Wesley Corpus

Nay, Tommy, nay: you are more nice than wise. I have seen worse verses than these, even in print, in the very poems of William Darney. [For Darney (who published a Collection of Hymns in Four Parts in 1751) see letter of Feb. 9, 1750.] The rhymes are not bad. Why should you damp a rising genius If he and [you] were to set your wits together, you would surely produce something! Deal very gently with the young man. I am persuaded he will take advice. You did exceeding well with regard to the house proposed to be built at Brompton. We have fresh warning. Good Brother Coates and Todd have given our preaching-house at North Shields to John Atlay and William Eels. [See letter of April 11 to Peter Mill.] So you see what we have to trust to. But you must deal exceedingly tenderly with them. Not one harsh or passionate word, or they will make their advantage of it. Above all, you should make it a matter of prayer. -- I am, dear Tommy, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Mrs. Mullis NEW CHAPEL [LONDONDERRY], May 31, 1789. MY DEAR SISTER, -- You are right in your judgment that God never withdraws the light of His countenance but for some fault in us; and in order to retain that light you should carefully follow the conviction He gives you from time to time. You should likewise labor to avoid all unprofitable reasonings; then you will soon walk in the light as He is in the light. -- I am, my dear sister, Your affectionate brother. To John Bredin LONDONDERRY, June 1, 1789. MY DEAR BROTHER, -- My belief is that neither one air nor another signifies a straw. The matter of complaint lies within, not without; and if anything could remove it, it would be the taking an ounce of lime water every morning for sixteen days and ten drops of elixir of vitriol in a glass of pure water every afternoon. Meantime you should walk an hour at least every day, five or ten minutes at a time; -- when it is fine, in the open air; when it rains, in the house. [See letters of Nov. 16, 1785 (to him), and Oct. 17, 1790.]