Wesley Corpus

But not long after he wrote as follows, to one of his parishioners at Madeley: “I HAVE the more readily complied with the request of my friends to stay here” (at Nyon) “a little longer, as it was so earnestly backed by the little society which is gathered in this place. About three weeks ago they got about me, and besought me on their knees, with many tears, to stay till they were a little stronger, and able to stand alone. Nor would they be persuaded to rise, till they had got me to comply. Happy would it be for us all, if we prayed so earnestly to Him who can give substantial blessings !* “Two days ago I went to Geneva, and spoke to a carrier, to take me back to London; but his coach was full. Yester day another came, and said he would take us at a fortnight’s notice. The Lord is always ready to give us a lift to the kingdom of grace, through which we must pass to the kingdom of glory. The comfort of this journey is, that we may travel all together, though our bodies are far asunder. For Christ the way is everywhere, and faith is (like his word) one and the same in every age and place. So is holiness; for in all places we may love God with all our heart, and our neigh bour as ourselves. I hope you and all your brethren travel thus; and that you journey like St. Paul, who travelled so hard, that he was running a race for a prize, a crown of life.” 24. In spring, 1781, he set out for England. But Mr. Perronet was then exceeding ill, having all the symptoms of an approaching consumption. He could not therefore keep pace with Mr. Fletcher; who, being on his journey, wrote to him as follows: “LYoNs, April 6, 1781. “WE are both weak and both afflicted; but Jesus careth for us. He is everywhere. He has all power to deliver us; and perhaps by ways we little think of. It was of the Lord that you did not come with me; you would have been sick, as I am. I am overdone with riding and preaching; indeed twice I preached in the fields. I carry home with me much weakness: The Lord’s will be done.