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THE V RISE AND PROGRESS OF Him'^ ^' IN THE t^^W^^'^^m ^^ ^^W a&i§Si12rS^SW3S<22^s ^rorn iU commencement unlif about the J'ear 1805. •« iji' ©■2" ElflllFISIJ^Ef laWMIBISmFo " I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High."- Asaph. PRINTED BY LEWIS W. DURANT & CO., PRINCE WILLIAM STREET, ST. JOHN. 1836. ■L.lU ; K PREFACE. Tlje fulluvving sketch was propared at the particular request of a Rev. Gentleman, whom I have always highly esteemed, but who, although he knew, I had fulfilled my promise, did not call for it, after my labour in complying with his repeated request. I did not think proper to give ray work to the unnds, and now offer it to the icorld. As I had to resort to my memory alone (with very little excep- tion,) I do not pretend to be altogether correct as to time, but only to the facts staled ; and if any of my readers should think that I have introduced too much of self— 1 would beg leave to say that much regarding myself has been suppressed ; whether Methodism in the time comprehended in this work was good or bad, all the members who stillsurvive, will acknowledge, my part was con- spicuous : and, I bless God, I never had cause to repent of that part which fell to my lot, in using my very weak endeavours to helvi on the work, as it was then progressing. ^ STEPHEN HUMBERT. f TO THE REVEREND • Pear Sir : In cM)nipliance with vour oft repeated request, I herewith enclose a hrief memoir oi the rise and pro- gress of Methodism in this Province lor several years from its commencement : and altho at this pe- riod, many interesting events may have fled trom my memory, yet many still remain ; which may be de- tailed, exhibiting a true picture of the simplicity, and primeval christian-like manner in which this work of GOD took place, and which has thus far resulted in the establishment of the Methodist cause : and 1 humbly trust has been the means of preparmg hun- dreds of souls now in the Church militant, and also in the Church triumphant, for the worship and ado- ration of the one true God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. •• ra There arc now, but few, if any, remaimng ot ttic first members of society, (indeed I know not ol one,) excepting myself, some few, who joined m lellowship shortly after, may yet remain ; and to those, with my- self, the simple incidents which may herein be de- tailed, especially in Mr. Bishop's time wil be recol- lected with fresh delight ; and altho' I shall be more particular in tracing the events which occurred, and particularly to that man of God Mr. Bishop than an indifferent reader might wish, yet the humble chris- tian will observe that the simplicity and godly since- rity, in which he pursued his way and labour was owned, and blessed abundantly, by the Great Head of the church, who worketh according to his own good pleasure, and bringeth about His purposes, m- dependant of the wisdom of the wise men ol this world. 6 AmoniT tlio J.OMilisls who oinig \'i\{('(\ In \ov;a-Sco tilt, at the close ot' the American lievohilioii, a .small imniber oi' Methodists went to Shelhiirne, and the> f^oon oroanized themselves into a ocietv, and had lh( cir usual means o {•(Jr lee but to ►^iaint John, onlv a lew, who nni iht 1 )e sai( I to be Iriendlv to Methodism arrived, those- lew, however, were not wholly insen- sible to the benelit they Ibrmerly derived, irom their attendance on the means of grace they Ibrmerly en- joyed : mid but a short time ehipsed before ihev be- oan to devise means to procure a Minister ot the Gospel, suited to their views of the Evanoelical dis- pensation — application therefore was made to some of the influential members of the Methodist society in New-York, for a prencher to be stationed in Saint John, and the api)licants were encouraged to expect help from that quarter. Meantime a Gentlenian then in Enoland from Nova-Scotia, interested himself in favor of the French residents at Mcrnbramcook, and used his be^t efforts to obtain from the Conference a Preacher, who was qualified to preach both in French and English, as occasion might require, ho- ping there])y to "introduce the gospel among the Ro- man Catholics in this Trovince, now called New- Brunswick. This call reached the ear of Mr. Abra- ham John Bishop, who was then, I believe, a local preacher, or an exhorter, from the Isle of Jersey, a young gentleman of fortune, who readily offered himself to the confcrence to undertake the very arduous task of leaving for the first time his Fathei's house, and all his other endearing connections to carry the glad tidings of Salvation to a distant coun- try and people of w^hom he could hardly be supposed, qualified to form an adequate conception. But little time elapsed until he was prejiared bv the best of recommendations from His Majesty's Under Secretary of State, other highly respectable characters, and* the conference, to the Governor of sey, a ffered very thei's •lis to coun- wsed, Nova-Scotia, and other distmoiuslied oentlemcn, Mr. Bishop left ibr the first and last time his native country, to plant a churcli of hehevers m the gospel ofourkviour, in this, then wide spread wilderness On the 30th August, 1791, Mr. Jiishop m-rived at HaUIax— a short extract from his letter, dated 31st August, says, - 1 am at a loss to express my oratitnde - to the Father of Mercies for his tender care over « me, his blessing follows me every where, ami he - withholds no good diing iVom me. He was pleased •' to oive me favour with the people on board the " vessel, so that diey permitted me to exhort and - preach to them, and likewise to reprove them when •' necessary. How iar my poor lahoiirs have been " blessed to them will be manifest at the grent dav. Mr Bishop immediatelv upon his arrival at Hn lilax waited upon His Excellency, and presented his ci;e.- dentials, and was very courteously received. His Excellency highlv commended the errand he came npon, and kindly offered him any assistance in his power, and further said, he might be ordamed here if he pleased. Mr. Bishop, however, after first con- sultinr^ his friends, considered the credentials he brouglit with him sufficient, and therefore thought it best to remain at liberty. , i r a Mr Bishop arrived at St. John, on the 24th ot Au- gust, 1791, brinoiug with him highly gratifying testi- monials from His Excellency the governor of Nova- Scotia and Philip Marchington, Esquire, to his \\oi'- ship the Mayor of St. John, and also to Wm. Cnmpbell, Esquire, one of the Aldermen of this cit,y. His w'oi- ship received him with much complacency, Mr- Campbell also showed every proper atteiition to him. On the 5th Nov. Mr. Bishop wrote to Dr. Coke in- forming him of his arrival and says " the poor people received me joyfully." -ic i Previous to the next ensuing Sabbath, myselt and a few friends procured a large convenient room tor 8 ProiU'liin-'. nolico was sproiul for the occasion, and the place was \vc II iillcd vvitli very attentive hearers — the novelty of hearing a Methodist preacher, may have been oiie exciting^ cause, but the very appear- ance of this servant of God, his simple and unatlected \ inainier, both in speech and attitude, conibintMl ^vith the delicate appearance of his constitution and the earnest manner in which he enforced his doctrine and application, did all naturally t(md to command a reverential attention, liis first text was from 1st John, 1 chap, verse 3, " that which ^ve have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye might have fel- lowship with us, and truly our fellowshi]) is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Clyrist" — and such was the eH'ect of his discourse from that text that many felt that day as if they had never heard the Gospel preached until then. The few particular friends met with Mr. Bishop ahuost daily, and from the very first, Mr. Bishop's presence always seemed to consecrate the place, for no conversation, but spiritual, could accrue in any place where he was present. After the second sabbath Mr. Bishop informed the people that he intended to form a society upon the Methodist plan, and invited " all who wished to save their souls" to tarry after the congregation was dis- missed, and he would lay before them the whole methodist plan, a large proportion of the people re- mained after service, to whom he redeemed his pledge, and a number gave in their names, and form- ed the FIRST METHODIST SOCIETY IN NEW BRUNSWICK. Mr. Bishop appeared very much encouraged with this beginning, and wherever he went, he endeavored to bring in all with whom he could obtain a hearing. Nov. 1, he writes to Dr. Coke, " the Lord is pleased to bless my