To Robert Carr Brakenbury, Esq.
LETTERS
FROM
THE REVEREND JOHN WESLEY,
TO
VARIOUS PERSONS.
———
DCLXII. — To Robert Carr Brackenbury, Esq., of Raithby,
Lincolnshire.
DEAR SIR, BRISTOL, September 27, 1779.
I HOPE your stay at —— will be of use to many. But do not hurt yourself in order to help others. Mr. S—— is an upright, valuable man. His wife is a jewel indeed. I wish we had many like her. Your being at —— during this critical time is a singular providence. Both parties have a regard for you; and will hear you when they will not hear each other. I am glad you think of spending the winter in town, and doubt not but it will be for the glory of God. Go to my house: What is mine is yours: You are my brother, my friend: Let neither life nor death divide us! Your visit to N—— will, I am persuaded, be of considerable use; the more because you love and recommend discipline. But I must bet, of you to spend a night or two at Y—— and at L——. The sooner you come the more welcome you will be. Wrap yourself up warm, particularly your head and breast. I am
Your very affectionate friend and brother.
DCLXIII. — To the Same.
DEAR SIR, LONDON, June 23, 1780.
I AM glad that it has pleased God to restore your health, and that you have been employing it to the best of purposes. It is worth living for this, (and scarcely for anything else,) to testify the Gospel of the grace of God. You will find many in these parts who have ears and hearts to receive even the deep things of God. I believe a journey to Ireland will be of use to your soul and body. Meet me at ——, and we can settle our journeys. I am, dear Sir,
Your very affectionate friend and brother.
DCLXIV.-To the Same.
DEAR SIR, BRISTOL, September 18, 1780.
THE Lord knoweth the way wherein you go; and when you have been tried, you shall come forth as gold. It is true you have now full exercise for all your faith and patience; but by and by you will find good brought out of evil, and will bless God for the severe but wholesome medicine. I had all along a persuasion that God would deliver you, although I could not see which way it would be done; as I knew it was your desire not to do your own will, but the will of Him whose you are and whom you serve. May He still guide you in the away you should go, and enable you to give Him your whole heart! You must not set the great blessing afar off, because you find much war within. Perhaps this will not abate, but rather increase, till the moment your heart is set at liberty. The war will not cease before you attain, but by your attaining, the promise. And if you look for it by naked faith, why may you not receive it now? The cheerfulness of faith you should aim at in and above all things. Wishing you a continual supply of righteousness, peace, and joy,
I am Your affectionate friend and brother.
DCLXV. — To the Same.
DEAR SIR, LEEDS, August 12, 1781.
I SHALL not soon forget the agreeable conversation I had with dear Mrs. Brackenbury 1 at Raithby. The sweetness of her temper, and the open, artless account she gave of her experience, increased my love for her. I trust you shall not die, but live to strengthen each other’s hands in God, and provoke one another to love and to good works. Who is so great a God as our God? To His care I commit Mrs. Brackenbury and you. Peace be with your spirits! I commend myself to your prayers; and am, Dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
DCLXVI. — To the Same.
DEAR SIR, BRISTOL, March 9, 1782.
WHAT a comfort it is that we know the Lord reigneth; and that he disposes all things in heaven and earth in the very manner which he sees will be most for his own glory, and for the good of those that love him! I am firmly persuaded the present dispensation, severe as it may appear, will be found in the event a means of greater blessings than any you have yet received. Even already you find the consolations of the Holy One are not small with you. And He enables you to make the right use of this providence, by devoting yourself more entirely to his service. On April 4, I expect to be in Manchester, in order to visit the societies in Lancashire, Cheshire, Yorkshire; and thence, if God permit, to Scotland. Perhaps it would be of use if you took part of the journey with me. Let me know your thoughts. It is exceeding clear to me, first, that a dispensation of the Gospel is committed to you; and, secondly, that you are peculiarly called to publish it in connection with us. It has pleased God to give so many and so strong evidences of this, that I see not how any reasonable person can doubt it. Therefore, what I have often said before I say again, and give
it under my hand, that you are welcome to preach in any of our preaching-houses, in Great Britain or Ireland, whenever it is convenient for you. I commend you for preaching less frequently where you find less liberty of spirit, (because no necessity is laid upon you with regard to this or that particular place,) and for spending most time in those places where you find most probability of doing good. We have need to work while it is day. I am, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and servant.
DCLIVII. — To the Same.
DEAR SIR, January 4, 1783.
I REJOICE to hear that you have had a safe passage, and that you have preached both in Guernsey and Jersey. We must not expect many conveniences at first: Hitherto it is the day of small things. I should imagine the sooner you begin to preach in French the better: Surely you need not be careful about accuracy. Trust God, and speak as well as you can. While those poor sheep were scattered abroad without a shepherd, and without any proper connection with each other, it is no wonder they were cold and dead. It is good that every one should know our whole plan. Who do not want any man to go on blindfold. Peace be with your spirit! I wish you many happy years; and am,
Dear Sir,
Your very affectionate friend and servant.
