Wesley Corpus

To Joseph Benson Date: MANCHESTER. April 2, 1781. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1781) Author: John Wesley --- DEAR JOSEPH, -- Although our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience that we walk in simplicity and godly sincerity, this no way contradicts, ‘God forbid that we should glory save in the cross of Christ.’ In all, and after all, His passion alone, the foundation we own; And pardon we claim, And eternal redemption, in Jesus's name. How admirably pardon and holiness are comprised in that one word ‘grace’! Mercy and strength! So are our justification and sanctification woven together. I hope your sermons will do good. But why do not you publish your poems I think you can make verses as fast as John Murlin [Murlin was his colleague at Leeds, and published this year his Sacred Hymns on Various Subjects.]; yea, indeed, if need were, stans pede in uno. [Standing on one foot, or standing at ease. See Horace’s Satires, iv. 10.] I commend Sister Benson for her care of her mother. One can never do too much for a parent. -- I am, dear Joseph, Your affectionate brother.