[18] Wesley’s Works, vol. i, p. 13.
[19] Wesley’s Works, vol. viii., p. 334.
[20] Mr. Smith was evidently one of the Oxford Methodists, and appears to have been a Fellow of Lincoln College; In a letter dated Aug. 17, 1733, Wesley writes,—“The thing that gives offence here, is the being singular with regard to time, expense, and company. This is evident beyond exception, from the case of Mr. Smith, one of our Fellows, who no sooner began to husband his time, to retrench unnecessary expenses, and to avoid his irreligious acquaintances, but he was set upon, by not only those acquaintance, but many others too, as if he had entered into a conspiracy to cut all their throats: though, to this day, he had not advised any single person, unless in a word or two and by accident, to act as he did in those instances” (Moore’s Life of Wesley, vol. i., p. 206). We have not been able to trace Mr. Smith’s subsequent career. The following letter, however, written a few months later than the above by Wesley, will not be unacceptable.
“London, February 6, 1734; 4, Perpool Lane.
“My dearest Friend,—It was waiting for Mr. Greeve’s coming made me not answer yours sooner. If, when I come, I don’t give you a sufficient reason for my being so long absent from college, never trust me more. But, yet, alas! how lukewarm is piety become with me at the best; and fasting neglected, which I never looked for; not entirely dropped, I hope, but for a week or two, to be taken up and practised again incessantly.
“Notwithstanding, I cannot be present in body sooner than in a month’s time, because I am learning shorthand, which will take up a full fortnight of it. You know, I presume, I was obliged to see my father before my return, and, therefore, we will get you to ask leave of absence, and entreat Mr. Farrer for so much longer.
“I beg my humble service to him and all friends; and accept the same yourself from, my dearest friend, your much obliged friend and servant, William Smith.
“The Rev. Mr. Wesley, Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford.”
[21] Probably another Oxford Methodist.
[22] Probably his pupils.