Wesley Corpus

To Robert Hopkins [4] LONDON, January 21, 1784. DEAR ROBERT, - The return you are to make for the blessings you have received is to declare them to all mankind and to exhort all believers strongly and explicitly to go on to perfection. You never need lose what you now experience; but may increase therein till your spirit returns to God. You cannot infer that the air of this or that place does not agree with you because you have a fever there. But if there be a necessity, Christopher Peacock will change places with you. - I am, dear Robert, Your affectionate brother. To Victory Purdy [5] LONDON, February 1, 1784. MY DEAR BROTHER, - Your father was one of our first Society, which met at Fetter Lane, and one of the first that found peace with God. When it was thought best that I should go to Bristol, we spent a considerable time in prayer, and then cast lots who should accompany me thither. The lot fell upon him; and he was with me day and night till he judged it proper to marry. But I had no curiosity; so that I scarce ever asked him a question concerning his parents, birth, or former way of life. I first saw him when he came to Fetter Lane and desired to be admitted into the Society. He was a man of eminent integrity and simplicity, 'fervent in zeal and warm in charity'; both in his spirit and behavior greatly resembling Joseph Bradford. Be you a follower of him, as he was of Christ! - I am Your affectionate brother. To Mr. Victory Purdy, At the New Room, In Bristol. To Alexander Knox NEAR LONDON, February 5, 1784. DEAR ALLECK, - As to the love of praise, I do not doubt but you have much more of it than you want; and I am persuaded the Great Physician shows you the disease on purpose that He may cure it. But yet, I apprehend, you a little mistake. You blame yourself where no blame is. ' To be pleased with the approbation of our fellow creatures' is no part of corrupt nature. It belongs to our pure nature; and to cherish it in a degree is a duty, and not a sin.... Peace be with you and yours! - I am, my dear Alleck, Ever yours. To Samuel Bardsley [6]