John Valton, the
preacher who spent himself on behalf of his Master
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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Cover:
https://comunhao.com.br/ajoelhado-em-pe-ou-sentada-a-forma-de-orar-faz-diferenca/
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.
Table of Contents
· Introduction
· Who was John Valton
·
Inner change is the
only thing needed for you
·
A larger field of
action is prepared for you
·
May God have called you
to a more extensive work
· He's now calling you
·
Your disabilities are
not a limit
·
A revival of God's
work is usually a consequence
·
Your Own Conscience
Directed by God's Word
·
Take a journey of a
thousand miles first
·
Come take over the
books in London
· Unskilled preachers
·
It looks like you'll
be called to marry
·
Go in His name and in
the power of His power
·
You are called to
another part of the vineyard
·
An ill-advised step
led to darkness
·
Wish you'd take on
another burden for yourself
·
Despite the shame and
natural shyness
· To give you the
freedom to spend a little time wherever God's work requires it
·
Men and women are
already separated in the chapel
============================
Introduction
"John
Valton, the Methodist Preacher Who Spent Himself for His Master" is a
33-page book about Wesley's letters to John Valton.
"The
expression 'if he spent himself' perfectly defines his biography. Valton was in
extremely fragile health, but he was ignorant of his own physical limits to
preach the Gospel.
John
Wesley himself, concerned about the destructive pace of his worker's work,
wrote a letter to local Methodist leader Peggy Newman with an explicit plea:
"Be careful not to kill John Valton! You know he's continually striving to do more than he can." [1]
Valton suffered for years with acute health
crises and chronic physical pain. Wesley always advised him to take some
actions and medications in order to take care of his health. He even offered
him to work at the Methodist library in London in 1773: "Now I have
another proposal to make to you, which requires someone with an honest heart
and a lot of dedication. Come take over the books in London. I think that would
take you six or seven hours a day. And you would have the opportunity to preach
every Sunday and (if you like) often during the week."[2]
Wesley knew Valton well and knew
that he used to push his own physical limits. In a letter to John
Valton, February 25, 1778, Wesley advised him: "MY DEAR BROTHER, - You
would do well to have a cup of nettle decoction[3] every morning and
observe what food suits you best. Get used to the outdoors by going more or
less every day when it doesn't rain." [4]
He was a blessed man.
"It pleases God to bless Mr. Valton wherever he turns his face!" [5], is what Wesley said on February
13, 1784 to Robert Carr Brackenbury.
John Valton died in 1794, at the
age of 54, "having expended all his physical strength for the sake of the
Methodist revival." [6]
Wesley said that he spent himself for his Master's sake. [7]
A
story of extreme dedication and an example for our days.
The
Author
============================
Who was John Valton
John Valton
(1740–1794) was born in London on November 23, 1740. He was the son of French
parents with a Roman Catholic background.
He
"was one of the most faithful and dedicated itinerant preachers under the
direct leadership of John Wesley in the early Methodist movement. Coming from a
Catholic background and having worked in the British civil service (in the
military ordnance office), he converted and joined Methodism, becoming a worker
of great local relevance."[8]
In a 1776 letter to
Ann Bolton, Wesley talks about what he thought of John Valon: "Mr. Valton
is indeed a faithful worker, willing to spend and be spent by his Master."
[9]
In the same year, Wesley
writes to Ann Bolton asking Valton for a favor: "I wish Mr. Valton or
any of the other preachers would be as kind as to go to the Foundation and
bring my gray horse to Witney." [10]
And as late as 1776, Wesley writes to Hannah Ball of Valton's exemplary life: "I imagine that most of those who have Mr. Valton's advice and example would be sincere." [11]
In a 1776 letter to Mary
the Bishop, Wesley reveals the confidence he had in John Valton by delegating
tasks to him: "MY DEAR SISTER,-- You are quite clear about Miss Valton. Mahon. You have
done everything in your power; and if she no longer accepts his services, her
blood will be upon her own head. But I'm not going to give up on her just yet.
I wrote to Mr. Valton at Oxford, and asked him to talk to Mrs. Mahon." [12]
And in another letter to
Penelope Newman, on February 2, 1780, Wesley reveals that Valton is very
devoted: "Beware of killing John Valton (...). You know he's continually
striving to do more than he can do." [13]
John Valton served in
important Methodist circuits such as Bristol, Bath and Manchester. [14]
"It pleases God to bless Mr. Valton wherever he turns his face!" [15] this is what Wesley said on February 13, 1784 to Robert Carr Brackenbury.
