From London to [Sarah Gwynne junior]. Her letter was most welcome especially as he has had a trying Saturday and Sunday. This morning [Monday 23 January] he received another bitter letter from [Miss Cart], containing many harsh words 'wch grieved my soul'. He has agreed with his brother that they should meet [Miss Cart] before leaving London to try to sort out this situation once and for all. First Charles 'shall hold up my hand to the bar & read her letters before my bro & answer to every sentence; then I shall set out before her what she herself has done & said amiss; & lastly offer her my friendship & best love if she will accept it'.
During his meeting with the select band, he was very uplifted by their prayer and encouragement. He was further comforted by a dying sister to whom he administered the sacrament, and who broke out in fervent prayer for the Wesley brothers. Eight or ten members of the society were also present including [Samuel] Lloyd and the Italian merchant - all were moved to tears.
Before opening Sarah's letter, he opened the bible at the words 'Thou shall then lift up thy face…& SHALL NOT FEAR…yea many shall make suit unto thee'. After prayer he read her letter and was uplifted.
He then visited a sick woman before riding to Newington to join his brother. John read Sarah's letters and agreed that the hand of God was present. He will gladly give all the 'security & satisfaction in his power'.
Tomorrow at 3 am, he intends riding to Shoreham in Kent, and then to return the same afternoon to Newington. He means to take his time and avoid the waters.
Sarah's mother has acted very much as he expected following their discussions at Garth, Brecknockshire. Her leaving the final decision to her husband [Marmaduke senior], who has a great affection and esteem for Charles 'is the kindest most obliging way of consent'. Reference is made to Charles's willingness to comply with her wish that he visit Garth again as soon as she returns there [from Ludlow, Shropshire - the second home of the Gwynne family]. J W will be free to leave London two weeks from today.
As for [Rebecca Gwynne's] friendship, Charles will forever be in her debt and that of the rest of her family.
[Edward] Dunstone was 'the extraordinary youth' of whom Sarah had heard. Spiritual matters are discussed.
Mrs Stotesbury, Mrs [?Adylena] Clark, Betty Chalkley, and many others send their love.
Sarah need not have apologised in her last, for her letters can never be too long.
Charles's fears that his marriage would in some way harm the Church have been dispelled, and indeed he is certain that the union will be of great benefit - 'This was my bro's leading motive'. Likewise his concern that he might love Sarah too much has been moderated, for he is sure that if he does make an idol of her 'the jealous God will take you to his bosom or deliver me from ye evil to come'.
Tuesday [24 January] from London
Charles reached Shoreham between six and seven this morning, and after a stay of two hours, went on to Lewisham, before passing through London to Newington. Their friends in each of these places are praying for Sarah. A week on Monday Charles [with his ?brother] sets out for Bristol to await the summons to Garth.
Note
- The Mrs Clark referred to may be Adylena, wife of George Clark. Her husband was converted to Methodism in 1746 and became a class leader at the Foundery. He was a close friend of John Wesley. They both lived to a great age and were buried inside City Road Chapel. Source: George John Stevenson, City Road Chapel, London, and its Associations, Historical, Biographical, and Memorial (1872), pp.506-7.