Sarah,

John Wesley's niece

 

 

Wesley's affectionate and pastoral care for his niece Sarah

 

 Odilon Massolar Chaves

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Copyright © 2026, Odilon Massolar Chaves

All rights reserved to the author.

It is allowed to read, copy and share for free.

Article 184 of the Penal Code and Law 96710 of February 19, 1998.

Books published in the Wesleyan Digital Library: 800

Books published by the author: 841

Address: https://bibliotecawesleyana.blogspot.com

Cover: Illustration of Wesley and Sarah Wesley, wife of Charles Wesley and mother of Sally, taken from Wikipedia.

Odilon Massolar Chaves is a retired Methodist pastor, with a doctorate in Theology and History from the Methodist University of São Paulo.

Son of Rev. Adherico Ribeiro Chaves and Roza Massolar Chaves.

He is married to RoseMary.

He has two daughters: Liliana and Luciana.

His thesis dealt with the Methodist revival in England in the eighteenth century and its contribution as a paradigm for our days.

  

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Table of Contents

 

 

·       Introduction

·       Who was Sarah Wesley

·       You gave me so much satisfaction when I was with you

·       It feels like God was now calling you again

·       You want just that point, baby

·       But you need to have some companions on the way

·       By taking away your expectation of worldly happiness

·       Tenderly Respectful Behavior Toward Dad

·       But, above all, let prayer be done continually

·       The time, I have no doubt, was extended on purpose

·       Make the most of life

·       You have your great Friend always around

·       Be a leader of a small

·       This will save you from many temptations

·       There's a small group of people who love you well

·       Wesley's Guidelines for Sarah's Healing

·       The Two Great Remedies for a Sin-Sick Soul

·       You certainly need gratitude and patience

·       Sea baths will calm your nerves

·       Let me have the comfort of at least one relative who is an assistant to me in God's blessed work

·       You must arrange to stay with us

 

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Introduction

 

 

"Sarah the Niece of John Wesley," Wesley's deep and pastoral care for his niece Sarah, is a 30-page book based on Wesley's letters to Sarah Wesley.

 

Sarah Wesley, daughter of Charles Wesley and Sarah Wesley, never married. She devoted herself to literature and the preservation of Wesley family documents and historical Methodism. 

His brothers, Charles Junior and Samuel Wesley dedicated themselves to music and were recognized and respected, including by the royal family and internationally. 

Since 1772, we have affectionate letters from Wesley to Sarah, but especially after the death of Charles Wesley, in 1788, we see this care increase, including in relation to health, but especially spiritually.

 

Sarah is an unknown to many, but she had a great importance, as she was a "central figure in the direct care and emotional support of John Wesley in his old age" [1] and at the end of his life by remaining by his side.

 

A story that needs to be known and that edifies us.

 

The Author

 

 

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Who was Sarah Wesley

 

 

 

Sarah was the daughter of Charles Wesley and Sarah: "John Wesley's niece was named Sarah Wesley (1759–1828), often nicknamed Sally Wesley. She was the only daughter of Charles Wesley (the famous hymn writer and John's brother)." [2] 

His brothers, Charles Junior and Samuel Wesley dedicated themselves to music and were recognized and respected, including by the royal family and internationally. 

In 1781, John Wesley went to a concert of his nephew's where he spent pleasant moments, but felt out of his surroundings: 

"I spent a pleasant hour watching my nephew's concert. But I felt out of my environment, being in the midst of Lords and Ladies. I like simple music and simple people," [3] said Wesley.

 

Sarah never married and "became a respected intellectual in London. She was a member of a prominent literary group known as the Bluestockings." [4] She dedicated herself to preserving her family's memory and historical documents.

 

She turned down marriage proposals to maintain her autonomy, routine of erudition and charity.

