Wesley's discipleship with women in adverse situations
Discipleship with Rebecca Yeoman, Mrs. Marston, and Mary Stokes
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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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
Rebecca Yeoman:
Danger from the spiritual wilderness and the need to reclaim God's love
· You still thirst for God
· Sensitive and easily moved mind
·
The great danger is
that you will forsake the sacred channels of His grace
· Recovering God's Love
Ms. Marston: Taking
up the cross, overcoming temptations, seeking holiness
·
The language of love
is the best of all
·
If God allows you to
be attacked by strong and unusual temptations
· Taking up your cross daily
·
If we grieve the Holy
Spirit
·
The abundance of
deficiencies must remain as long as the soul remains in this house of clay
·
If Satan wanted to
sift you like wheat
Mary Stokes: The
Fight Against Anxiety and Spiritual Doubt
·
The Sun of
Righteousness will rise over you
·
But the danger is to
do too much
· Keep what God has given
· Sanctified crosses
· To speak for God
·
Let go of all evil
shame
·
A way to save a
living soul
·
The means our blessed
Lord uses to conform us to His image are the best of all
·
On the edge of a
precipice
============================
Introduction
"Wesley's Discipleship with Women in Adverse Situations" is a book based on Wesley's letters to Rebecca Yeoman, Mrs. Marston, and Mary Stokes.
"The spiritual counseling and mentoring that John Wesley exercised through his letters reveals how he adapted his practical theology to the individual needs of each female leadership of early Methodism. When analyzing the interactions with Ms. Marston, Rebecca Yeoman, and Mary Stokes, one realizes three markedly distinct approaches to discipleship." [1]
The focus of Wesley's discipleship:
Rebecca Yeoman: Wesley advised Rebecca to find healing from the spiritual wilderness and reclaiming God's love.
Ms. Marston: She was instructed to overcome temptations, take up the cross, and pursue Christian perfection.
Mary Stokes: Wesley dealt with themes such as letting go of evil feelings, holding on to what you have already received, and awakening the gift of God.
Wesley's discipleship with people in difficult situations and that requires a lot of dedication when discipleship is done by letters with people who are far away. It took a lot of resilience. It is important to say that Wesley met these women a few times.
The Author
============================
Rebecca Yeoman: Danger from the spiritual
wilderness and the need to reclaim God's love
Because your mind is sensitive
and easily moved, you can easily fall into excessive affection; If you do, it
will quickly darken your soul. But see and pray, and you will not fall into
temptation
"Mentoring
for Rebecca Yeoman (later Rebecca Gair) focused on spiritual stability
during major life transitions, specifically marriage and forming a home.
- The Focus: Spiritual integrity in married life and accountability.
- The Approach: Wesley exercised a welcoming and protective spiritual fatherhood. Knowing the challenges of getting married within the Methodist movement — keeping the vows of dedication to God without neglecting the rules of the community — he asked her to "open her whole heart to him" and share in complete simplicity every trial or manifestation of grace she experienced.
- The Discipleship Line: Practical
guidance on mutual submission, care against spiritual discouragement after
marriage, and referral of trusted local mentors (such as Wesley's
itinerant preachers) to support you closely." [2]
Wesley's
letters to Rebecca Yeoman (later Mrs.
Gair) reveal a whole caution with spiritual dangers:
You still thirst for God
I was glad to hear from
you; and especially when you hear that you still thirst for God. Oh, be careful
when putting any idol in your heart! Give it all to Him; for He is worthy.
LONDON, August 4, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- I was
glad to hear from you; and especially when you hear that you still thirst for
God. Oh, be careful when putting any idol in your heart! Give it all to Him;
for He is worthy. You did very well to go to Jane Johnson. There is no end of
shyness if we stay distant from each other. In this case, we only need to
overcome evil with good; and it is the wisest who yield first. Promises of this
kind have no force. The sooner they are broken, the better. You should take
Molly Strologer to the lodge. Ah, self-will! Like few have conquered it! I
believe it is a good measure for her account: she can make few visits. She
fears God and desires to save her soul; and the visit of those who have Another
Mind will not benefit him: he wants nothing but Christ. Surely you can tell
anything to, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother. [3]
Sensitive and easily moved mind
Because your mind is sensitive
and easily moved, you can easily fall into excessive affection; If you do, it
will quickly darken your soul. But see and pray, and you will not fall into temptation
To Rebecca Yeoman
LONDON, February 5, 1772.
