Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR BROTHER, -- We should have been glad to see you at the Conference; but the reasons you give for not coming are good. You was hindered not by choice but by Providence. Therefore you would find a blessing where you was. And the more pains you take the more blessings you will find. -- I am Your affectionate brother. To Thomas Tattershall DUBLIN, May 3, 1783. DEAR TOMMY, -- I thank Brother Robinson [The preachers in the Isle of Man were Jasper Robinson, Jonathan Brown, and Thomas Tattershall. Robinson died on Dec. 6, 1797, after twenty-three years of fruitful ministry; and Tattershall in 1821, after forty years’ service.] for his letter, and hope we shall soon be able to supply you with books. At present we have rather too little than too much persecution. [See Journal, vi. 321-2.] We have scarce enough to keep us awake. Send me as particular an account as you can of all that relates to Mary Casement. I hope you still find a witness in yourself, not only of your acceptance, but of your salvation from inbred sin and of your loving God with all your heart. And you should constantly and explicitly exhort all believers to aspire after this, and encourage them to expect it now. The advice of Brother Robinson herein is good. If you would learn the Manx language, I should commend you; but it is not worth while to learn Greek or Latin. Brother Robinson should send me to London the particulars of that young man’s death. My kind love to Barrow and Brother Brown. -- I am, dear Tommy, Your affectionate brother. To Joseph Benson [13] MANCHESTER, May 19, 1783. DEAR JOSEPH, -- I do not, and never did, consent that any of our preachers should baptize [Compare letter of Jan. 6, 1784.] as long as we profess ourselves to be members of the Church of England. Much more may be said for burying the dead; to this I have no objection.