"I rejoice not only in the abilities, but in the temper, of Mr. Fletcher. He writes as he lives. I cannot say that I know such another clergyman in England or Ireland. He is all fire, but it is the fire of love. His writings, like his constant conversation, breathe nothing else, to those who read him with an impartial eye." The controversy was much to be deplored on account of the personal element brought in at all points, yet Fletcher's clear and eloquent writings in his "Checks" was a fine service rendered to the Christian faith. Once more to quote Wesley:-- "In his 'Checks to Antinomianism,' one knows not which to admire most --the _purity_ of the language, the _strength_ and _clearness_ of the argument, or the _mildness_ and _sweetness_ of the spirit that breathes through the whole. Insomuch that I nothing wonder at a serious clergyman, who, being resolved to live and die in his own opinion, when he was pressed to read them, replied, 'No, I will never read Mr. Fletcher's "Checks," for if I did I should be of his mind.'" In January, 1773, a memorial letter was written to the Vicar of Madeley by John Wesley, asking him to become his successor as leader and head of the Methodist people. Indeed, the venerable Father of Methodism would have had his instant aid, for his letter concludes:-- "Without conferring, therefore, with flesh and blood, come and strengthen the hands, comfort the heart, and share the labour of "Your affectionate friend and brother, "JOHN WESLEY." Fletcher's response was tentative; not wholly a refusal, yet not an acceptance:-- "I would not leave this place," he concluded, in reply, "without a fuller persuasion that the time is _quite_ come. Not that God uses me much here, but I have not yet sufficiently cleared my conscience from the blood of all men. Meantime, I beg the Lord to guide me by His counsel, and make me willing to go anywhere, or nowhere, to be anything, or nothing. "Help by your prayers till you can bless by word of mouth, Rev. and dear Sir, your willing, though unprofitable servant in the Gospel. "J. FLETCHER." Wesley was greatly against his saintly friend hiding his light under the bushel of a country vicarage. Thirteen years later he wrote his own opinion of Fletcher's mission:-- "He was full as much called to sound an alarm through all the nation as Mr. Whitefield himself. Nay, abundantly more so, seeing he was far better qualified for that important work. He had a more striking person, equally good breeding, an equally winning address, together with a richer flow of fancy, a stronger understanding; a far greater treasure of learning, both in languages, philosophy, philology, and divinity; and, above all (which I can speak with fuller assurance, because I had a thorough knowledge both of one and the other), a more deep and constant communion with the Father, and with the Son, Jesus Christ."