Were not these strict rules? But the people were so much in earnest, and had such trust in their leader, Mr. Wesley, that they were quite willing to agree to them.
The next thing Mr. Wesley did was to send out his helpers, generally two together, to certain districts where they usually remained for a year. They had to preach in all the places round about, and each particular district or tract of country was called a "circuit." This was the beginning of the "circuits" which we have in Methodism to-day. I dare say you have often heard father or mother say, "Oh, Mr. So and So has gone to another circuit;" or, "Mr. So and So is in our circuit now."
London and Bristol always remained the chief circuits; but before very long Newcastle became the next in importance.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Another peep into the Magic Mirror.—A pretty picture.—At Epworth.—Mr. Wesley is very unkindly treated.—All for the best.—The curate is "done."—A happy ending to a bad beginning.—"Good-bye, Epworth."
