Wesley Corpus

4. In spring, 1750, they began building the chapel, for which they collected near two hundred pounds, and borrowed eight hundred more; for which eight of the English brethren were engaged. Two of the English were bound for a hundred more; but none of the ten have any security at all. They promised, indeed, to lodge the writings of the house in their hands; but it was never done. 564 REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. ‘Oct. 1753. 5. About this time a relation left me two houses, near that wherein the single men lived. The Brethren advised me to rebuild them, and add another, for a marriage plan, promising to let me have whatever ground I wanted behind the houses. This promise they renewed over and over. About Michaelmas I began and followed their direction in the whole building: but the night before I began, I went to Antone, the Chief Labourer, and told him, “’The workmen were ready: if 1 am to have ground I will go on; but not else.” He said, ‘“‘Go on: you shall have ground.” Soon after, he set out the ground; for which I was to give eight pounds: but just as the houses were finished, Antone and Slicht sent for me, and told me they had received a letter from London, and I must have no ground, neither would they use the houses for a marriage plan. ‘They ~ were too near the single men; some of whom might perhaps see a woman sometimes in the yard. At thesame time, they desired I would stop up my doors and windows on that side: if I would they would either buy the houses, or take a lease of them. I did as they desired. We then made several agreements, one after another; but they would stand to none of them. I offered them to lose thirty pounds, nay, at last fifty, out of my pocket; but in vain: so at this day I have but three pounds a year rent in all, out of which the land tax is to be paid.