Letter

To Sarah Ryan (December 14, 1757)

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To Sarah Ryan

1Replying to Ryan’s letter of Dec. 13.

Lewisham
December 14, 1757

My Dear Sister,

I find by Mr. P—n’s

2Thus the reading in AM. Telford (Letters, 3:243) substitutes ‘Perronet’ with no explanation, but the degree of alienation between JW and both Charles and Edward Perronet at this point was such that one doubts they would even speak of ‘cold esteem’ for Wesley.

last letter that he is deeply offended, that his former affection (so he speaks) ‘is degenerated into a cold esteem, and that he no longer regards me as a dear friend, but as an austere master’. Has he not a little affected you? He does not speak with passion, but his words distil as the dew. The God whom you serve send forth his light and his truth, and direct you in every thought!

Do you never find any wandering thoughts in prayer?

3This was one of the more debated issues among those claiming Christian perfection. JW eventually devoted an entire sermon to it: Sermon 41, Wandering Thoughts, 2:125–37 in this edn.

Or useless thoughts at other seasons? Does the corruptible body never press 109down the soul, and make it muse about useless things? Have you so great a command over your imagination as to keep out all unprofitable images? At least to banish them the moment they appear, so that they neither trouble nor sully your soul? Do you find every reasoning brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ? Is there no vanity or folly in your dreams? No temptation that almost overcomes you? And are you then as sensible of the presence of God, and as full of prayer, as when you are waking?

I can hardly avoid trembling for you still. Upon what a pinnacle do you stand! Perhaps few persons in England have been in so dangerous a situation as you are now.

4JW may be referring to Ryan’s informing him that she had received a letter from a woman (Mary Wesley?) who had seen the last letter that he had sent Ryan.

I know not whether any other was ever so regarded both by my brother and me at the same time. What can I do to help you? The Father of mercies help you, and with his favourable kindness surround you on every side! May the eternal Spirit help you in every thought, word, and work to serve the living God!

I am,
Your affectionate brother,
J.W.

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Entry Title: To Sarah Ryan (December 14, 1757)

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