The Year
Prayers Miraculously Delivered Wesley From Death
Newspapers
announced his death, but Wesley survived and lived another 15 years
Odilon
Massolar Chaves
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© 2026, Odilon Massolar Chaves
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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.
Table of Contents
· Introduction
·
1775,
the year Wesley "conquered death"
·
Unless
something unforeseen gets in the way
·
Be
Zealous and Active for a Good Master
·
There's
nothing better in heaven or on earth than love
·
It
pleases God to continue my strength until now, and my disorder causes me little
uneasiness
·
Be a
follower of her, even as she was of Christ
· Beware of
Your Own Spirit
·
Now
there is a probability that God will hear the prayer
·
You have
never been in your lives in such a critical situation as you are now
·
I'm not
on either side, and yet on both sides
·
Terrible
inconveniences arose because of private interest rather than public interest
·
You just
tell me in general that your health is getting worse
· Seize every
opportunity
·
And use
what little strength you have for the glory of the One who gave it
·
The
clouds are black over England as well as America
· To oppose
the party spirit
·
I think
silence in this case would be a sin against God
·
Totally
unsuitable for a Methodist preacher
·
That is
our calling, to stand firm in glorious freedom
·
Last
month I was at death's door
·
Always
accept advice or rebukes as a favor
·
By God's
blessing, I'm at least as well as I was before my recent illness
·
I'm as
strong as I was when it started
·
Someone
who has nothing to do but save their own soul and those who listen to you
·
I
believe that my late illness has already answered many wise ends of Providence
·
It's not
safe to live or die without love
·
A few
weeks ago, I was on the verge of death in the north of Ireland
· Be quiet
'til I die
·
Commerce
in general is extremely decadent and thousands of people are completely
unemployed
·
Trust in
the Lord and do good
·
I told
them my plan to help them, which is this
·
I
rejoice to know that God has made Mr. Crook's labor of love profitable for some
of you
·
May the
Lord give you right judgment in all things
·
We must
not despair of anything
·
I think
I've already grabbed the thread and I can unravel everything
·
The
account given in our newspapers about my death was not entirely unfounded
·
We will
help you (as said) with the cost
·
I'm just
putting in the press 'a new edition of the Speech, corrected'
·
I am
glad to know that God's word prospers in your hands
·
One of
the noblest medicines in the world
·
Everywhere
do not forsake declaring to them the whole counsel of God
·
How
shockingly ignorant our lawyers of the law are
·
I say
that I don't remember anything about this book, neither the title nor the
script
·
Prayer
meetings can be of great use not only to individuals, but to the entire nation
·
I
observed his admirably good spirit
·
Beware
of being swept away by the torrent
·
I am
currently better than before the fever
Introduction
The Year Prayers Miraculously Delivered Wesley From Death is a 65-page book based on his letters.
The year
1775 was marked in Methodism as the year in which Wesley miraculously
"conquered death."[1]
"In
1775, he became seriously ill in Ireland, to the point that English newspapers
published his obituary early. Faced with the news and the leader's terminal
state, the Methodist faithful gathered in a great chain of prayer, begging God
to repeat with Wesley the biblical miracle done to King Hezekiah, adding
another 15 years to his life", [2] which actually happened.
During a period of prayer for Wesley, Thomas Payne, one of the Methodist preachers "felt moved to pray that, just as God spared the life of King Hezekiah (Isaiah 38:1-6), He would also spare the life of John Wesley. This request for fifteen years to be added to Wesley's life awakened the faith of the prayer group and they cried out to the Lord for its fulfillment. While praying fervently, suddenly Mrs. Gayer stood up and announced, 'Prayer has been granted!' Wesley's health began to improve rapidly and less than a week later he was back on his travels." [3]
Wesley said that the news in the newspapers about his death was not entirely unfounded. To Thomas Rankin, on October 20, 1775, Wesley wrote, "The account given in our newspapers of my death was not altogether unfounded; for I was not only dead, my pulse utterly lost, and 'the wheel in the cistern motionless.' But then our Lord intervened, and the fever overcame His touch and fled." [4]
In seven letters written in 1775, Wesley dealt with the subject of his miraculous cure. Wesley even lost consciousness for a few days and part of his hair.
Some historians say that it was "a severe outbreak of influenza (flu of strong intensity) accompanied by a continuous fever", [5] the result of a harsh winter.
"The
outbreak was part of a wider respiratory epidemic (often described at the time
as ' epidemical cold' ) that struck the British Isles and central Europe
between the autumn and winter of 1775 and 1776." [6]
About two-thirds of Dublin's population contracted the flu. About 40,000 people died. Dublin had between 130,000 and 140,000 inhabitants.
The London Chronicle, dated December 19, 1775, quotes that "a gentleman who had recently arrived from Tipperary assured that the flu spread most violently in Ireland and had far more fatal consequences, for, as far as he knew, for many people who went to sleep well at night, they woke up dead in the morning."[7]
The
year 1775 was a difficult year in England. "The American War of
Independence (also known as the war between America and England) officially
began on April 19, 1775, with the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The
conflict lasted until 1783, resulting in the independence of the thirteen
American colonies from British rule." [8]
Wesley
even said that the "clouds are dark over England as well as over America.
It is good that this summer passes without some showers of blood". [9] This is what he wrote to Thomas Rankin, on
April 21, 1775.
After his cure, he denounced the declining state of commerce and the unemployment of thousands of people in England. To the Earl of Dartmouth, Secretary of State for the Colonies, on August 23, 1775, Wesley said: "Sir, I affirm from personal knowledge, from the testimony of my own eyes and ears, that there can be no more egregious falsehood than that which has been ascribed to them as truth. I affirm that in every part of England where I have been (and have been in the east, west, north, and south these two years) commerce in general is exceedingly decaying, and thousands of people are completely unemployed." [10]
The colonists had placed trade sanctions on British goods, reducing imports from England by more than 90 percent.[11]
However, some of his phrases that we put as titles to Wesley's letters reveal his resilience, faith, spirits, and remarkable leadership in 1775.
He said:
· We must not despair of anything
· Trust in the Lord and do good
· That is our calling, to stand firm in
glorious freedom
· Prayer meetings can be of great use not only
to individuals, but to the entire nation
· I am glad to know that God's word prospers in
your hands
·
I told
them my plan to help them, which is this
· Seize every opportunity
· Be zealous and active for a good Master.
A story of Wesley's
resilience, faith, and leadership in the midst of great hardship in 1775.
The Author
1775, the year Wesley "conquered death"
We highlight some of Wesley's statements in
his letters written in 1775.
Among them are:
Last month I was at death's
door
To
James Dempster, on July 28, 1775, Wesley said, "Last month I was at
death's door. But God pleased at that moment to rebuke the fever, so that my
pulse came back beating after it had ceased altogether. Since then I have been
gradually regaining strength, and am now almost as well as before." [12]
By God's blessing, I'm at least as well as I was before my recent illness
To Mary Lewis, on July 28, 1775, Wesley stated, "By the blessing of God, I am at least as well as I was before my recent illness; and now I have recovered my strength, which has slowly returned since I went into the open air." [13]
My strength is gradually increasing
To
his brother Charles, on July 31, 1775, Wesley shared, "My strength is
gradually increasing. Except for the trembling of my hand, I am now almost as I
was before the disease, but I hope to be more determined to sell everything for
the pearl." [14]
I believe that my late
illness has already answered many wise ends of Providence
To Damaris Perronet, on August 6, 1775, Wesley said, "I believe that my late illness has already answered many wise ends of Providence. It has been a blessing to me and to many others—a new proof that God does all well." [15]
A few weeks ago, I was on
the verge of death in the north of Ireland
To Thomas Rankin, on August 13, 1775, Wesley stated, "A few weeks ago, I was on the verge of death in the north of Ireland. But the fever felt His touch and fled. And now I am exactly as I was before it all happened." [16]
The account given in our newspapers about my
death was not entirely unfounded
To Thomas Rankin, on October 20, 1775, Wesley wrote, "The account given in our newspapers of my death was not altogether groundless; for I was not only not dead, my pulse utterly lost, and 'the wheel in the cistern motionless.' But then our Lord intervened, and fever overcame His touch and fled." [17]
I am
currently better than before the fever
To Samuel Bardsley, on
November 27, 1775, Wesley said: "I am now better than before the fever;
only it took my hair away."
