"The first is, that as your Lordship has undertaken the care of our souls, and in consequence of this trust, receives at least three hundred pounds per annum, we think ourselves fully authorised to believe, that this extraordinary duty, as your Lordship properly calls it, cannot be essentially necessary to our salvation; for, if it was so, it would, and must have been, a part of your Lordship's own duty, and consequently have rendered any extraordinary allowance unnecessary: And we think ourselves assured, that the other high offices which your Lordship sustains in the Christian Church could by no means divert you from duly executing the prior engagements made with us,—even though you had been obliged to employ a Deputy to share with you the honour of attempting our salvation.
"Nor, secondly, is it possible that these services referred to should be omitted, if they were really so absolutely necessary to prevent 'the eternal reproach and infamy in this world, and the next,' of us who are committed to your care.
Your Lordship, receiving 300l. per annum for watching over this flock, could never permit it to be involved in eternal infamy, when so small a boon (as your Lordship acknowledges) as 25l. per annum would prevent it. Far from us be such imaginary fears as these! The great Apostles, to whom your Lordship succeeds in an uninterrupted line, were inspired with such divine zeal to promote the salvation of men, that so far from their hesitating to part with twenty-five pounds out of three hundred pounds per annum, which is but 8l. 6s. 8d. per cent. deduction, they calmly received 'bonds and afflictions, neither counted they their lives dear unto themselves, so that they might finish their course with joy, and the ministry which they had received.' (Acts xx. 24, &c.) 'They gloried in having coveted no man's silver or gold' (neither for themselves nor their Curates); and were enabled to make this honourable appeal to their flock,—'Ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto our necessities, and to those who were with us.'
"For our part, therefore, we shall rest assured, that as 'the line of the Apostolic Succession is uninterrupted,' so also is the 'Apostolic Zeal;' and that, 'as the labourer is worthy of his hire,' so also is 'the hire worthy of a labourer;' and therefore we hope your Lordship will permit us to conclude, that when a wise, a learned, and
pious Minister of Christ receives the hire, he will conscientiously perform the labour, or cause it to be performed.
"Our dependance, therefore, on your Lordship's exact and devout views of this awful and responsible connection must necessarily calm every fear on our part concerning our own 'eternal infamy and reproach on this account;' for we are legally committed to your care, for the established outward means of grace;—and such means as are absolutely necessary for rendering your Lordship a good Shepherd, or us a well-fed flock, we are very confident we shall never want, whilst we have the pleasure of being under your spiritual guidance and instruction.
"We are, my Lord, your Lordship's
"Most respectful, affectionate,
"and obliged humble servants,
A B C D E F G."