To Mr. Joseph Benson

I am clearly satisfied that you will do well to spend a considerable part of your time at Madeley. But I can by no means advise you to spend all your time there. I think you are a debtor to several other places also; particularly to London and Yorkshire. Nay, and if we live, I should rejoice if you and I can contrive to be in those places at the same time: For I feel a great union of spirit with you. I cannot really tell you how much I am, my dear sister,

Yours invariably.

—————

CCCCL. — To Mr. Joseph Benson.

DEAR JOSEPH, WYCOMB, November 7, 1768.

YOU have now twenty more volumes of the “Philosophical Transactions.” Dr. Burton’s Latin and Greek Poems you have in the study. Malebranche, and some other books, are coming. Logic you cannot crack without a tutor: I must read it to Peter and you, if we live to meet. It would not be amiss if I had a catalogue of the books at Kingswood; then I should know the better what to buy. As fast as I can meet with them at sales, I shall procure what are yet wanting. But beware you be not swallowed up in books: An ounce of love is worth a pound of knowledge.

I am, dear Joseph,

Your affectionate brother.

CCCCLI. — To the Same.

MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, December 4, 1768.

I CANNOT yet convince you of one thing, (and it is a thing of importance,) that you may make greater progress in valuable knowledge, by reading those books, (particularly if read in that order,) than you can by reading any other books which are now extant in England. It follows, that your

friend B., in this respect, is not your friend. For he puts you out of your way; he retards you in the attainment of the most useful knowledge. He gratifies your curiosity (a bad principle too) at the expense of your improvement. It is better for you to read these books than his; which (if they are not hurtful or dangerous, at least) do not lead directly to the end you propose. Choose the best way.

I am, dear Joseph,

Your affectionate brother.

CCCCLII. — To the Same.

MY DEAR JOSEPH, SHOREHAM, December 22, 1768.

YOU do not quite take my meaning yet. When I recommend to any one a method or scheme of study, I do not barely consider this or that book separately, but in conjunction with the rest. And what I recommend I know; I know both the style and sentiments of each author; and how he will confirm or illustrate what goes before, and prepare for what comes after. Now, supposing Mr. Stonehouse, Roquet, or any other, to have ever so great learning and judgment, yet he does not enter into my plan. He does not comprehend my views, nor keep his eye fixed on the same point. Therefore, I must insist upon it, the interposing other books between these, till you have read them through, is not good husbandry. It is not making your time and pains go so far as they might go. If you want more books, let me recommend more, who best understand my own scheme. And do not ramble, however learned the persons may be that advise you so to do. This does indulge curiosity, but does not minister to real improvement, as a stricter method would do. No; you would gain more clearness and strength of judgment by reading those Latin and Greek books, (compared with which most of the English are whipped syllabub,) than by fourscore modern books. I have seen the proof, as none of your Bristol friends have done, or can do. Therefore, I advise you again, Keep to your plan, (though this implies continual self-denial,) if you would improve your understanding to the highest degree of which it is capable. I am, dear Joseph,

Your affectionate brother.

CCCCLIII. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, CORK, May 27, 1769.

YOU have now (what you never had before) a clear providential call to Oxford. If you keep a single eye, and have courage and steadiness, you may be an instrument of much good. But you will tread on slippery ground; and the serious persons you mention may do you more hurt than many others. When I was at Oxford, I never was afraid of any but the almost Christians. If you give way to them and their prudence a hair’s breadth, you will be removed from the hope of the Gospel. If you are not moved, if you tread in the same steps which my brother and I did, you may be a means, under God, of raising another set of real Bible Christians. How long the world will suffer them (whether longer than they did us or not) is in God’s hand.

With regard to Kingswood school, I have one string more: If that breaks, I shall let it drop. I have born the burden one-and-twenty years; I have done what I could: Now, let some one else do more.

I am, dear Joseph,

Your affectionate brother.

CCCCLIV. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, LONDON, December 26, 1769.

EVERY man of sense, who reads the rules of the school, may easily conclude that a school so conducted by men of piety and understanding will exceed any other school or academy in Great Britain or Ireland. In this sentiment you can never be altered. And if it was not so conducted since you were there, why was it not? You had power enough. You have all the power which I have. You may do just what you please; —

Dirue et aedifica; muta quadrata rotundis;

93

and I will second you to the uttermost.

