The maid
that Wesley considered a model of perfection
The Life of Methodist Jane Cooper
Odilon Massolar
Chaves
Copyright
© 2026, Odilon Massolar Chaves
All
rights reserved to the author.
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Article
184 of the Penal Code and Law 96710 of February 19, 1998.
Books
published in the Wesleyan Digital Library: 814
Books
published by the author: 854
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Cover: https://www.geriwalton.com/housemaids-and-her-duties/
(illustration)
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.
I DON'T
know anything about myself. But I know and feel that GOD is Love. I feel that I
love him in some measure, and I long for full conformity to Jesus. My Soul is
happy in it, and though I have not what I once thought was implied, in the
Blessing that has been poured out upon many, yet I have (for which I am not
sufficiently grateful) a deeper union with the Source of Bliss
(Jane Cooper)
============================
Table of Contents
·
Introduction
·
Wesley sets Jane Cooper as a model of
perfection
· About Jane Cooper
· Who was Jane Cooper
·
Look not
so much to Judgment, but to Grace
· Climb the Mountain
· Eternity is closer to me
· He never leaves me empty
·
But I know
and feel that GOD is Love
·
I give
everything to Jesus daily
· Wesley gave a brief account of Jane Cooper's last
moments
============================
Introduction
"The Maid Wesley Considered a Model of Perfection" is a 27-page book based on research and the letters of Jane Cooper (or Janny Cooper) published by Wesley in a book aimed at the search for perfection.
In his diary of Thursday, November 25, 1762, Wesley records that he presided over Jane Cooper's funeral: "I have interred the remains of Jane Cooper, a model of all holiness and wisdom from above; which was torn out before it lived twenty-five years. At the right time! God, who knew the tenderness of her spirit, brought her out "of the evil that was to come." [1]
Almost twenty years after her death, Wesley was still writing about Jane Cooper.
Writing
to Ann Loxdale, June 10, 1781, he says: "I
desire nothing, I will accept nothing but common faith and common salvation;
and I want you, my dear sister, to be just an ordinary Christian like Jenny
Cooper was." [2]
On March 17, 1771, Wesley writes to Mary Stokes and says, "I almost wonder, have I found another Jenny Cooper." [3]
A
life story that impacted Wesley and the Methodists in England in the eighteenth
century, and that should be known today.
The
Author
============================
Wesley sets Jane Cooper as a model of
perfection
Writing to Lady
Maxwell, on September 22, 1764, Wesley said, "I want you to be all
Christian; — as Christian as the Marquis de Renty or Gregory Lopez were; one
like that saint of God, Jane Cooper, [See letter of September 11, 1765.] all
sweetness, all gentleness, all love." [4]
To Mary Bishop, 1769,
Wesley writes saying, "If you were as devoted to God as my dear Jenny
Cooper, you would never have reason to regret your choice, neither in time nor
in eternity." [5]
On March 17, 1771, Wesley writes to Mary Stokes and says, "DEAR MISS STOKES,--I almost wonder, Have I ever found another Jenny Cooper." [6]
To serve as an example and testimony, Wesley published, in 1763, the letters of Jane Cooper: "Letters Written by Jane Cooper: to which an Account of her Life and Death is anticipated".
The second edition was published in 1764. Published by Bristol: printed by William Pine. 1764.
Writing to Thomas Rankin on September 11, 1765, Wesley quotes about Jane Cooper's book: "Societies do not receive half as many books; not even with the Letters of Jane Cooper, or the two or three Sermons I printed last year; No, not with the hymnn—Book or Primitive Physics." [7]
In 1770, Wesley wrote to Ann Bolton and told her, "You may now benefit from the Letters of Jenny Cooper and the Simple Account of Christian Perfection." [8]
Wesley told March, in 1775, to be a follower
of Jane Cooper: "But who has reached him who walks the middle way, equally
distant from both extremes, I will tell you, one who did (though the memory of
her still brings me tears), that lovely saint Jane Cooper! There was the proper
mixture of intellect and passion! I remember one of the last times I saw her,
before the last illness, the look, the attitude, the words! My dear friend, be
a follower of her, just as she was of Christ." [9]
Almost
twenty years after Jane Cooper's death, Wesley still cites her life as an
example.
