The Oxford Methodists : $b Memoirs of the Rev. Messrs. Clayton, Ingham, Gambold, Hervey, and Broughton, with biographical notices of othersTyerman, L. (Luke)
History
The Oxford Methodists : $b Memoirs of the Rev. Messrs. Clayton, Ingham, Gambold, Hervey, and Broughton, with biographical notices of others
Hervey was now instituted, by the Bishop of Peterborough, in his
second living, and opened his commission, among his new parishioners,
by preaching from the text,—“To me, who am less than the least of all
saints, is this grace given, that, I should preach among the Gentiles the
unsearchable riches of Christ.” He also sent to the press his “Remarks
on Lord Bolingbroke’s Letters,” which, in the month of November, were
published. He solicited Lady Frances Shirley to favour him with the
criticisms of her friends; and, on December 5, 1752, wrote to her as
follows:—
“I am much obliged to your Ladyship for taking the trouble of
transmitting the sentiments of your critical acquaintance.
If I live to write another letter, I will return my opinion
with relation to them. This is designedly short; to correspond
with my weak state of health. For I am again confined; though,
blessed be God! not ‘in durance vile,’ I preached on Sunday;
and renewed my cold; so that this morning I have lost my
voice. What a dying life is mine! Every blast pierces me, and
every cold crushes me. Blessed, for ever blessed be God! for a
better life and happier state in the heavens. Where we shall be
languid no more; and be ungrateful to Jesus no more; and sin
against God no more.”
To another friend, a few days later, he wrote:—
“_December 14, 1752._—Your approbation of anything in my
‘Remarks,’ will give me singular satisfaction; yet, I should
be no less obliged for your free thoughts, on what should have
been added, expunged, or altered. Point out my blemishes,
and supply my defects. Applause may be more soothing to my
vanity; but such kind corrections will be more pleasing to
my judgment, and more serviceable to our common cause. It is
scarce probable, that, a second edition should be published,
as the first was numerous; but, if there should be such a
demand, I am sure, your animadversions would enrich and ennoble
it. As an author, I would aim, singly aim at the glory of my
Divine Master, and the furtherance of His everlasting Gospel.
Nevertheless, I would, by no means, neglect the recommendations
of a graceful composition. I would be glad to have the apples
of gold, which are the truths of our holy religion, set in
pictures of silver. Generally speaking, human nature must be
pleased, in order to be profited. The wisest of men ‘sought and
found out acceptable words,’ even when that which was written,
was the truth of God.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account