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Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure ere filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, aa many framee as required. The following diegrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre fllmAs A des taux de reduction diff Arents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul clichA, 11 est fiimA A partir de Tangle supArleur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'imagea nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 HIS With ai 01 PUBLl THE HISTORY OF METHODISM XXT O.A.^T.A.T>. With as acoouiit of the bisb and PBOOHBes of the wobk OF CK>D AMOnO THE CAITADXAN TSDUJX TBIBESy MXD iBcmiml |(0lici8 nl tftt CM ^itm$ el %e Hj^xMrn. ''Y GEORGE F. PLAYTEE, or TBI WISMTAM OOMriMMOI. PUBLBHED FOB THE AUTHOB BY ANSON GBEEN> AT THE WE8LBTAN FBENTING ESTABLISHHEin'i KINO STREET EAST. 1862. ^6- 178062 * , I ;i 1 ; J ■. StfA, J-.. Entered according to the Act of the FroriacUl Legielature, in the year of onr Lord, one thouBond, eight hundred and sixty-two, in the Office of the B^lBtrar of the Froylnce of Canada. :t -«:» ' ) t'fti /r-f*f.-4l'Ti'»>ii .4- ^'irMiS:\0^0i iiSfi' I-*.! CONTENTS. CHAPTER L Ifttroduction of Methodism into the North American Colonies 3 Suited States people invade Canada 9 Great Emigration into Canada during the Beyolutionary War, T Two days of Thanksgiving for Peace in 1783 8 Upper Canada began to be Surveyed 9 Tlrst Methodist Preacher ,.... 9 )784 Great Emigration to the St. Lawrence, the Niagara, and the Detroit Bivers , 10 Wesley's Ordination of Preachers for America 11 Christmas Conference, and beginning of M. E. Church.. 13 1786 Second Methodist Preacher in Canada 1$ 1^87 Prince William (afterwards ^ng William lY,) came to Canada 1$ 1788 Lyon's and McCarty, preach in the Bay of Quinte Set- tlements .„ 17 1789 Name of U. E. Loyalists given to loyalist emigrants... 19 1790 Petition to New Xork Conference for Preachers 20 William Losee, first regular Methodist Preacher arrives 20 1791 His return to the Bay of Quinte Settlements . 23 1192 First Governor of Upper Canada 29 First and second Methodist Meeting-houses 30 Account of some first Settlers about Hay Bay 31 Darius Dunham appointed to Cataraqui Circuit. 34 Oswegotchie Circuit begun by William Losee 35 First General Conference of the Methodist E. Church... 3 if William Losee leaves the Country ....^ 4t 1794 Coleman and Woolsey, preachers, come to Canada 44 The Niagara Circuit began 45 1795 Sylvanus Eeeler, the 6th preacher, arrives 4$ ^796 Hezekiah Calvi^ Wooster begins his labours in Canada. 48 IV. CONTENTS. Fa«i. 17&7 Account of his usefulness and devotion 61 Samu^.^ Coate's persoi^al appearance and manners 6& Solemnizing matrimony allowed to Presbyterians and Lutherans ^ 6d 1798 Calvin Wooster's happy death 67 17,99, John Jewell, the second Presiding Elder. 69 Lorenzo Dow labours in Lower Canada 69 1800 Total Members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.... 63 Controversy between Samuel Coate and Robt. DcDowell 63 Retirement of Darius Dunhan from the itinerant work 66 Daniel Picket, first Preacher to the Ottawa Country 67 1801 Revival on Niagara Circuit, conversion of Nathan Bangs 69 Long Point Circuit begun 72 Nathan Bangs and the Indians at a Traders house, in Pickering 73 1802 Joseph Sawyer visits the city of Montreal 75 Lorenzo Dow's second visit to Canadci ,, 76 1804 Death of Barbara Heck 78 Account of John Robinson and Peter Tannest 78 Nathan Bangs commences the work on the river Thames 80. 1805 Henry Ryan and William Case came into Canada 84 First Camp-meeting on Hay Bay shore, Adolphustown. 85 Yonge Street and Smith's Creek Circuits now begin. . . 86 1806 Thomas Whitehead and Andrew Prindle travel in Upper Canada '. 87 Nathan Bangs volunteers for Quebec Station 88 Sylyanus Keeler retires from the itinerant work 91 1808 Augusta, Cornwall and Anca«ter Cfarcuits first on the Minutes 95 1809 First steamboat on the Canadian waters «... 96 Three Rivers was added to the circuits 97 1810 The Genessee Conference formed 98 Labours of the Presiding Elders on the districts 99 Location of Samuel Coate 101 Retirement of Joseph Sawyer from the itinerant work.^ 102 1811 Bishop Asbury's visit to Upper Canada 103, 1812 1813 1814 Proi 1815 ;816 1817 1818 1819 1820 6S 60 67 69 69 63 I 63 66 67 ;s 69 72 73 75 75 78 ,. 78 IS 80 . 84 1. 85 . 80 r • 87 . 88 . 91 . 95 . 90 . 97 . 98 , 99 101 102 103 CONTENTS. ▼. Paoi. 1812 United States Congress declare war against Great Britain 107 Canada first inyaded at the Detroit River. 110 Robert Hibbard drowned i;i the St. Lawrence 112 1813 Letter of Mr. Case, on the battle of Sackett's harbour. 116 Account of Tecumseh the HuroA Chief 119 Canadian prisoners of war visited by Mr. Case 124 1814 Twelve reflections suggested by the War 127 English Conference station preachers in Quebec and Montreal 140 CHAPTER II. From the end of the war in 1814, to the establiehment of a Conference In Canada in 1894. 1815 Testimonial voted by Upper Canada Parliament to memory of Gen. Brock 142 1810 Dispute about the Montreal Metl^iodist cliapel 145 Missioi^ary Committee's letter to Bishop Asbury 146 General Conference resolutions on the difference with the English preachers 148 Death of the venerable bishop Asbury 151 The twelve oldest Methodist meetinghouses 162 William Losee's last visit to Canada 160 1817 Session of Genesee Conference in Elizabethtown 158 •an Great Revival of Religion 169 1818 York and Long_Point Circuits first on the List 100 Five English preachers stationed in Upper Canada....... 107 1819 Wesleyan Mis. Committee's letter to Bishop M'Kendree 109 Wyandot Mission taken in charge by Ohio Conference 172 Ten youths drowned in Hay Bay 174 1820 Letter of General Conference to the brethren in Canada 177 Resolution of the English Conference on the difficul- ties in the Province 179 Letter of Missionary Committee to their Missionaries... 182 Letter of Bishop M'Kendree to the Preachers and Socie- ties in Upper Canada 180 And aqother to the private and ofKci<4 niembers in L.C. 189 tit C0NTBNT8. Paoi. 1820 The Genesee Conference meets in the Town of Niagara, 191 Number of Ministers and Preachers in Upper Canada. . 192 Singular preservation of a child 196 1821 Numbers and salaries of the Episcopal ministers 199 Account of the Perth settlement 201 1822 The military settlements of Lanark and Richmond 204 New settlements near York visited by preachers 207 Death of James G. Peal 210 1823 Alvin Torry preaches to the Indians of the Grand River 216 Peter Jones converted at the Ancaster camp-meeting.... 218 Seth Crawford's account of the awakening of the Indians 220 A Class of Wyandots formed at the River Canard 227 1824 The Wyandot society, state of 229 The Grand River Indians 229 The new Settlements near York 231 The Perth Settlement 233 Elder Ryan agitates for a separation from the U. S 234 General Conference forms the Preachers into the Canada Conference , 236 CHAPTER III. From the first Canada Conference, 1821, until the fieparation, 1838. 1824 Memorial for the Independence of the Body 240 Formation of the Missionary Society of the M. E. Church in Canada » 242 Hallowell Conference, Circular to the Societies 244 The Grand River Mission 245 1826 Mississaugas at the Mount Pleasant camp-meeting 248 Presents at the Credit River 260 Muncey Indians on the Thames visited.... 853 Second visit to the Munceys 266 The Saltfleet Conference 268 Yoimg Preachers' studies 259 The first Report of the Ca4ada Auxilliary Missionary Society 261 Ber. Dr. Strachan's funeral sermon for Dr. Moimtain... 272 1826 1827 1828 Paoi. igara, 191 ada.. 192 196 199 201 id 204 207 210 [River 216 ing.... 218 Qdians 220 i 227 229 229 , 231 233 S 234 Canada .... 236 n,1838. 240 Church 242 244 24S ng 248 , 250 853 256 258 259 Bionary 261 atain... 273 CONTENt*. tU. Paoi. 1826 Bay of Quinte Indians visited 274 Account of John Sunday's conversion 276 Mississaugas attend Adolphustown camp-meoting 279 Settlement at the Credit river began 181 Governor forbids the Indians to attend camp-meetings. 284 New townships on the Ottawa River visited 285 The (township of) Hamilton Conference 286 Bice Lalio Indians converted 287 LalceSimcoe Indians visited 291 LeasjB of Qrape Island for an Indian settlement 292 1827 The (village oO Hamilton Conference 294 Alvin Torry retires from the Canadian worlc 295 Henry Ryan and David Breakenridge separate from the Methodists 297 Dr. Strachan's Letter and Chart University of King's Coliege 800 Grand river mission 800 The settlement at the Credit river 301 Lake Simcoe Indians at Yonge street camp-meeting 803 Mud Lake Indians desire to become Christians 805 Indians of Sohoogog Lake receive religious instruction 806 Work goes on among the Rice Lake Indians 807 Settlement of Grape Island beginning 811 Kingston and Crosby circuits now on the list 818 1828 Gen. Conference allows the separation of the Canadian body 8 IS Ernestown Conference 820 Alteration in the Book of Discipline 822 Anniversary of the Missionary Society 823 Conference Address to Lieutenant Governor 825 Newmarket, Bytown, and Bonchiere, on the circuit list 828 Death of Bishop Georg« 829 Strechan's Letter and Chart 830 TestiJiony of the House of Assembly to the character of the Methodist preachers 832 Address of the Assembly to King George IV. 833 The Government and the Indians 885 Viii. CONTlNTt. PAOi. 1828 Religious bodies allowed to hold land 880 Indian children before a meeting in York 88^ Mr. Case with two Indians at a meeting \n New York 841 Hiss Hubbard and Miss Barnes oome to Grape Island Z4% Letter of Mr. F. Hall concerning Credit mission 848 Grand River Mission 849 Lalce Simcoe and Matohedash Indians at Yonge street camp- meeting 850 Indian camp-meeting at Snake Island 855 Rice Lake mission and schools 856 Sohoogog Lake Indians 858 Three Indian speakers visit the Indians of the Thames 861 '* Work of God on the circuits 866 N. B. The appointments of the Canadian preachers may found under the date of each year ; and the appointments of the English preachers, in the same way, from 1814. CHAPTER IV. I. Sources of the present history 867 II. Difficulties to the first preachers ; winter, forest 868 in. Tableofcircuits travelled by preachers 876 IV. Table of preachers travelling oldest circuits k 879 V. The superannuated preachers to 1828....^... *.. 885 VI. Remarks on the work among the Indians ^ 887 Vn. A Table showing the districts, counties, and townships in Upper Canada, in 1828 898 VlII. A Chronological Table showing some of the principal events in the history of Canada, to year 1828 895 IX A Chronological Table showing many of the principal events in the history of English Methodism . » 897 1. Under first race of Methodist preachers, to 1765 ...... 897 2. Under second race, to 1791 401 8. Under third race, to 1814 404 X. A Chronological Table showing the rise and progress of the Methodists m the United States, to 1828 409 Conclusion „ , , ,, 412 PAOi. 889 , 889 : 841 I Z4% 848 849 ttoamp- 860 856 86ft 868 los 861 866 ' found under flh preaohera, 867 868 876 879 886 887 iships in 898 a1 events 896 >al events 897 766 897 401 , 404 ss of the , 409 412 HISTORY or etli0(li$m in &«nnd«. CHAPTER I. THE history of the general Church has be«.ii written by inspired and uninspired men; and different branches of the Church of Christ have the story of their rise and prograM narrated and preserved. The history of Misthodism, or the great revival of religion in the British Isles, has attracted and engaged several pens; so has the quick growth and great' extension of Methodism in the United States. But the nar- rative of the beginning and spread of that work of God in th» country on the north of the St Lawrence river, and of th» great Canadian lakes, has never engaged an author's pen,— » scarcely an enquirer's research. The materials, however, existed, — floating in the memories of the aged, hidden in official and unprintod records, and scattered over scarce books and ephemeral prints. The labour of collecting arranging, and describing these is now essayed. The history of the original inhabitants, living on the sit* of the present Province of Canada, is unrecorded and unknown. The French discovery, leading to the French possession, was in 1 534 ; when Jacques Cartier entered the Gulf of St. Law- and the next year, came up the river to an Indian renc'j village called Stadacona, now Quebec, and then pcoceeded uj^ Distort of methobism [1759 \ to anotW village called HocSielaga, now Montreal. Friendly relations were first established with the native tribes ; next, settlements of French adventurers were formed for trade and defence; and kstly, missionaries of the Roman Catholic Church came to preserve and propagate their faith. Gradually, the French population increased from the Gulf to the Detroit Biver, until, at the Conquest, they numbered in Lower Canada above 65,000 souls. The conquest of French Canada by the British, under Genetal Wolfe, was in the year 1759. The treaty of 1763 allowed Great Britain quiet possession of the countryr after Franco had held and nurtured it more than 200 years. So that great tract of country mostly riorth of the St, Lawrence river and the .lai'ge inland lakes, called Canada, became and has since continued a province of the British Empire. The great revival of religion first called Methcdism by its «aemies, b^un in 1739, had, at the Conquest, made notable progress in England and Ireland, and smne advance in Scotland and Wales. The Conference of 1763 was the twentieth, the eirouits numbered 31, and the members of the Methodist So- eioties about 20,000. Three years after Canada became a British province, Methodism b^an in America, in the city of New York. . A small number of pious emigrants from Ireland, members of the Methodist Society, came, in 1765, to the city. Among them was a family called Embury, origin- ally from Germany, but now from Ireland. There were four brothers, viz., John, Peter, Philip, and David, A descendant of the family informed me, that John and Peter were pious men, and used to preach in the German language. They did not live to be very old, and died in the United States. David Embury left his property in the United States, came to Upper Canada and settled in the township of Fredericksburg, on the north, side of Hay Bay. He died in 1810, and was buried on his own farm, Philip Embury was a carpenter and local preadier. In 1766 another Methodist family arrived called Heck, The wife of Paul Heck, called Barbara, seeing the Me- thodists from her own country had far declined in piety, except Embury, deeply kiinented their condition. Hearing that they were, on one occasion, engaged even in card playing, she has- [1759 Friendly es; next, trade and Catbolie Jradually, le Detroit iv Canada sh, under f of 1763 itry, after rears. So Lawrence icame and e. ism by its ie notable a Seotland ntieth, tho ihodist So- became a a the city ants from n 1765, to iry, origin- were four descendant were pious They did 3S. David e to Upper iksburg, on was buried and local ived called ing the Me- iety, except g that they ng, she has- 1769.] IN CANADA. 8 tened to the place, reproved them sharply, and seizing the cards, flung them into the fire. She then went to the local preacher, and with great earnestness, even with tears> begged him to preach to the backsliders. "Brother Embury, you must preach to us, or we shall all go to hell, and God will require our blood at your hands." He replied, " How can I preach, for I have neither a house nor a congregation ?" Said she, " Preach in your own house, and to your own company first." He consented, and preached in his own room, at first to five hearers only. He continued, the hearers increased, and good fruits soon appeared. Philip Embury was the first Methodist Preacher in America. The second was Captain Webb, a barrack master at Albany, (converted three years before in Bristol,) who, hearing of the infant Methodist society, strengthened them in the faith, and in 1769, preached publicly in New York, and on Long Island, in his military uniform. He attracted large congregations, and his word was with power. " The Captain," said Mr. Wesley, " is all life : therefore, although he is not deep or regular, yet many who would not hear a better preacher, flock together to hear him. And many are convinced under his preaching; some justified ; a few built up in love."* Under the preaching of Philip Embury and Captain Webb, the congregations continued so to increase, that the few Methodists resolved on building a chapel. Accordingly, some lots^were purchased on John street, New York, and a house for public worship was erected, 60 feet by 42 feet, and called Wesley Chapel. It was first preached in by Mr. Embury, October 30th, 1768, and his text was Hosea x. 12. At the Conference in Leeds, 1769, Mr. Wesley mentionol the case of brethren in America : " For some years past several of our brethren from England and Ireland (and some of them preachers) had settled in North America, and had in various places formed societies, particularly in Philadelphia and New York. The society at New York had lately built a commodious preaching house ; and now desired our help, being in great want* of money, but much more of preachers. Two of our preachers, Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmore, willingly offered themselves for the service ; by whom we deter- mined to send over fifty pounds, as a token of our brotherly love. * Wesley's JouroAls 1773. ii' HI8T0EY OP METHODISM [1771. Several dther of our preachers went over in the following years. As they taught the fiame doctrines with their brethren hero, so they used the same discipline And the work of God prospered in their hands; so that a little before the rebellion broke out, about twenty-two preachers (most of them Americans) acted in concert with each other, and near three thousand persons were united together in the American societies. These were chiefly in tho provinces of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York."* The two first regular preachers landed near Philadelphia, Octoter 24, 1769, and immediately befran the Gospel work. Mr. Boardman took his station at New York, and relieved Mr. Embury of his onerous charge, held now for three years. He found a society, a congregation, and a chapel, ready to his hand. Mr. Pittmore remained in Philadelphia, where he found a society of one hundred persons, gathered and under the charge of Captain Webb, a large congregation, and an intense desire to hear the Gospel. On the first Sunday the new missionary preached in the open air, to above four thou- sand people. In 1771, Francis Asbury, ".fterwards superintendent or bishop of the Methodist connexion in New York and Canada, cro&i:ed the ocean, and came to Philadelphia, October 27tb. He was born in 1745, near Birmingham ; was converted at an early age; a local preacher nearly five years; began to travel on a circuit in 1767 ; and offered for tho American work, at the Bristol Conference in August, sailing from England in September. The first, winter he preached in the country, towns, and villages around the city of New York. The preparatory steps to the American revolution were now taking; and from the shedding of the first blood at Lexington, in 1775, to the formal separation of the colonies from Great Britain, in 1783, confusion and war dwelt in the land. Yet the preachers continued their travels and labours, and did not preach in vain. On the conquest of Canada, King George III. appointed General Murray to be the first Governor of the new Province of Quebec. The French people were promised popular legis- lative assemblies ; but, in the meantime, the laws of England • Short Hiitory of MethodiiU. by Wesley. I [1771. Dg years, hero, BO ispercd in ut, about n concert e united iy in tho York."» adelphia, el work, eved Mr. irs. He y to his rhere he d under and an nduy the jur thou- ident or Canada, Der 27tb. erted at 3^n to American ng from cd in the STork. vere now xin^on, )m Great id. Yet 1 did not ppointed Province liar leois- England 1774.] IN CANADA. wore to bs in force. With the Governor, a Conncil of eigbjb was to be asiiociated to aid and advise in the administration of the ^overnujent. In 17G4, a printing press was set up ii;i Quebec, the seat of Government, and the first number of the Quebec Gazette was issued on the 21st June. Scarcely had the English quiet possession of the new country before printl ing was brought in to aid order, intelligence and freedom. As it was found very inconvenient to supplant entirely the French language, laws, and usages, various alleviations were made»«n- much to the satisfaction of the conquered people. The second Governor was Sir Grey Carleton, who was on officer in connection with the forces in Canada. His appoint- ment was in 1768. The country was peaceable, trade increas- ing, and the population in 1773 embraced 100,000 Frenchi Catholic?, and 400 Protestants. The latter clas?, which com- prised the English portion of the population, was composed chiefly of merchants, officers, and disbanded soldiers, and resided mostly at Quebec and Montreal. The Government offered large gratuities of land to the soldiers engaged with Wolfe in the war, viz., to a field officer 5000 acres, a captain 3000, subaltern 2000, sergeant or other non-commissioned officer 2C0, a private 50 acres, — yet few accepted the offers ; for in the rural parishes of Lower Canada there were only 19 Protestants. The soldiers prefered keeping public houses or engaging in mechanical arts to clearing and cultivating th,e land. In 1774, the celebrated Quebec Act was passed by the Im- perial Parliament. It effected great changes in the mode of governing the Province, and was especially in favour of the conquered race, — allowing French laws for civil cases and settlement of property, and English laws for the use of crimi- nal courts. The Roman Catholic religion was freed from all penal restrictions, and the religious orders were allowed pos- session of great estates. A governor, with a legislative council cf from 17 to 23 persons, appointed by the King, were to form the administration. The English population was very dis<- eatisSed, and compliined that they had lost the franchise, the protection of Knglisih laws, the Habeas Corpus, and trial by jury in civil cases. Tlioy petitioned for the repeal or altera- tion of the Act ; but it remained the foundation of govern- ment in Canada for 17 years. This year various persons ^\s^^ 6 HISTORY OP METHODISM [1775. emigrated into Canada from New York ; and among the rest Paul and Barbara Heck, and their family, (three sons, John, Jacob and Samuel,) who assisted in the beginning of Metho- dism in New York. In 1775, died Philip Embury, the local preacher of New York city. After the arrival of the regular preachers, he removed to Cambden, Washington county, New York. Here he continued to exercise his gifts as a local preacher, and formed a small society at Ashgrove, chiefly of emigrants from Ireland. He ended his days suddenly, but in peace, and was buried in a solitary spot on a neighbouring farm, seven miles distant from Ashgrove, but a spot of great natural beauty.* The Americans, now in arms, captured the only British sloop on Lake Champlain, and two forts, and thus secured a passage into Canada. The Governor had the 7th and 26th regiments, numbering only 800 men. He sought the aid of the French peasantry, but they were satisfied to remain at home. The enemy, under Montgomery, came to the attack of Montreal ; but were prevented by a small force, under the orders of General Carleton. But Fort St. John and Chambly surrendered, and with these places a large portion of the 800 troops was lost. The enemy pressed on, and took possession of Montreal without resistence. After destroying the stores, the Governor sailed down the river in a boat to Quebec. The Americans, under Arnold, crossed the river opposite Quebec on the night of November 13th, but failed to surprise the city or fort. The Governor arrived on the I9th, to the great joy of the garrison, bringing two armed schooners from Three Bivers. He ordered all liable to the militia to serve or quit the city. Thus the garrison was increased to 1,800 men, with* plenty of provisions for eight months. Montgomery joined Arnold on 1st December, and the two bodies of troops num- bered 2000 men. On the 4th, the enemy proceeded to the * In 1834, some Burriving friendii, movvd by a pioas regpect, had his remains re* moved to the Methodist burying ground in Ashgrove, where some of bis friends and Qountrymen were buried. Religious services were performed, by the Rev. N, Maffit, In presence of a multitude of people. A marble tablet is erected, and fays, '* Philip Embury, the earliest American niioister of the H. E. Church, here founa his last earthly resting place. ' Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Born in Ireland, an emigrant to Now York, Embury was the drst to gather a class in that city, and to eet in motiun a train of measures which resulted in the formation of John Street Chnrcb, the cradle of American Methodism, and the introduction of a system which has beautified the eartli witt salvation and increased the joys o( heaven." - . , ^ ■ . » . ■. . .^ , . .o-,-,;. .,■.,>.= .;■.•...■, 1776.] IN CANADA. possession attack of Quebec The general sent a flag, to summon the besieged to surrender. General Carleton ordered the flag to be fired upon. The cold was intense ; but the enemy pro- ceeded to the attack of the city, by artillery, without success. The enemy aimed to take the city by storm in the aight, but was repulsed, with the loss of one general, wounding the othei*, and tbe capture of above 400 mea. Arnold now waited for rein- forcementa, and merely blockaded the garrison, the rest of the winter. Seeing no prospect of success, the enemy began his retreat, in the beginning of May, 1776, followed by General Carleton ; and was soon driven entirely out of tl^ Province. In the same summer, the possess^ion of the waters of Lake Ohamplain were recovered. And here ended the revolutipnary war, so far as the province of Canada was concerned. The Americans sought to get possession of the Province, but they entirely failed. The French nor English were in favour of the American cause, and no co-operation was obtained. July 4th, 1776, is noted as the day when the thirteen Colonies dissolved their allegiaH«e to the British Grown, and (declared themselves free and independent^ under the name of the Thirteen United States of America. The third governor, Ma^or General Haldimand, was ap- pointed in 1777; a year very unfavourable to the British arms, for General Burgoyne was reduced to sueh extremities, that he was obliged to surrender with all his army, to the revolutionists. Already, since the war began, several families, influenced by feelings of loyalty and duty to the British crown -—and also to escape the distractions of the country, which appeared likely long to continue, — had come to Canada, and took up their residence in or near Quebec and Montreal. But, after the disaster of Burgoyne's army, the loyalii^ in New York state were so discouraged, that they began to look upon Canada as their only refuge. They arranged their property as well as possible, and made preparations for their departure and journey. A great number came into the Province each year of the continuance of the war ; some by way of the se^ and up the river St. Lawrence, and some through the unbroken wilderness between the inhabited parts of New York state to those of the Province. Great privations and distress were endured by the emigrants. Families were six weeks on the voyage to Quebec. During the war, some of the emigrants s HISTORT OF METHODISM L1778. f«ttled on land in Upper Canada, and bofoTe surveyiog had hardly Ix^n.* In 1778, the siath Conference of the "preachers in con- neclion with the Kev. Jolin Wesley," took place. The English preachers had left the country on account of the war, except Prancis Asbury, who was now hid in Dekware. The preach- ers numbered 29, and the members 6000, and there were 15 circuits. The salary of a preacher was ei»;ht pounds, Virginia currency. This year Mr. Wesley began his monthly publica- tion, called the At'minian Magazine. And Mr. Asbury was appointed, by the American preachers,. General Superintendent of the infant cautt signed in by the were all . The a great aU tho vice and continu- Tho csgiving iiik8< t lli^ eliargeil i:i tke >it0 of 1783.] IN CANADA. 9 for publio peace in July, and another in October ; and also two fast days. With all the hindrances of war in the land, the preachers were increased to 85, and the members to nearly 14,000. The close of the revolutionary war strengthened the desire of the British party in Canada for a reform in the government of the country, and especially for a House of Assembly, elected as the English House of Commons. Many petitions were sent to the British Government. The peace led to a large emigration of loyalists to the Province, as well as many of the disbanded soldiers, helping to populate a large and fertile country, To accommodate the emigrants, the Government resolved to open up the western part of Canada, now ft dreary wilderness, and almost uninhabited. A few settlers were along the St. Lawrence from Cornwall to Brockville, on the Bay of Quinte from Kingston to Bath, and some French near Detroit. All else was a wilderness, in which dwelt the wild animals and feathery tribes, and in which roamed tribes of savage Indians* The necessary work of surveying the new land, along the St. Lawrence and Bay of Quinte, and dividing it into townships, and then into concessions and lots, was pursued with dili- gence. The townships were first numbered, but not named, until several years after ; and the practice of calling the town* ships by the number is still retained by many old inhabitants. Farther, to encourage emigrants from the United States the Government offered liberal gifts of land. For the dis- banded soldiers of 1783 the regulations were the same for officers as after the peace of 1763, but privates and all loyalists were to receive 200 acres each, on the condition of actual settle- juent ; and the grants were to be made free of expense. FIRST METHODIST PREACHER. Probably, religion was not sufficiently attended to in those days of trouble and confusion. The French had their priests, and in their churches the usual services were performed. A clergyman of the Church of England was in Montreal and Quebec. Other ministers were unknown, unless some chap- lain connected with a regiment. But, in 1780, a Methodist local preacher, named Tuffey, a commissary of the 44th regi- B-1 to HISTORY OF METHODISM [1784. ment, oame to Quebec with the regiment.* He appears to have been a man devoted to God, and zealous for the Gospel. Seeing and lamenting the state of the wicked soldiery, and the Protestant emigrants in Quebec, he commenced preaching, soon after his arrival, and continued to do so at suitable opportunities while he remained. Probably, there were Methodists among the soldiers, who may have strengthened and encouraged him, in his taking up the cross. But no society seems to have been formed of any of the Pro- testant inhabitants of Quebec. Peace being come, some of the regiments in 1783, were disbanded; and among the rest the 44th. Many officers and men returned home; but many remained, taking up land, and settling as farmers. In this way, soldiers who were Methodists, or had heard Mr. Wesley, Tuffey, or other preachers, were scattered about in the first settlements, — retaining a knowledge of the Gospel, perhaps exemplifying the precepts. Though Mr. Tuffey returned home, yet the good influence of his life and labours, doubtless in some degree, remained. We may regard this British sol- dier as the first Methodist preacher in the Province of Canada. As with the soldiers, so with the emigrant loyalists coming from the vallies of the Hudson, the Susquehana, and the North Biver. They nad all, more or less, been accustomed to the preaching of the Gospel and to religious services, and really or nominally belonged to different denominations. Many be- longed to the Episcopalian Church, some to the Presbyterian, the Lutheran, and the Baptist. A few were Methodists; but many probably had heard the Methodist preachers. This diversity of religious opinion was scattered over the first settlements in Upper Canada. 1784. The Governor appointed commissioners to take a census of the population of Lower Canada. The population of all Canada amounted to 120,000 souls: an increase of twenty thousand in ten years. The survey of th^ new town- ships being completed, the royalists, and the disbanded soldiers of the 84th regiment, and some others, boated the waters of the'St. Lawrence in the summer, and took possession of their lands, especially along the Bay of Quinte. Other lands were surveyed, and taken possession of, on the Niagara river. • A. O. MeMUm'a HIat Meth,, printed by WilaoQ ia Hallowell, 1832. [1784. 1784] IN CANADA. 11 ) appears I for the e wicked leheo, he ntinued to Probably, may have the cross. [• the Pro- [)me of the e rest the but many . In this r. Wesley, n the first I, perhaps returned doubtless British sol- ;)f Canada. U coming the North ned to the i really or Many be- jsbyterian, •dists; but TS. This the first to take a population ncrease of new town- ed soldiers waters of in of their lands were ;ara river. And a third settlement was begun on the banks of the livei Detroit. So great was the emigration of the last and present year, that the population of Upper Canada rose up at once to about 10,000 souls. As the greater part of the settlers were poor, or stript of their property in the revolution, the Govern- ment assisted nearly all, for two years, with provisions, farming utensils, and clothing. Still soircity was always felt untU sufficient land was cleared and cultivated ; and one year, whe^ the small crops failed, starvation stared them in the face. Many families lived for days on the drink of bdled beach leaves, or slippery elm bark, or on the wild leeks of the woods , It was related that a certain family had a piece of beef, and boiled it down to soup. The next family begged the bones, and, after a second boiling, they went to the pots of two other fami- lies, before the nourishment was thought to be quite cxtracted- Mr. Wesley now ordained Pr. Coke, who was to ordain Francis Asbury, and appointed them joint superintendents over all the Methodists in North America. He also ordajined with two other clergymen, Richard Whatcoat and Thomas Vasey, as elders in the American body. He advised the preachers to take the Episcopal form of church government. As the ordination of the Canadian Methodist preachers, as well as the American, sprung from the present action of Mr, Wesley, we will describe it. first: — THE ORDINATION OF ELDERS. As Mr. Asbury had sent for preachers from England, Bichard Whatcoat and Thomas Vasey, two experienced preachers in the English Conference, offered themselves for the work. Mr. Wesley resolved to ordain them as presbyters or elders, that they might administer the sacraments. So, on the 2nd September, 1784, he, with two other clergymen, Coke and Creighton — all three receiving their ordination from the Church of England, — ordained, with the ceremony of the said Church, the two preachers selected. Thus those who were elders ordained others to be elders, according to the usage of the primitive church. second: the ordination of a bishop. After the elders were ordained, Mr. Wesley, believing him- self to be a bishop, in the sense of the Scripture, ordained Dr, ^1! n niSTOBT or MBTHODISM [1784. Coke to be superintendent or bishop of the American body, assisted b^ Mr. Greightoo, and the two elders just constituted. Thus a bishop (WesW) made a bishop, aided by the hands of presbyters. Was "Wesley a bishop? not aeeordine to the believers of an uninterrupted episcopal succession from the Apostles ; but, according to the Protestant interpretation of the term " presbyter" or *' bishop" in the Soript^e, signifVing ihe same ; and in fact, being the head of a large body of Christians an< preaehera, he toai a true bishop in Christ's church. Dr. ^olce al^o received a letter of ordination, under the hand and seal of his (real but not reputed) bishop : " To all whom these presents shall come, John Wesley, late Fellow of Lincoln College, in Oxford, Presbyter of the Church of England, sendeth greeting : ^Wherefis many of the people in the southern provinces of North America, who desire to continue under my care, and still adhere to the doctrine and discipline of the Church of England, are greatly distressed for want of ministers to administer the sac« raments of baptism and the Lord's Supper, according to the usage of the same Church, and whereas there does not appear to be any other way of supplying them with ministers : "^ Enow all men, that 1, John Wesley, think myself to be prov' identdally called at this time' id set apart some persons for the work of the ministry in America. And, therefore, under the pro« tection of Almighty Ood, and with a single eye to his glory, I have this day set apart as a superintendent, by the imposition of my hands, and prayer, (being assisted by other ordained minis- ters,) Thomas Coke, Dr. of civil law^ k presbyter of the Church of England, and a man whom I judge to ' be \reV qualified for that gpreat work. And I do hereby recommend him to all whom it may concern, as a fit person to preside ove^ ^he 4ock of Christ. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set itty hand and seal, this second day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-four. VJoHN Wbslbv." The three ministers waited in Bristol for a favourable breeze; and, September 18th, sailed out of harbor for New York, where they landed on November 3rd. After preaching in different places. Dr. Coke travelled to Delaware, to become acquainted with Mr. Asbury, On Sunday, 14tb| he preached to a large congregation, Scarcely had he finished his sermon, when he perceived a plainly dresi^d, robust, and venerable looking man, moving through the congr^ation, and making [1784. 3an body, nstituted. s hands of ig to the from the etation of signifViiig B body of 1 Christ's on, under op: ssley, late Church of oviitceg of , and still ' England, jr the sac- the usago to be any 5 be prov- ns for the ir the pro- is glory, I }OBition of ned minis- Church of ed for that lom it may Ilhrist. In ; seal, this ) thousand Veslbt." favourable r for New preaching to become i preache4 is sermon, venerable id makiqg 1784.] IN CANADA. 18 his way to the pulpit. On ascending the steps, he clasped the Doctor in his arms ; and, without mentioning his name, aO' costed him with the salutation of holy primitive Christianity. The venerable man was Francis Asbnry. Mutual joy at meet- ing was felt by these good men, soon to act as bishops of a great church ; and the joy was participated in by the interested congregation. The service closed with Dr. Coke and Mr. Whatooat giving the Lord's supper to above 500 persons. CHRISTMAS OONFERSNCB. It was agreed not to wait for the usual Conference of 1785* but to assemble a special Conference, to take into considera- tion the important matters recommended by Mr. Wesley. So on Christmas day, in the city of Baltimore, sixty out of eighty- three preachers came from all parts of the land. Dr. Coke presided, assisted by Mr. Asbury. The first act of the Confer- ence was, unanimously, to accept for general superintendents the men appointed by Mr. Wesley. Then Dr. Coke, assisteck by two elders, consecrated Mr. Asbury, first, to the ojffice of deacon and elder ) and then of a superintendent or bishop, in the manner set forth in the following certificate: *' Know all men by these presents, That I, Thomas Coke, Doctor of civil law, late of Jesus College, in the university of Oxford, Sresbyter of the Church of England, and superintendent of thd [ethodist Episcopal Church in America ; under the protection of Almighty God, and with a single eye to his glory ; by the im- position of my hands and prayer, i(being assisted by two ordained elders,) did on the twenty-fifth d \y of this month, December, set apart Francis Asbury for the office of a deacon in the aforesaid Methodist Episcopal Church. Aad also on the twenty-sixth day of the said month, did, by the imposition of my hands and prayer^ (being assisted by the said elders,) set apart the said Francis As- bury for the office of elder in the said Methodist Episcopal Church. And on this twenty-seventh day of the said month, being the day of date hereof, have, by the imposition of my hands and prayer^ ^being assisted by the said elders,) set apart the said Francis Asbury for the office of a superintendent in the said Methodist Episcopal Church, a man whom I judge to be well qualified foe that great work. And I do hereby recommend him to all whon^ it may concern, as a fit person to preside over the fiock of Christ. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Jl7th, day of December, in the year of of our Lord lt84.'' Then twelve preachers were ordained elders, and three 14 HISTORT OF METHODISM [1786. deacons. At this Conference the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church were stated, and the government and disci' phne decided on. The doctrines of the Methodists were those of the Church of England ; and therefore the descriptions or articles were taken from the Common Prayer Book. The twenty-five articles adopted are the same as are now found in the Canada Book of Discipline, excepting the 23rd, which speaks of the Government of the United States, while the 23rd in the other speaks of civil government in general. The form of Church government chosen was the Episcopal, with bishops, elders, and deacons ; and the name given to the body, now separate from all foreign jurisdiction, was Thb Methodist Episcopal Church. Before the Christmas Conference, the Methodists in the United States were but a body of Christians, having preachers without ordination, and adherents without the sacraments. A large number of rules, methodically arranged, were taken from the Minutes of the English Conference, with new regu- lations, and numerous advices for preachers and people, and adopted by the Baltimolre Conference, as their disciplino. The present discipline of the American and Canadian Metho- dist bodies is nearly the same as that originally framed. As the book of discipline can be easily obtained; no necessity ex- ists for inserting an abstract here. The Methodists were generally pleased at the change from a society to a church, co-operated heartily with the preachers in carrying out the new regulations, and received thankfully the sacraments from their newly ordained preacher h;. The progress of the Metho- dists from this time was vei^ great. 1785. The close of the revolutionary war, not only caused a large emigration or flight to Canada, but to Nova Scotia The loyalists who had borne arms were in danger from the Government and people, while remaining. Many negroes also took their departure, with the prorpect of freedom on arrival. With the rest, some members of th-^ Methodist Society emi- grated to the refuge piovided by *he British Government. Petitions to Mr. Wesley for mission£?i.> were «ient; and Dr. Coke, at the Christmas Conference;. 5ntevt;i*i9<' ' fmself for these sheep in the wilderness. Two prcac-.'r?, oifered to go J» Nova ScoUa. In February they embiukod, l\yl<^ after uany dif- :i!l 1780.] IN CANADA. 15 fioulties arrived at Halifax. Here began the labours of the first regular Methodist preuohers in Nova Scotia Prior, however, a local preacher, called Black, a Yorkshire man, had travelled about preaching to the people ; and some good had been effect- ed. He now cordially co-operated with the American preachers. 1786. Mr. Hamilton last year sucor-'^ticd General Haldimand as Governor; and this year, Gcti i ' 0»< l"ton, now Lord Dor- chester, arrived as Governi.r General oi' all British America. As changes had been asked, mu ^ r>ued the Legislative Council into committees, ^o ininire into the state of the laws, com- merce, the police, ami mi uation. The inquiry led the way to the new constitution which the Province soon after received. At the close of the war, the Six Nation Indians of the valley of the Mohawk River, who had taken part against the colonists, fearing the consequences, deputed their celebrated chief. Captain Joseph Brant, (or Tyendenaga,) to state their case to the British Government. In 1784, the grant of the fertile tract on the Grand River, called the Indian reservation, was made to the tribe. While in England, Brant collected money for a new church in the new settlement. The loyal Indians came over, and took possession of the land ; and this year Brant built the church, and placed in it the first church going bell which ever tolled in Upper Canada. SECOND METHODIST PREACHER. After Tufiey at Quebec, the next Methodist preacher in Canada was George Neal. He was an Irishman, and a local preacher. In the revolution, he came to the United States with a cavalry regiment, of which he was a major. Major Np:1 crossed the Niagara river at Queenston, on the 7th Oc- tober, ] 780; to take popsessiou of an officer's portion of land. ILi vi-ni i :: jd man, ^oalous for the Gospel, and soon began to pvcuch to the new settlers on the Niagara river. He was a man able to divide the word of truth, and his labours were not in vain ; yet, not without opposition, — from ignorance of the belief and motives of the preachers ot ihe Methodist body, and from hatred of the holy precepts and feithful reprovings which sinners heard. From the British army, came the first Methodist preacher in Lower Canada ; and the first in Upper Canada. Soldiers became soldiers of the Lord. \ 16 HISTOEY OF METHODISM [1787. 17B7. "William IV., Mrhen a youth, served in the English navy» and gradually rose to be Captain of the Pejasvs, a man of war, of 84 guns. From Halifax the ship was ordered by tue Admiralty to Quebec, where the Prince landed August 14th. He went up the river to Montreal, and was received by the inhabitants with great joy an: -Ustinction, on the 18th of September. Ivetuming, he passed some time at Sorel, on the south side of tht, St. Lawrence; which has since been called Wm. Henry. Joining his ship, he proceeded on to England, and soon after became Duke of Clarence. 1788. Lord Dorchester, by proclamation, further divided the Province of Quebec, or Canada, besides the districts of Quebec and Montreal, into five other portions. The district of Gaspe, was to include all of Canada south of the St. Law- rence. The Upper Canada portion wa^ divided into four districts, all with German names, as if a new Germany was about to spring up. The district of Lunehurg stretched from Lancaster to Elizabethtown or Gananoque river. Mecklen- burg embraced the country from the Gananoque to the river Trent, Nassau took in from the Trent all the country to the Long Point in Lake Erie ; and Hesse included all the rest of the west. In 17th George III (or 1778) an ordinance was passed by the Governor and Council, to prevent the "selling strong liquors to the Indians in the province of Quebec," and also to prevent persons buying their clothes, blankets, arms, or ammu- nition, under a penalty of £5, and imprisonment, not exceed- ing a month. So early did the Government show care for the weakness of the native, and the cupidity of the trader. The Rev. Charles Wesley, the founder, with his brother John, of the Methodists, and one of the greatest of the devo- tional poets, died March 29th. Says his bi other, "After spending fourscore years with much sorrow and pain he quietly retired to Abraham's bosom. He had no disease, but after a gradual decay of some months " ' The weary wheels of life stood still ' at last." So small a notice is here due, to the pious genius whose hymns have been sung, and are still sung, with delight by the Methor dists of this land. ii ! [1787. 1788.] IN CANADA. LYONS AND M'CARTY IN BAY OF QUINTE. n While the settlements of the Niagara river were blessed with the labours of George Neal, the Bay of Quinte country appears to have had no public labourer. But, in 1788, a pious young man called Lyons, an exhorter in the Methodist Episcopal CMiurch, came to Canada, and engaged in teaching a school in Adolphustown. Having a zeal lor the Lord, and seeing ignorance and sin abounding, he collected the people to- gether on Sabbath days, in different neighbourhoods, and sung and prayed and exhorted the people to flee from the wrath to come. He would also pray in the families which he visited. These labours were blessed of the Lord, and some were turned from their sins to God.* In the same ye r, came James M'Carty, an Irishman, from the United States. He had heard Whitefield, during his last visit to America, and the word had been the power of God to his salvation. A consequence was, that he greatly desired to have others brought to the knowledge of salvation ; and hence his coming to Canada. He was unconnected with the Methodists; and was rather a follower of Whitfield. He crossed from the United States to Kingston, came to Ernes- town, and formed the acquaintance of Robert Perry and some Methodists ; who encouraged him to hold religious n)eeting8 in their log houses. He was a man of attractive manners and speech, and large numbers attended his preaching, — probably the first the settlers had heard, since they came into Canada. It is said that he wrote his sermons, and read them to the people, but with so much animation and force that a great effect was apparent in the hearers. Many were brought to a knowledge of the truth, and the enjoyment of religion. But there were opposers as well as lovers of the new preacher. He did not belong to the Church of England ; and was re^ gnrded as a Methodist. Some declared he should not be allowed to preach, and that they would have no religion but the Chuich of England. SufFcieis tor loyalty, their loyalty was stiengtliciied bysufleiing; and loyalty and the English Chuich seemed to them identic?' Three persons especially • Mn. Kctcliefon told me that she wv'I nmfmbered Lyons. He boarded at bor fatkci'H, Fliilip Roblin, wh«u keeping Bcboul on the Hsy Day, or 4lli Coo. of JuioU pbiutowB. Ber «ldcflt brother, John, weui to ttie BcbQoI, . ,. 18 HISTORY OP METHODISM [1788. ;!ir were opposed to M'Carty, — a sheriff, a captain of militia, and an engineer. They bandied together, and resolved the preacher should be forced from the country. A law had been passed by the Governor and Council that any persons wandering about the country might be banished as vagabonds. Under this law, future proceedings were to be sheltered. While McCarty was preaching one Sunday, at Robert Perry's, four armed men came up ; and, leaving their guns outside, rushed into the house to seize the preacher, intending to carry him oflF to Kingston jail. But the congregation opposing, and Perry agreeing to give bail for the man's appearance in King- ston on the morrow, the men went away. The next day, Perry took the preacher to Kingston, and brought him to the sheriff, but he refused to have ought to do with the man. But the enemies of McCarty resolved that he should not leave King- ston. Under some false plea he was arrested, and cast into prison ; but was liberated again, on his friend again becoming bail, and returned liome. On the expiration of the bail, Mc- Carty repaired to Kingston. And now his enemies resolved that he should never go back to preach. He was seized by a number of ruffians, thrown into a boat, under the care of four French men, and sailed through the multitude of islands studding the outlet of lake Ontario, down the fast wa- ters of the St. Lawrence, to the beginning of the rapids near Cornwall. In that part of the river there are many islands, some very large and others small ; then all cov- ered with woods, and uninhabited. The French men were commanded to leave the preacher on one of these desolate islands ; and here they landed him, left him, and he was never seen afterwards. Whether he perished by starvation, by drowning in endeavouring to get to the main shore, or by the hands of wicked men is unknown. The revelation of the truth waits for the judgment day, when every secret thing shall be made manifest, whether it be good or evil. Undoubt- edly McCarty was a martyr for the Gospel ; and so he was regarded by the early inhabitants. * * The notice of Lyons ami McCarty iBfrom A. 6. Meacham'H History of Methodiani. The author wag a local preacher of the M. G. (Jhurcb, He derived his account, he Bays, from Mr. Perry himself Some may doubt the case of McCnrty. But there seems no reason to do so. When Rrt. James Richardson was editor of C&riitian Ouardian in 1833, he inserted the accoant given by Meacham, accompanying it i^itb tl)e following remarks, inftfrring bis belief ef the truth of it ; [1788. mihtia, and esolved the A law had any persons I vagabonds, sheltered. )ert Perry's, ins outside, ing to carry posing, and le in Kins- day, Perry the sheriff, But the eavo King- d cast into n becoming e bail, Me- es resolved leized by a are of four of islands i fast wa- the rapids are many in all cov- L men were se desolate ! was never vation, by , or by the ion of the ?cret thing Undoubt- 80 he was >rUathodi9in. a account, he f. But there of ChrUtian ioiQpaiiyio^ it 1789.] IN CANADA. 19 1789. This year is memorable for the beginning of the French revolution. The government of France aided the revo- lution of America against the British Crown ; and while doing so, sowed some seeds of rebellion among its own people ; which had been growing, and now the fruits began to appear. A long disastrous period set in, for Europe and the civilized world in general, which did not end for twenty-five years. In Canada, the Governor and Council ordered a mark of honour to be put on the loyalist emigrants from the United States, to distinguish them and their posterity from others. A list was ordered of all such persons as had " joined the royal standard in America, before the treaty of separation in the year 1783." Because they had adhered to the " unity of the Empire," against the separationists, they were called " United Empire Loyalists," or for short, '' U. E.'s." These U. E. Loyalists were in the possession of free lots of land on the frontiers of the Province ; and now the Council ordered that their children already born, or hereafter, should when 21, and females when married prior to 21, be each entitled to a grant of 200 acres of land, free of all expense. Thus tens of thou- sands of. acres have found owners and occupiers ; thus the virtue of the parents, in adhering to a right though falling cause, became a blessing to the children ; and thus the honour and gratitude of the British Government was shewn to trust' ing and suffering subjects. " The powers then being, probably indulged the vain supposition that in banishing Mr. McCarty the^ would etfoctually crush Methodism in the bud, and pre&erve the rising Province trom the trouble^onie intrunions of that sect everywhere f>poken against ; but a very little time clearly evinced that, in this respect, at least, they imagined a vain thing. We know not indeed what might have been the character or religious conduct of Mr. McCarty ; but the manner of his treatment shows that bis enemies knew but little of what was due to either the rights of conscience or the liberty of the subject." But the' best evidence probably now living (1S61) is Colonel William Ketcheson, of Sidney. Ue was then a boy of five or six years. A meeting was announced ; that a man from the United States was to preach at Henry Hover's bouse, on the front of Adolphuatown. The Sunday came ; the settlers lor ten miles around catiio to hear the Birange preacher. Among the rest came people from the Hay Pay, and with them walked Wm. Ketcheson,— a distance of five or six miles. He says that McCarty w&R a man of 30 or 40 years of age. (This was doubtless his age, as he had living a wife and lour cliildren, whom be had left behind.) He says that he preached about " pricked to the heart,'' which expression was frequently mentioned in the discourse, so that an impression was made on his niind that never wore off. It was the first religious meeting be attended. As to what became of McCarty he has no reniem. braace. He knowri, however, that the settlers were of a very loyal feeling, and that if any expression wore dropped ralFlng suspicion of a contrary feeling, it would very likely be resentHd. But there is no evidence that the preacher said or did any thina to raise susptoion. 20 HISTORY OP JfETHODISM [1790. Methodism began this year in New England. The state of Connecticut was visited by Jesse Lee. Gradually, the work extended to M.issichusetts ; and then into the states bordering on Lower Canada, viz., Maine, New-Hampshire, and Vermont, with the nortli-east part of New- York. 1790. The labours of Neal, in the Niagara townships, with those of Lyon and McCarly in the settlements of the Bay of Quinte, appear to have stimulated the pious and well-disposed to seek for a regular Methodist ministry. Petitions addressed to the Bishop and ^ ^embers of the New-York Conference were sent from the Niagara district, and others from the Midland dis- trict, praying that missionaries might be sent to labour among them ; and promising to assist in defraying the expenses. The New- York Conference met in New-York, on the 4th of October ; but another account says the petitions were presented when the Conference met in Albany, or in the Albany district, which was in 1791. The point of difference is of no great importance to decide ; but it is important to remark, consider- ing the slurs ai'terwards cast upon the Methodist preachers, that they did not intrude their services on the country, but were sent for by many of the inhabitants. And consideiing the nakedness of the land, as to a gospel ministry, with the wish of the people, a door of Providence was thought ♦>o be opened. This year. Christian Warner was led through the preaching of Neal to discover his lost condition, and to embrace the glad tidings of salvation. Several of his neighbours were also brought to the Lord. The Preacher united those new converts into a snciet}', and appointed Christian Warner the leader. It was believed that tiiis was the first Methodist class, and the first Methodist class leader, in Upper Canada.* But, as a local preacher has no power to appoint a class leader, the Stam- ford class, if the first, was not the first regularly organized, WM. LOSEE, FIRST REGULAR PREACHER. Wm. Loses was a local preacher of the Metliodist Episcopal * ' Tiiis rliiFs"' (-HVS lU'v. Eoiinii d S'oi pv in Clirinhnn Guariliaii, Ai li; L'-ltli. K-aS) "I nin ii to ititU \\;t» tho lir-t i'\or oi){-iiiizi-il in U|>i"'r < utia'lii." ('li'i>l|-in Warii«'- wiiH bo n in Oouiiry of Albin.v, ITiJ^, jniiicil |l»' Uiitioh Rlaixlux] In 1777. iiid taiiieycar Cii'ie tu Caimila. He chose liiiid in townslii)) nf StamroKl, iint far frmn iLe faMii of Niafrara, and never changed hia reFidenre. Ue leniaiued elwu leader until bii death, io 1833, a pious, uicful, and steadfast man, [1790. 1790.] m CANADA. m The state , the work bordering Vermont, hips, with ;ie Bay of l-disposed addressed ence were diand dis- Lir among expenses, he 4th of presented o be )rcaching the glad vere also converts ader. It and the ut, as a le Stam- lized. piscopal Ntli. Ir33) 1 177". Hid t fur from lOM Icaclcr Church. In 1789, he was admitted on trial for the itinerant work, and appointed to the Lake Champlain circuit, under a superintendent. The Presiding Elder of the District (contain- ing 10 circuits) was Freeborn Garrettson, who was now zeal- ously taking up new ground along the Hudson river ap far as lake Champlain, and near the borders of Lower Canada. Wm. Losee's circuit was now put on the list of appointments. But, as no members were returned at the next Conference, as the name of the circuit was dropped, and the superintendent preicher placed on another circuit, we may infer that the ex- periment failed. Probibly the failure of forming a circuit gave Losee liberty in the winter to come to Canada, where he had relations and friends.f He obained liberty to leave his circuit in January, 1790, J and was authorized and recom- mended by the Presiding Elder to preach § on any opening, in the new northern country. As Garrettson was pushing on the Gospel north, he probably thought that this visit might f One of hifl rplntiori", whetliem brother or npphew I know not,- wn« cnllfd JofiliiiA Lnufp. !li; wna nn rnily i!ethndi>1 — one of tli« flr8i c< n*ertfi in the Pfivti cc, ard wim nfterwaidR nn < xlioitrr. Abfut t*>«n1j' ycnin ngo lie livfrt on tl o BWriia Circuit, nnd i enr n |iipce r f wood8 cnlled the Sewn Vfie w< odi>. Iiavirir n lond lending to tli»* vi Inge crld winter niyht, with ilie wi'f t < ind blowing very ha'd, mnking n jnurniy through th took cnre of our bore CF, and the diiupliteii" ptovided a cfmfoitbble nral. On II nt difa< ful cold nigtit, when the thcniometer niuM hnve b'-en 30 or 40 d<>giee» below lero, wa ]iad H uann room nnila comf rtablo bed. That ni&bt'i borpitalitj bas often rfonlied good old Mr. LoBce lo my iiiind. X It iH the gonprni belief thnt LoFep crre to Cannda in 1790. A pon ef Robert C'ark, (who «('t)' p-bouKi ) in 173i,) cillo-l M ilt'iew, who died in lS-!fl, left a paper givirg eviderce of ihe IrnlU of the diite. T' e willing wn8 found in bin d<'»k. rfter liifi de'riife. nrd tliU8 lendo ; " In 1790. the Rer Wm. Lofce came to Canndii nnd j'rencl'fd n few feimoiis nlorg the Buy «t Qiiinte, and leturnid to the Pinle of N' w-'i'i-rV iipi in ll e ^^nu■ wit t«r. Hy Ilia P'eaching «iime were convicted of the ncc'Mity nf being b«rn again. In Keb- riinry, 1701, Mr. Lori-c returned tn Cunadn, and fo med wlmt wnp cMlhd the I'ny ofQ'iinie Ciicait. and 8<»n e lost Fheep were gniher«>d into Rori-'tiea, and amoog oth- er8 tblF .:n worthy writer, lie behig then in the 20tb year of bin age.'* On thn name paper, there appeari° : " It i8 flftv yenrR this month (Feb'inry, 1940) 8ince I was united to the Methodlit Church, under the ininiRtry of ihe Rev. Wm. Losee." It m ly be inferred, therefore, that a clasB was formed in part of Erneftown in Febrnarv, 1791. Mr. Mntthew C'a'k wan a good man, for many years a cla8^•l< ader, and u>'ed to hive preaching in bis house, which was one of t^e week diiy nppoii.i- ment* «>n the Waterloo Ciicuit. He was a Colonel of a niilHia regiment and more remarked still, for Icvinir twelve sons (ns JhcoIi of old), all grown men. steady, and the moct of tliem pious, and ineinhc s of tlie Methodist Society. In 1834, wl en the wiiter uhouse; and another at Paul Huff's, on the Hay Bay. In journeying about as a pioneer in the Bay of Quinte townships, he found occasionally a person who had heard the Methodist preachers in England, Ireland, or in the U. States, by whom he was welcomed, and sometimes permitted to preach in their log houses, or shanties. For all that fine country, now so well furnished with large and handsome dwellings, had then houses of the humblest description. A Methodist Preacher was a curiosity in those days, and all were anxious to see the phenomena. Some would even ask how he looked, or what he was like ? A peculiarity in Losee, too, was, that he had but one arm to use. It is said by some that his other arm was oif close to the shoulder ; others that it was short or withered : and yet with one hand to use, he could readily mount and dismount his horse, and guide him over the roughest roads and most dangerous crossways. He was a bold horseman, and usually rode his journeys on the gallop. Yet he was a man of very solemn aspect, with straight hair, a long countenance, and grave voice. His talents were not so much for sermonizing as for exhortation. He, and the preachers, generally of that day, were of the revival class, — labouring, looking, proving for immediate results. His private rebukes were ct'tou ot a very solemn character. In returning from a meeting at Paul Huff's, he asked a young man,* how he felt ? ** Oh," replied the youth, ''what I heard was only as the tinkling of a bell; it went in at one ear, and went out at the other." Answered the preacher, " But I know what is not like a bell and which will make you feel." ''What is that ?" said the youth " Death 1" answered the preacher, in the most solemn tone. The gayety of the youth was stopped at once. It was the * John, Kon of a vidow Roblin. 1790] ^e Champlain y to the St. )ear8 to have I, and Eliza- to Adolphus- One of the 's in Freder- ; another waa own, near the on the Hay tay of Quinte lad heard the ihe U. States, ited to preach i fine country, ne dwellings, 3 days, and all auld even ask irity in Losee, 1 said by some others that it » use, he could ! him over the He was a bold e gallop. Yet bt hair, a long e not so much the preachers, iS, — labouring, >rivate rebukes ;urning from a * how he felt ? as the tinkling at the other." lot like a bell said the youth solemn tone. I. It was the 1791.] IN CANADA. 23 custom of the preachers then to use the word smite in their prayers and sermons. So Losee would often cry, " Lord smite them I" i. e., the sinners ; and sinners would often be smitten by the Spirit of God, with convictioii of sin and terror of the last judgment. The man, his manner, and his style of preaching, caught the attention of the settlers, and young and old filled the houses where he preached. Losee was a loyalist, and knew some of the settlers in Adolphustown, before they left the United States. He desired to see them, and preach to them the glad tidings o^ salvation. Had he been on the revolutionary side, the warm loyalists would not have received him, — rather would have driven him from the country. Having preached a few times, he spoke of leaving. The people were now anxious for a Missionary to reside among them. The petition already mentioned was circulated and extensively signed, in the Midland district, praying the New-York Conference for a missionary to labour in these new townships. Losee received the petition, and re- turned to the United States the same winter. He carried it to the Conference, which assembled in New- York, on the 4th October, and of course spoke of his visit and of the favourable prospects for the Go»pel in Canada ; and offered to be first preacher in these northern climes. Bishop Asbury and the preachers were willing that an entrance should be made at this new door. William Losee, therefore, was allowed to return, with instructions to form a circuit. As the Conference sat so late in the year, he had not time to prepare and return to Canada before the winter. 1791. However, as soon as the winter was well set in, and the ice on the St. Lawrence strong enough to allow crossing with a horse, Wm. Losee was on his journey. He went through the wilderness of the western part of New-York State, in the track of the emigrants coming into Canada, suffered hardships and many privations in journeying for some weeks through a country almost without roads and nearly without inhabi- tants, crossed the frontier at Kingston, and appears to have been safely in Adolphustown again, in the month of Feb- ruary. He was a man about 27 years of age, active, with no family cares, being unmarried, and proceeded at once to form a circuit, by making appointments for meetings at every suitable opening. During the summer bis circuit embraced Fill! 24 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1791 settlements in the townships of Kin,!»bton, Ernestown, Freder* ioksburgh, and Adolphustown ; and then he crossed the Bay of Quinte, and extended his circuit into Marjsburgh, if not into Sophiasburgh. The good impression made by Losee on his first coming", was strengthened by his second. The people, recaived the word with a ready mind, and a number were soon enjoying the salvation of the Gospel. One of his appointments was in the 3rd concession of Adolphustown, in the house of Paul Huff, on the Hay B ly shore, and on tho farm on which the chapel now stands. Here Loseo formed a class, the first regu- larly organized, in Canada, on Sunday, February 20th ; and about the month of May or June, a ccrcat revival of religion commenced. Two miles west of Paul Huff's, where the meetings on tho Hay Bay were held, lived a widow with her four sons and four daughters. Philip Boblin, her husband, died in 1788. The house was larger than ordi- nary, having two log houses joined together. With the best accommodation, and well inclined to the new preacher, the Roblins lodged him and took care of his clothes. The reproof given to John Roblin, accompanied by solemn refiections, led to his seeking the salvation of his soul. On the next Sabbath he attended the meeting, burdened with sin and repenting ; bub he went home a converted person, and rejoicing in the Lord. He went to his room, and returned with his frilled shirt, say- ing to his mother, and in the presence of the family, *' Mother, as soon as you can, take off these frills from my shirts. I shall wear such no more. mother, the Lord has converted my soul this morning. let us all kneel down and pray," He then for the first time prayed with his mother and brothers and sisters. Then he went to Wm. Moore's, a utile distant, and exhorted and prayed with the family, leaving a deep im- pression, which soon resulted in a great change of life. Wm. Moore afterwards became the class-leader, and bore the stand- ing c'laraeter of a very good man. Young Roblin visited other families, warning and praying with them ; and th ts he spent the first Sabbath of his new life. Dancing wat the fashionable frivolity of those times, and the youth met wetily in each other's houses for the dunce. John Roblin was ihe leader in this amusement ; and his turning from it, induced others to pause, ic reflect on their ways, to attend the meetings of the pious, and to seek the salvation of their souls. He h^d 1701.] IN CANADA. 25 praycr-moctings among the people, and the preacher en- couraged him in the new work. A great awakening took ])lace, and numbers sought and found the Lord as their Saviour. lie afterwards became a local preacher, and was a useful man in his day. The people elected him to one or two of the early Parliaments of Upper Canada, but political life was not his desire, and he rather served by constraint than willingly. The second class was organized on the next Sabbath, Feb- 27th, in the first conce8?ion of Ernestown, and four miles below the village of Bath. The third class was formed in Frederick sburgh, on Wed- nesday, March 2iid, in the house of Samuel Detlor, — about three miles from the village of Napanec. Thus the three first societies were formed in ten days, but of the number in each, there is no record ; nor of other classes which ho may have formed before the Conference. WESLEY'S DEATH. . r^ It is worthy of remark, and was often remarked by the first Methodists, that the day in which the third class was formed was the day in which the founder of Methodism died. He fell asleep while several of the preachers, with the family, were on their knees, commending him to God. Ho had preached on the preceding Thursday, for the last time, on Isaiah, Iv. 6, 7, and was but five days confined. He had often prayed that he might not live to be useless, and his prayer was an&wered. His laat words were, ** The best of all is God is with us !" The great work of God (for who could produce such a moral reformation but the blessed God?) called Metho- dism, during the life of the eminent founder, or instru- ment of God, had taken firm root» grown great, and widey branched out, in Great Britain and Ireland. It had also begun its mighty progress in the United States of America ; and was just planted in the West Indies and in the British North American Provinces. The following table shows the state of the Methodist body, at the time » ; I 26 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1701 of Mr. Wesley *s death, and will bo, doubtless, acceptable to the reader : — Circuit*. Prraeheri. Momben. In England 65 196 62,832 Ireland 29 67 14,100 Scotland 8 18 1,086 Wales 3 7 566 lale of Man 1 3 2,680 Norman Isles 2 4 498 West India Isles 7 13 4,500 British American Provinces. . . 4 6 800 United States of America 97 198 43,265 Total, 210 611 120,233 Canada l l probably 60 These five hundred preachers were generally quite disinterested men, preaching the Gospel from love to God and men, with much persecution and privation, and with little worldly remu- neration and honour for encouragement. One of the most eminent of these preachers, Bishop Asbury, (who had just sanctioned the planting of Methodism in the soil of the Bay of Quinte townships,) wrote to his fellow-Bishop, Dr. Coke, about three weeks before Mr. Wesley's death, stating his gain in preaching the Gospel and superintending the interests of the Church: " I have," (says he) "served the church upwards of 25 years in Europe and America. All the property I have gained is two old horses, the constant companions of my toil, six if not seven thou- sand miles every year. When we have no ferry-boats, they swim the rivers. As to clothing, I have nearly the same as at first : neither have I silver, nor gold, nor any other property. My confidential friends know that I lie not in these matters. I am resolved not to claim any property in the printing concern. In- crease as it may, it will be sacred to the invalid preachers, the college, and the schools. I would not have my name mentioned as doing, having, or being any thing but dust. I soar indeed, but it is over the tops of the highest mountains we have, which may vie with the Alps. I creep sometimes up the slippery ascent ; and to serve the church and the ministers of it, what I gain is many a reflection from both sides of the Atlantic. I have lived long enough to be loved and hated, to be admired and feared.^ A true disciple of John Wesley : rather, a true disciple of Je- sus Christ, his Master and his Saviour ! He who despises the world is great ; and such greatness distinguished the Methodist 1791.] IN CANADA. 27 preachers generally of those days ; and is still the characteris- tic of every true son and succcsssor of John Wesley. The New-York Conference met in Albany County, N. Y., on 23rd August. It docs not appear that Losee attended this Conference, probably from the difficulty of travelling so far, and the work of God not allowing his absence. Although there were three or more societies formed by the time of Con- ference, yet no statement of the number of members appears in the IVlinutes. The Conference, however, dealt with Losee as if he were present : he was admitted into full connexion with the brethren, and chosen to the office of a Deacon, putting off the ordinaiion until his return. Bishop Asbury had re- ceived such a fivourable account of Losee's proceedings and of the prosfOi't, that he placed Upper Canada within the circle of the American work. As little was known of the locality where Losee laboured, only the Bishop knew that the village of Kingston was near it, so the country forming the firdt Circuit was called the Kingston Circuit, and Wm. Losee was appointed preacher for the next year. The first Circuit in Canada, was connected in the same district with Lynn, 8tor)kbridgo, Hartford, Middlefields, Fairfield, and LitchficM Ciicuits, over which Jessce Lee was the Presiding Elder. But his nc>v Circuit was so distant, that he did not attend or or- ganize any quarterly meeting. At first, Losee merely visited such neighbourhoods as he was invited to, or that presented a good prospect for preaching in. Gradually he established regular appointments in the front settlements of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th townships, with some appointments in the rear, on the Hay Bay, and near the Nap- anee river, and then extended his work into the peninsula of Prince Edward. The Bay of Quinte narrows in one place, between the Adolphustown and the Prince Edward shores. Here the settlers crosied, and here in after years the Stone Mills were erected (about 1796) and a ferry was kept. The settlers in the eastern Bay of Quinte townships now used to frequent the Kingston Mills, which were the first erected; in the western, the mills erected on the Napanee river. The settlers in the sixth town, or Marysburgh, early dis- covered a natural curiosity, and turned it to advantage. It was a lake upon a mountain, with no discernible supply of water. It was long supposed that the lake drank by under- U18T0IIY 01' MKTIIODISM [17i)i. :l||l 1,11 ground chnnncls from lake Krio ; but another opinion was, that from the sloping nature of the eastern boundary, fbr two or three niile.s the like was supplied by the drainin^s. Lyall thought the mountain was a decayed volcano, and received its waters from hidden syphons or natural pipes. The lake is five miles in circumference ; with a depth of 1>1 feet, at the lowest bottom. The mountain side of the lake projects into the Bay of Quinte, forming part of the coast. The level of the lake, above the level of the waters of the bay is 1 00 feet. The water of the bay is 82 foot deep at the foot of the mountain ; and the bottom of the lake is 151 feet higlicr than the bottom of the buy. Although no inlet to the lake was discerned, a trickling outlet was seen at once. A grist mill was built on the fide of the mountain, a small canul was cut, and the little stream used for the luill. Here was Losec's crossing place. He went among the settlers, found here and there a house open for preaching, and ho begun that work which has always kept up, and generally prospered, in the peninsula of Prince Edward. Ho had appointments on Marysburgh shore; his farthest appointment was on the sixth town, or Sophiasburgh shore. The year 1791 is not only n)emorablc p.s the beginning of the Methodist itinerancy in Canada, but, politically, for an Act of the Imperial Parliament, bestowing a new constitution on the Province. The Province of Quebec was now divided into Upper and Lower Canada, in order to prevent dissensions be- tween the French and British people, and each province to have a separate government and legislature. The Legislative Coun- cil of Upper Canada was not to be less than seve»>, nor that of Lower Canada less than fifteen ; v/hile the House of Assembly in the former was not to be less than sixteen, or in the latter than fifty. For the support of the Protestant religion an allot- ment of a seventh part of the Crown lands was made, — after- wards c.illed Clergy R3sorves, — which became a permanent source of contention. Provision was made for a parsonage or rectory within every township. The population was about 150,000, — an increase of 30,000 in six years. From this time there is an Upper and a Lower Canada, until the two provinces again became one in 1840. The population of Upper Canada now was about 20,000 souls. These were scattered along the St. Lawrence, from Luke St. Francis to Kingston ; thence 1702.] IN TANADA. 21) nrouiid tho Bay of Quintc; ulon;i;thc Niu<::;arn frontier; ut Ain- herstbur;;!! ; in tho French Kcttlcmcnt on tho 'I'lianies; and in tho Ironuois or Six Nation 8ottloniont of tho (Jn.nd Hiver. 171)2. rho first "iovernor of Uj)j)cr Canada was Mr. Sinicoe, a colonel and bri^iuiier in tho army, who arrived on tho 8th of July, and found noplace in allhist;reat province which could be called a town, lor the seat of Government. A Huiall vil- laj^o existed at Kinjiston, and another at Newark or Niagara. The latter ho chose lor the capital ; and hero he fixed his resi- dence in a small franio house, half u mile from the village ; and here he assembled (Sept. 17th) the first Parliament of Upiwr Canada. The House of Assembly had sixteen members, plain farmers and merchants ; and the Legislative Council a still stiuiUer number. Kij;ht useful acts were jmssed, viz., for in- troducing the English civil law, trial by jury, recovery of debts, regulating the tolls of mills to one-tweltth (recjuiring bags of grain to be marked, or miller not responsible), and erecting a jail and court-house in each of the four districts. The former Lunenburg distriet was now changed to the East- ern or Johnstown ; tho Mecklenburg, to the Middle or Kings- ton district ; the Nassau, to the Home or Niagara district ; and tho Hesse, to the Western or Detroit district. These German names for the divisions of Upper Canada, were thus supplanted and lost. The districts by proclamation, were subdivided into nineteen counties. One of these was called the Onta- rio county, and formed of Islands near Kingston. Two or three counties were to send two members to the Asseinbly ; and several only one ; and in some oases, two counties were joined together, sending one member. After five weeks sitting, the Governor dismissed the plain, honest, and sensible Legisla- tors with a congratulatory speech, and closed with this useful advice : " I cannot dismiss you, without earnestly desiring you to promote by precept and example, among your respective counties, tlie regu- lar habits of piety and morality, the surest foundations of all private and public felicity ; and at this juncture, I particularly recommend you to explain that this Province is singularly blest, not with a mutilated Constitution, but with a Constitution which has stood the test of experience, and is the very image and transcript of that of Great Britain ; l)y which she has long established and secured to her subjects as much freedom and happiness as is possible to be cujoyeii, und 'r tho subordhiition n3:?js?!:iry to civilised society." 30 HISTORY Oi' METHODISM [1792. Ii FIRST AND SECOND METHODIST CHAPELS. The year of the first Pai'liaracnt of Upper Canada, was the year for the commencement of the first Methodist chapel or church. The corigro^ation on tlie Hay B.iy so increased, that the house of Paul Huff was too saiall. The members, with the preacher began to think of a house for the sole worship of God. Early in the year, they resolved to undertake the work. It is singular that a copy of the original subscription paper yet exists.* The following is a copy, shewing the epistle of the originators to the public and the societies, the manner of tho conveyance, the confidence exercised in the " assistant preacher," the size and plan of the building, with the liberal subscript! o as of the new settlers, and the names of some of the principal Methodists in the neighbourhood of the Hay Bay : fCOPY.] Adolpiicstown, Feb. 3rd, 1792. Dear Friends and Brethren, — As Almight)' God has been pleas- ed to visit lis in this wilderness land with the light of a preached Gospel, we think it requisite to build a Meeting-house or Church for the more convenient assembling of ourselves together for so- cial worship before the Lord. We do agree to build said church under the direction of William Losee, Methodist preacher, our brother who has laboured with us this twelve months past, he following the directions of the Disci- pline of the Methodist Episcopal Church, or in his absence under the direction of any assistant Preacher belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Church in Great Britain or America, sent from there by proper aiithority (such as the Bishop) to labour among us. We do farther agree that no other denomination or society of people shall have any privilege or liberty to preach or teach in the said Methodist church without the consent or leave of the assistant Methodist preacher then labouring with us. We do further agree to build said Church thirty-six feet by thirty feet, two stories high with a gallery in the upper story or second story. Said house to be built on the north-west corner of Paul Huffs lot of land, No. 18, third concession, Fourth Town. We the subscribers do promise to pay, or cause to be paid to the Directors towards the building of tne said church as it is wanting, • The paper wntt preserved bv Mr. SamuKl r)»»tlor,of thi*. LUUe Cn'ck, near Napanee, Dcd ii(>w is in the posscRsion of K''V. Dr. Green. I [1792. 1792.] IS CANADA. 31 I, was the chapel ov lascd, that •ers, with rorship of the work, ion paper he epistle jties, the led in the ding, with 5 names of )od of the rd, 1792. jccn pleas- preached or Church ;her for so- of William •ed with us the Disci- ence under B Methodist im there by us. We do of people in the said e assistant irther agree two stories Said house of land, No. paid to the is wanting, near NapaneOi the sums of money annexed to our names underneath where we have hereunto set our hands tho date above written. Halifax currency. Paul Huff £10 Peter Frederick .... 4 Elizabeth Roblin... 12 William Casey 7 Daniel Steel 3 .Joseph Ellison 5 William Green. William Ruttan . Solomon Huff . . . Stophel Garman. John Green 1 10 2 2 3 10 Peter Ruttan £4 Joseph Clapp 5 John Bininger 1 Conrad Vandusen. . . 15 Henry Hover 8 Casper Vandusen ... 2 Arra Ferguson 3 Daniel Dafoe 2 Andrew Embury... 2 Henry Davis 4 William Ketcheson. 2 10 The Paul IlaDF waa in good worldly circumstances, and doubtless gave the land as well as his subscription. Peter Frederick was a blacksmith, lived about a mile from the chapel site, wavered in his religion, but returned to the Lord, and died very happy. Elizabeth Roblin is the widow already mentioned.* She and her husband came into Canada about the end of the war. They entered by the way of lake Champlaiu, (as did great numbers of the emigrants), passed up the Hichelieu river, and wintered at Sorel, — living on rations allowed by the Government. In the spring, the family passed up the St. Lawrence, :i batteaux« or flat bottomed boats, came on to the Bay of Quinte, coasted the numerous bays and inlets, and finally took possession of land on the Hay Bay. It is worthy of remark, that the wintering of the emigrants in Lower Canada, while a great convenience to them, resulted in an evil to Upper Canada which is still increasing, and can never be got rid of. The French farmers grew thistles on their land, as now. The emigrants filled their beds with the straw. The beds were carried to the diiferent farms in Upper Canada^ in the batteaux. The thistle seeds found their way to the land, flind the land has never been free from thistles since. The sub- scription of the widow was very liberal : indeed, the Roblins * !lcr gon Pliillp was the father of the preseit John P. Rohlin, of Picton, a man who hnst aervt^d liis country in Rereral P.trlianientH of Upper Canada, and aAo the Methodldt Cliurch in ditforetit olHoeft. Her daiii^hter Nancy, born in 1781, and con- nected with the Methodiflts from the ArRt until no'w (IS(il), U the inotlierof a large hranfth of the Ketcheson family in the county of Hastiugn, 32 HISTORY OF METH0DIS5I [1702. I of the Bay of Quintc have always been hospitable and iiberal minded people; William Casey lived on the north side of tho Hay Bay, on a beautiful point of land, where hospitality and piety have continued to reside, still called Cusey's Point. Jo- seph Ellison was afterwards an exhorter in the church, and -Daniel Steele became a local preacher. Henry Hover, Wnu .Ruttan,, and Conrad VandusrnoraDt of re- ligious matters ; and when be first stood up to say grace at table, he cominmccd, 'And now I lay me down to sleep,' &c., tliesp being the only religious words lie ooulil think of, and they were doubtless acceptable to God. But he soon Ik'crdic an apt scholar in the sehool of Christ. I have often heard him pray and speak in love- feasts with much propriety and with great power. Ilis widow, now in her one-hun- dredth year, is still living, (1860), and is p-^obably the only Burvi»or of the flrKt class formed by Mr. Losee." Ana gives tbe following aocounl^ef Csnrcd Viindusen : " Ii» lived on tbe bay shoie, a little aast of the Court-house. Of him many pleasing and amusing anecdotes aro told ; though a tavern keeper as well as a mercliaut, be open- ed his house for the Gospel, and when that Gngpol entered his heart, be delibc:atcly took his axe and cut down his sign-posts. When convinced that he ought to hav^ prayers in his family, he got an old book, founl^ a form of prayers, and kneeled down with his family to lead it ; but when on his knees he could not read the first seu- tsnce, but began to weep and sigh, and cull upon God for mercy. Happy for bin self aiid for others ha found mercy, joined the first class furmed in the piovince, aud livtd, ftpd lUed a man of God." [1792. d Hbeval ie of tho ality and int. Jo- rch, and ver, Wnu ous men, ot inclin- is in ih& )ne of the. d "shout ' or Peter ) Embury. Conrad- the High 's Mills.-''' w Roblin^ id on th& lity living^ 3 a Dutch rman sct- diere still last name <^ the colo- On the dier, and arried his g all his ed on tie norant of re- comininccd, us words h» II Ix'catnc iin eak in love- ipr one-hun- lie fii>t clasR iisen : " H» pleaf^iiig and lit, he opon- delibeiatcly gLt to Lave riti«led down the first seti- y fur hin self cc,, aud livvd 1792.] IN AN ADA. 33 Hay Bay, in Frcdcricksburgh, and his wife was a member of Losee's class. In 1800, he moved up to Sidney, and a large posterity claim him as their ancestor. Considering that these twenty-two subscribers were new settlers, had little or nothing more than requisite for their wants, and that money was scarce and at a high price ; the subscriptions were very liberal, — especially eight or ten of the sums, — and would not often be exceeded now. The total subscribed for the first chapel was £108. In the same month, or thereabout, Losee undertook to build a second church, for the use of the people on the eastern part of his circuit, as the first was for the use of the western part, — especially for quarterly meetings. The site was in the second or Ernestown, and on the front, not far east of the village of Bath. The principal persons who aided in building this meeting-house were James Parrot, John Lake, Robert Clarke, Jacob Miller, and others. There is evidence in an ac- count-book of Robt. Clark, who was a carpenter and millwright, of the building of the chapel commencing in May, 1792. He credits himself Avith then working 12^ days ; and with working in October following 12| days, reckoning at 5s. 6d. per day, — which shows carpenters' wages at that time. But, like a good- hearted man, seeing the building fund not too full, he reduced his wages to 2s. 9d. per day. His payment to the chapel was £10. He lived two miles east of the meeting-house. It seems that James Parrott was the receiver of the subscriptions. The two buildings were to be of the same size, the same form, and with galleries. The churches were proceeded with, the fi'ame and closing in finished, and then they were opened for use ; but, at first, the people sat upon boards, and for a long time after. The Adolphustown and Ernestown were the first Methodist churches in Canada. When religion prospers, not only do churches arise, but zealous men are willing to declare the Gospel truth, who before were ignorant thereof, or unwilling to publish it. Local preach- ers and exhorters have been found in almost every circuit in Canada, able and ready to help the itinerant ministry. The first exhorters or public speakers in the first circuit were Jno. Roblin, Stophel German, Daniel Steol, and Matthew Steel. The last did not know the alphabet when he began, but he afterwards went to school, and soon could read a text and a hymn. 0-1 34 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1792. V I This year died Paul Heck, and was buried near the front of Augusta, now the burial ground of the Augusta Methodist church. He appears to have been a faithful servant of tho Lord, from the time his wife prevailed on Embury to preach until his death. It seems that some time after the Hecks came to Augusta, one or more of the Emburys came, and per- haps other Methodists, and a class was formed by themselves ; and Samuel Embury, a son of Philip, was appointad the leader. The Hecks came to Augusta in 1778. Paul therefore had lived there about thirteen years. ) At what period the class was formed is uncertain ; but doubtless it was formed as soon as possible by these pious Methodist people, and may be certainly reckoned the first Methodist class in Canada. The order of precedence then will be : the Augusta class first, the Niagara class second, and the Adolphustown third, but the first regu- larly formed. As the meeting of the New-York Conference drew near, Mr. Losee numbered off the members which he had received into the Methodist Episcopal Church since his coming, and found there were 165 in church fellowship. Considering the scanty population in the six townships of the Kingston circuit, the number is large, and proved the inclination of the people to the Methodist usages and doctrines, and the faithfulness of the firs'u itinerant labourer. He then set out on his long and diificult journey to Albany, the place of Conference. He is placed on the list of the deacons, and very likely now received ordination. He gave so favourable an account of the religious opening in Canada, and the necessity of an ordained minister, or elder on his circuit, that Darius Dunham was appointed to it, under the name of Cataraqui circuit, instead of Kings- ton, — 'as a sluggish stream of the name of Cataraqui runs through the township of Kingston, and empties into the Bay of Quinte, near the village of Kingston. A smaller stream runs into the Bay yet nearer the village, which was called the Little Cataraqui. From the name of the two streams, the village was more commonly called C 'taraqui than Kingston ; and as the greatest part of the population of Upper Canada was at first in the neighbourhood or these streams, people in the United States would sometimes call the whole upper province Cataraqui. Opposite the township of Augusta, and where Ogdensburgh 1 792.] IN CANADA. 