There was a fresh blessing given me in St. Mary’s. It was there one sacred day when Robert Daly, afterwards Bishop of Cashel, was preaching, that I was led by the Spirit of God to give myself up to the ministry. I do not remember exactly what he said; but I am sure that a permanent impression may be often made without any distinct recollection always of what has been uttered. So it was in my case, while that noble man was preaching; and I there and then gave myself up to the ministry of God, as I told him many years afterwards. I said nothing about it to anybody for a year, because I wished my determination to be thoroughly tested. At the end of the year I told my father. He informed me that there was a place open for me in his Bank, but at the same time he gave his cordial approbation; and so with his full consent and that of my dearest mother, I regarded myself from that day as one set apart to the sacred ministry. That must have been nearly sixty years ago, and never for one moment have I had reason to regret the decision. * * * * * From Mrs. Hoare to her son at Brighton:— “_August_ 22_nd_, 1829. “How continually have I thought of you, dearest Edward, since you left us, with the truest pleasure and I hope thankfulness for the happy time we have passed together, with the greatest interest in your present settlement and earnest desire and prayer for your well-doing in future! You have, my love, gained the confidence and excited the sanguine hopes of your parents, and if you do not turn out the _decided_, _noble_, _upright_, and _effective Christian_ character, we shall be disappointed. I consider the present juncture in your life very important. The more I consider the case, the more I am sure of Mr. Elliott’s intrinsic value to you, and the more I am convinced of the wisdom of giving up yourself in the present to his wishes; if you secure his friendship, you secure a treasure for life. In this as in every situation, you will have something to bear. “1. Don’t stand on your own rights too much or be tenacious in little things. “2. Be _very slow_ in taking offence or fancying any disrespect or want of favour is shown to you. “3. Never _complain_ of anything to your companions. “4. Encourage a spirit of content, and _be determined_ (there is much in this determination of mind) to be comfortable. “5. Promote, as far as possible, the pleasure of your companions by yielding in little things. I believe, dearest Edward, you are sensible that, to act with true wisdom, we must seek this precious gift from above, and day by day ask for help and strength and grace for the day. “6. Write to me intimately, and the letters may be _entirely private whenever you wish it_.