Susanna Wesley

180 SUSANNA WESLEY.
her husband's death was on February 14th, 1735, when
the household probably consisted only of the Rector,
herself, Kezzy, and John Whitelamb. Mary was dead,
Patty in London, and John in the study, writing to his
father-in-law's dictation, or in some way endeavouring
to lighten the burden of old age and infirmity. As the
spring came on the Rector became weaker, and at length,
feeling sure that the end was near, Mrs. Wesley sent
for John and Charles. They came in time for him to
enjoy seeing and talking with them ;
and as they
watched him, they observed how his most cherished
aspirations were given up at the approach of death.
These were the desire of
" finishing Job," of paying
his debts, and of seeing his eldest son once more in
the flesh.
Emilia came over from Gainsborough, where
her brothers had enabled her to set up a school for herself;
and they took turns in watching and tending him.
Mrs. Wesley was thoroughly broken down, and came
into the room but rarely,
for she invariably fainted
and had to be carried away and restored by those
whose hands were already so full. Mr. Wesley passed
peacefully away at sunset on April 25th, 1735, sensible
to the end, drawing his last breath as his son John
finished repeating the commendatory prayer for the
second time. They went immediately to tell their
mother, who was less affected than they feared she
would have been, and said that her prayers were heard
in his having so easy a death and her being so
strengthened to bear it.
Charles wrote all particulars on the 30th, probably
two days after the funeral, to his brother Samuel, who
was " then settled at Tiverton, and added :
My mother would be exceedingly glad to see you
as soon as can be. We have computed the debts,