# - Wesley, John.

expressing his belief that in time, Valton will be "called to go out" and preach and that his "Inabilities" will not be an impediment, urging him in the meantime to "improve the present hour where you are", and signing off as "Your Affectionate Brother", 1 page, 8vo, London, 2 December 1769, light damp-staining and spotting, creasing and minor nicks at folds, professionally removed from mount

Not in The Letters of the Rev. John Wesley, ed. J. Telford (1931), where three other letters by Wesley to Valton are published; Wesley's Veterans: Lives of Early Methodist Preachers Told by Themselves, ed. J. Telford, 1909-1914, vol. VI, pp.56-7.

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate. If you require additional information we would recommend viewing the item during the exhibition or contacting one of the specialists for this sale.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

John Valton was an army clerk based at Purfleet, where he was introduced to Methodism by the wife of an officer. Beset by religious doubts, he wrote to John Wesley at the end of December 1763 asking for guidance. Wesley wrote to him over a number of years, reassuring him that in time he would be called forth to preach ("...God has called you to a more extensive work...your weakness of soul or body is no bar to Him..."). Valton remained in Purfleet until he eventually overcame his "ignorance, weakness and bashfulness" to become one of Wesley's preachers in 1775.