“V.—That two Treasurers be appointed to ask and receive the contributions of the subscribers.
“VI.—That whosoever subscribes one guinea a year shall be a Governor.
“VII.—That three or four Inspectors be appointed, who are to visit the schools once a week, to see that the children attend regularly, and the masters do their duty.
“VIII.—That a book be provided for setting down all receipts and expenses; and another for the names of the Teachers and the scholars.
“IX.—That the schools be solemnly visited once or twice a year; and a premium given to the children that have made the greatest improvement.”
Three hundred children were soon gathered together whom Mr. Fletcher took every opportunity of instructing, by regular meetings, which he attended with the utmost diligence. In order to encourage the children he gave them little hymn-books, pointing them to some friend or neighbour, who would teach them the hymns and instruct them to sing. They were greatly taken with this new employment, insomuch that it is said many would scarce allow themselves time to eat or sleep, for the desire they had of learning their lessons. At every meeting, after inquiring who had made the greatest proficiency, he distinguished them by some little reward. He also urged upon his more wealthy parishioners the importance of establishing such schools at Coalbrookdale and Madeley.
Mr. Fletcher as Head of Lady Huntingdon’s College.
Mr. Fletcher was for some time at the head of a college founded by the Countess of Huntingdon for young men preparing for the ministry, at Trevecca, in South Wales. His attachment to his flock at Madeley, however, prevented him paying more than occasional visits and giving advice with regard to the appointment of masters, and the admission or exclusion of students. Mr. Benson, one of the tutors, tells us that he here gave numberless proofs of his amiable disposition. To mention but one instance, two of the students were bitterly prejudiced against each other, and he took them into a room by themselves, reasoned with them, wept over them, and at last prevailed. Their hearts were broken; they were melted down; they fell upon each others’ necks and wept aloud.
The long journeys on horseback, in all seasons and in all weathers, from Madeley to Trevecca and back again to Madeley, however, told upon his constitution, and much impaired his health.