Wesley Corpus

DEAR TOMMY,--How poor John Smith has lost himself and given occasion to the enemy to blaspheme! I do not see that he can any longer remain with us as a travelling preacher. It seems his best way would be quietly to return to his business. Tho. Dixon or Jo. Wittam may bring over your accounts to the Conference. Be exact in everything!--I am, dear Tommy, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Ann Bolton OTLEY, July 1, 1772. MY DEAR SISTER,--At last I have found, what I had almost despaired of, an occasion of blaming you. You simple one! A blister! Why not a red-hot iron It would have taken off your skin sooner. I hope you tried a treacle-plaster first. Otherwise I can only say you are not as wise as Solomon. I am exceeding jealous over you lest you should go one step too far to the right hand or to the left. You are my glory and joy (though you are nothing), and I want you to be exactly right in all things. I am not content that anything should be wrong about you either in your temper or words or actions. And I bless God I generally have my desire over you: you are in good measure what I would have you to be. I do not observe anything to reprove in the account which you now give me. Go on! Watch in all things! Be zealous for God! Continue instant in prayer! And the God of peace Himself shall sanctify you wholly and preserve you blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ! I believe you have been in one danger which you was not sensible of. You seemed a little inclined to that new opinion which lately sprung up among you--that we are (properly) sanctified when we are justified. You did not observe that this strikes at the root of perfection; it leaves no room for it at all. If we are never sanctified in any other sense than we are sanctified then, Christian perfection has no being. Consider the sermon on the Repentance of Believers, and you will see this clearly. O may God give you to have a right judgement in all things, and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort! If you love me, be not slow in writing to, my dear Nancy, Your affectionate brother. To Miss March