Charles Wesley read and criticized the “Essay on Truth,” upon which Fletcher wrote him as follows:— “I am glad you did not altogether disapprove my ‘_Essay on Truth_.’ The letter, I grant, profiteth little, until the Spirit animate it. I had, some weeks ago, one of those touches which realize, or rather spiritualize the letter; and it convinced me more than ever that what I say in that tract, of the _Spirit_ and of _faith_, is _truth_. I am also persuaded that the _faith_ and _Spirit_, which belong to _perfect_ Christianity, are at a very low ebb, even among believers. When the Son of Man cometh to set up His kingdom, shall He find _Christian_ faith upon the earth? Yes; but, I fear, as little as He found of Jewish faith, when He came in the flesh. I believe you cannot rest with the easy Antinomian, or the busy Pharisee. You and I have nothing to do but to die to all that is of a sinful nature, and to pray for the power of an endless life. God make us faithful to our convictions, and keep us from the snares of outward things. You are in danger from music, children, poetry; and I from speculation, controversy, sloth, etc. Let us _watch_ against the deceitfulness of self and sin in all their appearances. “What power of the Spirit do you find among the believers in London? What openings of the kingdom? Is the well springing up in many hearts? Are many souls dissatisfied, and looking for the kingdom of God in power? Watchman! what of the night? What of the day? What of the dawn? “I feel the force of what you say about the danger of so encouraging the inferior dispensations, as to make people rest short of the faith which belongs to perfect Christianity. I have tried to obviate it in some parts of the ‘_Equal Check_,’ and hope to do it more effectually in my reply to Mr. Hill’s _Creed for Perfectionists_. Probably, I shall get nothing by my polemic labours, but loss of friends, and charges of ‘novel chimeras’ on _both_ sides. I expect a letter from you on the subject. Write with openness, and do not fear to discourage me by speaking your disapprobation of what you dislike. My aim is to be found at the feet of all, bearing and forbearing until truth and love bring better days. “I am, rev. and dear Sir, your most affectionate brother and son in the Gospel, “J. FLETCHER.”[313] Footnote 313: Letters, 1791, p. 224. CHAPTER XVII. _PUBLICATIONS IN THE YEAR_ 1775. ON November 12, 1774, Fletcher wrote:—