Hugh Evans, Bristol, to John Rippon, Sr, Tiverton, 7 June 1769.

Bristol June 7th 1769

Dear Sir

         I recd your’s of the 23d of May. I have been at a loss what answer to give also shd have wrote sooner.

         The people you know are mostly poor. They may promise and intend to perform, what they may not be able to do. I never thought, considering your family that you could be comfortable there, without some business, and, you know, I always propos’d that. As there seems to be no proper opening for that, I dare not encourage leaving a certainty for an uncertainty. – For tho’ we shd trust proficence, yet doubtless it shd be in the way of Duty and use of means, else it would be tempting and not trusting it. Could you be on an equal foot at Bradford as at Tiverton for the Support of your family, I shd say, go. – But as you are useful where you are and have a trade that supports your famiy, wch you must quit, if you go to Bradford, I am afraid to advise to such a step, tho I would [fol. 444v.] do all I could to make you comfortable and shd be glad to have you for a neighbor, provided it could be consistent with your and your family’s welfare. If Mr Haynes had had business, tho’ he had only a wife, he could not have supported himself long there, nor have they ever had a Minister since my remembrance, who was not in business. You must judge for yourself and do what appears to you to be duty. I have given you my thoughts of the affair wch you may keep to your self, as I don’t desire to interfere, nor would prevent the good people’s being comfortably settled, but do all I can in order to it. Your Son goes on very well and will, I trust, be a great comfort to you and a blessing to many. He sends his duty to you and his Mother & Love to his Sisters &c. Wishing you the best Direction in this and every Affair, I am wth our kind respects to you and your’s,

                     Your affectionate friend & Bror &c

                                 Hugh Evans

Address: To | Mr John Rippon Sergemaker | in | Tiverton |Devon

Postmark: none

Text: John Rippon Letters, British Library, Add. Ms. 25386, fols. 444-45.