70. 1777

1777 CONSOLIDATION AND ADVANCE JANUARY 11, 1777, TO DECEMBER 29, 1779 To Joseph Benson LONDON, January 11, 1777.

DEAR JOSEPH,--The matter is short. I require you to meet the Societies of Sunderland and Shields next quarter and to give no tickets to any person who will not promise neither to buy nor sell uncustomed goods any more. I am sorry ---- did not save you the trouble: I thought he had been another man.

Pray worry John Reed [See letter of Dec. 24, 1776, and Feb. 15, 1777.] till he writes a circumstantial account. It must be done while things are fresh in his memory, otherwise we shall lose many particulars which ought not to be forgotten.

They have made good haste to finish the preaching-house at Sheephill already; I thought it had hardly been begun. [Wesley preached in the new house Sheephill, near Newcastle, on May 16, 1779. ‘Here the work of God greatly revives; many are lately convinced of sin, and many enabled from day to day to rejoice in God their Savior.’]

I have just received two letters from New York; one of them from George Robinson, late of Newcastle. They inform me that all the Methodists there were firm for the Government, and on that account persecuted by the rebels, only not to the death; that the preachers are still threatened, but not stopped; and the work of God increases much in Maryland and Virginia.--I am, dear Joseph, Yours affectionately. To Francis Wolfe LONDON, January 14, 1777. MY DEAR BROTHER,--Let James Perfect immediately change places with Rd. Whatcoat. There must be no delay.

You cannot make a better choice. She is an excellent woman.

O beware of Calvinism and everything that has the least tendency thereto. Let a burnt child dread the fire!--I am Your affectionate friend and brother. To Mr. Wolfe, At Mr. Walter’s Hatter, In Plymouth Dock. To Thomas Wride LONDON, January 17, 1777.

DEAR TOMMY,--If your fellow laborers and you are zealous and active, you will give me a good account of the circuit. I found it in a flourishing state. So will you before you leave it.

Robert Empringham has done exactly right as to the sacrament. I advise you to tread in his steps.

I wish you would inquire at what price I could have some kind of vessel to carry me from Whitehaven by the isle to Dublin.--I am, dear Tommy, Your affectionate friend and brother.

I take no horses with me. To Mrs. Woodhouse LONDON, January 21, 1777. MY DEAR SISTER, There is something exceedingly remark­able in the case of Mr. Dixon. To be snatched away just at the time that he was set above the world! But He with whom we have to do best understands what will be for our real advantage. Probably He saw that prosperity would hurt his soul, and so took him away from the evil to come.

I should have great hope that sickness or bodily weakness would be of use to your neighbors. When we feel pain, or when death looks us in the face, what do riches avail? In such circumstances you are richer than them all. You know in whom you have believed. You know that, if all these things pass away, you have in heaven a better and a more enduring substance. You may profit much by Richard Condy. [Condy was stationed at Epworth.] He is a valuable man. I seldom converse with him but he does me good. I wish you would tell him I desire he would send me a full account of his experience. Still be ready to do and to suffer the whole will of God.--My dear sister, Your affectionate brother. To Christopher Hopper NEAR LONDON, February 1, 1777. MY DEAR BROTHER,--James Kershaw is stark staring mad, more than ever John Reed was. [See letters of March 3, 1776 (to Mrs. Woodhouse), and Feb. 15, 1777.] He prophesies that ’all the Methodists are to go over to America in the belly of a whale.’ Take this as a specimen.

We shall not begin our building here before April. Prob­ably I shall take a short journey (to Leeds or Newcastle or Dublin) once a month; but I must never be absent long at a time. [See letter of Feb. 14.] How we shall be able to raise the money I know not. But ’ the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.’--I am Your affectionate friend and brother. To Mr. Hopper, At the Preaching-house, In Manchester.

Hester Ann Roe LONDON, February 11, 1777. MY DEAR HETTY,--The papers of one [Charles Perronet, who died on Aug. 12, 1776. See Atmore’s Memorial, pp. 327-35; and letter of April 26.] who lately went to God are fallen into my hands. I will transcribe a few particulars. His experience is uncommon; and you may simply tell me how far your experience does or does not agree with it. But beware of hurting yourself upon the occasion, beware of unprofitable reasonings. God may have wrought the same work in you, though not in the same manner.

’Just after my uniting with the Methodists, the Father was revealed to me the first time; soon after, the whole Trinity. I beheld the distinct persons of the Godhead, and worshipped one undivided Jehovah and each Person separately. After this I had equal intercourse with the Son, and afterwards with the Spirit, the same as with the Father and the Son. After some years my communion was with Christ only, though at times with the Father, and not wholly without the Spirit. Of late I have found the same access to the Triune God. When I approach Jesus, the Father and the Spirit commune with me. Whatever I receive now centers in taking leave of earth and hasting to another place. I am as one that is no more. I stand and look on what God has done---His calls, helps, mercies, forbearances, deliverance’s from sorrows, rescue out of evils; and adore and devote myself to Him with new ardour. If it be asked how or in what manner I beheld the Triune God, it is above all description. He that has seen this light of God can no more describe it than he that has not. In two of those divine interviews the Father spoke while I was in an agony of prayer for perfect con­formity to Himself, twice more when I was in the depth of sorrow, and each time in Scripture words. It may be asked, ’Was the appearance glorious? ’ It was all divine, it was glory. I had no conception of it. It was God. The first time the glory of Him I saw reached even to me. I was overwhelmed with it; body and soul were penetrated through with the rays of Deity.’

Tell me, my dear maid, if you have ever experienced anything like these things; but do not puzzle yourself about them, only speak in simplicity. You cannot speak of these things to many; but you may say anything without reserve to, my dear Hetty, Yours in tender affection. To Samuel Bardsley

LONDON, February 14, 1777.

DEAR SAMMY,--It is uncertain yet where I shall be this summer. If we do not build, [See letter of Feb. 1.] I shall go to Ireland; if we do, I must reside chiefly in London. Only I would endeavor to make a little excursion into the North. I have not promised to open the house at Halifax in April or May, although it is probable I shall in my journey to or from Newcastle. But my time will be very short, because I can never be absent from the building but about two or three weeks at a time. I am glad you have found a way to Lancaster. Be zealous, be active, and conquer all things!--I am, dear Sammy, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Joseph Benson LONDON, February 15, 1777.

DEAR JOSEPH,--If we build (as I expect we shall) this spring, I shall probably call upon you in May. Now is the time, before you say anything of the new chapel, to procure what subscribers you can to the Philosophy. [The third, enlarged edition of A Survery of the Wisdom of God in the Creatin was published in 1777. See Green’s Bibliography, No 325; and letter of Jan. 15 1778.] I have included all that is material in Dr. Goldsmith’s eight large volumes. Speak earnestly, and you will succeed. Simple Michl. Fenwick has procured twelve subscribers in two days!

James Kershaw is stark staring mad. He was so, they tell me, some years ago.[ See letters of Feb. 1 and March 16.] Hasten John Reed in his account, [See letters of Jan. 11 and March 5.] and hasten yourself in extirpating smuggling. I am glad to hear Sister Denton meets again. She is a letter in my debt.--I am, dear Joseph, Yours affectionately. To Mrs. Johnston, Annandale, Lisleen LONDON, February 16, 1777. MY DEAR SISTER,--The persons with whom we have to do are so dilatory that I know not when we shall begin to build. Perhaps not this year; and if so, I shall with God’s help go through Ireland as usual. But if we build, I can only visit Dublin, I suppose, about the middle of June. If it will suit your convenience, I shall hope for the pleasure of seeing you then.

If any other of the preachers exceed their time (about an hour in the whole service), I hope you will always put them in mind what is the Methodist rule. People imagine the longer the sermon is the more good it will do. This is a grand mistake. The help done on earth God doth it Himself; and He doth not need that we should use many words.

According to the account which you give I cannot blame you for keeping the preachers at your house. In such cir­cumstances you did well to detain them. It would have been cruelty to let them go. How wonderfully different from this was the account from Whisby, merely by the omission of a few little circumstances--so little can we depend upon any relation which is given by one whose passions are raging. That none of your little company should have drawn back is more than one could have expected. It is well if a third part of those that at first set their hands to the plough endure to the end. May you and all yours be of that happy number, but particularly my dear Sidney.

I commend you all to Him that hath loved you; and am, my dear sister, Your ever affectionate brother. To Robert Costerdine LONDON, February 18, 1777. MY DEAR BROTHER,--Mr. Wesley bids me tell you that there is to be but one subscription and collection this year (except for Kingswood School), out of which must be taken a sufficient sum for contingent expenses. He expects, therefore, that the Assistants and preachers will exert their whole strength and influence. The Natural Philosophy, now printing, includes the substance of the three former volumes, but with great variations and improve­ments and in a new mode, most of the notes of the former impression being grafted into the text and new notes added. The letter is quite new and the paper exceeding good. He seems determined to spare no pains to render it complete. It is likely to have a great run among the clergy and gentry. As the new building will go forwards as soon as we can lay the foundation, Mr. Wesley will be obliged to spend most of the summer in London, and only take occasional journeys to some of the more important places. He is exceeding well; I think I never saw him better in my life.

Mr. Fletcher is exceeding weak; I think he will not recover. Excuse haste; we are in the midst of the visitation of the classes. That God may abundantly bless and prosper your soul and labors is the prayer of Your affectionate friend and brother, PETER JACO [Jaco was Assistant in London.]

To Robert Costerdine, At Derby. To Mrs. Barton LONDON, February 29, 1777. MY DEAR SISTER,--I am glad to hear that your little Society prospers. If they increase in grace, they will increase in number; of which I can have no doubt if you watch against all jealousies and continue open and loving to each other. There will be nothing wanting, I am persuaded, on the part of the preachers. [The Hull preachers were George Story (afterwards editor of the Magazine) and William Dufton.] Whenever they speak, they will speak as the oracles of God, with sound speech, which cannot be reproved. And, what is more, the whole tenor of their life is agreeable to their doctrine. Whatever they preach you will experience. What you have received is a pledge of what you will receive; for He that loves you will withhold from you no manner of thing that is good.--I am Your affectionate brother. To Samuel Bradburn LONDON, February 22, 1777.

DEAR SAMMY,--If George Brown is likely to be an useful preacher, it is no wonder he should be so tempted. If he will forsake the work, there is a young man at Cork, John Howe, who may take his place; so I have wrote to John Watson. I do not remember, I have had a line from John Hampson since Christmas.

It will be a difficult thing to keep Mr. Smyth [Wesley met Mr. And Mrs. Smyth in the Isle of Man in June. See Tyerman’s Wesley, iii. 241-2 and letters of May 27, 1776 and June 1 1778.] from running into extremes. He surely will be prosecuted if he publishes anything which the law can lay hold on. And it is easier to prevent the evil than to redress it. To Joseph Benson
LEWISHAM, March 5, 1777.

DEAR JOSEPH,--The death of John Annet was very remark­able. Such individuals ought to be had in remembrance. Publish the account of Sister Hutton’s death just as you please, either at my expense or your own. [See letter of Oct. 22 to him.]

There are two ways to ease the expense of the Philosophy either two or three may join for a set, for which, after all of them have read it, they may cast lots; or they may give sixpence or a shilling weekly to Matthew Errington. And nine-tenths of the book any sensible tradesman, yea woman, may understand. But John Reed! [See letter of Feb. 15.] Where is John Reed’s account? It is high time I should have it.--I am, dear Joseph, Yours affectionately. To Hannah Ball BRISTOL, March 13, 1777. MY DEAR SISTER,--It seems the time is come that you are to have a more commodious preaching-house at High Wycombe. I will give you a plan of the building myself; and employ whom you please to build. But I hope to see you on Wednesday the 26th instant, and to preach about six in the evening [His Journal shows that he preached at Wycombe on the 26th.] after preaching at noon in Oxford. Peace be with your spirit!--I am Your affectionate brother. To Mary Bishop BRISTOL, March 15, 1777. MY DEAR SISTER,--It does not appear to me that you ought on any consideration to give up the privileges you mention. Neither do I apprehend that you would be more useful in a boarding-school than you are in your present station. I cannot, therefore, advise you to relinquish it. You have now a large field of action: you have employment enough, both temporal and spiritual; and you have ease enough. Abide in your calling.
The pious young woman whom I particularly lament over does not live at Bath, but Bristol. But I cannot help her; she allows my premises, but holds fast her own conclusion. Oh who can bear riches! Who can gain money without in some measure losing grace! I verily believe, if she was as poor as you, she would be as advisable.
Our Church Catechism is utterly improper for children of six or seven years old. Certainly you ought not to teach it them against your own judgement. I should imagine it would be far better to teach them the short catechism prefixed to the Instructions for Children. [See letter of Feb. 23 1773.]

Mr. Floyd [John Floyd, an apothecary and surgeon, was an itinerant from 1770 to 1782, when he settled as a doctor in Halifax and then in Leeds. He died in 1798. See Journal, vi. 350; Atmore’s Memorial, pp 142-4.] thought I had better preach at two on Friday than at twelve. So I propose dining at Mr. Brittain’s on my way.

I think you might venture to write a little more than once a quarter to, my dear sister, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Miss Bishop, Schoolmistress, In Bath. To Christopher Hopper BRISTOL, March 16, 1777. MY DEAR BROTHER,--Madmen have often a deal of cunning; and this frequently puzzles the cause, so that sometimes we can hardly say whether the man is more fool or knave.

Right precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints; and much good is usually done at their funerals. You do well to improve all those opportunities. Our friends are about laying the foundation of the new chapel; so that in a few days I must return to London. Then I shall consider what time I can spare from thence, and shall fix my spring and summer journeys accordingly.--I am, with love to Sister Hopper, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Alexander Knox BRISTOL, March 19, 1777.

DEAR SIR,--If the returns of your disorder are more and more gentle, there is reason to hope it will be at length totally removed. Very probably, if you live to five- or six-and-twenty, your constitution will take a new turn. But it is certainly the design of Him that loves you to heal both body and soul; and possibly He delays the healing of the former that the cure of the latter may keep pace with it. As ’ it is a great loss to lose an affliction,’ He would not have you lose what you have suffered. I trust it will not be lost, but will be for your profit, that you may be partaker of His holiness. It is a blessing that He has given you that fear which is the beginning of wisdom; and it is a pledge of greater things to come. How soon? Perhaps to-day….

If I could spare time, I would gladly accept of your invita­tion; but I doubt whether I can get any farther than Dublin. [He spent Oct. 3-13 in Dublin.] Peace be with all your spirits!--I am, my dear Alleck, Yours most affectionately. To Mrs. Johnston, Annandale, Lisleen LONDON, March 28, 1777. (Good Friday.) MY DEAR SISTER,--Surely this is a token for good. If we acknowledge God, He will acknowledge us. In the memory of man never was Good Friday observed in London with such solemnity as this has been, in consequence of a message which the Archbishop of Canterbury sent to the Lord Mayor some days since, incited thereto (it is supposed) by an intimation from His Majesty.

I expect the foundation of our new chapel will be laid the latter end of next week. From that day so many things will need to be considered that I must not be long out of town at a time. However, I hope, if my life is spared so long, to step over to Dublin about midsummer; but it will be doubtful whether I can get any farther, though I should not think much of my labor. I will by the grace of God use my strength while I can; the night cometh when no man can work. I am glad you are still of the same mind. While we have time let
us do good to all men, but especially to those that are of the household of faith.

It gives me pleasure to hear so good an account of Brother Boyle. He has leisure, and he is wise in employing it to good purpose. But I am sorry poor Hugh Brown is so discouraged as to depart from the work. Just so did James Morgan many years ago; but he could not rest till he returned. Those who have labored with him (H. Brown) cannot but be judges whether God has owned his labors. If He has, he cannot lie still and be guiltless; and none is a better judge of this than John Pritchard.

I commend you and yours to Him that loves you; and am, my dear sister, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Ann Bolton NEAR LONDON, April 24, 1777. MY DEAR SISTER,--Your state of mind for some time has been that which the Papists very improperly term a state of Desertion; wherein they suppose God deserts or forsakes the soul only for His own will and pleasure ! But this is absolutely impossible: I deny that such a state ever existed under the sun. As I observed before, the trouble you feel is in the very root and ground of it, a natural effect of disordered liver, of the corruptible body pressing down the soul. But you must likewise take into the account preternatural influence. For you may be assured your grand adversary will not be forgetful to avail himself of the opportunity, sometimes by plausible suggestions, sometimes by horrid and grievous injections. But blessed is the soul that endureth temptation. The Lord shall deliver you out of his hand. Doth not He know the way wherein you go? And when you have been tried you shall come forth as gold! I feel much sympathy with you in your troubles, which endear you to me exceedingly. But though I grieve with you, [I joy] over you; for I can easily see ’ the end of the Lord.’ The fire your graces shall refine, Till, molded from above, You bear the character divine, The stamp of perfect love I

I am glad you are to spend a few days with my dear friends at Publow. And when you are happy in each other, do not forget, my dear Nancy, Yours most affectionately. To Penelope Newman LONDON, April 24, 1777. MY DEAR SISTER,--If I had gone over into Ireland, as I proposed, it would have been scarce possible for me to visit Gloucestershire. But I think the time I had allotted for that journey may be more profitably bestowed in England. There­fore if I live till June, I purpose pay a short visit to Stroud, Tewkesbury, Gloucester, and a few other places. I laid the foundation of our new chapel here on Monday, with an immense concourse of people.

Work your work betimes; and in due time He will give you a full reward.--I am, my dear sister, Yours affectionately. To Miss March LONDON, April 26, 1777. To begin at the end: I did not preach any sermon for you in particular, though by accident. I know what sermon you mean, and both you and I have need of it.

