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Berg Collection, New York Public Library. ALS; 4p. . Not previously published.
These letters were edited with the assistance of Ian Packer and Lynda Pratt
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I thank you most warmly for your own book,r Venns Sermons,
I lost my way in early life, – & yet my ways have been so ordered that the paths into which I
hav strayed have truly been paths of pleasantness & peace. What presumptuousness I had proceeded
xxxxx <more> from ardour & enthusiasm than from pride, – & yet there was must have
been a large portion of that leaven. I would not take orders at that time, tho no man ever felt a stronger
inclination for a clerical life, because I honestly disbelieved many of the articles of our Church; – time, &
some of those visitations which reach us in our heart of hearts have humbled me, – thoroughly, – if I know myself,
– & I should now be as much incapacitated for subscription by humility, as I was once by presumption. – I
should neither dare to affirm not to deny propositions which attempt to relate to the hypostatic
union,
Yet I have latitudinarian notions,faith <doctrine>, – for in these there is no difference between us. I think you would agree
with WesleyLife. The enclosure appears not to have survived.are at this day in Abrahams bosom.xxx xx suffered enough in this world for their mistake. – But there is a point of
considerable magnitude in which you will think me greatly erroneous – I believe that the prophets & apostles
were inspired, – but it does not appear to me that the plenary inspiration of the Scriptures
You see how I am led on to lay my heart open upon a subject which interests it so nearly. – But
you will see also that against such Clergy as you describe, I have no prepossessions. – Against those who preach
high Calvinism, I have; – & some horror for those who push it its full length to Antinomianism.intemperance <some degree of error> in these cases is not so injurious as indifference, – & the
fever of zeal is better than that dead palsy. – These this are <is a> subjects
which must be touched upon in the work which I have in the press; – a work which will probably displease all
parties, & draw upon me a sufficient share of obloquy from more quarters than one: but if it be read I think it
may do good, – & am sure that it is written with that intention. – I send you now the whole chapter of which I
could only show you a part when you were at Keswick. It will show
you the temper & general tendency of the book.
You asked me in a former letter concerning the later volumes of the Edinburgh Register. I do not
know who wrote the 5 & 6th volumes:th were advertised implied that Walter Scott had at least borne a part in them.xx management of the Quakers.
I had the ophthalmia once & found great relief from a prescription of Beddoes’s, – an infusion of Cayenne-pepper, just strong enough to make
the eyes smart severely. – For mere weakness I can testify to the good effects of bathing the eyelids (taking care that it does not enter the eye,) & the temples with camphorated spirits of wine.
I rejoice that you are about to assist in reforming the Criminal laws, – a good work which ought
to be in good hands. There is undoubtedly a <prevailing> disposition to amend the evils of society at this time; –
it is mingled with much error, & accompanied <managed> with great indiscretion, & accompanied
with great danger; – but the disposition is good, & among the better signs of the age.
I have transmitted Kosters Abridged History
of the Abolition