Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR BROTHER, -- Supposing Miss Christian Davenport answers the description of her which you give, and suppose both hers and your parents are now willing, then I do not see that any reasonable objection can be made against your marriage.--I am Yours affectionately. To Arthur Keene LONDON, December 25, 1787. MY DEAR BROTHER, -- It was, I suppose, about the time that you was in the North, I was in the Southern Islands, which I think are abundantly the pleasantest part of His Majesty's dominions. [His visit to the Channel Islands in August.] And the people in general are just prepared for the reception of true religion. For, with regard to their circumstances, they are in the happy medium, neither rich nor poor; and with regard to their temper, most of them have the French courtesy joined to the English sincerity; a great deal resembling many of our friends both in Dublin and in the North of Ireland. We have every reason to be thankful to God on behalf of our poor widows. [The Widows' Home in Dublin. See letter of April 20, 1787.] One thing I cannot but particularly wish, that all their rooms may be kept as clean as possible. I have not had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Handy. I suppose he called here when I was out of town. Wishing every blessing to you and your dear family, I am, dear Arthur, Ever yours. I have just seen Mr. Handy, who informed me that James Whitestone [Of Dublin. See reference to his wife in Crookshank’s Methodism in Ireland, i. 157-67.] is gone hence. Let us also be ready! To Joseph Benson [20] LONDON, December 27, 1787. DEAR JOSEPH, -- I greatly rejoice in the erection of your new preaching-house and in the tokens of the divine presence with which you and the people were favored at the opening; but if it be at all equal to the new chapel in London, I will engage to eat it. -- I am Yours affectionately. To Zachariah Yewdull LONDON, December 27, 1787.