35 )a;densbur2h is now situated in the United States, is the emptying of a stream of water, called the Oswegotchie, so called from an In- dian village nexr. The Conferenca applied the name of this creek to the new circuit which Wm. Losee was appointed to form in Canada, embracing the country on the north side of the St. Lawrence from within fifty or sixty miles east of Kingston to Cornwall, — a line of country of about 60 or 70 miles, and along which were the townships of Elizabethtown, Augusta, Edwardsburgh, Matilda, Williamsburgh, Osnabruck, and Cornwall. The two Canadian circuits were placed in the same district as Albany and Saratoga circuits, of which Freeborn Garrettson was the Presiding Elder. The two preachers for Canada came together into the Province ; and ^the first kindly intro- duced the second to the notice of the new Methodists and settlers of the northern wilderness. No quarterly meeting had yet been held, no sacraments administered, nor matrimony solemnized. But the Methodists were now to enjoy all the privileges of a regular church. Before the preachers should part, it was agreed to have a quarterly meeting, as the Metho- dists had in the United States. The notice was soon spread over all the six townships. On Saturday, September 15th might have been seen, in Mr. Parrot's barn, 1st concession of Ernestown, (and exactly a month from the beginning of the Albany Conference) the first Saturday congregation, the first church business meeting, and the first circuit prayer meeting. Darius Dunham, preacher in charge of the circuit, acted in the place of the presiding elder. On the Sunday, we may imagine the new Methodists of the six townships drawing on towards Parrot's barn, from the east, and west, and north, and devoutly going in to the first love-feast in the Province, beholding the two preachers at the table. After the love-feast, the Methodists see the broken bread and the cup, for the first time, in the hands of a Methodist preacher, — who earnestly invites tLem to draw near and partake of the holy sacrament to their com- fbrt. A new and solemn ordinance to them ; and then after the members have retired for a few minutes, behold a crowd of people pressing into the barn, filling it, and a great number around the doors. The new missionary stands before the gazing congregation ; he opens his gr^at commission to preach the Gospel unto all people ; he cries apd spares not their sina 3C HISTORY OP METHODISM [1792. ' , h of omission and commission ; and closes by exhorting all to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world. A memorable day to the people of the Bay of Quinte ! and this^ was the first Methodist quarterly meeting held in Canada. '<■ Dunham now proceeded to the regular work of the circuit ]. and Losee began his journey eastward, to lay the foundation of a new circuit on the river St. Lawrence. The townships of Cornwall, Osnabrook, Williamsburg, and Matilda, were first settled on in 1784, and chiefly by disbanded soldiers of Sir J ohn Johnson's regiment, some Scotch, and the rest German origin. For three years, the settlers were supplied by Government with provisions and tools for farming. As there were no roads, two batteaux or large boats were provided for each township, to bring the provisions from 3Iontreal.* Soon after the settle- ments began, the Germans obtained the assistance of a Luther- an minister. He was settled over the Germans in Matilda and Williamsburg, .ppears to have known the doctrine of regener- ation, and taught it. An anecdote is related of this old minister and one of his parishioners. The person in question was an old German lady, whose children had been converted, and joined the Metho- dists. She thought because she had been baptized, and had received the sacrament, that she was a Christian ; but her children told her that unless she was born again ; and knew her sins forgiven, she would be lost, ^t this she took great ofience, and so excessive was her grief, that she undertook one day to make her complaint to her pastor. Said she, *Mr. Swartzsfayer, my children says that I must pe pourn akain, and know my sins forgiven I' To which the good man rejoined, * What now, mamma ! have I been preaching to you so long, and you have not found that out yet?' He went to his rest a short time after the arrival of the Methodists."f * Their method of serving out their rations wbs rather peculiar. Their plan was to prevent the appearance of partiality ; for the one who acted as commisEury either to turn his back, lake one of the articlefi, and say, * Who will have this ?,' or else the provisions are weighed, or assorted, and put into keapA, when the commisary went around with • bat, and received into it aometbing which he would again recognize. Ma button, a knife, &c.; after which took the aiticles out of the hat, as they came uppermost, and placed one upon each af the piles in retation. Every perHon thrn claimed the parcel on which he found the article which he bad thrown into the hat; As they bad no mills fdralong time, Government provided each township with a steel handmlll, which they moved from house to house. TLeir first milling was done at ICingston mills. There was a grcait <^ca1 of Fimplicitv and unanimity among the people at that period ; but they wero very little acquainted with true religion. The were much glveb to carousing and dancing— Rev, J. Carrolt'$ «• Pott and Prettnt." \ Carroll. [1792. 1792.] IN CANADA. 87 •r all to the world. A 1 and thisv !anadn. ircuit y and lation of a ivnships of , were first Df Sir John nan origin, anient with > roads, two )wnship, to r the settle- F a Luthev- latilda and of regener- one of his Id German the Metho- d, and had a ; but her and knew i took great iertook one she, ' Mr. urn akain, an rejoined, rou so long, tO his rest a 'heir plan was mmiBEar}- either is ?,' or else the ;oinmisary went igain recognize, it, as they canoe >ry person thfn *n into the hat; owDship with ft Hilling was done mity among the I religion. The St and Prettnt." Loses had visited the St, Lawrence county on his first com- ing^' to Canada; and now he returns to these Scotch and Gcrnian settlers, with the others who had settled among them. He would call at particular houses, and ask leave to preach ; and thus doors were opened, and permanent appointments estab- lished. Gradually each township was visited, preached in, and appointments fixed. For breaking up the fallow ground Losec was duly qualified. To the obstinately impenitent, he was. a son of thunder. Standing behind a chair, when preaching in private houses, he would bring down his short or withered arm to the back of the chair crying out, " If you do not repent, you will be damned as s ire as there is a devil in hell." Alarm would take hold of the wicked, and many began to fly from the wrath to come. The first class which Losee formed was in township of Cornwall, and in a neighborhood afterwards called Moulinette.f He doubtless took charge also of the Augusta class, — now in the bounds of his new circuit. In the time of the Conference, Canada was honored with a visit from a son of the king, George III. The Duke of Kent, father of Queen Victoria, proceeded up the St. Lawrence, coasted the great lake - -" Around whose rocky shore The forests murmur, and the surges roar." — (Odys. i.) He landed at Newark, the capital and chief town of Upper Canada, August 22. After staying with Governor Simcoo a short time, he returned to Quebec ; at which place, the trst Parliament of Lower Canada was this year opened. . FIRST GENERAL CONFERENCE OF METHODIST CHURCH. The first General Conference consisting of all the travelling preachers who had been received into full connexion, assembled in Baltimore, November 1st, 1792. The entire discipline of the Church came up for review. One rule passed was, that the wife of a preacher should have the same claim on a circuit as her husband, viz. sixty-four dollars each. The principal event of the Conference was the secession of a popular Virginia preacher, called O'Kelly, and his party. He introduced a rule, * Case's Jubilee Sermon. - -^ •* * + Bangs' 11, 206. 38 HISTORY OP METHODISM [1793. that if a preacher believod himself injured by the bishops appointment, he should be permitted to appeal to the Confer enc2 ; and if his objections were approved of, the bishop must change the ai»pointniont. A debate of three days was held on this proposition ; and it was rejected by a large majority of the preachers. Hence the secession, and the establishment of the first seceding body from the Methodist Episcopal Church, calling itself Repvhllcan Methodists, The party was mostly confined to Virginia and North Carolina, was violent against episcopal authority, lived about ten years, and then was lost. 1793. The second session of the Upper Canada Parlia- ment commenced at Niagara, on 31st May; thirteen useful bills were passed. One was an act for holding annual township meetings, for the appointment of town officers, — as clerk, two assessors, collector, two or more overseers of highways, fence viewers, one or two pound keepers, and two town wardens. A second was an act to make valid the marriages " publicly con- tracted before any magistrate, or commanding officer of a port, or adjutant, or major of a regiment acting as chaplain, or any other person in any other public office or employment." For the future marriages, a magistrate may solemnize if not five ministers in the district, or none living within eighteen miles of either person to be married. A third was an act to fix the time and place of holding general quarter sessions. (The places were Cornwall, and New Johnstown, Kingston and Adolphustown, Newark and Michilimackinae. Thus the few districts were provided with courts of justice.) A fourth was an act to prevent the further introduction of slaves, and has the good and logical preamble of " whereas it is unjust that a people who enjoy freedom by law should encourage the introduction of slaves," and therefore no negro shall hereafter be imported as a slave. To eflFect a gradual emancipation, all children hereafter born of negro women to remain in possession of their owner until twenty-five years of age, when they shall be discharged. Ten years bebre slavery was abolished in Lower Canada, and many years before the English Parliament abolished it in the West Indies, the farmer legislatian of Upper Canada had struck a death blow to the great oppression. Slavery therefore is not one of the sins of tipper Canada. Owing to the fort on the other side of the Niagara river being surrendered to the United States, the governor resolved .s [1793. ! bishops e Confer hop must held on ajority of hment of Church, mostly against as lost. Parlia- 3n useful township lerk, two lys, fence dens. A licly con- a port, or any other ;he future ters in the person to place of Dornwall, Newark provided svent the id logical ho enjoy F slaves," s a slave, fter born ner until jd. Ten tnd many the West struck a re is not ara river resolved 179;j.] IN CANADA. 80 to change the seat of government, and to select a better metropolis than one under the guns of an enemy's fortress. lu the summer, Mr. Simooe coastiid along the upper shore of lake Ontario, lined with dense forest, looked into the Welland river and Twenty mile Creek, passed along the shore of Bur- lington Bay, and at last sailed up to the old French fort called Toronto, (after, it is thought the Italian Tarento,) wheie the inmates cf a solitary wigwam, of the Hurons, were encamped. After considering the manifold advantages of the situation, it was chosen by the governor for the future capital of Upper Canada, and named York ; and the choice has been justified by experience, and approved by posterity. Toronto was a situation for a fort well chosen by the French. Indeed, the French may be praised for their careful exploration of the country, in order to ascertain the capabili- ties and resources of it. They took a large and comprehen- sive vievsr of the new country, for the purpose of founding a new French nation. The military positions were carefully and well chosen, considering the period, the savage tribes of the localities, and the prospect of the future population and power of the country. The public buildings, particularly in Quebec and Montreal, and the fortresses on the great rivers and lakes, commanded the admiration of the intelligent travel- ler. On the whole, the French occupation for a couple of centuries was quite advantageous to the provinces, and served to promote the interests of the new occupiers by right of conquest. The revolution was going on in France. January 21st, the people beheaded their mild and inoffensive sovereign, Louis XVI. February Ist, the republic declared war against Great Britain, compelling her to unite with others for mutual defence, and gradually involving all Europe in a long, expen- sive and bloody war. The French officers and soldiers had helped the English colonies in the revolution, and carried home the seeds of dissatisfaction with their own government ; bearing now the fruits of alarming anarchy and savage repub- ----- ^^ ^^^ injurious to the licanism. The war, though checking the commerce otherwise emigration to Canada, was not growth and tranquility of the population. The Imperial Government, after the reserve of a seventh of the lands resolved on building up an Ecclesiastical establish- 40 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1793. , ment in Canada, and selected the Rev. Dr. Mountain, now consecrated first bishop of Quebec, to lay the foundation and take the char'^e thereof. The bishop sailed fr in England, and came to Quebec, his appointed residence. Ho found in his whole diocese, including the two provinces, only five Episco- palian congregations, and a corresponding number of ministers. Ho found that Canada was a greater spiritual than natural wilderness ; and, no doubt, the Methodist missionaries found, and were ready to express, the same truth. Some of the dis- charged soldiers, loyalists, and emigrants, had been now settled on their land for twenty years or more ; hundreds had been in the country for fifteen years ; and some thousands were in the wilderness from two to ten years. To care for this Protestant scattered population, even now, there were only, perhaps, two or three Lutheran, three or four Episcopalian, and two Meth- odist ministers. The moral pict ire of the country at thia time is thus drawn by a knowing pen : Among the Protestants of Lower Canada some congrega- tions " might be iound, but(iihe western part of the dioceso, in regard to religion an 1 education, presented a dreary waste. The people were scattered over a v.ist surface, and had the means been furnished ot building churches and schools, which ought always to go together, there was little or no chance of their being supported. Nor did this arise so much from any disinclination on the part ot the people as from their inability. In new settlements, lamilies live of necessity far apart — they are for some years so wretchedly poor that they cannot dispense with the services of il eir children who are able to work ; and if a church is erected, the families are for a long time too re- mote, and the roads too bad to attend. Settlers in a wilder- ness are often found greatly changed in a few years. At first, they lament their^^distance from churches and schools, but by degrees such lamentation die away, as well as the generous and noble dispositions from which they emanated ; and when the accommodations for public worship are provided, bad weather, -bad roads, or any other trifling cause, prevents anything like a regular attendance. Living without restraint, and without the eye of those whom they respect, a sense of decency and religion frequently disappears. Here the disinclination to holy things presents itself in all its deformity, a distaste for divine wor- worship, and neglect of everything sacred, and a total estrange- 17»3,] KV CANAI»\» 41 lueiit from God; and althoii<;;h, from their situfition, crimes ajj;.'unst society arc few, the Iicurt becomes entirely dead to true piety and virtue. Were it not for the mothers, nothing eu }^!ij>,ing" or amiable would renuiin in many of the back settle- ments; but they, lamenting their separation from civilized Hticiety, are still anxious to cherish and inculcate some of the principles of social life."* It is certainly true that people withdrawing from the limits of civilization into a wilderness become gnidnally uncivilized ; those long destitute of public worship gradually love the desire for the moans of grace ; and thos3 needii»g religious ordinances most desire them least. And such was the general stntc of the l^rotcstant settlers when the first Protestant bishop and the lirst Methodist preachers came to Canada. in of DARIUS DUNHAM. Darius Dunham was brought up to thp study of physie,. which he had laid aside for the labour of the Gospel. He was taken on trial in 1788, one year before Losee, and stationed alone on the Shoreham circuit, under Freeborn Garrettson,. presiding elder, who had the charge of the most northerly dis- trict, reaching to lake Chaujplain. Shoreham was not a circuit made, but to be made. A common way of appointing, at this period, was to station a preacher in a tract of country, and to tell him to make a circuit in it. As to worldly support, he must trust in the same arm that administered spiritual bless- ings. The next year, Dunham was stationed on Cambridge circuit, and Losee on another near it. In 1790, Dunham was made a deacon, and remained on the same circuit. It bad obtained one hundred and forty-six members in the lirst year ; but in the second it lessened a little. In 1791, his station was Columbia, and still in the north. In 1 792 he was made elder. Hearing Losee 's account of the wo»k in Canada, and the necessity of an elder to organize the church, and give the sacraments, he wis moved to offer for the work, and was sent to the Bay of Quinte. He was a man of strong mind, zealous, firm in his opinions, and had the greatest bass voice 1 different lO by the people quite • Sermon by Uov. John Strnchan, D. D., 3rd Ju'y,^ )8'J5nOii tbe dptttb of tb»; Knx. Dr. S'ouiitaiQ, Bisl.op of QiitlM'c^ >■! : ■., . 42 HISTORY or METHODISM 1703] tho consuro of men, and used the greatest faithfulness in preaching to tho ungofUy. Ho Itiborcd well on tho Oatiira((ui circuit, and was in high repute by the people. The prcachcra do not appetu- to have attended the Confer- ence, remaining in their circuits, but sent tho return of members, which were ' Cataraqui 259 Oawcgotchie 90 Loseo returned ninety members where there were none, and Dunham ninety four additional. There are no appoint- ments for Canada in the Minutes. It docs not appear that any were made. Tho reason is not known. But it is not probable that Dunham forsook his circuit, or that Losee con- tinued on his. The name of the first missionary to Canada is now dropt from the Minutes, and never appears again. He attained to the ordination of deacon, and there stopped. He began a life of great usefulness, and was suddenly hindered. He was not dismissed from the itinerancy for *' improper con- duct." He was not " under a location throusih weakness of body, or family concerns." He had not withdrawn himself from the connexion. And yet he was no longer recognized as an itinerant preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. The cause was never published, except in conversation. It reflects no shame on the man, and yet thereby he was unable to perform the duties of his station. To give tho light in this connection is better than to leave the matter in darkness, and to allow scope for the speculation or suspicion of after writ- ers and future prying inquisitiveness. He was the subject of that soft yet powerful passion of our nature, which some account our weakness, and others our greatest happiness. Piety and beauty were seen connected in feinule form then as well as now, in this land of woods and waters, «nows and burn- ing heat. In the family of one of his hearers, :vnd in the vicin- ity of Napanee river, where he formed the third society, was a maid of no little moral and personal attraction. Sotin his attention was attracted ; soon the seed of love was planted in his bosom ; and soon it germinated and bore outward fVuit. In the interim of suspense, as to whether he should gain tho person, another preacher came on the circuit, visits the same dwelling, is attracted by the same fair object, and finds in his ! 1 1703] thfulncsB in 10 Caianu|ut the Confer- 3 return of ... 259 90 e none, and no uppoint- appear that ut it is not t Losee con- yr to Canada pears again, icro stopped, ly hindered, nproper con- nessof body, elf from the lized as an rch. rsation. It was unable light in this irkness, and after writ- the subject which some happiness. >rm then as t's and burn- in the vicin- society, was Soon his i planted in tvvard fVuit. Id gain the s the same finds in his 179i.] IN CANADA. 48 heart the same ynssinn. The two seek the same person. One is absent on the river St. Lawrence ; the other frequents the blest hfibitation, never out of mind. One, too, is deformed; the other, a person of desirable appearance. Jealousy crept in with love, lint, at lust, the preference was uiade, and disap- pointment, like n thunderbolt, overset the mental balance of the (irst itinerant missionary to Canada. He became entirely unlitted for the constant and laborious duties of the ministry. His condition was doubtless made known to the bishop, who kindly and (juietly dropped him from the itinerant list. After tlu) b.ilancj of his mind wis restored, he loft the province, returned to the United States, and after a time he engaged in the sale of shell fish, in the city of New York. Before he left, as the subscriptions for the Adolphustown chapel were to be paid to him, as the director of the building, and to prevent any difficulty, after his departure, he assigned over his right to receive the money to other?, in the following form : "Adolphustown, July 3rd, 1794. " I do assif^n over all my right, title, property, and possession of this within montionod article, with the assignments unto Peter lliittan, Paul Huif, Solomon Huil', William Ituttan, William Green, Peter Frederick, Conrad Vandusen, William Moore. " William Loseb." No one was appointed in his place ; and the two circiiits seem to have been in the sole charge of Mr. Dunham. 1791. Although the preachers in Canada had thvw firlvations dangers, yet not more than the northern and western, preachers of that period ; nor more than the apostolic bishop Asbury. In the beginning of the year, he was so unwell, that he was obliged to give up his journeys in the west, and assigned the following reason : ** The American Alps, (Alleghany mountains just beyond which the preachers are now gone) the deep snows, the great rains, swimming the creeks and rivers, riding in the night, sleeping on the earthen floors, more or less of which I must experience, if I go to the western country, at this time, might cost me my life." At the Conference of 179'1', the members returned from the Oswego tehie circuit were 116, shewing an increase of 2G, implying that the circuit had not been forsaken ; and the 44 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1795. lu number from the Cataraqui circuit was 216, or 43 less, inti- mating the private concerns of the preachers probably affect- ing the circuit. Two new preachers volunteered for Canada, and were sent. The country was formed into a district, and a Presiding Elder was appointed. Darius Dunham, Elder. AFemhors, Upper Canada Lower Circuit — James Coleman, .... 116 Upper Canada Upper Circuit — Elijah Woolsey, Midland Circuit 216 332 The Oswegotchie circuit was divided into two parts,* — one preacher taking tlie western, or Edwardsburg, Augusta, Eliza- bethtown, and Yonge; and the other the eastern, or Matilda, Williamsburg, Osnabruck, and (.^ornwall. The Cataraqui circuit was now called Midland, from the Midland district, in which it was included. James Coleman was an elder, and began travelling in 1791. He was not a preacher of shining talents, but a laborious and faithful servant of Christ, beloved by the people, and counting many seals to his ministry. Elijah Woolsey was a young man, who had travelled only one year, on Cambridge circuit, (one of Dunham's circuits,) and now he boldly offers to go into the Canadian wilderness, to win souls to the Gospel. At the time when Methodism was beginning in Canada, it was rising in New England. The preachers were now preach- ing in Maine, Vermont, and New Hampuhire, and they soon heard sinners asking," What shall we do to be saved?" Soon societies were formed, and circuits established. 1795. As the seat of Government of Upper Canada was to be removed, preparations were begun. The land was cleared of the trees, and lots urveyed, Government buildings and barracks soon began, with private dwellings ; and now the village of York contained twelve houses, besides the barrackf, in which Colonel Simcoe's regiment lived. The first Upper Canada assembly wasdissolved, after the fourth session held in Niagara ; it I * Bang's, TI, 10, without suc'.i auUioiity, llie " U. C. upper circuil" woukl be coa- QODsidmcU the Niagara. 1796.J IN CANADA. 4& )orious and at which place, a small weekly newspaper, called the Gazette, was now established, — printing also the government procla- mations and acts. At the Conference the two circuits were a^ain united, and the old names used again. The two preachers, Coleman and Woolsey, were successful in their work, and thirty-six persons were added to the societies. Mr. Dunham's circuit revived again, and the number of members in his third year, exceeded his first. The preacher's appointments and number of mem- bers were as follows : — Oswegotchie-'— James Colonian, 153 Bay Quiiite — Elijah Woolsey, Sylvamis Keeler, .... 2G5 Niagara— Darius Dunham, 65 383 lYoukl, bo coa- After Mr. Neal, and the Methodists of the Niagara township, liad waited for several years, the petition for a missionary was granted. The county bordering on the river Niagara was put on the list of circuits, and Darius Dunham was now appointed. But how came sixty-five members to be returned to the Conference, before the people had seen an itinerant preacher ? There is probably nothing on record to answer the cjuestion ; but the probability is, that Dunham visited the country last year, found so many persons joined or willing to be joined in church fellowship, — fruits of George Neal's labors in part, and of others before their emigration, — organized the societies according to the discipline, and then acknowledged and returned them as true members of the Methodist Epis-copal Church. The fifth missionary has now come to Canada, Sylvanus Keeler, a young man now taken on trial ; who proved a good and faithful minister of Christ. His first circuit is the Cataraqui, now and afterwards called the Bay of Quinte. 1796. Governor Simcoe was recalled from Upper Canada, and Mr. Russell, the senior member of the Executive council, was left to direct the public aft'airs. The government offices were now^ removed to York, and the second Parliament assem- bled there June 1st. Among the preachers deceased this year, was Benjamin Abbott, wliose manner of preaching made a great impres- .sion on the people, and whose memoirs are read with 46 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1796 )QUch edification. He was noted for exemplifying in his life, and boldly preaching, the doctrine of entire sanctification. Under his preaching, people fulling to the ground was a com- mon occurrence. Though a man without learning, yet he knew well the human heart, and the Sacred Scriptures, and was '* mighty, through God, to the pulling down of strong holds."* He died so poor, that the Baltimore Conference ordered out of the preachers fund £9 7s. Gd. for his funeral and doctor's bill. Another decease, and worthy of notice here, was that of captain Webb, who united with Embury in the rise of Metho- dism in New York. He was with General Wolfe at the conquest of Canada; fought in the battle on the plains of Abraham, under the walls, and received a wound in his arm and lost his right eye ; which caused him afterwards to wear a black bandage over the eye. He returned to I'ingland and was converted ; to Albany in the colony of New York, and began to exhort and preach. Again he returned to England, and continued preaching. '• A man of fire," said Mr. Wesley, ** and the power of God constantly accompanies his word." A few days before his death, he said " I should prefer a triumph- ant death ; but I may be taken away suddenly. However, I know I am happy in the Lord, and shall be with him, and that is sufficient." He died December 20th, 1796. The first secession in the Methodist body was in the United States, by O'Kelly. The second was in England, by Alexander Kilham, which began this year. He was expelled from the Wesleyan Conference, on the ground of slandering the preachers and disturbing the societies. He is the father of the body called the Niew Connexion Methodists. TAST DAY. At the Conference of last year, a general Fast Day was recommended to all the societies and congregations (in Canada, as well as in the United States,) of the Methodist Episcopal • «« Perhapn be wnB one of Ihe wondera of America, no man's copy, an uncommon Eeaiot for the bloesod work of Nanctification, and preached it on all occasioug, and in all congrogationB ; and, wliat was bcHt of nil, lived it. He ttbr an innocent, boly man. tie wan seldom l.card to speak about anything but God and religion. Hid whole soul was often overwhelmed with the power of Qod."— Minute b. [1796 n his life, stification. ras a co'jn- g, yet ho tures, and of strong Conference is funeral as that of of Metho- Ife at the s plains of n his arm :cls to wear igland and York, and England, [r. Wesley, word." A a triumph- However, I n, and that the United yr Alexander cd from the le preachers f the body ist Day was (in Canada, st Episcopal y, nn uncommon -)Cca8iou8, anlisin of the ainisters at the people ower,' and ights which inconverted on,orapre- them in the it danger of render their 1 the assem- •it, were de- bent sinners, le,' and the le these men amiableness siis Christ to nost earnest tic strain of t a moment's ithout-oppo- f distinction f but few for- two classes. who did not t their hatred ous speeches, 1 the midst of of God, they truths of the pposers of the 1797.] IN CANADA. 08 truth no sooner came witliin its hearing than they were forced to yield to its authority, when they willingly bowed their necks to the yoke of Jesus Christ. One instance among many others I will relate, A stout opposer of the Methodists, hearing tliat his wife was in a prayer-meeting, rushed violently into the room, seized his wife, and dragged her to the door, when, attempting to open it, he was himself seized with trembling, his knees failed him, and he fell helpless upon the floor, and was fain to beg an interest in the prayers of those very people whom he had so much despised and persecuted. He rose not until the Lord released him from his sins and made him a partaker of his pardoning mercy. This very man afterward became an itinerant minister, with whom I was personally acquainted, and had the relation of these facts from his own lips. . "All, however, were not so fortunate. The Rev. James Coleman, calling to visit a woman under conviction for sin, while talking with her, was assailed by her husband, who struck him on the forehead so violently, that he carried the mark for a considerable time ; and then, to add to the enormity of the offence, raised the scandalous report that Mr. Coleman was holding improper discourse with his wife, which, indeed, was believed by many, until the real cause was revealed, namely, the man's hatred to true religion."* How vividly do strange and great acta live in the memories of the people ! In the same townships travelled by Wooster, the writer travelled thirty-seven years after. From the elderly Methodists he heard various incidents, and related as if they were but of yesterday. He lodged in the same house that Wooster sometimes lodged in. The pious woman related that Wooster would burn a candle a goad part of a night, that he would rise at times for prayer, and that when laid down in bed he appeared to have the ^^groanings which cannot he uttered.^' (Romans viii. 26.) He seemed to live in constant communion with God. In another settlement, in Matilda, he was told by an aged Methodist .that Wooster was holding a meeting in the log school-house, which was crowded. As they were singing a hymn, a man came in, who attracted the preacher's notice, and he at once cried out, "Loi'd, smite him ! smite him 1 " and the man fell as dead to the ground : so great a power attended his expressions. In addition, we give the impression of a brother minister, who had heard inucli of this remarkable preacher from the old people of the St. Lav,rence : • Bang's Hist. M.E. C. &4 HISTORY OF 31ETH0DISM [i797. "Calviu Woofitor's zcnl Hetms to have displayed itself in a hog- tility to evils more cHSontial and radical than supernumerary but- tons. It was an cnllglitened, dotormlncd, and 8Uccc'8h(ii1 warfare on the kingdom of Satan and the empire of sin, both outward and inward. He was a rare example of tlie holineHS he preached. Of his piety and devotion the old people were never weary of speak- ing in terms of the most glowing admiration. And, indeed, hia devotion to Qod and the work of saving souls was above all praise. He seems to have got liis soul deeply imbued with God's sanctify- ing Spirit, and to have retained it by maintaining a spirit of con- tinual Avatchfulness and communion with God. His very breath was prayer. An old lady who entertained him, informed me that on his arrival he would ask the privilege of going up to the loft of their one-storied log building, which was the only place of retire- ment they had, and to which he had to mount up by means of a ladder. There ho would remain in prayer till the settlers assem- bled for preaching, when he would descend like Moses from the Mount with a face radiant with holy comfort. And truly hia preaching was 'with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.' It was not boisterous but solemn, spiritual, powerful. God hon- ored the man who honored him. He was the instrument of a re- vival characterized by depth and comprehensiveness, a revival of the work of sanctiftcation. Under his word the people fell like men slain in battle. This was even the case when he became so exhausted that he could preach no longer, or his voice was drown- ed in the cries of the people. He would stand with angelic coun- tenance and upturned eye, bringing his hands together, and say- ing in a loud wisper, 'Smite them, my Lord I — my Lord, smite them 1 ' And 'smite them' he did ; for 'the slain of the Lord were many.' This is said to have been the case when his voice and lungs had become so enfeebled by consumption, which brought him to an early grave, that he used to have to employ an interpreter to announce to the congregation his whispered sermons."* The Conferences were reduced from twenty to six. The nearest to Canada was held in Wilbraham, in Massachusetts, September 19th. Bishop Asbury was unable to attend from sickness, and Jesse Lee was chosen to preside. The return of members from Canada showed that a ^reat revival had been felt, as 474 had grown into a body of 795. ; Bay Quinte 447 Niagara 14'J Oswegotchie 2o8 *f^9, 795 CHrrolU 1797.J IN CANADA. 55 There are no appointments Ret down in the printed Minutes. We are not certain who wore the preachers for the three cir- cuits. Colcnvun doubtless reiuained in Niagara, and probably Ooate and Woostcr changed their eireuita. SAMUEL COATE. The pliiin, farminp; people of the Bay of Quinte were capti- vated by the personal appearance and smooth, flowing oratory of Samuel Coatc. He wore long hair, which flowed down on his shoulders, turnin;^ up in graceful curls. Every night, with his garters, he would tie up his beautiful locks, and every mornin:; he would untie and comb them out, then allowing them repose on his shoulders and back. Besides, his countenance was handsome, his complexion fair, and his person finely fashioned and well proportioned. Indeed, he was the Absalom of the people, attracting the eyes and winning the admiration of all. His wife, too, was like Abigail — " of gojd understand' tag, and of a beautiful countenanced' ^ (1. Samuel xxv. 3.) When the husband and wife were together, they were called the handsomest pair in Canada. As a preacher, and for natural eloquence, he excelled all who went before him ; and, on the testimony of some good judges, no one has equalled him who has come after him. "He was evidently a very extraordinary person for such a day and country. He owept like a meteor over the lund, and spell- bounr* the astonished gaze of the wondering new settlers. Nor was it astonishment alone ho excited. He was the heaven- anointed and successful instrument of t> e conversion of hundreds. His success, in the early part of his career, was like that of Whit- field."* His manners, too, were equally pleasing, for he appears to have been bred as a gentleman, and his mein was affable and polite. His manner of entering the houses of his people was singular and very striking. On coming to the house of a friendf in Adolphustown, he reigned up his horse without the gate ; he alighted ; he took off his saddle-bags, and eame to the door. The door was opened for him, and he came in. But •Carroll. ^ Conrad Vanduun. w? nfSTORY OF ItfETKODlBJI [170&. iiiBtcad of speaking to the faniilj and nhaking hande, he knell down by a chair^ and after praying a Bhort time ho nroec and then very affectionataly greeted every member of t!io fomily. Although no preacher probably folloMS svich a practice of Hcret prayer, yet no one can condemn, but rather admire, this fruit of iiward rccoUectedncss and godly simplicity. Samuel Coate's vrife was not a hinderance but a help-mate to her hus^ band. Having no family, she used to hold meetings in her house with females, and would often mount a liorse and accom- pany her husband to his appointments. 1798. At the second session of tho seeond Parliament of Upper Canada, Hon. Peter llus.iell. President, an act was passed to extend the privilege of solemniiing matrimony to other denom>nations than the Chureh of England, — viz., to minibters of tho Church of Scotland, or Lutherans, or Calvin- i&ts. But the civility was not gracefully performed, for tho minister was required to go before the court of quarter sessions, when seven magistrates were present. He must take seven respectable members of his eongregotion, or community, with him, to testify his calling. He must produce proofs of his ordination, take the oath of allegiance, and pay 5s. to the clerk for a certificate of authority from the court. But, be- fore the court sat, the minister must give notice of application to clerk of peace at or before previous court, and pay one dollar, the notice to be read in open court, and fixed up in clerk's office. Under this law, the Methodist preachers from the United States could not marry their people, seeing they were foreigners, and could not take tbc oath of allegiance. Darius Dunham, Presiding Elder. Bay Quinte, — Darius Dunham 447 members. Gswegotchie, — Samuel Coate 2U8 " Niagara, — Jas Coleman, Michael Coate 154 u ^ - ■- -- :^"' '-v '^''■' / 809 The Bishop appointed Dunham to a circuit, and to the dis- trict, and sent another preacher to Canada. Michael Coate was the brother of Samuel. He was admitted into full con- nexion last year, and came as a deacon, by his brother's re- quest, from a circuit in Connecticut into Canada. What a journey for those times from Middletown to Niagara ! The 1798.] Conforen but neit By comir fere nee, i Owing two years began to die in a father's 1 beloved f journey. Canada, and the afterward is here af for the I Ghost I* had freq exhort t1 circuit h named L eccentric sin, wisl] superinte "He to enjoyed t on his bO( sequence, isterial la man, if it after, I to die. h( I was gone he was as world tha awoke, w! convicted is to be ol ing of ju C-1 1798.] IS CANADA. 57 Conference sat in Granville, Mnssuoliusetts, September 19th> but neither of the Canadian preachers probably attended. By coming to Canada the preaohers were out off' from the Con- ference, and from social fellowship with their brethren. CALVIN WOOSTER'S DEATH. Owing to the excessive labours of this zealous m&ti, in the two years he was in Canada, he injured his constitution, and began to waste away with the consumption. He wished not to die in a strange land, but in his own country, and in his father's house. In the month of June, he bade farewell to his beloved friends in Canada, and began a long and troublesome journey. In passing through a settlement in Dunham, Lower Canada, he delivered a discourse in a whispering tone of voice, and the effect was the conversion of three young men, who afterwards became preachers of the Gospel. What an evidence is here afforded that not human learning or eloquence is needed for the success of the Gospel, but the power of the Holy Ghost I* After ho came on the United States side he had frequently to stop and rest, and would pray with and exhort the people. When passing through the Cambridge circuit he was iiade a great blessing to the young preacher, named Lorenzo Dow, afterwards a noted man for his good and eccentric deeds. He was distressed with the burden of inbred sin, wished to know how to be relieved, and spoke to his superintendent: "He told me about Calvin Wooster, in Upper Canada, that ho enjoyed tlie blessing of sanctification, and had a miracle wrought on his body, in some sense. The course of nature turned in con- sequence, and he was much owned and blessed of Qod in his min- isterial labours. I felt a great desire arise in my heart to see the man, if it might be consistent with the divine will ; and not long after, I heard he was passing through the circuit, and going home to die. I immediately rode five miles to the house, but found he was gone another five miles farther. I went into the room where he was asleep. He appeared to me more like one from the eternal world than like one of my fellow mortals. I told him, when he awoke, who I was, and what I had come for. Said he,— 'God has convicted you for the blessing of sanctification, and that blessing is to be obtained by the simple act of faith, the same as the Mess- ing of justification.' I persuaded him to tarry in the neighbour- • Guard. Feb. 20, 1801. C-1 y AS HISTORY OP METHODISM [1798. hood a few days ; and a couple of evenings after the above— after I had done speaking one evening — he spoke, or rather whispered, out an exhortation, as his voice was so broken in consequence of praying in the air in Upper Canada, — as from twenty to thirty were frequently blessed at a meeting. He told mo that if he could get a sinner under conviction, crying for mercy, they would kneel down, a dozen of them, and not rise till he had found peace. 'For,' said he, 'we did believe God would bless him, and it was according to our faith.' At this time he was in a consumption, and a few weeks after expired ; and his last words were, as I am informed, ' Ye must be sanctified, or be damned I ' and casting a look upward went out like the snuff of a candle, without terror. And while whispering out the above exhortation, the power which attended the same reached the hearts of the people, and some who were sitting or standing fell like men shot in the field of battle ; and I felt it like a tremor to run through my soul and every vein, 80 that it took away my limb power, that I fell to the floor, and by faith saw a greater blessing before me than justification. My soul was in an agony. I could but groan out my desires to God. He (Calvin Wooster) came to me, and said, 'Believe the blessing is now.' No sooner had the words dropped from his lips than I strove to believe the blessing mine now with all the powers of my soul. Then the burden dropped or fell from my breast, and a solid joy and a gentle running peace filled my soul."* We shall close the account of Calvin Wooster by giving the testimony of the author of the history of the M. E. Church, who in after years travelled as a missionary in the same parts of Upper Canada : "Hezekiah Calvin Wooster took his departure to another world this year. We have already seen something of his character in the notice we have tuken of the work of God in Upper Canada. His name is 'like ointment poured forth,' to many in that country, and he used to be spoken of as an extraordinary messengerof God, sent to declare his counsels unto a fallen and rebellious world. After exerting all his powers of body and mind in beseeching sin- ners to be reconciled to God, he returned home with the fatal con- sumption fastened upon his lungs. But even while in this feeble state, so reduced as not to be able to speak above a whisper, this whisper, being announced to the congregation by another, was frequently attended by such a divine energy and unction, that sin- ners would tremble and fall under the announcement, while the people of God felt the holy anointing running through their souls. It is said, indeed, that his very countenance exhibited such marks 'jf the divine glory that it struck conviction into the hearts of many who beheld it." • Dow'b Life. 17990 IN CANADA. 59 And a short account of his death, sent by his father to the Philadelphia Conference may be added : Apbiii 9th, 1999. Dkar Brethren, — Those liaes are to inform you that my son, Hezekiah C. Wooster, returned home from Canada last June, sick with consumption. He lived till the 6th Nov., and then died strong in the faith and love of Jesus. He was an example of patience and resignation to the will of God, and expressed to en- joy much of the love of God in all ^is sickness. When I thought he was almost done speaking)', I asked him if his confidence was still strong in the Lord? He answered,— "Yes, strong 1 strong 1" A short time before the day of his death, when his bodily strength failed fast, he said, the nearer he drew to eternity the brighter heaven shined upon him. The following lines were found among his papers after his death, — "Hezekiah Calvin Wooster was born May 20th, l'77l ; con- victed of sin October 9th, 1791 ; born again December 1st, 1791 ; sanctified Febuary 6th, 1792." These lines are from your loving brother in Christ, Edward Woostbb. The preachers' appointments, for 1799, with the number of members returned for each circuit, are as follows : Joseph Jewell, Presiding Elder. Bay Quinte, — Samuel Coate 412 members. Oswegotchie,^ — Darius Dunham 300 " Niagara, — James Coleman 154 " A second Presiding Elder is now sent into Canada. Tb^ title of Presiding Elder was first given to senior preachers over districts, two years since ; previously, they were merely called Elders. Joseph Jewell began his itinerancy in 1795 ; had just passed into the rank of the elders, after four years travel, when he was lifted up a second step, and made Presiding Elder. He was a good man, of a cheerful mind, fond of sing- ing, and had a captivating voice. It was said that he waa the finest singer ever heard in the Province. He was last labouring on a circuit in Maryland, whence he took his long journey for the cold regions of Upper Canada. LORENZO DOW. Another new preacher now begins his labours in Canada, viz: the noted Lorenzo Dow. He was born in the year 60 HISTORT OF METHODISM 1799.] I' w 1777 ; professed conversion in 1792 ; and was exercised about preaching the next year ; but his health, friends^ and abilities were against it. In 1794 he ventured to pray pub- licly, and to exhort a little ; and he was reproved by his parents, who were afraid of his running too fast. But condemnation and horror seized upon his mind, when he refrained. In 1796^ when eighteen years old, he attended some appointments with three circuit preachers ; but they gave him nothing but discour- agement. He tried again. A preacher said he had better go home ; for his health, gifts, grace, learning, and sobriety were not sufficient. He was three months on the .Warren circuity on Rhode Island, when the quarterly meeting discharged him^ *' Two or three handkerchiefs were soon wet through with tears; my heart was broke," said he. Jesse Lee was his particular hindrance. At the Wilbraham conference of September, 1797, he was proposed, rejected, and sent home. " I could tak^ no food for thirty-six hours," he remarks. Still, he went about preaching on Orange circuit, in Virginia, and other places, impelled by his sense of duty. He preached from ten to fifteen times a week for eight months, and travelled more than 4000 miles ; and mostly in new parts, where other preachers were not. Yet, the preachers so discouraged him, that he was sometimes tempted to end his life. At the con- ference held in Granville, Massachusetts, in September, 1798, some friendly preacher proposed him to travel. But he was so strange a person, that his good deeds could not overbalance his singularity, and after a sharp debate of three hours, the conference would not receive him ; but he was left in the hands of the Presiding Elder. He remarks, '* I was afraid I should become insane." Still, he is put down en the Minutes as received on trial, and receives an appointment to the Cam- bridge circuit. (Here he was when Calvin Wooster passed on to his home.) He visited from house to house ; spared no character in preaching ; and was called " crazy Dow." In 1799, he is on the Minutes as remaining on trial, and station- ed on the Essex circuit, in Vermont. But the Essex circuit was only a circuit on paper. The preacher was to form a circuit, to be called by the name of Essex. Says he: " Mr. Asbury sent me into Canada, to form a new circuit, and break up fresh ground ; my name being on the Minutes as remaia- i!:i i 1799.] exercised , frienCJp, pray pub- s parents^ emnation In 1796, lents with it diecour- better go riety were en circuity irged hinir with tears; particular September, «' I could il, he went and other i from ten ;lled more lere other aged him, it the con- ber, 1798, ut he was verbalance hours, the eft in the IS afraid I 18 Minutes ) the Cam- ter passed spared no )ow." In id station- ;sez circuit to form a le: circuit, and as remaia- 1799.] m CANADA. 61 ing on trial. After visiting my native place (Coventry, Connec- ticut), once more, to see my parents and friends, I set off in August for my destination — having seen a good work of God during my stay. After my arrival in Canada, found a field open before me, and a circuit was soon formed ; but my health was going down hill. A revival took place in those parts where I laboured, and the wilderness did bud and blossom as the rose. However, I was not the commander of my feelings. My mind was still drawn to the water ; and Ireland was on my mind." The circuit Dow formed in August, September, and part of October, was on the bounds of the two countries, and in the vicinity of the Missisco bay, which is partly in Vermont, and partly in Lower Canada. The townships he travelled on the Canada side were Durham and Sutton — then settling, — and the population, which were " the oflFscouring of the earth ; some having run hither from debt, others to avoid prosecu- tion for crimes, and a third character had come to accumulate money." At the next conference the Essex circuit was returned as having 274 members. But Dow was not like other preachers, loving and practising rule and order, and resembling the orderly motions of the sun, moon, and planets. He loved to do good, but his way of doing it was like the course of the comets, which come and go, and no one knows when they will come again. He now left the circuit, believing the Lord had called him to visit Ireland, and do good there. He made his way to Montreal, when but twenty-two years of age, embarked in a vessel, Octo- ber 16th, and sailed down the river to Quebec. Here he had to wait until a ship sailed ; so he improved the time. A week before, a regiment had sailed for Halifax, in which was a Methodist society of twenty-six soldiers. He found the place where they held meetings, and collected about a dozen English, to whom he preached in the evening. A few back- slidden Methodists were at this time in Quebec. The next evening he preached to a congregation of 30 persons ; thus on to about 150 during the five days he remained. He says that twenty persons were stirred up to seek God, during his short stay in Quebec. These wished him to give up his voyage, and remain in the town, but he declined. As he was without money, and not suitably provided for his voyage, some mone; was collected, with provisions and some bedding, for his use on Ahe sea. He went on board, 28th October, and a fleet of 62 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1800. W:. twelve ships fell down the river, and put to sea ; and after a fiivourable voyage, the ship cast anchor, at Lame, in the north coast of Ireland. In this eccentric man v e see the Jirst regular Methodist missionary to Lower Canada. He came into Canada at the command of Bishop A jbury. The Lord mercifully overlooked the singularities which the preachers condemned, and worked with His sincere, and loving servant. No people ever complained that Lorenzo Dow remained too long in a circuit or place. His chief fault was, he did not remain long enough. 1800. Major General Hunter was appointed Lieutenant Governor, and met the Parliament on the 2nd June. The liberal grant of 200 acres to any actual settler still attracted numerous emigrants into Upper Canada, — English, Irish, Scotch, and Americans, — but the latter were more than all the others. To show the state of the country, the ports of entry for customs dues, may be meniloned, as now appointed. Goods were brought over from the American side of the St. Lawrence and the lakes Ontario and Erie. The duties were to ue collected at Cornwall, Brockville, (or Johnstown,) New- castle, York, Niagara, Queenston, Fort Erie, Turkey Point, Amherstburgh, and Sandwich. These were the usual places of crossing and landing; and small villages were already begun at most of these places. GENERAL CONFERENCE. The General Conference met at Baltimore, in May. As Bishop Asbury was feeble, and Dr. Coke was desired by the English Conference for their missionary work, Richard What- coat, who came out with Dr. Coke from England, was chosen bishop. He was a man now 64 years of age, and like Asbury a fine example of a primitive bishop. The allowance of a travelling preacher had been 64 dollars and travelling expenses. Now the allowance was raised to $80, the same for his wife, $16 for each child under seven, and $24 for each from seven to fourteen. The same allowance was made for superannu- ated and supernumerary preachers, wives, widows, and orphans. And this allowance remained for preachers in Canada and United States until 1816. [1800. 1800.] IN CANADA. after a in the see the I. He ', The ich the re, and zo Dow lit was, lutenant B. The ,ttracted , Irish, n all the of entry )pointed. ■ the St. les were :i,) New- T Point, fil places [y begun ay. As I by the d What- s chosen Asbury ace of a 'xpenses. his wife, m seven perannu- orphans. ada and MEMBERS rOR M. E. CHURCH. As we are now beginning a new century, let us look at the progress of the Methodist body in the United States. How small a beginning by Philip Embury and Captain Webb, in 1766 and '67. How large a body now ! WHITE MEMKERS. COLOURED. Georgia 1403 252 South Carolina 3399 1283 North Carolina 6363 2109 Tennesee 681 62 Virginia , 10859 2531 Kentucky r 1626 115 Maryland 6549 6497 Delaware 1626 867 Pennsylvania 2887 300 New Jersey 2857 173 New York 6140 223 Connecticut 1546 25 BhoJe Island 224 3 Massachusetts ,. 1571 6 New Hampshire I7l Maine 1197 ■Vern?ont 1095 I N. W. Territory 255 2 Natchez GO Canada S23 3 Preachers, 287. 51,442 13,452 CALVINISTIO DISPUTE. This year appears to be the time when Coate and a Presby- terian minister had a public controversy on the doctrine of God's election. The occasion of the dispute was, that the Rev. Robert McDowell was a rigid Calvinist in doctrine, and preached as he believed. One Sabbath day, in preaching in the Court House, in Adolphustown, he enlarged on the subject of unconditional election, and boldly ofiered to argue the point publicly with any who disbelieved. The challenge was heard of by Coate • but he was not forward to accept it. He said that Mr. McDowell was a better scholar, and probably would puzzle hira by quoting 'he Scripture in the Hebrew or Greek ; but as for arguing the plain question, he was not afraid at all. Apprehending, however, that his siler ^p would be wrongly con- 64 HISTORY OP METHODISM [1800. Btnied, he, at last, took up the challenge. The time was set, and the place chosen. As both ministers were well known and highly respected, great interest was felt us to the dispute and the issue of it. On the appointed day, Presbyterians, Baptists, and other Calvinists, came from all parts of the Bay of Quinte counly, even from Thurlow and Sidney, lo hear their champion. So the Methodists gathered from the game region, to hear and encouri:ge their favourite minister. The place of meeting was in E am estown, about three miles fro»n the village of Bath, at a plaoe where four roads met. Here was a Presbyterian chm'ch, very largo iov the times, as large as a barn, it was said. The assembk.;,*^ was so large that the church could not contain the people. So tht discussion was held outside. First, the Presbyterian itiJinsUn, mounting a w^agou, began his discourse, and laboured t(, jrove hib doctrine of God's unconditional election of men. He occupied half of the day. Then the Methodist minister began. He continued about two hoxirs, when the Presbyterian party, headed by their minister, left ihe ground, refusing to hear the closing of the argument. But ( ^oate continued his discourse until the evening. It was generally allowed that the Methodist doctrine triumph- ed over the Cavinifiiic tenets, to the joy of all lovers of God's impartial grace. One of the effects of the discussion was, that the rigid Presbyterian doctrine of the decrees of God, — or "his eternal purpose according to the Council of his will whereby for his own glory he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass" — was not so often heard from the pulpit. A second was, that Coate's discussion, followed hereafter by Lorenzo Bow's preaching (bitter against Calvinism), set the Lutherans and the Presbyterians from the United States to think of their own Calvinistic principles ; whereby many were turned from a partial to a universal Saviour. Another effect was the publishing of the discourse of Samuel Coate, in a pamphlet, — which further aided the belief of God's universal lover. It is said, too, that Presbyterianism declined in this neighbourhood, and the large church was afterwards sold. Samuel Coate and James Coleman now leave the Canada work, and go back to the United States. The latter, after six years labour in Canada, during which he formed several of the first societies in the Niagara country, began to labour i>a 1800.] LV CANADA. r3 of ;hc U.iy of Quinte and the river St. Luw- e Bay hear same The i from Here large and riO(m ufter i dispute on election, was transferred rcnci to a i-ituitui'. ni.' ! sv'.ir.'Ie for his eminent talents, lirst to Barhn-;ton in New Jei ts^jy, then to Thiladelphia, and lastly to Baltini. io. After four years absence, Samuel Coate returns ai>;iin to Canada. This voir ends tl ? itiii^rant labours of Darius Dunhair'. and hi?' iiamc is silently dropped from the Minutes. After tra 'el- ]ii\g four yo^rs in iho btate of New York, and eight years in Canada, he se; i.:d down on a farm in the township of Freder- ickhburgb^ and near the Napanee village. He resumed the practice of medicine for the support ot his family, yet con- tinued to serve God and the church as a located minister, to the close of his life. He was a useful n)an in his itinerancy as a preacher and Presiding Elder, and helped much to build up the rising church. He did not build up with untempered mnrtar, but strove to raise a steadfast building unto the Lord. In consequence of his faithfulness in reproving, he obtained the name of scolding Dunham. He knew the appellation given to him, and would frequently begin his discourse by saying, " Well, scolding Dunham is come again, and probably some of you would not have come to hear, if you had known who was going to preach." And then would show the necessity of reproving, and go on in the same strain ; thus making his way to the text and the sermon. As an instance of his bold- ness in pointing out sin and sinners, it is related that a magis- trate in Fredericksburgh, something of a Quaker and some- thing of an infidel, treated all days alike. He therefore worked on Sunday as on other days. One Sunday, the magis- trate, in going to and returning from his field with a load of wheat, had to pass the meeting-house, in which Dunham was preaching. The preacher, fired up with holy indignation, denounced Sabbath breaking strongly. He then pointed to the wagon of wheat, and the man passing the windows, and * It is said that lie visited Canada ngain in 1931. "The labours and privations, tho pinyers ard bulTeriugg of that faithful fbi vjiiit of Clirist, tlie Rev JanKR Colemao, should not be forgotten. Though not (liFliiigui!>licd for shining talents af< a preacher, he was beloved hy the people of (lOd, for hin lidelity iu the work of the Ministry, and for his deep devotion to their Fpiritual interests, evinced by his faithful attention to the arduous duties o( bis itinerancy. He bad many seals to his ministry." Baoms, 60 HIS'iORY UF METHODISM [1800.- bid the people to abhor tlie prnctice of that " God-denying, GoJ-forsakei), and hell-deserving magisirate." " la the bay of Quintc country whore he lived so long as a located as well as travelling preacher, the greatest number of characteristic anecdotes are related of Dunham. His reply to the newly appointed magistrate's bantering remarks is well known. A new made 'Squire' bantered Dunham before soma company about riding so line a horse, and told him he was very unlike his humble Master, who was content to ride on an ass. Dunham responded with his usual imperturbable gravity, and in his usual heavy and measured tones, that he agreed with him per- fectly, and that he would most assuredly imitate his Master in the particular mentioned only for the difficulty of finding the animal required — the government having 'made up all the asses into magis- trates !' A person of my acquaintance informed mo that he saw an infidel, who was a fallen Lutheran clergymen, endeavouring one night while Dunham was preaching to destroy the effect of the ser- mon on those around him by turning the whole into ridicule. The preacher affected not to notice him for a length of time, but went on extolling the excellency of Christianity, and showing the for- midable opposition it had confronted and overcome, when all at once he turned to the spot where the scoffer sat, and fixing his eyes upon him, the old man continued, ' Shall Christianuy and her votaries, after having passed through fire and water, after vanquishing the opposition put forth by philosophers, and priests, and kings — after all this, I say, shall the servants of God, at this time of day, allow themselves to be frightened by the brayino of AN ASS ?' The infidel, who had begun to show signs of uneasiness from the time the fearless servant of God fixed his terribly search- ing eye upon him, when he came to the climax of the interroga- tion, was completely broken down, and dropped his head in evident confusion. Dunham was distinguished for fidelity, and faith, and prayer, as well ari wit and sarcasm. Religion was much injured by the late American war, and continued very low for some time afterwards ; but a few held on, and Dunham continued to preach under many discouragements. One day he was preaching with more than usual animation, when a persovi in the congrega- tion responded 'Amen' to some good sentiment that was advanc- ed. On which the preacher paused, and looked about the congre- gation, and said in his usual heavy deliberate manner, ' Amen do I hear? I didn't know that there was religion enough left to raise an amen. Well, then, A-men— so bb it !' He then resumed his sermon. But it really appeared, by a glorious and extensive revival which took place very soon after, that this ' amen ' was like the premonitory rumble of distant thunder before a sweep- ing, fructifying rain. A pious man told me that a relative of his, who first by Dunham, lost her piety, and and pronounced to then her reason, was visited bo ^possessed with the Devil J 1800.] IN CANADA. 67 He kneeled down in front of lier, and though she blasphemed and spit in his face till the spittle ran down on the floor, he never flinched nor moved a muscle, but went on praying and exorcising by turns — shaming the devil for * getting into the weaker vessel,' and telling him to ' get out of her,' till she became subdued, fell on her knees, began to pray and wrestle with God for mercy, and never rose till she got up from her knees in the possession of reason and rejoicing in the light of God's countenance." In the appointments of 1800, there is an increase of preuchors, and they are all new men, except the Presiding Elder : Joseph Jewell, — Presiding Elder. Niagara, — Joseph Sawyer 204 Bay Quinte, — Sylvanus Kccler, \Vm. Anson , 412 Oswegotchie, — Joseph Jewell, Jas. Herron 320 Grand River, — Daniel Pickett Members, 936 Sylvanus Keeler was not quite a new man in Canada, see- ing ho was here in 1795.* Joseph Sawyer now begins his connection with the Canadian work, which continued many years. He began to travel in 1797 on a circuit in New York state ; then went to Massachusetts, then to Vermont. The other three preachers were young men on trial, who volun- teered for Canada. The Grand River or Ottawa country has now a stationed Methodist missionary. It is probable that Danham as Pre- siding Elder first visited the United States emigrants, where they had taken up land. In the time of the French occupa- tion, the river Uttawas or Ottawa was traversed bv traders, • •■J Avho carried articles of traffic 300 miles up the river, in canoes ; passed through French River to Lake Huron, coasting this lake and lake Superior, until the voyageurs, as the French canoe men were called, met the Indian hunters with the furs. Since the English possessio .. the French had taken up land on the north shore of the Isle of Jesus, and the lake of the Two Mountains, (which is an expansion of the Ottawa river, and in some parts two or three miles across,) and also on the south shore of the lake. The settlers from the United States • Between 1705 and 1800, he appears to liUTe ceased trayelling. He now stands tn the Uioutes as remaining on trial. I' I 68 HISTORY OF MLrilODISM [1801. had come into the country, ptissinj; the French people, nnd taken up hind in tlie township ol' lluwkcf^hury nnd in the sciguory of Lon<;;ucuil, on (lie pontli tide of the Oitawii, and in the i«eignory of Argenteuil, on the north >ide. These three phices scciu to luive formed tlie OttuNva circuit, wlicn the young preacher, Daniel Pickett, entered on his labours, as ihc first Mothodiat missionary to the Ottawa country. Ho was u uhc- i'ul, zealous man, and was well spoken of thirty years after by the older settlers. CAMP MEETINGS. Those great meetings in the open air, and usually in the forest, under the green foliage of the trees, took their begin- ning in 1800. Agi'eat revival of religion began in Kentucky, then settling, at a Presbyterian meeting under the ministry of two brothers, called M'Gee, one a Presbyterian minister, and the ther a Methodist. The outward signs of powerful emo- tions were so unusual in that country, that crowds attended, many from long distances, to witness the v;ork. They came with horses and wagons, with provisions and bedding, and built temporary huts or tents. After a while, religious exer- cises continued day and night. The power of God was won- derfully near. The people I'ell v ider the preaching, "like corn before a storm of wind." Hundreds were converted. 1801. An Act was passed by the Upper Canada Parliament, similar to the ordinance of 1778, " for the comfort of the 3Iora- vian Indians, inhabiting that tract of land on each side of the river Thames, called the township of Oxford, and for the better regulation of tho said Indians," to prevent the sale or barter of ** rum, brandy, whiskey, or other spirituous liquors, or strong waters," within the tract. The Niagara country had enjoyed the privileges of the itinerant ministry for five years. Dunham, Coleman, and M. Coate had brought up the membership to the number of two hundred. But there was no church yet erected. It was reserved for Joseph Sawyer to undertake this work of necessity. About two miles west of the village of St. Davids, lived Chris- tian Warner, already mentioned. He was a kind, hospita- ble man, and had opened his house several years for tho li' ' [1801. 1801.1 IN CANADA. 60 icople, nnd lid in llio itawii, und hose tlii'oo the young was H upc- rs after by ally in the leir begin- Kcntucky, niniatry of lister, and erlul euio- ; attended, riiey came ^ding, and ious exer- was won- ng, "like verted. arliament, ' the 31 or a- ide of the the better ! or barter iquors, or es of the man, and lumber of . It was necessity, red Chris- hospita- s for tho preachers and for preaching. The selected site for the meet- ing house wa.s near. The house was built this year, but not fiiii.shed, afterwards went by the name of Warner's meeting- house, and was the third Methodist cliiirch erected in Canada. Tho work of (Jod was generally in a revived and prosperous condition. The Spirit of tho Ijord was with the preaehers. In tho United States, says Bishop Asbury, " Surely we may say our I'cnteco.st is fully come this year.'' •' Tn Upper Canado, the plorious revival which has been al- ready nionti^'i'nod had cxtendtd along n\> tin.' shore of Lake Ontarici even to tlio head of tiic lake, to Niiigara,* and thence to Long Point on tho North-western sliorc of Lake Erie, including four large four weeks' circuits. Tho district this 3'car was under tho charge of the Ilcv. .IoMei)h Jewell, Avho tra\elled extensively through the newly settled country, preaching in h)g houses, in liarnH, and sometimes in groves, and everywhere Ik holding tho displaj's of the power nnd grace of God in tlie awakening and conveihion of sinners, at well as the sanctitieatiou of believers. A great woi'k of God was (anied on this year under the preach- ing of Josejth Sawyer, whose faithful labours on the Niagara Circuit will be long and gratefully n membercd by the people in that coiuitry ; and it was during this revival that the prc.'^ent Avriter, after four or five years of hard struggling under a cou- scioiisncss of his sinfulness, was brought into the fold of Christ ; and here he wishes to record his gratitude to God for his distin- guished grace, in snatching such a brand from tho fire, and to his people for their kindness, and more especiall)' to that servant of , God, the Rev. Joseph Sawyer, under whose pastoral oversight he was brought into the Church. And the writer of this remembers with gratitude tho many prayers which James Coleman oflFered up to Ooa in his behalf while a youthful stranger in that land, and while seeking, with his eyes but half opened, to find the way of < peace and pleasantness' ' The work also prevailed on the Bay of Quinte and Oswegotchie circuits, under the labours of Sylvanus Keeler, Seth Crowell, and others. The latter was a young preacher of great zeal and of tho most indefatigable industry ; and going into that country he soon caught the flame of Divine love which • This part of tho country was first vlRitod hv a local prcachor from iho United Statcf* by the name of Ncal, wh" codinienced pvcaching t:i the vicinity of Queenstown, amid much obinqny and opposition. Ho vran a holy man ot God and an able minister of tiie Now Te.itiimont. His word was ble^sPd to the awakening and conversion of many bouIh, and he wa» alwnys spoken of by the people with great affection and veneratif n as tlie pioneer of Metiiodism in tliHt country. AinonK those who first joined the soci«tv may lie mentioned Christian Warner, who lived near what Is calhfd St David's, who became a class leader, and his house was a homo for the preaeiiers and for preaching for many years, lie was considered a father in Israel by nil who knew him. The first M' thodist meeting house erected in that part of the country was in his neighbourhood. This vati built in Vi'sl, r * 70 HISTORY OF SIETItODtSM [1801. had been enkindled by the inHtrunientality of MosHrB. Wooster, Coato and Dunham. Uc eiitorod intu tho work with great cuurgy and perHoverance, and CJod bli-HHod liiH luborH with nuu-ii hucochh So greatly had Ood prospered the laborH of his faithful Hcrvantu In this province, that there were returned in the niinuteH of con- ference for this year ll5f) members of the Church It had indeed, extended into the lower province, on the Ottawa River, to an English settlement about fifty miles west of Montreal. This now circuit wos traveled by John Robinson and Caleb Morris, and they returned forty-five members in the Church. '• Like the new settlements in the western country, Upper Can- ada was at that time but sparsely populated, so that in riding from one appointment to another, the preachers somi'times had to pass through a wilderness from ten to sixty miles' distance, and not unfrequently had either to encamp in the woods, or sleep in an Indian hut; and, sometimes, in visiting the newly s<>ttled places, they have carried provender for their horses ov;o for bondsmen fleeing from their oppressors. The colony was long in advance of the mother country ; which, wliile abolishing the slave trade, did not abolish slavery until 1834'. New York Conference, — Upper Canada Dislrict. John RobinHon, Pnsiding Elder. Niagara and Long Point, — S. Koeler, Saiuuel Howe, llcuben Harris 650 Ba)' Quintc and Home District. — J. Sawyer, N. Bangs, T. Jladden 520 Oswcgotchio, — Peter Vannest, Lutlier Bishop 300 Home District 130 ]\Icmbers, 1600 The memhers in Dunham and Sutton, reported in the Essex circuit, in 1800, seem to liavc been incorporated on one of the north Vermont or New JIampshire circuits. For the first time, places in Lower Canada appear on the Minutes. They are attached to the Pittsficld district, of the New York Conference. Montreal, — Samuel Merwin. 7 St. Jolin's and Soreille, — Elijah Chichester, Laban Clark, missionaries Ottawha, — Daniel Pickett 73 Th« Ottawa circuit was partly in Upper Canada and partly in Lower Canada. St. John's was a village, with some Ibrtili- catons, on tlie River Richelieu, which issues from lake Cham- plain and flows about 70 miles ; and Sorei was another village at the moutii of the river, emptying into the St. Lawrence, about 40 miles below Aicntreal. These places wore inhabited mostly by tlie French, but some English-speaking people among them attracted the attention of the preachers, who souLiht their spiritual improvement by the gospel. Quebec was visited by Samuel Meiwin, and he remained about six weeks, but not lindinu; sufRcient inducement to con- tinue longer, hecan:e to Montreal, and spent there the remain- der of the year; while Elijah Chi lester, who was in Montreal since the Conference, retu"i;ed t^ ihe I'nited States. Laban Clark, after striving to form a circuit ou the settlements of the HISTORY OP METIIODI.'^M [1804. •III Riclidieu river, ai)n Bay Quintc, — Sylvanus Kcelor, Ileuben Harris 518 Home District, — \Vm. Anson 70 Oswcgotchie, — Tliomas Madden 441 Ottawha, — Samuel Howe 89 Montreal, — Martin Knter 12 River lo French, — Nathan Bangs. Members, 1 750 John Robinson, after travelling the Ottawa and Niagara circuits, and the whole district as Presiding Elder, retired from the work, married, and set lied on a farm near the B;iy of Quinte shore. lie was a man of good intellectual abilities. In after years, he became melancholy and deranged in his mind. Hi' was living in the year 1837. He would remain Cana hund snow, up tc roqui and hfivii cuit. He, eadt som the in. ^n a z«( ■l»nt th I\ter c lliiCi;-) J ISOi.] IN CAXAWA, •9 in Ills room for days, in solitude and silence, with the exer- cise of walldnc; up and down. Sometimes ho would ven- ture out, and take lonsi; journeys, offering to prench. It is said that he took offence at tlie Methodist system, and was writiiij>; a book against it. He suffered his hair and beard to grow when white, which made his a e have quite a venera- ble, patriarchal appearance. He was vaken on trial in 1794, and travelled six years before he came to Canada. His last circuit previously was o;i the 3Iohawk river. The year after he left the Canadian work, he travelled a circuit in Vermont; and the next year he is reported among those locating from *' bodily weakness or family concerns." I'etor Vaunesc ceases his connexion with the Canadian work. He beiirau his labours in 179(5, in New Jei'sey. Another circuit was in Connecticut. He was arst connected with Can- ada, when on two circuits in Vermont. He followed Lorenzo Dow on the Essex circuit, including two townships of Lower Canada. He baptized, by sprinkling, pouring, and immer- sion, no less than 400 persons on this circuit. He was obliged to cross the Mississquoi river, v,heii winter came, but the horse-boat was sunk, and he crossed in a canoe amidst the drift ice- He was obliged to pursue his work, on the Lower Canada side of the river, on foot. He thus travelled a hundred miles — most of the way through the woods and deep enow, without a track — sometimes stepping into i^pring holes up to his knees in mud and water. 8ome of hj;^ appointments required him to travel on the Mississtpoi bay, covered with ice, and two or throe inches of water on the top, wearing shoes, having no boots. When in Canada, on the Bay Quinto cir- cuit, one of the journeys was thirty-four miles through woods. He, and probably other preachers., usod to carry oats in his siddle-bags, to feed hi« horse. On the (^swegotchie circuit. some of the appointments iiad twenty miles of woods between thenu He was noted for zeal in enforcing plainness of dres-s on the members.* From Canada he went to labour in New J ersey. • '• Of I'etcr Vanncst lio remeinliors iis chivrnclovistic tli.'it liis piety tlevelnpcd itself 4n n ze of th() evening on Saturday the preacher detected that young B.-iiley had on his spruce new c<>«t a row of bra^B buttons too many in front, as well as the fsuiieifluous ones )>ehind, and denounced it as a meat unallowable instance of pride and vjiuiiy. The young convert was very nnxioun to bo a Chiistian in all re>pectc, and tliinlting the preacher most be right, very deliberately iool< out his pocket l.t the fiver ; bu-,'. he dec.itied the i everaye, and ti)idti::>iu thev in ght,if t^ e\ cliose,dii! k tb- irwi itkev, and he won d drink water and tea, and see who would htive the '^i tier hcaith ; arid when tlie tever eornmeaced it* ravages, as altova describeil, so ih. t he conld visit iwsarc-ly a house wi'huut seeing more or Khs sick, he coii.>-t mtly tr.'ive.'led the coir try- in hea til until ao')ut the close of the sicKly season, win'n he too wms seiz-d with the prevailing dtseare. but by timely renieriies hn escav^'^ wiih only fhtee paroxvsius. This is mentioned chiefly to show the niistiken liOti<.n under which many people labor, who suppose that the use of ardent s|)irits is a preientivo agai' t,t any epidemi- cal disease. It is believed that ii induces it in nim cases out of ten, iusttad of pre- venting it." 1S04.1 IN CANADA. 81 pointed him a missionary to that plnco. He accordingly left th« city of New York in the latter part of the month of Juno, went into Upper Canada by the way of Kingston, thence up the country along the north western shore of Lake Ontario to the Long Point circuit, and tlienco on through Oxford to the town of Delaware, on the River Thames. Here he lodged for the niglit in the last log hut in the settlement, and the next morning, as the day began to dawn, he arose and took his departure, and after travelling through a wilderness of forty-five miles, guided only by marked trees, he arrived at a solitary log house about sunset, weary, hun- gry, and thirsty, where he was entertained with the best the house could afford, which was some Indian pudding and milk for supper, and a bundle of straw for his bed. The next day, about twelve o'clock, he arrived at an Indian village on the north bank of the River Thames, the inhabitants of which were under tlie instruc- tions of two Moravian missionaries. While there the Indians were called together for worship, which was performed in a very simple manner, by reading a short discourse, and singing a few verses ot a hymn. The missionaries and the Indians treated him with great respect and aifection, and seemed to rejoice in the pros- pect of having the gospel preached to the Avhite settlements on the banks of the river below. " About 3 o'clock, P. M., he arrived at the first house in the set- tlement, when the following conversation took place between the missionary and a man whom he saw in the yard before the house. After the introductory salutation, the missionary inquired, " Do you want the gospel preached here ?" After some deliberation, it was answered, "Yes, that we do. Do you preach tlie gospel?" *' That is my occupation." " Alight from your horse, then, and como in, will you ?" " 1 have come a great distance to preach the gospel to the people here, aid it is now Saturday afternoon, to- morrow is the Sabbath, and I must have a house to preach in before I get off from my horse," After a few moments of con- sideration, Le replied, " I have a house for you to preach in, pro- vender for your horse, and food and lodging for yourself; and you shall be welcome to them all if you will dismount and come in." Thanking him for his kind offer, the missionary dismounted and entered the hospitable mansion in the name of the Lord, say- ing, Peace be to this house. A young man mounted his horse and rode ten miles down the river, inviting the people to attend meeting at that house the next morning at ten o'clock, A. M. " At the time appointed the house was filled When the mis- sionary rose up, he told the people that whenever a stranger makes his appearance in a place the people are generally anxious to know who he is, whence he came, where he is going, and what his errand is among them. " In these things," said he, <' I will satisfy you in few words." He then gave them a short account of his birlh and edxxcation, of his conversion and call to the ministrv, and th« B 1 82 HISTORY OF METilODISM [1804. motives which induced Iiiin to come amoiiic them, and concluded in tlie followini? manner: •* I am n Methodist preacher, and my manner of worsliip i.-^ to stand up and ning, and kneel in prayer ; then I stand up and take a text and preacii, while the pi'ople sit on their seats As many of yon as see lit to join me in this me- thod, you can do so ; hut if not, you can choose your own method." When ho gave out his hymn, tliey all arose, every num, woman, and child. When he kne(ded in prayer, they al!, without excep- tion, kneeled down. Tliey then took their seats, and he stood up and gave out his text, '< Ucpent ye, therefore, and he converte(l, that your sins may he blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" and he preached, as he thinks, with the Holy (Ihost sent down from heaven. Having concluded his discomse, he explained to his audience his manner of preaching, by itinerating througli the country, his doctrine, and how supported, &c. He then said, " All you who wish to hear any more such preaching, rise up" — when every man, woman, and child stood up. He then told them they might expect preaching there again in two weeks. " Such a commencement, in a strange place, he considered as a token for good. He then sent on appointments ;' rough the set- tlements along down the river, which he filled in a manner simi- lar to the above, and was everywhere received with great cordi- ality. He proceeded down the shore of Lake St. Clair, visited Sandwich on the Canada side of the oitlet of the lake, crossed over to Detroit,* and preached in the t'uunei; House, thence to Fort Maiden, and down the shor>. of Lake Eric, in a setilement made up of Americans, English, s otch. Irish, and Dutch emi- grants. The people every vherc tlucked together to hear the word. "A more destitute place he had never found. Young people hid arrived to the age of sixteen who had never heard a gospel r mon, and he found a Methodist family who had lived in that country seven years without hearing a sermon preached. But although the people generally were extremely ignorant of spiri- tual things, and very loose in their morals, they seemed ripe for * Detroit, at that timo Eermed to be a most nb.mdnnetl pliicp. On lUi rocond viclt the missionary was iutrniliic>(l to a Congregational niii;ister. who tol i ,.iin he Had prettchoil in Uet oit until none butalVw cliildr n would conic to hear; and, sai'l he, if you can succeed, which I very much doul)t, I sIihII rejoice. On the third visit, wliich was on Sabl)atti, suro onongh, only a few children came to iho pince of worship, and no one appearing to take any interest In hearing the gospel preiiched there, our ioiissioiiary shook otf the dust of his feet as a testimony agHinst them, and tool* his (^ep'irtuie d'om them. In uhout four weelis after tliis tlje town wns conrumcd bv fire. The report w.iR that it too; flro from a man smoking a sogar in a st.-ible and the hou^e- b'iiig chiefly bnili witlj wood, the Amies ypread so rapidly that nearly every h iiBO o'l each side of the ninin street was consumed. ■ It was, howver, soon rebuilt, and has sIdcq gro;itly flourished, and now we have a large and iuflueutial church iu that place. [1804. onclnded , and my I prayer; coplt' sit this mo- liK.'tllod." , woman, it cxcep- stood up imvortod, efrcshing achod, as Having H mannor ;riiie, and I to hear man, and •reaching cred as a 1 the set- ner simi- (at cordi- r, visited crossed hence to ttlement tch emi- hear the g people a gospel ^d in tliat icd. But of spiri- ripe for ^•ocond rifit iin lie had ; aod, Hail > third vinit, of worsbip, d thf re, our n«l took Ilia med b\ Are. )1e and the learly every w we have 1803. J IN CANADA. tlii: jjospel, and hence received and treated God's mcsBcnger with ;;;uil attention and liindncss. Mj continued among them ahout three months, when lie left them lor the Niagara circuit, intend* ing to return again soon, Imt was prevented. Ho was succeeded thi: next year by William Case, who was instrumental of great f^Dod to the souls of the people. Societies and a regular circuit were formed, which have continued to flourish and increase to tho present time."* The moral condition of the ^oltlers was indeed lamentable. Tliey had no means of gr.ioc, and little desire for any, loving driokinfr, dancing, horse-racing, and othfr sport;^. A Baptist exhortor, from the United States, i;^cd to have inc> tings occa- sionally, but was highly prejudiced against the Methodists, and brought tho people to have similar feelings. Nathan Bangs was tlie first Methodist preacher on the Thames, the St. Clair, and the nortli-western shore of Lake Erie. On his first visits, a number of houses were opened for him to preach in ; but, through tl^e Baptist, thoy were soon closed again. A rich man had opened his house for preaching, and afterwards turn- ed the preacher out of doors, in the presence of the congrega- tion, — when taking out his handkerchief, and lifting his feet, the preacher " wiped the dust oif as a testimony against them." A few months after the affairs of this man began to reverse, lie learned to drink, and became a drunkard. His wife went off with another man. His children ian to ruin. In yeari after, he wandered about as a vagrant, indebted to friends for daily foo I. In 1833, he was visited by the preacher on the Gosfield circuit, who found him on the verge of the grave with no preparation, and no desire for it. His mind was weak, and his body enfeebled by disease. He lived in ignor- ance and disobedience to God, and so he died. 1805. The commerce of the provinces increased with the population ; and now 146 \essels visited Quebec in the seasoi^, aiding emigration to the country as well as the trade. Two newspapers were published in Quebec, the Gazette and Mer- cury ; and one in Montreal, the Gazette. A French paper was soon added, Le Canadien, as the organ of the French people. In this year the battle of Trafalgar was fought, whea the Admiral, Lord Nelson, fell. » Bang's History of M. K, C. ^, s^%^. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 1.1 l&i|2£ 125 L' |i£ H2.0 nni 1 ^BBBS nil— .ai. IIIII^BE ■ ^ 6" ► Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WIST MAIN STRUT WRBSTiR,N.Y. MSM (716)t7a-4S03 '^V^ ^ ^ 84 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1805. i ■ 'M' I Ul Upper Canada District. Samuel Coate, Presiding Elder, Long Point, — ^Luther Bishop 125 Niagara, — Gershom Pearce 600 Yonge Street, — Daniel Pickett ) «« Smith's Creek,— Thomas Madden $ "" Bay Quinte, — Henry Byan, Wm Case 510 OBwegotchie,— Sylvanus Keeler, Nathan Bangs.... 457 Ottawha, — Robert Perry 96 Montreal 20 Members, 1787 A preacher now comes into Canada, who became a very use- ful and eminent man in the connexion, although his end was not so well as the beginning. Henry Kyan was taken on trial in 1800, and was appointed to Vermont for three years. The next two years, be was on the Plattsburgh circuit iu New York state. He was an Irishman, and of a bold energetic nature, with powerful voice, and well suited to the times and the work. In Vermont, he used to meet Elijah Hedding, his assistant preacher, (afterwards bishop,) at an intersection of roads. His usual salutation and encouragement was, '* Drive on, brother ; drive on I and let us drive the devil out of the country 1" When on the Plattsburgh circuit, a small compar.y of professing christians who lived far in the woods, sent for him to preagh, From the settlement to the public road, there was 00 path. So the people gathered, cut out the brush, felled and out up some of the large trees in the way, and opened a tolera- ble path for his horse. Where the new path and the public road joined, they blazed a large tree, and wrote on it, with an index pointing to the new path, " Brother Ryan, turn down here." He now is appointed to the Bay of Quinte circuit, with Wm. Case, a pious young man, of a fine voice and good singing abilities, having more of the talent of affectionate ex- hortation than preaching, and now beginning his itinerancy ; a man who had much to do with the progress of the work of God in Upper Canada, and especially with the establishment of missions among the Indians. He was born in Massachusetts, in 1780, and converted in 1803. 9: ] IN CANADA. 86 FiaST CAMP MEETING. As these meetings were prevailing in several of the states^ and were attended with remarkable revivals of the work of God, some of the preachers after conference resolved on having a camp meeting in Canada. The Bay of Quinte circuit was selected, and the ppot w«8 a field of Peter Huff's, on the Hay Bay shore, and near the chapel in Adolphustown. The field was sprinkled with logs, which served for seats. The meeting was conducted by the two circuit preachers, but Pickett, Keeler, Madden, and Bangs, were present. A few persons had tents in the field, made by poles, and covered with cotton or linen sheets' and blankets. A boat load of Methodists went down from Sidney. The attendance was not large, and scarcely exceeded a hundred persons at any one service, excepting Sunday. The services began on Friday, ended on Monday, and were accompanied by a great display of the awaken- ing and converting, as well as sanctifying, grace of God. A little incident produced a great impression on the heedless youth present. The signs of conviction and penitence fj >en on sone sinners at the meeting, the young men disbelieved, and boldly told the preachers, they were the effect of scaring. At one of the services, when the congregation rose from prayer, a lad of eleven years of age, living at Casey's Point, remained kneeling, weeping, and agonising in prayer for mercy, at the hands of a gracious God. Kyan noticing enme to the place, and called the young people to come and see the sight. He asked whether what they saw could be done by scaring, for the sermon was not betrun. They all acknowledged that scaring could not be the cause, and that it must be . something else. " Well," said the preacher, '* it will do the lad no harm if we pray for him. So let us all kneel down and pray.'' Gradually the youths believed in a spiritual influence, and soon after felt it. On the Sunday, awful sensations were produced under the preaching of the Gospel, many bowing before the Lord in fear and penitence, while the pious were filled with joy un- speakable and full of glory. A great revival of religion was the consequence of this meeting, particularly on the Bay of Quinte and Oswegotchie circuits, which eventuated in the pi 86 uisTORY OP METHODISM [1806: convorsion of hundreds of souls. The meeting was quite ordeHy, compared with camp meeting in after years. Indeed, the people were yet in their happy simplicity, and had not learned how to bo mischievous. 1806. Upper Canada District, Joseph Sawyer, Presiding Elder, Long Point, — Thos. Madden 120 Niagara, — Thos. Whitehead, Robert Perry 520 Yonge Street, — Daniel Pickett, 30 Smith's Creek, — Luther Bishop ". 76 Bay Quinte, — Henry Ryan 656 Oswegotchie, — Gershom Pearce, Wm, Case 558 St. Lawrence, — Sylvauus Keeler Lower Canada District, Samuel Coate, Presiding Elder. Montreal, — Samuel Coate 20 Quebec, — Nathan Bangs Ottawha, — Andrew Prindle 105 Wm. Snyder, missionary to the French. New York Conference, — Ashgrove District. Dunham and Fletcher, — Henry Fames, Reuben Harris*. New York Conference, — Vermont District. Stanstead, — Philip Ayer. The Home District circuit, which seems to have incl " 1 all the ground then settled between the Bay of Quinte 1 the Niagara circuit is now divided. The centre of this vast circuit was York, with Yonge street on the north, a road 36 miles long, leading to lake Simcoe, and now e^o^/ly settling. Last year and now the Home district circuit is called Yonge street, — a name yet retained for a small part of the original circuit. A new circuit was begun last year called Smith's Creek, — the stream which passes through the town of Port Hope. It comprehended a part of the Prince Edward District, with the Belleville country, and all the road from the Trent to the border of the Yonge street circuit. Though the Yonge street and Smith's Creek circuits were of large extent, yet the popu- lation was scanty, and the preaching places few, yet far asunder. 1806.] IN CANADA. 87 A preacher might ride through a township before he found the little settlement and the log house in which he was to preach ; and a couple of townships, before ho came to the next appoint- ment, where a new congregation was to hear his voice. Even twenty years after, it was no unusual circumstimce, to have a township or two townships to lie between the first appointment and the next ; and occasionally, as on the lUtawa circuit, a preacher would ride through three townships to find the little society and congregation. Another new circuit is begun, called the St. Lawrence, which seems to have embraced the country each side of the river St. Lawrence, towards Cornwall. In embracing parts of the New York state and Upper Canada, the circuit resembled the border circuits in Vermont and New Hampshire. But a circuit with a rapid and broad river between was necessarily both inconvenient and dangerous. The St. Lawrence circuit is long kept on the Upper Canada district ; but in after years, it was altogether in the New York state, and on the south side of the river. Still, the Canadian Presiding Elders hr.d the inconvenience of crossing every three months to hold the cir- cuit quarterly meeting. The work is so advancing in Canad?, that a second district is formed of the Lower Province,— excepting the southern borders, taken in by border circuits. Samuel Coate is the Presiding Elder, and the preacher for Montreal ; while Joseph Sawyer, returning to Canada, is over the Upper Province. The New York conference now receives on trial two men, who continued many years in the Canadian work, steadfast and useful preachers, and died in Upper Canada. Thomas White- head was born in Duchess County, New York, in 1762, and converted and united to the Methodist society in 1780. He seems to have laboured as a local preacher for some time, and then was sent — probably by Dr. Coke— to Nova Scotia, His name occurs in the Minutes of 1791, as stationed at Liver- pool, Nova Scotia, with William Black, as the Presiding Elder over seven circuits, and 730 members. The appointments in the British Lower Provinces do not come on the American Minutes again, only the numbers in society, and in 1795 those were 1000. After this, the numbers are omitted also. Mr. Whitehead's name is not on the Minutes until 1806, when he 88 IIISTORV OP MKTIIOniSM [ISOfi. 