Wesley's
Pastoral Letters to Methodist Preachers and Leaders
==============================
Copyright © 2026, Odilon Massolar Chaves
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of February 19, 1998.
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Odilon Massolar Chaves is a retired Methodist
pastor, with a doctorate in Theology and History from the Methodist University
of São Paulo.
Son of Rev. Adherico Ribeiro Chaves and Roza
Massolar Chaves.
He is married to RoseMary.
He has two daughters: Liliana and Luciana.
His thesis dealt with the Methodist revival
in England in the eighteenth century and its contribution as a paradigm for our
days.
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Table of Contents
· Introduction
· No wonder many of the Societies are in bad
condition
· Totally unfit to be a Methodist preacher
· You can receive it
· We are not republicans
·
The
more he does, the more he can
· He should immediately reunite in a lively
band
· So honest, but so bland
·
Strictly
insist that each one meet their class weekly
· As long as we live, let us work on the work
of our Lord
· It is fitting that Methodists in all parts of
the world should be united
· Don't seek to be honored
· Start as usual to find classes
· Choose to have a short break between the
fight and the death
· You take the best possible path to calm the
current storm
·
No
one will be offended that you receive private donations from specific friends
· Shake the gift of God that is in you and
wrestle with God in mighty prayer
· Let them judge if I didn't work hard enough
· Keeping all Methodists in Britain as a
connected people
· Outpouring of the Spirit on the Society and
the Congregation
· Everything in my power for the extinction of
this slave trade
· A place of preference
· Assembled Sunday schools in Newcastle
· They had no ability to discern when the
natural part ended and the preternatural began
· Moving forward calmly and firmly
· I neither expect nor fear anything from you
or from any living man
· Be resolute about when to go to bed and wake
up in the morning
· Building Preaching Houses Without Increasing
the General Debt
· It was very poorly done
· An exceptional work
· Exercise caution when talking to others
· Be careful not to consider yourself too
valued
· You keep your love and your integrity even
among the noises
· Discarded friend
· Dropping strange and arched expressions in
preaching
· Be Zealous for God
·
Preach
only twice a week and ride to the Hot Wells every day
· He must not preach to death
· It pleases God to give me a little more to do
· Not seeking happiness in marriage
· They should partake of the Sacrament in the
Church
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Introduction
"Wesley's
Pastoral Letters to Methodist Preachers and Leaders" is a 41-page book
containing 41 letters from Wesley to Methodist leaders and preachers.
Necessary
letters for our day, especially to bishops, pastors, and cell leaders of the
various denominations. They are wise guidelines for resolving church and
personal life issues.
We
gave titles to his letters, of which we highlight:
· No wonder many of the Societies are in bad
condition
· Totally unfit to be a Methodist preacher
·
The
more he does, the more he can
· So honest, but so bland
·
Strictly
insist that each one meet their class weekly
· As long as we live, let us work on the work
of our Lord
· Don't seek to be honored
· Shake the gift of God that is in you and
wrestle with God in mighty prayer
· They had no ability to discern when the
natural part ended and the preternatural began
· Be resolute about when to go to bed and wake
up in the morning
· Building Preaching Houses Without Increasing
the General Debt
· Exercise caution when talking to others
· Be careful not to consider yourself too
valued
The fact is that many
leaders, if they had listened to Wesley, their personal lives, the Church, or
cells would be much better off.
The Author
===============================
No wonder many of the
Societies are in bad condition
Considering the little care
that has been given recently. Soon they will find the difference.
Books that are damaged you
can hand in as you see fit correctly
To Edward Jackson
LONDON, January 2, 1790.
My dear brother, -- It is no wonder that many
of the Societies are in a bad condition, considering the little care they have
been given lately. Soon they will find the difference.
Books
that are damaged you can deliver as you see fit.
No one should have taken a collection
anywhere before the house was built in Dewsbury. However, do what you can, and
do enough. -- I am, with love to Sister Jackson,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
Totally unfit to be a
Methodist preacher
He was indeed a dangerous
man. His bitter enmity against the Church made him utterly unfit to be a
Methodist preacher
To Thomas Tattershall
NEAR LONDON, JANUARY 6, 1790.
DEAR TOMMY, -- Because you want some word
that I write, though I have no news ready. I don't know any preacher who is
ready to go out now; And you know we can neither buy nor hire preachers. Still,
I don't regret that your little friend [William Green, your colleague. See the
letter of October 25, 1789 to him.] he walked away; for he was indeed a
dangerous man. His bitter enmity against the Church made him utterly unfit to
be a Methodist preacher; and his elaborate Discourse against Going to Church
was enough to confuse anyone who was not accustomed to controversy. Still, I
didn't dare arrest him; But I don't regret the slightest thing that he left. I
will not be bold to take it again; but in any other way I would be happy to
help you. I wouldn't hesitate to give him a few pounds if it would do any
benefit. -- I am, dear Tommy,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
You can receive it
If Mr. [Funnal] thinks that
he was wrong to leave, and that it is a favor to receive him again, you may
receive him; But he seems to me to be out of his mind
To Mr. Tattershall, in the Preaching House,
Norwich.
