John Thornton, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1772 June 10
Date10 June, 1772
Call Number772360.2
abstractThornton writes of his belief in unity among sects, mentions that he has paid bills drawn on him by Wheelock to the extent of 175 pounds, and notes that he has had a letter from Occom.
handwritingFormal handwriting is heavily stylized, yet clear and legible.
paperPaper is in fair condition, with moderate wear and heavy creasing, resulting in minor mitigation of text. There is some repair work evident.
noteworthyOn one recto, paragraph one, line 23, the last word is "Ap," which is an abbreviation for "anno praeterito," meaning "the year that has just passed."
Dear & Revd ſir
you for yours of 14th April from Norwich in your way to
Hartford & it gave me pleasure to hear you left all well
& that Mr Avery continued with Mr Kirkland (I hope it
will please God to restore perfect Unanimity, for indeed
contention is the bane of vital Religion & when the
Enemy can prevail on us to lend an Ear to Whisperers
we get on unhallowed ground & are led into a Maze that
neceſsarily bewilders us), may the Lord ever keep us simple
hearted, ceasing from Man & having our Eye ever fixed on him
The Lord our God is merciful gracious long suffering abun
dant in goodneſs & truth, the various Societies of Believers
are united in one for we have one common Lord one faith
& one Baptism & the Gifts & Graces of the Spirit are not
confined to any Sect, but the beauty of Holineſs is discernable
throughout Gods Universal Church, in all that love the
Lord Jesus Christ in Sincerity, let us then be careful that
we grieve not the least of his Children whose Name is Jealous
& above all take heed that we make not a Covenant with
his Enemies, but may we look up to God for a bleſsing that
he may give us a right Judgement in all things.
(Your Bill from Norwich of 14th April for £100 to Nath
Backus Junr as also one dated Hanover 5th December Ap
to Wm Mather for £75 are both taken care of)
I have since writing you last received a well wrote
Letter from dear Mr Occom, who stands high in my
good opinion for that honesty & simplicity I have
to him I trouble you once more, with what I have now wrote
him, as I shall rejoice to hear, you think favorably of him
The Bands of the wicked have robbed God, but now he has broken
the Gates of Braſs & burst the Bars of Iron asunder, that impeded
the promulgation of the glorious Gospel, I doubt not but he will
make his great power known, may Judgement mercy & faith be
ever in exercise & preserve us from every evil way may the
Lord guide us by his Counsel & afterwards receive us to glory
Dear & Revd Sir
Your much devd affecta Sert
John Thornton
The Revd Dr Wheelock