To Mr. Christopher Hopper
—————
CCLXXIV. — To Mr. Christopher Hopper.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LEEDS, March 24, 1761.
I STEPPED over from Manchester hither yesterday, and am to return thither tomorrow. I cannot fix my route through Scotland till I hear from Mr. Gillies: But I expect to be at Aberdeen in four or five weeks; and at Newcastle about the middle of May. My best friend (such she undoubtedly is, in a sense) remains still in London. I do not expect any change till the approach of death. And I am content. With regard to me, all is well.
John Nelson and John Manners both write to me from York, that they wish T. Olivers to spend some time longer in the Newcastle Circuit. I wish so too. I think it would be better for himself, and for many others. O let us follow after the things which make for peace!
I am,
Yours affectionately.
Alas! Alas! So poor Jacob Rowell says, Mr. Wesley has nothing to do with his round; and all the societies in it, but Barnard-castle, are willing to separate. In God’s name, let one of you go into that round without delay! CCLXXV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, NORWICH, January 18, 1762.
PUBLIC affairs do look exceeding dark; and the clouds gather more and more. Yet the Lord sitteth above the water-floods, and remaineth a King for ever. And He (whatever be the lot of his enemies) shall give his people the blessing of peace.
If you do not establish good order in the Orphan-house, it is pity you should go there. This is the very design of your Master: For this end are you sent. Do just as I would do in every instance if I were in your place. Act just the thing that is right, whoever is pleased or displeased. I hereby give it under my hand, I will stand by you with all my might. I am glad you have had a free conversation with T. Olivers. There is good in him; though he is a rough stick of wood. But love can bow down the stubborn neck. By faith and love we shall overcome all things. Peace be with you and yours.
I am
Your ever affectionate brother.
I set out for London tomorrow.
CCLXXVI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, CORK, June 18, 1762.
SO your labor has not been in vain. I shall expect an account of the remaining part of your journey too. And you will be able to inform me of the real character and behavior of Robert Miller also. I do not rightly understand him. But I see James Kershaw and he do not admire one another.
Pray let me know, as particularly as you can, how William Fugill has behaved in Scotland; and what has hindered the increase of the work at Edinburgh. I thought the society would have been doubled before now. I expect to be in Dublin on Saturday, July 24: Then Providence will determine how I shall go forward, and whether I am to embark for Parkgate, Liverpool, or Holyhead, in my way to Leeds; where I hope to meet you all on August 10.
I am
Yours affectionately.
I hope you will all exert yourselves in the Midsummer collection for Kingswood.
CCLXXVII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, BRISTOL, September 3, 1763.
I AM much inclined to think you will be more useful this year than ever you have been in your life. From the first hour abate nothing of our Rules, whether of society or bands. Be a Methodist all over. Be exact in everything. Be zealous; be active. Press on to the one thing, and carry all before you. How much may be done before summer is at an end! Their little misunderstandings at Edinburgh you will soon remove, by hearing the parties face to face. I hope a Preacher is gone northward, and brother Roberts come southward. I hate delay. “The King’s business requires haste!”
I am, with love to S. Hopper,
Yours most affectionately.
Take the field everywhere as often as possible. Who goes to the Highlands now, quickly?
CCLXXVIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, WELLING, November 2, 1763.
“DUNDEE,” you say, “would be thankful for a Preacher.” But who would give him things needful for the body? He cannot live upon air; and we now expect that Scotland should bear its own burden. John Hampson you must think of no more. But I doubt our Newcastle friends are out of all patience for want of R. Roberts. In spring you will need a fourth Preacher. But what would he have to do?
Why, then, I think you must get the plat without Cannongate. “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” Sevenpence halfpenny! Pshaw! Let it be eightpence, even money. By-and-by we may give Mr. Trail more work. O let us work in this fruitful season! We join in love to S. Hopper and you.
I am
Yours affectionately.
CCLXXIX. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, BRISTOL, September 29, 1764.