For Thomas McGeary
LONDON, January 9, 1790.
DEAR TOMMY, There is no danger that I will
find your writing problematic. If Mr. [Funnal] thinks that he was wrong to leave,
and that it is a favor to receive him again, you may receive him; But he seems
to me to be out of his mind. Mr. Carr has not written me anything. I hope he
(at least) knows when he's okay. A place so different for him can hardly be
found.
You should be absent from school at times, so
that you can be present more effectively. But I wish you would take a little
tour next month, weather permitting. Spending a week or two outdoors every now
and then is the best physical thing in the world for you. The perfect love ούν άσχημονεϊ is
neither misbehaved nor immature. Peace be with all your spirits --I am, dear
Tommy, Yours with all love.
Mr. Bradily, a godly young man from Antigua,
longs to be a guest at Kingswood. I am not opposed.
We are
not republicans
As long
as I live, the people will have no share in the choice of stewards or leaders
among the Methodists. We have never had and never had such a custom. We're not
Republicans, and we never pretend to be
For John Mason
NEAR LONDON, JANUARY 13, 1790.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- As long as I live, the
people will have no share in the choice of stewards or leaders among the
Methodists. We have never had and never had such a custom. We are not
Republicans, and we never pretend to be. It would be better for those who have
this mind to go away quietly. I have been uniform in both doctrine and
discipline for more than fifty years; And it's already a little too late for me
to take a new path now that I'm gray-haired. Nor good old Brother Pascoe
[Probably the grocer of St. John's, Cornwall, who received the preacher there.
His brother's wife was a mother of Methodism in Sithney. See Diary, iii. 261N;
Methodist Mag., 1801, p. 483.] (God bless you!) expects it from me, nor from
Brother Wood, [Richard Wood, of Port Isaac. See Diary, v. 283.] nor Brother
Flamank. [See letter of June 9, 1789.] If you and I are called this year, may
we bless God that we have not lived in vain. Come, let us strike a few more
blows at Satan's kingdom, and then we shall depart in peace! -- I am
Your affectionate friend and brother.
The more
he does, the more he can
For Daniel Jackson
NEAR LONDON, JANUARY 19, 1790.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- You send me a pleasing
account of God's work in Stockport. Many feared that this would be greatly
undermined, especially by Thomas Smith. But of course they feared where there
was no fear; for our Lord took care of His own work.
I'm glad that Tommy Farrant [probably Thomas
Tennant, Jackson's colleague.] continues to push himself. The more he does, the
more he can; for to him who has (even what he has) will be given, and he will
have more abundantly. --I am, with love to Sister Jackson,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
He should immediately
reunite in a lively band
She was to immediately
reunite in a lively band. And our friends will see to it that she doesn't want
to
To Thomas Rutherford
LONDON, January 22, 1790.
DEAR TOMMY, -- You do well to exclude
everyone who won't regularly correspond to their class.
I am glad that they were so unanimous at the
Annual Meeting and that Brother [Erckbarn] made this excellent proposal. The
sooner it is implemented, the better.
Dr. Coke hopes to visit you in the summer. He
is in excellent spirits. But he must take Scotland on the way to Ireland. You
really send me good news about Sister Cox. [See letter of July 31, 1785.] Look
at the Lord's work. She was to immediately reunite in a lively band. And our
friends will see to it that she doesn't want to. My loving love to her and to
Sister Rutherford. -- I am, dear Tommy,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
So honest, but so bland
The people of Bristol. They
are so honest, yet so dull; It is almost impossible to light a fire in them.
Only with God is everything possible
To Adam Clarke
LONDON, January 28, 1790.
DEAR ADAM, -- I often wonder about the people
of Bristol. They are so honest, yet so dull; It is almost impossible to light a
fire in them. Only with God is everything possible. Many years ago I put the
Society in Bath in a way where, if they had persevered, they now owed nothing.
They were at Plymouth, only thirty in total, and their debt was four hundred
pounds. I advised them: Let each member subscribe monthly what he can; and a
hundred on the Wharf promised to do the same. 'I,' said one, 'give a crown a
month'; 'I,' said another, 'half a crown.' Many subscribed to one shilling,
sixpence or threepence a month. And now the debt is paid. I started this
subscription in Bath; as I have done in many places successfully. But they
stopped coming out in two or three weeks. Why? Because I gave four guineas to
prevent a prisoner from being arrested! Good reason, it wasn't 'Why', said one
and the other, 'wouldn't he have given me that'
I am happy to know that my dear sister is in
a good moment of recovery. On Monday, four weeks from now, I'll probably leave
for Bristol. [He left on March 1.] Peace be with your spirits! -- I am, dear
Adam,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
Strictly
insist that each one meet their class weekly
You
should also strictly insist that each one meets his class weekly, without some
very peculiar obstacle
To John Valton
LONDON, January 29, 1790.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- Where you and Adam Clarke
are, it would be strange if there were not a rebirth. You do well to prune the
circuit, and I advise you to cut off all those (unless they are exceedingly
poor) who do not, as per our original rule, contribute a shilling every
quarter, and a penny once a week. Many members you will lose for this; But our
gain will be greater than our loss. You should also strictly insist that each
one meet his class weekly, without some very peculiar obstacle. I am glad that
you have made a catalogue of the Society, as required by the Conference
Minutes. According to this catalog, classes must always be complied with so
that all can be evaluated exactly. If God pleases me to attend another
conference in Bristol, I should spend a day or two at his house willingly.
