Sarah
Ryan, the cedar of Lebanon
Overcoming temptations, prejudices and being merciful to the poor
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
Library: 808
Books published by the author: 848
Address: https://bibliotecawesleyana.blogspot.com
Cover:
https://www.facebook.com/groups /ANWDInspirational/posts/5298422966941689/
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.
" Soon after, the Lord fulfilled his word. One day, as
I was walking through my room, it seemed as if something had been taken from
me. I was amazed and could not understand: but in the evening, as I went to
pray against my sin that tormented me, I perceived that my prayer had changed a
great deal. "Lord," said I, "you have taken away the idol from
my heart: now I will grow like a cedar in Lebanon." In fact, it now seemed
that nothing stood between my soul and God. I saw myself exactly as Noah's
dove; I had nothing on which to rest the sole of my foot: for, though I rested
not in any creature, yet I had not sunk in God; However, I felt a change in my
whole soul, and now I seemed to run unhindered." [1]
(Sarah Ryan)
============================
Table of Contents
· Introduction
· Who was Sarah Ryan
· Our Family Rules
·
I was censored by
some of your closest friends
·
Stay close to each
moment of the anointing of the Holy One
· Perhaps few people in
England have been through such a dangerous situation as you have
·
Whoever warns me not
to trust you
·
Your last letter was
really timely
· Your heart is totally pure
·
Be worthy of the
vocation by which you are called
·
God testified that He
saved me from all sin
·
You answer me simply
and clearly
·
Now you find unbroken
communion with God
·
Do you always find a
direct witness that you are saved from sin?
============================
Introduction
"Sarah Ryan, the cedar of Lebanon,
"overcoming temptations, prejudices and being merciful to the poor"
is a 30-page book based on Wesley's letters to Sarah Ryan.
"In the history of Methodism, Sarah Ryan (1724–1768) was an influential British philanthropist. She overcame a tumultuous past and social criticism to become a respected religious leader. Alongside Mary Bosanquet, she founded a Christian community and orphanage called The Cedars . The place has become a reference of welcome and spiritual solidity". [2]
Ryan saw in children the possibility of growing solid, deep and resistant to storms, like the cedar of Lebanon.
Sarah had a difficult childhood with an alcoholic father. She was abandoned by her husbands and this was a very big burden on her life.
Sarah converted at the age of 17 to Methodism. Wesley saw in her a true conversion and had confidence in her work.
Sarah demonstrated a "genuine repentance, a deep religious devotion, and a natural ability to care for the poor and needy."[3]
In 1755, John Wesley appointed her as governess of the New Room in Bristol and Kingswood School.
"Entrusted
by John to oversee the welfare of preachers, he recognized her potential and
encouraged her to become a preacher, marking the beginning of her journey
within the early female Methodist community.
Along with other preachers, Sarah dedicated herself to nurturing young women to
become leaders and preachers in the movement." [4]
Later, Sarah Ryan and Mary Bosanquet created The Cedars, and took in 35 children and 34 adults.
It was a
pioneering and merciful work at the time.
"In
addition to providing a home, food, and clothing, the women offered education
to the residents. Reading, writing, and basic math were taught along with good
manners and practical skills that would help residents find employment in
nursing or domestic service. Local neighbors objected to 'the Cedars' bringing
'undesirable' women to the area, and both Sarah and Mary faced regular abuse on
the streets." [5]
Ray died early and
was placed in her grave: "Sarah Ryan who lived and died a
Christian."
A message for the
prejudiced and that reveals how her friends saw her.
Wesley's letters to
Sarah Ryan reveal a whole trust, respect and admiration.
A story that shows a
Wesley without prejudice and also shows that a transformed life can become like
a cedar of Lebanon and be an instrument of God's mercy.
The Author
============================
Who was
Sarah Ryan
"Sarah Ryan (1724–1768) was an important and
controversial figure in the early Methodist movement in England." [6]
What was your childhood like?
Born in 1724, Sarah was raised in a poor but God-fearing family,
"but her childhood became more and more unhappy because her father took up
drinking and became an alcoholic, and her mother ended up in the poorhouse.
