Wesley Corpus

I dare not advise others to go thither, rather than to church. I advise all, over whom I have any influence, steadily to keep to the Church. Meantime, I advise them to see that the kingdom of God is within them; that their 338 REv. J. wesley’s [Aug. 1768. hearts be full of love to God and man; and to look upon all, of whatever opinion, who are like-minded, as their ‘brother, and sister, and mother.' O, Sir, what art of men or devils is this, which makes you so studiously stand aloof from those who are thus minded? I cannot but say to you, as I did to Mr. Walker, (and I say it the more freely, because Quid mea refert P* I am neither better nor worse, whether you hear or forbear,) ‘The Methodists do not want you; but you want them.’ You want the life, the spirit, the power which they have; not of themselves, but by the free grace of God: Else how could it be, (let me speak without reserve,) that so good a man, and so good a Preacher, should have so little fruit of his labour,--his unwearied labour, -for so many years? Have your parishioners the life of religion in their souls? Have they so much as the form of it? Are the people of Wintringham in general any better than those of Winterton, or Horton? Alas! Sir, what is it that hinders your reaping the fruit of so much pains and so many prayers? “Is it not possible this may be the very thing, your setting yourself against those whom God owns by the continual conviction and conversion of sinners? “I fear, as long as you in anywise oppose these, your rod will not blossom, neither will you see the desire of your soul, in the prosperity of the souls committed to your charge. “I pray God to give you a right judgment in all things, and am, dear Sir, “Your affectionate brother, Sun. 31.--I preached for Mr. Fletcher in the morning, and in the evening at Shrewsbury. Mon. AUGUST 1.--I lodged at the Abbey in Cardiganshire; and on Wednesday morning reached Haverfordwest. Here abundance of people flocked together, and willingly “suffered the word of exhortation.” Indeed, a more quiet, humane, courteous people, I have scarce ever seen.