against magna charta, when the minister acted against common sense, I used to fret. Now, sir, let what will happen, I keep myself in temper. As I have no flattering hopes, so I banish all useless fears but as to the things of this world, I find myself in a condition beyond expectation; it being evident, from a late parliamentary inquiry, that I have as much ready money, as much in the funds, and as great a personal estate, as sir Robert Sutton *. If the translator of Homer find fault with this unheroic disposition, or (what I more fear) if the drapier of Ireland accuse the Englishman of want of spirit; I silence you both with one line out of your own Horace, Quid te exempta juvat spinis e pluribus una? for I take the whole to be so corrupted, that a cure in any part would but little avail. Yours, &c. * He was expelled the house of commons for being concerned in the charitable corporation, which lent money to poor people on pledges. See very ample accounts of the whole transaction in the periodical publications of 1732 and 1733 FROM SIR, FROM ALDERMAN BARBER. LONDON, AUG. 24, 1732. I WISH Dr. Delany had complied with your request sooner, in acquainting me with your intentions in favour of Mr. Pilkington. I could have been glad also, that he had acquainted you, as I desired him, with the particulars how I stood circumstantiated in relation to the chaplain; for I flatter myself that your usual good nature would have induced you to comply with my request, in writing a letter to me, in an authoritative way, in your recommendation of Mr. Pilkington; which would have given me a good excuse for my refusing a gentleman, whom my deputy and common councilmen had recommended to me above six months ago. Another accident happened in this affair, by the doctor's not receiving a letter I sent him, which, by mistake, came not to his hands (though at home) until many hours after my man had left it at his ledgings; which letter, had he seen in time, would have prevented some little difficulties I lie under in this affair, and which I must get over as well as I can. For, sir, when I reflect on the many obligations I have to you, which I shall ever acknowledge, I am glad of any occasion to show my gratitude; and do hereby, at your request, make Mr. Pilkington my chaplain, when mayor. I wish it may answer his expectations; for the profits are not above one hundred and twenty pounds, if so much, as I am told. told. He constantly dines with the mayor; but I am afraid cannot lie in the hall, the rooms being all of state. For your sake I will show him all the civilities I can. You will recommend him to Jo. (Dr. I mean) Trapp. The mayor's day is the 30th of October; so that he may take his own time. It would add very much to my felicity, if your health would permit you to come over in the spring, and see a pageant of your own making. Had you been here now, I am persuaded you would have put me to an additional expense, by having a rareeshow (or pageant) as of old, on the lord mayor's day. Mr. Pope and I were thinking to have a large machine carried through the city, with a printingpress, author, publishers, hawkers, devils, etc., and a satirical poem printed and thrown from the press to the mob, in publick view, but not to give offence; but your absence spoils that design. Pray God preserve you long, very long, for the good of your country, and the joy and satisfaction of your friends; among whom I take the liberty to subscribe myself, with great sincerity, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, J. BARBER. END OF THE TWELFTH VOLUME. M. Baldwin and son, Printers, New Bridge-street, London. |