Wesley Corpus

MY DEAR SISTER,--From the whole of your account it appears plain beyond all reasonable doubt that you have tasted once and again of the pure love of God. Why, then, did you not abide therein It was your own infirmity. You was moved from your steadfastness by those evil reasonings, which I am of opinion were chiefly diabolical. What you seem to want above all things is simplicity, the spirit of a little child. Look, and take it from Him that knows you! Take this and whatsoever else you stand in need of. Do you say 'you need a guide' Why will you not accept of me Do you know any that loves you better All the advices I would give you now centre in one--Now, to-day, look unto Jesus! Is He not waiting to be gracious Give Him your heart! And if you love me, speak all you think to, my dear sister, Yours affectionately. To Samuel Sparrow[5] LEWISHAM, February 26, 1772. SIR,--I have read with pleasure your ingenious book, which contains many just and noble sentiments, expressed in easy and proper language. I observe only two points in which we do not quite think alike. One of these is expressly treated of in that tract which reduces us to that clear dilemma, 'Either Jesus Christ was God or He was not an honest man.' The other is largely considered in the book of which I now desire your acceptance. Wishing you all happiness in this life and in a better, I remain, dear sir, Your affectionate servant. To Ann Bolton[6] LONDON, February 29, 1772. MY DEAR SISTER,--All your letters are exceedingly pleasing to me and give me a peculiar satisfaction; but your last in particular. I know not how to repress the emotion I felt when I read it. I rejoice over others, but over you above all. How unspeakably near are you to me! Since the time that I mourned with you at London and was a partaker of your sorrow, you have given me more and more excuse to rejoice over you; though now and then with a jealous fear lest in anything you should suffer loss or be slackened in running the race set before you.