TUESDAY.

On Tuesday, Mr. Williams came to pay his respects to his kind patron.

I had been to visit a widow gentlewoman, and, on my return, went

directly to my closet, so knew not of his being here till I came to

dinner; for Mr. B. and he were near two hours in discourse in the

library. When I came down, Mr. B. presented him to me. "My friend Mr.

Williams, my dear," said he. "Mr. Williams, how do you do?" said I; "I

am glad to see you."

He rejoiced, he said, to see me look so well; and had longed for an

opportunity to pay his respects to his worthy patron and me before:

but had been prevented twice when upon the point of setting out. Mr.

B. said, "I have prevailed upon my old acquaintance to reside with us,

while he stays in these parts. Do you, my dear, see that every thing

is made agreeable to him."--"To be sure, Sir, I will."

Mr. Adams being in the house, Mr. B. sent to desire he would dine with

us: if it were but in respect to a gentleman of the same cloth, who

gave us his company.

Mr. B., when dinner was over, and the servants were withdrawn, said,

"My dear, Mr. Williams's business, in part, was to ask my advice as to

a living that is offered him by the Earl of ----, who is greatly taken

with his preaching and conversation." "And to quit yours, I presume,

Sir," said Lord Davers. "No, the earl's is not quite so good as mine,

and his lordship would procure him a dispensation to hold both. What

would _you_ advise, my dear?"

"It becomes not me, Sir, to meddle with such matters as these."--"Yes,

my dear, it does, when I ask your opinion."--"I beg pardon, Sir.--My

opinion then is, that Mr. Williams will not care to do any thing

that _requires_ a dispensation, and which would be unlawful without

it."--"Madam," said Mr. Williams, "you speak exceedingly well."

"I am glad, Mr. Williams, that you approve of my sentiments, required

of me by one who has a right to command me in every thing: otherwise

this matter is above my sphere; and I have so much good will to Mr.

Williams, that I wish him every thing that will contribute to make him

happy."

"Well, my dear," said Mr. B., "but what would you advise in this case?

The earl proposes, that Mr. Williams's present living be supplied by a

curate; to whom, no doubt, Mr. Williams will be very genteel; and,

as we are seldom or never there, his lordship thinks we shall not be

displeased with it, and insists upon proposing it to me; as he has

done."

Lord Davers said, "I think this may do very well, brother. But what,

pray, Mr. Williams, do you propose to allow to your curate? Excuse

me, Sir, but I think the clergy do so hardly by one another generally,

that they are not to be surprised that some of the laity treat them as

they do."

Said Mr. B., "Tell us freely, Pamela, what you would advise your

friend Mr. Williams to do."

"And must I, Sir, speak my mind on such a point, before so many better

judges?"

"Yes, _sister_," said her ladyship (a name she is now pleased to give

me freely before strangers, after her dear brother's example, who is

kindest, though always kind, at such times) "you _must_; if I may be

allowed to say _must_."--"Why then," proceeded I, "I beg leave to ask

Mr. Williams one question; that is, whether his present parishioners

do not respect and esteem him in that particular manner, which I think

every body must, who knows his worth?"

"I am very happy. Madam, in the good-will of all my parishioners, and

have great acknowledgments to make for their civilities to me."--"I

don't doubt," said I, "but it will be the same wherever you go; for

bad as the world is, a prudent and good clergyman will never fail of

respect. But, Sir, if you think your ministry among them is attended

with good effects; if they esteem your person with a preference, and

listen to your doctrines with attention; methinks, for _their_ sakes,

'tis pity to leave them, were the living of less value, as it is of

_more_, than the other. For, how many people are there who can benefit

by one gentleman's preaching, rather than by another's; although,

possibly, the one's abilities may be no way inferior to the other's?

There is much in a _delivery_, as it is called, in a manner, a

deportment, to engage people's attention and liking; and as you are

already in possession of their esteem, you are sure to do much of the

good you aim and wish to do. For where the flock loves the shepherd,

all the work is easy, and more than half done; and without that, let

him have the tongue of an angel, and let him live the life of a saint,

he will be heard with indifference, and, oftentimes, as his subject

may be, with disgust."

I paused here; but every one being silent--"As to the earl's

friendship, Sir," continued I, "you can best judge what force that

ought to have upon you; and what I have mentioned would be the only

difficulty with me, were I in Mr. Williams's case. To be sure, it will

be a high compliment to his lordship, and so he ought to think it,

that you quit a better living to oblige him. And he will be bound in

honour to make it up to you. For I am far from thinking that a

prudent regard to worldly interest misbecomes the character of a good

clergyman; and I wish all such were set above the world, for their own

sakes, as well as for the sakes of their hearers; since independency

gives a man respect, besides the power of doing good, which will

enhance that respect, and of consequence, give greater efficacy to his

doctrines.

