Wesley's affection, respect and trust towards
his mother, Susanna
Based on Wesley's letters to his mother
Odilon
Massolar Chaves
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.
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Address: https://bibliotecawesleyana.blogspot.com
Cover: https://wesleyano.inf.br/cultura-wesleyana/1473
All glory to God!
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.
===============================
"I learned more about Christianity from my mother than from all the
theologians in England."[1]
— John Wesley
===============================
Table of Contents
· Introduction
· Highlights of the book's chapters
· Susanna, a very special mother
·
On
faith and the fight against the flesh
· Christian freedom
· Blessings of Savannah
·
Letter
when Wesley was passing through Holland on a trip to Germany
· Wesley's reception in Germany
·
Letter
from Susanna Wesley to Wesley
·
On
the death of her mother, Susanna
===============================
Introduction
"Wesley's Affection, Respect, and Trust
for His Mother, Susanna" is a 28-page book based on Wesley's letters to
his mother.
"John
Wesley's letters to his mother, Susanna, are striking historical evidence of
the deep affection, respect and trust he had for her, demonstrating that she
was not only his mother but also his chief spiritual advisor."[2]
Wesley had
absolute confidence in his mother: "Wesley said, "I do not remember
ever having retained a doubt from my mother—she was the heart, the one to whom
I was in absolute confidence, from infancy to the day of her death."[3]
The letters reveal Wesley's affectionate
treatment of his mother. Wesley's letters always began
with Wesley calling his mother dear: "Dear, mother."
The letters reveal Wesley's
affection for his mother. It always
ended with Wesley saying, "Your devoted and affectionate son."
In some letters, Wesley
asked for prayer: "Pray for us, and especially for, dear mother, your
devoted and affectionate son."
The letters reveal that
Wesley asked his parents for his blessing: "We got together to ask your
blessing and my father's."
The letters also reveal that Wesley wrote
about the small details of his actions, thus showing an importance, submission
and respect for his mother.
In this book, we also publish a letter from
Susanna responding to Wesley. In this letter, Susanna reveals her depth and
spiritual concern for Wesley.
A book that leads us to reflect on the
relationship between son and mother and mother and son.
The Author
===============================
Highlights
of the book's chapters
Susanna, a very special
mother
"To be more particularly careful of the soul of
this child whom you have so mercifully provided, than I ever have been, that I
may make my efforts to instill into his mind the disciplines of his true
religion and virtue."
On
faith and the fight against the flesh
"I
knew that if I could stand firm here and approve myself as a faithful minister
of our blessed Jesus, by honor and dishonor, by bad reports and good reports,
then there would be no place under heaven like this to improve in every good
work"
Christian
freedom
"I realize that different people take it
in at least six different senses"
Blessings
of Savannah
"It
pleased God that I haven't had a moment of illness since I set foot on the
continent; I don't even know more than one of my seven hundred parishioners who
is sick at this moment"
Letter when Wesley was passing through
Holland on a trip to Germany
"On
Tuesday (the 13th) we boarded and went down to Gravesend; many of our
acquaintances were taking us there, two of whom were determined to follow with
us, wherever God wanted to call us."
Wesley's
reception in Germany
"Peter
Bohler's father (recently with me in London and Oxon) received us with all
kindness."
Susanna's
Letter to Wesley
"I hope this can proceed from the Operations of God's Holy Spirit.
That by taking away your sensory pleasure, you prepare and dispose your mind
for a more serious and proximate application to things of a more sublime and
spiritual nature."
On the
death of her mother, Susanna
"Children,
as soon as I am released, sing a psalm of praise to God."
===============================
Susanna, a very special mother
"To be more
particularly careful of the soul of this child whom you have so mercifully
provided, than I ever have been, that I may make my efforts to instill into his
mind the disciplines of his true religion and virtue."
Susanna Wesley (1669-1742) was the 25th daughter of
Dr. Samuel Annesley and Mary White. She is known as the mother of Methodism for
having taught her sons and daughters a disciplined and methodical life.
She liked Theology. He had a good command of French,
Latin and Greek. In 1688, at the age of 19, she married Samuel Wesley, who was
26, and they had 19 children.
Nine of his children died as infants. She was the
children's first teacher. Each night he talked to one of his sons. The children
were taught to speak courteously and to cry softly.
