Wesley Corpus

To Ann Bolton Date: LONDON, December 12, 1773. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1773) Author: John Wesley --- MY DEAR SISTER,--How easily we believe those we love! I believe it was as you say, and that it was only business, not want of affection, which kept you so long from writing. And so long as that business is not your choice, but providentially laid upon you, it is certainly best for you as bring ordered by unerring Wisdom. But I am startled at what you speak of Laving Witney [See letter of Jan. 20, 1774]. I do not well understand it. Where can you have the same opportunities of personal improvement (Unless it were at London or Bristol.) Where can you have so large a field of action so many opportunities of improving others What advantages have you reason to expect which will countervail this loss A design of so important a kind should be long and thoroughly weighed. I can conjecture only one advantage--more leisure, more freedom from hurry of business. That you will have no living souls near you, that all are dark and dead, is surely no reasonable motive for going anywhere. I am afraid lest you should be too hasty, lest you should run before the Spirit. Remember our dear friend Ally Eden [See letters of Feb. 11, 1772, and March 27, 1781]. She took one step without consulting any friend (save those under her own roof), and how dearly has she repented it! But perhaps you may give me reasons I am yet unacquainted with, so I suspend my judgement. I want to find you exactly right in all things. I wish you to be wise and good as an angel! I cannot tell you how near you are to, my dear Nancy, Yours affectionately.