labour and crown our assemblies with His gracious presence." Having now joined twenty white persons and twenty-four blacks into Society, I ^ loll, find I hearers ler, iiiny nj)i)eiir- lafi'ecUMl led ^vitll and the doctrine ominand from .1st seen and have I'el- with the Liid such hat many le Gospel r. Bishop , Bishop's place, for le in imv »rmed the upon the 2d to save was dis- he whole leople re- Bmcd his and form- lUNSWICK. aged with ideavored :X hearing. is pleased blies with 3d twenty ) Society, I and seeing the prospect still brightening, l»e wr^teio Dr Coke to send two preachers, to relieve him m tho Sprin.r, that he might proceed further into the couii- trv where the people were importuning um to come ami help them. I hope, he says " it will not be very difficult to find two preachers, whose love to precious souls, and the blessed Redeemers kingdom wid pre- va'-' with them to put their lives in their hands and come over to my help, especially as the way is clear, and the door oi)en." . . The society in Saint John continued to mcrease, and bv April," IVD'i, were eighty in number ; and on the river Saint John, within 70 miles, about two hun- dred were added to the society. Shortly after Mr. Bishop's arrival at St. John, he was invited to visit the friends to ix^ligion up the lliver, and upon the arrival of Mr. Black, the senior preacher in Nova-Scotia, he went for a short time and laboured with those who wished or spiritual instruction. One of the friends informed me that at the first place appointed for his preaching, a vast con- course of people attended : that Mr. Bishop appeared more to them like an Angel from Heaven, than "as a man of like passions with themselves : that the first line of his first hymn which he read, was given out in such manner and was reaUzed as if it contain- ed the whole gospel, " come sinners to the gospel feast"— the hearers being thus prepared, listened witn the most eager attention to the charming manner ot the preacher's invitation; and few if anyof the whoie multitude went away unimpressed with some sense of the believers happy union with their Redeemer. While Mr. Bishop was absent, Mr. Black who was much encouraged with what he saw and felt ol the work in St. Johu, preached the gospel with power, the congregation growing larger, and many were awakened to a sense of the necessity of turmng to the Lord, and the young society were strengthened lu TO their faith and hope. Mr. Bloxk s time Imviiig expi- red, he was obhged to leo ve the society without then- beloved leader. He lovingly exhorted the little flock to meet often in prayer meetings, and said he, " Br. H. will give you now and then a word of Ex- hortation." This advice was noi neglected, the members m society and some few others met together for social prayer, and singing the praises of the Lord. On one^ occasion shortly iifter txie departure of Mr. Black be- ing engaged in a public prayer meeting, a sud len spirit of energetic prayer seemed all at once to fall upon the whole meeting, great and unusual liberty was manifested, the whole meeting were in tears, either of joy or sorrow, some professed christian liberty, others were convinced that the power of God was certainly di^^played ; and from that time prayer meetings and exhortation were held every evening at different h(3uses — the hearers increased in numbers, and a greater degree of earnestness was manifested by all who attended — the young church of God vras moving forw^ard and that joyfully too, for the fear of man oppeared to be far removed. In this prosperous state, Mr. Bishop, when he re- turned from the country, found his little flock " co- ming out cf the wilderness looking forth as the morning," and the jo> was mutual when he related the prosperity of the work in the country, where he had been preaching to a people much engaged in the concerns of their souls. The next day being the Sabbath, Mr. Bishop preached to a crowded assembly, he related to them the happy results of his late excursion, alluded to the prosperous state of religion among his little flock in St. John, ^md most fervently exliorted all his hearers to come in, and participate in the general blessing. Thus, this eminently pious liiiniytcr of God pro- 11 cceded in his labours until Ui. -'"-ff-'i^^^/i:! f^ Crv^wuVi in the West Inches. Ut lll^' lauoi duu 1? rii that Maud it n.ay not P-b^^^--; valent here to state, ^''^'/^^-'-'^y tfbw -" rn'y firpnada Ue wrote to P'-. Coke as tollo^■vs in my Srlnncdyou of ^oVr^^'-^J'l;^^:^^ this Island— I have now the pleasure to u.loiui >ou that ouvChapol is finished, and is a commodiou tl(Zuo .laoe of worshio, thanks to our good Lord —but 1 feel my poor body is weak, aiu 1 need hi In the name of the Lord I entreat the con- •eZce to send an Eaglish preaeher to J- me- T onlv desire his passaae to be paid, and hope ^^ e hallL able to suWhini ^-re-i he wants any thing to make his situation eomfortable, 1'^ shall be welcome to a share oi' my small income— 1 shall ex- nec' a preacher immediately after the eonferenc,., X-w-i;rthe work will stiffer. and the gi^a^ labour I am enaa.red in, may shortly bring me to the gra^e. I h™e no class leaders as yet, and a.n there ore obli- ied to attend to all myself, the miseries of the people Si « for help, and when the Lord opens a ?v, c door wc ouaht to rush into it with all ddigence. Tht is the las? account from this faithful servant of God to he conference, and was written on the very vert of eternity. But few days a ter, and he was released from his work, and according to the pre- sage if his last letter, his " body was brought to the ^'it may not be amiss here to remark that Mr. Bishop on hi" arrival at Grenada, was n^st Wty ••ecerved l,v the Kev. Mr. Dent, of the Established Chmch !Zatost intimate friendship ensued between them thPv interchanged Divine services, and as Mr. Bishop Ssin a foriter letter, they were " much united and took sweet councd together. This Rev. Gentleman gave to Dr. Coke the hist iutiination of the death of Mr. Bishop, but owing to 12 his great grief on this occasion, bis letter was sent unfinished. He however characterised Mr. Bishop in those not less extraordinary, than appropriate words " He was the Holiest Man on Earth. — Mr. F. Hallet, however, supphed the Rev. Clergy- man's deficiency by giving the following short ac- count of the last moments of the dying feamt— ' Un the 11th June, Mr. Bishop read prayers for Mr. Dent in my school adjoining the church, he com- plained when he went home of headache, and eat very little that day. In the evening he had a fever which Mr. Dent apprehending to be of a mahgnant nature, sent for a Physician : Mr. Bishop though not conscious of the violence of his disorder, said to one of our friends " I am ready to go to Heaven."— He earnestly exhorted all who came near him, ap- peared entirely dead to the things of this world, and had a glorious prospect of a blessed eternity. His disorder continuing to increase, it was thought ex- pedient to have a consultation of Physicians, accord- ingly two more of the most eminent of the faculty were called in, but it was not in the power of medi- cine to afford him relief— his work was finished on earth, and on the 16th June the Lord was pleased to receive his departing Spirit; all who knew him can- not but acknowledge that he was uniformly pious, his zeal for the truth was unbounded, he had his convei-sation in Heaven, and walked humbly with God. Oh ! what a friend, what a Brother I have lost. The truth of Mr. Hallet's remarks as above men- tioned, of Mr. Bishop's uniform piety and unbounded zeal, I can very readily subscribe to, having been intimately acquainted with him both in public and private conversation ; and I can truly say that on all occasions within my knowledge, he was the same in spirit, disposition and manner, as he always appeared in the pulpit. This fact I shall endeavour to exem- plify by gi^-ing here a short account of his mode of conduct while he was in Saint John. as sent Bishop oprlate IT II. Jlergy- lort ac- — " On ■or Mr. 18 coni- md eat a fever Eilignant ugh not 1 to one Lven." — im, ap- rld, and ;y. His ight ex- accord- ; facnltv )f medi- shed on eased to liim can- y pious, had his bly with ave lost," 3ve men- ibounded ing been bhc and lat on all 3 same in appeared to exem- mode of 13 When Mr. Bishop first formed the Society wc were few in number, and of course our secular attairs were few and small. M.. Bishop appomted two stewards, and our stewards meetmg was on batur- day evening weekly, Mr. Bishop was always present and most of the male members would be there also. Mr. Bishop would even then urge on the secular concerns by saying " come