Lack of money was an ongoing struggle for Susanna.
His house was burned down twice. She began teaching her children the alphabet
on their fifth birthdays. She worried about her children's happiness.
She kept a
strict schedule at home, was disciplined and methodical. His children were
taught about the importance of confession. She always rewarded obedience.
Susanna began to hold Sunday afternoon services for
her family. Many came to participate, and there were about 200 people. Susanna
wrote several plays that would be fundamental in the education of her children.
In the parsonage fire
on February 9, 1709, when Wesley was miraculously saved when he was only 5
years old, Susanna was particularly grateful for the mercy shown to her son
John. Two years later, on May 17, 1711, she wrote a prayer saying that she
intended "to be more particularly careful of the soul of this child whom
you have so mercifully provided, than I ever have been, that I may make my
efforts to impress upon his mind the disciplines of his true religion and
virtue."[4]
After the fire, Susanna referred to her Jacky
as a mark plucked from the fire, a reference to Zechariah 3:2.
She believed that God saved John Wesley for a special reason.
In addition to letters, Susanna Wesley wrote
meditations and biblical commentaries for her own use.
In 1735, she became a widow and went to live with
Wesley. At his death, he asked his children to sing a psalm.[5]
On faith and the fight
against the flesh
"I knew that if I
could stand firm here and approve myself as a faithful minister of our blessed
Jesus, by honor and dishonor, by bad reports and good reports, then there would
be no place under heaven like this to improve in every good work"
February 15, 1733.
In this letter, Wesley
speaks of family issues: "DEAR MOTHER,-- I am glad to know that my father
continues to recover, although it may be very slow, considering how much his
strength is exhausted. It's good if this time spring doesn't betray you into a
relapse by tempting you out before your health is confirmed.
Of poor Becky, my sister
Molly doesn't say a word, so I assume she's as she was; and I hope I can make
the same inference as you do—that is. that you're just half tired to
death," Wesley said.
"At this time
especially, I would not neglect any help to mortify the flesh and its desires,
to reject the affections of the earthly Adam, and to assume the image of the
heavenly."
Wesley further said:
"The more I think of the reason you gave me at Epworth for speaking little
on religious subjects, the less it satisfies me. ' We will all be on your mind
when we are your age.' But who will assure us that we will ever be that age? Or
suppose we should, isn't it better to think so sooner? It is not a right faith
useful in the thirties and sixties, and the actions that follow from a right
faith are not as rewarding now as they were then. I hope they are, and
therefore I earnestly desire that, whatever general or particular rules of life
your own reflection and experience have suggested to you, I may be tested,
whether I conform them or not. If I don't, the blame falls on me. At this time
especially, he would not neglect any help to mortify the flesh and its desires,
to reject the affections of the earthly Adam, and to assume the image of the
heavenly. If I'm still going to be surrounded by flesh-and-blood traps for many
years to come, won't you give me the best advice for breaking them you can? If
I, as well as you, are soon at risk, so much so that they help me not to be
considered insufficient."
"My father and you
helping together in your prayers, so that our faith does not leave us
wanting"
"You remarked, when I
was with you, that I was very indifferent as to whether or not Epworth was
alive. In fact, I was utterly unable to determine in any way; and for this
reason: I knew that if I could stand firm here, and approve myself as a faithful
minister of our blessed Jesus, by honour and dishonour, by evil reports and
good reports, then there would be no place under heaven like this to improve in
every good work. But whether I can stem the torrent I saw then, but see now
much more, descending on me from all sides, that I do not know. It is true that
there is One who can still command the great flood of water not to come near
me, or make way for His redeemed one to pass by. But then something needs to be
done on my part; and if He gives me even the most just condition, 'according to
thy faith be unto thee,' how shall I fulfill it. Now He will look upon it also;
My father and you helping together in their prayers, so that our faith will not
leave us lacking," said Wesley
"--I am, dear mother,
Your devoted and
affectionate son."[6]
Christian
freedom
"I realize that different people take it
in at least six different senses"
Before
going to Georgia and before his experience in 1738, Wesley writes to his mother
on the question of Christian liberty.
"OXON,
January 13, 1735
Wesley begins
affectionately, "DEAR MOTHER,"—Let me say once more that our people
have, and are supposed to confuse the question by the end of the chapter,"
Wesley said.
