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The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre filmds d des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clichd, il est filmd d partir de I'angla supdrieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. }y errata ed to mt ine pelure, aqon d 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 32X E PUXNC] Go yc ir Mark We will Zech, PRX or THE IBise and Progress '^ OF THE ETHODIST CHURCH, > i BOTH IJ\r ' mif^^^^ and ^'^mmil(3^o I CONSISTING - i PKINCIPALLY or SELBCWONS FROM VARIOUS APPROVED AND AUTHENTIC DOCUMENTS. ; -: t- Arranged in proper order- .c *u By A. G. MEACHA3I, V. D. M. Go yc into all the world and preach the Gospel to every Creature f^^ Mark, xvi., 15. We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with yoUt^ Zech viii, 23. HALI^OWEXL, U. C. Pbxntso for tub Publisher, by JOSEPH WILSON,- • 1835?. ';/*.., 1-' fo preseiJ Iflory of IVI j^s, the e>| pughout opt, tot fo gather Iresting f been thi y. lat such n»B various r© Bo promii n vaiious ! g|)ndly, T oir procurinj f^MJi memo) ivUlj^t coulc iomjrised ir nected with jorded — ma ;tood by mo h IThat a w lurch, ar |f n'jthc ps MdMSTER UNIVERSITY UBRAR^ PREFACE. ro present a full and complete detail of all the notable occurrences in tlic i|tory of Methodism, would doubtless require a work of many volumes. Be- ps, the extreme difficulty of ascertaining those facts, so extensively scattered |>ughout both the British and American empire, must needs render such an ipt, totally impracticable. fo gather into a work of commodious size, a general account of the most nesting facts, connected with the rise and progress of Methodism, has there- )ri| been the prime object of the compiler t) ^lat such a work is much needed in our community, is clearly demonstrated, PWB various considerations. First, That the historic records of our church re »u promiooviuuoi^ o«-aticica ii«»v/ugiiuu«. iiittuj vuiuiiics, vvnicit being written O. various subjects, only introduce those historic facts as occasion requires, lecbndly, Tliat a large portion of our people possess not the pecuniary means irocuring such an amount of books as would furnish an ample account of memorable events. Thirdly, That had they the means, few, compara- hUfy, could sacrifice time, for acquiring from so many volumes, what might be !oni|irised in one. And fourthly. That there are many prominent feats, con- lected with the history of our Church, which (till of late) have never been re- ipnded— many of which are passed into obscurity, and others but litle under- ttoi^ by most of the present generation. ^^ from these considerations, therefore it is deemed important to facilitate as IS possible, the path, which leads to a historical understanding of our orio'ln jiracter and gi'ou th, as a Christian Community : to place within every one's ||ch a knowledge of the peculiar circumstances under which Methodism first se, of those striking providences, so conspicuous in its preservation, the ex- ordinary dispensations of the divine power and grace, which have so visibly rked its progress, and the bases and peculiar genius of its mechanical con- uction, &c. That a work thus embracing the most essential topics in the history of our lurch, and suited to family convenience, should be laid before, the public has Icnjthc particular desire of many of our people; and somejindeed,have express- ft I ly urged the issue of the present volume, while the subject of its execution vli|pl«g»on yet immatured in the mind of the compiler. The above considerations, with others, equally foroi;;i(, froni any vievv to j sonal emolument, were the first and principal stimulenls of clicitinj; this wd into execution. Its announcement was fully (letermined vlu tber it should yit a greater, a less, or no profit at all to tbepublisiicr, ai.y more tban a modera' recompencc for time and expense, &c. uit and le first ] ism in t)er of tl rs f^rcat taincd. In preparing the following pages, recourse has been had to the various stai /vl® secon nrd works of tbe Methodist Episcopal Church, from which a large portion iP^( ) '^' their matter lias been extracted ; from other prints however, as well us from vc! fcal narrations, have been furnished many interesting facts, which contribute '/lo small degree to the accomplishment of this work ; nor could there indeed, produced, without such resource, eufiicient materials ; for accompijsLing in ai just and proportionate degree a work of this kind ; as the standard works of o Church, furnish very little historical matter, either in respect to Methodism Canada or its progress for some years in tbe United States. y again i shops ix, cont rence in v.ally to to the o fore be f t in tre A short work of this kind compiled by the Revd. James Youngs, A. M. ni^«, published at New-Haven, Conn. IS.^0, by A. Daggett & Co. appears also, qui\k^ '<^'''t«y contributed to the advancement of the cause they so honorably abstained. ni any vievi to j eliciting this wo' ether it should yit D the various sini '^^ second part embraces the rise and progress of Methodism in the United a lar-^e portion ***^ (*^ '^'"^ '" Canadii ; accompanied willi .1 deff^nco of the Methodist Epis- as w ell us froni \ (HF^ against the hostile attacks of dissenters, a short biography of the deceas- isliopsof the M. E Church, thut of the lievd. Jesse Lee, and also an Ap- ix, containing a Chronological list of the Itenerant Preachers, from the first rence in America, held in the year 1773 down to the year 1826. ivhich contribute idd there indeed, xompiishing in aii tndard works of 01^ jct to Methodism il Voungs, A. M. , appears also, qn Canada, are alnr lually to avoid both tautology and confusion, a direct attention has been to the order of Chronology. It is believed that very few digressions will ei^et'ore be found, either within the first, or the second division of this work, :cept in treating the affairs of Methodism in Canada, separate from those in e I uited States: the work progressing in both countries at the same time. This uree was judged the most judicious, as the former country is under a different ivernment from the latter, and, that the body of Metljodistsin that country, has rr • o oitiially become a separate and independent Church, y affairs &c. amoi "^ ^ Methodism m tl MJi|other dcp.trture from Chronological order occur-, however, in tracing the cies, must doubtlciMr j\ir. W^esley for some years beyond the time that Methodism was planted te documents : ^l^enca. The former being included in the first, and the latter in the second ter, as is extract(i3|jf this work, productions. " With respect to the diversity of style, which the intelligent reader wil' observe able advantage Lgome parts of this work, it may be necessary only to observe, th ,.. -omthe uo regard has bei tjfeiy of sources, in which like so many contributing streams, this v ork has id extent of its u ep supplied, it cannot be otl.erwise expected than that a visible contrast will ur standard workij|ssarily appear. From tno talented pen of one, for example, the page is •y, such facts oiiiBied in the most animated and flowing style ; while in another, a want of liether drawn froi^ characterestics which give to history a glow of life ai\d arimation will rea- be observed. A uniformity, and elegance of stjle throughout these pages Id indeed be desirable : but, as above remarked ^.he course pursued in pre- iiodism may fuHAg this work,must necessarily obviate the attainment of tiiai i-nd. The chief ilace,a brief notic(J;n likewise being accomplished by imparting a general knowledge of our Ibunders, tlie RdTj lous endowment' the great reviv.] j) Methodism ivas planted in this country some years before, either the m or Independencr of the United t'itotes took place. Hence the allusion that country, though under a different government from the present. A 2 \':.\ M ■t Imtory, it 1"? thcrcforr lobe hoped, thai with the <me\v Weslet, and Mr. John Wesley. ccounts ol' ]\Ir Wesley's ancestr}', (says Mr. Moore in his life of Rev. John Wesley) are sufTicleiitly numerous. For a hiiiJred s past, and to the present day, honorable mention has been mne of them, and their worth is acknowled^^^'^> t ly. A gentleman allowed him to live, rent free, in a house A^^ ^'^^ Preston, two or tjj.ree miles from M elcomb. He went to it with l:iHp^ "^®* family in the beginning of May, and continued to live there till hW ^°^ ^^ ^ied. B> &<^- He had thoughts of going to America, but determined to rema;»P°^'' in his native land. A number of serious people at Pool gave him call to be their Pastor, in which situation he continued to the day oB'^^P^^^* his death. The Oxford Act compelled him to withdraw from Iii charge at Pooly but he prpached wherever he came if he could get congregation ; and after some time he returned home and renewc consi as he I greall; rovidei nanimc tch at (wt'n(y-i( ursetslure, in 16; h (rouble, becai tlicy nmde heaj Iv. Wesley wait] CO, which Cahii rteil in his journ 3Avoi)lJ not mcdiil him on the Lore | irniforriiity col llbrd. He was 9 ibours in tlie ministry. But he was often disturbed, several apj)reiiended, and four times imprisoned ; once at Pool for half a once at Dorchester for three months. The other continements shorter. He was in many straigths and ditFiculties, but was o.rfully supported and delivered. It is supposed that he died the year Uj70, but the Vicar of Preston would notsulFer him to ied in the church. CHAPTER H. Dn. Samukl ANXESLnv, m the Grandfather of Mr. Wesley, on his lather's side, wo it the next assizoBlo the grandfather on his mother's side, who was the Rev. Sa- aised him up scv«|Anneslcy, L. L. D. He was born at Hillingworth near War- 1 so restrained tl(|K 1620, of religious parents, and was their only child. He onatc man, did i,.irnrst cousin to the Earl of Anglcsea. In his infancy he wa?^ Oligly pressed with the thoughts of being a minister, for which his ;u.st 17, when l'«Dts intended him from his birth. And when about five or six from Acts 20, 3.*J?^ o\<~\, he began a practice, which he conthiued afterwards, of s 22 of Febru;i!*^g twenty chapters in the bible every day. He lost his iathev he was only four years old, but his mother took care of hi« ion, and had considerable property which enabled her so to do. he age ot fifteen, he went to tiie University at Oxford, and s degrees in the usual course. His piety and diligence at- considerable notice while at Oxfoid. In 1644, he was or- obtained maiiiniNJf as chaplain of the ship called the Globe, under the Earl of is numerous faii.al^j^l<> then Lord High Admiral of England. He wont to sea in a house ift^he fleet, but not liking it, he quit it and settled at Clill in Kent, e met with great opposition. His predecessor had been dis- for associating with the people on the Lord's day, to drink, , &c. Such a people naturally loved such a minister. They ipon Dr. Annesley with spitsforks and stones, and threatened 1 hiin. But he was firm and resolved to stay with them till God repared them by his labours to receive a good successor. Ho. as he ought, and laboured hard, and in a few years, the people greatly reformed and became exceedingly fond ofhim. But a sig- rovidence directed him to a settlement in London, in 1652, by nanimous choice of the inhabitants of the parish of St. John the n made an ordt Jnty pounds upcj ned by distrcs| f.er and Tauntor* ral denominatiocci int to it with ive there till !i| mined to remaij ool gave him led to the day ci draw from hil he could get e and renewed > y M ^^ ' .10 Apostle. Soon after, lie was made a Lecturer of St. Pauls ; in the year 1658, the parish of Cripplegate was favoured with settlement there. He was a man of great integrity, and disinterestedness. He displaced from his lecture because he would not comply with sc things he thought to be wrong. All parties acknowledged him to an Israelite indeed : but he suffered much from non-conformity. 1 such was the pursecuting party spirit, that an angel ^rom Hea would have been persecuted, had he been a dissenter. 'he first ;ncc of tl dings of 5 certain, | le did hii ie spent Universil age of sij College In his sufferings, God often appeared remarkably for him, i ^^^ ^^ pQ one person was struck dead while signing a warrant to appreh^ ^ f^^jj^ j^jg' '""''• tructing an As a minister, his labours were abundant. His sermons were t until he structivc and affecting, and he spoke from the heart. And in so ji his frien degree, the care of all the churches were upon him. He was vi i much hoi useful in getting good and useful ministers to such places as wanlinary dilig them. He was some times the chief, and in sundry instances fcj^j tj^gjj sole instrument in the education, as well as the subsistance of yoi ^.^^ fifteen n'iinisters ; and innumerable were the instances, m w Inch he visi and relieved the fatherless, and the widows ni their afflictions, was enabled to say upon his death bed, blessed be God, I can s; 1 have been faithful in the ministry above fifty years. He had a constant peace within, and an assurance of Gud's fafiod he wr to him, for more than thirty years and this was clouded in his last illness. He died full of peace. not Iv, the le praise, and uracy, m aplain on n returned which tim le ice, a JPehi and CHAPTER HI. ful hope. Thus died this excellent man, December 31, 109C. , ffiends of the 77th year of his age. jpojt m fa' idition of h ng's decla Mr. Samuel Weslev, Senior. ainst it, fro Mr John Wesley, of whom I have before spoken, left two soi ve, is abl Mathew and vSamuel, — Mathew following the example of his grar II deliver i father, studied physic, and made a fortune by his practice S to thee— C muel, the father ot the late Mr. John Wesley, was born about t year 1662, or perhaps a little earlier ; but he could not, I think, ha been more than eight or nine years old when his father died. Iden imagt For more character f St. Pauls ; favoured with edness. He omply with s( vledged him to •conformity ;el irom Hea r. bly for him, ant to appreh I sermons were rt. And in (1. He was places as wan Iry instances sistance of yo which he visi r afflictions. God, I can si |e of Gud's fa not in the le praise, and ji r 31, 1G9C. son Wnd , left two so: ve [e of his ffrar II I o Ipractice Iborn about t h I think, ha died. 11 he first thins; that shook his attachment to the dissenters, was, a ncc of the death of King Charles the I. ; and afterwards, the pro- dings of thn Calf's head Club. These things shocked him, yet it ; certain, that the greater part ot the dissenters, disapproved of them le did himself. le spent some time at a private academy, previous to his going to University ; but where, we have no certain information. About age of sixteen; he walked to Oxford, and entered himself at Exe- College at this time two pounds and sixteen shilhngs was all the oey he possessed ; nor had he any prospect of future suppUes, ex- t from his own exertions, by assisting the younger students, and ructing any that should choose to employ him He obtained a sup- t until he took his Bachelor's degree, without the least assistance his friends, except fiv e shillings. This circumstance seems to do much honor, and distinguish him to have been a youth of extra- inary diligence and resolution. ie then removed to London, having increased his stock to one fifteen shilUngs, where he was ordained Deacon and obtained uracy, in which he continued one year. He was then appointed aplain on board the fleet. This situation he held one year, and n returned to L ndon, where he served as Curate two years ; dur- which time he married a wife who brought him a son ; within this iod he wrote several essays, which raised him into considerable ice, and a living was granted him in thf. country. He highly approved of the reformation in 1668, notwithstanding friends of King James most impressively solicited him to give his port in favor of Popery, by repeated promises of preferment on idition of his compliance. But he even promptly refused to read the ng's declaration ; and in a bold, and pointed discourse, preached ainst it, from Daniel iii, 17-18. If it be so, our god whom we is able to deliver us from the burning firey furnace ; and he deliver us out of thine hands, King, but if not, be it known o thee— O King, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship thy den image which thou hast set up. ^ For more than forty years Mr. Wesley held the Uving of Epworth ; character and abilities would have raised him to muciit -higher credi^^ it I .r, ' :i J 'I H If J ^, '..■',* I f I 12 had he occupied a more conspicuous situation. This he would iSecondly the last cl 'lone, had Queen Mary survived any considerable time. In the beginning of the year 1705, he published a poem uponP^P** ^^ ^| '* Battle of Blenheim j" which so well pleased the Duke of Mracter, borough, that he appointed him chaplain to Colonel Lepelle's r ®» y°^ ^1 inent, which was to tarry some time in England. By reason of ^s the las poem, he was sent for by a Lord to London, who promissed to ■* ^J^eek cure for him a stipend ; but at this time, he was engaged in a (^^ S*^^ '^' troversy with the dissenters, who, in the former part of Qn"'^^ comm Ann's reign, had a considerable influence in both houses of pai'"^^"*^'^' A A ment and the court; and, were at this time,, about to present a p s inaeea tion to the House of Lords, praying lor the demands of just ''^"'^ ''^ against the authors of several pamphlets, which had been publis " '^"S"'' '^ ill opposition to them, and particularly against Mr. Wesley. Tr-*^® were however prevailed upon to relinquish tbejr design, by i^s compose mtmbers of the same house. They notwithstandin^r, so far miP^^^y _ led against Mr. WesleV, as to prevent him from the anticipc -^^ ^ ^""^ preferment promissed him by the noble Lord. They, at leng-h ^^^^ ^ "^ prived him of his chaplainship, and brought several severe sufFerii'^*°^^» ^^ upon his family. ^.^^^^"^ °^ ^ As a preacher, Mr. Wesley was indefatigable in all the dutie ^^°^ ^'^^ *°' his calling. He was a constant preacher, a diligent visitor of *'^^ bick, and a careful attendant upon all committed to his charge. Nor did this, indeed, divert his attention from literary porsu His favorite study, was the Holy Scriptures, which he pursu with indefatigable zeal. The following extract of a letter to his s Mr. John Wesley, will show something of his diligence in t respect. Jcmtary26thy 1825. I have some time since designed an edition of the Holy Bible the octavo, in the Hebrew, Chaldee, Septuagii-/t, and the Vulgat and have made some progress in it. What I desire of you on t omthat tin article is, first, that you would immediately fall to work, -ad relards exam diligently the Hebrew text, in the Polyglott, and collate :' exaclntion ; an* with the Vulgate, writing all, even the least variations or diiferenclined her t between them. % her son :■ He V )0ut him, t( From a bi mething cc r. Samuel eing educa' r religion, mtroversy . T-»- - ■• -« 13 his lie wouW } Secondly — To these I would have you add the Samaritan tffs! time. pe last column but one, which is the very same with the Hebrew^ a poem upon'^P** '^ some very few places, differing only in the Samaritan le Duke of ]V racter, which I think is the true old Hebrew. In twelve months el Lepelle's r ®» y°^ ^^^^ g^^ through the pentateuch : for I have done it four Bv' reason of '^^ ^^ ^'^^^ y*ai'> aiid am going over it the fifth, and collating the promissed to ^ Greek versions, the Alexandrian, and the Vulgate, with what ^nffa<7-ed in a ('^^ S*^^ '-•' Symmachus and Theodotion. &c. r part of QiiH-is commentary on the book of Job, in Lattin, is a most elegant houses of pai'duction, and denotes the unwearied assiduity of the author, llf; io present a r ^ '"^^^^^ ^ ^^^^^'^^'^^"^ writer, and as a poet, he possessed consi tnands of just ""^^^^ talent. ,d been publis •^^ '^"o^^ ^^^ ^° ^® omitted that the famous speech delivered in the . Wesley. T^'-ise of Lords, by Dr. Sacheverel, in the reign of Queen Ann. desien, by | is composed by Mr. Wesley, as his son John informs us in Mr if.S so far mil^toryof England. the anticipc -^^ ^ christian, Mr. Wesley was ever devoted to the cause of ty, at lenp'h ^^*^y ^^^ truth. His piety was genuine and deep. — His conduc'; severe sufferii'^^*^^"^' ^^^ ^^^^ confidence firm and undaunted in the most tiying uations of his life. In his last moments he displayed much resig- all the dutie '^^^^ ^^^ fortitude. He appeared full of faith, peace and steadflis^ lie. He was free from the fear of death, and desired his children )0ut him, to let him hear them talk of Heaven- of )t visitor charge, '^•rary pjrsu ursu f ch he tter to hiss igence in I6thy 1825 iHoly Bible CHAPTER IV. Mrs. Susan^'^ah West.ky. From a brief account of Mr Wesley's father, we pass to notice imething concerning his mother. She was the youngest daughter of Samuel Annesly, and a few years younger than her husband. — eing educated in a truly pious family, she early imbibed a reverence r religion. Before she was thirteen, she had examined the whole I: |late :* exaci mtion ; and under every article, set down the reasons which deter- or diifereni lined her to believe it. ) her son : — Of these things she cpeaks thus, in a lette :j t^i D' » the Vulgat mtroversy between the Dissenters and the established clftirch, and f you on t om that time became a member of the church of Enorland. She after- -, oik, zad re arJs examined the evidences of' natural religion with scrupulous at- ^ •! l^-^ [', ■■ »1 *V > >fl U There is nothing now I desire to live for, but to do some sr >^ still at ich they etter to " None of in whose | in any of til ic dav bcfl ?iervice to my children, that as I have brought them into the wo I may, it it please God, be an instrument of doing good to their so ^^^ method I had been several years collecting from my httle reading, but chie^ anddes from my own obiiervation and experience, some little things whic lioped might be useful to you all. I began to correct and form all i a little manuel, wherein I designed you should see, what were particular reasons which prevailed on me, to believe the Being of G and the grounds of natural religion, together with the motives t induced me to embrace the faith of Jesus Christ, under which ^^erv ones comprehended my own private reasons, lor the truth of revealed rjie into th ligion. r school he " I would have you at your leisure, begin to do something like tivn its Icltc for yourself, and write down what are the principles on which you breatand sm your faith ; and though I can not perfectly recover all 1 formerly wrote, ( ;fore Ihcy I yet I will sl^dly assist you what I can, in explaining any difficu ?i"y dull that may occur." st learned 1 About the year 1700, she made a resolution to spend one ho st child I e- morning and evening, in private devotions, in prayer and meditatioi vo years oio and she religiously kept it ever after, unless sickness hindered, larn, and as some absolutely necessary business of her family obliged her to sholeneses. r en the time. She generally wrote down her thoughts on dilfen nd over till subjects, at these times, and great numbers of her meditations ha been preserved in her own handwriting. Though Mrs. Wesley allotted two hours in each day, for medit tion and prayer in private, no womnn was ever more diligent in bu ness, or attentive to the concerns of her family. Remarkable for meth and good arrangement, she saved much time, and kept her mind fr from perplexity ^he had nineteen children, ten of whom at lea grew up to be educated ; and this duty fell upon her, and it was almi impossible for the children to tiave had a better instructor. Her children were very early taught obedience to their parents, ai lever leavi as soon as they could speak, they were taught the Lord's prayer, aione or othe made to repeift it at rising and bed time constantly. They were ear made to distinguish the Sabbath from other days, and were soon taug ^,econd & faster fell h er very we' norv, that Yhat was y aiGw it wh y which m <' The sa' vuew the k (*) The Manuscript was burnt with their house, Fetiruary 1709. jefore we 1 ng, and er< •■he dav.'* t to do soiiie sr)e still at fami / prayers, and to ask a blessing, immediately after^ em into the wo ich they used to do by signs, before they could kneel or speak.— 2^ood to their so r method of teaching them to read, was, I think, peculiar to her- iading, but chief) and deserves to be noticed. I shall give it in her own words, in tie things whicpter to Mr. John Wesley. ct and form all i '< None of them were taught to read till five years old, except Kez- , what were ^ in wliose case I was overuled, and she was more years m learning, tne iiemg of G ,n any of the rest had been months. The way of teaching was this: ine motives t ic day before a child began to learn, the house was set in order, under which Very ones work appointed them, and a charge given, thai none shoulil ill ol revealed tne into the room from nine till twelve, or two till five, which were r scliool hours. One day was also allotted to the child, wherein to mething like tirn its letters, and each of them, did, in that time, know all its letters, which you bi eat and small, except Molly and Nancy, who were a day and a half rmeriy wrote, (;fore they knew them perfectly, frojn which I then thought them ^g any diificu ny dull. But, the reason why I thought them so, was, because the st learned them so readily : and your brother vSamuel who was the ipend one ho sc child I ever taught, learned the alphabet in a few hours. He was and meditationT years old on the 10th of February ; the next day he began to ss hindered, fed her to sho bts on differe leditations ha ay, for medi liligent in bu iurn, and as soon as he knew the letters, began at the first chapter of leneses. He was taught to spell the first verse, then to read it over nd over till he could read it ofl[ hand without any hesitation : so on to e ^second &c., till he took ten verses for a lesson, which he quickly did, ■faster fell low that year and by whitesuntide, he could read a diap- er very well, for he read continually, and had such a prodigious me- norv, that I cannot remember to have told him the same word twice, able for meth Vhat was yet more strange, any word he bad learnt in his lesson, he t her mind fr whom at les d it was a]ni( t>r. niew it whenever he saw it, either in his Bible, or any other book : y which means he very soon learnt to read an English author well. *' The same method was observed with them all: as soon as they new the letters, they were first put to spell one line, then a verse, ■ir parents, aliever leaving, till perfect in their lesson, were it longer or shorter, so s prayer, ajone or other continued reading at school time, without intermission and ley were earjbefore we left school, each child read what he had learned that morn- re soon taugtng, and ere we parted in the afternoon, what they had learned through ^ ihe day.'' ■.r i it %i i.'kM ,H ^I'm r 'M ■ .} ■(r^ t "■ , " -.*' • ,".*.t i_4. - ;«.'. . '■'■'■ . *J'- I. ' ^ t •■-!:'! r.' a'} ^ 16 Ml". Wesley observes, " that his mother, as well as his father, ari'| .yandfather, had beon in her measure, a preacher of righteousness." Her husband usually attended the convocations ; and, on these oc .iasions, was obliged to reside in London, for a length of time, tha'| was often injurious to his parish, and at an expense, that was incoii- ycnient to himself and family. During his absence, Mrs. Weslevl formed a little meeting at her house, on Sunday evening, when sh jcad a sermon, prayed and conversed with liie people who came fo] that purpose. (*) Mrs. Wesley continued to discharge the duties of a wife an] parent, with the greatest dili^rp.nce and punctuality. T'he letters slil wrote to her sons when at Oxford, and after they left it, show he| in the most amiable light, both for knowledge and piety. Inl73q :shc lost her husband, and afterwards, divided her time between he] children, till about the year 1739, from which period she resided ij London. It appears from all we have seen of Mrs. Wesley, that she was woman really devoted to God. She cordially approved of the coil duct of her sons, and was animated with zeal for the success of the. labours. She continued in the most perfect harmony, with them til her death, attending on their ministry, and walking in the ligl;t God's countenance, she rejoiced in the blessed experience of tlil truth she heard them preach. Although Mrs. Wesley was a woman of deep piety and extraoi diirary devotion to God, yet it appears, that she never undcrstooJ the doctrine of sanctifying faith, till near the close of her life ; an ' by which means she was deprived of those enjoyments which si would otherw'ise have received. She at length, however, obtained that fullness of joy, and per] feet love, produced by a simple act of faith in the Son of Go('J which was highly distinguishable in her death. She bid adieu t| this world of trial, on Thursday, July 30, 174.2 ; being fdled will Iriumphs of joy, and all her soul enamoured with the surpassing charmes of the Savior of men. * _ (*) From further accounts, it appears that she continued in this practice fotj sonw time to a ver}-- good effect. IT But I must give Mr. Wesley's own account of this affecting occur- "cnce. — "Friday, July 30th, about three in the afternoon, I went to my mother, and found her change was near. I sat down on the bed- side. She was in her last conflict, unable to speak, but I believe, quite sensible. Her look was calm and serene, and her eyes fixed ipward, while we commended her soul to God. From three to four., he silver cord was loosening, ancl the wheel breaking at the cistern ; tiid then without any struggle ,or sigh, or groan, her soul was set athber- ?y. We stood round the bed, and fulfilled her last request, uttered a a little before she lost her speech, 'Children, as soon as I am released, ?ing a psalm of praise to God.' ^^ Sunday^ August 1 — Almost an innumerable company of people being feathered tojrether, about five in the afternoon I committed to to the earth the body of my mother, to sleep with her fathers. The portion of scripture from which I afterward spoke, was, " I saw a great white throne and him that sat on it y from whose face the earth and the heaven Jied away, and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead^ small and great, stand before God, and the books were opened: — And the dead were judged out of ^ those things which were icritten in the books, according to their icorks.'^^ It was one of the most solemn assemblies I ever saw, or expect to see on this side of eternity. " We set up a plain stone at the head of her grave, inscribed witk me following words : " Here lies the body of Mrs. Susannah Wesley, the youngest iwl last surviving daughter of Dr. Samuel Anneslev. *« In sure and steadfast hope to rise, And claim her mansion in the skies, A christian here her flesh laid down, The cross exchanging for a crown. " True daughter of affliction, she, Inur'd to pain and misery, Mourn'd a long night of griefs and fears. A legal night of seventy years. ■ ' *• The father then reveal'd his son, Him in the broken bread made known : B 2 • « ■ w tkJ jaf- ..;'• It'lll flPv '' 'M HI Hf J''i 'H ^B '^ m m ^w 1 B Wr' '.n i 9 B^ -:3. ' u AC f- n i W' .^■'^ f'l • "f i ■' mi 18 She knew and felt her sins forgiven;' And found the earnest of her heaven. *' Meet for tlic fellowship above, She hoard the call, ' Arise, n\y love !' * I come,' her dying looks replied, And iamb-like J as her Lord she died. " Some gentlemen have considered- this epitaph in the usual style o, criticism, and have seemed insensible to its excellence. Ilowevei qualified such may be to judge of poetry in general, the poetry oi Mr. Charles Wesley seems really too high for them. To me, no! ■wholly unacquainted with the art, this epitaph lias always appears! inexpressibly beautiful, and highly characterestlc. It is si))}p!c, pure. unlabored ; and has th;it elevation, and yet sobriety, of spirit, \\\\\cn as Christian believers, we expect to find in those who have " tastcA the powers of the ivorhl to come.'"' ]Mr. John Wesley-, a most ex I cellent judge of poetry, would not have suffered It to pass, if it were not worthy both of the author and the subject. The " plain stone' loo, with the absence of all decoration in the account, is highly i; character. The praise of a christian is not of man, hut, of God\ The brothers could not forget this, for they lived in the wliole s])iii of it. Such were all Mr. Wesley's accounts of his departed fnend nnd fellow-laborers. Those concerning Mr. Fletcher and his owl beloved brother Charles, did not tofrelher make up ten hncs. CHAPTER V. Kev. Samuet. Wesley, Jirwn. Samuel Wesley, A. M son of Samuel and Susannah Wesley, wa born about the year 169? : a year or two before his parents removed to Epworth ; being nearly eleven years older than his brother, Mr] John Wesley, and sixteen years older than Mr. Charles. He didnol speak at all, till he was morp than four years old, and was thought u be deficient in understardino* ; but, he one day answered a question] which was proposed to a set ,; J: i- 20 ; .' ., \vcre greally admircJ. lu 1735, he published a quarto volume of pocJ Tor which he obtained a numerous, and respectable list of subscribe) Several of these were very witty, and satirical, as well as instructivj and some of a grave and serious description. In consequence of Mr. Wesley's high churcli principles, he led to disapprove of his brothers, Mr. John and Charles Wesley's col duct, when they became Itenerant preachers. Several letters pasJ between them, upon the subject of the doctrines which his brotlJ taught, and of the manner m which they taught them. Mr. S. Wesley's health was in a bad state when he left WestmiJ ter ; nor was it much recovered bv his removal to Tiverton. On night of the .5th of JNovember, 1739, he retired apparently as well! usual — about three o'clock in the morning, he was taken very ill, died at seven ; after only about four hours illness. CHAPTER VI. Mrs, Wright and Mrs. Hall. Mrs. Mahetable Wright, was the tenth or eleventh child of mother, Mrs. Wesley. It has been said, that she could read Creek Testament, when she was eight years old. From her infeiiJ she was gay and sprightly, and extremely addicted to wit and hunij As she grew up, she indulged herself in those dispositions, so far,[ to give great uneasiness to her parents. About the year 1725, a gi tlcman, respectable, both for his abilities and situation in life, paid addresses to her, and she had a sincere regard for him. But from soj circumstance, he and her father disagreed, and the affair was brolJ off. From a concurrence of circumstances, in the end of the yJ 1725, she was induced to marry a person, not at all adapted to mi her happy. Her situation prayed upon her mind, her health and strength gj olually wasted away, and at length, she sunk into a degree of mela cholly, that made her truly wretched. In her disconsolate state! mind and declining health, she wrote the following epitaft for hersej which may afford som^ conception of her condition. •« Destined wliile living, to sustain An eqiuU share, of grief and pain. All •/iirious ills of human race, Within this beast, had once a place. ^l Without complaint, she learned to bear A living death, a lonj; di!*pair. > Till hard oppressed with adverse fate, O'er charged, slie sunk beneath the weij^hl ; And, to this peaceful tomb retired, So much esteemed, so much desired. The painful, mortal conflict's o'er, A broken heart, can bleed no more." Mrs. Wright however, lived many years after this, and atlcngtii, oe religion coming to her aid, sootlicd the anguish of her mind, i(i gave her peace, though she never recovered her health. She per- k-ercd in a religious course of life, patient in her suflerings, resign- to her weakness, and waiting for full salvation, in a dileverancc [m this mortal state, till 1751. |ln March, this year, Mr. Charles Wesley speaks thus of her : 'rayed by my sister Wright, a gracious, tender, trembling sou), )ruissed reeu which the Lord will not break." She died Marcli •, (tlie same month,) and Mr. Charles Wesley preached her kcral sermon. iMiss. Kfzzy Wesley was addressed by Mr. Hall, a young gentle- in of a good understanding, agreeable in his person, and engaging [his address. lie was entered at Lincoln College, as i\Ir. Wesley'^ Ipil, on the 23d of .January 17:U ; but Mr. Wesley was totally (loiant of his addresses to his sister. He believed him sincere and 311S, but in a letter written to his mother, while IVIr. Hall was at kford, he speaks of him, as being highly enthusiastic and super- tious. After he had gained the alTections of the young lady, he fitted her, and paid his addresses to her sister. The family oppo • Id this conduct with great vehemence, and especially the three bro- lers. But notwithstanding, their marriage took place ; and the fu- |re conduct of Mr. Hall, by no means corresponded to the expecta- )ns they at first formed of him. Afler some years, he quitted hi« life, having had ten children by her, and afterwards, lived in the lost base and scandleous manner. Mrs. Hall, bore her trials with markable patience and resignation, indeed in this respect, she was pattern to all christians. Mr. Hall, however, after some years, [turned to his family again, and Mrs. Hall considering herself obli- ited by her original covenant, kindly received him, and treated ^1 .- K p.. I:: J 22 t; If ( liim Willi every expression of tenderness and aUenlion, until deatii. He died, January G, 1770. Mr. John Wesley spea^ of him, says, "He died, 1 trust in peace, for God ha.l given deep repentance." Mrs. Hall, was n. woman of a remarkable stronjr understandirl she i)ossesscd jrveat patience and resignation in her uffections. Fj her own words, it is evident that she enjoyed the comfort of relicrion. In a lotter to her brother, Mr. Joh:i Wesley, she thus! serves : "I have indeed that blessed pracc, which passcth all unj .standing ; and, have had such remarkable promisses, so particul applied to nie, that Island astonished at the rroodness of of God, I living me in so wonderful a manner, in the loss of parents, c| dron and friends. Mrs. Hall out-lived all her broihcvs and sisters, and died belvvj four and five years, after Mr John Wesley on the 12th of j| 1 791 , filled with peace and joyful hope. Miss Krzzv, of whom we have sptdccn, died on the 9th of Mnj 1741. The following account of her happy exit is given by Charles Wesley, in a letter to his brother. " Yesterday mnrninrr," says he, "sister Kezzy died in the IJ Jesus. He finished his work, ami cr.t it shoit in mercy. Full ihankfulness, resignation and love, vithout a pain or struggle, ;ommitted her spirit into the hands of Jesus and fell asleep. BOOK IT Early part of the Iwcs of Messrs. JOIFN and CHA^T^E- WESI^EY^ Including the rise of Methodism. CHAPTER I. A short account of the Life of the Reverend JOHN WESLEY, to the year 1735. Mr. John Wesley, was the second son -A Samuel and Sus:| iiah Wesley, and born at Epworth in Lincolnshire, on the 17tl > ! ^3 ;, 1703, 0. S. 'J'iiero has indeed, been some variation in the Lilts givoD of his age, hy ditrrrcnt persons ol' the lunuly, but the JHcute of It, sent him by his father a little bcfure ho was ordained st, to satisfy the Bishop concerning hi^ age, puts the matter be- a doubt. '* Epwoith, August 23, 172S." fohn Wtisley, A M. Fellow oi j incoln Cotlt^^e, was twenty- lyears old the 17th June last ; having been ba^^tized a fuw hours ; his birth by me. " Samuel Wesley, Rector of Epworth." ''hen he was nearly six years old, a calamity happened whicii itened him, and indee.d the whole family, w'ith destruction. By lent, as ail who have written concerning it have supposed ; but ding to his own account, by the wickedness of some of his fa- Is parishioners, who could nut bear the plain dealing of so faithful resolute a pastor, the parsonage house was set on lire, le following anecdote related to me by Mr. John Wesley, will some lij/lit upon this event. Many of his father's parishion.M's much trouble about the tithes. Atone time they would only in kind. (Joing into a field, upon one of those occasions, where [ithe corn was laid out, Mr. Wesley found a farmer very delibe- at work with a pair of shears, cutting off the ears of corn and ig them into a bag which he had brouglit with him for that pur- ]Mr. VVesley said not any thing to him, but took him by the bd walked with him into the town When they got into the iet place, Mr. Wesley seized thfe bag, and turning it "inside out all the people, told them what the farmer had been doing. He [left him, witli his pilfered spoils, to the judgment of his ncigh- and walked quietly home, [letter from Mrs. Susannah Wesley to the Rev. Mr. Hoole, give$ |»est account of this calamitous fire. It is dated Aug, 24, 1709. lev. SiTi — I\Iy master is much concerned that he was so unhap- fo miss of seeing you at Epworth ; and he is not a little troubled Ithe hurry of business, about buildiag his house, will not afford leisure to write. He has therefor* ordered me to satisfy your [e as well as I can, which I shall do by a simple relation of mat- )f fact, though I cannot at this distance of time recollect eyarj 1 ,' 't P- y f"! .:■ i^' I! riii ad calamitous circumstance that attended our strange reverse of foil On Wednesday night, February the 9th, between the hours of elfl and twelve, our house took fire ; but by what accident God knows. It was discovered by some sparks falling from the \ipon the bed, where one of the children (Hetty) lay, and bJ ing her feet, she immediately ran to our chamber and called us ; ll behcve no one heard her ; for Mr. Wesley was alarmed by a crj i'lRE in the street, upon which he rose, little imagining that his house was on fire ; but on opening his door, he found it was fulj smoke, and the roof was already burnt through. He immedial lame to my room, (as I was very ill, he lay in a separate room ine^) and bid me and my two eldest daughters to rise quickly andi ibr our lives, the house being all on fire. Then he ran and burst the nursery door, and called to the maid to bring out tiiC children. two little ones lay in bed with her; the three others in another bed. :4natched up the youngest, and bid the rest follow, which they did, cj .Tacky. When we were got into the hall, and saw ourselves surroui] ■with flames, and'that the roof was on the point of falling, we concl' ourselves inevitably lost ; as Mr. Wesley in his fright forgot the of the doors above stairs. But he ventured up stairs once more] recovered them, a minute before the stair case took fire. When ©pencd the street door, the strong north east wind drove the flamJ "svith such violence, that none conlJ stand against them. Mr. W| only, had such presence of mind as to think of the garden door, i which he helped some of the children ; the rest got through the! «3ow«. I was not in a condition to climb up to the windows; could I get to the garden door. I endeavored three times to my. passage through the street door, but was as often beat back b] flames. In this distress I besought our blessed Savior to prea me, if it were his will, from that death: and then waded througj fire, naked as I was, which did me no further harm than a scorchinf^ of my hands and face. "While iMr. Wesley was carrying the children into the gardcJ heard the child in the nursery crv out miserably for help, which tremely affected him ; but his affliction was much increased, wheJ had several times attempted the stairs then on fire, and found that] would not bear his weight. Finding it was impossible to get a5 , he gave him up ior lost, and kneeling do^vii, he commcncied his to God, and left him, as he thouglit, perishing in the flames. — the boy seeing none come to his help, and being frightened, tho her and bed being on fire, he climbed up the casement, where he< soon perceived by the men in the yard, v/ho immediately got up pulled him out, just in the article of time that the i.. of fell in, and med by a crjBt the chamber to the ground. Thus by the infinite mercy of Al- inff that his Brhty God, our lives were all preserved by little lesr than a miracle: there passed but a few minutes betvveen the first alarm of fire, and falling of the house." Ir. John Wesley's account of what happened to himself, varies a >, from this relation given by his mother. *'I believe," says he, was just at that time (when they thought they heard him cry) 1 ed : for I did not cry, as they imagined, unless it was afterward, member all the circumstances as distmctly as though it were yes- ay. Seeing the room was very light, I called to the maid to take »,up. But none answering, I put my head out of the curtains and ^^^' y^.streaks oi fire on the top of the room. I got up and ran to th(; , but could get no farther, all the floor beyond it being in r. ,e. I then climbed upon « chest which stood near the wmdow : in the yard saw me, and proposed running to fetch a ladder.- — [ther answered, "there will not be time : but, I have thought of Iher expedient, Here 1 will fix myself against the wall: lif. if man, and set him on my shoulders" They did so, and he ^ook ut of the window. Just then the roof fell ; but it fell inwar ■, o'- iiad all been crushed at once. When they brought me inti the e where my father was, he cried out "come neighbors ! let uf? -A down ! let us give thanks to God ! He has given me all my t children ; let the house go, I am rich enough !" The next day a's he was walking in the garden, and survey inp" ruins of the house, he picked up part of a leaf of his Po. glott Bi on which just these words were legible: Vade ; V( .de omiii:» habes, e?t attolle crucem, sequre me. Go: sell all t!: t thou hast, take up tiie cross, and follow me." hn memory of Mr. lohn Wesley's escape is preser ed in one of arly prints. Under his portrait there is a house h. flames, with »\' 'erse of fori le hours of elf cident God g from the ) lay, and b il called us ; l| i it was full He immedi'J iparate room e quickly and I ran and burst tiiC children. 1 another bed. ich they did, cj rselves surrouil rht iorgot the irs once more fire. Whe rove the flam lem. Mr. Wi orarden door, through the he windows times to beat back h avior to prei ,vaded throug' irm than a ee ito the garden help, which :reased, wheij id found that] Ible to get ill ; t ■i :i\ -): T. I- 26 ; iliis inscription ; "Is not this a brand plucked out of the burning ?"- He remembered this event ever after with the most lively gratitude, and more than once has introduced it in his writings. In the month of April, 1712, John had the small -pox, together with four others of the children. His father was then in London, to whom his mother writes thus : *' Jack has borne his disease bravely, like a man, and indeed like a Christian, without any complaint ; though he seemed angry at the small-pox when they were sore, as we guessed by his looking sourly at them, for he never said any thing." In 1714, he was placed at the Charter-House, with that eminent scholar. Doctor Walker, the Head Master, and became a favorite on account of his sobriety and application Ever after, he retained a remarkable predi- lection for that place, and was accustomed to walk through it once or twice a year, during his annual visits in London. He had some rea- sons, however, to complain of the usage he received at the Charter House. Discipline was so exceedingly relaxed, that the boys of the higher forms were suffered to eat up, not only their own portions ol animal food, but those also which were allowed to the lesser boys. Bj | this means he was limited for a considerable part of the time he re- mained at the school, to a small daily portion of bread as his only solid I food. One thing he observed, which contributed among others to his general flow of health, and to the establishment of his constitution, and that was, his invariable attention to a strict command of his father, tha:| he should run round the Charter-House garden, which was of consi" derable extent, three ^times every morning. In 1719, when his father was hesitating in what situation he shouliij place Charles, his brother Samuel writes thus concerning John : "Mr I brother Jack, t can faithtuUy assure you, gives you no manner of dis- couragement from breeding your third son a scholar." Two or three! months afterward he mentions him again, in a letter to his father:-] *' Jack is with me, and a britve boy, learning Hebrew as fast he can." ;^' He was now sixteen, and the next year was elected to Chiiiil V Church, Oxford. Here he pursued his studies with great advantagsJ I beli^v?' under the directit^n of Dr. Wigan, a gentleman eiminent fo ills claisi^al knowledge. Mr. Wesley's natural temper in his youtil y 'W at was gay and sprightly, with a turn for wit and humor. When he was about twenty-one years of age, " he appeared" as Mr. Badcock has observed, " the very sensible and acute collegian — a young fellow of the finest classical taste, of the most liberal and manly senti- ments. (*)" His perfect knowledge of the classics, gave a snnootU polish to all bis compositions. He had already begun to amuse him- self occasionally with writing verses, though most of his poetical pieces of this period, were, I believe, cither imitations or translations of the Latin. Some time in this year, however, he wrote an imitation of the 65th Psalm, which he sent to his father, who says ** I like your verses on the 65th Psalm, and would not have you bury your talent." Toward the close of this year, [1724,] Mr. Wesley began to think of entering into Deacon's Orders ; and this led him to reflect on the importance of the ministerial office, the motives of entering into it, and the necessary qualifications for it. On examining the step he intend- ed to take, through alt its consequences, to himself and others, it ap- peared of the greatest magnitude, and made so deep an impression on his mind, that he became more serious than usual, and applied himself with more attention to the subject of divinity. Some doubts arising m his mind on the motives which ought to influence a man in taking the Holy Orders, he proposed them to his father, with a frankness that does great credit to the integrity of his heart. His father's an- swer is dated the 26th oi January, 1725 " As to what you men- tion of entering into Holy Orders, it is indeed a great work, and I am pleased to find you think it so." His mother wrote to him in Febru- ary on the same subject, and seemed desirous that he should enter in- to Orders as soon as possible. " I think," says she, " the sooner you are a Deacon, the better, because it may be an inducement to greater application in the study of practical divinity, which of all other studies, ! humbly conceive to be the best for a candidate for orders." In consequence of this practice they received, at first, the name of Sacramentarians, and afterwards the Godly Club ; but finally that of Methodists. A fellow of Merton College, observing the regular methods they pursued in dividing their time between their devotions, their studies, their rest, &c. said, " Here is a new set of Methodist C) Westmin6t«5 Magazine. .(■V . '■ih'' ^>v m W''-^ 2S -^ d I Sprung up ;" alluding to an eminent college of physicians at Rome, who were so called on account ol' putting their patients under a pe- culiar reginnen.C ) But it is not generally known that the name of Methodist, had been given long before the days of Mr. Wesley, to a relioious sect in england, which were distinguished by some of those marks whic); were supposed to characterize this " new set of JVIethodists." Thi> might have been known to the Fellow of Merton College, who gave the Oxonian Pietists the name of Methodists, though it seems probablo that Mr Wesley never caught the idea. In the begining of the year 1731, a meeting was held by several of the seniors of the college, to consult on the speediest way to stoi the progress of cuthiisiasin in it. Mr. Wesley and his friends did not learn what was the result of this very pious consultation ; but ii was soon publicly reported, that Dr. and the censors wen going lo blow up the Godly Club. This was now their common title: though they were sometimes dignified with that of the Enthusiast, ci the Reforming Club. As new difficulties arose, Mr. Wesley lost n opportunity of consulting his friends. He now wrote to hio brother Samuel at Westminster, whose answer is dated in April. " I design- ed, " says he, " to have written by Mr. Bateman, to whom I reaa part of your last letter, concerning the execrable consultation, in ordei to stop the progress of religion, by giving it a false name. He liftcu ap his eyes and hands, and protested he could not have believed sucli a thing. He gave Mr. Morgan a very good character, '''and said h. should always think himself obliged to him, for the pains he took i; reclaiming a young pupil of his, who was just got into ill companj. and upon the brink of destruction. I do not like your being called (. club ; that name is really calculated to do mischief But the otlie; charge of enthusiasm can weigh with none, but such as drink awai their senses, or never had any : for surely activity in social duties, and a stirict attendance on the ordained means of grace, are the strong- est guards imaginable against it. 1 called on Dr. Terry, to desiie iiim to subscribe to Job, but did not meet with him at home. In Ui (*) See Mosheim's Eccl. Hist, 27lh Cent. Sec 3, p. h liW ''ty 29 -!i Rial ,J 3 -* I I ;l I' 11 30* When we were with him, we touched two or three times upon a nice subject, but did not come to any full conclusion The point debated was, what is the meaning of being righteous over viuch, or by the more common phrase of, being too strict in religion ? and what danger there was of any of us falling into that extreme ? ** All the ways of being too righteous or too strict which we could think of, were these ; either the carrying some one particular virtue to so great a height, as to make it clash with some other ; or, the laying too much stress on the instituted means of grace, to the neg- lect of the weightier matters of the law ; or the multiplying pruden- tial means upon ourselves so far, and binding ourselves to the obser- vance of them so strictly, as to obstruct the end we aimed at b} them, either by hindering our advance in heavenly affection'^ in gc- neral, or byretarding our progress in some particular virtue. Oui opponents seemed to think my brother and 1 [were] in some danger of being too strict in this last sense ; of laying burdens on ourselvei^ too heavy to be bornCy and consequently too heavy to be of any ust to us." "■ • *• It is ea^y to observe, that almost every one thinks thci rule lo« tally needless, which he does not need himself ; and as to the Chris- tian spirit itself almost every one calls that degree of it which lie does not himself aim at, enthusiasm." About this time their father came up to London, and from thencei took an excursion to Oxford, to see what his sons were doing, anil in what spirit and temper of mind they were. On his return to Lonl don, he wrote a few lines to Mrs, Wesley, Jan. 5, in which lit says ; " I had yours on new year's day, on which I returned in onl day from Oxford, not very well ; but well paid both for my expenstl and labor, by the shining I'iety of our two sons, of whom I shaii write some more at large/' This gives the fullest evidence, thai the father did not thep think r^is sons were carrying matters too far. In 1732, this pious company, were joined by Mr. Benjam'.T kha ham, and soon after,|Mr. James Ilervey, [author of the Meditations,! and Mr. George Whitefield, were added to the number. These wfri all collegians, and must be considered as the first Methodists. Bsi how greatly has this mustard-seed grown and spread ! Mr- Weskfl art u •ays, •' in 1729, my brother and I reading the Bible, saw inward and outward holiness therein, followed after it, and incited others so la do." As the persons united in the society at Oxford were all zealous members of the church ot England, by the advice of Mr. Clayton, who now joined them, they added, to their further practices, a regu- jlar observance of the f \- ■l,.-»l>?--'y"..-V'. .. * ■ - 1 s. * i* . -rf .; >■ .,'u ■■»,.^-. M r.' 3:* was with lliem, but he seems to have then but little attended to li After his return to Oxford in Febrvmr/, lie wrote to his mother on tlv. iSubject. " Vou observed," says he, "when I v; as with you, that 1 was very indlfTercnt as to havmg or not having the living at Epworth i was indeed utterly unalile to turn either way ; and for this reason ; I know, if I could stand my ground here, and prove myself a faithful minister of our blessed Jes-is, by honor and dishonor, through eviij report and good report ; then there would not be a place under tin heaven '.ik: this, for improvement m every good work. But whether I I can sti'tn the torrent which 1 saw then, but see now much more, rolling down from all lidcs upon me, that 1 kiiow not. It Is true, I there is One who can vet either command the o;reat water-flood that it shall not come nigh me, ' or make a way for his redeemed topassl through.''^ On the 21st of September, 1734, Mr. Wesley began the practice j of reading as he travelled on horseback ; and this practice he continu- ed for nearly torty years, till his advanced ago obliged him to traveil in a carriage. Hi:j frequent journeys, often on foot as well as on horseback, and the great cind constant labor of preaching, reading, visiting, &c. wherever he was, with hard study and a very abstemi- ous -diet, had now very much ^'^ected his health. His strength was I greatly reduced, and he had frequent returns of spitting blood. In tb night of the 16th of July, he had a return of it in such quantity as I waked him out of sleep. The sudden and unexpected manner of its coming on, with the solemnity of the night season, made eternity seem near. He cried to God, " O ! prepare me for thy coming, an! come when thou will.'^(*') His friends began to be alarmed for liis safety, and his mother wrote two or three letters, blaming him for the general neglect of his health. He now took the advice of a physician; and by proper care, he gradually recovered strength. The whole | force of his mind was now bent on religious subjects. The health of Mr. Wesley's father, as it has been stated before, had been declining for several years, and he now seemed approaching l towards the close of life. The old gentleman, conscious of his situa-| tion, ,and desirous that the living of Epworth might remain in li:c (") Privute Diary, ■■■'»■-■,' >*-~ sa family, wrote to his son John, requesting hiia to apply tor the next presentation. We have already seen, that, when the subject wa?^ mentioned the year before, he hesitated, and could not determine one way nor the other. But he was now determined not to accept of tho living ; and stated to his father some reasons tor refusing to comply with his request. His father was disappointed ; and attacked hini with every argument he could possibly brn.g to bear upon him. Thu old gentleman wrote also to his son Samuel on the subject, who warm- ly took part with his father, and wrote to his brother at Oxford, in December, 1734. " Yesterday," says he, " I received a letter from my father, wherein he tells me, you are unalterably resolved not tu accept of a certain living if you could get it. After this declaration, I believe no one can move your mind, but him that made it. You are not at liberty to resolve against undertaking a cure of souls. You are solemnly engaged to do it, before God, and his high priest^ and his church. Are you not ordained ? Did you not deliberately and openly promise to instruct, to teach, to admonish, to exhort those cuinniitted to your charge } Did you equivocate then, with so vile re- siervation, as to purpose in your heart that you never would have any so committed .'' It is not a College, it is not a University, it is the iirder of the church, according to which you were called. Let Chailes, i( he is silly enough, vow never to leavo Oxford, and therefore avoid orders. Your faith is already plighted to the contrary ; you have put ijour hand to the plough.''^ — John, however, kept himself within hiii fortress, and answered his brother with caution. Several letters on this subject, having passed between them, Mr- John Weslev now thought it time to close the debate. His letter is dated the 4th of March. He observes to his brother, " I ha4 rather liispute with you, if I must dispute, than with any man living; be- cause it may be done with sol'Ule expense of time and words. The question is now brought to one point, and the whole argument will lio in one single syllogism. Neither hope of doing greater good, nor fear of any evil, ought to deter you from what you have engaged yourself to do : But you have engaged yourself to undertake the cure of a par- ish: Therefore, neither that hope nor that fear ought to deter you froui it. The only doubt which remains is, whether I have so engaged myself, or not .'' Y'ou think I did at my ordination before God -ivA tj» ( ifi' m jTVvv.;! Mkrfk. M liis I 'J Hifh Priest." I think, I did not. However, I own I am not th? proper judge of the oath I then took j it being certain and allowed by all, *' VerbiSi in quistance. We then proceeded regularly in our studies and, in doing what good we could to the bodies and souls of men." The enemies of the christian revelation were become so bold at this time, (1729) in their attempts to propogate their principles in the University, as to rouse the attention of the Vice Chancellor, who is- sued a programma, or edict, which was fixed up in most of the Halls of the University ; recommending it as a matter of the utmost con* sequence, that the tutors of each college, discharge their duty, by a doubled diligence in instructing their respective pupils in their christian course, explaining to them the articles of their religion, am: recommending them to search the scriptures ; and, forbidding the youth reading such books as m^ght tend to weaken their faith, ant! .s'ubvert the authority of the scriptures. Tn course of the following summer Mr. Charles Wesley became more and more serious, and his zeal for God beg'an to mnnifest itselt in exertions to do good, bevond the common round of relif^ious duties. He endeavored to rwaken nn attention to r'?ligion in the minds ot some of the students, and was successful in one or two instances. Mr. Charles Wesley an.! hi^ brother John, had been always united in airection ; they were now united in their pursuit of learning, their in of the liich tim« sIrv gives e pursued , but, if 1 bat, would ore ?'> : my first self to stu- ;he weekly dccompany ity. This rear (after to our as- [1, in doing bold at this Ics in the r, who is- the Hall? tmost con- duty, by in their igion, am: |dding the faith, and became Ifest itseli |us duties- iminds ot bes. l,-s united Ing, their 37 tlews of religion, and their endeavours to do good. Mr. Charles received his degree of A. M. in the usual course, and thought only of spending all his days at Oxford, as a teacher : for he exceedingly dreaded entering into Holy Orders. But in 1735, a new scene opened before him, and his pious brother, which had not been con- templated by either of ther i, but was manifestly marked out, by the providence of him,who Wcrketh all things according to the counsels of his own will. The meetings of the Mr. Wesleys and their associates, now began to be more directly religions ; their spirit, and true character, perhaps, cannot be more fully exemplified, than by a sample of their scheme of self examination, mutually agreed on among themselves. I give it an insertion for the benefit of the reader. Love of Ood and simplicUif — means of whieht are Prayer und Meditation- 1. Have I been simple and recollected in every thing I said or did? Have I (1) been simple in everything; i. e. looked upon God as my Good, my Patern, my One Desire, my Disposer, Parent of Good ? Acted wholly for Him, bound my views with the present action, or hour ? (2) Recollected, i. e. Has this simple view been distinct and uninterrupted ^ Have I done any thing without a previ- ous perception of its being the will ol God, or without a preception of its being exercise, or a means of the virtue of the day ? Have I said any thing without it ? 2. Have I prayed with ff;rvor, going in and out of church? in the church — morning and evening — in private — Monday — Wednesday and Friday — with my friends ? At rising ? Before lying down ? On Saturday noon > All the time I was engaged in exterior work in pri- vate ? Before I went into the place of public or private prnyer for help therein ? Have I whenever I was gone to church? morning and even* ing unless for necessary mercy ? And spent from one hour to three in private ? Have I in private prayer frequently stopt short, and observed what fervor ? Have I repeated it over and over till I adverted to eve- ry word ? Have I at the beginning of every prayer or paragraph own- «d I cannot piay ? Have I paused before I concluded in bis name, aa4 .^ it I: a> i< -.^.^h^iw^- j^ < i. aJverted to my Saviour now interceding for me at the right hand of God, and offering up these prayers ? 3. Have I daily used ejackulations ? i. e. Have I every hour prayed for humihty, faith, hope, love, and the particular virtue ot the day ? considered with whom 1 was the last hour ? what I did, and how ? with regard to recollection, love ol man, humility, self denial resignation and thanksgiving ? considered the next hour in the same fespects ? offered all I do to my Redeemer ? begged his assistance in every particular ? and committed my soul to his keeping ? Have 1 done this diligently? (not in haste) — seriously ? (not doing any things the while ?) 4. And have I duly prayed for the virtue of the day ? i. e. Have I prayed for it at going out and coming in h diligently, seriously, fer- vently. 6. Have I used a collect at nine, ten and three ? i. e. Have I prayed foj it at going out and coming m ? deliberately, seriously and fervently ? 6. Have I duly meditated every day, unless for necessary mercy ? (1) from six &c. to prayers? (2) from four to five [what was the par- ticular providence of the day ?] How ought the virtues of the day to have been excited upon it ? How did it fall short ? (Here faults.) (3) On Sunday, from six to seven with Kempis ? From three to four ou Hedemtion, or God's Attributes ? Wednesday and Friday, from twelve to one, on the Passion ? after ending a book, what I had marked in it ? « Love of Man*' 1st. Have I been zealous to do, and active in dolnjj jjood r i. e. ' DO (1) Have I embraced every probable opportunit-y of doing good, and preventing, removing or lessening evil? (2) Have 1 pursued it with my might? f3j Have 1 thought any thing too dear to part with to serve my neighbor ? (A) Have I spent an hour at least in speaking to some or other ? (b) Have I given any one up till he expressly renounced me ? (Q) Have 1 before I spoke to any, learned as far as 1 could his temper, way of thinking, past life, and pecuHar hinderances; internal and external. Fixed the point to be aimed at, then the means to it ? (7j Have I in speaking proposed the motives; then the dillv- \ m 39 ' ulties, then balanced them, then exhorted him to consider both calm- ly and deeply and to pray earnestly for help ? (8; Have I in speak- ing to a stranger explained what religion is not fnot negative, not ex- ternalj and wiiat it is [a recovery of the Image of God], searched at what step in it he stops, and what makes him stop here ? Exhorted and directed him ? (9 ) Have 1 persuaded all I could to attend public prayers, sermons and sacramenis? and in general to obey the laws of the Church universal, the Church of England, the State, the Uni- Vfrsity,and their respective College. (10) Have I when taxed with any act of obedience avoided it, and turned the attack n-ith sweetness and firmness ? (11) Have I disputed upon any practical point, unless it was to be practiced just then. (12) Have I in disputing, (1) de- sired my opponent to define th'i terms of the question ; to limit it, what he grants, wdiathe desires ? (2) Delayed speaking my o^mion, let him explain and prove his, then insinuated and pressed objections. (13) Have I.after every visit asked him who went with me, "Did 1 say anything wrong.' (14) Have I when any one asked advice, di- rected and exhorted him with all my powder .? 2d. Have I rejoiced with and for my neighbor in virtue or plea- sure ? grieved with and for him in pain, for him in sin. 3rcl. Have I received his infirmities with pity, not anger .'* 4th. Have I thought or spoke unthinking of or to him .'' Have I revealed any evil of any one unless it was necessary to some parti- cular good I had in view. Have I then done it with all the tender- ness of phrase and manner consistent with that end ? Have I in any way appeared to approve them that did otherwise ? 5th. Has g-jod will been and appeared to be the spring of all my actions towards others .'' ' 6th. Have- I duly used intercession. (1) Before, (2) after speaking to any ? (3) For my friends on Sundays, (4) for my pupils on Wednesdays ? (5) for those who have particularly desired it on V/ednesdays and Fridays } (6) for the family in which I am every day r" "" " . In the year 1731, the two brothers began the practice of conver- sing together in lattm, when ever they were alone, chiefly with a view of acquiring a facility in expressing themselves in that language, )■« Affile iX\' ^)' ■I fi 40 on all occasions "with perspicuity, energy and elegance. This prac- tice they continued for nearly sixty years, and with such success, that if either their style did not equal, it certainly on some subjects, ap- proached nearer to the best model" of conversation in the Augustine age, than many of the learned have thought possible to attain. CHAPTER II. Mr. Wesley's mission to America — in vjhich he was accoir^anied hy hi^ brother Charles. Mr. Wesley's father died in April, 1735, ardtlie living in Ep- worth was given away in May ; so that he now considered himselt as settled at Oxford, without any risk of being further molested in his quiet retreat. But a new scene of action was soon proposed to him, of which he had not before the least conception. The trustees of the new colony of Georgia were greatly in want of proper per- sons to send thither, to preach the Gospel, not only to the Colony, but to the Indians. They fixed their eyes upon Mr. John Wesley and some of his friends, as the most proper persons, on account oi' the regularity of their beha«rior, their abstemious way of living, and their readiness to endure hardships. On the 28th of August, being in London, he met with his friend Dr. Burton, for whom he liad a great esteem ; and the next day was introduced to Mr. Oglethorpe, where the matter was proposed to him, and strongly urged upon hiui by such arguments as they thought most likely to dispose his mind to accept of the proposal. It does not appear that, Mr. Wesley gave them any positive answer. He thought it best to take the opinion of his friends. Accordingly he wTote to his brother Samuel, and visi- ted Mr. Law, and in three or four days, set out for Manchester, to consult Mr. Clayton, Mr. Byrom and several others whose judgment he respected. From thence he went to Epworth, and laid the mat- ter before his mother. Her answer as he related it to me^, was worthy of the mother and the son : " bad I twenty sons, I should rejoice that they were all so employed, though I should never see them more.'- His eldest brother also consented to his acceptance of the proposal. His brother Samuel did the same. Mr. Wesley still hesitated ; on the 8th of September, Dr. Burton wrote to him, pressing him to a compliance. He now consented to go to Georgia. ..,j;.^ :.',■» '■-'^ 41 f. I 1 1 i Mr. Charles Wftsley at this time resided at Oxford, and when his brother consented to Dr. Burton's proposal, he also declared his willingness to accompany him in this new and untried path, which promissed nothing except what they ardently desired, — a more com- plete deliverance from the world. This design, respecting Charles, his brother Samuel vehemently opposed ; but in vain. Mr. Char- les engaged himself as secretary to Mr. Oglethorpe, and also as se- cretary for Indian affairs. A. little before they left England, Dr. Burton suggested that it might be well if Mr. Charles Wesley were also ordained before he left this country. Mr. John Wesley overruled his brother's inclina- tion in this thing also, and he was ordained Deacon by Dr. Potter, Bishop of Oxford ; and the Sunday foUowmg, Priest, by Dr. Gibson, BiUiop of London : (*) Mr. Wesley now prepared for his voyage to America. Mr. Hampson in his Memoirs of Mr. Wesley, expresses no small surprise, when he comes to treat of his mission to Georgia, at what appears to hitr a strange and unaccountable change of mind in one who had just before evinced such unshaken firmness. " We immagin- ed," pays he " that nothing lens than stern necessity could have indu- ced him to quit his beloved retirement." Had he enjoyed any intima- cy with Mr. Wesley, he would have Seen able easily to account for it. This mission proved in general, a scene of temptation and trial in 'he wilderness, " where," says Mr. Wesley, "God humbled me, and proved me, and showed me what was in my heart." On Tuesday, October 14, 1735, Mr. Wesley and his brother Charles set off from London for Gravesend, accompanied by Mr. Ing- liam and Mr. Delamotte, in order to embark for Georgia. " Our end," says he, " in leaving our native country, was, not to avoid want, [God having given us plenty of temporal blessings,] nor to gain tlic dung and dross of riches and honor ; but singly this, to save our souls, to live wholly to the glory of God." Accordingly, the two fol- lowing days, which they spent partly on board and partly on shore, they employed in exhorting one another ** to shake off every weight » and to run with patience the race set before them .'" There were six (*) Mr. C. Wesley's letter to Dr. Chandler. I ii - ■.•» / 4il find twenty Germans on board, members of the Moravian Church. — Mr. Wesley was much struck with their Christian deportment, and im- mediate! v' set himseli" to learn the German lanfjuase in order to con- verse with them. They sometimes visited General Oglelhorpc, who vpas the Gover- nor of Georgia, and with whom they sailed, in his cabin. Upon one of those occasions, as iVir.VVesU'y infoimed me, the officers, and cer- tain gentlemen w'lo had been invited, took some liberties with the cler- gymen, not relisiiing their gravity. The General %vas roused at this, and in a manner not to be misunderstood, cried out, " What do you mean, Sirs ? Do you take these gentlemen for tithe-pig parsons ? — They are gentlemen of learning and respectability. They are my friends ; and whoever olit'rs any affront to them, insults me." From this time they were treated with great respect by all the passengers. " Believing," says Mr. Wesley, *' the denying ourselves in the smallest instance, might by the blessing of God, be helpful to us, we wholly left off the use of flesh and wine, and confiiied ouselves to ve- getable food, chiefly rico and biscuit." That the time he spent witti tiic passengers was not wholly lost upon them, we also learn from several passages in his Journals. Many were deeply awakened ; others were instructed in the first princi- ples of the Christian religion, who were before entirely ignorant : and some, who had lived for years in a constant neglect of the ordinances of the Gospel, were prevailed upon to attend them by the mdefatiga- ble labors of himself and his coadjutors. But though his eye was single ; though his hfe was not only harm- less but exemplary ; though he gave all his goods to feed the poor, and sacrificed ease and hoaor, and every other temporal gratification, that he might follo^v Christ ; yet it is certain, he was still very little acquainted with true experimental religion. This the Lord now be- gan to show him First by the fear of death, which, notwithstand- ing all his efTorts, brought him into bondage, whenever danger was apparent. •* At those times," he remarks, " I plainly felt I was unfit, because I was. unwilling to die ;"* and, Secondly, the liveljr (*) Mr. Soutbey, ho .vever, ^"ould have us believe, that this fear of deatfe arose uxerely from the 8tat» ef his stomach 1 ii^m amon 4S aiiJ victorious faith, \Yliich he evidently perceivcil in some of his {el' low passeng'ei*?, stili more convinced him, tiiut he possessed not the saving power of religion. vSpeaking of the Germans, he remarks, " I had long before ob- served the great seriousness of their behaviour. Of their humility they have given a continual pi'oof, by performing those servile offices for the other passengers, which none of the English would undertake, for which they desired, and would receive, no pay, saying, ' It was orood f.r their proud hearts,' and ' their loving Saviour had done more for thcin' A.iu every day had given them occasion of showing a meekness, which no injury could move- If they were pushed, struck,, or tiir Avn dowM, i hey rose again and went away , but no complaint was iound in tneir mouth. There was now an opportunity of trying wh- Uier they were delivered from the spirit of fear, as well as from i\\:o of pride, anger and revenge. In the midst of the Psalm, where- With their service began, the sea broke over, split the main-sail in pieces, covered the ship, and poured in between t!ie decks, as if the great deep had already swallowed us up. A terrible screaming be- gan among the English. The Germans calmly sung on. I asked j( :ie of them afterward, * Was you not afraid .'' He answered, ' I Ihank God, not.' I asked, * But were not your women and children ufraid P He replied mildly, ' No ; our women and children are not afraid to die.' A circumstance occurred in the course of his voyage, which isnot unworthy of notice. Mr. Wesley, heanng an unusual noise in the cabin of General Oglethorpe, stepped in to enquire the cause ; on which the General immediately addresser him, •' Mr Wesley, you I must excuse me, I have met with a provocation too great for man to bear. You know, the only wine I drink, is Cyprus wine, as it agrees with me the best of any. 1 therefore provided myself with several dozens of it, and this villian Grimaldi, [the Italian servant, who was present, and almost dead with fear,] has drunk nearly the whole of it. But I will be revenged : He shall be tied hand and foot, and carried to the man of war. [He alluded to a ship of war which sailed with them.] The rascal should have taken care how he^ used me so, for I never forgive." — " Then, I hope, sir, [said Mr- m^U i; ■'- I: !1 ;..'.^:' 44 Wesley, looking calmly atlilm,] you never sin." The General Wa^ quite confounded at the reproof; ami, after a pause, putting his hand into his pocket, he took out a bunch of keys, which he threw at Gri* maldi, saying, *' There, villain ! take nny keys, and behave bettei lor the future." Thursday, Feh. 5, 1736, they arrived in Savannah river, in Geor- gia, and about eiffht the next mornins landed' an a small uninhabited island. General Oglethorpe led them to a rising jrround, rvhere they kneeled down to give thanks. He then took boat for Savannah. — When the rest of the people came on shore, they also joined togetliei in prayer. Upon this occasion Mr. Wesley observes, that the Sec- ond Lesson, Murk vi. seemed to him peculiarly suitable. Sunday, ]\Iarch 7, Mr. Wesley entered on his ministry at Savaib nah, by preaching on the epistle for the day, being the xiiith of the fu'st of Corinthians. In the Second Lesson, Luke xviii. was our Lord's prediction of the treatment which he himself, [and consequent- ly his followers,] was to Meet with from the world ; and his gracious promise to those who are content, Nudi mdam C ■ (sium sequl: (*) " Verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or pa- rent, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God^s sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the ivorld to cowe everlasting lifey " Yet," says he, *' notwithstanding the plain declarations of our .Lord, notwithstanding my own repeated experience, notwithstanding the experience of all the sincere followers of Christ, whom I have ever talked with, reader heard of; nay, and the reason of the thing, evin- cing it to a demonstration, that all who love not the light, must hats him who is continually labouring to pour it in upon them ; — I do here bear witness against myself, that when I saw the number of people crowding into the church, the deep attention with which they receivet! the word, and the seriousness that afterward sat on all their faces; I could scarce refrain from giving the lie to experience, and reason and Scripture, all togethei. I could hardly believe that the greater, the far greater part of this attentive, serious people, would hereafter tram- ple under foot that word, and say all manner of evil falsely of him th&l (*) Nakedly to follow a naked Christ. m-. r\ -r- —*•> »^-A* j^~ ■• - 49 spake it. O, who can believe what his heart abhors ? Jesus, Mas^- ter, have mercy on us ! Let us love thy cross ! Then shall we be- lieve, " If ice suffer with Tfiecy we shall also reign with Thee!^^ Mr. Charles Wesley proceeded to Frederica, Mr. Oglethorpe chief- ly residing there. His brother remained at Savannah, — but waiting for an opportunity of preaching to the Indians. On March the 9th, |he landed at Simon's Island, near Frederica, and as he informs us in »is Journal, his spirit immediately revived. *' No sooner," says he, 'did I enter on my ministry, than God gave me a new heart; (*) true is that saying of Bishop Hall, ' The calling of God never leaves man unchanged ; neither did God ever employ any in his service, vhom he did not enable for the work.' " Jitly 26. — Mr. C. 'Yesley set out for Charleston on his way to ngland. Thus far the brother accompanied him ; and they arrived here on the 31st of July, ("f*) He now found his desires renewed to ecover the image of God; and at the Sacrament was encounged, in n unusual manner, to hope for pardon, and to strive -igamst sin. While Mr. C. Wesley stayed at Charleston, his bloody fluxand fe- er hung upon him and rather increased. Notwithstanding this, he ivas determined to go in the first ship that sailed for England. His riends endeavored to dissuade him from it, both because the ship wa?; ery leaky, and the Captain a mere bear,', of a man, was almost contin- ally drunken. But he was deaf to their advice. " The public bu- iness," says he, " that hurried me to England, being of that impor- ance, that as their Secretary 1 could not answer to the Trustees for eorgia, the loss of a day." Accordingly he engaged his passage on oard the London Galley, which left Charleston on the 16th of Au- ust. But they soon found that the Captain, while on shore, had eglected every thing to which he ought to ^have attended. The essel was too leaky to bear the voyage : and the Captain, drinking arcely nothing but gin, had never troubled his head about taking in sufficient quantity of water ; so that, on the 26th they were obliged be reduced to short allowance. Meeting afterward with stormy (*) An anticipation of the faith which he afterwards received. (t) This account also agrees with Mr. John Wesley's Journal. See his 7orks, Vol. xxvi, p. 145. ' ^%: 4 1* I t'.^ J I <<^'. " ♦ ft,... i ^ 4tf "leather, the leak became alarming ; and their difliculties increased sr fast upon tbeTi, that ihf\ wore obliged to steer for Boston, in New Kngland, vvliRre ti:ey arrived, with much difticully and danger on the 24th C'f September. Mr. C Wesley was soon known at Boston, and met with a hospi- lable reception among the ministers both ot the town and neigh- borhood. . '» Mr. C. Wesley did not go on board as he expected, the ship bein: detained some time longer. During his stay here, his disorder return- ed with violtncn, and reduced him to a stato of very great weakness. On the 15th of Oct. he wrote to his brother, and continued his let ter in a kind of a journal to the 2.Jth, when he went on board the ship, and sailed for England. On the 27th, Mr. C. Wt\s!ey had so far recovered his strength tkl lie was able to read prayprs. The next day the Captain informe. liim, that a storm was ap,)roaching. In the evening it came on witl dreadful violence, and raged all night. On the 29th in the morning, they shipped so prodigious a sea, tha. it washed away their sheep, half of ^heir hogs, and drowned most f their fowls. The ship was heavily laden, and the sea streamed in s^ plentifully at tiie sides, that it was as much as four men could do, bv continual pumping, to keep her above the water. " I rose and lav down by turns," ailds Mr. C Wesley, *' but could remain in no po? ^v- lure bng. I strove vth-mently to pray, but in vain ; I still persist- ed in striving but wuthoot etTect. I prayed for power to pray, (*) k faith in Jesus Christ ; contmually repeated his name, till I felt the vir- tue of it at last, and knew that I abode under the shadow of tb Almighty." ♦ At three in the afternoon, the storm was at the height ; at four, t!i; ship made so much water, that the Captain, finding it otherwise impos- *iible to save her from sinking, cut down the mizen-mast. " In t\h dreadful moment," says Mr. C. Wesley," I bless God I found the comfort of hope ; and such joy in finding I could hope, as the world can neither give or take away. I had that conviction of the power o[ God present with me, overbalancing my strongest passion, fear, and (*) He means with confidence and comfort. loom so em 4r iTaisIng nie above what 1 am by nature, as surpasseil" all intioiial evi- dence, and gave me a taste of the Divine guoJness." He at that iime again anticipated the power and sweetness of Christian faith ; no Kincommon thing with those who mourn fur it. See this subject well riilustrated in Mr. John VVeslev's Sermon on*' The S^iirit of bondage, aid of adoption." On the 30th, the storm abated ; and *' on Sunday the 31st," he ob- serves, " my first business was, [may it be tiie business of all my lays !J to ofTer up the sacrifice of praise and tiianksgiving. Wo all joined in thanks lor our deliverance most of the day." They soon met with another storm, but not so violent as the for- mer ; and continuing their voyage, with some intervening difliculties jand dangers, till the 3d December, the ship arrived opposite Deal, md the passengers came safe on shore. *' I kneeled down," says Mr. VVeslev, *' and blessed the hand that had conducted me tiiroujih ^uch inextricable mazes, and desired I might give up my country again, whenever God should require it." — A state of mind very dilFerent from that of many who have been called to labor for the Lord ! Leaving Mr. Charles Wesley sale m his native land, we shall now jiroceed to his brother Mr John Wesley. On the 18th of March, 1736, he wrote to his mother as follows: " 1 doubt not but you are already informed of the many blessings which fjrod gave us in our passage ; as my brother Wesley niust, before now have received a particular account of the circumstances of our voyage ; kvhich he would not fail to transmit to you by the first opportunity. '' We are likely to stay here some months. The place is pleasant jeyond imagination ; and, by all I can learn, exceeding healthful,— 5ven in summer, for those who are not intemperate. It has pleased pod that I have not had a moment's illness of any kind since 1 set my loot upon the continent : nor do I know any more than one, of my se- ven hundred parishioners, who is sick at this time. Many of them Kndeed, are, I believe, very angry already : for a getleman, no lon- Iger ago than last night, made a ball ; but the public prayers happen- ling to begin about the same time, the Church was full, and the baU' loom so empty that the entertainment could not go forward. ■™'»! '""'j ^"^''"^ but I dare not pray for it, tor 1 fear I shonH r ? ' '''^' "^««i Father. His will be do..e. Le H ' J /"^^^^^ in my death.'* ^ "'^ ^^'^'^ ^'« will, in „,y lif^, ^, Some time bef )re thi«». Pa.i..tobee, one of .: „;. chZ ' ° " "'''" »" """ngs > four beloved things above ; thrdrdr.he' ""^ '.'"'^' "'"«"« ! that hves in the clear sky. ' ""^ '""' ""e sk/. and he Q. Do yod believe, there is but one tU, y ■ A. We bel^ve there arc two wth bin. . '" '" ""^ *'«" *? ' Q- Do vou think he m„) ,u ' ""■" "• "". A. vye•ea„„o.t:;l.^;t £,:::;' "-'^""e'-ea .h.^, Q. Do you think he made you > ' ' O ^' "';.",'' ""' """'^ »" '"en n( first. Q- How ,,„n,e make then at firs,./ A. Out of the ground. Q- Do you believe he loves you > A. Idonotknowrlcannotsee'him. J-J',''"^f"»avedy„„„i,J , .^ A. He has. Many bullets u fa. side, buthewoul^ne r,i7,;^7°"'t" -K -d „,„,,, We^one into Ibese.young me ZT ""■ ^"^ "any buBeto r^Tw. ^. ^ '"*'""' """y are alive r (.J .>■' ;i ■v.. * .V ■ it;.; ' ! '■'* ! ■■ i ' ' ■ *' v^-^^ ■ »'V'' I "' ft '1 f;--';y J I! r ,'"<■■■' 1 1 •t V ■ 50 Q. Then, cannot lie save you fronfjyour enemies now ? A. Yes ; but we know not if he will. We have now lo many •nemies rounJ about us, that I think of nothing but death. And if lam to die, I shall die, and will die like a man. But if he will have me to live I shall live. Though I had ever so many enemies, he caa destroy them all. Q. How do you know that } A. From what I huv« seen. When our enemies came against us before, then the beloved clouds came for us. And often much rain, and sometimes hail, has come upon them, and that in a very hot day. And I saw when many French and Choctaws and other nations came •gainst one of our towns: And the gronnd made a noise under them, and the Beloved Ones in the air behind them And ihey were afraid and went away, and left their meat and drink and their guns. I telJ no lie. All these saw it too. Q. Have you heard such noises at other times ? A. Yes, often : Before and after almost every battle. Q. What sort of nnlsps were fhpy ? A. Like the noise of drums and guns and shooting. Q. Have you heard any sunh lately ? A. Yes : Four days after our last battle with the French. Q. Then you heard nothing before it .'