Wesley's
friendship with one of the holiest women
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.
Books published in the Wesleyan Digital Library: 817
Books published by the author: 857
Address: https://bibliotecawesleyana.blogspot.com
Odilon Massolar Chaves is a
retired Methodist pastor, with a doctorate in Theology and History from the
Methodist University of São Paulo.
Son of Rev. Adherico
Ribeiro Chaves and Roza Massolar Chaves.
He is married to RoseMary.
He has two daughters:
Liliana and Luciana.
His thesis dealt with the
Methodist revival in England in the eighteenth century and its contribution as
a paradigm for our days.
Table of Contents
· Introduction
· Who was Betsy Ritchie
·
I wish you weren't almost Christian
·
The talents given when we are justified and
sanctified
·
An admirable help to conquer everything
·
Trials you will have will only be means of
uniting you more closely to Him
· An admirable providence
·
The main thing is a healthy mind
·
There's nothing better in heaven or on earth
than love
·
A Blessed Means of Increasing Your Spiritual
Strength
·
A glorious job is to be a working companion
with God
· Carrying the weak
·
Desire none of these extraordinary things
·
You certainly took the risk of exchanging the
simple religion of the Bible for the refined religion of Mysticism
·
It's always helpful to have a friend
·
I ask a lot of questions
·
God wanted to take her out of the gates of
death
·
God pleased, in a way, to restore his
strength
· You'll still need constant exercise
·
Unusual Blessings Many Have Received as They
Renew Their Covenant with God
·
Young preachers full of faith and the Holy
Spirit
============================
Introduction
"Wesley's
Friendship with One of the Holiest Women" is a 31-page book based on
Wesley's letters to Elizabeth Ritchie, "Betsy."
Betsy
stood out for her leadership and spiritual depth, going on to lead 'classes'
(the small discipleship groups of Methodism) from 1774 onwards. Wesley himself
considered her one of the holiest and most gifted women in the entire British
movement.
Wesley
asked Betsy to be like a Miranda.
"To
be like a Miranda means to have a soul totally devoted to God, going far
beyond religious formalities or external routines. John Wesley's recommendation
to Elizabeth Ritchie comes from
theologian William Law's A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life,
where 'Miranda' represents the ideal standard of a Christian woman." [1]
And Wesley saw
great growth in Betsy. In a letter addressed to one of his itinerants, who had
been extolling the Methodist women ministering on
the Emerald Isle, he writes, "Go to Betsy Ritchie in Oxley, and then point
me to a young woman like her in Ireland."[2]
Betsy
played a major role in the end of Wesley's life. "When John Wesley's
health collapsed in early 1791, Betsy
Ritchie moved to her residence in City Road, London, to act as his primary
caregiver and volunteer nurse." [3]
Wesley's
letters to Betsy Ritchie reveal a whole orientation for Betsy to overcome
temptations, grow spiritually and be blessed serving the Lord.
Letters
that reveal the friendship and trust between them to the point that she
voluntarily stood by Wesley as his nurse at the end of his life.
The
Author
============================
Who
was Betsy Ritchie
Elizabeth
Ritchie (1754–1835) [4] was
born in Otley, Yorkshire, England. She was the daughter of Beatrice
Robinson and John Ritchie, who served for many years as a surgeon in the navy.
"Elizabeth
Ritchie's parents, Beatrice Robinson and John Ritchie, were staunch and strict
Methodists.
They
were part of the early Methodist community in the town of Otley, England. The
couple's devotion was so expressive that the family home often served as a
lodging for John Wesley." [5]
From a young age, Elizabeth had sensitivity
and felt a lot of pain when a relative or friend cried. She was also known
as Eliza Ritchie.
As a young man he struggled with temptations.
Prayer was neglected, everything went wrong. Wesley helped her with advice. One
day, Wesley asked her what books she read and promised to give her a list of
things he thought might be helpful. This seems to have been the beginning of a
relationship that later turned into a close friendship.
At
the age of 18, she gave her life to Jesus. She once accompanied Wesley to
Birstal. He maintained a long correspondence with Wesley. He was a class
leader.
