Spokesperson for Methodist women and mother of orphans

 The story of Mary Bosanquet in Wesley's time

 

Odilon Massolar Chaves

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Copyright © 2026, Odilon Massolar Chaves

All rights reserved to the author.

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

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

Books published in the Wesleyan Digital Library: 801

Books published by the author: 842

Address: https://bibliotecawesleyana.blogspot.com

Cover: Facebook - Travels with Wesley

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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"When I am welcomed into Christ, like a drop of water in the ocean, I lose myself in it and find in it my all, for time and for eternity. Now, I feel this state to a certain extent; and I feel strong impulses to look forward to fuller communion—the opening of the eternal doors of my soul and a more powerful entrance of the King of glory." [1]

 

 (Mary Bosanquet Fletcher)

 

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Table of Contents

 

·       Introduction

·       Who was Mary Bosanquet

·       I wanted you to write a letter

·       God seemed to mark us for this long time ago

·       Be careful when increasing your expenses

·       If you remain simple of heart

·       In extraordinary cases, he made some exceptions

·       My last letter took away a good part of his apprehensions

·       Free soul

·       I'm glad you started this little prayer meeting

·       Better use of all our talents

·       The conditions that Mary Bosanquet set for getting married

·       While we have seen great things, we will see more than these

·       The person about whom one of our preachers cautiously asked counsel

·       The Great Difference Between Inner and Outer Holiness

·       Providence will open up in time

·       God's work is happening in your own soul

·       I'd love to be as close to you as possible

·       Your first human friend

·       You did justice to the character of this fine man

·       They are very well written and I know their handwriting well

·       Your advice is exactly right

·       Who knows what God had planned for him

 

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Introduction

 

"Spokesperson for Methodist Women and Mother of Orphans" is a 30-page book about the life and ministry of Methodist Mary Bosanquet and her relationship with Wesley.

It is based on Wesley's letters to Mary Bosanquet.

"Mary Bosanquet Fletcher (1739–1815) was one of the most influential leaders of early Methodism, recognized as the spokesperson who made room for women to preach in public and as a true mother to dozens of orphans and the needy." [2]

Mary was born into a wealthy family in England. When she converted to Methodism, she abandoned comfort, opened an orphanage and a school for needy children in Yorkshire.

Bosanquet married Anglican clergyman John Fletcher, who was a friend of Wesley's and a Methodist advocate of Christian perfection and free will.

It was Bosanquet who paved the way for women to preach in the Methodist Movement. She convinced Wesley who gave the authorization, at a time when women could not preach. 

Wesley always called her "My DEAR SISTER". After she got married, he called her "Mrs. Fletcher."

Wesley's letters to Mary Bosanquet or Mrs. Fletcher reveal a respect, affection and confidence in his work and character.

She "was known as a 'Mother in Israel,' a Methodist term of honor, for her work in spreading the denomination throughout England."[3]

 

The Author

 

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Who was Mary Bosanquet

 

"Mary Bosanquet Fletcher (1739-1815) was one of the most important pioneers of the Methodist movement in the eighteenth century.  [4]

She was one of the first preachers. John Wesley said that her preaching was "light and fire." [5]

Born into a wealthy family in England, she converted to Methodism, abandoned comfort, opened an orphanage and a school[6] for needy children in Yorkshire.

Bosanquet married the Anglican clergyman John Fletcher, who was a friend of Wesley's.

"Even after she was widowed in 1785, she continued to lead the Methodist society and preach regularly for more than thirty years." [7]

Wesley had a high opinion of Mary Bosanquet. On March 23, 1775, he wrote to Betsy and said, "MY DEAR BETSY,-- I am glad you had the opportunity to spend time in Leeds and with Miss Betsy. Bosanquet. This, I have no doubt, has been a blessed means of increasing his spiritual strength." [8]

On February 11, 1775, Wesley wrote to Mary Bishop and said, "There is much good in Miss Bosanquet; and you can do her good, for she loves and will bear to be honest." [9]

In 1781, Wesley shows that he considered Bosanquet's school to be of excellence. He said: "I saw another Christian school at Leytonstone, under the care of Miss Leytonstone. Bosanquet. I do not remember having discovered any defect in either the first or the second. [10]

