268 Thomas Hollis to Edward Wigglesworth

    London March 1, 1722/23

    Mr. Wigglesworth

    Deare Sir

    I have written unto you by Capt. Osborn and referr thereunto. I have received since that, under a covert of Mr. B. Colman your letter with your oration englished, and copyes of your two first discourses, all which I have read over with pleasure and satisfaction. I think you sett out well begining with natural Religion and then with Revelation, and I hope you will proceed in the methods of your proof as you have proposed, and I aprove of. I am askt, whether your Lectures are in Lattin, and englished for my use, or whether your design is to read in English. Mr. Hunt tells me in foreign Universitys, as wel as Brittain, their constant usage is for the Professors to Read in Lattin, but of this I give no directions—onely hint what I am told—and leave the Management and direction to the Corporation and your own inclination. You and I are acting our parts as under Powers, to impart a little wisdom and useful knowlege to Youth, but to how little purpose to them, unles the Spirit of Wisdom and knowlege attend the meanes, and by his Enargie, seales home Instruction, to make it lasting and Useful. How needful for us and Religious, to make our constant addresses to God and have our dependance on him for success. If we lack wisdom we are counselled to ask it of God, and incouraged with hope he will give liberally, to own him to have been crucified, and beleive in him as glorified. While we are searching into arts and sciences, the Christian looks upon them but as helps to lead him to the knowlege of God, of the Father and of the Son, this is his Aime, here onely he Rests, and longs after a fuller assurance of Understanding therein.

    Pray give my love to all the Students on my foundation, tell them it is my hearts desire and prayer that they all may be saved, that they may growe in Grace and in the knowlege of Jesus Christ our Lord, and in due time, impart the Savour of that Doctrine unto Others.

    My humble Service to Mr. President and all the Corporation

    Your Loving Friend

    Thomas Hollis

    [Endorsed:] Received April 23.

    Hollis-Leverett mss, Houghton Library. At the bottom of an inside leaf are the words: “I have nothing to trouble you with.”