Crossing the Divide by Hanson Jake;

Author:Hanson, Jake; [Hanson, Jake]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 4453934
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2016-08-29T04:00:00+00:00

Following the Grace Murray affair, John Wesley, most often an unflappable, emotionally stable individual, began to suffer a profound depression, which led to irrational and destructive decisions. According to Charles, John was so distraught over the affair that within weeks he was going throughout England looking for a wife, proposing to some, and no longer receiving the advice of others. “I am no longer of his council,” Charles wrote to mutual friend Ed Perronet.

By intervening in the Grace Murray affair, Charles believed he had fulfilled a “ministry” of “deliverance.” John, on the other hand, thought that Charles had ruined his chance at happiness. So fractured was their relationship at this point that for the first time in their lives, separation seemed possible—even likely. After an understandably intense and emotional meeting between the two brothers shortly after the “whirlwind,” Charles wrote to Ed Perronet, “If I must break with him, [I] would retreat gradually and hide it from the world.” This, in essence, is what he did over the course of the next few years—skipping the 1751 Methodist conference and trimming his preaching schedule and travel itinerary. When Charles ruefully spoke to his brother about the possibility of separation, John “seemed pleased with the thought of parting.”

Eight months later, John had his eyes set on a new potential mate: a widow named Mary Vazeille, also known as Molly. If Charles had thought that Grace Murray was beneath his brother’s dignity, John’s new belle was even worse. Upon meeting her, before he was even aware of a potential relationship, Charles described her in his journal as “a woman of a sorrowful spirit.” He must have been surprised when he learned of John’s interest; but even if he was opposed, there was nothing he could do about it.

John saw Mary in a different light—as a potential partner in ministry. The oldest recovered letter he wrote to her gives insight into his hopeful expectation of a worthy spouse. He encourages her as she is about to embark on a journey through parts of England, saying, “I believe riding, so far as your strength will allow, will much confirm your bodily health. And the conversing with those in various parts who know and love God will greatly strengthen your soul. Perhaps …[God] too may make you useful to some of them.”

Despite his hopes for a partner who would travel and minister in a similar fashion to his own—riding hundreds of miles on horseback, visiting people incessantly—his vision did not match the reality of Mary’s passion or ability. Blinded by his hope, he pressed on with his expectations.

The contrast between how Charles and John measured others was summed up by Charles years later: “Our different judgment of persons was owing to our different tempers: his all hopes and mine all fears.” In this instance, John’s optimism could have been tempered by the pessimism of his younger brother.

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