Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR SISTER,--It is plain the wisdom and power of God order all things well. He has brought you to the right place [She had been in Stenton near Derby in 1772. See letters of Jan. 22, 1772, and Dec. 29, 1774], and you have no need to be careful for anything, but only in everything to make your requests known unto Him with thanksgiving. I am glad to hear that Mrs. K--y’s love does not grow cold. One part of your work is to stir up all who have believed to go on to perfection and every moment to expect the full salvation which is received by simple faith. I am persuaded your bring where you are will be for good. Speak to all about you, and spare not. God will bear witness to His own truth.--I am, my dear sister, Your affectionate brother. To Walter Churchly LONDON, December 23, 1773. MY DEAR BROTHER,--You and I love one another; therefore we speak freely. (1) 'They have thrown themselves on Providence.' Not at all. From a very low state most of them had thrown themselves into plenty and honor. (2) ' It is possible they may do good.' True; but it is probable they may do harm. They have everywhere done our Societies all the harm they could. (3) 'The place they now have is a cold place.' I see no good of their having any at Hay. The land is wide enough. (4) They have no inclination to peace. (5) 'Our neighbors will see our professions true.' I do not profess any coalition with Calvinism. I see the mischievousness of it more and more. (6) 'Their preaching would not lessen the number of our hearers.' Indeed it would if the people minded what they say. And besides, it would puzzle and perplex those that still hear us, and probably set many an one’s sword against his brother. (7) 'They do not intend Antinomianism.' But they preach it continually. (8) 'And our people will not hear Calvinists.' Indeed they will if they play with the fire. You forget my brother’s verses: What my soul does as hell-fire reject, A Pope--a Count--a leader of a sect. [Poetical Works of J. and C. Wesley, vi. 62]. I am of no sect, but the Church of England.