After
Wesley's death, "Miss Helena Sánchez." Elizabeth Ritchie" became
"Mrs. Mortimer".
She
"has been described as 'one of the holiest among many saintly women of
early Methodism.' John Wesley had the highest opinion of Miss Wesley's graces
and talents. Ritchie. In a letter addressed to one of his itinerants, who had
been extolling the Methodist women ministering on the Emerald Isle, he writes:
"There are many kind and gracious souls in Cork and in Dublin. But there
are few in the whole Kingdom of Ireland to be named, either for depth of
meaning or for grace, with many, many people in Yorkshire; especially in Ye
West Riding. Go to Betsy Ritchie in Oxley, and then point me to a young woman
like her in Ireland."[6]
"Elizabeth
"Betsy" Ritchie (later Elizabeth Mortimer)
was one of the most prominent, influential, and respected women of the early Methodist
movement, possessing a deeply intimate spiritual and personal connection to
the theologian and founder of Methodism, John Wesley.
Leadership
and spiritual depth
"She
stood out for her leadership and spiritual depth, going on to lead
"classes" (the small discipleship groups of Methodism) from 1774.
Wesley himself considered her one of the holiest and most gifted women in the
entire British movement.
From 1774 on, Wesley began
to spiritually care for Betsy Ritchie. Wesley even took the initiative to write
to her. Generally, Wesley only wrote to someone after receiving a letter.
In a letter to Mrs. Crosby,
June 3, 1774, Wesley asks for help: "MY DEAR SISTER,-- I have received an
excellent letter from Betsy Ritchie. Her experience seems to be very clear. But
her youth exposes her to many temptations within, and her circumstances to many
from without. So that you need to take care of her with tenderness and care, so
that she does not stray from your firmness."
The
Direct Link to John Wesley
Correspondent
and Leader: Betsy had a frequent exchange of theological and devotional letters
with Wesley. In one of her 1774 letters, she described the feeling of assurance
of her salvation by the Holy Spirit as "living in the suburbs of
heaven."
Caregiver
in Old Age: In November 1790, when John Wesley's
health was already very poor due to
advanced age, she moved to his residence in City Road, London, to act as his
governess and nurse.
Deathbed Witness: Betsy Ritchie was one of the very few people present in John Wesley's room when he passed away on March 2, 1791. She was the one who recorded and documented in detail the preacher's final moments, including his famous last words: "Best of all, God is with us."[7]
Wesley's
Nurse
"In
describing the two months she spent on City Road as Wesley's nurse and
attendant, Miss Helena S. Ritchie says, "I took a lot of pleasure from
your conversation. His spirit seemed all love; He breathed the air of paradise,
often referring to the state of separated spirits. 'Can we suppose,' he
observed, 'that this active mind, which animates and moves the opaque matter
with which it is stuffed, will be less active when released? Certainly not; It
will be just activity. But what will be their jobs? Who can say?' I had great
benefits this season. My hands were full; but I felt the light of Divine
approval shining on my path, which facilitated many painful things I
encountered. In fact, I felt it was a great duty to let Mr. Wesley not want any
attention I could give him. I loved him with a grateful and affectionate
respect, given by God to be my guide, my spiritual father and my dearest
friend; and he was truly grateful to be sure that these attentions were comfort
to him. With concern, I saw in February 1791 that his strength was greatly
diminished. He couldn't bear to keep following the classes, but he wanted me to
read to him; for, in spite of his bodily weakness, his great mind could not be
unemployed." [8]
Your wedding
"Betsy
Ritchie (known formally as Elizabeth Ritchie) became Mrs. Mortimer on November
1, 1801, the date on which she married Harvey Walklate Mortimer in the
locality of Otley, Yorkshire, England.
- Age: At the time of the union, Elizabeth was
47 years old.
- The Groom: Harvey Walklate Mortimer was a
former suitor, a gun manufacturer in London, and a widower with six
children from his previous marriage." [9]
Wesley's
letters to Betsy Ritchie reveal a
whole orientation for Betsy to overcome temptations, grow spiritually and be
blessed serving the Lord. Letters reveal the friendship and trust between them
to the point that Wesley invited her to be his nurse at the end of his life:
I wish you weren't almost Christian
You're just getting up to
life; And I wish you were not nearly a Christian, but wholly. I wish you were
exactly like Miranda. And he is not satisfied with less: he is not satisfied
with correct notions; neither of them with innocence
To Elizabeth Ritchie
WHITEHAVEN, May 8, 1774.
