“My dear Sir,—As I fear that it will be impossible for me to contribute to your Magazine for the future, I think it due to you and to myself to acquaint you, without reserve, of the circumstances which have influenced me.
“You are probably aware that there are among my family
connections several persons of rigidly religious sentiments. My father, in particular, is, I believe,
generally known to entertain in their utmost extent what are denominated
evangelical opinions. Several articles in our first number, one or two of my
own in particular, appeared to give him great uneasiness. I need not say that I
do not in the slightest degree partake of his scruples. Nor have I at all
dissembled the complete discrepancy which exists between his opinions and mine.
At the same time, gratitude, duty, and prudence, alike compel me to respect
prejudices which I do not in the slightest degree share.
| Ch. IX.] | THE FIRST EPOCH. | 305 |
“The sacrifice gives me considerable pain. The Magazine formed a connecting tie between me and some very dear friends, from whom I am now separated, probably for a very long time; and I should feel still more concerned if I could imagine that any inconvenience could result from my conduct.
“I shall probably be in London in about a month. I will then explain my motives to you more fully. In the meantime, I can only say that all that has passed between us increases my regrets for the termination of our connection, and my wishes that it may be renewed under more favourable circumstances.
“Let me beg that you will communicate what I have said to nobody excepting Coleridge, Moultrie, Praed, and Malden; and to them under the injunction of secrecy.
