1767.
1767
Age 64
CHARLES Wesley was still preaching, alternately, in London and in Bristol; and was writing and publishing his magnificent “Hymns on the Trinity,” and his “Hymns for the Use of Families.”[686]
Whitefield’s health was better, and he was able to spend most of the year 1767 in itinerating throughout England and Wales, and in preaching to assembled thousands. At Rodborough, he writes: “I was regaled with the company of some simple hearted, first rate old Methodists, of near thirty years’ standing.”[687] At Haverfordwest, he says: “I am just come from my field throne. Thousands and thousands attended by eight in the morning. Life and light seemed to fly all around. Who knows but preaching may be our grand catholicon again? This is the good methodistical, thirty year old medicine.”[688] Again: “Who knows but I may be strengthened to take a trip to Scotland? This itch after itinerating I hope will never be cured till we come to heaven.”[689] At Newcastle, he writes: “I have a blessed Methodist field street preaching plan before me. You may venture to direct for me at Mr. William Shent’s, peruke maker, at Leeds; but send me no bad news, unless absolutely necessary. Let me enjoy myself in my delightful itinerancy. It is good, both for my body and soul.”[690] At Thirsk, in another letter, and in the same strain, he remarks: “My body feels much fatigue in travelling; comforts in my soul overbalance. Every stage, more and more, convinces me that old Methodism is the thing—Hallelujah!”[691] And, again, on his return to London, in October, he observes: “I am just returned from my northern circuit, which has been pleasant, and I trust profitable. Everywhere the fields have been white unto harvest. I am become a downright street and field preacher. I wish the city, and want of riding, may not hurt me. No nestling, no nestling on this side Jordan. Heaven is the believer’s only resting place. There we shall not be disturbed.”[692]
Whitefield was again in his best beloved element. Alas! not for long!
With the exception of a short visit to Colchester, Norwich, and Yarmouth, Wesley spent the first two months of 1767 in London; and, on Ash Wednesday, March 4, “dined at a friend’s with Mr. Whitefield, still breathing nothing but love.” The two Wesleys and Whitefield, three old friends, were now “a threefold cord not quickly broken.” Their opinions differed, but their hearts were one. Ever and anon, means were used to create division; but the efforts failed. In some things, Wesley and his brother held conflicting sentiments so strongly, that it was difficult to work in harmony; but love not only ruled their hearts, but their speech and lives. The following letter, addressed to Charles Wesley, is illustrative of this.
“London, February 12, 1767.
“Dear Brother,—What I mean is, Bishop Lowth is sometimes hypercritical, and finds fault where there is none. Yet, doubtless, his is the best English grammar that is extant. I never saw ‘Hermes’; the author of it is a rooted deist.
“Pray take care that brother Henderson wants nothing. Sickness is an expensive thing.
“You are not yet (nor probably I) aware of pickthanks. Such were those who told you I did not pray for you by name in public; and they are liars into the bargain, unless they are deaf.