Epistles of Faith

Letter XXVII

William Huntington (1745-1813)

Reverend Sir,

THOUGH at some distance from London, fame has not been silent about you, but has reached the neighbourhood in which I reside. About a year since, your "Naked Bow of God" came into my hands, which I read with pleasure, and, I trust, with improvement. Within these few days, a friend of mine lent me a book of your writing. "The Bank of Faith." The remarkable display of the various providences of God to you, filled me with wonder and amazement. But there is one place in it, page 164, which I cannot agree with. What I mean is, that concerning Dr. Priestley, whom you style irreverent, and suppose he will be served in another world as you served his works in this. Now, for my own part, I think this language savours of uncharitableness; and does not coincide with the words of our blessed Saviour, who says, "Judge not, that Ye be not judged." I have always looked upon Dr. P. as a star which gilds with lustre our dissenting hemisphere. As I am no ways partial to sophistry, but would like to see the truth set forth in its proper colours; and, if I be in an error, should be glad to be convinced of it: therefore have sent this, to solicit an explanatory reason why you speak in that manner of the above-mentioned reverend divine. Forgive, sir, the liberty I have taken; and, if you can spare time from your great Master's work, to write me an answer, shall esteem it a particular favour conferred on

Your humble Servant,

J. W

Nov. 25, 1790.

William Huntington