A Letter To John Grace, February 22nd, 1865
My dear friend, John Grace,
I cannot call to mind any distinct promise to review (my usual way of noticing) Huntington’s letters. I may possibly do so, but much must depend on how I am led in the matter. I cannot write a review, unless the subject be one which I feel I can handle in a manner edifying to the church of God. I take a book more as a peg, on which to hang an essay on a subject which I think I can write upon feelingly and profitably, than to commend or censure the book itself. Now it may be a most excellent work, but unless I can produce out of my own mind, independent profitable matter on the same or some allied subject, I cannot review it. A review to me is almost like a text. It must come to me, not I go to it; and therefore I can no more promise a review, except conditionally, than I can promise to preach from a given text. Whether good or bad, the reviews cost me much time and thought, and are written with great care. I have a large well-instructed and critical circle of readers, besides many cavilers and fault-finders; and I must not attempt subjects which I cannot handle Scripturally and experimentally. I may, if not just at present, take up the “Posthumous Letters”, and the best time will be when the angel troubles the waters.
I feel much as you do about the truth of God. It is dear to me, and I can neither buy nor sell it, as men would have me. It is to be bought without money and without price, and to be sold for neither. It alone makes free. How can it then be parted with? Many of God’s children are weak in judgment, and soon drawn aside, which should make us doubly desirous to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered unto the saints. I am, through mercy, a little better, and have resumed preaching, but my chest is still tender. That and my own heart are my two greatest trials.
Yours affectionately,
J. C. P.
Jesus is LORD! 
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