Faraday to Benjamin Vincent   25 August 1863

Tuesday, 25 Aug / 63 | Hampton Court.

My dear friend

I cannot be sure that I wrote to you since my return from Scotland¹ but I think I did. Your letter of the 21st. I received with much delight; and there was so much that we thought would be acceptable to the Church, both about yourselves & the brethren with you, that the chief part was read at the love feast²:- the interest in it was not lessened by our remembering that Mr Whitelaw was with you at the very time. We were very sorry to hear of Mr Lovedays³ attack;- it would indeed be a great loss to the brethren to lose in any degree his company & help, both in the worship and that constant happy occupation to which all are called, of building each other up as one body.

Last Sabbath day we were very grave here. We had to resign the privilege of the Lords supper. Discipline was in hand & all were not at peace. The trouble lies between my wife, Mr Geo Leighton & Miss Conacher⁴.- I cannot say much about it, but look anxiously to hoped for results tomorrow⁵.- We shall be very glad to have our brother Mr Whitelaw back again, and also yourself dear friend, when the time arrives. I hope before that, that the Father of Mercies⁶ will have given one heart & one way⁷ to us, as a people whom he hath chosen⁸ in his great mercy & long suffering to be with him in his beloved Son Jesus Christ. How great is the love he hath manifested in him - it ought indeed to move us to love one another⁹.

Your account of Mrs. Vincent tells both ways, and we can well feel for you in your anxiety about the end of the Journey. Let us trust that it will be as favourable as the beginning. Though you have settled in your thoughts to be here (i.e at the R.I.) on the 1st or 2nd of September, yet if you find reason to be somewhat late I am sure your reason will be good & sufficient. You will see by the different parts of this note, that we wish for you soon, & yet that wish you not to hasten too much.

My mind wanders;- if I continue to write it will be just vain repetitions. Miss Cloudsley¹⁰ is here with us, and Mary Chater Barnard, & my wife - all unite in love to you & your dear wife & daughter & to our friends with you; one & all.

Always yours Very Affectionately | M. Faraday

B. Vincent Esqr