Wesley Corpus

'We, whose names are under-written, being throughly convinced of the necessity of a close union between those whom God is pleased to use as instruments in this glorious work, in order to preserve this union between ourselves, are resolved, God being our Helper,-- 'I. To devote ourselves entirely to God; denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily, steadily aiming at one thing--to save our own souls and them that hear us. 'II. To preach the old Methodist doctrines, and no other, contained in the Minutes of the Conferences. 'III. To observe and enforce the whole Methodist discipline laid down in the said Minutes.' To Robert Wilkinson [18] LEEDS, August 5, 1769. MY DEAR BROTHER,--I believe God calls you to labour in a quieter part of His vineyard--namely, in the North of Ireland, in the Augher Circuit, among a simple, earnest, loving people. Your best way is to carry your own horse over from Whitehaven, or rather Portpatrick, where you have a short and sure passage; then ride on to the widow Cumberland's in Lisburn, and any of our preachers whom you meet with will direct you to Charlemount or Augher. Be all in earnest!--I am Your affectionate brother. To Mrs. Woodhouse [19] BRADFORD, August 5, 1769. MY DEAR SISTER,--If the trials you have met with had only produced that effect, a free intercourse between you and Sister Hutton, I should think they had been of unspeakable service. For how valuable is a tried friend! If you find any hurt with regard to your health, there is a medicine in the Primitive Physick which I never remember to have failed in any single instance. But above all see that your soul receives no hurt. Beware of murmuring. David saw God's hand in Shimei's tongue, and therefore he was quiet. I send you John Ellis again, and I hope you will be free with him. Was John Shaw shy Then be not like him when you write or speak to, my dear sister, Your affectionate brother. To Mrs. Barton BIRSTALL, August 6, 1769.