'V i n is received on trial. Why a preacher of several years stand- ing was thus received is not stated. The way of transfer from the British Conference to the American Conference was not yet begun. It is possible he was not in the itinerant work when he returned from the Provinces. However, he was ordained, after two years' trial, an Elder (in 1808), doubtless on account of his previous labours. After his appointment to Canada, he Bet out on his journey from Albany, with his wife and six children. They had great trouble in getting to the lake Onta- rio, and as great in coasting the lake iu an open boat. By the time the boat reached the Niagara river, six weeks had been consumed in the journey, and during the most of the time, the family subsisted on boiled wheat. The other preacher received on trial, was Andrew Prindle, born in Prince Edward District, in 1780, — one of the earliest births in Upper Canada, — and one of the first of Canadian birth going into the Methodist itinerant work. He begins his labours on what was for many years the roughest circuit in the work, — and where a number of others began their itinerancy, — the Ottawa. A young preacher in the Methodist work should be thankful to have the worst first, and not the worst after- wards. It will tend to his after content, thankfulness, and submission both to God and the elders of the church. And those having the appointing power will most benefit young preachers, no matter how groat their talents or self esteem, by letting them sojourn for a time among the least and lowest places in our Israel. To place a promising youth at once in the first position, so that afterwards there cun be nothing but retrogade, is neither beneficial to the youth nor the chuvch, as the trial has often taught. However, though the Ottawa cir- cuit was a rough circuit, perhaps no preacher ever reflected on the people and journeys without pleasure. A preacher is now stationed at Quebec, and another is sent to labour among the French of Lower Canada. "Nathan Bangs volunteered his services for Quebec. After spending a few weeks in Montreal, to supply them until their preacher, Samuel Coate, arrived, he sailed down the River St. Lawrence for Quebec, and arrived there on Saturday morning. Having a few letters of introduction, he delivered them, and by great exertions succeeded in hiring a room and getting it seated piVj i 1806.] IN CANADA. 89 other is sent that day, and he preached his first sermon on the Sabbath morn- ing following to a tolerable congregation. The majority of the people of Quebec were French Roman Catholics, bigotedly attached to all their peculiarities, and, of course opposed to.all Protestant innovations. The next in num- ber and influence were the members of the Church of England^ and next to them the Church of Scotland, all manifesting a deadly opposition to Methodism. He found, however, a few who received him cordially, though with much timidity. Among others he called on a Scotch missionary by the name of Dink, who had suc- ceeded in collecting a small congregation, and was treated by him with much affection and respect, " It would doubtless be uninteresting to tlie reauer to enter into a detail of the difficulties with which he had to contend, the men- tal trial he underwent in striving to plant the gospel in that har- dened place, with but small means of support, and few to coun- tenance his undertaking. For a while the congregation was respectable, as to numbers, but they soo i dwindled down to not more than a dozen steady hearers, apd not more than three or four of these seemed to be under religious impressions. He has frequently held a prayer meeting with only one besides himself, though inwardly conscious of the divine approbation, yet with but faint hopes of success. He, however, formed a small society, which, under more faithful and skilful labourers, has since in- creased to a considerable number, and Methodism has now a firm standing in Quebec. " An attempt was also made this year to establish a mission for the benefit of the French Catholic population of Lower Canada, and William Snyder, who understood and could preach in the French language, was appointed to this service. He entered upon his Avork in a French settlement, in the vicinity of the Ottawa river, and for a time was cordially received and listened to with much attention, so that great hopes were entertained of a successful issue of his labours. Having occasion, however, to be absent from his field of labour for a few weeks, the parish priest took the opportunity to go among the people and warn them of the danger of hearing the " Protestant heretic," threatening them with ex- communication — which, in their estimation was a sure prelude to damnation — if they did not desist. This so wrought upon their fears, that, upon the return of brother Snyder not a soul dared to hear him or receive him into his house. He was, therefore, re- luctantly compelled to abandon the enterprise in despair, nor has anything been done effectually for thos.} pnople since. The charms of Roman Catholicism still hold them in bondage to their priests."* Two circuits on the southern border of Lower Canada, Dun- ham and Stanstead, are for the first time mentioned in the " * Uiiiig'* History iVl. li. C, 90 HISTORY OP METnODiSM [1807. I *l! Minutes. As they wero Canadian circuits, with Canadian titles, — alt1ioup;h some prenchinnj places on the American side were probably included, — they deserve to be introduced in this work. And what information can be found of that border work, will be given, as the history goes on. DEATH OP BISHOP WHATCOAT. The American and Canadian Methodists and preachers were now called to mourn the loss of their bishop. Richard What- coat was born in Gloucester, in England, 1736 ; converted, 1758 ; sanctified, 1761 ; began to travel, 1769 ; came to Ame- rica, 1784; became superintendent or bishop, 1800; died at Dover, in Delaware, July 5th, 1806. He never came to Ca- nada ; but in the United States he was noted for gravity, sin- cerity, and simplicity. In the Minutes, he is called an '' apostolic man of God." ** Dead to envy, pride, and praise." " Whoever heard him speak an idle word ?" After his 70tli year, he travelled annually three or four thousand miles. In his last illness, he '* was a prodigy of pain and patience for thirteen weeks." Like Bishop Asbury he never married. The work of God was spreading faat all over the United States. Bishop Asbury wrote from Maryland, in July : — " I have good reasons to believe that upon the eastern shore, 4000 hare been converted since the 1st of May, and one thousand sanctified, besides souls convicted, and quickened, and restored. Our Pentecost for sanctification is fully «ome in some places. • • Ten camp-meetings north of New York in about two months, and more laid out. * * Now, I think, we congregate two mil- lions in a year, and I hope for lon,000 souls converted, convicted, restored, or sanctified. The whole continent is awake. I am on a route of 3000 miles from and to Baltimore. Such a work of God, I believe, never was known for the number of people," 1807. — The war with France had continued with some inter- ruptions, and great success had attended the British arms, which had lately captured -the Cape of Good Hope from the Dutch, allies to the French. Lieut. Gen. Craig was now governor of Canada. In the third session of the fourth parli- ament of Upper Canada, an act was passed to aid education. As the Province was divided in eight districts, a grammar school was appointed, and £100 a year given, to each. Thus eight district schools sprung up, oflfering a better education 1807.] IN CANADA. 91 than the common schools ; but, for many years, few boys were tauirht in them. Parents conUl not spare tlieir sons did not desire for them a higher education, could not defray the cxi>cnse, or (the principal reason) the school was at a pieat distance from home. Those who lived in the vicinity of the school, and not the district generally, obtained the most benefit. In Upper Canada the second newspaper, the Upper Canada Unardi'in in opposition to the Goverment was now begun. Sylvanus Keeler, who commenced travelling in 1795, now retires from the itinerant work. He had travelled four years on the Bay of Quinte circuit, two on the Oswegotchie, one on the >iiagara, and the last year on the St. Lawrence. He settled on a farm in Elizabethtown, near Brockville, and use- fully laboured as a located minister all his days. When old he was venerable in appearance. His hair wool white, long, flow- ing down on his shoulders. His voice was deep yet soft, as the roll of thunder in the distance. One who heard him preach, exclaims, '' such a voice ! I never heard its equal." He lived and died a good man.* • " The nnme of 8.> I vanu^ Keelcr convert<:d and raised up into th^ ministry in Canada, in the Elizabeth town country, not far from where Urnckville now stands is worthy of buing rexcued from oblivion. He bad hod no advantuKes of au enrly education ; and who, when lie first beeaii speabioK in public, it is said, could gcarcfly read a hytnc. But, by assiduously induHtrioiis efforts, h(< ho far surmounted this deft-ct hb to become pos!-e>8ed of tolerable attilnments in English. He had, moreover, endowments natu- ral and of divine bestowment which went fur to counterbalance the c'efect referred to. Ili.s person was commnodiug and even handsome. His voice for ipeaking at least (and, if I mistake not, for tinging also, a means liy which our early Methodi»t preachers made so lively an impression) was excellent. It was clear, melodious and strong. The distance at which the old people say he could be heard was inti/.relIou8. His spirit and manners too were the most bland and engaging. And his zeal and fervor in bis Master's cause knew no bounds aud suRered no abatemeiit. He travelled lor several years while Canada was yet the newest and the poorest, and the preachers were the worst provided for. He was often three months at a time from his wife and family of small children. The Ftory of thdr dpstltution and the shifts they were put to, to exist, in tbot>e seasons of destitution, nii<;ht bring tears from eyes " the most unused to weep >* No wonder that his return to them was alwayi) considered a Jubi- lee When the season of his periodical visit drew near, his little ones, as they informed the writer in after years, would mount the fence, and strsin tlieir eves to got the first glimpse of their returning father, often for hours, and even days, before his appearance In view of such privations, could any one blame him for " locating," and fiiaidug provision for those for whom he was the natural provider ? But he did notce^se to he useful » hen he ceased to itinerate. He was greatly beloved and rt'spneted by tht> people in the surrounding neigliborhuods, and made very instruinen* lal of good to tlietn. And after iiis family crew up. and were able to provide for thcniselvrs, " Father Keelcr," as he was now calbd, extended his labors to greater dixtanccH from Itomo, carrying the Gospel into the destitutf settle'oents of immigrants biyond ih" Ri lean. His ^ast labour of love was that of ho'ding a Quarterly Meeting in' the <>Bo>d Settlement," beyond the Vlississippi. His name Is even still like •' ointment poured forth" in all the rejtion from the St. Lawrence to the settlement beyond the last mentioned liver. And his piety live» in the persons of his descend - ants, who have be»n the faithful adiietents of the Wesleyan cause through every vici.'situde. Thus it is, that " he h'ing dead, yet gpenkn' for that Master whose tiuth he so zealously proclaimed while living. "—Carro/^ i .1 II 92 lIISTOnY OF METHODISM [1807. Upper Canada District. Joseph Sawyer, Presiding Elder, Long Toint, — Henry Ryan 156 Niagara, — N. BangH, T. ■NVhiti'hcud, N. Holmes 704 Yonge Street, — Andrew Prindle 45 Smith's Creek, — Robert Perry lot) Bay Qnintc, — Luther Bishop, Eliaa Pattie 690 Oswegotchie,— D. Picltet, I. B. Smith, C. Hulbert. . 629 St. Lawrenee, — Samuel Cochran 2J Lower Canada District. Samuel Coate, Presiding Elder. Montreal, — Thomas Madden 20 Quebec, — Samuel Coate Ottawha, — William Snyder 1U5 Members, 2,250 New York Conference, — Dunham, — Gershom Pierce 291 New England " Stanstead, — Levi Walker... 124 The members on the two border circuits are given, but we cannot distinguish the members on the one side of the border from the other. Isaac B. Smith is a young preacher now beginning his ministry on the Oswegotchie circuit. He was a usutul man, and continued in the Canadian work a number of years. It seems that Nathan Bangs was changed from Niagara to Montreal by the Presiding Elder. The cause, nor whether Thomas Madden laboured in Montreal, is not apparent. A young preacher called John Richards was sent to help,* and joined the Roman Catholics. * •• When the writer of this history was stationod ia Mnntrealin |g07— having been changed by the prtsidingeldiT froua Ni.i!turi' to Montienl — Mr. Ricbards came there With a Hpecial recominviidation from lii>h' | ARbury rh a ini.isioiiury. lie was th' Cfived wiih (orriiality, and p'l'aclifd in our housH with iicccpianci', and gave great 8iit)Kinetioii to the pecple. Afttr bi ing IhtTu about two w«'t•k^, nt liiii rtqut-Kt, be wuh intioilucud to u Catholic p i«'>t in >loutifa<, ami nt'ttrward vii-itvd biiii iieui1« every dav, without any tiUKpiciim biMiig eiiterinii ed of an itit>-iitioii on his part to lenvc U8. At ler'gth, from variouf* converRatiotis had uit'i tlic wriier and Rev»-ral ml er nD-ni- bers of tlie MHthoUist Epi-ci-pal Cliurch, in wiiiph Mr. Riuha^dn pli^udod thu eiiiisc ot the Roman Oniliolic Cburcli, 8U8i>icioiis becutnK rifo that iio wiiR u Catholic, uLd grtat anxifty jn tho little society wax folt on his . rcouni •'.Witliln a few days iifter tliis became public, our doubts were all dlRfipatcd by ro- celving from Liin a wiitteu protest against the Mcihodixt Societies, as a ■* continua- tion of au ancient hereby \vLt it was a moie resiiectfui attention thnn at present, niid was only given to persona in bigli lite. Fnimerly, on'y second marri.iges, or marriages couFideied unequal, obtained the char varl, but In Inte years, whenever there was an opportunity. From tlie l<'rencb the custom spread into the Cnirlish settlement, a d is ii()w common in Upper Cansda as in Lower Canada. One part of the an usemcnt Is to dress in mnskn and hy night. Another is, to make a medlev of odd noises ; as by drnmr, ke'ties, tins, horns, whistles, guns, slioiits. A thiid is to extort drink or money from the pprsnns just married. In tlicFe amusements great annoyances often occur,' and some- times fighting, wounds, and death. They are not so* common in towns as in the country settlements, and are now regarded as pests from the vulgar, than sources of innocent amusement. 1 I 94 HISTORY OP METHODISM [1808. meetings in the west. It was now arranged that the General Conferenco should hereafter be formed of delegates from the annual conferences, according to the number of preachers, and such has been the uiode ever since. Lower Canada District. Samuel Coate, Presiding Elder. Quebec, — Samuel Cochran 13 Montreal, — Thonms Madden 16 Ottawha,— Wm. Snyder 117 Upper Canada District, i Joseph Sawyer, Presiding Elder. - Cornwall, — "Wm. Snow 35 St. Lawrence, — Chandlcy Lambert 43 Augusta, — Daniel Picket, John Keynolds 347 Bay Quinte, — Ninian Holmes, Cephas Hulbcrt 649 Smith's Creek, — Elias Pattie 105 Yonge Street, — Robert Perry 45 Niagara, — Henry Ryan, Isaac B. Smith 791 Ancaster, — Wm. Case Long Point, — Thomas Whitehead 195 Members, 2,360 New York Conference — Dunham, — Oliver Sikes .. . 307 New England " Stanstead, — Charles Virgin 119 After several attciupts to form a society in Quebec, a few members is reported on the Minutes. Considering that the population of Quebec is chiefly French, surprise may be felt that the preachers wasted their strength in the capital of Canada. Still, there were emigrants i'rom the British isles, settled in the town, carrying on trade and commerce. In the citadel on Cape Diamond, rising 350 feet above the level of the water, and the strongest fortress in the world, is always a body of soldiers, some of which, generally, havcbeen brought up in, or inclined to, the Methodist connection. We haVe seen that occasionally a Methodist soldier from the fort preaches to his comrades. Besides, Quebec is the port of embarcation for Europe ; and as travellers have to remain waiting for the ship, tie Methodist traveller would gladly spend his Sabbath as at home. Quebec, too, is the chief port for emigrants to land 1808.] IN CANADA. 05 when they come to Canada. For the sake of the thousands of Protestant, and especially Methodist, cnngrants, a Metho- dist minister in Quebec was very desirable. Also, Quebec i» the great lumber mart, for the lumber men and merchants of Canada. Hither they and their rafts conic sailing down the St. Lawrence, — some from the settlements on the lukeOntario, some from the Trent river and the shores of the Bay of Quinto, some from the various tributary streams of the St. Lawrence, but chiefly from the dark brown Ottawa river, rafts flowing into it i'rom all its streams and lakes, — and hither come the English fleets with their crews and merchants, seeking the pine, the oak, the elm, of the Canadian forests. Many of the travellers from the east and the west are religious persons, or of Metho- dist parentage and inclination, and a day in the courts of the Lord, when afar from home, is sweet and salutary. Such con- victions seem to have induced the preachers to visit and conti- nue to visit the city of vjuebec. And patience was at last rewarded, for Methodism found a strong hold in the great for- tress of the American continent. The old and familiar name of Oswegotchie is now dropped, and no more found among the list of circuits in Canada ; a name rendeied notable as connected with the labours of Losee and Wooster. The first year's toil brought 90 members. Wooster's labours brought up the number to 206. Last year the number was 529. The country is now tolerably well set- tled in the front townships. From Elizabethtown to Cornwall is a long strip of country, required three preachers, to do the work. Now the old circuit is divided into two parts ; and Augusta and Cornwall, come upon the list. The country around the head of lake Ontario and Burling- ton bay, which had been connected with the Niagara circuit, was now separated, and formed into a new circuit, called An- caster. The settling of the country was begun by loyalistF, unmolested after the revolution ; many of whom fought in the corps, called Butler's Rangers, noted for courage and stratagem. The settlements were now much improved, the roads tolerably good, and the people pretty comfortable in worldly circum- stances. The Ancaster circuit was a favourite circuit with the preachers, and embraced, for many years, the ground now covered by the district of Hamilton. ill 96 HISTORY OP METHODISM [1809. 11 1809. The most important event this year in the civil his- tory of Canada, was the introduction of steam in the navigation of the St. Lawrence river. John Molson, an enterprising mer- chant of Montreal, was the first who put a steamboat on the Canadian watei'S. He called her the Accommodation. She shot out into the current, with ten passengers, November 3rd, proceeded down the river, and in 36 hours arrived safely in Quebec, — the whole city being on the shore to witness the wonderful sight. The fare was nine dollars up to Montreal, and eight down to Quebec. Fulton's first steamboat on the Hudson river was prior; but Molson's was the second built in the new woild, as a substitute for the oar and the sail. Lower Canada District. Samiul Coate, Presiding Elder. Quebec, — George McCrackin , . . . . 33 Three Ki vers,— Joseph Samson Montreal, — Joseph Scull 28 Ottawha — Thomas Madden 116 Upper Canada District. Joseph Sawyer, Presiding Elder. Cornwall, — Elias Pattie 40 St. Lawrence, — William Snow 65 Augusta, — Ninian Holmes 347 Bay Quinte, — Chandley Lambert, Jos. Lockwood . . 632 Smith's Creek, — Cviphus Hulbert 130 Yonge Street, — John Reynolds I(i2 Niagara, — Henry Ryan, Robert Perry ^50 Ancaster, — Andrew Prindle 300 Long Point, — Thomas Whitehead 195 2361 Detroit, — William Case, missionary. New York Conference — Dunham,~Lansford Whiting 262 New Englard " — Stanstead, — Squire Streeter. 105 The Michigan territory, between lake Huron and the St. Clair on the one side, and the Mich'gan lake on the other, was now a great widerness, with some tribes of Indians and a few hundred white settlers. The country, joining Canada, was early found out by the French, who in the end of the 17th cen- tury founded Detroit, — building a fort, and establishing trade ;. , i <• - 1809.] IN CANADA, 97 with the Indians. To the white settlers in Detroit and neigh- bourhood, Wm. Case was now sent as a missionary. This cir- cuit also included the English settlements on the Thames, from the Moravian town to the St, Clair lake, and along lake Erie, especially townships of Colchester and Gosfield, settled as early as 1790, chiefly by people of German origin from the U. S. The opposition which Nathan Bangs experienced had ceased, and his patience had set the people to reflect. The Baptist exhoiter was changed, and received the preacher with open arms. The way being open, the Gospel spread fast among the people, like fire through dry stubble. The work went on and prospered until the breaking out of the war. The townships east of Oxford, towards Long Point, were not settled until the war closed, from 1816 to 1822. A missionary in those days, when no Missionary Society existed in the Methodist Episcopal Church, trusted in Providence for his support, and in bishop Asbury. The bishop in passing through the rich parts of the land, used to solicit donations from benevolent persons, to sus- tain the young men who volunteered to " break up new ground." Detroit was connected with the Upper Canada district for a number of years, and the Presiding Elder attended to the Detroit circuit as to those in Upper Canada. At the mouth of the river St. Maurice, about half way between Montreal and Quebec, is a town called Three Rivers. It owes the name to the position of two small islands in the mouth of the St. Maurice, giving the stream issuing into the St. Lawrence the appearance of three rivers. It is one of the oldest places in Canada, and once possessed a great share of the fur trade. Seven or eight miles up the river is a great bed of iron ore, and iron forges, which did a great work in supplying the early settlers with pots, kettles, and stoves. The forges were at work long before the conquest of Canada by the British. Although the bulk of the people were French and Eoman Catholics, yet, owing to the iron ore, many Englishmen were employed in making models aad castings. For the spiri- tual benefit of these persons and their families, Three Rivers was added to the circuits, and Joseph Samson was the first Methodist preacher. It is said that he was born and ordained in Lower Canada ; he had travelled two years, was now elected B II 98 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1810. deaooD, and came to Three Rivers from a circuit in the Balti- more Conference. 1810. The seven Conferences now became eight, by the addition of the Oenesee. The new conference was formed because of the increase of preachers and people in western New York and Upper Canada, requiring such accommodation ; and made out of the Susquehannah and Cayuga districts, with Upper Canada. The Genesee Conference began with above 10,000 members, and embraced the both sides of the Upper St. Lawrence, lake Ontario, river Niagara, and lake Erie. After this, Upper Canada always remained with the Genesee Con- ference, until a Conference was established in the Province. Lower Canada, however, still remained with the New York Conference. The first Genesee Conference met at Lyons Ontario County, New York, July 20th. Geneue Conftrence, — Upper Canada Dittrict. Henry Byan, Pretiding Elder. Cornwall,— Bela Smith 40 St. Lawrence,— Edward Cooper 66 Augusta, — ^Elias Pattie 404 Bay Quinte, — Thomas Whitehead, P. Covenhoven . . 622 Smith's Creek,— John Reynolds 125 Toungs' Street,— Joseph Lockwood m Ancasteri-^Damel Freeman 320 Niagara,— Andrew Prindle, Joseph Oatchell 657 Long Point,— Bobert Perry iso Detroit— Ninlan Holmes is 2603 Nti» York Con/erencef— Lower Canada District. Jos. Samson, Presiding Elder. Quebec,— James Mitchell 40 Three Bivers, --John Samson 9 Montreal,— Joseph Scull 28 Ottawha,— Thomas Madden uq St. Francis Bivei^— Bobert Hibbard no 192 2795 Dunham,-i-'Heman Qarlick, Tim. Minor 319 New England Conf.,—Stanitead— David Eilbonm. . 129 ii! 1810.] IN CANAIIA. 99 Along the river Bichelieu, an attempt was made seven years sineo, to form a circuit, and failed. Now the river St. Francis is to be tried. This river has its source near the borders of New Hampshire, receiving the outflowings of the lake St. Francis, and passes through the sastern townships, mostly settling with American and English emigrants, dis- charging its waters into a large expansion of the St. Lawrence, forty miles below Montreal, called the lake St. Peter. The trial was attended with so much encouragement, that the St. Francis river continued among the Lower Canada circuits until the war. A change now took place in the presiding elderships. Henry llyan is elevated to the Upper Canada district, and Jos. Sftm- son to the district of Lower- Canada. If the situation were an honour, surely the honour brought extra hardships and labours, to preserve and promote humility. What a district to travel, four limes in the year, was the Upper Canada! A Presiding Elder's duty was to attend four quarterly meetings in each circuit. He had to visit ten circuits each quarter of the year. The quarterly mentings, in those days and many years after, wore great religious festivals to the preachers and people. They were times of r-^freshing from the presence of the Lord. More or less of a revival influence was always expected at the meetings. When elder Case or Ryan attended, rarely did they pass, without conversions to God. Ryan's home was probably in the Niagara circuit, where he had labour- ed the last two years, and whore he owned a farm. How little of his society would his family enjoy ! He might begin his journeys with Niagara circuity Long Point, and then ofiF to Detroit. Returning, he would probably attend to the Ancaster and Young Street circuits. Returning, the same week, he must be in Smith's Creek circuit, the next week in the Bay of Quinte, the third week in Augusta, the fourth week in the St. Lawrence, and the fifth week in Cornwall circuit. In this circuit his quarterly work might end. Now he turns homeward ; and a journey from Cornwi'll to Niagara, on horseback, with the crooked, hilly, unmended, swampy roads of those times, was no light undertaking. The distance was about 350 miles, and would require an industrious travel of five or six days. lie would have a week to rest. Then he must again ho. on the 100 HISTORY OF METHODISM .[1810. ^Illli road to Detroit. From Detroit to Cornwall, allowing for the bending of the road in the Niagara frontier, was probably not much short of 700 miles. Allowing for his returns to his home, Ryan probably travelled about 1000 miles each quarter in the year, or 4000 miles a year. And what was the worldly gain ? For so much bodily labour, to say nothing of the men- tal, the Presiding Elder was allowed $80 for himself, $60 for his wife, and what provisions he would need for his family. His entire allowance might have been £60 a year. Such was the remuneration, and such the labours, of the Presiding Elder fifty years ago. The Presiding Elders in the United States were men of the same labours and the same remuneration. The'Bishops were not exempted from such toils, nor was their remuneration more. The venerable Asbury was now travel- ling three to four thousand miles a year, and his salary was but eighty dollars. In such disinterested zeal we surely see an humble following of Jesus Christ. SAMUEL COATE. At the New York Conference, Samuel Coate was located : he is no longer found in the Minutes. Whether located with or without his consent, docs not appear. As the Presiding Elder of Lower Canada for six years, and the stationed preacher in Montreal one of those years, he became interested in the ad- vancement of Methodism in that city. A stone chapel was pro- posed in 1805, with a dwelling house for the preacher. The ex- pense was greater however than cculd be borne by the people m Montreal. Mr. Coate, therefore, travelled about the Upper Province and some part of the United States, soli- citing help ; and afterwards he went to England, where he was much assisted. In the address of the English Missionary Committee to the General Conference, a claim to the property is argued on the ground that a " considerable part of the money for building the chapel and house was raised in this country.'' He was anxious to preach the gospel, to the French Canadians ; and for this purpose, he learned the French lan- guage. But it does not appear he attempted to preach in French. 1810.] IN CANADA. 101 We have seen Samuel Coatc as a useful and popular nanister of the Gospel. Perhaps his popularity was one step to his lamented downfall, — as with many good and useful ministers. Human praise is sweet, and sometimes sweeter than the praise of God. Another step in his decline was that dissipation of mind induced by his voyage to and travels in England, solicit- ing aid for the chapel. There was a desire to have Samuel Coate a minister in the Church of England. The offer was made, and also accepted. He became an Episcopalian minis- ter in Montreal. How long he continued in his new situation, does not appear ; but the change was not for his good, nor did he long wear the cassock and the bands. But while a 31etho- dist preacher he had worn the gown, as the preachers generally did in public services. He next commenced a mercantile busi- ness in Montreal ; carried it on Without success ; became involved in debt, and lost all his property. To free himself from his embarrassment, and to support his family, he resorted to his fine talent in penmanship. He was an exquisite penman. He would sometimes write the Lord's prayer in the space of an English sixpence, or on his thumb nail. He would write so extremely fine, that the letters could not be discerned by the naked eye ; but with a microscope, the writing appeared clearly defined, and of excellent form. He now executed his master- piece in penmanship. He took it to London. The engraving was said to have cost £1600. It was paid for by selling copies at £2 each.^ And selling copies all over England was the work so useful and talented a preacher was engaged in, for pro- bably some years. He was thereby led into all sorts of society ; and at last he fell into evil company, and acquired vicious habits. He left his wife and daughter in Canada, and never saw them again. He never returned to the land in which he had spent useful and happy years, nor to the people who loved and admired him, and who, notwithstanding his fall, would have received him again, even as the Saviour received repenting Peter. The old Methodists clung to the hope, that Samuel Coate died a penitent. He sent a letter to one of his friends in the Bay of Quinte, in which he lamented deeply his great downfall. ' • One of the copies U now in th'i poFgCfsion of Rev. Conrad VanduRen, who flbed nic \vi li most of tho particalHrd of tlie cIubu of Satnuol Coate'a life. fur« niflbed ll 102 HISTORY or MF/niODISM [1810. He compared himself to a living flowing stream becoming a stagnant and corrupt pool, and bitterly condemned his life since he touched the shores of England. The closing years of Samuel Coate's life afford a solemn warning to all nunisters of the Gospel, especially to those whom God has given the talents which raise the admiration of the multitude. How needful for all good men to look for the leadings of Providonce in changing the bounds of their spiritual habita- tion. They should remember, that Providence leads, not with a chain or rope, but a gentle thread, which may be easily broken by, or slip through, the fingers holding it. JOSEPH SAWYER, Also the Presiding Elder for Upper Canada, Joseph Sawyer, was located by the new Genesee Conference. He began his labours in Canada, in 1800. He travelled four years on the two circuits, and four years as a Presiding Elder. In the United States, he travelled five years ; or 13 years, in all. He was a man of strong mind, great energy, and a single eye. He was a useful man, and some of his converts became preachers of the Gospel, as Nathan Bangs and Laban Clark. He was married, and after his location, he settled down on a farm, bordering on the St. Lawrence, in Matilda, — a township mostly settled by Germans, and where the work of God began early under Losee and Wooster. Twenty-four years after, the writer used to visit him, when preaching in his neighbourhood. He was then probably 65 years of age. He was an active man, willing to preach, and the people were very willing to he&p. He fell from his horse, in the fall of 1834, and broke his leg ; which accident confined him to his room for some months. But he bore his confinement cheerfully. He would sing and pray, and even performed the ceremony of marriage for his servant man, while lying on his bed. He came to the King- ston Conference in 1851, and appeared a venerable man, with white flowing hair, and a mind possessing richly the consola- tions and strength of religion. He died in the United States. We lose the name of William Case, in the appointments. He returns to the United States, having been appointed by the bishop to the Cayuga district, as Presiding Elder, in the Genesee 1 ' 4 r 1811.] IN CANADA. 103 Conference. In this situation, he remained until 1812 ; \«rhen he became Presiding Elder of the Oneida district In 1814, he was changed to the Chenango district ; and the next year, he returns to Canada, and thus he was growing up to that knowledge and experience which afterwards were so useful to the infant body in Canada. 1811. War was now portending between Great Britain and the United States. Major General Brock was in charge of the administration of Upper Canada. The United States envoy at the British court took his leave of the Prince B^ent on 1st March. An unfortunate conflict between the United States President frigate of 44 guns, and the British sloop of war, the Liltle Belt, 18 guns, on May 16th, — in which the sloop had 32 men killed and wounded, — hastened the crisis. Lieut. Gen. Sir George Prevost, arrived at Quebec, from Nova Scotia, September 14th, and assumed the charge of the government of Lower Oanada, and the supreme military command of both Provinces. He visited immediately the military portd on the Bichelieu river, and ordered Chambiy* St. John's, and the isle of Noix, to be put into the best state for defence. He expected that the banks of the Bichelieu would be the first stage of the war- BISHOP ASBURY'S visit TO CANADA. So long as Canada had been a portion of the Methodist Episcopal Church, no bishop had ever been in the country. But, as the New England Conference was held so far north as Vermont, the aged bishop Asbury determined to go over tho borders and see the country where the preachers he had sent, with God's blessing, had raised up a Methodist body of uearjiy 3000 persons, and which he had long desired to behold. «' This year Bishop Asbury crossed the St. Lawrence into Upper Canada. After attending the New England Conference, which assembled this year i^ Barnard, ia the state of Yernjiont, he took his departure on hia intended tour into Upper Canada, a place h* had long desired to visit. On Wednesday, June 26th, he crossed the Green Mountains, visited Middlebury, and preached in th9 coijrt house, and afterward set forward a subscription paper for 104 HISTORY OF 1UETII0DI831 [1811. ',. M'H building a house of worship in that place, fully helicving, as he said, factory to the nation, if they were to the Government. And what reasons had the Government for war ? First, seamen from England had fled the royal navy, and sailed under the American flag. The English ships searched the American ships for these seamen, and took them as deserters. The minority said this grievance could be settled by treaty, (and was once so settled,) and did not justify war. Secondly, the blockade of French ports and the ports of their dlies, by the British government, so that the United States' ships could not traffic in them. The minority replied, that the blockade was not to injure American commerce, but was retaliatory - -Isaac 1). Kmith, John Reynolds .... 665 Riaith's Ore ,— Thomas Whitehead .120 YoiMig Street, — Joseph Qatchell 96 N !j^^,'ara,— Andrew Prindle, Ninian Holmes 627 Aucasteraud Long Point,— -E. Burdock, P. Coven- hoveu 669 Detroit, — Geo. W. Densmoro 134 2650 Lower Canada District. Nathan Bangs, Presiding Elder. Montreal, — Nathan Bangs 62 Quebec, — Thomas Burch 26 Ottawha, — Robert Hibbard 97 St. Francis River, — Samuel Luckey, J. F. Cham- berlain 120 299 Members, 2845 It seems that no report went to the Conference from the Presiding Elder of Upper Canada, and therefore the numbers are in the Minutes as last year, although probably there was an increase. But the Presiding Elder of Lower Canada ap- pears to have sent his report, which shows an increase in Mon- treal and on the St. Francis river. < anham, — J. T. Adams, Wm. Ross 335 Stanstead, — Leonard Bennett 238 The bishop wisely allowed the preachers of British or Cana- dian birth to remain in the provinces ; and only sent two or three from the United States, Nathan Bangs and Thomas Burch. But the first relinquished his charge, by the consent of the bishops ; the second, however, found his way to his ap- no HISTORY OP METHODISM [1812. pointment. Josiah P. Chamberlain was a younj^ man just taken on trial by the New England Conference, and sent to the St. Francis river ; but he went not. Samuel Luckey was clianged from the Ottawa circuit to the St. Francis ; but he did not go. On the 24th of June, the news arrived at Quebec of the declaration of war, and the government issued a procla- mation commandip'* all American citizens to leave the province by the 3rd July . he reason, doubtless, why some preachers c& e not to, and why others left, the country. THE WAR. The news of the declaration reached York, in Upper Can- ada, on the 26th June. The peaceable and unoffending Meth- odists, and other inhabitants of the two provinces, now knew that their country was soon to be invaded by their neigh- bours, and was to become a scene of strife, havoc, and blood. July 6th, the entire militia of the country was required to be in readiness for service. General Brock immediately SP"t off troops to seize Mackinaw, and on the 17th Julyjthis important fort, at the entrance of lake Michigan, was acquired without loss of blood. The president was empowered to raise 50,000 voluntsers for the war, and to call out 100,000 militia men for defending the sea coast and frontiers. The Governor of Michigan, Gen. Hull, began the war in Upper Canada, July 12th, by crossing the river Detroit to Sandwich, with 2,500 men. The few regu- lar troops, with the militia, and the Indian chief Tecumseth and his warriors, were however on the alert; and he was obliged to recross, with all his army (except 250 in a fort at Sandwich), on the 7th and 8th August. General Brock arrived with reinforcements from York, on the night of the 13th. He crossed the Detroit river on the 16th, with 700 troops and 600 Indians, forced Hull to capitulate, with all his army, seized Detroit and the fort, and took possession of all Michigan. Such boldness and success gave great encourage- ment and energy to the Canadian people. But the American war party, especially in the western States, was filled with astonishment. None could give credit to the report, — that the Canadians had seized Detroit and the Michigan territory, acquired possession of the straits of Mackinaw, and captured 1812. IN CANADA. Ill 8. now knew an American general and his array, — until communicated from an official source. The United States now made great exertions. They divid- ed their troops into three parts. General Harrison headed the north-western army, for the Detroit country. General Rensellaer drew up his a»"my of the centre on the Niagara river. General Dearborn collected his army of the north in the vicinity of lake Champlain. Great military stores were collected along the frontier. Troops from the army of the centre crossed the Niagara river on the 13th October, and gained possession of Queenston heights; but General Brock, at the head of a company of the 49th regiment, running up the hill to dislodge them, was hit by a shot from a rifle, and dropt to rise no more. Thus fell the governor of Upper Canada and the commander of the British forces ! The war had taken a shining mark. How- ever, the enemy was defeated, and seven hundred, or more, became prisoners of war. Brock was buried at Fort St. George. A gloom was diflFused all over the country. But the enemy had yet found no lodgment on Canadian soil. Another attempt was made, however, on the Niagara fron- tier. In November, Smith, at the head of 5000 Americans, hung about the river, and effected a landing for part of the forces, which was captured, however, and so he gave up the attempt. Although the army of the north, consisting of 10,000 men, moved about on the borders of Lower Canada, yet find- ing the troops and militia of Montreal prepared, the general desisted from invading the country. Although no success had attended the wanton invasion of a peaceable country, yet marauding parties had crossed the St. Lawrence at Gananoque and Prescott, and went among the defenceless settlers, plundering the houses and barns, and doing all the injury and mischief they pleased. In Congress (Jan. 2nd, 1813), Mr. Quincey denounced the war in an elo- quent indignant strain. Said he, " We seized the first opportunity to carry the war among the harmless colonists. It was not owing to our Government that the bones of the Cana- dians were not mixed with the ashes of their habitations. Since the inv ision of the buccaneers, there was nothing in history more disgraceful than this war." And such were the sentiments of the minority in Congress, and in the nation. 112 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1812. ROBERT niPT^ARD. ' His name deserves notice here for his faithfulness in the time of civil commotion, and his untimely end in consequence. He was a native of New York State. In 1809 he was receiv- ed on trial, and next year was ordained deacon, on his offering himself for the work of Lower Canada. In two years he formed the circuit of the River St. Francis, and gathered in 120 members. He returned to the New York Conference, held in Albany, June 4th, 1812 ; was ordained elder ; and consented to return to Canada, notwithstanding the difficulties and dangers of war. He was appointed to the Ottawa circuit, and arrived there in safety. Although United States' citizens were ordered to leave the country, he continued at his post until 7tli October, anxious to keep up the work of God — so that the clash of arms should not molest or destroy it. Hear- ing that the preachers appointed to the St. Francis river had not come, he determined to go to this circuit, and encourage the young societies to hold fast. He came down to Montreal, and rode to the ferry below. In crossing the St. Lawrence, October 10th, by some accident he fell into the river, and was drowned. His horse escaped to the shore ; but Hibbard was seen going down, with his hands lifting towards heaven. His body was diligently sought foi, but never found. Before he left the Ottawa circuit, he had a presentiment of death, and was unusually serious, speaking of the nearness of death, and his hope of everlasting life. As the war did not yet effect, all the country, the preachers doubtless moved without molest to their new appointments, and went on with the peaceable and loving work of the gospel ministry. But all the Lower Canada stations were unoccu- pied, except Quebec. The leaders of the classes probably assisted to collect the people, and to hold religious services. The people, however, generally acquired the dreadful spirit of war ; for injury will naturally provoke retaliation. The able-bodied and young men in the Methodist societies, as others, were under drill, and ready for battle when called on by the gover- nor. Older men were engaged in conveying ammunition, guns, provisions, and all the material of war, fiom one post to another. The religious meetings were composed very often of 1813.J IN CANADA. 113 old men, women> and children only. The St. Lawrence and tlio Bay of Quinto country, with the frontier along lake On- tario, had not yet seen blood — only some ravages of marauders. But on the borders of the Niagara some of the Methodists were in the militia in arms, and with the regular troops, assist- ed to drive back the invaders. There were four preachers stationed in the Ancaster, Niagara and Long Point country, — Prindle, Holmes, Burdock, and Covcnhoven. Besides, George Neal, the first Methodist preacher of the west, was living, and in the vicinity of the battles. The Methodists here numbered nearly 1100 persons; one quarter of whom, probably, or 250, were as militia men, or otherwise employed in the service. Some of the young, unsophisticated, and pious young men were in great perplexity as to their duty. They were told by the lead- ing men of their townships, by the civil rulers, and by the preachers too, that a christian man may fight in dofence of life, liberty, friends, homes and property; but they read of the saying of Christ : " Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefuUy use you ;" and '' llesist not evil," and they thought of the Lamb of God passing through a wicked world, sur- rounded by a perverse generation, suffering and never retaliat- ing evil. But the perplexity did not keep any from arms, — so great was the force of injury and example. One Methodist young man in the militia (afterwards a preacher), fearing his own life might be taken, in the battle where Brock fell, prayed for himself; and fearing he might do wrong in shooting his enemy, fired at, and at the same time earnestly prayed for the falling invader. And thus if he necessarily did evil, he also did good to the foe who hated him. War is a great puzzle to a loving, conscientious, Christian man, — even a war of self- defence. Love is the fulfilling of the law ; but how a Chris- tian man can fulfil the law in war is a perplexity not easily settled, except on the Quaker principle of abstinence. 1813. The winter was spent in preparation for the great conflict on land and water of 1813. The parliament of Lower Canada was assembled in December, by Sir George Prevost, and took measures to provide money for the war. The Upper Canada Parliament was convened by General Sheaffe, and assembled February 25th, and passed several necessary mea- ; I ll :^::fi 1 1 114 HISTORY OP METHODISM [1813 sures. Great Britain had sent some regiments to Halifax dur- ing the winter. January 22nd, the war began in the territory of Michigan, between a detachment of 800 of the north-western army, undfv General Winchester, and a force of British and Indians under Colonel Proctor. The battle of the river Raisin resulted in the defeat of the American troops, and their capitulation. The Indians could not be restrained, and they rushed on the captives, — some hundreds of young men from Kentucky, — and tomahawked and scalped the whole. The evil they intended for the peaceable settlers of Canada sadly returned into their own bosoms. The parliament of Lower Canada (then in session) passed a vote of thanks to Colonel Proctor, for his skill and intrepidity ; and he became Brigadier General. During the ice on the St. Lawrence varioi -letachments of i the American troops crossed from Ogdensburgu, cruelly plun- dering the farmers along the front of Augusta and Edwards- burgh, firing the farm-houses in the depth of a Canadian winter, and carried off many of the defenceless people as prisoners. Such barbarous conduct by a civilized and chris- tian people, was worse than the savage conduct of ignorant aad heathen Indians. General Prevost, on a tour through Upper I Canada, cume to Prescott on 21st February, hearing of these marauding parties, ordered a force against the Ogsdenburgh fort, defended by 500 men. On the morrow the troops cross 3d on the ice, and in one hour captured the fort^ with ail the ammunition, cannon, and stores. The enemy fled across the Oswegotchie, and escaped. Thus the farmers on the Canadian side of the river obtained a respite from the plundering parties] of the enemy. A wonderful marching exploit took place this winter. Ofj the troops arrived at Halifax, the 104«th regiment was ordered! to march at once, to Canada ; and over the snows, with thej intense cold of the early months, and through the groat wilder- ness lying between the port of Halifax and Quebec, the troops! travelled, and arrived in the mouth of March, to the great jojj of the Canadian people, The enemy had fourteen armed vessels on lake Ontario,! which, April 25th, sailed with 1600 troops to the harbour off York. The British force was small, and the seat of govern] IN CANADA. 115 to Halifax dur- uient was taken. The place was plundered, and partly destroy- ed, with the newspaper office, which published the government organ, called the York Gazette. May 25th, the fleet sailed hr the fort St. George, on the Niagara. The troops first resisted, then evacuated the fort, leaving nothing but ruins and a few shattered houses, at Newark, tlie old seat of govern- ment. The newspaper office, which published the Telegraph, was also destroyed. Thus York and Niagara were now in the possession of the enemy. The only newspaper now pub- li.sli'jd, (began in 1810) was the Kingston Gazette, and con- tinued the only paper in Upper Canada until the year 1816. In May, another action took place in Michigan, resulting in a victory by General Proctor. The Americans were nearly all killed or captured. In Kingston the English were busy in putting a fleet of seven armed schooners in order, — as Sir James Yeo, a naval officer, with 450 seamen, had arrived from England, for the lakes. The Governor was with this force at Kingston. A [thousand troops, with 100 guns, were put on the vessels, and they sailed. May 27th, for the American fortification at Sack- ett's Harbour. Great damage was done the enemy, but the irresolution of the Governor Prevost prevented anything deci- sive. The battle of Sackett's Harbour was fought on the 28th, when the Rev. Wm. Case came on the field of blood. I The next day he wrote a letter to the Rev. Nathan Bangs, of Iwhioh the following is an extract : — " Utica, May 29, 1813. " I was present a few hours after the battle at Sackett's Harbor, [where I witnessed a scene of death and carnage more moving than all I ever saw before. Numbers lay cold in death ! Many irere groaning with their wounds and bleeding in their gore I Myself and two more preachers were in Rutland, about ten liles from the harbor, and were about to commence clearing off camp ground, but on Hearing the cannon and constant roll of small arms we gave up the idea of work, and betook ourselves to jrayer. Such senstations I never realised before! We knew lany of our acquaintances were thgre, among whom were brethren ^n the Lord. We thought on the condition of women whose bus* sands and sons were exposed, the welfare of our country, where Bo much interest was at stake, and the honor of the nation con- \'- IIG HISTORY OF METHODISM [1813. I cerned I But more than all this a thousand times, the immortal interest of thousands who were engaged in the tontest. And here I know not that I felt any partiality for Americans more than for Englishmen : all of one creation — alike the subjects of redeem- ing blood, all accountable to the King of kings, and deserving the eamc condemnation! With these reflections we immediately called the household and fell upon our knees in prayer, and the Lord poured on us the spirit of supplication. We wept aloud and prayed most fervently to the Ruler of nations and the Saviour of | men that he would pardon our national crimes, save men from death, protect the harbor from conquest, and have mercy on the precious souls of those who were constantly falling in battle. You may suppose that the constant sound of the instruments of death gave weight to our concern, and ardency to our petitions [ with all that our grace could inspire. " We then mounted our horses and set out for the scene of | action, that if possible we might afford some assistance as minis* ters, and administer consolation to the wounded and dying. Whenl we reached the harbor the Bi'itish had retreated to their shipping,! leaving part of the dead and wounded on the field of battle,! These, with our own men, were brought in from the field, the! dead were stretclied side by side in rows, and the wounded onl beds and straw in as comfortable a condition as could be expectedJ We were conducted by a friend to the several hospitals, where l| saw the distress of about eighty wounded. I cannot describe myl feelings, to hear the groans of the wounded and dying, somel pierced through the body, others through the head, some bruiscdl by the falling of the timbers of trees, others with broken, bonesl and one whose face was shot away (save his under jaw) by a grapel shot. He was yet breathing strong. This was a shocking view.. Some were in such pain they could not be conversed withl others being fatigued and broken of their rest were asleep. Butl we conversed with many who manifested seriousness, whom wel pointed to the suffering, bleeding Saviour, and exhorted them tol look to him for mercy. Here I saw how useful a faithful and feel-j ing chaplain might be. The best opportunity would present inl alleviating the miseries of men in some degree, by procuring suchi things as the distressed most needed, and by comforting them inl their afflictions. And here he might be heard, though at other! time his counsel would be slighted. " In conversation with the British wounded I found a serious! young man who had been a hearer of the Methodists in Irelandj Quebec, and Upper Canada ; his name was Hornbrook, and he| belonged to the 1 00th regimffnt. Also a brother, Charles Pratt, one of our own militia, badly wounded. Both were very glad to| see and talk with their preachers. " Having been without bread a long time many of the militial were very hungry. Some wanted coffee, some milk, some breadj I IN CANADA. 117 •d, though at othetl thcr, Charles PrattJ were very glad tol Wc gave them the hiscuits we carried down, but could procure no inilk for them. I really desired to stay with them, my heart thirsted to do them good. One young man who was woimdod told me his brother was killed in battle. His parents, I think, live east of Connecticut River Wc were then conducted to the remains of Col. Mills, of the Albany volunteers. He and the British General Gray were laid out together, both brave, " by mutual I wounds expired," but now slept peaceably together. Among the I wounded I heard no swearing. In this battle several of our Ibrethren suffered. Brother Greaves, an ensign in the militia, liv- ling near the harbor, and several others, were takeii prisoners. He ■ has since written from Montreal to his family. Brother Fay, of JEIlisburgh, was wounded in the first part of the action, and in lattcmpting to make his way through the woods toward home, fell lin with a body of Indians who had landed farther up, who shot Ihim several times, scalped and mangled him in a horrible manner. (His body was found some time after and interred by his father jnear the place. It seems the Indians were somehow interrupted, xnd in their hasty flight left the scalp and knife, which were found near the body. Brother F.'s money was found near him on root ; his scalp is in the possession of the widow. " On leaving the harbour we called on some brethren, who, with their neighbours, carried down several gallons of milk, and dis- tributed among the Avoimdcd. We also represented their case to the congregation at the close of the camp meeting, when twenty- ive dollars were contributed and put into proper hands, who pur- L'hased coffee, sugar, and other delicacies which they most needed, find from time to time distril)Uted among them. For this they fere very thankful, and both English and American blessed me irith many good wishes when 1 again visited the hospital four kvecks ago. I found Hornbrook had recovered so far as to be able \o hobble about. Of about seventy-five of our wounded twenty- 3ne died ; of twenty-four British wounded seven ht, * died. They tarried most of their Avounded off the field to their boats in time )f battle. Brother Pratt has also recovered The body of ;!ol. Mills was removed to Watertown, where his funeral was |ittende the British forsaking the Indians i J If I II ^ i 120 HISTORY OP METHODISM [1813. IJi Mi twenty years before, after encouraging them to hostility against tlie Americans. In the name of his nation, he positively refused to retreat into Canada ; and closing said, " The Great Spirit gave the lands wo possof's to our fathers ; if it be his will, our bones shall whiten on them ; but wo will never quit them." The speech was translated, and is preserved. The scene was very striking. After Tecuniseh's address, the council broke up. General Proctor's situation was now very critical. He apprehended the chiefs mij^ht even oppose his own retreat. He resolved to reason with Tecumseh alone. In a room with Col. Elliott, a map was produced, the first the chief had seen, and he was shown that if the British continued where they were, the Americans would soon surround and cut them off. Thti chief then understood the matter. He next explained to the tribes, and finally prevailed on them to retreat with the troops. After some days of retreat before thousands of Americans, the British were obliged to give battle on the Thames, near a road leading to lake Ontario. The disposition of battle was explained to Tecumseh, who expressed his satisfaction at it. His last words to the general were, " Father, tell your young men to be firm, and all will be well." He then went to his peo- ple, and addressed them, and placed the warriors i'l their places. The British were soon repulsed ; and the Indians as quickly repulsed the enemy, and were pushing on, until their chief fell by a rifle ball, and with him fell the spirit of his followers, who were put to flight, and pursued with great slaughter. In this unfortunate battle, only 240 of the British troops escaped, who fled through the woods, and appeared again at Burlington heights. And on the same day, another reverse was severely felt. Six schooners, with 250 soldiers, proceeding from York to Kin'^ston, were captured by the enemy's fleet. The British force west of Kingston was now reduced to 1200, under Gen- 1 eral Vincent, at Burlington heights. The Americans now hoped to take Kingston, and proceed on | to Montreal. On Grenadier's island, between Sacket's Har- bour and Kingston, Gen. Wilkinson brought 9,000 troops with I artillery, Oct. 24th, to cross to Kingston ; but a force of 2,000 1 British soldiers were waiting to dispute the passage. Tuel Americans then resolved to pass by Kingston, and descend thel I I 1813.J IN CANADA. 121 river to Montreal. With about 300 large boats and sohoonem, protected by twelve heavy gun-boats, the army floated down the St. Lawrence, annoyed, however, by some Kingston boats and schooners following and firing. Also, a detachment of 8f)0 British troops followed the fleet by land. At French creek, 25 miles below Kingston, the Americans halted for seve- ral days. Nov. 5th, they again pushed forward, and halted on a point six miles above Ogdensburg. On ^th, the army was again in motion ; and next day was off the township of Matilda, when 1,200 troops were landed to clear the bank of some militia. On the 10th, the army was off the coast of Wil- liamsburg, where another body of troops was landed. Some of the British troops passed over to the United States side of the St. Lawrence, and captured a considerable quantity of provisions and stores, with two guns. On the 11th, the Brit- ish pressed so heavily on the rear of the enemy, that a division of 2,000 troops was ordered to check them. The action which ensued is called the battle of Chrysler's Farm, and lasted two hours, in which the Americans, though two to one, were completely defeated. Another army of the enemy, 5,000 strong, pushing on to Montreal, by the Chateaugay river, was defeated on the 26th October, and retreated to Plattsburg, on Lake Ghamplain. The hearing of this defeat caused Wilkinson to stop, cross the river, and put his army into winter quarters on the Salmon river, opposite Cornwall. In October and November a part of the American army was engaged in plundering the Canadian farmers in the township of Dunham and around the Missisco bay, where Methodism began so early, and was now so strong. In the same month, a part of the American army in the Niagara country, and lying at the Twenty Mile creek, issued forth plundering the houses of the farmers, stripping and burning their barns, and carry- ing off the cattle. General Vincent ordered a force of 500 troops and Indians to stop these marauding parties. The Americans fearing a stronger force coming against them, re- solved to cross the river, and winter on the United States side. But first they resolved to burn the town of Niagara, that the British troops might not winter there. December lOth, amidst the cold, wind, and snow of a Canadian winter's day, the United States' general ordered the inhabitants to quit their F 122 HISTORT OF METII0U18M [1813. homes in half an hour's time. Then 150 hooecs were forced open, the wretched inhabitants driven forth into the streets, and fire was set to the town. The houses and all the goods in them were consumed,— only the portion saved which could be collected and brought into the streets in half an hour. A shocking instance of cruelty, worthy only of a barbarian race I But such savage conduct only provoked retaliation. The British resolved to carry the war to the American side. On the night of 18th December, British troopn, nanibcrinp 560, Crossed the Niagara, surprised the Niagara fort, and took the gaiTison prisoners, witVi a great variety of stores, .SOOO stand of arms, and 36 guns. Another detachment passed over to Lewiston, which was given up to the flames, — in revenge for Niagara. The villages of Youngstown, Manchester, and Tusca- rora were also devoted to the flames. The Indians and light troops were sent all over the surrounding country, scattering fire and destruction wherever they went ; and the whole dis> irict was soon a spectacle of black and smoking ruins. On the night of December 30ih a detachment of COU regulars and 120 Indians crossed the Niagara, near fort Erie, and defeated the United States' troopp, who retreated on Buffalo. They were pursued, the town was taken, set on fire, and destroyed. The village of Bbck Rook shared the same fate, and with it were burnt a vast quantity of stores, and three vessels of the Erie fleet. In this way vengeance was taken for the injuries inflicted, for two years, on the peaceful, unoflending Canadian people. From lake Ontario to lake Erie the American fron- tier was a spectacle of ruins, fire, and blood, — resembling the black and smoking ruins of the town of Niagara. It is said that 400 women and children (not many men then in the town) were turned into the streets of Niagara, to look on their blaz- ing dwellings, — and many knew not where they would find shelter on the approaching night. The same kind of retribu- tion was seen on the other side of the river. Hundreds also were killed and wounded, and 130 came into the country of their exasperated foe as prisoners of war. Thus the United States frontier at Niagara suifered for the plunder and devas- tation inflicted by the United States troops on the faimers of the Missisco country, the St. Lawrence, the head of the lake Ontario, the Niagara, and along lake Eric. And thus ended ' i ' [1813. 8 vcre forced 10 the BtrcetB, I the goods in i which could nn hour. A arbnrian rnce ! illation. The can side. On inibcrinp 550, and took the 38, 3000 Btand passed over to in revenge for ter, and Tusca- lians and light itry, scattering the whole dia- ng ruins. On OU regulars and e, and defeated Buffalo. They and destroyed, te, and with it vessels of the for the injuries iding Canadian American fron- -resembling the ira. It is said len in the town) 3k on their blaz- hey would find kind of retribu- Hundreds also the country of bus the United nder and devas-^ n the faimers of lead of the lake And thus ended 1813.] IN 0ANA6A. 123 tlio second campaign of the Tnitod States war with Canada. The result of a year's blood was, that the enemy recovered Michigan, and held a position ; t Amhorstbnrp, in Upper Ca- nada. The British held possession of all the United States frontier on tlio Niagara river. Th« conquest of Canada by the United States government and war jwrty was as distant as ever. GENESF.E CONPERKNCE. The Ocncsco Conference met in Westmoreland, July 9th. No picachor from Canada was present ; but in each year of the war the preachers met together, and made their own nrrangeinents for the work. The Minutes s;\y that no returns were received from Canada of cither preachers or memberB. The state of the country prevented the usual movement of preachers, (although there were some changes,) and no ap- jiointmcnts for Canada were made by the bishop. Of tho pronciiers for Lower Canada lust year, Thomas Burch came, but seems not to have remained long, and llibbard lost h'm life. So that Quebec, iMontreal, the St. Francis river, and the Ottawa were vacant in 1813. And yet the war had not touched either of those circuits. The preachers in Uppcj Canada seem to have remained on their circuits, pursuing their work quietly and unobtrusively. The six circuits in Upper Canada were, therefore, batter cared for than the four in Lower Canada. War had scarcely been seen in tho Bay of Quinte and Smith's Creek circuits. Au- gusta circuit had suffered from marauders, but had seen no conflict. A part of the Yonge Street circuit had seen destruction and blood. But the greatest sufferers were the Ancaster and Niagara circuits, with Long Point. On these six circuits there were twelve preachers, with the Presiding Elder. From enquiries, and not seeing any of their names in connection with other circuits in the Genesee Conference, we infer that these preachers remained at their work. Money was plenty, and everybody was earning it. When the preach- ers held a quarterly meeting tho collecting hat would some- times be pretty full of bank bills and silver, — shewing that the people estimated the kind services of their preachers in times of trouble and danger. 124 HISTORY OF METHODISM [18ia. Although numbers of the Methodists had been in battle as militia men, like others, yet it seems that few were killed, but some were prisoners of war. The Americans sent their ptison- crs to Greenbush, near Albany. The Rev. Wm. Case kindly interested himself in their behalf, as he informed a friend in the following extract of a letter Albany, Oct. 26, 1813. " This moment I have returned from a visit to the barracks, in Greenbush. in company with brother Merwin. " Having been kindly indulged by Col. Lamed, commandant to the prisoners, we most joyfully embraced the privilege of pro- claiming to them the sweet liberty of the gospel. They were called together by their oflRcers, and a more attentive congrega- tion I never expect to address again. As soon as we began to sing there was weeping ; and immediately on our kneeling to prayer they all knelt down, and here and there we heard the voice of Amen to our petition for their salvation. I could not solve this till after the service. To my great surprise and mingled grief and joy, several brethren and acquaintances from Canada came and made themselves known to us ; they were militia in arms, 'and were taken near Fort George ; among these were Messrs. George Lawrence, leader at Four Mile Creek, William Clinton, from the head of the lake, and Bussel Hawley, brother of David Hawley of Bay of Quinto ; their captivity was an affliction which made friends more consoling. " By them I was informed, that in consequence of the troubles there had been no preaching in that part for some time ; that Mr. Kyan and others were travelling and doing all they could for God and souls : that none of our brethren in that part had been killed. " Brother Merwin has permission to preach to them every week, and he has appointed to do so every Tuesday afternoon, if the weather will permit. They are a mixed multitude of English, French, &c., amounting to about five hundred and fifty-nine, but were very anxious for meetings. Brother Merwin is to send them Bibles from the society in this place, and other books. O pray for them I" Whife the Canadians were indignant at the treatment of the United States government, and the party upholding the war policy, there was in the United States a body of people, per- haps equally indignant, suffering from the same policy. The ministers of the Gospel, of the denominations in the Eastern States especially, abhorred the war. A meeting of clergymen « 4 1814.] IN CANADA. 125 was called in New York city, to deliberate on the propriety of even praying for their rulers ; and they came to the conclusion that they could not do so with a good conscience. These rulers must have been bad enough, when a clergy- man could not conscientiously pray for them in the congre- gation. 1814. The Lower Canada parliament was convened 13th January, and congratulated by the governor on the satifactory results of the campaign. A vote of thanks was passed to Col. de Salaberry, for his gallant conduct at the Chateaugay river ; and to Col. Morrison, for the victory of Chrysler's Farm. In Upper Canada, the parliament met at York, 15th February, and passed several useful measures, required by the necessities of the country. During the winter, great exertions were made for the ensuing campaign. Stores of all descrip- tions were forwarded by sleighs from Quebec and Montreal to Kingston, at enormous expense, for the use of the army and navy. In March, a battalion of the 8th regiment, and 250 seamen, came in from New Brunswick, by way of the wilder- ness. Some Indian chiefs visited the governor at Quebec, to claim his protection from the Americans. They were loaded with presents, and .sent .home to prepare their tribes for the campaign. The war began again near the Lower Canada border. March 30th, the Americans numbering ^000 regulars, with cavalry and guns, came up against a British garrison of 500, at a grist mill, called La Colle Mills, near Lake Champlain. For four hours the garrison held out against the superior force. At 6 o'clock in the evening the United States army drew oflF, and retireed to Plattsburgh. April 25th, Great Britain declared the whole United States seaboard in a state of blockade, so that no ship could go in or out of the horbors without liability of capture, and becoming pi izes. May 4th, Commodore Yeo and Gen. Drummond headed an expedition from Kingston to Oswego. A thousand troops were landed, and the enemy put to flight. The fort was dis- mantled, barracks and bridges burned, and two schooners and some small craft, with guns, shot, powder, and 1900 barrels of flour, were brought away. The fleet next sailed to Sackett'a I 126 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1814. Harbour, to seize the enemy's boats full of stores and pro- visions, but fiiilctl. July 3rd, two stronf:^ brigades of the enemy crossed the Niagara river. In opposing, the battle of Obippewa took place, — tlie hardest iought battle of the war. The British being but 2000 to 4000. besides Indians, were defeated, with the loss ot^* nearly one-fourth of their army, killed and wound- ed. The enemy now spread out into foraging parties, did immense damage to the farmers in the townships of Stamford and Niagara. July 25th, the battle of Lundy's Lane, close by the falls of Niagara, was most fiercely fought. The enemy was 5000 strong, the British but ICOO, having, however, the best posi- tion. The conflict began in the evening ; at 9 o'clock there was a lull. The British now received a reinforcement of 1200 regulars and militia, and resumed the battle. The moon shone on the faces of their enemies, and the roar of the falls mingled with the roar of cannen. The action kept up until midnight, when the Americans drew off towards Chippewa, leaving the British in possession of the hard fought field, with a loss of 870 killed, wounded, and prisoners. But the enemy lost 300 in prisoners, and 930 killed and wounded. A san- guinary battle ! Two days after the 9nemy retreated, throw- ing into the Niagara river his heavy baggage, tents, and pro- visi ons, and destroying the bridge over Chippewa creek, to prevent pursuit, and shut himself up in fort Erie, opposite Buffalo. August 13th, the British boldly attempted to storm fort E rie, in which were 3000 of the troops at Lundy's Lane ; but t he assailants were too weak, failed, and lost more than 600 soldiers in the abortive attempt. A simultaneous attempt to storm the American position at Black Hock, on the other side of the river, was unsuccessful. Sept. 6th, General Provost having received a strong rein- forcement from England of 16,000 troops of the Duke of Wellington'a army, took the offensive, and appeared before Plattsburgh. But the military skill of the general /as so small, and his irresolution so great, -'^ that the expedition com- * The goTornor and genpr <\ vrnn appointed tu ba tri«il bjr «'Jrd, t'le army reached Bladensburg. miles from WashioKton Some resiitanoe vas here offered, but was soon overeoraR, and by 8 o'clock in tne evening, the British troops wore at Washington. The main body was stationed about a mile from the capital, and Oen. Ross and 7U0 moa entered the cit/. He then issued orders for tbe deHtruciioii of tbe public buildin);s; and soon the cnpitol, tlie prenident's bouse, and Iht) executive offices, with the public libraries and (umitnre, were in flames. Also, tbe troop!) burnt the bridge across the Potomac, together with some private dwellinga. On the 2)th they rptired, aud coming to the fleet rcinibarked. 'I'he Admiral Coclraiie next procwdwd up the Chesapeiikp. Sept. Ilth, he appeared at the mouth of the I'atapscn, 14 miles from Baltimore. The next day Gen. Ross with nOO'i troops liinddd, and commenced IiIk march on Baltimore. He was met by Gen. Strieker with about 3000 troopa, wbo were snon put to fligl^t. On 131h tbe British appeared before tlie Intrpnchmento, two itii'cs from the chy ; hut the forces were not considered sufficient to take the city, and the trnopa were relmbatked, and the fleet <}esct)uded the bay, to tbe great joy of the iubabitants. 188 BISTORT OF METHODISM [1814. Massachusetts, and Maine, with only an imaginary line of 45° latitude, are almost naked, with scarcely any defence. The Lower Canada southern border runs from opposite the town of Cornwall to the boundary of New Brunswick, skirting the four states, and running about 500 miles. Well for the.se four states and southern Lower Canada to keep in friendship, as neither side could be protectnd from the other. Yet, the war took no long range on this border, it being mostly a wilderness, but was confined to the neighbourhood of lake Champlain. In Upper Canada the places assailable are on the upper St. Lawrence, the Niagara river, and the Detroit. The Ottawa country was untouched. The Bay of Quinte, the couQtry on the north of lake Ontario and lake Eric, knew Kttle of the war. In Upper Canada the most vulnerable places are in the vicinity of the three rivers. 2. It is said, that Canada lies in a very dangerous and exposed situation to the United States, on account of her long frontier of above a thousand miles. Granted; but what makes the danger will ever conduce to her safety. So long a frontier can never be defended in every part, without hundreds of thousands of troops ; nor can such a frontier be ever held by an enemy^ without inexhaustible armies, and treasure with- out count. In this war three American armies did little. The ormy on the Lower Canada border never held a position in Canada. The second army never effected any landing in King- ston, held York far a short time, and acquired only temporary positions in the Niagara country. The third army held merely a local position on the Detroit. At the time when Canada had not 100,000 settlers, five or six armies were required to take and hold the country ; and three or four more were need- ed for the subjugation of the Lower Provinces. And how many armies wonld now be required ? More than the United States government could ever raise ; at least, more than they could ever long maintain. The conquest of Canada — though twice atte.'ipted, and twice defeated — is to be ranked among the impc " abilities, as long a^ the people are patriotic, united, ftttd supported by the British crown. 3. The advantages to Canada as a colony of the British Empire were greatly seen in this war. A fine range of forts on the Richelieu, and along the water communication from 1814.] IN CANADA. 129 Quebec to the Detroit river, — especially the impregnable for- tresses of Quebec and Kingston — vere manned and officered at the breaking out of tlic war. The militia were called out, and were of great help ; but the etrectivencss of the militia regiments was due, in no sjnall measure, to their having exper- ienced British officers. A small British standing army was on hand, in June 19th, 1812. As the orders in Council were repealed, the British government had no thought of war with (he United States. The first year of the war the regulars in the country, with the militia, had to perform all the service. In the second year, although engaged in the war with France, Great Britain made great cflForts to assist her colony. Her men-of-war brought over regiments of able soldiers, with abun- dance of military stores, and marines and naval stores for the construction of a fleet. In the third year, as the French war ceased, the Imperial government sent over an army of 16,000 troops, with an immense supply of military and naval mate- rial. Besides, and what often decides the duration of war, an abundance of money came from the imperial treasury, flowing into the country all the time of the conflict. A single regi- ment in Canada cost £40,000 a year; and the entire civil and military establishnjcnts of Canada cost, in 1825, no less than £700,000 to Great Britain. And, lastly, the great assistance rendered by the British fleet blockading the whole of the United States seaboard, and threatening every exposed city with bombarduient and destruction. 4. The reply may be, that the offence to the United States government came from the Imperial government, and not from Canada ; and, therefore, the ]3ritish were merely fighting in their own qvarrel, dragging Canada into it. The ostensible causes of the war were Imperial questions ; but the true cause was democratic covetousness of the fine northern territory held by the British cro^vn. " Thou shalt not covet," is God's law for nations as for persons. The founders of the United States Constitution coveted Canada, and sent two armies to seize it in 1775. The President, and the majority in Congress, with their party in the nation, again cast a longing eye towards the Si. Lawrence. The war was the result; and failure was the onsequencp. In 1837 and '38, the same coveting was mani- fested, not so much by the government, as a party in tho 130 HISTORY or METHODISM [1814. United States, by aidinj; Canadian disaffection. So in years to come, the j^reat power (as in other historical instances) may lonjjj to swallow up the less, so contiijuous and so advaiita<:,eou9. Canada could do much for her own salvation, apart from British connection ; but whether fehc could save herself, a small power against the greatest on the American continent, is not possi- ble, some would say, — not probable, most would believe. It would be like Switzeriand or Sweden against France or Aus- tria. But with old England's strength and her own united, the present position of Canada is sure ; and if she could pre- serve a separate existence alone, she could do it much better when allied to the Mother country, which has nursed and cared for her until the present day. 5. The war shows that naval superiority on the Canadian lakes sireatly assisted in deciding the struggle on land. A British fleat triumphant on lake Champlain would greatly retard an invading army, by threatening the United States coasts. In 1813, a small British fleet took Plattsburgh, Cham- plain, and Swanton ; took away a quantity of stores, and effected great destruction ; and was- holding in check the American army at Burlington. When the American fleet swept Ontario lake, carrying provisions and troops, York was taken, and Niagara possessed. The capture of the British vessels in lake Erie caused the evacuation of Michigan and the destruction of Proctor's army. The British regaining the command of lake Ontario, led to the evacuation of fort Erie, by the best army of the Americans. Lakes Champlain, On- tario, and Erie have been the scenes of many naval conflicts. And should war ever again break out ( which may God pre- vent !) other of our great inland seas, — lake Huron, Michi- gan, and Superior— will bear the heavy-besomed ship of war, and their peaceful waters hear the roar of cannon and the clash of the arms. The marines and ship builders from Eng- land, with comn«odore Yeo, greatly assisted in the turn of suc- cess. Indeed, otherwise the conflict might have continued longer, — not to mention the possibility of its resulting dif- ferently. 6. In this war is noticed the great service of an able, resolute commander, and the ill effects of a general without high deter- mini;tion. The first is illustrated by the cctiduot of General anc doil attif forJ [1814. So in years stances) may dvaiitaj2;eou9. , from British I small power is not possi- believc. It •ance or Aus- • own united, ihe could pre- inuch better sed and cared the Canadian on land. A Noviid greatly United States sburgh, Cham- )f stores, and in check the American fleet ops, York was )f the British Michigan and I regaining the n of fort Erie, Ihamplain, On- naval conflicts, may God pre- Huron, Michi- jd ship of war, Aunon and the ders from Eng- the turn ot suc- have continued 3 resulting dif- m able, resolute hout high deter- duot of General 18U.] IN CANADA. 131 Brock, the governor (for the time) of Upper Canada. His quick resolution and energetic conduct, in the first days of the war, raised up the spirit of the province at onc3, filled the enemy with astonishment> gave the first success to the British arms, and influenced the ultimate decision. To this day, he is the hero of Upper Canada. We trust he will ever remiun the solo hero, — no other wars arising. The second remark is explained by the course of the governor of Lower Canada, — Gen. Provost. When the fine naval expedition sailed to Saok- ctt's Harbour, the work was only partially done. He retired, wh 3n none pursued. A resolute oflBcer in the circumstances wovild have made the event memorable. But his worst con- duc'i was at lake Champlain. He had troops enough to seize all the border states. When he should have made his army second the fleet, at a critical juncture, he ordered the soldiers to cook their breakfast. That breakfast lost the opportunity, and failure immediately followed. Still, as a civil governor, the general gave satisfaction to the people. The British gene- rals and officers were of a better stamp than the commander- in-chief, or the war could not have succeeded with such con- stant inferiority of troops. 7. The conduct of the militia, both of Upper and Lower Canada, was loyal and patriotic. Had the militia acted other- wise, the two provinces would have become an easy prey to the invaders. The British troops were not 6000 ; and mostly needed for garrisons in the forts on the long frontier. But the militia liberated perhaps half these troops by taking their places in garrison. Other bodies of militia joined with the regulars in battle ; and others occupied different exposed situa-: tions for watch and defence. Still, the militia force frqm a population of 300,000 in Upper Canada could not have been great. And, if the militia in arms were so many as 20,000, yet scattered along the frontier in small bodies, the force to meet the invasion of a nation of eight millions of people was insignificant. However, a united people, though small, oaa effect great results. The two governors, the two parliaments, and the two races of people, cordially co-operated ; and so doing, held the two provinces during 1812, against all the attacks of the invaders. And in the winter of 1812 the rein- forcements be^an to come in from England by the way of New 132 HISTOBT OF MKTUOBISM [1814. Brunaw'ick. There were some disaffected settlers who joined the invaders against their neiglibouis, out the nunibtr was small. The great body of the people was loyal to the British crown and patriotic to the country of their adoption or refuge, in which all had received from the crown free grants of land j and many, various privileges besides. 8. The war was carried on with two grave faults,— in a savage manner, and by the aid of savages ; otherwise, the war would not have fallen so grievously on the invaded people. The use of the Indian tribes began in the war of the Revo- lution. The Canadian generals with so few troops, had necessity as a justification, in taking the Indian tribes in pay. Without them Brock could not have captured Michigan ; perhaps not the straits of Mackinaw. If he did not acquire the good will and aid of the north-west Indians, the United States government would. And some of the tribes did serve the American army, and came into the townships on the Niagara river. The Iroquois were in the battle of Chip- pewa, and assisted to plunder the country afterward:^. But the savage conduct of the white United States troops was. worse than the employment of savages. In civilized wars, or the wars of Christian people with each other, (alas ! that Christians and war should be associated !) the usual rule is to harm only those who aim to harm, and to puss by the peace- able and unarmed. Considering, too, that the Canadian people were not enemies, but had always friendly dispositions towards the United States, that the war was merely for re- mote and abstract questions, that the British nor Canadians set the example, that marauding was not the rule of the British officers and armies (as evinced before the world in the wars with Bonaparte), — the United States government selecting the provitoces as a battle field, should have treated the inhabitants without arms as mere spectators of the conflict. Shame on President Madison, and his cabinet of Christian gentlemen, for ordering their general, M'Clure (under the name and seal of John Armstrong, secretary of war,) to I urn up the town of Nia- gara, and turn 400 women and children into the snow and icy Streets, on a December day of a rigid Canadian winter I Had the cruelty been accomplished by a tribe of Indians, no aston- ishinent would have been felt; but for Christians thus to [1814. who joined ninibtr was ) the British )n or refuge, intB of land ; faults,— in a wise, the war aded people, of the Revo- 1814.1 W CANADA. 133 troops, had tribes in pay. d Michigan ; i not acquire 9, the United ibes did serve iships on thst, in 1812, could not refrain from asking, " What are the United States to gain by the war ? ' A prudent question. The war answered the question, " Nothing." On the contrary, the loss was such, as years failed to compensate. The United 1814.] IN CANADA. 137 Stntos gladly atikcd for pence, and the treaty of Ghent was bijrned 24th December, 1814, by the plenipoteiitiuvies. The treaty most strungcly miid nothiii*; of the cuuhcs of the war» and only made arrangenients for the Buspension of hostilities, exohango of prisoners, restoration of territories and poi^sessions iicquired in the war, the adjustment of slave boundaries, and the stopping of the slave traffic.* War, then, is not only a cruel device of man, but one uncertain and disappointing. War is the elTtct of sinful human nature. But ages and gen- erations are to bo without war. God will " hnak the howt and the sword, and the battle out of the earth, and will make t/iem'' [his people] '• /o lie down safely.'^ (Hosea, ii. 18.) lie will '* heat their swords into plowshares, and their epeara into pruning hooks : nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.'' (Is., ii. 4.) 13. Though Canada was the battle tield, and provided the militia and part of the expense, and sufi'cred immensely on merely British questions, yet the province was not concerned in the treaty of peace. No reparation was made by the enemy ; no reparation was made by the British government. As a colony, she had to bear her part of the losses ; while the great burden of troops and treasure was borne by the Mother country. But the vast amount of money spent by the govern- ment in Canada, as it enriched all clii«84>f>, gave a great impetus to the improvement of the country. Besides, notoriety was given to Canada, and emigration Itniu the British isles began immediately. So the war was o«f undirect advantage. We now leave the subject of war, and go on with the primary object of this history, — first m As the chief minister, with Francis Asbury, of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, both m the United States and Canada, the notice of the death of the Rev. Dr. Coke is appropriate here, — although no evidence appears that he ever was con- cerned with the Canadian preachers or work. He was born in Wales, in 1747, and became a minister of tht Church of Eng- land. In 1778, his name is first on the Methodist Minutes. In 1784, he first sailed to the United States, and presided at the Christmas Conference, when he communicated Mr. Wes- ley's plan for the government of the Methodists. He crossed the Atlantic ocean eighteen times, at his own expense, in going to and from the United States, the West Indies/ and Nova Scotia. He died on board ship, in the Indian ocean, on his way to Ceylon, May 3rd, 1814, aged 67. His purpose Avas, to establish Christian missions in Ceylon and India. He was the first bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a man of deep piety, learning, and ardent zeal for the diffusion of religion. He was the father of the Wesleyan miBsions to the British foreign posssessiona. 140 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1814. ii! QUEBEC. In 1812, although the United States Conference made appointments for Lower Canada, none of the preachers re- mained. For two years, the Methodists in Quebec, about 40 in number, with those in the army, were without a minister. When the 103rd regiment arrived, a pious serjeant, named Webster, occasionally preached. After a time, he was invited to conduct Divine semce on the Sabbath, and usually preach- ed twice, and once m the week besides. The congregation increased, and the society was revived, and many were added thereto. In the summer of 1813, the regiment was ordered to Upper Canada, and the society deplored the loss of serjeant Webster. A useful leader also now left the city for England. The charge of the society was then left in the hands of Peter Langlois, who was assisted in the prayer meetings and classes by two young men and two pious females. The Sabbaths were employed by them in holding these meetings, and ex- pounding a portion of the Word of God. In Jan'y, 1814, Langlois was urged by the members to preach ; and afler much hesitation, he consented, and continued to do so once each Sabbath, until the arrival of a preacher from England in the following summer. The first appointments of the Eng- lish Conference to Canada were, — Quebec,— John Strong. Montreal, — Samuel Leigh. The number of their members in Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland, were 1570. i 4 I t [1814. rence made reachers re- !C, about 40 a minister, jant, named was invited lally preach- Bongregation ' were added was ordered ss of Serjeant for England. ind3 of Peter ;s and classes 'he Sabbaths ings, and ex- Jan'y, 1814, h; and after ,0 do 60 once n England in of the Eng- 79. Scotia, and CHAPTER 11. FROM THE END OP THE WAR IN 1814, TO THE ESTABLISH- MENT OF A CONFERENCE IN CANADA IN 1824. 1815. ALTHOUGH the treaty of peace was signed, yet war con- tinucu, until the news tardily voyaged the Atlantic ocean. Hostilities went on by sea and land. And in this interim was the battle before New Orleans. A British fleet of 60 sail appeared off the coast of the Mississippi. British forces were landed on the 22nfi December ; several engagements took place. January 8*'^ ' British, amounting to 12,000, under Gen. Packenham, a v c? d in solid columns to the intrench- ments before New Oileans. As they came near, the Ameri- cans poured on such a cannonade, with an unceasing fire of musketry and rifles, that the troops were felled by hundreds at every discharge. About 2000 were killed and wounded, 500 were made prisoners, and the rest retired to their camp. On the 18th, tie army embarked on board the fleet. On the 17th February, the treaty was ratified by the president and senate of the United States ; and on the 1st March, the treaty was officially announced in Canada by Sir George Prevost, the governor. Peace was most acceptable to both countries. Both parties in the United States, — one, hotly contending for the war in its beginning, and the other against it, — gladly welcomed the return of peace. And the poor suffering and innocent pro- vince greatly rejoiced to be free from frequent invasions and constant alarm. Especially, did all the friends of religion and human happiness, in both countries, rejoice and offer up thanksgivings to a gracious Providence, that the sword had returned to his scabbard. Peace returned, also, to the nations in Europe, by the victory of Waterloo, in the month of June, aad the banishment of Bonaparte to the island of St. Helena. 