1832 WILLIAM JAY. Fine Autograph Letter Declining an Invitation to Speak Perhaps at the Missionary Society

Wonderful 1p wonderful framing example of a rare autograph letter entirely in the hand of William Jay [1769-1853]. Jay was minister at Bath for 60 years, long-time preacher for Rowland Hill at Surrey Chapel, and a still beloved devotional author. His works have been nearly continuously in print for 200 years. 

A rare and desirable autograph. 

My Dear Sir,

I ought to have answered your letter earlier, but I assure you the delay has not been occasioned by any difficulty in coming to a decision concerning the application it contains. For I immediately determined & every reflexion has ocnfirmed the determination, to refuse, at least for the next anniversary. It were needless to detail all the circumstances from which I derive my conviction, & some of them might be separately combated, but the aggregate of the whole is not, and no reiterated effort will or can induce me to comply. With my best regards to Mrs . . . , believe me in great truth

My dear Sir, yours cordially,
William Jay
Bath. November 3, 1832.