From Mary Whittingham at Potten vicarage to Mary Fletcher in Madeley. The last time that Whittingham heard from Fletcher, she was concerned to read that her dear aunt had been unwell, but was pleased to read that she was recovering and able to get out again. Spiritual matters are discussed.
Whittingham has recently printed a thousand copies of her 'friendly address to persons on their recovery from sickness ... pray for me that I may be permitted to be made useful in this attempt.' Spiritual matters are further discussed.
This week they held a meeting in their house of pious clergymen from many miles around. They also had seven ladies in attendance, so they employed themselves in reading, singing and prayer in another room. There were two rooms full at dinner and in the evening there was a large congregation in their large church. 'We have now got some good music and singing, and at night while we supped in the parlour, we gave a supper to the band of singers and musicians in the kitchen, who afterwards played and sang several hymns, and then accompanied such of our friends who went into the town to sleep, all the way to the town playing as they went.'
Her husband Richard's employment of the young men 'in this way has had a good tendency, as it keeps them at home, and their habits are much altered for the better. One young man when first we came was drawn in, and is become a pious steady follower of Christ. The hymns are continued now without any interruption.' They have reason to believe that the congregation is increased and good being done. Spiritual matters are discussed.
Whittingham's son has kindly sent her Fletcher's picture, which he knows is a very welcome present. She has placed it in the best parlour. Her regards should be passed to Mary Tooth.
Her daughter Marianne has gone to Margate for sea air, which seems to benefit her. The liver complaint has been quite removed. Her nervous instability stems from bile in the stomach. Marianne needs a change of scene 'and the habits of our house do not suit her'