So the matter ended, though Wesley was far from satisfied. He writes:
“I can never believe it was the will of God, that such a burning and
shining light should be hid under a bushel. No; instead of being
confined to a country village, it ought to have shone in every corner
of our land. 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 far more
striking person; equal 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, a more deep and constant communion with
the Father, and with the Son Jesus Christ.”[187]
No wonder that Wesley was anxious for a suitable successor to take his
place. The work of which, in the hand of God, he was the principal
supporter, had not only spread throughout the three kingdoms, but
was rapidly extending beyond the Atlantic. Already he had four of
his itinerants in America; and, aged and feeble in health though
he was, he still entertained the thought of visiting that distant
continent.[188] Among others, the Rev. Mr. Jarratt wrote him, from
Virginia, telling him that they had ninety-five parishes in the colony,
all, excepting one, supplied with clergymen, but that ninety-three out
of the ninety-four ministers appeared to be without “the power and
spirit of vital religion.” He thanks him for sending his preachers to
America, two of whom, Messrs. Pilmoor and Williams, were now labouring
in Virginia; but asks, “What can two or three preachers do in such an
extended country as this? Cannot you do something more for us? Cannot
you send us a minister of the Church of England, to be stationed in
the vacant parish? I wish you could see how matters are among us. This
would serve instead of a thousand arguments, to induce you to exert
yourself in this affair.”[189]
Even this was not all. During the year, Francis Gilbert wrote to him
from Antigua, telling him that “almost the whole island seemed to
be stirred up to seek the Lord.” There were large congregations and
constant preaching in his brother’s house; and they had, at St. John’s,
a society of twenty whites and forty blacks. “Here,” says Mr. Gilbert,
“is work enough for three preachers; as almost the entire island seems
ripe for the gospel; yet, I cannot desire you to send them yet, seeing
the people are not at present able to bear the expenses; for the fire,
the hurricane, and the severe droughts have, I suppose, ruined two
thirds of the inhabitants.”[190]
Affairs in Scotland were scarcely to Wesley’s mind. Writing to John
Bredin, at Aberdeen, he says:
“MY DEAR BROTHER,--Observe and enforce all our rules exactly as
if you were in England, or Ireland. By foolish complaisance our
preachers, in Scotland, have often done harm. Be all a Methodist; and
strongly insist on _full salvation_ to be received _now_ by simple
_faith_.
“I am yours affectionately,