Joseph Jenkins, Walworth, to Samuel Palmer, Sr., at Thomas Smith's, Houndsditch, 31 December 1818. 

Walworth Decr 31 1818.

Dear Sir/:

   The ways of the Lord are unfathomable and past our finding out. At last, after 22 years labour (I hope in some measure faithfully) in East Lane Walworth, and I hope not without asking the direction of the Lord, I found myself obliged to leave the Baptist Meeting, and give up the Pastoral charge of that church. The violence of the Deacons, so called, the many wicked methods taken to get together a riotous party, stimulated by some sly people, who if they did not themselves appear, secretly blowed up the evil passions of others to make disturbance, that considering the effect also it has had already also upon my health and spirits, I determined in the fear of God and for the sake of peace to give them up altogether. A few however adhered to me, to whom I preached in a Private House the two last Lord’s days. But a wonderful and unexpected event took place last week. A gentleman of the Church of England applied to the Committee of the Lancasterian school to lend us their Place for worship on the Lords Day, and obtained it with chearfulness and applause, and with no opposition but from one person, and this was Burges one of the Deacons, but his motion was not even seconded, and he was hissed out of the School: so that we expect to meet there next Lords Day Morn to preach in that School Room and in the afternoon I shall hope to administer the Lord’s supper, to a few friends in Mr Hawkins’s large parlour, where it will [give] us pleasure to see you, and that you partake with us at that time. It is at the corner of Kingstreet in East Lane, a little before you come from Walworth to the Meeting, between the Bell and Camden Street. We begin at half past two, and end as near as we can to four; when we shall hope for your company and afterwards to take tea with us. Mrs Jenkins unites with me in best respects: begging your prayers for us, and the few with us. I am Dear Sir, your affecte Brother,

                                             J Jenkins.

P.S. We hope you will come if you possibly can.

Address: Mr Palmer, / at Mr Thomas Smith’s / Houndsditch.

Text: Linnell Archive, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, MS 135-2000.