Wesley Corpus

It was a providence indeed that the flood did not begin in the night rather than in the day. So it is that judgment is usually mixed with mercy, that sinners may be awakened and not destroyed. I liked well to lodge at Brother Laffan's [See Feb. 9, 1783.] when I was in Cork last; but certainly I shall like much better to lodge with Brother Rogers and you. I shall be more at home with you than I could be anywhere else in Cork. I still find (blessed be God) a gradual increase of strength, and my sight is rather better than worse. If my life and health be continued, I shall endeavor to reach Dublin about the end of March and Cork before the end of June. Peace be with your spirits! -- I am, my dear Hetty, Yours most affectionately. To Joseph Taylor LONDON, February 11, 1789. DEAR JOSEPH, -- I am glad to hear that the little stumbling-blocks in your circuit are so happily removed. [See letter of Nov. 16, 1788.] Undoubtedly after I am gone several of our preachers will leave the Church; perhaps all that have not a single eye -- that desire honor, or money, or anything upon earth. But I hope I shall not live to see this. While I am here let us go on in the old way. There is no danger of my seeing Nottingham this year. On the 2nd of March I hope to be in Bath, on the 4th at Bristol, on the 17th at Gloucester, the 21st at Birmingham, and then in Dublin as soon as I can. -- I am, dear Joseph, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Thomas Roberts LONDON, February 12, 1789. DEAR TOMMY, -- You send me good news indeed. I congratulate you upon your deliverance. [See letter of Jan. 18, 1788, to him.] It is not a little one. Only He that is almighty was able to burst those bonds in sunder. Many years ago I was in exactly the same case; and just then, when I came to these words in the Lesson for the day, 'Son of man, behold I take from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke,' [See letter of Feb. 14, 1786.] I was quite stunned, and could not just then read a word more. But afterwards I saw God was wiser than me.