Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR SISTER,--I was asked the other day 'whether you was as lively and as useful as in times past.' I could truly say, ' I believed you was.' And have I not good ground so to believe I have narrowly observed you for' several years; I have read you over with a lover's eye, with all the friendly jealousy I could; I have marked all your tempers and all your words and actions that fall under my notice; I have carefully weighed you in the balance; and, blessed be God, I have not found you wanting. Once and again I had found you (what is so rarely found) capable of taking advice in the most delicate instance. And if I have sometimes thought your affection to me was a little cooler than formerly, I could not blame you for this; I knew something of myself, and therefore laid the blame where it was due. And I do not desire you to love me any farther than it is a scale Whereby to heavenly love thou may'st ascend. But are you gaining ground with regard to inward life Is your heart more and more acquainted with God and devoted to Him and are you laboring to be more and more useful How go on the little flock at Witney How often do you visit them How is your health Everything that relates to you, nearly concerns, my dear Nancy, Yours affectionately. Write soon, and write freely. To Samuel Bardsley NORWICH, November 27, 1775. DEAR SAMMY,--Whenever you want anything, you should tell me without delay. If Tommy Colbeck will give you two guineas, it may be deducted out of the book money. I am glad you go again to Skipton, and hope to see it myself if I live till summer. At present I am better than I was before my fever; only it has stripped me of my hair. The more pains you take, the more blessing you will find, especially in preaching full salvation receivable now by faith.--I am, dear Sammy, Yours affectionately. To Mr. Bardsley, At Mr. Garforth's, At Skipton-in-Craven, Yorkshire. North Post. To Mrs. Crosby NORWICH, November 29, 1775.