In conclusion, I will but express how much consolation it affords my mind to think that the “burden and heat” of this trial, fall upon one so eminently fitted, as I believe, to bear them. In spite of all the sorrow which one cannot but feel that at his time of life when there should be the rest and repose which in less trying times, and to less true soldiers “should accompany old age,” he should be called upon still to stand in the battle’s front, and bear its fiercest shock; in spite I say of this sorrow, there yet comes over me a lightening of heart and soul when I think this trial has not fallen upon one less equal to the emergency; less clear-sighted to see the line of duty; less bold to do it. If the burden indeed be heavy to any one of us; Oh! how much more, to him! And yet it is not merely a pleasure and a comfort, but a source of the most heartfelt thankfulness that the present Bishop of Exeter is what he is. If we are in doubt, yet he may have no cloud upon his mind. If we almost fail and faint, yet he is one to rally us. If we know not how to take or interpret the signs of the times, and question what is the path of duty, yet is he one most able to enlighten and to guide us: most fitted (who in our time so much?) to “render a reason” for what he does, or advises should be done, and so render it, as to p. 22attach the faithful; confirm the wavering; and confound the gainsayers. I could almost weep for grief to think of the harassings and care of heart which he must undergo all these days; but for joy also that I believe they fall in God’s providence, upon a prelate, than whom the English Church has had none, since Laud, of a greater heart, to do or suffer all that may be needful in her cause. Whilst then in these days of rebuke and blasphemy we pray for all, let it be doubly for him, that he may see his way clearly in order to guide us also; that a double portion of that great Archbishop’s Spirit may rest upon him, both for his own comfort, and the benefit of God’s people; and that even if his very mantle should descend upon him, (there are other martyrdoms than those of the scaffold or the stake;) he may “be strengthened continually with might in the inner man,” and we may have grace, to endure to see him wear it. Believe me, my dear Maskell, Always affectionately yours, MAYOW WYNELL MAYOW. Market Lavington, Wilts. March 5th, 1850. C. WHITTINGHAM, CHISWICK. FOOTNOTES. [8] I say here and in the whole of this letter, “about to do;” and “expected Decision,” because even if the judgement be now given, at the Time I am writing, I have not seen it or heard what it is.