To Richard Ellison, informing him of the death of his father from the effects of a fall from his horse while drunk. The funeral sermon was delivered by John Wesley.
Ellison is reproved very sharply for his mistreatment of Nancy and her children. Wesley accuses him of working her too hard during her pregnancy, and keeping her short of food 'for I have better intelligence of these matters … than you are aware of'. He is also addicted to strong drink and gambling. Ellison must reform his ways if he is to avoid the miserable fate of his father.