Wesley Corpus

To Hester Ann Roe Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1776) Author: John Wesley --- NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, June 2, 1776. MY DEAR HETTY,--It is not uncommon for a person to be thoroughly convinced of his duty to call sinners to repentance several years before he has an opportunity of doing it. This has been the case with several of our preachers. Probably it may be the case with Mr. Roe; God may show him now what he is to do hereafter. It seems his present duty is to wait the openings of Divine Providence. It gives me pleasure to know that you have seen Miss Yates and that you have heard from my dear Betsy Ritchie. I expect she will meet me again in two or three weeks and accompany me for a few days. What an happiness to us both would it be to have Hetty Roe sitting between us! If I durst, I should earnestly desire that you might continue with us a little longer. I could almost say it is hard that I should just see you once and no more. But it is a comfort that to die is not to be lost. Our union will be more full and perfect hereafter. Surely our disembodied souls shall join, Surely my friendly shade shall mix with thine: To earth-born pain superior, light shall rise Through the wide waves of unopposing skies; Together swift ascend heaven's high abode, Converse with angels, and rejoice with God. Tell me, my dear Hetty, do you experience something similar to what Mr. De Renty expresses in those strong words: 'I bear about with me an experimental verity, and a plenitude of the presence of the ever-blessed Trinity' Do you commune with God in the night season Does He bid you even in sleep, Go on And does He 'make your very dreams devout' That He may fill you with all His fullness is the constant wish of, my dear Hetty, Yours affectionately.