* A. The night before, I dreamed I heard many drums up there, and many trumpets there, and much stamping of feet and shouting. Till then I thought we should all die. But then I thought the Beloved Ones were come to help us. And the next day I heard above a hun- dred guns go off, before the fight began. And I siid *' When (h» tun is there, the Beloved Ones will help us, and we shall contjuerour enemies.'' And we did so. -* Q. Do you often think and talk of the Beloved Ones. A. We think of them always wherever we are. We talk of thea and to them, at home and abroad ; in peace, in war, before and afttf we fight ; and, indeed, whenever and wherever we meet together. .. Q,. Where do you think your souls go after death } - - A. We belive the souls of the red men walk up and down near ik •^Cf*^ 51 place where they did, or where their bodies lie. For we have oftc* heard cries and noises near the place« where any prisoners had been lurnt. Q. Where do the souls of white mtfn go after death ? A. We cunnot tell. We have not seen. Q. Our belief is, that the souls of bad men only walk up and down; but the souls of good men go up. A. 1 believe so too. But I told you the talk of the nation. Mr. Andrews, the Interpreter. They said at the burying [which Mr. Wesley had attended shortly before,] " They knew what you was doing. You wa3 speaking to the Beloved Ones above, to taka up the soul of the young woman." Q. We have n Book that tells us many things about the Beloved Ones above. Would you be glad to know them ? A. We have no time now but to fight. If we should ever be at peace, we should be glad to know. * Q. Do you expect ever to know what the white men know ^ Mr. Andrews. They told Mr. Oglethorn, they believed " the time will come when the red and white men will be one." Q. Whit Jo t^<» F'ronoh toQcIl ^ UU T A. The French Black Kings (*) never go out. We see you go about, We like that. That is good. Q. How came your nation to the knowledge they have .? A. As soon as ever the ground was sound, and fit to stand upon, it came to us, and has been with us ever since. But we are young men. Our old men know more. But all of them do not know. There are but a few, whom the Beloved One chooses from a child» and is in them, and takes care of them, and teaches them. They ^'now these things, and our old men practise, therefore they know ; but I do not practise, therefore I know little. March 4. — Mr. Wesley wrote to the Trustees for Georgia, giving them an account oT his expenses from March 1, 1736, to March 1, 1737, which deducting extraordinary expenses for repairing the par- sonage house, journies to Frederica, &c. amounted for himself and Mr Delamotte, to forty-four pounds, four shillings and four pence. At it (*) So they called the Priest. w* ?il''*'. |,,k; 1 U.' Yj. '...'>;•>> ■ TW"*' f.;*! 52 the same time he accepted of the fifty pounds a year, sent by the so- ciety for his maintainence, which, however, was in a manner forced upon him, as he had foimed a resolution not to accept of it, sayincr his fellowship was sufficient for him. (*]bh ^^^ ^ particular account of the trials, perplexities and persecutions Mr. Wesley sutfered, passed through and endured in America, the reader is referred to Moore's life of Wes- ley, vol. I. Sometime in November, 1737, he determined to return- to England. About the first of December, he left Savannah, in com- pany with three other persons. Mr. Wesley and his three companions sufTered great hardships in travelling from Purrysburg to Port Royal. Not bein;'- able to procure a guide, they set out an hour before sunrise without one. The con- sequence was, they lost their way, and wandered in the woods till evening, without any food but part of a ginger-bread cake divided a- mong them, and without a drop of water. At night two of the com- pany dug with their hands about three feet deep, and found water, with which they were refreshed. They lay down together on the ground, (in December,) " And I at least," says Mr. Wesley, " slept till near six in the morning " They rose, took the rest of the ginger- bread cake, and wandered on till between one and two o'clock, before they came to any house, or obtained any further refreshment. De- cember 6, after many difficulties and delays they came to Port Royal, and the next day walked to Beaufort, on the opposite side of the Is- land. Here Mr. Jones, the minister of the place, invited Mr. Wes- ley to his house, and gave him, as he acknowledges, a lively idea of the old English hospitality. Mr. Wesley adds, in his private Jour- nal, " Yet observing the elegance, and more than neatness of every thing about him, I could not but sigh to myself, and say, Heu deli- catum discipulum duri Magistri !'''* {1[) Perhaps, this remark was more in the Mystic than in the Christian style ; and, to adopt the language which Mr. Wesley sometimes used, was severely reproved for it, shortly after, being almost refused the necessaiies of life. (*) He thought diflferentiy nfterward. He did not think that either Mr. Fletch- er or Mr. Perronet, did well in not chiimina; their dues, as it tended to injure their successors. This also I know from himself. (t) Alas, fur the delicato discipline of a Matter that endured all harduess ! J ~ ' 53 Mr. Wesley proceeds : " Early on Tuesday, December 13, W« came to Charleston, where I expecteil trials of a quite ditferent nature «nd more dangerous : contempt and hunger being easy to be borne ; but who can bear respect and fulness of bread?" (*) On the 16th, h« |Jjl*i ;«< '..I parted from his faithful friend, Mr. Delamotte, from whom he had (•) Thoee who have/at7A, and who abide therein. " E 2 '1 ;4 h been but a few days separate since their departure from England. On the 22d, he took his leave of America, after having preached the Gos- pel, as he observes, in Savannah, '* not as he ought, but as he wast able, for one year and nearly nine months." Such a burninjr and shining light was not to be hidden in the then uncultivated wilds of Georgia. He who had sold all for God and his truth, and who was fitted to defend that truth against all the deceiva- 'f, J blcness of the carnal mind, with all its additional weapons of vain phi- losophy, or worlilly prudence, was called to act in a very different sphere. And though permitted by the only wise God our Saviour, to be *^ sifted as loheafy'''' and tried in the furnace of adversity, he wat preserved and brought forth as gold, which - " Returns more pure, and brings forth all its weight." Divine Providence was about to lead him into a field of action, in which every gift that God had given him was tried to the uttermost, and " was found unto praise^ and honors and glori/.''^ Mr. Wesley says, *' In 1727, my brother and I reading the Bible, saw inward and outward holiness therein, followed uftti it, and invit- ed others so to do. In 1737, we saw that this holiness comes by faith, and that men are justified before they are sanctified. But still holi- ness was our point, inward rmd outward holiness. In the beginning of the following May, 1738, Mr. Whitefirtld ar- rived at Savannah, where he found some serious persons, the fruits of Mr. Wesley's ministry, glad to receive him. He had now an op- portunity of inquiring upon the spot, into the circumstances of the late disputes, and bears testimony to the ill usage Mr. Wesley bad receiv- ed. When he was at Charkston, Mr. Garden acquainted hinri with the ill treatment Mr. Wesley had met with, and assured him, that, were the same arbitrary proceedings to commence against him, he m ^^^ I M f- ♦, n. •ii! ,:■■(;'., ..>*^^/ Ji-,^ ! ^'J i-M 54 would defend him with life and fortune. (*) These testimonies, of persons so respcrtable, and capable of knowing all the circumstances of the afia'.r, with candid persons, must do away all suspicions, witk regard to the integrity of Mr. Wesley's conduct. CHAPTER IV. ^ The return of Messrs. Wesley to England and obtaining the trxte Christ an faith. >-' During Mr. Wesley's voyage to England, he entered into a close and severe examination of himself, and recorded the result with the greatest openness. January 8, 1738, in the fulness of his heart he writes thus : "By the most mfallible of proofs, inward feelings, I am convinced (I) of unbelief, haviigno such faith in Christ as will prevent ray heart froiB Jbeing troubled. (2) Of pride, throughout my life past, inasmuch a'j I thought, I had, what I find I have nut. (3) Of gross irrecon- ciliation, inasmuch as in a storm, I cry to God every moment in t calm not. (4) Of levity and luxury of spirit ; appearing by my speaking words not tending to edify ; but by my manner of speak- ing of my enemies. Lord, save or I perish. Save me. (1) Bj such faith as implies peace in life and death. (2) By such humility, as may fill my heart from this hour, forever with a piercing uninterrupt- ed sense, Nihil est quod factinus feci. That hitherto I have done jDothing. (3) By such a rprnWpct'inn as may finable me to cry unto thee every niuineiit. (4 By ) steadiness, seriousness, sobriety of spirit, avoiding as fire every word that tendf th not to edify, and never speaking of any who oppose me, or sin against God, without all mj own sins sit in array before my face. January 13. — They had a thorough storm. On the 24th, being about 160 leagues from the Land'send, he observes his mind was Ml of thought, and he wrote as follows : " I went to America to con- vert the Indians ; but oh ! who shall convert me } Who is he thai will deliver me from this evil heart of unbelief? I have a lair sura* mer rehgion ; I can talk well, nay, and believe myself while no dan- ger is near : But let death look me in the face, and my spirit is trou- bled, Nor can I say, * To die is gain .'' -,:^ (•) Koberts' Narrative of tbo Ufa of Mr. George Whitefield, p. M. ' i'/,.^!>ti^ li'-i' . t y-.t . '. 1 .«C -J.- fifr ■■ «, ■ JV,* a^-j'"'. ,.A,.^*i ■. .. t' ^ ■;. I'- I . ' ** I have a sin of fear, that when I've aputt My last thread, I shall perish on the shore !" " I think verily if the Gospel be true, I am safe — I now belie v« the Gospel is true. * / show my faith by my works, ^ by staking my all upon it. 1 would do so again and again a thousand times, if the choice were still to make. Whoever sees me, sees I would be a Christian. Therefoie ' are my ways not like other men's ways.^^^ Therefore I have been, I am, I am content to be, * a by-word, a pro- verb of reproach.^ But in a storm I think, what if the Gospel be not true ; then thou art of all men most foolish, — O who will deliver mc from tiiis fear of death ! What shall I do .? Where shall I fly from it ?" January 29, 1738. — They once more saw English land : and Fe- bruary 1, Mr. Wesley landed at Deal ; where he was informed Mr. Whitefield had failed the d«y before for Georgia. He read prayers, and explained a portion ot Scripture to a large company at the inn, and, •n the third, arrived safe in London. After waiting on General Oglethrope and the trustees of Georgia, he was invited tc pi ich in several of the churches. He now began to be popular, ap^. , t, in a new character as a missionary, lateljr feturned from preaching the gospel to the Indians in America. The churches where he preached were crowded : this soon produced a complaint, that there was no room for the best in the parish ; and that objection united to the offence whtch was given by his plain heart •earching sermons, produced in each place at least the following re- pulsion : " Sir you must preach here no more." That Mr. Wesley had not the true christian faith, is also manifest, ifrom the following examination which he passed upon himself, pre* fious to his arrival in England. " And :5ow," says he " it is upwards of two years since I left my native country in order to teach the Georgia Indians the nature of Christianity ; but what have I learned myself m the mean time. Why, (what I least of all suspected) that I, who went to America to convert others was never converted myself. I am not mad, thougk I speak thus, but speak the words of truth and soberness ; if haply, lome of those who still dream may awake, and see, that at I an, •• w« they. • ■■■'J. 'i\ : i ,1' y TT -■V.-'.'.A-' s m (I 66 Are they read in philosophy ? so was I. In ancient or modem tonguea ? 80 was 1 also. Are they versed in the science of divinity ? I too, have studied it many years. Can they talk fluently upon spiritual things > The very same lean do. Are they plenteous in alms ? Behold, 1 give all my goods to feed the poor. Do ihey give of their labour, as well as their substance I have labored more abundantly than they all. Are they willing to sufft-r (or their hrfthren ? I have thrown op my friends, reputation; case, country, — I have put my life in my hand wandering into strange lands. I have, given rpy body to be de- voured by the deep, parched up with the heat, consumed by toil and weariness, or whatsoever God shall please to bring upon me. ^ But does all this, (be it more or less it matttrs not) make me ac- ceptable to God ! Does all! ever did or can know, say, give, do or suffer, justify me in his sight ? Yea o"- the constant use of all the means of grace, (which nevertheless is meet, right, and our bounden duty) or that 1 know nothing of myself, that I am as touching outwari moral righteousness, blameess ? Or, (to come closer yet) the hav- ing a rational conviction of all the truths of Christianity ? Does all this give a claim to the holy, heavenly divine character of a chris- tian .'' By no means, if the orcilesoi God are true, if we are still to abide by the law and the testimony, all these things, (though when innobled by faith in Christ they are holy and just and good yet with- out it they are dung and dross. This, then have I learned in the enJj of the earth, that J am fallen short of t!ie glory of God! that mj ■whole heart is " altogether corrupt and abominable, and consequent- ly, my whole life, (seeing it cannot be that an evil tree should Irirgl forth good fruit) that my own work, my own suflfering, my own righteousness, are so far from reconciling me to an offended God,— so farirom making any atonement for the least of those sins, which are more in number than the hairs of my head, that the most specious o them need an atonement themselves, cr they cannot abide his right< ecus judgment : — that having the sentence of death in my heart, anc having nothing in, or of myself to plead, I have no hope, but that o being justified freely through the redemption that is in Jesus. I havj no hope, but, that if I seek, I shall find the Christ and be found d him ;' not having my own righteousness, but that which is througi the faith of Christ : the righteousness which is of God by faith." ,".:> ■ *V."l- ■• ;>J' •i'S.iV: 67 He observes however, " Manv reasons I have to bless Goil, for my having been carried into that strange land, contrary to all my pre- ceeding resolutions. Hereby, I trust he has in some measure humbled |me, and proved me, and shown me what was in my heart. Mr. C. Wesley to whom I now return, bed beeff absent from Eng- land upwards of thirteen months During this time he had passed Ihrough an uncommon series of difficulties. When he arrived in Lon- ]on, his friends received him with enexpressible joy — a report having jeen spread, that the ship in which he came had been seen to sink at gea. One lady he found, when he called upon her, who was reading in account of his death. It appears from Mr. C. Wesley's journal, that most of the trustees lor Georgia, were Dissenters. They have given us an unequivocal }roof, that the dissenters at that time possessed great liberality of sen- liment,or they would not have approved of the nomination of the two VIr. Wesley's — men avowedly of very high church principles, to go md preach the Gospel in Georgia, especially as their father had beca bo public an opposer of the dissenting interest. , . Tlprernhpr 7 — Ono of the trustees called on Mr. C. W^esley ; the latter observes, •' We had much conversation ofG'^orgin, and of my )rothers peisecution among that stiff necked people. He seems a tru- ly pious humble christian, full of zeal for God, and the love of man.'*^ In August, Mr. C. Wesley was requested to carry up the address [from the University of Oxford to His Majesty. Accordingly, on the J6th he waited on the King with the address at Hampton ('ourt, ac- companied with a few friends. They were graciously received, and the Arch Bishop told him he was glad to see him theie. They kiss- id their Majesties hands and were invited to dinner. Mr. Wesley iefl th? dinner and the company, and hastened back to town. The lext dav, he waited on the Prince of Wales, and dined at St. James'. ■(0 we see he was still an honorable man. But he was not satisfied {with his present state. On the 31st of Augnst he consulted Mr. [Law: the sum of whose advice was, " Renounce yourself, and b'" net impatient." This was very good advice in order to wait for faith^ but very bad, if to rest without it. > ^- r^.v' .'V j^--^yi ■ 'I':."'"'''-^"' "* **^'' '-Tmr'»*i !i^ 5S In the beginning of February, 1738, about the tinrae Mr. John Wej. )cy returned from Georgia, Peter Boehler arrived in England. He soon became acquainted with the two brothers, and, on the 20th of this month, prevailed with Mr. Charles Wesley to assist him in learn- ing English. He was now at Oxford, and Boehler soon entered into, some close conversation with him, and with some scholars who wertj serious, and who could converse in Latin. He pressed upon theij the necessity of Gospel faith : He showed them, that many who hail been awakened had fallen asleep again, for want of attaining to it.-j He spoke much of the necessity of prayer and faith, but none of Iheaj weemeJ to understand him. Mr. John Wesley had now also become acquainted with Pet(ri Boehler. On the 7th of February, ("a day," he observes in haj Journal, "much to be remembered,") he met that gentleman andtwJ other teachers of the Moravian Church. He had supposed, thatij strict and self-denying regard to the duties which he owed to God man, would produce iti him the true Christian faith. In this he nl painfully disappointed. He told me, that, together with those frm meet for repentance, he had given himself a fortni;;ht to root out ofliJ heart each of the spiritunl evils whirh he discovered therein, — pridJ anger, self-will, &c. ; but found, at the end of the prescribed time,tliji| bis enemy still retained possession, and seemed even to increase isl strength. He well noted this in his sermon, before the Universityl on Salvation by faitJi. " Can you empty the great deep, dropiJ drop?" &c. No: our present salvation depends much more on wkl we receive, than on what we do. He now began to feel somethingc] this poverty of spirit. ^ He now went to see his brother Samuel and some other friends, aDJl afterwards took a longer journey. He returned to Oxford. Herekl again conversed largely with Peter Boelder, and by ** him," saidie, "in the hand of the Great God, I was clearly convinced of the w cf that faith, whereby alone we are saved." Mr. Wesley had observed at sea, and in America, that many o(| the Moravian brethern enjoyed a peace and a comfort in their mindj to which he was a stranger. He was now therefore prepared to hear what those messengers of God bad to say on the nature of faith, i * *^.*- ■liL- ■.i:-3a-j.i.S>> -.*;.;' *i'.' if^:''n deep, dropb'j , 59 [on the way of ontainin^ it. But though he wa« a sincere enquirer ijter faith, and therefore said both to God and man, *♦ What 1 know Dot teach thou me," yet in point of such importance he would say, > " Not to man, but God submit. " ind therefore he made continual ohjectirxis, which caused his friend to ^eply more than once, *' Mi /rater, Mi /rater, excoquinda est ista tria tWosiphia.'*'' My brother, My brother, that philosophy of yours lUst be purged away. The reproach which he Jortnally endured at )xford, now again revived, and even as he walked through the iquares at the colleges, he was mocked and laughed at. Upon one »f those occasions, as Mr. Wesley infornied me, the stranger perceiving that Mr. Wesley was troubled at it, chiefly for his sako ^aid with a smile, ' Mi /rater, non adhceceret vestibus,^ My brother, ;does not even stick to our clothes, ^' Immediately h^ felt an inclination to teave off preaching. " How,** thought he, •* can I preach to others, who have not faiih myself .^" — . He asked his friend, whether he should leave it off or not. ** By no leans," said he, " preach faith till you have it ; and then because fo\Ji have it, you will preach faith." But a difficulty still remained : How is this faith given ? He had low no objection to what his friend said of the nature of Christian faith ; [that it is to use the words of the Church of England, a sure trmt and hcon/idence which a man halhin God, that, through the merits o/ Christ, Ikis sins are /orgicen, and he is reconciled to the/avor o/ God. " Nei- ther," said he, '* could I deny either the happiness or holiness which he described, as fruits of this hving faith. Those passages cf Scrip- [ture, ' The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that ice art [the children 0/ God : And * He that believeth hath the witness in [himself,^ fully convinced me of th^ former: As ' Whatsoever is bom \o/ God doth not commit sin ;* and * Whatsoever beiieveth is bom of God,^ did of the latter. But I could not comprehend what he spokd of an instantaneous work. I could not understand how this faith should be given in a moment : how a man could at once be thus turned from darkness to light,— from sin and misery to righteousness and joy ia jLhe Holy Ghost. 1 searched the Scriptures again, touctiing this Ter^ j.^ !;-■■• 'I* ,■■' < :»4 I! 60 / -IP M' thing, particularly the Acts of the Apostles; but, to my utter astonish- ment, foun 1 scaice any instances tliere of other than inslantaneom conversions; scarce any other so slow as that of St. Paul, who was three days in the puig< of the new birth. I had but one retreat U-ft, viz. ' Thus, I graiif, God wrought in ihefint ages of Christianity; but the tinries are ch:Higed. What reason have I to believe he works in the same m inner now P " ** But," I'r )cee>ls he, " I was beat out of this retreat too, by the concurring evi lence of several living witnesses ; who testified God had thus wrought in themselves ; giving -them, in a moment, such a faith in the bloo 1 of his Son, as translated them out of darkness into light, out of sin and fear into holmess and ha|)piness. Here en- 1 ded my disputing. I could now only cry out, • Lord help thou wiy unbelief P . He proceeds, " I asked P. Bnehler again. Whether I ought not to refrain from teaching others .? He said, * No ; do not hide in the jearth the talent God has given you.* Accordingly I spoke clearly and fully at Blendon to Mr- Delamotte's family, of the nature and fruits of Christian faith. Mr. Broughton and my brother were there. Mr. Bronghton's great odjection was, * He could never think thai i had not faith, who had done and suffered such things.' My bro« ther was very angry, and told me, * I did not know what mischief I had done by talking thus.' And indeed it did please God then to kindle a fire which I trust shall never be extinguished." He now declared every where *^ the Jaith as it is in Jesus '^^ '*• a strange doctrine," says he, " which some, who did not care to contradict it, (for indeed how could they without both denying the Bible and the Church of England ?) yet knew not what to make of it. But some who were thoroughly bruised by sin, willingly heard and received it gladly." March 27, 1738 — About this time he began to pray extempore On a certain occasion ; he says, " We prayed first in several form* ** prayer, and lljen in such words as were given us in that hourn Mr. Wesley again observes, that on- Saturday, April 1, being at Mr. Foxe's society, he found his heart so full, that he could not tonfine himself to the firms of prayer they were accustomed to use -V *' . ,-i-- .**' 61 there. *' Neither," says he, " do I purpose to be confined to them any more ; but to pray indifferently, with a form or without, as i may find suitable to particular occasions." When God gives the spi- rit of prayer deliverance is near. Mr. Wesley and Mr. Broughton having returned to London, Mr. x, C. Wesley began to read Haliburton's life. It produced in him great j!' humiliation, self-abasement, and a sense of his want of ihat faith '\\ which hnngs " righteousness f peace and joy in the Holy frAo*/.-' | But tliese elTects soon passed away as a morning cloud. A degree consider Boehler'^s doctrine, and to examine himself whether he was in the faith ; and if not, never to rest till he had attained it. Still, however, there was a secret wi&h within his heart, that this new doc- trine, as he then thought it, might not be true ; and hence arose a joy when he imagined he had found an argument against it. This argu- ment was from his own experience, and he deemed it unanswerable. Having received benefit by bleeding, he attended the sacrament on the first of May, and felt a degree of peace in receiving it. " Now," said he to himself, " I have demonstration against the Moravian doc- trine, viz. that a man cannot have peace without assurance of Ins pardon. I now have peace, yet cannot say of a surety that my sins are forgiven." His triumph was very short : His peace immediately left him, and he sunk into greater doubts and distress than before. He now began to be convinced, that he had not that faith which puts the true believer in possession of the benefits and privileges of the Gos- pel. For some days following, he had a faint desire to attain it, and prayed for it. He then began to speak of the necessity of this faith to his friends ; and he determined not to rest till he had the happy exp^:- rience of it in himself. .' .4.^': May 17.— rMr. C. Wesley first saw " Luther on the Galatiarw/' which Mr. Holland had accidently met with. The/ immediately be- gan to read to him : " And my friend," adds Mr. 0. Wesley, " was l ' li ^ r \^i i!'. 'V ' 'I It * i _ '%:: ]^y^ 6a go aflfected in hearing him read, that he breathed sighs and groans un. uttcrable. I also marvelled that we were so soojit and entirely removed froftn him that called us into the grace of Christy unto another Gos- pel. Who would believe, that our Church had been founded on this important article of justification by faith alone ? (*) I am astonished I should ever think this a new doctrine ; especially while our Articles and Homilies stand unrepealed, and the key of knowledge is not yet taken away. From this time I endeavoured to ground as many ol our friends as came to see me, in this fundamental truth, — Sahvttion by faith alone— not an idle and dead faith, but a faith which works by love, and is incessantly productive of all good works, and all ho)i- neas." Mr. C. Wesley's knowledge of himself, and conscious want of peace with God, on a foundation that cannot be shaken, furnished him with a key which opened the truft meaning of the Scriptures. He saw the gospel contained ample provision for all his wants, and that its operation on the mind is also admirably adapted to the human faculties. He now lost the pride of literature, and sought the King- dom of heaven as a little child : He counted all things as dung and dross in comparison of it ; and all his thoughts, his desires, his hopes, his fears, had some relation to it. He was now brought to the birth. On Witsunday 21st, he waked in hope and expectation of soon at- taining the object of his wishes, — the knowledge of God reconciled in Christ Jesus. At nine o'clock his brother and some friends came to him, and sung a hymn suited to the day. When they left him, he betook himself to prayer. Soon afterward a person came and said, in a very solemn manner, ** Believe in the name of Jesus of jjiazareth, and thou shalt be healed of all thine infirmities." The "words went through his heart, and animated him with confidence. He looked into the Scripture, and read, " NoWj Lordj what is mv hope ? truly my hope is even with fAce." He then cast his eyes on ike»e words, " he hath put a new song into my mouth, even a thavJa- giemg unto our God ; many shall see it and fear, and put their (*) Mr. C. Ifesley did not then see the nature of Antinominaism in that worV, A* infernal shaaow that Las ever followed the true fi^ith. Of this, Luth«r was not himself coiMcioufl whea he wrote that book. 6ft ttvitin the Lord.'*'* Afterwards he opened upon Isaiah xi. 1, ** com- fort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God, speak ye comforta- bly to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplish- ed, that her iniquity is pardoned, far she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her »tns." In reading these passages of Scrip- ture, he was enabled to view Christ as ♦' set forth in propitiation for his sins, through faith in his blood,"*"* and received to his un- speakable comfort, that peace and rest in God, which he had so ear- nestly sought. The two brothers were now led to pray according to their wants,* and the exercises of their own minds ; but they were greatly censured by some persons, particularly by their brother Samuel, when they began this practice. That a form of prayer may be useful, and also proper on some occasions, especially in public worship, we readily grant. But to say, that wc shall not ask a favor of God, nor return liim thanks , or that we shall hold no intercourse with him in our pub- lic assemblies, but in a set of words dictated to us by others, is an assumption which is not warranted either by Scripture or reason, and it is ill adapted to edification or comfort. An old friend soon after called on Mr. Charles Wesley, under great apprehensions that he was running mad. His fears were not a little increased, when he heard him speak of some instances of the powei* and ffoodness of God. His friend told him that he exoected to see rays of light round his head ! and said a good deal more in the same strain. Finding, by Mr. C. Wesley's conversation, that he was pas? recovery, he begged him to fly from London, and took his leave in despair of doing him any good. May 23. — He wrote a hymn on his own conversion. Upon show- ing it to Mr. Bray, a thought was suggested to his mmd, that he had done wrong, and displeased God. His heart immediately sunk wifth- in Him ; but the shock lasted only for a moment. " I clearly discern- ed," says he, " it was a device of the enemy to keep glory from God. It is most usual with him to preach humility, when speaking would en- danger his kingdom and do honor to Christ. Least of all, would he have us tell what God has done for our souls, so tenderly does he guard us against pride ! But God has showed me that he can defend 4 ■ii >r- ■fe in 64 me from it, while speaking for him. In his name, therefore, and through his strength, will I perform my vows unto the Lord, of ' not hiding his righteousness within my heart. ^ " Mr. John Wesley, although not yet a partaker of it, continued to declare " the faith as it is in Jesus f^^ which those that were convin- ced of sin gladly received, A day or two following, he was much confirmed in the truth, by hearing the experience of Mr. Hutchins, of J'embroke College, and Mrs. Fox : " Two living witnesses," sayjj he, •' that God can, at least, if he does not always give that faith •whereof cometh salvation, in a moment, as lightening falling from heaven." , May, 1 . — They began to form themselves into a religious Socie- ty which met in Fetter Lane ; this has been called the first Methodist Society in London. Mr. Wesley distii)guished the origin of Metho- dism in three distinct periods: " The first rise of Methodism," says he, •' was in November 1729, wlien four of us met together at Ox- tord. The second was in Savannah, in April 173C. The last in i^oadon on this day, when forty or fifty of us agree to meet together every Wednesday evening, in order to have free conversation, bcgnn and ended with singing and praycr."(*) Although he united with the Moravians thus, he still continued a member, and minister of the Church, [of England.] This meeting was merely a religious society, and so agreed perfectly with Me- thodism. "• The Society being thus formed, they agreed ii> obedience to t|^e word of God given by St. James, v, 16. 1. — And that they would meet once a week to confess their faults one to another, and pray one for another, that they might be healed. 2. — ^That the persons so meeting, be devided into several bands or little companies, none of them consisting of fewer than five, or more than ten persons. " ' 3. — ^That every one in order should speak freely, plainly, and con- cisely as he could, the real state of his heart, with his several tempta- tions and deliverances since the last meeting. (•) W3«ley»» Eccl. Hwt. Vol. iv. p. 176. y/ ^ mm. 65 4. — That all the bands should hare a conlerenoe at eight every Wednesday evening, begun and ended with singing and prayer. 6.— That any who desired to be admitted into this Society, should be asked what are your reasons for desiring this : will you be en- tirely open, using no kind ot reserve ? Hc«ve you any objections to any of our orders ? (which may then be read.) 6. — That when any new member was proposed, every one pre- sent should speak clearly and freely, whatever objection he might have against him. 7. — That those against whom no reasonable objection appeared, should be in order for their trial, formed into one or more distinct bands, and some person agreed on to assist them. 8.— That after two months' trial if no objection then appear, the;; should be admitted into the Society. 9. — That every fourth Sunday should be observed as a Jay of ^t- neral intercession. 10. — That on the Sunday aevennight following, there ahould b^ a general love-feast from seven till ten in the evening. 11. — That no paiticular member should be allowed to act in any thing contrary to any order of the Society, and that if any person after being thrice admonished, should not conform thereunto, thty should no lont:f?r be esteemed as members. About this time he was invited to preach in some of the Churcljee. But, as before, many (particularly of the chief persons in his congre- gations,) would not endure his plain, heart-searching discourses. He was soon told at each of these also, *' Sir, you must preach here no more." He also was now brought to the birth. ** His 80ul truly tDaited upon Oodf^^ knowing that '■^ from him cometh s 111 ■Hi . I 70 give the twenty-six of the Moravian brethren for companions, vrKo endeavoured to show me a more excellent way. But I understood it not at first : I was too learned and too wise : So that it seemed fool- ishness unto me. And I continued preaching and followmg after and trusting in that righteousness, whereby no flesh can be justified. *' All the time J was at Savannah, I was thus ' beating the mr.' Being ignorant of the rigeteousness of Christ, which, by a living faith .'Q him, bringeth salvation ' to every one that believeth.^ I sought to establish my own righteousness, and so labored in the fire all my days. I was now properly ' under the law ;' I knew that the law of God was spiritual ; I consented to it that it was good ; yea, I delighted in it * after the inner man.'^ Yet was I * carnal, sold under sin.'' Every day was I constrained to cry out, * What I do, I allow not ; for what I would, I do not ; but tohat I hate, that I do. To will, is indeed, present with me : but how to perform that which is good, I find not : For the good which I would ; I do not ; but the evil which I would not, that I do. I find a law, that when I would do good, evil is present with me ; even tk law in my members, waring against the law of my mind, and slill bringing me into captivity to the law of sm."(*) " In this state I was, indeed, fighting continually, but not con- querin.T* Before, I had willingly served sin ; now, it was unwil- lingly, but still I served it. 1 fell and rose, and fell again. Some- times I was overcome and in heaviness ; sometimes I overcame and 'vas in joy : For, as in the former state, I had some foretaste of the terrors of the law, so had I in this of the comforts of the Gospel. During this whole struggle between nature and grace, (which had now continued above ten years,) I had many remarkable returns to prayer, especially when I was in trouble ; 1 had manv sensible comforts, which, indeed, are no other than short anticipations of the life of faith. But I was still ' under the law,'' not • under grace'.'' the state which most who are called Christians are content to live and die in : For I was only striving with, not freed from sin : neither had I * the witness of the Spint with my spirit, and, indeed, could (•) Romans, vij %• ^'£1^^'^.^ . ._»- ,. ^ ir. t.*:! 71 ttot ; for * / Bought it not by faithf but,^ as it were, * by the works of the law.^ * " In my return to England, January, 1738, being in imminent danger of death, and very uneasy on that account; I was strongly convinced, that the cause of that un'^asiness was unbelief, and that the gaining a true living faith was the one thing needful for me. But still I fixed not this faith on its right object : I meant only faith in God, not faith in or through Christ. Agam, I knew not that I was wholly void of this faith, but only thought T had not enough of it. So that, when Peter Boehler, whom God prepared for me as soon as I came to London, affirmed of trne faith in Christ, which is but one, that it had those two fruits inseparably attending it, * Dominion over sin, and comitant peace from a sense of forgiveness,' I was quit« amazed, and looked upon it as a new Gospel. If this was so, it was clear 1 had not faith. But I was not willing to be convinced of this : Therefore, I disputed v ith all my might, and labored to prove, that faith might be where these were not, espicially where the sense of forgiveness was not : For all the Scriptuies relating to this, I had been long since taught to construe away, and to call all Presbyterians who spoke otherwise. Besides, I well saw no one could, in the na- ture of things, have such a sense of forgiveness and not feel it : but I felt it not. If then there was no faith without this, all my preten- sions to faith dropped at once. " When I met Peter Boehler again, he consented to put the dis- pute upon the issue which I desired,* viz : Scripture and experience. I first consulted the Scripture. But when I set aside the glossess of men, and simply considered the words of God, comparing them to- gether, endeavouring to illustrate the obscure by the plainer passages, I found they all made against me, and was forced to retreat to my last hold, " that experience would never agree with the literal interpreta- tion of those Scriptures; nor could I therefore, allow it to be true, till I found some living witnesses of it." He replied, *■ He could show me such at any time; if I desired it, the next day." And, according- Jy, the next day he came again with three others, all of whom testifi- ed of their own personal experience, that a true liviag faith in Christ ^8 inseparable from a sense of pardon for all past, and freedom from all i li i. n \3 present sins. They added with ooe mouth, that this faith was the gift, the free gift of God, and that he would surely bestow it upon every soul, who earnestly and perseveringly sought it. I was now thoroughly convinced; and, hy the grace of Cod, I resolved to seek it unto the end. (1-) By absolutely renouncing all dependence, in whole or in part, upon my own works or righteousness, on which 1 had really grounded my hope of salvation, though I knew it not, froin ! my youth up. (2.) By adding to the constant use of all the oihei means of grace, continual prayer for this very thing, justifying, savini; faith, a full reliance; on the blood of Christ shed for me; a trust in him ' as my Christ, as my sole justification, sanctitication, and redemption " I continued thus to seek it, (though with strange indifferena » uUness, and coolness, and unusually frequent relapses into sin,) tiii Wednesday, May 24. I think it was about five this morning, that I opened my Testament on those words, ' There are given unto us ex- ceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be parta- kers of the divine nature."* 2 Pet. i. 4. Just as I went out, I open- ed it again on these words, *Thou art not far from the kingdom o\ God.^ In- the afternoon, 1 was asked to go to St. Paurs. Tii« Anthem was, *0m/ of the deep have I called unto theCy O Lord] Lordy hear my voice. O let thine ears consider well the voice ofm^ complaint. If thou. Lord, wilt he extreme to mark what is dm amiss, O Lord, who may abide it? But there is mercy with the(, therefore thou shall be feared. O Israel, trust in the Lord; for tcilh the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous'redemption : And He shall redeem Israel from all his s/ws.' "In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate* street, where one was reading Luther's Preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter befoic nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the hecrt through faith in Christ, I fell my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did turst in Christ, Christ aim for salvation; and an assurance was given me that he had tai(9 away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin ad His soul now magnijied the Lord, and hi" spirit rejoiced in Ooi his Saviour. — Because he was a son, God sent forth the spirit of hi$ might ..A*\,;.,i^j. ..^•.^ ^ /i^^^ j' T8 ■m m .1 ton into his hearty crying ^ Aba Fafher: The Spirit itself hearing toitness with his spirit y that he was a child of God. — The love of God was shed abroad in his hearty by the Holy Ghost given unto Aim. jind he rejoiced in Gody by whom he had now received the ator^e^ nunt. Now that he was a child of GoJ, he brought forth * the fruit of the Spirit ;"* as soon as he was thus enabled to love God, he loved every child of rnin. "Irn nediately" says he, " I began to pray with all my might for tijose who had in a more especial manner despitefully used me and persecuted me ! And in this thankful, loving, happy frame of mind he continued, believing in God, and zealous of good works. — His heart was now enlarged to declare, as he never had before, the loving -kindness of the Lord. "// was his meat and drinky to do hit holy and acceptablt will. — The word of God dwelt richly in ^im,*' and was in his mouth as **a sharp two edged sword''^ to the wicked; but to those who felt the anguish of a '^w&unded spirit y^^ who had *' turned at God's reproof y"*"* he was "an able minister of the New Tes- tament y holding forth the word of /{/"e," that they also might "rejoice in God their Saviour. ^^ But he also experienced what it was to be weak in this faith, a lit- tle child, according to St. John, as well as afterward to ** be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. ^^ He was often in heaviness^ through manifold temptations. Sometimes fear came suddenly upon him; fear, that he had deceived himself, and stopped short of that grace of God for which he had sought. At other times, letters which he recei- Ted from injudicious persons concerning the New-Birth, and the fruits of Christian faith, exceedingly troubled hir.i. Few helped, and many strove (most of them ignorantly) to hinder him : to cause him to cast *'away that confidence which hath great recompence of reward.^* But the Lord, who had "brought him up out of the horrible pi<" of guilt and unbelief, suffered not his tender new-born spirit to faint before him. He often lifted up^his head with joy and girded him with strength. - ■ - \'''i^ Under these various circumstances of mind, he determined to retire for a short time to Germany. " I had fully purposed," says he, "be- fore I left Georgia, so to do, if it should please God to bring oie ,■1 ^li 74 mx bask to Europe. Ami now I clearly rjw ihut ihe tlrue w:»9 come.*' Accordin^rly haviuij lakrn leave of lii< inolhrr, iie < inlr.irkeJ at Graveseiid acc»>iii|)imif(l l»y Mt. Ingiium.uij Thurs lay niuruiug, June 15, and hunted olf Kollcidiun. Onhisjiurney thr.rjnrli Holland and Gerrnrnu , he coMversed xrith many who were hapi'y purlaki-is of the f.iith of the j!;«)H[itl, hy whom lie w;.8 hospilal»ly t'iiltrtaiii»(l. lie first ouverse'd with C(»unt Zin- aendorf, Count de Solmes, :»miv.«ny of wittu ss»'s t.i {\n: p(»\ver of true religion. In their way to IJtnihiilh, lie and his company were stopped at the city of Wyinar, and hroiiuhi Infore rrelenclv, (al'terwanU King of Prussia) then I'riiice Koy^d, as Mr. Wesley was inf)rmetl The Prince among other enqnirits, asked Mm *' What are you going so lar as Hurnhutli for.?'* Mr W\gley answ« r»-d, '* To see where the Christians live*' The Prince then looked hard at them and let them go. • •, . ©n Tuesday, the* first of August, they nrriveu at Ilurnhuth.a •cltlementol the Moravitjus, it Upper Lusatia. The irdiahitants of this place, were at least, in the pei.fral, tru'y picji.** ) » r.^ons, t\lio Ctme from many parts o! Kurope t(» e.^cape th^• pollutifMi of the world, and live wholly to Go I. No immorality was alloxNcd among them, •nd every thing that tended to genuine religion, was introduced and earnestly enforced. In this place, Mr VVesley conversed with seve- ral persimsHhat were deeply experienced in the ways of God. He also heard some of them preach, and was iherehy abundaiitly slenglh* ened in the grace of God. He speaks particularly of the ben^fits he veceived, bv the conversation of Michael Linner, the chief Elder of the church, and Christian David, who was, under God, the first plan* ^-ter of it. •* Gladly," says he^ ** would I have spent my life here, but my ■nster called me to labour in another part of his vineyard. On Mon- ^^lay, August 14, 1738, I was constrained to take my leave of this ^*PPy place.** On his departure, he makes this reflection : " when shall this Christianity cover the earth, as the waters cover the «»»•» After visiting professor Franck, at Halle, (son of the greait |p)feMor Franck) and viewing thenphool of Jena founded b/ Bud* fm daeu.«, J Engli H ^ 9 believ m fig^>t( pjB obtain 'S of Go ^ cr dai B great .WL intr afl X.A'.A IS come.*' ili;irked at iiiii;^, June rerseil \ri{\ ^ by whom 0»»u;it Zin* arii'Ml)ourn, lie reli;;ion. ppetl at tlie Ih Kin<^ of okmI The wliere the ni and let [Iurnhulh,a iluihitants of rsdns, t\!io [■ the world, i()nt bj Bud* *yi 7fi dxus, he arrived at Rotterdam, where he took ship and nailed for England. While Mr. J. We.slpy, was seeking spiritual strength among the believers in Germany, his brother Chiirles was maintaining " the good fight of faith" among tiie formalists and unbelievers at home. He had obtained satisfactory evidence that hp was a pardoned sinner, accepted of God in Christ Jesus, awd quickened by his spirit. He^grew strong- er daily in faith, and more zealous for (^od and the salvation of men, great power accom|»anying his exhortations and prviyers. One even- ing after family prayer he exp uinled the lesson, and one of the ser- vants testified her faith in Christ, and peace with (iod. A short time afterward the Gardener was made a happy partaker of the sam* bl»'ssing. Upon Mr. John Wesley's arrival in London, it was his desire to preach in- a church, rather than any ntner place. But this he seldom could (}o. The same ohstructiops were in the way that had before •hut the doors of so many churches against him. Rather, the offence was now increased: the people flocked to hear him more than ever.— • Present salvation by faith, which he now preached every where witk zeal, though a principal doctrine o( the church of England, was little understood and less approved. But as he had the will, so the provi- dence of God gave him the means of testif\ ing the Gospel. His owft little society was now increased to thirty two persims; and manj other religious cominnniti<^s, in various parts ofthe town, received hioi gladly. Newgate was not yet shut against him. He made excur- sion" into the country, also visited Oxford, and preached to the prison* ers in the castle. Jieing thus, to use St. Paul's words, **instant im season^ and out of sees fm;"*"* embracing every opportunity that offered^ of publicly declaring fiie truth, and of enforcing it also, in every com- pany, and to every individu.il with whom he conveiseil; it could not be, b'jt many reports would he spread concerning him, in every place* The effect, as of old, was *'.so?w« saitly Ih is a ijood man; and othen taid, nay, but fie deceivffh the people: Andlhrt innUitude was divided-^* The points he chiefly insisted on, were fiur: First, Thll orthodoxy, (or right opini ins,) is, at best, but a very slender part of religion, if it can be allowed to be any jtart of it at all: That oeitbor '!■^l 1^ . t ^1' i-' :! I ,A I*; lit .1 M \m doef religion consist of negatives^ in bare harmlessness of an/ kind: nor merely in externals^ doing good, or using the means of grace, in works of piety, ^so called,) or of charity: That it is nothing fchort of, or different from, " the mind that was in Christ,^^ the image of God stamped upon the heart, inward righteousness attended with "the peace of Gorf," and ";oy in the Holy G'Ao»^"— Secondly, That the only w^y under heaven to this religion, is, to *'re/)en/ an(/ be- Keve the Gospel,^^ or (as the Apostle words it,) "repentance toward* God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.'''' — Thirdly, That by this faith, "he that worketh not^ but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is imputed for righteousness:^^ He is "justified freely by his grace, through the redemption which is in Jesus Christ. ^^ — And, Lastly, That " being justified by faith,"*"* we taste of the heaven to which we are going ; we are holy and happy ; we tread doLY, That 1/ and be- ce toward* hat bv thii \lifitth the *^ justified IS Christ.^' aste of the ; we tread st Jesus. ^^ le brought they never arched tht jdged " Iht id, as well sus Christ, ia, he has* leet counsel being con* iwas indeed '■9w- To awaken a drowiy, careless world, sunk in sin and sensutKty, the Lord al this time was pleased to work in an extraordinary manner In several places, while Mr. Wesley was expounding th« Scriptures, many persons trembled and fell down before him Some cried ajood, and others appeared convulsed as in the agonies of death. Many of these were afterwards eminent possessors of the holiness and bappi- ness of religion, and declared, that they had at the time above men- tioned such u deep sense of the dreadful nature of sin, and of the just wages of it, that they were constrained to cry aloud for the disquietude of their heart. In others the change which the Scripti'ie speaks of, as evidencing a true conversion, was not so apparent. While in some, neither godly sorrow for sin, peace or joy in btiieving, nor any real change of heart and life, followed the irnn.essions which were then male upon them. Mr. Wesley at this time maturely comparca these appearances of things with the word of Gcd, and especially with the work of the Spi- rit of God on the souls of men as described in the word. He thereby clearly saw, that every religious pang, much less any enthusiastic con- ceit must not be taken for true conversion. At the same time he per- ceived, from several passages both of the Old and New Testament, that the operations of the Spirit of God have occasionally produced such lively and powerful actings of the passions of fear, sorrow, joy and love, as must necessarily have caused at the time considerable agitations of the body. He also knew that several of the Father? of the church in the three firsii centuries, spoke often of such a work among the people. Nor was he ignorant, that in our own land, since the Reformation, when the violations of the laws of God, the atonement of Christ, and the remission of sins have been preached 'vith *Uhe demonstration of the Spirit and of power " such impressions have been made thereby, in innumerable instances, that even the body seemed to fall before them.(*) (•) The instance of that learned, laborious, and successful minister of the church of England, Mr. Bolton, IS well jcpown. He was awakened by th» preaching of the celebrated Mr. Perkms in the University of Cairibridge i and was affected with such terrors, as caused him to throw himself on the ground, and ro&r with inexpressible anguish ; yea, sometimes he lay pale and senseleit like one that Wut dead* o 2 ll ■1 ^f:;^ Vl ■•■♦i K: m M:^ v,'v:, Vet that it is certain, that throughout the whole of hi« life, he wish-* •d that all thiiijirH should be done, even in the opinion of men, decent^ Ijr and in order. But he had on^*, only desif^n, which was to bring men to that knowledge and love of God, which makes them holy and happy : Useful in their lives, and peacetui in thtir death. He there- fore thankfully acquiesced in every means which the Lonl was pleas- ed to use for the accomplishment of this great end. And when he •aw those fxtraonlinary effecls accompanied by a godly sorrow for sin, tnd earnest desires to be delivered from it ; when hn saw men deeply convinced of the want of a Saviour, and this conviction followed by humble loving faith in the Son of God, enabling them to walk woithy of the Lord who had called them to his kingdom and glory, he therC' in rejoiced : Nor could the imprutient z*»al of a few, or the noise and confusion which sometimes attended this extraordinary work, cause him to rrlax in his elFort^t to turn men **/ro/;i darkness to light, aitd from the pjwer of Satan vnlo God.'^ The reasoning of a writer of that day, by no means prejudiced in his Ihvor, is well worthy of consideration. "What inflm-nce," says he, •* sudden and sharp awakenings may have upon the body, I pre- tend not to ex|)]i)in. But 1 mike no question, Satun, so fur as he gets jpower, \wv: exert himstdf on such occasions, partly to hinder the good f»or!; in t!je persons who are thus touched with the sharp arrows of conviction, and pnrtly to disparage the work of Goerves, *' Being to preach this morning for the first time, ! received strength f*r the work of the ministry. Obser- ring a woman full of Reverence, I asked her if she had foigiveness of sins She answered with great sweetness and humility, * Yes, I know it now, that I have forgiveness.*'* Nothing short of this could now satisfy him as a gui Ic to souls. •• I preached again at London Wall without fear or weariness. Ai I was going into the church, a woman caught hold of my hand and tle»&ed mc most heartily, telling me she had received forgiveneNf f 79 while I was preachinp in the morning. In the evening, they held i ■joeting foi prayer, when two other persons fiunti peace with God." Mr. Spirks a«kei] him ii he would preach at St Hellenes He agreed to «up(ily Mr. Broughlon's place, who was at ( xford, •' arming our IViendi," says Mr C. Wesii'y, ♦♦ ajrainst the faith." He adds— ♦• I preached faith in Christ to a vast congrejration with great boldness, adding much extempore " Mr. C Wesley proposed the doctrines cf the Gospel with clearness, and illustrated them with great strength from the scriptures, in which he wa« mighty. Jnly 12, he preached at Newgate to the condemned fellons. He visited one of them in his cell, sick of a fever — a poor black who had robbed his master. '♦ I told him" says Mr. C Wesley, *• of one %rho came down from Heaven to save lost sinners, and him in particu- lar. I described the sufferings of the Son of God — his sorrow, agony ^nd death. He listened with all the signs of eager astonishment. The tears tricklinnsi>icu()U8 lifrht. The Rev. Mr Crowlhrr in iiis Portfititure oi Metho'Iisin, very justly oljservfs, *' Wlnti w»' survey Mr. Wesley ^:i^ill•^ into public notice, :jn(i luivitiij s>.iii;i«r fr.un sueh a veiierahle st( i:!; of ancestors, both on the si leol his f.ither an I hi'; tn ither, and surrounln,! hy such respectable brotluTs ami sisieiN, we f-'el (»ur niiivis prep.ireii for some- thint; rants of God in that • most excellent way.* The workings of the spirit in Mr. Wesley's mind, led him to view in a correct light, the condition of both the church and the world ; his mind was consequently inspired with an anxious desire for the salvation of men, which may doubtless be imputed as the only in- ducement of his becoming an Itinerant. To this point, he observes in his appf al to men of reason and reli* gioD, " We see, (and who does notj the numberless fullies and mise- ries of our fellow creatures. We see on every side, either men ot no religion at all, or men of a lifeless and formal religion. We are griev- ed at the sight, and should greatly rejoice, if by any means we might convince some, that there is a better religion to be attained — a reli- gion worthy of God that gave it : and this we conceive to be no other than love : the love of God, and all mankind. This religion we long to see established in the world, a ieligion of !ove, and joy, and peace, having its seat in the heart, in the inmost soul, but ever showing itself by its fruits continually springing forth, not only in all innocence, (for love worketh no ill M his neighbor) but lil-^^vise in every kind of beneficence, spreading virtue and happiness to all around." It could not be expected that a minister of Christ, thus impressed, and who had known what it was to pass from the death of sin to the life of rigtheousness, would ultimately bury himself in the recess of a col- lege, or be satisfied with the mere rounds of parochial duty. Behold- ing the world lying in vnckedness, and knowing that he possessed by the grace of God, a medicine for its every wound, he could not re- frain from inviting all men to tast^ its healing power. •* Comprehending now with all saints, the height and depth, (he I; !*' things, ac- new and calculated [it persecu* this day ost sacred those ser- , led him 1 and the desire for le only in- n and reli* and mise- men ot no ? are griev* we might ed — a reli- be no other religion of imost sou), I forth, not jhbor) but happiness mpressed, Ito the life of a col- Behold- Bpssed by Id not re- ipth, (be 85 length and breadth of the love of Christ which passeth knowledge," he would be constrained to proclaim that mercy which he felt to the. perishing sons of men. We have seen how richly furnished the mind of those men were, for the work which lay before them. They had the usual advantages of Learning, but this was not their chief qualification. They had proved religion, till it had become their happiness. They were chosen from the world, and possessed a righteousness truly divine. They saw from the Holy Scriptures, that this happiness was purchased for all men, and promised to all who should believe for it. But how should they believe for that of which they did not hear. A necessity was thus laid upon them to preach it to all men, and they awfully felt, that their own perseverance, depended on their declaring it to others. Messrs We'sleys now began to act, in every part of the British Empire. They still cleaved to the church which they truly loved, but, being shut out generally from the pulpets, they had no other al- ternative but to become what has been termed irregular. Their heaits bowed to the aqprobrium. Here then began *• Their race of Glory, and their race of Shame." And here we see the man, who, while he was a pupil of the pious law, could not see how ai.y man could take charge of one hundred souls, had now a heart to declare, that he looked upon the whole world as his parish. He knew, and felt, that He who had quickened tiis dead soul, could of the st.^nes raise up children to himself. They went forth therefore in his name, and God confirmed their word with signs following : Sinners were converted — drunkards were reclaimed, and the penetent, who came in d'spair were sent away in hope, and often with 'peace and joy in believing.' These effects, Mr. Southey further observes were public, and undeniable, and looking forward in exulting faith, Mr. Wesley doubted not, that a general refermatiou would be accomplished. How the Lord would bring this about, he knew not. He did not dare to speculate, or contrive ; it would have been contrary to the faith he had received. His only care was, never to go beyond the plain duty of the day, or depart, in any wise, from the word of him whom he served. All mlior considerations were H ;,{ 86 ■*Wl swallowed up in this. God, he believed, had called him to the work, and he would provide for and accomplish it. I now proceed to detail the particulars ot the call (which Mr. Wes- ley received through Mr. Whitfield) to Bristol, which was followed by such remarkable consequences. It appears that Mr. Wesley him- self complied with this invitation with great reluctance ; and not till he had used every means he could, to know what was the will of the Lord concerning him. His brother Charles, we have seen, was ex- tremely averse to his going there, which seems to have been one cause of his hesitation. Another he himself has often mentioned — He thought much at this tiiuu, vl death : and as his constitution seem- ed to him not likely to support itself long under the great and continual labors he was engaged in, he judged it probable that his course was nearly finished. At this time, those fine lines of his friend Mr. Gam- bold were almost continually in his mind : Ere long, when Sov'reign wisdom wills, My soul an unknown path shall tread. And strangely leave, who strangely fills This frame and waft me to the dead. O what is death? 'Tis life's last shore* Where vanities are vain no more: Where all pursuits their goal obtain. And life is all retouchM again; Where, in their bright results, shall rise. Thoughts, virtues, friendships, griefs, and joys. He did not, therefore, dare to waste a moment, or undertake any employment which he had reason to believe was not agreeable to the •will of God. He was, however, at last prevailed on to go, and for this he had cause to praise the Wise Disposer of all things. Mr. Whitfield had a little before, begun to preach in the fields and highways near Bristol ; the religious societies, raised up on Dr. Hor- neck's plan, which first received him, not being able to provide room for a tenth part of the people that crowded to hear him : he therefore- pressed Mr. Wesley to come and help him. When he arrived, he also began to expound in one of the society-r( 'oms. But being encouraged by considering the example of our Loid, who preached upon a moun- taiDi and having no place that could contain the multitudes that flock* ed together, " I submitted," cays he, " to be yet more vile, and pffl* claimed in the highways, the glad tidings of salvation, speaking from a little eminence in a ground adjoining to the city, to about three thou- sand people. The Scripture on which I spoke was this : [Is it possi- ble any one should be ignorant that it is fulfilled in every true minister of Christ?] '' The Spirit of tJie Lord is upon me J because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor. He hath sent me to heal the broken hearted; to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind ; to set at liberty them that are bruised, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.'''* It appears that his adopting this way of preaching the Gospel to the poor was not of choice. "When," says he, "I was told I must preach no more in this, and this, and another church, so much the more those who could not hear me there, flocked together when I was at any of the societies; where I spoke more or less, though with much inconvenience, to as many as the room I was in would contain. But after a time, finding those rooms could not contain a tenth part of the people that were earnest to hear, I determined to do the same thing in England, which 1 had often done in a warmer climate ; namely, when the house would not contain the congregation, to preach in the open air. This I accordingly did, first in Bristol, where the society rooms were exccpJing small ; and at Kings wood, where we had no room at all ; afterward, in or near London. " And I cannot say, I have ever seen a more awful sight, than when on Rose-Green, or the top of Hanham-Mount, some thousanUi of people were joined together in solemn waiting upon God, while They stood, and under open air adored The God who made both air, earfh, heaven and sky. And whether they were listening to his w..rd, with attention still as night ; or were lifting up their voices, in praise, as the sound of many waters : Many a time have I been constrained to say in my heart, * How dreadful is this place! This also is no other than the houu of God ! This is the gate of heaven P ** Be pleased to observe (1.) That I was forbidden, as by a general consent, to preach in any church, (^though not by any judicial sen- tence, j /or preaching such doctrine.. This was the open avowed 69 cause ; there was at that time no other, either real or pretended, ex- cept that the people crowded so. (2) That I had no desire or design to preach in the open air till after this prohibition. (3.) That when I did, as it was no matter of choice, so neither of premeditation. There was no scheme at all previously formed, which was to be sup- ported thereby ; nor had I any other end in view than this, to save as many souls as I could. (4.) Field-preaching was, therefore a sudden expedient, a thing submitted to^ rather than chosen ; and, therefore, submitted to, because I thought preaching even thus better than not preaching at all: First, in regard to my own soul, because *a dis- pensation of the Gospel being committed to ?ne,' 1 did not dare ' not to preach the Gospel'* Secondly, in regard to the souls of others, whom I every where saw, * seeking death in the error of their life.'* " He. still continued to expound in the society-rooms ; but it was in the open air that the Lord chiefly wrought by his ministry. Many thou- sands now attended the word. In the suburbs of Bristol, at Bath, in Kingswood, on Hanham-Mount and Rose-Green, many who had set all laws, human and divine, at defiance, and were utterly without God in the world, now fell before the Majesty of heaven, and joyfully acknow- ia^ged ihdit " a prophet was sent among them.'*^ Cries and tears on e' 3ry hand frequently drowned his voice, while many exclaimed in the bhterness of their souls, " What shall I do to be saviadV Not a few of these were soon, (and frequently while he was declaring the willing- ness of Christ to receive them,) ^^ filled with peace and joy in believ- ing,^^ and evidenced that the work was really of God, by holy, happy, and unblamable walking before him. Blasphemies were now turned to praise ; and the voice of joy and gladness was found, where wicked- ness and misery reigned before. A few here also, in the first instance, and then a greater number, agreed to meet together to edify and strengthen each other, acdording to the example of the Society in liondon. Some of these were desirous of building a room large enough to contain not only the Society, but such also as might desire to be present with them when the scripture was expounded. And on Saturday, the 12th of May, 1739, the first tone was laid with the voice of praise and thanksgiving;. As this was the first preaching-house that was erected, Mr. Wesley ,*t' BO has been particular In the relation of some circumstances concerning it. «' I had not at first, " says he, " the least apprehension or design of being personally engaged, either in the expense of this work, or in tho direction of it ; having appointed eleven feoffees, on whom, I supposed, these burdens would fall of course. But I quickly found my mistake : First, with regard to the expense ; for the whole undertaking must have stood still, had not I immediately taken upon myself the payment of all the workmen ; so that before I know where I was, I had contracted a debt of more than a hundred and fifty pounds; and this I was to dis- charge how I could, the subscriptions of both Societies not amounting to one quarter of the sum. And as to the direction of the work, 1 pre- sently received letters from my friends in London, Mr. Whitfield in particular, backed with a message by one just come from thence, that neither he nor they would have any thing to do v'ith the building, neither contribute any thing towards it, unless I would instanly dis- charge all feolFees, and do every thing in my own name. Many rea- sons they gave for this ; but one was enough, viz. * That such fooffees would always have it in their power to control me, and if I prea:hed not as they liked, to turn me out of the room I had built.' I accord- ingly yielded to their advice, and calling all the feoffees together, can- celled (no man opposing) the instruments made before, and took the whole management nito my own hands. Money, it is true, I hac not, nor any human prospect or probability of procuring it. But I knew ' the earth is the Lord'^s and the fullness thereof ^'^ and in his name set out, nothing doubting." After eight or nine days absence, in which he came to London Mr. Wesley returned to Bristol, and continued his labors with increas- injr success. Those who have read the accounts of the great revivals of true re- ligion in many parts of Europe, and in our own country in particular, will easily perceive the sameness of those devices of Satan, whereby he perverts the right ways of the Lord. Latimer, as well as Luther, complains of those, who, knowing that we are justified by faith alone, disallow the fruits of faith. It could not be but that the sower of tares would endeavor by means to overturn this blessed work. Mr. Wes- ley was now called to oppose three grand deceptions of the enemy of u 2 90 I • t ■:*■ soulfi : (1.) Antinomianism, the making void the law through faith ! (2.) Unscriptural stillness, the neglect ot the ordinances of the Gospel, particularly, prayer, hearing and reading the scriptures, and the Lord's supper: (3.) Attention to dreams, visions, and men's own imaginations and feelings, without bringing them to the only sure test, the oracles of God. He now labored in many places between London and Bristol. J.i Moorfields, on Kennington-Common, Blackheath, &c., many thou- sands attended his ministry. In everv place God bore witness to his truth: Multitudes were conv'mr,ed, i\\d ** the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ :" and they brought forth fruit meet for repentance ; and not a 4iw found ** re" demption through his bloodf the forgiveness of their sins, ^* Various and strange were the reports concerning him. As Jere- miah, he. could say, " J heard the defaming of many. Report, said they, and we will report it again''^ The most common ruMor was that he was a Jesuit, and had evil designs against the Church, if not against the State. Various were the publications concerning him.— Most of these lived but a few days or weeks, the writers being totally ignorant of the subject they wrote on. Some of them however were not worthy of notice, which he answered with great ability, as wUl appear in the review of his writings. His mother now began to attend his ministry being convinced that he spoke the words of truth and soberness. She had lived^ior some time with her son-in-law Mr. Hall, and by misrepresentations been led to think that her sons John and Charles were in a dangerous error Her son Samuel, who was deeply prejudiced ag?\inst his brother's preaching and conduct, laments with great surprise, in a letter to his mother, written about this time, that " she should countenance the •preading delusion, so far as to be one of Jack's congregation.'* But Mr. Wesley jRolves this difficulty, " Monday, September 3," says he, ** I talked largely with my mother, wIk) told me, that, till a short time since, she had scarce heard such a thing mentioned, as the having forgiveness of sins now, or God's Spirit bearing witness with our spi- rit: Much less did she imagine, that this was the common privilege gf til true believers. * Therefore,' said she, * I never durst ask for it 01 myselt. But two or three weeks ago, while my son Hall was pro- nouncing those wor^s, in delivering the cup to me, The blood of our Lord Jam Chuint^ which was given for thee ; the words struck through my heart, and I knew God for Christ^s sake had forgiven m« all my sins.'* " 1 asked. Whether her Father (Dr. Annesley) had not the same &ith .' She answered, 'He had it himself, and declared, a little before bis death, that, for more than forty years, he had no darkness, no fear, no doubt at all, of his being accepted in the beloved.'* But that nev- ertheless, she did not remember to have heard him preach, no not once, explicitly upon it ; whence she 6Up|)osed he also looked upon it as the peculiar blessing of a few, not as promised to all the people of God." After this she lived with Mr. John Wesley, and joyfully attended hit ministry till God called her to a better world. A serious clergyman, convinced of his uprightness, but yet stagger- ed at a conduct which he thought contrary to the interests of the Es- tablished Church, desired to know in what points he differed from the Church of England ? '* I answered,'* says Mr. Wesley, " to the best of my knowledge, in none : The doctrines we preach are the doctrines of the Church of England : Indeed the fundamental doctrinef of the Church, clearly laid down in her prayers, articles, and homilies. " He asked, in what points then do you ditfer from the other clergy of the Church of England .'' I answered, in none from that part of the clergy who adhere to the doctrines of the Church : but from that part ol the clergy wljo dissent from the Church, (though they own it not,) I differ in the points following : " First y They speak of justification, either as the same thing with •anctification, or as something consequent upon it. I believe justifica- tion to be wholly distinct fiom sanctification, and necessarily antece- dent to it. " Secondly, They speak of our holiness or good works, as the cause of our ju^'tificatioA ; or, that tor the sake of which, on account of which we are justified before God. I believe, neither our holiness, nor good works, are any part of the cause of our justification : but that the death tuf* righteousness of Christ are the whole and sole cause of it ; or, ■1 i' %^ ^'«u ^. •.%'i^ ^.% IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) /. LO !P- IM I.I 2.2 S '^ III nf 1^ mil 10 1.8 1-25 1.4 1.6 ■• 6" ► V] <^ n ^>. ^^4 ■. . % ' ^ Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. M580 (716) 873-4503 V iV "% V ^t;.v "VJ- 03 the power of satan unto God : many of these were rooted in their wickedness, having long gloried in their shame, perhaps for a course of many years, yea, even to hoary hairs. Many had not so much as a notional faith, being Jews, Arians, Deists or Atheists. Nor has God only made his arm bear in these last days in behalf of open publicans and sinners, but many of the Pharisees also, have believed on him : of the righteous that fseemed to need no repentance, having received the sentence of death in themselves, have been made par- takers of an inward vital, religion, even righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. The manner wherein Gad hath wrought this work, is as strange as the work itself. In any particular soul, it has generally, if not always, been wrought in one moment. As the lightning shining from heaven, so was the coming of the Son of man, either to bring peace or a sword, either to wound or to heal, either to convince of sin, or to give remission of sins in his blood. And other circumstances attending, have been equally remote from what human wisdom would have ex- pected. So true is that word " My ways are not as your ivays, nor my thoughts as your thaughts'''^ These extraordinary circumstances, seem to have been designed by God, for the further manifestation of his work, to cause his power to be known and to awaken the attention of a drowsy woild. About the middle of August, Mr Wesley had a conversation with the Bishop of Bristol, on justification by faith alone, a part of which has been preserved. ' • Bishop. Why sir, our faith itself, is a good work, it is a virtuous temper of mind. ' Wesley. My Lord, whatever faith is, our church asserts, we are justified by faith alone ; but how it can be called a good work, I see not, seeing it is the gift of God, and a gift that pre-supposes nothing in us but sin and misery. B. How Sir! then you make God a tyranical being ; if he justifies some without any goodness in them preceding, and does not justify all. If these are not justified on account of some moral goodness in them, why are not those justified too. ■ ;^^ W. Because, my Lord, they resist the spirit. Because they will fi^ '' ■'•kJi 1:^ 1|,!.,,, i! A^ liH'h '^^ 1 ^■ll ^sl r,. !• M^^l ^- -^.A' 4 ral necessities. (2.) This was the rise of the United Society, first in Europe and then in America. Such a society is no other than •* a company of men having the form and seeking the power of godlinesst united in or- der to pray together t to receive the word of exhortation, and to watch ov£r one another in lovcy that they may help each other to work out •their salvation.''^ { , •-<.• .'fH \ , :r : ■hi * yi t ■»: \.\ il'i ^1 'f. ■> •^>->il i.tMra •TT I I \i 100 Borrowing wlthcrut a probability of paying j or taking u]> goojs without a probability of paying for them. (5.) It 13 expected of all who continue in these societies, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation. Secondly, By doing good, by being in every kiad merciful after their power, as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and as far as possible, to all men ; To their bodies, of the ability which God giveth, by giving food to the hungry,, by clothing the naked, by visiting or helping them that are sick or in prison. To their souls, by instructing, reproving or exhorting all we have any intercourse with ; trampling under foot that enthusiastic doctrine, that, " we are not to do good, unless our hearts be free to i7." By doing good, especially to them that are of the household ot' ibith, or groaning so to be ; employing them preferably to otherSj buying one of another, helping each other in business ; and so mucli the more because the world will love its own, and them only. By all possible diligence and frugality, that the gospel be nof blamed. By running with patience the race which is set before them, deny- ing themselves t and taking up their cross daily ; submitting to beav the reproach of Christ, to be as the filth and ofiscouring of the world ; and lookmg that men should say all manner of evil of them falsely for the Lord's sake. (6.) It is expected of all who desire to continue in these societies, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation. :,; Thirdly, by attending upon all the ordinances of God : such are^ The public worship of God : '■ The ministry of the word, either read or expounded : The supper of the Lord : •^fi'^- Family and private prayer : ""^ • Searching the Scriptures, and Fasting or abstinence. •■ . >:• (7.) These are the general rules of our societies : all of which we are taught ot God to observe, even in his written word, which is the only rule, and the sufficient rule both of our faith and practice, A^id .» 1^^, -;.l.'«.'jEA«ii-. < ^i4*!> y.**;.,i-v_.^*.<-^ V- 101 all these we know liis Spirit writes in truly awakened heartsi If there be any among us who observe them not, who habitually break any of them, let if be known unto them who watch over that soul, as they who must give an account. We will admonish him of the error of his ways. We will bear with him for a season. But if then he repent not, he hath no more place among us. We have delivered our own souls. ' ' Mr. Wesley now went on with his labors, and with the same suc- cess. Multitudes, as before, attended his ministry, and many, re- nouncing ungodliness, were brought into the liberty of the Gospel. INfany also were the witnesses, vtho, after patiently suffering the ,af- llictions which the Lord was ploased to lay upon them, resigned their souls into the hands of God, with triumphant praise and joy. For a considerable time Mr. Whitefield continued to labor in union with him ; and sometimes they appeared in the pulpit together. Mr. Whitefield, on his second visit to America, was well received by many pious ministers in" the northeirn states. Almost all these were of Mr' Calvin's sentiments, and asserted absolute Predestination. Mr. Whitefield, being edified by their piety, began in a little time to relish their creed. They strongly recommended to him the writings of the Puritan divines, which he from that time read with much plea- sure, approving all he found therein, as he informs Mr. Wesley in a letter which he wrote to him on the subject. The consequence was, that on his return to England, he could not join his old friend in the work of the ministry, with the same cordiality as before. As Mr. Wesley fully believed, and firmly asserted, that " God is not willing that any should perish y hut that all should come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved^^^ he had now another error to oppose The Calvinistic sentiments had been long held by a great part of tht dissenting congregations, but did not appear for some time among those who were converted in the present revival of religion. This however was not of long continuance. ** One evening," says Mr. Wesley, "Mr. Acourt complained, that Mr. Nowers had hindered his going into the Society. Mr. lowers answered, it was by Mr. C. Wesley's order. * What,' says ]Mr. A— — , * do you refuse admitting a person into your Society, enly 1 2 t:-' '■J '■if loe Wause be (liflers from you in opinion?'* — I answered, No. Bui (vM opinion do you mean ?— He said, * That of election. I hold u certain nvimibfU' is elected i)rpm ejt^rijiity. And theae must and shall be save^. And the rest of mankind must and shall be damned. And tna«>y ot your Society hold the same.' — 1 replied, I never asked whether they held it or no. Only let them not trouble others by dis- puting about it — He said, ** Nay, but I will dispute about it." — What, wherever you come ? — * Yes, wherever I come.' — Why thou woul^ you come among us, who you know are of another mind i^ — ' Because you are all wrong, and I am resolved to set you all ri|Tht.' — t (car your coming with this view, would neither profit you nor us — He concluded, * Then I will go and tell the world, that you and your brother are false phrophets. And I tell you, in one fortnight you will all be in confusion.' " Soon after this, the copy of a letter written by Mr. Whitefiold lu Mr. Wesley, was printed without the permisjaion of either, and great numbers ol copies were given to the people, both at the door of the Foundery and in the house itself. Mr- VVesley having procured one of them, related (after preaching) the naked fact to the congregation, and told them, "I will do just what I believe M:. Whitefield would,, wereht here himself" Upon which he tore it in pieces before them all. Every one who had received it, did the same : so that, in two minutes, there was not a whole copy left. ** Ah, poor Ahithophel !'' added Mr. Wesley, *' Ibi, omnis effusus labor !" — There, all your labor's lost ! Several letters passed between Mr. Wesley and Mr. Whitefield on the calvinistic question. In Mr. Whitefield's last, he says, " 1 thankyou," for your kind answer to my last. Dear sir, who woul'i be troubled with a party spirit .'' May our Lord make all his childrei free from it indeed !" From this time, their mutual regard and friendly intercourse suffer cd no interruption till Mr. Whitefield's death, who says, in his last will, written with his own hand, about six months before he died, "Heave a mourning-ring to my honored and dear friends, and disin- terested fellow laborers, the Rev. Messrs. John and Charles Wesley, m token of my indissoluble union with them, in heart aqd Christian 103 utfcction, uoUvitkstanding our difTerence in judgement about some par- ticular points of doctrine. "(•) — When the news of Mr. White6«ld*6 death reached London, Mr. Keen, one of his executors, recollecting lie had often said to him, " If you should die abroad, whom shall we ;ret to preach your funeral sermon ? Must it be your old friend the Kev. Mr. John Wesley ?" And having constantly received for an- swer, " He is the man," Mr, Keen accordingly waited on Mr. Wes- iey, and engaged him to preach it ; which he did, and bore ample testiiaony to the undissembled piety, the ardent zeal, and the exten- sive usefulness, of his much loved and honored friend, ("f") As the people who placed themselves under his care, di.ily increas- ed, he was involved in a considerable difficulty : either he must con- iine his labors to those whom he could visit constantly, or within a short space of time, or endeavor to procure some other assistance for them. It seems, at first, he had some hopes that the Ministers of the respective jiarishes would watch over those who were lately turn- ed Irom the error af their ways. In this, however, he was disap- pointed, which induced him to try other methods j and, at last, drew iorth that defence of himself, which he makes in the third part of his " Farther Appeal to men of Reason and Religion." *' It pleased God," says Mr. Wesley, " by two or three Minis- ters of the Church of England, to call many sinners to repentance ; who, in several parts, were undeniably turned from a course of sin to a coarse of holiness. *' The Ministers of the places where this was done, ought to have received those Ministers with open arms ; and to have taken those persons who had just begun to serve God, into their particular care j. watching over them in tender love, lest they should fall back into the snare of the devil. *' Instead of this, the greater part spoke of those Ministers, as if the devil, not God had sent them. Some repelled them from the Lord's table ; others stirred up the people against them, representing them, even in their public discourses, as fellows not fit to live ; Pa- pists, fiereticsj traitors ; conspirators against their King and cpuntty. (•) See Robert's Life of Whitefteld, page 156. - '-# (t) Ibid, page 230. Mr. Whitefield died in September, 1770. , ■v It 'i '<^i '/ 4', :thL >.,. lOi " And how did they watch over tlie sinners lately reformed ? Even as a leopard watcheth over his pre3% Tlwiy drove some of them from the Lord's Table ; to which, till now, they had no desire to ap- proach. They preached all manner of evil concerning them, openly cursing them in the name of the Lord. They turned many out of their work, persuaded others to do so too, and harassed them in all manner of ways. " The event was, that some were wearied out, and so turned back to their vomit again : and then these good pastors gloried over them, and endeavored to shake others by their example. " When the Ministers, by whom God had helped them before, came again to those places, great part of their work was to begin again, if it could be begun again ; but the reln^psers were often so hardened in sin, that no impression could be made upon them. '* What could they do in case of so extreme necessity, where 50 many souls lay at stake ? *' No clergyman would assist at all. The expedient that remained was, to find some one among themselves, who was upright of heart, and of sound judgement in the things of God ; and to desire him to meet the rest as often as he cnuld, in order to comfirm them, as he was able, in the ways of God, either by reading to them, or by prayer^ or by exhortation " With this view, Mr. Wesley had formerly appointed Mr. Cennick to reside at Kingswood. But the want of an assistant of this kind was particularly felt in London. The Society in that city had recent- ly and deeply experienced the mischievous effects of that instruction, which is not according to the oracles of God : And, therefore, when he was about to leave London for a season, he appointed one whom lie judged to be p.trong in the faith, and of an exemplary conversation, to meet the Society at the usual times, to pray with them, and give them such advice as might be needful. This was Mr. Maxfield, one ot the first-fruits of his ministry at Biistol. This young man being fervent in spirit, and mighty in the Scriptnres, greatly profited the people. They crowded to hear him ; and, by the increase of their number, as well as by their earnest and deep attention, they insensi- Wy led him to go further than he had at first designed. He began to ■>/»^jifl 105 preach, and the Lord so blessed the word, that many were not only deeply awakened and brought to repentance, but were also made happy in a consciousness of pardon. The Scripture marks of true conversion. — inward peace, and power to walk in all holiness, — evliiced the work to be of God. Some, however, were offended at this inegularUy, as it was term- ed. A complaint was made in form to Mr. Wesley, and he hastened to London in order to put a stop to it. His mother then lived in his house, adjoning to the Foundery. When he arrived, she perceived that his countenance was expressive of dissatisfaction, and inquired tho cause. " Thomas Maxfield," said he abruptly, ** has turned Preach- er I find." She looked attentively at him, and replied, *' John, you know what my sentiments have been. You cannot suspect me of fa- voring readily any thing of this kind. But take care what you Ho with respect to that young man, for he is as surely called of God to preach, as you are. Examine what have been the fruits of his preach- ing, and hear him also yourself." He did so. His prejudices bow- ed before the face of truth, and he could only say^ " It is tlie Lord . Let him do what scemcth to him good.''^ In other places also, the same assistance Avas afforded. It appc^ars, indeed, from what he had said at various times, that he ovAy submiite(f with reluctance toit^ His High Church Principles stood in his way. But such effects were produced, that he frequently foun 1 himself iu the predicament of Peter ; who, being questioned in a matter some- what similar, could only relate the fact and say " What 'was^ I that I could withstand God.^'' But the Lord was about to show him still greater thinffs than these. An honest man, a mason, of Birstal in Yorkshire, whose name was John Nelson, coming up to London to work at his trade, heard thut word which he found to be the ^^ power of God unto Sahmtion.^"*— jNelson had full business in London and large wages. But, from that time of his finding peace with God, it was continually on his mind that he must retnrn to his native place. He did so, about Christmas in the year 1740. Hit; relations and acquaintance soon began to inquire, '* What he thought of this new faith } And whether he believed there was any such thing;, as a man's knowing that his sins were far-K p hi WE, '; s '•'^f f . l\ i ipoe^ ■given r » John told tliem point blank, " that this new faith, as thej* called it, was the old faith of the Gospel ; and that he himseli was as sure his sins were forgiven, as he could be of the shining of the sun.'' This was soon noised abroad ; and more and more came to inquire con- cerning these strange things- Some put him upon the proof of the ng, and when the time of preachi„rdr! '"""P"'* ""^ "'^«='t- fs the place. I„ ,,;, waySe " M^ T" "*"'"' ^^''"<' t<"^- Jesircd he would g„wiu.C';^ Officer „,et hin., and ^wered that he would first wai onl T T' ^'- ^- ""'^"^y an- -hom he reverenced for the ko","^''' ""'' "'^■' °» "'« Mayor, '-, with threatning, and reWli;!"''Mf'c /^i '?"' "- ™' „,. -'Shan I f„, fearorr^Ue ^n '^^..^'^'^^ ""S"" ""S^'. Th,s enraged Mr. Henry, who ran ,h t • and quickly got some fellow ^1, "'"'"' '='^'"S like a mad man. Mr. Wesley, who asked hy'l^'l'^^' ^hese laid hold on «e,r warrant-let them show L Ir^^T'f?, *" "— "«- was ble of using violence. They sa d tl2 > ! '"' "'°"' *he trou- "Ot preach there, and dragged h ml 'a, "/ """'"'' *"" ^e should Mr- Henry Seward cried!! , < TalT '• """''' "^"'^^ "^ ">« P"pl . liroke out," says Mr. C. VV slev << ""."""y^"'' ^uck him." . 1 t f :v il s»s ^^f m • 3 <^ * It! w^ lift Three or fbur people came to see what was the riiSitter; who span in- creased lo four or five hundred. I suppose, there might be twelve or [i I ^^^" hundred before I had done preaching ; to whom I applied those if t solemn words, * He was wounded far our transgressions ^ He was bruis- ed/or OUT iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, md hy his stripes we are healed.