Letter

Scope and Content

From Anne Tripp in [Leeds] to Mary Fletcher in Madeley. As the sun is now shining, which it has not been for many days, Tripp is taking the opportunity afforded by the better light to reply to Fletcher's most welcome letter, which was a great blessing to her soul. Spiritual matters are discussed in detail. She prays that the annual favour [gift of money] that Fletcher bestows on Tripp will be repaid a hundred fold in spiritual and temporal blessings. Fletcher's gift comes at a particularly good time as many payments need to be made. Trade in this area is very bad indeed, but the Lord knows what Tripp needs and supplies her wants. She is astonished by the fact that while many previously successful tradesmen have failed, Tripp continues to be helped through every difficulty.

Tripp's health is slowly deteriating for although she is not entirely confined to her house, she has less strength and struggles to cope with a little cold or exercise. 'I grow an old woman and eternity seems near. O may I stand with my starry pinnion on; dressed for the flight and ready to be gone.'

She was sorry to read that Fletcher's health worsened over the summer. Spiritual matters are discussed.

The lightning entered some houses in Leeds, including one very close by; no lives were lost, but some people were hurt. 'I was sorry to find from the papers that the cause you mentioned had been carried against those people in a higher court and think you was quite in the right, though it was a great additional expense to run no risks; the Methodist may well say with one of old "If the Lord had not been on our side, when man rose up against us, we had been swallowed up." ...'

Since Tripp last wrote, she has received a letter from [Elizabeth] Mortimer. She wrote that their son [Mortimer's step-son] had formed a matrimonial connection with Miss Barford - perhaps by this time, she is Fletcher's neighbour? Tripp prays that their union may be sanctified to each other and the people where their lot is cast.

She has heard that dear Mrs Marsden is still very ill and it is feared that the end is near. Miss Lucas is much better. Tripp thinks that [Eleanor] Dickenson is well and visiting her children.

Tripp hopes that dear [Mary] Tooth continues well and remains a blessing to Fletcher and to the people. Prissy sends her regards - she is now recovered from her late affliction.

She was very disturbed by the news last week that [William] Hey junior on his way back in the dark from visiting a patient at Bramley was thrown out of his gig and the wheel passed over his body. He was taken to an inn close to Burley, apparently near to death. He remains there but his condition has improved beyond expectation. It is hoped that he will soon be able to return home. Tripp was afraid that the worry might be too much for his dear father [William Hey senior], but though distressed, he has been greatly comforted by faith and prayer.