Writing to the Methodist Preachers, August 23, 1789, Wesley shows Valton's initiative to build a preaching house: "Some years ago, Mr. Valton wrote to me from Yorkshire, informing me that there was great want of a larger preaching house in Dewsbury, and asking permission to make subscriptions and collections, in order to build one. I encouraged him to do them. The money was subscribed and collected, and the house built." [16]
In a 1790 letter to John Valton, Wesley said, "Where you and Adam Clarke are, it would be strange if there were no revival." [17]
Wesley
often advised Valton on:
- Doctrine and Discipline: Guidelines on the strict administration of the members of local societies.
- Health and Work: Concerns about
the physical well-being of Valton, whom Wesley called "a faithful
worker, willing to spend and be spent by his Master." [18]
Inner change is the only thing needed for you
It is
certainly right, with all possible care, to abstain from all outward evil: but
this brings only a small benefit. Inner change is the only thing needed for
you. You must be born again, or you will never gain a uniform and lasting
freedom.
To John Valton
LONDON, January 31,
1764.
It is certainly
right, with all possible care, to abstain from all outward evil: but this
brings only a small benefit. Inner change is the only thing needed for you. You
must be born again, or you will never gain a uniform and lasting freedom. His
whole soul is sick, or rather dead—dead to God, dead in sin. Awake, then, and
rise from the dead, and Christ will give you light. Seeking a particular
deliverance from a single sin is just wasted work. If it could be achieved, it
would be worth little, because another would arise in its place. But, in fact,
there cannot before there be a general deliverance from the guilt and power of
sin. That's what you want, and what you should always be looking for. You want
to be justified freely from all things, through the redemption that is in Jesus
Christ. It may be helpful if you read the first volume of Sermons seriously and
prayerfully. In fact, nothing will be of any use without prayer. Pray, succeed
or not. When you are joyful and when you are heavy, still pray; Pray with many
or few words, or none at all: you will surely find an answer of peace, and why
not now—I am His servant, for Christ's sake. [19]
A larger
field of action is prepared for you
Wherever
you are, I don't doubt it, but you'll find something to do for God. But I don't
think you should always stay in Purfleet; A larger field of action is prepared
for you
To John Valton
LONDON, March 1,
1769.
MY DEAR BROTHER,--Wherever
you are, I do not doubt it, but you will find something to do for God. But I
don't think you should always stay in Purfleet; A larger field of action is
prepared for you. In fact, the moment has not yet fully arrived. For now,
therefore, work where you are. But be prepared, so that whenever our Lord
calls, you may answer, 'Behold, I come to do Thy will, O God.'—I am[20]
Your affectionate
brother.
May God have called
you to a more extensive work
And stay where you
are as long as you can stay; but do not resist when He casts you into His
harvest. I cannot doubt in the least that God has called you to a more
extensive work
To John Valton
DUBLIN, March 23,
1769,
MY DEAR BROTHER,--
Surely the Lord is preparing you for a more extensive work, and showing you
that He can and will give you a mouth. Be careful not to get attached to any
person or thing. I God is a jealous God. And stay where you are as long as you
can stay; but do not resist when He casts you into His harvest. I cannot doubt
in the least that God has called you to a more extensive work. [See the March 1
letter to him.] He gave you a sincerity of that in Stroud; and your weakness of
soul or body is no obstacle to Him. Let Him remove it when and how He wills.
But I doubt the time; It seems that he has not yet arrived fully present. At
present, you must do all you can where you are, and always be listening to His
voice and waiting until He clears the way before your face.--I am
Your affectionate
brother. [21]
He's now calling you
It really seems that
He is now calling you. When I last wrote, you didn't want to leave; and
probably now He is casting you into the harvest.
To John Valton
LONDON, November 21,
1769.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- It
is a wonderful thing to be open to God's call. It really seems that He is now
calling you. When I last wrote, you didn't want to leave; and probably now He
is casting you into the harvest. If so, be careful not to disobey the heavenly
calling. Otherwise, you may be allowed to fall lower than you think.--I'm
Your affectionate
brother. [22]
Your disabilities are
not a limit
I believe you will
take it easy. Their incapacities are not a limit; for when you are sent, you
will not be sent to war at your own expense. Now improve the present time where
you are.
