Page:Susanna Wesley (Clarke 1886).djvu/73

Rh have known. I have been the more particular in this relation because this man, as he was one of the richest in the place, so he was one of the most implacable enemies your father had among his parishioners ; one that insulted him most basely in his troubles, one that was the most ready to do him all the mischief he could, not to mention his affronts to me and the children, and how heartily he wished to see our ruin, which God permitted him not to see. This man and one more have been now cut off in the midst of their sins since your father's confinement. I pray God amend those that are left. I am, dear Sammy, your faithful friend and mother, "."

A few months later Mr. Wesley himself wrote to his boy a letter, which speaks so beautifully of the mother that no life of her would be complete which did not contain this tribute to her worth:— ",

"The second part of piety regards your duty towards your parents; towards whom I verily hope you will behave yourself as you ought, to the last moment of your life; disobedience to them being generally the mother of all other vices.

"God Himself was doubtless infinitely pleased and satisfied in giving being to His creatures; but I never could see any reason why this should lessen, or render unnecessary, their obligations to Him.

"But, further, if there were no obligation to our parents, on account of having received our being from them, but only subsequent benefits, as education and the like, it would follow that there is no manner