This item is part of a collection of letters and manuscripts of Isaac Watts to Philip Doddridge and others; see main record for MA 514 for more information.
The identity of the recipient is not given, but the content of the letter makes it likely that it was Thomas Bradbury.
The sixth page of this letter contains 14 lines of apparent shorthand. The lines have been crossed through with three large "X"s.
Concerning a quarrel between the two men; discussing, at length and in detail, the issues involved in the quarrel and outlining the reasons for his dissatisfaction with his behavior; providing four categories of dissatisfaction, being his Contention and Quarrelling, his Ingratitude, his Falsehood or Lying and Injustice; concluding that he does not wish to quarrel with him and would "rejoyce to see your own Temper mollify'd a little & the Talents with which God has entrusted you happily imploy'd to support and promote Truth and Godliness in the Spirit of the Gospel & in the Spirit of Meekness & Love;" adding, in a postscript, "Consider What a fair hande you give to the adversaries of Christianity & of the Dissenting Interest to cast Shame & Scoffs upon our holy Profession by your continuall Quarrells. If your vein of Wit wants a vent, think how much better it may break out on the Profane, Libertine & the Scurrilous Infidells of the Age than on your friends & Brethren, who adore the Same God & Savior & preach the same Gospell."