To John Valton
LONDON, December 2,
1769.
MY DEAR BROTHER,--
Surely you have not been called to leave now. I believe you will take it easy.
Their incapacities are not a limit; for when you are sent, you will not be sent
to war at your own expense. Now improve the present time where you are. [See
letter of November 21. 'This letter,' says Valton, 'was as pleasant as the
grapes of Eshcol to my soul.']--I am
Your affectionate
brother. [23]
A revival of God's
work is usually a consequence
In every place there
is a remarkable blessing in the prayer meetings. A revival of God's work is
usually a consequence of them.
To John Valton
NORWICH,
November 12, 1771.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- Many of
our brethren began to help their neighbors in the principles of Primitive
Physics. At first, they prescribed only simple things, and God blessed their
labors. But they rarely continued as they began; They have become increasingly
complex in their prescriptions. Beware of this; Keep it simple. One thing will
almost always be better than two.
I think there's a small
snippet of the kind you mentioned among those donated by the Society for
Promoting Christian Knowledge. If so, I can easily sum it up in a penny
brochure. Dr. Tissot wrote for Swiss constitutions: we must consider English,
which is generally less robust.
In every place there is a
remarkable blessing in the prayer meetings. A revival of God's work is usually
a consequence of them. The most common fault among Methodists is that they are
overly expressed in religion. We are constantly forgetting that the kingdom of
God is within us, and that our fundamental principle is: We are saved by faith,
producing all inward holiness, not by works, by any outward factors in any way.
"I am
Your affectionate brother.
To Mr. John Valton, in
Purfleet. [24]
Your Own Conscience Directed by God's Word
In every class you can have but one rule:
your own conscience directed by the Word of God. Two or three dozen of the
Children's Instructions (better than any spelling book) and the Children's
Tokens you can use.
To John Valton
LONDON, February 23, 1773.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- In every
class you can have but one rule: your own conscience directed by the Word of
God. Two or three dozen of the Children's Instructions (better than any
spelling book) and the Children's Tokens you can use. It would be extremely correct
to receive a little of your patients for the support of the school. If the
chalk workers do not come to listen, I advise them to suspend preaching among
themselves for a month or two (possibly this may have a good effect). Do this
so that you have that time for yourself. May it be sacred! Do not use part of
it other than private exercises. Hold on to the, beginning from this time, and
your soul will revive.--I am
Your affectionate brother.
To John Valton, in
Purfleet. [25]
Take a journey of a thousand miles first
Humanly speaking, this would be the case for
you if you had married during your current state of health. I think you should,
anyway, make a journey of a thousand miles first
To John Valton
BRISTOL, September 18,
1773.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- When Dr.
Monkley attended to that good man Mr. Colley [Benjamin Colley, a native of
Tollerton, Yorkshire. He joined the Methodists in 1761. See the letters of May
2, 1767 and October 13, 1784 (to Valton)] in his consumptive disorder, he said
one day, 'I cannot imagine how none of my remedies have any effect.' After
pausing, he asked one of those next to him, 'Has this gentleman recently
married?' And she said, 'About four months ago,' he said, 'So he's dead.'
Find Sam. Lelick, in
Dublin, with a tuberculous habit, married for some months, advised him to leave
his wife there and ride with me through the kingdom. But she persuaded him to
stay with her; as a consequence of this, a few months later, she buried him
[See letter of January 12 to Alexander Clark].
Your affectionate brother.
To Mr. Valton, in Purfleet,
Essex. [26]
Come take over the books in
London
Now
I have another proposal to make to you, which requires someone with an honest
heart and a lot of dedication. Come take over the books in London. I think that
would take you six or seven hours a day. And you would have the opportunity to
preach every Sunday and (if you like) often during the week.
To
John Valton
BRISTOL, September 20,
1773.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- My first
advice to you was: Preach the gospel everywhere. But you cringed. Now I have
another proposal to make to you, which requires someone with an honest heart
and a lot of dedication. Come take over the books in London. I think that would
take you six or seven hours a day. And you would have the opportunity to preach
every Sunday and (if you like) often during the week. I would give you
twenty-five pounds a year with your board and a room at the Foundation, or
fifty pounds without it. If you want to accept, send me a message immediately,
and we can talk, Dad. I won't talk to anyone else until I hear from you.--I'm
Your affectionate brother.
