To Mr. Thomas Rankin

CCCVIII. — To Mr. Thomas Rankin.

MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, February 20, 1762.

BY all means go into Sussex again. And you may continue in that Circuit till another Preacher comes. I trust God has sent you thither for the good of others, and of your own soul. Be exact in observing and in enforcing all the Rules of our Society. Then you will see more and more fruit of your labor.

I am

Your affectionate brother.

CCCIX. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, BRISTOL, September 21, 1764.

I SOMETIMES wonder that all our Preachers are not convinced of this, — that it is of unspeakable use to spread our practical tracts in every society. Billy Pennington, in one year, sold more of these in Cornwall, than had been sold for seven years before. So may you, if you take the same method. Carry one sort of books with you the first time you go the round, another sort the second time; and so on. Preach on the subject at each place; and after preaching encourage the congregation to buy and read the tract.

Neither James Mitchell nor William Thomas was without blame. We must make allowance when they tell their own story: But if they now behave well, it is all we desire.

Some years since there was something done in the way you mention, concerning brother Triggs. I remember two or three of our brethren from the west coming to London, recommended by Billy Roberts. The particulars he can best inform you of, as well as what success they had. Peace be with your spirit!

I am

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCX. — To the Same.

MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, November 2, 1764.

AT the request of several of our Preachers, I have at length abridged Goodwin’s “Treatise on Justification.” I trust it will stop the mouths of gainsayers concerning imputed righteousness; and teach them (at least the most candid) to speak as the oracles of God.

I desire you to read the proposal and preface in every society within your Circuit: Then enforce it, as you see best, both in public and private conversation. Spare no pains. Exert yourself. See what you can do. Give this proof of your love for the truth, for the people, and for Your affectionate friend and brother.

N. B. Be careful to keep an exact list of all the subscribers’ names in each society; and also to leave a copy thereof with the person who takes care of the books.

CCCXI. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, LONDON, November 6, 1764.

IF the Crowan or Buryan society are able to bear the expense of building themselves, we have no objection; but we must not increase our debt this year. This is what we determined. If you do build, build large enough. In general, we do not pay rent out of the public stock; but get help from friends in the Circuit. For once, we may allow forty shillings. I shall write to Plymouth-Dock this post. I hope John Cattermole (a sound man) will come and help you. I shall either mend William Darney, or end him. He must not go on in this manner.

Spread the little tracts wherever you go. You know the solid good which results therefrom. Go on; spend and be spent for a good Master. I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCXII. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, LONDON, December 15, 1764.

I WILL send a man down to W. Darney, that is as rough as himself; namely, T. Bryant. But he is much changed for the better, and I think will not now jar with you. You need not indeed be very near one another: Cornwall is wide enough. Otherwise, let T. Bryant stay in Devonshire, and Peter Price move westward. John Cattermole sticks fast at Kingswood, and can get no farther.

I wish you could conquer J. Paynter too. And who knows? Love may do the deed.

Want of sleep will occasion hoarseness. You should sleep at least six hours in twenty-four, either at once or at twice.

For hoarseness, look into the “Primitive Physic;” and try, one after another, if need be, the garlic, the apple, the conserve, and the balsam. I know not how you will procure subscribers to Goodwin, while you are pressing the general subscription.

I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend.

CCCXIII. — To the Same.

MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, March 9, 1765.

NOTHING can hurt you, if you are calm, mild, and gentle to all men, especially to the forward. I think you have done all you could do at present for poor brother Jane. I will send to William Atkinson, and ask him how the house is settled. I know nothing about it; for I never saw the writings.

I suppose the Bill intended to be brought into Parliament will never see the light. The great ones find other work for one another. They are all at daggers’ drawing among themselves. Our business is, to go straight forward.

I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCXIV. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, ST. JOHN’S, September 11, 1765.

THERE is a good work in Cornwall. But where the great work goes on well, we should take care to be great in little things.

I will tell you several of these, just as they occur to my mind. Grace Paddy, at Redruth, met in the select society, though she wore a large glittering necklace, and met no band.

They sing all over Cornwall a tune so full of repetitions and flourishes, that it can scarce be sung with devotion. It is to those words, — “Praise the Lord, ye blessed ones.”

Away with it. Let it be heard no more.

