Torch, Summer 1986

8 by Martha Baldwin S he is best known as the mother of John and Charles Wesley, a notable accomplishment. Yet, if ever anyone had reason to be discouraged , Susanna Annesley Wesley was that one . First of all, bearing 19 children might discourage any mother! How– ever, a closer look reveals that only 10 of those 19 children survived childhood. To lose a child causes a parent terrible grief, but to bury nine must surely break one's heart. The death of one of the babies was especially tragic . The scene: the rectory at Epworth in Lincolnshire, England , where Susanna's fiery husband Samuel was rector. She was ill and confined to bed. The woman caring for the youngest Wesley child took it to bed with her as she attempted to rest for a few moments. Exhausted, she fell asleep , rolled over on the baby and smothered it. The woman awakened and, terrified, snatched up the body, ran to Susanna' s bedroom, and deposited the dead child in its · mother' s arms. Other reasons for discouragement? Yes. The Wesleys found Epworth an isolated community whose people were rough, uncouth, and sullen. The parishioners jeered at the Wes– leys ' refinement and culture and were openly hostile. The 45-year marriage to Samuel was fraught with trials. Away from home for long periods of time on church business, he left the care of the home and the early education of the children to Susanna. He fancied himself a poet and spent much time writing . Very interested in politics, he subjected his family to insults and abuse when he supported unpopular political figures. Once he left home in a huff following a disagreement with his wife over their political opinions and loyalties. During the year that he was away , one of their daughters was born. After their reconciliation, their famous son John was born. Besides not being able to relate well to his parishioners, Samuel was a poor financial manager. No matter what resources came in, somehow he kept his family in near poverty and frequently borrowed. Once he was jailed for three months for owing a 30£ note that he could not pay . During that time his family suffered great hardship , but Susanna sent him all that she could, even her rings that he might buy food for himself. He wrote , " ...she had nothing else to relieve me with; but I returned them, and God soon pro– vided for me ." He spared no cost in providing higher education for his sons , but often had to borrow to accomplish it. Enough reasons for discourage– ment? How about two raging fires, each of which destroyed their home and almost resulted in loss of life? Angry parishioners may have started at least one of them. Another discouraging episode: After the second fire, the Wesleys had rebuilt their home , this time of brick . For a two-month period in 1716, some well-documented super– natural events occurred in the Epworth rectory. On a regular basis, the family heard groanings, knock– ings , crashes, clanging of metal, and splintering of glass . Investiga– tions produced nothing. The noises even responded when family mem– bers knocked back. The younger Susanna