LETTER OF
The GOSPEL TRUTH 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!"