“When I compare the perturbed state of Europe with the quiet of this place I wish all my friends were here, provided they could find sufficient employment to be happy; but if they be like myself they must be content to be idle, except so far as they can make themselves employment in their closets. My library and laboratory sufficiently occupy me, and of common society I have as much as I want. A few more _rational Christians_ to form a society would make this place a paradise to me, and this would be wanting in many parts of England. “It is a pleasure to be in a place that is continually and visibly improving, and this is the case here to an astonishing degree. In every year we find a very sensible difference, and in all probability improvements of all kind will go on more rapidly than ever. Nature has done everything that can be done for any place. Perhaps you have seen the views of it taken by Miss Daich. They are not by any means too flattering. “Could I have my daughter here I should be happy indeed. But this, I fear, is not likely to be accomplished, owing to the strange obstinacy and prejudice of Mr Finch. Her trials must be very great, but she is naturally cheerful, and has a strong sense of _religion_, which, I hope, will support her. This, sufficiently impressed, will make us equal to everything. Your kindness to her affects me much. _A friend in need is a friend indeed._ Something will, I hope, be done for her before my son returns, but what it can be I do not know. Her uncle has some proposal to make to my son in her favour, but the obstinacy of Mr Finch may defeat everything. “You have obliged me very much by the exquisite little poem you sent me. I hope you will add to the obligation by the communication of the fragment on the ‘Game of Chess,’ or any other little piece you may think proper to send me. You had no copy of your first poem to my wife, or I should value _that_ above any other, and also the little poem you wrote on the birth of Joseph. “I shall always be very happy to hear from you; and, with my best respects to Mr Barbauld, I am, dear Madam, yours sincerely, J. Priestley. “Northumberland, _Dec. 23, 1798_. “Mrs Barbauld, Hampstead, near London.” His son has given us a faithful picture of his closing years and of the serenity of the evening of his life.