Biblioteca Digital Wesleyana - O mundo é a minha paróquia

Wesley's Formation of Female Leadership

Wesley's mentorship and Elizabeth Bennis' pioneering example of leadership

Odilon Massolar Chaves

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Books published in the Wesleyan Digital Library: 809

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Address: https://bibliotecawesleyana.blogspot.com

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Odilon Massolar Chaves is a retired Methodist pastor, with a doctorate in Theology and History from the Methodist University of São Paulo.

Son of Rev. Adherico Ribeiro Chaves and Roza Massolar Chaves.

He is married to RoseMary.

He has two daughters: Liliana and Luciana.

His thesis dealt with the Methodist revival in England in the eighteenth century and its contribution as a paradigm for our days.

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Table of Contents

· Introduction

· Who was Mrs. Bennis

· Although you were not properly possessed of it until the following Pentecost Sunday,

· You will still be surrounded by countless diseases

· But God healed them freely

· Evil Reasoning

· The more you help others, the more your soul will prosper

· God's Work in Limerick

· Several of these recovered all that they had lost, and some with an increase

· You're tired of a bad disease

· Because there is an anger that is not sinful

· Your role is simply to spread all your desires before the One who loves you

· A natural effect of the disordered machine

· Do not be ashamed to preach the full salvation that is now received by faith

· Cultivating knowledge

· The more work, the more blessings

· The Way to the Most Holy Is Opened by the Blood of Jesus

· Speak with love, and discord will disappear

· Keep leading the simple ones

· See that your talent doesn't rust

· Suffering is not a sin

· Come, therefore, boldly to the throne of grace

· Gather those who have been scattered abroad and form a band

· It is by faith in the righteousness and blood of Christ that we are enabled to perform all good works

· You arrived just in time to make amends

· Often joy is denied even to those who walk upright

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Introduction

"Wesley's Formation of Women's Leadership" is a 34-page book based on Wesley's letters about mentoring and pioneering example with Elizabeth Bennis' leadership.

The mentorship between John Wesley and Elizabeth "Eliza" Bennis (1725–1802) exemplifies the revolutionary shepherding that Wesley exercised with women in the eighteenth century.

"John Wesley broke with the patterns of the eighteenth century by empowering women for teaching, counseling and pastoral leadership. Elizabeth Bennis (or Eliza Bennis) stands out as a pioneering example of this movement, serving as a class leader, founder of congregations in Ireland, and respected spiritual counselor."^{^[1]}

She is historically known for her deep correspondence with the founder of Methodism, John Wesley, where they both debated spiritual issues and the doctrine of sanctification.

When John Wesley visited Limerick in 1758, he substantially increased her number of responsibilities by appointing her leader of a Class.^{^[2]}

When she became a widow, she and her son moved to North America and Eliza continued to attend the Methodist Church.

An uplifting story that historically shows Wesley's openness and trust in women's ministry.

The Author

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Who was Mrs. Bennis

Elizabeth Bennis (1725–1802), known as Eliza and called Mrs. Bennis by Wesley, was an important Methodist leader and writer in Limerick, Ireland. He was of Presbyterian origin.

She was the daughter of Isaac and Alice Patten. Eliza married in 1745 to Mitchell Bennis (1720-1788). Their four children reached adulthood.

Eliza is an important figure in the history of Methodism for her correspondence with Wesley and his leadership.

"She is historically known for her deep correspondence with the founder of Methodism, John Wesley, where they both debated spiritual issues and the doctrine of sanctification.

She is especially remembered in the Wesleyan tradition for:

Leadership: Acted as a strong influence on the lay movement, paving the way for the active participation of women in the church.

Correspondence: His letters with Wesley were published and served as a practical manual for deepening the Christian life and the pursuit of holiness." [3]

Their adherence to MethodismBennis's first contact with Methodism occurred on the morning of March 17, 1749, when Robert Swindells, the first Wesleyan preacher to visit Limerick, passed through her door on his way to preach at the castle gate. Initially disapproving, she was persuaded to attend the evening Sermon, and was greatly affected. When a Methodist society was founded in Limerick about a month later, it was one of the first to join. Shortly thereafter, on June 23, 1749, she made the first diary entry in which for the next thirty years she would thoroughly evaluate her behavior, mental state, and spiritual development.

