Anglican cleric and theologian (1703-1791) who founded Methodism and was said to have preached 40,000 sermons in his lifetime. ALS, no date. Rare ALS signed “J. Wesley,” one page, 5.25 x 7.25, October 26, 1782. Letter to a woman named "Nelly," addressed as "My Dear Sister," in full: "For about a fortnight, I shall be out of town. I shall then stay in town a fortnight. Afterwards I shall only be in town on Saturdays & Sundays, till about the middle of December. Then I shall hope to see you. You must strive, or you cannot conquer! Wherever you are, you will be under the Shadow of the Almighty. And consequently will be just as safe as if you was sitting in your own apartment. Praise him, praise him evermore! Peace be with all your spirits!" Matted to an overall size of 11.75 x 15.5, with an engraving of Wesley affixed to the reverse. The letter is affixed to a larger sheet and in very good condition, with trimmed edges and lightly mottled overall toning.
This is one of a scant few Wesley autographs we have encountered, and it is the very first letter—the others have been mere clipped signatures. Wesley wrote to many women, and the address as 'Sister' (as in this letter), was not uncommon. This letter may have been written to Ellen Gretton, to whom there are other extant Wesley letters from the same time, also addressed as both 'Sister' and 'Nelly.' After joining a Methodist society and given public addresses, Gretton married William Christian of Skillington on February 25, 1783. A supremely desirable example from one of the most important ministers of the 18th century.
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