To Samuel Bradburn Date: LONDON, November 9, 1782. DEAR SAMMY, I abhor the thought of giving to twenty men the power to place or displace the preachers in their congregations. How would he then dare to speak an unpleasing truth And if he did, what would become of him This must never be the case while I live among the Methodists. And Birstall is a leading case; the first of an avowed violation of our plan. Therefore the point must be carried for the Methodist preachers now or never: and I alone can carry it; which I will, God being my helper. You are not a match for the silver tongue, nor Brother Hopper. But do not, to please any of your new friends, forsake Your true old friend.