DCLXVIII. — To the Same.
DEAR SIR, January 4, 1783.
AS I expect to remain in London till the beginning of March, I hope to have the pleasure of spending a little time with you before I set out on my spring and summer Journeys, which I shall probably continue as long as I live. And who would wish to live for any meaner purpose than to serve
God in our generation? I known my health and strength are continued for this very thing. And if ever I should listen to that siren song “Spare thyself,” I believe my Master would spare me no longer, but soon take me away. It pleases Him to deal with you in a different way. He frequently calls you not so much to act as to suffer. And you may well say, — “O take thy way! Thy way is best:
Grant or deny me ease.
This is but tuning of my breast
To make the music please.”
I am glad you are still determined to do what you can, and to do it without delay. But all are not of this mind. I have just received a letter from Mr.— —, formerly one of our Traveling Preachers, informing me whereas it has pleased God to take away his dear partner, he is resolved again to give up himself to the work, — after he has settled his worldly business, which he thinks will take but sixteen or seventeen months! Would one think he had ever read the Epistle of St. James? or that he had heard those words, “What is your life?” It is even a vapor; which appeareth and vanisheth away.” Commending you to Him who is able to save you to the uttermost, I am, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
DCLXIX.-To the Same.
DEAR SIR LONDON, February 13, 1784.
IT is undoubtedly our duty to use the most probable means we can for either preserving or restoring our health. But, after all, God does continually assert his own right of saving both souls and bodies. He blesses the medicines, and they take place; he withdraws his influence, and they avail nothing. You will not easily be forgotten by any of this family. I trust we are all one body united by one Spirit. I doubt not but we have also a few fellow members in your little islands. May He whom we serve in the Gospel of his Son increase them an hundred fold! We hear of some increase of the work of God almost in every part of England; but above all,
in Cornwall, in Lancashire, Cheshire, and various parts of Yorkshire. It pleases God to bless Mr. Valton wherever he turns his face; but his body sinks under him, and he is still hovering between life and death. Would it not be advisable, if you still continue feeble, to return to England as soon as possible; especially if you have reason to believe the air of Jersey does not agree with your constitution? I commend you to Him who is able to heal both your soul and body; and am,
Dear Sir,
Your very affectionate friend and brother.
DCLXX. — To the Same.
DEAR SIR, LONDON, February 15, 1784.
YOUR having the opportunity of giving them a few discourses in Dover, and then traveling with so pious and friendly a person as Mr. Ireland, I could not but look upon as clear instances of a gracious Providence. I cannot doubt but the mild air which you now breathe will greatly tend to the re-establishment of your health: And so will the suspension of your public labors till you are better able to bear them. With regard to perfecting yourself in the French language, it is certain this may be done more speedily and effectually in a family where only French is spoken. And undoubtedly you may learn the purity of the language far better in Languedoc, than in Normandy. It is clear that you are not called at present to any public labors. But should not you be so much the more diligent in private? to redeem the time? to buy up every opportunity? Should not you be instant “in season and out of season;” that is, to make the opportunities which you cannot find? Surely the all-wise and all-merciful Savior did not send you into France for nothing! O no! you are at least to pluck one brand (perhaps several) out of the burning. May the Lord whom you serve in all things direct your paths! So prays,
Dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
DCLXXI. — To the Same.
DEAR SIR, BRISTOL, September 24, 1785.
IT is well that the Lord sitteth above the water-floods, and remaineth a King for ever. It is no wonder that Satan should fight for his own kingdom, when such inroads are made upon it. But
Beyond his chain he cannot go;
Our Jesus shall stir up his power,
And soon avenge us of our foe.
After we have observed a day of fasting, and prayer, I have known the most violent commotions quelled at once. But doubtless all probable means are to be used: One in particular it might be worth while to attempt; namely, to soften the spirit of that angry Magistrate. God has the hearts of all men in his hand; and if the heart of that warrior was once turned, then those who have hitherto been encouraged by him would vanish away like smoke. It is not improbable but by our answer to that scandalous libel may be one means of abating his prejudice.
I am, dear Sir,
Your very affectionate friend and brother.
DCLXXII.-To the Same.
DEAR SIR, November 24, 1785.
GOD will hearken to the prayer that goeth not out of feigned lips; especially when fasting, is joined there with. And provided our brethren continue instant in prayer, the beasts of the people will not again lift up their head. The work of God still increases in Ireland, and in several parts of this kingdom. I commend you and all our brethren to Him who is able to preserve you from all evil, and build you up in love; and am, Dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
DCLXXIII. — To the Same.
DEAR SIR, LONDON, October 20, 1787.
