82. - To the Rev. Mr. Charles Wesley.
return to Madeley by my word so publicly pledged, as well as to raise a little money for my journey. Were it not for these circumstances, I believe I should pay you a visit at Bristol, notwithstanding my misanthropy. The hamper, which you mention, and for which I thank you, provided it be the last, arrived three days before my departure; but not knowing what it was, nor for whom it was intended, I put it in my cellar without opening it. I want the living water rather than cider, and righteousness more than clothes. I fear, however, lest my unbelief should make me set aside the fountain whence it flows, as I did your hamper. Be that as it may, it is high time to open the treasures of Divine mercy, and to seek in the heart of Jesus for the springs of love, righteousness, and life. The Lord give us grace so to seek that we may find, and be enabled to say, with the woman in the Gospel, “I have found the piece of silver which I had lost.” If your affairs do not really call you to France, I will wait until Providence and grace shall open a way for me to the mountains of Switzerland, if I am ever to see them again. Adieu. Give yourself wholly to God. A divided heart, like a divided kingdom, falls naturally by its own gravity, either into darkness or into sin. My heart’s desire is, that the love of Jesus may fill your soul, and that of your unworthy and greatly obliged servant, J. FLETCHER.
82. - TO THE REV. MR. CHARLES WESLEY.
MADELEY, Jan., 1775.
MY VERY DEAR SIR, - I thank you for your letter, and your very friendly postscript to your brothers I am glad you did not altogether disapprove of my “Essay on Truth.” The letter, I grant, professeth but little until the Spirit animates it. I had, some weeks ago, one of these touches, which realize, or rather spiritualise the letter, and it convinced me more than ever, that what I say in this tract of the Spirit and of faith is truth. I am also persuaded that the faith and spirit, which belong to perfect Christianity, are at a very low ebb even among believers. When the Son of man cometh to set up his kingdom, shall he find Christian faith upon the earth? Yes; but I fear as little as he found of Jewish faith when he came in the flesh.
I believe you can rest either with the easy Antinomian or the busy Pharisee. You and I have nothing to do but to die to all that is of a sinful nature, and to pray for the power of an endless life. God make us faithful to our convictions, and keep us from the snares of outward things. You are in danger from music, children, poetry; and I from speculation, controversy, sloth, &c, &c. Let us watch against the deceitfulness of self and sin in all their appearances.
What power of the Spirit do you find among the believers in London? What openings of the kingdom? Is the well springing up in many hearts? Are many souls dissatisfied, and looking for the kingdom of God in power? Watchman, what of the night? - What of the day? - What of the dawn? I feel the force of what you say in your last about the danger of so encouraging the inferior dispensation, as to make people rest short of the faith which belongs to perfect Christianity. I have tried to obviate it in some parts of the Equal Check, and hope to do it more effectually in my reply to Mr. Hill’s Creed for Perfectionists. Probably I shall get nothing by my polemic labours but loss of friends, and charges of “novel chimeras,” on both sides. I expect a letter from you on the subject: write with openness, and do not fear to discourage me, by speaking your disapprobation of what you dislike. My aim is to be found at the feet of all, bearing and forbearing, until truth and love bring better days. I am, Rev. and dear sir, your most affectionate brother and son in the Gospel,
J. FLETCHER.
83. - TO MR. CHARLES PERRONET.
BRISTOL, July 12, 1776.
MY VERY DEAR BROTHER. - Having an opportunity of writing a line to you, by a friend whom I meet daily at the hot well, and who is about to set out for Canterbury, I gladly embrace this opportunity of thanking you for your last favour about my health. I am here, drinking the waters; with what effect time will show. The Lord keeps me hanging by a thread: he weighs me in the balance for life and death: I trust him for the choice: he knows, far better than I, which is the best; and I leave all to his unerring wisdom. The fumigating medicine you recommend me, is advertised in the pump room; but my physician says it is not proper in my case. I fumigate my lungs with vinegar, drink the waters, and live upon vegetables. These, with