Sarah was sent to bring money to the family by working as a maid. Her own
verdict on her childhood was that she turned out to be a very bad young
woman."[7]
Sarah's father was an alcoholic. This brought "financial"
problems in her family. His father spent most of his money on alcohol and
neglected the family business. At one point, Ryan's brother, who was only
twelve years old, took over the family business. But shortly after, Ryan's
brother drowned, leaving ownership of the family business back to his father. A
large part of the family's assets was sold to pay off their debts. When she was
ten years old, Ryan became a maid to support the family."[8]
Your weddings
Sarah has been married three times and has
not officially separated from any of them.
First marriage
Sarah married a young man who, shortly after,
abandoned her and fled abroad.
Second marriage
"At the age of nineteen, she married a
corkcutter, without realizing that he was already married. After he left her,
Sarah began working in the home of an Italian Jew named Solomon Benreken."
[9]
Sarah said, "Being now about twenty
years old, and thinking of marrying, I never prayed more earnestly for anything
than myself that I might marry Christ, though I knew not what it meant: and I
continued to do so till I married the person on whom I set my heart. Then I
thought I was happy enough, without Christ; but God said, This is not your
rest. All my comforts disappeared at once; and the man I loved went away, and
left me once more for the wide world. Helpless and distressed, I went to live
in a Jewish family and soon abandoned both the form and the power of
religion." [10]
Third marriage
She married an Irish sailor named Ryan. It
was a time of trials, and she said that Satan laid many traps for her.
It was a time of horrors and fears. She said:
"I lived for about seven years in this condition of suffering. My husband
then went to the sea, and I returned to live in the Jewish family; where, in a
short time, he fell ill. They were extremely kind and sent for my mother to
breastfeed me. But I had no thought of God, till one night I dreamed that I was
in Mr. Wesley's chamber, and saw an angel, who quickly disappeared, and awoke.
Falling asleep again, I thought I was in the place of fame, and I saw a beautiful
garden, and the angel approaching me, till he laid his hand on my arm and said
three times, 'Come out of these Jews, or you will be condemned.' I turned
around and said, 'If I live, I will make my life right.' It disappeared, and I
woke up." [11]
Her husband later abandoned her and was
thought to have died at sea, but Sarah later found out that he was alive in the
U.S.
When Sarah was in the process of sainthood,
her husband wrote to her telling her to accompany him to New England. But she
said: "(...) after a while I thought of asking Mr. Wesley for advice,
which I did. After we talked for a while, he said, 'Can he keep you there?' I
replied, 'Yes, but can I go and save my fault?' He replied, 'What do you think,
Sally?' Instantly the light came in and I said, 'No, sir, I can't.' I went home
and soon after I wrote and said, 'To the letter of my soul, I dare not come.'
No sooner had I sent the letter than my soul was set free, my idolatrous
affection was under my feet and my heart turned to God." [12]
Sarah soon proceeded to perfection, as she herself wrote.
Sarah had
revelations. She said, "The following Sunday, in the Church of
Spitalfields, I saw the Lord Jesus standing, and a child all dressed in white
before him: and he showed me that he had made me like that child; but that I
should grow to the measure of his full stature. I returned home full of light,
joy, love, and holiness, and God confirmed daily what He had done for my
soul."[13]
Sarah said that for
six weeks she went forward in glorious light, and was "lifted above
temptation. But after that, I began again to see the evil that was still in my
heart, and now it seemed more terrible than ever. In the same way, my old
temptation to deny the divinity of Christ came back violently upon me. At the
same time, I saw more clearly than ever, that my heart was not entirely with
God, but was fixed upon my husband (the idol mentioned before): and of this I
was fully convinced, I must inevitably separate my soul from him, if I were not
rejected; but I had no more power to do this than to create a world. For a
while, I remained practically the same, but even so, between these periods,
happy in God." [14]
Sarah, however, after
Wesley's advice, managed to get rid of her idol.
"Faced with legal and moral chaos, she
decided to abandon all relationships for good and live a celibate life."[15]
How was the conversion in Methodism
When Sarah was seventeen, she heard George Whitefield preach.