Wesley considered the students of the school as children. Revealing the excellence of Bosanquet's teaching, Wesley said, "I want your children (students) to be educated just like Miss Helena's. Bosanquet". [11]

Bosanquet had a high opinion of her husband. In 1774, Wesley wrote: "When John Fletcher urged Mary Bosanquet [They married in 1781], she said (asking my advice on this): 'If I change my situation, it must be with one who can not only love, but also deep reverence and esteem: one who is qualified to be my guide; one who is eminent not only in grace, but also in understanding."[12]

Wesley's letters to Mary Bosanquet or Mrs. Fletcher reveal a respect, affection and confidence in his work and character.

 

 

I wanted you to write a letter

 

I wanted you to write a letter to her in this head. Who knows, but it can save a living soul.

 

 

For Mrs. Fletcher

MANCHESTER, April 2, 1755.

MY DEAR SISTER, - I have nothing to do with Yorkshire this year. After a quick trip through Bolton, Wigan and Liverpool, I need to hurry through Chester to Holyhead to pick up the first package to Dublin. Spring is already so worn that I shall have a lot of noise to go through all the provinces of Ireland before the end of June.

It is good that this fickle man did not destroy poor Miss L. body and soul. I'm afraid he already stole her heart from God a long time ago. And she has convinced others for so long that her union was God's will, that disappointment had better not disturb her altogether and bring her back into the world. I wanted you to write a letter to her in this head. Who knows, but it can save a living soul.

Michael Onions' account is very remarkable and may be useful to the public.

With all the affection. [13]

 

God seemed to mark us for this long time ago

 

Now there is little danger of any wrong relationship between you and me. Indeed, we love one another and can trust one another; And there are good reasons why we should. God seemed to mark us for this a long time ago, and perhaps lately more than ever.

 

To Mary Bosanquet 

LONDON, January 2, 1770.

MY DEAR SISTER,--You know that I am not much given to suspecting the worst; I am more inclined to hope than to fear. However, I cannot help but fear that those who make these wise remarks will not always speak with a single eye. But what are they afraid of? Now there is little danger of any wrong relationship between you and me. Indeed, we love one another and can trust one another; And there are good reasons why we should. God seemed to mark us for this a long time ago, and perhaps lately more than ever. Now you can speak all that is in your heart, and in all simplicity.

Stay in your seat. Keep the reins in your own hands. It's better for her, [Mrs. Crosby.] better for you, and better for everyone. You must not suffer any interruption or formation of parties. I suppose you have Instructions for Members of Religious Societies. I don't know anything like them in the English language. It would be very advisable to instill these instructions in everyone under your roof.

The moment any of them are justified, they are babes in Christ, little children. When they have the permanent witness of forgiveness, they are young. This is the characteristic of a young man. It was not this, but much more, until salvation from indwelling sin, which more than five hundred in London received. It is true that they did not (all or most) maintain it; But they had forgiveness, just as surely as they had forgiveness. And you and they can receive it again. [See Jan. 1 letter to Mrs. Crosby.] How soon-- I go, my dear friend,

Your affectionate brother. [14]

For Miss Helena. Bosanquet, Gildersome Hall, near Leeds.

 

Be careful when increasing your expenses

 

I'm glad you notice that your temporal difficulties have diminished. Be careful when increasing your expenses. I advise you not to take any other children until all these expenses are gone.

 

To Mary Bosanquet

LONDON, January 15, 1770.

MY DEAREST SISTER,-- It is not strange if the leadership of one soul is very different from that of another. The same Spirit is at work in each of them; and yet he acts in various ways, according to his own will. It is concerned with us to follow our own light, seeing that we are not to be judged by the conscience of others.

A little time will show who gets in the way and who promotes the well-being of the family. And I hope you will have the firmness to pursue all the measures you think are for the glory of God.

