[from Memoirs of Bishop Hildesley]

LETTER LX,

From the Rev. PHILIP MOORE.

My Lord, Douglas, March 12, 1768.

I would. tell you, if I could, how very much I am obliged to your lordship for your more than fraternal kindness to me, at all times ; but more especially for that which you have so amply shewn upon the late melancholy occasion.

Your goodness quite confounds me, so that I want words to express my gratitude. I could not speak to your lordship and Mrs. Hildesley, when I came away. My heart was too full ; nor had I rest, till I gave it vent upon the road : after which I was something more composed, and pursued my journey, musing on many things *, and ruminating on past times and events, as well as extending my views towards and upon things to come. I got home very well, a little after two; and though every body was glad enough to see me, yet, - I was far from glad myself. The dismal blank, the vacuum I find here, strikes a damp on the spirits, that is very depressing ! But, come ; I shall endeavour to avail myseif of those consolations which I still enjoy, through the divine beneficence, and your lordship’s friendship.

Let me conclude, with my most grateful thanks for such unexampled kindness to your most obedient, most obliged humble servant,

P., MOORE.

* See, read, and weigh, equally with its sublimity, importance and pathos, that very animated passage of the apocryphal Book of Wisdom, chap. ix. The above quotation is from the 15th verse ; most suitably applicable to Mr Moore, the judicious mourner .