Wesley's Wise Counsel for
Leaders
Based on Wesley's letters from 1770
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.
Books published in the Wesleyan Digital
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Address: https://bibliotecawesleyana.blogspot.com
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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
· God is willing to always give what He gives
once
· Most beloved and sweetened cross
· Much could be done
· Nothing is as good for you as exercise and
change of air
· Do all the good you can everywhere
·
Wesley
works to strengthen the Assistant's hands
·
The
Harms of Poverty and Wealth
· Don't contradict me when he preaches in my
house
· Enemies of the joy of faith
· Encouraging preachers
· Let your co-workers support you
wholeheartedly, and the job will be done
· You stand firm in the freedom with which
Christ has set you free
· The language of love is the best of all
· If God allows you to be attacked by strong
and unusual temptations
· God's Work in Limerick
· Grace is enough
· Maintenance for Preachers in Ireland
· They were turned away from their
steadfastness
· Maintain the feeling of poverty and
powerlessness
· As long as you're seeking and hoping to love
God with all your heart
· A soul full of love
· Pure love reigning in the heart and in life
· You still thirst for God
·
As
long as you're in the body, you'll fall short of what you would be
· Still, the Lord has already done great things
for you
· It's vain for any man to try this, make me
think ill of James Freeman
· He'll never take away what he's given
· Using Grace Given Is the Right Way to Get
More Grace
· Rigorous in every point of discipline
· Where there is a cheerful, clean, and
convenient preaching house, there will be no lack of hearers
· I hope that God's love will be poured into
your heart by the Holy Spirit who has been given to you
· It will be of little use without exact
discipline
· Do not all things work together for the good
of those who love God?
· Stay in love and carry each other's burdens
· Are you moving forward, and do you have the
desire as strong as ever to increase with all of God's growth?
· Never omit private duties, no matter how
hasty you are
· I don't see that you can go any further
· The very essence of Christian perfection
· A gradual growth
· Simply pursue the glory of God for the good
of souls
· It's not our job to think tomorrow
· Danger of thinking little of God's grace
given to him
· Let Him do what feels good
· Do not discard this trust, which brings great
reward
· The fact that you are attacked from all sides
is a good sign
· Work to be wise and simple at the same time
===============================
Introduction
"Wesley's Wise Counsel for Leaders"
is a book based on his letters to preachers, in particular.
There are 46 letters from the year 1770. The
book has 61 pages.
We gave titles to his letters, of which we
highlight:
· God is willing to always give what He gives
once
· Do all the good you can everywhere
· Let your co-workers support you
wholeheartedly, and the job will be done
· The language of love is the best of all
· Maintain the feeling of poverty and powerlessness
·
As
long as you're in the body, you'll fall short of what you would be
· He'll never take away what he's given
· Using Grace Given Is the Right Way to Get
More Grace
· Where there is a cheerful, clean, and
convenient preaching house, there will be no lack of hearers
· It will be of little use without exact
discipline
· Stay in love and carry each other's burdens
· Never omit private duties, no matter how
hasty you are
· Simply pursue the glory of God for the good
of souls
· Do not discard this trust, which brings great
reward
· The fact that you are attacked from all sides
is a good sign
· Work to be wise and simple at the same time.
Teachings to meditate on
and apply in our lives.
The Author
===============================
God is willing to always
give what He gives once
Nothing is more certain
than that God is willing to always give what He once gives. If, therefore, He
now gives you power to give you your whole heart, you may confidently expect
the continuance of that power until your spirit returns to God, provided you
continue to observe prayer, deny yourself, and take up your cross daily.
For Ms. Crosby
LONDON, January 1, 1770.
MY DEAREST SISTER,-- Where
you have clung tightly. You never have to leave that behind. Nothing is more
certain than that God is willing to always give what He once gives. If,
therefore, He now gives you power to give you your whole heart, you may
confidently expect the continuance of that power until your spirit returns to
God, provided you continue to observe prayer, deny yourself, and take up your
cross daily. Just beware of evil reasoning! You crave the one who loves you
like a small child; living today, and trusting in Him for tomorrow. [See letter
of January 2.]--I am, dear Sally,
Your affectionate brother.
Most beloved and sweetened
cross
He has allowed that difference which prevents you from finding comfort even in a close relationship, so that you can seek Him with a free and disinterested heart in the One who will never deceive your hope. This will make each cross more dear and sweetened, which is only a painful means of a closer union with Him
For Mrs. Woodhouse
LONDON, January 1, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- Indeed,
there is no happiness without Him for any child of man. One prefers to be sore
and restless whenever He withdraws from His presence. He has allowed that
difference which prevents you from finding comfort even in a close
relationship, so that you can seek Him with a free and disinterested heart in
the One who will never deceive your hope. This will make each cross more dear
and sweetened, which is only a painful means of a closer union with Him. The
neglect of others should lead him to double diligence in private prayer. And
how knowest thou, O wife, but thou shalt not gain thy husband? [Mr. Woodhouse
evidently did not sympathize with his wife's Methodism.] You already have many
blessings. You are surrounded by them. And who can say if He can't add that to
the rest? I pray, tell me from time to time everything that is in your heart.
Don't use reservations with, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
Much could be done
If all the Assistants put
as much effort as Christopher Hopper into the Annual Collection, much could be
done
For Christopher Hopper
LONDON, January 16, 1770.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- There is
reason to believe that this has indeed been a festival throughout the kingdom.
While a Sacheverell madness has spread far and wide, God gives us the spirit of
love and of sound mind.
I believe that, indeed, if
we could obtain these premises on reasonable terms, together with such
servitude or security (are terms synonymous?), as you have mentioned, it would
be a noble acquisition, and might tend very much to the advancement of God's work
in Edinburgh.
Your affectionate friend and brother.
Nothing is as good for you
as exercise and change of air
You must not fail to mount
[See letter of February 12, 1769.] if you have tolerable health. Nothing is as
good for you as exercise and a change of air.
To Ann Bolton
LEWISHAM, January 25, 1770.
Nancy, Nancy! I almost
said, I wish I could be mad at you; But that wouldn't be easy. I was wondering
why you never wrote. I doubt that your love has cooled down. May it not take
six weeks for me to hear from you again. You think I can scold you if you
provoke me.
You surprise me about
books. I have already spoken to Mr. Franks twice; And twice he told me that he
had sent them. I doubt he sent among the other books without directing them
specifically to you. I will ensure that this situation is rectified.
You must not fail to mount [See
letter of February 12, 1769.] if you have tolerable health. Nothing is as good
for you as exercise and a change of air. That's why, as well as other accounts,
I wanted you to come to London. I don't know if the 'offend' objection needs to
scare you out of it. I wish you had a week to spare before I left town. [She
had already come to London once to meet him. See letter of April 7, 1768.] If I
am called to America [See letters of December 30, 1769 and See February 17,
1770.] (although I haven't figured anything out yet), it may be a long time
before we meet again.
In every temptation, there
will be a way to escape that you can endure. Don't stay another month before
you write to, my dear Nancy,
Your affectionate brother.
Now I have one or two quarters to spare.
Do all the good you can
everywhere
We don't need to 'discuss a
dead horse.' If the school in Trevecca is the best that has existed since the
beginning of the world, I am happy for it and wish it to be even better. But
don't run away with any of my young people from Kingswood: for that I would
blame you
To Joseph Benson [5]
LONDON, January 27, 1770.
DEAR JOSEPH,-- All is well.