"As to strengthening of a good man's influence, a point always to be

wished, I would not say so much as I have done, if I had not heard Mr.

Longman say, and I heard it with great pleasure, that the benefice Mr.

Williams so worthily enjoys is a clear two hundred pounds a year.

"But, after all, does happiness to a gentleman, a scholar, a

philosopher, rest in a greater or lesser income? On the contrary,

is it not oftener to be found in a happy competency or mediocrity?

Suppose my dear Mr. B. had five thousand pounds a year added to his

present large income, would that increase his happiness? That it would

add to his cares, is no question; but could it give him one single

comfort which he has not already? And if the dear gentleman had two

or three thousand less, might he be less happy on that account? No,

surely; for it would render a greater prudence on my humble part

necessary, and a nearer inspection, and greater frugality, on his own;

and he must be contented (if he did not, as now, perhaps, lay up every

year) so long as he lived within his income.--And who will say, that

the obligation to greater prudence and economy is a misfortune?

"The competency, therefore, the golden mean, is the thing; and I have

often considered the matter, and endeavoured to square my actions by

the result of that consideration. For a person who, being not born to

an estate, is not satisfied with a competency, will probably know no

limits to his desires. One whom an acquisition of one or two hundred

pounds a year will not satisfy, will hardly sit down contented with

any sum. For although he may propose to himself at a distance, that

such and such an acquisition will be the height of his ambition; yet

he will, as he approaches to that, advance upon himself farther and

farther, and know no bound, till the natural one is forced upon him,

and his life and his views end together.

"Now let me humbly beg pardon of you all, ladies and gentlemen,"

turning my eyes to each; "but most of you, my good lady."

"Indeed, Madam," said Mr. Williams, "after what I have heard from you,

I would not, for the world, have been of another mind."

"You are a good man," said I; "and I have such an opinion of your

worthiness, and the credit you do your function, that I can never

suspect either your judgment or your conduct. But pray, Sir, may I

ask, what have you determined to do?"--"Why, Madam," replied he, "I

am staggered in that too, by the observation you just now made, that

where a man has the love of his parishioners, he ought not to think of

leaving them."--"Else, Sir, I find you was rather inclined to oblige

the earl, though the living be of _less_ value! This is very noble,

Sir; it is more than generous."

"My dear," said Mr. B., "I'll tell you (for Mr. Williams's modesty

will not let him speak it before all the company) what _is_

his motive; and a worthy one you'll say it is. Excuse me, Mr.

Williams;"--for the reverend gentleman blushed.

"The earl has of late years--we all know his character--given himself

up to carousing, and he will suffer no man to go from his table sober.

Mr. Williams has taken the liberty to expostulate, as became his

function, with his lordship on this subject, and upon some other

irregularities, so agreeably, that the earl has taken a great liking

to him, and promises, that he will suffer his reasonings to have an

effect upon him, and that he shall reform his whole household, if

he will come and live near him, and regulate his table by his own

example. The countess is a very good lady, and privately presses Mr.

Williams to oblige the earl: and this is our worthy friend's main

inducement; with the hope, which I should mention, that he has, of

preserving untainted the morals of the two young gentlemen, the earl's

son, who, he fears, will be carried away by the force of such an

example: and he thinks, as the earl's living has fallen, mine may be

better supplied than the earl's, if he, as he kindly offers, gives it

me back again; otherwise the earl, as he apprehends, will find out

for his, some gentleman, if such an one can be found, as will rather

further, than obstruct his own irregularities, as was the unhappy case

of the last incumbent."

"Well," said Lady Davers, "I shall always have the highest respect for

Mr. Williams, for a conduct so genteel and so prudent. But, brother,

will you--and will you, Mr. Williams--put this whole affair into Mrs.

B.'s hands, since you have such testimonies, _both_ of you, of the

rectitude of her thinking and acting?"--"With all my heart,

Madam," replied Mr. Williams; "and I shall be proud of such a

direction,"--"What say _you_, brother? You are to suppose the living

in your own hands again; will you leave the whole matter to my

_sister_ here?"--"Come, my dear," said Mr. B., "let us hear how

you'd wish it to be ordered. I know you have not need of one moment's

consideration, when once you are mistress of a point."

"Nay," said Lady Davers, "that is not the thing. I repeat my demand:

shall it be as Mrs. B. lays it out, or not?"--"Conditionally," said

Mr. B., "provided I cannot give satisfactory reasons, why I _ought_

not to conform to her opinion; for this, as I said, is a point of

conscience with me; and I made it so, when I presented Mr. Williams to

the living: and have not been deceived in that presentation."--"To be

sure," said I, "that is very reasonable, Sir; and on that condition,

I shall the less hesitate to speak my mind, because I shall be in no

danger to commit an irreparable error."

