Wesley Corpus

To Adam Clarke Date: LONDON, January 28, 1790. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1790) Author: John Wesley --- DEAR ADAM, -- I often wonder at the people of Bristol. They are so honest, yet so dull; 'tis scarce possible to strike any fire into them. Only with God all things are possible. Many years ago I put the Society at Bath in a way wherein, if they had persevered, they would now have owed nothing. They were at Plymouth but thirty in number, and their debt was fourteen hundred pounds. I advised them, Let every member subscribe monthly what he can; and an hundred at the Dock promised to do the same. 'I,' said one, 'will give a crown a month'; 'I,' said another, 'half a crown.' Many subscribed a shilling, sixpence, or threepence a month. And now the debt is paid. I began such a subscription in Bath; as I have done in many places with success. But they left it off in two or three weeks. Why Because I gave four guineas to prevent one that was arrested from going to jail! Good reason, was it not 'Why,' said one and another, 'might he not have given it to me' I am glad to hear my dear sister is in a fair way of recovery. On Monday four weeks I shall probably set out for Bristol. [He set out on March 1.] Peace be with your spirits! -- I am, dear Adam, Your affectionate friend and brother.