DIVINITY AND DIVINES. OUR LADY OF CARDIGAN. Previously to the dissolution of monasteries in England, by king Henry the Eight, there was at Cardigan, an image of the Virgin, which was much resorted to by pilgrims, even from distant parts, and produced very considerable revenues to the Church. Tradition asserted that it had been discovered swimming in the river Teivi, with a lighted wax taper in its hand; that after its removal, this taper burnt for several years without any dimunition of its substance, but that on some persons committing perjury in swearing upon it, it was suddenly extinguished, and never burnt afterwards. Hence it became esteemed an invaluable relic, and, as such, was declared by the monks entitled to receive adoration. The dissolution of monasteries, of course put an end to its influence: and the first information was laid against it, by Dr. William Barton, bishop of St. Davids, who at that time professed the principles of protestantism, but who a few years afterwards recanted and again became a catholic. The following is a copy of his curious letter, and of the consequent examinations respecting the tapers of the prior and vicar. In Barlow's letter he earnestly requests to have the see of his bishopric removed to Caermarthen. The year in which the letter was written is not inserted, but there is reason to 66 suppose it was. 1537. "After my right humble "commendations, the benevolent goodness of your lordship toward me appeareth, both by your lordships letters, and by relacion of M. "Dort, Barnes concernynge soch somes of moneye as I am yndebted to the kynges high"nes favourably to be respited, though I cannot "in this, nor in other your manyfold benefits, condignly make recompensation, yet, the little "that I maye to the utmost of my pore possibilitye, my unfayned endeavours shail not "fayle faythefully to performe. Concernynge "your lordships letres addressed for the taper "of Haverford West, ere the receyte of them, I "had done reformacion, and openly detested "the abuse thereof; all parties which before 66 |