Trevecka is much more to —— than Kingswood is to me. I mixes with everything. It is my College, my Masters, my Students. I do not speak so of this school. It is not mine, but the Lord’s. I look for no more honor than money from it.

I am glad you defer your journey; and am,

Dear Joseph,

Your affectionate brother.

CCCCLV. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, BRISTOL, October 5, 1770.

YOU need no apology for your writing: The more frequently and freely you write, the better. I cannot doubt, but your neighbor means well; but he is a thorough enthusiast, and has hardly one clear conception of anything, natural or spiritual. Mr. Keard, from Aberdeen, and Mr. Wootton, (our new writing-master, a man of an excellent spirit,) are at Kingswood. But does Mr. J. know the price? — Sixteen pounds a year. Does he know the rules of the school? Again: Of what age are the children? I will take none that is above nine years old: Now especially; because I will not have our children corrupted; nine of whom, together with our three maid servants, have just now experienced a gracious visitation, and are rejoicing in a pardoning God.

I am glad you had the courage to speak your mind on so critical an occasion. At all hazards, do so still; only with all possible tenderness and respect. She is much devoted to God, and has a thousand valuable and amiable qualities. There is no great fear that I should be prejudiced against one whom I have intimately known for these thirty years. And I know what is in man; therefore I make large allowance for human weaknesses. But what you say is exactly the state of the case. They are “jealous of their authority.” Truly there is no cause: Longe mea discrepat illi et vox et ratio. 94 I fear and shun, not desire, authority of any kind. Only when God lays that burden upon me, I bear it, for his and the people’s sake. “Child,” said my father to me, when I was young, “you think to carry everything by dint of argument. But you will find, by and by, how very little is ever done in the world by clear reason.” Very little indeed! It is true of almost all men, except so far as we are taught of God, — Against experience we believe,

We argue against demonstration;

Pleased while our reason we deceive,

And set our judgment by our passion.

Passion and prejudice govern the world; only under the name of reason. It is our part, by religion and reason joined, to counteract them all we can. It is yours, in particular, to do all that in you lies to soften the prejudices of those that are round about you, and to calm the passions from which they spring. Blessed are the peace-makers!

You judge rightly: Perfect love and Christian liberty are the very same thing; and those two expressions are equally proper, being equally scriptural. “Nay, how can they and you mean the same thing? They say, you insist on holiness in the creature, on good tempers, and sin destroyed.” Most surely. And what is Christian liberty, but another word for holiness? And where is this liberty or holiness, if it is not in the creature? Holiness is the love of God and man, or the mind which was in Christ. Now, I trust, the love of God is shed abroad in your heart, by the Holy Ghost which is given unto you. And if you are holy, is not that mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus?

And are not the love of God and our neighbor good tempers? And so far as these reign in the soul, are not the opposite tempers, worldly-mindedness, malice, cruelty, revengefulness, destroyed? Indeed, the unclean spirit, though driven out, may return and enter again; nevertheless, he was driven out. I use the word “destroyed,” because St. Paul does: “Suspended” I cannot find in my Bible. “But they say, you do not consider this as the consequence of the power of Christ dwelling in us.” Then what will they not say? My very words are, “None feel their need of Christ like these;

none so entirely depend upon him. For Christ does not give light to the soul separate from, but in and with, himself. Hence his words are equally true of all men, in whatever state of grace they are: ‘As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me: Without’ (or separate from) ‘me, ye can do nothing.’ For our perfection is not like that of a tree, which flourishes by the sap derived from its own root; but like that of a branch, which, united to the vine, bears fruit; but severed from it, is ‘dried up and withered.’” At length, veres vincor: 95 I am constrained to believe, (what I would not for a long time,) these are not the objections of judgment, but of passion; they do not spring from the head, but the heart. Whatever I say, it will be all one. They will find fault, because I say it. There is implicit envy at my power, (so called,) and a jealousy rising therefrom. Hence prejudice in a thousand forms; hence objections springing up like mushrooms. And while those causes remain, they will spring up, whatever I can do or say. However, keep thyself pure; and then there need be no strangeness between you and,

Dear Joseph,

Your affectionate brother.

CCCCLVI. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, LONDON, November 30, 1770.

