Wesley's discipleship with a Lady of Scotland
Based on
Wesley's letters to Lady Maxwell
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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(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.
· Introduction
· Who was
Lady Maxwell
· He used every means possible to destabilize his soul from the things of
earth
· Then He turns his weight into joy
· Beware of
these sycophants
· I consider you to be currently just a delicate plant
· Your firm resolve to rest in nothing but that
· I believe that the medicines will not serve you much
· In
simplicity and godly sincerity
· Keep as far away from temptation as possible, and carefully avoid all
evil occasions
· Despite all
the temptations
· My carriage and horses are in Bristol, which you would please me very
much if you would use it as your own
· I can't be content with you being a Christian at the common rate
· Being unable to sympathize with the afflicted is not a desirable state
· It was well ordained by an infallible Providence
· Enemies of the joy of faith
· Never preach on any controversial point
· You don't have to be ashamed
· I congratulate you for meddling as little as possible on controversial
points
· I trust that you will find no decay in your own soul
· God has been content to bless the itinerant plan
· Attacking
the root of Methodism
============================
Introduction
"Wesley's Discipleship with a Lady of Scotland" is a 41-page book based on Wesley's letters to Lady Maxwell.
When at the age of 19 Lady Maxwell lost her husband and son six months later, she said, "I see that God requires my whole heart, and he will have it!" 'God brought me to himself through affliction,' she often said. It was while she was burdened by these heavy trials that she became acquainted with the Methodists." [1]
Wesley maintained a constant correspondence with her and had great concerns about her temptations because she belonged to a noble class.
In 1767, writing to Methodist leader Peggy Dale, Wesley told her,
"But you do not speak a word of Lady Maxwell. Did she pass it through
Newcastle coming and going? Did you talk to her alone? And did she break her
natural and habitual shyness? How did you find it? Seeking heavenly things
alone, and all thirsting for God. It will be a miracle of miracles if she stays
on her feet, considering the thousand traps that surround her." [2]
Lady
Maxwell became "the chief supporter and leader of the Methodist movement
in Scotland.
Over the
decades, John Wesley acted
as his spiritual mentor, theological advisor, and personal friend through
dozens of detailed letters." [3]
A story
of Wesley's discipleship with a young woman who belonged to the nobility that
edifies us.
The
Author
============================
Who was
Lady Maxwell
Lady
Darcy Maxwell (1742-1810) was an eminently pious Methodist in Scotland. She
belonged to the nobility of Scotland and was known for her great works of
philanthropy.
"She was the youngest daughter of Thomas Brisbane, of County Ayr, and was born about the year 1742. In his own home, he received the fundamentals of an education, but later completed it in the city of Edinburgh. At the age of sixteen, she resided for a time in London with her uncle and aunt, lord and lady Lothian, to enjoy the perks of being presented at court. In 1759, shortly after his return from London, he married Sir Walter Maxwell. This union seemed to open before her a disconcerting vision of future joys and happiness; but only for two short years did she realize her bright expectations; At the end of this period, her husband and son were taken from her, and she was widowed at the age of nineteen. When the news of her little one's death, within six weeks of her husband's, was conveyed to her, without any outburst of sorrow or even murmur, she exclaimed, 'I see that God requires all my heart, and he will have it!' 'God brought me to himself through affliction,' she often said. It was while burdened by these heavy trials that she became acquainted with the Methodists."[4]
Main points
of his spiritual life
- Origin and Tragedy: Born in Scotland, she married Sir Walter Maxwell. In 1762, at the age of 19, she was widowed and lost her newborn son within weeks.
- Conversion: She interpreted suffering as a divine call. In 1764, he met John Wesley and formally joined the Methodist society.
- Leadership and Philanthropy: She became one of the most influential women in Methodism. She has funded and run free schools for poor children in Edinburgh and Sunday schools in London." [5]
John Wesley's Letters to Lady Maxwell
The
letters sent by Wesley to her reveal a tone of deep respect, but also of direct
and straightforward mentoring. Key topics covered in the correspondence include:
- Pursuit of Christian Holiness and Perfection: Wesley often encouraged her to seek the "full assurance of the faith" and complete sanctification, helping her overcome her natural shyness to witness to her faith.
- Practical Leadership Advice: In famous
letters, such as the one dated August 8, 1788, Wesley strongly defends the
itinerancy system of Methodist preachers , explaining that pastors
needed to rotate between cities to keep the movement dynamic, even if the
Scottish people preferred to fix a local preacher.
Lady Maxwell died on 2 July 1810.
In 1822, Rev John Lancaster published the book "Life of Darcy, Lady Maxwell", Methodist Vol 1-2".
Wesley's letters to Lady Maxwell reveal a frankness, care, affection and
respect:
He used every means
possible to destabilize his soul from the things of earth
He gave her
affliction after affliction; He used every means possible to destabilize her
soul from the things of the earth, so that she could fix only on Him. So far as
the design of His love was reached, I could not judge well by a brief
conversation
To Lady Maxwell
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE 20 June 1764.
Is it pleasing to my dear Lady Maxwell that I
trouble her with a letter so soon, and that she writes with so little ceremony
that I use no compliments, but all frankness of speech? If it is not, you must
tell me, and I will know how to speak better for the future. Indeed, it would
be unpleasant for me to use reserve: the affection I feel for you inclines me
strongly to 'think aloud', to tell every thought that arises in my heart. I
think God has made unusual efforts, as it were, to make you a Christian; — a
Christian in fact, not in name, worshipping God in spirit and in truth; having
in him the mind that was in Christ, and walking as Christ also walked. He gave
her affliction after affliction; He used every means possible to destabilize
her soul from the things of the earth, so that she could fix only on Him. So
far as the design of His love was reached, I could not judge well by a brief
conversation. Your Lordship, therefore, will give me permission to ask: Is it
the heaviness which you often feel only owing to weakness of body and the loss
of near relatives, I hope it is not. It can, in fact, arise initially from
these external pressures. But was it not the gracious Spirit of God who came in
and took such occasion to convict him of sin, unbelief, the lack of Christ? And
it is not the meaning of this great cause, if not the greatest, of your present
suffering. If so, the greatest danger is that you stifle that conviction, not
let yourself be convinced that you are all sin, the chief of sinners; or that
you heal the wound a little, that you rest before you know that Christ is
yours, before His Spirit testifies with your spirit that you are a child of
God. My dear Lady, do not be afraid to know yourself—yes, to know yourself as
you are known. So how long will you know your Advocate with the Father, Jesus
Christ the Righteous! And why not today, why not at this time? If you feel your
desire, I implore the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ to look upon you
now! O give Thy servant power to believe! to see and feel how You loved her!
