Joseph Stennett, Muswell Hill, London, to John Rippon, London, 23 March 1795.

Muswell Hill March 23d 1795.

My dear Sir,

We are all here in very great affliction. It has pleased God to take away from us my dear Mother. Though she had been for some time rather declining in her health, yet her being so soon removed, was what we little expected. She was only confined to her bed about a week. Her disorder was of the nervous kind, and greatly affected her spirits. She was during her illness in a delirium, but yet she was enabled at intervals so to express herself as afforded us no small pleasure. She said at different times – I dwell among my own people – Jesus is the only Saviour – My Christ – Glory! Glory! I asked her if she did not love Christ, she replied yes. – My dear Father said to her All is well my dear. – She answered yes. – She had walked humbly with God, was remarkably fond of the duties of retirement, and very partial to books of religious experience which she took great delight in reading. Her last end was peaceful  and serene. She expired without a struggle or a groan, & might well be said to fall asleep in Jesus. Indeed her death bed was a most pleasing one, & the scene I have lately beheld I shall never forget.

There has been much mercy mingled with this dispensation, which has been a very trying one, for she most tenderly loved us all. My Father has been greatly supported, and is as well as can be expected. Oh that we may be the followers of those who through faith & patience inherit the promises.

Mr Thompson is to preach on the occasion in the afternoon ^next Sunday at Wild Street.^ My Father thinks it will be too much for my spirits to preach in the morning. If you could come and assist us we should take it very kind and you will much oblige,

                     Your sincere friend & servt

                                 Joseph Stennett

All here desire to be affectionately remembered.  – Do not forget us at the throne of grace.

Dr Rippon.

Address: Revd Dr Rippon | Grange Road | Bermondsey | Pd 2d

Postmark: MAR 24

Text: John Rippon Letters, British Library, Add. Ms. 25389, fols. 175-76.