Wesley Corpus

A happy change was soon observed in the children, both with regard to their tempers and behaviour. They learned read ing, writing, and arithmetic swiftly; and at the same time they * This also has been dropped for some time. 1772. were diligently instructed in the sound principles of religion, and earnestly exhorted to fear God, and work out their own salvation. XV. 1. A year or two ago, I observed among many a dis tress of another kind. They frequently wanted, perhaps in order to carry on their business, a present supply of money. They scrupled to make use of a pawnbroker; but where to borrow it they knew not. I resolved to try if we could not find a remedy for this also. I went, in a few days, from one end of the town to the other, and exhorted those who had this world’s goods, to assist their needy brethren. Fifty pounds were contributed. This was immediately lodged in the hands of two Stewards; who attended every Tuesday morning, in order to lend to those who wanted any small sum, not exceed ing twenty shillings, to be repaid within three months.” 2. It is almost incredible, but it manifestly appears from their accounts, that, with this inconsiderable sum, two hundred and fifty have been assisted, within the space of one year. Will not God put it into the heart of some lover of mankind to increase this little stock? If this is not “lending unto the Lord,” what is? O confer not with flesh and blood, but immediately Join hands with God, to make a poor man live! 3. I think, Sir, now you know all that I know of this peo ple. You see the nature, occasion, and design of whatever is practised among them. And, I trust, you may be pretty well able to answer any questions which may be asked concerning them; particularly by those who inquire concerning my revenue, and what I do with it all. 4. Some have supposed this was no greater than that of the Bishop of London. But others computed that I received eight hundred a-year from Yorkshire only. Now, if so, it cannot be so little as ten thousand pounds a-year which I receive out of all England 5. Accordingly, a gentleman in Cornwall (the Rector of Redruth) extends the calculation pretty considerably.