Now let her sink into the arms of Your love; and say to your soul, 'I am your
salvation.'
As for specific
advice, I do not know how far you would like me to continue. I would not be
late to do anything in my power; and yet I wouldn't intrude. But in whatever
respect I may command, my dear Lady, the affectionate servant of Your Lordship.
[7]
Then He turns his weight into joy
To Lady Maxwell MANCHESTER, July, 1764.
MY DEAREST MALADY,-- Until I had the pleasure of
receiving yours, I almost doubted whether you would think it worth writing or
not. So much the more I rejoiced when this doubt was removed, and in such a
pleasant way. I can't help but think of you often: I seem to see you alone for
myself, panting for God, under the heavy pressure of the weakness and fainting
of the body, faint from your dearest relatives, convinced that you are a
sinner, a debtor who has nothing to pay, and ready to cry out, Jesu, I have now
lost everything, Let me fall upon Thy
bosom. Amen, Lord Jesus! Speak; for Your servant hears! Speak Yourself in her
heart! Raise your hanging hands and fragile knees. May she see Thee full of
grace and truth, and make her rejoice with the light of Thy face.
Do not stop, my dear Lady, for a moment 'because
you have not felt sorrow enough.' Your friend above has felt this enough for
you. O Lamb of God, it has always been pain, it has always been love like
Yours! Look, look to Him, and be saved! He is not a distant God; Now he hovers
over you with eyes of tenderness and love! Just believe! Then He turns his
weight into joy. Don't think that you're not humble enough, you're not sorry
enough, you're not sincere enough. You are nothing; but Christ is all, and He
is yours. The Lord God write it on your heart, and take you as God's dwelling
place by the Spirit.
Oh, so that you are as dead to the world as you
are now! I apprehend the greatest danger on that side. If you were induced to
seek happiness in Christ, how soon would your good desires disappear!
Especially if you yield to the temptation to which your person, your youth, and
your fortune will not fail to expose. If you escape this trap, I trust that you
will be a true Christian, having both the power and the form of religion. I
hope that in this way you will have equally better health and spirit; Maybe tomorrow.
But oh, take Christ today! I long to have you happy in Him! Surely few desire
your happiness more sincerely than, my dear Lady, your Lordship's most
affectionate servant. [8]
Beware of these sycophants
Oh beware of these sycophants!
Hold fast to the conviction God has given you! Faith, living, conquering,
loving faith, is undoubtedly what you want. And of this you often have a taste
to encourage him to go on: such is the tender mercy of him who loves them; such
a desire from Him that you should receive all His precious promises!
To Lady Maxwell
LONDON, August 17, 1764.
MY DEAREST MALADY,--Since I had the pleasure of
you, I have scarcely had an hour that I could call my own; Otherwise, I would
not have taken so long to write, for I have a very fond regard for you and a
sincere desire that you be thoroughly Christian. I cannot be content with you
being so harmless or regular in your behaviour, or even exemplary in all
outward respects; nay, more than all this you have ever received, for you fear
God. But you must stop here, God forbid! This is just the beginning of wisdom.
You must not end here: fear will ripen into love. You will know (perhaps very
soon) that love of God that imparts knowledge. You will witness the kingdom of
God within you, even to righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
It is no small example of God's goodness to you
that you are conscious of your desire, of your 'lack of divine living faith'.
And His goodness here is all the more remarkable, because almost all your
neighbors would place you as a true good believer. Oh beware of these
sycophants! Hold fast to the conviction God has given you! Faith, living,
conquering, loving faith, is undoubtedly what you want. And of this you often
have a taste to encourage him to go on: such is the tender mercy of him who
loves them; such a desire from Him that you should receive all His precious
promises! Don't think they're far from it. Don't imagine that you need to stay
a long time (years or months) before receiving them. Don't postpone them a day,
not an hour! Why not now? Why don't you look up now and see, as if it were
possible, Jesus Christ departed, evidently placed Himself, crucified before
your eyes? Oh, listen to His voice--'Daughter, be in a good mood; Your sins are
forgiven you!' 'Do not say in your heart, Who shall ascend into heaven, or who
shall descend into the depths of the air? 'No; 'The word is near you, even in
your mouth and in your heart.' 'Lord, I believe; Help my unbelief.'
Joy in the Holy Spirit is a precious gift from
God, but still tenderness of conscience is an even greater gift; And all of
this is for you. Only ready, The wordless astonishment that dares not move, And
the whole silent sky of love. I am not a great friend of solitary Christianity;
However, in a case as peculiar as yours, I think an exception can be admitted.
It seems very convenient that you should retire from Edinburgh, at least for a
time, until God increases your strength. For the company of those who do not
know God, who are strangers to the religion of the heart, especially if they
are sensible and agreeable people, may rather weaken the grace of God in your
soul.
You cannot please me more than by telling me all
that is in your heart; There's no danger of you tiring me out. I myself do not
usually write such long letters; But when I write to you, I'm full of subject.