We don't need to 'discuss a dead horse.' If the school in Trevecca is the best
that has existed since the beginning of the world, I am happy for it and wish
it to be even better. But don't run away with any of my young people from
Kingswood: for that I would blame you. I have already written to T. Simpson,
[The Director. see letter of January 2, 1769.] and will write again. Do all the
good you can everywhere.--I'm
Your affectionate brother.
Wesley works to strengthen
the Assistant's hands
'Wherever Mr. Wesley is, he labors to strengthen the Assistant's hands, and does nothing without advising him.'
To John Whitehead
LONDON, January 27, 1770.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- Tell
John Hilton 'wherever Mr. Wesley is, he works to strengthen the Assistant's
hands and does nothing without advising him.' So I don't do anything here
without advising John Pawson. [Pawson was an assistant in London and Hilton in
Bristol.] I believe that his different decision was mainly due to inadvertence.
So come up with an explanation as soon as possible.
Don't contradict me when he
preaches in my house
You should give Mr. Shirley
a hint not to contradict me when he preaches in my house. I hope you will spend
time (you and Brother Thomas) with our children in Kingswood. Who are your new
class leaders?
Brother Hitchens [William
Hitchens], a native of Bisveal, near Redruth, was for a time an itinerant
preacher; but he married and settled as a hatter in Bristol. He worked as a
local preacher for many years. See Atmore Memorial, pp. 190-1.] He complains
that you broke the preaching plan, that I fixed it and did not allow him to
have his turn. But, whatever it was, Wick couldn't miss his turn. I solemnly
promised Mr. Haynes that I should not, and allowed the preacher to use my mare
every fortnight. Neglect somewhere else instead. Send my warm greetings to
Brother and Sister Thomas. [Barnabas Thomas, the second preacher at Bristol, a
Cornishman, became a preacher in 1764. see letter of March 25, 1785.] Thank you
for the letter. You were to give it to Mr. Shirley [The Hon. Walter Shirley,
Dean of Loughrea and cousin of Lady Huntingdon, apparently taught Calvinism in
Wesley's preaching house. See letter of November 27.] A tip not to contradict
me when he preaches in my house. I hope you will spend time (you and Brother
Thomas) with our children in Kingswood. Who are your new class leaders? --I am,
with affection to Sister Whitehead,
Your affectionate friend
and brother.
The Harms of Poverty and
Wealth
If poverty contracts and
depresses the mind, riches drain its strength, destroy its vigor, and feed its
whims.
But the main disadvantage
of an elevated situation is this: it takes us away from scenes of misery and
indigence; We tend to accuse the big ones of lack of feeling, but it's more of
a lack of consideration
To Mr. Whitehead, in the
new room, in Bristol.
For Dr. Wrangel [7]
[LONDON, January 30, 1770.]
The last time, the last
words, as important as they are, are commonly remembered. Despite your
intentions to revisit this country, I consider this very unlikely. Your distracted
state, the various events that may occur, the thousand circumstances that may
occur, lead me to consider this opportunity as the last I shall have to address
you—at least to see you; and I hope that it will be worthy of remembrance.
The duration of our
knowledge, in fact, does not authorize the subject of this letter nor the
recommendation of the enclosed book. May the interest I have in your well-being
excuse me. Or if you attribute this interest to the weakness of superstition or
the folly of enthusiasm, do not consider it impertinence of zeal.
I have always thought of
you—I have thought of you as possessing all that the world calls enviable or
charming: health, friends, leisure. Allow me with the more proper solicitude of
belonging to a matron than to myself—allow me to implore you to look beyond all
this for happiness.
The dangers of prosperity
are great; And you seem aware of them. If poverty contracts and depresses the
mind, riches drain its strength, destroy its vigor, and feed its whims.
But the main disadvantage
of an elevated situation is this: it takes us away from scenes of misery and
indigence; We tend to accuse the big ones of lack of feeling, but it's more of
a lack of consideration. The wretched are taught to avoid, and the poor are
afraid to approach them; and in the circles of perpetual joy they forget that
these exist.
It does not need to be
reminded that there is no post in life which exempts us from disappointment and
sorrow of some kind; but I must remember that there is only one belief that can
sustain us under it.
Neither hypocrisy nor
intolerance, nor the subtle arguments of infidels, nor the shameful lives of
Christians have yet succeeded in overthrowing the truths of the Revealed
Religion.
They contain all that is
joyful—all that comforts the mind of man—that is pleasing to the heart and
adapted to his nature.
You admit its importance;
You revere their mysteries: you value their influences.
The book which I have taken
the liberty of attaching was written by a gentleman as distinguished for
literature and taste as for piety. The style alone can recommend it: you won't
find any of the criticism and narrow-mindedness of sects and parties on any of
its pages. Take a serious look.
Enemies of the joy of faith
Nervous disorders are, of
all others, as observed, enemies of the joy of faith. But the essence of it,
this trust in a loving and forgiving God, they can neither destroy nor harm
To Lady Maxwell [8]
LONDON, February 17, 1770.
MY DEAREST MALADY,-- To us,
it may seem that uninterrupted health would be a greater help than pain or
sickness. But here we are certainly mistaken; We are not so good judges in our
own cause. You can really say, 'Health I will have if health is better.' But in
this and in all things you can trust the One who loves you. In fact, nervous
disorders are, of all others, as observed, enemies of the joy of faith. But the
essence of it, this trust in a loving and forgiving God, they can neither
destroy nor harm. No, just as they keep you dead to everyone down there, they
can lead you there, and they can increase your sincerity after that pure love
that turns the earth into paradise.
It will be with a lot of
effort and patience that you will keep someone firm in high life, in the simple
and old way. I would like you to talk to her as often as possible. So I trust
that God will use you to keep alive the fire He has kindled. I have high hopes
that the chapel will be useful; But it will not be easy to get a converted
clergyman. A master will be easier to find; although many here are frightened
by the name of Scotland. A dedicated teacher can take care of twenty or perhaps
thirty children. If someone I have seen recently is willing to come, I believe
he will respond to your plan.
I have some ideas of going
to America [See the letters of January 25 and February 21 (to George
Whitefield).]; But the path is still unclear. I wait until Providence speaks
more clearly on one side or the other. In April, I hope to reach Inverness and
take Edinburgh on my way back to England. But let's live today! What a blessing
you may receive now!
Now let your heart flow
with love,
And all his life may His
glory be shown!
--I am, my dear lady, Your
ever-affectionate servant.
Encouraging preachers
For the present, I must implore you to make up for my lack of service by encouraging our preachers, as you see fit, who are still comparatively young and inexperienced, by giving them such counsel as they think fit, and, above all, by exhorting them, not only to love one another, but, if it be possible, as far as it remains for them to live in peace with all men.
To George Whitefield
LEWISHAM, February 21,
1770.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- Mr. Keen
informed me some time ago of his safe arrival at Carolina; which, indeed, he
could not doubt for a moment, notwithstanding the empty rumour of his
expulsion, which was so common in London. I trust that our Lord has more work for
you to do in Europe as well as in America. And who knows, but before you get
back to England maybe I'll pay another visit to the New World? [See letters for
February 17 and December 14.] I was strongly requested by several friends of
ours in New York and Philadelphia. They invoke many motives, some of which seem
to carry considerable weight. And my age is no problem at all; for I bless God
that my health is not nearly as good, but abundantly better in several respects
than when I was twenty-five. But there are so many reasons on the other side
that, so far, I can't determine anything; so I must wait for more in-depth
light. Here I am: may the Lord make me as it seems that He is good. For the
present, I must implore you to make up for my lack of service by encouraging
our preachers, as you see fit, who are still comparatively young and
inexperienced, by giving them such counsel as they think fit, and, above all,
by exhorting them, not only to love one another, but, if it be possible, as far
as it remains for them to live in peace with all men.