^ "Observing the people, when I had done, to stand gaping and star- ing iipon me, with the most profound astonishment, I told them, * If you tlesire to know who I am, my name is John Wesley. At five in the evening, with God's help, I design to preach here again.' '' At five, the hill on which I designed to preach, was covered from the top to the bottom. I never saw so large a number of people to- gether, either in Moorfields or on Kennington Common. I knew it was not possible for the one half to hear, although my voice was then strong and clear; and I stood so as to have them all in view, as they were ranged on the side of the hill The word of God which I set before them was, * / will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely. ^ After preaching, the poor people were ready to tread me under foot, out of pure love and kindness. It was some time before I could possibh' get out of the press. I then went back another way from which I came : but several were got to our inn before me, by whom I was vehement- ly i;nporlun€d to stay with them, at least a few days; or, however, one day moro. But I could not consent, having given my word to be at Bristol, with God's leave, on Tuesday night." He now also visited Epworth> his native place, where his father bau been Rector of the parish for many years, and borne a faithful testi- mony, though almost all the seed seemed to have been sown as " bij the Mgh'Way side.^^ " It being many years," says he, " since I had been in Epworth before, I went to an inn, in the middle of the town, uot knowing whether there were any left in it now who would not be ashamed of my acquaintance. But an old servant of my father, with two or three poor women, presently found me out. I asked her, do you know any in Epworth who are in earnest to be saved.^ She an- swered, * I am by the grace of God ; and I know / am saved through faith.'* I asked, have you then the peace of God.^ Do you know that wi^m 113 he has forgiven youv sins? She replied, ' I thank God, 1 know it well; and many here can say the same thing.' " Mr. Wesley proceeds, " Sunday, June 6, 1742 — A little before the service began, I went to Mr. Romley, the curate, and offered to assist him either by preaching or reading prayers : but he did not choose to accept of my assistance. The church was exceedingly full m the afternoon, a rumor being spread that 1 was to preach. But the ser- mon, on ' Quench not the Spirit,' was not suitable to the expectation of many of the hearers. Mr. Romley told them, 'One of the most dangerous ways of quenching the spirit was by enthusiasm ;' and en- larged on the character of an enthusiast in a very florid and oratorical manner. After sermon, John Taylor stood in the churchyard, anl gave notice as the people weie coming out, ' Mr. Wesley, not being permitted to preach in the church, designs to preach here at six o'clock.' Accordingly, at six I came, and found such a congregBtion as I believe Ep worth never saw belore. 1 stood near the East end of the church, upon my father's tomb-stone, and cried, * The Kingdom of Heaven is not meat and drink : but righteousness , and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.' " He continues, '' Friday Uth.—l preached again at Epworth, on Ezekiel's vision of the resurrection of the^ dry bones. And great indeed was the shaking among them : Lamentation and great moorning were heard ; God bowed their hearts, so that on every side, as with one accord, they lifted up their voices and wept aloud. Surely he who sent his spirit to breathe upon them, will hear their cry and help them. " Saturday; I2th. — I preached on the righteousness of the law, and the righteousness of faith. While I was speaking, several dropped down as dead ; and among the rest such a cry was heard, of sinners groaning for 'the righteousness of faith,' diS almost drowned my voiced But many of these soon lifted up their heads with joy and broke out into thanksgiving; being assured, tliey now had the desire of their soul, the forgiveness of their sins. , , "I observed a gentleman there, who was remarkable for not pre- tending to be of any religion at all. I was informed he had not been at public worship of any kind for upwards of thirty years. Seeing him stand as motionless as a statue, I asked him abruptly, 'Sir, are you ol K 3 ^ ■ I I ;fii w f1^ -1^.: *'l< if- *'■;. ••( >^# 114 »j ,: I I i-". 1 Bji i ; f!| k m 'f^^^B 1^ Ij' ''^^^^^B |;|1 'Hi 1* ^ft 11 1 liiunei?'^ He replied with a deep and broken voice, 'Sinner cnougli ■»n(i continued staring upwards, till his wife, and n servant or two, who w«?rc all in tears, put him into a chaise, and carried him home. ^^ Sunday I3th. — At six, I preached for the last time in Epwortli church-yard, (being to leave the town the next morning,) to a vast multitude gathered together from all parts, on the beginning of our Lord's sermon on the Mount. I continued among them for near three hours: and yet we scarce knew how to part. O let none think his lii- borof love is lost, because the fruit does not immediately appear! Near forty years did my father labor here: but he saw little Iruit of all his labor. I took some pains among this people too; and my strength also seemed spent in vain. But now the fruit appeared. There were scarce any in the town, on whom either my father or I had taken any pains formerly, but the seed sown so long since, now sprung up, bring- ing forth repentance and remission of sins." On another visit to Epworth, he observes, "Suiiday, January 2d, 1743. — At five, I preached on, ^So is every one who is horn of the Spirit."^ About eight I preached from my father's tomb, on Heb. viii, 11. Many from the neighboring towns, asked, 'If it would not be well, as it was Sacrament Sunday, for taem to receive it?" — I told them, by all means. But it would be more respectable first, to ask Mr. Romley, the curate's leave. One did so in the name of the rest; to whom he said, 'Pray tell Mr. Wesley, I shall not give him the sac- rament, for he is not fit.' "How wise a God is our GodI There could not have been so fit u place, under heaven, where this should befall me first, as my father's house, the place of my nativity, and the very place where, acconlimj to the strictest sect of our religion, I had so long lived a Pharisee! — it was also fit in the highest degree, that he who repelled me from that very table, where I had myself so often distributed the bread of life, should be one who owed his all in this world, to the tender love whicli my father had shown to his, as well as personally to himself. "('*J On a subsequent visit to Newcastle, where his brother Charles had been preaching some weeks before, v^rith great success, a society was formed. The next morning Mr. Wesley began to preach at five *l have documents before rao which abundantly piove this. h ■ife;* . .-.■£ JJMc^^^ y^'.L ■■ /:.-^'JllJfii£>iUL'.t iT^ n.'kf'i i.&^-^i^s(id^tiilit^ 115 oV-lock, a thing unlicai J of in those parts, till he iulroducej the practice; which he did every where, if there was any probability that a few I'ersons could be gnthered to hear him. On the 18th, ha says, "I could not but observe the diOferent manner wherein God is pleased to work in dilFerent places. The grace of God flows here, with a wider stream than it did at, first either at Bristol, or Kingswood. But it does not sink so deep as it did there. Few are thoroughly convinced of sin, and scarce any can witness, that the Lamb of God has taken away their sins- I never saw,"*' says he, '*a work of God in any other ])lace, so evenly and gradually carried on. It continually rises step by step. Not so much seems to be done at any one time, as hath fre- quently been done at Bristol or London; but something at every time. It is the same with particular souls. I saw none in the triumph of faith, which has been so common in other places. But the believers go on calm and steady. Let God do as seemeth him good." Dec. 20lh — Having obtained a piece of ground, forty yards in kngth, to build a house for their meetings and public worship, they laid the first stone oi tlie building. It being computed^ that such a house as was proposed, could not be finished under seven hundred pounds, many were positive it would never be finished, at all. *'I was of another mind," says Mr. Wesley, "nothing doubting, but as it was begun for God's sake, he would provide what was needful for the iinishincT of it." o Mr. Wesley informed me, that he had one pound six shillings when lie undertook to buiid the preaching-house at Newcastle, at that time the largest in England. Soon after he began, he received a letter from a pious Quaker, (who had heard of the work at Newcastle,) in t:ie following terms: — "Friend Wesley, I have had a dream concern- ing thee. I thought I sow thee surrounded with a large flock of sheep, which thou didst not know what to do with- My first thought after I awoke was, that it was thy flock at Newcsstle, and that thou hadst no house of worship for them- I have enclosed a note for one hundred pounds, which may help thee to provide a house." — The building rose by supplies received from, time to time, like Professor Fiancke's at Halle, and Mr. Wesley called it hy the same name,— "The Orphan House." • , , J f/ 'I. 'J' M. n V 'I >ir i j '-; * f!'..! if 'r' ft 116 ^ While Mr. Wesley thus went on in the work of the Lord, Ihe spi^ rious works d man somelimes encountered him. Having received a letter pressing him to go without delay into Leicestershire, he set out. •'The next afternoon," says he, "I stopped a lifMe at Newport-Pagncll, and then rode on till I overlook a serious man, with whom I immedi- ately fell into conversation. He presently gave me to know what his opinions were; therefore I said nothing to contradict them. But thai did not content him; he was quite uneasy to know, 'Wliether I held the doctrine of the decrees as he did.' But I told him over and over, we had better keep to practical things, lest we should be angry at one another. And so we did for two miles, till he caught me unawares, and dragged me into the dispute before I knew where I was. He then grew warmer and warmer; told mc, 1 was rotten at heart: and supposed I was one of John Wesley's followers. 1 told h'm, No, lam John Wesley himself. Upon which he appeared, Iniprovisum aspris veluti qui scntibus anguein Pressit 'As one who had unawares trodden on a snake. ' and would gladly have run away outright. But being the better mounted of the two, J kept close to his side, and endeavored to show him his heart, till wa came into the street of Northampton." As the various societies now began to walk by rule, and to be train ed up in the discipline as well as the doctrines of the Lord, I shall hero give a circumstantial account of the discipline which was gradually in- troduced among them; only observing, that there was no previous de- sign or plan at all, but every thing arose just as the occasion offered, And as this is so delicate and so important a part of Mr. Wesley's Life, and of the History of that revival .of religion, in which he wa--^ ihe chief instrument, I shall give the relation in his own words. With regard to the formation of the Societies, he observes, "It quickly appeared, that their thus uniting together ansTvered the end proposed. In a few months the far greater part of those who had be- gun to *fear God and work righteousness,^ but were not united to- gether, grew faint in their minds, and fell back into what they were before. Meanwhile the far greater part of those who were thus united together continued 'striving to enter in at the straight gate,'' and *t,o fay hold on eternaUife.* 117 rd, ll»e spu" received a he set out. Drt-Pagnell, r» I immedi- )W what his . But thai ether I held sr and over, ugry at one J unawares, [ was. He heart: and n, No, I am pould gladly )f the two, J eart, till wq to be train shall hero •adually in- revious de- on offered, Wesley's ich he was rds. Tves, "It id the end had be- iinited to- Ihey were ms united " and Ho ••But as mucli as we tndeavore*! to watcli over each Mher, we soo*) Ifiiini some who did not live the Gospel I know not, that any hypo» crites wcrfc crept in; for indeed there was notemptatioi]* But several trrew cold, and gave way to the sins which had long easily btidf^t iheni. We quickly perceived, that there were many ill consefjuences of suf- fering thenn to remain among us. It was dangerous to others, inas- much as all sin is of an infectious nature. It brought luch a scandal on their brethren as exposed them to what was not properly, Uhc re- proach of Christ.'* It laid a stumbling-block in the way of others, and caused the truth to be evil-spoken of. **VVe groaned under these inconveniences, long, before a remedy could be found. At length, while we were thinking of quite another thing, we struck upon a method for which we have cause to bless God ever since. I was talking with several of the Society in Bristol, con- cerning the means of paying the debts there; when one stood up and said, 'Let every member of the Society give a penny a week till all Are paid.' Another answered, 'But many of them arc poor, and can-' not afford to do it.* 'Then,' said he, 'put eleven of the poorest with me, and if they can give any thing, well. I will call on them weekly, and if they can give nothing, I will give for them as well as for my- self. And each of you call on eleven of your neighbors weekly; re- ceive what they give, and make up what is wanting.' It was done. In a while some of these informed me, 'they found such and such a one did not live as he ought.' It struck me immediatelv, 'This is the thing, the very thing we have wanted so long.' I called together all the leaders of the classes (so we used to term them and their compa- nios,) and desired, that each would make a particular inquiry into the behavior of those whom he saw weekly: they did so. Many disor- derly walkers were detected. Some turned from the evil of their ways. Some were put away from us. Many saw it with fear and rejoiced unto God with reverence. "As soon as possible the same method was used in London and all other places. Evil men were detected, and reproved. They were borne with for a season. If they forsook their sins, we received them gladly; if they obstinately persisted therein, it was openly declared, that tjiey were not of us. The rest mourned and prayed for them, and yet 'i\ ■''•t i: :''V w 119 -'ij ^x. '*! h'Mt m rejoiced, that, as far as in us lay, the scandal was rolled away fronr the Society. "About this time, I was informed, that several persons in Kings- wood frequently met together at the School, and, (when they could spare the time,) spent the greater part of the night in prayer and praise and thanksgiving. Some advised me to put an end to this ; but, upon weighi'ig the thing thoroughly, and comparing with the prac- tice of the ancient Christians, (*') I could see no cause to forbid it. Kather, I believed, it might be made of more genera use. So I sent them word, I designed to watch with them, on the Friday near- est the full-moon, that we might have light thither and back again* i gave public notice of this the Sunday before, and,wiihal, that I intended to preach ; desiring, they and they only would meet me there, who could do it without prejudice to their business or families. On Friday iibundance of people came. I began preaching betwepn eight and nine ; and we continued till a little beyond the noon of night, singing, praying and praising God- " This we have continued to do once a month ever since, in Biis« tol, London, and Newcastle, as well as King'svrood; and exceeding- great are the blessings we have found therem. It has generally been an extremely solemn season ; when the word of God sunk deep into the hearts, even of those wiio, till then, knew him not. If it be said, ' This was only owing to the novelty of the thing, (the circumstance which still draws such multitudes together at those seasons,) or, per- haps, to the awful sihnce of the night ; I am not careful to answer in this matter. Be it so : However, the impression then made on many souls has never since been ellaced. Now, allowins: that God did make use either of the novelty or any other indiflferrent circumstance, in order to bring sinners to repentence, yet they are brought. And herein let us rejoice together. " Nay, may I not put the case farther yet.'' if I can probably con- jecture, that, either by the novelty of this- ancient custom, or by any other indifferent circumstance, it is in my power to ' save a soul from death, and hide a multitde of sins,"* am I clear before God, if I do it not ? — if I do not snatch that brand out of the burning ? (*) Tlie Vigils, or Eves of particular day?, mentioned in our book of Com- mon Pniyer, were such Watch-niohts. 119 <•' As the Society increased,! found it requlrexl still greater care to sfsparate the precious from the vile. In order to this, I determined at least once in three months, to talk with every member myself, and to inquire at their own mouths, as well as of their Leaders and neigh- bors, whether they grew in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ ? At these seasons, I likewise particularly inquire, wlieih er there be any misunderstanding or diirercnces among them r that every hiuderance of peace and brotherly love may be ta!>:en out of tiie way- " To each of those, of whose seriousness and good conversation 1 found no reason to doubt, I gave a testimony under my own hantl, by writing their name on a ticket prepared for that purpose ; every ticket implying as strong a recommendation of the person to whom it was given, as if I had v;rote at length, * I believe the bearer hereof to be one that fears God and works righteousness.' " Tiiosc who bore these tickets, (these SumhoIa,(*) ov Tcsscro: aii the ancients term them, being of just the same force with the eplsulai msaiikai, Commendatory letters, mentioned by the Apostle;) wher- ever they came, were acknowledged by their brethren, and re- ceived with all cheerfulness. These were likewise of use in other re- spects. By these it was easily distinguished when the society were to meet apart, who were members of it, and who not. These also sup- plied us with a quiet and inoffensive method of removing any disorderly member. He has no new ticket at the quarterly visitation ; (for so often the tickets are changed ;) and hereby it is immediately known, that he is no longer of this commnnity." (•) For wcmt of Greek characters, I have substituted Italics in tlie orthog- l-aphy cf Greek words. 'if- :. 'i M i! .IjT 120 CHAPTER IV. C'enerat progress of Religion with the Persecution that followed. Mr. Wesley having now several helpers after his own heart, the "work of God prospered in many places. Many societies were formed in Somersetshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Leicestershire, Warwick- shire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and in several parts of York- shire. And those in London, Bristol, Kingswood, and Newcastle- (jpon-Tyne, were much increased. But as in the beginning of Christianity, so it was now: This sect icas every where spoken arjainst. But its enemies were not content Svith this. In the year 1740 several rioters, who had long disturbed the meetings in Bristol, were emboldened by impunity. Their num- bers also increased, so as to fill not only the court before the preaching liousc, but a considerable part of the street. The Mayor sent them orders to disperse ; but they set him at defiance. He then despatched several of his officers, who took the ringleaders into custody. The iiejjt day they were brought into court, it being the time of the quarter sessions. There they received a severe reprimand ; and from that time the society in Bristol enjoyed almost uninterrupted peace. In London the rioters were not so easily subdued. They assem- bled at various places and frequently treated Mr. Wesley and many of his serious hearers in a shameful manner- Thay followed them with showers of stones, and once attempted to unroof the Foundery, where the congregation was assembled, and had nearly accomplished their de- sign. The common cry was, " You may treat them as you please, fbr there is no law for them." But Sir John Ganson, the chairman of the Middlesex justices, called on Mr. Wesley and informed him " that he had no need to suffer these riotous mobs to molest him ;" adding, " Sir, I and the other Middlesex magistrates have orders from above to do you justice whenever you apply to us." A short tirpe afler he did apply. Justice was done, though not with rigor; and from that period the society had peace in London It was very confidently sta- ted, in that day, that when the question concerning the persecutions suffered by the societies at this time, came befcffe the coimci!, the king d siJ . ^.^, 121 declared, that <' no man in his doniinions should be persecuted on the account of religion while he sat on the throne." His late majesty also, and indeed all that dynasty, have acted on the same principle* A remarkable circumstance, which Mr. Wesley related to me, may throw considerable light on those " orders from above." One of the original society of Methodists at Oxford, on the departure of its foun- ders from the university, after seeking for others like-minded, at length joined the society of Quakcis and settled atKew. Being a man of con- siderable property, and of exemplary behavior, he was much respected and favored with tree permission to walk in the royul gardens. Here he frequently met the king, who conversed freely with him, and with much apparent satisfaction. Upon one of those occasions, his majesty knowing that he had been at Oxford, inquired if he knew the Messrs. Wesley s, adding, " They make a great noise in the nation." The gentleman replied, " I know them well. King George; and thou may- cst be assured that thou hast not two better men in thy dominions, nor men that love thee better, than John and Charles Weslev." He then proceeded to give some account of their principles and conduct ; with which the king seemed much pleased. — When Mr. Wesley had con- cluded, I said, " We see, sir, the Lord can bring a tale to the ear of the king." He replied, with much feeling, *'0! I have always found the blessedness of ix single eye, — of leaving all to Him." However, the rioters in the country, particularly in Staffordshire, were not so easily quelled. In tl^ beginning of 1743, Mr. Wesley visited Wpiclnesbury. and prearhed in tVie tnwn-Vinll mnrning and eve- ning, and also in the open air. He likewise visited the parts adjacent, and more especially those which were inhabited by colliers. Many appaared to be deeply affected, and about a hundred desired to join to- gether. In two or three months these were increased to between three and four hundred, and upon the whole enjoyed much peace. But in the summer following there was an entire change. Mr. Egginton the minister of Wednesbury, with several neighboring justices of the peace, stirred up the basest of the people, on which such outrao-es fol- lowed as were a scandal to the Christian name. Riotous mobs were summoned together by the sound of a horn ; men^ wfmen, and chil- dren, were abused in the most shocking manner ; being beaten, stoned, 1; ■• ] > ■.! s •i-' / ; 132 andcavered with mud : some, even prftgnant women, were treated in a imanner that cannot he mentioned. In the mean time, their houses were broken open by any that pleased, and their goods spoiled or car- ried away ; some of the owners standing by, but not daring to oppose, as it would have been at the peril of their lives. Mr. Wesley's own account of those riots, as far as they related to himself, is so remarka- ble, that I make no scruple of mserting it at large. '• "Thursday; October 20, 1743. — After preaching at Birmingham, I rode to Wednesbury. At twelve I preached in a ground near the middle of the town, to a far larger congregation than was expected. on * Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day and for ever."* I be- lieve every one present felt the power of God, and no creature offere/l to molest us. " I was writing at Francis Ward's in the afternoon, when the cry arose that ' the mob had beset the house.' We prayed that God would disperse tiiem. And it was so ; so that in half an hour not a man was left. I told our brethren, * Now is the time for us to go ;' but they pressed me exceedingly to stay. So, that I might not offend Ibero, I sat down, though I foresaw what would follow. Before five the mob surrounded the house again in greater numbers than ever — The cry of one and all was, * Bring out the minister ; we will have the minister.' I desired one to take their captain by the hand and bring him into the house. After a few sentences interchanged between us, the lion was become a lamb. I desired him to go and bring one or two of the most angry of his companions. He brought in two, who were ready to swallow the ground with rage ; but in two minutes they were as calm as he. I then bade them make way, that I might go out among the people- As soon as I was in the midst of them I called for a chair, and standing up, asked, * What do any of you want with me ?' Some said, ' We want you to go with us to the justice.' I re- plied, * That I will with all my heart !' I then spoke a few words, which God applied ; so that they cried out with might and main, * The gen- tleman is an honest gentleman, and we will spill our blood in his de- fence !' I asked, • Shall we go to the justice to-night, or in the morn- ing ?' Most of them cried, * To-night ! To-night P On which I went before, and two or three hundred followed. , , . . les «( luin. The night came before we had walked a mile, together with heavy However, on we went to Bently-Hall, two miles from Wed- nesbury . One or two ran before to tell Mr. Lane, * They had brought ^^ Mr. Wesley before his worship.'— Mr. Lane replied, * What have 1 to do with Mr. Wesley ? Go and carry him back again.' By this time the main body came up and began knocking at the door. A servant told them, ' Mr. Lane was in bed.'— His son followed and asked, ' What was the matter r'— One replied, ' Why, an't please you, they sing psalms all day; nay, and make folks rise at five in the morning. And what would your worship advise us to do ? — ' To go home,' said Mr. Lane, * and be quiet.' ' " Here they were at full stop, till one advised, * To go to justice Persehouse at Walsal.' — All agreed to this. So we hastened on, and about seven came to his house. But Mr. Persehouse likewise sent word that * he was in bed.' Now they were at a stand again ; but at last, they all thought it the wisest course to make the best of their way home. About fifty of them undertook to convey me. But we had not gone a huudrpf! ynnls. when the mob of Wolcal, came, pouring in like a flood, and bore down all before them. The Darlaston mob made what defence they could ; but they were weary, as well as outnumber- ed. So that in a short time many being knocked down, the rest ran away and left me in their hands. " To attempt speaking was vain ; for the noise on every side was like the roaring of the sea. So they dragged me along till we came to the town ; where seeing the door of a large house open I attempted to go in ; but a man, catching me by the hair, pulled me back into the middle of the mob* They made no more stop till they had carried me through the main street. I continued speaking all the time to those hearing, feeling no pain or weariness. At the west end of the town, seeing a door half open, I made toward it and would have gone in, but a gentleman in the shop would not suffer me, saying, * They would pull the house down to the ground.' — However, I stood at the door, and asked, • Are rou willing to hear me speak ?^ — Many cried out, * No, no ! Knock his brains out ! Down with him ! Kill him at once !' Others said, * Nay ; but we will hear him first!'-— I be- gan asking, What evil have I done ? Which of you all, have I m \ I %'4 J" \ .til fU ♦^ '(•"»' V", i'''(-l .ii'«! :i.d l\h 124 wronged in word or deed ?' and continued speaking above a quarter o( an hour, till my voice suddenly failed. Then the floods began to lift up their voice again ; many crying out, * Bring him away ! Bring- him away '! '* In the mean time my strength and my voice returned, and I broke out aloud into prayer* And now the man who just before head- ed the mob, turned and said, * Sir, I will spend my life for you. Fol- low me, and not one soul here shall touch a hair of your head.' — • Two or three of his fellows confirmed his words and got close to mo immediately. At the same time the gentleman in the shop cried out, ' For shame ! For shame ! Let him go !' — An honest butcher wIk) was a little farther off said, * It was a shame they should do thus : and pulled back four or five, one after another, who were running on the most fiercely. The people then, as if it had been by common consent, fell back to the right and left ; while those three or four men took me between them and carried me through them all. But on the bridge the mob rallied again ; we therefore went on one side, over thft milUflam, unJ tlicno© iUrov^gU tho moadoTro, till a little befuie ten.. "when God brought me safe to Wednesbury ; having lost only one flap of my waistcoat, and a little skin from one of my hands. " I never saw such a chain of providences before ; so many con- vincing proofs that the hand of God is on every person and thing overulino: as itseemeth him good. " A poor woman of Darlaston, who had headed that mob, and .sworne that ' none should touch mc,' when she haw her fellows give way, ran into the thickest of the throng and knocked down three or four men one after another. But many assaulting her at once she wa'; soon overpowered, and had probably been killed in a few minute?, (three men keeping her down and beating her with all their might,) had not a man called out to them, ' Hold, Tom, hold V — Who is there.-' said Tom. What honest Munchin f Nay, then let her go !'— So they held their hands and let her get up and crawl home as well as she could. " From the beginning to the end, I found the same presence oi mind as if I had been sitting in my study. But I took no thought for one moment before another ; only once it came into my mind, that 4*' 12 o it" ihcy should throw me into the river, it would spoil the papers that were in my pocket. For myself, I did not doubt but I should swim across, having but a thin coat, and alight pair of boots. *' By how gentle degrees does God prepare us for his will ! Two years ago a piece of brick grazed my shoulders. It was a year after that a stone struck me between the eyes. Last month I received one blow, and this evening two, — one before we came into the town, and one after we were out. But both were as nothing : for though one man struck me on the breast with all his might, and the other on the mouth with such a force that the blood gushed out immediately, I felt no more pain from either of the blows than if they had touched me with a straw. "It ought not to be forgotten, that when the rest of the society made all haste to escape for their lives, four only would not stir, William Sitch, Edward Slater, John Griffiths and John Parks : these kept by me, resolving to live or die together. And none of them received a blow but William Sitch, who held me by the arm from one end of the town to the other. He was then dragged away and knocked down : but he soon rose and orot to me again. I afterwards asked him ' What he expected when the mob came upon us .''—He said, ' To die for him who had died for us ;' and added, that ' he felt no hurry or fear, but calmly waited till God should require his soul of him.' " When I came back to Francis Ward's I found many of our breth- ren waiting upon God. Many also whom I had never seen before, came to rejoice with us. And the next morning, as I rode through the town, on my way to Nottingham, every one I met expressed such a cordial afTection, that I could scarce believe what I saw and heard." The persecution Mr. Wesley met with in Falmouth and its neigh- borhood, is so remarkable, that I shall give his own description of it ; and this, with the account of the persecution at Wednesbury, will afford my readers some idea of the sufferings Mr. Wesley endured in the com..>ri:cement of his extensive labors. " Thursday, July 4. — I rode to Falmouth. About three in the af- ternoon I went to see a gentlewoman, who had been iadisposed Almost as soon as I sat down, the house was beset on all sides by an *3 I it ni .1 /' Hi ' innumerable multitude of people. A louder anJ more confused noise could hardly be at the taking cf a city by storm. At first Mra. B. and her daughter endeavored to quiet them: but it was labor lost. They might as well have attempted to still the raging of the sea, and were soon glad to shift for themselves. The rabble roared with all their throats, 'Bring out the Canorum f VVhere is the CanorumV (an un- meaning word which the Cornish rabble then used instead of Metho- dist.) No answer being given, they quickly forced open the outei' door and filled the passage. Only a wainsco«t. partition was between us, which was not likely to stand long. I immediately took down a large looking-glass which hang against it, supposing the whole side would fall in at once. Tliey began their work with abundance ot bitter imprecations. A poor girl who was left in the house was utterly as- tonished, and cried out, ' sir, what must we do ?^ — 1 said, ' We must pray.' — Indeed at that time, to all appearance, our lives were not worth an hour's purchase. — Slie asked. * But, sir, is it not best for you to hide yourself? To get ii^to the closet ?' — I answered, * No. It is best for me to stand just where I am.' Among those without were the crews of some privateers, which were lately come i;ilo the harbor. Some of these, being'angry at the slow >>. ss of the rest, thrust them away, and coming up altogether, set their shoulders to the inner door, and cried out. ' Avast, lads, avast I' Away went all the hinges at once, and the door fell back into the room. I stepped forward intc the midst of them and said, 'Here I am ! V/'hich of}ou has any thing to say to me ? To which of yon have I done any wrong ? To you ? Or you ? Or you ?' I continued speaking till I came into the middli' ot the street, and then raising my voice said, ' Neighbors, countrymeiil Do you desire to hear me speak P They cried Vehemently, ' Yes, yes ! He shall speak. He shall. Nobody shall hinder him.' Bui havinof nothing to stand on, and no advantajxe of jrround, I could be heard by a few only. However, I spoke without intermission; and as the sound reached the people they were still, till one or two of their captains turned about and swore, ' Not a man siiould touch him.' Mr. Thomas a clergyman, then came up and asked, * Are you not ashameu lo use a stranger thus .'" He was soon seconded by two or three gen- lleinen of the town, and one of the aldermen, with whom I walked ,ii* V -v #= ■4-.. 127 down the town, speaking all the time till I came io Mrs. Muddern's house. The gentlemen proposed sending for my horse to the door, and desired me to step in and rest the mean time But on second thought, they judged it not advisable to let me go out among the people again. So they chose to send my horse before me to Penryn, and to send me thither by water ; the sea running close by the back door of the house in which we were. " I never saw before, no, not at Walsal itself, the hand of God so plainly shown as here. There I had some companions, who were willing to die with me ; here, not a friend but one simple girl ; who likewise was hurried away from me in an injtant as soon as ever she came out of Mrs. B's. house. There 1 rec.Mved some blows, lost part of my cloathes, and was covered over with dirt. Here, although the hands of perhaps some hundreds of people were lifted up to strike or throw, they weie one and all stopped in the midway, so that not a man touched me with one of his fingers. Neither was any thing thrown from first to last, so that I had not even a speck of dirt on my cloathes. Who can deny that God heareth the prayer .' or that he hath all pow- er in heaven and earth V' In September, Mr. Wesley received a letter from Mr. Henry Millard, one of the preachers, in Cornwall, giving some account of their difficulties. " The word of God," says he, ** has free course iiere, it runs and is glorified. But the Devil rages horribly, even at St. Ives. We cannot shut the door of John Nance's house, to meet the Society, but the mob immediately threatens to break it open. And in other places it is worse. I was going to Crowan on Tuesday, and within a quarter of a mile of the place where I was to preach, some met me, and begged me net to go up, saying, *« if you do there will surely be murder, if there is not already, for many were knocked down before we came away " By their advice, I turned back to the house whore I had left my horse. We had been there but a short time when many people came in very bloody. But the main cry of the mob was, * Where is the preacher ;' whom they sought for m every part of the house, swearing bitterly, "if we can knock him on the head we shall be satisfied." Not finding me, they said, * We must 'f Mi < I f ■'r'i f ;i w ' '' ' > -'it ^.ir'\ l«8 ralch him on Sunday at Cambourn !' But it uas IVFr. \Vcsta!rs(") turn to be there. While he was preachinfr at Mr. Harris's, a tall man came in, and pulled him down. Mr. Harris dcmandt^d his warrant, but he swore "warrant or no warrant, he shall go with me ;" so ho, carried hiiri out to the mob, who took him away to the church town. They kept him there till Tuesday morning, when the Rev. Mr. Borlasc wrote his mittimus, by virtue of which he was to be committed to the house of correction at Bodmin. The Justices who met at next Quarter Sessions in Bodmin, know- ing a little of the laws of God and mr»n, or at least, showing moiv regard for them than Dr. Borlase, declared Mr. Westall's commit- ment to be contrary to law, and immediately set him at liberty. The preachers in the ditTerent parts of the kincrdom were permitted to * drink of the same cup,' yea, in many instances, they suffered jrhtness and impartiahty ; the consequence of which was, that in many places peace was restored. About the time of the persecution in Cornwall, John Nelson, of Birstal in Yorkshire, who has been mentioned before, and Thomas (*) Thomas^^Westall was s\ simple (ifTiftht man whose word the Lord had greatly blessed. Mr. Wesley at first t'lougbt as in the case of Tliomas Maxfield, to silence him. But Mrs Canniiij a pious old lady of Evesham, said, ' Stop him at your peril. He preachis the truth, and the Lord owns him as truly as he does you or your brotlier. (t) A plain, forcible preacher, graatly owned of God, especially to the poor. The late Dr. Hey, of Leeds, used to call upon Dr. Priestley, who then also lived at Leeds, and take him to the Methodist chapel. On one of those occa- sions, the preacher happened to be Mr. Mitchell, Dr- Hey, who was rather Dice in hearing, was mortified that liis pliilosophical friend should be led to hear so plain a preacher. On their return, however, he ventured to ask the doc- tor what ho thought of the sermon. He replied, " that he thought it admira- ble !" But perceiving his friend's surprise, he added, " Other men may do goodj Dr. Hey, but that man must do good, for he aims at nothing else." ■I* t\ Va\ nart ■•*- dm in, knovv- lowing moro all's commil- 130 Beartl, an lioncst iuduslriotir; man, were pressed and sent ofT as sol- diers, for no other crime, either committed or pretended, than that of calling sinners to repentance. John Nelson was, after much ill usa^n released by an order from the secretary at war, and preached iho gospel many years. But Thomas IBeard sunk under his oppressions. He was then lodged at the hospital at Newcastle, where he praised God continually. Hisfever increasing, he was bled. His arm fester- ed, mortified, and was cut off : two or three days after which, God signed his discharge, and called him up to his eternal home. Notwithstanding this brutal opposition, Mr Wesley preached in most of the toAvns in Cornwall, and the seed sown, through the blessing of God, produced a plentiful harvest. Perhai)s there is no ])art of these kingdoms where there has been a more general change- Hurling, their favorite but most brutal diversion, at which limbs were frequently broken and lives lost, is now hard!}' heard of : and that >)Candal -jf humanity, which had been so constantly practised on all the coasts of Cornwall, //iejw/wnr/(?m_7 ?'C.9.sc7.9 that struck upon the rocks, and often murdering those that escape d from the iiixck, i:* now well nigh at an end. But it is not harmlc?ness or outward de- cency alone which has evidenced the reality of tlieir religion, but faith working by love, prodncing all inward and outward holiness* While Mr. Wesley, thus, by his Divine Master, ' endured the* cross, depising the shame,' his brother Mr. C. Wesley was called to diink of the same cup. He had labored in the prccedingyear in tlic neigh- oorhood of Bristol till the 17th of May, when he set out for the north. He preached at Painswick, and then visited Stroud, Evesham, and several other places ; and on the 20th, he observes, " I got once more to our dear colliers at Wednesbury. Here tlie seed has taken root, and many are added to the church. A society of more than three hundred are seeking full redemption in the cleansing blood of Christ. The enemy rages exceedingly against them. A few here have returned railing for railing ; but the generality have behaved as followers of Christ Jesus. "May 21. — I spent the morning in conference with several who * have received the atonement' under my brother's ministry. I saw the piece of ground to build a chapel opon, giveu us by a Dissenter. ;i; 'M m iii- . m \ .. ■•>»*• 130 ■ '^H I walked witli many of our Lretliren lo VValsal, singing as we went. We were receiveJ with t!io old complaint, • Behold these that turn the world upside cown are come hither also " We walked through the town amidst the noisy greetings of our enemies. I stood in the steps of the market-house. A host of men came against us: and they lifted up their voice and raged horribly. I preached from 1 hese words, * But none of these things move me; neither count I mij life dear unto myself so that I might Jinisk my course with ./oy,' &c. the street was full of fierce Ephesian beasts, (the principal man setting Ihcm on,) who roared and shouted and threw stones incessantly. At the conclusion, a stream of ruffian? was sulfered to beat me down from the steps; I rose, and, having given the blessing, was beat down ngain, and so a third time. When we had returned thanks to the God of our salvation, I then from the steps bid them depart in peace, and walked through the thickest of the rioters. They reviled us but had no commission to touch u hair of our head. May 2Gth. — In the afternoon I came to the flock in Sheffield, who nre as sheep among wolves; the minister having so stirred up tho, people that they are ready to tear the Methodists in pieces. At six o'clock I went to the society house, next door to our brother Bennet's. Hell from beneath seemed moved lo oppose us. As soon as I was in the desk with David Taylor, the floods began to lift up their voice. An officer in the army contradicted :md blasphemed. I took no notice of him but sang on. The stones flew thick, striking the desk and tht people. To save them, and the house from being pulled down, I gave out that I should preach in the street and look them in the face. The. whole army of the aliens followed me. The captain laid hold on me; and bugan rioting : I gave him A ivordin season, or advice to a sol- dier. I then prayed, particularly for his Majes king George, and preached the gospel although with much contention. The stones often struck me m the face. I prayed for sinners, as servants of their master the devil ; upon which the captain ran at me with great fury, threat- ning revenge for abusing, as he called it ' the king his master.' He forced his way through the brethren, drew his sword and presented it to my breast. I immediately opened my breast, and fixing my eye on his, and smiling in his face, calmly said, * 1 fear God and honor the 18i iinging as we ilioM these thai We walked imies. I stood nne against us: preached from her count I imj with joiji'' &c, pal man setting cessantly. At me down from was beat down thanks to the lepart in peace, • reviled us but Sheffield, who stirred up tho leccs. At six ler Bennet's. on as I was in their voice. took no notice desk and th* down, I gave le face. The hold on mf! Hce to a sol- George, and stones often theirmaster ry, threat- ster.' He resented it ig my eye id honor the f) in^.' Ills countenance fell in a moment, le fetched a deep siglt. nd putting up his sword, quietly left the place. He had said to one. f the company, who afterward informed me, ' You shrill see if I do hut hold my sword to his breast he will faint away. So perhaps 1 .sjjould, had I only his principles to trust lu but if at that time 1 wa:* not afraid, no thanks to my natural courage. We returned to our lirother Bennet's, and gave ourselves up to prayer. The rioters follow- ed, and exceeded in outrage all 1 have see \ before. Those at Moor- lields, Cardiir, and Walsal, were lambs t tiiese. As there is no king in Israel, I mean no magistrate in Sheffield, every man doth as sooni- labored in vain to interrupt me, by throwing dirt and even money among the people. Having delivered my message, I rode to the ferry, crossed if., and met as rough friends on the other side. The mob of North Shields waited to salute me, with the minister at their head ; ho had got a man with a horn, instead of a trumpet, and bid him blow,;and his companions shout. Others were almost as violent in their appro- bation. We went through honor and dishonor, but neither of them hurt us, and by six o'clock witli God's blessing, we came safe to New- castle. On the 16 of July, Mr. C. Wesley came safe to St, Ives. On the 17, he says, ' I rose and forgot that 1 had travelled from Newcastle. I spoke with some of this loving simple people, who were as sheep in the midst of wolves. Their priests stir up the people, and make their minds evil affected towards their brethren. Yet the sons of violence are checked by the Mayor, an honest Presbyterian, whom Uie Lord hath raised up. He informed Mr. C. Wesley, that tho .!^ c ■ ' 1' ill I I '.,1 " ■,;'n : M 134 l-Vt ministers were the principal authors of all the mischief In their ser- mons, they continually represented Mr Wesley and the preachers as Popish emmissaries, and urged the enraged multitude to use all means for their suppression. While he was preaching at St. Ives, on the 26, he observes, * All was quiet ; the Mayo- having declared his resolution to swear twenty constables, and suppress the rioters by force of arms — their drum he had seized. All the time I was preaching, he stood at a little distance to awe the rioters. He has set the whole town against him, by not giving us up to their fury But he plainly told Mr. Hoblin, the fire and faggot minister, that he would not be perjured to gratify any man's malice. He informed us that he had often heard Mr. Hobha say, they ought to drive us away by blows, not by arguments. During the riots, he one da)*- observes, " I went to the church and heard that terrible chapter, Jeremiah the 7th, — enough one would think, to make even this hardened people tremble. Never were words more applicable than those, ' Stand in the gate of the Lord's house and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the Lord, all ye of Judah that enter in at these gates to worship the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. Trust ye not in lying words, saying, Tht temple of the Lordj The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord^ are these ! Behold ye trust in lying words that cannot profit. Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely — and come and stand before me in this house.'" " &c. — Mr. C. Wesley informed me, that upon one of these occasions, aftei hearing himself abused in a sermon longer than usual, he remained in his pew when the congregation was dismissed, it being what is called sacrament-Sunday. The minister, perceiving him, called to the clerk, took him inside the rails, and talked with him for some time. The minister then proceeded with the service. When Mr. C. Wesley approached the table, the parson retreated, and the clerk came forward, and, holding out the large prayer-book, cried out, " Avaunt, Satan! avaunt!" Mr. C. Wesley remained for some time, but finding that nothing could quiet the zealous clerk, and that the minister remained stationary at the wall, he retired to his pew, and the service concluded. M i i3d On Friday, August 24, 1744, Mr. John Wesley preached for the last timft in Oxford, before the university. (*; He had preached to them twice before, since the time he began to declare the^ truth in the fields and highways. Those sermons are printed in the first volume of his Works, and are well worthy of a serious perusal. " I am now," says he, » clear ol the blood of those men. I have fully delivered my own soul. And I am well pleased that it should be the very day on which, in the last century, near two thousand burning and shining lights were put out at one stroke. Yet what a wide difference is there be- tween their case and mine! They were turned out of house and home, and all that they had ; whereas I am only hindered from preaching without any other loss, and that in a kind of honorable manner; it being determined that when my next turn to preach came they would pay another person to preach for me. And so they did twice or thrice ; oven to the time that I resigned my fellowship."— They respected his (General character, with which they were all well acquainted. October 21. — -Mr, C. Wesley observes, " My brother came de- livered out of the mouth of the lions. His clothes ^rcre dirty and torn. He looked like a soldier of Christ. The mob of Wednesbury Darlston, and Walsal, Were permitted to take and carry him about for several hours, with a full intention to murder him ; but his work is not yet finished or he had been with the * Souls under the Altar.' " October 25. — 1 took several new members* into society ; among them, the young man whose arm had been broke, and Muchin, upon trial, the late captain of the mob- He has been constantly under the word ever since he rescued my brother. I asked him what he thought of him, ' Think of him, that he is a man of God, and God was on his side when so many of us could not kill one man.'" On the 31st, he sat out for Wales, and reached Cardiff on the 1 of November. " The gentlemen," says he, " had threatened great things, if I ever came (•) Mr. C. Wesley came to Oxford on this occasion, where he met with his brother, the Rev. Messrs P'ers, Meriton, and others. He observes in his Journal, " My brother bore his testimony before a crowded audience, much increased by the races. Never liave I seen a more attentive congrega- tion : they did not suffer a word to slip them. Some of the heads of colleges stood up the whole time and fixed their eyes upon him. If they can endure sound doctrine like his, he will surely leave a blessing behind hira. The vice- chancellor sent after him and desired his notes, which he scaled up and sent im- mediately/' } M ■■'^ -'tA>\ ; if / +' •H ,. ,, « I? ■'' ' rif ".. 140 'Jacob: Jacob shall not r,oiv be ashamed, iiilthcr shall hh /ace now vfaxpak.^ On the 29, we marched close to the enemy, and when I saw them in tlieir camp, my bowels moved towards them in love, and pity for their souls. We lay on our arms all night. In the morning, April 30, the cannon began to play at half an hour after fuur, and the L('r(J toolc away all fear I'rom me, so that i went into the field with joy. Tiie balls flew on either hand, and men fell in abundance, but nothino- touched me till about two o'clock, when I received a ball through my left arm, and rejoiced so much the more. Soon after 1 received another into my right, which obliged me to quit the field, but I scarce knew whether I was on earth or in heaven: it was one of the sweetest days I ever enjoyed. "William Clements." *' Reverend Sir, creat trials. '•' Leare, near Antwerp; Oct. 21, 7745. -Since I wrote to you last I have gone throtigli It was not the least that 1 have lost my dear brothei Clements for a season, he being shot through both the arms. To try me farther, J. Evans and Bishop were both killed in the battle, as was J. Greenwood soon after. Two more, who spoke boldly in the name of Jesus, are fallen into the world again. So I am left alone ; but I know it is for my good. Seeing iniquity so much abound, and the love of many wax cold, adds wings to my devotion, and my laith grows daily as a plant by the water side. " The Lord has been pleased to try our little flock, and to show them his mighty power. Some days before the late battle, one of them, standing at his tent door, broke out into rapturr.sot joy knowing his departure wa'^ at hand, and was so filled w ith the love of God that he danced before his comrades. In the battle before he died he openly declared, ' I am goin^ to rest from my labors in the bosom ol Jesus.' i believe nothing like this was ever heard of before in the midst of so wicked an army as ours. Some were crying out in their wounds, ' I am going to my Beloved!' others, * Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!' and many that were not wounded were crying to their Lord to take them to himself. There was such boldness in the battle among this little despised flock that it made the otTicers as w-ell as common soldiers amazed j and they acknowledge it to this day. As to my own part I m \ 141 / hh /ace now emy, and when em in love, and In the morning, after four, and to the field with abundance, but received a ball . Soon after 1 jit the field, but : was one of the Clements." t.-21, 7745. e oon found for this thrcating: evil, viz. tj summon annually a consider- ible number of the preachers, in order to consult together concerning ihe alliiirs of the Socieiies. The preuchers ihus met with him at their iicad, he termed 'The 'Conference' Uk design in calling thejn to- gether, was not merely for lh3 rejn'lation of the circuits, but also, for the reviewino* their doctrines auddiscioline, and for the examination ol their moral conduct; that those who were to minister in holy things, might be 'thoroughly tarnished for every good work, for the saving ol their own souls, as we'll as tliem that heard them.' The first Conference was held in London, June 25, 1744. It consisted of six clergymen, and a few lay preachers. If ''SI \1i I ^^• a ,t '. » f 4i ' - 11' I. J J** =A if c , 1 'ill ^ m . ■•(n!S( I'i': Ui' ■'< 142 convi;us;at[o.v [. London, '2b of June, 1744. il is de.-Ircd, tijat all things l*c consi«!ered as in the imniciliate pre- serifc of God: that we may meet with a single eye, anJ as little chiUrtn who have every lhin•■ ■ \ n n (' ' u '(•, m ^''% ■'*.' ■'.« 146 li ;. T f'' ■ '': t Chriatiaa UbeHyis lib^ty from obeying the commandmenis of God« 4. That it is bondage to do a thiog because it is commanded, or for- bear it liecause it i» Torbiddea. 6. That a believer is not obliged to use the onWnances of God, or to do good works. 6. That a preach- er ought not to exhort to good works : not unbelievers, because it is hurtful; not believers, because it is needless. '■■'^-' CONVERSATION III. Q. 1. Is a sense oi God's pardoning love absolutely necessary to our being in his favor? Or may there be some exempt cases? A. We dare not say there are not. Q,. 2. Is it necessary to inward and outward holiness? * A. We incline to think it is. Q. 3. Does a man believe any longer than he sees a reconciled God? A. We conceive not. But we allow there may be infinite degrees In seeing God: even as many as there are between him who sees the sun, when it shines on his eyelids closed, and him who stands with his eyes wide open in the full blaze of its beams. Q. 4. Does a man believe any longer than he loves God? A. In no wise. For * neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails cth, without faith working by love.' Q. 5. Have we duly considered the case of Cornelius? Was not he in the favor of God, *when his prayers and alms came up for a memo- iial before God?' i. e. Before he believed in Christ? A. It does seem that he was, in some degree. !But we speak not of thone who have not heard the gospel. Q. Is a believer constrained to obey God ? A. At first he often is. * The love of Christ constraineth him.' After this he may obey or he may not, no constraint being laid upon him. "'-^^-f =* Q. 7. Can faith be lost but through disobedience ? A. It cannot. A believer first inwardly disobeys, inclines to sin with his heart ; then his intercourse with God is cut off, e. i. his fail' is lost : and after this he may lall into outward sin, being now ' and like another man. ^^^ " Q« How can such a one recover faith ? |?iif *. ^ i, ecause it is 147 A. Byrepenting and doing the first works. (Rev. ii, 5.)^ • ' "- Q. 9. Do we ordinarily represent a justified state 80 great and li5ip- ...» ^■•i'^- py as it IS ? A. Perhaps not. A believer walking in the light, is inexpressibly great and happy. Q. Should we not have a care of depreciating justification in ordei lo exalt the slate of fuUsanctification ? A. Undoubtedly we should beware of this ; for^ne may insensibly slide into it. Q. 11. How shall we effectually avoid it ? A. When we are going to speak of entire sanctification, let us first describe the blessings of a justified state as strongly as possible. Q. 12. Does not the truth of the gospel lie very near both to Cat' vinism and Antinomianism ? A. Indeed it does ; as it were, within a hair^s breadth- (*) So that it is altogether foolish and sinful, because we do not quite agree either with one or the other, to run from them as far as ever we can. Q. 13. Wherein may we come to the very edge of Galvanism ? A. 1. In ascribing all good to the free grace of God. 2. In deny- ing all natural free-will, and all power antecedent to grace. And 3. In excluding all merit from man ; even for what he has or does by the grace of God. Q. 14. Wherein may we come to the edge of Antinomianism ^ A. 1. In exalting the merits and love of Christ. 2. In rejoicing evermore. Q. 15. Does faith supercede (set aside the necessity of) holiness or good works ? A. In no wise. So far from it that it implies both, as a cause does its effects.'" 4r! The character of the Itinerant preachers, and the method of consti- tuting them in the Wesleyan connection, are given in the following account. It may be useful to add a few remarks on the method pursued in the choice of the itinerant preachers, as many have formed the most crro- i) (*) So near does the road of truth lie to the ditch of error ! But a beiiever wh9 abides in the faith, sees and abhors it, 1 John, i, B— 7. 04, d'< .X. ^r^ :* *& iifi Jr.r % 'KmW ,' ' '► J*. » m ihm ■^iflt>■•: 'c. 148 ii^aus ideas on the subject, imagining they are employed witli hdrdiv any preparation ; while others have setimed to think they are a distinct race from those to whom they minister. — 1. They are received, ip common with all other persons, merely as private members on trial.— 2. After a quarter of a year if they are found walking according to the gospel, they are admitted as proper members. — 3. When the grace and abilities of any members are sufficiently manifest they are appointed leaders of classes.* 4. If they then appear to be called to more impor- tant services, they are employed to exhort occasionally in the smaller Congregations. — 5. If approved in this line of duty they are allowed to preach — 6. Out of these men, who are called local preachers^ arti selected the itinerant preachers, who are first proposed'in the quarterly meetings of the circuits to which they belong, secondly, in the district meeting, and lastly, in the conference; and if accepted are appointed to circuits — 7- Their characters and conduct are examined annually in the district meetings and in the conference ; and if they continue faith- ful for four years of trial they are received into full connexion. At these conferences also strict inquiry is made into the conduct of every itinerant — The preachers assembled are thus, from their identity oi interest with the great body of the people, and their mutual sympathy with the whole, their natural and only entire representatives in all those affairs to which the conference directs its cares ; united with the whole connexion, as that in which they have resolved to live and die ; and yet, because of their itinerancy, never so connected with any individ- ual society as to become the organs of those changes and innovation? which in particular places might be often advocated. — Sufficiently de- pendent to be one with their people ; but s-ufficiently distinct, in order and office, to be the effectual guardians of that which is committed to their trust, as those who must give the final account of their stewardship not to man but to God. By them only can the discipline of the con- nexion in its wide extent be maintained j ?nd the Lord and his people require it at their hands. , ■ ^ Mr. C. Wesley being at Bristol when he first heard the news of thr victory at Culloden over the rebel army, he observes, " We rejoiced Uiito the Lord with reverence, and thankfully observed the remarkable answer of that petition, "^f. ;.. ,; ^ , '• . .»^ ."^ . ..'^- -f :iii er. 149 ' All their strength o'erturn, o'ertlirow; Snap their spears and break their swords, Let the daring rebels know, ' The battle is the Lord's.' (*) Augusi 1, 1745, the second conference was held in Bristol. ' Mr. Wesley not only studied and laboured hard, at the same time enduring much unmerited reproach, but he passed tlir -ugh much tatigue and danger in his travels. In his Journal, he tells us, that in the latter end of February, he preached at Nottingham. The next day, a friend piloted him through the mire, and water, and snow, to Sykehouse. — Proceeding northward, he found much snow about Borough-Bridge, which made him travel so slowly, tbat night overtook him when he had six or seven miles to go to the place where he had intended to lodge. The next day the roads were abundantly worse. The snow was deep- er, the causeways were impassable, and there was such a hard frost succeeding the thaw, that the ground was like glass. At that time, and for some years after, there were no turnpike-roads in those parts of England. He was often obliges o walk, it being impossible to ride. He passed over dreary moors, .■ . a ippeared great pathless wastes, till at length, late in the evenmg, he reached Newcastle. — - " Many a rough journey, (said he) have I had before ; but one like this I never had." May 13, 1746, the third conference was held in the same city. It consisted of the Messrs Wesley s, two other clergymen, and of five lay -preachers. ■' •^,.- About this time Mr. Wesley received the following interesting letter fro.m the candid and amiable Dr. Doddridge. Northampton, July 29, 1746. " Rev. and dear Sir,— I am truly glad that the long letter I last sent was agreeable (o you. I bless God, that my prejudices against the writers of the Establishment were so early removed and conquered, I greatly rejoice when I see in those whom, upon other accounts, I roost highly esteem as the excellent of the earth, that their prejudices against their brethren of any denomination, are likewise subdued, and (•) The first stanza of his noble hymn writtea at (hat awful time, V 2 I f-.f mm ' 'r< '^li'- .4 ! ^' (' 1&6 P Pi mm 1^1 f iliat they arc coming nearer to the harmony, for "Vihldi I hope, when we shall be one in Christ Jesus. " I have always esteemed it the truest act of friendship, to use our mutual endeavours to render the characters of each other as blameless and as valuable as possible. And I have never felt a more affectionate sense oi my obligations, than when those worthy persons who have honoured me with their affection and correspondence, have freely tolJ me what they thought amiss in my temper and conduct. This, there- fore, dear sir, is an office which you might reasonably expect fiom me. if I had for sometime enjoyed an intimate knowledge of you. But it iias always been a maxim with me, not to believe any flying story, tu the prejudice of those whom I had apparent reason, from what I knew of them, to esteem. And consequently, as I should never make this a foundation, you must be contented to wait longer, before ynu will be likely to receive that office of fraternal love, which you ask from, Rev. and dear Sir, your obliged and affectionate Brother and Servant, P. Doddridge." "P. S. Your cautior has suggested a thought to me, whether i' be modest to call ourselves humble ? If the expression mean, a real readiness to serve in love in any thing low, as washing the feet ol another, I hope I can say, / am your humble servant : but if it mean one who is in all respects as humble as he could wish, God forbid I should arrogate to myself so proud a title ! In what can I say, / have already attained? Only I love my Divine Master, and I would not have a thought in my heart that he should (disapprove. I feel a sweet- ness .in being assuredly in his gracious hand, which all the world canno' possibly afford; and which I really think, would make me happier in ;t dark dungeon, than ten thousand worlds could make me without it— And therefore, I love every creature on earth that bears his image- And I do not expose those, who, through ignorance, rashness, or preju* dice, have greatly injured me.'* June 16, 1747, the fourth conference was held in London. It con- sisted of four clergymen and two lay-preachers. In this year Methodisir. began in Ireland, in the city of Dublin. ^une 22, 1748, the fifth conference was held in Bristol. It cannot %*. .*, "T :' '•r, - %■ 151 >DDRIDGE.' mean, a real be gathered with certainty, either from Mr. Wesley's Journals, or any other source of information, that there was a conference every year from this time till 1763, and yet it appears that in some of those years there were two conferences. This year Kingswood school was opened, for tlie education of preacher's children and others, though now it is whoUv confined to the former. June 15, 1746, he visited Staffordshire and preached at Tippen Green. After preaching, a friend invited him to sleep at his house? nt no great distance from the place. Soon after they were sit down, the mob beset the house, and beating at the door, demanded entrance. Mr. Wesley ordered the door to be set open, and the house was imme- diately filled. " I sat still," says he, *< in the midst of them for half an hour. I was a little concerned for Mr Perronet, lest such rough treatment at his first setting out should daunt him. But he abounded in valour, and was for reasoning with the wild beasts, before they had spent any of their violence. He got a deal of abuse thereby, and not a little dirt, both of which he took very patiently. I had no design to preach, but being called upon by so unexpected a congregation, I rose up at last, and read, * Wk^n the Son of man shall come in his glory and all his holy angels with him, then ^hall he set on the throne of his glory,'* While I reasoned with them of judgment to come. tl^«>y grew calmer by little and little, and then I spoke to them one by one, till the Lord had disarmed them all. One, who stood out the longest, I held by the hand, and urged the love of Christ crucified, till in spite of both his natural and diabolical courage, he trembled like a leaf. I was con- strained to go to prayer for him. Our leopards were all become lambs, and very kind we all were at parting. Near midnight the house was clear and quiet. We gave thanks to God for our salvation, and slept in peace." Such were the conflicts, and such the victories frequently obtained in that day. Mr. C. Wesley returned to London, which he left on the 23, and on the 24, he reached the Devezes in his way to Bristol, in company with Mr. Minton. They soon perceived that the enemies of religion had taken the alarm, and were mustering their forces for the battle . They began by ringing the bells backward, and running to and fro in '1ie streets, as liens roaring for their prey. The curate's mob went ia u u ":, I » s r H '.is .^. r.B m'' 162 quest of Mr. C Wesley lo several places, particularly to Mr. Philip'«, where it was expected he would preach. They broke open arid ran- sacked the house, but not finding him there, they marched off to a Mr. Rogers's, where he and several others being met together, were pray- ing and exhorting one another to continue steadfast in the faith, and thro' much tribulation to enter the kingdom of heaven. The zealous curate Mr. Innys, stood with the mob in the street dancing for joy. ** This," says Mr. C. Wesley. " is he who declared in the pulpit as well asfron house to house, * That he himself hoard me preach blasphemy before the University, and tell my hearers, if you do not receive the Holy Ghost while 1 breathe upon you, ye are all damned.' He had been about the town several days stirring up the people, and canvassing the gentry for their vote ^nd interest, but could not raise a mob. While my brother was here the hour of darkness was not yet fully come. Mr. Innys, however, by i^ssiduity and falsehood boldly asserted as truth, now cno"a«Ted some of the gentry of the town in his party, and prevailed with them to encourage the mob. While they beset the house where Mr. C. Wesley and the company with him weMe assembled, he often heard liis own name mentioned, with ' Bring him out! bring him out!' He observes, " The little flock was less afraid than I expected, only one of our sisters fainted away." It being now dark, the besiegers blocked up the door with a wagon, and set up lights lest Mr. Wesley should escape. One of the company however, got out unobserved, and with much entreaty prevailed on the mayor to come down. He came with two constables and threatened the rioters, butsogeutly that none regarded him. Having torn down the shutters of the shop, and broken the windows, it was wonderful they did not enter the house : but a secret hand seemed to restrain them. After a while, they hurried away to the inn where the horses were put up, broke open the stable door and turned out the beasts. " In the mean time," says Mr. Wesley, '* we were at a loss what to do ; when God put it into the heart of our next neighbor, a Baptist, to take us through a passage into his own bouse, offer us a bed, and engaged for our security ; we accepted hia kindness and slept in peace. "February 2^. — A day never to be foi gotten I At seven o'clock, I walked qtiie^'ytoMrs. Philips' and began preaching a little before f 153 lire time appointed. For three quarters of an limir, I invited a fev listening sinners to Ciirist. Soon after, Satan's whole army assailed the house. We sat in a little ground room, and ordered all the doors to be thrown open. They brought a hand-engine, and began to plaj- into the house. We kept our seats, and they rushed into the pas- sage; just then Mr. Borough, the constable, came, and seizing tlie spout of the engine, carried it off. They swore if he did not delivci it they would pull down the house. At that time they might have taken us prisoners ; we were close to them, and none to interpose ^ but they hurried out to fetch th6 larger engine. In the mean time, we were advised to send for the mayor ; but Mr. Mayor was gone out of town, in the sight of the people, which gave great encouragement to those who were already wrought up to a proper ritch, by the curate and the gentlemen of the town ; particularly Mr. Sutton and Mr. Willy, Dissenters, the two leading men. Mr Sutton frequently came out to the mob to keep k^ their spirits. He sent word to Mrs. Philips, that if she did not turn that fellow out to the mob, he would send t0 drag him out. Mr. VVilly passed by again and again, assu- ring the rioters he would stand by them, and secure them against tlio law, do what they would." " The rioters now therefore began playing the larger engine ; which broke the windows, flooded the rooms, and spoiled the goods. We were withdrawn to a small upper room, in the back part of tho house ; seeing no way to escape their violence, as they seemed un- der the full power of the old murderer. They first laid hold on the man who kept the society-house, dragged him away, and threw him into tlie horse-pond. — We gave ourselves unto prayer, believing the Lord would deliver us; how, or when, we saw not ; nor any possible way of escaping : we therefore stood still to see the salvation of God. Every now and then, some or other of our friends would venture to us ; but they rather weakened our hands, so that we were forced to stop our ears, and look up. Among the rest, the mayor's maid came, nnd told us her mistress was in tears about me ; and bejrjred me to (disguise myself in woman's clothes, and try to make my escape. Her heart had been turned toward us by the conversion of her son, just on the brink of ruin. God laid his land on the poor prodigal, ami i' ,'1 . t ft mm jt^^ji 154 v 1 9' H '4 1 { ; '* l' •Kih li instead of running to sea, lie entered the society.— The rioters with" out, continued playingtheir engine^ which diverted them for some time : but their number and fierceness still increased, and the gentlemen sup- plied them with pitchers of ale, as much as they would drink. They were now on the point of breaking in, when Mr. Borough thought of reading the Proclamation : he did so, at the hazard of his life. In less than an hour, of above a thousand wild beasts, none were left but the guard, and our constable, who had applied to Mr. Street, the only justice in the town ; but he would not act. We found there was no help in man, which drove us closer to the Lord ; and we prayed, with little intermission, the whole day." The mob however, rallied again, and Mr. C. Wesley observes, " Our enemies at their return made their main assault at the back door, swearing horribly they would have me if it cost them their lives. Many seeming accidents occurred to prevent their breaking in. The man of the house came home, and instead of turning me out, as they expected, took part with us, and stemmed the tide for some time. They now got a notion that I had made my escape ; and ran down to the inn, and played the engine there. They forced the innkeeper to turn out our horses, which he immediately sent to Mr. Clark's ; which drew the rabble and their engine thither. But the resolute old man charged and presented his gun, till they retreated. Upon their revisiting us, we stood in jeopardy every moment. Suc'i threatenings, curses, and blasphemies, I have never heard. They seemed kept out by a continued miracle. I remember the Romua se- nators sitting in the Forum, when the Gauls broke in among them but thought there was a fitter posture for Christians, and told my com- panion they should take us off our knees. We were kept from all hurry and discomposure of spirit, by a divine power resting upon us. We prayed and conversed as freely as if we had been in the midst of our brethren ; and had great confidence that the Lord would either de- liver us from the danger, oriTi it. In the height of the storm, just when we were falling into the hands of the drunken enraged multi- tude, Mr. Minton was so little disturbed that he fell fast asleep. ** They were now close to us on every side, and over our heads un- tiling Hit; rcwf. A ruffian cried out, *here they are behind the curtain.' :«*. -.■SUdSW 165 At this time we fully expected their appearance, and retired to tij£; furthermost corner of the room ; and I said, ' This is the crisis!^ In that moment ' Jesus rebuked the winds and the ^ea, and there was a how tiie manifest sincerity, frankness, and true christian principle by which he acted, while raising up his societies under such trying circum- stances. *' About seven years since," says he, " we began preaching inward present salvation, as attainable by faith alone. For preaching this doctrine we are forbidden to preach in most churches. We then preached in private houses, and when the houses could not contain the people, in the open air. For this, many of the clergy preached and printed against us, as both heretics and schismatics. Persons who were con- vinced of sin, begged us to advise them more particularly how to flee from the wrath to come. We desired them, being many, to come at one time, and we would endeavour it. From this, we were represented both from the pulpit and press, as introducing Popery and raising sedi- tion ; yea all manner of evil was said both of us, and those who used to assemble with us. Finding that some of these £?}breaking, swearing, or drunkenness, for slandering, backbiting and evil speaking ; and 3. Those who did not attend were provoked, hereby to return evil for evil. So that the former were, in effect, no better j the latter worse, than before. *♦ The same objection, in substance," says Mr. Wesley, " has been made in most other parti of England. It therefore deserves a serious A. "Hdt. .*^ .'__-.t . 168 ivhat we sav ju . 1. tinswer, which will equally hold in all places. It is allowed, 1. That our preaching has done some good ; common swearers, Sabbath-bi^ak- ers, drunkards, thieves, fornicators, having been reclaimed from those outward sins. But it is affirmed, 2. That it lias done more harm ; the persons so leclaimed only changing one wickedness for another; and their nci^rhbors being so provoked thereby as to become worse than they were before. ' » "' " Those who have left their outward sins,' you affirm, * have only changed drunkenness or Sabbath-breaking, for backbiting or evil speak- ing.' I answer, if you affirm this of them all, it is notoriously false ; many we can name, who left cursing, swearing, backbiting, drunken- ness, and evil speaking together, and wiioare, to this day, just as tear- ful of slandering as they are of cursing or swearing. And if some are not yet enough aware of this snare of the devil, wo may hope they will bo ere long. Meantime bless God for what he has done, and pray that he would deliver them from this death also. «' You affirm farther, ' That their neighbors are provoked hereby to return evil for evil ; and so while the former are no better, the latter are worse than they were before. > .' ' . v* "I answer, 1. 'These are worse than they were before.' But why.? Because they do fresh * despite to the spirit of grace ; ' because they * despise that longsufTering' love of God which would lead them, as it does their neighbors, to repentance. (*) And in laying the blame of this on those who will * no longer run with them to the same excess of riot,' they only fulfil the Scriptures, and fill up the measure of their own iniquity. " I answer, 2. There is still no proportion at all between the good on the one hand, and the harm on the other ; for they who reject the goodness of God were servants of the devil before ; and they are but servants of the devil still. But they who accept it are brought frc u the power of Satan to serve the living and true God." In April, Mr. Wesley, on his return from the north, spent an hour with the same clergyman, and pressed him to make good his assertion, that the preaching of the methodists had done more harm than good, (♦) * The publicans and harlots,* says our Lord, ' repented at the preaching- 1 §1 * of John, and ye, when ye saw it, repented not afterwards that ye might believe. " r' - ', iU. i; 'I ■' i'^- *>5 •■ 'f.l i ,-iif vi J,. ?1 ' tj.\ 3 m \ jf.y *ii M 3H»^43^ • ;?■■" i ^Hp^^itj 1!| ImH| f ^H il^gl 160 / This he did not choose to pursue j but enlarged on (he liarm it might occasion in succeeding generations. Mr Wesley adds , < I cannot sec the force of this argument. I dare not neglect the doing certain pres- ent good for fear of some probable ill consequences in the succeeding century."— Thanks be to God, those ill consequences have not yet appeared after more than seventy years' trial. The Lord still »:»wns it to be his work. On the 34 oPune, 1748, Mr. Wesley opened his large schoul at KingswooJ. He ha(J long before built a small one for the children of the colliers which still exists. The last was intended for the ciiildrcn of our principal friends, that they might receive a complete education in the languages and sciences, without endangering their morals in the great schools, where vice is so prevalent. Jn time, many of the preachers married and had families. Their little pittance was notsuf- licient to enable them to support their ciiildren at school. The unin- terrupted duties of the itinerant life would not permit the father to il ^•4"'«ii'.;Jj '4 } J i. 'T-H lti3 m- II'. M m '^iS-*'' ii was a preacuer, pulled hlixi off his horse, diagged him to a coal-pit, and were with difficulty prevented from thrcwing him in. But he prose- cuted them at the assizes, and from that time the tumults in Stafford* shire subsided. After some years of persecution and oppressioh, having gained a few trials, they began to be more peremptory in demanding justice.— * But at the quarter sessions they were frequently disappointed . How- ever, they traversed and appealed to the iiigher courts. They often succeeded at the assizes, and almost always at the king's-bench. By degrees it became understood that the Methodists had a right to liberty and protection, as well as their fellow-subjects, and that they were de- termmed to claim these privileges. However, a little while before the death of Mr. Wesley, attempts were made in some parts of the king- dom to prosecute them under the conventicle act. But this was a measure so shocking to the candid and liberal part of the public, that it was soon abandoned, even by those whose spirits and principles were the most intolerent. Mr. Wesley evidently seems to have had but one design from the commencement of his ministry, and which he invariably pursued till his spirit returned to God, viz., to be as useful as possible to his feliow creatures, especially with regard to the salvation of their souls. He therefore never said, upon any success which he met with, *' It i^ enough." In this respect also he ' forgot the things behind and reached forth to those before.' The same he continually inculcated upon those who labored with him. Agreeably to this they have from the beginning gone from place to p!ace ; and having formed societies of * tliose who turned to God,' (for they take charge of none e|se) they immediately visited new places. beginning to preach generally in the open air, on a horseblock, or on whatever offered. At length one of the preachers, a Mr. Williams. tjien zealous for God, crossed the channel and begun to preach in Dub- lin. Multitudes flocked to hear; and for some time there was much disturbance, chiefly, though not wholly from the lower class, who are Romanists. He soon formed a small society, several of whom were happy witnesses of the truth which they heard, viz., That God does now also * give the knowledge of salvation by the remission of sins/ to those who repent and believe the gospel. 16^ Ml. Wiliian-.s wrote an account of his success to Mi. Wesley, who deternnined to visit Ireland immediately. Accordingly on Tuesday, August 4, 1747, he set out from Bristol, and passing through Wales, arrived in Dublin on Sunday 9, about ten o'clock in the forenoon. A circumstance almost instantly occurred which he considered as ' a toJ^en tor sood.' I shall relate it in his own words : *' Soon after we landed, hearing the bells ringing % church, I went thither directly. Mr. Lunell, the chief memher of the society, came to the quay just after I was gone, and left word at the house where our things were, * He would call again at one ' He did so, and took us to his house. About three I wrote a line to the curate of St. Mary's, who sent me word, *He should be glad ot my assistance.' So I preached there (another gentleman reading prayers) to as gay and senseless a congregation as lever saw. After sermon Mr. R. thanked me very affectionately, and desired I would favor him with ray com- 'jVany in the morning. "Monday, the 10, I nveit the society at five, and at six preached on.. 'Repent ye, and believe the gospel.' The room, large as it was, would not contain the people, who all seemed to taste the good w?ord. "Between eight and nine I went to Mr. R the curate of St. Mary's. He professed abundance of good will, comaiended my ser- mon in strong terms, and begged he might see me again the next morning. But at the same time he professed the most rooted preju- dice against lay-preachers, or preaching out of a church ; and said the archbishop of Dublin was resolved to suffer no such irregularities in his diocess " I went to our brethern that we might pour out our souls before God. 1 then went straight to wait upon the archbishop myself, but he was gone out of Town. " In the afternoon q gentleman desired to speak with me. He was troubled that it was not with uim as in times past. At the age of fourteen the power of God came mightily upon him, con- straining him to rise out of bed to pour out his prayers and tears, from a heart overflowed with love and joy in the Holy Ghost. For some mouths he scarce knew whether he was in the body, continually waking and talking with God. He has now an abiding peace : but cannot rest till the love of God again fills his heart." % fi '•■■»,» fig . i I, If m •>iN tMai kapj M^'W'>i' The house llien use.] for preaching ^vas sulluale in Miirlborough* street, and was originally designed for a Lutheran church. It contain- ed about four hundred people ; but four or live tinnes tiie number might stand in the yard, which was very spacious. -An immense mul- titude assembled to hear him on Monday evening; ; among whom were many of the rich, and nriinisters of all denominations. He spoke strongly and closely on, * The Scripture hath concluded all under yi;i, that the promise by failh of Jesu3 Christ might be given to them that beheve;' and observes, that no person seemed offended. All, tor the present at least, seemed convinced that he * spalce as the oracles of God.' The next day he waited on the archbishop. They convcrsd for two or three hours, in which time he answered an abundance of objections. He continued to preach morninession of this, one of whom was bawling out, ^^'Novv, hey, for thf Romans I" When he came up fAc^ likewise shrunk back, audi.; w tiled throujrli them to Mr* Jenkin's house. But a Romanist stood just uitiiin the door and endtavored to hinder him from irking in ; till one of tlie mob, aimiug at him, but missing, knocked down ihe Romanist. He then ^I'ent in, and God restrained the wild 1 ::asts so that not one attempted to follow him. *?^ 1^ Monday 21.— He mde on to Bandon. From threB in t}ie affev* iioon till past seven the mob of Cork marched in grand pr0cessi9n>' and then barnt him in effigy near Dant's Bridge. Friday, 25.— One Roger O'Farrel fixed up an advertisement ai Lhe public exchange, that he was ready to head any mob, in order to pull down any house that should dare to harbour a Swadler. (*) In the midst of the above riots he wrote the following hymn, which is stJ excellent, and so suitable to the time. It begins thus : ' " Yc simple sotils that stray, ' ; Far from the path of peace." &.c. It stands the 278 hymn in the present edition of our hymn book. Shortly after these riots in Cork, Butler went to Waterford, and raised disturbances in that city. But happening to quarrel with some who were as ready to shed blood as himself, he lost his right ?.rm iu the fray. Being thus disabled, the wretch dragged on the remainder of his life in unpitied misery. His fellow rioters at Cork were intimi- dated by the soldiers in garrison, many of whom began now to attend the preaching. At length peace was restored ; and the next time Mr. Wesley visited that city he preached without disturbance. A large preaching house was soon after built, in which the people quietly as- sembled. There are few places where religion has prospered more than in Cork. ' Being reviled for the name of Christ, the Spirit of Glory and of God has rested upon them ;' and many have been the living and dying witnesses of the power of true religion. The principal inhabitants have been long convinced of the folly and wickedness of the authors and encouragers of those persecutions : and, on a late visit, the mayor invited Mr. Wesley to the mansion house, and seemed to consider his company as an honor. Mr. Wesley continued his labors without intermission. He gene- rally preached three or four, and sometimes five times in the day ; anft often rode thirty or forty, sometimes fifty miles. Thus did he labor while he could ride on horseback ; nor do we believe there could be an (*) A name given to the Methc.-^ist preachers from the circumstance of one's preaching in that place from Luke 2. 12 «■ And this shall be a sign unto you, ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes." &c. I, .,' m'^ m n fj n « ? m. pW \P:,J. 'Ifi.l WO ;ntUhce founJ, il^iring (b« space of forty years, wberein the severest weather hindiered him for one day ! Man}' were tiie " hair-breadth eipcapes'' which he experienced dar- ing that time, and which be has noted in his journals with lively giat^ itude to Him who numbers the hairs of our head. In this year, (1700) he records a remarkable one. " I took horse," says he, " in Bristol for Wick, where I had appointed to preach at three in the afternoon. I was riding by the wall through St. Nicholas' gate, (my horse having been brought to the house where T dined,) just as a cart turned short frorr St. Nicholas-street, and came swiftly down the hill. There was just room to pass between the wheel of it and the wall ; but that space was taken up by the cartman. I called to him to go back, or I must ride over him. But the man, as if deaf, walked straight forward. This obliged me to hold back my horse. In the mean time, the shaft of the cart came full against his shoulder, with surh a shock as beat him to the ground. He shot me forward over his head, as an arrow out of a bow, where I lay with my arms and legs, I know not how, stretched out in a line close to the wall. The wheel ran by close to my side, but only dirtied my clothes. 1 found no flutter of spirit, but the same composure as if I had been sitting in my study. When the cart was gone I rose. Abundance of people gathered round, till a gcnlleiiian desired me to step into his shop. Afler .cleaning myself a little, I took horse again, and was at Wick by the time appointed. I returned to Bristol, (where the report of my being killed had spread far and wide,) time enough to praise God in the great congregation, and to preach on * Thou, Lord, shalt save both man and beast' " He now visited, with those that labored with him, many parts of Yorkshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, and Cheshire, where he had never been before. He also visited Plymouth, and many other places in the west ; and in every place, the tcork of God prospered. Mr. Wesley observes, *' This is no cant word : it means * the conversion of sinners from sin to holiness.' " But still they were obliged in many parts to carry their lives in their hands. Some histances of this have been re- lated already. 