Books like Susanna Wesley

Over the years, I have often thoughts of Susanna Wesley was "one of those amazing Christians" from history, yet this book revealed how little I truly knew about her profound life. In all honesty, I expected to read this biography and sense a disconnect from her. Surely her life was too picturesque and more vastly sanctified than mine for me to relate to. As I read these pages, it was as though I was viewing the most unique, heartbreaking, joyful, shocking motion picture. My heart swelled with compassion, empathy, pain, and rejoicing for dear Susanna. After finishing this biography, I cannot wait to meet this sister in Christ in heaven.Susanna endured much suffering and difficulty in her life. She was the 25th child of puritan Samuel Annesly--a famous theologian with a deep love for his family. Although she grew up in what could be described as a theologically solid family, Susanna and her husband Samuel both chose to be a part of the church of England. Her writing reveals that for most of her life, she believed salvation could be attained through living a consecrated life (through works). The author of this biography states: "As much as we may rejoice in the extraordinary earnestness manifested by Susanna in seeking [her son] Sammy's salvation, we cannot but regret that she did not know the 'finished' work of Christ, and the assurance of salvation which God grants to 'him that believeth.' How different was this concept of Susanna's from that experienced by Charles and John following their conversions in May 1738! It is evident that Susanna, holding so strongly to the doctrine of salvation by works, and depending on human reasoning rather than on divine revelation, would have rejected the teaching that man's salvation begins with God" (p.92).Through most of her life, Susanna held this view of salvation. When she was older, her son's influenced her otherwise: "She had now heard [John and Charles] declare that salvation is not the reward of works but it is the gift of God 'to him that believeth'" (p.162). Eventually, Susanna was converted truly--knowing her salvation could not be obtained by her works.One captivating theme in this biography is faithfulness. Susanna was a remarkably invested woman; she educated many of her children at home for some of their growing up years, taught them hymns, cared relentlessly for her family as they faced poverty and debt, stayed faithful to her husband even when he abandoned their family for a time, and continued to disciple her children as adults through writing. I have honestly never seen an example quite like Susanna's. I have never heard of someone so devoted to the training and teaching of one's children. Reading her biography made me long to follow in her footsteps--in this regard--and spend my hours pouring into my own children, earnestly praying for their salvation and training them to love God.This woman lost many children; one of which was passed away when a servant accidentally fell asleep on top of her infant, smothering the child. The servant panicked and flung the deceased child into Susanna's arms; one can only imagine the trauma she must have endured, seeing her beloved baby dead. Yet Susanna is never found in anger or aimless doubt. Her heart was broken time and time again, yet at the end of her life, she concluded "All my sufferings..have concurred to promote my spiritual and eternal good" (p.165).Susanna was a woman with a perfect blend of strong will, fierce conviction, drive, determination and submission, devotion, tenderness, and eventually peace.The flavor of this book is beautifully enriched with a tad of old English. It is understandable, but also makes the reader think and inquire. I have already invested in another biography by this author because I was so intrigued by his knowledgeable, studied, and interesting tonality. I have read some English literature, but this piques my interest even more. In short, this book will captivate you, cause you to examine your own beliefs (do you believe only because of pervading thought or because of the Word of God?), give you a picture of a rare kind of motherhood this world has barely seen, instill an increased gratitude for preachers like John Wesley and their boldness with the Gospel, and illustrate how God is abundantly able to bring beauty from the ashes. If you need some encouragement in your walk with Jesus, pick up "Susanna Wesley" and prepare to be profoundly stirred.