Wesley Corpus

To John Stretton Date: LONDON, February 25, 1785. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1785) Author: John Wesley --- MY DEAR BROTHER, - You did well in breaking through that needless diffidence; if you had wrote sooner, you would have heard from me sooner. Although I have not been at Limerick for some years, yet I remember your father and mother well. They truly feared God when I conversed with them. Be a follower of them, as they were of Christ. The last time I saw Mr. Coughlan he was ill in body but in a blessed state of mind. He was utterly broken in pieces, full of tears and contrition for his past unfaithfulness. Not long after I went out of town God removed him to a better place. If that deadly enemy of true religion, Popery, is breaking in upon you, there is indeed no time to be lost; for it is far easier to prevent the plague than to stop it. Last autumn Dr. Coke sailed from England, and is now visiting the flock in the Midland Provinces of America, and settling them on the New Testament plan, to which they all willingly and joyfully conform, being all united, as by one Spirit, so in one body. I trust they will no more want such pastors as are after God's own heart. After he has gone through these parts, he intends, if God permit, to see the brethren in Nova Scotia, probably attended with one or two able preachers who will be willing to abide there. A day or two ago I wrote and desired him before he returns to England to call upon our brethren also in Newfoundland and perhaps leave a preacher there likewise. About food and raiment we take no thought. Our heavenly Father knoweth that we, need these things, and He will provide. Only let us be faithful and diligent in feeding His flock. Your preacher will be ordained. Go on in the name of the Lord and in the power of His might I You shall want no assistance that is in the power of Your affectionate friend and brother.