may take root downwards, and bear fruit upwards, is the ardent desire of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship's most dutiful,
though unworthy servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXI. To Dr. S.
Dear Sir, Landovery, June 14, 1749.
A Few days ago, I received a letter from Mr. C, in which yours to him dated May 20th was inclosed. It gave me some concern, and would have given me more had not the same letter informed me that good Lady Hn had written to you herself. Alas, my dear friend, what needless trouble do you give yourself, and into what difficulties does your fear of man, your too great attachment to the world, and an over-weening fondness for your pretty character, every day bring you! Is it not time to drop our correspondence, when, on so slight an information, you could so much as suspect that I had betrayed that confidence you reposed in me, or believe that I read a letter wherein you declared yourself a Methodist, when I had never such letter from you. The only passage, as far as I can remember, that was read (and that too at my Lady's request, if I mistake not) was that noble one wherein you said, "Let the world take my character, and tear it to pieces, &c." Are you ashamed, my dear friend, of the resolution? Or think you to put that in practice, and shun being called a Methodist? You might as well attempt to reach heaven with your hand; for, blessed be God, such an honour has he put upon the Methodists, that whoever renounces the world and takes up Christ's cross, and believes and lives the doctrines of Grace, must be stiled a Methodist whether he will or not. Formerly it was "You are a Puritan," now it is, "You are a Methodist." And why does my dear Mr. S take such pains to declare, he never will join the Methodists? Who ever asked him? Or what service could you do their cause by joining, unless your heart was more enstranged from the world than at present it is? Would to God you was more like-minded with Mr. H! He seems to have set down, and counted the cost. He seems to have begun at the right end, and to be fully convinced that there is no reconciling Christ
