To the Rev. Samuel Furly (February 17, 1759)

https://wesleyworks.ecdsdev.org/letters/1759-02-17-ToSamuelFurly

To the Rev. Samuel Furly London
February 17, 1759

Dear Sammy,

James Kershaw

1James Kershaw (1730–97), one of JW's first itinerants, who had withdrawn from riding the circuit; see Atmore, Memorial, 237 or Vickers, Dictionary, 190.

is an independent minister. Probably, if we live till another Conference, he may be in connexion with us. Hitherto he acts as an independent. We have no society at Kenninghall.

2Orig., 'Renninghall'; this is surely a misprint for Kenninghall, Norfolk, which was near Lakenheath, Suffolk, where Furly was placed as curate in late Nov. 1758.

I take John Pearse to be an honest man. As soon as he sees the truth he will preach it. Dolly Furly was considerably better in health before I came from Bristol. And she was all athirst for God. I think her soul prospers more and more.

I will desire Mr. Gilbert

3Nicholas Gilbert, an itinerant preacher since 1744, was currently stationed in London, and helping care for JW's publications (see 10:260 in this edn.).

to see whether the four volumes of the Library which you mention can be spared. And if they can, if they are not necessary for the making up of sets, they will be sent with the last Journal and the Pilgrim's Progress.

4The books in question are volumes from JW's Christian Library, installment 9 of his Journal (which had just been released), and his abridged republication of Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress (Bibliography, No. 79).

It is very possible the day of grace may be at end before the day of life is. But I believe this is very rarely the case. I have narrowly observed, and have found but one indisputable instance in thirty years.

Nancy

5Ann (Bloodworth) Furly, Samuel's wife, whom he married in June 1758.

must give me credit for her letter a little longer, for I am at present much straitened for time. March 1 I hope to be at Mr. Berridge's,

6John Berridge (1716–93), vicar of Everton, Bedfordshire, had met JW in 1758, and was drawn into the evangelical revival. At this point his parish was a center for the work of JW's preachers in the East Midlands (see the account of the revival in late May 1759 in JW's Journal, 21:195–200 in this edn.). Berridge later embraced Calvinist views and attacked JW's theology. See Vickers, Dictionary, 28; and ODNB.

whence I must strike off for Colchester, so that you will not see me this spring unless you come to Everton. I am, dear Sammy,

Yours affectionately,
J. Wesley

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Entry Title: To the Rev. Samuel Furly (February 17, 1759)

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