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Les diagrammes suivants lllustrent la mithode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 ANECDOTES \ i « THE WESLEYS: IIXTJBTBATITB C» THEIB OHABAdTER AND PERSONAL HISTORY. Mi, : By Rbv. J. B. WAKELEY. . it ^ 1 WITH A» INTBODUOnOW By rev. J. M'CLINTOCK, D.D., LL.D. (i;or0Rto: WILLIAM BRIGGS, 78 k 80 KING STREET EAST. MONTREAL, Q. : 0. W. OOATBB. HAUFAZ.* N.8. : 8; P. HUB8T18. 4-4 \^^ PEEFACE. There is a story related of a man who opened the door and put his head into Paradise, and, seeing many strange faces there, said, " Gentle- men, I hope I do not intrude ; if I do, I can walk ont again^" So, in presenting this book, I hope I do not " intrude ;" if I do, "I can walk out again" — the reader can lay it down and select some other volume more congenial to his taste. I am aware there are tho^ who nndervalae anecdotes, and others who ridicule them. Men may ridicule them till they are gray, but the people will read them. There are persons who, if they wish to eulogize a preacher, will say, "he never tells any stories in the pulpit; he relates no anecdotes." So preached not the Wesleys, or Whitefield, or Coke, or Asbury, or M'Kendree. They all related anecdotes and incidents in the pulpit. The late Judge M'Lean highly commends the practice. He says, ''Some preachers are op- posed to what they call story-telling in their sermons. This was practiced in the early age of Methodism, and it was admirably suited to those times; and, if more practiced, it would "^i^rmr^ 4 Preface. be fonnd just as well auitecl to the preeei:* times." Some time ago I was in company with the Bishops, and Bishop Morris (onr archbishop) said, " I must return to the method of the fa- thers, relating anecdotes and incidents in preach- ing ;" and Bishop Ames said, " Take away the stories from tb'A Bible, and what have we left." The anecdotes in this volume have been ob- tained from all the biographies of the Wesleys ; from Tyreman's " Life of Samuel Wesley, Sen. ;" Kirk's "Mother of the Wesleys;" Jackson's "Life of Charles Wesley;" Adam Clarke's "Wesley Family;" John Wesley's "Works," particularly his Journals, which contain his best biography ; the Arminian and Wesleyan Maga- zines; and from hundreds of yolnmes and pamphlets. Some of them were never published before. It is singular we have books of anecdotes of poets and painters, of heroes, philosophers, and statesmen, and have hitherto had no volume of Anecdotes of the Wesleys. For over twelve years I have been gathering these anecdotes, and it is with confidence I submit this book to the public, believing it will detracf'nothing from the fame of the Wesleys, but will awaken a desire to know more concern- ing them, and will be read with interest when the writer sleeps in the dust. ;.^ ^^ INTRODUCTION. '*The history of men who have been prime agents in those great moral and intellectual revolutions which from time to time take place among mankind is not less important than that of statesmen and conquerors. T^ere may come a time when the name of Wesley will be more generally known, and in remoter regions of the globe, than that of Frederick or Catharine. For the works of such men survive them, and continue' to operate, when nothing remains of worldly ambition but the memory of its vanity and its guilt." So wrote Bobert Southey fifty years ago. The "time" for the fulfillment of his prediction has arrived earlier, doubtless, than he dreamed. There is now no land in. which the name of Wesley is not known to more persons than those of Frederick and Catharine. And the fragrance of that name grows richer with the lapse of time. 6 Introduction. The glory of John Wesley has, to a large ex- tent, been shared by all his family. But they were a rare breed, for two or three generations at least, nearly all distingnished for wit, intelli- gence, and accomplishments. The present volame is a contribution, in a new form, to our knowledge of these rare Wes- leys. From the old Greek days, anecdotes of eminent persons have always been held to be one of the most delightful forms of composition. Anecdotes delight us by gratifying omr natural curiosity to know something of the more private ways and thoughts of people whose public lives have been distinguished. It is, moreover, often the case that ^' an apparently insignificant anec- dote throws an entirely new light on the history of the most admired works, or the most brilliant actions." * Mr. Wakeley has been happily inspired in the conception of this book of anecdotes. The execution of his task is also felicitous. The public will owe him gratitude for this contri- bution not merely to their entertainment but to their instruction. * Edinburgh Roview, zxxiii, 302. CONTENTS. ♦•» BOOK I. SAMUEL WE8LET, SEN., M.A. Paoi B«T. Samuel Wesley, Sen., M. A 19 Samuel Wealey'a Fint Panouage SI Samuel Wesley's Desoription of bis Wife SI Samuel Wesley and the Profime Offloer 8S Samuel Wesley end Queen Mary St Samuel Wesley's Life of Christ « . . S5 Samuel Wesley and his Persecutors S6 Ssmnel Wesley and Arohbiahop Sharpe 87 Samuel Wesley and the Chief Man of the Town ftl Samuel Wesley and the Besoued Hymn 8S Samuel Wesley and his Advisers 8S Samuel Wesley and the Dishonest Fanner U Samuel Wesley and his Dying Parishioner 84 Ssmnel Weeley and the Mysterious Noibos at Ep worth 84 Samuel Wesley and his Comioal Clerk 87 Samuel Wesley and the Miser 88 Samuel Wesley and his Curate 89 Samuel Wesley reproved by his Son 40 Samuel Wesley and his Son John 41 Samuel Wesley and John Dryden 4S Samuel Wesley and Us Son Charles 4S Samuel Wesley and the Fellow of Lincoln 48 Samuel Wesley on Bidioule 48 Samuel Wesley shd Fine Sermons. 44 Samuel Wesley's Great Loss 44 Samuel Wesley, his Sons and the Prisoners 45 Samuel Wesley's Dissertations on the Book of Job 48 Samuel Wesley's Dying Predictions 48 Archbishop Sharpe and the Sghwayman S9 Contmts. BOOK n. SUSANNA WESLEY. Saaanna Wetloy 6S Suiwnna Wcsloy and her Sintflr ft? BuMnna Wetiloy and SooinianUm 88 Susanna WcHluyand Crying; Children 68 Susanna Wenley and Family Oovomment 88 Susanna WeMloy and her oldest Child 89 SuNunna Wesley, her Husband, and Sammy 69 Susanna Wesley and the Education of her Children 60 Susanna Wesley and her Son John ^ 61 Susanna Wesley and her Daughter Emilia 68 Susanna Wesley and her Daughter Martha 68 Susanna WuMley and the Archbishop of York 64 Susanna Wesley and her Husband 64 Susanna Wesley and the Unauthorized Meetings 68 Susanna Wesley, her Husband and Brother 67 Susanna Wesley and her Bereaved Brother 68 SuHQuna Wesley and Amusements 68 Susanna Wesley, Charles, and Samuel 69 Susanna Wenley and hor Orandchildren 70 Susanna Wesley, John, and Charles 70 Susanna Wo8U>y, John, and his Mission 71 Susanna Wesley, John, and Thomaa Mazfleld 71 Martlia and her Brothera 68 Martha and Samuel JohnaoB ..• 68 BOOK m. REV. JOHN WESLEY, A.M. John Wesley, A.M 78 John Wesley and the Fire 78 John Wesley at the Charter-house School 80 John Wtittley and Dr. Henry Saoheverell 81 John Wesley and his Brother Samuel 88 John Wettley and the Poor Maid 88 John Wesley an ' the Serious Man 84 John Wesley and Ihe Holy Club 8S A ■ ■ ■ ' , ■ . * Conttnts. 9 John Wetlofon Beuon W John Wesley and William Law ST John Wealey and ApoetoUoal Noatmma 8S John Weeloy and hii Fellow Tutors 89 John Wealoy and Plain Poopla 89 John Wesley and Queen Carolina 90 JoLn Wesley and the Storm at Sea 91 John WoRley and Religious Quixotism 9S John Wesley and General Oglethorpe 99 John Weeley and Spangenberg 96 John Wesley and the Indian Chief. 98 John Wesley's early Promise and Sir Edward Seaward. .... 97 John Wesley and the result of his Mission 98 t John Wesley and Peter Baebler 99^^ John Wesley's Conversion 101(^ John Wesley and his Host lOs John Wesley and the Bigot 104 John Wesley and the Bishop of Londonderry 108 John Wesley and the Ungrateftil Young Man 108 John Wesley and Thomas Weatell 108 John Wesley and Bobort Ainsworth 107 John Wesley's First Extemporaneous Sermon 108 John Wesley and the Piinoe Royal 109 John Wesley and £ztem|>ore Pnyer 110 John Wesley and Charles Simeon Ill John Wesley and Martin Bladan 118 John Wesley and John Nelson 114 John Wesley and Nelson's hard Bed 118 John Wesley and William Bramwoll 118 John Wesley and his Tr^tTeling Companion 118 John Wesley and the Young Quaker 117 John Wesley and John King 118 John Wesley and the Polite Audience ISC John Wesley and his Sister Emilia ISO John Wesley, John Hampson, and the Mob 181 Jolm Wesley and the Young Preaoher 198 John Wesley and the Renowned Pugilist ISS John Wesley and the Old Servant 188 John Wesley and the Curate Romiey 187 John Wesley and Dr. Priestley 180 John Wesley and Bishop Lavington 180 John Wesley and Bishop Warbnrton 181 • John Wesley and Bean Nash 181 Jolm Wesley.and the Ladiea of Bath 188 John Wealey and the Subdued Mob 184 10 Contents. Pau John Wedey and Doctor Gibson IM John Wealey ftnd the Plidn Man 185 John Wesley and Mr. Bailey 186 John Wesley and the Mayor of Cork 188 John Wesley and the Irish Jostice of the Peace 187 John Wesley and the Babble 188 John Wesley, the Persecuted Methodists, and the King. ... 189 John Wesley and Whitefield's Will 1^ John Wesley and the Toung Critic 14r John Wesley and Mr. WMtelamb IM John Wesley and the Slandering Woman 148 John Wesley and the Ostler 148 John Wesley and the Benevolent Lady 161 John Wesley and James Hervey 157 John Wesley and the Eleven Letters of James Hervey IbS John Wesley and Sir Bichard Hill 169 John Wesley and the Earl of Huntingdon 161 John Wesley and the Inquiring Lady 16S Jolji Wesley's Begard for Walsh 172 John Wesley and the Captfun's Excuses 177 John Wesley and the Young Lady 178 John Wesley and the Music Master 180 John Wesley and the Quaker's Dream 181 John Wesley's Bule of Living 188 John Wesley and the Bich Methodists 184 John Wesley and Lady Huntingdon 184 John Wesley and Bobert Dodsley 185 John Wesley's Christian Library 186 John Wesley and Philip Doddridge 187 John Wesley on Homer 188 John Wesley on Style 189 John Wesley on Music 190 John Wesley and his Patients 190 John Wesley and Boyalty 192 John Wesley and his Epitaph 194 John Wesley and Bishop Lowth 196 John Wesley and the Hard-hearted Officer 198 John Wesley and the Beggars 199 John Wesley and the Wag SCO John Wesley and the Conscientious Man 801 John Wesley and the Will 801 John Wesley and the Swine-herd 208 John Wesley and the Attentive Hearer.. 808 John Wesley and the Apostate 208 John Wesley and James Watson 808 Contents. ii Pam John Wesley And the Female Impostor 904 John Wesley and the False Prophets 204 John Wesley and the Beformed Dmnkard fl05 John Wesley and the Notorious Dmnkard 206 John Wesley and Silas Told 815 John Wesley and "kir. Johnson 217 John Wesley and the Redemption of Time 218 John Wesley and Edward Bolton 218 John Wesley and Grace Murray 219^ John Wesley and Mrs. Yixelle 281 John Wesley and the Legacy 282 John Wesley and the History of England 824 John Wesley and Poor Louisa 886 John Wesley and Sophia Coke 827 John Wesley and the Little Child 889 John Wesley and Mntthias Joyce 289 John Wesley and the Little Boy 280 John Wesley and the Inquiring Preacher 280 John Wesley and the Little Oirl 281 John Wesley and the Children 281 John Wesley and Mr. Cordenz 284 John Wesley and the Woman who was a Sinner 286 John Wesley and the Criminal 287 John Wesley and the Anxious Man < 288 John Wesley and the Discouraged Minister 288 John Wesley and the Egg Man 288 John We8)<)y and the Commissioners of Excise 240 John Wesley and Thomas Holy 245 John Wesley and John Hilton 846 John Wesley and the DyspeptioClergyman 247 John Wesley and the Archbishop of Ganterbuiy 248 John Wesley and Father O'Leary 249 John Wesley and the Persecuting Papist 860 John Wesley and the Soman Catiiolio Woman 250 John Wesley and Joseph Lee 261 John Wesley and the *' Lending Stock" 252 John Wesley and the Wonderful Prophecy 253 John Wesley and the Ship upon a Rock 864 John Wesley and the Providential Shower 266 John Wesley and John Downes 265 John Wesley and Dictators 856 John Wesley and Croakers 867 John Wesley and Robert Young 267 John Wesley and the Son of his Friend 868 John Wesley and Oeorge Osbom 261 I 12 Contents, John Wesley's CondeMenaioii Ml John Wesley and the Landscape 86S John Wesley and the Tea Party 268 John Wesley and the Qayer Family 264 John Wesley and John Allen 266 John Wesley and the Deed of Declaration 268 John Wesley and his Saocessor 270 John Wesley and Apostolical Succession 272 John Wesley and Joseph Bradford 27t John Wesley, Adam Clarke, and the Horse 276 John Wesley and the Land's End 277 John Wesley and the Goat 278 John Wesley and Doctor Besttie 272 John Wesley ind Wrestling Jacob 279 John Wesley and Bobert Hopkins 280 John Wesley and the Befractury Trustees 988 John Wesley and the Economical Man 286 John Wesley and Joseph Entwiale 288 John Wesley and the Poet Grabbe 290 John Wesley and Jonathan Crowther 296 John Wesley and William Jay 297 John Wesley and the Courageous Woman 808. John Wesley at City Boad Chapel 81?^ Backslider, the 208 Blustering Man, the 167 Cathedral, the 196 Civil Authorities at Bristol, the 170 Comedians, the 174 Co; isoience and Interest 288 Contrast between John and Charles Wesley 809 Disputant, the 164 Drunkard and his Wife, the 206 Enraged Man, the 207 Entwisle and the Stumbling Horse 289 Fault-finder, the 910 Field Preaching 140 Fletcher as Mediator 269 Friendly Man, the 166 Harmless Ditty, the 168 Highwayman, the 175 Honest Enthusiast, the 168 How to Perpetuate Methodism , 266 Ligeniona Man, the 207 Ingenious Beproof. 128 Justice of the Peace, the 176 Contents. 13 ... . '*•■ Klngiwood Sehool 148 Lflamed MUf the 165 Libend Clergynum, the 181 Lordofthe8Ubl^the 808 Mayor of Shafteebniy, the 169 Mayor of TiTerton, the 168 Oglethorpe, Oeneral, and the French Prince 94 Origin of Claaa-meetingB, the 110 Pariah Priest, the 169 Preaching Three Timea a Day 814 Power of Habit 818 Profane Officer, the 186 Quaker's Testimony, the 191 BeUos 8ir BeproachAil Man, the 167 Bepatation of the Methodists, the 891 Bich Banker, the 198 Samael's Poetical Epistle 88 Sermon Hard to Understaad, a 188 Sharp Comment 188 Sharp Betort 900 Sir John Qanson 168 Slanderer, the -. 145 Stennet, Doctor 176 Sux-Dial, the 160 Snrreptitioiu Letter, the 141 Thomas Walsh 171 TombHBtone Sermon, the 1S9 Unwise Beprovers, the..,.' 198 Virtae of Silence, the 166 Walsh's Scholarship 171 Walsh's Gravity and Wesley's Cheerfhlneit 17S Washington and Wesley 119 Watch-Nights 160 Wesley and Adam Clarke 819 Wesley and Dr. Dodd 811 Wesley and El\}ah Bnsh 848 Wesley and Evil Bepcrtand OoodBeport 800 Wesley and Oarriok 894 Wesley and Henry Moore 808 Wesley and his Power 809 Wealey and his TonthAil Escort 801 Wesley and Horace Walpole 888 Wesley and Howard 887 Wesley and Irish Methodism 810 i^M'.jfuiim'vi \l 14 Contents. turn Wesley and Itinersnoy S8S Wesley and John Brown MS Wesley and John Standoring 81S Wesley and Joseph Bnigess SM Wesley and Low Spirits S41 Wesley and Bankin S85 Wesley and Bobert Walpole S81 Wesley and Shakspeare 318 Wesley and the Belligerent Boys 244 Wesley and the Barglara 809 Wesley and the Despairing Man 284 Wesley and the Disappointed Lady 291 Wesley and the Dmnken Papist 299 Wesley and the Itinerancy 800 Wesley and the Hasty Minister 299 Wesley and the OfTended Lady 298 Wesley and the Silver Medal 29ft Wesley and the Superannuated Organ 808 Wesley and the Zealoas Papist 29S Wesley, Boardnuin, and Pilmoor 118 Wesley, Bradbnm, and Olivers 242 Wesley, Bradford, and the Angel 275 Wesley, Bradford, and the Ch^e 874 Wesley Leading Cl'Mi :..... 810 Wesley, Moore, and the Commnnion 806 Wesley on "the Sessions" 298 Wesley, Pool, and Whitefleld 141 Wesley Preventing a Blot 197 Wesley Taking the Collection 815 Wesleys, the, Oglethorpe, and the OflScers 98 Wesley, the Young Wonum, and the Snow-storm 229 Wesley's Advice to Samnel Bradbnm 841 Wesley's Countenance 804 Wesley's Farewell to Ireland 819 Wesley's Final Interview with Thomas Walsh 178 Wesley's First Sermon in the Fields 149 Wesley's Investment 161 Wesley's Laconic Advice to Henry Moore 807 Wesley's Last Sermon in Ireland 811 Wesley's Last Tears 816 Wesley's Notes on the New Testament 195 Wesley's Prayer for Fletcher 271 Wesley's " Primitive rhysio" 191 Wesley's Bough Journey 210 Wesley's Sermon on Slavery 280 Contents, 15 IfvAvft WiM Coniuel on Marriage S48 Whit^eld and the Uncharitable Minister 148 Whitefleld's Miasion to America 189 Worldly Wiadom 899 Ziniendorf, Connt 177 BOOK IV. REV. CHARLES WESLEY, A.M. Bev. Charles Wesley, A.M 823 Charles Wesloy and Lord Mansfield 826 Charles Wesley andhisDiaiy 826 Charles Wesley and his Uncle 827 Charles Wesley and George Whitefleld 828 Charles Wesley and the Narrow Escape 880 Charles Wesley and the Drunken Captdn 830 Charlcb Wesley and William Lav. 888 Charles .Yesley and Peter Boehler 884 Charles Wesley and Mrs. Tomer 886 Charles Wesley and the Ui\jast Man 887 Charles Wesley and the Presentment 888 Charles Wesley and the Magistrate at Eingswood 888 Charles Wesley and the Archbishop of Canterbury 840 Charles Wesley and Uie Highwayman 841 Charles Wesley's Servant and the Bobbers 841 Charles Wesley and the Mob 842 Charles Wesley and the Fanatic 84S Charles Wesley and Primate Bobinson 848 Charles Wesley Indicted 844 Charles Wesley accused of Treason 847 Charles Wesley and the Offl( ar 848 Charles Wesley and the Af ;can I^inoes 860 Charles Wesley and the Maniac 861 Charles and Mis. John Wesley 852 Charles Wesley and the Passionste Lady 862 Charles Wesley and the Tempting Offers 868 Charles Wesley and Vincent Perronet 864 Charles Wesley and the Blasphemer 866 Charles Wesley and Harmless Diversions 866 Charles Wesley and Lord Ferrers 868 Charles Wesley aci the Thu der-storm 866 Charles Wesley and Young's Night Thonghts I I I 'i i6 Contents. Pa«u OhariM Wesley and Vbgfl SM Clurlee'Weeley and the Collien 865 Oharles Wesley At the Land's End S6« Oharlet Wesley and the Stone-qnarry Men 8e7 Charles Wesley and the Sidlors 868 Charles Wesley and the Theatrical Woman 869 Charles Wesley and Handel 870 Charles Wesley and James Hervey 871 Charles Wesley and Lady Hnntingdon 878 Charles Wesley and the Bioh Banker 874 Charles Wesley and Dr. Thomas Coke 875 Charles Wesley and Adam Clarke 876 Charles Wesley and the Tonng Preacher 877 Charles Wesler and Wilherforoe 877 Charles Wesley and " The Man of FasUon " 878 Charles Wesley and the Mnsio Seller 879 Charles Wesley and his Sister, Mrs. Wright 881 Charles Wesley and his Sister Martha 882 Charles Wesley and Us Sister Eezziah 882 Charles Wesley and his Daughter Sarah 888 Charles Wesley, his Danghter, and the Prisoners 884 Charles Wesley's Last Hymn 886 Charles and his Brother's Bequest 861 Charles and John Wesley on Bspntation 880 Habits in Old Age 862 Ludicrous Scene 828 Mrs. Charles Wesley's Singing 385 Perilous Voyage, the 859 i*ersecntor, the 864 Poetical EccentridUes 861 Bare Volume, a 879 Sermon Completed, a 850 Slanderer, the 847 Wellesleys, the. 895 CHARLES WESLEY, JUN. ^ Charles Wesley, Jun., and King George IIL 887 Charles Wesley, Jun., and King Oeoige IV. 888 Chai'les Wesley, Jun., and his Sister Sarah 8U0 Charles Wesley, Jun., and his Uncle John 891 Bishop's Bebnke, the 889 BOOK L SAMUEL WESLEY, SEN., M.A. In oonvaisation Samuel "Wesley was grave yet instructive, lively, and full of anecdote, and this talent the late Mr. John Wesley possessed in a hi/jh degree.— Hsmut Moobb. II Vi\ rr I - ANECDOTES OF THL WESLEYS. ■^■»*» BOOK I. Rev. SAMUEL WESLEY, Sen., M.A. " What is there like a father to a son T A &ther, quick in love, wakeful in oare^ Tenacious of his trust, proof in experience, Severe in honor, perfect in example^ Stamped with humili^ I " Samukl Wsslbt, the father of John and Charles Wesley, was bom in 1662, was Rector of Epworth thirty-nine years, and died in April, 1736. Much has been written concerning the virtues of his wife, Susanna Wesley, while her excellent husband has been thrown into the shade. He was a man of fine talents, a ripe scholar, an untiring student, a poet of rare excellence, an author of solid merit, a superior preacher, and a faithful Pastor. Mr. Wesley was a man of small stature, with a bright eye, and a radiant countenance. A number of his early schoolfellows rose to distinction, among others Daniel Defoe, author of Robinson Crusoe. John Bunyan and Richard Baxter he heard preach, and greatly admired them. He was early ac- 20 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. \ qnainted with some of the greatest wits in En^ gland, and in native gifts he was not a whit be* hind them. Alexander Pope and Dean Swifb he knew very well, and, like them, he excelled in conversational powers and in anecdote, which he made subservient to the cause of truth, and useful to silence gainsayers. Well may the poet Gowper inquire, " Iv sparkling wit the world's ezolustve right T The fixed Tee-aiinple of the rain and light t Can hopes of heaven, bright prospects of an hour, That comes to wafl us out of sorrow's power, Obscure or quench a facultj that finds Its happiest soil in the serenest minds ? Haligion curbs, indeed, its wanton play, And brings the trtfler under vigorous swaj, But gives it useAilness unknown before^ And purifying, makes it shine the more. A Christian's wit is inoffensive light; A beam that aids, but never grieves, the sight** His sons, Samuel, John, and Cnarles, and his gifted daughters, while deeply indebted to their mother, inherited their wit and poetic talent from their father. Heroically he struggled with poverty all his days. Mr. Wesley took unwearied pains in the education of his sons. His letters to them while at the University at Oxford show a large heart and noble soul, and abound in wise cautions and suggestions, which had a beneficial efi*ect upon them. Had he not been the father of the Wesleys, such were his talents and works he could not be forgotten ; but he will be remembered chiefly as ,mi Anecdotes of the Wesleys. ai thA father of the greatest evangelist of modem times, md of the best saored poet suice the min« ■trel prophet David. -•♦•- ANECDOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS. Samuel Wesley's First Parsonage. Samuel Wesley in 1601 was appointed Rector of the parish of South Ormsby, with a salary of fifty pounds a year and a parsonage. It was a very mean and uncomfortable abode, but in it he and his youthful wife resided for years, and there five of their children were bom, and most of his valuable books were written. Mr. Wesley de- scribes it in cheerfirl verse, as follows : " In a mean cot, composed of reeda and day, Wasting in aigha th' uncomfortable day ; Near where the inhospitable Humber roars, Devouring by degrees the neighboring shores. Let earth go where it will I'll not repine, Nor can unhappy be, while heaven is mine." -♦♦♦- Samuel Wesley's Description of his Wife. It has been supposed that Samuel Wesley was a sour and disagreeable husband. On the con- trary, he was one of the kindest of husbands, one of the best of fathers. His granddaughter. Miss Sarah Wesley, said "his children idolized his I'T 23 Anecdotes of the Wes^eys, »» memory." We shall see the high regard his wife had for him, and this feeling he reciprocated. A few years after their marriage, in his "Life of Christ," he painted her portrait thus : " She graced mj humble roof, end blest my life ; Blest me by a (hr greater name than wiA ; Yet still I bore an undisputed swaj, Nor was't her task, but pleasure, to obey. Scarce thought, much less could act, what I denied ; In our lone house there was no room for pride. Nor need I e'er direct what still was right ; She studied my convenience and delight ; Nor did I for her care ungrateM prove. But only used my power to show my love. Whate'er she asked I gave, without reproach or grudge^ For still she reason aaked, and I was Judgpe. All my commands, requests at her fair hands, And her requests, to me were all commands. To others' thresholds rarely she'd incline, Her house her pleasure waa^ and she was mine. Rarely abroad, or never but with me, Or when by pity called, or charity." -•♦•- Samuel Wesley and the Profane Officer. Soon after Mr. Wesley left the University he was engaged with John Dunton and Richard Sault in publishing the Athenian Gcusette. They used to meet to talk over the affairs of their new publication at Smith's Coffee House, London. At one of these meetings an incident occurred that strikingly illustrates the character of Samuel Wes- ley. At the other end of the room where Wesley and hia two Mends were met for business there Anecdotes of the Wesleys. n were a number of gentlemen, including an officer of the Guards, who was awfully profane. Mr. Wesley was shocked at his language, and asked the waiter to bring him a glass of water. It was brought In a loud tone of voice he said, ** Carry it to that gentleman in the red coat, and desire him to wash his mouth after his oaths." No sooner had he uttered these words than the officer was on his feet to chastise the young clergyman. His friends, who had better manners and judgment than himself, laid hold of him, and said, " Nay, Colonel, you gave the first offense ; you know it is an affront to swear in the presence of a clergy- man." Tears rolled on. Mr. Wesley was in Lon- don attending Convocation. As he was going through St. James's Park a gentleman accosted him, and asked if he knew him. Mr. Wesley said he did not. The gentleman brought to his mind the scene at Smith's Coffee House, when Mr. Wes- ley gave him such a terrible reproof for his pro- fanity, and added, ** Since then, sir, I thank God, I have feared an oath and every thing that is offen- sive to the divine Majesty. I rejoice at seeing you, and cannot refrain from expressing my grati- tude to you and to God that we ever met." -•♦•- Samuel Wesley and Queen Mary. Mr. Wesley was an enthusiastic admirer of Queen Mary. He dedicated to her his " Life of Christ." She is said to have read it with great pleasure. Or 11 if 24 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. The Queen gave him the living of Ep worth, which he never asked for nor expected. He says, "It was proffered and given without my having ever solicited any person, and without my ever expect- ing or thinking of such a favor." He adds, " The favors which our blessed Queen was pleased to be- stow on me, after she had read my book, were as far beyond my expectation as my desert." In 1604 this excellent Queen died, and was deeply lamented. Mr. Wesley published a poem on her death, which was highly eulogistic. The following is a specimen : " Would virtue take a shape, she'd choose to appear, Aud tliink, and speak, and dress, and live, like her. Zeal without heat, devotion without pride. Work without noise, did all her hours divide; 1 Wit without trifling, prudence without guile, Pure faith, which no false reasoning could spoil, With her, secure and blest our happy isle." This, and some other of his early poetry, made him the butt of the ridicule of the wits, and John Dunton wi'ote : ''Poor, harmless Wesley 1 let him write again; Be pitied in his old heroic strain ; Let him in reams proclaim himself a dunce, And break a dozen stationers at once." Samuel Wesley, Jr., retorted upon Dunton in his poem, "Neck or Nothing," when he puts the following into Dunton's mouth : " Have I alone obliged the press With Hftecn hundrod treatises. Printers and stationers undone— A plagiary in every one 7 " Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 25 Samuel Wesley's Life of Christ His "Heroic Poem," containing nine thousand lines, was published in 1693. Concerning its merits there were various opinions. Dunton, his brother- in-law, describes it as " intolerably dull." Samuel Badcock says, " It excited the ridicule of the wits." This same poem was splendidly eulogized by the Poet-laureate, Naham Tate, who was, to be sure, no great judge. He regards Samuel Wesley as " com- pleting the * "sk which Milton left unfinished ; and represents him as a great bard emerging fr^m soli- tude, fired with rapture, and charmingly unfolding the great themes of angelic hymns, and weaving wit and piety together. His spotless muse brings fresh laurels from Parnassus and plants them on Zion." ♦ Dr. Coke admired and republished it one hundi'ed years after the first edition was published. Wesley himself thus speaks of the first edition: " The cuts are good ; the notes pretty good ; the verses so-so." Samuel Palmer rudely attacked it. Mr. Wesley replied, " I knew my poem is faulty ; but whether it be in itself so absolutely contemptible as Mr. Palmer represents it, I desire may be left to more impartial judges. If he will be so kind as to let me know the particular faults of that poem I shall own myself highly obliged to him, and will take care to correct them. I am sensible there are too many incorrect lines in it, which had better have been left out ; but I remember, too, some lines struck ♦ See Tjrerman's " Life of Bamuel Wesley," p. 160. f 26 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. out which, perhaps, had been as well left in. I care not if 1 oblige him with two or three of them which were in the original, but were not printed, and leave him to guess the reason : ' Or murmuring deep, with harsh incondite tone, With eyes reversed, and many a brutal groan, We are the favor'd few, the elect alone.' " John Wesley said, "In my father^s poem on the *Life of Christ* there are many excellent lines, but they must be taken in connection with the rest. It would not be at all proper to print them separate." Samuel Wesley, Jr., had a peculiar affection for his father, and was a great admirer of his genius, and he speaks thus of his Life of Christ : " Whate'er bis strains, still glorious was his end: Faith to assert and virtue to defend. He sung how Ood his Saviour deigned to expire With Yida'B piety, though not bis fire." -♦M- Samuel Wesley and his Persecutors. Mr. Wesley preached at Epworth with great plain ness of speech. His politics also gave greatoffense, and much persecution followed. His opponents injured his cattle, burned his house to the ground, and had him imprisoned for debt in Lincoln Castle. Mr. Wesley was very poor, and had only ten shil- lings when he went to prison, and his wife had less. She sent him her gold rings to relieve him, but he returned them. His noble soul was free even in ' (I Anecdotes of the Wesleys. V the prison. We cannot but admire him as he bows his head to the storm. While in bonds he wrote a characteristic letter to the Archbishop of York, in which he says, " I am come to the haven where I have long expected to be ; but I do not despair of doing good here ; it may be, more in this new parish than in my old one. A jail is a paradise in comparison of the life I led before I came hither. ... I hope to rise again, as I have always done when at the lowest, and I think I could not be much loT:er now. ... I am getting acquainted with nci/ brother jail-birds as fast as I can, and I shall write to London next post to the Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge, who, I hope, will send some books to distribute among them." He volunteered to be chaplain to the prisoners, and was very useful to them. Daily he read pray- ers, and on Sabbath preached to them the perfect law of liberty. After remaining three months in Lincoln Castle he was released. -•♦^ Samuel Wesley and Archbishop Sharpe. Archbishop Sharpe was a generous man, and a great friend of Samuel Wesley. He was the grand- father of Granville Sharpe, of world-wide fame for his efforts for the enslaved. The Archbishop had great influence with King William, and it was well for Samuel Wesley to have such a friend. He rendered him great assistance in his poverty by giving and raising money for him. 1' 28 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. ill' m P I Mr. Wesley appreciated his kindness, and in a letter to the Archbishop shows his heart was over flowing with gratitude: "When I received your Grace's first letter I thanked God upon my knees for it, and have done the same, I believe, twenty times since, as often as I have read it ; and more than once for the other, which I received yesterday." Again : " I am pretty confident your Grace neither reflects on nor imagines how much you have done for me, nor what sums I have received by your lordship's bounty and favor, without which I had been ere this moldy in a jail, and sunk a thousand fathom's below nothing." He names over the sums he had received through the Archbishop, one hun- dred and eighty-four pounds, in which was included forty-three pounds from Queen Anne. " A fright* ful sum," he adds ; " but it is beyond thanks, and I must never expect to perform that as I ought till in another world, where, if I get first into the har- bor, I hope none will go before me in welcoming your lordship into everlasting habitations, where yoo will be no more tried with my follies, nor con- cerned with my misfortunes." Again he wrote a characteristic letter, dated May 18, 1701 : " Mt Lobd : . . . Last night my wife brought me &few children. There are but two yet, a boy and a girl, and I think they are all at present. We have had four in two years and i, day, three of which are living. Never came any thing more like a gift from heaven than what the Countess of Northampton sent by your lordship's charitable ii« 'm Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 29 offices. Wednesday evening my wife and I joined stocks, which came to but nx ahillingSf to send for coals. Thursday morning I received the ten pounds^ and at night my wife was delivered. Glory to Qod for his unspeakable goodness ! ** -•♦•- Archbishop Sharpd and the Highwayman. To illustrate the character of the Archbishop, Samuel Wesley's fiaithful Mend in adversity, in prison and in poverty, we insert the following anecdote, which John Wesley published in the Arminian Magazine in 1786, p. 157. It was his lordship's custom to have a saddle-horse attend his carriage, that in case of fatigue from sitting he might take the refreshment of a ride. As he was thus going to his episcopal residence, and had gone a mile or two before the carriage, a decent, well- looking young man came up to him, and with a trembling hand and faltering tongue presented a pistol to his lordship's breast, demanding his money. The Archbishop with composure turned about, and looking stead&stly at him, desired he would remove that dangerous weapon and tell him fiairly his condition. " Sir 1 sir t" with great agita- tion cried the youth, ** no words — ^'tis not a time — your money instantly I" " Hear me, young man," said the Archbishop, " and come on with me. You see I am a very old man, and my life is of very little consequence. Tour's seems far otherwise, I am named Sharpe, and am Archbishop of York ; my li 30 Anecdotes of the Wesleys, I IS carriage and servants are behind. Tell me what money you want, and who you are, and PlI not injure you, but prove a friend. Here, take this ; and now tell me how much you want to make you independent of so destructive a business as you are now engaged in.** " O, sir ! " replied the man, *' I detest the business as much as yoo. I am — but — at home there are creditors who will not stay. Fifty pounds, my lord, indeed would do what no tongue besides my own can tell!" "Well, sir, I take it on your word ; and, upon my honor, if you will in a day or two call on me at , what I have now given shall be made up to that sum." The oighwayman looked at him, was silent, and went off; and at the time appointed actually waited on the Archbishop, and assured his lordship his words had left impressions which nothing could ever efface. Nothing more of him transpired for a year and a half, or more, when one morning a person knocked at his Grace's gate, and with peculiar earnestness desired to see him. The Bishop ordered the stranger to be brought in ; he entered the room where his lordship was, and had scarce advanced a few steps before his countenance changed, his knees tottered, and he sunk almost breathless on the floor. On recovering he requested of his lordship for a private audience. The apartment being cleared, " My Lord," said he, " you cannot have forgotten the circumstances at such a time and place ; gratitude will never suffer them to be effaced from my mind. In me, my lord, you now behold that once most wretched of mankind, but Anecdotes of the Wesleys, 31 now, by your inexpressible humanity, rendered equal, perhaps superior, to millions. O, my lord, (tears for awhile preventing his utterance,) 'tis you, 'tis you that have saved me, body and soul ! *Tis you that have saved a dear and much-loved wife, and a little brood of children dearer than my life! Here is that fifty pounds; but never shall I find language to testify what I feel. Your God is your witness, your deed itself your glory, and may heaven and all its blessings be your present and everlasting reward ! I was the youngest son of a wealthy man ; your lordship knew him I am sure. His name was , My marriage alienated his afiection, and my brother withdrew his love, and left me to sorrow and penury. A month since my brother died a bachelor and intestate. What was his is become mine; and by your astonishing goodness I am now at once the most penitent, the most grateful, and happiest of my species." -•♦•- Samuel Wesley and the Chief Han of the Town. The parsonage at Epworth was burned Febru- ary 9, 1709. There can be no doubt that it was set on fire by his enemies. This was the second time it was on fire. While his house was burning the last time, and Mr. Wesley was running about the street inquiring for his wife and children, he met the chief man and chief constable of the town going from the house, not toward it. Wesley said to him, "God's will be done." He gruffly in- 32 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. quired, "Will you never be done with your trickn? You fired your house once before. Did yoa not get money enough by it then, that you have to do it again?" Mr. Wesley replied, "God forgive you I I find you are chief man stilL" -•♦•- Samuel Wesley and the Rescued Hymn. When the parsonage was burned most of Mr. Wesley^s manuscripts were destroyed, but a few small mementoes of the terrible calamity were pre- served, among others a hymn with music adapted. It is the only entire hymn written by the father of the Wesleys that finds a place in the Methodist hymn book. Behold the Sayiour of mankind Nailed to the ahamefUl tree ; How vast the lore that him inclined To bleed and die for thee I Hark I how he groans, whfle nature shaket, And earth's strong pillars bend: The temple's vail in sunder breaks, The solid marbles rend 1 Samuel Wesley and his Advisers. In consequence of the bitter persecution he en« dured Mr. Wesley was advised to leave Epworth. He was made of such material as martyrs are made oi. " God had not given him the spirit cf fear, but of courage and of a sound mind." He Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 33 was ready to say with Nchemiah, " Shall Buch a man as I flee ? " With all the Bpirit of unbending heroism he refused, saying, " 'Tis like a coward to desert my post 'because the enemy fires thick upon me. They have only wounded me yet, and I be- lieve cannot kill me." How much like his heroic ions in after years, when John wrote Shall I, for fear of feeble mao, The Spirit's course in me restrain ? Or, undismayed in deed and word, Be a true witness of my Lord ? Awed by a mortal's frown, shall I Conceal the word of God most high ? How then before thee shall I dare To stand, or how thine anger bear? Shall I, to soothe the unholy throng, Soften thy truth, or smooth my tongue. To gain earth's gilded toys, or flee The cross endured, my Lord, by thee ? What then is be whose scorn I dread? * Whose wrath or bate makes me afraid 7 A man I an heir of death I a slave To sin I a bubble on the wave 1 -•♦•- Samuel Wesley and the Dishonest Farmer. At Epworth Mr. Wesley was supported by tithes paid by his parishioners. One day he went into his jSeld where the com tithes were laid out. He found a dishonest farmer very deliberately at work with a pair of shears cutting off the ears o^ 8 "'IT m \ m 34 Anecdotes of the Wesley s. corn and putting them in a bag. Mr. Wesley said not a word, but took him by the arm and marched him into the town. When they were in the mar- ket-place he seized the bag, and, taming it inside out before the people, told them whs c tLs farmer had been doing. He then left him with his ill- gotten gain to the judgment of his neighbors, and walked quietly home. -♦»♦- Samuel Wesley and his Dying Parishioner. Samuel Wesley visited one of his parishioners as he was upon his dying bed — a man who had never missed going to church in forty years. " Thomas, where do you think your soul will go ? " " Soul ! soul ! " said Thomas. " Yes, sir," said Mr. Wesley, " do you not know what your soul is ? " " Aye, surely," said Thomas ; " why, it is a little bone in ♦he back that lives longer than the body." "• So much," says John Wesley, who related it on^ the authority of Dr. Lupton, who had it from his fa- ther, " had Thomas learned from hearing sermons, and exceedingly good sermons, for forty years.* " *♦> Samuel Wesley and the Mysterious Noises at Epworth. These noises made a great noise in the world. Mrs. Wesley first heard them in her bedroom. There was a clattering of the windows and doors, * British Minutes for 1744. Anecdotes of the Wesleys 35 ftnd f6Teral distinct knocks three by three. Nancy Marshall, the maid-servant, heard in the dining room something that sounded like the groans of a dying man. The young ladies of the family were greatly disturbed by these strange doings. Mrs. Wesley then informed her husband of the circum* stances, and intimated her belief of their nuper- natural character. He was displeased, and said, " Sukey, I am ashamed of you. These boys and girls frighten one another, but you are a woman of sense, and should know better, Let me hear of it no more." This answer displeased the girls, and they wished their father might hear the noises him- selt Their wish was soon gratified. The very next night he was roused from his slumbers by nine loud and distinct knocks. Raps and thumps were heard all over the house, except in the study. Mr. Wesley asked what it was, and why it dis* turbed innocent children, and did not come to him in his study. The next night the jioisea were as boisterous as ever. Mr. Wesley pulled out a pis* tol, and was about to fire at the place whence the sounds proceeded, when th^ Rev. Mr. Hoole caught him by the arm, and said, "Sir, if this is something preternatural you cannot hurt it by firing your pistol, but you may give it power to hurt you." There had been no disturbance in the study up to this time. The next evening, as Mr. Wesley opened the door of the study, it was thrust back with such violence as well-nigh threw him down, and then there was a knocking first on one side, then the other. J f 36 Attecdotes of the Wcsleys. ii?!^ w: He went into an adjoining room, where waa hb daughter Anne, and the noises still continaed. He said to her, " Spirits love darkness ; put oat the candle, and perhaps it will speak." She did so, and he asked the mysterious person, age to speak. No answer came, but the knocking continued. He then said, " Nancy, two Christians are an overmatch for the devil ; go down stairs, and it may be when I am left alone it will have courage enough to speak." He then thought something might have happened to his son Sam- uel, and he said, '* If thou art the spirit of my son Samuel, I pray thee knock three knocks, and no more." No answer, and all was quiet for the night. Nothing more was heard for about a month, when, while at family prayer, the usual knocks were heard when he prayed for King George, a9d a thundering thump at the amen. Noises continued, latches were uplifted, doors flew open, the house shook from top to bottom, the Rector's trencher danced upon the table at a Sunday dinner, beds were uplifted, etc. Several clergymen an^ others advised Mr. Wes- ley to leave the old parsonage. His answer was, ** No ; let the devil flee from fn«, I will not flee from Aim." Such is a mere outline of the *' strange doings " at Epworth rectory. Many have tried to account for these extraordhiary noises. Some have said it was rats, others the tricks of the servants — ^the house was haunted — witchcraft — catalepsy — diiac bolical influences — departed spirits, eta ill Attfcdotes of the Weshys, $7 Mn. Wefley wrote to her son Samuel to have him explain the mysteriouB movements. Ho wrote thus: "My mother sends to me to know my thoughts of it, and I cannot think at all of any interpretation. Wit, I fancy, might find many, but wisdom none." -•♦•- Samuel Wesley and his Comical Clerk. The following anecdote was related by John Wesley : Samuel Wesley had a clerk, a well-meaning, honest, but weak and vain man. He believed the Rector, his master, to be the greatest man in the parish, if not in the country, and that he himself stood next to him in worth and importance. He had the privilege of wearing Mr. Wesley's cast-off clothes and wigs, for the latter of which his head was far too small, and the figure he cut in it was ludicrously grotesque. One morning, before church time, Mr. Wesley said, " John, I shall preach on a particular subject to-day, and shall choose my own psalm, of which I shall give out the first line, and you shall proceed as usual." John was pleased, and the service went forward as usual till they came to the singmg, when Mr. Wesley gave out the following line : " Like to an owl in brj busb." This was sung, and the following line. John, peeping out of the large canonical wig in which i 't 38 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. his head was half lost, gave out with an audibla voice, and an appropriate connecting twang ''That rueflil thing am L" The whole congregation saw and felt the simili* tude, and could not refrain from laughter. This clerk was the same man who, when King William returned to London after some of his ex- peditions, gave out in Epworth Church, **Let us sing to the praise and glory of God a hymn of my own composing :" " King William has come home, come home; King William home is come ; Therefore together let us sing The hymn that is called Te D'am." -•♦♦- Samuel Wesley and the Miser. " Should a broad stream of golden sands Through all his meadows roll, He's but a wretch, with all his lands, ' That wears a narrow souL" We have seen that Mr. Wesley was distinguished for vivacity. His wit was bright, sparkling, always at hand, never far-fetched. The following will illustrate this : A miser near Epworth, who had always lived in a little world by himself, who had never enter- tained any company, concluded, to the astonish- ment of those who knew him, to make a feast, and invited Mr. Wesley and a number of othera to partake of it. m T? Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 39 After dinner his host requested Mr. Wesley to return thanks, which he did in the following lan- guage, which not only showed his humor, but his felicity at improvisation : " Behold a mtradel for 'tis no less Tbap eating manna in the wilderness! Here some have starred where we have found relief) And seen the wonders of a chine of beef ; Here ohimnies smoke which never smoked before, And we have dined where we shall dine no more." * The miser confirmed the closing line by inmie- diately adding, " i\ro, gentlemen,, it is too expensive^ •♦• Samuel Wesley and his Curate. Samuel Wesley had a curate named Inman. On one of Mr. Wesley's returns from the metropolis ' ft complaint was urged against his Curate that he preached nothing to his congregation, except the duty of paying their debts and behaving well among their neighbors. The complainants added, " We think, sir, there is more in religion than this." Mr. Wesley replied, ** There certainly is ; I will hear him myself." He accordingly sent for his Curate, and told him he wished him to preach the next Lord's day, observing, " You could prepare a ser- mon on any text that I shall give you?" He re- * Bichard Watson says, "The design of this odd extempo- raneous effusion, we are bound to believe, was not to indulge In levity, but to convey a useful reproof." — L^fe qfJohn Wetley, p. 281. 40 Anecdotes of the Wesley s. plied, "By all means." Then said Mr. Wesley, " Prepare a sermon on the text found in Heb. xi, 6 : 'Without faith it is impossible to please [God.']" When the time arrived Mr. Wesley read the prayers, and the Curate ascended the pulpit and read the text with the greatest solemnity, and thus began : ** It must be confessed, friends, that faith it a most excellent virtue, and it produces other vir- tues also. In particular, it makes a man pay his debts as soon as he can." He went on in this way, enforcing the social duties, for about a quarter of an hour, and then concluded. So, said John Wes- ley, " my father saw it was a lost case." -•♦♦- i:i I ! -1 Samuel Wesley reproved by his Son. Samuel Wesley loved the weed, and not only smoked tobacco, but indulged in snuff-taking. His son Samuel had a perfect abhorrence for tobacco in any form, he therefore aimed one of his keeneist satires at his father's propensities. He thus speakii of the box : " The snuff-box first provokes our just disdain, That rival of the fan and of the cane, your modern beaux to richest shrines intrust Their worthless stores of fashionable dust." And again, of snuff itself: " Strange Is the power of snuff, whose pungent grains Can make fopa speak, and furnish beaux with brains; Nor care of cleanliness, nor love of dress. Can save their clothes ft-om brick-dust nastiness. Anecdotes of the IVes/eys. 41 Some think the part too small of modish sand Which at a niggard pinch thej can command ; Nor can their fingers for that takk suffice, Their nose too greedy, not their bands too nice To such a height with these is fashion grown, They feed their nostrils with a spoon. One, and but one, degree is wanting yet To make our senseless luxury complete; Some choice regale useless as snuff, and dear, To feed the masgr windings of the ear." At the request of his aunt, Miss Annesley, young Samuel wrote this withering satire, and afterward made a most graceful apology to his father for the liberty he had taken. -♦♦•- Samuel Wesley and his son John. John was greatly indebted to his father, not only for supporting him at the University, but for excellent advice that had much to do with mold- ing his ministerial character. When John was at Oxford he was in great need of money. His father sent him some, and wrote this playful letter, full of characteristic humor, in January, 1724: "Since you have now for some time bit upon the bridle, I will take care hereafter to put a little honey upon it as often as I am able ; but then it shall be of my own mere motion, as the last five pounds was, for I will bear no rival in my kingdom." He concludes with, " Work and write while you can. You see Time has shaken me by the hand, and Death is but a little behind him. , 1 'i. i , '■ i : 1 ;! ii 11 \ \ ^ 4^ Anecdotes of the Wesleys. My eyes and heart are now almost all I have left, and I bless God for them." Again he wrote, " I will write to the Bishop of Lincoln again. You shall not want a black cot^t as soon as I have any wAiYe." -«♦»- Samuel Wesley and John Dryden. Samuel Wesley was w«ll acquainted with the English poets, and his '* Epistle on Poetry" is no bad specimen of criticism. He namep Spenser, with his " vjist genius" and "noble thoughts ;" and Dry- den, with his " matchless skill," is highly praised. But he censures the great but unhappy man, and says, " Suppose the great poet and critic to stand before the judgment-seat, (even if he should find mercy,") he exclaims, . " How will he wish that each unpolished line, That makes vice pleasing and damnation shine, Had been as dull as honest Quarles' or mine?" -•♦•- Samuel Wesley and his son Charles. There never was a more affectionate father than Samuel Wesley. His letters to Samuel, John, and Charles show this. They are like apples of gold in pictures of silver. They had much to do in forming the character of his sons. When Charles was twenty-one he began to take pupils at the University. His father wrote to him, and thus concluded his letter: "You are now I ! 1 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 43 Iftimohed fiEurly, Charles ; hold up your head and swim like a man, and when you buff the wave be- neath you say to it much^as another hero did, Carolum vebis, et Carol! fortnnam.