Stept forward as a mediator between the parties. * That is a true saying of Scripture,'
said he, • " in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established," but,
how much more strongly ought it to be established in the mouth of a numerous body of
inen, and those so worthy of credit, that reason should permit no one to question their
testimony. We believe that a work of Divine power has been revealed in the body of
St. Cutlibert ; we believe, and for this my mouth speaks the praise of the Lord, and m^
ibul blesses his name. But seeing the evidence of this miracle is so strong, perhaps^ T
shall seem to be acting rashly, if I should require the incorruption of the holy body
manifested to f/ou, to be mamfestcd to tts also, and yet I ought to be considered neidier
rash nor doing that which is unnecessary : but because perfect charity casteth oill
fear, I presume, from my great afTection, to make a request, which I beg may be a]po*
Idgized for by charity. It is no small furtherance to my prayer, that there is a doubt
in the mind of our brother Abbot, which, if it be not removed by the testimony of
dthers, as well as of you, will appear to have given rise to just complaints against youf
and will make many entertain the same notion ; for, in my opinion, this his slownessT^
Ijelief proceeds from Divine Providence, that from that which you anticipate as tlie
cause of grave offence, there should arise, by the dispensation of God> « stiU gteatiA^
glory to this your church. For as soon as you have favourably attended to our re**



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quest, aad we ourselves have found that to be true, of which we had before oplyj^wd^
Uie calumny of gainsayers will the sooner cease, in proportion as an experiment shall
have corroborated your testimony and ours, and so much the more extensively wUl the
gloiyvof God in St. 