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The Manuscript 15
{and we were in} Residence there {in} June: 2 )
[preached at Houghton & Ryton;] & returned by way of Nottingham to
St James's about the middle of August. In September, I was with my
Family at Worcester, on a visit to Mrs Martin, my Wifes Aunt.
(Before) The {21st} (18th> ofthat Month, we got to Bath. There I left
my Family, {I believe in} (at the End of) October, & returned to St
James's. On Thursday, Dec. 19, I had a very unexpected notice by
Letter from Bp Gibson, that the King had pitched on me for Bishop of
Bristol. I had made no Application for it to any Person; as indeed I
never did for any thing, either before or afterwards. The Bishoprick of
Glocester had been vacant, by Bishop Sydals Death, ever since Dec.
1733. Dr Rundle had been proposed for it by the Lord Chancellor: but
Bp Gibson had op-
FOLIO 22 posed him, on Account of some improper Discourse on
1734-36 Abraham offering his Son; with which Mr Venn charged
him. The Chancellor was desired to name any one else: but
would not. The Bishoprick was offered first to Dr Benson, who declined
it, and declared against taking any: then to Dr Mawson, who seemed
willing at first, but afterwards refused. Then Bp Gibson, fearing that
some Person would be put in, whom he disliked, insisted, after I had
been named, that Dr Benson should take it: & he at last complied. 3 )[But
he first wrote a Letter to the Chancellor, to know, if he had any
Objection. He answered with great Civility, but refused to say any
thing, which might seem in Favour of Dr Rundles Adversary: meaning
Bp Gibson. Dec. 24 my Family returned from Bath, & Dr Benson
accepted.] But because Glocester had been offerd to him, before Bristol
was to me, it was thought proper, & I readily consented, that he should
be my Senior. Dr Fleming was about the same time, or somewhat
before, chosen Bishop of Carlisle: & we were all consecrated at
Lambeth, Jan. 19. 1734.. 5, & paid each of us 20 lx for the Dinner, as well
as each 20 11 for Servants Fees. 4 )[I paid Mr Powlett, Secretary to the Bp
of London 538-7-6, being his Bill for Instrumts & Fees for this
Bishoprick; I believe after making some Deductions from it. I reed abt
40 11 Dilapidations at Bristol: laid out abt 50: my Successor demanded
none, nor did his Successor, Dr Butler, though he laid out a great deal
on the House afterwards.] Dr Thomas, now Bishop of Winchester,
preached the Consecration Sermon, on Promise that he should not be
asked to print it, having printed one before. ABp Wake was not at
Chapel, but at Dinner; & scarce spoke a Word. 2 )[About this time, I do
not remember exactly when, on Lord Chancellors mentioning Dr Butler
to the Queen for one of the Kings Chaplains, she desired he might be
her Clerk of the Closet. It was perhaps about the same time, that,] 5 )[on
his telling me & my Wife & Mrs Talbot, how well he was in the