MY DEAREST SISTER,-- From what I understand, you
are now in the state of wild nature. I advise you to read this sermon in the
fourth volume, [See Works, vi. 77-91] and examine yourself through it. If you
discover the cause of the heaviness or the darkness, you're more than halfway
to healing.
If Jenny Johnson [See letter of August 4, 1770.]
is fully aware of her fault, you may trust her; If not, she shouldn't be in the
band. Because your mind is sensitive and easily moved, you can easily fall into
excessive affection; If you do, it will quickly darken your soul. But see and
pray, and you will not fall into temptation.
God willing to continue my life and strength, I
hope to pass through Scotland in April and May, to reach Newcastle about the
beginning of June [He arrived May 25.]; but who knows if before that we won't
be able to make a longer journey. Our wisdom is to live to this day.--I am,
dear Becky,
Your affectionate brother. [4]
The great danger is that you will forsake the
sacred channels of His grace
The great danger is that you will forsake the
sacred channels of His grace. Just stay in the way. Read, meditate, pray as you
can, though not as you would. Then God will return and lift up abundantly the
light of His countenance upon you
To Mrs. Gair (Rebecca Yeoman)
LONDON, November 5, 1774.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- As for
you, the great danger is that you will forsake the sacred channels of His
grace. Just stay in the way. Read, meditate, pray as you can, though not as you
would. Then God will return and lift up abundantly the light of His countenance
upon you.
With regard to Brother
Gair, it is not improbable that the impression he feels really comes from God.
I think he can try a test as a local preacher; and probably God would confirm
the word of His messenger.--I am, dear Becky,
Your affectionate brother. [5]
Recovering God's Love
What, then, should hinder your recovery of His love,
if you still walk in the ways He has ordained, if you still create every
possible opportunity to hear His word? of communication, prayer, reading and
meditation. It cannot be, if you seek it, but you will soon find it. He will
return and forgive abundantly. Who knows how soon. Maybe today
To Mrs. Gair (Rebecca Yeoman)
NEAR DUNBAR, MAY 26,
1779.
MY DEAR SISTER, - It
was not your wish to miss me in Alnwick and also in Newcastle; otherwise, I
could have blamed you and assumed that your love has cooled down, but I don't
believe that's the case; and yet it is your desire to love God. What, then,
should hinder your recovery of His love, if you still walk in the ways He has
ordained, if you still create every possible opportunity to hear His word? of
communication, prayer, reading and meditation. It cannot be, if you seek it,
but you will soon find it. He will return and forgive abundantly. Who knows how
soon. Maybe today; And why not, at this time? You ask what I think of this
strange book. I think the writer was distracted, otherwise she would have no
excuse. - Yes, I am, dear Becky,
Your affectionate
brother. [6]
============================
Ms.
Marston: Taking up the cross, overcoming temptations, seeking holiness
Continue humbly and
steadfastly, denying yourselves and taking up your cross daily. He walks in the
light as He is in the light, in humility, in meekness, in resignation. Then He
will surely sanctify you throughout your body, in spirit, soul, and body
"For
Mrs. Marston (a woman of high social standing in the Broad Marston community),
Wesley applied mentorship focused on overcoming conformity to the world
and striving for the highest level of devotion.
- The Focus: The Danger of Status and the Call to "Christian Perfection."
- The Approach: Wesley was direct and confrontational in explaining that there are two 'echelons' of Christians: those at the lowest level (who avoid sin and do good, but live shaped by culture and have little spiritual life) and those at the highest level (who take up their cross daily and seek to have the mind of Christ).
- The Discipleship Line: He encouraged her not to be pulled back by the pressures of her social class and to keep her soul "thirsty for being totally dedicated to God."[7]
Wesley's letters reveal a discipleship for Mrs. Marston to keep what she
has achieved and move forward in pursuit of perfection:
The language of love is the
best of all
You don't have to be kind
or curious when answering these questions. You have no reason to put your words
in order; But talk to me as you would one of your sisters. The language of love
is the best of all.
