Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR SISTER, -- Although it is probable I shah see you in a few days, yet I must write a few lines. I rejoice to hear that you are still happy in God; and trust that happiness will never cease but rather increase more and more till your spirit returns to God. Be assured there is no necessity that it ever should cease. He is willing to give it you always; and He can purify you by the fire of His love as well as by the fire of affliction. Do not therefore expect or desire affliction, but let the joy of the Lord be your strength. That your joy and peace may flow as a river is the prayer of, my dear sister, Your affectionate brother. To Mrs. Howton () MANCHESTER, August 5, 1787. MY DEAR SISWER, -- It would have given me pleasure to spend a little time with you. But since it could not be, we are to submit. I am glad you are placed, at least for a season, among them that love and fear God. As you are naturally of an easy, flexible temper, you have great need to converse as often as possible with those that are truly alive to God; which may be a counterbalance to the conversation you will .be obliged to have with those of a different character. [See letter of Oct. 3, 1783.] But perhaps Mr. H. will not always be of the same spirit that he has been in time past. What has hitherto been may have been permitted for the trial of your faith. And if you are like Him ‘Who ne’er forsook His faith for love of peace,’ the God of peace will in His own time do great things for you. To His tender care I commit you; and am, my dear sister, Yours in much affection. To Arthur Keene [4] MANCHESTER, August 5, 1787.