Wesley said, "Suppose
he has changed, let them say. Right: but this supposition has not yet been
proved—if it can be: when there is, then we may come to our other point, if all
this is not providence, i.e., blessing. And if we are allowed to judge,
condemn, and execute a reckless Christian, how God forbid to use a Turk or
Deist.
I have had much
conversation lately on the subject of Christian liberty, and I should be glad
of your views on the various ideas which good men have about it.
I realize that different
people take it in at least six different senses":
For freedom from voluntary
sin
"(1) By freedom from
voluntary sin, as opposed to the bondage of natural corruption."
For freedom regarding rites and points of
discipline
"(2) For freedom as to
rites and points of discipline. Thus says Mr. Whiston, although the stations
were constituted by the Apostles, the freedom of Christian law dispenses with
them on extraordinary occasions. [William Whiston (1667-1752) succeeded Newton
as Lucasian Professor in 1703. The reference is to his book, The Primitive
Eucharist Revived; or, an account of the doctrine and practice of the first two
centuries. The 'seasons' were fasts: see letter of June 13, 1753, s.f.]".
For the freedom to deny
ourselves in small things
"(3) For the liberty
of denying ourselves in small things; by small things, it is commonly thought,
we may give ourselves up to security, because Christ has made us free. This
idea, I doubt a little, is not correct."
For freedom from fear, or a
filial freedom in our relationship with God
(4) By freedom from fear,
or a filial freedom in our relationship with God. Christian, says Dr. Knight,
[James Knight, vicar of St. Sepulchre's, London. See the letter of May 8,
1739.] he is free from fear because of his past sins; for he believes in Christ,
and hope frees him from the fear of losing his present job or of being a
castaway from now on."
Christian freedom is taken
by some as a freedom from restrictions on sleep or food
"(5) Christian liberty
is taken by some to be a liberty from restraint as to sleep or food. Then they
said that you drink only one glass of wine, or I wake up at a fixed time, was
contrary to Christian freedom. Finally, it is considered a freedom in relation
to the rules. If by this we mean to make our rules yield to extraordinary
occasions, well: if they do not have prudential rules, this freedom is still
too high for me; I can't reach it."
At the end of the letter,
Wesley asks his mother and father for a blessing:
"We come together to
ask for your blessing and that of my father, and we wish you a Happy Year. -- I
am, dear mother,
Your devoted and
affectionate son."
To Mrs. Wesley, at Epworth.
Be dropped off at the post office in Gainsborough. For London".[7]
Blessings
of Savannah
"It
pleased God that I haven't had a moment of illness since I set foot on the
continent; I don't even know more than one of my seven hundred parishioners who
is sick at this moment"
SAVANNAH,
March 18, 1736.
"DEAR MOTHER,"
began the Wesley letter, -- I doubt if you are ever informed of the "many
blessings which God has given us in our passage; as my brother Wesley [Wesley
began a long letter to his brother Samuel on January 21, which ended the next
day. Samuel would no doubt have sent it to their mother (Diary, i. 139d).] must
have received by now a private account of the circumstances of our trip, which
he would not fail to convey to you at the first opportunity."
No disease
"Public prayers began
about the same time, the church was full and the hall so empty that the
entertainment could not go on"
Although he was feeling
veal, Wesley did not think about staying long, as he said: "We will
probably be here for a few months. The place is pleasant beyond imagination;
and, for all I could learn, extremely healthy — even in the summer, for those
who are not untimely. It pleased God that I had not had a moment of illness
since I set foot on the continent; nor do I know more than one of my seven
hundred parishioners who is ill at this moment. Many of them, indeed, are
already, I believe, very angry: for a gentleman, no longer than last night, has
made a ball; But the public prayers began about the same time, the church was
full and the hall so empty that the entertainment could not go on."
Wesley reveals a wish:
"I should be very grateful if some poor, religious man or woman from
Epworth or Wroot would come to me. And Mr. Oglethorpe would do this too: he
would give them enough land and provisions for free until they could live off
the produce of it. I was totally determined to have written for my dear Emmy
today; But time will not allow. O hope that you still have in God; for thou
shalt yet give thanks unto him, who is the help of thy countenance and of thy
God! Renounce the world; Deny yourselves; Take up your cross with Christ and
reign with Him!"
