Religion

Theologian and Spanish scholar (1800-1874). One page, 12mo. Text as follows: "This book seems quite unexceptionable, except the embellishments, which are but mean . . .I am glad you settled matters with Mr Campbell."

Divine, novelist, philologist and theological writer (1831-1903). He will get very great pleasure from being present at the laying of the foundation stone "of your new school" [in Taunton}. He goes on to describe the progress Harrow has made in science education ("All these changes are signs of the time". "I shall be very glad to have the honour of being present at the extension of a school so distinguished for efforts in this direction . . .". In a postscript he wonders if guest participation in a porcession involves "academical dress".

Divine and poet (1780-1825). Three pages, 4to, heavily water-stained but still all legible, tear and nick not affecting text. He tells her that he has at last got round to sending her a book (a postcript reveals that it was a "french Book" which his wife had promised ot loan a long time before). He had hoped she was going to visit. He discusses the parlous health of his son and his wife's "maternal anxiety". He had seen a mutual acquaintance, looking better, and hopes she received his letter of thanks for the drawings of the tesselated pavement she had given as a present to him,.

Lord Chancellor of England (1751-1838). 2 pp, 12mo. An interesting sidelight into ecclesiastical preferment. "Sir / The Living in Newport Pagnell in Buckinghamshire is that, to which I propose to present you, if you are disposed to accept it. Its Value, I am informed, but a Chancellor's Information is seldom correct, is about 280l a year - / It will require much of Residence, as the Parish is populous, & contains very numerous Inhabitants. The Duty must, therefore, be considerable - After what my excellent deceased Friend, Dr Parsons, Bp.

Dean of Norwich (1818-97), and writer on religious matters. One page, 12mo. Recto: "<...> "The Homes for the Widows and Unmarried "Daughters of deceased Clergymen," and its object is to provide gratuitously for such Ladies clea and quiet Lodgings in a respectable part of Londo. The Instin is struggling on with fair success, and since its commencement one or two new Lodging Houses have been affiliated under Miss Reid's (the Foundress's) superintendence; but the last year was, for causes over which <...>".

Poet and playwright (1800-1886). 8 (eight) pages, 8vo. He writes concerning a local (Bournemouth) religious controversy and "lay advowsons", giving considerable detail, expressing opinions, and requesting the Archbishop's opinion.

Bishop of Winchester (1741-1820). Secretarial hand followed by the signature "B. Winchester". The Government has asked him (and other bishops presumably) to ask the vicars in his diocese to obtain information about the "high price of provisions", the Clergy being thought "above the suspicion of being actuated by selfish & interested motives". He has passed on some questions (not present) to which he would like answers derived from enquiries in their parishes and neighbourhood.

Unitarian divine and philosopher. One page, 8vo. He alerts him that a consignment of Hymn Books had been sent to the "Maidstone Congregation", giving the binder's charge, and hoping they prove useful.

Bishop of Norwich. (1813) "The application of civil sanctions, of any kind, to religious opinion, has always appeared to me contrary to sound policy, to just reasoning, and to the revealed Word of God.". The Pope is his "Holy Brother". He says that he will vote for his correspondent's bill for Catholic Emancipation which is before Parliament. The abstract was before the Bishops. He wonders what view the Bench will take, says that not many Bishops will support him, and questions the timing.

Bishop of Oxford and theologian (1851-1911). One page, 8vo. He has enclosed a cheque as an instalment of his contribution to the Dr Pusey Memorial Fund.

Archbishop of Westminster and writer (1802-1865). One page, 8vo, laid down, page from an album, some staining but text clear. "Madam / I have the oleasure of hereby complying with your request. / Yours sincerely / N. Card. Wiseman / Mrs Brewster". The request must have been for an autograph. Suitable for framing. Mrs Brewster was an autograph-collector who was fed with autograph letters by her father-in-law, Sir David Brewster, natural philosopher (see DNB). On this occasion she has made the approach herself.

Bishop of Oxford, Dean of Christ Church, theologian (1851-1911). Two pages, 8vo, good condition. He thanks his correspondent for his letter "concerning Charlton Church". He will bring his proposal before the Governing Body, anticipating a meeting.

Tractarian (1804-1893). Two pages, 12mo, good condition. "I learn this morning that Mrs Keble's funeral will not take place till Friday - I shall hope therefore to be at the meeting tomorrow - If you have [?] one to take my place do not trouble to alter things again - I am [but?] a poor speaker - and should be of but little use to you but I am heartily friend of the Society ".