MY DEAR BETSY,-- It is not
often that I write to someone first; I only answer those who write to me. But I
make an exception with regard to you; for it is no ordinary concern that I feel
for you. You're just getting up to life; And I wish you were not nearly a
Christian, but wholly. I wish you were exactly like Miranda. And he is not
satisfied with less: he is not satisfied with correct notions; neither of them
with innocence; No, not even with an almost external religion, however exact it
may be. No, you will not be content with a taste of inner religion. This has
already pleased God to give you. You know who you believed; They have tasted
the powers of the word to come; but
A taste of love is not
enough;
Your soul, for all His
fullness, cries out!
Cry and never stop! Don't
call those who scold you by telling you to be quiet. Weep even more, 'Jesus of
Nazareth, take away all my sins! Don't leave any leftover! Just say the word,
and I will be healed!' Write freely to Yours with affection. [10]
The talents given when we
are justified and sanctified
When we are justified, He gives us a talent;
to those who use it He gives more. When we are sanctified, He gives, as it
were, five talents. And if you use all the power that is then given, He will
not only continue that power, but will increase it day by day
To Elizabeth Ritchie
EDINBURGH, June 3, 1774.
MY DEAR BETSY,--I want to
hear that you stand firm in the freedom with which Christ has set you free. It
is absolutely certain that you need never lose anything that God has made. He
is able and willing to always give you what he has already given. He will, as
long as you attend prayer and awaken the gift of God that is in you. There is
an invariable rule which God observes in all His dealings with the children of
men: 'To him that has,' uses that which he has, 'shall be given, and shall have
more abundantly.' When we are justified, He gives us a talent; to those who use
it He gives more. When we are sanctified, He gives, as it were, five talents.
And if you use all the power that is then given, He will not only continue that
power, but will increase it day by day. In the meantime, don't ignore Satan's
devices: he will attack you from all sides; He'll cast temptations on you
Thick as autumnal leaves
that spread the ground.
But with every temptation
there will be a way to escape; and you will be more than a conqueror through
Him who loves you. You can do it, you can endure all of His will. Go in His
name and in the power of His power; and realize the joy of
With affection. [11]
An admirable help to
conquer everything
To Elizabeth Ritchie
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, 23
June 1774.
MY DEAR BETSY,-- It gives
me pleasure to find that you still stand firm in the freedom with which Christ
has delivered you, and this in spite of various temptations. And these, indeed,
you may still look forward to; for Satan neither sleeps nor sleeps, and he will
endeavor to torment if he cannot destroy. No, God himself, as observed,
"prepares for you occasions of struggle, that you may conquer." So
that you are still called to fight the good fight of faith, and so to cling to
eternal life. An admirable help to conquer everything is for believers to stay
close, to walk hand in hand and to provoke one another to love and good works.
And one way to keep God's love pure is to exhort others to press it. When you
meet on a Sunday morning, I doubt you won't, but that will be the main subject
of your prayers and conversations. Then you can expect to be more and more
endowed with power from heaven, testifying that He is faithful and just both to
forgive us our cans and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.--I remain His
with affection. [12]
Trials you will have will
only be means of uniting you more closely to Him
Trials you will have; but
they will only be means of uniting you more closely to Him. As long as your eye
is fixed on it, your entire body will be filled with light.
To Elizabeth Ritchie
MADELEY, July 31, 1774.
MY DEAR BETSY,-- It is very
pleased to see that you stand firm in the freedom with which Christ has set you
free. Trials you will have; but they will only be means of uniting you more closely
to Him. As long as your eye is fixed on it, your entire body will be filled
with light. You will be enabled
To follow His example,
The world to despise,
And tread constantly
About pleasure and pain.
