108. - To the Rev. Vincent Perronet.

Huntingdon’s college; and Mr. F. says that he was in every respect the best master they ever had there: but his religious sentiments not happening to agree with those of her ladyship, he was dismissed, and is now a travelling preacher with Mr. Wesley. Mr. F. says that if he wanted a curate himself, he should scarce know which of the two to choose. But poor Mr. F., so far from wanting another curate, says he does not know how he shall be able to keep what he has already, as he gives him fifty pounds a year, (which is ten more than is usual,) and his friends at Madeley sent him word that it is more than they can raise out of the living. I am, honoured and dear sir, your dutiful son,

W. PERRONET.

108. - TO THE REV. VINCENT PERRONET.

NYON, Feb. 8, 1799.

HONOURED AND DEAR FATHER IN CHRIST, - I have had the pleasure of accompanying your son to your father’s birth place. It is a charming country for those who have a taste for highland prospects, but what is it to our heavenly Father’s hill of Zion? Thither may we all travel summer and winter, and there may we all have a happy meeting, and find an eternal inheritance!

Whether you will come to your earthly estate in these parts, by possession as by right, is yet to me matter of doubt. A little time, I hope, will decide the question; and as Providence will throw in the turning weight, it will be for the best, which way soever the affair ends. My friend is tolerably well, and I hope Providence will bring him back safe to you, more out of conceit with the vanity of earth; and may we all be more in love with the blessings of Heaven! I beg to be remembered to Miss Perronet, Miss Briggs, and dear Mrs. Bissaker; and, begging an interest in your prayers, I am, with dutiful respect, yours, &c,

J. FLETCHER.

109. - TO MR. W. PERRONET.

(WHO WAS THEN AT LAUSANNE.)

NYON, Nov. 9, 1779.

MY DEAR FRIEND, - You must not expect to see me as I designed. I am deprived of that pleasure by a rheumatic pain, which fastened on my left shoulder the Sunday after you set out. I have been almost crippled by it at times; and it has robbed me of a good deal of sleep. However, it is not so violent now; and I find it a good goad to make me go to the Spring of help, health, and comfort. No letter here for you or me. When do you come back? Remember me to Miss Perronet, and believe me your affectionate friend and obliged brother,

J. FLETCHER.

110. - TO MR. W. PERRONET.

NYON, Nov. 18.

MY DEAR FRIEND, - I thank you for your letter. I have been advised to apply a great plaister of turpentine to my shoulder; and I have partly recovered the use of it, (thank God!) though it is still very weak. They have no good hartshorn drops in this country: but I drink a decoction of pineapple, from the fir tree, which is as warm as guaiacum. My writing does not go on: but the will of the Lord is done, and that is enough. I have had a letter from Mr. Ireland, who sends his love to you. He sends no news. He stays in England to serve the office of sheriff. I have stopped my chimney with straw, so I cannot have the draught occasioned by a fire. I would press you to come back soon if I was not persuaded you are better off with Miss Perronet. I have been afraid our bad meat here would make you lose all your flesh. And, for the honour of Switzerland, I should be glad you had some to carry back to England, if we live to go and see our friends there. However, when it will suit you to return, your company will particularly oblige, my dear friend, your obliged friend and servant, J. FLETCHER.