I'm glad you notice that your temporal difficulties have diminished. Be careful when increasing your expenses. I advise you not to take any other children until all these expenses are gone. [See the preceding letter, and Mrs. Fletcher of Moore, p. go: 'I have reduced my family to the utmost by putting some of the older children into commercial work or servants; but it has cost too much to do so.'] It's a shame, but you had an electric machine. [Wesley acquired an electrical apparatus in November, 1756, and was deeply impressed by 'the virtue of this astonishing remedy.' See the Diary, iv. 49, 190.] This would save a lot of pain in a family and surpass almost all other medicines. I cure all vomit and purge with warm lemonade.

She's still there [His wife, who was in Newcastle. See letter of November 20, 1769 to Christopher Hopper.]; and it probably will be so, unless I hired her to come back, which I dare not do. I will not buy a cross, though I can bear it. Many are very agitated here and thirst for pure love. I'm sure you've tasted it once, although you were convinced not to. How soon can you find it again! Simple faith is all we want. Peace be upon your spirit--I am, my dear sister,

Your affectionate brother.

 

If you remain simple of heart

 

He will be more and more so, if he remains simple of heart, speaks explicitly of full redemption, and exhorts believers to accept it now. The same rule that will be good for you to observe in conversations with everyone who is real!

 

To Mary Bosanquet

MACCLESFIELD, March 26, 1770.

MY DEAR SISTER,-- I am now moving north. In about a fortnight I expect to be in Whitehaven, and a week later in Glasgow, early in May in Aberdeen, and May 11 in Edinburgh.

Exercising your faith is exactly what you want. Believe and enter. Eliz's experience. Jackson cheered up many. It is the marrow of Christianity; and if it be diligently spread among our believers, it may be of indescribable usefulness. It is certainly right to pray regardless of whether we can pray or not. God hears even when we barely hear each other.

She saw it through the advice and insistence of Clayton Carthy. [See letter of June 12, 1759.] And God allowed it. So it's okay. As far as we are concerned, at the moment I don't see any danger on either side. You need a constant guide, and one who knows you well. If my brother had not given Mrs. Gaussen that fatal advice, 'to hide,' she would not have fallen into the hands of others. [See letter of September 25, 1757.]

I'm glad that Richd. Taylor is helpful. [Miss S. Bosanquet in Yorkshire.] He will be more and more so, if he remains simple of heart, speaks explicitly of full redemption, and exhorts believers to accept it now. The same rule that will be good for you to observe in conversations with everyone who is real! Peace be with your spirit!

My dear sister, farewell!

For Miss Helena. Bosanquet, at Gildersome Hall, near Leeds. [15]

 

In extraordinary cases, he made some exceptions

 

Therefore, I do not wonder if several things happen there that do not fit into the ordinary rules of discipline. St. Paul's common rule was, 'I do not permit a woman to speak in the congregation.' However, in extraordinary cases, he made some exceptions; in Corinth, in particular

 

To Mary Bosanquet

LONDONDERRY, June 13, 1771.

MY DEAR SISTER,--I think the strength of the cause is there—in its extraordinary connection. I am convinced that all our lay preachers; otherwise, I could not tolerate his preaching at all. It is clear to me that the whole work of God, called Methodism, is an extraordinary dispensation of His providence. Therefore, I do not wonder if several things happen there that do not fit into the ordinary rules of discipline. St. Paul's common rule was, 'I do not permit a woman to speak in the congregation.' However, in extraordinary cases, he made some exceptions; in Corinth, in particular.--I am, my dear sister,

Your affectionate brother. [16]

 

My last letter took away a good part of his apprehensions

 

I believe my last letter took away a good part of his apprehensions. All the discomfort I find (because of a small bruise) is that I am advised to ride as much as possible in a carriage and as little as possible on horseback.

 

To Mary

BRISTOL, March 4, 1772.

MY DEAREST SISTER,-- I believe that my last letter has taken away a good deal of your apprehensions. All the discomfort I find (because of a small bruise) is that I am advised to ride as much as possible in a carriage and as little as possible on horseback. I accept your offer very kindly; And I am, my dear friend,

Always yours.

For Miss Helena. Bosanquet, in Morley Common, near Leeds. [17]

 

Free soul

 

I'm glad you find your soul free. You are in your place. Stand Firm in Glorious Freedom

 

To Mary Bosanquet

LONDON, July 17, 1773.