Some time ago, since you
left, I heard a circumstance that greatly worried me—namely, that the College
or Academy in Georgia had swallowed up the Orphans' House. Should I give my
judgment without being asked? I think friendship requires me to must. Are there
not, then, two points that come into consideration—a point of mercy and a point
of justice? As to the former, it cannot be asked, Can there be greater charity
on earth than to raise orphans? What is a college or academy compared to this?
Unless you can have a college like maybe there isn't on Earth. I know the value
of learning and I run the risk of valuing it too much than too little. But
still, I can't put the donation to five hundred students on the same level as
saving the bodies, if not the souls as well, of five hundred orphans. But let's
move from the point of mercy to that of justice. You have been given land and
raised money for an Orphan House; Can you apply this for another purpose—at
least, as long as there are still orphans in Georgia? I only touch on that,
although it is an important point, and leave it to your own consideration if
some of it may not be properly applied to maintain the original design. By
speaking thus freely on so delicate a subject, I have given you a fresh proof
of the sincerity with which I am
His always affectionate friend and brother.
Let your co-workers support
you wholeheartedly, and the job will be done
The way you propose to
clean up the circuit [Lowes was an assistant on the Dales' circuit.] is, I
think, the best that can be created. Just let your co-workers support you from
the heart, and the job will be done.
For Matthew Lowes
LONDON, March 2, 1770.
DEAR MATTHEW,-- The way you
propose to clean up the circuit [Lowes was an assistant on the Dales circuit.]
is, I think, the best that can be created. Just let your co-workers support you
from the heart, and the job will be done.
Four or five circuits
strived nobly. If everyone else had done the same, our load would have been
greatly removed. Well, we're going to fight until we die.--I'm going to
Your affectionate friend
and brother.
You stand firm in the
freedom with which Christ has set you free
I rejoice to hear that you
stand firm in the liberty with which Christ has set you free; and still more
because, although many feel this heavenly gift, deliverance from consanguineous
sin, so few, so few, retain it a year, hardly one in ten, or rather one in
thirty
For Ms. Barton
TEWKESBURY, March 15, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,--I rejoice
to hear that you stand firm in the freedom with which Christ has set you free;
and still more because, although many feel this heavenly gift, deliverance from
consanguineous sin, so few, so few, retain it for a year, hardly one in ten, or
rather one in thirty. Hundreds in London became participants in it in sixteen
or eighteen months; but I doubt whether twenty of them are now as holy and
happy as they were. And therefore others doubted whether God intended this
salvation to be enjoyed long. That many have it for a season, that they allow
it, but they are not satisfied that someone keeps it always. Not going for one?
You will see it, watch yourself, pray and continue to hang on to it. So you
will always give cause for joy to, dear Jenny,
Your affectionate brother.
With Mrs. Jane Barton, at
Norwood, Beverley, Yorkshire.
The language of love is the
best of all
You don't have to be kind
or curious when answering these questions. You have no reason to put your words
in order; But talk to me as you would one of your sisters. The language of love
is the best of all.
For Mrs. Marston
BROADMARSTON, March 16,
1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,--I want to
ask you a few questions. When and in what way were you justified? Have you
since found a constant witness to this? When and how were you convinced of the
necessity of sanctification? When did you receive it and in what way? So you
found the witness to this? Has it been clear since then? Haven't you found any
decomposition since then? Do you now find as much life as before? Can you give
God your whole heart? In what sense do you "pray without letup, and in
everything give grace"? Do you find in yourself a testimony that all your
words and actions are pleasing to Him?
There is in love a
ready-made sweetness written:
Copy just that and save
expenses. [The Temple, by George Herbert, 'Jordan.']
You have love in your
heart; Let it teach you words. Out of the abundance of the heart, let the mouth
speak. Then I will know how to advise him. I have great concern for you and
wish that you never lose anything that God has done, but that you receive a full
reward. Stand firm in the name of the Lord and in the power of His might-- I am
Your affectionate brother.
Can you direct me to the
preaching house in Manchester
If God allows you to be
attacked by strong and unusual temptations
I am glad that you can
speak and write to me freely; it can be helpful to you, especially if God
allows you to be attacked by strong and unusual temptations. I wouldn't be surprised
if that happened: though it may never happen; Especially if you remain
simple—if, when you are attacked by that wicked man, you do not reason with
him, but only look up for help, hanging on to the one who washed you with his
own blood.
For Mrs. Marston
CHESTER, April 1, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- As I did
not have time to talk to you as I would at Worcester, I was exceedingly glad to
see you at Wednesbury. [Wesley was at Worcester on the 14th and 15th of March,
and at Wednesbury on the 21st. See the letters of March 16 and August 11.] It
was exactly what I wanted. And surely our Lord will not withhold any good thing
from us. I am glad that you can speak and write to me freely; it can be helpful
to you, especially if God allows you to be attacked by strong and unusual
temptations. I wouldn't be surprised if that happened: though it may never
happen; Especially if you remain simple—if, when you are attacked by that
wicked man, you do not reason with him, but only look up for help, hanging on
to the one who washed you with his own blood. Do you now find power to
"rejoice forever"? Can you "pray without stopping"? Is your
heart for Him, even without a voice? And do you "give thanks in
everything"? Is all your desire for Him? And do you still find an inner
testimony that He has cleansed your heart? Stand firm, then, in that glorious
freedom with which Christ has set you free--I am, dear Molly,
Your affectionate brother.
I hope to be in Glasgow around the 17th of this month.
God's Work in Limerick
How does God's work in
Limerick continue? Does the selected society meet constantly? And do you speak
freely to each other? Which preachers are with you now?
For Ms. Bennis
WHITBHAVEN, April 12, 1770.
DEAR SISTER,-- If two or
three letters have had an abortion, not all of them will; So I'm determined to
write again. How does God's work in Limerick continue? Does the selected
society meet constantly? And do you speak freely to each other? Which preachers
are with you now? [The 1769 minutes read: 'February 1 — Let Thomas Taylor go to
Limerick.' He was posted in Cork and Richard Bourke in Limerick. See letter of
June 13.] Do you talk frankly and openly with them, without shyness or
reservation? Do you find your own soul prospering? Do you hold fast to what God
has given you? Do you give him your whole heart? And do you find the witness of
this with you? Whoever is now with me in the house has not lost this witness
for a moment in all these ten years. [Was it Joseph Guilford, the assistant
there?] Why should you miss it more? Are not God's gifts without repentance? Is
he not willing to always give what he gives once? Hold, hold all promises.--I
am your affectionate brother.
Grace is enough
His grace is sufficient for
you. But you must keep growing if you keep standing; for no one can stand
still. And is it not the Lord's will that you should receive daily a new
increase of love? And see that you try so hard to comfort the mental, support the
weak, confirm the vacillations, and recover those who are off the path.
For Ms. Barton
ARBROATH, May 8, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- Two
things are certain: one, that it is possible to lose even the pure love of God;
the other, which is not necessary, is not inevitable — it may be lost, but it
may be maintained. Thus we have some in every part of the kingdom who have
never been turned away from their steadfastness. And from this moment on you
need never move: His grace is sufficient for you. But you must keep growing if
you keep standing; for no one can stand still. And is it not the Lord's will
that you should receive daily a new increase of love? And see that you try so
hard to comfort the mental, support the weak, confirm the vacillations, and
recover those who are off the path. In June I hope to see you. Peace be with your
spirits! --I am
Your affectionate brother.
