To the Rev. Mr. Wanley, Dean of Ripon

LXVIL — TO THE REV. MR. WANLEY, DEAN OF RIPON.

Yarm, July 9, 1766. Reverend Sir, — The regard which I owe to a fellow Christian, and much more to a clergyman and a magistrate, constrains me to trouble you with a few lines, though I have no personal acquaintance with you. Ralph Bell has just been giving me an accomit of the late affair at Ripon. What he desires is, 1. To have the loss he has sustained repaired; and, 2. Liberty of conscience; that liberty which every man may claim as his right by the law of God and nature; and to which every Englishman, in particular, has a right by the laws of his country. I well know the advantage these laws give vs in the present case: I say uSj because I make the case my own; as I think it my bounden duty to do. I have had many suits in the king’s bench; and, blessed be God, I never lost one yet. But I would far rather put an amicable end to any dispute, where it can be done: not that I am afraid of being overi borne by the expense; if I am not, I know them that are, able to bear it. But I love peace. I love my neighbour as myself; and would not willingly bring loss or trouble upon any man. Be so good as to impute to this motive my interfering in this matter.

I am, reverend sir,

Your servant for Christ’s sake.