Writing
to Ann Loxdale on the Isle of Man on June 10, 1781, he says, "I
desire nothing, I will accept nothing but common faith and common salvation;
and I want you, my dear sister, to be just an ordinary Christian like Jenny
Cooper was." [10]
About
Jane Cooper
"*Who was Jane Cooper? If the world had paid attention to her (and rarely, if ever, notices God's hidden saints), she would have said, "She was an English maid, a maiden, who died young." How lives are seen differently from the sky! In his diary entry of Thursday, November 25, 1762, John Wesley records the fact that he presided over Jane Cooper's funeral: I buried the remains of Jane Cooper, a model of all holiness and wisdom from above; which was torn away before she lived twenty-five years. At the right time! God, who knew the tenderness of her spirit, brought her out "of the evil that was to come." [11]
The fact that Wesley held
Jane Cooper in high regard and the authenticity of her experience of
sanctification can be seen in the ways and number of times he mentions her in
his correspondence and other works over the next thirteen years. For example,
in 1763 Wesley published a collection of letters from Jane Cooper, so that
others could be edified by her words and example. In his preface to this little
book, he writes:
This strong genuine sense
is expressed in a way that no one would expect from a young maid: a style not
only simple and artless in the highest degree, but also clear, lively,
appropriate: every sentence, every word, so well chosen, yes, and so well placed,
that it is not easy to fix. And an indescribable sweetness runs through the
whole set, as art would try to imitate in vain. So Jane Cooper wrote, spoke,
and lived. You who read, 'go and do the same!'[12]
Who was Jane Cooper
Jane Cooper (1738–1762) was
a young British Methodist born in Norfolk.
"After going through
many financial difficulties as a child, she moved to London to work as a maid.
In the capital, she was deeply converted when she heard Methodist preaching.
Later, she worked as foreman of the Foundery (the headquarters of Methodism in
London) and dedicated her last years to caring for the sick, dying early of
smallpox at the age of 24.
The Impact of Letters
After Jane's death, John
Wesley collected her correspondence and published the book Letters Written by
Jane Cooper (1764). Wesley deeply valued her writings for very specific
reasons:
Example of Christian
Perfection: Wesley used the letters of
"Jenny" Cooper to illustrate his doctrine of entire sanctification.
He claimed that her life was living proof that an ordinary person could attain
perfect love of God and neighbor.
Recommendation to
Methodists:
In several of his own
letters, Wesley instructed other converts to read Jane Cooper's writings to
stand firm in the faith. In a 1771 letter, for example, he advises, "You
may now profit by the Letters of Jenny Cooper and the Clear Account of Christian
Perfection."
Simple and Devout Language:
Jane Cooper's
correspondence did not address complex theological debates, but rather daily
struggles, prayer, and absolute devotion to God in the midst of
suffering."[13]
His
childhood, professional and spiritual life
Her father
died when she was very young, and some time later, her mother remarried.
But
instead of being a burden to someone, when she was in her late twenties, she
went into service. To this end she came to London, and took up all the work in
a small family.
"Professional
life: From humble origins, she started working around the
age of 20 so as not to be a financial burden for her family. She acted as both a
maid and a lady's companion."
[14]
Then,
realizing that her strength was so lost that she was no longer able to serve,
she went to London.
Despite
the struggles, she felt that she loved "the One who died for me, that I
kept my trust in God," and had the Witness in me, that I was a Son of God.
She became
convinced that she had denied her Love indeed, even after proving her love, she
had limited the Saint of Israel.
She then
began to seek the Promises of Sanctification: but she felt that she still left
them at a distance, supposing the fulfillment of them to be distant.
One day,
in prayer, these promises were applied in his life.[15]
His
letters published by Wesley reveal much of his spiritual life.
Wesley published, in 1763, Jane Cooper's letters to stimulate the search for perfection: "Letters Written by Jane Cooper: to which an Account of her Life and Death is anticipated".
We publish
here excerpts from some of his letters:
Look not
so much to Judgment, but to Grace
Look not
so much to Judgment, but to Grace
No cross,
no suffering. I refuse: Only that all my heart is yours? This has been recorded
in the courts above, the conclusion is answered as we are able to bear it. Look
not so much to Judgment, but to Grace
To Mrs. M.
M;
August 29, 1757.