MY judgment is this, — That it is best for you to be at Edinburgh (but in a more airy lodging, if it can be had for love or money) before the end of next month, James Kershaw at Dundee, and Tommy Hanby at Aberdeen. If you have either love or pity for him, let him not stay too long at Dundee. His mind is by no means strong enough to bear that weight of applause. At any rate take him out of the furnace, or he will be consumed. And you well know a change is best for the people, as well as best for him. Is it not easiest for him and you to change at a day appointed; and then for you to stay at Dundee till you are relieved by James Kershaw? Peace be with your spirits!
I am
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCLXXX. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, BRISTOL, October 16, 1765.
SO honest Sander has outrode all the storms, and got safe into the haven! The Lord does all things well. I should not wish to stay here any longer than I would be useful.
You and James Kershaw are considerate men. You must set your wits to work to find out ways and means. I will venture to answer for one fifty pounds, payable next August. Let our brethren pray in good earnest, and God will provide the rest.
I am
Yours affectionately.
I am returning to London.
CCLXXXI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, November 20, 1766.
THE letter now before me runs thus: “Sunderland, November 10. Mr. Hopper has been here preaching for a fortnight; and he proposes to come to live here, and be our Minister: And a house is to be built for him. Then we shall not want the Travelling Preachers so often. And I hope he will give us the sacrament.”
You must explain this to me yourself. I can say nothing to it; for I know nothing of the matter.
I am
Yours affectionately.
November 27, 1766.
IT is well my letter was overlooked till I came home: So one will do for two. John Fenwick will set out tomorrow morning, which is as soon as he could be spared from hence.
Nay, it is you must make the best of M. Fenwick. Cure him of his coxcomicality, and he may do good. If Mrs. Robinson continues to walk closely with God, I expect her health will continue.
Miss Lewen’s Will probably will be a nine days’ wonder. Mr. Whitefield acted according to the light he had: But I durst not have done so; because I am God’s steward for the poor.
We all join in love. Adieu!
CCLXXXII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, ATHLONE, June 18, 1767.
SOMETIMES the children forget the parents; but it is seldom that parents forget their children. I suppose it was the death of honest Paul Greenwood which occasioned the report of yours. He could ill be spared: But he was ready for the Bridegroom; so it was fit he should go to Him. Michael should take care to be either in Dublin, or in the north of Ireland, before the end of July. If it be possible for him to be a simple, plain man, pretending to nothing but to follow Christ, God will find him employment. And if he walk circumspectly and humbly in Ireland, the people of England will soon be reconciled to him.
I wish you joy of having full employment. You know, the more work the more blessing. There is good work to be done in this kingdom also; and many of our Preachers do it in good earnest. But we want more laborers; especially in the north, where one Preacher is increased into seven! and the people cry aloud for more. But, alas! we can neither make them, nor hire them!
I am, with love to S. Hopper,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
I hope to see you and honest John at the Conference. An exact account of the societies you will bring with you.
CCLXXXIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, November 20,
1769.
IF she will return of her own accord, I will receive her with open arms. But I will not hire her to return. I think that would be foolish, nay, sinful.
Brother Fazzard was a good man, though for some years his head was a good deal wrong. I hope Brother Greenwood continues right, and is no longer puzzled by the smooth speakers.
If you love the souls or bodies of men, recommend, everywhere, the “Primitive Physic,” and the small tracts. It is true, most of the Methodists are poor; but what then? Nine in ten of them would be no poorer, if they were to lay out a whole penny in buying a book every other week in the year. By this means, the work of God is both widened and deepened in every place.
I am, with love to S. Hopper,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCLXXXIV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, January 16, 1770.
THERE is reason to believe that this has been indeed a festival time all over the kingdom. While a Sacheverell madness has spread far and wide, God gives us the spirit of love and of a sound mind.
I think verily, if we could procure those premises upon reasonable terms, together with such a servitude or security (are these synonymous terms?) as you mention, it would be a noble acquisition, and might tend much to the furtherance of the work of God in Edinburgh.
If all the Assistants would exert themselves with regard to the Yearly Collection as heartily as Christopher Hopper, a great deal might be done. We must have farther proof of William.
I am, with love to S. Hopper,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCLXXXV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, October 13, 1770.