Maintenance for Preachers in Ireland
As for preachers, I find it
very difficult if Ireland cannot afford a maintenance for preachers in Ireland.
But, in fact, his case is peculiar. Excluding what they must allow for your
wife, I will allocate five pounds (in English) to you
To Richard Bourke
EDINBURGH, May 12, 1770.
MY DEAR BROTHER,--I doubt
whether your entry into the Waterford Circuit was final. It's good that the
house in Kilkenny is finally moving forward. But the General Collection, of
which I intend to help our brothers, is only incorporated in the Conference;
and I myself rarely have money before. I live, how can I say, day in mouth.
With affection.
Endorsed in another letter:
He received the contents of
Miss Helena. Mary Holland, June 11, 1771.
They were turned away from
their steadfastness
They had been renewing
themselves in love for some time, and then they rejoiced still more; but after
a few years, months, or weeks, they were drawn away from their firmness; Still,
several of these recovered all that they had lost, and some with increase,
being much more established than before.
For Ms. Bennis
YARM, June 13, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- Now we
have many people all over England in the very state you describe. They had been
renewing themselves in love for some time, and then they rejoiced still more;
but after a few years, months, or weeks, they were drawn away from their
firmness; Still, several of these recovered all that they had lost, and some
with increase, being much more established than before. And why can't it be
like that with you? In fact, because you do not deny or doubt the work that God
has done in you, and that by simple faith. Surely you should expect the same
free gift every day; and He will not disappoint your hope.
But how does this apply to
Waterford? [See letter of July 27.] They would, and they would not: I sent two
preachers to this circuit; Why didn't they keep them? W. L--wrote that there
was no employment or pension for two, and therefore he wanted leave to return
to England. Let me hear more from you on this subject.
If you can protect Brother
Saunderson from the pride and applause of well-meaning people, he will be a
happy man and a useful worker. I hope Brother M--- didn't get cold. Awaken the
gift of God that is in you-- I am, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
Maintain the feeling of
poverty and powerlessness
You should expect to be
taken to the two extremes by turns—self-confidence and a lot of shyness. But it
is certain that the first is the more dangerous of the two; and you need all
the power of God to save yourself from it. And He will save you to the end, as
long as you still maintain the feeling of poverty and powerlessness
To Mary Bishop
LONDON, June 20, 1770.
Wesley's pastoral letters in 1770
DEAR MISS BISHOP,-- At the moment
you are exactly in your place; and I trust that no temptation, internal or
external, will ever lead you to abandon the work to which God has called you.
You should expect to be taken to the two extremes by turns—self-confidence and
a lot of shyness. But it is certain that the first is the more dangerous of the
two; and you need all the power of God to save yourself from it. And He will
save you to the extreme, as long as you still maintain the feeling of poverty
and powerlessness.
It is a good prayer,
Show me, how my soul can
bear,
The depth of consanguineous
sin!
And only so that He can
take care of you; for He remembers that you are but dust. But you must not
expect to be so and so convinced to be renewed in love. No: pray now for the
whole mind that was in Christ; and you will have more and more conviction as He
wills. Mr. Spencer [See letters of September 13, 1769, and October 12, 1771.]
and Glynne are of excellent spirit, notwithstanding their opinion. I hardly
know my colleagues. Love is all we want; Let that fill our hearts, and that's
enough. Peace be with your spirit,-- I am
Your affectionate brother.
As long as you're seeking
and hoping to love God with all your heart
As long as you are seeking
and hoping to love God with all your heart, so your soul will live
To George Merryweather
YORK, June 24, 1770.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- Mr.
Augustus Toplady, I know it well. But I don't fight with chimney sweeps. He's
too dirty a writer for me to get into myself. I should just get my fingers
dirty. I read his title page and didn't worry anymore. I leave it to Mr.
Sellon. He couldn't be in better hands. [See February 21 letter to Walter
Sellon.]
As
long as you are seeking and hoping to love God with all your heart, so will
your soul live.--I am
Your affectionate brother.
A soul full of love
When things are seen from
afar, one tends to imagine that no degree of sorrow could be found in a heart
that rejoices forever; that no right temperament could be lacking, much less
any degree of wrong temperament, subsisting, in a soul full of love.
For Miss Helena. March
DAWGREEN, July 6, 1770.
You say, 'My silence
usually stems from my opinions and thoughts about myself as a Christian.'
Bishop Fenelon [Archbishop of Cambria, 1695-1715.] says: 'Simplicity is that
grace which frees the soul from all unnecessary reflections on itself.' Here's
a kind of simplicity you want! When I speak or write to you, I have you in
front of my eyes, but generally speaking, I don't think about myself. I do not
think whether I am wise or foolish, wise or ignorant; But I see you aiming for
glory and immortality, and say exactly what I hope can direct your paths on the
path and keep it from getting tired or fading in your mind. Our Lord will
ordain all right for Sister Thornton. [See letters of August 12, 1769 and April
14, 1771 to Miss Helena S. March.] What can hurt those who trust him?
Pure love reigning in the
heart and in life
But you are often weary of
a bad disease—evil reasoning; which harms both your holiness and your
happiness. You want true Christian simplicity, which is in fact the highest
wisdom. Nothing is clearer, according to the simple biblical account, than
sanctification, pure love reigning in the heart and life.
For Ms. Bennis
ASHBY, July 27, 1770.
DEAR SISTER,-- Will you
find in yourself anything but inadequacy? Otherwise, his salvation would be of
works, not of grace. But you are often weary of a bad disease—evil reasoning;
which harms both his holiness and his happiness. You want true Christian simplicity,
which is in fact the highest wisdom. Nothing is clearer, according to the
simple biblical account, than sanctification, pure love reigning in the heart
and life. And nothing is clearer than the need for this to feel happiness here
and in the hereafter. Check all the reasoning on these basic principles,
otherwise you will darken your soul a lot; And keep denying yourself, and
taking up your cross, until you
Sink to the height of
perfection,
The depth of humble love.
If the preachers of the Waterford
Circuit had punctually followed the plan I had laid down, the horse would not
have been a problem; But the misfortune is that every idiot is wiser than I am.
However, at your desire, I will send a second preacher into the circuit after
the Conference; But preachers need to change regularly. It would never be well
to let a man sit for six months with a small Society; Soon he would preach
himself and them as dead as stones. Your alteration of the circuit to
accommodate the poor and dead Clonmel I greatly approve, and I hope that Sister
L-- [See letter of June 13] will be a blessing to the few present. I rejoice at
the happy launch of Sisters P and B--. [Mrs. Bennis told him that they both
died triumphant.] Isn't it worth living for?
Still approach the source
by simple faith, and take as much as you want; But don't be lazy in
The vineyard of your
Lord.--My dear sister,
With affection.
You still thirst for God
I was glad to hear from
you; and especially when you hear that you still thirst for God. Oh, be careful
when putting any idol in your heart! Give it all to Him; for He is worthy.
