our present difficulties, moreover, strengthens the conclusion. For in the common order of
from any abbey or other religious house. I likewise promise for hereafter to hold them from the Church, under such reasonable fines and rents as shall be set down by some conscientious persons whom I propose to choose with all uprightness of heart to direct me in this particular. And I humbly beseech God, to accept of this my vow, and to bless me in the design I have now in hand, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Oxford, April 13, 1646.
This is a true copy of the King's vow, which was preserved thirteen years under ground by me, Gilbert Sheldon.
August 21. 1660.
Let it be observed that, by the civil list agreement, the nation are now in the enjoyment of all the lands and tithes, which were the subject of this vow; for the restoration was a season when unhappily such matters were little regarded; although Sheldon, by bringing forward the vow at the moment, seems to have hoped for better things. Let us remember the solemn words of God. (Malachi iii. 8, &c.) "Will a man rob God? yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse, for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house; and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough; and all nations shall call you blessed, for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts." And can we think that we should be poorer as a nation, for fulfilling, although thus tardily, the vow?
It is worth while to observe, that while at this moment (Jan. 1838,) Parliament is depriving the Isle of Man, of a bishopric, which has lasted thirteen hundred years, to augment the