I have some fine remains of Charles Perronet’s wherein he describes his own experience. [See letters of Feb. 11 and June 11.] It exactly agrees with yours. He too was led at first to Jesus the Mediator, and seemed in a manner to have no concern with the Father and the Holy Ghost. Afterwards he had communion with the Father, next with the Spirit, and then with the whole Trinity. You therefore are afraid where no fear is. Our Lord is not displeased at your following His Spirit.

I do not remember the making mention of covetousness: but it is likely I might; for I am exceedingly afraid of it, lest it should steal unawares (as it always comes in disguise) either upon myself or my friends. I know no way to escape it but (having saved all we can) to give all we can. I think this is at present your rule as well as mine; and I trust it always will be.

We cannot impute too much to divine Providence, unless we make it interfere with our free-agency. I suppose that young woman, by saying she did not believe God had anything to do with it, only meant that the passion itself was not at all from God, but altogether from evil nature. She could not mean that God does not in a thousand instances draw good out of evil; yea, that He may not sometimes permit us to be overtaken in a fault to preserve us from a greater.

General rules are easily laid down. But it is not possible to apply them accurately in particular cases without the anointing of the Holy One; this alone, abiding with us, can teach us of all things. Thus our general rule is ‘Thou shalt do no murder’; which plainly forbids everything that tends to impair health, and implies that we use every probable means of preserving or restoring it. But when we come to apply this to particular instances, we are presently in a labyrinth, and want that anointing which alone can make plain the way before our face and direct us to do in every, minute circum­stance what is acceptable to God.

You have abundant reason to praise God both for spiritual and temporal blessings. Beware of indulging gloomy thoughts; they are the bane of thankfulness. You are encompassed with ten thousand mercies; let these sink you into humble thankfulness. To Lady Maxwell NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, May 3, 1777. MY DEAR LADY,--The new chapel which we are now building in London requires much of my attendance there, so that I cannot conveniently be absent more than two Sundays together. Accordingly, when I set out, I fixed Saturday, the 19th instant, for my return; and ordered notice to be given of my design to meet the classes the week following. I cannot therefore have the pleasure of seeing you now; which, if it could be, I should greatly desire. I love your spirit; I love your conversation; I love your correspondence: I have often received both profit and pleasure thereby. I frequently find a want of more light; but I want heat more than light. And you have frequently been an instrument of conveying this to my soul, of animating me to run the glorious race. I trust you find no decay in your own soul, but a still increasing rigor. Some time since, you enjoyed a measure of that great salvation, deliverance from inbred sin. Do you hold fast whereunto you had attained, and still press forward, to be filled with all the fullness of God? There is the prize before you l Look up, believe, and take all you want!

Wishing you the whole gospel blessing, I remain, my dear Lady, Your ever affectionate servant.

I hear Sister Gow is gone hence. Did she go in triumph or only in peace? To Thomas Wride DARLINGTON, May 7, 1777.

DEAR TOMMY,--I am resolved to make one fair trial of the island. So I have desired Brother Empringham and Joseph Bradford to go over immediately together and preach in every town and village. Now the summer is before us, and let us try what can be done; and let Brother Seed and you exert yourselves in England.--I am Your affectionate friend and brother. To Thomas Carlill

HULL, May 13, 1777.

DEAR TOMMY,--I commend you for letting none but the members of the Society stay when the Society meets, and more particularly at the lovefeasts. You cannot give a ticket to any who robs the King by selling or buying uncustomed goods.

You say true. You have been useful wherever you have been; and so you will be still. But those little circuits I reserve for invalids. You and I (blessed be God) are not invalids yet.--I am, dear Tommy, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Hannah Ball COLNE, June 11, 1777. MY DEAR SISTER,---From the many unforeseen hindrances you have met with, it does indeed seem reasonable to infer that God’s time is not yet fully come. It is your present business to tarry the Lord’s leisure. When His time is come that He will work, then who shall hinder?

I have lately made diligent inquiry into the experience of many that are perfected in love. And I find a very few of them who have had a clear revelation of the several Persons in the ever-blessed Trinity. It therefore appears that this is by no means essential to Christian perfection. All that is necessarily implied therein is humble, gentle, patient love: love regulating all the tempers, and governing all the words and actions.--I am, my dear sister, Your affectionate brother. To Elizabeth Ritchie WAKEFIELD, June 16, 1777. MY DEAR BETSY,--I write a few lines, on condition that you will not write if it does you hurt; it certainly will, if you lean upon your breast or if you write much at a time. But perhaps (of which you yourself must be the judge) you might write a few lines now and then. Do you still find your will wholly given up? Have you no choice as to life or death? and have you no choice as to the manner of your death ? Are you not afraid of the pain of dissolution? Can you freely part with all your friends here? And to an unknown somewhere wing away? Do you never lose your consciousness of the presence of the Three-One God? And is your testimony of His Spirit that you are saved from inward sin never obscured? Are you always happy? Do you always enjoy an hope full of immortality? I ask many questions, that you may have an opportunity of being a witness for God, whether you live or die. I think in life or death you will not forget Yours affectionately. To Walter Churchey LONDON, June 25, 1777. MY DEAR BRTHER,--At present I am very safe; for I am a good many pounds, if not scores of pounds, worse than nothing. In my Will I bequeath no money but what may happen to be in my pocket when I die.

It is my religion which obliges me ’to ’put men in mind to be subject to principalities and powers.’ Loyalty is with me an essential branch of religion, and which I am sorry any Methodist should forget. There is the closest connection, therefore, between my religious and my political conduct; the selfsame authority enjoining me to ’fear God’ and to ’honor the King.’

Dr. Coke promises fair, and gives us reason to hope that he will bring forth not only blossoms but fruit. He has hitherto behaved exceeding well, and seems to be aware of his grand enemy, applause. He will likewise be in danger from offence. If you are acquainted with him, a friendly letter might be of use, and would be taken kindly. He now stands on slippery ground, and is in need of every help.

I expect to be at Monmouth (coming from Worcester) on Wednesday, July the 9th, and at Brecon on the 10th.--I am Your affectionate brother. To Mary Bishop

NEAR LONDON, June 26, 1777. MY DEAR SISTER,--Blessed be God that He hath hitherto helped you and lifted you up from the gates of death ! It is not probable that you will be able to teach school any more, as it implies breathing so long in a confined air and speaking several hours in a day. But I make no doubt of your being able to meet a class, perhaps in a month’s time. Neither need you ever relapse into your disorder, if you take the precautions which common sense will prescribe.

Yesterday I spent some time with Dr. Dodd, and spoke very freely to him. He seems to be in the very temper which one would wish, calmly resigned to the will of God. I hope Miss March is recovering her strength as well as you; and am, my dear sister, Your affectionate brother.

To Miss Bishop, At Miss March’s,
In Bristol. To Mr. ---- WORCESTER, July 7, 1777. MY DEAR BROTHER,--I advise all that will take my advice to abide where they are called, and not to ’heap to them­selves teachers having itching ears.’ [2 Tim. iv. 3. ] So I advise all that were brought up in the Church to continue in the Church. [See letter of Oct 1, 1778] It never entered my thoughts to advise them to hear none but Methodists.--I am Your affectionate brother. To Joseph Benson WORCESTER, July 8, 1777.

DEAR JOSEPH,--What you say is unquestionably right. Why, then, should it not immediately be put in execution? Let Berwick directly be taken into the Newcastle Circuit, and Dunbar be supplied once a fortnight from Edinburgh. Pray write this instantly to Brother M’Nab, [Assistant to Edinburgh.] and admit of no excuse. If by this means there is a preacher to spare, let him step over as soon as possible from Portpatrick and supply the place of that good young man John Harrison [Harrisin, whose obituary appeared the following month, was ‘a promising youth, serious, modest, and much devoted to God.’] in the Lisburn Circuit. Mr. Smyth calls aloud for help: he is zealous and active, but is quite overborne. I have set down you with Brother Hopper in the Manchester Circuit [They went to Bradford in August.]; and am, dear Joseph, Yours affectionately. To John Bredin HAVERFORDWEST, July 17, 1777. MY DEAR BROTHER,--John Floyd, who is in Dublin, comes over to the Conference, [Floyd was stationedin Bristol in 1776 and Leeds in 1777.] and will bring your accounts and money to Bristol.

Push out wherever you can into new places. I think you need go no farther than Cork and Brandon next year. Mean­time do, not so much or so much, but all you can for God.-- I am Your affectionate friend and brother. To Mr. Bredin, At Mr. John Fitzhenry’s, At Bollimore, Near Goree, Ireland. To Mrs. Barton BRISTOL, July 29, 1777. MY DEAR SISTER,--It is well that you have learned to say, ’ The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away.’ Your child is gone but a little before you. How soon shall we overtake her! It is no way inconsistent with Christian resignation to ask conditionally, ’ Let this cup pass from me ’; only with the addition,’ Nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou writ.’

Rapturous joy, such as is frequently given in the beginning of justification or of entire sanctification, is a great blessing; but it seldom continues long before it subsides into calm, peaceful love. I believe, if Miss Hurrell [See letter of Oct. 28.] were to spend a little time with you, it might be of great use to many.--I am, with love to Brother Barton, Your affectionate brother. To Alexander Knox BRISTOL, July 29, 1777.

DEAR ALLECK,--I am just returned from a journey through Monmouthshire and other parts of Wales.

No: God has not forgotten you. You must not say, ’ He hideth away His face, and He will never see it.’ Surely God hath seen it; and He cannot despise the work of His own hands. But He frequently delays giving bodily health till He heals soul and body together. Perhaps this is His design concerning you. But why do not you go to the salt water? If you are short of money, let me have the pleasure of assisting you a little. Meantime I give you a word for your consideration,--’ Why art thou so heavy, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? O put thy trust in God! I shall yet give Him thanks, who is the help of my countenance, and my God.’

Peace be with all your spirits!--I am Yours affectionately. To Elizabeth Ritchie BRISTOL, August 2, 1777. MY DEAR BETSY,--It is with great pleasure I learn that God has been pleased to lift you up from the gates of death, and that your strength is considerably increased, although you are far from being out of danger. When and in what manner was this change wrought? Can you impute it to any outward circum­stance? How did you feel your mind affected when you found a return of strength? Did you rejoice or grieve? or calmly desire, ’ Let the will of the Lord be done’? In what respects are you better than when I saw you? In what respects are you the same or worse? Give me as particular an account as you can. Do you find your soul as much alive to God as ever? Does not the corruptible body press down the soul? Do you feel faith’s abiding impression, realizing things to come? Do you live in eternity and walk in eternity? And do you still (as Mr. De Renty says) ’ carry about with you an experi­mental verity and a fullness of the presence of the ever-blessed Trinity’?--I remain Yours affectionately. To George Robinson BRISTOL, August 4, 1777. MY DEAR BROTHER,--You will have but one family this year; so that if the Societies increase you will soon be able to lift up your head, especially as I will desire our brethren to allow Brother Brown the seven pounds.

Although the number of your children may incite you to it, yet I hope you will not be in haste to make a second choice. Let it be a matter of much prayer and deliberation. Many women will doubtless be offered. But let piety be your first consideration and fortune only the last.--I am Your affectionate brother. To Mr. Geo. Robinson, At Langham Row, Near Alford, Lincolnshire. To Alexander Mather [BRISTOL, August 6,] 1777.

No, Aleck, no! The danger of ruin to Methodism does not lie here. It springs from quite a different quarter. Our preachers, many of them, are fallen. They are not spiritual. They are not alive to God. They are soft, enervated, fearful of shame, toil, hardship. They have not the spirit which God gave to Thomas Lee at Pateley Bridge or to you at Boston. [In the autumn of 1757, where he suffered much from the mob (Wesley’s Veterans, ii 93-7). Lee was rolled in the common sewer and had his back nearly broken; for his sufferings at Pateley, see ibid iii, 204-6.] Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen, such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven upon earth. To Elizabeth Ritchie ST. IVES, August 24, 1777. MY DEAR BETSY,--Ever since I was informed that it has pleased God in some measure to restore your strength I have lived in hope that He will yet be entreated and will give you back to our prayers. Do you still find the same consciousness of the presence of the ever-blessed Trinity? [See letter of Aug 2.] Do you find it day and night? In the midst of trials does it remain the same? But one would be ready to ask, excepting a weak body, what trials can you have?

Secluded from the world, and all its care, Hast thou to joy or grieve, to hope or fear?

Unless it be for this,--You long to please all for their good, but you cannot succeed. You would fain give them satisfaction, but they will not be satisfied. This may be a dose trial.

Send as particular an account as you can of the state both of your body and mind to Yours affectionately. To Alexander Knox PENRHYN, August 29, 1777. MY DEAR ALLECK,--You should read Mr. Fletcher’s Essay on Truth. He has there put it beyond all doubt that there is a medium between a child of God and a child of the devil--namely, a servant of God. This is your state. You are not yet a son, but you are a servant; and you are waiting for the Spirit of adoption, which will cry in your heart,’ Abba, Father.’ You have ’ received the Spirit of grace,’ and in a measure work righteousness. Without being pained for what you have not, you have cause to bless God for what you have, and to wait patiently till He gives the rest by revealing His Son in your heart. For all this I have little doubt of seeing you an healthy as well as an happy man. But it is true nothing less than almighty power can heal either your soul or body. And is not this enough? Have not you reason to rejoice that ’ salvation cometh of the Lord’? I pray, on whom can you better depend? who loves you better than He? Away, then, with despair! Hope unto the end. To Him I recommend you all; and I am,
dear Alleck, Yours most affectionately. To his Wife

GWENNAP, September 1, 1777. MY DEAR,--I sincerely wish a reunion with you if it could be upon good terms. Otherwise it would not continue; and then the last error would be worse than the first. But what are those terms on which it probably would continue? In order to know we must state the case; which I will do as briefly as I can, leaving out all unnecessary circumstances. [See letters of July 15, 1774, and Oct. 2, 1778.] Some years since, without my consent or knowledge, you left me and settled at Newcastle.

I received you again without any terms--nay, without any acknowledgement that you had done wrong.

Two years ago you left me again without my consent or knowledge. A few days since, I met you, and (to my great surprise) you seemed willing to return. I was willing to receive you upon these terms: (1) restore my papers; (2) promise to take no more. But upon reflection I see I was too hasty. For you have given copies of my papers, and these you cannot recall. Like­wise you have spoken all manner of evil against me, par­ticularly to my enemies and the enemies of the cause I live to support. Hereby many bad men have triumphed and been confirmed in their evil ways; and many good but weak men have been stumbled, and some have drawn back to perdition. A sword has been put into-the hands of the enemies of God, and the children of God have been armed against one another.

Things standing thus, if I was to receive you just now without any acknowledgement or reparation of these wrongs, it would be esteemed by all reasonable men a confirmation of all you have said. But it may be asked, ’What reparation are you either able or willing to make? ’

I know not if you are willing to make any. If you are, what reparation are you able to make? Very little indeed; for the water is sprit, and cannot be gathered up again.

All you can do now, if you are ever so willing, is to unsay what you have said. For instance, you have said over and over that I have lived in adultery these twenty years. Do you believe this, or do you not? If you do, how can you think of living with such a monster. If you do not, give it me under your hand. Is not this the least you can do? To his Great-niece Patience Ellison BRISTOL, September 7, 1777. MY DEAR PATTY,--Only go on as you have begun. Labor to be not almost but altogether a Christian; and not only an outside but an inside Christian, the same in heart and in life. Then you will receive more and more blessings from Him who watches over you for good, and that observes the faintest motions of your heart towards Him, and is ever ready to bring every good design into effect. In order to your improvement in every respect, serious company will be of admirable use, and you will have need to keep your mouth as with a bridle when you are among triflers. But let them do as they please. You have one thing to do-- to work out your own salvation.

I will send you the volume of poems. The more you read (only a little at a time) the more you will love reading. And to assist you in anything will always be a pleasure to, my dear Patty, Your affectionate Uncle. To Alexander Clark BRISTOL, September 8, 1777.

MY DEAR BROTHER,--If we live till spring, I hope to reconcile most of the contending parties. In the meantime, that something may be done at the present, I have wrote to Mr. Boardman at Cork and desired him to come to Dublin immediately. Mr. Bradburn is to supply his place at Cork.
In every place the Assistant chooses the leaders. But any leader or any other person does well to appeal to me if he thinks himself hardly used. When Mr. Boardman comes, I wish you would speak to him; and whatever he determines will be agreeable to Your affectionate brother.

To Mr. Alex. Clark, In Chancery Lane,
Dublin. To Alexander Clark BRADFORD-[UPON-AVON], September 9, 1777.

MY DEAR BRETHERN, [This letter was sent to Clark for himself and the other leaders.] --It is certain our preachers have a right to preach our doctrines, as my lady’s have to preach theirs. None can blame them for this. But I blame all even that speak the truth otherwise than in love. Keenness of spirit and tartness of language are never to be commended. It is only in meekness that we are to instruct those that oppose themselves. But we are not allowed upon any account whatever to return evil for evil or railing for railing.

