The
Key Interpreter of Wesley's Theology
Based on Wesley's letters to John Fletcher
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://wesleyano.inf.br/biografia/1595/
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
·
Wesley's
Statements on John Fletcher's Qualities
· Who was
John Fletcher
· Conference
in Worcester
·
You need
a lot of wisdom, courage, and patience
·
The
Absolute Necessity of God's Grace and Spirit
· A mortal
enemy
·
There
must be one to preside over it all or the work will really come to an end
·
Prejudiced
people say anything, everything about us
·
Our
views on Christian Perfection are somewhat different, though not opposed
·
Most
believers in our Church are but babies
·
No baby
has ever been or will ever be sent to hell
·
You
should be present at the Conference in London
·
You did justice to the character of this fine
man
Introduction
"The
Key Interpreter of Wesley's
Theology" is a book based on Wesley's letters to John Fletcher.
John Fletcher was rector of Madeley in
Shropshire. He became vicar in 1760.
Fletcher was known in Britain for his piety and generosity. When asked
if he had any needs, he replied, "... I want nothing but more grace."[1]
In 1751, Fletcher became acquainted with Wesley, Methodism and
"began to work with John Wesley, becoming a key interpreter
of Wesleyan theology in the eighteenth century and one of the first great theologians of
Methodism."[2]
John Fletcher was very useful to Wesley and to
Methodism. He was "very useful in
the struggle he had to sustain to defend the Arminian point of view before his
Calvinist opponents. In this way, Methodism produced a great theologian without
him actually writing a treatise on theology." [3]
Wesley saw in Fletcher the person capable of replacing him. In a letter to John Fletcher in January 1773, Wesley quoted what someone had said and said: 'When Mr. Wesley falls, it will all end!' And so it will certainly be, unless, before God calls him here, someone is found to stand in his place." [4]
Fletcher married Methodist leader Mary Bosanquet.
Then Wesley said to him, "But has God provided one so qualified? Who is he? You are the man! God gave him a measure of loving faith and a single look at his glory. He gave him some knowledge of men and things, especially of the whole plan of Methodism. You are blessed with some health, activity, and dedication, as well as a degree of learning. And to all this He has recently added, in a way that no one could have foreseen, to favor both the preachers and the whole people.
Come in the name of God! Come to the aid of the Lord against the mighty! Come while I am alive and able to work!" [5]
Fletcher did not accept Wesley's invitation to work closely with him and to be his successor, as he believed that his continuing task was to write as an interpreter of Wesley's theology.
He died before Wesley.
In this book, we highlight Wesley's letters to John Fletcher and two other letters. One for Mrs. Fletcher and one for John Mason after Fletcher's passing.
The Author
Wesley's Statements on John Fletcher's Qualities
Importance
of talking to Fletcher
Writing
to Walter Churchey on February 21, 1771, Wesley stressed the importance of
listening to Fletcher: "MY DEAR BROTHER,--I am glad that Mr. Benson and
you have had an opportunity of conversing freely with Mr. Fletcher, and that he
has dealt so faithfully with my Lady. Maybe that has a good effect. At least,
he gave up his own soul, whether she wants to hear it or if she gets it." [6]
Man full
of faith
On
August 31, 1771, Wesley wrote to Mrs. Savage and stated that Fletcher's visit
would be a blessing: "and Mr. Fletcher's time to visit you, he will
certainly bring a blessing with him. He is a man full of faith." [7]
They
clarify the point enough
Wesley
stated to Philothea Briggs, on October 6, 1771, that Fletcher's letters
(studies) clarify enough: "But it is enough to send her Mr. Fletcher's
Letters, and they clarify the point enough." [8]
Fire of love
To Lady Maxwell, on
February 8, 1772, Wesley points out several qualities of Fletcher: "I also
rejoice not only in the abilities, but also in the temperament of Mr. Fletcher.
He writes as he lives. I cannot say that I know of any other clergyman like
that in England or Ireland. He is all fire; But it is the fire of love. His
writings, as well as his constant conversations, convey nothing more to those
who read him with an impartial eye." [9]
Inimitable sweetness and delicacy
Wesley emphasizes
Fletcher's sweetness when he wrote on September 18, 1772 to Mrs.Turner: "I wish I had done it with the inimitable sweetness and delicacy that Mr.
