To Rev. Walter Sellon.
DCCXXIV. — To the Rev. Walter Sellon.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, December 1, 1757
IF only one stone were removed out of the way, the thing might be immediately effected. Only prevail upon John Brandon to spend a month or two in London, or any other part of England, and I will immediately send another Preacher to Leicester, Ashby, and the adjacent places. But, during the present scarcity of laborers, we cannot spare a second for that small Circuit till you spare us the first. It is surprising that, from one end of the land to the other, so little good is done in a regular way. What have you to do but to follow that way which the providence of God points out? And when they drive you from Smithsby, you know where to have both employment, and the things needful for the body. I think also it will be highly profitable for your soul to be near those who have more experience in the ways of God.
I am
Your affectionate brother.
DCCXXV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHERS LONDON, December 30, 1766.
IT’S certain that nothing less than the mighty power of God can ever effect that union. However, in me, mora non erit ulla: 3 And I doubt not you are of the same mind.
Begin then. Set upon John Goodwin as soon as you please. You are very capable of the work: And you have something more leisure than I have. But I would not have you stint yourself for room. The book should be in the letter wherein my abridgment of the “Serious Call” is printed. And if it have three hundred and fifty pages, well.
Are you tired with ploughing on the sand? Then come away to better work. It is true you would have less money, only forty pounds a year; but
you would have more comfort, and more fruit of your labor. Here is a wide and glorious field of action. You might exceedingly help a willing people, as well as strengthen the hands of
Your affectionate brother.
DCCXXVI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, WAKEFIELD, July 9, 1768.
I AM glad you have undertaken the “Redemption Redeemed.” But you must in nowise forget Dr. Owen’s Answer to it: Otherwise you will leave a loophole for all the Calvinists to creep out. The Doctor’s evasions you must needs cut in pieces, either interweaving your answers with the body of the work, under each head, or adding them in marginal notes. Your ever affectionate brother.
DCCXXVII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, December 30, 1769.
IT is not yet determined whether I should go to America, or not. I have been importuned some time; but nil sat firmi video. 4 I must have a clear call before I am at liberty to leave Europe.
You should heat your milk, but never let it boil. Boiling robs it of the most nutritious particles. Take care to keep always your body moderately open, and your stomach will not often complain. Mr. Viner did you great honor. Do not make too much haste in dealing with Elisha [Coles]. I am afraid the treatise will be too short. And pray add a word or two to Mr. Toplady, not only with regard to Zanchius, but his; slander on the Church of England. You would do well to give a reading to both his tracts. He does certainly believe himself to be the greatest genius in England.
Mr. Johnson was grievously short in not mentioning that “other thing” at the Conference, or not till all the money was gone. However, the matter is not much. I think we can procure you thirty pounds in February. I believe you strengthen the hands of our Preachers all you can. You will find Billy Minethorp a right man. His resolution in the late affair was admirable. I have scarce ever seen such another instance in the kingdom. I am
Your affectionate brother.
DCCXXVIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LEWISHAM, February 21, 1770.
DO not make too much haste. Give everything the last touch. It will be enough if the papers meet me at Manchester before the end of March. I believe it will be the best way to bestow a distinct pamphlet on Mr. Toplady. Surely wisdom will die with him! I believe we can easily get his other tract, which it would be well to sift to the very foundation, in order to stop the mouth of that vain boaster. I am to set out for Bristol, March 5th; and from Bristol, March 12th.
I am
Your affectionate brother.
DCCXXIX. — To the Same.
DEAR WALTER, February 1, 1772.
YOU do not understand your information right. Observe, “I am going to America to turn Bishop.” You are to understand it in sensu composito. 5 I am not to be a Bishop till I am in America. While I am in Europe, there fore, you have nothing to fear. But as soon as ever you hear of my being landed at Philadelphia, it will be time for your apprehensions to revive. It is true some of our Preachers would not have me stay so long; but I keep my old rule: Festina lente. 6
I am, dear Walter,
Your affectionate brother.
DCCXXX. -- To the Same.
DEAR SIR, LONDON, June 10, 1784.
I SINCERELY thank you for your speedy and satisfactory answer. T. Maxfield affirms that you either wrote such a deed, or signed it. So fare it well.
On the 28th of last June I finished my eightieth year. When I was young I had weak eyes, trembling hands; and abundance of infirmities. But, by the blessing of God, I have outlived them all. I have no infirmities now, but what I judge to be inseparable from flesh and blood. This hath God wrought. I am afraid you want the grand medicine which I use, — exercise, and change of air. I believe what you say concerning that place in the Journal is true. I can trust your memory better than my own, You used to meet me when I came near you; but you seem, of late, to have forgotten.
Your old friend and brother.
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DCCXXXI. — To Miss D. Perronet.
I AM sensible you have many trials; not only such as are grievous to flesh and blood, but such as oppose those desires which are not from nature, but the Spirit of God; and if you chose for yourself, you ought not to choose the situation you are now in. If you did, it would be a great hurt to your soul. It would hinder the work of God in you. But you do not choose for yourself; God chooses for you: And He cannot err; so that you may safely say,
“I’ll trust my great Physician’s skill:
What he prescribes can ne’er be ill”