I am challenged each day to be a more gracious mother. Some days I feel like I fail more than I succeed. My temper runs short. I am focused more on changing my children's external behavior instead of their growing love in their hearts. I find it encouraging to read about other mothers who have successfully raised children to make a positive impact on the world. Susanna Wesley is one such example.
John and Charles Wesley are probably two of the most prominent Christian revivalists in history. Peruse any church hymnal and you will find the words of Charles Wesley. He alone penned over five and a half thousand hymns. The two brothers are credited with founding the Methodist movement in the 18th century. They were raised by a remarkable woman named Susanna Wesley, and her instruction and godly example found a way to outlive her own children. In fact, Susanna’s two famous sons structured much of the Methodist movement after what they had learned from her at home.
As might be expected of a woman who is sometimes called “The Mother of Methodism,” Susanna kept a well-ordered home, even with ten children! She was strict with her children and taught them diligently. Mealtimes and bedtimes were carefully observed, and she taught the children to be responsible and respectful. She homeschooled all of her children, with the ultimate goal of their salvation. As each child turned five years of age, he began his studies. She required them to learn their alphabet on the first day. All of the children, even the girls, learned Latin and Greek among other classical subjects. Her homeschool day lasted about six hours. Each child also had household chores and learned to obey the rules of the home.
Susanna was genuinely concerned with her children’s spiritual walk. She spent each morning before they rose in personal Bible study and prayer. Sometimes, because it was difficult for her to find a private place in a house full of so many children, Susanna sat at the kitchen table with her apron covering her head. Her children knew not to disturb her when they saw her like that. She lead the family in singing hymns afterwards. She also made appointments with each of her children for one-on-one discussion and encouragement. As she had so many children, one child was scheduled on each day of the week. She devoted an entire hour to the child, and conversed with him about meaningful issues like his faith, fears and hopes for the future.
Even when her children were grown and had moved out of the family home, Susanna continued praying for and encouraging them. When John Wesley left home, he requested that his mother continue her weekly hour with him. As they could not speak face to face, she used John’s appointed hour by writing him letters. Her letters were filled with matters of faith and doctrine. Some of what she wrote came out of her personal commentaries that she wrote in her own devotional times. She wrote insightful letters not only to John but to her other children as well.
Susanna also overcame a life of hardship and trial, and was an example of strength and perseverance. Out of the 19 children she bore, only ten survived. Her marriage, though it lasted 44 years, was fraught with struggles. Her husband was frequently away on travel, and managed the household finances poorly. The family suffered poverty and illness. They also experienced the loss of earthly possessions, as fire ravaged their house twice. In one of the fires, five year-old John nearly lost his life. But Susanna’s faith in God remained strong, and she bravely lead her household to trust in their Redeemer during times of tribulation.
Susanna Wesley left a legacy through her children that impacted the world around them. Her sons John and Charles were used by God to win tens of thousands of souls. The Methodist movement burned like a fire through England and America, and continues even today.
Samuel Wesley once wrote to his children, “You know what you owe to one of the best of mothers...above all (for) the wholesome and sweet motherly advice and counsel which she has often given you to fear God…” She offered her life as an example of a godly mother whose counsel and encouragement impacted her children for eternity. Susanna Wesley died at the age of 73, surrounded by several of her children. “Children, as soon as I am released,” she whispered, “Sing a psalm of praise to God.” She was buried at Bunhill Fields and her son John conducted her funeral service. Charles wrote the epitaph. Among the verses he wrote were the words: “In sure and steadfast hope to rise, and claim her mansion in the skies, A Christian here her flesh laid down, the cross exchanging for a crown.”
