London, November 13, 1789

DEAR SIR,

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I AM sorry Dr. M**** should occasion trouble to himself or others. Whatever judgment may be formed of his book, the truth which he opposes will stand firm. It is the very rock on which the church is built, against which, neither force, nor policy, nor sophistry can prevail. I see not how your judicatories can avoid noticing it, unless they give up your public doctrinal standards as untenable. At the same time, I fear that judicial censure will add to his zeal in a bad cause, and likewise add to his fame, and make his book more inquired after. Unless he can be convinced, he will never think himself confuted. And heart conviction is the work of the Lord alone.

The plausible and temperate manner in which he writes, makes his book, in my opinion, more dangerous than all the volumes which Dr. Priestleyhas published. However, as you observe, the great Head of the church will take care of his own cause, and of his own people. Such things have been from the beginning. There must be heresies. But they who know the Saviour’s name, will put their trust in him, when his opposers have done their utmost to prevent it.

May the peace and blessing of the Lord be With you, and with all who love him in sincerity. I am

Your affectionate friend and servant,
J. N-