Peace be with your spirit! -- I am
Your affectionate friend and brother.
As long as we live, let us
work on the work of our Lord
As long as we live, let us
labor the work of our Lord at various times; and in His time He will give us
all our reward
For Garrettson Free
LONDON, February 3, 1790.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- Two or three weeks ago I
had the pleasure of receiving a letter from you dated August 23, 1789, which
gives me a comfortable account of the rapid and extensive progress of God's
work in America. You also informed me that you had written an account of your
life, and commanded that it be sent to me; and I've been waiting for it day
after day ever since, but now I've almost given up on my expectation; For
unless it comes soon, it will hardly reach me in the present world. You see,
time has shaken me by the hand, and death is not far away. As long as we live,
let us labor the work of our Lord at various times; and in His time He will
give us all our reward. -- I am
Your affectionate friend and brother.
It is fitting that
Methodists in all parts of the world should be united
It is fitting that Methodists in all parts of
the world should be united as closely as possible
For Thomas Morrell
LONDON, February 4, 1790.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- You have given me a very
pleasant account of the progress of the gospel in America. One would expect the
time to draw near when the earth would be filled with the knowledge of the
glory of the Lord. Indeed, the incredible revolutions that took place in Europe
[The Estates-General met on May 5, 1789. The Bastille was destroyed on 14 July,
and the royal family was arrested on 5 October. See March letter to William
Black.] seem to be the forerunners of the same great event. It is true that the
poor infidels who know nothing of God, have no such intention or thought. But
the Lord is seated above the floods, the Lord remains king forever. In the
meantime, it is expedient that Methodists in all parts of the world should be
united as closely as possible. May we all be one is the prayer of...
Your affectionate friend and brother.
I have seen nothing of Brother Garrettson's
letter. [This probably refers to a letter with his Diary, which sank along with
the ship that carried it. See Garrettson de Bangs, p. 176; and previous
letter.]
Don't seek to be honored
Do not seek to be honored;
Be content to be despised
For William Horner
LONDON, February 8, 1790.
DEAR BILLY, -- I am determined that there will
be no circuits in England with more than four preachers as long as I live. Four
is too many, if I could help it.
I would have no objection to having benches
at Oxford under the gallery, but not elsewhere. I want our preaching houses to
be different from all others.
Do not seek to be honored; Be content to be
despised. I'm glad you are all friends in Witney and that you thrive in High
Wycombe. -- I am, with love to Sister Horner,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
To Mr. William Horner, Preaching House,
Newing Hall, Oxford.
Start as usual to find
classes
The
following Monday, start as usual to find the classes. I don't regret the
slightest bit that James Gore was removed from this evil world. You and I will
follow you in due time, as soon as we finish our work
To Adam Clarke
LONDON, February 11, 1790.
DEAR ADAM, -- On Monday, March 1, I hope to
depart from here; and preach that evening and on Tuesday at half past six
o'clock in Bath. On Thursday, if he wishes, I will dine at Mr. Durbin's; and
the following Monday, start as usual to find the classes. I don't regret the
slightest bit that James Gore was removed from this evil world. You and I will
follow you in due time, as soon as we have finished our work. Many of our
friends have lately been gathered in the garden like ripe shocks of wheat.
Peace be with the spirits of both! -- I am, dear Adam,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
Choose to have a short
break between the fight and the death
It is likely that Dr. Priestley
himself is finally gripped by controversy and chooses to have a short interval
between the fight and death. It may be that the contrast between the Doctor and
the inspired writers convinces some contradictions.
To Joseph Benson
NEAR LONDON, FEBRUARY 16, 1790.
DEAR JOSEPH, -- On Monday evening, the 1st, I
hope to be in Bath; the following Thursday in Bristol; on Monday the 15th I
hope to be in Stroud, and on the following Friday in Birmingham. In a few days
you will see the remaining part of my treatise [Was this The Rules of the
Strangers' Friend Society in Bristol, dated Bristol, 12 March, 1790 See Diary,
viii. 49; Miles' Chronological History (4th edition), p. 180; Wesley of
Tyerman, iii. 253; and letter of December 31, 1785 to John Gardner.] in one of
the public newspapers.
It is likely that Dr. Priestley himself is
finally gripped by controversy and chooses to have a short interval between the
fight and death. It may be that the contrast between the Doctor and the
inspired writers convinces some contradictions. -- I am, with love to Sister
Benson, dear Joseph,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
You take the best possible
path to calm the current storm
And so you take the best
possible path to calm the present storm, seeking the One who transforms the
hearts of men like waters. Without His help, human resources would be of no
use.