YOU are quite right. If a man preach like an angel, he will do little good without exact discipline. I am glad honest William Hodgson has been of use; and hope you have made him and his brother friends. I will trust you for letting any place be six or eight weeks without preaching. Let this evil be removed, and the congregations will increase on Wednesdays as well as Sundays. Pray warn your young man continually, (and yourself,) “Not too long, or too loud!” I am right glad honest R. Roberts has preached at the Cross. “Go thou, and do likewise.” I leave both the Vicar and the Curate in your hands. I have no concern with them. I let them drop. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might!
I am, with love to S. Hopper,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCLXXXVI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, December 21,
1770.
WE are sure God is wise in all his ways, and gracious in all his works. But many times the reasons of them are past finding out. We can only say, “It is the Lord; let Him do what seemeth him good.”
I wish that good young man, Mr. Hill, could be prevailed upon to cast in his lot among us. He is upright of heart, and bids very fair to be an useful laborer in our Lord’s vineyard.
I am, with love to sister Hopper,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCLXXXVII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, CORK, May 5, 1771.
THE work is to be delivered in weekly and monthly numbers: But it is of most use to have portable volumes. I have corrected as much as will make nine or ten out of the thirty volumes. All the verse works I have corrected, in conjunction with the Preachers, and left the corrected copy at London. If I live to finish the correction of my own works, I shall then revise the “Christian Library.” If ever you should spend a twelvemonth in this kingdom, you would not repent of your labor. Here is a people ready prepared for the Lord.
I am, with love to S. Hopper,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCLXXXVIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, October 13, 1771.
METHODIST Preachers cannot have always accommodations fit for gentlemen. But let us look upon David Brainerd, and praise God for what we have. In the general, your Circuit is one of the best in England. The living souls make us ample amends for the inconvenient houses. I am persuaded, wherever the Assistant is earnest in the matter, and has a little address and patience, the weekly contribution will answer the end. Difficulties we must expect; but, by the help of God, you will conquer them. If Tommy Hanson and you live till May, you may change again. I am, with love to S. Hopper,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCLXXXIX. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LEWISHAM, February 26, 1772.
WHEN Mr. Shirley (or rather Lady H.) published that wonderful Circular Letter, it was little imagined that it would be the occasion of establishing those very doctrines which it was intended to destroy. So different were God’s thoughts from men’s thoughts! T. Olivers was more afraid than hurt. We all agree in this: “By thy words thou shalt be justified” (in the last day); “and by thy words” (yea, and works) “thou shalt be condemned.”
April 6th I hope to be at Manchester; and thence to go, by Whitehaven, to Glasgow, Perth, and Aberdeen. My Welsh church has a fine air; but no land or money belonging to it. Peace be with you and yours! I am
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCXC. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, February 6, 1773.
I AGREED last year (though contrary to my judgment) that we would have no more weekly subscriptions. I purposed likewise, in my own mind, to concern myself with the debt no more. But upon reflection it seemed to me, there was one way still; namely, not to apply to the poor at all, (though I would not reject any that offered,) but to take the burden on myself, and try my personal interest with the rich. I began at London, where about five hundred pounds are subscribed. Afterwards, I wrote to many in the country. Liverpool Circuit has subscribed about an hundred pounds; Bradford Circuit, an hundred and thirty. It must be now or never. I do not know that I shall concern myself with this matter any more. Till now we have never had a rational prospect of clearing the whole debt in one year. Now it may be done. It certainly will, if our brethren in other Circuits do as those above mentioned have done. What I desire of you is,
to second the letters I have wrote, encouraging each man of property in your Circuit to exert himself; at least, to send me an answer: This, you know, is but common civility. Now do what you can; and show that you, my old friend, are not the last and least in love towards Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCXCI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LIVERPOOL, March 21, 1773.
YOU have saved us an hundred pounds with regard to the house at Bradford. An hundred pounds less shall serve there, which may be applied to better purposes. So you may use your free thoughts on any other head (directing to Dublin) when you please. It is certain there has been little management at the Orphan-House, or you would not have been a penny in debt. However, do all you can in your own way toward discharging the general debt. I do not know where Peggy Dale could have made a better choice. Peace be with your spirits!
I am
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCXCII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LEWISHAM, July 31, 1773.
