Wesley Corpus

When you contracted a prejudice in favor of the Church of Rome, I did not regard your embracing such and such opinions (were they right or wrong), but your being cut off from those instructions which you then especially needed. Had you attentively read but a small part of my writing (which Providence recommended to your attention by your near relation to me), or had you so diligently attended my ministry as you ought to have done, you would have known more of that religion than you do now: Christ in you the hope of glory, Christ reigning in your heart and subduing all things to Himself. And I lament that fatal step, your relinquishing those places of worship where alone this religion is inculcated, I care not a rush for your being called a Papist or Protestant. But I am grieved at your being an heathen. Certain it is that the general religion both of Protestants and Catholics is no better than refined heathenism. O Sammy, you are called to something better than this 1 You are called to know and love the God of glory, to live in eternity, to walk in eternity, and to live the life which is hid with Christ in God. Hearken to the advice of one that stands on the edge of eternity. In spite of prejudice, go and hear that word which is able to save your soul. Give God your heart. Consider these, my dear Sammy, as probably the dying words of Your affectionate Uncle. To Thomas Wride DARLINGTON, May 5. 1790. DEAR TOMMY, -- It was a little thing to me, when I was able to ride on horseback, to strike a few miles out of my way. But that time is past. All I can do now is to visit the chief Societies. I hope to see our friends in Weardale and Barnard Castle, and I believe that will be as much as I must attempt. I hope you have now got quit of your queer, arch expressions in preaching, and that you speak as plain and dull as one of us. [Wride was now in the Dales. See letter in Dec. 1786 to Bradburn.] -- I am, dear Tommy, Your affectionate friend and brother. To Henry Moore ALNWICK, May 12, 1790.