1 shall mention one more in his own words. " After preaching at Oakhili, a village in Somersetshire, I rode on 1, in (he severest 171 (o Slieptoa Mallet, but tuund the people all under a strange constema tion. A mob they said was hired, and made sufficiently drunk to do all manner of mischief. I began preachisg between four and five, and none hindered or interrupted at all. We had a blessed opportunity, and the hearts of many were exceedingly comforted. I wondered what was become of the mob. But we were quickly informed they mistook the place, imagining I should alight ('as I used to do,) at VVm. Stone's house, and had summoned by drum all their forces together, to meet at my coming. But Mr. Swindells, (one of the pretichers,) in- nocently carrying me to the other end of the town, they did not find their mistake till I had done preaching. *' However, they attended us from the preaching house to William Stone's, throwing dirt, stones, und clods, in abundance ; but they could not hurt us, only Mr. Swindells had a little dirt on his coat, and I had a few specks on my hat. " After we had gone into the house, they began throwing largt stones in order to break the door. But perceiving this would require some time, they dropped that uesjgn lor mo present. TUvy tiicu Woke all the tiles on the penthouse, over the door, and poured in a shower ol stones at the windows. One of their captains, in his great zeal, had followed us into the house, and was now shut in with us. He did not like this, and would fam have got out, but it was not possible. So he kept as close to me as he could, thinking himself safest when he was near me. But staying a little behind, (when I went up two pair ol stairs, and stood close on one side where we were a little sheltered,) a large stone struck him on the forehead, and the blood spouted out like a stream. He cried out, '0 sir, are we to die to-night .> What must! do ? What must I do.?'— I said, ' Pray to God. He is able todelivei you from all danger.' He took my advice, and began praying, I believe, as he had scarce ever done before. Mr. Swindells and I then went to prayer ; after which I told him, 'We must not stay here. We must go down immediately.'— He said, ♦ Sir, we cannot stir, you see how the stones fly about.'— I walked straight through the room and down the stairs ; and not a stone came in till we were at thr bottom. The mob had just broken open the door when we came into the lower room j and while they burst in at. ^k.' |! I 1 / ■ ■ ( ;^^'l:: 172 1J I ■11 V "!; Ul oae door, ve walked out at the other. Nor did one man take anr Uptice of U8, though we were within five yards of each other. *' They filled the house at once, and proposed setting it on fire. Bat one of them remembering that his own house was next, persuaded thenl not to do it. Hearing one of them cry out, • They are gone over tht- gIDunds,* I thouglit the hint was good. So we went over the grounds. t0 the far end of the town, where one waited, and undertook to guide us to Oakhill. " I was riding on in vShepton-lane, it being now quite dark, when he cried out, * Come down! come down from the bank!' I did as I was desired ; but the bank being high, and the side almost perpendicv ular, I came down all at once, my horse and I tumbling one ovci another. But we both rose unhurt. In less than an hour we came to Oakhill, and the next morning to Bristol." September 8, he came to London, and received the following account of the death of one of the travelling preachers : *' John Jane was never well after walking from Epworth to Hainton, and an exceeding liot tl«^» wiiiUi mrew nun intu a levci. Uui he was in great peace and love, even to those who greatly wanted love to him. He was sometime at Alice Shadforth's house, with whom he daily talked of the things of God, spent much time in private prayer, and joined likewise with her in prayer several times in a day. On Friday, Aug. 24, he sat in the evening by the fireside ; about six he fetched a deep sigh, and never spoke more. He was alive till the same time on Saturday, when, without a struggle, or sign of pain, with a smile on his face, he passed away. His last words were, ' I find the love of God in Chris! Jesus.' ' " All his clothes, linen and woollen, stockings hat and wig, are not thought sufficient to answer his funeral expenses ; which amount to ouc pound sixteen shillings and three pence. All the money he had was one shilling and four pence : " enough," adds Mr. Wesley, ** for any utimarried preacher of the gospel to leave to his executors." To do justice to the present history, as well as for the satisfaction of my readers, it may not be amiss, to give some account respecting Mr. Wesley's conjugal life. The woman whom he married, viz. Mrs. Vizella was, as appears 173 Oom the best authority, well qualified for the sphere in which she was introduced. She indeed seemed truly pious, and was very agreeable in her person and manners. She conformed to every company, whethei of the rich or poor, and she had a remarkable facility, and propriety, iti addressmg them concerning their true interest. She departed however from this excellent way, and the marriage consequently became an un- happy one. It was however agreed between Mr. and Mrs. Wesley, previous to their marriage, that he should not preach one sermon, or travel one mile less on that account. ♦« If 1 thought I should my dear,'^ says Mr. Wesley, " as well as 1 love you, 1 would never see youi face more." She did not however hold of this mind long. After travelling with him fur awhile, she would have fain prevailed on him, to submit to a more domestic, life. But, finding by experience, this to be impossible, she imbibed a spirit of jealousy, and at length became outrageous. — She repeattcily forsook his habitation, and was only brought back again bv his earnest solicitude. She at length took a final departure from him, at the same time seizing a part of his journal and many papers besides, wliich siie took away with her, and never would afterwards retura them. She likewise sent him word, that she intended never HCTain to return. Consldcrinfic this affair in its true liffht, who can wonder at Mr. Wesley's observing " A'on eain rdhiguiy non dimisi, non rcoocabo.^- " I have not left her, 1 have not put her away, I will not call her back." She diu'd in the year 1781, at Camberwell, near London. What fortune she jiossessed at her death she lefl to Mr. Vizella, her son by u former husband. To Mr. Wesley however, she bequeathed a ring. For a more particular account of this affair, the reader is referred ip ♦' Moores life of Wesley,'' Vol. I!, p. 145. Mr. Wesley however, bore his severe trials well. He has repeat- edly told me, [Mr. Moore,] that he believed the Lord overruled this whole painful business for his good ; and that if Mrs. Wesley had been a better wife, and contmued to act in that way in which she knew how to act, he might have been unfaithful in the great work to which the Lord liad called him, and might have too much sought to please herac? cording to her own views. p 2 li » m ' ^7 ;' i :\ •' t 1 i' { ' » 'i ■ 1 -■,;* i '■ \M 1?4 !«■■* Soon after his marriage he resigned his fellow-ship. The letter oi resignation was as follows. Ego Johannes Wesley y Collegi Lincolnien- sis in academia Oxoniensi sociust quicquid mihi juris est inpradicta Societate ejusdemf rectori et socies, sponte ac libere rcsigno; Wis vni- Oersis, et singulis, perpetuam paccmt de omnimodo in Christo fiUcitn • turn exoptans. I John Wesley, fellow of Lincoln College Oxford, freely resign to the rector and fellows, whatsoever belongs to me in that society ; earnestly wishing to them all, and to each of them, con- tinual and all felicity in Christ. Mr. C. Wesley was now become, in a great degree, a domesli-' man ; and the want of that activity which we have heretofore seen Ja his labours of love, much impaired his own comforts and laid him open to strong temptation. Mr. John Wesley has remarked to mc, '* While my brother remained with me he was joyous in his spirit, and his labor saddened him not. But when he departed from that activity to which the Lord called him, and in which he so greatly blessed him, his spirit became depressed ; and being surrounded with "croakers,'- he often looked through the same clouds which enveloped them.''* Having met in London, the two brothers went down to Siioreham in November, and talked the matter over m the presence of Mr. Perronet, whom Mr. C Wesley used to call " our arch-bishop." — A less exceptionable daysman could not have been found ; a man ful' of faith and love, and entirely devoted to God and to his work. IL had fitted up a large outer room in the parsonage-house, (which I had llie privilege of visiting,) where the preacliers used to meet the piou^ people of the parish : the good man rejoicing in all that he reard, and in all the good that was done. In his presence the two brothers ex- pressed their entire satisfaction in the end which each had in view ; namely the glory of God and the saU^^tion of souls. They both ar, kcowledged the sincerity of each, in desiring union between theui. selves as the means to that end ; and after much conversation they both agreed to act in concert witii respect to the preachers, so that neither of them should admit or refuse any but such as both admitted Of jre^used. — About six weeks atlerward they were at Shoreham again, and then signed the following articles of agreement : *' With regard to the preachers \\q agree, t7!i .'( J. That nonn shall be permitted to preach in any of our satieties till he be examined both as to his grace and gifts ; at least by the as- sistant, who, sending word to us, may by our answer admit him a local preacher. ij : »- . "2. That such preacher be not immediately taken from his trade, but be exhorted to folloiv it with all dilligence. '• 3. That no person shall be received as a travelling preacher, or be taken from his trade, by either of us alone, but by both of us con- jointly, giving him a note under both our hands. " 4. That none of us will readmit a travelling preacher laid aside, without the consent of the other. *' 5. That if we should ever disagree in our judgment, we will refer the matter to Mr. Perronet. " 6. That we will entirely be patterns of all we expect from every preacher; particularly of zeal, dilligence, and punctuality in the work , by constantly preaching and meeting the societies ; by visiting yearly Ireland, Cornwail, and the north ; and, in general, by superintending Ihe whole woik and every branch of it with all the strength which God shall give us. We agree to the above written, till this day next year. in the presence of Mr. Perronet. *' John Wesley* "Charles Wesley." !:'' ji! &■ i J1 Of. Whitehead observes, "Mr. John Wesley was prevailed upor; i , with some dilFiculty, to sign these articles " But he soon found that; pip ■' from the causes already mentioned, his brother was unable to execute io large an engagement with any efficiency. Mr. J. Wesley may therefore, from this time be considered asthe sole director of the work, jiot from the heathenish principle which Dr. Whitehead imputes to him, without any evidence, viz., that he would be aut Caipsar,aut nullus,{*) < but form necessity : he could not admit of any partner who would not superintend the whole work or every part of it, as above stated. — ^ ! Mr. C. Wesley, however, occasionally assisted his brother, especially 'i,\^ in London and Bristol, and his ministrations were always acceptable ' ' ' and profitable to the people. (*) He would be supreme or he would be ucbwdy. !i: » 176 m ! Ifi :ii1i#f CHAPTER VI. Mr. J. Wesleyh illness — Renewal of Mr. C. Weslcyh labors^ Minutes of the Conference against Antinominism — Protest of Mr. Shirely — Mr. Fletcher^s writings — Anecdote of Mr. Wesley — Dcc^l of Declaration. * Mr. Wesley had hitherto enjoyed remarkable health considering his great and continued labors and exposures of every kind. But, Octo- ber 19, 1753, soon after his return to London he was taken ill. In a short time his complaint put on the appearance of an ague. Before, he was perfectly recovered he repeatedly catched cold, and was pre- sently threatened with a rapid consumption. — November 26, Dr. Fothergill told him he must not stay in town one day longer: that if any thing would do him good it must be the country air, with rest, asse's mlik, and riding daily. In consequence of this advice he retireil to Lewisham, to the house of his friend Mr. Blackwell, the banker. Here, not knowing how it might please God to dispose of him, and wishing *' to prevent vile panegyric" in case of death, he wrote a5 follows ; HERE LIETIl THE BODY OF JOHN WESLEY, A BRAND PLUCKED OUT OF THE BURNING I WHO DIED OF A CONSUMPTION IN THE 51 ST YEAR OF HIS AGE : NOT LEAVING, AFTER HIS DEBTS ARE PAID, TEN POUNDS BEHIND HIM ; PRAYING God be merciful to me an unprofitable servant ! He ordered that this inscription, if any, should be placed on his tomb- stone. When in the most dangerous stage of this affliction, he received fhe following letter from the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield. "Bristol, Dec. 3, 1753. " Rev. and very dear Sir, <' If seeing you so weak when leaving London distressed me, the news and prospects of your approaching dissolution hath quite weigh- deeply couviuccd of the nu7nber and hchousness of their own sins, irom which conviction spring * fruits meet for repentance •' their being made happy partakers of * righteousness, peace, and joy I in the Holy Ghost,' and walking in all holiness^ were demonstrable proofs of this. For is their any name given under iieaven, whereby men can be fAws saved, but the name of Christ alone ? But the Lord, at sundry times and in divers places, poured out hi? Spirit in a remarkable manner. This religious concern^ these divine impressions, and their consequent /m/5, attended the prcachino-ot God's word in so great a degree upon those occasions, that more were converted in a few months, or c\ en weeks or days at such times than for several years before. Many parts of these kingdoms have been thus favored at different seasons ; but <»soecially about the year 1760, and for some years after. In London particularly this revival of religion was great and conspicuous ; and the word of the Lord was glorified among them. The city of London had been highly favored from the commence - jmentof Mr. Wesley's labors. He usually resided there durino- the winter months. There were now several chapels in if. under his di- rection. In some of these, on every Lord's day, the service of the Church of England was performed, and thi Lord's supper adiiiinis- tered. Mr. Maxfield, whom we have already mentioned, was or- dained by Dr. Barnard, then bishop of Londonderry, who resided for some time at Bath for the benefit of his health. The bishop re- ceived him at Mr. Wesley's recommendation, spying, " Sir, I ordain you, to assist that good man, that he may not work himself to death.'- lie did assist Mr. Wesley for some years, and was eminentl_y useful. The doctrines of the Bible, of the Reformation, and of t'je church of England, were now preached in almost every part of the land. Pre- sent salvation by grace through faith, aud universal obedience as the iruit thereof, urged on the consciences of men, caused practical Christi- mily again to revive : and to use the words of a pious a^id elegant writer(*) " Leaning on her fair daughters Truth and Love, slie took a solemn walkthrough the kingdom, and gave a foretaste of heaven to all (') Tlic late Rev. Mr. Fictclier, Vicar ofMadcly, Salop, .''.. i 180 1 1 1 i'lji »i '' 1 ?J; m ! il; i^ r^. that entertalneil her." " She might," says lie, «by tliis (ime have turned this favorite isle into a land flowing with spiritual milk and honey, if Apollyon, disguised in his angelic robes, had not played, and i\ r to Mr. Wes- where you expressed your bsUcf of, what is cttilneully called by us; the doctrine of free grace, and sent it to the CoUe^^s, desiring it might be sent to l/ady Huntingdon. She hath returned it, with a let- ter, wherein she expresses the greatest disapprobation of it; the pui- |)ortof it IS, to charge you with terjiiversation, (the old accusation ol the Antinomians!) and me with being the dupe of your impositions.-— She hath wrote in stronger terms to her college. "Things, I hoped, would have remained here; but how ant 1 sur- prised and grieved to see zeal borrowing the horn of discord, ana soundmg an rilann through the reliffious world against you! Mr. H— -*- called upon me last night and showed me a printed circular letter, which 1 suppu.^e is or will be sent ."o the serious clergy and laity through the lan^l I have leceived none, as I have lost, I suppose, my repu- tation of being a real Protestant^ by what I wrote on your Minute: in Wales •* The following is an exact copy of the printed letter : it t Sir, — Whereas Mr. Wesley's conference is to be held at Bristol on Tuesday, the 6th of August next, it is proposed by Lady Hunting- don and many other Christian friends, (real Protestants) to have a meeting at Bristol at the same time, of such principal persons, both clergy and laity, and who disapprove of the underwritten Minutes; and as the same are thought mjurious to the very fundamental principles of Christianity i it is further proposed, that they go in a body to the said conference, and insist upon a formal recantation of the said Minutes; and, in case of a refusal, that they sign and publish their protest against them. Your presence, sir, on this occasion is particularly requested : but if it should not suit your convenience to be there, it is desired that you will transmi* your sentiments on the subject, to such person as you think proper to produce them. It is submitted to you, whether it would not be right, in the opposition to be made to such a dreadful herseyy to recommend it to as many of your Christian friends, as well of the Dis- senters as of the Established Church, as you can prevail on, to be there ; the cause being of so publiaa nature. I am sir, your obedient servant, Walter Shirley.'" Then followed a postscript, containing the objectionable propositions, if :l|iul ii 184 :V ■'. life- " • " ''^'' &c. &c. After stating this, Mr. Fletcher prQCe^Js : " I think it my duty, dear sir, to give you the earliest intelligeoce of this bold onset ; and assure yau, that upon the evangelical principles mentioned in your last letter to me, I, for one, shall be glad to stand by you and your doctrine to the last, hoping that you will gladly remove stamblingblocks out of the way of the weak, and alter such expressions as may create prejudice in the hearts of those who are inclined to admit it. If you come this way, sir, I will show you the minutes of what I wrote in Wales, in defence of what is called your dreadful heresy i for, as to the writing itself, I have it not ; Lady H. would ne or return it to me. Dear sir, we can never make too much of Jesus Christ : some may preach and exalt him out of contentiorii but let us do it willingly and Scripturally; and the Lord will stand by us. I beg, I entreat him. to stand by yoii ; particularly at this time to give you the simplicity of the dovcy and the wisdom oj the serpent ; the condescension of a child, and the firmness of a lather. *^ I write to Mr. Shirley, to expostulate with him to call in his cir- cular letter. His sermons contain propositions much more heretical an(i anli'Calcimslic th-in your Minutes. If my letters have not the desirec effect, i shall probablv, if you approve of them, and will correct them, publish them for your justification. I find Mr. Ireland is to write, to make you tamely recant^ without measuring swords, or breaking a pike with our real Protestants. I write to hin also " The honorable and reverend Walter Shirley, the brother of the un- happy ear) Ferrars, and Chaplam to his sister the piw'js countess c: Huntingdon, was a truly pious man, and affectionately attached fo; several years to Mr. Wesley, who had beer the principal instrumen of his conversion. The following letter wiii clearly show that piety and attachment : Loughrea, Ang. 21, 1759. "Reverend and deaii Sib, Your obliginj and truly Christian letter was welcome to my soul ten thousand thousand times ; and brought along with it a warm satis- faction, which could only be exceeded by the pleasure of a personal conversation with you. And I am not without hopes, that when you shall think fit to visit those blessed seminaries of true vital religion in «*: 186 (his kingdom, of your own planting, you will take an opportunity of lionoring this place, and more particularly my house, with the presence of one whose labors in the gospel of my dear master are so eminent. '* I thank you greatly for your Alarm : indeed, the devil could not make use of a more subtle, specious insinuation to dissuade us from pursuing the attack with vigor, than that of Christian prudence. 1 tiiist ho sees himself badled through your timely caution. But alas! • what ronfidence is there to be put in the weakness of man! It is in tho J. Old's strength alone that I shall be able to triumph over this, and all other temptations. ** I highly honor and love Mr. Berridge, and Mr. Grimshaw. — May God bless ihem with increasing success, that they may * see the travail of their souls and be satisfied I' and may he endue me with the same noble courage, that his name may be magnified even in this place ! *' What will you say, dear sir? VVill you not give up every favora- ble opinion of so unworthy a minister as I am, when I inform you, that though there are many under my charge who confess they have been awakened ; yet I dare not boast of any confirmed converts (now living) through my preaching and ministry ? I bless my God, however, for one dear soul, who departed in peace, " I am now about to leave them for two or three months, being in a very bad state of bodily health, und advised to go to Bath. Let mc entreat your earnest prayers to the God of all grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord, that 1 may not be found an unprofitable servant; and that I may return to my dear parishioners, under the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of peace. "* •* That yon may finish your course with joy, and in God's good season enter into the full possession of the fruits of your labors, is the sincere prayer of < '^. Your affectionate brother, " To (he Rev. J. Wesley:' W. Shirlef. A few years after this, Mr. Shirley adopted the creed of his noble sister,, and entering into all her views, became the champion of the cause which appeared to '.nem ot so much importance to *' evangelicai truth." Q 2 hit .1 i^'bI I-Jf ■f* - .1^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) /. 1.0 I.I 1^ 12.8 ■ 50 ■■• ^ m 2.5 Z2 1.8 _.^ 1.25 1.4 1.6 — '■ <« 6" - ► Hiotographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ^*'!ife > Ud ^••1 m'ii fm Tuesday, August 6, the conference began at Biistol. On Thursday morning, Mr. Shirley and his friends (*) were admitted ; when a conversation took place for two hours on the subject which occasioned their visit. Though the party had shown much violence in writing, yet the interview with the conference was managed with much temper and moderation. Mr. Wesley showed great love to his old friend. But the party in the nation was so irritated, that all accommodation became hopeless, and it was thought absolutely necessary to publish Mr. Fletcher's letters. Ou the 14th, Mr. Wesley wrote the lollowing letter to Lady Huntingdon ; " My dear Lady, "**" When I received the former letter from your ladyship, I clid not know how to answer : and 1 judged, not only that silence would be the best answer, but also that with which your ladyship would be the best pleased. When I received your ladyship's of the 2d instant, I imme- diately saw that it required an answer ; only I waited^till the hurry of the conference was over, that I might do nothing rashly. I know your ladyship would not 'servilely deny the truth.' I think, neither would I; especially that great truth, justificaticn by faitji ; which Mr. Law indeed flatly denies, (and yet Mr. -Law was a child of God,) but for which I have given up all my worldly hopes, my friends, my reputation ; yea, for which I have so often hazarded my life, and by the grace of God will do again. The principles established in the Minutes I apprehend to be no way contrary to this ; or to that faith, that consistent plan of doctrine, which was 'once delivered to the saints.' I believe whoever calmly considers Mr. Fletcher's letters. will be convinced of this. I fear, therefore, *' zeal agalnst'those prin- ciples, is no less than zeal against the truth, and against the honor of our Lord. The preservation of his honor appears so sacred to me, and has done for above these forty years, that I have counted, and do count a^l things loss in comparison of it. But till Mr. Fletcher's printed fetters are answered, I must think every thing spoken against those (*) The Calvinistic ministers, who were summoned by Mr. Shirley, were not willing to enter the lists in the way that he had appointed; and therefore the good man was attended only hy a few of the Countess's students from her col- lege at Treveca. ■ ^■j^l -M " » isr Minutes is toLally dcsliuctlvc of irrs honorj and a palpable affront to Him, both as our Prophet and Priest, but more especially as the King of his people. These letters, which therefore could not be suppressed witiiout betraying the honor of our Lord, largely prove that the minutes lay no other foundation than that which is laid in Scripture, and which IJiave been laying, and teaching others to lay, for between thirty and V forty years. Indeed it would be amazing that God should at this day ljV(Ts^%ii^.rZ:'.y labors as much, if not more than ever, by convincing as well as conveiting f;;:iners, if I was * establishing another foundation, repugnant to the whole plan of man's salvation under the covenant of ovace, as well as the clear meaninjc of our Ebtablished Chuich, and all other Protestant Churches.' This is a charge indeed ! But I plead, Not Guilty ! And till it is proved upon me, 1 must subscribe myself. My dear lady, Your ladyship's affectionate, but much injured servant, John Wesley." The controversy now fully commenced, and was continued for some lime, bu; vt 17 prudently committed almost wholly to Mr. Fletcher j who managed it with astonishing temper and success. Indeed, the temper of this gentleman did not lead him to polemic divinity. He was devout and pious to a degree seldom equaled since the days of the apostles. But being urged into this controversy by the love of truth, and reverence for Mr Wesley, he displayed great knowledge of his subject, and a most happy manner of treating it. In his hands the ablest of his antagonists were as the lion in the hands of Samson. He (cmonstrated that those propositions were equally agreeable to Scrip- ture, reason, and the writings of the soundest, even of the Calvinistic (livints. He largely showed, that as the day of judgment differs from the Jay of conversion, so must the conditions of justification. That, as in the one we are considered as mere sinners, and raised out of guilt and misery, by an act of God's mercy, through faith in the merits of his son : so, in the other, we are considered as members of the mys- tiv..jil body of Christ ; and being enabled by his grace to do works ac- ceptable to God, we are justified in that awful day by the evidence though not the merit of those works, inward and outward ; and yet hat we are indebted for both to that glorious act of divine love, pro- i -^ m i ■tr-;-",,^, dlt. 'k ■kt.:- •;i. . '(• •*' ,;:!f«s ill' •*( 'I'll 't SB 188 claimed by St. Paul, ' God was in Ciirist reconciling the world to himself.' And lastly that the propositions in question secured the one without at all weakening the other. In all the controversies in which Mr. Wesley had hitherto been concerned, he stood alone. In this he had but Httle to do. lie wrote one or two small tracts ; but, as the reviewers of that day observed, he soon retired from the field, and went quietly on in his labor, happy in being succeeded by so able an auxiliary. Mr. Fletcher abounded in time as well as talents for the work. He equally excelled in tem- per and in skill. And while he exposed the errors of his mistaken op- ponents, he did honor to their piety. From this time Mr. Wesley was but little troubled by the advocates for Absolute Predestination. Mr. Fletcher's Works have been a standing answer to all those who assert it ; as well as highly useful to those who have been troubled concerning questions on this subject. They are published in nine volumes octavo, and are well worthy the attention of all serious persons, who will find therein ' the armor of righteosness on the right hand and on the left ; the truth as it is in Jesus.' An order had been made by the house of Lords in May, this year, 1776, " That the commissioners of his majesty's excise do write cir- cular letters to all such persons whom they have reason to suspect to have plate, as also to those who have not paid regularly the duty on the same," &c. — In consequence of this order, the accomptant-general for household plate sent Mr. Wesley, in September, a copy of the or- der, with the following letter : — "Reverend Sir, As the commissioners cannot doubt but you have plate, for which you have hitherto neglected to make^n entry, they have directed me to send you the above copy of the lords' order, and to inform you they expect that you forthwith make due entry of all your plate ; such entry to bear date from the commencement of the plate-duty, or from such time as you have owned, used, had, or kept any quantity of silver plate, chargeable by the act of parliament ; as in default hereof the board will be obliged to signify your refusal to their lordships. " N. B. An immediate answer is desired." Mr. Wesley answered as follows :— ^ ■ V o«|0 -* . 180 > ',:V ^ Sir, <« I have two silver tea-snoons at London, and tvvo at Bristol. Thrj; is all the. plate which I have at present ; and I shall not buy any nnorj^ while so many around me want bread. I am, sir, Your most humble servant, John VVeslly." The year 1784 is remarhablo ia ll:c annals of Methodism, 1. F.;r the solidity given to its affairs by the deed of declaration, enrolled in chancery, whereby the numerous chapels of the connection were se- cured to the people for the purposes for which they had been built : and, 2. For the advancement of its spiritual privileges, by giving a full Christitin ministry to the societies in America, just then become independent of the mother country. The deed of declaration is dated February 2S, 1724. It is entitled, " The Rev. John Wesley's declaration and Establishment of the Conference of the People called Methodists :" and, in the attested copy, is said to be'* Enrolled in his majesty's high court,of chancery.'- CHAPTER VII. Death of the Revd. Charles Wesley — view of his characlci\ Dr. Whitehead observes, '^ ]\Ir. Charles Wesley had a weak body and a poor state of health during the greatest part of his hfe. I be- lieve he laid the foundation of both at Oxford, by too close applica- tion to study and abstinence from food. He rode much on horsebacl;^ which probably contributed to lengthen out life to a good old age. f visited him several times in his last sickness, and his body was, in- deed, reduced to the most extreme stale of weakness. He possesLed that state of mind which he had been always pleased to see in others — unaffected humility and holy resignation to tiie will of God. He ha;l no transports of joy, but solid hope and unshaken confidence in Christ, which kept his mind in perfect peace." The circumstances of his death are related by his daughter. Miss Wesley, in a letter to her uncle, Mr. John Wesley, as follows : ' "Dear and Honored Uncle, — We were all present where my dear respected father departed this life. His end was what he particularly desired, it might be, 'peace.'' •:: 1 :. m ' ; :'- ,■ ': jt- ' ) '■'.f '';»;• , *.■' ;'i' ' 'i. l|| ^^|ij ■Mj *yKjff|rV fWs^pBr' f /'Ji >' . ••.*.•« "*-.- «. ■*.-«•'" ,'iir't-'r-r,L(M,^ii ,)»'- ■^'-.: ' • Mi ■ii*t*tv 190 All liis pra3'er was ' patience and au easy death ;' he bade eveiy one \vho visited him to supplicate for these, often repeating * An casif dcath.^ When we asked him if he wanted any thing, he frequently ans- s we red * Nothiiuj but Christ.'' The 2Sth, my mother, asked him if he had any thing to say to us, raiiing his eyes, he said, •' Only thanks, love, blessing." He was eager to depart, and if we moved him, or spoke to him^ he answered, 'Let medio, Let me die.' His last words which 1 <'ould hear, were, * Lord, my heart my God.' He then drew his breath short, and the last, so gently, that we knew not exactly the moment in which his happy spirit Tied." Dr. Whitehead observes, " Mr. C. Wesley was of a warm anu livcl}^ disposition, of great firmness and integrity, and generous ani! s;teady in his friendship. In his conversation he was pleasing, in- fttriictino: and cheerful. His religion was genuine and unaffected. As n minister, he was familiarly acquainted with every part of divinity. i^nd his mind was furnished with an uncommon knowledge of the scriptures His discourses from the pulpit, flowed from the present views and feelings of his own mind. He had a remarkable taleir of expressing the most important truths, with simplicity and energy, and his discourses were some times truly apostolical, forcing con- viction on the hearers in spite of the most determined opposition. As a husband and a father, his character was amiable." His poetical talents were of the first order. Ho wrote short hymni on most of the remarkable passages of the Old and New Testament, and very largely on some of bolh. It has been said by one wli" knew him superficially, that ' the poet was spoiled by religion : els he would have shined in the higher walks of that science.' One day he was preaching at IMoorfields, snd having mentioned those things, (*) he added, "you may know one cf those zealots by his bad temper." A person in the crowd immediately vociferated "you lie." * Ha !' says Mr. Wesley, 'have I drawn out leviathan with a hook.' (*) Absolv^te predestination and Anlinomianism, which had been introduced among the people. Mr. C. Wesley was fully intent on opposing this evil . r<' 't" #, , ,;^,,*«R-te,^ • ii Mitel II .... '"JgL^ 101 f a warm and Another anecdote which he related to me [Mr Moore] is perhaps still more striking. When that dignified character, Dr. Robinson, Pri- mate of Ireland, and who had been raised to the peerage, was at the Hot Wells, near Bristol, he met Mr. C Wesley in the pump- room. They were both of Christ Church, Oxford; the Arch- Bish- op seemed glad to see his old fellow collegian, and conversed with him freely. After some time, he observed, " Mr. Wesley, you must be sensible that I have heard many things of you and your brother, but I have not believed them. — I knew you better ; but one thing- has always surprised me — your employmg laymen. C. W. It is your fault my Lord. A. B. My fault Mr. Wesley ? C W. Yes, my Lord, your^s and your brethren's. (V. B. How so Sir } C. W. Why my Lord, you hold your peace, and so liie stones < ry out. They took a turn in silence. His grace however rallied. A. B. But I hear they are unlearned men. C. W. Very true, my Lord, in the general they are ; so — the dumb ass rebuked prophet. His grace immediately turned the conversation. I shall conclude the sketch of the character of this great rnd inesti- mable man, by expressing my convictions of him also, as of hi^ ]}rother, that ' 1 ne'er shall look upon his like again.' CHAPTER VIII. Latter end, and death of the Revd- John Wesley — Review of his character. The long life graciously dispensed to those brothers in the flesh and in the Lord, was a blessing to the people under their care. The want of the personal superintendence of Mr. C. Wesley, in his lat- ter years, was but little felt while his brother continued in the full enjoyment of his vast powers. But the time drew near when he al- so must prove, that * it is appointed unto men once to die.' This aw- ful hour began now to be very generally anticipated, accompanied M ui ■A '■■-■ f f.^: It,*- •■I.: ' ^AKlii. ■ iKI .•*..■ „■, '.'tl ! iff. m m^ 192 wiilh Inquiires conccrniug the probable cansrequcncts of his death to that great work of which he had been the father, and still continued ihe chief instrument. He alone seemed without carefulness. That it was a ivork of God, and consequently that it would no more come to an end than the word that was given, and by which it had been form- ed, seemed never for a moment to depart from his mind. That his death must be sudden, was a very general thought; "for, if the people apprehend danger, they will keep him here while prayer will be heard." Careful to do the work of him that sent him, all other care he cast upon him in whom is the life ot man. On his birth-day, (June 28, 1788,) Mr. Wesley observes, " I this day enter on my eighty-sixth year. And what cause have I to praise God, as for a thousand spiritual blessings, so for bodily bles- tsings also ! How little have I suffered yet, by ' the rush of nume- rous years !* It is true I am not so agile as I was in time past : 1 do not run or walk so fast as I did. My sight is a little decayed : my left eye is grown dim, and hardly serves me to read. I have daily some pain in the ball of my right eye, as also in my right temple, (oc- casioned by a blow received some months since,) and in my right shoulder and arm, which I impute partly to a sprain and partly to riicumatism. I find likewise some decay in my memory with regard to names, and things lately past ; but not at all with regard to what T have read or heard twenty, forty or sixty years ago. Neither do I find any decay in my hearing, smell, taste or appetite, (though I want but a third part of the food I did once,) nor do I feel any such thing .as weariness, either in travelling or preaching. And I am not con- scious of any decay in writing sermons, which I do as readily, and I believe as correctly as ever. " To what cause can I impute this, that I am as I am ? First, doubtless, to the power of God, fitting me for the work to which! am called, as long as he pleases to continue me therein ; and next, subordinately to this, to the prayers of his children. *• May we not impute it as inferior means: "1. To my constant exercise and change of air.** « To my never having lost a night's sleep, sick or well, at land or. *t sea, since I was born ^ mmM. 198 <" 3. To my having slept at command, so tlial whenever I fee] my- self almost worn out, I call it, and it comes, day or night? '<4. To my constant preaching at five in the morning, for above fifty years ? *< 5. To my having had so little pain iq my life, and so little sorrow, or anxious care ? "6 Even now, though I find pain daily in my eye or temple, or arm, yet it is never violent, and seldom lasts many minutes at a time, <' 7 Whether or not this is sent to give me warning that I am shortly lo quit this tabernacle I do not know ; but be it one way or the other. I have only to say, My remnant of d«y« I spend to his praise Who died the whole world to redeem':- * . J' ' Be they many or few, My days are his due, And they all are devoted to him !" It had been reported that Mr. Charles Wesley had said a little be- fore he died, that his brother would outlive him but one year. Mr. Wesley did not pay much attention to this, but he seemed to think, that considering his years, and the symptoms of decay which he ha5 marked in himself, such an event was highly probable. Yet he made not the least alteration in his manner of living, or in his labors. He often said to me, during that year, " Now what ought I to do in case I am to die this year ? I do not see what I can do but to go on in my labor just as I have done hitherto." And in his Journals he remarl^:^, *» If this is to be the last year of my life, I hope it will be the best. I am not careful about it, but heartily receive the advice of the angel in Milton, •' ' " '• - • '•"' ■"■ - ■-"' -^'-'-r - - ^^ -- ^^'^ -:■)■ * How t«e// is thine : how /ong' permit to heaven !"* '■ • ..< In conversing on this subject, before he left London, he observed to me, "Mr. (afterward Sir) James Stonehouse said, many years ago^^ that my brother and I should die in the harness. My brother did not,, butlbelieve I shall." >•-■ < :* a^'i.iv if ms '.';'. -u-^r ^i^ >Nt On thte first day of the following year, ^1790J he remarks : " I am now an old mui, decayed from head to foot. My eyes are dim $ my right hand shakes mnchj my mouth is hot and dry every morning, { R ' f M' '.}* i , i i'i. I ■ i V-, . *■ V . (-,■ > ill- »i > ; i i ',itm t ■ if ■r'i» ;!^ K' ' rC^^'li V 194 iiave a lingering fevear almost every day. My motion is wcalc and alow. However, blesskdbe God I do not slack my labor. I can preach and write still." Being in the house with him when he wrote thus, I was greatly sur- prised. I knew it must be ai he said ; but I could not imagine his weakness was so great. He still rose at his usual hour, four o^clock and went through the many duties of the day, not indeed with the same apparent vigor, but without complaint, and with a degree of resolution that was astonishing. He would still, as he aftewards remarks, " do a little for God before he dropped into the dust" I should greatly rejoice to be able to testify that his days of weak- ness were days of uninterrupted tranquility. That he might enjoy even more than '< The soul's calm sunshine and the heartfelt joy," was certainly the wish of every benevolent mind. God had madfi all those who had been his enemies in years past, to be at peace with him. But he had still to contend with that * jealousy' which 'is cruel ad the grave,' and never to be satisfied. He otten observed, that in a course of fifty years, he had neveij either premeditatedly or willingly varied from the Church of England in one article, either of doctrine or discipline ; but that through neces- sUy not choice, he had slowly and warily, and with as little ofience as possible, varied in some points of discipline, by preaching in the fields^ by extemporary prayer, by employing lay-preachers, by forming and regulating societies, and by holding yearly conferences ; but that h^ did none of these things till he was convinced of the necessity of them, and could no longer omit them but at the peril of his soul. And his constant wish and prayer was, that all who labored with him, or were Mnder his care> might herein tread in his steps. On Thursday the 17 February, 1791, he preached at Lambeth^ When he came home he seemed not to be well : and being asked, how he did ? he said, he believed he had caught cold. Friday the 18. — ^He rend and wrote as usual, and preached at Chel* sea in the evening. But he was obliged to stop once or twice, and iq inform the people his cold so affected l^is voice as to prevent his speak^ •ing vithout those nece^ry pauses, 195 Saturday the 19.— He filled up most of his time with reading and writing, though his fever and weakness seemed evidently increasing. At dinnfer he desired a friend to read to Iubo three or four chapters out of the book of Job. He rose (according to custom) early the next morniug, but utterly unfit for his sabbath-day's exercise. At seven o'clock he was obliged to lie down, and slept between three and four hours. When he awoke he said, " I have not had such a comfortable sleep this fortnight past." In the afternoon he lay down again, -and slept an hour or two : afterwards two of his own discourses on our Lord's Sermon on the Mount were read to him, and in the evening he camo down to supper. Monday the Ql — Hp secrned much better ; and though his friends tried to dissuade him from it, would keep an engagement made some time before, to dine at Twickenham. When he returned home he seemed better : and on Tuesday went on with his usual work ^ and preached in the evening at the chapel in the City-road. On Wednesday he went to Leatherhead, and preached to a small company on " Seek ye the Lord, while he may be found ; call ye upon him, while he is near.' Here ended the ministerial labors of this man of God. On Thursday he stopped at Mr. Wolff's at Balaam. At this place he was cheerful ; and seemed nearly as well as usual, till Friday about breakfast time, when he grew very heavy. About 11 o'clock he returned home ; and, having sat down in his room, desired to be left alone, and not to be interrupted for half an hour by any one. When the limited time was expired, some mulled wine was given him. He drank a little, and seemed sleepy ; but in a few minutes threw it up, and said, " I must lie down." He accordingly was put to bed, and most of the day, having a quick pulse and a burning fever. Saturday the 26. — He continued much the same ; spoke but little, and if roused to answer a question, or take a little refreshment, (whicli was seldom more than a spoonful at a time,) he soon dozed again. On Sunday morning he got up, t«ok a cup of tea, and seemed much better. While sitting in his chair he looked quite cheerful, and repeat- ed the latter part of that verse in the Scripture Hymns on ' Forsake me not, when my strength faileth ;' f\ i \i -TO ii t9» " ■F'-^':»v,>; Thou only art able to blea?, And make the glad nation^ obey; And bid the dire enemy cease, And bow the whole world to thy sway. Here his strength failed ; but after laying still awhile, he called lor a j)en and ink. They were brought to him : but those active fingers, which had been the blessed instruments of conveying spiritual consola* tion and useful instruction to thousands, could no longer perform their office. Some time after, he said, " I want to write :" but on the pen's being put into his hand, and the paper held before him, he said, '*I cannot." One of the company, answered, " Let me write for you, sir t tell me what you would say." "Nothing," replied he, "but thai God is with us." In the forenoon he said, " I will get up." While they were bringing his clothes, he broke out in a manner which, con- sidering his extreme weakness, astonished all present, in these ivoids ^ I'll praise my Maker while I've breath, And when my voice is lost in death, Praise shall employ my nobler powers : My days of praise shall ne'er be past, While life, and thought, and being lasjjj Or immortality endures. Happy the man. whnsp hnpi^ rpHy On Israel's God : he made the sky, And earth and seas with all their traiA ; His truth for ever stands secure, He saves th* oppress'd.he feeds the poor, And none shall find his promise vain. Another time, he was feebly endeavoring to speak, beginnfngj "1^^ature is Nature is." One that was present, added " Nearly exhausted, but you are entering into a new nature, and into the society of. blessed spirits." He answered, ** Certainly ;" and clasped his hands together, saying, "Jesus !" the restcould not be well heard, but his lips continued moving as in fervent prayer. When he got into his chair, he appeared to change for death ; but cejIfrtSlets of his dying frame, he said, with a weak voice, "Lord,'thou gireit strength to those that can speak, aQd to those that cannot. •— Speak, Lord,, ta ail our heartSi, and ^t tbea know tbat tbeu loosest (hp tong«€.'* . . To Father, ^on, and Holy Clmt, Who sweetly all agree,— Here his voice failed Irim, and after gasping for breath, he said, ** Now we have don6 Let us all go." He was then laid on the bed, from which he rose no more. After lying still, and sleepingX little, he de- sired those who were present to pray and praise. They knelt down, and the room seemed to be filled with the divine presence. A little after he said, " Let me be buried in nothing but wh^t is woollen, and let my corpse be carried in my coffin into the chapel." Then, as if done with all below, he again begged they would pray and praise. — Several friends that were in the house being called up, they all kneeled down to prayer, at which time his fervor of spirit was visible to every- one present. But in particular parts of the prayer, his whole soul seemed to be engaged in a manner which evidently showed how ardently he longed for the full accomplishment of their united desires> And when Mr. Broadbent, who did not long survive him, was praying in a very expressive manner, that if God was about to take away theii' lather to his eternal rest, he would be pleased to continue and increase his blessing upon the doctrine and discipline, which he bad long made lus aged servant the means of propagating and establishing in the world; such a degree of feivor accompaniei his loud amen, as was every way expressive of his soul's being engaged in the answer of the petitions. On risitig from their knees, he took hold of all tlieir hands, and with ^he utmost placidness, saluted them, and said, ** Farewell, &rewell." A little after, a person ooming in, he strove to speak, but could not^ Finding they could not understand him, he paused a little, and with all the remaining strength he had, cried out, " The best of all w, God iS mth tts;" and then lifting up his dying arm in token of victory, airt( rsiisino- his feeble voice with a holy triumph, not to be expressed, he again repeated the heart reviving words, " The best of all i$, God i> mth u*." Seeing some persons standing by his bed side, he asked, " Who ar^ these .'" and being informed who they were ; Mr. Rodgers said, " Sir, we are come to rejoice with you ; you are going to receive youf crewn." ** It is the Iiord's d«ing," be replied, " aud maiveUaus in * I- 1 n I*' 4»,'.'^l ■■■lllii ■Si-J..'!!.. ...it' ft, 200 M I 1> !i"V' our eyes." On being told that his sister-in-law, Mrs. Wesley, was come, he said, " He giveth his servants rest." He thanked her, as she pressed his hand, and affectionately endeavored to kiss lier. — On wetting his lips, he said, " We thank thee, Oh Lord, for these and all thy mercies : bless the Church and King ; and grant us truth and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord, forever and ever !" (*) At another time he saia, " He causetti his servants to lie down in peace." Then pausing a little, he cried, " The clouds drop fatness !'' and soon after, " The Lord is with us, the Gud of Jacob is our refuge !" He then called those present to prayer ; and though he was greatly exhausted, he appeared still more fervent in spirit. Those exertion-, were however too much for his feeble frame ; and must of the night following, though he often attempted to repeat the psalm before men- tioned, he could only utter — I'll praise I'll pral>e On Wednesday morning the closing scene drew near. Mr. Brad- ford, his faithful friend, prayed with him, and tie last word he was heard to articulate was, " Farewell !" A few miuutes before ten, while several of his friends were kneelmg around his bed, without a lingering groan, this man of God, this beloved pastor of thousands, entered into the joy of his Lord. At the desire of many friends^ his corpse was placed in the New chapel, and remained there the day before his interment. (|) His face during that time had the trace of a heavenly smile upon it, and a beauty which was admired by all that saw it. The crowds wiiich came to see him, while he lay in his coffin, were so great, that his friends, apprehensive of a tumult if he was interred at the usual time, deter- mined to bury him, contrary to their first resolution, between five and six in the morning ; of which no notice was given till late the preced- ing evenng ; notwithstanding which, the intelligence had so far trans^ pired, that some hundreds attended at that early hour. These, mth (*) This was his constant thanksgivinoj after meals. (t) Mr. Southey has repeated, after Mr. Hampson, " That he had a Bible in one hand, and a white handkerchiet in the other ; and the old clerical eapoa his head. As I wa.s an eye witness, I may state that there is no truth at all iu this account. He had no clerical cap, old or new, in his possession; and his friends had too gaueh s^nse t9 jpat any thing into the hands ^i n corpse [Hin JBivgraphcr.} n'-':;^.7^-"'j''» ■ - .-#.. many tears, saw his dear remains deposited in the vault which he Lau some years before prepared for himself, and for those itinerant preach- ers who should die in London. From those whom he loved in life, he chose not to be divided in death. •, , •,; - . The funeral service was read by the late Rev. Mr Richardson, who had served him as a son in the gospel, for neaiiy 30 years, and who now lies with him in the same vault. When Mr. Richardson came to that part of the service, ** For as much as it hath pleased Almighty God to take unto himself the soul of our dear brother," &c. he substi- tuted, with the most tender emphasis, the epithet, "Father," instead of " Brother;" which had so powerful an effect on the congregation, that from silent fpnrs thpy seemed universally to burst out into loud weeping. The inscription on the coffin was, . ' JOHANNES WESLEY, A.M. Glim Soc. Coll. Lin. Oxon. Ob. 2 do. die Martii, 1791. Au. iEt. 88. (*> The following was the inscription on his tomb : To the Memory of THE VENERABLE JOHN WESLEY, A. M Late Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford. This great light arose, "] (By the singular providence of God,) To enlighten these nations, And to revive, enforce, and defend. The pure apostolical doctrines and practices of the " Primitive Church; Whicli he coutinued to do, by his writings and by his labor.s For mora than half a century : And, to his inexpressible joy, ' •" - Not only beheld their influence extending, ■ ' And their efficacy witnessed -~ In the hearts and lives of many thousands, A» .veil in the Western World as in these kingdoms : | But also, far above all human power or expectation, lived to see provisiou Made, by the singular grace of God, t .m (•) John Wesley, Master of Arts, formerly fellow of Lincoln College, Ox^ ford, died on the 2d day of March, 1791, in the eighth-eighth year of b!s age. ' ;l. fi* ;, ;.,;| )? . > JWY • 1* >il m f'i StQ2 r Far their coQtinuan^e and eatablisliment, To (he joy of future generations ! ReadcK, if thou art constrained to bless the instnunent. Give God e glory ! After haTi'ng fanguisbed a few days, he at length finished tjis oour^ And his life together ; Gloriously triumphing over death, March 2, An. Dom. 1791, In the eighty-ci^^hth year of his age. At the death of Mr. Wesley, the state of Methodism stood thus: - Circuits. Preachers. Members In England, * . . In Ireland, - . , Ift Wales, - , . In Scotland, - . - In the Isle of Man, - >. In the Norman Isles, - in the West-India Isles, In the British dominions in America , in the United States of America, Total, When Mr. Wesley died, it was properly said, "A prince and a great man had fallen that day in Israel," 2 Sam. iii, 38. The word here rendered prince, some times means a leader, and sometimes a person of superior or princely qualities. And in both these views it fitly applied to Mr. Wesley. Let us take an enlarged view of his character, and consider him, 1. As a man of good mental capacity. All whoever knew him, could not but discover that he had by nature a strong and clear un- derstanding. Without good natural abilities, as a foundation, no education, however good, or long continued, can make an accom- plished man. But, 2. Mr. Wesley had a liberal education. The advantages arising from the knowledge of languages, and of arts and sciences, he pos- sessed in a tigh degree. And he well knew how to apply these to the most useful purposes a^ a minister of the gospeL His mind was 65 - 196 - 52,832 29 - 67 - 14,106 - 7 566 8 - 18 - 1,086 1 - 3 - 2,580 2 ^ 4 498 7 .. 13 . 4,500 4 - 6 8O0 c»7 - 198 511 - 43,265 116 - - 120,233 unent, id qis ctmisfi i stood thus: - ichers. Members 36 67 7 18 3 4 13 6 58 52,832 14,106 566 1,086 2,580 498 4,500 8O0 43,265 1 - 120,233 I prince and a J8. The word sometimes a these views it onsider him, er knew him, and clear un- foundation, no ce an accom- tages arising nces, he pos- pply these to 3is mind was eo3 ilAly AimlsTied vitli the various bilinches of literature. He Tsas well acquainted with the ancient as well as several modem languages. In the learned languages he was allowed, by the best judges, to he a critic. But it was sacred liturature which most engaged his atten- j tion. He was a great proficient in the Hebrew language, and bail read the Old Testament, in that language, with singular attention • And in Greek, the original language of the New Testament, he was an able critic, and so conversant with it, that many times when he was at a loss to repeat a passage out of the New Testament in tlie I words of our common translation, he was never at a loss to repeat i}; in the original Greek, which made it evident, that the words and phrases of the original, were more familiar to him than the words oit the English Bible. 3. He studied also the works of the creation with gveat attention^ be insisted upon good works as the oejCf s^ary stud in* dispensable fruits of faith. One point more must be briefly touched upon, I mean that of a Christian experience. Many have supposed this to be mere imagina- tion, and hence have arisen the charges of enthusiasm. But true Christian experience is real, and rests upon a foundation as solid as the evidence of cur senses. Christian experience, is knowledge founded upon experiment, and is the present possession of the benefits of the gospel, which tends to prepare us for the future enjoyment of that eternal rest which remain- eth for the people of God. If we use the word in the most compre- hensive sense, so as to include the receiving of Christ in his mediatorial offices, it will imply repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and the various fruits of the Spirit, viz. love, joy, peace, long- suffering, gentleness, goodness, fideUty, meekness, and temperance, Gal. V. 22, 23. In the New Testament we read of persons who did experience the witness and fruits of the Spirit. And it is certain that we may experi- ence these also, if we seek them in the way which God has appointed. The evidence which a man has who experiences these things is of the strongest kind. If a man's understanding be enlightened with gospel truths ; if his conscience be awakened ; if in consequence of this, he turns/rom his sins, is humbled and ashamed before God, and prays for mercy ; is it possible that such a change as this should take place, in his vie VPS ot himself, in the dictates of his conscience, and in his con- duct, and he not know it ? And when a person is enabled to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of his soul ; to rest fully upon him for pardon and acceptance with God ; such a person must be con- scious of this act of his mind, and the change in his views of God, and the feelings of his mind that consequently follow. Will he not be as conscious and certain of these things as when he sees an object before him, or feels pleasure or pain ? If he that believeth be filled with love, •joy, peace, and the other fruits of the Spirit, must he not be certain of this? Our internal consciousness carries the same conviction of reality with it as our external senses. Would it not appear exceedingly absurd fo you, if you heard a person say, that he loved an object dearly, but V was not conscious of any love? That he rejoiced eXceediugly in a thing, but that he did not feel any joy ? In like manner, if believing in Chjisli I feel peace, I cannot but know this ; and if I look up to God through Jesus Christ with holy confidence, and feel joyful in his salvation, Imu^ be conscious and certain of it. Christian Experience, then, as Mr. Wesley explained it for so many years, both in preaching and writing, has certainty in it : if a man has it he cannot be ignorant of it. But we must say, that those who have it not, cannot form a just concept tion of it. It is impossible for those who have not felt the peace of God to form a just notion of it. The evidence of this stands on the same ground as the evidence of our external senses. If a man had never seen colours, he could not form any true idea of them. And if a man had never felt pain or pleasure, he could not be taught to understand what they are, however perfect his rational faculties might be. To Icnoio them he must /cc/ them. It is just so in Christian experience. You must feel it, and then you will know what it is, and as easily distin- guish it from the feelings or consciousness arising from other things, as you distinguish seeing from hearing, or touching from smelling. Let us now glance at the labors of Mr. Wesley, and also the effect^ of them- From his earliest youth he was a person of the greatest dil- igence and industry. And when he became a preacher, and especially after he was more perfectly instructed in the genuine doctrines of the gospel, he was " instant in season, and out of season," being "in his labors more abundant than most ministers of the gospel." In him were united the necessary qualifications for useful study and active life. He preached in churches wherever he had an opportunity, not only in the commencement of what is termed Methodism, but to the conclusion of his long and laborious life. But in the beginning especially, the doctrines he preached offended sonie, and the attendant crowds raised envy and jealousy in others, so that most of the churches were soon shut against him. He then went out into the highways, as well as into the streets and lanes of cities, to invite sinners to come to the gospel feast. By this step, he at once abandoned every former prospect o^ ease, honor, and wealth : while nothing presented itself to his view, for this world, but labor and weariness, accompanied with contempt, reproach, and persecution. Most certainly nothing but a sense of duty r;i< 'I -iJe-l.lfll'IT U-»^4p%K, "V"' r •- SlQg *uld influence a roan of such calm and deliberate reflection tolakesuclj I fttep. Mr. Wesley Wks regular and steady in bis labors ; and thesd labors were carried io an astonishing extent. He endured many bard- •ihips, and suffered much reproach. And, what io some may appear more than this, he kept regularly to his work, in defiance of the pleas- ure he found in reading and study, and the still more fascinating charms of rational and polite conversation. For more than sixty years he constantly rose at four o'clock in the morning. The work of God, in which he was engaged, occupied his rime and attention, and considering it as the great business of his life, iie made every thing else subservient to it. His industry was almost incredible, and perhaps without a parallel. (Sixteen hours out of every twenty-four, from four in the morning till ♦jight in the evening, his tipie was industriously employed in reading, writing, preaching, regulating the aflairs of his societies, and travelling. During a few of bis last years he travelled in a carriage, the expenses oi which were borne by a few friends. Prior to this, he travelled on horseback, and often thirty, forty, or fifty miles in a day, besides preaching twice, thrice, or four times. If we consider the whole ol !iis labors, and compare them with those of many other men who have been deemed industrious, we might almost say that he lived life twice or thrice over. But what have attracted the most public attention are the c/cc/s ol Mr. Wesley's labors. These, in conjunction with those of his brother Charles and Mr. Whitefield, and their helpers and successors, have had a most extensive influence on all denominations of professing Christian"^ jn the British empire, and the United States of America; and their influence, in some measure, has extended to various other nations. — They have had, especially, no small influence on many ministers of tlje different denominations, in awakening their attention to the genuine essential doctrines of the gospel, and the duties of the Christian minis- try, though some of these ministers have been ashamed to acknowledge it. At any Tate, the labors of these men, and especially those of Mr Wesley, 'have under God, produced the whole body of Methodists,now so numerous in Great-Britain and Ireland, in the West-Indies, and on the American continent. And wherever fhcse are founds with very .^). 1^^*. /- w iV •iOO few, il any exceptions, they arc more unblamedble and exemplary in their conduct than tliey wefe before ; breathe more of a true CbrUliaii spirit, and display more of genuine Christianity, than they ever did before, and that in every state, relation and condition in'life. And the Methodists are not only better Christians and citizens than they were before, but hetter siibjects also. It is one rule of the society, that all the members of it shall yield subjection to the laws of the land, and render tribute to the state as required, avoiding smuggling and every practice of this sort. In these labors of love, productive of so many and eo good cfTccts, did Mr. Wesley spend between fifty and sixty years of his life. liis travels were incessant, and almost unparallelled. Without the greatest punctuality and care in the management of his time, he could not have gone througli his abundant and diversified labors. But he !iad stated hours for every purpose, and he did not suffer one thing to interfere witli another. Between nine and ten o'clock he regularly retired to rest, and rose soon after four in the morning; and no busi- ness, Tcompany, or conversation, could induce him to depart from his rules of conduct. He wrote, travelled, visited the sick, and did every thing else in hours appointed, which hours were inviolable. To ascer- tain the precise measure of Mr. Wesley's labors, would be an impossi- ble task. His public ministrations were but a part of them, But from these, we may form some conception of the rest. For more than fifty years successively, he generally preached twice every day, and notunfrequently four or five times. To thcoo may be added niimber- less exhortations addressed to the societies after preaching, with various other employments. The lowest calculation we can make of his travels will be four thousand miles annually, which in fifty-two years will m^ke two hundred and eigiit thousand m.lc:<. And at the lowest cotnputa- tion in these fifty-two years, fronri 1739 to 1791, he could pot pt-eacli fewer than forty thousand four hundred and sixty sermons. He read a great deal as he travelled. Even when he travelled on horspbaqji, which he did till he was very old, he would travei forty, fifty, or sixty miles a day, with a bc^k in his hand. To look at him he ^as a very slow writer. Yet, by co;istant, un- wearied, an.] persevering application, what numbefs of vaSumes 6id he 3 2 ■ ' \ w: 'V^f?-| # m ■ •• 'mm y-m.- t :X im "T 210 publish .' In addition lo these publications, perhaps he wrote a grcikt^i number of letters to the preachers, varioufi members of the societies. Mid other persons, than were ever written by any man in the worlJ. No man could ever with greater propriety adopt the apostle's lan- ^age, and say, ** Are theij Apostles 1 I inore, in labors more alum' dant.** What man ever labored so constantly, so abundantly, s > unweariedly, and for so long a time, as Mr. Wesley This his labori- ousness sprung from a true and living faith, in the being and attributes of God, the truth and divinity of the scriptures, and in the Lord Jesus Christ. This faith wrought by love, purified the heart, overcame^the world, and produced inward and outward holiness. He walked worthy of the vocation wherewith he was called. A. man so holy and un- blameable, so laborious in the best of emj)loyinents, and influenced by ^he purest, noblest motives, some might have supposed, would havt) glided through the world with honor, and that the world in general would have applauded and blessed him. But he found it necessary to remember the words ot our Saviour, " Bh ssed are ye, when men revile you and persecute you, and say all manner of evil nf you falsely, for my name's sake." A truly eminent man has a double character being highly applauded by some, and grievously slandered by others. If universal approbation and applause had bncn to be secured by wis- dom, by holiness, or any thing that is lovely, or of good report, surely Jesus Christ and his apostles, would have secured it. But this wo know was not the case. They went through evil report as well as good report, through dishonour as well as honour. And in this respect did Mr. Wesley drink largely of the cup which they drank of. Nay. it is remarkable, that he was reproached especially by the clergy, from the least even unto the greatest, from the needy curate, and half fledged youth, up ta " doctor's grave, and prelates of threescore." Many of" those said all manner of evil ot him falsely. It is not difficult to accuse ; but in point of proof, accusers are often found wanting. This was most remarkably the case with regard to the accusers of Mr. Wesley- The only crime his accusers ever provedj was, " That he lobor- ed moret and was more beloved-^^ But, we have before seen, in the brief acccount of the persecutions of the Methodists, that Mr* Wesley did not merely suffer repToadi,. but opposition in every pos- <'•-*'■.!'"■ m •e seen, m 211 siblc form, and fiequt^ntly from tumultuous mobs, ^vhcn ruJe fellows, men of the baser sort, sons of Belial, opposed and veliSed the right ways of the Lord. From tlnrso he was in {Kfils in country towns and villages, and in the great and populous cities. It was rot enough (hat frequently ho had no temple but the wide ere tion, no pulpit bill a wall, II tabic or a stone: no sounding boikfd, but th« canopy ol Heaven ; but mistaken mortals, for whose sake he had suffered th^ loss of all things, and for whose salvation he had consented to be vile in the eyes of the world, were often exceedingly mad against him. and would cry out, " Away with him, away with such a fellow from the earth." Yet none of these things moved him, neither counted he his lite dear unto himself, so he might finish his course with joy, and the ministry he had received of the Lord Jesus. He was pa- tient in doing well, and bearing ill ; in all these things he was more than conqueror ; and like the Captain of his salvation, was made per- fect through suffering. But what was it which supported and cheered him under all these things.^ Why, the clear view he had of the vast importance of spiritual and eternal things ; the great worth of an im- mortal soul ; the joys of heaven, and the beauty of holiness A full conviction that he was in the way of his duty ; the approving testi- mony of his own conscience the success with which the Lord crowned his labours; and the good hope, through grace, which he had of aa abundant and everlasting kingdom of our God and Saviour. Many liave represented him as a man of slender capacity ; but certainly with great injustice- His writings, and his controversial writings more especially will fully prove the contrary. To this may be added llie office he filled with such distinction at Oxford, and the great abi- lities which he displayed in the government of his preachers and peo* pie. As a writer, he possessed talents both from nature and educa- tion. What he was as a preacher, may be gathered from the nin^i volumes of his sermons, which are in so many hands. His attitude in the pulpit was graceful and easy ; his action calm nnd natural, yet pleasiiig and expressive ; his voice was not loud, but t*«' T^ W«f; 212 was arlmirable; when his numerous employments, and great fateagucs in travetKng, prevented this, he vas sometime not so excellent. Yet when fatigue of body, peculiar exercises of mind, or want of time for premeditation, caused him to fall short of his general excellence, the observation of Dr. Beattie, of Aberdeen, who heard him on one such occasion, was generally verified, " It was not a maslerli/ $erir,o:i. yet none but a master could have preached it." The figure of Mr. Wesley was remarkable. In person, he \v>' rather below the middle size, but remarkably well proportioned. He had a good constitution, and seemed not to have the smallest quantitv of superfluous flesh. In every period of his life, his habit of bod; was the reverse of corpulent, and was expressive of the strictest ter.v perance and constant exercise. He was muscular and strong till a v;.- rv few years before his death ; had a firm step, and was a remarka- bly good Avalker. Eis face was reuji'ikably fine, even to old age, and the freshness of his compicxiow continued to the last week of lii: life : his whole countenance was rorrarlaibly expressive ; few snu him without being struck with hi^ appearance ; atrJ numbers, \vL' had been greatly prejudiced a;-;ain.st Iiim, have conceived sentimen:! of esteem and veneration for liini, as soon as they have been intro- duced into his presence. His face, for an old man, was one of tte finest that ever was sern : he had a clear smooth forehead, an aqui- line nose, and an eye as bright and piercing as can be imagined. Jo his countenance and behaviour, there was an admirable mixture o! cheerfulness and gravity. In dress, he was a pattern of plainness and neatness. His co^t was without a cape, and with a small upright collar ; he wore a nar- row plated stock about his neck, and no silk or velvet in any rarto: his apparel. And not only in his person and dress, but in everything he was a model of neatness. In his chamber and study, durin^ the winter months, when he resided in London, his books, his papers, and every thing that belonged to him, were in the most perfect order. He seemed to be always at home ; and yet was always ready to start u.pon the longest journey. ^ la private he was cheerful and communicative ; his conversation was pleasing, and f4enueiitly very inductive. He had been muc1i ave been intro- ^13 accustomed to soclet}-; knew how to behave to differpnt Jlscrlptlons of people, and possessed and practised true politeness. He spoke a good deal in company in general ; and the knowledge he had acquir- ed by reading, travelling and observation, he liberally communicated, land that in the most pleasmg and attracting manner. The lat<^ ce- lebrated Dr. Johnson was personally acquainted with him, and his judgment of Mr. Wesley's manner of conversation is left on record ; he said, '* Mr. Wesley's conversation is good ; he talks well on any subject J I could converse with him all night." , The following letter will give the world a just notion of the high opinion which Dr. Johnson had of this extraordinary man, "Sir, " When I received your Commentary on the Bible, I durst cot, at firsf, flatter myself that I was to keep it, having so little claim to so valuable a pre- sent ; and when Mrs. Hall informed me of your kindness, was hindered from time to time froDi returning you those thanks which I now eatreat you to ac- cejJt. ** I have thanks likewise to return for the addition of your important suf- frage to my argument on the American question. To have gained such a mind as yours may justly confirm me in my own opinion. Wha» effect »y papci- lias had upon the public I know not ; but I have now no reason to be discour- aged. The lecturer was surely in the right, who, though he saw his audience slinking away, refused to quit the chair while Pljto stayed. "lam, "■Reverend Sir, " Your most humble servant, Feb.G. IT76. " SAM. JOHNSON." m He joined in all conversation tliat was unblamable, and his cheer- iulness was remarkable and continued to the end of his life. He cre~ nerally concluded the conversation with two or three vrrses of a hymn, illustrating the subject of discourse. His natural temper was warm and vehement. Religion had dono. much in correcting this, yet it was still visible. Persecution from without he bore without wrath, and, apparently, almost without feel- ing. But when he was opposed by his preachers or people, his dis- pleasure was visible. But never did the sun go down upon his wrath, n Many of our people, and some of the preachers, were h m i; « ■»» Preachers. Memberei. 29d exposed to cowrderablc sufTcrings. The English fconerence so sym- pathized with their Irish brethren, that they agreed the wants of Ire- hftd should be supplied before those of England. July 43$, 1799, the fifty-sixth conference opened at Manchester : Mr. Samuel Bradburn, president, and Dr. Coke, secretary.— It was a cpnference of great peace. We were, however, greatly embarrassed fbr want of money to meet the deficiencies and distresses of manv brethren. And there was no resource but the making an extraordina- ry collection in the different circuits. Let Ls again survey the state of the connexion in respect to the num- ber ofcircuita, preachers and members: Circuits, In England, - - - 107 In Ireland, - - - 34 In Scotland, - - - 6 Jn the Isle of Man, - - - l In the Norman Isles, - - - 1 In the West Indies, - - 13 Jn the British Dominions in America, - 13 Total, 251 640 13,582 July 28, 1800, the fifty-seventh conference began in London : Mr. James Wood, president, and Mr. Bradburn secretary. This conference recommended to the quarterly meetings, where it was not already done, to raise the preacher's quarterly allowance to four pounds. And it was also remarkable for a Loyal Address to the King, which the London Gazette, of August 8, 1800, said, "His Majesty was pleased ro receive mostgrociously." July 27, 1801, the fifty-eighth conference began in Leeds: Mr. John Pawson, president, being the second time he was chosen to this office and Dr. Coke, secretary. At this conference, it was determined that a general public collec- tion should be made for the missions, which had chiefly till now been supported by private subscriptions. And it was now agreed also, that all or ordinary difficiencies should be paid at the district meetings. 288 83 16 11 4 7 23 8 84,429 16,227 1,117 1,105 4,100 734 11,170 1,610 221 Tlie conference broke up above seventeen hundred pounds In debt, after having drawn a large sum from the Book-room, owing to the large demands mide upon it by the poorer circuits. 1802. Tlie fifty-ninth conference sat July 26, in Bristol. A few cases of impropriety had been pointed out, which induced the confer- ence to make the following resolutions : 1. We exhort the preachers' wives to dress as becometh those who profess to walk with God ; and we direct their husbands to use all the influence of love and piety in this behalf 2. We insist upon it, that the preachers set the best example in dress and every thinff. 3. We recommend our people to kneel at prayer. 4. To stand while singing. 5. Let preacher's wives and children attend the preaching at every opportunity. This conference determined also, that preachers proposed to travel, should be examined before their brethren at the district meetings, and passed many useful and necessary regulations in respect to the West India Missionaries. At this conference Mr. Joseph Taylor was the president, and Dr. Coke wos the secretary. July 25, lSo3, the sixtieth annual conference began in Manches- ter : Mr. Joseph Bradford, president, (this bemg the second time of his election to that office,) and Dr. Coke, secretary. This confer- ence declared very strongly against exorters or local preachers get- ting licences to escape parish offices, or being ballotted to serve in the niihtia. See the general rules. July 30, 1S04, the sixty-first conference began in London: Mr. Henry Moore president, and Dr Coke secretc'.ry. This year a committee vi'as appointed to manage t'ue miasiins, whereas formerly they had been chiefly managed by Dr Cokr : and the Doctor Vfjus appointed General Superintendant of all ovv missions. This confer- ence convinced that individuals petitioning for preachers had a direct tendency to destroy, by degrees, the itinerant plan, resolved that no petition be attended to, but what comes from a regular quarterly meeting, T 2 i , w •1'? ikt.m \;i.<-;:ai»..,,..a I '/'I' 222 July 29, 1805, the sixty-second conference l?cgan at Sheffieltl , bc- ?ug the first ever held in this town ; Dr. Coke, president, and Mr. Joseph Benson, secretary. — This was a notable conference, and made some excellent rules, and some of an inferior nature. It was agreed, that the district committees should not meddle with stationing the preachers ; that no letters concerning stations should be regarded, ex- cept what came from a majority at a regular quarterly meeting ; and that letters comming from committees should have no more attention paid to them than those coming from individuals ; but that letters from the quarterly meetings, should be read in the stationing committee, and then in the conference. This conference commiserated poor preachers with families, stationed in poor circuits, and recommended all the circuits to give them a regu- lar weekly board. This conference concluded above i^^SOO in debt. July 28, 1806, the sixty-third annual conference began in Leeds ; Mr. Adam Clarke, president, and Dr. Coke, secretary. The most notable transaction of this conference was the expulsion of Mr. Joseph Cook. He had been accused at the conference preceding this, of hold- ing and preaching unsound doctrines, particularly respecting the nature of faith, and the witness of the Spint. A year was allowed him to reconsider the matter, and then to give in his sentiments : in the mean time he was requested to keep his peculiar notions to himself, which he promised to do. But in a few months after, he published two sermons on these subjects. Many still wished to save him ; but he was so ob- stinate, that without great inconsistency and impropriety , the conference could not continue to employ him. He settled in Rochdale, and soon finished his course, dying in March, 1811. July 27, 1807, the sixty-fourth conference began in Liverpool, which was the first time of a conference being held there, Mr. John Barber, president, and Dr. Coke, secretary. Some important rules were passed, admirably calculated to preserve a purity of doctrine and morals in the connexion, among which is the following. " No person shall, on any account, be permitted to retain any official situation in our societies, who hold opinions contrary to the total depravity of human nature, the divinity and atonement of Christ, the influence and witness of the Holy Spirit, and Christian holiness, as believed by the Meth- odists." 223 It was expected that we should have seriously and maturely consid- ered some previous discussions of tho different district meetings on the .subject of a plan for educating the young preachers ; and also respecting articles of faith, or a summary of our doctrines, which it was proposed to prepare and publisii. But for these things we found no time. This conference wisely enforced a former rule, " That no charge brought by one preacher against another in the same district, shall be heard in the conference, unless previously explained at the district meeting, if the matter alledged in such charge was then in existence ? and that all charges shall be previously announced, personally, or ia writing, to the brother against whom they are directed." It was agreed at this conference, also, that a collection should be made in all our cojigregations tor the support of that excellent institu- tion, TAe British and Foreign Bible Society, which was done accord- b.i>:}^\ and amounted to about JS1,300. July 25, 180S, the sixty- fifth conference commenced its labors in Bristol, Mr. James Wood, president, and Dr. Coke, secretary. This conference was a very laborious one to those who took the most active part in its business. We sat close ; we were about two hundred and fifty preachers ; and some part of the time the weather was extremely hot. But a conference more free from all undue influence and party- spirit, where more impartiality, free discussion, good temper, and gene- ral satisfaction prevailed, we never had. On Monday, July 31, 1800, our sixty-sixth conference began in Manchester, and continued till Thursday, August 17. We had many things which called for thankfulness : but upon the whole it was rather a trying, as well as tedious conference. Mr. Thomas Taylor was the president, and Mr- Joseph Benson the secretary. The state of our finances at this time was truly alarming, as we fjund a deficiency in the contingent fund of £3,019 Is. 6(/. Tiiis gave occasion to the conference to resolve, that no larger sum than thirty pounds shall ever be allowed for furniture to any one house ; that the yearly subscription, after being made as usual in the classes, shall be mentioned in our principal congregations, that such of our hearers as are not in, society, and wish to he fellow-helpers to the truthj may have au opportunity : and that before the deficiencies brought from any cir« 1 S514 'm ■ I .i It) 4i !''"^v'"i *}V' mt'' ''' iAit. t\i\i be paid at tlic tlisliict meeting, inquiry shall be made whether such circuit has cumphed with our rules respecting contributions, by raisinj; on the average, one penny per week, and ono shilling per quarter fui each mennber. If it appear that the rules have not been complied wit!;, liie payment of the deficiencies must be suspended, and the case sub- mitted to the decision of the conference. It was agreed also, that the district meetings shall present a plan to t!ie conference for stationing the children, to enable the conference to determine wlmt number shall be supported by each circuit But, tiiough tliis plan has repeatedly been agreed upon, the execution of it is still delayed. To prevent any local preacher from gritting licensed with a view to escape parisii-ofiicers and the militia, the conference determined, that any person who applies for a license, without the previous knowledge and consent of the superintendent and his. colleaoiues, and of the local proacher>-!, or quarterly meeting of the circuit in which he resides, shall not be suifered to preach among us. The conference also strongly recommended to all Methodist families, to set apart some time every Lord's day for catechising and instructing their children. It v;ill not be foreign to. the subject under consideration, to mention the following affair. It is well known to many, that when Mr. Kil- ham and his party separated from the connexion, they took possession of several of our chapels, though they were settled upon the conference plan. After enduring this outrageous wrong for some years, it was determined to make an appeal to the court of Chancery, selecting the case of Brighouse chapel, near Halifax, principally with a view to try the general question. On the 5th day of March, 1810, the cause was heard and determined before the Master of the Rolls. It was decreed, ^' That, as what was n«w called in the pleadings, for the sake of dis- tinction. The old conference was the only conference which existed at the time of the execution of the trust-deed, and for many years after- ward, it must be determined to be that conference only which was referred to in the deed. And as the trustees had not reserved, by any clause in the deed, power of making new regulations, by any decision of a majority of themselves, they must be compelled to execute the .1^- . ;_ - < 325 • trust according to the laws aad regulations of that conference, fdr the use of which they held the trust-estate, and admit those preachers only who were sent by the old conferen'^e.'* This decision in of the more importance, as there are several other chapels in the sanie circumstances* • A copy of the mimitca of the decree nade by th*' .Xiastcr of the Rolls Monday, March 15, 1810. Attornry General vcr. Pratt. *' Declare that the indenture, bearing date Julv ;'), 1795, in the pleadings stated ought to be established, and the trusts thereof performed and carried into execution ; and that the chajol in the pleadin>Ts men- tioned, and the affairs thereof ought to be rcgulai.r ! unler, and by vir- tue of the terms of the before-mentioned indetit.irt; ; and let the de- fendants, Joseph Pratt, James Avison, John Sov\drn,find John Booth, permit and suffer the person or persons as shall be nominated and appointed by the yearly conference, mentioned and referred to in tht- said deed, and under the pleadings called the Old Conference, to enter into, and upon, have, use, and enjoy the said chapel lor the several purposes in the said indenture ol the 5 day of July, 1795, particularly mentioned ; and refer it to the Master to take an account of the rents of the several pews, seats, and other profits of the said cl)apel,and the premises in the said indenture mentioned, come to the hands of the said defendents, Joseph Pratt, James Avison, John Sowdcn, and John Booth, and ol the application tlicreof. In the taking of which account ihe said Master is to make unto the parties such allowance for what has been already paid to the ofliciating minister, for the duty done in the suid chapel : and the said Master i.s to enquire and state to the court what monies have been laid out and advanced by the plaintiff, John Sharp, for the building of the three messuages in the pleadings men-r tioned, and of tho interest accrued due thereon, and under what agree- ment such monies were so laid out ; and for the better taking of the said accounts, and discovery of the matters aforesaid, the parties are to produce before the said Master upon oath, all books, papers, an' J, li! 284 ■^. with au unusual degree of vivacity. After having made a good pr4> ticicncy in school learning, he was sent to Geneva, where he was dis- tinguished eqrally by his superior abilities and uncommon application. The two first prizes for which he stood candidate, he carried away from a number of competitors, several of whom were nearly related to the professors : and on these occasions he was complimented by his superi- trsin a very flattering manner. During his residence at Geneva, he pillowed himself but little time, either fbr recreation, refreshment, or Test. H«re he laid the foundation of that extensive and accurate knowledge, for which he was afterwards distinguished, both in philo- sophical and theological researches. After quitting Geneva, he was sent by his father to Lenzbourg, a small town in the Swiss Cantons Trherc he not only acquired the German language, but diligently pros- ecuted his other studies, for which he ever discovered a passionate attachment. On his return from this place, he ctntinued some time at Iiome, studying the Hebrew language, and perfecting his acquaintance "rith mathematical learning. His early piety was equally remarkable. From his childhood he ■was impressed with a deep sense of the majesty of God, and a con- stant fear of offending him. His acquaintance with the scriptures guarded him, on the one hand, from the snares of infidelity ; and pre- served him on the other from many vices peculiar to youth. His con- versation was modest, and his whole conduct marked with a degree of rectitude, not usually to be found in early life. He manifested an ex- traordinary turn of religious meditation ; and those little productions iwhich gained him the greatest applause, at this period, were chiefly of a religious tendency. His filial obedience, and brotherly affection, were exemplary ; nor is it remembered, that he ever uttered one un- becoming expression in either of those characters — And he was a con- stant reprover of sin. But notwithstanding all these external appearances of piety, Mr. Fletcher remained for many years in ignorance respecting the nature of scriptural Christianity. He was naturally of a high and anribitiousturn ff mind, and counted much upon the dignity of human nature ; and "being admired by his friends, it is not to be wondered at that he should cast a lock of self-complaicetj.cy upon himself. He was a stranger to ll 1» t i good pr4.