in Episcopal orders-despite my letters patent. It will necessarily occasion a rupture and strife and scandal, where there ought to prevail union and co-operation and good report. Force me not to inhibit an intruder. Suffer me rather to welcome a beloved Brother.
Let us gird ourselves not for internecine strife-but to do battle with the common foe of God and man, who holds the 400,000,000 of China in such wretched bondage. I am most anxious to do all that in me lies to forward in this land the work of the C.M.S. in which I have taken such deep interest for so many years. But I may not falter and play the coward in the matter between us. I have a duty to perform and with God's help I shall not shrink from it. The C.M.S. will be unable to coerce me contrary to my sense of duty. I feel I have right and reason, the gospel and the church, upon my side. Let there, I pray you, be peace between us. Let the love and confidence of brotherhood prevail. Let us stand side by side like good soldiers in the enemy's land. Contention is worse than climate. Vexation of spirit is worse than Hongkong fever. If I fall in an effort to strengthen Christ's Church in China, the object is worthy of the sacrifice. But to be laid by, perhaps lowered into an early grave by contention with brethren whose sympathy and support I had always reckoned upon as one of my choicest consolations, would be indeed a melancholy termination, which I heartily pray--May the good Lord avert!
I have the honor to be, my Lord,
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
Your obedient faithful Servant,
Put RVistoria.
THE EARL OF CHICHESTER.