Fletcher did. His letters (as vile as they are misrepresented) breathe the very
spirit of the gospel." [10]
Clarity in the teachings
To
Elizabeth Ritchie, on January 17, 1775, Wesley highlights Fletcher's
clarity in the teachings: "Mr. Fletcher has given us a wonderful insight
into the different dispensations under which we stand. I believe that this
difficult topic has never been put in such a clear light before. It seems that
God raised him up for just that." [11]
Unity
between Fletcher, Wesley and Charles
Wesley
points out to Mrs. Bennis, on March 1, 1774, the unity between Fletcher,
Wesley, and Charles: "He preaches salvation by faith in the same way that
my brother and I did, and as Mr. Fletcher (one of the best writers of the day)
beautifully explained." [12]
Almost
no one has done it since the Apostles
For Mrs. Bennis, on May 2, 1774, Wesley highlights the depth of Fletcher's teachings: "This Mr. Fletcher has illustrated and confirmed so much, as I think almost no one has done since the Apostles." [13]
Mr.
Fletcher's Essay on the Truth
To
Alexander Knox, on August 29, 1777,
Wesley reminds us of the importance of Fletcher's "Essay": "MY
DEAR ALLECK,-- You should read Mr. Fletcher's Essay on Truth. He has put
there, beyond any doubt, that there is a middle between a child of God and a
child of the devil—namely, a servant of God. This is your state. You are
not yet a son, but you are a servant; and you wait for the Spirit of adoption,
which will cry out in your hearts, 'Abba, Father.'" [14]
Who was
John Fletcher
We
highlight here his studies, vocation and his life as a Methodist:
Your studies and vocation
Jean Guillaume de la Fléchère ( 1729–1785) was a French-speaking Swiss born
in Nyon, Switzerland.[15]
He was "the son of Jacques, judge of the
Landvogteigericht, and Suzanne-Elisabeth Crinsoz de Colombier".[16]
Fletcher was educated in Geneva. "He
attended academia in Geneva (later the University of Geneva)."[17]
In Geneva, "he distinguished himself as a
brilliant scholar of classics. Possessing the intellectual qualifications for
work as a teacher or clergyman."[18]
As a young man, he intended to enter the army. A
series of circumstances thwarted his plans.[19]
"He was scheduled to sail on a Portuguese warship that would take
him to Brazil when a pre-boarding accident limited him from landing. Then a
wealthy uncle promised him a commission in the Dutch army, but died before his
nephew could become an officer. Discouraged now, Fletcher immigrated to England
and found work as a tutor for the children of a prominent family."[20]
He went to England in the fifties.
"In the autumn of 1751, he became tutor to the children of Thomas
and Susanna Hill, a wealthy Shropshire family."[21]
It was through a bishop that Fletcher entered the priestly life.
"An Anglican bishop, having reviewed Fletcher's academic record from the
Swiss university, ordained him. Soon he was ministering with another Anglican,
John Wesley, in West Street Chapel, as well as wherever French-speaking
Protestant refugees ("Huguenots") gathered in London."[22]
Fletcher discovered his pastoral vocation. "In 1757 Fletcher was
ordained a deacon (6 March 1757) and a priest (13 March 1757) in the Church of
England, after preaching his first sermon at Atcham and being appointed curate
to the Rev. Rowland Chambre in the parish of Madeley, Shropshire."[23]
He turned down an offer to be wealthy living in Dunham, accepting
instead a humble parish at Madeley in Shropshire.
He developed "a sincere religious and social concern for the people
of this populous part of the West Midlands where he had first served in the
Christian ministry, and here, for twenty-five years (1760-1785), he lived and
worked with exclusive devotion and zeal, described by his wife as his 'labors'
without example in the epitaph she wrote for her iron tomb."[24]
Fletcher
was known in Britain for his piety and generosity. When asked if he had any
needs, he replied, "... I want nothing but more grace."[25]
His life as a Methodist
Fletcher heard good things about
the Methodists as a people who prayed a lot. He was interested in getting to
know it. His soul felt the need for something deeper.
Working as a tutor, his employers
often travel to London to spend a few days.
In 1751, on "one of the
family's stays in London, Fletcher first heard of the Methodists and became
personally acquainted with John and Charles Wesley, as well as his future wife,
Mary Bosanquet."[26]
Thus, having moved to England in 1751 and becoming acquainted with
Wesley and Methodism, "he began to work with John Wesley, becoming a key
interpreter of Wesleyan theology in the eighteenth
century and one of the first great theologians of Methodism."[27]
He was a personal friend of Wesley's and a convinced Methodist of his
doctrines.