Rejoice
deeply to find that you are convinced of a very important but self-deprecating
truth, that you yourself are utterly incapable of Accomplishing your own
Salvation, or of forming even a good Thought, or. a desire towards her. Do not
rest in this Conviction, but seek, ask, knock at the door: And you will surely
obtain that Faith which is the Gift of GOD.
Let me
reaffirm that Religion consists, first, in a true Knowledge of our
Christlessness: Second, in knowing that he is not only the Saviour of the
World, but our Saviour in particular; to know that he died for us, so that we
could live through him.
There is a
great difference between this religious scheme and the one we form for ourselves
when we begin to desire eternal happiness. So I thought I should abstain from
all Words and be constant in the Church. And I certainly should go to Heaven,
though—I didn't walk narrowly, but very cold. I did not see that Christ alone
was the Way to Heaven; but though I could not help seeing that my works were
unsafe, yet I expected God to accept this patched obedience, and to furnish
what was needed. Be careful not to get your hopes up. It is a Deep Sand (...)
but seek Forgiveness and Acceptance with GOD, through Him Who is the Rock of
Ages. Let him not go until he blesses you (...)".
Do you not think me cruel, that I may rejoice
to see you under the Cross? Do I believe that both of our souls would be there,
if the strong wind did not arise? blow the dust off our branches. When this
happens, how salutary is the Rain of Grace, how refreshing the Rays of Love! I
am convinced that there is not a single Tree of the Lord's planting, but it
must be purged so that it can bring dirt.
(...) No
cross, no suffering. I refuse: Only that all my heart is yours? This has been
recorded in the courts above, the conclusion is answered as we are able to bear
it. Look not so much at the Judgment, but at the Grace that keeps you from
[art-art] underneath it. You may be greatly oppressed: But Omnipotence will
compromise for you. The Enemy may attack you to fall: But ask for his help as
he will, and he will deliver you (...).
This he
sits like a refiner's fire. Fire, and like Fuller's soap in the souls of his
people. I feel Jesus near; He is better for me than I could ask or think. May
your spirit meet you near this hour, and until the end of your war!" [16]
Climb the
Mountain
May 6, 1760.;
I'm glad
you're so mindful of danger. It is necessary to have an extreme fear that our
hearts will turn away from the living God. This never goes uncorrected: And
though these chastisements are proofs of his love, beware lest he bring them
upon himself. I see your presence in that place as a very particular
Providence, but I feel empathy for you. I know that many of nature's latent
labyrinths will be discovered for you. Maybe the cause and effects will hurt
you. And what should I say to comfort my Friend? I cannot give the Waters of
Consolation: Such Power belongs only to GOD. O that he may assume for you, in
every hour of opportunity, that at this moment you find relief, looking to an
exalted worthy, I have been asking that we may drink deeply in the spirit of a
crucified life; In fact, I didn't know the depth of what I asked. Lord, make us
strong to bear the 'Answer of our request! It makes us consider it our greatest
privilege to devour that Cup you have drunk so much.
Go up to
the Mountain, order all the things that are in the reserve to be left behind.
Have you tried to do this, and are still interrupted by the Birds of Prey? Are
you still molested, when would you offer the sacrifice that God requires? O
watch to keep these enemies away from your peace! And he who is your peace will
give you power. Yes, "when all might fails, you shall prevail (...)."
He loves
you, He pities you, He demands your Heart. And he is worthy of having her. O
that now reign there, the Lord of all movement there! Jesus did not leave me
without comfort. He still sustains me with His Grace (...). [17]
Eternity
is closer to me
I cannot
help rejoicing in the evening, that one day more of the destined portion has passed,
and eternity is nearer to me than when I first believed. But at the same time,
I have reason to be ashamed before the Lord, for I do not live for his glory
Dce. 4.
I don't
know if God's providence will ever allow me to see her again. But I can leave
it to him, with certain hopes that he will find his Spirit happy in the Realms
of the Eternal Day. There we shall surely exult in the presence of a Redeemer.
