THE WOMEN AROUND JOHN WESLEY AT HOME ... - Kristoffersen

LITERARY ACTIVITYSamuel Wesley had both literary and politicalinterests. This is confirmed by the fact that he travelled toLondon to met social and literary leaders of that time.Samuel could himself tell stories, and it was easy for him togather friends around himself. When he had money, he wasnot so careful how he used them. His sense of economywas certainly one of the reasons why it was said that it wasso poor at Epworth. We have heard that the girlscomplained that they could not get the necessary clothesthat could open the way for them into the higher and richerfamilies. Samuel Wesley got a salary of £150 per annumfrom the Congregation. It is generally believed that it wasnot a bad salary as they in addition to Samuel´ s salary hadanimals and a garden that gave food for the big family.When we compare Samuel´ s salary with John Wesley´ sliving standard, then Samuel` s salary was £120 more thanwhat John ever used per annum.We can say that Samuel Wesley was not a goodeconomist according to what we can read in his letters tohis sons. The letters often contained information about hisfinancial problems.THE PATRIARCHAL SYSTEMSamuel Wesley was the “ruler of the house”according to the patriarchal system of that time. Susannaspoke about him as “My Master”. The Children wroteaddressing him “ Honoured Sir”.18