Wesley Corpus

many of her present clergy. Why then should I cavil at you for feeding those sheep that are starved by their own shepherds?’ for endeavouring to recover them from that stupid lethargy and open wickedness which in volve the generality of mankind? This is your happiness: would to God -t could be mine! I have often had a strong desire for it; and would now gladly dedicate my life to it, if my poor abilities and mean education, together with the twenty-third Article of our Church, did not crush the thought. However, as I do not see you vary from the doctrine of the Church, I should not scruple to join with you. My chief motives (beside that strong desire) are, First, I reflect, there is scarce a situation in life, at least in the trading world, without its attendant frauds or vices, which are now scarce separable from it. Secondly, I am at present of no use in society ; so that on account of any advantage that now accrues from me to the public, I need not scruple giving myself to my darling employment Thirdly, I am convinced a man may instruct and reform himself by instructing and reforming others. But may I attempt this otherwise than by the ordinary method of admitting labourers into the Lord’s vineyard? Your thoughts on this subject would be received as a singular favour; for which I shall impatiently wait, who am, “* Reverend sir, * Your affectionate and ready servant.” Wed. 28.--I rode to Tullamore ; where one of the society, Edward Willis, gave me a very surprising account of himself. He said:--