I have desired Mr. Boardman to be in Dublin as soon as possible. I believe you know his spirit. He is a loving, peaceable man. Meantime in your patience possess ye your souls.--I am, my dear brethren, Your affectionate brother. To Mr. Alex. Clark, In Chancery Lane,

Dublin To Alexander Clark BRISTOL, September 11, I777. MY DEAR BROTHER,--I received your last letter this after­noon, and one at the same time wherein are these words:

Last Sunday morning the two Clarks in a very indecent and unbecoming manner persisted to meet their classes, and peremptorily refused to admit the appointed leader, who it is said with all Christian meekness endeavored to reason with them. But they were inflamed, and had so kindled and irritated the spirits of their classes that with a mob-like anarchy they declared they would have none else to meet them. What could be done? Was it not necessary to disband such unsubdued and inflammatory spirits? In the most tender, gentle, awful, and affecting manner Mr. Hampson at the Society last night showed the consequences of such proceedings and the necessity of order and good government, and then declared the two Clarks to be no longer members of this Society. This is not wrote or dictated by either of the preachers, but by (I believe an impartial) bystander. I am sorry both for the thing and for the occasion of it. But in very deed I know not what to say or do. For many years I have had a particular regard for Alexander Clark, and I have so still. I love him as a plain, honest man that wishes to do all things well. But what can I advise you to in the present case? in this trying hour? I would really advise you to sit still for a little while. Very soon you may expect to see Mr. Boardman. And as he will be the Assistant, he will be able, if anything is wrong, to set it right.

Commending you and our brethren to the God of peace and love, I remain Your affectionate brother. To Mr. Alex. Clark, In Chancery Lane,

Dublin. To Samuel Wells BRISTOL, September 11, 1777. MY DEAR BROTHER,--You may remember it was observed at the Quarterly Meeting that the present contributions can­not support four preachers; and it was considered, What can be done either to increase the contributions or to lessen the expenses? The easiest way, we thought, to increase the contributions was this: Let our ablest Societies advance quarterly according to their abilities.

£ s. d.

Coleford has agreed to advance . . 1 0 0 Motcomb . . . . 10 6 Corsley . . . . 10 6 Frome . . . . 6 6 Is not Braford Society able to advance. . 1 0 0 Freshford . . . . 10 6 Shaftesbury . . . . 8 0 Seand . . . . 7 6 Catbench . . . . 4 6 Oakhill . . . . . 2 6 If they can and will do this, nothing will be wanting. In order to lessen the expenses, the Motcomb Society has engaged to furnish the Quarterly Dinner every Midsummer, the Coleford Society every Michaelmas, the Societies of Frome and Corsley every Christmas. If the Bradford Society chooses to furnish it at Lady Day, it is well. If not, Motcomb will do this too. By this means several pounds in the year will be saved and many uncomfortable complaints prevented.

One thing more I desire. I request all the Wiltshire Societies to do as they do in other circuits, to pay their quarterly collection when they receive their tickets. And it is then I hope persons of property will advance their subscriptions according to their ability. Out of this serve the other preachers first, and yourself last. [Wells was Assistant in North Wilts Circuit.]--I am Your affectionate friend and brother. To Mary Bishop BRISTOL, September 15, 1777. MY DEAR MISS BISHOP,--There is seldom much heat in the preaching-house at Bradford: at least, it is not caused by the largeness of the congregation; although I think it was larger last week than I have seen it for several years.

We have reason to be thankful that none of our friends at Bristol have been hurt by Mr. Hilton’s change. [See letters of Aug. 6 and Oct. 22 (to Miss Bishop).] They seem to be grieved but not hurt, rather the more established in the truth. Of Miss Flower I have heard something not so agree­able. But I can say nothing yet. In a day or two I hope to have an opportunity of talking with her, and then I shall know how to judge. If she will copy after my dear Miss Yerbury, I shall have no more pain about her. The sea breezes may be of service to you, if you have an opportunity of using constant exercise. This has brought many from the gates of death. It is beyond all medicine whatever.

I am in great hopes this sickness will not be unto death, but that the glory of the Lord may be revealed. Kempis’s rule admits of many exceptions. Whatever was the case then, we have now abundant proof that very ’many are made better by sickness’; unless one would rather say ‘in sickness.’ This is one of the grand means which God employs for that purpose. In sickness many are convinced of sin, many converted to God, and still more confirmed in the ways of God and brought onward to perfection. His gracious design in yours seems to be chiefly this--to wean you yet more from created things, to make and keep you dead to all below. To this end you are in a manner cut off from everything that you may find your all in Him. If He should see good to restore you, you will be an instrument fit for the Master’s use.

It seems the best way to profit by that retirement which results from your present weakness is to divide your time between reading, meditation, and prayer, intermixed with serious conversation. And when your strength will permit, you must endeavor to do a little good; only take care at first not to go too far. Some years since, we had a little Society at Southampton; perhaps you may find some frag­ments of it remaining. May the God of all grace, after you have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, and settle you!--I am, my dear sister, Your ever affectionate brother. To Ann Bolton BRISTOL, September 15, 1777. MY DEAR SISTER,---You know how nearly I am concerned in whatever relates to you. My regard for you has been invariable ever since you was with me in London. I then set you-down for my inalienable friend, and such I trust you will always be, until the union of our spirits will be complete where our bodies part no more.

Why, then, should I not speak (as I have done hitherto) in all simplicity. Why should I not tell you just what rises in my heart even on the most delicate occasion! I cannot once suppose you will take it amiss. I speak plainly because I love you.

God has lately delivered you out of imminent danger, that of being unequally yoked with an unbeliever. That he is so now will admit of no dispute. And it is not plain that ever he was otherwise. It is highly probable that he never was: that he either wore the appearance of religion for a time, or deceived himself as well as others by mistaking good desires, transient desires for good tempers, whether those desires were real----. But it is certain they were not deep; and as they were chiefly from love to you, it is scarce possible they could have been lasting. And now, instead of praising God for your great deliverance, you are [set] against Him, as [if] it were no deliverance at all! You are fretting and grieving yourself because the snare is broken, because your soul is taken out of the net! But must not this grieve the Holy Spirit of God? What deep unthankfulness! And it is well if here be not a little inordinate affection lying at the bottom of all; otherwise it is a mere device of Satan to hinder you soaring aloft upon the wings of love. My Nancy, arise and shake yourself from the dust! You have acted wisely and faithfully. God has heard your prayer. He is well pleased with the sacrifice you have made [Admit] no thought to the contrary; and if one should, give no place to it--no, not for a moment. And whenever you are troubled on this or any account, [Miss Bolton seems to have replied at once. See letters of April 24 and Sept. 27.] what human friend can you unbosom yourself to more freely than to, my dear, Nancy, Your tenderly affectionate. To Duncan McAllum BRISTOL, September 24, 1777. MY DEAR BROTHER,--There is a good deal of weight in what you and our other brethren say concerning the infancy of the work of God at Inverness. I therefore consent to your staying in the North till spring upon this one condition, that you try what can be done north of Inverness by spending one or two days every week ’in preaching at Moss, Cromartie, or wherever the people are wining to hear. Commending you all to the grace of God, I am, my dear brother, Your affectionate brother. To Ann Bolton BRISTOL, September 27, 1777. Shall not I speak to my dear friend all that is in my heart? I know no reason why I should not. I have done so from the time I knew you first, and more especially from the time you was with me in London. Then I took more intimate know­ledge of you: I tasted of your spirit. I observed all your tempers, and marked you down as the ’ sister of my choice.’ As such I have looked upon you ever since without any inter­mission or variation. And sometimes you have been free and open to me; but at other times you have been more shy and distant. My Nancy, let that time of distance and reserve return no more! Be to me always (if you can) what I am to you, a faithful and tender-hearted friend.

Undoubtedly Satan, who well understands the manner how the mind is influenced by the body, can, by means of those parts in the animal machine which are more immediately subservient to thinking, raise a thousand perceptions and emotions in the mind, so far as God is pleased to permit. I doubt not but he was the chief agent in your late painful exercises. [See letter of Sept. 15 to her.] And you gave him advantage by reasoning with him--that is, fighting him at his own weapons; instead of simply looking up and saying, ’Thou shalt answer for me, O Lord, my God.’

You undoubtedly want more thankfulness. And you want more simplicity; that grace, Cambray says, ’which cuts the soul off from all unnecessary reflections upon itself.’ You are encompassed with ten thousand mercies; and the greatest of all is, ’ Christ in a pure and spotless heart! ’ Beware of ever admitting any doubt or reasoning concerning this! Where­unto you have attained hold fast! And use all the grace you have received. Warn every one, and exhort every one, especially those who groan after full salvation.

I cannot on any account pass an whole day without com­mending you to God in prayer. I thank you for writing to me so soon.

Continue to love and pray for, my dear Nancy, Yours most affectionately. To Mrs. Smyth BANGOR FERRY, October 15, 1777. MY DEAR MRS. SMYTH,--As I believe both you and our friends in Dublin will be pleased to hear of our safe landing, I will first give you a short account of what has befallen us hitherto. We went on board the packet about seven. The wind was full in our teeth and blew high. However, tacking to and fro, by the help of the tide, we got out to sea before noon. When the tide turned against us, we made little way, but beat up and down till night. The wind rising higher and higher, and the sea in proportion, my fellow passengers were all sick: I, by the blessing of God, was not sick at all. How­ever, as I could not read, I lay down about seven, but (which is very uncommon with me) could not sleep till past midnight. In the morning, the wind being still very high and directly contrary, we found ourselves out of our course, having been driven far to the southward. But being under the Carnarvonshire shore, we were in tolerably smooth water. About noon, the wind coming a point to the south, we put out to sea again. But the storm increased, and about four carried away our bolt-sprit and tore one of the sails all to bits. The captain and his men with all quietness and composure quickly repaired the loss. And before six, by the good providence of God, we landed safe at Holyhead,--I believe in answer to many of your prayers, who were not forgetful of us.

I blamed myself for not taking the opportunity of talking with you on Sunday morning. I had desired it many times; but neither you nor I could speak freely before much company. You are in the right not to rest satisfied without the present witness that you are a child of God. The bare remembrance of past things will neither make you holy nor happy. And if you continue to seek it, you will surely find it; for ’every one that seeketh findeth.’ When your mouth is opened, you may call upon God with many words out of the abundance of your heart. But if you have few or none, you may ’ groan to Him that reads the heart the unutterable prayer."

You certainly did right in casting in your lot among the people of God. But it is no wonder that you are tempted concerning it. However, that matter may be made easy. Agree upon a time when Sister King may meet Mrs. Blachford, Mrs. Shiels, and you by yourselves. I believe you will then find no difficulty in speaking. And it will be a blessing to your soul. You have set your hand to the plough: see that you look not back; neither you nor my dear Mr. Smyth. Go on; run, and never tire, till we meet in our Father’s house.--I am, my dear sister, Yours in tender affection.
To Mrs. William Smyth, In William
Street, Dublin. To Walter Churchey LONDON, October 18, I777. MY DEAR BROTHER,--You see how ’good wits jump.’ We agree that no politics shall have a place in the Arminian Magazine. But poetry will; only my brother and I are the judges what pieces shall be admitted. It may be some will think us too nice in our choice; but that we cannot help. As to a review of religious books, it might be well; but I have two objections: (1) I scruple my own sufficiency for the work; (2) I would not at any price be bound to read over all the present religious productions of the press.

Peace be with you and yours, young and old!--I am Your affectionate brother. To Christopher Hopper LONDON, October 18, I777. MY DEAR BROTHER,--I believe what you say of John Hilton [Benson says on Oct. 7 (manuscript Life, i. 788): ‘I wrote a very close letter to Mr. Hilton three weeks ago; but have had no answer. I wish our friendship may not be at an end.’ See letter of Aug. 6.] is true; therefore I hindered the angry ones from falling upon him at the Conference.

There is no divine visitation which is likely to have so general an influence upon sinners as an earthquake. The rich can no more guard against it than the poor. Therefore I have often thought this would be no undesirable event.

I hang out no false colors. Scriptural, Christian, &c., are all equivocal words. I mean a magazine purposely wrote to defend Universal Redemption. Other magazines give forty pages for sixpence; this gives eighty for a shilling. [See previous letter.] My time is short; so I publish as much as I can at once, if haply I may live to finish it. All these things I have maturely weighed.

I have said over and over there are weighty reasons why no preacher should ever be a trustee. Sycophants are wide ’of this question.--I am Your affectionate friend and brother. To Joseph Benson WITNEY, October 22, 1777.

DEAR JOSEPH,--I do not wonder you do not conceive what Grotius meant by that odd sentence; for I doubt whether he conceived it himself. I can translate it, but I cannot under­stand it; it is well if any one can. ’Everything exists necessarily or of itself; not as it is considered in a general view, but as it actually exists. But individual things’ (only) ’exist actually.’ There is a good English translation of this book, published some years since by Dr. John Clarke, Dean of Sarum. [John Clarke (1682-1757) was Dean of Salisbury in 1728. For Samuel Clarke, see letter of Sept. 24, 1753.] He was (I think younger) brother to Dr. Samuel Clarke.

I have no objection to your printing a thousand or two of the account of Mrs. Hutton’s death. It may be of use for you to visit Manchester again when opportunity serves. Only do everything in full concurrence with the Assistant.--I am, dear Joseph, Yours affectionately. To Mary Bishop

NEAR OXFORD, October 22, 1777. MY DEAR MISS BISHOP,--By long experience I am con­vinced that natural strength of understanding is no defense against the most absurd errors; more especially if we lean to it ever so little, if we are not deeply conscious of our own weakness. I am therefore jealous of you also: I am afraid lest you too ’fall where many mightier have been slain.’ Indeed, some have not scrupled to say already, ’Oh, Miss Bishop will soon be enlightened as well as Miss Flower. [ See letters of Sept. 15 (to her) and Nov. 16.] She has such a regard for Mr. Hilton, that he will soon open her eyes.’ As yet I cannot believe he will; yet I do not say there is no danger. Has he opened the cause? Has he spoke o wrote to you upon the favorite subject? Has he talked you about ’being still, ceasing from your own works, and from crying, Lo here and lo there’? If he has, what impression did that smooth and plausible conversation make upon your mind Was you almost persuaded it was right? or did you stand unmoved? If you was moved, if you too should leave ’the fallen Methodists,’ and join ’the Friends, the only living people in the world ’; still, I do not find myself inclined to bring am heavy indictment against you. I should not be angry; though I should grieve, for I cannot easily part with those I love.

I am inclined to think your friend of Bath made a mistake with regard to the person. I did receive ’ a letter which I knew-not what to make of.’ But it was from Miss Flower, not Miss Bishop. I do not remember that ever I received a letter from you which I did not understand. I know few people who write or speak more intelligibly than you do; and I hope you will soon give a fresh proof of it to, my dear Miss Bishop, Yours affectionately To Miss Bishop, At Mrs. Taylor’s,

Above Bar, Hanover Row, Southampton. To Mrs. Barton STONY STRATFORD, October 28, 1777. MY DEAR SISTER,--I am glad that in spite of all discouragement’s your little Society still keep together. There is un­doubtedly a fairer prospect now than there has been for some time. I believe good will result from Miss Hurrell’s visit. [See letter of July 29 to Mrs. Barton.] She has been of use to many. And it is certain both T. Hanson [The ministers in the Hull Circuit.] and James Hudson [The ministers in the Hull Circuit.] are workmen that need not be ashamed. They are good preachers and (what is more) good men; and their heart is in the work. I wish when opportunity serves you would speak freely to them. Men of this kind are not always to be found. You have been long led in a rough and thorny way. But as your day so your strength has been. He that loves you gives you help for to-day, and you need not take thought for to-morrow. You have His love and truth and promise on your side, and He hath never failed them that seek Him. Peace be with your spirit!--I am, dear Jenny, Your affectionate brother. To Mrs. Jane Barton, In Norwood, Beverley, Yorkshire. To the Assistant Preachers

[October 1777.] MY DEAR BROTHER, About March you may begin to make the subscription for the new chapel. Till then I will beg you with all possible diligence to procure subscriptions for the Philosophy. [See letter of Feb. 15.] Spare no pains. It will be the most complete thing in its kind of any in the English tongue. But it is well if I procure as many subscribers as will pay the expense of the edition.--I am Your affectionate friend and brother. To Mr. ----- LONDON, November 9, 1777.

I have not time to write to you so full and so plain upon the point as I have written in the sermons that are printed. I have a thousand other things to do, and I have said all I can say. Here is a precipice on each side. To say every man can believe to justification or sanctification when he will is contrary to plain matter of fact. Every one can confute it by his own experience. And yet if you deny that every man can believe if he will, you run full into absolute decrees. How will you untie this knot? I apprehend very easily. That every man may believe if he will I earnestly maintain, and yet that he can believe when he will I totally deny. But there will be always something in the matter which we cannot well com­prehend or explain.--I am, &c. To William Ripley WESTMINSTER, November 13, 1777.

DEAR BILLY,--It is well if the houses both at Driffield and Guisborough be not too small. Mr. Atlay will send you a complete set of my Works. If you increase in substance, you are in great danger of decreasing in grace.

Treacle-plasters would very probably prevent that crack­ling of the joints. To prevent worldly-mindedness be as much employed in the work of God as you possibly can.

Peace be with you and yours!--I am, dear Billy, Your affectionate brother. To Mr. Will. Ripley, In Whitby,

Yorkshire. To Mary Bishop LONDON, November 16, 1777.

DEAR MISS BISHOP,--You have entirely taken away my fear (indeed, not a vehement one) of your following the example of poor Miss Flower and connecting yourself with the Quakers. [See letters of Oct. 22, 1777, and May 15, 1778, to her.] I am glad you are not tossed to and fro even by those you love well, and hope you will always say, ’ I am a friend to Socrates and to Plato, but much more to truth.’

’To be faithful to the teaching of the Spirit of God,’ you have been exhorted ever since you joined the Methodists. This sentiment is not peculiar to Mr. Hilton [See letter of Feb. 7, 1778.]; nor, I believe, any scriptural sentiment. What I have lamented in him for some years is an aptness to condemn and to despise his brethren. There is no failing more infectious than this; ’tis much if you did not catch a little of it from him. For otherwise you would hardly pass that sentence, ’ that the body of Methodists are degenerated.’ You cannot possibly judge whether they are or no. Perhaps you converse with one or two hundred of them. Now, allowing two-thirds of these to be degenerated, can you infer the same concerning thirty or forty thousand?