 

Wesley gave Sarah special treatment. "John Wesley showed deep and pastoral care for his niece Sarah 'Sally' Wesley (daughter of his brother Charles Wesley). This zeal was expressed through affectionate letters, practical health advice, and encouragement of spiritual discipline."[5]

 

Among his care for Sarah, we highlight: 

"Health Advice: In 1790, at the age of 87, John wrote to her recommending a daily exercise routine and asking her to borrow his 'chamber-horse' equipment that was in his dining room. On another occasion, he advised her about the benefits of bathing in the sea, but adamantly advised against drinking the salt water. 

Spiritual Discipline: Wesley always encouraged her to be a 'whole Christian', recommending specific readings, rest, and a life of constant prayer to avoid the temptations of youth. 

Practical Support: He used his influence to help her in times of transition (...)".[6]

 

In his letters to Sarah, we also see Wesley giving guidance for the treatment of the illness of his brother Charles Wesley, who died in 1788. 

After Charles Wesley's death, John Wesley wrote to his sister-in-law Sarah on 12 April 1788, telling of the account Sarah (Sally) gave to Wesley of Charles Wesley's passing.

Part of the letter reads: "DEAR SISTER, Mr. Bradburn's account of my brother's removal was very short and unsatisfactory. But the account Sally gave me is exactly as it should be—private and circumstantial. I doubt that the few solemn words he said before leaving here will not soon be forgotten, but will be a lasting blessing to all who hear them." [7]

This deep and affectionate care of an uncle and pastor is unknown to many, but this treatment brings us edification.

 

But Sarah also played a role in supporting John Wesley in his old age, especially in his last days by his side.

 

"The most emblematic moment of Sarah's care occurred in March 1791, during the last days of the Methodist leader's life.

  • Constant presence: Sarah Wesley remained faithfully at her uncle's bedside in his home on City Road in London. 
  • The final moment: She was kneeling around the bed, holding her hand and praying with a small group of close friends, when John Wesley uttered his famous last words, "Best of all, God is with us," before passing away peacefully. [8]

 

The following letters show Wesley's care and affection for Sarah.

 

 

 

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You gave me so much satisfaction when I was with you

 

 

You gave me a lot of satisfaction when I was with you, both yesterday and the day before. And yet I have felt much pain for you, lest you lose the desires God has given you, surrounded as you are by those who scarcely consider whether there is God or devil

 

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley 

 

CARDIFF, August 28, 1772.

Excuse me, my dear Sally, if I don't stay so long, if I write a line before I come to Bristol, and remember the condition you are in. Write to Nancy Bolton without delay. You gave me a lot of satisfaction when I was with you, both yesterday and the day before. And yet I have felt much pain for you, that you may not lose the desires that God has given you, surrounded as you are by those who scarcely consider whether there is God or devil. Ah, what a strange and inexplicable creature is man as he pursues his own imagination!

Was this silly, giggling, and insignificant animal born for eternity? Is this the one who has been made an incorruptible image of the God of glory, the one who was born to live with angels, archangels, and all the company of heaven? And is this how he prepares to meet the One who comes in the clouds of heaven? What a fool, what a stubborn, what a madman is he who forgets the end of his creation! Look at it in this and no other vision, however lively, cheerfully disposed, and well created, and choose yourself as your best part! Be a reasonable creature! Be a Christian! Be wise now and happily ever after! "My dear Sally, farewell. [9]

 

It feels like God was now calling you again

 

It seems that God was now calling you again. But you have many obstacles. This is just the dangerous time of life. If you don't want to be almost the same Christian, you'll need a lot of courage and patience.

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley

CITY ROAD, November 15, 1780.

MY DEAR SALLY,-- A few years ago, while you were in Bristol, you received a clear call from God; And you have not been disobedient to the heavenly calling. But in a few months this impression of happiness disappeared, I don't know how. It seems that God was now calling you again. But you have many obstacles. This is just the dangerous time of life. If you don't want to be almost the same Christian, you'll need a lot of courage and patience. Then you can do everything through Christ strengthening you.

