Wesley Corpus

To William Robarts BRISTOL, September 19, 1782. Strange! Have you not an estate Does it bring you in nothing Have you not a large trade Do you gain nothing thereby Then how can you avoid ‘laying up treasures on earth’ I want to know: I desire to justify you. To this Robarts replies: REVERAND SIR, -- In this respect I know nobody but you that condemns me; my heart, my God does not. I therefore need no justification. I have already spoke and wrote, but to no avail; therefore desire to be silent till you can cast one glance of charity, at least of candor, though I am not worthy of your address or subscription. I hope you will for this once admit the name of your once esteemed W. R. [See letter of Aug. 3, 1783.] To Joseph Taylor BRISTOL, September 24, 1752. DEAR JOSEPH, -- Joseph Andrew writes to me about his keeping the books still. I answer, ‘It was determined at the Conference that the books all over England should be kept by the Assistant in each circuit.’ [See letters of Sept. 9.] I believe he has discharged this office well; but I believe you will discharge it better. You do not expect to do your duty without giving offence Recommend the Magazines, Kempis, and the Primitive Physick in earnest. And take care of the bands and the children. -- I am, dear Joseph, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Mr. Joseph Taylor, At the Preaching- house, In St. Ives, Cornwall. To Penelope Newman BRISTOL, October 1, 1782. MY DEAR SISTER, -- I have often been concerned at your being cooped up in a corner; now you are likely to have a wider field of action. Only the danger will be lest, when you have more opportunity, you should have less desire of doing good. This is the case of many pious persons when they marry, and I do not wonder at it. I should rather wonder it is not the case of all. -- I am Your affectionate brother. To Hester Ann Roe [11] BRISTOL, October 1, 1782.