Wesley Corpus

1777 To Joseph Benson LONDON, January 11, 1777. DEAR JOSEPH,--The matter is short. I require you to meet the Societies of Sunderland and Shields next quarter and to give no tickets to any person who will not promise neither to buy nor sell uncustomed goods any more. I am sorry ---- did not save you the trouble: I thought he had been another man. Pray worry John Reed [See letter of Dec. 24, 1776, and Feb. 15, 1777.] till he writes a circumstantial account. It must be done while things are fresh in his memory, otherwise we shall lose many particulars which ought not to be forgotten. They have made good haste to finish the preaching-house at Sheephill already; I thought it had hardly been begun. [Wesley preached in the new house Sheephill, near Newcastle, on May 16, 1779. ‘Here the work of God greatly revives; many are lately convinced of sin, and many enabled from day to day to rejoice in God their Savior.’] I have just received two letters from New York; one of them from George Robinson, late of Newcastle. They inform me that all the Methodists there were firm for the Government, and on that account persecuted by the rebels, only not to the death; that the preachers are still threatened, but not stopped; and the work of God increases much in Maryland and Virginia.--I am, dear Joseph, Yours affectionately. To Francis Wolfe [1] LONDON, January 14, 1777. MY DEAR BROTHER,--Let James Perfect immediately change places with Rd. Whatcoat. There must be no delay. You cannot make a better choice. She is an excellent woman. O beware of Calvinism and everything that has the least tendency thereto. Let a burnt child dread the fire!--I am Your affectionate friend and brother. To Mr. Wolfe, At Mr. Walter's Hatter, In Plymouth Dock. To Thomas Wride [2] LONDON, January 17, 1777. DEAR TOMMY,--If your fellow laborers and you are zealous and active, you will give me a good account of the circuit. I found it in a flourishing state. So will you before you leave it. Robert Empringham has done exactly right as to the sacrament. I advise you to tread in his steps. I wish you would inquire at what price I could have some kind of vessel to carry me from Whitehaven by the isle to Dublin.--I am, dear Tommy, Your affectionate friend and brother.