142 BISTOKT OF METHODISM [1815. In Canada, the embodied militia, comprising a large num- ber of the able men of the province, were immediately dis- banded, and allowed to return to their peaceful and rural occupations. 'he officers were allowed a gratuity equal to pay for eigh:.y days. The wounded received comfort by a pension of sis pounds per annum. A gift was bestowed on the widows and orphans of the war. And the crown was petitioned for a donation of land to each soldier of his coun- try. Thus the country showed gratitude to them who buckled on the sword to resist the sword. And an act was passed, granting one thousand pounds to preserve, by a monument, the name of the brave and upiight governor Brock. The reason is thus described : "Wherens at the declaration of war by the United States of America against Great Britain, the government of this province •was administered with great uprightness and ability by the lato Major General Sir Isaac Brock ; and M'hereas by the wisdom of his councils, the energy of his character, and the vigour with which he carried all his plans into effect, the inhabitants of this province, — at a time when the country was almost destitute of reg- ular troops, — were inspired with the fullest confidence in him and in themselves, and were thereby induced most cordially to unite with aiiu follow him in every operation which he undertook for their defence ; and whereas after having achieved the most bril- liant success, and performed the most splendid actions, that truly illustrious commander, contending at the head of a small body of regular troops and militia, against a very superior force of the enemy, devoted his most valuable life ; and whereas the inhab- itants of this province reverencing his character, feel it a tribute due to his memory to express thv;th ahitants of this , destitute of rcg- Icnce in him and :ordially to unite .e undertook for d the most hni- ctions, that truly f a small hody of \]oT force of the ^ercas the inhah- . feel it a tribute !blic and lasting erument sougbt, [Canada, greatly l?ebruary, a pro- free passage tc cvea of land, and I Provisions were L barvested, and 1815.] IN CANADA. 14.^ land fisue politics, and esiding elders semed, zealous, try in all the preachers for e, left Smith's A wrong step and, probably, m the country ; le British isles. , went to their eclaira some of r. Among the onverted under ,awa circuit, and erwards a class staff to religion house, quarterly I the faith, 2lst rence, in 1815, inch missionary, ova Scotia, Nevr-| ida, including five d civil purposes; the Ottawa River, ler district, called ict was performed had destroyed a mortgages, leases,! of Niagare,— sut- vincc,— a Commis dy these losses, b, record was to servi aeful measure wai 1816.] IN CANADA. 145 the encouraging of Common Schools in Upper Canada. In each village or township (and there were no towns or cities then) the inhabitants were to assemble yearly, and choose three trustees for the management of the school. A board of educa- tion was appointed for each district ; and a sum of £6,000 was granted to the ten districts, or £600 to each. Here began the Oomnion School system of Upper Canada ; which has not im- proved much to the present time ; and which for it? simplicity, and absence '^f interfering with numerous details and njiniito attempts at uniformity, some would prefer to the present com- plicated and expensive system, requiring large compulsory con- tributions. In the "ommencsment of Ihe year, the congregations were unusually large, and the preachers and pious members were led to expect better times. When the Wesleyan missionary came to Montreal he desired to use the chapel erected by the exertions of the American preachers, especially Samue? ^ ate ; but was opposed by Mr. Ryan. As in most cases of dispute, a part of the society sided with the new preacher, and a part with their old ministers. Although the Q-eneseo Conference liad no preacher in Montreal last year, and thus the chapel was not supplied, yet a supply was intended, and the station was in the Minutes. For another body therefore to send a preacher, and occupy the chapel, and draw away the society from the preachers who had gathered and watched over them for a num> bar of years, was considered an interference and wrong. Ryan wrote to bishop Asbury on the subject, and the bishop wrote to the Missionary Committee in L >ndon. The Committee replied to Mr. Asbury as follows : — New Chapel, City Roai, London, Feb. 7, 1816. " Veuv Dear Sir : — It is by the particular request of the last British Conference tliav we, as members of the missionary commit- tee, address you, and our brethren in the United States, whom we very highly esteem as fellow-citizens of the saints, and fellow- labourers in the vineyard of our common Lord ; most fervently wishing that peace, righteousness, and joy in tl»e Boly Ghost may abound in you and by you, to the praise of God and the glory of his grace. " On reading your'Jast very kind and affectionate letter, we sym- pathized with you, knowing how much it must have affected your ■ 14S HISTORY or METHODISM [1816. mind, after being favonred with so much spiritual prosperity, to have to lament a ' decrease of members in your societies ;' but we tiust, since it hath pleased Divine Providence to cause the terrors of war to cease, and to restore the invaluable blessing of peace 1)etween the two countries, that by this time you hail the dawn of a more auspicious day, and see the returning glory of the Lord revealed, and the quickening power of the Spirit diflf'ising itg reviving influence, and that the voice of joy and rejoicing is heard in the congregations of the righteous^ Glory to God in the highest, peace upon earth, and good will toward men. Our united prayer and supplication for you is, O Lord, we beseech, Lord, we be- seech, send now prosperity ! " It is with gratitude to the Lord of all that we ean say, he is still extending his kingdom among us^ by the instrumentality of the preached word ; and his servants have had much consolation in their labours, by seeing sinners powerfully convinced of sin, penitents bom of God, and believers sanctified by the Spirit. God has lately been reviving his work in various places, x)articularly in the city of Bristol, at Salisbury, &c.: in the former place several hundreds have been brought to the knowledge of God their Saviour. We can assure you we love this 'good old-fashioned leligioB,' of a deep conviction for sin, a clear sense of justificatiou by faith, and entire eanctiflcation of the soul from all moral pollu- tion, as well, if not better than ever. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us, and does even now bless us, with these spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus : and we ever pray with increasing desire, *Thy kingdom come.' Our blessed Lord has greatly favoured us with success in our Missionary efforts, particularly in our new ittations in the eastern world, Ceylon, &c., though this has been attended with its afflictive circumstances. Since the death of our venerable, highly esteemed, and much lamented friend and bro- ther, Dr. Coke, our beloved brother Ault has been removed from a sphere of useful labour to his great reward. The other brethren are still preserved in their useful labours. A Budhist priest of considerable learning has been converted to Christianity, and i» now engaged in translating the Scriptures into two of the natiye languages. Several Moormen or Mohammedans have also rceeived the truth, and are becoming useful preachers of the word of Ufe ; and thousands of the poor heathen flock to hear the joyful tidings of the gospel. Our missionaries have begun to build a large chapel, house, school, printing-office, &c., at Columbo, and have received the liberal support cf the inhabitants. These build- ings are to cost seven thousand dollars, six thousand of which have been already subscribed by the inhabitants. We have lately sent five more missionaries to that quarter of the globe, and one more is shortly to sail for Bombay. Thus the Lord is enlarging his kingdom^ 'even from the rivers to the end of the earth.' t ' [1816. \ prosperity, to jieties ;' but wo ause the terrors cBsing of peace (lail the dawn of ory of the Lord rit diffusing its cjoicing is heard din the highest, ix united prayer 1, Lord, we he- fie can sayr ^<5 ^"l ttstrumentality ol nuch consolation convinfced of sin, y the Spirit. God laces, particularly rmcr place several Ige of God their ood old-fashioned ase of JTistificatiott Bi all moral pollu^ 1 be the God and ,c88cd us, and does sings in heavenly increasing desire, rreatly favoured uu •ularly in our new ugh this has been ceth« death of our ed friend and bro- .cn removed from a Che other hrethren r Budhist priest of [Christianity, and is- k two of the native Is have also received •rs of the word of Jto hear the joyful le begun to build a ' at Columbo, and tants. These build- thousand of which [ts We have lately the globe, and one le Lord is enlarging of the earth.' 181C.J tN CANADA. 147 " We rejoice in tho ardent Christian affection you express to- ward your brethren in this country ; and be assured they entertain the same li\ely feelings and sentiments of brotherly love towards you and your fellow-labourers in the Lord; and should wo be favoured with a visit from you or them, it would give us inexpres- sible pleasure to give you the right hand of fellowship, and every expression of our sincere Christian regard. J' To preserve a mutual good understanding, and the unity of the spirit, and, as far as possible, a co-operation in promoting tho good work of the Lord, we feel it our duty to state to you a subject of local difference, Avhich to us has been painful, and which we feel a delicacy in stating, but to which we arc compelled from the neces- sity of the case, that the word of tho Lord be not hindered. In cousequenco of application being made to the British Conference from the Society at Montreal, a missionary was sent to that place, and received as the messenger of the gospel of peace ; but we are fiorry to learn that some misunderstanding has taken place between brothers Strong and Williams, our missionaries, and brother Ryan, your presiding elder for Lower Canada. From the former wo have received a statement of their proceedings, and from the latter a letter of complaint. We have also received a letter from brother Bennett, the chairman of the Nova Scotia district, who has visited Montreal, &c., and reported to us his proceedings. Upon a review of the whole, and from the most serious and deliberate considera- tion, we are led to conclude that, considering the relative situation of the inhabitants of Montreal and of Canada to this country, and particularly as a principal part ol the people appear to be in favour of our missionaries, it would be for their peace and comfort, and the furtherunce of the gospel, for our brethren to occupy those stations, especially the former, and to which we conceive Ave have H claim, as a considerable part of the money for building the chapel and house was raised in this country. We trust our American brethren will see the propriety of complying with our wishes with respect '^^o those places ; not to mention their political relation to this country, which, however, is not of little importance, for we are conscious, that their general habits and prejudices are in favour of English preachers, being more congenial to their views and feelings, which should certainly be consulted, and will tend to facilitate the success of the gospel, and their spiritual pros- perity. As your and our object is mutually to diffuse the know- ledge of Him wh jse kingdom is not of this world, and by every Possible means to promote the immortal interests of men, let us HOC contend — we have one master, even Christ — but give place to I'ach other, that the word of the Lord may have free course, run, land be glorified. We cannot but hope, that from the contiguity lof the labours of the brethren belonging to the two conferences, Ithe spirit of unity and love will bo promoted, and by this measurd la more perfect reciprocal intercourse established. As you have I U8 niSTORY OF METnODlSSl [1816. m ! a hi kindly invited our esteemed brethren, Messrs, Black and Bennet, to take a seat in your conferen' o, wc have directed thom to pay you a visit at Baltimore for this purpose, and to amicably arrange and settle this business, whom wo trust you will receive as our representatives and as brethren. " Praying that our mutual love may abound yet more and more^ and that we may ever enjoy and rejoice in each other's prosperity, till tho whole earth is filled with the glory of God, we remain your truly affectionate brethren in Christ Jesus. (Signed for and in behalf of tho committee.) "James Wood, Treasurer. JosKPn Benson, James Buckley, Secretary." The General Conference assembled in May, in tlio city of Baltimore. The delegates of the Missionary Committee, Messrs. Black and Bennett, were present. But bishop Asbury, to represent the affairs in Canada, was in the rest remaining for the people of Ood, far from all strife and vain glory. But William Case and Henry Ryan were there, as two oF the ten delei;;ate3 from the Genesee Conference. Bishop McKendree was the president of the body, composed of 103 delegates, from the nine conferences. The statements on the Canadadifli'^iulty were presented, and the letter to bishop Asbury read, and the whole subject referred to a Committee ; which made the fol- ic wing report : "The Committee appointed by the General Conference to confer with Messrs. Black & Bennett, delegates appointed by the London Methodist Missionary Society to represent the British connection to this conference, and, if possible, to make an amicable adjust- ment of certain differences between our Church and the British connection, relative to Upper and Lower Canada, beg leave to Hubmit the following report, viz. : — ** 1. Your committee have had several friendly interviews with! the above-mentioned delegates on those subjects, and they are happy to state that there appears to be an earnest desire to have | all existing difficulties terminated to the peace and mutual satis- faction of both parties, and to perpetuate the Christian union and| good understanding which have hitherto existed. " 2. It appears from written communications, as well as froml verbal testimony, that unhappy dissontions have taken place in[ Montreal between certain missionaries sent (at the request of a\ few official members of the society in that] place, in time of thef last war) by the London Missionary Society, and some AmericanI preachers, which have terminated in the division of that society.! ^lil [1816. k and Bennet, them to pay Icttbly arrange rccoivo aa our nore and more, ,er'8 prosperity, od, wo remain Treasurer. , in the city of ry Committee, bishop Asbury, rest remaininj; iiiu j^lory. But , two of the ten ibop McKendrce J delejjates, from Danadadiffi-ulty ry read, and tlio b made the fol- 181G.] IN CANADA. 149 nfcrencc to confer ,ed by the London Jritish connection amicable adjust- and the British kda, beg leave to V interviews with cts, and they are nost desire to have I I and mutual satis- hristian union and ed. , tis, as well as from tve taken place m it the request of a ace, in time of the nd some Americanl ion of that society " 3. Although the Into hostilities between the two countries separated, for soine time, those provinces from the immediate superintendency of the Methodist Episcopal Church in America, j'ct nil the circuits ^except yueboc) were iM regularly supplied as circumstances would admit of with American preachers. «' 4. It furthermore appears, from written and verbal communi- cations, that it is the desire of the great majority of the people in Upper and Lower Canada to be supplied, as heretofore, with preachers from the United States. " 5. In the two provinces there are twelve circuits and one sta- tion, (Montreal,) which have eleven meeting-houses, which have been hitherto supplied by American preachers. »' These things being duly considered, together with the conti- guity of those i)rovinco8 to the western and northern parts of the United States, your coramittee respectfully submit the following resolutions : «' Resolved by the delegates of the Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in General Conference assembled, " I. That we cannot, consistently with our duty to the nocieties of our charge in the Canndas, give up any part of them, or any of our chapels in those provinces, to the superintendence of the British connection. " 2. That a respectful letter be addressed to the London Metho- dist Missionary Society, explaining the reasons for the above resolution." The report was adopted by the Conference, a letter was written to the Missionary Committee of London, but no good resulted. The division in Montreal continued, and instead of withdrawing their Missionaries, the Committee increased them, and sent on preachers even into Upper Canada. Henry Pope was the first, and others followed. While the great majority of the people of Upper and Lower Canada desired preachers from the United Scutes, and appear to have overcome the feel- ing of national animosity, yet a minority was opposed, and desired preachers from the British isles. Ought the Mission- lary Committee to have hearkened to the voice of a small minority ? For nearly thirty yours, and up to 1814, Dr. Coke had charge of the Wesleyan Missions. Linked with American Methodism as he was, it is very improbable that he would have Iconsented to a course repugnant to his fellow bishop (Asbury), |to the General Conference, and to American preachers gene- rally, when the ivquest of the minority came before the Mis- sionary Committee. More likely he would have urged the applicants to bear with the United States preacheiv, and to oke. In iippoinliiiji; a jtrcaclier to Quebec, in IBM, tlii'.y probably rather thouj^ht of tlio destitution of the place, than the Methodist principles violated, and the evil rcpults likely to follow. Having taken, as they thought, a right step for Quebec, they could not regard a similar step as wrong for Montreal. The principal argument for British preachers was*, that Canada was a colony of Britain. Certainly, but mission- aries may go to any land, and are under no restraint from poli- tical relations. DEATH OF BISHOP A8BTJRY. Although infirm, Bishop Asbury expected to be present at the General Conference. lie preached his last sermon on Sunday, March 24th. IIo was carried from the carriage to the pulpit, and placed on a table. Ho spoke iicarly an hour from Rom. ix. 28. On the next Sabbath, ho breathed his last. The inscription on his tomb will give an outline of the history of his liic : - . ;; , "Sacred / ^- , to the memory of ^' -■' ' The Reverend Francis Asbury, '\. ' ■ . * ' Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was born in England, August 20th, 1*745. Entered the Ministry at the age of 17. Came a Missionary to America, 1771. Was ordained a Bishop in this city (Baltimore), Dee. 27th, 1784. Annually visited the Conferences in tiie United States. With much zeal continued to ' preach the word,' For more than half a century. And literally ended his labours with his life, near Fredericksburg, Virginia, in the full triumphs of faith, on the Slat March, 1816, aged 70 years, 7 months and 11 days. His remains were deposited in this vault, May 10th, 1761, by the General Conference then sitting in this city. His journals will exhibit to posterity his labours, his difficulties, his stiflferinga, his patience, his perseverance, his lova to God and man." my nan dust, most he Amori Wei 181C).] IV CANADA, 161 Asbnry was ft great and tfoocl man, and in h's oharneter and lit'u much rcsomblcd his father in tho Qospol, John Wes- ley. Although a bishop of tho American Methodists, he was also bishop of the Methodrst prcitehors and societies in ('anadii ; and therefore a notice of his death is hero necessary and proper. Bosidea, who Kent tho first Methodist missionary to Canada? Francis Asbury eent William Losee, for the other bishop, Dr. Coke, was in Kn;j:land in 1791. And the first missionaries were all appointed to Canada by bishop Asbury. Although he did not labour himself in tho Canadian wilderness, he deputed tliosc wito did. Ho however visited tho country, in 1811, as wo have seen, and preached a few times, as ho travelled the northern banks of tho river St. Lawrence. And, but a few months before his death, ho felt so interested in the cause of Gud in Canada, as to write to the Londoa Missionary Comuiitteo on the impropriety of sending Metho- dist preachers to places already supplied with such. Honour then is due to the men>ory of bishop Asbury for assisting t plant and nurture Methodism in the snows and woods of Canada. But honour from men, this good ma« never coveted. In a letter to Dr. Coke, in 1791, he says : *' I would not have my name mentioned, as doing, having, or being any thing but dust." He was truly an apostolic bishop ; and one of the most holy, laborious, and us&ful men that ever travelled the American continent. The Genesee Conference met at Paris, July 17th The work by this Conference was divided into six districts, two of which were in Canada. The number of members was above 15,000, of which 2500 belonged to the Province. The Cau>- dian appointments were as follows : Upper Camada District Henry Ryan, Presiding Elder, Yongo Street, — 1C5 Niagara, — Elijah Warren 3Y2 Ancaster, — David Ycomans, David Culp 374 Detroit, — Joseph Hickcox 149 Westjoainstcr, — John Hamilton. Members, 1777 f i&a HISTORY OP METHODISM [181G, .iii H I Lower Canada District. "WiUiam CasQf. Pre&iding Elder. Augusta, — Andrew Prindle, Peter Jones 301 St. Lawrence, — Wyatt Chamberlain, John Dempster 251 Ottawha, — George Ferguson.. » 152 Montreal, — ^William Brown 25 Bay Qninte and Kingston, — Thomas Madden, John Bhodes 6-^6 Smith's Creek, — Nathan Reeder 92 Members, 730 The staticn of Quetee was now omilted, as llie English preacher was there, and it was uever put on the li^t again. That French city^ famous for the strength ef its J'ertifieatlons, •was first visited by Samuel Merwin, of the New York Confe- rence, in 1803, with a design to introduce Methodism. But Nathan Bangs was the first preacher stationed there, in 1 800. Samuel Coate succeeded, then Samuel Cochran, George Mc- Crackin, James Mitchell, and Joseph Scull ; another preacher was appointed in 1812, but the war prevented his occupying; the station. For six years, *he people inelined to MethodisBi were favoured with the Methodist ministry, but the result wa» not very encouraging, and the members in society were never more than forty. The return of members showa an addition of 842 in Canada^ The increase was mostly in the Ottawa, the Bay of Quinte^ and in the two circuits where the invasion of war was most felt, viz. : the St. Lawrenee and the Niagara. The Gospel of peace was strengthening in the regions of war. The appointments of the English Conference were : Montreal, — John Strong. Quebec, — Richard Williams, John de Putroa. N.B. — Three additional Missionaries were appointed this year for stations in Canada under the direction of the Committee, viz. : Henry Pope, James Booth, and Richard Pope. The members iu Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Newfoundland were 1824. .' METHODIST CHAPELS. The report of the Committee en Canadian affaiis to the General Conference says, that there were twelve ciicuits, one 1816.] IN CANADA. :Hl' li station, and eleven meeting houses in Canada. These meeting houses or chapels were all of wood material, with heavy strong frames, excepting the Montreal chapel, which was a small building of stone. The mode of building chapels in the olden times was, by joint labour, and almost without the aid of money. The first step was for the scores of willing hands, on a given day, to resort to the woods, and then fell t)ie trees, and square the timber ; others, with oxen and horses, drawing the hewed pieces and rafters to the appointed place. A second stepjwas to call all hands to frame the building, selecting the best genius for the carpenter's calling for superintendent. A third step was a " bee" to raise the building ; and the work for the first year was done. The next year, the frame would be enclosed, with windows and doors, and a rough floor laid loose. As soon as the meeting house was thus advanced, it was immediately used for preaching, prayer meetings, and quarterly meetings. Some of the early chapels would be finished inside ; others, would housed for years in their rough, cold, and unfinished state. The people were poor, had little or no money, but loved the Gospel, and did what they could. 1. The oldest of the eleven chapels is the Adolphustown, on the south shore of the Hay Bay, and on the old Bay of Quinte circuit. 2. The next for age is the chapel in the 4th concession ojf Ernesttown. It was not erected here at first, but on the front of the township, lot No. 27, and close to the Bay of Quintew After some years, (some of the principal Methodists moving to the 4th concession,) the frame was taken down, drawn to the present site, and put up again. It stands on the public road, leading from Napanee to Kingston, and near the village of Odessa. A rough-cast school house, now stands on the old site, east of Bath. Some challenge the antiquity of the Ernesttown with the Adolphustown chapel ; but both were begun at about the same time, by William Losee, only the latter was first erected. As the religious traveller passes, he may look on this old and useful meeting house, ?till used for publio worship, and see a specimen of the architecture of the pious people bottled in the woods of Ernesttown seventy years ago. 3. About nine miles from Odessa to Kingston is the village a-1 ; I 154 HISTORY OF METHODISM [181G. -JlSijti lllj ■Ml i: ! of Waterloo, and on the top of a sand hill, formerly covered with lofty pines, is a well proportioned and good lookin<; Wesleyan stone church. It is on the site of an ancient frame meetinghouse, decayed, and gone, bearing an antiquity nearly as great as the other two chapels. The meeting house in the township of Kingston was an unfinished building, a mere outside, with rough planks for seats. 4. Two miles from the town of Picton, and in the 1st con- cession of the township of Hallowell, is still to be seen one of the oldest Methodist chapels in Upper Canada. The ground and the lumber were the gift of Steven Conger. Tlie first work was done in June, 1809. An account book»now existing shews ,the receipts and payments for the building. Some paid subscriptions in money, some in wheat, some in teaming and work ; and one person paid one pound '' by way of a turn." The first trustees were namod Conger, Valleau, Vanblarican, Dougal, German, Benson, Wilson, and Vandusen. They are all dead, but children of some of them are still living in the vicinity. The building is square, with pavilion roof, of heavy fiame timber, yet sound, having a school house on one side and a mill on the other. There is a burying ground attached, in which lie many of the subscribers to, and first worshippers in, the chapel. It is still used as a place of worship, and for a Sabbath school. These four chapels were all in the old Bay of Quinte circuit. 5. In the 5th township east of Kingston is another relic of the times of old, called the Elizabethtowii chapel. It is now within the boundaries of the village of Lyn, about eight miles from Brookville, and near the river St. Lawrence. A chapel particularly remarkable for the assembling of the Genesee Con- ference in 1817, and the great revival of religion there begun. 6. The sixth chape' of the eleven was the Montreal ; erected in 1806, and chiefly by the exertion of Samuel Coate. * 7. The other five meeting houses were in the Niagara coun- try. The most populous parts of Upper Canada, in the early time?, were on the eastern and western ends of Lake Ontaria, with all the country between nearly an unbroken wilderness. The eastern end began the Bay of Quinte settlements, and the western, the country called after the Niagara river, One of [181G. rly covered od lookin ouinalng of the Clergy Reserve agitation in tlis Provincial Parliynscivc. whicl; continued for many years. TliC annual met tii.;;of tite Genesee Conference, was appointed for Canada, in compliuient to and for the convenience of the Canada proachers and members. Also, the preachers on the American circuits had a desire to see the new country, formerly the scene of missionary labours and success, and lately the scene of confiicfc and blood. For many years, the preachers in Canada had crossed the frontier waters to meet their brethren in Con- ference ; and now the Conference came into their own country. It was to be held on the Augusta circuit, in the township of Elizabethtown, and in the chapel still to be seen. The preachers probably crossed the St. Lawrence river where the pretty and thriving town of Brockville now is. There were sixty preachers belonging to the Genesee Conference, besides those in Canada, numbering twenty-two. On June 2 1st, bishop George opened the meeting. The usual business was done, the ap- apointments were made, and after a session of five days the preachers returned to their homes. The appointments for, and members in, Canada were as follows: — Upper Canada District. Henry ^yan, Presiding Elder. Detroit, — Gideon Lamming SO Thames, — Elijah Warren 160 Westminster, — David Youmans, Caleb Swary 166 Ancaster, — Isaac B, Smith 246 Yonge Street, — David Culph . , 160 Duffin's Creek, — James Jackson 68 Niagara, — John W. Byern, George Fergur on 396 Members, 122G f ■ [181T. I cultivated, ivated I'irril vf, nurtured and domoHUC ■i injurious to wind 'ind the :e3 were p«id 5; only from t short iu their by the Goyer- iuvcstigatioR. gitivtion in tks ny years. , was appointed ifenience of the reacheva on the untry. fonnerly lately the scene chers in Canada irethren in Con- jir own country, the township of The preachers here the pretty here were sixty besides those in St, bishop George IS done, the ap- of five days the ntraenls for, and 1817.] IN CANADA. 159 Lower Canada District. William Case, Presiding Elder. ^f'fos ; 'cal, — William Barlow 26 ( t?av iia, — Peter Jones 127 ,. A u;.\ usta, — Isaac Puffer 505 Bay Quinte, — Thomas Madden, N. Recd«r 730 Ilallowell, — Wyatt Chamberlain, Ezra Adams Belleville, — Israel Chamberlain Si. Li'wrence, — Andrew Prindle, Thomas McGee.. . 231 Corn tvall — William Brown 52 ^Smith's Creek, now Hallo well, had 210 Members, 1881 The Smith's Creek (or Port Hope') circuit, first on the list in 1805, was now, with appointments in the Prince Edward district, to form the Hallo well circuit, — a pretty long circuit from Port Hope to Picton, but the circuits then had merely length and no breadth, for the settlers were nearly all on the frontiers. And now the Belleville circuit first comes on the list. The town was then just surveyed, and had only a few inhabitants and dwelling houses on the site. The preachers from the Bay of Quinte circuit had for some years visited the [settlements in Sidney and Thurlow townships, and some socie- ties were formed. And now the new village, with the surround- ing country, was formed into the Belleville circuit, and next [year one hundred and sixty-flFve members were returned. Duf- lifn's Creek circuit now first appears. The creek called Duffin's is lin the township of Pickering, and about twenty miles east of jToronto. The new circuit probably took up the most westerly |appbintments of Smith's Creek circuit, and all the settlements low beginning up to the boundary of the Yonge street circuit. [t seems that there was now a small Methodist society in [Whitby, formed by N. Reeder while on the Smith's Creek cir- cuit last year. But the most remarkable event was the great Revival of religion in the Province, begun at the sitting of tho Jonference. A member of it thus wrote : " In June, whibi the Annual Conference was sitting at Elizabeth- lown, many were brought under awakening, and ten persons found peace in believing. On Sabbath, the meeting house was filled from ^ight o'clock in the morning till eight in the evening ; during fhich time, five sermons and a number of exhortations were deliv- |red. Throughout the whole sitting of five days, the word was •I 160 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1817. delivered with much freedom and power ; and bo great was the revival which followed, thut it is believed, more than one hundred persons were awakened at the Oonference. Conversion h now became frequent. The power of God was displayed at riost of the meetings. The deist and the drunkard, as well as the moralist and children of ten years, found one common place at the altar of penitence ; and calling on the Lord for mercy, were made to rejoice with joy unspeakable. Whole mmilies were made the subjects of saving grace : and not a few who had declined in r«li- gion, were reclaimed and restored to their first love. The neigh- bouring townships now took the flame. From attending the preaching at the Conference, the people returned to their homes with great seriousness, and earnest prayer for the divine blessing.' ' The revival extended to all parts of the Augusta circuit, greatly encouraging the laborious preacher, Isaac PuflFer, as ifell as the Presiding Elder, who thus writes : " At a quarterly meeting in Augusta, the div.'ne power was glori- ously manifest ; and among the hundreds from whose eyes the tears of gratitude and joy were falling, were eight persons above the age of sixty, who had lately obtained mercy. One of them was a man of 15. Another of 72 blessed God that all his children (seven in number) were convertea. Of Roman Catholics, there have been a few conversions. At this meeting, an aged woman came to the altar weeping. In the French, she said, «I was yester- day (Saturday) at the meeting here, and while the minister wao preaching, the Lord broke into my heart,'—* his love came into my Loul.' She had been previously awakened." The revival in Augusta circuit does not appear to have spread easterly into the St. Lawrence and Cornwall, circuits, but was propagated westerly with great success. In Fred- cricksburgh, in the Bay of Quinte circuit, the revival ) egan August 17th, rather unexpectedly, and spread in an extraor- dinary manner. *' For many years, th.3 Gospel had been preached, and religions meetings kept up by a persevering few, — whose exertions had been great to arrest the progress of vice, and by whose christian union and steady walk, the honour ot religion had been secured " For some time previous to the awakening, die young people | of the neighbourhood had manifested less desire for public amuse- ments, and had obtained leave of Brother Cain to meet at his house, I for the purpose of learning to sing ; after which they joined with the pious, in the solemnities of public worship. At one of thesol meetings, a youth was present who had lately found peace with I God, and who had come from a distant town to visit his relatives ;l and feeling a great desire for the salvation of his acquaintances,! > tf ** [1817. great was the t one hundred version i now id at riost of ,8 the moralist :e at the altar were made to vere made the eclined in r«li- ;. The neigh- attending the to their homes ivine blessing." u the revival reached the place, and great numbers were converted to God. At the prayer meetings, uiany hundreds would assemble, and usually ten or twelve would be converted at each. From the 4th concession shore, boat loads would cross tho bay, to attend the meetings, and many persons would return the happy converts of Jesus' love. By this means the revival extended to the north part of Adolphustown. It was most delightful to hear the solemn praises of God, from the happy converts, as they sailed across the Hay Bay to and from the place of worship. " In general this work has been most powerful in the prayer meetings ; though some have been converted in the solitary fields. Some who had always been careless about eternal things were awakened by seeing the multitudes flocking to the place of wor> ship. Others, while the master of the house would be conversing or praying in his family, would realize a divine power, and expe- rience a happy change. On those occasions, it would be truly affecting to witness the christian endearment, in which parents and children would embrace each other, praising God and rejoicing iu the com! rts of salvation. In many instances, the ardent prayers of patents have been answered. Some who embraced the Uospel when first introduced into this country by the Methodist preachers, have lived to realize the establishment of piety, not only in their children, but in their children's children. So true ave the words of unerring wisdom. The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him , and his righteoua^ ness vntc children's children. (Pb. ciii. It.)" 162 lUSTOIlY OF METHODISM [1817. In fourteen nionths, nioro than 800 persona professed con- vcraion, of whom GO were I'eads of fuuiilies. But the increase docs not appear in the MinuteR, owinj» to a division of the Biiy of Quinte circuit, and a part j^ivcn to tlic new IlaHowoU dr- cuit. The preachers) on the Bay of Quinto circuit, in this revival, were Thomae Madden at>d Nathaniel liecder. Tlie quarterly rneetinn;8 were attended hy such numbers of people that the chapels could not contain the assemblies. The presid- ing elder would then stand at the door, and preach to those inside and outside at the same time ; or, else he divided the congregation, and two would preach. Having heard a Scotcli- nian, at a lovefeust, say that his friends would have dissuaded him from coming to Canada, as the people there did not set Ood before their eyes, the presiding elder replied that the pious in the old coui try need not feel distressed on this ac- count, " as the doctrines, experieticc, and duties of the Chris- tian religion were enforced, among ditferent denominations by about two hundred Protestant public teachers — that the Gos- pel is preached by Protestant ministers in all the English settlements in Upper Canada — and that the Holy Spirit is poured out ou the hearts of the people to the con version of hundreds.*' In the number of *' two hundred Protestant public teachers" must be included all the Methodist local preachers and ex- horters, and perhaps other lay religious teachers ; for (he regu- lar clergy of all denominations could not make up a quarter of the number. The revival extended to the Hallowell circuit, and began in Marysburgh, — which is a peninsula opposite the shores of Adolphustown and Fredericksburgh. After the American revolutionary war, and the disbanding of the British army, an Hessian regiment accepted land, and settled down along the shores of Marysburgh. But the soldiers did not under- stand clearing land and the work of new farms. It was often asked why the government settled the Hessian regiment there ? The supposed reason was, that a^ the soldiers could not work on land, they could fish in the waters along their lots, and so live and support their families. The revival began in a prayer meeting. The religious influence so prevailed, that in a few weeks, and in a thin population, sixty perse is were converted. youn fond Tho8( of G iSabbj love, had I the pj and s neighf tlicir and Wil share [ Geor^ in hisi ^erencl was sc move "Of I Riding f " 1 wis! [1817. ifcsscd con- tbo increase I of the Bay [siUoweU cir- cuit, in tliia ecdcr. The 31-9 of people The preaid- 2ach to th(^80 divided the sard a ScotcU- U'O dissuaded did not set lied that the cd on this ac- of the Chris- ominations by -that the Gos- II the EngUsh Holy Spirit is i con version of mblic teachers" icbers and cx- i; fortberegu- up a quarter of t, and began in tbe shores of the American British army, ed down along did not under- It -was often regiment there ? could not work leir lots, and so egan in a prayer 3d, tbat in a few , -were converted. 1817.] IN CANADA. Ifi.H Entire families, almost entire neij^bbourlioodf, — which then, however, were small, — wcr(! the subjects of the work of God. In the oast part of llic township, there was scarcely a family from which the voice of prayer and praise was not heiird. Tlie revival also spread to the western country, espeeiiilly to the Niagara circuit, then travelled by John W. Bycrn and George Ferguson. About 400 were converted on that circuit in one year. The Westminster and Thames circuits were also increased. The total increase of membership, directly or indirectly, from the blessed revival at the Elizabethtown Con- ference, was about 1,400. In this great revival, the labours of the preachers, local and travelling, were very great ; and some wrought for God beyond their strength. But they toileJ, not as usually, with the hope of future fruits, but with the har\-est " white" and gathering in before their eyes. A great impression was made on the public mind, by the strange, sometimes wonderful, change of charac- ter and life in so many persons, and in so short a time. Tho young had forsaken their frivolities, and were now serious, fond of the Bible, and seeking knowledge to make them useful. Those indifferent to religion, lovers of pleasure and not lovers of God, were now zealous for the truth, and lovers of the Sabbath. The quarrelsome had learned, in meekness and love, to bear with evil ones, and to forgiv/. Many drunkards had substituted a resort to the house of God for the tavern, the psalm and hymn for the songs of Bacchus, and cleanliness and sobriety for rags and strong drink. Rude companies and neighbourhoods loved the devout assembly of the saints, spent tlicir Sabbaths in the house of God, and became orderly, civil, and hospitable. While due honour is given to the circuit ministers, the share due to the bishop must not be kept back. Bishop George was a man of deep piety and often pathetic and warm in his preaching. On the Sabbath, as customary at the Con- ferences, the bishop preached in the forenoon. His discourse was so animated and applicable as to hold the attention and move tlic passions of the whole congregation. «' Of liishop George's sermon," (said a hearer, Charles Giles, Pre- siding Elder of the Oneida district, of the Genesee Conference,) " 1 wish I could give tho wliole, but it is beyond my reach. Near 104 1II8T0RY OF AIETIIODISM [I8l7. the cloRO, ns lio wrb bringing tlio strong points together, he ascondcd from thought to tlioug))t in liis towering thttno, lilcu an oiiglu on ttio wing ; then higher and liiglicr Htill, till it aeenu'd that iuHpini- tion would become his chariot, and by the grasp ho held on the asHembly, he would take nil nway with him to th(> third heaven. The hearers appeared motionloHS, abHorbedin thought, and charm- ed with the grandeur of the theme; while emotions were viHiblo and strong in the congregation. At h ugth, as the man of Ood wns about to descend from his lofy elevation, cries for mercy were heard from the awakened crowcl in the gallery ; and the mourning penitents Avere conducted to the altar, where a prayer meeting was opened, and supplications were made in their behalf. The time was well improved, and it was a season of great power and glory." By the Divine blessing the bishop's sermon pnve a great impetus to the movement already begun. The old Eiizabctli- town chapel was tih<^d from eight in the morning to eight in the evening. Two i^ermons were preached, and three more succeeded the bishop's; but therein no record of the nan)es of the preachers. One hundred persons at least were awak- ened during the five days of the Ct)nferenco, — which may be designated as the Revioal Conference in Canada. No other Conterence in Canada is like it ; nor any other session of an annual Conference in Great Britain or the United States. The awakening and converting power of God has appeared frequently at these sessions, but at none, of which there is any record, where the Divine power was so greatly manifested, and with such great result,?. The Gospel received now a mighty impetus, and from the year ISIT (for a number of years), there is scarcely ought to record in the Methodist annals but progress and increase. The stations, preachers, and members of the English Con- ference were as follows : — William Crosscombe, Chairman. Quebec, — John Hick 48 Montreal, — James Booth, Richard Pope 67 Kingston, — John Catterick 21 Cornwall, — Henry Tope 14 Melburn, — Richard Williams, William Binning .... 8 William Henry, — John De Piitron 8 Fort Wellington, — Edward Johnston. ^ 4 Members, 16Q [181T. ic oflcondcd an ciiglo on hat iuHpini- iicUl ou the ird hi'HVPn. and chnrm- weio viHiblo iK.f Uod was meicy wovi! tie mourning yer meetiuB behalf. Thi) ,t power and {inve a great \d Klizi»bcth- r to ei{;Ut \\\ [ three move of the names it were awak- wbich may be la. No other session of an Inited States. has appeared jh there is any lanifestcd, and now a mighty ber of years), dist annals hut English Con- .. 48 ' .. 67 ' .. 21 tng.... 8 mbers, 16S 1818.] IN CANADA. Iti5 1818. Governor Shcrbrooko, of Lower Canada, retiring from oflico, was succeeded by the Duke of Richmond ; and Mr. Gore, Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, was followed by Sir Peregrine IMaitlaud, — the new Governor's son-in-law. As the Imperial Government gave ciicotiragement to emigration from the British Isles, a large number of persons was now every year coming into the province of Upper Canada, and settling mostly in the wild lands in the rear of Brockville, Cobourg, and Toronto. The most notable political event was the imprison- ment of R(>bert Gourlny, a Scotch emigrant of last year, who had already made hinjself many enemies, by industriously peeking out, and unceremoniously, and oUon imprudently pub- lishing, the abuses of high places by officers of Government. IIo was first put into the Kingston j.iil for libel, and acquitted. Next, ho was tried at Brockville for another libel, and acquitted. Then, in December, ho was ordered to cjuit the Province, being a seditious jxiraon ; failing to do so, ho was shut up in Niagara jail, and became insane. The next year, ho was tried, found guilty of difcobcying the order, and banished, lie published a book on Canada, in 1822, containing, it ia Slid, a largo amount of ' information of the Province as it was then. While religion was making great progress both in Canada and the United States, one modern means of establishing the cliurch in truth and piety w.is jinresorted to, viz. : the press. True, tie vrovks of VN'cslcy, and other Wcslcyan authors were, in some measure, difTnsed aninng the members of the M. E. Church; but Anicricin Ait'thodist works were almost un- known, and the Methodist authors of the western continent had scircely begun to write. The pen was unused, not for want of ability to use it, but for want of leisure. However, the New York Methodist Book Concern had issued a work called the Methodist Magazine, in 1780 and 1 790. The last General Conference had ordered the Magazine to begin anew ; and I the January number of the third volume was now published. The Magazine was the only repository of records concerning I the M. E. Church, either in tiie United States or Canada, until the Christian Adnomte appeared in New York in 1826, land the Chnstian Guardian, in Toronto, in 1829. The Metho- mist Magazine was much circulated in Canada, among preachers ; I liM 166 HISTORY OP METHODISM [1818. and members, up to the independence of the Canada body in 1828. To this useful work i am indebted for records of some events already related ; and for the knowledge of many occurrences yet to be told. >. Upper Canada District, Henry Rydn, Prcndin^ Elder. Detioit, — Alpheus Davis 40 Thames, — William Jones 214 Westminster, — Daniel Shepherdson 324 Ancaster, — Joseph Hirl^cox, Samuel Belton 280 Youug Street, — James Jackson, William W. Rundle 140 Niagara, — Isaac B, Smith, G. Fergusson tQG York, — David Culp. Ijong Point, — D. Youmans, Alviu Torrey. Duffin's Creek, 26l 1D95 Lower Canada District. William Case, Presiding Elder. Montreal, — Elias Bowan 27 Ottawha, — R. M. Everts, E, Adams 95 Augi'.sta, — Wyatt Chamberlain, Robert Jeffcrs 822 Bay Quintc, — Isaac Pufter, James Wilson 755 Hallowell,— T. Madden, J. Take 472 BelL;ville,— James G. Peal 165 St. Lawrence,— T. Goodwin, C. N. Flint 290 Cornwall, — Natlianiel Reeder 50 Maloue, — Charles Northrop (JO Members, 273G Three new circuits were now added, viz. : Malone, York, pud Long Point. Malone was a circuit near the frontier of Lower Canada, formerly in tin New York Conference, and in Chaniplain district, called alter a town about 20 miles south of Montreal. Probably the circuit took in preaching place's on tho Lower Canada side ; and was therefore joined to Lower Canada district. The Long Point i^i a promontory running into Lake Erie, and gave name to the circuit extending to the neighbouring townships, and partly formed out of tb.e western appointments of the Niagara circuit. The town of York was the capital of Upper Canada, and had been so for a few years. The first religious meeting of Methodists in York was in the j_18l8. inada body records of .re of many idle 40 214 324 280 140 196 201 1995 1818.] IN CANADA. 167 present-year.. James Lever and his family emigrated from England, and came to York this year. He had heard Mr. Wesley preach, was a pious man, and a member of the Metho- dist society. He inquired if any Methodists were in the town, and was directed to a tailor. He went to him, and they agreed to hav a prayer meeiing once a week. At first but few cauie ; but the number gradually increased. Mr. Ryan thought there was encouragement enough to build a frame meeting house ; and, with his usual energy, determined on and accomplished the object. And now the Conference stations a preacher to seek after the souls of the people in the town and the vicinity. Before the meeting house, there was a house of public worship belonging to the Church of England. The revival of religion ?jegun last year was abated, but not stopped. In some of the circuits the work of God was in a very prosperous state. The returns of members shows a large increase in the Niagara, Westminster, Augusta, and Hallowell circuits. But about 300 members of the last circuit are to be credited to the Bay of Quinte circuit. The total increase was 1,(524 members. But to mar the peace, and to hinder the progress, of the rising church, contention and division came among the Methodists. Where there are few external enemies of the church, inter- nal foes are sure to arise. The faith and graces of a Christian are sure,* in some way, to be tried, either by the enemies or the friencs of Christ. More of the EngUfeh preachers were now sent into Upper as well as Lower Canada. Their stations wc ' ,-, follows: — Edward Johnson, Cliairnipn Quebec, — John Hick 72 Montreal, — Itobert T. Lunher 80 Melburne, — Ricbard Willvams Gl St. Armands, — Richard Pope 24 Fort Wellington, — Thos, Catierick, John de Putron 104 Kingston, — Edward Johnson 28 Bay of Quinte, — James Booth. York, — ^Henry Pope. The members of the English society in Nova Scotia and hvr Brunswick were now 1,689, in Newfoundland 670, and in Upper and Lower Canada 369. The direction of the Wes- 163 HISTORY OP METHODISM [1818. leyan missionaries was now in the hands of three excillent and eminent men, — Jabez Bunting, Eichard Watson, and Joseph Taylor, — -who were misinformed of the religious state of Canada, or they could not have consented to send preachers where the supply was already sufficient. They apprehended that a great religious destitution existed, and thus felt them- selves warranted in helping to supply the want. Some reason there was for supplying Quebec, St. Armands, and Melburnc, as these places w^ere not aumng the appointments of the Genesee Conference ; but what reason could exist for sending a preacher to Montreal with a small congregation and society ? to Fort Wellington, near Prescott, on the limits of the old Augusta circuit? to Kingston, long supplied by the Bay Quinte preachers? to York, a little village, surrounded by Methodists ? and'-especialiy to the Bay of Quinte circuit, where Methodism was planted thirty years ago? The foun- dation of the evil was, as afterwards acknowledged, in the par- tial and erroneous . statements by p:;rsons in Canada, and thereby misleading the Secretaries of the Missionary Society. About this time another kind of opposition appeared. It seems that the preachers- from their first appearance in the Province, had, when applied to, solemnized matrimony for tlieir iiienibors or hearers, as other ministers. A small pecuni- ary assistance was thus afforded, and was generally needed. Besides, for Methodist preachers to marry who were travelling continually, was very convenient for the people. Other minis- ters were very scarce, as well as magistrates, and often lived at u great distance. Por instance, in the Bay of Quinte country, fir many years, only two ministers lived there, to solemnize matrimony. One was a church of England minister, Mr. Langhurne, and noted for two things: first, being a man of property, and with no family, he usually gave the marriage fees from the hand of the bridegroom into the hand of tlie bride, as a present, so that he married the youths for nothing ; secondly, for his love of bathing. Living in Bath, which is on the bay of Quinte shore, he had ample scope for his pleasure. In tlie summer, he would at times swim from a cove on the! main shore to a cove in the opposite island, three miles apart/ and in the winter, he would cut a hole in the ice, and another at some distance, and would dive down ft one hole and com( esolut [1818. ree excellent Watson, and eli^ious state end preachers r apprehended HIS felt thein- Some reason and Melburnc, tmcnts of the [st for sending ,n and society r vits of the old { by the Bay surrounded by Quinte circuit, ,0? The foun- ijred, in the par- ,n Canada, and ionary Society. n appeared, it ^pcarancc in the ^matrimony iox A small pccuni- venerally needed. were travelling e Other nnnis- md often lived at f Quinte country, ere, to solemni^^c id luinister, ^Ir- . ijeing a man ot| {ve the marriage 't\ic hand of the uths for nothing ; Bath, which is ou| for his pleasure. Vom a cove on the tlirce miles apart,' e ice, and another one hole and com< 1819.J IN CANADA. ys» up the other. Ho had some eccentricities, but he seemed to be a good and charitable man. The other was a Presbyterian minister, Mr, McDowell, who lived in Adolphustown. He was a rigid Calvinist, (the challenger of Samuel Coate,) but a man generally liked. He once called upon a tailor to make him some clothes. The tailor asked, if he should make them after the fashion of other clergymen's. '' No," said he, '* make them of such shape as is fit for a person of my years ; if my daily walk does not show I am a minister, I do not want my clothes to show it." Now, excepting Methodist preachers^ these two were the only ministers for three counties, viz : Lenox, Addington, and Prince Edward. Further, to show the distance people had to go for the assistance of a clergymen. A person was sick, residing in the Bay of Quinte country, in Erncsttown. He desired that some minister or pious person .should be brought to pray with him. Accordingly, a horse was saddled, and a messenger sent, and he rode forty miles without finding a praying person to go back with him, until he came to a Jjuthcran preacher ; and he could not go until he had rode seven miles to fetch his prayer book I Prosecu- tions were instituted against several Methodist preachers and others, for solemnizing matrimony, against an old statute of Oeorge II. It is said, some were banished from the Province ill consequence ; but I cannot find their names, or any record of the trials. However, the necessity of a marriage law allow- ing all ordained ministers to marry was now seen, and petitions were soon after presented asking for the privilege or right. 1819. Tiie increase of Wesleyan missionaries in Canada, and especially in Upper Canada, with the contention arising, and party feeling growing, some saying, " I am of I ad, land I of Apollos," with the unhappy prospect of two Methodist bodies growing up together in mutual indifference and ooldness, or in mutual envy and variance, caused bishop M'Kendree, and ilso bishop George, to remonstrate with the Missionary Com- liiiittee, and to lay before them a full description of the affairs >f Canada. The following is the reply to bishop M'Kendree :— " Wesleyan Mission House, 77 Hatton Garden, ) London, 'i5tk February 1819. ) " Dear Siu : — We transmit for your information the following Resolutions lately entered into by the committee of the General HISTORY OP METHODISM [1819. Wesleyan Missionary Sociely in London, relative to the British mis- sionaries in Canada, and which resolutions have been transmitted to those missionaries. " Resolved, 1. That it be recommended to the brethren in Canada to preach in a chapel which is now jointly occupied by the American brethren, and, for the sake of peace, to pursue their labor separately, and not to continue their labors in any station previously occupied by the American brethren, except when the population is so large, or so scattered, that it is evident a very considerable part of them must be neglected " Resolved, 2. That they are to act under the general instruction of the committee of June 26, 1818, viz: " 1. That it be communicated to the missionaries there that the conference and the committee never intended that the missionaries sent out by them should invade the societies raised up by the ;^repcher6 appointed by the American conference, and to divide them ; but that they should communicate the benefits of the Christian ministry to those parts of the country where the inhabi- tants are destitute of them, and to labor in those towns and villnges where the population is so large that the addition of their labors to those of other ministers is demanded by the moral necessities of the people. "The foregoing resolutions will, we hope, satisfy yourself and the American conference that the British conference and the missionary committee in London feel sorry that any interference should have ever taken place between your missionaries and those sent by the British conference, who most earnestly wish that their missionaries may labor in harmony with all goc' men. "Praying that Christian kindness and good-will may j^revail and abound, v e are, dear sir, with Christian affection, your obedi- ent servants, "Jabez Bunting, Richard Watson, Jos. TAYIiOR, ' General Secretaries " The instructions were of an amicable nature; but the mis- sionaries were placed in an attitude of aggression, and could not obey them. The prenchers were not to invade and divide ; but, holding up a better flag, as they professed in Montreal, Kingston, in the Bay of Quinte, and other places, naiurally drew away some from the old standard. As to the plea of a " large population" in the towns and villages oi Canada, requiring more Methodist preachers, there were no large, only scanty, populations. Indeed the whole Protestant provincial population scarcely came «p to a second or third rate E:;igliBh [1819. e British mis- 1 transmitted ! Ijrethren in J occupied by pursue their in any station 3cptwhen the evident a very ral instruction 1 there that the le missionaries Bcd up by the , and to divide benefits of the lere the inhabi- vnsandvillngcs I of their labors oral necessities ify yourself and lerence and the any interference narics and those ostly wish that goo'' men. nil may prevail ;ion, your obedi- TSON, , l Secretaries " c; but the mis- sion, and could ade and divide ; 'd in Montreal, >lacep, naiurally to the plea of a ges 01 Canada, ■e no largft, only jtant provincial rd rate E:igli8h 1819.] IN OA^iADA. 171 city. The population of Upper Canada was now about 120,000. The Committee wished the missionaries to live in peace with the Canadian preachers. The latter wished them first to be in a peaceable, brotherly position. The whole country, Methodistically, bel,>nged to the body which first established in it true and zealous Methodism. Each of the other preachers was looked upon as a Jacob, or supphmter — as one who came to take away, — at least, to divide the inheritance. Resistance came from the one side ; aggressive measures, from the other. In this view of the matter, how could brotherly love and peace dwell with the two sorts of Methodist preachers ? The Committee's resolutions were as water spilt upon the ground. The English prea> iiers and members were, — Richard Williams, Chair )::an. Quebec, — John Hick 86 Montreal, — Ilobcrt L. Lusher 95 Kingston,— James Booth, Ilichard Pope 80 Fort Wellicgton, — Thomas Catterick 140 Mclbwra, - John De Putron 4(5 St. Arraand's, — Richard Williams 08 Niagara, — lleury Pope 70 Perth, — One requested 585 The year is memorable for the commencement of the Mis- sionary and Bible kSociety of the M. E. Church in America. The object was to supply the destitute with Bibles without price, to supply those who can purchase with Bibles cheaply, and to enable the annual conferences more efFectually to extend tlicir missionary labom-s throughout the United fStates and elsewhere. A number of auxiliary societies soon sprung up, and contributions soon flowed into the treasur}'. L'rom this Societv, the missionaries to the new settlements received mucli of their support. It was not only the American but the Canadian Missionary Society for several years, and aux- iliaries were formed here, and many contributed to the funds. Before this year, no Conference had any preacher labouring among the native Indians of the west. The bishops and preachers had bee so busy in crrying and establishing the rtc, C. N. Flint 750 Bay Quinte,— I. Puffer, J. Wilson 760 Hallowell,— T. Madden, Franklin Metcalf 535 Belleville,- John Tuke 156 St LaAvrencc, — T. Goodwin, T. Demorest 332 Cornwall, — James G, Peal 54 Maione,— Charles Northrop 70 Smith's Creek, — Elijah Boardman i 2706 Duffin's Creek is drof,^ :jd, and Smith's Crc^k is taken up again, to embrace tlie appointments in the eastern townships on Lake Ontario. The increase this year was 500. The Genesee Conference appointed the next session to be held ia Niagara, in TTppor Canada. 174. HISTORY OP METHODISM [1819. SAD EVENT AT HAY BAY. About five "weeks after the Conference, and when tlie preach- ers from Canada had returned, and had entered on their work, a sad event occurred on the Bay Quinte circuit. Although forty years ago, the relation is even now sometimes accom- panied with sighs and tears. The preachers, Isaac Puffer p.nd James Wilson, who were reappointed to the circuit, resolved on a special quarterly meeting at the Adolphustown chapel, on Sunday, August 20th. The meeting was looked forward to witfe much interest. The work of God was still prospering on the circuit. The morning was line, and the sky with ecarcely a cloud. While the pious mensbers were coming to the chapel from Ernestcwn, Frederieksburgh, and the southern parts of Adolphustown, the members and their families in the northern part and along the Napanci river, were also on their way. Adolphustown and more than half of Frederick^burgh arc cut in two parjs by a narrow bay, called Hay Bay, running in from the Bay of Quinte waters. The land around the shore was early settled, and the bay is now surrounded with good farm houses and fertile farms. On the south sUpre is the chapel ; and to get there all from the north must cross the bay. Some had already crossed this morning; and others were about venturing out in boats and canoes. Among the rest a company of eighteen young per- sons, most of them pious, and the fruit of the late revival, and belonging to the families living on the shore. They were all dressed in good and modest apparel, as befitted the day, and the house and worship of God. Buoyant with the cheerful- ness of youth and the emotions of piety, they sang as they stepped into the boat, and as they made progress to the other shore. The boat being rather leaLy, and so many pressing it too near the water's edge, the water came in, and increased fast, and they had no vessel to bale with. Unhappily, the young men did not think of baling with their cloan hats, or did not like t(» (\o so, until it was too late. The boat filled and sunk, when near the other shore, an J these eighteen yon ig men and women, crying and shrieking, went down into the deep water. At the time of crossing, there was a prayer n.ecti ig begun in the chapel by those who came first. One was now engaged in corpse for th liveth, tlioso trophe him. or the to the youthf youn^ of the the sar parts c tlie were c sound, 182 Enipir and in [1819. the prench- their work, Although ines accom- 3 Puffer p.nd ait, resolved awn chapel, kcd forward 1 prospering le sky with ■c coming to the southern families in p, were also lan half of narrow bay, uinte waters, id the bay is e farms. On all from the crossed this , in boats and young per- e revival, and rhey were all thfc day, and the cheerful- sang as they ,s to the other pressing it too increased fast, ly, the young iits, or did not Ucd and sunk, on ig nieu and he deep water. cti ig begun in low engaged in 1820.] IM CANADA. m prayer, and had just uttered the petition that "it might be a day long to be romeinbored," when a shriek was heard, another, and another. The prayer was stopped, and some ran up to tlic pulpit to look out, and saw the youths struggling in the water. All ran to the shore, and some plunged in to render assistance. Eight wore taken to the shore. Ten bodies were yet ill the water. A seine was prepared, and so the bodies of those unhappy youth, a few hours so blithe and cheerful, were brouj;ht dripping to the land. One was not recovered till the next morning. Two young men were drowned, and eight young women. Two were of the German family, two Detlors, one Bogiirt, one Roblin, one McCoy, one Clark, one Madden, and one Cole. The grief of the families, so suddenly bereaved, gathered together on the shore, gazing at the loved bodies, may be better imagined than described. The grief, too, was partook of by the large congregation assembled, and the minis- ter. No public worship was attended to, but preparations for the solemn funeral. Monday was a day of mourning. News of the disaster fcoon spread far, and a great congregation was assembled. Nine coffins were laid in order outside the chapel. One of the corpses was buried in another grave-yard. Mr^ Puffer took for the text, Job xix, 25-27, " / 7mow that my Redeemer liveth,^' &c. He stood at the door, and tried to preach to tlioso within and without, but was so affected by the catas- trophe, the weeping congregation, and the coffined dead before him. that he confessed he could not do justice to the subject, or the occasion. But he offered consolation from the Gospel to the stricken families mourning. Next, the coffins of the youthful dead were opened, that friends and neighbours, and young acquaintances, might take a last look and farewell. Six of the graves were in rotation, and the coffms were placed in the same manner. The others were near departed friends in other parts of the ground. After the reading of the burial service, the graves, one after another received the dead, and then were closed up again, until the day when " the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shaV he raised incorruptible." 1820. — The Sovereign of Canada, as well as the British Empire, died. George III., reigned for nearly sixty years, and in the beginning of his reign Canada waa ceded to Great i ! 170 nit^TORT OF METII0DI8M [1820. Britain by the trem of 1763. All the English governors of Canada thus i'ur were appointed by the King ri:' his cabinet. To preserve allegiance to the king, iiinn}' ci* his subjects fought and fell in the war of the American Revolution ; and many more left their homes in the fertile valleys of the Mohawk river, the Hudson, and the Suscjuehanna, ior dwell- ings in the snowH and wilderness of Canada. In his reign the most brilliant deeds of arms were achieved by the army and navy of England; but tlie record of George III is here intro- duced chiefly to say, that the king loved religious liberty, and ever set his face against the persecution of the jNIetliodist people. He was not complained of for the want of virtue, but rather for the want of the royal vices. Mr. Wesley always defended the King's character as worthy of an English- man, of a Christian, and of a King. The lile and character of this King was the inspiration of Charles Wesley s fine hymn, 755. And the prayer of the poet, for the King's long life, — "To hoary ha»^s be thou his God ; Late may he reach that high abode, , Late to his heaven remove," was answered: fur the King died in the 82nd year of his age. The Goni ul ( onference met at Baltimore, May 1st. Amon;? tho Bcvon delegates from the Genesee Conference, Wm. Case and Wnce The letter to bishop M'Kendree, from the Missionary Coiumittco, was read. After due consideration, the following rusolutions wci adopted by the Conference : — " I. IJosolvocl by the delcgatos of the annual conferences in Gcnornl Conference aKHcmbled, That it is the duty of the bishops of the Methodist KpiKcopnl Church to continue their episcopal charge over our societies in the Canadas, all except Quebec. "2. Resolved, &c., That the following address be sen' ♦© our brethren in Cana'l : — " Deau BitETHBEN : — \Vc liavo received and read wUV. •». est tlie aifectionato memorials and addresses from thi cults in the Provincos of ( inada, in which you havt your strong attachmont to us, and your ardent desire h xu cou- tinuance of our ministerial care over you. We most cordially L'ciprocato the sentiments of brotherly affection and Christian attachment you liave expressed, and i)ledge ourselves to use our best endeavours for your spiritual and eternal interest. " We sincerely deprecate those evils of which you complain, and which have grown out of the conduct of the missionaries sent by the British Conference to labour in Canada. Confiding, how- ever, in the integrity of tliat Conference, and believing they have been misled by partial and erroneous statements, sent by into- csted persons in Canada, ^vo still hope that tlic existing embar- rassments will be removed, and tl)at an amicable adjustment of this unhappy afl'air may be brought about. " We can assure you that no means which, in our opinion, will be likely to produce this desirable result, shall be left untried. " Tliat you may be convinced that we have neither been inatten- tive to your interests nor unmindful of the respect due to our British brethren, we bog leave to lay before you a brief statemen c of what has been done in reference to this subject. " It is doubtless well known to you tluit your case was fully laid before us at our last session in this city, and impartially considered in the presence of brothers Black and Benuett, who were sent as representatives by the British Conference ; and after hearing all that could be said on both sides of the question, it was resolved most expedient, among other reasons because we tmderstood it was your earnest desire, to continue, as we had done heretofore, our ministerial labors among you. That the British conference might be fully apprized of the course w<' had taken an address was sent to them, stating the reasons which had directed our decision in relation to Canada, and requesting that some arrangements might be made for an amicable adjustment of the existing difHcuIties. To this communication we have received no direct answer. "Similar communications have been since sent, by bishops M'Kendree and George. The letter sent by bishop George con-. n-1 ^, IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I Ufi lii i2.2 :^ 1^ 12.0 m 1 1.25 III U ^^ ^ 6" ► V. Hiotographic Sdences Corporation 23 WIST MAIN STRUT WIBSTER.N.Y. I4SM (716)172-4503 178 HMTORT OF METHODISM [1820. tained a full development of the affairs of Canada ; but neither has an answer to this been received. "As some ot the circuits have petitioned to have a separate annual Conference in Canada, this subject has been considered, and it is thought to be inexpedient for the present, because, among other reasons, it might prevent that interchange of preacherS; so very desirable, and so essential to your prosperity. " After assuring you of our unabated attachment to you as a branch of the Church over which we are called, in the Providence of God, to extend our oversight, and of our determination, at your earnest request, as well as from a consciousness of imperious duty, to continue to afford you all the ministerial aid in our power, we exhort you to steadfastness in the faith, to unity and love, and to perseverance in all holy obedience. " 3. Resolved, Ac, That the following note be inserted in the Discipline, under the twenty-third article of our Church, viz.: ' As far as it respects civil affairs we believe it the duty of Christians, and especially all Christian ministers to be subject to the supreme authority of the country where they may reside, and to use all laud- able means to enjoin obedience to the powers that be : and therefore it is expected that all our preachers and people who may be imder the British or any other government will behave themselves as peaceable and orderly subjects.' "4. Resolved, by the delegates of the annual conferences in _, .General Conference assembled, That this conference address the British conference on the subject of a mutual exchange of delegates, as representatives of the one conference to the other." The first resolution was afterward so modified as to authorize the delegate who might be sent to England to allow the whole of the lower province to be given up to the British connection : and then the following was added : — " 5. That the episcopacy, be requested, if practicable, to send a delegate to the British Conference at their next session in July, or at any time thereafter, and furnish him with the requisite instruc- tions, and also to draw on the Book Concern for the amount necessary to defray the expense. "5. Resolved, &c.. That the episcopacy, by and with the advice and consent of the Genesee conference, if they judge it expedient previous to the sitting of the next General Conference, shall have authority to establish an annual Conference in Canada." It appears, then, that the General Conierence looked upon the Missionary Committee, as " misled," and by " interested persons in Canada." Doubtless, a right view of the subject. Some of the circuits thought that a separate anpual Conference for C: nada, might remove the political objectious to the gov- ernment of the Methodist body in the Province ; but the Con- m:.' [1820. 1820.] IN CANADA. 179 ut neither has ,vc a separate onsidered, and }, among other chers. so very at to you as a the Providence nation, at your mperious duty, our power, we id love, and to inserted in the urch, viz.: * As of Christians, to the supreme to use all laud- !• and therefore 10 may be under e themselves as conferences in nee address the nge of delegates, ler." as to authorize ow the whole of onnection : and icable, to send a ission in July, or equisite instruc- for the amount with the advice dge it expedient ■ence, shall have nada." Ice looked upon |by "interested of the subject. lual Conference [ons to the gov- but the Con- ference considered the change as too soon, especially as the small number of preachers would give but a small variety of ministerial interchanges on the circuits. It was far easier to select suitable preachers for the Canada circuits out of the hundred members of the Genesee Conference, than out of the twenty-eight on the Canada districts. The Conference assured the members that they would not leave them, and that they would do everything possible to have the difficulty with the English Conference settled. And to remove or soften the political objection, that the preachers were of American ap- pointment, if not origin, the Conference expressed their belief that ministers mast be subject, and enjoin subjection, to the higher powers in the counties in which they dwell. The Rev. John Emory, of the Baltimore Conference, was appointed delegate to the British Conference to adjust the dif- ficulties concerning Canada, to assure the English Conference of the affection of the American preachers, and to request a regular interchange of representatives from one Conference to the other. Mr. Emory carried the address of the General Conference to the British Conference, and the preceding reso- lutions regarding Canada ; and presented them to the Confer- ence of the English preachers at Liverpool. He was cordially received by the brethren, his representation of the true state of Canada was carefully considered, and the proposition of the General Conference to divide the Canadas was agreed to. Also, some equivalent was given for the Montreal chapel, and an advantageous arrangement was made for the New York Book Room. The English Conference expressed their ideas on the American affairs as follows : — " 1 That the conference embraces with pleasure this opportunity of recognizing that principle which, it is hoped, will be perma- nently maintained, — that the Wesleyan Methodists are one ia every part of the world. " 2. That the British conference has frequently rejoiced in the very favorable account which they have received, year after year, of the great and glorious work which God is graciously carrying on in the United States of America ; but that it is with peculiar pleasure that they receive a representative from the General Conference in America. The statement given by tur beloved brother, Mr. Emory, at the present state of Methodism in America, has been received with much joy ; and the conference ,jS' i 180 BISTORT OF METH0DIS3I [1820. also «xpresRo« its high satisfaction, not only ia tho dcclaratioD but in the proof, of the love of our American brethren in fallj opening the way for a brotherly intercourse between the European and American societies. " 3. The conference particularly rejoices in the zeal which is manifested by our American brethren in carrying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the Indian tribes, and in the success which God has already given to their labors in that natural And moral wilderness : and hopes that the time is drawing near when the aborigines of that vast continent shall become the mild and gentle followers of our gracious Redeemer. '^4. That it is the earnest wish of this conference that the kind and friendly intercourse which is now opened between the British and the American conference should be continued ; and that, prior to the time of holding the next General Conference in America, the British conference will appoint one or more of their body to visit our brethren in America, to be present at their General Con- fcvence. **■ 5. That a letter snail be sent to the American brethren,, con-* taining these resolutions, and strongly expressing our high appro-> bation of the selection of our highly esteemed brother Mr. Emory^ as their representative to our conference, and of our earnest desire and prayer that, in the spirit of Christian love, we may ever be one of Christ Jesus> " 6. That there shall be a regular exchange of Minutes, maga-> cines, missionary reports and notices, and all new original works^ published by the European and American Method ^.sts, from their respective book rooms. '* On the subject of the unpleasant circumstances which have occurred in the Canadas between the American preachers and our missionaries, referred to theconference by the missionary committee in London, with their opinion that Upper Canada shall be left in possession of the American brethren, and that our missionary exertions shall be confined to the lower province, this committee recommend to the conference the adoption of the following principles and arrangements :— • " 1. That, as the American Methodists and ourselves are but one body, it would be inconsistent with our unity, and dangerous to that affection which ought to characterize us in every place, to have different societies and congregations in the same towns and villages, or to allow of any intrusion on either side into each other's labors. " 2. That this principle shall be the rule by which the disputes now existing in the Canads, between our missionaries, shall be terminated. " 3. That the simplest and most effectual manner of carrying thfs rule into effect appears to us to be, to accede to the suggestion of th9 American Conference, that the American brethren shall [1820. 1820.] IN CANADA. 181 declaration iiren in fally Ihe European zeal which is the gospel of a the success t natural Jincl ng near when the mild and that the kind en the British and that, prior ;e in America, : their hody to : General Con- brethren,, con- uthighappro- er Mr. Emory, r earnest desire e may ever be linutes, maga- original works, ■sts, from their es which have achers and our nary committee shall be left in our missionary this committee the following irselves are but , and dangerous every place, to 3ame towns and side into each ich the disputes •naries, shall be iner of carrying o the suggestion brethren shall have the occupation of Upper Canada, and the British missionaries that of Lower Canada, allowing sufficient time for carrying this arrangement into eft'ect, with all possible tenderness to existing prejudices and conflicting interests on both sides ; the arrange- mcnt to be completed within a period to be fixed as early as pos- sible by the missionaiy committee. But should insuperable difSculties occur in the attempt to execute this plan, (which, however, we do not anticipate,) cither party shall be at liberty to propose any other mode of accommodation which shall assume as its basis the great principle laid down in the first of these resolu- tions, and which, we are of opinion, should be held most sacred in every part of the world. *< 4. That if hereafter it shall appear to any of our brethren there, either British missionaries or American preachers, that any place on cither side the boundary Hue, now mentioned, needs religious help, and presents a favorable opportunity for usefulness, the case shall be referred by the Canada district meeting to the General Conference, or by that body to the Canada district ; and if either shall formally decline to supply the place on their own side the boundary, then the other shall be at liberty to supply the said place, without being deemed to have violated the terms of this friendly compact. " 5. And it shall be explicitly understood in this arrangement, that each party shall be bound to supply with preachers all those stations and their dependent, ies which shall be relinquished by each of the connections, that no place on either side shall sustain any loss of the ordinances of religion in consequence of this arrangement. '\6. That the missionary committee be directed to address a letter to the private and official member, trustees, &c., under the care of our ^lissioparies in Upper Canada, informing them of the judgment of ihe Conference, and affectionately and earnestly advis- ing them to put theioiselveB and their cha|)els under the pastoral care of the American preachers, with the suggestion of such con- siderations, to incline thepa to it, as the committee may judge most proper. " 7. That the bishops of the American connection shall direct a similar letter to the private and official members, trustees, &c., under the care of the American prefichers in the province of Lower Canada, requesting them to put themselves aiid their chapels under the care of the British missionaries." la the reply to the General Conference the resolutions are thus spoken of: — " The resolutions on the disputes in the Canadas were adopted after a calm and patient consideration of the case, in which we were greatly assisted by Mr. Emory. We hope that they will lea(^ to a ^11 adjustment of those disputes, and that the affection whicl^ 1 18i HISTORY OF METHODWM [1820. exists between the two connections generally will extend Itself to the brethren and societies in the Canadas. This is the disposition which we shall earnestly inculcate upon those under our care in those provinces, and we have full confidence that the same care will be taken by you to extinguish every feeling contrary to love among those over whom you have control and influence." The sixth resolution required a letter from the Missionary Committee to the private and official members of their socie- ties in Canada. Whether this letter was sent, or whether verbal communications from the Missionaries were considered sufficient, I know not. But probably the following letter to the preachers, sent immediately after the Conference, may have been designed for the people of Upper Canada too. The letter is creditable to the intelligence and piety of the Secre- taries of the Missionary Committee. It is called a letter of instruction from the Missionary Committee in London, to the Rev. Messrs. R. Williams and the other British mission- aries in the Provinces of Canada : " Daau Brother : — Herewith we transmit you a copy of resolu- tions, passed at our late conference, on the subject of disputes which have unhappily existed between our American brethren and us, relative to our missions in Canada. <* The preceding resolutions are general, and refer to the re- newal of the intercourse, by personal deputation, between the American and British conferences, by the visit of Mr. Emory. Wo have given you the resolutions in full, that you may see that wo have recognized the principle that the Methodist body is onk throughout the world, and that therefore its members are bound to cordial affection and brotherly union. « The resolutions of the committee, passed some time ago and forwarded to your guidance, prohibiting any interference with the work of the American brethren, would show you that the exist- ence of collisions between us and them gave us serious concern, and that the committee were anxious to remove, as far as they, at that time, were acquainted with the circumstances, every occasion of dispute. <( Certainly the case of Montreal chapel was one which we could never justify to our minds, and the committee have in many instances had but a partial knowledge of the real religious wants of the upper province, and of its means of supply. The only rea- son we could have for increasing the number of missionaries in that province was, the presumption of a strong necessity, arising out of the condition of the inhabitants, the total want, or too great distance of ministers. your fore bret comn disci ligioi "Ii proac two c that socie anity, and, and t [1820. 4 Itself to iisposition ur care in same care ,ry to lova 0." Missionary heir socie- r whether considered g letter to •enoe, may too. The the Secre- a letter of London, to sh inission- ,y of resolu- of disputes an brethren r to the re- jetween the Emory. We see tha*- we body is onk fs are bound iime ago and nee with the ftt the exist- ious concern, ar as they, at rery occasion ich we could ve in many igious wants he only rea- ssionaries in issity, arising i, or too great 1820.] IN OA.'fADA. 183 " On no other ground could we apply money raised for mission- ary purposes for tlie supply of preacliers to Upper Canada. The information we have had for two years past has all served to show that the number of preachers employed there by the American brethren was greater than we had at first supposed, and was con- stantly increasing. " To us, therefore, it now appears, that though there may be places in that province which are not visited, they are within the range or constantly coming within the range, of the extended American itinerancy ; and that Upper Canada does not present to our efforts a ground so fully and decidedly missionary as the lower province, where much less help cxi-^ts, and a great part of the population is involved in popish superstition. " We know that political reasons exist in many minds for sup- plying even Upper Canada, as far as possible, with British mis- sionaries ; and however natural this feeling may be to Englishmen, and even praiseworthy, when not carried too far, it will be obvious to you that this is a ground on which, as a missionary society, and especially as a society under the direction of a committee which recognizes as brethren, and one with itself, the American Metho- dists, we cannot act. « 1. Because, as a missionary society, we cannot lay it down as a principle that those whose object is to convert the world shall be prevented from seeking and saving souls under a foreign gov- ernment, for we do not thus regulate our own efforts. " 2. To act on this principle would be to cast an odium upon our American brethren, as though they did not cond..:ct themselves peaceably under the British government, which is, we believe, contrary to the fact. " 3, That if any particular exceptions to this Christian and sub- missive conduct were, on their part, to occur, we have not the least right to interfere, unless indeed the American conference obviously neglected to enforce upon the offending parties its own discipline. Upon any political feeling which may exist, either in your minds or in the minds of a party in any place, we cannot there- fore proceed. Our objects are purely spiritual, and our American brethren and ourselves are one body of •rhristians, sprung from a common stock, holding the same doctrines, enforcing the same discipline, and striving in common to spread the light of true re- ligion through the world. " In conformity with these views, we have long thought it a re- proach, and doing more injury, by disturbing the harmony of the two connections, than could be counterbalanced by any local good, that the same city or town should see two congregations, and two societies, and two preachers, professing the same form of Christi- anity, and yet thus proclaiming themselves rivals to each other, and, in some instances, invading each other's societies and chapels, and thus producing party feelings. The purposes of each, we are 184 IIIITORT OF HETHUDI8M [1820. i 1 1 ready to allow, have been good, though mistaken ; and we rather blame ourselves for not having obtained more accurate informa- tion on some particulai-s, than intimate any dissatisfaction with the misBionaries in the Cnnadas, with whose Kcal and labours we have so much reason to be flatiKiied. <' A part of the evil has also arisen from the want of personal communication, by deputation, between the two conferences, now happily established. These considerations had long and seriously occupied our minds before the arrival of Mr. Emory, charged by the General American Conference to bring these matters under our consideration The committee, previous to the conference, went with him fully into the discussion of the disputes in the Canadas, and recommended those principles of adjustment which the conference, after they had been referred to a special committee during the time of its sitting, adopted, and which we now trani- mit to all the brethren in the Canada station. " You will consider these resolutions as the fruit of a very ample inquiry, and of serious deliberation. " None of the principles here adopted by us, do indeed go far- ther than to prevent interference with each other's labours among the American and British Missionaries, and the setting up of < altar against altar' in the same city, town, or village ; but, know- ing that circumstances of irritation exist, and that too near a prox- imity mi^t, through the iniimiity of human nature, load to a violation of that union which the conference has deemed a matter of paramount importance to maintain, we have thought it best to adopt a geographical division of the labour of each, and that the upper province should be left to the American brethren and the lower to you. The reasons for this are, " 1. That the upper province is so adequately supplied by the American conference as not to present that pressing case of neces- sity which will justify our expending our funds upon it. " 2. That Mr. Emory has engaged that its full supply by Ameri- can preachers shall be, as far as possible, attended to. 3. "That this measure at once terminates the dispute as to Montreal. " 4. That it will prevent collision wHhout saorlflce of public good. " 6. That Lower Canada demands our efforts rather than Upper, AS being more destitute, and the labours of the brethren there being more truly missionary. " A transfer of societies and places of preaching will of course follow. Our societies in Upper Canada are to lie put under tha care of the American brethren ; theirs in the Ic mqk province under yours. " It is clear that this, under all circumstances, will require pro* dent and wise management, and we depend upon you to carry th« arrangement into effect in the same spirit of kindneM and temper The letter I escelle( condue I Hltogetl I I ! ! I [1820. we rather informa- jtlon with iabouri we )f personal onccB, now d scriouely charged by item under conference, ttos in the went which i committee now trane- \ very ample deed go far- jourB among L'ttlng up of ; but, know- near a prox- ro, load to a tied a matter ttht it bout to and that the hrcn and the ,pllod by the ciiHe of noce»- lit. )ly by Amorl- diipute aa to dec of public r than Upper, iruthrou tl»ere will of couree put under the >rovinoo under 11 require pru- )u to carry the »M and temper 1820.] IN CANADA. 