Robert Phillimore

“ In the extension and improvement of that material part of the spiritual training of the people, the holy rite of confirmation, the energy and devotion of the late Bishop were most conspicuous. Previously to the episcopate of Bishop Denison, Salisbury had been almost the only place to which the inhabitants of all South Wilts had been compelled to resort for confirmation; and those are yet living who remember the shocking and immoral results of conveying large numbers of both sexes considerable distances, who were often compelled to seek, not only refreshment, but a night's lodging on the road. ”

“ The Bishop in his charge delivered at his second visitation, spoke as follows: "In 42 parishes a second service has been added, where, three years ago, there was but one; in 65 parishes, in the same period, a second sermon has been added; in 89 parishes the sacrament of baptism is now publicly administered, where formerly it was not; and holy communion is now administered more frequently, and the festivals of the Church (strange to say, heretofore almost universally neglected) are now in the way of being, before long, universally observed." ”

“ Were I to die to-morrow, my family would have no other provision than that arising from my and their very small private means, and such moderate addition thereto as I have felt it my duty to make by insurance on my life. ”

“ But there are merits and services which the calm but conscientious discharge of duty does not fail, gradually perhaps, and almost insensibly, to make known and appreciated to those who have lived within the sphere of its performance. More especially does this happen when rare intellectual ability is joined with consummate prudence to make this conscientious performance of duty effectual in the highest degree. ”

“ His next step was to enter his name in one of the Inns of Court in London, and to begin an assiduous study of the law; after a short period, however, he abandoned his intention of becoming a member of the bar, and betook himself to the study of divinity, and on the 23rd of December, 1827, he was admitted into Holy Orders, and soon afterwards made his first essay in the performance of pastoral duties on becoming incumbent of Wolvercot, a small parish in the neighbourhood of Oxford. ”