FOR several years I had been deeply convinced, that I had not done my duty with regard to that valuable woman; that I had not told her what, I was thoroughly assured, no one else would dare to do, and what I knew she would bear from no other person, but possibly might bear from me. But being unwilling to give her pain, I put it off from time to time. At length I did not dare to delay any longer, less death should call one of us hence. So I at once delivered my own soul, by telling her all that was in my heart. It was my business, my proper business, so to do; as none else either could or would do it. Neither did I take at all too much upon me: I know the office of a Christian Minister. If she is not profited, it is her own fault, not mine: I have done my duty. I do not know, there is one charge in

that letter, which was either unjust, unimportant, or aggravated; any more than that against the doggerel hymns, which are equally an insult upon poetry and common sense.

We had a good time, both at the Tabernacle and Tottenham-Court chapel. The congregations were immense. Perhaps not a third part could come within hearing; and they were more quiet than could well have been expected. The sermon will be published on Monday, and sent down to Bristol. Mr. Reen and Hardy, his executors, have, I apprehend, the whole and sole disposal of the Tabernacle, Tottenham-Court chapel, and all the other houses which were occupied by Mr. Whitefield. The chapel and Tabernacle are supplied by Mr. Joss and Brooksbank; and Mr. Neale administers the sacrament there.

I find no such sin as legality in the Bible: The very use of the term speaks an Antinomian. I defy all liberty, but liberty to love and serve God; and fear no bondage, but bondage to sin. Sift that text to the bottom, and it will do the business of poor H—— and all his disciples: “God sent his own Son in the flesh, that the righteousness of the law might be fulfillled in us.” Justitia legis, justitia legalis! 96 Here is legality indeed! I am glad you come a little nearer the good old Emperor’s advice, Thn twn bibliwn diyan ripte. 97 That thirst is the symptom of an evil disease; and crescit indulgens sibi dirus hydrops. 98 What is the real value of a thing, but the price it will bear in eternity? Let no study swallow up, or entrench upon, the hours of private prayer. Nil tanti. 99 Simplify both religion and every part of learning as much as possible. Be all alive to God, and you will be useful to men!

I am, dear Joseph,

Your affectionate brother.

CCCCLVII. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, LONDON, December 28, 1770.

WHAT a blessing it is, that we can speak freely to each other, without either disguise or reserve! So long as we are able to do this, we may grow wiser and better everyday.

One point I advise you to hold fast, and let neither men nor devils tear it from you. You are a child of God; you are justified freely, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. Your sins are forgiven! Cast not away that confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.

Now, can any be justified, but by faith? None can. Therefore you are a believer; you have faith in Christ; you know the Lord; you can say, “My Lord and my God.” And whoever denies this, may as well deny that the sun shines at noonday.

Yet still ten thousand lusts remain,

And vex your soul, absolved from sin;

Still rebel nature strives to reign,

And you are all unclean, unclean!

This is equally clear and undeniable. And this is not only your experience, but the experience of a thousand believers beside, who yet are sure of God’s favor, as of their own existence. To cut off all doubt on this head, I beg you to give another serious reading to those two sermons, “Sin in Believers,” and “The Repentance of Believers.”

“But is there no help? Is there no deliverance, no salvation from this inbred enemy?” Surely there is; else many great and precious promises must fall to the ground. “I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness and from all your idols will I cleanse you.” “I will circumcise thy heart,” (from all sin,) “to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul.” This I term sanctification, (which is both an instantaneous and a gradual work,) or perfection, the being perfected in love, filled with love, which still admits of a thousand degrees. But I have no time to throw away in contending for words; especially where the thing is allowed. And you allow the whole thing which I contend for; an entire deliverance from sin, a recovery of the whole image of God, the loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength. And you believe God is able to give you this; yea, to give it you in an instant. You trust he will. O hold fast

this also; this blessed hope, which he has wrought in your heart! And with all zeal and diligence confirm the brethren, —

1. In holding fast that whereto they have attained; namely, the remission of all their sins, by faith in a bleeding Lord:

2. In expecting a second change, whereby they shall be saved from all sin, and perfected in love.

If they like to call this “receiving the Holy Ghost,” they may: Only the phrase, in that sense, is not scriptural, and not quite proper; for they all “received the Holy Ghost” when they were justified. God then “sent forth the Spirit of his Son into their hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” O Joseph, keep close to the Bible, both as to sentiment and expression! Then there will never be any material difference between you and Your affectionate brother.