To Mr. Valton, At Purfleet,
Essex. [27]
Unskilled preachers
I'm in no hurry to change.
I probably won't do anything else until I get to London. You were present at
the Conference and heard what was said about unqualified preachers.
To John Valton
BRADFORD (ABOUT AVON),
September 29, 1773.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- All is
well. People volunteer for the place [To take charge of Wesley's Book Room in
London. Look at the letters of September 20 and October 20] who know that it is
much easier than that of a merchant's clerk. I'm in no hurry to change. I probably
won't do anything else until I get to London. You were present at the
Conference and heard what was said about unqualified preachers. I think Rd.
Packer [Richard Packer came to London from Northamptonshire, was converted to
Foundy, and became a prosperous builder at Mile End. See Stevenson's Town Road
Chapel, pp. 477-8] is as weak as most. Still, he has often been helpful; and,
what's stranger, in a lot of places they like him-- I'm
Your affectionate brother.
I hope to be in town
tonight. [28]
It looks like you'll be
called to marry
If you get promoted, and if
you regain your health (and where you should ride every day), then it looks
like you'll be called to marry
To John Valton
WITNEY, October 20, 1773.
MY DEAR BROTHER,--
Considering all the circumstances, I think you put the matter on the right
ground. If you are promoted, and if you regain your health (and where you must
ride every day), then it looks as if you will be called to marry [See September
18 letter to him]--I am
Your affectionate brother. [29]
Go in His name and in the power of His power
Go in His
name and in the power of His power. Exhort all men to believe in him now, and
all believers now to grasp the prize, to seek Christ in a pure and sinless
heart
To John Valton
DEPTFORD, November 20, 1775.
MY DEAR
BROTHER,-- We had almost no frost last winter; Maybe you don't have anything
else to go out with. I'm usually more bothered by the cold of November than by
what comes after Christmas. But, be that as it may, our wisdom is not to think
about anything the next day. And with every temptation that comes today,
there's a way to escape. You are just in your place, doing and suffering the
will of your Lord in the way He has called you. Go in His name and in the power
of His power. Exhort all men to believe in him now, and all believers now to
grasp the prize, to seek Christ in a pure and sinless heart—I am
Your
affectionate brother. [30]
You are
called to another part of the vineyard
It
wouldn't be appropriate for you to spend another year at the Gloucester-shire
Circuit. You are called to another part of the vineyard; and God does all
things well
To John Valton
LONDON, February 25,
1778.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -
You would do well to have a cup of nettle decoction every morning and observe
which food suits you best. Get used to the outdoors by going more or less every
day when it doesn't rain. It wouldn't be appropriate for you to spend another
year at the Gloucester-shire Circuit. You are called to another part of the
vineyard; and God does all things well. - I'm
Your affectionate
brother.
To Mr. Valton, at
Methodist
Preaching house in Worcester. [31]
An ill-advised step led to
darkness
FROM THAT ILL-ADVISED STEP
OF POOR BROTHER M'Nab came smoke from the bottomless pit, which darkened and
bled the minds of many as well as his own, filling them with unnecessary doubts
and fears. I'm glad you came out of this darkness, and I hope you don't feel
that anymore.
To John Valton
LONDON, February 9, 1780.
MY DEAR BROTHER, FROM THAT
ILL-ADVISED STEP OF POOR BROTHER M'Nab's came smoke from the bottomless pit,
which darkened and bled the minds of many as well as yours, filling them with
unnecessary doubts and fears. I'm glad you came out of this darkness, and I
hope you don't feel that anymore. I also hope that those in Bath who sinned
deeply on occasion will now humble themselves before God; and I trust that He
will enable you to do much more good than you have already done in Bath, as
well as in Bristol. I hope to be in Bath on Tuesday, the 29th of the present
moment, and in Bristol a day or two later. But I cannot and do not dare to
allow them to be leaders who will not deign to participate in the preaching. On
Monday, March 13, I hope to be in Stroud; on Tuesday at noon in Tewkesbury,
Tuesday evening in Worcester. Take care not to preach more than your health
allows.
You must not offer murder
for sacrifice. Please send my affectionate greetings to Sister Newman, whom I
thank for the letter, and I hope to see you in Stroud or Tewkesbury, if it is
convenient for her. - I'm
Your affectionate friend
and brother. [32]
Wish you'd
take on another burden for yourself
I wanted
you to take on another burden for yourself. Alternate one of the Primitive
Physicks and insert as many cheap and simple remedies into it as you want
To John
Valton
PARKGATE,
April 21, 1780.
