“I anticipate much pleasure in your company and from hearing you preach in some of my churches. I have, however, I trust, learned in some poor measure to ‘cease from man;’ nor do I expect either pleasure or comfort further than as a Divine blessing shall attend our communications. The work of the ministry seems to be followed with little effect in this place: for my own part, however, I have felt much freedom from slavish fear; and have delivered my message with boldness. If it were the will of God, I should rejoice in some visible effects; but I desire to resign myself to His pleasure. “The Methodists have at length established preaching at Sewstern; and, I understand, some have been brought under convictions by their means. If the work be of God, I would gladly bid it God speed; and if it be of man, it will come to nothing. The ministers of the Established Church labour under some disadvantages, from the necessity of having so many parishes to attend to, &c.... Every day convinces me more of the necessity of subordination in religious, as well as civil affairs. The want of this is the cause of that mania, if I may so speak, which prevails among the Methodists, and bids fair in time to turn them all into preachers and no hearers. They seem to look upon preaching as the only instrument of conversion, and overlook other means, such as reflection, self-examination, &c.; hence their various backslidings, falling from grace, &c., with the many reproaches that are brought upon the gospel thereby. These things make me lament sincerely, the defection which, I fear, daily takes place from the Establishment. Pure in her doctrines, and apostolic in her constitution, our Church seems, indeed, ‘the pillar and ground of truth;’ and the best means, under the great Head, of keeping men in the simplicity of the gospel. I would not, however, say with Mr. D. that there is no salvation out of her pale. I would rather pray, earnestly pray, for a revival of vital godliness in her sons.... O that it would ‘please God to illuminate all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, with true knowledge and understanding of His word;’ and enable them to shew its real power both in their preaching and living....” “April 4, 1804.