with the Father and the Holy Ghost. Afterward, he had communion with the Father, next with the Spirit, and then with the whole Trinity: you therefore are afraid where no fear is. Our Lord is not displeased at your following his Spirit.

I do not remember the making mention of covetousness; but it is likely I might; for I am exceedingly afraid of it, lest it should steal unawares, (as it always comes in disguise,) either upon myself or my friends. I know no way to escape it, but (having saved all we can) to give all we can. I think this is, at present, your rule as well as mine; and I trust it always will be.

We cannot impute too much to Divine providence, unless we make it interfere with our free agency. I suppose that young woman, by saying she did not believe God had any thing to do with it, only meant, that the passion itself was not at all from God, but altogether from evil nature: she could not mean that God does not, in a thousand instances, draw good out of evil, yea, that he may not sometimes permit us to be overtaken in a fault, to preserve us from a greater.

General rules are easily laid down. But it is not possible to apply them accurately in particular cases, without the anointing of the Holy One: this alone, abiding with us, can teach us of all things. Thus our general rule is, "Thou shalt do no murder;" which plainly forbids every thing that tends to impair health; and implies that we use every probable means of preserving or restoring it. But when we come to apply this to particular instances, we are presently in a labyrinth, and ant that anointing which alone can make plain the way before our face, and direct us to do, in every minute circumstance, what is acceptable to God.

You have abundant reason to praise God, both for spiritual and temporal blessings. Beware of indulging gloomy thoughts: they are the bane of thankfulness. You are encompassed with ten thousand mercies let these sink you into humble thankfulness.

CCLVI. To the Same.

DECEMBER 10, 1777.

You do not at all understand my manner of life. Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry; because I never undertake any more work than I can go through with perfect calmness of spirit. It is true, I travel four or five thousand miles in a year. But I generally travel alone in my carriage; and, consequently, am as retired ten hours in a day, as if I was in a wilderness. On other days, I never spend less than three hours (frequently ten or twelve) in the day alone. So there are few persons in the kingdom who spend so many hours secluded from all company. Yet I find time to visit the sick and the poor; and I must do it, if I believe the Bible, if I believe these are the marks whereby the Shepherd of Israel will know and judge his sheep at the great day; therefore, when there is time and opportunity for it, who can doubt but this is matter of absolute duty? When I was at Oxford, and lived almost like a hermit, I saw not how any busy man could be saved. I scarce thought it possible for a man to retain a Christian spirit, amidst the noise and bustle of the world. God taught me better by my own experience. I had ten times more business in America (that is, at

intervals) than ever I had in my life. But it was no hinderance to silence of spirit.

Mr. Boehm was chaplain to Prince George of Denmark; secretary to him and Queen Ann; principal manager of almost all the puolic charities in the kingdom, and employed in numberless private charities. An intimate friend, knowing this, said to him when they were alone, “Sir, are you not hurt by that amazing hurry of business? I have seen you in your office, surrounded with people, listening to one, dictating to another, and at the same time writing to a third: could you then retain a sense of the presence of God?" He answered, "All that company, and all that business, no more hindered or lessened my communion with God, than if I had been all alone in a church kneeling before the communion table." Was it not the same case with him to whom Gregory Lopez said. "Go and be a hermit in Mexico?" I am concerned for you; I am sorry you should be content with lower degrees of usefulness and holiness than you are called to. But I cannot help it; so I submit ; and am still, my dear Miss M

Yours in sincere affection.

CCLVII.-To Mr. Christopher Hopper.

LEEDS, March 24, 1761.

T MY DEAR BROTHER,-I stepped over from Manchester hither yes. terday, and am to return thither to-morrow. I cannot fix my route through Scotland till I hear from Mr. Gillies: but I expect to be at Aberdeen in four or five weeks; and at Newcastle about the middle of May. My best friend (such she undoubtedly is, in a sense) remains still in London. I do not expect any change till the approach of death. And, I am content. With regard to me, all is well.

