_A._ 1. Build all preaching houses, if the ground will admit, in the octagon form. It is best for the voice, and on many accounts more commodious than any other. 2. Let the roof rise only one third of the breadth: this is the true proportion. 3. Have enough windows and doors; and let all the windows be sashed, opening downward. 4. Let there be no tub-pulpit; but a square projection, with a long seat behind. 5. Let there be no backs to the seats, which should have isles on each side, and be parted in the middle by a rail running all along, to divide the men from the women.
_Q._ 69. Is there nay exception to the rule, “Let the men and women sit apart?”
_A._ In those galleries where they have always sat together, they may do so still. But let them sit apart every where below, and in all new-erected galleries.
_Q._ 70. What can be done, to make the _Methodists_ sensible of the excellency of _Kingswood_ school?
_A_. I. Let every assistant read the following account of it yearly in every society. II. Let every preacher earnestly exhort all parents, that are able to send their children thither, and be at the pains to answer all their objections, and refute all the lies they may have heard about it.
1. The wisdom and love of God have now thrust out a large number of labourers into his harvest; men who desire nothing on earth but to promote the glory of God, to save their own souls, and them that hear them. And those to whom they minister spiritual things, willingly minister to them of their carnal things; so that they _have food to eat and raiment to put on_, and are content therewith.
2. A competent provision is likewise made for the wives of married preachers. These also lack nothing; having a weekly allowance, over and above for their little children; so that neither they nor their husbands need be _careful about many things_, but may wait upon the Lord without distraction.
3. Yet one considerable difficulty lies on those who have boys, when they grow too big to be under their mother’s direction. Having no father to govern and instruct them, they are exposed to a thousand temptations. To remedy this, we have a school on purpose for them, wherein they have all the instruction they are capable of, together with all things needful for the body, clothes only excepted. And it may be, if God prosper this labour of love, they will have these too shortly.
4. In whatever view we look upon this, it is one of the noblest charities that can be conceived. How reasonable is the institution? Is it fit that the children of those who leave wife, home, and all that is dear, to save souls from death, should want what is needful either for soul or body? Ought not we to supply what the parent cannot, because of his labours in the gospel? How excellent are the effects of this institution? The preacher eased of this weight, can the more chearfully go on in his labour. And perhaps many of these children may hereafter fill up the place of those that shall _rest from their labours_.
5. It is not strange therefore, considering the excellence of this design, that Satan should have taken much pains to defeat it: particularly by lies of every kind, which were plentifully invented and handed about for several years. But truth now prevails, and its adversaries are put to silence. It is well known that the children want nothing; that they scarce know what sickness means; that they are well instructed in whatever they are capable of learning; that they are carefully and tenderly governed; and that the behaviour of all in the house, elder and younger is _as becomth the gospel of Christ_.
6. But the expence of such an undertaking is very large; so that although we have at present but thirteen or fourteen poor children, we are continually running behind, notwithstanding the yearly subscription made at _London_ and _Bristol_. The best means we could think of at our late conference to supply the deficiency is once a year to desire the assistance of all those in every place who wish well to the work of God; all who long to see sinners converted to God, and the kingdom of Christ set up in all the earth.
7. All of _you_, who are thus minded, have an opportunity now of shewing your love to the gospel. Now promote, as far as in you lies, one of the noblest charities in the world. Now forward, as you are able, one of the most excellent designs that ever was set on foot in this kingdom. Do what you can to comfort the parents, who give up their all for you, and to give their children cause to bless you. You will be no poorer for what you do on such an occasion. God is a good pay-master. And you know, in doing this you _lend unto the_ Lord: _in due time_ HE _shall pay you again_.
_Q._ 71. But how can we keep it out of debt, which never was done yet?
_A._ Let a collection be made for it the _Sunday_ before or after Midsummer, in every preaching-house, great and small, throughout _England_, _Scotland_, and _Ireland_.