Wesley Corpus

DEAR SIR, - When I was at Bath last, I found a very uncommon liberty of spirit, both in prayer and preaching, which I supposed to be partly owing to the spirit of the congregation, who appeared more than usually serious. I am therefore a little surprised that you should find less liberty than you usually do. [If] you have not since then found any change for the better; if you still feel that restraint upon your spirit at Bath, I am of the same judgment with you: it seems to be a divine indication that you are called to other places. Should you think well of taking either a short or a long journey with me, I am to set out on Monday morning for Stroud. I have an easy horse; and whenever you are tired with riding, you may come into the chaise. If you like the proposal, come hither either upon Sunday morning or afternoon. If you choose it, you may preach in Temple Church. [Wesley preached at Bath on March 3.] I am a little embarrassed with regard to Dr. Witherspoon. It is natural for you to be prejudiced in his favor. But he cannot be surprised if most Englishmen are strongly prejudiced on the other side: when they consider him as the grand instrument of tearing away children from their parents to which they were united by the most sacred ties, so that I know not with what face I can mention him, or with what probability of success. Wishing all happiness to you and yours, I am, dear sir, Your affectionate friend and brother. If you do not come, you will send a line directly. To Zachariah Yewdall WORCESTER, March 21, 1784. MY DEAR BROTHER, - My judgment is that you must not have any respect of persons. But whoever will not promise to put away the accursed thing, to refrain from buying stolen goods (such are all uncustomed goods), can no longer be a member of our Society. [See letter of Jan. 29, 1780.] And you should everywhere scatter the Word to a Smuggler. Let every one rich or poor show his ticket, or not be admitted at the meeting of the Society. [See letter of April 9, 1781.] You must mend or end that local preacher. Make an example of him for the good of all.