Sarah said: "When I was about seventeen. I heard about Mr.
Whitefield. He preached on the Prodigal Son. I was very shaken, cried most of
the time, and decided to listen to him whenever I could: not even the
impressions I received then have completely disappeared since then."[16]
"She loved to listen to Whitefield, but
she was not yet converted. It was not until a few years later, in 1754,
when she heard John Wesley—the other founder of Methodism—preach that she was
completely converted to Methodism." [17]
She recounted this moment: "In April,
1754, I had repressed all my desires, when, at Sarah's insistence] C[rosby, I
went one Sunday, though very reluctantly, to Spitalfields Church.5 Mr. John Wesley preached on the parable of
the sower.6 As I described the stony and thorny ground,
I knew that all that I said belonged to me: but when I spoke of the good
ground, I could not claim part of it; only I found a desire, which I could!
When the sermon ended, as I stood carelessly, a thought flashed through my
mind: "Oh, that I may have a blessing!" Immediately I was answered,
"But I will have a blessing." At the same moment I felt every evil
desire, and it was said unto me, Ask, and thou shalt receive: Then clasping my
hands in my breast. I said, "I will ask, and I will receive." [18]
After the sermon, Wesley ministered the
Lord's Surrender and Sarah went to the table.
She recounted this moment: "And all the
way, as I climbed with great difficulty to the table, I still said, 'For me,
Lord; for me." When I got up, with my strength completely lost, I
threw my body over the rails, and, overwhelmed by the power of God, I was
utterly indifferent to outward things. Mr. Wesley offered me the bread, but I
could not accept it; Then he passed me and handed me over when he came back.
When he uttered those words, 'The blood of the Lord Jesus Christ,' they pierced
my heart and filled my ugly with love for him. He immediately said: 'This is
the Faith for which the martyrs went to the flames.' I felt a change in my
whole soul and longed to be alone. As soon as I got home, I fell to my
knees and cried out, 'Lord, are my sins forgiven?' I was answered, 'There is no
condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.'"[19]
Sarah reported that
she dreamed that her inbreeding corruptions were destroyed: the last two were
Pride and Unbelief.
"By 1754, Wesley
had already become his spiritual mentor. She says it was his preaching that
caused her to feel "a hatred of sin such as I have never felt before"
and to see "more clearly the depth of iniquity" that was in
her heart. This allowed her, despite being "a willful sinner," to
feel at times "quite overwhelmed by the power and love of God." She
later provided this vivid account of the moment when she felt she was assured
of God's forgiveness for her past sins:
I felt a cold sweat
and a tremor invade... I felt my strength completely lost and fell off my
chair. In an instant, I saw (not with my physical eyes) the Lord Jesus standing
before me saying, 'Today is salvation, come to this house.' I saw all my works
and conquests at his feet, as nothing of value: and I saw my soul, as it were,
taken and plunged into God... [The Lord said] 'Neither heights, nor depths, nor
things present, nor things to come, nor any other creature, shall separate your
soul from me for a moment, neither in time nor in eternity." [20]
Sarah demonstrated a "genuine repentance, a deep
religious devotion, and a natural ability to care for the poor and needy."[21]
Your work as a housekeeper
"In
1757, Wesley appointed Ryan governess at theKingswood School, a
Methodist institution he founded. Despite her lack of experience in
education, she apparently did well in school, and Wesley praised her work. [22]
Not
everyone was satisfied with this appointment.
Sarah
Ryan's main opponent was Molly, Wesley's wife. "She openly insulted Sarah
in front of the then-resident preachers, describing her as a prostitute. She
warned them to stay away from a woman who had three living husbands. Afterwards, John wrote to
Sarah apologizing." [23]
The
co-founder of O Cedars, in Leytonstone
Sarah,
after being freed from her idolatry, she saw herself as the cedar of Lebanon.
In
1763, Sarah Crosby, Mary Bosanquet, and Sarah Ryan lived and worked at the
orphanage The Cedars (Cedar), inLeytonstone.
What was The Cedars?
