To the Methodist Preachers.

A LETTER TO THE METHODIST PREACHERS.

(CIRCULAR)

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REDRUTH, August 23, 1789.

SOME years since, Mr. Valton wrote to me from Yorkshire, informing me there was great want of a larger preaching-house at Dewsbury, and desiring leave to make subscriptions and collections, in order to build one. I encouraged him to make them. Money was subscribed and collected and the house built, which the Trustees promised to settle in the usual form. But when it was finished, they refused to settle it, unless a power was given them to displace any Preacher they should object to. After all possible means had been used to bring them to a better mind, the case was referred to the Conference; and it was unanimously agreed to build another house; as soon as possible, that the flock might not be scattered.

I therefore entreat every one that wishes well to Methodism especially to the itinerant plan; to exert himself on this important occasion, that a work so absolutely necessary may be finished as soon as possible. I say, absolutely necessary; for if the Trustees of houses are to displace Preachers, then itinerancy is at an end.

I am, my dear brother,

Your affectionate brother and servant for Christ’s sake, JOHN WESLEY.

N.B. Make this collection immediately. Lose not one day THE CASE OF DEWSBURY HOUSE.

RECOMMENDED TO THE CONSIDERATION OF THE PEOPLE

CALLED METHODISTS.

[PRINTED IN THE YEAR 1790.]

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1. WHEN, about fifty years ago, one and another young man offered to serve me as sons in the Gospel, it was on these terms, — that they would labor where I appointed; otherwise, we should have stood in each other’s way. Here began itinerant preaching with us. But we were not the first itinerant Preachers in England: Twelve were appointed by Queen Elizabeth, to travel continually, in order to spread true religion through the kingdom; and the office and salary still continues, though their work is little attended to. Mr. Milner, late Vicar of Chipping in Lancashire, was one of them.

2. As the number of Preachers increased, it grew more and more difficult to fix the places where each should labor from time to time. I have often wished to transfer this work of stationing the Preachers once a year, to one or more of themselves. But none were willing to accept of it: So I must bear the burden till my warfare shall be accomplished.

3. When preaching-houses were built, they were vested immediately in Trustees, who were to see that those preached in them whom I sent, and none else; this, we conceived, being, the only way whereby itinerancy could be regularly established. But lately, after a new preaching-house had been built at Dewsbury, in Yorkshire, by the subscriptions and contributions of the people, (the Trustees alone not contributing one quarter of what it cost,) they seized upon the house, and, though they had promised the contrary, positively refused to settle it on the Methodist plan; requiring, that they should have a power of refusing any Preacher whom they disliked. If so, I have no power of stationing the Dewsbury Preachers; for the Trustees may object to whom they please. And themselves, not I, are finally to judge of those objections.

4. Observe, here is no dispute about the right of houses at all. I have no right to any preaching-house in England. What I claim is, a right of stationing the Preachers. This these Trustees have robbed me of in the present instance. Therefore, only one of these two ways can be taken; either to sue for this house, or to build another: We prefer the latter, being the most friendly way.

I beg therefore, my brethren, for the love of God; for the love of me, your old and well-nigh worn-out servant; for the love of ancient Methodism, which, if itinerancy is interrupted, will speedily come to nothing; for the love of justice, mercy, and truth, which are all so grievously violated by the detention of this house; that you will set your shoulders to the necessary work. Be not straitened in your own bowels. We have never had such a cause before. Let not then unkind, unjust, fraudulent men, have cause to rejoice in their bad labor. This is a common cause. Exert yourselves to the utmost. I have subscribed fifty pounds. So has Dr. Coke. The Preachers have done all they could. O let them that have much give plenteously! Perhaps this is the last labor of love I may have occasion to recommend to you: Let it then stand as one more monument of your real gratitude to,

My dear brethren,

Your old, affectionate brother,

JOHN WESLEY.