To Robert Carr Brackenbury
LONDON, February 24, 1790.
DEAR SIR -- Is the bailiff the same gentleman
who signed the chapel and awarded us a contract for the construction? If so,
how has your mind changed so much? But your heart is still in God's hands. And
so you take the best possible path to calm the present storm, seeking the One
who transforms the hearts of men like waters. Without His help, human resources
would be of no use. It pleased God to give me more strength than I had in the
fall; But my eyes remain weak. We just need to be in His hands. -- I am, dear
sir,
Your very affectionate
friend and brother.
No one
will be offended that you receive private donations from specific friends
Although
it was decided at the Conference not to start any other houses until the one in
Dewsbury was completed {which is not the case), I believe that no one
will be offended by your receiving private donations from specific friends
To Thomas Tattershall
LONDON, February 28, 1790.
DEAR TOMMY, -- If you had given me in time a
specific report of your late disturbance, etc., it is very likely that I would
have saved myself some expense and a great deal of pain.
But never imagine that you and I would be
saved from rebuke unless we changed our Master. Although it was decided at the
Conference not to start any other house until the one in Dewsbury was completed
{which is not the case), I believe that no one will be offended by your
receiving private donations from specific friends. -- I am, dear Tommy,
Your affectionate friend and brother. To Mr. Tattershall, at the
Preaching House, Norwich.
Shake the gift of God that
is in you and wrestle with God in mighty prayer
O shake the gift of God
that is in you and wrestle with God in mighty prayer. He is doing great things
in many parts of Europe, something that has not been seen for many generations
To William Black
March 1790.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- I am glad to hear that
you have had some increase in the work of God in Halifax. If you take care that
the brethren do not get into trouble along the way, and that there is no
jealousy or coldness among the preachers, but you all go on in peace and
harmony, there will be an increase of this everywhere. I have high hopes that
the days of cold and darkness are past, and that the Sun of Righteousness is
rising over Nova Scotia as well. O shake the gift of God that is in you and
wrestle with God in mighty prayer. He is doing great things in many parts of
Europe, something that has not been seen for many generations [See letter of
February 4.]; and the children of God expect to see greater things than these.
I don't know if England has ever been in such a tranquil state before as it is
now. It is up to us to wait for the openings of Divine Providence and follow
its guidelines. -- I am
Your affectionate friend and brother.
Let them judge if I didn't
work hard enough
I haven't solved the rest
of my plan yet. I probably will, if I go to York. A lot of people are always
teasing me to visit more places. Now let them judge if I didn't work hard
enough
For Preachers and Friends
LONDON, March 1, 1790.
As many people want to know where I am from
here to the Conference, here I set out my path, which, God willing, I will
maintain until that time.
March.
Monday, 15, Stroud; 16, Gloucester; 17,
Worcester; 18. Stourport; 19, Birmingham. Monday, 22, Wednesbury; 23, Dudley
and Wolverhampton; 24, Madeley; 25, Salop; 26, Madcloy; 27,
Newcastle-under-Lyne; 28, Lane End and Burslem. Monday, 29, Congleton; 30, Macclesfield.
April.
Thursday, 1 p.m., Stockport; 2, Manchester.
Monday, 5, Nantwich and Liverpool; 7, Warrington and Chester; 9, Wigan; 10,
Bolton. Monday, 12, Blackburn; 13, Colne; 17, Keighley; 18, Haworth and
Halifax. Tuesday, 20, Huddersfield; 2x, Dewsbury; 24, Wakefield; 25, Bitstall
and Leeds. Tuesday, 27, Bradford; 29, Otley.
May.
Saturday, 1 p.m., Parkgate; 2, York; 4,
Pocklington; 6, Newcastle. Monday, 10, Alnwick; 12, Dunbar; 13, Edinburgh.
Tuesday 18, Dundee; 19, Arbroath; 20, Aberdeen.
N.B. -- I haven't sorted out the rest of my
plan yet. I probably will, if I go to York. A lot of people are always teasing
me to visit more places. Now let them judge if I didn't work hard enough.
Keeping all Methodists in
Britain as a connected people
I have only one thing in
mind -- to keep all the Methodists of Great Britain as a connected people. But
this cannot be done unless the Conference, and not the trustees, appoint all
its preachers
For Friends in Trowbridge
BATH, March 3, 1790.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- I have only one thing in
mind -- to keep all the Methodists of Great Britain as a connected people. But
this cannot be done unless the Conference, and not the trustees, appoint all
its preachers. Therefore the title which I recommend to the owners of all the
unestablished preaching houses is as follows: 'The condition of this obligation
is such that, if A, B, C, D, etc., the owners of the preaching house at
Trowbridge, recently built for the use of the Methodists, grant a security to
establish the said house in seven trustees chosen by Mr. Wesley as soon as the
present debt upon it shall be paid,
then this bond is void: otherwise it shall remain in full force.' Long
texts I abhor. This is neither too long nor too short. Any of you who write
fairly can write this down if it is on properly stamped paper, without a
lawyer. -- I am, my dear brothers,
Your affectionate brother.
