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John Wesley’s Quarrel

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Apr 5, 1906

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 83, No. 14.

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John Wesley’s Quarrel

John Wesley once had a disagreement with Joseph Bradford, his traveling companion of many years, and they agreed to part. They retired for the night, each firm in his determination, and each doubtless deploring in his heart the separation soon to follow between two friends who had been so devoted and mutually helpful. In the morning Wesley asked Bradford if he had considered during the night their agreement to part.
“Yes, sir,” said Bradford.
“And must we part?” inquired Wesley.
“Please yourself, sir,” said Bradford, grimly.
“But will you not ask my pardon?” demanded Wesley.
“No, sir.”
“You won’t?”
“No, sir.”
“In that case,” said Wesley, gently, “I must ask yours.”
It was not the ending Bradford had expected. A moment he hesitated, and then, breaking into tears, he followed Wesley’s example, and forgave and was forgiven.
Life is too short and friends are too precious to justify one in cherishing anger or resentment. Even if the wrong appears to us to be wholly on the other side, something may be conceded for love’s sake.
Worship of God is so joined to love toward men that the forgiving man is sure to be the forgiven man.—Selected.