John Ryland, Jr., Bristol, to John Rippon, London, [3 February 1797]. 

Dear Bror

I am greatly obliged to you for all your kindness toward my Uncle, who will I suppose call on you next week – I have done what I cou’d for him and so has my Cousin at Tewkesbury.  I wish he may now be secure – & hope the Lord will some how provide for him – I came home from Birmingham this morning, we had a comfortable Meeting at least as much so as our African Afflict.n w.d allow.  We have been so much taken up about it that we c.d not send you Mr McAulay’s long Letter tho (at first) directed to you – My Uncle will now bring it, and with it Grigg’s Letter too, please to return both the first opportunity – We wish nobody to see either but yourself – it seems necessary Grigg sh.d be urged to come home, and neither offer to stay ag.t the Governor’s Will, nor go to America, where he has no friends.  We were unanimous in this Judgm.t & have written both to him, and to Mr Mc Aulay.   The Commitee have no objection to your printing La Trobe’s Letter, if you greatly desire it.   It may shew the friendship of one Denomination to another, yet to some it may seem like puffing our own praises.  The great parade some make about Missions, & the sad disappointm.t we have felt, make me more averse than ever to the least approach toward parade. We need go every step with fear and trembling – For your own sake I hope your Extracts from No 3 will not be long – I know your Subscribers in very distant parts will complain – You are very welcome to have the Viaticums you mention’d – I can hardly get thro any days work.   Our best Respects   I am y.rs cordially

  John Ryland

Text: MS. II.c.5.(14.), Congregational Library, London. Attached to the above letter is a letter from Isaac James, Bristol, to John Rippon, London, 3 February 1797. Click here for a transcription of this letter.