Yet thus much I will allow. Two-thirds of those who are grown rich are greatly degenerated. They do not, will not save all they can in order to give all they can. And without doing this they cannot grow in grace; nay, they continually grieve the Holy Spirit of God.

It gives me pleasure to hear that you are recovering your strength of body. That you may continually increase in spiritual strength also is the constant wish of, my dear Miss Bishop, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Miss Bishop, At Mrs. Taylor’s,

Southampton. To Thomas Rutherford LONDON, November 22, 1777.

DEAR TOMMY,--You send me a pleasing account of the isle; just such an one as I expected. For I did not doubt but the work of God would prosper in your hands.

They talk, but they can do nothing. If the Act of Tolera­tion does not extend to the isle, neither does the Conventicle Act. So they have no ground to stand upon. It is soon enough to take the oaths when you are required so to do. If any one actually molests you, then apply to the Governor, telling him, ’ I desired you so to do.’ He will likewise do you justice in case of riots.--I am, dear Tommy, Your affectionate friend and brother. My kind love to Mr. Corlett. [See heading to letter of Jan. 17.] You may sell many of the penny tracts, and they will do much good. To the Reader of the ’ Arminian Magazine’

LEWISHAM, November 24, 1777.

It is usual, I am informed, for the compilers of magazines to employ the outside covers in acquainting the courteous reader with the beauties and excellencies of what he will find within. I beg him to excuse me from this trouble: from writing panegyric upon myself. Neither can I desire my friends to do it for me in their recommendatory letters. I am content this Magazine should stand or fall by its own intrinsic value. If it is a compound of falsehood, ribaldry, and nonsense, let it sink into oblivion. If it contains only the words of truth and soberness, then let it meet with a favorable reception.

It is usual likewise with magazine writers to speak of them­selves in the plural number: ’ We will do this.’ And, indeed, it is the general custom of great men so to do. But I am a little one. Let me, then, be excused in this also, and permitted to speak as I am accustomed to do. To Mrs. Crosby LONDON, December 2, 1777. MY DEAR SISTER,--I hope you will always have your time much filled up. You will, unless you grow weary of well doing. For is not the harvest plenteous still? Had we ever a larger field of action? And shall we stand all or any part of the day idle? Then we should wrong both our neighbor and our own souls. For the sake of retrenching her expenses, I thought it quite needful for Miss Bosanquet to go from home. And I was likewise persuaded (as she was herself) that God had something for her to do in Bath and Kingswood; perhaps in Bristol too, although I do not think she will be called to speak there in public. The difference between us and the Quakers in this respect is manifest. They flatly deny the rule itself, although it stands clear in the Bible. We allow the rule; only we believe it admits of some exceptions. At present I know of those, and no more, in the whole Methodist Connection. You should send word of what our Lord is doing where you go to, dear Sally, Yours affectionately. To Joseph Benson LONDON, December 8, 1777.

DEAR JOSEPH,--Undoubtedly Bishop Newton’s book on the Prophecies is well written. [Thomas Newton, Bishop of Bristol 1761-82, Dean of St. Paul’s 1768, See letter of March 10, 1763.] And he is certainly a man of sense and of considerable learning. This he has shown in what he writes on the Revelation. But with regard to the passage you mention I cannot agree with him at all. I believe the Romish antichrist is already so fallen that he will not again lift up his head in any considerable degree. The Bishop of Rome has little more power now than any other of the Italian Princes. I therefore concur with you in believing his tyranny is past never to return. But there is no comparison, either as to sense, learning, or piety, between Bishop Newton and Bengelius. The former is a mere child to the latter. I advise you to give another serious and careful reading .to that extract from his comment on the Revelation which concludes the Notes. There you have one uniform consistent [view] far beyond any I ever saw. And I verily believe the more deeply you consider it the more you will admire it. Does any one deny that a kite is bigger than a lark, or that Ogilvie has written a larger book than Virgil? And certainly there are larger magazines than ours; but it does not follow that they are better. Ours is reduced to half the price, and will contain forty-eight pages, which is the usual number for sixpence.

We are called to propagate Bible religion through the land--that is, faith working by love, holy tempers and holy lives. Let us do it with our might!--I am, dear Joseph, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Miss March NEAR LONDON, December 10, 1777.

You do not at all understand my manner of life. Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry’; because I never undertake any more work than I can go through with perfect calmness of spirit. It is true I travel four or five thousand miles in a year. But I generally travel alone in my carriage, and consequently am as retired ten hours in a day as if I was in a wilderness. On other days I never spend less than three hours (frequently ten or twelve) in the day alone. So there are few persons in the kingdom who spend so many hours secluded from all company. Yet I find time to visit the sick and the poor; and I must do it, if I believe the Bible, if I believe these are the marks whereby the Shepherd of Israel will know and judge His sheep at the great day; therefore, when there is time and opportunity for it, who can doubt but this is matter of absolute duty? When I was at Oxford, and lived almost like an hermit, I saw not how any busy man could be saved. I scarce thought it possible for a man to retain the Christian spirit amidst the noise and bustle of the world. God taught me better by my own experience. I had ten times more business in America (that is, at intervals) than ever I had in my life. But it was no hindrance to silence of spirit.

Mr. Boehm [See letter of Aug. 31, 1772, to Philothea Briggs.] was Chaplain to Prince George of Denmark, Secretary to him and Queen Anne, principal manager of almost all the public charities in the kingdom, and employed in numberless private charities. An intimate friend, knowing this, said to him when they were alone, ’Sir, are you not hurt by that amazing hurry of business? I have seen you in your office, surrounded with people, listening to one, dictating to another, and at the same time writing to a third; could you then retain a sense of the presence of God? ’ He answered, ’ All that company and all that business no more hindered or lessened my communion with God than if I had been all alone in a church kneeling before the communion table.’ Was it not the same case with him to whom Gregory Lopez said, ’ Go and be an hermit in Mexico’? I am concerned for you; I am sorry you should be content with lower degrees of usefulness and holiness than you are called to. But I cannot help it: so I submit; and am still, my dear Miss March, Yours in sincere affection. To Mr. Powell LONDON, December

18, 1777. MY DEAR BROTHER,--Your proposal is good. Let Mr. Watson, who is a pious and sensible youth (?), act as a fourth preacher; at least till you hear farther from Your affectionate brother. To Mr. Powell, In the Drapery,

Northampton. To Thomas Rutherford LONDON, December 20, 1777.

DEAR TOMMY,--You gave me an agreeable account of the progress of the work of God in the island. I apprehend you will meet with no hindrance from men in power. They know the mind of the King.

You cannot with a good conscience receive that froward man either as a leader or a member of the Society unless he acknowledges his fault. Otherwise he would do more hurt in the Society than out of it.--I am, dear Tommy, Yours affectionately.

I fix no journeys till after Christmas. To John Bredin

LONDON, December 23, 1777. MY DEAR BROTHER,--I have wrote to Mr. Creighton. [See letters of May 24, 1773, and July 12, 1778.] Yours of the 12th instant I received this afternoon. I desire one of the preachers in the Armagh Circuit to change with you till Lady Day. Before that time (if my life health are spared) I hope to be in Ireland myself.--I am Your affectionate brother.

I shall be glad of a correspondence with the clergyman mention. To Mr. John Bredin, At Mr. Maire’s Merchant, In Iniskillan.

Editor’s Introductory Notes: 1777

[1] Wolfe had evidently moved from Wilts North, where he is appointed in the Minutes of 1776. Perfect was Assistant in Cornwall East, Whatcoat second preacher in Cornwall West.

[2] In 1776 Wride was again Assistant at Whitehaven, with Robert Empringham and Richard Seed as colleagues. He wrote on January 13, 1777, to Wesley. On the previous Tuesday he had heard from Empringham (then in the Isle of Man), who had also written on December 10: ’ The Rev. Mr. Corlett seems to be very friendly with me and the people; but he does not give me the sacrament, but I stay in the church till he has done giving it to others. The Bishop, I suppose, binds him to deny us the privilege; and if you see it expedient, you may write to Mr. Wesley to let us know if he will break the Satannical bond, which I think he can with the help of God.’ This circumstance, says Wride, ’ is the reason of my present writing. As to my own thoughts of the matter, I think Brother Empringham has in this done the best he could have done; and to thinking people it may speak more than the Bishop is aware of. But as it is a point in which I have never been exercised I thought it needful to have your advice.’

Wride expected his colleague back in Whitehaven on the 24th, and hoped to go to the island by the packet on its return on the 27th. He asks, ’Would you choose to have the General Collection made this year in the island, as they are a young people, and in general poor? Do you think to call on the island on your way to Dublin? If so, would it not be well to engage a vessel of the island to come for you, to take you to Dublin or the North? Perhaps this may be of little interruption to your travelling plan as any other way whatever.’ Wesley took kindly to this suggestion.

Wride replied from Douglas on February 3. Wesley could take the packet from Whitehaven, which left every Monday for the Isle of Man. ’ This will cost you but five shillings, cabin passage. I have spoke to our friends at Peel, and they will take care to put you over to Ireland. As to the price, they will demand nothing; they are so glad to hear of your coming that they will do anything they can.’ They could take him from Peel to Portaferry in about six hours, or to near Newry in about seven. If Wesley wished to go to Dublin, they would land him a little short of the place, to avoid the press-gang. ’ I suppose, if you choose to be landed at Portaferry, you will have Mr. Smith and Mr. Corlett to accompany you over. Last Saturday I spent good part of the afternoon with Mr. Corlett. He appears to be as friendly a man as I have met with. He is looked upon to be as good a scholar as any clergyman in the island. He is not ashamed to own or defend us, and yet he is amazingly fearful of the Bishop. I suppose he is not well acquainted with ecclesiastical law; but, however, if you come over, he says, "Mr. Wesley shall not preach in the factory" (the place we preach in), "but he shall have my pulpit." ’ Wride speaks of several cases of people affected under his ministry, who seemed to fall into a trance. ’ These things are neither new nor rare; they were stumbling-blocks to Mr. Corlett for some time, but now he acknowledges them miraculous.’ See Journal vi. 151; and letters of August 10, 1776 (to John Crook), and May 7, 1777; and for Empringham, March 25, 1780 (to George Robinson).

[3] Wesley did not get to Ireland till October 3, and left on the 13th. John Pritchard, the Assistant at Londonderry, was taken very ill at Mrs. Johnston’s house in the depth of winter. He says: ’ Great was the love and multiplied were the favors I received from her. For all the time I was ill at her house she was to me as an affectionate mother and a tender nurse. Her example increased my desire for holiness, and wrought in me a greater degree of zeal to promote the interest of our Savior wherever I came.’ Mrs. Johnston writes to him on March 14, 1777, c/o Mr. Shean, merchant, Londonderry, ’ I have a very pleasing letter from our very dear Mr. Wesley,’ and quotes a paragraph. In another letter she tells Pritchard: ’I had letters from Mr. Wesley and Bob Crawford also lately, very good and kind ones. Surely the Lord moves the hearts of His children to write comfortably to me.’ See Wesley’s Veterans, vi. 212; and letters of October 22, 1776, and March 28, 1777, to her.

[4] This letter, the signature of which is cut away, is endorsed, ’With William Hewden’s best respects to Mr. Duncan.’

Bradburn had removed from Limerick to Dublin in the spring of 1777. Howe was admitted on trial in August, and appointed to Water­ford. George Brown (who in 1782 married Anne Devlin, whom Mrs. Johnston, of Lisleen, had befriended after she renounced Popery) was now in Lisburn; he was one of the hundred preachers named in the Deed of Declaration, and died in 1822, ’ a bright example of Christian simplicity and sincerity.’ Watson, the Assistant at Athlone, became an itinerant in 1771; he retired after fourteen years, and died at Bath in 1837. Hampson, now at Dublin, left Wesley because his name was not inserted in the Deed of Declaration in 1784.

[5] Hopper writes to Benson on March 11 (manuscript Life, i. 678): ’ If James Kershaw be mad, we ought to pity and pray for him; it is a calamity indeed. But I am afraid there is some art, for what end I cannot determine…. I am glad to hear Jacky Reed continues happy and devoted to God….I wonder what way the good old man will move this year. I can come to no certain knowledge yet.’ See letters of February 15, 1777, and October 31, 1778 (to Hopper).

[6] Mrs. Johnston sends her love to him through John Pritchard on April 7. The people had been very happy in hearing him, and wished much to hear him again. Two anti-Methodists said they would go to Clady to hear him. On April 9 she writes to Pritchard: ’Letters from England, Longford, and Cork. Good news. Glory to God! Mr. Wesley begins with the following paragraph.’ She quotes the letter down to ’ His Majesty.’ The Journal for March 28 has: ’ I received an affectionate message from a great man. But I shall not wonder if the wind changes.’ A note in the Journal, vi. 142, says: ’ This may have been either Lord Dartmouth or Lord North.’ Perhaps, in view of this letter, it may have been from Archbishop Cornwallis, who was warmly in favor of tolerance, or from King George III himself.

Mrs. Brown, of Creevy, had two sons, George and Hugh, who became Methodist preachers. Hugh, admitted on trial in 1776, was now at Athlone, where he remained after the Conference of 1777. A nervous disorder compelled him to retire from the itinerancy, and he died three years after, in 1781. For George Brown, see letter of February 22.

Alexander Boyle, of Kirlish Lodge, was converted about 1774, and did much by his labor and liberality to extend the work. Wesley stayed with him in May 1787, and says: ’ I do not wonder the work of God spreads in these parts; the spirit and behavior of Mr. Boyle and his wife, continually employed in doing good, have an amazing influence on all their neighborhood.’ See Journal, vii. 284; Crookshank’s Methodism in Ireland, i. 291.

[7] This letter (part of which has been torn) shows wonderful dis­crimination and versatility in what Wesley says to his correspondents. His letters are not merely self-revelation; they are living portraits of his friends.

[8] Wesley left London on April 6, visited Birmingham, Chester, and other places, returned to town on the 19th, and laid the foundation-stone of City Road Chapel on the 21st. Lady Maxwell replied on June 31: ’ My fellowship is now continually with the Father and the Son, through the eternal Spirit. See Journal, vi. 144; Arminian Magazine, 1788, pp. 215-16.

[9] Bradford was Wesley’s travelling companion. Wesley went to the Isle of Man on Saturday, May 31, and stayed till June 3. Wride entered fully into his plans. He sent Wesley on May l0 a remarkable account of the conversion of William Kaughin, a godless sailor, and of ’some things most disagreeable (I doubt diabolical), of which in my next I shall trouble you with some unpleasing accounts.’ He also mentions a proposal to get Empringham and his wife to reside at Daughby, which he did not approve. There were about three hundred members on the island. On May 24 he sends a full account of the its or trances into which some had fallen. See letter of January 17.

[10] The Memoir for November 9 says: ’ I had this day a most blessed but indescribable impression on my soul of the Three-One Jehovah, all equal in deity, while these words flowed from my heart, "The Lord, He is the God."’ See letters of April 26 and June 16.

[11] Miss Ritchie was threatened with consumption, and was under the care of Dr. Hey, the eminent surgeon in Leeds. Her father was paralyzed and on the verge of death, her mother also was ill. Though in poor health himself, Wesley traveled from Malton to Otley to see her on May 9, and found her in ’ the third stage of a consumption.’ She replied on June 24: ’Glory be to God, I constantly feel His spirit witnessing with mine that the blood of Jesus cleanseth from all sin! From the time I first received this blessed testimony I have never lost it. Of late it has been more strong, more permanent, more clear. Indeed, I am always happy, and sometimes unspeakably so.’ See Journal, vi. 147-8; Bulmer’s Memoirs, p. 75; and letters of June 11 and August 2.

[12] Thomas Coke belonged to Brecon, where Churchey lived. He met Wesley on August 13, 1776. He was dismissed from his curacy at South Petherton, attended the Bristol Conference on August 5, 1777, and cast in his lot with Wesley.

[13] Towards the end of June Miss Ritchie’s health improved, and in July she was able to report, ’ The violence of my dangerous symptoms is greatly decreased.’ And in the course of a few months her health was · surprisingly re-established,’ though for many years it was precarious. See Bulmer’s Memoirs, pp. 76-7; and letters of June 16 and August 24.

[14] Robinson was for many years Circuit Steward in the Grimsby Circuit, and his account-book is still preserved; he did marry again. Isaac Brown was the Assistant. Wesley greatly loved ’ honest Isaac Brown.’ He died at Pontefract in 1815. A remarkable letter from him to Wesley, describing his conversion and what he suffered for his Methodism and God’s providential help, is in the Arminian Magazine, 1787, pp. 496-8.

[15] ’Mr. John Holdsworth, an aged preacher in our Connection’ says, James Sigston in his Life of Bramwell, ii. 280, ’has favored me with the following extract of a letter which Mr. Wesley addressed to Mr. Alexander Mather, and which has been copied verbatim from the original.’ At the Conference in Bristol Wesley ’ particularly inquired (as that report had been spread far and wide) of every Assistant, "Have you reason to believe from your own observation that the Methodists are a fallen people? "’John Hilton withdrew from the Connection because he felt they were fallen; but the almost universal answer was that there was’ no decay in the work of God among the people in general.’Mather had been Assistant in Staffordshire, and at this Conference moved to Colne. See Tyerman’s Wesley, iii. 245-6.