They cannot sing our old common tunes. Teach these everywhere. Take pains herein.

The societies are not half supplied with books; not even with Jane Cooper’s Letters, or the two or three Sermons which I printed last year: No, not with the shilling Hymn-Book, or “Primitive Physic.” They almost universally neglect fasting.

The preaching-houses are miserable, even the new ones. They have neither light nor air sufficient; and they are far, far too low, and too small. Look at Yarm house.

We have need to use all the common sense God has given us, as well as all the grace.

I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

Recommend the Notes on the Old Testament in good earnest. Every society, as a society, should subscribe. Remind them, everywhere, that two, four, or six might join together for a copy, and bring the money to their Leader weekly.

CCCXV. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, LONDON, November 18,

1765.

YOU have satisfied me with regard to the particulars which I mentioned in my letter from Cornwall. Only one thing I desire you to remember, — Never sit up later than ten o’clock; no, not for any reason, (except a watch-night,) not on any pretense whatsoever. In general, I desire you would go to bed about a quarter after nine.

Likewise, be temperate in speaking; never too loud, never too long: Else Satan will befool you; and on pretense of being more useful, quite disable you from being useful at all.

Richard Henderson desired that he might be the bookkeeper this year in Wiltshire, and save me two shillings in the pound. But whoever you approve of, so do I. Write to Mr. Franks accordingly.

I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCXVI. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, LONDON, March 1, 1775.

I THINK the March packet will do as well as the April packet; so I answer you without delay.

As soon as possible, you must come to a full and clear explanation, both with brother Asbury (if he is recovered) and with Jemmy Dempster. But I advise brother Asbury to return to England the first opportunity. There is now a probability that God will hear the prayer, and turn the counsels of Ahithophel into foolishness. It is not unlikely that peace will be re-established between England and the colonies. But certainly the present doubtful situation of affairs may be improved to the benefit of many. They may be strongly incited now “to break off their sins by repentance, if it may be a lengthening of their tranquillity.” I am, my dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

P.S. Tomorrow I intend to set out for Ireland.

I add a line to all the Preachers:——

MY DEAR BRETHREN, LONDON, March 1, 1775.

YOU were never in your lives in so critical a situation as you are at this time. It is your part to be peace-makers; to be loving and tender to all; but to addict yourselves to no party. In spite of all solicitations, of rough or smooth words, say not one word against one or the other side. Keep yourselves pure: Do all you can to help and soften all: But beware how you adopt another’s jar.

See that you act in full union with each other: This is of the utmost consequence. Not only let there be no bitterness or anger, but no shyness or coldness, between you. Mark all those that would set one of you against the other. Some such will never be wanting. But give them no countenance; rather ferret them out, and drag them into open day. The conduct of T. Rankin has been suitable to the Methodist plan: I hope all of you tread in his steps. Let your eye be single. Be in peace with each other, and the God of peace will be with you.

I am, my dear brethren,

Your affectionate brother. 88

CCCXVII. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, PORTARLINGTON, April 21, 1775.

I AM glad there is so good an understanding between Jemmy Dempster and you. He is an upright man, and, unless I am much mistaken, a friend both to the Methodist doctrine and discipline.

I am sorry for poor T. R. It is certain God did lift up his head; and I hoped that his besetting sin would no more gain dominion over him. However, you must in nowise give him up. And he has much more need of comfort than of reproof. His great danger is despair.

Brother Asbury has sent me a few lines, and I thank him for them. But I do not advise him to go to Antigua. Let him come home without delay. If one or two stout, healthy young men would willingly offer themselves to that service, I should have no objection; but none should go, unless he was fully persuaded in his own mind.

You are a bold man, Tommy, to commence author in these critical times. I wish the success may answer your expectation: There is a call for every help. I am afraid you will soon find a day of trial: The clouds are black both over England and America. It is well if this summer passes over without some showers of blood. And if the storm once begins in America, it will soon spread to Great Britain.

I have a friendly letter from ————, who writes warmly against the — ———. Pray remember my love to him and his wife. I am glad to find he is still walking in the good old way. He sends me word that one or two men of fortune are gone out to preach the Gospel. If they are, I expect little from them. God hath chosen the weak to confound the strong. Go on, doing and suffering the will of our Lord!