"On the very day of his ordination in 1757, Fletcher rushed to West
Street Chapel in London to help Wesley serve Holy Communion, and forever became
Wesley's coadjutor."[28]
Fletcher devoted himself to the spiritual renewal and revival movement
and committed himself to Wesley by correspondence to come to his "aid as a
theologian, maintaining a never wavering commitment to the Church of
England."[29]
John Fletcher was an Arminian. "In theology, he confirmed the
Arminian doctrines of free will, universal redemption and general atonement,
against the Calvinist doctrines of unconditional election and limited
atonement. His Arminian theology is most clearly outlined in his famous checks
for Antinomianism. He tried to confront his theological opponents with courtesy
and justice (and John Wesley's), although some of his contemporaries judged
harshly by his writings."[30]
In 1770, at the Annual Conference, there was a conflict between
Calvinistic Methodists and Arminian Methodists. There was an accusation that
Calvinistic Methodists led to "spiritual mediocrity and
antinomianism."[31] Countess Selina who raised questions.
Fletcher then stood up at the meeting to defend Wesley.
To Calvinist ears, the minutes of the 1770 Annual Conference seemed to
"endorse works necessary to salvation. The Countess demanded that her
teachers sign a disapproval, which in the end Fletcher refused to do. Resigning
from college, he put his pen at the service of Wesley and his Arminian theology."[32]
Methodist Joseph Benson was principal of the Trevecca college that
Countess Selina had created. As he did not embrace predestination, he was
fired. Fletcher, who was president of the Countess's Institution, then took a
stand.[33]
Fletcher wrote to the Countess resigning from the presidency of the
Institution: "Mr. Benson made a very fair defense when he said that with
me he held the possibility of salvation for all men, and that mercy is either
offered to all, though it may be received or rejected. If this is what your
lordship identifies as Mr. Wesley's opinion, free will or Arminianism, and if
any Arminian has to leave the college, I am indeed equally dismissed. In view
of my current point of view on this question, I am obliged to maintain this
feeling, if in truth the Bible is true and God is Love."[34]
He was a person of principles and character. He resigned preferring to
leave the presidency of the University of South Wales founded by Selina,
Countess of Huntingdon.
From then on, "Fletcher emerged as Wesley's authoritative
interpreter with the publication of a series of books under the title, Checks
to Antinomianism, which were edited, corrected, and published by
Wesley." [35]
John Fletcher was very useful to Wesley and to
Methodism. He was "very useful in
the struggle he had to sustain to defend the Arminian point of view before his
Calvinist opponents. In this way, Methodism produced a great theologian without
actually writing a treatise on theology such as Thomas Aquinas' "Summa
Theologica" or Calvin's "Christian Institutions." He limited
himself to defending a doctrine that seemed to him more in tune with the
teaching that primitive Christianity taught according to the testimony of the
New Testament."[36]
John Fletcher wrote the Checks to Antinomianism.
"The Checks (or Checks to Antinomianism) were
a celebrated collection of theological essays and letters written by the
Swiss-British theologian John
Fletcher in the eighteenth century. They functioned as a
systematic defense of John Wesley's theology and grace, combating
the excesses of antinomianism (belief that Christians are exempt from the
obligation to obey the moral law) within Calvinism."[37]
Fletcher had not accepted Wesley's invitation to work closely with him
and to be his successor, for he "believed that his continual task was to
write as an interpreter of Wesley's theology: 'I laid my pen aside for some
time; however, I resumed it last week, at the request of his brother, to
continue with my treatise on Christian Perfection."[38]
Between 1770 and 1778-81 he
was a preacher of the revival movement during stays in Nyon.[39]
Fletcher died on August 14, 1885.
Wesley's
letters to John Fletcher reveal a great friendship, admiration, respect, and
trust:
Conference in Worcester
As to the conference at Worcester
on lay preaching, do not observe that almost all lay preachers (1) are
connected with me (2) are advocates of universal redemption
For John Fletcher
BIRMINGHAM, March 20,
1768.
DEAR SIR,--Yesterday
Mr. Easterbrook informed me that you are tired of the conversation even of
those who profess religion, 'who find it rather unprofitable, if not harmful,
to converse with them three or four hours together, and are sometimes almost
determined to shut yourself up as the lesser of the two.'
