Wesley Corpus

To Joseph Cownley Date: LONDON, October 12, 1788. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1788) Author: John Wesley --- DEAR JOSEPH, -- I really think you have hardly had so much scandal as one might expect would fall to your share. I have heard very few faults found with you for above these forty years, and I think you and I have not had one quarrel yet. So it is very probable we never shall. What relates to expense we can set right. But the other evil is more hard to be remedied, because many of the preachers, especially in Scotland, are got above my hand. I never desired them to have service thrice a day; I knew it would be too hard for most of them. I never advised them to symbolize [To agree in belief or practice. Heal says of Hooper: 'To continue the use of their garments was in his opinion to symbolize with Anti-christ' (History of the Puritans, i. 69).] with the Scots. I told them over and over. It was needless. We might have done in Scotland just as we did in England. Dr. Hamilton was already convinced of it. What can be done now I cannot tell. But certainly the preachers must not kill themselves. Retrench what part of the Sunday service you please, and I will not blame you. I do not see why the collection may not be made at six, with a little preamble telling them the real case. This may answer just as well. Lay it upon me. Say, 'Mr. Wesley charges me not to murder myself.' Dr. Coke did forget, but is now writing your letters of Orders. -- I ever am, dear Joseph, Your affectionate friend and brother. Rev. Mr. Cowriley, Minister of the Methodist Church, Leith-Wind, Edinburgh.