Wesley Corpus

5. But, whatever the materials were, however complete our informations, yet I am thoroughly sensible of my own inability to draw such a portrait as Mr. Fletcher deserves. I have no turn at all for panegyric: I have never accustomed myself to it. It gives me therefore no small satisfaction to find, that this is in a great measure done to my hands. The picture is already drawn; and that by no mean pencil. All then which I shall attempt is, to retouch Mrs. Fletcher’s observations, and now and then to add a few articles, either from my own knowledge, or from the information of others. 6. The following are mostly her own words,--for where they are clear and expressive, as they generally are, I do not t}-ink it right to alter them for altering' sake: “Whatever he might be with regard to charity,” said she, “he was no less eminent for his spirit of faith. Indeed he was not so much led by sights or impressions (which many mistake for faith) as abundance of people have been; but by a steady, firm reliance upon the love and truth and faithfulness of God. His ardent desire was, so to believe, as to be a partaker of all the great and precious promises; to be a witness of all that mind which was in Christ Jesus. And being conscious that he must be crucified with his Master, or never reign with Him, he gave himself up to Him, whom he continually set before him, to lie in his hand as the passive clay. He would often say, ‘It is my business in all events, to hang upon the Lord, with a sure trust and confidence, that he will order all things in the best time and manner. Indeed it would be nothing to be a believer, nay, in truth, there would be no room for faith, if everything were seen here. But against hope to believe in hope, to have a full confidence in that unseen power which so mightily supports us in all our dangers and difficulties,-- this is the believing which is acceptable to God.” Sometimes. when I have expressed some apprehension of an approaching trial, he would answer, ‘I do not doubt but the Lord orders.