I seem to see you right before me, a poor, frail, helpless creature, but on the
edge of salvation; erect of heart (to some extent), full of real desires for
God, and emerging into the light. May the Lord take you whole! So please, my
dear lady, Your affectionate servant. [9]
I consider you to be currently
just a delicate plant
I am afraid that your bodily
weakness will increase or that your desires after God will grow cold. I
consider you to be at present just a delicate, diseased plant, easily injured
by any strong explosion. But I trust that this will not be so long; for you
have a strong Helper.
To Lady Maxwell
BRISTOL, September 22, 1764.
MY DEAREST MALADY,-- You need not be afraid to
write to me too often. The more frequent your letters are, the more welcome
they will be. When I haven't heard from you for some time, I start to be filled
with fears; I am afraid that your bodily weakness will increase or that your
desires after God will grow cold. I consider you to be at present just a
delicate, diseased plant, easily injured by any strong explosion. But I trust
that this will not be so long; for you have a strong Helper. And the Lord, whom
you serve, even if weakly and imperfectly, will suddenly come to His temple.
When, Lord, are all things ready now? Here is the sinner; she whose mouth is
stopped, who has nothing to pay, who declares herself neither her own
harmlessness, nor works, nor good desires, nor sincerity, but can adopt this
strange word: I renounce all supplication, besides the Lord, I am condemned;
but You are dead. He died; therefore, you will live. O reason not against Him!
Let Him take you now! Let Him take you exactly as you are and make you what is
acceptable in your eyes.
It is truly a pleasure to know that God has
given you the resolve to join the Company. No doubt you will suffer rebuke for
this; but it is the rebuke of Christ. And you will have great reparations when
the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. Still, I foresee a danger: at
first you will be inclined to think that all the members of the Society are
serious. And when you realize that some are different (which will always be the
case in such a large group of people), then prejudice can easily creep in and
greatly weaken your soul. O beware of this rock of offense! When you see
something wrong (by rumors, we will not receive it easily), remember the word
of our Lord: 'What is this to you, follow me.' And I beg you not to consider
the half-Methodists—if we should use the name at all. Don't care about those
who strive to hold Christ in one hand and the world in the other. I want you to
be every 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. I think you're exactly what she
was when I first saw her. I cringe at the thought of seeing you as she was the
last time I saw her. But why should I? What is all the pain of those who
glorify God in the flames with 'Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit'?
Do not allow me to give myself one more piece of
advice. Be very careful about how you relate to new acquaintances. Everyone,
even sincere people, will not profit from you. I should be unhappy if you would
talk frequently with anyone except those who are deeply serious-minded and talk
straight to the point. You don't have to condemn them, and yet you can say,
'That doesn't suit me.'
May He who loves you abundantly suppress all
your desires and fulfill your enlarged desires! Please, my dear Lady, Your
affectionate servant. [10]
Your firm resolve to
rest in nothing but that
It was with great pleasure that I observed his firm resolution to rest in nothing else. I don't know why you should—why you should be content to be half a Christian, dedicated partly to God and partly to the world, or more properly to the devil. No, but let us all be for God. He created the whole, our whole body, soul, and spirit.
To Lady Maxwell
LONDONDERRY, May 25, 1765.
MY DEAREST MALADY,-- It is not easy for me to
express the satisfaction I have received in the few hours I have recently spent
with you. Before I saw you, I had too many fears about you, so that your
preoccupation about a single thing would be calmed, that your desires would
cool down, or your mind would be a little wounded by any of the things that
happened recently. So much the greater was my joy when all these fears were
removed, when I found the same openness and sweetness as before, both in his
spirit and in conversation, and the same sincerity of desire after the one
thing that deserves all the strength of our affection. I believe that
tenderness and firmness are seldom planted by nature in a single spirit. But
what is too difficult for supreme grace? This can give strength and softness
together. This is capable of filling your soul with all firmness and also with
all gentleness. And to this point you are called, by no less than all the mind
that was in Christ Jesus.
It was with great pleasure that I observed his
firm resolution to rest in nothing else. I don't know why you should—why you
should be content to be half a Christian, dedicated partly to God and partly to
the world, or more properly to the devil. No, but let us all be for God. He
created the whole, our whole body, soul, and spirit. He who bought us redeemed
everything; and that He will take the purchase of His blood. May He sanctify
the whole, so that all that we have and are may be a sacrifice of praise and
thanksgiving!
I'm not afraid you'll settle for less than that;
But I'm afraid you're trying it the wrong way. Here is the danger, that you
seek it, not by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. See just as the
Apostle speaks: you do not seek it directly, but as if it were by works. I fear
that this is the case with you, which may delay your acceptance of the
blessing. Christ died for you; He has brought forgiveness to you. Why shouldn't
you receive it now, while you have this paper in your hand? Why you didn't do
this or so See your own works. Because you are not like that, and therefore
more repentant, more sincere, more sincere, see your own righteousness. Oh,
never mind! No one but Christ! No one but Christ! And if He alone is enough, if
what He suffered and did, if His blood and righteousness are enough, they are
near you! In your mouth, and in your heart! See, everything is ready! Don't
wait for this or that preparation! for something to take to God! Bring Christ!
Instead, let Him bring you, bring you back to God! Lord Jesus, take it! Take
her and all her sins! Accept it as it is! Get it now! Arise, why do you delay
Washing away her sins! Spread it with Your blood! May she sink into the arms of
Your love and cry out, 'My Lord and my God!'
Let me know as soon as you can. You do not know
how much of a great satisfaction this is to you, my dear lady, your
ever-affectionate servant. Be happy to direct to the New Room in Dublin. [11]
I believe that the medicines will
not serve you much
To Lady Maxwell
KILKENNY, July 5, 1765.
