Wesley Corpus

To Samuel Wells Date: BRISTOL, September 11, 1777. Source: The Letters of John Wesley (1777) Author: John Wesley --- MY DEAR BROTHER,--You may remember it was observed at the Quarterly Meeting that the present contributions cannot support four preachers; and it was considered, What can be done either to increase the contributions or to lessen the expenses? The easiest way, we thought, to increase the contributions was this: Let our ablest Societies advance quarterly according to their abilities. £ s. d. Coleford has agreed to advance . . 1 0 0 Motcomb . . . . 10 6 Corsley . . . . 10 6 Frome . . . . 6 6 Is not Braford Society able to advance. . 1 0 0 Freshford . . . . 10 6 Shaftesbury . . . . 8 0 Seand . . . . 7 6 Catbench . . . . 4 6 Oakhill . . . . . 2 6 If they can and will do this, nothing will be wanting. In order to lessen the expenses, the Motcomb Society has engaged to furnish the Quarterly Dinner every Midsummer, the Coleford Society every Michaelmas, the Societies of Frome and Corsley every Christmas. If the Bradford Society chooses to furnish it at Lady Day, it is well. If not, Motcomb will do this too. By this means several pounds in the year will be saved and many uncomfortable complaints prevented. One thing more I desire. I request all the Wiltshire Societies to do as they do in other circuits, to pay their quarterly collection when they receive their tickets. And it is then I hope persons of property will advance their subscriptions according to their ability. Out of this serve the other preachers first, and yourself last. [Wells was Assistant in North Wilts Circuit.]--I am Your affectionate friend and brother.