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 the 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 Anne; principal manager of almost all the public 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.

MY DEAR BROTHER,

Leeds, March 24, 1761.

I STEPPED over from Manchester hither yesterday, 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.

MY DEAR BROTHER, PUBLIC affairs do gather more and more.

Norwich, January 18, 1762. look exceeding dark; and the clouds

Yet the Lord

sitteth above the water

And He (whatever be

floods, and remaineth a King for ever. 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 are 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 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.

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 Kershaw 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.

MY DEAR BROTHER,

Bristol, September 3, 1763. 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 everything. 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 everywhere as often as possible. Who goes to the Highlands now, quickly?

CCLXI.-To the Same.

MY DEAR BROTHER,

Welling, November 2, 1763.

"DUNDEE," you say, "would be thankful for a Preacher."

But who would give him things needful for the body? He

cannot live upon air; bear its own burden.

and we now expect that Scotland should 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 Cannongate. "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof." Sevenpence halfpenny! 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

Yours affectionately.

CCLXII-To the Same.

MY DEAR Brother,

Bristol, September 29, 1764. 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 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.

MY DEAR BROTHER,

Bristol, October 16, 1765.

You must

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. 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 I am

rest.

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, 1760.

It 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.

Miss Lewen's Will probably will be a nine days' wonder. Mr. 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!