MY DEAR
BROTHER,—I send you here with one of our Lord's jewels, my dear Miss Helena.
Ritchie; Someone you've barely seen before. But, alas! It seems that she has
little time to stay here, unless the journey causes her to consume. Miss
Marshall, your friend, is really an Israelite. You will help them as much as
you can; and I doubt Sister Maddern will either. In fact, they are worthy.
I hope
you're writing me an excerpt from your Diary. [See the February 9 and October 1
letters to him.] I wanted you to take on another burden for yourself. Alternate
one of the Primitive Physicks and insert as many cheap and simple remedies into
it as you like. "I'm
Your
affectionate friend and brother.
To Mr.
Valton, in the new room, in Bristol. [33]
Despite
the shame and natural shyness
You know
what to omit and what to put in. I really think you owe it (despite the shame
and natural shyness) to God, to me, and to your brothers. Pray for light on
this subject
To John
Valton
BRISTOL,
October 1, 1780,
MY DEAR
BROTHER,-I expected the state of the Manchester Circuit to be exactly as you
found it. But the power of the Lord can heal them. I fear that Sister Mayer
became unemployed because she loved perfection. If you find a few more of the
same spirit, I believe you will get them jobs. Accommodations everywhere will
heal if preachers make a loving effort. I'm glad you put a little effort into
the new chapel. Our brother Brocklehurst will do anything reasonable.
On one
thing, only you and I do not agree; but perhaps we will, when we have prayed
over her: I mean that she give me an excerpt from her Life [See letters of
April 21 and December 19]. I cannot see the weight of your motives against it.
'Some are shallow.' What then All are not; Especially those of Brother Mather
and Haime. Add one to those; A heavier one, if you can. You know what to omit
and what to put in. I really think you owe it (despite the shame and natural
shyness) to God, to me, and to your brothers. Pray for light on this
subject.--I am
Your
affectionate friend and brother.
To Mr. Valton, at the
preaching house, Manchester. [34]
To give you the
freedom to spend a little time wherever God's work requires it
The third preacher
was added for just that purpose, to give him the freedom to spend a little time
wherever God's work requires it
To John
Valton
LONDON,
December 31, 1780,
MY DEAR
BROTHER,-- The third preacher has been added for just this purpose, to give him
the liberty to spend a little time wherever the work of God requires it [The
appointment in the Minutes is, 'John Valton, George Snowden'; in 1781 Alexander
M'Nab is the third preacher.] You have entirely omitted an article in the plan
(See letter of February 16th)—the new members: of these, I suppose, you will
give me an account in a moment, I doubt, but you can give me a good description
of all except—the rich members: perhaps of some of these also; for it is on
this particular occasion that our Lord says, 'With God all things are
possible.'--I am
Your
affectionate friend and brother.
If you can spread the
magazines, you'll do good. The letters contained therein contain the marrow of
Christianity. .[35]
Men and women are already separated in the
chapel
As I have already done. has begun, since men
and women are already separated in the chapel of Manchester, I ask Brother
Brocklehurst and you will resolutely continue this separation. This is a
Methodist rule
To John Valton
WARRINGTON, April 9, 1781.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- As I
have already done. began, since men and women are already separated in the
chapel of Manchester, I request Brother Brocklehurst [See letter of October 1,
1780 to Valton.] and you will resolutely continue this separation. This is a
Methodist rule, not based on whims, but on a clear and solid reason; and this
has been observed in Manchester for several years: in general, we have lost
nothing for it either. By admitting the contrary practice, by mixing men and
women, you would exclude me from the house; for if I enter into a Methodist
preaching in that case, I must immediately leave again. But I hope that never
happens; I think you have more consideration for
Your affectionate friend
and brother.
To Mr. Valton, in the
Preaching House,
Manchester.
In his absence to be
delivered to Mr.
Brocklehurst. [36]
Better forty members
should be lost than our lost discipline
To
John Valton
LONDON, January 18, 1782.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- I
received the first two leaves of your life. Don't be afraid to write too much;
I can easily leave out what can be saved. It pleased God to guide John Haime
and you a long way through the desert. Others He leads by a shorter and
smoother path; And yet to the same point: for we must not imagine that such a
degree of suffering is necessary to any degree of holiness. In this respect,
God certainly acts as a Sovereign; giving what He wants, and by what means He
wants. I believe that the holiest man who ever lived was the Apostle John;
Still, it seems to have suffered very little.
