Wesley's love
for children
Like his mother Susanna, Wesley invested with love in the education and
spiritual life of children
Odilon Massolar Chaves
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rights reserved to the author.
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or partial reproduction of the book is prohibited, Art. 184 of the Penal Code
and Law 9610 of February 19, 1998.
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All
glory to God.
"I was in a house in Bristol where Wesley was.
When a mere child, as he ran down the stairs before him with a beautiful little
sister of mine, whose rings were floating over his shoulders, he overtook us on
landing and took my sister in his arms and kissed her. Putting her back on her
feet, he then put his hand on my head and blessed me, and I feel as if I have
the blessing of that good man upon me in the present moment."[1]
(Robert Southey)
Table of Contents
·
Introduction
·
School for poor children
·
The importance
of prayer in children's lives
·
Lessons for the
Children of Kingswood
·
Causes of spiritual decay
·
Wesley shocked
and Carlos Wesley happy
·
Wesley's observations and attitudes
·
Principles for
the Spiritual Life of the Child
·
Wesley's Rules for Preachers
·
Lessons and Hymns for Children
· Wesley's love for children
Introduction
"Wesley's Love for Children" is a book about the importance that Wesley gave to children. He invested in the education and spiritual life of children.
John Wesley gave priority to the training and education of children in the love and knowledge of God. "Such was the priority he gave to it that he saw it as a vital role for Methodist preachers and questioned the calling of those who would argue that doing so was not their role."[2]
As a child, Wesley
lived in an environment where discipline and the spiritual life were intensely
practiced.
His mother, Susanna,
was his first teacher. His dedication and love for his sons and daughters was
great. This marked and taught Wesley.
Wesley loved
children. He knew them by their names, noticed their attitudes and touched them
with affection.
We highlight two
books about Wesley and the education of children:
"John Wesley and
Religious Education," by Elmer L. Towns, Associate Professor of Christian
Education, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois.
"John Wesley and
Children's Education: Gender, Class, and Piety," by Linda A. Ryan. [3] Charles Wesley published "Hymns for Children" and John Wesley
"Instructions for Children."
Wesley advised that
it was necessary to "break the will" of the child in order to achieve
obedience, which he saw as the foundation for faith formation.
"Wesley saw
children as capable of experiencing the full grace of God and possessing the
ability to grow in grace. Wesley also realized that a child's natural tendency
was to seek his own path and please himself. Wesley exhorted parents and
ministers to break the child's will and move him from pursuing selfish desires
to obedience. He suggested that obedience to parents must first be achieved
before a child can learn obedience to God and called for Christian education
that resulted in obedience to be consistent, personal, gentle, loving, and
Spirit-led."[4]
In his sermon
"On the Education of Children",[5] Wesley addresses this issue. He desired the salvation of the
children.
In 1740, he said,
"I preached Christ, the way, the truth, and the life, to a thousand little
children at Kingswood."[6]
For him, children
were "capable of experiencing the full grace of God and possessing the
ability to grow in grace."[7]
He was also concerned
with giving the best intellectual content to children by researching the books
of the best authors of the time. He also wrote the lessons for Kingswood
School.
His attitudes and
measures for the well-being of children reveal his great love.
The Author
School for poor children
"In order that his children might also know the
things that contribute to their peace, it had been proposed for some time to
build a house in Kingswood"
Teaching children was
considered very important to Wesley.
His interest in the
education of children was great.
Among the schools that Wesley mentions are:
A school in Bristol
"He made sure it served as a school for the local children"
His interest in the education of children can be seen "in 1739,
when the first Methodist meeting hall was built on land which he obtained at
the Horse Fair in Bristol, he ensured that it served as a school for the local
children, as well as being an indoor preaching place for the local
societies."[8]
In Bristol, Wesley "emphasized a ministry of mercy to the poor. The
educational needs of the children were met, food was brought to the needy, wool
and other materials were provided with which people could make clothes or other
durable goods to wear or sell. An extensive prison ministry was undertaken. The
"Methodists" were characterized by their particular emphasis on
"love of neighbor" and by following the example of Christ ("who
went about doing good," Acts 10:8).[9]
School for the poor
"Our little school, where about twenty poor children at a time had
been taught for many years"
At Wednesday, October 3, 1739,
he further said: "Our little school, where about twenty poor children at a
time had been taught for many years ... there being none now, either to supply
or to serve him. And most of those who were in town, who were once
joined together and strengthened one another's hands in God, were torn and
pricked on the outside. It is time for you, Lord, to lay into your
hand!"[10], Wesley said.
Foundry School
Because of poverty,
many children received no education. Wesley then made an adaptation of the
Foundry and established a school.
"A happy change
was soon observed in his behavior. They learned to read, write and count right
away; at the same time they were diligently instructed in the basic principles
of religion, and exhorted to fear God and effect his salvation."
"At last I
resolved to have them taught in my house (i.e. the Foundry), that they might
have an opportunity to learn to read, write, and count (if not more) without
being obliged to learn paganism at the same time; After a few unsuccessful
attempts, I found 2 schoolmasters as I wanted, men of sufficient honesty and
knowledge, who had their talents and hearts at work. They now have about 60
children in their care; the parents of some pay for their education; but the
greater part, being quite poor, do not pay, so that the expenses are paid by
voluntary contributions. Lately we have also clothed as many as needed it. A
happy change was soon observed in his behavior. They learned to read, write and
count right away; at the same time they were diligently instructed in the basic
principles of religion, and exhorted to fear God and work out his
salvation" (Phil 2:12).
The Master Wesley
discovered was Silas Told; He quit his business to earn 10 xylin a week as a
teacher. Soon he gathered 60 boys and 6 girls. For seven years he worked from 5
a.m. to 5 p.m., during which time he taught about 300 children, preparing most of
them for a useful trade."[11]
School for the children of charcoal burners
In 1748, Wesley
founded the current Kingswood School. Constantly, he was at school.[12] On Tuesday, November 27,
1738, after a request, Wesley gives an account of what had happened at
Kingswood.
"In the
spring, he did it," [13] Wesley wrote.
"And as there were thousands who did not resort to any place of
public worship, he went after them in his own wilderness"
"And as
there were thousands who had recourse to no place of public worship, he went
after them in his own wilderness, "to seek and save that which was
lost." When he was called, others entered "the roads and hedgerows,
to compel them to enter." And, by the grace of God, his work was not in
vain," [14]Wesley wrote.
"The scenario has already changed. Kingswood doesn't resonate now,
as it did a year ago, with name-calling and blasphemies."
"The
scenario has already changed. Kingswood does not resonate now, as he did a year
ago, with name-calling and blasphemies. It is no longer full of drunkenness and
impurity and the idle deviations which naturally lead to it. It is no longer
full of wars and strife, of clamor and bitterness, of anger and envy. Peace and
love are there. A large number of people are soft, gentle, and easy to be
supplicated. They "do not weep nor strive"; and his 'voice is hardly
heard in the streets'; or, indeed, in his own wood; except when they are on
their usual nocturnal detour - singing praise to God their Savior,"[15] wrote Wesley.
Build a house in Kingswood
"That your children might also know the things that contribute to
your peace"
"That his children might also know the things
that contribute to his peace, it had been proposed for some time to build a
house at Kingswood; And after many foreseen and unforeseen difficulties, last
June the foundations were laid. The ground chosen was in the middle of the
woods, between the roads of London and Bath, not far from the so-called Two
Mile Hill, about three measured miles from Bristol," [16] said Wesley.
