[From Letters of Bishop Hildesley]

Letter XIII

Bishops Court, Sept. 30, 1769

If the good people of Donglac think I have heen wanting in my good will for their service because I have not made them the sole object, of my attention ; they may please to be re minded that they are but a part, and, I hope I have considered them as a principal part of my charge. If I have solicited assistance for carrying forward a still larger scheme, for the general benefit of the Diocese in which I have the honour to preside in spiritual affairs, I hope I shall not stand chargeable with my neglect of duty or deficiency of kindness to individuals. If I shall be enabled, as if God prospers my application, I trust I shall, to enlarge the conveniences in the parish Church of Kk Braddan, for the more comodious and easy assembling, of the people, who frequent Divine service there :—I can't help supposing that even in that view, I shall approve myself a friend even to the Town of Douglas, or at least to sundry of the inhabitants. there. If some chance to think there is no occasion for enlargement of room in that church, there are others who differ from that opinion (19a) When I went for England I must readily acknowledge the advancement of contributions to Douglass Chapel was in my view; but upon finding the prospect opening wider, and persons I talked with, appearing more disposed to general good—I was glad to strike the nail that I found most capable of driving.

In answer to my Brother Moore's question when I propose to be on Southside to confirm ; he is hereby certified, that I fix either Friday 22 October or Tuesd. 26 for setting forward for Douglass: —if God permit. Which of the two he shall know in due time.

My tenderness to you, my friend, I wish doth not incline me to more remissness than is consistent with my duty with regard to the present unhappy situation of the people of your charge at Kk Bride.—I think the flagrant example of your substitute there calls for more attention and some method of redress than at present under consideration. The eyes of the public are upon us and must needs think the supervision of ecclesiastical affairs somewhat tardy in his notices of what his principal has convinced him is notoriously blameworthy in the person as yet authorised to officiate there.

This is a subject I know is grievous to you ; and so it ought to be to us both. Gentleness is an excellent quality in a judge, whenever it can be found of more use than the severe. It has been tried on the patient, that continues to give us trouble, without effect, more than once or twice,

Instead of writing per Corlett, I could have wished you had gone to your parish, before you left the north, when over here, to have enquired into its state and condition, under the unhappy guidance of their substitute pastor, but I did not mention it, as you had not provided for your chapel on Sunday :— You intended too, you say, to be there soon. It can't be too soon, their present circumstances considered, T have therefore thought good to send you an instrument, for providing, assistance in the present emergency, which You are at, liberty to apply or suppress, as you shall find it expedient: or necessary. If you can contrive your neighbouring Brethren to do without it, you have my consent, but I fancy you'll find too much occasion for it.

We must not think to enjoy our preferments without care and trouble - I know that neither you nor I do expect it. Therefore let us pluck up our spirits, or rather beg of God to assist us in the discharge of our respective duties which I subjoin my hearty amen.

M. S. MAN

My wife holds on her way of living without food — but sick or well my two she's with my self are Mr and Mrs Moore's affect. Servants.

(19a) Nothing Seems to have been done a Kirk Braddan this period. The gallery was added in 1737, and the tower re-built in 1777.