pear seriously disposed, and if they shew talents, he places them in the ministry. He often watches over them for years; nor does he ever regard expense in their education, when they seem likely to prove a real blessing in the church. Perhaps it cannot be said with truth of many other bishops besides M. d'Alêt, that he never ordained any individual who was not a decidedly religious character. He often says, that he considers that bishops can have no power to ordain, but where they see those fruits, which prove the Spirit of God to have first called.

Nothing can exceed the pastoral care, which M. d'Alêt bestows on those young men, who are candidates for the ministry. He requires of them above all, a deep and assiduous study of Scripture.* He is not fond of encouraging young divines in philosophical speculations, and controversial discussions. M. d'Alêt often says, that he wishes them, not merely to be well versed in the letter of Holy writ; but to have a

* Vie d'Alêt, tom. i. p 101, also 103.

knowledge of Scripture, by the science of the heart; for it is with the heart only, that man can believe unto righteousness.* "It is not," he observes, " in order to obtain a reputation for learning, nor yet from the mere pleasure of acquiring knowledge, that we should study; but simply, and practically, in order to learn the science of salvation, and to be enabled really to serve our brethren. Study and prayer must be conducted in one and the same spirit; and they should be constantly and inseparably united. Both require an extreme simplicity of intention, and an humility, which may content itself with that degree of knowledge it may please God to bestow: a spirit of godly contentment and thankfulness; not stimulated by the desire of surpassing others, and not feeling discontent at inferiority to them. Being fully persuaded that we shall partake in their reward, if by charity we participate in the same desire of doing good which inspired them."†

*Vie d'Alêt, tom. i. p. 97 to 105. ↑ Ibid. p. 105.

"How many persons," says M. d'Alêt, "allow themselves to be deceived in the choice of their studies, by specious illusions. Satisfied that their main object is good, they rush forward with confidence, and with ardor, without perceiving any danger; and it happens too often, for want of assiduous prayer, that very knowledge which should establish them in piety; only inflates them with pride, and stimulates them with selflove."*

We should read comparatively little; but meditate much, and pray much. That is the way, and the only way, to become solidly grounded, Rapid studies only glide over the surface of the mind; and often increase ignorance, by the confused traces they leave. Only that which is deeply engraven upon the heart and mind, can ever be ready for immediate use.†

M. d'Alêt's information respecting the female part of his flock is equally extensive and correct.

* Vie d'Alêt, tom. i. pp. 105, 106. Ibid. p. 107,

This accurate investigation is accomplished by means of numerous societies, which he has instituted, and to which he has given the name of Regents or teachers.

One of the female societies of this description I shall give you an account of. I was introduced to the superior by M. d'Alêt, and I understand, that, all the others, both male and female, are formed on a similar plan.

In the one which I saw, all the ladies were of high birth and fortune; indeed it is necessary they should be persons of some independence, because the society is not endowed, and has no funds appropriated to its use, like a convent. For though all live in one house, and are boarded at a common table, yet the expense is furnished by each one separately paying her quota. Hence, though it so happened that all those I saw were noble, yet persons of every rank are equally accepted, though a competency is indispensable. Some of them, however, are of a very elevated rank. Amongst them is Madame de Pamiers, widow of the Baron

de Mirepoix, of the house of Levi, of which the noble family of Ventadour is but the younger branch.

Good health, good sense, independent circumstances, conciliating manners, and deep piety, are essentially requisite to gain admittance into the society of Regents.

These ladies take no vows, yet they live much in the same manner as religious orders; they only maintain the laws of enclosure in their own house. There, as in nunneries, no men ever enter without an absolute necessity. They do not wear a monastic dress; yet they are all clothed exactly alike. They wear dark stuffs which reach up close to the throat, with long sleeves down to the wrists. Their handkerchiefs also come up close to the throat; and their caps, which are very neat, cover the whole of their hair, excepting a little on the forehead, so that they are directly known in the street, whether they go out to visit the sick or to attend mass. Whenever they appear either singly or together, they are always treated with the greatest respect,