Q. C., Camb., Nov. 19th, 1810.
My very dear Friend,
WITHIN a week or two past I have had to thank my God also for many
providential interferences; for success in our late examinations; for
being kept most mercifully from engaging in something which would have
been highly detrimental to me; for the acquisition of a most valuable
Christian friend (who is a great helper of my faith, and a very pleasing
and agreeable companion; he was, like myself, formerly engaged in
business, and also a Methodist); as also for a providential opening of my
path respecting my future situation in his church. Of all the places I
have yet heard of, this seems most suited to my views and inclinations.
It is, Mr. Eyton’s, of Wellington, Shropshire, six miles from _Madeley_,
and surrounded by pious ministers. The vicar is very pious and
laborious, of similar sentiments with myself, humble and affectionate. I
know three men in Cambridge who are very well acquainted with him and his
situation, and they each say that they would go there in preference to
any place whatever. My mother and sister (to whom I wrote a few days ago
concerning him) met him when in Shropshire; and they advise me by all
means to accept of it. I wrote to him lately, and received an answer,
which has done my heart good. I have not yet finally settled in my mind,
but I shall write either to-day or to-morrow, giving my final answer. I
hope to be directed from above. I would not trust my own feelings or
inclinations, but in the all-wise Disposer of events. Pray for me, my
dear friend, that if I should not be useful there, or in any manner out
of my proper place, that something or other may intervene to put a stop
to all further proceedings. I am daily obliged to make some little
preparation for orders, for Mr. E. is in want of assistance. Should I go
to the place, I shall endeavour to be ordained soon after I take my
degree; perhaps in a month or six weeks, if I can procure a private
ordination. My degree may suffer in some measure, but I cannot help
that; we must expect sometimes to be called to make a little sacrifice,
but it will all be eventually well.