In South Cabolixa. 65 



his brother. Indeed, he followed his brother entirely. Could I de- 

 scribe one of them, I should describe both ; and therefore I shall 

 say no more of Charles, but that he was a man made for friendship; 

 who, by his cheerfulness and vivacity, would refresh his friend's 

 heart; with attentive consideration would enter into and settle all 

 his concerns ; so far as he was able, would do any thing for him, 

 great or small; and, by a habit of openness and freedom, leave no 

 room for misunderstanding. The Wesley s were already talked of 

 for some religious practices which were first occasioned by Mr. Mor- 

 gan, of Christ Church. From these combined friends began a little 

 society, for several others from time to time fell in — most of them 

 only to be improved by their serious and useful discourse, and some 

 few espousing all their resolutions and their whole way of life. Mr. 

 John Wesley was always the chief manager, for which he was very 

 fit ; for he not only had more learning and experience than the rest, 

 but he was blessed with such activity as to be always gaining ground, 

 and such steadiness that he lost none. What proposals he made to 

 any were sure to charm them, because he was so much in earnest ; 

 nor could they afterward slight them, because they saw him always 

 the same. What supported this uniform vigor was the care he took 

 to consider well of every affair before he engaged in it, making all 

 his decisions in the fear of God, without passion, humor, or self-con- 

 fidence ; for though he had naturally a clear apprehension, yet his 

 exact prudence depended more on humanity and singleness of heart. 

 To this I may add that he had, I think, something of authority in 

 his countenance ; though, as he did not want address, he could soften 

 his manner and point it as occasion recpiired. Yet he never as- 

 sumed any thing to himself above his companions. Any of them 

 might speak their mind, and their words Avere as strictly regarded 

 by him as his were by them. What I would chiefly remark upon is 

 the manner in which he directed his friends. Because he required 

 such regulation of our studies as might devote them all to God, he 

 has been cried out upon as one that discouraged learning. Far from 

 that ; the first thing he struck at in young men was that indolence 

 which would not submit to close thinking. ISor was he against read- 

 ing much, especially at first ; for then the mind ought to fill itself 

 with materials, and try every thing that looks bright and perfect. 

 He earnestly recommended to them a method and order in all their 

 actions. After their morning devotions, he advised them to deter- 

 mine with themselves what they were to do all parts of the day. By 

 such foresight they would at every hour's end not be in doubt how 

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