Intelligent, zealous, and capable, Bennis soon reached a position of leadership in her local society. In 1753, she reluctantly assumed the leadership of a band, a small group that met weekly for worship, prayer, and personal witness, and when John Wesley (q.v.) visited Limerick in 1758 and substantially increased her number of responsibilities by appointing her leader of a class."[4]

Bennis was widowed in 1788, and the family began to have financial difficulties. In 1792, after Wesley's death in 1791, she and her son Thomas "left Ireland for North America. They settled for a few years in New York before moving to Philadelphia around 1796. According to her grandson, Elizabeth, along with Thomas and his wife, Ann, joined St George's Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, and was among the group that split from the congregation in 1801, and subsequently founded the Methodist Episcopal Union. [5]

Wesley's letters to Bennis reveal a mentorship marked by frankness, trust and respect:

Although you were not properly possessed of it until the following Pentecost Sunday,

There is no doubt that what you experienced initially was a true anticipation of the blessing, although you were not properly possessed of it until the following Pentecost Sunday

For Ms. Bennis

PEMBROKE, August 23, 1763.

MY DEAR SISTER, — You did well to write. This is one of the means God generally uses to convey light or comfort. Even as he writes, he will often find relief; Often, while we propose a question, it is removed.

There is no doubt that what you experienced initially was a true anticipation of the blessing, although you were not properly possessed of it until the following Pentecost Sunday. But it is very possible to discard the gift of God, or to lose it little by little; though I trust that this is not the case with you: and yet you may often be in weight, and may find that your love to God is not so hot at times as at others. Many wanderings also, and many deficiencies, are consistent with pure love; but what you mean is the permanent witness of the Spirit touching just that. And this you can boldly affirm based on the assurance of that word: 'We have received the Spirit which is of God; that we may know the things freely given to us by God.' — I am, my dear sister,

Your affectionate brother. ^{^[6]}

You will still be surrounded by countless diseases

Even so, you will still be involved in numerous diseases; for you live in a house of earthen and therefore this corruptible body will more or less press upon the soul, but not so far as to prevent you from rejoicing for ever and bearing witness that your heart is all His

For Ms. Bennis

DUBLIN, July 25, 1767.

DEAR SISTER BENNIS,-- When you write to me, just 'think aloud,' just to open the window in your chest. When we love ourselves, there is no need for disguise or reserve. I love you, and I truly believe that you love me; So you just need to write down exactly what you feel.

The essential part of Christian holiness is to give one's heart wholly to God; and certainly we need not lose any degree of that light and love which at first accompany it: it is our own infirmity if we do; it is not the Lord's will for us. Your present business is not to reason whether you should call your experience this or that, but to go straight to the One who loves you, with all your desires, how great or how many they are. Then everything is ready; Help, as long as you ask, is given. You just need to receive it by simple faith. Even so, you will still be surrounded by numerous diseases; for you live in a house of clay, and therefore this corruptible body will more or less press upon the soul, but not so as to prevent you from rejoicing for ever and bearing witness that your heart is all His. You can claim this: it's yours; for Christ is his. Believe, and feel Him near.--My dear sister, farewell. ^{^[7]}

But God healed them freely

We now have innumerable instances of those who had forsaken this unspeakable blessing, and now enjoy it in greater measure than ever before. And why shouldn't it be your case? Why aren't you worthy? They were too. Because you were an unfaithful steward. So they also went; but God healed them freely

For Ms. Bennis

CORK, May 30, 1769.

MY DEAR SISTER BENNIS,-- A few years ago, I was inclined to think that those who once enjoyed and lost the pure love of God should never try to enjoy it again until they were just entering eternity. But experience has taught us better things. We now have innumerable instances of those who had forsaken this unspeakable blessing, and now enjoy it in greater measure than ever before. And why shouldn't it be your case? Why aren't you worthy? They were too. Because you were an unfaithful steward. So they also went; but God healed you freely: and so will He heal you. Just don't reason against Him. Look for nothing in yourself but sin and unworthiness. Forget about yourself. Worthy is the Lamb; and He prevailed for you. You will not die, but you will live--you will live all the life of heaven on earth. You don't need anything for that but faith. And who gives this One who is at the door.

I hope to see you in Limerick on Monday evening; we'll probably be in Brough just after an hour. [On Monday, June 5, Wesley writes: 'Having been too insistent on giving another day or two, I rode to Limerick... On Thursday, the 8th, I said goodbye once again to this loving people.' See Diary, v. 319.] And I ask that there will never again be any reservation between you and, my dear sister,

Your affectionate brother. ^{^[8]}

Evil Reasoning

It is clearly one of your constant enemies, and the most dangerous of all is evil reasoning. Therefore, what you want most is Christian simplicity

For Ms. Bennis

DUBLIN, July 24, 1769.

