[549]. “Mrs. Fletcher’s Life,” by H. Moore, p. 142.
[550]. Unpublished letter.
[551]. John Valton, one of Wesley’s Preachers, then in the seventh year of his itinerancy, and labouring in the Birstal Circuit. He wrote: “On the 12th of November, 1781, Mr. Fletcher stole hallowed fire from my people, by taking away Miss Bosanquet. I and a few friends accompanied them to Batley Church. Surely, such a blessed wedding I never knew before. By request, I improved the occasion in the evening, from these words, ‘What shall we render to the Lord for all His benefits? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon His name.’ It was a refreshing time; and many prayers were offered that eternal blessings might crown the devoted pair.” (“Life of the Rev. John Valton,” p. 104.)
[552]. Wesley’s “Life of Fletcher.”
[553]. Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 154.
[554]. Fletcher’s relatives in Switzerland most faithfully fulfilled this part of Fletcher’s Will. In an unpublished letter to Mrs. Crosby, dated June 20, 1786, his widow wrote:—
“My brother Henry possesses so much of the spirit of my dear husband, that his care of me exceeds all imagination. The family have sent me a bond, laying in their own estates as security to forward me the whole produce every year. I do not yet know exactly what it will be; but it is far better than I thought; and so is everything in which my dearest Mr. Fletcher has been concerned.”
[555]. The Wesley Banner, 1850, p. 314.
[556]. Letters, 1791, p. 281.
[557]. Methodist Magazine, 1817, p. 864.