Wesley Corpus

A clear conviction of the superior advantages of a single life certainly implies a call from God to abide therein, supposing a person has received that gift from God. But we know all cannot receive this saying; and I think none ought to make any vows concerning it, because, although we know what we are and what we can do nova, yet we do not know what we shall be. The spiritual advantages of that state are set down in the little tract on that subject, together with the means which are proper to be used by those who desire to retain those advantages. If at any time Providence should seem to call any person to relinquish these advantages, I would earnestly advise her not to lean to her own understanding (less in this case than any other), but to consult one or more spiritual friends, and resolutely stand to their award. There is much good in Miss Bosanquet; and you may do her good, for she loves and will bear plain dealing.--I am, my dear Miss Bishop, Yours affectionately. To Miss Bishop, Near the Cross Bath, In Bath. To Miss March February 11, 1775. There seems to be in our excellent friend something too near akin to apathy. 'A clergyman,' said one (but I do not agree with him in this), 'ought to be all intellect, no passion.' She appears to be (I will not affirm she is) at no great distance from this. It is true by this means we might avoid much pain, but we should also lose much happiness. Therefore this is a state which I cannot desire. Rather give me the pleasure and pain too; rather let Plain life, with heightening passions rise, The boast or burthen of an hour. But who has attained this Who treads the middle path, equally remote from both extremes I will tell you one that did (although the remembrance of her still brings tears into my eyes), that lovely saint Jane Cooper! There was the due mixture of intellect and passion! I remember one of the last times I saw her, before her last illness, her look, her attitude, her words! My dear friend, be you a follower of her, as she was of Christ. To Peter Bohler [1] LONDON, February 18, 1775.