A large room was started
"A large room was started for the school, having four small rooms
at each end"
"Here a
large room was begun for the school, having four little rooms at each end for
the teachers (and, perhaps, if it pleased God, some poor children) to lodge in.
Two persons are ready to teach, as soon as the house is ready to receive them,
whose shell is almost finished; so the whole is expected to be completed in the
spring or early summer," [17]Wesley said.
The fact is
that Methodism developed at Kinkswood.
Some facts
reveal this.
The Kingswood School
"John Wesley founded Kingswood School in
1748. Originally in Bristol, it grew larger than the original site and moved to
its present location in Bath in 1852.[18]
The importance of prayer in children's lives
"I exhorted them never to rest until they found peace with God, and
then they sang and prayed."
"Wesley
saw children as capable of experiencing the full grace of God and possessing
the ability to grow in grace."[19]
In his following
account, he followed the spiritual reactions of the children for fifteen days,
noting them in his diary.
Among his emphases is
the directive that the child should pray intensely until he reaches safety and
peace.
September 15, 1770
"I first observed a very unusual concern in the children of
Kingswood School"
"It was the day
before that I first observed a very unusual concern in the children of
Kingswood School, as I explained and applied to them the first principles of
religion," [20]Wesley said.
Children's reaction to a deceased neighbor
Wesley wrote on
Tuesday, September 18, 1770, in his diary:
"Most of them
went to see the body of Francis Evans, one of our neighbors, who died two or
three days earlier. About seven Messrs. Hindmarsh met with all of them at the
school and gave an exhortation appropriate to the occasion. He then gave that
hymn: "And I was born to die, to lay down this body? And should my
trembling spirit fly to an unknown world?" [21]
"They cried aloud for mercy; and quickly another and another, until
all but two or three were constrained to do the same; and while he continued to
pray, they continued the same loud and bitter cry"
"This increased
his concern; so it was with great difficulty that they restrained themselves
until he began to pray. Then Al——r M——r, and R——d N——e, cried aloud for mercy;
and quickly another and another, until all but two or three were constrained to
do the same; and while he continued to pray, they continued the same loud and
bitter cry. One of the maids, Elizabeth Nutt, was as deeply convinced as any of
them." [22]
"Those of you who are determined to serve God can go and pray
together"
"After the
prayer, Mr. H. said, 'Those of you who are determined to serve God can go and
pray together.' Fifteen of them did so, and they continued wrestling with God,
with loud cries and tears, until about nine o'clock." [23]
"In the morning prayer, many of them cried out again, though not so
violently"
On Wednesday,
September 19, 1770, "in the morning prayer, many of them cried out
again," Wesley said, "though not so violently. From this moment on,
their whole spirit and demeanor were altered: they were all serious and loving
to one another. The same earnestness and mildness continued on Thursday, and
they walked together, speaking only of the things of God. On Friday night,
their concern increased greatly and caused them to burst into loud screams
again." [24]
"And they spent all their free time in prayer"
On Saturday,
September 22, 1770, "they seemed to lose none of their care, and spent all
their spare time in prayer." [25]
"Fifteen of them gave me their names; being determined, they said,
to serve God"
On Sunday, September 23, 1770, "fifteen of them gave me their names; being determined, they said, to serve God. In the afternoon, I gave a strong exhortation to them and then to Mr Rankin. Their own countenances were entirely altered. They drank in every word." [26]
"During the time of prayer in the evening"
On Tuesday, September
25, 1770, "during the time of prayer in the evening, they were affected
just as on the previous Tuesday. The other two maids were then present and both
were cut in the heart." [27]
"But when I got up, I heard one of the boys in prayer"
On Wednesday,
September 26, 1770, "I turned," says Mr. Rankin, "in the
afternoon to Kingswood, and went up the stairs in order to retire a little. But
when I got up, I heard one of the boys praying in an adjoining room. I listened
a little and was extremely impressed by many of his expressions. When he
stopped, I went in and found two others with him. Only then three more entered.
I went to pray." [28]
"The next morning, I spent some time with all the children and then
wished that those who were determined to save their souls, would go upstairs
with me."
"The Lord seemed to rest over them all, and pierced their hearts with deep conviction. The next morning I spent some time with all the children and then wished that those who were determined to save their souls would go upstairs with me. I went upstairs and nine of the children followed me, who said they were determined to 'flee from the wrath that was to come.' [29]
"I exhorted them never to rest until they found peace with God, and
then they sang and prayed"
Wesley said, "I
exhorted them never to rest until they found peace with God, and then they sang
and prayed." [30]
The power of God has
come down
The power of God descended in such a wonderful manner, that my voice was
drowned out by their cries
"The power of
God descended in such a wonderful manner, that my voice was drowned out by
their cries," Wesley said. "When I had finished, one of them burst
into prayer, in a manner that greatly surprised me; and, all day long, a
peculiar spirit of seriousness rested upon all the children." [31]
"I pressed each of them severely, not to rest until he had a clear
sense of God's forgiving love."
"After spending
some time at school on Friday, I wished that those with whom I had spoken the
day before, would follow me; what they did, and one more. I pressed each of
them severely, not to rest until he had a clear sense of God's forgiving love."
[32]
What to do to be
saved
I then prayed, and the Lord poured out his Spirit as the day before
"Then I prayed,
and the Lord poured out his Spirit as the day before; so that in a few minutes
my voice could not be heard amid their screams and groans." [33]
"Ten of the children quickly gathered around me, fervently asking
what they should do to be saved."
On Friday, September
28, 1770, Mr. Hindmarsh said, "when I went out to the ground, ten of the
children quickly gathered round me, inquiring earnestly what they must do to be
saved: Nor could I get rid of them, till the bell rang for dinner. During all
this time that we have observed, the most affected children have learned faster
and better than any of the others." [34]
In the evening, I explained to all the children the nature of the Lord's
Supper
"In the evening, I explained to all the children the nature of the Lord's Supper." Wesley was with "twelve of them separately and I spoke to each one privately. When I asked one of them, Simon Lloyd, "What do you want to make you happy?" after a short pause, he replied, "God." [35]
"We went to pray. At that moment, a cry arose from one and the
other"
"We went to
pray. At that moment, a cry arose from one and the other, until it went through
everything, vehemently invoking God and refusing to be comforted without the
knowledge and love of God." [36]
"Being resolved that they should not sleep or rest until God
revealed Himself to them"
"About half an hour after eight, I said
goodnight to them and sent them to bed. But Lloyd, Brown, and Robert Hindmarsh
departed, when the rest went up, being resolved that they would not sleep, nor
rest, until God should reveal himself to them." [37]
"They continued to pray in shifts close to three-quarters of an
hour"
"When they began
to pray, some of the others heard them, and one and another stole them, some
half clothed, some almost naked. They continued praying in shifts close to
three-quarters of an hour, in which time, first one, then a second, and before
they concluded, two more found peace with God. So I went to them and asked
Bobby Hindmarsh, 'Why did you walk away?' [38]
"We had agreed together that we would not sleep until the Lord set
us free"
He replied to Wesley,
"Simon Lloyd, Jacky Brown, and I had agreed together that we would not
sleep until the Lord set us free.' After I had prayed with them and praised God
until about half an hour after nine, I wished them to go to bed. They did it;
all but those three, who went away and stayed with Richard Piercy, who was in
deep agony of soul, and would by no means be persuaded to rise from his knees.
The child upstairs, hearing them pray, in a few minutes came down again." [39]
Finding Peace with
God
"They kept fighting, with screams and tears still rising until
three more found peace with God."