While you do this, you
won't have many doubts about the path you should follow. The anointing of the
Holy One will shine in your heart and shine on your path; especially if you
frequently consider the Guidelines for Preserving the Fervor of the Spirit and
the Father's Thoughts on Christian Perfection. If at any time you have
questions on any point, whether of doctrine or practice, use me as a friend;
and speak freely with His. [13]
An admirable providence
It is an admirable
Providence that keeps you so weak in body until your soul has received more strength.
It is good that you feel how powerless you are, that you can lean on it
continually.
To Elizabeth Ritchie
PENZANCE, September 1,
1774.
MY DEAR BETSY,-- It is an
admirable Providence that keeps you so weak in body until your soul has received
more strength. It is good that you feel how powerless you are, that you can
lean on it continually. Are you always aware of His presence? In what sense do
you pray without ceasing? He can be thankful in everything and have a testimony
in himself that everything he says and does is pleasing to him.
If you could do constant
exercise outdoors, I don't think you would need any other remedy. But it is
certain, whether your body is good or sick, all is better as long as your soul
remains in it. And why should it not be without any interruption until your
spirit returns to God—no, with a continual increase? For this is your call to
sink deeper and deeper into Him, coming out of His fullness to receive more and
more, until you know all this love of God that imparts knowledge.
I hope you don't go a day
without spending time in private exercises. What do you read at these stations?
Do you read, so to speak, by chance? Or do you have a reading method? I want
you to make the best possible use of all means of improvement. Now is the time!
Now you have the fervor of youth on your side. Now the animal nature is in
perfection. Now its faculties are in place. And happy are you, who were able to
start your race in times of encounter! I hope you are now paying attention to
that one thing—looking to Jesus, and moving forward to the goal, to the prize
of our high calling! O run, and never shoot! Thus your love and zeal will
always be a comfort to
With affection. [14]
The main thing is a healthy
mind
It is a pleasure to know
that you have regained your health. If you find any recent illness, let me
know; We must not neglect the body, although the main thing is a healthy mind
To
Elizabeth Ritchie
SHORRHAM, November 29,
1774.
MY DEAR BETSY,-- It is a
pleasure to know that you have regained your health. If you find any recent
illness, let me know; We must not neglect the body, although the main thing is
a healthy mind. There are many excellent things in Madame Guyon's works, and
many that are extremely dangerous. Even more so because good things give way to
mischievous. And it is not easy, unless for those who have a lot of experience,
to distinguish one from the other. Perhaps, therefore, it is safer for you to
limit yourself mainly to what we publish. You will then not be perplexed by
various feelings or different words; And you will find enough on every
religious, speculative, or practical topic.
I do not know whether any
method of reading would be more profitable than reading a chapter of the Old
Testament with the Notes every morning; and every night a chapter, or at least
a section, in the New Testament. At other times of the day, I advise you to
read our works regularly from the beginning; Marking any treatise or part of a
treatise that you find most useful, so that you can make it a matter of
meditation. Some of the most useful to believers are Mr. Law's treatises, Mr.
Brainerd's Lives, De Renty, and Thomas Walsh, the treatises translated from
French, and those on Christian Perfection.
I'm glad you were with our
dear Sister Crosby. Talk as much as you can with those of her spirit; They are
the best in the world. You must not give in—no, not even for a day—to
inactivity. Nothing is more likely to grow in the soul; the less you speak or act
in God's name, the less you can. If the elderly do not speak, you are called,
like Elihu, to make up for this lack of service. Whether you are young or old
is not important: talk, and do not spare! Rescue time! Be fervent in spirit!
Take advantage of every opportunity; and always be a comfort to
With affection. [15]
There's
nothing better in heaven or on earth than love
And
we know that there is nothing deeper, there is nothing better in heaven or on
earth than love! There can be no unless there is something greater than the God
of love!
To
Elizabeth Ritchie
LONDON, January 17, 1775.
MY DEAR BETSY,-- I beg you,
if you love me, send me a minute account of what you are like both in body and
mind. Some of the mystical writers do not choose to speak clearly; Some don't
know how. But, blessed be God, we have; And we know that there is nothing
deeper, there is nothing better in heaven or on earth than love! There can be
no unless there is something greater than the God of love! So that we see
clearly what we need to aim for. We see the prize and the path to it! Here is
the height, here is the depth, of the Christian experience! 'God is love; and
he who dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him.'
