Wesley Corpus

To Ann Bolton Date: LONDON, January 2, 1781. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1781) Author: John Wesley --- MY DEAR NANCY, -- It is a great step toward Christian resignation to be thoroughly convinced of that great truth that there is no such thing as chance in the world; that fortune is only another name for Providence, only it is covered Providence. An event the cause of which does not appear we commonly say ‘comes by chance.’ Oh no: it is guided by an unerring hand; it is the result of infinite wisdom and goodness. Such are all the afflictive circumstances that have followed you in a constant succession almost from your childhood. He that made the Captain of your salvation perfect through sufferings has called you to walk in the same path, and for the same end -- namely, that you may ‘learn obedience’ (more full, inward obedience, a more perfect conformity to His death) ‘by the things that you suffer.’ [See letter of June 22, 1780.] I have no objection at all to your spending a little time with our dear friends at Caerleon. [See letters of Nov. 29, 1774 (to Sarah James) and March 8, 1782.] I believe it might be a means of confirming your bodily health as well as of refreshing your spirit. And I doubt not God would by you invigorate their resolution to devote themselves wholly to Him. A little while, and He will wipe all tears from your eyes; and there shall be no more sorrow or crying; neither shall there be any more pain! but you shall hear the great voice out of heaven saying, ‘The tabernacle of God is with men; and God Himself shall be with them and be their God!’ Still love and pray for, my dear Nancy, Your ever affectionate brother.