Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR BROTHER, -- I prepared the new edition of the Primitive Physick for the press before I left London. It lies in the corner of the upper drawer of my bureau. I have placed all the additions exactly. See that they be not displaced. If I do not step over to Ireland from the Isle of Man, I call at York; otherwise not. You see, God will work if we do not struggle out of His embrace; and the more labor the more blessing. I think the 'Instructions for comforting Afflicted Consciences' in the eighth volume of the [Christian] Library are excellent. I believe Robert Bolton [See letter of Oct. 14, 1757.] there answers all your questions: (1) None have a right to say their sins are forgiven if they have not faith in Christ; and (2) None that has faith in Christ need doubt of this. But they will doubt if they have but little faith. In these faith is but a glimmering light; yet we must not discourage them. Perhaps it is to them especially St. John says, ‘These things have I written unto you, that ye may know (most assuredly) that ye have eternal life,’ without all doubt and fear. (3) Faith may subsist for a time with very little joy, especially if there was little sorrow before. (4) It is very possible to mistake joy for faith, and then certainly we shall trust in joy instead of Christ. (5) The promises are the most strengthening and comforting truths in all the oracles of God; particularly (to believers in Christ) the promises of full sanctification. They are designed for this very thing, to strengthen the weak and to comfort the feeble-minded. -- I am Your affectionate brother. You may direct your next hither. To Mr. Atlay, In the City Road, London. To Zachariah Yewdull WHITEHAVEN, May 26, 1781.