MY DEAREST MALADY,-- As yours was sent from
Dublin to Cork, and then back here, I only received it yesterday. Now I am
turning my face again to England; but I hope to stay in Dublin till the
beginning of next month, and then cross, to be in Manchester (God willing)
about the middle of August. Whether in Dublin or Manchester, I hope to have the
pleasure of hearing from you. It is indeed a pleasure, as it is, to write to
you; though sometimes I do it out of fear—afraid of not causing you pain, for I
know the tenderness of your spirit. I wish I could be of service to you; that I
might encourage you to cast yourself upon Him who loves you, who now hopes to
pour out His peace in your heart, to give you an entrance into the most sacred
by His blood. See Him, see Him! full of grace and truth! full of grace and
truth to you! I do not doubt that He is gradually working in you; But I want
you to experience an instant job as well. Then the gradual process will
continue rapidly. Lord, speak! Your servant hears! Saith thou: 'Be the light';
and there will be light, Now let it spring up in your heart!
It may be He who does everything well has wise
reasons, though not apparent to us, to work on you more gradually than he has
done in recent years on most others. It may please Him to give you the
consciousness of His favor, the conviction that you are accepted through the
Beloved, in almost unfeeling degrees, like the dawn of day. And everything is
one way as it began, so you do it, but you walk in the light. Whether this is
given instantly or gradually, hold on tight. Christ is his; He loved you; He gave
himself for you. Therefore, they will be holy just as He is holy, both in heart
and in all conversation.
Allow me, my dear friend, to add a word about
your bodily health. Either way, you should give yourself all the air and
exercise you can. And I must advise you (even if the long customization has
made it difficult, if it were the case) to sleep as soon as possible; never
later than ten, to wake up as early as health allows. To have a good spirit, so
called, or the other way around, depends a lot on it. I believe that the drugs
will not do you much good: you just need a proper diet, exact regularity and constant
exercise, with God's blessing.
Your speech or writing has never been tiring to
me until now; and I am convinced that it never will be. Your letters are more
and more agreeable with, my dear Lady, Your most affectionate servant. [12]
In simplicity and godly sincerity
I hope my dear friend never does
it differently. In simplicity and godly sincerity, the opposite of worldly
wisdom, have all your conversation in the world
To Lady Maxwell
LONDON, December 1, 1765.
MASTRESS MALADY,-- Perhaps there are few
children of men who are not, at some point, a little touched by prejudice, at
least to the point of worrying, though not hurting. But it doesn't hurt unless
you fix your mind. It is not the force of understanding that can prevent this.
The heart, which otherwise suffers the most from it, makes the resistance that
is only effective. I cannot be easily prejudiced against anyone I love dearly
until that love wanes. So long as our affection is preserved by watchfulness
and prayer to Him who gave it, prejudice should remain at a distance. Another
excellent defense against this is openness. I admire you for that reason. You
dare (in spite of that strange reserve which so prevails in the north of
Britain) to express the naked feelings of your heart. I hope my dear friend
never does it differently. In simplicity and godly sincerity, the opposite of
worldly wisdom, have all your conversation in the world.
Have you received a glow of light from on high,
a spark of faith? Oh, don't let it go! Hold on, by His grace, to that symbol of
His love, that sincerity of His inheritance. Come just as you are, and come
boldly to the throne of grace. No need to delay! Even now, the bowels of Jesus
Christ yearn for you. What do you have to do with tomorrow I love you today.
And how much more He loves you! He still pities His wandering sheep, He desires
to bring them to His blessing! Today hear His voice—the voice of Him who speaks
as man has never spoken, the voice that raises the dead, that calls the things
that are not as though they were. Listen! What He says now: 'Do not be afraid;
Just believe! Woman, your sins are forgiven you! Go in peace; Your faith has
made you whole.' Indeed, I am, my dear lady, Your ever-affectionate servant. [13]
Keep as far away from temptation
as possible, and carefully avoid all evil occasions
And may my dear friend keep as
far as possible from temptation, and carefully avoid all evil occasions. Ah,
it's a good fight, although painful! You realize that you are not sent to war
at your own expense
To Lady Maxwell
NORWICH, February 23, 1767.
MY DEAREST MALADY,-- For a long time, I thought
you were in a state of temptation. And since I had no other way to help you, it
made me recommend you more often to the One who can save you. Your last,
therefore, was doubly acceptable to me, for it relieved me of my fears towards
you, and gave me an opportunity of rejoicing in one for whom I have the most
sincere and tender affection. Of course, God's grace is sufficient for you in
this and every difficult hour. So you have already lived happily as if you
were; And so I trust that you will live to the end. But you must not imagine
that you are still beyond the reach of temptation: thoughts will be suggested
again and again; So you still need to be
For always being on your guard
And watching prayer.
Exercise, especially with the coming of spring,
will be of greater benefit to your health than a hundred remedies; and I do not
know if it will not be restored in a greater measure than it has for many
years, when the peace of God is fixed in your heart. [Her Life, p. 25, shows
that she was then 'distressed in mind and weak in body.'] Is it far away? I
don't think so. Your ear is not heavy; Now he hears the cry of his heart. And
He will not answer Why do you not come today, Lord Jesus; Come quickly! Your
openness compels me to be more than ever, my dear Lady,
Your affectionate friend and servant. [14]
Despite all the
temptations
It's up to you to
give a point to my fears, to show me that you're still the same, only more and
more determined, despite all temptations, to move forward as best you can.
To Lady Maxwell
CASTLEBAR, May 7, 1767.
MY DEAREST MALADY,-- Your silence is not enough.
I won't believe you're tired of my mail unless I have it under your own hand.
But when I haven't heard from you in six or eight weeks, I start to be filled
with fear. I'm afraid you're dead; or that you are extremely ill, you cannot
write; or that your affection is cold, perhaps for me, perhaps for the One who
loves you a thousand times better than I do. It's up to you to give a point to
my fears, to show me that you're still the same, only more and more determined,
despite all temptations, to move forward as best you can.
