. I would also mention on this occasion another society in support of the Church, as affording a fresh opportunity of unity of action in her favour, I mean the "Diocesan Church Building Association," as yet very imperfectly organized in these deaneries, but which it is hoped will soon be in full and beneficial action. Its success must greatly depend upon the exertions of the Clergy in their respective deaneries, and their influence with their neighbours and parishioners, and such I conceive to be their zeal and good feeling towards it, that it is unnecessary for me to press it farther on your attention, than to urge the immediate formation of Decanal Committees in conjunction with the resident laity, to co-operate with the rest of the diocese in this important undertaking. We must consider that it is not merely the supply of the wants of this diocese which are the objects of this So

ciety, though of course they form a principal object; but the urgent necessities of many other parts of the kingdom, crying out to their fellow churchmen here to assist them with the means of worshipping their Creator and Saviour according to the rites and ordinances of the Church of England.

Keeping this in view, we must not I think wait any longer for the final decision, or rather, I ought to say, for the carrying into effect of the plan of the Ecclesiastical Commission, to separate the Deaneries of Malmesbury and Cricklade from the Diocese of Salisbury, but proceed immediately to organize committees and collect subscriptions.

But to particularize all the modes and ways in which unity of action may be sustained, is obviously impossible on such an occasion as this, let us but cultivate and cherish the principle, and there will never be found wanting an opportunity of calling it into life and I now conclude in the beautiful and affecting words of the Psalmist, Behold, how good and joyful it is, brethren, to dwell together in unity."

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