Pastor of the Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia.
Baltimore, Feb. 27th, 1837.
Messrs. Wm. Marshall & Co.
Gentlemen:—I am extremely sorry, that it is not in my power to comply with the request contained in your letter. The difficulty arises from no indisposition to accommodate you, nor from any want of confidence in the work, with which you are furnishing the public, but simply from the fact, that I have only the last three volumes of the series, and of these, have been so situated, as to have read only volumes three and four. If I had the leisure at present, it would give me pleasure to procure and peruse the others; and then forward you the recommendation, which I am sure I should feel authorised to give.
“Russell’s Letters,” I have read with more satisfaction than I have derived from most of the modern publications which have come under my notice; and I do not hesitate to say, that the pleasure of perusing those two volumes, would be an equivalent for the price of the five. In the competency of the editor to continue the series, I have full confidence. He has given sufficient proof in the character of the selections already made. I am therefore gratified to learn that the “Library of Christian Knowledge” is to be enlarged. In haste, yours truly,
J. JOHNS, D. D.
Messrs. Wm. Marshall & Co.
Gentlemen:—Your favour of the 13th inst. was duly received. But the engagements of the season, through which we have been passing, must be my apology for not sooner returning an answer.
I have not read all the volumes of “The Library of Christian Knowledge,” but what I have read, and especially what I know of their able and pious editor, and of his writings, make me confident in saying that the series which he is engaged in publishing, will prove a valuable addition to the religious literature of the country. We need a multiplication of such men as Mr. Hooker, and of such works as he writes and publishes; and this need should lead us to receive most thankfully, and improve most faithfully, so far as it shall extend the rich supply which he is furnishing. Very respectfully, your friend,
JOHN I. STONE,