Wesley Corpus

To Members and Friends August 7, 1781. FRIENDS AND BROTHER, As several of the preachers in our Connection, who have spent their time and strength in calling sinners to repentance, are now so superannuated that they can no longer keep a circuit, Three names of supernumeraries appear in the Minutes for 1781: Joseph Bradford, Richard Seed, and John Furz. and as others of them (who are gone to their reward) have left destitute widows and children behind them; in order to make some small provision for these, it has been agreed on in Conference that every traveling preacher shall out of his little allowance subscribe a guinea yearly. But, as this sum is no wise sufficient to answer the growing demands, several of our friends have offered their assistance by subscribing something yearly; and if others of you shall see good to follow their laudable example, it will no doubt be pleasing to God, a comfort to His worn-out servants, and a great encouragement to those who are still laboring in our Lord's vineyard; and, of consequence, give great satisfaction to your affectionate brethren and servants in the gospel. A.B CD Stewards.