Edward Harwood, Bristol, to Mr. Becket, Bookseller, Strand, London, 23 September 1766.

Bristol Sep.r 23. 1766

Dear Sir,

         I snatch on opportunity by a private hand to desire to know whether you intend shortly to publish the second Edition of my Chearful thoughts on the happiness of a Religious Life and the Unacceptableness of a death-bed Repentance, as they are called for here, and the booksellers have no Copies.  I have finished my Introduction to the Study and Knowledge of the New Testament, except writing the Notes and Preface, and will send you up the MS when my learned friends have revised it.  I remember I sent you a little pamphlet entitled a Philosophical survey of nature for a model after which you were to print my Chearful Thoughts, I hope you have not lost it.  The Monthly reviewers have of late been scandalously used in our Bristol papers, and been called a set of Deists, and profligate scriblers by the Enthusiasts and Bigots here, from whose aspersions one of my friends have publickly vindicated them. One Evans a furious Athanasian is angry with the M. Reviewers for condemning his daughty performance, and calls heaven and hell to his aid. You’ll send me down, as you promised a few copies for presents when you have printed it. I am, Y.r sincere Friend

                                                         E. Harwood

Text: MS. Montagu d. 7, fol. 381-82, Bodleian Library, Oxford.