"They kept
fighting, with screams and tears still growing, until three more found peace
with God. About a quarter after ten, I went to them again, and, observing some
of them rather hoarse, insisted that they go to bed, which they all did. But
quickly one, and then another, stole from the bed, until, in a quarter of an
hour, they were all in prayer again. And the concern between them was deeper
than ever, as well as more general; there being only four of our five and
twenty children, who did not seem to have been cut off in the heart." [40]
"However, fearing that they might get hurt, I sent one of our maids
to persuade them to go upstairs"
"However," said Wesley, "fearing that they might be injured, I sent one of our maids to persuade them to come up. But Jacky Brown, seizing it, said, 'O Betty, seek the salvation of your soul! Seek it seriously! It's not too late: and it's not too early."[41]
A general cry
"At that time, there was a general cry from all the maids as well
as from the boys"
"Immediately she
fell to her knees and burst into tears and loud screams. The other two maids
who heard this ran and were apprehended as violently as she was. Jacky Brown
then began to pray for Betty and continued in prayer for nearly three-quarters
of an hour. At that time, there was a general cry from all the maids, as well
as from the boys." [42]
"With difficulty we convinced them to go to bed and went upstairs
with them"
"This continued
until after eleven. My wife, myself, and Mr. Keard went in, and, fearing that
some of them might be injured, with difficulty persuaded them to go to bed, and
went upstairs with them. 'The maids continued down in much distress. We talked
to them for a while and left them praying. But it wasn't more than a quarter of
an hour before Betty started Thanksgiving," [43]Wesley said.
"Is God's love free now?"
Going in, I asked
him, "Is God's love free now?" She replied, "Free as air:
Blessed be God, that I have always come under this roof!" The other two
remained on their knees, praying as if in agony. I desired them to go into
their own room, and they did: Nevertheless, they would not go to bed, but
continued in prayer." [44]
"I was woken up between four and five by the children who cried out
vehemently to God"
On Saturday,
September 29, 1770, "I was awakened between four and five by the children
who cried vehemently to God," Wesley said. "The maids came to them at
five: And first, one of the boys, then another, then one and another of the
maids, fervently poured out their souls before God, both for themselves and for
the rest." [45]
"They kept crying and praying until nine o'clock, without thinking
of meat or drink"
"They continued
weeping and praying till nine o'clock, without thinking of meat or drink: No,
Richard Piercy did not eat all day, but remained, in word or groan, calling
upon God," Wesley said. "About nine o'clock, Diana went into her own room
and prayed, partly alone, partly with Betty. About ten (while Betty was
praying), her strength was quite spent, and she sank as dead. She stayed like
this for a few minutes, while the other prayed; but then, suddenly, he began,
praising God with all his might, and rejoicing with joy unspeakable.
"Mary, hearing her voice, interrupted her work, and hurried to her." [46]
"About one, all the maids and three of the boys went upstairs and started praying again"
"They all
remained praying in turns until twelve when she was on the point of dying. But
there was still no answer to prayer, nor any deliverance. "About one, all
the maids and three of the boys went upstairs and began to pray again. And now
they found that the Lord's hand was not shortened. Between two and three, Mary
also rejoiced with indescribable joy. They all continued together until after
four, praising the God of their salvation. In fact, they seemed to have
forgotten all things here below, and to think of nothing but God and
heaven." [47]
"But they were strong in spirit, full of love, and of joy and peace
in believing"
"At night, all the maids, and many of the boys, not having been accustomed to speak so long and violently, were worn out, as to bodily strength, and so hoarse that they could scarcely speak: But they were strong in spirit, full of love, and of joy and peace in believing." [48]
"Eight of the children and the three maids received the Lord's
Supper for the first time"
On Sunday, September
30, 1770, "eight of the children and the three maids received the Lord's
Supper for the first time. And so far, they are all rejoicing in God and
walking worthy of the Gospel," [49]Wesley said.
Revival
"Kingswood's, in a few months, increased from one hundred and
eighteen to more than three hundred members"
"All this time
it has been observed that there has been an unusual revival of the work of God,
in all the societies around. Kingswood's, in a few months, increased from one
hundred and eighteen to more than three hundred members; and every day more and
more they were convinced of sin, and more and more enabled to rejoice in God
their Saviour,"[50] said Wesley.
Collection of prayers
for children
Because of the
importance of prayers, John Wesley prepared a collection of prayers for the
children.
In the preface,
Wesley wrote an open letter to the children:
"My dear child, an admirer of your soul has written some prayers, to help you in that great duty. Be careful not to forget, at least in the morning and in the evening, to present yourself on your knees before God. You have mercies to ask for, and blessing to give thanks. But take heed that you do not mock God by approaching with your lips while your heart is far from Him. God sees you and knows your thoughts; therefore see that you not only speak with your lips, but that you pray with your heart. And lest you ask in vain, see that you forsake sin, and strive to do what God has shown you to do; for God says, "Ask then for the blessings you need, in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ; and God will hear and answer you, and will do more for you than you can ask or think."[51]
Lessons for the Children of Kingswood
"I went into the school and listened to half of the children their
lessons, and then selected passages from the Moral and Sacred Poems"
Wesley drew on
"the writings of ecclesiastics, dissenters, economists, philosophers, and
reformers, as well as educators."[52]
Among them are:
On September 24,
1749, "I arrived at Kingswood in the evening; and the next day he selected
passages from Milton for the older children to transcribe and repeat
weekly," Wesley said.
Who was Milton?
"John Milton (1608-1674) was an English poet, one of the main
representatives of Classicism in his country. Author of "Paradise
Lost", one of the most important epic poems in universal literature.
John Milton was born in London on December 9, 1608. He was the son of
John Milton Senior and Sara Jefferey. His father was a banker and composer,
which allowed his son to have an excellent education."[53]
"Paradise Lost" recreates the conflict between God and
Lucifer.
In 1771, Milton published the book "Paradise Regained", which
shows Christ's victory over temptations.
Moral and Sacred Poems
On Thursday, Sept.
27, 1749, "I went into the school and listened to half the children their
lessons, and then selected passages from the Moral and Holy Poems," [54]Wesley said.
What was worth
reading in school
On Friday, September
28, 1749, "I heard the other half of the children. Saturday, 29. I was
with them from four to five in the morning. I spent most of the day reviewing
Kennet's Antiquities and marking what was worth reading in school," [55]Wesley said.
Archbishop Potter's
Greek Antiquities
"A dry, dull and heavy book"
On Wednesday, Oct. 3,
1750, "I revised, for the use of children, Archbishop Potter's Greek
Antiquities, a dry, dull, and heavy book," Wesley said. "Thursday, 4.
I have reviewed Mr. Lewis's Hebrew Antiquities, something more amusing than the
other and abundantly more instructive," [56] Wesley said.
Who was Potter?
John Potter (1673/4-1747), was born in Yorkshire, England. In 1737 he was appointed
Archbishop of Canterbury. "Potter, skilled in Greek and very interested in
classical history, enjoyed a remarkable reputation for his historical works on
ancient Greece, such as Greek Archaeology. Originally published in 1697 and
1698, Archeologia Greca".[57]
Dr. Cave's
Early Christianity
"A book written with so much learning and so little judgment"
On Saturday, October
6, 1750, "I have almost finished Dr. Cave's abridgment of Early
Christianity, a book written with as much learning and as little judgment as
any I can remember having read in all my life; serving the ancient Christians,
just as Xenophon did with Socrates; reporting all the weak things they have
ever said or done," [58] Wesley said.