I am not surprised in
the least, especially considering who you talked to mainly some time ago —
namely, the listeners of Mr. Madan and Mr. Romaine (perhaps I might add Mr.
Whitefield). Conversing with them I have seldom found profitable to my soul. In
fact, it has quenched my desires, cooled my resolutions, and I have often left
them with a withered and dissipated spirit.
And how can we expect
it to be different? For do we not naturally capture the spirit with whom we
converse? And what spirit can we expect them to be, considering the preaching
under which they sit? A few happy exceptions I allow; but, in general, men gather
grapes from thorns. They constantly collect universal self-denial, the patience
of hope, the work of love, the inward and outward devotion, the doctrine of the
Absolute Decrees, of Irresistible Grace, of Unfailing Perseverance. Do they
gather these fruits from the Antinomian doctrine or from anything that borders
on it? They gather them from that loving way of praying to Christ or that way
of preaching His righteousness. I never thought so. On the contrary, I have
found that even the precious doctrine of Salvation by Faith must be guarded
with the utmost care, or those who hear it will despise both internal and
external holiness. I go a step further: I seldom find it profitable to converse
with one who is not thirsty for perfection, and who is not great and sincere in
receiving it at every moment. Now, there are none of these among those of whom
we speak, but many, on the contrary, who in various ways are directly or
indirectly opposed to the whole work of God; This work, I mean, that God is
carrying out throughout the kingdom, by Andres Agraumatoi Kai Idiwtai. [Acts
iv. 13: 'men ignorant and unlearned.'] As a consequence, His influence must be
withdrawn from them.
Again, for some time
now you have been talking a great deal with Gentile Methodists. Now, it doesn't
matter a little what doctrine they hear, whether they go to the Lock or West
Street. They are (almost all) salt that has lost its taste, if they ever had
any. They are completely conformed to the maxims, the spirit, the fashions and
customs of the world. Certainly, then, Nunquam ad eos homines ibis quin minor
homo redebis. [The Imitation of Kempis, i. 20: 'Someone said: As I was among
men, I returned home less of a man.']
But if these or those
of such an excellent spirit, you talk to them too long. 'Three or four hours'!
One had to be an angel, not a man, to talk four hours straight for any purpose.
In the latter part of such a conversation, we will no doubt lose all the profit
we had made before.
But have you not a
remedy for all this in your hands? For a truly profitable conversation, one
cannot choose persons free from both Calvinism and antinomianism, not fans of
this exuberant manner of speaking, but who are admired by Him whom they
love—persons who vigorously work out their salvation, persons thirsting for
full redemption, and every moment waiting, if not already enjoying it, though
it is true, these are often poor and cruel; seldom possessed of riches or
knowledge, unless from time to time there is a rare avis in terris, [Juvenal's
Satires, vi. 165: 'A bird seldom seen on earth.'] a Miss March or Betty
Johnson. [See the titles of the letters of March 4, 1760, and December 15,
1763.] If you converse humbly and only an hour at a time, with prayer before
and prayer after, you will not complain about the uselessness of the
conversation, nor will you feel the need to become a hermit.
His brother always
affectionate. [40]
You need a lot of wisdom, courage, and patience
For John Fletcher
January 16, 1771.
DEAR
LORD,--Mr. Churchey has enclosed this letter to me, doubting whether it was
proper to send it or not. I thought it was very appropriate, so I send it
without delay. You need a lot of wisdom, courage, and patience. Write a line if
you haven't completely forgotten it yet
Your
affectionate friend and brother. [41]
The
Absolute Necessity of God's Grace and Spirit
The absolute necessity of
God's grace and Spirit to raise even one good thought or desire in our hearts
For John Fletcher
PARKGATE, March 22, 1771.
I have always affirmed, between these thirty
and forty years, the total fall of man and his total inability to do any good
of himself; the absolute necessity of the grace and Spirit of God to raise even
one good thought or desire in our hearts; the Lord rewards no work, and accepts
none except as they advance from His grace which hinders, convicts, and
converts through the Beloved; the blood and righteousness of Christ being the
only meritorious cause of our salvation. Who is in England who has asserted
these things more strongly and steadily than I have.[42]
A mortal enemy
But Calvinism I know is a
mortal enemy of all Christian temperaments
For John Fletcher
LONDON, October 12, 1771.
