1753 CHARLES WESLEY. Rare Autograph Letter to Financier of Great Awakening throwing His Wife Under the Bus!

A very human letter indeed from Charles Wesley. It was fairly well known that Charles' wife "Sally" [Sarah Gwynne] was from wealth and a strong woman. They deeply loved one another, but he married "up" both with regard to her and to her family. It was in many way's the family's deep attachment to the Anglican church [and Charles own penchant for the arts, etc.] that caused the rift between John and Charles over Methodism's relationship to the Church of England. 

The present letter is to Ebenezer Blackwell, a converted wealthy London banker who financed massive amounts of ministry for both the Wesleys and George Whitefield. In the letter, Charles does a hefty little bit of "wife-chuckery" in declining an invitation to visit one of their prominent financial patrons.

Dear Sir,

I have just now received your very obliging letter, and, with my wife, sincerely thank you for it.

We are truly sensible of your kind intention towards us. You are a friend to my brother, a friend to me & above all a friend to the cause of our common Master.

Your desire is alone sufficient to bring us to Town: but my wife will do Nothing wihtout consulting her relations and I have neither Power nor Inclination to force her. As for me, I am quite out of the question. We join in cordial respect to Mrs Blackwell & Mrs Dewal. 

I am, dear Sr, more than ever
Your obliged & affectionate 
Servant -------- CWesley.

Very legible, complete, hinges torn and remains of old sellotape.