"The Cedars have supported 35 children and 34 adults during its
five years of existence. Usually, there were 15 to 20 — mostly girls —
staying at The Cedars. Ryan and Bosanquet's work on The Cedars was highly praised by
Wesley. But the Cedars did not only receive good praise. When
Bosanquet and Ryan started their venture, locals weren't happy with the effort.
Crowds threw dirt
at anyone who left the house." [24]
Sarah Ryan and Bosanquet were constantly offended and spied on.
It was a pioneering and merciful
work at the time. "In addition to providing a home, food, and clothing,
the women offered education to the residents. Reading, writing, and basic math
were taught along with good manners and practical skills that would help
residents find employment in nursing or domestic service. Local neighbors
objected to 'the Cedars' bringing 'undesirable' women to the area, and both
Sarah and Mary faced regular abuse on the streets." [25]
A summary of Ryan's life in Methodism and relationship with Wesley
"Housekeeper in Bristol
- Wesley's appointment: In 1755, John Wesley appointed her housekeeper of the New Room in Bristol and Kingswood School.
- Role of Trust: She managed the operational center of Methodism in the region and took care of the routine of the preachers and students." [26]
It appears that Sarah Ryan did a
great job "assiduously with all the preachers assigned to help in the
Bristol circuit. Among them were John Furze', Peter Jaco and two
straight-talking men who had fought as soldiers in the War of the Austrian
Succession, William Hitchins and John Haime. And the evidence we have suggests
that Sarah did a great job. For example, Elizabeth Johnson, a well-respected
member of the New Room society, recorded how much she and her friends were
inspired by Sarah:
We were able to make a total surrender of will and affection, and to receive the Lord Jesus more fully into our King, than we had ever done before." [27]
Relationship with John
Wesley
- Unconditional Support:
Wesley defended Sarah with conviction. He believed in his genuine
conversion and the opportunity for a fresh start that the gospel offered.
- Marital Conflict: The closeness and intense exchange of letters of spiritual counseling between Wesley and Sarah Ryan generated deep jealousy in Mary Vazeille, Wesley's wife, aggravating the crisis in the Methodist leader's marriage.
Social and Educational Work
- Orphanage and School: Later, Sarah Ryan co-founded a Methodist community and orphanage called The Cedars, in Leytonstone, along with Mary Bosanquet Fletcher.
- Model of Charity: The place functioned under strong Christian discipline and assistance to the poor, and was widely praised by Wesley as a model of holy community life. [28]
Sarah Ryan's illness
Sarah Ryan began to suffer more
and more from serious health problems.
"In 1761, she switched to
drinking a bad-tasting mixture of pine tar and water as a healing tonic, but
this did not help her and probably made the situation worse. By 1762, it was
already obvious that she could not continue in her demanding role. It was then
agreed that she should leave and went to help Mary Bosanquet set up a house at
Leytonstone for destitute children and impoverished women. Mary had the money
and Sarah the practical knowledge. The house was called 'The Cedars' and had
the capacity to accommodate fifteen to twenty residents. Sarah and Mary
received support from two friends, Mary Clarke and Sarah Crosby, but the main
burden fell on them." [29] They were criticized
and even persecuted.
Sarah, a mother
Sarah Ryan continued to live up
to the trust Wesley had placed in her. Bosanquet, who came to regard Sarah more
as a mother than a friend, said Sarah's way of life in the Cedars exemplified
the eight Beatitudes all put into practice. Her enormous influence on Mary (Bosanquet)
would be very important due to Mary's subsequent role in Methodism. In March
1764, Sarah wrote her last surviving letter to Wesley. In it, she thanked him
for all the trust he showed her. She said she received more good from him than
anyone else in the world." [30]
Sarah Ryan lived and
died a Christian
In 1768, Ryan became very ill. Mary Bosanquet decided to move the orphanage to give Ryan fresh air, among other reasons. But Ryan passed away. [31]
Sarah Ryan died on 17 August 1768. It was written on her tombstone the following: "Sarah Ryan who lived and died a Christian".
Wesley's letters
to Sarah Ryan reveal an affection, respect and trust:
Our
Family Rules
In the rush of business, I didn't have time to write down what you wanted -- our family rules. So I take a few minutes to do that now, and more happily because I know you're going to watch them.
