Wesley Corpus

To Elizabeth Morgan Date: LONDON, January 17, 1779. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1779) Author: John Wesley --- It gives me much pleasure to hear that my dear Miss Morgan is still studious of redeeming the time, and that you have had so fair an opportunity of improving it while you were absent from Bristol. I was indeed full of fears concerning you lest you should be less usefully employed than you might. But the account you give me of the help provided for you in your retirement has dispelled my fears, and I have a strong hope you will improve to the uttermost all the talents which God has entrusted you with. But on how slippery ground do you tread I It is unquestionably your duty to cultivate your understanding in the best manner you are able. And yet how difficult is it to do this without either thinking of yourself more highly than you ought to think, or laying too great a stress upon knowledge, as if it is a road upon a level with love. We allow it is of great value in its place - that is, in subordination to holiness as the handmaid of love. But still, I trust your heart says: To love is all my wish! I only live for this! To this let everything minister! This one thing let us do! Let us follow after pure and spotless love! What a blessing is it that God has given you a measure of it already! But does not your soul cry out, - A glimpse of love cannot suffice; My soul for all Thy presence cries That He may give you an whole desire is the continual wish of, my dear Miss Morgan, Yours most affectionately.