On Thursday I move towards Norwich; where I see Donne, hear some music,
and go to Geldestone. But before this month is over, I hope to be at my
Cottage again, where I have my garden to drain, and other important
matters.
Do you know I have been greatly tempted to move my quarters from Boulge
to this country; so exact a place have I found to suit me. But we will
wait.
My noble Preacher Matthews {197} is dead! He had a long cold, which he
promoted in all ways of baptizing, watching late and early, travelling in
rain, etc., he got worse; but would send for no Doctor, the Lord would
raise him up if it were good for him, etc. Last Monday this cold broke
out into Typhus fever; and on Thursday he died! I had been out to Naseby
for three days, and as I returned on Friday at dusk I saw a coffin
carrying down the street: I knew whose it must be. I would have given a
great deal to save his life; which might certainly have been saved with
common precaution. He died in perfect peace, approving all the
principles of his life to be genuine. I am going this afternoon to
attend his Funeral. . . . Cromwell is to be out in October; and Laurence
has been sent to Archdeacon Berners's to make a copy of Oliver's
miniature.
_To W. B. Donne_.
GELDESTONE, _Septr_. 23/45.