GILBY. 281 " officers with the same. Concerning that evil man, Sir " William Radish, I engage to have him called as soon as " I can, to answer his doings and such sayings as " Touching the person of Stretton, I will do that which " lieth in me to displace, for the which I have given charge " divers times to mine officers. I would not have my " brother Dawberry to do any thing touching the same ; for " the matter will not pass through at Lichfield. I will then " send youword, and use your counsel. And thus omitting " all other matters, till we shall have occasion to meet " together, I commit you and good Mrs. Gilby (whose " health and happiness I wish) to the goodness of Almighty " God ; this 12 day of Nov. 1565. At Eccleshall-castle. " Your loving friend and brother in Christ, " THOMAS COVEN. andLICHFIELD." The above letter, justly deemed a curiosity, shews at once the great intimacy and familiarity which subsisted betwixt Mr. Gilby and thebishop, and the high esteem and respectin which our divine washeld by his learned diocesan. Mr. Gilby was a celebrated scholar, and a most profound and pious divine, and admirably qualified for the transla- tion of the holy scriptures. The famous Dr. Lawrence Humphrey, with whom he held a frequent correspondence, had the highest opinion of him. Several of the doctor's lettersto Mr. Gilby are nowbefore me, one of which, though very short, it will be proper here to insert ; which is as follows " To his worshipful and good friend Mr. Ant. Gilby. " Salutation in Christ Jesus. Albeit your days are evil " and your time short ; yet I pray you be occupied in the " gift which God has betowed upon you, in translating the " prophets, and conjoin somewhat also out of the Rabbins " or Chaldee Paraphrast, that maybe a testimony of your " industry, and an help for your son. We must do what we " may, and what wecannot must leave to God. The Lord " be merciful to us. Commend me to your good wife. " Oxon. March 5. " Yours in the Lord, " LAWRENCE HUMPHREY." This) letter appears to have been addressed to our divine towards the close of life, but there is no particular year Baker's MS. Collec. vol. mail. p. 431.
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