Who was Dr. Cave?
William Cave
(1637–1713) "was a minister and scholar of Church history who took his
Doctor of Divinity at Cambridge before serving as vicar of Islington, and later
in London. He was chaplain to Charles II and canon of Windsor. Cave's main area
of expertise was the early history of the Church.[59]
History of England
"I have prepared a brief History of England for the use of
children"
On Thursday, October
11, 1750, "I prepared a brief History of England for the use of children;
and on Friday and Saturday a brief Roman History, as an introduction to Latin
historians," [60] Wesley said.
Mr. Holmes' Latin
Grammar
On Monday, October
15, 1750, "I read Mr. Holmes's Latin Grammar, and extracted from it what
was necessary to perfect ours," [61]Wesley said.
Exhortation
On Friday, September 17, 1773, "I went to Kingswood and found several of the children still alive to God. Saturday 18.—I gave you a short exhortation, which wearied me, but did not harm me," [62]said Wesley.
Lessons for children
"Both of my feet slipped on the ice and I fell very hard, my ankle bone hitting the top of a rock."
On Sunday, February
10, 1751, "after preaching at five, I hastened to take leave of the
congregation at Snowsfields, for the purpose of setting out in the morning for
the north; when in the middle of London Bridge, both my feet slipped on the ice
and I fell very hard, my ankle bone hitting the top of a rock. But I went up
with some help to the chapel, determined not to disappoint the people. After
preaching, I had my leg bound by a surgeon, and took a turn to walk until the
seventh day. It was with great difficulty that I went up to the pulpit; but God
then comforted many of our hearts," he [63]said.
"Partly Writing
a Hebrew Grammar and Lessons for Children"
"I returned in a
carriage to Mr. B --- and from there in a chair to the Foundry; but I could not
preach, for my sprain was getting worse. I moved to Threadneedle Street; where
I spent the remainder of the week, partly praying, reading and talking, partly
writing Hebrew grammar and lessons for children," [64]Wesley said.
"I preached on
my knees (for I could not stand) on part of Psalm 23"
On Sunday, February
17, 1751, "I was taken to the Foundry and preached, kneeling (for I could
not stand), on part of Psalm 23; my heart expanded and my mouth opened to
declare the wonders of God's love," [65]Wesley said.
An empty and vain
book
Not every book could
get something good.
On Tuesday, October
23, 1739, Wesley wrote: "On my way to Bradford, I read Mr. Law's book on the
new birth. Philosophical, speculative, precarious; Behemish, empty and vain!
Oh, what a fall is
there!"[66] exclaimed Wesley.
Christian Library
Wesley established a
Christian library.
On October 24, 1752,
he wrote: "In the remaining part of this (November) and the following
month, I prepared the rest of the books for the "Christian Library".[67]
A year later, he
included all the books he wanted in the Christian Library.
"Having finished
all the books that I intended to insert into the Christian Library"
On Friday, December 14, 1753, Wesley said, "Having finished all the books which I intended to insert into the 'Christian Library,' I broke the doctor's order not to write, and began to transcribe a diary for the press; and in the evening I went to pray with the family, without finding any inconvenience."[68]
Causes of spiritual decay
"Neither of my two lovely children, neither Peggy Spence nor Sally
Blackburn, were there"
Putting an End to
Some Minor Misunderstandings
Wesley knew a good
portion of the children at Kingswood School by name. He considered them as
children.
On Saturday 12 March
12, 1774, "I went to Kingswood and ended up with some little
misunderstandings which had arisen in the family. I rejoiced at this; but I was
saddened to find that Ralph Mather's descent into mysticism and Quakerism had
almost put an end to that unusual awakening which he had occasioned among the
children. But the next day I found that the little maids of Publow, who had
found peace through him, had retained all the life they had received; and in
fact it increased in him," [69] he said.
Concern for children
"Neither of my two lovely children, neither Peggy Spence nor Sally
Blackburn, were there"
On Sunday, June 12,
1774, "the rain drove us indoors, both morning and evening. Then I found
the poor remnants of the select society; but neither of my two lovely children,
neither Peggy Spence nor Sally Blackburn, were there. In fact, a whole row of
such I had seen before; but three out of four of them were as careless as
ever," [70] Wesley exclaimed.
Wesley knew children
by name
"In the evening, I sent for Peggy Spence and Sally Blackburn"
"In the evening,
I sent for Peggy Spence and Sally Blackburn," Wesley said. "Peggy
came and I found that she had almost regained her ground, walking in the light
and having a lively hope of regaining all that she had lost. Sally flatly refused
to come and ran away. Being finally found, after a flood of tears, she was
brought almost by force. But I couldn't get a look or a word out of her. She
seemed to have no hope left: yet she is not beyond God's reach." [71]
Wesley discovers the
causes of spiritual decay
"None of the succeeding Preachers was capable of being a nursing
father to their newborn children"
"I have now
investigated the causes of that grievous decay in the vast work of God, which
was here two years ago; and I found that several causes coincided," [72]Wesley said.
He enumerated:
"1. None of the succeeding Preachers was
able to be a nursing father to the new-born children: 2. Jane Salkeld, a great
instrument of the work, marrying, was prevented from meeting the young; and
there being none left to take care of them so naturally, they fell in droves:
3. Most of the liveliest in society were the unmarried men and women; and
several of them soon contracted an inordinate affection for each other; whereby
they grieved the Holy Spirit of God, who in a great measure departed from them:
4. Men arose among us, who underestimated the work of God, and called the great
work of sanctification delusion. By this they grieved some and angered others;
so that both were greatly weakened: 5. Therefore the love of many waxed
cold," [73]said Wesley.
Wesley shocked and Carlos Wesley happy
"The kids who used to cling to me and
drink in every word were in a boarding school"
Tuesday,
June 24, 1740
A
thousand little children
"I preached Christ, the way, the truth, and the
life, to a thousand little children in Kingswood"
"I preached Christ, the way, the truth, and the life, to a thousand little children in Kingswood. In the living room I continued in São João. There were some present who imagined themselves elect and therefore sink back into their old tempers. Without meddling in the dispute, I scolded them sharply, but with much love. I read my diary for the bands, as an antidote to stillness," said Carlos Wesley.[74]
Monday,
April 6, 1772
"There they had unlearned all religion and even seriousness"
In Manchester, "in the afternoon, I drank tea at Am. But how shocked I was! The kids who used to cling to me and drink in every word were in a boarding school. There they had unlearned all religion and even seriousness, and had learned pride, vanity, affectation, and all that could protect them against the knowledge and love of God. Methodist parents who would send their girls headlong to hell, send them to a fashionable boarding school!"[75], said Wesley.
They sat full in my opinion
"Much more can be due to grace than to
nature"
About a thousand Sunday School children
"Many of them really fear God, and some rejoice in His salvation"
On Sunday, March 20, 1786, Wesley was in the evening in a house in Bolton, which was completely full.
"About three of the children I knew between nine hundred and one thousand of the children belonging to our Sunday schools. I have never seen such a vision before. They were all exactly clean, as well as simple, in their clothes. They were all serious and well-behaved. Many, boys and girls, had faces as beautiful as, I believe, England or Europe can afford. When they all sang together, and none of them were out of tune, the melody was beyond that of any theater; and, best of all, many of them really fear God, and some rejoice in His salvation. These are a standard for the whole city. His usual amusement is to visit the poor who are sick (sometimes six, or eight, or ten together), to exhort, comfort, and pray with them. Often ten or more of them come together to sing and pray alone; sometimes thirty or forty; and they are so fervently engaged, alternately singing, praying, and weeping, that they do not know how to separate. You children, who hear this, why shouldn't you go and do the same? Isn't God here and in Bolton? May God arise and maintain His own cause, even "from the mouths of infants and suckling women!" [77], said Wesley.
