Wesley Corpus

One of the preachers in every circuit usually stays two years; this is generally the Assistants. But when you were at Manchester [In 1779 John Valton, who relieved him at Manchester, had written to Wesley as though some were kept in class who were not worthy members. ‘But he afterwards wept bitterly for what he had said; and therefore I never mentioned the matter to him; nor do I love him any less on that account.’] you quite disappointed me. You were not exact at all; you let things go as they would: therefore you have not been an Assistant since. I will mend or end T. Olivers as a corrector. [Benson had found fault with some articles of his in the Magazine incorrectly printed. Wesley bore it for twelve years, till 1789.] Next week I hope to be in London; and am, with love to Sister Benson, dear Joseph, Your affectionate brother. To Joseph Taylor LONDON, June 5, 1783. DEAR JOSEPH, -- According to the printed Minutes, p. 8, Sister Rodda is to have her allowance from Cornwall West and Sister Day out of the Preachers’ Fund. [See Minutes, 1782.] The fault therefore lay first in Joseph Harper, [Joseph Harper was at Bedford.] for Cornwall has nothing to do with Sister Day this year; and secondly, in John Atlay, who ought to have sent him and you the Minutes immediately after the Conference. Send no more money to Sister Day, but to Richard Rodda. -- I am, dear Joseph, Your affectionate friend and brother. To John Valton LONDON, June 5, 1783. MY DEAR BROTHER, -- What have the Birstall Assistants (even Thomas Taylor himself [Taylor was Assistant at Bitstall in 1778.]) been doing these seven years I believe our fast will be productive of many good effects. Many have already found reason to bless God on account of it. Sister Rogers [Mrs. Rogers died in 1784. Her husband married Hester Ann Roe the same year. See letter of May 5, 1784.] is a jewel of a woman. She has all the spirit of her husband, and desires nothing but to do and suffer the will of God.