Letter from Thomas Murray, Barnard Castle to Timothy Hackworth, New Shildon

Barnard Castle Feb.6th 1837
Dear Bro.

I am requested by Mr G. Bradley who is one of our Circuit Stewards, to write a few lines to you respecting Mr A. Bousfield, Brother to Mrs Bradley; he has been for some years in business in London as a cheesemonger but has been unfortunate and is at present desirous of obtaining a situation as clerk; the purpose of this is to inquire if you know of situation of this description, or any person with whom you have interest, who would be likely to employ him, or might know of an opening of the kind- Mr Bousfield is a middle-aged man- writes a good hand is well acquainted with figures, and could take charge of Account Books – would be willing and desirous of making himself generally useful:- though not a member of our Society he is a steady upright person, and can obtain an undeniable integrity &c. He has lost his wife by death, likewise three childen & is left with one Boy, who is in a situation called the Yorkshire School in London

If you could interest himself in his case, I would feel greatly obliged, and consider it a personal favour; Mr & Mrs Bradley are our intimate friends here, have been personally kind to us, as a family, and for whom we feel a more than common Htiau[?] regard & affection:
As we are to have a Local Preachers’ Meeting at Chapel Row, on Saturday night I hope to see you- in the meantime I wish by you to turn the matter over in your mind, and let me know what you think of it when I see you.

I was glad to hear that your son, arrived home safe, this is another and an additional favour bestowed upon your family bythe God of Providence whom we rejoice to remember is likewise the God of Grace, he who sustains the life of the body, can sustain the spiritual life of the soul: our life is hid with Christ in God, then, it is safe in his hand, and while we walk by faith, the vital principle will be strong & active.

Have you read the Book, which has made, and continues to make so much stir in the Religious world? its title is truely significant “ Mammon, or Covetousness, the sin of the Christian Church”. It is a wonderful production, the splendid display of good composition, and elegant writing is its least praise- the matter is telling, and must produce a powerful effect upon the Religous Public- his principle object is to point out and enforce the claims which God has upon the Property of Htian[?] Professors[?]. the copy which I procured is from the eleventh thousand, but I am informed that the fourteenth thousand, has been issued-: Our Heads of Houses at Hatton Garden, have engaged the Author of “Mammon” to preach for, and take part in the Missionary Anniversary in London this spring he is understood to be an Independant Minister.

I have been laid up, ever since I saw you until yesterday, I preached at Gainford; I find it much harder to flesh & blood to suffer the Divine Will than to do it tho’ I hope I have not altogether lost three weeks of my life – but have been learning some lessons of Patience &c from the chastening hand of our Heavenly Father_. I trust you find peace and at least a degree of acquiesance in the Divine appointment, as to your heavy family trial- in this matter your Affliction is uncommon, and your help must come from above. The Lord can perfectly restore your beloved Daughter to soundness of mind, and it must be to yourself and your Partner cause of strong consolation that you have used the best means, and now you can confidently leave the affair in his Hand who manages the universe of creatures.

Happy are those who in every thing, see God; only the Pure in heart however, can see him in all things-this is according to his own express word- I trust that this continues to be your own experience and enjoyment.
Mrs Murray unites in Htian[?] sympathy & affection to Mrs Hackworth and yourself and family
beg to remain
Dear Bro.
yours very truly
Mr Murray

To Mr T Hackworth
n. Shildon