John Nelson and John Manners both write to me from York, that they wish T. Olivers to spend some time longer in the Newcastle circuit. I wish so too. I think it would be better for himself, and for many others. O let us follow after the things which make for peace! I am Yours affectionately. Alas! Alas! So poor Jacob Rowell says, Mr. Wesley has nothing to do with his round; and all the societies in it, but Barnard Castle, are willing to separate. In God's name, let one of you go into that round without delay!

CCLVIII.-To the Same.

NORWICH, January 18, 1762.

MY DEAR BROTHER,-Public affairs do look exceeding dark; and the clouds gather more and more. Yet the Lord sitteth above the waterfloods, and remaineth a King for ever. And he (whatever be the lot of his enemies) shall give his people the blessing of peace.

If you do not establish good order in the Orphan house, it is pity you should go there. This is the very design of your Master: for this end ure you sent. Do just as I would do in every instance if I were in your place. Act just the thing that is right, whoever is pleased or displeased. I hereby give it under my hand, I will stand by you with all my might. I am glad you have had a free conversation with T. Olivers. There VOL. VI.

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is good in him; though he is a rough stick of wood. But love can bow down the stubborn neck. By faith and love we shall overcome all things. Peace be with you and yours.

I set out for London to-morrow.

I am

Your ever affectionate brother.

CCLIX. To the Same.

CORK, June 18, 1762

MY DEAR BROTHER,-So your labour has not been in vain. I shall expect an account of the remaining part of your journey too. And you will be able to inform me of the real character and behaviour of Robert Miller also. I do not rightly understand him. But I see James Ker shaw and he do not admire one another.

Pray let me know, as particularly as you can, how William Fugill has behaved in Scotland; and what has hindered the increase of the work at Edinburgh. I thought the society would have been doubled before now.

I expect to be in Dublin on Saturday, July 24; then Providence will determine how I shall go forward, and whether I am to embark for Parkgate, Liverpool, or Holyhead, in my way to Leeds; where I hope to meet you all on August 10. I am

Yours affectionately.

I hope you will all exert yourselves in the Midsummer collection for Kingswood.

CCLX.-To the Same.

BRISTOL, September 3, 1763. MY DEAR BROTHER,-I am much inclined to think you will be more useful this year than ever you have been in your life. From the first hour abate nothing of our rules, whether of society or bands. Be a Methodist all over. Be exact in every thing. Be zealous; be active. Press on to the one thing, and carry all before you. How much may be done before summer is at an end! Their little misunderstandings at Edinburgh you will soon remove, by hearing the parties face to face. I hope a preacher is gone northward, and brother Roberts come southward. I hate delay. "The King's business requires haste!" I am, with love to S. Hopper, Yours most affectionately. : Take the field every where as often as possible. Who goes to the Highlands now, quickly?

CCLXI.-To the Same.

WELLING, November 2, 1763. MY DEAR BROTHER,-"Dundee," you say, "would be thankful for a preacher." But who would give him things needful for the body? He cannot live upon air; and we now expect that Scotland should bear its own burden. John Hampson you must think of no more. But I doubt our Newcastle friends are out of all patience for want of R. Roberts. In spring you will need a fourth preacher. But what would he have to do?

Why, then, I think you must get the plat without the Canongate. "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof." Sevenpence half

penny! Pshaw! Let it be eightpence, even money. By and by we may give Mr. Trail more work. O let us work in this fruitful season! We join in love to S. Hopper and you. I am

CCLXII.-To the Same.

Yours affectionately.

BRISTOL, September 29, 1764.

