Wesley Corpus

To Ann Bolton Date: LONDON, August 8, 1773. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1773) Author: John Wesley --- MY DEAR SISTER,--It gives me much pleasure to observe that you do not lose your simplicity. You seem not only to retain simplicity of spirit (the great thing), but likewise of sentiment and language. God has indeed dealt very graciously with you from the beginning hitherto. He has led you tenderly by the hand from grace to grace and from faith to faith; and you may well say,-- The mercy I feel To others I show; I set to my seal That Jesus is true. Go on in His name, and earnestly exhort all that know Him to press forward to the mark. Encourage them to aspire after full salvation--salvation into the whole image of God. Beware you do not decline in your zeal for this; let no prudence, hinder you. Let prudence ‘ guide not cool its fires.’ Still let it for His glory burn With unextinguishable blaze; And trembling to its source return, In flames of love and joy and praise. But I had forgotten that I am in haste. I hope Mr. Severn [William Severn, just admitted on trial, and appointed to Gloucestershire. See letter of June 23, 1776] will be a blessing to many. He is alive to God. This day I set out for Bristol, and thence to Cornwall; but I hope to, be at Bristol again on the 28th instant. Life is short! We have need to improve every moment! Adieu!