of austerity; nor was it forbidding and
intolerant, but sweet and gentle. Words of forgiveness were always on his
lips, and his hand was ever open to distress. He labored assiduously to
reform, wherever reform was needed, but, what rarely happens, without
alienating affection from the reformer. It was his constant study to
elevate the character of the clergy, and he ceased not to encourage among
them learning as well as piety. Into the Diocesan Seminary, which was
always the object of his most anxious care, he introduced some new
branches of study, such as agriculture, practical as well as theoretical,
and a general knowledge of the medical art. There was yet wanting to the
clergy of his diocese a common centre where they could meet for mutual
edification and instruction. To this purpose he devoted his own palace,
and founded there a Biblical Academy. The members of this Academy met once
a month in order to discuss together some subjects connected with the
Sacred Writings. None can be ignorant how powerfully such meetings
contribute to promote the study of the Scriptures, pulpit eloquence, and
the great science of theology. In order, moreover, to obviate the dangers
to which students were exposed, who, whilst they studied at the Seminary,
were not inmates, and enjoyed not the safeguards of its discipline, he
founded an institution called the "Convitto," where the poorer alumni were
boarded without charge.

Anxious also to provide for the comfort of the lowly poor, and to guard
against all wasting of their humble means, the good Prelate reformed the
hospital of Imola, and set over it the Sisters of Charity--that
incomparable Order which owes its existence to the most benevolent of men,
St. Vincent de Paul. Nor, in his higher state, did he forget his first
care--the orphan. An orphanage at Imola is due to his munificence. There
were no bounds to his liberality. At his own expense alone he repaired the
tomb of St. Cassien, and decorated the Chapel of Our Lady of Dolours in
the Church of the Servites.

When raised to the dignity of Cardinal, by Pope Gregory XVI., in December,
1840, Archbishop Mastai was already universally popular. The ovations of a
later period may have originated in political motives--may even have been
promoted by a political party; but the honors now spontaneously heaped
upon him were awarded to the man and the Christian pastor. Congratulations
in prose and in verse, illuminations, fireworks, demonstra