5. Out of this let provision be made, first for the worn-out preachers,
then for the widows and children of those that are dead.
6. Every worn-out preacher shall receive at least _ten pounds_ a year.
7. Every widow of a preacher shall receive yearly during her widowhood,
(if she wants it) a sum not exceeding _ten pounds_.
8. Every child left by a preacher shall receive once for all, a sum not
usually exceeding _ten pounds_.
9. But none is intitled to any thing from this fund, till he has
subscribed _two guineas_.
10. Nor any person from the time he ceases (unless worn-out) to be a
travelling preacher:
11. Nor any who neglects paying his subscription for four years
together.
12. Let every preacher, who does not bring or send his subscription to
the conference, be fined _two shillings and sixpence_.
13. This fund is never to be reduced to less than an _hundred pounds_.
14. Let a committee be chosen to see these rules duly executed. The
present committee are
Peter Jaco, John Pawson,
Duncan Wright, Daniel Bumstead,
Thomas Hanby, Thomas Olivers,
Robert Roberts, John Helton,
Alexander Mather, Christopher Hopper,
Thomas Johnson.
15. Let an exact account of all receipts and disbursements be produced
at the conference.
_Q._ 62. How may the wives of the travelling preachers be provided for?
_A._ If a preacher marries hand-over head, he must provide for himself.
As to the rest, we cannot but observe many inconveniencies have arisen,
from the present method of providing for the wives of the preachers.
Those who are most proper for several places, cannot be sent thither
because they are married. And if they are sent, the people look upon
them with an evil eye, because they are burdened by their families. In
order to remedy these inconveniencies, let it be considered, 1. What
each circuit can contribute: 2. How many wives are to be provided for:
(their children are provided for where they are.) 3. By what circuits?
By this means whether the preachers in any particular circuit are
married or single, it makes no difference: so that any preacher may be
sent to any circuit without any difficulty.
_Q._ 63. How many circuits are there now?
_A._ Four and thirty in _England_, ten in _Ireland_, three in _Wales_,
two in _Scotland_, and three in _America_.
_Q._ 64. Are our preaching-houses safe?
_A._ Not all: for some of them are not settled on trustees. Several of
the trustees for others are dead.
_Q._ 65. What then is it to be done?
_A._ 1. Let the surviving trustees choose others without delay. 2. Let
those who have debts on any of the houses, give a bond to settle them,
as soon as their debt is paid.
_Q._ 66. In what form may an house be settled?
_A._ In the following:
“This indenture made between _B. Heap_, of _Manchester_, in the county
of on the one part, and _Thomas Philips_, hatter, &c. on the other part,
_witnesseth_, that in consideration of five shillings, lawful money of
_Great-Britain_, by the said _T. P._ ♦to the said _B. H._ truly paid,
before the sealing and delivery hereof (the receit whereof the said
_B. H._ doth hereby acknowledge) and for divers other considerations
him thereunto moving, the said _B. H._ hath granted, bargained and sold;
and by these presents doth grant, bargain and sell unto the said _T. P._
&c. their heirs and assigns for ever, all that lately erected house
or tenement, with the yard thereunto adjoining, situate near the upper
end of _Market-street Lane_, in _Manchester_ aforesaid, now in the
tenure or occupation of _T. Woolfinden_, together with all the ways,
drains, walls, and privileges to the said premises, or any part thereof
appertaining, as the same were purchased of _S. Hope_, of _Manchester_
aforesaid, bricklayer, before the said house or tenement was built;
and all the profits thereof, and all the right, title, and interest, in
law and equity. To _have and to hold_ the said house or tenement, yard
and other premises, to the said _T. P._ &c. their heirs, and assigns
for ever: _nevertheless_ upon special trust and confidence, and to the
intent, that they and the survivors of them, and the trustees for the
time being, do and shall permit _J. Wesley_, late of _Lincoln College,
Oxford_, clerk, and such other persons as he shall from time to time
appoint, and at all times, during his natural life, _and no other
persons_, to have and enjoy the free use and benefit of the said
premises; that the said _J. Wesley_, and such other persons as he
appoints, may therein preach and expound God’s holy word: and after his
decease, upon farther trust and confidence, and to the intent that the
said trustees and the survivors of them, and the trustees for the time
being, do and shall permit _Charles Wesley_, late of _Christ Church
College, Oxford_, clerk, and such other persons as he shall from time
