Wesley Corpus

DEAR SAMMY,--If George Brown is likely to be an useful preacher, it is no wonder he should be so tempted. If he will forsake the work, there is a young man at Cork, John Howe, who may take his place; so I have wrote to John Watson. I do not remember, I have had a line from John Hampson since Christmas. It will be a difficult thing to keep Mr. Smyth [Wesley met Mr. And Mrs. Smyth in the Isle of Man in June. See Tyerman’s Wesley, iii. 241-2 and letters of May 27, 1776 and June 1 1778.] from running into extremes. He surely will be prosecuted if he publishes anything which the law can lay hold on. And it is easier to prevent the evil than to redress it. To Joseph Benson LEWISHAM, March 5, 1777. DEAR JOSEPH,--The death of John Annet was very remarkable. Such individuals ought to be had in remembrance. Publish the account of Sister Hutton's death just as you please, either at my expense or your own. [See letter of Oct. 22 to him.] There are two ways to ease the expense of the Philosophy either two or three may join for a set, for which, after all of them have read it, they may cast lots; or they may give sixpence or a shilling weekly to Matthew Errington. And nine-tenths of the book any sensible tradesman, yea woman, may understand. But John Reed! [See letter of Feb. 15.] Where is John Reed's account? It is high time I should have it.--I am, dear Joseph, Yours affectionately. To Hannah Ball BRISTOL, March 13, 1777. MY DEAR SISTER,--It seems the time is come that you are to have a more commodious preaching-house at High Wycombe. I will give you a plan of the building myself; and employ whom you please to build. But I hope to see you on Wednesday the 26th instant, and to preach about six in the evening [His Journal shows that he preached at Wycombe on the 26th.] after preaching at noon in Oxford. Peace be with your spirit!--I am Your affectionate brother. To Mary Bishop BRISTOL, March 15, 1777.