LETTERS, 199 



assure you, that from both of the works I have received 

 much gratification and edification, but more particularly 

 from one on the Trinity,* a production which displays 

 much erudition, and a very laudable zeal for the true in- 

 terests of religion. Religious polemics, indeed, have 

 seldom formed a part of my studies ; though, whenever 

 I happened accidentally to turn my thoughts to the sub- 

 ject of the Protestant doctrine of the Godhead, and com- 

 pared it with Arian and Socinian, many doubts inter- 

 fered, and I even began to think that the more nicely 

 the subject was investigated, the more perplexing it 

 would appear, and was on the point of forming a resolu- 

 tion to go to heaven in my own way, without meddling 

 or involving myself in the inextricable labyrinth of con- 

 troversial dispute, when I received and perused this ex- 

 cellent treatise, which finally cleared up the mists which 

 my ignorance had conjured around me, and clearly pointed 

 out the real truth. The intention of the author precluded 

 the possibility of his employing the ornamt,rts and 

 graces of composition in his work ; for as it was m.eant 

 for all ranks, it must be suited to all capacities ; but the 

 arguments are drawn up and arranged in so forcible and 

 perspicuous a manner, and are written so plainlj^, yet 

 pleasingly, that I was absolutely charmed with them. 



The Evangelical Clergyman is a very smart piece; 

 the author possesses a considerable portion of sarcastic 

 spirit, and no little acrimony, perhaps not consistent with 

 the Christian meekness which he wishes to inculcate. I 

 consider, however, that London would not have many 

 graces or attractions, if despoiled of all the amusements 

 to which, in one part of his pamphlet, he objects. In 

 theory, the destruction of these vicious recreations is very 

 fine ; but in practice I am afraid he would find it quite dif- 

 ferent. * * * The other parts of this piece 

 are very just, and such as every person must subscribe 

 to. Clergymen, in general, are not what they ought to 



be ; and I think Mr has pointed out their duties 



verj -^^curately. But I am afraid I shall be deemed im- 

 pertinent an*! tiresome, in troubling you with ill-timed 



*'■ Jones on the Trinity. 



