Wesley Corpus

To William Black Date: LONDON, February 26, 1783. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1783) Author: John Wesley --- MY DEAR BROTHER, -- I did, indeed, very strongly expostulate with the Bishop of London [See letter of Aug. 10, 1780.] concerning his refusing to ordain a pious man without learning while he ordained others that to my knowledge had no piety and but a moderate share of learning. I incline to think that letter will appear in public... some time hence. Our next Conference will begin in July; and I have great hopes we shall then be able to send you assistance. One of our preachers informs me he is willing to go to any part of Africa or America. He does not regard danger or toil; nor, indeed, does he count his life dear unto himself, so that he may testify the gospel of the grace of God and win sinners to Christ. But I cannot advise any person to go alone. Our Lord sent His disciples two and two. And I do not despair of finding another young man as much devoted to God as he. The Antinomian [The Rev. Henry Alline, of Falmouth, Nova Scotia. Seventy withdrew from the Methodist Society at Amherst in 1782, and attached themselves to him. He died early, and the Churches he had founded soon declined. See letter of July 13.] you mention ought to be guarded against with all possible diligence; otherwise he will do more hurt in one year than he can do good in twenty. And it is well if he that calls himself Lady Huntingdon’s preacher does not do as much hurt as he. Of Calvinism, Mysticism, and Antinomianism have a care; for they are the bane of true religion, and one or other of them has been the grand hindrance of the work of God wherever it has broke out. If you come over to England, we shall make room for you at Kingswood. Peace be with all your spirits. -- I am, my dear brother, Your affectionate brother.