« le was dis- application, i away from la ted to the ' his superi- Geneva, he ?shment, or nd accurate oth in philo- iva, he was iss Cantons, gently^ pros- a passionate some time at acquaintance childhood he 3, and a con- he scriptures ty ; and pre- h. His con- \\ a degree of ested an ex- le productions re chiefly of ly aflection, :red one un- ke was a con- piety, Mr. |the nature of nbitio'jsturn lature ', and |iat he should L stranger to 231 \ I that unfeigned sorrow for sin, which is the first step towards the king* Jom of God. He bad resided some time in England before he became properly acquainted with himself, and the nature of true religion. In the twenty -sixth year of his age, he was so filled with self-abhorrence^ as to place himself on a level with the chief of sinners. But his sorrow for sin was succeeded by a consciousness of the favour of God, and hp was filled with peace and joy in believing. Having found Jesus to be a Saviour, he determined to follow him as a guide. From this period he became truly exemplary for Christian piety. He appeared to enjoy uninterrupted fellowship with the Father, and with his son Jesus Christ. Every day was with him a day of solemn self-dedication, ani every hour on hour of praise and prayer. Mr. Fletcher seemed to be familiar wlih things not seeUy Heb. xi. 1.. He w 'Iked as seeiug him who is invisible, and sat in heavenly places in Jesus Christ- To those ^vho were much conversani with hiiL, he appeared almost as an inhabitant of a beiier world : the common lights of Christians were eclipsed before him ; and even his religious friends, could never &tand in his presence, without being overwhelmed with Si consciousness of their own inferiority. While they saw him rising, as it were on the wings ot an eagle, they were humbled at their ina- bility to pursue his flight ; and his frequent expressions of fervent loYfc and gratitude to God, made them ashamed of their own lukewarna- ness and ingratitude. Mhen he went out through the city, or took his seat in the company of the righteous, he was saluted with unusuil reverence, as an angel ot God. The young men saiv him aild hid themselves ; the aged arose and stood up. Even those who wetfc ^lonored as princes among the people of God, refrained talkiiigt and laid their hand upon their mouth. When the 'ear heard kimy then it blessed him ; and when the eye saw him, it gave witness to hiftt. Sitting in the house, or walking by the way ; in retiremetit, or in his •public labours, he was uniformly actuated by the same spirit. In all he said and did, in all the circumstances of life, it appeared that his htit^ and his treasure vere in heaven. '^^ 232 ^r HIS EPITAPH. Here lies the Body of The Rcr. JOHN WILLIAM de la FLECHERE : Vicar of Madeley, Who was born at Nyon, in Switzerland, #^ September the 12th, 1729, And finished his course, August the 14th., 1788, In this Village; Where his unexampled Labors Will long be remembered. I He exercised his Ministry for the space of Twenty-fjve Years, In this Parish, *<- With uriconimon Zeal ind Ability. Many believed his Report, and became His Joy and Crown of Rejoicing; While others constrained nim to tiike up The Lamentation of the Prophet, ** All the d;iy long have I stretched out my FT uids Unto a disobedient and gaii s. tying People; ^l Yet surely my Judgment is with the L^rd, And my Work with my God." *' He being dead yet speaketh." The writer of this publication, spent two years at a -.d about Made- ley, commencing about twelve years after his death ; and he found that his name was still as ointment poured forth. And as e-. try thing is in- teresting that respects Mr. Fletcher, I shall be excused f r insertmg a few lines more about him, especially as what I shall write will be addi- tional to all that has been published before. I had my informatioa from the very best authorities. Some of the Methodists at Coalbrook-dale tola me, that thei;' chapel was enlarged a little before Mr. Fletcher's death. The morning they began to get the stones for the enlargement, he came by the quarry just as they were beginning to work. He icow/rf have the honor of doing something in this business of enlarging the house d prayer. " But first," said he, "let us pray." So they all kneeled down on a rock ; Mr. Fletcher prayed like himself; and then he as- sisted them in getting stones, till more urgent concerns called him to depart. . I was also very credibly informed, at Broseley, about three mile? 233 from Madeley that about the time Mr. Fletcher was writing his Checks to Antinomianism, the Baptist minister of that town de- clared in the pulpit he would go over to Madely, to this great Armi- nian, and counfound him by argument. He went accordingly to Mr. Fletcher's house, and told him his errand.— Mr. Fletcher did not dcchne the combat, but only proposed they should first have a little prayer. After prayer the argumentation commenced and pro- ceeded ; and Mr. Fletcher not only maintained his ground, but made a considerable impression on his heroic assailant. With his matchless piety, his loving and amiable spirit and temper, and the strength and clearness of his arguments, he made a breach in the wall of this Calvinian fortress. The minister returned home full of admiration, and the praises of Mr. Fletcher ; and was never after- wards able so to preach as to satisfy his Calvinistic auditors, that he remained orthodox. The following anecdote 1 had from the best authority, and knew the surviving branches of the family. One Sunday, after the morn- ing service, Mr. , a gentleman far«ner, insulted Mr. Fletcher very grossly, as he came out of the Church, evincing great enmity against a faithful ministry and a genuine piety. Before Mr. Fletch- er concluded his sermon in the afternoon, he told the congregation, he had a powerful impression upon his mind, that before the next Sab- bath, the Lord wouM display a sii^nal maric of his displeasure against the enemies of his cause and truth. The week drew almost to a conclusion, and nothing remarkable happened. But, on the Saturday evening, Mr. returning irom the market, in a state he should not have been, fell from his horse, and instantly expired upon the spot. This anecdote was kept back from pubhcation out of tender-, ness for the family But it does not appear to me that there is any sufficient reason for suppressing for ever, such a notable instance of God's displeasure against the opposers of his truth, and of Mr. Flet- cher's prophetic spirit. Since Mr. Fletcher's death, that most excellent woman his widow has been astonishingly useful in carrying on the good work so happily begun in his days. I formed a very high idea of her piety. Her vShe has strong sense f religion is human nature cured and elevated. !J ;:;; I ;i • ' j;j and an easy, natural, and almost irresistable mettiod of drawing up the minds of all about her to heaven and heavenly things. She ha^ for many years been the great counsellor and director of the parish of Madeley ; and that frequently as well in temporals as in spirituals,- In short, ever since Mr. Fletcher's death, she has been little less than the vicar of the parish. — She has never quitted the vicarage house, though she pays a low annual rent for it ; and the vicar will, I be- lieve, employ or dismiss any curat i at her request. CHAPTER JI. A short account of the Rev. Witliam Grlmshaw. The Rev. Mr. Grimshaw, is a name well known to the religious world. This eminently good and ustful man, was a clergyman of the Church of England. He was born at Brindle, near Preston, in Lancashire, in September, 170S; was ordained in 1731, but for some time afterwards was vain and trifling, the reverse of all serious godli- ness. At this time he was minister of Todmorden, nine miles north of Rochdale. However, jn two or three years he became more thoughtful; and in 1742, he became a genuine Ciiristian, a zealous preacher of the gospel. In May, that same year, he became minister of Haworth, in the .parish of Bradford, in \^orkshire. Haworth is one of those obscure' places, which like those fishing towns on the coast of the Sea of Ga- lilee, where our Saviour bestowed so much of his time and labor,, owes most of its celibrity to the preaching of the jT(»spel. lis name would scarcely have been known, had it not been connected with the. aame of the celebrated Grimshaw. The bleak and barren state of the inhabitants, who, when he went first a>"ong them, were in gene» ral very ignorant, careless and wicked, having little more sense of religion than their cattle, and were wild and uncultivated like th«- rocks and hills which surrounded them. But by the blessing of God upon his zealous and abundant labors, very many were awakened out of their sinful sleep, were brought to fear God, to live godly, righte* oas and sober lives, and were fiiiled with peace and joy in believing His lively, striking, and impressive method of preaching, was soon much talked ofy and attracted great numbers to hear bim from ^Ter/ »* ITgl-i'T'.- S3S hart of the surrounding country, and often from a great distance. *^' Nor was this nnercly during the period of novelty but continued through more tlian twenty successive years. As the poor make thrir v.iiut ot belte-' cloihes an excuse for not C(!>ming to devine service in ihe cl;iy-limt^, i)e established, chiefly for their sakes, a sermon on Sunday evenings, alter preaching forenoon and afternoon. And he began a method in 17-13, which lie continued to the end of his life, of preiu-iiing in each of the four hamlets under his care, three tinii^s every month. By this, the old and the infirm, who could notaltend the chinch, had the truth of God brought to the«r houses ; and m:iny v. ho were so careless as scarce ever to go to tha church, v-ere thus allured to hear. Tt was not Ion:;, bciore the holiness of his life, the zeal and dili- gence with which he inslrocled the people of his charge, and the great good which many Irom the neighboring (lari^hes had obtained by at- tending his mh istry, causi^d him to have many invitations to pieach at the houses of divers persons in other parishes. And when these petitioners, like tlie men of ^lacedoniii, cried, *' Come over and help us," he believed it to be his duty to go. And thus, while he provided abundantly for his own flock, he annually preached near three hun- dred times to congreirations in other parts. He formed two circuit? for himself, which, with some occasional vaiiations, he traced every week alternately One of these, he pleasantly termed bis idle week • because during that he seldom preached more than twelve or fourteen times. In his working week, he often preached twenty-four and some- times thirty times. An itinerant clergyman was a strange thing : and Mr. Grimshaw was perhaps the first minister in Yorkshire, whose zeal prompted him (o preach in other parishes, without obtaining con- sent from the ministers belonging to them. From the year 1745, he maintained a close union with the Metho- dists, and acted as Mr. Wesley's assistant in some parts of Yoikshire and Lancashire The parts then formed what was called Uaworth Circuili of which Mr. Grimshaw was consideied as being the per- petual superintendent. He visited the classes quarterly, and renewed their tickets; attended quarterly meetings, and frequently preached Upon these occasions, and often presided at love-feasta m the, Metht- ' \ \ V '■I M :;':! 236 IIlI "r. t,*,. ./. J *& Ik 'i dlst societies. He attended the conference, when held at Leeds, and always preached. At that time, the conference was held at London, Bristol, and Leeds, alternately, and at no other place. His employ- ments would not allow him to go to either of the other places : but though he was never there, he had a great name, and many friends in London. He lived in strict friendship .vith the Methodist preachers ; they lodged at his house, and prc-ched in his kitchen ; and he regu- larly published in his church wln'n the preaching would be in his house. And he was so far from envying the talents, popularity, or success of the preachers, that he greatly rejoiced in their labors. He heard even the weakest of them with jircat and humble attention, and many he preferred in honor to himself. One time after William Shent had been preachi^ig in his kitchen, he fell down before him, saying, " I am not worthy to stand in your prespuce." And at another time, when Benjamin Beanland had been preaching in the same place, he embraced him,, and said, " The Lord bless thee Ben, this is worth a hundred of my sermons." Mr. Grimshaw's was a very extensive circuit, and though thfiy travelled much on horseback, it required three or four preachers, be- sides him, to supply it. But he rejrulyrly supplied his own church on the Sundays. His house and church were ever open to Mr. White- field, or any other gospel minister, who miirht occasionly visit those parts ; but in respect to discipline, and doctrines in general, he held the same sentiments as Mr. Wesley. The Lord gave great success to his labors. It is true,' his man- ner of life excited much envy, jea'ousy, and displeasure in many of his clerical brethren ; but none of these things ever moved him, nor did he count his character, or even his lite, dear unto himself, but went on, testifying the gospel of the grace of God Nor did he meet with any serious and determined mnrks of disapprobation from his5«- perioi'S in the church. But he wns opposed by '^.ome who hated to be reformed. At Colne, a riotous mob, h'red for the purpose, and head- ed by the parson, disturbed him while preaching. Mr White's proclamation fi)r enlisting men into the mob, raised a- gainst the Methodists, ran as follows: " Notice is hereby giren, That if any man be mindful to enlist int» il3T lis Majesty's service, under the command of the Reverend Mr. [George White, Commander in Chief, and John Bannister, Lieuten- lant General of his Majesty's forces, for the defence ot the Church of [England, and the support of the manufactory in and about Colne, both nvliich are now in danger, let him repair to the drum-head, at the Cross where each man shall have a pint of ale for adyance, and other proper [encouragements. This Mr. White was educated at Doway, in France, for orders in Ulie Church of Rome; but upon his recantation, was noticed by Arch- bishop Potter, and by him recommended to the Vicar of Whally, who appointed him minister of Colne. He was not devoid of either parts er literature, but chiMishly igtiorant of common life, and shamefully in- attentive to his duty, which h^ ireijuer.tiy abandoned for week* toge- ther to such accidental assistance «r the parisli could procure. On •ne occasion he is said to have read the fiineral service more than twenty times in a single night, over the dead bodies which had been interred in his absence. With these glaring imjierfections in his own character, he sought to distingu'sh himself by a riotous opposition to Ithe Methodists. But, in his last illness, it is said he sent for Mr. Grimshaw to get the assistance of his instructions and prayers, being now fully convinced of the impropriety of his foimcr conduct. This minister also preached and published a sermon against Mr. Grimshaw and the Methodists, which gave occasion to the onl}^ publi- cation Mr. Grimshaw ever favored the world with. It was printed in 1749, and entitled, "An answer to a sermon published again:,t the Methodists, by the Rev. Geoage White, M. A. Minister of Colne and Marsden, in Lane shire. By the Rev. William Grimshaw, Minister of Haworth, Yorkshire. Mr. Miles has done a real service to the world by republishino* this pamphlet, in connexion with his valuable life of Mr. Grimshaw. The pamphlet consists of eighty pages, twelves, and is a rery good de- fence of Methodism, particularly as circumstances then stood. But it lias nearly been lost to the world, for it was with difEcultj, after a con- siderable search, that a copy of it was procured. When Mr. Wesley or Mr. Whitefield visited Haworth, the custom was, after the prayer had been read in the church, to go throogh a 23S Air .i: Ci r f ^■ window tipou a scafTold erected for the purpose in the church yard,at« "after preaching to cengrcfrations consistinpr of thousands, they retutn- ed into the church, and administered the Lord's supper to great num. bers. Thin "ften tooit up a cjood while; and in the meantime a preaci er cojitl'iUod pieachinor out of doors. Tiiese were times of refreshin'. from llio presi'iire of the Lord, and many drc\T water with joy outci the vrcWi of salvation. It was a constant custom of Mr. Crimshaw, to attend the feasts wakes kopt in the nei *, ing di'bls, or woundinji; thfir cojiscionces, while others got real a 4 lastlnir pooJ to Un'lr imii.ortid souls. At Iluwortl: tliere aic two feasts every year. It had been custO'l unary wiili tlu> inkoepprs, and some (*tlu'r iuhabitant*;, to make a&ul)! These were of the lowcs: iii.l freqijcnted by tlie lowest of the people. They exhi] bited a .scene of vuljiar rioting and drunkenness, chambering andwai tonnes, v ild uj)roar and confusion. Mr. Crimshaw had frequentljl attemptcil, but ii vain, to put a stop to this mischievous custom. Hiil remonstrances were but little regarded, and probably any ether mail v/ould have been abused, in making the attempt to stop an establish- ed practice, so agreeable to the taste of vulgar depravity. Theysij revered his cliaracter, as to hear his expostulation with a measure ci patience, but stiH persisted in what so much grieved him. But hegavfl hinTiSclf unto |)rayer for some time before the feast, entreating God 1(1 put a slop to this evil. When the race time came the people asseir. I bled as usual, but were soon dispersed. Even before the race couKl begin, dark clouds covered the sky, which soon poured forth sucaj excessive rains, that the people could not remain upon the ground ;| and it continued to rain excessively during the three days appointei) tor the races. This event, though it took place many years since, is still remembered and spoken of at Haworth. It is a common saying! j^mong the people, that "Old Grimshaw pat » stop to the races by his scrip'ioii I'ji* h>'isc-raccs at the latter fea.st. der?cript;cn. ^i». *• 23» lie church yard,Din sands, they retuin- pper to great nutn. meantime a preacl;. times of refreslii^ iter with joy outcj tlcnd the feasts ar.l id by two or threil nd after these me| service by preach .'irects. many weH , and froiii contrad Ihcrs got real aiij It had been ciisto'l it*;, to make asou were of the lowc; pie. They exli;| nibering and wat| w had frequentl ous custom. Hill any ether raai stop an establish'! vity. Tlieysi with a measures him. But he gave ntreating; God 1» le people assem' Dre the race couKI loured forth sucli! )on the ground; days appointed y years since, is a common saying ;o the races by bis l^raycrs." It proved an effectual stop: for there kave beeo no races fa) that neighborhood from that time to thir, day. J What was brouirht him for dues, he tor.k without being rigorous.—^ fc used to tell llio people, *'I will not drserve your curses when 1 am Mead, for what I have received for my poor labors among you. I rant no more of you, than your souls for my God, and a bare maintcn- ice for myself.'* His whole life proved this declantion to be true. He required / )thing but the j)Iainest food and raiment : and he would frequently ly, that these Wf^re more than he descrvrJ lie hated wastefulness, id was strictly frugal, and would some times say, *' How can those iisons answer before God, for the food which they deny to poor IhrJstians, and throw away upon their dogs!'' It was his frequent and almost constant custom to go out of the lurch while the psalm before the sermon, was singing, to see if he luM find any idling in the church yard, the street, or in the public louses. And many of th.osc v/Iiom he found he would drive into the jurch before him. A person passing by a public-house one Sunday )rcnoon, was surprisrt' to see several persons making tlu'ir escape, o::ie jumping out at Ihf lower windows and others over a wall. He a-5 alarmeu, thinking ?. ^re hr>n broke out in the house; but upon in- [uiring, found nil this (o!:i .notion was caused by the discovery tluil the ir^on was coroing. Tley were as much afraid of him as cf a justice if ihe peace. He cr.iloavored to sup, ress that custom, so prevalent in country nla- :ts, of n-.!lking in Hk* iiv'.'\^.- on the Lord's day, between the services, bi-..l ^isilrd Ike v^wa] hv-its in order to detect and reprove those who [v.crc guilty. At some di:^tallce from Maworlh there was a place to I V Inch mnnv yc.^r.g pccjile frcriieiitly resorted. One €;vening he dis- guised him. elf, so tlvit t!;oy did nv>': know /.•/*m till he was so nearlhem t.? to know wholheywcYO ; heth-. ti !>poke, charging them not to move. Ho took down all their names with Lis pencil, and ordered them lo at- tend him at his house, on a day, ar-^ at an hour which he named. — And Ihey all went as punctually asif'liey had been served with a judge'j; warrant. He led them into a p;ivr.te room, formed them into a circle, commanded them to kneel down, he kneeled down in the n;idst ^ »,• "iinw^ - --ffij j>- % f mm ^ i * M*. iSJ' 240 ttf Ibeoi, and prayed for thftru very earnestly, and at sonae length.- He closed the interview by an affecting lecture. The discipline never needed to be repeated; for it is said the place has never been resorted to on a Sunday evening from that time to this. When at home, he had a meeting for prayer and exhortation every morning, in the summer at five, and in the winter at six o'clock— i These meetings were early and short, that the people might not be kept from the duties of their calling, whether m the field or in the house. He thoui;ht that to begin the day with religious exercises,! would sweeten labor, prepare for trials, and fortify aorainst temptations, His own diligence was verv great. The exertions ol the most indis- trious man in trade, could not exceed his, in endeavoring to uo good loj men, and brint^ glory to his jMaker In every action of common li and in his most common and familier conversation, a savour of pitjl was still to be discovered. And his mind wns prompt and fertile, in| improving the little incidents of daily occurrence, to convey and impress! spiritual and profitable lessons. Herein he resembled our Saviour, whol instructed his disciples and his other hearers, by observations on birdsl and flowers, to which he pointed them. In the pulpit he depicted sir, in such stronjT and frightful colors, as to make sinners tremble. His coustitution was vigorous, his health good, his spirits livelv, and his zeal truly fervent. He was rather low in stature, broad-sel and strong ; and a good deal marked by the small pox. He could endure much labor and fatigue; and he often showed less mercy to] his body, than a merciful man would do to his beast, traversing the bleak neighboring mountains in all weathers. Thus did the love of Christ constrain him to spend and be spent in the best and most impor- tant of all employments. The fear of the Lord raised Mr. Grimshaw above that fear of maa which bringeth a snare. He exhorted and rebuked with all authority, as well as with long-suffering and gentleness. He was bold anii faithful in his private reproofs and admonitions as well as in his public ministrations. And he had not only an easy method of doing this but sometimes a very peculiar one. A man, whose benevolence he had some suspicion of, he made ap- plication to, uear bed-time, disguised so as to be taken for a poor man. i 241 a savour of pitji and solicited the favor of a lodging for the iijght. He hereby proved the man to be what he suspected. Instead of granting the supposed poor man his petition, he loaded him with abuse. In his discourses, he generally made use of very plain language, and sometimes language that was homely and familiar, I will give a few specimens. Upon one occasion he exhorted the people to be thankful for the many mercies they had received at the hand of the Lord, saying, •* Some of you can sit down to your table, and eat and drink, and nev- er once think of God, so as either to ask a blessing upon your food, or to return thanks. You are worse than the very swine ; for the pigs will grunt over their victuals ; but you will say nothing.'' And when he was praying, after thui speaking to the congregation he said, '• Lord dismiss us with thy blessing : take all these people under thy care, bring them in safety to their own houses, and give them their suppers when they get home ; but let them not eat a morsel till they have said grace ; then let them eat and be satisfied, and return thanks to thee when they have done. Let them kneel down and say their prayers before they go to htd;: let them do this for once, at any rate, and then thou wilt preserve them till the morning." Once when be preached from the 48th Psalm, verse the 14, and telling his hearers among other things, how the Lord would bless them who had him for thier God, he said, " They who have this God for theirs, shall never want a pound of butter, or a pint of blue milk, so lung as they live.'- In giving some advice to Mr. Paul Greenwood, and Mr. Thomas Mitchell, two young preachers, he said, — If you are sent of God to preach the gospel, all hell will be up in arms against you. Prepare for the battle*, and stand fast in the good ways of God. You must not expect to gain much of this world's goods by preaching the gospel What you get must come through the devil's teeth ; and he will hold it as fast as he can. I count every covetous man to be one of the dev- il's teeth ; and he will let nothing go for God and his cause, but what is forced from him." As he was favored with a liberal education, at the grammar-schools of Blackburn and Heskin, and afterwards at Christ's College, in Cambridge, it could not be from want of learning that he used occasionally his plain, familiar style, or as it is sometimes- fill! W^ I' |l'p ', i: V 84ii i| «;<'*• termed, market language.' He knew the ignoraoca of the people, and studied to speak tc them as they would best understand his meaning. Unwearied laboriousness ; deep, yet cheerful piety ; a plain, famil- iar style, which he made use of in order to be better understood by an auditory, in general unlearned and ignorant ; accompanied by almost unequalled usefulness, form the chief features of his character. As a polemic writer, Mr. Fletcher was superior to Mr. Grimshaw, But in extensive and abundant usefulness, as a preacher, Mr. Grimshaw was greatly superior to Mr. Fletcher. And yet, Mr. Fletcher was not only an able, but a very useful preacher; and God crowned his la- bors with great success. In a spiritnal, as well as natural sense, there are soils comparatively barren as v/ell as fruitful. And I think it but just to observe, that Mr. Grimshaw laboured in the more fruitful, and Mr. Fletcher in the more barren field. He was a lover of hospitality, and in the summer season had many visitants. Sometimes the house was full. He would give beds to as many as he could, and then, unknown to his guests, would sleep in the hay-loft himself. Eearly one morning, one of these occasional lodgers, was not a little surprized to find Mr. Grimshaw cleaning the boots of his friends, whom he supposed were still asleep. He was a lover of mankind, and a follower of him whose tender mercies are over all his works, and who is good to the thankful, and to the unthankful. He tenderly sympathized with the poor and afflicted. He never sought either patronage or preferment. He was of a catholic and candid spirit. If good was done, he cared not whomi^ht be the instrument. His bowels yearned over careless sinners. He beheld them, yea, even the most profligate, with grief arfd cohipassion. He embraced every favorable opportunity of speaking a useful and seasonable word to any person he might fall in with on the road. And in some, the good seed, though sown on the highway, took root and brought forth good fruit. It was his custom to go from house to house, warning, teaching, and exhorting the people respecting their soul's salvation. He was very punctual in fulfilling his appointments. He was sure to be at the place where he was expected ; and exactly at the time. 24d ler in the more His usual hour of rising was at four o'clock in the summer, and five in winter. In his family in the morning, before prayer, he read the psalms and lessons appointed for the day. In summer he went to bed about ten o'clock, and in winter about eleven. Few men ever thought or spoke more meanly of themselves than he dii. Nor could he bear to hear others speak well of him. He was a hearty friend to the established church, and firmly attached to the constitution and government of his country. He feared God, and honored the king. Not knowing who might be his successor at Hawarth church, and anxious that the gospel he preached might still be preached there, in 1758 he built a chapel at his own expense. The cause of religion sunk very low some years after he died. But the chapel is now galleried and well attended, and we have a good society and congregration there. In the spring of 1763, Hawarth was visited by a malignant putrid fever, of which many r;:'-ons died. Before he was taken ill, he had a pre-sentiment that oi; is family would fall a victim to the pre- vailing affliction. In v '..»i*g the sick he caught the infection: and from the first attack of the fever, expected and welcomed the approach of death. He was greatly supported in his affliction, and his consola- tions abounded. When Mr Venn asked about the state of his mind, he cheerfully replied, " As happy as I can be on earth, and as sure of glory as if I was in it." At another time he said to his housekeeper, " O Mary ! I have suffered the last night what the blessed martyrs did ; my flesh has been as it were roasting before a hot fire. But I have nothing to do but to step out of my bed into heaven, and I have one foot upon the threshold already." His old friend, Mr. Jeremiah took hold of his hand at parting, and said, " the Lord bless you, Jerry : I will pray for you as long as I live ; and if there be such a thing as praying in heaven, I will pray for you there also." *' Mark the per- fect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace. — Doubtless the reader will add, '* Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." Amen. He gave up the ghost, April 7, 1763, in the 55 year of his aee, and in the 21 from his settlement at Haworth. He was buried in the <'hurch at Luddenden, near Halifax. The funeral was plain ; yet 'I \'l -4 (A MrL :^ 1^44 La-.-.:. I attended with circumstances that made it more solemn and affecting- than, perhaps, the pompous funeral of Lord Nelson. Almost the whole neighborhood followed his corpse, for six or seven miles, making the air resound with sighs and groans, and bedewing the road with their lesrs. Mr. Venn, then vicar of Huddersfield, preached a funeral ser- mon for him at Luddenden and Haworth, and Mr. Roraaine preached another at St. Dunstan's in the West in London. Mr. Grimshaw was twice happily married. He was a burning and shining light. He was of a cheerful, generous, lively turn of mind ; very courteous, and open as the day in his conversation with the peo- ple wherever he went. He was a natural orator ; spoke with great tacility ; and preached the gospel with great ability and approbation. — Lastly, he spoke with that authority which belongs to the messengers of God. And with such success did the Lord crown his labors in his own parish, that one year, after having buried eighteen persons, he said he had good reason to believe that sixteen of them were gone to heaven. Sundry other clergymen at different limes, have assisted Mr. Wes- ley and his preachers, in carrying on the work of God. But the chiei part of the ministerial instruments engaged in this work, have been laymen, though several of them have received ordination. Many ol these have been very eminent for piety and usefulness, and some of Ihem for preaching abilities. CHAPTER in. A short account of the Rev. John Nelson- John Nelson, very properly ranks among the first Methodist preach- ers. He was a native of Birstal, near Leeds, and was born in the year 1707, Very early in life he was under serious concern for the salvation of his soul. In general he acted according to the light he had, and was still wishing, and endeavoring to learn the ways of iLe Lord more perfectly. His business led him to reside some years iii London. Here he went about seeking rest and finding none. IT'' went from one place of worship to another, and at last, he had an o[)- portunity of hearing Mr. Whitefield and Mr. Wesley. His mind gradually expanded, till he was made wise imto salvation- In the 945 labors in his and some of memoirs of his life, written by himself, lie gives an account of his hear- ing Mr. Wesley the first time, which was out of doors, in Moorfields- He says, *' As soon as he got upon his stand, he stroked back his hair, and turned his face towards where I stood, and I thought fixed his eyes upon me. His countenance struck such an awful dread upon me, before I heard him speak, that it made my heart beat like the pendu- Juni of a clock ; and when he did speak, 1 thought his whole discourse was aimed at me." Soon after this, Mr. Nelson was made a jparta- ker of that peace of God that passeth all understanding. Among ma- ny oppositions and difficulties, he continued to cleave to the Lord, and to walk in his fear, and in the comforts of the Holy Ghost. But alter some time, it was impressed upon his mind that he must return to his native place. I shall insert his own account of this affair. lie says, ''About ten days before Christmas, I went to St. Paul's, and while I was at the communion-table I felt such an awful sense of God resting upon me, that my heart was like melting wax before him and all my prayer was, * Thy wiH be done ; thy will be done.' I was so dissolved into tears of love, that I could scarce take the bread ; and aftei- I had received it, it wag impressed upon my mind, I must go in- to Yorkshire directly." Accordingly, believing it lo 'je the will of God, he packed up his clothes, and set out; he found much of the Lord's presence on the road ; but he had no more thoughts ot preach' ing than of eating fire. Mr. Ingham had preached in the neighbourhood of Birstal, being then connected with the Moravians, and the doctrine of the new birth had caused much talk in those parts. John Nelson's acquaintance ask- ed him what he thought of this doctrine. He told them that this neio faith, as'they termed it, was the only faith of the gospel ; and he rela- ted to tiiem his own experience. This was soon noised abroad, and more and more came to inquire concerning these strange things : some put him upon proving these great truths ; and thus he was brought un- awares, to quote, explain, compare, and enforce several parts of the scriptures. This he did at first sitting in his house, till the company increased so, that the house could not contain them. He then stood at the door, which he was commonly obliged to do every evening as soon as he came from work. And this may give the reader an idea of the w 2 V « Ift'^l t . n ^v way and manner in which many of the Methbdist preachers lid VeWri called to the work of preaching the gospel. For some time INIr. Nel- son's friends, and his nearest relatives, opposed him, and were ashamed of him ; but he was steadfast and immovable, and abounded in the work of the Lord. His success was very great in and about Birstal. Sinners were daily converted. Almost every night he went out of town, often four or five miles, after he had done his work, which was that of a mason ; and commonly returned the same night in all sorts oi weather. In a while, Mr. John Wesley paid him a visit on his way to New- castle. He said to Mr. Wesley, " Sir, you may make use of Jacob's words, " The children thou hast begotten in Egypt before are mine, for I freely deliver them to your care.'* It was about May when Mr. John Wesley came into Yorkshire j and towards.Michaelmas, Mr. Charles Wesley, and Mr. Graves came : and from the time of their coming into Yorkshire, to the': return to the south, which was about a month, some part of which they spent at Newcastle, eighty were added to the societies. The Christmas followino:, Mr. Nelson was invited hv William Shent to go and preach at Leeds. But the attempt was considered so hazardous, that he and the society about Birstal kept a day of fasting and prayer before he went. As he went over the bridge, he met two men, who said to him, " If you attempt to preach in Leeds, you must not expect to come out again alive ; for there is a company of men that swear they will kill you." He answered, *' they must first ask my Father's leave : for if he has any work more for me to do, all the men in the town cannot kill me till 1 have done it." He preached to a large congregation, which behaved well, and received the word with meekness. After this he made an excursion into Lancashire, Cheshire, Derby- shire, and Lincolnshire, preaching with great success, though accom- panied with opposition and persecution. Mr. Wesley sent for him up to London. But by this time he had nearly worn out his cloathes, and did not know where the next should come from. His wife said, he was not fit to go any where as he was. He answered, "I have worn them out i& the Lord's work, and he will not let me want long." m W. '' *■• ■t "1 lersliaieteeri tme ]\Ir. Nel- were ashamed mnded in Ihf; about Birstal. went out of kj which was in all sorts oi way to New- use of Jacob's ire are mine, Yorkshire ; Graves came : e'T return to they spent at by William considered so ay of fasting e, he met two ds, you must of men that irst ask my 0, all the men reached to a le word with hire, Derbj- ough accom- nt for him up his cloathes, is wife said, ed, "I have ! want long." JJ47 And twD days after, a neighboring tradesman, that did not belong to the society, came to his house and brought him a piece of blue cloth § for a coat, and a piece of black cloth for a waistcoat and breeches. I When he had got ready, he set out for London on loot, but one of his ...neighbors was going on horseback, who took his pace, and sometimes \ *' let him ride. He preached at Nottingham-cross, in the way. After spending a little time in London, he set out for Oxford, and after preaching there, and at several other places, he reached Bath, and then Bristol. After a short stay there, he set out for Cornwall. One iliiy after travelling twenty miles, without baiting, he and Mr. Downs, who travelled with him, came to a village, and inquired for an inn. Hut they were told there was none in the place, nor any on the road within twelve Cornish miles. Mr. Nelson said, " Come, brother Downs, we must live by faith" But they ventured to go to a house, and ask for something. The woman of the house said, ** We have bread, butter, and milk, and good hay for your horse ;" for they had one horse between them. When they reached St. Ives, Mr. Nelson worked at his business for several days. After this he went and [preached at St. Just, the Land's-End, and sundry other places. On his return from Cornwall he was benighted on the Twelve mile com- mo7i, and ^vas wet to the skin ; but by the providence of God, he came to the house where he had called in going down. He knocked at the door, and the woman knew his voice, and said, " The Lord bless you! come in." They pulled oif his wet clothes, put on dry ones, got him something warm for supper, and took his wet clothes out of his bags, which they rinsed, dried, and ironed. He sang a hymn, prayed, and gave them an exhortation that night. The next morning the man of the house alarmed that and another village, so that by seven o'clock, he had about three hundred to preach to, who all seemed to receive the word with joy. He was soon after informed, that the man and his wife, who received him, had received the Lord that sent him. After preaching at many places in the way, he got home, and found his wife much better than she had been, though never likely to recov- er her former strength, owing to a persecution she met with at Wake^ field, when Mr. Larwood was mobbed there. After they had abused him, she with some other women, set out for Birstal, a mob followed f V 348 them into the fields ; when they overtook them, upon which all the men returned without touching them ; but the women followed them till they came to a '^ate, where they stopped them : they damned her, saying, *' You are Nelson's wife, and here you shall die." They saw she was big with child, yet beat her on the body so cruelly, that thev killed the child, and she went iiome and miscarried inimediatelv. Having occasionally wrought at his busi ness, and sometimes travel- led into diflercnt parts to preach the gospel, after preaching at Ad- waltoi), a few miles from Leeds, Joseph Gibson, the constable's depu- (y, an alehouse-keeper, who found his craft wa3 in danger, nr*» sc'! him for a soldier. Mr. Nelson asked him by whose order .iiis was done. ** He said, " Several inabitants of the town, who did not hke so much preaching." And by his talk they were they o( his own craft, and the clergyman, who had agreed togothor. They took him to a public house. Mr. Charlesworth oifered £500 bail for hJm till the next day. But no bail would be taken. He was removed the noxl day to Halifax. When he was brought before the coinmissionei!:, they smiled one at another, as soon as they saw liim. They told tie door- keepers not to let any man come in ; but Mr. Thomas Broois had got in with him ; and they said, " That is one of his converts." They asked the constable's deputy what they had against him.' lie answered, " I have nothing to say against him, but that he preaches to the people ;, and some of our townsmen don't like so much preach- ing." They broke out in laughter, and one of them swore he was fit to go for a soldier, for there he might have preaching enough. Mr. Nelson said, " Sir you ought not to swear, " Well," said the commis- sioners, *' you have no license to preach, and you shall go for a soldier. He anstveied, " I have as much right to preach as you have to swear." One said to the Captain, " Captain, is he fit for you .''" He answered, yes: " Then take him away." They refused to hear several of hh neighbors, who were ready to speak to his character. The minister oi Birstal, who was one of the commissioners, displayed very great en- mity against him, and did all he could to injure him and his friends in the esteem of the other commissioners. The papers sent on his behalf were not suffered to be put on the file, lest if they should be called for, they would make against them. ^^-ai^ 249 ie.'' They saw From Halifax he was conducteJ to Brad forth, and was put into tlie lungeon, which was a loathsome, stinking place. One of the soldiers jffered the captain, that if he would give hina charge over Mr. Nelson, Ihat he would answer with his life, that he should be forthcoming in the lornmg. Mr. Nelson offered to pay a guard to be set over him in a foom. But the captain answered, *' My orders are to put you in the lungeon." In the morning, about four o'clock, his wife, and several |friends, came to the dungeon, and spoke to him through the hole of the loor. His wife said, " Fear not : the cause is God's for which you ire here, and he will plead it himself. Therefore be not concerned ibout me and the children : for he that feeds the young ravens will )e mindful of us. He will give you strength for your day ; and after re have suffered a while, he will perfect that which is lacking in our souls, and then bring us where the wicked cease Irom troubling, and rhere the weary are at rest." The next day he was guarded to Leeds ; and just as the service began at the church, he was guarded to the jail. Several offered to jive bail for him, and even a stranger offered an hundred pounds. Jut the offer was refused. But a friend sent him a bed to lie on. The next day, he and some other pressed men, were marched to 'ork. He was taken before several officers, who seemed to rejoice IS men that had taken great spoil, and saluted him with many griev- es oaths. He asked these officers, "Do you believe there is a God, land that he is a God of truth ?" They said, *' We do." He answer- led, "I cannot believe you, I tell you plainly." They asked, ".Why Iso .?" He replied, " I cannot think that any man of common undcr- jstandmg, who believes that God is true, dare take his name in vain ; [much less do you believe that God can hear you, when you pray him [to damn your souls." They said, ** You must not preach here ; you must not talk to us that are oflicers." He told them, there was but one way to prevent it, and that was to swear no more in his hearing. As he was guarded through York, the streets and windows were I filled with people, who shouted and huzza'd, as if he had been one whrt [had laid waste the nation. But the Lord made his brow like bras??, so that he could pass through the city as if there had been none in it I hut God and himself. But during his stav in York, he had full exer- ■' I 4 I ':Trj0' 9«0 else r r his anderstandiog, faith and patience. However, God gave him friends, and some even among the soldiers. And when he left the city, manj of the people said to him, "We are aorry you are go- ing so soon from York; but if you get your liberty, we hope both yoti and Mr. Wesley will come; for we have need of such plain dealing and thousands in this city would be glad to hear. We expected sonr.c of you two or three years ago: but you had no regard for our souls, till God brought you by force. Surely you were not sold hither, but sent for our good : therefore, torget us not." From York they were marched northward through Easingworlil, Ts^oithallerton, Darhngton, and Durham to Sunderland. The people crowded to see him in his journey, and he embraced every opportuni- ty of instructing them in the truths of the gospel. God wonderfully supported him in his trials ; and Mr. Wesley contrived to see hiir, at J)urham. He exhorted him, he did not doubt but his captivity would turn to tlie glory of God, and the furtherance ol the gospt'. ''Brother Nelson," said he, " lose no time ; speak and spa re not, for God has work for you to do in every place where your lot is cast: ?»nd when you have fulfilled his good pleasure, ho will break yoi;; bonds in sunuer, and we shall rejoice together." They then prajeii and commended eacli other to the grace ot God. The day following iie was marched to Sunderland. Here he met with sunory comfor') and encouragements, and some trials and persecutions. An office who thought well of him, procured him a furlough to Newcsa^lefora week : and shortly after, he received a letter from Mr. Charles Wes- ley, informing him, that the Earl of Sunderland had assured Lady Huntingdon, that he should beset at liberty m a few days. He was discharged accordingly. One of the officers bore testimony, that he had done much good among them for that they had not one third the fursing and swearing among them which they had before he came. He returned home to his wife, children and friends, at Birstal After some time he went to York, and found that the seed sown in captivity had sprung up ; for nineteen had found peace with God, and twice as many were under conviction, though they had no one to instruct them in his absence, but the little books he had left them. Soon after, Mr. Wesley sent for him to London, and many came lol liadl lea lini riti |>ant| dsi rever, God gave nd when he left lorry you are go- re hope both yoi :h plain dealing e expected soir.c for our souls, till d hither, but sent Easingworkl gh id. The people every opportunl- 3rod wonderfully •ived to see \m but his captivity 3 ol the gospe), and spa re not, your lot is cast: will break your ley then pra}ec le day following sunory comforts ions. An officer I Newcsa^lefora r. Charles VVes- assured Lady days. He was stimony, that he ot one third the [ore he came. |nds, at Birstal. e seed scwniii with God, and had no one to lad left theni. nd many came hear him out of curiosity, when they heard it was the niaii who iiad been in prison ; and sorac were convinced of the truth they eard. While he was in London, he received the letter, inyitinj:^ iim to I *, and of aLun- d. with pleasure, lie had always id unalterable. » the arms of A'ho loved the iblished church odox and pious ht be adduced, Rev. Samuel ed among his nson occupied >nary Society, spectator, he t afforded him expressed it, e. We have heard even to ithout bearing alentsanddis- loc i had the honor of laboring with him in the London circuit from the year 1812 to 1814. I enjoyed similar advantages. " From the first of my acquaintance with him to the last, he and I ontinued without any interruption to love as brethren. He was in- i deed a tiue follower of God. His labors as a preacher, a writer, and a di3ciplinarian, will never be forgotten amongst tue Wesleyan Meth- odist. ,, From a letter bearing dale February 14, 1822, written by the Rev. Joseph Entvvisle, we give the following extract. " There are a few aged persons in this circuit, who acknowledge Mr. Benson as their father in Christ; one of whom found peace with God under a sermon he preached at Halifax, in the year 1777. From that time he has enjoyed the spirit of adoption. " Great numbers in this circuit who were profited by his labors in 17S2, and 1783 and afterwards, during occasional visits highly es- teemed and reverenced Mr. Benson. But his praise is in all the churches. I esteem it one of the many favors conferred upon me by Divine Providence that I enjoyed intimacy with him for many vears, and spent six in London during his residence there. Often while 1 was near him in City Road, did his dihgence spake loudly to me, at night so late as eleven o'clock his light was unextinguished, and at five in the morning he was found at his study again. This was uniformly the case, and while I often observed it from my own room, I admired his conduct, and felt a desire to imitate him as fai as practicable. " During the two years I was at the Cahpel house, City Road, he seldom was absent from the meeting of Local Preachers at breakfast on Sunday mornings, and on these occasions his conversations on va- rious theological subjects, were so highly instructive to the brethren, that they will be long remembered by many of them with pleasure and profit. '' With the dead languages, Mr. Benson was very familiar ; and so frequently and carefully had he perused the Greek testament, that he could nearly repeat verbatim every passage it contains. With the He- brew of the old testament he was well acquainted, having attentively r«ad it several times. But while he made the bible his chief study, he did not neglect to read the justly celebrated writings of antiquity, ;;-M f ' i i( Jl ,1 tf MU I .;H I 900 nor such modern works as merit a porusal. After he firslfound a copy of Homer's Iliad in Mr. Wesley's library, at Newcastle, he applie*! himself so closely to it as to read a book each day. He used to notf. every particular word as it occurred, vrith its derivation and meaning, interspersed with short critical remarks. He likewise followed thi*^ practice while reading some books of Xcnophon, Plato's, Dialogues, iind certain other authors ; with the works of the best English Poets, as well as Philosophers and Historians, he was well acquainted. *' As a minister of Christ, until almost constantly engaged in prc- j)aring theological works for the press, he considered a day ncarl . wasted in which he did not preach once, twice, or oltener. He con- stantly sacrificed his own ease, and in order to be fully employed in thr work of the ministry, refused to yield to the earnest wishes of his dear- est friends and relatives. While engaged in the most diligent and self- denying labors in the cause of God, so far was he from glorying in him- self, tliat he never allowed his services to be mentioned with praise. *■ His texts were often chosen with a reference to i.he season or sonv passing events. He always preached on the subjects of the feasts and festivals of the church, as they occurred, nor did he omit to improve to the advantage of all such as were disposed to hear him, seasons ol public amusements, when multitudes were assembled. In his sermons, he never called the attention of the people to any trivial or merely entertaining subject. On points of curious speculation or criticism, he never dwelt, but constantly inculcated the essential doctrines of Chris- tianity, together with its prospects, precepts, promises and threatenings. He spent much time in preparing for the pulpit, and hence his sermons were fraught with pure divinity, skilfully arranged. But his expecta- tion of success was wholly* from the Lord, to whom he looked for lib- erty in speaking and a blessing on what he delivered. He had well studied the evidences of his faith, and believing that the spread of infidel opinions was to be chiefly attributed to ignorance of those o.vi- dences, he was in the habit of bringing them forward in his sermonsas occasion required. ** Of time he was a great economist. Through his conviction of Its value, and his eagerness to acquire useful knowledge, he avoided as much as possible the company of the careless and trifling. But when \ •"lie c| ther cecal siiMai men «ntlJ ftf thi rnoiti tion. 1^10 CO "that i tiicni retire a tole licarte AVDuld duty. seque rcasoi "I cue ol his of nnJ f( 'Jli( Ition jer's, : rablis lAnd Ithe c( iFletc ?ritir in r t-t, 2dl f the feasts an;. bim, seasons ol le could not do this, Lc pra} d for power to conduct himselt' lowaids them in a manner becoming his sacred ofBce, and this he did upon all occasions. He disliked high professions when not accompanied with a sirihble sense of sm, and spiritual dificicncj. " He was remarkable lor ihe/acility and success, with which he couUl mgage his mind in devout meditation on various subjects ; for instance m the immortality of the soul, personal identity, the future happiness >f the righteous, &c. ** The natural warmth ol his temper, which he carefully studied to lortify, was to him, often through life, a source of grief and tempta- tion. But his most intimate friends can testify, that it was only what le conceived to be reprehensible, which excited his indignation, and pint in his bosom anger did not find a resting place. "The reluctance with which he frequently attended the conference, liad its origin not in any defect of love to his brethren, (for he lover! them most cordially) but in the high estimation he set upon leisure a:id ^retirement, and his unwillinjjness that any circuit should be left wilhout. ; a tolerable supply of suitable preachers. A more consistent warm iicarted christian patriot than he, can not be easily imagined. ,, Had he with St. Paul been subject to the government of Nero, he vould with that Apostle have inculcated civil obedience as a christian Wuty. But he had the happiness of being a British subject, and con- sequently, of living under a government which his well instructed reason approved. "Numerous proofs might be adduced to show that Mr. Benson was )ne of the most disinterested of men, but the following may suflicc. In |us oflice ol Editor he doubled the size of the Metliodist Magazine, mJ for a series of years published anothci periodical work, entitled The Youth's Instructor and Guardian." He edited an octavo edi- tion of Wesley's works in seventeen volumes, and an edition of Fletch- |er's, in nine volumes of the same size. Of the Christian Library now DuWishing at the Conference office, he edited eleven volumes octavo. lAnd besides these, he edited many other works. He Tilfc^'ise during [the course of his Editorship, wrote an excellent life of the Rev. John jFletcher, and tiis apology, besides various sermons. Independent ot writing his large orthodox and learned commentary upon the Holy i t 262 {!?criplures, ho might be said to be abundant in literary labors. But "w*hen wo add to them that excellent work completed in eight years, our astonishment is excited. And yet, notwithstanding the extraordi- nary tasks which ho imposed upon himself, and performed with the greatest dih'gence and ease, he absolutely refused the remuneration;, nor was his income any more than that of any other Preacher in the London East circuit. And when the Conference at Manchester, inj 1815, voted him i2500, not as a reward for labors, but as a mark o(j their approbation, no entreaties coi.ld prevail with him to except eithfti the whole, or any part ol that sum. In the management of hi!| household affairs, he carefully avoided both meannness and imprudeDl| expenditures. He rarely bought any thing upon credit, but when li?| did, he never suffered the bills of his tradesmen to remain long unpaidj " His christian prudence, which was equally distant from timidity cc the one hand, and precipitation on the other, was acknowledged by ali| who possessed a knowledge of his character. " As a man of sense, piety and erudition, he occupied a high ground As an author, his numerous publications prove that he was eminently qualified for the task of clearly stating and ably defending every brand of scriptural theology. "He continued his pious labors in the cause of Christ, with|unreniii' ting ardor, and maintained by the grace of God an elevated charac- ter, as a minister of Christ, for more than fifty years ; when he grad- ually sunk into the infirmities of age, and fell asleep in Jesus in the I decline of his life. His mind was entirely calm and tranquil. Hej possessed the peace of God which passeth all understanding. His com- munion with God was deep, and his conversation remarkably spiritual i and heavenly." Fe died on the 16 of Februery, A, D. 1821, beloved and lamented by all who k'levv him. .♦', y ■ i ( )ve(l and lamented OF TUB BJSE AXD PROGRESS OF THE PART II. Of Methodism in America. BOOK IV. ;0NTAlNIJfO AN ACC«. NT OF METHODISM IN AMERICA, TO THE OR- OAICIZATIOX OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, CHAPTER I. The rise of Methodism in New-York — Its rise in Maryland — The wirst Methodist Meeting house in America — The first Conjerence, When we take a comparative view of the state of Methodism, jProm its first dawning upon our continent to the present period, ourad- liration and wonder are excited, at the mighty achievements, that |ncess?\ntly rush upon our attention. The unexampled rapidity of its march, attended with such innumer- ible instances of the greatest good, and real philanthrophy to the bodies and souls of men, would seem somewhat dubitable were not those facts iccompanied, and confirmed, by the most glaring evidences. Like unto the smallest of all seeds, (according to our Saviours par- ieble,) Methodism has been planted, — hath sprung up and grown, so as to rank among the largest of trees : tiU its branches have finally lapread throughout, almost every clime of t)^ western world. Occur- Irences of very inconsiderable moment, appearently, gave rise or proved Ithe first introduction, io this apostolic and wide spreading community. [The first instruments indeed of establishing methodism in this country, a 'iil'! !'■•< ■' V f *r 51 H' 1 ' • ill 1 and of propagating its Jyctrines among the people, were men of bu] moderate ahilities, and, who only occasionally turned their attention iVom their secular concerns to the propagation of religion. The great Head ol the Church however, was mindful of his people and clothed tlip word of his servants with power ; so that many were convinced of their wretched condition and turned from the sirvice ot Satan unto God. In the year 1730 and 1737, according to the account already given, the Kev. John Wesley was in tliis country, and formed a society Id Savannah. But when lie returned to England, the society not beinj:j sufficiently organized soon dwindled away. Near thirty years had elapsed after this circumstance transpired before Methodism took a second flight, and revisited our westeri dimes. Nor was it known to tho inhabitants of America, until tlm rmigration from Great Britain and Ireland to this country had commec- ted, which brought in now and then, a few scattering members of tlul Methodist connection in those countries. These were consequents .scattered remotely among the population, which rendered au under- standing, or correspondence among them totally impracticable. Thi'; deprived of the social means of grace and the administ/ation of tbi word, many began to decline in their enjoyment, and others, impelleJ l»y necessity, united with some of the established orders, though quit: Jiffurent in their character, and less correct in principle. A few thus isolated from the main body, were residing in thecitj] of New-York; and among them an elderly lady that had'lately beet u member in Ireland. Having learnt the arrival of a few more of heij society, whom she had known in that country, she called at their resi- dence in the way of friendship, and was mortified as well as surprised, I to discover them engaged in a game of cards. She reproached them by taking up the cards, and throwing them indignantly away ; then proceeded instantly to the house of Philip Embury, who was her coun« tryman and a zealous advocate of the tenets of Mr. Wesley. With ; eloquence becoming a cause so praiseworthy, she portrayed to him the I fallen condition of their friends, exhorted him to use all his eHbrts to reclaim them from their careless and erroneous ways; and reminded him that God demanded this necessary exertion on his part, who! would otherwise charge their sins in a measure to bis neglect, htm n Vx 265 argument would have prevailed upon this mam, tvliom we wml con- sider as the real founder of Methodism in America. He agreed to hold a meeting in an apartment of his house, which was situated m Augustus-street, [then called Barrack-street,] whilst the lady should collect as many persons together as were willing to attend. The task was arduous : not only the scoffs of the ignorant, the sarcasms of the worldly minded, the contempt of the more wealthy class of people, and the stern opposition manifested by partisans of old established per- suasions, would array themselves against the undertaking ; but also the sceptered hand of power, then as rigorous in religion as it was in civil concerns, perhaps would fall upon them with a weight that might at once crush their infant association. These dangers, however, were disregaraed by persons, who had only a few earthly comforts to risk, and a sure prize of immoital glory to gain. At their first meeting only six were collected. They sang and prayed, whilst Mr. Embury instructed them in the doctrines of salva- tion. Influenced by the spirit of holiness, they enrolled their names into a class, and resolved to attend regularly at his house for further Instruction. Gradually increasing in numbers, they continued in this manner, till heaven sent to .their ail assistance, as unsuspected as U3eful. Shortly after having formed themselves into a class, they had ob- tained a more commodious room in the neighborhood ; where, how- ever, most people would not be seen among a sect, whom the world denominated wild enthusiasts. Indeed they were at times enthusias- tic ; but enthusiastic m the best of causes : and yet Mr. Embury en- deavored to restrain those unguarded expressions.of their feehngs that were so disgusting to unconcerned observers. Once having met to- gether as usual, they were surprised whilst singing, by the entrance of a man, in full military uniform, whose appearance on such an occasion struck the whole company with consternation. All eyes were anx- iously fixed upon him, to discover whether any sinister purpose was intended by this visit, from an officer of the Royal American troops • but when they saw him disposed to join in worship, when they saw him kneel together with themselves in solemn prayer, and perceived the marked serenity of his features ; their fears were dispriled, and < Ji li i f.-iH 26d ih,^ ri^togpizod, lUkder the lugum oi war, t hit>»ik«[r aad a ^ithful fq)v bweir of tlue iiord J«iui Christ. After the exercises were concluded, he introduced himself as Lieutenant Webb from Albany ; and from tbat momeBt became the chief pillar of this rising congregation. Healing of the society in New York, and of the difficulties with which they had to contend, be came to their assistance, introduced himself to Mr. Embury, and appeared before the ajsembly in his mil* itary costume as a preacher of righteousness. To behold a military olBcer in the character of an ambassador of Jesus Christ, was a maf* ter of no small surprise to the citizens who attended the meetings. It was usual at that time for military men to wear on all occasions their regimental suit ; and to behold in the pulpit a preacher attired in ^scarlet coat with splendid facings, having a sword, with the Bible Before him, was one of those anomalies, in which the world, whilst it ridicules the person, cannot help admiring the boldness of the act. Cap> tain Webb, by exciting the passion of curiosity, obtained hearers ^ many of whom, convinced by the strength of his eloquence, under the Tnfluence of Divine grace, attached themselves to the society. Some of the first members, still living, remember well his animated manner, and speak in terms of high approbation of his blunt and emphatic style. ''* Yoa must repent or be forever damned," often resounded into the (lars of the wicked, as his arm, fitted for wielding the sword, fell with violence upon the desk, and struck terror into his auditory. The situation of the inhabitants of New York in religious matters, was somewhat peculiar. A professed infidel dared not show himself; 9peD atheism was only known as a monster of Europeon production : and the catholics whom fortune had cast upon these shores, were oblb- ged to hide their superstitious rites, under a mask of thorough conceaN ment. Nearly every body belonged to some sect ; and indifference was viewed with utter dislike. Even the troops that paraded on a Sunday morning, in marching down Broadway, filed off to the right or Teft, some to one church and some to another. All were religious o: pretended to be so ; whilst the laws, taking an immediate interest in af&irs of conscience, required the strictest attention to tlie established forms of public worship. In whai^ light then milat (he methodist^ have been regarded, w^l? f ^7 k>lci)y tlJiowing a^de the shackles ot prejudi^ and hereditary custoips^ pursued a direct path to Heaven, and in a righteous cause dsfied tfit post despotic of all laws — that which attempts to bind mon*8 consci- ences ? They were ridiculed and hated ; but dcrpised they could n«J be : for mankind, where they fear the reproofs which an amiable ch»- tacter can cast upon their follies, are never capable of real disdain, how much soever they may feign it. Dreading the influence of their in- controvertible doctrines, it required all the art of parents to keep thcii Unprejudiced children, from what they deemed a spiritual contagion : and an old member oi the church relates to this day, the desire he eh- Iftrtained in his youth, of fmding a truly religious people ; tells the dif- ficulties he met with, in escaping the threats of hisfanily, of his re- sorting secretly up the winding stairs where Embury used to preach, and his listening there, with great delight, to all the truths of the Gos- pel. In consequence of an increased attention to the word preached by Mr. Embury and Capt. Webb, the room in which they assembled be- came too small. They therefore hiip*^ a rigging loft, in William-st. which they fitted up for a place of worship. Here they continued for a time to build " each other up in the most holy faith." While Mr. Embury remained in the city, working with his hands for a living, and preaching to the people on the sabbath, attending prayer meetings, &c. Capt Webb made excursions upon Long Island, where he preached Jesus Christ unto the people with peculiar energy and effect. It was not long, however, before the rigging loft in William-street was found too small to accommodate all who wished to assemble with them. To remedy this inconvenience, they began to think seriously about building a chapel. To this undertaking, however, there were many difficulties. The members of the society were mostly poor, few in number, and but little known among the wealthy and influential portion of the citizens. Being encouraged, however, by the exhorta- tions of Mrs. Hick, a woman of deep piety, and great intrepidity of mind, they made an effort to erect a house for the Lord. Messrs. Lupton, Source, Newton, White, Jarvis, and a few Bore. were the persons most engaged in erecting the First Methodist Church in America.. Of these, William Lupton, a very rcspceta m .fiTii .wever, quickly an evangelical th the Method- ly people, and in Bath. Th« 3 to speak a lit- wn experience, long after this went to Amer mily prayer in led. He oftec int he met with Iplanting Melh*' Methodist chapel, which was in the city of New- York. In that city he preached with great success. He wrote to Mr. Wesley, entreating him to send preachors to America: who accordingly in 1769, sent Mr. I Richard Boardman, and Mr. Joseph Pilmore. After his return to * Kngland, Mr. Webb took up his residence at Bristol, and preached , there, as well as in many places adjacent. In general, great multitudes flocked to hear him ; many of whom did not hear in vain. He was instrumental in turning many from the ways of folly anJ sin to the paths of wisdom and holiness. Mr. Wedey mentions in his Journal^ coming to a place where Captain Webb had lately been ; " The Cap- ..„ tain," says he, *'is all hfe and fire, and therefore many will! hear him ^'^iOiat will not hear a better preacher. And it is very well they do, for , he does a great deal of good." But to return, Methodism was now firmly established in New York. The first Methodist society in America was formed in the city of New York, in the year 1766, by a few emigrants from Ireland. About thft game time however, that Mr. Philip Embury and his associates, were laying the foundation for such permanent good in this city, a similar ciety was formed in Frederick County, Maryland, through the instrumentality of Mr. Robert Strawbridge, another local preachet Irom Ireland, and, through his influence a Methodist meeting hoase wa^ ioon afterwards built and a regular society organized. The society at New York being poor, they were in considerable embarrassment and painful suspense for some time, concerning the Cleans for building the contemplated house. It seems however that ey were providentially directed, and at length they hit upon a plat troduced by Mrs. Hick, which proved an efl^cient help. That was to issue subscriptions ; which they accordingly did, and went to the Mayor au J other opulent citizens, to whom they explained their deiigns. mad from whom they received liberal donations. I While this house was building, the society addressed a letter to Mr. Wesley, requesting him ro send them a preacher, such ta would be tttely to command a congregation. Mr. Embury, thouj;h a zealous t^d good man and much engaged in the cause of Christ, bad but mod- Irate abilities as a preacher. He had besides to labor with bis bands tp pport himself and family, and therefore C9uld not derote luioieif ez^ m 272 cluslvely to the work of the ministry. To supply this deficiency tlie Society wisely determined to solicit aid from abroad. They therefore wrote a letter to Mr. Wesley, stating the case of their religious alTairs, and requesting a preacher to be sent. Who tiie writer of this letter was we have no account, having only the initials of the name, " T. T.'' given. But, it appears from its contents, that the author had been a member of the Methodist Society in London. The following is a transcript. ''New York, April W, 1768. Rev. and very dear sir, — I intended writing to you for several wef^ks past; but a few of us hnd a very material transaction in view. I therefore postponed writing, until I could give you a particular account thereof; this was the purchasing of ground for building a preachin\ ttoIiDess, either pf b^r( tr IlTei 273 mill, 1768. you for several isaction in view. )articular account ling a preachinjT now concluded. of the state ot oUect, there wa? tfield came over visits, there ap- visit foil r teen oi among the drj ork was much in- , when his wordi; rt of the adulb id by a judgment The consequence id iptions raised for ed most of the [And by the mul- to the churches, now no outward Id not speak about unfit for gente^ id, and growing pleading tor the They esteemeti " The above appears lo me to be a genuine account of Uie state of religion in New York eighteen months ago, when it pleased (hd to ; rouse up Mr. Embury to employ his talents (which for several years had been hid as it were in a napkin,) by calling sinners to repentance, jdnd exhorting bcUevers to let their light shine before men. He spoke at first only in his own house. A few were soon collected together and joined into a little society, chiefly his own countrymen, Irish Ger- Imans. In about three months after, brother White and brother Source Ifrom Dublin, joined them. They then rented an empty room in their neighborhood, which was the most infamous street in the city, adjoining Ithe barracks. For some time few thought it worth their while to hear ; [but God so ordered it by his providence, that about fourteen months [ago. Captain Webb, barrack master at Albany, (who was converted three years since at Bristol,") found them out, and preached in his regi' lentals. The novelty of a mu.'> preaching in a scarlet coat, soon )rought greater numbers to hear than the room could contain. But his loctrines were quite new to the hearers; for he told them, point blank, that all their knowledge and religion were not worth a rush, unless Iheir sins were forgiven,' and they had ' the witness of God's Spirit ?ith theirs, that they were the children of God." This strange doc- |rine, with some peculiarities in his person, made him soon taken notice )f ; and obliged the little society to look out for a larger house to preach in. They soon found a place hat had been built for a rigging house, )0 feet in length, and 18 in breadth. " About this period Mr. Webb, whose wife's relations lived at Ja- laica, Long Island, took a house in that neighborhood, and began to )reach in his own house, and several other places on Long Island. — ''ithin six months, about twenty-four persons received justifying grace, icarly half of them whites,— the rest negroes. While Mr. Webb, ras, (to borrow his own phrase,) < felling t«des on Long Island,' ^rolher Embury was exhorting all who attended on Thursday eve- lings, and Sundays, morning and evening, ai the rigging house, to flee rom the wrath to come. His hearers began to increase, and some ^ave heed to his report, about the time the grarious providenc-of God Jrought me safe to New-York, after a very favorable passage of six reeks from PlymoMth- It was the 20 day of O'lober last, when 1 (• ,.i*i IV 1 m >:• i1 . t I'i, '• 274 Arrived, recommefidcd to a pecsoa for lodging ; I inquired oi nay (who was a very religious man,) if any Methodists were in New- York ; he answered, that there was one Captain Webb, a strange sor) tionof God and his blessing on our proceedings ; and providence open- ed such a door as we had no expectation of. A young man, a sincere Christian, and constant hearer, though not joined in society, not giv- ing any thing towards this house, offered ten pounds to buy a lot ol ground, went of his own accord to a lady who had two lots to sell, on one of which there is a house that rents for eighteen pounds per an** num. He found the purchase money of the two lots was six hundred jjounds, which she was willing should remain in the purchaser's pos- S£ssion, on good security. We called once more on God for his direc- tion, anl resolved to purchase the whole. There are eight of us who are joint purchasers : among whom Mr. Webb and Mr. Lupton are men of property. I was determined the house should be on the same footing as the orphan house at New-Castle and others in England ; but as we were ignorant how to draw the deeds, we purchased for us and our heirs, until a copy of the writing is sent us from England, which \re desire ma) be sent by the first opportunity. <* Before we began to talk of building, the devil and his children were very peaceable : but since this affair took place, many ministers have cuiaed us in the name of the Lord, and labored with all their might to stop their congregations from assisting us. But he that sit* teth in the highest laughed them to scorn. Many have broken through and given their friei^lly assistance. * We have collected above one hundred pounds move than our own contributions ; and have reason to fiope in the whole we shall have two hundred pounds : but the house will cost us four hundred pounds more, so that unless God is pleased to raise up friends we shall yet be at a loss. I believe Mr. Webb and Mr. Lupton will borrow or advance two hundred pounds, rather tbaa the buiWing should not go forward : but the interest of money here id a great burden — being seven per cent. Some of our brethren propo- 'Wd writing to you for a collection in England: but I was averse fd ' ! '^Wp* m ' 'TT ''•'* i ■ M \i% i; K 276 iliis, as I well know our fiienda there are over burdeneii already Yet so fax I would earnestly beg: if you would intimate our circum. stances to particular persons of ability, perhaps God would open their hearts to assist this infant society, and contribute to the first preachincr house, on the original Methodist plan in all America, (excepting Mr Wlutfields orphan house in Georgia,) but I shall write no more on this subject. *' There is another point far more material, and in which I mui ' iijiportune your assistance, not only m my own name, but also in th? name of the whole society. We want an able and exprienced preacli- cr ; one who has both gifts and grace necessary for the work- God has not, indeed, despised the day of small things. There is a real work of grace begun in many hearts, by the preaching of Mr. Webb and Mr. Embury ; but though they are both useful, and their hearts in the work, they want many qualifications for such an undertaking, and the progress of the gospel here depends much upon the qualifica- tions of preachers. *' In regard to a preacher, if possible we must have a man of wis- dom, of sound faith, and a good disciphnarian: one whose heart am: soul are in the work ; and I doubt not but by the goodnees of GcJ such aflame would be soon kindled, as would never stop till it reaclicu the great South sea. We may make many shifts to avoid tempora inconveniencies ; but we cannot purchase such a preacher as I hav: described. Dear sir, I entreat you for the good of thousands, to use your utmost endeavors to send one over. I would advise him to take shipping at Boston, Liverpool, or Dublin, in the month oi July j early in August ; by embarkmg at this season he will have lin; "weather in his passage, and probably arrive here in the month o! Sept. He will see before winter what progress the gospel has made " With respect to money for the payment of the preacher's passage over, if they could not procure it, we would sell our coats and Mtts ^ procure it for them. *' I most earnestly beg an interest in your prayers, and trust you and many '>f our brethren, will not forget the church in this wilderness. •* I remain with sincere esteem^ RcT. and dear sir, Your very aff^ionate brotker and servant, " T. T.'* 277 jtdened ulready, mate our circuiu- ivould open their he first preaching , (excepting Mr ite no more on 1 which I mm ;, but also in tk xprienced preac!- the work- Goc There is a real njxofMr. Webb and their heart? an undertaking . pon the qualifica- ire a man of wis- whose heart anC ^oodnees of Gd stop tillitreacheiij avoid temporal acher as I hav«| ousands, to use I dvise him to take lonth of July or will have fine I the month ol gospel has made. Teacher's passage coats and shirts and trust you inthiswildernesj. sir, Your very in The subject being laid before the British Conference, two preach- ers, Messrs. Richard Boardman and Joaeph Pilmore, volunteered their services as Missionaries for America, with whom Mr. Wesley sent fifty pounds, "as a token" says he of our brotherly lovo. They landed at Gloucester Point, six miles below Philadelphia, October 24, 1769. Besides those (ieputtvi by Mr. Wesley several others arrived. Of these, Mr. Williams, uas the earliest who preached in the city of New York. Thousands attended the place of worship, and those who could not find entrance, were content to listen outside of the doors. Messrs. Boardman and Pilmore, whom the society received as mis- sionaries, were the next who began to preach in the city, and after- wards took their stated appointments of six months each, interchang- ing between this and Philadelphia. The appointments were then re- duced to four months, and at last to three, on each station. More preachers arriving, circuits began to be formed in various parts of the United States. Their glory was to sulfer the greatest fatigues, to toil night and day for their Divine master, and to encounter all the perils of the most hideous forests, unknown deserts, and trackless unin- habitable regions. No pains were for them too great. The following extract of a letter from Mr. Pilmore shows fiow cor- dially they were received, and the engaging prospects of the work of God in this country. "Philadelphia, Oct. 81, 1769, *' Rev. Siff — By the blessing of God we are safely arrived here, after a tedious passage of nine weeks. We were not a little surpris- ed to find Captain Webb in town, and a society of about one hundred members who desire to be in close connexion with you. *This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eves.' **I have preached several times, and the people flock to hear in multitudes. Sunday evening I went out upon the common. I had the stage appointed for the horse race for my pulpit, and I think be- tween four and five thousand hearers, who heard with attention, stil as night. Blessed be God for field preaching. When I began to talk of preaching at five o'clock in the morning, the people thought it would not do in America: however, I resolved to try, and I had a ve- ry good congregation. .11 s'^"^' ^■^.' 1^' ■■?►'.;!■ Ii^i' ♦ 278 ''Here seems to bo u great and efTectual door opening in this conn- liy, and I hope many souls will be gathered in. The people in ^t- ne- ral like to hear the word, and seem to have some ideas of salvation by gracc. )) After continuing a short time in Philadelphia, Mr. Pilmorc made an excursion to Maryland, where he found Mr. Strawbridge, and preached with some success. He likewise visited some parts of Vir- ginia and North Carolina; and witnessing the happy elfects of his la- bors in the awakening of sinners, he formed some societies. In all places which he visited, he found people eager to hear the word, and kind to those who came to preach it. Finn thence he returned to Phi- ladelphia, and soon came down to New York, while Mr. I3oar .".■■ the t sup i gei 279 Pilmorc made iwbriilge, ant! e parts of Vir- fects of his la- (•ties. In all the word, and returned to Phi- Ar. Boanlman iffe of their la- in New York, was in a flour- y simplicity and to many. h\ pon his charge trial before he ^Ves!e\ , he de- rote the follow- lers. About a to hear with- ns to hear the in some of the ill be openeii Ml the heathen nJ the preacli- fanded in Philadelphia, the 24th of October following. They were received with great cordiahty, «' the people hardly knowing," says Mr. Asbury, *' how to show their love sufficiently, bidding us tvcl- •>me with fervent alFection, and receiving us as the angels of God." According to a notice in Mr. Asbury's Journal, vol. iii, p. 109, it appears that when he arrived in this country, he found three hundred Methodists in New York, two hundred and fifty in Philadelphia, and a few in New-Jersey, probably in all abont six hundred. Those in Maryland do not appear to be included in this number. On the arri- val ot Mr. Asbury, he very properly judged he could not expect a 'rencral spread of the work of God, unless they extended themselves into the country towns and villages. He accordingly led the way, by which the prospects of usefulness opened before them in every direction. Ry the faithful exertions of Mr. Asbury, and those who were as* ;ociated with him, the work of God extended among the people, and it was soon perceived that more help was much needed to supply the i-alls of the people. Indeed the people in many places, particularly in (he middle and southern province — for so these United States were then called, being a part of the British dominions — were but poorly supplied with the word and ordinances of Christ, and pure religion was to change iu George Shadford, ] four months. John King, William Waters. 5 Francis Asbury, Robert Strawbridge, I Abraham Whitworth, Joseph Yearbry. William Wright. Robert Williams. What numbers are there in the society ? Maryland, Virginia, New Vork, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Baltimore, 400 100 U60 Union Norfolk, Petcrburg, Quest. 2. New Yoric, 180 Philadelphia, 180 New Jersey, 200 (Preachers, 10.) CHAPTER II. Progress of Religion in general — Contemplated separation- confirmed — Notice of the yearly conferences to the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church- During the year 1773 tliere was a considerable revival of religion on the Eastern shore of Maryland, especially in Kent county, where many souls were awakened and brought to the knowledge of God. There was a class formed also in New Rochelle this year, about twenty five miles North of New York. There was some revival also in Balti- more; and in November the society at Fell's Point engaged to build a meeting-house. The first meetmg-house that was built by -the Methodists in Baltimore, was that at FelPs Point. At present, ^1809) we have five meeting-houses in Baltimore: four for the white people^ and one for the blacks. In the beginning of the year 1774, John King, an Englishman, came first to the south parts of Virginia, where his labors were made a blessing to many people He was a sensible, zealous preacher, and was very useful while he continued to travel. ^ • 1774. — In February, this year, the Methodists engaged to build a meeting-house in Baltimore town, and on the eighteenth day oi ApHI the foundation of the house was laid in Lovely-lane. The first quar- terly meeting that was ever held in the town of Baltimore was on Tuesday the third of May in this year. 2 2 ^■i ^{ "• ml ■'jii * H i:' '^'9"^ "i?' 28i? The first meeting-house that was ever built by the Methodists ou the Eastern shore of Maryland, was in Kent county, about nine miles below Chester town, in the springof 1774, and was called Kent meet- ing-house. Many of the wicked neighbors were violently opposed to the building of that house; and after the workmen had prepared the frame in order to raise it the next day, some evil designing men came in the night, and broke the rafters to pieces, to prevent the house from being raised. But the workmen went on nevertheless, and the Lord prospered his work among the people, and there has been an establish- ed society m that place ever since. 1774. — The second conference was held this year in Philadelphia? on the 25th day of May. There were six questions asked at that conference. Q. 1. Who are admitted this year? i. e. into full connection. There were five. Q. 2. Who are admitted on trial this year ? There were seven. Q. 3. Who are assistants this year? There were nine. Q. 4. Are there any objections to any of the preachers ? A' They were examined one by one. Q. 5. How are the preachers stationed this year ? ^ Q. 6. What numbers are there in society ? '^» A. 2073. * This conference fixed the allowance of each travelling preacher, al six pounds Pensylvania currency, (or 16 dollars) per quarter. The following preachers were received : Philip Gatch and Philip Ebert. They were admitted into full connection this year, though their names are not in the last years minutes. There were also seven received on trial, viz. William Duke, John Wade, Daniel Ruff, Edward Drumgole, Isaac Rollins, Robert Lindsay Samuel Spragg: making nine new preachers in all. This year the three following circuits were formed, to which wert appomted the following preachers : Chester i ,. Daniel Ruff, Joseph Yearbry. ' - , - Kitntt j^! Abraham Waitworth. .• . v ^ederictcf Philip Gatch, William Duk^ ' . y The increase of members was 913. > .* 'T^l 283 i Methodists ou )out nine miles led Kent meet- itly opposed to prepared the ning men came the house from , and the Lord en an establish- a Philadelphia; asked at that full connection. »re were seven, e nine. achers ? \g preacher, at uarter. tch and Philip year, though am Duke, John Robert Lindsay to which were ,1. .V .f- As Thomas Rankin was the general assistant, he was to be support- ed where he spent his time : he was appointed for Philadelphia, and Mr. Asbury in New York. In the beginning of this year, on Sunday the 2 of January, after jcommending the Americans to God, Mr. Boardman and Mr. Pilmore ■embarked at New York for England. Mr. Boardman lived about eight years afterwards, and died in peace. In the beginning of this year, 1774, R. Williams began to form so- ieties in Virginia, and made out a pbn for a six weeks circuit, which xtended from Petersburgh, to the south over Roanoke River, some istance into North Carolina. From the conference, three preachers ame to that circuit, John King, John Wade, and Isaac Rollins : these reachers were blessed among the people and were made a blessing to hem in their turn ; and in the latter part of the year, there was a ost remarkable revival of religion in most parts of the circuit. Chris- tians were much united, and much devoted to God ; and sinners were greatly alarmed, and many of them truly changed both in heart and ife. The preachers had not only large congregations to hear them in |he day time, but also in the night when meetings were appointed, ndeed, the Lord wroug;ht won lers among us during that year. The conference took in two preachers besides the two from Europe iz. John Cooper, William Glendenning, which make an addition of our. In the course of this year there was a gracious work of God in several places; but in none to equal that which took place in Brunswick circuit, where George Shadford was travelling at that time. It was Huite common for sinners to be seized with a trembling and shaking ||nd from that to fall down on the floor as if they were dead : and many of them have been convulsed fi-om head to foot, while others have Retained the use of their tongues so as to pray for mercy, while they rere lying helpless on the ground or floor. The Christians too were sometimes so overcome with the presence and love of God, as not to be able to stand on their feet. It was truly ^fleeting to see them collecting round the penitent sinners, and praving "* r them one after another, and sometimes two or three together at the ame time, until some of the mourners would get converted j and then tf ii .' .u :i'i ' .11 Ui ICi'?: > I 1 !0 284 see lliu young corivcrts leaping up with streaming eyes, and catching in their arms those that were nearest to them, and calling upon all present to praise God for what he had done for their souls. In thct revival there were some things which might be called imprudent ; yc. there were so many souls brought to God, that it was thought to bo dangerous to try to stop the irregularities, for fear of stopping that gra- cious work which the Lord was so strangely carrying on. There weii above 600 members added to the society in that circuit in the courot: of that year. Mr. Jarratt, the church Clergyman, was very useful in that revival of religion ; and his heart was closely united to the Methodists. He would frequently preach, meet the classes, hold love-feasts, and admir- is;er the Lord's supper among them. He was an eye witness of tlii' work ; and as it was the greatest revival of religion that had ever been known in that part of the country, I think it will be a satisfaction \.o many people, to give them some farther account of it. ^■ 1775. — In the latter end of this year, there was as great a rcvivak: religion in the south parts of Virginia, as perhaps was ever known icfl country places in so short a time ; but it became still more considerablt in January, 1776. Mr G Shadfnrd then preached in Virginia ; Qni^^i while the ears of the people were opened by novelty, God sent hn word home upon their hearts. Many sinners were powerfully con vinced, and cried for mercy. The news of convictions and conversions was common ; and the people of God were inspired with new life atii vigor, by the happiness of others. But in a little time they were maJe thoroughly sensible, that they themselves stood in need of a deepef work of grace in their hearts, than they had yet experienced, anii entreated God with strong cries and tears, to save them from the re- mains of inbred sin ; and so to ** circumcise their hearts," that they might ** love him with all their souls," and serve him with all tbeic strength. Many who had long neglected the means of grace, now flocked to hear, not only the preachers, but also the exhorters and leaders. And whether there was preaching or not, the Lord's power was still among the people. And it was found that prayer meetings were singularly useful in promoting the work of God. .r m inc ^nc till 13oi Pel ind nioi fi .