TO R. GARNONS,
Jesus College, Oxford,
October 2nd, 1826.
I can hardly hope, in four short years, to surmount the disadvantages of my youth, and gain academical distinction. To him, who in his 20th year, learnt his Greek alphabet, a first class at College must be a hopless aim; while an University prize must be beyond the reach of one who merely began to speak English about his twentieth year. Aware of these circumstances, the friends whom I consult have advised me to collect (should necessary studies allow me leisure) as much as I can of such information as will be useful to me in the sacred office I shall be called upon to fill. What I shall lose in attainments, I will endeavour to make up in Christian conduct. That God, who is the sole Dispenser of all the blessings that has been showered upon my path, claims my first duty. My next ambition will be to fulfil my ministry with that zeal and decorum which characterize the spirit of our venerable Establishment; while gratitude will prompt me to dedicate my leisure hours to the literature of my native Principality.
That I may thus live, is my fervent prayer; and all I ask in addition, is a situation where I may watch over the wants of my poor, but worthy parents; and make as far as depends on human aid, their evening set in smiles.
I am, Sir, your most obedient servant,
J. BLACKWELL.
CALVINISM.
To the Committee of the Welsh Church in Liverpool.
Neptune Hotel, Liverpool,
July 20th, 1827.
GENTLEMEN,
I was nurtured among Calvinists. To their Sunday School I am indebted for almost all the education my youthful years were blessed with. Towards some of them I was taught in infancy to look up with reverence and esteem; and the recollection of their Christian virtues proves to me that whatever tendency Calvinism may have to relax the ties of moral obligation, the argument cannot be drawn from the lives of many of its professors. With many Clergymen who take Calvinism for their creed, I have still the happiness to live in bonds of Christian friendship; but my respect for the men does not blind me to their opinions. I am no Calvinist, and ever since I have been capable of forming a judgment upon theological subjects, I have not been a Calvinist. The sincerity of my attachment to our national Church cannot, I trust, be doubted. I was made a member of her by Baptism, and ever since I have attained to years of discretion, my public devotions have been offered up within her pale. For many a dark year—long before the idea of my being elevated to the clerical function had received a shadow of existence, I had resolved to live and die an humble worshipper at her altar.
J. BLACKWELL.