You want an extremely pious and sensible friend. I scarcely know any one who is suitable for you on your side of town, except that open and noble creature, Nancy Sharland, 'in whom there is no craftiness.' For now, your best aids will be prayer and reading; perhaps very much in the method set out in one of the Magazines [The Arminian Magazine.]. But you can't follow that without cutting, as it were, a right hand—giving up on a trivial enterprise. Offering any help that is within my reach will always be a pleasure

Your caring uncle. [10]

 

You want just that point, baby 

 

You want just that point, love—love Him because He first loved us. And who knows how soon you will find it For the kingdom of God is at hand! 

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley

LIVERPOOL, April 12, 1781.

DEAR SALLY, -- In an hour or two I hope to get on board, the wind being only in favor [See the previous letter and that of May 8.]; So I make time to write two or three lines, whether it's to live to write for you again or not.

Almost everyone who begins to observe this strange truth, 'The whole world lies in the wicked,' feels the natural desire, Oh, that I had the wings of a dove, to flee from it and rest! But it is not a wilderness area that can give rest any more than a populous city. 'God made our heart for Himself, and He cannot rest until He rests in Him.' [Confessions of St. Augustine, i.] You want just that point, love—love Him because He first loved us. And who knows how soon you will find it For the kingdom of God is at hand! And if it opens up in your heart today, as you read this

Miss Helena Sánchez. Johnson [Mrs. Edwards had a famous school at Lambeth. See Diary, vi. 218, vii. 344; and letter of March 31 to his niece.] He writes to me saying that she was taken away. She is transferred to Westminster. She is currently one of the teachers at Mrs. Edwards' boarding school; but if I see London again, I'll introduce you to the house.

Peace be with your spirit! -- I am, dear Sally,

With your affection. [11]

 

But you need to have some companions on the way


But you need to have some companions on the way; for how can one warm oneself. I want you to meet Miss Helena. Johnson

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley

MANCHESTER, March 31, 1781.

MY DEAR SALLY, -- The expression "eat and drink without fear" has one, and only one, meaning, attributed to it by St. Paul, who is the only inspired writer who uses this expression. He means by this that particular sin of which the Corinthians were then guilty—that of taking one before another his own supper, so that one was hungry and the other drunk. Now, it is certain that you are no more in danger of this than of committing murder. The death of blood, cold, wandering thoughts of various kinds are totally distinct from this. And now, when the worst of these happens, you can respond with the pious Kempis: 'Go, go, you unclean spirit. These are not my thoughts, but yours, and you will answer God for them.' [Imitation, 111. vi.]

God now aims, in all His dealings with you, to bring you to the knowledge of Himself as one in whom, by nature, no good dwells. And this He is especially seeking when you approach His Table. If He gave him at that moment remarkable joy or sweetness, it would not answer his purpose; nor could He not give you much contrition and heartbreak. Therefore, He leaves you largely to your own dull and insensitive heart, so that you can know yourself to know Him. But, even so, this is the way; He walks in it, and in due time ceisting if he does not faint.

But you need to have some companions on the way; for how can one warm oneself [See letter of November 15, 1780.] I want you to meet Miss Helena. Johnson, [Mary Johnson. See Stevenson's City Road Chapel, p. 504; and letter of April 12.]' who lives at Oxford Street, at 368, and is in Mrs. Thackeray's class. She is deeply mourning for God, whom she once knew and loved. She has a sensible and tender temperament; and I am sure that their spirits would soon meet each other. You want a friend of your own sex and almost your age, and I don't know of any in London who would suit you better.

I pray to God that you may resolutely choose Him for your part; and I am, my dear Sally,

With affection. [12]

 

By taking away your expectation of worldly happiness

 

By taking away your expectation of worldly happiness, God has been extremely merciful to you. It is good for you to have seen affliction and felt disappointed in your hope

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley 

WHITEHAVEN, May 28, 1781.

