Be Willing to Ask Forgiveness

This incident occurred between John Wesley and Joseph Bradford. Bradford was for some years the travelling companion of Mr. Wesley for whom he would have sacrificed health and even life, but to whom his will would never bend.

"Joseph," said Mr. Wesley one day, "take these letters to the post office."

Bradford replied, "I will take them after your preaching, sir."

Wesley again said, "Take them now, Joseph."

Bradford turned to Mr. Wesley and said, "I wish to hear you preach, sir; and there will be sufficient time for the post office after the service."

Wesley was not at all pleased and said, “I insist upon your going now, Joseph."

Bradford rather angrily replied, "I will not go at present." "You will not!"

"No, sir."

"Then you and I must part," said Wesley.

"Very well, sir," was Mr. Bradford's quick response.

The good men slept over it. Both were early risers. At four o'clock the next morning, Wesley said to Bradford, "Joseph, have you considered what I said—that we must part?"

"Yes, sir," was the reply. "And must we part?"

"Please yourself, sir," -

Then Wesley said, "Will you ask my pardon, Joseph?" "No, sir," came the quick reply from Bradford. "You will not?"

"No, sir," Bradford said again. "Then," answered Wesley, "I will ask yours, Joseph." That is what a Christian should do-be willing to ask forgiveness instead of expecting others to ask forgiveness of him.

CHRIST IS VICTOR, MAY 2007