Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR BETSY, -- This morning I have wrote to Mrs. Karr; and I do not despair of its having some effect, especially as I have added that ' I hope to see her in a month or two.' For I believe she would not easily do anything that might make her ashamed to see me. You did well in dissuading Mr. Bradburn from writing. Let us try all fair means first. Any harshness might afford a pretense for refusing, or at least delaying, the payment. It has pleased God hitherto to lead Sammy and you in a rough and thorny way. But it is happy when you have learned to say, ‘Not as I will, but as Thou wilt.’ It is a beautiful saying of Mr. Herbert's: Grant or deny me ease; This is but tuning of my breast To make the music please. [See letter of Jan. 10.] -- I am, my dear Betsy, Yours most affectionately. To John Baxendale BRISTOL, March 7, 1783. MY DEAR BROTHER, -- I had much satisfaction when I was with you last; and hope to spend a night with you again, though I can't yet fix the time. [He was at Wigan on April 15, 1782, and again in May 1783. See letter of Feb. 19, 1784.] I agree with you it would be well if your chapel were properly settled. You do well to lose no opportunity of enlarging your borders. It is an acceptable time. We are now more especially called to preach the gospel to every creature; and many of the last shall be first. If we live to meet, I shall be glad to converse with that good young woman you speak of. The happy death of that poor mourner was a token for good. It was intended to encourage you in warning every one and exhorting [every] one, even though you do not see any present fruit. In due time you shall reap if you faint not. Strongly exhort all believers to go on to perfection. -- I am Your affectionate brother. To Mr. Baxendale, In Wigan, Lancashire. To John Mason BRISTOL, March 7, 1783.