DEAR SIR,-- Returning from Bedfordshire this evening,
I have received your two letters and the bill. I do not intend to say anything
to Mr. Shirley, at least for the moment. I am glad that mine has come too late
to prevent you from writing me the Sixth Letter, which I trust will be as
useful as the others. It is certainly possible to reconcile meekness, yes and
goodness with the utmost simplicity of speech. But this will infallibly be
called bitterness by those who do not receive it with love. Their hatred of
goodwill is the cross we are called to bear.
I can hardly believe what he says about Mr.
Spencer, [See letter of June 20, 1770.] whose love, I really believe, has no
dissimulation. But Calvinism, I know, is a mortal enemy of all Christian
temperaments.
Peace be with your spirit-- I am, dear sir, [43]
There must be one to
preside over it all or the work will really come to an end
I see more and more, unless
there is a *[leader], the work can never be continued. The body of preachers is
not united; nor will any part of them submit to the rest: so that either there
must be one to preside over all, or the work will actually come to an end.
John Fletcher
SHOREHAM,
January 1773.
DEAR LORD,--What an incredible work God has
accomplished in these kingdoms in less than forty years! And not only does it
continue, but it increases throughout England, Scotland, and Ireland; no, it
has recently spread to New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and
Carolina. But the wise men of the world say, 'When Mr. Wesley falls, it will
all end!' And so it will certainly be, unless, before God calls him here,
someone is found to stand in his place. For * [Homer's Iliad, ii. 204: 'The
government of many is not good; let there be a ruler.'] I see more and more,
unless there is a *[leader], the work can never be continued. The body of
preachers is not united; nor will any part of them submit to the rest: so that
either there must be one to preside over all, or the work will actually come to
an end.
But who is sufficient for these things
qualified to preside over both preachers and people? He must be a man of faith
and love, and one who has a single eye for the advancement of the kingdom of
God. He must have a deep understanding; knowledge of men and things, especially
of Methodist doctrine and discipline; a ready-made statement; diligence and
activity, with a tolerable slice of health. There must be the favor of the
people, of the Methodists in general. For unless God turns His eyes and hearts
to Him, He will be utterly unable to do the work. He must also have some degree
of knowledge; Because there are many adversaries, both learned and undeserved,
whose mouths need to be stopped. But this cannot be done unless he can find
them on his own territory.
But has God provided someone so qualified?
Who is he? You are the man! God gave him a measure of loving faith and a single
look at his glory. He gave him some knowledge of men and things, especially of
the whole plan of Methodism. You are blessed with some health, activity, and
dedication, as well as a degree of learning. And to all this He has recently
added, in a way that no one could have foreseen, to favor both the preachers
and the whole people.
Come in the name of God! Come to the aid of
the Lord against the mighty! Come while I'm alive and able to work!
Dum
superest Lachesi quod torqueat, et pedibus me
Porto meis,
nullo dextram subeunte bacillo.
[Satires of Juvenal, iii. 27-8: 'While
Lachesis has some thread of life to spin, And I walk on my own feet, without
the aid of a staff'].
Come as long as I can, with God helping to
build you up in the faith, to mature your gifts, and to present you to the
people. Nil tanti. What possible employment can you have, which is of such
great importance
But you will naturally say, 'I am not up to
the task; I have neither the grace nor the gifts for such an employment.' You
tell the truth; It is certain that you did not. And who does? But you do not
know Him who can give, perhaps not all at once, but day after day: as each one
is, so will be his strength.
'But it implies,' you may say, 'a thousand
crosses, such as I feel I am not able to bear.' You can't stand them now; And
they haven't arrived now. When they come, He will not send them in number,
weight, and measure And they will not all be for your benefit, so that you may
be a part of His holiness
Without conferring, therefore, with flesh and
blood, come and strengthen your hands, comfort your heart, and share the work
of your affectionate friend and brother. [44]
Prejudiced people say
anything, everything about us
Prejudiced people say
anything, everything about us; but it is enough that we stand or fall before
our own Master. This expression 'the necessary union between faith and good
works' should be taken with some consideration; otherwise, it would imply
irresistible grace and unfailing perseverance.
For John Fletcher
LONDON, February 26, 1774.
