_To the Hon. and Rev. Mr. S――――y._
_Bath, December 8, 1767._
_Reverend and very dear Sir_,
HOW glad was I to hear by the _London Shunamite_, that you and your Lady were well; that GOD had given you a son; that you reflected on your preaching at _Tottenham-Court_ chapel with pleasure; that you had gotten a curate; and, to compleat all, that you intended to visit _England_ next spring. This news rejoiced me before I left town, and was most grateful to our good Lady _H――――n_, whom I have the honour of waiting upon at this time in _Bath_. She hath been sick, nigh unto death, but through mercy is now somewhat recovered, though as yet unable to write much. This her Ladyship much regrets on your account; and therefore enjoins me to inform your whole self, that your letter did not reach her hands till many weeks after the proper time; that ever since she hath been visited with lingering sickness, but begs you will not linger in coming over to our _Macedonia_ to help us. The thought of it seems to refresh her heaven-born soul. Blessed be GOD, her Ladyship still takes the lead. She is now doing honour to the remains of the Earl of _B――――n_, who sweetly slept in JESUS last week. His corpse lies deposited in her Ladyship’s chapel, and is not to be removed till next _Friday_ morning. There have been public prayers and preaching twice every day. The noble relatives constantly attend, and all is more than solemn. Great numbers of all ranks croud to see and hear; I trust many will also feel. The deceased Earl died like the patriarch _Jacob_; he laid his hands on, and blessed his children, assured them of his personal interest in JESUS, called most gloriously on the Holy Ghost; cried, Happy! happy! as long as he could speak, and then――You know what followed. I know how you and yours will improve this imperfect account, and therefore hasten to subscribe myself, dear and honoured friends,
Yours, &c. &c. &c.