_To Mrs. M――――._
_Newcastle, March 13, 1763._
_Dear Mrs. M――――_,
IT hath given me concern, since I left town, that through bodily weakness, multiplicity of business, and pain of parting, I forgot to answer your request about your deceased son. If not too late, something like this may be inserted:
“Near this place lies interred, _William Middleditch_, aged twelve years, a desirable promising child; but an all-wise GOD thought proper to remove him ――――, 1762. His surviving parents desire to subscribe to the divine will, and to say, The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away: blessed be the name of the LORD.”
Ere long somebody will be writing an epitaph for our tombs. Change of place doth not change my sentiments. “Come, LORD JESUS, come quickly,” is the constant language of my heart. This leaves me thus far advanced towards _Scotland_, where just such a ship as I want awaits me. How good is JESUS! Fain would I sing,
LORD, obediently I go, Gladly leaving all below.
I am sorry to find by the papers that Mr. _B――――_ is taken up. To take no notice would be the best method. A prison or outward punishment is but a poor cure for enthusiasm, or a disordered understanding. It may increase but not extinguish such an _ignis fatuus_. LORD JESUS, give us all a right judgment in all things! Farewell. Brethren, pray for us. We have had pleasant seasons at _Everton_, _Leeds_, _Aberford_, _Kippax_, and here. Tender love to all that are so kind as to enquire after a worthless worm. That you may be so supplied as not to miss me one moment, is the earnest prayer of, dear Mrs. _M――――_,
Your sincere friend and ready servant in our common LORD,