* But always keep your eye above the polar-star, and so Gk>d send you a good voyage through the troublesome sea of life!" Can we wonder that the children of Samuel Weslev almost idolized his memory ? -♦M- Samuel Wesley and the Fellow of Lincoln. John Wesley was elected Fellow of Lincoln Col- lege, Oxford, the 17th of March, 1725. This de- lighted his venerable father, and four days after he sent him a short epistle, directed to '-''Dear Mr, MUow Meet of Lincoln^ — ^I have done more than I could for you. On waiting on Dr. Morley with this he will pay you twelve pounds. You are in- expressibly obUged to that generous man." Ten days after he writes, "What will be my own fate God knows before this summer be over. Wherever I am, my Jack is Fellow of Lincoln !" -•♦•- Samuel Wesley on Ridicule. There were those in the University who ridiculed John Wesley. He wrote to his father concerning \X, He replied in these brave words: "As to the * **Thoa cannest Charles and Charles's fortune.** 44 '!i Anecdotes of the Wesieys. gentlemen candidates you write of, does any body think the devil is dead, or so much as asleep, or that he has no agents left? Surely viitue can afford to be laughed at. The Captain and Master endured something more for us before he entered into glory, and unless we track his steps in yain do we hope to share that glory with him." -♦♦•- Samuel Wesley and flne Sermons. Samuel Wesley wrote an admirable letter to his Curate, which is a very able production, abounding in wise hints and suggestions. It was of great service to his son John in after years, and to the celebrated W hitefield. In the letter he says, " I sincerely hate what some people call a fine sermon, with just nothing in it I cannot help thinking that it is very like our fashionable poetry, a polite nothing." *♦» Samuel Wesley's Great Loss. There is a greater loss than a house, than books ; the loss of the right hand. W^at an era it is in any man's history when his right hand forgets its cunning, and falls useless at his side. Mr. Wesley, struggling with poverty, bending under the weight of seventy years, was endeavor- ing to bring out his most elaborate work, namely, "Dissertations on the Book of Job," when his right hand was stricken with paralysis, and he jii':;. Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 45 y body 1 leep, or 1 tue can i Master entered 1 Tain do 1 eoold no longer hold a pen. But he never de- spaired in the darkest hour; he hoped on and hoped ever. His language is perfectly character- istic of the man, and we wonder and still admire him as he says, " I have already lost one hand in the service, yet I thank God, non deficit altera^ and I begin to put the other hand to school this day to learn to write in order to help its lame brother." •♦• Samuel Wesley, his Sons and the Prisoners. Mr. Morgan urged John and Charles Wesley when they were at Oxford to join him in visiting the pris- oners and the poor. They wrote to their father for advice. His answer was worthy of the noble fa- ther of the "Wesleys : " As to your designs and em- ployments, what can I say less of them than valde probOy\ and that I have the highest reason to bless God that he has given me two sons together at Oxford to whom he has given grace and courage to turn the war against the world and the devil. Go, then, in God's name in the path in which' your Saviour has directed you, and the path in which your father has walked before you, for when I was an under graduate at Oxford I visited those in the castle ihere, and reflect on it with great satisfac- tion to this day." Samuel Wesley thus encour- aged this first Methodist movement, and his noble sons following his advice, partook of his spirit, and walking in his steps, were through a long life *Tbe other does not fail me. f I approve. Mlfliii ! '•h 46 Anecdotes of the Wesley s. the prisoner's friends. To them of a truth could be said, " I was sick, and ye visited me ; in prison, and ye came unto me.^* -♦♦•- Samuel Wesley's Dissertations on the Book of Job. This was hb life-time work. He was employed upon it for a quarter of a century, and died before it was finished. It was completed by his son Samuel It was written in Latin, abounded with Hebrew and Greek quotations, and contained maps and other illustrations. It was published by suit- scription, and some of the most distinguished men in Great Britain were among the subscribers. The work is a literary curiosity. Samuel Bad- cock (no great friend of the Wesleys) says : " Mr. Wesley's Dissertations were never held in any estimation by the learned." John Wesley briefly replied, " I doubt that. The book certainly con- tains immense learning, but of a kind I do not admire." Bishop Warburton aims a sarcastic blow at it. He says, " Poor Job ! It was his eternal fate to be persecuted by his friends. His three comforters passed sentence of condemnation upon him, and ho has been executing in effigy ever since. He was first bound to the stake by a long catena of Greek fjEtthers, then tortured by Pineda, then strangled by Caryll, and afterward cut up by Wesley, and anatomized by Garnet. He was ordained, I think, by a fate like that of Prometheus, to lie ^till upon Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 47 bis dunghill and have his brains sucked out by owls." * Dr. Adam Clarke says, " It is one of the most complete things of the kind I have ever met with, and must be invaluable to any man who may wish to read the Book of Job critically." Alexander Pope was a great admirer of Samuel Wesley and his work, and he thus wrote to Dean Swift: " This is a letter extraordinary, to do and say nothing but recommend to you a pious and good work, and for a good and honest man ; moreover, he is about seventy, and poor, which you might think included in the word * honest.* I shall think it a kindness done to myself if you can propagate Mr. Wesley's subscription for his Coomientary on the Book of Job among your divines, (Bishops ex- cepted, of whom there is no hope,) and among such as are believers or readers of Scripture. Even the curious may find something to pleaae them if they scorn to be edified. ^ It has been the labor of eight years f of this learned man's life. I call him what he is — a learned man — and I will engage you will approve his prose more than you formerly could his poetry. Lord Bolingbroke is a favorer of it, and allows you to do your best to serve an old tory and a suf- ferer for the Church of England, though yuu are a whig, as I am.* " Some one wrote to Samuel Wesley on the great delay of the work, and the uneasiness of some of *NichoU'8 Literary Anecdotes. f Many years longer. 48 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. n '■ the BubHcribcrs. His reply was characteristic. He says, "He dot'H not wonder they think the Book of Job was long coming out, though it is common in books of this nature, especially when the author is absent from the press, and there are so many cuts and maps in it as must be in mine. Now if Job's friends have need of patience at seeing him lie 80 long on the dunghill, or, what is much the same, the printing house, how much more has Job himself need of it, who is sensible his reputation suffers more and more by the delay of it, though if he himself had died, as he was lately in a fair way to it, having been as good as given over by three physicians, there would have been na doubt to any one who knows the character of my son at Westminster that every subscriber would have had his book." *»« Samuel Wesley's Dying Predictions. The time came when the old Rector of Epwortb must die. As he was expiring he laid his hand upon the head of Charles, and said, " Be steady, the Chris- tian faith will surely revive in this kingdom ; you will see it, though I shall not." To another of his children he said, " Do not be concerned at my death, God will then begin to manifest himself to my family." How patriarchal the scene! We are reminded of the words of the dying Jacob, " Behold, I die, but God will be with you." How prophetic the language ! How fulfilled to the i':| ^1 \w mn ^w^'.rr^^^ Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 49 very letter both in regard to hid family and the nation! To his widow, to his sons John and Charles, they were not only flames of love, but flames of fire ; such manifestations as had not been seen since the days of Pentecost ! Seven years pass away, and his son John, ex- cluded the church edifice, stands upon his father's tombstone for eight successive nights and preaches to crowds at Epworth the glorious Gospel of the blessed God. A glorious revival followed. Re- viewing the mighty work John Wesley exclaimed, " O let none think his labor of love is lost because the fruit does not immediately appear. Near forty years did my father labor here, but he saw little fruit of his labor. I took some pains among this people too, and my strength also seemed spent in vain; but now the fruit appeared. There was scarcely any in the town, on whom either my fa- ther or I had taken any pains formerly, but the seed sown so long since now sprang up, bringing forth repentance and remission of sins."* As further proof we quote from a sermon John Wesley preached at the laying of the comer-stone of City Road Chapel in 1VV7, from "What hath God wrought ? " In it he inquires, " But has there, indeed, been any extraordinary work of God wrought in England during this century ?'* After describing its origin he says, "This revival has spread to such a degree as neither we nor our fathers had known. How extensive has it been! There is scarcely a considerable town in the king- • Wesley's Journal, vol. i, p. 26t. 4 50 Afucdotes of the Wesleys. i I dom where some have not been witnesses of it. It has spread to every age and sex, to most orders and degrees of men." Then he dwells upon its swi/tnesSy as well as its extenty its depth^ its purity. He concludes thus : '* Such a work cannot easily be paralleled, in all these concurrent circumstances, by any thing that is found in the English annaln since Christianity was first planted on this island." * Charles Wesley heard his father say, God had shown him he should have all his nineteen children about him in heaven. Can we doubt that long ago the hopes of the father were realized? "The ooean oroflsed, no wanderer lotti Jl flunily in beayen." * Wedej's Sermoni, vd. i, p. 4M, II BOOK II. SUSANNA WESLEY. **M«i7 daoghten hare done Tirtnontly, bat thou exoellNt themalL" BOOK II. SKETCH OF SUSANNA WESLEY. ** So womui, bom to dignify retreat^ Unknown to flourish, and unseen be great, To gife domestio life its sweetest dhann, With softness polish, and with virtue warm : Vearflil of fiune, unwilling to be known, Should seek but Heaven's applauses and her own ; Should dread no blame but that which crimes imparti The oensuies of a self w BOOK III. REV. JOHN WESLEY, A.M. « ■■ 'The world is my pariah.** lii BOOK HI. m ■.it Rev. JOHN WESLEY, A.M. •'We liTe in deods, not years; in thouglitB, not bre»tlw{ In feelings, not as figures on a dial. We should count time by heart-throbs. He most Uvea Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best.'* Thb fjEtme of John Wesley is world-wide, and each Bucceeding age adds to its brilliancy. In our brief space we cannot paint his portrait; we can only sketch the outlines. John Wesley, second son of Samuel and Susanna Wesley, was bom in the old parsonage at Epworth the 17th of June, 1703. After the home-training he went to the Charter- house School in London, and then to the University at Oscford. He was small in stature, like his brother Charles and Dr. Coke. Jhese three ** little men** made a great chango in the moral world: John Wesley, the founder of one of the largest Churches in Christendom ; Charles Wesley, the world-renowned Christian poet; and Thomas Coke, the great founder of modem missions. John had a powerful but practical intellect. He was no visionary, to build castles in the air. As a scholar, he was familiar with the whole field of literature; as a writer, his style was pure, clear, and transparent to a rare degree. His sermons were plain, practical. » 1 t 1:1; 76 Anecdotes of the Wesley s. III* powerful, Bcripturally rich, for, like Apollos, he was ** mighty in the Scriptures." He shows keen exe< getioal talent in his Notes on the New Testament. In dialectics he had rare skill; his controversial writings abound in illustrations of this faculty. He was bom a legislator. " The Deed of Declara- tion," by which he secured the chapels to the Con- nection, and an itinerant ministry to the Churches to the end of time, show his great legislative talent, and that he was far in the advance of the age in which he lived. He was in "labors more abun- dant." No man since the days of Paul ever accom- plished more evangelical labors. His travels were very extensive. He was like the angel John saw flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel. His piety was of the cheerful kind; he lived in the sunshine, and walked in the light. There was nothing in him of sour godliness. Mr. Wesley was the best of company, having a rich fund of anecdote ; when he would unbend he was as playful as a child." He was dignified, yet he did " not mind high things," but condesended " to men of low estate." He was alike at home in the palace or the cottage, company for princes or peasants, for adults or childii^n. While for some of his best traits he was indebted to his mother, his sparkling wit and poetic talent he inherited from his father. Mr. Wesley was distinguished for boundless be- nevolence, untiring industry, indomitable firmness, unfaultering courage, unwearied patience, perpetual cheerfulness, seraphic devotion, and heavenly en- thusiasm. In him was blended the conrage of -1^ Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 77 Luther with the prudence of Melanchthon, thi zoal of Peter with the affection of John. His character wiil more fully appear in the anecdotes in this volume, which show him not only in public but in private ; not only in the parlor, sur- rounded by elegance and beauty, but in his every day dress " with the common people, who heard him gladly/' One who knew him very intimately thus de- scribes him : " His countenance as well as his con- versation expressed an habitual gayety of heart, which nothing but conscious innocence and virtue could have bestowed. He was in truth the most perfect specimen of moral happiness I ever saw, and my acquaintance with him has done more to teach me what a heaven upon earth is implied in the maturity of Christian piety than all I have elsewhere seen or heard or read, except in the sa- cred volume." * Another says, concerning Wesley, **I consider him the most influential mind of the last century ; the man who will have produced the greatest ef- fects centuries, oi perhaps millenniums hence, if the present race of men should continue so long.f After a life of unparalleled usefulness he died in holy triumph the 2d of March, 1V91." The death of Mr. Wesley was almost a transla- tion, and has furnished a theme for the painter. It was a sublime conclusion of an eventful life. His sun went down full-orbed, to rise in fairer * Alexander Knox. f Southey — CorresDondence with Wilberforce. ■if i I 78 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. heavens, leaving lingering rays of light and beauty behind, showing not only the glorious termination of the day, but the brilliant immortality that fol- lowed. -•♦♦- ANECDOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS. John Wesley and the Ffa«. On the 9th of Febniary, 1709, the parsonage at Epworth was discovered to be on fire at midnight, and in midwinter. The father of the Wesleys was awakened out of sleep by a cry of "fire, fire," from the street. He opened his bedroom door, and, to his astonishment, found the house full of smoke, and the roof so burned that it was ready to fall in. He directed his wife and two girls to arise and flee for their lives, she bursting open the door of the nursery where the maid was sleeping with five children. She took up the youngest, and bade the others to follow her. The three eldest did so ; but John, who was then six years old, was not awakened, and in the alarm and confusion was forgotten. The rest of the family escaped, some through the windows, and others by the garden door, and Mrs. Wesley, to use her own expression, "waded through the fire." At this time John, who had been forgotten until that moment, was heard crying in the nursery. The £Ather ran to the stairs, but they were so nearly consumed that they could not bear his weight, and being utterly f Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 79 In deipair, he fell upon his knees in the hall, and in agony commended the soul of the child to God. John had been awakened by the light and noise, and finding it impossible to escape by the door, climbed upon a chest that stood near the window, and he was then seen from the dooryard. It was a critical moment. There was no time for pro- curing a ladder ; but one man was hoisted on the shoulders of another, and thus he was rescued from the flames. A moment more and it would have been too late, for the roof fell in with a tre- mendous crash. When the father saw that John was iwfe, with a heart overflowing with gratitude he exclaimed, " Gome, neighbors, let us kneel down ; let us give thanks .to God ! He has given me all my eight children. Let the house go, I am rich enough.'* The next day Samuel Wesley, as he was walk- ing in his garden surveying the ruins of his house, found a part of a leaf of his Polyglot Bible on which these were the only legible words : " Go sell all that thou hast, and take up thy cross and follow me." Mr. Wesley bore his loss like a Christian philosopher. He said, as all his fur- niture was burned up, "We rhave now little more than Adam and Eve bad when they went to housekeeping.*' John Wesley, through a long life, remembered with gratitude his wonderful rescue from the de- vouring flames. Under one of his portraits, published during his life-time, is a representation of a house on fire, with •'■ i So Anecdotes of the IVes/tys. this inquiry : " Ib not this a brand plucked out of the burning ? " There is also an engraving on a large scale of the house on fire, and the escape of little John. It is called " The Brand." -•♦•- John Wesley at the Charter-house School. After his home training John Wesley, as has been said, was sent to the Chaiter-housc in Lon- don. This was in 1714. The Charter-house is in the heart of London. It was originally built for a monastery. In 1611 it was sold at auction for thirteen thousand pounds to Thomas Sutton, Esq., one of the richest merchants of the day, who es- tablished the present institution, for which he ob- tained a charter from King James I. Its object was twofold — education for the young, and suj)- poit for the aged. In this school forty-four boys are gratuitously fed, clothed, and instructed in the classics. They must be between the ages of ten and fifteen yeara, and can remain only eight years. Here men who rose high in the world went to school. Here those polished essayists, Addison and Steele, and the great legal commentator. Sir William Blackstone, and the distinguished thee >- gians, Isaac Barrow and John Wesley were edu- cated. John Wesley was a great favorite with Dr. Walker, the head master, on account of his diligence in study as well as his sobriety, and he received many acts of kindness from him. He his Dr. Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 8f ever remembered him with gratitude. The older boys ate up his meat, and for some time he lived on bread. What contributed to his health was taking the advice of his father — running round the Charter-house garden every morning three times. Here he made great proficiency in his studies. He ever after had a remarkable love for the place, and during his annual visits to London he was accustomed to walk through the Charter- house, recalling with intense delight the scenes of his youth. -•♦•- John Wesley and Dr. Henry Sacheverell. Henry Sacheverell was ten yeare younger than Samuel Wesley, senr. He had fine taleiits, but was one of the highest of High Churchmen, and a peifeot firebrand of a preacher. He published two bitter sei'mons, and the most intense excitement followed. The House of Commons passed a reso- lution that they " were malicious, scandalous, and seditious libels, highly reflecting upon her Majesty and her government, the late happy Revolution, and the Protestant succession as by law estab- lished," and ordered that he should attend at the bar of the House. He was tried, and found guilty on February, 1710. The defense which he deliv- ered on the occasion was written by Samuel Wes- ley. Some yeare after the trial, as John Wesley was about to be entered at Oxford as a student, his father, in view of the service he had rendered Dr. Sacheverell, and knowing he liad strong influ- 6 Hi 1 •!|'| V I* '4 8a Anecdotes of the Wesleys. ence at the college, directed his son to call upon the doctor and get letters of recommendation. John Wesley called on him, and relates the inter- view in his own peculiar style. He says : " I was a very little fellow when I was introduced to him. I found him alone, as tall as a May-pole, and as fine as an Archbishop. After I made known to him the object of my visit, he said, ' You are too 3 oung to go to the University. You cannot know Greek and Latin yet. Go back to school' " Cer- tainly this was very cool treatment from a man whom his father had so greatly befriended. In- stead of discouraging him, however, it stirred up the righteous soul of the young aspirant for knowl- edge. John Wesley says, "I looked at him as Goliath looked at David, and despised him in my heart. I thought, K I do not know Greek and Latin better than you I ought to go back to school indeed. I left him, and neither entreaties nor com- mands could have again brought me back to him." -♦♦♦- jQhn Wesley and his Brother Samuel. John had studied with his brother Samuel, who wi'ote to his father, " Jack is with me, and a brave boy, learaing Hebrew as fast as he can." While John was at Oxford, Samuel had the misfortune to break his leg. He wrote a letter to John in a vein of pleasantry informing him of it. John was just twenty-one years old. His reply is charactendtic : " I believe," said he, " I need not use many argu- ments to show 1 am sorry for your misforturve. Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 83 though at the same time I am glad yon are in a fair way of recovery. If I had heard of it from any one else, I might prohahly have pleased you with some impertinent consolations ; but your way of relatuig it is a sufficient proof that they are what you don't stand in need of. And, indeed, if I un- deretand you rightly, you have more reason to thank God that you did not break both legs, than to repine because you have broke one leg. You have undoubtedly heard the story of the Dutch seaman who, having broken one of his legs by a fall from the mainmast, instead of condoling with himself, thanked God he had not broke his neck." m m \ i I ' -•♦•- Samuel's Poetical Epistle. Samuel visited Oxford while his brothers were there, and on his return home he wrote a poetic epistle to Charles, in which he thus inquires con- cerning his brother John : " One or two queBtioas more before I end That much concern a brother and a friend. Does John seem bent beyond his strength to goy To his frail carcass literally foe ? Lavish of health, as if in haste to die, And shorten time, to insure eternity?" John Wesley and the poor Maid. The following anecdote is given in Wesley's own words : " Many years ago, when I was at Ox- ford, on a cold winter's day, a young maid (one of ! li i r: vn : t i r 84 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. those we kept in school) called upon me. I said, *you seem half starved. Have you nothing to cover you but that thin linen gown?' She said, * Sir, this is all I have.' I put my hand into my pocket, but found I had scarce any money left, having just paid away what I had. It unmediately struck me, Will thy Master say, ' Well done, good and faithful steward! Thou has^ adorned thy walls with the money which might have screened this poor creature from the cold ! ' O justice ! O mercy ! are not these pictm'es the blood of this poor maid? See thy expensive apparel in the same light! thy gown, hat, head-dress! Every thing about thee that cost more than Christian duty re- oiuired thee to lay out is the blood of the poor! O be wise for time to come I Be merciful ; more faithful to God and man ; more abundantly adorned with good works." * -•♦•- John Wesley and the Serious Man. John Wesley, influenced by the writings of Thomas h. Kempis and Mr. Law, was disposed to exclude himself from society and enjoy a solitary religion. He traveled a number of miles to see a " serious man," and to have some conversation with him. " Sir," said the man, " you wish to serve God and go to heaven; remember, you cannot serve him alone; you must therefore find com- panions or make them. The Bible knows nothing * Sermon on Dm vol ii. p. 2o2. Anecdotes of the Wesleys. «J of solitary religion." These words made a deep impression upon the heart of Mr. Wesley; they gave a turn to his whole life, and had an influence upon his future destiny and the destiny of millions. This was good ad vi se, given at the right time. How true, that '*wordi) fitly spoken are like apples of gold in pictures of silver." In after years Mr. Wesley was ever ready to exclaim, in the language of his brother Charles, " Not in the tombs we pine to dwell, Not in the dark monastic cell, By vows and grates confined; Freely to all ourselves we give. Constrained by Jesiis's love to live. The servants of mankind." •♦t |i* <^^% i.c 1.1 UiM2B |Z5 ■so ^^" ■■■ I" Ui 12.2 1.25 III 1.4 1.6 .'^ •7 ^> Photographic Sciences Cbrporalion 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. MSM (716) •72-4503 " W^'^ ■^V' ^ 4^ ^ 92 Anecdotes of the Westeys. This convinced Mr. Wesley that the Moravians possessed something of which he was destitute, and he rested not until he obtained that faith that could smile iu the midst of an ocean storm — that hope which is like an anchor to the soul — that love that oasteth out fear. -»♦•- John Wesley and Religious Quixotism. Mr. Wesley was about to leave bis native coun try to embark for America as a missionary to the Indians. A gentleman, who thought it foolish for him to go, said to him, " What is this, sir ? Are you one of the knights-errant ? How, I pray, got Quixotism in your head? You want nothing. You have a good provision for life, and are in the way to preferment; and must you leave all to fight windmills, to convert savages in Ameri> ca ? " Mr. Wesley answered feelingly and calmly, " Sir, if the Bible be not tPie, I am as very a fool and madman as you can conceive ; but if it be of God, I am sober-minded, for he hath declared, * There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.* ** -•♦•- John Wesley and General Ogletliorpe. General James Oglethorpe was the intimate friend of the father of the Wesleys. He was H Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 93 Governor of Georgia, and it was through his in- flnenoe John and Charles Wesley were secured as missionaries to Georgia. On their voyage to America John Weslciy heard a great noise in the cabin of Governor Oglethorpe, and went in to ascertain the cause. As he entered he found the Governor in a great rage. Said he : "Mr. Wesley, you must excuse me. I have met with a provocation too great for any man to bear. Tou know the only wine I drink is Cyprus wine. I, therefore, provided myself with several dozens of it, and this villain, Grimaldi, [his foreign servant, who was almost dead with fear,] has drunk up the whole of it ! But I will be revenged on him. I have ordered him to be tied hand and foot, and be carried to the man-of-war which sails with us. The rascal should have taken care how he used me so, for I never forgive." " Then," sud Mr. Wesley, looking calmly at him, "I hope you never sin." The General was quite confounded at the reproof^ and putting his hands into his pocket took out a bunch of keys, which he threw at Grimaldi, and said, "There, villain, take my keys and behave better for the future." i ; t ! ',■ i -•♦•- The Wesleys, Oglethorpe, and the Officers. During the voyage the Wesleys visited General Oglethorpe in his cabin daily. Upon one of these visits some officers and certain gentlemen, who were invited guests, not liking the gravity of the I 94 Anecdotes of the, Wesleys. ministers, took some very improper liberties with them, and were disposed to have some fun at the clergymen's expense. The General was very indignant at such conduct, and in a manner not to be misunderstood ex- claimed, " What do yon mean, sirs ? Do you take these gentlemen for Tithe-pig-parsons ? These are gentlemen of learning and reputation. They are my friends, and whoever offers any afiront to them insults me."' From that time they were treated with profound respect, both by the officers aiid passengers, until their voyage ended. -•♦•- General Oglethorpe and the French Prince. To show further the character of the General, with whom the history of the Wesleys was so interwoven for a time, we insert the following anecdote ; General Oglethorpe is said to have been a brave officer. When he was a young man he entered the Austrian service, and was dining one day in company with a number of his brother officers, among whom was a French prince of the blood royal The Frenchman, who sat opposite to him at the table, looked with an air of contempt upon the British youth, and taking up his glass drank his health, throwing at the same time, with the dash of his finger, some drops of wine in his fiu^ c ( i 8 ii Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 95 Young Oglethorpe coolly replied, **That is a fine joke, Prince ; but we play it off better in my country," and instantly threw his glass of wine in the face of his insulter in return. The Gallic Prince instantly arose and began to prepare for deeds of honor, when the company insisted upon his sitting down because he had offered the first insult I -•♦•- John Wesley and Spangenberg. Augustus G. Spangenberg was one of the Mora- vian Pastors in Georgia. He was great in learning and piety. He afterward became Bishop, was the author of the Life of Count Zinzendorf and some excellent hymns. The Moravians, and among others 'Spangenberg, were hospitable to John Wesley on his arrival. He inquired of Mr. Wesley, " Does the spirit of God bear witness with your spirit that, you are a child of God?** Wesley was surprised at the in- quiry, and knew not how to answer it Spangen- berg then asked, **Do you know Jesus Christ?" " I know him to be the Saviour of the world," re- sponded Wesley. **True," said the Moravian; ** but do you know he has saved you ?" "I hope he has died for me," rejoined Wesley. Spangen- berg only added, "Do you know yourself?" "I do,** answered Wesley ; but he adds, '* I fear they were mere words." But the period came when they were something 96 Anecdotes of the Westeys. more than mere words; when he could not only exclaim, in the language of his brother Charles, " The Spirit •nswera to the blood, And tells me I am bora of God,** bat sing with him, ** How can a sinner know Hii sina on earth forgiven? How can my gradoua Saviour show My name inscribed in heaven f ** What we have felt and seen With confidence we tell; And publish to the sons of men The signs in&llible." -•♦♦- John Wesley and the Indian Chief. Tomo Chachi was an eloquent chief belonging to the Creeks. Governor Oglethorpe took him to England, where be was fed, feasted, and honored. When the chief returned he was introduced to Mr. Wesley. He said, through a female interpreter, to Mr. Wesley, " I am glad you are come. When I was in England I desired some one to speak the great word to me, and my nation then desired to hear it But now we are all in confusion, snd yet I am glad you are come. I will go and speak to the wise men of our nation, and hope they will hear. But we would not be made Christians as the Spaniards make Christians : we would be taught before we are baptized." Wesley replied, " There is but one, He that sitteth in heaven, who is able to teach man wisdom. Though we have come so far, we know ^ ^ Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 97 not whether he will be pleased to teach you by ^-s or no. If he teaches yon, yon will learn wisdom ; but we can do nothing.** When Tomo Chachi was urged to listen to the doctrines of Christianity he keenly replied, ** Why, there are Christians in Savannah ; there are Chrif»- tians at Frederica." Nor was it without good apparent reason that the poor savage exclaimed, "Christian much drunk 1 Christian beat men! Christian tell liesl Devil Christian! We no Christian 1" -•♦•- John Wesley's early Promise and Sir Edward Seaward. The following shows the purity of WesIcy^s character in early life, as well as the various opinions entertained concerning him. The Rev. Mr. Rowley was Sir Edward Seaward's chaplain. In conversation vrith him Sir Edward sud, ** I have heard a good deal in London from a Mr. Powis (who was connected with the minister Sir Robert Walpole) about a Rev. gentleman recently set out for Georgia. I think his name is Wesley. In speaking of him Mr. Powis called him a crack-brained enthusiast, relating a number of strange things he had done, and said, that to cum- plete all he had gone to Georgia to convert the Indians. M.*. Powis also hinted that Mr. Wesley had secret expectations of being ultimately Bishop of the Province. Do you know any thing about him ? ** Mr. Rowley replied : " I remember to have t 1 i i I i hi 98 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. heard Mr. John Wesley when at Oxford about seven years ago. His conduct and opinions there certainly excited some conversation and discussion, but I knew but little of him personally. I think, however, that he will be highly useful in Georgia ; for wh? ever his peculiar views and doctrines may be, his piety is unimpeachable. I never can forget," continued he, " an CT^ression of Mr. Gerard, the Bishop's chaplain, concerning him. When George Lascelles was launching out against the Curator of the Holy Club,* the chaplain said, * Whatever eccen- tricities John Wesley may have, I mistake much if he be not one day a standard-bearer of the Cross, whether in his own country or beyond thd seas.' Now, Sir Edward," continued Mr. Rowley, " I take Mr. Gerard to have had as good a bight in this matter as the Jesuit Le Jay when he said to his pupil Voltaire, * Young man, the day will arrive when you shall be the standard-bearer of Infidelity.* The prophecy of Le Jay is fulfilled, and I firmly believe so will be that of Gerard. Le Jay saw in his pupil Voltaire the most unrestrained skepticism and impiety; Gerard observed in Wesley a holy zeal burning within him, then restrained, but ready to burst into a ^ame." f , -♦♦•- John Wesley and the result of his Mission. John Wesley,' on reviewing the results of his mission, says, " I went to America to convert the • A nickname for John Wesley. f Sir Edward Seaward's Narrative. - - ./ Anecdotes of the Wesleys, 99 Indians; bnt O! who shall convert me? Who, what is he that will deliver me from this evil heart of unbelief? I have a fair summer religion. I can talk well ; nay, and believe myself, while no danger is near; but let death look me in the face and my spirit is troubled. Nor can I say, * To die is gain ' *' " I have a Bin of fear, that when IVe spun M7 last thread, I shall perish on the ibore." Again: **It is upward of two years since I left my native country in order to teach the Georgian Indians the nature of Christianity ; but what have I learned myself in the meantime ? Why, (what I least of all suspected,) that I, who went to America to convert others, was never converted myself." If his mission to the New World benefited no one else, he reaped a rich harvest from it 1, " I -•♦•- John Wesley and Peter Boehler. Peter Boehler is a name revered by Methodists throughout the world. His honored name is in- separably blended with the early history of John Wesley and his brother Charles. Soon after John Wesley's return from America he became acquainted with this distinguished Mo- ravian minister, from whom he learned the way of God more perfectly. Their acquaintance formed a new era in his spiritual history. Mr. Wesley was blending philosophy with the simple doctrines of the Gospel Boehler said to him, " My brother, 100 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. mj brother, that philosophy of yonn most be purged away." The 17th of February, 1737, Mr. Boehler ac- companied John and Charles Wesley to Oxford, where their character and engagements soon pro- voked the mirth of the godless students. The reproach the young Wesleys had formerly endured was now revived, and even when they walked through the squares of the college they were mocked and laughed at Upon one of these occa- sions Mr. Boehler, perceiving John Wesley was troubled at it chiefly f■ John Wesley and the Bishop of Londonderry. Dr. Barnard, the Bishop of Londonderry, was a very catholic man, a ne»t. JiMt Z^^f^T *" ''«'' enter- Mr- We.ley „^^ '^ »f-^ the pUoe of worship % God," win , , ",^;,**"> "I^are to aieet 1^. and iMpiJ ! ZT y "**"' 'fc»t Mruclc w« »ked if he had ^^^\. °° "^ '«"'"■ le He repUed, "NoZ^^^i^" "'^ Methodist? eo-pany, «.d began to wy^,1".T ^^ "■«■• »«»e wa. Martin Mad™ B*^ °^'"*''- »» pendent fortune and .hi' * POMessed an inde- J^ih.n.an^y^^'r^-Jf Tth"^' the he never accepted any ben«Z« ?° ***® ^^»*-ch in his lot among t^ M«th!^^ '""^"*y- He cast <«^«nt parts of tt fa^^^^^^ -^ itinerated to w^'^a^olT^^^^^^^ He composer. The muste of ' """^ * ''^P^«t*»>l» io Qod, the only wise," 8 • I? I'' f •J ii 114 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. and many others which were composed by him, are well known and deservedly popular. Lady Hunt- ingdon became his patron, and threw her mantle over him. He was a dignified young man; of a tall, noble form, majestic countenance, with a voice of unusual sweetnesH and power, and crowds flocked at once to hear him. Youth, beauty, wealth, and eloquence all had a charm for the people. His first sermon was preached to an over- flowing congregation at AUhallows Church, Lon- don, the same in which Mr. Wesley preached his first extemporaneous sermon. -•♦♦- John Wesley and John Nelson. John Nelson is one of the early heroes of Method- ism. When he was awakened his distress of mind was such that he wished he " never had been bom." He heard Mr. Whitefield at Moorefields, and says, *' He was to me as a man that could play we '1. on an instrument, for his preaching was pleasant to me, and I loved the man so that if any ofiered to disturb him I was ready to fight for him ■ but I did not understand him ; yet I got some hope f mercy, so I was encouraged to pray on and spend my leisure hours in reading the Scriptures." In this frame of mind he continued till Mr. Wesley preached for the first time in Moorfields. "O," says he, "that was a blessed morning for my soul! As soon as he got upon the stand he stroked back his hair and turned his face toward where I stood. a P ti w le or gc sk Anecdotes of the Wesleys. "5 and I thought he fixed hU eyes on me. His coun- tenance struck such an awful dread upon me before I heard hmi speak that it made my heart beat like the pendulum of a clock ; and when he did speak, I thought his whole discourse was aimed at me.** As soon as Mr. Wesley had finished his sermon Nelson said within himself, " This man can tell the secrets of my heart. He hath not left me there, for he hath shown me the remedy, even the blood of Jesus." He was converted and became one of Mr. Wesley*8 lay preachers. His autobiography reads like a tale of chivalry. -•♦•- John Wesley and Nelson's hard Bed. John Wesley did not always sleep on a bed of down. Sometimes his bed was very hard and un- comfortable, particularly during the early part of his ministry. Wesley and Nelson visited Cornwall before Methodism was established there. Nelson, in his own laconic style, gives an account of their lodging. " All this time," he says, " Mr. Wesley and I lay on the floor; he had my great-coat for a pillow, and I had Burkitt^s Notes on the New Tes- tament for mine. After being here nearly three weeks, one morning about three o'clock Mr. Wes- ley turned over, and finding me awake dapped me on the side, saying, ** Brother Nelson, 1 >t us be of good cheer. I have one whole side ye«i, for the skin is off bui one side." As they were returning Mr. Wesley stopped his 18, i ii6 Anecdotes of the Wesleys, horse to pick blaokberries, and said, " Brother NeU •on, we ought to be thankful that there are plenty of blaokberries, for this U the best country I ever •aw to get an appetite, and the wont place to pro- vide means to satisfy it" -«♦•- John Wesley and William Bramwell. William Bramwell is a name that will ever have a conspicuous place in the annals of Wesleyan Methodism. Mr. Wesley passed through Preston and saw young BramweU, and inquired, as he took hold of his hand, " Dear brother, can you praise God?** " No, sir,*' was the answer. "Well, per- haps you can to-night,'* said Mr. Wesley, lifting up his hand and smiling upon the young man, who was a stranger to the joy of reconciliation. That night, while the service was proceeding, he was able to rejoice in God, by whom he received .the atonement. He never after lost the joy, but was able to walk in the light till glory perfected what grace had begun. -•♦♦- John Wesley and his Traveling Companion. "Michael Fenwick," Wesley says, "was often hindered from settling in business because God had other work for him to do. He is just made to travel with me, being an excellent groom, valet-de- chambre, nurse, and upon occasion a tolerable Anecdotes of the Wesleys, 117 preacher.** All men desire immortality. Mr. Fen- wiok one day complained to Mr. Wesley that, though constantly traveling with him, his own name was never inserted in Wesley^s published journals. In the next number of the Journal was the following : ** I left Epworth," wrote Mr. Wes- ley, ^*with great satisfaction, and about one preached at Clayworth. I think none were un- moved but Michael Fenwiok, who fell fast* asleep under an adjoining hay-rick.** * -♦♦♦- John Wesley and the Young Quaker. In 1740 Mr. Wesley had an interview with a young Quaker named Joseph Chandler, who had frequently spoken in the meetings. Mr. Wesley had never seen him, and did not know there was such a person. Some one had carried a formal challenge to him from Mr. Wesley to dispute with .him, and afterward told Mr. Chandler that he heard Mr. Wesley declare in open society, " I ohal* lenged Joseph Chandler to dispute, and he promised to come, but broke his word." Joseph immediately sent to Mr. Wesley to know from his own mouth if these things were so. Mr. Wesley adds : " If those who count themselves better Christians had but done like this honest Quaker, how many idle tales which they now believe would, like this, have vanished into airl" * Wesleyan Magudne, 1843, p. 41(L II II 1^' 1 % \i 1' w i M ft' •A ^.■^- 4; iy 4 Ii8 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. John Wesley and John King. John King was one of the early English Meth- odist preachers in America. He accomplished a vast amount of good. As a pioneer of Methodism in America his name should be held in grateful remembrance. He was imprudent in the use of his voice, and did not appear to know that it is not the thunder that does execution, but the light- ning, and that " bodily exercise profiteth little." Mr. Wesley, knowing his habits, wrote to him thus : " Scream no more at the peril of your soul. God now warns you by me, whom he hath set over you. Speak as earnestly as you can, but do not scream. Speak with all your heart, but with a moderate voice. It was said of our Lord, 'He shall not cry.* The word means, he shall not scream. Herein be a follower of me as I am of Christ. I speak loud, often vehement, but I never scream; I never strain myself I dare not. I know it would be a sin against God and my own SQul. Perhaps one reason why that good man, • Thomas Walsh, yea, and John Manners loo, were in such grievous darkness before they died was, because they shortened their own lives." •»» Wesley, Boardman, and Pilmoor. Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmoor were Mr. Wesley's first regular missionaries to America. At the Conference held at Leeds, August 1, 1769, Mr. Wesley says, "I mentioned the case of our Anecdotes of the Wesley^. 119 brethren in New York, who had built the first Methodist preaching-house in America, and were in great want of money, but much more of preach- ers. Two of our brethren, Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmoor, willingly offered themselves for the sendee, by whom we determined to send them fifty pounds, as a token of brotherly love." * Such is the simple account which Mr. Wesley gives of the transaction. But an anecdote has lately been circulated from tradition, now inter- woven into gr-ze history, that is full of romance. *' It is usually supposed that when Mr. Wesley's app^l was made the response was immediate ; but it was otherwise. The Conference sat in silence, no man answering. The next morning Wesley, as was his custom, preached before the assembly at five o'clock on the text, *I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.' At the reassembling of the Confei- ence, after the sermon, the appeal war repeated, and the responses deliberately and resolutely made." f Rev. Charles Prest makes the statement on the authority of Rev. J. Edmondson, who ob- tuned it by tradition. -♦♦•- Washington and Wesley. Martin Rodda was an English preacher in America during the war, and by incautiously * Journal, toL iv, p. 416. f Stevens's History of the Methodiat> Episcopal Churob, voL ,p.96. I" I ! \ I* \ )1 ■! IS 1 — ^mm 1 20 Anecdotes of the Wesleys, meddling with politics exposed himself to the dis- pleasure of those in power. At a certain time he was brought before General Washington, who asked who he was. Rodda told him he was one of John Wesley's preachers. "Mr. Wesley," re- joined his excellency, "I respect; but Mr. Wesley, I presume, never sent you to America to interfere with political matters, but to preach the Gospel to the people. Now go and mind your own proper work, and leave politics alone.** -♦♦•- John Wesley and the Polite Audience. John Wesley always preferred the middling and lower classes to the wealthy. He said, " If I might choose I should still, as I have done hitherto, preach the Gospel to the poor,^^ Preaching in Monktown Church, a large, old, ruinous building, he says, " I suppose it Has scarce had such a con- gregation during this century. Many of them were gay, genteel people, so I spoke on the first elements of the Gospel ; but I was Suill out of their depth." O how hard it is to be ahaUoto enough for a polite audience ! " •M*- John Wesley and his Sister Emilia. Emilia was John's oldest sister, and some years his senior. She was well educated, and was distin- guished for personal beauty and mental and moral excellence. Her wit was of the keenest order. a Anecdotes of the Wtsleys. 121 She loTed her brother John with peculiar affec- tion. He declared she was the best reader of Mil- ton he had ever heard. Such was their intimacy that she took great liberty in approving or disap- proving of his acts. In the early days of Method- ism she became much prejudiced against them, and she wrote to him in a very unpleasant tone, abus- ing the Methodists. She told him she under- stood he could work miracles, cast out devils, etc. ; that she had the devil of poverty in her pocket, and would be much obliged to him if he would oast it ouc Mr. Wesley kept on with his heaven- approved work, unmoved by the abuse of friends or the opposition of enemies. The reader can see the change there was in her mind, and the high regard she had for John, by reading the following lines, which she wrote under a portrait of John Wesley : " His eyes diffuse a venerable graee^ And charity itself is in his face. Humble and meek, learneti, pious, prudent, Ju8^ Of good report, and faithflil to bis trust; Vigilant, sober, watchful of his charge. Who feeds his sheep, and doth their folds enlai^gOi" '1 1^ '4 M ;l f: -•♦•- John Wesley, John Hampson, and the Mob. In Norwich, in the early days of Methodism, the preachers scarcely ever got through the service of a Sabbath evening without having more or less distorbance or a mob at the chapel doors. ...» w 122 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. Mr. Wesley visited Norwich in company with John Hampson, a preacher of gigantic make and muscular powers, but not wanting in strength or grandeur of mind. When Mr. Wesley hpi fin- ished his sermon, and was leaving the chapel, he found the street crowded with a mob, who wer 3 waiting to do him some violence. As they closed in upon him Mr. Hampson stepped forward and fronted them in the attitude of threatening. Mr. Wesley, fearing that he would really attack them, called out to him to refrain, upon whi sh Mr. Hamp- son replied in a thundering voice, '* Let me alone, sir ; if God has not given you an arm to quell this mob he has given me one, and the first man who molests you here I will lay him dead." The boldness of his manner and the loud tones of bis voice paralyzed the mob. Not the least vio- lence was offered, and Mr. Wesley and his cou- rageous friend passed on unmolested. ■♦♦•- John Wesley and the Young Preacher. Mr. Wesley was very regular in his hours of sleep. Rev. W. M. Punshon related to me the following : " Mr. Wesley was in a place where many of the ministers were gathered, and there were not beds enough for all unless two slept together, so a young preacher was designated to sleep with Mr. , Wesley. He was full of joy, thinking what a fine opportunity he would have to get light on several Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 133 theological subjects. After they had retired he asked Mr. Wesley several questions. To his sur* prise and mortification Mr. Wesley, instead of an- swering them, said, * Brother, I came to bed to sleep.*** -•♦•- John Wesley and the Renowned Pugilist Nearly a century has passed away since John Wesley preached for the first tin^e upon Cole-Or- ton-Moor. He had been invited there by some who were the first-fruits of Walter Sellon^s minis- try. The intended visit of Mr. Wesley was noised abroad, and a neighboring squire, whose influence over the colliers was great, resolved, if possible, to hinder the preaching. He gave the men a treat, with a liberal allowance of liquor, and, armed with formidable truncheons, these guardians of ortho- doxy repaired to the spot where the open-air serv- ice was to be held. The appointment of com- mander-in-chief fell upon James Massey, an ath- letic fellow, of stalwart frame, and great mus- cular power. He was, in fact, the terror of the whole neighborhood, a renowned pugilist, and a disturber of every wake and fair in that section. Another man, like-minded, was second in com- mand. The squire^s forces were mastered accord- ing to a plan previously arranged: one leader, with his band, to be on the right, the other on the left of Mr. Wesley. The preacher was punctual in fulfilling his engagement, and a large congrega* m IK 1 11 i |;! 1 I 1 li j{ \ :| li ill i 124 Anecdotes of the Wesley $, tion was present. He opened with the customary devotions, and as he was about to commence the sermon Massey looked upon him savagely and menacingly, but thought he would just hear a little of what he had to say. As John Nelson says, speaking of the first time he heard Mr. Wes- ley preach in the open air at Moorfields, "When he did speak I thought his whole discourse was aimed at me," so it was with John Massey. The persecutor's heart began to beat violently, and an arrow of conviction shot from the bow of truth, and guided in its flight by the Spirit of God, found lodgment the. e. Tears of penitence rolled down his cheeks in rapid successior. During this in- terim the colliers became impatient, and one man cried out, " John, why dunna ye gi' the word o' command?" When he firmly replied in like dialect, " If ony mon touches the preacher I'll recon wi' him to-morro' mamin' up oth pit-bonk." After this the service closed in peace. The mouths of the lions were closed. Massey went home a true penitent, and from that day the devil lost in him an active champion. He sought the Lord with his whole heart, and soon obtained a sense of the divine favor, and became in the moat emphatic sense another man^ and was for many years a very useful Local Preacher. After years of usefulness he died in holy triumph, and was buried in a grave- yard near the spot where he first trembled under the awakening power of truth as preached by the founder of Methodism.