Note 354 — Chapter XIX · CORRESPONDENCE IN 1776.

Others, besides Wesley, had fixed upon Fletcher as Wesley’s successor. Joseph Benson, in 1775, shortly after Wesley’s dangerous illness in Ireland, wrote to him, saying, “In case of Mr. Wesley’s death, your help would be wanted, in the government of the Societies, and in conducting the work of God.” To this, Fletcher replied, “God has lately shaken Mr. Wesley over the grave; but, I believe, from the strength of his constitution and the weakness of mine, he will survive me; so that I do not scheme about helping to make up the gap, when that great tree shall fall. Sufficient for the day will that trouble be; nor will the Divine power be then insufficient to help the people in time of need.” (Benson’s “Life of Fletcher.”)