dying ministerial friend had been brought to test the foundations upon which he had been resting, and had discovered how in many things he had failed to give Christ pre-eminence. The depth of the impression made upon Mr. Lyte's mind at the side of his friend's death-bed may be understood from the following quotation from a letter written about this time. He said: 'I was greatly affected by the whole matter, and brought to look at life and its issues with a different eye than before; and I began to study my Bible, and preach in another manner than I had previously done.' The incident changed

and influenced the whole current of his life.

When his friend died, Mr. Lyte was obliged to undertake an enormous amount of responsibility for the widow and family, which, in addition to his other labours, broke down his health. He soon fell into a decline, which was only arrested by a prolonged holiday on the Continent. On his return he was unsettled for a time. Various curacies were accepted and soon resigned, but at last he settled at Marazion, near Penzance. His mind was ever productive, and some of his letters from Marazion show how much he lived in a literary realm. Whilst residing there he became acquainted with Anne, the only daughter of the Rev. W. Maxwell, D.D., of Bath. The Maxwells were a renowned Wesleyan Methodist family of exalted station. His acquaintance with Miss Maxwell speedily ripened into affectionate intimacy, and they were eventually married. From a religious point of view the marriage can scarcely be regarded as an ideal one, and one cannot but be amused to hear elderly residents of Brixham tell how, in their youth, they saw Mrs. Lyte go into the Wesleyan Church for worship, where she sat with her maid in the gallery, whilst her husband, as the minister of All Saints', Lower Brixham, journeyed to his church to conduct Divine worship there. Their religious differences caused some difficulties, but still his home life was bright and happy. To the end Mrs. Lyte was a devoted Wesleyan Methodist, and proved a friend indeed to many ministers of that denomination.

Miss Maxwell does not appear as the only one who ever won Mr. Lyte's affections. His heart was strangely moved in

early life, and the love remained strong for several years. Though the object of his affection was destined to marry another, she did not live long after her marriage. The story is extremely sad, and yet it is full of beauty. The poem 'Agnes' gives some particular information. In the poem 'Sad Thoughts' (1815) Mr. Lyte passes through clouds of depression. Though disappointed in love, there is no rebellion of soul. One marvels how, in the day of sadness, he can think so sweetly of the sacred memories of the past.

At the time of his marriage to Miss Maxwell, Mr. Lyte's health was very poor, and it was deemed advisable to remove to a more congenial sphere. Accordingly they settled at Lymington, where, in the quiet country, the poet enjoyed a considerable amount of leisure, and where much of his poetical work was done. It was at Lymington that he finished 'Tales on the Lord's Prayer.' The manuscript was put aside, and would never have been published had not some friends urgently requested it. Had the author been able to revise the work some improvements would doubtless have been made, but as he removed to a busier town and resumed his ministerial labours the opportunity could not be secured. The tales in verse most beautifully illustrate the Lord's Prayer. The work has in it much beautiful language and thought. It drew from Mr. Christopher North in Blackwood the following statement: 'This is the right kind of poetry, its style and spirit reminding one sometimes of Wordsworth, sometimes of Crabbe. He ought to give us another volume.' Frequently the tales remind one of Gray's 'Elegy.'

The death of his infant daughter during his residence in Hampshire led to 'Lines to A. M. M. L.' being written. They are full of the spirit of deep faith and resignation. Those who have been bereaved of children will find them full of comfort. During his sojourn at Lymington his health very considerably improved, and he decided to again enter upon active ministerial duties. As South Devonshire was considered a mild and healthy district, he obtained a curacy at Charlton, near Kingsbridge, where he laboured about two years. He also took a cottage at Dittisham, and from this

