A wonderful 1782 John Wesley, fine autographed letter regarding military violations of the sabbath. 

As institutions continue to absorb more and more of the extant Wesley autograph material, quality letters become more challenging to obtain for personal collectors. This one is a gem, exerting quite heatedly against Parliament's use of the Sabbath for military exercises, which not only violate the Sabbath, but provide a distraction from the preaching of the Gospel, attendance upon worship, etc. 

Two full 4to pages in a very good state of preservation.

In part:  

"If I wrong your lordship, I am sorry for it. But I really believe your Lordship fears God. And I hope your Lordship has no unfavourable opinion of the Christian Revelation. . . Above thirty years ago a motion was made in Parliament for raising & embodying the Militia & for exercising them (to save time) on a Sunday. The motion was then dropped but has now returned, but is it expedient to give such a shock to so many Millions of people at once? . . . For would not they, would not all England, would not all Europe, consider this, as a virtual Repeal of the Bible. And would not all serious persons say 'We have little religion in the land now: and by this step we shall have less still'. For whenever this pretty Show is to be seen the people will flock together... the Churches will be emptier than they are already. . . "

Purchased by the current owner, Christies, 1994; Sotheby's, 2022.