Transcript from original newspaper article: -

A SUBSTANTIAL DREAM.

“friend Wesley,” said a Quaker to the Rev. John Wesley, I have had a dream concerning thee. I thought I saw thee surrounded with a large flock of sheep, which thou didst not know what to do with. My first thought after I awoke was, that it was thy flock at Newcastle, and that thou hadst no house of worship for them. I have inclosed a note for £100, which may help thee to build them a house.”

Many professing Christians have beautiful dreams about doing good, but those who practically remember their dreams and act as did the Quaker, are few. My brethren, let us not end with dreaming, but, on the contrary, let us be doers of the work; dream if you like, but let your dreams come to something substantial in the current coin of the realm, or in deeds of devotedness. If at any time you have a day-dream about contributing to the support of any Christian institution, or needful object of charity, do it before you sleep, if possible. When the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and join thyself to this chariot,” we read that “Philip ran thither.” He did not only “go” but “he ran,” and the conversion of the premier of Ethiopia was the result and reward of his immediate and prompt obedience.

My dear fellow-Christian, let us be prompt, considerate, faithful, devoted stewards of “the grace of God.” have you talents, time, money, influence – let all by employed for Jesus, with all your heart. Seek earnestly to obtain a fresh anointing of the Holy One, that you may be made to know all things, and be “of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord.” “I will run the way of thy commandments when thou shalt enlarge my heart.”