brethren get through your business as soon as you can, and let us proceed to something more interesting." As soon as possible he would introduce spiritual concerns and relate his own state of mind, perhaps some favourab e occur- rence of the past week, interrogate each person present as to his advancement in the faith, and then fervently and very affectionately commending tlie cause in which we were engaged to God, we were allowed to retire. n t i r As soon as the Society was formed and a lew others friendly to the cause became known, Mr. Bishop made it a constant rule to visit them Irom house to house, daily, unless some occurrence should arise to prevent him. The time he allotted for that purpose was from directly after Breakfast untd his dinner hour. I have sometimes called to see him after he was out, and always found on his. table the Holy Bible, with Brainard and De Rentys lives-- These were his choice companions in his private studies and, his whole deportment while abroad plainly shewed that he was actuated by the influence he derived from those studies. While Mr. Bishop was engaged m preaching he did not foil to notice those of his hearers whom he thoucrht paid peculiar attention, and would atterward endeavour to learn their names, and place of abode, in hope of being able to gain them over to the taith by private admonition. One instance only 1 will here relate, observing one man in constant attend- ance on the Sabbath, who appeared more than com- 14 mnrilv serious. Mr. i3ishop asked if I was ucqaaiated with him, and if 1 thought he was anxious to save bia soul I repUed that I know the person well, but trom iiis general character, I could only say, he was a quiet header of the ^vord. Mr. Bish(>i> said he would en- deavour to .see him and speak to him " on the con- c-erns of his soul." Shortly after, meeting two men m the street, one of whom he supposed to be this person. He went up to him, and without much pretace began to address him on the necessity of preparing to meet his God After some time still holding the man by the hand, he said ' pray sir, is notyour name Bishop! and then, said Mr. Bishop I saw my mistake—never- theless, I thought it perhaps the best time 1 might ever have, and I delivered my own soul and lett the event with God. Shortly after the Reformation, news cajne to the ears of His Worship the Mayor, that Mr. Lishop preached on week evenings, and on the Sabbath also, and that some persons were going crazy. In one o Mr. Bishops visits lie accidentally met m the Market Place, His Worship, Alderman Campbell, Major Dixon, R. A., and a number of gentlemen, Mr Bishop stopped and paid his respects to them by a friendly .hake of the hand with the whole group. His Worship iniiis usual friendly manner said to Mr. Bishop— why sir, r am sorry to hear some strange accounts about vour preaching. I hear you not only preach on bun- days, but also on week evenings, and that some ot vour hearers are going beside themselves— Cant you be content to preach on Sundays as other clergymen do ? Sir, said Mr. Bishop, " I have not yet heard of any of my congregation gomg crazy by my. preaching; and sir, if you know of any such I would he happy in using my endeavours to brino- them to a state of seiisibihty-but I do not think, sir, that the * At this time onlv tnorim.? service waf- performed in the Church each Sunday. L'qaaiated ) save bis , but from -as a quiet voulcl en- tbe con- vo men m lis person, ace began ig to meet e man by iC Bisbop r e- — never- e I migbt id left tbe ,111 e to tbe [r. Bisbop (batb also * In one of be Market -11, Major Mr. Bisbop a friendly ;is Worsbip ^bop — wby )unts about Lcb on Sun- lat some of —Cant you clergymen t yet beard zy by my. Lcb, I would y tbem td a Ir, tbat tbe rch each Sunday. 15 oosiiel wblcb I preacb will create tbat €«nect but ratlier " make men wise unto Salvation : and sir, bere arc Esquire Campbell, and Major Dixon my fellow passengers from Habfax, tbey bave botb been to bear me preach. Let tbem now say wbetber the Pospel 1 preacli be not according to truth : and sir, as to my preaching on week evenings ! was not our Lord always going about doing good : and sir, you bad better come and bear for yourself, and tlien you will be the better judge." . Several times Mr. Bisbop in visitmg his people mistook their dwcllinos, and found himselt in a room among stranoers. In all such cases he availed him- self of tbe chance be then had, and spoke to all pre- sent on their individual concern for eternity. He Jdmost always on such occasions obtained a patient hearincr, often prayed with them, and always expres- sed bis' hopes that such accidents would be attended with some good. .-i • i On one occasion liowever, he met with a singular treatment. He was in tbe habit of visiting die lamily of a Merchant who was an eccentric character, but crenerallv friendly ; bis wife was a professor ol re- Ficrion and met in the class of females of tlie society. In one of those visits, this man retired from the par- lour leaving bis wife, and Mr Bishop, and when outside turned the key upon them. Mr. Bishop ob- served tbat tbe aood woman manifested some per- turbation on tbe occasicm, but he en.- avoured to let her see tbat be did not notice tbe transaction. Att^^r spendincr rather more than his usual time (tor he was gen'^.rally short in his visits) the door was open- ed from outside, and Mr. Bishop came away as it nothing extraordinary had happened. Upon my asking him wbv he had not mentioned this atiair to me^ he replied '^" I wish to report nothing but good as to my small troubles it is enough that the Lord knows tbem/' 16 Wr Byiop always made my house his last place ot V Lhia lor the day, " well Br. Humbert," he would s y " I have been on my rounds, and blessed be the LOTd. the work is progressing-there are several Gand he would name them) who appear to be under Lp convictions ; we have prayed together and I trust they are not far from the Kmgdom of God. — At tin Jhe would say. "well Br. I have brough ' good news from a far Country, there is Br. ,01 sister . they have found the Lord— I hope the work will be farther extended— let us pray (or the ■^ In'^hoii^ of continuing his favorite scheme of visit- ing his flock, he provided himself with a stout fear- nought over-jacket and trowsers. in order to face the ^clemency of winter ; one occurrence I *a".«?ite here_at the approach of the cold season, Mr. Bishop was notified to take his turn on a voluntary City Watch, then established in the City ; the ensuing Sa- turday evening was to be his turn, and he was far from being in good health at the time; he however, was stronly inclined to do this duty, but his fne^ds used every persuasive in their power to prevent hmi, and but scarcely succeeded. His reasons for gomg were, that he would have a good opportunity to pray with and preach to them, for they could not go away, and said he. " if Brainard or De Renty were in my; place, they would take up their Cross cheerfully, 'rhe importunity of his friends seemed to grieve him, he however, at last, reluctantly assented. Uie next morning he was wholly unable to attend to his morn- ing pi-etching, hov^rever. he could not be persuaded to°desist in the evening. A very large congregation assembled, and he discoursed to them as a person from the world of spirits. Although his eSertion wa. apparently feeble he continued his sermon until the blood issued from his nostrils; and he then, and even then, urged, his persuasive eloquence to encourage I I last place he would ed be the e several be under er, and I if God."— 3 brought r. , or [ hope the ly for the le of visit- stout fear- to face the shall state Mr. Bishop itary City ;nsuing Sa- le was far e however, his friends revent him, s for going nity to pray lot go away, were in my cheerfully." grieve him, The next to his morn- 3 persuaded ongregation as a person exertion was ion until the in, and even 3 encourage v 17 the people in the road to happiness, until entirely exhausted he sat down, as tho' this was to be his last public effort- . . -, ^ • . .