Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR SISTER,--You have indeed reason to be thankful that God has at length turned the captivity of His people; and your preachers [Samuel Wells and William Barker.] have good encouragement to be zealous for God, since they see the fruit of their labours. On Monday se'nnight I expect one of them at least will meet me at Newbury. How happy you are who have none of those dissensions which have torn that poor Society in pieces! Pray that you may all continue of one mind, striving together for the hope of the gospel, and inviting all to press after full salvation.--My dear sister, Your ever affectionate brother. To Mrs. Barton LONDON, February 21, 1772. MY DEAR SISTER,--I believe you will never willingly give me pain. You will give me pleasure as long as you are pressing on to the mark, ready to do and patient to suffer the whole will of God. You cannot be separated from the people till you are removed into Abraham's bosom. In order to make your continuance with them the easier, I hope Mr. Thompson has now fixed the class as I directed. He is a good preacher and a good man; though liable to mistake, or he would be more than man. [Joseph Thompson was Assistant at Hull.] Can you still give God your whole heart Is He always present with you Have these trials weakened or strengthened your faith Have you a clear evidence that you are saved from sin See that you strengthen each other's hands and press on to the mark together!--I am, my dear Jenny, Your affectionate brother. To Mrs. Woodhouse LONDON, February 25, 1772. MY DEAR SISTER,--I do not understand how it should be that your Society decreases. If only two or three of you are zealous for God, certainly it will increase. Thomas Rankin and William Ellis go on well. [Then in Cornwall West.] I trust William has recovered his ground.