This morning I have calmly and coolly read over my letter to L—— H— —. I still believe every line of it is true. And I am assured I spoke the truth in love. It is great pity, any who wish her well should skin over the wounds which are there searched. As long as she resents that office of true esteem, her grace can be but small!

CCCCLVIII. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, LONDON, January 21, 1771.

IT was of their own mere motion, that the students, when I was in Wales, desired me to come and spend a little time with them. I had no thought or desire so to do, having work enough upon my hands. When Mr. Ireland asked me, why I did not go thither in August, I answered, “Because my Lady had written to me to the contrary.” But I do not remember, that I showed him her letter: I believe I did not.

I know not why you should not keep the rest of your terms at Oxford, and take a Bachelor’s degree. Only if you should be pressed in spirit to give

yourself up to the work of God sooner, I think you must follow your own conscience. Write quite freely to,

Dear Joseph,

Your affectionate brother.

CCCCLIX. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, LONDON, December 11, 1772.

MR. HILL, however, leaves me a little time to take breath, and, I have some hope, will not renew the combat. But I doubt he is too warm to be convinced. He “sets his judgment by his passion.”

It is a shame for any Methodist Preacher to confine himself to one place. We are debtors to all the world. We are called to warn every one, to exhort every one, if by any means we may save some.

I love prayer-meetings, and wish they were set up in every corner of the town. But I doubt whether it would be well to drop any of the times of preaching. Three-and-thirty years they have had at least as much preaching at Bristol as at Newcastle. And the congregations are far larger than they were ten or twenty years ago. But I should not object to the transferring Wednesday night’s preaching to eight on Sunday morning.

I am, dear Joseph,

Your affectionate brother.

CCCCLX. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, LONDON, March 2,

1773.

CERTAINLY you cannot stir, unless you are clearly satisfied of your call from God. 100 An impression on the mind of another man is no rule of action to you. The reasons you give on the other side are weighty, and will not easily be answered. At present you do seem to be in your place: And

your labor will not be in vain. If you could transfer a night in a week from Newcastle to some new place, Think it might do well.

I am, dear Joseph,

Your affectionate brother. 101

CCCCLXI. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, LEWISHAM, July 31, 1773.

I AM glad you have preached so much abroad: This will everywhere do most execution. Some time since I promised you to Billy Thompson, for his fellow-laborer the ensuing year: And you will have no cause to repent of it; for his heart (as well as yours) is in the work. Mr. Hopper desires to spend another year in the Newcastle Circuit. I refer it to him, whether it would not suffice to have preaching at Newcastle five nights in a week. “God has made practical divinity necessary, and the devil, controversial.” Sometimes we must write and preach controversially; but the less, the better. I think we have few, if any, of our Travelling Preachers that love controversy. But there will always be men, ouv dei episomizein: 103 Antinomians and Calvinists in particular. By our long silence, we have done much hurt, both to them and the cause of God.

I am, dear Joseph,

Your affectionate brother.

CCCCLXII. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, BRISTOL, September 10, 1773.

IF Mr. Thompson consents, all is well. The more you preach abroad, both in England and Scotland, the better. Only take care, not to do more than you can do; not to go beyond your strength. And keep to the plain, old Methodist doctrine, laid down in the Minutes of the Conference. At Trevecka you were a little warped from this; but it was a right-hand error. You will be buried in Scotland, if you sell your mare and sit still. Keep her,

and ride continually. Contrive (you and Mr. Thompson) how this may be. Sit not still, at the peril of your soul and body! Mr. F. ought to have received their thanks.

Dear Joseph, adieu!

Do all you can for poor Scotland; and write how things are there. CCCCLXIII. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, LONDON, October 23,

1773.

I WISH every one of our Preachers, who goes to Scotland, were of the same mind with you. We are not called to sit still in one place: It is neither for the health of our souls nor bodies. Billy Thompson never satisfied me on this head, not in the least degree. I say still, we will have Travelling Preachers in Scotland, or none. The thing is fixed: The manner of effecting it is to be considered. Now set your wit to this: Find out the to pwv. 104 How shall this be accomplished? You did not do well in selling your horse, and thereby laying another bar in the way. Though I am (by the exquisite negligence of my late bookkeeper) a thousand pounds worse than nothing, I would have spared a few pounds to have eased that burden. However, you must do as you can. Our Preachers shall either travel there, as in England, or else stay in England.