Near the close of the Conference at Leeds in 1755 Wesley said: ’ It has been affirmed that none of our present preachers are so much alive as they were seven years ago. I fear many are not. But if so they are not fit for the work, which requires much life. Otherwise your labors will be tiresome to yourself, and of little use to the people: tiresome, because you will no longer serve Christ and the people, willingly and cheerfully; of little use, because you will no longer serve them diligently, doing it with your might. I have several reasons to fear it is so with many of you. But let your conscience be the judge,-- Who of you is exemplary, so much alive to God, so as to carry fire with Him wherever you go? Who of you is a pattern of self-denial in little things? Who of you drinks water? why not? Who of you has not four meals a day? Who of you fasts on Friday? why not? Who of you goes through his work willingly and diligently, and on no account disappointing the congregations? Who visits the people on Mr. Baxter’s method? Is your heart in the work wholly, not giving way to indolence or unconcernedness, not yielding to the fear of men? ’ See Sutcliffe’s manuscript History of Methodism, p. 468.

[16] Patience Ellison was a useful member of a Dissenting congregation in Bristol. Her father, John Ellison, was the son of Wesley’s sister Susanna, and was an officer in the Excise or Customs. She used to travel with Wesley around Bristol; but for a time became a Calvinist, and was thus separated from him. She afterwards married Mr. Whereat. See Journal, iv. 71n, vii. 57n; Clarke’s Wesley Family, ii. 273; and letter of May 15, 1779.

[17] Samuel Bradburn, the second minister in Dublin, had preached powerfully against Calvinism, and had been accused by Solomon Walker, a man of wealth and influence in the Society, with preaching false doctrine. Charges were also made against James Martin, Treasurer of the Widows’ Alms Houses, of defrauding the charity. His books showed that he had really advanced money and that a considerable sum was owing to him. Hampson, the superintendent minister, expelled the two Clarks and two other leaders for unchristian conduct. The dispute became so sharp that Wesley went over to Ireland, and on October 6 met the contending parties in Dublin. Thirty-four members had been put out of or left the Society. Wesley could ’ in no wise pacify them. They were all civil, nay it seemed affectionate, to me; but they could never forgive the preachers that had expelled them: so that I could not desire them to return into the Society; they could only remain friends at a distance.’ They met in class by themselves, but regularly attended the services at Whitefriar Street Chapel. See Journal, vi. 172-3; and next two letters.

[18] McAllum was at Aberdeen. Wesley had received him on trial in 1775, and he became a scholar and a powerful preacher. He died in 1834.

[19] Mrs. Smyth was the daughter of William Grattan, a wealthy Dublin goldsmith. She and her husband were converted in London under the ministry of William Romaine, and joined the Society on their return to Dublin. This led to his brother, the Rev. Edward Smyth, being introduced to Methodism. Wesley and Fletcher stayed with them. For Mrs. King, who was a class-leader in Dublin, see letter of Sep­tember 9, 1784.

Theodosia Tighe, daughter of Lady Mary Tighe and granddaughter of the first Earl of Darnley, married in 1770 William Blachford, a clergyman of extensive property, who was in charge of Marsh’s Library in Dublin. He died three years later, leaving a son and daughter. His widow became a Methodist. See letter of July 31, 1785.

[20] Wesley had mentioned his plan for a magazine at the Bristol Con­ference, and on August 14 had drawn up proposals for printing the Arminian Magazine. Churchey took a keen interest in the matter, and is even said to have suggested the publication. See Tyerman’s Wesley, iii. 280-3; and next letter.

[21] Benson wrote from Halifax on October 7 that he had been trans­lating Grotius’s De Veritate religionis Christianiae, and was much pleased with his arguments. He was puzzled by the passage in Book I. sect. iii. His difficulty lay in the latter part of the sentence: ‘Non plures esse Deos, sed Unum Deum. Hoc inde colligitur, quod Deus, ut supra jam dictum est, est id, quod est necessario, sire per se; necessario autem, sive per se, quidque est, non qua in genere consideratur, sed qua actu est, actu autem sunt res singulae.’ Benson suggested that his translation might be useful if published in the new Magazine. In the Newcastle Circuit Benson had disposed of 2,000 copies of A Short Account of the Death of Mrs. Mary Hutton, of Sunderland, who died of consumption on February 24, at the age of thirty-two. He had given a copy of it to Hopper at the Bristol Conference for Wesley to print another edition if he thought proper. If he did so, John Atlay, the Book Steward, might send 300 to Bradford, 300 to Manchester, and as many as he chose to Leeds. If Wesley did not use it, Benson himself intended to print 2,000 more.

’I spent a few days at Manchester as I came from Conference,’ he continued, ’ and I trust not in vain. If you give me leave, I shall pay them another visit before winter, which the Stewards and others solicit, and which I can do without prejudice to this circuit, as we have several vacant days on our plan, which yet, I dare not, as long as I have health and strength, leave vacant, but employ them in making excursions into various places.’

See manuscript Life, i. 792-3; W.H.S. x. 113-15.

[22] Ripley was born in 1739, came to Whitby in 1760, and died in December 1784. Wesley says he was ‘for many years a burning and a shining light.’ See Journal, vii. 169; W.H.S. iv. 127-32, vi. 37-44.

[23] Rutherford had been appointed in 1777 to the Whitehaven Circuit, which included the Isle of Man. He reached Douglas on September 26, and stayed on the island till February. The Bishop had set the clergy most violently against the Methodists; Out the work was growing. See letter of December 20.

[24] This letter appeared on the cover of the first issue of the Magazine. Wesley had spent the afternoon with Dr. Lowth, the Bishop of London, at Ebenezer Blackwell’s, and began that day to collect materials for his Magazine. ’ If it once begin, I incline to think it will not end but with my life.’ Dr. Abel Stevens says the history of Methodism could never have been written if Wesley had not published this repertory of its early biographies and correspondence. See Journal, vi. 176.

[25] Miss Bosanquet went from Cross Hall to Bath on December 8. Soon afterwards Wesley laid the stone of the chapel there, and she was led to speak with some degree of freedom in the lovefeast that evening. She also found’ much freedom in speaking for God ’ in the classes and bands. She stayed in Bath till April, and was made a spiritual blessing to many. See Moore’s Mrs. Fletcher, pp. 130-2.

[26] This last letter of a great series throws a flood of light on Wesley’s habits of work and study. See letter of March 4, 1760.

[27] Rutherford describes his disappointment that the people who had invited him to preach in one of the towns sold gin, and as soon as preach­ing was over the people ’ filled the house, drank, whistled, and sung.’ See Rosser’s Methodism in the Isle of Man, p. 90; and letter of Novem­ber 22.

1778 To Mrs. Johnston, Annandde, Listeen. MY DEAR SISTER, - I do not remember the receiving any letter from you, either at Dublin or since I left it. Neither have I received any fresh complaint concerning you. [See letter of Feb. 14 to her.] What I formerly heard I gave you an account of, to which you gave me a distinct answer, and I was fully satisfied. I am relieved to think someone talked of making a fresh complaint. But it is very probable his heart failed, and so the child was strangled in the birth. Indeed, I do not wonder if people are not forward to complain of you to me. Because they know I am a prejudicial person: they know the tender regard I have you and yours, and consequently how hard it is for me: to blame you in anything. That God may give you many happy is the prayer of, my dear sister, Your affectionate brother. To Thomas Taylor LONDON, January 15, 1778.

DEAR TOMMY, - I am glad you have seen Mr. Pugh. The Philosophy is finished, [See letter of Feb. 15, 1777.] and will be sent down next month.

I spoke briefly before; but since you urge me to it, I will now come full upon your subject. As to Preaching, you ought not to preach against that unscriptural, blasphemous, mischievous doctrine constantly - no, nor very frequently. But you ought now and then to bear a full, strong, express testimony against it; otherwise you are a sinner against God and your people and your own soul. I have done this too seldom, scarce once in fifty sermons: ought to have done it once in fifteen or ten. As to Writing and Publishing, the deadly poison has for many years been spread through England, chiefly by means of those pestilent declamations the Gospel and the Spiritual Magazine. Whatever is designed for an antidote to this poison must be spread in the same manner. Thousands have been thereby poisoned already, and are now twice dead. To guard those who are not poisoned yet (not to get money), I fight them at their own weapons. I oppose magazine to magazine, though of a totally different kind. But it seems you know nothing at all of the matter. You do not appear to have even read the Proposals. This Magazine not only contains no railing, but (properly speaking) no controversy. It proves one point: ’God willeth all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.’ It goes straight forward, taking notice of no opponent, but invariably pursuing the one point. And this is the only way to preserve Methodists and to make the Calvinists quiet. Meantime the Letters and the Lives, which will make a considerable part of every number, contain the marrow of experimental and practical religion; so that nothing of the kind has appeared before. Therefore a magazine of this kind is a new thing in the land; and those who formerly spoke against magazines may with a good grace recommend this as being quite another thing and published upon other motives. I do not desire any Calvinist to read it. I publish it not to convince but preserve. I know by long experience they will never bend but when the war is carried into their own quarters. This I will do, as long as God spares my life, in love and in meekness of wisdom. This is the way, and the only way, to establish a lasting peace. But is it not odd that a Methodist preacher, an Assistant, should be the only one who sees my brother and me, and the bulk of the preachers, and the body of the people to be wrong Tommy, distrust yourself. Do not lean much to your own understanding. ’Tis possible they may be right and you wrong. You do not at all understand the affair.

We are well rid of those turbulent men. With love to Nancy, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Duncan McAllum LONDON, January 17, 1778.

DEAR DUNCAN,-Our brethren at Inverness [McAllum was now in Dundee, and was appointed to the Aberdeen Circuit at the Conference of 1778.] write to me and earnestly desire that you may come thither again. I have no objection: therefore write to the preacher there and change places with him as soon as you can. You should be at Inverness and at Perth by turns. - I am Your affectionate brother. To Thomas Carlill LONDON, January 25, 1778.

DEAR TOMMY, - In my father’s poem on the Life of Christ [The Life of our Blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: An Heroic Poem. Dedicated to Her Most Sacred Majesty; in Ten Books. Attempted by Samuel Wesley, Rector of South Ormsby, in the county of Lincoln, 1693.] there are many excellent lines; but they must be taken in connection with the rest: it would not be at all proper to print them alone.

Mr. Toplady might easily have answered Mr. Hervey, and maintained his point, upon supposition of Absolute Decrees; for it is certain whatever is ordained of God is right. If, therefore, ’whatsoever is is ordained of God,’ then ’whatever is is right.’ Mr. Toplady therefore was consistent with his principles; Mr. Hervey was not.

You two and Brother Pritchard [The preachers at Bristol were John Goodwin, Thomas Carlill, and John Pritchard.] should procure all the subscribers you can to the Magazine. - I am, dear Tommy, Your affectionate brother. To Ann Bolton LONDON, January 24, 1778.

It is surely a wise and gracious Providence which has detained you so long at Withey. You was sent thither and still remain there for the good of the poor people. I wish you could meet all the women of the Society either in band or class. Lay yourself out among them as much as ever your strength and leisure will permit. You was formerly the nursing mother of the Society; they grew and prospered under your hand, and they have not prospered since. They have pined away like poor orphans ever since you was removed from them. [See letter of Jan. 11, 1775, to Francis Woffe.] Possibly now they may spring up and flourish again; and then you will not think much of your labor. It would undoubtedly be of use if a few of you were to meet together for this very purpose, to improve one another in Christian knowledge as well as in love. And you cannot insist too much on that point - that, whatever our past experience has been, we are now more or less acceptable to God as we more or less improve the present moment. But it is no wonder that many are so angry at this assertion, for it strikes at the very root of Calvinism. That you are tempted to peevishness, to discontent, or to anything else will be no loss as long as you are conqueror over all, yea more than conqueror through Him that loveth you. And so, I doubt not, you will always be; because your trust is not in yourself but in Him. - My dear Nancy, Yours most affectionately. To Mary Bishop LONDON, February 7, 1778. MY DEAR SISTER, - It is no great matter whether those doubts arose in your mind by conversing with Mr. Hilton, [See letter of Nov. 16, 1777.] by reading (his oracle) Mr. Law’s later works, or by your own reasoning. But certainly the subject is of the last importance, and deserves our most serious consideration. Indeed, nothing in the Christian system is of greater consequence than the doctrine of Atonement. It is properly the distinguishing point between Deism and Christianity. ’The scriptural scheme of morality,’ said Lord Huntingdon, [Francis, Earl of Huntingdon, son of Lady Huntingdon, was a freethinker.] ’is what every one must admire; but the doctrine of Atonement I cannot comprehend.’ Here, then, we divide. Give up the Atonement, and the Deists are agreed with us. This point, therefore, deserves to be more largely considered than my time will permit. But it is the less needful now because I have done it already in my letter to Mr. Law; to which I beg you will give a serious reading, whether you have read it before or no. It is in the nineteenth volume of the Works. [See letter of Jan. 6, 1756, sect. II. 2, 3, to William Law.] But it is true I can no more comprehend it than his lordship; perhaps I might say than the angels of God, than the highest created understanding. Our reason is here quickly bewildered. If we attempt to expatiate in this field, we ’find no end, in wandering mazes lost.’ But the question is (the only question with me; I regard nothing else), What saith the Scripture It says, ’God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself’; that ’He made Him, who knew no sin, to be a sin-offering for us.’ It says, ’He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities.’ It says, ’We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He is the atonement for our sins.’ But it is certain, had God never been angry, He could never have been reconciled. So that, in affirming this, Mr. Law strikes at the very root of the Atonement, and finds a very short method of converting Deists. [He is evidently thinking of Charles Leslie (1650-1722), Nonjuror and his A Short and Easy Method with the Deists.] Although, therefore, I do not term God, as Mr. Law supposes, ’ a wrathful Being,’ which conveys a wrong idea; yet I firmly believe He was angry with all mankind, and that He was reconciled to them by the death of His Son. And I know He was angry with me till I believed in the Son of His love; and yet this is no impeachment to His mercy, that He is just as well as merciful. But undoubtedly, as long as the world stands, there will be a thousand objections to this scriptural doctrine. For still the preaching of Christ crucified will be foolishness to the wise men of the world. Hovever let us hold the precious truth fast in our hearts as well as in our understanding; and we shall find by happy experience that this is to us the wisdom of God and power of God.

I do not doubt but your health will be so far re-established that you may either teach school or live in Bath. But I do not know whether you will be able to do both together, to teach school in Bath. A little time will determine. And meanwhile we know that will be which is best. - I am Your affectionate friend and brother. To Miss Bishop, At Mrs. Taylor’s,

Southampton. To Duncan McAllum LONDON, February 11, 1778. MY DEAR BROTHER, - You do not write too often. When I think your letters troublesome, I will tell you. I leave it to your choice how you should divide your time between Perth and Inverness. [See letter of Jan. 17.] It seems to me you should spend at least a month in the North before the Conference. If you have not money for the journey, I will help you. I shall hardly see Scotland this year. About the end of next month I expect to be in Dublin.

If Brother Ellis is angry at you, be not you angry at him. A soft answer turneth away wrath. - Dear Duncan, Your affectionate brother. To Samuel Bardsley LONDON, February 14, 1778.

DEAR SAMMY, - So your mother is at rest! We shall go to her, though she will not return to us. I am glad you are so agreeably situated, and that you already see some fruit of your labor. About the 27th of March I expect to be at Chester. If a ship be ready at Parkgate, I purpose to embark directly; if not, I shall pay you a visit at Liverpool. [He sailed from Liverpool on March 31.] I fix upon nothing: let the Lord do as seemeth Him good. - I am, dear Sammy, Your affectionate brother. To Mrs. Johnston, Annandale, Lisleen LONDON, February 14, 1778. MY DEAR SISTER, - The fact was true. And there was a grievous mistake with regard to the time of it for that letter (which was wrote, I suppose, a year and a half ago); since that time I have had no complaint of the kind. [See letter of Jan. 8.] If I had, I should have let you know. But you need not be under any apprehension of my being offended at you either on this or any other account. I am not easily offended at those I love, and I have loved you ever since I saw you for your artlessness and sincerity; and I believe you will never quit that character, though it be ever so much out of fashion. I cannot doubt but Robert Swindells’ stay at Lisleen was of use to others as well as himself. As Shakespear’s ’the man of exceeding honesty,’ one may take his word. Therefore I am strongly persuaded he is no Calvinist; yet I do not wonder that it should be imputed to him, for he was leaning toward it for many years. This all our preachers know; but they did not all know that he now sees more clearly. In about a fortnight I purpose to set out from London, and probably about the end of next month I shall be in Dublin. I intend with God’s help to visit the South of Ireland first start, make Londonderry beginning of June. If so, I will have the pleasure of seeing you and your dear family before the end of May. Peace be with all your spirits,-I am, my dear sister, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Thomas Maxfield February 14, 1778.

I was a little surprised to read in a late publication of yours the following assertions: - 1. Thomas Maxfield was ’some of the firstfruits of Mr. Whitefield’s ministry’ (page 18).

2. ’When he went abroad, he delivered me and many thousands more into the hands of those he thought he could have trusted them with, and who would have given them back to him again at his return. But, alas! it was not so.’ (Ibid.)

’I heard Mr. Whitefield say at the Tabernacle, in the presence of five or six ministers, to Mr. Wesley, a little before he left England for the last time: "I delivered thirty thousand people into the hands of your brother and you when I went abroad. And by the time I came back you had so turned their hearts against me that not three hundred of them would come to hear me." I knew this was true.’ (Ibid.)

3. ’I heard Mr. Whitefield say: "When I came back from Georgia, there was no speaking evil of each other. Oh what would I not give or suffer or do to see such times again! But oh that division! that division! What slaughter it has made ’It was doctrine that caused the difference; or, at least, it was so pretended.’ (Ibid.)

’He preached a few times in connection with his old friends. But, ah! how soon was the sword of contention drawn!’ (Page 19.)

4. ’where can you now find any loving ones of either party They have no more love to each other than Turks.’ (Ibid.)

