Wesley Corpus

The whole expense of medicines during this time, was nearly forty pounds. We continued this ever since, and, by the blessing of God, with more and more success. XIII. 1. But I had for some years observed many who, although not sick, were not able to provide for themselves, and had none who took care to provide for them: These were chiefly feeble, aged widows. I consulted with the Stewards, how they might be relieved. They all agreed, if we could keep them in one house, it would not only be far less expensive to us, but also far more comfortable for them. Indeed we had no money to begin; but we believed He would provide “who defendeth the cause of the widow:” So we took a lease of two little houses near; we fitted them up, so as to be warm and clean. We took in as many widows as we had room for, and provided them with things needful for the body; toward the expense of which I set aside, first, the weekly contributions of the bands, and then all that was collected at the Lord’s Supper. It is true, this does not suffice: So that we are considerably in debt, on this account also. But we are persuaded, it will not always be so; seeing “the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.” 2. In this (commonly called The Poor House) we have now nine widows, one blind woman, two poor children, two upper servants, a maid and a man. I might add, four or five Preachers; for I myself, as well as the other Preachers who are in town, diet with the poor, on the same food, and at the same table; and we rejoice herein, as a comfortable earnest of our eating bread together in our Father's kingdom. 3. I have blessed God for this house ever since it began; but lately much more than ever. I honour these widows; for they “are widows indeed.” So that it is not in vain, that, without any design of so doing, we have copied after another of the insti tutions of the Apostolic age. I can now say to all the world, “Come and see how these Christians love one another !”* XIV. 1. Another thing which had given me frequent con * This has been since dropped for want of support. >~. c.