I am, dear Joseph

Yours affectionately.

CCCCLXIV. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, LONDON, January 8, 1774.

MANY persons are in danger of reading too little: You are in danger of reading too much. Wherever you are, take up your cross, and visit all the society from house to house. Do this according to Mr. Baxter’s plan, laid down in the Minutes of the Conference. The fruit which will ensue,

(perhaps in a short time,) will abundantly reward your labor. Fruit also we shall have, even in those who have no outward connection with us. I am glad you “press all believers” to aspire after the full liberty of the children of God. They must not give up their faith, in order to do this: Herein you formerly seemed to be in some mistake. Let them go on from faith to faith; from weak faith, to that strong faith, which not only conquers but casts out sin. Meantime it is certain, many call themselves believers who do not even conquer sin; who are strangers to the whole inward kingdom of God, and void of the whole fruit of the Spirit. We must not go on at Dunbar in this manner. Rather we must quit the place. For who will pay that debt?

On Tuesday I was under the Surgeon’s hands, but am now (blessed be God) quite recovered.

I am, dear Joseph,

Yours affectionately.

CCCCLXV. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, LONDON, March 4, 1774.

I AM glad you have been at Greenock, and think it highly expedient that you should follow the blow. Meantime let brother Broadbent supply Glasgow, and Billy Thompson, Edinburgh. I think with you, that it is no great matter if Dunbar be left for a season. When you have been three or four weeks at Greenock and Port-Glasgow, brother Broadbent should change with you. But I agree with you, the harvest cannot be large till we can preach abroad.

Before I settled my plan, that thought occurred, “It would be better to go a little later into Scotland.” Accordingly, I have contrived not to be at Glasgow till Friday, the 6th of May, coming by way of Edinburgh. Probably it may then be practicable to take the field. I incline to think it will be of use for you to spend another year in that Circuit.

I am, dear Joseph,

Your affectionate brother.

CCCCLXVI. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, SHEFFIELD, July 26, 1774.

CERTAINLY an account of the societies in the Edinburgh Circuit will be expected from you at the Conference. I will then propose the case of Greenock. I am glad you have sent brother Ferguson the Appeals. I believe Billy Eels might come to you directly, if you wrote to him, and to Joseph Cownley. At length I hope good may be done in Scotland, and I incline to prefer your scheme to Dr. H.’s. Three Preachers may do better than two, provided they change regularly, according to the plan you lay down. I know not but you must make a private subscription, and wire over the cupola. “Be zealous and humble; but never be still!”

Dear Joseph, adieu!

CCCCLXVII. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, BRISTOL, August 8, 1774.

I JUST snatch time to write two or three lines. Consider the thing thoroughly, and then send me word of the exact Circuit wherein three Preachers may follow one another. If this be steadily done, I am not without hope, that, before the next Conference, there will be such a flame kindled, as has not been seen for some years in poor Scotland. I was sorry to find, that Mr. P. was almost discouraged from proceeding in his little labor of love. I commend you for dealing tenderly with him. Certainly he is an honest man; and undoubtedly he is useful in his little way. Pray what becomes of Mrs. L.? Is she gaining or losing ground? O Joseph, fight through, and conquer all!

I am

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCCLXVIII. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, BRISTOL, September 18, 1774.

YOUR last proposal is incomparably the best: I approve of it entirely. Without consulting any at Dunbar, (which would only puzzle the cause,) immediately begin to put it in execution. Let the Preacher go to Ormiston on Wednesday, Dunbar on the Thursday, and return to Edinburgh, by Linton, on Friday, every week. At present we sate them with preaching. It will be best to keep a horse: Then both your health and your soul will prosper.

If William Eels crawls in at last, send him directly to Aberdeen. And you should be preparing to change with John Bredin.

I wish Dr. Hamilton would send me the receipt for extracting the opiate from sow-thistles, and give me some account of its effects. I am, dear Joseph,

Your ever affectionate friend and brother.

P.S. I left ninety members in the society: I hope there are not fewer now. CCCCLXIX. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, LONDON, October 16, 1774.

I HAVE written to Dr. Hamilton, that brother Eels must go to Aberdeen, and Edinburgh and Dunbar must be supplied by one Preacher. They should have thought of preaching in the churchyard before. While I live, Itinerant Preachers shall be itinerants: I mean, if they choose to remain in connection with us.

