which Dissenters had led astray, and an excursion to Kingswood to watch over his cherished school.

But his rest in winter quarters in London was the work of a hard day-labourer. Now he writes an address to the Clergy, answers attacks on the Methodists, indites letters to gentlemen in Bristol and to Editors of newspapers, replies to attacks of Dissenters, and prepares volumes of sermons for the press.

Preaching incessantly in the Foundry, in Spitalfields, and Wapping, visiting the classes, reading with the preachers books on Philosophy and theology, devouring, in his leisure moments, books of travels, history, poetry, and science, Rollin, histories of Persia and Corsica, memoirs of the House of Brandenburgh, books of natural history, and books on Hebrew Points; watching over individual converts and students with the vigilance of a guardian; encouraging men of piety in all parts of the world, and keeping up a large correspondence; applying his electric machine to crowds of sick poor, restraining some of his preachers, stimulating others, watching over his societies, some of which leant to Mysticism, others to Antinomianism, some were tampered with by Quakers, others by Anabaptists.

But no sooner does the bleak month of March bring dry weather, than the indefatigable Wesley takes the field. Off on horseback to Bedford, he preaches, deals with a wavering disciple, is asked to dine with the Judge of the Assizes, but has no time to

stop. Off in piercing cold to Stilton; off again in sleet to Stamford, through all manner of obstacles to keep a preaching appointment at Epworth, he reaches this "after travelling more than ninety miles," little more tired than when he started. Then he changes the scene of his labours; in Ireland he organizes societies, hears disputants, composes disputes, sees all sorts of persons, reads, as he rides, all sorts of books, observes every thing worth noticing, and records marvellous stories. There he spends four months, and, preaching to the last moment on Irish soil, he resumes his English work at Liverpool and Bristol.

At times indeed this iron frame gave way. His worst illness was in 1753. Then fever and dysentery came on, cough and pain in the chest succeeded, and at every rally he resumed his riding and preaching. His bodily strength at last yielded. His brother and his friends believed him to be dying.

He himself was of epitaph, and noted

the same mind,* drew up his own in it that, in pursuance of the resolution on which he had acted, he did not leave more than ten pounds behind him. A month later (Dec. 1753,) his brother saw him, and though he was then somewhat better, Charles stated his impression that his brother could not recover,† "being far gone in a galloping consumption, just as my elder brother was at his age." But the Hot Wells of Bristol and rest were the instruments of his restoration, * Journal, Vol. ii. pp. 294, 225. + C. Wesley's Life, ii. p. 27.

though his season of repose was occupied in preparing several works for the press, among others his commentary on the New Testament, to which he devoted much time.

Had he been then removed, Methodism would probably have gone to pieces. It was distracted by differences of opinion; one party advocated separation from the Church; the other, at whose head was Charles Wesley, adhered to the Church. The matter was brought to issue in the Conference at Leeds in 1755, and the schism was avoided by Wesley's tact, ‘influence, and skill in argument. Charles had none of these qualities. He was eager and impulsive, pressed his own opinions, and made little allowance for those of others. His correspondence with Mr. Grimshawe shews how widely the two parties were opposed. It was the tact of John Wesley alone which avoided a schism.

It would be a mistake however to suppose, that, though John Wesley and his brother differed in character, they differed in opinion. Charles pressed, more impatiently than his brother, his adherence to the discipline of his church; but neither of them were inclined to give up the style of preaching which they held to be the great instrument of practical reformation. John Wesley has stated in a few words, written in 1755, his difficulties and decision.* "The good Bishop of London has excommunicated Mr. Gardener for preaching without a licence. It is probable the point will now Charles Wesley's Life, ii. p. 86.

be determined concerning the church. either dissent or be silent, actum est. to trifle."

For, if we must

We have no time

The idea which governed his mind was always the same. * "I am not afraid to lay open what have been the inmost thoughts of my heart. I have thought I am a creature of a day, passing through life as an arrow through the air. I am a spirit come from God and returning to God, just hovering over the great gulf, till a few moments hence I am no more seen- -I drop into an unchangeable eternity. I want to know one thing, the way to Heaven, how to land safe on that happy shore. God Himself has condescended to teach the way; for this very end He came from heaven; He has written it down in a book. Oh! give me that book! I have it here is knowledge enough for me. Here then I am, far from the busy ways of men; I sit down alone, only God is here. In His presence I open, I read His book, for this end, to find the way to heaven. Is there a doubt concerning the meaning of what I read? Does anything appear dark or intricate? I lift up my heart to the Father of lights. Lord, is it not thy word? "If any man ask wisdom, let him ask of God." Thou hast said, if any be willing to do Thy will, he shall know. I am willing to do, let me know Thy will. I then search after and consider parallel passages of Scripture. I meditate thereon with all the attention

* Wesley's Works, Vol. v. p. 2.

and earnestness of which my mind is capable. What I thus learn, that I teach."

He was bent on good being done-and his rules and polity had this end in view. "Methodism," he says, "is only scriptural religion, guarded by a few prudential regulations."

"This

So that the good was done, he was content.* morning Dr. Tisdale shewed me a paper which the Archbishop (of Dublin) had just sent to each of his clergy; entreating them to erect a society for the distribution of books among the poor. Thanks be to God for this. Whether we or they, it is all one, so God be known, loved, and obeyed."

But the work must be done, and he would force his way over the thickest hedge of order, that he might secure it. With this singleness of aim there was a fearless decision, the courage which belongs to strong minds, and the promptitude which gives them power in action.

We have spoken of his indifference to attacks. The storm of passion troubled him as little as the storm of the elements. While the mob were tossing mud or stones, he was planning how to quell the riot, that he might preach to the rioters. Take a few examples of his firmness.

He bought ground for a meeting-house at Newcastle.

* Journal, Vol. ii. p. 417.

+ See a specimen of his composure on hearing this. Journal, iii. p. 78.