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132 of the Peace, against Young's personal character, adding that this was only a specimen, as he had taken many more of a similar description.

The Bishop of London and Hannah's other friends were infinitely shocked at this attack, and she knew this affidavit to be that of a weak-minded lad whom she had often assisted. She wrote to Sir Abraham Elton, of Clevedon Court, who was at once a clergyman and magistrate, and who was much better known to Bere than to herself. His investigation completely cleared the master, and the return of the ladies was prosperous. The Dean of Wells had become their friend, and gave them warm support at Wedmore, and Sir Abraham, at the Shipham Festival, before twelve clergymen, preached a sermon which had a great effect. Indeed, as Mr. Bere was threatening the Misses More with penal statutes, Sir Abraham returned the compliment by showing him to what he had rendered himself liable by his open defiance of the doctrines of the Church. His championship turned public opinion for the most part in their favour; but at Yatton the opposition was so determined that the school had to be removed to Chew Magna, "populous, ignorant, and wicked."

Unfortunately, the rector, Dr. Crossman, instead of coming to inquire in person, sent for his curate to explain, and, by the advice of Bishop Moss, Hannah More gave up the school. She was, perhaps partly