'Twas but last night I received your letter from Gloucester, having left
that place three weeks since. It revived in my mind some very melancholy
thoughts I had upon my being obliged to quit those studies, that had a
direct tendency to divinity, that being what I should chuse for the
business of my life, it being, I think, of all other studies the most
suitable to a reasonable nature. I say my being obliged, for there is
every encouragement (whether one regards interest or usefulness) now-a-
days for any to enter that profession, who has not got a way of
commanding his assent to received opinions without examination.
I had some thoughts, Sir, of paying you my acknowledgments in person for
that surprising air of candour and affability with which you have treated
me in the Letters that have passed between us. But really I could not
put on so bold a face, as to intrude into a gentleman's company with no
other excuse but that of having received an obligation from him. I have
not the least prospect of ever being in a capacity of giving any more
than a verbal declaration of my gratitude: so I hope you'l accept that,
and believe it's with the utmost sincerity I subscribe myself,
Sir,
Your most obliged, most obedient humble servant,