’Read their vile contentions, and the evil characters they give of each other, raking the filthiest ashes to find some black story against their fellow preachers’ (page 20).

They ’slay with the sword of bitterness, wrath, and envy. Still more their shame is what they have sent out into the world against each other on both sides about five or six years ago, and till this very day.’ (Page 21.) To satisfy both friends and foes I propose a few queries’ on each of these four heads.

I. As to the first, I read a remarkable passage in the Third Journal, the truth of which may, be still attested by Mr. Durbin, Mr. Westall, and several others then present, who are yet alive: ’A young man who stood behind sunk down as one dead; but soon began to roar out and beat himself against the ground, so that six men could scarce hold him. This was Thomas Maxfield.’ [See letter of May 28, 1739; and for Henry Durbin, May 3, 1786, n.] Was this you If it was, how are you ’the first-fruits of Mr. Whitefield’s ministry’ And how is it that neither I nor your fellow laborers ever heard one word of this during all those years wherein you labored in connection with us II. ’When he went abroad again, he delivered me and many thousands into the hands of Mr. Wesley.’ When where in what manner This is quite new to me! I never heard one word of it before! But stay! here is something more curious still! ’I heard Mr. Whitefield say at the Tabernacle, in the presence of five or six ministers, a little before he left England the last time, "I delivered thirty thousand people into the hands of you and your brother when I went abroad."’

Mr. Whitefield’s going abroad, which is here referred to, was in the year 1741. Did he then deliver you into my hands Was you not in my hands before Had you not then for above a year been a member of the Society under my care Nay, was you not at the very time one of my preachers Did you not then serve me as a son in the gospel Did you not eat my bread and lodge in my house Is not this, then, a total misrepresentation Would to God it be not a willful one!

’I heard,’ you say, ’Mr. Whitefield say at the Tabernacle, in the presence of five or six ministers, a little before he left England the last time.’ Who, then, can doubt the truth of what follows For here is chapter and verse! Here both the time, the place, and the persons present are specified. And they ought to be, seeing the crime alleged is one of a very heinous nature. Many a man has been justly sentenced to death for sins which in the sight of God were not equal to this. The point, therefore, requires a little more examination. And, first, I desire to know what are the names of those five or six ministers and which of them heard Mr. Whitefield say, ’When I went abroad’ (in 1741) ’I delivered thirty thousand people into the hands of you and your brother’ Thirty thousand people! Whence did they come Did they spring out of the earth Why, there were not at that time five thousand Methodists in England or in the world. The Societies in London, Bristol, and Kingswood (the only ones I had) contained fourteen or fifteen hundred members. I believe not so many were in his Societies. But, were they fewer or more, they were nothing to me. He never entrusted me with them. He never delivered into mine or my brother’s hands either his Society at the Tabernacle in London, or that in Bristol, or in Kingswood, or any other place whatever. He never delivered (that I remember) one single Society into my hands. I bless God I needed it not. I did not need to build upon another man’s foundation. A dispensation of the gospel was given me also; and my labor was not in vain. I was constrained to cry out (and you yourself used the same words to God in my behalf), - O the fathomless love Which has deigned to approve And prosper the work of my hands! With my pastoral crook I went over the brook, And, behold I I am spread into bands! With what view, then, can you charge me with that perfidy which I am no more guilty of than of high treason For what end can you affirm, ’When he went abroad, he delivered many thousands into the hands of those he thought he could have trusted them with’ Delivered! when where how What can you mean I flatly deny that ever he delivered one thousand or one hundred souls into my hands. Do you mean, ’He spoke honorably of you to them at Kennington Common and Rose Green’ True; but not so honorably as I spoke of you even at London - yea, as late as the year 1763 I Yet was this the same thing with ’delivering the people’ at London ’into your hands’ Nay, but ’Mr. Whitefield trusted that you would have given them back at his return.’ Them! whom His Society at London or Bristol I had them not to give. He never entrusted me with them. Therefore I could not ’give them back.’ But how melancholy is the exclamation that follows: ’Alas ! it was not so.’ Was not how Why, I did not give back what I never had received, but went straight on my way, taking the best care I could of those who entrusted themselves to me.

III. So much for the second article. As to the third, your words are, ’I heard Mr. Whitefield say, "Oh that division! that division! What slaughter it has made!"’ But who made that division It was not I. It was not my brother. It was Mr. Whitefield himself; and that notwithstanding all admonitions, arguments, and entreaties. Mr. Whitefield first wrote a treatise against me by name. He sent it to my brother, who endorsed it with these words: ’Put up again thy sword into its place.’ It slept a while; but after a time he published it. I made no reply. Soon after Mr. Whitefield preached against my brother and me by name. This he did constantly both in Moorfields and in all other public places. We never returned railing for railing, but spoke honorably of him at all times and in all places. But is it any wonder that those who loved us should no longer choose to hear him Meantime was it we that ’turned their hearts against him’ Was it not himself But you say, ’It was doctrine that caused the difference’ (oddly enough expressed!); ’at least, it was so pretended.’ It was so pretended ’I What do you mean that difference of doctrine was only pretended that we were agreed at the bottom, and only fought like prize-fighters to show our skill Nay, here was no pretence. The thing was as plain as the sun at noonday. Did not Mr. Whitefield proclaim upon the house-top the difference between us and him And yet it was not merely the difference of doctrine that caused the division. It was rather the manner wherein he maintained his doctrine and treated us in every place. Otherwise difference of doctrine would not have created any difference of affection; but he might lovingly have held particular redemption and we general to our lives’ end.

He did indeed ’ preach a few times in connection with his old friends. But how soon was the sword of contention drawn! ’By whom Truly, by himself. Do not you know (thousands do, if you do not) that when he preached in the very Foundry, and my brother sat by him, he preached the absolute decrees in the most peremptory and offensive manner What was this but drawing the sword and throwing away the scabbard Who, then, is chargeable with the contention and division that ensued

IV. ’But where,’ you ask, ’can you now find any loving ones of either party’ Blessed be God, I can find many thousands, both in London, in Bristol, in Kingswood, and in various parts, not only of England, but also of Scotland and Ireland; persons as full of love both to God and man as any I knew forty years ago.

Some of these I find (and much rejoice to find) in Mr. Whitefield’s Societies. And I pray God they may increase a thousand-fold both in number and in strength. Nay, they have no more love to each other than Turks.’ They! who This is not the case with our Societies. They not only love each other, but love their enemies, even those that still despitefully use them. But ’read their vile contentions, and the evil character they give each other, raking the filthiest ashes to find some black story.’ I will answer for one. I give no ’evil character’ of my ’fellow preachers.’ I ’ rake into no filthy ashes for black stories.’ Let him who does take it to himself. ’They slay with the sword of bitterness, wrath, and envy.’ I do not. I plead, Not guilty. As I envy no man, so neither my wrath nor bitterness slays any human creature. ’Still more to their Shame is what they have sent out into the world against each other on both sides about five or six years ago, and till this very day.’

’What they have sent out against each other on both sides about five or six years ago.’ Within five or six years I have been vehemently called to answer for myself: twice by Mr. Richard Hill, and afterwards by his brother. [See Green’s Anti-Methodist Publications.] Have you read what we ’have sent out into the world against each other on both sides’ If you have not, how can you so peremptorily affirm what ’both sides’ have done You cannot possibly be a judge of what you have not read; and if you had read, you could not have passed such a sentence. Three tracts I have wrote; but in none of these do I ’slay with the sword of bitterness or wrath or envy.’ In none of them do I speak one bitter or passionate or disrespectful word. Bitterness and wrath, yea low, base, virulent invective, both Mr. Richard and Mr. Rowland Hill (as well as Mr. Toplady) have poured out upon me in great abundance. But where have I in one single instance returned them railing for railing I have not so learned Christ. I dare not rail either at them or you. I return not cursing, but blessing. That the God of love may bless both them and you is the prayer of Your injured yet still affectionate brother. To Christopher Hopper LONDON, February 21, 1778. MY DEAR BROTHER, - Many angry opponents we are to expect; but they may say just what they please. It is my determination to answer none, but to go straight on my way. [Hopper was in Bradford. Wesley was severely attacked in the press. See Tyerman’s Wesley, iii. 261-7; and previous letter.] On Sunday evening, March 1, I am to leave London. After spending a few days at Bristol, I purpose making the best of my way to Chester in order to embark for Ireland. I hope to be in Dublin about the end of March. If so, I shall be able to visit all the Societies before July. - I am, with love to Sister Hopper, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Mary Bosanquet LONDON, February 23, 1778. MY DEAR SISTER, - Although I hope to see you next week, I cannot but write a few lines. Who knows but the illness of Miss Bishop might be permitted for this very thing-that you might have a more clear and open way to help the women at Bath forward What you have to do at Bristol does not yet appear; Providence will open itself by-and-by. I am glad Philly Cousins retains her confidence. See that she has something to do. [’Brother Cousins was restored to the love of God’ a few days after Miss Bosanquet reached Bath in December. See letters of Dec. 2, 1777, and Nov. 1, 1778.]

I had not heard anything of Tommy Westall’s daughter; and am glad she is so well disposed of. Let Brother Taylor and Nancy Tripp do all they can for God. [Richard Taylor, her business man at Cross Hall. Ann Tripp (1745-1823) was governess to the orphans at Leytonstone, and lived with Miss Bosanquet in Yorkshire. For Thomas Westall, see letter of Dec. 20, 1746.] This is an acceptable time. I hope to see you on Tuesday afternoon [He was at Bath on March 3.]; and am, my dear sister, Yours very affectionately. To Miss Bosanquet, In the Orange Grove,

Bath. To John Valton LONDON, February 25, 1778. MY DEAR BROTHER, - You would do well to take a cup of decoction of nettles every morning and to observe what food agrees with you best. Inure yourself to the open air by going into it more or less every day when it does not rain. It would not be proper for you to spend another year in the Gloucester-shire Circuit. You are called to another part of the vineyard; and God does all things well. - I am Your affectionate brother. To Mr. Valton, At the Methodist Preaching-house, In Worcester. To Alexander Knox LONDON, February 26, 1778.

DEAR ALLECK, - In the latter end of March I hope to be in Dublin, and about the 28th of May in Londonderry. [preached on May 28 in Londonderry, and stayed till June 4.] It is a place I always loved; but I shall love it more than ever if I have the pleasure of lodging with you. With regard to your health, both of body and mind, if you could take one advice it would have a surprising effect. It is this: ’Take no thought for the morrow.’ You know not how much even your body suffers by this. To-day only is yours. Look up, and He will bless you all to-day. - I am, my dear Alleck, Very affectionately yours. To Kitty Warren BRISTOL, March 5, 1778.

DEAR SISTER WARREN, - I believe your sister saw me several times, though I saw her but once. It was only a few hours before we set out that I had any thoughts of visiting Ireland. And when I came to Llyngwair, I was in hopes of leaving it immediately. But we were providentially detained a little and a little and a little longer, and I believe not in vain.

I am not at all sorry that you are not called to remove from Haverford. You seem to me to be just in your place. You have many opportunities of personal improvement, such as you could not have had in a country village and in an hurry of various business, and you have now a sufficient sphere of action wherein you may employ whatever talents you have received. Now live for eternity! Be a good steward of the manifold gifts of God. Be equally ready to do and to suffer His whole will, and aspire after all His promises!

You send me a pleasing account of the work of God among you. God will bless those that serve Him with a single eye. Only cure Brother Broadbent [John Broadbent, the Assistant at Pembroke, ’frequently so exhausted himself in preaching that he was ready to drop down when he concluded his sermon.’ See letters of Dec. 21, 1775, and Oct. 31, 1778 (to Miss Warren).] of screaming, and you will do him a real kindness. It is strange that so many good men are guilty of self-murder.

You see, upon reading your postscript, I have mended my address. I am willing to amend any fault you will tell me of. Indeed, I do not desire there should be any ceremony between us; but as much love as you please. The more I converse with you, the more near you are to, my dear Kitty, Yours affectionately. My love and service attend Mrs. Vaughan and your mother. To Miss Warren, Haverfordwest. To Alexander Knox DUBLIN, April 2, 1778. MY DEAR ALLECK, - I came hither this morning, after a rough passage, from Liverpool; and purpose (if God continue my life and health) to be with you at Londonderry on Friday, May 28.

It is right to know ourselves, but not to stop there, as you are apt to do. This is only of use if it leads us to know Him that loves and saves sinners; and, I doubt not, He will save you. Trust Him, and you shall praise Him. I hope my dear Sally has not forgotten me. Peace be with all your spirits! - I am, dear Alleck, Yours affectionately. To Thomas Wride NEAR MARYBOROUGH, April 20, 1778.

DEAR TOMMY, - I do not remember J. Woodcock. But if the accout you give of her be just (and I have no reason to believe the contras), I cannot see any objection to your choosing her; although you do well not to depend upon her brother, for his humor may easily change. Whatever you do should be done with much prayer, as the matter is of no small importance. - I am, dear Tommy, Your affectionate brother.

I hope the ’Sword-drawer’ is not a preacher. To Mary Bishop CASTLEBAR, May 15, 1778. MY DEAR MISS BISHOP, - When I received Miss Flower’s last letter, I was utterly astonished. [See letters of Nov. 16, 1777, and Aug. 20, 1778.] It was a civil (shall I say, or uncivil) discharge from writing to her any more, and seemed to me to express every passion which I thought she ought not to feel. I was therefore at a full stand, not knowing whether it was advisable to write again or not. After pausing a while, I thought it would not be amiss to write one letter more. I did so, writing in as plain and sincere a manner as I could, and yet mildly and affectionately. I believe this was about a month ago. I have not had a line from her since. I cannot therefore write again; it would be quite out of character. Yet I am greatly concerned for her, and was thinking but yesterday, ’What can I do farther Is there no prudent and affectionate friend, for whom she has still a respect, and whom I might desire to interpose on this delicate occasion, and if possible to remove this misunderstanding’ You are the woman! As soon as ever I read your letter I saw it clear as the day. She loves you still; and you have an affection for her. Use, therefore, the privilege of friendship. I am afraid she has one with her that does her no good - that, instead of laboring to remove any prejudice, would endeavor to increase it, and gradually to wean her from all her friends. If you pay her a visit, you will easily perceive whether my fears are just or no. And you will soon discover whether any one has taken pains to increase rather than heal this little breach. Go in God’s name, and add this to the other instances of friendship which you have on all occasions shown either to her, or to, my dear Miss Bishop, Yours affectionately. To Miss Bishop, Near the Cross Bath, In Bath. To Mrs. Johnston, Annandale, Lisleen LONDONDERRY, June 1, 1778. MY DEAR SISTER, - My little complaint left me almost as soon as I left Lisleen, and has not returned since. It is well that our life and all things pertaining to it are in His hands. He orders all things well; and being assured of this, we need be careful for nothing: it is enough that in all things we may make our requests with thanksgiving. I make no doubt but He will hear the prayers on behalf of your whole family; but the time and manner of answering our prayers He reserves in His own power. And He has given you a token for good, - already you have one if not more children that love and fear Him; and the rest are not such enemies of the gospel as persons of their rank usually are. You have reason to thank God for what He has done, and to expect all that He has promised.

Mr. Abraham is beset on every side; but hitherto he stands like a rock. He seems fixed in his resolution to give up all things that he may win Christ. I believe he will set out with me on Thursday for Coleraine, and then I trust we shall part no more. Mr. Smyth was unable to meet us here, but hopes to do so at Ballymena. [See letters of Feb. 22, 1777, and July 12, 1778.] If I live a year or two longer, there islittle doubt but that I shall see the North of Ireland again.

I commend you and all our dear friends that are with you to Him that has loved us and given Himself for us; and am, my dear sister, Yours very affectionately. To Samuel Bradburn LONDONDERRY, June 4, 1778.

DEAR SAMMY, - I have wrote this morning to Mrs. Karr, and suppose she will answer me either to Belfast or Lisburn.

It is now your part to be instant in prayer that God may order all things well.

I hope to be at the Man of War [A small decayed hamlet in co. Dublin. Bradburn went there to meet Wesley on June 26, and slept there. Wesley married him on the 28th to Betsy Nangle.] on the 26th instant at five or six in the evening; at Dublin on the 27th. On Monday and Tuesday I may meet the classes; so the Conference will begin on Tuesday, July the 7th. - I am, dear Sammy, Your affectionate brother. To a Friend LONDONDERRY, June 5, 1778.

DEAR SIR, - I have a long letter from an anonymous correspondent respecting the Arminian Magazine. It appears to be wrote with a friendly design and in an excellent spirit. The objections mentioned therein seem to be partly his own, partly repeated from others. The first is: ’It is too short; some other magazines are almost as long again. It is true there are as many pages as in others; but there are not so many lines in a page, not so many by ten or twelve, as in the Spiritual Magazine.’

I answer by confessing the charge. It is undeniably true that it does not contain so many lines either in prose or verse as the Spiritual Magazine. And Tonson, who is himself a wit, Weighs writers’ merits by the sheet. [Prior’s Epistle to F. Shephard.] So do thousands besides; but I do not write for these. I write for those who judge of books not by the quantity but by the quality of them, who ask not how long but how good they are. I spare both my reader’s time and my own by couching my sense in as few words as I can. Those who prefer the dealers in many words may find them on every side. And from these they may have not only as much more but ten times as much for their money. A second objection is: ’Here is not variety enough.’ I answer, Here is all the variety I promised: I promised the bulk of the Magazine (as the very title implies) should treat of Universal Redemption. And hence you had reason to expect that the greatest part of every number would turn on that single point. Do you blame me for keeping close to my point for not rambling from my subject It is not my manner; I do not aim at it. Whether in speaking or writing, I endeavor to avoid this kind of variety, and to keep one thing always in view.