MY DEAR SISTER,-- If reading your papers has no other effect, it certainly does—it makes me love you much more than before: I now have a more intimate knowledge of you; I get more into your spirit, your temperaments, hopes, fears and desires, all of which tend to make you dear to me. It is clearly one of your constant enemies, and the most dangerous of all is evil reasoning. Therefore, what you want most is Christian simplicity. Brother Bourke [The Assistant in Limerick.] and you must carefully look after each other in this respect, and let each one treat the other faithfully; that there are no reservations among you; encourage each other also to pray and expect the Spirit's continual and direct witness. They are by no means the best part of our preachers who doubt this. I know of only one who has passed through the work and doubted the witness—namely, James Oddie [See letter of March 29, 1766.]; and I am afraid that for some time he has not experienced either the one or the other. Two of his written books I send back from that beautiful woman Jenny Moore [Mrs. Moore, from Augher. She received these documents safely after some delay. See Crookshank's Methodism in Ireland, i. 200.]; the third I need to borrow a little more.

My dear friend, remember

Your affectionate brother. ^{^[9]}

The more you help others, the more your soul will prosper

Remember, you have work to do in your Lord's vineyard; and the more you help others, the more your soul will prosper

For Ms. Bennis

BRISTOL, September 18, 1769.

MY DEAR SISTER,-- I wrote a longer letter to you than I usually do before I left Dublin: where or how it stopped, I cannot imagine. [She apparently received it. See letter of July 24.] I think of you every day; in fact, I don't know if I've ever loved you as much as I've ever loved you since I was last in Limerick. [June 5-8. See the note in the May 30 letter to her.] The more we know ourselves, the more we should love each other.

I hope that Brother Bourke and you will faithfully strive to help each other. Is your own soul all alive, all dedicated to God? Do you find what you once found? And are you active for God? Remember, you have work to do in your Lord's vineyard; and the more you help others, the more your soul will prosper.--I am, my dear sister,

Your affectionate brother. ^{^[10]}

God's Work in Limerick

How does God's work in Limerick continue? Does the selected society meet constantly? And do you speak freely to each other? Which preachers are with you now?

For Ms. Bennis

WHITBHAVEN, April 12, 1770.

DEAR SISTER,-- If two or three letters have had an abortion, not all of them will; So I'm determined to write again. How does God's work in Limerick continue? Does the selected society meet constantly? And do you speak freely to each other? Which preachers are with you now? [The 1769 minutes read: 'February 1 — Let Thomas Taylor go to Limerick.' He was posted in Cork and Richard Bourke in Limerick. See letter of June 13.] Do you talk frankly and openly with them, without shyness or reservation? Do you find your own soul prospering? Do you hold fast to what God has given you? Do you give him your whole heart? And do you find the witness of this with you? Whoever is now with me in the house has not lost this witness for a moment in all these ten years. [Was it Joseph Guilford, the assistant there?] Why should you miss it more? Are not God's gifts without repentance? Is he not willing to always give what he gives once? Hold, hold all promises.--I am your affectionate brother. ^{^[11]}

Several of these recovered all that they had lost, and some with an increase

They had been renewing themselves in love for some time, and then they rejoiced still more; but after a few years, months, or weeks, they were drawn away from their firmness; Still, several of these have recovered all that they had lost, and some with increase, being much more established than before

For Ms. Bennis

YARM, June 13, 1770.

MY DEAR SISTER,-- Now we have many people all over England in the very state you describe. They had been renewing themselves in love for some time, and then they rejoiced still more; but after a few years, months, or weeks, they were drawn away from their firmness; Still, several of these recovered all that they had lost, and some with increase, being much more established than before. And why can't it be like that with you? In fact, because you do not deny or doubt the work that God has done in you, and that by simple faith. Surely you should expect the same free gift every day; and He will not disappoint your hope.

But how does this apply to Waterford? [See letter of July 27.] They would, and they would not: I sent two preachers to this circuit; Why didn't they keep them? W. L--wrote that there was no employment or pension for two, and therefore he wanted leave to return to England. Let me hear more from you on this subject.

