Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR BROTHER,-You do well in insisting upon full and present salvation, whether men will hear or forbear; as also in preaching abroad, when the weather permits, and recommending fasting, both by precept and example. But you need not wonder that all these are opposed not only by formalists but by half Methodists. [Clarke was second preacher at Plymouth.] You should not forget French [See letter of Feb. 21.] or anything you have learned. I do not know whether I have read the book you speak of; you may send your translation at your leisure. Be all in earnest, and you shall see greater things than these. - I am, my dear Adam, Your affectionate brother. To Samuel Bradburn [6] LONDON, February 14, 1786. DEAR SAMMY,-It is well we know that trouble springeth not out of the dust, but that the Lord reigneth. But still, even when we can say, 'It is the Lord,' it is hard to add, 'Let Him do what seemeth Him good.' I remember formerly, when I read these words in the church at Savannah, 'Son of man, behold, I take from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke.' [See letters of Dec. 23, 1782, and Feb. 12, 1789.] I was pierced through as with a sword, and could not utter a word more. But our comfort is, He that made the heart can heal the heart. Your help stands in Him alone. He will command all these things to work together for good. To His tender care I commend you; and am, dear Sammy, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Adam Clarke [7] LONDON, February 21, 1786. MY DEAR BROTHER, - I like the extract from Mr. Bridaine's Sermon well. Probably it may have a place in the Magazine. It is well you have broken into Stonhouse. Now enlarge your borders while I am with you. Probably you will have rougher weather when I am gone. You may come to the Conference. You and your fellow laborers should spend some time in consulting together how you may enlarge your borders. This mild weather is almost as good as summer; I preached abroad last Monday. Oh let us snatch every means of redeeming the time! Eternity is at hand! - I am, dear Adam, Your affectionate brother. In a few days I shall set out for Bristol. To Mr. Adam Clarke, At Mr. Walters,