120. - To Mr. W. Perronet. 121. - To Mr. W. Perronet.

120. - TO MR. W. PERRONET.

NYON, Thursday, Dec. 31, 1780

MY DEAR FRIEND, - I send you a few lines I received from our friend Ireland at my return here, where I came safe after a very wet journey, in which I got a cold. I wish you a Christian Christmas, with all the blessings Christ brought us from heaven! I am easier in seeing you in so quiet a family, and in so good an apartment; but I want to know how is your stomach, and if you can keep some food.

Ten thousand thanks to dear Miss Perronet, for all her kindness to me, my brother, and yourself. I beg to be remembered to Mrs. Perronet also. Tell your cousin that a notion came into my mind the evening I left you, that she had given me back, twice, the crown I lent her at Rolle: I have the most treacherous memory in money matters; and if she is not absolutely clear, she has not paid me twice, I beg you would return her a crown, which I shall return you. God bless you, and her, and all his people! Come, my dear friend, let us rejoice in God in the midst of all our little or great trials! Farewell in Jesus,

J. FLETCHER.

121. - TO MR. W. PERRONET.

NYON, Saturday, Jan. 14, 1781.

MY DEAR FRIEND, - This morning I received the enclosed: I wish it may contain comfortable news. I am sorry your weakness of stomach presses upon you still. I wish you would consult Dr. Tissot. I have received a letter from Ireland this week, who says, if your complaint is bilious, castor oil and travelling are the best things for you. He came from Bristol, with two ladies, sisters, one of whom is in the second stage of consumption. They think to return to England in the beginning of March, all together; perhaps they could give us a lift, as they have four chaises.

Mr. Favre has lately sent back my brother’s memoirs, with some directions, according to which my brother is going to alter some places, before he sends it to you.

Trust in the Lord, my dear friend: the hairs of your head are all numbered. You are better than many lilies and many sparrows, all of whom are cared for by infinite love and a watchful Providence. Jesus is always near, and the Divine pharmacy, the treasure of his grace, is at hand.

Much love to you from our friends here: give mine to Miss Perronet and her mother.

J. FLETCHER.

122. - TO MR. W. PERRONET.

NYON, Tuesday noon, Feb. 1, 1781.

MY DEAR FRIEND, - I thank you for the extract of your father’s letter. I wish you joy about his health, both of soul and body! I wish you may abundantly share it. With respect to me, I am pretty well, except the inconveniency of a breaking out in my back. My rheumatic pain returned; I applied a plaister, which drew pimples The pain went off, but the smaller inconveniency remains.

Mr. Ireland sends me word, he thinks to set out for England in the beginning of March: and I reply, that it is hardly worth while taking a February journey to come back. I do not know yet how we shall contrive. I ask him whether he could take our boxes, in case he could take us: for it would be disagreeable to leave our things behind, after all. I trust Miss Perronet to take care of you. You could not have a better room at Montpelier. I only beg you will eat all you can, and as often as you can. Let us trust in the Lord, that he may rule and overrule all our little matters. He is ever ready to carry for us the heaviest end of all our crosses; they would sink us. But worlds are sands to his omnipotence. When you answer, send a thousand thanks, and much love from me to all our dear friends at Shoreham. Remember me also in much love to Miss P. and her mother, and believe me, my dear friend, your affectionate friend, J. FLETCHER.

123. - TO MR. W. PERRONET.

NYON, Saturday, Feb. 10, 1781.

MY DEAR FRIEND, - I heartily rejoice the Lord hath given some success to your long diet, and you are a little better. I hope the Divine blessing, travelling, and the pleasure of going to our friends in England, will be of farther service to you.

Last Wednesday I went to Geneva, with my brother, to get his son out of the scrawl; and we came back safe the same evening. I saw Mr. Provost, who told me that Messrs. Comparel would give you each twenty - five louis d’ors; so you will have seventy - five, reserving all your right upon him who is at Lima. They will engage to pay that sum by the first of June. So your affair is ended: for I hope you will choose that composition, rather than drive them to a bankruptcy by a law suit. Your call to England seems to be quite clear now; nor is mine less clear.

My friend Ireland urges me to join him. I will venture upon a visit to the south of France, with you, if you can bear the journey. He supposes your affair will not be ended this summer; and he proposes that we should come and fetch you this autumn. I have wrote to him, that, if he can give you a place in his chaise, I hope I shall be able to ride, provided he does not drive Jehu - like. We should go south by Lyons, and come back to Paris by the heart of the kingdom. He says they (the French) are as quiet as if it was peace. We shall have the chance of occupying the room of the dying lady. If these things should break, we will go by the stage, as you say. I have received two letters from my parish, where I am wanted on particular reasons: so necessity draws me, and my promises drive me. I finish to - day my book, that detained me, as your affair detained you; and my sister will gladly return to her Gingins. The weather is mild. Send me word if you will go to Geneva to sign your agreements and thence we will set out for Montpelier.

My brother has just received another letter from Mr. Ireland, urging my departure. Come as soon as you can, do not make it (if possible) much longer than a week. Send me words by the return of the post, how you are, and when you can come, or whether you will stay till next year. The Lord strengthen, bless, and direct you! Cast all your burdens upon him. Give my sincere love to Miss Perronet and her mother; and believe me yours, J. FLETCHER.