I think it unnecessary to answer your letter at length, much as I could say. In truth my coming hither and remaining at this place are blunders. It is far from anything in the least suitable to me. I have had not opportunity for an hour's unbroken retirement from the day I came. The farm to which I was sent in itself was well, but the farmer was ill suited to entertain me — a full healthy lad of boisterous manner incessantly assailed me. I had no rest at Denton, and returned here utterly worn out on Saturday — here there is no place in which I can be secluded, and so I come home by the coach tomorrow. I purpose, if it please God that I arrive safe, to be in Little Bell Alley immediately after the coach arrives, and I do hope you will make it convenient, if you can, for me to sleep there — if not, I can sleep at Mr Rilfe’s which will be better perhaps. I must reserve all particular observation by way of answer to the pressing points in your letter until we meet.

I feel that a month, five weeks, has been lost in nothingness — in benefitting nobody in being benefit to nobody. I have just addressed Mr Childs of my determination but he laughs — however I am firm in my mind and whether afforded the means by him, or not, it is my purpose to be off from this place.

My love is towards you all — I have had many anxious thoughts about all of you. May the Almighty be our keeper and May it be the prayer of each one of us that each may be preserved and finally enter into His rest, for Christ’s sake, is my sincere and daily prayer.