Letter 486

has plainly revealed there.” What have you or I to do with that “difficulty?” I dare not, will not, reason about it for a moment. I believe just what is revealed, and no more; but I do not pretend to account for it, or to solve the difficulties that may attend it. Let angels do this, if they can; but I think they cannot. I think even these

Would find no end, in wandering mazes lost.

Some years since, I read about fifty pages of Dr. Watts’s ingenious treatise upon the “Glorified Humanity of Christ.” But it so confounded my intellects, and plunged me into such unprofitable reasonings, yea, dangerous ones, that I would not have read it through for five hundred pounds. It led him into Arianism. Take care that similar tracts (all of which I abhor) have not the same effect upon you.

I like your thoughts upon Materialism; as I doubt not I should, those on the separate existence of the soul. It will be best to print at Hull or York, if you can print almost as cheap, and have as good paper. Should there not be a thousand copies? Then you will reserve a hundred of them for yourself.

I am, with love to sister Benson,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCCLXXXVI. — To Mrs. Benson.

MY DEAR SISTER, WARRINGTON, May 21, 1781.

AS you are now one of my family, and indeed by a nearer tie than when you were only a member of the society, I rejoice in doing you any service, or giving you any satisfaction that I can. I therefore take the first opportunity of acquainting you, that I will appoint Mr. Benson for Leeds the ensuing year. I trust he will be more useful there than ever, and I doubt not but you will strengthen his hands in God. If you desire anything of me that is in my power, you may be assured it will not be refused by, My dear sister,