“Richard Bourke, John Dillon, and one or two more in this kingdom, are truly devoted men; and so are a few of the preachers in England. Si sic omnes! What would be able to stand before them?
“How go you on in London? How is Mr. Whitefield, and my lady, and Mr. Madan, and Romaine, and Berridge? Do you converse with those that are most alive, and sparingly and warily with them that are dead while they live?
“I hope Sally and your young ones are well. Oh what a work it is to train up children for heaven! Peace be with you and yours! Ερρωσο!
“John Wesley.”[702]
This is far from being a bright and cheering letter; but there can be little doubt of its being true. Wesley was always manly enough to look even the darkest facts fairly in the face. He had no notion of crying “Peace, Peace!” when it was salutary to sound the trumpet of alarm. Neither the Methodists nor their preachers, in his judgment, were so pious as they once had been, and as they ought to be; and to this,—not to the want of talent, or of learning, or of chapels, or of money, or of patronage,—but to this, he attributed the want of such success as they ought to have.
Let modern Methodists learn a lesson here. Notwithstanding all their financial and outward prosperity, without holiness they will fail in converting sinners; and, without this success, all the rest is frivolous.
An extract from another letter, written whilst in Ireland, may be inserted here. It was addressed to Lady Maxwell, who was out of health, and gives us a glimpse of Wesley’s carriage, his wife, and some of his Newcastle friends.
“Cork, June 4, 1767.
“My dear Lady,—My belief is, that a journey to England might be of great service to your health; and it is not improbable, you might receive much benefit from the water of the Hotwells near Bristol. In August, I hope to be at Bristol; and again in the latter end of September. My chaise and horses are at Bristol, which, you would oblige me much, if you would please to use as your own during your stay there; for you should, if possible, ride out daily. My wife, who is at Newcastle, will be exceeding glad to wait upon you there; and, if you choose to rest a few days, I should be happy if you would make use of the Orphan House. You would be pleased with the Miss Dales, and they with you. You and they have drank into one Spirit. Miss Peggy is one of the holiest young women that I have any knowledge of. You will be so kind as to let me know when you expect to be at Newcastle, and, possibly, I may meet you there.
“I am, my dear lady, your most affectionate friend,