The following was addressed to Mr. Ebenezer Blackwell, and refers to his clerical friends, and his difficulties with respect to them.
“Bradford, July 16, 1761.
“Dear Sir,—Mr. Venn was so kind as to come over hither yesterday, and spend the evening with us. I am a little embarrassed on his account, and hardly know how to act. Several years before he came to Huddersfield, some of our preachers went thither, carrying their lives in their hands, and, with great difficulty, established a little, earnest society. These eagerly desire them to preach there still; not in opposition to Mr. Venn, (whom they love, esteem, and constantly attend,) but to supply what they do not find in his preaching. It is a tender point. Where there is a gospel ministry already, we do not desire to preach; but whether we can leave off preaching because such an one comes after, is another question; especially, when those, who were awakened and convinced by us, beg and require the continuance of our assistance. I love peace, and follow it; but whether I am at liberty to purchase it at such a price, I really cannot tell.
“I hear poor Mr. Walker is near death. It seems strange that, when there is so great a want of faithful labourers, such as he should be removed: but the will of God is always best; and what He does, we shall know hereafter! I have been, for some days, with Mr. Grimshaw, an Israelite indeed. A few such as he would make a nation tremble. He carries fire wherever he goes. Mr. Venn informs me, that Mr. Whitefield continues very weak. I was in hope, when he wrote to me lately, that he was swiftly recovering strength. What need have we, while we do live, to live in earnest!
“I am, dear sir, your affectionate servant,
“John Wesley.”[448]
In another letter, written a month later, Wesley refers again to the Huddersfield difficulty as follows.
“Norwich, August 15, 1761.
“Dear Sir,—Mr. Venn and I have had some hours’ conversation together, and have explained upon every article. I believe there is no bone of contention remaining; no matter of offence, great or small. Indeed, fresh matter will arise, if it be sought; but it shall not be sought by me. We have amicably compromised the affair of preaching. He is well pleased, that the preachers should come once a month.
“I am, etc.,