MY DEAR SALLY, -- Here I am, waiting for a ticket to the Isle of Man. I don't know where I'll go from there. But I believe that Providence will direct me to the North of Ireland or to Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

By taking away your expectation of worldly happiness, God has been extremely merciful to you. It is good for you to have seen distress and felt disappointed in your hope. Mr. Waller's move to a better world can be another blessing to you: as well as everything that disconnects us from transitory things and teaches us five in eternity. If we first renounced our will to God in order to be in favor of Him, our case would be hopeless: no, but first you will be conscious of His favor, and then resigned to Him. First, believe it! Christ died for you. He bore his sins. He loves you freely. Come on, get it! His favor! Your peace! Your love! But no money, no price! Leave everything you have and is behind Then everything is ready. Why not now -- I am, my dear Sally,

Your fondly tender.

For Miss Helena. Wesley, in Chesterfield Street,

Marybone, London. [13]

 

Tenderly Respectful Behavior Toward Dad

 

Now, Sally, tell your brothers on my part that their tenderly respectful behaviour towards their father (even asking forgiveness if they have offended him in any way) will be the best cordial to him under heaven.

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley

BRISTOL, March 7, 1788.

MY DEAR SALLY, -- When my appetite was completely gone, to the point that all I could eat for dinner was a roasted turnip, it was restored in a few days of daily riding, after taking ten drops of vitriol elixir in a glass of water. It is very likely that this will have the same effect in my brother's case. But in the meantime, I wanted him to see Dr. Whitehead. [John Whitehead. See letter of October 15, 1766.] I am convinced that there is no other such physician in England; though (to confound human wisdom) he does not know how to heal his own wife.

He should lie in bed as little as possible during the day; otherwise, it will disrupt his sleep at night.

Now, Sally, tell your brothers on my behalf [See letter of March 5.] that their tenderly respectful behavior toward their father (even asking for forgiveness if they have offended him in anything) will be the best cordial to him under heaven. I don't know, but they can save your life like this. Knowing that nothing will be lacking from you brings great satisfaction to, my dear Sally,

With great affection. [14]

 

But, above all, let prayer be done continually

 

But, above all, let prayer be done continually; And he will probably be stronger after this disease than he has been in these ten years. Is something too hard for God?

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley

WORCESTER, March 20, 1788.

MY DEAR SALLY, -- Mr. Whitefield vomited for a long time all the food he took. I advised him to cut a large onion into the grain and tie it hot to the bottom of his stomach. He didn't vomit anymore. Please apply this to my brother's stomach the next time he eats. One in Yorkshire, who died of lack of food, because she vomited everything she took, was saved by the following means: boiling crusts of white bread until they had the consistency of jam; Add a few drops of lemon juice and a little sugar for bread; Take a spoonful once or twice an hour. Let him try that, please. If none of these options are relevant (which I don't think will be the case), remember the lady in Paris who lived several weeks without swallowing a grain, applying thin slices of beef to her stomach. But, above all, let prayer be done continually; And he will probably be stronger after this disease than he has been in these ten years. Is something too hard for God? On Sunday I will be in Birmingham; on Sunday night in Madeley, near Shifnal, Salop. My dear Sally, farewell!

For Miss Helena. Wesley, in Chesterfield Street,

Marybone, London. [15]

 

The time, I have no doubt, was extended on purpose

 

I thank you for the report you gave me. It's full and satisfying. You describe a very horrible scene. The time, I doubt not, was extended on purpose to make a deeper impression on those who might otherwise soon forget it. What a difference a moment makes!

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley

MANCHESTER, April 12, 1788.

MY DEAR SALLY, -- Thank you for your report. It's full and satisfying. You describe a very horrible scene. The time, I doubt not, was extended on purpose to make a deeper impression on those who might otherwise soon forget it. What a difference a moment makes!