MY DEAR SISTER,-- By the blessing of God, I arrived at this place an hour ago, in almost the same health as I left. I'm glad my friend [his wife] was at your house; She wouldn't suffer any harm, and maybe a little good. I think so. Mitchell [The three preachers at Birstall in 1772 were Thomas Taylor, Thomas Mitchell, and John Nelson. In 1773, Mitchell remained. See letter of August 15, 1751, about the tumultuous mob at Wrangle, where he was thrown into a lake] at least can spend another year at the Birstall Circuit. There seemed to be a providential call to what was done at Harrogate! I'm glad you find your soul free. You are in your place. Stand firm in glorious freedom--I am, my dear sister,

Your affectionate brother. [18]

 

I'm glad you started this little prayer meeting

 

I'm glad you started this little prayer meeting. It will not be without a blessing. T. Lee [Thomas Lee, Birstall's assistant] may have half a dozen of the Children's Instructions [See letter of February 23] to give as he sees fit.

 

To Mary Bosanquet

LONDON, October 17, 1773.

MY DEAR SISTER,-- I have been away for a week or two last month; but now I have almost recovered my strength [See letter of October 7]. If I live till spring and am as well off as I am now, I shall head north as usual. I'm glad you started this little prayer meeting. It will not be without a blessing. T. Lee [Thomas Lee, Birstall's assistant] may have half a dozen of the Children's Instructions [See letter of February 23] to give as he sees fit.

If you take care of the books, I will not worry about them anymore; Because I know that what you do, you will do for real. I would like you to immediately have all the books that are in Birstall transferred to your home [See letter of November 17]. So you'll be so kind to send me a catalog of them and the books you would have sent down. Everyone who keeps my books for the future, I would like you to declare your accounts once a month. But I don't know what you send me the bills for. "I am, my dear

Your affectionate brother. [19]

 

Better use of all our talents

 

What can we do but make the best use of all our talents, and according to our power glorify him with our bodies and spirits

 

To Mary Bosanquet

LONDON, November 17, 1773.

MY DEAR SISTER,-- I am afraid that the collection of books in the Birstall house is extremely imperfect. As soon as we receive the bill from you, we will send you the little books that are necessary and the most necessary and useful [See letter of October 17].

My health seems to be as well established as it has been for many years. And of this we are sure — we will have health if health is the best. What can we do but make the best use of all our talents, and according to our power glorify Him with our bodies and spirits—I am, my dear sister, Yours with affection. [20]

 

 

The conditions that Mary Bosanquet set for getting married

 

When John Fletcher insisted much with Mary Bosanquet [They married in 1781], she said (asking my advice on this): 'If I change my situation, it must be with one who can not only love but also deep reverence and esteem: one who is qualified to be my guide; one who is eminent not only in grace, but also in understanding.' 

 

To Ann Bolton

LONDON, January 20, 1774.

MY DEAR SISTER,-- You, in your small position, as I am in mine, have a great deal of difficulty, care, and haste. And I too often thought, If it were not better for me to take off at least a part of the burden But I think again, Is it my burden I have chosen for myself It is not the cup that my Father has given me And I carry it for myself, or for the benefit of many that they may be saved

Let me not hurt my dear friend if, on such an occasion, I speak in all frankness. Now you are very favored. I trust that God has made you a partaker of His great salvation. He gave her a good understanding, improved by experience and free conversation with many of His dearest children. He has placed you as a city situated on a hill in a situation where you have full exercise for all your talents. 'But there are many crosses there.' There are—that is, many means of illuminating all his graces.

And is it a little thing that would make my sister, my friend, leave a situation like this

If, in fact, you could enlarge the sphere of your action; if you can be more helpful; or if you could have a closer union than you ever had with a person of very eminent grace and understanding, I would instantly recognize God's call, and say, 'Go, and the Lord will be with you!' But I don't see any of that in your current case. All dark, I fear; Evil is before you.

When John Fletcher insisted much with Mary Bosanquet [They married in 1781], she said (asking my advice on this): 'If I change my situation, it must be with one who can not only love but also deep reverence and esteem: one who is qualified to be my guide; one who is eminent not only in grace, but also in understanding.' I would add: 'And grant him full freedom of action so that he can exercise all his grace.' Give me one like this for my beloved friend, and I immediately wish you the best of luck!

