Wesley Corpus

What you speak of feeling the peace of God in the midst of the most exquisite sufferings does not surprise me at all. [See letter of Feb. 26 to her.] 'I feel my pains,' says Mr. De Renty, 'in all their extremity. But by the grace of God I give myself up to Him and not to them.' And again: 'I cannot say but my soul is deeply grieved at the sense of so great a loss; yet I feel such joy in that the will of the Lord is done, not that of a poor sinner, that, were it not for giving offence, I could dance and sing.' I saw a stranger instance than either of these a few years ago. I saw exactly such distress in an human countenance as appears in the waxwork taken from the face of Cartouche [Louis Dominique Cartouche, head of a Paris band of robbers, broken on the wheel in 1721.] while he was breaking upon the wheel. In the morning I asked her, 'Was not you in great distress when I saw you last night' She answered, 'I was in such distress as was ready to tear my soul and body asunder; and yet at that very time I was as happy as I could well be out of heaven.' I do not wonder, therefore, that all the trials you feel do not interrupt the peace of God. They never need. His grace is sufficient to keep you in and to deliver you out of all temptations. And the unction of the Holy One which abideth with you shall guide you from time to time and enable you to east back upon his own head all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Love me still, my dear Nancy, and know me to be Yours invariably. To Abraham Brames LONDON, January 16, 1780. MY DEAR BROTHER, - You have done exceeding well in setting that little collection on foot. [See letter of Dec. 12, 1779.] I trust it will be productive of much good. On February 6 you may expect a preacher from hence. Tell the traveling preachers whatever you think or hear concerning them, if you love either them or Your affectionate brother. To Mr. Abr. Brames, At the Preaching. house, In Rochester. To Lancelot Harrison [4] LONDON, January 16, 1780.