* * WealeyaQ Magazine. 1856, vol. i, p. 140. Anecdotes of the Wesleys, 125 Rey. John Fletcher used to visit the place and preach for Walter Sellon. During one of his visits it was announced he would give an evening lecture at Mr. Hairg, a distinguished Methodist ; but by some unforeseen circumstances he was detained elsewhere beyond the time appointed. The house was thronged, and there was quite a disappoint- ment at the non-arrival of Mr. Fletcher. Under these circumstances John Massey was requested to occupy the place of the seraphic Fletcher. Great as was the cross, John Massey took it up, and delivered an appropriate and powerful discourse. Soon Mr. Fletcher came in unper- ceived by John, and sat down quietly behind a piece of furniture, and listened vith great attention to his plain and faithful message. At the close of the service Mr. Fletcher warmly shook John by the hand, and thanked him for his " eX' cellent exhortation." -♦♦♦- The Profane Officer. John Wesley was traveling in a stage-coach with a young officer who was exceedingly profane, and who swore curees upon himself in almost every sentence. Mr. Wesley asked him if he had read the Common Prayer Book ; for if he had he might remember the Collect beginning, " O God, who art more ready to hear than we are to pray, and art wont to give more than either we desire or de- serve." The young man, who had contracted a : .1 lit m I - : fl M I • it I 126 Anecdotes of the Wes/eys. very common, bat vulgar habit of profanity, had the good sense to make the application and swear no more diiring the journey. -♦♦♦- Ingenious Reproof. On one occasion when John Wesley was traveling he had for a fellow-passenger in the coach an officer who was intelligent, and very agreeable in conversa- tion ; but there was one very serious drawback — his profanity. When they changed coaches Mr. Wes- ley took the officer aside, and after expressing the pleasure he had enjoyed in his company, said he had a great favor to ask of him. The young officer said, ^' I will tak9great pleasure in obliging you, for I am sure you will not make an unreason- able request." " Then," said Mr. Wesley, " as we have to travel together some distance, I beg, if I should 80 far forget myself as to swear, you will kindly reprove me." The officer immediately saw the motive and felt the force of the request, and smiling, said, " None but Mr. Wesley could have conceived a reproof in such a manner." The re- proof acted like a ohaim. -•♦•- John Wesley and the Old Servant Mr. Wesley, in June, 1743, visited Epworth, his native place, where his father had been Rector for many years. He thought his former acquaintance would be ashamed to acknowledge him, so he put - 9 (It I Anecdotes of the Wes/eys. 12! op at an inn in the center of the town. But an old servant of his father, with two or three poor women, heard that he was in town and called on him. Mr. Wesley inquired of the old servant of the family if she kne^ of any in Epworth who were in earnest to be saved. She answered, '^ 1 am, by the grace of God, and I know I am saved through faith." He then inquired, "Have you, then, the peace of God ? Do you know that he has for- given your sins?" She replied, "I thank God I know it well, and many here can say the same thing." This was a matter oi* rejoicing to Mr. Wesley to find an old servant of his father a servant of God, and in possession of the knowledge of sins forgiven. t! I' li i '''4 if -•♦♦- John Wesley and the Curate Romley. John Romley studied divinity under Samuel Wesley, senior, graduated at Lincoln College, Ox- ford, and became his Curate. He owed all he was to the father of John Wesley, even his very position as Curate at Epworth. But he forgot his obligation to the family. On a Sunday in June, 1742, a little before the service began, John Wes- ley went to Mr. Romley and offered to assist him, either by preaching or reading prayers. But he de- clined to accept the offer, and preferred doing his own work. It had been noised abroad that Mr. Wesley would preach in the afternoon, and the house was full Mr. Romley did not ask Mr. Wesley to assist, i: 128 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. but preached from " Quench not the Spint." Hf Baid one of the most dangerous ways of quenching the Spirit was by enthtuicumf and enlarged with great zeal and energy on the character of an enthusiast. The audience all knew he meanh John Wesley and the Methodists. As the people were retiring from church, John Taylor, an excellent man, who then accompanied Mr. Wesley, stood in the church-yard, and gave notice as they were coming out, " Mr. Wesley not being permitted to preach in the church, designs to preach here at six o'clock." At six Mr. Wesley stood near the east end of the church upon his father's tomb-stone, and preached to such an audience as Epworth never saw before from " the kingdom of heaven is not meat and drink, but righteoueness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost." Never was there a more impressive scene. There, among the tombs, standing over the ashes of his sainted father, he preached to them of life and deatn, heaven and heU. The e£fect was over- whelming. In January, 1743, Mr. Wesley revisited Epworth, ** and again preached standing on his father's tomb. It was sacrament Sunday. Mr. Romley said to one, " Pray tell Mr. Wesley I shall not give him the sacrament, for he is not fit." Mr. Wesley says, *' There could not have been so fit a place under heaven where this should befall ihe first as my father's house, the place of my nativity, and the very place where, according to the strictest sect of our religion, I had so long lived a Pharisee. It m Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 129 wts also fit in the highest degree that he who re- pelled me from that very table where I had so often distributed the bread of life should be one who owed his all in this world to the tender love my father bore to his as well us personally to himself/' Mr. Romley a few years after lost his voice, became a drunkard, then a lunatic, and in this sad state he died. ■«♦•- The Tomb-Stone Sermon. No wonder Mr. Wesley had fruit from the first •ermon he preached on his father's tomb-stone. One of his hearers on that occasion was a gentle- man who boasted that he had not been to church in thirty years. The church-yard scene — a man preaching in the midst of graves, and over the dust of his father — ^led him to attend and hear Mr. Wes- ley. The word was a hammer to break his fiihty heart in pieces ; and when the sermon was ended the gentleman stood as if he was transfixed, look- ing up to heaven. Mr. Wesley inquired of him, *' Are you a sinner?" With a tearful eye, quiver ing lip, and fialtering voice he answered, '* Sinner enough!" and he renuuned looking up till his friends thrust him into his carriage and hurried him home. Ten years after Mr. Wesley saw him, and was agreeably surprised to find him strong in faith, giving glory to God, and though feeble in body, patiently waiting the hour of his departure. 9 » jl M ^ III I ! Ifl** I 130 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. John Wesley and Dr. Priestley. John Wesley's father wished him to he his suo* cessor at Epworth, hut he declined to apply for the living, helieving he could he far more useful as he was. Dr. Joseph Priestley said in regard to it: " Mr. Wesley wanted only rational principle* of religion to he one of the first of human characters." Henry Moore well says, " Had Mr. Wesley only what Dr. Priestley calls rational principle* of re- ligion ho might have gone tho usual rounds of parochial duty at Epworth, and, it may he, suc- ceeded to what is termed a better living. But however he might in that case have heen admired as a scholar and a man, he certainly neve) would have ranked with reformers or apostles ; nor would the present, not to say future, generations rise up and call him hlessed." -•♦♦- ' John Wesley and Bishop Lavington. Bishop Lavington -wrote a Bcurrilous hook en- titled " Enthusiasm of the Methodists and Papists Compared." His pamphlet was anonymous. It was Btahhing in the dark. He acted on this principle, " Strike, hut conceal the hand." Mr. Wesley dis- covered the author and replied to him. In so doing he showed himself a master workman, and that he was set for the defense of the Gospel. His lively wit and keen logic is admirahly used against his episcopal opponent. Lavington replied, saying, "Wit, not truth, is your ohiect." Mr. Wesley 1 1 Anecdotes of the IVesleys. 131 knew not only how to write to his cncmiea in love, bat to " answer a fool according to hin folly." In his Journal of November 10, 1761, Mr. WeBley Bays, " I began to write a letter to the ' Conjparcr of Papists and Methodists ' — heavy work — such as I never choose, but sometimes it must be don*.*. Well might the ancients say, ' God made practical divinity necessary ; the devil controversial.* *' -♦♦♦- John Wesley and Bishop Warburton. Bishop Warburton made an attack upon John Wesley, in which he forgot he was writing to a scholar, a gentleman, a Christian, and a Christian minister. He forgets his dignity and descends to personal abuse. He calls Mr. Wesley hard names. Comparing him with the early preachers, he calls him " this paltry mimic." Mr. Wesley, true to his principles, did not forget that he was writing to a dignitary of the Church, and in his reply said, "Surely a writer should reverence himself, how much soever he may despise his opponent." Mr. Wesley had a forgiving spirit. He afterward com- muned with Bishop Warburton, and said " he ex- pected to meet him in heaven." -•4*- John Wesley and Beau Nash. At Bath a notable man named Beau Nash, then " lord of the ascendant " in that city, encoun- tered Mr. Wesley in order to amuse the people, con- i .If ; 1 : = a* #4:[: 132 Anecdotes of the Wesley s. found the preacher, and render Methodism ridicn* louB. The public were informed what was to bo done and great expectations were raised, so the audience was greatly increased, and among them many of the rich and fashionable. Mr. Wesley addressed himself to all classes, from the highest to the lowest. While he was preaching Beau Nash entered the room, came close to the preacher, and demanded of him by what authority he was acting. Wesley replied, " By that of Jesus Christ, conveyed to me by the present Archbishop of Canterbury when he laid his hands upon me and said, * Take thou author- ity to preach the Gospel.' " Nash then affirmed he was acting contrary to the laws. *' Besides," said he, " your preaching frightens people out of their wits." *' Sir," replied Mr. Wesley, " did you ever hear me preach ? " " No," said the master of ceremonies. " How, then," said Mr. Wesley, " can you judge of what you never heard ? " Nash made answer, '*By common report." "Sir," said Mr. Wesley, "is not your name Nash? I dare not judge you by common report. I think it not enough to judge by." Nash quailed under Mr. Wesley's ironical reply. Soon, however, he recovered, and said, " I desire to know what these people come here for ? " " Sir, leave him to me," said one; "let an old woman answer hinL You, Mr. Nash, take care of your body ; we take care of our souls, and for the food of our souls have we come here." Mr. Nash could endure it no longer and he beat a hasty retreat, no doubt acting on the principle that, i \ 1 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. * He that flghts and runs away If ay live to fight another day; But he that is in battle slain Will never live to light again." * 133 ( , M -•♦♦- John Wesley and the Ladies of Bath. Curiosity is a strong passion. As Mr. Wesley was returning from preaching at Bath immediately after his interview with Beau Nash, the streets were full of people hurrying to and fro, full of curiosity to see the man who was causing such excitement. Whenever they inquired, " Which is he?" Mr. Wesley would reply, "I am he," and silence followed. Several ladies followed him into Mr Merchant's house, where he was entertained. Mr. Wesley retired into his room, when the servant said to him, " Mr. Wesley, there are several ladies in the other room who wish to speak with you." He immediately went out into the room where they were, and the ladies gazed upon him as if he was a supernatural being. He saw at once that curiosity had brought them there, and he said, '* Ladies, I believe the maid was mistaken; she said you desired to speak with me, huit i/ou only wanted to look at me." Sharp Comment Mr. Wesley was sent for several times in 1760 to see a young woman in Bedlam. He went, and • Southey's Life of Wesley, yoL I, p. 366. ill 1 f ■ '« 'J {"•"■ ' I i t i! 1 i * 134 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. had not conversed with her long before one dressed in a little brief authority informed him abruptly that none of these preachers were to come there. A short time before he had been 4)rohibited from talking with the prisoners in Newgate. He made the following comment : " So we are forbid to go to Newgate for fear of making them wicked^ and to Bedlam for fear of driving them mad^ -•♦•- John Wesley and the Subdued Mob. John Wesley was never more calm and fearless than in the hour of danger. He was preaching at a certain time when the mob, maddened with fury, tore up the floor, while others on the outside pulled out the windows and doors of the house. Mr. "Wesley walked out, looked them full in the face, and fixed his piercing eye upon them, when the mass of the people parted asunder, so that a broad way was made for him, and he passed through his ene- mies unharmed. Then he wrote the hymn com- mencing, " Ye simple souls that stray," in which is found the following stanza : " Angels our serrants are, And keep ua in our ways; And in their watchful hands they bear The sacred sons of grace." -♦♦♦- John Wesley and Doctor Gibson. In 1740 John Wesley had a conversation with Dr. Gibson, then Bishop of London, at Whitehall w Atucdotes of the Wesleys. 135 The Bishop inquired of Mr. Wesley what he meant by perfection. He told him without any disguise or reserve. When he had made the ex- planation it was so perfectly satisfactory to the Bishop he said, "Mr. Wesley, if this be all you mean publish it to all the world. If any can con- fute what you say he may have free leave." Mr, Wesley answered, " My lord, I will ;" and accord- ingly wrote and published the sermon on Chris- tian Perfection. -♦♦•- John Wesley and the Plain Man. John Wesley once asked a plain man " Ought not he who feeds the flock to eat the milk of the flock ? " He answered, " Friend, I have no objec- tion to that. But what is that to him that docs not feed the flock ? He stands on the far side of the hedge and feeds himself; it is another who feeds the flock. And ought he to have the milk of the flock? What canst thou say for him? Truly nothing at all. And he will have nothing to say for himself when the great Shepherd shall pronounce that just sentence : * Bind the unprofit- able servant hand and foot, and cast him into outer darkness.' " -*♦♦- John Wesley and Mr. Bailey. The Rev. Mr. Bailey, of Cork, in 1760 wrote a severe letter to Mr. Wesley, which was printed and widely circulated. He brings many severe li IS h ''I 1 'h J" "i i 136 Anecdotes of the Wesleys : i 1 charges against Mr. Wesley, among others love of profit and honor. Mr. Wesley replied in a mas* terly manner, showing his irony and sparkling wit to great advantage. He says : " But * the honor I gain,' you think, * is even greater than the profit.' Alas, sir, I have not generosity enouf h to relish it, and especially while there are so many drawbacks, so many dead flies in the pot of ointment. Sheer honor might taste tolerably well, but there is gall with the honey, and lesf of the hone^f than gall. Pray, sir, what think you f Have I more honor or dishonor? Do more people praise or blam3 me ? How is it in Cork, among your own circle of acquaintance ? Where you hear one com- mend do you not hear ten cry out, * Away with such a fellow from the earth ? ' Above all, I do not love honor with dry blows. I do not find it will cure broken bones. But perhaps you may think I glory in these. O how should I have glo- ried, then, if your good friends at Dantsbridge had burned my person instead of my efiigy ? We are here to set religion out of the question. Tou do not suppose I have any thing to do with that? Why, if so, I would rather leave you the honor, and myself sleep in a whole skin.** -•♦•- John Wesley and the Mayor of Cork. John Wesley preached in May, 1760, in the suburbs of Cork. In the afternoon two of the preachers went to the Mayor and asked if it I mm Anectbtes of the Wesleys, 137 ironld be disagreeable to him if Mr. Wesley preached on the Marsh? He answered, ^'Sir, I will have no more mobs and riots." One of them replied, " Sir, Mr. Wesley has made none." The Mayor then said, ** Sir, I will have no more preaching, and if Mr. Wesley attempts it I am prepared for hinu" Mr Wesley did not preach on the Marsh, but in the Methodist house of worship. He says, ** The good Mayor in the mean time was walking on the **Change,* and gave orders to his sergeants and town-drummers, who immediately came down to the house with an innumerable mob attending him. When Mr. Wesley came out from the chapel the mob pressed very closely upon him. Mr. Wes- ley saw one of the King^s sergeants standing near him, and he desired him to keep the King*s peace. But he replied, " Sir, I have no orders to do that." Mr. Wesley then began to see there was real mean- ing in what a gentleman said, who, being told " King George tolerates Methodists," replied, " Sir, you shall find the Mayor is King of Cork.'* -•♦♦- John Wesley and the Irish Justice of the Peace. John Wesley arrived in a certain town in Ire- land, and a worthy Justice of the Peace was de- termined he should not preach there. He was slow in mustering his mob, and when he arrived Mr. Wesley had finished his sermon. The Justice came blustering up to him, and said in a tone of magisterial authority, "■ Sir, you shall not preach >ll !;i 111 i 138 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. in this town." Mr. Wesley said, " Sir, I do not in- tend to preach here again to-day. I have already preached, and am just leaving." On leaniing that the dignified Justice flew into a terrible passion, and could hardly contain himself. He was, how- ever, too much of a coward to attack Mr. Wesley ; but seeing his hat on the table, he wreaked his vengeance on that, kicking and oufling it most valiantly. ■«♦♦- John Wesley and the Rabble. Mr. Wesley had just commenced preaching on a beautiful green near Pensford, when a mob of fellows hired for the purpose came upon the au- dience with fury, driving a bull among the people. The animal was wiser than his drivers, and contin- ually ran to one side of the congregation or the other while they quietly sang praises to God, and prayed for about an hour. The poor wretches, finding themselves disappointed, at length seized upon the bull, weak and tired after having been so long torn by dogs and beaten by men, and by main strength partly dragged and partly thrust him iu among the people. When they had forced their way to the little table on which Mr. Wesley stood they strove several times to throw it down by thrusting the helpless beast against it, who of himself stirred no more than a log of wood. Mr. Wesley turned aside the head of the bull with his hand that the blood might not drop upon his clothes, intending to go on with his discourse Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 139 The table fell down, and some of his friends caught Mr. Wesley in their arms and carried him away on their shoulders, while the rabble wreaked their vengeance on the table by tearing it to pieces. Mr. Wesley went a little way off and finished his sermon without any noise or interruption, so these sons of Belial had all their trouble for nothing. •♦> John Wesley, the Persecuted Methodists, and the King. John Wesley and his coadjutors endured a great fiight of affliction. The people roared like lions. The storm of persecution rose higher and higher till deliverance came in a way none expected. Mr. Wesley says : " God stirred up the heart of our late gracious sovereign to give such orders to his magistrates as, being put in execution, effectually quelled the madness of the people. It was about the same time that a great man applied personally to his Majesty, begging that he would please ' take ft course to stop these run-about preachers.' His Majesty, looking sternly upon him, answered with- out ceremony, like a King, " I tell you while I sit on the throne no man shall be persecuted for con- Bcience* sake."* -•♦•- Whitefleld's Mission to America. John Wesley while in Georgia wrote several letters to George Whitefield, urging him to come * Wesley's Sermons, vol. ii, p. 893. Ml 1 \'i ■5 i 1^^ it: I !i ■ ( ( 140 Anecdotes of the Wesleys, to America. In one of them he inquired, " Do you ask what you shall have ? Food to eat, raiment to wear, a house to lay your head in, such as your Lord had not, and a crown of glory that fadeth not away." Whitefield said, "His heart leaped within him, and echoed to the call" He did come to America, and wonders were produced by his preaching, and after having crossed the Atlantic many times, here he died and was buried. Had it not been for John Wesley's urgent call White- field might never have come to this new ]¥orId. -•♦♦- Field Preaching. Whitefield first set the example of field preach- ing. Soon after he began Mr. Wesley accompa- nied him to Blackheath to hear Whitefield preach to the masses. Fouiteen thousand people had as- sembled. Whitefield urged Wesley to preach to them the word of life. At. first he declined, at last reluctantly consented. From that day an efiectual door was open for him to teach the multitudts. Whitefield rejoiced in his success, and wrote thus : " I went to bed rejoicing that another fresh inroad was made into Satan's territories by Mr. Wesley following me in field preaching in London as well as in Bristol" Long after Wesley wrote, " Forty years ago I began preaching in the fields, and that for two reasons : first, I was not suffered to preach in the Anecdotes of the WesUys. 141 thnrches ; second, no pariah ohorch oonld contain the congregations." -•♦•- The Surreptitious Letter. Jolin Wesley was the soul of honor, as the fol- lowing will show : George 'Whitefield, some time after his separa- tion from Mr. Wesley, wrote him a letter on the suhject of Cahdnism. In it he assumed a superi- ority over Mr. Wesley that was no credit to him. Whitefield*s friends in London having ohtained a copy of this letter, had it printed without White- field or Wesley's permission, and distributed a number of copies at the door of the Foundry, and also in the meeting. Mr. Wesley took one of the letters in his hands into the pulpit, and having stated to the congregation the fact of its surrep- titious publication, he said, " I will do just what I believe Mr. Whitefield would do if he were here himself;'' and then he tore it to pieces. Every one in the house having a copy of the setter, fol- lowed Mr. Wesley's example, and the letters were in a moment torn into fragments. In reference to the person by whom the letter had been published Mr. Wesley says, *' Ah, poor Ahithophell" -♦♦•- Wesley, Pool, and ¥niitefleld. Adam Clarke and John Pool traveled the same eircuit, and Mr. Pool, who was intimately ao- ■,1 1 ' f I 1. m l\ m ilfl i: SJ1-; :ii 142 Anecdotes of the Wesley i. quainted with Whitefield, related the following anecdote : " Whitefield one day met Pool, and ac- costed him thns : ' Well, John, are you still a Wesleyan ? ' * Yes, sir, and I thank God that 1 have the privilege of being in connection with Mr. Wesley, and one of his preachers.' 'John, thon art in the right place ; my Brother Wesley acted wisely. The souls that were awakened under his ministry he joined in class, and thus preserved the fruits of his labor. This I neglected, and my peo- ple are a rope of sand.' " Hov;' true to the letter, the work of one almost obliterated, that of the other extending with each succeeding age. ■♦M- Jotan Wesley and Whitefleld's Will. They became divided in sentiment, Wesley an Arminian, and Whitefield a Calvinist. Notwith- standing the theological difference between them, they were united as by hooks of steel, and loved one another as brethren. In Mr. Whitefleld's last will and testament, written with his own hand about six months before he died, he says : " I leave a mourning ring to my honored and dear friends and disinterested fellow- laborers, the Rev. John and Charles Wesley, in token of my indissoluble union with them in heart and affection, notwithstanding our difference in judgment about some particular points of doc- trine." Mr. Keen, one of the executors, inquired of Mr. Anecdotes of the Wesleys. «43 White6eld, " If you should die abroad, whom shall we get to preach your funeral Bcrmon ? Must it be your old friend John Wesley?" Mr. White- field replied, " He is the man." When the news of Mr. Whitcfield's death reached London Mr. Keen waited on Mr. Wesley and engaged him to preach it. Mr. Wesley complied with the request, and in his sermon he bore ample testimony to the undissembled piety, the ardent zeal, and extensive usefulness of his much-loved and honored friend. Ill" :• -♦♦•- Whitefleld and the Uncharitable Minister. The following anecdote will show the views of Mr. Whitefield concerning John Wesley : '* A min- ister was in company with Mr. Whitefield, and during the interview he was very free in his re- flections on Mr. Wesley and his followers. Finally he expressed a doubt concerning Mr. Wesley's sal- vation, and said to Mr. Whitefield, *Sir, do you think when we get to heaven we shall see John Wesley?' *No, sir,' replied Mr. Whitefield, *I fear not, for he will be so near the eternal throne, and we shall be at such a distance, we shall hardly get a sight of him.' " -•♦♦- John Wesley and the Young Critio. In 1744 Mr. Wesley was riding near London when a young gentleman overtook him on the road, and asked him " if he had seen Whitefield's I ■% ^ ii'lil 144 Anecdotes of the Westeys. Journals.*' He replied he had. ''And what do you think of them ? " said he. " Don't you think they are cant, cnthuBiasm from end to end? I think BO." Mr. Wesley inquired, " Why do you think so ? " He replied, " Why he talks so much of joy and BtufT, and inward feelings. As I hope to be saved, I cannot tell what to make of it." Mr. Wesley asked, " Did you ever feel the love of God in your heart ? If not, how should you tell what to make of it ? Whatever is spoken of the religion of the heart, and of the inward workings of the Spirit of God, must appear enthusiasm to those who have not felt them ; that is, if they take upon them to judge of the things of which they own they know nothing." -«♦•- John Wesley and Mr. Whitelamb. John Whitelamb, a clergyman of the Church of England, was a brother-in-law of Mr. Wesley, having married his sister Mary, who had a face exquisitely beautiful He had also been his pupil at the University. In a conversation with Mr. Wesley he lamented that he and his brother should encourage the common people to look for pardon and the blessings that flow from justification. "With you, dear sir, and your brother Charles and others," said he, ** who are learned, there may be a reality in their profession, but who can help fearing that with these uneducated men it is absurd- ity and a delusion." John Wesley justified their Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 145 oourae. He knew that "common salvation" was ofTered to our common race, and that the " common people had heard the Saviour gladly," and that it is the crowning glory and the transcendent excellency of Christianity that "the poor have the Gospel preached unto them." The Wesleys were a great blessing to the common people in their day. Meth< odism, while adapted to all classes, from the highest to the lowest, and to every order of mind, has accomplished wonders for the common people. Hi • M t I The Slanderer. Many were the slanders circulated against John Wesley, and among others that he had at- tempted to commit suicide. In 1741 he was preaching in Bristol on Trusting in the Lord, and showing what reasons Christians had for trusting in the Captain of their salvation, when suddenly one of his auditors cried out, " Who was your cap- tun the other day, when you hanged yourself ? I know the man who saw you when you were but flown." Mr. Wesley adds, "This wise story, it leems, had been diligently spread abroad, and cor- dially believed by many in Bristol. I desired the Audience to make room for the man to come nearer, but the moment he saw the way open he ran away with all possible speed." How true is it that "the wicked flee when no man pursueth," while, in a go♦> John Wesley and James Hervey. Rev. James Hervey was an amiable man of con- siderable genius. He was the author of " Medita- tions among the Tombs," " Thcron and Aspasia,'* and other works. He belonged to the "Holy Club " at Oxford, with John and Charles Wesley. John aided him in his studies, and taught him He- brew. He was a father to him, and treated him with as much kindness as if he had been his son. Mr. Hervey appreciated and acknowledged that kindness, as the following extract from his letter to John Wesley shows : " I will invite you, my fiEtther and Mend, to meet me among the spirits of the just men made perfect, since I am not likely to see you any more in the flesh. Then will I bid you welcome, yea, I will tell of your love before the universal assembly, and at the tremendous tri- bunaL I will hear with joy the Lord Jesus say of you, (O you that are greatly beloved 1) * Well done, good and faithful servant. Tou have seVved your Lord and your generation with your might ; you have finished the work which my Father gave you to do. If others turned their thousands, you have turned your ten thousands from the power of Satan onto God 2 receive, therefore, a glorious kingdom. 1:" I mw ,•11 ii i (58 Anecdotes of the Wesleys, a beautiful and immortal crown from my hand. Enter with the children I have given you, with the Bouls you have won.' O thou blessed one I thou heir of glory ! enter in at those everlasting doors, and receive there the reward of thy labors, even fullness of joy for ever and ever." ' Till a late period in life James Hervey exhibited toward John Wesley and his brother the warmest friendship and the purest affection. It is to be re- gretted that some posthumous editions of his " Let- ters " were made vehicles of abuse of Wesley by Hervey's editors. -•♦♦- l i6z Anecdotes of the Wesieys. you nor I can answer. What does yonr lordship think of the first point in all religion, the worship of an eternal God ? What idea has your lordship of a Being without beginning and without end ? ^' His lordship was silent for some time, and then expressed himself as utterly lost in the idea of such an existence. ** And yet," said Mr. Wesley, " you must believe it ; can your lordship get on one step without believing it ? " The reply was, " I cannot" " Well, then," added Mr. Wesley, " my Lord, in all religion we must take the first point for granted, and that, too, with the highest reason; and yet we can form no conception of the idea of an eter- nal Being : it is too vast for finite intelligences. Let us, then, converse a little respecting the evidences of religion." Mr. Wesley being fully master of the subject, th^ conversation was long, interesting, and satisfactory. His Lordship made this objec- tion : " How can I be certain that this record, while I cannot deny any part of it, was ever realized by any man ? " " The same record, my Lord, which assures you of the fi&cts, gives the clearest account of those who testify to the facts, and in such a manner as, admitting one, doubt is shut out of the other ; and I could bring a hundred witnesses out of the book who can now, any day, assure you ol the same facts." " O," replied his Lordship, " my mother tells me enough of these to bring me to per- sonal experience, which as yet I cannot receive." Here the conversation ended. The Earl died in a fit of apoplexy, in the prime of youthful vigor, while sitting at a table with a party of friends. '♦• John Wesley and the Inquiring Lady. Mr. Wesley was once asked by a lady, ** Suppose that you knew you were to die at twelve o'clock to- morrow night, how would you spend the intervening time ? " " How, madam ? " he replied ; " why just as I intend to spend it now. I should preach this night at Gloucester, and again at five to-morrow morning. After that I should ride to Tewkesbury, preach in the afternoon, and meet the societies in the evening. I should then repair to friend Mar- tin's house, who expects to entertain me, converse and pray with the family as usual, retire to my room at ten o'clock, commend myself to my heavenly Father, lie down to rest, and wake up in glory." lltP lil • »» The Mayor of Tiverton. What airs some men will put on when dressed up in brief authority ! Soon aftej Mr. Wesley began to preach in the open air at Tiverton bitter persecu- tion arose, and there was a mighty effort to put a stop to the work. Toward the close of 1752 the Mayor, being in company with some gentlemen, asked them if it would not be best to drive the Methodists out of town? saying there was but ; -%■■ l!:ii 1: (; 164 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. little reason for a new religion in Tiverton, where there were so many already. " Ton know/* said he, " there is the old and the new Church, they are but one religion ; then there are the Presbyterians in Pitt-street and the Baptists in Newport-street — four ways of going to heaven already I — enough in conscience, I think ; and if they wont go to heaven by one or the other of these, they shaVt go to heaven at all from here while I am Mayor of Tiverton I" -•♦•- The Disputant Mr. Wesley was traveling on horseback, in 1741, into Leicestershire. He fell in company with a serious man, and they immediately entered into con- versation. Mr. Wesley says, " He presently gave me to know what his opinions were, therefore I said nothing to contradict them. But that did not con- tent him ; he was quite uneasy to know whether I held the doctrine of the decrees as he did. But I told him over and over we had better keep to practical things, lest we should be angry with one another ; and so we did for two miles, till he caught me unawares, and dragged me into the dispute before I knew where^ was. He then grew wanner, and told me he believed I was rotten at the heart, and he supposed I was one of John Wesley's fol- lowers. I told him. No, I am John Wesley himself. Upon this he appeared as one who had unawares trodden on a snake, and would gladly have run away outright, but being the better mounted I" "wm Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 165 oi the two I kept close to his side, and endeavored to show him his heart till we came into the street of NottinghaoL'* -•♦»- The Friendly Ian. In 1741 Mr. Wesley was on his way from Oxford to Stanton-Harcourt on foot. Soon night overtook him, and the rain fell in torrents. He was wet and weary, and unacquainted with the way. He said in his heart, O that God would stay the bottles of heaven, or at least give me light or an honest guide, or some help in the manner thou knowest ! Presently the rain ceased, the moon shone, and a friendly man overtook hhn, who set him upon his horse and walked by his side till they came to Mr. Gambold's door, the place of his destination. Thus his mental prayer was answered ; not merely one of his petitions to have the rain cease, but also a light and a guide ; the Lord granted them all to him. -•♦•- The Learned Han. Mr. Wesley preached in Chelsea on the new birth. When he had finished his discourse a dis- senting teacher asked him, " Quid est tibi nomen ?" Mr. Wesley not answering, the gentlemen turned in triumph to his companions and said, " Ay, I told you he did not understand Latin." What an affec- tation of learning t Wesley^s silence was attrib- mted to ignorance, though a mark of wisdom. 1! -■< i ^ 111 1 ; I ■ 1 i| ■ n UV: ,1* It !';:^ I 'I i66 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. The Honest Enthusiast Mr. Wesley spent an hour or two at Breton with Mr. Simpson, whom he calls " the oddest, honestest enthusiast that ever was upon earth." Before they parted Mr. Simpson said, " Mr. Wesley, one thing I do not like, your taking away my flock at Notting- ham. Just now that text is hrongLt to my mind. It is the very case, pray read it out." Mr. Wesley read as follows : " And Abraham reproved Abime- lech because of a well of water which Abimelech'^s servants had taken awayP Mr. Wesley requested him to read his answer in the next verse : " And Abimelech said unto Abraham^ I wot not who hath done this thing ; neither yet haard lofU btU to-day. -•♦•- The Virtue of Silence. John Wesley one day said to Dr. Clarke, " As I was walking through St Paul's church-yard I ob- served two women standing opposite to one another. One was speaking and gesticulating violently, while the other stood perfectly still and in silence. Just as I came up and was about to pass them, the virago, clenching her fist and stamping hei foot at her imperturbable neighbor, exclaimed, "Speak, wretch, that I may have something to say." "Adam," said Mr. Wesley, "that was a lesson to me ; silence is often the best answer to i- >^ Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 167 abuse.*^ Mr. Wesley was a great observer of human character, and he could draw useful lessons from the worst as well as the best. -•♦♦- The Reproachful Man. Mr. Wesley met a gentleman with whom he had some religious conversation, who said to him, " Mr. Wesley, you preach perfection." " Not to yow," said Mr. Wesley. " And why not to me f " he inquired. He answered, " Because I should like to preach something else to you^ sir." "Why, what would you preach to me?" Mr. Wesley replied, " How to escape the damnation of hell." : \ ■ 1:111 \ ■ 1 1 » ill I'! ! i 'I ' 1^-: -•♦♦- The Blustering Man. Mr. Wesley once met a strange fellow of the baser sort, who declared his sin as Sodom, and hid it not.^ He was in the street cursing and swearing at an awful rate. Mr. Wesley reproved him for taking the name of the Lord in va' . He knew Mr. Wesley. The lion sooi^ became a lamb. He offered to treat Mr. Wesley to some wine, and said " he would go and hear him if he was not afraid he would preach against the fighting of cocks." Alas, how many would go and hear the Gospel, but they are afhud ministers will preach against their favorite and besetting sins. !!l liiii .. ,'«- '■'tfj f ■• 'h ■ I ■■ri i f •» ¥ i68 Anecdotes of the Wesleys, The Htrmlen Ditty. In 1743 John Weslej went to St. Ivm. He says, as they were going to church at eleven a large company at the market-place sung with a load huzza, a song as harmless as the ditty sung under my own window, composed by a gentle- woman of their own town : " Oharles Weslqr is oome to town Tb trj if he can pull the ehoiohee ixnm!* -•♦♦- it i Sir John Ganson. The early Methodists were not only persecuted in the rural districts, but even in London riotous pro- ceedings of a violent character occurred at their places of worship. The following will show that Mr. Wesley*s zeal was regarded with favor in high places: "The last day of 1742 Sir John Gktnson called upon Mr. Wesley and sud, ' Sir, yon have no need to suffer these riotous mobs to molest you, as they have done so long. I and all the Middle- sex magistrates l\ave orders from above to do yon justice whenever you apply to us.' Two or three weeks after they did apply. Justice was done, and from thftt time the Methodists had peace in London. The E[ing declared that no man in his dominions should be persecuted on account of his leligiou while he was on the throne. V ■ .. : , ■ y .. Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 169 The Mayor of Shaflesbury. In 1760 John Wesley, on his return from Com* wall, preached in the street at Shaftesbury. The audience was very attentive ; there was no uoisc ; no one spoke a word while he was faithfully warn- ing sinners of their danger, and urging them to flee the wrath to come. When he returned to the house where he was entertained he received an un- expected visitor. He proved to be a Constable, who magnified his office, and delivered his mes- sage in the following laconic style: "Sir, the Mayor discharges you from preaching in this bor- ough any more." Mr. Wesley replied, " While King George gives me leave to preach I shall not ask liberty of the Mayor of Shaftesbury.'* ■! -•♦♦- The Parish Priest At Bristol the colliers were repelled from the Lord's table by most of the ministers, while the Wesleys exhorted them to cleave to the Church ; but the Wesleys were also excluded from the Lord's table. John Wesley attended Church in Bristol on Sunday, July 27, 1740, and says: "I heard a miserable sermon at Temple Church, rec- . ommending religion as the most likely way to raise a fortune. After it proclamation was made that all should depart who were not of the parish. While the shepherd was driving away the lambs I stayed, tiupecting nothing, till the derk came to 1" f : 'I ■ ■ ' t • ■ 1: ■ B '■i. 170 ArucdotiS of the Wesleys. me and laid, * Mr. Beecher bids you go away, for he will not g^Te yon the sacrament* I went to the vestry door, and mildly desired Mr. Beecher to admit me. He asked, ' Are you of this parish ?* I answered, 'Sir, you ««£; I am a clergyman.* Dropping his first pretense, he charged me with rebellion, in expounding the Scripture without au- thority, and said in express words, *■ I repel you from the sacrament* I replied, ' I cite you to answer this before Jesus Christ at the day of judgment.' This enraged him above measure. He called out, *^Here^ take atoay this man,'' The Constables were ordered to attend, I suppose, lest the furious col- liers should take the sacrament by force; but I saved them the trouble of taking away ' this man,* and quietly retired.*' -♦»♦- The Civil AuthoriUes at Bristol. Some of the civil authorities in Bristol were equally hostile to the self-denying men who were wearing out their lives in disinterested efforts to raise the morals as well as save the souls of the common people. Two unhappy convicts, under sentence of death, requested to have the counse and prayers of Mr. John Wesley before their exe cution, but were peremptorily refused by Alder- man Beecher. Catherine Highfield, a servant- maid, who was connected with the Methodists, was charged with robbing her master of three hundred pounds. Mr. Charles Wesley says, that Amedota of the Wesleys. 171 Alderman Day and others "■ threatened to pat her in irons if she would not confess that she had given the money to my brother. When no proof could be brought against her they were forced to dis- charge her, and soon after her master found the money where he himself had lodged it." t»> Thomas Walsh. Of all the preachers raised up by Wesley Thomas Walsh was the greatest genius. He was an Irish Roman Gathclio, and was the first-fruit (>«? street preaching in Ireland. John Wesley had his first interview with him in Newmarket, which re- sulted in his becoming an itinerant preacher. Mr. Walsh says : " I opened my mind to that man of God, John Wesley. His answer was, * It is hard to judge what God has called you to till trial is made. When you have opportunity you may go to Shonil and spend two or three days with the people there. Speak to them in Irish.' Mr. Walsh did so, and soon opened his fruitful ministry. No man ever spoke to his countrymen in his native tongue with more success than Thomas Walsh. They listened to him as if he was an angel from heaven. It is an old maxim in Ireland, " When you plead for your life plead in Irish." M > Walsh's Scholarship. John Wesley says, I knew a young man who was BO thoroughly acquainted with the Bible that m n - i 'r n !| ■•1; *! {'■• ' i 1 ! 1" ' ' 1 1 li ii H ill! m \^r' it' ! i; '*■ 173 Anecdotes of the Wesl^s. if he was questioned concerning any Hebrew word in the Old or any Greek word in the New Testa- ment he would, after a little pause, tell not only how often the one or the other occurred in the Bible, but also what it meant in every place. His name was Thomas Walsh. Such a master of bib- lical knowledge I never saw before, and never ex- pect to see again." ^ -•♦♦- John Wesley's Regard for Walsh. In writing to his brother Charles concerning Thomas Walsh he says: "I love, admire, and honor him, and wish we had six preachers in all England of his spirit." Again he calls him '^ that blessed man," and says " wherever he preached the word, whether in English or Irish, it was sharper than a two-edged sword. I do not remember ever to have known a preacher who in so few years as he remained upon the earth was an instrument of converting so many sinners." -•♦♦- Walsh's Gravity and Wesley's Cheerfulness. Thomas Walsh traveled with Mr. Wesley in Ire- land, and was stationed by him in London, so they were often in each other's company. Walsh was constitutionally grave, and he was never known to laugh after his conversion. His head was bowed down as a bulrush. It would have done him good to sing Anecdotes of the Wesleys, " Wbj should th« childreo of • King Qo mouraing all their days? ** 173 John Wesley was perpetually cheerfhl, living in sunshine, sometimes indulging in innocent pleas- antry, relating some sparkling anecdote. Thomas Walsh wrote to Mr. Wesley complaining as follows : ** Among three or four persons that tempt mo to levity, you, sir, are one, by your witty proverbs." -♦♦•- Wesley's Final Interview with Thomas Walsh. Mr. Walsh fell a martyr to his own imprudence. His health failed, his constitution was undermined. The 17th of June, 1758, Mr. Wesley met Thomas Walsh in Limerick " alive, and just alive. Three of the best physicians in these parts have attended him, and all agree that it is a lost case ; that by violent straining of his voice, added to frequent colds, he has contracted a pulmonary consumption, which is now in the last stage. O what a man to be snatched away in the strength of his years! Surely thy judgments are a great deep." Ho died the next April In the room in Dublin where he was sick he wrote on a pane of glass with a diamond in He- brew, Greek, Latin, and English the same sen- tence, "Never satisfied with mysel£" He died very young, after having been in the ministry about ten years. Mr. Walsh suffered great men- tal anguish previous to his dissolution, but the cloud passed away, the sun shone with uncommon itn '74 Anecdotes of the Wesley s. brilliancy, and his death was one of peculiar tri- umph. Lifting up his emaciated hands, he ex- claimed, " He is come ! he is come I My beloved is mine, and I am his — ^liis forever ! " This friend of Wesley has no stone to tell where his dnst is sleeping. -•♦♦- The Comedians. Early Methodism was caricatured on the stage as well as by the press. Mr. Wesley was, Nov. 2,1743, at Newcastle, and says the following advertisement was published : " For the benefit of Mr. Este, by the Edinburgh Company of Comedians, on Friday, Nov. 4, will be acted a Comedy called the ' Con- scious Lovers;' to which will be added a Farce called * Trick upon Teick; or, Methodism Dis- played.' " " A vast multitude of persons, not less than fifteen hundred, assembled to see this. Four several disasters happened during the play, each frightening away a due proportion of the company. Two or three hundred still remaining in the Hall, Mr. Este (who was to act the Methodist) came upon the stage and told them he was resolved, for all this, the farce should be acted. While ns was speaking the stage sunk six inches lower; on which he ran back in the utmost confusion, and the people ran as fast as they could out of the door, not staying to look behind thorn." Such is Mr. Wesley's account of this ridiculous farce. Surely the people had more that night than they ^-•^ Atucdotes of the Wesleys, 175 bargained for, and more was acted than was laid down in the programme. A little after was ivntten by Mr. Foote the comedian, to be acted at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, "A Comedy, the Mbtuodist." It is a pamphlet over one hundred years old, of sixty-eight pages. It is low, vulgar, and profane. Its principal character is " Mr. Squintum," that is, George Whitefield, so called because he was cross* eyed. Ifl ;•> '--i %■% -♦♦♦- The Highwayman. John Wesley was once stopped by a highway- man, who demanded his money or his life. Mr. Wesley, after giving him the money, said, *'Let me speak one word *o you ; the time may come when you will regret the course of life in which you are now engaged. Remember this, 'The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin.'" No more was said, and they parted. Many years after, as Mr. Wesley was going out of a church edifice in which he had been preach 'ng, a stranger introduced himself, and asked Mr. Wesley if he remembered being waylaid at such a time. He said he recol- lected it. "I was that man," said the stranger, "and that single verse you quoted on that occa- sion was the means* of a total change in my life and habits. I have long since been in the practice of attending the house of God and of giving atten- tion to his word, and trust that I am a Christian." i ! > M H ! ( wn 'i uSi ^ ■m • W H 1 1 hi ! S : 1' ih ! 176 Anecdotes of the Wesleys Doctor Stennet It was publicly reported that John Wesley re- commended the use of a crucifix to a man under sentence of death. Mr. Wesley says, "I traced this story up to its author, Dr. Stennet, an Ana- baptist teacher, who was charged with reporting it," and answered, " Why, I saw a crucifix in his cell, a picture of Christ on the cross, and I knew Mr. Wesley used to visit him, so I supposed he brought it." Mr. Wesley adds, " This is the whole of the matter. Dr. Stennet I never saw, nor did I ever see such a picture in the cell, and I believe the whole tale is pure invention." -•♦•- Jhe Justice of the Peace. Mr. Wesley relates the following : " The 9th of June, 1742, 1 rode over to a neighboring town from Epworth to wait upon a justice of the peace, a man of candor and understanding, before whom I was informed their angry neighbors had carried a wagon-load of these new heretics. But when he asked what they had done there was a deep silence, for that was a point their conductors had forgot- ten. At length one said, " They pretend to be bet- ter than other people ; and, besides, they pray from moniing till night." The Justice inquired, "But have they done nothing besides?" "Yes, sir," said an old man, " an't please your worship, they have converted my wife. Till she went among TTPI •>y hey ong Anecdotes of the Wcdeys. 177 them she had such a tongue! and now she is as quiet as a lamb." " Carry them back, carry them back," replied the Justice, " and let them convert all the old scolds in the town." -•♦♦- Count Zinzendorf. In 1745 Count Zinzendorf directed the publica- tion of an advertisement declaring that he and his people (the Moravians) had no connection with John and Charles Wesley, and concluded with a prophecy that they would soon run their heads against a wall. On this Mr. Wesley contents him- self with coolly remarking, "We will not, if we can help it." -•♦♦- John Wesley and the Captain's Excuses. Seneca has well said, " 'Tis a virtue to be covet- ous of time." No one ever illustrated this proverb better than John Wesley. He did not mind the loss of money, and many other losses, but he al- ways lamented the loss of time; he esteemed it more valuable than gold or diamonds. Delays always tried his nerve, his patience, and his piety. In February, 1748, he was delayed several days at Holyhead, waiting for a vessel to sail He said, " I never knew men make such poor, lame excuses as these captains did-for not sailing. It put me in mind of the epigram, 12 I" i * Til % «*.