Wesley Corpus

“YoURs of the 15th instant gave me both pain and pleasure. “I was highly delighted with your ardent wishes and endeavours for promoting the spirit of the Gospel among the Preachers and other professors of it; but deeply concerned at the disappointment and opposition you have met with. “It has been always a leading principle with me, (and I pray God confirm and strengthen it more and more) to love * Do not well agree, and never remain together in the same place.-EDIT. 174 REv. J. wesLEY’s [April, 1764. all those labourers of Christ, who give proof by their diligence, their holy and heavenly behaviour, that they love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, even though their sentiments in many things should differ from mine. “And, therefore, though it be absurd to expect an entire union of sentiments in all things, yet the endeavouring, by every Christian method, to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,’ is the indispensable duty of all Christians. Where this spiritual peace and union are not, there faith working by love is not; and where this divine faith is wanting, there Christ is wanting; there his Spirit is wanting; and then, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision will avail us anything. “In this melancholy situation, whilst we are strangers to the divine fruits of the Holy Spirit, let our gifts and talents be what they may, let us speak with the tongues of men and of angels; we are yet nothing in the sight of God! Nay, though his Spirit should spread the Gospel, by our ministry, in the hearts of thousands; yet our own souls will remain but a barren wilderness; and Christ may say, ‘I never knew you.’ “How ought we therefore always to pray, that the peace of God may ever rule in our hearts; that we may be rooted and grounded in love; and that we may constantly follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another ! “This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and may God impress it thoroughly upon the minds and hearts of all! And may the poor despised flock grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ! I am, dear Sir, “Yours most affectionately, APRIL 20.--(Being Good Friday.) We had a parting blessing at five.