“John Wesley.”[449]
This was an important precedent; and an additional indication that, even under the most favourable circumstances, it was impossible to absorb Methodism in the Established Church. If such was Wesley’s difficulty, in the case of Mr. Venn and Huddersfield Methodism in 1761, who can doubt what would have been Wesley’s answer to the advocates of absorption, or amalgamation, in 1870?
On September 1, Wesley met his conference, in London. Three days after it ended, John Manners wrote as follows to Mr. Merryweather, of Yarm.
“London, September 9, 1761.
“My dear Brother,—At present, there is the most glorious work in London I have ever seen. Many scores praise God from Monday morning till Saturday night. Their words and prayers are full of faith and fire. We have had the most satisfactory and solemn conference that has been held for several years. It was honoured with the presence of Mr. Whitefield and other clergy several times. The minutes you may see with Tommy Johnson, the assistant of your circuit.
“I am, yours, etc.,
“J. Manners.”[450]
Strangely enough Charles Wesley was not present. Hence the following, addressed to him, two days after the conference closed.
“London, September 8, 1761.
“Dear Brother,—Our conference ended, as it began, in peace and love. All found it a blessed time: