Wesley Corpus

'Tis pity but the remains of my brother had been deposited with me. Certainly that ground is holy as any in England, and it contains a large quantity of 'bonny dust.' We have all need to stir ourselves up before the Lord and to improve by this providence; and you may improve it much in speaking to the people, as I have done several times. Betsy must accept of my friendship instead of my brother's. -- I am Your affectionate friend and brother. A Printed Notice. MANCHESTER, April 12, 1788. Great are the advantages we have reaped for many years from the continual change of preachers, but this cannot subsist any longer than the places of all the preachers are appointed by one man or body of men. Therefore wherever Trustees are to place and displace the preachers this change, which we call Itinerancy, is at an end. It is for your sakes, not my own, that I wish this may continue, and the appointment of preachers, which now lies upon me, be afterwards executed by the Conference, not the Trustees of any of the Houses. Is it possible that Itinerancy should be continued by any other means This is all the contest, at present, between me and our brethren at Dewsbury. To Mrs. Charles Wesley MANCHESTER, April 12, 1788. DEAR SISTER, The account which Mr. Bradburn gave me of my brother's removal was very short and unsatisfactory. But the account which Sally has given me is just as it should be -- particular and circumstantial. I doubt not but the few solemn words that he spoke before he went hence will not soon be forgotten, but will prove a lasting blessing to all that heard them. [See next letter. Ten days before he died he took Samuel's hand, 'and pronounced with a voice of faith, "I shall bless God to all eternity that ever you were born. I am persuaded I shall!"'] If I may take upon me to give you a little piece of advice, it is, -- To keep little company; you have an handsome occasion of contracting your acquaintance, [See letter of April 21 to her.] and retaining only a small select number, such as you can do good to or receive good from. -- I am, my dear Sister, Your ever affectionate friend and brother. To his Niece Sarah Wesley [12] MANCHESTER, April 12, 1788.