185 in wbicli the question has been determined by the conference and Mr. Emory. " Feel that you are one with your American brethren, embarked in the same great cauHe, and eminently of the same religious family, and tl)>; little difficulties of arrangement will be easily sur- mounted ; and if any warm spirits (which is probable) rise up to trouble you, remember that you are to act upon the great principle sanctioned by the conference, and not upon local prejudices. The same advices, Mr. Emory has pledged himself shall be given to the American preachers, and you will each endeavour to trans- fer the same spirit into the societies respectively. When the preacherr recognize each other as brethren, the people will na- turally fall under the influence of the same feeling. " We have appointed our respected brethren, Messrs. Williams nnd Hick, who are to choose as an associate a third preacher in full connection, to meet an equal number of preachers to be ap- pointed by the American bishop, who shall agree upon the time in which the chapels and societies shall be mutually transferred, and the arrangments of the conference be carried into effect. The place of the meeting they are to fix for their mutual convenience, but the meeting is to be held as early as possible after the receipt of the instriictions of the committee, that the report of the final adjustment of the affair may appear in your next district minutes. " We conclude with our best wishes for your personal happiness and usefulness. May you ever go forth in the ' fulness of the blessing of the gospel of peace,' and made the honoured instru- ments of winning many souls to the knowledge and obedience of the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. " We are, dear brother, yours very affectionately. "Jos. Tatloh, SiOHABD Watson. " Wetleyan Mis' ion Home, TT Hatton > Secretaries. Garden, 2ard August, 1820." \ The resolutions of the Conference, and the Committee's letter show such a candid. Christian spirit, as can scarcely be I excelled. The English preachers do not aim to justify their conduct, hardly to excuse it. Their conduct, they allow, was altogether wrong, ab the A'jerican bishops and General Con- ference, and the Methodise people in Canada, said. By send- ing Methodist preachers where there were Methodist preacherp, they confess that they were " disturbing the harmony of the two connections" of Methodists, were invadors of each other's societies," were the caasc of " party feelings," were "prcclaim- 186 HIBTORY OF METHODISM [1820. I I I i' ! i ; i i! ! ii !; '• ing thomsclvcB rivals to each other," and wcro " setting up altar against altar.'' The conduct of the missionaries, in *' the onue of the Montreal chapel, the Committee could never justify." The evil of two rival bodies, they hud long considered a reproach, and doing more injury than good. The American preachers were not wrong in sending missionaries to a foreign country ; for the English conference did the same. The Com- mittee in the iiist place was misled on the subject of the reli- gious destitution of the country. They " blarao" themselves " for not having obtained more accurate information." In future, they resolve to regard as one family all the Methodists in the world ; and to remedy the particular case, by not allowing " too near a proximity" in the labourers in the^Gos- pel vineyard, considering the " irritation" probable *' through the infirmity of human nature." Distance was better than contiguity, and separation than union, for the sake of harmony and love. So also judged Abraham and Lot in the days of olden times. The seventh resolution required that the Bishops should send a similar letter of instructions to the American preachers and societies in Lower Canada. Accordingly, the venerable Bishop McKendreo s mt the following letter to the Presiding Eider of the Lower Canada district : — Mexandria, (D. C.,) October 16, 1820. " Dkab Brothbb : — I transmit you herewith a copy of the reso- lutions of the late British conference, received through brother Emory, our representative to that body, on the subjects embraced in his mission ; and also of the instructions of the missionary committee in London to the Rev. Messrs, B. Williams and the other British missionaries in the province of Canada, predicated on those resolutions. <( From these documents you will perceive that the desire of our General Conference, both for the establishment of a personal intercourse by deputation between the two connections, and for the amicable adjustment of the afflicting differences in the Gana- das, has been happily accomplished. Indeed it appears, not only from those papers, but from the communications of our represen- tative, that this desire was met, both by the British conference and the missionary committee, with a proriptness and brotherly affection which we should take equal pleasure in acknowledging and reciprocating. " This it now devolves upon me (my colleagues being neces- sarily at a great distance, in the discharge of their official duties in [1820. " BcttinR up ision«rie9, in could never ig considered lie American I to n foreign The Corn- It of tlie reli- ," themselves nation." In 10 Methodists c:iae, by not rs in the^Gos- tble " through 8 better than CO of harmony n the days of at the Bishops the American scordingly, the (t letter to tho \oUr 16, 1820. 5py of the reso- ihrough brother bjects embraced the missionary [Uiams and the aada, predicated lat the desire of snt of a personal lections, and for ces in the Cana- ippears, not only of our represen- ritish conference ss and brotherly n acknowledging ues being neces- r official duties in 1820.] IN CANADA. 187 the south and west) to enjoin it upon you to do ; and to promote tho same spirit of kindncHs toward our British brethren, among all the preachcrH, tntvitlling ami local, and all the official and private members withiu your diHtrict, to the utmoHt extent of your power. " To remove the prejudices and allay the unpleasant excitements existing will, no doubt, require much prudent care. But in this < labor of love' I expect in you a ready mind. Let the difficulties you may meet with only stimulate you to the exertion of your bust and most persevering eiforts in this behalf. Remember, * BloHsed are the peacemakers.' ' Setk peace, then, and ensue it.' If it even scum to tleo from you, follow it : < Looking diligently, lest any man fail of the grace of Uoo;. lest any root of bitterness, springing up, trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.' <* In the present state of things, (your acquaintance with which renders detail unnecessary,) we have thought it best to agree to a division of our field of labors in the Canadas by the provincial line. In tho expediency of this measure you will see that tho missionary committee in London and the British conference have concurred ; so that our labors there are to be confined, in future, to the upper province, and those of tho British missionaries to the lower " A transfer of societies and places of preaching will of course follow. Our societies in Lower Canada are to be put under the care of tho British brethren, and theirs, in the upper province, under ourd.> <' For the oxecution of these arrangements I have appointed brother Ryan and yourself, with authority to associate with you a third preacher in full connection, to meet the Rev. Messrs. R. Williams and Hicks, appointed by the missionary committee, and Buch other preacher as they may associate with them. Tho timo and place of meeting you will agree on with them, for your mutual convenience. The missionary committee have instructed their agents that the meeting is to be held as early as possible after the receipt of the instructions of the committee, that the report of the final adjustment of the affair may appear in the next district minutes. In this we concur. You will, therefore, immediately on the reception of these instructions, in conjunction with brother I Ilyan and your associate, correspond with the Rev. Messrs. Wil- I Hams and Hicks and their associate on the subject ; and fail not to use every means in your power for the prompt execution of the I arrangements in the best faith, and in the most harmonious and affectionate manner. In the language of the missionary commit, tee we cordially unite to say, * Feel that you are one with your' I British < brethren, embarked in the same great cause, and emi- nently of the same religious family, and the little difficulties of arrangement will be easily surmounted ; and if any warm spirits rise up to trouble you, remember that you are to act on the great principles now sanctioned and avowed by tho two connections, I'll' 1) ! lii 188 HISTORY Oy METHODISM [1820. nnd not upon local prcjudiceR.' If ench endeavor to transfuse this spirit into the Hocieties respectively, the people will much < ' ti easily be brought under the influence of thr same feeling, 'W n it shall be found to possess and actuate the preachers. In any event, lot there be no deficiency on your part in spirit, word, or deed. Wo commit to you a sncred work, which you are bound to perform, not only as to the matter, but in the manner, in the temper, in which, as these instructions are intended to show you, we ourselves would perform it, could we be present. Attend •trictly to this, that we may have Joy and consolation in your love, the bowels of the saints being refreshed by you ; and forward to us, as early as possible, regular and full copies of all your cor- respondence and proceedings in this business. « Should it be found practicable to complete the arrangements previously to the next Genesee annual conference, you will of course take car« to provide for the supply of those circuits, socie- ties, and places of preaching, in the upper province which may be transferred to us by our British brethren, as they are to provide for those which are to be simultaneously transferred to them in the lower province. You will also take care, from time to time, to extend supplies to any remaining places which may bo found destitute in the upper province, as fas as possible. " There are several circuits, I believe, in Lower Canada, attach- ed to the New York and New Englana conferences. These are included in the arrangement. You will therefore forward a copy of these instructions to each of the presiding elders within whose districts those circuits are embraced, and request them to be pre- pared to co-operate with you in the final execution of the business, and to report the same at their ensuing annual conferences re- spectivly. " The missionary committee in London having kindly furnished ns with a copy of their instructions, we shall transmit a copy of these I now send you to them. You will also show them, when you meet, to the Bev. Messrs. Williams and Hick and their asso- ciate, and, if they desire it, to give them a copy, that you may go on in this good work as we have happily begun, with that frank- ness and kindness which become brethren in such a cause. « By the sixth resolution of the British conference on the Ca- nadian business, it is provided that the missionary committee bo directed to address a letter to the private and official members, trustees, &c., under the care of the missionaries in Upper Canada, informing them of the judgment of the conference, and affection- ately and earnestly advising them to put themselves and their chapels under the pastoral care of the American preachers, with the suggestion of such considerations to incline them to it as the committee may judge most proper. And by the seventh resolution it is provided that we shall address a similar letter to the private ftnd (^cial members, trustees, &c., under our care. I acconlingly [1820. to trRnsfuse e will much amo feeling, reachei'B. In I Hpirit, word, ou are bound annf r, in the to show you. sent. Attend ition in your ; and forward ' all your cor- arrangcments e, you will of circuits, socie- 36 which may are to provide ed to them in I time to time. 1 may bo found Canada, attach- ;e8. These are forward a copy •g within whose them to be pro- of the business, conferences rc- Lindly furnished ismit a copy of low them, when L and their asso- hat you may go with that frank- i a cause, ■ence on the Ca- y committee be ifficial members, a Upper Canada, !e, and affection- selves and their I preachers, with them to it as the iventh resolution ter to the private B. I accordingly XPuiO.] lit CANADA. tl0 inclose a letter which you will us« for this purpoie, after rou bar* met with Messrs. Williams and Hick, kc, and ogruod with them on the time of malting the transfer of the locieties, chapels, kc, but not to be used before. At the same time, after this muotiog and agreement, you will also forward a copy of this letter to oaon of the presiding elders in the New York and New England confer- ences whose districts embrace circuits in Lower Canada, to b« used by them. " Oonflding in your faithful discharge of the several trusts com- mitted to you, I commend you to the Lord, and remain, dear brother, yours in love, « Wm. H'Kimdbii." The Bishop mentions tlie circuits in Lower Canada, at- tached to the New, York and New England Conf'oroncei, as included in the arra'V!,enicnt, as well as the circuits belonging to the Genesee Conference. These circuits were bordering on the line separating Lower Canada from New York stato and Vermont and were begun very early. Dunham circuit was begun by Lorenzo Dow in 1799; but neither Dunham nor Stanstead were circuits until 1806; and St. Francis river in 1810. It is very probable that there were other preaching places near the Canadian frontier, and embraced in the American circuits adjoining. These three circuits, with the parts of circuitfi, — and Quebec and Montreal,— were now handed over to the lllnglish Conference. But one Lower Canada circuit was never given over to or asked for by the English preachers, viz. : the Ottawa. It was an old circuit, and embraced settlements on the Upper Canada and Lower Canada side of the Ottawa river ; was a laborious and danger^ 0U8 circuit to travel ; and always remained with the American, and afterwards the Canadian preachers. Besides the letter to the Presiding Elder, the Bishop wrote, as required by the seventh resolution, another to the private and official members of the Lower Canada circuit?, as follows : — *' To the private and official members, trustees, kc, of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church in Lower Canada. " Ykby Dbar Brethren :— You are aware that, for several years past, very unpleasant collisions have occurred in various parts, I both of the upper and lower provinces, between the British mis- I sionaries and some of our brethren. This has been a source of 1 II ¥\\ 190 BISTORT OF METHODISM [1820. great affliction to us, and has led to the adoption of varioni and successive measures for the correction of the evil. " Our late 'English Conference, being earnestly desirous of re- storing the amicable relations of the two connections, authorized the deputation of a representative to the British Conference for this purpose. One was accordingly sent And, after a liberal investigation, it has been mutually thought best, for the sake of peace and love, under all the circumstances of the case, to divide our labours in the Canadas in such a manner as to guard effectu- ally against all collisions in future. " With this view it has been agreed that our British brethren shall supply the lower province and our preachers the upper ; yet so that no circuits or societies on cither side shall be left destitute by the other. This has been sacredly attended to, and mutual pledges for the performance of it have been passed. It now be- comes our duty, therefore, to inform you of, this agreement, and to advise you in the most affectionate and earnest manner, to put yourselves and your chapels under the care of our British brethren, as their societies and chapels in the upper province will be put under ours. " This communication to you, we confess, is not made without pain ; not from any want of affection for our British brethren, but from the recollection of those tender and endearing ties which have bound us to you. But a necessity is laid upon us. It is a peace-offering. No other considevation could have induced us to consent to the measure. Forgive, therefore, our seeming to give you up. We do not give you up in heart, in affection, in kind re- gard, in prayers. " Tii»3 British and American connections have now mutually recognized each other as one body of Christians, sprung from a common stock, holding the same doctrines, of the same religious family, and striving in common to speed the light of true religion through the world ; and they have agreed to keep up a regular in- tercourse by deputation, in future, for the maintenance of this brotherly union. " Let any past differences, therefore, bo forgotten. Let them be buried for ever. Confirm your love toward our British breth- ren, and receive them as ourselves ; — not as strangers, but as brothers beloved. By this shall all men know that we are Christ's disciples, if we love another. Love is of God, and he that dwell- eth ii- ^ jve dwelleth in God, and God in Lim. May the God of love and peace be with you, and crown you with the blessedness of contributing with us to heal the wounds of the Church, and to establish that 'fellowship of the Spirit' whic'. sjiall enable us to say, < Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments. As the dew of Hermon, and [1820. 1820.1 IN CANADA. 191 f Tarioni and lesirouB of te- ns, authorized Conference for ifter a liberal jr the sake of case, to divide guard effectu- itish brethren the upper ; yet e left destitute 0, and mutual id. It now be- igreement, and manner, to put ritish brethren, ce will be put b made without (h brethren, but ■ing ties which pon ns. It is a p induced us to tjeraing to give ion, in kind re- now mutually sprung from a , same religious i of true religion ] up a regular in- tenance of this ten. Let them . British brcth- rangers, but as b we are Christ's i he that dwell- lay the God of the blessedness Church, and to vU enable us to rethren to dwell ment upon the card, that went >{ Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountain of Zion ; for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.' " For any farther information that you may desire I refer you to the presiding elder, to whom it is given in charge to make this communication to you ; and remain, dear brethren, with the same affection for you, in the bonds of the gospel of peace, and the best wishes and prayers for your happiness and salvation, "Wm. M'Kkndbbb. " Alexandria, (D. C.,) October 16, 1820." Thus the dispute between the two connections of Methodists, both founded by John Wesley, ended in peace. The two were to regard themselves but as parts of one Methodist body, like the Church of England, the Boinsn Church, or the Greek, which, however scattered or divided, is but one church. And this was Mr. Wesley's own desire, and forcibly expressed in his last letter to the American preachers, addressed to Rev. Ezekiel Cooper. Said he, only twenty-nine days before his death, in 1791 : — " See that you never give place to one thought of separating from your brethren in Europe. Lose no opportunity of declarinipr to all men, that the Methodists are one people in all the world, and that it is their full determination so to continue, — ' Though mountains rise, and oceans roll. To sever us in vain.' " The American preachers obeyed, and though politically sepa- rated, yet considered themselves only as a branch of the Meth- odist church. And now the English Conference " embraces with pleasure the opportunity of recognizing the great princi- ple, which it is hoped, will be permanently maintained that the Wesleyan Methcdists are one body in every part of the worldJ'* The Genesee Conference met the second time in Canada, in Niagara, the oldest town of Upper Canada, and, some years ago, the seat of government. The only record of the actions of this Conference is the following letter, signed by the ,two Presiding Elders to the Bev. Nathan Bangs: — Niagara, U. C, July 28th, 1820. " As yon received your first religious impressions, as well as commenced, your ministerial labours, in this country, you will ^ 192 BIBTOaT OF METHODISM [1820. It ■ ■::! if j 1 i; [ i: ! i ! I be gratified to learn some interesting particulars of our religious state in Canada. A number of your former acquaintances were hoping, after an absence of 15 years, to have seen you at the Con* ference. "At the Genesee Conference, in Niagara, were about 100 preachers. 18 were received on trial ; 30 received .om Bishop Ocorge, the imposition of hands; and 122 were appointed to labour in circuits and stations. On Sunday, the congregation being too large for the meeting house, were in the afternoon, as- sembled in the grove, at the extremity of Lundy's Lane. All at- tention, solemnity, and order I The solemnity of the scene was heightened by the never-ceasing roar of the Niagara Falls, calcu- lated to awaiken a remembrance of Him whose * voice is as the sound of many waters.' Before many witnesses, 20 brethren stood up in the grove (most of them young men), assented to the solemn requirements of the church, and were ordained to the ministry. How great the contrast between this assemblage and the purposes of the meeting, and that of July, 1814, when two contending armies contested the palm of victory 1 In that terrible and san- guinary conflict, hundreds were slain, their bodies committed to the flames, and the broken fragments of burned bones were left to whiten on the plains. * * • • It is worthy of remark, that some of these young men were engaged in the mem- orable battles of Chippeway and Lundy's Lane ; and have since been called by the Spirit of all grace to a more worthy enterprise. Religion in this Province, we think, to be on the rise. The last four years have been a season of harvest indeed, and revivals arc still going on. The most favoured last year, were in the back settlements of Augusta circuit, the old settlement on llideau river, and the settlement on the river Thames; and thcs? revivals are still progressing. During the last spring, a very pleasing revival commenced in the city of Detroit. We have about 20 in society in that city. A meeting house is also commenced there. " According to a calculation we have just made, there are in this province about 211 public teachers, who are professionally en- gaged in instructing the people in the way of life. They are as follows : Church Clergymen, 16 Presbyterian and Congregational, 15 Baptist ministers and preachers, 18 Mennonests and German Baptists, 7 JBuropean Methodist Missionaries, 6 Preachers of Society of Friendb, about 10 Itinerant Methodist Preachers, 28 Local Preachers, 47 Public licensed Exhorters 65 " There may be others which do not at present occur to our | (_1820. our religious ntances were >u at the Con- e about 100 I .om Bishop appointed to congregation afternoon, as- Lane. AH at- the scene was •a Falls, calcu- voice is as the brethren stood i to the solemn the ministry, id the purposes wo contending •rrible aud san- 3 committed to ncs were left to [t is worthy of ;ed in the mcm- and have since rthy enterprise, the rise. The ed, and revivals ifsrc in the back on ttideau river, esff revivals are pleasing revival ,ut 20 in society I there. there are in this rofessionally en- e. They are as .... 16 .... 15 18 .... T .... 5 10 28 4t 65 ent occur to 1820.] IN CANADA. 193 minds. When it is Considered that these 211 employ themselves on Sabbaths (thirty of whom itinerate through the settleraentSf preaching from once to thrice a day), together with the numerous meetings for praj^er, as well as Sabbath schools, (which, thank God, are increasing,) the inhabitants of this Province can hardly be considered as destitute of the means of grace.* " H. Ryan, « W. Casi." Upper dnada District. William Case, Presiding Elder, Detroit, 66 Thames, — Rzra Adams 209 Westminster, — Isaac B. Smith, John Belton 301 Long Point, — James Jackson, W, H. Williams 611 Ancaster, — Alviu Torry, G. Ferguson 697 Niagara, — Isaac Puffei , , . 619 Lyons Creek, — D. Shepherdson. York, 43 Yonge Street, — J, G. Peal, T. Demorest 211 Members, 2,658 Lower Canada District, ' Henry Ryan, Presiding Elder. Montreal, — Truman Dixon 2) Ottawa, 89 Cornwall, — Elijah Boardman 1 13 Augusta,—?. Goodwin, R. M. K. Smith 855 liideau, — Calvin N. Flint. Bay Quinte, — Robert Jeffers, D. C. Spoke "722 Hallowell,— J. Willson, F. Metcalf, 405 Belleville,— T. Madden 166 Smith's Creek,— Philander Smith 203 York,— Fitch Reed. St. Lawrence 349 Malone, 85 Members, 2,999 New York Conference, Dunham, — ^Ibri Cannon " " Stanstead, — Phinehas CrandelL * Ab ktatcd by Ibe EnglUb UUetonariea, aod implied by their coming. r\ K 'I\\ f I 1; i 194 HISTORY OP 3IETH0PISM [1820. The arrangements with the English Conference were nftei the sittings of the Niagara Conference, and therefore the appointments in Lower Canada were kept up as usual. But hereafter there was no Lower Canada district, and no preach- ers were appointed to any part of the lower Province, except- ing Ottawa. The Niagara circuit is again divided, and the west part is called the Lyon's Creek circuit, reaching to the borders of the Long Point circuit. The Niagara country has now four cir- cuits, — bordering on the western part of Lake Ontario, the Niagara river, and the north-east part of Lake Erie, — the Ancaster, the Niagara, the Lyon's Creek, and the Long Point. Six preachers were working in this large tract of country, com- prising nearly four of our present counties, to establish in the faith of the Gospel above seventeen liundred members, and to bring to the experience of the children of God the ungodly and the sinners. In the town of York, there was heard at tiujes, in the frame meeting house, the cry of the penitent and the song of the new-born convert. The preacher took occasional excursions into the country around. Says he : " A great tide of emigration is filling the woods with inhabi- tants ; and it is an important object with us that our means of supply should keep pace with the increase of population, and the wants of the people. There are many parts. to which the labours of our preachers cannot be extended, unless they leave their horses and travel ou foot, through an almost pathless wilderness, and en- counter many other difficulties arising from the scanty comfort among the inhabitants. But this they are determined to do, rather than souls should perish for lack of knowledge. There are, however, many new settlements so detached from the circuits that it is im- possible, or very difficult, to visit them often : consequently, they are mostly destitute of the means of grace. 1 here is generally manifested an earnest desire to enjoy regular and constant preach- ing: and as, at present, the people do not possess the means of affording mueh assistance to the support of the Gospel, I know of no way to meet their wants, except sending missionaries among them. "We have among us y Jung men who v^ould willingly sacri- fice their earthly comforts to preach the Gospel to the poor and destitute. Could the Methodist Missionary Society aft'ord us some assistance ? I have no doubt the hearts of hundreds would be made glad. The prospect presents us with a great and glori- ous harvest. 1820.] tN CANADA. 105 le were aftei Lhcrefore tho u!>ual. But id no preacb- vince, except- ! west part is borders of the now four cir- } Ontario, the ke Erie,— the e Long Point. ■ country, com- stablish in the embers, and to d the ungodly ?8, in the frame tie song of the )nal excursions :1s with inbabi- at our means of ulation, and tbe hich the labours cave their horses dernesH, and en- scanty comfort nod to do, rather ere are, however, lits that it is im- nsequently, they lere is generally constant preach- es the means of Gospel, I know ssionaries among willingly sacri- to the poor and ociety afford us hundreds would great and glori- " Our friends in the old settlements are hot silent upon this subject. Many of them take a deep interest in the welfare of their brethren in tho bush, and have expressed a wish to contri- bute something to the support of Missionaries among them. If wc listen ngain to the cry of the people, we hear them enquiring for Bibles and Testaments. 'Have you none to give us, or sell to ua at a small price? We have none to read in our families, or give to our children in the Sunday schools.' This is their language. Testaments are most wanted, as less expensive, and more suitable for Sunday schools ; which, 1 am happy to state, arc fast rising in the estimation of the people, and increasing throughout the coun- try. It is highly gratifying to witness the attention and earnest- ness of the rising generation in the pursuit of divine knowledge. It is not unfrequuntly the case, that a number of children have a clflim upon one Testament, or a part of one, for want of more, iii preparing their recitations for the scliool. Much good has already been done by Sunday schools, and more is anticipated." The Province this year v»'as not only deprived of the Impe- rial head, the aged King, but also of the Governor General. Tlie Duke of Kichniond, in the summer, left Quebec, and cam" to the Upper Province. He had travelled over and inspected some parts thereof, when he came to the country of the llideau river ; which it was proposed to connect with Kingston by a road, and now in projiress. He had come to the township of Goulbourn, — a wilderntiss, with the excep* tion of a sprinkling of small clearances by the new settlers, — • where he was attacked by hydrophobia, and died, (August 27th) in a house where is the present village o^Uichmond. A strange place and manner for an English duke to die, and the Governor of a colony of a great empire I The Governof's sick- ness came from the bite of a tame fox, not suspected to be in a rabid state, with which he was at play. The country of the Rideau, — a river having a very crooked course, intersected with numerous lakes, many small and slug- gish branches, and a beautiful fall into the river Ottawa,— was not only noted this year for an English nobleman dying in its wilds, but for the commencement of the Methodist itine- rancy among the new and hardy settlers. The first regular Methodist preacher in the Kidcau country was Calvin N. Flint. He was a young man, had travelled two years, and was just received into full connexion. He had travelled tho Augusta circuit last year, and was now commissioned to form I M m I i 196 MtSTORY or METHODISM [1820. a new circuit on the north of it. The preachers had thus far kept to the townsliips along the Bay of Quinte ; but now the emigrants wore settling in the rear, the preachers moved back also, taking up appointments wherever a door was opened. Young Flint was the first preacher going north of the old circuits, and the beginner of the heconi tier of circuits in the Upper Province. The stations and preachers of the English Conference were : Richard \Villiams, Chairman, Quebec,— Robert L. Lusher 11.^ Montreal, — John Hick 122 King8ton,->Jame8 Booth 130 Fort Wellington, — Richard Pope 125 Melbourne,'^ Wm. Butcliffe, John De Putron 66 St. Armand's, — Richard Williams 68 Niagara,—- Thomas Catterick 88 York, — Henry Pope 30 Stanstead, — One requested Members, 744 SINGULAR PRESERVATION OP A CHILD. Colonel Wm. Ketcheson and his wife Nancy, of Sidney, — • to whom I am indebted for some of the information of the early times, — had a family of lifteen children, nine sons and six daughters. ^ The fourth daughter, Gatrey, not six years of age, in going from Wm. Irving's house to her sister's (the wife of* Duncan Irving, of the 4th concession of Sidney,) about throe o'clock, on Saturday, Oct. 9th, 1820, was lost. ' A piece of woods was between the two houses. Her mother had a presentiment that some evil had befallen the child ; but her own house was six or seven miles distant. Darkness was approaching; inquiry was made for the child, and it was found that she had lost the path, and had strayed into the woods. Immediately the two families began to search and call) but no answer. It was soon dark, and worse still, a storm of hail and rain commenced. Duncan Irving and his wife had gone 80 far into the woods, that in the pitch darkness they could not find the way back, and were in the dr,eary woods, as well as the child, the whole night. On Sunday morning an 11 [1820. had thus far but now thd moved back vraa opened* th of the old ircuita in tV.o ference were 5 IIR . . . 122 130 ... 125 .. 66 "... 68 *..... 88 30 nbers, 74* ILDi f, of Sidney,— rmation of the , nine sons and not six years of ler Bister's (the an of Sidney,) 0, was lost. ' A ler mother had child; but her Darkness was Lid, and it was rayed into the search and call) ,8till, astormof [id his wife had darkness they [r.eary woods, as lay morning an 1820.] IN CANADA. 197 alarm was given, and about twenty persons gathered, who searched the woods all day, without finding the child. On Monday the search was renewed. A great number of people dispersed all over the adjoining woods, from the 4th to the 5th concession road. But no sign of the child could be seen, although she heard the cries and the firing of the guns. The alarm went over all the surroundipg country, and the people, numbering between two and three hundred, gathered together on Tuesday, plunging into all parts of the low lands and marshy places, crying out, firing guns, and looking in every hole and behind every hill and tree, but without success. On Wednesday and Thursday the search went on, but no sign of the poor child was discovered. On Friday, when the search- ers returned, they came to the determination to give notice to every neighbourhood to come out on the Sunday, for a final search for the body, for no one supposed the child was living. So on Sunday, the sympathising people from all parts gathered, to the number, it was supposed, of 500. They divided off into parties, so as to encompass the woody country around, and to miss no place where the body could possibly be. The last search was almost over, and the peopid were about returning from the woods to go to their homes, when, wonderful to relate ! the poor little child, at three o'clock in the afternoon was found alive. Instantly, guns were fired to announce the jo^ ^'ul news by the party around the child ; the parties nearest hearing fired their guns to give the news to the more distant ; and these hearing fired guns in reply, and thus the whole woods ' ar )f a settlement, there were ' the country four Presb\^« " uinisters, one Episcopal, tv. Romish priests, and one ^f**" lodist preacher. Tho appoinriuents of the English Gonfe. '^e w !ro— John Hick, Ckair,nan. Quebec, — Jar <08 Booth lOS Montreal, — Ji -ncs Knowinn 119 Kingston, — Ri hard Williams 90 St. Armand's, — Daniel Hillior 79 Melbourne, — H' nry Pope , Jll Stanstead,— John Hick ^ Three Rivers, — J ichard Pope \ 380 Bhefford, — Thonvis Catterick ) Caldwell's Manoi William Sutcliffo. French Mission, — John Do Patron. — — Membei .. 744 1822. — The appointments of preachers, and number of members, in 1822, were as follows : Upper Canada District. William Case, Presiding Elder. Niagara, — Ezra Adams, John Ryerson 487 Lyon's Creek, — Thomas Demorest 110 Ancaster, — Isaac B. Smith 684 Long Point, — D. Gulp, G. Ferguson 446 Thames, — Wm. Slater, J. Parker 249 Westminster, — James Jackson 866 Yonge Street, — D. Shepherdson 278 York and New Settlements,— K. M'K. Smith, mis- ) 34 slonary y 70 Grand River, — ^Alvin Torry, missionary. Members, 2899 i-i 204 HISTORY OP METHODISM [18 Say of Quinte District. Henry Ryan, Presiding Elder. Bay Quinte,— J. G. Peal, W.vatt Chamberlain 505 Smith's Creek,— Samuel Bel ton 32 T Belleville,— Charles Wood 160 Hallowell,— Calvin N. Flint 499 Augusta, — Thomas Madden 623 Cornwall, — To be supplied 176 Ottawa,— Wm. K. Williams 136 Rideau, — Ezra Healey 202 Perth,— Franklin Metcalf 30 Kingston, — ^Philander Smith 51 ',. ;, ; 2709 Robert Jeffers was expelled. The first preacher to Perth gathered a few members, but did not confine his labours to the Perth settlement. He visitec* the Lanark, the eccond military, settlement, which was baok or north of the other, and included the townships of Lanark and Dalhousie, with Ramsay and North Sherbrooke. Tho Lanark settlement was formed by distressed manufacturers, me- chanicS) and others, in Glasgow, Lanark, and other places in the west of Scotland, who united to petition the Government for aid to emigrate. In answer, a grant of land was promised, and JCIO a head, to assist the petitioners in settling in Canada, Accordingly 900 persons sailed from Scotland for Quebec, in 1820 ; and when arrived, the Earl of Dalhousie, the governor, ordered them to be forwarded to Perth, and settled in the two newly surveyed townships, afterwards called Lanark and Dal- housie. The same year, 176 more emigrants arrived from Scotland, for the same settlement. The accounts returned being favourable, the next year, 1821. four transports took from Greenock, no less than 1883 more emigrants, who arrived safely in Quebec. The townships of North Sherbrooke and Bamsay were now added to the Lanark settlement ; and the new emigrants had the choice of all the unoccupied land in the four townships. A village was laid out, ealled the Lan- ark village, and the stream through it called the Clyde j on which a saw mill and a grist mill were soon erected. The Scotch settlers thought too of a church ; and their friend»in Lanarkshire contributed and 6ent about £300 to Quebec, in nor. /-' [18 1822.] IN CANADA. 205 I . . • . . • • • . • • . • . • . • • • 505 32T 160 499 623 176 136 202 30 51 2*109 ■mloers, but did t. He visited ?hich was baak bips of l-anaTk erbrooke. Tho nufacturers,iuc- her places in the Governmeut for was promised, ItUng in Canada, for Quebec, in Le the governor, .thed in the two uanark and Dal- Ks arrived froni Icounts returned transports took kuts. who arrived Sherbrookc and lement ; and the , )ccupied land m called the Lan- the Clyde; on L erected. The their friends in fO to Quebec, id | 1823, to assist the erection of a house for the worship of God in the woods of Canada. Besides the Scotch settlers, many of the disbanded soldiers went in and took up lands among them, as well as emigrants fiom Ireland. The ihird military settlement was the Richmond, and begun in 1818. The 99th regiment was then reduced, and the men were oflFercd a location of land, in the usual propor- tions to officers and privates, if they would choose to settle. A great number of the men accepted the offer, and were conveyed to the townships of Beckwith and Goulbourn, to choose and settle their lands. These townships lie about east of the Perth and Lanark Settlements. The soldiers were placed under the superintendence of Major Burke, and were to receive rations for one year, and the usual farming implements and seed. Some became useful and industrious tillers of the soil, and provided comfortable homes for their families ; but others, like discharged soldiers in general, could not confine themselves to steady work, and therefore, when the rations ceased, wandered off from the settlement, leaving their land to others. The village of Richmond was laid out in the town- ship of Goulburn, on the banks of the Jock, a sluggish stream, which fails into the Rideau river 20 miles below. The Go- vernment store was here set up, and soon a saw and grist mill were in operation. Here was the place where the late gover- nor, the Duke of Richmond, died. Another body of emigrants came into the country from Perthshire, under the direction of a Mr. Robinson, in the same summer of 1818. They paid their own passage to Quebec, were conveyed the remainder of the journey by the government, and settled in the township of Beckwith. Although the discharged soldiers and Scotch emigrants laid the foundation of the Perth, Lanark, and Richmond settle- ments, — comprising about 20 townships, mostly ten miles square, — yet the filling up of all the vacant good lands was the work of several years'. In 1824, only twelve townships were partially settled. But the Scotch emigrants still came out, and a far greater number of the L-ish ; and the townships gradually filled up, forming, at last, an old country population, with few English or American settlers in it. The preachers contiguous to the Lanark and Richmond 20S HISTORY OF iMETHODIBAI [1822. if' i ^ : I lllU settlements, wisliing to do good to these poor settlers, went among them, and offered them the preached Gospel. Some refused, and some accepted. The Perth preachers penetrated into the western townships of the military settlements, and the Rideau preacher visited the eastern. The twelve townships now settling formed a rough field for ministerial labour. The country was sprinkled with shanties, and other rude log habi- tations. The roads were of the roughest description, and were bad enough even twenty years after. In many parts, there were no roads at all. So that the preachers were obliged to wade their horses through the streams, and find their way through the woods and swamps by marked trees. Sometimes, they would ride on horseback as far as the road went ; thea tie the horse to a tree, and walk to the shanty guided by the trees hacked with the axe, which was called " blazing," and the trees " blazed" trees. Here the preacher would find a dozen people for his congregation, or perhaps not half the number, to whom he would preach the word of God; and after riding several miles to the place would sometimes have to return without any refreshment, — the people so poor, and so ill fur- nished their shanties, that they had nothing they liked to offer the minister. The preachers, leaving their horses, would throw on their shoulders their saddlebags, holding their clean linen and books, with shaving materials; and if the way were over marshy grounds and across creeks, they would tie on the saddlebags to their necks, if no other string were available, with leather wood bark. When the preacher re- mained in these shanties over night, as they had often to do, in pursuing their regular journies, their food was of the coarsest description, and their resting places hard, and often, uncleanly. Indeed, it was now no wonder at all to see occasionally a pig or a cow in the same hut with the family, and very often fowls roosted under the same scooped roof. In such a case, however well disposed, no housekeeper could be cleanly. For many years, this was the sort of country travelled by the itin- erant preachers. The settlers were not farmers in their native country ; and when they came into the Canadian forest, to clear and cultivate land, and to carry on the general business of farming, they began as learners ; and many years passed, before the farmers showed any skilful agriculture. The peo- ple of these settlements generally were not favourable to Metho- [1822. tiers, went )el. Some penetrated its, and the townships )Our. The le log habi- n, and were parts, there 5 obliged to , their way Sometimes, nt ; thed tie \)j the trees ff," and the find a dozen lc number, to after riding ve to return id so ill fur- liked to offer lorses, would [ig their clean I'^if the way icy would tie string were preacher re- often to do, jf the coarsest fen, uncleanly, tsionally a pig id very often in such a case, cleanly. For ,(1 by the itin- .n their native dian forest, to Ineral business years passed, iie. The pec- cable to Metho- 1822.] IN CANADA. 207 dist preachers, preferring the Presbyterian and Episcopal, ministers ; and Methodism never made such great progress as in the frontier townsliips. Still some preferred the Methodist preachers ; and others, when they could not hear their own ministers heard the preachers; and thus many were converted, and societies gradually arose in all the townships. The Scotch and Epis'^opai ministers had churches to preach in, and ex- pected the people to come to the churches, however far there- from they lived. The Methodist preachers, however, went among the people, held meetings in their shanties, baptized the children, visited the aged and sick ; and gradually the settlers knew the manners of the preachers, respected them, loved them for their meekness in coming to the humble shanty, looked forward with pleasure to the good man's next visit, heard the word with readiness; and thus hundreds were brought to the knowledge and experience of the truth. A ministry which goes to the people has always a great advantage over a ministry which expects the people to come to them. The latter may obtain the respect of the people ; but the for- mer is sure to win their love. The new settlements near York arc reported with seventy members. Mr. Reed generally remained in York, occasionally helping in the country. Mr. Smith was generally in the bush, travelling over the five townships forming the missionary field, frequently where there was no open roads, and sometimes where there was no mark of the axe to guide from one settlement to another. To travel on horseback was found impracticable, from the state of the roads, and the want of accommodation for ahorse. Consequently the journeys weie performed on foot ; the missionary directing his course, where there was no path, by a pocket compass, carrying an axe to fell a tree on which to cross a stream, and often travelling from four to ten miles in the solitary woods (prolific, however, in wild animals) with- out seeing the footsteps of man, or a habitation to shelter from a storm. But the greatest difficulty to the gospel was the worldliness of the settlers ; so anxious to better their situation, that only a few in a settlement would attend the preaching of the missionary. But perseverance brought a change. A re- vival of religion began in Esquesing and Chinguacousy, each township containing about 150 families, which afterwards I, ■ I i ; iiiiii'' 20d HISTORY OF METHODISM [1822. extended to Trafalgar and Toronto. At the first quarterly meeting in October, about a hundred persons were collected, and forty partook of the Lord's Supper. Six societies were formed, containing 70 members, — the greater part, however, were members before in England, Ireland, or the IJ. S. Two Sunday schools were began v»'ith about sixty children, and be- fore the Conference sat, one chapel was erected, and two more were begun. In York, thirty were received into society in the two years of Mr. Reed, while more than that number had re- moved. He was a preacher in the N. Y. conference, and in 1819, was stationed in Dunham, L. C. He was transferred to the Genesee conference, and stationed in York. Seeing the new emigrants pass through York, he became interested for their spiritual welfare, occasionally visited the new settlements, and urged the appointment of a missionary. And a missionary was appointed. He was pleased with the work in the province, and said, " I am more and more convinced that my appoint- ment to York was of God ; and I shall ever remember with pleasure and gratitude my labours in Upper Canada." He travelled several years after, but no longer in Canada. The town of Kingston is now on the list of circuits. It was a pait of the Bay of Quinte circuit, and now with the country adjacent becomes a separate circuit. The state of religion in the western part of Upper Canada may be described in the Presiding Elder's own cheerful lan- guage :— " Blessccf be the Lord, we are prospering finely in this country. Our congregations, sabbath schools, missionary collections, a church-building spirit, ac well as conversions, and order and har- mony in the societies, all demonstrate the rising strength of Zion in these parts. There are now finishing or commencing twenty churches in this upper half of the province. We have more than forty sabbath schools, and one thousand scholars. A great and happy improvement is visible since the close of the late war ; which, in many places, by the confusion and calamities introduced, had broken down the barriers of vice Churches are crowded with hearers. Youth and children, instead of wandering in the fields, or loitering in the streets, are, in many places, thronging to the schools, books in hand, and learning to read the book of God " The description of the extent of the Genesee Conference field of labour, with the origin of the Grand river mission,-— [1822. b quarterly ; collected, ietics were however, J. S. Two •en, and be- d two more iciety in the iher bad re- nce, and in transferred Seeing the ntcrcsted for r settlements, a missionary the province, b my appoint- smember with anada." He nada. uuits. It was h the country jpper Canada cheerful lan- n ibis country. collections, a I order and har- Itrength of Zion nencing twenty lave more than A great and the late war; luies introduced. Ire crowded with ^g in the fields, ttuonging to the took of God " [sec Conference liver mission,— 1822.] IN CANADA. 209 in which began the remarkable work of God among the In- dians, — may be given from ihe same pen : — " The 140 preachers stationed are spread over a great extent of country, even from Johnstown on the Mohawk in the east, to Fort Maiden in the west, and from Perth in Upper Canada, to Shemo- king on the Susquehanna : an extent of more than 500 miles from east to west, and about 300 from north to south. The new lands in this vast surface are filling up with emigrants from differ- ent parts of Europe, and the older settlements in America ; and the calls for religious instruction are continually increasing. Three missionaries have been sent out from this Conference. One is appointed a Conference missionary, to ascertain the condition of the Indian tribes in the bounds of the Conference, as also to aid in the formation of Missionary Societies. The other two aro to labour in the new settlements of Upper Canada. " On the Grand River, whicli empties into Lake Erie, are s-jveral small insulated settlements, which have been gradually formed by now and then a family settling on the Indian lands. In somo of these settlements, there was seldom a sermon heard. Several pious friends, during the last year, mentioned the condition of the people, and offered their pecuniary aid for the support of a Mis- sionary. About the same time, brother Alvin Torry felt impressed to visit these settlements. He found them prepared to receive the word with all readiness. The spirit of grace rested on his congre- gations. Not a few were stirred up to seek the Lord, and soma experienced a saving change. Brother Torry is now appointed a missionary to this people." [He was on the Lyon's Creek circuit last year, which was in the neighbourhood of these Grand River insulated settlements.] The constitution of the IMissionary Society in New York allowed each Conference to appropriate its own funds, but to send the balance to the general treasury. The Genesee Con- ference had adopted the mite or cent-a-member collection, for assisting widows of deceased preachers and the support of mis- s.onaries. The first return was about $350. From this money, the two missionaries to York and the new settlements obtained a part of their salary, — the remainder, from the people. This appears to have been the first missionary money collected or paid by the Genesee Conference ; the first missionary money received by Methodist preachers in Canada of the M. E. C; and the four townships west of York were the first to reweivo aid from the missionary fund. ■f1 210 HISTORY OP METHODISM [1822. JAMES GRIGGS PEAL. No death had occurred in the itinerant ministry in Upper Canada, until Dec. 25th, 1822, when the superintendent of the Bay of Quinte circuit, departed this life. James G. Pealo was born in the town of SJandvvich, Kent, in En:!;land. In 1806, he enlisted in the army which afterwards served in Spain. Portugal, and Germany. Before he left England, he heard the preaching of the Methodists, was awakened and converted to God. Soon after, he began to exhort his comrades to repent. While he continued in the army about nine years, he was in the haljit of preaching to the soldiers in the barracks, and in the fields ; and so a considerable society was raised up, which continued to worship together while he remained as the leader. In 1815, the Royal staff corps, to which he belonged, came to Halifax ; and thence to Coteau du Lac, a military position in Lower Canada, Application was made for his discharge from the army for the purpose of his becoming an itinerant preacher in Canada ; which the Governor granted, With his discharge, the Major, his commanding officer, gavo the following recommendation dated November 25th, 1817 : " I certify that I have known James Peale for these nine years ; during which time, he had invariably conducted himself with tho utmost sobriety and integrity, and is well deserving any indulgence that may be granted to him." Until June, 1818, he was employed by Mr. Ryan to travel under the superintendent (Peter Jones) the circuit nearest the Coteau, the Ottawa. At the Genesee Conference, he was re- ceived on trial, (with two other Canadian preachers, Samuel Belton and James Wilson,) and stationed in the new Belleville circuit. He travelled four other circuits, viz., the Cornwall, the Yonge street, the Perth, and the Bay of Quinte. ' Two weeks previous to his death, to fulfil his appointment at the Switzer chapel, he was obliged to cross on foot the ice on Hay Bay, li miles, when very smooth and glare. The winter was setting'in, a boat could not break the new ice, nor could his horse stand on it. He could not keep on his feet ; and rather than disappoint the Sunday evening congregation, he took off bis boots, and crossed in his stockings. Although the weather " ThI Chute,, origint States raised a succ€ [182: 9/* 1822.] IN CANADA. 211 •y in TJppev ntcndent of lies G. Pealo n2;land. In voa in Spain. ,d, he heard nd converted comrades to line years, he the barracks, vas raised up. mained as the 1 he belonged, jac, a military made for his s becoming an rernor granted, ng officer, gave 25th, 1817 : icsc nine yeara ; limself with tho an" indulgence Ryan to travel ;uit nearest the ;nce, he was rc- 3achers, Samuel e new Belleville „ the Cornwall, Quinte. 'Two intment at the , the ice on Hay The winter was ee, nor could his 'eet ; and rather tion, hctookoff| »ugh the weather was very cold, yet the exertion of walking on slippery ice, and walking some miles after, brought on a violent perspiration, and he took a cold. The Sabbath after, though unwell, ho preached twice, and met two classes, taking no refreshment through the day but a light breakfast. He was thinly clothed too, and in travelling had to face a piercing cold wind, so that he greatly increased his indisposition. His last sermon, on Except ye re- pent, ye shall all likewise perish, was delivered in a vei'y im- pressive manner ; after which, he walked to C Switzer's. Ho was now so unwell, that he could take no nourishment, but appeared much exercised on the subject of religion, and said, " If I never preach again, I am clear of the blood of this people," His disorder increased till he became delirious, at intervals; and for the last twenty-four hours he was deranged. While he had reason, he ap;^eared sensible of his situation, but showed no murmuring or impatience ; and when asked if he was ready to go, he answered, " I am both ready and willing." He had no relations to mourn his death, in this country ; but there was one who mourned for him, until reason fled from its peat. " He was about the marriage state to prove, But death had swifter wings than love." He was noted for zeal, firmness, and perseverance in the dis- charge of duty. A true and faithful soldier of .Tesus Christ, he was useful on every circuit, but especially on the Cornwall and Yonge street circuits. A pleasant incident connected with the life of Peal and his brother soldier Ferguson, also ilh^ strati ve of the great and blessed truth, that God answers prayer, may be here related. The writer heard the account himself in 1833, from the lips of " Father WaldronV aged wife. But he will give the ac- count mad€ ready to his hands, by a brother on the Ottawa circuit in 1832: — " There is a beautiful tract of land in the neighbourhood of La Chute, on the North River, which falls into the Ottawa. This was originally settled by an interesting class of peoijle from the United States ; from among whom a large and prosperous society was raised up by the labours of a Sawyer, a Luckey, and others. But a succession of blighting frosts had caused such a failure iu tho 212 IIISTOHY OF METHODIgM [1822. crops for Bovcral ycnrn prior to the time to which we refer, that one family after another bad left, and sought n homo in a moro gonial climate, till the society was not only much reduced in ntunbcrfl, but very few homes were loft to shelter the hapless itincnuit in a place which had always been considered ' head quarters' on tho circuit ; and the occupant of tho principal ono of the few remain- ing < lodging places for wayfaring men,' < Father Waldron,' as he was called by his friends, had also resolved to leuvo. Tho ttvo preachers were spending a night under his hospi table roof ; but the intention of their host to leave, communicated to them, had made them sad ; they did their utmost to persuade him to stay, setting before him the evil that would result to the cause if he left, and the consequent good he would bo tho means of doing if he remained. When the hour of devotion arrived, both of tho preachers engaged in prayer, one after the other, and made tho subject which lay near their hearts a ground of earnest supplica- tion. Ferguson prayed iirst, and earnestly besought the Lord to prevent brother Waldron from going awa/. To each petition. Peal subjoined the expressive response, « Hedge him up, mighty God !' And when his time came to plead in prayer, he told the Lord they could not afford to part with bro. Waldron — besought him to induce him to stay — and to reward him by so doing with an abundant crop. He enumerated every kind of produce he could think of by name ; and prayed that brothc r W.'s hay and po- toe^ , and wheat, and rye, and oats and peas, and barley, ice, might be abundant. Mr. W. was induced to stay another year ; and by a very remarkable co-incidence, with Mr. Peal's request, he had an abundant crop the following season, of everything, both in field and garden, excepting onions. When this fact was mentioned to the preacher, ' Oh,' said Peal, < I forgot the onionh I'" The prayer was oflFered probably in the growing month of June, just as Ferguson was leaving tho Ottawa circuit, and Peal was come upon it. Even so late as 1834, Mr. Waldron was still talking of leaving tho neighbourhood, and the pros- pect of a kind and hospitable family leaving oven then made the preachers sad. But the Lord's servants have always found a hospitable home in the settlement of La Chute, for if one kind family went, another came. Another little relation may here be given of Peal, by the same pen, and further shewing the man on his first circuit: — " He sported with privation. Recounting t^ a pious old lady in the Ottawa country, the adventurous incidents of a pioneering tour up the river, and describing the salt junk of formidable tex- ture, on which he had dined on one occasion, ho was asked by her, _ j^r ^ ♦ Hadyou no»«M«, (sauce) brother Peal?' po-ed by the Imperial Government, and much diiscus>xd in the lower province. It was approved of by the British, and denounced by the French, part of the inhabitants. I'cti- tions for and against had been forwarded to the Imperial Clov- ernnient; which, seeing such a want of unanimity, announced this year that the proposal was postponed until a more favour- able juncture. Tho Bishop had aj)pointcd but one preacher to York and the new settlements, but the Presiding Elder found a pious young man to help. The two preachers formed a four weeks' circuit, and thus laboured throughout the year. Mr. Siiiith, in his report of the mission, thus writes : — " I left the Conference in miidi peace of mind, a divine sweet- ness seemed to overKpn ad my soul during most of my journey, to my station, which 1 reached, poor in health, the 13th August. Here I was received and welcomed by the kind friends in their usual hospitality. By these manifestations, the Lord seems to have been preparing me for the afliliction which followed. 1 had laboured but a week, when 1 was attacked by an intermittent fever, which brought me quite low, and I was not able to resume my labours again for about eight weeks. My fever was violent, and the pain extreme ; but I was never more happy in my mind. Blessed be the Lord, the consolations were greater than I had ex- perienced for several years. If my illness was protracted, it was probably for want of timely aid, which could not be procured shoi't of twenty miles. On my recovery, brother G., [probably Wm, Griffis,] who had come to my assistance, had been in the circuit about four weeks. We now formed our plans, so as to extend our labours into several neighbourhoods not before visited ; and we enlarged our circuit so as to visit the new settlements of Albion and Nelson. In addition to our regular circuit, we have penetrated nig libr evel [1823. allow the per Canada. LepM'ative dy of Chvis- !hristiun?» — -had their bers of their iV But tho le Methodist Canada wos uch diiicus^:(d the Biilish, ilants. Pcti- Imperial C%o\- ty, announced 1 uiorc favour- • to York and found a pious I a four weeks' Mr. Saiilh, a divine sweet- my journey, to ,. 13th August. friends in their Lord seems to followed. 1 had tennittent fever, 2 to resume my vas violent, and ly in my mind, r than 1 had ex- )rotractcd, it was )(i procured short [probably Wm. ;n in the circuit as to extend our visited ; and we iments of Albion have penetrated 1823.] IN CANADA. 215 into a Rmall nettlpinent thirty miles north, but hare not been ablo to repeat our visit, nor to take in Cnledon and firamosa, on account of the Know, Avhich has been, much of tho winter, tho unnsual depth of three feet. " Throughout the year, the congrefxations have been large, and the Divine blessing has been manifested pretty generally. To most of the societies, additions have been made ; and three new Hocietius hayc been formed. Tho increase is thirty-live, mostly young con- verts. In addition to the houses of worship erected last year, another is commenced, 28 by 3() feet In these ellorts, to obtain conveniences for tho worwhip of (Jod, the friends have shewn a laudable zeal. A decent house, 24 by 30 feet was erected princi- pally at the expense of two brothers. Indeed, there is a spirit of enterprise for the service of God and religion, such os 1 have not always seen in oldersettlenients. Industry, economy, and religion nre marching hand in hand in the improvement of these new set- tlements generally." IIo also mentioned that ardent spirits were but litlle used, — that .Knj:;lifeh, Irish, 8cutch, and American settlers dwelt toi^ether in harmony, — that the Sabbath schools were doing well, — that Bibles and Testaments sent by the American Bible Society were thankfully received, — and that (says lie) " I have much reason to bless God lor my appointment to the new settlements of Upper Canada.'' The other mission, on the Grand Kivcr, had an encourag- ing beginning. The missionary, Mr. Torry, thus describes his labours : — " Having received my appointment, by the bishop, to labour among the scattered and destitute inhabitants on the Grand river, 1 set off for my appointment, and reached it by the last of August. I commenced my labours among the whites at the mouth of tho river, trusting in Him who by his Spirit had impressed my mind to visit these insulated settlements. From this place, 1 pursued my route up the river— now passing an Indian town, then preach- ing to a few white families, till I reached the uppermost settle- ment (of the lower part of the Reservation) of the whites, about 25 miles from the mouth of the river. Thence west into the town- ships of Kainham and Walpole, forming a route of about 140 miles, and ten appointments, to be performed once in two weeks. In every place, I found the inhabitants well disposed towards the Gospel, and doors were opened for preoching in every neighbour- hood I visited." The term Reservation applied to a tract of country, reserved I for ever for the use of the Indians, called the Six Nations, by 516 HISTORY OV METHODISM [1823. iW the British Government-. The tract was a fine block of land, mostly in woods sixty miles from north to south, and twelvn miles from east to west. It was {riven to tlio Iroquois, or Six Nations, at the termination of the revolutionary war, because they had assisted the British forces, under their celebrated chief, Ciipt. Joseph Brant (or Tyendenaj^:i), on the frontier, diffusing terror among the settlers, and to compensate the lods of the hunt- ing grounds in the Mohawk valley. The rceorvation was equal to six townships. The Cayugas settled nearest the mouth of the river ; next the Oneidas on the west, and the Scnecas on the east of the river; then the Tui-caroras on the west and tho Onondagas on the cast ; and lastly, the Mohawks occupied tho north. There wore also other Indians, besides whites and negroes, who had been allowed by tho Six Nations to settle on the lands. The Indians on the Grand River, — so called, as it was the largest stream in Upper Canada, except the Rideau nnd the Trent, — now numbered about 2000 persons. All tho Indians were pagans but the Mohawks, who professed to belong to the Church of England. Fifty miles from tho mouth of the river was the village of the Mohawks, in which was an old church, the oldest in the Province ; in which the minister from Ancaster would occasionally perform religious services; and at other times, the catcchist, as he was called, Henry Aaron Hill, one of the chiefs, would read in the Mo- hawk tongue the prayers of the church. But the Christian Indians were no better, but rather worse, than the heathen tribes for dancing, drunkenness, quarreling, and fighting. The Cayugas and Onondagas were the most moral and orderly of all the Indians. The missionary did not confine his labours to the whiten, but sought for opportunities to preach to the Indians. Several times he held meetings among the Delawares at the mouth of the river. Twenty attended the first time ; afterwards, more. They understood English, and tears shewed they felt the truth. He gave them two Testaments and some religious tracts. The Cayugas and 'Onondagas were very unfriendly to the Gospel, on the ground that the Mohawks were no better for it ; but their principal men laboured greatly to prevent polygamy and drunkenness. In the case of a drunken mem- ber of the tribe, the chief men would summon him to a coun- iijij [1823. <;k of land, and tweWo uois, or Six var, because bvated chief, ier, diffusing lofthchunt- 1 was equal to mouth of the lecas on the fest and the occupied the 8 whites and 18 to settle on -go called, as pt the Rideau sons. All the , professed to lilos from the iwks, in which I in which the •form religious be was called, id in tbc Mo- the Christian n the heathen fijrhting. The and orderly of 5 to tbe whiten, idians. Several it the mouth of fterwards, more. J they ielt the some religious very unfriendly :s were no better eatly to prevent a drunken mcnv n him to a coun- 1823.] IN CANADA. 217 oil meeting, at which united efforts would be mado to produea humility and reformation, partly by exhortationB and entreat ea, and partly by exaotin{;, publioly, certain humiliating oere* monies. Iir obstinate cases, councils had been hela for i fortnight, before sif^ng of contrition appeared. The raiiutionary also wont up the river, and preached to the Tuscaroraa and the Mohawkti, who were pleased with the visits. But the best prospect for the Gospel, prior to the Oonferenee, was among the settlers in Rainham and Walpole, two to "nships on the lake, and bordering on the reservation ' nu'nber of persons were seeking the salvation of the; ■ '■ ^Ibles and tracts were earnestly inquired for, and tl . .... ^ . .ocived Prior to the labours of the first Methodist missionary on the Grand River, soniuthing had been done for the good of the Indians. Occasionally, a few Indians would hear the Gospel with the white congregations ; perhaps, small Indian congregations might be addressed by some itinerant preacher. The Mohawks on the Grand River were already Christiana outwardly, and were oared for by the Church of England. But no conversions were known among any of the tribes in the Province. The first step towards this great end of the Gospel was taken by a poor but pious shoemaker, living near the Mohawks, named Edmund Stoney. He was also a loeal preacher in the Methodist connexion. Seeing the wicked lives and the danger of the poor Indians, he felt compassion, and sought access to them, by means of prayer meetings in the houHO of Gaptain Thomas Davis, a chief; — who was well disposed towards Ihe Gospel, as he held morning prayers in his house, and w «s joined by his neighbours, to whom he read portions of the Scripture, and the church prayers in Mohawk. Stoney also occasionally preached ; and thus a few of the Indians became awakened. The second step was taken by Seth Crawford, a pious young man from the eastern states. After his conversion, he was led to believe that he ought to lay aside all worldly concerns, and devote his life to evangelizing the Indians. He was con firmed in his conviction of duty by a remarkable dream. After great inw.ird resistance to the conviction, he yielded, and was providentially led to Upper Canada, and to these Mohawk L 218 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1823. I Indians, early in the spring of 1823. He introduced himself to the Indians, as one that desired to learn their language, and to instruct their children. They consented that he should live with them, and fare as they fared. And now he took every opportunity to instruct the people in the way of salva- tion. It was after he came, that the first awakenings took place. The third step was the conversion of an Indian youth, named Peter Jones. He was born on the heights of Burling- ton Bay, Canada West, January 1st, 1802. His father, Augustus Jones, was a surveyor, and in exploring the forest became intimate with two Indian women. After hearing the Methodist preachers, be was converted. He put away one of the women, the mother of Peter, who went off with her tribe, and married the other, a daughter of a chief of the Ojebway Indians. The child was brought up by the mother in the customs and superstitions of her people. For fourteen years, he lived in and wandered about the woods with the tribe in Canada and United States. He was named KaJikeivaquonabi/, which means, sacred waving feathers, referring to feathers plucked from the eagle. He was taught to use the bow and arrow, and afterwards was expert with the gun, and also in the use of the canoe and spear to catch fish. In 1816, how- ever, his father sent him for nine months to an English school, in the township of Saltfleet, where he was taught to read, write, uud cypher. His family now moved from the head of the lake Ontario to the Grand Kiver, and settled among the Mohawks. In 1820, he was baptized in the Mohawk church, at the desire of his father, and began to think the Christian religion true. But when he saw the whites get drunk, quarrel, fight, and cheat the poor Indians:, he thought the Indian's religion the best. Though a wild Indian youth, he never fell into the vice of drunkenness. In 1822, he worked at brick- making in the summer, and went to school in the winter. In the spring of 1823, he lived with his father, and worked on his farm, near the Mohawk village. He became acquainted with Seth Crawford, whose piety and cor^passion for the Indians made a deep impression on his mind. At this time, E. Stoney, came to the village and preached at the house of the Mohawk chief, Thomas Davis, to such of the Indians as 1823.1 IN CANADA. 219 could understand English ; and among the rest to young Jones, on the subject of the new birth. On Friday, 1st June, he, with his sister Mary, visited the camp meeting, then begun in the township of Ancastcr, to see how the Methodists worship- ped the Great Spirit in the wilderness. William Case, the Presiding Elder of the district, Isaac B. Smith, the preacher on the circuit, George Ferguson, from the Long Point circuit, and other preachers, with Edmund Stoney, were present. The encampment contained about two acres, enclosed by a brush fence. The tents were pitched within this circle, having all the under-brush taken away, leaving the tall trees standing for a shade. There were three gates leading into the encamp- ment. The people came from around, and from distances of ten, twenty, and even fifty miles, in wagons. On Saturday, after hearing the faithful sermons, and witnessing the prayer moetiijgs, he began " to feel very sick in his heart." On Sun- day, in all the sermons, *' I thought," says he, '* the blackcoats knew all that was in my heart, and that I was the person addressed." *' In spite of my old Indian heart, tears flowed down my cheeks, at the remembrance of my sins." On Mon- day, his distress of mind increased. In the evening, he was invited and led into the prayer meeting. Tired, he went at midnight to his tent, and fell asleep. But was soon awoke, by G. Fergusson and E. Stoney coming with a light, telling him his sister Mary was converted, and he must go back to the prayer meeting. He found his sister as happy as she could be ; and she exhorted him to seek the Lord, telling what great things the Lord had done for her. Continuing in prayer until the dawn of the day, he was enabled to claim the atonmg blood of Jesus. *• That very instant my burden was removed, joy unspeakable filled my heart, and I could say, Abba, Father. The love of God being now shed abroad in my heart, I loved him intensely, and praised Him in the midst of the people. Every thing now appeared in a new light, and all the works of God seemed to unite with me in uttering the praises of the Lord. The people, the trees of the woods, the gentle winds, the warbling notes of the birds, and the approaching sun, all declared the power and goodness of the Great Spirit. And what was I, that I should not raise my voice in giving glory to God, who had done such great things for me ?'' Here we see 220 HISTOIlY OF METHODISM [1823. that the conversion of an Indian and of a white man is by the same process, and is followed by the same result. On Tuesday, a fellowship meeting was held, and among the numbers who rose up to acknowledge their late conversion was Peter Jones and his sister Mary. When the Presiding Elder saw the young Indian, he exclaimed, •' Glory to God ! there stands a son of Agustus Jones, of the Grand lliver, amongst the con- verts. Now ia the door opened for the work of conversion among his nation 1" A declaration that was soon proved true. Soon after the camp meeting, Alvin Torry came and preached at Thomas Davis', and gave notice he would come to Davisville, or the Mohawk village, once a month. The following is the Missionary's own statement of the first visit to the Mohawks, and what followed during the time of Conference : — *' "When I visited and preached to these Indians last June, I found several under awakenings; for they had beard occasionally a ser- mon from brothers Whitehead, Storey, and Matthews ; and had for some time been in the habit of coming together at the house of T. D. to hear prayers in the Mohawk. Several manifested much concern, and appeared very desirous of the prayers and advice of the pious. These, with two youths who had lately received reli- gious impressions at the Aiaaster camp meeting, I formed into a society, giving charge of the society to brother S. Crawford, His account of the progress of the revival during my absence to con- ference I here insert, from his letter to me. We must beg some indulgence from being particular, considering that the subjects of this work are the first-fruits unto Christ, and that this revival may be seen in the native simplicity of these artless Indians. Brother C.'s account is as follows : — " ' During your absence to the conference I have continued to meet with our red brethren every week, giving them public dis- courses, as well as answering their anxious enquiries concerning the things of God. The Lord has indeed been gracious to this people, i)Ouring out his Holy Spirit on our assemblies, and thereby giving the spirit of penitence, of prayer, and of praise. About the first who appeared deeply concerned for their souls were two women. One of them had, about fourteen years ago known the way of the Lord, and had belonged to our society in the Alleghany. Having been a long time without the means of grace, she had lost her comforts ^d her zeal for God; but now, being again stirred up to return to the Lord, she became useful to others of her sex who were inquiring for the way of life. The other was a woman of moral deportment, and of respectable standing among her nation, but of great and painful afflictions : by a series of family [1823. an is by the )n Tuesday, umbers who Peter Jones ier saw the ire stands a :>st the con- [' conversion proved true, ind preached ;o Davisville, )wing is the le Mohawks, June, I found ionally a ser- iws ; and had at the house lifested much a,nd advice of received reli- formed into a raw ford. His )sence to con- ist beg some he subjects of 8 revival may ans. Brother continued to m public dis- ;s concerning icious to this 3, and thefeby 3. About the lis were two ;o known the le Alleghany. , she had lost again stirred jrs of her sex was a woman 5 among her ries of family 1823.] IN CANADA. 221 trials she had been borne down with overwhelming sorrows. To this daughter of affliction the other woman gave religious counsel, urging that if she would give her heart to tiie Lord he would give comfort to her mind, as well as direct and support her in her worldly troubles. She listened to these things with much concern, and as she went to the spring for water she turned aside several times to pray. At length, under a sense of her unworthiness and sinfulness, she sunk to the earth, and was helpless for some time. When she recovered strength she came into her house, and calling her children around her they all kneeled down to pray. While at prayer a Avcight of power came on them — the daughter of fifteen cried aloud for mercy, and the mother again sunk to the floor. Th(! daughter soon found peace, and praised the Lord. While the mother was yet mourning and i)iaying, the youngest daughter, not yet four years of age, first kneeled by her mother, praying : then coming to her sister, she says, " Onetye ragh a gwogh nos ha ragh ge hea steage ? Onetye ragh a gwogh nos ha ragh ge hea steage?" that is, *' Why don't you send for the minister ? why don't you send for the minister ?" showing thereby a religious concern and intelligence remarkable for one of her age. The mother soon after obtained peace. She with her children are now a happy family, walking in the enjoyment of the Holy Comforter. Thus did the Lord bring these sincere inquirers to the knowledge of himself, while they were alone, calling on his name. " ' Another instance of extraordinary blessing among this people was on Sabbath, the 27th of July last, when one of our brethren came to hold meeting with them. During singing and prayer there was such melting of heart and fervency throughout the assembly ; — some trembled and wept, others sunk to the floor, and there was a great cry for mercy through the congregation. Some cried in Messessaugah, " Chemenito ! Kitta maugesse, chemuche nene," &c. ; that is, " Great good Spirit I I am poor and evil," &o. Others in Mohawk prayed, " O Sayaner, souahhaah sadoeyn Roe- waye Jesus Christ, 'landakweanderhek ;." that is, " O Lord, the only begotten Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us 1" Others were en- couraging the penitents to cast their burdens on the Lord. Otherg again were rejoicing over their converted neighbours. In this manner the meeting continued throughout the day. While these exercises were going on a little girl ran home to call her mother, who came directly over to the meeting. On entering the room where the people were praying she was smi*;ten with conviction, and fell down crying for mercy. While in this distress her hus- band was troubled lest his wife should die, but was happily disap- pointed when, a few hours after, her sorrows were turned ini,o joy, and she arose praising the Lord. From this time the husband set out to serve the Lord, and the next day he also found peace to his soul, as I will hereafter relate. During the day several found the Saviour's love, and retired with great peace and comfort ; while m 222 HISTORY OP METHODISM [182d. others, with heavy hearts, wept and prayed aa they returned com- fortless to their habitations. The next day I visited them, when they welcomed me with much affection, declaring what peace and happiness they felt since their late conversion. A number soon came together, among wliom was the Indian who, the day before, was so concerned for his wife. His convictions for sin appeared deep, and his mind was in much distress. We joined in prayer for him ; when I had closed an Indian woman prayed in Mohawk. While she was with great earnestness presenting to the Lord the case of this broken-hearted sinner, the Lord set his soul at liberty. Himself and family have since appeared m\ich devoted to the service of the Lord. The next morning, assisted by an interpreter, I again preached to the Indians. After the meeting, observing a man leaning over the fence weeping, I invited him to a neighbour- ing thicket, where I sung and prayed with him. I then called on him to pray ; he began, but cried aloud for mercy with much contri- tion of spirit ; but his tone was soon changed from prayer to praise. The work is spreading into a number of families. Sometimes the parents, sometimes the children, are first brought under concern. Without delay they fly to God by prayer, and generally they do not long mourn before their souls aie set at liberty. The change which has taken place among this people appears very great, and, I doubt not, will do honour to the cause of religion, and thereby glorify God, who has promised to give the Gentiles for the inheri- tance of his Son.' " And the account of the work of God among the Indian!?, Mohawks and Delawares, after the Conference, is here given . " On my return from Conference I called and preached to the Mohawks, and have it on my plan to continue to attend to them in my regular route. After having explained the rules of society to them, twenty were admitted as members of society. It was a sea- son of refreshing to us all. On the 28th of September I again preached to them. The crowd was now such that they could not all get into the house. Their usual attention and fervour were apparent, and near the conclusion of the discourse the hearts of many were affected, and they praised the Lord for his power and goodness. In meeting them in class they appeared to be progres- sing finely, advancing in the knowledge and love of God. Several who had been under awakening, having now returned from their hunting, requested to be received, and were admitted into the society. The society now consists of twenty-nine members, three of whom are white persons. We have also a Sabbath school of Indian children, consisting of about twenty, who are learning to read. Some young men have kindly oftered their services to instruct them. This good work is about fifty miles from the mouth of the Grand river, about six miles from the Mohawk [182a. 1823.] IN CANADA. 223 turned com- them, when at peace and mirabei soon e day before, sin appeared in prayer for in Mohawk, the Lord the )ul at liberty, evoted to the n interpreter, J, observing a I a neighbour- hicn called on , much contri- ayer to praise, ometimes the nder concern, (rally they do The change jry great, and, , and thereby for the inheri- the Indians, s here given . jached to the ittend to them es of society to It was a sea- rcher I again they could not fervour were the hearts of his power and to be progres- God. Several led from their littcd into the nembers, three jath school of ire learning to eir services to niles from the the Mohawk village, and four miles north of the great road leading from An- onster to Longpoint. About twelve miles from the mouth of the Grand river another gracious work is commenced, among both Indians and whites.* About twelve have found peace to their souls, among whom are four of the Delaware tribe. This awaken- ing first took place in the mind of a white man — a notorious sin- ner. It was in time of preaching that the power of God arrested him. He wept and trembled like Belteshazzar. After meeting he came to me, saying, ' I don't know what is the matter with me. I never felt so before : 1 believe I am a great sinner, biit I wish to do better : what shall I do to be saved ?' I told him the Spirit of the Lord was upon him, to convince him of sin, and he must repent and turn to God. There is evidently a great change in this man, who we hope may be an honour to the cause of religion in this wicked part of the reservation. The awakening is prevail- ing in several families. We have twelve in society here. In the townships of Bainham and Walpole there arc still good appear- ances. Indeed, at most of my appointments we have the presence and blessing of the Lord ; so that our Misbionary friends will have no occ&s'on to repent the prayers they have offered, the money they have expended, and the tears they have shed in behalf of the once miserable and forsaken sinners, but now happy and blessed converts, on the Grand river. Much labour is now necessary, and 1 would gladly have assistance ; but my health is good, and I would not increase expenses. In weariness my mind is comforted, and my soul is delighted in feeding these hungry natives with the provisions of the gospel, 0, 1 could endure hunger, or sit down thankfully to their humble fare, or lio down in Indian wigwams all my life, to be employed in such a work as this, and especially if favoured with such consolations as at times I have enjoyed since I commenced my labours in this mission.' The Presiding Elder visited the Mohawks on the 24th September, and gives the following account : — " In company with a religious friend, we passed into the woods, and arrived at the Indian dwellings about nine o'clock in the morning, a time at which they generally hold their morning devo- tions. We were received with cordial kindness, and the shell was blown as a call to assemble for religious service. Soon the people, parents and children, were seen in all directions repairing to the house of prayer. When they arrived they took their seats with great solemnity, observing a profound silence till the service com- menced. Having understood that they were in the habit of sing- ing in the Mohawk, I requested them to sing in their usual man- * A fiiiiall Rott'eme it of whitt) people on the ladian landa here bordera on * Ktlle- tne-it of the Dolaira.re Indlanii. 224 HISTOBY OF METHODISM [1823. W i\\ net, which they did melodiouBly. The following verse in taken from the hymn, and the translation into English is annexed :•— ' .,,,,, ' sa yli ner Tak gwogh sni y6 noiigh No na yonk high sweagh s*, , \ • * Ke o ni a yak hi sea ny, -s ► :- Sa yk ner tea hegh sm'yeh.' £nlighten our dark souls, till they ■ ■ ' ' Thy sacred love embrace : Assist our minds (by nature frail) . ■'Vith thy celestial grace.' ' After the sermon several addressed the assembly in the Mohawk, and ihe meeting was concluded by prayer from one of the Indians in his native tongue. The use of ardent spirits appear to be entirely laid aside, while the duties of religion are punctually and daily observed. The hour of prayer is sounded by the blow- ing of the shell, when they attend for their morning meetings with the regularity of their morning meals. The Indians here are very desirous of obtaining education for their children, and they are making such efforts as their low circumstances will allow : for this purpose a school-house is commenced : a Sabbath school is now in operation, where about twenty children are taught the rudiments of reading, and we are not without hope of gceing a day school estahlished for the ensuing winter. Certainly this mission has been attended with the divine blessing beyond every expectation. It was not at first commenced with the pro- fessed design of converting the natives, (though they were had in view,) but for the benefit of the white inhabitants scattered over the Indian lands. The merciful Lord, however, has bicn pleased to endow the mission with abundant grace, and the friends of mis- sions may now renew their songs of gratitude and joy over thirty moTk) converted natives of the forest, together with an equal num- ber of converts among the white population." Thns began a remarkable work of God, among a people despised and regarded as outcasts. But though past the help of man. Id any thing too hard for the Lord ? Upper Canuda District. William Case, Presiding Elder. Niagara,— Ezra Adams, William Ryerson 453 Lyon's Creek,— John Parker 114 Ancaster and York,— Isaac B. Smith, D. Culp 424 Young Street,— John Ryerson, William Slater 240 Long Point,— David Shepherdson 3G I P<:i' Mil 1823.J IN CANADA. 225 Westminster,— Georfye Ferguson 475 London, — Robert Courson. Thames,— James Jackson, W. Griffis 274 Grand River Mission, — Alvin Torry 30 Mission to the New Settlements, —Thos, Demorest. York and New Settlements ItO Members, 2541 Bay Quinte District. , H. Ryan, Presiding Elder. Smith's Creek,— S. Belton, J. Atwood 394 Belleville,— Jacob Poole... .- 186 f Hallowell,— P. Smith, D. Wright . : 531 Bay Quinte and Kingston,— W. Chamberlain 486 Augusta, — T. Madden, Joseph Castle 506 Cornwall, — William H. Williams it2 Perth and Back Settlement Mission — Franklin Met- calf, Solomon Waldron 131 Rideau,— E. Heale)', C. Wood 315 Ottawa, - Kenneth McK. Smith 128 Kingston 60 Members, 2909 The last General Conference thought the formation of a Canada Conference too soon. As the General Conference was to sit again next year, the Genesee Conference, supposing that the delegates might now consider the time fully come, arranged that the first meeting of the new Conference should be in the viUage of Hallowell, in the Prince Edward district, Upper Canada. The first annual Report of the Genesee Conference Auxiliary Missionary Society, published in 1823, mentions that a number of branch societies were formed, and gives the report of three such societies formed in Canada, viz.: in Ancaster, Stamford, and Niagara. As those were the first i a the Province, the brief reports, showing the piety and liberality of the time?, claim a right of preservation in these pi;ges. The Secretary of the Ancaster branch writes to the Secretary of the Con- ference Auxiliary : — " A Missionary Society having lately been formed in this town- ship, as a branch to your Society, we beg leave to enclose to you, SlfBi- 111 22G HISTORY OF METHODIMM [182:!. a copy of the constitution, togother with tho namon of tho offlcorH and manngcTH for the present year ; au alHo to Hay, that tho Hum of ^7 33., currency, is lorwarded to your TrcaHuror. Wo ansuro you that we esteem it a privilege, to contribute to tho HUpport of an institution wlioso object is so noble, and wIiokii Missionaries in this country have been so laborious and Kuccessfiil," From the branch in tho township of HtamforJ, in which arc the celebrated falls of the Niagara river : — "In calling to mind tho state of society, when, thirty years ago, the gospel was first introduced into this country, and comparing it with the present state of improvement, effected by means of your Missionaries, we admire the change, and are persuaded that the labours of your Missionaries will not bo lost, nor tho aid afforded to Missionary Societies bo in vain. Indeed, who can road tho accounts of the work of God among tho Indians" [tho Wyan- dotts, still under the charge of tho Ohio Gonforonco, and accounts of the work were published in the Methodist Maga/Jnu, now cir- culating in Canada] " at Sandusky, and other missionary estab- lishments among the natives of the forest, without ardently desir- ing to take part in this good work ? Our donation, though small ($22 50c.), Is forwarded with our best wishes for tho prosperity and extension of your Society." In the Niagara circuit were two branches, which forwarded the sum of $47 (31c., remarking, — " In adverting to an event so laudiblo, and so expedient, as tho formation of Missionary Societies In Upper Canada, wo cannot but express our delight in the promptitude and zeal, which have been manifested by the people in this part, for tho piomotion of the Missionary cause. So that if tho inhabitants, more than thirty years ago, were first in petitioning" [that is, tho Oynfercnco of tho Methodist Episcopal Church for preachers], " so they arc not tho last to come forward to aid them in their labours, which have been rendered so essentially beneficial. Tho institution is with us now, * * At a time so auspicious as tho present ; at a season when almost every religious Institution is crowned witli abundant suc- cess ; at a time, especially, when your M'ssltmarlcs arc successfully bearing the cross, not only to the destitute and friendless of set- tlements entirely new, but also to the nations of tho {orent, tho Wyandotts, the Creeks," [in tho charge of tho South Carolina Con- ference] " and the Mohawks, wo feel that wo should bo criminal if we did not exert ourselves, in support of so good an undertak- ing. Indeed, our liberttlity appears but a reasonable service to aid in meeting the expenses Incurred by your Missionaries, while labouring for the moral and religious improvement of the newly formed settlements of this country. We request, therefore, that [18215. tho offlcorH 1 tho Hum of ) ftBHuro you ipport of ftn mlouaries in 1 which arc ty years ago, X compftting i)y mcatiR of sinuadcd that nor tho aid who can read ' [tho Wyan- and accounts ;ino, now cir- ionary cstab- rdcntly dcsir- though small >rosperlty and ich forwarded >cdlent, as tho wo cannot but Ich have been motion of the ro than thirty iferenco of tho cy are not tho ilch have been H with us now. a season when abimdant suc- iro HUccesHfuUy endless of sct- tho foresi, tho I Carolina Con- ild be criminal 1 an undertak- iftblo service to sionories, while it of the newly therefore, that 1823.] IN CANADA. 227 your Society will accept our humble offerings, as a tribute of bene- volence, of gratitude, and of duty." Tho Wyandott Indians had camping plact,' not only on the Sandusky river, in Ohio, and along the westcin shores of lake Erie, but in the vicinity of Detroit, in Michigan, and in the valley of the Canard river, near tho town of Amherstburg, in Upper Canada. The Rev. James B. Finloy, missionary to tho Wyandotts, sat out on a missionary tour, with three converted Wyandott Indians, from the Sandusky Mission, and crossed the Detroit river two or three days before Christmas, to visit a fragment of the nation on the Canada side. The three Indians first held some meetings with their friends, exhorting them to fly from the wrath to come. December 24th, the missionary discoursed three hours to the Indians, by his inter- preter, on the gospel plan of salvation. At tho close, twelve Indians were joined in society, and a leader was appointed. ••This" (says Mr. Finley) "was tho flrst Methodist Indian So- ciety formed in the Canadas ; and it was a wonder to all who heard of it; but God was in tho work, and inspired them to keep up their prayer and class meetings ; and I instructed them to go and get tho preachers who travelled on that circuit, to whom also I wrote on the subject, to come and take them into their regular work ; which they did. Hut this little class felt that it was a branch of the Sandusky mission ; and as many as could, would come over once or twice a year, to our quarterly meetings ; and our Indian exhorters would visit them several times in the year, and hold two and three days meeting with them. The work spread, and tho class was greatly increased." The first Indian society was formed in the summer, on the Grand River ; but the second was tho Wyandott class, on the river Canard. The class was cared for by the preaoherf, on the Thames circuit, and by the next Conference was increased to twenty members. Appointments of English Conference, Jambs Knowlan, Chairman. Quebec,— R. Williams 105 Montreal, — J. Knowlan 120 Kingston,— J. Hick 75 St. Armand's, -John De Putron 313 Melbourne, -J. Stinson , - 72f U i 228 HISTOBT OF METHODISM [1824. BtAnstead, — R. Pope 43 Shefiford,— M. Lang ISO Caldwell's Manor, — H. Pope 32 Odell Town, Bentonville and RusscI Town,— J. Booth 160 Ottawa,— One to be sent. Three Rivera,— Ditto 16 Members, 1081 1824. Sunday Schools were now common in the old settle- ments, and were valued and encouraged by all classes of people. Not only did private benevolence contribute to the schools, out the Upper Canada Parliament granted £150, for the *' use and encouragement of Sunday Schools," and of " indigent and remote settlements" in the purchase of books and tracts, for " moral and religious instruction.'' Squeamish politicians might rail at such public charities ; but they shewed u love of country in the givers, and thcfnople were not then opposed to Buoh glib. The members of the legislature, having heard of the Indians b^inning to receive the gospel, and the commencement of Bchools among them, very considerately extended the benefits of the Common School act, allowing schools for Indian chil- dren to share in the public grants. Books, periodicals, and newspapers*, were scantily supplied to, and not much desired by, the people as yet. The country was not old enough to give much encouragement and support to literature. Still, in the Methodist connexion, the Magazine was tolerably well circulated. No less than seventy subscribers were among the friends on the Bay of Quinte circuit alone Probably in most of the old circuits the Magazine was circu-^ lated to some extent. Newspapers were on the increase: nineteen were now published in Canada, and six of them twice a week. Quebec printed 4, (of which one was French, and 1 half French and English,) Montreal had 7, (one French,) Stansteul 1, Brock ville 1, Kingston 2, York 2, Niagara!, Queenston 1. Previous to 1809, there wf re four only. The noted company for buying and selling land, called the Canada Company, was now formed in Eng! ad. The corpo- ration bought up of the Government large tracts of the Clergy and Crown lancte, at a trifling price per acre, and sold again, [1824. 