Dear Miss Faithfull, I thank you much for two letters, for names of Books, and for the kind things you say. I hope we shall meet some day and I expect it, but I fear it cannot be at present - It is disappointing that Ly Blanche is less well - She has need of patience so have those who love her -Influence! I am so glad you two are plotting something of the [trait?] species. I think four hands are excellent -I hope you won't have too many - do you not think Purity of mind & Singleness of motive might be under one head - It seems to me that the absolutely necessary qualities for influence are -
1st To be personally at peace with God -
2nd To be consistent -
3rd To show that the way is a way of 'pleasantness' -
Cheerfulness -happiness of mind -does not quite explain what I mean by my 3rd head.
If you look at Ly Blanche you will see what I mean - for it is written on her brow 'This way is the good way the happy way, come & try' -It was by this she first 'influenced' me & I have been a slave you desire. Forgive this hurried note it is only hurried in the writing not in the thinking - +see over. Please make your tract short - I am sure the short ones make most impression. I do hope to be in Lon ____ She is better again. Believe me yours very truly Grisell Baillie.
+ My thoughts are not all [word crossed out] alphabetically (oh what a __arranged in shelves like a certain friend of mine ready to be taken down at a moments notice -
PS I think 'unselfishness' is very necessary for influence & what do you say to
'Hypocricy'. I really think if people find out you are trying to do them any good, it makes them worse. One is forced to be attending.
Written at Eldon Hall.