Wesley Corpus

To Mary Stokes Date: LONDON, February 11, 1772. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1772) Author: John Wesley --- MY DEAR SISTER,--I am glad you have had an opportunity of spending a little time with that lovely company. The day I leave Bristol (Monday, March 9) I hope to be at Stroud myself. [See Journal, v. 448.] You are not sent thither for nothing, but in order to do as well as to receive good: and that not to one family only, or to those four of your acquaintance; nay, but you have a message from God (you and Ally Eden [Miss Ally Eden, the daughter of Henry Eden, of Broadmarston. She wrote Wesley about Christian perfection on Aug. 27. John Pawson calls it 'one of the most amiable families I had ever known.' See Journal, v. 251; Wesley's Veterans, iv. 42; and letter of Dec. 12, 1773.] too) to all the women in the Society. Set aside all evil shame, all modesty, falsely so called. Go from house to house; deal faithfully with them all; warn every one; exhort every one. God will everywhere give you a word to speak, and His blessing therewith. Be you herein a follower of Nancy Bolton, as she is of Christ. In doing and bearing the will of our Lord, We still are preparing to meet our reward. I have great hope for Sally James. [See letters of March 17, 1771, and May 1, 1772, to Miss Stokes.] In the company which commonly surrounds her, it is best to use reserve. And this is apt to form an habit, which it is not easy to conquer, even with those she loves well; but I trust she will conquer this and every enemy. Perhaps we shall soon rejoice with her. It is good that you may be emptied, that you may be filled. But how is this that you have never given me an hour's pain since I was first acquainted with you Do you intend to be always going forward, without standing still, or going backward at all The good Lord enable you so to do, and all those that are with you! So fulfil the joy of Yours affectionately.