For Mrs. Marston
BROADMARSTON, March 16,
1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,--I want to
ask you a few questions. When and in what way were you justified? Have you
since found a constant witness to this? When and how were you convinced of the
necessity of sanctification? When did you receive it and in what way? So you
found the witness to this? Has it been clear since then? Haven't you found any
decomposition since then? Do you now find as much life as before? Can you give
God your whole heart? In what sense do you "pray without letup, and in
everything give grace"? Do you find in yourself a testimony that all your
words and actions are pleasing to Him?
There is in love a
ready-made sweetness written:
Copy just that and save
expenses. [The Temple, by George Herbert, 'Jordan.']
You have love in your
heart; Let it teach you words. Out of the abundance of the heart, let the mouth
speak. Then I will know how to advise him. I have great concern for you and
wish that you never lose anything that God has done, but that you receive a full
reward. Stand firm in the name of the Lord and in the power of His might-- I am
Your affectionate brother.
You can direct me to the
preaching house in Manchester.[8]
If God allows you to be
attacked by strong and unusual temptations
I am glad that you can
speak and write to me freely; it can be helpful to you, especially if God
allows you to be attacked by strong and unusual temptations. I wouldn't be
surprised if that happened: though it may never happen; Especially if you
remain simple—if, when you are attacked by that wicked man, you do not reason
with him, but only look up for help, hanging on to the one who washed you with
his own blood.
For Mrs. Marston
CHESTER, April 1, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- As I did
not have time to talk to you as I would at Worcester, I was exceedingly glad to
see you at Wednesbury. [Wesley was at Worcester on the 14th and 15th of March,
and at Wednesbury on the 21st. See the letters of March 16 and August 11.] It
was exactly what I wanted. And surely our Lord will not withhold any good thing
from us. I am glad that you can speak and write to me freely; it can be helpful
to you, especially if God allows you to be attacked by strong and unusual
temptations. I wouldn't be surprised if that happened: though it may never
happen; Especially if you remain simple—if, when you are attacked by that
wicked man, you do not reason with him, but only look up for help, hanging on
to the one who washed you with his own blood. Do you now find power to
"rejoice forever"? Can you "pray without pausing"? Is your
heart for Him, even without a voice? And do you "give thanks in
everything"? Is all your desire for Him? And do you still find an inner
testimony that He has cleansed your heart? Stand firm, then, in that glorious
freedom with which Christ has set you free--I am, dear Molly,
Your affectionate brother.
I hope to be in Glasgow
around the 17th of this month. [9]
Taking up your cross daily
Continue humbly and
steadfastly, denying yourselves and taking up your cross daily. He walks in the
light as He is in the light, in humility, in meekness, in resignation. Then He
will surely sanctify you throughout your body, in spirit, soul, and body
For Mrs. Marston
LONDON, August 11, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- I thought
it had been a long time since I heard from you, and I wanted to know how your
soul prospered. No doubt as long as you are in the body you will fall short of
what you would be, and you will see more and more of your innumerable defects
and the imperfection of your best actions and temperaments. Still, all this
need not hinder your joy forever and in all that gives thanks. Weight you may
feel at times; But you never have to go into darkness. Beware of supposing that
darkness, i.e. unbelief, is better than the light of faith. To suppose that
this is one of the grave errors of popery. 'He that followeth me,' saith our
Lord, 'shall not walk in darkness.' The fact that you are tempted in a thousand
ways will not hurt you. In all these things you will be more than a conqueror.
I hope that the selected society [For the origin of the selected society, see
the letter to Vincent Perronet in December 1748, section VIII.1-4.] will meet
constantly and that you will speak freely among yourselves. Continue humbly and
steadfastly, denying yourselves and taking up your cross daily. He walks in the
light as He is in the light, in humility, in meekness, in resignation. Then He
will surely sanctify you throughout your body, in spirit, soul, and body. Hearing
from you is always a pleasure, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
I'm going to Bristol. [10]
If we grieve the Holy
Spirit
What is certain is that,
unless we grieve the Holy Spirit, He will never take away what He has given. On
the contrary, He will add to it continually, until we come to the measure of
the full stature of Christ.