I did not know whether it was proper to ask any
question about the judgment from which you said God had delivered you, for
there are things of such a delicate nature that one hardly knows how to put
them on paper. Otherwise, I don't think there's anything you can't mention to
me, as I believe no one cares about your happiness anymore. Did you find a
return from the proof you mentioned? Still, the God you serve can deliver you.
In fact, it does not surprise me that things make a deep impression on such a
tender spirit. But still, is not his grace sufficient for you, and is not his
strength perfect in your weakness? Are you not yet determined to seek your
happiness in Him, and to dedicate to God all that you have and all that is? Is
it not your desire to be wholly surrendered to Him and to glorify Him with your
body and spirit? Follow in His name and in the power of His power! Through Him
you will be more than a conqueror. Often He rebuked and corrected you; but He
did not put you to death, and never will. 'Thou shalt not die, but shalt live,
and declare the loving-kindness of the Lord.'
I hope to receive a particular report on his
health and his current situation in all respects. Do I need to have any
reservations between us? Can't you talk to me in all simplicity? May the peace
and love of God fill and govern your heart-- I am, my dear Lady,
Your most affectionate servant. [15]
My carriage and horses are in
Bristol, which you would please me very much if you would use it as your own
My carriage and horses are in
Bristol, which you would very much like if you would use as your own (in case
you bring none) during your stay there; To do this, you should, if possible,
cycle there every day. My wife, who is in Newcastle, will be extremely happy to
serve you there. And if you choose to rest a few days, I'd be happy if you used
the Orphan House.
To Lady Maxwell
CORK, June 4, 1767.
MY DEAREST MALADY,-- I believe that a trip to
England can be of great help to your health. And it's not unlikely that you can
get a lot of benefit from the water from the Thermal Wells near Bristol. In
August, I hope to be in Bristol, and again at the end of September. My carriage
and horses are in Bristol, which you would very much like if you would use as
your own (in case you bring none) during your stay there; To do this, you
should, if possible, cycle there every day. My wife, who is in Newcastle, will
be extremely happy to serve you there. And if you choose to rest a few days,
I'd be happy if you used the Orphan House. You would be pleased with Miss
Dales, [See letter of September 29.] and they with you; you and they drank in
one Spirit. Miss Helena Sánchez. Peggy is one of the holiest young women I
know; in fact, I think that both sisters desire nothing but to glorify God with
their body and with their spirit. You'll be so kind to let me know when you
expect to be in Newcastle, and maybe I can meet you there.
As you have been providentially called to the
place where you are now, I cannot doubt that you will be preserved. But you
need a lot of prayer and continual watchfulness, or you may insensibly miss
what God has given. I'm jealous of you; I can't help but be interested in what
interests you. I know his tender spirit, his desire to please everyone for
their sake, his reluctance to cause pain. And even these amiable dispositions
can be a little weapon; For how can they be taken too far! If you find something
that hurts you or takes your soul away from God, I conjure you to flee for
life! In this case, you should not be formal in ceremony; You must escape
without delay. But I hope for better things: I hope you will be sent to
Brisbane, [Your father Thomas Brisbane, lived in Brisbane, in County Ayr.] not
to receive injury, but to do good, to grow in grace, to find a deeper communion
than ever with Him who gave Himself for you; and to satisfy the joy of, my dear
Lady, Your most affectionate friend. [16]
I can't be content with you being
a Christian at the common rate
Maybe you've never
had such a clumsy correspondent before. But I think you've hardly ever had
someone who had such a tender regard for you. But it is precisely this that
imposes on me under obligation to tell you all that I hear or fear about you,
because I cannot be content that you are a Christian according to the common
rate
To Lady Maxwell
REDRUTH, September 9, 1768.
MY DEAREST MALADY,-- It is impossible for me to
cause you pain without feeling it myself. And yet the way you receive my
clarity also gives me pleasure. Maybe you've never had such a clumsy
correspondent before. But I think you've hardly ever had someone who had such a
tender regard for you. But it is precisely this that imposes upon me the
obligation to tell you all that I hear or fear about you, because I cannot be
content that you should be a Christian according to the common rate. No. I want
you to have all the mind that was in Christ and in everything to walk as He
walked. To live like an angel down here, blamed in an immaculate love.
What a comfort it is when we can trust each
other! I am glad that you can speak freely even on such a delicate subject. You
can be sure that no eye but mine will see your letter. One cannot be too
cautious in things of this kind; Some men are so weak, and others so wicked. I
give all the credit to everything you say, especially in relation to Mr. H.
['H.' is Christopher Hopper.]; and I join you in thinking that there must be
some mistake in the person who informed me of this circumstance. I don't
believe he said such a word. I can't believe he's capable of that. I am now
fully reassured by this point, convinced that by the power of Christ that
strengthens you, you will stand firm both in the inward and outward freedom
with which He has delivered you.
I am glad to know that Lady Baird [See letter of
April 29, 1769.] had the courage to join a poor and despised people. In what
case do you think Lady Baird is at risk of enthusiasm? If I know more
specifically, I will take the opportunity to speak or write.
I suppose it is a copy of Eliz's strange
account. Hobson [For the account of Elizabeth Hobson's apparitions, see letter
of September 12, 1782 to a Quaker.] was sent to you from Newcastle from my
papers. Shortly thereafter, the old half of these newspapers, eight pages out
of sixteen, was withdrawn, no one knows how to this day. What I could remember,
I wrote again. But I question whether my memory has served me in all
circumstances, and so I must ask you for a copy of what was lost. If you
please, Mr. Thompson [William Thompson was Wesley's assistant in Edinburgh at
the time.] can transcribe it for me. I hope that now the thing will be taken to
a final edition. She met him at Boyldon Hill, when he took leave saying, 'I
will see you no more, neither in time nor in eternity.'
How much happiness it is for us to expect to see
each other both in time and in eternity! 'Not even true
love can calm a shorter space.'
May you be each day more thirsty for both
holiness and glory is the prayer of, my dear Lady,
His affectionate servant.