The society in Greenock are entirely at their own disposal: They may either have a Preacher between them and Glasgow, or none at all. But more

than one between them, they cannot have. I have too much regard both for the bodies and souls of our Preachers, to let them be confined to one place any more. I hope J. B. will punctually observe your direction, spending either three days, or a week, at each place alternately. I have weighed the matter, and will serve the Scots as we do the English, or leave them. I wish you would write a letter to John Campbell, and another to R. Mackie, and argue the case with them. If J. B. does not go to Greenock, let him (or his successor) spend half his time at Dunbar: Then a Preacher may be constantly at Edinburgh. But give me only six days in a fortnight there, and I will visit all the society from house to house.

I am, dear Joseph,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCCLXX. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, Near LONDON, February 22, 1776.

WE must threaten no longer, but perform. In November last, I told the London society, “Our rule is, to meet a class once a week; not once in two or three. I now give you warning: I will give tickets to none in February, but those that have done this.” I have stood to my word. Go you and do likewise, wherever you visit the classes. Begin, if need be, at Newcastle, and go on at Sunderland. Promises to meet are now out of date. Those that have not met seven times in the quarter, exclude. Read their names in the society; and inform them all you will the next quarter exclude all that have not met twelve times: That is, unless they were hindered by distance, sickness, or by some unavoidable business.

And I pray, without fear or favor, remove the Leaders, whether of classes or bands, who do not watch over the souls committed to their care “as those that must give account.”

I am, dear Joseph,

Yours affectionately.

CCCCLXXI. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, SHOREHAM, July 31, 1776.

I THINK of Joseph Fothergill, and just as you do; and shall willingly propose him at the Conference. I believe he has considerable gifts, and is truly alive to God. You are in the right. We must beware of distressing the poor. Our substantial brethren are well able to bear the burden. I shall write a letter for each Assistant before the Conference is over. If they are in earnest, all will go well.

If the assertors of the decrees are quiet and peaceable, troubling no one with their opinions, reason is that we should bear with them. But if they will not be quiet, if they trouble others, we cannot keep them. Do all you can for God!

I am, dear Joseph,

Yours affectionately.

Pray tell Joseph Thompson, I have set him down for Leeds. CCCCLXXII. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, October 22, 1776.

I APPREHEND Joseph Fothergill was not designedly omitted. I take him to be a good man, and a good Preacher.

You did right in excluding from our society so notorious an offender. And you have now a providential call to stand in the gap between the living and the dead. Fear nothing. Begin in the name of God, and go through with the work. If only six will promise you to sin no more, leave only six in the society. But my belief is, a hundred and fifty are now clear of blame; and if you are steady, a hundred more will amend. You must, at all events, tear up this evil by the roots. The “Word to a Smuggler” should be read and dispersed. And secure your fellow-laborers, that you may all speak one thing. Go on; for God is with you!

I am, dear Joseph,

Yours affectionately.

CCCCLXXIII. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, LONDON, November 7, 1776.

NOT only the Assistant, but every Preacher, is concerned to see all our rules observed. I desire brother Rhodes will give no tickets, either to those who have not constantly met their classes, or to any that do not solemnly promise to deal in stolen goods no more. He and you together may put a stop to this crying sin.

I wish Edward Jackson would go into the Dales. But here is a great difficulty: Robert Wilkinson, you know, is married: Therefore, he cannot live (though he may starve) in the Dundee Circuit. I designed that he and brother Lumley should change places. But what can be done now? Consider the matter, and advise,

Dear Joseph,

Yours affectionately.

CCCCLXXIV. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, CHATHAM, November 26, 1776.

IF any Leader oppose, you see your remedy: Put another in his place. Nay, if he does not join heart and hand; for “he that gathereth not with you scattereth.” The “Word to a Smuggler” is plain and home, and has done much good in these parts.

Taking opium is full as bad as taking drams. It equally hurts the understanding, and is, if possible, more pernicious to the health, than even rum or brandy. None should touch it, if they have the least regard either for their souls or bodies.

I really think you are in the right. It is better to help R W. where he is, than to burden the Dales with an additional weight. But then what shall we do? We have no supernumerary Preachers. See if you can do anything with Edward Jackson.

I am, dear Joseph,

Yours affectionately.