You must take care never to
write for too long, and always to write standing up; Never, in any way, support
yourself on your stomach. God gives me exactly the strength I had thirty years
ago. I cannot allow John Sellars [See letter of January 7.] to continue to be a
leader; and if he leads the class, whether I like it or not, I demand that you
expel him from our Society. If twenty of their class are also going to leave
the Society, they should leave. The first defeat is the best. Better forty
members must be lost than our lost discipline. They are not Methodists who
cannot stand restrictions. Explain this in a general way to the Society. -- I
am
Your affectionate friend
and brother. [37]
I say No again
Whether the trustees
should place and replace preachers (This is the essential question.) I say No
again; otherwise, intolerable consequences will come
To
John Valton
LONDON, January 16, 1783.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- Here
are two questions: (1) If I have acted rightly, I answer, No. I should have
resolutely resisted all insistence. (2) Whether the trustees [See letter of
December 3, 1782.] should place and substitute preachers (This is the essential
question.) I say No again; otherwise, intolerable consequences will come. -- I
am
Your affectionate friend
and brother.
Please send my regards to
George Brown and tell him that I have his letter. [38]
Some specific end drawn in
every extraordinary work of God
There must be some specific
end designed in every extraordinary work of God. But there are cases in which
it takes a considerable time before this end appears
To
John Valton
LONDON, January 22, 1783.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- It is
right to add as much solemnity as possible to the admission of new members.
I think you can refer the
butcher's wife's case to the leaders. 'Not selling' would certainly be the best
way. But whether she should be expelled for this reason may be a matter of
doubt.
There must be some specific
end designed in every extraordinary work of God. But there are cases where it
takes a considerable amount of time for that end to appear. And it may be
convenient to remain in suspense to wean ourselves from our own will and our
own wisdom. If there was any particular meaning in this appearance, God will
reveal it in due time. -- I am
Your affectionate friend
and brother.
To Mr. Valton, in the
preaching house, [39]
Your reasons for wanting to
spend another year at the Birstall Circuit
His reasons for desiring to
spend another year at the Birstall Circuit [He was reappointed to Birstall in 1783.]
seem to me to be well-founded. This may be so, if nothing happens to the
contrary between the Conference and the Conference.
To
John Valton
NOTTINGHAM, April 4, 1783.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- Being
more than half recovered from my late illness, [See letters of March 16 and
April 4.] I'm moving slowly on my way. I intend to stay here until Sunday; then
I think about heading towards Dublin.
Your affectionate friend
and brother.
To Mr. Valton, in Birstall,
near
Leeds. [40]
Our fasting will have many
positive effects
I believe that our fasting will bring many positive effects. Many have found reasons to bless God because of this
Para John Valton
LONDON, June 5, 1783.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- What
Birstall's assistants (even Thomas Taylor [Taylor was assistant at Bitstall in
1778]) have done these seven years
Sister Rogers [Mrs. Rogers
died in 1784. Her husband married Hester Ann Roe in the same year. See the
letter of May 5, 1784.] It's a jewel of a woman. She has all the spirit of her
husband and desires nothing more than to do and suffer the will of God.
These trustees [In
Birstall. See letter of November 9, 1782.] they are wonderfully reckless. Are
they afraid that their children will think the same way they do? I would not
leave a preaching house for my executioners all over the world. However, do
what you think is best.
Your affectionate friend
and brother.
But your life! I want your
life. [See the letter of January 18, 1782, where Wesley acknowledges receipt of
the first part of the autobiography.] [41]
Christ sent them not to baptize, but to preach the
gospel
I will have no objection to Mr. Taylor if he does not
baptize infants; but I dare not suffer this. I shall soon be obliged to dismiss
all preachers who do not abandon this. Christ sent them not to baptize, but to
preach the gospel.
To John Valton
LONDON, January 6,
1784.
MY DEAR BROTHER, - I
don't think the water of Bristol would have done you much good; but exercise
and change of air would do. I do not know Dr. Davison [See letter of October 13
to Valton.]; but I've seen (maybe three times) more patients than him. And I
know many who have died from swallowing large amounts of powdered wood. Beware
of this, and you can live and do good.
