Wesley Corpus

But you must needs have some companions in the way; for how can one be warm alone [See letter of Nov. 15, 1780.] I wish you to be acquainted with Miss Johnson, [ Mary Johnson. See Stevenson’s City Road Chapel, p. 504; and letter of April 12.]’ who lodges in Oxford Street at No. 368, and meets in Mrs. Thackeray’s class. She is deeply mourning after God, whom she once knew and loved. She is of a tender, sensible temper; and I am certain your spirits would quickly take acquaintance with each other. You want a friend of your own sex and nearly your own age, and I know not one in London that would fit you better. I pray God that you may resolutely choose Him for your portion; and am, my dear Sally, Yours affectionately. To Joseph Benson [5] MANCHESTER. April 2, 1781. DEAR JOSEPH, -- Although our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience that we walk in simplicity and godly sincerity, this no way contradicts, ‘God forbid that we should glory save in the cross of Christ.’ In all, and after all, His passion alone, the foundation we own; And pardon we claim, And eternal redemption, in Jesus's name. How admirably pardon and holiness are comprised in that one word ‘grace’! Mercy and strength! So are our justification and sanctification woven together. I hope your sermons will do good. But why do not you publish your poems I think you can make verses as fast as John Murlin [Murlin was his colleague at Leeds, and published this year his Sacred Hymns on Various Subjects.]; yea, indeed, if need were, stans pede in uno. [Standing on one foot, or standing at ease. See Horace’s Satires, iv. 10.] I commend Sister Benson for her care of her mother. One can never do too much for a parent. -- I am, dear Joseph, Your affectionate brother. To Miss Clarkson [6] NEAR CHESTER, April 5, 1781.