[From Letters of Bishop Hildesley]

Letter XXXIII

April 2, 1764.

I returned yesterday evening about six from Lezayre, in as bad road as ever I passed that way; after having been twice in the desk, twice in the pulpit, and once at the font. What good I might do within side the church I cannot answer for; but what I did out of it, you will allow to be somewhat, in reconciling the vicar and his son's chastiser; and thereby preventing all further process at law. I made them shake hands, and promise not to revive the cause on either side. If I had done nothing else, the trouble of my journey is well paid. Alas! the trouble of all the duties I perform in the whole year, when put together, will weigh light in the balance!

My whole heart is upon Manks translations: A poor woman in this parish, upon her son's reading a chapter to her, cried out, with great exultation, "We have sat in darkness till now!" I don't know what the Manks word is for darkness.

I believe I shall prevail on Mr Curghey to undertake the Liturgy (58). I have circulated a letter to the clergy on this head ; and it would grieve me to the very soul, to find them slacken or cool in an affair, which, till it be zealously regarded, we shall scarce deserve the name of a Christian community. Even the Papists allow Scripture to some of their adherents; whilst we, Protestants, till now, had it not. What is said to the people from the desk is but a small portion, viz., such lessons only as occur on the Sundays, for Holidays have but few hearers. And what sort of Scripture! for as to the word of God, which some young readers dispense, I leave you to conceive, who know more of the matter than I do. Some, however, have been so ingenuous as to confess, "it was not true Scripture that they gave." I pray God to open the eyes, and enlarge the compassion of the Christian ministry, in this part of what is called "Christ's Church Established!" I think the portions of Liturgy that are done should be sent in hither ; and I could heartily wish, and do heartily pray, that every parish minister would proceed in earnest with his Remarks on the Gospels and Acts already printed ; for till that is done, the liturgy, I doubt, will be retarded. Hoc age, fideliter! should, I think, have been inscribed on the first blank leaf. I told my register to-day, that I thougtht all the ecclesiastical business should stop, and give way to this ; and were I to suffer ever so much on that account, I should glory in my suffering.

But, why do I say this to you, who are with me in heart! and mind ? It should be said rather to those, who are indifferent, in their great Master's cause. The whole is in the hands of the Great Ruler of hearts; and if, for our sins, He does not choose or think good to move them; or if it be because their president in spirituals, who presumed to accept the promise, is unworthy of it, or unequal to it; we may still be sure of one proposition, "The Lord is righteous, etc.," Exod. ix., 27.

Somebody, I know, told me that "I spend my breath," to little purpose, she left me to supply ; and I know one, that talks of "wearing' myself out." But, pray, won't the attorneys wear themselves out too? Each of whom, I dare say, spends more breath than you or I, within the year.

I have scarce room left to add a material article; to tell you, I think my sister gains ground, if that can be said, whilst confined to her chamber. Blessing, and love, and everything you wish, from

Mark Sodor & Man.

(58)—He actually only did part, of it. The other part being translated by Vicar-General Radcliffe.