Mr. Fletcher gave us a
wonderful insight into the different dispensations we are under. I believe that
this difficult topic has never been put in such a clear light before. It seems
that God raised him up for just that--
To vindicate eternal
Providence
And to justify God's ways
for man.
By limiting yourself to
those who write with affection, your understanding will be opened and
strengthened much more than reading a multiplicity of authors; At the same
time, your heart will be enlarged and, I hope, more and more united to you.
With affection. [16]
A Blessed Means of
Increasing Your Spiritual Strength
I'm glad you had the
opportunity to spend time in Leeds and with Miss Helena. Bosanquet. This, I do
not doubt, was a blessed means of increasing his spiritual strength.
To Elizabeth Ritchie
NORTHWICH, March 23, 1775.
MY DEAR BETSY,-- I'm glad
you had the opportunity to spend time in Leeds and with Miss Helena. Bosanquet.
This, I do not doubt, was a blessed means of increasing his spiritual strength.
And I trust that you will find more and more opportunities to use whatever
strength you have, even in Otley. Wherever God's work revives, we are more
particularly called to work together with Him. Now be instant in season and out
of season! Rescue time! Take advantage of every opportunity. In the morning sow
your seed, and in the evening do not relax your hand; and God will give the
increase!
In a day or two I hope to
board. Possibly in the autumn we will meet again; And in the meantime, I'm
convinced you won't forget
With affection. [17]
A glorious job is to be a
working companion with God
I'm glad Mr. Tennant gave
you a little more work; And a glorious job is! Be "a workmate with
God!" O may you be found faithful! Be zealous for God! Be diligent! Be
patient! And never forget
NORWICH, November 29, 1775.
MY DEAR
BETSY,--'Temptations,' says one, 'and distinct deliverances from temptations
are very helpful.' I do not doubt that you have thought so in regard to your
late judgments; although there is none that is more difficult to bear in your
stage of life. I'm glad you resisted that plausible temptation that few young
women have the power to resist, especially when you had to face the persuasions
of those you cherished and loved.
I think Mr. Cayley will do
some good; and I am convinced that it will do no harm. I'm glad Mr. Tennant
gave you a little more work; And a glorious job is! Be "a workmate with
God!" O may you be found faithful! Be zealous for God! Be diligent! Be
patient! And never forget
With affection. [18]
Carrying the weak
It seems to me that I see you
giving yourself, as much as possible, to this blessed work; carrying the weak,
as it were, in his breast, and gently leading the rest into the waters of
comfort
To Elizabeth Ritchie
DONCASTER, July 15, 1776.
MY DEAR BETSY,--I suppose you wait for my
writing first. No, I hope that is the case; otherwise, I'd be afraid you've
gotten sick again. How is your health. And how is your mind You find a
communion as close and constant with God as ever. You are always happy. No
circumstance interrupts or weakens your prayerful spirit. You don't feel
anything contrary to resignation You can say with all your heart--
Determined all Your will to obey,
Thy blessings I restore;
Give, Lord, or take away Your gifts,
I praise you forever.
Our Lord's word to you is, 'Feed my lambs.'
It seems to me that I see you giving yourself, as much as possible, to this
blessed work; carrying the weak, as it were, in his breast, and gently leading
the rest into the waters of comfort. Meanwhile, your own soul will enjoy a well
of water springing up to eternal life. If you encounter any perplexing
temptations on your way, don't hesitate to let me know. Youth is the season of
many of the most dangerous temptations that relate to human nature. But, indeed,
you are preserved from many of these by your firm determination to despise all
creatures' dreams of happiness, and to give your heart to the one who is
worthy. And believe me to stay
With affection. [19]
Desire none of these extraordinary things
O desire nothing different in the nature of love! There is nothing
higher on earth or in heaven. Whatever he says that appears to be higher is a
natural or supernatural enthusiasm. Do not desire any of these extraordinary
things. Such a desire can be an entrance to a thousand illusions.
To
Elizabeth Ritchie
LONDON, August 12, 1776.