In his letters, we find:
Unless something unforeseen
gets in the way
I hope, with God's help, to
be in Newbury on Thursday, March 2nd; and to be pleased to see you there,
unless something unforeseen disturbs.
You've recently had a winter season in
Watlington: now wait for spring to return. Watch out, you're not tired or weak
in mind!
To
Martha Chapman
LUTON, January 11, 1775.
MY DEAR SISTER,--I hope,
with God's help, to be in Newbury on Thursday, March 2nd; and to have the
pleasure of seeing you there, unless something unforeseen disturbs you.
You have lately had a
winter season at Watlington: now expect the return of spring. Beware, you are
not weary or weak in mind! Even bodily weakness may be for that; especially
when there seems to be no increase, but rather a decay of God's work. But I fear
you are still at liberty to leave Watlington.
Won't Hannah Ball go by for
two or three days and light a flame between you? If she doesn't come, look for
Someone greater than herself. How long can it be before you see another day.--I
am, dear Patty,
With affection.
To Miss Patty Chapman, in
Watlington,
Close to Tetsworth,
Oxfordshire. [18]
Be
Zealous and Active for a Good Master
For
Francis Wolfe
LUTON, January 11, 1775
MY
DEAR BROTHER,--Be zealous and active for a good Master, and you will see the
fruit of his labor. But beware of Joseph Moore. If he falls in love, his
usefulness ends.
Ever since that madman took
his office in Witney from Nancy Bolton, the Witney Society has been in decline;
as the Wycombe Society would if you took Hannah Ball away from them. She has
all the grace of Hannah, with more sense. Make sure she is employed full-time.
You don't have another flower like that in all your gardens. Not even Patty
Chapman equals her. --I am, with love to Sister Wolfe,
Your affectionate friend
and brother. [19]
There's nothing better in
heaven or on earth than love
And we know that there is
nothing deeper, there is nothing better in heaven or on earth than love! There
cannot be unless there is something greater than the God of love! So that we
see clearly what we need to aim for.
To
Elizabeth Ritchie
LONDON, January 17, 1775.
MY DEAREST BETSY,-- I beg
you, if you love me, send me a minute account of what you are like both in body
and mind. Some of the mystic writers do not choose to speak plainly; some do
not know how. But, blessed be God, we have; And we know that there is nothing
deeper, there is nothing better in heaven or on earth than love! There can be
no unless there is something greater than the God of love! So that we may see
clearly what we need to aim at. We see the prize and the way to it! Here is the
height, here is the depth, of Christian experience! 'God is love; and he who
dwells in love, dwells in God, and God in him.'
Mr. Fletcher has given us a
wonderful insight into the different dispensations we are under. I believe that
this difficult subject has never been put in such a clear light before. It
seems that God raised him up for just that--
To vindicate eternal
Providence
And to justify God's ways
for man.
By limiting yourself to
those who write with affection, your understanding will be opened and
strengthened far more than reading a multiplicity of authors; at the same time,
your heart will be enlarged and, I hope, more and more united to
With affection. [20]
It pleases God to continue
my strength until now, and my disorder causes me little uneasiness
It pleases God to continue
my strength so far, and my inconvenience causes me little uneasiness. I hope to
be at Stroud (of Bristol), Monday, March 13; Tuesday, March 14, at Worcester;
Thursday, March 16, Birmingham; Friday, March 17, Newcastle; Saturday, March
18, Macclesfield; Monday, March 20, Manchester; Tuesday, March 21, Northwich.
Whether it will be more advisable than to go for Chester or Liverpool, I do not
see clearly. Let us work while it is daylight
For Christopher Hopper
LONDON, February 1, 1775.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- I am
glad to hear so good an account of the preaching houses in Liverpool and
Warrington. Indeed, it may be doubted whether we should contribute to those
houses which are not peopled according to our plan.
It pleases God to continue
my strength so far, and my inconvenience causes me little uneasiness. I hope to
be at Stroud (of Bristol), Monday, March 13; Tuesday, March 14, at Worcester;
Thursday, March 16, Birmingham; Friday, March 17, Newcastle; Saturday, March
18, Macclesfield; Monday, March 20, Manchester; Tuesday, March 21, Northwich.
Whether it will be more advisable than to go on with Chester or Liverpool, I do
not see clearly. Let us work while the day is.--I am, with affection to Sister
Hopper,
Your affectionate friend
and brother.
It certainly cannot be that
you find in the Newcastle house a bill which John Fenwick has sent me, and that
you must return it to him! [21]
Be a follower of her, even
as she was of Christ
That lovely Saint Jane
Cooper! There was the proper mixture of intellect and passion! I remember one
of the last times I saw her, before the last illness, the look, the attitude,
the words! My dear friend, be a follower of her, as she was of Christ.
To Miss March
February 11, 1775.
There seems to be in our
excellent friend something very close to apathy. 'A clergyman,' said one (but I
do not agree with him on this), 'must be all intellect, without passion.' She
seems to be (I will not claim that she is) not far from it. It is true that by
this we may avoid much pain, but we must also lose much happiness. Therefore
this is a state which I cannot desire. Before you give me pleasure and pain
also; be better
Simple life, with growing
passions,
The advantage or the burden
of an hour.
But who reached this Who
walks the middle way, equally distant from both extremes, I will tell you, one
who did (though the memory of her still brings me tears), that lovely saint
Jane Cooper! There was the proper mixture of intellect and passion! I remember
one of the last times I saw her, before the last illness, of the look, of the
attitude, of the words! My dear friend, be a follower of her, as she was of
Christ. [22]
Beware of Your Own Spirit
For
Thomas Wride
LONDON, February 24, 1775.
DEAR TOMMY,-- Beware of
your own spirit! You bite like a bulldog; When you have a seizure, you never
let go. I advise you to think no more of William Hunter; Go on your way as if
he were underground.
At a Quarterly Meeting, if
the collection is only six pounds, and two preachers are present, they usually
divide it among themselves. In this case, I do not say that they defraud a
third preacher who is expected; but I do say that they act cruelly.
But you should tell me
without fear or favor who neglected the round.
Some of the books I
borrowed from Mr. Hammond I left at Waterford with someone who promised to
return them directly. The other part promised to send from Dublin. I am ashamed
of their vile negligence. I hope to be in Dublin next month; and I am, dear Tommy,
Your affectionate friend
and brother. [23]
Now there is a probability
that God will hear the prayer
LONDON, March 1, 1775.
DEAR TOMMY,-- I think the
March package will do just as well as the April one; so I reply without delay.
As soon as possible, you
should come to a full and clear explanation, both with Brother Asbury (if he is
recovered) and with Jemmy Dempster. But I advise Brother Asbury to return to
England at the first opportunity.
There is now a probability
that God will hear the prayer, and turn Ahithophel's advice into foolishness.
It is not improbable that peace will be restored between England and the
Colonies. But surely the present doubtful situation may be improved for the benefit
of many. They may be strongly urged now 'to break away their sins by
repentance, if this be a prolongation of their tranquillity.' --I am, my dear
Tommy,
Your affectionate friend
and brother.
PS.--Tomorrow I intend to
leave for Ireland.
I add a sentence to all
preachers. [24]
You have never been in your
lives in such a critical situation as you are now
You have never been in your
lives in such a critical situation as the one you are in now. It is for you to
be peacemakers, to be loving and affectionate with everyone, but not to be
addicted to any party
LONDON, March 1, 1775.
MY DEAR BROTHERS,-- You
have never been in your lives in such a critical situation as the one you are
in now. It is for you to be peacemakers, to be loving and affectionate to all,
but not to be addicted to any party. In spite of all requests, whether harsh or
mild, do not say a word against one side or the other. Maintain purity, do all
you can to help and smooth everything over; But beware of how you adopt
another's pot.
See that you act in full
union with each other: this is of the utmost importance. Not only that there is
no bitterness or anger, but also timidity or coldness between you. Mark all
those who would pit one of you against the other. Some of these will never be
lacking. But do not give them any expression; it is better to expel them and
drag them into the day of open doors.
The conduct of T. Rankin
has been suited to the Methodist plan: I hope you will all follow in his
footsteps. Let your eye be single. Be at peace with one another, and the God of
peace will be with you.--I am, my dear brethren,
Your affectionate brother.