When the soul springs from time to eternity, what an incredible change! What are all the pleasures, the business of this world, to a dismembered spirit! Therefore, we will be prepared. Because the day is near! But the comfort is that it cannot be separated from you for long, my dear Sally,

Its invariably.

For Miss Helena. Wesley, in Chesterfield Street,

Marybone, London. [16]

Note: Charles Wesley, Sarah Wesley's father, died on March 29, 1788 at the age of 80.

 

 

Make the most of life

 

Now, my Sally, make the most of life. Where you have reached firm. But you have not yet received the Spirit of adoption, crying out in your heart, Abba, Father! Make sure you don't miss out on all the promises you have to make! If you feel your desire, it will soon be granted; and God will seal this word in your heart: 'I am merciful to try injustice, and I remember no more sins and iniquities 

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley

BLACKBURN, April 21, 1788.

What a comfort, my dear Sally, to think that the Lord lives! No, and that our union with our human friends will be more perfect from now on than it can be while we are bound to the mud house. You haven't sent me these verses before. They were too fit to be his last, for they were worthy of one bought by the blood of the Lamb and only going to meet him!

Now, my Sally, make the most of life. Where you have reached firm. But you have not yet received the Spirit of adoption, crying out in your heart, Abba, Father! Make sure you don't miss out on all the promises you have to make! If you feel your desire, it will soon be granted; and God will seal this word in your heart: 'I am merciful to try injustice, and I remember sins and iniquities no more.' Dear Sally, goodbye! [17]

 

You have your great Friend always around

 

The great lesson you now need to learn is, 'Don't think about the next day.' If you do this, your guilt brings its own punishment. You must live today; You still have a friend, the medicine of life! And you've got your great Friend always around

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, 29 May 1788.

MY DEAR SALLY, -- How often does our Lord say to us by His adorable providence, 'What I do you know not now, but you will know hereafter!' And how unspeakable is our gain if we learn only this, to trust God more than we can see Him! But this is a stroke you've been waiting for for a long time. One of the eighty lived their meeting of years; and it is not strange that he was taken, but that I am still there! The great lesson you now need to learn is, 'Don't think about the next day.' If you do this, your guilt brings its own punishment. You must live today; You still have a friend, the medicine of life! And you have your great Friend always around. There is a role for you; 'When I am grieving, I will think of God.' And it's not wasted work. May the peace of God rest upon you! So pray

Your fondly tender. [18]

 

Be a leader of a small

 

Sunday-schools have been of great use in all parts of England, and helping in any of them is a noble employment. But perhaps one less tiredness would please you more. Maybe be the leader of a small class, if I can find some nice young women.

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley

GRIMSBY, June 30, 1788.

MY DEAR SALLY, -- Hemlock I do not approve. It is a very dangerous medicine. I doubt that bathing in the sea would amount to an internal complaint; I can't conceive of it as I should. Although mercury combined with salts is a very strong poison, unmixed it is as innocent as milk, especially when an ounce of it is taken in the morning and ten drops of vitriolo elixir in a glass of water at three or four in the afternoon. You can safely use this or the diet drink prescribed in Primitive Physick for 'scorbutic sores'.

Sunday-schools have been of great use in all parts of England, and helping in any of them is a noble employment. But perhaps one less tiredness would please you more. Maybe be the leader of a small class, if I can find some nice young women.

God does not expect us to be sticks or stones. We can mourn and yet not murmur. It is very possible to feel and still resign oneself. And this is Christian resignation.

On Monday, July 14, I hope to be in the city. [See next letter.] If I can do it, I'll endeavour to be on Chesterfield Street on Tuesday.

My dear Sally, farewell!

For Miss Helena. Wesley, at the home of the Rev. Mr. Dickinson,

City Road, Moorfields, London. [19]

 

This will save you from many temptations

 

I'm glad Sammy is diligent in his studies. This will save you from many temptations; and if you strictly follow the Kingswood School method, you will make a great profit

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley

BOLTON, April 11, 1790.

