LETTERLVII.TO J. S——, Esq.
Charles Street, December 26, 1777.
I HAD the favor of a letter—replete with kindness which I can never deserve—and have just now received the valuable contents—of which said letter was harbinger—without either surprize or emotion—save a kind of grateful tickling of the heart—the child of respect—and I believe twin-brother of gratitude.——Now had I heard of an A—hb—p (at this sacred season especially)—gladdening the hearts of the poor, aged and infirm—with good cheer—informing the minds of the young with Christian precepts, and reforminghis whole See by his pious example—that would have surprized me:—had I been informed of a truly great man—who, laying aside party and self-interest, dared to step forth the advocate of truth, and friend to his country; or had any one told me of a lord—who was wise enough to live within bounds—and honest enough to pay his debts—why it would have surpriz’d me indeed.—But I have been well informed there is a Mr. S—— at Bury—and I think I have seen the gentleman—who lives in a constant course of doing beneficent actions—and, upon these occasions, the pleasure he feels constitutes him the obliged party.—You, good Sir, ought of course to thank me—for adding one more to the number you are pleased to be kind to—so pray remember, good Sir, that my thanks—(however due in the eye of gratitude) I conceive to be an act of supererogation—and expect that henceforth you will look upon the Sancho’s—as a family that have a rightful call upon your notice.—Mrs. Sancho joins me in repetition of the customary wishes.—Give me credit for having a heart which feels your kindness as itought.—That Heaven may lengthen your days for the good of mankind—and grant every wish of your heart—is the true conclusion of
Your greatly obliged
and respectful humble servant,
I. SANCHO.