[Charles Wesley also wrote
to Rankin.] [25]
I'm not on either side, and
yet on both sides
As to public affairs, I
want you to think the same way as I do. I am on neither side, and yet on both;
on the New England and Old side
March 1, 1775.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- To save
expense, I have delayed replying to your letter; but I always keep you in my
heart, and rejoice when the Lord blesses you successfully. He bestows grace,
more grace, upon the humble; therefore, contend with Him for deep humility.
As to public affairs, I
want you to think as I do. I am on neither side, and yet on both; on the New
England and Old side. Private Christians are excused, exempt, privileged, not
to take part in civil strife. We love all, and pray for all with a sincere and
impartial love. There may be faults on both sides; but those which neither you
nor I can remedy: therefore let us and all our children be given up to prayer,
and so stand still, and see the salvation of God. My compliments to Captain
Webb when they see him, and to Mr. Bowden, to whom I owe letters and much love.
Show yours for me by praying more for me and mine. Yours in old love. [26]
Terrible inconveniences
arose because of private interest rather than public interest
You know what terrible
inconveniences have arisen because of the private rather than the public
interest, of showing pets to private persons to the detriment of the general
good. If this is done in the present case, it will be at your door, not mine;
for I give full authority to send John Bredin back to his own home
To
Joseph Benson
BRISTOL, March 12, 1775.
DEAR JOSEPH,-- I cannot
trust John Bredin in the North more than in the South of Scotland. I see no
other way for him but for Ireland. He must get back to his loom. I have
received complaints from all sides. He must no longer bring a rebuke to the
gospel. You must make the best possible turn with Brother Watkinson until more
help comes.
You know what terrible
inconveniences have arisen because of private rather than public interest, of
showing pets to private persons to the detriment of the general good. If this
be done in the present case, it will be at your door, not mine; for I give full
authority to send John Bredin back to his own house. I think the sooner this is
done, the better, for until he is thoroughly humbled, it will only be a
hindrance to the work of God, and a hindrance to the people.--I am, dear
Joseph,
Your affectionate friend
and brother.
I hope to be in Manchester
on the 20th of this month, and soon after in Dublin.
Oxfordshire. [27]
You just tell me in general
that your health is getting worse
You only tell me in general
that your health is deteriorating; but you do not say in what way or from what
cause. When did you begin to feel any decline in health? In what way were you
affected? What you imagined was due to How you have been since. What means of
recovery have you used, and with what effect?
To Martha Chapman
WORCESTER, March 15, 1775.
MY DEAREST SISTER,-- You
only tell me in general that your health is failing; but you do not say in what
way or from what cause. When did you begin to feel any decline in health? In
what way were you affected? What did you imagine was due to how you have been
since. What means of recovery have you used, and to what effect? Write to me as
specifically as you can on these points, addressing me in Dublin. It is our
duty to take care of bodily health; but what is it for a healthy mind? Let your
mind be
Only praise, all meekness
and all love.
And for the rest it's the
same for everyone. "I am, dear Patty,
With affection. [28]
Seize every opportunity
Now be instant in season
and out of season! Rescue time! Take advantage of every opportunity. In the
morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not relax your hand; and God will
give the increase!
To Elizabeth Ritchie
NORTHWICH, March 23, 1775.
MY DEAR BETSY,-- I am glad
you have had the opportunity to spend time in Leeds and with Miss Bosanquet.
Bosanquet. This, I have no doubt, has been a blessed means of increasing your
spiritual strength. And I trust that you will find more and more opportunities
to use whatever strength you have, even in Otley. Wherever God's work revives,
we are more particularly called to work together with Him. Now be instant in
season and out of season! Rescue time! Take every opportunity. In the morning
sow your seed, and in the evening relax not your hand; and God will give the
increase!
In a day or two I hope to
embark. Possibly in autumn we may meet again; and in the meantime I am
convinced that you will not forget
With affection. [29]
And use what little
strength you have for the glory of the One who gave it
But you did well to stop
taking medicine. But still, you should use all the exercise you can, especially
in the open air. And use the little strength you have for the glory of the One
who gave it.
To Martha
Chapman
DUBLIN, April 5, 1775.
MY DEAREST SISTER,-- The
apothecary seems to have understood your case; But you have done well to
refrain from taking medicine. But still, you should use all the exercise you
can, especially in the open air. And use what little strength you have for the glory
of Him who gave it. Warn and exhort all, if by any means you can save some.--I
am, my dear Patty,
With affection.
To Miss Chapman, in
Watlington,
Close to Nettlebed, Oxon. [30]
The clouds are black over England
as well as America
To
Thomas Rankin
PORTARLINGTON,
April 21, 1775.
DEAR TOMMY,-- I am glad
there is such a good understanding between Jemmy Dempster and you. He is a man
of integrity, and, unless I am greatly mistaken, a friend of both Methodist
doctrine and discipline.
I am sorry for poor T---
R---. It is certain that God lifted up his head, and I hoped that his
tormenting sin would no longer gain dominion over him. Yet you must by no means
give him up. And he needs much more comfort than reproof. His great danger is despair.
Brother Asbury has sent me
a few lines, and I thank him for them. But I do not advise him to go to
Antigua. Let him go home without delay. If one or two robust and healthy young
men would volunteer for this service, I should have no objection; but no one
should go unless he was fully convinced in his own mind.
You are a bold man, Tommy,
to begin to be an author in these critical times. I wish that success may meet
your expectation; there is a call for all help. I fear you will soon find a day
of judgment; the clouds are dark over England as well as over America. It is
well that this summer should pass without some showers of blood. And if the
storm should begin in America, it will soon spread to Britain.
I have a friendly letter
from ---, who writes warmly against the ---. Please remember my love for him
and his wife. I am glad to find that he is still walking the good old way. He
sends me notice that one or two men of fortune have gone out to preach the
gospel. If they are, I expect little from them. God has chosen the weak to confound
the strong.
Keep going, doing and
suffering the will of our Lord-- I am, dear Tommy,
Your affectionate friend
and brother.
For Richard Morgan, Esq.,
No. 35 Stephen's Green,
Dublin. [31]
To oppose the party spirit
This point I earnestly
commend, both to Brother Rankin and to you and to all our preachers—by prayer,
by exhortation, and by every possible means, to oppose the party spirit. This
has always been, so far as it has prevailed, the plague of all true religion,
especially when a country was in such a situation as the United States is now.
To
James Dempster
BALLINROBE, May 19, 1775.
DEAR JEMMY,-- On this point
I earnestly commend, both to Brother Rankin and to you and to all our
preachers—by prayer, by exhortation, and by every possible means, to oppose the
party spirit. This has always been, so far as it has prevailed, the plague of
all true religion, especially when a country was in such a situation as the
United States is now. No one but the God of Almighty Love can lead the poor
people out of the trap. O what need you have to lay siege to His throne with
all the power of prayer--I am, dear Jemmy,
With affection. [32]
I think silence in this
case would be a sin against God
I would not speak, for it
may seem that I am worrying about things outside my province. But I dare no
longer abstain; I think silence in this case would be a sin against God,
against my country, and against my own soul
To William Alwood
. To the Earl of Dartmouth,
Secretary of State for the Colonies
ON THE WAY TO DUBLIN, June
14, 1775.
MY LORD,-- I would not
speak, for it may seem that I am concerned about things outside my province.
But I dare no longer abstain; I think silence in this case would be a sin
against God, against my country, and against my own soul.
But what hope can I have of
doing good, of making the slightest impression on your Lordship where so many
have spoken in vain, and those far more qualified to speak on so delicate a
subject
They were more qualified in
some respects; in others they were not. They had no less prejudice in their
minds; they were not free from worldly hopes and fears. Their passions were
engaged; and how easily this blinds the eyes of the understanding! They were no
longer impartial. Most of them were prejudiced in the highest degree. They
loved neither the King nor his Ministers. In fact, they hated them with a
perfect hatred. And your Lordship, knowing this, if you were a man, could not
help having some prejudice against them; in that case it would hardly be
possible to feel the full force of your arguments.
They had no better means of
information, of knowing the true tempers and feelings, neither of the Americans
on the one hand, nor of the English, Irish, and Scots on the other. Above all,
they trusted in themselves, in their own power to convince and persuade. I
trust only in the living God, who has the hearts of all men in His hand.