\ I must forbear to multiply mcidents relative to the proof of the extraordinary zeal and piety, the selt- denial, and incessant labours of this truly devoted man of God. Mr. Bishop alwnys exhibited the ap- pearance of a gentleman and christian, consequently his appearance was always attractive, the more he was known the better he was respected and loved. Although he seldom even smiled there was a sweet serenity always in his countenance, and every feature seemed to indicate the mind of a man, who had but only one object in view. Religion, essential religion, was the atmosphere m which he moved, and he always carried that atmos- phere with him in every place, and in every company. Practical piety or (to use another designation for the same meaning) Methodism in its primeval sta^- was a strange thing in St. John, prior to Mr. Bishop's ministration, hence it occasioned much conversation among the citizens at the commencement; and a few, but slight interruptions occurred, and these few (to the credit of the citizens be it said) were from strancrers. The frequent conversion of sinners, the very exemplary conduct of Mr. Bishop, the love and harmony so visibly prevailing in this Infant Church, put to silence the cry of adversaries. , , j • Prayer meetings which were frequently held m private houses, were well attended, several of the members in society were blessed with praying talents : and Mr. Bishop, unless something extraordinary oc- curred to prevent him, was always present. Life, zeal and love, animated the most part of these assem- blies, and greatly encouraged the work then m such favourable progress : Indeed, sometimes great ex- citement and powerful exercises took place— the rooms, stairway, entry, and street before the house. 18 : ..u>wlod with people, and the spirit of prayer poured out upon them as the dew of Heaven • • leed were the praises ot the l^ord were crow( was ^ and sweetly in( md sung m uiosc mceting.-believe.'. i.ccame mm. more confirmed-mournevs were blessed with liberty , and many hearers were not only convuiced ol the power of living faith in the Son oi God, but alsojom- ed themselves to share in the blessmgs of the people "^ Toward the autumn of 1793, Mr. Bishop received a notice from Dr. Coke, requesting his attendance at the next BaUimore conference, in or;^^er to his remo- val to Grenada in the West Indies. Mr. Bishop, altho his constitution was hut very slender, and therefore his prospect for longevity in a West India climate was indeed very small, thought it his duty to comply with the Doctor's reqnest, and ^^e prejnired lor his journey accordingly. Meanwhile Mi-^ B ack return- ed from Halifax, and Mr. Duncan M'Coll came from St. Stephens, and in the interim between then, and Mr Bishop's departure, Mr. Black visited the friends up the river-— He was there received with great plea- sure and profit. His fame as a warm, zealous, loving, and hio-hly talented preacher, having preceded him deep and searching enquiries were made by some ot the pious Presbyterians and others, as to the Metho- dist doctrines and church Government. Ample sa- tisfaction being afforded by Mr. Black, some of the old pious Presbyterians formed a class m bhetlield, and classes also were formed in seveml other places on the river— many of the old standmg professors were in raptures at hearing the Gospel in the lively and pungent manner as delivered by Mr. Black- many also of the newly converted disciples were streAcrthened and confirmed, and a general glow ot approbation seemed alive on every countenance, not only at the preaching, but in every house we entered I had the pleasur (f- or icr [ prayer Heaven, ;he Lord nore and h liberty, sd of the alsojoin- ic people received idance at his renio- lop, altho' therefore ia climate to comply -ed for his ck return- :^.ame from then, and the friends Treat plea- )iis, loving, jeded him, by some of he Metho- Ample sa- ome of the 1 Sheffield, ther places professors 1 the lively [r. Black — iples were Tal glow of enance, not we entered ,) there ap- 19 pcared as but one sentiment prevailing as to the blessed work then in progress among the people ; and was it possible to have afforded a regular sue- cession of faithful preachers from that tune, the result would have been most happy for the community ; and Methodism would have been deep rooted, and almost universally prevalent^through the Land Upon the return of Mr. Black to feamt John, the society and work generally seemed ^^PJ>^^ (^3 ^ ^7^;;^^^^' The labours of that apostohck man, Mr. M'Coll, ad- ded to that of their dear Mr. Bishop, (now seenungly more dear than ever,) had kindled a glowing zeal not only in the society, but also among the triends and hearers generally.— Animation seemed as the order of the day." Crowded assemblies, and deeply feeUng congregations filled the chapel nnd prayer meetinn your ac- etent to so [igregation, ot tell you 3 much a£- ach from Bc t. It how- l taken ray -efo^'matipn dn the doc- 3in, repen- these doc- id Collects ed to shew Q:1 the low state of rehgion previous to this IJeformation — alhidcd to some predictions l)y [)ious men as to the coinini of r noli Reformation, and tht; consequent results. The fvord gave me great liberty, 1 sj)oke with rvrctt<3red freedom, and the people seemed to me as grasshopper^?. Our meetings in the week evenings were lively, and I trust profitable : only, after 1 had succeeded be- yond my own expectations, in conducting the servi- ces, I thought my stock was now exhausted, and I began to doubt, whether I could say any thing profit- able at the next meeting. . The next Sabbath evening, many of the respecta- ble pnrt of the community, (by respectable I mean the rich) cnme to witness the novelty of a Layman preaching, as they termed it. I was not intimidated at their appearance. I endeavoured to prove the depravity of man from matter of fact, and also from Scripture ; the necessity of a change of heart ; the witness of the Spirit, and blessed assurance thro' faith of eternal life. I hnd a peculiar freedom in stntin*^- andans'vering objections, sutrh, as the necessity of mi- racles to prove the new birth, Sec. I said if there were any such objectors here, I could tell them of one certain sign, which was " that an evil and adulterous generation .leeketh after n sign, but no sign should be given them, but the sign of Jonas the Prophet." I humbly hope the friends of truth, and the whole So- ciety, went away satisfied that this was the work of God. One circumstance I will here relate : a woman, whose husband was absent, attended the meetings at the Methodist chapel : the Lord opened her heart to receive the truth, and she became a member of the Society. Her husband was a sober, moderate, think- ing man. On his return from Scotland, one of his friends went on board the vessel to inform him that his wife had turned Methodist — that his house was ^ constaniiy beset witli a parcel of icTIe women, and that she spent all her time going to meetings. Mr. Morris heard his friend patiently, and said he would see when he came on shore : the conversation of his wife so far satisfied him, that he came to the Chapel with her, and was convinced of the truth — -joined the Society, and on his dying bed exhorted all who came to see him, to seek and servo the Lord ; and left a blessed testimony of his assurance of eternal happiness. About this time, Mr. Wm. Jessop, from the Ameri- can Conference, came to Saint John, via Nova Scotia, where he had been some time preaching the Gospel acceptEibly. He was a man Well qualihed to succeed Mr. Bishop : an original, simple, and fervent labourer in the Lord's vineyard. His whole deportment gave evidence that he always considered others better than himself He was but of a weakly constitution ; his voice how^ever was loud and sonorous ; in his public preaching he was truly Evangelical, always con- forming himself to the plain doctrine of the New Testament. His whole level was to bring sinners to repentance, and build up the Church of Christ ; seldom offering even a quotation, and never any proof but from the sacred Scriptures. During his ministry the congregation was well kept up, and the society increased in number ; but as his whole soul seemed intent in his work, he could not be well content with a share of outward prosperity. His labour with the society was principally to urge them on to a lively and demonstrative growth in grace : this labour he would principally urge when the society met after the congregation was dismissed — He would then most energetically exhort them to " let their light shine before men," and tell them that it both affected his body and spirit to see any lukewarmness among professors of Religion — he could not stop any where where the work of God was not going forward, for paid he " I cannot live amonir the tombs." I men, and igs. Mr. he would on of his e Chapel oined the .vlio came and left a lappiness. le Anieri- va Scotia, \e Gospel 3 succeed : labourer [lent gave 2tter than tion ; his lis public iT'ays con- the New- sinners to ■ Christ ; any proof ministry le society ,1 seemed tent with with the 3 a lively ibour he met after uld then leir light L affected 3s among IV where vard, for 25 One instance of his self-denying simplicity I will here name. — After labouring for