MY DEAR SALLY, -- People may think I'm not as well as I used to be, because I seldom preach early in the morning. But I was not indisposed than by the heat and dryness of my mouth, which usually begins between one and two and ends between seven and eight. [See June 1 letter to Henry Moore.] In other aspects, I'm not worse, but I'm much better than six months ago. How careful we must be with these clay houses so that they do not sink into the dust before their time! All the advice that the art of man can give, my sister will hear from Dr. Whitehead. But, in fact, in most chronic cases, the help of man is vain!

Our butler, Mr. Taylor, [Edward Taylor. See Diary, viii, 115d, 126d; and to the Charity School in West Street, Seven Dials, Two Chapels West End of Telford, p. 72.] is one of the School Commissioners. If you tell him I wish, he'll send this girl into West Street School.

I'm glad Sammy is diligent in his studies. This will save you from many temptations; and if you strictly follow the Kingswood School method, you will make a great profit.

Peace be with all your spirits.--I am, my dear Sally,

Always yours.

For Miss Helena. Wesley, in Chesterfield Street,

Maryhone, London. [20]

 

 

There's a small group of people who love you well

 

There is a small group of people who love you well. What a blessing it is to have some sincere friends! Surely those who fear the Lord cannot want anything good! I wish Charles and Sammy could find their way there.

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley

PARKGATE, April 28, 1790.

MY DEAR SALLY, -- Now, if you were sitting next to me, you would see one of the most pleasant places in the world. A round, clear fish pond is a short distance away, surrounded by a smooth, green meadow, which has a gently rising hill on one side and is surrounded by trees. After breakfast, we will go to Miss Helena. Ritchie in Otley, [He ate breakfast at 8 and arrived in Otley at 10:15. He returned to London on 2 October. See Diary, viii. 62, 100-1.] who will not regret knowing that I have written for you. Soon I will be advancing north; but it should shorten my journey through Scotland as the work increases on all sides. If I am brought back to England, I shall be able to judge whether I can take London on the way to Bristol. But I doubt I won't be able to make it before my usual time (if I live), the beginning of October.

I'm glad to find that you haven't forgotten the way up City Road. You should always look at our house as one of your homes; and when you're there, you won't forget Mrs. Dickinson—no, not poor George Whitfield.

There is a small group of people who love you well. What a blessing it is to have some sincere friends! Surely those who fear the Lord cannot want anything good! I wish Charles and Sammy [See the next letter and the one for June 12.] could find their way there. Well, the time is coming when we will meet and not be apart anymore. My love serves you all.--I am, my dear Sally,

Always yours. [21]                      

 

Wesley's Guidelines for Sarah's Healing

 

If you had covered the wound with white paper wet with saliva, it would have stuck until you were fine. 'Maybe I still can. But if not, the coal poultice will cure you in a few days.

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley

LONDON, July 13, 1790.

MY DEAR SALLY, -- As my friends would not accept refusals, I took two or three days to see them, only adding a hundred and fifty miles to my journey. If my life extends until October, I hope we will meet then. If not, we'll find ourselves in a better place. It is remarkable that you are in this gentleman's house. I don't remember seeing him just once. It was when I was at Temple Church, and he laughed and did sports most of the time. [Mr. L-----. See the July 31 letter to her.]

If you had covered the wound with white paper wet with saliva, it would have stuck until you were fine. 'Maybe I still can. But if not, the coal poultice will cure you in a few days. Throw common coal into the fire; sift it through a sieve; mix this powder with warm water; Place this poultice, half an inch thick, on a linen between the wound, changing every twenty-four hours. But you will need patience. -- I am, my dear Sally,

With all the affection. [22]

 

The Two Great Remedies for a Sin-Sick Soul

                                

The two great remedies for a sin-sick soul are pain and pleasure. We hope that this will be more suitable in any specific case. God is certainly the best Judge; And we can safely say

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley

BRISTOL, July 31, 1790.

