To Mr. George Sykes.
DCCCLIX. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BETSY, Near OXFORD, October 29, 1789.
YOU cannot easily conceive how great satisfaction I received from your affectionate letter. I am glad you write without reserve; and take knowledge that your words come from your heart. What is that sympathy that often unites our hearts to each other perhaps the first interview? Surely it is not intended that this should cease till it is perfected in eternity.
I am pleased to hear that the work of God does not decline, but rather increase, in Monmouth. My dear friend, stir up the gift of God that is in you. Warn every one: Exhort every one! Be not weary of well doing! In due time you shall reap, if you faint not.
Still let thy mind be bent, still plotting how,
And when, and where, the business may be done.
Have you received a clear, direct witness that you was saved from inbred sin? At what time? In what manner? And do you find it as clear as it was at first? Do you feel an increase?
Yours most affectionately.
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DCCCLX. — To Mr. George Sykes.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LIVERPOOL, April 8, 1790.
WHAT says our Lord? “Let the dead bury their dead; but preach thou the Gospel.” O refuse not Him that speaketh, but take up thy cross and follow Him!
I am
Your affectionate brother.
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DCCCLXI. — To Mr. Benjamin Rhodes, Redruth.
MY DEAR BROTHER, Near LONDON, January 7, 1789.
YOU have done exactly right. Observe the rules of the Conference, both in changing the Stewards, or in any other point, whoever is pleased or displeased. And do not fail mildly to expostulate the case, either with George, or any other Assistant, who does not observe them. The Trustees and Leaders will soon trample them under foot, if you will let them. But I think you can be mild, and yet firm.
I am, with love to sister Rhodes,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
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DCCCLXII. — To Mr.——. 8
DEAR SAMMY, LONDON, November 9, 1782.
I ABHOR the thought of giving to twenty men the power to place or displace the Preachers in their congregations. How would he then dare to speak an unpleasing truth? And, if he did, what would become of him? This must never be the case while I live among the Methodists. And Bristol is a leading case; the first of an avowed violation of our plan. Therefore, the point must be carried for the Methodist Preachers now or never: And I alone can carry it; which I will, God being my Helper. You are not a match for the silver tongue, nor brother Hopper. But do not, to please any of your new friends, forsake
Your true old friend.