FROM THE REV. MR. SAUNDERS.

DEAR PHIL.

Bath, September 11, 1727. I PROMISED you a line from the bath, in which I can only tell you I got well here; that the waters agree well with me, and that I have the most agreeable conversation I could ever wish for; being in Mr. Stevenson's house, whose character you have heard, and having for a companion, that diligent inquirer after truth, Mr. Jefferies, to whose writings you are no stranger.

Now I only want to borrow thy noddle for the month or five weeks, I shall be here; and then, however it might fare with my body, I should be considerably improved in my mind. I have read both your answers to my queries to Mr. Stevenson and Mr. Jefferies, who applauded the performance, and congratulated me upon my happiness in having such a neighbour and correspondent. Now, merely by showing those letters, the persons who read them think I have some itch after truth; and so I build up my character, as a great many other people do, not from any real worth in myself, but from what I borrow from the worthy persons I correspond with; but, as I know of few others, who can better spare a little, to help to set me up, so I know of none, so willing to communicate to my necessity. I expect a line from you to let me know how you do, and all our friends in London, especially the good family where you are, and to whom I desire you would give my salutations, as also to my good friends Mr. Heal, Mr.

Wright, Mr. Jolly, and Mr. Jennings; and let me know when you shall be at home again—let me know what they are doing at Salters' Hall and at Mr. Reynolds's. Excuse all faults, and assure yourself that it is with pleasure I subscribe myself,

Dear Sir,

Yours very affectionately,

THOMAS SAUNDERS.

P. S. Mr. Stephenson and Mr. Jefferies send their service to you.

TO LADY RUSSELL.

October 28, 1727.

As good lady Russell is pleased to honour me with her correspondence, I think myself obliged to communicate to her any occurrences in this neighbourhood which seem to be attended with remarkable circumstances, and fall within the narrow limits of my intelligence. I am now, madam, going to inform you of a very surprising revolution which has happened at Nottingham, and which makes so much noise in the world, that it is highly probable your ladyship may have heard of it already; and, if you have, I hope you will pardon that officious care which proceeds from my profound respect.

But, perhaps you are impatient of this preamble which holds you so long in suspense, and would soon grow intolerable. Madam, you shall know

my story in a word. Mr. Hardy, the celebrated dissenting minister and tutor at Nottingham, has CONFORMED!

He has left behind him but few equals in learning, though many superiors in prudence and steadiness, so that we are really much concerned for his desertion; it is indeed, upon the whole, so far as I have been informed, the most considerable conquest which the Establishment has made upon us for several years; and it is the more remarkable, not only as he was a very celebrated scholar, and at the head of the dissenting interest in this neighbourhood, but as he was, by education, a bigoted churchman, and came over to us, I think, after he had begun to preach, against the entreaties of several friends, and the command of his father, who, though he had been very fond of him before, disinherited him for his nonconformity. Few men seemed to be better acquainted with the force of the controversy than himself; and he was remarkably esteemed and beloved by his people, and as much of a gentleman as any one of his brethren in the county, and yet he has now quitted his people, after having been settled amongst them more than twenty years, with some circumstances, not only of unkindness, but even of rudeness!

He never hinted his scruples to any one of his most intimate friends, not even to Mr. Whitelock his assistant, till one Saturday at night, the morning following it being their usual sacrament day, when he sent to him, to let him know, that he should not be with the society on that occasion, and that he

never intended to come amongst them any more. He went that day to church, and considered himself a most exact conformist. At his first coming in, he moved toward the altar with the greatest reverence; after which he addressed himself to his private devotion with the usual formality, and stood with his face towards the east, while the creed was recited, and bowed at the name of Jesus as often as it occurred.

The sentiments of the public upon this occasion, as usual, are very various. It is in general supposed by the Dissenters that he was influenced by the expectation of some preferment from his wife's uncle, who is a bishop in Ireland, whither they say he is going. For my part I know nothing so ill of the man, as to suppose that he would be determined by such vile regards; and to me it seems much more reasonable, as well as more charitable, to suppose that a conduct so extravagant in all its particulars may be the effect of a fit of apoplexy, which seized him some months ago, deprived him of his senses for some hours, and from which he seems not yet to be perfectly recovered.

My hearty respects wait upon Mrs. Scawen, and I heartily sympathize both with her and your ladyship in the affliction occasioned by the death of her daughter.

I am comforting myself with the hope of seeing you at Maidwell in a few weeks. And remain

Your Ladyship's most obliged

and most humble Servant,

PHILIP DODDRIDGE.

TO MR. CLARK.

REV. SIR,

October 30, 1727. THROUGH the care of Divine Providence I came safe to Bedford, about six hours after I left you, and to Harborough the next night, but apprehended myself in more danger within two miles of this place than I had been all the rest of my journey. The road was exceeding slippery, while in many places there were very deep holes, and the moon gave but a very imperfect light, so that my horse seemed to go in continual fear; and, though he was well shod, stumbled almost at every step, and pitched with his nose in the dirt two or three times. I desire to acknowledge the goodness of God in preserving me then, and in the variety of other dangers I have passed through, and in continuing me in perfect health at a time when so many are ill; and more of my acquaintance have been removed into eternity than I ever observed in so short a time. Three or four of my congregation died in my absence, and several others are now dangerously ill; however, through mercy, our family continues well, and I was received by them, and all my friends here, in a very obliging and endearing manner. The people at Kibworth urge me to be ordained amongst them, and assure me, that they shall not regard it as any obligation, to stay with them one month longer than I should otherwise have done. Last Monday I removed the remainder of my books from Burton,