Wesley Corpus

DEAR JOSEPH, -- Your builders should consider (1) that the Conference can allow them nothing, and (2) that they cannot expect to collect anything in the circuit. Then, if they will build, let them observe the advices given in the Minutes of the Conference. Barely by not ‘going on to perfection’ all believers will grow dead and cold; and then they are just ripe for levity, tattling, and evil-speaking, which will soon destroy all the life of God out of their souls. Therefore you have need on this very account to preach perfection in the most strong and explicit manner possible. Without this you can never lift up the hands that hang down and strengthen the feeble knees. And what you preach to others you have particular need to apply to your own souls. Fly on, and take the prize. It is received by simple faith. Believe, and enter into rest! -- I am, dear Joseph, Your affectionate brother. To Mr. Joseph Algar, At Mr. Henry Jones’s, In Swansea, South Wales. To Ambrose Foley LONDON, February 26, 1782. DEAR SIR, -- On Saturday, March 23, I hope to be at Birmingham to open the new chapel [He opened Cherry Street Chapel letters of June 19, 1781, and Feb. 24, on July7. See Journal, vi. 360; and 1783.] and to spend a few days there. About the middle of the ensuing week I shall be willing to give you a sermon at Quinton. I am glad to hear that our labor there has not been in vain and that you are not ‘ashamed of the gospel of Christ.’ It will be a particular pleasure to me to see Mrs. Foley, and I hope to see her happier than ever she has been yet. Peace be with your spirits. -- I am Your affectionate brother. To Mr. Ambrose Foley, At Quinton, Near Birmingham. To Mrs. Knapp LONDON, February 27, 1782.