William Melmoth

I am also happy to quote that sensible and elegant writer, Mr. Melmoth, in Letter VIII. of his collection, published under the name of Fitzosborne. "We may safely assert, that the belief of a particular Providence is founded upon such probable reasons as may well justify our assent. It would scarce, therefore, be wise to renounce an opinion which affords so firm a support to the soul, in those seasons wherein she stands in most need of assistance, merely because it is not possible, in questions of this kind, to solve every difficulty which attends them." --Boswell, footnote in Life of Johnson.

Mrs. Thrale, as usual, held an opinion opposite to Boswell’s, as she writes to Johnson:
" Yesterday's evening was passed at Mrs. Montagu's: there was Mr. Melmoth ; I do not like him though, nor he me; it was expected we should have pleased each other ; he is, however, just Tory enough to hate the Bishop of Peterborough [Dr. John Hinchliffe] for Whiggism, and Whig enough to abhor you for Toryism.”

Johnson wrote back to her: “From the author of Fitzosborne's Letters, I cannot think myself in much danger. I met him only once about thirty years ago, and in some small dispute reduced him to whistle; having not seen him since, that is the last impression.”… (mer)