Chapter XCIV: Letter XCII: To Mrs. H

June 17, 1779.

DEAR MADAM,

YOUR son, who is a welcome visitor wherever he comes, made himself more welcome to me by the kind proof of your regard he brought in his hands.--Souls like yours, who delight in giving pleasure, enjoy a heaven on earth; for I am convinced that the disposition of the mind in a great measure forms either the heaven or hell in both worlds.--I rejoice sincerely at the happiness of Mrs. W----, and may their happiness increase with family and trade!--and may you both enjoy the heartfelt delight of seeing your children’s children walking in the track of grace!--I have, to my shame be it spoken, intended writing to you for these twelve months past--but in truth I was deterred through a fear of giving pain: our history has had little in it but cares and anxieties--which (as it is the well-experienced lot of mortality) we struggle with it, with religion on one hand, and hope on the other.

Mr. W----, whose looks and address bespeak a good heart and good sense, called on me.--I will not say how much I was pleased--pray make my kindest respects to your good partner, and tell him, I think I have a right to trouble him with my musical nonsense.--I wish it better for my own sake--bad as it is, I know he will not despise it, because he has more good-nature:--I hear a good report of Mr. S----, and that his humanity has received the thanks of a community in a public manner.--May he! and you! and all I love, enjoy the blissful feelings of large humanity!--There is a plaudit--as much superior to man’s as heaven is above earth! Great God, in thy mercy and unbounded goodness, grant that even I may rejoice through eternity with those I have respected and esteemed here!--Mrs. Sancho joins me in love to yourself and Mr. H----. Your son Jacob is the delight of my girls--whenever he calls on us, the work is flung by, and the mouths all distended with laughter: he is a vile romp with children.--I am, dear Madam, with true esteem and respect,

Your obliged servant,

I. SANCHO.