I  had  sent  you  this  packet  on  Wednesday,   but


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OF  DR.  DODDRIDGE.  233

was  detained  at  Nortbampton,  where  I  preached  last
Lord's  day,  by  a  downfall  of  snow  without  doors  and
two  charming  girls  within ;  and  then  who  would  ride
twelve  miles  merely  to  serve  a  friend  ?

But  to  be  serious.  With  this  I  send  several
letters,  which  I  desire  you  to  deliver.  Seal  those
that  are  open,  and  take  particular  care  of  that  for
Mr.  Wright,  consult  with  him  about  Thorp,  but  not
one  word  of  the  latter  article.  Send  me  an  answer
as  soon  as  you  receive  this ;  and  when  you  send  a
single  letter,  let  it  be  by  the  post ;  when  a  packet,  by
the  ws^gon,  with  a  line  or  two  of  advice  by  the  post,
specifying  the  carrier's  name,  for  we  have  at  least
twelve  who  go  through  this  town.
Write  to  Mr.  Some  and  Mr.  Gutteridge  by  all
means  if  you  like  Thorp,  not  because  there  is  any
immediate  need  of  it ;  for  what  they  can  do  in  your
afiair  will  be  done  before  this  comes  to  your  hands,
but  because  it  is  impossible  for  them  to  receive  a
letter  from  you  which  will  not  increase  their  respect
and  affection  prodigiously.
Philip  Doddridge.
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234  DIART  ANB  CORRESPONDENCE


TO  THE  REV.  SAMUEL  CLARK.
REV.  SIR,  Harborough,  Dec.  12, 1726.
The  accidental  delay  of  the  packet  I  intended  for  St.