some time in Saint John, and not seeing as much success as lie could wish, he resolved to leave the city, and go to West- moreland, where he thought he might be more useful. He accordingly sent to Sheffield, and requested the stationed prccicher there, (Mr. Wilson,) to come, and supj)]y his place in Saint John — he i)rocurcd, and paid for his passage — purchased cords to tic up his trunks, and was ah ready for his departure. Mr. Wilson endeavoured to dissuade him from his pur- pose, told him his fears were groundless, and moreo- ver, said the friends in Sheliield, thought it wrong to be deprived of their preacher on such an occasion. Mr. Jessop listened to the arguments from Mr. Wil- son, made a long pause, and then broke out with, well ! Br. Wilson, I will stay in St. John— I'll give them three months more tryal. Mr. Wilson returned to Sheflield, Mr. Jessop unloosed his trunk, forfeited his jiassage money, and resumed his labours in the city. Such, and similar, was the disposition of this faith- ful man of God, on all occasions. The society and friends, the more they kne\v of him, the more they loved him ; for it was evident that in his goincr in and out, with them, he has nothing in vie^v but their spi- ritual and eternal ^velfare. Mr. Jessop met with but few discouragements while in St. John. One only I will here relate. One ol his wicked hearers entered a complaint to the Clerk of the Peace, against Mr. Jessop preaching without a license. His complaint was made because Mr. Jessop did not always pray for the King : the hict was, that Mr. J. did not pray by form nor by mutation, but as the Lord gave liim liberty: hence he sometimes did, and at other times did not pray for the King. However, Mr. Jessop waited upon the Clerk of the Peace, (^vho by the by had no au- 26 thority in the niiiUer,) and stated the business on which he came. Councillor Hardy told Mr. Jessoj) that such complaint had been made, he appeared friendly, and said all that Mr. Jessop had to do, was to apply to Head (duarters for a license, and take the oath of allegiance. Mr. Jessop replied, " I am Sir, a man for peace, and have always had an aver- sion to taking an oath, and if I cannot remain with- out swearing, I can retire." Councillor Hardy said, *' Sir, I shall not prosecute you on this complaint, you have only to apply for a license, and if in future any complaint is made, your api3lication will silence such complaint." In Mr. Jessop's excursion up the River, he was received by the societies and friends of religion of all denominations, as a singularly eminent Minister of the GospeL His attitude of person, and apostolic fervor of preaching, gave evideuv^e of his zeal for the spiritual prosperity of his hearers. The friends ge- nerally, received him joyfully, but more especially the Presbyterians who had joined in society, in and about Sheffield — They were worthy old professors, very discerning people, and latterly very pious and loving disciples of Christ. He truly astonished them by the power and spirit in which he delivered his plain Gospel unto them. During the intermission, between the morning and afternoon sermon, he went to dine with a number of friends at a sumptuous repast, and a goodly num- ber sat down at table. While they were each pre- paring his own mess, Mr. Jessop in his usual sonorous manner, said " Sister Barker have you got any po- tatoes." — The company were somewhat surprised at this singular request amidst such plenty ; but he would take nothing more than two or three potatoes for his share, and retired to prepare for his sermon in the afternoon. The Methodist cause received much confirmation siness on [r. Jessop appeared 3 do, was and talie d, " I am an aver- ain with- irdy said, omplaint, in future ill silence , he was yion of all inister of apostolic jal for the 'iends ge- 3specially ty, in and irofessors, pious and hed them vered his rning and a number dly num- each pre- sonorous t any po- rprised at ; but he ! potatoes is sermon ifirniation 127 ii'oni the labours and oxpniple of this servant of the church. On his leaving the Province, I accompanied him through New- York, Philadelphia, and Newcastle on Delaware. In each of those places the friends manifested unusual love to this their lormer Minister — He seemed one child of the family in every house we visited. We parted at Wilmington ; and not long after the Lord of the Vineyard, called him to his eternal reward. Of several preachers who came from the United States, after Mr. Jessop, I shall only notice Mr. Wm. Grandine. He succeeded Mr. Jessop, and was a young man of an amiable temper and disposition, his whole demeanor indicated, that he was intent to do all the good he was capable of, to the society ; yet, his peculiar gifts, as a preacher, were not so much attractive, as his predecessors in the ministry, and he often appeared depressed on that account. He was however, beloved by the society, and friends — the congregation continued large, and the society suf- fered no diminution under his ministrations. Mr. Grandine, as was usual, visited his friends up the river, and what forms the most interesting part of his history, is, the prosperity of his labours among the settlers on the Nashwalk. These were a people wholly destitute of the means of grace, " no man seemed to care for their souls," — they were some re- mains of the 42d Highlanders, who served His Ma- jesty in the American revolution, mostly old and infirm, and all poor people. Mr. Grandin at the suggestion of that pious and good Scotsman, Duncan Blair, of Fredericton, and accompanied by him, undertook the journey to this settlement, on a road, the worst of all the bad roads then in the Province, the distance nearly fifteen miles, two-thirds uninha- bited, and nearly an almost untrodden pathway To this people, Mr. Grandine was the honoured in- strument of opening a door of gospel hope to their 2S w I; ' boiiioliled minds. The poor jieojile rocei\'erl Jiiin gladly, they formed themselves into Christian soeiety, and had the gosjjel contiimed to be pn.'aehed amono- them. Mr. Grandine's labour for the conversion oT those poor people, may l.)c justly termed excessive, he carried liis clothes, books, Szc'!, u])on his back, his accommodation among them was scarcely supporta- ble, but the kindness of the people, and the prospect of raising among them a spiritual church, outweighed with hmi, every privation, and superseded every difficulty. Had Mr. Grandine allowed his depres- sion of si)irit, while in St. John, to overwhelm liim his labour and success, in planting a church amona those poor destitute sinners, woukl not have been recorded to his credit, in these perishable sheets, but his praise is with the Lord of the harvest, and his record is with the most High. Mc. Slack and Mr. M'Coll, were the first married preachers, that were stationed in St. John : bavin o- already noticed them in their respective visits, I only aad here, that they were both of them highly instru- mental, in strengthening, confirming and iiicreasincr the society, both in St. John, and also in the country very few jars, or discords prevailed .n their tim^; Mr. i>lack s attractive manner, (all love,) kept the cono-regations large, and Mr. M'CoIl's apostolic visits to his people, was always productive of the best re- sults. I should deem myself unpardonable, did I omit to mention, those pious " Mothers in Israel " ' Mrs. Black, and Mrs. M'Coll, they were indeed, true helpmates to their husbands, and servants of the church, their example was very influential, and their advice salutary— they were uniformly pious, conse- quently, their conversation was always spiritual, and beneficial to their sisters in society ; and such, in my opinion, was their similarity in pious conversation and the great interest they each manifested in the advancement of piety among the members of the 29 ived Jiuii 11 society, 'd niiioiio- ersion of xcessive, back, his iipporta- prospect vveii{Iicd d every depres- 3lm Iiiiii, 1 among Lve been sets, but and his married having s, I only ' instrii- 'reasinof country, ■ir tune, ept the ic visits )est re- did I Israel," ' x\, true of the d their conse- al, and , in mv ft/ •sation, in the of the J society, that I sliould be ;it a loss to answer tliiscpics- tion, was it jait to me, which of the two was the most eminent I Wlien the Great Judge shall sny to his faithful Ministers, " Well done good and faithful ser- vants," those pious females will participate in the blessed encomium. Mr. James Mann, one of the preachers from tlie Nova-Scotia conference, was appointed to travel on the river St. John, lie found the work in a 2)rospe- rous condition, the Societies had been gradually iii- (^reasing since JMr. Bislio])'s time, the numbers ubout this time amounting to nearly two hundred. The friends and hearers, also, had increased much, and on the River, the societies were growing, both in grace and numbers. Mr. Mann, ^vas a Methodist ])reacher " oi' the first water," whether considered as a preacher, or a disciplinarian, he had a noble ap-.