I BELIEVE what you desire is for the glory of God, and have therefore no objection to your spending another year in the Newcastle Circuit. I am glad you have preached on the Ballast-hills. Follow the blow, and you will soon see the fruit. Billy Smith will nearly supply your place at the Conference; and you will find full employment where you are.
We have money in hand both for Dundee and Edinburgh: But I do not think right that a shilling more should be given to either till the houses are settled in another manner. I am sorry so much has been given already. I am
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCXCIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, August 7, 1773.
BEFORE any more money is paid for Dundee house, security must be given that the house shall be settled according to our plan as soon as the debt upon it is paid.
As to Edinburgh house, you say, “If they pay the interest and the out-rent, it is no matter whether you pay one shilling more.” No matter! What becomes then of the Preachers’ Fund? Blessed Committee, who lent near two hundred pounds out of it!
We have gone a few steps farther towards a general trust; but that matter goes on very slowly. You are to cure Robert Swan of preaching too long. We all judge it best that the four Preachers should follow one another through the whole Circuit.
I am, with love to S. Hopper,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCXCIV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, February 1, 1775.
I AM glad to hear so good an account with regard to the preaching-houses at Liverpool and Warrington. Indeed it may be doubted, whether we should contribute toward those houses which are not settled according to our plan. It pleases God to continue my strength hitherto; and my disorder gives me little uneasiness. I expect to be at Stroud, (from Bristol,) Monday, March 13; Tuesday, 14, at Worcester; Thursday, 16, Birmingham; Friday, 17, Newcastle; Saturday, 18, Macclesfield; Monday, 20, Manchester; Tuesday, 21, Northwich. Whether it will be more advisable then to steer by Chester or Liverpool I do not see clearly. Let us work while the day is.
I am, with love to S. Hopper,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
Surely it cannot be, that you should find in the house at Newcastle an account which John Fenwick sent me, and that you should send it back to him!
CCXCV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, November 11, 1775.
THERE was something very awful in that storm which I suppose reached all over England and Ireland; although it seems not to have been altogether so violent in London as in most other places. I am sorry for Captain Davis and his widow. The judgments of God are abroad. The prayer-meetings may be of great use, not only to individuals, but to the whole nation. I see nothing besides prayer that can avail. For the one question is, “Have we any right to tax, or no?” If we have, they are rebels, and accountable to God and man for all the blood that is shed. If we have not, they are innocent, and the blood lies at our door. Will they allow that right? or can we give it up?
I am, with love to S. Hopper,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCXCVI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, December 26,
1775.
I SEE no possibility of accommodation. The one point is, Has the supreme power a right to tax, or not? If they have, they cannot, they ought not to, give it up. But I say, as Dean Tucker, “Let them drop.” Cut off all other connection with them than we have with Holland or Germany. Four-and-thirty millions they have cost us to support them since Queen Anne died. Let them cost us no more. Let them have their desire, and support themselves.
You sent Harry Brooke one book; but I left two, the larger of which was not sent. If it is lost, I must buy another.
The disorder is universal throughout Great Britain and Ireland; but hitherto, scarce any die of it in London: So God lightly afflicts us at first. It is well if the people will now hear the rod, and Him that hath appointed it.
I am, with love to S. Hopper,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCXCVII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, Near LONDON, February 1, 1777.
J—— K—— is stark staring mad, more than ever John Reed was. He prophesies that “all the Methodists are to go over to America in the belly of a whale.” Take this as a specimen.
We shall not begin our building here before April. Probably I shall take a short journey (to Leeds, or Newcastle, or Dublin) once a month; but I must never be absent long at a time. How we shall be able to raise the money, I know not. But “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.” I am
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCXCVIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, BRISTOL, March 16, 1777.
MADMEN have often a deal of cunning; and this frequently puzzles the cause; so that sometimes we can hardly say whether the man is more fool or knave.
Right precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints; and much good is usually done at their funerals. You do well to improve all those opportunities.
Our friends are about laying the foundation of the new chapel; so that in a few days I must return to London. Then I shall consider what time I can spare from thence; and shall fix my spring and summer journeys accordingly.