And whether my writing does
any good or not, it need not do any harm. For it rests in your Lordship's
breast if any eye but yours sees it.
All my prejudices are
against Americans. For I am a High Churchman, the son of a High Churchman,
brought up from childhood in the highest notions of passive obedience and
non-resistance. And yet, notwithstanding all my deep-rooted prejudice, I cannot
help thinking (if I think at all) that an oppressed people have asked for
nothing but their legal rights, and that in the most modest and harmless way
that the nature of the thing would permit.
But renouncing that,
renouncing all considerations of right and wrong, I ask: Is it common sense to
use force against Americans
A letter now before me
reads: 'Four hundred of the Regulars and forty of the Militia were killed in
the last engagement.' What a disproportion! And this is the first rehearsal of
raw men against Regular troops!
You see, my Lord, whatever
has been said, these men will not be afraid. And it seems that they will not be
conquered as easily as was initially imagined. They will probably fight every
inch of the ground, and if they die, they will die with sword in hand.
In fact, some of our
valiant officers say, 'Two thousand men will cleanse America of these rebels.'
No, neither twenty thousand, nor perhaps triple that number, whether they are
rebels or not. They are men as strong as you; They are as brave as you, if not
much more. For they are all enthusiasts—enthusiasts for freedom. They are calm,
deliberate enthusiasts. And we know how this principle works
Inspire in the softest
souls the love of war,
And thirst for vengeance,
and contempt for death.
We know that men excited
about this jump into the fire or advance into the mouth of a cannon.
'But they have no
experience in war.' And how much more have our troops ever seen a battle! 'But
they lack discipline.' That's a complete mistake. They already have almost as
much as our army. And they're going to learn more about it every day. So in a short
time, they'll understand it just like their aggressors.
'But they are divided,
among themselves: so you are told by several letters and memorials.' Therefore
I doubt whether poor Rehoboam was told about the ten tribes! Thus (nearer to
our times) Philip was told about the people of the Low Countries! No, my Lord,
they are terribly united; not only in the Province of New England, but as low
as the Jerseys and Pennsylvania, the greater part of the people are so united
that to utter a word in favour of the present English measures would almost
endanger a man's life. Those who inform me of this (one of whom was with me
last week, lately came from Philadelphia) are not flatterers; they say nothing
to please the favour; they have nothing to gain or lose with me. But they speak
with sorrow in their hearts what they have seen with their eyes, and heard with
their own ears.
These men think that each
and all, right or wrong, are advocating pro aris et focis, for their wives,
children, liberty! What an advantage they have over men who fight only for
payment! None of them care in the least for the cause in which they are engaged,
most strongly disapprove of the cause.
They have no other
considerable advantage There is reason to recruit troops Their supplies are at
their disposal, all around: Ours are three thousand miles distant.
Have we then succeeded in
winning over the Americans? Suppose they stand alone? Suppose all our neighbors
stand by and leave us to fight, but are we sure of that? Are we sure all our
neighbors will stand still? I doubt they haven't promised it. And if they had,
we could trust those promises
Yet they are not likely to
send ships or men to America. Is there not a shortest way? Do they not know
where England and Ireland are? And have they not troops and ships ready? All
Europe is well informed of this; the English alone know nothing about it! And
if they find means of landing only ten thousand men, where are the troops in
England or Ireland to oppose? Why, by slitting the throats of their brethren in
America! Poor England meanwhile!
'But we have our militia,
our brave and disciplined militia; these will effectively oppose them.' Allow
me, my Lord, to relate a little circumstance which one of them informed me on
the spot. In 1776 a large contingent of militia was marching towards Preston
against the rebels. In a grove through which they were marching, a boy fired
his hunting pellet. The soldiers gave up all and by common consent laid down
their arms and fled for their lives. So much dependence will be placed on our
valiant militia!
But, my Lord, that is not
all. We have thousands of enemies, perhaps more dangerous than the French or
the Spanish. They are already on land; they fill our towns, our towns, our
villages. As I travel four or five thousand miles every year, I have the opportunity
of conversing freely with more persons of all denominations than any other
person in the three kingdoms. I cannot, therefore, fail to know the general
disposition of the people, English, Scottish, and Irish; and I know that the
great majority of them are exasperated almost to madness. Just so they were all
over England and Scotland about the year 1640; and largely by the same means—by
fiery articles, which were circulated, as they are today, with the utmost
diligence in every corner of the country. Thus the greater part of the people
were effectually cured of all love and reverence for the king; so, first
despising him, then hating him, they were ready for an open rebellion. And I
assure you that they are now: they want nothing but a leader.
Two more circumstances
deserve to be considered: that at that time there was a general decline of
trade almost throughout the kingdom; the other was that there was an unusual
costly of provisions. The case is the same in both respects to this day. So that,
even now, there are multitudes of people who, with nothing to do and nothing to
eat, are ready for the first throw; and who, without investigating the merits
of the cause, would crowd in with anyone who gave them bread.
On the whole, I am
sometimes really afraid that 'this evil is of the Lord.' When I consider (to
say nothing of ten thousand other vices shocking to human nature) the
impressive luxury of the rich and the profanity of rich and poor, I doubt
whether the general dissolution of customs does not require a general visit.
Perhaps the decree has already been issued by the Governor of the world.
Perhaps even now,
As one who buys raises a
piece of land,
So the destroying angel
measures it around that.
Calm down, he watches the
nation in extinction,
Ruin behind him prowls and
empty desolation.
But we Englishmen are too
wise to acknowledge that God has anything to do with the world! Otherwise, we
must not seek Him by fasting and prayer before He drops the raised thunder, O
my Lord, if Your Lordship can do anything, let it not be lacking! For God's
sake, for the sake of the King, the nation, your lovely family, remember
Rehoboam! Remember Philip II! Remember King Charles I--I am, with true respect,
my Lord,
Obedient servant of Your
Lordship. [33]
Note: The same letter Wesley sent
to Lord North, First Lord of the Treasury, on
June 15, 1775. [34]
Totally unsuitable for a
Methodist preacher
Such a worded beam (under any provocation) is
wholly unsuitable for a Methodist preacher. Such basic language is a pity for
the fishmongers of Billingsgate. It is something an archangel would not use to
the devil. You must have left it for ever if you want to have more acquaintance
with John Wesley
For
Thomas Wride
DUBLIN, July 22, 1775.
The present issue does not
concern John Floyd, but Thomas Wride.
The words I heard you say
in Limerick were such that no civilized Turk or heathen would have allowed it
to come out of your mouth. I had hoped that this would be the last time; but
now you repeat the same in cold blood. Your letter was read at the Conference,
and our brethren have asked me to inform you that you are no longer fit for our
Connection. Such a worded beam (under any provocation) is wholly unfit for a
Methodist preacher. Such basic language is a pity for the fishmongers of
Billingsgate. It is something an archangel would not use to the devil. You must
have left it for ever if you want to have more acquaintance with John Wesley. [35]
That
is our calling, to stand firm in glorious freedom
Surely this is our calling,
to stand firm in glorious freedom, whatever God wants to give or take away. We
can feel, and yet renounce, like the Marquis de Renty when he apprehended that
his wife was dying. And this is a proof, not of a lack of affection, but of an
affection that is well pleasing to God
For Hannah Ball
LEEDS, July 28, 1775.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- Surely
this is our calling, to stand firm in glorious freedom, whatever God wants to
give or take away. We may feel, and yet renounce, as the Marquis de Renty did
when he learned that his wife was dying. And this is a proof, not of a lack of
affection, but of an affection that is well pleasing to God.
Now you will need to use
double diligence to awaken the gift of God in those who have been hindered from
heeding His word, lest they be faint in mind.--I am, my dear sister, your
affectionate brother. [36]
Last month I was at death's
door
Last
month I was at death's door. But God pleased me at that moment to rebuke the
fever, so my pulse started beating again after it had ceased altogether. Since
then I have been gradually regaining strength, and now I am almost as well as
before
To
James Dempster
NEAR
LEEDS, JULY 28, 1775.