Now I'm looking at Bristol. [17]
Being unable to sympathize with
the afflicted is not a desirable state
Being unable to sympathize with
the afflicted is not a desirable state. Nor would anyone wish to extirpate
sorrow or any other of our natural passions
To Lady Maxwell
LONDON, March 3, 1769.
MY DEAREST MALADY,-- To be unable to sympathize
with the afflicted is not a desirable state. Nor would anyone wish to extirpate
sorrow or any other of our natural passions. And yet it is possible and highly
desirable to have the same experience with the Marquis de Renty, who, on the
occasion of his lady's illness, said to those who asked how he endured: 'I
cannot say that my nature is deeply marked by the apprehension of so great a
loss. And yet I feel a total acquiescence to God's will that, if it were proper,
I could dance and sing.'
I heard my mother say, 'I have often been as
confident that my father's spirit was with me as if I had seen it with my own
eyes.' [Dr. Annesley died in 1696, shortly before his daughter moved from South
Ormsby to Epworth.] But she didn't explain herself anymore. I have often been
met with such a vivid apprehension of a deceased friend that I have sometimes
turned to look; At the same time, I felt an unusual affection for them. But I
have never had anything of the kind in relation to anyone other than those who
have died in the faith. In dreams, I had extremely lively conversations with
them; And I doubt not, but they were very close back then.
I am glad to know that you have not neglected
our own preaching to participate in another. At Mr. F.'s hearing at other
times, I don't know if anyone could blame; unless it disturbed his mind, or
weakened his expectation of a complete deliverance from sin. And that, I
feared, didn't happen.
You never 'take up too much of my time.' Talking
to you, even in this imperfect way, is both pleasant and helpful to me. I love
your spirit, and it does me good. I trust that God will still give you that
hunger and thirst for righteousness until you are satisfied with it. And who
knows how fast--I will, my dear Lady,
His ever-affectionate servant. [18]
It was well ordained by an
infallible Providence
Though I could not doubt that it
was well ordained by an infallible Providence as a means of keeping her dead to
all down there, and of quickening her affection to the things above
To Lady Maxwell
LONDONDERRY, April 29; 1769.
MY DEAR LADY,-- Some time ago I was concerned to
learn from Edinburgh that you were ill [Lady Maxwell had been confined to her
home by illness in March, but was now restored.]; though I could not doubt that
it was well ordained by an infallible Providence as a means of keeping her dead
to all below, and of quickening her affection to the things above. And, indeed,
this is the rule by which the inhabitants of a better world judge good and
evil. Whatever lifts the mind to God is good, and in the same proportion as it
does so. Whatever pulls the heart from its center is evil, and more or less so
because it has more or less of that effect. Thus you have found pain, sickness,
bodily weakness as real goods, which bring you closer and closer to the source
of all happiness and holiness. And yet it is certain that nature shrinks from
pain, and that without any guilt. Only at the very moment when we say, 'If it
be possible, let this cup pass from me,' the heart should add as our great
Standard, 'Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.' Lady Baird [See
letter of September 9, 1768.] I didn't see it before I left London; and Lady K.
B. I didn't understand. She was extremely civilized, and I think affectionate;
but perfectly quiet, so that I knew no more of her state of mind than if I had
never seen her.--I am, my dear Lady,
His ever-affectionate servant. [19]
Enemies of the joy of faith
Nervous disorders are, of
all others, as observed, enemies of the joy of faith. But the essence of it,
this trust in a loving and forgiving God, they can neither destroy nor harm
To Lady Maxwell
LONDON, February 17, 1770.
MY DEAREST MALADY,-- To us, it may seem that
uninterrupted health would be a greater help than pain or sickness. But here we
are certainly mistaken; We are not so good judges in our own cause. You can
really say, 'Health I will have if health is better.' But in this and in all
things you can trust the One who loves you. In fact, nervous disorders are, of
all others, as observed, enemies of the joy of faith. But the essence of it,
this trust in a loving and forgiving God, they can neither destroy nor harm.
No, just as they keep you dead to everyone down there, they can lead you there,
and they can increase your sincerity after that pure love that turns the earth
into paradise.
It will be with a lot of effort and patience
that you will keep someone firm in high life, in the simple and old way. I
would like you to talk to her as often as possible. So I trust that God will
use you to keep alive the fire He has kindled. I have high hopes that the
chapel will be useful; But it will not be easy to get a converted clergyman. A
master will be easier to find; although many here are frightened by the name of
Scotland. A dedicated teacher can take care of twenty or perhaps thirty children.
If someone I have seen recently is willing to come, I believe he will respond
to your plan.
I have some ideas of going to America [See
the letters of January 25 and February 21 (to George Whitefield).]; But the
path is still unclear. I wait until Providence speaks more clearly on one side
or the other. In April, I hope to reach Inverness and take Edinburgh on my way
back to England. But let's live today! What a blessing you may receive now!
Now let your heart flow with love,
And all his life may His glory be shown!
--I am, my dear lady, Your ever-affectionate
servant. [20]
Never preach on any controversial point
From the first hour I entered the kingdom, it was a sacred rule for me never to preach on any controversial point—at least, not in a controversial way
To Lady Maxwell
LONDON, January 24, 1771.
MY DEAREST MALADY,--Although Mr. M'Nab [The
preacher then stationed at Glasgow] is quite clear as to justification by
faith, and is, on the whole, a solid and good preacher, I fear he is not blameless
in it. He is too warm and impatient with contradictions; otherwise he must be
lost to all common sense to preach against final perseverance in Scotland. From
the very first hour I entered the kingdom, it was a sacred rule for me never to
preach on any controversial point—at least, not in a controversial way. Anyone
can see that this is just to put a sword in the hands of our enemies. It is the
direct way to increase all their prejudices and make all our work fruitless.
Soon you will have a trial of another kind.
