Wesley Corpus

You should send me a full and particular account of that poor man at Inverness. I am to set out for London to-morrow. I hope Dr. Coke and his companions are now near half-way over the Atlantic. Although I dreamed last night (indeed at two o'clock this morning) that he came to me with a calm and placid countenance, but exceeding pale and his hair all wet. - I am Your affectionate friend and brother. To Richard Rodda LONDON, October 13, 1784. MY DEAR BROTHER, - I have no objection to your having a third preacher in the circuit. [Birmingham had three preachers next Conference.] But what to say of John Oliver I know not. [Oliver married Elizabeth Booth. See Journal, iv. 70-1; and letter of Oct. 25, 1780.] He has been greatly to blame. But who can tell whether he be inwardly changed or not Your proposal of building a new preaching-house I like well, provided it can be done without bringing any burthen upon the Conference. Complaint is made to me that the preaching is taken from Stourshead. If so, I am sorry for it. Peace be with you and yours! - I am Your affectionate friend and brother. To Mr. Rodda, At the Preaching-house, In Birmingham To John Valton [16] LONDON, October 13, 1784. MY DEAR BROTHER, - Dr. Davison's advice was good. I desire you would not offer to preach within these four weeks. I was suspended for near four months; but good is the will of the Lord. I suppose nettle tea is the best bracer in the world; and next that, elixir of vitriol (ten drops in a glass of water at ten or eleven in the morning). I am inclined to think that temptation is purely preternatural. I was strongly assaulted by it toward the close of my fever, when I could hardly set a foot to the ground. Many years ago I told you the case of Mr. Colley, who was just in your case. He married and died. And do we not know All the promises are sure To persevering prayer I am ever yours. To William Black LONDON, October 15, 1784.