Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR BROTHER, -- Two days and two nights we were buffering the waves, with the furious wind right ahead. We then with difficulty got into Holyhead harbor; and finding the wind continued as it was, we saw Providence was against us, and turned back to England. I am now going to the Isle of Man, and may very possibly step over from thence to Ulster. [See previous letter.] You should continue electricity as often as you have opportunity, and use as frequently as possible the diet drink [The drink was made of half a pound of fresh shaved lignum vitae with half an ounce of senna. See Primitive Physick, No. 178; and for electrical treatment, letter of July 13, 1774, to Ann Bolton.] in the Primitive Physick under that title ‘For Scorbutic Sores’; I believe it will dry up that humor gently and very safely. If Providence brings me to Ireland, I shall not fail to let you know as soon as I am landed. -- I am Yours affectionately. To Mr. Bredin, At Mr. Danl. Keeling's, In Athlone, Ireland. To Joseph Benson [9] WARRINGTON, May 21, 1781. DEAR JOSEPH. -- As I have not leisure myself, I am exceeding glad that you have entered into the lists with Mr. Atkinson. And I am in hopes you will ' reply at large' to all his cavils and objections. If he cites anything from me, you should answer simply, ‘I never undertook to defend every sentiment of Mr. Wesley’s. He does not expect or desire it. He wishes me and every man to think for himself.’ If you remember, I do not insist on the term ‘impression.’ I say again, I will thank any one that will find a better; be it ‘discovery,’ ‘manifestation,’ ‘deep sense,’ or whatever it may. That some consciousness of our being in favor with God is joined with Christian faith I cannot doubt; but it is not the essence of it. A consciousness of pardon cannot be the condition of pardon.