Brewer's: Passing Rich

Goldsmith tells us in his Deserted Village, that the clergyman was “passing rich with 350.”

“A man he was to all the country dear, And passing rich with forty pounds a year.”Goldsmith: Deserted Village.

In Norway and Sweden the clergy are paid from 40 a year is the usual stipend of the working clergy. Of St. Yves it was said (1251-1303):-

“Il distribuait, avec une sainte profusion aux pauvres, les revenus de son benefice et ceux de fon patrimoine, qui étaient de 60 de rente, alors une sonime très notable, particulierement en Basse Bretagne.” —DomLobineau: Lives of the Saints of Great Britain.

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