For Mrs. Marston
ST. IVES, August 26, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- Your last
one gave me special satisfaction, because I was jealous of you. I feared that
you, like some others, had received that dangerous opinion that sometimes we
must be in darkness. Wherever you are, oppose it and encourage all who now walk
in the light to expect not only continuity, but the increase of it until the
perfect day. What is certain is that, unless we grieve the Holy Spirit, He will
never take away what He has given. On the contrary, He will add to it
continually, until we come to the measure of the full stature of Christ.
I am glad that the selected
society meets constantly. Make sure you speak freely to each other. And don't
just talk about your joys and comforts; this is very pleasing to flesh and
blood: but speak also of your sorrows, weaknesses, and temptations; it pleases
God and will be a means of uniting you together by a bond that will never be
broken.
I hope you don't miss any
opportunity to speak a word for God, whether to those who know Him or to those
who don't. Why should you waste time? Time is short. Work on your work to the
end! Today receive more grace and use it! Peace be upon your spirit--I am, my
dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.[11]
The abundance of
deficiencies must remain as long as the soul remains in this house of clay
The abundance of
deficiencies must remain as long as the soul remains in this clay house. As
long as the corruptible body darkens more or less, the soul will darken and
press upon the soul. But still your heart may be all love, and love is the
fulfillment of our law. Still, you can rejoice forever; They can pray without
ceasing and, in everything, give thanks
For Mrs. Marston
LONDON, December 14, 1770.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- If I live
to the spring, and have a clear and urgent calling, I am as ready to depart for
America [See the letters of February 21, 1770 (to Whitefield) and July 13, 1771
(to Miss Whitefield). March).] and Ireland. All places are the same for me; I'm
not attached to any one in particular. Wherever our Lord's work is done, that
is my place today. And we live only for today; It is not our job to think
tomorrow.
You expect to fight your
way forward. But I think the preachers understand you and can receive your
report; And so did most of her sisters. What forces, then, can Satan rise up
against you? You can talk to me without reservation; 'Cause you know I love you
so much.
The abundance of
deficiencies must remain as long as the soul remains in this clay house. As
long as the corruptible body darkens more or less, the soul will darken and
press upon the soul. But still your heart may be all love, and love is the
fulfillment of our law. Still, you can rejoice forever; They can pray without
ceasing and, in everything, give thanks. Peace be multiplied for you-- I am,
dear Molly,
Your affectionate brother. [12]
If Satan wanted to sift you
like wheat
Conflicts and various
exercises of the soul are permitted; these are also for the good. If Satan
wanted you to sift you like wheat, that is also for your benefit; they will be
purified in the fire, not consumed, and strengthened in all long patience with
joy.
For Mrs. Marston
CORK, May 6, 1771.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- I am
always glad to hear from you, and I hope to hear only good things. Conflicts
and various exercises of the soul are allowed; These are also for the good. If
Satan wanted you to sift you like wheat, that is also for your benefit; they
will be purified in the fire, not consumed, and strengthened in all long
patience with joy. Mr. Clough [James Clough was then posted at the
Staffordshire Circuit. He began to travel in 1760, and after ten or twelve
years settled in Leicester, where he died about 1795.] or any other preacher
who speaks against perfection or gives them occasions that trouble you. It
would do well to talk to anyone who does, so that you can come to a better
understanding. As for you, let us not speak of the good that is in you. But
beware lest the cruel use of your brethren betray them into any kind of cunning
or false prudence. Still, let the whole conversation be in divine simplicity
and sincerity. Be direct, open, direct, undisguised. Do you always see God and
feel His love? You pray without ceasing and give thanks in everything. I hope
you don't forget to pray for my dear Molly,
Your affectionate brother. [13]
============================
Mary Stokes: The Fight Against Anxiety and Spiritual Doubt
Lay aside all malignant shame,
all modesty, falsely so called. Going from house to house; deal faithfully with
all of them; warn everyone; exhort everyone. God will give you everywhere a
word to speak, and His blessing along with it
"In the letters to Mary Stokes, the main
focus shifts to mental battles, scrupulosity, and spiritual anguish." [14]
- "The Focus: To overcome shyness, the fear of human judgment and resist family opposition.