We shall see him as he is. And indeed, when I have a view, however transient,
of the glory that will be revealed, I am almost impatient with delay: I am
ready to cry out, Why do the wheels of your chariots take so long to arrive? I
want to leave here and no longer be seen as a member of the Earth. 'This has
been some time past my usual desire. I cannot help rejoicing in the evening,
that one day more of the destined portion has passed, and eternity is nearer to
me than when I first believed. But at the same time, I have reason to be
ashamed before the Lord, for I do not live for his glory. I do not love you
with all my Heart and Strength; so far from it, that I sometimes feel like I
have never done an Action with a single Eye for its Glory. My own will mingled,
and "pride, that busy sin, I have spoiled all that I have done." It
is good for me that our High Priest bears the Iniquity of My Holy Things. In
fact, if the Altar did not sanctify the Essential, it could not approach with a
single Offering. O may he purify the Sacrifice which I have so often made, of
all that I have, can or am! Look! Stand firm, my dear friend, and be strong in
the Lord. Remember, the God of Peace will soon hurt Satan under your feet. May
he give you every "thing" that will propel your Growth in Grace! [18]
He never
leaves me empty
Who can
express the blessing of feeling Christ, our Friend, in every moment? In fact, I
see no other way to benefit my soul, but to come the present moment, as I am,
to Jesus? He
never leaves me empty
1762.
AM but
weak, but my Soul is kept in peace. Who can express the blessing of feeling
Christ, our Friend, in every moment? In fact, I see no other way to benefit my
soul, but to come the present moment, as I am, to Jesus? He never leaves me
empty. If I desire something, it is for more opportunity for private prayer.
Among the sick, the afflicted, and those who seek the Lord, I have very little
time for myself. However, I feel no desire other than to do and suffer his
will. As I speak to you, I feel your goodness, beyond what words can describe.
He knows that I should glorify him, be entirely his, and feel him all mine.
Pray that he will examine me and prove me, and that he will supply what is
missing. [19]
But I know
and feel that GOD is Love
To Mrs. C.
M. Now. 29, 1761;
I DON'T know anything about myself. But I know
and feel that GOD is Love. I feel that I love him in some measure, and I long
for full conformity to Jesus. My Soul is happy in him, and though I have not
what I once thought implied, in the Blessing which has been poured out upon
many, yet I have (for which I am not sufficiently grateful) a deeper union with
the Fountain of Bliss, a constant sense of his unmerited love, and a frequent
knowledge that I am less than the least of all Saints. I am convinced that nothing
will separate me from the Lord Jesus. Part of it is my fruit future. In it are
the Fountains of Consolation, which live and give much Strength to my Sun. I
trust him, and I know whom I trust: Therefore, Life or Death is_ equal. Still
working for all the peaceable Fruit of the Spirit. Jesus will bless your
attempts to glorify him. He will make you innocent, able to love before Men,
and blameless before Goo. Know that the Eye of Earth and Heaven is upon you.
Many expect insecurity; More, I trust, I wish you success in the name of the
Lord: I am sure you do, and so I write without reservation. Pay attention to
your own — misunderstanding. Don't be put off by thinking about it, but with
Humiliation, that you didn't make better use of it. Excuse this freedom: The
reason is love without pretending. I find the Fruit of the Cross even as I
write. I fit under the Shadow of my beloved, and I feel Him sustaining my Soul.
O Jesus, great is your Wow! Great is your Mercy! Even for the baddest, for me.
Bless, 'I beseech you, Sister of my Spirit. May she "go before the above
joys: Feel always the love of your Savior." I feel my insufficiency to
talk about the Goodness of GOD. It's more than I can express. He treats me with
delicacy, and if I follow the best standard, I will be patient with everyone. I
have felt a lot of bodily Weakness, but no Power to justify its Change or
Continuity. It seems that I enjoy as much as I want, while pursuing what I have
not achieved. Every day I get more sensible about how small I am. I don't think
ever has a soul so deeply desired a complete Saviour. I took the first
opportunity to write, hoping to profit from his An. I want to know the most
effective way * Way to grow in Grace (...) how to make good use of the Monotony
that often invades my mind and makes my soul stupidly inactive. _-I want to be
all Attention to GOD; to have the whole Faculty of my Mind fixedly waiting for
him (...). I often seem to stand firm in the Lord, and look obstinately to him
z, but (I object, through Lack of Vigilance) I often lose *the deep
Awareness," that "GOD is here:" however, it does not fuse me;
but I detest myself, as I squeeze gracefully. My heart cries out without a
voice, "Come and mold Your passive clay. Keep my attention properly
exercised at every moment." And as I call, my Jesus answers. - Oh, if I
'prayed without fainting?' I should be what! desire., (...). 'May you see all
your Strength to save and 'live in' Source of Happiness! [20]
I give
everything to Jesus daily
London,
Assistant. 29, 1752
Reverend
and dear Sir,
I THANK
you for another Demonstration of your Care for my Soul, in the Investigations
you do. I bless my Lord, Your Grace is sufficient to make me respond without
any hesitation (...).