43 150 32 ISO 16 1824.] IN CANADA. 229 •B, 1081 be old settle- Bes of people. I schools, but the *' use and indigent and nd tracts, for ih politicians iwed u love of en opposed to 3f the Indians mencement of »d the benefits r Indian chil- mtily supplied The country . and support the Magazine ity Bubsciibers circuit alone sine was circu- the increase: I of them twice .8 French, and (one French,) 2, Niagara 1, ur only, land, called the id, The corpo- ts of the Clergy and sold again, in small lots, at a largo advance. It onco owned a vast block called the Huron tract, bordering; on lake Huron, comprising four or five of the present counties of Upper Canada. Besides which it had lots or blocks of land in nearly all the frontier townships on the St. Luwrcuco, the lake Ontario, and lake Erie ; also, in the townships bordering the Ottawa river ; and in a majority of the interior townships settled or surveyed. Emigration has been promoted by the Company ; but had the Government sold lands as low to individuals, emigration would have gone on faster. Besides, the Company, in holding back valuable lands, expecting higher prices, have greatly retarded the improvement of the country. WYANDOTTS. The Wyandott society on the Canard river, was visited by the Presiding Elder, on his western tour. Says he, — " When I was there, about the 10th of February, the Bocicty consisted of about twenty, and others were under co. ccrn. Bros. Jackson and Griffls (on the Thames circuit) preach to them statedly, and are much delighted with their Indian society. The change which -has taken place with these Indians is manifestly great. Among the converts, is an excellent interpreter, whose whole soul is filled with desire and concern for the salvation of his brethren. Another of some consequence, particularly in his feelings, is among the converts. The following relation will shew the change which has taken place in his feelings and views. The news had scarcely reached Detroit of the conversions on the Canard, when this once consequential native of the forest appeared at lovefeast, at the council house. He at length rose to acknow- ledge the Saviour of the Gentile, and among other things observed, ' Once me great man, — Big, — Captain, — /, — ^but all gone now.' " GRAND RIVER. In the spring of 1824, the first Methodist Indian church was built at Davisville. It was of hewed logs, afforded a com- fortable room, and was mostly erected by the Indian converts. Seth Crawford and Peter Jones superintended the building. It served for a day and Sabbath school. Two services were hjld every Sabbath, with school in the afternoon ; and during the week, two other meetings were held. Many Indians were barn again in this log chapel. The Mohawks on the Grand River, after their conversion, 330 HISTORY OF METHODISM [182+. were very nnxioue to have their children eduoated. A teacher was at hand, but there was no place to have a school in. "At rti-Ht, wo knew not what to »lo for n room, but wo wore noon provi(k'(l for in tliia ruHpect, for an Indian i-liiof (ThonmH Davis, a nol)lo lieartoU man), " wlio liad boon inado a happy Bubjuct of thu late roligiouH awakonint;, kindly oflcrcU'(| in prayer. When I had concluded, she began praying with niiuli contrition. Hut licr mourning wiih soon turn('e welfare of their children), and she prayed for the blessing of Ood's mercy on her penitent son. The next morning, the mother said, < What were your feel- ings last night, my son ? ' In the meeting, (said ho,) I was stand- ing up, looking on while the people were praying. At first, I thought them foolish. Then again, may be they getting ready to die. I am not ready. I have sinned against tlio Lord. I am wicked. Then I began to tremble, 1 came to my mother for hoi* prayers.' " Several children have found peace. Others are soeklng. Con- siderable piety is manifest in the deportment of the children : and they are often seen retiring to the thickets fur prayer ana praise," NEW SETTLEMENTS. The mission of the new settlements, west of York, was coiMniitted to the care of Thomas Domorest, — who began to trad in 1819, and had now laboured on the St. Lawrenop, Yoige Street, Thames, and Lyon's trcek circuits, and who gave the following report of the work : — " On my arrival at this station, the 19th August. I mot with bro- ther K. Heyland, a young preacher, who had boon sent on to my help by the Presiding Elder. Immediately, we proceeded to an enlargement of the circuit, by extending our route into the new •w 232 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1824. townships of Nassigowa, Eramosa, and Caledon. We soon found it necessary to add twelve appointments to the circuit, in order to supply the settlements with preaching. This addition increases the number of preaching places to thirty, which each of us attends once in four weeks, thereby affording au opportunity to the inhabi- tants of ten townships" [namely, tlie three mentioned, with Erin, Albion, Esquesing, Chinguacoucy, Toronto, Trafalgar, and Nelson] •* to hear preaching once in two weeks. In a circuit of three hun- dred miles, through new and incomplete settlements, it cannot be expected that we should have in every place large congregations. At one appointment our congregation is made up of two families, seven in number ; and to r&ach them, we rode a considerable dis- tance. But these are all who arc found in this part of the town- ship; and these few being \ery desirous of the means of grace, and more families being expected soon to increase the settlement, we do not consider our visits to these solitary families to be quite lost. To be sure, it is not so agreeable to ride ten or fifteen miles, to visit a few, as we do to visit some English families in Albion. But when, on our arrival, we witness the joy and friendship of the people, and their eagerness to hear the word preached, we are recompensed for our toils. Here females have travelled to preach- ing three or four miles on foot, through the woods, bearing young children in their arms : so desirous are they of attending the means of grace. "In Caledon, we have three congregations, — two of Scotch, and one of German, neither of whom are supplied by ministers of their own persuasion. The Highland congregation consists of about nine families. They speak the Gaelic, understanding the English but imperfectly. Yet they attend our meetings regularly, having been in the habit of constantly attending public worship in their own country. Custom will render English preaching more and more familiar, and we hope these honest destitute strangers may receive the friendly offers of the Saviour, whom we endeavour to recommend to them in terms as plain and familiar as possible. The Lowland congregation consists ©f about ten families. These understand the English, and are remarkable not only for their careful observance of the Sabbath, and a strict attendance on the hour of preaching, but also for memorising the substance of the sermon, and then repeating it to their families and friends when they return home. " Besides our regular tours, we have reached out to a settlement about twelve miles from any other inhabitants. This is in the township of Woolwich, on the falls of the Grand Biver, about one hundred miles from where the river enters into Lake Erie. Four years ago, four families from the city of London commenced this settlement. It now consists of ten families. They never heard a sermon till my visit on 17th December last ; and such is the diffi- culty of road, from this part of the country, that our visits cannot [1824. soon found , in order to on increases jf U3 attends the inhabi- a, with Erin, and Nelson] 3f three hun- it cannot be sngregations. two families, siderable dis- of the town- !ans of grace, \e settlement, es to be quite • fifteen miles, lies in Albion, endship of the [iched, we are lied to preach- bearing young attending the of Scotch, and jT ministers of )nsists of about ag the English [ularly, having orship in their ling more and strangers may } endeavour to ir as possible, [milies. These only for their ;ndance on the ibstance of the friends when Jto a settlement I This is in the liver, about one Ike Erie. Four lommenced this \ never heard a luch is the diffi- lir visits cannot 1824.] IN CANADA. 233 be very frequent. I was hospitably entertained by the principal- persons ; and they wished us to visit them as often as we could. The preacher now extending his labours between this and brother Torry's mission will more conveniently visit the settlement, the road being better from that part of the country, [i. e. the upper Grand River country, or township of Dumfries and Waterloo.] " Thus far through the year we have been toiling in this wilder- ness, and without seeing ine abundant fruit of our labours, which we hear of in the missionary stations. On this account we have had painful reflections and depressions of spirit. Then again, we reflect that we have preached the word to hundreds, who other- wise would not have heard a sermon. Four societies have been added to the number of last year. The societies generally are stead- fast and persevering, being much united in harmony and love ; and a few persons have been converted from the error of their waj's. From some late appearances, we hope for better days. The con- gregations in most places where the townships are well settled, are good, and many fflrvent prayers are ofl'ered that the word may be blessed. "I have mentioned an additional labourer : his services have been acceptable to the people, and usefully employed. Without such help, it would have been impossible to have attended to the wants of the sheep scattered through the wilderness ; and rather than these hungry and destitute souls should not be fed, I would forego the comforts of life willingly. The expenses of the mission this year, should there be anything for us, will be but about one hun- ' dred dollars, the people will be able to supply the wants of the additional labourer. And that is all they ought to be called on to do, in settlements so entirely new, the oldest of which is scarcely ' four years." [Dated Esquesing, head of Lake Ontario, March I 20th, 1824.] PERTH. The state of the work of God in the Perth settlement is [learned from the following communication of the preacher, I Franklin Metcalf : — ** At the last Genesee Conference I was appointed as a mis- Ifiionaiy to this new settlement, of which Perth is the principal Ivillage, With the assistance of brother Waldron, my worthy col- lleague, I have formed a fjiir weeks circuit; and notwithstanding |our difficulties have been many, and even discouraging, we have teiicceeded in establishing a society of upwards of one hundred in prth, and of forming societies in other parts of the circuit. In pne neighbourhood, a gracious and powerful work has been wrought^ [ind a society of about ff^rty has been formed, several of whom had Wen Roman Catholics. 234 HISTORY OP METHODISM [1824. " Among these happy subjects of grace, is an elderly lady of upwards of fourscore years of age To hear her expressions of gratitude to God for His pardoning mercy is truly delightful and encouraging. May God carry on the gracious work 1" !!: m I !Hi GENERAL CONFERENCE. For some time previous to the General Conferenca of 1824, many of the preachers and members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church were considering and discussing a change in the Government of the church, viz.: the introducing of laymen into the General an-.l Annual Conference. The Annual Confer- ence in 1823 elected their delegates, as for or against the new measure or reform. The Genesee Conference (including the Canada preachers) seem to have been mostly on the .side of reform, for, instead of sending the Presiding Elders to the General Conferenos, as iis'. ' nly one was sent (Fitcii Reed, the late preaeher in York , i u ' other eleven being preachers out of oflBce. Instead ot tau two Presiding Elders for the two Canada districts, Isaac B. Smith (appointed to Ancaster circuit and York) was chosen in place of William Case, and Wyatt Chamberlain (appointed to Bay of Quinte circuit and Kingston) in the room of Henry Ryan. Ryan came back from the Conference, vexed that he was not chosen as delegate. Since he was made Presiding Elder in 1810, he had been elected to the General Conferences (except! the first, in 1812). Now he was passed by. The reformers passed him by. He became violent against the reformers. All over his great district, from Port Hope Creek to the broad I Ottawa river, be sounded an alarm, and declared that if tlicl reformers succeeded, the whole church in the United StatesI and in Canada would be shivered to pieces. While not muchj liked by the preachers, Ryan was very popular among tliel people. A violent agitation began, especially in the Bay ofl Quinte country. To escape the peril of reform, the Canada! Methodiats were urged to seek a separation from the United! States. Captain Breakenridge, a local p-:cacher, living in theT vicinity of the Elizabethtown chapel, joined in the agitatioiil and became a leader with Ryan. The two called conventionsj and violently addressed the people. The conventions delej gated Ryan and Breakenridge to the General Conference, tq • , ? :i liii- f \ ■ • [1824. I 1824.] IN CANADA. 235 slderiy lady of expressions of delightful and I" renca of 1824, thodist Episco- change in the of laymen into Lnnual Confer- igainst the new (including the i on the side of r Elders to the nt (Fitcii Reed, being preachers Elders for the ted to Ancaster illiara Case, and uinte circuit and | that he was not .siding Elder in Inferences (except The reformers e reformers. All jek to the broad [laved that if the the United States While not mucli jular among the' \\y in the Bay of form, the Canada Ifroni the Unitedl (her, living in tM in the agitation. filled conventions, Conventions dele- [al Conference, tf elTect a separation. Petitions were numerously signed on the circuits of the Bay of Quinte district, praying the Conference to grant a separation ; but on the circuits of the Upper Canada district, the desire for separation was not strong, rather the feeling was aizainst it. On the 1st » f May, the General Conference assembled in the city of Baltimore. The three bishops, — McKendree, George, and Roberts, — were present. Also, two representatives from the English Conference, the Revs. Richard Reece and John Han- nah. The two delegates from Canada, appointed by the Gene- see Conference, took their seats. The two delegates appointed by the Bay of Quinte conventions appeared, asked for recep- tion, and were refused. A second cause of disappointment and umbrage to the Canadian Presiding Elder. But how could a local preacher be received at all? or a travelling preacher, except appointed by an Annual Conference ? Besides, Ryan was violently contending against lay delegation in Canada, and yet brought a layman as a delegate, to begin the system 1 The question of lay delegates in the Conference was referred to a committee, with the memorials and petitions for and against the change. After an able and full discussion, a report was adopted and sanctioned by the Conference, to tbe effect that the change desired was inexpedient. " 1. Because it would create a distinction of interests between the itinerancy and the membership of the church. " 2. Because it presupposes that either the authority of the Ge- neral Conference * to make rules and regulations' for the church, or the manner in which this authoriiy has been exercised, is dis- pleasing to the church, — the reverse of which we believe to ^e true. " 3. Because it would involve a tedious procedure, inconvenient in itself and calculated to agitate the church to her injury. "4. Because it would give to tL<>se districts which are conve- niently situated, and could therefore secure tlie attendance of their delegates, an undue influence in the government of the church." The separation of the Canada societies and preachers from [ the United States body, and the formation of an independent I church, with a resident bishop, was duly considered, with the petitions and memorials sent. The state of the eastern circuits in Canada was described as ''all in a blaze for separation." The opinion of the Canadian delegates was asked. Wyatt i! iiiH llli 236 HISTORY OP METHODISM [1824. fh; "Mi 1^ Chaiijborlain was not personally for separation, but for the sake of peace, both delegates advocated some concession. The Conference decided : — " I. That there shnll bo a Canada Conference under our super- intendency, bounded by the boundary lines of Upper Canada. " *. That a circular shall be addressed to our preachers and mem- bers included withii the bounds of the Canada C ties, by raising objections to our ministry as coming from the Unit'jd States. These objections were urged to the people here, and to the Committee at homo ; but when the measure proved unsuccessful, and the British Conference refused to sanction th3 requests made to tlium from political motives, these objections were tlien urged against us to the government of this country. Natural as it was, for political characters to listen to alarms on such a subject, some excitements were produced in the minds of men high in the Executive Department, and some events have rather increased than allayed these excitements. To us, therefore, it appears proper to apply for a separation, that by yielding to what might be thought to be the reasonable wishes of the govern- ment, we may obviate objections, and remove all suspicions of tho purity of our motives in preaching the gospel in this country. 4th To us it appears expedient and necessary, that the Societies here should be set off as a separate body, because that in the event of war between the two nations, the difficulties of intercourse between this country and the United States would render it ex- tremely hazardous, if not totally impracticable, as we are now situated, for tlio superintendents to discharge their duties in Canada. 5th. To us it appears expedient tiiat the societies here should become a Churcli, separate from the body in the United States, in order to secure privileges which are of importance for the prospe- rity of religion here. At present we are not permitted to perform the rights of marriage to our members ; nor indeed have we any legal security for one of our numerous Chapels in this Province ; and we have been assured that in our present relation we must not expect any extension of privileges. Though we cannot assure ourselves of such advantages by becoming a separate body, yet wt> can apply for those privileges with more confidence ; and we think we have ». -^son to hope that when petitions shall be presented to the government from an independent church in this country, our privileges will be granted and our property secured. These, brethren, are the reasons which have been presented to our minds, and which appear to us of weight and moment in favour of a separation, and in order to preserve the body of Methodists in this country from the most disastrous of all events— that of divi- sions among ourselves. 242 I118T0RY OF METHODISM [1824. CANADA MIB8I0NARY SOCIETY. In the time of the Conference, August 28th, a Conference Missionary Society was formed, auxiliary to tlie Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The constitution was in accordance with the parent institution. The first officers appointed were : — President, — Rev. Thomas Wliitchoad, Vice-President,— Hev. Thomas Mudclcn. Secretary, — Rev. John Ryerson. Treasurer, — Rev. Isaac B. Bmith. The infant society had some branches already established viz.: the An caster,* Lyons' Creek, Trafalgar, Thorald. Smith- ville, Salt Fleet (50 mile Creek), Bertie, Long Point, Ucveily, and Stamford, — and more would soon grow. The njissionnry spirit was greater in the west than in the cast, as these branches were all in the Niagara country. The total amount received at the Conference from the branches was $144; of which, the preacheis contributed $15. Niagara District. Thomas Madden, Presiding Elder. Niagara, — T. Demorest, Wm. Ryerson 4G'J Lyons' Creek, — Isaac B. Smith 107 Ancaster,— David Gulp 342 Long Point, — D. ShepheHson, T. Sovereign 292 Westminster, — George Ferguson , 300 Thames, — J. Jackson, Jos. Messmorc 321* St. Clair,— Wm. Griffis London,— Edmund Stoney 256 Dumfries, — Robt. Corson 120 Yonge Street and York, — W. H. Williams 330 York, — J. Atwood 31 New Settlements, — Rowley Heyland 162 Grand River, — Alvin Torry loof Chippewa and Grand River Falls, and new settlements near, — Henry Ryan Members, 2827 ' Twenty Indlaus. ^ Indlacfi, Ctt. [1824. Conference constitution The first y established orald, Sinith- oint, Beverly, he niipsioi'ii'y these branches uount received 44; of which, 462 107 .... 342 29'i .... 300 '..... a-ii* "..'..' 255 ' 120 .... 330 ", 31 " 162 loot ^ements Lbers, 282t 1824.] IN CANADA. 2-13 Bay Quinte District. Wm. CnRc, Presidinsr Elder. Sinith'.s Greek, — David Breakcnridgo, Anson Oreon.. 425 Belhivillo, — Samuel Helton 207 Hallowell,— K. Motcalf, J. roolo 51!) Hay Qiunto, — J. IlyorHon, W. Slater 517 Aiifj:u«ta, — \V. t'lianil)erlaln, P. Smith 567 Perth,— Ezra liealey 2.TI Ridean,— David Wright 3:i7 Cornwall, — Solomon Waldron, John Black 400 Ottawa,— George Jjirtsell 125 MembcrH, 3328 The fornuition of a new Conference did not much aflVet tlic pveiichcrs, as* only tliroo ceased to hiboiir in the Province, viz. : John Tarkcr, Jo.se()h Castlo, and Charles Wood ; the two former continued witli the Genesee Conference, and the latter settled on a farm. But six new tnen joined the new Confereneo on trial, viz. : Kowley Ileyland, Joseph Mesf^more, Edmund Stoney, (who had been so useful on the Grand lUver), George Sovereijjn, David Breakenridue, jiui., and Georjj,e Bissell ; so tiiat tiiere was no lucl jI labourers.^- Besides the labourers on the circuit?, then were attached to the new Conference live superannuated preachers; i'our from the (iene«ee Conference, viz.: Thomas Whitehead, Wm. Brown, James Wilson, Peter Jones, and <« lodges and processions sprung up, .ibout this time, in different parts of the country ; and in the Conference, there was a strong ibeling against Free Mason institutions, evidenced by the passing of the following resolution : — Resolced, — That this body consider it contrary to the spirit of the Gospel, and the feelings of its members, for any Methodist • Aiiif)ii (Jreon, .rilii) ISlacl-, anl Daniul McMullii commojcod tUt ir ministry at tlii:i Ci'iiitM'inH' under the tliitcUoa ol lliu cbuif.iiau. !:!^ 244 HISTORY OF METHOD iSil [1824. minister to become n member of, or frequent any Mnronic lodge ; and in order to prevent the evil ariHing from this Bourcc, wo ReBolve, secondly, Tliut if any travelling miiiiRtcr is known to join or frequent such lodgcR, he shall be dealt with as in other cases of improper conduct." CIRCULAR TO THE 3IETFI0DIST SOCIETIES. To satisfy the members desiring separatioti fiom the United States body, and to promote peace and harmony in the Bocieties, the Conference ordered the following circular to be sent to all parts of the work : — To the Members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Upper Canada : Very Dbak Brethren, — Wo, the ministers and preachers who compose the Canada Conference, are desirous, through this me- dium, to express the ardent desire wo feel, that your peace may be established, and that your happiness and prosperity may still continue, and increase more and more. As it respects the subject of separation, we are happy to state, that the momentous concern is now so adjusted as to give, wo hope, gcni'ial^satisfaction. This has been accomplished by a con- ciliatory plan^ judiciously concerted and adopted, to unite tlio views of the travelling and local ministers in obtaining theobjccl, (I. e, a separate connexion in Canada,) througli the proper channel. And as our views are now harmonising, we arc led to expect, that our beloved brethren on the various circuits in Canada will, with us, cordially unite in this respect, that we may look forward, with humble confidence, foF a favourablo is.;ue. For a farther expla- nation of our views, and the measures going into operotion, rela- tive to the subject, we lefer you to the Presiding Elder of your District. And now, dear brethren, may the God of peace and truth be with you, and guide you in all your ways ; that, in all wisdom and good- ness, you may still abound more and more, is the sincere and daily prayer of your devoted servants who are still permitted to labour amongst you in word and doctrine. Brethren, pray for us, James Wilson, Sub-Secretary. Elder Ryan (as he was usually called) at the Conference appeared satisfied with the arran}];enient8 for a future separa tion. But the appointment of a man so conspicuous to the humble office of missionary to the Grand River falls new set- tlements was another mortificalion, to himsoif and friends. To remain down, quietly, is not so hard to grace and nature ; but to come down, and '' therewith to be content," is not easy for ah ambitious spirit. But as the Presiding Elder had broken [1824- ,(ionlc lodge i myed extempore. The Spirit rested on the assembly in mighty ; wer, and they glorified God with loud voices. Some were so uUed with the blessed Comfoi-ter that thoy could scarcely walk home ; and when I retired from tho meeting, the old chief was heard in the woods alone, shouting glory and praise to his redeem- ing God. In all this, I saw nothing of vanity or art, but tho ofi'u- sions of overflowing souls. The tears which flowed, together with the weighty expressions of love and gratitude, eviduuco the since- rity of their hearts. " Tuesday and Friday evenings are our stated times for prayer meetings : all who are disposed arc invited to pray. Hlnners and mourners are especially prayed for. If an Indian is overtaken in a fault, the rest hasten to his relief ; and they seldom cease suppli- cation until he is reclaimed from tho error of his way. The ardour 246 11 [STORY OF METHODISM [182t manifested on these occasions, I have seldom seen in other socie- ties : so faitlifnl arc they in helloing one another in the way to heaven ; and the answers to prayer which they obtain are power- ful and soniL'times overwhelming. This was remarkably manifest at a prayer meeting lately, liather dull in the beginning, but wrestling prayer was succeeded by songs of joy and shouts of praise. When the meeting was over, the Indians were in such a happy state of mind, that they were loath to separate, and conti- nued singing. As I retired to my lodgings, the melcdious voices of these happy Indit.ns reverberated through the woods with a solemnity I cannot forget. Surelj, thought I, this scripture is fulfilled in my hearing, ' The wilderness and solitary place shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as a rose.' " The school was now increased by two chiefs of diflferent tribes, pitdiing tents near the houses lor the purpose of having their children " i-ead the great Book." Tiie pious wife of Captain John, one of the Chippewa chiefs, was also a scholar. The number of members at the chapel was 44, seven of them whites. The Grand River reservation was a strong hold of Satan, for drunkenness and licentiousness, and accompanying gins, among the Indians and whites. The house of a white man was, for many years, the resort for the drunken and aban- doned of whites and Indians. Hearing the gospel, he was convicted of sin, and converted to God ; and was appointed a class leader to his converted neighbours. He cleared off ihe loose men and women around him, and opened his house to the worship of God. The converted Indians were often tempted to drink rum and whiskey by keepers of low taverns and stores. Some pious Indians lately went into a store, and were asked to drink, and accepted a glass. They were pressed to drink again, they were " welcome to drink freely what they pleased. A little more, would surely do them no harm." But they declined. Urged still, they asked " Have you Bible?" "Yes, we have Bibles," and shewed some. One of the Indians opened the leaves, and exclaimed, '' Oh ! much gospel, very good. Much whiskey, no good !" And in tliis artless way the store- keeper was reproved, and dropped further ent.eaty.'i^ * An Indian though uneducnted is often Blirewd. At a revival meotlng, in the western part of Ohio, an int«>lligeut converted Indian chief appeared. Ue waH on buKinesB to the IndiauaAgents, and was carious to see how white people worshipped [182 1 1825. J IN CANADA. 247 n other socie- in the way to xin arc powor- .ably luauifust oginnint?, but md shouts of vcrc in such a ite, and conti- Icdious voices woods with a is scripture is ,ry phice shall blossom as a s of diflferent ■pose ol' having pious wife of also a scholar. seven of them strong hold of accompanying ise of a white ken and aban- ^ospel, he was IS appointed a cleared off -the lis house to the often tempted irns and stores. were asked to ssed to drink t they pleased. But they Jible?" "Yes, ndians opened 5l, very u,ood. way the store- ity/'i^ val meotlng, in the poarod. lie was on people worBhipped In the fall and winter, many of tlve Misslssauga or Chippewa tribe of the Ojebway nation, wandering about the shores of lake Ontario, hearing of theii* kinsman's great change (Petei? Jones), were indue :'d to come up to the Mohawk' settlement, and see whether the truth had been told. Thus they were brouglit under the sound of the gospel ; and many were con* verted and made happy in the Lord. 1825. — The pious teacher, Seth Crawford, — after remain- ing among the Indians two year.?, learning the language, instructing the chilJren, and conducting religious meetings, — left tlie M jhawk settlement, April Gth, for bis native home. He had won tlie esteeai and love of the Indians; and they parted with him in sorrow and tsars, and, when gone, the young people of the Indians prayed fervently for his safe jour- ney, welfare, and return. The name of Seth Crawford will always be associated with the history of the reformation of the Mohawk and Mississauga tribes on the Grand River in Uppsr Canada. His living among the Indians, setting an example as well as applying precept, was an important event in the early change of the people from heathenism or formality to the gospel. A camp meeting was held, on Yonge Street, fourteen miles from York, beginning June 7th and closing on the lOth. The meeting was not numerously attended, from 500 to a thousand, but was rendered very profitable. A weighty dis- course at the beginning, from the text, ^^ Lord, help me," made a deep impression. Several discourses were delivered each day, with prayer-meetings in the intermediate time. God. The weathor wn' "cdUJ, and the frame niBetlna; house \\%<\ no stove ; hat iron pots and kflttJes full of live couls worn set \n the aisles. On the Sibbath ereninf;, vrtiile the poopio were eneasced in praying and 8tno>{nf; at the altar, some oareleis yonnj? men came to one of the kettlep, laui^hin^ and talking, to light olgarg. The Indian warming himself, was asto-tUhed at such conduct. At last he cried, "Waugh I" adding, •• Th^ae young men bad too much, — these youn? men bad too much. These young men have not been blessed with good preachers ; or they would not be bad too much." He then spoke to tho company around the Arc, explaining what he meant bvr goo 1 prpachors. " Some mon," said ho, " preach with nil their heart ;" putilng his right hand nt the beginning of his loft, meaning that they were wholly Riven up to tho business. "Th?n the people will be good." "Some men." said he, moving liis right hand to the middle of his li'ft, «' only preach with half their lio.arts ; ther do some good." lie then moved his right hand to the middle ot his left middle flnger, continuing his apt measurement, and cried '• mighty little I" H« then moved ht^ hand to thacnd of his fingers, paused for nearly a minute. collectiu(( his breath, when be blew a tremendous puff, and cried out, " It's all wind t" 248 HISTORY OP METHODISM [1825. flll Above sixty persons profefsed a change of heart, as the result of the meeting, and many more appeared awakened and peni- tent. THE MISSISSAUGAS. Another camp meeting was commenced at Mount Pleasant, five miles from the Grand River, June 24tb, — principally noted for promoting the work of God among the Mississauga In- dians. The day before, a party of Indians, with Peter Jones, ■went to the ground, and set up the tents, on one side of the encampment. The whites had the other side. The next morning, about 100 Indians, men and women, were on the ground, and in time for the first service ; about 50 were pro- fessors of religion. On Sunday, Thomas Davis, the Mohawk chief, addressed the Indians in their own language. "With eyes filled with tears, and an elegance of gesture natural to the children of the forest, he held the attention of all. Among many other things, he told his poor brethren, that when their moccasins were worn out, God would send them more ; that if their corn was poor. He would provide ; and that, after toil and hunting were over, He would take them to heaven, — pro- vided they continued faithful to the Heavenly Father. He was followed by Peter Jones, — who had for some months en- gaged in speaking publicly to his people. First, he spoke to the Indians, in the Chippewa tongue. Then he addressed the whole assembly in English. He said that he was converted about two years before, at a camp meeting. With a heart overflowing with gratitude, he thanked the white people, and the Methodists in particular, for sending the Gospel to the Indians, delivering so many from heathenism and intemper- ance. He said that sixty Indians had been converted and could testify the lorgiveness of sins, through the merits of Christ. If they would continue their eftbrts, among the Indians, all the tribes would soon be brought to the knowledge of God. He added, that the prayer in which the Indian con- verts shewed the greatest earnestness was, that the Lord would keep them from drinldng wlmhey. He en created the whites still to pray for the Lord to pour out the Spirit upon the Indians. The address from an old chief and an Indian youth, with the sight of so many christian Indians, made a powerful [1825. IS the result &d and peni- int Pleasant, cipally noted isissauga In- Peter Jones, J Bide of the }. The next , -were on the t 50 were pro- ;, the Mohawk guage. "With natural to the • all. Among lat when their m more ; that that, after toil heaven, — pro- ^ Father. He me months en- st, he spoke to 5 addressed the vras converted "With a heart ite people, and Gospel to the and intemper- con verted and the merits of s, among the the knowledge ;he Indian con- he Lord would itcd the whites pirit upon the 1 Indian youth, lade a powerful 1825.] IN CANADA. 249 impression on the large congregation, in favour of helping the Indian race. Fourteen natives were converted at the camp meeting, — some Mohawk, most of them Mississaugas. It was remarkable, before, at and after the camp meeting, that the Mississaugas were so easily persuaded to receive the (jospel, as they were wholly pagan, in all respects, and the most beastly, drunken, dirty natives in the country, — the very lowest among the low. Yet, when they heard the word of God, they believed at once; and some were brought to an awakened state as sinners, by the first discourse. ISome were convinced and eon- verted at the same meeting. After the camp meeting, conver- sions were frequent, times of refreshing continued, and the pious Indians (said the missionary) " appeared as happy as they could live." Conversion among the Indians wrought outwardly, as among the whites ; Jacob, a Mohawk, was an instance, lie was a man of good disposition, and amiable manners ; industrious in firming, and comfortable in his home ; and seldom allowed himself in intoxication. He was thought to be good and happy, and so he thought too, until he heard the gospel in power. He was convinced of his sin, and sought the Saviour. He found peace at the camp meeting, and returned home a happy christian ; and soon after his wife and two daughters were converted. He was no longer indiflFerent to the degrada- tion and sins of his people, but he went from cabin to cabin, saying, " 0, my brethren, do not these abominable things The Great Spirit is angry. You must die. Now consider where the wicked man must go." Jacob urged the new birth, and told his people. "We must be born new men. Our hearts new. His spirit makes us new heart. Then, oh, much peace, much joy." He was now importunate for a school in his part of the reservation. Another instance is an Indian who was so given to drun- kenness, that he would part with any thing for whiskey. He once oli'ered to sell his only bullock, and because the person would not purchase, ia a rage he attempted to destroy the animal. Another time he liad sold all the clothes of any worth, and now stole the seed corn which his wife had put away, tor planting in the spring; for the care of the cabin, and the labour of the field too, devolved on the squaws. Ha 250 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1825. offered the corn for whiskey ; but the seed was purchased by a friend and returned to the poor woman. When intoxicated, he was very quarrelsome, and often returned home naked, bruised and scaired in a shocking manner, like the man pos- sessed of an unclean spirit, and coming from the tombs. (Mark v. 2.) But, what a change ! Ha is kind to his f imily, lives a life of prayer, " clothed in his right mind, and sitting at the feet of Jesus," in his ordinances. He is industrious, and anxious to pro ide for his family. The gospel to the Indian is especially the '* promise of the life that now is," and a true inward religion bears fruit outwardly in an Indian aa well as a white. The Missisaugas had never been used to settled work. Hunting and fishing were their delight and their living. A good number were now collected about the chapel and school. What should these new Christians do for their support ? Th^ jy were inclined to settle, and till land, and rove as little as pcs- sible. The Mohawk chief lent them some ground. In tie spring, Peter Jones, with the men of his tribe, set about clear- ing the land, enclosing, ploughing, and planting it. The men were awkward in their first attempts, but they succeeded in putting in some fields of corn and potatoes. After the camp meeting, the men engaged in hoeing. July 1st, the crop, though injured by the frost, looked well, and a good harvest was in prospect. And this was the first essay at farming by the Missisauga Indians in Canada. The Indian society was now increased to 70 members. THE PRESENTS AT THE CREDIT RIVER. The Missiasaugas received notice from the Indian agent, to repair to the Credit to receive the usual annual presents and payments, for surrendering their lands. July 4th to the 6th, the people were employed in getting themselves ready. They were two days in travelling, and arrived at the Credit by the sunset of the 8th, and pitched their wigwams. Peter Jones held a prayer meeting in the evening with them. The next day, he waitec jn the- agent. Colonel Givens, in York. On | k 1825.] IN CANADA. 251 Gulp preach. At threa o'clock, Peter Jono* preached by the river Credit, to about 300 people, whites and Indians, first ia Indian and then in English. The power of the Lord came upon some of the Indians, and they fell to the ground, some rejoicing, and some crying for pardon. To close up the day, a clas3 meeting was held among the Indians before sunset ; and thus these poor Indiana spent the Lord's day, who a few months ago, were wandering the woods, and knew not one day from another. On Monday, some of the Indians went to the mouth of the river, to fish, and caught 40 salmon. A letter came from the Indian agent, requesting the Indians to come on to the Humber river, twelve miles from the Credit, and receive their payments and presents on Wednesday. On Tuesday, the tribs moved on to the Humber, fixed their wigwams, and assembled for prayers at sunset. Peter Jones exhorted on a pile of stones. Some pagan Indians mocked and others ap- peared affected. The next morning,*a boat arrived from York, with the load of goods for the Indians. The heathen compa- nies of the Missisaugas from around lake Ontario were col- lected togethei, as well as the Christians from the Grand River. Colonel Grivens and some military officers soon after arrived. At noon the Rev. Dr. Strachan and his wife, with several gen- tlemen, came up from York, to see the Christian Indians. He requested Peter Jones to assemble the children, that he might hear them read and sing. While they were cutting and divid- ing the goods, some of the children read and sung two hymns in the open air. After the dividing was over, all the Christian Indians assembled before the Church of England minister, and a member of the Government, who heard two read in the Testament and others in a plain school book. He then ex- pressed his happiness in seeing them so changed, advised them to settle on their land at the Credit, build a village, and said that the Government would willingly assist. He then prayed with these poor natives of the woods. The Indians consulted together, and unanimously agreed to take the advice given, and settle on the Credit the next spring. Thus originated the settlement of the Missisaugas on the river Credit, — so noted in the history of tbe Indian missions, and kept up for 80 many years after. A custom prevailed at the annual meeting of the Indian HISTORY OF JIETHODISM [1825. tribes, of tln! ngent's giving a few gallons of spirits, not with !n- 7 bad desJ-B, but to express good will to the natives. The cu!*tnm bad {trci't ced bad effects; for the natives tasting of thi? ijqiioi* wor..'J continue drinking, and some would even spend all they received in whiskey, before they arrived home, A check was now put upon the practice.. The Clivistian men had all agreed not to take the fire water, as these strong fiery t-pirits wer vctj expressively called by the India.^s. and begged the agcnl Tiot to ofl'er them to any of the Indians. He kindly hear] rcoompcnce, arod friendly, icil of all tho to bo present, in thoir own rose, find told shed the chil- othcrs wished torostcdvoung a a trial, and jr, dated from ho had done, from him with m\ of morality turo of Roman jS — remains of fod among the •resent state of for instance, nty of clothes, Lmfries, where lame to Oxford, le to Westmin- . dull meeting, is, for Muncey- n good spirits, ind River mis- fame to George After singing tliem another Jay 28th, they fny talked th« The people 1S25.] IN CANADA. 255 of the encampment were about 200 souls. May 29th, a meeting was held, about 50 collected to;j;cther, to hear the first Christian discourse to theiu. Another encampment, eight miles down the river from the l(;wer Muncey, was visited. Hero the guide caught a fish, on which the three supped, and then laid down on some boards, without any blankets. May 30th, a general council was held, to consider the proposals of preaching and schools. When the chiefs were told that the use of ardent spirits was an injury, they agreed to it; but said, '* Whiskey comes from the whito man. When we have any thing to sell, whiskey is the first thing the white man offers." The reply was, that batl men tempted with whiskey, not good white men. The chiefs objected, " tJiat the Moravians preached to the Indians, many years ago, on tho other side of lake Erie, and when many Indians had become Christians, the Mora- vians contrived to have these Indians confined in a house, when they were all murdered or burnt up." The reply was, that not tho Moravian missionaries, but a band of wicked whites, 160 in number, formed a design, in 1182, of cutting oflF all the Moravian Indians at Muskingum, whither they had gone from Sandusky, to obtain provisions. Colonel Gibson, at Pittsburgh, sent a messenger to warn the Indians, but he arrived after the massacre. The blood thirsty whites bound and murdered in cold blood 96 of these Delewares, of whom 34 were children. A party of Indians and EngKsh, however, fell upon the white savages, and the greater part was slain. When the chiefs were told that the Great Spirit had sent these visitors, to shew them the way of salvation, they replied that " the Great Spirit had sent them prophets, who said they must live as their fathers had done." They were told that the Great Spirit had given the whites the great Book, and had not given them the great Book. To this they could make no reply. But they promised to consider the matter ; and the missionaries promised soon to return. After spending five days in the wil- derness, with the Thames Indiana, with little sleep or food, and travelling 60 miles on foot, the minister and the Indian exhor- ter, with the guide, returned to Westminster, leaving John Carey engaged in the school in the upper village., 250 nisTORT or uethodiam [1825. SECOXD VlglT TO THE MUiN^CEYS. Feolin?^ an anxiety iibout tlic new school in Munccytown, and tlie cflbct of the first visit on tho Tlmnics Indians, in reji^ard to the ji;ospol, Alvin T(Trry resolved to visit them ngain before the Conference. To make tho visit acceptiblo as pos- sible, and to employ the ardour of some of the new converts at the mission house, he invited five young men to go to tho Thames with Peter Jones. This was the first missionary com- {)any of Indian?, under a zealous and prudent leader. They eft on the 23rd August, and arrived at George Turkey's, on the Thames, on the evening of the 25th. Here they found John Carey, who informed them that he had in school 18 children, and that the Indians were very friendly. On the 27th, they visited Tumeko's camp, eight miles from the lower Muncey, and were kindly received by the old chief. But they were preparing for a great j>om> wow or dance, with offering of meat, soup, and whiskey to their gods, and refused to receive the otfer of the gospel and schools. The chief said the Great Spirit liked their way of worship, and he accepted also the worship of the ITats (white men). On the 29th, they went back to the lower Muncey ; but the men were prep iring for a great hunt, in order for a feast shortly to be made. They then returned to George Turkey's : a work of grace was begun in his family. Two of Peter Jones' company offered to visit a tribe of Chippeways, on the head waters of the river Sauble, which runs into lake Huron. The tribe lived about 120 miles from Munceytown, nearly north. Sept. 1st, Mr. Torry arrived at Turkey's. In the evening they all went to the lower Muncey, where was to be the great annual feast of the offerings of the first fruits of the earth. It was thus described by P. Jones : — " They brought a little of all that they raised, such as Indian corn, potatoes, jjumkins, beans, melons, and squashes, together •with twelve deer. The Indian women were busily engaged cook- ing their provisions. Previous to the commencement of their exercises, they (invited us strangers into a long Pagan Temple, prepared for such purposes. There is a door at each end, one opening to the east and the other to the west. On entering, wa <:x [1825. Mun coy town, I ludi.ins, in it then\ ngain itiblo aa pos- ncw converts to go to tho ssioiiary com- cadcr. They Turkey's, on re they found in school 18 idly. On the roni the lower ief. But they nth offering of ised to receive [Said the Great jptcd also the th, they went >rcp iring for a le. They then was begun in jred to visit a river Sauble, about 20 miles In the evening to be the great the earth. It J such as Indian [ashes, together f engaged cook- fement of their Pagan Temple, oath end, one )n entering, w« 1825.] IN CANADA. 257 observed all the Indians seated on the ground round two fires. In the centre of the toniple was a large post, round which was suh- jtcndcd a numlxr of di'or skins and wampum. I wau also informed that wnmpum is kept buried at tlu! foot of this post Near the post sat two Indian singers, each witli a large bundle of luidressed (leer KkiuH, which scrA-ed us drums. There were two young men a))pointed to Match the doors and keep the fires burning. Tho doors being closed, tho young men brought each of them an arm- ful of hemlock boughs, which being thrown on the fires, smothered them and caused a great smoke, in order that the smoke might fill every corner (if the temple. Each man waved "liis blaliket over the fire. This was dono with the idea of purifying tho temple and driving out the evil spirits, After the smoke subsided, an old Chief rose up, who was the master nf the ceremony, with a turtle shell in his hand, which he began to rattle ; he then delivered a speech to the people, telling them tho object of their meeting, that they had come together to thank the Great Spirit for tho growth and ripening of their corn, &c. When he finished his speech he began to dance, sing, and rattle the shell — the two singers sang with him, beating on their skins; when ho took his scat he handed the shell to the next person, who performed in the same way. Thus it went on from one to the other all night, Tho purport of their speeches was recounting the mercies of the Great Spirit to them during the past year, and telling any remarkable dreams they had had. In the course of the night a number of them went out at the west door, making a wailing noise to the moon ; they came in again at the east door. In the morning the meat and soup were divided amongst the people. These feasts often last several days. No drinking or improper conduct is allowed j^the utmost solemnity prevails." The young men from the river Sanble reported, that they found the Indians not much addicted to drunkenness, and very attentive to what was said about Christianity. They asked msny questions, and said they would send some to the Grand Kivec, ro learn more. Some appeared to be touched with wh;)»; !hey now heard, and said, " We will come to tho Grand Biver, and pray," which signified they would become Christians, and worship God. By the exertions of John Carey, and the influence of the Presiding Elder, and the Westminster and Thames preachers, a sum had been collected from the white inhabitants ibr a house for meetings and schools, at the upper Muncey. Chief West- brook went down to Detroit, in his canoe, a distance of 120 miles for naila for the building. The affairs of the mission on : I 2.W Uls»T(»IlV OP MKTIIODISM [1825. V ■ 'y tlic Thames were cncournj;i!i;j^ : a school wns cstabliHhcil, a incetiti'j; hou^o was soon ti)hoj,lii, a pious teacher ami cxhoi-tor re-tidoj aniorj,:^ the Indiuis, a low in the upper and lower Muiiccy were well ineliiie 1 to Cliristiauity ; and ii coinnicnco- iiient was made oti tlie river Satihle. The five youii,:.^ men IVom the (J rand River behaved in their new pphere with g'vcat propriety : were very zealous for t!»o salvation of their coun'rymen ; and their beliaviour ns Chris- tians made a f.tvcmrablo impression on the pa,:j:an Indians. Alvin Torry's plan of sendin;; natives out into the wilderness to bring in the natives to the ijospid, met the approbation of all the preachers, was followed for matiy years, and with {jreat results. It is stran^i^e the plan was ever lost siiji^ht of. The principal chiefs a^thc papjan Indians in the two Mun- cey villa<;es, and in Tumeko's camp, opposed the offer of Chris- tianity on these grounds : *' The whites are Christians, and yet they arc no better than wo. They lie, cheat, get drunk, swear. They have injured the poor Indians. By various pretences, they have cheated us out of our lands. Wo Avill retire to the western Indians. Wo will have nothing to do with the whites or their religion." However, their opposition by degrees gave way on the admission that such whites were no more christians than the heathen. As soon as the Indians were assisted to classify the whites into bad and good, the way of the gospel began to be prepared. The visit was of advantage to the six Indian youths. In going to the Thames]and returning, they were hospitably enter- tained by the Methodist people, and shewed great kindness. They mixed in social and public worship with the Methodists, in passing through the Dumfries and Westminster circuits, and saw the industry and home comforts of the white inhabi- tants. They were determined still more to hold fast to the good white Christian's religion, and to seek a settled life in prder to enjoy some of the same comforts, THE CONFEllENCE. -^ The second session of the Canada Conference was held in the township of Saltfleet, in a new church on the Fifty-Mile- Creek. The first inhabitants of the head of the lake, instead [182 1). 1825.] IN CANADA. 259 cstublisluHl, a ami cxhortor ((>r and lower i a conimonco- liavod in their Bcalous for tlio •iour na Cliris- ,:v^M\ Indians, tiio wildorncss npprol);vtion of nnd with groat -ht of. X the two Mun- I offer of Chris- ;;^hri8tiaTis, nnd 3at, set drunk, s. Ijy various inds. Wo will nothinji; to do Ithoir opposition ich whites \yero as the Indians i good, the way an youths. In ospitably cnter- ;2;reat kindness, the Methodists, linstcr circuits, white inhabi- lold fast to the settled life in of frlvlngtho streanis names after pc^rsons or tliinji?«, called the ci'ec'IcH Mooordmu; to the dislancos tiiey riu. In the township of Ni:i,:;^!ira are the four nnd eiiht mile CrctkH; in Louth, tho 1"^ mile, Creek; in Trafal;iar, tliel2and lOmile Crock. Hishop lleddinj; came a sieond time into Canada, and took tho chair of the Conforence, .September llth. The busineshi of the meeting was of tho ordinary description, and notliini^ of particular note was transacttid. Six youn;^ men were received on triil, vi/.. ; James Riehardson Tiinotliy Martin, K^erton Uyerson, Daniel 3I<.'Mulleti, Jolm IJlack,'and Anson Green. Tho only preacher who located was David Ciilp, who bo'ian in tho time of the war, nnd had travelled a few years. T!io superannuated preachers were tho same as last year, with the addition of Henry llyafi, — who after so n)any year.s useful toil in the gospel Hold, — was now laid usido; and James Willson resumed his labours. Tliero was nn increase in tho menjbership of (383 whiten nnd 48 Indians. Tho list of circuits had some change. In tho Niagara district, a now circuit was taken out of tho Niagara and called the Fort (jloorge and Queonston. Tho Niagara circuit received instead several appointments from tho Grand River mission, csneoinlly tho Cansborough settlement, — in which n powerful revival of reli- gion began in the winter of 1833-^4, and was oontinuing, making a great change in tho settlement. A society of thirty members was raised, and a chapel of 30 by 30 foot, with a prosperous Sabbath school. Tho ' new sottlomonts" wore no longer a mission, but a circuit, which was called after the township of Toronto. In tho Ray of Quinto di8trict,*iKing- ston is named with the Bay of Quinto circuit. Smith's Creek circuit is nanied after the village of Cobourg, and Rice Lako is taken on tho list. A mission is now begun in tho new set- tlements between the Mississippi and Ottawa rivers, I was held in the the Fifty-Mile- le lake, instead yOTJNQ PREACHERS STUDIES. The Conference took into consideration " tho want of intcU loetual improvement among our young preachers generally,"-— meaning the six now taken on trial, the six of last year, and the six now received into full connexion (named, William 1 1 ,1 1 l| ! i 1 r >B 1 11 I i II 260 HISTORY OP METHODISM [1825. Ryerson, Robert Corson, William Griffis, Jacob Poole, David Wright, Solomon Waldron), — and believed that these " our young men should have more advantages for the improvement of their minds, in order to meet the wants of society, now im- proving in literary aC(iuirements.'' Resolved, therefore, that the " Presidin;? l^lders, and other of our senior brethi-en, be requested to pay special attention to this matter ; taking the oversight of, and affording to, our young men all the aid in their power for the attainment of this object." What aid the senior brethren could give, must have been only in the way of advice concerning study, and in the recommendation of particular books. Still, the young men of those days were not left with- out a Conference course of study. Indeed, for admission into full connexion, it was *' indispensably necessary" to be well acquainted with the following books : — • > Wesley's Sermons, Fletchers Checks, Clarke and Benson's Com- mentaries, Watt's Logic, Mosheim and Milner's Church Histories, Murrays' English Grammar, and Morse's Geography. Further, the young men were recommended to peruse, as ** useful and ornamental" study, the following variety : — Wesley's Natural Philosophy. Goldsmith's Rome, Greece, and England. . Bollin's Ancient History. ' Prideaux and Shuckford's Connections of the Old and New Testaments. Clarke's Chronological Tables in bis Commentary. British Nepos. , MiltoT T^ radise Lost. YouUt :ht Thoughts. Cowpei ems. Biographies of Wesley, Fletcher, Coke, Bramwcil, and Francis Xavier. A person knowing these works must acknowledge that a better selection could not be made, for young preachers with half an education in English learning and with a measure of divinity not half full, yet with a heart overflowing with lo?e to God and man. The young men taken out into the itine- rant work were, from the beginning, mostly of this character and qualification. In the knowledge of the human disease, none were better ; and in the application of tht remedy, none [1825. Poole, David i these "our improvement licty, now im- herefore, that r brethren, be r; taking the he aid in their aid the senior way of advice of particuhir ! not left with- adinission into ry" to be well I Benson's Com- tiurch Histories, d to peruse, as rariety : — le Old and New tary. ■ kil, and FranciB lowledge that a 1 preachers with Ih a measure of jwing with lo?e into the itine- this character luman disease, L remedy, none 1826.] IN CANADA. 261 could exceed them, as the multitudes of gospel cures testified. But, in the manner of preaching, some knew better the rheto- rical rules of public discourse, and were more polished and correct ; and in the matter of preaching, some were better versed in the details and smaller duties of the Christian econo- my, and more apt in learned illustrations. To use a figure : the young (and sometimes the older) preachers were admira- ble in laying the forndation and raising the building; but others excelled morem the interior work. If the young men mastered the subjects of the appointed catalogue, with their long horseback rides and walks, and their twenty-five or thirty appointments a month, they could not be very deficient in mental improvement, or unfit to meet the wants and wishes of the congregations. SUPERANNUATED PREACHERS. A resolution was passed at the Conference for (ho nsfistance of the superannuated preachers. Thoy received a small share of the Chartered Fund, probably, but the income from it was pmall, and there were now 83 superannuated men, in the Con- ferences of the Metl cdii^t Episcopal Church, to share it. Each Conference had to provide its own fund besides. The Canada Conference had not yet done so. But they gave the six superannuated preachers liberty " to make collections in all places where thoy may labour," but *' must account for the same, together with all which tliey may receive in consideration of their services." As the permission was merely for the old preachers to beg for themselves, it is very unlikely many col- lections were made. FIRST MISSIONARY REPORT. The Canada Auxiliary Missionary Society, held a meetin* during the Conference, Thomas Davis the Mohawk chief, and Peter Jones, the Chippeway chief, addressed the meeting, — the first missionary addresses from Indians in the Province. As the first report of the Missionary Society, and draw n up with ability and intorcei, though Ion;:', it may be here ap^icndcd for preservation : — 262 HISTORY or METIIODlSiM [1825. The managers, in presenting their first annual report to the society and the public, hog leave to call their attention to tlie fields of labour for their missionaries, and the prospects which lie before them of probable usefulness, as well as to exhibit the state of their financial concerns. The fields of labour in this country which are presented to the attention of the society, and wliich are now open to the labour of our missionaries, arc the newly settled townsiiips and the ludijiu tribes. The new townships which have been surveyed and opened for location since the late war, form a line of settlements, in the rear of the old settlements, the whole length of the province — a length of about GOO miles. To these new townships are thronging thou- sands from Europe and the older parts of America, who in moist places would be Avithout the mciins of grace, ■were it'not for tJie labours of the itinennit ministry ; nor can it be expected that any adequate supply can be afforded by any other means, — such is tho scattered state of the population, and insulated as tlicy are by vacant lands. It is to these nev/ townships and destitute settle- ments that our missionaries are to continue to direct their atten- tion, that the voice of grace with the sound of the axe may be heard, and that log cabins and chapels of devotion may continue to rise up together. The missionary ground which has heretofore been occupied by our missionaries, Avere the new settlements on the river Kideaw, and the newly settled townships at the head of lake Ontario. These arc now enil)raccd in the I'crth and Toronto circuits, and supplied by the labours of the circuit preachers, the inhabitants being at length both able and willing to support the expenses of regular circuits. By the labours of the late mis.'^ionarics thesii circuits have been organized, — order in society much promoted, — the altar of devotion erected in many families, and many sinners converted from the error of their ways, and thus added to the church of Christ. The duty of the missionaries, and the services which they are expected to perform, are to labour daily for the welfare of their flocks, by preaching the word in every destitute settlement; to distribute the Holy Hcriptures to the destitute ; to | exhort to peace and the sujiport of the civil authorities ; to encou- rage the establishment of ISabbath schools ; to recommend econo- my, decency, and industry ; to press the worship of God in every family; to visit the sick and assist the poor; to administer the I ordiimnces ; to labour for and sufl'er Avith their flocks ; and to do all in their power to bring sinners to rep.'ntance, and thereby | endeavour to extend the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom. [1825. report to the ttcntion to the pects which lie xhibit the stato iresented to the to the labonr of 1 4iud tlic India a and opened for icntt!, in the rear ovincc— a length thronging thou- ca, who in most vc it'not for the ;xp<'cted tliat any ans, — Kuch is tliO \ as tliey are hy cl destitute settle- iivott their atten- f the; axe may bo ion may continue been occupied by the river Kideau, of lake Ontario. ,nto circuits, and the inhabitants Tt the expenses of Inissionaries these iiuch promoted, - ■iind many sinners bus added to th'.' Is, and the scrvic "^e"')'. ^7 Is therf! any [ not die ? and dul , grace aud mer< y - much the farthtv by so much tho d the riches of Ins | aded Tlissisaugahs, n-aced the gospel, their feelings and U who knew them,] !o persevere in thou mind must he conl bses of civilization,! ninciples of Chns-I d and even whcitl line upon line audi nvledge of readini:,! Vietion. By openui»l i minds of the nativJ fhc Creator, the plaij mders of his lov> H Bings to their frieudl [he revivals of graaj hereafter preach I '< the misearchabil mce of education, IV -0 commenced : » ion of their child.- _ commenced at m have been taught tl bath school has beef ummer both schooj on some occasn'fl I The improved''! eof thf scholars gii 1825.J IN CANADA. 265 indications of superior capacity. To brothers Crawford and John* Kou ii^ ars to have experienced a change, and begins to improve his gifts by prayer in liis native tongue. Among tlie Muncey Indians, a tribe of the Delaware^ on the river Thames, a school was opened in the month of May last. Its commencement was discouraging, and was attended witii circum- stances of an unpromising nature, among which vas the reluct- ance of some of the chiefs to consent to the school. Had the pious youth wlio commenced the undertaking, possessed l*:sm enter- prise and perseverance, tlie attempt would probably have failed, and thereby mucli good l>oen prevented. After several visits, and much labour, he at length succeeded in getting a school of seven eliildren. The school has siiici! become more popular, for on the first of tlie j)rcsent month it consisted of fifteen scholars. Through tlie exertions of the preachers, and the liberality of friends in the Westminster and Tliamcs circuits, materials have been procured f()r,crecting liero a convenient building for schools and meetings. In two otiier places teachers have been solicited by the natives; and such are the prospects, that we are encouraged to hop*? that their solicitations will be complied with, and two more schools be in operation before the opening of the spring. Besides, it is 'xpeeted tliat provisioji may be made for the board and education of several Indian boys from a distance, who have signified their Mislii's to attend the school. 266 HISTORY OF METHOriSM Translations. [1825. ' 1 ■ For two years past, Doctor A, Hill, an intelligent Mohawk chief, has been engaged in the translation of tne evangelists, St. Mat- thew and St. Luke ; and having corrected a former translation of St. Mark and St. John, the whole are now nearly completed, and will be ready for the press in a short time. A princess of the same nation, well qualified for the w< rk, it is understood, is engaged in the translation of the Acts of the Apostles : so that the Six Nations may hope, at no very distant period, to possess the invaluable treasure of the whole Now Testament in the Mohawk language, — a tongue which most of the Six Nations understand. A number of excellent hymns have also been lately translated by the doctor, and are now ready fcir printing. In this compilation care has been taken to select tlie most spiritual of our hymns, as well as to furnish variety ; such is for evening, morning, sabbath, sacramen- tal, &c. When this book shall be in possession of our pious native brethren, we expect the melody of their devotions (already excel- lent) will be greatly improved, to the advantage of public worship, and for the advancement of personal piety. Native Teachers. Considerable hopes are entertained that teachers and preachers I'rom among the natives will be raised up, and prepared to carry instruction and the word of life to many nations of our vast wil- derness. In this hope we are encouraged from the fact that seve- ral promising and useful gifts have alreadj appeared, both among the Mohawks and Chipawas. Among the former, native teachers of schools have been employed for many years by the Church Mis- sionary Society ; 'y which means a very considerable portion of that people can lead intelligibly in their native tongue. In our school at the Grand River, a Mohawk convert has been engaged for some time as a teacher. Others, both Mohawks and Chipawas, are well qualified for usefulness inHhis department of the mission. Teachers of righteousness, also, in whom is seen the excellencies of grace as Christians, and the powt^r of the gospel as exhorters, are rising up from among their brethren, and inoniise much for | the interests of religion among tljc natives. "\\'e Iiavi- already stated to what an extent the Chii)a»a language is undei-stootll among the tribes of the west and north. When, therefore, thisi favourable circumstance is taken into view, together with the I effects of religious instruction on the minds and manners of tliisl people during the past year, Ave cannot think it too much to hopol that the gospel of the Saviour may be made known to these nations! by means of native teachers, that churches may be formed amongf the wild men of the wood.-?, and that the high praises of Jehovalil 111 inii rei arc rel"{ siouf th, Lor,/ from 011;^ gahs, from of tlij The Vofct. c]i;uit; TJie ( tliemjs P.vhil) tii.^ Ill [1825. Mohawk chief, elists, St. Mat- '■ tranelation ot completed, and ^088 of the same d. is engaged in ;theSixi5ation8 the invaluable awk langnage,— itid. A number Ed l>y the doctor, .nation care has „ns, as well as to ,U)ath, sacramen- f our pious «ativ<3 ,« (already cxcel- ,f puhUc wovBhip, crs and preachers prepared to carry Jof our vast wil- Lbe fact that seve- Lred, both among 'er, native teachers ,v the Church Mis- l.'tahle portion ot c tongue, inouv has been engaged Us and Chipawas, Lnt uf the mission, n the oxcc-Uencies ospel as oxhovters vn-misc much tor | \vc have already Uge is undorstoo; Kl therefore, this ,to.:;rth.-'r A^ith th; Ld n.aunors ot th.^j ttoomuchtohopo Ln to these nations V be formed amoni^l '^.raises of Jehovall 1825.] IN CANADA. 267 may yet be sung throughout the vast forests of America : then slifiU ', in tin- nunif ui tho Lord: and I pniy tJod tiuit it niiiy ii('f(mi]ili>ili the |mii{)o«o l'i>r wliicii 1 srnd it." When ciimitiihlo otVtiinj,^s aii' .'uconiimnied by i>niy(!r for the divine hlessin^^ tiny have II doul)le value, tlio hlossin^ of the y,\it, and the hlesHing <>f (M)d upon it. Tims Kiiitli (lie iipustlo to tlio Ueutiles, — " Do all in the name of the Lord Jisiis." Jt is not in every enterprisi that hope prevails over fear, — much loss that nssuranee is gi ven of a sueeessfid issue ; but in our» tlni ■ is a proniii^e both of xurrvss and reward :•—" The hcatlien are ^i\' lor liis inheritance;" and "Thiv that i>\v in tiars shall nnp n joy." Yes, we can show how niai y lieatiien, whos* souls have been converted to 'Jod ; many wlio a year ago had no term in their hin- guaj^M: to e^ [iress the Uedcemer's name, tan now call God their lather, J>y the Holy (Jhust given unto them. These arc now heard deelariiiK the mifchty works of (Jod, and the love and glories of ilio Saviour, in their own mitivo tongue. Your contributions are soli- cited then for the support — not of a visionary project of fanatical cntluisiasi.i — mit the untried plans of inexperienced philantropy ; but to assist in preaching the gosped to the heathen — that these Bons of nature nuiy become the sons of grace, and 1 eirs of the kingdom of heaven. Termit us to propose to you an example : — A farmer who resides on the Indian reservation, and who has Avitnessed the liapjjy changes in his Indiun neighbours, is now preparing an acre of ground, with a view to sow it with wheat, the avails of which he designs to apply towards the support of the mission. Were it possible to take you to the missionary establishment, wo would use no other arguments : you would there behold a sight at which angels in heaven rejoice. A congregation of more than one hundred converted natives, first kneeling to implore the blessing of Jehovah — then, rising to their seats, they are incpared to hear the word of life! — See I -not a trifling look!— not a wand' ring ej'e I The most profound solemnity pervades the whole assembly. We would then point you to your missionary, discoursinir to these wanderers of the wilderness of the Redeemer's love ; — that for them a Saviour was bora — was crucified— is risen— reigns to be ii Prince and a Saviour, in whom the Gentiles of all nations have au inher- itance of ofiered mercy. By his side stands a youthful nat;\-e, who receives the words of salvation from the preacher's lips, and with eloquence and energy declares them to the listening auditory in the language of his nation. In the listening multitude, the liulf- Euppresscd sobs and flowing tears sliow that the heart of stone has become the heart of flesh. Hark ! — hear those children of grace singing the jiraises of God, Avilh voices, the melody of which reminds you of the music of the angels in liethlehem. How unlike the savage yell, the only music known to them a year ago! This is no highly-coloured picture of imaginary scenes, but a true exhi- [182: i). 1825.] IN CANADA. 271 lays to tlui LUxl tlmt it u cliavitiiMo c'Ksin^s tlu'V McsKing of _" Do all in four,— much in t'urn tli' • ion ivro >;iv 1^ 23 WIST MAIN STRUT WEBSTit,N.Y. MStO (716)173-4503 6^ '»-^ v.^ ^ 272 HISTORY OP METIIOniSM [1825 STATE OP THE COUNTRY. The Government of both Provinces had, in the course of years, produced or allowed various evils to exist and increase. These had excited much attention lately. The house of assembly had sought to cure them ; but were checked by the upper house and the executive council. Much irritation now existed ; and the party in the country crying for reform was strong and growing. William L. Mackenzie's paper, the Colo- nial Advocate, in York, was now publishing and denouncing these abuses in government. REV. DR. STRAOHAN's SERMON. In this year died the Rev. Dr. Mountain, the bishop of the Episcopalian church in Canada, who came here in 1793. The evtsnt was remarkable for producing a funeral sermon from the " Hon. and Rev. John Strachaii, 1).D., at York," on July 3rd, originating a long controversy. The sermon contained remarks in praise of church establishments, and reflections on the quali- fications, motives, and conduct of the Methodist preachers, in the Province. The sermon was reviewed in the Colonial Advocate, by a youthful preacher, — who was just taken on trial by the Conference, and who al'terwards became a notable man in the country, — called Egerton Ryerson, now stationed on Yonge street and York circuit. The review elicited an answer in the Kingston Chronicle; and the answer another reply in the Upper Canada Herald. Another writer took up ihe defence of establishments in the Brockville Recorder. The controversy was not over for many months : the last article by the reviewer being dated February 27th, 1827. Great interest was taken in the controversy ; the usual arguments were han- dled for and against church establishmentb ; and the public generally awarded the victory to the youthful disputant. Seve- ral facts appearing in the discussion may be noticed, 1. Although the seventh of the lands of the Province were set apart for a Protestant clergy, yet not much income was yet available ; and the funds had been used in building residences for the Episcopal clergy. 2. Dr. Mountain had been 32 years in Canada, and had increased the Episcopal ministers from four [1825 1825.] IN OANADA. 273 le course of and increase, he house of lecked by the irritation now ,r reforui was per, the Colo- d denouncing I bishop of the in 1793. The srmon from the ," on July 3rd, jtained remarks ns on the quali- ist preachers, in n the Colonial i just taken on ecame a notable I, now stationed new elicited an answer another • writer took up Recorder. The le last article by Great interest linents were han- and the public lisputant. Seve- loticed, le Province were li income was yet lilding reside:ices fad been 32 years inisters from four to fifty-three. 3. The preacher had charged the itinerants with idleness as the motive for going about preaching to the people. What idleness ! to travel from two to three hundred miles per nionth, and preach from 2.5 to 40 times ! cr.ed the reviewer. These were the ordinary labours of the preachers of the times. 4. The preachers are also charged with republican principles, and coming " almost universally from the republican states of America." The reply is, that all the itinerant preachers were born and educated in the British dominion but eight ; and these were naturalized British subjects but two. The hue and cry of dissenters from the national church establishment being disaffected to the British Government was untrue, and known to be untrue ; raised merely for the purpose of fostering such an establishment and all its burdens on a young and grow- ing colony. Cries the reviewer, in a touching and energetic apostrophe : " Have the dissenters in this country ever shown a disposition in any way hostile to the true interests of the colony ? Have they not been quiet in time of peace, and bold in time of war ? Answer ye parents, who mourn the loss of patriotic sons, who yielded up the ghost on the field of battle 1 Speak ye fatherless children I the dying groans of whose dissenting fathers proclaimed, that they could die in the defence of the British constitution, and yet be un- connected with church establishments 1 Bear witness ye disconso- late widows, whose dissenting husband's loyalty has doomed you to perpetual melancholy 1 Lift up your voice, ye unfortunate husbands whose lacerated limbs speak more than volumes, that they are slanderers and liars, who say that the religious any more than the political dissenters in Canada are not true to the political iustitu- tions of England." Strachan and the members of the Executive, with unin- formed persons in the country, might have had ground for suspecting (not believing, however, for overt acts never appear- ed) theloyalty of ilmericaw preachers, — after the foolish, cruel, and wicked invasion poured by the American government on their unoffending neiglibours, — yet they should have inspected the race and character of the preachers now and since the war, prior to a denouncement false and rash. Casting away pre« caution, thoj violated the command, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. True, a link bound the Upper Canada and United States Methodist bodies together ; Nl ii r-{i 274 HISTORY OP METHODISM [18£G. a link not political, merely ecclesiastical. However, good grew out of the controversy ; and the opposition to a national churcli establislniiont, as in England and other countries, only became the stronger. jlppointinents by English Conference. James Knowlan, Chairman, Quebec, — James Booth 98 Montreal,— Robert Alderley 121 Kingston, —James Knowlan QQ St Armands, — Matthew Lang 260 Three Rivers,— Joseph Stinson 77 Stanstead & Barnston, — Richard Pope, Thos. Turner 130 Shefford, — William Squire 159 Odell Town & Buttonville,— William Burt 867 Melbourne,— One Wanted. Caldwell's Manor, — One Wanted. Ottawa, — One is to be immediately sent 31 Members, 1U9 1826. The governor, Sir Peregrine Maitland, made a tour through a part of Upper Canada, and was presented with vari- ous . addresses. The Province was steadily progressing. A continued stream of emigration was tilling up the newly sur- veyed townships. The population of Upper Canada was now about 170,000 souls. The Welland Canal, connecting lake Erie with Ontario, was going on. Steamboats were now sail- ing the waters, rode on by the civilized races in craft of sail and oar, and by the savage tribes boibre on canoes of trees and bark, urged by hands and paddles. Newspapers, the mark of higher civilization, were springing up in the different t'.wns. The year was noted for a mob, breaking into Mackenzie's print- ing office, in York, and making a coiiplcte wreck of types and presses, to avenge some newspaper articles exposinfr officers of the government. BAY OF QUINTE INDIANS. Presiding Elder Case, who moved down to the Bay of Quinte district, after the Conference of 1823, just after the first con- Yersions on the Grand River, carried with him an ardent desire [182G. ev, good grew ational cbuicli ( only became 182G.] IN CANADA. 275 98 121 66 2G0 77 Curner 130 159 '. 867 31 jmbcrs, 11(.9 nd, made a tour sented with vavi- progressing. A , the newly sur- ^anada was now connecting lake s were now sail- in craft of sail noes of trees and ers, the mark of different t-.was. ackcnzie's print- •eck of types and :posinfr officers of IheBayof Quinte Ifter the first con- an ardent desire for the conversion of all the Indian tribes in Canada. He did not understand their tongue, and generally they did not under- stand his ; and there was none to interpret. In a township culled Tyendinega, near Belleville, was a reservation of land, for the Mohawks. In January, 1825, Mr. Case made these Mohawks a visit, sung, and prayed with them ; and they seemed to be much pleased. February 1st, 1S26, at the request of Mr. Case, Peter Jones, with John Crane, a converted chief, left the Grand river, to visit the Indians of these tribes. By the 9th, they were in the village of Belleville, and met an Indian lad, named Peter Jacobs, who was learning to read, and was inquiring about the gospel. He was afterwards a missionary among his people. Peter Jones proceeded on to the Mohawk settlement. He called at two or three of the Indian houses, and spoke of reli- gion and the great things at the Grand river. These Mohawks, like those of the west, were instructed in religion occasionally by an Episcopalian minister, and had a church erected, but knew little or nothing of the inward kingdom of God. He went on to the quarteily meeting in Switzer's chapel. Ernes- town. He was called upon to address the people on Saturday and Sunday. It was the first time an Indian's voice called upon white sinners of the Bay of Quinte to repent and turn to the Lord. He also exhorted in the evening in Kingston. Monday, 13th, Jones and Crane were piloted twenty or thirty Tfiiles back of Kingston, (probably to the Loborough lake,) to 36 some Ojebways. The men were absent, and only two women and five children were in the camp. The next day, they visited another camp, five miles further, and found a few Indians, to whom they spoke of religion, and of what God was doing for the Indian people. In the evening, Peter Jones addressed a large congregation in Kingston. On the 16th, bo held a meeting with Mr. Case 'in the Mohawk settlement of Tyendinega, and apparently some good was done. But a cer- tain white man endeavoured to prevent the meeting, by writing a letter and having it signed by some Indians, to say that thefy did not wish to " run after any new fangled doctrine," but to continue with the Church of England. In Belleville, the two Indian i^issionaries (if they might be so called) continued until the 21st, conversing, exhorting, and praying with some Indians Jill 276 HISTORT OF METHODISM [182G. nil! collected in the village; also assisting in some meetings of the whites. Now was the time, that John Sunday first heard Peter Jones, and he and all the Indians received the truth with readi- ness. They all said that they wished to he Christians, and would he glad to live better. They gave up two boys, to attend the Grand river school. So Jones and Crane, with the two boys, left Belleville on the 21st February. In May, Peter Jones went the second time to the Bay of Quinte Indians. His first visit, with the efibrts of the preacher and pious laymen since, had made a lasting impression on the Mississaugas in the vicinity of Belleville. He went to a quar- terly meeting on the Hallowell circuit, crossing the bay with 50 Indians in canoes. At the prayer meeting on Saturday evening, some of the Indians prayed, others spoke, and all praised the Lord. John Sunday, for many years a useful mis- sionary, was now converted. Returning to Belleville, Peter Jones and others held meetings with the Indians daily. May Slst, elder Case baptized 22 Indian converts. And there appeared 60 more under serious convictions. June 1st, he baptised 11 children belonging to the Christian Indians. The change in these lazy, poor, filthy, drunken Indians, was so remarkable as to astonish all the country. Captain William Beaver and John Sunday, two of the new converts, were selected, as promising usefulness, to watch over the Christian Indians, as class leaders. The account of Sunday's conver- sion, ailer he went to school, he wrote himself in the following interesting though broken manner : — Brother Scott want me that I shall write my conviction about 9 years ago. Firat is, we had camped at Mr. James Howard's place one morning. ,1 go to Mr. Howard to get some whiskey : so I did get it some. After I took it — that fire water, I feel very happy. By and by, James Farmer he says to me, "Do you want g see them Indians at Bellville ? They want see all Indians." I say to him, "Why they want see Inliansfor?" He says to me, "Them are Preachers talk about God." So I went home to my wigewaum to tell others ; and we took some our blankets ; — we hire with them. Mr. Howard with his team, to take us at Belle- ville. We got there about nine o'clock. We have no chance to go in the meeting- house : so we went to the wood-pile ; so we sit there [182G. f iings of the heard Peter I with readi- istians. and ,y8, to attend ^ith the two ) the Bay of • the preacher •ession on the ent to a quar- the bay with on Saturday poke, and all 6 a ttseful mis- .elleville, Peter 18 daily. May ;8. And there June 1st, he .Indians. The ndians, was so iaptain William converts, were Ar the Christian unday's conver- in the following conviction about James Howards Bome whiskey: so rnter, 1 feel very « Do you want ■e all Indians." 1 i» He says to me, went home to my .ur blankets ;--we 3 take us at Belle- have no chance to ,ile 5 so we sit there 1826.] IN CANADA. 277 all day in the woodpile, until about five o'clock in the evening. By nud by them I'unie out from meeting house ; so we went to them, and shake hands with them. About seven o'clock in the evening went to mcetuig : I want to hear them very much, what they will say to ns. By and by one of thtra rose up — talk to us, he begin talk about God, and soul, and body j — he says this — " All mankind is only two ways we have got to go when we come to die ; one is broad way, and other is narrow way. All the wicked white men, and wicked Indians, and drunkards, shall go there ; but the good white people shall go in the narrow way : but if the ludiana also become good, and serve^the Lord, they can go in that narrow way." Then now I begin think myself; 1 begin feel bad in my heart. This is, I think, I am one, I am one, to go in that broad way, because I had hard drink last night. My father and my mother had taught me this ever since when I was little boy — *' all the Indians shall go where sun set, but the white people shall go in the Ishpeming." That I had trouble in my heart. Next morn- ing again they had talk to us ; so they went off from us. As soon as they went off, some them Indians says, <'Let us get some more whiskey to drink it. What them men say unto us, ' we shall not do bo;' we must do our own way ; so they went to get more whiskey. So I take it little with them ; and immediately after I had drunk it, I went home, — me and Moses. Is about seven miles to our house. All way along the road, I thinking about these two ways. Four nights I do not sleep much. On Saturday we all went to Belleville again. There I saw Brother Case. He says to me, "How you like Peter Jones' talk ?" I say unto him, "Four nights I do not sleep much." And he began to talk about religion of Jesus Christ. 0, 1 feel very bad again ; — I thought this, 1 am one of devil his men, because I so wicked. On next Sfonday we all went home again. That night, I thought I would try pray ; this is first I ever did intend to pray. I do not know how to pray — my heart is too hard — I cannot say but few words ; I say this, " Lord, I am wicked, I am wicked man, take me out from that ever- lasting fire and dark place." Next morning I went in the woods to pray ; — no peace in my heart yet. By and by I went to other Indians to tell them about what them men had said unto us at Belleville : so I went home again. By and by we went to cross the Bay on Sahgegwin Island. So Indians come there on Island. By and by we begin have prayer-meeting in the evening, and in the morning. I talk with them at all time. I had boy about six years old ; by and by he got sick, and died. I felt very bad. I thought this, I better not stop to pray to God ; — I went to Belleville to all them Methodist men to come on Sahgegwin Island to pray for us. I ask one of them Methodist men for glass of beer to comfort in fi 278 HISTORY OP METHODISM [182G. for good for you) None them my heart. That man say to mo, " Boor 13 not better for you to have good Spirit in yonr heart." they do not want to come on our wi^jewaum. So I went home without glass of beer. So we have pray meeting. None of us had religion yet. by and by I went to Quarterly meeting at Mr. Kutcheson. 1 saw one man and one woman shouting ; l thought they were drunk. I thought this, they cannot be drunk, because is them christian ; — must be something in them. Brother Belton ho E reached that day : he says this, '» if any man be great sinner, lOrd will forgive him, if only believe in him." I thought this, if J do well may be God will forgive me. About one week after this, another Quarterly Meeting at seventown Mr. Dinge's Barn. In the morning they had Lovefeast ; they give each other little bread and water ; they give us some too, thUt piece and bread and water. T do not know what they do it for. When I took it the bread, had stop in my throat, and choak me. how I feel in my heart. I feel very sick in my heart. I think this — surely I belong to devil, because the Lord bread choak me : I know now that Great Spirit is angry with me. I think tins again, T do not know what must I do to bo save my soul from that everlasting fire. I thought I will try again. Take another piece and bread — not that the Lord bread, but some I got at a house, I did swallow it down. I feel worse again, because I swallowed down that bread. how I feel in my heart : I feel like this — if 1 in under the water. In afternoon we went to pray-meeting in the Old House, about five o'clock, and Peter Jones says to us, **Iet us lift up our hearts to God." ' I look at him ; I do not understand him. I think this, if I do this — take my heart out of my body, I shall be died : however I kneel down to pray to God. I do not know what to say to ask for religion ; I only say this — " Keshamunedo, shahnanemeshim. Lord have mercy on me poor sinner." By and by the good Lord he pour his spirit upon my poor wretched heart : then I shout and happyjjin^^my heart. I feel very light: and after pray meeting, I went to 'tell Peter Jones how I feel in my heart : — I say to him this, "I feel something in my heart." Peter says to me, ''Lord bless you now." how glad in my heart. I look around — and look over other side a Bay — and look up — and look in the woods ; the samo . is every thing new to me. I hope I got religion that day. I thank the great spirit what he done for me. I want to bo like this Avhich built his house upon a rock. Amen." III ii [1820. od fov you; None Uiem 1 went home None of na leeiing ut Mr. ^cf. I thought ,nk, because is ,her Belton ho ' great sinner, lought this, if veek after this, J Barn. I" *"« Ultle bread and d and water. I the bread, had in my heavt. 1 belong to devil, ,bat Great Spirit ,ow what must I I thought I wiU t the Lord bread, n 1 feel worse how I feel in my In afternoon we live o'clock, and to God." I look i I do this—taho I kneel down to k for religion ', l m. Lord have Lord he pour hia handhappyim.jny n.r,lAventtoHeU ,?' 4i,-,a "Ifeel iim this, '■ i.Lord bless you —and look over woods-, the same that da}. lth^\"^ bo like this which 182G.] IN CANADA. 