To Mr. Robert Marsden.
impressions, but generally by reason and by Scripture. I see abundantly more than I feel. I want to feel more love and zeal for God. My very dear friend, adieu!
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DCCLXI. — To Mr. Robert Marsden, at Mr. Frith’s, Grocer, in Sheffield.
BRISTOL, August 31, 1756.
A CARELESS reader of the Address may possibly think, I make it necessary for a Minister to have much learning and thence imagine I act inconsistently; seeing many of our Preachers have no learning at all. But the answer is easy. First, I do not make any learning necessary even for a Minister (the Minister of a parish, who, as such, undertakes single to guide and feed, to instruct and govern, that whole flock) but the knowledge of the Scriptures: Although many branches of learning are highly expedient for him. Secondly, These Preachers are not Ministers: None of them undertakes single the care of a whole flock; but ten, twenty, or thirty, one following and helping another, and all under the direction of my brother and me, undertake jointly what (as I judge) no man in England is equal to alone.
Fight your way through all. God is on your side. And what then can man do to you? Make known all your wants to Him, and you shall have the petitions you ask of Him.
I am
Your affectionate brother.
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DCCLXII. — To Mr. C. Glascott, Jesus College, Oxon.
DEAR SIR, NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, May 11, 1764.
IT is an unspeakable blessing, that God has given you to taste of the powers of the world to come. And He is willing to give always what He gives once. You need lose nothing of what you have received. Rather expect to receive more every moment; grace upon grace. And be not content till you are a Christian altogether, till your soul is all love, “till you can rejoice evermore, and pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks.”
It you are not already, it may be of use to you to be acquainted with Mr. Crosse, of Edmund-hall. He has a sound judgment, and an excellent temper; and you have need of every help, that you may not lose what God hath wrought, but may have a full reward. A little tract wrote by Bishop Bull, entitled, “A Companion for Candidates for holy Orders,” was of much use to me. In order to be well acquainted with the doctrines of Christianity, you need but one book, (besides the Bible,) — Bishop Pearson on the Creed. This I advise you to read and master thoroughly: It is a library in one volume. But above all be much in prayer, and God will withhold no manner of thing that is good.
I am
Your affectionate servant.
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DCCLXIII. — To Mr. (afterwards Dr.) John Whitehead..
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, August 15, 1767.
AS you desired it, you may labor in Lancashire for the ensuing year.