Robert Robinson, Hauxton, to John Robinson, Eriswell, 11 July 1761.

Dr Sr

  After hearty thanks for yr affectionate letter, let me assure you, that a belief of yr being God’s workmanship, created anew in Xt Jesus to good works, formerly begat such real respect in me, for you, as I believe neither length of time, nor distance of place, will ever be able to eradicate.  This makes me in my poor petition plead for you, and rejoice in nothing so much as ye prosperity of yr soul. 

  Don’t be discouraged because you meet with fears,--Noah being moved with fear prepared an  Ark,—Heb. 11.7.

  Don’t faint under a sight of yr sinfulness, but remember,—My grace is sufficient for thee,—

  Don’t give up yr hopes because yr frames change.  They that have no changes fear not God.  Psal. 55.19.—Jer. 48.11—

  As the best preservative agt falling without, or fearing within, study much those two Abysses, ye Depth of Sin in you, & of Grace in Xt.  Convinced of ye former, you will Loath yrself,—Believing ye Latter, you’ll Love Xt—And in proportion as yr Love rises, so will yr obedience, and I suppose that’s what you are breathing after.

  With regard to my experience you have it—2 Cor. 4.8.9.  Troubled on Every Side, yet not Distressed.  Perplexed,—but not in Despair,  Persecuted, but not forsaken, Cast down, but not Destroyed.

  Heart-plagues-trouble me,—Satan’s darts, perplex me,—ye world, persecute me,—A supension of divine comforts, Cast me down,—yet let me number it amongst my capital mercys,—having obtained help of God, I continue to ys day.—Under a view of it.  I sometimes sing with Mason

That miracles are ceas’d

Some confidently tell,

But I do know, it is not so,

Since I am out of hell.

  Touching the work of God amongst us,—I bless his holy name.  We are not left without witness,—we have many here, upon whom we hope there is a good work begun, who seem to be giving all diligence, to make their calling, and election sure, and these are chiefly young persons,—

  You don’t say how yr Mamma, & Sister go on, but I hope the Lord is carrying on that good work, which was begun in them.  Make my Xtian respects acceptable to them & to that worthy man of Currey whom I trust I shall one day meet in heaven.

  I shall be glad to continue a friendly correspondence with you and to be informed of yr experience from time to time & if you ever come into this country, I should be glad to see you at my house.  My wife joins in wishing you ye good-will of him that dwelt in ye bush, & increase of every spiritual blessing.

  I remain Dr Sr

   yrs affectionately

    Robt. Robinson

Hauxton

July 11, 1761.

P.S.  Pray remember me to yt good old woman ye shepherds wife.

    Text: Crabb Robinson Correspondence, Vol. 1 (725-99), no. 13, Dr. Williams's Library.