quiet retreat he journeyed occasionally to officiate at the fishing town of Brixham. It did not seem likely that a fishing town would have any attraction for a gentleman of refined nature and literary taste such as his, but there were circumstances that influenced him so forcibly that he at last consented to put aside his preferences and enter the divinelyopened door at Brixham. This was during the year 1819. He took charge of the new district church which had been recently erected, and commenced a ministry which lasted upwards of twenty-eight years. The town had then a population of about 4,000 people, and was best known as an important trawl-fishing port, and the place where the Prince of Orange landed with his army in 1688. The people generally were in very comfortable circumstances. Indeed, many had considerable means, which had been accumulated mainly during the years in which Torbay was a rendezvous for the Channel Fleet, and when Torquay did not attract ship traffic as it does to-day. The fact that Berry Head had been a large and important military station for many years also accounts for the financial prosperity of the town. Besides, seafaring life in those days was a lucrative undertaking, perhaps much more so than it is to-day, and certainly much more so with the trawling ships of Brixham. But there was much wickedness prevalent. The military station and the visits of the fleet had seriously affected the morality of the town, but the devoted minister faced the difficult situation bravely, and soon became a power for good and a person much beloved. The warm-hearted people responded to his earnest solicitations and his visits to their vessels when in harbour; going from one to the other and chatting freely with the sailors resulted in his invitations to service being accepted, and large numbers of the people gathered in the church to hear him. His refined spirit and the exalted nature of his mind and character had a subduing and refining influence upon the people. They became so attached to their pastor that they readily and liberally responded to his appeals for assistance in the work of God. The fishermen regarded him as a special favourite. The hazardous calling of these brave men made him

feel how very urgent his spiritual work amongst them

was.

Brixham men-yes, and women also-have long been noted for their brave and noble hearts and conduct. Often had he seen life freely risked in order to save perishing fellow-men, and it was his close touch with the perils to which the heroes of Brixham were constantly exposed that inspired him in the production of the splendid poem entitled 'Grace Darling.' In it we see how powerfully heroic deeds appealed to his nature. We are certain that the dangers of the seafaring life made him very solicitous concerning his parishioners' souls. His deep spiritual interest was practically illustrated by the presentation by him of a copy of the Bible to every skipper for use aboard his ship. He also wrote a short book of 'Devotions' for the sailors to use when at sea.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Lyte were

Knowing their love of singing, he wrote several naval songs which they could sing to well-known tunes. Thus he brought himself into close touch and friendship with his parishioners by taking deep practical interest in their personal life and labours. His soul was large, gentle, gracious, and totally unselfish. With lavish hand he ministered with all his might to the needs of the people. exceedingly good to the poor. It was with great delight that Mrs. Lyte received poor girls to her home in order to train them for domestic service, and send them out into the world efficient and hopeful. We are told that she was an exceptionally good business woman; her shrewdness and activity were remarkable.

Aged ones yet remain in Brixham who testify to the benefits they personally received from Mr. Lyte's untiring ministry of generosity and love. Some remember how, in their youth, he visited their homes during bereavement, and was full of great tenderness and sympathy. His labours were multifarious. A Bible class which he organized and conducted for sailors was greatly appreciated, and led to the reformation of many lives. Through the love for the Word of God which this class was the means of creating in their hearts, a number learned to read the Bible for themselves. So in very many

ways he moved amongst the people as a friend with a heart and hand ever at their service.

On several occasions he was requested by the fishermen to preach special sermons, and readily acceded to their desire. At such times the fishermen wended their way to church in large numbers, and a custom was established of attending church en masse to hear a special discourse before they started out on their annual journeys to distant fishing-grounds.

These processions were of unusual interest, and presented a sight quaint and unique. The men were arrayed in blue trousers, with white braces over blue jerseys, and red woollen caps on their heads. On Queen Victoria's coronation day the fishermen marched to church carrying a banner inscribed 'Prepare to meet thy God.' Mr. Lyte preached a remarkable sermon from the words 'Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find,' and incidentally praised the men for their good behaviour during the festivities.

His ministry from the pulpit was very effectual, as the following instance will prove: A young lady of Brixham became convinced of her sin and great need of a Saviour on one occasion when he preached from the text' One thing thou lackest.' For some time she was in great distress about her soul, but eventually obtained peace of mind whilst in a Methodist society at Torquay. The interest which Mrs. Lyte took in the spiritual welfare of the people is revealed in the correspondence which she entered into with the young lady above referred to. When she found that the seeker had found the Saviour, and was in happy fellowship with Christian people, she wrote: 'I can truly say it rejoiced my heart and refreshed my spirit to find your soul prospering. Surely you enjoy the liberty wherewith Christ has made you free. The rich gift of faith is indeed abundantly imparted to you, and you find it a balm for every wound, a cordial for every fear. What reason have you for gratitude! Your friends glorify the grace of God on your account, and bless a merciful and covenant-keeping God, who has shown forth His love to you in bringing you out of darkness into light. All things are yours that are needful, and blessed be the Lord for His truth's