Joseph Johnson, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1767 December 29

Author Johnson, Joseph

Date29 December, 1767

ms number767679.2

abstractJohnson writes of his spiritual concerns, the progress of the school, and his differences with Kirkland.

handwritingHandwriting is small, yet mostly clear and legible. Letter case is frequently difficult to discern, especially with regard to the letter S.

paperLarge sheet folded in half to make four pages is in good condition, with light staining, creasing and wear.

inkBlack-brown ink is faded in spots.

Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.

Persistent Identifier
Rev. and ever honoured Doctor
I would once more attempt to write to you my honoured Benefactor; notwithstanding I find my mind so discomposed, it is as if there was no solidness in my mind, sometimes Encouraged, and at other time disheartened; So that I cant be resolute in what I do. at present things look dark— They all wear a garment of discouragement, but I hope that Before long Some will change their present garment, and Look Encouraging to your poor Labourers in the wilderness. I Fear that God is about to give up these poor Ignorant heathen to walk after their own hearts, and cut them off entirely from his Earth; I think at present there is Some concern amongst these Indians I would hope a Real concern, I hope that God is about to carry on his own work amongst us, and bring out Some of our Souls from this darkness into his Marvelous Light. I am yet in the Gall of bitterness and in the bond of Iniquity. I hope that God will yet Enable me to See the pride of my heart, and the great Sin of Unbelief and the necessity I Stand in of Christ Jesus, I believe that unless God be pleased to open my Eyes that I may See the wickedness of my heart I greatly fear I shall never Obtain the One thing needful. I desire the continuance of your prayers daily that God would make and keep me humble minded and willing to Submit to his will and pleasure and to dispose of me as Seems good to him and most for his own Glory and the furtherance of the Glorious Redeemers Kingdom Here in this desert. It seems as if I was in Some measure willing to devote my all to that End. I have no Strange news to inform you of at present I steadily attend the School, Such Times Excepted as when Mr. kirtland wants my assistance the Scholars are 5 in number at present they learn very fast, I have Some hopes of having my School enlarged in Number, but if not, I hope that it may increase in— Knowledge. I will do all that lies in my power to teach them in all thing I am capable of. I Live very comfortable upon the Indian fare, I Lack nothing but thankful Heart. (as I wrote before.) I have had my health as usual By the goodness of God, and I hope Rev. Sir, that by the Same goodness that you have had your Valuable health as usual likewise. I would once more ask the continuance of your prayers, that god keep me from pride, from— Ingratitude, from dishonouring his Great Name— from all the Temptations of the Devil, and from all the Temptations of my fellow Youth. that he would keep me from the lusts of the Eye, and the lusts of the flesh. and in Short from Everything that is displeasing to him.
I must own and I think it my duty to confess now that that I was wrong in my thoughts about that question which Mr. kirtland asked me "do you think there is So "great a difference Between me and Mr. Wheelock, I misunderstood him he Said that "do you think there is a "greater Difference between you and me, then there is between "Mr. Wheelock and me. it was last winter when I showed my Reluctance in assisting him for his fire wood." He Said I "would willingly take care of Mr. Wheelock if he was up "here.—I said So would I. Then his question came. I have no more to write at this Time, Only Rev. Sir; I desire Still to be under your kind Direction in all things that I undertake. Rev. Sir. I should be glad of a favour of a letter from you as I always have a desire to hear from my kind and honoured Benefactor.
So honoured Sir I desire to subscribe myself your Humble and Obedient— —Pupil. Joseph Johnson.
PS. my humble Duty to madam, and respects to all your worthy Family. I have been in great Hurry in this Letter I dont know as you can Read it.
Blank page.
From Joseph Johnson  December 29th 1767
To  The Rev. Dr. Wheelock  In  New England
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