Mr. De Courcy intends to leave for Edinburgh in a few days. From a young age he
was a member of one of our Societies in the south of Ireland. There he received
remission of sins and for a time groaned for full redemption. But when he came
to Dublin, [passing through Trinity College.] the Philistines were over him,
and soon prevailed over him. He quickly became convinced that 'there is no
perfection' and that 'all things depend on absolute and immutable decrees.' At
first, he was extremely warm with these heads; Now he is much calmer. His
natural temperament, in my opinion, is good: he is open, friendly, and
generous. He also has a good understanding and is no stranger to knowledge,
although he is not deeply versed in it. He has no unpleasant person, no
pleasant treatment, and is a lively and sensible preacher. Now, if you add to
that that he's quite young and very young, you can judge how he'll be admired
and petted! 'Surely such a preacher as this has never existed in Edinburgh
before! Mr. Whitefield himself did not compare to him! What an angel of a man!'
Now, how can a raw, inexperienced young man cope with this? If there isn't the
greatest of miracles to preserve it, won't that let your brain turn its head?
And that he does not do much more harm than Mr. Whitefield or Mr. Townsend [See
letters of August 1-3, 1767, and August 19, 1770.] will not prevent him from
'going on to perfection,' or thinking of such a thing. At the moment, in fact,
he is in an extremely loving spirit. But will this last for long? There will be
danger on the one hand if this happens; There will be danger on the other side
if it doesn't happen. It does not appear that any great change was wrought in
our neighbors by the death of Mr. Whitefield. He had fixed the prejudice so
deeply that even he could not remove it himself; yet our congregations have
increased enormously, and God's work is growing on all sides. I'm glad you use
more exercises. It is good for both the body and the soul.
As soon as Mr. De Courcy arrives, I'll be
happy to hear how the prospect will begin. [See the February 26 letter to her.]
You will then need a greater share of the wisdom from above; and I trust that
you will write with complete openness to, my dear Lady,
His ever-affectionate servant.
With affection. [21]
You don't have to be ashamed
If your constant adherence to these great truths is called prejudice,
you need not be ashamed. You are rebuked for Christ's sake, and the Spirit of
glory and of Christ will rest upon you.
To Lady Maxwell
LONDON, February 26, 1771.
MY DEAREST MAD,-- I cannot help thinking that
the chief reason for the little good done by our preachers in Edinburgh is the
opposition made by the ministers in Edinburgh, as well as by the false brethren
in England. These created the hearts of the people against all the good
impressions that might have been made, so that the same preachers whom God
constantly begot, not only in various parts of England, but also in the north
of Scotland, were in Edinburgh only not useless. They felt a wetness in their own
spirits; they did not have their usual freedom of expression; and the word they
spoke seemed to recede upon them, and not sink into the hearts of the hearers.
At my first coming, I usually find something of it myself: but the second or
third time I preach it is gone; and I feel that He who is with us is greater
than all the powers of earth and hell.
If any one could show you, by scriptures and
reason, a more excellent way than that which you have received, you would
certainly do well to receive it; and I trust that I should do the same, too.
But I don't think it will be easy for anyone to show us that Christ did not die
for all or that He is not willing, nor able to cleanse from all sin, even in
the present world. If your constant adherence to these great truths is called
prejudice, you need not be ashamed. You are rebuked for Christ's sake, and the
Spirit of glory and of Christ will rest upon you. Perhaps our Lord may use it
to soften some of the stern spirits and preserve Lady Glenorchy [She abandoned
all connection with Wesley's preachers soon after De Courcy's arrival. See
letter of January 24.] or M. De Courcy for not being injured by them. I hope to
hear from you (whom I can trust) a frequent report of what is done near you.
After a while, may God establish you, strengthen you, calm you down -- I am, my
dear Lady,
Your very affectionate servant.
I hope to be in Chester on Saturday in two
weeks' time, and a week or two later in Dublin.
I've left your steering so safe that I can't
find it.
To Lady Maxwell, (deceased) at Wariston's
Close, Edinburgh. [22]
I congratulate you for meddling
as little as possible on controversial points
To Lady Maxwell
LONDON, February 8, 1772.
MY DEAREST MALADY,-- I congratulate you for
meddling as little as possible on controversial points. It is much easier to
lose our love in this difficult field than it is to find the truth. This
consideration made me extremely grateful to God for giving me a reprieve from
controversial labors. I am glad that He has given others both the power and the
willingness to respond to those who bother me; so that I am not always forced
to hold my weapons in one hand while building with the other. I also rejoice not
only in Mr. Fletcher's abilities, but also in his temperament. 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. And though Mr. Shirley hesitates not to accuse him of using
subtlety and metaphysical distinctions, he abundantly gets rid of this charge
in the Second Control of Antinomianism. ['A Second Control of Antinomianism;
occasioned by a Late Narrative, in three letters to the Hon. and Rev. Author
(Walter Shirley), was published late in 1771.] Thus the last letters are
stylized, and with great decorum; for this they really went. They gave considerable
control to those who, everywhere, annulled the law by faith; setting 'the
righteousness of Christ' in opposition to the law of Christ, and teaching that
'without holiness any man can see the Lord.'
Despite external and internal trials, I trust
that you are still on the border of perfect love. For the Lord is near!
See the Lord your Guardian stand
Omnipotently near!
Behold, He holds you by the hand,
And
banish your fear!
You don't need to be afraid. Hope until the end!
Not all things are possible for those who believe. Dare to believe! Enjoy a
blessing now! May the Lord increase your faith! In this prayer I know that you
unite with, my dear Lady,
His ever-affectionate servant. [23]
I trust that you will find no
decay in your own soul
To Lady
Maxwell
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, 3 May 1777.