"Pray for us, and
especially for, dear mother, Your devoted and affectionate son"
Wesley prayed for his
brother-in-law Harper: "My brother Harper, [John Wesley married his sister
Emilia to Robert Harper, an apothecary from Epworth, shortly before he embarked
for Georgia. It was an unhappy marriage. His business was unsuccessful and
absorbed much of what his wife earned from boarding school in Gainsborough. See
letter of June 18, 1725.] It also has a constant place in our prayers. May the
good Lord grant you the same zeal for holiness that you gave to a young
gentleman in Rotterdam who was with me last night. [He had a long and close
interview with Mr. Appee, a young Dutchman, in the house and garden. Appee was
unscrupulous and irreligious. See Diary, i. 180-1d; C. Wesley's Journal, i.
36-41.] Pray for us, and especially for, dear mother,
Your
devoted and affectionate son.
To Mrs. Wesley, in
Gainsborough,
Lincolnshire."[8]
Letter
when Wesley was passing through Holland on a trip to Germany
"On
Tuesday (the 13th) we boarded and went down to Gravesend; many of our
acquaintances were taking us there, two of whom were determined to follow with
us, wherever God wanted to call us."
AMSTERDAM, June 19, 1738.
In 1738, Wesley went
to Germany to meet the Moravians and wrote to his mother while passing through
Holland:
"DEAR MOTHER,--
I stayed at Stanton Harcourt until Sunday afternoon. Afterwards, returning to
Oxford, he learned that Mr. Ingham was due to leave on Monday or Tuesday. I
therefore left Oxford on Monday morning, and in the evening met him and Mr. Tltschig,
who were to embark the next morning. On Tuesday (the 13th) we boarded and went
down to Gravesend; many of our acquaintances took us there, two of whom were
determined to follow with us, wherever God would call us. We set sail from
Gravesend on Wednesday, lost England about four o'clock in the afternoon, and
before seven the next morning saw the coast of Holland. About eight o'clock we
entered the Meuse and, sailing through Brill, [Brielle. See Diary, vi. 417n.]
between ten and eleven came to Rotterdam," Wesley said. [9]
"And
all the natives whom he meets, whether they be men, women, or children, are of
the same kind as the place where they live; being so dean from head to foot,
both in their persons and in clothing, as I have seen very few in my life, even
of the English nobility"
The Dutch had a bad
reputation, but Wesley found an entirely different people: "Never has
common fame differed so much from the truth as in the English accounts of
Holland. They tell us of a dirty, unkempt, unpolished people, without good
nature, good manners, or common decency; while the first thing that should call
attention to everybody who has eyes, and that before he has gone a hundred
yards from Rotterdam Haven, is that this is the cleanest place he has ever seen
in his life, there being scarcely a grain of earth in the doors, steps of any
house, or in the stones of the street. And all the natives he meets, whether
men, women, or children, are of the same kind as the place where they live;
being so deanful from head to foot, both in their persons and in clothing, as I
have seen very few in my life, even of the English nobility. There is also a
remarkable lightness and affection in his demeanor. Everyone you meet on the
road greets you. Everyone is ready to show the way or answer questions, without
any of the English bad mood. And the carriage, as well as the attire of all the
women we've seen so far, are exactly modest, totally natural and
untouched." [10]
On Friday morning
(after we had seen the great church there, famous for its painted glass), we
set off again, and were more and more surprised at the pleasantness of the road
Wesley continued his
account to his mother: "On Thursday afternoon we left Rotterdam. The road
along which we traveled for several miles was a continuous pergola, and as the
dean (except a little dust) as a gentleman's room, or even his desk, it needed
to be. That night we lay in Goudart [Gouda.] (eight in all, five English and
three German). On Friday morning (after we had seen the large church there,
famous for its painted glass), we set off again, and were more and more
surprised by the pleasantness of the road. Walnut trees shaded it for many
miles; And the small houses were so dense on either side, it seemed to walk
through a caravan of villages. The hedges were exactly cut all the time, and
all the houses tidied up almost to the extreme. In the afternoon, we went to
Ysselstein, where we were welcomed with open arms by Baron Watteville and the
church that stands in his house. There are about twenty (besides children) in
this little community, and their number increasing every day, who are of one
heart and soul and have everything in common. Saturday the 17th (my birthday)
was their monthly Thanksgiving. From about two in the afternoon until nine in
the evening, time was devoted to prayer, praise, and other exercises that
appropriated those who were "all filled with the Holy Spirit." Many
strangers were present, some of whom we set out on the Track-skuyt early in the
morning, and passed through Utrecht through a country which is, as it were, a
whole garden to Amsterdam, about thirty miles from Ysselstein.", said
Wesley. [11]
"He took us to
his lodging, where we planned to stay a day or two. Both he and the owner of
the house are full of faith and love."
