Nathaniel Rawlings, Trowbridge, to John Ryland, London, 27 April 1802.

Trowbridge Apl 27. 1802.

Dear Sir

         I rec’d your letter dated Apl 9 ^22d^ and am much obliged to you for your love expressed to me. I rec’d the day after ^in seeking out^ the 6 Books which are specimens of what you have printed of Dr Watts’s Ps & Hs. I let Mr Coope[r] have then to shew the people at Tabernacle, he being in the book selling line more than myself, thinking it would promote the sale of them, which answered my expectation in some measure and as Mr Cooper wanted the books he had orders for soon, I thought with him, it might be the best way to join in selling them. So then I can have from him all I have any demand for, which at present may lie abot 9 in No. The 2 little parcels that fell into my hands I sent to Mr Jackson, and Kingdon free of any expence, so that I stand indebted to you for the Shilling sent in your letter. What Letters came with the books you send me I know not, but think they were put into the post office. As I make use of my eyes without glasses, I shall choose out of your books 4/6; and am obliged to you for it. Good Mr B: has 4 Lines in one of the hymns you know, which I often think of. (Great things are not what I desire &c) yet in another view I am at times a little covetous too, when I read a few lines of Mr Shaws Immanuel, page 132: The saints ambition is only to be great in God, his covetousnes is only to be filled with all the fulness of God, and his voluptuousness is only to drink of the rivers of his pure pleasures: he desires to taste that God whom he sees, and to be satisfied with that God whom he tastes.

         Wishing you the presence of the Lord in your own soul, and blessing his grace & sp[iri]t to attend your labours Who am your affectionate friend &c

Nathl Rawlings

P.S. If you think proper you may put my name in the list you mention’d

Address: Revd Dr Rippon | Grange road, | Bermondsey. | Surry.

Postmark: Trowbridge

Text: John Rippon Letters, British Library, Add. Ms. 25388, fol. 379.