- pearaiice, was always neat in his dress, punctual to his ap])oiiitmcnts, and imusually severe against all ungodliness, although he was no way deficient in talent to build up the church of Christ. His forti-: seemed to be in alarming sinners in the most jioinled manner — he would state to such, the desperation oi' their present condition, and denouiice the rigours of the law against them, unless timely repentance sho'd ])revent. I have been sometimes astonished to see so many oi' that description of hearers resorting to the Chapel, when the preacher so plainly exposed their madness. Some of the stoutest of them, how- ever, came, until they were, " pricked to the heart," forsook their evil ways, became pious persons, and joined the society. Several whole fiimilies, also, of this description, joined themselves to the Lord, under Mr. Mann's ministry : and he had the liappiness to see some of them in his time, removed in the triumph of faith, to their everlasting reward. Mr. M:inn, was the preacher, who first urged mc. to preach from a text, and usually gave me the .00 'u.-,loy ovo,n„g, I „ohI,1 be sure to fin In 'Jl ^"" l..™o,l o„ the „,a„tlepiece over the t ^Taoe^^T hi. Huniheit, remember you are to mtnL ' " Sii'a-it irhJlT^ ^K/=^^^^ pel. In °o„e of those 1 / i ''"'''" '" "'^ G"-^" was with hi,n, o„ he d v' I'" *" ^"'"''"- ^^''^^°». I three miles di^Ze wlb t '""" '? ff''''^'' '^bout where we then ve'e a "reJt ^''-^^ «f Major Brown, tensely cold weather to^oknl ™ "^ ''""^ and in- thejourney, contrary to tbV ^^'^ Prepared for not then realizi"la7the L^^'^TT "^^he family, from the wind, ^Iie Vto™ w ' T'''"'' ^^"' ^'"'''^red ice which we wj .Tto t "^T W' J"' '"-"'"S "» *« company we came to tl e^te Iv^ ^""""^ '=^dy i„ the violence of the anlpwtT' T'"'^ ^^e first felt "••ged the younl ladv to . ? '""''' Persuasion, we «he persevi-e "^i/ht'for m"™ '° '''" '•°"^«' '^'^^ all of us havepcri^^L M, m" """T"' '''""'^g^^ on, and soon lost^th 'of . ' ^^''T'""\ "V^'^'Ulnt which fell around i'sndecT'^ *'"^.*'"' *« «n°^^. ' that, as it curled round nfn' """t '^""''^ ^'^''^'^^'y see 'hat we could not keep our"' ".'f '''* ^"^'' f"----. ''>"wl the windcnrrvL "^^'l^'^ "Pen, we soon -ght as soon as off We " rr"'/r' "^^ °"' "'^ "ot seeing the shore nl ^ f • *"''°'''' *e wind, "ntil abou? three .^resdUt ?J """«, ''"' ourselves theatmospheregavers sf;; ™'^r^^^ the. shore! and thta^ " aiTn M ,'f ''""' '°.^'^'^°^^'- We turned, ascencl^d the bani ^n 1°"'° °" *" '^^"'^• tne uanl^, and came to a hou.se t'oment to ^ent on Sa- card notice place, viz ; ich to-mor- limlJy pre- f occasion- nplary be- 1 he took d of him, i the Gos- • season, I ich about 31* Brown, V and in- ^ared for le family, sheltered g on the ? lady in first felt 5ion, we ise, had ^e might elf, went le snow, ■G^y see ■h force, -^e soon 111* own out of 3 wind, rselves, started, iscover ? bank. house 31 uuiiihabited. We broke in the door, and catered ahnost benumbed with cokl, notwithstanding all our exertion. Mr. Mann covered his head and neck with the contents of his pack ; handkerchiefs, stocks and stockings, were wrapped over his head and round his neck, just allowing himself to see, and we then walked the lloor to and iVo as fast as we possi- })ly could, to prevent freezing. The frost however began to show itself on Mr. Mann's cheeks and nose, the colour of the flesh changing to the whiteness of milk : we had no alternative, but to walk or freeze to stitihess, until the wind changed and the air clear- ed, and we made the best of our way back to Major Brown's, from whence we started. Mr. Mann's ap- pearance was rather singular, the white spots ol' frost on his nose and cheeks, his head and neck so muffled up would have created a laugh, had not the occasion been so serious. We were very kindly received by the pious family of Major Brown : Mr. Mann was however so faj exhausted, that as soon as he came into the house, he threw himself on the bed, and lay rolling and groaning, until " Tir'd nature's kind restorer, balmy sleep," came to his relief ! In Mr. Mann's labours, both in Nova-Scotia and New-Brunswick, he was subjected to many difficul- ties and privations : the country then was new, the roads almost impassable, the people generally poor, and their accommodations correspondent. He, how- ever, never appeared in the least intimidated by these circumstances, but always spoke of them as small things, comparatively, — when some of his friends would say to him " spare thyself," — he would answer — " I would rather wear out, than rust out." And so it was. He spent his early labours, and his su- pernumery services, in these British provinces, and finished his work at Barrimyton, in Nova-Scotia. — n II « [H-euc'hed, ;k1 Lord in ^ «"l)pe>r, ijuirr •^ftnic day. Ho wi.s ^j'Ui, and a /idtlj/id 32 inidterod J ;i CO I staiijicii tJi( sacrament of tl •ie, and ex],ircd on th J >a sound ch ""'"■"ta-oftl.eG.Hi.olonhor rjb'. 8lu2iil,r„jg a.isi. 'J'Jie ,,,,.^" '" '• , "'''ere 'les tl,y early day. of their FatClwl „ i' " '" """'' ^lic "'.»»y privations d ri,;o^tlet m"''''''"^"^ '°^"'''""' "'■lden>e»s country : thenec,, '''"""' "' ""^' »''«" ll.« services of th/preacl cr^^l'^ ''t™"""™""" fo'" teen pounds amu.illt exc,„ i*""",!*', '^"^ ""'^ «**- generally took their dl;n ''*'^«' '^<'d,. dation, with pri^■iIe.e of tl^u f """"■ ■•^««°"imo- "tal tinxes. ind there IS „ "^ °;": «i«ing roo.n "'hoie system of mZlement^Z'^'^^^'^' "^ »" "'« '■iiose to dine at home °he w ~T '" ^"^ l»-<=aelwr to do, so that he ,v„s not 2u T^'' "' "''«''>- «° stormy weather: an, it mw ''^'im'° ?° abroad i„ what has been said of t e ovi.r •''" '^^""^ ''•"« society in those day« and tit ^ disposition of the were then increased d at n^ Tf'^-i '" "'^''^1' "'ej preacher gladly to dtn^ vW?h ,^'™'^ T'^^'^'^ 'he wavs to furiiis]^ suital "' n it fc' ""' f'^^'^ ^- ,. The number of preached n t v" """4''° "-^Pn^t- ereiice was small. Lnsequ^nlv h ^^°^-=^-S^''tia con- thc provinces, which were Z '•"''"''"''^'hrougli 33 ^'"t of the 'i*t!n]y six- They fi-ieiids (Js. 6(1 id bed,, ommo- g" room to the eacher 3rty so oad in [ from )f the !i tliey Jd the ve aJ- spast. t con- 'ough year, her^!. and had to resort to the best means withio their power to continue their pubUc devotions. About this time, the conference could not afford a stationed preacher in St. John, and for the most part of the summer season of the year, the whole charge of the society devolved upon me. I was then much enga- ged in my usual labour, and could get no assistance, and our public means of Grace were, first prayer meeting in the chapel at six in the morning, at which an exhortation was usual — public preaching at eleven in the chapel — at Carlton at two o'clock, and the chapel again at six in the evening, — -preaching on Tuesday and Friday evening — women's Class on Monday at four o'clock, and men's Class after preach- ing on Sunday morning. Blest with a good consti- tution, I was enabled to go through my secular labors, and in my other duties, I was encouraged by favora- ble outward appearances, and inwardly comforted from a conviction that my labours were approved and blessed by the great Head of the Church. Our con- gregations kept large as ever — the society " held up my hands," — the sublime doctrines of the Gospel opened more and more to my view, and I felt di- vested of all fear in delivering the truth, as I receiv- ed it, (not from man,) but free from the fountain of life. I saw the fruit of my labour among my fellow citi- zens, some of whom are my witnesses, and remain to this day. Some of our friends, who occasionally passed thro* St. John, came to our meetings, and they joined with the friends in the city, in testifying to the prosperity of the work of God. I shall only mention two in- stances of this kind — Esquire D n, of Sackville, an English Methodist, came to St. John : he called upon me to know if there would be preaching in the evening. I was then at my usual work — I told him there would be preaching at six — he came to the chapel and heard me preach, who he had seen but !i I .11 'K\,.imlMul, "yon liMlstboaiu.vfr,,., ■ ' "'"''' I'l-eaoh so, ,,,,,1 M„.k so f1 "^ '^•""''"W.v I'u,„. t„ '■ne,ul. 1,0,1, ii.„,„ ^i:^;, JP . :; SV- •'""■' """the.- y-iUire said, " J!,, II,„,,i,e ,,'?' "' ""= "'"^' 'I'" pld son„o„s." I tok 1, ,? T 'f y"" ""■■^l P'-^'iK'l' .