Letter

From [John] Downes in London, to Charles Wesley at the New Room in Bristol, informing him of his arrival at the inn where he was met by Brother Barber, and conducted to Mrs Butterfield's house, for prayer with Brothers Moss, Crook, and Baker. The following evening they reconvened and were joined by several others including Brothers Kemp and Rogers, and Sister Told(?). After the meeting he heard Dr [John] Jones preach at the chapel, and then met the bands. The room contained 150 people,including six or seven speakers, but despite the numbers he was unable to find any fault with what was said, and felt very uplifted. [John] Wesley and his wife will be back from Norwich on Saturday. He has told the Society that thirty have now left the Connexion [re the George Bell affair?], and 150 have not yet received their tickets. He will them until Easter to decide. [George] Bell has been bailed. His prosecution was brought by Mr Payne a follower of Rev. George Whitefield, and by the Society for Reformation of Manners. Apparently the 'prophets' have now decided that God has spared the wicked for another year, while others believe that the end of the world will come on the 28th according to the old system of dating. The London Society are most anxious for Charles Wesley to visit them, especially Mr Mathews and Dr Jones. Mr Kemp believes 'that your B seems bewildered', and that John Wesley is in fact afraid of Charles coming to London, as he inclines toward 'the disaffected brethren'. He speaks against them in public, but urges restraint in private. Kemp has proposed Nanny Dobson 'to wait on you'. She comes highly recommended. He went today with Mrs Butterfield to see Wesley's lodgings in Hammersmith. They must be taken immediately or they will be lost. Mrs Butterfield wants Charles to stay at her house fora day or two. Last time he stayed in London he almost killed himself with preaching, and tried to blame the air. He can use Mr Meredith's stable. Downes asks that the watch be sent to Mr Jon the watchmaker of Windmill Hall in Moorfields, London. [Elizabeth] Waller was so ill last week that her life was despaired of, but she is now much better. Mr Gwynne is expected any day. In a postscript he sends his regard to Miss Turley. . Annotated by Charles Wesley - J Downes's report.