John Rippon, London, to the Revd John Williams, New York, 16 January 1823.

Rev & dear Sir,

         Mr Luke Wilks, the bearer, is a Son of the late Mr Mark Wilks, who was the honoured Pastor of the Baptt Church at Norwich, in this Country, of which my worthy brother, Mr Geo: Gibbs, is ye present pastor. Mr Gibbs writes me thus concerning ye bearer – “I baptized Luke about two years since, & believe from his general walk & character since that time that he is a possessor of ye faith he then professed. He has made an ineffectual effort to establish himself in business here, & is strongly disposed to go to America. I have to request that you will be so kind as to furnish him with a letter of recommendatn on to some Minister or Chh in that Country” –

         Accordingly, my dear Bror, I introduce him to you. His relations to so good a Father, & his personal good character, I trust, will recommend him to your fraternal notice. Perhaps you will be able to direct him in his occupation &c &c. Or perhaps brother Stanford, to whom I beg my most cordial love, will be able to direct & advise him.

         I beg to be affecy mentioned to our blessed Sister Withington – Professor Woods, who is in this City, gave me the Amern Magazine, in which is given the Biography of her departed Husband. I have had it read by many of our people, & in one of our public meetings – it gave great Satisfaction. We shall be glad to have her with us, in this country, if the Lord permit – please to assure her of this – and, I trust, she will not forget us – and I was inclined to write a letter to her, but was not certain whether she is in Amera or not.

         I also send my kind Xn love to dear Bror Purser & family – I think his prayers with us will not soon be forgotten – will you give Mr Wilks his address.

         May ye Lord bless you & the Church; & all our dear Connections, with all the blessings included in the 17th Chap of John. I shall be thankful for an intert in your prayers; – I am, my dear Bror, your affectt friend & Servant –

                                 John Rippon

No 17 Dover Place,

New Kent Road,

Southwark.

Jan 16. 1823.

Address: Rev | Mr |Williams | Baptist Minister | New York | Favor’d by Mr Luke Wilks.

Text: John Rippon Folder, RG no. 1285, American Baptist Historical Society Archives, Atlanta.