I have read with the greatest pleasure your Boodschap van de Vogels enz. wh(ich) has appeared in the Standaerd van Vlaend(eren) but the object of my present letter is not to congratulate you on the success of this beautiful piece of poetry, but merely & simply to ask you to come & work with us here for the Salvation of Souls[1]
We have a very great want of zealous[2] priests: there are now at least 5 places where a priest is wanted, & where, I am sorry to say, souls are lost continually because non est qui frangat panem[3] I ask you because I trust that you would work with zeal on the great work of the Salvation of Souls, & that you speak the language very fluently.
Be kind enough then to recommend this matter in your frequent prayers; Confer about it with Mr. Faict[4] who, I know, will allow you as well as the Bishop as (lees of) Bruges, to come over to us.
If it were any inducement[5] to you I may add that p2our Bishop would allow you to live with us as third priest, or if what you call as onderpaster with a salary of 1000 fr. a year in addition to board & lodging & washing, & in addition to whatever intentions may be given to you.
Please to give my kind regards to Mr Faict, & send me an answer in a few days
Believe me