MY DEAR SALLY, -- If your wound is not yet healed, [See letter of July 13.] apply upon it the powdered coal poultice prescribed in the Primitive Prysick. Within a few days, it heals any wound on the human body. Little did he know that it failed. The two great remedies for a sin-sick soul are pain and pleasure. We hope that this will be more suitable in any specific case. God is certainly the best Judge; and we can safely say,

I will trust in the ability of my great physician;

What He prescribes can never be sick.

As Mr. L----- was in [Temple Church] too far away for me to see his behavior, I hope that there was a mistake, and that the case was exactly as he describes. In fact, because I don't remember there being anything that caused laughter, either in the subject or in the sermon.

Mr. Henderson [Richard Henderson, from Hunham. See the letter of September 9, 1765.] He has been ill for a long time and is far from well now. I saw him yesterday and it seems that he has little hope of recovery. I should be happy [to meet] any of the Miss Mores [Hannah More and her sisters, who were her friends. Charles Wesley and Wilberforce met for the first time at Miss Wilberforce's house. More. See C. Wsslay of Telford, pp. 266, 280.]; but I doubt if my conversation would not please them, I have little pleasure in anything that does not [concern] the world above. Peace be with all your spirits! -- I am, my dear Sally,

His uncle always affectionate.

For Miss Helena. Wesley, in Chesterfield Street,

Marybone, London. [23]

 

You certainly need gratitude and patience

You certainly need gratitude and patience, and you should ensure that you get as much exercise as you can handle every day.

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley

NEAR COWBRIDGE, AUGUST 18, 1790.

MY DEAR SALLY,-- I always lightly rebuke the profane person or (even worse) the profane gentlemen; And many of them will receive it in a civilized way, if not with gratitude. Everyone knows (both captains and ordinary people) that swearing is not necessary; And even now we have captains of our warships who don't swear at all. The captain of the ship ['The Samuel, Captain Percy' (Diary, i. 413).] of which I came from America swore nothing; and never has man been better obeyed.

You certainly need gratitude and patience, and you should ensure that you get as much exercise as you can handle every day. I wish you wished George Whitfield would send the chamber horse [For indoor exercise. See letters of July 17, 1785 and March 13, 1788.] outside my dining room, which you should use at least half an hour a day.

If I live to see London, I think I should take you to Twicken-ham. Surely Mr. Galloway owes the world a true account of the American revolution. The whole question is whether it should be published during your lifetime.

What my brother says -

When the loss of friends was commanded to know,

Next, pain and guilt are the worst diseases below. [S. Wesley, J., on Dr. Gastrell.]

But that you didn't lead to the question. Not even that--

Let each one his friendly helper provide,

And feel the care of his brother.

Perpetual joy is the temper of a Christian, which is far enough from Stoicism. True Christians know that it is their duty to maintain this, which in a sense is, in a sense, to rejoice forever.

I think Sammy and you should talk often and freely. He can help you, and you can help him. I think he has a mind capable of friendship, and I hope that if I live, I will get to know him more with him.

The gentleman you mentioned just visited me, but he didn't stay, because I was with me. Tomorrow I hope to be in Bristol. -- I am, my dear Sally,

With all your affection. [24]

 

Sea baths will calm your nerves

 

I believe that bathing in the sea will calm your nerves; but I ask [you not to drink] sea water. If you search for Primitive Physick, you'll see what] the diet drink is

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley

BRISSTOL, September 27, 1790.

MY DEAR SALLY, -- Wouldn't it be better for you to spend time in Margate [She studied there. See the next letter.] As soon as possible, I hope to be in town on Saturday, October 3rd. And before the end of October you should be on City Road, if you haven't already been to Twickenham. I believe that bathing in the sea will calm your nerves; but I ask [you not to drink] sea water. [See letter of September 8, 1788.] If you look up Primitive Physick, you will see what] is the diet drink [In Primitive Physick, under the heading of 'Scorbutick Feres,' a drink is given to be taken 'on an empty stomach and at four o'clock in the afternoon.' This is probably the 'diet drink' he is referring to. It is called a 'diet drink' in later editions. See W.H.S. IV. 72.] prescribed for scorbutic wounds; Although his disorder hasn't evolved as much, I expect him to completely purify his blood in a month.

