Wesley Corpus

DEAR SIR, The Lord knoweth the way wherein you go; and when you have been tried you shah come forth as gold. It is true you have now full exercise for all your faith and patience; but by-and-by you will find good brought out of evil, and will bless God for the severe but wholesome medicine. I had all along a persuasion that God would deliver you, although I could not see which way it would be done (He had been ill and ' under some severe spiritual exercises.' See letter of Oct. 1 to Mr. Carne.); as I knew it was your desire not to do your own will, but the will of Him whose you are and whom you serve. May He still guide you in the way you should go and enable you to give Him your whole heart I You must not set the great blessing afar off because you find much war within. Perhaps tiffs will not abate but rather increase till the moment your heart is set at liberty. The war will not cease before you attain but by your attaining the promise. And if you look for it by naked faith, why may you not receive it now The cheerfulness of faith you should aim at in and above all things. Wishing you a continual supply of righteousness, peace, and joy, I am Your affectionate friend and brother. To William Thom NEAR BRISTOL, September 30, 1780. DEAR BILLY,--I think your reasons are good. Therefore I would not have you go to the island [The Isle of Man. Thom was Wesley's Assistant in Whitehaven.]--at least, not till winter is over. Do all the good you can. Be exact in every point of discipline.--I am Your affectionate friend and brother. Mr. William Thom, Whitehaven. To John Valton [16] BRISTOL, October 1, 1780, MY DEAR BROTHER,-I expected the state of Manchester Circuit to be just such as you have found it. But the power of the Lord is able to heal them. I fear Sister Mayer was left unemployed because she loved perfection. If you find a few more of the same spirit, I believe you will find them employment. The accommodations everywhere will mend if the preachers lovingly exert themselves. I am glad you take some pains for the new chapel. Our brother Brocklehurst will do anything that is reasonable.