I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCXVIII. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, BALLINROBE, May 19, 1775.

THAT letters travel very slow from us to America is a great inconvenience. But it is a still greater, that they travel so uncertainly: Sometimes reaching you too late, sometimes not at all.

I doubt not but brother Asbury and you will part friends: I shall hope to see him at the Conference. He is quite an upright man. I apprehend, he will go through his work more cheerfully when he is within a little distance from me.

We must speak the plain truth, wherever we are, whether men will hear, or whether they will forbear. And among our societies we must enforce our Rules, with all mildness and steadiness. At first, this must appear strange to those who are as bullocks unaccustomed to the yoke. But after a time, all that desire to be real Christians see the advantage of it I am afraid Mr. B. is a weak brother, a little enlightened in his understanding, and having a kind of faith. But I would rather (of the two) be in the case of poor T. R., than of him. I think there is more probability of his being a real Christian, than of the other’s.

Never was there a time, when it was more necessary for all that fear God, both in England and in America, to stir up the gift of God that is in them, and wrestle with God in mighty prayer. In all the other judgments of God, the inhabitants of the earth learn righteousness. When a land is visited with famine, or plague, or earthquake, the people commonly see and acknowledge the hand of God. But wherever war breaks out, God is forgotten, if he be not set at open defiance. What a glorious work of God was at Cambuslang and Kilsythe, from 1740 to 1744! But the war that followed tore it all up by the roots, and left scarce any trace of it behind; insomuch that when I diligently inquired a few years after, I could not find one that retained the life of God!

I am, my dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCXIX. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, CLARMAIN, near ARMAGH, June 13, 1775.

I AM afraid our correspondence for the time to come will be more uncertain than ever; since the sword is drawn: And it is well if they have not on both sides thrown away the scabbard. What will the end of these things be, either in Europe or America? It seems, huge confusion and distress, such as neither we nor our fathers had known! But it is enough, if all issues in glory to God, and peace and goodwill among men.

I am sorry for poor T. R. I well hoped God had thoroughly healed his backsliding, and so lifted up his head that he would have fallen no more. But the case is not desperate yet: You must in nowise give him up. I have scarcely ever known an habitual drunkard finally reclaimed, before he had relapsed more than once or twice. Your point is, first save him from the occasions of sin: Then incite him, not to cast away hope. Nothing but this, despair of conquering, can totally destroy him. As long as he keeps up the faintest hope, he will strive against sin.

My brother wrote me word, that he had received a copy of the tract that you have written. Something of the kind may be very seasonable. Never had America such a call to repentance. For unless general reformation prevent general destruction, what a scene will soon be opened! Ruin and desolation must soon overspread the land, and fair houses be turned into ruinous heaps. But what are those strange phenomena which you speak of? Send me an account of just so much as you can depend upon. Should not you appoint in America (as we do in England and Ireland) one or more general days of fasting and prayer?

I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCXX. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, Near LEEDS, July 28, 1775.

I REJOICE to hear that the work of our Lord still prospers in your hands. If the temple is built even in troublous times, it is not by the power of man. I rejoice too over honest Francis Asbury, and hope he will no more enter into temptation. Do not despair of poor T. R. He is not out of God’s reach yet. I know no reason why we should not print the names of the American Preachers. You may print an edition of the “Christian Pattern,” and apply the profits of it to the payment of the debt. The societies should pay the passage of the Preachers. But you must not imagine that any more of them will come to America till these troubles are at an end.

Certainly this is the point which we should insist upon, in season and out of season. The universal corruption of all orders and degrees of men loudly calls for the vengeance of God; and inasmuch as all other nations are equally corrupt, it seems God will punish us by one another. What can prevent this, but a universal, or, at least, a general repentance? Otherwise we have great reason to fear, God will soon say, “Sword, go through that land, and destroy it.”

Those Clergymen should be lovingly advised not to hurt our Preachers. I will pay your arrears. We have only to live today! God will take care of tomorrow.

I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCXXI. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, LONDON, August 13, 1775.