^8.7, "n<-o lor all, tl,a ,|.o '' 7 ' "'"' ""''^■'^^'. ' >'>ay fou„cl ii„. proaci i„ va l'':^l'''"-Mion ( always fee] the value of tho.e s^.fl ,1 ,'i'V''' "J P^-^i'-'e to •« -at, upon their eternal eouej,^!""" ^ ""^ "''°« -nC:' ■'::i:S;:^-;;;;'" '--o: that the e„suiu, »l«euce of a, preacZr ^ ? *'"',''"■" ^'"^ "ecessarv I oonsulore,! un-..elf amXmlT '"•[ "'''""S'^ ' ''"t as I ccoliue,! this kind oS ^ "'"'''^ ''"'" P'»^'. --«e in W io ;^'X fe '""i' *° *f^^"'-'-t fro". the English confbre°,ec ('/'^■'^^''T "•«•'' ''^"t net, Marsden: and OliW /:f "'• ^"^"■.V- Uen- vvas the first „-ho ,. . ■~"^ *^"'"'' Mr. Lo^v•rv -asayounglri, ;'%f« '" ^t. John. "£' .but very uncouth in his mCer r",'""";" ''""'<''■« ' "'g-move moral, than evanri?'' T'' "i "« P'-'^^^h- appeared, that h^ .4" no !n '■ \""'^ " very .soon this people._Of his ,cotUh m^ "' '''r"""^' """""g mstanee,_ol,servi„ff onTe 'o,"^""''' ""'■' ■'*'™''"^ lery one evenimr mlsllh '^ ," I'""""*^ '" the ^al- he addressed tfe^r^h^""^- f"-? '>>« P-aehii ye ought to be taken by the'n^ek ™" *" ^'^"""^ "'"^^ "neat:: t^^^^To t ^of'' "l -''--' '"-^ -h- When Mr. Marsde^^ "r^- -J^^^^ ' -■ *-™-i*S*aS3ta*iM"; da lili'd next y 'luiii, to I another me well, I lien at •inc, the 't l)r(.>;ic]i iiy texts » i may I alvvfiys »oitance s.sihie to IS about "tlianks -essnry 'ept of but ns n paid, hodist e sent I3cn- OWTV, He vers ; each- soon nonff 3 one img, lere, his said, t up with such usage. With very little cereniouy, ho left iiiy house, and took up lodgings sit another friend's house, wlun-f; his stay ^vila very short, bel'ore he made another removal, and found himself as unensy as be- fore : — ajid Iron] this time, the shadow of a cloud passed over our hitherto peaceable horizon. I found myself going out of my former repute with the jireacliers- — dissjitisfaction began to nppenr among tlie members of Society ; and our hitherto ahnost uninterrupted union, began to show sym])toms unfa- vourable to the continuance of that peace and har- mony, so prevalent among us. Mr. Lowry's year having expired, his place was supplied by Mr. Marsden — and sorry am 1 to say, that tlie cloud that only seemed to be passing over, in the time of his predecessor, began now to break in torrents upon our heads. Mr. Marsden, was a young man of an amiable ap- pearance, eloquent, Howry, and poetic in his preach- ing, but too authoritative in his manner, to ensure a lasting union between himself and his people — his manner of preaching, was well calculated to please a congregation, who came merely to hear, but little (pudified to edify the church of God. He seldom proved his doctrine from Scripture, but from some favorite poet. It was not uncommon ibr him to quote from eiglit to eighteen passages of poetry, in one ser- mon. He soon began to supi)ly the pulpit himself, but seldom requiring me to assist him. The mem- bers of the society frequently enquired of me, to knoAV, what was the cause of my not preaching as usual. I replied, that I could not tell, only, I sup- posed, Mr. J\Iarsden, thought, his preaching most acceptable. After some time, however, Mr. Marsden called upon me, to request me to preach for him, on Tuesday evenings — I was at that time very nmch engaged in my worldly business. I told him, I could not promise positively to be at the Chapel, on \\ce' k uttencl 90 evenings, ns sometimes I had calls X could not dispense with, just betore or „t ,h .■ of meetmg. A,. Marsden said, that local nrn T^ were not to preach onlv vil,„l„ i ■ Pf*^acher3 fit; but, acci d L; to tt r e wT 'I'"" """^ "'°'' quired by the Ifcs^den "r Se ".'.Id 'Z.r'"'' '^■ you have preaclied on ..-l [ ' • ' '""^'her said, 1 sdd yes, iir,'rnS Iwou d a.T'if ^h '""'"'"'«• cessity existod-butasyouareh^e" vL ^ '=""""«■ to preach at anytime b ,t I T •^ ",'^^"P'"''F'-e my business, to prepa;e .• , T "" '^""''^ '^^ peaching o,', .^^^^ ^utt Sn.^'r^' '°^ mgs, I am free from vvorlril J , »» »u"day morn- then prepare to nr^ Jh •*, "*'""'''''""''t'«— ^ can Mr.ALX„re liKih"^"'" ^'""g «o to do ingpreachinga'bCil^'.S'J-l'y;:,'-'" ti.en.orn- "P his privilege to any per on 1 , 1 ?u '. ""' ^'^« he might takS it for craned tWr ''*'""' "^" pend upon me to preaS/rrlim at , , "l?,'' ""' '^f the cha=pc., itiSr ^'C ::ir f "^•- ■" my constant absence on Sund»v „ ''^ observmg knowing what was the cau^ YerTfh' '"'^ "1' uneasmess— insomuch th-.t ,u f *"°^^ ™»ch neglected ; and, M Wrsden himf Tk^"" '""^'' prehend some danger r '^'f' ""^S^" t° ap- timche attend^iTsL.fi3rta1^^ T^ evening, and when we dismS f °K ^^'J^'^^^ hngering, until most of he nelll t'T"^^ h™ when he expressed his wish L ^ ^^ ^^^ «°°^ 0"t. on Sunday Lrnfit itZ^'^^.KZt ^"^'^^ engagement at Carleton »n^^ '"'"^ ""^ "'^"'y not wish to preach unl; hi j"°'"^°^'^'-' 'hat I did we had some^exp anarion as to '?°" ■»»""'"• ""'" and another. wouM ask me whyTd d'"^''!'''" ?"^' usual, before Mr. MarsdenkS I aid Ar'' % no reason on my part ; that Mr. Sen thoTght to, which the time preachers >hcy tho't ivere re- her said, retofbre. same ne- prepare "•e irom yer, for y niorn- — I can ) to do. eniorn- lot give im, that not dc- nmade ^unday ing, in erving nd not much much to ap- some urday I him 3 out, r him ^fmy I did until One, 3h as !W of ught Z1 proper to takt^ the whole Sabbath to himself, and that I could not regularly preach on week evenings. I must, however, here confess, I had at that time, some reason to surmise, the probable cause of my not being allowed to preach, as formerly, but I would not then, allow my suspicions to prevail ; but I was afterward, well convinced, and 1 may as well men- tion it here, as hereafter, from whence the cause originated. The preachers in their visits, among the Members of the Society, were often told, how the society originated — how the work progressed — and how much the society was indebted to their dear Br. Humbert, for keeping the flock together, when they could get no preacher to abide with them. Hearing the like so often repeated, by the unsuspecting Sisters and others, was more than they could bear ; a jea- lous disposition ensued, and their future conduct was such, as to prevent, if possible, any further influence from my services. I shall have occasion to say, something more of Mr. Marsden, hereafter. Mr. Bennet came next to Saint John. He was a plain and profitable preacher of the Gospel. His labours were generally acceptable, both to the so- ciety, and congregation. His great bodily exertion in preaching, and strength of voice, has much inju- red his constitution, and of late years, his infirmities have increased, and he is now a supernumerary in some part of Nova-Scotia. Mr. Bennet, like his two immediate predecessors, did not accord as former preachers did, with me, as a local preacher — he had imbibed a similar spirit to them, and shewed a seem- ing aversion to my public exercises. I always had, and still do retain a good opinion of Mr. Bennet, and I much regret to record any thing to his disadvan- tage, but as it stands connected with an important part of this memoir, I must state facts as they were ft the time. 38 During Mr. Beimet's station in St. John, I was en- gaged in the coasting trade, between St. John find Jioston — j\Iy cargo to Boston, at one time, was vviiol- ]y unsaieahie, and 1 could get but one offer for it, whicrh I hud to accept — altho' the payment was to be made in goods, wliich were prohibited in Saint John. I endeavoured to dispose of the goods, tho' at a, great loss, at Auction, in Boston, but a p.'irt I could not sell, ond took them to St. John. They were seized bv the officers of the Customs, and be- came a total loss to me. This affair occasioned .some talk; but as such trode was no uncommon thing in this place, nothing serious was anticipated. Mr. Bennet, however, seemed inclined to make the most he could, out of this occurrence. At the first men's class meeting, after the usual ceremonies, he stated this matter, and consulted the meeting, as to what should be done : — One of the members, who was an officer in the customs, first spoke and said, " he that Avas without sin, should cast the first stone." Several gave their sentiments — the most severe of which was, " I wish Br. Humbert could do his business, without this kind of traffic." J. then stated the business as above — I did not vindicate the practice, and re- quested tho meeting to adojDt such measures, as they considered just, without any respect to myself — for if there was any odium, I would rather bear it all, than that it should fall upon the society. In conclu- sion, Mr. Bennet, then said — Well, then, Brethren, I suppose things must remain as they are. Mr. Bennet, then asked me, when