Prefatory Advertisement

The "Address to the Clergy," which forms the first work in this volume, was finished a few days before the Rev. William Law's death (9th April, 1761), and published the same year. Though generally considered to be an excellent work, it is, perhaps, somewhat diffuse in the setting forth of its idea, which might have been amended had its Author lived to see it through the Press.

The "Collection of Letters" contained in this volume is that arranged for publication under the superintendence of Mr. Thomas Langcake and Mr. George Ward during the Rev. W. Law's lifetime. According to Mr. Walton the letters were adapted from William Law's correspondence; and therefore in some instances are not in the same form as they were originally written. Mr. Walton (page 554) of his "Materials, amp;c.," writes:

The fact is, Mr. Ward and Mr. Langcake, both resident in London, manufactured (so to speak) a few of these letters from originals or copies which they had by them, cutting off certain portions from one letter and appending them to another, according to their own taste and judgment; finally, perhaps, procuring Mr. Law himself to touch up the parts which did not well dove-tail in each other; who also was willing to please them and saw a little providential use in it.

The "Three Letters to a Lady inclined to enter the Romish Communion" are now for the first time included in the Rev. W. Law's works. They were written during the years 1731–2; but there is some uncertainty respecting the identity of the person to whom they were originally addressed, which is however a matter of only slight consequence.

For the appearance of these letters in this republication Readers are indebted to the Rev. F. Sanders, Vicar of Hoylake, who kindly lent his copy for this purpose; and whose remark respecting William Law's works—that he knew of no author so likely to do good in this restless and impatient age—is well worthy of repetition here.

During the progress of this work through the Press, further writings by the Rev. William Law have been discovered; which, together with his other correspondence and various matters of interest in connection therewith will—with an Index or Summary to his complete works—be issued in a volume of Miscellanies, of which due notice will be given.

G. B. M.

Preston House, Near Wingham, Kent. November, 1893.2