Wesley Corpus

To Ellen Gretton Date: LONDON, July 23, 1782. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1782) Author: John Wesley --- MY DEAR MISS GRETTON, -- We are frequently called to give up our own will, not only when it is contrary to the will of God, but when it seems to us we desire to do this or that purely to promote His glory. And in cases of this kind we are required (in a sense) to give up our understanding as well as our will. By making this sacrifice we profit much; we die to ourselves and advance in the life of God. But I do not apprehend you are at all obliged to make a sacrifice of all your religious friends, all the opportunities of doing good, and all the means of grace which you now enjoy, if there be any possibility of avoiding it. You have undoubtedly returned your thankful acknowledgments both to your father and your brother for their kind offer. But I should think it was your best way neither to accept nor refuse it for the present. I commend you to His care who loves you; and am, dear Nelly, Yours affectionately. I know not but I may find a way for your coming to Conference. [It met in London at the beginning of August. See W.H.S. xiv. 2-3.]