♦' 178 Anecdotes of the Wesley s. • There are, if rightly I may think, ' Fire causes why a maa should drink.' Which with a little alteration would just suit them. ' There are, unless my memory (kO, Five causes why we should not sail; The fog is thick ; the wind is high ; It rains; or may do by ani by; Or — any other reason why.'" i I I i -•♦♦- !i h i 1 1 : i i ! John Wesley and the Young Lady. John Wesley often visited Canterbury. He was entertained by a family by the name of Bis- saker. Their daughter Ann was a young lady of great personal attractions and had many admirers, some of whom sought for a closer intimacy; but she did not allow her feelings to blind her judg- ment. She underwent a severe trial A young minister, of whose character and talents she had formed a high opinion, became her suitor. He was very popular as a preacher, and she greatly admired him. Becoming more intimately acquainted with him she discovered that which deeply disappointed her, and led to a separation. His irreverent use of the word God, and the general levity of his spirit, impressed her with the conviction that he had fallen from grace, and she decided, though at the expense of much feeling, to abandon his company. Not long after Mr. Wesl jy was at lier mother's, and, 1^1 iiJWBiif4«^r'vi~i> .'lu'i ^m^- Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 179 knowing of the intimacy that existed between her and the young minister, he inquired why she' had discountenanced his acquaintance. She assigned her reasons, and the answer was very emphatic. Wesley's striJdng reply was: "Light-spirited/ I should as soon think he would curse and swear. I perceive he had too much sense for common sense. Tou have done right." Aftenv^ard slje was married to James Pamell, " a man," she says, " truly devoted to God, whom I received as a spiritual helper, and in this I was not disappointed." * Some time previous to her marriage she was converted under the labors of the great revivalist William BramwelL Such alterations were made in her dress as she deemed right in one professing godliness. Not long after Mr. Wesley paid another visit at her mother's, and he called her attention to some remaining article of dress which he thought a superfluity, saying, " Would it not do without this, Nancy ? " She replied with modest freedom, " Yes, sir ; but I think it does better with it, and I am not convinced that it is wrong." He rejoined, " Will you leave it off when you are convinced ? " She answered, "Yes, sir, I will" He replied, " That will do." Not long after this conversation she heard Mr. Wesley preach a sermon from Romans xiii, 14; under it she was connnced of paying too much attention to her outward adorn- ing, and from, that time she laid aside whatever •he thought inconsistent with lowly, self-denying m 111 !|!' P k and, * Wealeyan Magadncs 1868, vol ii, p. 583. I So Anecdotes of the Wesley s. simplicity, and paid more attention to the inward adorning, the " meek and quiet spirit which in the sight of God is of great price." -♦♦•- \ \\ Hi : t ; I John Wesley and the Music Master. Jotfn Frederick Lampe was a musician of great talents and celebrity. He was a native of Ger- many, and studied music in Saxony. He went to England in 1725, and was employed by Mr. Rich, of Covent Garden Theater, to compose dramatic music. He was the author of a quarto volume entitled, "A Plain and Commodious Method of Teaching Thorough Bass after the most Rational Manner, with proper Rules for Practice." This was published in 1737. In the "Musical Miscellany," published by Dr. Watts in six volumes, are many songs composed by Lampe at different times. While thus connected with the theater he was an infidel. He became convinced of the truth and importance of Christianity by reading John Wes- ley's work; "Earnest Appeal to Men of Reason and Religion." He embraced the truth with joy, became a sincere Christian, and employed his fine talents in the service of God by setting many of the Wesleyan hymns to music. Thus he nobly aided John and Charles Wesley and the Church of the living God. He maintained hJH integrity till his final hour, and then went to share in the musio of the skies. .ii. Anecdotes of the Wcsieys. John Wesley and the Quaker's Dream. i8i The work of God had greatly revived at New castle, but the people had no house of worship. Mr. Wesley purchased a site ; the' building was to cost seven hundred pounds. Many were skeptical concerning its ever being finished. Mr. Wesley says, " I was of another mind, not doubting but as it was begun for God's sake he would provide what was needful for the finishing of it." Mr. Wesley had only one pound and six shil- lings when he commenced. Soon after he began he received a letter from a pious Quaker which read thus : " Friend Wesley, I have had a dream concerning thee. I thought I saw thee surrounded by a large flock of sheep, which thou didst not know what to do with. My first thought after I awoke was, that it was thy flock at Newcastle, and that thou hadst no house of worship for them. I have inclosed a note for one hundred pounds, whicli may help thee to provide a house." Money came from various quarters, and the building was com- pleted, and Mr. Wesley called it "The Orphan House." * -♦♦•- The Liberal Clergyman. Mr. Wesley was fortunate in securing a good site in Newcastle-upon-Tyne for his new building. It was not only to be a preaching place, an exclude all those from the holy conmiunion who would not refrain from hearing the Methodists. " One," said Mr. Wesley, " publicly affirmed that we were all Papists, and our doctrine mere Popery." Another went a step further, after he had confessed that many texts in the Bible were for them ; " but these," said he, " you ought not to mind, for the Papists have put them in." ' ' -^^^- John Wesley's Rule of Living. John Hampson said, " Perhaps the most chari- table man in England was John Wesley." His lib- erality to the poor knew no bounds. He gave Tf Anecdotes of the Wesieys. 183 away not merely a certain part of his income, but all he had." He laid down three rules : " Gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can." He says, " Permit me to speak of myself as freely as I would of any other man. I gain all I can without hurting my body or soul ; I save all I' can, not wasting any thing, not a sheet of paper, not a cup of water. I do not lay out any thing, not a shil- ling, unless a sacrifice for God ; yet by giving all I can I am effectually secured from laying up treas- ures upon earth. Yea, and that I do this, I call upon both friends and foes to testify." * He kept an exact account of all his expenditures, and how every penny was laid out. In the last year of his life he wrote in his diary : " I shall keep no more accounts. It must suffice that I give to God all I can, that is, all I have." -♦♦♦- A Sermon Hard to Understand. - John Wesley says in his sermon on " The Dan- ger of Riches," '* Two sensible men as most in England sat down together to read over and con- sider my plain discourse on * Lay not up for your- selves treasures upon earth.' After much deep consideration one of them exclaimed, * Positively I cannot understand it ! Pray, do you understand it, Mr. L. ? ' Mr. L. honestly replied, ' Indeed, not I. I cannot conceive what Mr. Wesley means. I can make nothing at all out of it.' " How true it is * Sermooa, vol. ii, page 261. 1 84 Anecdotes of the Westeys. that none are more blind than those who will uot sec, and that it is very difficult to appreciate that which we do not wish to understand. -•♦♦- John Wesley and the Rich Methodists. He says : *' A Methodist gentleman told me some years ago, ' I shall leave forty thousand pounds among my children.* Now suppose he had left them but twenty thousand, and given the other twenty thousand to God and the poor, would God have said to him, 'Thou fool?' and this would have set the Society far above want." He also relates the following: '^A gentleman went to a mercLant in London a few years ago and asked a guinea for a worthy family in great distress. He replied, 'Really, Mr. M., I cannot well afford to give it you now. If you will call upon me when I am worth ten thousand pounds I will give you ten guineas.' Mr. M. called upon him some time after, and said, ' I claim your prom- ise; you now are worth ten thousand pounds.' He replied, ' That is very true, but I assure you I cannot spare now one guinea at well as I could then.'" •♦• John Wesley and Lady Huntingdon. About the year 1742 Mr. Wesley's visits to Donnington Park, the seat of Lady Huntingdon, were very frequent. On one occasion it was re- marked that poetry, which should answer the no- Anecdotes of the Wesieys. 185 blest purposes, had been prostituted to the vilest, and that, therefore, a choice collection of English poems was a dtaideratum, Mr. Wesley revised the English poems, and selected what was most valu- able in them. He published three volumes of 8a- cred poems, and dedicated them to Lady Hunting- don. With this exception, John Wesley sought no patronage either for the works he published or the charities he established. I 1,1 -*¥*- to Ion, re- no- John Wesley and Robert Dodsley. The character of John Wesley is illustrated by a circumstance connected with the publication of the above-named volumes. Mr. Wesley made ex- tracts irom Milton, Dryden, Pope, Watts, Young, and others. A few months after the volumes were issued Robert Dodsley, the publisher of Young's " Night Thoughts," and owner of the copyright, called on Mr. Wesley for damages for interfering with his copyright. Mr. Wesley, with character- istic frankness, confessed his fault, and agreed to pay Mr. Dodsley fifty pounds to settle it. The following is a copy of his obligation : •'LoNDOH, ^eJruary 8, 1744. ** Having inadvertently printed, in a collection of poems in three volumes, 12mo., the * Night Thoughts* of Dr. Young, together with some pieces of Mrs. Rowe's, the property of Mr. Dods- ley, and having made satis&ction of the same by 1-r i 1 n-', 1^^^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) 1.0 [f 1^ 1^ ■^ ^ 12.2 1.1 ^ US |2.0 HE |!^ 111^ liJi^ 6" Hiotographic Sciences Corporation 23 WIST MAIN STMiT WIBSTIR.N.Y. MSM (716)S72-4503 T * i i86 Anecdotes of the WesUys. the payment of a twenty-pound bank note and a check for thirty pounds, payable in three months, I promise not to print the same again in any form whatever.* J. Wmlby.** This singular document was sold at auction in London for twenty-eight shillings in 1886. -•♦•- I M John Wesley's Christian Library. John Wesley had a large idea in his head when he formed the plan to publish the *' Christian Li- brary.'* In 1746 he said: **I have thoughts of printing all that is most valuable in the English tongue in three or four score \olumes in order to provide a complete library for those who fear God." Li carrying out this plan in fifty volumes Wesley rescued from oblivion many works of great value. It was a magnificent effort to rei^der avail- able to the spiritual interests of the people the scarce works of voluminous and learned authors. His plan was to condense these works, and sepa- rate the wheat from the cha£ Valuable as the work was, it did not meet with the encouragement it deserved. Mr. Wesley, in alluding to this fact, ironically says: **I have often observed that the only way, according to modem taste, for any au- thor to procure commendation for his book is to vehemently commend it himsell" Mr. Wesley, in his journal of 1758, says: ''I * Westeyn MagMine^ IHia. ^ J^ Anecdotes of thi Wesleys. 187 have prepared the rest of the books for the Chris- tian Library, a work by which I have lost two hundred pounds. Perhaps the next generation may know the value of it"* The Calvinistio party discouraged the sale of this library of '* Practical Divinity.** One of their leaders inquired of Mr. Wesley, "Is not your Christian Library an odd collection of mutilated writings of Dissenters of all sorts ? ** Mr. Wesley answered, ** No. In the first ten volumes there is not a line from any Dissenter of any sort, and the greatest part of the other forty are extracted from Archbishop Leighton, Bishops Taylor, Patrick, Ken, Reynolds, Saunderson, and other ornaments of the Church of England.** Again some one inquired, " Is not this declaring that you have a sbperior privilege beyond all men to print, correct, and direct as you please ? ** Mr. Wesley answered, ** I think not I suppose every man in England has the same privilege.** ■♦H- Jotan Wesley and Philip Doddridge. Philip Doddridge was a very pure spirit John Wesley and he were great friends, and Dr. Dod- dridge frequently welcomed him to his residence at Northampton. They were frequent correspond- ents. When Mr. Wesley was about to publish the Christian Library he consulted Dr. Dod- * The otlwr •ditknis were more proAtaUsi i i !::.■ V!jI s | ii' I' ■1 i88 Anecdotes of the tVesleys. ■ / dridge, who farnished him with the titles of many valuable works. When Mr. Wesley published his "Appeal to Men of Reason and Religion ** Doddridge read it, and expressed his admiration by writing upon it thus : "^Hw) forcible are right words I ** -•♦•- / ', John Wesley on Homer. '•*Eoetry, history, and philosophy," says Wesley, ** I read on horseback." In August, 1 748, as he was riding to Newcastle, he finished reading the tenth book of Homer's Iliad. He says, " What an amass- ing genius had this man I Yet one cannot but observe such improprieties intermixed as are shock- ing to the last degree. What excuse can any man of sense make for * His scolding heroes and his wounded gods ? ' Nay, does he not introduce even his * father of gods and men ;' once while shaking heaven with his nod, and soon after assailing his sister and wife, the em- press of heaven, with such language as a carman might be ashamed of? Are these some of those * divine boldnesses which naturally provoke short- sightedness and ignorance to show themselves ? ' " Again: *'Last week I read over, as I rode, a great part of Homer^s Odyssey. I always imagined it was, like Milton's * Paradise Regained,' ^ * The last bint effort of an expiring muse.* But how was I mistaken 1 How for has Homer's latter poem the pre-eminence over the former 1 It ia f . "\ Ml Anadotes of the Wesl^s. 189 not, indeed, without itf blemishes ; but his numcr* ona beauties make large amends for these. Was ever man so happy in his descriptions, so exact and consistent in Ms characters, and so natural in telling a story? He likewic-^ continually inserts the finest strokes of morality ; (which I cannot find in Virgil ;) on all occasions recommending the fear of God, with justice, mercy, and truth. In this only he is inconsistent with himself: he makes his hero say, * Wisdom never lies ;' and ' Him, on whate'er pretense, that lies can tell, My soul abbors bim as tbe gates of belL' ' Meantime he himself [Ulysses] on the slightest pretense tells deliberate lies over and over; nay, and is highly commended for so doing by the Goddess of Wisdom !*' jl \ I -•♦♦- >»M John Wesley on Style. The model he proposed to himself was the Epistles of John. He says, **Here is sublimity and simplicity together, the strongest sense and the plunest language." Again he says, "If I observe any stiff expression, I throw it out, neck and shoulders.'* Some one inquired, "What is it that consti- tutes a good style?'* He replied, "Perspicuity, purity, propriety, strength, and easiness joined together." He said he could no more write in a fine style than he could weave a fine coat « » "1 f r- Ii i 190 Anecdotes of the Weshys, John Wesley on Musia John Wesley had an exquisite taste for mitBio, vocal and instrumental, as well as for poetry. At one time we find him in some ancient cathedral charmed with the choruses of HandeL " The mnsio of ' Glory to God in the highest ' pealed forth firom such an organ as I never saw or hoard before, so large, so beautiful, and so full-toned." His fine taste for music is revealed in another passage. He says, " While we were administering I heard a low, soft, solemn sound, just like that of an .^lian harp. It continued five or six minutes, and so affected many they could not refrain from te.irs ; it then gradually died away. Strange that qo other organist that I know should think of this." -•♦•- John Wesley and his Patients. Mr. Wesley had regularly studied medicine be- fore he went to America, where he imagined he might be of service to those who had no regular physician. In 1746 he had a dispensary at the Old Fonndery, an assistant apothecary and an ex- perienced surgcton, resolving at the same time not to go beyond his depths, but to leave all difficult and complicated cases to such medical attendants as the patient might choose. The result was won- derful After the announcement was made that he would give medicine to the poor, the next day thirty patients came, and in three weeks five hun- dred. Yerysoon seventy were caredof diseases long e- le ar le >x- ot alt Its )n-^ he ay »ng Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 191 thought to be inonrable. The^expeoBe of the medi* oines was about forty pounds. Three yean after, 1749, Mr. Wesley wrote : " I do not know that any patient yet has died under my hands." -•♦•- Wesley's "PrimiUve Physic" The great success attending Mr. Wesley's first efforts to heal the poor led to the publication of his " Primitive Physic." The first edition was printed in 1747, and sold for one shilling. Its design was to recommend simple remedies for diseases, and a plain diet for the preservation of health. He inquires in the preface, " Who would not have a physician always in his house, and one who attends without fee or reward to prescribe for his family as well as himself? " The sale of the book was marvelous, and exceedingly surprised Mr. Wesley, who revised it several times with alterations and additions. His last revision was in 1780. It had then p conversed freely with him, and with much apparent satisflACtion. Upon one of these occasions his Majesty, knowing that he had been at Oxford, inquired if he knew the Wesleys, add- ing, * They have made a great noise in the nation.* The gentleman replied, * I know them well, King George; and thou mayest be assured that thou hast not two better men in thy dominions, nor men that !ove thee better, than John and Charles Wes- ley.* He then proceeded to give some account of their principles and conduct, with which the King seemed much pleased. When Mr. Wesley had finished relating this, he said, 'We see, sir, the Lord can bring a tale to the ear of the King.* Mr. Wesley with deep emotion sud, 'O, I have always found the blessednejfs of a single eye, of leaving all to him.* ** -•♦•- ^ John Wesley and Royalty. Mr. Wesley feared God and honored the King. While he did this he did not forget that the pa^ of all human greatness leads to the grave ; that ,' ' M Bartb's highest station ends in ' Hera he liea,' And 'dust to dust' concludes the noblest song." ( ' : *» Anecdotes of the Wesleys. "93 In 1765 Mr. Wesley was in the robe-ohamber adjoin- ing the House of Lords when the King (George IL) put on his robes. He says, " His brow was' much furrowed with age, and quite clouded with care. And is this all the world can give, even to a king ? All the grandeur it can afford? A blanket of ermine round his shoulders, so heavy and cumber- some he can scarce move under it ! A huge heap of borrowed hair, with a few plates of gold and glittering stones upon his head! Alasl what a bauble is human greatness!" -•♦•- of The Rich Banker. Ebenezer Blaokwell was a very rich banker in London. He was a Methodist, and a trustee of Oity Road Chapel, which was built in 1778. He was a man of noble soul, and gave large sums of money to John and Charles Wesley for benevolent objects. The most intimate relation subsisted between him and John Wesley, and their letters have been published. **Are you going to hear Mr. Wesley preach?" sud a friend to Mr. BlackwelL **No," he an- swered; "lam going to hear God; I listen to jBtm, whoever preaches; otherwise I lose all my kbor." Mr. Blaokwell*8 country-seat was in Lewisham, five miles from London. There he always made the Wesleys welcome. This place is famous, be- oause Mr. Wesley was in the habit of retiring to it 13 i' I 194 Anecdotes of the Wes/eys, ! 'i' when lie wished to write -for the press, and maxkf of hit valuable works were written there. His celebrated four volumes of " Sermons ** were written at Mr. Blackwell's, with the use of no other books than the Holy Scriptures in the original. Wesley came near dying there in November, 1763. His Quaker doctor advised him to leave London ; he was so ill there was but little hope of his recovery. The Doctor said, " If any thing ever does thee good it must be the country air, with rest, asses' milk, and riding daily.'' Wesley was so feeble that he could not sit on a horse, but went to Lewisham in Mr. Blackwell's coach. For some time he hovered between two worlds, but finally recovered. Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell watched over him with warm affection during his dangerous illness. His brother Charles visited him, and when he saw how feeble his brother John was he fell on his neck and wept. All in the room were bathed in tears. Charles prayed with him, and wrote, '* It is most probable he will not recover, being far gone in a galloping consumption, just as my eldest brother was at his age." Again he says : " John changed for the better while the people were pray* ing for him at the Foundery.'* -•♦♦- John Wesley and his Epitaph. Mr. Wesley was so feeble that he thought he might soon die, and the evening he reached Mr. Blackwell's he says, " T^ot knowing how it might- / Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 195 please God to dispose of me, to prevent vile pao- fgyric I wrote m follows : 'Heralieth A braad plucked out of the burning^ ' Who dtod of Ooniomptioa in the fiffy-firtt jmr of hii age, And iMTing^ after his debta ue paid, ten ^wunda behind him; • Praying, Qod be mendAil to me, aa unprofitable lervant' " Mr. Wesle J ordered that this inscription, If anj, should be placed upon his tombstone. Wesley's Notes on the New Testament Mr. Wesley's Notes on the New Testament are brie^ that the comment may not obscure the text. They are plain, to assist the unlearned reader. Had it not been for his four months' sickness at Lewis* ham, at Mr. Blackwell's, these Notes would never have had an existence. In January, 1754, he went to the Hot Wells near Bristol for his health, and says, **The 6th of January I began writing Notes on the New Testament, a work ;7hich I should scarcely ever have attempted had I not been so ill as not to be able to travel or preach, and yet so well as to be able to read and write.** Mr. Wesley spent from five o'clock in the morning till nine in the evening on his work, with the exception of a little time for meals and exercise, ^ard work, we should think, for a well man, let alone a sick one. He if J.' ■th h i' if h t i. ^i *4 i^ 196 Anecdotes of ttte Wesleys. first made a rough draft, and then transcribed bis notes and gave them his finishing touch. His brother Charles visited him, and they spent several days in comparing the t^nslation of the Evangel- ists with the original Charles afforded John more assistance in this work than in any other of his numerous publications. Some years after it was printed Charles revised it, showing exquisite taste and judgment -•♦♦- John Wesley and Bishop Lowth. Mr. Blackwell was twice married, and both his wives were excellent women, whose names are in the book of life. His second wife was a niece of Bishop Lowth. Charles Wesley, junior, was inti- mately acquainted with the family, and states that Bishop Lowth by appointment one day dined with Mr. Wesley at Mr. Blackwell's. Mr. Wesley de- sired him to occupy the scat of honor at the head of th j table. Bishop Lowth declined the honor to which his rank entitled him, and said to Mr. Wes- ley, "May I be found at your feet in aiiother world." -•♦•- The Cathedral. At Canterbury there is an ancient and magnifi- cent Cathedral. In 1750 John Wesley visited it and wrote, "I walked over the Cathedral and surveyed the monuments of the ancient men of renown. One would think such a sight would I i- re IB as lie hit 3 in D of inti- that with r de- head or to WeB- other ,gmfi- ted it and len of -wouLd Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 197 strike an utter damp opon human yanitj. What are the great, the fair, the valiant now? Uie matoh- lesi warrior? the puissant monarch? 'A heap of duit alone remaiiia of thM^ Tif iJl tbou art, and all tba proud ihall bs.'" ■•♦•- Wesley Pre.'enUng a Riot Cruel were the persecutions endured in the heroic age of Methodism. In 1765, John Wes* ley went to Feversham. On his arrival he was idrormed that the mob and magistrates had agreed to drive Methodism out of the town, and that they were, like Milton's devils, "In AiU concord Joined." Mr. Wesley, after preaching, informed the people what he had been constrained to do to the magis- trate at Rolvenden, who, perhaps, would have been richer by some hundred pounds had he never meddled with the Methodists, and concluded by saying, in a bold manner, ** Since we have both God and the law on our side, if we can have peace by fair mcfftns we had much rather, we should be exceeding glad; but if not, we will have peace.*' When they saw his boldness, and that the Meth- odists had intelligence enough to know their rights and courage enough to maintain them, persecution ceased in that place. There is no virtue in lying down and permitting people to trample you under their feet H I,', A If! in . i II V ' I ' 4 \ • " e *- W ■ « ™ • , ™ 198 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. The Unwise Reprovers. Mr. Wesley was in Canterbury in December, 1768, and says, "I made an odd observation here which I recommend to all our preachers. The people in Canterbury have been so often reproved, and frequently without cause, for being dead and cold, that it has utterly discouraged them, and made them cold as stones. How delicate a thing it is to reprove I To do it well, requires more than human wisdom." ^ -♦♦♦- John Wesley and the Hard-hearted Officer. On the 25th of February, 1776, Mr. Wesley preached at the Foundery an awful sermon on civil war, from Daniel iv, 27. Mr. Wesley said that of all scourges from God war was the most to be deprecated, because it often swept away al) traces of religion, and even of humanity. He then re- lated the following, which drew a tear from almost every eye : " I conversed with an officer who was of a remarkably mild disposition. He was three years in Germany during the last war, where he was sent by the general with a party of soldiers to get provisions wherever they could find any. They first arrived at a farm-house. The master of the family having been frequently plundered had fled, and left his wife with the care of seven small chil- dren, uid only one cow for their subsistence. The woman fell at the £eet of the soldiers, imploring 1 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 199 them with strong cries and tears that they would spare the cow for the nourishment of her helpless ofTspring. She clasped the knees of the officer with every sign of frantic grief; he forced her from him, and the soldiers drove away her cow. This officer afterward told me," said Mr. Wesley, ** war had rendered his heart so hard, and his mind so ferocious, that he could have even broiled the woman and her seven children." Mr. Wesley having concluded this affecting narrative said, "Should the great God suffer the hellish rage of civil war to be let loose on England, perhaps the most humane person now in London may be equal- ly hardened in his heart." * -♦♦•- ^ John Wesley and the Beggars. In October, 1783, Mr. Wesley was in Norwich. As he was about to leave the place the poor, as usual, flocked arouiid him, and were extremely an- noying. Having only as much money as would defray his expenses to the next place, he turned when near his carriage and said to them rather sharply, " I have nothing for you ; do you think I can support the poor in every place ?" In ascend- ing the steps of his carriage his foot slipped, and he fell backward upon the ground. Joseph Brad- ford, his faithful travelmg companion, raised him up, and just as he was reascending the steps of the oarriage he turned his head toward Mr. Bradford, * Wedejaii Magasdne, 1819, p. 223. ii.i 1 1 II It 1' '. I i V'S r II' 200 i| I Anecdotes of the Westeys. who stood behind him, and meekly said, ^^It is all right, Joseph, it is all right ; it was only what I deserved, for if I had no other good to impart I ought at least to have given them good words." The venerable man felt as if he had injured the feelings of the poor by the sharpness of his man- ner, and he was instantly melted into tenderness in their presence, and attributed his fitU to his indiscretion. -•♦•- Sharp Retort At a certain time John Wesley was going along a narrow street, when a rude, low-bred fellow, who had no regard for virtue, station, or gray hairs, ran against him and tried to throw him down, saying, in an impuuent manner, "I never turn out for a fooL** Mr. Wesley, stepping aside, said, **I always do," and the fool passed on. -•♦•- John Wesley and the Wag. While Mr. Wesley was preaching at Durham a waggish fellow came into the congregation and began to make sport by low jokes and ribaldry. He greatly disturbed the congregation as well as the preacher. Mr. Wesley called a keen-eyed ac- quaintance to him, wishing him to contrive some plan to get rid of the fellow. William was shrewd, took the hint at once, and laid a plan that -acted like a charm. When the wag said any thing 11 t . Anecdotes of the We^leys. 20 1 William went close ap to him and bunt into a hearty laugh, Baying, " Bravo ! that is pretty ; say it over again.** "What,** «wiid the clown; "did yon not {lear it the first time ? ** " O yes," said William; "but it is so funny. Say i-. over again for the edification of the people. Come, we are all attention.** He repeated this two or three times, and made the wag feel so foolish that he was glad to leave. Then Mr. Wesley finished his discourse without further disturbance. ■♦M- John Wesley and the Conscientious Nan. Wesley relates an anecdote of a man in Liver- pool who had beaten his wife by the advice of his minister. He beat her with a huge stick till she was black and blue from head to foot Mr. Wes- ley expostulated with him in regard to such cruel treatment of his wife, but he could make no im- pression on the man. He says the worthy hus- band contended it was all right. " The woman," he said, " was surly and ill-natured, and he had flogged her under a sense of duty, and in good faith.** -•♦•- John Wesley and the Will. A gentlewoman had made her last will and tes- tament, and wished Mr. Wesley to witness it He courteously obliged her, and gravely signed his name to the instrument, in which she had be* \ : 1 ^j'teij !! ■'! i ^ pi, ii m If J; m I: i ■ Tfyl Anecdotes of the WesUys, queathed part of her property to the poor, and part to ** her dog Toby during his natural life.*' -, -•♦♦- John Wesley and the Swhie-herd. Mr. Wesley was fond of field preaching, as it was an excellent way to reach the masses. He delighted to hold forth in nature's magnificent temple. The places he occupied were often sur- passingly beautiful Lovely as were some of the green spots where he used to preach to vast mul- titudes under the broad blue arch of the heavens, yet he often preached in very uncomfortable places, where amusing incidents occurred. At one time, for the want of a better place, he preached in a loft over a large hbg-pen. The smell from below was far from being agreeable, and what made it still more annoying to him and his con- gregation, the swine-herd took that opportunity to feed the hogs, who squealed, and made most dis- cordant music. Mr. Wesley says he concluded the people must love the Gospel to come to such a place to hear it, and therefore he preached to them one of his very best sermons. -•♦•- \ John Wesley and the Attentive Hearer. Mr. Wesley was disturbed by another animal to which mankind are not very pa^JaL As he was preaching, one day very earnestly to a seiioiit Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 203 And attentive congregation in one of the large and newly-erected houses of worship an ass very de- liberately walked through the gate, came gravely to the door, put his head in, and stood seriously listening to the discourse. Mr. Wesley thcnght the profound attention of the beast a reproof to careless hearers. He rejoiced that only seriously disposed people were present -•♦♦- John Wesley and the Apostate. John Wesley, in his sermon on the Loss of the Sou!, relates the following, enough to fill one's soul with horror: **Some years since one who had turned back as a dog to his vomit was struck in his mad career of sin. A friend who prayed with him said, *XiOrd, have mercy on those who are just stepping out of the body, and know not who shall meet them at their entrance into the other world, an angel or a fiend.' The sick man shrieked out with a piercing cry, ' A fiend ! a fiend I ' and ex- pired. Mr. Wesley adds, ** Just such an end, un- less he die like an ox, may any man expect who loses his own souL** * -♦♦•- John Wesley and James Watson. Mr. Wesley was preaching a sermon at New- flasUe, and in making the application he thought • Wesley's Sennons, vol U, pagn SI K ! ^04 An^^dotis of the WesUys. of a distinguished b&ckslider, aud al*:r.pt!y In- quired, "'Is Saul among the proph»;tB?' Is James Watson here ? If he be, show thy power." James Watson was present, fell down, and cried aloud for mercy. Such preaching now would be considered very personal. -•♦•- John Wesley and the Female Impostor. A woman went to Mr. Wesley in London and said that God had sent her to him to say that he was laying up treasures on the earth, taking his ease, and minding only eating and drinking. Mr. Wesley told her " God knew better than that, and if he had sent her to him the message given would have been more truthful and proper.** -•♦•- I i * John Wesley and the False Prophets. When in London some who pretended to be prophets came to him, saying they were di- vinely commissioned to inform him that he had not been bom again, but the work would soon be done, and they would remain, unless he turned them out of doors, till it was accomplished. Mr. Wesley showed them into the preaching room, and told them they might remain there. It was a bitter cold day, and there was no fire in the room. The fianatics grinned, and bore the cold from mom- 1 e L8 ?• he di- lad be led tfr.v Dm, is a om. om- Anecdotes of the lVcs/e}>s. 205 ing till night ; but hearing no more of Mr. Wesley ihey wisely took leave, and left him to get along with the new birtb without their assistance, for they troubled him no more. -•♦•- John Wesley and the Reformed Drunkard. It has long passed for an indisputable maxim, <* Never attempt to reprove a man when he is in* toxicated." " Reproof," it is said, '* is then thrown away, and can have no good effect." John Wes- ley repudiates the sentiment, and says, " I dare not say so, for I have seen not a few instances to the contrary. Take one. Many years ago, passing by a man in Moorfields who was drunk, I put a paper in his hand. He looked at it, then at me, and said, * A word — a word to a drunkard that is, sir. I am wrong ; I know I am wrong. Pray let me talk a little with you.' He held me by the hand for a full half hour, and I believe he got drunk no more. I beseech you, brethren, do not despise drunkards. * Sinners of every sort,' said a venera- ble old clergyman, * have I frequently known con- verted to God, but a habitual drunkard have I never known converted.' " Mr. Wesley says, " But I have known five hundred, perhaps five thou- sand." * From this it is evident that the Gospel reformed thousands of drunkards long before the formation of temperance societies and the modem pledge of total abstinence. . . * Wesley's Sormona, vol ii, p. 91. * ':» I »\ ft ,;«i jf i , 206 Anecdotes of the IVesleys. John Wesley and the Notorious Drunkard. A notorious drunkard was converted under Wes* ley's preaching in Manchester, and joined the Meth- odists. Some time after a conspiracy was formed among his old associates to entrap and overthrow hinu They succeeded. He was induced to take one glass, then another, still another, till he be- came intoxicated ; then they set up a shout, *' See, here is a Methodist drunk!" By some strange philosophy thb exclamation sobered him. Imme- diately he arose and walked directly to the fellow who first urged him to drink, and knocked him over, chair and alL He then drove the whole company out of the honse, then took up the land- lady who had sold the drink, carried her out, and threw her into the hog-pen, then returned to the house and smashed the bottles, demolished the bar, kicked down the door, and walked o£ He afterward reformed. -•♦•- The Drunkard and his Wife. John Wesley was preaching at Newark to a congregation of some three thousand, when a large man, who was drunk, began to make disturbance. The preacher and his audience were greatly dis-^ turbed by him for a short time. The drunkard's wife was present Without saying a word she left her seat, walked directly up to hhn, took him by the collar, shook him, and then cuffed his ean / Anecdotes of the Wesieys. 20/ most nnmeroifally till he cried like a whipped child. Finally the poor fellow, after receiving such a whipping, got out of her handf> crept away to a Retired comer of the congregation and sat down as quiet as a lamb, and Mr. Wesley finished his ser^ mon without further annoyance. -»»*- The Enraged Han. A man who was a hater of the truth and its messengers pressed through a crowd at Dewsbury, where Mr. Wesley was preaching, and struck him a violent blow with the palm of his hand upon the cheek. The apostolic Wesley, recollecting the pre- cepts of his Master, showed no resentment, but, ex- hibiting the meekness and the gentleness of Christ, while the tears rolled down his ficice, turned the other cheek to him. The man, instead of smit- ing it, was so overawed that he immediately re- tired, and hid himself among the crowd. From that circumstance, instead of being an enemy, he became an admirer of Mr. Wesley, and a great friend of Methodism. He showed his high regard for it by endangering his own life to save one of its chapels from destruction by fire. i.^ii Wm I'k'A. ■***• v'-i -'^^^ The Ingenious Man. Mr. Wesley says he spent an hour very agreea- bly with a man remarkable for Lilliputian inven- * ' 208 Anecdotes of the WesUys. tions, spending all hU time in making some minnte and canons maohine. Mr. Wesley said he had no doubt but the ingenious artist could surpass all competitors in inventing a mouBe4rap, -•♦♦■ The Lord Of the Stable. Mr. Wesley when in Scotland put up at an inn. The waiting-maid said to him, **Sir, the lord of the stable waits to know if he shall feed your horses." ** This," thought Mr. Wesley, " must be a great country for titles where the hostler ia called *the lord of the stable.'" -•♦♦- The Backslider. Mr. Wesley, in December, 1749, wrote thus: " I saw an uncommon instance both of the justice and the mercy of God. Abraham Joneb, a serious, thinking man, about fifty years of age, was one of the first members of the Society in London, and an early witness of the power of God to forgive sins. He then stood as a pillar for sevi 'al years, and was a blessing to all that were around him, till, growing wise in his own eyes, he saw this and the other person wrong, and was almost continually ofiended. He then grew colder and colder, till at length, in order to renew his fnendship with the world, he went (which he had refused to do for many years) to a parish feast, and stayed there till r Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 309 midnight. Returning home perfectly sober, just by his own door he fell and broke his leg. When the surge", n came he found the bone so shattered that it could not be set Then it was, when he perceived he could not live, that the terrors of the Lord again came about him. We prayed for him, in full confidence that God would return ; and he did in part reveal himself again. He had many gleams of hope and love; till, in two or three days, his soul was required of him. So awiul a providence was immediately made known to the Society, and contributed not a little to a wakening them that slept, and stirring up those who were faint in their mind." Mr. Wesley preached his funeral sermon on the danger of looking back after having put one^s hand to the plow. -♦••- Wesley and his Power. Several gentlemen were offended at the great power of Wesley over his societies,. 3Jir. Wesley re- replied, " I did not seek any part of it But when it has come unawares, not daring to bury that talent, I used it to the best of my judgment Tet I never was fond of it I always did, and do now, bear it as my burden, the burden which God lays upon me, and therefore I dare not lay it down. Now, if you can tell me of any five men to whom I can transfer this burden, and who v an and will do just what I do now, I will heartily thank both them and yoiL** U 1* : ! ■ :ii I 310 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. Wesley's Rough Journey. Mr. Wesley had many a rough journey, as he traveled thouBands of miles a year ; but in Febru- ary, 1745, he made a journey to Newcastle, in the stormy and wintry weather, that transcended them all. The following from his Journal shows the cheerful spirit with which he endured it : " Many a rough journey have I had before, but one like this I never had ; between wind, and hail, and rain, and ice, and snow, and driving sleet, and piercing cold. But it is past. Those days will return no more, and are, therefore, as though they had never been. " Pain, disappointment, siokness, strife Wliate'er molests or troubles life, However grievous in its staj It shakes tlie tenement of day When past, as nothing we esteem; And pain, like pleasure^ is a dream." -M*- The Fault-flnder. In 1763 Mr. Wesley received a letter from a carping, fiEtult-finding man. The following reply shows how meekly he could take reproof, and with how patient a temper he could deal with peevish and complaining men. " You give,** says he, " the reason why Rev. Mr. P. will not come among us: 1. * Because we despise the ministers of the Church of England.' This I flatly deny. I am answering letters this very post which bitterly blame me for just the contrary. 2. * Because so Amcdotes ef th* Wtsltys. ail mnoh backbiting and evil-speaking is snffered among onr people.* It is not suffered ; all possible means are used both to prevent and remove it. 3. ' Because I, who have written so mnch against hoarding np money, have put out seven hundred pounds to interest.* I never put sixpence out to interest since I was bom ; nor had I ever one hun« dred pounds together of mj own since I came intu the world. 4. * Because our lay-preachers have told many stories of my brother and me.* If they did I am sorry for them ; when I hear the particulars I can answer them. 6. * Because we did not help a friend in distress.* We did help as far as we were able. 'But we might have made his case known to Mr. G., Lady H.,* eta So we did, more than once; but we could not pull money from them whether they would or no. Therefore these reasons are of no weight Ton conclude with praying that God would remove pride and malice from among us. Of pride, I have too much ; of malice I have none. However, the prayer is good, and I thank you for it.** -•♦•- Wesley and Dr. Dodd. Dr. William Dodd was a popular preacher and writer. He wrote a Commentary on the Bible, and many other works. But he was vain and ex- travagant, and in an evil hour he committed forgery upon the Earl of Chesterfield in order to relieve oimself from pecuniary embarrassments. He was i,--t flLli » » H'l I 212 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. tried, convicted, and sentenced to be hung. The utmost sympathy was felt for him, and great efforts were made in order to have him pardoned, but all in vain. Mr. Wesley had no personal acquaintance with Dr. Dodd until after the publication, by the lat- ter, of certain strictures on Mr. "Wesley's views of Christian Perfection. The controversy between them was conducted in a candid. Christian spirit, and seems to have had a favorable effect on the mind of Dr. Dodd. Many years after, when Dr. Dodd was in prison, he sent for Mr. Wesley, whom he had never seen. Mr. Wesley, supposing that the Doctor wished him to intercede with great men on his behalf, and believing it would be of no av!:tll, delayed going. Dr. Dodd sent the third messenger after him. The gentleman said, " Sir, I will not go without you." Mr. Wesley then went with him to the prison. The keeper said, "Sir, of all the prisoners that have been in this place, I have not seen such a one as Dr. Dodd." When Mr. Wesley entered his cell he found the Doctor was in bed sick of a fever. They were both silent for some time; at last, with a tremulous voice and throbbing heart, the Doctor said, "Sir, I have long desired to see you; but I little thought our first interview would be in such a place as this." Mr. Wesley replied : " Sir, I am persuaded God saw this was the best, if not the only way, of bringing you to himself^ and I trust it will have that happy effect" Full of emotion, Dr. Dodd exclaimed, with tearful eye and wonderful em- Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 213 phasis, "God grant it may! God grant it may!" They conversed together about an hour, and it was all about his own soul, whose salvation the Doctor regarded above every thing else. He said not a word to Mr. Wesley about using his extensive in- fluence to try to get him acquitted. He seemed to feel " Nothing is worth a thought beneath, * But how I itaay escape the death That never, never dies I Hrw make my own election sure ; A; . X when I fail on earth, secure A mansion in the skies." Mr. Wesley made him several other visits after he was removed to Newgate, and after he was sen- tenced to be hung. Mr. Wesley was surprised on entering that house of woe to find it so quiet, as if the felons did not wish to disturb Dr. Dodd. They talked only on spiritual things. He says the Doc- tor never blamed any one but himself, and he showed not the least resentment to any man, re- ceiving every thing as at the hands of God. Two days before his death Mr. Wesley paid him his last visit. As they were talking Mrs. Dodd came in, and when she came near him she sunk down under a load of grief too heavy to be borne. The Doctor caught her in his arms and carried her to a chair. He had such command over him- self that he did not shed a tear, being afraid to add to her distress. Mr. Wesley then said to him, "Sir, I think you do not ask enough or expect enough, from God your Saviour. The present 1 '•5; !i It ni M M It ' 1 ) [ii nif 214 Anecdotes of tne \Vesleys blessing you may expect from him is to be filled with all joy, as well as peace in believing." " O, sir," replied Dr. Dodd, " it is not for such a sinner as mt to expect any joy in this world; the utmost I can desire is peace, and through the mercy of God that I have." Mr. Wesley and he then prayed together, and Mr. Wesley solenmly commended his soul to God. Mr. Wesley gives the following account of the closing scene : " On Friday morning all the prisoners were gathered together, when Dr. Dodd came down into the court He was composed. But when he saw most of them lifting up their hands, praying for him, blessing him, and weeping aloud, he was melted down, burst into tears, and prayed God to bless them alL When he came out of the gate an innumerable multitude were waiting, many of whom seemed ready to insult him.. But the moment they saw him their hearts were changed, and they began to bless him and pray for him too. One of his fellow-prisoners seemed to be in utter despair. Dr. Dodd, forgetting himself^ labored to comfort him, and strongly applied ihe promises. After some time spent in prayer he pulled his cap over his eyes, and sinking down seemed to 4ie in a moment I make no doubt but at that moment the angels were ready to carry him into Abra* ham*B bosom." Charles Wesley visited him also in company with his brother, and wrote a poetic prayer for him full of tenderness that showed the sympathetic feelings of his heart* Anecdotes of the Wesieys. 2t5 Miss Bosanquet, afterward the wife of Rev. John Fle.cher, carried on a regular correspondence with him concerning the salvation of his soul. June 26, 1777, the Doctor wrote to her thus. " My dear friend, on Friday morning I am to be made immortal ! I die with a heart truly contrite and broken under a sense of its great and manifold offenses, but comforted and sustained by a firm faith in the pardoning love of Jesus Christ." He also made this request, that she would " remember his excellent but most afflicted partner in distress." She would, have done it, but Mrs. Dodd's afflictions were so great reason was dethroned, and she soon after died a maniac. A sad conclusion has this sad tale of guilt and woe. •♦> John Wesley and Silas Told. The name of Howard is immortal, yet few know the name of Silas Told, the prisoner's friend, the good Samaritan of London. His history is fall of interest. In early life he was a sailor, ship* wrecked, taken prisoner by pirates, and spent years amid the horrors and miseries of the slave-trade. Afterward he married and settled in London, and did business there. He was introduced to the Methodists at the Foundery, which gave a turn to his life, and made him an angel of mercy, whose deeds brought upon him the blessings of those who were ready to perish. One day a young man who was a Methodist applied to Told for employment, and he answered him rudely. The young man I. '1^. m 'm .A' .jT ;! It I li li 2l6 Aneccbtes of the Westeys, bore tne rebuff with so meek and gentle a spirit that it affected the heart of Told. He called the young man back and gave him employment. The youth persuaded his employer to go and hear Mr. Wesley preach at the Foundery. He did so, and Told and his wife were converted and joined the Methodists. Mr. Wesley persuaded him to take care of a few charity children who had been brought into the Foundery. More than seven years he was employed in this angel-like work, training nearly three hundred boys, Diost of whom were fitted for almost any trade, in order to do this he sacrificed his business, and received ten shillings a week for his salary. Mr. Wesley had ever been the prisoner's Mend. One Sabbath morning he preached at five o'clock at the Foundery from "I was sick and in prison and ye visited me." Told was there with his scholars. The text melted his heart and the ser> mon thrilled his soul, and he resolved to devote his time and talents for the benefit of the prisoner. For more than thirty years he did it, and was weU comed into all the prisons while engaged in his benevolent work. He attended not only to the bodies but the souls of the prisoners. At the age of seventy he was still engaged in his blessed work, and died in 1778. Mr. Wesley makes this record in his Journal, 20th of December, 1778 : "I buried what was mor- tal of honest Silas Told. For many years he at- tended the malefactors in Newgate without fee or reward, and I suppose no man for this hundred n Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 1\J years has been so successful in that melancholy office. God had given him peculiar talents for it, and he had amazing success therein. The greatest part of those whom he attended died in peace, and many of them in the triumph of faith." Noble eulogy from lips unused to flattery. (1 -•♦♦- John Wesley and Dr. Johnson. The gifted Mrs. Hall, Mr. Wesley^s sister, was very intimate with Dr. Samuel Johnson, who was a great admirer of her genius and talents. Dr. Johnson requested her to procure him an interview with her brother, John Wesley. Mrs. Hall did so, and a day was accordingly appointed for him to dine with the Doctor at his residence at Salisbury Court. Dr. Johnson conformed to Mr. Wesley's hours, and appointed two o'clock. The dinner, however, was not ready till three. They con- versed till that time. Mr. Wesley had set apart two hours to spend with his learned host. In con- sequence of this he rose up as soon as dinner was ended and departed. The Doctor was extremely disappointed, and conld not conceal his mortifica- tion. Mrs. Hall said, " Why, Doctor, my brother has been with you two hours." He replied, " Two hours, madam ! I could talk all day, and all night too, with your brother." ' This anecdote illustrates John Wesley's agree- able companionship, his living by rule, and his redemption of time. Boswell, the biographer of 2l8 Anecdot s of the Wesley s. I Johnson, says the Doctor observed to him, " John Wesley^s conversation is good, but he is never at leisure. He is always obliged to go at a certain hour. This is very disagreeable to a man who loves to fold his legs and have his talk out, as I do.