I DO not give up T. R. yet; he is not out of God’s reach. I am not sorry that brother Asbury stays with you another year. In that time it will be seen what God will do with North America; and you will easily judge whether our Preachers are called to remain any longer therein. If they are, God will make their way plain, and give them favor even with the men that delight in war. In the civil wars of Rome, Atticus stood fair in the esteem of both the contending parties. And so did the Archbishop of Cambray, during the war in the Netherlands; not only the officers, but the common soldiers, when they went by, treating him with love and regard. The clouds do indeed gather more and more; and it seems a heavy storm will follow; certainly it will, unless the prayers of the faithful obtain a longer reprieve. A few weeks ago, I was at the gates of death, in the north of Ireland. But The fever felt His touch, and fled;

and I am now just as I was before it came.

You did well to remove the books into a place of safety, if any such can be found in America. It is no wonder that the spirits of the men who know not God are sharpened into madness; that human creatures commence lions and bears. This is the genuine fruit of war!

Certainly, if they persecute you in one city, you should flee to another. Peace be with your spirit!

I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCXXII. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, LONDON, October 20, 1775.

THE account given in our newspapers of my death was not wholly without foundation; for I was only not dead; my pulse being quite gone, and “the wheel at the cistern without motion.” But then our Lord stepped in, and

The fever own’d His touch, and fled.

My strength returned by swift degrees; and I am now at least as well as before my illness.

In the country places I believe you will have the largest harvest, where they know little and talk little about politics. Their hearts are engaged with something better, and they let the dead bury their dead. I am glad you are going into North Carolina; and why not into South Carolina too? I apprehend those provinces would bear much fruit, as most parts of them are fresh, unbroken ground. And as the people are farther removed from the din of war, they may be more susceptible of the Gospel of peace. A paper was sent to me lately, occasioned by the troubles in America; but it would not do good. It is abundantly too tart; and nothing of that kind will be of service now. All parties are already too much sharpened against each other: We must pour water, not oil, into the flame. I had written a little tract upon the subject before I knew the American ports were shut up. I think there is not one sharp word therein; I did not design there should. However, many are excessively angry; and would willingly burn me and it together. Indeed it is provoking: I suppose above forty thousand of them have been printed in three weeks and still the demand for them is as great as ever.

I was glad to receive yours by Captain Crawford. I am entirely of your mind. I am persuaded love and tender measures will do far more than violence. And if I should have an interview with a great man, (which seems to be not unlikely,) I will, by the grace of God, tell him so, without any

of others, and of your own soul. Be exact in observing and in enforcing all the Rules of our Society. Then you will see more and more fruit of your labor.

I am

Your affectionate brother.

CCCIX. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, BRISTOL, September 21, 1764.

I SOMETIMES wonder that all our Preachers are not convinced of this, — that it is of unspeakable use to spread our practical tracts in every society. Billy Pennington, in one year, sold more of these in Cornwall, than had been sold for seven years before. So may you, if you take the same method. Carry one sort of books with you the first time you go the round, another sort the second time; and so on. Preach on the subject at each place; and after preaching encourage the congregation to buy and read the tract.

Neither James Mitchell nor William Thomas was without blame. We must make allowance when they tell their own story: But if they now behave well, it is all we desire.

Some years since there was something done in the way you mention, concerning brother Triggs. I remember two or three of our brethren from the west coming to London, recommended by Billy Roberts. The particulars he can best inform you of, as well as what success they had. Peace be with your spirit!

I am

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCX. — To the Same.

MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, November 2, 1764.

AT the request of several of our Preachers, I have at length abridged Goodwin’s “Treatise on Justification.” I trust it will stop the mouths of gainsayers concerning imputed righteousness; and teach them (at least the most candid) to speak as the oracles of God.

I desire you to read the proposal and preface in every society within your Circuit: Then enforce it, as you see best, both in public and private conversation. Spare no pains. Exert yourself. See what you can do. Give this proof of your love for the truth, for the people, and for Your affectionate friend and brother.

N. B. Be careful to keep an exact list of all the subscribers’ names in each society; and also to leave a copy thereof with the person who takes care of the books.

CCCXI. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, LONDON, November 6, 1764.

IF the Crowan or Buryan society are able to bear the expense of building themselves, we have no objection; but we must not increase our debt this year. This is what we determined. If you do build, build large enough. In general, we do not pay rent out of the public stock; but get help from friends in the Circuit. For once, we may allow forty shillings. I shall write to Plymouth-Dock this post. I hope John Cattermole (a sound man) will come and help you. I shall either mend William Darney, or end him. He must not go on in this manner.

