Decision for God: Isa. xliv. The prayers in Confirmation Service. For the Holy Spirit. For strength. For defence. For perseverance. For growth in grace. CHAPTER XVI _REMINISCENCES_ There are numerous anecdotes and incidents connected with Canon Hoare’s lengthened ministry at Tunbridge Wells, which illustrate his many-sided character in a remarkable way. A few of these selected from the great stock of reminiscence in the minds of his people may be of interest to the reader. * * * * * On one occasion banns of marriage were put up in Trinity Church between a workman recently come to the town and a young woman whose widowed mother lived in the parish of Holy Trinity. When the banns had been twice called an anonymous letter was received by the Vicar, which stated that the man was already married. Careful inquiry having proved that this was true, and that his wife and family were living in another town, the Vicar made up his mind to punish the delinquent in a novel way. The couple whose banns had been called were sent for, and Canon Hoare told the girl the whole story in her false lover’s presence. It was received with indignant incredulity, but the proofs were unanswerable. Turning upon her companion, she sobbed out, “James, James, I never believed you could have done this.” The man tried to brazen it out, and laughingly said, “Well, I suppose we need not have the banns published again?” “_Indeed they shall be read again_,” was the Vicar’s reply. By this time the man was getting uncomfortable under the piercing eye that was fixed upon him, and he said, “Well, come along, Polly; it’s time for us to be going.” “Indeed it _is_ time for you to be going,” said the Vicar, “and you had better be sharp about it too, but Polly shall not go with you.” With these words he pointed to the door, towards which the offender made with remarkable rapidity. When he was gone Mr. Hoare turned to the girl, and, taking her out on the other side of the house from that by which the man had left, bid her go home with all speed. Next Sunday morning in the vestry Canon Hoare called the clerk aside and gave him some directions; then, having said to the curates “I’ll read the banns to-day,” he took that part of the service in which they occur. Having finished the second lesson, it was observed that in an unusually loud voice and with great distinctness he read out: “I publish the banns of marriage between James —, _bachelor_, and Mary Ann —, spinster, both of this parish. These are for the third time of asking. If any of you know cause or just impediment why these two persons should not be joined together in holy matrimony, ye are to declare it.” At this moment the whole congregation were electrified by a loud voice at the end of the church calling out, “I forbid the banns of James — and Mary Ann —!” “Well, come into the vestry after service and state your reasons,” was the reply.