Wesley Corpus

To Ann Loxdale Date: LONDON, October 8, 1785. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1785) Author: John Wesley --- MY DEAR MISS LOXDALE, - Not once but many times I have been making all the inquiries I could concerning you; the rather as I was afraid you might suffer loss by the severe trials you had met with. I should not have wondered if you had contracted a degree of suspicion towards all who professed either friendship or religion; I rather wonder how you have escaped. But, indeed, as long as you can say from your heart, 'Lord, not as I will, but as Thou wilt,' no weapon formed against you shall prosper. You unquestionably did enjoy a measure of His pure and perfect love. And as you received it at first by naked faith, just so you may receive it again; and who knows how soon May you not say, If Thou canst so greatly bow, Friend of sinners, why not now You send me comfortable news concerning Mrs. Eden. And certainly this gracious visitation is designed for a blessing not only to her, but likewise to her poor husband. You should lose no opportunity of speaking a word to him whenever Providence throws him in your way. Let not a voluntary humility hinder you. God can bless a few and ordinary words. Nay, and let it not hinder you from praying with as well as for your friends. I advise you, my dear Nancy, to begin without delay. Why not this very day Make haste, my friend, to do whatever may be for the good of your own or any other soul. I thank you for writing freely to me. If I had you now by the hand, I would tell you you can never write or speak too freely to, my dear Miss Loxdale, Yours most affectionately.