1778 February 9   My dear Madam,   I hope to return your frank one of these days with a longer letter enclosed, than I have at present time to write. But I was willing to send you a line by Mr Collins.   Upon the receipt of yours I wrote to him immediately, though we had exchanged a letter upon the subject some months before. I would willingly have strengthened my advice, with your name, but in obedience to your command I declined it. However as without your assistance I could not have known how to direct to him, and as I take it for granted he does not think I am a conjurer, he will probably suspect from whence I had my intelligence. It does not signify much, for I believe he is not in a disposition to be easily offended either with you or with me.   I have said all that I judge expedient, and I hope he will consider what has passed between us. I think him far from being obstinate or self-willed. But he is perhaps from constitution subject a good deal to sensible impressions, [1] and I think rather too much governed by them. I do not greatly wonder at it. He is humble and spiritual, has much communion with the Lord, and consolations from him. In such a spiritual frame, he is ready to look upon every impulse that strikes his mind relative to the path of duty, as equally of a divine original. I endeavour to show him that this principle may lead a person of the best intentions, into great inconveniencies, and often has done so; and that we cannot safely follow suggestions any farther than we find them plainly confirmed by the written word. I believe he will one day be of my mind – and I hope the good Lord, whom I am persuaded he desires to serve and obey, will not permit him to be greatly misled. But a tendency of this kind cannot be corrected by force, or all at once. I trust and believe his spirit is so humble and gentle, that the little tincture of enthusiasm, which is blended with his experience, will not precipitate him into a rash conduct. Though I am in general much afraid of the doctrine of impressions, and have often seen it productive of distressing effects.   At present he seems to have nothing in view but to assist Mr King [2] at Hull – who is a person in whom solidity and fervency are so happily tempered, that I have great hopes his conversation will be very useful to my friend.   Indeed when I consider his abilities, and his spirit, I cannot but earnestly wish, the Lord may keep him from itinerancy – and guide him to a settled service in the Established Church, a post in my view of much more importance, and better suited for the successful exercise of the talents with which the Lord has blessed him. He preached for me, last night, and gave great and general satisfaction. [3] I was much pleased and comforted. Seldom I believe have equal powers as a preacher and an equal depth and clearness in the subject matter of discourse, been displayed in so young a Minister. I praise the Lord for him.   But I must stop. I have more letters to write, and but little leisure time. The Lord is gracious to us here. My health is firm, Mrs Newton’s very comfortable upon the whole, though not quite so well as before she was afflicted last winter. We both join in respects to Mr Gardiner and yourself, with repeated assurances of the pleasure it will give us, to receive you both at Olney.   I am, Madam, Your affectionate and obedient servant John Newton   Olney 9 February 78   May I beg you to give our love to Mr Pugh.   [addressed to] Mrs Gardiner Leasingham   Endnotes:    [1] ‘sensible’ was used to describe something perceived by the senses, in this case being rather too sensitive to feelings than to facts. [2] John King (1744-1782), perpetual curate of North Ferriby and St Mary’s Hull, and vicar of Middleton. Some of his wealthy parishioners petitioned him to remove Collins, which he did by mid-July 1778. [3] Collins arrived in Olney on Friday 6 February 1778 on his way to Hull. On Saturday Newton recorded: ‘Some converse with Mr C on his plan. I think him one of the most excellent and favoured of thy servants, especially considering his years. But think him wrong in being too much guided by impressions, and in some consequences he draws from them.’ On the Sunday Collins preached at Hardmead and Clifton Reynes, and at Olney in the evening from Ephesians 4:30. Newton commented: ‘My expectations though large were not baulked. A more solid, savoury, animated discourse, I have seldom heard. He gave great and general satisfaction; the congregation was large, and I hope thy presence was there, and that thou wilt not suffer such a witness to speak in vain. In him I see much of what I would be. O for such a closeness of walk with thee. I can see that he lives to thee indeed, while I seem as if I was halting between two opinions.’ On Tuesday Collins ‘preached again in the evening and excellently from Luke 15:7. Thou hast greatly honoured him with gifts, but still more by a spirit of grace, meekness and love, and a devotedness of heart to thee. Make him a blessing to many amongst us, and to myself also.’ Acknowledgements: Morgan Museum and Library MA 733.4

14/05/2026