to time appoint, during his life, and no others, to have and enjoy the
said premises for the purposes aforesaid: and after his decease, upon
farther trust and confidence, and to the intent that the said _T. P._
&c. or the major part of them, or the survivors of them, and the major
part of the trustees of the said premises, for the time being, shall
from time to time, and at all times for ever thereafter, permit such
persons as shall be appointed at the yearly conference of the people
called _Methodists_, in _London_, _Bristol_ or _Leeds_, and no others,
to have and enjoy the said premises, for the purposes aforesaid:
_Provided always, that the said persons preach no other doctrine than
is contained in Mr. W.’s notes upon the New Testament, and four volumes
of sermons: provided also, that they preach in the said house at least
one evening in every week, and at five o’clock on each morning
following_: and upon farther trust and confidence, that as often as any
of these trustees, or of the trustees for the time being shall die, _or
cease to be a member of the society, commonly called Methodists_, the
rest of the said trustees, or of the trustees for the time being, as
soon as conveniently may be, shall and may choose another trustee, or
trustees, in order to keep up the number of _nine_ trustees for ever.
In witness whereof the said _B. H._ hath hereunto set his hand and seal
the day and year first above written.”
♦ duplicate word “to” removed
In this form the first proprietors of the house are to make it over to
five, seven or nine trustees.
_Q._ 67. But is this form a safe one? Should we not have the opinion of
a council upon it?
_A._ I think this would be throwing money away 1. Because this form was
drawn up by three eminent counsellors: but, 2. It is the way of almost
every lawyer, to blame what another has done. Therefore you cannot at
all infer, that they _think_ a thing wrong because they say so. 3. If
they did in reality _think_ it wrong, this would not _prove_ that it
was so. 4. If there was (which I do not believe) some defect therein,
who would go to law with the body of _Methodists_? 5. And if they did,
would any court in _England_ put them out of _possession_? Especially
when the _intent_ of the deed was plain and undeniable.
_Q._ 68. Is any thing farther advisable with regard to building?
_A._ 1. Build all preaching houses, if the ground will admit, in the
octagon form. It is best for the voice, and on many accounts more
commodious than any other. 2. Let the roof rise only one third of the
breadth: this is the true proportion. 3. Have enough windows and doors;
and let all the windows be sashed, opening downward. 4. Let there be
no tub-pulpit; but a square projection, with a long seat behind. 5. Let
there be no backs to the seats, which should have isles on each side,
and be parted in the middle by a rail running all along, to divide the
men from the women.
_Q._ 69. Is there nay exception to the rule, “Let the men and women sit
apart?”
_A._ In those galleries where they have always sat together, they
may do so still. But let them sit apart every where below, and in all
new-erected galleries.
_Q._ 70. What can be done, to make the _Methodists_ sensible of the
excellency of _Kingswood_ school?
_A_. I. Let every assistant read the following account of it yearly
in every society. II. Let every preacher earnestly exhort all parents,
that are able to send their children thither, and be at the pains to
answer all their objections, and refute all the lies they may have
heard about it.
1. The wisdom and love of God have now thrust out a large number of
labourers into his harvest; men who desire nothing on earth but to
promote the glory of God, to save their own souls, and them that hear
them. And those to whom they minister spiritual things, willingly
minister to them of their carnal things; so that they _have food to
eat and raiment to put on_, and are content therewith.
2. A competent provision is likewise made for the wives of married
preachers. These also lack nothing; having a weekly allowance, over
and above for their little children; so that neither they nor their
husbands need be _careful about many things_, but may wait upon the
Lord without distraction.
3. Yet one considerable difficulty lies on those who have boys, when
they grow too big to be under their mother’s direction. Having no
father to govern and instruct them, they are exposed to a thousand
temptations. To remedy this, we have a school on purpose for them,
wherein they have all the instruction they are capable of, together
with all things needful for the body, clothes only excepted. And it
may be, if God prosper this labour of love, they will have these too
shortly.