Classes for children
On November 23, 1760, he said, "In the afternoon
I assigned the children to meet at Bristol, whose parents were from society.
Thirty of them came today, and more than fifty on Sunday and Thursday
following. About half of them I divided into four classes, two for boys and two
for girls; and appointed suitable leaders to meet them separately." [78]
Wesley made a point of meeting with them in a meeting.
"I met them all together, twice a week; and it wasn't long before God began to touch some of their hearts. On Tuesday and Wednesday I visited some of the country's societies." [79]
Wesley's observations
and attitudes
"I gave a clear account of these things to the
trustees of the Charter School in Dublin"
What the children were taught
"Many children have learned 'how they should
serve God' and be useful to others"
On February 3, 1738, back in England, Wesley recalls a
little of his ministry in Georgia. He wrote: "Hereby God gave me to know
many of His servants, particularly those of the Church of Herrnhut [the
Moravians]. Thus my passage is open to the writings of holy men in the German,
Spanish, and Italian languages. I hope, too, that some good may come to others
by means of this. Everyone in Georgia heard God's Word. Some believed it and
started to go well. Some steps were taken to publish the good news to both the
pagan Africans and the Americans. Many children have learned "how they
should serve God" and be useful to others. And those who care most have
the opportunity to know the true state of their infant colony and to lay a
firmer foundation of peace and happiness for many generations."[80]
Row of little children
"A row of little
children sat under the opposite wall, all quiet and quiet"
Wesley
knew many of the children by name and observed their attitudes. This reveals
all the affection and perception of the children's reality. He was interested in them.
On Tuesday, March 24, 1747, he said, "I went as
far as Blanchland, about twenty miles from Newcastle. The rough mountains
around were still white with snow. In the middle of them is a small winding
valley, through which the Derwent runs. On the edge of this, the small town
sits, which is actually little more than a bunch of ruins. There seems to have
been a large cathedral church, for the vast walls that still remain. I stood in
the churchyard, under one side of the building, upon a large tombstone, around which,
while I was in prayer, the whole congregation knelt on the grass. They were
gathered from the lead mines of all parts; many from Allandale, six miles away.
A row of little children sat under the opposite wall, all quiet and quiet. The
whole congregation drank in every word with such earnestness in their looks
that I could not help hoping that God would make this wilderness sing for
joy," [81]said Wesley.
Talking
close to children
"where I had a solemn night of vigil and the opportunity to talk closely with the children"
On Monday, September 26, 1763, "I preached to the
prisoners at Newgate, and in the afternoon went to Kingswood, where I had a
solemn night of vigil and an opportunity of speaking closely with the
children."[82]
Rousseau's book on education
"They love everything that loves them and that
with more warmth and sincerity than when they reach more mature years"
On Saturday, February 3, 1770, Wesley gave a reading
in his time and leisure: "and in my leisure time on several of the
following days, I read with much expectation a celebrated book - Rousseau on
Education. But how disappointed I was! (...)”. And Wesley makes a criticism:
"How incredibly full of himself! Whatever he speaks, he pronounces it like
an oracle. But many of his oracles are so palpably false, as that "little
children never love the aged." No! Do they never love grandparents and
grandfathers? Often more than they do their own parents. In fact, they love
everything that loves them and that with more warmth and sincerity than when
they reach more mature years,"[83] Wesley said.
Who was Rosseau?
"Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) was a prominent Swiss social
philosopher and writer. The most radical and popular of the philosophers who
participated in the intellectual movement of the eighteenth century – the
Enlightenment.
His main work, "The Social Contract", served as a true
catechism for the French Revolution and exerted a great influence on the
so-called political liberalism".[84]
At the children's home in
London
"It contains about a hundred children, who are in as good a
condition as any private family"
On Thursday, February 14, 1771, Wesley said that he
passed "through the upper and lower rooms of the London asylum. It
contains about a hundred children, who are in as good a condition as any
private family. And the whole house is as clean, from top to bottom, as any
gentleman's needs. And why are not all the workhouses in London, yes,
throughout the kingdom, in the same order?" [85]
"Purely for lack of common sense, or
honesty..."
And Wesley makes a criticism: "Purely for lack of
common sense, or of honesty and activity, in those who supervise it."[86]
A time with 40 poor children
"But I observe in all of them the love for
elegance"
On Saturday, June 1, 1782, "I spent a little time
with forty poor children, whom Lady Maxwell keeps in school," Wesley said.
"They are rapidly advancing in reading and writing, and they learn the
principles of religion. But I observe in all of them the love for elegance. Be
they ever so poor, they must have a piece of elegance. Many of them don't have
a shoe on their feet, but the rag girl isn't without her frills."[87]
Who was Lady Maxwell?
Darcy Brisbane (1743-1810) or Lady Maxwell, was born in County Ayr, Scotland. She was the youngest daughter of Thomas Brisbane.
In 1760, she married Sir Walter Maxwell. Two years later, at the age of 19, she was widowed and lost her husband and son. "She took this disaster as a sign from God and, despite the proposals of remarriage, she decided to dedicate her life to religious causes." [88]
Lady Maxwell joined the
Methodists in 1764.
In 1770, she founded a school in Edinburgh with the aim of offering Christian education and instruction to poor children; its entire administration and superintendence remained with itself, and as the benefits accruing from it manifested themselves, pecuniary help was provided by others.
Wesley received from her £800 for the school at Kingswood. She was one of the first to see the value of Sunday schools. She had great beauty and social position, but she refused marriage proposals, prioritizing serving the Kingdom of God.[89]
Wesley impressed with the
school's vision
Wesley preached at Ballinrobe on Friday, May 14, 1773. On Saturday he
went to Castlebar. "Entering the city," Wesley said, "I was
impressed with the sight of the charter school; "No gate to the courtyard,
a great gulf in the wall, heaps of rubbish before the door of the house, broken
windows in abundance, the whole picture of laziness, wickedness, and
desolation!"[90]
The children at school were not well cared for
"I gave a clear account of these things to the
trustees of the Charter School in Dublin"
Wesley realized that the children at school were not well cared for.
"The next day, I saw about forty boys and girls leaving the church. As I
was just behind them, I could not help remarking 1) that there was neither
master nor mistress, though it appears that both were well; 2) that boys and
girls were completely dirty; 3) that none of them seemed to have garters, with
their socks hanging from their heels; 4) that in the heels, even of many of the
girls' socks, there were holes larger than a crown piece. I have given a clear
account of these things to the trustees of the Charter School in Dublin,
whether they are altered or not, I cannot say."[91]
Principles for the
Spiritual Life of the Child
"Wesley firmly
believed that a genuine and deeply religious life is possible in
childhood"
Based on the book
"John Wesley and Religious Education" by Dr. Elmer L. Towns, from
Liberty University, in 1970.[92]
In an abridged part
of his book "John Wesley and Religious Education", we have:
1. A child is a
unit for salvation
According to the
author, Wesley "never regarded a child as a child, but rather as a unit
for salvation, created in sin, prone to evil, and wholly as a 'brand to be
plucked out of the fire.'" [93]
2. Deep spiritual life is possible for
children
For him, "Wesley
firmly believed that a genuine and deeply religious life is possible in
childhood."[94]
3. Begin religious
instruction when the child has the ability to reason
Elmer L. Towns said
that "Wesley thought that the beginning of conscious religious instruction
should coincide with the dawn of reason. He says in the same paragraph:
"Scripture, reason, and experience together testify to this, since the
corruption of nature is prior to our instruction, we must take all pains and
precautions to counteract this corruption as soon as possible." [95]
4. Educate the
child against the disease of sin
A strong statement
from Elmer L. Towns is that "Wesley felt that to praise children for
anything that is not religious is only to teach them to value what is
unworthy." Those who teach children to love praise train them for the
devil." He went on to state, "Children should be praised with extreme
parsimony and only if they thereby teach them that God alone is worthy of
praise and the source of all that their children possess, for which they are
praised." He further comments: To reach the root of your pride, teach you,
children, as soon as possible that they are fallen spirits; that they fall
short of that glorious image of God in which they were created; that they are
not now as they were before, uncorrupted images of the God of glory (...). Show
them that in pride, passion, and revenge, they are now like the devil. And that
in foolish desires and creeping appetites they are like beasts of the field.
