To Mr. Gillespie Date: LONDON, November 9 1753. I have never done so much for any of our preachers (except my brother) as for William Prior. One of the preachers. See list Wesley had been at Newport on in Tyerman's Wesley, ii. 126-7. Oct. 3-5. And one of my reasons for it was, that scarce any of our preachers had used me so ill. Therefore I was resolved to be more abundant in kindness toward him, if haply I might overcome evit with good. I am much in hopes I shall (by applying to a great man in town) set him and his family quite above want. His greatest temptation will then be removed, and I trust he will serve God with all his strength.

I will order a little box of books to Portsmouth, whence you may be farther supplied at Newport. But take care to keep a clear account of what are sold; otherwise the Stewards The first Book Stewards were appointed in April of this year. will send no more. If Brother Williams sees good, you might preach sometimes at the Common. Mr. Larwood Samuel Larwood traveled with Wesley in Lincolnshire in 1747 and did good service in England and Ireland. He became an Independent minister at Zoar Chapel, Southwark, where he died of fever. Wesley buried him on Nov. 5, 1755. See Journal, iii. 281, iv. 140; Atmore's Memorial, p. 239; Wesley's Veterans i. x82, iii. 86, iv. 130; and next letter. intended to call there in his return from Bristol; but the illness of his horse prevented. I hope he will be able to come in a little time. If we can spare Sister Aspernell Bilhah Aspernell found peace with God in 1738, and soon after purity of heart. Wesley's Diary for 1740 shows that he often visited her in London and had 'tea, conversed, prayer.' Thomas Walsh in Aug. 1754 said the reason why he was not 'as serious as Sister Aspernell' was 'not because I do not bear so high a character, but because I am not so high in the grace of God.' On Jan. 28, 1774, Wesley buried 'the remains of that venerable mother in Israel.' See Journal ii. 372-460 vi. 9-10; Arminian Mag. 1798, p. 360. to visit her sister at Portsmouth for a few days, her conversation will do more good than all our preaching has yet done. Be mild; be patient toward all men. See that none return railing for railing. Be much in private prayer. Live in peace, and the God of peace shall be with you. I am, with love to all the brethren, Your affectionate brother.