MY DEAR BETSY,--To talk about 'thinking
without ideas' is absolute nonsense. Everything that is presented to your mind
is an idea; So to be out of ideas is not to think at all. Seeing, feeling, joy,
mourning, pleasure, pain are ideas. Therefore, to be without ideas is to be
without meaning or reason. Mr. ---- certainly doesn't understand the word; he
confuses it with images.
O desire nothing different in the nature of
love! There is nothing higher on earth or in heaven. Whatever he says that
appears to be higher is a natural or supernatural enthusiasm. Do not desire any
of these extraordinary things. Such a desire can be an entrance to a thousand
illusions. I would like all your wishes to be centered on this:
I want the witness, Lord,
That everything I do is right!
According to Thy will and word,
Very pleasing to your eyes!
I ask for no higher state,
Allow me this!
And sooner or later, so translate
To my eternal happiness.
You say Satan has set a trap for you. What do
I care about what interests you. 0 Keep remembering in all your prayers
With all the affection. [20]
You certainly took the risk of exchanging the simple religion of the
Bible for the refined religion of Mysticism
Some time ago you certainly ran the risk of exchanging the simple
religion of the Bible for the refined one of Mysticism, a danger which few can
judge except those who feel it. My brother and I did this for several years
To
Elizabeth Ritchie
PUBLOW,
September 20, 1776.
MY DEAR BETSY,-- Some time ago, you certainly
ran the risk of exchanging the simple religion of the Bible for the refined
religion of Mysticism, a danger which few can judge except those who feel it.
My brother and I did this for several years. This scheme, especially as Madame
Guyon has polished and improved it, gives a delicate satisfaction to whatever
curiosity and self-esteem is hidden in the heart. He was especially able to
make an impression on you, for he was recommended by one with whom you were friendly,
whom you knew to be upright and sincere, and who had both good sense and
pleasant treatment. At the same time, that subtle enemy—who deceived Eve with
his subtlety—would not fail to reinforce the temptation. The more reason you
have to bless God, you are freed from the trap of the hunter.
"He that followeth Me," says our
Lord, "walketh not in darkness." Nothing can be more certain. Follow
Him closely, and you will never again fall into any darkness of the soul. On
the contrary, your light will shine brighter and brighter until the perfect
day. Nothing but sin can confuse you; and this, I trust, God marked under his
feet. Surely, then, you don't have to lose even the slightest part of what God
has given you. But you can "stand firm in glorious freedom" until your
spirit returns to God.--I Remain
With affection. [21]
It's always helpful to have a friend
I love you for your freedom and openness. It is always helpful to have a
friend to whom you can open your heart without disguise or reserve. But it will
be of peculiar use if you ever meet a strong temptation. Then you will see how
true that word is: 'A friend was made for adversity
To Elizabeth Ritchie
LONDON, November 12, 1776.
MY DEAR BETSY,-- I love you for your freedom
and openness. It is always helpful to have a friend to whom you can open your
heart without disguise or reserve. But it will be of peculiar use if you ever
meet a strong temptation. Then you will see how true that word is: 'A friend
was made for adversity.'
You have enormous reason to praise God for
what He has already done for your soul. Beware that no one deceives you with
his blessing with voluntary humility. Never deny, never conceal, never speak
with doubt of what God has done, but declare it before the children of God in
all plainness and simplicity.
Do you always set the Lord before you? Do you
always see the invisible One? Are you constantly aware of His loving presence?
And is your heart praying without ceasing? Do you have power in everything to
give you thanks? Does he really rule in sleep? Continue? What you commonly
dream of while sleeping, your heart is awake to Him Just when you have time and
opportunity, send an answer to, my dear Betsy,
With affection. [22]
I ask a lot of questions
I ask you many questions,
so that you have the opportunity to be a witness for God, live or die. I guess,
in life or in death, you won't forget
To
Elizabeth Ritchie
WAKEFIELD, June 16, 1777.
MY DEAR BETSY,--I write a
few lines, on condition that you do not write if it hurts you; It sure will be,
if you lean on your chest or write a lot at once. But perhaps (of which you
yourself must be the judge) you write a few lines from time to time. Do you
still think that your will has been totally abandoned? You have no choice
between life or death? And you have no choice as to how you died? Aren't you
afraid of the pain of dissolution? Can you freely say goodbye to all your
friends here?
