Letter 530

DXXIX. — To the Same.

MY DEAR BROTHER, Near LONDON, January 13, 1790.

AS long as I live, the people shall have no share in choosing either Stewards or Leaders among the Methodists. We have not, and never had, any such custom. We are no republicans, and never intend to be. It would be better for those that are so minded to go quietly away. I have been uniform both in doctrine and discipline for above these fifty years; and it is a little too late for me to turn into a new path now. I am gray-headed. Neither good old brother Pascoe (God bless him!) expects it from me, nor brother Wood, nor brother Flamank. If you and I should be called hence this year, we may bless God that we have not lived in vain. Come, let us have a few more strokes at Satan’s kingdom, and then we shall depart in peace!

I am

Your affectionate friend and brother.

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DXXX. — To ——.

MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, November 16, 1770.

TO see even the superscription of a letter from you, always gives me pleasure. I am glad you are still waiting for the kingdom of God; although as yet you are rather in the state of a servant, than of a child. But it is a blessed thing to be even a servant of God! You shall never have cause to be ashamed of his service. What I peculiarly advise is, that you will never omit private duties, whatever hurry you may be in, and however dull and dry your soul may be; still they shall not be without a blessing. And therein you will receive power against that temptation which, to your tender spirit, may be the most dangerous of any.