Wesley Corpus

those who are, without controversy, of all men living the wisest in their generation, induce her either to deny the faith she had received, or to use less plainness of speech, or to be less zealous in recommend- _. ing and careful in practising good works. Insomuch that many times, when she had been employed in the labour of love till eight or nine in the evening, she then sat down and wrought with her hands till twelve or one in the morning ; not that she wanted any thing herself, but that she might have to give to others for necessary uses. From the time that she was made leader of one or two bands, she was more eminently a pattern to the flock: in self-denial of every kind, in openness of behaviour, in simplicity and godly sincerity, in steadfast faith, in constant attendance on all the public and all the private ordinances of God. And as she had laboured more than they all, so God now called her forth to suffer. She was seized at first with a violent fever, in the beginning of which they removed her to another house. Here she had work to do which she knew not of. The master of the house was one who “cared for none of these things.” But he observed her, and was convinced. So that he then began to understand and lay to heart the things that bring a man peace at the last. In a few days the fever abated, or settled, as it seemed, into an inward imposthume; so that she could not breathe without violent pain, which increased day and night. When I came in, she stretched out her hand and said, “ Art thou come, thou blessed of the Lord? Praised be the name of my Lord for this.” I asked, “ Do you faint, now you are chastened of him?’ She said, “O no, no, no; I faint not; I murmur not; I rejoice evermore.” I said, “* But can you in every thing give thanks?” She replied, “Yes; 1 do, I do.” I said, “ God will make all your bed in your sickness.” She cried out, “ He does, he does; I have nothing to desire; he is ever with me, and I have nothing to do but to praise him.”