To Rebecca Yeoman
LONDON, August 4, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- I was
glad to hear from you; and especially when you hear that you still thirst for
God. Oh, be careful when putting any idol in your heart! Give it all to Him;
for He is worthy. You did very well to go to Jane Johnson. There is no end of
shyness if we stay distant from each other. In this case, we only need to
overcome evil with good; and it is the wisest who yield first. Promises of this
kind have no force. The sooner they are broken, the better. You should take
Molly Strologer to the lodge. Ah, self-will! Like few have conquered it! I
believe it is a good measure for her account: she can make few visits. She
fears God and desires to save her soul; and the visit of those who have Another
Mind will not benefit him: he wants nothing but Christ. Surely you can tell
anything to, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
As long as you're in the body,
you'll fall short of what you would be
No doubt as long as you are
in the body you will fall short of what you would be, and you will see more and
more of your innumerable defects and the imperfection of your best actions and
temperaments. Still, all this does not have to hinder your joy forever and in
all that gives thanks
For Mrs. Marston
LONDON, August 11, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- I thought
it had been a long time since I heard from you, and I wanted to know how your
soul prospered. No doubt as long as you are in the body you will fall short of
what you would be, and you will see more and more of your innumerable defects
and the imperfection of your best actions and temperaments. Still, all this
need not hinder your joy forever and in all that gives thanks. Weight you may
feel at times; But you never have to go into darkness. Beware of supposing that
darkness, i.e. unbelief, is better than the light of faith. To suppose that
this is one of the grave errors of popery. 'He that followeth me,' saith our
Lord, 'shall not walk in darkness.' The fact that you are tempted in a thousand
ways will not hurt you. In all these things you will be more than a conqueror.
I hope that the selected society [For the origin of the selected society, see
the letter to Vincent Perronet in December 1748, section VIII.1-4.] will meet
constantly and that you will speak freely among yourselves. Continue humbly and
steadfastly, denying yourselves and taking up your cross daily. He walks in the
light as He is in the light, in humility, in meekness, in resignation. Then He
will surely sanctify you throughout your body, in spirit, soul, and body. Hearing
from you is always a pleasure, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
I'm going to Bristol.
Still, the Lord has already
done great things for you
Though you do not have that
joy in the Holy Spirit to which you are called, because your faith is weak and
only like a mustard seed. Still, the Lord has already done great things for
you: He has preserved you even in the perilous season, even
To Ann Bolton
BRISTOL, August 12, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- 'He that
feareth God,' says the Apostle, 'and works righteousness,' though in a low
degree, is accepted by Him; especially when such trusts not in his own righteousness,
but in the atoning blood. I cannot doubt it at all, but this is your case;
though you do not have that joy in the Holy Spirit to which you are called,
because your faith is weak and only like a mustard seed. Still, the Lord has
already done great things for you: He has preserved you even in the perilous
season, even
With the latest pride of
life and the blossoming of years,
of ten thousand snares to
which a young woman of agreeable form and behaviour and not of ill-temper would
naturally be exposed, and to which her own heart would certainly have yielded
if it had not been preserved by His gracious power. He gave her resignation in
pain and sickness. He has made you more than a conqueror, even a conqueror of
it. And have you not abundant reason to praise Him, to put all your trust in
Him, and to hold fast all His great and precious promises?
The spirit of your last
letter involves me a lot. I love seriousness and sweetness mixed together. Go,
my dear Nancy, down the same path, and you will be nearer and nearer to your
affectionate brother.
It's vain
for any man to try this, make me think ill of James Freeman
It is lost labor. It
doesn't work. It is vain for any man to attempt this, to make me think ill of
James Freeman.
I know them very well. I
have heard reports of this kind; but I did not consider them.
For James Freeman
BRISTOL, August 19, 1770.
DEAR JEMMY,-- It's lost
labor. It doesn't work. It is vain for any man to attempt this, to make me
think ill of James Freeman.
I
know them very well. I have heard reports of this kind; but I did not consider
them. I would expect Mr. Townsend [Dean of Pewsey. See letter of August 1-3,
1767. He preached against Arminianism.] will behave better in Dublin than in
Edinburgh. Yet it will do little harm, if you stand firm in one mind, striving
together for the hope of the gospel.--I am, dear Jemmy,
Your affectionate brother.
Letter addressed to Mrs.
Jane Freeman, Near Linen Hall, Lisburn, Ireland.
He'll never take away what
he's given
What is certain is that,
unless we grieve the Holy Spirit, He will never take away what He has given. On
the contrary, He will add to it continually, until we come to the measure of
the full stature of Christ.
For Mrs. Marston
ST. IVES, August 26, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- Your last
one gave me special satisfaction, because I was jealous of you. I feared that
you, like some others, had received that dangerous opinion that sometimes we
must be in darkness. Wherever you are, oppose it and encourage all who now walk
in the light to expect not only continuity, but the increase of it until the
perfect day. What is certain is that, unless we grieve the Holy Spirit, He will
never take away what He has given. On the contrary, He will add to it
continually, until we come to the measure of the full stature of Christ.
I am glad that the selected
society meets constantly. Make sure you speak freely to each other. And don't
just talk about your joys and comforts; this is very pleasing to flesh and
blood: but speak also of your sorrows, weaknesses, and temptations; it pleases
God and will be a means of uniting you together by a bond that will never be
broken.
I hope you don't miss any
opportunity to speak a word for God, whether to those who know Him or to those
who don't. Why should you waste time? Time is short. Work on your work to the
end! Today receive more grace and use it! Peace be upon your spirit--I am, my
dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
Using Grace Given Is the
Right Way to Get More Grace
Using grace given is the
right way to get more grace. Using all the faith you have will bring an
increase in faith. But this word is far-reaching: it embraces the full exercise
of every talent entrusted to us. This comprises the full extent of internal and
external religion.
For Miss Helena. March
BRISTOL, September 15,
1770.
A feeling of wants and
weaknesses, with various trials and temptations, will do no real harm, though
they will cause heaviness for a time and diminish your joy in the Lord. It is
wrong to take care of this in order to weaken their faith; And, on the whole,
it is not wrong to 'form your estimate of the state of your soul from your
sensations'—not, indeed, by these alone, but by them in conjunction with your
words and actions. It is true that we cannot judge ourselves by the measure of
our joy, the most variable sensation of all our persons, and often depending to
a great extent on the state of our blood and spirits. But if you add love, joy,
peace, meekness, gentleness, and resignation, I know of no more certain rule
for judging your state before God.
What is the difference
between 'the state of my mind and the state of my soul'? Is there a difference
in the width of a strand of hair? I will not say. If there is one, perhaps it
is this: the frame may signify a single transitory sensation; the state, a more
complicated and lasting sensation, something we usually feel. By framing, some
may mean fleeting passions; by state, ingrained temperaments. But I don't know
whether we have the authority to use these terms in this way or to distinguish
one from the other. He whose mind is in a good state is certainly a good man as
long as he continues to do so. Therefore, it would not require you to cease
judging your state by your state of mind any more than it would require you to
stop breathing.
Unless you deal very
closely with those in your care, you will not give an account of them joyfully.
Advice and warnings from a distance will do no harm or benefit. For those who
indulge in fantasy, perhaps read or recommend the Council to Methodists on this
topic. It would be appropriate to go to the root of the matter once or twice;
Then let him sleep, and after a few weeks try again. A Methodist who wears fine
clothes or gays must suffer a loss of soul, though he may retain a little life;
but it will never attain a high degree of holiness or happiness. [See Works,
xi. 466-77; and letter of February 26, 1776.]
Rigorous in every point of
discipline
Be diligent in the books everywhere and rigorous in every point of discipline
To Joseph Thompson
BRISTOL, September 23,
1770.
