THOMAS KEN AND IZAAK WALTON 63 



y' eternall welfare of y^ flock, exceeded all 

 regarde for my owne temporall advantage, 

 being as truely conscious of my owne infirmitys, 

 as I am assured of your excellent abilitys, of 

 w^*" y^ diocese, even at your first appearance, 

 signally reaped y" fruits. God of his infinite 

 goodnesse keep us in his reverentiall love, and 

 make us wise for eternity. 

 " My Lord, 



" Your Lordshipp's most affectionate 

 Friend and B', 



" Tho. Ken, L. B. & W. 



"June 7, 1704." 



This letter was addressed to George Hooper, his 

 early and dearest friend, who was then Bishop of 

 St. Asaph — who after Bishop Kidder's death had 

 accepted Bath and Wells, at Ken's earnest request. 

 After his resignation of the bishopric to this old 

 friend, though age and sickness began to press 

 upon him heavily, he felt more tranquil and happy 

 than he had ever been since his deprivation. His 

 time was divided between Longleat, his old friends 

 at Winchester, and his nephew at Polshot or Salis- 

 bury. He had long since ceased to appear in 

 public life, but no murmur was ever heard from him. 