279 MISSISSAUOAS AT ADOLPHUSTOWN CAMP MEETINO. A camp meeting, to begin in AdolphuHtown, June 15th, the Christian Indians desired to attend ; and hoping they would receive knowledge and strength, the preachers encouraged them to go. The encampment was in a beautiful and healthy part of the country, upon the north bank of Carnahan's bay, which deeply indents Adolphustown ou the west. The site gave a broad view of the Bay of Quinte waters and shores, andallow- ed good landing for vessels and craft of all kinds. The ground was enclosed by a fence, high and strong, with two openings only, liaving gates. Thus drunken and disorderly persons could be kept from the worshipping ground. A hundred yards from the camp, was an overflowing spring of witer, which run- ning from a sandy soil was sweet and good. During the night, lights were kept up, by pine wood burning, six feet above the ground on raised platforms. Every part of the encampment was lighted. A portion of the ground in the rear was reserved for the Indians. Thursday afternoon, the tents of the whites nearly filled the first circle. Singing and prayer had commenced, in different parts of the ground. A message came that the Missisauga fleet was in sight. A few repaired to the shore to welcome and conduct the Indians to the ground. The bark canoes con- tained men, women, and children, with cooking utensils, blan- kets, guns, spears, provisions, and bark for covering their wig- wam?. The men took each a canoe reversed on his head, or the guns and spears ; each squaw a bundle of blankets or bark. The men marched first, the women in the rear, and in file they moved to the encampment, headed by two preachers. The congregation seeing the Indians passing through the gate, and so equipped, was astonished. Eefltctiiig on the former condi- tion and present state of these natives of the woods, gratitude and joy filled every bosom. God was praised for the salvation of the heathen. After the natives had laid down the burdens, they all kneeled down and silently prayed for the blessing of the Great Spirit, to t^e surprise and increased delight of the pious whites. The Indians next built their camp, ia the oblong form, with poles, canoes, and bark. The adults nura- ll I ■ 280 HI8T0RT OF METHODISM L1826. bered 41, of whom 28 hod given evidence of a converted state, and the'children were 17 : in all 58. The natives had private meetings by themselves, and the whites by themselves ; but in preaching time, the Indians sat on the right of the preaching stand. At the close of each sermon, William Beaver, now an Indian exhortcr, translated the main points for the Indians, The other Indian exhorters, Sunday, Moses, and Jacob Peter Bpoke to their people on different occasions. Beaver's first exhortation was on Friday, and produced a great effect on the natives, causing many to sigh and weep. On Saturday and Sunday, the congregation increased to between three and four thousand people. Beaver spoke to his people with great fluency. Upon being asked what ho had been saying. " I tell 'em," said he, " they must all turn away from sin ; that the Great Spirit will give 'em new eyes to see, new ears to hear good things; new heart to understand, and sing, and pray ; all new 1 I tell 'em squaws, they must wash 'em blankets clean — must cook 'em victuals dean, like white woman ; they must live in peace, worship God, and love one another. Then," with a natural motion of the hand and arm, as if to level an uneven surface, he added, "the (Jood Spirit make the ground all smooth before you." At the close of the meeting, every Indian adult was converted, and happy in the Saviour's love. On Monday, the Lord's supper was given to the Indians and the whites. Of the Indians 21 were also baptized, with ten of their children. The whole number of baptized in this tribe was now 43, and 21 children. In these ordinances, some of the natives were so affected, as to be unable to stand, and were borne away by their friends from the altar. The camp meeting resulted in the convei'sion of ninety persons, and gave a new impulse to the religious societies around. As yet, these Indians knew but one hymn, " for a thousand tongues to sing my great Bed aemer's praise," and one tune. This hymn they sung, over and over, as if always new and always good. ANECDOTE OF JACOB PETER. He was a sprightly youth of 18 years, belonging to this tribe, and became pious at the Adolphustown Camp meeting of [1826. verted state, had private vcs; but in le preaching iver, now an the Indians, Jacob Peter leaver's first effect on the increased to r spoke to his feed what ho « they must rit will give I things ; new new I I teU n— must cook b live in peace, 'with a natural yen surface, he )th before you. was converted, ty, the Lord's Of the Indians n. The whole nd 21 children, so affected, as ,y their friends the conversion 10 the relia,ious but one hymn,^ semer's praise,]' and over, as ii Jelonging to this Icamp meeting of 182(1.] IN CANADA. 281 1825. Since, ho was zealous for iho welfare of his pooplo, and frequently exhorted in their meetings. A few weeks ago,*li'» and other Indians attended a missionary meeting in Demorest- ville, on the Hallowell circuit. The Indians held a prayer meeting among themselves. Mr. Dcmorest being present, with other white inhabitants, to witne»-8 the Indians' devotion, requested Jacob to speak a little to them in English ; which ho thus did : — " You wliite people have the gospel great many years. You have the Bible too : suppose you read it sometimes — but you very ■wicked. Suppose some very good people : but great many M-icked. You get drunk — you tell lies — you break the Sabbath." Then pointing to his bretlaen, be added, " But these ludiaiia, they hear the word only a little while — they cant read the Bible — but they become good right away. They no more get drunk — no more tell lies — they keep the snbbath doy. To us Indians, seems very strange that you have missionary so many years, and you so many rogues yet. Tfic Indians have missionary only little while, and we all turn Christian." The whites little expected so bold a reproof from a youth belonging to a race which was generally despised. THE MIS8ISSAUGAS AT THE CREDIT. After getting in their corn and potatoes at the Grand river, the Mississaugas returned again to the Credit river, and pitched their tents for hunting and fishing. But they did not forget the worship of God. They erected a tent for general worship : a bush chapel, instead of the chapel at the Grand river. It stood on the plain, a little distance from the tentti, and was made of tall bushes, standing erect in a circular form ; the large ends being made fast in the ground, and the tops bending nearly together over head : a poor covert from the storm, but in a season of drought as then prevailed, well sheltered the poor worshippers from wind and rain. Within the circle, seats of broken boards and slabs, drawn from the rubbish of the river, were conveniently placed. Here the Indians assembled every morning at the sound of a horn, when Peter Jones conducted the worship by singing and prayer ; after him one or two more would pray, and then they left, and t\ 282 HISTORY OP METirODlSM [182n. wont to tlicir labours. Here also tlu; InJians nsscmblo on tho Sabbath ; Pctcr woulJ condnct the worship, by reading a chapter or two of th(^ Kiiglish IJilK Hub- and tlicn give the stance in their own Chippewa longue. As some of thewhitcH of the vicinity usually formed part of the congregation, he would exhort in both languiijics. And many of the settlers resorted to the bush chapel, to hoar the young Indian pieacher. Occasionally, a preacher from tho noighbouriii<5 circuits would call, and prezich to the Indians, hungry lor the word of (jod. Oct. 4th, Mr. Case called at the camp. Ho found all the men busy in fishing. However, the horn was blown, and they immediately left their work, and c imo to the camp. The men and women all went to the chapel, kneeled at their scats in bilent prayer, then arose and were seated, listening with most serious attention. The preacher read the beautitudes of the 5th Matt., and ex- pounded them one by one ; Peter standing by his side, gave the Chippewa of the verses and the exposition. When finish- ed, the men all responded the Indian " yooch," answering to Amen, so be it. The congregation all pressed to shake hands with the preacher, all desiring his prayers, and so they parted. Soon after, ten more of the Indians were converted. And in November the Mississaugas left the great Credit again to win- ter at the Grand River. The Government had received tho request of the tribe, to Bottle on their own lands on the Credit river ; and Peter Jones, as their chief, with his brother John, had had several inter- views with members ot* the Government, and Sir Peregrine Maithmd, the Lieutenant Governor. Oct. 27th he promised to build twenty dwelling houses and a school-house before tho next spring. In 5larch, the Mississaugas moved down to the Credit again, and Legan to clear the flats of bush, preparatory to laying the foundation of the anticipated village. April 29th, Peter Jones and the Indians, having cleared the land, put up a temporary house for meeting and school with poles, and crotchets, boards and bark ; for the Governor had done nothing for the new village as he promised. The Indians therefore had still to live in camp. Sabbath, cJOth, the first Sabbath school on the Credit was begun, in the new house, and no less than 40 youths and children attended. Peter Jones was superintendent and ,ssciut)l« nn tho by reading a n give llio f^ub- ,e of the whites on-^i-egation, he of the settlers [niliiin picaeher. r circuits would ^rdot'God. Oct. dl the lucu busy licy immediately III and women all lent prayer, then serious uttention. h Matt., and ex- by his side, !?ave 1. When fiuish- ;h," answering to d to shake hands id so they parted, averted. And iu idit again to win- ,t of the tribe, to and Peter Jones, \\ad several inter- tnd Sir Peregrine l27th he promised l-house before tho J tho Credit again, Itory to laying the I 29th, Peter Jones lut up a temporary 1 crotchets, boards thing for the new )re had still to live jhool on the Credit lan 40 youths and iperintendent and 18'2J.] IN CANADA. 283 ioaclur fur the >;eliool. lie al»o conducted public worship in the loreiioon, uilh the Indians and many whito.s. Then class iiicoting lollowiiig, in which tho Liidiuns rejoiced greatly. While loudinij: the class, Peter said that his " soul was iilled with ihe <^.' ' T of God." When tho «un was an hour high,'tho Sun- day ov . ing prayer meeting beuian. Tho Lord poured out his spirit upon the Indian worshippers, so that there was a shout of f.>,rcat joy in the camp. At dusk, Peter dismissed tho f eopio t(» their wigwams. They went homo singing tho praises of (Jod ; and when in tho camp, they were no happy, that they gathered on the green grass, and for some time still offered up l)rayer and praise. '* Never, says Peter, " shall I forget the joy atui peaco I felt this day. Praise tho Lord, my soul 1" April iUd, Peter commenced a day school for the Indian child- ren, and .'iO scholars attended at once. And tho school went on, and prospered. Since the conversion of the Indians, no christian Indian had (lied. But now one was to shew the others, that God afforded grace for dying as for living. George Young was sick unto death. The poor Indian man wished to live longer, not for such motives as white Christians usually have, but ho " would like to live a little longer to know more of this good religion ; but for this wish, he was willing, if the good Spirit pleased, to die then.'' June 7th, Peter preached the funeral sermon, on the patience of Job. A solemn joy sat on every countenance, and frequentl)- bursts of praiso would come from the Indians, that their departed brother was gone to heaven. He was the first Christian Indian buried at the Credit. Peter Jones with some of the Credit Indians visited some camp meetings this summer, viz., at Yonge Street and the Grand river in June, and at the 12 mile Creek in July. These visits were useful to the Christian Indians, and issued in the conveision of more of the pagan Indians, 35 had become church members since the removal to the Credit, or 110 in all. But, strange to say ! the Government of Upper Caimda, watched tlie conduct of these poor children of tlie forest with a jealous eye, envied the Methodist ministry in the glory of reclaiming the natives, which (they thought) ought to have been ihe work of the Church of England, and wished to show the Indians the displeasure felt. 284 HISTORY OP METHODISM MESSAGE FROM THE INDIAN AGENT. [182G. August, 6th, a message was received at the Credit from Col. Givins, requesting the chiefs and principal men of the tribe, to meet him in a council at York. The next morning the Indians were in York, and were taken by the agent before the Commanding Officer of the garrison, when the agent dellivered the message from Sir Peregrine Maitland. He said that the Governor was very much opposed to the Indians attending the Methodist camp meetings ; and that if the Credit Indians presisted in going, the Governor would cast them off, and have nothing more to do with them ; that is he would not help the new settlement at all, neither have the land cultivated, nor build a school house or dwellings for them. The Indians assembled were to take their choice : to desist from attending camp meetings, and have the good will atid aid of the Governor ; or to presist in going and to lose his friendship and assistance. The chiefs and others were confounded at the speech of the agent. The thought never before came into the minds of these artless children of the forest, that Christians were against Christians, that worshippers of the Great Spirit were opposed to other worshippers, and that white men with the Great Book hated others who followed the Great Book. They knew that there were bad whites, but these the Indians did not look upon as Christians, only the good, the praying whites, and such as went to meeting on Sabbath. But they knew not that one pious body hated and envied another, — i. e., the Episcopalian church hating and envying the Methodists. Alas 1 the truth now broke into their minds, — and in time pass- ed into the minds of other tribes, gradually forming the Indian into a party man, and disposing him to ask which kind of Christian shall I become ? Church of England Christian ? and have the "great father" at York on my side ; or Metho- dist Christian ? and then the " great father'' forsake us poor children of the woods. 1 he council was a long time in con- sultation. But these Indian men were but children in Chris- tianity, and were not of the nuirtyr sort. So they yielded to the Governor's demand, that they should not attend Metho- dist camp meetings ; especially as the Credit settlement was ■■\\\ [1820. 1826.] IN CANADA. 285 it from Col. of the tribe, morning the it before the nt dcllivered >poseJ to the ; and that if or would cast ; that is he ave the land irtheni. The to desist from and aid of the liendship and unded at the came into the lat Christians B Great Spirit rhite men with 5 Great Book, jse the Indians Dd, the praying ith. But they another, — i. e., the Methodists, id in time pass- aing the Indian which kind of and Christian? jide ; or Metho- forsake us poor ng time in con- lildren in Chris- 3 they yielded to ; attend Metho- , settlement was now beginning, and they were afraid the buildings and improve- ments would all stop. As an excuse for the poor Indian men, it may be remarked, that they were not required to give up the Methodist ministry or ordinances, — although probably this was believed would follow, as camp meetings appeared to aflfect the Indian most. The conduct of Sir Peregrine Maitland in this affair was unworthy a governor, and did not become his office. Why should he meddle with the worship of a few Indians lately brought into the way of Christianity, and just on the borders of civilization ? But, doubtless, the leading mind in the affair was Dr. Strachan, as he was the leading man in the Executive Council. He had seen these poor Indians at the Huraber. He saw the change in them was real. The reformation of the Indians would give the Methodists a greater fame than ever in the Province. He wished Upper Canada the spiritual inheri* tance of the Church of England, as it was the temporal poshes- sion of the English crown. Besides, the controversy his sermon originated was now in the public attention, and increased his ill feeling to the Methodist body. NEW TOWNtJHIPS NEAR THE OTTAWA. The newly settled, tov/nships " between" the Mississippi and the Ottawa rivers, is the appointment given to Samuel Belton last year. But as the two rivers do not run parallel, the town- ships meant are along the Missit^sippi, as Packenham, Fitzroy, Ramsay, Lanark, and Dalhousie. Some of the settlements hud been visited two years ago, when two preachers were on the Perth circuit ; as one preacher was since appointed, they could not be attended to. But most of the settlements now visited had been without preaching from the beginning. The people were glad to hear the sound of a minister's voice ; and Bome travelled eight or ten milfls, from their cabins, to hear a gospel sermon. The accommodations for a preacher were poor as usual in a new settlement, and the roads owing to the swamps very bad ; in sonje places, iuipassible, until made hard by the frost. A two week circuit was formed, of 14 preaching places. Forty persons were gathered into the society, and formed into live classes. Thus the foundation was laid of the future Mis- 286 lIlbTOUY OP METHODISM [182G. sissippi circuit: a circuit aboundini^ in intelligent hearers, strong in Calvinism, and (like old Ireland in the north, and Scotland generally) hard to yield to the Methodist itinerancy. HAMILTON CONFERENCE AND CRAMAHE CA^IT-MEETINO. The Conference was held in Hamilton, a township bounded on the north by the Rice lake, — where Indian missions were afterwards established,— in the district of Newcastle, Upper Canada. About ]2 miles ea.«t, in Cramahe, a camp-meeting began the Friday before the meeting of Conl'cvence. It was attended by a number of preachers, a large assembly of white people, and about 100 Indians of the Missisuaua tribe, — the same as attended the camp-meeling in Adolphustown. Sonic of the natives had not yet embraced religion. The Christian Indians, learning, at the former camp-meeting soon entered into the forms and fervor of the meeting; and for their solemn and orderly conduct were a pattern to all. In the public singiiu:, the Indians were allowed to sing a verse of their Chippewa hymn, to a verse of an English hymn sung by the white con- gregation. Thus the singing was shared by the two races, in their two languages. So with the sermon delivered in English, Wm. Beaver gave the epitome in the Chippewa. One sermon was on the necessity and influence of the Holy Spirit on the heart, interspersed with anecilotes from the Indian tribes; when the interpreter was so affected, and apparently filled by the Divine Spirit, that liis utterance was choked, and he could only weep, and rejoice, praising Cod with all his heart and with all his voice. The effect was striking; for whites and Indians also wept, rejoiced, and praised the Lord. About 20 of the pagan Indians professed to be converted at the meeting, and gave every evidence possible in so shoit a time. On Sun- day morning, 40 adult Indians v.ore arranged in a scmi-civclc round the stand, with countenances beaming with joy, and a solemnity of manner 'indicating unaffected sincerity, to receive the sacrament of baptism. The were duly instructed as to the nature and obligations of it, and answered the usual (juestions in the form of baptism, by bowing a cordial and hearty assent. Some of the new converts were overwhelmed with a sense of the Divine presence and blessing. After the adult.°, 23 of the Indian children were bapti.*ed. , ^ [1820. 1826-3 IN CANADA. 287 Uigent hearers, the north, and Ddist itinerancy. .^ir-MEETING. wnship hounded n missions were ewcastle, Upper ji camp-mcetin<5 icrence. It wa.s sseuibly of white uaga trihe,— lie thustown. Sonic The Christian soon entered into •their solemn and le public singinir, ■ their Chippewa by the white cou- the two races, in livercd in English, wa. One sermon .oly Spirit on the 10 Indian tribes; parently filled by ked, and he could ill his heart and for whites and Lord. About 20 d at the meeting, ,. time. On Sun- ,d in a scmi-civclc g with joy, and a [iccrity, to receive istructed as to the [c usual (questions nd hearty assent, id with a sense of adults, 23 of the The camp-meeting closed on IMonday. The preachers mov- ed on to Hamilton on Tuesday, and the Indians moved up also, to receive further instruction and blessing, and pitched their tents in a small grove near the chapel. It was situate two miles north of the village of Cobourg, and the conference was held in the Cobourg circuit. On Wednesday morning, Aug. 31st, bishop George took the chair, and Wm. Case was ap- pointed secretary, The meeting was carried on as usual ; and the preachers in all the proceedings showed great zeal for the furtherance of the work of the Lord. The bishop preached on Sunday, with much pathos and energy, to a crowded con- gregation. Th©^ Conference also enjoyed the company and preaching of the Rer. Dr. Bangs, — the old Canadian preacher and presiding elder,-^who came from New York to witness the work of God among the Indian people. And he considered the semi-circle of Indian adults, waiting the baptismal ordi- nance, on the last Sabbath, as one of the most pleasing objects he ever saw. The Indians carried on the meeting, in time of Conference, aided by Peter Jones. The great Mississuaga tribe was dis- })erscd in different parts of the Upper Canadian wilderness, tur the purpose of hunting and fishing. As the different com- panies hear of the Credit and Belleville natives, they are induced to come in, and see and hear for themselves. At this time, a company of Indians with a chief, came from Rice Lake. After hearing and seeing, they believed, and began to seek the happy religion wliich tlieir brethren possessed. On the Sunday evening. Dr. Bangs went to the Indian camp. Ho found the new-comers, in the ibrm of a half circle, all on their knees ; while the others, a distance off, were also in the same foru), and in the same work of prayer, John Sunday fervently loading the devotions. The New York minister requested to speak to the people. They all arose, and waited in solemn silence. He requested Wm. Beaver to ask the Rice lake chief what induced him to come there. With much delibera- tion, emphasis, and energy, he replied : ''I heard, while in the wilderness, of the great work going on among my people ; and I came down to see, and hear, and examine for myself." Ho was then asked, if he was convinct;d of the evil of his former habits, "Yes." Are you determined to reform? •'Yes." 233 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1826. I !■ How did you feel when convinced of your sinfulness ? Put- ting his hand to his heart, lie said, *' I felt very sick here, I now feel well — happy." They were then exhorted to stead* fastness in the faith. Here began the work of God among the Rice lake Indians. Three months before, Peter Jones called on Mr. S , the great Indian trader, near Smith's creek, to inquire about the state of the Indians at Rice Lake. He was informed they were intemperate and wicked ; but might be reformed, provid- ing proper means were used, — adding, "I would help you, if there was any hope of making them more industrious in catch- ing beaver." As Peter afterwards said, '• Prizing the beaver more than the souls ^f the poor Indians." THE CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE. Dr. Bangs was one of the Book Agents of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as well as editor of the Methodist Maga- eine. He informed the Conference that they had resolved on publishing a weekly religious newspaper in New York, for the benefit of the general work in the United States and Canada, and hoped for the approval and aid of the Provincial Confer- ence in the undertaking. The preachera expressed a pleasure in hearing of the proposal, and promised to circulate the paper in the circuits. On the 9th September, the first number of the Christian Adcomte was issued. It gained the approba- tion of the Methodist people immediately, and soon attained a a circulation of 30,0(iO. It made good progress in Canada, until oui' own church paper came into being, PREACH KRS SCARCE. Only one preacher was received en trial, George Farr. Others, however, were ready to go into the field, but an infor- inality hindered the bishop giving them appointments. Still, the work increased more than the labourers. The Conference rcgolved on a day of fasting and prayer, (the first Friday in jS-ovcmter,) " rbrthe promotion of internal holiness and spread of (he work of God ; and particularly for an increase of labor- ers in God's vineyard." Thus the scriptural principle was! I [1826. Iness? Put- r sick here, I ■ted to stead- God among r. S . tlic lire about the nfornied they brmed, provid- Id help you, if ;rious in catch- ing the beaver the Methodist ethodist Maga- had resolved on w York, for the es and Canada, )vincial Confer- essed a pleasure ■culate the paper first number of »ed the approba- l soon attained a oress in Canada, il, George Farr. ield, but an infor- 1 ointments* Still, The Conference le first Friday in olincss and spread \ increase of labor- ' iral principle was 1826.] IN CANADA. 289 aoknowledged, that God, and not man, fits and appoints men to the gospel work ; and the scriptural rule followed, " Prav ye the Lord of the harvest to send forth labourers into hia field.'' Niagara Dutrict. Thomas yiaddenj Presiding Elder, and SupervUendent o/Mimoiu in district. Indian!. Fort George and Queenston,— Jas. Bichardson. 36 Niagara,— -John Ryerson, Wm. Qriffis 421 Lyon's Oreek,^ — Joseph Messmore 91 Anca8ter,^-Jo8eph Gatchell, Anson Grren 396 Long Point, — Rowley Heyland . . . . „ ^ 242 Dumfries, — ^Thomas Demorest 222 Westminster,— Robert Corson , 331 London, — Daniel McMullea . . . , 229 Thames, — Edmund Stoney ^ . . 21 337 Amherstburgh, — George Ferguson 94 Grand River Mission,— Alvin Torry 36 37 Members, 67 2436 Bay of Q^inte District. William Case, Presiding Elder, and Superintendent of URtsioni in district. IiidUu. Bay of Qninte,— Ezra Healey, Samuel Belton. . 930 Hallowell, — Solomon Waldron 462 Belleville, — David Breakonridge> 83 218 Cobourg,— Wm. Slater 462 Rice Lake, 110 Whitby,— James Wilson York and Yonge Street,— William Byersoni 462 Toronto,— George Sovereign 305 Credit Mission, — ^Egerton Ryerson 110 Members, 193 2939 290 BISTORT OF METHODISM [1826. Jluguita District. Philander Smith, Presiding Elder. Augusta, — Franklin Mctcalf, David Wright 666 Cornwall, — Wyatt Chamberlain 4T0 Ottawa, — George Farr... 40 Hull,— George Bissell Bideau, — Jacob Poole 410 Perth and Mississippi Mission, — Wm .H. Williams. 290 Members, 1876 Total 250 7251 Last year.. 104 6771 Increase 146 480 The Credit Indians were now given in charge of a preach- er, and Peter Jones was relieved, allowing him opportunities of visiting heathen tribes. A new circuit — the Whitby — was now forpied between the Yonge Street and Cobourg circuitf>, and comprehended the township of Whitby, with Pickering and Scarborough on the west, and Darlington, Clarke, if not Hop,e, on the east, and some ground on the north. The coun- try about the lake Ontario began to be settled by emigrants from the United States, about 1797. But these lake Ontario townships were not sought after, like the Niagara, Bay of Quinte, and St. Lawrence townships, owing to the difficulty of access. Latterly, however, the excellent quality of the land was attracting emigrants, and the townships were now filling up. The first settlers were mostly of the Baptist denomination, and the Baptists were the first preachers on these shores. The first meeting house was a Baptist, erected in the township of Whitby ; nor was there any other until the year 1834. The Rice Lake circuit is continued, and included the new townships bordering on the lake, as Monaghan, Otonabee, and Cavan, and Emily on the west, and Smith on the north. The settling of these townships began in 1818, but proceeded slow- ly until lately, when emigrants landirg at Cobourg proceeded back by a north road,. The lake obtains the name from wild 1826.] IN CANADA. 291 rico growing in the shallow waters, afifording sustenance to flocks of wild geese, and much of the rice the Indians gather in their canoes. The Rice Lake is a large she^t of inland water, receiving by the river Otonabec the overflowings of a large number of northern lakes, and furnishing the rapid waters of the river Trent, flowing into the bay of Quinte. The country on the Ottawa river be2;an to be settled very early ; but on account of the poor and stoney soil, and much more the severe climate, the emigrants seldom went up these dark waters. Though the Ottawa circuit was an appointment for a preacher in 1800, yet the membership at the end of these 26 years is only 40, and less than in years past. The Metho- dist farmers moved away to the more genial climates of the south and west; and the emigration did not supply the loss. Last year, the Ottawa country was tried about a hundred milts on the south ^ide, and in the township of Fitzroy, in connection with the Mississippi mission. And now a third portion is taken up, between the other two, on the north or Lower Can- ada side of the river, and in the township of Hull, having the Gatineau river running through it. Belore the waters of the Ottawa come to the mouth of the Gatineau, they precipitate themselves over overhanging rocks, rising £0 feet above the bottom, and the rolling of the western waters over these rocks forms the Chaudierre Falls ; one of the most beautiful and sublime objects of natural scenery to be seen in Canada. Where the waters fall, the depth has never been found : a line of 300 feet has not touched bottom. It is supposed the waters into a vast subterraneous cavern, having an outlet half a go mile below ; from there the stream comes boiling up again. LAKE SIMCOE INDIANS. Peter Jones, with John Sunday and Moses from Belleville, (on a visit to the Credit) started on a journey back of York, to see and discourse with some of the natives living on the borders of lake Simcoe, a little before the Cramahe camp-meet- ing. On Sunday, July 23rd, in the village of Newmarket, about 30 of these Indians were assembled. Jones and Sun- day addressed them on the important subject of true religion. 1' -1 292 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1826. On Monday, the Indians were visited in their camp. Jones, Sunday, and Moses, spoke of their converMon, and, urged them all to be converted. Then chief Suake rose up and said, — " Brothers, we feel very thankful to you for your visit to us, to shew us how wretched and miserable we are in our present condition, and to tell us what the Great Spirit would have us do to make us wise, good and happy ; for my part I am ready and willing to become a Christian. I hope that all my young men will become good and wise, and serve the Great Spint." Another old man spoke to the same purpose. They said they wished to have a school for the children. This was promised as soon as possible. And thus began the good work among the children of the woods roving around lake Simcoe. GRAPE ISLAND. As the Indians of the Credit were now in a settled state, and enjoying the advantages of the new life, Mr. Case and certain good men, well wishers of the Indians, considered the case of the natives about Belleville. To promote a settled condition, a singular plan was resorted to, viz. : of leasing two 'slands in the Bay of Quinte, near Belleville, from the In- dians, for the use of the Indians. The lease will describe the objects and conditions: — "THIS INDENTURE, made at Bellville, in the Midland Dis- trict, of the Province of Upper Canada, the 16th day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and twenty- six, between the chiefs, warriors and Indians of the Missassuaga tribe, of the one part, — and John Reynolds, Benjamin Ketche- Bon, Pennel G. Selden, James Bickford, and William Ross, all of the town of Belleville, on the other part : — " Whereas we the said parties of the first part, have been con- vinced of the great injury which we sustain, and have sustained, from our wandering habits, and the consequent want of educa- tion, and religious instruction for ourselves and our children : and whereas the said parties of the second part have been moved by our forlorn situation, to endeavour to enlighten our minds in the knowledge of truth ; but finding that all their labours must, be in vain, unless we acquire some permanent settlement and habitation, where we may be provided with a place of worship and schools for the use of ourselves and families : [1826. amp. Jones, 3, urged them ind said, — ur visit to us, in our present vould have ua irt I am ready all my young •cat Spint." e. They said n. This was the good work lake Simcoe. I settled state, Mr. Case and considered the omote a settled of leasing two from the In- m\\ describe le Midland Dis- day of October, red and twenty- he Missassuaga njamin Ketche- William Ross, have been con- lave sustained, >vant of educa- our children : ive been moved ^n our minds in ir labours must, settlement and ace of worship 1820.] IN CANADA. 293 " Now this Indenture witncsseth, that in consideration thereof and also in consideration of the sum of five shillings by the said parties of the second part, to us in hand paid, at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof we here- by acknowledge, have demised, leased, let, and to farm letten, — and by these presents do demise, lease, let, and to farm let, — all that certain tract of land, situate in the township of Ameliaaburgh, in the said district, being composed of a certain island in the Bay of Quinte, near the mouth of Marsh creek, heretofore gen- erally called and known by the name of LogrinCa Island^ con- taing by estimation fifty acres of land, be the same more or less : To have and to hold all and singular the said premises, with the appurtenances, for and during, and until the full end and term of nine hundred and ninety nine years, unto the said par- ties of the second part, their heirs and assigns, upon such trusts, and for such intents and uses, as arc hereinafter expressed, i. e. " That they the said parties of the second part, their heirs and assigns, shall suffer and permit us the said parties of the first part, and our heirs, to occupy, possess, and enjoy, all and singular the premises aforesaid, free and clear from any rent and incumbrance ; that they themselves shall not, neither shall they suflfer or permit any other person or persons to cut down or de- stroy the trees or underwood of the said island, except so much as may be required to be cleared away for t)\e purposes of culti- vating the soil, or which may reasonably he required for build- ing for ourselves, or for fencing our clearings. " For the consideration, and upon the same terms and condi- tions expressed, we have leased, and do by these presents lease, unto the said parties of the second part, their heirs and assigns, a certain other Island adjoining the island within described, and which is commonly called and known by the name of Grape Mandj containing about eleven acres. "John Sunday, Wm. Beaver, John Simpson, Nelson Snake, Mitchell Snake, Paul Yawaseeno, Jacob Nawquashcum, John Salt, Isaac Skunk, Wm. Ross, Jacob Musquashcum, Potto Skunk, Joseph Skunk, Jacob Sheepeoano, James Snake." " Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of ) " Tobias BiiEAEEn, Petes Jones.'' J 294 HiSTOriY OF METIIODISM [1827. I- * III The plan of leasing the Islands to others, and giving pos- session to the Indian-s gave the benevolent community confi- dence that what was given for the improvement of the intended settlement would bo of some lasting benefit. A site being DOW selected, the Indians of the Chippeway tribe in the Bay of Quintc began to look upon these islands as their home, and ^)enevolcnt persons concerned themselves about laying the foundation of the new Indian settlement. The John Reynolds mentioned in the deed was the preacher who located in the time of the war, and now a merchant. Benjamin Ketcheson was a son of Wm. Ketcheson, who lived three miles east of the Adolphustown chapel, when Losee preached, and whose wife was a member of the first class. Selden and Bickford were local preachers. Wm. Ross was a good man, of benevolent feelings, and very kind to the Indians. His house was open for their prayer meetings, and his table spread for their wants. He gave the ground on which the chapel and parsonage now stand in Belleville. The Indians had great confidence in Wm. Ross, long a class leader, and one was baptized in bis name, as the lease shows. 2%e appointments of the English Conference. James Enowlan, Chairman. Quebec, — James Booth 98 Montreal, — Robert Alder 121 Kingston, — James Knowlan 66 St. Armands,— Mathcw Lang. 260 Three Rivers, — William Faulkner 77 Stanstead and Barnston, — Rich. Cope, Thos, Turner. 130 Sheflford, — William Squire 159 Odell Town and Burtonville,— William Burt 867 Melbourne, — One wanted ( aldwell's Manor, — One wanted . Ottawa, — One is to be sent 31 Members, 1809 THE HAMILTON (gORE DISTRICT) CONFERENCE. 1827 The village of Hamilton, in the township of Barton, was selected for the meeting of the preachers. Hamilton, as a pkce [1827. giving po8- 1 unity confi- the intended A site being e in the Bay ir home, and b laying the 3 the preacher a merchant. ion, who lived when Losee he first class. Ti. Ross was a :o the Indians. and his table on which the The Indians eader, and one mce. .... 98 .... 121 .... 66 260 77 'urner. 130 159 ...... 867 I* • ••• 31 ibers, 1809 Iebence. of Barton, was Cikon, as a place 1827.] IV CANADA. 2«.)r, for the conforonco, is bofore any other town in Canada. Bishop Hedding was the president, and Wm. Case the secretary. The meeting opened Sept. 7th, 1827. The prayers of the preachers, in November, for more labour- ers in the Lord's vineyard, was so answered that nine young preachers now offer for the itinerant work, viz : Matthew Whiting, John H. Huston, John C. Davidson, George Poole, Richard Jones, John S. Atwood, Cyrus R. Allison, Jas. Norris, and Peter Jones the Indian. But while there is an addition of nine new men, there is a loss of two of the older preachers, Thomas Deraorest and Daniel McMulleh, who located, but after a few years resumed the work. Alvin Torry, ton, now withdraws from the Canadian work, and returns to the field laboured by the Genesee Conference. He w^as received on trial in 1817, and travelled on a circuit in New York 8tate. In 1818, ho comes into Canada, and labours on the Long Point circuit. In 1819, ho is on West- minster circuit, in the vicinity of the Thames river. In 1820, he moves to Ancaster circuit, and in 1821, to Lyon's creek. In 1822, he is appointed to the Indian reservation on the Grand river, a receptacle of heathenism and the vilest immo- ralities ; and here he continues his persevering and saccossful work until the Conference of 1827. As the fruit of his fivo yonrs' labours, he beheld a great reformation among the whito settlers, and a remarkable work of grace among the pagan Indians. He may be truly entitled, the Apostle of the Indians of Upper Canada. The Mohawks of the Grand River, the Munceys on the Thames, and the Mississaugas on the Credit, received the Gospel by his mouth. Others co-operated iu the benevolent work, but he had the honour of beginning it. And from the report going Ibrth from the Grand river, the Belle- ville and other tribes first had their attention directed to the Gospel. Alvin Torry, with Seth Crawford, are the two names ever to be associated with the first evangelization of the Indian tribes of Upper Canada. Seth Crawford returned to the Gr.and River in the spring of 1826, on a visit to the Indians. Alvin Torry, in 1828, received an appointment in the Ontario district, New York, m 4 29tf BI8T0RY OP 11ETU0DI8M [1827. '] '1 1 1 ! Niagara Dittriet. John 'B,jex%onf— Presiding Elder, and ^Superintendent of Miiiiont and Schools. IcdlAIIK. Niagara and Fort George^- David.Toumans . . Rowley Heyland 515 Lyon's creek, — Joseph Gatchell 115 Ancaster,— Thomas Madden, Anson Qrecn.... 602 Dumfries, — Oeorge Sovereign 205 Long Point, — Wm. QriiliK^ Robert Corson 248 WestminBter,— Matthew Whiting 413 London,— John Huston 229 Thames, — George Fergusson 177 Amherstburgh, — Edmund titoney... 21 235 Grand Biver Mission^— Joseph Messmore 60 8 '" Members, 71 2647 Bay of Quinte District.. Wmr. Case, Presiding Elder and Superintend eiU of Missions and Schools.. bdiani. Bay of Quinte,— Samuel Bclton 36 931 Hallowell^— Wyatt Chamberlain, John David- son 670 Belleville, — John S. Atwood 90 230> Cobourg, — ^Wm. Slater, Egerton Ryerson 325 Cavan,— siimes Norris 116 96 York (with Yonge Street), — Wm. Ryerson ... 42 590 Yonge Street and Whitby,— James Wilson... 94 Toronto,^ohn Black 356 Credit Mission, — James Richardson 118 Grape Island Mission, — Solomon Waldron.... . Native Tribes of the Chlppewas, — Peter Jones Members, 457 3292 i ■)> [1827. 1827.] IN CANADA. 207 ( of MUtioni cdlADK. 21 50 SIS 115 602 205 248 418 339 177 235 8 , 71 2647 Jugusta District. Philander Smith, Presiding Elder. Eingflton, — Ezra Healcy, C. R. Allison Augusta, — Franklin Mutcalf 983 Crosbj'i-^acob Poole Cornwall, — David Wiiplit 442 Ottawa,- Rich't'fi .out 90 Richmond Mins on,- -George Voole Kideau, - Ocorr ' li; icll 287 Perth, — Onorge Fair > Miu IsRiri-i,' 'm. H. Williams J ^"^ Hull, 125 Members, 2134 Indlnni. Total. 522 8073 Last year 260 7261 Increase, 272 822 /Missions and lodlaM. 35 93) 670 90 230 325. 116 96 42 590 94 356 118 457 3292 GENERAL OONFERBNOE DELEGATES. A 8 the Qeneral Conference vas to assemble next May, the Canadian Conference chose their appointed number of dele- gates. It was the first act of the kind, and the last. The preachers chosen to attend were Chamberlain, Slater, Belton, Wm. Ryerson, and J. Ryerson. They were instructed to pre- sent the petition (drawn up in 1824) to the Conference, and to use every proper means to obtain an independent position for the Canadian body. BENRT RYAN. '•^his old '^''^"idiau preacher ncfw withdraws from the con- !< .on he hau so long assibted to build, and the preachers so long connected with. The two last years he had been without any charge, and merely a superannuated preacher. The last year he resumed the agitations \rf 1824, and made the body and preachers very uneasy at hi* nioveriietits. He came to the determination to separate from the Methodist Episcopal Church, with as many others as would go with him, and form ol 298 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1827. i ! a now connex'on. His ground for moving on was, — to have a Beparate and independent body from the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States. He knew that the Conference desired the same object and the members too ; that steps were n< T taken to accomph. ' it; that in May next, doubtless the object, ' 1 a peaceable manner, would be gained. But, he pro- fessed that be did not believe it ; and he would not wait to know. He was stimulated by some great loyalists, i. e., those who greatly boasted of loyalty; for Ryan asserted an incon- sistency in loyal subjects of the British crown, being ecclesi- astically subject to a foreign rule. But there was no incon- sistency or wrong at all ; and in Missionary labours the implied inconsistency has never been, and never could, be acted 'on. Civil subjection may be due in one land, and church subjef- tion in another. Thus it is with all Roman Catholics in dif- ferent countries ; yet all own spiritual subjection to a bishop in Home. So with different bodies of Protestants. A Mora- vian minister in the United States or Canada was spiritually subject to a body in Germany. French Methodists are in subjection to the English Conference. However, there was an apparent argument and sentiment in the proposition, and the gieat loyalists with some Government oflScers, therefore aided Ryan. Even the Speaker of the House of Assembly, John Wilson, of Wentworth, encouraged and followed Ryan. And the *' Hon. and Rev." Dr. Strachan assisted the expenses of the division party, by sending him a present of £50. The ostensible object of dispute was, loyal Methodism against re- publican. The agitation was not only kept up by the ideas of loyalty and independence, but by charges against the preachers, that they were ambitious, foppish, proud, covetous, and persecuting ; against the church, that it was falling, had no revivals of re- ligion, and both preachers and ptople were following the fash- ions of the world ; against the members, that all who adhered to the Conference were dupe 5 and slaves; against the bishops, that all they were pursuing ani doing for the independence of the body, was mere pretence and hypocrisy, having no desire to lessen their power and jurisdiction, disregarding the people, and denying their fervent wishes and their sacred rights. [1827. IS, — to have a list Episcopal le Conference hat steps were douhtless the But, he pro- i not wait to e., those who ,ed an incon- being ecciesi- was no incon- cirs the implied 1, be acted 'on. jhurch subjer- atholics in dit- ion to a bishop mts. A Mora- was spiritually thodists are in ever, there was ►reposition, and ficers, therefore le of Assembly, allowed Ryan. id the expenses of £50. The |ism against re- isoflojaltyand [hers, that they persecuting; revivals of re- lowing the fash- Ill who adhered ^st the lishops, .idependenpe of kving 1^0 desire ling the people, red rights. 1827.] IN CANADA. 299 Another preacher separated himself from the body, viz., David Breakenridge, junr., a sen of the companion of Ryan, to the General Conference in 1824, but he was not a member of Conference, having travelled but three years. His circuits were Smith's Creek, Cobourg, and now Belleville, — which took in tie country around, especially Sidney and Thurlow. As the Conference drew near, he published for a field meeting ia the rear of the 1st concession of Sidney. The people from Belleville and other parts of the circuit gathered, Breakenridge, preached, took up a collection as usual for the support of tho Gospel, and concluded the meeting. Then he arose from his knees, and desired tho people to wait a little longer. They waited, wondering what was next to come. He then drew out a paper, and to the surprise of all, read his declaration of independence from the Methodist Episcopal Church. He sold his horse, bought a yoke of oxen and a wagon, packed up his goods, and with bis family left the circuit, and travelled towards Kingston. The stewards of the circuit, John Reynolds and Wm. Kelcheson, held fast to the collection after the preacher's separation from the body, considering that then he had no claim to it. But Breakenridge returned, consulted a lawyer, and demanded the money. After resisting for some time, the stewards from kindness allowed him to have it. Ryan and Breakenridge being free from the Conference, proceeded with others to form a new body, which they called the Canadian Wesleyan Methodist Church. After a time, the leaders became so bold as to claim the right of the chapel property, and even took forcible possession of some. But though the societies were much agitated this year, yet not a great number followed Ryan : not 200 left altogether. The common sense of the people was greater than Ryans' : they said, let us wait until May, and see what the General Confer- ence will do; but he said, waiting was of no use. Thus began the first division of the Methodists in Canada. DR. STRAOHAN'S letter AND CHART. The chief member of the English Church, as well as prin cipal member of tho Executive Council, drew up in England, for the consideration of the English Government, a Chart and 300 BISTORT OF METHODISM [1827. Letter (dated May 16th, 1827) descriptive of the religious state of Upper Canada ; which, being laid before the House of Commons, were ordered to be printed. The object wae, to obtain public ffrantb for the support and increase of Episcopa- lian ministers in the Province. But two faults were commited, viz. : magnifying the strength of the Church of England, and lessening the influence of other bodies ; which brought on public dbcussions and even legislative action. UNIVERSITY OP KINO's COLLEGE. Dr. Strachan, — a man of two ideas, one for himself, and the other, for his church, — ^while in England sought and obtained a Royal Charter for a University in Upper Canada, to be called King's Collie, after his Majesty George IV. An en- dowment out of the Upper Canada crown lands, of 225,000 acres, and £1,000 a year for sixteen years, was given. But the provisions were for the exclusion of all, except adherents of the Episcopalian church, who were to enjoy the benefit. Instead of a provincial university, it was intended for an Epis- copalian seat of learning. But selfish ends are often de- feated ; and so it happened with King's college. GRAND RIVER. .The work continued to prosper at the Grand River. iFifty natives were now in the Society. Another school was begun January 1st, further on the river, and called the upper piission school. Seth Crawford, who had returned, was the teacher, 25 children attended, and a third school was begun at the Salt Springs, where a native exhorter, called William Doxdader, had for four months laboured with great success. Peter Jones visited the Grand river Indians, Mohawks, Oneidas, and Cayugas, and preached to them in English, William Doxdader interpreting, It was supposed there was now about 8,000 Indians who spoke the Mohawk tongue. Fifty of the Hymns had already been translated into the Mo- hawk, and the Kew Testament was in course of translation. MUNCEYTOWN. The school in Munceytown continued. Some of the chil- dren were clothed by the hand of charity, dppositio,^ from t!!l fl iiii 1827.] llf CANADA. 301 the natives was growing les?, to the school and to the Gospel. John Carey, with a local preacher, — acquainted with the man- ners of the Indians, and now settled among them, were exert- ing themselves for their spiritual good. A few of the natives appeared reformed, and were looking forward to Christian bap- tism; and others were quite willing to receive instruction. At the close of 1827, the house was finished and paid for, and schools aud mett'ngs were now regularly held. Occasionally, one of the neighbouring preachers would call and preach to the poor Munceys. — ^ as, Mohawks, CREDIT RIVER. After the consent of the Credit chiefs to stay from camp^ meetings, the Government proceeded with the buildings ; and, by the spring of 1825, there were twenty log houses erected. Each house was put on an half acre of land, which fenced would be a sufficient garden for a family. These were the first houses which the Mississauga tribe ever owned or dwelt in ; and found a pleasant contrast with the wigwam of poleft and bark, — cold, damp, smoky, destitute. They had now two of the marks of civilization, viz., houses and gardens. Before the winter set in, urged by the coldness of the old board chapel, the people were urged, noC to wait for the Government erecting a school and meeting house, but to put their own shoulders to the work. Says the Missionary, " The Tndians, men, women, and children, were collected toge- ther by the sound of the horn, and the matter was explained to them by Peter Jones, and a subscription paper presented, in half an hour one hundred dollars (lacking 4d) were subscribed, and (it being the time for catching salmon) forty dollars were paid at the time. Many of the Indian women, when they saw others go forward and present the widow's mite, (for they gave all they had, which was from one shilling to three dollars,) expressed their sorrow that they had nothing to give ; but added, they would have some soon They immediately plied themselves to the mak- ing of baskets and brooms, and soon presented their dollars and half dollars, and had their names set down among the others. Little boys from eight to twelve years, brought their shillings and two shillings, the product of their little fingers, to help in buildr ing a house where they could learn to be wise liko white boys, and pray to Re-sha-mun-ne-to (the Qreat Spirit). How astonish- 302 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1827. m lii i iii :• II i ii! ing the contrast I A short time ago these Indians would sell the last thing they had for one tenth its value, to get a little whiskey ; but now they will labour and exercise economy to get something to build a house where they can worship the Lord of hosts." In giving their offerings, several of the Indian women said, ** Now, we will have a house where we can hear about and pray to Jesus, without getting cold." In the middle of No- vember, the house (size, 3ti feet lon^, 28 feet wide) was finished enough to allow the children to assemble for school. The friends of the mission on Yonge street assisted in build- ing, and some benevolent persons in the London district pur- chased and sent a handsome stove for the new hc"%*. The people were divided into two societies, and two ot e most pious and experienced men were appointed leaders. They were instructed how they should watch over and talk to their brethren, and what duties they ought especially to enforce. They were to make report to the missionary every Sabbath. Thus the newly converted natives were gradually " built up in iheir lioly faiths Since the first conversions of this tribe, there had been three guilty of drunkenness, but by the temp- tation of the white Christian, One Indian was pursued more than a quarter of a mile, and then so pressed as to be almost compelled to drink of the bottle. A second was persuaded to ride in a wagon, and then urged to drink until he held out bo longer. The third case whiskey was mixed with cider, so that the Indian could not fail to be overcome. Two of the Indians were restored by deep repentance, and the other impelled by anguish of his soul committed suicide. The school now consisted of forty children, and was taught by John Jones, brother of Peter, — an Indian man of exem- plary life and indefatigable labour for the good of his race, and well taught in the main branches of English educatioii. Twenty of the Indian children had learned a catechism of the first principles of Christianity, and a number of AVatt's chil- dreji's hymns. Twepty could read in the Scriptures ; and twelve could repeat our Lord's sermon on the mount, and were beginning to write tolerably. The children were orderly and moral, several had experienced 9 change of heart, and come showed signs of superior capacity and genius. In the spring of this year* the Indians, out of their funds in [1827. would sell the little whiskey ; I get something of hosta." n women said, near about and middle of No- set wide) was ble for school, sisted in build- )n district pur- V hc"«'e. The vo ot 8 most leaders. They id talk to their ally to enforce, every Sabbath, aally *'huUtup ms of this tribe, ut by the temp- ts pursued more as to be almost as persuaded to J he held out vio [th cider, so that of the Indians her impelled by land was taught man of exem- of his race, ard tlish education, btechisra of the of Watt's chil- jriptures; and Ithe mount, and ren were orderly to of heart, and Inius. jf their funds in 1827.1 IN CANADA. 303 the bands of Government, purchased two yokes of oxen, one wagon, three ploughs, chains, harrow-teeth, hoes, and other implements of husbandry, to commence the new business of agriculture. A few friends from York and Yonge street sent them a good Scotch plough, to break up the soil. At the close of the year the members numbered 121, and were divided into six classes. Nearly all the adults were now members of the society, and were- walking in the fear of God, and iu the comfort of the Holy Ghost, showing great thankfulness to the preachers who laboured with them, and giving many marks of strong affection. Thus the Credit In- dians were now comfortably settled, happy in the possession of the grace of God, and had a good prospect for themselves and their children. A happier community for several years than the Indians of the Credit river, could hardly be found* LAKE SIMCOE. The road called Yonge Street leads from York on lake On- tario to the highest waters in Canada, and the highest land. Around these northern waters, companies of Chippewa lived, hunting in the woods, and fishing in the waters. Peter Jones had met some of them last year, near Newmarket. In June, about 60 collected together, from their northern roamings, 30 miles distant, to a camp meeting on Yonge Street, 12 miles distant from York. They even came a week before hand, and were kindly supplied with provisions by benevolent persons in the neighbourhood, and with a suitable place at the camp ground. On the first day, in the afternoon, the horn was blown for the people to assemble for preaching. The poor pagan Indians heard and obeyed. Their old bald- headed chief led the way, followed by the men, and then the women and children. They sat on the left of the preachers' stand. Great interest was felt by preachers and congregation for these poor people of the forest. But other Indians were present ; and though the head men of the Credit mission agreed to the demand of the Governor, yet every Indian man, woman and child was at this camp meeting. Whether the promise was retracted, or not exacted by the Governor, I cannot learn ; but to give up the religious enjoyment of a camp 304 BISTORT or METHODISM [1821 meeting, which to thein was like a heaven on earth, was more than were they disposed to do They would rather have parted with the Great Father's good will and aid. The converted Indians arranged themselves around the pagan Indians. One of the preachers first spoke to the congregation. Then Mr. Case arose, and addressed the Indian assembly. Peter Jacobs, from the Grape Island, acted as his interpreter. The heathens were told of the first principles of religion— of the creation, fall of man, redemption, of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. They were told that if they prayed to the Great Spirit, he would forgive their sins, and change their hearts. Solemnity sat upon every face. The truth they received without objection, as children receive the word of a parent. The first sign of efiiect was in some bowing down the head, and then tears came from the eyes unused to weep. At last the effect was stronger, and a general trembling was seen, many fell off their seats to the ground, and a strong cry for God's mercy came from the convicted heathen of the woods. A prayer meeting then began, lasting with little intermission until the next morning ; and nearly all the men and women were con- verted to God. On the last day 26 of the Indians were bap- tized, and 12 children. When these Indians left, for their home at Newmarket, Peter Jones and two other native teachers from the Credit accompanied them, to strengthen the new converts, and to push on the work in this tribe. Prior to the camp meeting, several zealous persons in Newmarket society had opened a Sabbath school, to teach the Indian children. Now, a pious and educated man, named John Law, of Newmarket, offered to become a school teacher to this body of Indians. The body was estimated to number 600 souls, and therefore might yield a large number of scholars. The Indians accepted of the teacher, and they began immediately to build a school and meeting house, resembling the temporary chapel at the Credit. The house was made of slabs, 24 feet by 20 feet, and next day it was finished. It cost only 7s. 6d. in cash. A meeting was immediately held by Peter Jones, und the Spirit of the Lord was poured out among the people ; and the homely ohapel became at once the dwelling place of God. The school [1827. th, -was more t have parted he converted [ndiana. ation. Then Imbly. Peter rpreler. The ligion— of the ler, Son, and d to the Great J their hearts, they received •dot" a parent. 1 the head, and p. At last the 1 seen, many fell "or God's mercy )ds. A prayer lissiou until the romen vrere con- dians were bap- at Newmarket, rora the Credit jonverts, and to camp meeting, \,y had opened a . Now, a pious wmarket, offered ians. The body fore might yield accepted of the Id a school and ,el at the Credit. 20 feet, and 6cl. in cash. A s, und the Spirit ; and the homely 3od. The school 1827.] IS CANADA. S05 y began, and 27 children entered on the new employment of learning. John Crane exhorted, and Peter Jones gave some general instructions, urging watchfulness aaainst their former intemperate habits. At the end of each subject, the Indians responded haaJie, signifying assent. Another meeting was held, when a preacher gave them a sermon, Jones interpreted, and Crane exhorted. All who had experiencttd a change of heart were desired to rise up ; forty arose, most of whom were converted at the camp meeting ; the others since. Thus the work of God prospered among these Indians. About 100 had camped near Newmarket for the last three months ; and in- stead of their former ways, no drunkenness was seen in the camp, and prayer was heard in each of the wigwams. MUD LAKE INDIANS. * One of the many lakes on the north west of the village of Peterborough, was called Mud lake, situate between the town- ship of Smith and Ennismore. A company of Indians had this locality for hunting and fishing. Occasionally they would make their appearance in the front about Port Hope, where Mr. Smith, the Indian trader lived. Peter Jones, on returniag from his visit to the Kice Lake, wi^ his companion Moses, found a company of these Indians at Port Hope, January 30tb, He could not address them, as they were nearly all in- toxicated.. But the next day, he met the Indian., and some whites in a school house. After singing and prayer, Peter began his discourse to the whites in English. Moses thea exhorted the Indians in their tongue, to receive the Gospel. He assured them, by his own experience, that the Gospel only could make them happy here or in the prospect of a hereafter. Peter said if they desired to become Christians as other Indians ^were, they could speak. After consulting to- gether, these poor drunken Indians agreed, and one spoke, and said, " It was their desire to become Christians, and they would endeavor to do all they had told them." As a proof of his sincerity, he gave Peter his hand. They were recom- mended to attend their instructions of the Indian brethren who had come from Cavan to do them good ; and they consented. June 7th, Peter Jones found a hundred of the Mud lake 30U IIISTOIIY 01' METHODISM [1821 Indians waiting to hear liiiu, at the Cobourg court house, lie preached to them, and some were much affected, and fell to the j^round. They had previously heard the Gospel, with the llice lake Indians, and the tribe was now a praying people, renouncing ardent spirits. Poter exhorted the class-leaders to be faithful, and take care of the people. When leaving, one came with four dollars and a half for him, which they had collected without any suggestion. They shook hands with him, with the tears streaming down their faces. So great affection had the Indians to such as did them good. sciiooaoa lake. Early in January, Peter Jones visited tlie Schoogog Indians. He found an encampment of about 40 in Darling- ton. They appeared anxious for religious instruction. Ho taught them the Lord's prayer [and the Ten Commandments. He left them much affected, and inclined to seek the true God and serve him. In February he found a number of this tribe in Whitby, and taught them the Lord's prayer and the mean- ing. The poor Indians wei'o very anxious for instruction. After they could repeat the prayer, he taught them the Ten Commandments. One India.i soon repeated them without any mistake. Then they were instructed concerning the Sabbath day. As in other places, so with these Indians, the white trader was their worst enemy. The traders hated tlie relbr- mation now going on. But the Indians were very steadfast, — more so than could really be expected. Two men went to traffic with these Indians for furs, taking two barrels of whiskey near to the Indian cncompment. They hoped to make the Indians drink first, and then buy the furs with more whiskey. But they were disappointed. After making one or two drunk, the Christian Indians went in a body, und demanded the whiskey, saying that if not given up they would not trade. Sooner than lose the receipt of the furs, the traders allowed the Indiiins to take the whiskey. After a hole was cut in the ice, weights were tied to the barrels, and they were sunk to the bot'om of Schoogog lake. A pleasing incident of the firmness of the Indiana, and a base illustration of the covetousness of the white traders, ii ii 1827.] IN CANADA. 307 A party oP the Suhoogog Indians attended the Yonge street camp meeting, with the Credit and Lake Simcoc, and received strength thereby. Docember 22tid, Peter Jones again met these Indians, in Whitby. The first meeting produced a shak- ing among the dry bones. After remaining two or three days, and just before he loft, the Indian men came in to his lodging. He walked out, and they all flocked around him ; when old Johnson, in a bold and strong voice said, "Brother, wo thank you for visiting us, to tell us the great words of the Great Spirit. Brother, you must tell us what we must do to serve the Great Spirit ; for we are as yet very weak and ignorant. All these young men have been trying to keap the good words you told them last winter, and not one of them will taste or smell Skootawapooh. Brother, we like to pray to the Great Spirit, and to bo taught the good way, and as a token of our sincerity we cast in our mites." He then put into the Indian preacher's hand half a dollar, and the rest followed, some giv- ing half a dollar, some a quarter, some sispsnee, making to- gether £ I lOs. In giving they gave with delight; and like the widow's gift, each gave all the money he had. RICE LAKE. After the conversion of some of the Rice lake Indians at the Cramahe camp mseting, and at the Hamilton conference, the good work still proceeded. In the end of January, Peter Jones visited an enoainpment, in Cavan. A large num- ber were gathered from various places, to receive religious in- struction from him. At the fi;st meeting, the Indians were so happy, that they broke out in praises to the Great Spirit, and wept so vehemently, that the preacher was obliged to stop and weep also. At the close, one of the principal men s >id, " We are very glud you are come to tell us the words of the Great Spirit, which make our hearts so happy, and which we have found so recently." He replied it was the will of the Great Spirit we should love one another, and assist each other in the way to heaven ; and that was the reason he had come to instruct them. The Indians were encouraged to build a bush chapel, as at the Credit. They dug away the snow, now the I. I soa H18T0RY OV M£XUODUM [1827. depth of winter, and made a circulur embankment of it. Poles were stuck into the ground all round, which were cover- ed with barks and hemlock boughs. An open space in the middle was left for a fire. A meeting was held in the after- noon, when the natives began to commit to memory the Lord's prayer ; which some soon learned. They next bogan to learn the Ten Commandments, and other things necessary. What children of Christian parents knew, these Indians had now to learn. Moses and Captain Pahdosh now arrived, to assist the people in these meetings. The number who had experienced religion was about 100. At the quarterly meeting of the Rice Lake circuit, (held a week or two prior) the Presiding Elder Case baptised 75 of them. The Government Agent had lately visited these Indians, to know whether they wished to settle down and become farmers; if so, the Government would build them houses, if they were willing to make their land payments bear the expense. After consulting, the Indians agreed to the proposal. Peter Jones gave the people all the advice ho could, necessary in their beginning a new life, temporal and spiritual, and parted with them, to their great sorrow. Many wept when he shook hands, and said, good bye ! Some put small pieces of silver into his hands, others a few pence, and the women some silver brooches. •' My heart," says he, ''was almost overcome, to witness the liberality of these poor Indians, and their attachment to me, who am not worthy of the kind- ness shewn me." After three months Peter Jones returned to the Rice Lake. He called on Smith, the Indian trader, at Smith's creek, to learn the conduct of the Indians since. He was informed that they were all steady, and drank no more whiske}', wero strict in keeping the Sabbath day, and were preaching ond praying everywhere. In a canoe Peter crossed the lake to the en- campment. On landing, the women, children, and the few men at home hastened to the shore, to welcome the young pi*cacher. They shook hands, while some wept for joy, and some shouted praise to the Lord. Most of the men were hunting about the lake. But they would all come home, it was said, if the guns were fired one after another. So three men tired about twenty times ; and in one hour all returned, and were glad to see the preacher. Immediately a meeting was held, and P<;ter sjK)ke i ■■ [1827. kmont of it. jh were cover- ppaco in the in the aftcr- )ry the Lord's bogan to learn ssary. What ns had now to d, to assist the id experienced ing of the Rico residing Elder gent had lately rished to settle nt would build land payments ians agreed to the advice he e, temporal and sorrow. Many ^el Some put few pence, and ' says he, '• was ;e poor Indians, ly of the kind- the Rice Lake, uith's creek, to was informed whiskey, wero preaching and le lake to the en- |nd the few men oung pi*eacher. 1 some shouted jting about the aid, if the guns ■d about twenty glad to see the d Peter BiK)ka 1827.] IN CANADA. 309 of the subject of man's redemption ; of the goodness of Kez- hamunedoo (God) in sending his only Son to save us from Mah« jemunedoo (the bad spirit), and that whosoever would believe on Him Wi)uld be happy, and when they died would be taken up to Ishpeming (heaven) ; at which the congregation gave a shout of joy, and some fell to the ground. In three hours another meeting was held ; and the Lord greatly blessed the people. Peter still further instructed, preached, and exhorted the Indians, and departed ; and the men returned to their hunting. At the Cobourg quarterly meeting, in the old chapel, two riiles north of the village, 5lay 28th, about 70 of the Rico Ijiike Indians were present. Peter Jones took down the names of as many as wished to be baptised. Old and young num- bered 44. At 11 o'clock elder^Case preached, and afterwards baptised the Indians. All tliesc, in addition to the others already baptised, renounced heathenism, accepted the Gospel, and were leading a new life, resolving to continue in the faith even unto the end. The next day the Lord's Supper was given, and about 50 Indians received it with the whites. This party of Indians had begun to cultivate a little land, and desir- ing to plant more Indian corn and potatoes, Peter Jones re- turned with them to the Rice Lake to help them. May 30th, he selected Spook or Ghost's island for cultivation, and got the Indians to clear the bush, — a new and awkward employment to them. June 4th, he set three teams ploughing the land» Ho got 18 bushels potatoes and one of seed corn. Finish- ed ploughing five acres. Indians all employed in planting. After each day of work a religious meeting was held. Two Indians exhorted their brethren, and helped to carry on the meetings with Peter Jones. One was called Peter Wahson, who could speak in a very forcible manner ; and the other, Captain Pahdosh, who exhorted in a powerful way, and with great effect. So God raised up natives among the natives to Btrengthen his own good work. At the last meeting, Peter Jonos gave general instructions, as attention to the Ten Com- mandments, the way of keeping up religious meetings, living good lives, keeping out of debt, moderation in dress, praying ' for the king and country, and for all in authority. He then left the island, having been eight days with these docile be- ginners in religion and civilization. 310 UIKTORY OP METHODISM [1821 iH I i I The Rice lake Indians, since the bcjzinning of their conver- sion hist yt'iir, had often solicited a pchnol for their chil- "dren, that they might learn to read the good honk. I3ut they had no settled residence, and there were no funds to pay ft teacher. On tiic return of the preacher from Conference, in Heptembcr, the Indians went out to Cobourg to renew the request. 3Ir. Case said to the chief, " You arc now going far away to your hunting grounds. You will not need a f^eliool till spring." To this they replied, " If wc can have a school, we will leave our women and children. Our women make baskets and brooms, and can buy flour and meat for the chil- dren while at school." Sneh anxiety appeared in the request, that it was thought something should be done to meet it. Two benevolent persons in Cobourg, Messrs. ]\l'Carty and E. I'erry, oflcred to undertake the building of a school house ; and a pious youth named II. Biggar, was engaged as a teacher. , Tlic Indians in October, departed on their winter hunt.', in the region of the Otonabce river, and of the great lakes con- nected with it. '• These ■waters plenty fish aflford, The perch, and pike, and cat; . , _ And there the* spotted salmon swims, And sturgeon stored with fat." In some of these northern waters, a fine large fish called thcl maskenonge is an inhabitant, and is often caught. The for-l csts of these lakes were now in the possession of wild animals^J explored only by parties of Indians hunting. Indeed, eveni ' now, (in 18G1) the northern shores of these lakes are almosti as solitary and wild as ever. Especially in 1827, these fore&t»| were large and valuable hunting grounds. " There various furs for caps were found : The Leaver, coon, wild cat ; Otter, martin, rahbit, mink. Gray fox, ground chuck, musk rat."* As agreed, the women and children, instead of roaming, vrith the men, remained at home, i. c. in the vicinity of tl;c school house. In November the school house Wf.8 BnisheJl • MeU). Mag, 18>P, p. 7 1. aD( [1827. of their convcr- l for their chil- ood hook. li"t , no funds to pay from Conicrcncc, lUg to renew tlio are now going fur not need n school ?,un have u school, )ur women umko nicat for the chil- rcd in the request, done to meet it. ,. M'Carty and E. )f a fcchool house ; Imaged as a teaehcr. iv winter huntK, in lie great lakes con- 1827.] IN CANADA. 311 )wims, large ti«h called thcl r caught. The for-l on of wild animal?^,! ing. Indeed, evcnj se'^lakes are ahuo&tl 1827, these forest 8 j found : xat."« instead of roaming| the vicinity of ih house Wf.8 tinisheJ and a school of about twenty children wag coinmcnecd. Thus thofio Indians advanced in roli' ion and civilization — ns far indeed as the most hanguinc of their friends could expect. GllAPE INLAND. After the leasing of tho two islands, the next step was to promote the settlement of the Day of Quinto Indians. In the fall and winter, about one half of the tribe camped on (Jrapo Island. Tho preachers in tho vicinity visited them, and tlio native exhortcrs acted as shepherds of tho flock. The people were taught the Lord's Prayer and Ten Comniandnients. Tho manner was for the interpreter, Wm. Beaver or Jacob Peter, to pronounce a sentence in Chippewa, and all the as- sembly to repeat together after him, until they held it in their memories. They were also instructed in the meaning. Tho other half of tho tribe went off for the fall hunting. When they returned in January a meeting, lasting several days, was held in the chapel in Belleville, to instruct them albo. In explaining each of the commandments, tho subject was thus applied: " Now, brotheis, you see you have broken this law, and being guilty, how will you stand before your offended Judge?" They felt as rebels against the Majesty of Heaven ; and before the tenth commandment came, the whole assembly wept, sobbed, and groaned under the convictions of their sins. " Now, brothers and sisters, you have sinned, and you have no goodness to plead. But you are sorry for your sins. Yet where will you go for relief? I will tell you : there is but one path for your feet, but one wigwam that can defend you from the storm. Jesus Christ is a great Hock to defend you. Hun to him. He loves you, for he died for you; and your great Father receives you, and forgives all your sins, because his beloved son died for you, and now pleads for you. Yc, he gives his Holy Spirit to comfort your hearts, and to assure you that your sins are forgiven." In this way the law and the gospel were simplified to the understandings of the chil- dren of the woods ; and the law was their schoolmaster to bring them unto God. The tribe numbered about 130 souls, and the society embraced every adult, about 90 persons. 312 HISTORY OF METHODISM [1827. li I'll I i M i i ;;M'M! The Indians in the rear of Kingston, whom Peter Jonea land John Crane visited in February last year, had found their way to Grape Island, to see and hear of the great things told thetii. In May, Peter Jones met them in Belleville, 40 in number, and they appeared to be under the same Gospel influ- ence as the other tribes or companies of the nation. They ac- companied him to Grape Island, and engaged in the religious exercises of the other Indians ; and soon found the way to the Saviour, and to the experience of a heart renewed by the Holy Spirit, These natives in society were reported at Confer- ference as belonging to Bay of Quinte circuit. May 23rd, elder Case administered the Lord's supper to 90 Indians on the island, and baptized 20 lately converted. In this month the buildings were commenced, and some land ploughed and. planted. Peter Jones spent twelve days with the natives, assisting them in their temporal concerns and spiritual, and slept in a bark wigwam like the i-est. The condition of the people was every day improving. As many as 130 would {tssemble for worship. Their voices were melodious, and de- lightful was the singing together " How happy are they who their Saviour obey, And have laid up their treasure above ; Tongue cannot express the sweet comfort and peace, Of a soul ia its holiest love. Nah kooh sha a she Pah pe na tah mooh wadt Ee sha mun ne toon kane wab mah chik ''" Ah pe che sah kooh Cepe pah he na tah moogk Pe je iiuk shah wane one kooh se wadt." > ■ . A small hymn book of twelve hymns, translated into the Chippewa, was now printed by the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Society, in New York, and some copies were now on Grape Island ; and the desire to read and sing the hymns sliin'ilated the desire to learn. A school and meet- ing house was built in Ju'y, 30 feet by 25 feet. Wm, Smith was the first s'lhool teacher, having 30 scholars in the day school, and fifty in the Sabbath school. The farming opera- tions were under the superintendance of R. Phelps. The [1827. a Peter Jones ad found their eat things told lelleville, 40 in le Gospel influ- lon. Theyac- 1 the religious the way to the •enewed by the )rted at Confer- it. May 23rd, , 90 Indians ou In this month I ploughed and. th the natives, id spiritual, and ondition of the r as 130 would slodious, and de- bey, •t and peace, chik adt." c -, nslated into the ly Society of the md some copies read and sing school and meet- st. Wm. Smith lars in the day farming opera- Phelps, The 1827.J IN CANADA, 313 ^rls and women were inirtructed in knittin;;, sewing, making straw hats, and other work, by Miss E. Barnes. The public property of the Indians compriEed a yoke of oxen, 3 cows, a set of farming tools, and material for houses, as lumber, nails, and glass, — contributions of the benevolent. The improvements of the year were expected to cost £250,— > to be met by benevolence, in the United States and Canada. In October, the meeting-house was seated, in connection witk which was a room provided for a study and bed for the teacher. The bodies of eleven log houses were put up ; eight had shingled roofs ; and they were enclosed before winter. Suck comfortable houses made an agreeable contraist with the mde, cold wigwams. The new community was happy in the experience of religion. In the wigwams, the voice of gratitude and praise would some- times break the silence of night. At the break of morn, in July, Mr. Case and the mission family were awakened by a voice, as they supposed, of distress, not knowing the lan> guage. They hastened to afford relief. On going into tbo wigwam, an aged woman was standing up, trembling, and earnestly talking to those near. " Who is this woman, and what is the matter with her ?" John Sunday replied^ '' Oh, it is my mother. She is very happy. She say she want now to go to heaven where Jesus is. She so happy all night, she can't sleep." Kxtraordinary manifestations of God's love to these poor forlorn ones were not unfrequent. The native^ in geaeru loved their new religion, because it was a happy reli- gion. The joy of the Lord was their strength. John Moses, the exhorter, so useful at the Adolphustown camp meeting, with the lake Simcoe Indians at Newmarket, with the Mud Lake natives Ut Smith's creek, and with his own people since they turned to the Lord, died on the island July 25th. He was a happy Christian. During his illness of some months, he was always resigned, and often expressed a desire to depart to be with Christ. He was at times so happy, that, like Moses on the mount, his face appeared to shine. KINQSTON AND CROSBT, For the first time, the oldest circuit in Canada, the Bay of Quinte, as a full hive, (having nearly 1000 members,) gives off a swarm to the east, Hallowell aud Belleville circuits have -iilMli 314 HISTORY OV M£TUODIHM [1828. of been cut off in the west ; and now Kingston, with the village Waterloo, and the townships of Kingston and Loborougb, and the borders of Ernestown, are separated and formed into the Kingston circuit, afterwards, for many years, called the Water- loo circuit, — a name still remaining on the list. The second circuit in Canada, (the Oswegotchie, now the Augusta,) a full hive too, of nearly a thousand members, now sends off her northern societies, in Crosby, Bastard, Kitley, which was formed into the new Crosby circuit. The Kich- mond mission adjoining was also begun. Thus the interior between the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers ia occupied and organized as fast as the new settlements rise up from the forest. The work was increasing among the whites and Indians ; and at the Conference the increase of members was ibr one year nearly eleven hundred persons. Appointments by the Englieh Conference. Quebec, — ^Richard Pope 137 Montreal,— Robert Alder, Joseph Stinson 133 Kingston, — James Booth 61 St. Armand's, — Thomas Turner 420 Three Rivers, — ^^illiam Faulkner 18 Btanstead and Bameston, — Jas. Knowlan, Mat. Lang 254 Shefford, — ^William Squire 195 Odelltown and Burtonville,— William Surt 192 Melbourne, — One is wanted 59 Caldwell's Manor, — One is wanted 60 1,519 g,-j,, In 1825 1,109 ''/ Increase in two years 4 Jaiibb Knowlan, Chairman. 1828. The French people in Lower Canada were, in vari- ous respects, dissatisfied with their government, and elected a house of Assembly on the dissatisfied feeling. The house and the party elected sent a statement of the grievances to the Imperial Government, supported with 87,000 signatures. Of this large number, only 9,000 could sign their names ; the remainder made their marks, — a si^n of the great want of education among the French people. The Home Govern- ment referred the matter to the Home Parliament. May 2nd, 1828.] IN CANADA. 315 a committee of 21 members of the House of Commons was appointed to inquire into the condition of Canada. July 22nd the Committee reported in favour of the petition. A new governor, Sir James Kempt, from Nova Scotia, came, and was instructed to carry out a nonciiiatory policy. The province of Upper Canada was no more contented than the other province. The house of assembly was in strong opposition to the Governor and the Executive. The eighth parliament was dissolved ; but the house returned was the same in feeling and principle as the house dissolved. In the course of the year, Governor Maitland was removed to Nova Scotia, and Sir John Colborne took the reins of power. These were the days when, what is called in the civil history of the province, the " family compact" ruled. A few families joined together by relationship and interest, and with members thereof in the executive council, or in hi sentatives present from sixteen conferences, with the five preachers from tl3 Canada Conference. The separation of the Methodist connection in Canada came before the meeting, was duly considered and finally settled. The memorial of 1824 had been submitted to all the annual conferences, in the 316 HISTORY OF MBTHODISU [1828. four years since, and was concurred in by a majority, if not all. The account given by a member of the General Confer- ence may be here allowed : — « We have already seen that the Canada brethren had manifested much dissatisfaction on account of the relation which they sus- tained to us, and the desire they had manifested at times to be- come independent. This desire, however, did not arise out of any dissatisfaction with the conduct of the brethren in the United States toward them, but chiefly from the opposition evinced by statesmen in Upper Canada to their being subject to the control of a foreign ecclesiastical head, over which the civil authorities of Canada could exercise no jurisdiction ; and as most of the preachers in Canada were formerly from the United States, and all of them subject to an ecclesiastical jurisdiction in another nation, it was contended by the Canadian authorities that they had no sufficient guarantee for their allegiance to the crown of (Jreat Britain, and to the civil regulaticns of Canada ; and hence the Methodist Ministers in Canada had suffered civil disabilities, and had not been allowed to celebrate the rites of matrimony, not even for their own members. " <' These arguments, and others of a similar character, had in- duced the Canada conference, which assembled in Hollowell, in L824, when 6ishop» George and Hedding were both with them, to memorialize the several annual conferences in the United States on the subject of entablishing an independent church in Upper Canada, requesting them to recommend the measure to this Gen- eral Conference. Accordingly, the subject came up this time by a memorial from the Canada Conf'orence, which was presented by its delegates, and referred to a committee. " The deliberations of the conference resulted in the adoption of the following preamble and report : " Resolved, by the delegates of the annual conferences in Gen- eral Conference assembled, That whereas the jurtsdiction of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of America has hereto been extended over the ministers and members in connec. tion with the said Church in the Province of Upper Canada, by mutual agreement, and by the consent of the brethren in that pro- vince ; and whereas the General Conference is satisfactorily assured that our brethren in the said province, under peculiar and pressing circLmstancea, do now desire to oiganize themselves into a distinct Methodist Episcopal Church in friendly relations with the Methodisu Episcopal Ciiurch in the United States ; Therefore be it resolved, and it is hereby resolved, by the delegates of the annual conferences in General Conference assembled : " 1. That if the annual conference in Upper Canada at its ensuing session, or any succeeding session previously to the next General [1828. jority, if not leral Confer- ad manifested lich they sus- times to be- t arise out of thren in the \G opposition ing subject to hich the civil ; and as most United States, ion in another ties that they the crown of da ; and hence vil dieabiliticB, natrimony, not xacter, had in- a HoUowell, in 1 with them, to e United States urch in Upper ire to this Gen- ap this time by as presented by the adoption of renccs in Gen- ■tsdiction of the of America has ibers in connec )per Canada, by ren in that pro- |i8 satifcfactorily der peculiar and themselves into y relations with ates; Therefore elcgates of the led : da at its ensuing he next General 1828.] IN CANADA. 317 Conference, shall definitely determine on this course, and elect a general superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Church in that province, this General Conference do hereby authorize any one, or more, of the general superintendents of the Methodist Episco- pal Church in the United States, with the assistance of any two or more elders, to ordain such general superintendent for said Church in Upper Canada; provided always that nothing herein contained be contrary to, or inconsistent with, the laws existing in said pro- vince ; and provided that no such general superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Upper Canada, or any of his suc- cessors in office, shall at any time exercise any ecclesiastical juris- diction whatever in any part of the United States, or of the terri- tories thereof; and provided also that this article shall be expressly ratified and agreed to by the said Canada Annual Con- ference before any ordination shall take place. '• 2. That the delegate who has been selected by the General Conference to attend the ensuing Annual Conference of the British Wesleyan Methodist Connection be, and hereby is instructed to express to that body the earnest and aflectionate desire of this General Conference that the arrangement made with that connection in relation to the labours of their mission- aries in Upper Canada may still be maintained and observed. "3. That our brethren and friends, ministers or others, in Upper Canada shall at all times, at their request, be furnished with any of our books and periodical publications on the same terms with those by which our agents are regulated in furnishing them in the United States ; and until there shall be an adjustment of any claims which the Canada Conference may have in this connec- tion, the book agents shall divide to the said Canada Church an equal proportion of any annual dividend which may be made from the Book Concern to the several annual conferences respectively ; provided, however, that the aforesaid dividend shall be apportioned with the Canada Church only so long as they may continue to support and patronize our Book Concern as in times past. <'It was afterwards resolved that the managers of our Mission- ary Society should be allowed to appropriate the sum of seven hundred dollars annually for the support of the Indian missions in Upper Canada. _ " There is an important principle involved in the above agree- ment to dissolve the connection which had so long subsisted between the Methodists in the United States and Upper Canada, which it seems expedient to explain. When the subject first came up for consideration it was contended, and the committee to whom it was first referred so reported, which report was appi'oved of by a vote of the General Conference, that we had no constitutional right to set off the brethren in Upper Canada as an indepen- dent body, because the terms of the compact by which vfo existed as a General Conference made it obligatory on us, as a I ); 1 i f hi U ^i!! 318 HISTOUT or METHODUM [1828. delegated body, to preserve the union entire, and not to break up the Church into separate fragments. Hence, to grant the prayer of the memorialists, by a solemn act of legislation, would be giving sanction to a principle, and setting a precedent for future General Conferences, of a dangerous character— of such a charac- ter as might tend ultimately to the dissolution of the ecclesiasti- cal body, which would be, in fact and form, contravening the very object for which we were constituted a delegated conference, this object being a preservatiortj and not a destruction or dissolution of the union. These arguments appeared so forcible to the first com- mittee, and to the conference, that the idea of granting them a separate organization on the principle of abstract and independent legislation was abandoned as altogether indefensible, being con- trary to the constitutional compact. '* But still feeling a desire to grant, in some way, that which the Canada brethren so earnestly requested, and for which they pleaded with much zeal, and even with most pathetic appeals to our sympathies, it was suggested by a very intelligent member of the General Conference, the late Bishop Emory, that the preachers who went to Canada from the United States went in the first instance as missionaries, and that ever afterward, whenever addi- tional help was needed. Bishop Asbury and his successors a<)ked for volunteers, not claiming the right, to send them, in the same authoritative manner in which they were sent to the different parts of the United States and territories ; hence it followed that the compact between us and our brethren in Canada was altoge- ther of a voluntary character — we had ofi'ered them our services, and they had accepted them — and therefore, as the time had arrived when they were no longer willing to receive or accept of our labours and superintendence, they had a perfect right to request us to withdraw our services, and we the same right to withhold them. " This presented the subject in a new and very clear light, and it seemed perfectly incompatible with our powers as a delegated conference, and their privileges as a part of the same body, thus connected by a voluntary and conditional compact, either expressed or implied, to dissolve the connection subsisting between us, with- out any dereliction of duty or forfeiture of privilege on either part. it was on this principle alone that the above agreement was based." * General Conference to ths Canada in the following words, and a copy But an answer of the petition wan couched brought away by the delegates : — " Resolved by the Delegates of the Annual Conference in Gene- ral Conference assembled, — " That whcreRS the jurdisdiction of the M. E. Church in the United States of America, has heretofore been extended over the * Bangs' UUtory ol Meibodiat Fisco^:il Caurcb. 1828.J IN CANADA. 319 iference in Gene- ministers and member in connection with the said Church in the Trovince of Upper Canada, by mutual agreement, and by consent of our brethren in that Province ; and whereas this Osneral Con- terence ia satisfJactorily assured that our brethren in the said Pro. rince, under peculiar and pressing circumstances, do now desire to organize themselves into a distinct Methodist Episcopal Church, in friendly relations with the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States — " Therefore be it resolved, and it is hereby resolved, by the Delegates of the Annual Conference in General Conference as- sembletL : — '* If tl e Annual Conference in Upper Canada, at its ensuing ses- sion, or i.ny succeeding session, previously to the next General Conferen.e, shall definitely determine on this course and electa General Superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Church in that Province, this General Conference do hereby authorise any one or more of the General Superintendents of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States, with the assistance of any two or more elders, to ordain such General Superintendent for the said Church in Upper Canada . " Provided always, that nothing herein contained, be contrary to, or inconsistent with, the laws existing in the said Province ;~ and provided that no such General Superintendent of the Metho- dist Kpiscopal Church in Upper Canada, or any of his successors in oiBce, shall at any time exercise any ecclesiastical jurisdiction whatever in any part of the United States, or of the territorie>a thereof: -and provided also that this article shall be expressly ratified and agreed to by the said Canada Annua* Conference before any such ordination shall take place." The document was dated May ?2ad, 1828, and signed by llev. Dr. Fiak, chairman pro tern, and attested by the Be v. Br. Ruter, Secretary of the Conference. The connection between the United States and the Metho- dists in Canada was now severed, or rather permitted, by the General Conference. The preachers of the United States began the religious instruction of a large body of the Canadian population, regulated and carried on the work so long as de- sired, saw the work of Qod prosper in their hands continually, and BOW they give up the oversight in a calm and friendly manner, and in a spirit becoming bishops and elders of the church of Christ. They took forethought for the new body standing alone, and made provision for the Government of the body, and for the assistance of the new work of God among the Indian tribes. if I IS; 320 BISTORT or MtTHODIiV [1828 THE METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH, Was the name now taken by a body of separatists in the United States. For eight years, the question of admitting laymen to be members of the annual and general eonfercnees kad been zealously discussed, and the controtersy lately grew severe and bitter. A memorial to the General Conference was presented, considered, and the petition refused. The reply to the memorial is a fine specimen of calm, clear, and Christian TCMoning^ and is to be found in Dr. Bangs' history. For some years, the preachers and laymen desiring the innovation were called ^' Keformers ^'' and now they took the name of Trotettant Methodi§is. The reformers were strongest in New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cinoinnatti. But the seceession was not felt; for in the year 1829, the increase of the Methodist Episcopal Church was over 29,000 members, and the next year over 28,000. A lew of the Me- tbodists in Canada were Reformers; and the Beformed preachers made attempts to raise societies ; but the effort was not very successful. The writer never saw or heard of any standing societies ; b»t there was a little framechupcl in Lobo- rovgh, near Kingston, which was built by the Reformers, and given up, and then used by other denominations. This was the second separation in the Methodist Episcopal Church : the first was, by O'Kdly and the " Republiean Methodists." IRNlSTOWn CONrSREIVOS. The preachers did not assembl(>> until the 2nd October, send remained until the 8th. The Conference was held in the second or Emestown, a fine township in the Bay of Quinte Country, and at the Switzer's chapel, — so called from some Irish fiimiMes <^ the name of Switzer who early settled here, and who generally belonged to the Metbodist church, and the ehapel and neighbourhood still go by the same name as in 1828. Bishop Hedding came for the last tim.;, and presided over the meeting,. No United States bishop, no bishop at all^ has ever presided since. There were nine preadiers now taken into the work on trial : Wm. Smith, John Beatty, Kichard Phelpn, Asabel Hmibnrt, Alvah Adams, Ephraim Evans, Hamilton Biggar George Ryerson Charles Wood 1828.] m CANADA. 