And to some unknown place a
ward away?
Do you never lose awareness
of the presence of the Three-One God? And is your testimony of His Spirit, that
you have been saved from indwelling sin, never obscured? Are you always happy?
Do you always like a hope full of immortality? I ask you many questions, so
that you have the opportunity to be a witness for God, live or die. I guess, in
life or in death, you won't forget
With affection. [23]
God wanted to take her out
of the gates of death
It is with great pleasure
that I have learned that God has willed to bring you out of the gates of death,
and that your strength has increased considerably, though you are far from out
of danger.
To Elizabeth Ritchie
BRISTOL, August 2, 1777.
MY DEAR BETSY,-- It is with
great pleasure that I have learned that God has willed to bring you out of the
gates of death, and that your strength has increased considerably, though you
are far from out of danger. When and in what way did this change occur? Can you
attribute this to some external circumstance? How did you feel your mind
affected when you encountered the return of strength? Did you rejoice or
lament? or calmly wish, 'Let the will of the Lord be done'? In what ways are
you better than when I saw you? In what ways are you equal or worse? Give me as
specific an account as possible. Do you find your soul as alive to God as ever?
Does not the corruptible body press upon the soul? Do you feel the lasting
impression of faith, perceiving what is coming? Do you live in eternity and
walk in eternity? And you still (as Mr. De Renty says) 'carry with you an
experimental truthfulness and a fullness of the presence of the ever-blessed
Trinity'?-- I remain
With affection. [24]
God pleased, in a way, to restore his strength
Since I was told that God has been pleased to
restore your strength in some way, I have lived in the hope that He will still
be asked to return you to our prayers
To Elizabeth Ritchie
ST. IVES, August 24, 1777.
MY DEAR BETSY,--Ever since
I was informed that God has pleased, in a way, to restore your strength, I have
lived in the hope that He will still be asked and return you to our prayers. Do
you still find the same awareness of the presence of the ever-blessed Trinity?
[See August 2 letter.] Do you think that day and night? In the midst of trials,
does it remain the same? But I would be ready to ask, except a weak body, what
trials can you have?
Cut off from the world, and
from all its cares,
Must you rejoice or suffer,
hope or fear?
Unless that's why,-- You
want to please everyone for their sake, but you can't. You would like to give
them satisfaction, but they will not be satisfied. It may be a dose test.
Send as specific an account
as possible of the state of your body and mind to
With affection. [25]
You'll still need constant exercise
But you'll still need
constant exercise; to which it must be added whenever there is a change in air.
So that you can enjoy more and more health, both of soul and body
To Elizabeth Ritchie
SALISBURY, October 6,
1778.
MY DEAR BETSY,
"Since I saw you, I have had the pleasure of receiving two letters from
--; and I am increasingly convinced that she has suffered no real loss in her
late trials. Indeed, their greatness proved the greatness of his grace;
otherwise, she must have passed out completely. But I am afraid that the poor
clay building has suffered such a shock that it will not be easily repaired.
Mrs. Steve's wonderful behavior was more than she could bear. But the comfort
is that the One we have to deal with is the Physician.
I doubt that any
incarnate spirit can feel such a complete humiliation as that felt by those
spirits who see the face of our Father who is in heaven. And no doubt, the
closer they get to the throne, the more abused they will be.
The plerophoria (or
full assurance) of faith is a divine witness so divine that we are reconciled
to God, for it excludes all doubt and fear in regard to it. This refers only to
what is present. The plerophoria (or full assurance) of hope is a divine testimony
that we will endure to the end; or, more directly, that we shall enjoy God in
glory. This is in no way essential or inseparable from perfect love. It is
sometimes given to those who are not perfected in love, as it was to Mr.
Grimshaw. And it is not given (at least not for a time) to many who are
perfected in love. I am not saying that you should pray for it; But I think you
can, but with total resignation. In this, as in all things, 'His way and His
timing are the best.'
