Letter dated 8th March 1812, sent from Reverend Stewart of Dingwall to Reverend Dickenson
Beschreibung
Handwritten letter dated 8th March 1812, sent from Reverend Stewart of Dingwall to Reverend Dickenson. Within the letter:
- Apologies for the tardy reply
- Congratulations to Dickenson’s bother on marriage
- Thanks for sending tracts which were handed to him at the Post Office as he was on way to visit a dying man. He found one tract useful in discussion with the sick man. Sadly one tract has gone missing, but he still has those of Jenny Hickling, Blind Ellen and William Kelly.
- Sympathy for Dickenson’s mother in her illness. He remembers all of the family, but regrets not doing so more, and thanks Dickenson for his concern for Stewarts family. Requests prayers for a young man they now have with them as tutor to their sons.
- His father-in-law has a copy of “The Christian Guardian” which Stewart thinks looks excellent, and he has himself ordered “The Cottage Magazine” which he hopes will be useful for reading members of the congregation. It was recommended by a Mr Merry, known to Dickenson. He also values The Evangelical Magazine, The Christian Instructor and mentions Edinburgh Journal and Chistian Observer.
- A man calling himself “Lecturer and Comedian” booked Dingwall’s Town Hall for play actors. Stewart talked with the Magistrate who had agreed and he withdrew his permission. Stewart was delighted to get the agreement of the majority of Councillors too, and followed it with an address after Divine Service encouraging everyone to join in keeping such “ruinous entertainment” out of town, but adds that the majority of people were disappointed and sullen, and that he is pessimistic for the future because “the world” will try to get him or some other entertainer into the town and celebrate it as a “victory over fanaticism”.
- Sends regards to Dickenson’s family and mutual friends, is thankful for his own family and asks for prayers for his wife in the trial to come [childbirth?]. Notes with pleasure the flourishing of Bible Societies.
