Yours very sincerely, GEORGE MORTIMER. TO THE REV. THOMAS MORTIMER. Yardley, June 20, 1826. My dear Brother, FROM what you must have perceived of the evident inclining of my mind while you were here, you will not be much surprised at the contents of the accompanying circular. I have long paused, and, I hope, deliberately weighed, as well as sincerely prayed, and now I must leave the result in the overruling hands of an all-wise and ever-gracious God. This I am thankful to state, that I am at present enabled to do, with a measure of calm and peaceful reliance, which I did not at all anticipate. TO THE INHABITANTS OF MADELEY. Yardley, June 19, 1826. My much-endeared Parishioners, WHEN I left Madeley, in consequence of the delicate state of my health, I had fully intended to have rejoined you in a few months. Various circumstances, however, induced me to accept the proposals made at different times by Mr. Gwyther, for lengthening the period of our exchange: and now that this period is nearly terminated, I regret to be under the necessity of stating, that I feel so strongly my total inadequacy to resume my wonted station among you, that I dare not venture upon it. My health has indeed, through the blessing of God, upon the diminution of my parochial duties, been considerably amended. It is the opinion, however, of all my more intimate friends, that, should I return to my charge, I shall in a few weeks sink under the pressure of those numerous parochial cares and duties which before so materially injured me. I have, therefore, felt constrained to resign my situation; and have just written to Mr. Burton, stating to him, that I shall vacate the Curacy at Michaelmas next. I have not mentioned to him anything respecting my successor, leaving a matter so materially affecting yourselves to your own superior judgment. I hope, however, that the principal inhabitants of the parish will lose no time in making a proper application to him; and from the repeated proofs which I have had of his kind feeling towards you, I have no doubt but that he will comply with any request which they may see fit to make to him. As to my own future movements I am altogether ignorant. I trust, however, that the same gracious GOD, who guided my steps among you, will still appoint for me my future path: and with regard to yourselves, a people who will never cease to be remembered by me with feelings of the strongest affection, I do most sincerely pray that a pastor may be given to you who shall, in all respects, answer your most sanguine wishes: and thus supply my own numerous and often-lamented deficiencies. Believe me to remain, Your very affectionate though unworthy Minister,