For
Ms. Ryan
NEWBURY,
November 8, 1757.
MY
DEAR SISTER, -- In the rush of business, I didn't have time to write down what
you wanted -- our family rules. So I take a few minutes to do that now, and
more happily because I know you're going to watch them.
1.
The family gets up, leaves at four, leaves half an hour later.
2.
They eat breakfast at seven, dine at twelve, and dine at six.
3.
They spend the hour, from five to six in the afternoon (after a short joint
prayer), in private.
4.
They pray together at nine o'clock, and then retire to their chambers; So that
everyone is in bed before ten.
5.
They observe every Friday of the year as days of fasting or abstinence.
You,
in particular, I advise, -- Do not tolerate naughty visitors, no useless talk
in the house. It is a city situated on a hill; and all that is in it must be
'holiness to the Lord.'
What
top you stand on! You are in the eye of the whole world, friends and foes
alike. You have no experience in these things, you do not know the people, you
have no advantages of education, you have no great natural abilities, and you
are only a novice, as it were, in the ways of God! It requires all of God's
omnipotent love to preserve him in his present position. Stand firm in the Lord
and in the power of His might! Show that nothing is too hard for Him. Take to
yourself the whole armor of God, and do and suffer all things for Christ
strengthening you. If you keep learning and recommending, I don't know that it
can hurt you.
Your
affectionate brother. [32]
I was censored by some of
your closest friends
Surely God will never allow
me to shame my trust in you. I was reproached by some of his closest friends;
But I can't regret it
For
Ms. Ryan
NORWICH,
November 21, 1757
MY DEAR
SISTER, -- May the peace and love of God spring up in your heart as in the
past, and in greater generosity! You refreshed my bowels in the Lord; I feel
your words and praise God on your behalf. I not only forgive, but adore your
simplicity; And whatever freedom you use, it will be welcome.
Do
you not find interruption or abnormality in any moment of your joy in the Lord?
Do you see God continually, and that without any cloud, darkness, or mist
between them? Do you pray without ceasing, without ever being led away from it
by anything internal or external? You are never hindered by any person or thing
by the power or subtlety of Satan, or by the weakness or disorder of the body
that presses upon the soul. Can you be grateful for everything, without
exception? And do you feel that everyone works together for good? Don't you do
anything, big or small, just to please yourself? Do you feel no touch of desire
or affection other than that which is born of the pure love of God? Do you
speak no words but from a principle of love and under the guidance? of His
Spirit, O how I long to find thee innocent in all things, and holy as He that
hath cared for thee is holy! -- I am yours, etc. [33]
Stay
close to each moment of the anointing of the Holy One
Therefore,
in the name of God, I exhort you, keep close to every moment of the anointing
of the Holy One! I pay attention to the calm and small voice! Beware of hearing
a stranger's voice!
For
Ms. Ryan
LONDON,
November 30, 1757.
MY
DEAR SISTER, -- Your letter has come at a seasonal time, like rain in times of
drought. How unpleasant we would excuse those we love! I would gladly absolve
those who condemn themselves severely. The evil with myself does not deserve to
be thought about; It doesn't leave me even a moment of discomfort. But I feel
pain for others, who, if they do not sin against God, still give great reason
to the enemy to blaspheme.
You
can learn an excellent lesson from this. Suppose you are saved from sin, it is
certain that you are not saved from a possibility of error. On this side,
therefore, Satan can attack you; You can be deceived as much as people or
things. You may think better or (which is much stranger) you may think worse of
them than they deserve. And so, there may arise words or actions which, if they
are not sinful in you, are certainly wrong in themselves, and which must and
will appear sinful to those who cannot read your heart. What a great
inconvenience would happen! How good in you would be spoken to evil! How great
a gift of God would be doubted, if not discredited and denied for his sake!
Therefore, in the name of God, I exhort you, keep close to every moment of the
anointing of the Holy One! I pay attention to the calm and small voice! Beware
of hearing a stranger's voice! My eyes hurt, my head hurts, my heart hurts. And
yet I don't know when I must have done it. [He spent this Wednesday and the
previous Monday listening to an 'intricate cause' where 'one side stated
categorically, the other categorically denied.' See Diary, iv. 245.] O say
nothing, act nothing, think nothing but what you have been taught about God!
