Wesley Corpus

ix him and his community. He was ordained by Dr. Potter, Bishop of Oxford, and now be came conspicuous for his zeal, and the careful distribution of his time, which he regulated (as he did the most inconsiderable action) by method. As his natural temper was uncom monly amiable, his influence over his pupils was great ; and while he endeavoured con scientiously to make them good scholars, he laid down three rules as indispensable to the progress of learning and virtue : 1st, Early rising; 2dly, To avoid the acquaintance ofthe trifling and idle; 3dly, To retrench superfluous expenses. All the singularities he recom mended were on the side ofreason and religion. Charles Wesley was five years younger than John, and sixteen younger than Samuel, under whom he was bred as King's scholar also at Westminster, and who instilled into him those high church principles which never were eraconnexion) mentions Law as the only consistent Christian he ever saw. His works (till he became mystical) are marked by strong sense and clear reasoning. dicated. His progress in learning procured him the favour of his master, and his courage the love of his school-fellows, amongst whom was the late Earl of Mansfield who renewed his intimacy with him in the decline of life, remembering him as his early champion in ju venile battles. He went captain ofthe school to Christ-Church, Oxford, of which he was elected Student and Master of Arts. His brother John gives this account of him on his first residence at the university : " He pursued his studies with diligence, and led a regular harmless life ; but when I spoke to him of religion, he would answer, Would you have me turn a saint all at once, and hear no more." In his twentieth year he began to think se- James Murray, Earl of Mansfield, was descended from an ancient family who espoused an active part in favour of the Pretender during the rebellion of Scotland. On his entrance into Westminster school he suffered much ill-treatment from the boys on account of his ancestors. Party violence raging in those times extended to the chil dren as it does now in France7.