To Mr. Walter Churchey, of Brecon

Dublin, June 20, 1789.

My Dear Brother, — Michael is an original. He

tells hes innumerable, many of them plausible enough. But many talk full as plausibly as he; and they that can believe him, may. I do not doubt but some part of your verse, as weE as prose, will reach the hearts of some of the rich.

Dr. Coke made two or three little alterations in tho Prayer Book without my knowledge. I took particular care throughout to alter nothing merely for altering’s sake. In religion I am for as few innovations as possible. I love the old wine best. And if it were only on this account, I prefer “which’’’’ before “who art in heaven.”

Mr. Howard is really an extraordinary man. God has raised him up to be a blessing to many nations. I do not doubt but there has been something more than natural in his preservation hitherto, and should not wonder if the providence of God should hereafter be still more conspicuous in his favour.

A|?out three weeks hence I expect to embark for England. Peace be with you and yours!

CLXVIL~TO THE SAME.

1789. I HAVE now revised the five volumes of my brother’s hymns on the four gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. He had himself revised them no less than seven times in the space of twenty years. Many of them are little or nothing inferior to the best of them that have been printed. Those of them that savour a little of mysticism I have rather corrected or expunged; but I have no thought or design at all of printing them. I have other work to do which is of more immediate importance. Besides that, I have not two or three hundred pounds to spare. I will order my printer to strike off some of your proposals, which I will then occasionally recommend to my friends. Some of them I know will subscribe; and it may be, God will incline the hearts of more than I am aware of. But with whom do you agree for paper and printing? Proceed warily, or you may get into much trouble. That God may bless you and yours, and be your Guide in this and in all things, is the prayer of

Your affectionate brother.*

* Mr. Churchey was now about to publish his large volume of poctusy which Mr. Wesley permitted him to prittt at his own press. — Ed.