Wesley Corpus

Greenwood at Newington upwards of fifteen months. The Physicians then advised him to make a trial of the Hot-Well water, near Bristol. “I was desired by Mr. and Mrs. Ireland,” (who took him down in April, 1777) says Miss Thornton, “to bear them company thither; which I willingly did. Indeed I looked upon it as a call from God; nor could I desire a greater honour, than to 310 LIFE OF MIt. FLETCHER. share in the employment of angels, in ministering to a dis tinguished heir of salvation. At Brislington, near Bristol, he continued in the same holy, earnest course as at Newington. Every day he drank the Hot-Well water, and it agreed with him well. So that he appeared to gather a little strength; though not so swiftly as was expected. And all the strength which he received, he laid out in labours of love, for the benefit of all those, rich or poor, whom Providence cast in his way. 2. “Whenever he was in company, it was his general method, so far as his strength would admit, to pray particularly for every person present. And from his habitual prayer resulted that life and energy in his words, which every one that was blessed with his society felt more or less. Now and then likewise he adventured to pray in the family. But he was not wary enough in this. He more than once so much exerted himself, that he was brought very low. As soon as he was well enough to write, he was intent upon finishing two treatises for the press. The Plan of Reconciliation, in particular, lay very near his heart. He longed to conclude it before he died, which he wished to do, breathing peace to Jerusalem, and pointing out to the children of God the most probable means of effecting it; of uniting together, in the bonds of peace and love, all the true Ministers and followers of Jesus.” 3. From Bristol he wrote to a friend thus: “I thank God I am not afraid of any evil tidings: My heart standeth fast, believing in the Lord, and desiring Him to do with me just what pleases Him. With respect to my body, my Physician hopes I shall do well. And so I hope and believe too. For health or sickness, life or death, is best when the Lord sends it.