"I know well, Lady Davers," added Mr. B., "the power your sex have

over ours, and their subtle tricks: and so will never, in my weakest

moments, be drawn in to make a blindfold promise. There have been

several instances, both in sacred and profane story, of mischiefs done

by such surprises: so you must allow me to suspect myself, when I know

the dear slut's power over me, and have been taught, by the inviolable

regard she pays to her own word, to value mine--And now, Pamela, speak

all that is in your heart to say." "With your _requisite_ condition

in my eye, I will, Sir. But let me see that I state the matter right.

And, preparative to it, pray, Mr. Williams, though you have not been

long in possession of this living, yet, may-be, you can compute what

it is likely, by what you know of it, to bring in clear?"

"Madam," said he, "by the best calculation I can make--I thank _you_

for it, good Sir--it may, one year with another, be reckoned at three

hundred pounds per annum; and is the best within twenty miles of it,

having been improved within these two last years."

"If it was five hundred pounds, and would make you happier--(for

_that_, Sir, is the thing) I should wish it you," said I, "and think

it short of your merits. But pray, Sir, what is the earl's living

valued at?"

"At about two hundred and twenty pounds, Madam."--"Well, then,"

replied I, very pertly, "I believe now I have it.

"Mr. Williams, for motives most excellently worthy of his function,

inclines to surrender up to Mr. B. his living of three hundred pounds

per annum, and to accept of the earl's living of two hundred and

twenty. Dear Sir, I am going to be very bold; but under _your_

condition nevertheless:--let the gentleman, to whom you shall present

the living of E. allow eighty pounds per annum out of it to Mr.

Williams, till the earl's favour shall make up the difference to him,

and no longer. And--but I dare not name the gentleman:--for

how, dear Sir, were I to be so bold, shall I part with my

chaplain?"--"Admirable! most admirable!" said Lord and Lady Davers, in

the same words. The countess praised the decision too; and Mr. H. with

his "Let me be hang'd," and his "Fore Gad's," and such exclamations

natural to him, made his plaudits. Mr. Williams said, he could wish

with all his heart it might be so; and Mr. Adams was so abashed and

surprised, that he could not hold up his head;--but joy danced in his

silent countenance, for all that.

Mr. B. having hesitated a few minutes. Lady Davers called out for his

objection, or consent, according to condition, and he said, "I cannot

so soon determine as that prompt slut did. I'll withdraw one minute."

He did so, as I found afterwards to advise, like the considerate and

genteel spirit he possesses, with Mr. Williams, whom he beckoned out,

and to examine whether he was in _earnest_ willing to give it up, or

very desirous for any one to succeed him; saying, that if he had, he

thought himself obliged, in return for his worthy behaviour to him, to

pay a particular regard to his recommendation. And so being answered

as he desired, in they came together again.

But I should say, that his withdrawing with a very serious aspect,

made me afraid I had gone too far: and I said, "What shall I do, if I

have incurred Mr. B.'s anger by my over-forwardness! Did he not look

displeased? Dear ladies, if he be so, plead for me, and I'll withdraw

when he comes in; for I cannot stand his anger: I have not been used

to it."

"Never fear, Pamela," said my lady; "he can't be angry at any thing

you say or do. But I wish, for the sake of what I have witnessed of

Mr. Adams's behaviour and modesty, that such a thing could be done

for him." Mr. Adams bowed, and said, "O my good ladies! 'tis too

considerable a thing: I cannot expect it--I do not--it would be

presumption if I did."

Just then re-entered Mr. B. and Mr. Williams: the first with a stately

air, the other with a more peace-portending smile on his countenance.

But Mr. B. sitting down, "Well, Pamela," said he, very gravely, "I see

that power is a dangerous thing in any hand."--"Sir, Sir!" said I--"My

dear lady," whispering to Lady Davers, "I will withdraw, as I said I

would." And I was getting away as fast as I could: but he arose and

took my hand, "Why is my charmer so soon frightened?" said he, most

kindly; and still more kindly, with a noble air, pressed it to his

lips. "I must not carry my jest too far upon a mind so apprehensive,

as I otherwise might be inclined to do." And leading me to Mr. Adams

and Mr. Williams, he said, taking Mr. Williams's hand with his left,

as he held mine in his right, "Your worthy brother clergyman, Mr.

Adams, gives me leave to confirm the decision of my dear wife, whom

you are to thank for the living of E. upon the condition she proposed;

and may you give but as much satisfaction _there_, as you have done

in _this_ family, and as Mr. Williams has given to his flock; and they

will then be pleased as much with your ministry as they have hitherto

been with his."

Mr. Adams trembled with joy, and said, he could not tell how to bear

this excess of goodness in us both: and his countenance and eyes gave

testimony of a gratitude too high for further expression.