MY DEAREST MALADY,-- The new chapel which we
are now building in London requires much of my attendance there, so that I
cannot be conveniently absent for more than two Sundays together. So, when I
left, I set Saturday, the 19th of the present, for my return; and ordered that
notice be given of my project to attend classes the following week. Therefore,
I cannot have the pleasure of seeing it now; which, if I could, I would very
much desire. I love your spirit; I love your conversation; I love your
correspondence: I have often received both profit and pleasure from it. I often
miss more light; But I want more heat than light. And you have often been
instrumental in conveying this to my soul, in encouraging me to run the
glorious race. I trust that he will not find decay in his own soul, but rather
a still increasing rigor. Some time ago, you enjoyed a measure of that great
salvation, deliverance from consanguineous sin. Do you hold fast to what you
have attained, and yet press forward, to be filled with all the fullness of
God? There is the prize before you! Look up, believe and take as much as you
want!
Wishing you all the blessing of the gospel, I
remain, my dear Lady,
His ever-affectionate servant.
I heard that Sister Gow is gone. Was it in
triumph or just in peace? [24]
God has been content to
bless the itinerant plan
For fifty years, God has
been content to bless the itinerant plan, especially the last year. It should
not be changed until I am removed; and I hope it will remain until our Lord
comes to reign over the earth.
To Lady Maxwell
LONDON, August 8, 1788.
MY DEAREST Madam, -- It is certain that many
people, both in Scotland and in England, would be very glad to have the same
preachers always. But we cannot abandon the plan of action that we have
followed since the beginning. For fifty years, God has been content to bless
the itinerant plan, especially the last year. It should not be changed until I
am removed; and I hope it will remain until our Lord comes to reign over the
earth.
I do not know (unless it incapacitates us for
the duties of life) whether we can have too great a sensibility to human pain.
I-think I should be afraid of losing any degree of that sensitivity. I had a
son-in-law (now in Abraham's chest) who abandoned the profession, that of
surgeon, precisely for this reason; Because he said that it made him less
sensitive to human pain. [Was it Noah Vazeille? And I have known very few
people who have taken this tenderness of spirit to excess. I remember one who
was very much forced to stop visiting the sick because he could not see anyone
suffering without fainting. Mr. Charles Perronet was the first person I met who
had the same experience as the Marquis de Renty ['I have in me normally an
experimental truthfulness and a fullness of the Holy Trinity, which exalts me
to a simple vision of God.' (Excerpt from Wesley's Life of Monsieur de Renty).
See the letter of October 3, 1731.] in relation to the ever-blessed Trinity,
Miss S. Ritchie was second, Miss Ritchie was the second. Roe (now Mrs. Rogers)
the third. So far I have found only a few examples; so that this is not, as I
used to suppose at first, the common privilege of all who are "perfect in
love." [Compare letters of June 11, 1777 (to Hannah Ball) and July 4,
2787, and Lady Maxwell's letters to Alexander Mather in her Life, pp. 359-61.]
Pardon me, my dear friend, for my heart is
tenderly troubled for you, if I mention a fear I have about you, lest, in
conversing with some, you should be in some degree distorted from Christian
simplicity. Oh, I don't want to hide that you are a Methodist! It's certainly
best to look exactly who you are. I believe you will receive this as proof of
the sincerity with which I am, my dear Lady,
His ever-affectionate servant. [25]
Attacking the root of
Methodism
Let no money or friend lead
you to propagate a lie, to attack the root of Methodism, to lament the holiest
of your friends, and to put your own soul at risk!
To Lady Maxwell
LONDON, September 30, 1788.
My DEAR MALADY, -- For many years a great
person has professed and, I believe, had great regard for me. [The Countess of
Huntingdon.] That is why I believed it my duty to speak with complete freedom,
which I did in a long letter. But she was so displeased that she said to a
friend, 'I hate Mr. Wesley above all the creatures on earth.'
I now believe it is my duty to write freely
to you. Will it have the same effect? Certainly I would not be at risk if I did
not consider your happiness more than your favor. Therefore, I will speak. May
God grant that you not only forgive this, but also profit from it! In fact,
unless you profit from it, I don't expect you to forgive.
Be glad to note that I am not saying
anything; I only ask you to consider calmly: it would be a struggle for me to
propagate a doctrine which I believed to be false, especially if it were not
only false, but dangerous to the souls of men, often hindering their growth in
grace, hindering their pursuit of holiness
And is it fighting on you to do that? You
believe that the doctrine of Absolute Predestination is false. Is it, then,
right that you propagate this doctrine in any kind or degree, especially since
it is not only false, but a very dangerous doctrine, as we have seen a thousand
times? It does not hinder the work of God in the soul, it feeds all evil and
weakens all good cheers, it leads many away from the path of life and leads
them back to perdition
Is not Calvinism the very antidote to
Methodism, the deadliest and most successful enemy it ever had? 'But my friend
desired me to propagate it, and he deposited money with me for the same
purpose.' What then? Can I destroy souls because my friend wished me to? You
should not, before you throw this money into the sea, let no money or friend
lead you to propagate a lie, to attack the root of Methodism, to lament the
holiest of your friends, and to put your own soul at risk!
Living or dying, I always will be, my dear
Lady,
Your most
affectionate servant. [26]
[1]
https://www.biblicalcyclopedia.com/M/maxwell-lady-darcy.html
[2] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1767/
[3]
https://www.biblicalcyclopedia.com/M/maxwell-lady-darcy.html
[4]
https://www.biblicalcyclopedia.com/M/maxwell-lady-darcy.html
[5]
https://www.biblicalcyclopedia.com/M/maxwell-lady-darcy.html
[6] Overview of Google's Mia Mode
[7] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1764/
[8] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1764/
[9] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1764/
[11] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1765/
[12] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1765/
[13] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1765/
[14] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1767/
[16] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1767/
[17] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1768/
[18] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1769/
[19] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1769/
[20]https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1770/
[21] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1771/
[22] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1771/
[23] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1772/
[24] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1777/
[25] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1788/
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