tire you as much with talking of our play, as we shall tire some of our honest neighbours with acting it. It is therefore time I should conclude with telling you, that I am, so far as may comport with the dignity of my Imperial Majesty,

Your most humble Servant,

SULTAN BAJAZET.

P.S. My humble service to all my friends. But do not show this letter to any body, especially not to your father or mother; for they will say I am a wicked parson, or rather priestling.

REVEREND SIR,

TO MR. CLARK.

Kibworth, 1722.

I HAVE now the pleasure of informing you that Mr. Jennings and the family are, through the mercy of God, perfectly well, which they have not before been a considerable while. He and his lady are gone over to Hinckley, and the congregation there are to receive a determinate answer before he comes back. I do not question but that he will accept the invitation; but I cannot think it will be much to the advantage of his pupils; especially as to one! I must confess myself not fond of the change, because I am here well accommodated with a dainty, handsome chamber to myself, which is a convenience I

can hardly expect there. However, I am so public spirited as to be willing to sacrifice this to the benefit of the family, at least to the good of the church; which is the matter which ought to be, and to be sure has been, most considered in the affair.

The people at Kibworth are very deeply concerned for the loss of so good a pastor; but, as he has conducted the whole affair with the utmost freedom and tenderness, and they are thoroughly convinced that he did not act upon any mercenary principle, they have all along behaved themselves with submission and good nature: and, though I have very carefully observed and inquired, I do not find that any one harsh insinuation, or unkind reflection, has been fastened upon Mr. Jennings ever since the business has been in agitation, though they have long thought it concluded against them.

I should be obliged to you, sir, if you would let me know how Mr. Downes goes on with his waterworks; I heartily wish him success, and indeed should do so, were you not a subscriber*. Pray give my humble service to him and all his family. I shall trouble you with a few days of my company when I come to London: that is upon the supposition that you approve of my coming, and as I shall hardly trouble you with another letter, I will now state that our vacation occurs sooner than ordinary, so that I suppose I shall be at St. Albans about the 11th of May. I believe I am horseman enough to ride up,

* Mr. Downes had a project to supersede the New River Company, by conducting a stream of water from St. Albans to London.

for I have been out several times with Mr. Jennings, when I have had an opportunity of borrowing a horse : and I think to wait upon my Lady Russell again next week, for I believe she leaves the country about the latter end of the month.

I am, Sir,

Your most obliged, and most humble Servant,

PHILIP DODDRIDGE,

TO MRS. NETTLETON, SEN.

DEAR MADAM,

you

April 18th, 1722. I MAKE bold to trouble you with a letter, to let know that in a few days I shall trouble you with my company. You have always been so good that I do not at all doubt but that I shall be welcome, and so will not utter one word more by way of apology. Yet I have more need of excuse than before, because I shall be with you longer, as Mr. Jennings has resolved upon going to Hinckley, where the house will require many preparations, and he has, therefore, prolonged the vacation for a fortnight. I cannot exactly fix the day of my coming to Hampstead, because I do not know how long I shall be detained at St. Albans; but expect to wait upon you toward the latter end of the Whitsuntide week, when I hope I shall have the pleasure of my brother's company for several days. I am glad to hear my sister has taken my advice, and drinks milk twice a day; I hope it will do her a

great deal of good, and that I shall have the pleasure of finding her in perfect health.

I have not been at my Lady Russell's since February, but I design to wait upon her next week. Sir Harry Houghton has lost his election for Lancashire; but, upon an examination of the books, has found so many false votes, that he talks of petitioning the House; and if he should not succeed in that way, it is probable he may come in for Preston, for the gentleman who is chosen for that place also represents a County, and as he was brought in by the interest of Sir Harry Houghton, it is not doubted but he will do his utmost to serve him. My Lady is rather annoyed at his disappointment, and, indeed, there is some reason; because, unless he gets into the House, he loses the commission for the forfeited estates, in which he has already been very serviceable, and which brings in about 1,000l. a year. Miss Russell carries it off with an air of gaiety. The report about her being married to a merchant is certainly false; for I heard my lady talk of a Scotch Earl, or Lord, but she was not too particular on that head. Sir Harry's sister is lately married to a rich merchant, and, I suppose, that might be the foundation of the report. Sir Harry received an estimate of the estates while I was at Maidwell, and I think it amounts to 60,000l. Pray give my service to my brother and sister, and all other friends.

I am, Dear Madam,

Your most obliged humble Servant,

P. DODDRIDGE.

P.S. Mrs. Clark tells me that her brother Daniel is so far gone in a consumption that they can hardly hope for his recovery. I do not know how soon I may go to heaven myself, for alas! Mr. Jennings is going to sell a most excellent cow, which has nourished me with large quantities of milk ever since I have been at Kibworth.

MY DEAR SIR,

TO MR. HUGHES.

Kibworth, 1722.

I RECEIVED your letter the very day I wrote my last, and delayed answering it in the hope of an opportunity of writing, without putting you to the charge of postage; but as I have not met with any, I could not content myself with putting it off any longer.

Whenever you favour me with a letter, I usually receive it with a satisfaction that I know not how to

express, but your last gave me a very sensible uneasiness; for I am so heartily in your interest, that I am mortified at the cruelty of your unknown enemies, who so insidiously endeavour to disturb your tranquillity at Findern.

It is, indeed, kind to give me such particular information-nay, it would not be fair to rob me of my half in your affliction. affliction. I wish I knew how to remedy the evil, even so far as to direct you to be upon your guard against any particular person, and thus avoid a future assault. It seems you suspect, in general, the powerful enemy behind the curtain, that has a shrewd hand at doing ill turns.