Page:Susanna Wesley (Clarke 1886).djvu/80

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"We both complain of not having often heard from each other. What foundation there is for com- plaints on your side I know not ; but I am apt to suspect you have written more letters to me than I have received, for you lately sent one that never came to my hands, though I was advertised of some part of the contents of it, as of you having received the Sacrament, at which I was greatly pleased, and that you desire some directions how to resist temptations, and some particular advice how to prepare for the reception of the blessed Communion. "Of temperance in recreation I shall say little. I do not know what time is assigned you for it, and I think your health and studies require that you should take a pretty deal of exercise. You know whether your heart be too much set upon it. If it be, I will tell you what rule I observed in the same case when I was young and too much addicted to childish diversions, which was this : never to spend more time in any matter of recreation in one day than I spent in private religious duties. I leave it to your consideration whether this is practicable by you or not. I think it is.

"I am so ill, and have with so much pain written this long letter, that I gladly hasten to a conclusion, and shall leave your request about the Sacrament unanswered till I hear from you; and then, if I am in a condition to write, I will gladly assist you as well as I can. May God, in His infinite mercy, direct you in all things. "."