Mary Fletcher's 1780 "Jesus, altogether lovely" Published Sermon

A published sermon by English preacher Mary Fletcher. 12pp, measuring 4" x 6.5", London, dated 1780. Printed by R. Hawes. The publication has uneven toning, with soiling throughout. Wear and rough edges at the binding, where the publication was removed from a larger volume. Soundly bound. Overall very good.

A publication of Fletcher's "Jesus, altogether lovely: Or a Letter to some of The Single Women in the Methodist Society." Addressed to "My dear Sister", Fletcher discusses the "solemn observance of chastity, poverty, and obedience." 

Mary Bosanquet Fletcher (1739-1815) was a female English preacher who was born into an affluent family but rejected her life of luxury upon converting to Methodism. Remarkably, she became a preacher, because when she was born, it was believed that her tongue had become fused to the inside of her mouth and she almost died during the surgery to separate it. Fletcher was introduced to Methodism at the age of seven and began renouncing lavish trips and clothing at the age of 16. She was involved in charity work throughout her life, operating a school and orphanage until her marriage to John Fletcher, and she began preaching and leading meetings at her orphanage. Fletcher soon became one of the most popular female preachers of the period and was known as a "Mother in Israel", a Methodist term of honor. Fletcher is also credited with persuading John Wesley, a founder of Methodism, to allow women to preach in public.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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