[From Letters of Bishop Hildesley]

Letter LXLIV

Bishopscourt, April, 6, 1772.

Dear Sir,—You will give me leave to join my tribute of praise and thanksgiving to Heaven with yours for the successful completion of the great and noble work, which you have been long engaged in (162). I can say nothing at present about proper lessons till we come to some conclusion about the number of bibles to be printed. I think 1,500 of each will suffice for every applicant. Mr Sewel talks of 2,000, but till I know the mind of the Society I must hold my hand and my tongue. I would be loth to retard Mr Corrector (163) by desiring to see him here. I shall not, fail of recommending him to the Society. In the meantime I would desire you to let him have two guineas in his pocket, and leave Mr Ware to be paid for his board when he has done.

I am greatly obliged to Captain Norman for his kind offer to be troubled once more with me cross the Channel, but fear the 20th of June will be full late for him, and sooner it will not be convenient to me, So must take my chance with the generosity of the new commander of the Ester, with the already engaged interest of the sailing master.

If you have nothing material to detain you, we should be glad to see you at Bishopscourt.

M. SODOR & MANN,

(162)—The third yolume of the octavo Bible was not issued till 1775.

(163)—Kelly.