Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR BROTHER, - It is very probable the desire you have of going to America comes from God. If it is, you may very possibly (if you are a single man) go over with Dr. Coke at the late end of next summer. - I am Your affectionate brother. To Thomas Wride LONDON, November 17, 1785. DEAR TOMMY, - Deal plainly yet tenderly with James Byron, and he will be a very useful laborer. But none can be a Methodist preacher unless he is both able and willing to preach in the morning, which is the most healthy exercise in the world. I desire that none of our preachers would sing oftener than twice at one service. We need nothing to fill up our hour. [See letters of Nov. 8 to him, and Dec. 14 to McKersey and Byron.] In every place where there is a sufficient number of believers do all you can to prevail upon them to meet in band. Be mild, be serious, and you will conquer all things. - I am, dear Tommy, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Robert Carr Brackenbury LONDON, November 24, 1785. DEAR SIR, - God will hearken to the prayer that goeth not out of feigned lips, especially when fasting is joined therewith. And, provided our brethren continue instant in prayer, the beasts of the people will not again lift up their head. [See letters of Sept. 24, 1785, and Jan. 18, 1786, to him.] The work of God still increases in Ireland, and in several parts of this kingdom. I commend you and all our brethren to Him who is able to preserve you from all evil and build you up in love; and am, dear sir, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Mrs. Pawson LONDON, November 26, 1785. MY DEAR SISTER, - I thank you for the dear and circumstantial account you have given me of the manner wherein God wrought upon your soul. As He wrought the work both of justification and sanctification so distinctly you have the less temptation to cast away your confidence. But you cannot keep it unless you are zealous of good works. Be fruitful, therefore, in every good work, and God shall see very soon His whole image. - I am Yours affectionately. To the Rev. Mr. Pawson, At the Preaching-house, In Edinburgh. To Walter Churchey LONDON, December 6, 1785.