"A
physician," Wesley reported, "who had lived some years at Herrnhut,
took us to his lodging, where we planned to stay a day or two. Both he and the
owner of the house are full of faith and love. O that our Lord would give us
more and more of his spirit! From here (God willing) we shall pass through
Frankfort, where Count Zinzendorf now stands, to Herrnhut.
Dear mother, pray
earnestly for me, that all things may work together for my good, and that
through everything God will build me up in the faith that is in Christ Jesus--I
am
Your affectionate and
devoted son." [12]
"Thus on the
Sabbath we went, partly by land, partly by water, to Nimwegen, the last city of
Holland, heavily fortified with a triple wall and a moat; and after walking
three or four hours through a double row of trees, which ran (mostly) through
large cornfields"
Enthusiastic and
delighted with the trip, Wesley writes to Susanna telling all the details.
« COLEN, June 28,
1738.
DEAR MOTHER, -- We
left Amsterdam last Thursday evening, and, arriving at Utrecht in the morning,
walked through a very pleasant and fertile country to Beurn, a walled city
belonging to the Prince of Orange. Thus on the Sabbath we went, partly by land,
partly by water, to Nimwegen, the last city of Holland, heavily fortified with
a triple wall and a moat; and after walking three or four hours through a
double row of trees, which ran (mostly) through large cornfields, we occupied
our lodging an hour before Cleves. On Sunday, the 25th, we took a short trip
after our morning service, and lying down in the middle of the day, in the
evening we arrived at a convenient accommodation; only that, in the style of
the Lutherans, they were playing the violin, singing and dancing in the next
room until we went to sleep. The next day we found by the crosses everywhere,
that we were taken from the Lutheran electorate, as well as by the convents,
many of which were in every city, and some in the country through which we passed,"
said Wesley. [13]
"It's the
ugliest, dirtiest city I've ever seen. There is no form or beauty that belongs
to him. The great church itself is but heaps and heaps,—a vast deformed
edifice, or rather without apparent form, without regularity or proportion
within or without."
Wesley, however,
finds an ugly and dirty town and reports: "Last night we came here. It's
the ugliest, dirtiest city I've ever seen. There is no form or beauty that
belongs to him. The great church itself is but mounds and mounds,—a vast
deformed or rather formless edifice, without apparent form, without regularity
or proportion within or without; many broken stones, the windows dusty and full
of cobwebs, and the pavement less clean than that of many English stables. This
afternoon we shall depart by water for Mentz, [Mayence.] forty-eight hours from
here to now, and only eight hours distant from Frankfort, where Count
Zinzendorf now stands," said Wesley. [14]
God has been very
pleased to bless us so far, continuing all of us in health, joy, and love for
one another; that, along with all other good gifts, we trust that He will
confirm and increase in us day by day.
Wesley ends this
letter in an affectionate way by saying, "-- I am, dear mother, Your most
affectionate child." [15]
Wesley's reception in
Germany
"Peter Bohler's
father (recently with me in London and Oxon) received us with all
kindness."
Eight days later,
Wesley writes another letter to his mother
UTPH, July 6, 1738.
