Wesley Corpus

To Adam Clarke Date: NEAR DUBLIN, June 25, 1789. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1789) Author: John Wesley --- DEAR ADAM, -- You send me good news with regard to the islands. Who can hurt us, if God is on our side Trials may come, but they are all good. I have not been so tried for many years. Every week and almost every day I am bespattered in the public papers, either by Mr. Smyth or by Mr. Mann, his curate. Smooth but bitter as wormwood are their words; and five or six of our richest members have left the Society, because (they say) 'I have left the Church.' [See letters of June 20 (to the publisher of the Dublin Chronicle) and July 1.] Many were in tears on that occasion, many terribly frightened, and crying out, 'Oh, what will the end be' What will it be Why, 'Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, and goodwill among men.' But meantime what is to be done What will be the most effectual means to stem this furious torrent I have just visited the classes, and find still in the Society upwards of a thousand members; and among these many as deep Christians as any I have met with in Europe, But who is able to watch over them that they may not be moved from their steadfastness I know none more proper than Adam Clarke and his wife. [He was appointed to Bristol and Thomas Rutherford to Dublin.] Indeed, it may seem hard for them to go into a strange land again. Well, you may come to me at Leeds, at the latter end of next month; and if you can show me any that are more proper, I will send them in your stead. That God may be glorified is all that is desired by, dear Adam, Your affectionate friend and brother.