you of our entire inclination to oblige you, we grant you, dear son, with all possible tenderness, Our Apostolical Benediction.

Given at Gastelgandolfo, in the Diocese of Albano, under the Fisherman's Ring, 10th Oct. 1770, and the sccoud Year of our Pontificate.

LETTER CLXXXVIII.

TO THE REV. F. JOHN BAPTISTE MARTINI, Of the Order of the Brother Minors Conventuals of St. Francis.

DEAR SON,

WE have just received, and with a great deal of pleasure, immediately after the first volume which you sent us, the second which has the History of Music for its subject. It recalls to our mind the friendship which formerly subsisted between us, as well as that probity, candour, and constancy with which you obey the rules of the Cloister; virtues, all of which you possess in an eminent degree.

But since you join to these subjects of encomium such a profound knowledge of Music, you

Vol. 11.

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may

may believe that what we think most flattering in your present, is, that this new production will display the acuteness of your judgment, the extent of your learning and genius in that department, and will put it frequently in our power, to praise in your person a man whom we sincerely love.

We wish to see so perfect and excellent a work very soon compleated, which will be a subject of new honour to you, and a means for the rest of mankind to search into the origin and progress of that charming art which the Church has solemnly dedicated to the celebration of divine mysteries.

In a word, we wish you to know, that our former good will towards you is always the same as you have frequently experienced in times past; and that we will let no opportunity slip of proving it to you by many and evident instances. We will endeavour to convince you more and more of our paternal love, which is always entirely devoted to you, and to give you a certain pledge of it, we grant you, with effusion of hearts our Apostolical Benediction.

Given at ROME, St. Mary Major, under the Fisherman's Ring, the 12th Jan. 1771, and the second Year of our Pontificate.

LETTER

LETTER CLXXXIX.

TO M. DE HAVERN,

Knight-Counsellor of the Supreme Council of War, and Gentleman of the Imperial Court.

DEAR SON,

WE received with the greatest pleasure, the medal you caused to be struck on the Marriage of our most dear Son in Jesus Christ, Prince Ferdinand Archduke of Austria, containing the portraits of his august family. This present at the same time, was a proof of your veneration for the House of Austria, and of your zeal and regard for us. For while you transmitted to us what must be a most pleasing object, considering the paternal love we bear to him, you have accompanied the gift with sentiments expressive of the highest attachment to us and the Holy See-sentiments which we answer with the paternal tenderness you so ardently desire; in proof of which, we affectionately grant you our Apostolical Benediction.

Given at St. Mary Major, under the Fisherman's Ring, 20th Nov. 1771, and the third Year of our Pontificate.

LETTER CXC.

TO M. MOLINE, ADVOCATE AT PARIS.

DEAR SON,

THE account of an universal Gallery, and our Portrait printed in Colours which you sent to us, have come safely to our hands. In testimony of our gratitude as well as our paternal love, we grant you our Apostolical Benediction, and likewise to all those who have contributed by their talents to perfect a work which does honour to the French nation.

ROME, the 12th Dec. 1773, the fifth Year of our Pontificate.

LETTER

LETTER CXCI.

TO M. MIGNONNEAU,

Commissary of the Body Guards of the King of France.

DEAR SON,

Health and Apostolical Benediction.

OUR most dear Son Francis Joachim de Bernis, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, when he presented to us a letter from you with the Medallic History of the House of Lorraine, and a Manuscript of Dom, Calmet, relative to that Collection, assured us of your sincere attachment to our person, and the testimony of it he has given, and in which we have the greatest confidence, gives us real pleasure.

You had yourself assured us before-hand of your attachment during your stay in this capital; and you could not have given us more sensible proofs of it, than by offering us the valuable and mag

nificent