Wesley Corpus

All those reasons against a separation from the Church in this sense I subscribe to still. What, then, are you frighted at I no more separate from it now than I did in the year 1758. I submit still (though sometimes with a doubting conscience) to 'mitred infidels.' I do, indeed, vary from them in some points of doctrine and in some points of discipline - by preaching abroad, for instance, by praying extempore, and by forming societies; but not an hair's breadth further than I believe to be meet, right, and my bounden duty. I walk still by the same rule I have done for between forty and fifty years. I do nothing rashly. It is not likely I should. The high-day of my blood is over. If you will go hand in hand with me, do. But do not hinder me if you will not help. [Charles was unconvinced. See letter of Sept. 13.] Perhaps, if you had kept dose to me, I might have done better. However, with or without help, I creep on. And as I have been hitherto, so I trust I shall always be, Your affectionate friend and Brother. To Christopher Hopper REDRUTH, August 27, 1785. MY DEAR BROTHER, - The utmost that can be done at present is to permit him to preach as a local preacher [Hopper was now at Bolton.]; for I will not run my head against all the Conference by reversing what they have determined. I cannot, with either decency or prudence, go any further yet. If his behavior is unblameable in this lower station, by-and-by he may rise higher. - I am Your affectionate friend and brother. To Robert Costerdine BRISTOL, September 4, 1785. DEAR ROBERT, - All I can say at present is, If matters be as you represent, the thing shall be set right at the next Conference, and the [money] paid you. [Costerdine was third preacher in the Birmingham Circuit.] But our friends at Wednesbury are afraid lest you should inflame the old quarrel. O beware of this! Meddle not with Francis Whitehead. Live peaceably with all men! - I am, dear Robert, Your affectionate brother. To John Valton [3] BRISTOL, September 5, 1785.