Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR BROTHER, -- I hope Sammy Bradburn's illness will be a lasting blessing to him, and perhaps as long as he lives. I did not mean to give Billy Hunter the five pounds as a dismission. If his strength returned, he might in a few months return to his work; but I doubt whether it will return or not, [William Hunter, jun., was Rodda's younger colleague.] whether he will ever be fit for a traveling preacher. You have done exactly right in the business of Dewsbury, which will be a warning to us for ever. So........ and may when business of the same kind. While I live no steps shall be taken toward the building any preaching-house till the trustees have given bond to settle it on our plan as soon as they are indemnified. [See letter in Jan. 1791 to him.] Peace be with you and yours. -- I am, dear Richard, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Mr. Rodda. At the Preaching-house. In Manchester. To Mary Smith [18] NEAR LONDON, November 20, 1789. Your affectionate letter, my dear Molly, gave me much satisfaction. I am glad to find that the power of God is shown in your weakness, and enables you in the trying hour to possess your soul in patience. I have [never] yet known sincere obedience to parents go unrewarded even in the present world. [See letter of Oct. 16 about John Stamp.] And I accept the remarkable length of my own life and the uncommon health I have enjoyed as a reward of my saving my father from prison and comforting my mother in her declining years. Go on, my dear maiden, you and my precious Janey, to be the support and joy of their age; chiefly by your eminent growth in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has given you both to taste a little of His loving-kindness, which is better than the life itself. And I am persuaded each of you can say, Wealth, honour, pleasure, and what else This short-enduring life can give, Tempt as ye wfil, my soul repels, To Christ alone resolved to live. To His tender care I commend you with all the family; and am, my dear Molly, Affectionately yours. To Miss Smith, At Mr. Smith's, Cormmerchant's, Newcastle-on-Tyne. To William Black [19] LONDON, November 21, 1789.