As for myself, you, my honoured and dear friends, who know how much I

am always raised, when I am made the dispenser of acts of bounty and

generosity to the deserving; and who now instead of incurring blame,

as I had apprehended, found myself applauded by every one, and most by

the gentleman whose approbation I chiefly coveted to have: you, I say,

will judge how greatly I must be delighted.

But I was still more affected, when Mr. B. directing himself to me,

and to Mr. Williams at the same time, was pleased to say, "Here, my

dear, you must thank this good gentleman for enabling you to give such

a shining proof of your excellence: and whenever I put power into your

hands for the future, act but as you have now done, and it will be

impossible that I should have any choice or will but yours."

"O Sir," said I, pressing his hand with my lips, forgetting how many

witnesses I had of my grateful fondness, "how shall I, oppressed with

your goodness, in such a signal instance as this, find words equal to

the gratitude of my heart!--But here," patting my bosom, "just here,

they stick;--and I cannot--"

And, indeed, I could say no more; and Mr. B. in the delicacy of his

apprehensiveness for me, led me into the next parlour; and placing

himself by me on the settee, said, "Take care, my best beloved, that

the joy, which overflows your dear heart, for having done a beneficent

action to a deserving gentleman, does not affect you too much."

My Lady Davers followed us: "Where is my angelic sister?" said she. "I

have a share in her next to yourself, my noble brother." And clasping

me to her generous bosom, she ran over with expressions of favour to

me, in a style and words, which would suffer, were I to endeavour to

repeat them.

Coffee being ready, we returned to the company. My Lord Davers was

pleased to make me a great many compliments, and so did Mr. H. after

his manner. But the countess exceeded _herself_ in goodness.

Mr. B. was pleased to say, "It is a rule with me, not to leave till

to-morrow what can be done to-day:--and _when_, my dear, do you

propose to dispense with Mr. Adams's good offices in your family? Or

did you intend to induce him to go to town with us?"

"I had not proposed anything, Sir, as to that, for I had not asked

your kind direction: but the good dean will supply us, I doubt not,

and when we set out for London, Mr. Adams will be at full liberty,

with his worthy friend, Mr. Williams, to pursue the happy scheme your

goodness has permitted to take effect."

"Mr. Adams, my dear, who came so lately from the university, can,

perhaps, recommend such another young gentleman as himself, to perform

the functions he used to perform in your family."

I looked, it seems, a little grave; and Mr. B. said, "What have you to

offer, Pamela?--What have I said amiss?"

"Amiss! dear Sir!--"

"Ay, and dear Madam too! I see by your bashful seriousness, in place

of that smiling approbation which you always shew when I utter any

thing you _entirely_ approve, that I have said something which would

rather meet with your acquiescence, than choice. So, as I have often

told you, none of your reserves; and never _hesitate_ to me your

consent in any thing, while you are sure I will conform to your

wishes, or pursue my own liking, as _either_ shall appear reasonable

to me, when I have heard _your_ reasons."

"Why, then, dear Sir, what I had presumed to think, but I submit it to

your better judgment, was, whether, since the gentleman who is so kind

as to assist us in our family devotions, in some measure acts in

the province of the worthy dean, it were not right, that our own

parish-minister, whether here or in London, should name, or at least

approve _our_ naming, the gentleman?"

"Why could not I have thought of that, as well as you,

sauce-box?--Lady Davers, I am entirely on your side: I think she

deserves a slap now from us both."

"I'll forgive her," said my lady, "since I find her sentiments and

actions as much a reproof to others as to me."

"Mr. Williams, did you ever think," said Mr. B., "it would have come

to this?--Did you ever know such a saucy girl in your life?--Already

to give herself these reproaching airs?"--"No, never, if your honour

is pleased to call the most excellent lady in the world by such a

name, nor any body else."

"Pamela, I charge you," said the dear gentleman, "if you _study_

for it, be sometimes in the wrong, that one may not always be taking

lessons from such an assurance; but in our turns, have something to

teach _you_."

"Then, dear Sir," said I, "must I not be a strange creature? For how,

when you, and my good ladies, are continually giving me such charming

examples, can I do a wrong thing?"

I hope you will forgive me, my dear, for being so tedious on the

foregoing subject, and its most agreeable conclusion. It is an

important one, because several persons, as conferers or receivers,

have found their pleasure and account in it; and it would be well, if

conversation were often attended with like happy consequences. I have

one merit to plead in behalf even of my prolixity; that in reciting

the delightful conferences I have the pleasure of holding with our

noble guests and Mr. B., I am careful not to write twice upon one

topic, although several which I omit, may be more worthy of your

notice than those I give; so that you have as much variety from me, as

the nature of the facts and cases will admit of.

But here I will conclude, having a very different subject, as a proof

of what I have advanced, to touch in my next. Till when, I am _your

most affectionate and faithful_,