William Romaine, Blackfriars,  London, to a Mrs. T—, Brighthelmstone, Sussex, 17 May 1774.

My good friend

               I received your letter some time ago, & have been waiting to give you a more particular answer than I can at present.  I expected my church would have been shut up for ye summer, but as nothing is yet done, I could not longer delay to acknowledge ye receipt of yours, & to inform you, that if I have timely notice of the opening [of] ye chapple, I shall, God willing, come down & consecrate it.

               Indeed, Mrs T—[rest of name marked out], you have mercies of the upper, & nether springs, mercies wonderful, free, many, mercies personal, family mercies—I trust you may add to ye long, long catalogue everlasting mercies—O that you may be kept humble, or otherwise, you cannot be thankful.  May an abiding sense of your utter unworthiness be upon your heart—that your best friend—ye giver of all your mercies, dear dear ever dear Jesus may have all ye glory.  Thank him & give him his due, and you will experience his character—He giveth MORE grace.  Nothing stops ye current of his favors, but our stopping ye tribute of thanks: For then we weren’t fit to receive his favors. O remember this. And may you delight to live in the valley—which is always well watered & fruitful.  I commend you & yours, our dear Society, & Oathall hearers, to ye keeper of Israel.  You will be all safe, you will be all happy, if he keep you, & keep you humble.  Pray all of you for   

W.  Romaine

Blackfriars

May 17 1774

Text: Joseph Angus Collection, acc. no. Angus 168, Angus Library, Regent's Park College, Oxford.