History of Madeley: including Ironbridge, Coalbrookdale, and CoalportRandall, John
History
History of Madeley: including Ironbridge, Coalbrookdale, and Coalport
Randall, John
Madeley (Shropshire, England) -- History
“IX.—That the schools be solemnly visited once or twice a year; and a
premium given to the children that have made the greatest improvement.”
Three hundred children were soon gathered together whom Mr. Fletcher took
every opportunity of instructing, by regular meetings, which he attended
with the utmost diligence. In order to encourage the children he gave
them little hymn-books, pointing them to some friend or neighbour, who
would teach them the hymns and instruct them to sing. They were greatly
taken with this new employment, insomuch that it is said many would
scarce allow themselves time to eat or sleep, for the desire they had of
learning their lessons. At every meeting, after inquiring who had made
the greatest proficiency, he distinguished them by some little reward.
He also urged upon his more wealthy parishioners the importance of
establishing such schools at Coalbrookdale and Madeley.
MR. FLETCHER AS HEAD OF LADY HUNTINGDON’S COLLEGE.
Mr. Fletcher was for some time at the head of a college founded by the
Countess of Huntingdon for young men preparing for the ministry, at
Trevecca, in South Wales. His attachment to his flock at Madeley,
however, prevented him paying more than occasional visits and giving
advice with regard to the appointment of masters, and the admission or
exclusion of students. Mr. Benson, one of the tutors, tells us that he
here gave numberless proofs of his amiable disposition. To mention but
one instance, two of the students were bitterly prejudiced against each
other, and he took them into a room by themselves, reasoned with them,
wept over them, and at last prevailed. Their hearts were broken; they
were melted down; they fell upon each others’ necks and wept aloud.
The long journeys on horseback, in all seasons and in all weathers, from
Madeley to Trevecca and back again to Madeley, however, told upon his
constitution, and much impaired his health.
MR. FLETCHER AS A CONTROVERSIALIST.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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