Outpouring of the Spirit on
the Society and the Congregation
He died suddenly while
screaming, whose awful providence was followed by an outpouring of the Spirit
upon the Society and the congregation.] it is very remarkable, and the story is
well told; and God did him much honor for the happy effects that were the
consequences of his death.
For Jasper Winscom
BRISTOL, March 13, 1790.
DEAR JASPER, The account of Thomas Whitwood
[A young man on the Isle of Wight who died suddenly while screaming, whose
terrible providence was followed by an outpouring of the Spirit upon the
Society and the congregation.] is very remarkable, and the story is well told;
and God did him much honor for the happy effects that were the consequences of
his death. [A young man on the Isle of Wight who died suddenly while screaming,
terrible providence followed by an outpouring of the Spirit upon the Society
and the congregation.]
I am in no hurry to build without having paid
some more of our debts. Nor am I in a hurry to multiply preachers or divide
circuits. Most of our circuits are too small instead of too big. I wish we
didn't have any circuit with less than three preachers on it or less than four
hundred miles riding in four weeks. Certainly no circuit will be divided before
the Conference. If we are not careful, we will all degenerate into vaissas.
Soldiers of Christ, arise!
--I am, dear Jasper,
With affection.
To Mr. J. Winscom at the Preaching House in Sarum.
Everything in my power for
the extinction of this slave trade
I would do everything in my
power for the extinction of this trade, which is a scandal not only to
Christianity, but to humanity. [Slavery, in the abolition of which Wesley
showed great interest
To Henry Moore
BRISTOL, March 14, 1790.
DEAR HENRY, -- I received the package by
carriage. I fully approve that you have sent the note to all our assistants and
I hope it will have a good effect. I would do everything in my power for the
extinction of this trade, which is a scandal not only to Christianity, but to
humanity. [Slavery, in the abolition of which Wesley showed great interest. See
letter of October 11, 1787.]
It will require time, thought and a lot of
patience to put into practice the other project we see from a distance.
We continue well in this circuit; and it's no
wonder, since John Valton, Adam Clarke, and Miss Helena Sánchez. Johnson are
here. -- I am, with affection for Nancy,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
A place of preference
Is there any part of Ireland
that you prefer to others or would rather spend time in England that you can
speak to freely
For William Smith
BIRMINGHAM, March 21, 1790.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- I have not regretted that
you were discharged from the Army, since it was not by your own act and action,
but by a stroke of Divine Providence; and I doubt whether this is to the glory
of God. The question was: Which part of the vineyard would be best for you to
work in? I cannot, in reason, consent to you being confined too long at the
Londonderry Circuit. Is there any part of Ireland that you prefer to others or
would rather spend time in England that you can speak to freely
Your affectionate brother.
Assembled Sunday schools in
Newcastle
I'm glad you set up Sunday
schools in Newcastle. This is one of the best institutions seen in Europe for a
few centuries, and it will do more and more good, as long as the teachers and
inspectors fulfill their duties
For Charles Atmore
MADELEY, March 24, 1790.
DEAR CHARLES, -- I'm glad you set up Sunday
schools in Newcastle. This is one of the best institutions seen in Europe a few
centuries ago, and it will do more and more good, as long as the teachers and
inspectors fulfill their duties. Nothing can hinder the success of this blessed
work but the abandonment of the instruments. Therefore, make sure to observe
them carefully so that they do not get tired of doing good.
I shall be at Darlington, God willing, on
Tuesday and Wednesday, May 4 and 5; on Thursday at Durham to preach at twelve
o'clock; and in Newcastle between four and five in the afternoon. Peace be with
you all, and with yours.--I am, dear Charles,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
They had no ability to
discern when the natural part ended and the preternatural began
At
first, I thought it was just a cheat; but then Satan stepped in and deceived
the spectators, who had no ability to discern when the natural part ended and
the preternatural began
To Adam Clarke
MADELEY, March 25, 1790.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- You have done an
exceptional job in making friends understand the case of that young woman. I
wonder how open she would be; Certainly she was limited to revealing her own
secrets. It now seems as clear as possible that this animal magnetism [See
letter of April 14.] is diabolical from beginning to end. At first, I thought
it was just a cheat; but then Satan stepped in and deceived the onlookers, who
had no ability to discern when the natural part ended and the preternatural
began. Go forward with faith and prayer to face and detect all these depths of
Satan. Peace be with your spirits! -- I am, dear Adam,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
Note: "Preternatural describes
something extraordinary, abnormal, or that seems to overcome the forces of
nature, lying beyond what is considered natural or ordinary" (Google AI
Mode Overview).
Moving forward calmly and
firmly
You just
need to move forward calmly and steadily, and God will rise up and maintain His
own cause. Only let us strive to have a conscience void of offense against God
and man
To Samuel Bardsley
NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME, 27 March 1790.
DEAR SAMMY, -- Take special care that neither
Michael Fenwick nor any other justly offends, and especially that they do not offend
God; then He will make your enemies at peace with you.
