attached to a more scientific performance. The metrical Psalmody thus introduced, is still practised in our Parochial Churches.1

There are various benefactions for the encouragement of Psalmody. The formation and continuance of a regular Choir at Frome is particularly enjoined. The children of the school at Plumland are to be taught to sing Psalms,3-as are also the children of the parish of Bowness.* The Chanters of Handsworth,5 and of Leighton Busard, are specially considered. Mr. HAMMOND is liberal in his support of the Choir at Shiere,'-and Mr. HARRIS, with nicer ear, has given an additional sum to a select number of these melodious rustics.8

1

Brady's Clavis Calendaria, vol. i. p. 315.

LOANS.

In the infancy of Commerce and Manufactures it was an act of Charity, as well as of Public Spirit, to promote their extension by Loans to young and poor Traders. And, although a smile may be excited in the countenance of the affluent Merchants of the present day, at having it supposed that a Loan of 201. could be of any possible use for commercial purposes, yet it cannot be doubted but that it was of substantial benefit to many persons in early times. This mode of benevolence was adopted by Sir THOMAS WHITE, the munificent Founder of St. John's College, Oxford,―by that truly venerable Prelate Archbishop ABBOT,- by Mr. HENRY SMITH, and by many others of equal Philanthropy.1

But sums which, at a remote period, might have been considered of import

1

Bray's Collections relating to Henry Smith, p. 24.

ance, are in modern times of too little consequence to invite Candidates to borrow, especially where the terms and restrictions of the Loans are such, as are marked out by some of the donors."

The Corporation of Oxford have been frequently put to great expense in this class of Charities in the recovery of the money from the persons to whom it was lent, or their Sureties, and in obtaining new Securities in case one should drop before the time of repayment. No provision is made for these expenses, which, therefore, fall heavy upon the City, and when the sum to be lent out is under 257., the expense of the bonds is always defrayed by The Corporation. Although every precaution has been taken, several sums intended to be lent out have been lost long ago. This might naturally be expected with the smaller sums, from the needy condition of the persons, who would be glad to avail themselves of such trifling 2 Rep. vi. p. 148.

assistance. The larger Loans appear to be the best preserved, and are most serviceable to the borrowers. From the change in the value of money, the small Loans are not an object to any decent tradesman, but, if The Corporation had the power to consolidate the several Charities of this class, so as not to lend less sums than 50%. or 100l., it appears to The Commissioners, that the objects of the several Donors would be better answered, and the Charities become more valuable, and be less liable to loss.3

The experience of The Corporation of Bristol, in respect to the Loan monies under their management, according to the directions of the several benefactors, and the knowledge which they possess, as individuals, of the state and wants of the trading part of the City, support them also in the observation, that as to any sums under 50%. the inducement is not considerable enough to procure any ap3 Rep. vi. p. 400.

plications to be made, at least any such as can be admitted with safety and propriety. But that if they were authorized to lend sums out of all the Loan money promiscuously, of Fifty Pounds and upwards, according to their discretion, their Loan money charities would probably be found to operate much more beneficially for the trade of the City,-and it is probable, that in consequence of the investigation of The Commissioners, the Corporation will make application to the Court of Chancery, for liberty to employ that fund in this more beneficial manner.4

The residue, the munificent bequest of SAMUEL WILSON, Esq., which was expressly directed by his Will, dated the 27th of October, 1766, to be applied in Loans, exceeded 20,000l., and that sum was paid into The Chamber of London. A distinct account has always been kept of this money, which has been considered as vested in the Trustees specially apRep. VIII. p. 603.

4