This practical application of Wesley's conviction of the doctrine of original
sin may seem severe to us, but it was the cornerstone of Wesley's concept of
Christian education." [96]
5. The child's
will must be broken
Elmer L. Towns said
that Wesley believed in the discipline of the child.
"In all events,
from that age (to be trees to grow. Then point to God as the power behind the
sun, making it shine, giving it warmth. From this, it is easy to speak of his
power and love, even in the smallest things, as a child." (e) Establish a
relationship of love. [97]
"You must say
the same thing ten times or you won't do anything." Wesley adds in the
conference minutes: Some children are inconceivably dull, others so foolish and
wicked that, if the teacher follows his own inclination, he will give up in despair."[98]
Among his other books
are: "What Every Sunday School Teacher Should Know" and
"Fasting, a Revolution in the Spiritual Life."
"Where there are ten children
in a Society, we should meet them at least one hour a week; talk to them
whenever we see some of them at home"
Wesley directed his preachers to
take some practical attitudes in relation to the education of children.
John Wesley said:
"Where there are
ten children in a Society, we should meet them at least one hour a week; talk
to them whenever we see some of them at home; pray fervently for them;
diligently instruct and strongly exhort all parents in their own homes. Some
will say, 'I don't have the gift for it.' Gift or no gift, you must do it, or
else you are not called to be a Methodist preacher. Do as you can, until you
can do it as you would. Pray fervently for the gift and use all the help God
has placed in your path in order to achieve them. Preach expressly on the
education of children when making the Collection for Kingswood School.[99]
There are
seven rules:
· We
should meet them at least one hour a week;
· Talk
to them whenever we see some of them at home;
·
Pray fervently for them;
· Diligently
instruct and strongly exhort all parents in their own homes;
· Some
will say, "I have no gift for it." Gift or no gift, you must do it,
or else you are not called to be a Methodist preacher;
· Do
as you can, until you can do it as you would;
· Preach
expressly on the education of children.
Strong and necessary
rules.
In short: Meet with
the children; talk to them whenever they are seen in the house; pray fervently
for them; guide parents; preaching on the education of children, etc.[100]
As a Church, we are
called to invest in the education of the child.
Wesley shows that
contact and dialogue with the child are necessary, as well as guidance to
parents.
It is prioritizing the child.
Lessons and Hymns for
Children
"Does God love
you? Yes. He loves every single thing he's done."
João and Carlos
Wesley invested a lot in the education and salvation of children.
John Wesley wrote
"Instructions for Children." The first printing was in 1787, with 80
pages.
Amazon published this
book, edited by James T. Reuteler, Ph.D., under the title "Instructions
for Children."[101]
Carlos Wesley
published "Hymns for Children", with 84 pages. The first printing was
in 1763.
On Amazon it is
published with the title: "Hymns for Children".[102]
Instructions for
children
In "Instructions for
Children", Wesley asks the question and then answers:
Lesson I and II
"From God"
"1. How many
gods are there? A.
2. Who is God the
Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit1. These three are a
3. What is God? A
spirit.
4. What do you mean
by Spirit? The one that cannot be seen or felt.
5. What kind of
Spirit is God. The one who always was and always will be.
6. Where is God?
Everywhere.
7. What does God
know? All
8. What can God do? Whatever he wants.
9. Does God love you?
Yes. He loves every single thing he did.
10. What did God do?
All things, and in particular Man".[103]
Lesson III and IV
"On the Creation
and Fall of Man"
In Lesson III and IV,
"Of the Creation and Fall of Man," Wesley asks nine questions.
Two of them are:
2. Why did God make
man? To know, love and be happy in God forever.
9. How are men born
in sin? We are all born proud, obstinate, Lovers of the World, and not Lovers
of God."[104]
Lesson V, VI, and VII
"Of the
Redemption of Man"
In Lesson V, VI, and
VII, "On the Redemption of Man," Wesley asks fifteen questions.
Two of them are:
"1. By whom
shall we be saved from sin? Through Jesus Christ, the Eternal Son of God.
3. What can we gain by his life and death for
us? Forgiveness of Sins, Holiness and Heaven".[105]
Other lessons deal
with the following topics:
· Lesson VIII and IX "Of the Means of Grace"
· Lesson X and XI "from Hell"
·
Lesson XII "From Heaven"
Hymns for children
The themes of Charles
Wesley's "Hymns for Children" are related to John Wesley's
"Instructions for Children."
Hymn 1
"From God"
1 Hail Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit,
One God in Three
Persons,
We boasted of you
from an early age,
We make our songs of
you.
2 You cannot be felt
or seen,
You are a pure
Spirit,
Who from eternity
was,
And it will always
resist.
3 Present equally
everywhere
Thy Divinity we
adore,
Beyond the limits of
time and space
You dwell forever.
4 In infinite wisdom
thou art,
Your eye sees
everything,
And every thought of
every heart
is fully known to
you.
5 Whatever you want
in the land below
Thou doest, in the
heaven above:
But above all, we
rejoice in knowing
Almighty God is LOVE.
6 Thou lovest all
that thy hands have made;
Thy goodness we
rehearse
In bright characters
displayed
Throughout our
universe.
7 Mercy, love, and
grace without end
Over all thy works
reigns:
But mostly you
delight in blessing
Your favorite
creature, man.
8 Wherefore, let
every creature give
To thee the praise
allotted;
But mostly, Lord,
graces receive,
The hearts of all
humanity.[106]
Hymn 2
"On the Creation
and Fall of Man"
1 O creator God,
In whose supreme
decree
Our body rose, a clod
breathing,
Our soul sprang from thee;
For this you
designed,
And formed us men for
this,
To know and love
yourself, and find
In you our endless
happiness.
2 You the first happy
pair
In paradise he made a
place,
To reap the joys and
pleasures there,
And sing the praise
of the giver:
Of all the trees
except one
It was forbidden, to
prove it
His due regard to God
alone,
His steadfast
obedient love.
3 But they rashly
took
From the forbidden
tree,
Thy easy and only
commandment hath broken,
And he sinned, and
fell from thee:
Of its widespread
failure
The sad effects we
encounter;
Anguish, sin and
death that brought
About us and all
humanity.
4 Infected by your
stain
In sin we are all
born,
And subject to grief
and pain,
Until we return to
dust:
To every inclined
sin,
Selfish we are, and
proud,
Our wicked will, our
carnal mind
It is enmity against
God.
