To Mr. Samuel Bradburn.
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DCCCLXIII. — To Mr. Samuel Bradburn.
DEAR SAMMY, EPWORTH, July 10, 1779.
IT is the judgment of many, that since the time of the Invincible Armada, Great Britain and Ireland were never in such danger from foreign enemies as they are at this day. Humanly speaking, we are not able to contend with them, either by sea or land. They are watching over us as a leopard over his prey, just ready to spring upon us. They are mighty, and rage horribly: But the Lord that dwelleth on high is mightier; and now is the time, at this awful crisis, for the inhabitants of the land to learn righteousness. I make no doubt but you improve the important opportunity, and lift up your voice like a trumpet. Who knoweth but God may be entreated of us, as He was for Nineveh?
Our brethren in various parts of England have set apart an hour in a week for prayer, (namely, from eight till nine on Sunday evening,) in behalf of our King and country. Should not the same thing be done in Ireland too? particularly at Cork and Bandon. Those who have not opportunity of meeting at the time, may pray part of the hour in private. Meantime, there is a text for you: “I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.” I am, dear Sammy,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
DCCCLXIV. — To the Same.
DEAR SAMMY, LONDON, February 26, 1780.
I THINK you have reason to be exceeding thankful for an honest and sensible fellow-laborer. The good fruit of it appears already, in your deliverance from that troublesome man. If your opponents cannot provoke
you to return evil for evil, they can do you no harm. In patience possess ye your soul, and all those things shall work together for good. I hope to be in Dublin about the end of March; and, probably, in Cork, before the middle of May. If you are at Bristol by and by, (to which I have no great objection,) we must hire a lodging for you near the room. Peace be with your spirits!
I am, with kind love to Betsy,
Dear Sammy,
Your affectionate friend and Brother.
DCCCLXV. — To the Same.
DEAR SAMMY, LONDON, January 14, 1780
IT is well we know that trouble springeth not out of the dust; but that the Lord reigneth. But still, even when he can say, “It is the Lord,” it is hard to add, “Let Him do what seemeth Him good.” I remember formerly, when I read these words in the church at Savannah, “Son of men, behold, I take from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke,” I was pierced through as with a sword, and could not utter a word more. But our comfort is, He that made the heart can heal the heart. Your help stands in Him alone. He will command all these things to work together for good. To His tender care I commend you; and am,
Dear Sammy,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
DCCCLXVI. — To the Same.
DEAR SAMMY, DUBLIN, July 10, 1787.
I DESIRED John Atlay to make up the twenty pounds, which I gave Mr. Heath, fifty. But if he mistook me, and gave him fifty instead of thirty, it will not ruin me. What is still wanting, Dr. Coke will supply.
I am glad you have visited the country societies, and that you find so much life among them. What we can do for the poor people at Wandsworth, I know not. I doubt their case will grow worse and worse. I am, with love to S—— Bradburn, dear Sammy,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
On the same sheet is the following letter to Mrs. Hall, Mr. Wesley’s sister, then resident in London: —
DEAR PATTY, DUBLIN, July 10, 1787.
Tomorrow I hope to sail. I am glad you have not forgotten me: And am, with much affection,
Ever yours.
DCCCLXVII. — To the Same.
DEAR SAMMY, Near MANCHESTER, July 17, 1787.
YOU should be at Manchester, to meet the Assistants, by two in the afternoon, on the 30th instant.
I have a good letter from William N. Pitt, at Deptford. Pray thank him for it in my name; and tell him I shall take the matter he mentions into serious consideration.
I desire you to inform Mr. Dornford, that I will propose Richard Taylor at the Conference.
I am, with love to Sophy, dear Sammy,
Ever yours.