MY DEAR BROTHER,-My judgment is this,-That it is best for you to be at Edinburgh (but in a more airy lodging, if it can be had for love or money) before the end of next month, James Kershaw at Dundee, and Tommy Hanby at Aberdeen. If you have either love or pity for him, let him not stay too long at Dundee. His mind is by no means strong enough to bear that weight of applause. At any rate, take him out of the furnace, or he will be consumed. And you well know a change is best for the people, as well as best for him. Is it not easiest for him and you to change at a day appointed; and then for you to stay at Dundee till you are relieved by James Kershaw? Peace be with your spirits! I am

Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCLXIII.-To the Same.

BRISTOL, October 16, 1765,

MY DEAR BROTHER,-So honest Sander has outrode all the storms, and got safe into the haven! The Lord does all things well. I should not wish to stay here any longer than I could be useful.

You and James Kershaw are considerate men. You must set your wits to work to find out ways and means. I will venture to answer for one fifty pounds, payable next August. Let our brethren pray in good earnest, and God will provide the rest. I am

I am returning to London.

CCLXIV. To the Same.

Yours affectionately.

LONDON, November 20, 1766.

MY DEAR BROTHER,-The letter now before me runs thus: "Sunderland, November 10.—Mr. Hopper has been here preaching for a fortnight; and he proposes to come to live here, and be our minister: and a house is to be built for him. Then we shall not want the travelling preachers so often. And I hope he will give us the sacrament." You must explain this to me yourself. I can say nothing to it; for I know nothing of the matter.

I am

Yours affectionately.

NOVEMBER 27, 1766.

Ir is well my letter was overlooked till I came home: so one will do for two. John Fenwick will set out to-morrow morning, which is as soon as he could be spared from hence.

Nay, it is you must make the best of M. Fenwick. Cure him of his coxcomicality, and he may do good. If Mrs. Robinson continues to walk closely with God, I expect her health will continue.

Mr

Miss Lewen's. Will probably will be a nine days wonder. Whitefield acted according to the light he had; but I durst not have done so; because I am God's steward for the poor.

We all join in love. Adieu!

CCLXV. To the Same.

--

ATHLONE, June 18, 1767.

MY DEAR BROTHER,-Sometimes the children forget the parents; but it is seldom that parents forget their children. I suppose it was the death of honest Paul Greenwood which occasioned the report of yours. He could ill be spared; but he was ready for the Bridegroom; so it was fit he should go to him.

Michael should take care to be either in Dublin, or in the north o. Ireland, before the end of July. If it be possible for him to be a simple, plain man, pretending to nothing but to follow Christ, God will find him employment. And if he walk circumspectly and humbly in Ireland, the people of England will soon be reconciled to him.

I wish you joy of having full employment. You know, the more work the more blessing. There is good work to be done in this kingdom also; and many of our preachers do it in good earnest. But we want more labourers; especially in the north, where one preacher is increased into seven! and the people cry aloud for more. But, alas! we can neither make them nor hire them! I am, with love to S. Hopper, Your affectionate friend and brother.

I hope to see you and honest John at the conference. account of the societies you will bring with you.

CCLXVI. To the Same.

An exact

LONDON, November 20, 1769.

MY DEAR BROTHER,-If she will return of her own accord, I will receive her with open arms. But I will not hire her to return. I think that would be foolish, nay, sinful..

Brother Fazzard was a good man, though for some years his head was a good deal wrong. I hope brother Greenwood continues right and is no longer puzzled by the smooth speakers.

If you love the souls or bodies of men, recommend, every where, the "Primitive Physic," and the small tracts. It is true, most of the Methodists are poor; but what then? Nine in ten of them would be no poorer, if they were to lay out a whole penny in buying a book every other week in the year. By this means, the work of God is both widened and deepened in every place. I am, with love to S. Hopper, Your affectionate friend and brother.

CCLXVII. To the Same.

LONDON, January 16, 1770. MY DEAR BROTHER,-There is reason to believe that this has been indeed a festival time all over the kingdom. While a Sacheverell mad ness has spread far and wide, God gives us the Spirit of love and of a sound mind.

I think verily, if we could procure those premises upon reasonable terms, together with such a servitude or security (are these synonymous