the very birth of her first man-child, and before it r
but a better blessing still.
Mrs. Wesley's letters to her daughters are not very
numerous, as of course they were at home with her,
while the boys were away at school and college. She,
however, wrote a very long one, in which was embodied an exposition of the Apostle's Creed, to Susanna
while in London, during the year that followed the
fire:–
"Epworth,
"Dear Sukey, January 13th, 1709-10.
"Since our misfortunes have separated us from each other, and we can no longer enjoy the opportunities we once had of conversing together, I can no other way discharge the duty of a parent, or comply with my inclination of doing you all the good I can but in writing.
"You know very well how I love you. I love your body, and do earnestly beseech Almighty God to bless it with health, and all things necessary for its comfort and support in this world. But my tenderest regard is for your immortal soul, and for its spiritual happiness, which regard I cannot better express than by endeavouring to instil into your mind those principles of knowledge and virtue that are absolutely necessary in order to your leading a good life here, which is the only thing that can infallibly secure your happiness hereafter.
"The main thing which is now to be done is to lay a good foundation, that you may act upon principles, and be always able to satisfy yourself and give a reason to others of the faith that is in you; for anyone who makes a profession of religion only because
