Wesley Corpus

1782 To Joseph Benson () LONDON, January 5, 1782. DEAR JOSEPH, -- It gives me pleasure to hear that you are not weary in well doing, but are diligent in advancing the cause of religion. There is one means of doing this in which it will be worth your while to take some pains; I mean in recommending the Magazines. If you say of them in every Society what you may say with truth, and say it with an air of earnestness, you will produce several new subscribers. -- I am, dear Joseph, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Ellen Gretton LONDON, January 5, 1782. MY DEAR SISTER, -- It is a true word, ‘Gold is tried in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of affliction.’ But we know the exhortation, ‘Despise not thou the chastening of the Lord’; count it not an insignificant or accidental thing: ‘neither hint when thou art rebuked of Him,’ but receive it as a token of His love. I do not despair of seeing you again in Lincolnshire [See letter of Nov. 19, 1781, to her.] and taking another little journey with you. This will be if it is best, and it is not impossible that I shoed see you in London. Perhaps it may be (if we shoed live so long) at the time of the Conference. That might be of particular service to you if Providence should make a way for you. In the meantime let Brother Derry [A conspicuous Methodist in Grantham for many years. In his house the meetings were first held. For an account of the persecution of Methodists in Grantham, and especially of Mr. Derry, see Cocking’s Methodism in Grantham, pp. 153-62.] and Sister Fisher [See Conference Handbook for 1925.] and you do all the good you can. -- I am, dear Nelly, Your affectionate brother. To Miss Gretton, At Mr. Derry’s, In Grantham, Lincolnshire. To James ------ LONDON, January 6, 1782. DEAR JAMES, -- You may meet with Brother Alderman, Highland, or any other leader you choose. But I am willing to hear what objection you have to James Dewey and the two other leaders you refer to. You may know them better than I do. -- I am Your affectionate brother. To Hester Anne Roe LONDON, January 7, 1782.