Wesley Corpus

These are the trials that must fit you for the heathen, and you shall suffer greater things than these! When your name is by all cast out as evil, and it is not fit for such a fellow to live; when you cannot live among them but are driven out from your own countrymen, then it is your time for turning to the Gentiles. That time may still be at a great distance; as yet the bridle is in their mouths, and all the arrows they shoot out are 'bitter' words. But stay till those words are credited and seconded by actions, till he that hitteth hitteth no longer, but the whole storm burst upon you and the fiery trial commences; and then will be shown how you have learned Christ, and whether you are chosen to teach Him to the heathen. You remember the case of Athanasius contra mundum. The charge brought against him was worth bringing; treason, murder, and adultery at once! I wonder no more is said against you: the devil himself could not wish for fitter instruments than those he actuates and inspires in Georgia. Whatever he will suggest they will both say and swear to. I am housed with G. Whitefield, my brothers Hall and Hutton, and a long list of zealous friends. God has poured out His spirit upon them, so that the whole nation is in an uproar. Tell dearest Charles be assured that in our way at London where we found his sisters, Brother William and mother exceedingly zealous for the Lord of Hosts. William has raised a party for God at Cambridge. These are already stigmatized for Methodists. We see all about us in an amazing ferment. Surely Christianity is once more lifting up its head. O that I might feel its renovating spirit, and be thereby qualified to diffuse it among others! I trust you pray without ceasing for me. I long to break loose; to be devoted to God to be in Christ a new creature. Brethren, pray for us. CHARLES WESLEY, WESTLEY HALL, GEORGE WHITEFIELD, JAMES HUTTON, ISAAC BURTON, JOHN HUTCHINGS, JOHN DOBLE, JONATHAN HARRIS, JAMES HABERSHAM. THE FIRST YEARS OF THE REVIVAL MARCH 7, 1738, TO NOVEMBER 14, 1741 To Lady Cox [2] OXON, March 7, 1738.