J. C. Ryland, Northampton, to John Robinson (“and his friends”), stationer, Horsley-down, Southwark, 20 March 1770.

Dear Sir

   I have conversed with M.r Woodman if the Gentlemen should desire him he is willing to attend a few young Men in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Logic and Divinity – he cannot board or lodge them, but of that there is no Difficulty his Friends in the Village can do that in a plain frugal manner – if you make Gentlemen of them you ruin them. –

   Any young men with him would have great advantages from the Neighbouring Ministers who are Men of clear Heads, warm Hearts and great Integrity, men of good Abilities in Divinity, and who would zealously provoke the young men to Love and Good Works –

   As to myself – the largeness of my School the weight of my Family affairs – the Numerousness of my Church and Congregation – and the absolute Necessity of pursuing a Course of severe studies that are peculiarly my own – renders it quite improper for me to think of any such thing – the parents of my Pupils who pay me a thousand a year have a right to my best Attention and Services – and it would not be honourable or just in me to give my attention to any more Business than what lies before me. I must therefore not think of it – such a work ought to be in the Hands of a Man wise, prudent steady, amiable and disengaged   such a Man is Isaac Woodman of Sutton within six miles of Leicester. –

   My Advice, my Encouragement, and Reproof too shall never be wanting if any thing of this kind is set on Foot in our parts – Nay I would assist and serve as Jacob did Laban with all my Power – but the intire Care of them I must ever decline – My Love to all your Friends – I am

         Dear Sir

                     Your Servant

                                 in the Gospel

                                             John Ryland

Northa March 20:th 1770

P.S. If any thing farther [sic] is required please to command me by the next post

Text: MS. II.c.5.(3.), Congregational Library, London. The above letter mentions Isaac Woodman, Baptist minister at Sutton near Leicester, also looking for students.