4. In whatever view we look upon this, it is one of the noblest
charities that can be conceived. How reasonable is the institution? Is
it fit that the children of those who leave wife, home, and all that is
dear, to save souls from death, should want what is needful either for
soul or body? Ought not we to supply what the parent cannot, because
of his labours in the gospel? How excellent are the effects of this
institution? The preacher eased of this weight, can the more chearfully
go on in his labour. And perhaps many of these children may hereafter
fill up the place of those that shall _rest from their labours_.
5. It is not strange therefore, considering the excellence of this
design, that Satan should have taken much pains to defeat it:
particularly by lies of every kind, which were plentifully invented
and handed about for several years. But truth now prevails, and its
adversaries are put to silence. It is well known that the children
want nothing; that they scarce know what sickness means; that they are
well instructed in whatever they are capable of learning; that they are
carefully and tenderly governed; and that the behaviour of all in the
house, elder and younger is _as becomth the gospel of Christ_.
6. But the expence of such an undertaking is very large; so that
although we have at present but thirteen or fourteen poor children, we
are continually running behind, notwithstanding the yearly subscription
made at _London_ and _Bristol_. The best means we could think of at our
late conference to supply the deficiency is once a year to desire the
assistance of all those in every place who wish well to the work of God;
all who long to see sinners converted to God, and the kingdom of Christ
set up in all the earth.
7. All of _you_, who are thus minded, have an opportunity now of
shewing your love to the gospel. Now promote, as far as in you lies,
one of the noblest charities in the world. Now forward, as you are able,
one of the most excellent designs that ever was set on foot in this
kingdom. Do what you can to comfort the parents, who give up their all
for you, and to give their children cause to bless you. You will be no
poorer for what you do on such an occasion. God is a good pay-master.
And you know, in doing this you _lend unto the_ Lord: _in due time_ HE
_shall pay you again_.
_Q._ 71. But how can we keep it out of debt, which never was done yet?
_A._ Let a collection be made for it the _Sunday_ before or after
Midsummer, in every preaching-house, great and small, throughout
_England_, _Scotland_, and _Ireland_.
_Q._ 72. How may we raise a _General fund_?
_A._ By a yearly subscription to be proposed by every assistant when
he visits the classes at _Christmas_, and received at the visitation
following.
To this end he may then read and enlarge upon the following hints in
every society.
1. Within these twelve or fifteen years several of our brethren in
various parts, having no room which would contain the congregation, by
the advice of the preachers have built houses for preaching, capable
of containing the usual number of hearers: but this has necessarily
involved them in large debts. Their debt at _Halifax_, for instance,
amounted two or three years ago to two hundred pounds: that at _Leeds_
to more than three hundred pounds: that at _Manchester_ to three
hundred and fifty pounds: that at _Liverpool_ to four hundred pounds.
So that the whole debt contracted by building was, I apprehend, little
short of four thousand pounds. This the societies to whom those houses
belong, are by no means able to pay: but the whole body of Methodists
joining together can do it without inconvenience. Only let them
chearfully exert on so pressing an occasion the ability which God hath
given them.
2. But there is a greater difficulty than this. Where there are houses,
there are not preachers. Though the harvest is plenteous, the labourers
are few. And what can we do for supply? We cannot purchase them for
money: we cannot hire, or make them. God alone can do this. And he has
in some measure done it already. In several parts of _England_ there
are local preachers, who have both gifts and graces equal to those of
most itinerants. “Why then do they not travel?” They are willing so to
do: but they are afraid of bringing a scandal upon the gospel; because,
they have contracted debts, which, though very small, they are not
yet able to pay. So they are bound hand and foot: but shall we suffer
this? Shall we not set them at liberty? We cannot _buy_ a preacher for
ten thousand pounds: but we may _release_ one for ten or twelve. Can
any money be better bestowed? Let us, in the name of God, send these
labourers into his harvest? Men who desire only to give their bodies,
souls, time, all, for him that was given for us.
3. But still how shall we send them into those parts, where they are
most of all wanted? Suppose the northwest of _Ireland_, and the north
of _Scotland_? Many are willing to hear: but not to bear the expence.
