[Footnote 3: Among the papers of this lady were found, after her decease, several letters to her from her nephew, Edward Gibbon, the historian, and his friend Lord Sheffield, from which it would appear that the religious views of the former had, at least from the year 1788, undergone considerable change. From one of these interesting letters, shortly to be published, I have been kindly permitted to make the following extract:--"Whatever you may have been told of my opinions, I can assure you with truth, that I consider religion as the best guide of youth, and the best support of old age; that I firmly believe there is less real happiness in the business and pleasures of the world, than in the life which you have chosen of devotion and retirement."] [Footnote 4: William Law, in the _Appendix_ to the second edition of his _Appeal to all that Doubt or Disbelieve the Truths of the Gospel_, p. 314., 1756, mentions that among the papers of Newton (now in Trinity College, Cambridge) were found many autograph extracts from the _Works_ of Behmen. This is also confirmed in an unpublished letter, now before me, from Law to Dr. Cheyne in answer to his inquiries on this points. Law affirms that Newton derived his system of fundamental powers from Behmen; and that he avoided mentioning Behmen as the originator of his system, lest it should come into disrepute.] * * * * * INSCRIPTIONS ON BELLS. (Vol. vi., p. 554.; Vol. vii., pp. 454. 633.; Vol. viii., p. 108.) Himbleton, Worcestershire: 1. "Jesus be our GOD-speed. 1675." 2. "All prayse and glory be to GOD for ever. 1675." 3. "John Martin of Worcester, he made wee; Be it known to all that do wee see. 1675." 4. "All you that hear my roaring sound, Repent before you lie in ground. 1675." Hanley Castle, Worcestershire: 1. "Ring vs trve, We praise you. A.R. 1699." 2. "God prosper all our benefactors. A.R. 1699." 3. "God save yᵉ King. Abrᵃ Rudhall cast vs all. 1699." 4. "God save yᵉ King and yᵉ Chvrch. 1699." 5. "Abrᵃ Rudhall cast vs all. 1699." 6. "Jas. Badger, minister. Rd. Ross, Gorle Chetle, C. W. 1699." From the ten bells of St. Thomas's Church, Dudley (rebuilt 1816), the following are the most remarkable: 5. "William, Viscount Dudley and Ward; To doomsday may the name descend-- Dudley, and the poor man's friend."[5] 6. "Ring and bid thee cry Georgius Rex III., England, thy Sovereign's name. GOD save the King. T. Mean of London, 1818." Of the eight bells in St. Mary's Church, Kidderminster, the following are the inscriptions on the first five: 1. "When you us ring We'll sweetly sing. 1754." 2. "The gift of the Rt. Hon. Lord Foley. 1754." 3. "Fear GOD and honour the King. 1754." 4. "Peace and good neighbourhood. 1754." 5. "Prosperity to this parish and trade. 1754."