In 1678 Purcell resigned his appointment of _Copyist_ at Westminster Abbey,[22] doubtless that he might devote more time to study and composition. In this year he produced the fine music for the masque in Shadwell's mutilation of Shakespeare's _Timon of Athens_. In 1679 Purcell does not appear to have composed music for the theatres, but that he was deeply engrossed in his favourite occupation appears from the following very curious letter, now printed for the first time:-- "This ffor Mr. John Gostling, Chaunter of yᵉ quire of Canterbury Cathedral. London yᵉ 8th of ffeb. 9/78. "Sir, I have reᵉᵈ yᵉ favor of yours of yᵉ 4th with yᵉ inclosed for my sonne Henry: I am sorry wee are like to be without you soe long as yours mentions: but 'tis very likely you may have a summons to appeare among us sooner than you imagine: for my sonne is composing wherin you will be chiefly concern'd. However, your occasions and tyes where you are must be considered and your conveniences ever complyde withall: in yᵉ meantime assure yourself I shall be carefull of your concern's heir by minding and refreshing our master's memory of his Gratious promis when there is occasion. My wife returns thanks for yᵉ compliment with her servis: and pray yᵉ give both our respects and humble services to Dr. Belk and his Lady, and beleeve ever that I am, Sir, your affectionate and humble servant, "T. PURCELL. "Dr. Perce is in toune but I have not seen him since. I have perform'd yᵉ compliments to Dr. Blow, Will Turner, etc. "F faut: and E lamy are preparing for you."[23] The Rev. John Gostling, M.A., to whom the letter is addressed, was at the time a Minor Canon of Canterbury Cathedral, and was celebrated for the quality and extraordinary compass of his bass voice. It was especially for him that most of the bass solos in Purcell's anthems were written. Evelyn, in his Diary (January 1685,) speaks of that "stupendous bass, Gosling" singing before his Majesty and the Duke. We learn from the above interesting letter that Thomas Purcell called Henry his _son_, and we can estimate his influence with his master, Charles the Second, by the successful way in which he evidently refreshed the king's memory; for only a few days after the letter was written the "Gratious promis" was fulfilled by appointing Gosling to the Chapel Royal. On the 25th of February, 9/78, Mr. John Gosling was sworn "Gentleman of his Maᵗᴵᵉˢ Chappel extraordinary," which means that his was a special or supernumerary appointment; but a vacancy in the regular staff of the Chapel occurred almost immediately, and we find the following entry in the cheque-book: "Mr. William Tucker, gent., of his Maᵗᴵᵉˢ Chappell Royal, departed this life the 28th day of February, 1678,[24] in whose place was admitted in ordinary Mr. John Gostling, a base from Canterbury, Master of Arts."