From Dublin, to Thomas Hardwick, stone-cutter, near the bridge in Brentford, Middlesex. He should not be saddened by God's instruction to sell all that he has, for he shall receive his reward in heaven. He should therefore hesitate no longer about breaking away from the world to serve only one master. Spiritual matters are further discussed.
Charles never lost hope that Hardwick would make the correct decision, and feels that some of their friends lacked understanding of Hardwick's mental and spiritual struggle - 'they don't know what it is to be tempted'. Reference is made to Hardwick's mother.
He expects to hear that Hardwick's journey with J W has benefitted him, and that the temptation is past.
Hardwick should write often - what time does he have for private prayer? He should think of Charles especially on a Sunday and should behave to his brethren 'as if their [?]sore tricks' had never happened.
In a postscript he asks that his love be given to Mr Manning and Sister Rich.
Note
- An early London Methodist, Thomas Hardwick probably served as an itinerant some time between 1742 and 1749. He is mentioned as one of Wesley's assistants in the minutes of the Conference of 1746, but gave up the itinerancy in 1749 after his marriage, although he remained on friendly terms with the Wesleys. Source: Encyclopedia of World Methodism (1974).