For many
months I have enjoyed such a constant continuity of my Beloved's presence, for
it makes me feel that I am less than the least of his mercies. If the
contemplation of Him who is more beautiful than the Sons of Men, the Vision of
Christ crucified, prevents the Touch of Pride and makes me hate the Garment
stained by the Flesh. The Testimony I desire is not from Man, and the
appropriation of Gon never makes me mind high. Rather, I rejoice in him with
boldness. He teaches me to charm my love in him. And I feel that I cannot be
dissatisfied with anything that is your choice (...).
In fact,
Jesus is indescribably precious: "Words are too cruel to speak his... Too
mean to present my Saviour, "He makes me daily new discoveries of his
grace and power.
My wish
for you is that you can. to increase with all the Increase of GOD and return to
us in the Fullness of the Gospel; de Paz. I believe so, and that you will be a
blessing to me and to many; I think Mr. Bell is willing to accept whatever
advice you see fit to give. I answer what I have said before; those who seek.
Dissensions are no friend of God's work. I trust you to work for Peace,
'"* and GOD. Peace will be with you: always.
I give
everything to Jesus daily, and I have no sacrifice to make that has not been
offered before. He gives me Strength for everything _Ele calls me to endure:
And I find it easy for Love that believes that all things last (...).
I wish him
the best of luck. The points of his War are powerful through him: He need not
fight uncertainly, as one who carries the Air, but prove himself in all
circumstances; It is 'to be Victory, even our Faith. Continue to show your care
for me, rebuking and advising me as X as you deem necessary. I am sensible of
all my instructions to you, and, dear sir, I am your affectionate and welcoming
servant. [21]
Wesley
gave a brief account of Jane Cooper's last moments
At the end of this year [i.e., 1762] God called to himself that blazing and shining light, Jane Cooper. As she was both a living and dying witness of Christian perfection, it will not be strange to the subject to add a brief account of her death; with one of her own letters, containing a clear and unartful account of the manner in which God was pleased to effect this great change in her soul:
May 2, 1761.
I believe that as long as
the memory remains in me, the gratitude will continue. From the time you
preached in Galachiah, v. 5, I saw clearly the true state of my soul.
That sermon described my heart and what it wanted to be, that is, truly happy.
You read Mr. M's letter, and it described the religion I desired. From that
moment on, the prize came into view, and I was able to follow it closely. I was
kept attentive to prayer, sometimes in great distress, sometimes in patient
expectation of the blessing. A few days before you left London, my soul dwelt
on a promise I made to myself in prayer: "The Lord whom thou seekest shall
come suddenly unto his temple" [Malachi 3:1]. I believed that He would do
it, and that He would stand there like the fire of a refiner [verses 2-3].
On the Tuesday after you
left, I thought I wouldn't be able to sleep unless He kept His word that night.
I never knew how I knew then the force of those words: "Be still, and know
that I am God" [Psalm 46:10]. I became nothing before Him, and I enjoyed
the perfect calm in my soul. I did not know if he had destroyed my sin; but I
wanted to know, so that I could praise Him. Still, I soon felt the return of
disbelief and groaned, being overwhelmed.
On Wednesday I went to
London and sought the Lord without ceasing. I promised that if He would save me
from sin, I would praise Him. I could get rid of all things, so that I can win
Christ. But I thought that all these appeals are worthless; and that if He has
saved me, it must be freely, for His own Name's sake.
On Thursday I was so
tempted that I thought I would destroy myself, or never again converse with
God's people; and yet she did not doubt His pardoning love; but
It was worse than death for
my God to love, and not only my God. 3
On Friday, my suffering increased. I tried to pray, but I couldn't. I went to Mrs. D., who prayed for me, and said that it was the death of nature. Open the Bible: "The fearful and unbelieving shall have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone" [Revelation 21:8]. I couldn't stand it. I opened again to Mark xvi. 6:7: "Do not be dismayed: you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth. Go on your way and tell His disciples that He is going before you into Galilee: there you will see Him." I was encouraged and allowed to pray, believing that I should see Jesus at home.
