Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR SISTER,--A letter directed to me in London will find me at any time. I trust you will never sink into Quietism (or Quakerism, which is only one mode of it). For then you would soon sink into lukewarmness; and what would come next who can tell I have not known ten Quakers in my life whose experience went so far as justification. I never knew one who clearly experienced what we term 'sanctification.' But, indeed, their language is so dark and equivocal that one scarce knows what they do experience and what they do not. If it may be a probable means of doing good either to others or to your own soul, I think you need not scruple making an excursion of a few days for fear of giving offence. Our Conference this year will last till Friday, the 11th instant. And for the time to come (at least while I live) will always continue ten days. [Conference began in Bristol on Aug. 1. Wesley says that it was resolved to 'allow nine or ten days for each Conference' (Journal, vi. 290).] No less time will suffice for sifting to the bottom the various points of importance that are to be considered. The hand of the Lord is not shortened either in Great Britain or Ireland. He still carries on His own work and shows Himself mighty to save.--I am, my dear Penny, Yours affectionately. To Brian Bury Collins [11] BRISTOL, August 5, 1780. DEAR SIR,--It is not at all surprising that the Bishop, though a good man, should scruple to ordain a field-preacher; and I apprehend his brethren will neither endeavor or desire to remove his scruple, unless it should please God to touch some of their hearts and employ them to soften the rest. Perhaps that humane man may aim at a middle way--namely, to ordain you upon conditions. And if such conditions were proposed as would not entangle your conscience, I should have no objection. But in this case you will have need of all the wisdom from above, that you may yield far enough and not too far. I do not think that Presbyterian ordination would add anything to what you have already. And it seems we need not consider the matter farther till we know the Bishop's final determination. This we know already, that He who rules over all will order