See, I speak without reservation; And I hope that destiny is launched. Speak as freely as

Your affectionate friend. [21]

 

While we have seen great things, we will see more than these

 

Certainly, although we have seen great things, we will see more than these. If you can believe it! That is the point; So what's impossible

 

To Mary Bosanquet

LONDON, February 9, 1774.

MY DEAR SISTER,-- The crowd that hurt not me, but the old hired chaise I was wearing made the attack a few months ago in Enniskillen, Ireland. At the moment, we are little concerned about the English crowds, and probably won't be as long as King George III is alive.

In July, I hope to see you at Cross Hall. My spring journey is as follows: Manchester, April 4th; Monday, April 18, Halifax; Tuesday, Huddersfield, Dewsbury; Thursday, Bradford; Sunday, 24, Haworth Church.

Certainly, although we have seen great things, we will see more than these. If you can believe it! That is the point; then what is impossible — I am, my dear sister,

Your affectionate brother. [22]

 

The person about whom one of our preachers cautiously asked counsel

 

I was especially glad to hear from you at this time, as I wanted to know how you were doing, and whether you were the person about whom one of our preachers cautiously sought advice

 

To Mary Bosanquet

CLONES, May 29, 1775. 

MY DEAR SISTER,-- I was especially glad to hear from you at this time, for I wanted to know how you were doing, and whether you were the person about whom one of our preachers cautiously asked for advice. Whether you should get rid of your home and related matters is a very important question. The answer to this depends on many circumstances with which I am not yet familiar. But necessity has no law. This needs to be done, if your income is not to cover expenses otherwise.

On the last day of June I hope to be in Dublin, and at the end of July in England. If I have a ticket ready, I will probably have the opportunity to hide for a day or two with you'; but I do not wish any of the preachers to come to me until I call them. If that happens, I'll run away. I'm not going to be in a crowd.

You probably know if Mr. Saunderson is in Knares-borough. If you are, please take a cross for me. Write to him on my behalf and tell him that I wish him to return without delay or apology to Bristol; otherwise he will disobey me forever.--I am, my dear sister,

Your affectionate brother. [23]

 

The Great Difference Between Inner and Outer Holiness

 

A great difference between the outward and inward work of God is that inward holiness is for the most part instantaneous, given largely at the time when we are justified, or when we are sanctified or saved from consanguineous sin; but outward holiness is largely gradual

 

To Mary Bosanquet

WESTMINSTER, November 15, 1775.

MY DEAR SISTER,-- I cannot give an immediate answer to your question, as we have not yet received an answer from the Committee for the grant of the city lands. If they grant our petition and allow us land to build on (as they are very likely to do), there will be no time for anyone to come to London in the hope of getting money for other buildings. Our friends will certainly give everything they can to build a new Foundation, and everything will be little.

A great difference between the outward and inward work of God is that inward holiness is for the most part instantaneous, given largely at the time when we are justified, or when we are sanctified or saved from consanguineous sin; but outward holiness is largely gradual—forged little by little as we deny ourselves and take up our cross and work together with Him.

I think it would be good for you to do a thorough consultation with two or three friends of ours who understand the world. Certainly these can be found in Leeds or nearby. And whatever was judged best should be carried out swiftly and rigorously.--I am, my dear sister,

His brother always affectionate. [24]

 

 Providence will open up in time

 

Who knows, but Miss Sánchez's illness. Bishop may be allowed for just that—so that you have a clearer and more open way to help the women of Bath move forward. What you have to do in Bristol hasn't appeared yet; Providence will open up in time.

 

To Mary Bosanquet

LONDON, February 23, 1778.

MY DEAR SISTER, - Although I hope to see you next week, I can't help writing a few lines. Who knows, but Miss Sánchez's illness. Bishop may be allowed for just that—so that you have a clearer and more open way to help the women of Bath move forward. What you have to do in Bristol hasn't appeared yet; Providence will open up in time. I'm glad Philly Cousins keeps his confidence. See if she has anything to do. ['Brother Cousins was restored to the love of God' a few days after Miss Cousins was restored. Bosanquet arrived in Bath in December. See letters of December 2, 1777 and November 1, 1778.]

