From [St Peter's Square], Leeds. Her youngest daughter has been extremely ill with scarlet fever, but the Lord graciously supported Dickinson by placing these words into her mind "This sickness is not unto death but for the Glory of God". Dickinson has long been praying that her children might be brought closer to God - possibly this affliction might be a means to that end.
'She [her daughter] was deeply humbled on account of her unprofitableness and at having lived at so great a distance from God, her tears and prayers, together with the severe pain of body were truly affecting. She earnestly entreated the Lord if he was about to take her, to give her a comfortable assurance that it was to glory, after a little comfortable rest, cried out, Oh my dear mother what I have seen and heard. I have had a sight of glory. She said she wished to stay but was told it was not yet time…she heard the sweetest music, and was so encouraged that she wished to have slipped away, but it has pleased God to restore her to health…' Spiritual matters are discussed.
After the above, Dickinson was summoned to her daughter [Betsy] Jackson, whose child was dying at just a year old. 'After many painful struggles her husband [Peter] and herself were enabled to make a free sacrifice, when the Lord was pleased to take it to himself in a sweet way while a few friends were praying. Immediately after this I was called to my son Sam'ls, who have five children, one in decline and two in the measles. The last recovered, but the former, the oldest boy between eight and nine years old continued some weeks very ill, a patient sufferer and expressed to be happy after a night of severe affliction, he lifted up his hands and eyes and cried out, I come, I come, I will come, when he closed his eyes and spoke no more. I trust this dispensation will be profitable to his father and mother who are desirous of living more to God than ever they have yet done'.
Yesterday [Anne] Tripp underwent an operation on her eye, which she bore with great fortitude. She had a comfortable night and looks to do well. Dickinson would have answered Fletcher's letter before, but wanted to await the outcome of the surgery.
Dickinson's own health is tolerable, but feels that she is dying to worldly things and wants only to live closer to God.
She has pleaded with the overseer [of the poor] for Frances Taylor and he has agreed to pay her two shillings and six pence a week.
Dickinson's daughter Mrs Martin is pretty well.