Evening Reflection

I THANK YOUR LADYSHIP for the information concerning the Methodist preachers, but the doctrines are most repulsive and strongly tinctured with impertinence and disrespect toward their superiors, in perpetually endeavoring to level all ranks and do away with all distinctions. It is monstrous to be told you have a heart as sinful as the common wretchesthat crawl on the earth. This is highly offensive and insulting; and I cannot but wonder that Your Ladyship should relish any sentiment so much at variance with high rank and good breeding.

—-- From The Duchess of Buckingham to the Countess of Huntingdon, after being invited to come and hear the ‘Methodist’ evangelist George Whitefield, 1741
H/T Redeemer Presbyterian, Manhattan