5 Dead to things
above,
While in our lost
state,
Children of wrath,
the world we love,
And I hate you by
nature;
In lamentations and
cares
We spent our
miserable breath,
And let the wretched
heirs die
Of eternal death.[107]
Hymn 3
"On the
Redemption of Man"
1 Savior from sin,
death, hell
To thee, Jesus
Christ, we joyfully possess,
The man who loved our
souls so well,
The eternal Son of
the Father.
2 You have been made
a man for our sake,
The weight of a
virgin's womb,
You lived and
suffered in our place,
And rise triumphantly
from the tomb.
3 What did your death
gain for sinners?
What has your life
given to sinners?
For every soul of man
obtained?
Forgiveness, holiness
and heaven.
4 As soon as our
broken hearts repent,
As soon as I believe
in you,
The power in my soul
is sent,
And then my forgiveness I receive.[108]
Wesley's love for children
"We noticed an
interest and tenderness for children that are touching"
Methodist theologian
and historian Duncan A. Reily, in his article "John Wesley and the
Children" for Walking magazine, said:
"If we can say that Wesley was unaware of
the psychology of the child, we can never say that he lacked love for
children."[109]
And he said:
"(...) We noticed an interest and tenderness for the children that are
touching."
This love is revealed
also towards his relatives:
"Wesley showed
real affection for Charles' nephews, sons, as well as his wife's daughter (Mary
Vazeille), whom he treated as a true daughter, along with her family." [110]
Reily relates a fact
when Wesley visited Holland: "We know that Sarah, Charles' daughter,
accompanied her old uncle on the journey to Holland in 1783, when the venerable
preacher was nearly 80 years old. The street was full of children, who ran to and
fro around Wesley. After the preaching, all the children surrounded him. Wesley
testifies that they were "not satisfied until I shook hands with each of
them (4/5/1782)." [111]
And Duncan A. Reily
stated: "(...) Stopping in the street to shake hands with a crowd of
children, one by one, is revealing of his love for the little ones. Evidently,
the children responded to his love." [112]
Love for children
Robert Southey, one of Wesley's biographers, wrote the book "The Life of Wesley; and the Rise and Progress of Methodism."
Robert Southey (1774-1843) was a poet, critic,
historian, and proofreader, who knew Wesley personally.
He shows us some of Wesley's love for children:
"He took my sister in his arms and kissed her. Putting it back on its feet, he then put his hand on my head and blessed me."
Robert Southey said: "I was in a house in Bristol
where Wesley was. When a mere child, as he ran down the stairs before him with
a beautiful little sister of mine, whose rings were floating over his
shoulders, he overtook us on landing and took my sister in his arms and kissed
her. Putting her back on her feet, he then put his hand on my head and blessed
me, and I feel as if I have the blessing of that good man upon me in the
present moment."[113]
[1] The Magazine of John Wesley, with an introduction by Hugh Price Hughes,
m.a., edited by Percy Livingstone Parker, Chicago Moody Press, 1951.
[2] "John Wesley, children, and the mission of god", by Peter
Benzie.
[3] Dr. Linda Ryan was a PhD student at the Oxford Centre for Methodism and
Church History and is currently writing a paper on teleology and Wesley's views
on childhood.
https://ocmch.wordpress.com/2017/10/01/new-book-on-wesley-and-childrens-education-by-linda-a-ryan/
[4]https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/073989131401100210?icid=int.sj-abstract.similar-articles.1
The Role of Obedience in the Formation of the Child's Faith: Insights from the
Teachings and Practices of John Wesley, by Colleen R.
Derr, Ed.D.Ver.
[5]https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/sermon-95-on-the-education-of-children
[6]
https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/articles/index.php?view=article&aid=26141
[7]https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/073989131401100210?icid=int.sj-abstract.similar-articles.1
[8] https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a84efcfa8b2b01c39eb110f/t/5b89eb150ebbe81299e8df17/1535765274637/Benzie+Aldersgate_10_September_2012.pdf
[9]https://www.thewarcry.org/content/uploads/2019/04/Word-Deed-08.1-November-2005_Part2.pdf
[10] An extract from the diary of the Rev. Mr. John Wesley, August 12, 1738,
to November 1, 1739.
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/evans/N22587.0001.001/1:18?rgn=div1;view=fulltext
[11]https://www.metodista.br/evistas/revistas-ims/index.php/Caminhando/article/viewFile/1414/1438
[12] https://dmbi.online/index.php?do=app.entry&id=1610
[13]The Magazine of John Wesley, Edited by Percy Livingstone Parker,
Chicagomoody Press, 1951, CHICAGO, MOODY PRESS. Op.cit.
[14] Ditto.
[15]The Magazine of
John Wesley, with an introduction by Hugh Price Hughes, m.a., edited by Percy
Livingstone Parker, Chicago Moody Press, 1951.
[16]The Magazine of John Wesley, Edited by
Percy Livingstone Parker, Chicagomoody Press, 1951, op.cit.
[17] Ditto.
[18] http://www.methodistheritage.org.uk/kingswoodschool.htm
[19]https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/073989131401100210?icid=int.sj-abstract.similar-articles.1
[20]https://www.bing.com/earch?q=cpf+segunda+via&aqs=edge.0.69i64i450l8.111125547j0j4&FORM=ANAB01&PC=DCTS
[21] Ditto
[22]https://www.bing.com/earch?q=cpf+segunda+via&aqs=edge.0.69i64i450l8.111125547j0j4&FORM=ANAB01&PC=DCTS
[23] Ditto.
[24] Ditto
[25]https://www.bing.com/earch?q=cpf+segunda+via&aqs=edge.0.69i64i450l8.111125547j0j4&FORM=ANAB01&PC=DCTS
[26] Ditto.
[27] Ditto.
[28]https://www.bing.com/earch?q=cpf+segunda+via&aqs=edge.0.69i64i450l8.111125547j0j4&FORM=ANAB01&PC=DCTS
[29] Ditto.
[30]https://www.bing.com/earch?q=cpf+segunda+via&aqs=edge.0.69i64i450l8.111125547j0j4&FORM=ANAB01&PC=DCTS
[31] Ditto.
[32]https://www.bing.com/earch?q=cpf+segunda+via&aqs=edge.0.69i64i450l8.111125547j0j4&FORM=ANAB01&PC=DCTS
[33] Ditto.
[34]https://www.bing.com/earch?q=cpf+segunda+via&aqs=edge.0.69i64i450l8.111125547j0j4&FORM=ANAB01&PC=DCTS
[35] Ditto.
[36]https://www.bing.com/earch?q=cpf+segunda+via&aqs=edge.0.69i64i450l8.111125547j0j4&FORM=ANAB01&PC=DCTS
[37] Ditto.
[38] Ditto.
[39]https://www.bing.com/earch?q=cpf+segunda+via&aqs=edge.0.69i64i450l8.111125547j0j4&FORM=ANAB01&PC=DCTS
[40]https://www.bing.com/earch?q=cpf+segunda+via&aqs=edge.0.69i64i450l8.111125547j0j4&FORM=ANAB01&PC=DCTS
[41] http://ukwells.org/wells/kingswood-school
[42]https://www.bing.com/earch?q=cpf+segunda+via&aqs=edge.0.69i64i450l8.111125547j0j4&FORM=ANAB01&PC=DCTS
[43]https://www.bing.com/earch?q=cpf+segunda+via&aqs=edge.0.69i64i450l8.111125547j0j4&FORM=ANAB01&PC=DCTS
[44] Ditto.
[45]https://www.bing.com/earch?q=cpf+segunda+via&aqs=edge.0.69i64i450l8.111125547j0j4&FORM=ANAB01&PC=DCTS
[46] Ditto.
