Wesley Corpus

To Mary Stokes Date: ABERDEEN, May 1, 1772. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1772) Author: John Wesley --- MY DEAR SISTER,--Sally James [See letters of Feb. 11 and Sept. 20.] is a letter in my debt. I have had but one letter from her since I left Bristol: and that I answered almost as soon as I received it. I a little wondered at not hearing from you; but as I know both the constancy and tenderness of your affection, there was no danger of my imputing it to ingratitude. I think your present exercise, though it is one of the most trying, is one of the most profitable which a good providence could prepare for you. And it will probably be one means of plucking a brand out of the burning, of saving a soul alive. Oh what would not one do, what would not one suffer, for this glorious end! You certainly have good reason to--hope; for any that feels himself a sinner will hardly perish, more especially if he sees where to look for help and is willing to give up every plea beside. You are never to put repentance and faith asunder; the knowledge of your emptiness and His fullness. Naked, and blind, and poor, and bare, You still your want of all things find. But at the same instant (such is the mystery of Christian experience) you can say, Jesus, I all things have in Thee! Our blessed Lord carries on His work in our souls by giving us either to do or to suffer. Hitherto you are led most in the latter of these ways. I expect, when you have more to do for Him, you shall suffer less. Every morning and frequently in the day you are very near to, my dear sister, Your affectionate brother.