Fascinating letter written by Joseph Parker, whose Preaching through the Bible is a standard in close, earnest, Biblical Preaching. Ravenhill said it should have been called "Praying through the Bible," because it was so well calculated to repentance, encouragement, and spiritual growth.
In 1881, Parker found himself in a rather heated debate with Henry Allon. Things, unfortunately, went public and got a bit nasty in the Methodist Magazine. It was over, as I recall, The Congregational Union.
Unusually personal letter.
"The City Temple
Publication Rooms
April 18, 1881.
Dear Sir,
Some one handed me the Methodist last Saturday & I flung it from me in remembrance of its former baseness. I have read your article & I must say it has completely changed my view of a paper which I had resolved never to touch again.
I never deprecate criticism if it be inspired by justice; but I leave to the pot-house scribblers the detestable luxury of malignant back-biting. I like your article because it aims to be just. In all this controversy I have met with but little justice & that is the only regret I have in connexion with it. I most heartily thank you for this voluntary & noble service at a critical point in my public life, and I value still more the most encouraging statements which you make in your letter as to the effect of my own ministry upon your spirit & labour.
With every assurance of gratitude and esteem,
I am,
Very truly yours
Joseph Parker"