1782 August 31
My dear Madam,
This must be a piece of a letter for I do not expect time to write a whole one. Mr Pugh showed me that part of your letter on which you desired my advice, I told him what I thought – but afterwards it occurred to me that I would tell you myself.
If your attendance at church should be generally understood in Sleaford, as a testimony of your approbation of the spirit and sentiments of the preacher, then perhaps it would be advisable for you to absent yourself. [1] But I suppose few people would draw such an inference from seeing you there. If not – I think you are not concerned in Mr Henry’s warning. On the contrary you have been evidently pointed out, and almost named as an object of his displeasure. If after this, you continue to hear him – your meekness – and his invective, will afford such a contrast as will probably be noticed to the honour of your profession and may perhaps make him ashamed and constrain him to desist. In thus showing yourself willing to bear reproach without being either dejected or angry about it – I should hope you will soon silence the ignorance of opposition. I can see no harm in taking this course as you are circumstanced.
The case might be different likewise, if there was any other church or meeting in the town to which you could go statedly. As there is not, I think many inconveniencies might follow if you were altogether to decline public worship. I should think too your attendance most advisable on Mr Gardiner’s account. Your opponents endeavour to ingratiate themselves with him – but he will have discernment to see, better than theirs, if you go on quietly – since things are much the same as formally only in this, that some who formally flattered you now rail at you. And I shall hope the railing fit will in time work off.
You know I am always inclined to moderate counsels. I think as you have been treated requires more grace to continue at church than to keep away. Many find it easy to show resentment – but there are a favoured few, who can rejoice in sufferings for the Lord, and feel no sorrow but for those who oppose.
Had I been at your elbow I would have advised you to have let Mr P_[Pugh] ask for the pulpit for himself – then you would not have been affected by the issue. But you were upon the spot and a better judge than I. You meant well, and the Lord whom you serve, and for whose sake your present difficulties have befallen – will bring you safely through and do you good by them. He has lately comforted and strengthened you, and now he appoints you something to exercise the faith, patience and wisdom he has given you.
I thank you for your letter which I can only acknowledge at present. I am willing you should think as lowly of yourself as you please but wish you would not form so high an idea of my importance as to make any apology when you write. Let our correspondence be that of one poor sinner with another. You could hardly express yourself in terms of more distance and deference, if I were Lord Bishop and wore lawn sleeves or even a red hat. [2] Believe me Madam, some Ministers have much tinder in their hearts, and their kind friends should be careful not to drop sparks lest they should set them on fire.
Mrs Newton is for the most part pretty well; today she has her headache – but not very violent. She often thinks of you and always loves you. Please to present our respects to Mr Gardiner – and your two fellow travellers.
Believe me to be sincerely
Your affectionate friend and servant
John Newton
31 August 82
[to]
Mrs Gardiner
Sleaford
Lincolnshire
Endnotes:
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[1] |
The preacher may have been Edward Waterson (1752-1809), vicar of Sleaford from 1781, unless a curate was covering for him. Mr Henry, if not a local person, perhaps an Independent, could perhaps refer to something Sarah had read by Matthew Henry (1662-1714) the Bible Commentator. |
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[2] |
Lawn sleeves are full gathered sleeves on a Bishop’s surplus; a red hat is worn by a Roman Catholic cardinal. |
Acknowledgements:
Morgan Museum and Library MA 733.16
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