From Manx Soc vol IV,VII & IX

Letter of Bishop Levinze to Thomas Choldmondsley.*

A.D. 1688.

S Lambeth, June 28th, 1688.

HONRD SR,—I have beene imployd in ye visiting my Lord Canterbury’s diocese for him, else I had beene in your parts sooner, in order to my Voyage for my Island. I came back butt last night fro^m y^t imploy to Lambeth, & there I stay till tomorrow bee over to see w^t will become of ye Seven Champions of our Church, & then for Oxon. in a fortnight’s time I hope to wayte upon y^u att Valeroyall, & desire ye Salarys for ye Schoolmaster att Ramsy & ye preacher & Schoolm^r att Duglasse may bee ready for me to carry over wth mee, y^t so I may bee welcome to y^t poor people. Yu have always been a most generous patron to y^m, & I beseech y^u not now to forsake em, y^t so they may have all incouragemts to continue y^m firme to ye protestant church in this time of Tryall for I doubt n^t butt yu . have heard wee have a Seminary of Romish Priests and Jesuits sending over thither which necessitates my going over wth all ye speed I can to withstand their pceedings to my uttermost & I hope God will give such a blessing to my weake butt syncere indeavours, yt I shall preserve yt little nation from their corruptions, however I will doe my indeavours and leave ye event to God. My humble Service to y^r Selfe y^r excellent Lady & good Brother.

I am, with all imaginable respect,

S^r., y^r most humble Servt,

S B.S.M.

* Written on the eve of the trial of the seven bishops.