death-bed, expressed his faith in equivocal terms, leaving it doubtful whether he died in communion of the protestant or popish churches; for even Burnet, who says he was “one of the worst of men,” adds, “bad as he was, he never made that step, even in the most desperate state of his affairs;” and Antony á Wood rescues him from a similar charge. Nicholas Stratford, D.D., was consecrated Bishop of Chester at Fulham, on 15th September, 1689. He was a firm supporter of the polity and principles of the English Church, and was esteemed a learned and primitive ecclesiastic. It is recorded of him that he never admonished or reproved others, but in the spirit of meekness and conciliation, a testimony which appears sufficiently confirmed by the christian tone which pervades his “Dissuasion against Revenge,” which he addressed to the conflicting parties in Manchester on leaving that parish. He was appointed one of the governors of the bounty of the Queen Anne in the first charter. He died February 12th, 1706–7, aged 74, and was buried in his own cathedral, his whole diocese witnessing that in simplicity and godly sincerity he had had his conversation in the world; he was charitable and benevolent, humble and devout. Chester Blue Coat Hospital was founded by this excellent bishop, and the Infirmary was founded by his son, who bequeathed £300 to the charity. Sir William Dawes, Bart., D.D., was appointed Dean of Bocking by Dr. Tenison, Archbishop of Canterbury, and about 1697 was nominated chaplain to King William III., whose favour he secured by a sermon he preached on the 5th November. Being disappointed of the Bishopric of Lincoln in 1705, the queen nominated him without application to that of Chester, and on the 8th February 1707, he was consecrated. He was very bountiful to the poor clergy of the diocese, and augmented several small livings. In 1714 he was translated to York; Archbishop Sharpe, who died at Bath February 2nd, 1713–14, having obtained a promise from Queen Anne that Sir William Dawes should be his successor, because his grace thought that he would be diligent in executing the duties of his laborious office. Francis Gastrell, D.D., was consecrated Bishop of Chester in 1714, a learned and pious man, who laboured with untiring energy, and whose episcopate was characterized by great benevolence, prudence, and wisdom. He compiled a most valuable MSS. concerning the benefices of the diocese, entitled “Notitia Cestriensis,” which is considered “the noblest document extant on the subject of the ecclesiastical antiquities of the diocese.” He is also the author of a very useful work, entitled “The Christian Institutes.” He died November 24th, 1725. Samuel Peploe, S.T.P., was appointed to the see of Chester April 12th, 1726. He died February 21st, 1752, was buried in the cathedral near the altar, where a monument was erected to his memory.