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From [Charles] Chew to T.H. In accordance with T.H.’s request, he has acquired from Bet [Elizabeth] Johnson the following account of Mary Batson’s experience: the first thing that awakened her interest in spiritual matters was a dream that she had in which someone knocked on her door. When she opened it, she saw a tall person who appeared to be writing on one of the doorposts. Mary enquired after the man’s business and he said, “To give you an hour, to consider of it” and then disappeared. Impressed by this Mary visited her aunt the next morning and asked her opinion Her aunt responded that this was a warning from God to reflect on her spiritual condition and that if she was not prepared for eternity, she must correct that for her time was short. Mary wept and returned home. Soon after she had another dream in which she experienced a ‘transport of joy, singing the 106th of your hymns (see possible hymn choices below); the two latter lines of the first verse especially affected her spirit and, what is remarkable, her recollection of the particulars was accurate; for in the morning, she told her parents, asked for the book, turned directly to the hymn and pointed out several lines that much impressed her when asleep.’ The Sunday before she died, her aunt Bet Johnson went to see her. Mary had ‘discovered great patience and resignation to the divine will; a frame of mind very different to her previous temper, which was observed to be refractory and turbulent. Being shy of communicating what she felt within, she had hitherto given little or no account of the state of her soul. Her aunt therefore put the question closely to her: “How is it with you? Have you a comfortable hope towards God? Have you tasted of redeeming grace? Do you feel yourself a perishing sinner without Christ? Has God revealed his Son in you?” She answered, that she was resigned and willing to go when her Lord should call her, and that she had found Jesus precious in her soul, as able and willing to move her unto the uttermost. The evening of the same day, she requested some young women of her acquaintance to spend time with her in singing hymns; and they spent the whole night in that pious exercise to her great refreshment. The 106th hymn of your book was sung repeatedly. She frequently excited them to sing louder…among other things, she said to them “I wish you had the same hope in Jesus that I now feel.” She however at times labored under great distress. Being asked whether she loved Jesus, “I do”, she replied eagerly…one evening as she was meditating, that promise John 14:18 ('I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.') came forcibly upon her mind. It seemed as if it were whispered to her three times – observing her mother in tears, she said, “Don’t grieve. I was but lent you, the Lord has a right to take his own when he please”. When departing she was observed to smile, looking upwards, and clasp her hands as it were in triumph.’ The above is the substance of what he was told by Bet Johnson. Chew makes no comment on it and he has nothing to add from his own knowledge for during his visits to the girl, she was so reserved that he could hardly get a word out of her. Mr [Thomas] Robinson preached here last Friday evening with his customary acceptance. Chew hopes that his discourse on Christian liberty will have an abiding affect on his many listeners. T.H. made enquiry about Mr Baxter and Chew now has a pleasing account of him to provide. He finally came over last Monday at a time when Chew had decided that he must call on Baxter because of a letter that he had received from Mr Bugg/Burg/Berg asking Chew to try to relieve the increasing distress of his mind. Chew made various suggestions as to how Baxter could relieve his mental condition. The two were together for much of the day and Chew persuaded Baxter to meet with Mr Robinson. The next time they met, Baxter acknowledged that their conversation last Monday had done him good and that conversing with Robinson and hearing him preach furthered this improvement. ‘He seems decided for Christ and his gospel and is owned in his ministry which is faithful and growing. He read prayers for us.’ Chew is also pleased to report that there is a Mr Wilby, a friend of Baxter, who ‘preaches the truth in the vale of Belvoir near the Duke of Rutland’s. He appears to be a precious minister by a letter I have seen of his. There is also another minister lately come forth, at Fen Stanton [Huntingdonshire] on the road between Huntingdon and Cambridge, where Mr Robinson preached last Thursday evening. The dissenters of that parish lately dismissed their minister for being a Socinian, shut up their meeting, and came all to church…’ Chew is curious to know what Mr Supple(?) could have to say to T.H. He never gives up a point and if T.H. were to reply to him, he would not be able to convince him. ‘It would give him occasion to send you another letter, more stuffed than the former.’ The trees for the garden have arrived and been duly planted. Mr Jones of Creaton(?) is not allowed to preach at the moment on account of a nervous complaint he labors under but he is on the mend. (1 sheet, 4p.) 2 December 1793 |
Thomas Haweis Documents and Images at Bridwell Library
