WORKING UPON SA YSTEM. 111 For the resolution of all doubts concerning the manner how to understand, do, and execute the things 'contained in this Book (The Book of Common Prayer); the parties that so doubt, or diversely take 'any thing, shall alway resort to the Bishop of the 'Diocese, who by his discretion shall take order for the 'quietness and appeasing of the same; so that the same order be not contrary to anything contained in 'this Book. And if the Bishop of the Diocese be in 'doubt, then he may send for the resolution thereof to 'the Archbishop.'-Preface To COMMON PRAYER. 6 Another point requires notice, and that is, the adoption of a systematic course of action. Without plan nothing can be done with decision and effect towards the perfect Management of a Parish. Every hour should have its allotted task, and every duty its appointed time, laid down in detail, and as far as possible closely adhered to. You cannot understand the advantages of working upon a system until you have tried it. Minutes, economized and apportioned, will add hours to the day: Houses, mapped into streets and districts, will bring the area of a vast Parish, and its scattered dwellings, beneath a single glance: Families, and individuals, registered by name and residence, will place a multitude within your memory, so that at any moment you may put your finger on one among a thousand, and know at once his station, character, and connections. The various forms of a Speculum Gregis' will be presented to you in order. What is said to you in these pages is grounded on the assumption that you have entered into Holy Orders with single and pure motives, and with a steadfast determination of heart to submit yourself to the guidance of that Holy Spirit by whom you at first professed yourself to be inwardly moved. Since, then, you have declared the work of the ministry to be the business of your life, make it so in reality. Enter into no moneymaking speculations; no commercial or adventurous schemes, which, as the least evil, would engross much of your thoughts and attention. It is true that the temporal law of the Church forbids you to engage in such unsuitable pursuits (see postea under FARMING, TRADING, &c.); but much more strongly are you forbidden by the highest law not to entangle yourself unnecessarily in secular affairs, or the quest of worldly gain. If it should happen that your means are not adequate to meet the demands of an increasing family, the taking of Pupils to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,' may be allowed; provided the circumstances and extent of your Parish will admit of that abstraction of your time, which such additional engagements will require. But, as a Curate, this cannot be SECULAR OCCUPATIONS. 113 attempted by you without the express consent of your Incumbent. To do so might possibly be looked upon as a breach of faith, or even a dereliction of your duty. Permit me, then, to caution you in this, lest you should incur unmerited reproach from the want of a previous understanding upon the subject-of forethought, in fact, in regard to such contingencies arising as would necessarily demand an increase of income. In addition to what has been already advanced, I would here remark that there are many points of Law, affecting the position of the Incumbent, and his Stipendiary Curate, and the power of the Bishop in connection therewith, of which every Clergyman ought to be thoroughly informed, in order to prevent an interruption to the cordiality of action, and unity of purpose so essential to the well-being of a Parish; and preclude personal unpleasantness, or misunderstanding. These will now come under our consideration. The Legal information relating to the various subjects in connection with the functions of the Stipendiary Curate is to be found chiefly in the Act, 1 & 2 Vict. c. 106., called the Pluralities, and Residence Act;' which embodies the 57th Geo. III. c. 99.; and indeed comprises nearly the whole law bearing upon Stipendiary Curates. Its several enactments are annexed. And it may not be out of place to explain at the same time the Law respecting those cases, where the Bishop has power to interfere with the ordinary privileges of an Incumbent, and himself to appoint a Curate absolutely. For the convenience of ready reference these subjects, and others connected with them, have been arranged in Alphabetical order, as follows. Legal Enactments, Kc. AFFECTING THE STIPENDIARY CURATE. 1. Appointment by the Bishop. | 17. Notice to Quit. 2. Arrest. 3. The Articles. 4. Assistant Curate. 5. Canonical Obedience. 6. The Canons. 7. Conformity to the Liturgy. 8. Discipline. 9. Exemptions. 10. Farming. 11. Fees. 12. Foreign Clergy Officiating. 13. Indelibility of Orders. 14. Letters of Orders. 15. Licence. 16. Nomination. 18. Oaths, and Subscriptions 20. Parliament, sitting in. 23. Residence. 24. Revocation of Licence. 25. Serving Cures Limited. 26. Stipend. 27. Substitute. 28. Testimonials. 29. Trading. 30. Vestry Meetings. 1. Appointment by the Bishop. In addition to the ordinary Nomination of a Stipendiary Curate at the option, or with the acquiescence of an Incumbent, there are certain cases in which the Bishop can require a Curate to be appointed, and, if neglected, make the appointment himself absolutely. These cases are seven in number, and are regulated by Act of Parliament H |