- The Approach: Wesley used prophetic encouragement mentoring. When she hesitated to speak publicly about God, he firmly exhorted her, "To speak for God, you must not consult flesh and blood, or you will never begin." He warned her that fear and shame would try to masquerade as "human prudence."
- The Discipleship Line: Direct encouragement to preaching, leadership, and perseverance in the face of temptations to retreat into a spiritual comfort zone. Wesley compared her to Jenny Cooper (one of his holiest followers), validating her calling to transform the environment around her." [15]
"Born in Bristol, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Stokes, Mary
belonged to the local Methodist society. In the early 1770s, Wesley became very
fond of her. In a letter of April 1771, he praised his 'sweetness and
friendship'. [16]
On March 17, 1771, Wesley writes to Mary Stokes and says, "I almost wonder, have I found another Jenny Cooper." [17]
John
Wesley's letters to Miss Wesley Mary Stokes (often called "My Dear
Sister") reveals a great deal of caution about the dangers of the
spiritual life:
The
Sun of Righteousness will rise over you
Now
hold fast to that principle of liberty with which Christ has set you free. But
don't stand still. This is just the dawn of day: the Sun of Righteousness will
rise over you in a way quite different from what you have experienced so far.
And who knows how soon He won't be near. Not all things are done now. What
prevents you from receiving it now, if you can believe it.
To Mary Stokes
CHESTER, March 17, 1771.
DEAR MISS STOKES,--I almost
wonder, Have I ever found another Jenny Cooper [See letter of September 11,
1765.] I receive the knowledge of her spirit in you. I doubt that God has begun
a good work in his heart. It gave you a taste of the powers of the world to
come. He delivered them from the vain expectation of finding happiness in the
things of the earth; and I trust that you will no longer be entangled in this
trap. You know where the true joys are found. Now hold fast to that principle
of liberty with which Christ has set you free. But don't stand still. This is
just the dawn of day: the Sun of Righteousness will rise over you in a way
quite different from what you have experienced so far. And who knows how soon
He won't be near. Not all things are done now. What prevents you from receiving
it now, if you can believe.' Here's the whole bar: only unbelief prevents the
mighty blessing! How many things have you been able to overcome since I saw you
in the big garden? But don't leave my poor Molly Jones behind,-- not that you
can stay for her,-- but bring her with you. I have high hopes that nothing will
stop Sally James or Miss Helena. Flower. [Mr. Stokes, the Captain, and Mrs.
James were close friends of Charles Wesley. See letters of February 11, 1772
and November 29, 1774.] O bear one another's burdens! Then they will not be
almost, but completely Christian! Then you will realize the joy of, my dear
Miss Helena. Stokes,
With affection.
While I'm in Ireland, you
just need to go straight to Dublin. [18]
But the danger is to do too
much
Your weakness and
tenderness of constitution, without great care, may be a snare to you. Some
excuse must be made for this reason; But the danger is to do too much. Follow
the middle path. As far as possible, rejoice to endure hardships, as a good
soldier of Jesus Christ
To Mary Stokes
DUBLIN, April 4, 1771.
MY DEAR MISS STOKES,--
There is a sweetness and sympathy in your spirit which pleases me very much.
And you have an internal opening that makes everything more pleasant. Let
nothing rob you of this; — though you can't keep it without a good dose of
resolution; For the example of the whole world is against you, even of the
religious world, which is full of closeness and reserve, if not disguise as
well. How will you then go about maintaining that artless simplicity that
almost everyone denies? No, that's not all; You should also expect to be
scammed more or less. You will believe that people are sincere, that they will
abuse your trust, that they will say a lot and mean nothing. But let my dear
maid not copy after them; Leave them with all the artifice to themselves.
Still, do not let mercy or truth forsake you, but write them on the table of
your heart. Only know who you talk to, and then you can't be too free. Open the
window of your chest. I ask you never to be afraid to write very large letters:
you should not measure yours by mine; for I have a little more business than
you.