’But there is not variety in the historical part.’ What do you mean Would you have me insert bits and scraps of history or give in each number part of the life of one man and part of that of another I never proposed this: I think it is far better to select a few of the best lives I know, and to go entirely through one before I enter upon another. In the letters there is certainly as much variety as any reasonable man can expect. Indeed, they are all serious. And they all relate to one thing, the work of God in the heart. But this also was what I promised at first, what I proposed from the beginning.

’But would it not be advisable to procure and print letters from various correspondents’ Yes, if I could hope for better than I have already; but I have no hope of this. I believe very many of those that now lie by me will not easily be excelled, either in point of sentiment or expression, by any other I can receive.

’But would not many of your correspondents propose objections, and thereby occasion more variety ’They would; but that is a kind of variety which I peculiarly dislike. I have studiously avoided it from the beginning, and shall to the end of the work. I design going straight on in proving my point without turning aside to the right hand or the left.

’But you have no pictures or other decorations or embellishments which other magazines have.’ It is true. But I will tell you what I have (if you cannot find it out without telling) - such paper as no magazine in England was ever printed upon before. Consider l this one single article costs more than all their fine embellishments put together.

Permit me to say once for all: to men of taste, men of sense, and men of piety I am in hopes this Magazine will recommend itself without any but its own intrinsic ornaments. But if any of these will inform me how it may be improved, consistently with my first design, the favor will be thankfully acknowledged by, dear sir, Your affectionate servant. To Alexander Knox KILREA, June 5, 1778. MY DEAR ALLECK, - I advise you, 1. Never sit up later than ten.

2. Never rise later than six.

3. Walk at least an hour daily in the open air: if it rains all day, in the dining-room.

. . . . .

7. Spend the first hour in the morning and from five to six in the evening in private prayer and reading the Scriptures in order, with the Notes and any other closely practical book.

8. Spend some time afterwards in the morning in reading Bishop Pearson or any other book of divinity; and spend more or less time in the afternoon in reading history, poetry, or philosophy.

9. Trust in God. Resist every distrustful thought the moment it is injected. God is on your side. Believe not the old murderer who tells you the contrary.

Write all your mind to me from time to time. I hope you will all find a blessing when you meet on Sunday. Peace be with all your spirits! - I am Yours affectionately. To George Gidley DUBLIN, July 4, 1778. My DEAR BROTHER, - I am glad to hear that the work of God begins to increase even in poor Exeter. If Jos. Jones is able and willing to preach morning and evening, I should have no objection to his laboring next year in your circuit. [Joseph Jones was appointed to Cornwall East in 1778.] As to the house, it would undoubtedly be a means of much good if it can be procured. All the difficulty is to procure the money. We cannot do much because of the building at London. [City Road Chapel was being built.] But ’the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.’ - I am Your affectionate brother. To Alexander Knox DUBLIN, July 11, 1778. MY DEAR ALLECK, - It is a natural effect of your bodily weakness and of the turn of your mind that you are continually inclined to write bitter things against yourself. Hence you are easily persuaded to believe him that tells you that you ’are void of every degree of saving faith.’ No; that is not the case. For salvation is only by faith; and you have received a degree of salvation. You are saved from many outward sins - from the corruption that overspreads the land as a flood. You are saved in a degree from inward sin; from impenitence, for you know and feel yourself a sinner. You are saved in a degree from pride; for you begin to know yourself poor and helpless. You are saved from seeking happiness in the world: this is not a small thing. O praise God for all you have, and trust Him for all you want ! Peace be with your spirits! - I am, dear Alleck, Yours affectionately. To Mrs. Johnston, Annandale, Lisleen DUBLIN, July 12, 1778. MY DEAR SISTER, - Our friends in London are by this time pretty well recovered from their panic. They will no more be afraid of my going into the South of Ireland than into the South of England. The truth is, God allots us health or sickness, ease or pain, just as He sees one or the other is best for us.

Mr. Abraham is exceedingly happy, and I believe will be exceedingly useful. I do not despair of Mr. Creighton. [See letters of Dec. 23, 1777, and Sept. 29, 1779.] His heart seems entirely with us. If they thrust him out, I will take him in. Peace be with you and yours. - I am, my dearest sister, Affectionately yours as ever. To Duncan McAllum DUBLIN, July 14, 1778.

DEAR DUNCAN, - I would have you change once in two months, and will help you as to the expense. Dwell in the land, and be doing good, and verily thou shalt be fed. You have nothing at present to do in Afric. Convert the heathen in Scotland.-I am, dear Duncan, Yours affectionately. To Pendope Newman NEAR LEEDS, August 2, 1778. MY DEAR SISTER, - I just snatch time to write a few lines, I had desired to go through Gloucestershire to Bristol; but I am disappointed.

It will be necessary on several accounts that I shoed go round by London. After spending two days there and one at Bristol (if God permit), I must hasten forward to Cornwall.

Keep the poor people about Gutherton, [Gotherington, near Tewkesbury.] if you can, in that lovely simplicity. I must if possible save Mr. Valton’s life. [See letter of Feb. 25.] - I am, dear Penny, Your affectionate brother. To Mrs P. Newman, In Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. To Arthur Keene LEEDS, August 3, 1778. MY DEAR BROTHER, - I am of the same opinion with you. It seems to me Jeremiah Brettell will be useful in the Liverpool Circuit. Upon this consideration I have altered my first appointment and stationed him there for the ensuing year.

I hope you will always be diligent in business, as one branch of the business of life. But let this be still uppermost in the thoughts of you and my dear Bella [Mrs. Keene.]! - I am, dear Arthur, Your affectionate brother. To Mrs. Woodhouse LEEDS, August 3, 1778. MY DEAR SISTER, - Which would be the most prudent way it is hard to say (although it is an old proverb, Do not stir fire with a sword). But one may easily tell which is the most Christian way to return blessing for cursing. A gentleman in Dublin has been abusing his wife all manner of ways for above twenty years. And for several months past he prays and weeps and says his wife is the best woman in the world. God is able to make Mr. Woodhouse like Mr. Fetherston. [For a Francis Fetherston in Dublin, a student at Trinity College in 1756, see Crookshank’s Methodism in Ireland, i. 108.] If thou canst believe, thou shalt see the glory of God. - I am, my dear sister, Affectionately yours. To Mrs. Woodhouse, Owston Ferry. To Alexander Knox LONDON, August 16, 1778. MY DEAR ALLECK, - You have long been under that temptation of despising the day of small things; although, indeed, they are not small things which God has done for you already. That you are still too lukewarm is most certain: you have need to stir up the gift of God that is in you; and you have need to praise Him that His hand is still upon you for good, preserving you from presumptuous sins. You ought to be sensible of this, and to be thankful for it, which you may be without ’applauding yourself.’ That you have ’no right to expect the continuance of your health ’is undoubtedly true - that is, you cannot claim it from God’s justice; you do not merit it at His hands. But is this the measure whereby He deals with His poor creatures Does He give us no more blessings than we deserve Does He treat us in all things according to His justice Not so; but mercy rejoices over judgment! Therefore expect from Him, not what you deserve, but what you want -health of soul and health of body: ask, and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find; not for your worthiness, but because ’worthy is the Lamb.’ The peace of God be with all your spirits! - I am, dear Alleck, Yours affectionately. To Mary Bishop TAUNTON, August 20, 1778. MY DEAR MISS BISHOP, - My dear friend (that was) received no reproach from me, deserved or undeserved. But when I found I could not speak to her alone, I unbosomed myself by writing, telling her mildly and plainly (as friendship obliged me to do) all I heard and all I feared concerning her. I had no conception of her taking it amiss; and was therefore utterly amazed at her answer; - I think, unkind and unjust to the highest degree, and more proper to be wrote to a young schoolboy than to one who had been a preacher for fifty years and who for above twenty had watched over her soul! Be that to herself whether her correspondence with me be ever renewed or no. Blessed be God, I have correspondents enough; and I want no one living to correspond with me, unless those that do it for their own sake, and that hope to be some way profited by it. Truly I think if any one has reason to resent, it is me and not her; for I do not remember that I have received such an answer to such a letter for twice twenty years. [Miss Flower. See letter of May 15.]

It is, I trust, a good Providence which has brought you to Frome, that you may do a little work for your Master. But you must be content to do a little; otherwise you will soon do nothing. If you stay there two or three weeks longer, I shall have the pleasure of seeing you there; as I hope to be at Frome the Tuesday after I return to Bristol. - I am, my dear Miss Bishop, Yours very affectionately. To Miss Bishop, At Miss Hancock’s, In the Market-place, Frome. To Richard Locke BRISTOL, September 6, 1778. MY DEAR BROTHER, - I am quite satisfied with regard to Mr. Brisco. My coming round by South Petherton prevented my accepting your kind offer. You have sometimes had earnest desires of being altogether a Christian. O beware those desires do not grow cold. - I am Your affectionate brother. To Mr. Richard Locke, Burnham, Near Bridgwater. To Kitty Warren SHAFTESBURY, September 8, 1778. MY DEAR SISTER, - It is true that some of our friends of Brecon have intimated to me that they feared a prophet would not be honored in his own country, and that Billy Church [He was the younger son of John Church, of Brecon, and grandfather of the Rev. H. L. Church, Wesleyan minister 1844-93. See Young’s Methodism in Wales, p. 136; and letter of Oct. 13.] might do more good elsewhere. But they did not mention his changing with Brother Pescod. And I should have a particular objection to it - namely, that he would not have those opportunities of preaching in Welsh which he has now. There is therefore no danger of Joseph Pescod’s [Pescod, now at Pembroke, died in 1805, aged fifty-four, after serving twenty-eight years as a preacher, with unblemished character and sound judgment. His preaching was pleasing and profitable.] quitting his circuit before the end of the year. Let all of you now make the full use of the advantages which you enjoy; especially of meeting in band, which I hope none of you neglect who have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

I am glad you feel the want of a deeper change. Whereunto you have attained hold fast; but rest not till you experience the full rest that remaineth for the people of God. You will never weary me with your letters. The oftener you write the more I love you. Peace be with all your spirits! - I am, my dear Kitty, Yours affectionately. To Alexander Knox BRISTOL, September 27, 1778. MY DEAR ALLECK, - I am afraid the late return of your fits was in some measure my fault, because I did not provide you with the remedy which probably would have prevented it. I thought of it, indeed; but went no farther when you said your grandmother would send you down to the salt water. I doubt you have not been there this fine autumn, and now the year is too far spent.

Some time since, I was reading an account of a person in France, whom his confessor absolutely forbade (for such a time) to think of his sins, and ordered him ’to think only of the mercies of God in Christ.’ It had an admirable effect on that desponding man. I know not but it might have the same upon you. Do not look down, but look up. Let not the corruptible body press down the soul, and give no place to the evil one, who would keep you continually poring on the dark side of the prospect. There is good determined concerning you, and not evil. God has not forsaken you. Thou shalt not die, but live, and declare the loving-kindness of the Lord. He has, indeed, chastised and corrected you, but He hath not given you over to death. But you must not coop yourself up in the house: you must be in the open air as much as possible; nay, and you should be on horseback as often as you can....

I commend you all to Him that careth for you; and am, dear Alleck, Yours affectionately. To Samuel Tooth BRISTOL, September 27, 1778.

DEAR SAMMY, - A thought comes into my mind, which is to rest between you and me. What if I was to undertake building one of the front houses myself and to employ you alone thereon Consider, and answer me two questions: (1) What would the whole expense of it be for what sum would you begin and finish it (2) What credit could you give me - I am, dear Sammy, Your affectionate brother. Would you like to build the next house on your own account To Mr. Sam. Tooth, Carpr., Worship Street, Moorfields, London. To Samuel Tooth BRISTOL, October 1, 1778.

DEAR SAMMY, - I took it for granted that you had seen the plan of the houses [See previous letter.] drawn by Mr. Peacock. We had it, and agreed to it some months ago. In this both the elevation and everything else ’is marked. Pray go to Mr. Matthews as soon as you receive this, and tell him I desire he would show you the plan. I think it was he that brought it to us. You may, if you please, show him this letter. I believe the elevation of the houses is also specified in our lease from the City. On Friday the 9th instant I hope to be at the Foundry; where you may meet Your affectionate brother. To his Wife BRISTOL, October 2, 1778. As it is doubtful, considering your age and mine, whether we may meet any more in this world, I think it right to tell you my mind once for all without either anger or bitterness.

After alluding to the fact that his wife left him without his consent or knowledge, he goes on to observe:

Ever since (and, indeed, long before) you have made my faults the constant matter of your conversation. Now, suppose an husband has many faults, is it the part of a prudent wife to publish or conceal them You have published my (real or supposed) faults, not to one or two intimates only (though perhaps that would have been too much), but to all Bristol, to all London, to all England, to all Ireland. Yea, you did whatever in you lay to publish it to all the world, thereby designing to put a sword into my enemies’ hands.

He concludes:

If you were to live a thousand years, you could not undo the mischief that you have done. And till you have done all you can towards it, I bid you farewell. To Elizabeth Ritchie SALISBURY, October 6, 1778. MY DEAR BETSY, - Since I saw her I have had the pleasure of receiving two letters from --; and I am more and more convinced that she has sustained no real loss from her late trials. Indeed, the greatness of them proved the greatness of her grace; otherwise she must have utterly fainted. But I am afraid the poor tenement of clay has received such a shock as will not easily be repaired. The wonderful behavior of Mrs. was more than it was well able to bear. But the comfort is, He with whom we have to do is the Physician.

I doubt whether any embodied spirit can feel such entire self-abasement as is felt by those spirits that see the face of our Father which is in heaven. And undoubtedly the nearer they approach the throne the more abused they will be. The plerophory (or full assurance) of faith is such a divine testimony that we are reconciled to God as excludes all doubt and fear concerning it. This refers only to what is present. The plerophory (or full assurance) of hope is a divine testimony that we shall endure to the end; or, more directly, that we shall enjoy God in glory. This is by no means essential to or inseparable from perfect love. It is sometimes given to those that are not perfected in love, as it was to Mr. Grimshaw. And it is not given (at least not for some time) to many that are perfected in love. I do not say you ought to pray for it; but I think you may, only with absolute resignation. In this, as in all things, ’ His manner and His time are best.’

I rejoice to hear of the continuance of your health. [She had written, ’My own health also is better than when you were here. I have been three weeks in the North, chiefly on the edge of a cold moor, which has agreed with me very well.’] But you will still need constant exercise; to which should be added as often as may be change of air. That you may enjoy more and more health, both of soul and body, is the prayer of Yours affectionately. To Cornelius Bayley NEAR LONDON, October 12, 1778. MY DEAR BROTHER, - I will read over and consider your MS. the first opportunity.

Before I read it I cannot but mention a little remark which I have frequently made. There are many good-natured creatures among the Methodists who dearly love to make matches; and we have many other good-natured creatures who dearly love to make authors. Whereas it is the glory of the Methodists to have few authors. And a young man can hardly be too slow in this matter. To save her postage I write a line or two in yours to poor Sister Bastable. [The widow of Cornelius Bastable, See letter of Dec. 15, 1763.] Peace be with your spirits! - I am Your affectionate brother. To Mr. Corn. Bayley, At the New Room, In Bristol. To William Church WALLINGFORD, October 13, 1778.

DEAR BILLY, - The soul and the body make a man; the spirit and discipline make a Christian. Let John Watson [Watson was his superintendent.] and you agree together, and be exact in this wherever you go. Insist upon the observance of all the Society rules, and on the observance of all, even the least, of the band rules by all who meet in band. I give, for instance, no band tickets to any woman who wears either ruffles or an high-crowned cap. If any will not lay aside these rather than lose that blessed means of improvement, she is not worthy of it. - I am Your affectionate brother. To Samuel Bradburn LONDON, October 17, 1778.

DEAR SAMMY, - I think you judge exactly right. You are called to obey me as a son in the gospel. But who can prove that you are called so to obey any other person What I require, according to the twelfth Rule of an Helper, of John Hampson and you is that each of you in his turn spend four weeks, and no more, first at Cork and then at Bandon. When, therefore, you have been four weeks at Bandon, I desire you to return straight to Cork. And if John Hampson will not then go to Bandon, I will order one that will. Pray show this letter to Mr. Mackrill, [One of the Cork leaders and stewards.] whom I beg to assist you in this matter. The Friday following the full moon is the watch-night, the next Sunday but one the lovefeast. Pass smoothly over the perverseness of those you have to do with, and go straight forward. It’s abundantly sufficient that you have the testimony of a good conscience toward God. - I am, with tender love to Betsy, dear Sammy, Yours affectionately. To Mary Bishop LONDON, October 18, 1778. MY DEAR MISS BISHOP, - I am not unwilling to write to i you even upon a tender subject, because you will weigh the matter fairly. And if you have a little prepossession (which who has not), yet you are willing to give it up to reason. The original Methodists were all of the Church of England; and the more awakened they were, the more zealously they adhered to it in every point, both of doctrine and discipline. Hence we inserted in the first Rules of our Society, ’They that leave the Church leave us.’ And this we did, not as a point of prudence, but a point of conscience. We believe it utterly unlawful to separate from the Church unless sinful terms of communion were imposed; just as did Mr. Philip Henry, [The favorite pupil of Busby at Westminster School preached as a Nonconformist 1672-81. See letter of June 14, 1786.] and most of those holy men that were contemporary with them.

’But the ministers of it do not preach the gospel.’ Neither do the Independent or Anabaptist ministers. Calvinism is not the gospel; nay, it is farther from it than most of the sermons I hear at church. These are very frequently un-evangelical; but those are anti-evangelical. They are (to say no more) equally wrong; and they are far more dangerously wrong. Few of the Methodists are now in danger from imbibing error from the Church ministers; but they are in great danger of imbibing the grand error - Calvinism from the Dissenting ministers. Perhaps thousands have done it already, most of whom have drawn back to perdition. I see more instances of this than any one else can do; and on this ground also exhort all who would keep to the Methodists, and from Calvinism, ’Go to the church, and not to the meeting.’

