ANCIENT HISTORY OF KIRKBY-MOORSIDE. 103 



the doctrines of the gospel to people of meaner un- 

 derstandings. It is a sort of derogation in their 

 opinion, to comply with the rules of Christianity ; 

 and they reckon that man possessed of a narrow ge- 

 nius, who studies to be good. What a pity that 

 the Holy Writings are not made the criterion of true 

 judgment ; or that any person should pass for a 

 fine gentleman in this world, but he that appears 

 solicitous about his happiness in the next. 



I am forsaken by all my acquaintances ; utterly 

 neglected by the friends of my bosom, and the de- 

 pendents on my bounty ; but no matter ! lam not 

 fit to con verse with the former, and have no abilities 

 to serve the latter. Let me not, however, be for- 

 saken by the good. Favour me with a visit as soon 

 as possible. Writing to you gives me some ease ; 

 especially on a subject I could talk of for ever. 



I am of opinion, this is the last visit I shall ever 

 solicit from you ; my distemper is powerful ; come 

 and pray for the departing spirit of the poor un- 

 happy 



" BUCKINGHAM?'* 



* After having read Lord Arran's letter, some have 

 doubted the authenticity of this ; but when we consider 

 the Duke's grc^t talents, how much he had been accus- 

 tomed to write, and his comparative strength of body and 

 mind, nearly to his last moments, our doubts will be ob- 

 viated ; for though he was speechless the last day of his 

 existence, that would perhaps make no difference in his 

 bodily strength ; and in the prospect of eternity, and 

 terrified at the approach of death, his ideas would flow 

 as fast as his pen could record them. I see, therefore, no 

 reason to doubt this letter being the production of the 

 Duke's own pen, and the contents of it expressive of the 

 powerful feelings of his heart. 



Q 



