Wesley Corpus

My DEAR SISTER, - You did well to write. Although I have not much time, yet I am always well pleased to hear from a friend. If outward losses be a means of stirring you up to gain more inward holiness, you will never have need to repent of that loss but rather to praise God for it. How soon will the moment of life be gone! It is enough if we secure an happy eternity. Let Brother Gait and you earnestly seek to be wholly devoted to God; and all things else will be added to you.-I am, dear Becky, Your affectionate brother. To John Johnson [2] LONDON, January 26, 1785. My DEAR BROTHER, - It is plain the time is come for God to lift up the light of His countenance upon poor Lisburn; this is the answer of many prayers offered up by good Sister Gardner and many others. His providence brought both you and Sister Johnson thither in good time; she was more wanted now in Lisburn than even in Dublin, as Hetty Rogers was enabled in a great measure to supply her place there. You will prevail upon more and more to meet in band and more and more backsliders will be healed, I expect; you will in a little time have a Select Society also. If my life and health are continued, I hope to cross the sea about the beginning of April; but how many blessings may you receive before that time! - I am Your affectionate friend and brother. To Mrs. Johnson [3] LONDON, January 16, 1785. MY DEAR SISTER, - I nothing doubt but the death of that young man will be a means of life to many souls. How admirably was it timed! Just when Brother Johnson and you were returning to Lisburn - here was a divine preparation for your coming, and work ready prepared for you. I hope my poor dear Harriet will run away from us no more. She was unspeakably happy when she was young; but she may be happier now than ever she was. I am in hopes you now will have full employment. But you need not confine yourself altogether to Lisburn; you are a debtor also to our sisters in the neighboring Societies. Go on and prosper! - I am, my dear sister, Your affectionate brother. To James Barry February 1785.