«i^ 2S5 yes, anJ catcliin*^ 1 calling upon all :ir souls. Ill thi't d imprudent ; yci /vas thought to be stopping that gra- ron. There wei'i rcuit in the coursi jful in that revive" ! Methodists. He -feasts, and admip- eye witness of this \ that had ever been be a satisfaction Vo 'it. s great a revival: was ever known i 11 more considerallv d in Virginia ; anc elty, God sent hii re powerfully con ons and conversions with new life atic me they were made need of a deepe; t experienced, anc them from the re- hearts," that they him with all theit ce, now flocked to and leaders. And ser was still among gs were singularly | Tiia out-pouring of the spirit extended itself, more or less, through inostof the circuits, which takes in a circumference of between four ind five hundred miles ; and the work went on with a pleasing progress ill the beginning of May ; when i quarterly meeting was held a^ ^oisseau's (commonly called Bushill's) chapel, about twelve n^'es from etersburg. At that meeting the windows of heaven were opened indeed, and the rain of divine influence continued to pour down foi ,more than forty days ;'• The multitude that attended on this occasion, returned home alive to God, and spread the flame through their respective neighborhoods-, |which ran from family to family, so that within four weeks several huii- 'reds found the peace of God ; and scarce any conversation was ot ht- eard, but concerning the things of God. In many large companies me careless person could not be seen ; and the far greater part seemed erfectly happy in a clear sense of the love of God. This work in a very short time spread through Dijiioidie, Amelia, Brunswick, Sussex, Prince George, Lunenburg, and Mecklenburg counties. The work was so great on the last day of the quarterly meeting, at they continued in the meeting-house till night, and then sent for tandles, and continued till some time in the night before they broke up- The work of God thus increased on every side, and more preachers ere soon wanting. And the Lord raised up several young men, who ere exceeding useful as local preachers. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the 3J and 31 days oi July, a quar- rly meeting was held at Mabury's dwelling house in Brunswick ow Green3vil!e)county. No meeting-house in Virginia could have ield the people. We had a large arbor in the yard, which would shade om the sun, two or three thousand people. The first day was ablessec reason ; but the second day was a day never to be forgotten. Wc jeld the love-feast under the arbor in open air ; the members o! the ciety took their seats, and other people stood all f»round them by undreds. The place was truly awful by reason of the presence of the lOrd. Many of the members spoke ; and while som*} declared how e Lord had justified them freely, others declared how and when the [lood of Jesus had cleansed them from all sin. So clear, so full, and >*'. 4 ; jlii't i,' ^^ ?■ * % fM" QSG f>a strong was tiicir testimony, that while some were speaking their experience, hundreds were in tears, and others vehemently crying to God, for pardon or holiness. 1776 On tlie 21 day of May, the fourth Conference was held in Baltimore. This was the first time that the preachers ever held a con- ference in that (own. At that time there were four new circuits addeL three of which were in Virginia; viz : Fairfax, Hanover, and Pitt sylcania. Tlie other was called Carolina, as it lay in the state of ^forth Carolina. The two circuits which had been formed in the state of New Jersey, were now put togethe**, and called New Jersey in the minutes. — Norfolk was left out of the minutes altogether, on account of the wnr, which had so distressed the town, that we could not keep a preacher in that station. There were nine preachers received this year which were the fol- lowinir : Nicholas Waters, John Sigman, Joseph Heartly, Francis Poythress, James Foster, Freeborn Garrattson, Thomas M'Clure, Isham Tatum, William Wren. To the four new circuits were appointed the following preachers, vi^ To Fairfax, Wm. Waters, Thos. M'Clure, Adam Fornerdon.('*) Carolina, Edward Drumgole, Francis Poythress, Isham Tatum. Pittsylvanin, Isaac Rollins. Hanover, Philip Gatch, John Sigman. Thcrp were twenty-five itinerant preachers appointed to the diflfereni circuits tliis year ; the Conference had admitted on trial eleven young preachers. Tiiis Conference appointed a day of fasting, to be on the 26 of July. On the 4 of July, 1776, the United States of America were declareii by Congress to be Free and Independent States. The Methodists met with some particular persecutions this year.— Mr. Asbury says on the 20 day of June, " I was fined near Baltimore five pounds for preaching the gospel." It was with great difliculty that our preaoers could travel their circuits, on account of the war which (*) Th'fe reception of (his preacher is not noticed in the minutes of this vear nor the next following. Hence it is probable he was not a regular Itinerant. V^:-" t^ .-■ ■ 287 ich were the fol- ViiXH spreading through the land. What made the multcr worse thai* t would otherwise have been, was, our head preachers were all from Europe, and some of them were imprudent in speaking too freely a- gainst the proceedings of the Americans. 1777. — The fifth conference was held at Deer-Creek meeting-house n Harford county in Maryland, on the 20 day of May. There were two new circuits taken in at tlmt time, namely, Sussex and Amelia^ in [Virginia. Both of them were taken otF from Brunswick; and some lew places were taken into the plan. There were two more circuits aken on the minutes which had been left olF the year before, viz. Nor- olk and Chester. In all, there were fifteen circuits this year, and hirty-five travelling preachers to travel in them. There was no readier appointed to New York, the place being so much distressed y the war, that the preachers could not travel in safety. The sub- ect was therefore brought before the Conference and decided by the llowing question and answer ; Quest. As the present distress is such, are the preachers resolved lo ke no step to detach themselves from the work of God for the ensu- ig year ? Ans. We purpose, by the grace of God, not to take any step that lay separate us from the brethren, or from the blessed work in which fc are engaged. "This year there was an addition of 14 preachers upon trial, viz. Caleb B. Pediconl, Hollls Hanson, Robert Wooster, Joseph Crom- well, Thomas S. Chew, John Tunnell, Samuel Stronfr, William Gill, fohn Littlejohn, Edward Pride, Le Roy Cole, John Dickins, Reuben jllis, Edward Bailey, 14. ' "^ . » The preachers appointed to the two new circuits were as follows : I ,. - ^ Edward Drumgold, Joseph Reese, Rheuben Ellis. lusseXf . Philip Gatch, Hollis Hanson. The increase in the societies was 2047 At this time it was not customary to publish in the minutes the leaths of preachers, nor their location. It cannot therefore be pre- cisely ascertained, whether those that retired were called away by ieath or some other cause. '«,.♦.. ■■■ , -i. ^.H "'7^i 288 Some of theBiili^h prcr.cliprs who were at that conference, intended to return to England; but they agreed to stay and continue preaching among the Americans, until their way should be quite open and clea; for them to return to their native country. About the middle of Sep. teniber, Mr. Rankin and Mr. Rodda left the continent, and sailed f. Europe. But some time before they embarked, Mr. Rodda had t ken some imprudent stops in favor of the Tories ; a company of thee liaving collected toge ther in Delaware state, below Philadelpiiia. M; Rodda's conduct brought many sufferings and much trouble on tl; Methodist preachers and people. 1778. — The sixth conference was in Leesburghj in Virginia, c the 19th day of May ; at which time they added six new circuit; Four of them were in Virginia, Berkley. Fluvannahf James- City, ari Lunenburg And in North Carolina, the preachers divided the ono that was there before, so as to form three circuits, and they were no^ called Roanoke, Tar-River, and New-Hope. The number of preachers received this year was 10, viz. ITenry Willis, John Beck, Richard Joy, Philip Adams, Williar Moore, John Atkins, James O'Kelly, Richard Ogburn, Daniel Duval The new circuits taken in were supplied with the following pread ers : Berkley, Edward Bailey, Ilavanna, Isham Tatum, Richard Joy. Lunenburg, James Foster. James City, Isaac Rollins. In the return of members this year, we found we had lost in niiiii' bers 873. This was the first time that we came short of the old num- ber given in the preceding yeaf. This decrease was wholly omi to the breaches made upon many socie*^ ies and circuits by the distress] af war ; and some of our preacher'- and scruples of conscience abouti taking the oath of allegiance in the diflferent states where they labored, and of course were forced to leave their stations. This was a year of distress, and uncommon troubles. The war on one hand, and persecution on the other, the preachers were separated from their flocks, and all conspired to increase the burden of Christians e In the beginning of March, G. Shadford left his friends, after Is' ...&, a.| ;289 ,aJ kept a day of private lasting and prayer with Mr. Asbury, in or- ;.derto know the will of God. He then said he saw his way clear to leturn to England. Mr. Asbury saw it best to abide in America ; 50 ;hey parted, and each one acted as he thought right. On Iho fifth of March, Mr. Asbury began to lie by at Thoron.. White's, in the Delaware state, where he shut himself up. S|«>;akin,i'j of himself, he says, " On conscientious principles I wasa non-juior, and, could not preach in the state of Maryland ; and therefore withdrew to \ Ihe Delaware state, where the clergy were not required to ti»ke tho state oath : though with a clear conscience, I could have taken the oath of the Delaware state, had it been required ; and would have done * it, hud I not been prevented by a tender fear of hurting thoscrupuljus . onsciences of others." "My compelled seclusion, in the begining of the war, in the state. '; (»1 Delaware, was in no wise a season of inactivity j on the contrary, except about two months of retirement, from the direst necessity, v. was the most active, tho most useful, and most afflictive part of my life. If I spent a few dumb sabbutho -if I did not,, for a short time, :gsteal after dark, or through the gloom of the ^vooJa, &% was my wont. |llrom house to house, to enforce that truth, I (an only chiUl,) had l.^tt illather and mother, and crossed the ocean to proclaim, I shall not be I blamed, I hope, when it is known that my patron, good and respecta- ble Thomas White, who promised me security and secrecy, was him- self taken into custody by the light-horse patrole : if such things hapl wlpened to him, what might I expect, a fugitive and an Eno-lishn^an } ,M|Jn these very years, we added eighteen hundred members to the soci- Ipety, and laid a broad and deep foundation for the wonderful succfsa e was wholly omi ^Methodism has with in that quarter. The children, and the children's cuits by the distressl^children of those who witnessed my labors and my suflferinps in that ?.day of peril and affliction, now rise up by hundreds to bless nvi. [Vhere are the witnesses themselves.? Alas! there remain not five erhaps, whom I could summon to attest the truth of this slatetr;,'-r,t '" 1779. — On the 18 day of May, the sevftnth conference wi».3 held ,t the Broken-back church in Fluvanna county in Virginia. FiPviojs this conference, the preachers in the northern states held a prepara- mference, intendei continue preaching ite open and cles; he middle of Sep. nent, and sailed [.■ r. Rodda had t- company of thee Philadelphia. M ;h trouble on tl , in Virginia, c I six new circuit h, James- City, ar, rs divided the ow and they were no^f is 10, viz. lip Adams, Willia: crburn, Daniel Duva! le following preacl we had lost in nuoi short ot the old nura of conscience about! where they labored, ibles. The war onl hers were scparatei! }urden of Christians.! Ihis friends, after m i bry conference at Thomas White's, in Delaware state, in ordTr Va-di A A \^ M ^k I in tm i 1 !' if 290 their sentiments mig!»t be carried by brother William Waters, to tht conference in Virginia : for it was judged to be improper for brothci Asbury to leave hi? solitary retreat, to go to Virginia. However the conference determined that brother Asbury ought to act as general as- sistant in America. TTiis year there were twelve preachers received. Joshua Dudley, Philip Cox, Samuel Rawe, Greenberry Grecnj Charles Hopkins, Henry Ogburn, Richard Garrcttson, Lewis Alfrey, I Thomas Morris, William Adams, John Hagarty, Andrew Yeargan. The above conference commenced at Kent, Delaware, April 28th, and adjourned to Fluvannah as mentioned above. Wc had a large addition of members to the society this year. In the different circuits we added 2482 members. In some places the work of God spread rapidly, and bore down all before it. But in ma- ny places the societies were thrown into great disorder and confusion by reason of the war which continued to rage through the land. Ma- ny of the men were drafted, and taken into the army, and many peo- ple left their homes to keep out of the way of the enemy, and to save their property, by carrying it with them. Iii the course of this year there were great troubles and distresses m the Methodist connection, both among preachers and private mem- bers ; owing to an unhappy division which took place among the tra- •velling preachers. Many of our travelling preachers in Virginia and JS'orlh Carolina, seeing and feeling the want of the instituted means ef grace among our societies; f and 'there being but few church minis- ters in that part of the country, and most of them strangers to heart- felt religion,) concluded, that if God had called them to preach, he had called them also to'administer the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper.. They met together at the conference held at the Broken J5acA: church this yeai, and after consulting together, the conference chose a committee for the purpose of ordaining ministers. The cora- mittee thus chosen fiist ordained themselves, and then proceeded to ordain and set apart other preachers for the same purpose, that they might administer the holy ordinances to the church of Christ. The preachers thus ordained, went forth, preachmg the gospel in their cir- cuits as formerly, and administ;ejred the sacraments wherever they went, I Ji 201 i.-, • provided the people were willing to partake with them. Most part of our preachers in the south, fell in with this new plan; and as th'^ leaders of the party were very zealous, and the greater part of them very pious men, the private members were influenced by them, and pretty generally fell in with their measures. However, some of the old Methodists would not commune with them ; but steadily adhered to tlicir former customs. Tiie'prcachers north of Virfjinia, were opposed to this step so hastily taken by their brethren in the south, and made a stand against it, Itc- lieving that unless a stop could be put to this new mode of proceeding, a separation would take place among tiie jircachcrs and the people. There was great cause to fear a division, and both parties trembled for the ark of God, and shuddered at tiie thouglit of dividing the church ot Christ. The preachers iu the south were very successful in their min- isterial labors, and many souls wore brought to God in the latter part of that year; and the christians were very lively in religion. Tiiese things all united to confirm the preachers in the belief, that the step they had taken was owned and honored ot God. And at that time . there was but verv littlft reason to hope tliat they would ever recede from their new plan, in which they were so well established. But af\er all they consented for the sake of peace, and the union of the body cf Methodists, to drop the ordinances for a season, till Mr. W«slev could be consulted. It was resolved at this conference that any preacher who received money by subscription, should be excluded from the Methodist con- nection. . . 1780.— On the 24 day of April, the eighth conference met in Baltimore^ where the Northern preachers only attended ; for the Vir- fjinia preachers had a conference appointed in that state. Six preachers were received, viz. Thomas Foster, Caleb Boyer, John James, James Martin, Micai- jah Debruler, George Mair. Three new circuits were formed and supplied tvith the following preachers. ' : : ' Dorcfiester, ' Joseph Heartly. ' ' - ' ' MeckknhuTg, Henry Willis, Moses Peck. ' . Yadkin f Andrew Yeargan. \n ■i ' < IV 292 The whole of the c jnlerence that met in Ballimorc agreed ia dis- approbating the conduct of the preachers in Virginia, in respect to thei^ ordination, and their administering the ordinances, and concluded thu' they did not look upon the Virginia preachers as Methodists in con- Jiection with Mr. Weslcv, and that conference ; neither could thc\ consider them as such unless they came back to their former standing, and to their elder brethren. The Baltimore conference then appointed brother Asbury, brother William Waters, and brother Freeborn Garrettsou to attend thecon- forence in Virginia, and to inform the preachers in that conference, o! what had been determined on in the Baltimore conference ; and to lei them know withal that the only condition*upon which they could he united was, that they, (the Virginia preachers) should suspend the ad ministration of the ordinances for one year ; and then all the preachds tvo meet together, at the next annual conference to be held in Balti- 'Tiorc. In tho spring of the year some time in April, Mr. Asbury left his ouiet retreat in Delaware state, where hehatl been lying by, ('and fo, pjirt of the time at Thomas White's) for two years and one month : ,,nd then met with the preachers m conlerence ni lialtimore, as has been already mentioned. He then visited his brethren in Virginia, 'nnd attended the conference at the Manakin town, which began on the Bill day of May, 1780. At that time Mr. Asbury had to exert al, I,is powers, and to use all possible prudence in order to bring about : rcttled peace and union among all the preach2rs. The most influcii- tial preachers in that separation, in favor of the ordinances, were Phili; Gatch, John Dickens, and James O'Kelly. These men were muc! respected for their usefulness in the ministry, y ; ., ,,, ., After much contention and distress, Mr. Asbury proposed to tlit southern preachers a plan for a union, which was this; that they shcul.' not administer the ordinances for a twelve month, and that they sboulu all then meet together in conference at Baltimore — and in the course of the year they would write fo Mr. Wesley in England, and lay thei: situation before him, and get his advice : the plan took witli the Virginia preachers, and they consented to the proposal. By this pru- dent step, a devision was prevented, and a blessed union restored. ore agreed in dis- a, in respect to Ihei^ and concluded that Methodists in con- ; neither could thcv eir former slandin^i. c 3r Asbury, brothci 1 to attend the con- that conference, oi iferencc ; and to !e; ich they could be )uld suspend the ad- en all the preaches be held in Balti- •• Asbury left his- Iv'ing by, ('and foi ars and one month : Baltimore, as lias ' hren in Virginia, ivhich began on the y hiid to exert all to bring about ;i The most influcr.- ances, were Philij- men were mud proposed to the lis; that they shcuJ;.' pd that they sboulu Jnd in the course land, and lay thei: took with the lal. By this pru- unjon, restored. * f 595 Tii^ prcaclicrs pretty generally went from that conference to their cir- cuits, with thankful hearts that the breach was healed, and union te- storod to the connection. At this conference, [1780] the following questions with their an- swers were proposed ; which I here give place for the purpose ol showing that depth of christian piety and firm integrity that prevailed among them. Quest. 7. Ought not all the Assistants to see to the settling of all the preaching houses by trustees, and order the sa-.d trustees to meet once in half a year, and keep a register of their proceedings ; if there are any vacancies choose new trustees, for the better security of the houses, and let all the deeds be drawn in substance after that in the j)nnted minutes ? Ans. Yes. Quest. 8. Shall all the travelling Preachers take a license from every conference, imj>oiling that tl^ey i4re Assistants or helpers ill connection with us .^ , , ,. Alls. Yes, Quest. 9. Shall brother Asbury sign them in behalf of the con- ference } Ai.^ Yes. Quest. 10. Ought it to be strictly enjoined on all our local preach^ ers and exhorters, that no one presume to speak in public without taking a note every quarter (if required) and be examined by the Asistant with respect to his life, his qualification and reception. Afis Yes. # Quest. 11. Ought not all our preachers to make conscience of rising at four, and if not, yet at five : (is it not a shame for a preacher to be in bed till six in the morning ?) Ans. Undoubtedly they ought. ' '' ' * ' "*• Quest. 12. Shall we continue in close connection with the church, [of England] and press pur people to a closer communion with hei> ' Ans. Yes. Quest. 13. Will this conference grant the privilege to all the friend^ >y clergy of the church of England, at the request or desire of the peo- A a2 ^ .11 • ■' T' -Ml ■ t . m *■ ;!«l| 294 pie, to preach or administer the ordinarjces.in our |tr,cacbing houses or Ans. Yes. Quest. 1,4. What provision shall >ve make lor the vri^es of marriec preachers ? Am They shall receive an equivalent with their husbands in quar- terage, if they stand in need. Quest. 15. Ought not our preachers, if possible, to speak to every person one by one in the families where they lodge, before prayer, if time will permit ; or give a family exhortation after reading a chapter : Ans. They ought. Quest. 16. Ought not this conference to require those travelling Preachers who hold slaves, to give promises, to set them free ? Ans. Yes. Quest. 17. Does this conference acknowledge that slavery is con- trc^y to the lavv^of God, man, and nature, and hurtful to society, contrary to the dictates of conscience and pure religion, and doing that which we would not others should do unto us and ours ? Do we pass our disapprobation on all our friends who keep slaves, and advise their treedom .'' • Ans. Yes. Quest. 18 Shall we recommend our quarterly meetings to be lieli on Saturdays and Sundays when convenient ? ■ .• Ans. Agreed, v - - • • : i : • Qwsi. 19. Shall not the Friday following every quarter-day, I appomted as a day of fasting.'' ;: -i : '- Ans. Yes. Quest. 20. Does the whole conference disapprove the step oiii brethren have taken in Vireinia. „ , ,(..,. ■■['■-, ; ° t ■.■■'■.■ .'i r ,.w'- .. ^j.. ■. ;>i Ans. Yes. , : Quest 21. Do we look upon them no longer as Me.thpdjsts jnxou- nection with Mr. Wesley and us till they come ba(^k, ^'-Ans. Agreed. •*^^'-' '■■''' '■''• ' *''' ^"^'^ :^" ''■! • Quest. 22. Shall brother Asbury, Garrettson and Waters, attend the Virginia Conference, and inform them of Qur procjee^ngs in this. and receive thdiF' answer. -^ ' , ., ; acl^iqg houses or ,.)t..;: .' • '■•r, .-'Mi- v.'ives of inarrietl [lusbands in quar- V c |uarter-day, h if"- to speak to every ( M belore prayer, it ?| reading a chapter - | e those travellinjr them free ? ;^ ■ •■ . -'^ lat slavery is con- hurtful to society. ^ elijrion, and doing and ours ? Do ^vc 1 slaves, and advisr leetings to be hel •ove the step oiii yielhpdists ]n>coii- [^d 'Waters, 4tentl rpcee^ngs iiithis. ■'•■■' •■' .£3 295 Quest. 23. Do we disapprove of the practice of distilling groin Into liquor ? Shall we disown our friends who will not renounce this.practice r Ans. Yes. ' . " ■ "•' • • • '■' • ■ Mr. Asbury travelled through the different circuits in the soutli parts of Virginia, and from thence into North Carolina^ through Uoanoak and Tar River, and by his being often with the preachers and among the people in the south, the divisive spirit died away ; and the preachers and people by degrees became more reconciled to the old plan, and to the old preachers ; and peace aiid harmony were once more established throughout the connection. Notwithstanding the difliculties which were found among the preach- ers on account of the ordinances, there was a gracious revival of reli- gion in many places this year, and especially on the Eastern shore of Maryland. Yet in many places the circuits and societies were so much iiilerrupted by the armies, both of our friends and our enemies which were nwching through the country, that we had not as many members in society at confererce,as we had the year before. Indeed, some of the circuits Vfpre wholly forsaken,. and no return of the mem- bers could be mad*?. Rev. Freeborn Garrettson. ir his journal, says, — " Thursday, Feb, 10, 1780, I arose very early in the morning, and addressed the throne of grace. The Lord wonderfully refreshed my soul, and I felt a willingness to suffer whatever he might ptvmit to come upon roe for the sake of his cause. I opened my mind to Mv. Asbury, who was at Mr. W's, and he seemed very desirous I should accept the invita- tion. He then commended me to the Lord in prayer, and I set out in good spirits with a strong hope that good would be done. The first day 1 got half way, and had a comfortable night. February 11 was a day of deep exercise. Are others distressed in the way that I have been .-^ I travelled on seemingly with the weight of a mill itone. I vrept bitterly as I passed along, and several times stopped my horse . intending to turn: back, but was still induced to pursue my way. I got to my deaj fiiend Mr. Arey's some tirpe before night; and the burden iwhicl) ,1 felt all the way lef^ me at hi? door. . The disinission «f it vras pesrceptible, for roy spirit did; rejoice in God rny Saviour. I was con* ducted into a private room, where the Lord let me knowtki^ X wsis h the very place in which he would have me. r: i:i 'A\ i-:^ :i '•-' • .'4 2De '* In the evening the family were gatliered together for prayer: ] shallneyer forget the time: 1 suppose about twelve wiiite and black ^vere present. The power of the Lord came among us: Mrs. Ato\ was so filled with the new wine of Christ's kingdom, that she sunk t; the floor, blessing and praising the Lord. And many of the blacb were much wrought upon. Thisnight was a time of great refreshmer: to me." " . • , I The three following days Mr. Gnrrettson preached in the ncighboi- hood to numerous and attentive confxrcjrallons, most of whom wer. greatly affected under the word, and a gracious work commencn!^ among the people. Proceeding to another part of the country, he ol serves, " One m^in was deeply affected only by seeing us. I preache. at Colonel Vickery's, a clever man, who afterwards became a grtuii friend to us, and to himself too. 'J'he fields are white for harvest, bu' the wicked rage, and invent lies and mischief. The county court waj sitting, and some of the heads of it were dclcriTiined by some mean> to clear the place of such a troublesome fellow, ^'or a pretence, the- charged me with toryism ; and I was inform'^cf, gave a very wickcLl man liberty, and promised to protect him in taking my life. For tlii purpose he was to lie in wait for me the next da^^ It providentiallr reached my ears that night before 1 went to bed, and as tht wickei gcemed thus inchned, I thought it expedient to withdraw to Mr. Arcy'?, where I remained two <^ays ; but being pressed in spirit, I could stav no longer, so I went to another part of the county. Many came out to hear, and the word was still attended with power to some hearts. ; " Saturday 25, my spirit was solemn, and I could not but exped ■ that something uncommon would transpire. I withdrew to the woock | and spent much time before the Lord. I preached with freedom to a weeping flock, my friend Arey, who was a magistrate, and man ot note in the county, accompanying me to the place. In the eveningwe were repairing to his house, being about to preach there the next day • when 3 company of men, who had embodied themselves, waylaid me, with an intention to take me to jail. About sunset they surrounded us, and called me their prisoner. They beat my horse, cursed and swore, but did not strike me. Some time after night, they took me to a. magistrate who was sis much my enemy as any of them. When .at !*»•• 5*'^ 2(her for prayer : ] ve white and black ng us : Mrs. A rev Ti, that she sunk (. nany of the blacb )f great refreshmer: ed in the ncigliboi nost of whom wci s work commencrt tiie country, he oL ingus. I preachi.'.! irds became a grtal bite for harvest, bu' :)e county court was led by some mean- 'or a pretence, thev 3ve a verv wickcil my life. For tlii. It providcntiallv nd as tht wicked raw to Mr. ArevV spirit, I could stav Many came out to some hearts, jld not but expei" Irew to the woods, with freedom to a jtrate, and man of In the evening Tre lere the next day -^ Ives, waylaid me, t they surrounded horse, cursed and ht, they took me of them. When '#■ 007 ■ i wo • judged, and condemned for pi caching the gospel, the keeper of the peace, who sat in his great chair, immediately wrote a mittimus "^aiid ordered me to jail. 1 asked him if he had never heard of an affair in Talbot county. Brother I. Hartley, (*) was committed to jail for Ihe same crime, that of preaching the gospel ; soon alter the magistrate ||was taken sick unto death, and sent for this same preacher out of con- finement to pray for him. He then made this confession, ' When } ||i;ent you to jail,' said he, ' I was fighting against God, and now I am about to leave the world, pray for me.' His family were called in, and lie said to his wife, ' This is a servant of God; and when I die, I rc- ;<]uost he may preach at my funeral. You ne«id not think 1 have not hny senses ; this is the true faith.' He then gare brother Hartley charge of his family, and desired them to embrace that profession.— s^ovv, said I, 1 beseech you to think seriously of what you have done, nd prepare to meet God. Be you assured, 1 am not ashamed of the ross of Christ, for I consider it an honor to be imprisoned for the gospel of my Lord. My horse was brought, and about twelve of the com- ,pany were to attend me to jail. They surrounded me, and two, one ion each side, held m}/ horse's bridle. The night was very dark ; ana efore we got a mile from the house, on a sudden there was a very un- ommon flash of lightning, and in less than a minute all my foes were ;^tlispersed : my friend Arey was a little before the company, so that 1 >■ : '(• Vl m^ ""%. |J ;..■■!•; 25» me. He had accompanied me throughout the whole of this aiTaiv.^ We rode on, talking of the goodness of God till we came to a little cottage by the road side, where we found two of my guards almoj' frightened out of their wits. I told them if I was to go to jail tha: night, we ought to be on our way, for it was getting late. '0 ! no/ said one of them, • let us stay until the morning.' My friend and I ro'j. on, and it was not long cro we had a beautiful clear night. We iia not rode far before they collected again, from whence I know no: However, they appeared to be amazingly intimidated, and the leade of the company rode by the side of me, and said, * Sir, do you thini: the affair happened on our account ! I told him that I would have hir to judge for himself; reminding him ot the nwfulness of the day c judgement, and the necessity there was of preparing to meet the judgt of the whole earth. One of the company swore an oath, and anotk immediately reproved him, saying, * How can you swear at such ; time as this?' At length the company stopped, and one said, MV had better give him up for the present ;' so they turned their horjc and went back. My friend and I pursued •ur way. True it is, 'tlii wicked are like the troubled sea whose waters cast up mire and dirt. We had not gone far before they pursued us again, and said, * We can- not give him up.' They accompanied us a few minutes, again left us r.nd we saw no more of them that nisht. A little before midnight, wfc arrived safe to my friend's house. Blessed be God, the dear waiting family were looking out, and received us with joy : and we had a pre^ cious sweet family meeting. 1 retired to my room as humble as a lilt-: child, praising my great deliverer. "During the remainder of the night, thoughasleep, I was transporlcc| with the visions, which passed through my mind. Thad a confidence! in the morning that my beloved Lord would support me. I saw in -the \*isions of the night many sharp and terrible weapons formed against me ; but none could penetrate or hurt me ; for as soon as they came^, near me they were turned into feathers, and brushed by me as soft as down. ''■'■■ • . '■''•' ** Sunday 27, at eleven o'clock many came out to hear the word, and it was expected my enemies would be upon me. I was informed! that not a few brought short clubs under their coats to defend me m 1 1 le of this aiTaiv.-- we came to a litth my guards almoi)' s to go to jail tha ig late. *0! no, ly friend and 1 ro'} ir night. We he hence 1 know no; ted, and the leade ' Sir, do you thini 1 1 would have hii!' ness of the day c: igto meet the judgf \n oath, and anothe; ou swear at such ; and one said, * W turned their honcj y. True it is, 'tlhj st up mire and dirt.j and said, * We can- nutes, again left us before midnight, w d, the dear waitk and we had a prep as humble as a little | p, I was trans portc t had a confidenu •port me. I saw in ipons formed agninsi I soon as they came id by me as soft as It to hear the word, I was informed lats to defend me in 2Db case of au attack, for many had just about religion enough to fighl or it. As I Mas giving out the hymn, standing between the hall nd room doors, about twenty of my persecutors came up in abodv. 'I was amazed to see one of them who was an old man, and his head Jas white as a sheet. The ringleader rushed forward, presented a pis- j|tol, and laid hold of me. Blessed be Gcd! my confidence was so ■Fstrong in him, that I feared none of these things. Some of the au- dience, who stood next me, gave me a sudden jerk ; I was prc- jLsentiy in the room, and the door shut. As soon as I could I opened t, and beckoning to my friends, desired that they would not injure y enemies ; that I did not want to keep from them, but was wil- ing to go to jail. If I had not spoken in this manner, I believe nuch blood would have been shed. I began to exhort, and almost he whole congregation were in tears. The women in a particular anner were amazingly agitated. 1 desired my horse to be got, antl was accompanied to Cambridge, where I was kept in a tavern, from twelve o'clock till near sun set, surrounded by the wicked ; and it was a great mercy of God that my life was preserved. *' I told my enemies not to give themselves any uneasiness, for 1 bought it an honor to suffer in the cause of Christ. After rny horse nd baggage were ready, and I was equipped for the expedition, we tartcd two and two. My friend and I rode together, and lialf the ompany before, and half behind. This was on the Lord's dav- Vhen we came to the hotel, my friend and I were permitted to oc- upy a room adjoining the large public room. The inhabitants of tho ilacc seemed to be coming^and going the whole of the day, and kept he room filled the whole of the, time, drinking and rejoicing over llheir prey. 'My friend was a young, soldier, and the trial was too "Pgreat for him. One of the company, a stout man, was about to break into abuse, (for their hatri^ against iiim was; almost as great as it was against me,) and actually did strike at him with all his force with a large loaded whip, and in all probability would have killed him, had not the whip struck tlie top of t^e door. My friend was youno- nd active, and he instantly sprung, and as quick as a flash, sent is fist into the fellow's temple, who like a GoKah under David's ling^ fell flat to the floor, and there was a roar of laughter through ■■ ■ • -,u • I V :■ -U.;; '.*. m 'w WW • HI fii-i il 300 lli6 bouse, unJ a declaration, * the Methodists will fight.' At a convenient limo I got my irieaJ round the. neck, and wept and tolij liim he had grieved my spirit. lie said he was sorry on account ot grieving me; but that it was almost as sudden as thought that it appeared to him that his arm was nerved for the purpose, and that he did not feel as if he had done wrong. And I must say I think they behaved rather better afterwards. A little before night I was thrust into prison, and my enemies too., away the key, that none mipht minister to my necessities. Ihadk dirty floor for my bed, my saddle bag lor my pillow, and two largo windows open, with a cold east wind blowing upon me : but I hat; great consolation in the Lord, and could say, ' Thy will be d one.' During my confinement here, I was much drawn out in prayer, read- ing, writing and meditation. I believe I had the prayers of my good friend Mr. Asbury ; and the book which he sent me, Mr. Ruth-j CI ford's Letter during his confinement, together with the soul com- forting and strengthening letter which I received from my pioU' friends, were rendered a great blessing to me. The Lord was re- markably good to me, so that I experienced a prison to be like a pa- radise ; and I had a heart to pray for my worst enemies. My sou' was so exceedingly happy, I scarcely knew how my days and nighl^ passed away- The bible was never sweeter to me. Lnever had a oreater love for God's dear children. I never saw mvself more un- worthy. I never saw a greater beauty in the cross of Christ ; for I thought I could, if required, go cheerfully to the stake in so good a cause. I was not at all surprised with the cheerfulness of the ancien: martyrs, who were able in the flames to clap their glad hands . Sweet moments I had with my dear friends who came to the prison window Happy the man who fiDd.s the ^ace, The blessing of God's chosen race, The wisdom coming from above. The faith which sweetly works by love. "Many, both acquaintances and strangers, came to visit me from far and near, and I really believe I never was the means of do- ing more good for the time : for the country seemed to be much alarm- ed, and the Methodists among whom I had labored, to whom I had written many epistles, were much stirred up to pray for me. I shall 301 never forget the kindness 1 received from dear hroflier and slstei Arey. They sufPred much for the cause of God in Dorset county. for which, if faithful, they will bo amply compensated in a better world. " Mr. and Mrs. Arey were remarkably kind, and sent me every thing which was necessary. My brother Thomas, who lived abou! a hundred miles off, beard of my imprisonment, and came to see me, and brought a letter from Judge White to Mr. Harrison, a gentleman (jf note, who was the greatest enemy I had in town. After reading the letter, he not only invited my brother to put up in his house, bu! went and got the prison key, and my brother came in, and next morning he came to the jail and invited him out to breakfast, and told me he would do any thing he could for me. Before this he was as bitter as gall. One day, when an old quaker friend came to see me, he came and abused him, and strove to drive him away : the quaker made him ashamed of his conduct. My enemies sent a spy J who feigned himself a penitent, and as I was coming down stairs to converse with him through the window, it came powerfully to my mind, he is an enemy sent if possible to draw something out of you concerning the war. He cried, and said he was a miserable sinner, that he was afraid he would go to hell, and wanted to know what he ihould do to be saved. I told him to leave off swearing and drunk- enness, and return, and I would give him farther directions. I af- terwards found he was the very character I had supposed. • . . *' My crime of preaching the gospel was so great, that no com- mon court could try my cause. There appeared to be a probability of my staying in jail till a general court, which would not convene in nearly twelve months. My good friend Mr. Asbury went to the governor of Maryland, and he befriended me : had I been his bro- ther, he could not have done more for me. The manner in which Jie proceeded to relieve me was this, — I was an inhabitant of Mary- land by birth and property. I could likewise claim a right in the De- laware state, which atate was more favorable to such pestilent jel- lows, I was carried before the governor of Delaware. This o-en* tleman was a friend to our society. He met me at the door, and wel- comed me in, assuring me he would do any thing he could t9 help me. B B 302 'T! 'f 1 I!; A rccommenilatory letter was imm«I»nd; and I was entirely at liberty. O! hoW wonder- fuJly did the people of Do^netrage : but the word of the Lord spread all through that county, and hundreds, both white and black have experienced the love of Jedus. Since that time, I have preached t more than three thousand people in rfne congregation, not far from the pJoce wberel was imprisoned ; antl many of my wonit en«r»ies havn bowed to the sceptt-e of Our sovereign Lord, The labors of Cale' I Peddicord and Chew were much blessed in this place, in the first re viviog and spreading of the work " After I left my confinement, I was more than ever determinci to be for God and none else. I travelled extensively. The Lor! was with me daily, and my spirit rejoiced in God my Saviour. I; visiting the young societies, after 1 left jail, we ha A"! v' !i- t^ • . . - • t . ^ 7 ' * ' " " i s year, appeared to an4 in seme parts «t| Delaware state : where there were many, very many precious souU brought into the liberty of the children of God. Ttiero was also a blessed revival of religion in Virguiia, and in some parts of North Carolina: but the war was so distressing in those parts, that the preachers could not constantly attend their circuits ; and many of the societies were dispersed, and prevented from assembling together. Many of the male members were drafted, and when thft militia were called out, they had to go into the army to fight, in th*-' defence of their country. ISome of them lost their lives, and some made shipwreck of the faith, and but lew of them returned home with as much religion as they formerly possessed. Some of the Methodists were bound in conscience, not to fi^ht ; and no threatenings could com- pel them lo bear arms or hire a man to take their plaqes, In conse- quence of this, some of them were whipped, and some were fined, and some imprisoned ; others were sent home, and many were much per- secuted. The societies had juuch to discourage them, and but little to help them forward in relif^ion. Ytt, notwithstanding all their difficul- ties, they stood fast as one body, nnd waxed stronger and stronger in the Lord. :■ , , -^ ■- ]^ ■ • T • . . ' ' 1782. — The tenth conference was held: which began at Ellis's Chapel, in Sussex county in F/r^inia, on the 27 day of April, {ipd adjourned to Baltimore on the 21 day of May. Seven preachers were added and three circuits formed, viz: • South Branch, James Malory, John Baldwin, James Haw. Somerset, Freeborn Garrettson, Woolman Hickson, John Ma Thomas Bowen, Philip Cox, ,■ , !. ^'^ t William Thomas, Saniuel Breeze. < r^i;T: jV Annamessex, hi 'i\ 'I nofj w circuits formed : III Vasquitanh, James Martin, Henry Metcall'. Dover, Wm- OlanJenn j^, George Kimble, r , . , Ctimbirland, John Cooper. ' Tl»e fullovving was one ol the que^ti. is, " Shall our friends be per* ittcd lo make spirituv >'' liquors, sell, orjdrink them in drams ? Ans. i^y no means ; we think il wrong in its nature and consequences; and desire all our preachers to teach ihc people by precept and example to ])ut away this evil." At that time it was but seldom known that a Methodist preacher (UanU spirituous liquors, unless in cases of cxtrciiie necessity. The conference appointed two days for public thanksgiving through- out our connection, for the peace which was established between the I United States of America, and the British nation : for our temporal and spiritual prosperity, and for the glorious revival of the work of God which had taken place among us. The first thanksgiving day was to he on the first Thursday in July, and the second was to be on the first 'J'hursuay in October. They also appointed two fast days, the first to be held on the first Friday in the following January ; and the second* on the first Friday in April. The revolutionary war being now closed, and a general peace es- tablished, we could go into all parts ol the country without fear • and wc soon began to enlarge our borders, and to preach in many places where we had not been before. We soon saw the fruit of our labors in the new circuits, and in various parts of the country, even in old l^laccs where we had preached in former years with but little success. One thing in particular, that opened the way for the spreading of the gospel by our preachers was this : during the war, which had continued seven or eight years, many of the members of our societies had through fear, necessity, or choice, moved into the back settlements, and into new parts ot the country : and, as soon as the national peace was settled, and the way was open, they solicited us to come among them • ZT^ by their earnest and frequent petitions, both verbal and written we were prevailed on, and encouraged to go among them : and they Yrere ready to receive us with open hands and willing hearts, an^ to cry out, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of tJie Lard. The intercourse being now open between us and Engltm^. we BBS m^ 'I / \ ]*■ Si ) '■>.' M I. 300 ,f\ m PT.l '* A !i''' B'*",.! m thought ihere was danger of f reaclicrs ot members coming from tbat country, to preach or live iambng us, SVhose characters might not be good. In order that we might not be imposed upon, the following reg- ulation was adopted. ;■'■*>•■ UK w ./. .. , ,,.... Q. " How shall we cohciuct ourselves to>Va^ds the European ]Metl»- odists, should they come to this continent ? •• ■" ■ ' t -^t^ A. We will ribt receive them without a letter of recommendation, the truth of which we have no reason to doubt." '' ' ' ''" " '" In the latter part of this year, Mr. Wesley, in England Wrote a I letter to America^ which agreed with the last. minute ; the following! fs an extract ilpom (he letter. ,' •' '' ••• . / '-'^'' " ■' •' "' 1. Let all of you be determined to abide by the rnethoclist doctrine, and disciphne, published in the four volumes of sermons and the note? upon the New Testament, together with the large minutes of (hfl conference. . ; , 2. Beware of preachers coming from Great Britain or Irelaml,\ withont a full recommendation from me. Three of oi'.r travellin;. preachers here eagerly desir.e to go to America ; but I could not ap- prove of it by any means ; because I am not fcatisfied that they thoi- oughly like either our discipline or doctrine : Ithink they differ fron. our judgment, in one or both. Therefore, if these or any others corns without my recommendation, take care how you receive them. 3. Neither should you receive any preachers however recommendeil. who will not be subject to the American couftrence, and cheerful' conform to the minutes both of the English Siu6 Amcri€an corif^ertncQ^ 4. I do not wish our American brethren to receive anv, who mak* 6hy difficulty of receiving /Va«m Ashury di^ the general assistant. Undoubtedly the greatest danger to the work of "God in AinerkU; IS likely to arise either from preachers coming from Europe, or /J'om §uch as willarise from among yourselves, speaking perv'eise things, ov bringing in among you new doctrines, particularly "Calvinism. Ytiii shbiild guard ^gainst tbis with all possible care, for it i's'faV easier to 'keep'th6m out fban to thrust them o6t. " \ '[''.'' ^ " ' I (^ommeiid you all'to "fhe grace of 'Goa,'^aDa,'am your anmiSn^te ffenli ah(l t)n>ther, '" ' " ' ' c „ ,r "' ""' 7oiWf 'Wfe^lEiVi" V*. i.1 ?l «*-■ Cbmlng from tla; iters might not be J| 1, the following reg- he European Metl\- ^^ of recommendation. I England wrote a I lute •, the following | )/, Oct. 3, 1783, 1 methociist doctrine.] rmons and the notc^ rge minutes of \h iJn/a?« or Irehml, c of or.r travelling but I could not ap- fied that they thoi- ink they difler frofi I or any others com ceive them, ever recommcnde(: ncc, and cheerful'. ?icn€«n conference^ ive anv, who mfik< oreneral "assistant. r 'God in Amerkd- )rh Europe, or from per v'eise things, ov (t^alvihism. Ytiu )r it is Tai- easier to fri |o^r^i?fiSn5^c , ♦ :J * 307 \Vc agreed, that if any Eurojiean Methodist preachers should come over recommended by Mr. Wesley, and would be subject to the Amer- ican conference, preach the Methodist doctrine, keep the circuits thev were ai)pointed to, and be subject to Francis Asbury as general assist- ant, while he stands approved by Mr. Wosiey and the conference, we will receive them ; but if they walk contrary to the above directions, no appointment shall prevent them from being excluded from our con- nection. Eleven preachers were received and thirteen circuits formed, to which were appomted the following preachers respectively : Halifax, Enoch Matson, Peter Moriarty. Wilmington, Beverly Allen, James HintonV Portsmouth, James Martin. • ' - ' ■ Camden, Richard Ivy, Wm. Damaron. ' ^ j ' • • ■ ; Amherst, Thomas Foster, Wilham Jessop. Orange, Woolman Hickson, James Riggin. Richmond, John Easter. Hampton, James Morris. ' ' j Bedford, Edward Morris, James Hawe. Redstone, John Cooper, Samuel Breeze. Accomac, James White. Junialta, S'\mor\ Pile. i .^ •. -^ ... .? Long Island, Philip Cox. "'""""' "■ ' '.■.../', j- Trenton, John Hagarty, Matthew Grcentree. ^ " '• • ; ■' - • '■••• In 1784, the twelfth conference began at Ellis's chapel, in Virginia, on the 30 day of April, autj ended in Baltimore, on the 28 dl May. It was considered as but one conference, although they met first in Vir- qinia, and then adjourned to Baltimore, where the business Was fin- ished; , . WeTiad a gracious revival of religion tliis year in many of the frontier circuits, and the way was Opening fast for Us to enlai'ge olir borders, and to spread the gospel through various places where We'ha^ never b^eii, before. The call of the people Was ^reat,for morelabo'r- ,ei-s'jo V sent into the harvest '^" ''*'"• •' v--. •• ''-*-'j»•*v•^••'• '. 'One of 'thp questions' ^f tins conference^ with (he insw' tl^S^ ihfe y\ { ...ft ■.I" iplldwirig . '*l » ■ 'i \ I -*W ii- h vm Mv, pn lit m 308 Quest. How sliall we prevent superfluity in cVess among our people ,; At?^. Let the preachers carefully avoiil every thing of this kind in themselves, and speak frequently and faithfully against it in all our so- cieties. . -,; - ; ; ■ . , . .. i -.,,.. BOOK V. OoNTAIMNG A HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF TIIF MfTIIODIST Epis COPAL Church, to the year 1832. CHAPTER I. Organization of the Methodist Episcopil Church in the U. S. A. The Methodists had until this time one /orw both of worship aiitl discipline in every part of the world ; but the independence of these 1 United States of Amenca, confirmed by the peace of 1783, occasionec | tin extraordinary change in this respect. During the war our societie? were deprived of the ordinances of baptism, and the Lord'^s supper: for the ministers of the church of England had mostly left their parish- es : some of them were silenced, othft-s left offlpreaching, because 4hey could not procure a maintenance by it ; and many more went in- to the British dominions. From the time of the peace no ecclesiastica! authority of any kind was either exercised or claimed by any person or persons whatsoever. In this situatton, we desired Mr. Wesley'; advice and assistance ; and as he observes, ''his scruples being at an end, he conocived himself at perfect liberty to exercise that right whidi ile doubted not God had given him." At the British conference held at Leeds in July 1784, Mr. Wesley declared his intention of sending Dr. Coke and some other preachers to America. Mr. Richard Whatcoat, and Mr. Thomas Vasey of- fered themselves as missionariers for that purpose, and were dicceptei But before they sailed, Mr. Wesley wrote to Dr. Coke then in lon- don, desiring him to meet him in Bristol, to receive fuller powers ; ;ind to bring the Rev. Mr. Creighton with him The Dr, and Mh Creighton accordingly met him in Bristol ; where Mr. Wesley with ihe assistance of Dr. Coke and Mr. Creightonf ordained Richard Whatcoat and Mr- Thomas Vasey, presbyters for America ; snd, ^l^i •# M among our peopk ; ing of this kind in nst il in all our so- V[ftiiodist Epis ;32. h in the U. S. A. h of worship autl pcndence of these 3f 1783, occasionec le war our societio e Lord^s supper: tly left their parisli- )reaching, becaujt any more went in ice no ecclesiastica id by any person red Mr. VVesley'< uples being at ar* liae that right whicli 784, Mr. Wesley other preachers liomas Vasey of- nd were accepted. bke then in ion- fuller powers; The Dr, and Uh \Ir. Wesley with ordained Richard immca : Qpd, ^i e 3Qd *' afterwards ordain Dr, Coke a siiperintendant, giving him letters ofor- flination, under his hand and seal. Previous to this Dr. Coke had been ordained a presbyter by a bishop of the church of England. Dr. Coke with Messrs. Whatcoat and Vdsey sailed for Amenca, n the month of September, and landed at New York on the third day i November. The organization of the Methodist Eepiscopal Church took place 9t the conference held in Baltimore in December 27, 1784. The proceedings of this conference as contained in the minutes, wei f s follows. '* As it was unanimously agreed at the conference, that circumslan- es made it expe^dient for us to become a separate body under the do- ommation of the Methodist Episcopal Church, it is necessary that we hould here assign some reason for so doing. " The following extract of a letter from the Rev. Mr. Wesley, will flford as good an explanation as can be given on this subject. '' Bristol, September 10, 1784. To Dr. Coke J Mr. Asburij, and our brethren in North America, " 1. By an uncommon train of providences, many of the provinces f iVor/A ilmcrica are totally disjoined frcm the British empire, and rected into Independent States. The English government has no uthority over them either civil or ecclesiastical, any more than over the tates of Holland. A civil authority is exercised over them, partly by he Congress, partly by the state assemblies. But no one either exer- ises or claims any ecclesiastical authority at all. In this peculiar sit- lation, some thousands of the inhabitants of these States, d€sire my ndvice: and in compliance with their desire, I have drawn up a little sketch. ■ • • ■. "2. Lord King's account of the primitive church convinced nic many years ago, that bishops and presbyters are the same order, and consaquently have the same right to ordain. For many years I have been importuned from time to time, to exercise this right by ordaining j)art of our travelling preachers, but I have still refused, not only for peace sake, but because I was determined, as little as possible to vi- olate the established order of the national church to which I belonged. But the case is widely different between England and North ttn ^' w % 5 ^-^ ,-,* *«? 4 « 4 *»-.-.£**, 7--^-^;. i' 1 V,', ■ li '. 1 .11 '"•') i i \ . ■id it- America. Here there are bishops who have a kgal jurisdiction. In America there are none, and but few parish mmistera. So that for ^ome hundred miles together there are none either to baptifee, or ad*- minister the Lord's supper. Here therefore my scruples are now at an end : and I conceive myself at full liberty, as I violate no ordor, And invade no man's right, by appointing and sending laborers intc the harvest. ' -i > '■'■'V ■^:-'-.»- :--'n;.u. i:. ; ^ . 5;J^^:l^;tn;•!u r^. '* I have accordingly appointed Dr. Coke and Mt. Ftancis Asbu- rt/, to be joint guperintendants, over our brethren in North America \s:iho Richard Whatcoat and Thomas Vasey, to act as elders among them by baptising and administering the Lord's Supper. "5. If any one will point out a more rational and scriptural wav oi feeding and guiding those poor sheep in the wilderness, I wil gladly embrace it. At present 1 cannot see any better method thai; (iiat I have taken. ••■ --^ ni /sr.- "• t-^" ]-;■■> j3.,ifv > ■.U'ii.'^)iUf\ , \ i - " G. It has. indeed been proposed, to desire the J^J/j^r/isA bishops rtrdain part of our preachers for America. But to this I object, J 1 desired the Bishop of London to ordain one only; but could nc prevail. 2. If they consented, we know the slowness of their pro- ceeding ; but the matter admits of no dehy. 3. If they would or- dain them now, they would likewise expect to govern them. Au how grievously would this entangle us .'' As our American brcthrer. arc now totally disentangled both from the state, and from the Eii- nlish hierarchy, we dare not entangle them again, either with theoiw or the other. They are now at fullliberty, simply to follow tbe scriptures and the primitive church. And we judge it best thattliev should stand fast in that liberty, wherewith God has so strangfly made them free. "John Wesley.'^ The following is a copy of the letters, testimonials, delivered Iv Mr. Wesley to Dr. Coke, after his ordination, agreeably to the aJ- vice of Mr. Fletcher. It was taken by Mr. Drew, from the origi- .nal, in Mr. Wesley's own hand writing preserved among thepapers ("if Dr folcp ''^'''■''' '•«■'•*■ '>'<■■"' A ■• i ■'■■'■ JiiiViiiVi ' ^, a it I'-il t^^y* 'ii«^j .«^ ■ *« To all to whom these presents sliall tome-, I John Wesley, late fellow of Lincoln college in Oxfotd, presbyter of the church of Eng-| I'*' land, scndeth greeting -#" #■ • . W' •#■,*• t . 511 ioii. In ers. So tltot for c> baptifee, or ad*- iruples are now at violate no order, ins laborers intc ■ .- . J ' . !^. Fkdftcis Asbu- n North America to act as eldenl rd*8 Supper, nd scriptural way wilderness, I will t)etter method thai; English bishops h. to this I object, J nly ; but could iic wness of their pro- If tbey would or- )vern them. Ak American brcthrer, and from the En- either with the one 1 ply to follow the e it best that tiiev has so slrangfl; N Wesley." |nials, delivered ly ;reeably to the au- iw, from theorigi- id among the papers |john Wesley, lat<; the church of Eng- 1 a X-rtf^' ■ 1* f* *t *■■ ■*• '# Whereas many of the people in the soutiiern provincesof Norf' 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 sacraments of bap- tism and the Lord's supper, according to the usage of the same church : and whereas there does not appear to be any other way o t .supplying them with ministers — ] "Know all men, that IJphn Wesley, think myself to be provi- dentially called at this time to set apart some persons for the work of the ministry in America. And therefore, under the protection of Al- mighty God, and with a single eye to his glory, I have this day set upart as a superintendent, by the imposition of my hands and prayer^ (being assisted by other ordained ministers,) Thomas Coke, doctor I of civil law, a presbyter of the church of England, and a man whom |1 judge to be well qualified for that great work. And I do herebr irecommend him to all whom it may concern, as a fit person to pre- ^*ide over the flock of Christ. In testimony whereof, I have here- i-untoset my hand and seal, this second day of September, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty four. "John Wesley." " Therefore at this conference," says the minutes," we formed our- Jsp.lves into an iudependent church, and following the counsel of Mr. pohn Wesley, who recommended the episcopal mode of church govern- Iment, we thought it best to become an Episcopal church, making the Episcopal office elective, and the elected superentendent, or Bishop, unenable to the body of ministers or nreachera." , I . " ' ii ■ 1. '. . , ' (' ■.'-•1. ' ■ Mr. Asbufy wasappionted a supermtendent by Mr. Wesley ; yet he would not submit to be ordained unless he could be voted in by the conference. When it was pUt to vote he was unanimously chosen. He was then ordained ''eacon, and then elder, and afterwards superin- tendant before the end of. the (ioriference At the request of Mr. As- buiry Mr. Oterbine, a Oerrtian minister^ who was a pious nlian, also assisted in his ordinatipn, by ihe laying on of hands with the other ministers. .,,.' /r^fy-^ .^m^'^ tiUti^fW .iil-i-r^;^" •••♦'^^^v? ^^'■ci).i^\.\\vv.. The preachers in connection ait (his time as published in the minutes * ere the following, riz: f^ I 1^^;., m t I'i I m 1*^: t\ M '31ii ,-4 H' -4 **i> f r I Quest. I. Who are the superintendanls of our church. Ana. Thomas Coke, Francis Asbury. Quest. 2. Who are the elders. '' • ' * Ans. Richard Whatcoat, Thomas Vasey, Freeborn Garrettor Thomas S. Chew, William Gill, John Hagerty, Reuben Ellis, Jame O'Kelly, Richard Ivy, John Tunnel, Beverly Allen, Henry Willi? Caleb Boyer, James O. Cromwell, Enoch Matson, Nelson Reed, it remiah Lambert, John Foster, Ignatius Pigman, John Baxter. Quest. 3. Who are the deacons. Ans. John Dickins, Michael Ellis, Philip Bruce, William Ringok Quest. 4. Who are the assis'tants. Ans, All the deacons (and besides them) Joseph Everett, Joli: Cooper, Philip Cox, Ira Ellis, Samuel Dudley, James Hinton, Wil liam Cannon, John Baldwin, Henry Ogburn, Thomas Humphrie, James White, James Haw, George Moore, Edward Morris, Williar I'homas, Simon Pile, Thomas Cnrtis, Woolman Hickson, Thomai llaskins, Richard Swift, William Phcebus, William Glendennitij Adam Cloud, John Major, Robert Cloud, Edward Drumgole Pet( Moriarty, William Damaron, Thomas Andrews, Thomas Bowen, Will ^ liam Partidge. Quest. 5. Who are admitted into full connection. Ans. Jesse Lee, Thomas Humphries, James Hinton, Richaril Swift, William Damaron, William Phoebus, Thomas Bowen, Williar Ringold, Thomas Anderson, Samuel Green. , Quest. 6. Who remain on trial. - . Ans. David Jefferson, Isaac Smith, Simon Pile, John Smith, Thom- as Jackson, Elijah Ellis, Samuel Breeze, John Robertson, Matthew Greentree, William Jessep, Thomas Ware, James Riggin, James Quest. 7. Who are admitted on trial. a^'-' '• £■ Ans. Mark Whitaker, Jeremiah Mastin, Henry Bingbam, Hope Hull, George Noseworthy, Ezekiel Cooper, Stephen Johnson, Heze- kiah Bonham, Levin Ross, Thomas Williams n, r^tephen Lickins, John Freeman, Michael Gilbert, Shores Bright, Joshua HartlyjElia- zer Hathaway, Robert Sparks, William Steens, Amos G. Thompson) Robert Ay res, John Street, Jacob Brash. *»^ ^^ if *f4:>«*«^ ■»« • 4 '--bpi f *..; *, «> ■»i#»"- 313 e, William Ringolc (^st. 8. ^yho desist from travelling ? . Ans. Samiu'l Rowe, James Morris, James Martin. Quest. 9. VVlio are laid aside? Ans. Lee Roy Cole. Quest. 10 Who have died this year ? ,. ^7W. Caleb B. Pedicord, George Mair. Besides those preachers mentioned &S Elders, Deacons, &c. the toU lowing were also in connection and received appointments. Henry Jones, James Kenney, John Fidler, Wilson Lee, John Paup, Francis Poythress, Jonatlian Forrest, George Moore, Joseph Cromwell, Moses Hurley, Joseph Wyatt, Robert Cann. There were six circuits taken in at this Conference, which are as fol- lows, with their respective preachers. Georgia. — Beverly Allen, ■•'' ' ^' ' ■ ' ' Charleston. — John Tunnel, ' • George Town. — Woolman Hickson, " Yew River. — Philip Bruce. '■ '• ,• i Shelburne. — Freeborn Garrettson. • ' . - • .« ' Lancaster. — Joseph Everett, Levin Ross. •' ' . > t FortR)i'i:oiij- — f \ nes O Cramwe 11. i .: l' ; Antigua. — Jeremiah Lambert, John Baxter. ^Northampton. — Philip Cox, Moses Hurley. - ■• ' The number in society was _ « . - 18,00U Number of travelling preachprs. - - - 104 Being now form^^d into a church, a regular plan of proceeding was laid, and a form of discipline drawn up. In the minutes of this con- ference, there were eighty-one questions with answers, a few of which I shall take notice of. If any one wishes to see the whole., he may read the minutes of that general conference. * • This being the beginning of the Methodist Episcopal Church, it will be necessary to take particular notice of those regulartions or rules, which were formed at that time, especially such as had not been previously practiced by us. Q. 2. " What can be done in order to the future unioa of the Methodists?" . , cc I' :i '^-.V ■). . 314 4. ** During the life of the Reverend Mr. Wesley ,we acknowledged ourselves his Sons in the Gospel, ready in matters belonging to the church government, to obey his commands. Arid we do engage af- ter his death, to do every thing that we ju'lge consistent with the cause of religion in Ameiicaj and the poHtical interests of these states, to preserve and promote our Union with the Methodists in Evrope.^^ • • . . , This engagement to obey Mr. "IVesley's comnnands, *'in matters belonging to church government," was afterwards the cause of some uneasiness; which will be noticed in its proper place. Q. 3. As the ecclesiastical as well as civil affairs ot these United States have passed through a very considerubl« change by the revo- lution, what plan of church government shall we hereafter pursue .^" A. " We will form ourselves into an Episcopal church, under the direction of superintendants, elders, deacons, and helpers, according to the forms of ordination annexed to our liturgy, and the form of discipline set forth in these minutes.'' Q. 4. ** What may we reasonably believe to be God's design in raising up the Methodist preachers.^" A' " To reform tne continent, and to spread scriptural holiness over these lands." Q, 29. " If by death, expulsion, or otherwise, there be no Su periatendant remaining in our church, what shall we do ?" A. ** The conference shall elect a Superintendant, and the Elders, or any three of them, shall ordain him according to our liturgy." Another rule was, " that if a Superintendant ceases from travel- ling without the consent ot the conference, he shall not thereafter ex- ercise any ministerial function whatsoever in our church." The same rule was also made for the Elders and Deacons, in case they should cease to travel without the consent of the conferenee. It may be well to remark here, that this church thus organizecJ, was the first that was organized on the American continent. For if we but trace the history of the different christian denominations in our country, we shall find that most of them, are branches of their respec- tive standing orders in Europe ; and were organized and established there before they had an existance in America. And, that those that ,t, ive acknowledged belonging to the ive do engage af- nsistent with the nterests of these be Methodists in ids, *'in matters ;he cause of some 3 ot these United mge by the revo- ereafter pursue ?" church, under the lelpers, according and the form of e God's design in scriptural hohness there be no Su do?" ;, and the Elders. our liturgy." jases from travel- not thereafter ex- ir church." The ons, in case they iferenee. thus organized, ontinent. For if iominations in our js of their respcc- I and established id, that those that have not thus descended from European orders, have taken their rise, and have been organized since the Methodist Episcopal Church. . . The Church of England, the Presbyterians, Baptists, Lutherans, Duch Reformed and Quakers, were all organized and established or- ders in Europe; and most, if not all of them, existed in this country before the Revolutionary war. But the constitution o! the former of these, being founded in its union with thn British government, it was consequently dissolved, or made void as sucli, by the acknowledgment of the independence and the seperation of the American Colonies. Its union with the stnte, and the English hierarchy, were so essential to its existence, that its continuance could endure no longer than the British Standard remained. When, therefore, the British vStandard was de- molished, and consequently the English hierarchy nullified by the es- tablishment of a separale government, the church of England was also demolished and ceased to exist. From the fragments that remained, however, was instituted the "Protestant Episcopal Church." But even this tvas not done till after the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized. It therefore follows that the Methodist Episcopal Church was the first, and the Protestant Episcopal Church the second that wa^ organized on the Western continent. CHAPTER 11. Church Gommment. Considering the following desertation, a judicious and able vindica- tion of the government of our church, I have given it a place in this work, accompanied with some illustrations of one of Mr. Wesley's let- ters to Bishop Asbury. The following is extracted from Dr. (now Bishop) Emory's *• Defence of ' our Fathers,' &c. against the attacks of the Rev. Alexander McCain and others " Section I.— Episcopacy. Mr. McCain's first enquiry is, '« What views do ecclesiastical wri- ters give us of an episcopal form of church government .?" In answer to this enquiry, he quotes certain authorities in support of the following positions, viz. , , - That "Episcopalians, in the strict sense of the word, are those :.i'i ■•J 'S - -i \ . I'M i>\ in r, if.|,il .4 I- '■' ) ■ ft €; 316 l>t:,^ nil 'm\ "s § 1^5 4 wllo maintain that episcopacy is of apostolic institution, or that the church of Christ has ever been governed by three distinct orders, bisli- ops, presbyters or priests, and deacons ; — that no one has a right to execute the ministerial office, without having previously received a di- vine commission ; — and the exclusive right of granting this commis- sion is vested in the bishops as successors of the apostles." That " it is a principle universally established among Episcopalians, that a succession from the apostles in the order of bishops, as an ordei superior to and distinct from presbyters, is a requisite without which ;; imlid Christian ministry cannot be preserved ; and that such bishop^ alone possess the power of ordaining and commissioning ministers t., the flock of Christ." That " since the distinction of bishops and presbyters has been ot divine appointment, it necessarily follows that the power of ordination, which is the chief mark of this distinction, was resei'ved to the bishop- by the same appointment." Mr. McCain adds," VVe have here some of the most prominen* features of an episcopal church, as laid down by writer.^ of great celeb- rity. We would now ask our brethren who say Mr. Wesley recom- mended the episcopal mode of church government, if there is in anyo; the letters which he wrote, a single line th r wouM lead us to suppos- that he held any one of the foregoing particulars ? Nay, did he not positively say he did not hold them ? What kind of an episcopal go- vernment then must it be that has not in it a single feature of episco- pacy as described by ecclesiastical writers .'" But did not Mr. McCain know that there are " ecclesiastical wri- ters" who describe •' episcopacy" with other features } If he did not, his want of information is greater than we could have imagmed. Ii he did, his argument is not ingenious. We can scarcely believe that it can have imposed on himself : and it is certainly too glaringly falla- cious to be imposed on others. "It ought to be understood," says Dr. Samuel Miller, "tbl among those who espouse the episcopal side, — there are three classes. " The first consists of those who believe that neither Christ nor hi^ apostles laid down any particular form of ecclesiastical government to whi-ch the church is bound to adhere in all ages. That every churc I *yi I ). ' ^m tlon, or that the stinct orders, bish- e has a right to islv received a di- ling this commis- itles/' Dng Episcopalians, shops, as an ordei te without which a tliat such bishop^ ning ministers t'. tcrs has been of jwer of ordination, ved to the bishop- e most prominen! evs of great celeb- Ir. Wesley recom- if there is in any o: lead us to suppose Nay, did he not )f an episcopal go- feature of episcO" cclesiastical wri- ? If he did not. ve imagined. Il ircely believe that 00 glaringly fal'a- j el Miller, "t^^^l are three classes. ther Christ nor hi^ :al government to That every churcl 3i7 is irec, consistently with the dcvine will, to frame her con titutioi agreeably to her own views, to the state of society, and to the exigen cies of particular times. These prefer the episcopal government, an some of them believe that it was the primitive form ; but they cor sider it as resting on the ground of human expediency alone, and not o( divine appointment. This is well known to have been the opinion of Archbishops Cranmer, Grindal, and Whitgifl ; of Bishop Leighfon, of Bishop Jewel, of Dr, Whitaker, of Bishop Reynolds, of Archbishop Tillitson, of Bishop Burnet, of Bishop Croft, ol Dr. Stillingfleet, and (A' a long list of the most learned and pious divines oi the church of England, from the reformation down to the present day. " Another class of episcopalians go farther. They suppose that the government of the church by bishops^ as a superior order to j)resbytersi, was sanctioned by apostolic example, and that it is the «.luty of all churches to imitate this example. But while they consider episcopacy as necessary to the perfection of 'he church, they grant that it is by W means necessary to her existence; and accordingly, without hesitations acknowledge as true churches of Christ, many in which the episcopal doctrine is rejected, and Presbyterian principle made the basis of ec- clesiastical government. The advocates of this opinion, also, have been numerous and respectable, both among the clerical and lay mem- bers of the Episcopal churches in England, and the United States. In this list appear the venerable names of Bishop Hall, Bishop DowH- Inm, Bishop Bancroft, Bishop Andrews, Archbishop Usher, Bishop Forbes, and learned Chiliingworth, Archbishop Wake, Bishop Hoadly, and many more. " A third class go much beyond either of the former. While tliey grant that God has left men at liberty to modify every other kind of government according to circumstances, they contend that one form of government for the church is unalterably fixed by divine appointment • that this foim is episcopal ; that it is absolutely essential to the existence of the church ; that, of course, wherever it is wanting, there is no church, no regular ministry, no valid ordinances ; and that all who are united with religious societies not conforming to this order, are « aliens from Christ,' < out of the appointed way to heaven,' and have no hope but in the ' uncovenanted mercies of God.' ^h I A .lit lil 318 m if if i,' f '* It is confidently believed," continues Dr. Miller, " that the two lormer classes, taken togetlier, embrace at least nineteen parts out ol twenfij of all the Episcopalians in Great Britain and the United States ; while, 80 far as can be learned from the nnost respectable writings, an! other authentic sources of information, it is only the. small remainitifr proportion who hold the extravagant opinions assigned to the third and last of these classes." If we may roly on the. researches of Dr. Miller, then, it is so fur from being true, that "it is a principle universally established amouf; Episcopalians, that a succession from the apostles in the order of bish- ops, as an order superior to, and distinct from presbyters, is a requisite without which a valid christian ministry cannot be preserved ; and that such bishops alone possess the power of ordaininfr and commissionirg ministers to feed the flock of Christ ;" that at least nineteen twentieths of all the Episcopalians in Great Britain, and in the United State?, hold no such sentiments (*) Neither, as we shall allow, were they the sentiments of Dr. Coke, or of Mr. Asbury, any more than ot Mr. Wesley : nor do we believe that they are entertained by a sincjle individual among Methodist Episcopalians, either in the ministry or in the laity. The Irenicum of Dr. Stillingfleet, subsequently Bishop Stillingfleef, will be admitted to rank among the productions of " ecclesiastical wri- ters" of distinguished *' celebrity." From this work we shall exhib: a view of episcopacy somewhat different from that of Mr- Mc- Cain (t; " I assert," says Dr. Stillingfleet, *' any part'cular form of govern- ment agreed on by the governors of the church, consonant to the gen- eral rules of Scripture, to be by divine right ; that is, God, by his own (*)Gi8born, also, asserts tliat they are not the sentimeuts of the church of Englivitd. — Survet/, p- 254. (t)The pbject of Stilli!in;fleet, in this work, was to discuss and examinfl the divine ri^ht of the dilfurent forms of church government, according to theprii'- ciplesof the law of nature, the positive laws of God, the practice of the apos- tles and the primitive church, and the judgment of reformed divines ; in order to lay a foundatiori for the peace of the church, and for the accommodation of the differences which then existed His aim was to moderate tie extraviigant pretensions of high churchmen., on the one side, and the intemperate zeal ot those, on the other, who were for destroying episcopacy altogether With what ability, and excellent temper, and moderation, he performed this task, will ap- pear in tne sequel. - >.' jr, '* lliat Ihc twu ".teen parts out ol Ihe United Stales; table writings, on! p. small remaining ed to the third and , then, it is so llu established amoiif; the order of bish- /ters, is a requisite )reserved ; and that and com mission irg mnetecn twentieths the United States, I allow, were th<'y any more than o; •rtained by a sin^n- n the ministry or in i M 319 laws, halh pivcn men a power and liberty to determine the particular form oi church government among them. And hence it may appear, that though one form ot government be agreeable to the word, it doth not loUow that another is not, or because one is lawful, another is un- lawful ; but one form may be more agreeable to some parts, places, people, and tin^ts, than others nre. In which case, that form ot gov- ernment is to je settled which is most agreeable to tne present state of a place, and is most advantatreously conducible to the promoting the ends of church government in that place or nation. — Irenicunif pp. 9, JO, 2d edit. Lond. 1662. *' Matters of fact and mere apostolical practice, may, I freely grant, Ircceive much light from the records of succeeding ages ; but they can jnever pive a man's understanding sufficient ground to infer any divine law, arising from those facts attested to by the practice or records of |succeedini!; ages." — fbUl. p. 151. In relation to arguments drawn from thb testimony of antiquity, be- fore their authoiity can be admitted in this controversy, Dr. Stdling- flett affirms, '* these things must be manifested: — that such things were Uinquestionnllji the practice of those aqcsand persons ; that their prac- \ticc was the same as that of the apostles ; that what they didwas not from any prudential motives^ hut by virtue of a law which did bind them to that practice. VViiich thingjs are easily passed over by the hnost eager disputers of the contrevorsy about church government, but [how necessary they are to be proved, before any form of government )e asserted so necessary, that without it there can be no true church, my weak understanding may ' M^ 3:20 i ' rim it &m >'..' over those churches, whether as evangelists, or as fixed bishops, these two things may be inferred : Firsts That the superiority of somechuic!. officers oA'er others is hot contrary to the rule of the gospel : for aF jiarties acknowledge the superiority of their power above the presbv' ters of the several cities ; only the continuance of this power is dis puted by many. 'But if they had any such power at all, it is enoug for my present design, viz. that such a superiority is not contrary t the gospel rule : or that the nature of the government of the churc; doth^not imply a necessary equality among the governors of it. Sec- oiuUi/, hence I infer that it is not repugnant to the constitution c churches in apostolical times, for men to have power over more tlia one particular congregation. For such a power Timothy and Tik had; which, had it been controry to the nature of the regiment c : churches, we should never have read of in the first planted churche So that if those popular arguments of a necessary relation between | pastor and particular people, of personal knowledge, care, and inspc tion, did destroy the lawfulness of extending that care or charge many particular congregations, they would likewise ovcrthr§w the c: ture, end, and design of the office which Timothy and Titus acted i; which had a relation to a multitude of particular and congregation churches. Whether their power was extraordinary or no, I now d: pute not ; but whether such a power be repugnant to the gospel orr,i which, from their practice, it is evident that it is not." — lb. pp. U 187. " The foundation of this power was laid in the power which the ajwi- ties were invested with, which was extended over many, both chuicli« and pastors. — ** If it be said, The apostolical power, being extrmii nary, must cease mith the persons 2vho enjoyed it; I answer, finl What was extraordinary did cease ; but all the dispute is, whatttW extrordinary, and what was no^ — Secondly, By cezi'^ngmdiy bemea/itJ either ceasing as to its necessity, or ceasing as to its lawfulness- II say not, but that the necessity of the office, as in their persons, for tk first preaching and propagating the gospel, did cease with them; biit that after their death, it became unlawful for any particular persons t« take the care and charge of diocesan churches, I deny. For to mm a thing unlawful, which was before lawftth there must be some e^prt^ 321 s fixed bishops, these riority of somechuic!. ' the gospel : for a! er above the presbv- of thi« power is dis er at all, it is enoug ty is not contrary t :rnment of the churc; rovernors of it. Seo to the constitution f. ower over more tk • Timothy and Tit': ire of the regiment ( first planted churche ry relation between 3dge,care, and inspi that care or charge i'ise ovcrthriw the r; ly and Titus acted ar and congregation nary or no, I now d; nt to the gospel or u not."— i6. pp. 15' ■)0wer which the ap r many, both churcte wwer, being extraorii] d it ; I answer, M dispute is, what u'fljl ceaL.'ng may be meant.l to its lawfulness. 1 n their persons, for tlie| cease with them; ^W r particular persons t| deny. For to mak| must be some ea-i^'l prohibition, forbiddinff 'any farther use of such a power, which, I sup- pose, men will not easily produce in the word of God." — lb. pp. 194-5. I " The extending of any ministerial power, is not the appointing of l^ny new office ; because every minister of the gospel hath a relation In actu primo^^ (primarily) ** to the whole church of God : the re- itraint and enlargement of which power is subject to positive determi- iftations of prudence and conveniency, — and therefore if the church see It fit for some men to have this power enlarged, for better government in some, and restrained in others, that enlargement is the appointing no mew office, but the making use of a power already enjoyed for the ben- tilt of the church of God. This being a foundation tending so fully to clear the lawfulness of that government in church, which implies a Superiority and subordination of the officers of the church to one another ; and the church, using her prudence in ordering the bounds of her offi- lersj I shall do these two things: First, Show that the power, of every minister of the gospel doth primarily, and habitually, respect the church ift common. Secondly, That the church may, in a peculiar manner, •ingle out some of its officers for the due ad.Tiinistration of ecciesiasti- I pdwer — lb. p. 196. '>' " The Officers of iht church may, in a peculiar manner, attribute a lar- er and rhore extensive power to some particular persons, for the more hvenien't exercise of their common power — grant some the execu- ve part of that power, which is originally and fudamentally common them air. Foi* our better understanding of this, we must consider two fold' power belonging to church officers, a power of order, dini\ power of jurisdiction " — lb- p. 197. Under this distinction he shows, that though every presbyter, pri' arily and inherently, as to order possesses a capacity for the highest inisterial acts, yet "some furthor authority is necessary in a church dnstitutcd" (or organized) " besides the power of order; and when ^this power, either by consent of the pastors of the church, or by the appointment of a Christian magistrate, or both, is devolved to some particular persons, though quoad aptifudinem^^ (as to the capacity or itness) «' the power remain in every presbyter, yet quoad execution- «," (as to the actual discharge or execution of it,) < it belongs to bosc who are 50 appointed. And therefore Camero determines that 1 f I? ■1 322 drdination doth not belong to the power of order, but to the power o jurisdiction, ^nd therefore is subject to positive restraints, by pruden- tial decreminations. By this we may understand how lawful the ex- ercise of an €jpis:opal power may be in the church of God, supposinc an equality in all church officers as to the power of order. And how incongruously they speak, who supposing an equality in the presby. ters of churches at first, do cry out, that the church takes upon her tb office of Christ, i: she delegates dMy to a mom particular exercise c; i\it power of jurisdiction — 76. pp. 197-8 ''Before the jurisdiction of presbyters was restrained by mutual corr sent, in this instant doubtless, the presbyters eBJoyed the same libertj that the presbyters among the Jews did, of ordaining other presbyters by that power they were invested in at their own ordination. Inthf first primitive church, the presbyters all acted in common for the we fare of the church, and either did or might ordain others to the saK authority v;ith themselves; because the intrinsical ^ovrer of order: equally in them, atid in those who were after appointed goverDor over presbyteries. And the collation of orders doth come fiom tk power of order, and not mcrehj from the power of jurisdiction. It h ing Wkevthc ft: U;/ acknowledged by the schoolmen^ that bishops are i superior above presbyters, as to the power oi order. '^ — lb. p. 273. *' It is evid.nl Jerome attributes the first original of that exsorsff iestaSi'''' [delegated power, or power given by choice,] " as « calls it elsewhere, in the bishop above presbyters, not to any apoi- \olical institut:oii, but to the free choice of the presbyters theinsekn which doth h\\\y explain what he means by co7Jsue/iw/o cccfesifls before spoken of, viz: — that which came up by a voluntary act of the gover- nors of churches themselves. To which we may add what Eutychius the patriarch of Alexandria, saith in his Origines Kcclesice Alexan- drincB published in Arabic by our most learned Selden, who expressly affirms, /A^/^ the twelve presbyters constituted by Mark upon tke va- cancy of the seCf did choose out of their number one to be head over the rest, and the other eleven did lay their hands upon him, and hksi- edhim, and made him patriarch.'''' — lb. p. 274. , ,, , - "Antonius de Rosellis fully expresseth my meaning in this ;""-("''| the first period of the church,) *' Every presbyter and presbyters dw 323 but to the power o! estraints, by pruden- how lawful the ex- a of God, supposine of order. Aod how ility in the presbj. li takes upon her th drdaiii indifferent 1 1/, and thence aroae schi3ms : thence the liberty was lestraine'l and reserved peculiarly to scire persons who did act in the teveral presbyteries, as the Prince of the Sanhedrim, — both parties antin^Ih. p. 273, at of that exsars ft Iby choice,] " as k ers, not to any apos- esbyters thetnselvul iieludo ecclesice befoit | arv act of the gover- ^- add what Eutychius s Ecclesice Alexan- elden, who express Mark upon tkeva-' one to be head orei , ' m i V M : J J 324 Llih. ^ ^'^.t^ maiQ power in tlieir own hands, of ruling their several presbyteries, uj Jelegoted some to do it, (who had a main hand in planting churche.s with the npostlcs, and thence are called, in Scripture, sometimes fel- low laborers in the Lord, and sometimes evangelists, and by Theodo- let apostles- but of" a second ord*Ty) after, I say, these were deceased, and the main power left in the presbyters enjoying an equal power among themselves, — the wiser ani graver sort considered the abuse? following the promiscuous use of this power of ordination, and withal. having in their minds the excellent frame of the government of the church, under the apostles and their deputies, and for preventing o; further schisms and divisions among themselves, they unanimously agreed to choose one out of their number who was best qualified fji the managenpent of so great a trust, and to devolve the exercise of tk power of ordination and jurisdiction to him ; yet so that he act noil ing of importance without the consent and concurrence of the preslf ters, who were still to be as the common council to the bishop. Tli> I take to be the true and just account of the original of episcopacy in the primitive church, according to Jerome : which model of govern- ment, thus contrived and framed, sets forth to us a most lively cb lacter ot that great wisdom and moderation, which then ruled it lieads and hearts of the primitive Christians, and, which, when a. have studied and searched all other ways, f the abuses incident to tli;> government through the corruptions of men and times being retrenci:- ed) will he found the most agreeable to the primitive form, both (i> asserting the due interest of the presbyteries, and allowing the dut honor of episcopacy, and by the great harmony of both, carrying on the affairs of the church with the greatest unity, concord, and peace. Which form of government, I cannot see how any possible reason cm he produced, by either party, why they may not with cheerfulness m* brace it.'