Abraham Booth, London, to Robert Harness, Bridlington, Yorkshire, 11 September 1804.

Dear Sir,

         The church in Eagle Street, London, have now a young Minister preaching approbationally; but I have lately heard of a Church in Shropshire, which wants a Pastor, & I suppose is now in want of a Supply. The People to whom I refer are at Brosely in Shropshire; & separated, from some time ago, from the Baptist Church which had long been in that Town, on account of their disagreeing about their minister’s moral character.

         Now, Sir, as I cannot recommend you to them, for want of an acquaintance with your character as a Christian, & your abilities as a Minister; so neither can I recommend the Church at Brosely to you, for want of knowing the character of its Members. I can only inform you, on the ground of what I have heard, that they seem to be able to support a Minister, & ^that^ they are in want of one. If, therefore, any Baptist Minister in your neighbourhood, by your desire, think proper to recommend you to the foresaid Church, he may do it without mentioning my name; & address his Letter to Mr. G. Crompton, Shopkeeper, Brosely, Shropshire. Sincerely praying that the Lord may direct & bless you, I remain,

                     dear Sir,

                                 your cordial Friend,

                                             A. Booth

London, 11 Sep. 1804.

Address: Mr. Harness, | Baptist Minister, | Bridlington, | Yorkshire.

Postmark: illegible

Text: Isaac Mann Collection, Beinecke Library, Yale, OSB MSS 46, Box 1, folder 3. Robert Harness (c. 1773-1849) ministered at Darlington, Durham, from 1795-1846. Bridlington, located about 80 miles to the east of Darlington, is not known to have been a location for Harness’s ministry.