Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR SISTER,--Before I received yours we had been speaking in the Conference on that very head--the means of preventing spiritual religion from degenerating into formality. It is continually needful to guard against this, as it strikes at the root of the whole work of God. One means whereby God guards us against it is temptation, and indeed crosses of every kind. By these He keeps us from sleeping, as do others, and stirs us up to watch unto prayer. So He is now stirring you up! Hear His voice; and you will feel more life than ever.--I am, dear Penny, Yours affectionately. To John Crook [13] LONDON, August 10, 1776. MY DEAR BROTHER,--By all means stay in the island till the storm be ended; in your patience possess your soul. Beware of despising your opponents! Beware of anger and resentment! Return not evil for evil or railing for railing. I advise you to keep with a few serious people a day of fasting and prayer. God has the hearts of all men in His hands. Neither Dr. Moor nor the Bishop himself is out of His reach. Be fervent in prayer that God would arise and maintain His own cause. Assuredly He will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able to bear. Violent methods of redress are not to be used till all other methods fail. I know pretty well the mind of Lord Mansfield and of one that is greater than he; but if I appealed to them, it would bring much expense and inconvenience on Dr. Moor and others. I would not willingly do this; I love my neighbor as myself. Possibly they may think better, and allow that liberty of conscience which belongs to every partaker of human nature, and more especially to every one of His Majesty’s subjects in his British dominions. To live peaceably with all men is the earnest desire of Your affectionate brother. To Dr. Ford [14] LONDON, August 10, 1776. DEAR SIR,--I am a little surprised that so odd a design should enter into the head of any of our preachers without having consulted either me or the Assistant. It was a kind Providence that interposed. I believe there is no danger that any other of our preachers should make such attempt any more than Mr. Peacock, who is now removed into another circuit.