19           [October 1797] [1]

 
[in another hand: Mrs Ring, Reading][Marked from Dear Mr Newton]
 
Since I wrote last, I am told that you divided with Mr Ring, because he went to St Lawrence. [2] I cannot press you to go thither with him. But give my love to him and tell him as gently as you can, that I rather wonder and am sorry that he goes thither himself: if the Gospel be not preached there. I think he would be more comfortable if he went with you. I thought you were only separated by going to the different Meetings. [3] I love the church to which I belong, but without the Gospel, it seems like a shell, without a nut. The Lord bless you both. Amen. Pray for your affectionate and obliged
 
JN

Endnotes:
 
 [1] From the remnant at the top of paper and the context, ‘Since I wrote last’, the date of this letter must be October, probably early, between that of 22 September 1797 and (well before) 21 December 1797.
[2] St Laurence, Reading: Vicar/Rector John Green (d 1812) from 1788 to 1812. In 1786, as Newton published his 50 sermons on Messiah based on the texts in Handel’s oratorio, St Laurence held a performance of Messiah in the church, using their 1741 John Byfield organ.
[3] ‘Meetings’ refers to Dissenters’ Meetings: Congregational under Archibald Douglas and Baptist under John Holloway.

Acknowledgements:

Descendants of Sophia Ring
British Library
Lambeth Palace Library MS 2942