>'>--lb 281—2. " Thus we have once more clearedJeromp and the truth together; I only wish that all that are of his judgement for the practice of the primitive church, were of his temper for the practice of their ownj| and while they own not episcopacy as necessary by a divine right, yet (being duly moderated, and joined with presbyteries) they may embrace it^ ^s not only a lawful, but very useful constitution in ^^^ {" th ^^4>fe^^ al presbyteries, uj planting churche.^ e, sometimes fel- 5, and by Theodo- ;se were decease(], an equal powc: lidered the abuser lation, and witha'. jvernment of the for preventing o; they unanimom best qualified for the exercise of tk that he act noil ^ence of the preslf the bishop. Tb jinal of episcopacii ich model of goven.- most lively clii' ich then ruled to which, when w^ luses incident to tb imes being retrenc'i- \itive form, both cs ? allowing the (ftie i both, carrying on I ;oncord, and peace. possible reason cm\ \ith cheerfulness em-] . the truth together the practice of ^ej| Ictice of theii ov^ni| I by a divine right,| Dytcries) they ^^l\ constitution in H 325 cliurch of God. By which we may see, what an excellent temper may be found out, most fully consonant to the primitive church for the management of ordinitions and church power, viz. by the presi- dency OF THE BISHOP AMD THE CONCURRENCE OF THE PRESBY- TERY."— 76. p. 283. All that I have to say then concerning the course taken by the apostles, in settling the government ef the churches, — lies in these three proposiiions, — viz. That neither can we have that certainty of apostolical practice, which is necessary to constitute a divine right ; nor, secondly, is it probable that the apostles did tie themselves up to any one fixed course in modelling churches ; nor, thirdly, if they did, doth it necessarily follow thai v?c must observe the same}^''-Ib. p. 287. " In this place, lib. 4. cap. 43, he" (ItPtiaeus^ " not only asserts the succession of presbyters to the apostles, but likewloo attributes the succEssio EPiscoPATus" (thc succcssiou of the Episcopate) " to these very presbyters." Whence comes the community of names still, that those who are said to succeed the apostles, are called bishops in one place, but presbyters in another ; and the very succession OF episcopacy ATTRIBUTED TO PRESBYTERS?" lb. p. 307. " And great probability there is, that where churches were planted by presbyters, as the church of France by Andochius and Inignus, that afterwards upon the increase of churches and presbyters to rule them, they did from among themselves choose one to be the bishop over them as Pothinus was at Lyons. For we no where read in those ear- ly plantations of churches, tbivt where there were presbyters already they sent to o/W churches to desire epiorapal ordination from them^ lb p. 375. " It is a known instance, that in the ordination of Pelagius, first bishop of Rome, theie were only two bishops concerned and one pres- byter ; whereas, according to the fourth canon of the Nicene council, three bishops are absolutely required for ordination of a bishop : either then Pelagius was no canonical bishop, and so the point of succession thereby fails in the church of Rome : or else a presbyter hath the same intrinsical power of ordination which a bishop hath," [even in ordaining a bishop,] "but it is only retrained by ecclesiastical laws.-" lb. p. 380. 1> I f t 326 ** I believe there will, upon the most impartial survey, scarce be one church of the reformation brought, which doth embrace any form of government, because it looked upon that form as only necessary by an unalterable standing law ; but every one took up that form of gov- ernment which mas judged most suitable to the state and condition oj their several churches. " lb. p 384. - ." I do not doubt but to make it evident, that the main p;round for settling episcopal government in this nation, (England,) '* was not ac- counted any pretence of divine right, but the conveniency of that farm of church government to the state and condition of the church at the time of its reformation.'^'^ /6. p 385. *' The first who solemnly appearp'J in vindication of the English hierarchy, was archbishop ^^'fntgift : yet he asserts that no kind oj govemmpint ia expressed in the word, or ran necessarily be concluded] from thence '. and agam ; no form of church government is bi/ th. Scripture prescribed to, or commanded the church of God.^^ lb. p 394. '* That great light of the German church, Chemnitius, asserts t!i. church's freedom and liberty as to the orders and degrees of those wli superintt nd the affairs of the church ; which he builds on a threefo. foundation : 1. That the word of God no where commands what c: flow many degrees and orders of ministers there shall be. 2. Thatir the apostles' time, there was not the like number in «// churches, asi: evident from Paul's epistles. 3. That in the apostles' time in som places (me person did manage the sevtxU offices belonging to a churcli. Which three propositions ar« die very basis of all our foregoing dis- course The sum is, it appears by the practice of the apostolical churcii that the state, conflition, and necessity of every particular churcii, ought to be the standard,and measure what offices and degrees of per- sons ought to be in it." lb. pp. 397, 398. Zanchy, an eminent Presbyterian divine, "asserts it to be \n the church's power and liberty to add several orders of ministers, accord- ing as it judgeth them tend to edification ; and saith, he is far from condemning the course of the primitive church, in erecting one as bisli- 'op over the presbyters, for better managing church affairs.'^ lb. p 399. r J 327 survey, scarce he embrace any forrn only necpssary by that form of gov- e and condition oj I ; nnain ground fori ind,) " was not ac- nienctj of that form ' 'he church at thci n of the English s that no kind oj-,. arily be concJudec ernment is by th I of God.'' lb. p initius, asserts the egrees of those wl: ilds on a threefo. ommands what all be. 2. That : p all churches, as itles' time in som loncring to a churcli. our foregoinjr dis- le apostolical churc'i particular churcli. and degrees of pf^f" ;rts it to be in i^^ f ministers, accord- h, he is far from| erecting one as bisli- affairs." lb- P Fregevil, a divine of the French Church, (whom the English bish- op Hall calls ' wise Fregevil, a deep head,') in his ' Politic Reformer,' savs, ** When the apostles first planted churches, the same being small and in allliction, there were not as yet any other bishops, priests, or deacons, but themselves: they were the bishops and deacons, and to- gether served the tables. These men therefore whom God raiseth up to plant a church, can do no better, than after the example of the apos- tles, to bear themselves in equal authority." Jb. p, 4U0. Beza, another eminent Presbyterian divine says, " He was so far from thinking that the human order of episcopacy was brought into the church through rashness or ambition, that none can deny it to have been very useful as long as bishops were good. And those that both will and can, let them enjoy it still. — And elsewhere professeth all reverence, esteem, and honor to be due to all such modern bishops, who strive to imitate the example of the idiiiiitive bishops, in a due reformation of the church of God according to the rule of the word. And looks on it as a most false and impudent calumnv of some that said as though they" [of Geneva] " it. tended to prescribe their form of government to all other churches ; as though they were like some i(Tnorant fellows who thmk nothing good but what they do themselves." lb. p. 406. To invalidate the authority of Stillingfleet's Trenicum, it has been objected by some extra v-agant asserters of the apostolical success' .i of episcopacv, that it was an inditrested work, written when the author was young, and was subsequently retracted. How far this represen- tation is correct, the following flicts will show. — After beino- several years engaged in the composition of th^t work, the outhor published it in 1659, at the age of twenty-frur. Three years afterwards in 1662, he published a second edition ; and the same year he gave to the world his Origines Sacra^. Soon after these publications, he met his diocesan, the nelibrated bishop Saunderson, at a visitition. The bishop seeing so young a man, could hardly believe it was Stillingfleet whom he had hitherto known only by his writings ; and, after having embraced him, said, He much rather expected to have seen one as considerable for his age^diS he had already shown himself for his learn ing. See the life of Bishop Stillingfleet, pp. 12-16,' as (juote4 l?y MS i,^' V M v.^ ■ './ 1 ,1 ' '' ! .■»! •1*' 4iii f ' "' ;' Wf 328 )) '■'r ]^'%' ». It' I. Dr. Miller.— "When adivine of acknowledged talents and learning, 'adds Dr. Miller, •' after spending several years in a composition ol moderate length, deliberately commits it to the press : when, after re- flecting on the subject, and hearing the remarks of his friends for three years longer, he publishes it a second time ; and when, after this second publication, he is complimented for his great erudition, by one of the most able and learned dignitaries of the age, there seems little room for a charge ol haste, or want of digestion." — Letters, pp. 270-271, n "The truth seems to be," continues Dr. Miller, " that Dr. Stil- li' gfleet, finding that the opinions of a number of influential men i; the church were different from those which he had advanced in thh work ; and finding also that a fixed adheranre to them might be ad- verse to the interest of the established church, in which he sought pre- ferment, he made a kind of vague and feeble recantation ; and wrote in favor of the apostolical orijjin of episcopacy. It is remarkable however, that this prelate, in answer to an accusation ot iiiconsistencv between his early and his latter writings, on this subject, assignee another reason besides a change of opinion, viz that the former wer* written ^before the laws were established.'' But in whatever negre his opinion may have been altered, his reasonings and authoritk have undergone no change. They remain in all their force, and hav: never been refuted, either by himself or others." — lb. p. 271 Dr. White, now bishop White, of Pennsylvania, was of opinioi) that that learned prelate, Stillinorfleet, was most probably not dissatis fied with that part of the Irenicum which would have been to his (D: White's) purpose ; and which of course, as we shall presently show is to our purpose. Burnet, the contemporary and friend of Stillingfiee;. says, (History of his own Times, anno. 1661,) " To avoid the impu- tation that b'lok brought upon him, he went into the humors of an hiffli sort of people, beyond what became him, perhaps beyond his ov^n sense of things." "Tht book, however," bishop White adds, "was? it seems, easier retracted than refuted : for though offensive to many of both parties, it was managed, says the same author, [Burnet,] will so much learning and skill, that none of either side ever undertook ti answer it:" See " The Case of the Episcopal Churches in the Unite' States Considered," p. 22. (i ' \ -f. 320 mts and learaing," i a composition ol 5 : when, after re. bis friends for three jn, after this second on, by one ol the Q seems little roon, r«, pp. 270-271, n •, "that Dr. Stil- f influential men ii d advanced in this them might be ad- hich he sought pre- ntation ; and wrote It is remarkable y on ot inconsistency -i s subject, assignei it the lormer werf n whatever negre: igs and authorities eir force, and hav; lb. p. 271 was of opinion, bably not dissatis- e been to his (Dr, 11 presently show, nd of Stillingfleet. To avoid the impu- humors of an higli beyond his own White adds, "wasj offensive to many .or, [Burnet,] willi ever undertook to ;hes in the United '. Luther, and the leading divines of his denomination, supposed that a system" [ol church government] '* embracmg some degree of im- parity" [among ministers] " was in general, expedient ; and accord- ingly, in procet-ding to organize their churches, appointed superintend- ents, who enjoyed a kind of pre eminence, and were vested with pe- culiar powers. But they explicitly acknowledge this office to be a human, and not a divine institution." — Miller^s Leltera^ p. 237. " " The Lutheran churches in Sweden and Denmark are Episcopal. See Mosheim, vol. iv. p. 279. Yet all ecclesiastical historians agree that when the Reformation v\as introduced into Sweden, the first min- isters who undertook to ordain were only presbyters. — Miller^ Let- ters, p. 240." " It is equally certain that in the ordination of a bishop, if the other bishops happen to be absent, the more grave and aged of the ordinary pastors supply their place, and are considered as fully invested with the ordinary power.'''' — Jb. p. 241. In case of necessity, the same power is recognized by the Methodist {Episcopal Church, as fully invested in her body of presbyters. Yet .[ by death, expulsion, cr otherwise, there should at any time be no Mishop remaining among us, even in this case the remaining presbyters would not themselves directly ordain new presbyters, but would first set apart another general superintendent, or snpprintendents, as their 'Constituted organ for this purpose. Section II. — Sentiments of Bishop White. In the year 17S3, a pamphlet was published in Philadelphia, entitled '' The case of the Episcopal Churches in the United States consider* ed." This work has always been considered as the production of Dr. White, now Bishop White, of Pennsylvania. Dr Miller, in his let- ters, published in 1807, p. 270, attributes it to him by name ; and we have not understood that its authenticity has ever been denied. A new edition of it has recently been published in Philadelphia, by Wm. Stavely, publisher of the Philadelphia Recorder, a paper edited bj a distinguished clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal Church. It will be seen from this work, with what ability Dr. White argued tbe case of the Episcopal churches in the United States at that period i D d2 ^ 1 ' t s > .^'W; I 'I ■i 'I 'J uwv% ".n i 'r 141 ^1' 330 and how equally strikingly his arguments were adapted to the state r/ the Methodist societies at thf same period. In a "sketch of" a frame of government" otiered by Dr. White, ii «ays, " In each smaller district, there should be elected a general ves- try or convention, consisting of a convenient number, (the minister I bft one,) — They should elect a clergyman their permanent president , who, in conjunction with otht-r clergymen to be also appointed by t!i body, may exercise such powers as are purely spiritual, particulurlA that of admitting to the viiitistry,^'' p 11. i Again, " The conduct meant to be recommended, is to incKuI in the proposed frame of government, a (jencral appi obution of epiiico\ pacUy and a declaration of an intention to procure the succession as smi as cfinveniently may be ; but in the mean time to carry the plan inii effect without u'aitt7iy for the succession.^'' — lb. p. 15. " But it will also be said," continues Dr. White, " that the vcr name ot 'bishop'' is ollensive ; if so, chamje it for another; let //; superior clergyman be a president, a superintendent, or in plain Eng lish, and according to the literal translation of the original, an overset: Povvever, \{ names are to be reprobated, because the powers annext to tbem are abused, there are few appropriated to either civil or eccle- siastical distinctions, which would retain their places in our catalogue. Ih. p. 17. " The other part of the propnsul of Dr. White, was an immcdkl exernfion of the plan, without waiting for the episcopal succession - This is founded on the presumption, that the worship of God, and ti: instruction and reformation of the people, are the principal objects o. ecclesiastical discipline " lb. " It will be said, we ought to continue as we are, with the hope ol obtaining it," [the succession,] hereafter. But," continues Dr. White, " are the acknowledged ordinances of Christ's holy religion to be suspended for years, perhaps as long as the present generation shall continue, out of delicacy to a disputed point, and that relating only to externals? All the obligations of conformity to the divine ordinan- ces, all the arguments which prove the connexion between public wor- ship and the morals of a people, combine to urge the adopting somej speedy measures, to provide for the public ministry in these churches. )ted to tho state f ' by Dr. White, h. cleii general ves- er, (the minister t rinancnt president 30 appointed by t! iiitual, particukiil -is to inclui] 1,- piobution of episco- le succession as suoi carry the plan in/') 15. te, " that the ver 'or another ; let tl tt, or in plain Eiig' :)ri(i[inal, an oversea he powers annext either civil or ecck- jd in our catalogue ' was an immedial opal succession.- lip of God, and t!,: principal objects d re, with the hope ol ," continues Dr. ist's holy religion to ent generation shaW .hat relating on\y to the divine ordinan- Detween public wor- the adopting some I y in these churches. 'iiM 331 It' such as have been above recommended," [viz. ordination by tht: president clergyman, in conjunction with other clergymen, appointed liy the body,") "should be adopted, and the episcopal succession alter- wards obtained, any supposed imperfection of the intermediate ordina- tions might, if it were jiuhjed proper, be supplied, without acknowl- edijinrf their nuUitif, by a conditional ordination resembling that of con- ditional baptism in the liturgy-— /6. But if the "succession" had never been "afterwards obtained," there can be little doubt that Dr. White would have maintained the validity of the ordmations on his plan, without the succession. For, as \\p very justly argues in another place, " If even those who hold episcopacy to be of divine righ*;, conceive the obligation to it to be not biniling, when that idea would be destructive of public worship, much more must the\j think so, who indeed venerate and prefer that form, as the most ancient and eligible, but without any idea of divine right in the case This the author believes to be the sentiment of the great body of Episcopalians in America ; in which respect they have in their favor, uncncstionabbj the '-ense of th^ Church of England, and, as he tjelieves, tne opinions of her most distinguished prelates for piety, vir- tue, and abilit\eg." — lb. p. 25. To make any particular form of church government, though adopted by the apostles, unalteiv.bly binding. Dr. White maintains, " it must be shown enjoined in positive i;)recept." — lb. He remarks farther, "that Dr. Calamy having considered it as the sense of the church," [of England,] "in the preface to the oidinal, that the three orders were of divine appointment, and urged it as a reason for nonconform- ity ; the bishop [Hoadly] with evident propriety, remarks, that the service pronounces no such' thing ; and that therefore Dr Calamy cre- ated a difficulty, where the church had made none ; there being * some difference,' says he, * between these tvro sentences— bishops, priests, and deacons, are three distinct orders in the church, by divine appoint' ment, and — frmn the apostle^s time there have been in Christ's church bishops, priests, and deacons.' " — " The same distinction," says Dr. White, " is accurately drawn, and fully proved by Stillingfieet in the Irenicum." — lb. p. 22, and note. ♦Now," continues Dr. White, " if the form %[ church gOYtrnBCBt It '^il ■ I I- 1 ill ' - 1 /i:, *•*<( rn (332 Im. rests on DO otlicr foundation, than ancient an J apostolical practice^ iti iitfmbly submitted to consideration wiiellier Episcopalians will not I thought scarcely dvscrviuy the name of Christiims, should they, rathe: than consent to a teniporary deviation, abundon every ordinance' ['* positive and divine appouitinent." — lb. The reader will j)!cast; to observe, that at the period when tl Methodist Episcopal Church was organized, if we had not acted ii; dependently of the allt;ged apostolical succession, we must ntcessai, ly, for a long time at all events, have abandoned ordinances of jn sitive and divine appointment. iMr. Wesley, also, as it had bee, proposed to desire the English bishops to ordain part ol our preacher for America, expressly states, 1. " 1 desired the iiishop ot Lon(io:i to ordain one only, but could not prevail. 2. If they consented, \v know the slowness of their proceeding; but the matter admits of [. delay." Dr. White was of the same opinion, in relation to the Epi- copal churches; and was in favor of carrying his plan of ordinatio; without waiting for the Episcopal succession," into immediate ''c;. ecution." " ]3ishop Iloadly says, 'The acceptancn pf reordlnallon by the di.- scnting ministers, would not be a denial of that right, which i^astLti conceived j presbyters had to ordain.''^ — Ih. p. 23. The learned Hooker also admits, that in '• f^e exigence of necessi' ty^^^ ov'^the necessity of the prcsent,^^ episcopal ordination, in it' line of succession, is not indispep««^le. Ecclesiastical Policy^ bod 7. sec. 14. ♦'Had Mr. Hookci,'; says Dr. WHiite, (p. 26,) "been asked fj define * exigence of necessity^'' could he have imagined any more ur- gent tliRn the case in question?" — the case of the Episcopal cnurches in this country at that time. — *' Or, had he been enquired of con- cerning the ' necessities of present times,'' could he have mentioned any in the cases to which he alludes (those of Scotland and Geneva) so strongly pleading for the liberty he allows, as thoss now existing in America .?" — at the period of writing and establishing that pampb- f •: Jet. The reader has only to change the name, and the just and so- lid argumentation of Dr White is as exactly applicable to the case of 5' the Methodist societies in America, at that period, as to "the case fjf tb?. Episcopal churches.*' (stollcul practice, it , copalians will nut I IS, should Ihey, rathe: 1 every ordinance ' le period when t! ^ kve had not acted ii, , we must ntcessai. ed ordinances of jn^ also, as it had bet part ol our preache; le Oishop ot Loin; they consented, w matter admits of rehiilon to the Eph' > plan of ordinatio; nto immediate *'c;. rdlnatlon by the (! nyht, which ^as t! i3. exigence of necesM al ordination, in ih' astical Pollcij, hoi\ 6,) " been asked to agined any more ur- Episcopal cnurcbes n enquired of con-1 he have mentioned jtland and Geneva) those now existing jlishing that pampb- 1 nd the just and so* I hcable to the case of )d, as to*' the cas« 333 ''What necessity was there ?" continued Dr. White, " of the *re* fiormcd churches abroad' equal to ours ? Is not an iinwcdia/c mita- ???V/j of (he ancient usage ^ impracticable V Would not such a plan s lias been proposed," (viz. ordination by a clergyman chosen as a permanent president, in conjunction with others appointed by the bo- yt) " be conforming, as far as circumstances will allow, to our ,deas of the apostolic model." — lb. p. 27. After quotiug archbishops sher and Ciatnmer, with the highest eulogies, in support of this Ian, Dr White thus concludes the argument. •'On the credit of the prec*iding names, the author rests this the ast part of his subject ; and it his sentiments should meet with an nlavorable reception, he will find no small consolation from being in company so respectable." — lb. p 2y. — fc>o say we j especially luce we have now added the name of Dr. White. More than forty ears have elapsed since the publication of that pamphlet, 'yet we are ut aware that it has ever been retraced. Jt it had been, we pre- 8uuie that some nonce would have been given of it in the new edition r^ust publ.j^aed, in ihe life time of the bishop, and at the place of his wn resi i'ljce. And, in any case, we might well sa) of this pro- iPuction, as Dr. White so oppositely remaiked ot felilUngUett's he- icum ; — it would be "easier retracted than rejuted.^^ Section 111. — Mr. \Vcsley'*s Opinion. " As to my own ju igtuent," says Mr. Wesley, 1 still believe the piscupal form vi' a churcij government to be scriptural and apostolical. mean, well agreeing with ihp practice and writings ol the apostles. ut that it is prescnbeu in fcicnpture, 1 do not believe. This opinion, which I once zealously espoused, 1 have been heartily ashamed of, ever since 1 read iii.shop ISlillingfleet's Irenicum- 1 think he has un- ai^swerably proved, that neither Christ nor his apostles prescribed any particular form of church government; and that the pleaof ■'*v il ' .f; lir ii 334 ernment;" anu, on the other, as decidedly against the high churciil pretensions. The above extracts will also serve to show the opinion which tha!| great master of logic entertained of Stillingfleet's Irenicum. Section IV. — Ordination- With the preceding principles and authorities before us, it only rt mains to consider the origin and force of ordinatiou, and we sha. then be prepared to enter into an examimUioii ot the original organ: zation of the Methodist Episcopal Church. " Their custom of ordination," st. •'iDr. Stillinjrfleet, '•' was ev! denlly taken up by the Christians from a correspondency to the syna- gogue.-— That under the synajrojrue was done bv layins; on of hand; — A two-(oId use I find of this symbolical rite, besides the solemn df. signation of the person on whom the hands are laid. The first is:)i denote the delivery of the person or thinp; thus laid harids upon, !: tiie right, use, and peculiar service of God. — The second end of lt(| laying on tlie hands, was the solemn invocation of the Divine prt' sence and assistance to be upon and with the person upon whomt-i hands were- thus laid. — Thence in all solemn prayers, wherein ac; person was particularly desiojned, thev made use of this custom;: imposition of hands From which custom Autjustine speaks, Qhh, (iliiid est inanuum impositio iiisi oratio super hommcmV [VVbatj imposition of hands but prayer over a man .''] " Thence when Jac; prayed over Joseph's children, he laid his hands upon them ; so wiiei; Aloses prayed over Joshua. The ))ractice likewise our saviour ml in blessing children, healinpr the sick, and the apostles in conferin^j the gifts of the Holy Ghost ; and from thence it was conveyed in' the practice of the primitive church, who used it in any more solenr,. invocation of the name of God in behalf of any parUcular persons. - But the most solemn and peculiar use of this imposition of hamls among the Jews, was in the designing of any persons for any p^^'i*^ employment among them. Not as though the bare imposition o] hands did confer any power upon the person — but with that ceremony upon them. — This custom being so generally in use among the Jewi in the time when the apostles were sent forth, with authority for g^* thering and setthng the churches, we find them accordingly making 335 '■*»■■' V : nst the high churcii p opinion which tha. ; Irenicum. jefore us, it only rt- atto)h a"f^ ^'^'^ s^^ tbc original organ! lingrflcet, *' was ev; )ii(lency to the sym liiyincr on of han i^ asides the solemn d: aid. The first is;: laid hands upon, ! le Sf'cond end of t ■ 1 of the Divine pr prson upon whom: ayers, wherein ; ise of this ciiston jstine speaks, (^ minemV [What:; Thence when Jac; jpon them ; so wiif.. ise our saviour use: apostles in confenn^ was conveyed in^: in any more solemi'. particular persons. - HTiposition of hamls ersons for any p"^'^*^ hare impositm oj ; with that ceremony ase among the Jews yith authority for ^a- accordingly makin Wuse of this, accordincr to the former practice, cither in any more ao- %lnnn invocation of the pressnce of God upon any persons, or dc- ,s}f/nation and appointing them for any peculiar service or function. :J^For we have no jrround to think that the apostles iiad any peculiar [command for laying on their hands upon persons in prayer over them, lor ordination of them. But the thinp^ itself being enjoined them, viz. Ithe setting apart some persons for the peculiar work of attendance [upon the necessities of the churches by them planted, they took up [and made use of a laudable rite nnd custfim, thfn in use upon such joccasions. And so we find the apostles using it in the solemn desio-- Ination of some persons to the oflice of deacons: — afterwards upon an jccasion not heard of in the synajjogue — lor the confering the gifts [of the Holy Ghost. But althouj^h the occasion was extraordinary, ^vet the use of that rite in it was very suitable, inasmuch as those ;ifts did so much answer to the Holy Spirit, " which the Jews con- :eivcd did rest upon those who were so ordained by impoition of Viands. The next time we meet with this rite, was upon a peculiar designation to a particular service of persons alreadif appointed by God for the icnrk of the ministry, which is of Paul and Barnabas by iSthe prophets and teachrrs at Antioch ; whereby God doth set forth [the use of that rite of ordination to the Christian churches." Iren. (pp. 264-271. ♦' Ordiiiation is the solemn setting apart of a person to some public ichurch odice." Westminister Assembly of Divmes, examined and approved by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. — Neal, vol. V. p. 357 — appendix Mr. McCain has taken pains to show that the vaii I i^-' t, I G36 fPMV- It ik? '* dui form of ordination." Chap. i. sec. 4, quest. 2. And this an- swer shows both the. good sense of those who framed it, and their ac- quaintance with ancient ecclesiastical usage. For, as vjtillingflcei above quoted, says, " Great probability there is, that where churchc? were planted by presbyters," (as the Methodist Episcopal Churcl was,) ** upon the increase of churches and presbyters, they did froi among themselves, choose one to be as the bishop ovor them. — For we no where read in those early plantations of churches, that when there icere pri'shyters alrpndy, they sent to other churches to desire episcopal ordination from them.^"^ It is also in exact accordance wit! the practice of the church of Alexandria, which would not suffer the in- terference of foreign churches in consecrating their bishops, and o; which the patriarch Eutychsus, as quoted by Stillingfleet, ** expressh affirms, that the twelve presbyters constituted by Mark, upon the va- cancy of the see, did choose one out of their number to be head ove; the rest, and the other eleven did lay their hands upon him, and bless- ed him, cind made him patriarch." When Mr McCain asserts, that "neither are the ordinations wLici he" (Mr. Wesley) " conferred, viewed by writers among the Englisi Methodists — as favoring our title of Episcopacy," he stops short i the phraseology used by the very writers whom he quotes. Tbeii language is — " He" [Mr. Wesley] ** gave up episcopal ordination a? understood by high churchmen '''* So do we. And so does our Dis- cipline, clearly and unequivocally. Section V. — Ordination of Dr. Coke. Having thus cleared our way, we shall now take up the ordinatior. of Dr. Coke. "If," says Mr. McCain, "Mr. Wesley ordained Dr. Coke a bishop, in the common acceptation of that term, tnen did he create a churcli officer greater than himself, and of consequence he brought himself into subjection to Dr. Coke, h\ making the doctor his superior." Ag^iri; " If the doctor was constituted a bishop," [in the common acceptcAim o^//ic /erm," is here dropped,] " he was raised to a rank above a presbyter, and invested with superior powers. In that case be that sent was greater than he that sent him" — and " then, Mr Wesley, \vho was only a presbyter, and consequently inferior to a bishop, as- % *«>,:| I. Anii this au- d it, and their ac- r, OS otillingflce; at wheve churches Episcopal Churcl j r8, they did froa ovor tliem. — Fc; urches, that when ;hurchcs to desirt t accordance wit! Id not sufler the in- ir bishops, and c gfleet, ** express':} lark, upon the va. zr to be head eve: pon him, and bless- le ordinations •whicl 5 among the Englisi he stops short ci] he quotes. Theit scopal ordination as | nd so does our Dis- "Joke. up the ordination Dr. Coke ablshopH create a churclil brought himself into 1 luperior." A^'^'nii ommm accepfcAmi a rank above a that case he thatj en, Mr. Wesley, i )r to a bishop, as- 337 sumed the prerogative to send his superior to do a work, in his name, whicl. he himself could not go to do." — And again ; — " If the Doctor, by the imposition of Mr. Wesley's hands, is created a bishop, then the objection of the bishop of Norwich lies in full force — * If a presbyter can ordain a bishop, then the greater is blessed of the less,' " &c. We have already seen what Mr. McCain represents to be " the common acceptation" of the term bishop, (which, by the way, we have shown is 7Wt the common acceptation,) viz. an order of ministers dis- tinct from presbyters by divine appointment ^ to whom the power of ordination is reserved by the same appointment j and is the chief mark of their distinction; — and in whom, as successors of the apostles, is vested the exclusive right of granting the divine commission to exe- cute the ministerial office. — Now if Mr. Wesley ordained Dr. Coke in no such sense ; — if he pretended to no such thing : — if neither our bishops nor the Methodist Episcopal Church, have never pretended to any such thing, — what then ? Why then it follows that all the smart saynfe on this transaction, which have been repeated and copied from my ^ iishop of Norwich down to the last copiest, are wholly wide oi the mark, and are shaken both from Mr. Wesley and from us, as "the lion shakes to air the mists shed on his mane." — They may serve to mislead the ignorant, and such as may be captivated by sound more than by sense But as to the argument they are perfectly nuga- tory. — If, says Dr. Whitehead and Mr. Moore, Mr. Wesley's posi- tion be true, that bishops and presbyters arp the same order, the bishop of Norwich should have first overthrown the position, if he could, to have established his own. But, says Mr. McCain, "as Mr. Wesley and Dr. Coke were of the same order, — the doctor had as good a clerical right to ordain Mr. Wesley a bishop, as Mr. Wesley had to ordain the doctor." — Af a clerical right ; — he seems to have felt here that his argupi' lame. He knows well that the true question is not as ♦• ' ^ clerical power of ordination, abstractly; but wheth stances then existing, as to acknowledged jurisdi^^^* '*^^* ^ union of cy nfthe times, Dr. Coke had as good a right t^ oVf^Episcopal Church, Wesley to superintend the American Methodists, , .^ ., J ^ , . , , , . the propoBal to John to summon a council, and to ordain and send him. i^ced it to writing, E £ iCrr *. p. m .'I, N.i' fl it; • ''i^--- ", •Ml' " If '•ir:ii ■* m .^ M: .p ^ 1;;;>-. o3v9 was so regarded by the Methodists of that day ,> either in Europe or iu America. The Methodist society in America, although under the spiritual direction of the Rev. Joh* Wesley, and his assistants, whom under God they regarded as their father and founder, yet, previously to the revolutionary war, vrere religious societies within the Church of Eng- land, without any provision among themselves for the administration of the ordinances From that church they were separated, let it be care- fully observed, not by any schism oifactiont or any species of miscon- duct on their part ; but by the acts of Providence, and by circumstan- stances wholly beyond their control. The church of England had ceased to exist, in America, and the Methodists here were absolutely compelled either to provide for themselves, or to live in neglect of the positive ordinances of Christ. Their case was clearly that of " the exigence of necessity," agreeably to Hooker hiaaself ; and most unde- niably so agreeably to the principles then advocated by Dr. White.-— Our societies had suffered long, as sheep without shepherds. They had endured the privation of the ordinances till the patience of many had been exhausted, and a serious disunion was threatened ; if not dis- solution. A portion of the preachers and societies in the south had re* solved on measures for the administration of the ordinances among thenr»selves. This step was strenuously resisted by the conference which met in Baltimore in 1780. That conference unanimously dis- approved of the measures adopted by their brethren in Virginia, and re- solved that they would not regard them as Methodists in connection with Mr. Wesley, till they came back ; and Francis Asbury,!. Freeborn Garrettson, and William Watters, were appointed a committee to at- tend the Virginia conference, and inform them of these proceedings, 4^d receive their answer. On that occasion Mr. Asbury exerted his officer ifl'*®^^*^ to effect are-union, and, in conjunction with his col- subjectionPP.i^y succeeded. The proposal by which it wad accom- " If the doctftFjQtdiscussion and distress, originated vfith him. (See of the term,''' is hef^to J. O'Kelly, p. 8, and Lee's History, p. 73.) presbyter, and in'-**^ should consent to bear their privations yet sent was greater tl , , , , . ^. „ 1 1 iavs this proposal was made "by one of their own party. ^ho was only ^^^^^y i^ explained by Mr. Snethen in his " Answer to J. « JSJ' *' r ■ \ ■«•»*.. r in Europe or iu 339 longer ; — to write to Mr. Wesley and lay their situation before him, and to take his advice. This proposal was agreed to ; — a division was prevented ; a happy union was restored ; and the preachers departed with thankful hearts, to persuade the people to unite with them in long forbearance. Yet it was not till several years after this ; — nor till the church of England in America was confessedly extinct by the acknowledgment of our independence, and all hope of supplies from that quarter, in any reasonable time, if ever, had utterly failed, that Mr. Wesley resolved on the adoption of the measures which, from his relation to the Metho- dists (under the true head of the church,) and their urgent solicitations, he had long before believed him^-elf fully authorized to adopt ; but which, for peace* s ike he had many years forborne. On the same principle, /or /)eace' sake, he had desired the bishop of London to or- dain only one preacher for America, but could not prevail. Driven to this extremity, with all his societies and preachers in America, he sum- moned a council of grave and pious presbyters. These were in con- junction with liim, our body of presbyters., and .with their advice he acted. The venerable Fletcher was one of tlie council, though not present at the subsequent ordiiidiioi^s. Mr Wesley's scruples were now ended, and he reselved, with the aid of other presbyters, to exer- cise that authority to which he believed himself called by the Provi- dence of God, and by the " necessities of the times.^^ — Now if the episcopacy ot the church ot England, (and consequentlv of the Protes- tant Episcopal Church in this country,^ rest on no other foundation than ancient and apostolic jjraciice, we humbly submit, (in language similar to that of bishop White on another occasion,) whether the Methodists would scarcely been deserving the name of Christians, if rather than consent to a temporary for even to a permanent) deviation from that line of episcopacy, they had abandoned every ordinance of positive and divine appointment. Bishop White states, as quoted by Mr. McCain, that a union of the Methodists in this country with the Protestant Episcopal Church, O'Kelly's vindication. "—Mr. Asbury, originally made the proposd to John Dickins, to whom Mr. Watters alludes. John Dickins reduced it to writing, andproposed it to the conference. v " t ■.M:'<1 ': t k I 1 •■ Hi' 11 t. •J 340 -v ■ t» p^P( i;l!' :*/!( m was proposed by Dr. Coke in 1791, the terms of which, on the Doc- tor's part as stated by bishop White, all will admit, were sufficiently humble. Why did that proposal fail ? It is stated, on the same au> thority that it failed in consequence of the proceedings of the conven- tion of the Protestant Episcopal Church, before whom the subject was laid in 1792. The Rev. Dr. Wyatt of Baltimore published in 1820, a similar statement. If this statement be correct, then the responsibil- ity for the rendering of our deviation from that line of episcopacy per- manenty rests on them. The proposed union by which our " temporary deviation" might have been cured, according to Dr. White's plan of conditional ordinances, on the principle of conditional baptisms, was rejected by them. Is it then, for themy now to reproach us with this deviation, which had been adopted, clearly, in the "exigence of neces- sity," and which thei/y as much as in them laid, thus contributed to render permanent. This would be both cruel and unchristian. It is not, we think, in the power of the acutest disputant to impugn the ground on which we stand without equally impugning that assumed by Dr. White, in "The case of the Episcopal churches considered." Nor to refute this, without refuting that. VVe shall have occasion to advert again to the statement respecting Dr. Coke's proposals to bish- op White, and shall only add here, that, from what we have «5aid, it must plainly ap])ear that the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church, uttords no color ot pretext or of countenance, to any leaders or authors of schism, faction, disorganization, or disunion. The proceed- ings of " our lathers" partook of no such character. Nor can the pre- cedent of their example be pleaded by the instigators, or abettors, of any such disorders. ••' />> . ''. «• EpiskopoSy (Greek,) — episcopus, (Latin,) — a bishop, or overseer. The Hebrew paked, as the Greek episkopusy — whence the Anglo- Sax- on bischopy and our English word bishop, — is any man that lath a charge and office for any business, civil or ecclesiastical. It is denVed from epiy super y and skop€in,intenderey — superintendercy to superintend- And hence siipertendenty from the Latin is of precisely the same im- port as bishop from the Greek. " Inter presbuterony tamen, et Epis- kopony hoc interest: presbuteroSy nomen est ordinis: EpiskopoSy no- men in illo ordine officii." [Between bishop and presbyter there is m * I,. \i. ' n our " temporary t 341 nevertheless this diflerence. Presbyter is the name of an order. Bish- 3 op is the name of an office in that order.] See Leigh's Cntica Sacra. % Originally, " the name episkopoij [bishops,] given " to the gov- ernors of the church under the gospel," was *♦ a name importing duty more than honor; and not a title above presbyter.'^ Irenicum, p. 286. ' - ■ ■-■■' " V" We say, then, with a certain author, that '' intelligent Christians, before they either vindicate or vilify a simple name, will inquire into its precise signification." We have done so with regard to our term bishop. And the enquiry conducts us to the conclusion, that it may be vindicated,' but cannot be justly vilified. The following extracts of a letter from the late Rev. and venera- ble Wm. Watters, will shed light on the use of the terms, among us, assistant, superintendent and bishop. *'My Dear Brother, <• That there should be those who through prejudice think the Me- z**^ tliodists, since they have had bishops among them,are quite a different people, is not strange. But is it not strange that those who have known them from the beginning, should admit such a thought, till they have investigated the matter thoroughly ? All must know that names do not alter the nature of things. We have from the begin- ning had one among us who has superintended the whole work. At first this person was solely appointed by Mr. Wesley, and called the general assistant ; at a time when there were none but European preachers on the contment. But why was the name of general as- sistant ever changed ? All that will open their eyes may know why. The Methodists in England and America formerly did not call them- selves a particular church ; but a religious society in connection with different churches, but mostly with the: Episcopal Church. After the revolutionary war, the Episcopal clergy became very scarce, and in far the greatest number of our societies, we had no way of receiving the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper. It was this that led many of our preachers, as you well know, to take upon them the administration of the ordinances. Mr. Rankin, who was our first general asiistant, after staying the time ih this country he came for, returned home. This was at a time • when we had no intercourse ■ 4^r 1^- r'T * i\ V iKi n 4 'ih >::I.f •l 34i2 with England, and Mr. Asbury, the only old preacher that determine ed (in those perilous times) to give up his parents, country and all his natural ponnect ions, was finally and unanimously chosen by the preachers (assembled in conference) our general assistant. He con- tinued such until the year 1784, when the Doctor came over, and not only the name of general assistant was changed to that of superin- tendent, but we formed ourselves into a separate church. This change was proposed to us by Mr. Wesley, after we had craved his advice on the subject ; but could not take effect till adopted by us ; which was done in a deliberate formal manner, at a conference called tor that purpose : in which there was not one dissenting voice. Eve- ry one of any discernment must see f'-om Mr. Wesley's circular let- ter on this occasion, as well as from every part of our mode of church government, that we openly and avowedly declared ourselves episco- palians ; though the doctor and Mr. Asbury were called superintend- ents. After a few years, the name from superintendent was changed to bishops But from first to last, the business of general assistant, superintendent or bishop, has been the same ; only since we have become a distinct church, he has with the assistance of two or three elders, ordained our ministers ; whose business it is to preside in our conferences ; and in case of an equal division on a question, 'he has the casting vote ; but in no instance whatever he has a negative, as you are told. He has also the stationing of all the travelling preachers under certain limitations. Which power as it is given him by the ge- neral conference, so it can be lessened, or taken from him at any time the conference sees fit. (*) But while he superintends the whole work, he cannot interfere with the particular charge of any of the preachers in their stations. To see that the preachers fill their places with pro- priety, and to understand the state of every station or circuit, that he may the better make the appomtment of the preachers, is no doubt, no small part of his duty ; but he has nothing to do with receiving", censuring, or excluding members ; this belongs wholly to the sta- tioned preacher and members." Memoirs f p 103. (*) As our General Conferences were originally constituted, they possessed the power of our whole body of ministers. Whatever the powers of the pre- sent delegated General Conference are spoken of in this work, it is of course to be understood agreeably to the priDciplos of the respective limitatioos. 1» ¥^0 i4 J"« \fi 313 ■ . But the question here recurs, Have we authority from Scripture, c»r primitive usage, for such a practice ? We think we have. In Acts xiii, 1-3, we have the following account of the consecration of Barnabas and Saul : — " Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain propli'ts and teachers ; as Barnabas, and Simeon that Avas called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Maii^.en, which had been brought up vMth Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they mi- nistered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work whereunto I have called them And when they had tasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent thefn away." * Whatever may be said of the peculiar work and office o( Barnabas, none can question the apostleship of Saul, afterwards called the apoS' tk Paul, and that as such, he held a rank superior to th« elders ; Luid yet he was ordained to this office by those who are here called "prophets and teachers," neither of whom has ever been ranked among the apostles. Tie undeniable inference is, that in the apostol- ic days, the inherent right of ordination was in the body of elders, as it is most manifest th;it neither of those who assisted in the conse- cration of St. Paul was higher in office than that of an elder. And jas these holy men or-iained Paul and Barnabas, and sent them away to plant and organi/.o other churches in Seleucia, Cyprus and Salamis, verses 4-5, so Wesley and other elders of the English Church ordain- ed Dr. Coke as a superintendent, and sent him away, •'commended I by the grace of God," to organize a church in the wilds of America. The resemblance indeed is striking, and indicates somethmg more than "mere human contrivance." That T'iijothy exercised an authority over the elders, we have al- ready seen ; and yet he, it seems, was ordained by them ; for the apostle says to him, '* Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the pres- bytery," 1 Tim. iv, 14. It is true, that in the second epistle, ch. i, 6, the apostle exhorts him to " stir up the gift of God, which is ia thee by the putting on of my hands" These two passages may be reconciled either by supposing that the apostle himself ordained Timo- thy first to the office of a deacon,— which is according to the practice * ,' ■•, . 1 .;'i^ 'i: ' 'M 1 '11 $ '*W, < '■ 344 -I A r » iiliiir now in an episcopal churcli,-^n(l that he was afterwards ordalneJ i, the ofTice of an elder by the presbyters ; or, that the apostle assisted, as president of the college of presbyters, at th*^- ordination of Timothy to his peculiar work as an evangelist. That the right of ordination was originally inherent in the body ci elders, and that they exercised it in the manner we have supposed namely, to create a superior officer, is also manifest from the following quotation: — ** Eutychius, the patriarch of Alexandria, saith in his Ori- (fines Ecclesice Alexandrian:-:■" -1 'I *:w 1 346 ■a- Tt;!- un«l most influential men then in the connection. Surely no man eve; had a fairer, or a more plausible opportunity than Mr. Asbury thee had, to organize and to place himself at the head of the Methodis; Church in America, independently of JMr. Wesley. Yet it was he who, with tho late venerable Watters, Garrettson, and others, res> lutely remained in connection with Mr. Wesley ; and rested not lij by his indefatigable labors the whole of the seceding bbty were broug^! back, to await and to abide by Mr- Wesley's advice. And this the same man, who, after his death, is now charged with the vilesi disssimulalion and hypocrisy, and with violating the obli<',;ilions botho: *' honor" and of ♦' truth," for the sake of organizing a church, sepj rate from and independent of Mr. Wet.ley, with liiniself at its head,i: conjunction with another! ])r. Coko was appointed and set apart by Mr. Wesley, aideiUv other presbyters, as a general superintendent of the American Mett oiJisls. In that character he was unanimoushj nceivet: by the Amei; can conference, and with their consent was to exercise f piscnpal pw ers among them, and to act as bisliop, though called :i superintender; Mr. Asbury was unanimously chosen by the some conference, to a general superintendent conjointly with Dr. Coke. He was first o/' dained deacon and elder, and then superintendent, agreeably to tkj unanimous voice of the conference, by Dr. Coke, a presbyter ot ih Church of England, and Richard Whatcoat and Thomas Vasey, \s\& had been previously ordained presbyters by Mr. Wesley, Dr. Coke, and Mr. Creighton, presbyters of the Church of B^ngland, with tlif assistance of Mr. Otterbine, a presbyter of the German Reformei Church. The intention of the conference was, that Mr. Asbury also shoulil exercise episcopal powers, and act as a bishop, though to be cilled a superintendent : and the church was then, and thenceforth, called th« Methodist Episcopal Church. But if there be any law, divine or human, prohibiting or proscribing such an episcopacy, let it be produced. Let the edict itself be shown and let not any man think us impertinent if in demanding the produc- tion of it, we require that the terms of the edict be very express anij positive. • f irely no man evei jr. Asbury thee of the Methoiik; Yet it was and others, res> nd rested not IC )0{.y were brougli' ice. And this is id with the vilesi Dbli'futions botho: r a church, sep: self at its head, kVesley, aided U American Meti/| ^ed by the Ameii' ise episcopal pcwl :t super intenderJ c confiirence, tol He was first orJ agreeably to l!i: presbyter ot tb| 3nnas Vasey, vii esley, Dr. Cokej Ingland, with M ermau Reformcil 347 If this matter be pressed still farther, we then insist that tho unani* lous election and appointing of the first Methodist bishops was of it- self sufficient, in the circumstances then existing, to constitute a valid Episcopacy, according to the judgment of Archbishop Cranmcr, and [hose divines who concurred with him, as stated by Stillingfleet. And Ihose who luriintaiii that any other authority was indispensable to its 'gitimacy, produce th(Mr warrant. And let them remember beforehand Jiat we are not to be governed by tradition. If it be objected that those proceedings took place among the preach- Irs only, we answer : This was undeniably in accordance with the Iriginal principle on which the Methodist societies had been gath'^ ed, |nd united by the preachers, who determined on wiat principle* ot dis- ipline and of administration they would devote tliem??lvef to take iharge of, to guide, and to serve, those who, upon these /nnciplr'^, hose to place themselves under their care, and especially upon w t Principles they could feel themselves at liberty to administer to ;iiem le ordinances.. If there were any law of God, or man, making this " illegitimate," Inlawful, on the part of the preachers, let this edict also be produced, the days of *' the /a/Aers" and of the /ounrfer* of Methodism, at all Ivents, both in Europe and in America, we hazard the ar-sortion that lese were princijjlcs recognized and acquiesced in by the Methodist people also. That ir necessarily follows, however, from these premi- js, that any modification of this system, in all after time, and in any lange of circumstances, is absolutely precluded, is what we do not lere mean to say. Nor is that a fitld into W i; '; our present subject jequires us at all to enter. But leaving out of view, for the present any circumstances which light be collected of tho divine approb?** >n of the proceedings of the ponferenceof 1784, from the great and signal blessings which followed ipon the labors af the preachers, and the special prosperity of the work ^rom that time, we will conclude this part of our subject with an argu- ment, which, with some ot our opponents perhaps, may have more reight. We maintain, then, that the proceedings of that conference in or- ganizing th«, " Methodist.Episcopal Church," with general superinten- ( f > i \ ' <. I •'ti'!' r ' ^ 1 t! ¥>■ >i^ 348 ■:3t W'llll!|i IV IP !■• 4 M 330 In addition to the abovo treatise, it may perhaps be admissible to iasert accompanied wilh some appropriate remarks, an extract from a letter written by Mr. Wesley to bishop Asbury, containing some re- proofs to the latter, for what Mr. Wesley considered, to be a devia- tion from that simplicity and plainnesss, which they professed to prac- tice and teach as methodist preachers. From this passapre it has been assiduously urged, by dissenting meth- odists and others opposed to the Methodist Episcopacy, that Mr. Wesley never intended the church government of the methodist con- nection m America, to be Episcopal ; and that he highly disapproved of its organization as such To evince that Mr. Wesley gave those admonitions with no sucli view, and to show the true and only intent for which he gave them, we give the extract, accompanied with a few remarks from Mr. Moore, which will carry the point beyond a doubt. The extract is as follows; ** But m one point my dear brother, I am a little afraid both the Doctor^*) and yon differ from me. I study to be little ; you study to be great. I creep, you strut along. I found a school, you a college. (I) Nay and call it after your own names- O beware ! do not seel to be something. Let me be nothing, !*^^ Christ all and in all. *' One instance of this your greatness, has given me great concern, How can yon, how dare you suffer yourself to be called Bishop, I shudder, 1 start at the very thought. Men may call me a knave, or a fool, a rascal, a scoundrel, and I am content : but they shall nevei by my consent, call me Bishop. For my sake, for God's sake, fo! Christ's sake, put a full end to this. " Let the Presbyterians do what they please, but let Methodists know their calling better. Thus my dpir Franky I have told you all that is in my heart, ani let this, when 1 am no more seen, witness how sincerely I am your affectionate friend and brother." "John Wesley." Mr. Moore observes " With respect to the title of Bishop, 1 knovfl that Mr. Wesley enjoined the Doctor and his associates, and in thel (*) Dr. Coke. )t) dokesbuiy College twice burnt down "^ dissenting meth- ut let Methodists 351 most solemn manner, that it should not be taken. Mr. Wesley well knew the difference between the office and the title. He knew and lelUhe arduous duties and high responsibility, which attaches to the one, and the comparative nothingness of the other." But he observes further, *' The association in his mind, between the assumed title, and the display coni .-cted with it in the latter ages of the church, was too str..ng. He could not at that moment, separate the plain laborious Bishops of the American societies, where there is no legal establishment, from the dignified Prelates of the mighty Em- pire of Great Britain. But, he adds, " That our brethren who arc i:i that ofTioe, are true scriptural Bish- ops, 1 liavc no doubt at all ; nor do I wish that the title should be re- linquished, as it is grown into use, and is known by eveiy person in the United States to designate men distinguished only by tlieir simpli- city and abundant labors." " He well knew the difference between the title and the office.'''' Thoup^K hp. his'^ly s^proved of the '^^iice, as its being the most scriptu- ral as well as the most advantag'^ous, yet, he rejected use of the title because of the vuin " display connected with it." " The association in his mind between the assumed title and the ih>i,hy thereof, was too strong." He could not in conscience consent that it should be attached to the devout men, holding the office, and superintending the Methodist societies. The Methodist people and preachers were distinguished for their great simplicity and plainness, and their opposition to all needless show and unnecessary display, &c. ?nd therefore, to clothe the overseers of these societies with a title con- nected with such display, would in Mr. Wesley's view, have been quite inconsistent with the character already attached to the Methodist onusc. He therefore " enjoined that the title of Bishop should not be taken." But, (as says Mr. Moore) " he gave those Episkopoi, (Bishops) whom he had ordained the modest but highly expressive 'tt/c of Superintendents, and desired that no othe might be used." That in so doing he acted according to his own scriptural views on Hiat subject is manifest from his reply to his brother's sharp rebukes wherein he accuses him of ' acting as a Bishop.' Mr. Wesley does -ot pretend to deny the charge but Justifies his conduct by replying, r > ( i I J^ 352 ■m4: I: ^P I J '^ 1 firmly believe that I am a scriptural Episkopos [Bishop] as much as any man in England or Europe. For an uninterrupted succession I know to be a fable which no man can prore." If therefore he "firmly believed himself to be a scriptural Epis- Icoposy [Bishop] and if he ordained Dr. Coke as such, and sent mc to ordain Mr. Asbury to the same ofice, and directed that they a ^ joint Episkopoiy or superintendents, should preside over the Metho ■ '.list connection in North America," as was in fact the case, where can there be the least ground for any person to affirm, or even to sus- pect, that Mr. Wesley never designed that the government of the church about to be organized should be scripturally Episc opal ? Those superintendents, in obedience to Mr. Wesley's injunction, were for some years after the organization of the church, known only by the name which he had desired should be used. They at length consented, however, to the more scriptural name of Bishop ; being beyond the reach of the dignified display connected with that title in Europe, nnd in -^ <-oun«ry wher'> »( »-ra« «r>nl^ Itnown to designate men distinguished for their simplicity and abundant la- bours.' Mr. Wesley learning that they were called by this titlcj felt pro- bably that his authority, and desire, were not properly regarded ; and from the great distance betwixt him and them, together with the re- volution and change of adairs in America, he was doubtless unable to discern the proper impression conveyed by the term in this country ' He could not, fas quoted above j at that moment separate the plain laborious Bishops of the American Societies, where there is no legal establishment, Irom the dignified Prelates of (jlreat Britain.' He therefore wrote to Mr. Asbury a lellcr containing the above censures. In this Mr. Moore observes " he acted according to hi<; own rule : * Tell every one what you think wrong in him'." Notwithstanding these sharp censures, Mr. Asbury never lost hn attachment and veneration for Mr. Wesley's character: being confi- dent in his own mind, that Mr. Wesley received those impressions in a great degree, by the misrepresentations of some one or more persons opposed to his [Mr. Asbury 's] interest. And that he received erro- neous impressions in respect to both the Doctor and Mr. Asbury, is )' } iriptural Epis- 1, and sent mc •d that they a 5 irerthe Metho- he case, wlierc or even to sus- vernment of the Ipisc opal ? sley's injunction, church, known be used. They ptural name oi iisplay connected ,.as «r^nl^ l"'OWn and abundant la- 353 evident from what h6 says of their founding a college. "I found a School," says he, " you a College. Nay, and call it after your own names. » Now the truth is, relative to Cokesbury college, so called, it was no more than a classical school like that of Kingswood, founded by Mr. Wesley, although called " a college." And with regard to calling it after their own names, it did not originate with cither of them. The circumstance was this : The subject of naming it was brought before the conference : Some proposed calling it Coke's College and some Asbury*s College ; while others were lor having it New Kingswood. And in order to end the dispute, Dr. Coke observed, that they might unite the names of Coke and Asbury, and call it Cokesbury ; which was accordingly done by a vote of the conference. How different this iiom the impression conveyed in Mr. Wesley's letter. Now if the impressions Mr. Wesley received concerning so public an affair as a classical school, founded by the Methodist Superintend- ents, and the only one then in this country, were so foreign to the Inith of the affair, is it at all strange that he should also receive, and entertain incorrect views, of the conduct of those Superintendents res- pecting their " being called Bishops" ; and especially, with regard to the impression conveyed by that term in this country .'* If the enemies of Dr. Coke and Mr. Asbury would misrepresent the case of the school to Mr. Wesley, is it at all probable that they would neglect to employ their " title of Bishop" for the same infamous purpose ? And if so, it is no wonder that Mr. Wesley wrote as he did- Now from the above consideratipns is it not sufficiently clear, that it was Mr. Asbury's being called a Bishop instead of the being one which laid the foundation of this censure ? CHAPTER H. Cokesbury College — General progress of Religion with the notice of the yearly Conferences — Origin of Camp- Meetings «Sfc. From Dr. Coke's first arrival in America, when he viewed with |)leasmg anticipations the aspect of subsequent prosperity, which this branch of Zion seemed to assume, he had contemplated the erection of a semiaary of learning, for the advantage of the married preachers F f2 S r V t ()54 /'( i ■ , f/l! I?'-: U t , tfnd the Aiends in general of this growing Church. " Our object is not," he observes, " to raise go?;j>el ministers, but to serve our piou"! Iriends and our married preachers, in the proper education of their sons.'' To octomplish this ^^rand design, he, in co-operation with Mr. As- bury, appealed to the liberality of the people as they traversed the U. States, in attending to the funciions of their office as superintendents of the Church. Many, they found, who being pleased with the ob- ject, made generous contributions for that design. Many of the preach- ers in the circuits also, urged the propriety ot the plan, and used their eflforts in its promotion. Having thus made considerable preparation by obtaining funds, or- ders were given by the superintendents, for the materials for the con- templated building to be procured and brought to the spot. The place selected for this edifice, was on a lising eminence abon: (wentv-fivc miles from Baltimore. Four acres of land were embraced within the boundaries, for wliich was paid to a Mr. ])alium, sixh pounds sterling. " This situation" observes Dr. Coke, when review- ing the ground and adjacent scenery on a subsequent occa.^ion,," de- lights me more than ever. There is not, I believe, a point of it froir, whence the eye has not a view for at least twenty miles ; and in some parts the prospect extends even to fifty miles in length. The v/ate; forms one of the most beautiful views in the United States ; the Ches- apeake Bay in all its grandeur, with a fine navigable river, the Sus- q^iehanna, which empties itself into it, lying exposed to view throug!; a great extertt of country. Cokesbury College, so called, (for so it was named by the Confer- eucs) was in progress some years before its completion ; and was finaliy burnt down in 1792, having remained but about seven years from its first commencement. To exhibit the principles by which this institution was governed, n(^ need only present our readers with the catalogue of rules introduced for its regulation. They are as follows: 1. The students shall rise at five o'clock in the morning, summer and winter, at the ringing of a bell. 2. All the students shall assemble together at 6 o'clock for public I prayer, except in cases of sickness ; and on any omission shall be res- ponsible to the master* U' 335 J. From morning prayer till seven, they shall be allowed to recreate themselves, as hereafter directed. 4. At seven they shall brejikfast. 5. From eight till twelve they are to be closely kept at their res- j'.ective studies. . 6. From twelve to three they are to employ themselves in recrea- tion and dining; dinner to be ready at one o'clock. 7. From three till six, they are "again to be kept closely to their studies. 8. At six they sup. 0. At seven there shall be public prayers. 10. From evening prayer till bed -time, they shall be allowed rcc- jeation. 11. They shall all be in bed at nine o'clock, without fail. 12. Their recreations shall be gardening, walking, riding, and bath- ing without doors ; and the carpenter's, joiner's, cabinet-maker's, or turner's business within doors. 13. A large plot of ground shall be appropriated for a gard«n, and a person skilled in gardening shall be appointed to overlook the stu- dents, employed in their recreation. 14. A convenient bath shall be made for bathing. 15. A master, or some proper person by him appointed, shall be always present at the time of bathing. Only one shall bathe at a time^ and no one shall remain in the water above a minute. 16. No student shall be allowed to bathe in the river. 17. A place lor working in wood shall be provided on the premises, with all proper instruments and materials, and a skilful person be em** ployed to overlook the students at this recreation. ' 18. The students shall bo indulged with nothing which the world calls jilay. Let this rule be observed with the strictest nicety ; for; those who play when they are young, will play when they arc old. 19. Each student shall have a bed to himself wherever he boards. 20. The students shall lie on mattresses, not on feather beds ; be-r cause we believe the mattresses to be more healthful. 21. The masters shall strictly examine from time to time, whethec those who board the students (if they board out of the seminary) con- P^v with these rules, so far as they concern them. T ■, I I ■It '" • f! 356 i: 'i':^. f. 22. A skilful physician shall be enor:igeJ to attend the students on every emergency, that the parents may be fiilly assured, that prope: care shall be taken of the health of their children. 23. The Bishops shall examine by themselves, or their delegates. Tnto the progress of the students in learning, every half-year, or oftenei if possible. 24. The Elders, Deacons, and Preachers, as often as they visit the ikeminaries respectively, shall examine the students concerning thei> I ' . ■■Am y.^'M ■ .Hwm ■'' -vifl m ■1 (lyl ', .■:i||| lirT ^?i'- 1 I ' I- I 358 cults, were set to the right hand of the braclwit, which enclosed all the circuits and preachers of which he was to take charge This may be considered as the begining of the presiding elder's of. I fice ; although it was not known by that name at that time ; yet ii; the absence of a Superintendent f this Elder had the directing ofallthf preachers tliat were inclosed in the bracket against which his narriei was set. As soon as the conference in Baltimore was over, Dr. Coke saileii] for Europe. There was a great revival of religion this year in most parts of thel connection, both in the North and South. On tiie Eusttrn shore oil INIaryland, the work was great, and many souls were brought intothtl liberty ot the children otGod. In 1766, we liad three conferences. The sevcnteenlh conference) was held at Salisbury in North Carolina, on the 21 of Februarv The eigdleentli conference was held in Virginia, at liuno's chaj.el, ocl the 10 i]i\y of April. The nineteenth confertucc was held at Balti-I more on the 8 day of May. We admitted on trial twenty-three young pr» atliers. Seven hunl dred and ninety-one members were added to th- society. We had fi'.ty-si.x circuits this year, and one hundred and sixxeol travelling preachers, which was a good supply of laborers. Five circuits were also added, which were the following with the: I respective supply of preachers: Broad liivcr, Santce, Pee Dec, Nova- Scotia, Newark:, Stephen Johnson. Richard Smith. Jeremiah Mastin. William Black John Mann. John Dickins. This year we sent preachers to Kentucky for the first time ; Jam Haw and Benjamin Ogden went to that new settled country, an*! laboured with great success, and were prospered in their endeavors toj build up the redeemer's kingdom. They collected a good many so- cieties together in the course of that year; and many people in thel Western country will have cause to bless God for the coming of thosej preachers into that part of the world. 1 •■ ! 359 , Dr. Coke sailer M the conference at Lane's chappel in Virginia, there was a pro- posal made for pieachcns to go to Georgia; and if any felt tree- i!om to oflfer tliemsclvcs as missionaries for that service, they were requested to speak : several ptMsons offered, more than could be spar- ed. It was concludeti that two o ily should go, and Thomas Hum- phries, and John Majf)r, were accepted. They went forth in the name of the Lord, and were made a blessing to many of the iiihiibi- tants of Georgia. They formed a circuit up and down the Savannah river, and round by Little river, and the town of Washington; and in the course of that year they collected together and joined into so- ciety four hundred and fifty members. Mr. Major continued in Geor- gia about two years, and died in peace. This was a prosperous year with our societies ; many were added to «s, and joined among us ; and the work of the Lord revived in general where we labored, and in some places, souls, were gathered in by scores. Many of the old Christians took a fresh start, and the iioly fire kindled, and spread from heart to heart. In 1767, we had three conferences. The twentieth conference [was held at Salisbury, in North Carolina, on the 17 day of March. The twenty-first conference was held at Kough Creek church in Vir- ginia, on the 19 day of April. The twenty-second conference w:^s held at Baltimore on the I day of May. We admitted on trial thirty-four young preachers; and added to [the society seven thousand and eighty -two members, according to the minutes, but strictly speaking, we had an inciease of eight thousand five hundred and ninety-two members. In our minutes for the last year, we had taken in the n-> embers from Nova-Scotia and Antigua; but this year we left them oil', and did not take them into the numbers; and they amounted to one thousand five hundred and ten. This year ibrthe first time, the numbers in society were taken in each state se- iparately. - We had now sixty-five circuits in tho United States, and qne bun- Jred and thirty-one traveling preachers. The new circuits annexed with their respectire preachers, were a; I follows. i ', Burke, ' AugustO) Edisto, Bladen, Banks, Greenbrier, Williamsburgh, NoUechuckie, Kentuckey, Clarksburgh, Ohio, Batky Elizabeth Town, New Rochelle, 300 J«hn Major, Matthew Harris. Thumas Humphrus, M In this Disciplme there were thirty one sections, and sixty-three questions, with answers to them all. The third question in the second section, and the answer, read thus; Q. Is there any other business to be done in conference } A. The electing and ordaining of Bishops, Elders, and Deacons. This was the first tme that our superintendents ever gave then.- selves the title of Bishops in the minutes. They changed the title themselves, without the consent of the Conference ; and at the next conference, they asked the preachers if the word Bishop might stand ^n the minutes, seeing it was a Scripture name, and the meaning ol the word Bishop was the same with that of Superintendent. Some of the preachers opposed the alteration, and wished to retain the former title ; but a majority of preachers agreed to let the word Bishop remain ; and in the annual minutes for the next year, the lirs*' I s, and sixty-three 363 question is " Who are the Bishops of our church lor the I . States ?'" In the third section of this form of Discipline, and in tlie sixth page, it is said, " We have constituted ourselves into an Episcopal Church under the direction of Bishopsj Elders^ Deacons and Preachers, ac- cording to the lorm of ordination annexed to our prayer book, and the regulations laid down in this form of discipline. From thai lime the name of Bishop lias been in common use among us, botii in conversa- tion and in writing. The last section is as follows : '' As it has been frequent!}' recom- mended by the preachers and people, that such books as are wanted, be printed in this country, we tiierefore jU'opose — 1. That the advice of the conference sliall be desiifvJ conccinujg any valuable impression, and that tiieir consent be obtaiiiC'.'. btTo'. .'.ny steps be. taken for the printing thereof. 2. That the profits of the books, after all the necessary expenses are licfrayed, shall be applied, according to tlie discretion of the confer- ence, towards the college, the preacher's fund, thu «1ericie;xies of the preachers, the distant uassions, or the ilebts on our ch'nchci " From that lime wc began to print more ot our own books in the United States than we had done before ; wnd the piiucipid part of the printing busmesa was carried on in New-York. We luid a remarkable revival of religion this year. The heavenly flame spread greatly in various directions. iSucIi u time for the awa- Kcninoj and conversion of sinters was never seen before amon^ the Methodists in America. The greatest revival was in the south part fif Virginin, which began in July, and continued to prosper throughout the year. There was a remarkable revival of religion in the town of Peters- i'urg, and many of the inhabitants were savingly converted ; and old christians greatly revived. That town never witnessed before or since, •^uch wonderful displays of the presence and love of God in the salva- tion of immortal souls. Prayer meetings were frequently held both in the town and country, and souls were frequently converted at those niefitings, even when there was no preacher present; for the prayers -tnd exhortations of the members were greatly owned of the Lord, ilie most remt^rkable work of all was in Sussex and Brunswick 'i't'* f ,• I* '\'m r ., I r*P 364 Lircuits, where the meetings would frequently continue tor five or six hours together, and sometimes all night. At one quarterly meeting, held at Mabry's Chapel, in Brunswick circuit, on the 25 and 26 of July, the power of God was among the people in an extraprdtnary manner : some hundreds were awakened, and it was supposed that above one hundred souls were converted at that meeting, which continued for two days, i. e., on Thursday an' t^riday. Some thousands of people attended meeting at that place on that occasion. The next quarterly meeting was held at Jone's Chapel, in Sussex county, on Saturday and Sunday the 27th and 28th of July. This meeting was liivored with more of the divine presence than any otL-n' that had been known before. The sight of the mourners was enougl to penetrate the most careless heart. The divine power was felt a- mong the people before the preachers came toprether Many of th: voung converts from the quarterly meeting which had been i-eld tv/n days before, at Mabry's, had come together, and uniting with other christians in singing and praying, the heavenly fire had bejrun to kin- dle, and the flame of love and holy zeal was spreading among the peo- ple, which caused them to break out in loud praises to God. Sume. when they met would hang on each other, or embrace each other in their arms, and weep aloud, and praise the Lord with all tht'ir might.— The sijrht of those who were thus overwhelmed with the love and presence of God, would cause smners to weep and tremble before tlv Lord. By the time the preachers came within half a mile of the chapei. they heard the people shouting and praising God. When they carr.i up they found numbers weeping, both in the chapel and in the ope:i air. Some were on the ground crying for mercy, and others in exta- cies of joy. The preachers went among the mourners and encouraged them,-!'-' prayed with them. The private christians did the same. Seme vrot*' lying and struggling as if they wero in the agonies of death, cthfi'^ lay as if they were dead. Hund.'-eds of the believers were so ovei- .ome with the power of God, that they fell down, and lay helpless on ihe floor or the ground ; and some of them co':tinued in that helpless ior five or six in Brunswii k [ was among ere awakened, ; converted at Thursday and it that place on pel, in Sussex of July. This than any otli^^r ers was enougl; »wer was felt a- Many of the 1 been held tv'f^ ting with other id begjun to kin- T among the peo- to God. Some, ce each other in ill their might.— th the love anil emblc before tlv e of the chape: ^Vhen they cair.t and in the open d others in i^^'^' urao'od them,"'" me. Seme nv^^'' of death, cthp^^ irs were so over- bid lay helpless on d in that helple^^ 36ri i'ondilion for a ronsiderable time, and were happy in God beyond dcs • ription. When they came to themselves, it was generally with loud praises to God, and with tears and expressions, enough to melt tlie hardest heart. Th3 oldest saints had never belore seen such a time df love, and such displays of the power of God. The next e:c hiohlv favored ( Ihe Lord, and souls were awakened and converted. On Sundav the 14 of September, at 3 o'clock in tlie afternoon, Mi. Asbu: preached in Mr. Otterbein's church; and the people were general!' I solemn and much affected ; he then asked another preacher to pm and conclude : and whilst he was praying, an awful power was fc I among the people. Some of them cried out aloud. The prcaoliei went amons them, and encouraged the mourners to look to the Lon. and prayed with them; and in a little time there was such a nois<^ among them, that, many of the christian people were immeasurably frightened, and as there was no opportunity for them to escape at the door, many of them went out at the windovv^, hastening to their homes. The noise had alarmed hundreds of people who were not a'. the meeting, and they came running to see what was the matter, (i'l the house was crowded, and surrounded with a wondering multilude. In a short time some of the mourners lost the use of their limbs, ana| lay helpless on the floor, or in the arms of their friends. It was no: long before some of them were converted, and rose up with streairil ing eyes, giving glory to God that he had taken away their sin^ 360 r,ca and enlarge conJition of l)i was left out, aii our chnrrh f iarrettson was a;- ity of Ncw-Vorl ^a/^e Champlahi | traveled under hi'; ; wcrft brought t reds and thousan'.< I have cause to 1/ od among them i: , and many vrrrH liiohlv favored ( rtcd. On Suiulav loon, INIr- Asbur. )lo were general!' ,r preacher to pr:;i ful power was tV d. The prcaclie!^ look to the Lok. 1 was such a noisf vere immeasurably em to escape at the hastening to then )le who were notai' was the matter, d'' )ndering mullAude. of their limbs, ana lends. It was no: .se up with stream- In away their sin?. This meeting continued about two hours and a half, after the sermon was ended ; in which time about twenty persons professed to be con- verted. This day of the Lonl^s power will never be forgotten by many who were present. In 1789 we had eleven conferences, which were as follows: The thirtieth conference was held in Georgia on the 9 ot March. The thirty-first in Charleston, on the 17 of March. The thirty-second at M'Knignt's meeting house, on the Yaflkii. liver, in North Carolina, on the 11 of April. Thcthirty-tlrrd in Petersburgii, on the 18 of April. The thirty-fourth at Lecsburgh, on the 28 of Ajiril. The thirty-fifth in Baltimore, on the 4 of May, The thirty-sixth at Cokesburv on tho 9 of Mnv- The thirty-seventh at Chestertown, on the I'S of May. The thirty-eighth at Philadelphia, on (he 18 of May. The thirty-ninth at Trenton, new Jersey, on the 23 of May. Tiie fortieth in New-York, on the 28 of May. Several of these conferences were within thirty or forty miles ol ouch other ; which was pretty generally disliked ; but at that time [the. bishop had the right of appointing as many conferences as Ik! , thought proper, and at such tinus and places as ho judged best; bur since then, the general conference fixes the number of annual con- iKrence.s to be held in each year, having appointed the bounds of eacli !' them. At these conferences we took in fourteen new circuits and stations. In South Carolina two, one was called Bush Jiiver, and the other llUlle Pee Dee. In Nortii Cnvclina, one called Pamlico. In Virgi- nia two, Crecjisville^ind Boitcionrt- In Mary lunil, i?a///morc Toim, pvhicji was separated from the Baltimore circuit, and for the first time a^d a preacher stationed at the tow^n. In Delaware, Wilmington, I'U^tation, and anew circuit, called Milford. In New Jersey, one h.rcult was divided, the new part was called BurUngton. In New- lYork wState we had four new circuits, Newhmujh, Columbia^ Cocy- man^s Patent and Schenectady. We had one new circuit in Conrec- jticut, called Stamford, which was the first that was ever formed m rh^t state, or in any of the New England States. It was my lot t<> I -' 370 |S t. J./ go to lliat circuit alone anJ to labor by myself. (*) Another preacher was appointed to the circuit with me, hut he failed and never came, and I had to labor and suli'er alone amongst a stranj^e people. The following circuits were likewise annexed, of which Mr. Lee has not spoken. I copy tjiem from the minutes of that year, Chero- kee, Fells Point, Dover and Duck Creek, Broad River and Wcs* New River, which be mentions as being taken in the year before The supply of these circuits were as follows. CherokeCf John Andrew, Philip i\Iattht;vvs. Broad liiver, Michael Burdge, William McDowell. Hush River, William Gasaway. Little Pee Dee, Thomas Humphries, Lemuel IMoore. Pcmlieo, James Parks, ■ IJaltelourt, Henry Ogburn. fir ecus villi'., James Meacham. JhtitimareTown, John Hagerty. lY'lh Point, Thomas Foster. Milford, Thomas Jacksom, William RatclilTe. Dover &,- Duck } ^ , „ , y-, / } Jacob Brush. Creek, ^ Coeymanh Patent, John Crawford. Stamford, Jesse Lee, Andrew Van Xostrand. Schenectady, Lemuel Smith, Cornelins Cook. Ti'lllminrjton, William Jessup. Columbia, John Bloodgod, Samuid Wigton. Burlington, John McClaskey> William Jackson. We admitted forty-five young preachers on trial this year : we U ninety seven circuits, and added to the society 5011 members; wliici was a great increase. As some persons had complained of our receding froiri a former cii- gagemeni made by some of our prcacbers, that *' during the li/tf ^^\ Mr. Wesley in matters belonging to church government they woula obey his commands," and as others had thought that we did not pajj us much respect to Mr. Wesley as we ought ; the bishops introJucei a question in the annual minutes as follows : {•) Rev Jesse Lee. mectin 371 Q. Who are the perso.is that exercise tJte Episcopal office in the Methodiit church in Europe and America ? A. John Wesley, Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury, by regular order and succession. The next question was asked diflerently from what it had ever been in any of the former minutes, which stands thus : Q. Who have been elected by the unanimous snjfragvs of the (jcn- eral conference, to mperentend the Methodist connecton in America ? A. Thomas Coke, and Francis Asbury. In the latter part of the minutes for this year, W(^ had the followinn explanation of a certain rule, about whicS there had been some unea- siness among some of our local preachers and private members. " As a very few persons had in soi.ie respect, mistaken our mean- [ing, in the 32 section of our form of discipline, on bringing to trial ilisorderly persons, &c. — we think it necessary to explain it. "When a member of our society is to be tried for any oifence, the otiiciating minister or preacher is to call together all the members, if tlie society be small, or a select number if it be large, to take know- ledge and give advice, and bear witness to the justice of the whole i process ; that improper and private expulsions may be prevented for I the future. We had also this, N. B. ** From this time forward no perse r. shall [be owned as a member of our church, without six months' trial.'* This rule continues in force still, and all our members are considered I on trial for six months ; during which time, if they wish to leave us, they may do it without any form of trial, and if we are dissatisfied [with their conduct, we ma}'^ cast them off without calling them to I trial. Ill the course of this year religion was pretty lively and prosperous [in our societies, and in some places it was very remarkable. In Bal- timore town it exceeded any thing that had ever been known in that [place. I will just mention a particular time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. At a quarterly meeting held in Baltimore on the 8 and 9 of August, 1789, and during the following week, the kingdom of satan suffered great loss. The first day of the quarterly meeting was profitable to numbers : many cried and wept bitterly for *1 , : 1. 1141 372 mercy, and some souls were born of GoJ. Sunday, the •econd day. was most awful and glorious. In the lovcfeast at eight in the morn- ing, the society enjoyed a little Penticost, and dwelt as it were in the I suburbs of ilcavcn. The j)resence of God was awfully felt, whik the people one after another feelingly declared what God had doncjui their souh. As this year was the beginning of Methodism in the New Englan. states, and as the first circuit was now formed, it will be necessary u sjieak a little of liiat part of the work. Jesse Lee began the circuit at Norwalk, in Connecticut, on the 1? of June, 1789, which was the first jMcthodist sermon that was eve;| preached in that place. ISo house could be procured to preach in:l every person was alraid to give liberty. He then went into the street! and began to sins;, and then prayed and preached to a decent congre- gation. On the 21- of June, li^" preached lor the first lime in the citj ol New Haven, to as many people as could crowd into the Cour ] louse. This new circuit took in Norwalk, Fairfield, Stratford, MilforiJ Xew Haven, Derby, Newtown, Reading, Danbury, and Canaan with sevcrifl other places within the same bounds. Many pecpiJ Hocked to hoar the word, and sometimes they felt it. But men anj women were so fond of disputation about peculiar sentiments, tk; tlicy seldom left the place after preaching, without having some dispiitsl with the preacher. The first society that was formed in that circuit, was in Stratfielil on the :Z'^ day of Septembcrj and there were only three women tbJ joined ; and they remained alone for some months before any one elst united with them. The next class that was formed, was in Reading, on the 28 day of December. There were only two, one man, iir.i^ one woman that joined at first. It was some months after, before any person joined with them. At lenf;th the society increased, and i^l'- gion revived. Aaion Sandford, the first man that joined, becarr,^'- aj ■i preacher ; his brother also, and a lawyer, (Samuel S. Smith,) joinei- with them and became preachers ; and then another of the society bej gan to preach. Though they were few and feeble in the beginning, they at last became a flourishing society, and four preachers wer«j raised un amonsr themselves. I the second day iglit in the morn- •as it were in tlic wfully felt, whik God had donejw the New Englau: ill bo necessary U iecticut, on the i: )n that was evej red to preach in; went into the street! to a decent congre- ist lime in the clljl wd into the Coii;' Stratford, Mllfori jury, and Canaan nds. Many peopJ it. But men ani ir sentiments, tA having some dlsputi was in Stratfieli. three women tha; I before any one elst )d, was in Reamng,] Iwo, one man, wr.