Epistles of Faith

Letter XV

William Huntington (1745-1813)

My very dear Friend,

I HAVE had the satisfaction of knowing you now upwards of twenty years. At our first acquaintance, you were an exact portrait of Job's wild ass's colt; and never was I more surprised than when I first saw you in a pulpit! But I perceived that God had sent out the wild ass free, and loosed the bands of the wild ass. The Lord having at that time quickened my soul, I knew the voice, felt the power, and divine union took place, which I hope will ever continue.

I have perused most of your writings, but find few exceed the enclosed, which you sent me when I lived on Hounslow Heath, and which I wish you to publish in your present Epistles of Faith, and that without any correction or human decoration, unpolished, unembellished, and I say unadulterated; that your readers may have the satisfaction of seeing an original.

As the Letter is without date, according to custom, I cannot certainly say how long it was ago; but I think it must be upwards of fourteen years. My reason for desiring to have it published is, because of the simplicity of it. A few days ago, I was looking over the many epistles I have received from you, and I found a savour in them, therefore wished others to partake of the savoury meat, not willing to eat my morsel alone.

Your room is still vacant; but Jannet, of late, has talked of letting the lodgings, as they are so seldom occupied. You know it has been otherwise formerly: but times are now altered, therefore we must expect to meet with many disappointments.

You see I write without any of those compliments which the clergy in general expect, without adding even the title S. S. But conclude in joint affection, attended with our best wishes,

JOHN & JANNET CHAPMAN.

William Huntington