I am, with love to S. Hopper,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCXCIX. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, October 18, 1777.
I BELIEVE what you say of ——— ——— is true; therefore I hindered the angry ones from falling upon him at the Conference.
There is no divine visitation which is likely to have so general an influence upon sinners as an earthquake. The rich can no more guard against it than the poor. Therefore, I have often thought this would be no undesirable event.
I hang out no false colors. Scriptural, Christian, etc., are all equivocal words. I mean a Magazine purposely wrote to defend Universal Redemption. Other Magazines give forty pages for sixpence; this gives eighty for a shilling. My time is short: So I publish as much as I can at once, if haply I may live to finish it. All these things I have maturely weighed.
I have said over and over, there are weighty reasons why no Preacher should ever be a Trustee. Sycophants are wide of this question. I am
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCC. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, February 21, 1778.
MANY angry opponents we are to expect; but they may say just what they please. It is my determination to answer none; but to go straight on my way.
On Sunday evening, March 1, I am to leave London. After spending a few days at Bristol, I purpose making the best of my way to Chester, in order to embark for Ireland. I hope to be in Dublin about the end of March. If so, I shall be able to visit all the societies before July. I am, with love to S. Hopper,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCCI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, October 31, 1778.
AT a General Conference David Evans was judged unqualified for a Travelling Preacher. At the last Conference we determined to receive no more married Preachers. For what reason? For an exceeding plain one, — because we cannot keep them. I cannot: If you can, you may. But the people cannot, or will not, keep any more.
J—— K——’s prophecies are very ingenious; and as authentic as Jacob Behmen’s.
I really think the French will burn their fingers. We are much obliged to them for making our countrymen friends with each other. I am glad the knotty affair at Bolton is concluded, and hope the sour man is now in a good humour.
I am, with love to sister Hopper,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCCII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, Near LONDON, February 16, 1780.
I DO not know that there is any matter of dispute between us, unless it be, whether you should do what I desire, or no. You are Assistant in Colne Circuit. I desire you to send me a plan of the Circuit: You send me an answer, but without the plan. I write again: You send a second answer, telling me, you have been very diligent for many years; and that you was the very person who introduced plans among us. Very good: But you send me no plan still; and till this comes, everything else is wide of the mark. I am
Your affectionate friend and brother.
Why should not you write an account of your life?
Isaac Waldron, T. Lee, W. Brammah, etc., etc., were not “strong and able men.” When any such obtrude themselves for easy Circuits, speak at that time, and you do something.
CCCIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, WHITTLEBURY, October 25, 1780.
IT was a shame that Keighley Circuit should be without preaching while there were so many Local Preachers all round it. Was John Oliver asleep, that he did not apply to the neighboring Assistants for help? We must get your goodly countenance by and by. Some of your children will continue: Many will draw back. The Conference is nearly printed. It will cost a groat at least!
God is cleansing England and America, and sweeping away the wicked with the besom of destruction. When that is done, glory will dwell in our land!
I am, with love to S. Hopper,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCCIV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, BRISTOL, August 31, 1784.
IT was your part to write to me, of the behavior of William Eells, particularly at Warrington, without waiting till I heard of it from so many other persons. Seeing I find I cannot overcome him by love, I am at length constrained to let him drop. Pray inform him, he is no longer in the number of our Itinerant Preachers. I shall today send another Preacher to supply his place in the Bolton Circuit. I have done all I could to save him; but it is in vain: So I must at length give him up.
I am
Your affectionate brother and friend.
CCCV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, REDRUTH, August 27, 1785.
THE utmost that can be done at present is, to permit him to preach as a Local Preacher; for I will not run my head against all the Conference, by reversing what they have determined. I cannot, with either decency or prudence, go any farther yet. If his behavior is unblamable in this lower station, by and by he may rise higher.
I am
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCCVI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, ———, 1788.
I SAID nothing, less or more, in Bradford church, concerning the end of the world, neither concerning my own opinion, but what follows: — That Bengelius had given it as his opinion, not that the world would then end, but that the millenial reign of Christ would begin in the year 1836. I have no opinion at all upon the head: I can determine nothing at all about it.