From Miss J. Acton in Ludlow, Shropshire to Mary Tooth. Acton has long wished to write a few lines, but because of her many difficulties and temptations, thought it best not to add to Tooth's.
Tooth's loss [possible reference to Mary Fletcher who died in September 1815] is certainly a grievous one, but at the same time she rejoices that Tooth's 'dear friend was delivered from a great burden, which she had long sustained with sweet resignation to the Divine Master'. She is thankful that she was granted the opportunity to meet with [Fletcher] and is sure that it was a great blessing 'for she prayed for me and gave me some instructions which were prophetic. I found her words verified in my coming to Ludlow…I had to face some of my relations who think like hers that I degraded myself by joining the Methodists [but] their opinion and their favour will soon be nothing to me but what I am seeking will endure forever…'. Spiritual matters are further discussed in detail.
If Tooth ever visits Ludlow, Acton would be honoured to offer a place to stay.
Dr Timperley who will deliver this letter, can tell Tooth better than Acton about the state of the Ludlow Methodist [Society]. Timperley's wife is Acton's class leader.
The bank failing at Bridgnorth has meant that Acton has not been able to do as much as she would have wished. She would be very obliged if Tooth could send to Elizabeth Evans, whom Acton introduced to Tooth as a relation and tell her that Acton wrote to her on the same day that Evans's letter was received and that she will pay Evans's rent for her as soon as Acton's money arrives. Tooth should also urge Evans to serve the Lord with more diligence.
Acton's best wishes should be passed on to Mrs Carter and anybody else who makes enquiries after her.