Wesley's treatment of
his mother has always been very affectionate. "DEAR MOTHER," Wesley
began the letter: "-- Soon after finishing my last one for you, we left
Colen in the passing boat, and traveled slowly for four days down the Rhine, through
a double chain of rocks and mountains, diversified with more variety than any
painter could imagine: some were smooth, as if polished by art; some rough,
abrupt and irregular, as if they had been torn apart by a recent earthquake;
Some, again, were very naked, others covered with grass, others with trees,
corn or vines. On Sunday evening we went to Mentz; and on Monday before noon to
Frankfort, where Peter Bhler's father (recently with me in London and Oxon)
received us with all kindness. About one o'clock on Tuesday we arrived safely
at Marienborn, a small village seven hours from Frankfort, where Count
Zinzendorf has rented for three years (until one is built a few miles on his
own land, which has already begun to begin) a large, and reasonably convenient
house, which houses the greater part of the small congregation here." [16]
Count Zinzendorf's
reception
"The Count
received us in a way that I knew nothing about and, therefore, I don't know how
to express. I believe his behavior was not very different from that of his
Master."
Wesley described to his mother how the meeting with Count Zinzendorf was: "The Count received us in a way that I knew nothing about, and therefore I do not know how to express. I believe that his behavior was not very different from that of his Master (if we can compare humans with divine) when He took the children lit in His arms and blessed them. We should have been very impressed with him, but we found ourselves surrounded by a cloud of those who were all his followers, as he is Christ's. Eighty-eight of them praise God with one heart and one mouth at Marienborn; another small company in Runnerburg, [Ronneburg.] an hour away; another in Bdingen, an hour away; and one more in Frankfort." [17]
Wesley speaks of the
importance of loving treatment among Christian people: "I now understand
those words of poor Julian, ['The progress of atheism is chiefly due to the
humanity shown by Christians toward foreigners. The wicked Galileans come not
only for those of their own party who are destitute, but also for those who
remain with us.' (Julian to Arsatius, Ecl. Hist. de Sozomen, chap. xvi.) The
saying 'See how these Christians love one another' seems to be found first in
Tertullian (Apologeticus, ch. xxxix).] 'See how these Christians love each other.'
Yes, how they love all who have the slightest desire to love the Lord Jesus
Christ sincerely! O that He may sanctify for us their holy conversation, that
we may be partakers of the spirit that is in them—of their unfeigned faith, and
of the meekness of wisdom, and of the love that never faileth!
Dear mother, forget
rarely wishing this for
Your devoted and
affectionate son."[18]
Susanna's Letter to
Wesley
"I hope this can
proceed from the Operations of God's Holy Spirit. That by taking away your sensory
pleasure, you prepare and dispose your mind for a more serious and proximate
application to things of a more sublime and spiritual nature."
Susanna calls Wesley
"Jacky", and writes in response to two letters sent by Wesley:
"I have received Two Letters from you, neither of which I have
answered".
"Wroot,"
from which Susanna writes, is the site of her father Samuel Wesley's rectory.
In the letter,
Susanna speaks of the Pope and the King of Prussia.
Susanna speaks of
Wesley's changing temperament and says, "I hope this can proceed from the
Operations of God's Holy Spirit."
Wroot, February 23,
1724
"Dear Jacky,
The last time brings
surprising news about the Pope, which I doubt the Conclave will not allow him
to live for long. His justice to the young gentleman, in restoring to him the
property which his prejudiced father gave him to the monks, is indeed very commendable,
but to allow the Scriptures to the laity, and to declare against his own
infallibility, are truly Christian actions. At the last moment, he gave a
Mortal Wound to the Infallibility of that See, and whether he was right or
wrong, the question is the same, for both horns of the Dilemma strike them.)
They must renounce, their claim more lucrative than the honest one of
Infallibility. The King of Prussia speaks often, but is not reliable for the
Action. Emly answered for herself. It is strange that Mr. Leybourn sends me any
service, but I accept the Compliment, and whatever the case may be, I wish him
Health and Happiness.
"The change in
his temperament caused me a lot of reflection," Susanna said. "I, who
am probably [?] Sanguin, I hope this may proceed from the Operations of the
Holy Spirit of God. That by taking away your sensory pleasure, you prepare and
dispose your mind for a more serious and proximate application to things of a
more sublime and spiritual nature. If so, happy will you be if you value these
provisions, and now, with the sincere resolution, to make Religion the business
of your life. For, after all, this is the only thing that, strictly speaking,
is necessary, all things besides being / [p.2] comparatively small to the
purposes of Life."
"I very much
desire that you now make a serious examination of your Self, that you may know
whether you have a reasonable hope of salvation by Jesus Christ. that is,
whether you are in a state of faith, and repentance or not, which you know are
the Conditions of the Gospel Covenant on our part."