MR.—— is undoubtedly a good young man; and has a tolerably good understanding. But he thinks it better than it is; and in consequence is apt to put himself in your or my place. For these fifty years, if any one said, “If you do not put such an one out of society, I will go out of it;” I have said, Pray go: “I, not you, are to judge who shall stay.” I therefore greatly approve of your purpose, to give Mr. W—— a full hearing in the presence of all the Preachers. I have often repented of judging, too severely; but very seldom of being too merciful.
As the point is undoubtedly of very great importance, it deserved serious consideration; and I am glad you took the pains to consider it, and discussed it so admirably well according to Scripture and sound reason. I enclose a few lines for Mrs. ——, for whom I feel an affectionate concern.
The God whom you serve will shortly deliver you from the heaviness you feel.
I ever am, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
DCLXXIV. — To the Same.
DEAR SIR, LONDON, December 17, 1787.
CONSIDERING that the God of this world will not fail to fight when his kingdom is in danger, I do not wonder that persecution should come to Jersey and Guernsey. I agree with you, that the best method to be used in this exigence is fasting and prayer. It is plain your labors in those places have not been in vain. And I am in hopes Guernsey will overtake Jersey.
Wishing you all every possible blessing,
I am, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
DCLXXV. — To the Same.
DEAR SIR, LONDON, February 27, 1788.
I CANNOT exactly agree with your judgment. While there was no Preacher in the islands but you, and while the work of God was but just beginning, you was undoubtedly called to spend most of your time there, and then you did right in not being disobedient to the heavenly calling. But the case is very different now. They have now able Preachers in French and English: And as they do not do the work deceitfully, it prospers in their hands. Has not the Lord more work for you to do in England? In June, (if God permit,) I purpose to spend an evening with you at Raithby. Peace be with all your spirits!
I am, dear Sir,
Your very affectionate friend and brother.
DCLXXVI. — To the Same.
DEAR SIR. LONDON, November 7, 1788.
I SNATCH a few minutes from visiting the classes, to answer your acceptable letter. I exceedingly approve of your spending, the winter at Bath. I believe God will make you of use to many there, who are more ripe for your instructions than ever they were before. And I am persuaded you will yourself profit as much, if not more, by the conversation of a few in Bristol, Mr. Valton and Miss Johnson in particular, as by that of any persons in Great Britain. Aim at the cheerfulness of faith. I am, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
DCLXXVII. — To the Same.
DEAR SIR, LONDON, February 24, 1790.
Is the B—— the same gentleman who subscribed to the chapel, and let us have a lease for building? If so, how came his mind to be so changed? But his heart is still in God’s hands And therefore you take the very best way possible to allay the present storm by seeking Him that turneth the hearts of men as the waters. Without His help human means will not avail. It has pleased God to give me more strength than I had in the autumn; but my eyes continue weak. It is enough, that we are in His hands. I am, dear Sir,
Your very affectionate friend and brother.
DCLXXVIII. — To the Same.
DEAR SIR, BRISTOL, September 15, 1790.
YOUR letter gave me great satisfaction. I wanted to hear where and how you were; and am glad to find you are better in bodily health, and not weary and faint in your mind. My body seems nearly to have done its work, and to be almost worn-out. Last month my strength was nearly gone, and I could have sat almost still from morning to night. But, blessed be God, I crept about a little, and made shift to preach once a day. On Monday I ventured a little farther; and after I had preached three times, (once in the open air,) I found my strength so restored that I could have preached again without inconvenience. I am glad brother D—— has more light with regard to full sanctification. This doctrine is the grand depositum which God has lodged with the people called Methodists; and for the sake of propagating this chiefly he appeared to have raised us up. I congratulate you upon sitting loose to all below; steadfast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made you free. Moderate riding on horseback, chiefly in the south of England, would improve your health. If you choose to accompany me, in any of my little journeys on this side Christmas,
whenever you was tired you might go into my carriage. I am not so ready a writer as I was once; but I bless God I can scrawl a little, — enough to assure you that
I am, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
DCLXXIX— To the Same.
DEAR SIR, LONDON, December 7, 1790.
IT gave me pleasure to see your letter dated Portsmouth, and to hear that your health is better. I hope you will be able to spend a little time with us here; And if you choose to lodge in my house, I have a room at your service; and we have a family which I can recommend to all England, as adorning the doctrine of God our Savior.
I am, dear Sir,
Your very affectionate friend and brother.
—————
DCLXXX. — To Mr. Zechariah Yewdall.
DEAR ZACHARY, LONDON, October 9, 1779.
WHEREVER you are, be ready to acknowledge what God has done in your soul; and earnestly exhort all the believers to expect full salvation. You would do well to read every morning a chapter in the New Testament, with the Notes, and to spend the greatest part of the morning in reading, meditation, and prayer. In the afternoon, you might visit the society from house to house, in the manner laid down in the Minutes of the Conference. The more labor, the more blessing!
I am
Your affectionate brother.