I hadn't heard anything about Tommy Westall's daughter; And I'm glad she's so well taken care of. Let Brother Taylor and Nancy Tripp do all they can for God. [Richard Taylor, his manager at Cross Hall. Ann Tripp (1745-1823) was governess to the orphans at Leytonstone and lived with Miss Leytonstone. Bosanquet in Yorkshire. For Thomas Westall, see letter of December 20, 1746.] This is an acceptable time. I hope to see you on Tuesday afternoon [He was in Bath on the 3rd of March.]; And I am, my dear sister,

With great affection.

For Miss Helena. Bosanquet, in the orange grove, [25]

 

God's work is happening in your own soul

 

I am glad to know that God's work is happening in your own soul and those around you

 

To Mary Bosanquet

LONDON, December 18, 1780.

MY DEAR SISTER,--I am glad to know that God's work is happening in your own soul and in those around you. This young woman's dream is very remarkable and gives us a good incentive to move forward. I believe Mr. D was better for his journey; But he has very little contact with the Methodists.

We have many here who have the same experience with honest George Clark, and much clearer ideas about the life of faith than he does. They are George Hufflet in the chapel at Spiralfields, Mary Landers in the Tower, Sister Calcut in Bishopsgate Street, Sister Cayley in G. Clark's, Jenny Thornton [See letters of April 14, 1771 (to Miss Helena S. March) and February 4, 1787.] and a few others in the city, Sister Peters in the Crown Curtain, Molly Monk in Moorfields, Sister Garston, and Charles Wheeler in Old Street. Joseph Bradford would introduce anyone you sent, to those or to our selected society. It will be good to announce the land now. I remember you daily; And I am, my dear sister,

His brother always affectionate. [26]

 

I'd love to be as close to you as possible

 

I really wanted to hear from you, because I wanted to know if you have already thought about where you should settle, in case God wants to prolong your life. I would love to be as close to you as possible; and so I should be glad if you chose Bristol or London.

 

For Mrs. Fletcher

BRISTOL, September 16, 1785.

My DEAR SISTER, - I would very much like to hear from you, because I wanted to know if you have already thought about where you should settle, if God wants to prolong your life. I would love to be as close to you as possible; and so I should be glad if you chose Bristol or London. I hope to be in the city on Monday, the fifteenth of days, October 1st. Mr. Ireland printed a thousand or two of her letters, [On her husband's last illness.] with some slight variations, I think for the worse!

Peace be with your spirit! - Yes, I am, my dear sister,

Always yours.

I'm glad people want to join us. I will reprint your letter when I come to London.

To Mrs. Fletcher in Madeley,

Near Shifnal, Salop. [27]

 

Your first human friend

 

Shouldn't I now consider myself your first human friend? I don't think anyone has a more sincere regard for you than, my dear

 

To Mrs. Fletcher

BRISTOL, October 2, 1785.

MY DEAR SISTER, THERE IS MUCH OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE IN THIS, WHICH ALLOWS THE PEOPLE TO CHOOSE THEIR OWN VICAR. I believe Mr. Horne is a sound Methodist, and I believe he will serve him well if he succeeds in ordination. If he fails, Mr. Dickinson may do almost as well—a very pious and sensible young man, who for two or three years served the good Mr. Perronet at Shoreham, but expects to be rejected by the new vicar.

Surely his idea of spending much of his time in London agrees with God's will. I have never fully approved of you having gone so far from it, though very well it has been taken from it. I hope to be there tomorrow. Shouldn't I now consider myself your first human friend? I think no one has more sincere regard for you than, my dear sister,

With all the affection. [28]

 

You did justice to the character of this fine man

 

This morning I received and read your papers. You did justice to the character of this excellent man as much as could be expected in such a short space

 

For Mrs. Fletcher

NORWICH, October 22, 1785.

MY DEAR SISTER, - This morning I received and read your papers. You have done justice to the character of this excellent man as much as could be expected in so little space. I don't observe any sentences that need to be left out, and very few words that need to be omitted or changed; I only omit very little, which I had inserted before receiving his, in that part of my sermon which I have transcribed, I hope to obtain more materials for the writing of his Life. May the Lord bless and protect you! - Yes, I am, my dear sister,

Your fondly tender.

