Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR SISTER, -- If ever I observe you in any fault, I shall certainly tell you of it, because I love you much; and I am persuaded you would not be angry but rather pleased with my plain dealing. I wrote word to Brother Knapp that I hoped to be with you on the 20th of March. I am pleased with any opportunity of spending a little time with you; and when I am at Worcester, let me have a few minutes with you alone, that you may be able to speak freely. I want you to be ‘all praise, all meekness, and all love.’ You know that’s your calling. -- I am, my dear sister, Your affectionate brother. To Mrs. Bradburn [7] LONDON, February 28, 1782. MY DEAR BETSY, -- You did exceeding well to write. You should always permit those you love to share both in your joys and your sorrows. The account you give brings strongly to my mind the words of the Angel to the Hermit [Parnell’s The Hermit.]: To all but thee in fits he seemed to go, -- And 'twas my ministry to deal the blow. I am much inclined to think this was an instance of the same kind. Our Lord saw good to take the little one into Abraham’s bosom; His angel came with a commission to fetch him. But it was not seen good to remove him at one stroke, lest you should be swallowed up of over much sorrow. A reprieve was given for a few days, that you might be more prepared for the great trial and more determined to say, ‘It is the Lord: let Him do what seemeth Him good.’ I expect to be at Manchester on the 12th of April and about the beginning of May in Yorkshire. But I believe I had better take Blackburn, Preston, and Colne (to save time) in my way thither. Sammy Bradbum does right in giving himself directly to the work of God. It is far better and more comfortable for him than to sit mooning at home. May God enable him and you to do and to suffer His holy and acceptable will! So prays, my dear Betsy, Your ever affectionate brother. To Robert Costerdine LONDON, March 2, 1782.