DEAR JOSEPH,-- You're
right. The most appropriate time to make the division is on Quarter Day. I can
trust in your prudence and impartiality in greater things than these. Be
diligent in the books everywhere and rigorous in every point of discipline.--I
am, dear Joseph,
Your affectionate friend
and brother.
Where there is a cheerful,
clean, and convenient preaching house, there will be no lack of hearers
I have always observed that
where there is a cheerful, clean, and convenient house for preaching, there
will be no lack of hearers. So it would be nice if this could be built at
Highbridge
To Richard Locke
BRISTOL, October 4, 1770.
Your last one gave me a lot
of satisfaction. I am glad that your mind is more serene, [See letter of September
14.] and I hope you will not rest until you are not only almost, but thoroughly
Christian.
I have always observed that
where there is a cheerful, clean, and convenient house for preaching, there
will be no lack of hearers. So it would be nice if this could be built at
Highbridge. What you intend to give her is considerable. If Mr. Mason [John Mason,
assistant in Devonshire. He was widely read, especially in botany and natural
history in general. He died on March 27, 1810.] Judging the rest of the money
could be collected in the neighborhood, the sooner it was done, the better. I
wish you all happiness; and I
Your affectionate brother.
I hope that God's love will
be poured into your heart by the Holy Spirit who has been given to you
Holiness is the love of God and man, or the mind that was in Christ. Now, I hope that the love of God will be poured into your heart by the Holy Spirit who has been given to you. And if you are holy, is there not that mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus?
To Joseph Benson
BRISTOL, October 5, 1770.
DEAR JOSEPH,-- You don't
have to apologize for your writing; The more often and freely you write, the
better. I cannot doubt that your neighbor has good intentions; but he is a deep
enthusiast, and hardly has a clear conception of anything, natural or spiritual.
Mr. Keard, of Aberdeen, and Mr. Wootton (our new master writer, a man of
excellent spirit) are at Kingswood. But Mr. J-- you know the price?-- sixteen
pounds a year. Does he know the rules of the school? Again: what age are the
children? I do not accept any who are over nine years old: now especially,
because I will not allow our children to be corrupted; nine of them, along with
our three maids, have just experienced a gracious visit and are rejoicing in a
forgiving God. [Wesley says, 'Fifteen of the boys gave me their names;
determined, they said, to serve God.' see Diary, v. 388-92.]
I'm glad you had the
courage to express your opinion on such a critical occasion. At all costs, even
so, but with all the tenderness and respect possible. She is very devoted to
God and possesses a thousand valuable and lovable qualities. There is no great
fear that I will be prejudiced against someone I have known intimately for
thirty years. [The Countess of Huntingdon.] And I know what is in man;
Therefore, I give great consideration to human weaknesses. But what you say is
exactly the state of the case. They are "envious of his authority."
In fact, there is no cause: Longe mea discrepat illi et vox et ratio. [Satires
of Horace, 1. vi. 92-3: 'My language and judgment are very different from
this.'] I fear and avoid, not desire, any kind of authority. Only when God puts
that burden on me do I carry it for Him and for the people.
'Son,' my father said when
I was young, 'you think of carrying everything just for arguments. But you will
calmly realize that very little is done in the world for a clear reason.' [See
Clarke's Wesley Family, ii. 321.] Very little, in fact! This is true of almost
all men, except insofar as we are taught about God,--
Against experience, we
believe,
We argue against the
demonstration;
Satisfied while our reason
deceives,
And to define our judgment
by passion.
Passion and prejudice rule
the world, only under the name of reason. It is our role, by religion and
reason united, to counterbalance them as much as we can. It is yours, in
particular, to do all that is in you to soften the prejudices of those around
you and to calm the passions from which they arise. Blessed are the
peacemakers!
You judge rightly: perfect
love and Christian liberty are the same thing; and these two expressions are
equally correct, being equally scriptural. 'No, how can they and you mean the
same thing? They say you insist on holiness in the creature, on good cheers,
and on sin destroyed.' Absolutely. And what is Christian liberty but another
word for holiness? And where is this freedom or holiness if it is not in the
creature? Holiness is the love of God and man, or the mind that was in Christ.
Now, I hope that the love of God will be poured into your heart by the Holy
Spirit who has been given to you. And if you are holy, is there not that mind
in you which was also in Christ Jesus?
And aren't the love of God
and of our neighbor good moods? And in so far as this reigns in the soul, have
not opposing temperaments, worldly mentality, wickedness, cruelty, revenge been
destroyed? In fact, the unclean spirit, though cast out, may return and enter
again; Still, he was sent off. I use the word 'destroyed' because St. Paul uses
it; 'suspended' I can't find in my Bible. 'But they say you don't consider it
as a consequence of Christ's power dwelling in us.' So what won't they say? My
own words are, 'No one feels the need of Christ as these; none is so wholly
dependent on Him. For Christ does not give light to the soul separately from,
but within and with Himself. Hence His words are equally true of all men, in
whatever state of grace they may be: "As a branch cannot bear fruit of
itself, except it abide in the vine; ye can no more, except ye abide in Me:
without" (or separated from) "In Me ye can do nothing." For our
perfection is not like that of a tree, which flourishes by the sap derived from
its own root; but like that of a branch that yields fruit joined to the vine,
but cut off from it is "withered and withered."'
Finally, veris vincor ['I
am conquered by the truth.']: I am obliged to believe (which I did not want to
for a long time) that these are not objections of judgment, but of passion;
they do not spring from the head, but from the heart. What I say, it will all
be one. They will find blame because I say so. There is an implicit envy of my
power (so called), and a jealousy that arises from it. Hence prejudice in a
thousand forms; Hence objections arising like mushrooms. And as long as these
causes remain, they will arise, whatever I can do or say. However, keep it
pure; and then there need be no strangeness between you and, dear Joseph,
Your affectionate brother.
It will be of little use
without exact discipline
You're right. If a man
preaches like an angel, it will be of little use without exact discipline.
For Christopher Hopper
LONDON, October 13, 1770.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- You are
right. If a man preaches like an angel, it will be of little use without exact
discipline. I'm glad that honest William Hodgson was helpful; And I hope you
made him and his brother friends. I'll trust you for letting anywhere go six or
eight weeks without preaching. Let this evil be removed, and the congregations
will increase both on Wednesdays and Sundays. Please warn your young man
continually (and yourself), 'Not for too long nor too high!' I am very glad
that honest R. Roberts preached the Cross. 'Go and do the same.' I leave both
the vicar and the vicar in your hands. I don't care about them. I let them
fall. Be strong in the Lord and in His power--I am, with love for Sister
Hopper,
Your affectionate friend
and brother.
Do not all things work
together for the good of those who love God?
I congratulate you both on
your illness and on her recovery. Do not all things work together for the good
of those who love God?
For Ms. Crosby
BEDFORD, October 26, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- I
congratulate you both on your illness and on her recovery. Do not all things
work together for the good of those who love God?
Now redeem the uncertain
little time that was given you; maybe fifteen years, maybe not so many months.
Deal with great fidelity and freedom with my dear M. Bosanquet and with
Your affectionate brother.
Stay in love and carry each
other's burdens
I hope that the little
debates that have already spent some time in the Beverley Society have come to
an end, and that you will all now continue to be passionate and bear each
other's burdens
For Ms. Barton
NORWICH, November 5, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- For many
years, I had a certain reticence to pray for temporary things. But three or
four years ago I was completely convinced that scruples were unnecessary. Being
very tight then, I made a point of prayer; And I had an immediate response.
