Note 21 — Chapter I · WESLEY AT HOME, AT SCHOOL, AND AT COLLEGE. 1703-1725.

A story is told by the Rev. John Reynolds, in his “Anecdotes of Wesley,” p. 8, to the effect that Wesley was deeply moved while at Oxford, by an odd interview which he had with the porter of his college. This man late one evening went to the young collegian’s room, and said he wished to talk with him. After a little pleasantry, Wesley told him to go home and get another coat. The porter replied, “This is the only coat I have in the world, and I thank God for it.” Wesley said, “Go home, and get your supper.” The man responded, “I have had nothing to-day but a drink of water, and I thank God for that.” Wesley remarked, “It is late, and you will be locked out, and then what will you have to thank God for?” “I will thank Him,” replied the porter, “that I have the dry stones to lie upon.” “John,” said Wesley, “you thank God when you have nothing to wear, nothing to eat, and no bed to lie upon. What else do you thank Him for?” “I thank Him,” returned the poor fellow, “that He has given me life and being; and a heart to love Him, and a desire to serve Him.” Reynolds says this was related by Wesley himself, and that the interview made a lasting impression on Wesley’s mind, and convinced him there was something in religion to which he was as yet a stranger.