Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR SISTER, -- I would not willingly grieve you. I love you too well, and have done for many years. I was disappointed both last year and this. Last year your preachers did less than I expected, and this year they have done more than I expected. [1780-1, George Story, John Accutt; 1781-1, Richard Rodda, Thomas Warwick. See letter of Nov. 17, 1781.] Yes, and I trust you shah see greater things than these. The work of God has wonderfully revived in many parts of the nation. And I do not know why it should not revive among you also. Certainly you should look and ask for it. I am glad to hear so good an account of your sister; the more active she is the more her soul will live. I wanted to know what was become of those little maidens, [Her Sunday scholars. She began her Sunday school in 1769. See Memoir, p. 84.] and trust some of them will bring forth fruit to perfection. As you have a peculiar love for children and a talent for assisting them, see that you stir up the gift of God which is in you. If you gain but one of them in ten, you have a good reward for your labor. -- I am, my dear sister, Yours affectionately. To Thomas Brisco [10] BRISTOL, March 12, 1782. MY DEAR BROTHER, -- On Thursday, April 4, I expect to be at Manchester. The plan of my journey through Yorkshire I have sent to Brother Mather, from whom you may have a copy if you have it not already. I desire no better lodging than either that at Birstall or Dawgreen. You have done well in changing the hours of preaching at Morley. I would encourage all persons to go to church as much as they possibly can. The meeting the children, whenever there is an opportunity, is a point of the utmost importance. By earnest exhortation we may prevail upon their parents in all our larger Societies to send them, and some of them will second the advices which their children receive from the preachers. I hope you give Sister Brisco full employment. She may be of great use. -- I am Your affectionate friend and brother. To Robert Costerdine WORCESTER, March 22, 1782.