If you can protect Brother Saunderson from the pride and applause of well-meaning people, he will be a happy man and a useful worker. I hope Brother M--- didn't get cold. Awaken the gift of God that is in you-- I am, my dear sister,

Your affectionate brother. ^{^[12]}

You're tired of a bad disease

But you are often weary of a bad disease—evil reasoning; which harms both his holiness and his happiness. You want true Christian simplicity, which is in fact the highest wisdom.

For Ms. Bennis

ASHBY, July 27, 1770.

DEAR SISTER,-- Will you find in yourself anything but inadequacy? Otherwise, his salvation would be of works, not of grace. But you are often weary of a bad disease—evil reasoning; which harms both his holiness and his happiness. You want true Christian simplicity, which is in fact the highest wisdom. Nothing is clearer, according to the simple biblical account, than sanctification, pure love reigning in the heart and life. And nothing is clearer than the need for this to feel happiness here and in the hereafter. Check all the reasoning on these basic principles, otherwise you will darken your soul a lot; And keep denying yourself, and taking up your cross, until you

Sink to the height of perfection,

The depth of humble love.

If the preachers of the Waterford Circuit had punctually followed the plan I had laid down, the horse would not have been a problem; But the misfortune is that every idiot is wiser than I am. However, at your desire, I will send a second preacher into the circuit after the Conference; But preachers need to change regularly. It would never be well to let a man sit for six months with a small Society; Soon he would preach himself and them as dead as stones. Your alteration of the circuit to accommodate the poor and dead Clonmel I greatly approve, and I hope that Sister L-- [See letter of June 13] will be a blessing to the few present. I rejoice at the happy launch of Sisters P and B--. [Mrs. Bennis told him that they both died triumphant.] Isn't it worth living for?

Still approach the source by simple faith, and take as much as you want; But don't be lazy in

The vineyard of your Lord.--My dear sister,

With affection.

Your affectionate friend and brother. ^{^[13]}

Because there is an anger that is not sinful

For there is a wrath that is not sinful, a repulsion to sin that often accompanies much agitation of the animal spirits: and I doubt that we can distinguish this from sinful wrath but by this light from heaven.

For Ms. Bennis

LIMERICK, May 15, 1771.

MY DEAR SISTER,--Whenever there is a dependence, though often secret and unobserved, on something external, it is the mercy of God that disappoints us of our hope, so that we may be more sensibly convinced: Neither he who plants anything, nor who waters, but God who gives the increase.'

From time to time you must encounter many difficulties and perplexities which only God can clear. But can He cleanse them? That is enough. So He certainly will. This is the very use of this anointing that we have from God. It is to teach us, of all things, to clear up a thousand doubts and perplexities that no human wisdom could make. This was given to you in the case of your child; And when that came, temptation spoke no more. This is never more necessary than when it comes to anger; for there is a wrath that is not sinful, a repulsion to sin that often accompanies much agitation of the animal spirits: and I doubt whether we can distinguish this from sinful wrath but by this light from heaven.

I very much hope that John Christian will do well: in these two years he has improved a lot.

If our sisters miss you the most, there's only one way—you must go or send after them. Don't be idle; neither gives way to voluntary humility. You were not sent to Waterford for nothing, but to strengthen what remains.'

It would be strange to spend a day without praying for you. So at least we can reach each other; and there may be a still growing union between you and

Your affectionate brother. ^{^[14]}

Your role is simply to spread all your desires before the One who loves you

It is not important whether this or that sickness or defect is consistent with this or that gift of God. Without reasoning about it, it is your role simply to spread all your desires before the One who loves you; and He will supply them generously!

For Ms. Bennis

DUBLIN, July 20, 1771.

MY DEAR SISTER,-- I am very happy to hear such a good account from John the Christian. If I were resolved to understand all of God's dispensations, I should embrace his opinion; Because, in a way, it explains some things that would otherwise not be responsible. But I did not expect this; I'm content to understand very little while I'm in the body. What He does, I do not know now; It is enough for me to know from now on. Our job now is to love and obey; Knowledge is reserved for eternity. My chief objection to Milton's doctrine of Election is, that I cannot reconcile it with the words of St. Peter, which manifestly refer to the eternal state of men: 'God has no respect for persons.' Now, how can we allow this, if we believe that He places one man, as it were, suspended between heaven and hell, while He fixes another, before he is born, under an absolute impossibility of losing heaven

I am very glad that you see some reason to hope well for Mr. Thompson. Talk carefully to him. He has a strong, cultivated understanding, and would be a brilliant Christian. If he remains serious, he will not be satisfied with his old company; They will become tasteless, or rather irritating.

