Samuel Norman, Bampton, to John Rippon, London, 30 September 1797.

Bampton Septr 30th

1797

Dear Brother Rippon

         Since you was at Bampton I have ventured to sound the great Trumpet in the dark village of Exbridge near the spot where you attest to speak to our old friend and the People attend well and seem to have a desire to hear – I have not yet been at [Dunterton?] have made secret efforts but our friend Giles is timorous and fearful – Mr Rous has been the one and said you desired him to “Do that tune;  Do it consistent; He did not wait to speak out of doors and much disturbed in the House they threatened to blow up our friend G—s [Giles] House – But I do not despair of getting the meeting house or some other I shall do all in my power – I think it would be a good plan if village preachers had from the society some small pamphlets very astonishing subjects to dispose of it would be a good thing to distribute them to the Ignorant after preaching – or some cheap Bibles or Hymn books – cant you get me some from the Society? I want a quarter of hundred of Catechisms to give away to the Children of my County as I am about to instruct them you can send them with the next Register – The exciseman has left us and gone to Church has opened a house for every preacher, as expounding on the Church Catechism and has drawn some Disciples after him and who do you think it is why your friend the Great, and pious I [B?] – but it would end in nothing – they are already ashamed of their conduct it is entirely from opposition the whole Town came out against it and the whole congregation a few individuals excepted and some then came attached to me. I did not know I had so many friends in the Town till now which has much reconciled my mind to stay, as I think the Lord has more work for me to do. I think village preaching will increase our congregation – some striking subject in small pamphlets to give away would much encourage and draw the affections of the people – do let me intreat you to recommend it and as soon as possible send them Multitudes are perishing for lack of knowledge – Don’ forget the Babtist [sic] C[atechisms?] without Notes [?] hundred they are for ye children of my congregation I mean to give them to the poor Children. I have them grattis so better if not charge them to me with the Congregation – Tis Saturday I have to preach twice & administer the Orde and preach at Exbridge yours affy

                                         S Norman

Written on the address page:

Please to find the letters to A— as soon as possible

Address: Revd Dr Rippon |No 11 Grange Road | Southwark |London

Postmark: 2 Oct

Text: John Rippon Letters, British Library, Add. Ms. 25388, fols. 148.