Wesley Corpus

I suppose Mr. Rivington’s advertisement is only a puff, as the booksellers call it.--I am, dear Jemmy, Yours affectionately. To John Mason LONDON, January 10, 1774. MY DEAR BROTHER,--It is nothing strange that those who love the world should not love to continue with us. Our road is too strait. Down the stream of nature driven, They seek a broader path to heaven. However, let us keep in the good old way; and we know it will bring us peace at the last. If you press all the believers to go on to perfection and to expect deliverance from sin every moment, they will grow in grace. But if ever they lose that expectation, they will grow flat and cold. Last week I was under the surgeon’s hands; but am now (blessed be God) better than I have been for some years.--I am Your affectionate friend and brother. To his Brother Charles [2] LONDON, January 13, 1774. DEAR BROTHER,--Probably, if I live another year, I may need Mr. Wathen again; but as yet it is not easy to determine. However, I am at present perfectly well. Your advice with regard to Mr. D[avis] is good. He is very quiet, but not very useful To tell you my naked thoughts (which I do not tell to every one), I have talked with Ralph Mather again and again. I think verily I never met with such another man. I am much inclined to think (though he is not infallible, neither of an uncommon natural understanding) that he is now as deep in grace as G. Lopez was. I mean Dr. Boyce. I am glad Charles is at home. [But why should you not have him to your hour is the question. You are a man!] No truth in it at all. A mere Georgian story. I think God raised up out of the dust T. Olivers in the room of poor decrepit Walter Sellon. The conclusion of his book is noble: true, strong oratory. Goldsmith’s History and Hooke’s are far the best. I think I shall make them better. My view in writing history (as in writing philosophy) is to bring God into it. When I talk with Ralph Mather, I am amazed and almost discouraged. What have I been doing for seventy years! Peace be with you and yours! Adieu. To the Rev. Mr. C. Wesley, In Bristol.