To Mrs. Fletcher in Madeley,

Near Skifinal, Salop. [29]

 

They are very well written and I know their handwriting well

 

Thank you for the papers. It was not necessary for you to copy again, for they are very well written, and I know your handwriting well. I love to see that. In fact, I love everything that belongs to you, just as I have always since I met you.

 

For Mrs. Fletcher

LONDON, December 31, 1785.

MY DEAR SISTER, - I thank you for the papers. It was not necessary for you to copy again, for they are very well written, and I know your handwriting well. I love to see that. In fact, I love everything that belongs to you, just as I have always since I met you. Some more materials...

I got it from Mr. Vaughan and a few more from Joseph Benson. I'm willing to gather everything I can before I start putting them together. But how should I direct Mr. Ireland? Or you would write a line would carry more weight to induce you to give me all the help you can at the first opportunity. Thank you for mentioning this mistake in the Sermon. I doubt not that you and Mr. Ireland can correct me on many other details in which I have hitherto been mistaken. But it would be a shame to stay until next year. Was it in London that he met the honest Jew? This is a very remarkable circumstance. Do you know any details about its misuse at Customs? Where was this Customs?

Tenderly entrusting thee to him who will make all things work together for their good, I am, my dear sister,

His brother always affectionate. [30]

In Carmarthen.

 

Your advice is exactly right

 

I think your advice is exactly right. With the materials I already have, or can get in England, I will write and publish as soon as it is convenient

 

For Mrs. Fletcher

LONDON, January 13, 1786.

MY DEAR SISTER, - When I receive letters from other people, I put them aside perhaps a week or two before I reply; But it's different when I hear from you. So I think a lot about losing a day, afraid of giving a moment of pain to one of the most faithful friends I have in the world. The circumstance which you add in regard to the behaviour of these Customs officers is very much worth reporting. Ah, what a pity that it was not then informed to the superiors, that those inhospitable wretches could have been prevented from abusing other strangers!

I think your advice is exactly right. With the materials I already have, or can get in England, I will write and publish as soon as it is convenient. - Yes, I am, my dear sister,

His brother always affectionate.

To Mrs. Fletcher in Madeley, [31]

 

Who knows what God had planned for him

 

Who knows what God had planned for him, and for what purposes He brought him to England

Entrusting you to His care, who has protected you since youth

 

For Mrs. Fletcher

LONDON, June 9, 1788.

MY DEAR SISTER, -- I am sincerely glad that you have found the opportunity to convey these valuable documents to Mr. Benson. I know of no one in England who is better able to prepare them for public view, [See letters of March 10, 1787, and September 17, 1788.] for there is scarcely any one who better understands the whole subject of the debate. And now I hope that both points will be adopted. On the one hand, Mr. Ireland will be pleased (who seems to have, though I do not know why, an insuperable prejudice against me); and on the other, justice will be done to the memory of the blessed Mr. Fletcher. If I live another month or two, I will see you and your relative, from whom I am glad to hear such a good report. [Wesley met 'young Mr. Fletcher, very much alive to God, and rapidly growing in the spirit of his uncle,' on March 23, 1789. See Diary, vii. 480.] Who knows what God had planned for him, and for what purposes He brought him to England

Entrusting you to His care, who has protected you from your youth, I am, my dear sister,

With all your affection. [32]

 



[2] Overview of Google's AI Mode

[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Fletcher_(preacher)

[4] Overview of Google's AI Mode

[5] Overview of Google's AI Mode

[6] Overview of Google's AI Mode

[7] Overview of Google's AI Mode

[8] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/

[9] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/

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

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

[12] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1774/

[13] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1755/

[14] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1770/

[15]https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1770/

[16] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1771/

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

[18] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1773/

[19] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1773/

[20] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1773/

[21] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1774/

[22] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1774/

[23] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/

[24] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/

[25] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1778/

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

[27] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1785

[28] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1785/

[29] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1785/

[30] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1785/

[31] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1786/

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

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