Spread the little tracts wherever you go. You know the solid good which results therefrom. Go on; spend and be spent for a good Master. I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCXII. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, LONDON, December 15, 1764.

I WILL send a man down to W. Darney, that is as rough as himself; namely, T. Bryant. But he is much changed for the better, and I think will not now jar with you. You need not indeed be very near one another: Cornwall is wide enough. Otherwise, let T. Bryant stay in Devonshire, and Peter Price move westward. John Cattermole sticks fast at Kingswood, and can get no farther.

I wish you could conquer J. Paynter too. And who knows? Love may do the deed.

Want of sleep will occasion hoarseness. You should sleep at least six hours in twenty-four, either at once or at twice.

For hoarseness, look into the “Primitive Physic;” and try, one after another, if need be, the garlic, the apple, the conserve, and the balsam. I know not how you will procure subscribers to Goodwin, while you are pressing the general subscription.

I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend.

CCCXIII. — To the Same.

MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, March 9, 1765.

NOTHING can hurt you, if you are calm, mild, and gentle to all men, especially to the forward. I think you have done all you could do at

present for poor brother Jane. I will send to William Atkinson, and ask him how the house is settled. I know nothing about it; for I never saw the writings.

I suppose the Bill intended to be brought into Parliament will never see the light. The great ones find other work for one another. They are all at daggers’ drawing among themselves. Our business is, to go straight forward.

I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCXIV. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, ST. JOHN’S, September 11, 1765.

THERE is a good work in Cornwall. But where the great work goes on well, we should take care to be great in little things.

I will tell you several of these, just as they occur to my mind. Grace Paddy, at Redruth, met in the select society, though she wore a large glittering necklace, and met no band.

They sing all over Cornwall a tune so full of repetitions and flourishes, that it can scarce be sung with devotion. It is to those words, — “Praise the Lord, ye blessed ones.”

Away with it. Let it be heard no more.

They cannot sing our old common tunes. Teach these everywhere. Take pains herein.

The societies are not half supplied with books; not even with Jane Cooper’s Letters, or the two or three Sermons which I printed last year: No, not with the shilling Hymn-Book, or “Primitive Physic.”

They almost universally neglect fasting.

The preaching-houses are miserable, even the new ones. They have neither light nor air sufficient; and they are far, far too low, and too small. Look at Yarm house.

We have need to use all the common sense God has given us, as well as all the grace.

I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

Recommend the Notes on the Old Testament in good earnest. Every society, as a society, should subscribe. Remind them, everywhere, that two, four, or six might join together for a copy, and bring the money to their Leader weekly.

CCCXV. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, LONDON, November 18,

1765.

YOU have satisfied me with regard to the particulars which I mentioned in my letter from Cornwall. Only one thing I desire you to remember, — Never sit up later than ten o’clock; no, not for any reason, (except a watch-night,) not on any pretense whatsoever. In general, I desire you would go to bed about a quarter after nine.

Likewise, be temperate in speaking; never too loud, never too long: Else Satan will befool you; and on pretense of being more useful, quite disable you from being useful at all.

Richard Henderson desired that he might be the bookkeeper this year in Wiltshire, and save me two shillings in the pound. But whoever you approve of, so do I. Write to Mr. Franks accordingly.

I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCXVI. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, LONDON, March 1, 1775.

I THINK the March packet will do as well as the April packet; so I answer you without delay.

As soon as possible, you must come to a full and clear explanation, both with brother Asbury (if he is recovered) and with Jemmy Dempster. But I advise brother Asbury to return to England the first opportunity. There is now a probability that God will hear the prayer, and turn the counsels of Ahithophel into foolishness. It is not unlikely that peace will be re-established between England and the colonies. But certainly the present doubtful situation of affairs may be improved to the benefit of many. They may be strongly incited now “to break off their sins by repentance, if it may be a lengthening of their tranquillity.” I am, my dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

P.S. Tomorrow I intend to set out for Ireland.

I add a line to all the Preachers:——

MY DEAR BRETHREN, LONDON, March 1, 1775.