Nor can it as yet be expected of them: stay till the word of God has
touched their hearts, and then they will gladly provide for them that
preach it. Does it not lie upon _us_, in the mean time, to supply
their lack of service? To raise a general fund, out of which from
time to time that expence may be defrayed? By this means, those who
willingly offer themselves may travel thro’ every part, whether there
are societies or not, and stay wherever there is a call, without being
burdensom to any. Thus may the gospel, in the life and power thereof,
be spread from sea to sea. Which of you will not rejoice to throw in
your mite to promote this glorious work?
4. It is true, when want of money to defray the expence is removed,
another hindrance will often arise. Satan will stir up his trusty
servants, to fight lest his kingdom be destroyed. But is there no way
to quell riotous mobs, even when magistrates will not do their duty?
There is one and only one way: move the king’s-bench for an information
against them. This is a way which has never failed us yet: no, not
in a single instance. The only objection is the expence. A suit in
the king’s bench usually costs fifty or sixty pounds. But if we all
join hand and heart together, cannot we make this easy too? Cannot we
raise a common stock, which shall suffice for this as well as for the
preceding purposes? By the blessing of God we can. And who would not
gladly contribute toward it?
5. Let then every member of our society in _England_; once a year,
set his shoulder to the work; contributing more or less as God has
prospered him, at the _Lady-day_ visitation of the classes. Let none be
excluded from giving something, be it a penny, a half-penny, a farthing.
Remember the widow’s two mites! And yet those who are able to give
shillings, crowns, and pounds, do it willingly. The money contributed
will be brought to _Leeds_, _Bristol_, or _London_, at the ensuing
conference. Two-thirds of it at least will be allotted for those public
debts which call the loudest. The rest will be partly employed in
setting at liberty such local preachers as are tied down by small debts:
partly reserved for propagating the gospel, where there are none to
bear the expences of the preacher.
6. Men and brethren, help! Was there ever a call like _this_, since you
first heard the gospel-sound? Help to relieve your companions in the
kingdom of Jesus, who are prest above measure. “Bear ye one another’s
burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Help to send forth able,
willing labourers into your Lord’s harvest: so shall ye be assistant
in saving souls from death, and hiding a multitude of sins. Help to
spread the gospel of your salvation into the remotest corners of the
kingdom, till “the knowledge of our Lord shall cover the land, as the
waters cover the sea.” Help to deliver the poor out of the hand of the
oppressor, to procure them the blessings which we enjoy: so shall it
appear to ourselves, and all men, that we are indeed one body, united
by one spirit: so shall the baptized Heathens be yet again constrained
to say, “See how these Christians love one another.”
The money received is to be brought by the assistants to the next
conference.
_Q._ 73. But notwithstanding all that has been contributed and paid,
we are still _six thousand nine hundred and fifty eight pounds_ in debt.
So that we gain no ground. What can be done? How can we prevent the
increase of debt?
_A._ By putting an absolute stop to all building for the ensuing year.
Let no new house be built, no addition or alteration made in any old
one, unless the proposers thereof can and will defray the whole expence
of it.
_Q._ 74. What can be done in order to pay the old debt?
_A._ 1. Give a note to each assistant, specifying the debts, toward
which the money collected in each circuit next year is to be paid.
2. Let each assistant encourage the people in each place, like those in
_Birmingham_, to make a push toward paying off their own debt.
3. Let whatever is contributed in any single place, which is in debt,
pay that as far as it will go.
But even this method being found ineffectual, it was agreed at the
conference in 1771. To change the yearly subscription into a weekly one.
_Q._ 75. What is the safest way of leaving a legacy for any charitable
purpose?
_A._ To leave it absolutely to a person they can confide in.
_Q._ 76. What is the method wherein we usually proceed in our
conferences?
_A._ We inquire
1. What preachers are _admitted_?
Who _remain_ on trial?
Who are _admitted_ on trial? And
Who _desist_ from travelling?
2. Who act as _assistants_ this year?
3. Are there any objections to any of the preachers? (who are
named one by one.)