His brother always affectionate. ^{^[15]}

A natural effect of the disordered machine

This is often the case for you; And the problem and anxiety you feel are a natural effect of the disordered machine, which proportionately dysregulates the mind

For Ms. Bennis

RYE, October 28, 1771.

MY DEAR SISTER,-- It is no wonder that the finite cannot measure the infinite, that man cannot comprehend the ways of God. There will always be something incomprehensible, something like Himself, in all His administrations. We must therefore be content to be ignorant until eternity opens our understanding, especially as to the reasons why He acted in a way or so. With this we will know when we are in Abraham's bosom.

As thinking is the act of an incarnated spirit, playing on a set of material keys, it is not strange that the soul can make negative music when its instrument is out of tune. This is often the case for you; And the problem and anxiety you feel are a natural effect of the disordered machine, which proportionately dysregulates the mind. But this is not all: as long as they have to fight, not only with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers, wise and powerful, they will not use all bodily weaknesses to increase the suffering of the soul, but let them do what they will; Let our frail bodies agree with subtle and malicious spirits: but do not discard your confidence, which brings great reward. 'Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.' Where you have attained steadfastness; and when you feel the strongest and strongest attack, when the enemy comes like a flood, do not reason, do not fight (in a sense) with him, but sink into the presence of your Lord, and simply look up, saying to Him, 'Lord, I cannot help it; I have neither wisdom nor strength for this war; but I am Yours, I am all Yours: it assumes itself for me; let no one take me out of your hands. Keep that which has been entrusted to You and keep it until that day.'

I have high hopes that, if we live up to another Conference, John Christian will be useful as an itinerant preacher: just as J--M-[Evidently a local preacher in Limerick.] if he had the courage to break through the area. However, I'm glad he gets a little exercise: encourage him. I would like you to lend Mrs. Dawson [See letter of March 31, 1772.] the Appeals: take them from the book-room, and present them to her in my name. Go yourself; for I wish you to know it. I believe they will satisfy her about the Church. It stops just like I did many years ago. Don't be ashamed of Brother Collins: he is a man of integrity. Sister L-- is already doing well in Clonmel. [See letter of July 27, 1770.] You correspond with her

Your affection. ^{^[16]}

Do not be ashamed to preach the full salvation that is now received by faith

I hope he will not be ashamed to preach the full salvation that is now received by faith. This is the word which God will always bless, and which the devil particularly hates; hence he is constantly inciting both his own children and the weak children of God against it

For Ms. Bennis

CANTERBURY, December 3, 1771.

MY DEAR SISTER,--I believed that Brother Collins [See letter of October 28.] would be useful to you and perhaps it will be useful to him: talk without reservation, and so you will seldom meet in vain. Expel him to visit the whole Company (not only those who can give him meat and drink) from house to house, according to the plan laid down in the Conference Minutes: then he will soon see the fruit of his labor. I hope he will not be ashamed to preach the full salvation that is now received by faith. This is the word which God will always bless, and which the devil particularly hates; hence he is constantly inciting both his own children and God's weak children against it.

Everything God has already given you stands firm. But expect to see things bigger than these.

Your affectionate brother. ^{^[17]}

Cultivating knowledge

You did well to break through the barrier and talk to Mrs. Dawson. There is no doubt that she has living faith; But, not having the opportunity to talk to believers, she cannot express herself with the clarity that our friends have: to cultivate knowledge

For Ms. Bennis

LIVERPOOL, March 31, 1772.

MY DEAR SISTER,-- You did well to break through the barrier and talk to Mrs. Dawson. There is no doubt that she has living faith; But, not having the opportunity to talk to believers, she cannot express herself with the clarity that our friends have: to cultivate knowledge. Now, present to her as a promise all Christian salvation; She will quickly see how desirable this is. You can then lend her the Simple Account of Christian Perfection. She will not be afraid, but rather encouraged to know that it is possible to achieve what her heart desires. As you feed God's lambs, He will lead them to rich pastures.

I am not surprised that you meet trials: it is by them that your faith becomes perfect. You will find many things both in your heart and in your life contrary to the perfection of the Adamic law; but it does not follow that they are contrary to the law of love. Let that fill your heart, and that's enough. Keep active for God. Remember, a talent is entrusted to you; See if you improve. He doesn't like lazy butlers. Your affectionate brother. ^{^[18]}

The more work, the more blessings

When in Waterford, make sure you don't get stuck there. You should get together and meet a band right away. If you also knew a class, it would be much better: you know, the more work, the more blessings

YARM, June 16, 1772.