Though
He abideth with His weakness,
Not
for a moment does he move away;
Evil
and danger turn away,
And
keep your hand, your tongue, your heart.
Thus
you will always comfort, not sadden, [34]
Perhaps few people in
England have been through such a dangerous situation as you have
For
Ms. Ryan
LEWISHAM,
December 14, 1757.
MY
DEAR SISTER -- I found it from the last letter of Mr. Perronet [Charles
Perronet. See letters of July 12, 1757, and November 4, 1758.] that he is
deeply offended, that his former affection (so he speaks) has been turned into
a cold esteem, and that he remembers me no longer as a dear friend, but as an
austere master. Didn't it affect you a little? He does not speak passionately;
But his words distill like dew. The God whom you serve send forth His light and
His truth, and guide you in every thought!
Do
you never find wandering thoughts in prayer or useless thoughts in other
seasons? Does the corruptible body never press down on the soul and make it
reflect on useless things? You have such a command over your imagination that
you drive away all useless images—at least, banish them the moment they appear,
so that they don't cause trouble or stain your soul. Do you find every reason
brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ? Is there no vanity or
madness in their dreams, no temptation that almost overwhelms them? And you are
then as sensitive to God's presence and as prayerful as when you are waking up
I
can hardly help trembling for you yet: what a ridge you are on! Perhaps few
people in England have been through a situation as dangerous as you. I don't
know if any other has ever been so seen by both me and my brother at the same
time. What can I do to help you? Father of mercies, help him, and, with His
favorable kindness, surround him on every side! May the eternal Spirit help you
in every thought, word, and work to serve the living God! -- I am
Your
affectionate brother. [35]
Whoever
warns me not to trust you
Therefore,
whoever warns me not to trust you, I cannot restrain myself, for I am clearly
convinced that He calls me to do so
To Mrs. Ryan
LONDON,
January 20, 1758.
MY DEAR SISTER,--How
did you feel during your late trial? He found no resentment, no remnant of his
own will, no desire or desire for things to be different [He was at Kingswood
School on January 4.] In a sense, you desire this, because you desire God to be
glorified in all things. But it did not diminish your happiness that you did
not attain this desire if you still had the same degree of communion with God,
the same joy in the Holy Spirit, I never saw you so moved as you seemed that
night. His soul was then greatly troubled, and a variety of conflicting
passions—love, sorrow, desire, with a kind of despair—were easy to read on his
face. And wasn't his heart unbalanced in any way? Wasn't he shaken or
disconcerted? Has your soul remained all the time quietly in God, waiting for
Him without distraction? Perhaps one extreme of this coming test would be to
give you a deeper knowledge of yourself and of God, of the power of His
salvation, and of the salvation He has brought in you.
Most of the
challenges you've faced recently have been of another kind; But it is
convenient for you to go through a report of both the evil and the good.
Talking to you, whether speaking or writing, is an indescribable blessing to
me. I can't think of you without thinking of God. Others often lead me to Him;
but it is, as it were, circulating: you bring me directly into His presence.
[Miss Helena S. Bosanquet felt the same way: 'The more I talked to Mrs. Ryan,
the more I discovered the glory of God that came from within, and I felt a
strong attraction to consider her a friend of my soul.' See Moore's Mrs.
Fletcher, p. 29.] Therefore, whoever warns me not to trust you, I cannot
restrain myself, for I am clearly convinced that He calls me to it. "I'm your
affectionate brother." [36]
Your last letter was
really timely
His last letter was really timely. I was getting weak in my mind. Being
continuously watched by evil; to have every word I said, every action I did
(small and large) watched without a friendly look; listening to a thousand
small, acidic and cruel reflections in exchange for the kindest words I could
imagine
To Mrs. Ryan LONDON,
February 10, 1758.
