'J. C. PATTESON.'


On the ensuing day, Sunday, September 14, 1853, John Coleridge
Patteson received the Diaconate at the hands of the venerable Bishop
Phillpotts, in Exeter Cathedral. His being selected to read the
Gospel was the proof of his superiority in the examination--no
wonder, considering the two additional years that he had spent in
preparation, and the deep study and searchings of heart of the last
few months.

He was established in a small house at Alfington--the usual
habitation of the Curate. And of his first sermon there, his uncle,
Sir John Coleridge, gives the following touching description from his
diary:--

'October 23, 1853.--Yesterday morning Arthur and I went to Alfington
Church, to be present at Coley's first sermon. I don't know when I
have been so much delighted and affected. His manner of saying the
prayers was exceedingly good: his voice very sweet and musical;
without seeming loud, it was fully audible, and gave assurance of
more power if needed: his manner quite unaffected, but sweet and
devout. His sermon was a very sound and good one, beautifully
delivered; perhaps in the early parts, from the very sweetness of his
voice, and the very rapid delivery of his words, a little more
variety of intonation would have helped in conveying his meaning more
distinctly to those who formed the bulk of his congregation. But
when he came to personal parts this was not needed. He made a kind
allusion to me, very affecting to me; and when I was in this mood,