MY DEAR SISTER,--Whenever you can, I hope you will talk to Mrs. Dawson, for her heart is very much united to you; and when they are far apart, they can talk by letters. And I believe that you are particularly called to be useful to those whom the riches or greatness of this world keep away from the pure word of God.

You did well to send me the last room; it is absolutely necessary that I should be acquainted with all these subjects; To do otherwise would be a false delicacy.

Mr. Goodwin is a valuable young man; He has a lot of grace and good understanding. I have written to Mr. Glassbrook and the leaders, if James Deaves comes to Limerick in the same spirit as he has been for some time, to take care not to cause trouble. If he acts so impetuously, we will be forced to take more severe measures. I should apologize for that; No one would cut off a limb as long as there is any hope of getting it back. I hope John Christian is a useful worker; He has a zeal according to knowledge.

Nothing is sin, strictly speaking, but a willful transgression of a law known to God. Therefore, every willful violation of the law of love is sin; and nothing more, if we speak properly. To force the issue further is only to pave the way for Calvinism. There may be ten thousand wandering thoughts and forgotten intervals without any breaking of love, though not without transgressing the Adamic law. But Calvinists would make a point of confusing all of this together. Let love fill your heart, and that's enough-- I am, dear sister,

Your affectionate brother. ^{^[19]}

The Way to the Most Holy Is Opened by the Blood of Jesus

You know what you want—zeal, liveliness, stability, deliverance from wandering imaginations; Then ask, and they will be given. The way to the most sacred is opened by the blood of Jesus. You have free access through it.

BRISTOL, August 31, 1772.

MY DEAR SISTER,--MY health has not worsened, but it has improved. His account of the Society at Waterford is pleasant. Keep exercising your talent among them, and you will take advantage of it. You don't have to dispute or justify the name that belongs to the state you're in. You know what you have; Be grateful for that. You know what you want—zeal, liveliness, stability, deliverance from wandering imaginations; Then ask, and they will be given. The way to the most sacred is opened by the blood of Jesus. You have free access through it.

To Him all your desires

In instant prayer display;

Pray always, pray and never faint,

Pray, without stopping, pray!

See, help while you still ask is given--I am, dear sister,

Your affectionate brother. ^{^[20]}

Speak with love, and discord will disappear

Talk to as many people as possible; to go among them, to their homes; Speak with love, and discord will disappear. It is hardly possible to comfort or strengthen others without some comfort returning to your own chest.

For Ms. Bennis

COLCHESTER, November 3, 1772.

DEAR SISTER,-- Your time was well spent at Waterford. Many, I doubt not, remember this with gratitude. But why this lack of discipline in Limerick? Whenever this is abandoned, everything becomes a mess: see that it is restored immediately.

I should have been glad if you had persuaded Captain Webb to visit me in Limerick: he is a man of fire, and the power of God constantly accompanies his word.

Poor Sister Harrison! I didn't expect her to die in triumph. But we must leave it to its own Master. It seems to me that Mrs. Dawson is gaining ground. And I [love] her two lovely children. At every opportunity, you would do well to talk a little with the three of them.

It is highly likely that I will visit Ireland in the spring, although I am almost being an incapacitated soldier. I am forbidden to walk and I am obliged to travel mainly in a carriage. [See the August 31 letter to her.]

Whom do you think fit to succeed the present preachers at Limerick and Waterford [Wrigley was at Waterford; John 2 Edward Slater was in Limerick. Jonathan Hern of Cork succeeded him. James Glassbrook, Francis Murray, and Michael M'Donald followed.]

You need to awaken the gift of God that is in you. The light will emerge. Why not now? The Lord is not near—I am, my dear sister,

Your affectionate brother. ^{^[21]}

Keep leading the simple ones

I'm so glad you visit so often. Keep leading the simple, and God will give you more wisdom.

For Ms. Bennis

LOND0N, February 12, 1773.

MY DEAR SISTER,-- When we draw near to God in the ways He has determined, He will surely draw near to us. Please remind Mr. Glassbrook to use the same means; Then he and you will find the same blessing. Write to Waterford to Brother Slater and encourage him to do it there as he did in Limerick.

