No. 8

18 May 1786

William Wilberforce Esqre Bridge Street Westminster     My dear Sir   I told you that I was to be at Clapham on Sunday evening next.  So it was expected.  But afterwards Mr Thornton sent me word of company unexpectedly coming that would fill his house.  My visit will now be deferred till the Sunday following, that is the 28[th] inst.  As matters are thus altered, I thought I would inform you.   My heart is with you, My Dear sir.  I see, though from a distance, the importance and difficulties of your situation.  May the wisdom that influenced Joseph and Moses, and Daniel rest upon you.  Not only to guide and animate you in the line of political duty - but especially to keep you in the habit of dependence upon God, and communion with him, in the midst of all the changes and bustle around you.   I am, My Dear Sir Your affectionate and obliged servant John Newton   Coleman Street Buildings 18 May [1786]   Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Wilberforce c.49 fol. 9 Footnotes   John Thornton [1720-1790], Wilberforce’s uncle, lived on the south side of Clapham Common. [return]