Your weakness and
tenderness of constitution, without great care, may be a snare to you. Some
excuse must be made for this reason; But the danger is to do too much. Follow
the middle path. As far as possible, rejoice to endure hardships, as a good
soldier of Jesus Christ; and denying yourself all pleasure that you are not
divinely aware of prepares you to feel pleasure in God. I'm glad you can talk
freely with Sally Flower. That she does not miss the survey in the morning.
Surely she and you together could override Molly Jones' Irish reason for not
meeting, I said I wouldn't.' I'm sorry for poor Sally James. Perhaps she will
be able to surpass many of you in time.-- My dear Miss Helena. Stokes,
Your affectionate brother. [19]
Keep what God has given
I must give you some
advice: (1) Keep what God has given; Never let slip any blessing you have
received. Don't care about anyone who says, 'You must lose her.' No; You can
have more or less joy—it depends on a thousand circumstances; But you never
have to lose a degree of love
To Mary Stokes
LYNN, November 9, 1771.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- How happy
I should be able to be of service to one whom I admire so dearly! you have a
heart susceptible to friendship; and it will not be a blessing to you, a means
of increasing the whole holy spirit, and perhaps of protecting you from some of
the dangerous temptations that come with youth
I must give you some
advice: (1) Keep what God has given; Never let slip any blessing you have
received. Don't care about anyone who says, 'You must lose her.' No; You can
have more or less joy—it depends on a thousand circumstances; But you never
have to lose a degree of love. (2) You never will if you are a careful steward
of God's manifold gifts. To him who has—that is, uses what he has—will still be
given, and in greater abundance. Therefore (3) Use all your grace. Awaken the
gift of God that is in you. Be zealous, be active, according to your strength.
Speak for God wherever you are. But in the meantime (4) Be humble! May all that
mind be in you, that was in Christ Jesus. Pray for the whole spirit of
humility, that you may still feel that you are nothing, and feel these words,
All the strength, all the
majesty, all the praise,
All glory to Christ, my
Lord!
I usually remember some
friends around ten o'clock in the morning: I need to take you among them, as
long as you also remember me at that time. I will never find your letters too
long.--My dear Molly,
With affection. [20]
Sanctified crosses
To Mary Stokes
LONDON, December 26, 1771.
MY DEAR SISTER,--
Sanctified crosses are indeed blessings; and when it is better, our Lord will
remove them. A peculiar kind of remark, to which you are now called, goes
against the suggestions of that wicked man who would try to persuade you to
deny or underestimate the grace of God that is in you. Be careful not to
confuse your voice with the voice of the Saint. Do justice to the One who lives
and reigns in you, and acknowledge His work with gratitude. There is no pride
in doing this: it is only giving Him what is due to Him, paying Him the glory
of His own graces. But for this, you are in constant need of the anointing, to
remain with you and teach you of all things. That way you will never lose
anything that God has given; neither the blessing itself, nor the testimony of
it. No, before that, you will sink deeper and deeper into His love; You will go
from faith to faith; and patience will have its perfect work, until you are
perfect and whole, lacking nothing.
Poor Molly Jones cannot
discern the difference between John Pawson and T. Janes [See letter in January,
1772 to Miss Molly Jones]. Stokes.] In Tommy's conversation there is nothing
solid or heavy, for there was nothing in his fold either. Therefore neither
religion nor sound reason would lead anyone to admit one or the other. It's
just free and open love, no matter how shy she is, that you can make an
impression on her. And love, accompanied by prayer, will persuade.
You don't find as much life
in your soul as you ever can still give God your whole heart. You find so much
of the spirit of prayer and the same zeal for God continue, in His name and in
the power of His power, trampling your and your enemies under your feet.--My
dear Molly,
Your affectionate brother. [21]
To speak for God
To speak for God, you must not
consult with flesh and blood, or you will never begin. You must vehemently
resist the devil of reasoning, who will never want arguments for your silence.
In fact, naturally all passions are justified: as are fear and shame, in
particular
To Mary Stokes
[Circa January, 1772.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- To speak for God, you must not
consult with flesh and blood, or you will never begin. You must vehemently
resist the devil of reasoning, who will never want arguments for your silence.
