[346]. The following appeared in the Gentleman’s Magazine for 1735:—“Died, April 25, at Epworth, in Lincolnshire, the Rev. Mr Samuel Wesley, M.A., rector of that parish, a person of singular parts, piety, and learning; author of several poetical and controversial pieces. He had for some years been composing a critical ‘Dissertation on the Book of Job,’ which he has left unfinished, and almost printed. He proved, ever since his minority, a most zealous asserter of the doctrine and discipline of the Church of England.”
[347]. Wesley Family.
[348]. Some writers have been disposed to think that this poem was at least, in part, the production of Mehetabel Wesley, but John Wesley always declared that it was written by his father.—Moore’s Life of Wesley, vol. i. p. 48.
[349]. Wesley Family.
[350]. Wesleyan Times for March 28, 1864.
[351]. Wesley’s Works, vol. xii. pp. 231, 232.
[352]. Ibid., vol. viii. p. 296.
[353]. Ibid., p. 312.
[354]. Whitehead’s Life of Wesley, vol. i. pp. 21 and 32.
[355]. This is true only in part. Some of the wits and critics, as Garth, ridiculed Wesley; but others very highly extolled him.