321 Three of these had been employed in the past year among the Indian people. H. Biggar taught the school at the Rioe lake, and Wui. Smith and Kichurd Phelps assisted at the Grape Island. The superannuated preachers were ThoB. Whitehead, Peter Jones, James Jackson, Wm. Brown, Isaac B. Smith, Andrew Prindle, Wyatt Chamberlain, The two last were now placed on the superannuated list. Andrew Prindle began the itinerant work in 1806, and had travelled a number of circuits in Canada and tho United States. Wyatt Chamberlain entered the work in 1814. Preachers remaining a course of years in the trying itinerancy are worthy of honour. All do not endure. Some taken on probation are found unsuitable for the work, some turn aside to other denominations, some make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience, some cannot bear the privations of an itinerant life in the poorer fields of labours, come are seduced to return again to worldly employments and hopeful prospects, and some die early in the hope and triumph of the Gospel. Although Ryan and his friends were making zealous efforts to obtain members from the Methodist Episcopal Church, yet their success was not great. Instead of a decrease, as might be expected, there was an increase of 692 members, and 343 Indians. And now the General Conference had agreed to the independence of the Canadian body, what surprise and vexa- tion must have been felt, especially by the leaders of the new Wesleyan body ! On the return of the Canadian delegates from the General Conference, Mr. Ryan was met, and informed that the bishops and preachers had given independence to the Canadian Methodists : he looked astonished, trembled, and could scarcely utter a word. The aged man would havo retraced his steps, it was believed, but for the government and party now supporting him, in his divisive measures. Scarcely ever was there a separation in a church with so little founda> tion to build it on. There was indeed nothing to justify it to the conscience, reason, or common sense. The church was left because the separatists believed the church would not attain an independent position ; but scarcely had they left, than the church became independent. The bishop brought the subject of independence before the Conference. A committee of nine was selected to consider miii 322 HISTORT OF MfiTHODISM [1828. ill! hii the matter, and prepare for the action of the Conference. After a patient investiguticu of the whole subject for three days, the Committee reported favourably of the General Con- ference n(,'tion, and the report was unanimously adopted by the Conference. The resolutions : " Whereas the jurisdiction of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of America has heretofore extended over th3 ministers and members in connection with the said Church in \ho Provine of Upper Canada, by mutual agreement and by the con- sent of our brethren in this province; — and whereas it has been and is the general wish of the ministers and members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Upper Canada, to be organized into a separate and independent body, in friendly relations with tho Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States ; and whereas the General Conference has been pleased to comply with our wish in this respect, and has authorised any one or more of the General Superintendents oi the Wesleyan Methodist Cluirch in the United States, with the assistance of any two or more elders, to ordain a General Superintendent for the said church in Upper Canada : — " Resolved 1st, - That it is expedient and necessary, and that the Canada Conference of the Metliodist Episcopal Church do now orgarize itself into an independent Methodist Episcopal Church in Canada. " llvsolved 2nd, — That we adopt the present discipline of the Mctho'list Episcopal Church as the basis of our constitution and discipliae, except such alterations as may appear necessary from our locc.l circumstances." As a basis, the old Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church stood, and still stands, for the government of the Cai.adian body. And a useful code of rules it is, mostly the fruit of the Christmas Conference of 1784. But some alterations wore necessary. The 23rd article of religion, relating to the Tillers of the United States and declarative of their indepen- dence and freedom from foreign jurisdiction, was expunged and another inserted, shewing the di^ty of all Christians to be sub- jest to the powers that be. Another alteration was in regard to a superintendent preacher appointing a class leader. The discipline said, that the preacher was " to appoint all the leaders, and change them when he saw it necessary," and so the rule continues in tie Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States. But the Canadian Conterence now agreed to add, "but not contrary to the wish of the class, or without consulting the leader's meeting." Thus the members have a check on a preacher, 1828.] IN CANADA. 323 hindering a change of leaders when nol agrcealle fo tho societies. (Discipline on duties ofSuperinteiidents, Sec. iii.) Further, to secure the interests of the members, a sort of veto power was given to the representatives of the people in their quarterly meetings. No such restriction was or is in the economy of the Methodist Episcopal Church. But it is still the rule in Canada, and is occasionally in use. The restriction thus reads : " No new rule or regulation, or alteration of any rule or regula- tion now in force, respecting our temporal economy ; — such as tho building of churches, the order to bo observed therein ; the allow- ance to tho Ministers and Preachers, their widows and children ; the raising annual supplies for the propagation of tho gospel (the Missions excepted), for the making of the allowances of the preachers, &c.; -shall be considered as of any force or authority, until such rule, regulation, or alteration, sfiall have been laid before the several quarterly meetings throughout tho whole con- nexion, and shall have received the conspnt and advice of a majority of the members (who may be present at the time of laying said rule, regulation or alteration tefore them) of two thirds of tho said quarterly meetings. «* Nor shall any new rule, regulation, or alteration, respecting the doctrines of our church, the rights and privileges of our mem- bers; such as the receiving persons on trial and into full connex- ion ; the conditions on which they shall retain their membership ; the' manner of bringing to trial, finding guilty, and reproving, sus- pending, or excluding disorderly persons from society and church privileges ; —have any force or authority until laid before the quarterly meetings, and approved as aforesaid." (Book of Disci- pline, ch. ii. sec. 1.) * ANNIVERSARY OF MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The meeting took place on Saturday, October 4tb, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. The report stated that there were 10 Indian missions in Upper Canada, 12 schools, about 300 scholars, and 800 members in sociefy. During the five years, about 1,200 had been baptized. The bishop presided at the meeting, and three of the preachers addressed the congregation and CO lierence. The most interesting circumstance was, the exhibition of the eflfect of .the Gospel by the Indians present. Tiie mission teachers, with some of the children and their friends from llice lake, now showed their improveiQeDt in reading, spelling, catechisms, siij^^neMc work. The con- gregation WAS delighted. William jDo^siad^r (and another .'«" 3:^ niHTORT or MITnODISJV [182$, E«al«UB Mohawk, William He>8, with Peter Jones) was at th« meeting, and aLao read from St. Luke's gospel ia the Mohawk. So that English, Chippewa, and Mohawk, were heuvd shewing forth the praises of God and Ihe power of the Gospel. On Sunday morning, 8 o'clock^ the Indians met in the ohapel to worship in their own way and longnage. The tent» were near the chapel, and the hospitality of the ne^hbourhood provided for their wants. Many of the whites were present, who rejoiced to see the grace of €K)d in the Indian tribes. Some of the native men and women speke of their conversion to God. In ihe forenoon the bishop pveaeked from John iv. 85, 36. In the afternoon was another sermon, when the In- dian ohildren sang some hymns, and the Indian speakers gave short addresses to the Indian part of the congregation. In the evening, the natives had a meeting in the chapel. Thu* msefuUy and pleasantly passed Ihe Conference Sunday. IIfOL:»3 OOIWEBENCX. As the Canada body was now a separate and mdependenb church, the preachers wished not only to stand on good and friendly terms with Ihe United States brethren,who had planted Ihe vine in the wilderness, watered it and watched it until it grew strong, — but also with the other great Methodist body, the parent of all, in England. The English body had ot- easioned much trouble and uneasiness to the Canadian bod^, and was now a near neighbour in Lower Canada, (and still retained the same position in Upper Canada, in Kingston, not- withstanding the treaty,) but the Conference trusted that no mpre difference would come, and that brotherly affection only would be ielt for each other. A committee was therefore ap- pointed — Wm. Case, George Rj/erson, and James Riohardson r— " to corre«pond irith $he British Conference in order to establish a friendly relation and intercourae between the two eonnectious." FIBST OBNEBAL SVPBBIIfTENpINT OF CANADA METHODIRT EPISCOPAL CHURCH, f And now the Conference was coming |q a close, and no more bishops were expeoted from th9 Unit^ Slates to preside, and as some OLt wm required to be bishop or siiperiptendent ■■^?'.- ;«) was at th» , tne Mohawk. tieafd 8he\»iwg ospel. • met in the ;e. The tent* iieighhourhood were present, Indbn tribes. leir eontersion from John iv. I, when the In- 1 speakef • ga^e icregation. I» chapel. Thu» Sunday. ad rodependenb lad on good and who had planted tehed it «ntil it Methodist body, I body had co- Canadian bodjr, inada, (and still \n Kingston, not- trust^ that no rly affection only ras therefore ap- .mes Richardson ice in order to itwecn the two [da mbthodist a close, and no Jtates to ]8*2y.J I.N CAIfADA. 325 of the church, the choice of the preachers fell on the oldest member of the body, — a man in every respect worthy, — the Bev. Wm. Case, who was therefore appointed General Super- intendent of the now independent Church until the next con- ference. The good bishop Hedding, — a useful minister, beginning to travel in 1801,~now gave the preachers necessary counsel, wished them well in the name of the Lord, and took his de- parture from the Conference, from the Switzer chapel, and from the Province. And here ended the connection of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Canada with the bishops and church in the United States; a connection of no particular advantage to the larger body, but of great benefit to the edu- cation, morals, order, and religion of both Upper and Lower Canada. Nor was the connection ever injurious to the allegi- ance of the people to the British Crown, although manifold have been the charges to the contrary ; a standing instruction to the preachers on British ground was as follows : "As far as it reBpects civil affairs, we believe it the duty of Christians, and especially all Christian ministers, to be subject to the supreme authority of the country where they may reside, and to use all laudable means to enjoin obedience to the powers that be ; and therefore it is expected that all our pr«>at'beiH and people, who may be under British or any other gi>«tiumeut, will behave themselves as peaceable and orderly subjects." (Discipline ch. i. sec. 2.) No instance is on record of any pr«*acher ever departing from this instruction, and the lo^tahy of the Methodist body, shown in the American invasion, is a demonstration of the charges being nothing but unjust reproaches. ADDRESS TO THE OOYSRNOR OF UPPER CANADA. As a new governor was now come into Upper Canada, and much was expected from him by the country, dissatisfied by come conduct of the late governor, he was welcomed by all classes, and also by the Methodist Conference, in the following address — the first of the kind : — " Address to his Eicellency Sir John Colbome, by the Minis- ters of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Annual Conierenco assembled. 32G HISTORY OF MCTHODISJi [1828. **To his Excellency Sir John Colborne, K. C. B., Lieut. Governor of the Province of Uppnr Canada, Major General commanding his Majesty's forces therein : « " Mat it please youe Excellkncy : — " We, his Majesty's faithful and loyal subjects the Ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church iu Canada, in our Annual Con- ference assembled, respectfully beg leave to offer to your Excel- lency our most cordial congratulations on your Excellency's ap- pointment to the Governorship of this Province, and on your safe arrival amongst us. « We bail it as a propitious event, and it affords us peculiar pleasure, to present to the representative of our Sovereign our assurances of loyal attachment to His Majesty's mild and benefi- cent Government, and to the Constitution of our Country. " We shall ever consider it among our most important duties, as religious teachers, to inculcate the principles of fidelity and obedience to the Governor and lawfully constituted authorities of our highly favoured country ; and we assure your Excellency that these feelings of conscientious attachment to the British Govern- ment cherished by us as Christian Ministers, and dear to us as British subjects, pervade and animate the people of our pastoral care. " As the Ministers and representatives of our Anglo Canadian church, unconnected with the civil and ecclesiastical authority of any other country, we rejoice that by the kind and merciful Pro- vidence of God, we form a part of the British Empire. " We pray Almighty God that your Excellency may be guided and assistedin the discharge of the arduous duties of your Govern- ment, and that your residence among us may be equally gratifying to yourself, and beneficial to the best interests of the loyal inhabi- tants of this Colony ; and that under your Excellency's wise and equitable administration and fostering care, the general interests of this Province may prosper ; that the benign influence of reli- gion and education may be widely diffused ; and that our civil and religious liberties— the strongest bonds of perpetual union between this Colony and the Mother Country— may be established on the best and surest foundations. (( We request that your Excellency will be pleased to accept of OUT expressions of personal respect, and best wishes far the unin- terrupted health .and prosperitj' of your excellency and family. " By order of the Conference, " Wm. Cjse, President pro tern. Jas. Riouabuson, Secretary "Ernestown, Oct. 7, 1828." [1828. f. Governor of )m.manding his ,e Ministers of Annual Con- bo your Excel- xcellency's ap- id on your safe :ds us peculiar Sovereign our ild and benefi- 3ountry. tiportant duties, B of fidelity and 3d authorities of Excellency that British Govern- id dear to us as of our pastoral Anglo Canadian •ical authority of ,d merciful Pro- [y may be guided \ of your Govern- fqually gratifying "the loyal inhabi- tency's wise and general interests linfluence of rcli- Ihat our civil and il union between jtablished on the iased to accept of Ihes far the unin- ly and family. |c«trf«ni pro tern. Secretary 1828.] IN CANADA. BEPLT. 327 " Gentlemen, — ^Your loyal address I receive with great satisfac- tion ; and in thanl^ing you for your kind wishes, I must observe that the labours and zeal of ministers, with your pious senti- ments, cannot fail of being profitable in a colony where the temp- tations are many, the pastors few, and the flock scattered ; partic- ularly, living as you do, under the government of a Sovereign, solicitous that all should be equally protected in the conscien- tious discharge of their religious duties." ▲FPOINTMENTS AND MEMBERS. ' ■-''-■ Niagara District. ' ' ■ ■ J. Ryerson, Presiding Elder. Fort George, — S, Belton, Anson Green ) -no Niagara,— Jas, Richardson, Jas. Gatchell J Ancaster, — Wm. Slater Bit Trafalgar, (or Dumfries,)— James .Wilson 179 Long Point,— Wm. Griffis 342 London,— Matthew Whiting 269 Westminster,— George Sovereign, Richard Phelps. . . 425 Thames,— John H. Huston » 197 Amherstburgh,— Edmund Stoney, Indians 21 232 Grand River Mission, — Jos. Messmore, do 105 20 Bay Quinte District. Wm. Ryerson, Presiding Elder. William Case, Superintendent of all the Indian Missions and Mission Schools in the Conference. Bay of Quinte, — Thomas Wiildron, Rowley Heyland. 651 Belleville, — John S. Attwood 424 Hallowell, — George Ferguson 719 Grape Island Mission,-r-Wm. Smith, . . ..Indians 118 Cobourg,— Jas. Norris, Ephraim Evana » • • • • 317 Whitby and the Schoogog Indians, — Robert Corson. Cavan and Rice Lake Mission, — H. Biggar, Indians 96, 194 Yonge Street, (and Whitby), — David Yeomans Daniel Yeomans 576 Newmarket & Lake Simooe, — Jno. Beatty, Indians 345 York,— Franklin Metcalf 176 River Credit Mission, — George Ryerson 132 Toronto 400 Peter Jones, Missionary to the ludittn tribes. ii, !■ i illil 328 BISTORT OF XiETIIODlSM . [1822. jSugtuta District. Philander Smith, Presiding Elder. Kingston,— David Wright, J C. Davidson 427 Brockville, (or Crosby,) - Ezra Hoaly, A. Uurlburt. . 237 Augusta, — George Bissell, Chas. Wood 789 Cornwall, — Wm. H. Williams, Jacob Poole 489 Ottawa, — Cyrus Allison 115 Bytown, — Ueorge Poole lUchmond Mission, — Richard Joni^s 200 Rideau, — ^Thos. Madden 200 Perth— John Black 175 Mississippi, — Alvah Adams 51 Bonchire Mission, — George Farr Total this year, Indians 915 8763 Last year, do ..572 8j73 343 890 The cirouits and missions show a state of progress. Besides I the Grand River and the Credit Indian missions, — Grape Island and Bice lake are now added ; while the lake Simcoe Indians are given in charge to the Newmarket preachers, and the natives of the Sohoogog lake are attached to Whitby cir- cuit. The northern part of Yonge street, running by the] township of King and Whitchurch, with west, east, and northl Gwiilimbury, are now formed into the Newmarket circuit.1 On the Ottawa river two stations are taken up. One was at the! mouth of the Rideau river, where the canal was making (conr necting the Ottawa with Kingston,) and where a village wail rising, and hundreds of men were collected working on thel canal. The village was called Bytown, from a Colonel By, iU chief engineer of the work, and the new circuit was called Bytown, and included Hull on the other side of the riverl Some of the persons employed on the canal were Methodisif in England and Ireland ; and therefore a society was easilj[ formed. Above where the Mississippi river, (in township Fitzroy,) runs into the Ottawa, was another river, called tlif Madawasca, emptying out in the township of McNab, (neil to Fitzroy) and in the next township west, Harton, was aiii)| ther river emptying itself, named Bonne Chore. Into the townships, especially along the shore of the great OttavrJ [1822. 1828.] IN CANADA. 329 r. 427 urlburt.. 237 ... 789 ... 489 .!!'.*..... 115 "*"..'*.'.*. 200 *" .... 200 •"*. 175 ''\\ 61 71763 '*'/.* 8j73 890 ' progress. Besides I a missions,— Grape lie the lake Simcoe irket preachers, and jhed to Whitby cir- 3t, runninss by thel rest, east, and northi Newmarket circuit.1 up. One was at thel a was making (conf \yhere a village wasi ted working on thel ,m a Colonel By, thd y circuit was calleil r side of the riverj ttjU were Methodist] a society was easiW i^er, (in township << ,her river, called tbl lip of McNab, (ne^ ■St, Harton, was anj Chere. Into thd »f the great Ottavl settlera were now collecting from the mother country, etipecially Ireland. A local preacher, and an exhorter, zealous for the Lord, had laboured the past winter, and had collected a society of 20 members, in the township of Clarendon, opposite Iho mouth of the Bonne Chere, o» the Lower Canada side of the Ottawa. The people were very poor, and yet asked for the Gospel ; and this part was taken on the list of missions, anci called Bonne Chere mission. It was new, and remained for many years an outskirt posl. A preacher to this part alwaya expected to STiifer hardships, and was never disappointed. ,1 DEATH or BISHOP OEOROC Enoch George was a bishop to whom Canada was more in* debted than any other ot bishops of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Ho was n - Hamilton Conference in 1826^ when the Rice Lake Ibaiaus were converted ; and at the Hallowell Conierence, in 1824, when the agitation of Byan was quieted. He concerned himself with the difficulties with the English Conference, and was the principal person in the General Conference of 1820, who assisted the settlement. The preachers and people in Upper Canada held bishop George in great affection. But he will be remembered chiefly as the jHresident of the great revival conference, in 1817, and as the chief promoter of it. He was on his journey in the state of Virginia, when he was taken ill of dysentery. He came to Staunton, August 11th, and rested. Four days after, while several preachers were in the room, he said, " Brethren, you must excuse me, I am too weak to talk with you. All I can say is, if I die, I am going to glory. For this, I have been living forty years." A week after, he said, " I now feel a change has taken place." Three physicians were called in» but no relief could be obtained. His mind, however, remained in perfect peace. " Glory 1 glory !" was his constant expres- sion. To his physician he said, " I shall soon be in glory." To a preacher he looked and said, ** Who are these ? are they not all ministering spirits?" and further, " My dear departed wife has been with me, and I shall soon be with her in glory." On the day before hfs death he raised his arms and embraced three preachers in turn, ond said, " Bi-ethren, rejoice with mo, 330 B18T0RY OF METHODISM [1828. !i! I am going to glory. During the day he frequently used simi- language, " I am Ing to glory, that's enough." In the last night, he Raid. '' 1 am going to glory. I have been for many years trying to lead otiiers to glory, and now thither I am going." In thus triumphing over thc^ fear of death, he breathed his last, August 23rd, 1828: a death how becoming a minister and bishop of the church of Christ ! REV. DR. BTBAGHAN*S LETTEk AND CHART. Copies of these writings soon found their way to Upper Canada, were re-printed in the newspapers, and made no small stir in the province. Meetings were held, petitions were numerously signed, praying the House of Assembly to investi- gate the statements made to his Majesty's government, by Dr. Stnchan, and the misrepresentations of the principles and character of other denominations, especially the Methodists. Shewing the spirit of the times, the aim of a worldy-mindcd clergyman, and giving some facts of the state of the country, the (then) notable letter may be here given, (in part) : — « 19 Burif Street, St. Jame^t, May I6th, 1827. Sir, — ^T take the liberty of enclosing, for the information of Lord Goderich, an Ecclesiastical Chart of the Province of Upper Canada, which I believe to be correct for the present year, 1827, and from which it appears that the Church of Englan.i has made considerable progress and is rapidly increasing. The people are coming forward in al! directions, offering to assist in building churches, and soliciting with the greatest anxiety the establishment of a settled minister. Indeed the pros- pect of obtaining a respectable clergyman unites neighbourhoods together ; and when one is sent of a mild conciliatory disposition, he is sure in any settlement in which he may be placed, to form the respectable part of the inhabitants into an increasing congre- gation. There are in the province 150 Townships, containing from 40 to 500 families, in each of which a clergyman may bo most usefully employed ; and double this number will be required in less than 12 years. When coDtrasted with other denominations, the Church of England need not be ashanaed of the prnly one clergyman in Upper Canada, a member of the Church of Scotland. This gent.'euan brought up his two •ona in the Church of England, of which they are now parish pri<3stfl. Aijter his deaths his congregation was split in threa [1828. mtly used simi- " In tUelast been for many w thither I am ith, he breathed ming a minister CHAET. r way to Upper d made no small , petitions were emWy to investi- ^ernment, by Dr. 8 principles and the Methodist?, a worldy-minded e of the country, ^in part) :— May l6tA, 1827. he information of Province of Upper (resent year, 1827, EnglanA has made ctions, offering to with the greatest Indeed the pros- es neighbourhoods liatory disposition, be placed, to form increasing congre- Vships, containing ilergyman may bo »er will be required kg the Church of the has made. Till I Canada, a member Jbrought up his two ley are now parish iras split in thre« 1828.] IX CANADA. 831 divisions, which, with another collected at Kingston in 1822, count four cougregations in all, which are in communion with the Kirk of Scotland, Two are at present vacant, and of the two Scotch Clergymen now in the proviuce, one has applied for holy orders in the Church of England. The teachers of the different denominations, with the exception of the two ministers of the Church of Scotland, 4 Cungregation- cMsts, and a respectable English Missionary who presides over a Wesieyan MethciMst meeting at Kingston, are for the most part from the United St'^tes, where they gather their knowledge and form their sentimeUvS. Indeed the Methodist teachers are subject to the orders of the Conference of the United States of America ; and it is manifest that the Colonial Qovernment neither has, nor can have any other control over them, or prevent them from gra- dually rendering a large portion of the population, by their influ- ence and instructions, hostile to our institutions both civil and re- ligious, than by increasing the number of the Established Clergy. Two or three hundred Clergymen living in Upper Canada, in the midst of their congregations, and receiving the greater portion of their income from funds deposited in this country, must attach still more intimately the population of the colony to the parent state. Their influciice would gradually spread ; they would infuse into the inhabitants a tone of feeling entirely English, and acquir- ing by degrees the direction of education which the Clergy of England have always possessed, the very first feelings, sentiments, ar^d opinions of the youth, must become British." The house appointed a select committee, on the '* petition of Christians of all denominations in Upper Canada," to ex- amine the truth of the said letter and chart. The commiltee drew up a list of fourteen questions : " The first question related, to the birth place and education of the ministers of the various denominations ; the second to the tendency of the instruction and Influence of the Methodist minis- ters throughout the Province ; the third to the influence upon the loyalty of the Province by increasing the Missionaries of the Church of England ; the fourth to the asserted increase of the Church of England, and the tendency of the population towards it ; the fifth to the wishes of the inhabitants of Upper Canada in regard to the establishment of one or more Churc^ies or Denomi- nations in the Province with peculiar rights, privileges, or endow- ments ; the sixth to the wishes of the people as to whether the proceeds of the Clergy Reserves should be given to the Clergy of the Church of England ; the seventh to the general wishes of the Province as to the application of the proceed of the Reserves * the eighth to the interference in politics by the clergymen of the various denominations ; the ninth to the proportion of the mem- 332 HISTORY OF MBTHODISM [1828. t:\ ■Hi i i ! !l I i bers of tho Church of England to the whole population of the Provi'pce; the tent'» to tho opinions of witnesses as to which was the most nuroor denominaticn of Christians in the Prov- ince ; the eleventh ae opinions of witnesses as to whether any and which of the vui .ous denominations was m«>re numerous than the Church of England; the twelfth as to whether the Church of Eugland has laboured under greater difficulties in this Province than any other church ; the thirteenth to Dr. Strachan's Ecclesi- astical Chart of the Province; the fourteenth to the asserted ignorance of the Teachers of the various Christian denomina- tions." After examining ''all the membera of the House of As< sembly whose testimony they could obtain, — some members of the Legislative Counc \, of long residence, high standing, and large possessions in the province, — various clergymen of differ- ent denominations of York and its vicinity, and a few other in- dividuals," in all 52 witnesses, the committee made a report. The report was adopted by the House, 22 against 8. It bore a strong testimony to the moral and political integrity, the zeal and usefulness, of the very men who had been misrepre- sented to the British Government : « The insinuations in the letter against the Methodist clergy- men, the committee have noticed with peculiar regret. To the disinterested and indefatigable exertions of these pious men, this Province owes much. At an early period of its history, when it was thinly settled, and its inhabitants were scattered through the wilderness, and destitute of all other means of religious instruc- tion, these Ministers of tLe Gospel, animated by Christian zeal and benevolence, at the sacrifice of health and interest and com- fort, carried amongst the people the blessings and consolations and sanctions of v * Holy Keligion. Their ministry and instruc- tion, far from having as is represented in the Letter, a tendency hostile to our institutions have been conducive, — in a degree which cannot be easily estimated, — to the reformation of their hearers from licentiousaess, and the diffusion of correct morals, — the foundation of all sound loyalty and social order. There is no reason to believe that, as a body, they have failed to inculcate, by precept and example, as a Christian duty, an attachment to the Sovereign, and a cheerful and conscientious obedience to the laws of the country. More than thirty-five years have elapsed, since they commenced their labours in the Colonies. In that time, the Province has passed through a war which put to the proof the loyalty of the people. If their influence and instructions have the tendency mentioned, the effect by this time must be manifest Yet no one doubts that the Methodists ar« as loyal as any other 1828.] IN CANADA. 333 1^1828. I of His Majesty's subjects. And the very fact that, while their Clergymen are dependent for their support upon the voluntary contributions of their people, the number of their members had increased so as to be now,— in the opinion of almost a'l the wiU nesses,— greater than that of the members of any other dcnomina* tion in the Province, is a complete refutation of any suspicion that their influence and instructions have such a tendency. For it would be a gross slander on the loyalty of the people to suppose, that they would countenance, and listen with complacency to, those whose confiuonce was exerted for such base purposes." The house ordered a crpy of the report, vrith the accom- panying evidence and charts, to be transmitted to the Im- perial Government, and also sent an address to His Majesty King George IV. To the King's Most Excellent MajeBty, Most Gracious Sovbreiqn : We, Your Majesty's dutiful and lo)'al subjects, the Commons of Upper Canada, in Provincial Parliament assembled, humbly beg leave to represent to your Majesty, that we have seen, with equal surprise and regret, a letter and ecclesiastial chart, dated 16th May, 182 Yi and addressed by the honourable and Venerable Doctor Strachan, Archdeacon of York, a member of Your Majesty's Legislative and Executive Councils of this Province, to the Right Honc'irable R. J. Wilmot Horton, at that time under Secretary of State for the Colonies, for the information of Lord Goderich, then at the head of the Colonial Department ; as they are inaccu- rate in some important reports, and are calculiated to lead Your Majesty's Government into serious errors. We beg leave to inform your Majesty that, of your Majesty's subjects in this Proviyce, only a small proportion are members of the Church of England ; and there is not any peculiar tendency to that church among the people, and that nothing could cause more alaim and grief in their minds, than the apprehension that there was a design on the iijirt of Your Majesty's Government, to establifih, as a part of the state, one or more churches or denomina- tions of Christians in this Province, with rights and endowments, not granted to Your Majesty's subjects in general, of other de- nominations who are equally conscientious and deserving, and I equally loyal and attached to your Majesty's Royal Person and 1 Government. In following honestly the dictates of their c jn- science, as regards the great and important subject of religion, the hatter have never been conscious that they have violated any law lor any obligations of a good subject, or done anything to forfeit julatlon of the Ig as to which ms in the Prov- i to whether any • numerous than >r the Church of in this Province rachan's Ecclest- to the asserted istian denomina- e House of As- lome members of igh standing, and irgymen of differ- ad a few other in- je made a report. rainstS. It bore ical integrity, the ad been inisrepve- Methodist clergy- iar regret. To the ese pious men, this ts history, when it ttered through the •f religious instruc- by Christian zeal n interest and com- fs and consolations linistry and instruc- Letter, a tendency icive,— in a degree 3 formation of their ,f correct morals,— [order. There is no led to inculcate, by attachment to the kedience to the laws [have elapsed, since ' In that time, the it to the proof the ,d instructions have \e must be manifest loyal as any othcc 834 HISTO&Y or MITHODISM [1829 Tour Majesty's favor and protection, or to exclude themselves from a participation in the rights and privileges enjoyed by Your Majesty's other subjects. We humbly beg leave to assure Tour Majesty that the insinu- ations in the letter against the Methodist Preachers in this Prov- ince do much injustice to a body of pious and deserving men, who justly enjoy the confidence, and arc the spiritual instructors of a large portion of Yuur Majesty's subjects in this Province. We are convinced that the tendency of their influence and in- struction is not hostile to our institutions, but on the contrary Is eminently favourable to religion and morality ; and their labours are calculated to make their people better men and better subjects and have already produced, in tliis Province, iue happiest effects. While we fully and gratefully appreciate Your Majesty's gra- cious intentions in granting a royal charter for the establishment of an University in this Province, we would beg most respectfully to represent, that, as the great body of Tour Majesty's subjects in this Province are not members of the Church of England, they have seen, with grief, that the charter contains provisions which are calculated to render the institution subservient to the particu- lar interests of that church, and to exclude from its offices and honours, all who do not belong to it. In consequence of these provisions its benefits will be confined to a favoured few, while others of Tour Majesty's subjects, far more numerous and equally loyal and deserving of Tour Majesty's paternal care and favour, will be shut out frum a participation in them. Having a tendency to build up one particular church, to the prejudice of others, it will naturally be an object of jealousy and disgust. Its influence as a seminary of learning, will, upon these accounts, be limited and partial. We, therefore humbly beg that your Majesty will be pleased to listen to the wishes of your Majesty's people in this respect, and to cause the present charter to be cancelled, and one granted free from the objections to which, emboldened by a conviction of your Majesty's paternal and gracious feelings to your loyal subjects in this Province, as well as by a sense of duty to j the people, and a knowledge of their anxiety upon the subject, we have presumed to advert. We would also beg leave to state that it is the general desire of I Tour Majesty's subjects in this Province, that the monies arising ( from the sale of any of the lands set apart in this province for the i support and maintenance of a Protestant clergy, should be entirely appropriated to purposes of education and internal improvement. We would most humbly represent, that, to apply them to the I benefit of one or two christian denominations, to the exclusion ofl others, would be unjust as well as impolitic, and that it might! perhaps be found impracticable to divide them among all. Wei have no reason to fear that the causo of religion would snfferl materially from not giving public support to its ministers, andl from leaving them to be supported by the liberality of their peoplef [1829 lude thcmselvci jnjoyedby Your that tho insinu- jrs in this Pfov- deserving men, ritual instructor*! n this Province, influence and in- >n the contrary Is and their labours ad better subjects happiest effects. ,ur Majesty's gra- the establishment most respectfully Majesty's subjects 1 of England, they s provisions which ent to the particu- om its offices and [jsequence of these voured few, while tnerous and equally a care and favour, Having a tendency iudicc of others, it U8t. Its influence icounts, be limited your Majesty will Majesty's people in o be cancelled, and 1, emboldened by a racious feelings to )y a sense of duty to iponthe subject, we he general desire oil , the monies arisin g his province for the , should be entirely jrnal improvement, apply them to the 1, to the exclusion of ' and that it might jm among all. we 'ligion would ■on^U to its ministers, and ility of their people,' 1828.] IN CANADA. 335 We therefore humbly pray, that the monies arising from th« sale of lands set apart in this Province for the support and maintenance of a Protestant Clergy, may be placed at the disposal of the Legislature of this Province, for the purposes we have mentioned. John Willson, Speaker. Commons Home of ^ttembly, > 20th March, 1828. $ Thus, by the House of Assembly, a correction was found for the wrong done by the leader of thit Executive Council. THE GOVERNMENT AND THE INDIANS. The same Committee examined Peter and John Jones con- cerning the state of.rcligion among the Indians. The inquiry led to the disclosure that the Government had endeavoured, by threats of withholding aid, to gain over tho Indian mis- sions from the oontroul of the Methodist Conference. In January, deputations from the Indians of Grape Island, Bice Lake, and the Credit, were on the road to York, to have an audience with the Governor, concerning landtt for settle- ment. From Grape Island went John Sunday, John Simpson, Wm. Beaver, Jacob Shippegaw, and icAtn Pigeon, chiefs and principal men of the tribe, to ask for a suall tract of land, for the purpose of getting fire-wood and pasture for the new set- tlement. On the 30th, the Indians held a council with the Government, through the medium of Colonel Givins, the In- dian agent. It was held in the officers' quarters, in the gar- rison at York, with the 9gent and a number of officers. Peter Jones gives the following account of it : — John Sunday was the first who spoke. I interpreted for him, and lawyer Oivens acting, as clerk, took down the speeches. Tho subtance of John Sunday's speech was as follows : " That as a peo- ple the]^ had for a long time remained in darkness and ignorance — that f& short time ago their eyes were opened to see their miserable I condition, when they were brought to the knowledge of the Chris- 1 tian religion, and since they had embraced Christianity they had settled on the Bay of Quinte ; that when they considered the ] Mure welfare of their children they found that the Island they I claimed would not afford them s'jfficient wood and pasture for any ■length of time, and that they had now come to ask their great Ifathcr, the Governor, for a piece of land lying near them." Ho 339 niSTORT OF MBTH0DI8M [1828. then proceeded to ask the goveratnent in ^hat sitnation Big Island was coasidered ; whether or not it belonged to the IndianH? «nd, if it did, they asked their fether to make those who had «ettled on it without their consent', pay them a proper rent, ai they had hitherto turned them off with two bushels of potttioes for two hundred atcres of laud. In the last place he asked permis* eion of their great father to cut some timber on the King's lands for their buildings. This Chief spoke with much freedom and energy. Captain George Pali tosh tlien spoke in behalf of the Kice Lake Indians, in substance as follows: That he hud come up to ask his great father some assistance ; ii*; said that having seen his brethren on the right hand and on his left comfortably situated in houses to keep tliomeelves and their children warm— he now RsVed his great father for the same Assistance thnt his brethren at the Kiver Credit hod received; that is, that the Government would let them have a tract of land lying near Coptain Anderson's, and also build them a village, for which they were willing that Gov- ernment should reserve a portion from their annual payments for five years. He also stated that the Grand River Indians were still making intrusions on their hunting grounds. James Ajetance, the Credit Chief, then made a short speech, as follows >— <^ Father, we your children living at the River Credit desire to express our thanks to our great father for his kindness towards us in settling us down, and providing comfortable houses for our ftuuilies ; but having heard some bad birds crying that we did not own any lands on the Credit, we wish to know from our great father how much land we really possess, as it is the deeire of our young men to be- come farmers, (the chase being almost destroyed by the white settlements) we therefore humbly ask, our father that each of our men may have or possess as much land as one farmer holds." The officers appeared ' rendly to these applications, and said that the Indians had come ^n a good time before all the Government lanus were disposed of. After the council, Colonel Giving desired my brother John and me to go to the Governor's office, as the Gover- nor's Secretary had some communications to make to us. We accordingly went, and, after waiting an hour, were informed that owing to a multiplicity orbusiness, they could not make the com- | munications that day, butdesired us to call to-morrow at 11 o'clock. Various were our conjectures about this strange Government proceeding. Thursday Slst.— John and I called this morning on Dr. Stmchan; I he was very friendly, and made some enquiries about the general state of the Indians, and requested me to give him in writing a short statement of the condition of the Belleville and Rice Lake Indians, which I promised to do. At 11, a.h., we again appeared at the Goveenmcnt House, but waited till 1 o'clock before nny communications were made to us, wht n we were summoned into the presence of Mt^or Hillier — the Governor's Secretary, Dr.| it gltiiation Big [ to the Indians 7 those who had k proper rent, as hcUof poUvoes Ue aslied permiR- the King's lands ich freedom awl ia behalf of the t he hud come up that having seen afortably situated in warm-he now ,Tvt his brethren at lovernmentwouW a Anderson's, and willing that ttov- nual payments for r Indians were still James Ajetance, bllows^-"Fat*»er, ,Bire to expres; our rards us in settling ,r our families ; but I not own any lands It ftither how much r young men to be- hoved by the white ler that each of our former holds " The B, and said that the I Government lanus Givlns desired my ,ffice, as the Gover- o make to us Wo were infoitned that not make the com- 1 lorrow at U o'clock, irange Government 1 .ingonDr.Strachan; eg Ibout the general vehim in writing a vlUe and Bice Lake we again appeared [o'clock before nny yere summoned into i Ur'8 Secretary, Dr. 1828.] ( m OANADX, 38? Strachan, the Attorney General, find Col.Qlvins. To oxir Mlonish* mont, we were now informed by Dr. Strachan, that the Oovernot did not feel disposed to assist the Indians so long as they remain- ed under the instruction of their present teacherg, who were nol responsible to Government for any of their proceedings and in- Btrnotions, he was therefore nnwilling to give them any encourage- ment. But should the Natives come under the superintendenoa of the Established Church, then the Government would assist them as far as laid in their power. When stating their reasons for wishing us to come under the teaching of the Church of England, the Dr. and Attorney General said, that the Indians were con« sidered by the Government to be under the war department, and therefore it was necessary that they should be under their instruc- tion; and that another reason, was that it would make the mission- ary establishments more permanent ; whereas at pres I ■ Jit !ii!; 344 BISTORT OF METHODIIM [1828. ber of the Missionary Board, interested with the accounts of the Indian work and by the late meeting in New York, came into Uppeif Canada to see the v.Tk of God. His narrative* will describe the fitate of the Credit mission : — "Tbas-ai/^^ab, U. C, Angust 18, 1828. *'MTDBA3t Bbothbr, — ^You WILL perhaps expect from me some account of o«r Missions in this Prorince. I have as yet only been at one ; but what I there witnessed will amply repay a journey froai New York to Canada, although part of the way is over a very xough road. Mrs. Hall and myself arrived here on Saturday. We had to regret the intelligence received on passing through Nelson, that missionary Richardson was absent from the Credit mission, but was expected the next day. However, in the afternoon we chartered a wagon, and proceeded to the Indian Reservation. On our way, -we fell im with a party of the natives letarning from hunting, having killed eight deer, and carrying heavy packages of venison. We invited one who had an extra load, to ride in our wagon. He accepted ; and seeing him have one of the small hymn books rc> cently published at the Conference office, I asked him if he was one of the pious Indians— told him where we were from, and that we were going to see them. At this his coantenance brigbtened, and he said, < O^ yes^ yes, we love Jesus 1' We asked him what ha did with his hymn book. He answered, ^Indian sing and pray when they go hunting, and he very happy.' We inquired of him concerning the Missions. He told vs that he had recently been to lake Simcoe, with brothers Case and Jones, to preach and exhort the Indians. ^0^' said he, clapping his hands, his eyes sparkling with holy fire, ' how happy they are at Simcoe 1 You go there, see how very happy them Indians be. They pray three times a day. Elder Case baptize 134 while I there. O how happy they are t Never see people so much happy before. Snppose you white Christians always very happy.' This man proved to be Thomas M'Kee, a highly respected Indian, a class leader and exhorter. Mrs. Hall asked him how many children he had ? He said, 'Two here, and one seven years old in heaven.' He srave an interesting account of Hhe child's conversion and happy death. I awked him whether he drank any whiskey now T He quickly said, * No, no, no ■, the Lard bless me two years and a half ago ; never taste one drop since.' Our driver, who was not a professor, ce- plied, ^Tbat true ; you cannot get one of them to take any now ; they are al-aid of it.' On arriving at the village,, I found it situated on a beautifal plain, distant two or three miles ft-om any white inhabitant. It contains aboat thirty^ baildings, inclnding- a neat chapel, 36 feet by 24 feet, with nine windows, and well eated, and a female school house. The %uitdings arc of squared •To tha MutbodiBt Msga»^aa. 182S.] IN CANADA. ms agust 18, 1828. lage,, I found it logs. They arc all on one street, on a perfect line ; each house and lot occupying half an acre ; and the street is about eighty feet wide. At the time I entered the village, a number of the females were scrubbing the floor of the chapel ; which is done every Satur- day. We first called on Peter Jacobs, who was with brother Case in ^cw York ; < nd was by him introduced to the mission family, and then to every family in the village. We were received by the ehiefn, and by all the others, with great expressions of friendship; many of them observing that we had come ' great ways to sec poor Indians ; and were very happy to find the white (Jhristians thought so much about them ; that they prayed for white Christians, and hoped to meet them in heaven.' We found every house perfectly clean and neat, and the persons of grown people and children a pattern for any people. We returned in the evening to this place, understanding that there would be a field meeting on Sunday morning, about fourteen miles from the Indian village ; at which brother Richardson, the missionary would attend. After attending this meeting we re- turned to the mission ; and on our arrival we found the Indians all assembled for worship in their chapel. What a sight . The first thought that struck me, was a wish that my Christian friends in New York could witness it. My heart overflowed. 1 gazed with astonishment and wonder to behold a large congregation of the children of the forest, recently 'come in from the bush,' assembled for divine worship, all neat and clean, and all wearing the appearance of devoted Christians. They had been aiisembled about one hour ; had been addressed by Thomas M'Kee ; some of the women had prayed, and were about to be dismissed, when Mr. Richardson returned, and told them I was ou my way coming as fast as wheels could travel ovei a very bad new road. I took my scat with brother Richardson, and Mrs. Hall sat with Mrs. Rich- ardson and Miss Lancaster, the teacher. We had only five white persons present. A hymn was given out and sung by the whole congregation, in fine voice. I then addressed them, through Peter Jacobs, acting as interpreter. After this we continued toge- ther in prayer and singing, the Indians leading in that devotion. When singing, every individual stands ; and during prayer, they all, including the children, kneel ; and more order and attention was never witnessed. On being dismissed, the congregation received the benediction standing. Then another interesting scene was witnessed. The women first retired, commencing with the first row ; and as they went out, they passed by the altar, and each gave us the right hand of fellowship, many k;obbing aloud as they shook hands ; and one of the females, intelligent and very pious, threw her arms around Mrs. Hall's neck, and cried aloud. The men followed in the same order ; and this pleasing ceremony was closed by the children, some of whom were not mora than two years of oge. Such a delightful sight, as I told theiQ, 34G BISTORT OF METMOUISM [1828 ( I • ivould delight the heart of their king, and certainly was looked Upon with delight by the King r Credit is celebrated for its salmon fishery ; and before thes« Indians were enlighted with Divine truths, a salmon could be purchased of them for a gill of whiskey ; hot now we have to pay three York shillings for a flsh^the Indians rn^ver, since they became Methodists, tasting a drop of spirits.' Another told me in i ork, that when he heard of the great work of giace among th j Indians, he said that if the Methodists could do any thing with Old Muskrat (a notorious bad fellow) he should believe any thing that could be said of missionary labours. On being told that: Old Maskrat experienced religion, and was an example of pict Y, * Then,' said he, ' nothing is too great to be effected.' Musk- rat lived a holy life and died a triumphant death. So very con- scientious was he of keeping the Sabbath day, that he always cut his tobacco for his pipe on tfaturday, which he wanted for use on the Sabbath. " They enjoy the benefits of the Gospel, and they are anxious that thoiic who preach should have a comfortable living. Whsn it is announced that a quarterly meeting is to be held, the females double their exertions ; they take their axe, go into the woods, and get a supply of bark for baskets, which, with some other arti des, they make and sell, and are seen coming forward with thei r mite ; which is a great assistance to the cause. This induces theju to industry, — a virtue not possessed by an Indian unless infl lenced by Divine grace. " " These Indians now occupy a fine tract of land on the river i Ore lit. There are about forty families ; and besides the building lots, each family has fifty acres apportioned by ballot. This is abo It half of their reservation. I sa v on their lands thirty-five acros of corn, in good condition. The female school is under the c#ru of Miss Lancaster, a pious young lady from York. Sh« has! [1828 ainlywas looked ;h a Bcene 1 XAiay ion when be fc |^^ irrrvant depart in Ission family ; and 1 of the born, and 5. On asking what ure going to build )re8fcnt living in a the only occupied t half past seven Chis wa^ ttio first iev Bpiri*;s was not m all I could kam ai I had conversed, irrought upon this nentioned the fol- its salmon fishery ; h Divine truths, a whiskey ; hot now -the Indians rn^ver, f spirits.' Another jreat work of gvace [dists could do any r) he should believe urs. On being told was an example of beefifected.' Musk- lath. So very con- that he always cut wanted for use on hey are anxious that living. Whanitis , held, the females go into the woods, 1, with some other ming forward with lause. This induces . y an Indian unless i ,f land on the river besides the building by ballot. This is eir lands thirty-five school is under the om York. Sh« h»»| 1S23.] IN CANADA. 847 nt'out 3i) rcliolars, who learn to read, write, sow, knit, ftc. Th^ boys, aboui 33, arc under the care of Mr. Jones, a native, nrhosjii character '- >* intelligence and piety you well know." The l;^U,cr mentions the iborality of the Indian^ to their preacher. None could be more willing to i?«part to those wUo helped them in religion. At a quarterly meeting, in February* when the usual collection w.is made for the support of the G^ospe^, the Indians put in ro less than sevt,Ateen dollars and a half. A few months ago, so poor were tl^ey, that seventeeii r i'^noe would have been found with trouble. But Christianity v,'>^ good for the present life. This season, the people culti- vated about forty acres of corn and potatoes, besidei their. half acre gardens. A doctor made a propost^l to tl^ peop^ that if every man would give him two days work a year, he would attend and take care of all the sick. They all agreed to acicept the offer. Here was (^notheir benefit, which they never enjoyeid before. The Indians who bad been engaged in shorting ^t meetings, were not regularly licensed by the church and minis* . ters, but did ek> impelled by their love to their tribes and the . advice of preachers. But, at the Credit quarterly meeting, ia August, elder Case gave license to exhort to Joseph Sawyer and John Jones, — the first who received the honour in the Chippewa tribes, excepting Peter Jones. These two Christian Indians, of steadfast character and good abilities, were deemed fit for the useful office. Peter Jones having found a willow basket maker, engage«l him for 7s. 6d. per day, to go to the Credit, and teach the Indian women the- trade ; adding another bri^nob to the indus- try of the settlement. In August, the wife of Peter Jacobs died. She was among the first converts four years ago, and had been devoted to the service of God. She was married two years. The suddea death made a great impression on the people, with the funeral sermon and solemnities. Elder Case planted a young pine at the head of her grave. Another death also much imprQEfed the p^Qple, viz., chief John Cameron, whose Indian name was Waffeezh^omeif "possessor of day." He wandered 'about with his tribe, until ho became connected with a trader, \^bo, wicked as.h^ Fas, taught the boy to read a little English, and triii&ed hun II Ilil 348 BUTORT or METHODISM [1828, to some Qsefal habits. After the death of the trader, he took to the Indian life again ; but erected and lived in a good log house on the Credit flats, and raised eom and potatoes. Ho attempted to enlighten his people oceasionallj. Onee, he told the Rice Lake IndiaD» that Hhe world was iround» and wcntt^ round erery day. An Indian with eoatcmpt replied, " So do the trousers you hare on go round and round. You think you know a great deal because yon wear trouser* like a white man,^ A lady of York gave him a Kble; laid it by as- » it, until his conversiOD, e, bet the at nevei attempted Grand River in and he to read 1824. He now re-learned hir English, read the Bible diligently, and conmiunicated his knowledge to his Indian iMrethren. He went to the Credit^ and iaduced Many of the Indians to go to the Grand River ; and thus he asnsted in di£> fusing the work of conversion. In 1826» he was aj^inted assbtant leader of Joseph Sawyer's class. In his nckness, he ceased net to thank God for what had oeen done for him and bis tribe. Be saidr " I thank the Lord,, that I have lived t» see all my people serve the Great Spirit. For manv years past, I have again and again wished the good white raristian might come and plant the christian religion aoMog U6» and teach us the right way we should go. But no en« caved for our souls, until the Lord himself raised up one of our own people to tell us what we must do to be saved ; and new I can 'depart m peace, and go to our Great Father in heaven." He ftU asleep on the 30tb September, 1828. Tbe Government ordered the Indian agent, to take a census <^ the Credit settlement, after the harvest was gathered in. The restdt wal as follows : — Ken 64 Land CnHttvated .... 61 acres. Cows. . 2*^ Women, 74 Wheat. Children .... 88 Oats . Families.... 41 Indian Corn 1045 Houses 30 Onions 9 Births, (year) 17 Beets and Carrots. .. le Carriages... 2 Cabbages ..i....... 670 Peaths 19 Cart lo«ds Pumpkins 80 Baptisms... 40 . lL,,,»,• Members of Church, 132. ■'^" 6S bush. 22 «' V x«n.. 1^ Horses. 11 Hogs.. 122 Wagon 1 ploughs 4 ^rows 1 9 [1828. trader, be took { in a good log potatoefl. Ho Onee, he told und» and wcn*^ itcropt replied, tnd and round. I wear trousers I hkn a Bible; vvei atlempted ^nd KJver in read the Bible to bis Indian cd »any of th* B awisted in di£> I wai appointed i bis sickness, h» one for him and I I have IWedto For many year* 1 white christian among us, and to ewe oared fo» one of onr own and BOW I can ;'d heaven." He , to take a censua was gathered in. cres. Cows, ash. ^ x«n Vi 2t Horses. H Hogs.. 122 Wagon 1 ploughs * ^rows \ a 1828.] IX CAtlABA. 349 Besides, the tribe was receiving every year from Oovern- ment, for lands sni rendered, J&170, and the King's presents were worth nearly as much more. Added to this, their '.iuat- ing, fishing, manufacturing, and farming, the natives were in a comfortabto condition. Considering the short time ago, when these people possessed no property, beyond a few dirty blankets, a tew guns and traps, and some half starved dogs, the change was remarkable, and the present advantage cS Christianity great. -■,!. < r. ! » ' OBAMD RIVER. Ktv ;nJn:<»';- In the last few months, forty-seven Indians had been con* verted on the Grand Kiver } and among them, some respect- able chiefs of the Mohawk, Tuscarora, and Cayuga tribes. The son of a Cayuga chief, named Wm. Dozstader, was the principal means of their coi. version. In June, 1827, he ex- perienced religion at a camp meeting. Fired with love to and zeal for the salvation of his countrymen, his exertions were unremitting. He was a young man of good mind and welt cultivated. He could read in his own and the Mohawk tonguCt His public and private appeals were so apt and elo< quent, as to have been almost irresistible. His zeal had scarcely any bounds. He went about holding meetings by night, and visiting from house to house by day, talking and praying nearly all the time. Ho was regarded by the mission- ary, as the most promising for usefulness of any native in the missions. This year, he visited distant missions, as Peter Jones had been doingf^and was very useful. The separation and animosity among Protestant denomina- tions and ministers, the untutored Indians did not compre- hend. Desiring to use the Mohawk Episcopal church, VVm. Poxstader, t' 8 exhorter, and some Methodist Mohawk% went to the minister, at Brantford, to ask his permission, — offering in return to allow him the use of the Salt Springs Mothodiit sohoolhouse to preach in. But the lofty minister could not hear of such a proposal, What ? allow poor un- taught Indians to hold meetings in an edifice belonging to the church of the King 1 and allow Wm. Doxstader, a poor Methodist Indian exhorter, to stand in thedignified desk and 350 BISTORT Of MITHODISM [1828. 9 tMr r pulpit I the proposal was prcposteroun ; it should not bo grant- ed. And yet the exhorter probAbly knew more of, and taught better the way to Ueaven than the ordained and sufficient minister. Peter Jones however advised the ludians not to ffpoak evil of the Church of England, to keep on their own way, and to rejoice if the minister did any ^ood to the Indians. Seth Crawford was still engaged at Davfsviile, at the Indian School, and assisted in correcting some Mohawk translations of Sarts of the Scriptures for the New York Bible Society. Peter ones was also engaged in translations for schools and public worship, into Ohippeway. He translated Methodist hymns, the apostles' creed, the Lord's Prayer, Ten Gommandinents, end spelling book. LAKE 8IMC0E. At the Newmarket quarterly meeting in February, many of the Simeoe Indians were present. Thirty more of this tribo now desired baptism, and after examination they were baptized by Mr. Case, i^'ifty natives received the Lord's Supper. They were formed into thiee classes, and two of the most pious and gifted appointed as leaders to each class. A camp meeting c>^ Yong;e street was appointed for June 10th. The ground was about two acres, surrounded by broad tents, having one large entrance for carriages, and three small gates. About 300 Indians from lake Simeoe and Schoogog lake were collected. One hundred were in the heathen state, end had come from the back lakes to join with the Christian friends in the new worship. One large tent was put up for tht; great body of Indians, 240 feet long, and 15 feet broad. It was covered over with boards, and the sides were filled up with bushes, — having four doors fasing the camp ground. In this Inog house, the Indians arranged ttiemselves in families, as the custom, in the wigwams. The meeting began on Tuesday, and ended on Friday after ; whon about 30 whites and the same number <^ Indians, professed conversion. The faeathen natives belonged mostly to John Asance's tribe, or the Matohadash Indians, from Pcnetanguishene. They lived on the river Severn, which connects lake Simeoe with the Georgian Bay. A township north of lake Simeoe is called Matohadash, after these Indians; and a bay ia the Georgian [1828. 1 not he grant- of, aud taught and sufficient [udiuns not to ) on their own to the Indians. , at the Indian translations of Society. Peter wis and public ithodist hymns, lommaudiuents, jraary, many of TO of thia tribo By were baptized Lord's Supper, f the most pious ointed for June )unded by broad and three small and Schoogog e heathen state, th the Christian was put up for d 15 feet broad. ;8 were filled up mp ground. In elves in families, eting began on about 30 whites onversion. The sauce's tribe, or ■ne. They lived siracoe with the Simcoe is called ia th« Georgian 1828.] IN CANADA. 351 waters is called Matchadash bay. These were the most north* crly Indians who had yot embraced the GuspcL The closing ordinance was the Lord's Supper, administered to 12 preach* era, 314 whites, and 97 Indians. The Indians present were informed that dder Case and Peter Jones would follow them to the landing place of the river Holland, further to encourage and instruct them in the ways of religion. The announcement pleased the Indians. So they went on, and encamped at the landing place, a few miles from the lake Simcoe. A prayer mcetin<^ was held on Saturday night. On Sunday 15th, at 10 o'clock, public wor- ship began, under the shade of some trees. After singing and prayer, Thomas Shilling, one of the class leaders, said the Ten Commandments in Indian, and iho whole congregation repeated after him. Peter Jones then explained the com- mandments, and gave the history of the two tables. Thomai M'Gee, of the Credit, then exhorted. Lastly, Mr. Case ad- dressed them further on the law, Peter Jones acting as inter- preter. A very interesting meeting, to the 300 natives hearing. In the afternoon, at 4 o'clock, another meeting was held. The natives hungered for instruction. Never was there a greater desire for the truth of God. As many desired to be baptized, an examination was com- menced, as to religious experience, faith in Christ, and resolu- tion of renouncing the world, the flesh and the devil. The work while necessary was tedious, as each person to be bap- tized must receive a Christian name, with the Indian as the Eurname. The selection of scores of names by the preacher was a great tax un their memory and reading. On Monday, the work of examination for baptism and tak- ing down the names was resumed. The greatest difficulty was with the Indians who had two or more wives. A brother of chief Yellowhead had two wives, and yet desired baptism. When told he must give up the last he was surly at first. But when told he could not be enrolled with the Christian Indians else, he replied, the wife might do as she pleased. The woman being asked, if she was willing to leave the man she was living with? yes, she said, she was willing to do anything that was right, and to please God. But the greatest trouble was expected from John Asance, the chief of Matchadash, who bad 362 BIHTORT or MKTHOOl!i:tf fl82d. three wives, whom he called "all dree hroihers." He was asked, if he were willing to part with his two last wives. He Buid, " I have now embraced the Christian's religion, and am willing to do anything you tell me. I took these women when I was blind, and did not know that it was wrong ; for we have been taught, that a man might have as many wives as he could support, and I thought I could support three very well, but now my eyes are open to see, that it is not right to have more than one wife. So I will part with two, and keep only the oldest and first one I married ; with this requent, that I may have the privilege of supporting the children by the other women, that they may not want." He was told, he should sopport the children, for so was his duty. He was pleased to hear it. The two women were asked, if they were willing to leave their husband, and replied, *' Yes, because they loved Jesus, and would not break his laws any more." But the tears in their eyes denoted their sorrow, in making the painful sacrifice of surrendering j, kind husband, and the father of their children, and beoniing widows among their people. Surely, the sincerity of these poor Indians, and the strength of their newly formed principles, could hardly be put to a greater test. The chief then went to the two women, and said, that '* he took them when he did not know any better ; but that now he must try and do what was right." About noon, all the names considered proper for baptism were written down, in all 132. In the aflernoon, Peter Jones instructed the people in the nature of Chi.'stian baptism; and the speakers from the Credit, Thomas M Gee, John Thomas, and Young Smith, exhorted. Great attention was paid. On Tuesday, Peter Jortes explained the apostles creed, as the summary of the Christian faith ; the Credit exhorters assisting. At 2 o'clock elder Case commenced the baptisms. The people were arranged in family groups, and the members of a family were baptized together. Then the minister addressed them on the subject of their conversion to Christi- anity, which Peter Jones interpreted. After singing and prayer, he again exhorted to repentance of sin, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He then put the usual questions to the adults. At the close of each, they all answered aahet i.e., I will, or yes. The natives to be baptised now all kneeled on (• [1828. He was 1828.] IN CANADA. 153 ; wiveB. we gion, and am women when ; for we have es as he could very veil, but to have inoie keep only the st, that 1 may by the other old, he should was pleased to lyere willing to ase they loved >re." But the Ling the painful I the father of r their people, .d the strength ly be put to a vomen, and said, any better ; but About noon, all 5 written down, instructed the nd the speakers las, and Young postles creed, as Credit exhorters 6 the baptisms, tnd the members In the ministei-s irsion to Chtisti- ^r singing and gin, and failh in ^sual questions to iBwer^ (ULhct i.e.» ow all Itneeled on the ground; and 132 poraons were bapilicd in the name of tb« Holy Trinity ; the greatest number ever baptized at onoe in Cinadi. In the ovonin<^, they were assorted into classes, and fourteen loaders- appointed. On Wednesday, 13th, chiefs Yellowhead and Asanoe, with their people, began the journey to Yellowheod's Island, near the Narrows of lake Simcoe-, and wore accompanied by Wm. Law, the teacher, and Wm. M'Oce,. and John Thomas, ex* hortors of the Credit mission. Chief William ' Snake's party remained at the Holland Landing, to attend the school. The strong evidence famished of the sincerity of Iho Datives was their entire abstinence froifi strong drink, amidst many allure- ments from the whites* and singing and praying in every wigwam. July 24th, the two Indian exhorters retnmed to the Credit, oringing with them chief Asanoe and fourteen of his tribe, who had come to learn the new mode of life and to be strengthened in the faith. And thoy were kindly received, and lodged two in a house* by the people. August 13th, all the lake Simeoe Indians were collected at Holland Landing, to receive the yearly payments and presents. The Cliristian Indians numbered 390, heathens 65, and those connected with the French people 60; total 515. Four or five days, the Indians had been together, Peter Jones conduct- ing meetings, and assintiag the schools. The yearly payments to this body of natives, ibr lands surrendered* was £1,200 ; while the King's presents were in value as much more. The presents divided to the families consisted of blankets, clothes, calicoes, Girting, hats, guns, rifles, powder, shot, bulli*, tin and brass kettles, pots, axes, silk hankerchiefs, ribbons, thread, brooches, and a few other things. Enough was paid in money and presents, to provide, with economy, clothing and other necessaries for the year. The way of distribution was, for the men to sit in rows, and also the women and children. The commissary then passed along, giving one sort of goods to each person, until every sort was disposed of. Then the ehiefs pre- sented a string of wampum, to express their thanks to thciir I Father the King, fur his bounty to the children of the woods. On the 14th, the aged chief Sachem of the pagan Indiana [sent a string of wampum to Peter Jones, by chief Asanott s> '^ii' i!; 351 niSXOllY OF METHODISM [1828. saying that the reason why he did not accept of Christianity now was, that " number of his people were absent ; but the next spring* he .hioped to do as the other Indians. The Gov- ernment agent also advised the chief to join with his Christian brethren, as the hunting grounds would soon be destroyed, for the white settlers were all the time gjing baek, and the In- dians would have nothing to eat unless they became farmers. The chief and his people reside on the north shore of lake Huron, and were called the Metahblk Indians, numbering nearly one hundred. For the two days, in which the payments and presents were given, not a drunken Indian was seen on the ground* All behaved in a sober and decent manner. If white men with the firewater, coveting the Indians' presents and money, came near, the natives had now strength to resist the allurement. Usually, as soon as the Indians received the present? they would exchange for whiskey, until blankets, cloths, shirts, and anything else, was all drank up. Old men and old women, young men and young women, would lie about the ground in a filthy, indecent, aud drunken state. Thus the benevolent design of the presents, was nearly defeated by the covetous whites taking advantage of the weakne^. * of the poor Indians. For the first time, the scene was changed, and the Simcoe people producing a striking proof that their newly found religion was a principle as well as a feeling. 15th, Chief John Asance with Peter Jones and others, appeared before a magistrate, to xomplain of a Frenchman cruelly beating an Indian. But the justice refused to grant a warrant, on the ground that the day of the month could not be given. How was an Indian in the woods to know the name of the Jilnglish month, or day, or the number? As some whites took advantage of the weakness of the natives to to make them i^in, so here was an instance of advantage taken of ignorance, to deny them justice. The chief gave a fine re- primand to the magistrate. Said he : ** I have been abused again and again by your people, and no notice has been taken of them for their bad conduct ; and I thought the reason you did not take notice of us was, because we were so wretched, ignorant, and drunken ; aud consequently not worthy of rcjgard. But novr our eyes are opened, to see our miscmble [1823. Chrifitianity ent; but the B. The Gov- his Christian destroyed, for , and the la- eame farmers, shore of lake i«, numbering li the pay Bents in was seen on it manner. If clians' presents rength to resist [iS received the until blankets, ; up. Old men would lie about in state. Thus irly defeated by veakneb" of the as changed, and that their newly »nes ana others, )f a Frenchman jfused to grant a nonth could not >d3 to know the le number? As of the natives to advantage taken ,ef gave a fine re- mr people, and no uct ; and I thought )ecauBe we were so uently not worthy see Dur miBcrahle 1828.J IN CANADA. 355 condition, and in seeing we have endeavored to forsake our former evil ways. I cannot suffer any more from your young men, with- out having justice done to the offenders. Consider what I say." Mr. Case, wishing to form a settlement of the lake Simcoe tribe, har<^ looked over Snake Island, in the lake, not far from the shore of the township of Innisfil. He appointed a camp meatlng to be held on the island, commencing Friday, Septem- ber 5th. About thirty of the Credit Indians were there, and about 300 of the Indians from the Narrows uf lake Simcoe. The first day was spent in preparing the ground, and in pray- er meetings. On Saturday, whije prayer meetings were going on in all the tents, some young men were hunting deer, and brought in a fine buck, which supplied the breakfast. At eleven, all assembled for worship. The rules of the meeting were explained, the Ten Commandments repeated aloud by the congregation standing, singing and prayer offered, when Joseph Sawyer exhorted the people to faithfulness, and John Sunday followed, comparing the work of God to seed which brought forth much. He told that the Grape Island brethren had spent one day in praying for a blessing on his labours among the Indians, and for their brethren of lake Simcoe. John Jones spoke of the love and suffering of Chiist, and his willing- ness to save all who came to him. At two o'clock, Peter Jones preached on the pharisee and the publican. Then elder Case spoke through Peter Jacobs ; and lastly, Peter exhorted also, A quarterly conference was now held with the leaders, and they V ' Tfave a good report of the classes. But two of the Mat . ^h tribe had turned to drunkenness, drawn away by some i. .»an Catholic Indians from the la'^e of Two Moun- tains and some French, who said that whiskey was good for health, and that their ministers drank it. And four of the Simcoe Indians had died lately, happy in the Lord. In the evening, several exhortations were given by Indians to Indians, and without the tedious process of interpretation. John Sun- day ronirked that Christians ought to be wise, as the red squirrel, who looks forward to winter, and provides sufficient food. So people should prepare for the world to came> as the squirrel prepares for winter. On Sunday, prayer meetings early in ibe morning. At 9 o'clock^ all collected, and chief Sawyer addressed the peopb. 356 BISTORT or MBTHODISM [1828. ! i Then John Sunday, who said, ' ' I have been one of the most miserable creatures on earth. I \iv<^i uni wandered among the white people of the Biy of Quinte, contracted all their vices, and became very wicked. At one time, I had a beloved child, who was very ill. I tried to save the child from dying, but could not, as the child died after all I did. I was then fully convinced there was some Being greater than man, and that the Great Being docs all things after his own will." He then said he heard of the missionaries, went to hoar them, and believed what they said. He said good missionaries were like sun glasses, diffusing light and heat. At 10 o'clock, Peter Jones preached, and at twelve, elder Case. In the afternoon was another service,when a heavy rain began, continuing until dark. On Monday, 39 were examined, and then baptized. At noon, the Lord's Supper was administered to a deeply affected people. At three o'clock, the preachers and visitors bid fare- well to the Simcoe Indians, who followed their friends to the wat«r, and were reluctant to let them go. Like Paul and the elders of Ephesus, they all knelt down on the shore, and com- mended each other to the care of their Heavenly Father. The sails wore set for Holland Landing, the poor Indians were left bathed in tears, and the landing was reached by dark. Thus the Gospel continued to spread along the shores and streams of lake Simcoe, and thus the Gospel commenced on Snake island in the lake. RICE LAKE. , The Rice Lake Indians returned from their hunting, in the eid of April, bringing with them the furs caught, and the great Indian trader was present to purchase ; but when he found that the Indians when sober knew how to trade as well as the whites, he was filled with vexation. He had trafficked hitherto with a drunken, ii^norant, careless set of people ; but now he found them careful, intelligent, and sober. The mis- sionaries and te ichers were useful to the Indians, in teaching them the true value of the furs. The hunters had kept up religious meetings in the woods, and had watched over one another, so that, with few exceptions, they had stood fast in the faith. On the south shore of the lake^ and surrounded with woods, [182R. s of the most idered among 3ted all their had a beloved d from dying, I was then than man, and wnViU." He hear them, and laries were like I o'clock, Peter le afternoon was luing until dark. I baptized. At A deeply affected isitors bid fare- ir friends to the ike Paul and the 5 shore, and com- leavenly Father, he poor Indians s reached by dark. - the shores and il commenced on lir hunting, in the caught, and the se ; but when he wtotradeaswoll He had trafficked et of people ; but sober. Themis- idians, in teaching .ter« had kept up watched over one I had stood tast in lunded with woods, 1828.] m CANADA. 857 stood the school and meeting house. Sixty children were now in the school, boarded by their parents, living in the wigwams around. Although in operation but six months, the children had made some progress. The quarterly meeting in May was attended by elder Case and Peter Jones. Some of the people shed tears of joy, as they shook hands with their friend, the great Black Coat man. The services were seasons of refresh* ing, and the power of the Lord rested upon the people. Eighty-five natives partook of the Lord's Supper, mostly all weeping aloud, and some were so overcome that they could not rise from their knees, and were carried off by their friends. In the lovefeast, the people spoke with freedom and feeling, in their own tongue, of the grace of God to and in them. The sermons of the ministers to the natives, were of necessity quite simple. An illustration may be gathered from Mr. Case's sermon in English, interpreted into Chippeway, '* Brothers, you all know how to catch the deer. Your wives know how to dress the meat. It is now a very good dish of very good venison. But, brothers and sisters, what good will this good venison do you, and what use is all this knowledge of hunting and cooking, unless you eat it f Unless you eat it, you will starve and die. 8o brothers* you may hear a great deal of preaching, and know much about religion, but unless it makes your heart strong, it will do you no good. You must believe with your heart, if you will have grace aud be saved." As the school was large, a second school, for girls, was deter- mined on. The Indian women (whose lot it was always to build the wigwam) offered to raise a hnuse of bark, laid upon poles. It was seventeen feet square, and the sides six feet in height. Bark from the green ash and cedar formed the bides, the roof, and the floor. A door and three glass windows were purchased for five dollars ; all the expense for the new school house. It was convenient, and would do until the winter, Miss Barnes and Miss Ash agreed to take up their abode in the Indian camp, and teach the twenty-five girls reading, sewing, knitting, braidin<; of straw, and domestic economy. They arrived July 3rd, and took up their residence in the bark school house. Peter Jones, and H. Biggar, the teacher, built a clay oven, to bake the bread of the adventurous missionary I women. 358 niSTORY OF METHODISM L1828. The summer waa a sickly season, and a number of the In- dians were attacked with tever. It was considered best to remove the missionary family and the schools to an island in Rice Lake, called dpooke Island. The male teacher andthe two females lived there in wigwams like tbe Indians, and were contented and happy in doing good. 8cpt. 19th. the liice Lake Indians went down to the mouth of 'he Trent, to receive their payments and presents. Tbe age it, with other military oiBcers, were present, and expressed g'eiit graiitication at the happy change in the Indians. He miftde a speech, which Peter Jones interpreted, as follows : « He thanked the Great Spirit for permitting him to meet his red children once more, and to take them by the hand, in the name of their very great father the King over the great waters. In token of his love to his red children, he had this day delivered to them the King's presents. He rejoiced to see the improve- ments they were making in civilization and Christianity, and hoped they would persevere in this laudable way. As they had become Christians, it would be imnecessary for him to recommend them to take good care of their presents, as their own good sense now taught them He trusted that their attachment to the King and the government would continue firm and stroug, and assured his red children that their great Father would nevc^r forsake them." In dividing the goods, every man received two blankets, cloth for one coat, and om pair of trousers, t»vo shirts, several Sfuair articles, besidas a gun, ammunition, kettles, and other things. In other respects, these Indians were doing well ; but no houses were yet set up, and no settlement yet begun. But there was a prospect of soon settling them, like those of tbe Credit and Urape Island. . • SCHOOGOO LAKE. Tbe Schoo^^og lake is about sixteen miles from the front of Whitby, and is the resort of a tribe of the Rice Lake Indians. Peter Jones visited the township of Reach, where the Indians were encamped, and visited the camp, April 26th. The people were glad to see him, and after shaking hands, the horn j was sounded for meeting. The bush chapel was made of slabs, rived from the trunks of basswood trees; and the floor, the! 1^1828. ,cr of the In- lered best to , an island in icher and the iana, and were n to the mouth presents. A0« , and expressed , Indians. He as follows : tiim to meet his the baud, in t.h« he great waters, his day deliverea lee the improve- christianity, and ay As they bad lim to recommend ir own good sense ,ment to the King roue, and assured id nev.r forsake ed two blankets, ,wo shirts, several Settles, and other •edovog well; but yet begun. But like those of the fc from the front of l\ce Lake Indians. ^here t^ej^^^^"! ^pril 26tb. The n^ bands, the horn SasmadeofsiabB, and the floor, the 1828.] IN CANADA. 359 Singing seats, the door, and the table, were of slabs. After and prayer, the Indian preacher addressed the congregation^ about 100. The people were much affected, so that some shouted, and some fell to the ground. An Indian, named Goose, then exhorted ; and great was the joy of the people^ The Schoogog and the Mud Lake Indians were nearly all pre- sent, as they intended to cultivate the ground together, and to join in meetings and school, which was now begun. On Sun- day, 27th, Peter Jones again preached to the people, and two or three Indians exhorted. And in the evening a fellowship meeting was held, giving all an opportunity of speaking of what God had done, and was a^ing, in their souls. On Mon- day, he explained the rules of the Methodist discipline, and exhorted the people to be governed thereby j reminding the leaders of their great responsibility to God and his people. On Tuesday, he made one of the Indians to give aloud the Ten Commandments, and the whole congregation repeated in their own tongue ; he adding the meaning. Then the Lord's Prayer followed, in the same way» The people jiropos- ed to contribute something towards the support and expense* of Peter Jones, and to express their thankfulness. He told them he came among them, not for money, but to teach the words of the Great Spirit, that they might be good and happy in this world and in the world to come ; but if they felt it a duty, they might contribute a small sum. He did not desire much, as they were poor, and needed all for their families. But the liberality and gratitude of the poor people correspond- ed not with their circumstances; for they contributed and brought to him the large sum of $17. On Wednesday, he went with two of the Indians to see an i island, near a point of land, on the north side of the Schoogog lake, where some of the people dosired to settle. They paddled the biich canoe twelve miles before they came to the island. J The soil was good, and the site beautiful, but was not accessi- Iblo at all times. The Schoogog Indians^ in surrendering up jtheir lands to the Government, made do reservation, as other |tribes did ; and therefore were dependant on the Governnnnt i'or the land on which 'ley dwelt, and in which they laid the lead. The next day Peter Jones spoke to the Indians on their S60 BIBTOBt OF MITBODISM [1828. I ; l! ! ! I ihl temporal concerns, and urged them to dear immediately a piece of land, and begin to plant and make a garden. They agreed to du so ; and he promised to get them seeds and pota- toes, with axes and hoes. He again held a meeting with the people at the basswood chapel, regulated the classes, and admit- ted 38 into society* settled eome difficulties among the people, and prevailed on an old Indian to part with his second wite. Among the number now admitted to church membership Was an aged couple, seemingly an hundred years old. The luan was entirely bald ; a rare sight among the Tvtdians, and the few hairs of his neck were become white. He said he rtr^incmbered perfectly the taking of Quebec, (1779). On asking how old he was at the time ; he said, pointing to a gr; j«i^s in of about 40 yeare, ** as old as he," By this reckon- ing iie would be about 109 years. He had lived all his days without hearing the Gospel until a few months ago. He now said, *' The Great Spirit has given ine a great many days, I have always remembered the Great Spirit all the days of my past life. And now I rejoice to see my grand children and f.^eat grand childien worship our Great Father in heaven." While the old man uttered these words, the old woman shouted aloud the praises of the Lord. In the end of the month, eider Case baptised 12 whites and 12 children. The aged couple were baf>tised ; and as they had no English name, and on account of their great age, they were citlled Adam and Eve ; the old man survi^'ed but a few months and went to his heavenly rest. The school contained ninety scholars, and there was now a prospect of a female teacher, to instruct the girls and women in sowing, knitting, and domestic economy. The Indian women here, and in the tlher tribes, wt re anxious to be taught the art of housekeeping, as practised by the white women, Peter Jones learned that one of the men, named old Johnson , pretck^ded to have received instructions from the Great Spirit, that the Indians must never eat mutton, bacon, otter, beef, or other meat. They were glad to learn that there was no sin in eating meat, and had long wanted to find the truth ; they were | also told not to put t'-ust in dretms and isions, but only in what the great book said. These Indians had the Gospel and a school, but ae they had no land there was no step taken for a settlement. [1828. mmedmtely a M^en, They jeds and pota- eting with the les, and adraitr ngthc people, second wit*, ih membership ears old. The «• the Iv»8crihing the won- dii. Grape Island.l mtioning that the! Credit. After a| rom your people, butj 1828.] IN CANADA. 363 right ; for when the Great Spirit nmdo the white man and the Ituliun, he did not make them of one colour, and therefore did not dcHign them to worship in the sanic way ; for he placed the whito man across the gre.it waters, and there gave him his religion writ- ten in a book ; he also made tlie wliite man to cultivate the earth, and raise cattle, &c,, but when the Great Spirit made the Indian, he placed him in this country, and gave him his way of worship written in his heart, which has been handed down from one g(>nera- tion to another ; for his subsistence, he gave him the wild beasts of the forest, the fowls that fly in the air, the fish that swim in tlio waters, and the corn for his bread ; and, before the white man came to this country the Indian did not knoAv the use of iron, but for an axo he used a stone sharpened at one end, tied to a split stick ; with this he cut his wood ; and for his hoe he split the limb of a tree ; he had also stone pots to cook with ; these things answered his purpose, and he was contented and happy. Now I suppose if the Great Spirit had Jntendcd the Indian to worship like the white man he would have made him white instead of red, &c. Our forefathers have told us that when an Indian dies, his spirit goes to a place prepared for him towards the sun-settinj,', where Indians dwell for ever in dancing and feasting ; and should I become a Christian and throw away the religion of my fathers, I am not sure that the Great Spirit would receive lue into heaven. And how should I look after worshipping like the white man ? Perhaps when I come to die my soul might go up to heaven, and the Great Si)irit would ask me, ' What have you come up here for, you Indian ? This is not your place ; you must go Avherc your forefathers have gone ; this place is only made for white people, not for Indians, therefore begone.' How foolish then should I look to be driven from heaven ; therefore I think I cannot become a Christian, and throw away my old ways ; and, more than this, I do not sec that the white men who are <'hristian8 are any better than the red men, for they ma/ie Jire-walers, get drunjj, quarrel, light, murder, steal, lie, and cheat. Now when the Indian gets drunk he sometitoes quarrels and fights, but never Avhen he is sober ; but I have seen white men fight when they are sober, and go from their meeting-house straight to the tavern ; so that I do not desire the white man's religion, neither do I think that I should be able to forsake the sins which I have already committed." To this speech Peter Jones replied, that the good Book spoke of only one way of worship, that all were required to worship in this way, that the Cluistian Indian had once tho same objections, that tlu.y had found the white man's (rod the Indian's friend, and that the whites were of two classes, bad and good. But the chief merely replied that he thouglit that he could not become a Christian. Hiji HISTORY OF METHODISM [1828. I li «i Hi 24tli. Poter Jones viHitcd soino TiuliauB in thoir HUgar canipa, al)out six niilos from tliemoulli of Honv Cicok, and spoke to them about becoming Cbiistians. Chief YeHow- bird, like the other procrastiuators in tlie route, hoard Avith attention, but refused to give an ansver, until a g