DEAR JEMMY,-- Last month I
was at death's door. But God pleased at that moment to rebuke the fever, so my
pulse came back to beat after it had ceased altogether. Since then, I have been
gradually regaining strength, and now I am almost as well as before. Let us use
the short residue of life for the glory of Him who gave it-- I am
With affection. [37]
Always accept advice or
rebukes as a favor
Always
take counsel or rebuke as a favor; It is the
surest mark of love. I have advised you once, and you have taken it as an
affront; yet I will do it once more. Cry out no more, at the peril of your
soul. God now warns you by me, whom He has put upon you. Speak as earnestly as
you can, but do not shout
For
John King
NEAR LEEDS, JULY 28, 1775.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- Always
accept counsel or rebuke as a favor; It is the surest mark of love.
I advised you once, and you
took it as an affront; however, I will do so once more.
Cry no more, at the peril
of your soul. God now warns you by me, whom He has set over you. Speak as
earnestly as you can, but do not cry out. Speak with all your heart, but with a
moderate voice. It was said of our Lord, 'He shall not cry out'; the word properly
means, He shall not cry out. Here be my follower, even as I am Christ's. I
often speak loudly, often vehemently; but I never cry out, never exert myself.
I dare not; I know it would be a sin against God and against my own soul.
Perhaps one of the reasons why that good man Thomas Walsh, yes, and John
Manners too, were in such deep darkness before they died was because they
shortened their own lives.
O John, pray for an
advisable and teachable temper! By nature you are very far from it; you are
stubborn and stubborn. Your last letter was written in a very wrong spirit. If
you cannot take advice from others, you can certainly follow from
Your affectionate brother. [38]
By God's blessing, I'm at
least as well as I was before my recent illness
By the blessing of God, I
am at least as well as I was before my recent illness; and now I have regained
my strength, which has slowly returned since I entered the open air
To
Mary Lewis
NEAR LEEDS, JULY 28, 1775.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- By the
blessing of God, I am at least as well as I was before my recent illness; and
now I have regained my strength, which has slowly returned since I entered the
open air.
Your full employment has
been a means of protecting you from a thousand pitfalls. Young men who have
little to do are in greater danger than all others. But in all your affairs you
can hold fast to this point—'One thing I do': I love God; I serve God; I myself
take care of my salvation. What else on earth is worth thinking about,
everything beyond that, goes away like a dream.
As many of our brethren
wished that Mr. Muffin might spend another year at Bristol, Mr. Saunderson
could not be there next year, if only for that reason. Two preachers never stay
two years together in the same place, unless one of them is supernumerary. But
I doubt whether your late behaviour is another objection; for I am afraid the
remarks you make on this are too well founded.
Your letters are never too
long. I have more letters to write than you; therefore, mine are shorter.
Stay close to the One who
loves you, and soon He will make you part of your hope. All is ready--I am, my
dear Molly,
With affection.
To Miss Lewis. at Mr.
Flower's house, in Key, Bristol. [39]
My strength is gradually
increasing
.
My strength is gradually increasing.
Except for the trembling of my hand, I am now almost as I was before the
illness, but I hope to be more determined to sell everything for the pearl
To
his brother Carlos
LEEDS, July 31, 1775.
DEAR BROTHER,--I shall not
delay in answering your important question, 'What can be done with William
Pine?' If he still, after my earnest warning, 'every week publishes brazen
treason,' I ask you to warn him once more in my name and in his own; And if he
offends or forgets that warning, then give him the choice of leaving us quietly
or being publicly disinherited. At such a time as this, when our foreign
enemies loom over us and our own nation is in purge, it is particularly
improper to utter a word which tends to inflame the minds of the people.
My
strength is gradually increasing. Except for the trembling of my hand, I am now
almost as I was before the illness, but I hope to be more determined to sell
everything for the pearl.
Peace be with you and
yours! Goodbye! [40]
I'm as strong as I was when
it started
The (blessed) Conference
concluded this morning, and I am as strong as I was when it began. I do not
advise you to accept the invitation: I read a letter today that I did not like.
To
your brother Charles
LEEDS, August 4, 1775.
DEAR BROTHER,-- The
(blessed) Conference concluded this morning, and I am as strong as I was when
it began. I do not advise you to accept the invitation: I read a letter today
that I did not like.
No, Mr. Saunderson is
'settled in Bristol' — that is, as a local preacher.
Such a Speech to the
Americans would be very fitting. You heard something about the Africans
I hope to be in London on
Tuesday evening and on Thursday of the following week in Brecon.
As things now stand, I left
the Orphans' Home alone, that the medicine might not be worse than the disease.
I also have a good letter from T. Rankin. He and all our brethren expect
suffering. So far they have behaved extremely well. I must write by post to
Sister Castleman and my other Bristol friends. Peace be upon you and yours!
Farewell! [41]
Someone who has nothing to do but save their
own soul and those who listen to you
Now you are called more
than ever to redeem time, to walk humbly and close to God; and to be a man of
one business. One who has nothing to do but save his own soul and those who
listen to you
For
Thomas Vasey
NEAR LEEDS, AUGUST 5, 1775.
MY DEAR BROTHER,--I trust
that you will not fall into madness again, but see and pray that you will not
fall into temptation.
Mr. Wolfe, assistant at the
Salisbury circuit, is a kind, caring hearted man. I hope he will be of service
to you, as Mr. Undrell may be your other fellow-worker. Now you are called more
than ever to redeem time, to walk humbly and near to God; and to be a man of
one business. One who has nothing to do but save his own soul and those who
listen to you.--I am
Your affectionate brother.
To Mr. Tho. Vasey, in the
preaching house, Sarum. [42]
I believe that my late
illness has already answered many wise ends of Providence
I believe that my late
illness has already responded to many wise ends of Providence. It has been a
blessing to me and to many others—a new proof that God does everything well
To
Damaris Perronet
NEAR LEEDS, AUGUST 6, 1775.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- I believe
that my late illness has already answered many wise ends of Providence. It has
been a blessing to me and to many others—a new proof that God does everything
well.
I doubt not, but Brother
Wood and his fellow-labourer will still be zealous and active for God; and, if
so, their work will certainly increase at Sevenoaks and Wells, as well as
elsewhere. No, I do not despair of poor Canterbury; it is not beyond the reach
of God.
I dreamed last night that
the Spaniards had come, and were searching all the houses and torturing men.
But suddenly they disappeared from the earth, I could not tell how. My Betsy
should not think that I am so busy as to have no free time to read and answer
your letters. I think Philothea too, since I am alive again, should have
written to me in verse or prose. "I am, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother. [43]
It's not safe to live or
die without love
I believe it will be best
to accept Mr. Castleman's invitation in Bristol, and go straight to his house.
I return by Cardiff; if I can get there, I could bring him home. It is not safe
to live or die without love
To
your brother Charles
LONDON, August 10, 1775.
DEAR BROTHER,-- I would do
everything to please those on each side, except speak ill of the other.
My route is this: Monday,
August 14, Witney; Tuesday, the 15th, Gloucester; Wednesday, the 16th, The Hay;
Thursday and Friday, Brecon; Saturday, Carmarthen (Deo vo/.); Monday, the 28th,
Bristol.
I sent your request to Sam.
Heaton.
I believe it will be best
to accept Mr. Castleman's invitation in Bristol, and go straight to his house.
I go back through Cardiff; if I can get there, I could bring him home. It is
not safe to live or die without love.
Peace be with you all!
Goodbye.
I would like Sammy Lewis to
meet me on the 28th at the Old Passage. [44]
A few weeks ago, I was on
the verge of death in the north of Ireland
A few weeks ago, I was on the
verge of death in the north of Ireland. But the fever felt His touch and fled.
And now I'm exactly as I was before it all happened
LONDON,
August 13, 1775.
DEAR
TOMMY,--I still don't give up---- R---- yet; he's not out of God's reach.
I do
not regret that Brother Asbury stays with you another year. In that time it
will be seen what God will do with North America, and you will easily judge
whether our preachers are called to remain there any longer. If they are, God
will make their way clear, and give you favor even with men who delight in war.
Even in the Roman Civil War, Atticus held firm the esteem of both parties to
the conflict. And the Archbishop of Cambray did so during the War in the Low
Countries; not only the officers, but also the common soldiers, as they passed,
treated him with love and consideration. The clouds do indeed gather more and
more, and it seems as if a heavy storm is going to follow; it certainly will,
unless the prayers of the faithful get a longer relief.