CCCCLXXV. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, Near LONDON, December 24, 1776.

THE total suppression of that vile practice will, doubtless, be a difficult task: But it is worth all the labor; yea, though you should be obliged to cut off some of our oldest members. For you must absolutely go through with your work; leave neither root nor branch; else the reformation will be but for a season, and then the evil will sprout up again.

The case of John Reed is one of the most remarkable which has fallen under my notice. From the beginning it was my judgment, that the disorder was more than natural. I wish he would take opportunities of writing down as many particulars as he can recollect; and send me as circumstantial an account as he can. You may much assist him herein. I am, dear Joseph,,

Yours affectionately.

CCCCLXXVI. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, LONDON, January 11,

1777.

THE matter is short. I require you to meet the societies of Sunderland and Shields next quarter, and to give no tickets to any person who will not

promise neither to buy nor sell unaccustomed goods any more. I am sorry —— did not save you the trouble: I thought he had been another man. Pray worry John Reed till he writes a circumstantial account. It must be done while things are fresh in his memory; otherwise we shall lose many particulars which ought not to be forgotten.

They have made good haste to finish the preaching-house at Sheephill already: I thought it had hardly been begun.

I have just received two letters from New-York; one of them from George Robinson, late of Newcastle. They inform me that all the Methodists there were firm for the Government, and, on that account, persecuted by the rebels, only not to the death; that the Preachers are still threatened, but not stopped; and the work of God increases much in Maryland and Virginia. I am, dear Joseph,

Yours affectionately.

CCCCLXXVII. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, WORCESTER, July 8, 1777.

WHAT you say is unquestionably right. Why then should it not immediately be put in execution? Let Berwick directly be taken into the Newcastle Circuit, and Dunbar be supplied, once a fortnight, from Edinburgh. Pray write this instantly to brother M’Nab, and admit of no excuse. If by this means there is a Preacher to spare, let him step over as soon as possible from Portpatrick, and supply the place of that good young man, John Harrison, in the Lisburn Circuit. Mr. Smythe calls aloud for help: He is zealous and active, but is quite overborn. I have set down you with brother Hopper in the Manchester Circuit; and am, Dear Joseph,

Yours affectionately.

CCCCLXXVIII. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, WITNEY, October 22, 1777.

I DO not wonder you do not conceive what Grotius meant by that odd sentence; for I doubt whether he conceived it himself. I can translate it, but I cannot understand it: It is well if any one can. “Everything exists necessarily, or of itself; not as it is considered in a general view, but as it actually exists. But individual things” (only) “exist actually.” There is a good English translation of this book, published some years since by Dr. John Clarke, Dean of Sarum. He was (I think younger) brother to Dr. Samuel Clarke.

I have no objection to your printing a thousand or two of the account of Mrs. Hutton’s death. It may be of use for you to visit Manchester again, when opportunity serves. Only do everything in full concurrence with the Assistant.

I am, dear Joseph,

Yours affectionately.

CCCCLXXIX. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, LONDON, December 8, 1777.

UNDOUBTEDLY Bishop Newton’s book on the Prophecies is well written. And he is certainly a man of sense, and of considerable learning. This he has shown in what he writes on the Revelation. But with regard to the passage you mention, I cannot agree with him at all. I believe the Romish antichrist is already so fallen, that he will not again lift up his head in any considerable degree. The Bishop of Rome has little more power now, than any other of the Italian Princes. I therefore concur with you in believing his tyranny is past never to return.

But there is no comparison, either as to sense, learning, or piety, between Bishop Newton and Bengelius. The former is a mere child to the latter. I advise you to give another serious and careful reading to that extract from

his Comment on the Revelation, which concludes the Notes. There you have one uniform consistent [view], far beyond any I ever saw. And I verily believe, the more deeply you consider it, the more you will admire it.

Does any one deny that a kite is bigger than a lark; or that Ogilvie has written a larger book than Virgil? And certainly there are larger Magazines than ours: But it does not follow that they are better. Ours is reduced to half the price, and will contain forty eight pages, which is the usual number for sixpence.

We are called to propagate Bible religion through the land; that is, faith working by love; holy tempers and holy lives. Let us do it with our might! I am, dear Joseph,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCCLXXX. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, LONDON, December 26, 1780

YOU have great reason to be thankful to God; for he has dealt mercifully with you. And as long as you improve these outward blessings to the end for which they were given, so long they will be continued. But you have great need to be jealous over yourself, and to keep your heart with all diligence. You need all the power of God to preserve you from loving the creature more than the Creator.

