From Samuel Walter at Slaithwaite near Huddersfield to Mary Tooth at Madeley Vicarage. He was grateful for her last few lines and he would like to take this opportunity to assure his Madeley friends that he still remembers them and that he hopes that they are not forgetful of him.
Tooth will have heard of his affliction. It has been a blessed experience - many people speak of the blessings of health, but Walter reflects on the blessings of affliction. Spiritual matters are discussed. He has been wonderfully enabled to continue to preach every Sunday, although he has often been forced to retire to his bed immediately after.
He hopes that during his 23 years as a curate at Madeley, he was an instrument of good in a small way. It is such an honour to work for God and to serve his people.
He has been much engaged in supporting the work of the Bible Society in Huddersfield and the work prospers much. During the last five years, they have issued about 10,000 copies in an area that has a population of 90,000. In that time, they have formed two branches, two Ladies Bible Associations and '16 others'.
A few days ago, a neighbouring clergyman was 'almost suddenly called away by death'. He has often assisted Walter in his church and Walter therefore tried to 'improve the event last Sunday evening in a discourse from Revel[ation] 3 - "This servant shall serve him". I considered the character and the employment and enjoyments of the servants of God ...'
Mrs Walter continues very unwell.
In a postscript, Walter states that his doctor has diagnosed his condition as a "spasmodic affection on the lungs; the effect of cold and exertion". He has been bled frequently through the application of leeches and had blisters applied also. His breathing is much affected by any walking up even a gentle gredient. In September, he went to try the sea air at Liverpool, but did not feel any benefit.