I can observe, from Mrs. Dawson's manner of writing, a very considerable change in her spirit, more knowledge of God, more humility, and a simpler, more unartifice love. I'm so glad you visit so often. Keep leading the simple, and God will give you more wisdom.

As long as you trust not in yourself, but in Him who has all power in heaven and earth, you will find that His grace is sufficient for you, and that His strength will be made perfect in your weakness. Look to Him continually and trust Him, so that you can grow with all the increase of God. "I am, my dear sister, your brother ^{^[22]}

See that your talent doesn't rust

I fear you are too idle: this will surely bring condemnation. Get up, and keep going! Don't stand still. See that your talent doesn't rust

For Ms. Bennis

DUBLIN, April 1, 1773.

I fear you are too idle: this will surely bring condemnation. Get up, and keep going! Don't stand still. See that your talent does not rust: rather let it gain ten more; and it will be, if you use it [On March 16 she wrote of herself as 'the same poor, staggering, frail] You are allowed to be in weight to humble and prove even more. Then you will emerge like gold. If you love me, you will write and speak freely to, my dear sister,

Your affection. ^{^[23]}

Suffering is not a sin

However, suffering is not sin; We can be grieving and yet resigned. And that's acceptable with God. In all these cases, you must remember that this observation should never escape

For Ms. Bennis

BRISTOL, September 10, 1773.

MY DEAR SISTER,-- When two or three agree to seek God through fasting and prayer, it cannot be that their labor is in vain; especially if they add their efforts to prayers for the increase of God's work. I hope they will encourage every preacher to visit the whole Society in order, from house to house: dinner or tea does not answer the same intention. This can and should be done beyond what is necessary.

I thought you were more at risk of being hurt by worldly abundance than by worldly care. But we cannot stay under one or the other unless we are endowed with power from above, and that continually from hour to hour, or rather from moment to moment. However, suffering is not sin; We can be grieving and yet resigned. And that's acceptable with God. In all these cases, you must remember that this observation should never escape,--

With a firm mind, his duty followed:

God does nothing, not even surfers to be done,

But you'd do it yourself, if you could see

The end of all events, just like Him!

[See letter of July 18].

"My dear sister, farewell. Your affectionate brother. ^{^[24]}

Come, therefore, boldly to the throne of grace

So we can undoubtedly pray against it. And certainly He can and will deliver us. Come, therefore, boldly to the throne of grace, and find grace to help in times of need.

For Ms. Bennis

SHEERNESS, Dec. 1, 1773.

MY DEAR SISTER,-- Some time ago, when I heard that Brother Bennis had become very rich, I was afraid for you lest the world should again find a way into your heart and quench your noblest affections. I don't regret that you don't have that temptation. It is very desirable to have neither poverty nor wealth; But still, you can't be without temptation unless you want to get out of the world. How far this sudden emotion you speak of is a supernatural dart from Satan and how far it goes out of your own heart is extremely difficult to judge. It is possible that it is neither one nor the other, but only an effect of the body's natural mechanism, which has no more good or evil than blushing or turning pale. But, whether natural or preternatural, it is painful for those who have a sensitive conscience. So we can undoubtedly pray against it. And certainly He can and will deliver us. Come, therefore, boldly to the throne of grace, and find grace to help in times of need.

You will find full employment in Waterford: I believe society demands your efforts. See, therefore, that you may not be afraid to do good. "I am, my dear sister,

Your affectionate brother. ^{^[25]}

Gather those who have been scattered abroad and form a band

Shake the gift of God that is in you; Gather those who have been scattered abroad and form a band, if not one or two classes. Your best way would be to visit from house to house. In this way, you can assess their conduct and dispositions in home life, and you can have the opportunity to talk to the young ones in the family

For Ms. Bennis

LONDON, January 18, 1774.

MY DEAREST SISTER,-- A will constantly and uniformly devoted to God is essential to a state of sanctification, but not to a uniformity of joy, peace, or happy communion with God. These can rise and fall in various degrees; no, and it can be affected both by the body and by diabolical action, in a way that all our wisdom can neither understand nor prevent. As to wanderings, he would do well to consider the sermon on Wandering Thoughts [See Works, vi. 23-32]: he could also benefit from the Diary of Elizabeth Harper, whose experience closely resembled his own, only it was simpler; and you can learn from her to go straight to God as a child, and tell Him all your troubles, obstacles, and doubts, and ask Him to make them all for good. You were not sent to Waterford to be useless. Shake the gift of God that is in you; Gather those who have been scattered abroad and form a band, if not one or two classes. Your best way would be to visit from house to house. In this way, you can evaluate their conduct and dispositions in home life, and you can have the opportunity to talk with the young ones in the family. As you move, you will contract heat; By streaming Fife, you will increase it in yourself.