If I remember correctly, I wrote to the mayor
of Bideford; and I imagine that makes him quieter. [See letter of November 25,
1789.] By meekness, gentleness, and patience, with faith and prayer, you will
prevail also in Torrington. You just need to move forward calmly and steadily,
and God will rise up and maintain His own cause. Only let us strive to have a
conscience void of offense against God and man. -- I am, dear Sammy,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
I neither expect nor fear
anything from you or from any living man
But I cannot die in peace
until I have fulfilled this office of Christian love to Your Lordship. I write
unceremoniously, for I neither expect nor fear anything from your Lordship or
from any living man
To Dr.
Pretyman Tomline, Bishop of Lincoln ()
MY LORD, -- I am a dying man, already having
one foot in the grave. Humanly speaking, I cannot walk long on earth, being now
near ninety years of age than eighty years old. But I cannot die in peace until
I have fulfilled this office of Christian love to Your Lordship. I write
unceremoniously, for I neither expect nor fear anything from your Lordship or
from any living man. And I ask, in the name and presence of Him to whom both
you and I will render an account, why do you bother those who are quiet on earth,
those who fear God and do justice? Do you know what the Methodists are? That
many thousands of them are zealous members of the Church of England, and
strongly attached not only to His Majesty, but also to his present Ministry.
Why would you, leaving religion out of the question, have such a respectable
group of friends? Is it because of religious feelings? Alas, my Lord! Is this a
time to persecute any man out of conscience? I beg you, my lord, to do what you
would have done. You are a sensible man; You are a man of knowledge; No, I
really believe (which is infinitely more valuable), that you are a godly man.
So think, and let think. I pray God to bless you with the choicest of His
blessings. -- It is I, my Lord, etc.
Be resolute about when to
go to bed and wake up in the morning
I hope you will be resolute about the time to go to bed and wake up in the morning; May I have at least one vicar who will join me here in setting a standard for the flock. And I pray that you will fight against slowness, not just in reading the Prayers, but in all things great and small
Mr. Garforth, in
Skipton-in-Craven, Yorkshire.
For Peard Dickinson
NEAR STOCKPORT, APRIL 2, 1790.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- The change in a new house
must be made in haste and inconvenience. [Dickinson lived near the City Road
Chapel. See letters of April 29, 1788 and April 28, 1790 (to Sarah Wesley).]
But conveniences, on the other hand, will be more than useful if you take care
to make the most of them. I hope you will be resolute about the time to go to
bed and wake up in the morning; May I have at least one vicar who will join me
here in setting a standard for the flock. And I pray that you will fight against
slowness, not only in reading the Prayers, but in all things great and small.
Ne res omnes tardi gelideque ministrat. [Apparently his adaptation of Horace's
Ars Poética, verse 171: quod res oranes tirnide gelideque rninistrat.]
Be quick! Be quick! Stir well! In everything,
hurry, although without haste. I'm glad you serve the kids. Your work will not
be in vain. My health increases more than it decreases. I think summer will
kill me or heal me. It's okay. Peace be with you and yours! -- I am
Your affectionate friend and brother.
Building Preaching Houses
Without Increasing the General Debt
If you can build preaching
houses without increasing the General Debt, it is good; But other than that, it
will consume us. But I have nothing more to do with these issues. I have
appointed a Building Committee and will leave to them everything that concerns
construction for the future
To Thomas Tattershall
MANCHESTER, April [3], 1790.
DEAR TOMMY, -- Then you have reason to
acknowledge that God has not forgotten to be merciful. If you can build
preaching houses without increasing the General Debt, it is good; But other
than that, it will consume us. But I have nothing more to do with these issues.
I have appointed a Building Committee and will leave to them everything that
concerns construction for the future. In all these parts of the kingdom there
is a good measure of God's work. It will be so everywhere if the preachers are
holy and zealous men. -- I am, dear Tommy,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
.
It was
very poorly done
I did
not approve of Dr. Coke making charges, neither on his own nor on any other
circuit. I told him that, and I'm not at all pleased with what he did. It was
very badly done.
For Thomas Taylor
MANCHESTER, April 4, 1790.
DEAR TOMMY, -- I did not approve of Dr. Coke
making charges, neither on his own nor on any other circuit. I told him that,
and I'm not at all pleased with what he did. It was very badly done.
It is extremely likely that bathing in the
sea will be useful to the Simpson brother; especially if it is temperate in
everything, especially in that which one can scarcely name. [William Simpson
was Taylor's classmate at Hull.]
I don't know what you mean by talking about
'about the Church'. I advise all our brethren who have been raised in the
Church to remain there; And then I leave the subject. Methodists are to spread
life among all denominations; which they will do until they form a separate
sect. -- I am, with love to Sister Taylor, dear Tommy,
Always yours.
An exceptional work
You have done an
exceptional job of investigating this diabolical question to the bottom and
arming our innocent members of the Society against this plausible delusion. I'm
glad you finally managed to get honest Mr. Durbin off the grid
To Adam Clarke
MANCHESTER, April 14, 1790.
