The Epworth Collection

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Transcript of a letter by Samuel Wesley the Elder

A photocopy of a transcript of a letter written by Samuel Wesley Sr. to the Archbishop of York, while Samuel was in Lincoln Castle prison.

Category: document

Material: grey plastic frame

Material Part: whole

Inscription:

typed - whole

Revd Saml Wesley – Rector of Epworth, Lincoln Castle Sept 17. 705. My Lord! I’m so full of Gods mercys, that neither my Eyes nor Heart can hold ‘em. When I came hither my stock was but a little above Ten-shillings, & my wife at home scarce so much: She soon sent me her Rings, because she had nothing else to reliev me with, but I retrun’d ‘em. & God soon provided for me. I owe nothing here: The most of those who have been my Benefactors keep themselves concealed. But they are all known to him who first put it into their hearts to show me such kindness, & I beg yr Grace to assist me to praise God for it, & to pray for his Blessing upon the. This day I’ve a Letter from Mr Hoar, that he has payd ninety five pounds, which he has sent for me. He adds (that some Very Great-man, has just sent him Thirty pounds for me.) He mentions not his name – tho’ surely it Must be my Patron – if not, I almost suspect tw’as from my Lf Fr: - - but whence so ever it came, I knew the Original Giver. This day the Dean of Lincoln made me a handsome present by a friend of Five Guineas, & I have payd 42L of a Bond one at Gainsbro’, Mr Smythe, by whose directions I did it, being present, & having sufficient in his Hands to clear the rest of it. I find I walk a deal lighter, & hope I shall sleep better, now these Summs are paid, wch will make almost Half my Debts. I’m sufficiently satisfied of Mr N’-s kindness & have wrote my Thanks to him. Yr Grace is not exactly inform’d of Bawtry. He who had it, has taken the Sequestration of Saxelby in this Diocese, & will shortly remove thither. I’ll not solicit for the place, nor goe thither unless they should desire me; but if the people wou’d secure me 45L p an: without trouble in the Collecting it, I would accept of it. But first must get out from hence. I’m exceedingly oblig’d to Fr H.M. as I likewiseam to Yr Garce I’m a bad Begger, & worse at returning formal Thanks, but I can pray heartily for my Benefactors, & hope I shall do it while I live, & so long, beg to be esteemed. Yr Grace most obligd & Thankfull Humbe Servt Sam Wesley. Humble thanks to Mr Dean & his Brother. (On the address side)Mr Wesley Sep 17 1705, For the Most Rd Father in God The Ld Arch-Bishop of York. At Bishop-Thorpe near Yorkshire York

Measurements:

whole
height 304 mm
whole
width 218 mm

Object Number: 2008-153b

Collection

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