Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 2.djvu/594

 590 SYNGE. which, at a proper age, he quitted for Oxford, where he took the degree of A. B.; but, on the death of his father, which took place soon after, he returned to his native country, and continued his studies in Trinity college. He soon obtained a small preferment in the diocese of Meath, of the value of 100l. a year, which he exchanged for the vicarage of Christchurch in Cork, of nearly the same value. This he held for upwards of twenty years, per forming the laborious duties of his cure with the most active zeal, for the most part without assistance. During this period he obtained several small additional preferments, increasing his annual income to near 400l. In the year 1699, an offer was made him on the part of the government, of the deanery of Derry, a dignity of double the value of his own preferments, which, however, he declined from motives of filial piety, his aged mother being unwilling to remove from a spot where she had passed so great a portion of her life. In 1703, he was elected proctor for the chapter of Cork, in the convocation then summoned; and soon after nominated by the crown to the deanery of St. Patrick's, Dublin. The chapter, however, refused to submit to this nomination, and main tained their own right of election, by choosing Dr. John Sterne, then chancellor of the cathedral; and the question being, after a full discussion, decided in their favour, a compromise took place, and Mr. Synge was appointed to the vacant chancellorship. In this new preferment, which included the cure of the populous parish of St. Werburgh, the worthy divine by no means relaxed from that diligent attention to his duties, which had previously characterised him, and speedily became a popular preacher. During this time he took his doctor's degree, and in 1713, was appointed proctor for the chapter.' Dr. Sterne being promoted to the see of Dromore, Dr. Synge succeeded him as vicar-general to the see of Dub lin; and in 1714, shortly after the accession of George I ., was made bishop o f Raphoe. His zealous attachment t o the principles o f the Revolution, and h i s exertions i n favour