Wesley Corpus

They have attempted to remedy these evils by setting up. Sunday-schools, which, by keeping children from corrupting one another, by promoting their attendance on divine worship, and by planting the first principles of useful knowledge in their minds and of piety in their hearts, bid fair for a public reformation of manners, and for nipping in the bud the ignorance and impiety which is everywhere so common among the lower and more numerous classes of people.” 8. The proposals concerning Sunday-schools in the parish of Madeley, were as follows: “I. It is proposed, that Sunday-schools be set up in this parish, for such children as are employed all the week, and for those whose education has been hitherto totally neglected. “II. That the children admitted into these be taught reading, writing, and the principles of religion. “III. That there be a school for boys and another for girls, in Madeley, Madeley-Wood, and Coalbrook-Dale, six in all. “IV. That a subscription be opened, to pay each Teacher one shilling per Sunday, and to buy tables, forms, books, pens, and ink. “V. That two Treasurers be appointed to ask and receive the contributions of the subscribers. “VI. That whoever subscribes one guinea a year shall be a Governor. “VII. That three or four Inspectors be appointed, who are to visit the schools once a week, to see that the children attend regularly, and the Masters do their duty. “VIII. That a book be provided, for setting down all receipts and expenses; and another for the names of the Teachers and the scholars. “IX. That the schools be solemnly visited once or twice a year; and a premium given to the children that have made the greatest improvement.” 9. As to the success of his unwearied labours, although he was much discouraged when he first returned from abroad, find ing so many of those who had once run well, grown weary and faint in their mind; yet it was not long before he found fresh cause to rejoice, and to know that God was with him of a truth. It was not long before he observed that a general reformation had taken place in the parish.