YOU were never in your lives in so critical a situation as you are at this time. It is your part to be peace-makers; to be loving and tender to all; but to addict yourselves to no party. In spite of all solicitations, of rough or smooth words, say not one word against one or the other side. Keep yourselves pure: Do all you can to help and soften all: But beware how you adopt another’s jar.

See that you act in full union with each other: This is of the utmost consequence. Not only let there be no bitterness or anger, but no shyness

or coldness, between you. Mark all those that would set one of you against the other. Some such will never be wanting. But give them no countenance; rather ferret them out, and drag them into open day. The conduct of T. Rankin has been suitable to the Methodist plan: I hope all of you tread in his steps. Let your eye be single. Be in peace with each other, and the God of peace will be with you.

I am, my dear brethren,

Your affectionate brother. 88

CCCXVII. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, PORTARLINGTON, April 21, 1775.

I AM glad there is so good an understanding between Jemmy Dempster and you. He is an upright man, and, unless I am much mistaken, a friend both to the Methodist doctrine and discipline.

I am sorry for poor T. R. It is certain God did lift up his head; and I hoped that his besetting sin would no more gain dominion over him. However, you must in nowise give him up. And he has much more need of comfort than of reproof. His great danger is despair.

Brother Asbury has sent me a few lines, and I thank him for them. But I do not advise him to go to Antigua. Let him come home without delay. If one or two stout, healthy young men would willingly offer themselves to that service, I should have no objection; but none should go, unless he was fully persuaded in his own mind.

You are a bold man, Tommy, to commence author in these critical times. I wish the success may answer your expectation: There is a call for every help. I am afraid you will soon find a day of trial: The clouds are black both over England and America. It is well if this summer passes over without some showers of blood. And if the storm once begins in America, it will soon spread to Great Britain.

I have a friendly letter from ————, who writes warmly against the — ———. Pray remember my love to him and his wife. I am glad to find he is still walking in the good old way. He sends me word that one or two men of fortune are gone out to preach the Gospel. If they are, I expect little from them. God hath chosen the weak to confound the strong. Go on, doing and suffering the will of our Lord!

I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCXVIII. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, BALLINROBE, May 19, 1775.

THAT letters travel very slow from us to America is a great inconvenience. But it is a still greater, that they travel so uncertainly: Sometimes reaching you too late, sometimes not at all.

I doubt not but brother Asbury and you will part friends: I shall hope to see him at the Conference. He is quite an upright man. I apprehend, he will go through his work more cheerfully when he is within a little distance from me.

We must speak the plain truth, wherever we are, whether men will hear, or whether they will forbear. And among our societies we must enforce our Rules, with all mildness and steadiness. At first, this must appear strange to those who are as bullocks unaccustomed to the yoke. But after a time, all that desire to be real Christians see the advantage of it I am afraid Mr. B. is a weak brother, a little enlightened in his understanding, and having a kind of faith. But I would rather (of the two) be in the case of poor T. R., than of him. I think there is more probability of his being a real Christian, than of the other’s.

Never was there a time, when it was more necessary for all that fear God, both in England and in America, to stir up the gift of God that is in them,

and wrestle with God in mighty prayer. In all the other judgments of God, the inhabitants of the earth learn righteousness. When a land is visited with famine, or plague, or earthquake, the people commonly see and acknowledge the hand of God. But wherever war breaks out, God is forgotten, if he be not set at open defiance. What a glorious work of God was at Cambuslang and Kilsythe, from 1740 to 1744! But the war that followed tore it all up by the roots, and left scarce any trace of it behind; insomuch that when I diligently inquired a few years after, I could not find one that retained the life of God!

I am, my dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCXIX. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, CLARMAIN, near ARMAGH, June 13, 1775.

I AM afraid our correspondence for the time to come will be more uncertain than ever; since the sword is drawn: And it is well if they have not on both sides thrown away the scabbard. What will the end of these things be, either in Europe or America? It seems, huge confusion and distress, such as neither we nor our fathers had known! But it is enough, if all issues in glory to God, and peace and goodwill among men.

I am sorry for poor T. R. I well hoped God had thoroughly healed his backsliding, and so lifted up his head that he would have fallen no more. But the case is not desperate yet: You must in nowise give him up. I have scarcely ever known an habitual drunkard finally reclaimed, before he had relapsed more than once or twice. Your point is, first save him from the occasions of sin: Then incite him, not to cast away hope. Nothing but this, despair of conquering, can totally destroy him. As long as he keeps up the faintest hope, he will strive against sin.