In fact, naturally all passions are justified: as well as fear and shame, in
particular. In this case, therefore, the simple and childlike boldness of faith
is particularly necessary. And when you have broken away and made the
principle, then prudence has its purpose—namely, Christian (not worldly) prudence,
which arises from the anointing of the Holy One, and teaches how far and in
what manner to speak, according to a thousand different circumstances.
You do not yet see the dawn of day in relation
to those near and dear to you. But you shouldn't infer that it never will be.
Prayer that does not come out of feigned lips will not fall to the ground; but
'though it seems to linger a long time, His word is true and faithful.'
I'm glad that Miss Helena S. Williams come a
little closer to us. Do the same well with Molly Jones. [See letter of December
26, 1771 to Miss Helena S. Stokes.] She claims to love you; If she really wants
to, keep going and you will prevail. Tommy Janes doesn't hurt her? He is lively
and good-hearted, but he likes neither the doctrine nor the discipline of the
Methodists. Such a person is only calculated to weaken all that is right and
strengthen all that is wrong in him. If you talk to Mr. Pawson about preaching
in the Hall on Sunday night, I believe it can go on. But it could not be by
itinerant preachers; They are busy with other things.
With affection. [22]
Let go of all evil shame
To Mary Stokes
LONDON, February 11, 1772.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- I am glad that you have had
the opportunity to spend time with this wonderful company. On the day I leave
Bristol (Monday 9 March) I hope to be in Stroud myself. [See Diary, v. 448.]
They are not sent there for nothing, but to do as much as to receive good: and
this not for a single family, nor for the four they know; no, but you have a
message from God (you and Ally Eden [Miss S. Ally Eden, daughter of Henry Eden,
of Broadmarston. She wrote to Wesley about Christian perfection on August 27.
John Pawson calls her 'one of the kindest families I have ever known.' See the
Diary, v. 251; Veterans of Wesley, iv. 42; and letter of December 12, 1773.]
also) for all the women of the Society. Lay aside all malignant shame, all
modesty, falsely so called. Going from house to house; deal faithfully with all
of them; warn everyone; To exhort everyone. God will give you everywhere a word
to speak, and His blessing along with it. Be you here a follower of Nancy
Bolton, as she is of Christ.
In doing and doing the will of our Lord,
We are still preparing to receive our reward.
I have a lot of hope for Sally James. [See
letters of March 17, 1771 and May 1, 1772 to Miss Helena S. Stokes.] In the
company that normally surrounds you, it is better to use reserve. And this
tends to form a habit, which is not easy to overcome, even with those she loves
well; but I trust that she will overcome this and all enemies. Perhaps we will
soon rejoice in it. It's good that you can be emptied, that you can be filled.
But how come you've never given me an hour of pain since I met you? Do you always
intend to move forward, without stopping or regressing? The good Lord allows
you to do this, and all who are with you! So realize the joy of
With affection. [23]
A way to save a living soul
I think your current exercise,
while one of the most challenging, is one of the most profitable that a good
providence could prepare for you. And it will probably be a way to tear off a
burn mark, to save a living soul. Ah, what would not be done, what would not be
suffered, for this glorious end!
To Mary Stokes
ABERDEEN, May 1, 1772.
MY DEAR SISTER,--Sally James [See letters of
February 11 and September 20.] is a letter indebted to me. I have received only
one letter from her since I left Bristol: and I have answered almost as soon as
I received it. I was a little puzzled that I didn't hear from you; but as I
know both the constancy and tenderness of his affection, there was no danger of
my attributing it to ingratitude.
I think your current exercise, while one of the
most challenging, is one of the most profitable that a good providence could
prepare for you. And it will probably be a way to tear off a burn mark, to save
a living soul. Ah, what would not be done, what would not be suffered, for this
glorious end! You certainly have good reason for this—waiting; Anyone who feels
himself a sinner is unlikely to perish, especially if he sees where to turn for
help and is willing to give up all requests to the contrary.
You must never separate repentance and faith;
the knowledge of your emptiness and of the fullness of Him.
Naked, blind, poor and naked,
You still want to find everything.
But at the same time (such is the mystery of
Christian experience) you may say,
Jesus, all things have in You!
