and the Church of England were materially involved. Would to God! the century had closed in a manner equally favourable to this country. But, alas! it has been the reverse. The last year has entirely blotted out all the glorious events and fair prospects of the preceding one, and left us in a more perilous situation than we were ever placed in before! In truth, the sudden, frequent, and astonishing vicissitudes of this war have no parallel in history, and are plainly out of the ordinary course of human affairs. They bear the most evident marks of an Almighty overruling hand; and, sure I am, that nothing but the interposition of the same irresistible Power in our behalf, can rescue us from ruin."

Such were the sentiments of this great Prelate more than ten years ago, on the state

state of this country. How much greater reason have we at the present day, and amidst the present awful and tumultuous scene of things, to stand amazed at the mysterious ways of Providence, and to send up our devoutest prayers to the Supreme Disposer of all human events, not to forsake us in this hour of peril! Unless He protect us, we must sink inevitably beneath the dangers which surround us and yet who must not tremble at the thought, how very little we deserve to be protected!

In the Autumn of 1801, a very interesting scene took place, which, though strictly of a private nature, I cannot forbear from mentioning. It is thus related by the Bishop. Yesterday, the 6th of August, I passed a very pleasant day at Shrewsbury House, near Shooter's Hill, the residence of the Princess Charlotte of

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Wales.

Wales. The day was fine; and the prospect extensive and beautiful, taking in a large reach of the Thames, which was covered with vessels of various sizes and descriptions. We saw a good deal of the young Princess. She is a most captivating and engaging child, and, considering the high station she may hereafter fill, a most interesting and important one. She repeated to me several of her hymns with great correctness and propriety; and on being told, that, when she went to South-End in Essex, as she afterwards did for the benefit of sea-bathing, she would then be in my Diocese, she fell down on her knees and begged by blessing. I gave it her with all my heart, and with my earnest secret prayers to God, that she might adorn her illustrious station with every Christian grace; and that, if ever

she became the Queen of this truly great and glorious country, she might be the means of diffusing virtue, piety, and happiness through every part of her dominions!"

Soon after this incident occurred, the Bishop went, as usual to his little cottage at Sundridge. It has been already stated, that on his accession to the See of London, he was obliged very reluctantly to relinquish Hunton. From that time he lived principally during the summer at Fulham Palace, which, by the successive improvements it had undergone, and particularly by some very judicious alterations of his own, adding much both to its beauty and convenience, was in all respects a truly venerable and most desirable residence, So indeed he always considered it: but still, from its proximity to the Metropolis, and its being close

close to a poor and populous village, it had not that tranquillity and retirement about it, which he so much coveted: and therefore, soon after entering upon his new bishoprick, he determined to obtain some small habitation in his favourite county of Kent, where he might spend a month or two every Autumn; and one of that description being vacant at Sundridge, he immediately secured the lease of it. The situation was a most delightful one, about the middle of the beautiful valley, which runs between Westerham and Sevenoaks, in a country remarkable for its rich, picturesque and varied scenery, abounding in the best society, and possessing, in short, all the attractions which could recommend it to his choice. Here then he always passed a part of the year in a manner most agreeable to his wishes; enjoying that