Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR SISTER, - Your conversation was exceedingly agreeable to me when I was last with you in Pembrokeshire. I think you was never so free with me before: therefore I never knew or loved you so well. You have reason to be thankful to God on many accounts, particularly for the desire He has given you of being useful to those that are round about you in as high a degree as you can. Indeed, this will expose you to many temptations. Sometimes you will be in danger of dejection: when you have labored long in any instance, and see no fruit of your labor. But remember l you will be rewarded according to your labor, not according to your success. At other times you will be in danger of pride, which will steal upon you in a thousand shapes. But you know in whom you have believed. He has never faded them that seek Him. In every temptation He will make a way to escape that you may be able to bear it. I have one thing to desire of you: that Sister Jones, Sister Moon, and you will take a leisure hour together, and after prayer read calmly and impartially over the Advice to the Methodists with regard to Dress. [See letter of Sept. 15, 1770; and for Rules of the Bands, Works, viii. 272-3.] Then read over the Rules of the Bands, which are punctually observed by our sisters that meet in band in London and Bristol. If only you three had the resolution to follow their steps, the example would spread to the bands through all Wales. Wishing that patience may have its perfect work in you till you are perfect and entire, lacking nothing, I remain, my dear Kitty, Yours in tender affection. To Miss Kitty Warren, In Haverfordwest. To William Ferguson [13] BRISTOL, September 7, 1779. MY DEAR BROTHER, - The proposal you sent me from the Hague I like well. Pray talk with John Atlay about it; and if he and you are agreed, the sooner it is put in execution the better. Certainly all unsaleable books that are undamaged I will take again. But if any sermon be translated into Dutch, it should first be The Almost Christian. This is far more suitable to unawakened readers than The Lord our Righteousness. - I am, dear Billy, Your affectionate brother.