Our blessed Lord continues His work in our
souls, giving us either to do or to suffer. So far, you are most guided by the
last of these paths. I hope that when you have more to do for Him, you will
suffer less. Every morning and often during the day you are very near, my dear
sister,
Your affectionate brother. [24]
The means our blessed Lord uses
to conform us to His image are the best of all
We are sure that the means which
our blessed Lord uses to conform us to His image are (considering all
circumstances) the best of all; for He cannot but do all well: therefore,
whenever He wishes to send affliction, then affliction is the best. Yet we must
not imagine that He is bound by it, or that He cannot bestow any degree of
holiness without it.
To Mary Stokes
YARM, June 16, 1772.
MY DEAR SISTER,-- This remedy mentioned in
Primitive Medicine (manna dissolved in a decoction of sena) seldom fails to
relieve the most severe bilious colic in twelve or fourteen minutes. Warm
lemonade (so silly that they prohibit acids in these cases) often relieves in
half a minute. And I have known that this happened in complaints so inveterate
that they did not give rise to any other remedy.
We are sure that the means which our blessed
Lord uses to conform us to His image are (considering all circumstances) the
best of all; for He cannot but do all good: therefore, whenever He wants to
send affliction, then affliction is the best. Yet we must not imagine that He
is bound by it, or that He cannot bestow any degree of holiness without it. We
have reason to believe, from the oldest records, that São Paulo suffered a
thousand times more than São João. And yet, it can hardly be doubted that St. John
was as holy as he or any of the Apostles. Therefore be ready for all that our
Lord sends; but do not demand that He send affliction to you. Perhaps He will
follow another path; He will dominate your whole soul with peace, joy, and
love; and thus works in you a fuller conformity to Him than you have ever
experienced hitherto. You have; Hold on tight there.
Everything is the same for me, so I
In my Lord let him live and die.
--I am
With affection. [25]
On the edge of a
precipice
I fear that you are
on the edge of a precipice, and you do not know it. The enemy has put on the
face of an angel, and you take him as a friend. Retire immediately! Do not go
near the tents of those dead and formal men called Quakers! Stay close to your
class, your band, your old teachers; They have the words of eternal life!
To Mary Stokes
SHEFFIELD, August 10,
1772.
MY DEAR
SISTER,--Having finished for now my business in Leeds, [Where the Conference
met on the 4th.] I've come this far on my journey to Bristol. But I must take
Haverfordwest on the way there; So I don't expect to be there until the 30th of
the day. How many blessings can you receive in the meantime, provided you seek
them in the good old way in which you received the Lord Jesus Christ! So still
walk on it. Beware of following new paths! To be wise above this is written!
Perhaps we find sweetness in the beginning; but it would be bitterness in the
end. O my sister, my friend, I am afraid for you! I doubt you're getting out of
the way. When you go into your closet, close the door, and pray to your Father
who boils in secret, then it is time to groan to the One who reads the heart of
the unspeakable prayer. But to be silent in the congregation of His people is
totally new and therefore totally wrong. There has never been heard of a silent
gathering in the Church of Christ for sixteen hundred years. I ask you to read
with much prayer that little pamphlet A Letter to a Quaker. [See letters of
February 10, 1748 and March 17, 1771 (to her).] I fear that you are on the edge
of a precipice, and you do not know it. The enemy has put on the face of an
angel, and you take him as a friend. Retire immediately! Do not go near the
tents of those dead and formal men called Quakers![26] Stay close to your
class, your band, your old teachers; They have the words of eternal life! Did
any of them offend you? Has any obstacle been placed in your way? Don't hide
anything from my dear Molly,
Yours with true
affection.
In ten days, I hope
to be in Haverfordwest. [27]
[1] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[2] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[3]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1770/
[4]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1772/
[5]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1774/
[6]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1779/
[7] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[8]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1770/
[9]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1770/
[10]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1770/
[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-177'/
[14] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[15] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[16] Overview Powered by Google AI
[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-1771/
[19]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1771/
[20]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1771/
[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-1772/
[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-1772/
[25]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1772/
[26] "Mary Stokes has officially become a recognized
Quaker minister and preacher. In 1777, she married Irish Quaker
Robert Dudley and went on to sign as Mary Dudley" (Overview of Google's AI
Mode).
[27]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1772/
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