1730 PHILIP DODDRIDGE. A Pastor's Love-Letter to his Wife. Hymnist, Friend of Whitefield, and Converted William Wilberforce.

A very rare and attractive letter by Philip Doddridge [1702-1759]. The youngest of twenty children, his father was a dealer in oil and pickles; a natural pairing. He early sensed grace and a call to the ministry. His first and only charge was Northampton, though he had offers from many quarters. In 1730, he was married and from all records was a doting husband. He was friends with George Whitefield, in fact taking quite a bit of heat for giving the "field-preacher" a legitimate pulpit to preach in. He authored over 350 hymns. Nothing was of more influence though than his classic, The Rise of Progress of the Religious Life. It perfectly articulated the "New Birth" and spiritual life articulated by George Whitefield and John and Charles Wesley. It was while reading it that William Wilberforce became a Christian. The book has been in print almost without a stop since its first printing. The final number of the date is a bit chipped, but between 1731 and 1736.  "London. July 6th, 173XTuesd