DEAR ADAM, -- You have done an exceptional
job of investigating this diabolical question to the bottom and arming our innocent
members of the Society against this plausible delusion. I'm glad you finally
managed to get honest Mr. Durbin off the net. Now I hope that his poor daughter
will be given birth and live to be a comfort to him. I would like you to write
a private account of your own state of health to Dr. Whitehead; and follow his
advice on all points except to cease preaching aside. I think that if I had
followed this advice many years ago, I should not have been a living man.
Peace be with you and yours! -- I am, dear Adam,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
Exercise caution when
talking to others
But you will need to be
cautious when talking to others, as they would not understand what you say. Go
forward in the name of God and in the power of His power
For Anne Cutler
WALTON, April 15, 1790.
MY DEAR SISTER, -- There is something in
God's actions with your soul that is out of the ordinary. But I have known
several whom he has had the pleasure of leading in exactly the same way, and
particularly in distinctly manifesting to them the three Persons of the
ever-blessed Trinity. You can tell me your whole experience at any time; But
you will need to be cautious when talking to others, as they would not
understand what you say. Go forward in the name of God and in the power of His
power. Pray for every spirit of humility; and I ask you to write and speak
without reservation to, dear Nanny,
With affection.
Be careful not to consider
yourself too valued
But oh, be careful not to
consider yourself too valued. You walk on slippery ground. May God keep you
humble
For William Smith
WAKEFIELD, April 23, 1790.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- Your motives are good. I
totally agree with your judgment. Considering the kindness your friends in
Londonderry have shown, it would not be advisable for you to be turned away
from them immediately. You'd better stay with them another year. [See letter of
March 21.] Therefore, I will write to Dr. Coke so that it may be so. But oh, be
careful not to consider yourself too valued. You walk on slippery ground. May
God keep you humble. -- I am,
Your affectionate brother.
You keep your love and your
integrity even among the noises
To give further proof that
you are a man who can be trusted. You keep your love and your integrity even
among the noises
To Henry Moore
PARKGATE, April 25, 1790.
Thank you, my dear Harry, for giving me
further proof that you are a man to be trusted. You keep your love and your
integrity even among the noises, But who was it that turned Dr. Coke from east
to west and (much stranger!) Dr. Hamilton But how is it that the fact The
Society in Dublin is silent or not The dispute has been forgotten or does it
continue The majority of the people are in favor of maintaining or abolishing
the eleven o'clock service [See letters of May 6, x788, and May 12, 1790.] Certainly Dr. Coke
is not well in his senses.
I wrote an affectionate but direct letter to
Arthur Keene [See the next letter, and that of July 6, 1789.] (without saying a
word from the morning service) in this regard: 'You would not have justified
removing a friend like me, even if I had become a Papist or a Mohammedan.' -- I
am, with affection to Nancy, dear Henry,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
Discarded friend
Could it be that friends
like me were discarded for a reason like this? I really think that such a step
would not have been justifiable if I had become a Papist or a Mohammedan, much
less to become a Presbyterian, if only I had become a Presbyterian
For Arthur Keene
PARKGATE, LEEDS, April 28, 1790.
DEAR ARTHUR, -- Many years you and I have
loved each other as brothers. We were united by no common bond. We received
sweet counsel together and walked to God's house as friends. Suddenly, you
renounced all contact with me, because, you said, I had left the Church. Alas!
What a cause! Could it be that friends like me were discarded for a reason like
this? I really think that such a step would not have been justifiable if I had
become a Papist or a Mohammedan, much less to become a Presbyterian, if only I
had been so. And to his example, especially, I owe the unjust and cruel
behavior that I encountered from many when I was in Dublin for the last time!
Well, I can't help it; I must be guided by my own conscience, not by another
man's! I had many tiring journeys to Ireland; It seems that now I am quite
liberated. May God's peace be with you and yours! I no longer depend on seeing
you until we meet in the world of spirits.
Dear Arthur, goodbye!
Dropping strange and arched
expressions in preaching
I hope you have dropped
your strange, arched expressions in preaching, and that you speak as clearly
and monotonously as one of us
For Thomas Wride
DARLINGTON, May 5. 1790.
DEAR TOMMY, -- It was a small thing for me,
when I could ride, deviate a few miles from my path. But that time has passed.
All I can do now is visit the major Societies. I hope to see our friends at
Weardale and Barnard Castle, and I believe that will be the most I need to try.
Your affectionate friend and brother.
Be Zealous for God
When wit told the world
about me being on the water in Portsmouth, I was three or four hundred miles
away. Be zealous for God, and everyone will see the fruit of your work
To George Holder
ABERDEEN, May 24, 1790.
DEAR GEORGE, -- I have no objection to your
being in an English circuit next year, [He was appointed to the Dales Circuit
in 1790.] because Brother Brown is staying in another on the island; which I
suppose can be supplied by three preachers this year, since it was the last.
When wit told the world about me being on the water in Portsmouth, I was three
or four hundred miles away. Be zealous for God, and everyone will see the fruit
of your labor. -- I am, dear George,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
Preach only twice a week and ride to the Hot
Wells every day
Now,
you're going to save his life. Look around; consider if there is any circuit
where he can rest a lot and work little; or he and you will spend September in
my lodgings at Kingswood, on condition that he preaches only twice a week and
rides to the Hot Wells every day.
