Wesley Corpus

The Conference gives nothing towards building houses. But they may give you more circuits to beg in; and if you had Joseph Bradford to beg for you, you would succeed well. The Londoners are a princely people. They are never weary of well doing.... [Wesley dined with Hall at Nottingham on July 8, 1786 (Journal, vii. 186d). Joseph Bradford was Assistant in Leicestershire.] To Ellen Gretton LONDON, December 31, 1782. MY DEAR SISTER, -- You do not consider the slowness of the by-posts. A letter could not be wrote on the receipt of yours so as to reach Skillington by Wednesday, January the 1st. The thing seems to be altogether providential; it was no way of your own contriving. There is not only a fair prospect of a sufficient provision for yourself (which a Christian should not despise), but of being an instrument of good to others, which is highly desirable. One that fears God and is waiting for His salvation is not such an unbeliever as St. Paul there speaks of. Proceed with much prayer, and your way will be made plain. [See letter of Feb. 16, 1783.] -- I am, my dear sister, Your affectionate brother. To Miss Gretton, At Mr, Derry’s, Shoemaker, In Grantham, Lincs. To Zachariah Yewdall [22] LONDON, December 31, 1782. MY DEAR BROTHER, -- You fear when no fear is. I have appointed Mr. Blair to labor with you at Cork and Bandon, and shall not alter that appointment without stronger reasons than I am likely to see. If I live, I shall probably see Ireland in summer; if I do not, I expect Dr. Coke will. Robert Blake may go just where he will; I have nothing to do with him. Three times he left his circuit without the consent of his Assistant. [Blake was a young Englishman who became an itinerant in 1778. He was now at Athione. See letter of Feb. 9, 1783.] He has stupidly and saucily affronted almost all the leaders. His high spirit, I fear, will destroy him. Till he is deeply humbled, I disclaim all fellowship with him. -- I am Your affectionate friend and brother.