Wesley Corpus

But it seems the time is past! Your father is on the wing. You are not likely to see him long; and you know not that you will see me any more. Whether you do or do not, I earnestly advise you to make a friend of Mr. Dickinson. [Peard Dickinson.] He is a sensible and a pious man, and has a tender regard for you. I commit you to Him who is able to carry you through all temptations. -- I am, dear Sammy, Your affectionate Uncle. To William Black [8] GLOUCESTER, March 19, 1788. MY DEAR BROTHER, -- I am glad to find you are still going on in the glorious work to which you are called. We have need to make haste therein, to use all diligence. For the work is great, the day is short, and lonely is the night wherein no man can work! It is a kind Providence which has placed Brother Anderson and you in one house. For you may have many opportunities of strengthening each others hands in God. It is well that Satan is constrained to show himself so plainly in the case of those poor demoniacs. Thereby he weakens his own kingdom and excites us to assault him more zealously. In the beginning of the work in England and Ireland we had many instances of the kind. But he now chooses to assault us by subtlety more than by strength. I wish you would do all you possibly can to keep our brethren in peace with each other. And your pains will not be lost on poor John McGeary. [See letters of Feb. 20, 1787, and Feb. 27, 1789.] There is much good in him. Indeed, he is naturally of a bold, forward temper; but I hope his zeal is now according to knowledge. Undoubtedly you know the objections which John Hoskins makes to John Stretton. [See next letter, and that of Nov. 21, 1789.] If there is any ground for them, should you not freely and lovingly talk with Brother Stretton. Praying that you may increase with all the increase of God, I am Your affectionate friend and brother. To John Stretton GLOUCESTER, March 19, 1788.