True, we can only ask for external blessings with reservation: 'If it is the
best; if it be Thy will.' And so we can certainly supplicate the promise: 'All
these things will be added to you.'
I hope that the little
debates that have already spent some time in the Beverley Society have come to
an end, and that you will all now continue to be passionate and carry each
other's burdens. You have had for a long time a difficult part to act between
the parties in conflict; but just as God preserved you from anger and the
spirit of celebration, you have not suffered loss for it. Beware of suffering
loss on the other hand, with worldly care. This is a dangerous enemy. You
needed to place your care on the One who cares for you. To Him I commit you and
yours; and I
Your affectionate brother.
With Mrs. Jane Barton, at
Norwood, Beverley, Yorkshire. Correio Norte.
Are you moving forward, and
do you have the desire as strong as ever to increase with all of God's growth?
See, I ask a lot of
questions, because I think you should tell me a lot. How does your own soul
thrive? Do you keep that spark of faith? Are you moving forward, and do you
have the desire as strong as ever to increase with all of God's growth?
To Mary Bishop
NORWICH, November 5, 1770.
MY DEAR MISS BISHOP,-- I am
glad you have been so successful in your labor of love. In all things you will
reap if you do not faint. And the promise is, 'They shall run and not be weary;
they will walk and not faint.' I hope that construction will be started, [See
letter of November 27.] and that it will be completed as soon as possible. What
temperament do your neighbors have? Do they have patience with you? And do you
confirm your love for them? How does our small society prosper? Are you all
united in love? And are you all aware of that curse of love, the stories and
the evil lines? Are the congregations as large as they have been for some time?
Here we may well say, What God has done! See, I ask a lot of questions, because
I think you should tell me a lot. How does your own soul thrive? Do you keep
that spark of faith? Are you moving forward, and do you have the desire as
strong as ever to increase with all of God's growth?
See the Lord, thy Guardian,
arise,
Omnipotently near!
Behold, He holds you by
your hand,
And banish your fear!
O trust in Him, love Him
and praise Him! And for His sake, my dear Miss Helena. Bishop,
Your affectionate brother.
For Miss Helena. Bishop, near the Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel, Bath.
Never omit private duties,
no matter how hasty you are
What I especially advise
you never to omit private duties, however hasty you may be, and however monotonous
and dry your soul may be: yet you will not be without blessing. And so you will
receive power against this temptation, which to your tender spirit may be the
most dangerous of all.
To Ann Bolton
LONDON, November 16, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- Seeing
even the inscription of a letter from you always gives me pleasure. I'm glad
you're still waiting for the kingdom of God: though I'm still more in the state
of a servant than a child. But it is blessed to be even a servant of God! You
will never have reason to be ashamed of His service. What I especially advise
you never to omit private duties, however hasty you may be, and however
monotonous and dry your soul may be: yet you will not be without blessing. And
so you will receive power against this temptation, which to your tender spirit
may be the most dangerous of all.
On Sunday I shall preach a
funeral sermon to that blessed Mr. Whitefield in the Tabernacle and Chapel of
Tottenham Court. [See next letter.]
If it is a help or comfort
to you, please write often to, my dear Nancy,
Your affectionate brother.
The very essence of
Christian perfection
It is certain that no one is a member of a Methodist Society who does not have a ticket. This is something necessary; But it's just a small one. The main point is to conform to the biblical method of salvation—to have the mind that was in Christ and to walk as Christ walked. I hope all three of your preachers will insist on this, which is the very essence of Christianperfection.
For Mrs.Woodhouse
LONDON, November 18, 1770.
MY DEAREST SISTER,-- It
always gives me pleasure to hear from you and to know that your soul prospers;
as well as the work of God in various places, and hopefully in Lincolnshire. It
will certainly happen if Mr. Ellis is strict in discipline. It is certain that
no one is a member of a Methodist Society who does not have a ticket. This is
something necessary; But it's just a small one. The main point is to conform to
the biblical method of salvation—to have the mind that was in Christ and to
walk as Christ walked. I hope all three of your preachers will insist on this,
which is the very essence of Christian perfection. And why should my dear
friend, in spite of a thousand temptations, go through this every day?
This morning I am to preach
Mr. Whitefield's funeral sermon in the chapel of Tottenham Court Road and in
the Tabernacle in the evening. It is true that it will be impossible, humanly
speaking, for my voice to fill any of these places; Especially if it's as full
as a beehive and, consequently, as hot as an oven. But nothing is impossible
with God. Let us trust Him, and He will make it all right--I am, my dear
sister,
Your affectionate brother.
To Mrs. Woodhouse, Owston Ferry.
I don't see that you can go
any further
Your mother is not willing;
And I've told you before, this is, in my judgment, an insurmountable bar. I am
totally convinced that in this case one of the parents has a negative voice.
So as long as things continue like this, I don't see that you can go any further.
To Samuel Bardsley
LONDON, November 24, 1770.
DEAR SAMMY,--According to
your account, the same difficulty persists to this day. Your mother is not
willing; And I've told you before, this is, in my judgment, an insurmountable
bar. I am totally convinced that in this case one of the parents has a negative
voice.
So
as long as things continue like this, I don't see that you can go any further.
Your affectionate brother.
A gradual growth
To Mary Bishop
LONDON, November 27, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- Remember
to make the side aisles of the room, [See November 5 letter to her.] and to
place the forms in the middle cross-section, with a railing that goes from the
pulpit downwards, to separate the men from the women. And I particularly wish
there were no benches or backs on the forms.
I could not advise our
people to listen to Mr. Shirley, [The Hon. Walter Shirley. See letter of
January 27, to John Whitehead.] but still less listen to the Moravians. His
words are softer than oil, but they are still very swords. I advise you, by all
means, to go to church. Those who leave the Church soon leave us.
I don't know you have
anything to do with fear. Your continual prayer should be for faith and love. I
admired a holy man in France who, considering one's state full of doubts and
fears, forbade him to think of his sins, and commanded him to think only of the
love of God in Christ. The fruit was gone, all his fears vanished, and he lived
and died in the triumph of faith.
Faith is vision—that is,
spiritual vision; and it is light, not darkness; so that the famous Popish
phrase, 'The darkness of faith,' is a contradiction in terms. O beware of all
who speak or write in an unscriptural manner, or they will confound thee, if
they will not destroy. I can't find in my Bible any sin as legality. In fact,
we have often been afraid where there was no fear. I am not half the legal age,
nor enough under the law of love. Sometimes there is a painful conviction of
sin which prepares for entire sanctification; sometimes a conviction that
brings much more pleasure than pain, mixed with joyful expectation. There must
always be a gradual growth in grace, which need never be stopped from the time
we are justified. Do not expect, therefore, for pain or anything else, but
simply for the faith that conquers everything. The more freely you write, the
more satisfaction you will give to my dear Molly,
With affection.
PS.--I think she [Lady
Huntingdon. See letter of March 8, 1771.] I would not be so imprudent as to
give any copy of this letter.
For Miss Helena. Bishop, near the Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel, Bath.
Simply pursue the glory of
God for the good of souls
So suppose your eye is
single, that you simply pursue the glory of God for the sake of souls, He will,
from time to time, clear up all difficulties, and open the way before your face
To Walter Churchey
LONDON, November 29, 1770.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- You have
done a good job of showing respect to the memory of that blessed man. His works
will follow him, and his name will be remembered for many generations, if it
were only for that fine institution, the Orphans' Home in Georgia.
