From Anne Tripp in Leeds [postmark] to Mary Fletcher in Madeley. Fletcher's most welcome letter arrived safely; she was most grateful for this continued proof of Fletcher's affection in the face of Tripp's apparent ingratitude and neglect. Spiritual matters are discussed in detail.
Tripp recalls with gratitude and pleasure, the month that she spent last summer in Fletcher's company at Madeley. Her spirit is still relished by the experience of their meetings, conversations and times of prayer. Since her return, Tripp has felt more of her own weakness. Spiritual matters are discussed. She is very much in need of Fletcher's help and religious counsel.
They felt a great deal of sympathy for poor Mr [Melville] Horne - 'the prospect is truly discouraging ... and [unreadable word] the mighty power of faith to support the soul in such a situation, but I trust He that enabled him to make such a willing sacrifice of every earthly comfort, will strengthen him to endure the present hardships; by a divine consciousness, that he is in the will and order of God, and give him to see some fruit of his labour, either on the natives or the [Sierra Leone] colony.' It is inevitable that such an undertaking will be encompassed with great difficulty and that paitence will be required before the fruit appears. They look forward to Fletcher's next account being more encouraging. Horne's letters are a source of great profit and a blessing to almost all who read them.
About ten days ago, they received the parcel by the favour of Mr Foster, to whom they will be accountable for the money the next time that they see him, unless another opportunity for safe conveyance of the same presents itself.
They have lately had 'loud calls to prepare for eternity.' Many in this vicinity have died and not a few have been found dead in their beds. 'These things, with the awful situation of Europe in general, and our own nation also, all likely to be engaged in one flame of war, proclaim the need there is, for the children of God to "gird up the loins of their mind etc" ...'
Tripp's dear friend [Sarah Crosby] has been unwell for some months and has suffered a great deal from pain and general weakness. However, she is still enabled to meet most of her classes - 'the joy of the Lord is her strength'. It is a great comnfort to them that they are located so close to the preaching house, as otherwise, they could seldom attend.
They were pleased to hear that Mr Fariday has recovered. They regards should be passed to Mrs Yate, Mrs Michaelrite and Mr and Mrs Walters.
They should be remembered to that 'little select company. I meet you in spirit, and Sally [Lawrence] and Martha in particular'. Dear Miss Rhodes sends her love and says that she intends to reply to Fletcher's letter very soon. Tripp's paper is filled up and her strength is exhausted also.