John Saffery, Salisbury, to John Rippon, London, 31 January and 16 February 1801.

Letter begins with a statement by Saffery about a new Baptist meeting formed in Southampton, obviously designed for Rippon’s Register. At some point Rippon marked through it.

         On Wednesday the 14 of Jany, a New Meeting House in the Baptist connection, was opened at Southampton. Three sermons were preached on the occasion: that in the morning, by Mr Saffery, of Salisbury, from Exodus XX.24, “In all places where I record my name, I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee” – that in the afternoon, by Mr Miall, of Portsea, from Rev II.1, “Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks” – and in the evening, by Mr Horsey of Portsea, from Psalms CXXII.6, “They shall prosper that love thee.” In the different services, the Brethren Bain, Croome, McGibbon (an Independent minister) & Moody, were engaged in prayer; & it appeared to be a pleasing day to many.

         Various circumstances of an unpleasant nature relative to their former place of worship, have occasioned the erection of this, which is neat, and convenient, and which it is hoped will be of much use to the cause of God in this populous Town –

My dear Bror

         I send you the above for insertion in the R— agreeable to yr request – Thro’ mercy we are well & unite in Xtn affection to yourself & family. If it be necessary to add the residences of our praying Bn above, Bain is of Downton, Croome of Broughton, Moody of Lockersley, his Ordinn is published E— Mag [Evangelical Magazine] for Sepr last. He ^continues his residence at Sarum, & goes to L— Lds days, 12 Miles^ [he] is a pious, zealous man; & hitherto his labours have been blessed with success – Yrs affectly

                     John Saffery

Sarum Jany 31. 1801

My dr Bror

         By ye above date, you will perceive it has been some time written. I had hoped at that time to have sent it by a private hand, but was disappointed & have since waited in vain. Recd yr Parcel ys morning & forward ys by Post without further delay – The history of our Ch. is inveloped [sic] in so much obscurity yt I fear it cd be exceedingly difficult to trace it. All I can say is, yt if any thing can be done with it, I will attempt it at some future period – I know not what to say by yr requrest respecting Mrs Saffery’s compositions, I have had a similar applictn for Morris’s Mage but she has an aversion thereto – Perhaps, as she has many [?] wch if [?] I think to copy into a book, I might occasionally send a few [fol. 8v.]  if she will consent – Mr Gatehouse has been an honourable member with us more yn 9 Years – I do not understand by yrs if you wish a Letter of recommendation fm our Ch. but shd suppose ys not necessy after wt I have here stated – My Bookseller’s name is Wilks he has no objectn to ye parcel being sent to him provided I pay ye difference of Carriage shd there be any, at all events I must be in yr favour as the Parcel today cost 1/2. Direct for me at Mr Wilks’s Sarum, & send it to Scatcherds No 12 Ave Maria Lane who is his Bookseller.

                     Yrs &c

                                 J S

Feby 16. 1801

Address: Dr Rippon | to be left at 227 Bermondsey St | Southwark

Postmark: illegible

Text: John Rippon Letters, British Library, Add. Ms. 25389, fol. 8.