I rejoice to find, that the justices I have seen, are truly zealous to protect the College from every attempt or danger of vitiation; and will resolutely exert their legal authority to that end. And I am more particularly happy, that this temporary inconvenience has excited the resentment of those that were misled into voting for it. Such accidents we shall, or may expect to meet with, from the unworthy stimulations of avarice. But while I am in authority, such schemes shall wither and die, as soon as you can communicate them to me; which, I ever hope to receive from you, with that warmth and earnestness, that must and ought to flow from the bosom of a parent, tenderly watching over the most important interests of a child, that promises fair to be a glory and blessing to many generations.

I am, with unfeigned regard and much affection,

My Dear and Rev. Sir,

Your real friend,

JOHN WENTWORTH.

Dear and Rev. Sir,

From John Thornton, Esquire.

Clapham, July 22, 1774,

I find myself indebted to you for your favors of 18th December, 4th of March, and 14th April, and the drafts passed on me for your account, and the trusts are all taken care of. And herewith I transmit you the particulars of the bills that have appeared. About £460 remains, which you may draw for, as the Indian schools may require it. And then, I believe, we shall all on this side the water, be glad to testify we fulfilled faithfully what was committed to us; and account ourselves discharged from having any direction in future transactions; truly thankful, that through your great watchfulness, care, and unwearied attention to the schools, all has wound up so well. I flatter myself, that though as a body we shall be annihila

ted, as private persons our regard to the schools, will be no way diminished: and, I hope, ever to convince you thereof in my particular.

We have had morality so long held forth in our pulpits, that it is pretty nearly banished; and there is such a general lethargy of soul among the dissenters, as is truly piteous. They seem in more danger from a head knowledge of divine truths, than any others; as they are apt to rest in it. It may seem strange; but I find even orthodox opinions delivered in a cold and formal way, without application, seem to have a tendency to lull the hearers asleep, and leave them short of an experimental feeling of the power of godliness. However, among this general degeneracy, our Emanuel does not leave himself without some blessed witnesses, that stand up for the truth as it is in Jesus; and that seems increasing more particularly in the establishment, where maný young men have come out lately. The most striking I have an account of among the dissenters is at Chester; as the following extract from a letter I received will evidence.

"And now, sir, as I know you love to hear of the prosperity of Zion, I will inform you of the beginning of an interest of Christ in this city, which has never been established before, since Mr. Matthew Henry's time. It began with three, meeting together for prayer, and to consult about using means to bring the gospel among us. We were soon joined by six others. After that we applied to a gospel minister, at some distance from us, to come and preach among us, two Lord's days in a month; which he continued to do for some months, and the place began to be too small to contain the people, when the kind providence of God opened for our relief. A very convenient place offered, that would contain near four hundred ; we took it and fitted it up directly. Mr. Scott and many other ministers came to supply us; so that we were seldom vacant; but thought it our duty to look out for a pastor. When the Lord, in his abundant goodness, was pleased to direct us to our

present pastor Mr. A, a spiritual child of the Rev. Mr. V (a clergyman who was formerly curate here at Clapham) who is well known to him, and he is a lively, faithful preacher of the gospel. We formed into an independent church, being only nine in number. Our pastor settled with us, November, 1772, and through the Lord's blessing the word to the conversion of souls, we are now 48 members; many of which were most notorious for outward sins. Surely we have reason to say the Lord has done great things for us, and desire to give him all the glory. I trust he is still going on with the work; as many souls are under concern. Our meeting house is often much too small to contain the people, and many go away for want of room to stand or sit. We are waiting for the opening of Providence to build us a meeting house. We have but one or two persons of much substance among us. I beg you would remember us at the throne of grace.

I was glad to hear of your success in settling the Rev. Eden Burroughs, at Hanover, where, I hope he will be of abiding comfort to you.

Your narrative was duly received, and we shall hope for a continuation thereof. His Excellency Gov. Wentworth's countenance and protection is a great blessing. You must expect opposition; but when we are satisfied, that they, who make it, are tethered, and all works for good, as coming in covenant mercy, from a reconciled God in Christ, we have nothing to fear. For our bitterest enemies are often our best friends, by keeping us upon our guard, and teaching, us watchfulness. A blessing is held out to us, even when we are persecuted, and the fault is in ourselves, not in them. If we put it from us, we are too apt to take our matters out of God's hands, and to be following our own wisdom; and thereby it is, we get ensnared. I am sure I have brought myself into difficulties thereby; and I find myself a mere novice in the school of Christ. The Lord forms his veterans by bringing their graces into exercise; and the difference among believers may be appointed for wise ends;

**

that we may testify love, forbearance; and, that the law of kindness is written on our hearts; and, that we are ever ready to believe good and not evil, of one another. It is a sad thing indeed to profess, and not possess the graces of the gospel, in a measure as is too common among us. All such boisterous noisy professors call aloud for our pity, and not for our resentment. They are much more their own enemies, than they ever can be ours. If interest is the principal thing that sways us; that surely, cannot be so certainly promoted, as by procuring the favor of God, and avoiding his displeasure. If we are governed by our fears, He is the most formidable being in the universe, to a mind that has perverted its faculties, and transgressed the laws of its nature. If by hope, He is the supreme good. If by love, He is the most amiable and perfect excellence. If by gratitude, He is the Author of all our happiness. Let us endeavor to see the hand of God in all; and if what comes from him, leads us back unto him, all must be well with us, let what will happen. The prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, are striking examples to us of suffering affliction and patience. Let us tread in their steps, and remember the captain of our salvation, was made perfect through sufferings. May the blessed Jesus keep us simple hearted, ceasing from man, with an eye ever fixed on him. The Lord our God is merciful, gracious, long suffering, abundant in goodness and truth. He knows well how to defend his own cause. If we will trust it with him, he sends his angel before us to keep us in the right way, and to bring us to the place he has prepared. If we beware of him and obey his voice, we know. then he will contend for us, and be an enemy against our enemies, and an adversary against our adversaries.

7

I was glad to hear you had a comfortable habitation for your family; and I can only repeat to you, that I shall, with great cheerfulness, assist you with what your occasions may require

and, therefore, if you distress yourself unnecessarily on that ac-count, I can only wish it had been otherwise.

I am glad the French bibles and testaments are acceptable, and came safe. I shall be ready to furnish you with any book, that you think will be useful.

My present engagements and correspondence is so very extensive, both at home and abroad, that I know not how to commence any new ones, without dropping some; and they are more than sufficient to keep me fully employed; that I must request in future, you would recommend none to me. But I shall always be glad to hear from you any striking account of the success of the gospel; and I shall be ready to communicate, when I can find leisure, whatever I judge to be pleasing and profitable. And as such, I send you a speech of a Tuscarora woman, transmitted to me lately, by dear Mr. Kirkland, who is, I think, múch owned and blessed; and I know of no such other missionary any where in our day.

I dare appeal to God, that my sole desire is to have a single eye to his honor and glory, and to know no one after the flesh; be it father or mother, or ever so dear a friend.

I find, that notwithstanding all human endeavors, divine teaching is absolutely necessary to give an interest in divine truths, and to bring them home with power to the soul.

The present society for propagating the gospel, would never suffer such a society to be formed for America. In compliance with your desire, I have enclosed a letter to your students: which, you are at full liberty to communicate, or suppress, as you deem advisable.

The cursed maxim, adopted by government, that there is a necessity for bribery and corruption, has nearly ruined us; and if persevered in, must necessarily soon complete it. Men of influence are so violent to render themselves conspicuous, that it is past all bearing; and, by means of a continual increase of places, there is much to contend for. I am very thankful