Wesley Corpus

To Thomas Davenport Date: LONDON, December 23 [1782]. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1782) Author: John Wesley --- DEAR SIR, -- I believe Mr. Perronet labored about thirty years in the parish of Shoreham, and that with all his might, before there appeared the least fruit of his labor. He then broke through, and in spite of reproach accepted the assistance of the poor Methodists. Immediately the seed which he had been so long sowing began to grow up; and for several years the largest and most lively Society in all the circuit is that of Shoreham. I should not wonder if it should be the same case at Allexton. God is able out of the stones to raise up children unto Abraham there also. But I do not know which of our circuits borders upon it, otherwise I would write to the Assistant of that circuit to pay you a visit at the first opportunity. Our little Society [‘A Plan of the Society, instituted in January 1782, to distribute Religious Tracts among the Poor.’ See Tyerman's Wesley, iii. 369.] for dispersing religious books among the poor has now spread them through all England. Two of the books which they disperse are Alleyne’s Alarm and Baxter’s Call to the Unconverted. Any person that subscribes half a guinea or a guinea yearly will have four times as many books sent down as he could otherwise purchase with that sum. It seems this is one of the most excellent charities that we can be concerned in. One of our Society here went to rest on Tuesday last, and another on Wednesday. They had both walked in heaviness for many years; but God did not forsake them at the last. The sting of death was taken away, and they calmly fell asleep. But there is not any need for you to stay so long before your spirit rejoices in God your Savior. He is not far from you now! All things are ready. Lo! on the wings of love He flies, And brings redemption near! --I am, dear sir, Your very affectionate brother.