Jebb, John
To Lady Olivia Sparrow, 23 August [1815]
Jebbs Sermons* are beautifully attractive, sweetly elegant and highly polished as to style, and exhibiting Religion in her most amiable dress, and her most lovely lineaments, but certainly not abounding in the prominent exhibition of certain important doctrines. They abound however with invitations and incentives to holiness and from a pleasing transcript of his own pure mind. They are, I think, best suited to those who have already made a progress in religion as they by no means take in its grand scheme and scope. I greatly love the Man, and was much disappointed that his sudden recal on the death of his brother stopped him on his journey hither.* Pray see all the interesting Society at Bellevüe, especially , but take especial care that your ears do not run away with your heart, for he has a most fascinating eloquence. With great mutual regard we disagree on some very momentous points. As a teacher of holiness, and an inspirer of contempt for the world he has scarcely an equal. He is a good deal of a Mystic. You see how openly I write to you even respecting my real friends and favorites. I know my confidence in you is not misplaced. Letters which are not written in that confidential skein are not worth having, but the general habit would be dangerous.
To Lady Olivia Sparrow, [20? October 1815] [incomplete]
Yesterday was quite an Irish day as it brought me letters from the ,* , Jebb and .* The latter was happy in the expectation of Lady O. Sparrow the next day. The Archp. gives but a gloomy picture of the state of his part of Ireland! I was sorry to see both Knox and Jebb date from Cashel or Limerick, as it makes me fear you missed them at Bellevue, but I hope not.
To Lady Olivia Sparrow, 13 December [1815]
I am sorry you saw so little of I earnestly hope that visit will be yet made; to say nothing of her residence which I wish to see of all places, she is herself very interesting, and a character of inestimable value. (by the way) I am astonished at what you tell me of , if there is any coolness it must be on his part. I am sure it has not been on mine. We have not indeed corresponded as largely as we used to do, but he himself has apologized for it, from his other pursuits. My esteem for his virtues and admiration of his talents are great and undiminished. We do not indeed think alike on certain religious points and Mr. Jebb (whom I also much love) had the candor to tell me that our difference in this matter was the reason why he did not write to thank me for my books. but I did not know why this should make any coolness among /Christian/ friends, I am sure it will make none in heaven, and I am the last person who would lower my regard for a friend on account of their opinion of my writings. I shall hope to see both Knox and Jebb next Summer.
Hannah More to Marianne Thornton, August 5th 1824
We have had our Bible Anniversary at Wrington. It was held under a tent. There were some good men and good speakers. The élite of the assembly were invited to dine at Barley Wood to the number of 18. did the honours, poor I having my usual scrap sent up to my room. To this room the greater part came up in the afternoon. Among others were the Pakenhams from Ireland /excellent persons/ Sister and brother to the * (by the way she was here once and all the Langford family)* , dear and and * &c &c For T. would not let us part without desiring this good Arminian to perform the family devotions, and it was really a very edifying Scene. The day before this, I had a visit from another dear friend the , and the day after a very agreeable one from the again, to introduce our .* Of the latter I was a little afraid at first, lest he should consider me a little unsound in point of orthodoxy as he is particularly strict and high Church. But I think I never met with so kind, I may say so warm and even affectionate reception from a total stranger. We are the best friends imaginable and he is coming again. I have not done with my Episcopal-ism yet. – For yesterday who should make his appearance but my Lord Bishop of Limerick and his .* Forster we had a sweetly comfortable day and these kind Souls were so full of feeling, thinking it likely that we should never meet again, that both of them actually shed tears at parting, after keeping their horses two hours at the door, God bless them! I think we are come a little nearer in sentiment, at least we agreed to differ. They were late in the evening to Wells to that . I cannot press my friends to stay all night, as I cannot see them late at night, nor before noon next day – But this exclusion will not extend to you and dear and when your Western excursion takes place. I shall rejoyce to receive /you/ for a night or two and shall turn you over to for supper and breakfast &c. – we talkd you over pretty well with the Limerick’s* yesterday. I believe they miss you full as much as you do them.