Dr. Edwards is a dry, unpleasing writer: And probably his main design was, to justify God in damning all the Heathens as not having a spark of virtue among them. Peace be with you and yours!

I am

Yours affectionately.

CCCCLXXXI. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, MANCHESTER, April 2, 1781.

ALTHOUGH our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we walk in simplicity and godly sincerity, this no way contradicts, “God forbid that we should glory, save in the cross of Christ.” In all, and after all,

His passion alone, The foundation we own;

And pardon we claim,

And eternal redemption in Jesus’s name.

How admirably pardon and holiness are comprised in that one word, “grace!” Mercy and strength! So are our justification and sanctification woven together.

I hope your sermons will do good. But why do not you publish your poems? I think you can make verses as fast as John Murlin; yea, indeed, if need were, stans pede in uno. 105 for a parent.

I am, dear Joseph,

Your affectionate brother.

CCCCLXXXII. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, WARRINGTON, May 21, 1781.

AS I have not leisure myself, I am exceeding glad that you have entered into the lists with Mr. A——. And I am in hopes you will “reply at large” to all his cavils and objections. If he cites anything from me, you should answer simply, “I never undertook to defend every sentiment of Mr. W— —’s. He does not expect or desire it. He wishes me and every man to think for himself.”

If you remember, I do not insist on the term “impression.” I say again, I will thank any one that will find a better; be it “discovery,”

“manifestation,” “deep sense,” or whatever it may. That some consciousness of our being in favor with God, is joined with Christian faith, I cannot doubt; but it is not the essence of it. A consciousness of pardon cannot be the condition of pardon.

But I am still more glad, that you have some thoughts of answering that pernicious book of poor Mr. Madan. Analyze it first with the postscript; then overturn it thoroughly, from the beginning to the end. You may steer between the extremes of too much roughness, and too much smoothness. And see that you are plain enough for women and pretty gentlemen. I allow you a hundred pages.

I am, dear Joseph,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCCLXXXIII. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, LONDON, February 22, 1782.

WHO Mr. Tyndall is, I know not; but he is just as sound a Divine as Mr. Madan. I regard no authorities but those of the ante-Nicene Fathers; nor any of them, in opposition to Scripture. And I totally deny that (supposed) matter of fact, that polygamy was allowed among the primitive Christians; or, that the converts “who had many wives were not required to put any of them away.” I have not yet time to read over the MS.: When I do, I must read it all in a breath.

Having talked with my friends, I judge it will be expedient to visit the north this year. I expect to be at Manchester on Wednesday, the 10th of April; and in Yorkshire in the beginning of May.

I have no objection to your printing a few copies of those two sermons, to oblige your friends in the neighborhood. I doubt we are not explicit enough, in speaking on full sanctification, either in public or private. I am, with kind love to sister Benson,

Dear Joseph,

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCCCLXXXIV. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, Near LONDON, August 3, 1782.

DO not you know that all the Preachers cannot leave a Circuit at once? Therefore, if you left it, brothel Hopper could not. Perhaps, likewise, I can depend upon your judgment more than that of another man. Two or three years ago, when the kingdom was in imminent danger, I made an offer to the Government of raising some men. The Secretary of War (by the King’s order) wrote me word, that “it was not necessary; but if it ever should be necessary, His Majesty would let me know.” I never renewed the offer, and never intended it. But Captain Webb, without my knowing anything of the matter, went to Colonel B——, the new Secretary of War, and renewed that offer. The Colonel (I verily believe, to avoid his importunity) asked him how many men we could raise. But the Colonel is out of place. So the thing is at an end.

I read over both the sermons; but I did not see anything materially wrong in either.

I am, with love to sister Benson,

Your affectionate brother.

We will consider what you propose.

CCCCLXXXV. — To the Same.

DEAR JOSEPH, BRISTOL, September 17, 1788.

I AM glad you have determined to correct Mr. Fletcher’s Letters. You will observe, that it is “dangerous, on such subjects, to depart from Scripture, either as to language or sentiment;” and I believe, that “most of the controversies which have disturbed the church, have arisen from people’s wanting to be wise above what is written, not contented with what God