John Thornton, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1772 June 10

Author Thornton, John

Date10 June, 1772

ms 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."

Persistent Identifier
Dear & Revd ſir
I was unwilling to omit the present oppo of thanking 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
ever remarked in him, as I sent you a Copy of my last Letter 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
I am always with sincere regard Dear & Revd Sir Your much devd affecta Sert John Thornton
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From John Thornton Eſqr. 10 June. 1772. Received Septr 25. 1772
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