To Mr. Walter Churchey
Your affectionate brother.
P. S. I am now going to Whitehaven.
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CCCCLXXXVII. — To Mr. Walter Churchey, of Brecon.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, February 21, 1771.
I AM glad Mr. Benson and you had an opportunity of conversing freely with Mr. Fletcher, and that he has dealt so faithfully with my Lady. Perhaps it may have a good effect. At least, he has delivered his own soul, whether she will hear, or whether she will forbear.
Entire sanctification, or Christian perfection, is neither more nor less than pure love; love expelling sin, and governing both the heart and life of a child of God. The Refiner’s fire purges out all that is contrary to love, and that many times by a pleasing smart. Leave all this to Him that does all things well, and that loves you better than you do yourself.
I am, with love to brother Thomas,
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCLXXXVIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, December 23, 1773.
YOU and I love one another; therefore, we speak freely.
1. “They have thrown themselves on Providence.” Not at all. From a very low state, most of them had thrown themselves into plenty and honor.
2. “It is possible they may do good.” True; but it is probable they may do harm. They have everywhere done our societies all the harm they could.
3. “The place they now have is a cold place.” I see no good of their having any at Hay. The land is wide enough.
4. They have no inclination, to peace.
5. “Our neighbors will see our professions true.” I do not profess any coalition with Calvinism. I see the mischieviousness of it more and more.
6. “Their preaching would not lessen the number of our hearers.” Indeed it would, if the people minded what they say. And besides, it would puzzle and perplex those that still hear us; and probably set many a one’s sword against his brother.
7. “They do not intend Antinomianism.” But they preach it continually.
8. “And our people will not hear Calvinists.” Indeed they will, if they play with the fire. You forget my brother’s verses: —
What my soul does as hell-fire reject,
A Pope, a Count, a Leader of a sect.
I am of no sect, but the Church of England.
If James Barry or Stephen Proctor is faulty in the article you mention, tell them of it, and, I am persuaded, they will mend. You will do well to remind them, in particular, of teaching the children, and visiting the sick. I believe they will take it kindly.
I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCLXXXIX. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, Near LONDON, February 25, 1774.
THE deliverance of our two fellow-travellers should certainly be matter of thankfulness, to grace prevailing over nature. And should it not be a means of stirring up those that remain to greater zeal and diligence in serving Him who will be our Guide even unto death? Should not you labor to convince and stir up others, that they may supply the place of those that are called away? And let us lose no time. Work while it is day: The night come, wherein no man can work.
I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCXC. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, GLASGOW, May 15, 1774.
I CANNOT but agree with you entirely, in respect of John Prickard. Unless he has a clearer call than I apprehend, he ought not to go to America. The reason is plain: There is a greater call for him in Wales, than in the province of New-York, or Pennsylvania; and there is no call at all in the northern or southern provinces. To go thither is stark staring madness. But if John has a mind, he may come to the Conference at Bristol, and talk with me about it.
T. Judson, at No. 11, in Carey-court, Gray’s Inn, is a Christian attorney. I ordered the third epistle to be sent to your sister, and I suppose it was. Your friend Joseph Benson sits at my elbow, and is much at your service. I am, with love to sister Churchey,
Your affectionate brother.
P. S. I have seen an exceeding well wrote book, an “Introduction to the Study of the Law,” published eleven or twelve years ago, I think, by one Simpson. It is a thin octavo. You should have it, if you have it not already. The Conference begins the second week in August. Immediately after it, I hope to see you at Brecon.
CCCCXCI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, December 21, 1775.
A FEW days ago, my brother gave me a letter of yours, dated November 24. I am surprised that one who has passed a winter in Scotland should complain of cold in Wales. It is not a good sign. I advise no one above twenty to think of learning Greek or Latin: He may employ his time abundantly better. But if John Broadbent has a turn for learning languages, by all means let him learn Welsh. This will turn to good account. And now
is his time: You can direct and assist him herein. Meantime, persuade him to refrain from screaming, and he will do well.
I may speak in confidence to you; take care it do not transpire. Put no confidence either in T——, or his wife. I stand in doubt of them both. The printer is hastening on with the History; yet still I think him slow. I am, with love to S. Churchey,
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCXCII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, June 25, 1777.
AT present I am very safe; for I am a good many pounds, if not scores of pounds, worse than nothing. In my Will I bequeath no money but what may happen to be in my pocket when I die.
It is my religion which obliges me “to put men in mind to be subject to principalities and powers.” Loyalty is with me an essential branch of religion, and which I am sorry any Methodist should forget. There is the closest connection, therefore, between my religious and my political conduct; the selfsame authority enjoining me to “fear God,” and to “honor the King.”
Dr. Coke promises fair, and gives us reason to hope, that he will bring forth not only blossoms, but fruit. He has hitherto behaved exceeding well, and seems to be aware of his grand enemy, applause. He will likewise be in danger from offense. If you are acquainted with him, a friendly letter might be of use, and would be taken kindly. He now stands on slippery ground, and is in need of every help.
I expect to be at Monmouth (coming from Worcester) on Wednesday, July the ninth, and at Brecon on the tenth.
I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCXCIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, October 18, 1777.
YOU see how “good wits jump.” We agree that no politics shall have a place in the Arminian Magazine. But poetry will; only my brother and I are the judges what pieces shall be admitted. It may be, some will think us too nice in our choice; but that we cannot help. As to a review of religious books, it might be well; but I have two objections:
1. I scruple my own sufficiency for the work:
2. I would not, at any price, be bound to read over all the present religious productions of the press.
Peace be with you and yours, young and old!
