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HANDLINGAR TILL GEORGE SCOTTS VERKSAMHET I SVERIGE I 6 7
religious & moral matters they are one. No machinations of the
kind attributed to Methodism can be carried on without money,
much money — but there is not a standing fund, not a capital in
the whole of Methodism; the very large outlay is met by yearly
voluntary contributions, resting of course on the ground of
Confidence, a confidence which can only continue while the amount
contributed is appropriated fairly and consistently; the 350,000
Methodists in England look well to the appropriation of what is
contributed by them.
It appears to me, that in further prosecuting your polemical
essays, it would be the best, most honourable and most direct plan
to bring the general question fairly forward in a manly style. The
question at issue is not whether the Methodists are this, that or the
other, but »whether in our improved age Deism or reverence for
the Word of God as the only authoritative rule of faith & practise
is most suited to the circumstances, most useful in the arrangements
of civilized Society». It is evident from your letter, (which of course
contains your unreserved, carefully formed opinion, and as such you
can have no desire that it should be kept secret) that you are at
issue with the Bible and the whole Theological system & apparatus
connected therewith; for if the Bible is to be reverenced, you allow
at once, that they are most worthy of respect who most decidedly
& consistently carry out in all the departments of life, what that
book teaches, and in this view Läsare, Methodists etc. are really
more praiseworthy than such as profess what they do not practise;
waste not valuable time then, dear Sir, in attacking specialities, came
forward honestly against the whole system, and shew us the more
excellent way. I have not been 10 years in Sweden, without
knowing well, that the views openly expressed in your letter are
somewhat generally entertained by the more educated classes in Sweden,
at least Stockholm, and the discussion must come on; nor will that
man be without the honour which is his due, who disdaining to come
at the matter by a sidewind, advances with unhesitating,
uncompromising courage and brings the above question fairly before the
Swedish public; this would be what you justly call rent spel while
other methods may happen to shew themselves ungentlemanly.
Believe me Sir, when I say, that I now write with the most perfect
calmness & candor, being in possession of your unvarnished
sentiments I cease to wonder or feel hurt at your by no means
quenched attack on Methodism, and if any expression contrary to
the purest goodwill has crept into my hurried epistle I hope you
will forgive it.
P. S. May I put in a word for Miss Röhl; she probably is
mistaken, extravagant and what not, but honest she undoubtedly is.
You worry her much in supposing her to be an emissary of Me-
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