My brother wrote me word, that he had received a copy of the tract that you have written. Something of the kind may be very seasonable. Never had America such a call to repentance. For unless general reformation prevent general destruction, what a scene will soon be opened! Ruin and

desolation must soon overspread the land, and fair houses be turned into ruinous heaps. But what are those strange phenomena which you speak of? Send me an account of just so much as you can depend upon. Should not you appoint in America (as we do in England and Ireland) one or more general days of fasting and prayer?

I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCXX. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, Near LEEDS, July 28, 1775.

I REJOICE to hear that the work of our Lord still prospers in your hands. If the temple is built even in troublous times, it is not by the power of man. I rejoice too over honest Francis Asbury, and hope he will no more enter into temptation. Do not despair of poor T. R. He is not out of God’s reach yet. I know no reason why we should not print the names of the American Preachers. You may print an edition of the “Christian Pattern,” and apply the profits of it to the payment of the debt. The societies should pay the passage of the Preachers. But you must not imagine that any more of them will come to America till these troubles are at an end.

Certainly this is the point which we should insist upon, in season and out of season. The universal corruption of all orders and degrees of men loudly calls for the vengeance of God; and inasmuch as all other nations are equally corrupt, it seems God will punish us by one another. What can prevent this, but a universal, or, at least, a general repentance? Otherwise we have great reason to fear, God will soon say, “Sword, go through that land, and destroy it.”

Those Clergymen should be lovingly advised not to hurt our Preachers. I will pay your arrears. We have only to live today! God will take care of tomorrow.

I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCXXI. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, LONDON, August 13, 1775.

I DO not give up T. R. yet; he is not out of God’s reach. I am not sorry that brother Asbury stays with you another year. In that time it will be seen what God will do with North America; and you will easily judge whether our Preachers are called to remain any longer therein. If they are, God will make their way plain, and give them favor even with the men that delight in war. In the civil wars of Rome, Atticus stood fair in the esteem of both the contending parties. And so did the Archbishop of Cambray, during the war in the Netherlands; not only the officers, but the common soldiers, when they went by, treating him with love and regard. The clouds do indeed gather more and more; and it seems a heavy storm will follow; certainly it will, unless the prayers of the faithful obtain a longer reprieve. A few weeks ago, I was at the gates of death, in the north of Ireland. But The fever felt His touch, and fled;

and I am now just as I was before it came.

You did well to remove the books into a place of safety, if any such can be found in America. It is no wonder that the spirits of the men who know not God are sharpened into madness; that human creatures commence lions and bears. This is the genuine fruit of war!

Certainly, if they persecute you in one city, you should flee to another. Peace be with your spirit!

I am, dear Tommy,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCXXII. — To the Same.

DEAR TOMMY, LONDON, October 20, 1775.

THE account given in our newspapers of my death was not wholly without foundation; for I was only not dead; my pulse being quite gone, and “the wheel at the cistern without motion.” But then our Lord stepped in, and

The fever own’d His touch, and fled.

My strength returned by swift degrees; and I am now at least as well as before my illness.

In the country places I believe you will have the largest harvest, where they know little and talk little about politics. Their hearts are engaged with something better, and they let the dead bury their dead. I am glad you are going into North Carolina; and why not into South Carolina too? I apprehend those provinces would bear much fruit, as most parts of them are fresh, unbroken ground. And as the people are farther removed from the din of war, they may be more susceptible of the Gospel of peace. A paper was sent to me lately, occasioned by the troubles in America; but it would not do good. It is abundantly too tart; and nothing of that kind will be of service now. All parties are already too much sharpened against each other: We must pour water, not oil, into the flame. I had written a little tract upon the subject before I knew the American ports were shut up. I think there is not one sharp word therein; I did not design there should. However, many are excessively angry; and would willingly burn me and it together. Indeed it is provoking: I suppose above forty thousand of them have been printed in three weeks and still the demand for them is as great as ever.

I was glad to receive yours by Captain Crawford. I am entirely of your mind. I am persuaded love and tender measures will do far more than violence. And if I should have an interview with a great man, (which seems to be not unlikely,) I will, by the grace of God, tell him so, without any