DEAR SIR,-- On the way down, my route is:
Tuesday, March 8, Bristol; Wednesday, 16, Worcester; Saturday, the 19th,
Birmingham; Monday, the 21st, and Tuesday, Wednesbury. I don't know if I'll get
close to Madeley then. But if I live to go back, I hope to be in Salop on
Thursday, July 28, and in Madeley on Saturday and Sunday.
Prejudiced people say anything, everything
about us; but it is enough that we stand or fall before our own Master. This
expression 'the necessary union between faith and good works' should be taken
with some consideration; otherwise, it would imply irresistible grace and
unfailing perseverance. Please send the Essays and the Equal Cheque to London
seamless. I hope they do good; but I doubt they do not embarrass Calvinists.
The young man acted on her instructions, which I never heard she remembered.
So, currently, what they do is her act and her act. It is good for Him who is
higher than the highest to consider him. And what can hurt us as we cling to
Him with all our heart—I am, dear sir,
Always yours. [45]
Our views on Christian
Perfection are somewhat different, though not opposed
It seems that our views on
Christian Perfection are somewhat different, though not opposed. It is certain
that every babe in Christ has received the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit
testifies with his spirit that he is the son of God. But he did not attain to
Christian perfection.
For John Fletcher
NORTHWICH,
March 22, 1775.
DEAR SIR,-- I have read your documents and I
hope they are useful. But you let me down a bit. I expected a fictitious and
genuine Creed for Perfectionists, suited to their Arminian Creeds. I don't know
if your last treatise wasn't as convincing as anything you wrote. This method
of unraveling truth and falsehood, which had been so skillfully intertwined,
enabled many to distinguish one from the other more fondly than ever before.
What a good Providence it is that each person
has different ways of writing! Many are convinced or affected by your way of
writing, but they do not receive any benefit from mine. They are not to be
achieved with a few words: you must say too much, or you lose your work. The
heavy foot cannot reach them; but when his light horse attacks them from all
sides, they are completely knocked down. I think the speech to the
Perfectionists and Imperfectionists will be well granted. And it's a good thing
that you spent a little time on Mr. Toplady. He might have been mad if you
hadn't paid attention to him.
It seems that our views on Christian
Perfection are somewhat different, though not opposed. It is certain that every
babe in Christ has received the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit testifies with his
spirit that he is the son of God. But he did not attain to Christian
perfection. Perhaps you have not considered St. John's threefold distinction
between Christian believers: young children, young people, and parents. They
all received the Holy Spirit; But only the parents were perfected in love.
But one thing seems to have escaped you. What
are the charms of Calvinism where the burning faces How is it that so many fall
for it
Tomorrow I hope to be in Chester and board
the first ship I offer. By giving myself up to your prayers, I am, dear sir,
your affectionate brother. [46]
Most believers in our
Church are but babies
For John
Fletcher
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, 1 June 1776.
DEAR SIR,-- Your answer to Dr. Price will not
interfere with mine. But Mr. Collinson is a more capable antagonist than he is.
However, if he doesn't publish his treatise, you don't have to pay attention to
him other than bolster your arguments against his plausible objections.
If you cannot overtake me in York (July 2nd)
or in any other part of Yorkshire, I hope you will at least plan your business
to meet me at the Conference. It would be very convenient for my brother, you
and I to meet together then. I have letters from two clergymen in Ireland, one
or both of them will probably be with us before that time.
In many places, we have a good basis for this
expectation. In many places, even in Scotland, God's work spreads more and
more, and it also sinks deeper—a very likely sign that God will still be
pleaded for a guilty land. "I am, dear sir,
Always yours. [47]
No baby has ever been or
will ever be sent to hell
Therefore, no baby has ever been or will ever be 'sent to hell for the
guilt of Adam's sin', seeing that it is cancelled by the righteousness of
Christ as soon as it is sent into the world
For John Mason
LONDON, November 21, 1776.
MY DEAR BROTHER,--One of Mr. Fletcher's
Checks generally considers the Calvinistic assumption 'that a natural man is
dead as a stone'; and it shows the utter falsehood and absurdity of it, seeing
that no living man is without some grace that hinders him, and every degree of
grace is a degree of life.
That 'for the offence of one judgment fell
upon all men' (all those born into the world) 'unto condemnation,' is an
indisputable truth, and affects every child as well as every adult. But it is
equally true that, 'by the righteousness of one, the free gift fell upon all
men' (all born into the world, infant or grown-up) 'for justification.'