I expected to go up the river, where Mr. Black, had promised the friends, he would get me to assist them in the ab- sence of the preacher. I told him I would go, ag soon as a vessel, I was then getting ready for sea, was gone ; and so we parted that evening. The first thing I heard next morning, being Saturday, was, Mr. Bennet had left St. John for the countrv, i -diWBWS iitBir-rwcir-nrtimirin 3 s thing Mr. I where 1 wns \o oo, :is 1 told him the eveihng previoui?. As Mr. Beiiiiet was now tihtfent, 1 expected to preach on Sundav mormng— but just previous to the hour of meering,'^ the Stewarts, Mr. Venning, and Mr. M'Kee, came to my house— I observed some- thing strange in their manner — when ^Ir. Venning said^abruptly, " 1 declare, 1 will not." I asked him what was the matter in question— He said they had received a note from Mr. Bennet, who had gone to the country, directing the Stewards to read a ser- mon on the Sunday's, during his absence, for says the note " it is my confirmed opinion, that JNIr. Hum- bert should not preach." They then requested me to preach as usual— I told them, that I would preach in the Chapel, at their request, hut not as amenable to Mr. Bennet, or the conference ; and would conti- nue so to do, until 'Mr. Bennet's return. I did so —and our congregations, were not only large, but respectable— and I humbly hope they were satisfied, both as to the man, and his doctrine. Mr. Venning, whose character, as a shrewd, sensi- ble, and pious man, stood unrivalled in his day- vindicated my preaching to Mr. Bennet, on his return, in such terms, as 1 am not allow;ed to i-epeat. I now again retired from preaching m the Chapel, until Mr. Bennet went to the conference, and then asain resumed, until Mr. Marsden came to the sta- tion. During the conference, Mr. Bennet wrote ta the Stewards in St. John, that he had laid the matter before conference, (meaning I suppose my atlairs)— - that Mr. Marsden was coming to St. John, and had power to act. x t i a Mr. Marsden arrived at St. John, by sea, on Sa- turday evening. On the Sunday morning, I was on my way to the Chapel, expecting to preach, not knowing that Mr. Marsden had arrived, I was over- taken by Mr. M'Kee, who told me, that Mr. Marsden was croin*^ to preach himself. 1 only then thought 40 i I strange, that Mr. Marsden just CDitia from sea, would i^reach, when he must expect that I had prepared for that service. Mr. Marsden preached, and conti- nued to preach without any of my assistance ; but however, content he was so to " act," the society was far from being content ; and the dissatisfaction con- tinuing to increase, it was determined to call a ge- neral meeting of the society, to settle all matters in dispute, between myself and the preachers. All the male members came together, and Mr. Marsden came late. He objected to the meeting, as being improperly called. However, he continued, and the grievances were introduced : Mr. Marsden, denied ever having prevented me from preaching. I re- ferred to Mr. M'Kee, who said, he fully understood Mr. Marsden's message to me, the first Sunday, was, to stop me from preaching. We then referred to Mr. Bennet's letter, from conference, saying, Mr. Marsden had power " to act." Mr. Marsden said, the " matter" was not officially before conference, it was only in conversation : and that he had no power from conference " to act" in this matter. Several of the members present, who did not know until then, what was the cause that had brought them together, began now to deal freely with Mr. Marsden, and severely censured • his proceedings. Mr. Marsden vindicated his movements towards me, as long as he thought fit ; and then said, he had nothing against me — and that if going down on his knees would pa- cify me, he would do it, willingly — this, however, was not required ; and yet nothing decisive resulted from this meeting I would only observe here, that Mr. Marsden did not record those matters, in his memoirs of labour and trials in Nova-Scotia, and New-Brunswick — and that the account he gave in those memoirs, of the great trial he had with an un- ruly MEMBER, which occasioned him sometimes, to be upon a mountain of leopards ; and then again. It 41 in the valley of, I know not wliai— was wholly un- called for— The whole concern being adjusted, and terminated, before he came on the station. Those mihappy conflicts, between the preachers and myself, created much mieasiness in the society. There was, however, between the society and my- self, nothing but good feeling— I was importuned to continue preaching, and considering that my difficul- ties with the preachers were no necessary objection, while the society, and friends, wished it. I procured a large room, which was freely offered, and meta- morphosed it into a chapel, and there exercised my talent, to full congregations, consisting of the mem- bers of society, and usual hearers at the Methodist chapel. The indication of a great breach among the so- ciety, now began to be apparent. The preachers took the alarm, and Mr. Mann came from Nov^- Scotia, to endeavor to effect a reconciliation— he often called on me, to persuade me to discontinue my meetings, and said, he would forbid the members of the Methodist society to hear me. I replied, that 1 had no intention, nor wish, to cause a separation in the society, but thought it my duty to preach ; and he would soon see, that altho' he forbade the members, they would nevertheless come. This, Mr. Mann soon saw verified— my room was always crowded ; and as my preaching was no novelty to my hearers, this indication was to me at least encou- raging. My old friend Mr. Mann, pressed me hard to desist, and unite with the society, and then preach as usual. He requested me to meet him, and a few friends on the occasion, to divise some means, in or- der to effect a re-union. Mr. Mann, Mr. Venning, and a few others, met at Mr. M'Kee s one evening, and some proposals were made, to which we all agreed towards a reconciliation. Mr. Mann promi- sed that they should be performed on the preacher's 42 part, as ho was to leave Si. Jcjlm tlie next moniina. 1 told him I should like to have the agreement in writing, before he left the city— He said it should he done, and we parted. On my way home, I told Mr. Venning that 1 had my fears ; that the writmg would not be done— he seemed surprised at my conjecture ; but I said : you will see. It never came. I had almost forgotten to mention, that in my cor- respondence with Mr. Marsden upon our dilferences, I had used plain language, but nothing in my opi- nion, which might be deemed ofTensive. Mr. Mars- den, however, exhibited those papers to the confe- rence and they construed the writing as improper ; and, in an epistle to the society, which was read to the whole congregation, they gave their opinion : that until some acknowledgement was made, I ought not to preach in the chapel. Mr. Mann's eftbrt to effect a reconciliation, not ta- king effect, Mr. Black came to St. John ; and the three preachers had now their hands full, in this rmpleasant business. I had also, many difficulties to encounter, for I believe, I deprecated a separation in the society, as much as either of the preachers. — After a number of tetes a tetes, I assented to return to the society, provided that Mr. Black, would read to the public congregation, a complete disal- lowance of the contents of the document, vhich had been read, to my prejudice, in the chapel, in St. John. Mr. Black consented, and I prepared a writing for that purpose — Mr. Black proposed an alteration, affecting the subject matter, which I refused ; and then he agreed to read the original to the congrega- tion. With these preliminaries, I gave up preaching in my room, on the next Sunday, when Mr. Mars- den and Mr. Mann, were among my hearers. The Sunday following, I was appointed to preach in the Chapel', my text was, " Is thy heart right, as my heart is with thy heart :— if it be, give mc thy i 43 '■'trvr.o"rl'rourht tWs sketch, as far forward as I have iiow uiuli^^ul norricular in mat- I at first iv.teuded ; a.d t-.^^^J^een pat ticu^a ter more between some °f *« P^^^^^^";,^! history of ,h of those -;-J;:rX;':yCever,be bitter Methodism :— bomepeisons, > j^^^.^, .nformed, from the Perusal of tte drta^ ^^^.^^^^ _ tofore : of the «--; -^f^thodist connexion.- dismembered me ''O™ ;"^. , , ^ doctrines held by I have on y to say ha -i h t^ e _^^^^^^^ ^ ^^^^^ ^^^^.^^. that P<=°P1'''.^"V I ^m Sid always h.ve been, con- been at variance. 1 ^"V^'":,„, Ahfully preached, vinced, that with those d"cmne, taum J^ ^^^^^^^ and practically pursued f « 5-^^^°^ nfe, cast In -rSxranXefigSt^rrci: aud myself. STEPHEN HUMBERT,