Wesley Corpus

And how greatly is all that can possibly be saved, in every article, wanted daily by those who have not even food convenient for them l” 7. I soon perceived that this latter consideration was of a more general nature than the former; and that it affected many of those whom the other did not so immediately concern; seeing it was as needful for all to save needless expenses, as for some to regain the health they had impaired; especially, considered as members of a society, the wants of which they could not be unapprized of They knew, of those to whom they were so peculiarly united, some had not food to sustain nature; some were destitute of even necessary clothing; some had not where to lay their head. They knew, or might know, that the little contributions made weekly did in nowise suffice to remove these wants, being barely sufficient to relieve the sick; and even that in so scanty a manner, that I know not if some of them have not, with their allowance, pined away, and at length died for want. If you and I have not saved all we could to relieve these, how shall we face them at the throne of God? 8. I reflected: “If one only would save all, that he could in this single instance, he might surely feed or clothe one of his brethren, and perhaps save one life. What then might be done, if ten thousand, or one thousand, or only five hundred, would do it? yea, if half that number should say, ‘I will compute this day what I have expended in tea, weekly or yearly. I will immediately enter on cheaper food: And whatever is saved hereby, I will put into that poor-box weekly, to feed the hungry, and to clothe the naked.” I am mistaken, if any among us need want either food or raiment from that hour.” 9. I thought farther: “It is said, nay, many tell me to my face, I can persuade this people to anything. I will make a fair trial. If I cannot persuade them, there may be some good effect. All who do not wilfully shut their eyes will see that I have no such influence as they supposed. If I can persuade any number, many who are now weak or sick will be restored to health and strength.