To Mrs. Adam Clarke
DUMFRIES, June 1790.
MY DEAR SISTER, The great question is, what
can be done by Adam Clarke [See the next letter and that of April 14.]~ Now, you're going to save his
life. Look around; consider if there is any circuit where he can rest a lot
and work little; or he and you will spend September in my lodgings at
Kingswood, on condition that he preaches only twice a week and rides to the Hot
Wells every day. I think he must do it, or die; And I don't want him (nor you)
to run away from us in a hurry. You need not object that this will be
accompanied by some cost; If it is, we can make it easier. I tend to think that
this will be the best way. In the meantime, let him do as much as he can, and
nothing more. I'm likely to stay with you a little longer, as my strength
doesn't diminish much. Yesterday I traveled nearly eighty miles and preached at
night without pain. The Lord does what He pleases. Peace be with all your
spirits! -- I am, my dear sister,
With all the affection.
Note: Adam Clarke lived until 1832.
He must not preach to death
But where can we put poor
Adam Clarke? He must not preach to death; And which circuit is he equal to,
where he can rest as much as work? The best place I can think of right now is
Leeds
To Henry Moore
DUMFRIES, June 1, 1790.
DEAR HENRY, -- Then I am again on the borders
of England. My vision is pretty much as it was before; but I doubt if I will
not recover my strength until I use that noble remedy [See letter of April 11]
preaching in the morning. But where can we put poor Adam Clarke? He must not
preach to death; And which circuit is he equal to, where he can rest as much as
work? The best place I can think of right now is Leeds. [Clarke went to Dublin.
See July 31 letter to John King.]
The last words of the Prince of Orange are
very present in my mind: 'Lord, have mercy on the people!' [William the Silent,
murdered in 1584.]
I never saw so much probability of doing good
in Scotland as there is now, if all our preachers here were really Methodists.
My dear Henry, love me as best you can. -- I
am, dear Henry,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
It pleases God to give me a
little more to do
I have just finished my
route through Scotland, where I have never had congregations like this before.
So it pleases God to give me a little more to do before calling me here
To William Black
SUNDERLAND, June 14, 1790.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- You have done well to
send me an account of your little Societies. Here is a good start, though it is
still in many places a day of little things, and though it does not please God
to continue His work so quickly with you as in some provinces. But a soul is
worth all the merchandise in the world; And whoever receives money, you win
souls.
There has never been in all England,
Scotland, and Ireland such a thirst for the pure word of God as there is to
this day. The same as we find in the small islands of Man, Wight, Jersey,
Guernsey and Alderney, in the Western Ocean. In the Isle of Man alone (thirty
miles long), the Societies have about twenty and two hundred members. I have
just finished my route through Scotland, where I have never had congregations
like this before. So it pleases God to give me a little more to do before
calling me here.
What Happened to Brother Scurr, Dodson, and
Our Other Yorkshire Friends Some of them doubtless went to a more distant
country; but some, I suppose, remain. I doubt that you do not maintain constant
relations with each other. Love as brothers — I am, dear William,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
Not seeking happiness in
marriage
I
married because I needed a home, to recover my health; and I recovered. But I
didn't seek happiness for it, and I didn't find it. We know that this can be
found in the knowledge, enjoyment, and service of God, whether in a married or
single state
For John Dickins
WHITBY, June 19, 1790.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- This morning I received
yours of April 9th, with Mr. Asbury's bill attached. I was surprised when Lady
Huntingdon absolutely forbade any preacher in her Connection to marry. All that
can be said about it is, 'If you can be free, use it first.' I married because
I needed a home, to recover my health; and I recovered. But I didn't seek
happiness for it, and I didn't find it. We know that this can be found in the
knowledge, enjoyment, and service of God, whether in a married or single state.
But whenever we deny ourselves and take up the cross for Him, the happier we
will be both here and in eternity. Let us work in the same way, and in His time
He will give us a full reward. -- I am
Your affectionate friend and brother.
To the Rev. John Dickins, Philadelphia.
They should partake of the
Sacrament in the Church
On the fourth Sunday, they
were to partake of the Sacrament in church.] instead of separating them from
that, especially if you sincerely insist that they go to church every four
Sundays
For William Thom
MALTON, June 21, 1790.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- I agree with my brother's
judgment that the use of the form of prayer will tend to unite our people to
the Church [Charles Wesley's view. On the fourth Sunday, they were to partake
of the Sacrament in church.] instead of separating them from it, especially if
you sincerely insist that they go to church every four Sundays.
I am very indifferent to the preaching house,
and I will not worry about it any longer. I've already lost 10 because of this,
although to no purpose. If anything else is to be done about it, it must be
done by the people of Sarum themselves. With love to Sister Thom, dear Billy,
Your affectionate friend and brother. [1]
Note: Wesley, when referring to the
"Church", speaks of the Anglican Church.
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