MY DEAR SISTER,--
Your last letter was indeed timely. I was getting weak in my mind. Being
continuously watched by evil; to have every word I said, every action I did
(small and large) watched without a friendly look; listening to a thousand
small, acidic and cruel reflections in exchange for the kindest words I could
imagine,-- Like drops of water eating on marble, Finally wore out my sinking
spirit. But I could not say, 'Take away your plague from me,' but only, 'Let me
be cleansed, not consumed.' [See letter of January 27.]
What kind of humility
do you feel? Is it a feeling of sin? Is it not a feeling of helplessness,
dependence, emptiness and, so to speak, nothing? How do you look back on your
past sins, whether of the heart or of life? What temperaments or passions do
you feel while you are engaged in these reflections? You feel nothing like
pride when you compare your present with your past state, or while people show
approval or esteem for you. How is it that you are so often burdened with
pride? Are you careful to avoid the appearance of this? Oh, how important all
your steps are! May the Lord God guide and sustain you every moment -- I am
your affectionate friend. [37]
Your heart is totally
pure
Its eye is entirely
single. His heart is totally pure. I know that you have given everything to God
once; but you accept the gift when your will has been swallowed up by God's
For Ms. Ryan
MALDON, February 20,
1758,
MY DEAR SISTER,-- Your eye is totally single
Your heart is totally pure I know that you have given everything to God once;
but you accept the gift when your will has been swallowed up by God's. But will
it be now, and will it always be so? All the Spirit and power of God be upon
you; settle, strengthen, calm down; and to preserve your spirit, soul, and
body, spotless and innocent of the coming of Jesus Christ--I am His, etc. [38]
Be worthy of the
vocation by which you are called
Begin, soldier of
Christ, son of God! Be worthy of the vocation by which you are called! Remember
faith! Remember the Captain of your salvation! Fight! Conquer! Die,--and live
forever
To Mrs. Ryan DUBLIN,
April 4, 1758.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- Oh,
if I could be of service to you! I look forward to helping you move forward. I
want you to understand a mere lamp of light, ever shining with light from
above! I want you to be filled with divine knowledge and wisdom, like Jordan at
harvest time. I want your words to be full of grace, poured out like precious
ointment. I want every work of yours to bear the seal of God, to be a sacrifice
of a sweet aroma; without any weak part, earthly or human; All sacred, all
divine. The great God, his Father and his Love, bring you to this same thing!
Begin, soldier of Christ, son of God! Be worthy of the vocation by which you
are called! Remember faith! Remember the Captain of your salvation! Fight!
Conquer! Die,--and live forever-- I am Yours, etc. [39]
God testified that He
saved me from all sin
I will answer your
questions frankly and uprightly in my heart. God testified that He saved me
from all sin. That is why I will know that it is right to write to you, because
you are free and trust me as before
For Ms. Ryan
NORWICH, November 4,
1758
. . . . Yesterday I
transcribed Charles Perronet's questions, with a small change. Some of them I
will propose to you, which I know you will answer very clearly. (The first four
questions.)
As for me, I'm still
cold and dizzy, though (as I've said) a little refreshed since I wrote freely.
Pray that God will finally lift up the hanging hands and the frail knees!
REVEREND SIR,--I will
answer your questions with frankness and uprightness of heart. God testified
that He saved me from all sin. That is why I will know that it is right to
write to you, because you are free and trust me as before. [40]
You answer me simply and
clearly
Your letter brought me
great satisfaction. You answer me simply and clearly. So, I prefer to ask you a
few more questions, which you can answer as soon as you have the opportunity
To
Mrs. Ryan
LONDON, November 12, 1761.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- Your
letter has brought me much satisfaction. You answer me simply and clearly. So,
I prefer to ask a few more questions, which you can answer as soon as you have
the opportunity. [See the November 4, 1758, letter to her.]
Did you then have, or have
you had since, a witness who should never perish definitively? Do you have a
witness that you will no longer offend God? If so, what need you have to watch
against sin! Do you already use self-exams? At what times or in what way? Do
you always see God? No cloud ever stands in the way? Are you as sure that you
see Him as that you are alive? Does nothing ever diminish your view of God? Do
you have a trial proof of the ever-blessed Trinity? Is your mind always focused
on God? Do your thoughts never turn away from him in prayer, in business, or in
travel? What are you looking for right now?--I am your caring brother. [41]
Now you find unbroken
communion with God
For Ms. Ryan
WEDNESBURY, March 25,
1764.