But, to speak freely, I myself find more life in the Church prayers than in the formal extemporary prayers of Dissenters. Nay, I find more profit in sermons on either good temper or good works than in what are vulgarly called gospel sermons. That term is now become a mere cant word. I wish none of our Society would use it. It has no determinate meaning. Let but a pert, self-sufficient animal, that has neither sense nor grace, bawl out something about Christ and His blood or justification by faith, and his hearers cry out, ’What a fine gospel sermon!’ Surely the Methodists have not so learnt Christ. We know no gospel without salvation from sin.

There is a Romish error which many Protestants sanction unawares. It is an avowed doctrine of the Romish Church that ’the pure intention of the minister is essential to the validity of the sacraments.’ If so, we ought not to attend the ministrations of an unholy man; but, in flat opposition to this, our Church teaches in the 28th Article that ’the unworthiness of the minister does not hinder the validity of the sacraments.’ Although, therefore, there are many disagreeable circumstances, yet I advise all our friends to keep to the Church. God has surely raised us up for the Church chiefly that a little leaven may leaven the whole lump. I wish you would seriously consider that little tract Reasons against a Separation from the Church of England. [See Works, xiii. 225-32; Green’s Bibliography, No. 201; and letters of July 7, 1777.] These reasons were never answered yet, and I believe they never will be.

I am glad you have undertaken that labor of love, and I trust it will increase both your spiritual and bodily health. - I am, my dear Miss Bishop, Yours very affectionately. To Miss Bishop, At Mrs. Hancock’s, In Frome, Somersetshlre. To Alexander Knox LONDON, October 26, 1778.

DEAR ALLECK, - You need never be afraid of writing me too often. I am nearly concerned in all that concerns you, and am therefore always well pleased to hear from you and to find you are still setting your face heavenward. The directing as to this or that means is as much an answer to prayer as if the cure was immediately wrought. But it will be a double blessing if you give yourself up to the Great Physician, that He may heal soul and body together. And unquestionably this is His design. He wants to give you and my dear Mrs. Knox both inward and outward health. And why not now Surely all things are ready: believe, and receive the blessing. There can be no doubt but your bodily disorder greatly affects your mind. Be careful to prevent the disease by diet rather than physic. Look up, and wait for happy days! - Dear Alleck, Yours affectionately. To Christopher Hopper LONDON, October 31, 1778. MY DEAR BROTHER, - At a General Conference David Evans [Hopper was at Bradford. Evans ’desists from traveling’ at the Conference of 1776, and is readmitted in 1779.] was judged unqualified for a traveling preacher. At the last Conference we determined to receive no more married preachers. For what reason For an exceeding plain one - because we cannot keep them. I cannot: if you can, you may. But the people cannot or will not keep any more.

James Kershaw’s prophecies are very ingenious, and as authentic as Jacob Behmen’s. [See heading to letter of March 1777.]

I really think the French will burn their fingers. [See letter of July 10, 1779, to Samuel Bradburn.] We are much obliged to them for making our countrymen friends with each other.

I am glad the knotty affair at Bolton is concluded, and hope the sour man is now in a good humor. - I am, with love to Sister Hopper, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Kitty Warren LONDON, October 31, 1778. MY DEAR MISS WARREN, - You did well to write. You are a woman of candor and tolerably able to judge on critical occasions. I do not find that Mr. Broadbent [John Broadbent was then Assistant at Glamorgan. See letters of March 5, 1778, and April 4, 1782 (to John Atlay).] has been to blame or that he has done anything more than he believed it was his duty to do. It seems you are called to calm as far as possible the warm spirits on both sides. A soft answer turneth away wrath. Do all the good you can; and you will give more and more comfort to, my dear Kitty, Yours affectionately. To Mrs. Cousins LONDON, November 1, 1778. MY DEAR SISTER, - It is just as it should be. I have formerly said, ’I wonder how Mr. Whitefield can go on! For he has honor, and (comparatively) no dishonor. And this is "a test for human frailty too severe."’ Now I have not that insupportable burthen. I have honor enough in all reason. But it is properly balanced with dishonor. I have good report, and (what is absolutely necessary) evil report too. To-day I am to open our new chapel. [See Journal, vi. 215-16; and letter of Sept. 27 to Samuel Tooth.] Hence also will arise both honor and dishonor. Yet a little while and all these things that seem considerable now will pass away like a dream.

You do well, as often as you have opportunity, to make a little excursion among your neighbors. You have already seen the fruit of your labor of love; and more fruit will follow. I do not at all despair of poor Mr. Wood. He has not yet shaken off his convictions. Work your work betimes [See letter of Feb. 23.] and in His time He will give you a full reward. - I am, my dear Penny, Yours affectionately. To Mrs. Barton LONDON, November 13, 1778. MY DEAR SISTER, - I am glad Sister Crosby has been at Beverley and that you had an opportunity of hearing her. She is useful wheresoever she goes, particularly in exciting believers to go on to perfection.

There is frequently something very mysterious in the ways of divine Providence. A little of them we may understand; but much more is beyond our comprehension, and we must be content to say, ’What Thou doest I know not now, but I shall know hereafter.’ At present it is sufficient for me to know that all His ways are mercy and truth to them that love Him.

Even in these troublous times there is a very considerable increase of the work of God. Cleave to Him with your whole heart, and you will have more and more’ reason to praise Him.-I am, my dear Jenny, Your affectionate brother. To Mrs. Woodhouse LONDON, November, 18, 1778. MY DEAR SISTER, - I have no intimacy with Lord North. I never saw him. I never wrote to him; very probably I never shall. I never asked any favor of him. I would not on any consideration whatever. It is a saying, You do not know what kind of animals great men are. They will not move an hair’s breadth out of their line. They will on no account interfere in each other’s province. Now, I told you before, only the Commissioners at the Customs dispose of Custom House places. And I know not one of those Commissioners. Therefore I can do nothing in this matter. [Compare letter of Dec. 26.] I am not sparing of my pains; but I know what I can do and what I cannot. If I could do it, you would not need to ask anything twice of Your affectionate brother. To Mrs. Woodhouse, At Mr. Hutton’s, In Epworth, Near Thorne, Yorkshire. To Hannah Ball [ROBERTSBRIDGE], December 2, 1778. MY DEAR SISTER, - Little things contrary to our will may be great blessings. We have need to apply the general word, ’Take up thy cross, and follow Me,’ to a thousand little particulars: a smoky room, a cold morning, a rainy day, the dullness or perverseness of those we are with-these and innumerable little crosses will help us onward to the kingdom. But the most profitable of all crosses to your own soul may be the unfaithfulness or unfruitfulness of your sisters, without one or other of which they never could have lost any blessing which God had given them. Nothing can exercise and therefore increase your faith and love like the seeming to spend all your strength for naught. Oh how this increases, my dear Hannah, my love to you! How much more does it increase His love for whom you labor!

We do not thoroughly understand the meaning of that word, ’The times anti seasons God hath reserved in His own power.’ Undoubtedly He has wise reasons for pouring out His Spirit at one time rather than another; but they lie abundantly too deep for human understanding to fathom. To us He says, ’What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter!’ - I am, my dear Hannah, Your affectionate brother. To Mrs. Crosby DOVER, December 9, 1778. MY DEAR SISTER, - It is no new thing for the temple to be built in troublous times. And in the end all the fierceness of man shall turn to His praise. Meantime we know the Lord sitteth above the water-floods and will give His people the blessing of peace. He is pleased to ghre lite just the same health and strength that I had forty years ago.

Fire and water cannot well dwell together, nor warm Calvinists and Arminians. Let us love them and help them all we can. But the less intercourse our people have with them the better.

It is well you spent a little time at pool Beverley. The little flock there stand in need of all the help we can give them. Hardly any Society in England has been as they have been from the very beginning. It is almost a miracle that two of them are left together. The work of God 1orospers well in London. A new chapel brings almost a new congregation, and hereby the old is greatly stirred up. Let us all work while the day is! - I am, with love to both Brother Robinsons, [Thomas and William Robinson, of Bridlington Quay. See letter of May 22, 1770.] dear Your affectionate brother. To John Toocks NEAR LONDON, December 26, 1778.

Never was there a time (at least in my remembrance) when employments of this kind were so difficult to be procured. I know several young persons who are well qualified for any such place; but they cannot get any, and are almost perishing for want. So that what I can do for you I know not. [Compare letter of Nov. 18.] - I am Yours affectionately. To Mr. John Tooelm, At Mr. Treffs, Taylor, Near the White Hart, East Street, Colchester. To Captain Richard Williams LONDON, December 30, 1778. MY DEAR BROTHER, - The January Magazine was filled up before yours came. Because I do not care to depend on myself alone, I usually submit all the verses which are sent me to the judgment of my brother and the other preachers that are with me. And whatever they agree is proper I publish as soon as convenient.

It seems to me the ’Address to the Watchman’ may be of general use. I believe it will be published in one of the following magazines. [The letter on Dueling appeared in March. See Arminian Mag., 1779, pp. 146-8; and letters of Sept. 13, 1774 (to him), and Feb. 25, 1783 (to Joseph Taylor).] I am Your affectionate brother. To Capthin R. Williams, Crarick, Near Redruth.

Editor’s Introductory Notes

[1] Taylor was at Wednesbury. ’ Calvinism, Antinomianism, and downright Ranterism had so laid waste this county, that there was small hopes of doing much good.’ He preached out of doors with much success; and ’when the new year came in, God revived His work.’ ’Near two hundred were this year added to the Societies.’ It is interesting to note that Taylor objected to all kinds of miscellaneous reading, and wrote rather strongly to Wesley, objecting to his proposed Magazine. See letter of November 24, 1777.

[2] Swindells reconciled George Piggott, of Chetwynd, near Cork, to his only son, whom he had disinherited. After his conversion Piggott altered his will in his son’s favor, who settled an annuity on the Methodist preacher, which he enjoyed till his death. Wesley knew his Shakespeare; but this is an interesting reference to Othello, III. iii. 258 - ’This fellow’s of exceeding honesty.’ See letters of February 28, 1748, n, and December 7, 1782.

[3] Maxfield had issued a pamphlet which contained grievous misrepresentations and severe reflections on Wesley. Wesley writes on February 4, 1775: ’I had much conversation with Thomas Maxfield. He said his printing that wretched book against me was owing to the pressing instances of Mr. Whitefield and Lady Huntingdon. I cannot tell how to believe it; but if it was, they might have been better employed.’ See Journal, v. 497-8; and letters of May 1763 (to a Friend), and February 12, 1779.

[4] Valton was appointed to Bristol in 1778. The long rides from Stoutport, Worcester, and Stroud taxed his strength. For some weeks he had a bilious fever at Stroud, where Mrs. Scudamore and her family ’had me removed to their house and showed me no litfie kindness.’ See Wesley’s Veterans, vi. 76-7; and letter of August 2.

[5] A little memorandum in Wride’s writting gives some particulars of his family: ’Elenr Woodcock died -; John (her son), May 10; Susan Harrison, Jan. 3, about 15 months after we came togr; Tristram, while we were in Kent, about six months after John Woodcock; John Harrison, 20 of July, while we were at Whitehaven; Betty Elizth Hind, about a year after we came to York; Chas. Harrison, in 18o1.’ In a letter to Wesley, dated Chatham, October 27, 1785, Wride says that another preacher told him that he ’had thoughts of mantaue-maker at Welbourn’ ; but Wride replied, ’You are too late. She is my wife.’ He tells Wesley also that in May 1786 she heard of the death of her only brother - ’whom she loved, I think, to a degree of idolatry.’

[6] The letter to Mrs. Karr, which would have shown Wesley as Brad-burn’s ally in his match-making, has not been preserved; but we can reconstruct the romance behind it. Miss Nangle’s father, a jeweler in Dublin, died when she was three. Her mother married John Karr, also a jeweler, and died a year later. Mr. Karr then married the widow of Mr. Palmer. She was a well-to-do Methodist, and showed great kindness to Miss Nangle. Karr’s behavior led the girl to remove to the house of Mrs. King; and after his death, Bradburn told Wesley of his affection. Wesley wrote to Mrs. Karr, who replied that, were Miss Nangle her own daughter, she would be guided by him. Bradburn says: ’Before Mr. Wesley arrived, I prepared everything, giving Mrs. Karr to understand our design; but she gave me equivocal answers. Contrary, however, to her expectations, Mr. Wesley invited her to breakfast with him at Mrs. King’s, the morning after his arrival, being his birthday. As soon as she entered, he began the ceremony, and married us in the parlor. Pride would not let her affront Mr. Wesley, and she was forced to appear satisfied. Thus were the wise taken in their own craftiness.’ See Bradburn’s Memoirs, pp. 62-9.

[7] The first Methodist meeting-place in Exeter was in Theatre Lane, behind the Guildhall. They next met in a room over Northgate; and were now treating for the chapel in Musgrave’s Alley, which became known as ’Gidley’s Meeting.’ It had been the High School, founded by Dean Brayleigh in 1343, and was on lease from the Dean and Chapter. Dr. Musgrave lived there for thirty years. Wesley preached in it on August 31, 1779. ’It is both neat and solemn, and is believed to contain four or five hundred people.’ The new chapel in the Mint was opened in xSx3. See Journal, vi. 252-3.

[8] Tyerman thought McAllum was the young man who offered to go to Africa at the Conference of 1778; but this was John Prickard. See Wesley’ s Veterans, iii. 256-7.

[9] For more than thirty years Keene was one of the Dublin Stewards. In 1817 he took part in opposing the administration of the Sacraments by the preachers, and helped to form the Primitive Wesleyan Society. He died in 1818.

Brettell had been stationed at Lisburn. Wesley altered the appointment in the Minutes of 1778, where he is down for Macclesfield and the next year also. See letter of October 12, 1780, to J. Brettell.

[10] Wesley preached in the evening at South Petherton on September 3. Locke had evidently invited him to stay with him at Burnham. Thomas Brisco was Assistant in Gloucestershire.

[11] Samuel Tooth had been an itinerant for one year; then he became a timber merchant and builder. He built City Road Chapel, which Wesley opened on November 1, and was now preparing to build the house in which Wesley first slept on October 8, 1779 died in 1791, See next letter.

[12] In an article in the Methodist Recorder the Rev. Charles H. Kelly refers to a letter sold by auction in London on Bierember 4, 1898, for 12 10s. Is this a part of that letter It is described as ’the last, perhaps, that Wesley wrote to his wife. It has no word of affectionate commencement or finish. It simply begins with a bald sentence. It is plain-spoken, strong in reproof and expostulation, and decisive.’ See letter of September 1, 1777.

[13] Miss Ritchie wrote on September 25: ’A few days ago I was conversing with one of the Lord’s highly favored ones about the deep things of God. He was speaking of the full assurance of hope, and said the Apostle exhorted those who were partakers of faith and love "to show the same diligence in seeking the full assurance of hope."’ He told her that he believed this was the privilege of all who were renewed in love. ’On hearing this I could not help thinking, if such a testimony is really to be enjoyed, it is no wonder I have it not, as I have never believingly sought it.’ See Arminian Magazine, 1788, p. 550.

[14] Cornelius Bayley (afterwards D.D. of Trinity College, Cambridge) had been a master in the Grammar School at Whirchurch, Salop, and was second master at Kingswood. He helped Wesley in the morning service at Manchester on May 18, 1783, and on the 25th read prayers for him at Nottingham and gave the wine at the Sacrament. Wesley had married him the previous day at Buxton. In 1788 he became the first incumbent of St. James’s, Manchester, which he built. The MS. referred to was probably his Hebrew Grammar, published in 1782. See Journal, vi. 410-13; History of Kingswood School, pp. 76, 79-80; and letter of October 31, 1784.

[15] William Church was born at Brecon in 1749, became a Methodist preacher in 1777, and ceased from traveling in 1790. He was employed in 1796 by Mr. Eyre, of Hackney, as a Home Missionary in Surrey and Sussex. He opened a Charity School at Deptford for Welsh boys, as the Government had transferred several hundred shipwrights from Pembroke to Depfford. The Earl of Dartmouth, several of the Welsh bishops, and John Newton of St. Mary Woolnoth supported him in this work. He often enjoyed a pipe with Newton. On St. David’s Day, when one of the Welsh bishops preached the annual sermon on behalf of the Welsh Charity School in Gray’s Inn Lane, in St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields, Church acted as clerk, and received a guinea and a bottle of wine. He died in 1830 at the age of eighty-one. Dr. Adam Clarke, who was his colleague in Cornwall East in 1784, says in his Letter to a Preacher that Church was found out in the free use of Keach’s Metaphors. His grandson had his copy of Keach, and in his manuscript Account admits the soft impeachment. See letter of September 8.

[16] This letter shows how Wesley kept his hand on his preachers and placed them where he felt they could do the best service. John Humpson, sen., was Bradburn’s superintendent at Cork. They quarreled about the monthly interchange. Humpson found ’the accommodations’ at Bandon very disagreeable, though Bradburn was content with them, See Memoirs, p. 69.

[17] This letter was found by Mr. H. J. Mills, of Bath, among his father’s papers. Miss Bishop became the second wife of Mills’s grandfather, who was a member of the Society of Friends. She consulted Wesley as to the step she was about to take. Mills’s father sent Wesley’s letter to Bishop Phillpotts of Exeter, who describes it as ’the singularly interesting letter.’ ’I consider the document very singularly valuable. I return it with a strong sense of the favor conferred on me by the communication.’