[47]https://www.bing.com/earch?q=cpf+segunda+via&aqs=edge.0.69i64i450l8.111125547j0j4&FORM=ANAB01&PC=DCTS
[48] Ditto.
[49]John Wesley's Journal 15 September 1770, https://ukwells.org/wells/kingswood-school
[50]https://www.bing.com/earch?q=cpf+segunda+via&aqs=edge.0.69i64i450l8.111125547j0j4&FORM=ANAB01&PC=DCTS
[51]
https://www.metodista.br/revistas/revistas-ims/index.php/Caminhando/article/viewFile/1414/1438
[52]https://www.routledge.com/John-Wesley-and-the-Education-of-Children-Gender-Class-and-Piety/Ryan/p/book/9780367890360
[53]https://www.ebiografia.com/john_milton/#:~:text=John%20Milton%20(1608-1674),Senior%20and%20of%20Sara%20Jefferey.
[54] The Magazine of
John Wesley, with an introduction by Hugh Price Hughes, m.a., edited by Percy
Livingstone Parker, Chicago Moody Press, 1951.
[55] Ditto
[56] The Magazine
of John Wesley, with an introduction by Hugh Price Hughes, m.a., edited by
Percy Livingstone Parker, Chicago Moody Press, 1951.
[57]https://lawlibrary.wm.edu/wythepedia/index.php/Archaeologia_Graeca.
https://lib-cat.trin.cam.ac.uk/ Record/96c16de2-de09-4fd8-966f-61970765242c
[58] The Magazine of
John Wesley, with an introduction by Hugh Price Hughes, m.a., edited by Percy
Livingstone Parker, Chicago Moody Press, 1951.
[59]https://www.hordern.com/pages/books/4401855/reverend-william-cave/antiquitates-apostolicae-or-the-history-of-the-holy-apostles
[60] The Magazine of
John Wesley, with an introduction by Hugh Price Hughes, m.a., edited by Percy
Livingstone Parker, Chicago Moody Press, 1951.
[61] Ditto.
[62] Ditto.
[63] The Magazine of John Wesley, with an
introduction by Hugh Price Hughes, m.a., edited by Percy Livingstone Parker,
Chicago Moody Press, 1951.
[64] Ditto.
[65] The Magazine of John Wesley, with an
introduction by Hugh Price Hughes, m.a., edited by Percy Livingstone Parker,
Chicago Moody Press, 1951.
[66] Ditto.
[67] Ditto.
[68] Ditto.
[69] The Journal of the Reverend John Wesley, a.m. sometime fellow of lincoln college, oxford. r - from september 13, 1773, to october 24, 1790. an extract of the rev. m. r. John Wesley's Journal.
[70] The Journal of the Reverend John Wesley, a.m. sometime fellow of
lincoln college, oxford. r - from september 13, 1773, to october 24, 1790. an
extract of the rev. m. r. John Wesley's Journal.
[71] The Journal of the Reverend John Wesley, a.m. sometime fellow of
lincoln college, oxford. r - from september 13, 1773, to october 24, 1790. an
extract of the rev. m. r. John Wesley's Journal.
[72] Ditto.
[73] The Journal of the Reverend John Wesley, a.m. sometime fellow of
lincoln college, oxford. r - from september 13, 1773, to october 24, 1790. an
extract of the rev. m. r. John Wesley's Journal.
[74]
https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/articles/index.php?view=article&aid=26141
[75] The Magazine of
John Wesley, with an introduction by Hugh Price Hughes, m.a., edited by Percy
Livingstone Parker, Chicago Moody Press, 1951.
[76] The Magazine of
John Wesley, with an introduction by Hugh Price Hughes, m.a., edited by Percy
Livingstone Parker, Chicago Moody Press, 1951.
[77] The Magazine of
John Wesley, with an introduction by Hugh Price Hughes, m.a., edited by Percy
Livingstone Parker, Chicago Moody Press, 1951.
[78] https://wesleyscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Volume-3-Journal-1760-1773.pdf
[79] Ditto.
[80] The Magazine of John Wesley, with an introduction by Hugh Price Hughes,
m.a., edited by Percy Livingstone Parker, Chicago Moody Press, 1951.
[81] The Magazine of
John Wesley, with an introduction by Hugh Price Hughes, m.a., edited by Percy
Livingstone Parker, Chicago Moody Press, 1951.
[82] Ditto.
[83] The Magazine of John Wesley, with an introduction by Hugh Price Hughes,
m.a., edited by Percy Livingstone Parker, Chicago Moody Press, 1951.
[84]https://www.todamateria.com.br/ Jean-Jacques-Rousseau/
[85] The Magazine of John Wesley, with an introduction by Hugh Price Hughes,
m.a., edited by Percy Livingstone Parker, Chicago Moody Press, 1951.
[86] The Magazine of John Wesley, with an introduction by
Hugh Price Hughes, m.a., edited by Percy Livingstone Parker, Chicago Moody
Press, 1951.
[87] Ditto.
[88]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darcy_Maxwell
[89]https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Darcy_Maxwell;http://www.biblicalcyclopedia.com/M/maxwell-lady-darcy.html
http://archives.gcah.org/bitstream/handle/10516/6018/MH-1994-January-Rogal.pdf?sequence=1
https://archive.org/stream/lettersjohnwesl00birrgoog/lettersjohnwesl00birrgoog_djvu.txt
[90] Ditto.
[91]
https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk//travellers/J_Wesley/16
[92] Dr. Elmer
Towns is a college and seminary professor, an author of popular and scholarly
works (the editor of two encyclopedias), popular seminary teacher, and
dedicated Sunday school worker, and has developed more than 20 resource packets
for leadership education. He has published over 100 books listed in the Library
of Congress, 7 listed on the Christian Booksellers Best Selling List. He
has written more than 2,000 reference and/or popular articles and has received
six honorary doctorates. https://12min.com/br/authors/elmer-l-towns. His
education includes an M.A. from Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
[98] Ditto.
[99]https://peopleneedjesus.net/2015/06/19/seven-things-john-wesley-expected-every-methodist-preacher-to-do-for-kids/
[100] For more knowledge: "Seven Things John Wesley Expected We to Do for Children," by Christopher Miles Ritter. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seven-things-john-wesley-expected-us-to-do-for-kids-christopher-miles-ritter/1123308617
[101]https://www.amazon.com.br/Instructions-Children-Fourth-John-Wesley/dp/1385679352
[102]https://www.amazon.com.br/Hymns-children-Charles-Wesley/dp/1170714633;
http://divinityarchive.com/bitstream/handle/11258/38845/120%20Charles%20Wesley's%20Hymns%20for%20Children.pdf?sequence=1
[103] http://jim.reuteler.org/edited-books/instruction-for-children.pdf
[104]
http://jim.reuteler.org/edited-books/instruction-for-children.pdf
[105] Ditto.
[106]https://divinity.duke.edu/ sites/divinity.duke.edu/files/documents/cswt/65_Hymns_for_Children_%281763%29_mod.pdf
[107] Ditto.
[108]Ditto.
[109]Revista Caminhando, vol. 8, n. 2 [12], 2003,
p.11-29. https://www.metodista.br/revistas/revistas-ims/index.php/Caminhando/article/viewFile/1414/1438
[110] Ditto.
[111] Ditto.
[112] Ditto.
[113] The Magazine of John Wesley, with an introduction by Hugh Price Hughes,
m.a., edited by Percy Livingstone Parker, Chicago Moody Press, 1951.
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