MY DEAR SISTER,--I am
glad that you have written and that you write so freely. No need for
reservations between you and me. It's very easy for you to judge by what you've
heard. Who are they who 'always compliment me' (i.e., to my face)? I don't
really know any of that. They say you should do it. But I think you're free
from the charge. Certain of that, then, I do not cling to any of them for that.
For I do not know men.
But you "do not
take these as your true friends who say what they think is wrong." Don't I
accept Sally Ryan and Mary Bosanquet as my real friends? And certainly they
told me more about this type than they did for the whole world.
Now you find an
unbroken communion with God He is in all your thoughts In what sense you pray
always and in everything You give thanks You are always happy Your will is
wholly subject to God's will You feel no repulsion to any of His dispensations
Keep praying for, my dear sister, Your loving brother. [42]
Do you always find a
direct witness that you are saved from sin?
Do you always find a
direct witness that you are saved from sin? How long have you had this? Have
you as clear and strong evidence of eternal things as of temporal things?
For Ms. Ryan
HUTTON RUDBY, April
23, 1764.
Do you always find a
direct witness that you are saved from sin? How long have you had this? Have
you as clear and strong evidence of eternal things as of temporal things? Do
you never find what they call 'low spirit'? As far as you find wandering thoughts.
[43]
[1]
https://18thcenturyculture.wordpress.com/primary-sources/the-armenian-magazine/account-of-mrs-sarah-ryan/
[2] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[3] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[4] https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4QDWBvpdCb/
[5]
https://www.newroombristol.org.uk/sarah-ryan/
[6]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Ryan_(Methodist)
[7]
https://www.newroombristol.org.uk/sarah-ryan/
[8] https://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/Sarah_Ryan_(Methodist)
[9]
https://www.newroombristol.org.uk/sarah-ryan/
[10]
https://18thcenturyculture.wordpress.com/primary-sources/the-armenian-magazine/account-of-mrs-sarah-ryan/
[11]
https://18thcenturyculture.wordpress.com/primary-sources/the-armenian-magazine/account-of-mrs-sarah-ryan/
[12]
https://18thcenturyculture.wordpress.com/primary-sources/the-armenian-magazine/account-of-mrs-sarah-ryan/
[13]
https://18thcenturyculture.wordpress.com/primary-sources/the-armenian-magazine/account-of-mrs-sarah-ryan/
[14]
https://18thcenturyculture.wordpress.com/primary-sources/the-armenian-magazine/account-of-mrs-sarah-ryan/
[15] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[16]
https://18thcenturyculture.wordpress.com/primary-sources/the-armenian-magazine/account-of-mrs-sarah-ryan/
[17] https://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/Sarah_Ryan_(Methodist)
[18]
https://18thcenturyculture.wordpress.com/primary-sources/the-armenian-magazine/account-of-mrs-sarah-ryan/
[19]
https://18thcenturyculture.wordpress.com/primary-sources/the-armenian-magazine/account-of-mrs-sarah-ryan/
[20]
https://www.newroombristol.org.uk/sarah-ryan/
[21] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[22] https://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/Sarah_Ryan_(Methodist)
[23]
https://www.newroombristol.org.uk/sarah-ryan/
[24] https://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/Sarah_Ryan_(Methodist)
[25]
https://www.newroombristol.org.uk/sarah-ryan/
[26] https://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/Sarah_Ryan_(Methodist)
[27]
https://www.newroombristol.org.uk/sarah-ryan/
[28] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[29]
https://www.newroombristol.org.uk/sarah-ryan/
[30]
https://www.newroombristol.org.uk/sarah-ryan/
[31] https://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/Sarah_Ryan_(Methodist)
[32]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1757/
[33]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1757/
[34]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1757/
[35]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1757/
[36]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1758/
[37]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1758/
[38]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1758/
[39]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1758/
[40]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1758/
[41]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1761/
[42]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1764/
[43]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-164/
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