Wesley Corpus

DEAR SIR, - Your having the opportunity of giving them a few discourses in Dover, and then traveling with so pious and friendly a person as Mr. Ireland, I could not but look upon as clear instances of a gracious Providence. [Brackenbury spent some weeks in France in the autumn of 1784 and the following spring in order to perfect his French for the work in Jersey. James Ireland, of Brislington, Bristol, was Fletcher's and Wesley's friend.] I cannot doubt but the mild air which you now breathe will greatly tend to the re-establishment of your health; and so will the suspension of your public labors till you are better able to bear them. With regard to perfecting yourself in the French language, it is certain this may be done more speedily and effectually in a family where only French is spoken. And undoubtedly you may learn the purity of the language far better in Languedoc than in Normandy. It is clear that you are not called at present to any public labors. But should not you be so much the more diligent in private to redeem the time to buy up every opportunity Should not you be instant 'in season and out of season' - that is, to make the opportunities which you cannot find Surely the all-wise and all-merciful Savior did not send you into France for nothing! Oh no! you are at least to pluck one brand (perhaps several) out of the burning. May the Lord whom you serve in all things direct your paths I So prays, dear sir, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Captain Richard Williams LONDON, February 15, 1785. MY DEAR BROTHER, - I am exceeding glad at your going to Plymouth Dock. [He had moved from Poldice, near Truro. See letter of Dec. 10, 1783.] I am persuaded that God has sent you. And I should not wonder if you find a greater blessing upon your labors than ever you found before. I pray stay there as long as you can; and send a particular account of what occurs there to, dear Richard, Your affectionate brother. To Arthur Keene LONDON, February 17, 1785.