Wesley Corpus

Must not all others who believe the Bible have the very same objection And from what I have seen, I cannot but think these are still three-fourths of the nation. Now, setting religion out of the question, is it expedient to give such a shock to so many millions of people at once And certainly it would shock them extremely, it would wound them in a very tender part. For would not they, would not all England, would not all Europe, consider this as a virtual repeal of the Bible And would not all serious persons say, ‘We have little religion in the land now; but by this step we shall have less still. For, wherever this pretty show is to be seen, the people will flock together, and will lounge away so much time before and after it that the churches will be emptier than they are at present!’ My Lord, I am concerned for this on a double account. First, because I have personal obligations to your Lordship, and would fain, even for this reason, recommend your Lordship to the love and esteem of all over whom I have any influence. Secondly, because I now reverence your Lordship for your office’ sake, and believe it to be my bounden duty to do all that is in my little power to advance your Lordship's influence and reputation. Will your Lordship permit me to add a word in my old-fashioned way I pray Him that has all power in heaven and earth to prosper all your endeavors for the public good; and am, my Lord, Your Lordship’s willing servant. To Hannah Ball LONDON, December 1, 1782. MY DEAR SISTER, -- It is hard if we cannot trust the invisible God farther than we can see Him! We do not yet see the fruit of our labors; but we can trust Him that hath promised. ‘He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him.’ He hath already done great things; but He will do greater things than these. Only 'hold fast the beginning of your confidence steadfast unto the end.’ You do well, whenever opportunity offers, to step over to Watlington. It will be a means of increasing life both in them and yourself. I only wish you could see our friends at Oxford too, that iron might sharpen iron.