Wesley Corpus

In various parts of England as well as in America God has lately revived up many young men, who are full of life and fire and have spread the fire of love wherever their lot was cast. It was not well judged by Brother Asbury to suffer, much less indirectly to encourage, that foolish step in the late Conference. Every preacher present ought both in duty and in prudence to have said, 'Brother Asbury, Mr. Wesley is your father, consequently ours, and we will affirm this in the face of all the world.' It is truly probable the disavowing me will, as soon as my head is laid, occasion a total breach between the English and American Methodists. They will naturally say, 'If they can do without us, we can do without them.' But they will find a greater difference than they imagine. Next would follow a separation between themselves. Well, whatever may fall out to-morrow, let you and I live to-day! -- I am, dear Richard, Your affectionate friend and brother. To the Rev. Mr. Whatcoat, At Philip Rogers, Esq. In Baltimore, Maryland. Post to New York. To Walter Churchey [4] NEAR LONDON, July 22, 1788. My DEAR BROTHER, -- I am glad you spoke to Mr. Cowper. What pity is it that such talents as his should be employed in so useless a manner! [The reference is to The Task. See letters of Sept. 20, 1786, and Sept. 27, 1788.]