Wesley Corpus

To his Nephew Samuel Wesley Date: STROUD, March 18, 1788. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1788) Author: John Wesley --- DEAR SAMMY, -- I have long had a great concern for you; but never more than at present. Just now you are in a critical situation, and every hour is of importance. Your father is, to all known appearances, just quivering over the grave, and ready to leave you, with all the first inexperience of youth, under your tuition. The time was when you would have taken my advice. But now Miss Freeman has taught you another lesson! [See letter of Aug. 19, 1784, to him.] Alas! What a fatal step was that l I care not at all for one opinion or another. I care not who is head of the Church, provided you be a Christian! But what a grievous loss is it to you to be cut off on any pretense whatever from that preaching which is more calculated than any other in England to make you a real scriptural Christian. O Sammy, I take upon me to say, if you had neglected no opportunity of hearing your father and me preaching, you would have been another man than you are now. But it seems the time is past! Your father is on the wing. You are not likely to see him long; and you know not that you will see me any more. Whether you do or do not, I earnestly advise you to make a friend of Mr. Dickinson. [Peard Dickinson.] He is a sensible and a pious man, and has a tender regard for you. I commit you to Him who is able to carry you through all temptations. -- I am, dear Sammy, Your affectionate Uncle.