Therefore, no baby has ever been or will ever be "sent to hell for the
guilt of Adam's sin," seeing that it is canceled by Christ's righteousness
as soon as it is sent into the world.
Keep working, especially visiting house to
house, and you will see the fruit of your labor.--I am...[48]
You should be present at
the Conference in London
I hope that if we live, you
will not fail to be present at the Conference in London. Don't stay at home too
long. Wishing you both to be happier and more useful, I am, dear sir
For John Fletcher
MANCHESTER, April 3, 1785.
DEAR SIR, - Our Dublin Conference is set to
begin on the first Tuesday in July, and our London Conference on the last
Tuesday of that month. I am afraid that there is very little time left between
one and the other.
I have very little hope of doing any good for
either the Deists or the Socinians. But it is worth all our effort to prevent
them from making problems – at least, more than they have already done. So I
see everything with a jealous eye that prevents your answer, Dr. Priestley. He
is certainly one of the most dangerous enemies of Christianity that exist in
the world today. And I really think you're the man God has prepared to lower
your confidence. Dr. Horseley has a good subject; but he is a heavy writer; And
maybe sometimes a little too harsh. I believe you can talk home, but still stay
calm.
I truly hope that Sunday Schools will be
productive and of great good to the nation. They spread more and more, and
probably reach all parts of the kingdom.
It seems to be a great happiness, not a
disgrace, that these turbulent men have drifted away. Jn. Hampson, a junior, is
going to university. He can be a helpful cleric.
Always yours. [49]
You did justice to the character of this fine man
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, [50]
[1] https://chamadoparanacoes.wordpress.com/2015/12/16/a-vida-de-john.
[2] https://wikimili.com/en/John_William_Fletcher
[3] Sante Uberto Barbieri.Strange Strain of
the Bold, Chapter 7 – The Paladin of Divine Mercy.
https://arminianismo.wordpress.com/john-fletcher
[4]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1773/
[5]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1773/
[6]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1771/
[7]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1771/
[8]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1771/
[9]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1772/
[10]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1772/
[11]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[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-1774/
[14]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1777/
[15]
https://www.eismeaqui.com.br/sem-categoria/john-fletcher-1729-1785
[16] https://hls-dhs-dss.ch/de/articles/029084
[17]
https://www.catalystresources.org/john-fletcher-the-first-wesley-scholar
[18]
https://victorshepherd.ca/john-fletcher-jean-guillaume-de-la-flechere
[19]
https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/
[20]
https://victorshepherd.ca/john-fletcher-jean-guillaume-de-la-flechere
[22]
https://victorshepherd.ca/john-fletcher-jean-guillaume-de-la-flechere
[23]https://chamadoparanacoes.wordpress.com/2015/12/16/a-vida-de-john.
[24]https://chamadoparanacoes.wordpress.com/2015/12/16/a-vida-de-john.
[25] Ditto.
[26]https://chamadoparanacoes.wordpress.com/2015/12/16/a-vida-de-john.
[27]
https://wikimili.com/en/John_William_Fletcher
[28]https://www.catalystresources.org/john-fletcher-the-first-wesley-scholar
[29]https://chamadoparanacoes.wordpress.com/2015/12/16/a-vida-de-john.
[30] Ditto.
[31] No. XXVI, London, Tuesday, August 7, 1770,
Q. 28. A. 2. Minutes of the Methodist Conferences 1744-98 [Mason, 1862]
95).
[32]https://www.catalystresources.org/john-fletcher-the-first-wesley-scholar
[34] BARBIERI, Sante Uberto. Strange Strain of
the Bold. Methodist Press, São Paulo, p.101.
[35]https://www.catalystresources.org/john-fletcher-the-first-wesley-scholar
[36] Sante Uberto Barbieri.Strange Strain of
the Bold, Chapter 7 – The Paladin of Divine Mercy.
https://arminianismo.wordpress.com/john-fletcher
[37] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[38]https://www.catalystresources.org/john-fletcher-the-first-wesley-scholar
[39]https://hls-dhs-dss.ch/de/articles/029084
[40]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1768/
[41]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1771/
[42]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1771/
[43]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1771/
[44]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1773/
[45]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1774/
[46]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[47]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1776/
[48]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1776/
[49]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1785/
[50]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1785/
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