** -♦♦•- John Wesley and the Redemption of Time. John Wesley while waiting at a door was heard to say, " I have lost ten minutes forever 1" A per- son said to him on a certain occasion, " Mr. Wes- ley, you need not be in a hurry." "A hurry! No; I I ave no time to be in a hurry," replied Mr. Wesley. His maxim waB, "Always in haste, but never in a hurry." He iaid, " Leisure and I have taken leave of each ether." John Fletche? said of Wesley, "Though op- pi'essed with the weight of nearly seventy years, and the care of nearly thirty thousand souls, he shamed still by his unabated zeal and immense labors all the young ministess perhaps of Christendom. He has generally blown the Gospel trumpet and rode twenty miles before most of the professors who de- spise his labors have left their downy pillows." -♦♦♦- John Wesley and Edward Bolton. Edward Bolton, of Witney, was favored with the friendship of the Wesleys, and his house was their home. Mr. Bolton was a respectable Local Preacher, and he often accompanied John Wesley Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 219 in his journeys. He was present at the celebrated Conference of 1771, which gave birth to John Fletcher's Checks to Antinomianism. Mr. Bolton was a perfect chronicle of Methodism, and delighted to dwell upon its early struggles and triumphs. With admiration he wonld speak of the excellen- ces of the revered founder of Methodism, and he would oft exclaim, with all the pathos of sincerest love, " Taking him for all and all, I ne'er shall look upon his like again I " Mr. Wesley visited him, and was in the parlor reading and writing as was his custom, for he was always redeeming the time. Mr. Bolton wished to enjoy his society and engage in conversatioL, so he began by saying, '* How much more pleasant it is to be in the country than in London; all is silent, all retired, and no disti act- ing voices of the busy multitude intrude them- selves." "True, Neddy," replied Mr. Wesley, with his usual quickness, "but noisy thoughts may." Mr.^ Bolton took the hint, and was silent till Mr. Wesley had finished his work, and was ready for conversation.* •♦< John Wesley and Grace Murray. Grace Murray was one of John Wesley's spirit- ual children. She was a widow, young and beau- tiful, with a superior education. Mr. Wesley appointed her matron of the Orphan House at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Afterward, at Mr. Wes* * Wesleyan Magazine^ 1819. II ,'(•! 220 Anecdotes of the Wes!eys. V I ley'H request, she traveled through the northern counties to meet and regulate the female classefl. Like c^hcr itinerants of those days she traveled or/ horseback. An eye-witness said he saw her take leave at a house door in Yorkshire. Her horse was waiting, and as she came out, a glance of hei eye told her all was right. She needed no assist- ance, but, laying her hand upon the intelligent beast, which knelt to receive her, sprang into the saddle, waved her hand, and in a moment was out of sight. None will venerate the memory of John Wesley less if we say he loved Grace Murray, and had a desire she should become his wife. They were en- gaged to be married ; but his brother Charles and Whitefield were opposed to his marrying at all, and took steps which were but too successful to induce her to marry another. John Bennet was one of Mr. "Wesley's early preachers and was very successful. He afterward separated from Mr. Wes- ley's societies, became a Calvinist, and the pastor of an independent Church in Cheshire. He had once been sick of a fever and Grace Murray nursed him, and from that period he desired she should become his wife. Favored with the influence of Charles Wesley and of Whitefield, he succeeded in winning Grace ; she having been persuaded by these influential friends that her marrying John Wesley would in all probability lessen his useful- ness in the itinerancy. John Wesley felt the dis- appointment most keenly. He poured out the sor- rows of his heart not only in prose but in verse. In one of his (till lately unpublished) letters he n Anecdotes of the Wesleys. ;i 221 •ayg, "The sons of Zeruiah were too strong for me. The whole world fought against me, but above all my own familiar friend. Then was ful- filled, 'Son of man, behold I take from thee the desire of thine eyes at a stroke, yet shall not thou lament, neither shall thy tears run down.' The fatal, irrecoverable stroke was struck on Thurs- day last. Yesterday I saw my friend that was, and him to whom she is sacrificed. Nearly thirty years after her husband's death Mr. Wesley, who had never mentioned her name since her marriage, went at her own request to see her. He spent a short time with her, and after this interview never mentioned her name. In 1803 she died, and Jabez Bunting, who had known her for many years, preached her funeral sermon from Psalm xxvii, 13, 14. -•♦•- John Wesley and Mrs. Yizelle. Many of the "Wesley family were imfortunate in their marriage, and John was among the number. When about fifty years of age Mr. Wesley mar- ried a Mrs. Yizelle. She was a widow, intelligent and wealthy. She seemed very religious, and ap- peared to be admirably adapted to make him an excellent wife. However, she was not what she appeared to be, and he was greatly disappointed. After having caused him twenty years of disquie tude she suddenly left, never intending to return. Finding this was her determination, Mr. Wesley wrote in his Journal, " I did not forsake her, I did not dismiss her, I will not recall her." ' '*i V . >; il;' 222 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. Wesley, the Young Woman, and the Snow-stornL On a Sabbath evening when John Wesley preached at North Shields, a young woman, one of the singers, remained at home in oonsequence of a snow-Btorm. On Monday evening, on her way to the chapel, she called at the house of the leader of the choir, and was there introduced to Wesley. She was questioned by her friend as to her absence the preceding night, and at once stated the cause. Wesley appeared to take no notice of the conversation, but when leaving the house, lay ing his hand upon her shoulder, mildly said, " So, Miss, you were afraid of the snow." She followed him to the chapel, took her seat in front of the pul- pit, and not expecting any further reproof from the good old man, looked him directly in the face and waited anxiously for the text. Great was her sur- prise when, with his characteristic solenmity and en^x)ha8is, he read for the theme of his discourHO Proverbs zxxi, 21, "She is not afraid of the snow." This ingenious reproof was not forgotten. The countenance of the venerable minister, his manner, his voice, and his sermon, left impressions on her mind that were not obliterated by all the ohang ing scenes of life. -•♦•- 11: 1 John Wesley and the Legacy. John Wesley had greatly benefited, spiritually, Miss Lewen, of Leytonstone. Her health was very Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 333 poor, and her father told Mr. Wesley he had done her more good than all the physioians. Miss Lewen was a most estimable young lady, of deep and ardent piety, and possessing mach of this world's goods. Mr. Wesley's favorite mode of traveling was on horseback until be was between sixty and seventy years of age. In December, 1766, his horse fell and injured him very much. At that time the young lady gave him a chaise and a pair of horses. She died soon after, and be- queathed to Mr. Wesley one thousand pounds. Christopher Hopper informed Mr. Wesley of the legacy, and suggested the application of the whole or a part to the Orphan House in Newcastle, as Mr. Whitefield had acted in a similar case in Georgia. Three days before her death Mr. Wesley replied to Mr. Hopper thus: "Miss Lewin's will probably will be a nine days' wonder. Mr. White- field acted according to the -light he had, but I durst not have done so because I am God's stew- ard for the poor." Mr. Wesley says : " I found it needful to hasten to Leytonstone, but I came too late. Miss Lewen died the day before, witnessing that good confession — 'Nature's last agony is o'er, And cruel sin subsists no more.' So died Margaret Lewen, a pattern to all young women of fortune in England, a real Bible Chris- tian. She rests from her labors, and her works do follow her."* •Journal, Nov. 81, me. m 224 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. The next year the legacy was received, and in« •tead of keeping it for himself every pound was given away, making many hearts to rejoice. Hit benevolence knew no bounds but an empty pocket. Thomas Olivers sairs: "Hundreds and thou- » sands are forever draining Mr. Wesley's pocket to the last shilling, as those about him are eye-wit- nesses, those in particular who a few years ago saw and experienced his generosity in giving away by fifties and by hundredtt the thousand pounds Teft him by Miss Lewen." In reply to his sister, Mrs. Hall, he wrote, " You do not consider money never stays with me / it would bum me if it did. I throw it out of my hands as soon as possible lest it should find a way into my heart ; therefore you should have spoken to me in London before Miss Lewen's money flew away," etc. ■♦H- !■ ll > John Wesley and the History of England. He published a History of England, and made two hundred pounds by the sale of that work, and be said to Thomas Olivers, as he informed him of his profits, " But as life is uncertain I will take care to dispose of it before the end of the week;*' which he accordingly did. We have another illustration of his benevolence. John Atlay, the Book Steward, said on a certain occasion, " We must stop printing for awhile, for Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 225 BCr. Wcdey gives away hia money lo iJMt thftt I hftve none left for printing or paper/* * -•♦•- John Wesley and Poor Louisa. In 1776 a young woman stopped at a village near Bristol, and begged the refreshment of a little milk. There was something so attractive in her appearance as to engage the attention of all around. Her man- ners were graceful, and her countenance interesting; indeed, her whole deportment bore visible marks of superior breeding ; but there was a wildness in her look, and a want of consistency in all she said and did. As she could not be induced to make known her name, she was called Louisa. All day she wandered about, and at night took up her lodg- ing under an old hay-stack. Many ladies expostu- lated with her on the danger of so exposed a situa- tion, but all in vain. Their bounty supplied her with the necessaries of life, but no means or entrea- ties could induce her to sleep in a house. As she at times exhibited evident symptoms of insanity, she was at length placed in St. Peter^s Hospital at Bristol She soon made her escape, and flew to her favorite hay-stack, six miles away. Some years after she was placed under the care of Mr. Hen- derson, who kept a private house for insane per- sons near Bristol Mr. Wesley heard of her, and on the 26th of March, 1782, went to see her. In his journal he says : " In the afternoon I called at Mr. * Wedejan Magasine for Dea, 1845, page 1,166. 16 ^ ', It 11 i&f 1 \ i ■ ! '," ' 1 n ; t ' i 226 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. Henderson^s, and spent some time with poor dis* consolate Louisa. Such a sight in the space of fourteen years, I never saw before. Pale and wan, worn with sorrow, beaten with wind and rain, having been so long enposed to all weathers, with her hair rough and frizzled, and only a blanket wrapped round her, her native beauty gleamed through all. Her features were small and finely turned, her eyes had a peculiar sweet* ness, her arms and fingers were delicately shaped, and her voice soft and agreeable ; but her under- standing was in ruins. She appeared partly insane, partly silly and childish. She would answer no question concerning herself, only that her name was Louisa. She seemed to take no notice of any person or thing, and seldom spoke above a word or two at a time. Some time since a gentleman called, who said he came two hundred miles on purpose to inquire after her. When he saw her face he trembled exceedingly ; but all he said was, " She was bom in Germany, and is now twenty* four years old." He spoke to her in French. She appeared rest less, uneasy, and embarrassed; but when he ad dressed her in German her emotion was too great to be suppressed. She turned firom him and burst into tears. The 16th of September the following year be made her another visit, and says : " I went over to Hannam once more and saw poor disconsolate Louisa wrapping herself up naked in her blanket, and not caring to spe^k to any one. The late Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 227 pretty story of her being the Emperor's daughter is doubtless a mere catch-penny, and her twenty- four examinations are as credible as Moham- med's journey through seventy thousand heavens.'' Having remained there several years under the care of Mr. Henderson, supported by a subscrip- tion made by Mrs. Hannah More, she was then removed to Guy's Hospital, where death came to the relief of poor Louisa December 10, 1801. An appropriate epitaph was placed upon her tomb- stone. Not only the poor, the prisoner, the stranger, but the insane shared in Wesley's sympathy and his bounty. Can any thing be more touching than his interviews with poor disconsolate Louisa ? To behold the man of over fourscore years again and again visiting this one, beautiful in ruins, try- ing to pour rays of heavenly light into a mind suf- fering an eclipse, was a scene that must have glad- dened the eyes of angels. -•♦•- John Wesley and Sophia Cooke. Sophia Cooke was a very superior young woman, who from early life enjoyed the personal friendship of John Wesley. For two years she lived in his house at City Road. She reports his morning salutation, uttered with a smile, and with great cheerfulness, " Sophy, live to-day." What a vol- ume in three little words! Mr. Wesley delighted l! II :i^ ■■v, 228 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. \ \ % to express himself in pithy sayings. She took his advice, and made the most of each day. Tears after he had gone to rest she heard the echoes of his voice ringing in her ear, saying, " Live to-day." She had the high honor of being, indirectly, the founder of modem Sunday-schools. She was born in Gloucester, England, the native place of Robert Raikes, and was well acquainted with him. Miss Cooke first suggested to Mr. Raikes the plan oi Sabbath-school instruction. He saw a number of ragged children in the street, and said to Sophia, " What shall we do for these poor neglected children?" She answered, "Let us teach them to read, and take them to Church." Mr. Raikes and Miss Cooke conducted the first company of Sunday scholars to the church, exposed to public laughter as they passed along the street with their unpromising charge. What grand results have followed. **The handful of com has shaken like Lebanon, and they of the city are as grass." Mr. Raikes began his Sunday-school with Miss Cooke in 1784, and in January, 1785, Mr. Wesley published an account of it in tJie ^ Aiminian Mag- azine," and exhorted his societies to imitate Ms laudable example. The noble young woman became the wife of the Rev. Samuel Bradbum, one of the finest orators Wesleyan Methodism ever produced. She sur- vived her husband many years, and died in tri* umph March, 1834, aged seventy-five. !l t. Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 229 his 8ur- tri* John Wesley and the Littte ChUd. John Wesley visited Rathby and preached in the church. As he ascended the pnlpit a child sat on the steps, directly in the way. Instead of in- quiring, ** Why is that child allowed to sit there ?" he gently took the little one in his arms, kissed it, and then placed it on the same spot where it had been sitting. How like the good Shepherd, who takes the lambs in his arms and carries them in his bosom ! Some ministers would have said, " What is that young one doing here? Take that child out ol the way." John Wesley was pre-eminently a disciple oi love. Harshness and austerity of spirit, with man- ners rough and rude, were as alien to his nature as light to darkness. -•♦•- John Wesley and Matthias Joyce. Matthias Joyce, a Papist, one of the vilest of the vile, went to hear Mr. Wesley preach in Dublin, and though he did not understand him, says : " His hoary hairs and grave deportment commanded my respect and gained my affections. What endeared him to me still more was seeing him stoop down and kiss a little child that sat upon the pulpit stairs." That kiss melted his hard heart, and he became one of Mr» Wesley^s itinerant ministers, useful in life, triumphant in death. , 1 r* t 1! I' ! 230 An^dotes of the Wesleys. Iliil John Wesley and the Little Boy. Dr. Liefchild, at a missionary meeting in Leeds, said, " Few present remember John Wesley ; I am one of that few, and I think I have had a greater privilege than any one present. Mr. Wesley was in the habit of stopping at my fiftther's house on his visits to my native town. On one of these visits early one morning (you know Mr. Wesley was a very early riser) I went up to him and gently pulled his dressinggown in order to attract his attention. My father very sharply reproved me ; but Mr. Wesley put his hand upon my head and said, ' Suffer little children to come unto me,' and he took me up in his arms and blessed me. None ever obeyed the command, 'Feed my lambs,' more than Mr. Wesley." -•♦♦- John Wesley and the Inquiring Preacher. The death of Methodism has often been pre- dicted, and there has been much anxiety felt (out- side of it) concerning its future. Mr. Wesley had no desire for its continuance unless its spirit was perpetuated. Near the close of his life a traveling preacher inquired of him, " What advice have you to give in order to perpetuate the great revival of religion in which you have been the principal in- strument?" He answered^ *«'Take care of the riising generation.** i : ' ' ^>^ •• ii ' -i- ii Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 231 John Wesley and the Little Girl. It has been well said that he that makes a child nappy for half an hour is a co-worker with God. John Wesley, in visiting Birmingham, was fre- quently entertained at the house of John Mason. They had a little girl who afterward became the wife of a Methodist minister. Mr. Wesley would often seat her on his knee, place his hand upon her head, give her his blessing, and simply give her such wise counsels as she could understand ; these made an indelible impression upon her heart. He once presented her with a bright sixpence, which she preserved to the day of her death. Mr. Wes- ley used to keep a number of fresh coins by him, the newest and brightest, on purpose to please the taste of the lambs of his flock. -•♦•- John Wesley and the Children. Wesley was emphatically the children's fiiend. He caught largely of the spirit and walked in the footsteps of Him who took them in his arms, whis- pered blessings in their ear, and declared '* of such is the kingdom of heaven." Fifty years before Robert Raikes began his work John Wesley was catechising all the children in Savannah on Sundays before the evening service. It was under him the Sunday-school system was first fully developed. "At Bolton," in July, 1787, he says, "there are eight hundred poor children taught in our Sunday- I I 232 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. :! |] schools by about eighty masters, who recive no pay but what they are to receive from the great Master. In the evening several children hovering round the house, I desired forty or fifty to come in and sing ' Vital spark of heavenly flaoM.' Although some of them were silent, not being able to sing for tears ; yet the harmony was such as I believe could not be equaled in the king's chapel." A few months later we have a glowing description of a Sunday-school review in the same place, at which between nine hundred and a thousand schoU ars were present. The melody of these juvenile voices, he thought, could be exceeded only by the "singing of angels in our Father's house." He adds : " Such a sight I never saw before ; all were serious and well-behaved." His Journal is full of similar proofs of his love and sympathy for chil- dren, and the Eingswood school is a standing monument of his affection for them. Wesley was very popular with the children of his day. His benignant countenance they loved to gaze upon and to receive his apostolic benediction, therefore it was conmion to find *'all the street lined with these little ones " waiting to greet him with glad smiles and joypus welcome. He says^ " Before preaching they only ran round me and before ; but after it a whole troop, boys and girls, closed me in, and would not be content till I Bhook each of them by the hand**' m Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 233 Conscience and Interest John Hyett of Woolwich early hecame a Meth* odist, (1746.) He was in humble oircnmstances in life when he identified himself with Methodism. He had a rich uncle who had a great hatred to the Methodists. He said to him one day, " John, it is my intention to make you my heir, and leave yon the bulk of my property ; but understand, it is on the express condition that you have nothing more to do with the Methodists. If you continue with them I will leave you only one shilling."' Soon after this conversation John Hyett had an inter- view with Mr. Wesley, to whom he communicated his uncle^s proposition, and asked his opinion how he ought to act in the business. Mr. Wesley said, ** John, you have a family to provide for, you have a difficult world to struggle with, and you have now the means before you of providing for your family ; hit^ John^ you have a soul to save. And having said this much, I leave you to act as you think proper." John looked at it in the light of two worlds, counting the cost and weighing the issues. Soon after John Hyett saw his uncle again, who desired to know to what conclusion he had come. His reply was, *'I am unwilling to give you of- fense, but I cannot sacrifice my principle for the sake of gain." Noble conclusion ; one that angels will applaud and the Prince of peace approve. Some years after the wealthy uncle died, and John attended his funeral On reading the will there was only one shilling bequeathed to John. In 'i-i Iv 1! 111! 234 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. due time he received the legacy, and the first op* portunity he threw it into the collection for the poor. His wants were richly supplied, and his descendants move in a respectable circle near Lon- don. John Hyett, who made such sacrifices for the cause of Jesus, has long since known the mean- ing of those beautiful words of the Saviour : " And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or fiftther, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hun- dredfold^ and shall inherit everlasting life." * -•♦♦- John Wesley and Mr. Cordeux. In July, 1766, Mr. Wesley visited York, where the Rev. Mr. Cordeux was incumbent of St. Sav* iour's. He warned his congregation against hearing " that vagabond Wesley preaok" Mr. Wesley on Sunday morning went to St. Saviour's Church dressed in his canonicals. The minister in the course of reading the prayers saw a strange cler- gyman, and sent an officer to invite him to take the pulpit He accepted the invitation, and preached from the Gospel of the day, (Matt, vii, 21,) " Not every one that saith," etc. After serv- ice the Vicar asked the clerk if he knew who the stranger was. " Sir," said he, " he is the vagabond Wesley, of whom you warned us." "Ay, in- deed," was the reply, " we are trapped ; but never mind, we had a good sermon." llie Dean heard ." • *Weflle7UiMagazme, 1829, page 24T.- ;r. x\'.\'i! Anecdotes of the Wes/eys. 235 of the affiur, and threatened to lay a complaint before the Archbishop. Mr. Cordenx, afraid of the consequences, took an early opportunity to inform his Grace that he had allowed Mr. Wesley to occupy his pulpit. " And you did right,*' said the Prelate. Some years after Mr. Cordeux in- yited Mr. Wesley to occupy his pulpit again. He preached from the eight beatitudes. An aged dis- ciple who was present says Mr. Wesley dwelt mostly on these words: "Bkdsed are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom 0^ heaven ;" and said, " Perhaps no ttian in England knows more of what this means than I do."* x -•♦♦- John Wesley and the Woman who was a Sinner. The following touching story shows us the power of the Gospel, the power of divine grace, and the tender, pathetic spirit that beat in the bosom wof John Wesley j we are by it reminded of our Lord'o interview with a woman who was a sinner, to whom he said, "Go in peace, and sin no more.'' Mr. Wesley had been disappointed of a room at Grims- by, and when the appointed hour for public wor- ship came the rain prevented him preaching. In the perplexity which this occasioned a convenient place was offered him to preach in by " a woman who was a sinner." He knew nothing of the char* acter of the woman, but accepted her invitation to • Wesleran Magazine, 1827, page 468. ' ;;■ m »!(' !»! I > \ Hi S ! ■ i: 1: 1:' i ffi i lii J n 236 Amcdotes of the Wesleys. preach at her house. She listened to hin. atten* tively, but without any apparent emotion. But in the evening he preached eloquently upon the sins and faith of her who washed our Lord's feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head, and that discourse touched her to the heart. She followed him to his lodging, crying out, " O, sir, what must I do to be saved ? " My. Wesley, who now understood that she had forsaken her husband and was living in adultery, replied, '* Es- cape for your life ; return instantly to your hus- band." She said she knew xaoX how to go. She had just heard from him, and he was at Newcas- tle, above a hundred miles o£ Mr. Wesley said he was going to Newcastle the next morning, and she might go with him, and his traveling compan- ion should take her behind him. It was late in October. She performed the journey under this protection, and in a state of mind adapted to her condition. " During our whole journey," he says, " I scarce observed her to smile, nor did she ever complain of any thing, or appear moved in the least with those trying circumstances which many times occurred in our way. A steady seriousness, or sadness rather, appeared in her whole behavior and conversation, as became one that felt the bur- den of sin, and was groaning after salvation." " Glory be to the Friend of sinners ! " he exclaimed as he related the story, " he has plucked one more brand out of the fire ! Thou, poor sinner, thou hast received a prophet in the name of a prophet, and thou art found of him that sent him.** Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 23; The hnsband did not torn away the penitent wife, but received her joyfully, and her reforma- tion seemed to be sincere and permanent. " After Bome time," says Mr. Wesley, " her husband left Newcastle, and wrote to her to follow him. She set out in a ship bound for Hull. A storm met them by the way, the ship sprung a leak, and though it was near the shore, on which many per- Rons flocked together, yet the sea ran so high that it was impossible to render any assistance. Mrs. S. was seen standing upon the deck as the ship gradually sunk, and afterward hanging by her hands on the ropes till the masts likewise disap- peared. Even then, for some moments, they could observe her floating upon the waves till her clothes, which buoyed her up, being thoroughly wet, she sunk, I trust, into the ocean of God's mercy." ' ; ,i II I ^ w -•♦•- ! ] i: John Wesley and the Criminal ** I was in prison and ye visited me," will, no doubt, be said by the Judge to John Wesley. In 1749 a soldier was in prison, and condemned to be executed. For several weeks John Wesley visited him in his cell, giving him instruction and praying with him, and he professed to be converted, and the change seemed to be reaL Mr. Wesley visited him after his conversion, and had a very singular impression, and said to the prisoner, ** Do not ex- pect to see me any more ; He who hath begun a i . ^ HI ' ':V m ■■' I * n ^38 Anecdotes of the We^leys. good work will, no doubt, preserve you to the end ; l)ut I believe Satan will separate us for a season." The next day Mr. Wesley was informed that the commanding officer had given strict orders that " neither Mr. Wesley nor any of his people should bo admitted into the prison, for they wen all Athe- ists." Mr. Wesley inquires, " Did that man die like an Atheist ? * Let my last end be like his.' " * ■**•- John Wesley and the Anxious Han. . At a certain period the Methodist Society in Dublin was greatly agitated by divisions. A good but very anxious brother wrote to Mr. Wes- ley on the subject, told him the real state of things, deplored it exceedingly, and concluded his communication by inquiring, " Where, sir, are all these things to end ? " The venerable Wesley re- plied : " Dear Brother, you ask where are all these things to end?* *Wliy, in glory to God in the highest,' to be sure ; ' and on earth peace, and good- will among men.' " f -«♦•- John Wesley and the Discouraged Minister. ' A traveling minister, whose spirit was dejected, being tempted concerning his call to the ministry • JoumiO, ToL a, page 27. i' Ji .j; • w : - . f Wwdeyan Magazine, 1833, page 488. ' » -•♦•- ^ f Amcdotes of the Wtsleyi. 239 that he had run before he was sent, wrote to Mr. Wesley, requesting him to send another preacher to the circuit in his stead, saying, " He believed he was out of his place." Mr. Wesley sent him the following laconic and characteristic answer : " DsAB Bbother : Ton are indeed out of your place, for you are reasoning when you ought to be praying. I am your affectionate brother, "Joew Wmlbt."* 'i'l! I» \\\ John Wesley and the Egg Ian. Mr. Wesley was for a time the most persecuted man in England and Ireland. Some of the perse- cutors descended to very mean things. In 1769 he preached near Bedford. The audience were tolerably quiet till he had nearly finished his dis- course. Then some bawled at the top of their v<»ceB, and it was a perfect BabeL One man, a little more vile than the rest, full of malicious mis- chief had filled his pockets with rotten eggs to throw at the preacher. A young man saw what mis- chief he intended. Unperceived, he went up behind him, clapped his hands on each side of his pockets, and mashed the eggs all at once. Mr. Wesley says: **In an instant he was perfiune all over, though it was not so sweiet as balsaoL^* How fre- quently those who dig a pit for others fiUl into it tiiemBelyes! « 11 \ 1 I ^A iS!" I ^ \ % mm 240 Anecdotes of the IVesleys. 1 1 1 John Wesley and the Commissioners of Excise^ When John Wesley was in London in 1776 the following occurred) illustrating his self-denial, his deadness to the world, as well as his humor and readiness at reply. An order had been issued by the HouB( of Lords **that thb Conunissioners of his Mi^esty's Excise do write circuLr letters to all persons whom they have reason to suspect to have plate, as also to those who have not paid regularly the duty on the same," etc. In consequence of this order the Accountant General for household plate sent Mr. Wesley a copy of the order with the fol- lowing letter: '* Rby. Sib : As the Commissioners cannot doubt but yon have plate for which you have hitherto neglected to make an entry, they have directed me to send yon the above copy of the Lords' order, and to inform you that they expect that you will forthwith make due entry of all your plate, such entry to bear date from the commencement of the plate duty, or from such time as you have owned, used, had, or kept any quantity of silverplate chargeable by the Act of Parliament ; as in ddanlt hereby the Board will be obliged to signify your refusal to their lordships. ** N. B. An immediate answer is dedred.*' Mr. Wesley returned the following laconic and characteristic reply : " Sib : I have two silver teaspoons at London and two at Bristol This is all the plate which Anecdotes of the Wesleyi. 241 I have at present, and I shall not buy any more while so many aroond me want bread. ** I am, sir, your most humble servant, " John Wbslkt.** -•♦•- Wesley's Advice to Samuel Bradburn. Samuel Bradburn was majestic in person and an unequaled orator, and distinguished for his keen wit and readiness at repartee. "The first time I was introduced to John Wesley,'* says Samuel Bradburn, ** I was greatly struck with his cheerful- ness and af&bility. From seeing him only in the pulpit, and considering his exalted station in the Church of Christ, I supposed he was very re- served and austere ; but how agreeably was I dis- appointed when, with a pleasant smile, he took me by the hand and said, * Beware of the fear of man, and be sure you speak flat and plain in preach- ing.* It is not easy to express the good effect this advice had on my mind at that time; it was a word in season.** -•4«- Wesley and Low Spirits. Mr. Bradburn, who traveled with him thousands of miles, slept with him hundreds of times, lived five years in his family, knew Mr. Wesley's habits, and was acquunted with his secrets, says, ^ I never saw him low-spirited in my life, nor could he endure io be with a melancholy person. When speaking of 16 I- i I ; 242 Anecdotes of the Wesleys, auy who imagined religion would make people morose and gloomy, he would say from the pulpit, as well as in private that 'sour godliness is the devil's religion.' " Mr. Bradbum was suffering from strong temptation, and he wrote to Mr. Wesley and received from him the following reply: "That melancholy turn is directly opposite to a Christian spirit. Every believer ought to enjoy life." He never suffered himself to be carried away by ex- treme griel He said, ** I dare no more fret than curse and swear." -♦♦•- Wesley, Bradbum, and Olivers. Thomas Olivers and Mr. Bradbum did not exactly see eye to eye. Something unpleasant had occurred between them, and it was brought to Conference to have the matter adjusted. Mr. Wesley acted as pacificator. He inquired, " Brother Bradbum, do you not love Tommy Olivers ? " " Sir," replied Mr. Bradbum, " I love him as much as you do John Hampson." This was a sudden and unexpected retort. Mr. Bradbum availed himself of the flEtct of Mr. Wesley's leaving John Hampson's name out of the Deed of Declaration, which was interpreted into a matter of prejudice, and gave offense to Mr. Hampson and his friends. -♦♦♦- Wesley and El^ah Bush. Elijah Bush was a contemporary of Mr. Wesley, and received from him many useful lessons. Toong Anecdotes of the WesUys. 243 Bosh having read Mr. WesIey^s works, was de- lighted with an interview with him. He was not only charmed with his patriarchal dignity and child- like spirit and simplicity, but he received advice that had an influence upon him all the days of his life. Mr. Wesley said with emphasis, and yet with peculiar sweetness, ** Brother Bush, make the most of life.'** The words rung in hb ear, thrilled through his soul, influenced his life. As an in- structor of youth, as a Class Leader, as a Local Preacher, as a candidate for eternity, he did make the most of life, never forgetting « '^Hb not the whole of lift to live^ Nor all of death to die." -•♦•- . . Wesley's Wise Counsel on Marriage. ' John Wesley heard that young Bush contem- plated marriage with one to whom his parents strongly objected. He wrote to him, saying, "I have never in fifty years known such a marriage at- tended with a blessing. I know not how it should be, since it is flatly contrary to the fifth command- ment. I told my own mother, pressing me to marry, *I dare not allow you a positive voice herein ; I dare not marry a person because you bid me. But I must allow you a negative voice. I vrill marry no person you forbid.* The judicious and delicate advice of Mr. Wesley was followed by young Bush, and the marriage never took • < i ! 244 Anecdotes of the Wesleys» w it i! '■\ I ' !i Wesley and the Belligerent Boys. Toward the close of Mr. Wesley^s life he was the guest of Mr. Bush, at Norton. Mr. Bush kept a large boarding-school Two of the boys had a quarrel, and fought and kicked each other most fiercely. Mrs. Bush went into the school and parted them, and then brought them into the parlor where Mr. Wesley was about to take tea. In a most kind and affectionate manner Mr. Wesley talked with them, and concluded his advice by repeating the lines of Dr. Watts : '* Birds in their litUe nests agree; And 'tis a shameflil sight When children fA one flunQj Fall out, and chide and fight" Mr. Wesley then said, ** You mvzt be reconciled. 60 and shake hands with each other.'* They did so. " Now," said he, " put your arms around each other's neck and kiss each other." When this was done Mr. Wesley said, ** Come to me," and taking two pieces of bread and butter be folded them together and desired each one to take a part **Now," said he, **you have broken bread together." He then gave them a cup of tea, and told them they had both drank out of the same cup. He then put his hands upon their heads and blessed them. They went into the school room, forgot their ani< mosities, and were friends. The next morning, when the scholars came in for prayers, Mr. Wesley singled out these two boys, encircled them in his arms, and gave them his blessing. This oharao* Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 245 teristio anecdote was related to Rev. Richard Treffry by a magistrate of Berkshire, who was one of the little boys thus kindly reprehended and instmcted by the apostolic Wesley.* -•♦•- .i» John Wesley and Thomas Holy. Mr. Holy resided in Sheffield, and was the in- timate friend of John Wesley. In front of his house Wesley often preached, resting his hands upon the shoulder of his friend. One of his last visits is specially memorable. After having preached in Norfolk-street Chapel he took the arm of Mr. Holly, who conducted him along the streets toward his own home. The members of the Society and the friends of Methodism, under the impression that from Mr. Wesley's advanced age this visit would be his last, followed him in a crowd ; while the curious part of the populace lined the streets, or threw open the windows in order to behold the venerable apostle for the last time. Mr. Wesley, as he passed along, distributed his gifts among the poor, and put his hands on the heads of the little children and blessed them. When he reached the green in front of Mr. Holy's house he turned to the multitude, threw his benignant eye over the whole, and stretched forth his hands and pronounced upon them the divine benediction. This only added fuel to the fire of affection ; the people crowded around him and wept alcud. Seei* * Wedeyan Magadne^ 1812, p. 186L -\'\ f! ! ■ n \n^ ti ' li ' 246 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. ing Buch emotion excited, and finding hinuelf hemmed in on every side, he lifted up his voice in prayer. Every sentence was followed by a deep response from the dense crowd, occasionally inter* rupted by a kind of wailing. This having con- tinued for some time he again dismissed them with his blessing, and with some difficulty gained the door. This was a day of rejoicing to his host; it reminded him of former days when he and his widowed mother were obliged to steal to the Chapel in secret to escape insult and abuse, and when the apostolic Wesley was regularly hooted and pelted by the mob.* -•♦•- John Wesley and John Hilton. Almost from the origin of Methodism there have been what Mr. Wesley called " croakers" — persons who pronounce Methodism a failure. Mr. Wesley, at the Conference at Bristol in 1777, introduced the subject, and inquired of every preacher, " Have you reason to believe from your observation that the Methodists are a fallen people ? Is there a decay or an increase in the work of God where you have been ? Are the Societies in general more dead or alive to God than they were some years ago?" Almost every one answered : " If we must know them by their fhtitSj there is no decay in the work of God among the people in general. The Societies are not dead to God; they are as much alive as ^ * Wm^tui IfagaKine, 1883. Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 247 they have been for many yean, and we look upon this report as a mere device of Satan to make our hands hang down." One man, with an honest heart but weak head, named John Hilton, who had preached thirteen years, contended the Methodists were a **fiEillen people," and declared **he would leave them!" His brethren endeavored to dis> suade him firom doing so. Mr. Wesley, who read character very easily, and well understood men, seeing he could do no good by remaining, and the Conference could do him no good, gently said, *' Let him go in peace." Mr. Hilton took his de* parture, and joined the Quakers. -•♦•- John Wesley and the Dyspeptic Clergyman. " When stationed in the city of Bath," says Rev, Mr. Towle, " I was introduced into the company of an aged man whom I understood to be inti- mate with John Wesley, and once a useful Local Preacher. He entered into a conversation about the times of Mr. Wesley, when he related the foU lowing : * On one occasion when Mr. Wesley dined with me, after dinner, as usual, I prepared a little brandy and water. Mr. Wesley on seeing this, with surprise asked, " What, my brother, what is that; do you drink spirits?" "It is brandy," said I; "my digestion is bad, and I am obliged to take a little after dinner." Mr. Wesley inquired, "How much do you take? let me see." I said, •♦ Only about a table spoonful" " Truly," said he, '>, *■ J:^ ^;! 1 1. ' • ' i i i' ; ' •''\ i' . . I !<;/ ' T^ ' \ ^ . ,j ' il -\ ■J.-fl f 1 Ill 248 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. " that is not much, but one spoonful will soon lose its effects, then yon will take two, from two you will get to a full glass, and then, in like manner, by the power of habit, yon will want two, and so on, till in the end you will become a drunkard. my brother, take care what you do.'** He added, * Happy would it have been for that man if he had taken the advice, the timely warning of my good friend, Mr. Wesley. But, alas ! he trifled with the little drops until he did actually become a drunkard, ruined his reputation, and at the time 1 had the interview with him he was a poor, miser- able backslider, within a few feet of an untimely and disgraceful grave.* ** -•♦•- John Wesley and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Mr. Wesley was well f cquainted with Dr. Potter, Archbishop of Canterbury. Mr. Wesley was in the pitustice of learning from every man he met with. He says, " Nearly fifty years ago that great and good man. Dr. Potter, gave me advice for which I have ever since had occasion to bless God. He said, * If you desire to be extensively useful do not spend your time and strength in contending for or against such things as are of a disputable nature, but in testifying against open notorious vice, and in promoting real essential holiness.*** Mr. Wesley says, " Let us keep to this ; leaving a thousand disputable points to those who have no better business than to toss the ball of controversy Anecdotes of th* Vesleys. 249 to and fro. Let us bear a faithfal testimony against all ungodliness, and with all our might reoommond that inward and outward * holiness without which no man shall see the Lord.* '** -•♦•- John Wesley and Father O'Leary. Mr. Wesley seemed literally **8et for the de> fense of the Gospel.** Father 0*Leary was a Roman Catholic priest in Dublin, and Mr. Wesley and he had quite a controversy on Romanism. Mr. Wesley t<*s admitted to be the victpr. The Rev. Mr. Skelton, an eminent divine of the Church of Ireland, was delighted with the able manner in which Mr. Wesley conducted the controversy. He thanked Mr. Wesley for his letters, and said, "Mr. Wesley*s positions were like a wall of adamant; and that Mr. 0*Leary*s replies were as boiled peas shot against it.** Mr. Wesley complains that his opponent "has only drollery and low wit to op- pose to argument** "Drollery,** he says, "may come in when we are talking of roasting fowls, but not when we talk of roasting men.'* Mr. Wesley relates the following : " On Friday last (March 18, 1782) I dined with a gentlewoman whose fitther, living in Dublin, was very intimate with a Roman Catholic gentleman. Having )n< vited him to dinner one day, in the course of con- versation Mrs. G. asked him, "Sir, would you really cut my husband's throat if your priest com- inanded you.** He answered honestly, "Mr. G. 15 i, 1 ■ ■:•■ 1 i ?:^ % y '.} i 'i -ft M 350 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. III is my friend, and I love him well; but I must obey the Church.'* " Sir," said she, ** I beg I may never more Bee yon within my doors.** fi> -♦♦•- John Wesley and the Persecuting Papist John Wesley was preaching in Bowling Green, Kilkenny, in 1762, and multitudes of both Protest* ants and Papists went to hear him. Toward the conclusion of the sermon the Papists ran together and set up a tremendous shout. Mr. Wesley turned toward them with a very majestic look, and with a commanding voice said, "Be silent, or be gone.** In a moment they were as still as death, and he finished his sermon without further inter* ruption. When he came out from the Green many gathered around him and gnashed upon him with their teeth; and one cried out, **0 what is Kil- kenny come to I '* ** Only two or three large stones were thrown,*' says Mr. Wesley, "but none were hurt save he that threw them: f^r, as he was going to throw again, one seized him by the neck and gave him a kick and a cuff, which spoiled hiii diversion." > . John Wesley and the Roman Catholic Woman." John Wesley, in 1790, visited Doncastle, and preached in the evening to a crowded audience. In his sermon he made some remarks touching the ' ' / " ■ • Wedey'a Sermons, voL ii, p. 374, m\ Anecdotes of tht Westeys, 251 dootiinet and practices of the Roman Catholic Charoh, and he related an anecdote of a Roman Catholic woman who had broken her china cnici-> fix. In an agony of mind she went to her priest exclaiming) "O sir, what must I do? I have broken my china omoifix, and have nothing but the great God of heaven to trust to.*' ** What a mercy,'* exclaimed Mr. Wesley, raising his hands, " that this poor woman had at length nothing to trust to but the great God of heaven." A zealous Catholic by the name of Jeweson was present, and the relation of this anecdote proved a nail in a sure place. He saw the folly of his former re- ligious notions, and immediately he renounced them. The next Sunday he joined the Methodist Society, and till the hour of his death continued a humble and consistent member. * \\ \X -•♦♦- John Wesley and Joseph Lee. When Mr. Wesley first visited Newcastle-upon- Tyne he greatly admired Joseph Lee as a man full of faith and love, and appointed him Class Leader and Steward. He discharged his trust with the utmost ability and integrity. He walked humbly and closely with Go'd, and was a pattern to all the town as well as all the Society. After some time be removed to Nottingham, and there he fell in with some Antinomians, embraced their opinions, and, trusting in his own strength, grew less and ,: . ^ Wadeyan Magadne, 1828, pag* t4Si ^1 r- 252 Anecdotes of the Westeys. less strict, and first lost the power, then the form, of godliness. After he had lived some years openly and avowedly without God in the world, while he was one evening quite merry with his jovial com- panions, one of them said, "Why, Mr. Lee, you were one of those mad Methodists." He answered not a word, hut leaned his arm upon the tahle and died. What a shipwreck of faith dashed on the rocks of ruin, and not so much as a plank upon which to escape. How true, that " the last state of that man is worse than the beginning,'* and that it would ** have been better never to have known the way of righteousness, than, after having known it, to depart from the holy conmiandment " delivered nnto him. -*^*- John Wesley and the " lending Stock." No man ever devised more plans for the relief and comfort of the poor than John Wesley. One blessing surely h^ has obtained, " Blessed are tney that sow beside all waters." To discourage the practice of pawning, and to aid the temporal neces- sities of the poor members of the Society at the Foundery, a fond was established by Mr. Wesley, termed the "Lending Stock.;" from which any poor person, being a member of the society, could obtain a loan of from two to five pounds, on the recommendation of his or her Leader, in conjunc- tion with some one who should become security for the repayment of the sum advanced. The fol- lowing is a copy of one of these loan notes, which Anwdotes of thi Wisleys» 353 !• preterved m a relio, and to ihow how they did things in the dayi of yore : 139 FouironT, Od. 11, lt64. Borrowed and received of Mr. Ward (Steward of the Lending Stock) the num of two pounds, which we jointly and severally promise to pay to him or order. Witness our hands, Rbbkcoa Landon, Borrower. John Bakbwell, Security. Jons BuzLEB^s Class. Laokington, the celebrated bookseller, and others, who rose to great eminence in the commercial world, commenced their mercantile career by loans derived from this fund. i\ -•♦♦- John Wesley and the WonderAil Prophecy. It is always dangerous to turn prophet, and be wiser than revelation. There were those in Lon- don who got the spirit of inspiration, and declared the world would end the 28th of February, 1764. Multitudes believed it, and the terror it occa> sioned was fearful From the time Mr. Wesley heard of it he preached against it with all the en- ergy God had given him. He said, " It must be false if the Bible was true.'* The last day came when time was to end, and the funeral of the world to take place. Mr. Wesley preached from " Prepare to meet thy God," attacking the absurd notion that the world was to end that night. But II I V t! mmmmm W 254 Anecdotes of the Wesley s. notwithstanding all he said many were afraid to go to bed, and others wandered in the fields, firmly believing that if ihsi world did not end that night London would be destroyed by an earthquake. Mr. Wesley went to bed at his usual hour, and slept very sweetly till morning, its light showing their prediction false, and the utter folly of being wiser than revelation. -♦♦♦- John Wesley and the Ship upon a Rock. In July, 1787, Mr. Wesley, Dr. Coke, and sev- eral preachers went on board the ship Prince of Wales, one of the Parkgate packets. He says: " At seven we sailed with a fair, moderate wind. Between nine and ten I lay down, as usual, and slept till nearly four, when I was awakened by an uncommon noise, and found the ship lay beating upon a large rock about a league from Holyhead. Ilie Captain, who had not long lain down, leaped up, and running upon the deck, when he saw how the ship lay cried out, * Your lives may be saved, but I am undone.* Te!i no sailor swore, and no woman cried out. We immediately went to prayer, and presently the ship, I know not how, shot ofl the rock, and pursued her way without any more damage than the wounding a few of her outside planks. About three in the afternoon we came safe to Parkgate."* Were they not saved in answer to prayer ? * Journal, voL vi, page 111. Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 255 John Wesley and the Providential Shower. Near 1770 John Wesley and Thomas Taylor wrere travelmg in Ireland when a sadden and heavy shower came upon them, and they sought shelter in one of the Irish cabins or huts. The people were in poverty extreme. The mother and several children were all in rags. When leaving the cabin Mr. Wesley gave the woman of the house some money, with whic^ she appeared to be highly delighted. When the shower was over Mr. Wesley and his traveling companion mounted their horses and pursued their journey. Mr. Wesley, who knew that " it is more blessed to give than receive," said in a fJEtmiliar manner, ** O, Tommy, what a satis- fJEtction there is in doing good ! Did you not see the pleasing gratitude in that poor woman's coun ■ tenance for the little that was given to her? I think God sent that shower on purpose to drive us into that cabin.** if 11: 1 > i 1 r. i -•♦•- John Wesley and John Downes. John Downes was one of Wesley^s early itiner- ants, who preached with great success the glorious GospeL Wesley says, " He was by nature as great a genius as Sir Isaac Newton," and mentions a number of things in proot ** When young Downes was at school learning aj^ebra he went to his mas- ter and said, *Sir, I can prove this, proposition ■■ "■■S% \ ]'! I' . I 2S6 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. better than it is proved in the book.