'The
preachers at the bottom of all this clamor' No, indeed; neither are any of the
Americans. They are but tools of the men on this side of the water, who use
them for mortal ends. The plan is deep, and the wise men of the world imagine
that it cannot fail in success. But I trust that One wiser than themselves will
yet turn Atithophel's advice into foolishness.
A
few weeks ago I was on the verge of death in the north of Ireland. But the
fever felt His touch and fled. And now I am just as I was before it all
happened. You have done well to take the books to a safe place, if any such can
be found in America. No wonder that the spirits of men who do not know God are
whipped to madness, that human creatures become and begin to be lions and
bears; This is the true fruit of war! Surely, if they chase in one city, you
must flee to another. Peace be upon your spirits.--I am
Your
affectionate friend and brother. [45]
Be
quiet 'til I die
When
you don't write, you should travel. I think the sooner, the better. Be quiet
until I die, and you can be quiet forever
For
John Fletcher
BRECON, August 18, 1775.
DEAR LORD,-- We followed
his counsel, and were more accurate than ever in examining the preachers, both
as to grace and gifts. A solemn astonishment spread throughout the assembly,
knowing that God was in our midst. And the consequence was far beyond what we
could have expected—namely, a mutual confidence and a full conviction that the
cry raised by Mr. Hilton and others was wholly groundless.
I have now received all
your papers, and here and there I have made a few minor corrections. I suppose
you have read the Letters of Dean Tucker to Dr. Kippis. I have read them on my
journey from Gloucester there, and never before have I seen so clearly the rise
and progress of Predestinarianism. It does not demonstrate, without any
contradiction, that it was plotted by Augustine in spite of Pelagius (who very
probably had no other heresy than you and I have now); that it spread more and
more in the Western Church until the eleventh century; that Peter Lombard then
formed it into a complete system; that in the twelfth century Thomas Aquinas
devoted much effort to explaining and confirming it; that in the thirteenth
century Duns Scotus did the same; that Ignatius Loyola and all the early
Jesuits held it up, as all the Dominican and Augustinian friars (with the
Jansenists) do to this day; that Bellarmine was firm in it, as were most
Romanists, until the Council of Trent, when, in furious opposition to Luther
and Calvin, they denied their old principles.
When you don't write, you
should travel. I think the sooner, the better. Be quiet until I die, and you
can be quiet forever.
I do not perceive that you
have conceded too much, or that there is any difference between us. The Address
to the Perfect I approve of the majority, and I think it will have a good
effect. But there may be some risk of growing too much, for then the work will
fall into fewer hands.
The doctrine of
Justification and Salvation by Faith is severely abused by many Methodists. We
must protect as much as possible.--I am, dear sir,
Your affectionate friend
and brother. [46]
Commerce in general is extremely decadent and
thousands of people are completely unemployed
Sir, I affirm from personal knowledge, from
the testimony of my own eyes and ears, that there can be no more egregious
falsehood than that which has been ascribed to them as truth. I affirm that in
every part of England where I have been (and have been to the east, west,
north, and south these two years) commerce in general is exceedingly decaying,
and thousands of persons are altogether unemployed
To
the Earl of Dartmouth, Secretary of State for the Colonies
HAVERFORDWEST, August 23, 1775.
MY LORD,-- A letter I
received yesterday from Mr. Lowland is reason for my causing you this trouble.
You told him that the Administration was assured from all parts of the kingdom
that trade was as plentiful and flourishing as ever, and that the people were
as well employed and satisfied.
Sir, I affirm from personal
knowledge, from the testimony of my own eyes and ears, that there can be no
more egregious falsehood than that which has been ascribed to them as truth. I
affirm that in every part of England where I have been (and have been east,
west, north, and south these two years) commerce in general is exceedingly
decaying, and thousands of persons are altogether unemployed. Some I know have
died for want of bread; others I have seen crawling up and down like walking
shadows. Except three or four manufacturing towns, which have suffered less
than others.
I assert (2) that the
people at large throughout the nation are so far from being well satisfied that
they are far more deeply dissatisfied than they seem to have been even a year
or two before the Great Rebellion, and far more dangerously dissatisfied. The
greater part of the people in every city, town, and village where I have been
do not so much at the Ministry, as they used to do in the last century, but at
the King himself. He is the object of their anger, contempt, and wickedness.
They deeply despise His Majesty, and hate Him with a perfect hatred. They want
to imbue their hands with His blood; they are filled with the spirit of murder
and rebellion; and I am convinced that, if any occasion should arise, thousands
would be ready to act as they now speak. It is the most I can do, and sometimes
more than I can do, to prevent this plague from infecting my own friends. And
nineteen or twenty to whom I speak in behalf of the King seem never to have
heard a word about him before. I marvel at the wretches who abuse the
Ministry's credulity by these flowery reports.
Even where I was last in
the West Riding of Yorkshire, a tenant of Lord Dartmouth said to me,
'Sir, our merchants are
breaking up around me, so that I know not what the end will be.' Even in Leeds
I had arranged to dine at a merchant; but before I arrived the bailiffs were
already in possession of the house. On I said, 'I thought Mr. ---- was in good
circumstances,' I was answered, 'He was; but the American war ruined him.'
When I began to write, I
intended to send it to Mr. Wharton, as he wished. But on reflection, I thought
it unlikely that he would make a bad use of it; and I thought it would be more
advisable to send it directly to your Lordship. [47]
Trust
in the Lord and do good
Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shall thou dwell in the land, and indeed thou shalt be fed.
For
Samuel Bradburn
LAUNCESTON, August 31,
1775.
DEAR SAMMY,-- Trust in the
Lord and do good; so you will dwell in the land, and indeed you will be fed.
With affection.
Bradburn replied:
REVEREND AND DEAR LORD,-- I
have often been struck by the beauty of the passage of Scripture quoted in your
letter, but I must confess that I have never seen such helpful explanatory
notes on it before. --I am, reverend and dear sir, your obedient and grateful
servant,
S. BRADBURN. [48]
I told them my plan to help
them, which is this
I wrote to Mr. Harrison,
Hume, and Brooks on the Island, and told them my plan to help them, which is
this. Go directly to the Whitehaven Circuit to work there as the third
preacher. Then let the three preachers visit the Island in turns, each staying
one month at a time.
To
John Crook
BRISTOL, September 22,
1775.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- I have
written to Mr. Harrison, Hume, and Brooks on the Island, and told them my plan
to help them, which is this. Go directly to the White-haven Circuit to work
there as the third preacher. Then let the three preachers visit the Island by
turns, each staying a month at a time. If the Bishop comes, you shall
immediately send to him in my name the First Part of the Earnest Appeal; and
you spread among the wealthiest in the Society the Plain Account of the
Methodists and the Council to the Methodists, with all the individual Sermons.
Let Mr. Mason pass first, and you then. You see, in your [case] your wife is
considered.
Your affectionate brother.
You can write to Jacob
Rowell in Yarm and say that I want the young man of whom he wrote to me to go
to Lincolnshire in your place. The sooner the better.
Mr. Mason, in Whitehaven.
Being Dropped Off at the
Methodist
Preaching house,
Cumberland. [49]
I rejoice to know that God
has made Mr. Crook's labor of love profitable for some of you
I rejoice to know that God
has made Mr. Crook's labor of love profitable to some of you, and I cannot
blame you for wishing to have him with you a while longer
For
Alexander Hume
BRISTOL, September 22,
1775.
MY DEAR BROTHER,--I rejoice
to know that God has made Mr. Crook's labor of love profitable to some of you,
and I cannot blame you for wishing to have him with you a little longer.' I
will write to Mr. Mason, the assistant at Whitehaven, that Mr. Crook is coming
to be the third preacher in this circuit. The three preachers will then be able
to visit the Island month by month; so that you will have Mr. Crook one month
out of three. They will all teach that religion is holy tempers and holy lives,
and that the sum of it all is love.--I am
Your affectionate brother.
To Mr. Alexander Hume, in
Peeltown,
Isle of Man. [50]
May the Lord give you right
judgment in all things
For
John Fletcher
LONDON, October 6, 1775.
