London, June 2, 1792

DEAR SIR,

I HAVE been hurt by two or three letters directed to Dr. Newton. I beg you to inform my friends in Scotland as they come in your way, that after a little time, if any letters come to me, addressed to Dr. Newton, I shall be obliged to send them back unopened. I know no such person, I never shall, I never will, by the grace of God.

Do not think I am displeased with you, or any of my kind friends, who mean me kindness and honour by such an address. I only beg for my peace sake that it may not be repeated.

I have been informed that a college in Ame* rica, I think in New-Jersey, has given me the honourary degree of Doctor. So far as this niark of their favour indicates a regard to the gospel truths which I profess, I am much pleased with it. But as to the title itself, I renounce it heartily; nor would I willingly be known by it, if all the universities in Europe conferred it upon me. My youthful years were spent in Africa, and I ought to take my degrees (if I take any) from thence. Shall such a compound of misery and mischief as I then was, be called Doctor I Surely not.

I thank you for the pamphlets. I have not had time to read them all; but I doubt not I shall like them all, — but that which I have read, “The Dialogue between the Devil and a Socinian,” I cannot say I approve either the manner or the spirit of it. I am hurt when gospel truths are put into the devil’s mouth — nor do I think we are warranted to consign over Socinian ministers so coolly to his powers. I suppose a ready penman at Damascus might have written a smart dialogue between the devil and Saul of Tarsus. But Saul became Paul; grace has long and strong arms; and I think it more becoming a christian, to be unwilling to give any one up, while living. In brief, I cannot think that dialogue likely to do much good; and if it was only designed to hold up an opponent to ridicule and contempt, it might as well have been spared. It is my mercy 1 am not a Socinian; for had I been left to myself, I might have been among the foremost. It becomes me to be thankful; and to pity and pray for those who know not what they do. May the Lord open their eyes — then they will soon be of our mind.

I shall be abroad (if the Lord please) four or five weeks from the 8th instant.

May the Lord bless and guide you,
and your affectionate servant,

J. N,