* His master thought it could not be, but upon trial aoknowU edged it to be so." Again, ^ Thirty years ago, while I was shaving, he was whittling the top of a stick. I asked, * What are you doing ? * He an< swered, ' I am taking your &ce, which I intend to engrave on a copper plate.* Accordingly, without any instruction, he first made himself tools, and then engraved the plate.** The second picture which he engraved was that which was prefixed to 'Wesley*s Notes upon the New Testament. Such another instance, I suppose, not all England or perhaps Europe, can produce. ' After more than thirty years hard service the 6th of November, 1774, while preaching in West-street Chapel, Lon- don, from ^f^ Come unto me, ye that are weary and heavy laden,'* etc., he fell dead in the pulpit. There " he gloriously rested from his labors, and entered into the joy of his Lord.*' * Charles Wes- ley exclaimed, " O for a death like this ! It is the most enviable, the most desirable I ever heard o£** He left a widow and sisqpence of property. -•♦•- John Wesley and Dictators. Some men are not merely suggesters, but they are dictators. They will dictate to ministers and Churches, and woe to them who are not ready to pronounce their shibboleth. Mr. Wesley says, ** That for fifty years if any one said to him, * If * Wealey'a Journal, November, If 74k i v.^;; . Xnwdotes of the Wesleys. 257 yon do not put saoh a one out of the Society I will go out of it/ I have said, * Pray go. I, not you, am to judge who shall stay.' " He says, " I have often repented of judging too severely, but very seldom of being too merciful." ' 'A -•♦•- they I and idy to Bays, |m,*If John Wesley and Croakers. The fEtmily of grumblers is almost as numerous as the locusts of Egypt, and, like them, they destroy every green thing. Mr. Wesley could not have given them a more appropriate name than in the sentence, " Croakers invariably hinder the work of God." Their fretfulness grieves the Holy Spirit, their want of faith paralyzes their own prayers and exertions, and their gloomy cohversation de- presses the hearts of their brethren." He met with one in Dudley in 1760. The place had for- merly been a den of lions. He says he was surprised to find the people so still, many gaping and staring, but none speaking an uncivil word. « Ah," said a well-meaning man, "we shall not find them so oivil by and by." " I wish these croakers would learn to hold their peace. I desire to hear no prophets of eviL" -•4*- John Wesley and Robert Toong. A man in Newcastle had personally insulted Hr. Wesley in the street. Upon inquiry street. 17 he ! - '. \ \ i m i 1 i' i 258 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. found the man was an old offender in peiBecuting the members of the Society by abusing and throw- ing stones at them. Learning his name, as well as his oonduct, Mr. Wesley sent him the following note: "Robert Toung, I expect to see you between this and Friday, and to hear from you that you are sensible of your fault, otherwise, in pity to your soul, I shall be obliged to inform the magis- trates of your assaulting me in the street. " I am your real friend, John Wsslsy.^' Within two or three hours Robert Young came and confessed his fault, and promised quite a dif- ferent behavior. Mr. Wesley in his journal, where he relates this, says : *' So did this gentle reproof, if not save a soul from death, yet prevent a multitude of sins." John Wesley and the Son of his Friend. William Norris was the son of the Rev. John Norris, who died on Epworth Circuit in 1779. He and Mr. Wesley, who bears the following honor- able testimony to his character, were great friends. Mr. Norris " was a faithful and constant witness of Christian perfection, who died as he lived, full of faith and the Holy Ghost." When Mr. Wesley visited Dublin for the last time but one he was asked if he remembered John Norris. He said he did. He was then told " his son was present, and that he had a desire for salvation." Mr. Wesley, "^ ■ I . Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 259 with great emotion, exclaimed, " What ! the son of my friend, John Norris?" and walking hastily across the floor fell upon his neck and kissed him. He was then told that he hesitated at that time about uniting with the people of God. Mr. Wes* ley then withdrew his embrace, and retraced his steps backward, gave "his friend's son" a most expressive look, in which reproof and compassion were so strangely blended that, to use the young man's own words, ** it almost broke his heart." It was something like the look the Lord gave Peter. That look Mr. Nc-ris never forgot. Mr. Wesley made another, which was his last visit to Ireland. When he was on board the ship in Dublin harbor, as it was about to sail, some one called to him from the quay and asked him if he still remembered Mr. Norris's son, adding, "He is now rejoicing in God." The venerable man immediately took off his hat and knelt upon the deck, and expressed the joy and gratitude of his spirit by lifting up his hands to heaven in ardent thanksgiving. William Norris continued steadfast in the faith. When the rebellion broke out he resided in the town of Pros- perous. The rebel force surprised the garrison at that place, and butchered them. The mob passed along the street, and seeing Mr. Norris standing at his own door, ordered him into his house to await his fate while they murdered his next neighbor. They soon entered his dwelling on the work of death. Mr. Norris was up stairs commending him- self to the protection of God in prayer. He heard a great noise and contention below. The ring- •'I ^' il J :M !: 26o Anecdotes of the WesUys. leader of the murderous band, on coming to the door, was suddenly overruled by^ One in whose hands are all hearts. He instantly changed his purpose, and, instead of going up stairs, as he had intended, to imbrue again his pike in human gore, placed it across the threshold, awfully affirm- ing " that beiore any man should touch Norris they should go through his body." They were deter- mined to kill him, that there should be no excep- tion. He plead his cause, showing why his life should be spared. He referred to Mr. Norris's former kindness as an employer, and to his pacific demeanor as a neighbor. Mr. Norris had employed many weavers, and some of them were in the mob. They moved on with loud threats, while their leader remained as a life-gtiard to God's servant. As soon as there was a little quiet the ringleader of the mob called to Mr. Norris, who was still up stairs, and urged him at the peril of his life to quit the town, directing him to a way of safety, and then he proceeded onward in his work of death.* This was almost a miraculous preservation of the son of Mr. Wedey's friend. Mr. Norris removed to England, was useful as an official member of the Society, maintained his integrity until death, and passed away in triumph, in August, 1822, to join Wesley and his father, . ' " Where perfect love and friendship reign , Through all etemitj." * Weilqraa ICagadne, 1823, page 82. ■ Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 361 John Wesley and George Osbom. Mr. Osbom resided in Rochester. He had heard much of Wesley, had read his writings, and had an ardent desire to see him. Abocit the year 1784 Mr. Wesley made a visit to Rochester, where he was. Mr. Osbom was captivated with the founder of Methodism, and said the first impression made upon his mind by what he saw and heard from Mr. Wesley was, " This man is a scholar." Others had represented Wesley to him in a very different light, as fanatical and ignorant. Mr. Wesley's fre- quent references to recent publications, his natural and unostentatious manner of quoting the original Scriptuces, his whole bearing and demeanor, even to the manner of his handling the pulpit books, were all noticed as bearing on this point, and Mr. Osbom concluded that so far as these indications might be relied on there was no more fanaticism in the foun- der of Methodism than in any of the more dignified and wealthy clergymen he had been accustomed to hear at tiie Cathedral j M .1 -[ ■*♦•- John Wesley's Condescension. Mr. Osbom was forcibly impressed with the dif- ference between Mr. Wesley and the great bulk of his people in mental habits and endowments. *'This man," he said to himself, "must be an eminent Christian, or he would not associate 8o much with poor ignorant folks, and make himself \ . I* / 262 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. at home as he does." The longer he lived the more he admired this feature of Mr. Wesley's char- acter, and he- woald often apply to him the language of St. Paul respecting himself: **To the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some," observing at the same time that only a scholar could estimate the amount ol self-denial which would be required in carrying out this principle through half a century. -•♦•- John Wesley and the Landscape. Mr. Wesley was a great admirer of the beauties of nature ; indeed, he could find " Books in the running brooks, Sermons in stones, and good in eveiy thing." Mr. Osbom admired Mr. Wesley's habitual devo- tional spirit. On one occasion Mr. Wesley's host and some other friends accompanied him to one of the lofty hillfi behind the town of Chatham, which commands a most beautiful prospect. All were charmed with the loveliness of the scene, and when they had freely expressed their admiration of the enchanting landscape Mr. Wesley took off his hat and began to sing, \. " Praise ye the Lord ; 'tis good to raise Your hearts and voices in his praise: His nature and his works invite, To make this doty our delight " i ' ^< Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 263 They all joined in singing the beautiful hymn of Watts, while Mr. Wesley acted as chorister. After singing they all returned home, having " Looked through nature up to nature's God." Mr. Osbom never forgot the lesson he learned that morning ; and often, when looking at fine scenery, he would say, with allusion to this anecdote, " Why should we give the landscape all the praise vcA the Author none ? " w \ \X -•♦♦- John Wesley and the Tea Party. At another time a large party of friends who had met to take tea were exceedingly diverted at some anecdote which either Mr. Wesley or one of the preachers who had accompanied him told. The company were convulsed with laughter, which was followed as usual by a momentary silence; and just as the conversation was about to be re- sumed Mr. Wesley stood up, and, of course, all eyes were turned to him. He paused a moment, and then, lifting up his hand in a manner, peculiarly his own, began : " StOl may I walk as in thj Bightt My strict observer see; And thou, by reverent love^ unite My child-like heart to thee. Still let me, till my days are past^ At Jesus' fbet abide ; So sbaU he lift me up at last^ : -> And seat me by his side." * i I 1 ; iil II "■ 264 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. Tho effect was electrical The tide was changed It was as happy aa it was instantaneoas. There was beautifully blended the wisdom of the serpent with the harmlessnesB of the dove. The full stream of feeling was diverted into the right chan* nel, and the pleasures of the parlor became a prep* aration for the services of the sanctuary. -•♦•- John Wesley and the Gayer Family. Edward Gayer, Esq., of Derryaghy, Ireland, with his family, early embraced Methodism. He occupied a beautiful mansion, delightfully situated about midway between Lisbum and Belfast. He fitted up at his own expense a place for preaching in the village of Derryaghy, near his residence, and in his house a room called "the prophet^s chamber." This was one of John Wesley*s choice homes in Ireland. In the summer of 1776, when Mr. Wesley was on his accustomed tour through the north of Ireland, he was received and affec- tionately entertained in the hospitable dwelling of Mr. Gayer, where he lay for several days danger* ously ill of a violent fever, and experienced the kindest attentions of the family. Noticing this event in his journal of that year, he writes : " Here nature sunk, and I took to my bed, but I could no more turn myself therein than a new-bom child. My memory failed, as well as my strength, and well-nigh my understanding. Only those words Anecdotes of the IVes/eys. 265 ran in my mind when I saw Miss Gayer on one ride of Uie bed, looking at her mother on the other, " Sh« Mt, like patience on n monument, Smiling at griet" He says for two or three days he was more dead than alive. His tongue was swollen, and as black as coal ; he was convulsed all over, and for some time his heart did not beat perceptibly, neither was any pulse discernible.* ** On that occasion,'' says the biographer of Miss Gayer, afterward Mrs. Wolfenden, "many fears were entertained of Mr. Wesley's death, and much solicitude felt for his recovery. Fervent prayer was offered up for him that God might graciously prolong his valuable life, and, as in the case of Hezekiah, add to his days fifteen years ; and while one of the preachers, with a few select friends, were thus engaged, Mrs. Gayer suddenly roBe from her knees, and exclaimed, 'The prayer is granted ! ' Soon after Mr. Wesley recovered, and survived from June, 1775, till March, 1791, a period of just fifteen years and eight months." /, i\ \l -♦M- How to Perpetuate Methodism. In 1783 the Rev. Robert Miller asked Mr. Wes- ley ** What must be done to keep Methodism alive when you are dead?** Mr. Wesley gave the fol- lowing answer : " The Methodists must take heed ♦ Journal, vol. v, page 160. HI , .14 'I 266 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. to their doctrine, their experience, their pnustioe, and their discipline. If they attend to their doc- trines only, they will make the people Antinomians; if to the experimental part of religion only, they will make them enthusiasts ; if to the practical part of religion only, they will make them Pharisees ; and if they do not attend to their discipline they will be like persons who bestow much pains in cultivating a garden, and put no fence around it to save it from the wild boars of the forest" -•♦•- John Wesley and John Allen. At an annual Conference over which Mr. Wes- ley presided, he opened by asking the usual ques- tions as to whether there were any objections to the moral and religious characters of the preachers, or any charge against them for neglect of duty or talents for the work; but in reading the names omitted his own and that of his brother Charles. John Allen, a highly respectable preacher, rose and said that he objected to the course pursued by the President. This was the first time Mr. Wesley's conduct had been called in question in the Conference. His High-Church principles in- stantly took fire, and he replied with great warmth that he should not submit to be examined by his preachers. Mr. Allen said, "Then, sir, I have done," and sat down. The greatest stillness and astonishment now pervaded the Conference. Mr. Wesley, recollecting himself, replied, ** Brother ■■A ., ,.'■ J<: Antcdotts of tht Wtsleys. 367 Allen, have you any charge to prefer against me?" Mr. Allen said, "I have." "Then," said Mr. Wesley, " I will begin at the beginning," and instantly called his own name. All eyes were now turned toward Mr. Allen, who rose and said, " I have something in the form of a charge to prefer against yoa, sir, namely, though you have prom- ised agfldn and again to visit my circuit, to the great giief of many in that part, you have not done it" Mr. Allen had scarcely uttered these words when the clock announced the arrival of the breakfast hour, and after a moment's interces- sion the Conference was broken up, and they re- tired. During the time of breakfast Mr. Wesley withdrew, and on his re-entering the room he ap- peared as if in thought. He could not bo roused ; his wonted fires did not glow. On his return to the Conference, after singing and prayer, he re* quested Mr. Allen to stand up, and said, " Brother Allen, I beg your pardon, the pardon of God, and the pardon of my brethren for the impropei warmth into which I have been betrayed." He then acknowledged he was accountable to his brethren, and after stating that the disappoint- ment in question arose from circumstances over which he had no control, he then desired the Con- ference to join with him in prayer to God, in which he humbly confessed the whole case, and earnestly implored forgiveness for every sin both of omission and commission. The whole scene was overpowering, and every individual in the Conference was affected to tears. * I I:' ■■ i 268 Anecdotes of the Wesleys, I ■ ! ''^ t f 5 i John Wesley and the Deed of Declaration. Nothing John Wesley ever did created mort prejudice against him than his famous ^ Deed of Declaration ;" yet it was one of the wisest acts of hii; life. It was of the highest important ) to the Methodist Connection, preserving to them their Church property, and securing to them a perma- nent hut itinerant ministry. It has been their sheet-anchor in the midst of storms. There was danger that after his death every thing would go to destruction. In 1784 Mr. Wesley felt that his days were limited, and when he died the Confer- ence, which was not mcorporated, but depended upon his will, would cease to exisl. To perpetuate the system of Methodism Mr. Wesley, after having taken the best counsel, drew up the " Deed of Dec- laration," constituting one hundred preachers the Conference, and giving them the power, under cer- tain restrictionfi, to appoint preachers to the chap- els, and to exercise a godly discipline over their fellow-laborers and one another. This .ieed he enrolled in his Majesty's High Court of Chancery. Some preachers were offended because their names were not inserted among the hundred, and re- signed. Mr. Wesley justifies himselfl " ^ut what need of any declaration at all?" He answers there was the utmost need cf it. Without some authentic deed, fixing the meaning of the term, the moment I died the Conference had been noth- ing ; therefore any of the proprietors of the land on which our preaching-houses were built might Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 269 have seized thorn for their own nse, and there would have heen none to hinder them, for the Conference would hare been nobody — a mere empty name." He declares it was " an absolutely necessary deed," and concludes : " I have not been laboring for myself, (I have no interests therein,) hut for the whole body of Methodists^ in order to fix them upon such a foundation as is likely to stand as long as sun and moon endure. That is, if they continue to walk by faith, and to show their faith by theiir works, othervise, I pray God to root out the memory of them from the earth." * 1 m r m 'i \IM ■ '\\m ■ } an fl i E'' r : r_' t * 1' I; iii : i > f , :'4 1 -•♦•- netcher as Mediator. There was, as has been said, much dissatisfac- tion at the Conference concerning the D^ed of Declaration on the part of ministers whose names were omitted. The debates were full of excitement and personality. Mr. Fletcher was there with his angelic countenance, and his spirit as sweet as the beloved John, whose name he bore. When the storm was raging he tried to produce a calm. " Never," says Charles Atmore, f " while memory holds her neat, shall I forget with what ardor and earnestness Mr. Fletcher expostulated, even on his knees, both with Mr. Wesley and the preachers. To the former he said, ' My father, my father, they have offended, but they are your children.* To * Arminian Magazine, 1785. f Wesleyan Magazine, 1 845, page 14. \\t 11 I ; s . i !|l 270 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. the latter he exclaimed, ' My brethren, my bretb* ren, he is your father ! ' and then, portraying the work in which they were unitedly engaged, fell again on his knees, and with much fervor and de- votion engaged in prayer. The Conference was bathed in tears; many of them sobbed aloud." Such is the description of the melting fccene at the Conference. His touching appeal produced a tem- porary reconciliation. -•♦♦- ' • John Wesley and his Successor. When time had shaken Wesley by the hanil some of his preachers wished Mr. Fletcher at their head in case of the death of Mr. Wesley, and wished him to speak to Mr. Fletcher on the sub- ject. He did so. Mr. Wesley reported to them in his short way, " He will not come out unless the Lord should baptize him for it." Mr. Fletcher said, in writing to a friend, " If I had a heart full of grace, a head full of wisdom, and a pocket full of money, I might take Mr. Wesley's place." When Wesley was so ill in 1763 at Ebenezer Blackwell's, at Lewisham, that his death was hourly expected, Charles met the Society at the Foundery at London, and some of them spoke to him about being the successor of his brother. He told them he neither could nor would stand in his brother's place if God took him to himself^ for he had neither a body, nor a mind, nor talents, nor graco for it. John Wesley outlived them both, V I Anecdotes oj the WesUys. 271 and w€) wonder not that they trembled at the idea ot bemg his successor. -♦♦•- Wesley's Prayer for Fletcher. The Conference in IT 7 7 was held in Bristol, and what . follows was related by David Lloyd, who says he was an " eye and an ear witness to the facts." "The Rev. John Fletcher, of Madeley, had for a long time labored under a deep-seated consumption, which was then adjudged to be ad- vancing to its final crisis. He was advised by the faculty to make the tour of the continent, and breathe his native air. When in the forenoon of a day the Conference was drawing to a close tid- ings announced the approach of Mr. Fletcher. As he entered the vestibule of the new room, supported by Mr. Ireland, I can never forget the visible im- pulse of esteem which his venerable presence ex- cited in the house. The whole assembly stood up as if moved by an electric shock. Mr. Wesley arose and advanced a few paces to receive his highly respected friend and reverend brother, whose visage seemed strongly to bode that he stood on the verge of the grave, and his eyes, sparkling with seraphic love, indicated that he dwelt in the suburbs of heaven. In this his lan- guid but happy state he addressed the Conference on their work, and gave his views in a strain of holy unction and pathetic eloquence which no language of mine can adequately express. The influence of !l J I i { ■ 2/2 Anecdotes of the Wesley.';. hit) Bpirit and pathos seem to bear down all be/ore it. I never saw such an instantaneous effect pro- duced in a religious assembly either before or since. He had scarcely pronounced a dozen sen- tences before a hundred preachers were immersed in tears. Time can never efface from my mind the recollection and image of what I then felt and saw. Such a scene I never expect to witness on this side eternity. Mr. Wesley, in order to relieve his lan- guid friend from the fatigue and injury which might arise from a too long and arduous exertion of his lungs through much speaking, abruptly kneeled at his side, the whole Conference of preachers doing the same, while he addressed the thione of grace in a concise and energetic manner, offering up a supplicatory prayer for a restoration to health, and a longer exercise of ministerial la- bors in behalf of their dear brother and companion in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, which prayer he closed with the following prophetic promise, pronounced in his peculiar manner, with a confidence and emphasis which seemed to thrill every heart : ' He shall not die, but live, and de- clare the works of the Lord? The event verified the prediction. Mr. Fletcher exerted all the zeal of a primitive missionary for eight years after- ward," -•♦♦- John Wesley and Apostolical Succession. Volumes have been written on apostolical sue-' John Wee ley, in writing to ^i& brother cession. Anecdotes of the Wesley s. 273 Charles, said, " I firmly believe, I am a scriptural epiiQopoi as much as any man in England or in Europe. (For the uninterrupted succession I know to be a fiable, which no man ever did or can prove.") Again he says, 'Lord King's 'Account of the Primi- tive Church' convinced me many years ago that Bishops and Presbyters are the same order, and consequently have the same right to ordain." These are the reasons he assigns for ordaining, in 1784, Thomas Coke, LL.D., Superintendent or Bishop for the Methodist Church in America, and Richaj^ Whatcoat and Thomas Yasey Elders. V 1 mi 'S 31 * i M \ * \ \ 1 ' -•♦•- John Wesley and Joseph Bradford. Mr. Bradford was one of the purest men Wesh leyan Methodism ever produced. He was the cho- sen friend and traveling companion of Mr. Wesley for years. No man on earih did Mr. Wesley take into more intimate fellowship. His disposition was kind, and he was at the same time a man of unbending integrity. Mr. Wesley left his watch to Joseph Bradford. He was with Mr. Wesley wheu he was dying, and offered the last prayer for him. "Joseph," said Mr. Wesley one day, "take these letters to the post'* Bradford. I will take them after preaching, sir Wesley. Take them now, Joseph. Brac{ford, I wish to hear you preach, sir, and '' " ^ ' 1$ ' !;; I '\ i i I. t 274 Anecdotes of the Wesley s. there will be sufficient time for the post after Bervice. WeiUy. I insist upon your going now, Joseph. Bradford. I will not go at present. Wesley. You wont ? Bradford. No, sir. Wesley. Then you and I must part Bradford, Vwy good, sir. The good men slept over it. Both were early risers. At four the next morning the refractory " helper " was accosted by Mr. "Wesley with " Jo- seph, have you considered what I said, that we must part ? " Brddford. Yes, sir. Wesley. And must we part ? Bradford. Please yourself^ sir. Wesley. Will you ask my pardon, Joseph ? Bradford. No, sir. Wesley. You wont ? Bradford. No, sir. Wesley. Then I will yours, Joseph ? Bradford instantly melted into tears, and Mr. Wesley was deeply affected. Mr. Wesley could not afford to dismiss such a friend, or Bradford leave such a father, and they journeyed on to- gether till the founder of Methodism fell asleep. -♦♦♦- I Wesley, Bradford, and the Chaise. Mr. Wesley was a great redeemer of time, and was always pained at tlie loss of a moment, as I 'I I V, Anecdotes of the Wesley t. 275 the following anecdote, related by Dr. Adam Clarke, will show : In 1785, with Joseph Bradford, he visited Dr. Clarke on St. Austell Circuit Says the Doctor : " I was with Mr. Wesley one day when his chaise was not at the door at the time he had ordered it. He set off on foot, and I accompanied him. It was not long, however, before Joseph Bradford overtook us with it. Mr. Wesley inquired, * Jo- seph, what has been the matter ? * Mr. B. I could not get things ready any sooner, sir. Mr. W. You should have urged the people to it. Mr. B. I spoke to them to be in readiness, sir, no less than nineteen times. Mr. Wesley pleasantly remarked, " You lost it, you blockhead, for the want of the twentieth^ thus giving Joseph and his young friend a gentle hii\t on punctuality and perseverance. ij! V \ -P , •' < '. ■ . , i / i ■ . . \, ' •' . - i -•♦♦- Wesley, Bradford, and the Angel. The harmony of Churches is often disturbed by very little things. In 1778 there was a division in the Society at Halifax about an angel with a trum- pet in his hand, which one party would have fixed on the top of a sounding-board over the pulpit, while the other party would not consent to it, and the difficulty was so great that the circuit preach- era could not reconcile the contending parties, so li! 276 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. they agreed to leave it to Mr. Wesley, and abide by his decision. When Mr. Wesley came, he gave his judgment against the angel, and to put an end to all future strife, he requested Mr. Bradford to offer a Imrnt sacrpice of the angel on the altar of peace. He did so, and the apple of discord was removed, and Zion became a quiet habitation. -•♦•- John Wesley, Adam Clarke, and the Horse. In 1784 a gentleman of Bradford gave Adam Clarke, who was then a young preacher on the circuit, a horse, and among the other good quali- ties for which he extolled him, said he was an e» cellent chaise horse. Mr. Wesley, who stood by, said, " One of our horses troubles us very much, for he often takes it into his head he wiU not draw. Had I not better take your horse, Mr. R., and let Brother Clarke have this one ? He may be a good hackf though a bad chaise-horse." The change was made, and yoimg Clarke got Mr. Wesley's horse, of which he was not a little proud, because it had been the property of the founder of Meth- odism. However the horse might have done that Mr. Wesley took, that of Mr. Clarke's proved to be one of the most dangerous animals ever mounted. He scarcely ever rode him a journey of ten miles in which he did not fall at least once, and by this his life was often brought in danger. .His friends often tried to persuade him to dispose of this dangerous beast, but his affection for Mr. 11 i! Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 277 Wesley, its former owner, caused him to torn % deaf ear to every entreaty and remonstrance, as he was afraid if he parted with the animal he would fall into hands that would not use him well One evening the horse fell, as was his custom, and pitched Mr. Clarke directly over his head. There had been a severe frost, the ground was frozen hard, and he was greatly injured, and lay for a long time senseless. His spine was so injured that he did not wholly recover for more than three years. After that narrow escape he was persuaded to part with his horse, which he changed with a fjEirmer who had a high reverence for Mr. Wesley, and promised to use the horse mercifully. r I f I \\ i ^h h^ -•♦♦- John Wesley and the Land's End. The "Land^s End" has beec. immortalized in one of his brother's hymns : " Lo I on a narrow neck of land, 'Twizt two unbounded seas I stand Secure, insensible." John Wesley admired this singular promontory, and visited it more than once. In 1786, when the shadows of the evening were gathering around him, he made his last visit. He was then over eighty yean old. Mr. Wesley loved to see natui-al curiositiei^, and especially nature in her delicious wildness. "We went," says he, "to the Land's End, in order to which we cktmbo^d down the n 1 ■i V II ^78 Anecdotes of the Wesley s. i! li . rocks to the very edge of the water. I cannot but think the sea has gained some hundreds of yards since I was there forty years ago." It was singular to behold an old man, over fourscore years, with white hair, fiirrowed cheeks, and infirm limbs climb- ing over huge steep rocks that hung in precipices over the sea to get a better view of a bold pro- montory where two oceans meet ! -•♦•- John Wesley and the Gout It is supposed that none have the gout but high livers, the intemperate, or the indolent. This is not true. 'Tis a singular fact, which none of his biographers have noticed, that both his father and mother were afflicted with the gout, and their gifted son also. And they were among the most industrious, temperate, and frugal people in the world. Mr. Wesley says Dr. Cadogan asserts " there is no such thing as hereditary gout ;" that it is generally owing to one or more of three causes, namely, intemperance, indolence, or irregu- lar passions. Mr. Wesley admits that the far greater part of our chronical distempers are con- tracted by ourselves, but not all He says, " I am a living witness of the contrary, even with regard to the gout. Those who know me do not charge me with intemperance, either in meat or drink. I am not indolent ; I never travel much less than five thousand miles a year, and I bless Gk>d I have no violent passions ; yet I have within these thirty 1 ;:e con- I am (C regard charge drink. 388 than I have thirty Anecdotes of the Wesleys, 279 years (since 1744) had the gout nine or ten times, of which my father was frequently ill, and mv mother died." -♦♦♦- John Wesley and Doctor Beattie. Mr. Wesley, near the close of his life, preached at Aherdeen. He was exceedingly fatigued hoth in hody and mind, and his sermon did not come up to his usual standard. Among his auditors was Doctor Beattie, who was delighted with what he heard, and notwithstanding the lassitude of the speaker, said, "If it was not a masterly sermon, yet none hut a master could have preached it." >»> John Wesley and Wrestling Jacob. John Wesley was a great admirer of his brother Charles's hymns, particularly " Wrestling Jacob,'* which Dr. Watts said was worth more than all the poetry he had ever written. After the death of Fletcher, his brother Charles, and others, Mr. Wesley visited a certain place, and before preach- ing gave out the hymn of his brother's which iMgins, " 0>ine, thou Traveler unknown, ' Whom still I hold but cannot see;' M7 company before is gone, And I am left olont with thee." While repeating the last two lines his speech began to falter, and the tears flowed down his cheeks. ■ i i i f ■< ■ , ■ S *'f \ ri« Q V^:ss»^, IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 1.1 11.25 i50 ^^^ Mi^H Ui 1^ 12.2 WUU ,. m U IIIIII.6 — 6" ■'1 y: w '■T 7 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WIST MAIN STMET WIBSTn,N.Y. MSSO (716) •72-4503 ^ :-^^ 1 FTT II ii! »l t HI 280 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. The effect was electrical. The whole audience became deeply affected, and many ** sorrowed, most of all because they were persuaded they diould see his face no more.** -♦♦•- John Wesley and Robert Hopkins. ; Mr. Hopkins, in the early part of his life, was in company with John Wesley and several other friends. In conversation Mr. Wesley referred to the opinion Dr. Watts had expressed concerning "Wrestling Jacob,'* and added, with great emo* tion, " O what would Dr. Watts have said if he had seen my brother's two exquisite funeral hymns, beginning, " How happy everj child of grace Who knows his sins forgiven." And the other, commencing ** Oome, let as Join our friends above That have obtained the prise.** -•♦•- Wesley's Sermon on Slavery. In 1788 the subject of slavery was producing a great excitement in England. It was the general topic for the press and the pulpit. In the early part of March Mr. Wesley preached on the subject at Bristol, on a week evening, by previous an* nouncement. The house was crowded with high and low, rich and poor. He preached on that ancient prophecy, " God shall enlarge Japhet: and Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 381 fie shall dwell in the tents of Shem, and Canaan shall be his servant*' Mr. Wesley says, ** About the middle of the discourse, while there was on every side attention still as night, a vehement noise arose, none could tell why, and shot like lightning through the whole congregation. The terror and confusion were inexpressible. You might have im- agined it was a city taken by storm. The' people rushed upon each other with the utmost violence ; the benches were broke in pieces ; and nine tenths of the congregation appeared to be struck with the same panic. In about six minutes the storm ceased, almost as suddenly as it rose ; and, all being calm, I went on without the least interruption. It was the strangest incident of the kind I ever re< member ; and I believe none can account for it with- out BUpponng some preternatural influence. Satan fought lest his kingdom should be delivered up." * lii r t^ ii 11 " t; 1^ -•♦•- Ihigh Ithat and Wesley and Walpole. Robert Walpole, the distinguished Minister of State, with a strange character and a most singular history, had a fiftvorite saying, " Do not tell me of your virtue or religion. I tell you every man has his price.*' Mr. Wesley replies, ** Tes, Sir Robert, every man like you ; every one that sells himself to the devil'* t ! * Weald's JournaL • t ^^ eldest brother, Samuel Wealej, Jan., freely lampooned Sir Robert Walpole, the Whig liioiater of the di^, in aeyend poetic aatins. .'■11 ■f :§ E2« aSa Anecdotes of the WesUys. Wesley and Horace Walpole. Horace Walpole was the son of Robert He was a man of talents, a scholar and author, and a member of Parliament. In 1766 John Wesley preached at Bath, in Lady Huntingdon^ ChapeL Among his auditors were several persons of disUnction, and among others Horace Walpole, who thus describes the preacher and his sermon : " Wesley is a lean, elderly man, fresh colored, hb hair smoothly combed, witii curls at the ends, wondrous clean, but as evident an actor as Garrick. He spoke his sermon, but so fast and with so little accent I am sure he had often uttered it. There were parts and eloquence in it,« but toward the end he exalted his voice too much." He says, ** Agnes, the Scottish Countess of Buchan, was present.** She was the mother of the cele- brated Lord Erskine, and was so greatly attached to Mr. Wesley he was sometimes called her chaplain. -•♦•- i Wesley and Itinerancy. A great effort has been made on both sides of the Atlantic to destroy the plan of itinerancy. Mr. Wesley, though he could, like Paul, become all things to all men that by all means he might save some, was, when necessary, as firm as a rock. The Trustees at Dewsbury contended for the right of rejecting any minister appointed at their ohapei. Mr. Wesley saw that to yield this point would Anecdotes of the Wesleys, 283 dettroy tne itinerancy, root and branch. Hi wrote tOthemthoS: ;;;;•- ' r **To THB Tbustbbs OF Dkwbbubt. *'Loiii>ov, Ju2y80, Itsa *^ Mt Dbab Bbbthbbn : The quention between us is, *By whom shall the Preachers sent from time to time to Dewsbury be judged?* Ton say, *By the Trustees.* I say, *By their peers,* the Preachers met in Conference. Ton say, * Give up this, and we will receive them.* I say, * I cannot, dare not give up this.* Therefore, if you will not receive them on these terms you renounce your connection with " Tour affectionate brother, " John Wbslbt.** I it -•♦•- John Wesley and the Refractory Trustees. The subject of dispute at North Shields was of the same nature as that which had caused the dis- turbance at Dewsbury, in which Mr. Wesley mani- fested equal firmness in maintaining the discipline which he considered necessary for the preservation of the Methodist system. Had he faltered, the evils which would inevitably have followed would have been of the most destructive character. The fol- lowing epistle of Mr. Wesley shows his nerve and decision of character : * •'DoBUV, 4prttll, 1789. ** I require yon three, Peter Mill, Joseph Thomp- son, and John Stamp, without consulting or regard- 284 Anecdotes of tkt Wuleys, ing anj person whatever, to reqnire a positire answer of Edward Coats within three weeks after the receipt of this: *Will you, or will you not, settle the house at Milbum Place (North Shields) on the Methodist plan?' If he will not do it within another weelr, I further require that none of you preach in that house unless yon will ronounce all connection with . - , ** Your affectionate brother, " JoHK Wbblbt. ** I am at a point I will be triced with no longer.'* This spirit, so like LutherVi or John Knox's, preserved the itinerant plan in all its strength and usefulness. -♦♦•- \ Wesley and the Despairing Han. In May, 1700, the year before Wesley's death, he visited Newcastle for the last time. Charles Atmore, author of" Memorials of Methodism," thus describes him : " He appeared very feeble, and no wonder, he being in the eighty-eighth year of his age. His sight had failed so much he could not see to give out the hymn, yet his voice was strong, and his spirits remarkably lively. Surely this great and good man is the prodigy of the present age." While at Newcastle Mr. Wesley preached several times, once out of doors to thousands, and once to children. The sermon to the children was literally composed in words of not more than two syllables. Mr. Atmore observes that "in the last visit to r ^ Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 285 Newcastle Mr. Wesley was highly honored in his ministry, particularly in the case of one who had been in a state of great despair for many years. As soon as Wesley arrived at the Orphan House he inquired after the despairing man, and I accom- panied him. As soon as we entered the room where the poor man was he went up to him, and as a messenger of God said, ' Brother Reed, 1 have a word from God unto thee : Jesus Christ maketh thee whole.' He then knelt down to pray, and such a season I have seldom experienced. Hope instantly sprung up, and despair gave place, and although he had not been out of his habitation, nor even from his wretched bed, for several years, he went that evening to hear Mr. Wesley preach ; while God graciously confirmed the testimony of his servant in restoring him to the * light of his countenance.*"* This was a double cure. It reminds us of the leper, of whom it is said, " Immediately he was cleansed." It was a fulfillment of an ancient prophecy, **Then shall the lame man leap as a ^art, and the tongue of the dumb sing." I n -♦♦•- : ' ^ ¥resley and Rankin. There wns a meeting of Traveling and Local Preachers at the City Road Chapel, London, at which Mr. Wesley presided. At the breakfast meeting one of the Local Preachers arose and * Wedeyan Magazine, Feb., 1846, page 120. ;1 ■ i i! i li 286 Afiecdotes of the Weslcys, / found fault with an older preacher. Thomas Ran- kin (whom Mr. Wesley greatly esteemed, and re* membered in his will,) said, " Sir, you are a young man, and ought not to find fault with a senior jrother." Mr. Wesley instantly arose and replied, ** I will thank the youngest man among yon to tell me of any f&r.'.ir you see, or believe you see, in me ; in doing so I shall consider you my best friend.''* This observation put a stop to all further remarks, for it was felt to be in ao«?.ordance with Mr. Wea* ley's whole conduct. ■*♦•- John Wesley and the Economlcai Han. " Beware," says Mr. Wesley^ " of forming a hasty judgment concerning the fortune of others. There may be secrets in the situation of a person which few but God are acquainted with. "■ Some years ago I told a gentleman, * Sir, I am afraid you are covetous.' He asked me, * What is the reason of your fears V I answered, * A year Ago, when I made a collection for the expense of repairing the Foundery you subscribed five guineab. At the subscription made this year you subscribed only half a guinea.' For a time he was silent After awhile he asked me a question : * Mr. Wesley, why did you live upon potatoes?' (I did so be* tween three and four years.) I replied, *It has much conduced to my health.' He said, *I be- lieve it has. But did you not do it likewise to save money ?' I said, * I did, for what I save from my own meat will feed another that else would <■ -, / Articdotes of the Wesleys. 287 have none.* * Bat, sir,' said he, * if this be your motive you can save more. I know a man that goes to market at the beginning of every week, there he bays a penny's worth of parsnips, which he boils in a hirge quantity of water. The pars- nips serve him for food and the water for drink daring the ensuing week, so that his meat and drink together cost him only a penny a week. This he constantly did though he had two hundred pounds a year, in order to pay the debts he had contracted Jiefore he knew God.*** "And this," said Mr. Wesley, ** is he whom I set down to be a covetous man.** -•♦•- Wesley and Howard. What names are these to blend together, and what interests duster around them ! They greatly admired each other. Mr. Howard called upon Mr. Wesley in Ireland, in 1785. Wesley, after that visit, in his Journal, declares him **one of the greatest men in Europe,*' and says, ** Nothing but the mighty power of God can enable him to go through his difl^.cult and dangerous employments." Howard, in turn, says of Wesley, ** I was encour- aged by him to go on vigorously with my own de- signs. I saw in him how much a single man might achieve by zeal and perseverance ; and I thought, why may I not do as much in my way as Mr. Wesley does in his if I am only as assiduous and persevering? and I am determined to pursue my work with more alacrity than ever.*** Howard * Alexander Knox. ' ^ in it 288 Anecdotes of the IVesleys, / ".rJ had heard Wesley preach years before on ** What* Boeyer thy hand findeth to do,** eto. That lennon made a powerful impression on his mind, and greatly influenoed his conduct Mr. Knox says, **that excepting Mr. Wesley, no man ever gaye me a more perfect idea of angelio goodness t^an Mr. Howard. His whole oonversar tion exhibited a most interesting tissue of exalted piety, meekness, simplicity, and glowing charity. His striking ad^eu I shall never forget' '* Fare- well, sir,** said hi ; *' when we meet again may it be in heaven, or further on our way to it** Henry Moore says, **In 1780 Howard called at Mr. Wesley*s house in London to present him with his last quarto upon jails, previous to his last jour* ney to the continent But Mr. Wesley was absent from home. He talked an hour, and on leaving said, ' Present my respects and love to Mr. Wesley. Tell him I hoped to have seen him once more. Perhaps we may meet again in this world ; but if not, we shall meet, I trustj in a better.* We hung upon his lips delighted. Such a picture of love, simplicity, and cheerfulness we have seldom seen.*' * It was not long before these two philanthropists, who had done so much to benefit the human race, met in a world where sin never enters and its evils are never felt John Wesley and Joseph Entwisle- Mr. Entwisle became one of the prominent men of Wesleyan Methodism, and President of the * Moore's Life of Wealey, page 366. 'P »« Anecdotes of the Wesieys. 289 Conference. In early life he was apprentice to a Mr. Wood, and had labored as a Local Preacher. Mr. Wesley twice appointed him to a circuit, and the preachers and many of his fiiends urged him to go. But his apprenticeship had not e:cpired ; he had still a year to senre. The next year the Con- ference held its session in Manchester, and some of the preachers were entertained at Mr. Wood's house, and they informed Mr. Wesley of Mr. Wood's willingness to release young Entwisle from all further obligations. Wesley immediately appointed Joseph to Oxfordshire Circuit He ac- cidentally met Mr. Wesley on the street, and was informed of his appointment Still shrinking from the work, he hesitated a little, when Wesley laid his hand upon his shoulder, and fixing upon him his piercing eye said, with characteristic brevity and in a tone of authority, "Joseph, you must go.^^ Amid the toils of after years, Mr. Entwisle often reflected with satisfaction on the energetic manner and piercing look with which ** you must go'* was uttered by the venerabib founder of Methodism. -*M- Entwisle and the Stumbling Hone. In October, 1787, Mr. Wesley visited Joseph Entwisle's fiist circuit, and spent several days in visiting and preaching. Joseph felt it a great honor and privilege to accompany Imn. They rode on horseback. He found Mr. Wesley exceed- mgly cheerful without levity, and his conversation 10 a t. \ W .4 ^¥^ ■ 'i T .5 '; ■:| ■ \ '* , J 'm j: 1 P ■ If ' H ~ bB a ' M i ' 4 290 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. highly interesting and edifying. His vivacity was remarkable for his advanced years. As Mr. Wesley and Entwisle were riding on horseback very fast, Joseph*s horse stumbled and fell, when he went right over his head and struck upon his feet unhurt Mi. Wesley, delighted with his agility, exclaimed, "Well done, Joseph, I could . not have done better than that myselfl" , -•♦♦- John Wesley and the Poet Crabbe. In the biography of Crabbe his son gives a brief scene in the last days of John Wesley. At Lowe- stoft, one evening, all adjourned to a dissenting chapel to hear the venerable John Wesley, then on one of the later of his peregrinations. He was ex- ceedingly old and infirm, and was attended and al- most supported in the pulpit lliy a young minister on each side. The chapel was crowded to suffocation. "In the course of his sermon Mr. Wesley re- peated, though with an application of his own, the lines from Anacreon : 'Oft am I by woman told, Poor Anacreon I tbou groVat old. t See, thine bain are falling ell; • ' Poor Anacreon I bow they lalll Wbetber I grow old or no ,^ /^ ; By these signs I do not know; But this I need not to be told, ' \ Tis time to Wm^ if I grow old. *'My fjEtther was much struck by his reverend appearance and his cheerful air, and the beautiful : V Atucdotes of the Wesley^. 291 cadence he gave to these lines. After the service he was introduced to the patriarch, who received uim with benevolent politeness." f -•♦•- The Reputation of the Methodists. The Rev. Mr. Walker, of Truro, was a most ex- cellent man, and an ardent Mend of John Wesley. He expressed a fear lest he should be too careful about the reputation of the Methodists. Mr. Wes- ley replied, " I am just as careful about their repu- tation as I am about the reputation of Frester John." His principal care was to save souls from death, and hide a multitude of sins. Duty was his ; results belonged to God. \f\ \ -•♦•- erend lutiful Wesley and the Disappointed Lady. Mr. Wesley preached at Lincoln in June, 1700, from ^ But one thing is needful" When the con- gregation werie retiring from the chapel a lady who had listened to the venerable preacher ex- pressed great disappointment. She inquired in a tone of surprise, " Is this the great Mr. Wesley, of whom we have heard so much in the present day ? Why it was so plain the poorest person in the house could have understood him." The gentle- men to whom the remark was made said, " In this, madam, he exhibits his greatness, that while the hi 292 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. poorest can understand him the most learned are edified, and in his discourses there is nothing to offend them.*' -•♦o Wesley and the Zealous Papist Mr. Wesley was well acquainted with Mr. Hook, who was a very zealous and eminent Papist. Mr. Wesley inquired of Mr. Hook, " Sir, what do you do for public worship here, where you have no Romish service ? " He answered, " Sir, I am so fully convinced it is the duty of every man to worship God in public that I go to church every Sabbath. If I cannot have such worship as I would, I will have such x^orship as I can." -•♦•- Wesley and the Drunken Papist In the year l'?87 Mr. Wesley went to Wexford, Ireland. He preached in a large room of the mar- ket-house, and then administered the Lord's Sup- per. The Rev. James Gurley was conducting him to his lodgings in the evening when a drunken Papist came up to them with a thorny bush in his hand, which he presented to Mr. Wesley, saying, *' O, sir, see what a fine smell this bush has ! " Mr. Gurley saw at once into his design, and said, ** Begone, you scoundrel, or I will knock you down.'' He was alarmed, and fled. Mr. Wesley inquired, ** Brother Gurley, why did you speak after that manner to the man?" "Sir," he re* AM Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 293 . plied, ** if I had not prevented him he would have thrust the thoma into your face and eyes, wound- ing, or perhaps blinding you." " Why would he hurt me?" said Mr. Wesley. Mr. Gurley an- swered, " Tou know the devil hates you, and so do his ohildren." -•♦•- Wesley and John Brown. Wesley made his last visit to York in May, 1788. He was then an old man, well stricken in years — a shock of com fully ripe for the gamer of God. In his sermon he mentioned that John Brown of Haddington, on his deathbed, in reck- oning up the mercies of God, acknowledged his having kept him from " following that man of sin, John Wesley." " But," said the venerable preacher, rubbing his hands, and looking upward, " I hope to meet John Brown in heaven, and join him in the praises of God and the Lamb." * -♦4«- Wesley and Joseph Burgess. Wesley was not only a cheerful old man but was full of devotional spirit. This was exhibited on all occasions, particularly at meals, and in company. Two years before he died he visited the bar- racks at Sligo. Joseph Burgess was connected with them. Mr. Wesley and he were intimate friends. As Mr. Wesley's carriage stopped at * Methodist Magazine, 1827, page 526. i III I ,«■ :■ m 294 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. ii the barrack-gate Mr. Burgess went out id meet him, and was saluted by the venerable patriarch with an affectionate kiss. It was Mr. Wesley's custom to comply with the apostolic injunction, "Salute one another with a holy kiss.'' There was a large party at dinner who had met to enjoy the society of the founder of Methodism. While they were dining Mr. Wesley suddenly laid down his knife and fork, and clasping his hands, looked up as in the attitude of prayer and praise. In a moment all were silent. He then gave out and sang, with great animation, the following : " And can we foiget , In tasting our meat, The angelical food which ere long we shall eat, When, enrolled with the blest, In glory we rds!