4. How are the preachers stationed this year?
5. What numbers are in the society?
6. What is the _Kingswood_ collection?
7. What is contributed towards the debt?
8. How was this expended?
9. What is contributed toward the preachers fund?
10. What demands are there upon it?
11. How many preachers wives are to be provided for?
12. By what societies?
13. Where and when may our next conference begin?
* _Q._ 77. What _power_ is it which _you_ exercise over both preachers
and people?
_A._ Count _Zinzendorff_ loved to keep all things _close_. I love to do
all things _openly_. I will therefore tell you all I know of the matter,
taking it from the very beginning.
1. In _November 1738_, two or three persons, who desired _to flee from
the wrath to come_, and then seven or eight more came to me in _London_,
and desired me to advise and pray with them. I said, “If you will
meet on _Thursday_ night, I will help you as well as I can.” More and
more then desired to meet with them, till they were increased to many
hundreds. The case was afterwards the same at _Bristol_, _Kingswood_,
_Newcastle_, and many other parts of _England_, _Scotland_, and
_Ireland_. It may be observed the desire was on _their_ part, not
_mine_. My desire was to live and die in retirement. But I did not see
that I could refuse them my help, and be guiltless before God.
Here commenced my power, namely, a power to appoint _when_, and _where_,
and _how_ they should meet: and to remove those whose lives shewed,
that they had no desire to _flee from the wrath to come_. And this
power remained the same, whether the people meeting together were
twelve, twelve hundred, or twelve thousand.
2. In a few days some of them said, “Sir, we will not _sit under you_
for nothing. We will subscribe quarterly.” I said, “I will have nothing,
for I want nothing. My fellowship supplies me with all, and more than I
want.” One replied, “Nay, but you want _one hundred and fifteen pounds_
to pay for the lease of the _Foundery_. And likewise a large sum of
money will be wanting to put it in repair.” On this consideration I
suffered them to subscribe. And when the society met, I asked, “Who
will take the trouble of receiving this money, and _paying_ it where it
is needful?” One said, “I will do it, and keep the account for you.” So
here was the first _steward_. Afterwards I desired one or two more to
help me as stewards, and in process of time a greater number.
Let it be remarked, it was I _myself_, not the _people_, who chose
these stewards, and appointed to each the distinct work wherein he
was to help me, as long as I desired. And herein I began to exercise
another sort of _power_, namely, that of appointing and removing
stewards.
3. After a time a young man came, _T. Maxfield_, and said he desired
to help me as a son in the gospel. Soon after came a second, _Thomas
Richards_, and a third, _Thomas Westel_. These severally desired
to serve me as sons, and to labour when and where I should direct.
_Observe_, These likewise desired _me_, not I _them_. But I durst not
refuse the assistance. And here commenced my _power_, to appoint each
of these, _when_, _where_ and _how_ to labour; that is, while he chose
to continue with me: for each had a power to go away when he pleased:
as I had also to go away from them, or any of them, if I saw sufficient
cause. The case continued the same, when the number of preachers
increased. I had just the same power still, to appoint _when_, and
_where_, and _how_ each should help me, and to tell any, if I saw cause,
“I do not desire your help any longer.” On these terms, and no other,
we joined at first: on these we continue joined. But they do me no
favour in being directed by me. It is true, “My reward is with the
Lord.” But at present I have nothing from it but trouble and care, and
often a burden I scarce know how to bear.
4. In 1744 I wrote to several clergymen, and to all who then served me
as sons in the gospel, desiring them to meet me in _London_, to give
me their advice concerning the best method of carrying on the work
of God. _They_ did not desire this meeting, but _I_ did, knowing that
_in a multitude of counsellors there is safety_. And when their number
increased, so that ♦it was neither needful nor convenient to invite
them all, for several years I wrote to those with whom I desired to
confer, and these only met at the place appointed; till at length I
gave a general permission, that all who desired it might come.
♦ “is” replaced with “it”
_Observe_, I myself sent for these of my own free choice; and I sent
for them to _advise_, not _govern_ me. Neither did I at any of those
times divest myself of any part of that _power_ above described, which
the providence of God had cast upon me, without any design or choice of
mine.