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III.} The wages of both these labourers, therefore, supposing

them to have been constantly employed, were much superior to

those of the curate. The wages of the master mason, supposing him

to have been without employment one-third of the year, would have

fully equalled them. By the 12th of Queen Anne, c. 12. it is

declared, "That whereas, for want of sufficient maintenance and

encouragement to curates, the cures have, in several places, been

meanly supplied, the bishop is, therefore, empowered to appoint,

by writing under his hand and seal, a sufficient certain stipend

or allowance, not exceeding fifty, and not less than twenty

pounds a-year". Forty pounds a-year is reckoned at present very

good pay for a curate; and, notwithstanding this act of

parliament, there are many curacies under twenty pounds a-year.