Maria Grace Saffery, Beckington, to Jane Saffery Whitaker, Bratton, [Thursday], 5 May [1842].

Beckington  May 5th

         Gratefully Beloved One, do I hail the season of thy birth, thankfully acknowledge the gracious hand of Him, who planted thee in the Desert as his “pleasant plant,” breathing the balm of human tenderness, and holy love along the pathway of my pilgrimage.  The blessedness of being made a blessing, still abide upon thee and multiply through all the dear relationships of life!

         I am mercifully well and pleased with the aspect of things around me.  Alfred is not yet returned; but Kate is very kind; and tenderly attentive, I hope you will be able to come hither, next week, with thoughts of true and deepening interest in dear Joshua, whom I love not only as a Son, but as a Brother in Christ.

         And with such remembrances as the heart will dictate to the little ones within and to their kindred & friends without believe me ever thine

                                             Maria Grace Saffery

We are just about to start for Bradford

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 1720-1840 (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 6, p. 437 (annotated version); Saffery/Whitaker Papers, acc. 142, I.B.5.c.(5.), Angus Library. Address: Mrs Joshua Whitaker | Bratton. No postmark.