Wesley Corpus

John Ellis called the family at Worcester to prayer, went up into his chamber, and died. [Ellis was Assistant in Gloucestershire. While reading at Worcester he fell from his chair, 'and expired without the pomp of dying' on Jan. 5, 1772. See Atmore's Memorial,p. 119.] So he has his desire; he was troublesome to no one, and went home in the height of his usefulness. If you should hear that I was gone after him, you would: be enabled to say, 'Good is the will of the Lord!' Press forward to the mark! All things then will 'work together for good.'--I am, my dear sister, Your affectionate brother. To Christopher Hopper LEWISHAM, February 26, 1772. MY DEAR BROTHER,--When Mr. Shirley (or rather Lady H.) published that wonderful circular letter, [See Tyerman's Wesley, iii. 93-4. The letter led to Fletcher's Checks.] it was little imagined that it would be the occasion of establishing those very doctrines which it was intended to destroy. So different were God's thoughts from men's thoughts! T. Olivers was more afraid than hurt. [Olivers took a prominent part in the controversy with Toplady and others.] We all agree in this: 'By thy words thou shalt be justified' (in the last day); 'and by thy words' (yea, and works) 'thou shalt be condemned.' April 6 I hope to be at Manchester; and thence to go by Whitehaven to Glasgow, Perth, and Aberdeen. My Welsh church has a fine air, but no land or money belonging to it. Peace be with you and yours!--I am Your affectionate friend and brother. To Mr. Christopher Hopper, In Bradford, Yorkshire. To Miss Sparrow[4] LEWISHAM, February 26, 1772.