Susanna reveals
concern about whether Wesley had hope of salvation: "Dear Jacky, I very
much desire that you now make a serious examination of your Self, so that you
may know if you have a reasonable hope of salvation through Jesus Christ [;]
that is, whether you are in a state of faith, and repentance or not, that you
know are the Conditions of the Gospel Covenant on our part.
"The
satisfaction of knowing this will abundantly reward your pains; if not, it will
find a better occasion for tears than can be found in a tragedy."
Susanna reveals in
the letter the pains and speaks of tears with Wesley: "If you are, the
satisfaction of knowing this will abundantly reward your pains; if not, it will
find a better occasion for tears than can be found in a tragedy. This matter deserves
great consideration from all, but especially those destined for the Clergy,
should above all secure their Vocation and Election, so that, after preaching
to others, they themselves may be rejected.
Now that I mention
this, it reminds me of your letter to your father about taking orders. I was
very pleased with this and I really liked the request, but it is an almost
peculiar sadness of our family. That year my father and I rarely think the same
way."
"And I believe
that the sooner you are a Deacon, the better, because it can be an incentive
for greater Application in the Study of Practical Divinity"
Susanna continues:
"I approve of the disposition of your mind, I think that this Lent is the
most suitable for your preparation for Orders, and I believe that the sooner
you are a Deacon, the better, because it can be an incentive for greater Application
in the Study of Practical Divinity, which, of all others, I humbly conceive is
the best Study for Candidate(s) to Orders. Mr. Wes[ley]: differs from me, I
believe you would be involved in Critical Learning (though I'm not sure) that
is used accidentally and concomitantly, but in no way is it preferable to the
other. Therefore, I sincerely ask God to remove from you this great Evil, of
engaging in petty Studies [sic], neglecting those that are absolutely
necessary. I dare not advise anything. God Almighty direct you, and God bless
you.
Adeiu [sic]
I have a lot to say,
but I can't write any more at the moment. I even look forward to seeing you.[19]
On the death of her mother,
Susanna
"Children, as soon as I am released, sing
a psalm of praise to God."
John Wesley wrote these words in his diary about the death of his mother Susanna in 1742.
"I left Bristol on the evening of Sunday 18 July and on Tuesday I went to London. I found my mother on the border of eternity. But she had no doubt, no fear, no desire but (so God called it) "to depart and be with Christ."
Friday, 23.—About three in
the afternoon, I went to my mother and saw that her change was near. I sat down
by the bedside. She was in her last conflict, unable to speak, but I believe
she is quite sensible. His gaze was calm and serene, and his eyes fixed upwards
as we entrusted his soul to God. From three to four, the silver cord would come
loose and the wheel would break in the cistern; and then, without struggle,
sign or groan, the soul was set free. We stood around the bed and fulfilled her
last request, which he said just before she lost her speech, "Children, as
soon as I am released, sing a psalm of praise to God."[20]
[1]https://www.instagram.com /p/DJhXw6juzR5/
[2] Overview Powered by Google AI
[3] Overview Powered by Google AI
[4]
https://justcallmepastor.wordpress.com/2011/06/20/the-fire-in-the-parsonage/
[5] Search: www.intercessoras.com.br/.../historias.../437-o-ministério-de-susanna-we
www.diariodamulhervirtuosa.blogspot.com/.../biografia-de-susana-e-joao-wesl
www.aartedeensinarcom.blogspot.com/.../quem-foi-suzana-wesley.html
http://livrariavozdoqueclama.blogspot.com/2009/04/susana-wesley.html
www.comunidaderochaviva.com.br
› Home › Articles and Studies
www.mulhervirtuosadeusquerteusar.blogspot.com/.../o-ministerio-de-susana-
[6]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1733/
[7]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/ohn-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1735/
[8]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/ohn-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1736/
[9]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1738/
[10]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1738/
[11]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1738/
[12]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1738/
[13]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1738/
[14]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1738/
[15]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1738/
[16]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1738/
[17]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1738/
[18]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1738/
[19]
https://glenobrien.blogspot.com//2011/08/dear-jacky-letter-from-susanna-wesley.html
[20]
https://www.facebook.com/travelswithwesley/posts/john-wesley-wrote-these-words
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