As to the circumstance mentioned in the postscript to your last, I think it would be well for you to exert yourself to the utmost in this matter [On December 29, 1773, she wrote from Waterford, where she found the people very much dead. There is no afterword in the printed letter]. It will be a cross: take this cross, take your cross, and it will take you; and if you do it with a single eye, it will be no loss to your soul.--I am, my dear sister, your affectionate brother. ^{^[26]}

It is by faith in the righteousness and blood of Christ that we are enabled to perform all good works

But we all hold that we are not saved without works, that works are a condition (though not the meritorious cause) of final salvation. It is by faith in the righteousness and blood of Christ that we are enabled to perform all good works

For Ms. Bennis

LONDON, March 1, 1774.

MY DEAR SISTER.--Elizabeth Harper was also often in the clouds; and in this case, it is the best way to stand still: you can do nothing but simply tell all your desires to the One who is able and willing to supply them.

I attach James Perfect's letter, on purpose so you can talk to him. He has both an honest heart and a good understanding; But you are completely mistaken in his doctrine. 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. None of us talk about being accepted for our jobs; that is, Calvinist calumny. But we all hold that we are not saved without works, that works are a condition (though not the meritorious cause) of final salvation. It is by faith in the righteousness and blood of Christ that we are enabled to perform all good works; and it is because of these that all who fear God and do justice are accepted by Him.

It is far better for our people not to listen to Mr. Hawksworth. Calvinism will not do them any good. For the rest, I refer my precinct to Mr. M'Donald, with whom I would like you to have a conversation. Don't be discouraged: I truly believe that God will visit poor Waterford with love. You can continue. Raise the hands that hang down; by faith and prayer, support the tottering knee; Rebuke, encourage. Have you scheduled a day of fasting and prayer? Invade the throne of grace, and persevere in it, and mercy shall descend.--I am, my dear sister, Your affectionate brother. ^{^[27]}

You arrived just in time to make amends

'I never expel anyone from our Society for anything they say about me.' You arrived just in time to make amends. Go ahead, and prosper.

For Ms. Bennis

LEEDS, May 2, 1774.

MY DEAR SISTER,-- Until Mr. Hill and his associates discovered the cause, it was as clear as it could be. The Methodists have always considered, and have declared a thousand times, that the death of Christ is the meritorious cause of our salvation—that is, of pardon, holiness, and glory; Loving, obedient faith is the condition of glory. This Mr. Fletcher illustrated and confirmed as much, as I think almost no one has done since the Apostles.

When Mr. Wrigley wrote me a strong letter about the abuse he received from the young men in Limerick, and his determination to expel them all from the Society if they did not acknowledge their guilt, I was very curious as to what might be going on, and I just wrote to him: 'I never expel anyone from our Society for anything they say about me.' You arrived just in time to make amends. Go ahead, and prosper.

You always affectionate. ^{^[28]}

Often joy is denied even to those who walk upright

However, it cannot be denied that joy is often denied even to those who walk upright. The great point of everything is a heart and a life entirely dedicated to God

For Ms. Bennis

LONDON, December 21, 1776.

MY DEAR SISTER,-- You are much less happy than you would be if you did not reason too much. This often gives advantage to this subtle opponent against you. You need to always be like a child, just looking for what you want.

It is devout to wish that we may rejoice forever; and it is certain that the inward kingdom of God implies not only justice and peace, but joy in the Holy Spirit. Therefore, you have reason to ask and expect all the blessing of the gospel. However, it cannot be denied that joy is often denied even to those who walk upright. The great point of it all is a heart and a life wholly devoted to God. Be left with it, and let all the rest go; Give him your heart, and that is enough. I am, my dear sister,

His brother always affectionate. ^{^[29]}

[1] Overview of Google's AI Mode

[2] https://www.dib.ie/biography/bbennis-elizabeth-eliza-a9766

[3] Overview of Google's AI Mode

[4] https://www.dib.ie/biography/bbennis-elizabeth-eliza-a9766

[5] https://www.dib.ie/biography/bbennis-elizabeth-eliza-a9766

[6] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1763/

[7] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1767/

[8] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1769/

[9] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1769/

[10] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1769/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[29] https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1776/

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