bookslover
Puritan Board Doctor
Apparently, he didn't approve of the American Revolution:
From a letter dated August, 1775
...Since we received the news of the first hostilities in America, we have had an additional prayer-meeting. Could I hear that professors in general, instead of wasting their breath in censuring men and measures, were plying the throne of grace, I should still hope for a respite. Poor New England! Once the glory of the earth, now likely to be visited with fire and sword. They have left their first love, and the Lord is sorely contending with them...
On some favorite authors:
From a letter dated January 21, 1766
We are favoured with many excellent books in our tongue, but I, with you, agree in assigning one of the first places (as a teacher) to Dr. Owen. I have just finished his "Discourse on the Holy Spirit," which is an epitome, if not the masterpiece, of his writings. I should be glad to see the re-publication you speak of, but I question if the booksellers will venture upon it. I shall, perhaps, mention it to my London friends.
As to Archbishop Leighton, besides his select works, there are two octavo volumes published at Edinburgh in the year 1748, and since reprinted at London. They contain a valuable Commentary on St. Peter's First Epistle, and Lectures on Isaiah 6, Psalm 39, Psalm 130:4, and a part of Romans 12.
I have, likewise, a small quarto, in Latin, of his divinity lectures, when professor at Edinburgh; the short title is "Praelectiones Theologiae." Mine was printed in London in 1698. I believe this book is scarce; I set the highest value upon it. He has wonderfully united the simplicity of the gospel with all the captivating beauties of style and language. Bishop Burnet says he was the greatest master of the Latin tongue he ever knew, of which, together with his compass of learning, he has given proof in his lectures. Yet, in his gayer dress, his eminent humility and spirituality appear to no less advantage than when clad in plain English. I think it may be said to be a diamond set in gold. I could wish it translated, if it was possible (which I almost question) to preserve the beauty and spirit of the original.
Edwards on free will I have read with pleasure as a good answer to the proud reasoners in their own way. But a book of that sort cannot be generally read; where the subject matter is unpleasing, and the method of treating it requires more attention than the Athenian spirit of the times will bear, I wonder not if it is uncalled for, and am afraid we shall not see him upon original sin, if it depends on the sale of the other. This answer to Dr. Taylor, which you speak of, is not a manuscript, but has already been printed at Boston.
And, from the same letter as immediately above, on the value of mid-week prayer meetings:
...The interval from Sabbath to Sabbath is a good while, and affords time for the world and Satan to creep in. Intermediate meetings for prayer, etc., when properly conducted, are greatly useful...
From a letter dated August, 1775
...Since we received the news of the first hostilities in America, we have had an additional prayer-meeting. Could I hear that professors in general, instead of wasting their breath in censuring men and measures, were plying the throne of grace, I should still hope for a respite. Poor New England! Once the glory of the earth, now likely to be visited with fire and sword. They have left their first love, and the Lord is sorely contending with them...
On some favorite authors:
From a letter dated January 21, 1766
We are favoured with many excellent books in our tongue, but I, with you, agree in assigning one of the first places (as a teacher) to Dr. Owen. I have just finished his "Discourse on the Holy Spirit," which is an epitome, if not the masterpiece, of his writings. I should be glad to see the re-publication you speak of, but I question if the booksellers will venture upon it. I shall, perhaps, mention it to my London friends.
As to Archbishop Leighton, besides his select works, there are two octavo volumes published at Edinburgh in the year 1748, and since reprinted at London. They contain a valuable Commentary on St. Peter's First Epistle, and Lectures on Isaiah 6, Psalm 39, Psalm 130:4, and a part of Romans 12.
I have, likewise, a small quarto, in Latin, of his divinity lectures, when professor at Edinburgh; the short title is "Praelectiones Theologiae." Mine was printed in London in 1698. I believe this book is scarce; I set the highest value upon it. He has wonderfully united the simplicity of the gospel with all the captivating beauties of style and language. Bishop Burnet says he was the greatest master of the Latin tongue he ever knew, of which, together with his compass of learning, he has given proof in his lectures. Yet, in his gayer dress, his eminent humility and spirituality appear to no less advantage than when clad in plain English. I think it may be said to be a diamond set in gold. I could wish it translated, if it was possible (which I almost question) to preserve the beauty and spirit of the original.
Edwards on free will I have read with pleasure as a good answer to the proud reasoners in their own way. But a book of that sort cannot be generally read; where the subject matter is unpleasing, and the method of treating it requires more attention than the Athenian spirit of the times will bear, I wonder not if it is uncalled for, and am afraid we shall not see him upon original sin, if it depends on the sale of the other. This answer to Dr. Taylor, which you speak of, is not a manuscript, but has already been printed at Boston.
And, from the same letter as immediately above, on the value of mid-week prayer meetings:
...The interval from Sabbath to Sabbath is a good while, and affords time for the world and Satan to creep in. Intermediate meetings for prayer, etc., when properly conducted, are greatly useful...