I am happy to know
the continuity of your health. [She had written, 'My own health is also better
than when you were here. I spent three weeks in the North, mostly on the edge
of a cold moor, which suited me very well.'] But you'll still need constant exercise;
to which it must be added whenever there is a change in air. In order for you
to enjoy more and more health, both of soul and body, is the prayer of
With affection. [26]
Unusual Blessings
Many Have Received as They Renew Their Covenant with God
From our brethren in
various parts of England and Ireland, I have very pleasant reports of the
unusual blessings which many have received in renewing their covenant with God.
I'm glad to hear that you, in Otley, had your share
To
Elizabeth Ritchie
LONDON, January 19, 1782.
I thought it was a little
strange, my dear Betsy, not to hear from you for so long. But I attributed his
silence to his bodily weakness, of which several of our friends sent me news.
This point, total salvation
from consanguineous sin, can hardly be demanded, either in preaching or in
prayer, without a specific blessing. Honest Isaac Brown [The Keighley Preacher.
He is named in the Declaration Deed and is one of four to whom Wesley left any
money found in his pockets and on the table after his death.] He firmly
believes in this doctrine, that we must be saved from all sin in this life. But
I would like you, when the opportunity arises, to encourage him (1) to preach
Christian perfection, constantly, strongly, and explicitly; (2) explicitly
affirm and prove that it can be received now, and (3) (which is in fact implied
in it) that it must be received by simple faith.
In every state of mind, in
conviction, justification, or sanctification, I believe that each person can
retreat sensibly, appear to stop, or move on. I tend to think that all the
people you mentioned were fully sanctified. But some of them, observing the
prayer, went from faith to faith; while the others, less attentive, seemed to
stand still, but in fact they were retreating imperceptibly. I wish you all
increase with all the increase of God, I am
Always yours. [27]
Young preachers full of
faith and the Holy Spirit
One of the means is that
several of our young preachers, of whom we take little account, seem to be
(against all expectations) men full of faith and the Holy Spirit
To Elizabeth Ritchie
DUBLIN, June 26, 1785.
OUR LORD, INDEED, HATH
POURED OUT ABUNDANCE OF BLESSINGS IN ALMOST EVERY PART OF THIS KINGDOM. I have
passed through all the provinces and visited all the principal Societies, and I
have found that most of them have increased both in number and in strength.
Many are convinced of sin, many justified, and not a few perfected in love. One
of the means is that several of our young preachers, [See letter of June 19.]
of whom we take little account seem to be (against all expectations) men full
of faith and the Holy Spirit; and they are advancing to the right and to the
left, and wherever they go, God prospers their work. I don't know if Thomas
Walsh won't revive in two, if not three of them.
Many years ago I would say,
'I cannot imagine how Mr. Whitefield can keep his soul alive, since he is not
passing through honor and dishonor, bad and good reports, having nothing but
honor and good news accompanying him wherever he goes.' Now it's my case: I'm
just in the same condition he was in back then. I became, I don't know how, an
honorable man. The scandal of the Cross ceases; and the whole kingdom, rich and
poor, papists and Protestants, behave with courtesy – no, and apparent good
will! It seems like I've almost finished my course, and we
only the Lord was granting
me an honorable discharge.
My dear Betsy, don't you
have something to do in Dublin? If so, the sooner you visit our friends, the
better. Peace be with your spirit! Goodbye! [28]
[1] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[2]
https://www.mywesleyanmethodists.org.uk/content/people-2/the-wesley-family/eliza-ritchie-wesleys-nurse
[3] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[4]
https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/data/gb133-mam/fl/mam/fl/6/6andmam/fl/6/7
[5] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[6]
https://www.mywesleyanmethodists.org.uk/content/people-2/the-wesley-family/eliza-ritchie-wesleys-nurse
[7] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[8]
https://www.mywesleyanmethodists.org.uk/
content/people-2/the-wesley-family/eliza-ritchie-wesleys-nurse
[9] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[10]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1774/
[11]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1774/
[12]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1774/
[13]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1774/
[14]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1774/
[15]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1774/
[16]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[17]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[18]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1775/
[19]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1776/
[20]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1776/
[21]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1776/
[22]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1776/
[23]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1777/
[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-1777/
[26]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1778/
[27]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1782/
[28]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1782/
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