[266]. Nicholl’s Literary Anecdotes.
[267]. The editor of Dr Clarke’s Wesley Family has thrown out the hint that it is not improbable that the “Clergyman’s Vade Mecum” was written by Samuel Wesley; but I can find no evidence of this. The third edition of this work, published, in 2 vols., in 1709, is now before me. The full title of the first volume is, “The Clergyman’s Vade Mecum; or, an Account of the Ancient and Present Church of England; the Duties and Rights of the Clergy, and of their Privileges and Hardships; containing full Directions relating to Ordination, Institution, Induction, and most of the Difficulties which they commonly meet with in the Discharge of their Office.” The title of the second volume is, “The Clergyman’s Vade Mecum, Part II.; containing the Canonical Codes of the Primitive, Universal, Eastern, and Western Church, down to the year of our Lord 787. Done from the Original Greek and Latin; omitting no Canon, Decree, or any part of them that is curious or instructive. With explanatory Notes, a large Index, and a Preface showing the usefulness of the work; with some Reflections on Moderate Nonconformity, and the Rights of the Church.”
[268]. In an article in the Athenian Oracle, vol. i. p. 459, on the use of extempore prayer, Samuel Wesley seems to be in favour of a medium between the use of extempore prayer and a form of prayer. This he calls “premeditated prayer;” that is, premeditated not in reference to words but things. At the same time he says—“There are very few who have command of words enough to express themselves as they ought on such an occasion, and therefore a form is the safe way.”
[269]. Methodist Magazine, 1798, p. 35.
[270]. Mr Kirk says the living of Wroot is now worth £400 a year with residence.
[271]. Stonehouse’s History of Axholme.
[272]. Ibid.
[273]. Clarke’s Wesley Family.
[274]. Moore’s Life of Wesley, vol. i. p. 149.
[275]. Probably Dr Morley, Rector of Lincoln College. John Wesley, at this time, was embarrassed for want of money. Three weeks before, his father had sent him £5, and had promised further kindness. (MS. letter; see also Wesley’s Works, vol. xii. p. 16.)