I understand from our
mutual friend, Mr. Bold, [See letter of May 6, 1774 to Charles Wesley.] that
your situation is indeed critical. But what do Mr. Thomas and you have to do
other than continue in prayer instantly? So suppose your eye is single, that you
simply pursue the glory of God for the good of souls, He will from time to time
clear up all difficulties and open the way before your face.--I am
Your affectionate brother.
To Mr. Walter Churchey, near the Hay, Brecon.
It's not our job to think
tomorrow
All places are the same for me; I'm not attached to any one in particular. Wherever our Lord's work is done, that is my place today. And we live only for today; It is not our job to think tomorrow.
For Mrs. Marston
LONDON, December 14, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- If I live
till the spring, and have a clear and urgent calling, I am as ready to depart
for America [See the letters of February 21, 1770 (to Whitefield) and July 13,
1771 (to Miss S. March).] and Ireland. All places are the same for me; I'm not
attached to any one in particular. Wherever our
Lord's work is done, that is my place today. And we live only for today; It
is not our job to think tomorrow.
You expect to fight your
way forward. But I think the preachers understand you and can receive your
report; And so did most of her sisters. What forces, then, can Satan rise up
against you? You can talk to me without reservation; 'Cause you know I love you
so much.
The abundance of
deficiencies must remain as long as the soul remains in this clay house. As
long as the corruptible body darkens more or less, the soul will darken and
press upon the soul. But still your heart may be all love, and love is the
fulfillment of our law. Still, you can rejoice forever; They can pray without
ceasing and, in everything, give thanks. Peace be multiplied for you-- I am,
dear Molly,
Your affectionate brother.
Danger of thinking little
of God's grace given to him
It is true that there is a
danger, and this continually, of overthinking oneself. But there is another
danger to which you are more immediately exposed: thinking little of the grace
of God given you.
To Ann Bolton
SEVENOAKS, December 15,
1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- It is
true that there is a danger, and this continually, of thinking too much of
yourself. But there is another danger to which you are more immediately
exposed: thinking little of the grace of God given you. Instantly resist any
reasoning about it, even if you're in a state of acceptance. As sure as you are
in the body, hold this jeium, by His free and almighty grace; and then
Expect His fullness to
receive AND grace to respond to grace.
It may be helpful for you
to prayerfully read again the sermon on The Repentance of Believers, which will
show you exactly where you are now, and The Scriptural Way to Salvation. [See
Works, v. 156-70, vi. 43-54.] In a sense, faith is all you want. If you can
believe, aren't all things possible for those who believe? What don't you get
today? At this time? Right now?
Let Him do what feels good
We are sure that God is wise in all His ways and merciful in all His works. But often their reasons are no longer discovered. We can only say, 'It is the Lord; let Him do what seems good.'
Your affectionate brother.
For Christopher Hopper
LONDON, December 21, 1770.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- We are sure
that God is wise in all His ways and merciful in all His works. But often their
reasons are no longer discovered. We can only say, 'It is the Lord; let Him do
what seems good.'
I wish that good young man,
Mr. Hill, could be persuaded to join us. He is upright at heart and desires
very well to be a useful worker in our Lord's vineyard.-- With love to Sister
Hopper,
Your affectionate friend
and brother.
Do not discard this trust,
which brings great reward
A point that I advise you
to hold firm, and that neither men nor devils take it from you. You are a child
of God; you are justified freely by the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Your sins are forgiven! Do not discard this trust, which brings great reward
To Joseph Benson
LONDON, December 28, 1770.
DEAR JOSEPH,--What a
blessing it is that we can speak freely with one another, without disguise or
reservation! As long as we can do that, we can get wiser and better every day.
Now, can any be justified
but by faith? None can. Therefore, you are a believer; you have faith in
Christ; you know the Lord; you can say, 'My Lord and my God.' And whoever
denies this, it is better to deny that the sun shines at noon.
Still, there are ten
thousand wishes left,
And afflict your soul,
which is acquitted from sin;
Still rebellious nature
struggles to reign,
And you are all impure,
impure!
This is equally clear and
undeniable. And this is not only their experience, but the experience of a
thousand believers on the side, who are still sure of God's favor regarding
their own existence. To cut through all doubt about this, I ask you to do another
serious reading of these two sermons Sin in Believers and Repentance in
Believers. [Works, v. 144-70.]
'But is there no help? Is
there no deliverance, no salvation from this inbred enemy?' There certainly is;
otherwise, many great and precious promises must fall to the ground. 'I will
pour clean water upon you, and you will be clean; From all their filthiness and
from all their idols I will cleanse you.' 'I will circumcise thy heart' (of all
sin), 'that I may love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy
soul.' This I call sanctification (which is both an instantaneous and gradual
work), or perfection, the being perfected in love, full of love, which still
admits a thousand degrees. But I have no time to waste in the dispute over
words, especially where the thing is allowed. And you allow everything that I
fight for—a complete deliverance from sin, the recovery of the whole image of
God, the loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength. And you believe
that God is able to give you that—yes, to give you that in an instant. You
trust that He will trust. O hold fast this too—this blessed hope, which He has
placed in your heart! And with all zeal and diligence they confirm the
brethren, (1) by laying hold of that which they have attained—namely, the
remission of all their sins by faith in a bleeding Lord; (2) waiting for a
second change, by which they will be saved from all sin, and perfected in love.
If you like to call it
'receiving the Holy Spirit', you can call it: just the phrase in that sense is
unbiblical and not entirely adequate; for they all "received the Holy
Spirit" when they were justified. God then 'sent the Spirit of His Son into
their hearts, crying, Abba, Father.'
O Joseph, keep close to the
Bible in both feeling and expression! Then there will never be a material
difference between you and
The fact that you are attacked from all sides
is a good sign
You did well to write
without delay; It can be a way to strengthen you. Confessing God's work is one
of the ways designed to retain all that He has done. The fact that you are
attacked from all sides is a good sign: how much more will you cry to the strong
for strength
Your affectionate brother.
To Ann Bolton
LONDON, December 29, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- You have
done well to write without delay; It can be a way to strengthen you. Confessing
God's work is one of the ways designed to retain all that He has done. The fact
that you are attacked from all sides is a good sign: how much more you will cry
to the strong for strength; Much more, you will...
Hold on to His arm and feel
Its total impotence.
I'm glad for your
interviews right now with my dear Hannah Ball. Nothing could be more
providential; This season, especially, you need all the help. And God has given
it with a considerable dose of the wisdom that comes from above. It is his
wisdom to suppress to the utmost of his power all useless reasoning; stand
simple before God, crying out: 'Lord, what I know you do not teach me.' Now you
can benefit from Jenny Cooper's Letters and Simple Account of Christian
Perfection. But you need to be breastfed like a small child. Therefore, write
quickly and freely to
Your affectionate brother.
Work to be wise and simple
at the same time
And I found you less
prejudiced than you expected against the doctrine of Christian Perfection. I
just want you to experience it—to be 'all faith, all gentleness, all love.'
Work to be wise and simple at the same time!
To Ann Foard
LONDON, December 29, 1770.
MY DEAR Sister,-- When we
had the opportunity to spend a day or two together, you convinced me that you
fear and love God and want to enjoy all His promises. And I found you less
prejudiced than you expected against the doctrine of Christian Perfection. I
just want you to experience it—to be 'all faith, all gentleness, all love.'
Work to be wise and simple at the same time! To oscillate between extremes and
neglect to cultivate your understanding, which is right, and to incline to it,
which is fatally wrong. And be free and open with, my dear Nancy, your
affectionate brother.[1]
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