I returned that night and
found Mrs. G. She prayed for me; and the predestinarian had no supplication,
but "Lord, thou respectest no persons" [Acts 10:34]. He proved that
he was not, by blessing me. In a moment, I was enabled to cling to Jesus Christ
and found salvation by simple faith. He assured me, O Lord, that the King was
in my midst, and that I would see no more evil.
I have now blessed Him, who
visited me and redeemed me, and became my "wisdom, righteousness,
sanctification, and redemption" [1 Corinthians 1:30]. I saw Jesus
as a beautiful whole; and I knew that He was mine in all His offices. And glory
to Him, now He reigns in my heart without rival. I find no testament other than
His. I don't feel proud; nor any affection beyond what is placed upon Him. I know
that it is by faith that I take a stand; and that watching prayer should be the
guard of faith. I am happy in God at this moment, and I believe in the next
one. I have often read the chapter you mention (I Cor. xiii.) and I
compared my life by heart with him. As I do so, I feel my shortcomings and my
need for the atoning blood. Still, I dare not say that I do not feel some of
the love described there, though I am not all that I shall be. I desire to lose
myself in that "love which imparts knowledge" [Ephesians 3:19]. I see
"the righteous shall live by faith" [Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11;
Hebrews 10:38]; and unto me, who am inferior to the least of all saints, is
this grace given [Ephesians 3:8]. If I were an archangel, I should veil my face
before Him and let silence speak His praise.
The following account is
given by one who was an eyewitness and auditory witness of what she relates:—
(1) At the beginning of November, she seemed to have a vision of what was to come, and often sang these words—
When pain prevails over
this weak flesh, with lamb patience embrace my breast. 4
And when she sent me word
that she was sick, she wrote on her note,
I suffer the will of Jesus.
Everything He sends is sweetened by His love. I'm as happy as if I heard a
voice say—
My older brothers stay for
me, and angels call me away, and Jesus tells me to come. 5
(2) When I said to her,
"I cannot choose life or death for you," she said, "I have asked
the Lord that if it were His will, I might die first. And He told me that you
should outlive me, and that you should close my eyes." When we realized it
was smallpox, I said to her, "My dear, you will not be afraid if we tell
you what your callousness is." She said, "I can't be frightened to His
will."
(3) The annoyance soon
became very heavy upon her; But as much as his faith grew stronger. On Tuesday,
November 16, she said to me, "I have worshipped before the throne
gloriously; my soul was so admitted in God!"
I said, "Has the Lord
given you any particular promise?"
"No," she
replied, "that was all
That sacred wonder that
dares not move, And the whole silent sky of love." 6
(4) On Thursday, when I
asked, "What have you to say to me?" she replied, "No, nothing
but what you already know: God is love" [1 John 4:16]. I asked,
"Do you have any particular promises?"
She replied, "It seems
I don't want any: I can live without. I shall die a piece of deformity, but I
shall find thee glorious: and in the meantime I shall yet have fellowship with
thy spirit."
(5) Mr. M. asked her what
she thought was the best way to enter and what her main obstacles were. She
replied,
The biggest obstacle
usually comes from the natural constitution. It was my reserved being, very
silent, to suffer a lot and to speak little. Some may find one way more
excellent, and others another; but the most important thing is to live in God's
will. For some months, when I have been particularly devoted to it, I have felt
a leading of His Spirit, and the anointing which I received from the Holy One
taught me, of all things, that I need no man to teach me, except as this
anointing teaches.
(6) On Friday morning, she
said, "I believe I am going to die." She then sat up on the bed and
said,
Lord, I bless you for
always being with me, and all that you have is mine. Your love is greater than
my weakness, greater than my impotence, greater than my unworthiness. Lord, do
You say to corruption, "Are You my sister?" [Job 17:14] And
glory be to Thee, O Jesus, Thou art my brother. Let me understand, with all the
saints, the length, the breadth, the depth, and the height of Your love!
[Ephesians 3:18] Bless these" (some who were present); "let them be
exercised at every moment in all things as Thou shouldest them be."
(7) A few hours later, it
seemed as if the agonies of death were coming upon her; But her face was full
of smiles of triumph, and she clapped her hands with joy.
