Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR BROTHER,-I am glad you spoke freely to Mr. Collins. He is a good man, but not very advisable. [Brian Bury Collins. Edward Smyth was about to enter on his work at Bethesda Chapel, Dublin] If he should declare open war in England, he will do little or no harm. Mr. Smyth will not be fond of him if he preaches at Plunkett Street. There will not soon be a coalition between Arminianism and Calvinism. This we found even in Holland. If James Rogers and you keep to the Church still, a few, I doubt not, will follow your example. We made just allowance enough for leaving the Church at the last Conference. - I am, with kind love to Nancy, Yours affectionately. To Mrs. Crosby LONDON, November 7, 1784. MY DEAR SISTER,-To those who know the world, hardly anything that is wrong or foolish in it appears strange. Otherwise we should have thought it strange that so good a woman should take such a step. One would not have expected her to marry at all - at least, none but an eminent Christian. I am more and more inclined to think that there are none living so established in grace but that they may possibly fall. The case of Hetty Rogers was widely different. [Miss Roe had married James Rogers. See letter of May 5, 1784.] I know more of it, beginning, middle, and ending, than most people in England. And I am clear that, first to last, she acted in all good conscience toward God and man. As things stood, it was not a sin for her to marry, but a duty; and to marry when she did. And never was any one woman so owned of God in Dublin as she has been already. T. Brisco, I am persuaded, will do some good. [Thomas Briscoe was stationed in Leeds.] But his wife will do much more if you encourage her and strengthen her hands. Peace be with all your spirits! - I am Your affectionate brother. To John Valton LONDON, November 13, 1784.