[From Letters of Bishop Hildesley]

Letter LXVII

Bishopscourt. Sunday night, January 17. 1768.

Expectation, it has been said, sometimes wards off half the blow (130). I believe I said something like it in a former letter, but I found not that effect to answer, when I received my good brother's fatal news to-day, for it affected me far more sensibly than you can imagine, or than I could have imagined myself, till it came. And yet how much sorer must be your affliction you feel on the occasion is more easy to suppose than conceive. And why should we not feel what must, naturally give us pain? and which I think very consistent, wiih patient submission, though I cannot say the same of "Repining", I can readily, however, believe and be persuaded, that you could not mean it in the sense, that term is generally understood to express.

You have a great number of friends to help to bear the burthen of your loss. That was a consolation, next to the sources of religion. I found great relief from, when under the like circumstances.

We know not what we can bear till we are tried. Time may take off the- pungency of the sorrow for the loss even of the dearest frienels ; and 'tis happy for survivors that God in His due time alleviates the sensibility of affliction : or this world would be great part of it a scene of constant woe.

To the protection and grace of the great and wise Parent of mankind. Who best knows how and when to dispose of us and our affairs, I most humbly commend you; and my sister joins in ardent prayer to Heaven for your comfort and support..

(130)—The death of Mrs Moore.