-^ And forever sit down at the heavenly feast f " The whole company were affected; a peculiar solemnity and hallowed feeling rested upon them all They then finished their dinner. He preached in the evening, slept at the barracks, and preached again at five the next morning. Mr. Burgess bade adieu to his venerable friend, fearing he should see his face no more, and expecting " ne'er to look upon his like again." \ Wesley and Garrick. In 1700 Mr. Wesley read the Life of Mrs. Bel- lamy. He calls it ^'a pretty trifle," and says Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 295 ** Surely never did any writer since John Dryden study more 'To make vice pleasing and damnation shipi' than this lovely and elegant writer.*' Mrs. Bellamy tells the following anecdote con* ceming Garrick : " When he was taking ship for England a lady presented him with a parcel, which she desired him not to open till he was at sea. When he opened it he found Wesley's hymns, which he immediately threw overboard." On this Wesley remarks, " I cannot believe it. I think Mr. Garrick had more sense. He knew my brother well, and he knew him to be not only far superior in learning, but in poetry, to Mr. Thomson and all his theatrical writers put to- gether. Neither of them can equal him either in strong nervous sense or purity and elegance of language. The musical compositions of his sons are not more excellent than the poetical ones of their father." .1'' *' i ■*^*- , BeV says Wesley and the Silver Medal. Whitefield presented to Wesley, as a token of friendship, a silver medal. Wesley preserved it for years, then he gave it to Thomas Rankin. Mr. Rankin valued it highly, and kept it very care- fully for a long time. Before his death he told Adam Clarke that he had willed the medal to him, but that he might as well receive it now, saying, •* Mr. Wesley gave it to me, but I now choose to 1|: rl II 296 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. give it to you with my own hands, and I shall use the same words in giving it which Mr. Wesley used when he gave it to me: *Thus we scatter our playthings, and soon we*ll scatter our dust* " -•♦♦- John Wesley and Jonathan Crowther. Many of Mr. Wesley's itinerants suffered from extreme poverty. He sympathized with them, did all he could to supply their wants, and thus cheer them on in their work. In 1788 Jonathan Crow* ther wrote to Mr. Wesley concerning his empty purse. Wesley wrote the following characteristic reply: **The sum of the matter is, *you want money,* and money you shall have if I can beg, borrow, or any thing but steal I say, therefore, * Dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.' Our preachers find in the north of Scotland what we found all over England, yet they went on ; and when I had only blackberries to eat in Cornwall, still God gave me strength to do my work." * -•♦•- Wesley on "the Sessions." Wesley was a great stickler for order and dis- cipline. He believed it was the preachers and the people's business to "keep the Methodist rules, not to mend them." In Glasgow in 1789 they undertook, as in many ♦ Wedey's Works, vol yii, page 268. Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 297 other places, to do some ecclesiastical tinkering. They had Methodist sessions, so called. Mr. Wes- ley heard of it when in Ireland, and he wrote to lAx. Crowther thus : **Mt dbab Bbothbb: 'Sessions I elders I We Methodists have no such custom, neither any of the Churches of God mider my care. I require yoUy Jonathan Crowther, to dissolve that sessions (so called) at Glasgow. Discharge them from meeting any more. If they will leave the Society let them leave it. We acknowledge only preach- ers, stewards, and leaders among us, over whom the assist<^nt of each circuit presides. Tou ought to have kept to the Methodist plan from the be- ginning. Who had any authority to vary from it ? K the people of Glasgow or any other place are weary of us we will leave them to themselves ; but we are willing to be still their servants for Christ's sake according to our own Discipline, but no other." -•♦•- John Wesley ar d William Jay. Mr. Jay was personally acquainted with John Wesley, and heard him preach when time had shaken him by the hand, and the shadows of the evening were gathering around him. He thus de- scribes it in his autobiography: ^*Once I went with Wesley into Bristol in his carriage, and heard him preach from Eph. v, 8. It was the only op* portonity I ever had of hearing this truly apostoU- iM % 'I 11 F » V ;< K ■^i - 1 \\ 1 ■" ■ 1 i ; 1 298 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. oal man. The whole scene was very picturesque and striking. Several preachers stood in the large pulpit around him. The service was short, the sermon terse and good, but entirely devoid of ex- pansion and imagery, while the delivery was low and uiianimated. This surprised me. Was it the influence and effect of age ? If it was originally the same, how came he to be so popular among the rude multitudes which always attended him, and so hung upon his lips? Whitefield's voice, and vehemence, and strong emotions, will in some measure account for the impressions he produced, even regardless of the grace of God which accom- panied them. How popular and useful was Ber- ridge I Tet he had nothing of the vulgar orator in his manner. It was plain and unimpassioned. This was also the case with many of the original corps of evangelists." -•♦•- Wesley and the Oflbnded Lady. Two years before Mr. Wesley died he said, " For many years a great person professed, and I believe had, a great regard for me. I therefore believed it my duty to speak with all freedom, which I did in a long letter. But she was so displeased she said to a friend, " I hate Mr. Wesley above all creatures upon earth." How his fidelity changed the milk of human kindness into wormwood and gall! Alas ! how few can bear to be honestly told their &ult8, even by a Mend ! ^ i I fi Amcdotes of the Wesleys. 299 Worldly Wisdom. Mr. Wesley was going through Ireland like a flame of fire. Many could not account for his un- paralleled labors, some attributing them to love of wealth, others to love of power, others to a love of honor. In a large company a lady spoke eulogisti- cally of the great labors of Wesl^^y, and concluded by expressing very strongly her opinion of his dis- interestedness. A gentleman present was full of in- dignation at the sentiment she expressed, and could contain himself no longer, but exclaimed, '^Dear madam, you spoil all ! Tou would make him out a fooL We all know Mr. Wefley is a great man, a gentleman, a scholar, a philanthropist, a very great man ; but depend upon it he knows what he is about. Wait and see. Diaintereatednesa ! No, madam ; yon may be certain he is no such fool I '* -•♦•- Wesley and the Hasty Minister. The grand design of discipline is amendment, to save the offending party. A young surgeon will amputate a limb at once ; but one older and more experienced will try in every possible way to save it, and amputation will be the last resort So it is in the administration of discipline. A minister at Limerick wrote Mr. Wesley a letter full of vehe- mence concerning the bbuse he had received from the young men in Limerick, stating his determina- tion to put them all ojit of Society if they did not m llfl m \ I ''M 300 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. acknowledge their fault. Mr. Wesley woudercd exceedingly what could be the matter, and wrote to him one line : " I never put any out of our Society for any thing they say of me." •»t Wesley and the Itinerancy. A Scotch lady wrote to*Mr. Wesley requesting to have always the same preachers remain in Scotland, showing the advantages that would follow. This was three years before he died. Mr. Wesley re- plied, " It is certain many persons in Scotland and England would be well pleased to have the same preachers always ; but we cannot forsake the plan of acting which we ha vo followed from the begin- ning. For fifty years God has been pleased to bless the itinerant plan, the last year most of all. It must not be altered till I am removed; and I hope it will remain till our Lord comes to reign upon the earth." -•♦♦- Wesley and Evil Report and Good Report As the shadows of the evening of life were gathering around Wesley he said, "Many years ago I was saying I cannot imagine how Mr. White- field can keep his soul alive, as he is not now going through honor and dishonor, evil report and good report, having nothing but honor and good report wherever he goes. It is now my own case. 1 , 1 , .V ■, ^ , -- , ' .* Anecdotes of the WesUys. 301 I un now jast in the condition he was then in I am become, I know not how, an honorable man. The scandal of the cross is ceased, ond all the king- dom, rich and poor. Papists and Protestants, behave with courtesy, nay, and seeming good will It seems as if I had well-nigh finished my coarse, and our Lord was giving me rai honorable discharge." \ I' 1 ^1 ^1 ' -♦»♦- Wesley and his Youthful Escort. In 1790, the year before Wesley died, he made his last visit to the Society at Hull He was then a fiftther in Israel. His " hoary head was a crown of glory." Every-where he was received as an object of interest, and his approach was hailed with joy. He was to preach in Beverly on his way tu Hull About forty persons in carriages and on horseback met him there to escort him to Hull. After hearing him preach, most of the party dined with him at his inn. His conversation sparkled with life, and was interesting in the highest degree ; but, as usual, it was not prolonged. They were instructed and delighted. When the conversation had reached the height of interest, and the de- lighted listeners had forgotten home and the way that led to it, Mr. Wesley pulled out his watch, started on his feet, and said his time was up, bade them good-day, and his coach being ready, no entreaties could detain him a moment. The party harnessed their horses and followed as fast as they could ; but it was with no small difficulty some of i-f:5 ).:i :. 5: SBB III li lib ! 302 Anecdotes of the IVes/eys. them succeeded in joining the line of piocearion by the time it reached the suburbs of Hull. Punc- tuality was with Mr. Wesley a very great virtue. He felt very much amused when he learned the particulars of the hurry into which his punctuality had put his youthful friends; and perhaps we are remotely indebted to the innocent pleasantry it- excited for the following beautiful picture of religious old age, which he inserted in his Journal during his stay in Hull : " This day I enter my eighty-eighth year. For eighty-six years I found none of, the infirmities of old age ; my eye did not wax dim, nor was my natural strength abated. But last August I found almost a sudden change. My eyes were so dim no glasses would help me. My strength likewise now forsook me, and prob- ably will not return again in this world. But I feel no pain from head to foot, only it seems nature is exhausted, and, humanly speaking, will sink more and more till The wheels of weaiy life stand still »t l&.t," * -•♦•- John Wesley and the Courageous Woman. In 1788 Mr. Wesley was preaching in the mar- ket place in Langhamrow from, " It is appointed unto man once to die." Nearly every one in the congregation listened attentively to the solemn truths Mr. Wesley delivered concerning man's mor- tality ; but a few in the outskirts, being otherwise * Wedeyan Magazine^ 1836^ pkge 494 \ III M I id 1 Anecdotes of the Wesieys. 303 disposed, hurled varions missiles, with the design of annoying the attentive congregation and the venerable preacher. In those days females wore stays which allowed a bone tc be drawn out at pleasure. An old lady, enraged at the conduct of the disturbers, indignantly snatched a bone out of her stays and /dealt among them vigorous blows. If not the weapon, the arm that wielded it quelled the rebols, and they sued for peace. Order was re- stored, and the venerable minister finished his last message in that place without further interruption.* <:U ■H y -•♦•- Westey and the Superannuated Organ. Wesley made his last visit to Langhamrow July 2, 1788. He preached in the morning; and though the chapel had been enlarged a short time before to double its former size, it could not con- tain half that came to hear. The calm and placid tenderness which fifty years' close walk with God had settled on his countenance made lim an object of great interest. The crowd gazed upon him as if he was an inhabitant of the spirit-land who had come to visit them. He read with emphasis his own hymn, commencing, **I thirst, thou wounded Lamb of God." The organ was an inferior one, in a di- lapidated condition, and it made most discordant music, which very much annoyed Mr. Wesley. When they had sung the first verse he fciid, " Let that organ stop, and let the women take their parts." * PrimitiT* Methodist Magazine, ITtiS, page 176.. 'i !| 304 Anecdotts of thi Wtsl^s. " They cannot sing without,** replied Mr. Robimon, the chorister. Mr. Wesley then inquired, **How did they do before they got one?" The organ stopped, and the congregation proceeded with the singing. His text was, **The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.** The sermon was a combination of terror and tenderness. It fell from his lips like the waters of a gently flow- ing fountain. There was but little motion, except occasionally raising his right hand. His hearers were motionless as they gazed upon his venerable form, while his calm and solemn tones seemed like sounds from the other world. He was then eighty- five. After the sermon his aged hearers flocked around him to shake his hand, and say, " The Lord bless thee.'* Mr. Wesley gave them his benedic- tion, and bade them farewell till they should mei^t in the mansions above. -•♦•- Wesley's Countenance. There is much in " the human fiEMe divine** — ^in the eye, as well as the tone of the preacher's voice. There are periods when the countenance expresses volumes, and preaches efficient sermons. Mr. Wes- ley's face on the last morning that he preached in Langhamrow produced lasting impressions. A young man who was full of hilarity and mirth had on the way to Church kept saying to his com- panions, with an air of carelessness, ^*This 6ne Mr. Wesley I shall hear, and get converted.' '♦—in voice. presses Amcdotes of the Wesltys. >l 1 305 He did hear him, bat he had never gazod upon such a countenance before. It put him in a more serious frame, and for a long time, day and night, whether at home or abroad, that wonderful coun- tenance was before him, so full of solemnity and benignity. It was the means of his conversion. He united with the Church, and was a useful Class Leader. Nor is this an isolated case. William, one of the sons of Vincent Perronet, Vicar of Shoreham, was awakened and led to the knowledge of the truth by the sight of the heavenly countenance of the seraphic Fletcher. He often said that the first sight of Mr. Fletcher fixed an impression upon his mind that never wore off till it issued in a real conversion to Ood.* -»M- Wesley and Henry Hoore. Henry Moore was the intimate friend of Wesley, his amanuensis, one of his executors, and his bi- ographer. The enemies of Mr. Wesley have rep- resented him as dogmatical and imperious. The following anecdote represents his character in a very different light. At a certain time Mr. and Mrs. Moore were sitting with Mr. Wesley at sup- per, and Mr. Wesley made some statements to which Mr. Moore most emphatically objected, and stated his reasons. Mr. Wesley looking very ear- nestly at him said, ** Henry Moore, you are a wit* ness that what John AUay said of me is fiEdse ; in * Benson's Fletcher, ohitp. tL 20 V T 3o6 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. the pamphlet he wrote after he left us, he said, * Mr. Wesley never could bear a man who contra* dieted him.' Now no man in England has contra- dicted me BO much as you have done, Henry, and yet I love you still. You are right." -•♦♦- Wesley and the Burglars. Mr. Wesley writes, " On Saturday, 20th of No- vember, 1784, two or three men broke into our house in London through the kitchen window. Thence they came into the parlor and broke open Mr. Moore's bureau, where they found two or three pounds; the night before I had prevented his leaving there seventy pounds which he had just received. They next broke open the cupboard, and took away some silver spoons. Just at that time the alarum, which Mr. Moore, by mistake, had set for half past three instead of four, went off. as it did, with a thundering noise. At this the thieveo ran away with all speed, though their work was not half done, and the whole damage which we sustained scarcely amounted to six pounds." * -♦♦•- Wesley, Moore, and the Communion. A lady very intimately acquainted with Henry Moore, Adam Clarke, and Richard Watson, was with the latter when he was dying, and to her he uttered his last words. Familiarly calling her by name, he said, " Maria, they are not very * Journal. voL vi, page 8. Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 307 distinct yet." "What, sir," she inquired. No answer was returned, for angels had whispered, "Sister spirit, come away," and his great soul had returned to God. This lady related to the editor of this volume the following anecdote, which she received from the lips of Mr. Moore : One Sunday Mr. Wesley preached at the City Road Chapel, after which the Lord's Supper was administered. Mr. Moore heard him preach, and at the close c the sermon was about to leave. Mr. Wesley said, "Brother Moore, you are not going before the sacrament." He replied, "Yes, sir." Mr. Wesley inquired, "Why do you go?" Mr. Moore answered, " Because I cannot commune with such a man;" naming one whose life was not in accordance with his profession. Mr. Wesley said, "I could commune with the devil." "So could I," replied Mr. Moore, " but not if Mr. Wes- ley gave him & permit." What excited Mr. Moore's righteous indignation was the fact that Mr. Wes- ley had given a permit to a person to partake of the Lord's Supper in whose piety he knew Henry Moore had no confidence whatever. -•♦♦- Wesley's Laconic Advice to Henry Moore. Henry Moore presided at a meeting of Local Preachers in London, where a proposition was made to abandon preaching in a certain village. Several reasons were assigned for so doing. First, : .1 H;: I I I 308 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. The congregation was very small, generally less than twenty persons. Second, The journey em- braced full twenty-four miles' walking. Mr. Moore was extremely reluctant to abandon the place. Several persons, however, argued in favor of going there no more. A Local Preacher was rather ob- streperous in his opposition, and said to Mr. Moore, "You gentlemen preachers, always stopping in large towns, know nothing about it" The vener- able chairman being roused, and twitching his waistcoat repeatedly, which he was wont to do , when he was excited, replied, " Don't I know any thing about it ? I don't know any thing about it ! I wish you to understand, boyy I do know some- thing about it. Not long after I entered upon my work I sometimes knew what hunger was, having traveled all day, preached three or four times, and had no food except a turnip or carrot by the road- side. Once I borrowed J. B.'s coat while my own was being patched at the elbows ; my board-wages were then about half a crown per week. I wrote to Mr. Wesley, detailing my situation and request- ing his help. What was Mr. Wesley's answer ? * Dbab Henbt : IJntc you it is given, in the be- half of Christ, not only to believe on bim, but also to suffer for his sake. Take the cup with thank- fulness. * I am, dear Henry, your affectionate brother, *J. Wkslbt.'" On the recital of this by the old hero of a hun- dred battles the "boys" were hushed into silence^ Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 309 y less y em- Moore place, [going her ob- Moore, ping in B vener- ling luB it to do ttow any ibout it! )-^ Bome- upon my 8, having imes, and the road- e my own ard-wages I wrote td request- kDSwer? , in tbe be- ^ but also ^tb tbank- brother, :o of a bun- into mlence, all opposition ceased, and they resolved to con- tinue their work as before, and Heaven crowned it with success, and in the village they were about to abandon there is a commodious chapel and a flourishing society. Contrast between John and Charles Wesley. John Wesley, in talking of the new and difficult circumstances in which he and his brother Charles often found themselves placed in the days of their early ministry, said, "My brother Charles would say, *Wei', if the Lord would give me wings I would fly.* I used to say, * Brother, if he bid me fly I would trust him for the wings.' " This account is highly illustrative of the character of the two brothers: John Wesley had more confi- dence, Charles more caution. It pleased the great Head of the Church to use both these dispositions to promote the knowledge of that salvation which myriads both in earth and heaven are now en- joying." Henry Moore describes the distinctive peculiarities of their preaching thus: "John's preaching was all principles; Charles's all apho- risms." Charles, in a private letter, thus states the difference between him and John : " His brother's maxim was, 'First the Methodists, then the Church ;' whereas his was, * First the Church, then the Methodists;'" and that this diflerence arose from the peculiarity of their natural temperament. " My brother," said he, " is all hope, I am all fear."* * Jackson's Life of Weslej, page 786. 310 Anecdotes of the Wesleys, Wesley Leading Class. When Wesley made his last visit to Ireland he was eighty-seven years old. Mr. Joseph Stopford used to meet in class, in Dublin, with James Rogers and his wife, the excellent Hester Ann Rogers, of blessed memory, and heard her relate her experience while her face shone with wonderful beauty. Mr. Wesley was in the habit of meeting the classes often. He did so in Dublin at that time, and then renewed their quarterly tickets. Mr. Stopford said, " I well remember the personal appearance of the little man, and his method of meeting the class. He would call the name of each of the members, and they would leave their seat and come before him, and then he would ask them some plain, searching questions, and after their answers give them some excellent advice, right to the point, and remarkable for brevity as well as adaptation." Mr. Stopford said, " Notwithstanding his great age he was very vig- orous, for the moment he had finished his prayer he was off his knees and on his feet." -♦♦♦- Wesley and Irish Methodism. Wesley and his brother Charles spent much of their time in Ireland. At a very early day sev- eral Leaders in London lamented that they should spend so much time in Ireland, and send so many preachers there, and they expressed their regrets m Anecdotes of the Wesieys. 311 to John Wesley. He replied with characteristic brevity, "Have patience, and Ireland will repay you/' How prophetic I Ireland has repaid a thousand fold. Think of Philip Embury, Robert Strawbridge, Thomas Walsh, Gideon Ouseley, Adam Clarke, Henry Moore, and hosts of other men she has raised up &' ornaments to the Church and blessings to the world. •***- Wesley's Last Sermon in Ireland. In 1790, the year before John Wesley died, Mr Stopford heard the last sermon he preached in Ire< land. It was in Whitefriar-street Chapel, Dublin. The sermon was most impressive. Wesley's ven- erable form, his whitened locks that had adorned the sanctuary for so many years, were looked upon with a reverence and awe by the masses who were present. At the conclusion of his sermon he gave out the hymn " Gome, let us join our friends above That have obtained the prize^ And on the eagid wings of love To joys celestial risa" The beautiful hymn has ten verses. Mr. Wesley commented on the sentiments of the hymn as he read it, and said, " There have been different views concerning the merits of the poetry of my brother Charles, but in my opinion this is the sweetest hymn he ever wrote." The hymn has peculiar k 312 Aneciotes of the Wesleys. beauties. Charles Wesley throws open the gates of heaven and introduces us to our loved ones who have preceded ns to the climes of bliss. -♦♦•- Wesley's Fcrewell to Ireland. Mr. Stopford was among the number who fol< lowed Mr. Wesley to the shore on his final de* parture from Ireland. His father took breakfast with him the morning he sailed for England. It was a touching scene, and strikingly resem- bled Paul and the Ephesians, who followed him down to the shore, and wept. " the most of all for the words which he spake,, that they should see his face no more." So it wafi with the patriarch of Meth- odism. Multitudes followed him down to the ship. Time had done its work; *Uhe keepers of the house trembled, and the strong man bowed him- sel£" Wesley was then eighty-seven years old. Before he went on board the vessel he gave out a hymn, and they sang. He then kneeled with mul- titudes upon the ground, and offered a fervent prayer for those who were present, for their fam- ilies, and for God's blessing upon the Chui ^h, and especially upon Ireland. He then shook hands with them. Many wept, and a number fell upon his neck and kissed him. The scene was tenderly impressive. After Mr. Wesley went on board the ship he stood upon the deck with uplifted hands blessing them, while those on the shore waved their handkerchiefs till the winds of heaven wafted him ,iii ^w Anecdotes of the Wesieys. 313 ) gales les who nrho fol* final de- >reakfa8t nd. y resem- wed him iillforthe se his face of Meth- > the ship, rs of the )wed him- years old. rave out a with mul- a fervent their fam- hui ih, and 00k hands ir fell upon as tenderly a board the ifted hands waved their wafted him out of their sight, and they beheld him no more. I have heard Mr. Stopford relate it with peculiar emotion when ho himself was over ninety years of age. -•♦♦- Wesley and John Standeiing. The wricer of this volume has seen and con« versed with a few men who personally knew John Wesley. One of them was John Standering, who died not long ago in the home for aged and infirm Methodists in New York. He delighted to talk of seeing John Wesley when he was a little boy. One of his stories was the following : " Mr. Wes- ley dedicated a new chapel at Manchester-street in Oldham, Lancashire. It was the last chapel he dedicated. The stationed preacher was Joshua Marsden. Mr. Wesley was of small stature, aged and wrinkled, asd feeble in body, and yet his voice was strong. He wore a three-cornered cocked hat, gown, and bands. There was an immense concourse of people. After the sermon Mr. Wes- ley requested all the children to sit around the altar, and he passed around, laid his hands upon their heads, and offered a prayer for each child. John Standering was among the number, and till the hour of his death he loved to talk of the time when the venerated Wesley laid his hands on his head and gave him his benediction. This illus- trates the trait in Mr. Wesley^s character which we have noticed, his great love for the children ; and they in return loved him. J i: 314 Anecdotes of the Wcsleys. Mr. Wesley then requested the people to sing his brother*B hymn, "Wrestling Jacob," and he joined heartily in the singing. " Gome, thou Traveler unkcown, Whom ■till I hold, but cannot see, My company before is gone, And I am left alone with thee I With thee all night I mean to stay, And wrestle till the break of day." When the singing was concluded Mr. Marsden looked upon Mr. Wesley's venerated form, and said with peculiar emotion, "Thou art not fai from the kingdom of God." -•♦•- Preaching Three Times a Day. The last Conference John Wesley attended was in Bristol in 1700. He seemed to have his mind peculiarly impressed with the necessity of making some permanent rule that might lessen the exces- sive labors of the preachers, which he saw was shprtening the lives of many useful men. A pri- vate meeting was held in his study with some of the principal preachers to prepare business for the Conference. Mr. Wesley proposed that a rule should be adopted that no preacher should preach thrice on the same day. Messrs. Mather, Pawson, Thompson, and others said this would be imprac- ticable, as it was absolutely necessary, in most' cases, that the preachers should preach. thriqeever> ;^ ^w Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 315 sing id be [arsden 01, and aot &i ded was lis mind making le exces- saw was , Apri- gome of (8 for the t a rwle d preach Pawson, B imprac- in most' rioeever> IiOrd*B day, without which the places could not bo Bupplied. Mr. Wesley replied, " It must be given up ; we shall lose our preachers by such excessive labor." They answered, " We have all done «o ; and you, even at your advanced age, have contin- ued to do so." Mr. Wesley said, "What I have done is out of the question. My life and strength have been under a special Providence ; besides, 1 know better than they how to preach without in- juring myself, and no man can preach thrice a day without killing himself sooner or later, and the custom shall not be continued." Finding Mr. Wesley so determined they pressed the point no further, but they altered the Minutes when it went to the press, so that it read, " No preacher shall any more preach three times on the same day (to the same congregation.)" * -•♦♦- Wesley Taking the Collection. The old Foundery was the first place of worship the Methodists had in London. Many of the relics from the old Foundery were taken to the City Road Chapel, where they still are exhibited as objects of interest " Some of the pewter plates now in use in taking up a collection are the same as were in the Foundery. One of these was used by Mr. Wes- ley on the occasion when a collection was raised to defray the expense of building the present edi fice — City Road ChapeL It is said that as he stood * Dr. Adam Clarke. 3i6 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. I with this plate at the door to receive the ofTerings of the congregation, snch was the enthusiasm of the people that it was nearly fillad with gold/* * -•♦•- Wesley's Last Years. It was currently reported that Charles Wesley said, a little before he died, that hi^ brother John would outlive him but one year. John Wesley paid but little attention to the prediction, but seemed to think that, considering his age, weak- ness, and symptoms of decay, such an event was highly probable ; but he made no alteration in his life or labors. He often said to a friend during that year, " Now what ought I to do in case I am to die this year. I do not see what I can do but go on in my labor just as I have done ^ itherto." In his Journal he says : " If this is to be the last year of my life I hope it will be the best I am not careful about it, but heartily receive the advice of the angel in Milton : '* ' How weK, is thine : how bm^, permit to Heaven.' " In Dublin he made the following remarks on his birthday : " This day I enter on my eighty-sixth year. I now find I grow old : 1. My «»^A^ is de- cayed, so that I cannot read a small print except in a strong light; 2. My strength is decayed, so that I walk much slower than I did some years since ; 8. My memory of names, whether of pei^ ' * Four Tears io the Old World, page SS. Antedates of the WisUys, 317 ■ons or places, is decayed; till | stop a little to recollect them. What I should be afraid of is, (if I took thought for the morrow,) that my body should weigh down my mind and create either etubbomneas by the decrease of my understanding, or peevuhness by the increase of bodily infirmities * but thou shalt answer for me, O Lord, my God.'* -•♦♦- John Wesley at City Road Chapel. John Wesley, as the shadows of the evening were gathering around him, ascended the pulpit at City Road Chapel, London, and for some moments he looked up toward the heavens as if communing with the mighty dead ; then he broke the silence by giving out " Oome, let us join our friends abort That have obtained the prizes" -*♦•- Relics. In the parsonage where Mr. Wesley lived and died are many relics, the old chair in which he used to sit, the old book-case that contained his books and papers. '* Among the rest an old tea-pot that holds a gallon. We were told this was made for Mr. Wesley to order. On one side is inscribed, as burned in the material by the potter, ' Be present at our table, Lord ; Be here and every-where adored; Tbj creatures bless, and grant that we Maj feast in paradise with thee.' " «; ii8 Anecdotes of the Wtjleys, These lines wore always sung before sitting down to tea with his helpers. On the other side of this ancient tea-pot were the words sung on rising from the table, and read thus : ' We think thee, Lord, for this our food, Much more because of Jeaus' blood; Let manna to our aouls be given. The Bread of Life sent down Oom hearen.' These words are still used at the Methodist publio tea-meetings, and often m private families." * >»> Power of Habit After Mr. WesIey^s triumphant death there was a small tract published, giving an account of the wonderful scene. One was put into the hands of a learned and philosophical man, who seemed to have a real respect for religion. After reading the tract he said to the person who gave it to him, ^* Well, this is the most astonishing instance of the power of habit 1 Here is a man who had been threescore years praying, preaching, and singing psalms, and, behold, he thinks of nothing else when he is dying I" t -•♦^ Wesley and Shakspeare. Wesley was a great reader of theology, philoso- phy, poetry, and almost every thing else. A gen- * Four Years in the Old World. \ Moore's Life, p. 180. Aticcdotis of the Wisieys. 319 tlcman in Dublin presented Mr. Wesley with a fine quarto edition of Shakspcare. When Mr. Wesley died it was found that the margin of this voluiuu was filled with critical notes by Mr. Wesley hiin- sell The excellent John Pawson, one of the purest men that ever adorned the Church, resided in the parsonage, and had charge of City Road Chapel. He destroyed the book, and many of the writings of Mr. Web*ey, because " he judged they were not among the things which tended to edifica- tion." Alas for the loss to literature caused by good John Pawson ! -•••- Wesley and Adam Clarke. The Wesleyan Conference requested Dr. Clarke to write a Life of Wesley. He purposed so to do, but was prevented. In a letter to a friend as late as 1829, he said, " I think I will endeavor to give a >iketch of Mr. J. Wesley's life, with some anecdotes and, a proper character," etc. In 1831, in ivnother letter he said, ** No man out of heaven is capable of writing Mr. Wesley's life who had not an intimate acquaintance with hiuL I lay in his bosom, and perhaps the world, or rather the Church, may find, when Adam Clarke is no more among men, that John Wesley is not left without a proper notice of the rare excellence of his life by one whcm he afiectionately loved, and who valued him more than he does an archangel of God." Again he says, " The name of Wesley to me is sacred. I r^ 320 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. joice in it more than in my own.** Mr. Wesley thought so much of Dr. CUurke that in his will he appointed him one of the seven tmstees of his literary property. Dr. Clarke wrote the following epitaph upon Mr. Wesley with the point of a diamond on a pane of glass in his study window in Manchester: Qooimm need not nuarble: I dare tnut gbua v/Uh Th> Mkmobt Of ~^' JOHN WESLBT, A.IL, Late Fellow of Lincoln College^ Oxford; Who, with indefttigable zeal and peraeveranoa^ Traveled these kingdoms Preaching Jesus For more than half a century. Bj his unparalleled labors and writings He revived and spread Scriptural Chrstianity Wherever he went, For God was with him. But having finished his work, B7 keeping^ preaching, and defending, the Faitli, He ceased to live among moirtals f March 2, MDGGXOI, In the Bight7*eighth year of his age. As a small token of continued filial respeol This inscription la bombly dedicated to the Memory of the abor* BjhiB affectionate Ckm in the Oospd, ADAM 0LA3M3L ' BOOK lY. REV. CHARLES WESLEY, A.M. *'6od bniiea his workmen, bat oarrles on his work.** wm m m BOOK lY. Rev. CHARLES WESLEY, M.A. " Servant of God, well done I Thy glorious warfare's past; The battle's fought, the race is won, And thou art crowned at last! " Chablbs Wbslby, the "sweet singer of Israel," was bom at Epworth in 1708, five years after his brother John. After his home-training he went to Westminster school, under the care of Samuel, his eldest brother, and thence to the University of Oxford. Charles was a ripe scholar, thoroughly acquainted with the Bible, and familiar with the ancient classics. He was small in stature, near- sighted, and abrupt in his manners. He was eccen- tric both in youth and manhood, but it waj the eccentricity of genius. His characteristics were liveliness of disposition, peculiar frankness, sterling integrity, love of simplicity, sparkling wit and humor. With his wit he silenced infidels, quelled mobs, confounded magistrates, priests, and bishops. Naturally timid, religion made him as bold as Luther or Knox. He could face mobs without fear, and sing sweetly in the midst of storms. De- nounced as a vagabond, arrested for treason, shut out of the churches, pelted with stones, beaten with I i! jiji 111 I, ; 324 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. clubs, witb a spirit of unbending heroitm he ex- claimed, *' None of these things move me ! " Charles was the first Tvho bore the name of Methodist, and as a reformer he fought side by side with his brother John, Whitefield, and others, the early battles of Methodism. As a preacher he was superior to John. He expressed the greatest truths with simplicity and energy. At times he was a son of thunder, perfectly overppwering, moving the masses as th«' wind moves the leaves on the trees in summer. As a Christian poet he has no rival His poetry is distinguished for originality, variety, and strength. His hymns are sung every Sunday by multitudes in different parts of the world, and will be till the songs of earth are blended with the anthems of heaven. John and Charles were very differently constituted. They often beheld things in a different light, and yet in love for each other they were like Jonathan and David. Charles was very fortunate in his mar- riage. In Miss Sarah Gwynne he found a help- meet indeed. They were blessed with eight chil- dren, some of whom possessed rare musical talent. After a life of uncommon labor and suffering the great and good man died the 29th of March, 1V78, in his eightieth year. The following lines, which Charles Wesley Wrote on the death of a friend, were placed upon his tomb-stone : " With poverty of spirit blest, Best, happy saint, in Jesus rest; A sinner saved, through grace forgiven, Bedeem«3♦> Charles Wesley and his Uncle. Matthew Wesley, a brother of Samuel Wesley, sen., was a celebrated physician in London, and was a man of varied talents. He was not religious, and sometimes made light of sacred things. John Wesley's going to Georgia he viewed as Quixotic. Charles was dining with him one day, when his uncle bestowed abundance of wit upon John Wes- ley's " apostolical project." He said, " When the French found any remarkably dull fellow among them they sent him to convert the Indians." Charles checked his raillery by repeating, "To distant lands the apostles need not roam, Daitoiesa^ alasl and heathens are at home." Charles never after heard any more from his Uncle Matthew about John's "• apostolical project" 328 Anecdotes of the Wesleys, Ludicrous Scene. Charles and John Wesley in the early days of their Christian experience were in the habit of spending a part of th6 Sabbath walking in the fields and singing psalms. One Sunday, while they were in the fields and just about to begin to sing, a sense of their ludicrous situation came upon Charles, and he burst into loud laughter. John was horror-struck at his want of reverence, and he inquired in an angry tone, " Charles, are you dis- tracted?" No sooner had he asked the question than he began to laugh as loud as Charles. They were obliged to return home without singing a line.* -•♦♦- Charles Wesley and George Whltefleld. Charles Wesley had the high honor of being the spiritual father of George Whitefield, the un- equaled pulpit orator. Whitefield, when a student at Oxford, noticed the devout conduct of the Wes- ley's, with the ridicule to which they were subject, and desired to become acquainted with them. A poor woman in one of the work-houses had at- tempted to cut her throat, but was prevented. George Whitefield heard of it, and knowing that the Wesleys were ready for every good word and work, sent an old apple woman of the college to inform Charles Wesley, charging her not to tell him who sent her. But she told him. Charles * Southey's Life ot Weslej, voL I, pi. 293. Anecdotes of the Wesleys 329 Wesley sent word to Mr. Whitefield to breakfast with him the next morning. Mr. Whitefield says, "I thankfully embraced the opportunity, and, blessed be God I it was one of the most profitublu visits of my life. My soul was at that time atliirst for some spiritual friends to lift up my hands when they hung down, and to strengthen my feeblu knees. He soon discovered it, and, like a wise winner of souls, made all hi::> discourses tend that way." He put two books into his hands, one of which, he says, "was wonderfully blessed to my soul." He soon lent him another book entitled " The Life of God in the Soul." He says, " and though I had fasted, watched, and prayed, and re- ceived the sacrament so long, yet I never knew what true religion was till God sent me that ex- cellent treatise by the hands of my never-to-be- forgotten friend." When Charles was in Georgia, he wrote to Mr. Whitefield to join him and his brother in America. This is evident from the poetic epistle he addressed to him years afterward : " In a strange land I stood And beckoned thee to cross th' Atlantic flood; With true affection winged, thy ready mind Left country, fame, and ease, and friends behind; And eager all Heaven's counsels to explore, Flew through the watery world and grasped the shore." After Mr. Whitefield became a Calvinist ho wrote a tract against John Wesley's sermon on Free Grace, and submitted it to Charles Wesley for inspectioii. He returned it indorsed with these 330 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. I \ I significant words, ^^Put up again thy sword into its place.''* -♦♦♦- Charles Wesley and the Narrow Escape. In 1786 Charles went with his brother John to Georgia. The mission was a failure. Charles suf> fered much persecution, and plots and designs were laid to destroy him. It was a severe dis* cipline, under which he learned lessons that were very valuable to him in after years. One day he went to a myrtle grove, v/hich was his Bethel, for devotional purposes, and while he was repeating, " I will thank thee, for thou hast heard me, and ai*t become my salvation," a gun was fired from the other side of the bushes. Providentially he had just before turned from the end of the walk at which the shot entered. He heard the ball pass close by him. Had he not changed his position he would have been killed. But the Almighty (Covered his defeoseless bead With the shadow of his wijig. -♦♦•- Charles Wesley and the Drunken Captain. On the 5th of August, 1736, Charles Wesley embarked at Savannah for England. He soon found that the Captain had given his berth to an- other person, and his only bed was a chest. He adds, " What was still worse, I had no asylum to fly to from the Captain, the most beastly man I ever saw. A lewed, drunken, quarrelsome fool, praying, Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 331 e soon I to an- jt. He lam to lever raying, and yet swearing continually. The first night I had of him was upon the cabin floor, stark naked and dead drunk." This was the beginning of sor- rows. There was a terrific ocean storm ; all weru alarmed except " our happier Captain, who, having got his dose, could sleep day and night on a stretch, and defy cither pumps or squall to awake him.*' The ship would have foundered had it not beeu for the skill and fidelity of the first Mate. The following dialogue between the Mate and Cajv tain, on the 20th of September, was taken down in short-hand by Charles Wesley. Mate. Captain Indivine, what would you have us do? what course would you have us steer to- night? Captain. Even what course you will; we have afjEtir wind. M. Yes, sir; and it drives us full upon land, which cannot be many leagues off. C. Then I think you had best keep forward. M. Would you have us go on all night, and venture running upon the land ? C. I don't know. Go on. M. But there are shoals and rocks before us. C. Why, then, have a good look out M. But you can't see thrice the ship's length. What would you order me to do ? C. These rebels and emissaries have excited you to come and ask for orders. I don't know what you mean. M. Sir, nobody has excited me. I come, as is my duty, to my Captain for directions. ^, 332 Anecdotes of the Wesleyi. C. Have you a mind to quarrel with me? M. I have a mind to know what you will do. C. Nay, what will you do if you come to that ? M. Am I your Captain or you mine ? C. I am your Captain, and will make yon know it, Mr. Man. Do what I order yon, for you must and shall. M. Why, Bir, you order me nothing. C. Ton would not have me come upon deck my* Belf surely. M. If you did I should not think it much amiss. Some captains would not have stirred off deck a moment in such a night as this. Here you lie, without BO much as once looking out to see how things are. C, Yes, I have been upon deck this very day. M. But you have taken no account of any thing, or given yourself the least trouble about the ship for many days past. C. It is all one for that. I know where we are exactly. M. How far do you think we may be from land? G. Why, just thirty-five leagues. I am sure of it. M. How is that possible? Tou have taken no observation this fortnight. Nor have we got one these four days. C. No matter for that. I know we are safe. C. Sir, the most skillful sailor alive cannot know it. Shall we sail on, or shall we lie by ? Shall we alter our course ? Shall we stand on and off? The mate urged the Questions for about an hour, Anecdotes of the Wesieys. 333 and the Captain refused to answer, and conoluded with " Jack, give mo a dram." At three o'clock there was a cry of land. They wore near rocks, and there was a severe gale. The oproar was so great it awoke the Captain, who ran to his rum, drank heartily, then looked out upon deck. Not liking the looks, he returned into the cabin, saying, "Ay, ay, all will be well," and dropped to sleep again. Aftei a perilous voyage they reached Boston the 24th of September, and Charles Wesley says, "Bidding a hasty farewell to our wretched ship and more wretched Captain, who for the two last days had, most happily for us, lain dead drunk on the iSoor without sense or motion," he went on shore. After spending a few weeks in Boston he returned in the same vessel with another Captain, and after a very dangerous voyage reached England, December 3, 1730. -•♦♦- Charles Wesley and William Law. Mr. Wesley had been a great admirer of Will- iam Law and his writings, particularly his " Serious Call to a Holy Life,'^ and sought an interview with him for the purpose of receiving some special in- struction from one whom he had so greatly revercdj and at whose feet he delighted to sit and learn. He was introduced to Mr. Law, " a tall, thin, bony man, of a stem and forbidding countenance." Mr. Wesley described to Mr. Law his spiritual state, 334 Anecdotes of t/te Wesleys. and asked direction in regard to the ccnrse he should pursue. Mr. Law. Renounce yourself, and be not im- patient Mr.Wealey. With what connrcnt shall I read the Scriptures ? L. None. W. What do you think of one who dies unre- newed while endeavoring after it ? L. It concerns neither you to ask or me to answer. W. Shall I write once more to such a person ? X. No. W. But I am persuaded it will do him good. L. Sir, I have told you my opinion. W. Shall I write to you ? L. Nothing I can either write or speak can do you any good. Thus ended the interview. It was as cheerless as the house of the dead. No doubt Wesley was greatly benefited by the meeting, for it was the last time he went to that source for instruction. -♦♦•- Charles Wesley and Peter Boehler. This distinguished Moravian was not only use- ful to John Wesley, but also to his brother Charles. Charles was sick in London in February, 1737, and he was in a critical condition. He sect for his Mend Boehler, who promptly obeyed the sum- mons, and attended his apparently dying friend Anecdotes of the WesltjS. 335 "Charles Wesley," he says, "has been very ill flaring the last night, therefore he sent for me at break of day and begged I would pray for him, for the health of his soul and body. He fell asleep, and the pain abated. He knew that both the af fliction and the abatement came from the Lord." " Toward midnight," remarks Mr. Charles Wesley, "I received some relief from bleeding. In the morning Doctor Cockbum came to see me, and a better physician, Peter Boehler, whom God had detained in England for my good. He stood by my bedside and prayed over me, thav now at last I might see the Divine intention in this and my late illness. I thought it might be that I should again consider Boehler's doctrine of flEuth ; ezam« ine myself whether I was in the faith, and if not, never cease seeking and longing after it till I at- tained it" His recovery was gratefully commem- orated by the composition of the one hundred and fifty-fifth hymn in the Wesleyan Hymn Book, which presents a graphic portrait of the spiritual position of its gifted author. It consisted of seven- teen stanzas.* When Charles Wesley was converted it is said he shrank from publishing what God had done for his souL Peter Boehler said to him, " If you had a thousand tongues you should publish it with them alL" Tradition informs us this urgent coun* sel led to writing the hymn " for a thousand tongues to sing M7 great Redeemer's praise I " * Wedeyaa Magaziae, 1864, voL ii, page 687. ■S-M I 336 Anecdotes of the Wesleys, Charles Wesley and Mrs. Turner. Charles Wesley had been for years groping in Bpiritnal darkness, "Without one cheering beam of hope Or spark of glimmering day." On a bright morning in May, 1738, he awoke wearied and sick at heart, but in high expectation of the coming blessing. He lay on his bed « full of tossings to and fro," crying out, *' O Jesus, thou hast said, * I will come unto you ;' thou hast said, * I will send the Comforter unto you.* Thou hast said, * My Father and I will come unto you, and make our abode with you.' Thou art God, who canst not lie. I wholly rely upon thy promise. Accomplish it in thy time and manner." A poor woman, Mrs. Turner, heard his groaning, and con* strained by an impulse never felt before, put her head into his room and gently said, ^ In the name of Jesus of Nazareth arise and believe, and thou shalt be healed of all thine infirmities." He listened, and then exclaimed, "O that Christ would but thus speak to me I " He inquired who it was that had whispered in his ear these life-giving words. A great struggle agitated his whole man, and in an- other moment he exclaimed, "I believe! I be- lieve 1 " He then found redemption in the blood of the Lamb, experiencing the forgiveness of sinii, and could look up and "Behold, without a cloud between, The Godhead recondled.** Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 337 The hymn he wrote to commemorate the anni- versary of his spiritual birth shows the mighty change that had taken place, and is best expressed in his own language : '*0 for a thoasand tongnes to siog I ** -♦♦•- Charles Wesley and the Ui\just Man. Charles Wesley, having preached at Moorfields to about ten thousand, was walking across an open field to his afternoon appointment at Kennington Common, when he was met by a man who threat- ened to prosecute him for trespass. A few days after he was served with a writ by a Mr. Goter for walking over his fields to Kennington. He sent Mr. Oakley to the lawyer, who confessed he did not so much as know what his client sued Mr. Wesley for. It made but little difierence. A Methodist minister was to be punished in spite of justice and mercy. The bill of this most disgrace- ful suit has been preserved, with the receipt in the handwriting of the lawyer. "Goter t)«r«tM Wesley. Damages, £10. Cost taxed, £9 16s. 8d. July 29, 1739. Received of Mr. Wesley, by the hands of Mr. Joseph Verding, nineteen pounds, sixteen shillings, and sixpence, for damages and costs in this cause. "WnjiAM Ganson, "* Attomei/ far Plaintif.** 22 338 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. Charles Wesley wrote upon the mstrument, " I paid them the things that I never took ;'* and on the back of it this significant sentence, '*To be rejudged in that day." * -•♦♦- Charles Wesley and the Presentment The " Foundery," the humble place of worship occupied by the Methodists in May, 1741, was presented at Hicks' Hall as a seditious assembly. The Methodists had a friend at court, Sir John Ganson, who had showed them several favors. He objected that no persons were named in the pre* sentment. Then they presented the name^ of Charles Wesley, clerk; James Hutton, book-sel- ler ; Timothy Lewis, printer ; and Howell Harris, alias the Welsh apostle. But all in vain, for their friend Sir John quashed the whole concern, and made an end of the vexatious proceeding. -•♦^ Charles Wesley and the Magistrate at Kingswood. After the school h -•♦•- Charles Wesley Indicted. The Methodists visited Cork in 1749. For some time they met with very little opposition ; but the storm at last began to rage. Some of the cleigy secretly got the Corporation on their side, and made use of a despicable fellow by the name of Nicholas Butler to be the leader of a mob. This captain of renown was accustomed to sell and sing ballads in the streets. He was dressed in a par- son^s gown and bands, with a bundle of ballads in one hand and a Bible in the other. When he had vended his trumpery he led his ragged legions to such houses as were friendly to the Methodists, where they abused such as fell in their way, plun* Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 34^ dered their houses, took what they liked, and did what they pleased with impunity, supposing there was no law or justice to be had for the Methodists. By this violence it was thought they could drive the Methodists out of Cork, if not out of Ireland. Failing in this they indicted six of the preachers, who happened to be in Cork at that time, at the Assizes, as vagabonch. Their names were Charles Wesley, Joseph Cownley, Robert Swindals, Samuel Wheatley, Charles Skelton, and John Haughton. The following is the indictment of Charles Wesley ** We find and present Charles Wesley to be a person of ill-flame, a vagabond, and a common disturber of his Majesty^s peace, and s^e pray that he may be .transported." Can we wonder that John Wesley pronounced this " a wonderful presentment, worthy to 1)6 preserved in the annals of Ireland for all sue* ceeding generations ? " Charles Wesley and the other preachers were arrested, and ordered into the dock. Their names being called the Judge inquired, "Where are they?'' His Lordship was then told they were before hinL He surveyed them with surprise, and said " They are a goodly company, they look welL" He then called for the evidence of their guilt, and said " Bring on the witnesses." The first and prin- cipal witness was the notorious Butler. His name was called, and he took the witnesses' stand. The Judge looked at him with a suspicions eye, and asked him what business he followed. Butler hung his head down in confusion, and answered, " I sing ballads, my Lord." The Judge lifted up his hands 346 Anecdotes of the Wesieys. I with Burprise, and Baid, " Here are * six gentlemen indicted as ' vagabonds/ and the first aocnBer iB a * vagabond' by profession/* Finding Butler had but little to say he Bet him aside. Another accuser was called forward, who was nearly of the same stamp with Butler, and he tried to play the bnffooa and be witty. The Judge inquired concerning his calling. He answeirpd with great impertinence, " I am an anti-Swaddler, my Lord." * This being an insolent answer to the magistrate he ordered him out of the Court-room, and would examine no more witnesses. The Judge then gave the Orand Jury a severe reprimand, and also the Corporation, who were present, for suffering such a vagrant as Butler to be the ringleader of the rabble to go un. and down the city molesting respectable house keepers, plundering their property, and persecuting men who ii\jured none, but were deiiirous to reform mankind. Moreover, he looked at it as an insult to bring such a case before him. He made them ashamed of their cause, and of the vile agents employed in it. He instantly discharged the pris- oners. Butler was discarded by his employers, * The name Swaddlerwas first g^ven to a Methodist minister named John Gennick. In 1746 he preached in Dublin on Gbristmas-daj from " Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swad* dling clothes," etc. A priest in the congregation, who, as John Wesley shrewdly said, " probably did not know the expression was in the Bible, a book he was not much acquainted with," called Gennick "a Swaddler." So the mob called them Swad* dlers. The name spread with wonderful rapidity. In the fhmous riots in Cork, in 1749, the mob shouted through the Streets^ day and night, "Five pounds for a Swaddler's headl " ! 1 Atttcdotes of the Wesleys. 347 and the persecution ceased. Butler fled to Dublin, and would have famiHhod had not the Methodists supported him. Thus they returned good for evil, complying with the apostoUo ii\junction, " If tbioe enemy hunger, feed him," eta -«♦•- The Slanderer. The Rev. Mr. Bailey, of Cork, accused Charles Wesley "of monstrous, shocking, and amazing blasphemies.** He said that one day as Charles Wesley was preaching at Hammond Marsh he called out, "And has any one got the Spirit ? " and when none answered, he said, " I am sure some of you have, for I feel virtue go out of me." This was a vile slander. John Wesley, in his reply, said, " Sir, do you expect any one to believe this story ? I doubt it will not pass even in Cork, un- less with your wise friend who said, " Methodists I Ay, they are the people who place all their religion in wearing long whiskers ! " -♦M- Charles Wesley accused of Treason. Charles Wesley was publicly accused of dis- loyalty to the government. When he was itiner- ating in Yorkshire he was charged with having used treasonable words, and witnesses were sum- moned before the magistrates of Wakefield, to tes- tify against ^lim. Fortunately for him, he learned 348 Anecdotes of the Wesleys, this in time to present himself and confront the witnesses. He had prayed the Lord to call home his banished ones, and this the accusers construed in good £aith to mean the Pretender. Charles Wesley with perfect sincerity disclaimed any such intention. " I had no thoughts," he said, '* of pray- ing for the Pretender, but for those who confess themselves strangers and pilgrims on the earth — who seek a country, knowing this is not their home. You, sir," he added, addressing himself to a clergyman on the bench, "you, sir, know the scriptures speak of us as captive exiles, who are absent from the Lord while present in the body. We are not at home till in heaven." The magis- trates were men of sense; they perceived that he explained himself clearly; that his declarations were frank and unequivocal, and they declared themselves perfectly satisfied, and permitted him to go in peace. -♦♦•- Charles Wesley and the Officer. Mr. Wesley had many a severe encounter with mobs. Li Shetfield the Society was as a flock of sheep among wolves, the clergymen having stirred up the people, 'so they were ready to tear the Methodists in pieces. Once, as he was beginning service there, an officer of the army contradicted and blasphemed. Mr. Wesley took no notice of Mm but went on with the hymn. The stones flew thick and fast, striking the people and the desk [< I Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 349 in which sat Charles Wesley and David Taylor. The mob threatened to pull the house down, and to avoid it, Mr. Wesley gave notice that he would preach in the street and look the enemy in the face. The people who were in the house followed Mr. Wesley, and the Captain laid hold of him and abused him. He gave the Captain a tract entitled "A Word in Season; or, Advice to a Soldier," and then prayed particularly for his rilaj- esty King George, after which he preached the word. The rioters threw stones, several of them striking Charles Wesley in the face. He then prayed for sinners as servants of their master, the devil. Then the Captain was greatly enraged, and made a savage attack for abusing the " King, his master." He forced his way through the crowd, drew his sword, and presented its point at Mr. Wesley's breast, as if he meant to run it through his body. Charles Wesley opened his vest, and with a smiling face fixed his eye upon the Captain, and said with the utmost calmness, '^I fear God and honor the King." In a moment the lion was changed into a lamb, his countenance altered, he heaved a deep sigh, and put his sword into its scabbard and withdrew. He had said to one of the company, " You shall see, if I do but hold my sword to his breast he will faint away." When Charles Wesley heard of it he replied, "So, per- haps, I should if I had only his principles to trust to ; but if at that time I was not afraid, no thanks to my natural courage." .1 -V 350 Anecdotes of the Wesleys, Charles Wesley and the African Princes. Two African princes were carried off from Old Calabar by a Bristol captain after they had seen him and his crew massacre their brother and three hundred of their poor countrymen. They were six years in slavery, made their escape to England, and were thrown into irons, but were rescued by Lord Mansfield. For two months Charles Wesley had them under his care and instruction. They pro- fessed the Christian faith, and on the 22d of Feb- ruary, 1774, he baptized theuL He said they both received the outward visible sign and the inward spiritual grace in a wonderful manner and meas- ure. They were sent back to their brother, the king of Calabar, and Mr. Wesley rejoiced to hear of their safe arrival The next year he writes, ** My two African children got safe home." -•♦♦- , A Sermon Completed. Charles Wesley visited Alnwick, and, as the cus- tom was in those days, went to Church on Sunday morning. The clergyman preached from " Beware of false prophets which come in sheeps' clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves," and de- livered a bitter philippic against the Methodists, whom he described as dangerous . wolves, and against whom, with great zeal, he warned his hearers. The sermon was no doubt selected for the occasion. Knowing that Charles Wesley was Anecdotes of the Wesleys, 351 CUB- mday iware hing, de- dists, and his d for waa to be one ^ his congregation, this zealous divine read, with great boldness, his spirited composition. Bat, alas ! " foreknowledge he had none." Had he foreseen the use which was immediately to be made of his own harangue, and the effect which in a very short time would be produced upon the public mind, he would rather have slept than preached that morning. When the service was over Mr. Wesley stood upon a gravestone, and being im- mediately surrounded by the congregation, he preached from ^he verse immediately follovdng the text of the clergyman : " By their fruits shall ye know them." He introduced his subject by say- ing he had risen merely to finish the gentleman's sermon, which only explained one part of the sub- ject. He then described the false prophets by their fruits ; fruits, indeed, that were too abundant among some "prophets," but which had not been found among those to whom the gentleman's sermon ap- plied. The people were astonished, convinced, and charmed, and from that time many attended the ministry of the Methodists who had not attended before, and much good was done.* -•♦♦- Charles Wesley and the Maniac. Charles Wesley in 1755 went to a madhouse to see a brother Gowper, with whom he had former- ly been acquainted, who was a maniac. The notice he gives of this visit is both curious and char- * Weslejan Magazine, 1826. 352 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. acteristic. " Mr. Cowper has been dumb for four months ; dormg that period he has never spoken a word, nor did they know he ever would. But the deaf and dumb devil was disturbed by our prayers, and forced to say, * Charles, thou art a priest of BaaL I do not receive thee?*" Mr. Wesley re-* plied, ** Satan, thou art a liar, and knowest that I am a priest of God and a servant of Jesus Christ, and this poor soul shall know it when thou art cast out by our prayers." Charles Wesley was skepti- cal concerning demoniacal possession. But he says in regard to Mr. Cowper, " His madness is (if such there be) diabolical." -***- Charles and Mrs. John Wesley. Mrs. John Wesley abused her husband, and Charles came in frequently for his share. There- fore he used to call her " his best friend," because no one told him of his faults with half the vehe- mence and particularity which characterized her rebukes and admonitions. In a vein of pleasantry he writes, "I called two minutes on Mrs. John Wesley before preaching at the Foundery, and all that time had not one quarrel" -H^ Charles Wesley and the Passionate Lady. It is related in " The Bishop ; or, Letters to a Prelate," that a lady once came to Charles Wesley complaining that she was the chief of sinners, the Anecdotes of the Wesley s. 353 wont of transgresson, utterly lost and helpless. He replied, "I have no doubt, Madam, that you are bad enough." She instantly flew into a pas- sion, and declared that she was no worse than her neighbors, accused him of slandering her, and from her gestures she would have boxed his ears if he had not suddenly retired from the room. ^ -•♦•- Charles Wesley and the Tempting Oflbrs. In early life Charles Wesley refused to be heir to a large estate. But few would refiise a " living " or a fortune; b'_t Charles Wesley refused both when he came to manhood. " I have before me," says his friend Henry Moore, " the strongest testi- mony that can be given at this day, that he re- frised a living of five hundred pounds a year, choosing to remain among the people that he loved. He also refused a large fortune offered him by a lady whose relatives had quarreled with her; telling her, in his usual short way, *It is un- just.' The lady, after trying in vain to bend his spirit, informed him that she had struck his name out of her will, but that, nevertheless, her family should not possess the fortune. Mr. Wesley was advised to accept the fortune and give it to the relatives himsell He replied, < That is a trick of the devil; but it wont do. I know what I am now, but I do not know what I should be if I were thus made rich.* We may call this another *fair escape.' " 28 354 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. Charles Wesley and Vincent PerroneL Vincent Perronet was the Vicar of Shorcham, Kent, and such was his relation to Methodism that Charles Wesley called him " the Archbishop of the Methodists." He was very Mnse in counsel, and Charles and John were in the habit of going to him for advice. He was a kind of patriarch among th' Methodists, and deservedly held in high veneration. He wrotr a number of able tracts in defense of Methodism. When Charles first preached in his pulpit, (to which the Vicar heartily welcomed him,) his parishioners mobbed the preacher. They roared and stamped, blas- phemed and rang the bell, but Mr. Perronet threw his mantle over him. For forty years after he welcomed both the Wesleys and their sons in the Gospel to his pulpit. He wrote to Charles Wesley : " I make no doubt Methodism, notwithstanding all the wiles of Satan, is designed by Divine Providence to introduce the approaching millennium.'* The old patriarch died in triumph in the ninety-second year of his age, and Charles Wesley preached his funeral sermon from ** Mark the perfect man, and behold the up- right, for the end of that man is peace." His children were all converted, and two of them, CbarleF and Edward, became itinerant preachers, and members of the Wesleyan Conference. Ed- ward was the spiritual son of Charles Wesley, and traveled with him for a time. He was the author of the noble hymn, enough to immortalize any man, ^ Anecdotes of the Wesley s. 355 "An hail the power of Jesus' nainei Let angels prostrate fall ; Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown him Lord of all. No wonder that in dying, in I'/Ol, he exclaimed in holy triumph, " Glory to God in the height of his divinity ! Glory to God in the depths of his humanity ! Glory to God in his all-sufficiency I Into his hands I commend my spirit 1 " -•♦•- Charles Wesley and the Blasphemer. Charles Wesley was very bold in denouncing sin and sinners, and very often he woke up their ire. He preached in the church of his friend Mr. Bennet, where scenes occurred which show not only the rudeness of the primitive times, but the familiarity with which he addressed his audiences. As he was speaking against their drunken revels one of his auditors contradicted him, and used most blasphemous language. Charles Wesley in- quired, " Who is it that pleads for the devil ? " The blasphemer, who declared his sin as Sodom, and hid it not, answered, " I am he that pleads for the deviL" Mr. Wesley says, "I took occasion to show the revelers their champion, and the whole congregation their state by nature. Much good I saw immediately brought out of Satan's evil Then I set myself against his avowed advocate, and drove him out of the Christian assembly." * * Jackson's Life of Charles Wesley, page 318 w .. 3S6 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. Oiarles Wesley and Harmless Diversions. In the same church, at the same time, oconrrod another singular scene. Mr. Wesley was warning the people against what are called '* harmless di- versions," and declared that by them he had been kept dead to God, asleep in the arms of Satan, and secure in a state of damnation for eighteen years. There were three divines present besides Mr. Wes- ley. Mr. Meriton cried out, " And I for twenty- five ! *' " And I," exclaimed Mr. Thompson, " for thirty-five ! " " And I," added Mr. Bennet, " for about seventy ! " Four clerical witnesses confirmed the declaration.* -♦♦♦- Ctiarles Wesley and Lord Ferrers. Lord Ferrers was the brother of the Rev. Wal- ter Shirley, and a cousin to Lady Huntingdon. He committed a foul murder that shocked the whole kingdom. He sent for his steward, Mr. Johnson, to attend him, having sent all his men away, so there were none in the house except the Earl and thrae servant girls. When Mr. Johnson entered the room the Earl locked the door, then ordered him to settle his account, and afterward produced a paper purportmg to be a confession of the BtewardV villainy, and required iiim to sign it. * Jackson's lift of Charles Weslej, page 819L T- Anecdotes of the Wesley s. 357 Mr. Johnson refused, and the Earl, drawing a pis- tol out of his pocket, ordered him to kneel down, which the terrified man did on one knee. His lordship called out, so loud as to be heard by one of the women at the kitchen door, "Down on your other knee. Declare you have acted against Lord Ferrers. Your time has come, and you must die.'' He then fired, and the ball entered Mr. Johnson's body. He insulted and tormented the dying man for several hours. Mr. Johnson died the next morning, his murderer rejoicing in what he had done. The Earl was imprisoned in the Tower of London, and then was tried by his peers. No one felt a greater sympathy for the criminal and his relatives than Charles Wesley. Mr. Shir- ley wrote him a letter, thanking him for his sym- pathy and kindness, beginning, " Blessed be the great God, who has enriched your heart with love, and filled your mind with wisdom ; and blessings upon blessings on thy head, thou sweet messenger of comfort, for thou hast greatly refreshed my bowels, and caused me to rejoice even in tribula- tion. May God reward your sweet, loving soul ! " He then expresses a desire to meet him or his brother John in London. He prays that the soul of his brother may be saved, no matter what his fate. Tonchingly he says, " I know, sir, you will not leave me to pray alone. O let us raise up an army of blessed saints who will besiege the throne of Grace. Surely he will not be cast out." The heart of the right honorable murderer was 358 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. as^hard as the nethermotft mill-stone. Sympathy, tears, prayers affected him uot. Prayer was of- fered for him in the closet, family, and in the house of God on the Lord's day. Charles Wesley attended the trial, (April, 1760,) and wrote an account of it in a letter to his wife. "They entered with the utmost state. First the Barons, then the Lords, Bishops, Earls, Dukes, and Lord High Steward ; most of the royal fam- ily, the Peeresses, and chief gentry of the king- dom, and the foreign embassadors present, made it one of the most august assemblies in Europe. The trial proceeded. After the testimony and the defense each lord was asked whether the Earl was guilty, and each answered, as he put his hand upon his breast, " Guilty, upon my honor." The Earl was sentenced to be hung. Charles Wesley continued to pray for the Earl, and composed three hymns of supplication for him, and wrote to those in the country, saying, " Help together in your prayers for a poor murderer." The Earl was as hard-hearted as ever after being sentenced to death. Instead of being taken to the place of execution in a mourning-coach he went in his own splendid carriage, drawn by six horses, clad in his splendid wedding dress. On the scaf- fold he kneeled while the Lord's prayer was re- peated, and with great energy ejaculated, "O God, forgive all my errors ! pardon all my sins ! " Well may Thomas Jackson, who relates the above, say, ** Many a penitent convict trusting in Chriist has Charles Wesley comforted when doomed to ^ Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 359 ■nfier the extreme penaltf of the law, bat there i» no comfort in infidelity, with all its pride and af- fectation of philosophy." • -♦H- The Perilous Voyage. Charles Wesley passed through many perils. In October, 1748, he had a very narrow escape from a watery grave. He had embarked at Dublin on a packet for England; and while walking the deck at half past eight, he inquired of the Captain what time he expected to be in the harbor. He said, " By nine o'clock." Mr. Wesley said, " We would com- pound for ten." That moment the mainsail got loose and flew overboard, and it seemed as if it would drag them all over with it. The Captain called, "All hands on deck ! " and thrust Mr. Wesley into the cabin. Immediately he heard a cry, " We have lost the mast." A passenger ran upon deck and. brought the news that it was not the mast, but the poor Captain, with whom Mr. Wesley was talking a moment before. Mr. Wesley knelt down and commended his spirit to the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. He says, " I thought of those lines of Doctor Young : *"No warning given I unceremonious desthl A sudden rush from life's meridian Joys^ A plunge opaque beyond conjecture 1 '" All on board were in exceeding danger. The sailors were so confounded they knew not what to " Jackson's Life of Weslej, page 673. ■v. IP ■ 'I m, 36o Anecdotes of the Wesleys. do. The vessel was near the shore, and in danger of being wrecked. One of the passengers ran to the helm, and gave orders as if he was Captain. The ship righted, and about ten they got safe into har- bor, and Mr. Wesley says in regard to their safety, " I insoribe it to our Invisible IHlot'* -•♦♦- Charles Wesley and the Thunder-storm The 23d of June, 1747, Charles Wesley puacned at Colham Chapel. He says, " While I was speak- ing of our Lord*s appearing we were alarmed witb the loudest clap of thunder 1 ever heard. I thought it must have cleft the house. Most of the congre- gation shrieked out as if the day of the Lord were come. A thought darted into my heart as quick as lightning, * What if it should be the day of judgment ! ' I was filled with faith stronger than death, and rejoiced in hope of the glory of God. The same spirit rested on all the faithful while I broke into singing, " ' So shall the Lord, the Saviour, oome^ And liglitnings round his chariot play I Te lightnings, fly to make him room ; Ye glorious stormst prepare his way.' . I went on for half an hour describing that scene. The heart of every person present rejoiced or trem- bled. A mixed cry of horror and triumph was heard till I dismissed them with the blessing. Afterward we heard that a house on one side of Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 361 oar chapel was almost demolished, both rooi and walls, by the thunder-clap, the lead of the windows melted, and six persons struck to the ground. On the other side of us a gibbet was split into a thou- •and pieoei." -•♦•- Poetical EocentrloKles. When at the University at Oxford John dreaded to have Charles come into his room. SometimeH, full of poetry, he would run against his brother^s study-table and overthrow it. Or, if the "fine' frenzy" was not so high, he would derange the books and papers, ask some questions without always waiting for a reply, repeat some poetry that then just struck him, and then abruptly leave the room. It required some Christian patience in John, who was all method and order, to bear with these vagaries. -•♦•- Charles and his Brother's Request When John Fletcher died John requested Charles to write an elegy upon his character, that he might print it with his funeral sermon. He made no reply. Charles Wesley never wrote a line on any subject that was given to him. Some time after, Henry Moore inquired of John if he had received from Charles the elegy upon Fletcher. He said, "No; my brother, I suppose, is waiting for a thought Poets, you know, are maggoty." ^W*wWw''-l*ff.!!^!itM.J'li"i'>s'«!''*..' 'W 562 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. Habits in Old Age. Mr. Moore infonns ns that when Charles Wesley wati nearly fourscore he retained something of his eccentricity. He rode every day upon a little horse, gray with age, clothed for winter even in summer. When he mounted his horse, if a subject struck him he proceeded to expand it and put it in order. He had a card and pencil in his pocket, and wrote a hymn in short-hand. He often rode to the City Road parsonage, and entered crying out, ,"Pen and ink I pen and ink I" Supplied with tb'-se, he wrote the hymn he had been composing. This done, he would look round on those present and salute them with much kindness, ask after their health, give out a short hynm, and thus put all in mind of eternity. Frequently, on such occasions, he would give out the following stanza from one of hia own sweet hymns :* ''There all the ship's oompaoj meet "Who sail'd with the Saviour beneath; With shouting, each other they greet, And triumph o'er sorrow and death. The voyage of life's at on end, The mortal affliction is past; The age that in heaven they spend For ever and ever shall last" -•♦•- Charles Wesley and Young's Night Thoughts. Charles Wesley was a great admirer of Young's Night Thoughts. He not only read them, but * Moore's Life of Wesley. Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 363 irequently trarscribed them. He said, " No writ- ings but the inspired have been more nsefal to me." And yet there were times when he transcended Young in poetic grandeur and sublimity. Take two examples. Dr. Toung writes thus : "Of num immortdlt hear the lofty style I If 80 decreed, tb' Almighty will be done. Let earth dissolve, yon ponderous orbs descend, And grind us into dust. The soul is safe ; The man emerges ; mountr' above the wreck As tow'ring flame fW)m nature's funeral pyre; O'er devastation, as a gainer, smiles; His charter his inviolable rights, Hell pleased to learn from thunder's impotence, Death's pointless darts, and hell's defeated storms." Wesley's harp is tuned to loftier strains : " Stand the omnipotent decreet Jehovah's will be done I Nature's end we wait to see. And hear her final groan. Let this earth dissolve, and blend In deeth the wicked and the just; Let those pond'rous orbs descend, And grind us into dust:— Bests secure the righteous man; At his Redeomer'a beck. Sure to emerge and rise again, And mount above the wreck; Lol the heavenly spirit towers, like flames o'er nature's funeral PTre; Triumphs in immortal powers^ And daps hia wings of flrel " ^■«PHn«!«w> ^-t Sciences Corporation 23 WeST MAIN STtiiT WI»STM,N.Y. 14580 (716)«72-4S03 / 374 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. bear this effort of her Ladyship to prejacUoe him against his brother, with whom for years he had fought side by side the battles of the Lord. He was exceedmgly grieved, and wrote on the back of her letter, ** Lady Huntingdon's Uut^ unannoered by John WeOey"* brother,^ -•♦•- Qiarles Wesley an4 the Rich Banker. Charles Wesley would not flatter a prince, la writing to Ebenezer Blackwell, the rich banker heretofore mentioned, he shows true friendship and sterling fidelity. He says, **I have often had it on my mind to tell you my friendly fears, lest your engagement with the gentlemen of your club, should insensibly draw you in further than you are aware into the ways and spirit of the world. Perhaps, by and by, you might be led into their diversions, which you know can never be done to the glory of God. Perhaps you may, by little and little, become partaker of their sins, at least by your silence at their idle words or oaUis. There is no standing neuter in the midst of worldly men, *W» must or imitate or disapprove^ Miut list as tlieir aooomplioes or foes.' " \ Agun he says, **The question is ever on my heart, *What shall I do to mako the most of a short life?"' He urges him to perseverance : ** 6^0 on, be it ever so feebly and slowly, yet go on, tnd you shall An^dotes of the Wesleys. 375 fee the utmost salvation of God. I often rejoice in hope of it both for mys'ilf and Mends. There must be a marvelous change in you and me when we are 'Above all fear, all anger, and all pride.'" This fiEuthfhl friend of the Wesleys maintained his integrity till his death, April 21, 1792. Charles Wesley was with him in Ids final hour. In his manuscripts are two hymns bearing the same date, one a " Prayer for Mr. Blackwell Departing," the other, "^ On the Death of Ebenezer BlackwelL" -•♦•- Charles Wesley and Dr. Thomas Coke. Doctor Coke was one of the most useful men of the age in which he lived. Ai the age of thirty he identified himself with the early Methodbts. John Wesley found in him ,a "fellow helper to the tmth^" and regarded him as his "right hand man." When the Doctor had fully identified him> ■elf with Methodism his attachment to the Estab- lished Church was £eu: from being strong, and he thought it wise for the Methodist body to separate from it. This opinion he expressed in open Con- ference, where the question had often b$en pre- viously mooted. Charles Wesley was present and heard the Doctor, ^and as his mind was sensitively alive on this point he thundered out the word ** No " with all the vehemence of which he was eapable, accompanying the emphatic utterance with II',: /' 376 Anecdotes of the WesUys, a stamp of his foot upon the floor of the ohapel On hearing this astounding negative upon his pro- posal the Doctor dropped upon his chair as if he had been shot, and said not another word on the subject* -•♦•- Charles Wesloy and Adam Clarke. Adam Clarke relates the following : **• I was per* sonally acquainted with the Rev. Chariest Wesley, and a singular occurrence took place in the city of Bristol on the occasion of one of my visits there. Charles Wesley ascended the pulpit to preach. I sat behind him. He gave out a hymn and prayed, but was completely in the trammels, where he had often been before. Mr. Wesley then took a text, spoke a little, but soon found that he could not go on. He then tried to relieve himself by praying, and then rose from his knees and took another text, but that also was as fruitless as its predeces- sor. On finding it so he took up the hymn book and beckoned me to step forward. On giving me the book he left the pulpit and retired to the rooms over the chapeL 'Though I had no promise of his return, I indulged a slight hope that 'he would not disappoint the congregation by leaving the service to me. I turned to a hymn and gave it out; I trembled for fear. Had it been left to my own judgment I could have done well enough • but his intentions and return were alike unknown. * WeBleyan Magazine, 1860, toL i^ page 143. ■/^^ Anecdotes of the IVes/eys. Z77 I did not even know till afterward where be was. I went leisurely on with the hymn, giving out verse after verse till I came to the sixth, and just as I was giving up for lost to the people Mr. Wesley made his appearance. He commenced by telling an anecdote about Mr. La Trobe, who was then not expected to live long; after which he exclumed with a strong voice, yet a little drawl- ing, * Believe — ^love— obey.* He then proceeded In the following strain: *Who are they that be- lieve? All true Christians. Who are they that love? All those th^t believe. Who are they that obey? Such as believe and love.' His remarks were in abrupt and broken sentences. He was fiMt in this way in the North once, and it was the salvation of one of the preachers.** ■♦M- Charles Wesley and the Young Preacher. Dr. Clarke says, **A young preacher had run away from his circuit wholly discouraged. He had an opportunity of hearing Charles Wesley preach. Charles, alas! was in the trammels, and was obliged to give up. The young man thought, * Well, bad as I am, it was never thus with me.' He took courage, and returned to his circuit.** -•♦•- Charles Wesley and Wllberfbrce. Wilberforoe may be classed among the friends of Charles Wesley. He was a young statesman % 1/, ■J0- V 378 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. ■ n just lifling into life. Their first interview took place at the house of Mrs. Hannah More, and is thus described by Wilberforce : **I went in 1786 to see Hannah More, and when I came into the room Charles Wesley arose from the table, around which a numerous party sat at tea, and coming forward gave me his solemn blessing. I was scarcely ever more affected. Such was the effect of his mannet' and appearance that it altogether overset me, and I burst into tears, unable to re strain mysdt** * ■•♦♦- Charles Wesley and "The Han of Fashion." Charles Wesley wrote the following in 1784, four years before his death. It shows that he possessed his sprightliness, vigor of thought, and humor until old age. "What ifl a modem maa of fkahlon? A man <^taste and diMipation: A bua7 man, without employment^ A hapny man, without enjoyment Who equandera all his time and treaaurea On empty joya and taateleaa pleaaurea; Tlaita, attendance, and attention, And opurtly arta, too low to mention. "In deep, and dteaa, and aport) and plaj, ^ He throws his worthleaa lift away; Has no opinion of hia own, But takes from leadhig beaux the Vm; • lift of Wilberforce, yoL i, page MS. ■/" Anecdotes of the Weid'eys. With A diadftinflil smOe or frown, He OD the riffraff crowd looks down* The world polite, his friends and b% And aU the rest— NobodjI , "Taught bj the great his smOes to aaO, And how to write^ and how to speU; The great bis oracles he makes^ Gopies their vices and mistakes; Custom pursueS) his only rule^ And lives an ape^ and dies a IboL** 379 -•♦•- Charles Wesley and the Music Seller. Few people love to paj bills more than once. Wlien Charles Wesley was near the end of his journey and reduced to great weakness, in the month of February, 1788, he received a note from a music seller, asking for the balance of a small account of some years' standing. Mr. Wesley had little doubt but that he had paid it. He immedi- atel;^- transmitted the money with the following note: **If there is the least doubt Mr. Wpnley always takes the safest, that is, his neighbor's, side, choosing to pay a bill twice or twenty times rather than not at all. He will be obliged to Mr. Wright for a line of acknowledgment that he is now out of debt.** Ill :'.: ' k Rare Volume. William R. Williams, D.D., of New York City, presented to the editor of these pages ** The Life of 33o Anecdotes of the Wesleyj. the Most Learned and Reverend and Pious Dr. H. Hammond, by John Fell, D.D." It was printed in London, 1661. It belonged to the library of Charles Wesley, and contains his autograph, " C, Wesley, 1784," with the words, "Long6 Sequar," expressing his desire to follow, though but re- m/ely, the footsteps of the saintly Hammond. When' he wrote his autograph in the old book Charles Wesley was only twenty-six years of age, and a College 'Tutor in Oxford. The volume was seventy-three years old when he wrote his name in it, and it probably had belonged to his father, Samuel Wesley, in the old library at Epworth. <-»i^f' ■♦M- Charles and John Wesley on Reputation. ^ ''^Numerous and bitter were the attacks made upon the character of John Wesley in the year 1776. He was publicly accused of crimes sufficient to exclude him from the kingdom of grace and glory. But innocence has nothing to do with fear. Miss Sarah Wesley, his neice, says he had promised to take her with him to Canterbury and Dover. **My dear father, to whom the reputation of my uncle was fiar dearer than his own, saw the im- portance of refutation, and set off to the Foundery to induce him to postpone his journey, while I in my own mind was lamenting such a disappoint- ment, having anticipated it with all the impatience natural to my years. Never shall I forget the manner in which my father accosted my mother oil '/f Anecdotes of the WesUys. 381 his return home. 'My brother,^ said he, Ms an extraordinary man. I placed before him the char^ aoter of a minister; the evil consequences which might result from his indifference to it ; the cause of religion ; stumbling-blocks cast in the way of the weak, and urged him by every relative and public motive to answer for himself and stop the publica- tion. His reply was, ' Brother, when I devoted to God my ease, my time, my life, did I except my reputation? No. Tell Sally I will take her to Canterbury to-morrow.* " -•♦•- Charles Wesley and his Sister, Mrs. Wright His sister Mehetabel was the tenth child, and when she was eight years old could read the Greek Testament She was full of wit and humor, and possessed fine poetic talents. She was very un- fortunate in her marriage, and led a wretched life. She died in peace. Charles Wesley felt the most tender sympathy for her in her sufferings, and loved her with the purest affection, as the follow- ing from his Journal will show: "Marrh 8, 1751. I prayed ^ith my sister Wright, a gracious, tender, trembling soul; a bruised reed which the Lord will not break." March 21, he says he called on her a few moments before her soul was set at liberty, and had sweet fellowship with her in ex- plaining these solemn words, **Thy sun shall no m6re go down," etc. <*The 26th of March," he says, " I followed her to her quiet grave, and wept with them that wept." 382 / Anecdotes of the Wesleys, This woman of blighted hopes and blasted ex- pectations wrote the following epitaph upon herself: " Destined while living to suitain An equal stiare of grief and pain, All Tarious ilia of human race Within thia breaat had onoe a phMai Without complaint she learned to basr A living death, a long despair, Till, hard oppressed by adverse bts^ O'erobarged, she sank beneath ita weight, And to this peaoeftil tomb retired, 80 muoh esteemed, so long desired! The painflil mortal conflict's o'er, A broken heart oan bleed no moral " -•♦♦- Charles Wesley and bis Sister Martha. ' Charles Wesley was one day relating with much apparent pleasure how usefil bis fiEtther was to the prisoners when he was confined in Lincoln Castle. ** By his constant reading, prayers, and preaching," said he, ** the whole jail was reformed.** Mrs. Hall was a lofty-spirited woman, and she chided him, ex- claiming with peculiar emphasis, '* Brother Charles, how can yon speak of these things ? ** He replied in his usual short way, "If you are ashamed of your poverty yon are ashamed of your Master.** -•♦•- Charles Wesley and his Sister Kezdah. Eezzie was the youngest daughter of Samuel Wesley. When Charles was excluded from the Churches, and began to preach present salvation. Anecdotis of the Wesleys, 383 ffezriah objected to the doctrine of justification by fiEdth. She adhered to the notion she was a true believer, thoagh she did not bring forth the fraits of fidth. ** My sister/' said hi9, ** who would not giye up her pretensions to faith, told me, half angrily, *Well, yoi^will know in the aext world whether I have faith or no.* I then asked her, * Will you then discharge me in the sight of Ood from speaking to you again ? If you will, I will promise never more to open my mouth till we meet in eternity.* She burst into tears, fell on my neck, and melted me into fervent prayer for her.** He was present when she died, March 9, 1741. He says, ** Yesterday morn- ing Sister Eezzie died in the Lord Jesus. He finished his work, and cut it short in mercy. Full of thankfulness, resignation, and love, without pain or trouble, she commended her spirit into the hands of Jesus and fell asleep.** -♦»♦- Charles Wesley and his Daughter Sarah. Mr. Wesley took great pains in the cultivation of her intellect. One day, during her childhood, when she was repeating her Latin lesson to him before she had suMciently mastered it, he said, somewhat impatiently, ** Sarah, you are as stupid a» an ass.** She said nothing, but lifted her eyes with meekness, surprise, and imploring affection. On beholding her look he immediately burst into tears, and finished the sentence by adding, **and as patient.*** * Jjtdcwm*! Ufe of 0. Weskgr. .iii> 3«4 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. Chtrles Wailey, hli Daughter, and the Prlaonari. Charles Wesley wm the prisoner*! Mend. He was desired to preach the last sermon to some maU efaotors nnder i»entenoe of death in Newgate. Sarah was then a little girl, and her £|ther asked her to accompany him. Her mother ahnddered with horror at the idea of taking her daughter to such a scene, and Sarah replied that her feelings were so tender she would never have strength to endure it He made no remark, and during the evening showed no displeasure. Mr. Wesley always retired at nine o'clock, and it was Sarah's custom to attend him to his bed-chamber. She did so that evening, and heard him repeating to himself^ *'Sick and in prison, and ye visited me not" Sarah was silent, but thoughtful The next mom- ing he called her at six o'clock, and she told him, *' Father, I will go with you to Newgate this morn- ing," and notwithstanding her mother's fears she went with hinL Os their entrance to the prison the jailer gave them vinegar, saying there had been jail fever among the prisoners ; but this did not terrify her. Sarah was placed in a pew near the unhappy culprits, and the only sound she heard was the clinking of their chains. Charles Wesley, after entering the pulpit, was so overcome by his sympathies that it was many minutes before he could begin the prayer. Then he burst forth with an energy which impressed the whcle auditory, ** O let the sorrowful sighing of the prisoner come up before thee! According to the greatness of thy power ^ Amedotts of tkg Waltys. 385 pwfu re thoa those who are appointed to die." His whole sermon was alike affecting. Afterward he went to speak to the condemned prisoners, and each seemed very contrite. When they returned home there was a lady at his house who learned where they had been, and seeing the pale face of Sarah, asked her father what possible food could result from taking his daughter to such a place. Mr. Wesley then, in most eloquent language, showed the vast benefits. ** It expanded our sympathies, it excited gratitude to our heavenly Father for the grace which alone preserved any human being from similar offenses to their fellow-creatures, it excited our prayers for them," etc., etc.* -•♦•- Mrs. Charles Wesley's Singing. Mrs. Wesley used to accompany her husband in his extensive journeys, generally riding behind him on horseback. At one time they put up at an inn, and after having partaken of some refresh- ments she went into the garden, and there sat down to rest. "It was a fine summer evening, and though wearied with the journey of fifty miles, a heavenly calm came over her spirit cor> responding with the scene around her. She raised her sweet and melodious voice in a hymn of praise to her Saviour, who had so freely shed abroad his love in her heart Her singing attracted the at- tention of some young lacUes in an adjoining gar* • WmI^jui Magazine, 1839, page SSL 26 I 386 Anecdotes of the Wiesleys. den, who stood in silent attention on the other side of the hedge listening to strains which were equally devout and tasteful Their father was a clergy* man, who came and joined them with equal delight. When Mrs. VTesley had finished he complimented her upon her voice and skill, and invited her to sing in his church on the following Sabbath ; but having learned who she was, and being given to understand that if he would have her in his choir he must allow her husband to occupy the pulpit, he declined the services of both. A Methodist sermon, even from a clergyman, he could not tol- erate upon any terms." * -•♦♦- Charles Wesley's Last Hymn. ** In age and feebleness extreme," Charles Wes- ley lay one day silent and quiet for some time. He then called for Mrs. Wesley, his faithful wife, and requested her to write the following lines ai he dictated them : * " In age and feeblenssB extreme, , Who shall a helpless worm redeem f ' Jesus, my only hope thou art, Strength of my fiuling flesh and heart : could I catch a smile from thee, And drop into eternity I " \ Was there ever a better dying song ? * Jackson's Life of Charles Wesley, page 46B. Anecdotes of tfu WlaUys. 387 CHARLES WESLEY, Jun. The poet of Methodism had a son who bore his name, and was born December 11, 1757. Charles Wesley, Jan., was a musical prodigy in his in- fancy. Before he was three years old he mani- fested great talents for music, and in early life rose to eminence m the profession. No one ever excelled him in performing Handel's music on the organ. Two of the kings of England, George HL and George IV., employed him for a long time to play in their presence, and were highly delighted with his performances. Like his father, he was a man of small stature, and exhibited the eccentrici- ties of genius. He abounded in anecdote. Sev- eral that follow were related by him. For years Charles Wesley, Jun., was a member of the Wes- leyan Society in London, a good man with a pare Christian character. The 23d of May, 1834, he died in great peace in London, and was gath- ered to his fathers. -•♦•- ANECDOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS. Charles Wesley, Jun., and King George. King George IIL is well known tc have been very fond of music, particularly that of Handel. Charles Wesley excelled in playing the oomposp tions of that great master. He became a special 388 Anecdotes of the WesU^s» / fovorite with his Majesty. At one time he offerod himself as a candidate for the vacant situation of organist at St Paul'is Cathedral, when he met with a painful repulse. On appearing before the eocle> siastics, with whom the appointment lay, and pre- senting hb claims to their confidence, they said to him abruptly, " "We want no Wesleys here." The King heard of this unseemly act, and was deeply grieved. He sent for the obnoxious organist to Windsor, and expressed his strong regret that he should have been refused in such a manner and for such a reason, adding, with his own frankness and generosity, ^ Never mind, the name of Wesley is always welcome to me.'* At another time, after King George had lost his sight, Mr. Wesley was one day with the venerable monarch alone, and the King inquired, " Mr. Wes- ley, is there any body in the room but yon and me?" ** No, your Majesty," was the reply. The King then declared his persuasion that Idx. Wes- ley's father and uncle, with Mr. Whitefield and Lady Huntingdon, had done more to promote the spread of true religion in the country than the whole body of the dignified clergy who were so apt to despise their labors.* ' >♦■■ Charles Wesley, Jun., and King George IV. \ Charles Wesley, Jun., used to speak of King €toorge rV. as an admirable judge of mnsio. He * WMtoyui Magazine, 183i. Anecdotes of thv Wesley s. 389 was rery fond of Charles Wesley, Jan., not only for hia ability as a performer, but becanse, snch was the tenacity of his memory, he scarcely ever had oooasiori to refer to his books. What- ever favorite composition tho King might call for Mr. Wesley was prepared to play without delay or hesitation. In one of his visits to Carlton House one of the pages refused to admit him by the front entrance, but ordered him to go round and seek admission by some less honorable way. He obeyed. The King saw him approach, and in- quired why he came to the palace in that direc- tion. Mr. Wesley explained, and his Majesty sending for the page, gave him such a rebuke as he was not likely soon to forget, and commanded that whenever Mr. Wesley visited the palace he should be treated with all possible respect. -•♦•- The Bishop's Rebuke. Charles Wesley, Jan., was dining with the ven- erable Bishop Burgess, remarkable for his theo- logical learning, and for the zeal and ability with which he defended the principles of Protestant Christianity. There was a young clergyman at the dinner^table who seemed desirous of attracting attention by the avowal of his partialities as a minister of the Established Church. *' My lord,** said he, addressing the Bishop, ** when I was pass* ing through I saw a man preaching to a 390 Anecdotes of the Wesleys. crowd in the open air. I rappose he was one of John WesIey^B itineranta" ''Did yon stop to hear him?" inquired the Bishop. "O no," said the clergyman, " I did not suppose he could say any thing worth hearing." The Bishop ended the conversation by saying, " I should think you are mistaken, Mr. . It is very probable that that man preaches better sermons than you or I could have done. Did you know, sir, that this gentle- man," pointing to Charles Wesley, '* is John Wes* ley's nephew?" -•♦•- Charles Wesley, Jun., and his Sister Sarah. Sarah Wesley was younger than her brother Charles. She was finely endowed, and had great influence over her brother. At a certain time he was greatly dejected, feeling that his talents had not been adequately rewarded. He came to his sister in a melancholy mood, and said, '*A11 my works are neglected. They were performed at Windsor, but no one minds them now." Sarah answered him in a sprightly tone, "What a fool you would be to regret such worldly disappoint- ment t Tou may secure a heavenly crown and im- mortal honor, and have a thousand blessings which were denied to poor Otway, Butler, and other bright geniuses. Johnson toiled for daily bread till past fifty. Pray think of your happier £ite." "True," said he, with sweet humility, and took away his productions. Havinr; recorded this aneo> Anecdotes of the Wesleys. 391 dote, she adds, " Lord, sanctify all these mnndane mortifications to him and me. The view of an- other state wiU prevent all regrets." -•♦♦- Charles Wesley, Jun., and his Uncle John. In early life Charles formed an attachment for an amiable girl, but of inferior birth. His father was not pleased, and wrote to him, "*If any man would learn to pray,' the proverb says. Met him go to sea.* I say, *If any man would learn to pray let him think of marrying.' " The engage- ment met with strong opposition from the mother, and she mentioned it with much concern to John Wesley. He said, « Then there is no fiunily blood. I hear the girl is good, but of no family." « Nor fortune either," said the mother of Charles. 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