Mrs. C. said, "My
dear, you are more than a conqueror by the blood of the lamb."
She replied, "Yes, oh
yes, sweet Jesus! O death, where is your screw?" [1 Corinthians 15:55]
She then lay as if she were dozing off for a while. After that, she tried to
speak, but couldn't; However, she witnessed their love shaking hands with
everyone in the room.
(8) Mr. W[esley]7
then came. She said, "Lord, I didn't know I would live to see you. But I'm
glad the Lord gave me that opportunity, and also power to talk to you. I love
you. You have always preached the strictest doctrine; and I loved to accompany
her. Still, whoever is satisfied or dissatisfied."
He asked, "Do you now
believe that you are saved from sin?"
She said,
Yes; I had no doubt about
this for many months. What I have already done is because I did not remain in
the faith. I now feel that I have kept the faith: and perfect love drives away
all fear [1 John 4:18]. As for you, the Lord promised me that your later
works should surpass the former, though I do not live to see it. I was a great
enthusiast, as they say, in these six months, but I never lived so close to the
heart of Christ in my life. Sir, sir, desires to comfort the hearts of hundreds
by following that simplicity which your soul loves.
(9) To one who received
God's love under her prayer, she said, "I feel that I have not followed a
cunningly contrived fable [2 Peter 1:16]; for I am as happy as I can
live. Go on and do not stop before the mark" [Philippians 3:14].
To Miss M—s she said,
Love Christ: He loves you.
I believe I will see thee at the right hand of God: but as one star differs
from another star in glory, so shall it be in the resurrection [1
Corinthians 15:41]. I command you, in the presence of God, to meet me on
that glorious day within you. Avoid all compliance with the world. You have
been robbed of many of your privileges. I know that I will be found innocent.
You strive to be found with Him in peace, without blemish.
(10) On Saturday morning,
she prayed almost as follows:
I know, my Lord, that my
life is prolonged only to do Your will. And though I shall never eat or drink
more" (she swallowed nothing for nearly twenty-eight hours), "Thy
will be done. I am willing to be kept so for twelve months: man does not
live by bread alone [Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4]. I praise You that there is no
shadow of complaint in our streets. In this sense, we do not know what disease
means. In fact, Lord, neither life nor death, nor things to come, nor
creatures, will separate us from Your love in a moment [Romans 8:38-39].
Bless these, so that they may not fail in their souls. I believe there will be
no problem. I pray with faith.
Sunday and Monday she was
dizzy, but sensible at times. Then it was clear that his heart was still in
heaven. One of them said to her, "Jesus is our mark."
She replied, "I have
only one mark: I am totally spiritual."
Miss Helena Sánchez. M.
said to her, "You dwell in God."
She replied,
"Together."
One person asked her,
"Do you love me?"
She said, "Oh, I love
Christ; I love my Christ."
To another he replied,
"I won't be here for long: Jesus is precious, very precious indeed."
She told Miss Helena S. M.:
"The Lord is very good! He keeps my soul above all else."
For fifteen hours before
she died, she was in severe convulsions: her sufferings were extreme. One said,
"Ye may divine yourselves by sufferings" [Hebrews 2:10; 1 Peter
5:10].
She said, "More and
more."
After being quiet for a
while, she said, "Lord, You are strong!" Then, pausing considerably,
she uttered her last words: "My Jesus is all in me: glory to Him for time
and eternity." After that, he stood motionless for about half an hour and
then passed away without sighing or moaning." [22]
[1]
https://finestofthewheat.org/plain_account_03/
[2]https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1781/
[3]https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1771/
[4]https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1764/
[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-1765/
[8]https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1770/
[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-1781/
[11]
https://finestofthewheat.org/plain_account_03/
[12]
https://finestofthewheat.org/plain_account_03/
[13] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[14] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[15]
https://wesleyscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/JW-Letters-by-Jane-Cooper-1764.pd
[16]
https://finestofthewheat.org/plain_account_03/
[17]
https://finestofthewheat.org/plain_account_03/
[18]
https://finestofthewheat.org/plain_account_03/
[19]
https://finestofthewheat.org/plain_account_03/
[20]
https://finestofthewheat.org/plain_account_03/
[21]
https://finestofthewheat.org/plain_account_03/
[22]
https://finestofthewheat.org/plain_account_03/
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