The GOSPEL TRUTH

LETTER OF

CHARLES G. FINNEY

1831

To Theodore Dwight Weld

30 March 1831

 

[Autograph manuscript in Weld-Grimke Papers, William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan. It was published in Barnes & Dumond, Weld-Grimke Letters, pages 44-45.]

 

A[u]burn 30th March 1831

Dr. Br. Weld.

Yours dated Apulia is

just recd. I think I have looked over

the whole matter & am convinced that

Br. B. can do more for the cause of Xt

at W. than at A.

1 His influence over the young men would

here be very much divided &endash; there it would

be otherwise &endash;

2 I believe, do what they can here, they will

have the greatest number of students there.

3 I should fear the influence of the divided

views & feelings upon doctrinal & other subjects

among this faculty, upon his feelings.

If he did not enjoy religion he would

be a dry stick among the young men.

O how little this seems to be reallised

by our publick Schools. All hic hec hoc

& no God in it. O fie! any thing but dry

science & no Spirit of prayer & no unction.

It is I believe a scheme of Dr. R. to have

them elect B. They might easily do it. Indeed

I dont think there would be any opposition to it.

But strictly inter nos. I suppose that the reasons

for this move are well understood & duly appre

ciated & that they will let Br. B. alone.

[page 2]

For my own part I dont much like the idea of

their having at present another professor here.

It does not look to me like good economy for

the church of Xt. Cant read all your letter.

Do My Dr. Br. learn to write.

This whole region is ripe. Work increases here.

Love to all.

Yours in great haste.

C. G. Finney

 

Addressed:

Theodore D. Weld Esqr.

Whitesboro Oneida co

N. York.

Endorsed by Weld:

C. G. Finney

Auburn April 1831

 

"Cant read all your

letter. Do, my dear

Brother, learn to write!"