Wesley Corpus

The information I received was not from - but from the body of leaders at Warrington and at Liverpool.... If Brother Eels behaves well now, I shall think no more of past things. O exhort the believers to go on to perfection! Perhaps you have been sometimes a little wanting in this. - I am, dear Christopher, Your affectionate friend and brother. To John Valton BRISTOL, September 13, 1784. MY DEAR BROTHER, - My last letters from Bolton gave me reason to hope that William Eels is greatly changed, and has for some time past given no offence, but quietly and carefully attended his circuit. [See previous letter. William Butterfield was born near Halifax, and became a preacher in 1784. He died in 1794.] Dr. Coke, on receipt of this information, wrote immediately to Macclesfield that Brother Butterfield might be sent forward, as we have great need of other preachers in the West. You must sacredly abstain from holding watch-nights and from continuing any service above an hour at a time. It is not so much preaching and praying as preaching or praying long that hurts you. [See letter of Oct. 13 to him.] Strongly advise Mr. Crosse [John Crosse had become vicar this year.] not to continue that wretched curate or lecturer at Bradford. Mr. Webster, a pious and learned man near Derby, wrote me just now to offer me his service. I could not receive, because my little salary would not keep a married man. I wish Mr. Crosse would take him. It might be good for both of them. - I am Your affectionate friend and brother. The Assistant [Samuel Bradburn. They went on the 18th.] here has given Dr. Coke the money. They expect to sail to-morrow. To John Johnson [14] BRISTOL, September 26, 1784. MY DEAR BROTHER, - There may be a deeper design of Divine Providence in Sister Johnson's removal to Lisburn than at first appeared. Probably God is about to revive His work there; and being freed from the encumbrance of worldly business, she may be more at leisure to attend it. The more she exerts herself therein the more she will increase both in spiritual and bodily strength. See that you do not cramp but give her full scope for the exertion of all the talents which God hath given her.