Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, September 28, 1772

Cravenstreet, Sept. 28. 1772

Dear Sir,

Inclos’d I send you Dr. Priestly’s last Letter, of which a Part is for you, he says, but the whole seems as proper for you as for me. I did not advise him pro or con , but only explain’d to him my Method of Judging for my self in doubtful Cases, by what I called Prudential Algebra . 8

If he had come to town, and preach’d here some times, I fancy Sir John P. would now and then have been one of his Hearers; for he likes his Theology as well as his Philosophy. Sir John has ask’d me if I knew where he could go to hear a Preacher of rational Christianity. 9 I told him I knew several of them, but did not know where their Churches were in Town; Out of Town, I mention’d yours at Newington, and offer’d to go with him. He agreed to it, but said we should first let you know our Intention. I suppose, if nothing in his Profession prevents, we may come, if you please next Sunday; but if you sometimes preach in Town, that will be most convenient to him, and I request you would by a Line let me know when and where. If there are dissenting Preachers of that Sort at this End of the Town, I wish you would recommend one to me, naming the Place of his Meeting. And if you please give me a List of several, in different Parts of the Town; perhaps he may encline to take a Round among them. At present I believe he has no View of attending constantly anywhere; but now and then only as it may suit his Convenience. All this to yourself. My best Respects to Mrs. Price and Mrs. Barker. 1 With sincere Wishes for your Health and Welfare, I am ever my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately

B Franklin

Dr Price