DEAR SIR,-- I came here a
quarter of an hour ago. Your answer to Mr. Shirley, I hope, will be very
helpful. I cannot help hoping that it will be useful to him; for, to be honest,
he does not seem to be conscious that he has done anything wrong. He does not
seem to have the slightest notion of having injured me. I was going to print an
edition of your letters here; but I will wait until your Sixth Letter arrives,
to which I think it will be exceedingly proper to enclose that you have written
me. I shall now be here and about here for a few months. May the Lord give you
right judgment in all things, and may you always rejoice in His holy comfort--I
am, dear sir,
With all the affection. [51]
We must not despair of
anything
It takes time to put people
in their place; but we must not despair of anything. I threw my bread into the
waters, and I should have been satisfied even if there were no fruit present
To
your brother Charles
RAMSBURY PARK, October 17,
1775.
DEAR BROTHER,-- It takes
time to put people in their place; but we must not despair of anything. I have
thrown my bread into the waters, and should have been satisfied even if there
were no fruit present. A few hours this morning I devote to 'Americanus'. What
is relevant, I will try to answer. It is well if I can give as good an account
of everything else as of my change of judgment.
I see now a danger of a new
kind—the danger of losing my love for the Americans: I mean for their wretched
leaders; for the poor sheep are 'more sins than sins,' especially since the
incredible information I have received from James Ireland. Yet it is certain
that the greater part of the people, both in England and America, have no
intention of doing harm; they merely follow their leaders and do what they are
commanded without knowing why or why.
On Friday I hope to be in
London and talk to the committee about building a new Foundation. This is a
lovely place and a lovely family. It's a shame, but you can call here. It's
four miles from Marlborough, and only a mile north of the London road. Peace be
with you and yours! Goodbye! [52]
I think I've already
grabbed the thread and I can unravel everything
Where is the mistake? The
reply to my recent treatise is dated 2 October. But I left Bristol on 1
October. Consequently, such a conversation could not exist. I think I have
already grasped the thread and can unravel it all
To your brother Charles
NEWBURY, October 19, 1775.
DEAR BROTHER,-- Last night
I received a curious anecdote from Mr. Merchant, the independent minister here.
He said to me, 'Mr. Evans of Bristol (the elder) informed me that he dined with
you (J. W.) at a merchant's house in Bristol; that he asked how you were
affected on reading the answer to your recent treatise: and you replied, Not at
all; for you had never read it, and never would read it: to which he replied,
That was not fair.'
But this makes it all the
more probable that your son will be the author of the letter to me. What a
pity! Some of our friends in Bristol should tell him that he has lost himself
altogether; that he has forgotten all decency and good manners, and writes like
an arrogant and conceited young man. I think a sensible man who could control
his temper would put him a little to shame. Good-bye! [53]
The
account given in our newspapers about my death was not entirely unfounded
To
Thomas Rankin
LONDON,
October 20, 1775.
DEAR TOMMY,-- The account
given in our newspapers of my death was not altogether unfounded; for I was not
just dead, my pulse utterly lost, and 'the wheel in the cistern motionless.'
But then our Lord intervened, and fever overcame His touch and fled.
My strength has quickly
returned; and I am now at least as well as before my illness.
In rural places, I believe
you will have the greatest harvest, where they know little and talk little
about politics. Their hearts are occupied with something better, and they let
the dead bury their dead. I am glad you go to North Carolina; and why not to
South Carolina also? I fear that these provinces would bear much fruit, since
most of them are fresh and unbroken ground: And as the people are farther away
from the noise of war, they may be more susceptible to the gospel of peace.
A paper was sent to me
recently, caused by the troubles in America; but it would do no good. It is
abundantly too acidic; and nothing of the kind will be of any use now. All the
parties are already too sharp against each other; we must put water, not oil,
into the flame. I had written a little treatise on the subject before I learned
that the American ports were closed. [A Calm Address to our American Colonies.
' As the ports were justly closed by the Americans, I could not send it
overseas, as I had planned. However, it was not lost; in a few months, fifty or
perhaps a hundred thousand copies, in newspapers and elsewhere, were scattered
over Great Britain and Ireland.' See Green's Bibliography, No. 305.] I do not
think there is a firm word on it; I did not plan that it should. Yet many are
exceedingly irritated, and would like to burn me and her together. It is
provocative indeed; I suppose more than forty thousand of them were printed in
three weeks, and yet the demand for them remains as great as ever.
I was glad to receive yours
from Captain Crawford. I am in complete agreement with you. I am convinced that
love and tender measures will do much more than violence. And if I have an
interview with a great man (which does not seem unlikely), I will say so by the
grace of God without circumlocution. Our time is in God's hands; we will be
ready for anything--- I am, dear Tommy,
Your affectionate friend
and brother. [54]
We will help you (as said)
with the cost
I would like this to be
done without delay; and I very much approve of the method you propose. We will
help you (as I said) with the cost. I hope you will be able to provide the
meeting-house
For Jasper Winscom
LONDON, October 20, 1775.
DEAR BROTHER,-- I would
have no objection to Brother Skinner's entry into Kent, but it would interfere
with our making a fair judgment of the Isle of Wight. I would like this to be
done without delay; and I very much approve of the method you propose. We will
help you (as I said) with the cost. I hope you can provide the meeting-house.
Peace be upon you and yours." "I am
Your affectionate friend
and brother. [55]
I'm just putting in the
press 'a new edition of the Speech, corrected'
I am merely putting in the
press 'a new edition of the Speech, corrected'; in which my amendment is
accounted for, and two of the questions fully answered to the third, 'Why did
Parliament not tax them sooner' from Mr. Madan answers, 'Because they were wiser;
they knew of the mischief that was to take place.'
DEAR BROTHER,-- I have just
returned from Bedford. I have not seen the King for twelve years. I do not know
what you mean by Dr. Smyth's book. It was better not to pay attention to the
angry ones.
In Ramsbury Park, about a
mile to the left of the main road, lives James Nind, local preacher and steward
general of the circuit, on a farm of five hundred pounds a year. His wife,
Sally Nind, is one of the kindest women I know. They very much wish you would
spend a few evenings with them.
I am merely putting in
press 'a new edition of the Speech, corrected'; in which my amendment is
accounted for, and two of the questions fully answered to the third, 'Why did
Parliament not tax them sooner' Mr. Madan replies, 'Because they were wiser;
they knew of the mischief that was to come.' Dr. Johnson is in France.
I haven't heard from
Shoreham lately. If the worst happens, you need to prepare at the Foundry for a
week or two. I can set up another bed in what was Jenny's room.
I don't think you're wise
to destroy these papers. Some of them could have been useful to many.
When I was in Bristol, I
ordered Hugh Saunderson to preach on Thursday evening. No one but you should
take your place. Joseph Pilmoor may preach on Friday or Monday. Some are very
fond, others dislike H. Saunderson very much; but his audience is generally not
small. Yet I will refer it to you; but I would like you to fix Thursday.
Mr. Fletcher would not be
safe without you or me. I would like a meeting with Mr. Madan. I have a second
friendly letter from him today. Peace be with you and yours! Farewell!
Please send a hug to T.
Lewis and tell him I thank you for the letter. If the people now imprisoned are
hanged, it could be the salvation of the nation. [56]
I am glad to know that
God's word prospers in your hands
To
Joseph Benson
LONDON, October 30, 1775.
DEAR JOSEPH,-- John Fenwick
has sent me a minute account of how Miss Hurrell has been able to speak in the
room at Sunderland; and Alexander Paterson has given me a private account of
what took place on Sunday, the 22nd of the present today. It seems—at least
this is clear—that it has no further place at Sunderland; and I doubt we cannot
add, nor anywhere in the Newcastle Circuit.
I'm glad to know that God's
word prospers in your hands. But you'll never see the full fruit of your labor
until you pick up your cross and visit the entire Company, rich and poor, from
house to house. "I am, dear Joseph,
With affection. [57]
One of the noblest
medicines in the world
I advise you and Sister
Taylor to eat breakfast for three or four weeks with nettle tea. Then you will
see preaching, especially in the morning, one of the noblest medicines in the
world
For Thomas Taylor
LONDON, October 30, 1775.
DEAR TOMMY,-- At all costs,
put them under discipline; either mend them or do them away. I think Mr. Cayley
will do more good than harm. He is no longer guilty in regard to his wife. She
will not live with him. I will have no objection to your mentioning the Colne
house if we live to see another Conference. It seems to be a really urgent
case.