I shall be very glad to see Mr. Galloway. [To Joseph Galloway, see letter of August 18.] Some acquaintances like him and Miss Helena Sánchez. Galloway I wish you had.

I would like you to meet that beautiful Mrs. Wolff [Mrs. Wolff, from Balham. From his home, Wesley went to City Road to die.]; 'The perfect standard of true femininity.' Peace be with all your spirits! "My dear Sally, farewell!

For Miss Helena. Wesley, in Chesterfield Street,

Marybone, London. [25]

 

Let me have the comfort of at least one relative who is an assistant to me in God's blessed work

 

 

Be a follower of her, just as she is of Christ. Why shouldn't you meet in her class? I don't think you will be embarrassed. Isn't it a good opportunity to get a little closer to those who love you well? Let me have the comfort of at least one relative who is an assistant to me in the blessed work of God.

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley

LONDON, October 5, 1790.

DEAR SALLY, -- I'M GLAD YOU'RE SO COMFORTABLE. Mrs. Whitcomb really fears God, and I hope that before she leaves her house she will know what it is to love Him. Providence did not send you to spend time in Margate just on your own. [See previous letter.] Before you leave, she, along with several others, will have reason to praise God for coming. Make sure you don't waste time. One word said at the time, how good it is! Warn everyone and exhort everyone, if you can somehow save some. 'In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not hold your hand; for you do not know which of them will prosper.' Don't say, 'I can't do anything, I'm slow to speak.' Truth; But who made the tongue? You saw Sister Boon, a loving woman with a simple heart. [Wife of Charles Boon, currently in Canterbury. She probably lived in Chatham. See letter of August 15.] Be a follower of her, just as she is of Christ. Why shouldn't you meet in her class? I don't think you will be embarrassed. Isn't it a good opportunity to get a little closer to those who love you well? Let me have the comfort of at least one relative who is an assistant to me in the blessed work of God.

I need to visit other places before I come to Kent, as well as visit classes in London; so that I cannot be in Margate until the end of next month. If you stay there until then, you'll see me, otherwise probably in London. Everywhere you will be welcome, my dear Sally,

Your caring uncle. [26]

 

You must arrange to stay with us

 

So you should arrange to stay with us when you can. You know you're always welcome

 

To your niece Sarah Wesley

HINXWORTH, October 27, 1790.

MY DEAR SALLY, -- I am glad you have found benefits in Margate; and I am convinced that the sea and the voyage together will help you, not only in regard to your particular complaint, but to your health in general.

On Saturday, I must return to London and stay for a fortnight before starting my next journey. So you should arrange to stay with us when you can. You know you're always welcome. I [stay] here to write two or three lines before I leave for Bedford, [He left Hinxworth at twelve o'clock that morning for Bedford.] so that you do not fear that your letter has missed a mistake. "Dear Sally, good-bye!" [27]

 



[1] Googln AI Mode Overview

[2] Overview of Google's AI Mode

[3] WESLEY, João, Ibidem, p.200.

[4] Overview of Google's AI Mode

[5] Overview of Google's AI Mode

[6] Overview of Google's AI Mode

[7] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1788a/

[8] Overview of Google's AI Mode

[9] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1772/

[10] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1780/

[11] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1781b/

[12] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1781b/

[13] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1781/

[14] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1788a/

[15] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1788a/

[16] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1788a/

[17] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1790a/

[18] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1788a/

[19] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1788a/

[20] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1790a/

[21] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1790a/

[22] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1790/

[23] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1790/

[24] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1790/

[25] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1790/

[26] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1790/

[27] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1790/

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