Alike in their sense of the duties of their high stations, equally attached to the constitution and ecclesiastical establishment of their country, and resolved by every effort to support and defend both, in the same degree administering protection and encouragement to those, who in arduous and perilous times avowed their loyalty, and strenuously vindicated their faith, Bishop B⸺, as far as talents and learning are concerned, was cast in a yet higher mould. No further comparison need be made. Without entering into any political disquisitions, which might eventually lead to contrariety of opinions, it may be confidently asserted in this place, without apprehension of dispute, that Bishop B⸺’s character has been invariably and consistently, that of the friend and patron of all who claimed his notice from the merits of learning, talents, or virtue. In the different situations which he has so honourably filled, his first care seems to have been to single out those who merited his distinction, and without regard to the incidental circumstances of rank, or external recommendation, to confer his favours and his bounty, promptly and substantially upon them. There are but few individuals who, within the last fifty years, have been esteemed for their parts and learning, who have not been honoured by his notice, and admitted to his table. But this is not all. His Lordship has not unfrequently conferred rewards upon learned and useful men, with no other knowledge of them than their works, communicated with no other recommendation than their good name. Perhaps there is not an instance beyond the limit of his own family, where there was any excitement or inducement to the communication of his favours, but the decided and unequivocal testimony of the merits or virtues of the objects receiving them. This too at a time when it was too generally understood, and it is to be feared too justly believed, that political and parliamentary interest and interposition, presented almost the only path to ecclesiastical promotion. The term _almost_ is used, because there are some noble exceptions to the contrary in the conduct of Bishop Porteus more particularly, hereafter to be mentioned, as well as of some other ornaments to the Episcopal Bench. But Bishop B⸺ must not be considered and estimated as the mere patron of literature; he always and successfully cultivated it himself, was ever deemed an excellent scholar; and the different Charges, Sermons, and Tracts, which he has at various times given to the world, are to be classed among our happiest specimens of elegance, purity, and simplicity of diction.