I advise: (1) Be
electrified (if necessary) eight or ten times. (2) Keep your body always open,
and that with food (roasted, boiled, or roasted) and not by medicine. (3) Wash
your head every morning with cold water, and rub well with a thick hemp towel. (4)
I advise you and Sister Taylor to eat breakfast for three or four weeks with
nettle tea. Then you will see preaching, especially in the morning, one of the
noblest medicines in the world. "Affectionate to the nurse, dear Tommy,
Your affectionate friend
and brother. [58]
Everywhere do not forsake
declaring to them the whole counsel of God
Everywhere do not fail to
declare to them the whole counsel of God, and that in the clearest way you can
conceive; but, above all, visit from house to house
For
John Mason
LONDON, November 1, 1775.
MY DEAR BROTHER,--T. Wride
aimed at an exceptionally good discipline for a pure beginner. But he could not
have so much weight as an experienced preacher. You will therefore furnish what
was lacking in his, and Brother Linnell will more than replace the honest and
monotonous David Evans. Thus I hope there will be a not inconsiderable increase
in the Societies this year, especially at Whitehaven and Carlisle. Everywhere
do not fail to declare to them the whole counsel of God, and that in the
clearest way they can conceive; but, above all, visit from house to house. "I
am
Your affectionate friend
and brother. [59]
How
shockingly ignorant our lawyers of the law are
'Why were they not taxed for a hundred and fifty years' How shockingly ignorant are our lawyers of the law! yes, and the whole body of the Lords and the Commons in the agreement! to let Lord Chatham, Mr. Burke, etc.&c., triumph so long in this argumentum palmarium! Why, it is a mistake from top to bottom
To
your brother Charles
LONDON, November 3, 1775.
DEAR BROTHER,-- The
Proposals and the Preface will be sent on Monday. In the Preface to the new
edition of the Discourse (which I will send along with the Proposals) there is,
I believe, a sufficient answer to Mr. Evan's letter. But Mr. Raikes is right: if
it has no name, it has no title for any answer.
No one is a good judge in
his own cause. I believe myself to be reasonably impartial; but you are not (at
least, you were not some time ago) in relation to King Charles I. Come see what
I say. If the worst comes to pass, we can agree to disagree.
The History has been in
print for some time. The first volume is almost printed. The paper is good; so
is the type; and, stranger, the execution too. Farewell to your first letter.
Still, I do not know whom
you mean by Dr. Smyth; unless it be the young clergyman in Ireland, who is a
poet, but not of the first magnitude.
'Why have they not been
taxed for a hundred and fifty years' How shockingly ignorant are our lawyers of
the law! yes, and the whole body of Lords and Commons in agreement! to let Lord
Chatham, Mr. Burke, etc.&c., triumph so long in this argumentum palmarium!
Why, it is a mistake from top to bottom. They have been taxed repeatedly since
the Restoration, by King Charles, King William, Queen Anne, and George II.
I think Mr. Madan is more
and more affectionate. Res ipsa jam reduxit in gratiam. I shall be very glad to
see you. I do not receive news from Cornwall; and no news, you know, is good
news.
Please tell Brother
Southcote that I am very fond of his treatise. I am writing something almost on
the subject. He asks me to preach at Bethnal Green Church on Sunday evening,
and I intend to print my sermon. You can imagine a little of the tone from the
text: 'Behold, I have sinned and done wickedness; but these sheep, what have
they done?'
I hope Sally gets better.
Peace be with you all! Goodbye! [60]
I say that I don't remember
anything about this book, neither the title nor the script
I say that I do not
remember anything of this book, neither the title nor the script. But I will
send it to the bookseller tomorrow to pick up the book; and if I have read it,
I cannot help remembering it when I see it again
For James Rouquet
LONDON, November 8, 1775.
DEAR JEMMY,-- I say that I
do not remember anything of this book, neither the title nor the script. But I
will send it to the bookseller tomorrow to get the book; and if I have read it,
I cannot help but remember it when I see it again. Later you will hear more
specifically from
Your affectionate brother.
But remember that the
merits of the case do not depend on it. [61]
Prayer meetings can be of
great use not only to individuals, but to the entire nation
God's judgments are abroad.
Prayer meetings can be of great use not only to individuals, but to the whole
nation. I see nothing but prayer that can be helpful. For the only question is,
'Are we entitled to tax or not?' If we have, they are rebellious and
responsible to God and man for all the blood shed
For Christopher Hopper
LONDON, November 11, 1775.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- There
was something very terrible about that storm which I suppose spread throughout
England and Ireland; though it seems not to have been so violent in London as
in most other places. I am sorry for Captain Davis and his widow. The judgments
of God are abroad. Prayer meetings can be of great use not only to individuals,
but to the whole nation. I see nothing but prayer that can be useful. For the
only question is, 'Are we entitled to tax or not?' If we have had, they are
rebellious and responsible to God and man for all the blood shed. If we have
not, they are innocent, and the blood is at our door. They will allow that
right or we may give it up—I am, with affection to Sister Hopper,
Your affectionate friend
and brother. [62]
I observed his admirably
good spirit
Now I will simply tell you
what it is. When I was returning from the Leeds Conference, one of them gave me
the pamphlet to which you refer, part of which I read during my travel. I
observed his spirit admirably good; and then I found the arguments conclusive
For James Rouquet
LONDON, November 12, 1775.
DEAR JAMES,-- I will now
simply tell you what it is. When I was returning from the Leeds Conference, one
of them gave me the pamphlet to which you refer, part of which I read during my
journey. I observed his spirit admirably good; and then I found the arguments
conclusive. Hence, I suppose (though I do not remember), I recommended it both
to you and to others; but I had forgotten it so completely that, even when they
brought it to me another day, I could not remember that I had ever seen
it." "I am
Your affectionate brother. [63]
Beware of being swept away
by the torrent
Be
careful not to be carried away by the torrent. You are on slippery ground
For
William Pine
LONDON, November 14, 1775.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- Beware
of being carried away by the torrent. You are on slippery ground.
I have written more fully
to Mr. Rouquet, and refer you to his letter for details. Let no warm man
persuade you to take any step that you may regret while you live. "I am,
with love to Sister Pine,
Your
affectionate brother.[64]
I am
currently better than before the fever
I'm glad you're going to
Skipton again, and I hope to see for myself if I live until the summer. I'm now
better off than before the fever; only she took my hair out
To Samuel Bardsley
NORWICH, November 27, 1775.
DEAR SAMMY,--Whenever you
want something, let me know without delay. If Tommy Colbeck gives you two
guineas, it may be deducted from the book money. I am glad you will go to
Skipton again, and I hope to see for myself if I live to the summer. I am now
better than before the fever; only it has taken my hair out.[65] The
more effort you take, the more blessings you will find, especially as you
preach the full salvation that is now received by faith. "I am, dear
Sammy,
With affection.
To Mr. Bardsley, at Mr.
Garforth's house,
In Skipton-in-Craven,
Yorkshire. North Post.
To Mrs. Crosby, At Miss
Bosanquet's House. Bosanquet,
Close to Leeds. North Post.
[66]
[1]
Overview of Google's AI Mode
[2] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[3]
https://wesley-fellowship.org.uk/Cameos.html
[4]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[5] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[6] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[7]https://georgianera.wordpress.com/2014/11/11/1775-influenza-epidemic/. The book's cover illustration was
published in the newspaper in 1775 depicting the influence of the flu.
[8] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[9]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[10]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[11] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[12]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[13]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[14]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[15]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[16]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[17]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[18]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[19]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[20]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[21]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[22]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[23]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[24]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[25]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[26]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[27]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[28]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[29]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[30]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[31]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[32]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[33]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[34]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[35]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[36]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[37]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[38]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[39]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[40]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[41]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[42]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[43]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[44]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[45]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[46]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[47]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[48]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[49]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[50]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[51]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[52]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[53]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[54]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[55]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[56]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[57]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[58]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[59]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[60]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[61]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[62]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[63]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[64]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[65] "Although he recovered in a
way considered almost miraculous by his friends, the high fever and systemic
stress of the disease caused a strong side effect: he
lost much of his hair, which never grew back completely in the same way. After this episode,
Wesley began to adopt the use of a wig in his old age to cover the baldness
generated by the disease" – Google's AI mode overview.
[66]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
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