Boak, John

To Lady Olivia Sparrow, August 1814

I long to know how your great day went off. Mr. Boak passed thro Huntingdon at the time and heard of it far and near. I believe you can do everything but mollify certain hard hearts and open certain eyes judiciously blinded. Thank dear for the harmonious and very pleasant Way-Verses. So characteristic of the delightful writer! By the way – when [he] does he talk of accomplishing his plan at Bristol? – If you have any intercourse with him be sure put him in mind that he is pledged to Barley Wood for a night or two –

To Lady Olivia Sparrow. 8-11 October [1815]

Your last letter afforded considerable relief to my mind. Perhaps it may afford a little to your mind to hear that the subject has never been discussed in my present /ce/ . I have seen several of our common friends, but it has been in mixed company, when delicacy on all sides caused a complete silence to be maintained People knowing my attachment to you and the degree of intimacy with which you honour me has hitherto prevented my being asked any questions which would have involved difficulty in the answer.^* is here now on a visit of some days. He is gone to day to preach at Mr. Boak’s little Church at Brockley.^* I was sorry that neither the health of my self or Sisters permitted us to accompany him. He was disappointed I believe but was too humble to take it ill, or rather too reasonable to be dissatisfied with what is in fact a dispensation of Providence.