Notes
- Robert Watson (b.1711) of Crostard in Cumberland, matriculated in 1730 at Queen's College Oxford, graduated B.A. in 1735 and M.A. in 1739. He was later ordained into the Anglican ministry and served as Rector of Egdean in Sussex. Watson was one of several students of Queen's who were actively involved in the Holy Club. Source: Joseph Foster, Alumni Oxonienses 1715-1886 (1891), and Diary of an Oxford Methodist Benjamin Ingham, 1733-34 (1985), edited by Richard P. Heitzenrater.
- Henry Washington (b.1717) of Penrith in Cumberland, matriculated in 1733 at Queen's College, Oxford, graduated B.A. in 1737 and M.A. in 1741. He was an active member of the Holy Club. Source: Joseph Foster, Alumni Oxonienses 1715-1886 (1891), and Diary of an Oxford Methodist Benjamin Ingham, 1733-34 (1985), edited by Richard P. Heitzenrater.
From Christopher Wells at St John's College, [Oxford] to the house of James Hutton, Bookseller of Temple Bar, London. He has been slow to write because he has nothing agreeable to say. He could of course write about books, learning and 'all the means of knowing religion except that deep & inward reformation, which I know as that wch you would of all things most advise'.
Wells does not relish Charles Wesley's answer to this question - 'Is there no other way of being good, of performing ye duties & of knowing the blessings of Xtianity without joining myself to those who willingly accept that name of distinction [Methodists] wch the world has given them?' It would be professionally inconvenient for Wells to be associated with the [Methodists]. Reference is made to his commitments at the College and the close ties with the Church of England - Wells' exact meaning at this point in the letter is unclear.
Wells is currently devoting his life to understanding the scriptures, and sometimes praying when he most feels his deficiencies. He seeks to lecture on the New Testament and preaches once a week. At the same time, he feels very keenly his own state of sin. Charles Wesley must tell him freely what he must do - he can speak freely for Wells will burn his letter if he chooses not to take Charles Wesley's advice.
[George] Whitefield is charged with turning the people away from the Anglican clergy by his sermons. Wells does however wish him well in his labours and would allow him to preach in his parish if he had one. Wells wishes very much one day to be a good parish priest which is why he maintains his correspondence with Charles Wesley, so that he might benefit from Charles Wesley's opinions.
A Welsh correspondent has asked Wells how best he can catechize. He is one who says that [George] Whitefield may do good by showing up the clergy, and provoking them to do more than they did previously. Wells would like Charles Wesley to teach both himself and this man. Wells' correspondent speaks as if he has seen some account of catechising in Germany, which apparently deals with the subject in such a clear manner that even children can grasp it. If Charles Wesley knows of this publication or particular method, he would be grateful for further details. Likewise, if Charles Wesley can recommend anything produced by the Moravians or the Reformed Churches, then he would be very glad to hear of it. Charles Wesley should also send him the published hymns when they come out.
How successful is the preaching of the gospel in London? He does not know how these things are being represented to those in power in the Church of England.
Poor Mr [Robert] Watson here is experiencing problems. He has been threatened with the denial of his degree '& a testamonium for [Holy] orders'. Wells is sorry that these severe threats have been made. He has talked with [Henry] Washington concerning the matter.
Wells has seen one of the women who was recently converted here, and could detect nothing which could be the cause of criticism. He has also arranged with [John] Gambold to see some others when he arrives back.