I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCXCIV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, Near LONDON, November 21, 1783.
YOU have indeed had a sea of troubles. But I have not heard any one say, it was your own fault: Which I wonder at; because it is the way of the world still, (as it was in the days of Job,) always to construe misfortune into sin. But you and I know that there is a God in the world; and that He has more to do in it, than most men are aware of. So little do they advert to that great truth, “Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” One thing only I have heard of you, which, if it be true, I should not commend: I mean, that you have wholly forsaken the poor Methodists, and do not so much as attend the public preaching. 106 One was mentioning this a few days ago, when I was saying something in favor of you; and it stopped my mouth; nay, supposing it true, I do not know what to say yet. For surely, when affliction presses upon us, we need every possible help. Commending you to Him that careth for you,
I am
Your affectionate brother.
P. S. My kind love to S. Churchey.
CCCCXCV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, WHITBY, June 14, 1788.
YOURS of May 24th overtook me here this morning,: But I have not received the parcel which you say was sent by the coach; and probably I shall not receive it, unless it pleases God to bring me back to London. Health is wonderfully continued. Only I am in the fashion: I have a little of the rheumatism.
The case of that old woman was very remarkable. It is a true saying, “None are ruined while they are out of hell.” One would be sorry for the death of George Jarvis, only that we know, God does all things well. If Mr. Holmes has any money of mine in his hands, I desire he would give you a guinea for the widow. Peace be with you and yours! I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCXCVI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, YORK, June 26, 1788.
I ANSWERED your last: By what means my letter miscarried, I cannot tell. About half of that paragraph (which has travelled over most of the kingdom) is very true: The other half is a blunder. What I spoke was a citation from Bengelius, who thought, not that the world would end, but that the Millennium would begin, about the year 1836. Not that I affirmed this myself, nor ever did. I do not determine any of these things: They are too high for me. I only desire to creep on in the vale of humble love. Peace be with you and yours!
I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCXCVII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, December 6, 1788.
I AM glad you wrote to poor Mr. Henderson; for certainly he stands in great need of comfort; and he must now needs seek it in God, for all other streams are cut off.
I cannot learn anything concerning the manner of John Henderson’s death, whether it was with or without hope; as I cannot find that any of his religious friends were near him at that important season. The Methodists in general have very little taste for any poems but those of a religious or a moral kind; and my brother has amply provided them with these. Besides those that are already printed, I have six volumes of his poems in manuscript. However, if you furnish me with the proposals, I will do you what little service I can. I should be glad to see or hear from Mr. Cowper: But I have no means of access to him at all. I am
Your affectionate friend and brother.
CCCCXCVIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, DUBLIN, June 20, 1789.
MICHAEL —— is an original. He tells lies innumerable, many of them plausible enough. But many talk full as plausibly as he; and they that can believe him, may. I do not doubt, but some part of your verse, as well as prose, will reach the hearts of some of the rich.
Dr. Coke made two or three little alterations in the Prayer-Book without my knowledge. I took particular care throughout, to alter nothing merely
for altering’ sake. In religion, I am for as few innovations as possible. I love the old wine best. And if it were only on this account, I prefer “which” before “who art in heaven.”
Mr. Howard is really an extraordinary man. God has raised him up to be a blessing to many nations. I do not doubt, but there has been something more than natural in his preservation hitherto, and should not wonder if the providence of God should hereafter be still more conspicuous in his favor.
About three weeks hence, I expect to embark for England. Peace be with you and yours!
I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCXCIX. — To the Same.
1789.
I HAVE now revised the five volumes in my brother’s Hymns on the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. He had himself revised them no less than seven times in the space of twenty years. Many of them are little or nothing inferior to the best of them that have been printed. Those of them that savor a little of mysticism I have rather corrected or expunged; but I have no thought or design at all of printing them. I have other work to do which is of more immediate importance. Besides that, I have not two or three hundred pounds to spare. I will order my printer to strike off some of your proposals, which I will then occasionally recommend to my friends. Some of them I know will subscribe; and it may be, God will incline the hearts of more than I am aware of. But with whom do you agree for paper and printing? Proceed warily, or you may get into much trouble! That God may bless you and yours, and be your Guide in this and in all things, is the prayer of
Your affectionate brother. 107
D. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, BRISTOL, September 20, ——.
AT length Jenny has broke through, and given me the satisfaction of exchanging a few words with her. You send us strange news that the lions of Wales are become lambs! I really think a spirit of humanity and benevolence is gone forth upon the earth, perhaps intimating, that the time is drawing near when men shall not know war any more. Mr. Wrigley has been detained here by a sore face, ever since the Conference; but is now also on the mending hand; though he is not yet able to go abroad. I am glad to hear that Dr. Powell, of Brecon, continues in the good way. He seems to be of a frank, open temper; and to be skillful in his profession. I am rather gaining than losing ground as to my health.
I think Mr. Cowper has done as much as is possible to be done with his lamentable story. I can only wish he had a better subject. Peace be with you and yours!
I am
Your affectionate brother.
I set out for London on Monday.
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DI. — To a Young Disciple.
LONDON, February 25, 1769.
YOU have no need to take thought for the morrow: As your day, so your strength will be. With regard to little compliances, I should be of ——’s mind; only, if we begin, we know not where we shall stop. If you plead your conscience for not complying with anything, you must use the most mild and respectful expressions you possibly can, and God will order all things well. You will want no help which is in the power of