I will have no
objection to Mr. Taylor if he does not baptize infants; but I dare not suffer
this. I shall soon be obliged to dismiss all preachers who do not abandon this.
Christ sent them not to baptize, but to preach the gospel. [See letters of May
19, 1783 and March 4, 1784 (to Percival).] I wonder if any of them are so cruel
as to try, knowing what I feel. We have already heard it twice from Dr. Coke.
They all work well. - I'm
Your affectionate
friend and brother. [42]
I believe it will be
better for you to be in Scarborough
I believe it will be
better for you to be in Scarborough, because many are
alive there, and scarcely none in Bridlington. John Alien may stay at Birstall
for another year
To John Valton
YORK, June 25, 1784.
MY DEAR BROTHER,
"I only make time to write one line. I hope to be in Dawgreen on the 17th
of July at half past six o'clock, in Birstall on Sunday and Monday the 19th in
the morning. [Preached at Bingley on July 18 in the morning and afternoon; at
Dawgreen, where a new chapel was to be built, on the 24th; at Bitstall 'for
several thousands' on Sunday, the 25th.]
Your affectionate
friend and brother. [43]
The sea of love is
enough to lift
Consider, a person
who was very happy and good is now less happy than he was. So he thinks, 'I
should be happier if I were married.' It's not that feeling
The sea of love is
enough to lift
To John Valton
BRISTOL, September 5,
1785.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -
Neither Sister Brisco nor her husband ever asked me for money. From time to
time I gave her a guinea; but, I think, never more than once. We could not give
more regularly to the son; but I would give her five pounds for a spoken word. Now
she has to work hard to get it. [Thomas Brisco was stationed in Thirsk and was
evidently facing financial difficulties.]
Our preachers (I mean
many of them) still fail to judge and underestimate each other. Henry Foster is
a weak man, but by no means a weak preacher. This has never been challenged to
him before at any circuit where I have followed him. He is a solid, judicious
man of deep piety.
I'm thinking that her
best way is, if someone gives T. Brisco five guineas, I'll reciprocate.
The sea of
love is enough to lift
With drops of
creature happiness [Poetical Works, i. 132.]
I am
Your affectionate
friend and brother.
To Mr. Valton, at
Captain Robinson's house,
On Bridlington Key,
Yorkshire. [44]
Strictly
insist that each one meet their class weekly
You
should also strictly insist that each one meets his class weekly, without some
very peculiar obstacle
To John Valton
LONDON, January 29, 1790.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- Where
you and Adam Clarke are, it would be strange if there were not a rebirth. You
do well to prune the circuit, and I advise you to cut off all those (unless
they are exceedingly poor) who do not, as per our original rule, contribute a
shilling every quarter, and a penny once a week. Many members you will lose for
this; But our gain will be greater than our loss. You should also strictly
insist that each one meet his class weekly, without some very peculiar
obstacle. I am glad that you have made a catalogue of the Society, as required
by the Conference Minutes. According to this catalog, classes must always be
complied with so that all can be evaluated exactly. If God pleases me to attend
another conference in Bristol, I should spend a day or two at his house
willingly. Peace be with your spirit! -- I am
Your affectionate friend
and brother. [45]
[1] Overview of google AI mode
[2]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1773/
[3] "Decoction is an extraction method in which
more rigid plant fragments are boiled in water for a set time" (Google AI
Mode Overview).
[4]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1778/
[5]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1784/
[6] Overview of google AI mode
[7] Overview of google AI mode
[8] Overview of google AI mode
[9]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1776/
[10]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1776/
[11]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1776/
[12]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1776/
[13]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1780/
[14] Overview of google AI mode
[15]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1784/
[16]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1789/
[17]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1790/
[18] Overview of google AI mode
[19]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1764/
[20]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1769/
[21]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1769/
[22]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1769/
[23]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1769/
[24]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1771/
[25]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1773/
[26]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1773/
[27]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1773/
[28]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1773/
[29]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1773/
[30]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[31]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1778/
[32]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1780/
[33]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1780/
[34]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1780/
[35]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1780/
[36]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1781/
[37]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1782/
[38]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1783/
[39]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1783/
[40]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1783/
[41]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1783/
[42]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1784/
[43]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1784/
[44]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1785/
[45]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1790/
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