^l Iths after, before ai-A- Increased, and i-^i'* joined, becar^^' a| Ll S. Smith,) lo'^^e*^ [er of the society be- le in the beginning. lur preaci^ers \vert| 373 This circuit was first called Stamford, since then it is called Read- ing. The first Methodist meeting house that was ever built in Neif» England, was in this circuit, near the upper edge of Stratfield, and is now called Lee's Chapel.(*) On the 27 day of February, 1790, three preachers came to my help from Maryland, namely, Jacob Brush, an elder, George Roberts and Daniel Smith, young preachers. They met me at a quarterly meet- ing at a place called Dantown, on the state line between New York and Connecticut. Their presence was reviving to the brethren, and to me in particular. On Sunday, preaching was in a new unfinished dwelling house. In the time of preaching, the Lord visited the peo- ple in mercy ; and a great cry was raised among them, such as was not common in that part of the world The people were alarmed ; some ran out of the house, others that were above in the loit, ran to the end of the house and jumped out on the ground. In th^^ midst of all the confusion, the Christians were exceedingly happy. At these conferences in 1789, a plan was laid lor the holding a Council. The Bishops said, they had made it a matter of prayer, and they believed the present plan was the best they could think of. Af^er some opposition had been made to the plan, and there had been some debating about ^* a majority of the preachers agreed to the following plan ; which was published in the annual nunutes. Q. Whereas the holding of general conferences on this extensive Continent would be attended tvith a variety of difficultiesy and many inconveniencies to the work of God; and whereas we judge it expedient that a council should be formed of chosen men out of the several dis- tricts as representatives of the whole connection, to meet at stated times ; in what manner is this council to be formed, what shall be its powerSy and what further regulations shall be made concerning itV^ A. 1. "Our bishops and presiding elders shall be the members ot this council ; provided, that the members who form the council be never fewer than nine. And if any unavoidable circumstance prevent the attendance of a presiding elder at the council, he shall have authe- (•) In honor of the Rev. Jesse Lee. H II , r IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // '^ ^ O 1.0 I.I l^|28 125 ^ m ^ lis illlM 1 1^ llllitt 1.8 1-25 1.4 III 1.6 ^ 6" ► V] <^ /} V ^3 °% > -c'l ' J^^^"^ w >^ ''W Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 .^ p .« ^ ^ N> ^ ^4. ^^> o^ 374 lU m ■ mi M rity to send another elder out of his own district to represent him ; but the elder so sent by the absenting presiding elder, shall have no seat in the council without the approbation of the bishop or bishops and presiding elders present. And if, after the above mentioned pro- visions are complied with, any unavoidable circumstance, or any con- contingencies reduce the number to less than nine, the bishop shall im- mediately summon such elders as do not preside, to complete the number. 2. " These shall have authority to mature every thing they shall judge expedient. 1. To preserve the general nnion : 2. To render and preserve the external form of worship similar in all our societies through the continent : 3. To preserve the esssentials of the Metho- dist doctrines and discipline pure and uncorrupted : 4. To correct all abuses and disorders : And lastly, they are authorized to mature every thing they may see necessary for the good of the church, and for the promoting and improving our colleges and plan of education. 3. ** Provided nevertheless, that nothing shall be received as the resolution of the Council, unless it be assented to unanimously by the council ; and nothing so assented to by the Council, shall be binding in any district, till it has been agreed upon by a majority of the Confer- ence which is held tor that district. 4. " The bishops shall have authority to summon the council to meet at such times and places as they shall judge expedient. 5. " The first Council shall be held at Cokesbury, on the first day of next December." This plan for having a council was entirely nev?, and exceedingly dangerous. A majority of the preachers voted in lavor of it, but they were soon sensible that the plan would not answer the purpose for which it was intended. The Council was to be composed of the bish- ops, and the presidmg elders : the presiding elders were appointed, changed, and put out of office by the bishop, and just when he pleaseti; of course, the whole of the Council were to consist of the Bishops, ani a few other men of their own choice or appointing. We have sufficient reason to believe that the establishment of the Council was very injurious to the Methodist connection. The plan produced such difficulties in the minds of the preachers and the people, -■S» '.^ 375 and brought on such opposition, that it was hard to reconcile them one to another. Nothing would or could give satisfaction to the preachers but the calling together all the travelling preachers in a general confer- ference ; to which after some time the bishop consented. In 1790 we had fourteen conferences, at the following times and places : The forty-first conference was held in Charleston, on the 15 of Feb- ruary. The forty-second in Georgia, on the 3 of March. The forty-third in Kentucky, on the 26 of April. The forty-fourth at Holstein, on the 17 of May. The forty-fifth in North Carolina, on the 24 of May. The forty-sixth at Lane's Chapel, on the 14 of June. The forty-seventh at Union Town, on the 29 of July. The forty-eighth at Leesburg, on the 26 of August. The forty-ninth at Baltimore, on the 6 of September. The fiftieth at Cokesbury, on the 11 of September. The fifty-first at Duck Creek, on the 16 of September. * The fifty-second in Philadelphia, on the 22 of September. The fifty-third in Burlington, on the 28 of September. The fifty-fourth in New- York, on the 4 of October. At these Conferences the following circuits and stations were added which were also thus supplied : Catawbat Jonathan Jackson. Savannahy John Crawford, Philip Matthews. Savannah TouMj Hope Hull. Limestone^ Samuel Tucker, Joseph Lillard. LexingtoUt Henry Birchett, David Haggard. Russely Daniel Lockett, John Pace. Green, John M'Gee, John West, Lincoln, Daniel Asbury, Jesse Richardson. Contentney, John Baldwin. Surry, J. Robinson, W. Spencer, B. Wilson. Kanawha, J ^coh Lurton, Thomas Boyd, Stafford, Thornton Fleming, James Fleming. South-River, Samuel Green, Geo. Browning. ^•^ .( i' \ » ■*A tV| ■- TV is'V f'lt;iM ■ -I y ' i ***. t'L •4VI ■^■ 376 i) Ba/fe, Kobt. Green, Thomas Bell. " Randolph, Anthony Banning. ; ' ' ii/cA/ic/t/, Samuel Wighton, Henty Christie Fair^c/e/, John Bloodgood. New •Haven, John Lee. •" Hartford, Nathaniel B. Mills. Boston, lessee Lee, Daniel Smith. - ' / We admitted on trial this year sixty-eight young preachers, and added to the society 14356 members. There were more added to the society this year, than ever had been before in the course of one year. And with all, we had 116 circuits on the minutes. The form of the minutes was now altered, and the first question was, " Who are admitted on triaW'' This mode of beginning" the minutes has ever since been persued. The second question is, " Who remain on trialV and thus proceed up in gradation to the Bishops. Formerly, the first question was, *' Who are the bishops .^" and then proceed downwards to the lowest order. ' ' Religion prospered this year in an uncommon manner. The great increase of members, however, was partly owing to the difference in the time of taking the account of them. Last year it was closed in May. This year in October, which extends the time to one year and live months. Had the numbers been taken in May, as they were the last year, the increase would not have been so- large. But there was a most blessed work of God in different parts of the country. In New England we met with great encouragement, and some souls were saV' ingly brought to the knowledge of the truth. On the 19 of May we joined the first class in Stratford, composed of a few loving per* sons, who were much despised in town on the account of their religion, and their attachment to the Methodists. In March, New Haven circuit was formed, which extended alo/ig" the post road from Milford to Hartford. The first sermon preached by the Methodists in the city of Hartford, was on the 9 of Decem- ber, 1789, and on the 8 of November, this year, a class was formet. in that city ; but after a while some of the members moved away, an(! all the others were scattered. About the beginning of this spring, Lifchfield ciTcmt was formed, i )' 37* :ircuit was formed) which took in the north-west part ot Connecticut State. And in the latter part of the spring wc formed Hartford circuit, which took in both sides of Connecticut river. The first time the Methodists preached in the neighboring towns in that circuit, were as follows: On the 2 (lay of April, 1790, in Tolland ; the 3 day in East Windsor; on the 7 day in Windsor ; on the 9 in Suffield ; on the 11 in Granby ; on the 22 in Enfield ; on the 29 in Wintonbury ; and on the 3 of May in Wilbraham, in Massachusetts. The first sermon preached by the Methodists in the city of Middletown, was on the 7 day of Decem- ber, 1789. I have given this account (*) of the time when the Methodists first be- gan to preach in certain towns, th^t the people in those parts may know when they were first visited by us. No doubt it will be satisfactory to many, even of the rising generation. I was appointed this year to the town of Boston, in order if possible to establish the Methodist doctrine and discipline, and to raise up a people for the Lord. I took my station on the 14 day of No- vember. In the course of the preceding summer, Mr. F. Garrettson had visited that town, and preached. 1 made them a visit in July. — On one occasion I went out on the common, and standing on a tables began to sing, 'vith only a few persons present. But having prayed, and begun to preach, the number increased, so that there were two or three thousand attentive hearers. The number was still greatly in- creased, the next Sabbath day, at the same place, at six o'clock in the afternoon. This may be considered the beginning of Methodism in Boston, and in all those parts of the country. Methodist preaching was a strange thing in that part of the wond. On the 12 day of July, the first Methodist sermon was preached in Salem ; on the 15, in Newbury- port; on the 16 in Danvers ; on the 17 in Marblehead ; on the 20 in Charlestown ; and on the 14 of December in Lynn. In Boston it vras hard to procure a place to preach in, and the word took but little hold on the minds of the hearers ; but as soon as we began to preach in Lynn, the word had a powerful effect on the hearers, who flocked to hear by hundreds. It soon appeared that Lynn was the place that (*) These accounts are extracted from a history written by Rev. Jesse Lee. H h2 -^^.^ 378 should be attended to, in preference to any other. On the 20 of Feb ruary, 1791, the first class was formed in Lynn, congistin r 384 !.,.'*^4 i llie building. Aud on tlie 25 of August, 1795, in tlie night time, the mob collected privately, and took the greater part of the timber, and carrying it over a largo hill into a bottom, they cut it to piece! and built a large pen of it. Then getting a sailor's old hat, coat, ana trowsers, and stuiFiing them so as to make them resemble a man, they fastened the image on the top of the pen, and tarred and feathered it, This conduct was the most violent opposition that we had met witLl in that part of New England. But the brethren were not discourag. ed by this opposition. They laid their plan and procured more tira.l ber, and built themselves a comfortable meeting house in the latteil part of that same year ; and it was ready Ibr use by the next January In 1794 we had fourteen conferences, three of which were held icj the latter part of the preceding year. There was according to the minutes of this year an addition of niril circuits, which are as follows with their respective preachers : Federal, Richard Parrott, John Doborough. Lcesburgy Thomas Anderson. Pendleton, Richard Furger»-on. Carlisle, Wm. M'Dowel, Wm. Talbot. Black Swamp, Johothan Jackson. New Hampshire, John Hill. Marble-Head, John Hill, J. Rexlord. , Readfield, Philip Wager. Vermont, Joshua Hall. We admitted on trial forty young preachers. But we lost ini number of our members 2135. This was the first time that ournu& her had decreased for fourteen years. The first meeting house which was built in the Province of Maiij for the Methodists, was that in Readfield, which was begun in the I of the year 1794, and was nearly covered in by the first of Decen ber. The second was that in Monmouth, which was begun in \'^\ The first time that we ever administered the Lord's Supper in tl« part of the country, was in Readfield, on the 14 day of Deceml) 1794. The second time was in Monmouth, on the 26 day of same mouth, which was on Christmas day. The meeting house in Readfield was dedicated on the 21 dayj 385 n i\\t night timt ,rt of the timber, y cut it to pieces J old hat, coat, and' emble a man, they ed and feathered it, it we had met witl ^vere not discourag- procured more tiro- house in the latUil ,y the next January f which were held iti ar an addition of nin] 'e preachers : But we lost intij irst time that ournu& the Province of Mai 111 was begun in thet |y the first of Dece^ ch was begun in m Lord's Supper in tta 14 day of Decembe^ L the 25 day of lated on the 31 Jane, 1793. But tlie meeting house in Monmouth was not dedicated until the last day of May, 1796. The first quarterly meeting that was ever held in the Provinoe of Maine, was in Monmouth, which began on the 23 day of June, 1795. The first conference tliat was ever held in the Province of Maine, was in Readfield, which began on the 29 day of August, 1798.— We had ten travelling preachers at it, and about 200 communicants- It was not five years from the time the people there, first heard a Methodist ; yet after they began to unite with us, they flourished and increased so fast, that now we could collect at one meeting about 200 jnembers of our society. When we made a return of the number in society in 1795, which was about eight months from the time we join- ed the first members together, we had 268 in the society. We will now take a view of Methodism in New Hampshire state ; which was the last state in the union, where we formed societies. — The first circuit was called Chesterfield, which lay in the south-west corner of the state, near to Connecticut river, which divides New- Hampshire from Vermont. The first society formed in the state was in Chesterfield, some time in the latter part of the year 1795. At which time, there were but a few that felt freedom to unite with us ; yet after som« time a few more cast in their lots ; and other societies were soon formed in other places. The circuit was not entered on the at)nual minutes until the year 1796. ^ Some time after this there was a circuit formed higher up the state called LandafF; and in that place religion prosperfd very much, and many souls were soon brought into the liberty of God's children • an^l the work of the Lord spread greatly among the people. The first circuit that we formed in the State ol Vermont, was called Vershire This circuit was taken on the minutes in 1796 We had been preaching in that town, and in many of the neighboring towns some time before that, but had no societies formed. We had some societies in the state which belonged to circuits in other states. But Vershire was the first circuit that was formed within the state ; and it reached from the towns near Connecticut river to Montpelier, to the north of Onion river, which ruus into Lake Champlain. Many of the places where we preached in that circuit, were qaitc new settlements : II I r M m il ihk'V S9 m m '•MAi ..... *:;■: ':!;■ 386 - the houses were very small, and but scattering through the country.— The preachers had to encounter many difficulties, and to endure many hardships. But one thing which made up for all the difficulties was this, the people were fond of attending meeting by day or night, and were very kind to the preachers. And the best of all was, sinners were soon awakened, and in a little time some of them became the happy subjects of the favor of God, and were zealously engaged in trying to help forward the work of the Lord as far as they could — Since then we have prospered considerably in this new part of the country. I have given a brief account in the preceding pages of this chapter, of the beginning and spread of Methodism in the Province of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont states ; but it is only a sketch. To trire a full account of all the revivals of religion, of all the societies that were formed, of all the young preachers that were raised up, and of all the oppositions and persecutions we met with, would fill a vol- ume. This being intended for a short history, I have given the reader an account of the most material things that took place in the begin- ning. But no one can form a proper idea of what the Lord has done in those parts, except they have been eye and ear witnesses of it. — One thing is evident, and cannot be denied, that hundreds of people who were formerly notoriously wicked, ate now civil, sober, and re- ligious. I have thought proper for the satisfaction of the people who live in that country, to mention the time when we first preached in particular towns, and when we first formed societies. 1795. — This year there wers only Eovcn Conferences There were 45 preachers received on trial, and three circuits taken m which with their preachers are the following : ' Union-Schoolj John H. Reynolds. Unicmj John Clark, Samuel Risher. Niagara^ Darius Dunham. We took in 45 young preachers upon trial, which was very encour- aging to us. In the latter part of this year, 1795, we formed the first society in New Hampshire state, and then for the first time, although we had labwed about 26 years — we could syy that we had societies in all the United States. ( , ,-trf ^ -V 387 In 1796, we had eight conferences; seven annual conferences, anil a general conference. Two of these conferences were held in the close of the preceding year. This year we admitted on trial upwards of thirty young preachers ; and lost out of the travelling connection forty ; twenty-eight of them located ; nine died ; two withdrew, and one was expelled. This year we took m\ account of the number of the members in our society in each state separately, which was as follows : w m ,'i ' ' ^ 1 I' i t \ '' Members. Members. Province of Maine, 357 Massachusetts, 824 New Hampshire, 68 Rhode Island, 220 Connecticut, 1050 North Carolina, 8713 New York, 4044 South Carolina, 3659 New Jersey, 2351 Georgia, 1174 Pennsylvania, 3011 Tennessee, 546 Delaware, 2228 Kentucky, 1760 Maryland, 12416 Upper Canada, 474 Virginia, 13779 t»; In all, 56,a64 Our general conference was held this year in Baltimore, which be- gan on the 26 of October, 1796, at which we had 120 travelling preachers who were members of that conference. After we had fin- ished the business of the conference, we had the minutes published be- fore the preachers left town, that they might take them to their seve- ral circuits. There were several alterations made at that time, in our form of discipline, and several new regulatioas wereYormed. It was agreed that the annual conferences "which had been called district conferences, should in future be called yearly conferences ; and our whole connection was divided into six yearly conferences. The first, was called the New England conference.. The second, the Philadelphia conference. ..-^^ The third, the Baltimore conference. The fourth, the Virginia conference. The fifth, the South Carolina conference. "\] i \ I'hm Ujbji M Tm h^S. im .^■. ii' if: \ 388 The sixth, the Western conference ; and the bounds of each con- terence were fixed : but the bishop was allowed, if he saw proper, to have another conference in the province of Maine. Before this regu- 11 latiou was established, the bishop had the power of appointing the num- ber of conferences at his own discretion. At that time it was thought proper ro have another bishop elected and ordained, and the conference voted that it should be done during the sitting of that conference. After the vot§ was taken, a difficulty arose about the manner of choosing, or electing a man to be ordained a bishop ; and before the point was settled. Dr. Coke begged that the business might be laid over until the afternoon, which was done — . When we met in the afternoon the Dr. oflfered himself to us, if wc saw cause to take him ; and promised to serve us in the best manner he could, and to be entirely at the disposal of his American brethren, and to live or die among them. ^ The conference at length agreed to ihe Doctor's proposal, and concluded that if the Doctor tarried with us, we could do with two bishops, without ordaining a third, and tho former vote for choosing another bishop was dropped. — The Doctor then gave us the following instrument of writing : *' I offer myself t" my American brethren, entirely to their service, all I am and have, witii my talents and labors in every respect ; with- out any mental reservation whatsoever, to labor among them, and to assist bishop \sbury ; not to station the preachers at any time when ^|!; he is present; but to exercise all the episcopal duties, when I hold a conference in his absence, and by his consent, and to visit the West Indies and France, when there is an opening, and I can be spared." THOMAS COKE. Conference Room, Baltimore, Oct. 27, 1796. On Sunday the fourth day of December, while the congregation was assembled in the afternoon for divine service, in our church in Light street, in the city of Baltimore, and the preacher was preaching to them, there was a cry of fire heard from without, which had broke out near the church ; the flames soon spread to the church, and in a very short time th«' House ot God was burnt down ; and the Preacher's I house, that stood near it, was much damaged. The Academy, or School-Room was also laid in ashes. This destruction of property by • I of each con- aw proper, to fore this regu- nting the num- bishop elected e done during ien, a difficulty to be ordained begged that the ch was done. — ilf to us, if we be best manner erican brethren, length agreed tu ;tor tarried with a third, and tho d.^The Doctor to their service, ■y respect *, with- r them, and to anv time when s, when I hold a visit the West ;an be spared." AS COKE. 389 -^ fire, was just twelve months to a day from the time that Cokftshury College was buraed. The following circuits were annexed this yeaj and supplied thus : Frank/ord, Chas. Ledbetter, D. W. HoUum. Logan, Aquila Sugg. ,| Chesterfield, Philip Wager. Penobscot, Elias Hull. Portland, Jesse Stoneman. Province Town, Robert Yallely. Kenebeck, Aaron Humphrey. Vershire, Nicholas Snethen. 4. Pomphret, Joel Ketchum, Daniel Brumby. Strasburg, Epbraim Chambers, James Stokes. Old Town, Henry Willis. This year Nova Scotia is not in the minutes. In 1797 we had seven conferences: There were but six appointed on the annual minutes, but it was thought best to take in the confer- ence in Virginia, which was held in 1796, and that also which was held in this year, which would make seven in all, and by that means the conferences would be changed about, so as to begin them in future in the south, and finish them in the north. By the regulations made at the late General conference, we could not have more than seven conferences in one year, unless there were new circuits enough formed to compose a conference. We had for three years together been declining in luimbers ; but this year we began again to increase, and we had an addition of 1999 members. The circuits that were added this year and their supply of preachers were as follows : ' ^ Martha^s^ Vinyard, Joshua Hall. Pleasant- River, Enoch Mudge. 1798. — This year we had seven conferences. As the plan had been laid in the preceding year, we now began the conferences in the South that we might attend those that were appointed in the large towns in the Spring, before thw sickly season came on. We added to the society this year 1506 members and toek ia five ii2 390 -r^^^: Wk^ !!) fl aevv circuits, to which were appointed the following preachers respect* iyely, viz: Salt River and Shelby y John Page. Shenango, J. Newman. VergenneSf Joseph Mitchel, Abner Wood. Sandwich, Epaphras Kibby. Exeter, John Nichols. li\ 1799 we had only six conferences, and they were begun in ihc south. At these conferences we took in about forty young preachers upon 'rial. > Our borders were greatly enlarged this year, and the way was open- ing for us to spread farther, and to send forth more laborers into tlio vineyard of the Lord. We had an addition to the society this year ol 1182 members. Great peace and harmony prevailed throughout our connection, both among preachers and people, and the prospect of a great revival of religion was more ple?sing than it had been at any one time for sotne years ; and in some places there was a good stir ol religion, and many souls were brought into the liberty of the children of God. Eleven new ciacuits were added to the list — they were supplied as follows : Little Kanawha, Robt. Stanly. St. Martfs, Geo. Clark. Greenfield, Edmund Wayman, James Quinn. Mohawk, Jonathan Newman. Cayuga 6f Omeida, Ephraim Chambers, B. Willcv. - Essex, Lorenzo Dow. Whittingham, Petter Vannest. Plattsburgh, Alex. M'Caine. Merrimack, Ralph Williston. Nantucket, Jas. SRelling. Jfcfiamt, Henry Smith. This year Ezekiel Cooper was regularly appointed by the Bishop and the Philadelphia conference, to superintend the book concern, ^ editor and general book-steward, ia the room of John Dickitis de* ceased* .t»b.. ,iiK^.kii.iii ^if ^^'9^;t:iU.V<^\ r-?w->w^7V »,* f. 0- 'K re begun in ihe ?v were suppl 391 In 1600, we had eight conferences; one of them however, was a (veneral conference. We admitted upwards of fortj young preachers on' trial this year, which was a great help to us. We added to the society 3543 members, which was very encour- aging to those who labored and travelled night and day for the salva- tion of precious souls. The following circuits were likewise formed and supplied with I preachers, viz : NatcheSj Tobias Gibson. Orangeburgh, Lewis Myers. Muskingum ^ Hockhocking, J. Stoneham. Sciotaf Henry Smith. ^ Brooking^ David Buck. Wethersfield, John Nichols. Landaff, E. R. Sabin. Grand River, (U. C.) Daniel Pickett. Rhode Island, Joshua Hall. Hawke, R. Williston. Norridgewock, Daniel Webb. This year we had 156 travelling elders, and their names were printed in the annual minutes in regular rotation : the oldest travel* ling preacher was set down first, and the next oldest, as they were jfound on the minutes, was set down next, and so on, till the youngest elder was set down last. But those who had been part of their time [ocaled, were all entered at the bottom of the list, with this "f mark p each name, that they may be known from the rest of the eldew, There was an alteration made in the sixth question and answer, in |l\c annual minutes this year, and it was printed thus : ; Q. 6. " Who are the Bishops ? A. " Thomas Coke, Francis Asbury, Richard Whatcoat.*' This year we held our third regular general conference, which be-* tan in Baltimore on the sixth day of May, and continued until the [wentieth. We had 119 preachers present who were r^ularmem* fers of that conference. ^ome time previous to the meeting of the preachers in that confer^ ;t ^■ I -^ a v'.; 1' •■; 1' 1/ 392 ife I iiifx; ence, Mr, Aslury had said (hat when they incl, he would resign his office as superintendent of the Methodist connection, and woulil take his seat in the conference on a level with the elders, llr, wrote to several of the preachers in ditforent parts of the connec- tion, and informed them of his intention ; and engaged other preacl;- crs to write to their brethren in the ministry, and to inform themu:, his intention to resign. Withal, he wrote his resignation with an in. tention to deliv^*r it into the conference as scon as they met, and to have it read in their first meeting. He said, he was weak and feeble both in body and mind, that he was not able to go through the. fatigues! of his office. When the conlerence met and yroceeded to business, they first took up Mr. Asbury'scase thus, Q. "Whereas Mr. Asbury hassig- nified his intention of resigning his ofTicial station in our church, o;;| account of his weakness of body, what is the sense of the confer-| ence on this occasion .'' A. 1. *' The general conference consider themselves under man? and great obligations to Mr Asbury for the many and great services! which he has rendered to this connection. 2. ** This conference do earnestly entreat Mr. Asbury foraconti-l nuation of his services as one of the general superintendents, of (liej Methodist Episcopal Church, as far as his strength will permit." Mr. Asbury told the conference, that he was still feeble both i,il body and mind, but was much better than he had been for sometiini before ; and notwithstanding he had been inclined to resign his officei he now felt willing to do any thing he could to serve the connectioo, and that the conference might require of him. Dr. Coke then obtained liberty to return to Europe again upontkl condition that he should return to America, as soon as his busineis| would allow ; or, at farthest, by the next general conference. We then had the following questions and answers : — Q. "Whereas it appears, that Mr Asbury 's weakness of body! will not admit of his travelling as extensively through the Uniteij States as the situation of the connection requires, what further 1 will this conference afford him .'' A. ** Another, bishop shall be elected and consecrated. ■^i**-- 3t)3 i^ he would resign :tion, and wouW the elders. \h. its of the conncc- cred other preach- to inform themoi nation with an in- they met, and Id as weak and feeble iirougU the fatiguesl business, they first] ,Ir. Asbury hassig- 1 ia our church, orj ense of the confet- msclves under many y and great services I Asbury for a conti- )erintendents, of tlie| h will permit." still feeble botli ial clbeen for sometini«| to resign his office, erve the connectioo, [urope again upon tlitl soon as his business il conference. rers : — weakness ot boi] through the Unitel| les, what further belf] jcrated. Q- '' In what manuijr shall the votes for the election of a bishop e taken. A- " By ballot." There was then a lengthy debate respecting the powers the new ishop should possess. Some were of the opinion that he ought to ct under the direction of the old bishop, and be governed by him; ut it was finally determined that they should be on an equal footing, nJ be joint superintendents. Tlie conference then proceeded to vote for a bishop : On tlie fusi Ming, no one had a majority. They balloted a second time, and e tellers reported that there was a tie between Richard VVhatcoat (1 Jesse Lee. They proceeded to a third ballot, when Richard Hiatcoat was declared to be duly elected by a mnjority of four vote?. On the 18 of May, 1800, Richard Whatcoal; was ordained n jshop, by the laynig on of hands, by Dr. Coke, ]\lr. Asbury, ami me of the Elders. It was now determined that there should be seven annual confercn- |s, and that of New England should be divided. That one should called the New England Canftrcnce, and the other the Neio York nfercnce : antil the bounds for each were fixed. It was then said, A each annual conference pay its proportionable part towards the wances of the bishops." This was the first time that a regular n was laid for the support of the bishops ; formerly the bishop re- vc(] the greater part of his support from private friends ; and the ciency was generally made up by particular societies. iVe al«o formed a new rule respecting the next general i^onference, ich was the words following: "No preacher shall have a right to as a member in the next general conference, unless he is in full con- tion, and has been a travelling preacher four years." Previous to his time all our preachers who had been admitted into full connec- , were entitled to a seat in the general conference, although they ,\U have travelled only two years. ^^e appointed the next general conference to be in the city of Bal- re, on the sixth day of Mav, 1804. tiile the general conference was sitting in Baltimore, the preach- were very useful in the beginning of a glorious revival of religiott N»»i;^ 1 ■^::, .in: . >* ^., M- - 394 11 ilw H : /\^' ill that place. And at the close the preachers parted in great peaj and love, and set out for their stations in diircrent parts of the Unitc| States. About the same time there was a most remarkable revival ol relj gion in the western country, both in Tennessee and Kentucky statej:| such a work as had never been seen in that part of the world, sir, the first settelinp^ of the country. I suppose the Methodist connection hardly ever new such a time a general revival of religion through the wiiole ol their circuits, aslliej liad about the latter part of the year 1800. • 1801. — VVe had seven conferences, and received on trial jtreachcrs. The circuits added Uiis3'ear with their respective preachers, arei I'ullowinjx: Erie, James Quinn. Oliaichi, (U. C.) John Robinson, Caleb Morris. Fletcher, James Coleman, Laban Clark. BavTicrd, Joseph Crawford. During this year 1801, the work of God spread and revived gmij in most parts of our conne^ction ; but our societies increased morel Maryland and Delaware, than in any of the other slates. Hoi over, the work was pretty general ; and by letters written from ent parts of the United States, we were assured the work contins^ to prosper throughout the year. In the year 1786, the Methodist travelling connection, exteu their aid to their societies in Kentucky : and sent out two preaclij both of whom deserted them in Mr. James O'Kelly's schism took place shortly after, and took off from the connection a fewotlifl they both however went to nothing : one died long since, the oli| still lives a poor backslider ! These preachers' places were soon! plied by others whose names will be long gratefully rememb The numbers of preachers increased from time to time ; and from I small unpropitious beginning, have grown, first, 'Western conferei since erected into " the Ohio" " the Tennesee," " the Misso " and the Mississippi," Conferences. These now embrace, i sively of travelling preachers 69,859 members. ^01 2(] in great peacj parts of the Unitcc| :able revival ol reiJ nd Kentucky states] irt of the world, siE«| r new such a time their circuits, astliej received on trial 3| ,ivc preachers, arei lorrls. Bad and revived gt"i| ies increased more le other states. Hm ers written from d the work contina connection, extei entout two preacb Kelly's schism ; w' :onnectionafewotlii Ions since, the ol is' places were soon gratefully rememl to time ; and from t, 'Western confen Isee," "the Misi now embrace, «: For nearly twenty years, from the first coaiincncGmcnt ut the set- 'cment of the country, there does not appear to have been any con- iderable movement as it rcsj)ects general reformation in any of the hurches. About the commencement ol the present century, agene- al revival amongst the Baptists, Presbyterians, and Methodists took lace. With the Baptists, as a church, tlie revival appeared to be con- ned pretty much to their own people, and in particuhir congregations. iVith the exception of one or tvvo congregations, pcrlmps more, they rere oi' the old order of regular Calvinislic BaptlsLu As such they id not continue long embodied ; but split into various divi.sions, and b-ilivisions. The cause of all these divisions may be verv easily aced to their source. The revival amongst the Presbyterians and lethodists, commenced in the year 1799, and in ISOO, in the lower rt of Kentucky, under two preachers, brothers, one of each denom- 2!ion, who held their meetings together in Logan and Christian oiinlies, on the waters of Gasper river, and perhaps other places. — iiving thu=3 united in the work, they found themselves straitened in eir houses, on account of the increase of their con• «T* ' ; i' i ii'l i M ^ £ m'I w* ral fi^ai l Ki itil i . JI f t 39G M' 1^:^ t ■ V the district, was in tliR lower part of the slate about the commence.! ment of the revival, and became much cnp;aged in it. In the hwA part of 1800, or early in 1801, (if my recollection serves me) hecaJ up to the centre of the settlements of the state ; and in many placet was the first to bear the tidinf^s of these singular meetings, which liJ so recently commenced, and had so greatly attracted the attention -i multitudes, I shall never forget the looks of the people, who had as- sembled in a concrrecation composed mostly of Methodists and Presy terians, and their adherents, when the old gentleman, after the concli sion of a very pathetic sermon, having been much animated in tfcj vrork, gave an interesting statement of the progress of it from wkj he had seen, and of the meetings before described. Whilst spoke the very sensation of his soul glowed in his countenance. Hij description of them was such as would be vain for me to attempt. HJ described them in their native simplicity : He told of the happy cotj version of hundreds ; how the people continued their exercises tiinging, praying, and jireaching on the ground, surrounded by wsgod and tents, for days and nights together. That many were so affec'^J that they fell to the ground like men slain in battle. The pierciDi cries of the penitents, and rapture of the healed, appeared to be hrom to our view ; and what was equally encouraging to the faithful, tlia the work instead of declining, was progressing to the interior. Am this description given by him, it was unnecessary to exhort the failW ful to look for the like among themselves. Their hearts had alreaill began to beat in unison with his ; whilst sinners were generalljr mell into tears. As for my own feelings, though a stranger to religion that time, they will never be forgotten. I felt, and I wept ! These meetings began, as the season permitted, to make their gn dual approach towards the centre of the state. It was truly wonder] ftil to see what an effect their approach made upon the minds of ' people. Here in the wilderness were thousands and tens of thou-l sands, of almost every nation: Here were thousands hungry for lli«j bread of life ! and thousands thirsting for the waters of salvation! general move was visible in the congregations, previously tothearj rival of these meetings. The devout Christians appeared to be UA with hope. Their hearts were greatly enlarged to prey for the pn >'i m 397 perity of Zion. The formalists were troubled with very uneasy sen- sations: backsliders became terrified : the wicked in general were ei- ther greatly alarmed, or struck with solemn awe, whilst curiosity was general , and raised to the highest degree to see into these strange things. Indeed, such was the commotion, that every circle of the community appeared to have their whole attention arrested. Many were the conjectures respecting these meetings. Things, however, did npt continue long to keep the attention ol the people in suspense. The camp-meetings began to approach near- er and nearer to the centre ; when one meeting after another was soon appointed in succession, and the number that attended them is almost incredible to tell. When collected on the ground, and whilst the meetings continued, such crowds would be passing and repassing, that the roads, paths and woods appeared to be literally strewed with people ! Whole settlements and neighborhoods would appear to be vacated, and such was the draught from them, that it was only here and there that a solitary house would contain an aged house-keeper ; young and old very generally pressing through every difficulty to see the Camp-Meeting ! The Presbyterians and Methodists now united in them ; hence it was, that they took the name of General Camp- Meetings. On the 30 Jnnuary, 1801, one writes, giving an ac- count of the work as it first appeared : " The work is still increas- ing in Cumberland. It has overspread the whole country. It is in Nashville, Barren, Muddy, Gasper, Red Banks, Knoxville, &c. J. M. C. has been there two months ; he says it exceeds any thing he ever saw or heard of. Children and all seem to be engaged ; but children are the most active in the work. When they speak, it ap- pears that the Lord sends his spirit ^o accompany it with power to the hearts of sinners. — They all seem to be exercised in an extraordinary way ; lying as though they were deadfnr some time, without pulse Of hreath ; some a longer, some a shorter time. Some rise with joy 1 triumphant; others crying for mercy. As soon as they obtain com- toit, they cry to sinners, exhorting them to come to the Lord." These General Camp- Meetings j not only came up to this descrip- tion, but far exceeded it. Early this spring, a work broke out in Hson county. On the 32 day of May, this year, a camp-meet- ' ^ J5 'Is „.:» i i' .«: / * I ^i: 398 iiig was held on Cabin-creek. Tlie next general Camp-meeting was held at Concord, in Bourbon county, the last Monday in May, or beginning of June ; and continued five days and lour nights. Tiic next general meeting was at Point-Pleasant, (Ken. j The next at Indian creek, Harrison county, began 24 July, and continued about five days and nights. The Great General Camp-Meet- iNO, held at Caneridoe, seven miles Irom Paris, (Bourbon coun- ty,) began on the 6 day of August, and continued a week. This meeting will be particularly noticed hereafter. Independent of these general meetings, the Methodists had many great and glorious meet- ings announced with their Presbyterian hrp.thren. Indeed these meet- ings in each denomination were soon spread over the country ; and this year extended over the Ohio river, into the N. W.^ Territory, now state of Ohio. Having been raisftd in this state, the writer, then a youth, lias many circumstances fresh upon his mind, with regard to this great work ; but in aid of this narrative he is disposed to take along what- ever he finds that may be correctly given by others. " At first ap- pearance (says one) these meetings exhibited nothing to the specta- tor,- unacquainted with them, but a scene of confusion, such as scarce i could be put into human language. They were generally opened! with a sermon, and at the close of which there would be an univer- sal outcry ; some bursting forth into loud ejaculations of prayer, or I thanksgiving for the truth. Others breaking out in emphatical sen tences of exhortation ; others flying to their careless friends, wittj tears of compassion ; beseeching them to turn to the Lord. Somej struck with terror and hastening through the crowd to make their es- cape ; or pulling away their relations — Others trembling, weeping; crying out for the Lord Jesus to have mercy upon them ; fainting anil swooning away, till every appearance of life was gone ; and the ex- tremity of the body assumed the coldness ot death. — Others surrouni!- ing them with melodious songs, or fervent prayers for their hapfj coiiversion ; others, collecting into circles, round this varied scene, contending with arguments for and against the work. This scenej frequently continued without intermission for days and nights toge-l _' At these meetings many circumstances transpired well yioM "'l}- V imp-mecling was nday in May, or lur nights. The n.; The next at y, and continued AL Camp-Meet- (Bourbon coun- led a week. This ilepcndent of these and orlorious meet- Indeed these meet- the country ; and ]SI. W. Territory, , then a youth, has regard to this great to take along whsit- hers. " At first ap- mthing to the specta- fusion, such as scarw generally opened j ould be an univei- lations of prayer, oil lUt in emphatical sen recess friends, witl'' |to the Lord. Some] wd to make their es- trembhng, weeping;! In them; fainting ani| crone ; and the e.v [h.— Others surround- ,yers for their happy lid this varied scene, |e ^ork. This scenel iaysand nights toge- transpired well v^ortl 399 relating, and vory interesting, but it would overleap onr limits to nar- rate them ; one atthi'' time must suffice. "At Indian Creek, a boy from appearance about twelve years of age, retired from the stand in time ot preaching, under a Vfry extraordinary impression; and having mounted ^ log at notuo distance, and raising his voice in a very affecting mannei ; he attracted the main body of the people in a vory few minutes. VVitli tears streaming through his eyes, he iricd aloud to the wicked, warning them ot their danger, denounc- ing their certain doom if they persisted in their sins ; expressmg his love to their souls, and desire that thcv would turn to the Lord and be saved. He was held up by two men ; and spoke for about an hour with that convincing eloquence, that could be inspired only from above. When his strength seemed quite exhausted, and language failed to describe the feelings of his soul, he raised his hand, and dropping his handkerchief, wet with sweat iVom his little face, cried out, " Thus Oh sinner, shall you dmp into hell, nnh-s-* you forsake your sins nnJ turn lu ihu Lord." At that njoment some fell like those who are shot in battle, and the work spread in a manner which hu- man language cannot describe." The numbers attending the Camp-meetings at this early period f^\801,) on daily visits, whilst the meetings continued, and those at- tending them in their encampments, were immense. — The numbers varied, according to the population of the settlements where the meet- ings were held, and other circumstances, from three to twenty thousand souls. At one of these meetings fCabin Creek J the scene was awful beyond discription ! " few if any escaped without being affected ; such as tried to run fiom it, were frequently struck on the way, or impelled by some alarming signal to return. No circnmstance at this meeting appeared more striking than the great numbers that fell on the third night ; and to prevent their being trodden under foot by the multitude, they were collected together, and laid out in order , on two squares I of the meeting house, till a considerable part of the floor was covered. I But the great meeting at Caneridge exceeded all. The number that fell at this meeting was reckoned at about three thousand, among whom ■ were several presbyterian ministers, who, according to their own con- If'Jssion, had hitherto possessed only a speculative knowledge of reli- 1 400 gion. Here the formal professor, the deist and the intemperate met one common lot, and confessed with equal candour that they were des- titute of the true kuowledge of God, and strangers to the religion of Jesus Christ. One of the most zealous and active Presbyterian min- isters estimated the number collected on the ground at twenty thousand souls ! At this meeting as well as at all others, wherever the worlc broke out, the Methodists appeared to be more active and more in their element than any other people. Indeed when it first appeared in most of the congregations, other ministers were so alarmed, not knowing what to make of it, that they would have deserted it, and their m:.tL- ings too, had they not been encouraged by the Methodists. But they soon joined, and moved forward cordially in the work. Having been thus innured and prepared, this great meeting brought on a general en- gagement. It was necessary, that such a concourse should be scatter- ed over a considerable extent of ground ; of course there were several congregations formed, in different parts of the encampment, for preach- ing and other religious exercises. In conaequfnre of so great a col- lection of people, it frequently happened, that several preachers would be speaking at once, to congregations as before described, generally embracing some of each denomination. Nor were they at a loss for pulpits: stumps, logs or lops of trees, served as temporary stands from which to dispense the word of life ! At night the whole scene was awfully sublime. The ranges of tents, the fires, reflecting hght amidst the branches of the towering trees ; the candles and lamps illuminating the encampment ; hundreds moving to and fro, with lights or torches like Gideon's army ; the preaching, praying, singing and shouting, al| heard at once, rushing from different parts of the ground, like the sound of many waters, was enough to swallow up all the powers of contem- plation. Sinners falling, and shrieks and cries for mercy awakened in the mind a lively apprehension of that scene, when the awful sounil will be heard, " arise ye dead and come to Judgment !" it is by no means presumable that this vast multitude of people weie all induced to attend this meeting as worshippers ; but it is a fact, that many who were led thither by curiosity, returned with very differeni feelings from those with which they went. — A gentleman and ladyol some note in the gay and fashionable world, went to the meeting wifli *^ 401 mirlh and jesting, iugljly diverting themselves at the expense (as they thought) of those poor deluded beings who. were falling, and perhaps rolling in the nnud and dirt, screaming and crying lor mercy ; led on by curiosity, and perhaps as spectators, with .in expectation of return- ing to give an account of the wonderfui sights they had witnessed, and to laugh, ridicule, and make sport ot it. With such sources of gratification, they were congratulating each other on their way to the meeting, and in the sequel it was agreed, that if one should fall, the other should by no means desert ; but stay and take care of the fallen one. In this sportive disposition, they arrived at length at the place ; -| Lilt they had not been long on the ground before the lady fell ! The .sportive gentleman discovering the situation of his associate, paid no regard to his solemn obligation ; but immediately fled with all speed : but before he had proceeded more than two hundred yards, the high- minded gallant shared the fate of his companion, and measured his \Yhole length on the ground ! ! Of course, he was soon surrounded by a praying multitude ! But these meetings did not escape censure and opposition. It is tlifficult to control a large collection of people, of every description ; hence it is, that there might have been, and probably were, many ir- rcsiularities. The enemies of these meetings, who were generally projudiced and bigoted professors, or the wicked who had no liking for tliem, took advaiit-'ge of every circumstance, and exaggerated every .'nfavorable occurrence to such a degree as to give a false and dread- ful coloring. The repojts, and some publications, put into circulation, are incredible. " What persecution ever wentcn," asks Mr. Asbury, "that priests had not a hand in it?" Some bigotted priests, on this occasion, were quite busy. They were much worse at misrepresenta- tion than the wicked themselves. But in them the scripture has been verified, "The measure that ye mete shall be measured to you again." These public testimonies against the work, particularly by minis- ters, were means of stirring up and encouraging those who Were open- ly wicked, to come forth to mock, oppose, and persecute ; but even such were often unable to withstand the power; and sometimes in the Tery act of persecuting, they were struck down like men in battle ; K k2 • i, \ 'W #" 402 ^tl .''% A'^i" ii^ ^ii> ■Nii i'i \i)i ■■■I w ■If!./ \ and so alarming wLiS the sight, that others ori foot and on horsebacl would try to make their escape, and flee away, like those who arc closely pursued by an army in time of war, and be overtaken by Iht invisible power, under w hich they would be struck down, and con- strained to cry out in anguish, and confess their wickedness in perse- cuting the work of God, and warn others not to oppose it. Thus many who were openly profane, were taken in the very act of perse- cuting the work, and like Saul of Tarsus, were made the happy sub- jects, and zealous promoters of it ; while bigoted professors, who hai: 'Encouraged them on, remained like the *' heath in the desert that scelh not when good Cometh.'''^ In 1802 we had the established number of conferences, seven in all. One alteration took place, which was that the western conference wa^ held in the latter part of the preceding year. We admitted on trial near seventy young preachers this year, whick was a pretty good supply for all our circuits. The circuits received this year were the following : BALTIMORE CONFERENCE. Fredericksburg f John Pitts. West Wheeling, Joseph Hull. SOUTH CAROLINA. Ogeechee, James H. Mellard. Appalachee, Isaac Cook. PHILADELPHIA. BroadMln, David Best, Samuel Budd. Dauphin, Jacob Gruber. Cape May, Richard Swain. ; Ulster, G. A. Knowlton, A. M'Cain. Western, B. Willey,J. Wilkinson. . NEW YORK- Adams, S. Merwin. Grand Isle, Wm. Anson. Wilbraham, Augustus Jocelyn. -^ Athens, Henry Eames. Long Point, Thomas Madden. *?«•■'■ •'■"'W ' > '. 403 lers this year, whick NEW ENGLANP. Fitlinouth, Asa Heath, O. Hall. Uollowelli C. C. Smith, A. Humphrey. Poland, P. Mungcr. Union River, Alfred Metcalf, VVm- Goodhue. We added 13,890 members to our society this year. This was the ;nost prosperous year that the Methodists had ever seen in the United States. However, there was one year, 1790, in which we added nlmost 500 more ; but the number of young preachers this year was considerably greater ; and withal, we kept so many of the old preach- ers in the work, that we might well say. The Lord is our helper and ice will not fear. The work had spread through the middle states from the time of holding our general conference in 1800, and had been going on for some time in Kentucky and Tennessee states. There was scarcely . ny part of the country where the Methodist preachers travelled and labored, in which there was not a revival of religion. In 1803 we had seven conferences, but one of them was held in October in the preceding year ; though it was entered on the minutes lor that year. We made an addition of twelve circuits and received about fifty preachers. The circuits were supplied as follows : WESTERN CONFERENCE. NoUichuckee, Henry Smith. Powell's- Valley, Benjamin Young. Clinch, Moses Black. Barren, James Quin. J. Young. BALTIMORE. Fredericktown, Henry Willis, J. Forrest. PHILADELPHIA. Iy«/e/(m, A. Garrettson, P. Phillips, J. Durbin. '• NEW ENGLAND. ' , ' ' iVbrton, E. Whittle, J. Robertson. JBowdoin/iam, True Glidden.^ ,,. . ' i' ' i; V: -m '''<>: ^'i'-^ \. '.■J*!' ■^wr-'M' -v- 404 Mn NEW YORK. Rockawaiji Francis Ward, Sylvester Foster. Southhold^ John Finnegan. MonUeaU Samuel Merwin. St. Johns and Sorclle^ Elijah Chichester, Labaii Clark- We adder] 17,336 members to the society this year, which was i much larger number than we had ever added in any one year. Ou; ministers and people, throufrhout the connection, were uncommonly de. voted to God ; and much engafjed to promote his cause. Cawij/ Meetings were encouraged in many places ; and attended by many ministers, and by thousands of people in the lower parts of Virginia and North Carolina ; at which seasons the Lord was pleased to visit lij in a remarlcable manner, both saints and sinners, old and young peo- ple ; so that the mouths of many gainsayers were stopped, and the hearts of many sinners were touched, and happily changed and renewed, To give a full account of the spread of the gospel, and of the re- vival of religion among us this year, would exceed the bounds of ; short history. There was a gracious reformation, and many converted in the citj of Middletown, in the state of Connecticut, in the course of the sum- mer and fall of the year A number ot the inhabitants went from tlie city by water down the river to what they called a kind of field-meet- ing, where the work began, and several were nwakened ; and some of them were converted as they returned home. From that time tiis work revived, and a good many persons were in a short time brougl. to the knowledge of God by the forgiveness of sins. In Kentucky, the work of the Lord was very great : in Limestone circuit there were about three hundred added to the society, and sinners were flocking home to God in every direction. This work was do£ confined to one place, but spread greatly through the state. Thewrt Was great in Tennessee, and very many were raised from a death of sin, unto spiritual life. ' •'•■ '■"'] -■"» -^ ,f^ht')'yi-tni) .A .y.v\^.'\. At that time there was a great union between the Presbyterians the Methodists ; and they frequently communed together, and unites] in holding camp-meetings, and in preaching together. In the WestefJi * ., •v 405 states, religion revived among other denominations as well qs thf^ Methodists. In 1804 we had eight conferences, one of which was a geneiul conference. At these conferences we admitted on trial upwards of seventy youno- [preachers, which were more than Tvere ever admitted among us in any I one ypar. We also received quite an addition of circuits. They were — WESTERN* COXFERENCE. Willderness, J. Young. Nashville, L. Edney. Red River, R. Lotspeich. Waijne, Wm. Crutclifield. Livingston, Jesse Walker. : , Illinois, Benjamin Young, Missionary. Guiandotte, Asa Shinn. Enoree and Sandy-River, Wm. Gassaway, H. Dannan. BALTIMORE. Deerfield, S. Bostwick. PHILADELPHIA. Viestmorcland, E. Cowles, John Dickins. Pompeij, E. White, N. Smith. Ontario, F. Woodnard, Wm. Hoyer. NEW YORK. Black River, G. Sweet, Asa Cummins. Lebanon, E. Chichester, JN. U Tompkins.' Jiiver Le French, Nathan Bangs. NEW ENGLAND. Magog, E. Fairbank. Barre, 0. Beale. liridgwater, C. Dnstin. Grantham, E. Willard, D. Young. Ashkirnham, T. Ravlin. This year we added 9,064 members to our society ; making in all il3,134 Methodists in the U. States : including those who are under Dur care in Canada. Thus hath the Lord blessed and prospered u? in ♦ ^-tX t ) ••: ''^i • .w .t^A: '.j;JLJ'.V;.. w 40G our christian and ministerial labors in the course of less than forty years. This year we held our fourth general conference in Baltimore, whicli beo-an on the sixth day of May. We had 111 preachers present, who were regular members of that conference. I will here give an account of the number of preachers from each annual conference, oi which there are seven. ♦ From the Western conference - - - " ^1 ----- ol i; 301 31 12 4 \ — South Carolina do. Virginia do. Baltimore do. Philadelphia do. New York do. New England do. 108 And three bishops The whole was 111 The following rule was also formed ; " The bishop shall not allo\T| any preacher to remain in the same station or circuit more than two years successively." In some cases, prior to that rule, the bishop bail appointed a preacher or preachers to the same place for three years to- gether. We now determined on a better plan, and formed this rule,! to prevent any preacher from wishing or expecting such an appoint- ment in future. ' Religion prospered among us very much during this year also ; m we had pleasing accounts from almost every part of the connection. In the latter part of the summer or beginning of autumn, there ffa?l a camp meeting held low down in Virginia, near the town of SuSl where the power and presence of God were vcnderfully displayed.- 1 The meeting began on Friday, and continued with but little interiiiis| sion till Monday night, in which time it was theught that three orfol hundred persons were converted to God. The accounts from *te| meeting appear to be incredible to those who were not present; those who were eye and ear witnesses, think it to be too great io^ sufficiently described. 407 i.h of less than forty in Baltimore, wliicli preachers present, I will here give an ' nual conference, of ishops 3 5| In m 3(1 12 108 vas 11' bishop shall not allow rcuit more than two! at rule, the bishop m ace for three years to- and formed this rule, ting such an appoint- ig this year also ; d of the connection, of autumn, there was the town of Suffolk) jnderfully ''isplayed.- lith but iittle intermis- pught that three or N ie accounts from m fere not present ; W to be too great to W 111 1805 we had seven conferences. This year, ut the several conferences, wc admitted about eighty young preachers upon trial, and had an addition of the following cir- cuits. WESTERN CONFERENCE. Licking, Benjamin Edge. Roaring River, Richard Browning. Mad River, Abraham Amos. BALTIMORE. Monroe, N. B. Mills. PHILADELPHIA. Scipio, Joseph Dunham, George Lane. NEW YORK. South Britain, Nathen Felch. Haverstraiv, W. Vredenburgh. NEW ENGLAND. " Livermore, Samuel Thompson. Loudon, Caleb Dustin. Tufftenborough, Lewis Bates. The Methodists had increased more of late years in the United [States, than formerly. We have more preachers, more circuits, more members, and (I may say) more religion that we ever tiad at any one Itime before. This revival of religion was not confined to the Methodists alone, iLut other denominations were highly favored of the Lord. However, my business is to speak particularly of the Methodists, and to point lut some of the many things which the Lord hath done for them. In 1806 our conferences were as follows : The 198 conference was held in Scott county, Kentucky, on the 2 )f October, 1S05. The 199 in Camden, on the 30 of December, 1805. The 200 in Norfolk, on the 14 of February 1806. The 201 in Baltimore, on the 14 of March. The 202 in Philadelphia, on the 14 of April. The 203 in New York, on the 16 of May. The 204 at Canaan, in New Hampshire state, on the 12 of June. ' »■ ' t '1%'] 40S 1 fi^ At these conferences we admitted upon trial upwards of eighty young preachers. • *•* We added 10,625 members to the society ; which was a large number of precious souls to be brougfht into the fold of Christ in one year. But it is an easy thing- with the Almighty to forgive sins. and to do a great work in a short time. There was also an increase of 19 circuits which, with their supply of preachers was as follows ; HOLSTEIN CONFERENCE. Claiborne, Wm. PHttison, Appalausas, E W. Bowman. SOUTH CAROLINA. Sparta^ Jnmes Mellard, R. Pierce. MilledgeviUe, J. Tarpley, L. Pierce. Louisville, .lohn Campbell, John Hill. Uocky River, T. Nelson. Buncombe, Moses Matlhews. BALTIiMORE. Lyefming, ' i inotby Lee, Jesse Pinnel. Monongaheln . Wm. Page, J. Smith. Mahonin, N. B. Mills. PHILADELPHIA. St Martins, John Wiltbank, Thomas Burch. Lyons, L. Reiley. NEW YORK. Quebec, N. Bangs. NEW ENGLAND. Stanstead, Philip Ager. Northfield, Martin Ruter. Centre-Harbour, Vlezek'inh ¥\e\d. Vasselsborough, John Williamson. Orrington, Wm. Hunt. Hampden, John Green. This was a prosperous year among the Methodists, and the workc God was carried on in many places, in an uncommon manner, both i the conversion and sanctification of precious souls. Indeed, the work I <"> 409 Js of eighty young ^bich was a large I fold of Christ in y to forgive sins, with their supply .^",i 1 ists, and the workol [non manner, both m . Indeed, the vrork was so great, that it appeared to be almost incredible among christians themselves who had never seen any thing to equal it before. On the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia, it was said that more than a thousand persons were converted at one camp-meeting, which lasted about five days and nights. The account was not merely ■A report, but it was given by ministers and people, who were eye and car witnesses ; and who had taken great pains to ascertain the exact number of those who during that meeting openly professed to be de- livered from the burthen of their sins. The preachers appointed dit- lerent men to attend in different parts of the congregation, for the ex- press purpose (jf taking an account of such as got converted, and to report accordingly ; and from their report there were upwards of a thousand converted at one meeting ; and a greater number, at anothf i meeting of the same kind. In 1807, we had our conferences as follows : The 205 conference was held at Ebenezer, in Tennessee, on th»^. 15 of Sept. 1806. The 206 at Sparta, in Georgia, on the 29 of Dec. 1806. The 207 in Newborn, on the second of February, 1807. The 208 in Baltimore, on the 2 of March. The 309 in Philadelphia, on the 2 of April. The 210 at Coeyman's Patent, on the 2 of May. The 211 in Boston, on the 2 of June. At these conferences we admitted upon trial a lew more than a hun- dred young preachers. A number of new circuits were also taken in wliich were supplied in the following manner, viz: WESTERN CONFERENCK. f Missouri, John Travis. Ochittaj Thomas Lasley. Licking y Wm. Ellington. SOUTH CAROLINA. • Ohoopee, Angus M'Donal. ■■ VIRGINIA. Rocky Mount, Thomas Shands. , /rede//, S. Garrard, H. Warren. " Raleigh, C. S. Mooring, Grey Williams. ^* 1. "^r 410 m BALTIMORE. Washington Cityy John Watsoa. Bald Eagkf E. Matthews. CamsteOf John Kichards, Geo. Morgan. PHILADELPHIA. Holland PurchasCf Peter Vannest, A. Jenkins. NEW YORK. Bucklandi Laban Clark. In 1808, we had eight conferences, the last of which was a gene- ral conference. ' We added to the society 7,405 members. Although our increase was not as great this year as it had been in some of the pre- ceding years, yet we had great cause to be thankful for an increase of so many thousands. In the month of May we had our fifth and last General Conference, and as we made some alterations in our rules and discipline, it will be necessary to take notice of them at this place. The first alteration is respecting the general conferences in future, and as the change is very cons iderable, I will insert the rule at full length. Q. " Who shall compose the genera) conference, and what are the regulations and powers belonging to it ?" A. 1. ** The general conference shall be composed of one member for every five members of each annual conference, to be appointed by seniority or choice, at the discretion of such annual conference: yet so that such representatives shall have travelled at least four full calendar years, from the time that they were received on trial by an annual conference, and are in full connection at the time of holding the conference. 2. The general conference shall meet on the first day of May, in the year of our Lord 1812, in the city of New-York, and thence forward on the first day of May, once in four years perpetually, in such place or places as shall be fixed on by the general conference from time to time ; but the general superintendents, with or by the advice of all the annual conferences, or if there be no general super- intendents, all the annual conferences respectivelj^ shall have power to call a general conference, if they judge it necessary at any time- 411 V which was a genc- 3. At all times when the general conference is met, it shall take two-thirds of the representatives of all the annual conferences t< make a quorum for transacting business. 4. One of the general superintendents shall preside in the general conference; but in case no general superintendent be present, the ge- neral conference shall choose a president protempore. 5. The general conference shall have full powers to make rules and regulations for our church, under the following limitations and restrictions, viz. 1. The general conference shall not revoke, alter, or change oui articles of religion, nor establish any new standards or rules of doc- trine contrary to our present existing and established standards ol doctrine 2. They shall not allow of more than one representative for every five members of the annual conference, nor allow of a less number than one for every seven. 3. They shall not change or alter any part or rule of any govern- ment, so as to do away episcopacy, or destroy the plan of our itine- rant general superintendency. 4. They shall not revoke or change the general rules of the Uni- ted Societies. 5. They shall not do away the privileges of our ministers or preach- ers of trial by committee, and of an appeal. Neither shall th ey do away the privileges of our members of trial before the society, or by a committee, and •f an appeal. They shall not appropriate the produce of the book concern, or of the charter fund, to any purpose other than for the benefit of the tra- velling, supernumerary, superannuated and worn out preachers, their wives, widows and children. Provided nevertheless, that upon the joint recommendation of all the annual conferences, then a ma- jority of two thirds of the general conference succeeding, shall suffice to alter any of the above restrictions." Our connection having spread very extensively, and the number of our preachers being much larger than they were formerly, it was thought best to make some new regulations about our general confer* i^^ .%■> VM ^wi *''i jli Si*.- 412 wliich means each part of the connection would have a proportiona- ble number of preachers in the general conference. , We had an addition of the following circuits whicli were supplioc .13 follows : Western Conferenck. Marimacy E. Willcox. Duck Creek, Zadock B. Thackston. Silver Creek, Moses Ashworth. Willis Creek, James Watts. Washataw, A. Houston. SoTJTii Carolina. Tomheckhec, M. P. Sliirdcvant. licedy River, C. Wheat, B. Dtlany. Fayette- Ville, Thomas Mason. Virginia, Neusc, Humphry Wood. Smyrna, Thos. Walker, Geo. Harman. Snow-Hill, Samuel Talbot. Canaan, Gideon Draper. New England. Palmira, Wm. Hi n man. There were added also a number of otlicr circuits and stations. which were" the following; Watanga, Wm. Pattison, M. Ashworth. Tennessee Valley, Tho. Milligan. Elk, Thos. Stillwell. Dixon, Wm. Lewis. Fleming, Josh. Oglesby, E. Wilcox. * Cold Water, John Crane. White Water, H. Sanford, M. Crume. Cincinatti, Wm. Houston, John Sinclair. While Oak, David Young. Marietta, S. Langdon. Leading Creek, Thos. Lasley. Alcovi, R. L. Edwards. Oakmidgie, Benj. Gordon. ave a proporliona- lich were supplior. cuits and station. 413 Car^^rec, Win. Scott. Ashldi/ t\ Savannah Itivcrs, J. II. Mcllard Misiionary. I'roin Santee to Cooper liivcr, J. E Glenn, Miss. fi real Falls t Jolin Watson, Jos. Toy. Antata y, Petor Beaver. ]iuliem,(i, Asa Smith, Geo. Sheets. Three- Uioc.rSy Jas. Sampson. Detroit t Wm. Case. Booth, Denj. C. Fog. Industnjy Josiah Emerson. Since the beginning of the present year we have had a pleasing jiiospcct of relifjion, in various parts of the United States: and the accounts both verbal and written, Irom various persons, assure us that souls arc coming to God by hundreds. At one camp-meeting, held near Lynciiburgh in August, it was supposed that as many as eighty souls were converted to God from the beginning to the close of that meeting, which lasted only a few days. Soon after that, the work of God revived in the town of Lynchburg, and in the course of one week, it was thought that as many as eighty or ninety souls were born again. Such a wonderful display of the power and presence of God in lh<> con- version o!t souls had never been known in that town. In 1810 the work of reformation progressed. The increase was 11,525. At this time the preachers had extended their labors general- ly through the United States and Canada ; there were revivals of re- ligion in various places ; but we cannot give particular descriptions of them, our limits will not admit of it. The work is the Lord's, to Him be all the glory. The number of circuits added this year with their respective supply of preachers, were as follows. WESTERN CONFERENCE. iSfa//rj7/e, James King. Henderson, William Lewis. ' Cape Girrideau, Jesse Walker. Finccnncs, William Winans. ,.,■. Letart Falls, John Clinghan. 4 ■i' I »■ '.lit' m'^ f. 'i 1'.' i! .m ■tB^'f'^r'! •ill. 414 /'7m/, J. M*Minn. KnoXt Robert Cloud. SOUTH CAROLINA Wateree, VV. Warwick, John Webb. VIRGINIA. StraitSj J. Morris. ^ » Black River f C. S. Mooring. BALTIMOKK. Hagars Town, James Paynter. E. Wheeling, Simon Lauck. Mishannon, Dainiel Stansbury. NEW YORK. Hancock, P. Cook. Troy, William Phcsbus. Middlebury, Phineas Peck. 1811. — This, year there were extensive revivals mostly throughoiil the connection. In the returns of the circuits, they seem almost uni- versally crowned with increasing prosperity. The total increase vv;.s 10,007. Theve were also 113 preachers received on trial. 'J'be Western conference received 26, the South Carolina 20,Virginia, 14, Baltimore 5, Philadelphia 10, New York 24, New England 12, Genesee 10. Methodism having now spread over the United States and Canada, it is not deemed essential to notice the rise of circuits further, as bj.' so doing this work would be augmented beyond its intended bounds. At the general conference held in the city of Baltimore in 1808, oji account of the great increase of our work, extending over so large a territory, the number of travelling preachers continually multiplying, it was resolved to establish a delegated general conference, to be compo- sed of a-certain number of delegates to be elected by the several an* nual conferenceg. This measure so necessary for the well being of the church, had been in contemplation by Bishop Asbury and others, elders m the ministry, for several years. When it was first proposed at this general conference, it met with a determined opposition, and fras finally lost by a very considerable majority. Towards the close 415 ui the conference, however, it was reconsidered, and presented in a somewhat modified Ibnn, and very unaninnously adopted. The first delegated general conference was held in the city of New York, in May, 1812. Among others, as delfgdtes from the New York conference, was Mr. Garrettson ; and such was the respect and I confidence manifested towards him by his brethren, that at every sub- >^equent general conleit-ncc he was elected as one of their delegates. [in this character, though he often differed with some of his brethren on certain points of church government, he always manifested the most stern and inflexible opposition to any innovation upon the established Joctrines of the church ; at the same time cheerfully bowing to the [will of the majority on matters of indifference. In this year, [1S12] commenced the late war between the United jStates and Great Britain, which continued till March 1815. The commotion occasioned throughout the United States, as must be ra- jtionally supposed, proved a momentous barrier to the progress of re- lligion in general. The spirit of politics raging to a high degree, with Ithe incessant agitations among the population from various sources, jail contributed, to lower down the standard of practical holiness, to Iturnmany aside from the path of christian duty, and, to close the door [in a great measure, against such as were striving to keep the spirit of JTital religion in its usual elevation, and lead the ungodlj'^ m the way [of repentance unto life. To what attainments our church would have arrived in course of Ithatjperiod of tumult and war, can only remain a conjecture with all. jit is natural to conclude however, that a far greater increase both of Iprcachers and people, as well as of inward and outward holiness, Iwould have been the result, than was the real case. In reference to Ithe Itinerant ministry, but few additions were made : 16 was the to- Ital increase from the first year of the war, till the close, in 1815. This jiiumber was very inconsiderable in proportion to the increase of mem- Ibers which amounted to no less than 15,908, averaging something pore than 5,300 in each year ! The Genesee conference held at Niagara 1812, sent as usual a ■supply oi preachers to the circuits in the Canadas ; but as the declara- tion of war was soon after proclaimed, but few of them repaired to tlieir .:J- 41C appolntnicnls, anil some that did, soon returned tigaln to the L'liiiol States. In the Western and Soutliurn conferences, dtn nig the war, the pro 'gress of Methodism was by far the most considerable : the South Car- 1 olina conference in particular, outvied all the others in point of nuK- bers, except the Ohio; the former cnnbracing fifty circuits and the lai- ter forty -six. The whole American connection was at this timo divided into tiirr I annual conferences, viz. Ohio, Tennessee, South Carolincv, Virginia.l Baltmiorc, Philadelphia, New York, New England and Genesee and in the vear IS 17, the Missouri and Mississippi were organize and joined to the preceding number. The addition of the two latter conferences, denotes the rapid pro- gression of the Methodist cause in the Western countries, which \va-,j by no means very inconsiderable. Nor was the community at largo, advancing in a less rapid degree, since the yearly returns of the ci;. cuits, and stations were almost universally crowned with a copious in- crease. The North and East however, in the year 1S17, surpassft.'! by ^'ome thousands, the South and West. The whole increase in tliaif year was 10,618, notwithstanding a diminution among the blacks t;| the amount of 1,107. The first volume of the Methodist Magazene was published tfe year, at New-York, by Joshua Soule and Thomas Mason, Boo!; Agents for the Methodist Episcopnl Church in the United States The increase in the Societies, was 4774. Number of conferenceil 11, and 486 circuits. The Baltimore conference exceeded alltlie| rest in members. 1819. — The spirit of Reformation still seems elevated througlioul I the conferences. The increasing interests of the church, and the in- defatigable exertions of the Ministers and people, are clearly demon- strated from the augmented numbers with which the annual returns from the circuits are crowned. The returps of the present yea:j [1819] amount to 240,924, of which 39,174 are coloured members; making an increase of 11,297. The whole number of travellinj| preachers 898. , 41" notc3 lUe rapid pro countries, which ^va?,| r'-alu to the Unlio. ■ In 1S20 the profrress of the cTiurch surpassed by far that of any previous year, receiving an addition of 15,957 members and 92 tra- velling preachers. The third delegated General Conferrence was iield in the city of Baltimore, at which time and place, a missionary society was instituted, under the title of "The Missionary Society ol the Methodist Episcopal Church.'" It vvas resolved at this General Conference, to open a direct in- tcrciurse with the EiiPopean Methodists, by the medium of delegates from one body to the other; and the Rev. John Emory vvas therefore (!elt'g;ited that year, to represent the General Conference of the Me- thodist Episcopal Church in the United States, to the British Con- ference in England. This intercourse lias ever since been kept up. (*) In the returns of the years 1821 and 1822, the iraveliing minis- Iry had received an addition of 202; making in ail llOG itenerant preachers. The increase of members in 1821, was 21,230. In 1S22, 16,470, which was 4,780 less than the preceding year. Incourse of these two years the work of re'ormation made rapid progress through many parts of the church,' though in the former year, tbe Ohio and Philadelphia Conferences sustained some loss. The Mississipi Conference approached nearly to double its former num- bers. To the Sout' Carolina, Baltimore, Tennessee, New- York, New England, and Genesee Conferences, were made the greatest additions: some of them receiving from tvvo to three thousand mem- bers, and from twelve to thirty preachers each. While in some parts the church seemed to decline, and many of her members were drop- ping off on the right hand and on the left, the Lord was visiting her in other sections with the mighty out-pourings of his Holy Spirit, and j frowning the endeavors of his faithful ministers and people, with abundant success. Many powerful revivals took place during these I years, in various parts of some of the Nourthern Conferences, where- in many souls were gathered into the Church of Christ. Equally prosperous likewise was the cause of religion in the follow- ing year, 1822. The missions established among the Indian tribes seemed to wear an (*) The visits of Dr. Coke liad kept up this mutual intercourse till the year '''Ol, since wliich time it had been suspended till thi$ year [1820.] ^m\ r in. i '.;.:'• 418 •r encouraging aspect. At the Wyandott mission eighteen natives were joined in communion with the church. The mission school among the Creeks consisted of twelve children. The Chiefs, and many of the Indians, were very desirous of having their children instructed in the course pursued by the teacher. Some of the Cherokee nation had likewise embraced the christian religion, and united with the church. 1823. — Though many circuits were refreshed this year with tlitj disphyi. of the mercy and power of God, and many sinners were con. verted and brought to the fold of Christ in various parts of the com- munity, yet, the increase of members in the church at large was con- siderable less than in any year since 1820 ; being 1568 less than tlicl year previous 1822, and 6348 less than in 1821. The Wyandott mission was this year in a flourishing state; fortjl children were at the school, who were making rapid progress in learnj ing; and two hundred natives in all, had united with the church. The mission at Jackson's Purchase was likewise in a prosperousl condition : many, during the year, were joined to the church of Christ The Creek mission likewise appeared quite promising. In 1424 the General Conference was held in Baltimore. The friendly intercourse which had been opened in 18:!20, between the two great bodies of Methodists, contributed much to the mutuaij satisfaction of both divisions. The British Conference therefore, des- patched the Rev. Richard Reece, as their representative to the Amefj ican general conference to be held this year, accompanied by the Rev John Hannah. Increasing darkness has sometimes been observed to be a prelude I approaching day, and so indeed, may the less promising aspect ol oiirl Zion for a few years past, be viewed, as portend ntr the approach ofil more auspicious and glorious morn. The friends of Zion indeed k- gan now to realize more fully, the fruit of their ardent toils and U in the vineyard of the Lord. As a subject of encouragement to tbeirj fidelity and christian fortitude, they were brought to behold a superaj bundant increase of souls, to the fellowship of the church, amountinfj to near one thousand and one hundred more than they had witnessenl for some years before. ghteen natives \yere I of twelve children. r desirous of having the teacher. Some le christian religion. [1 this year with tk ny sinners were con* us parts of the com- ch at large was con- 1 o- 1568 less than thc| ourishing state; fortyj ipid progress in learn- ,vith the church. ms,':. in a prosperous I )the church of Christ. | lising. Baltimore, ned in 18^0, betweenl 1 much to the inutuaii erence therefore, des- entative to the Amer-I )mpanied by the Rev ved to be a prelude I; romising aspect ot Inijj the approach of » Is of Zion indeed h- ardent toils and laborsl ncouragement to theitj ht to behold a superaJ he church, amountii|| .n they had witness«lj 419 There were now thirteen annual conferences ; the one in Canada having been set off by the general conference. The annual conferen- ces with their respective number of church members were as follows : No of Members. 36541 24691 11773 25509 9009 :'J 1 Ohio Conference, 2 Kentucky, 3 Missouri, 1 4 Tennessee, ') Mississippi, - . - L) South Carolina, 7 Virginia, 3 Baltimore, 9 Philadelphia, 10 New York, 11 New England 13 Genesee, |l3 Canada, - - - Total Total last year Increase this year Travelling preachers this year do do last year 39645 28098 .38316 35810 27195 21625 24166 6150 328523 312540 15983 1272 1226 Increase this year 46 Truly we may exclaim, " What hath God wrought" in the course of fifty one years ! In 1773 the whole number of Methodists on the Continent of America, only amounted to 1160 private members, and 10 preachers ; which when taken from the present number, leaves an Increase of 327,625 ! averaging 6424 each year during the time. During the four years interval between the general conference of 1824 and that of 1828, the cause flourished in some parts, while in Others, the spirit of dissention seemed to prevail in a most distructive iianner. The Baltimore conference it appears, suffered the most vio- 6nt agitations by the loud cries of Reform ; which resulted at length f ,..n !•» !';* i i • li\ 420 ,,»? ■■* -^ ■■J'- ;*'; f PI :l^l^ mU H^ -kvl in the separation of large numbers from the church. Nor was it coo- fined within the limits of this conference alone — the New York, Ohio, l iind Genesee conferences likewise, became tainted in some parts wit;,| same infection The most efficient means employed from the press, ir,| exciting the minds of th'i people upon this subject, was a periodica! work which commenced its issue at Baltimore in 1824, entitled, '< Tk mutual rights of the ministers and members of the Methodist Epioco- pal Church;" edited and published by a committee of eight gentlemes who were the leading promoters of the Reform Question, so called ind four of whom were Ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Churdl These pamphlets were sent to various parts of the connection whereve:! the votaries of Reform were to be found. Occasional separations place, and some dissenting societies were formed in various parts oil the above named conferences. These dissenters organized themselves into an independent churcl;,| and adopted a name highly ex'^ressive of their character, which wasl that of Protestant Methodists. They have progressed at lengtij to a considerable extent, in some of the western States, and alsoirj some parts of the south. This sect is by far the most considerable of any tliat has revolteJ from the Methodist Episcopal church. The chief subject of their pro- testation, is that of Episcopacy. Some other changes in the formoi government however, of a minor importance have been introduceJ among them. Such, for instance, as a delegation from the laity tot!i;| legislative bodies, &c. Another schism arose in the city of New York, which has beeJ known by the name of the Stilwell faction, irom their leader wbl was of that name. A considerable number with him at their heJi revolted from the church, or declared themselves separate and indfr pendent, and formed themselves into a body under the name of Ap York Methodists. These intestine agitations were truly distressing to the communn^ in general, but more especially so in those particular sections wherJ they occurred. At first sight one would suppose those racking coiii tentions and revoltings must prove an unusual stagnation to On# Methodism. But facts demonstrate the reverse. Notwithstandioj 421 I rith him at their heal those calamities the cause of God still prospered, and the Methodisi Episcopal Church still triumphed over its numerous and opposing ene^ mies. Great additions were made to the community, in point of num- bers and extent of territory, as well as pecuniary advantages, &c. The Rev. John Emory, D. D. was appointed bo»k agent in con- nection with the Rev Nathan Bangs, D. D. by the General Con- ference in 1824. And m 1826, was issued the Christian Advocate : a most valuable periodical, devoted to religion, science, general in- telligence, &c. ; the proceeds of which if divided equally among the annual conferences to be applied in spreading the gospel, and in aid- ing the distressed travelling preachers, their wives, widows and or- phans, &c. In the tollttwing year 1827, the Christian Journal pub- lished at Charleston, South Carolina, was connected with it. And in 182H, Zions Herald, published at Boston by the direction of the New England and Maine conferences, was also conjoined with the two former. By the union of these, the following title was formed : Christian Advocate and Journal and Zions Herald. This valuable production is extended in vast numbers throughout the United States; issuing weekly by many thousands, and conveying their useful and cheering intelligence to the inhabitants of the various cities, towns and neighborhoods, scattered over that extensive and happy coun- try. Doubtless ther is no journal on the continent, which meets with so extensive a circulation. The church in the year 1825, seems to surmount her distressino \lifficulties, existing in some parts, and stand forth in the beauty and strength of the God of the Armies of Israel : more souls were added to her communion, than any previous year had witnessed, except that of 1821. The amount was 19,672. The Indian missions in Upper-Canada flourished, this and the following year, beyond what had ever been witnessed among them. The whole number of con- verted natives amounted to 250. The Holstein conference was organized and joined to the list in 1825, including 14,934 members, and 41 ministers ; and likewise the Maine Conference, containing 6,960 members and 46 preachers, la 1826, the Pittsburgh and Illinois conferences were sat off. The I'f. !* '^ i' » ■ I fi 1 1" SU 'm¥w Si 422 former containing 17,147 members and 73 preachers, and the latter 13,042 members and 43 preachers, making in all, 17 conierences, 84 districts, 759 circuits und stations, 1406 travelling preachers, and 360,800 members! The increase in 1826, amounted only to 12,601 and 92 preachers. May 1, 1828, the General Conference commenced its session in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There were 160 delegates, and the five Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church, viz. M'Kendree, George, Roberts, Soule and Hedding were preserit. An extract of a letter from one of the members of this conference dated Pittsburgh May 22, 1828, will afford some account of the results of its session. To day the election for book agents resulted in the re-election of Dr. John Emory for editor and general book steward, the Rev. Bev- erly Waugh, for assistant editor and book steward, the Rev. Charles HoUiday, agent at Cincinnati, and Dr. N. Bangs for editor of the Christian Advocate and Journal. The Rev. Wm. Capers is elected our representative to the Wesleyaa Methodist Conference. Though the conference has had to decide on some very important and delicate points, much harmony has prevailed, and there is a pros- pect that the close of the session will be in much peace and good will, The 24 instant is appointed for the adjournment of the conference, and Its next meeting is to be in the city of Philadelphia, May 1, 1832. The peo|:le of Pittsburgh fiave done themselves much credit by the kind and hospitable manner with which they have entertained the members of the conference. Much fear was indulged before coming to the place, that accommodations could not be had for so many men; but we have been happily disappointed, and shall carry with us a pleasing recollection of the urbanity and Christian courtesy exhibited by our friends in this city.. At this general conference in 1828, measures were taken for raising a fund, to be called the Publishing fund. The object of which was fo erect a book establishment sufficientl}'^ extensive to embrace the, general book concern, connected with the Bible, Sabbath-School ami Tract Societies- This fund was to be raised by the liberal donations of such as were disposed to give. The amount requisite to warrant its ,.X-^l ■.T*-' 423 I commencement, was 50,000 dollars. This plan was published in the Christian Advocate and Journal, accompanied with solicitations for contributions, to be forwarded to New-York. Donations were therefore sent forward from almost every quarter of the community, the receipts of which were acknowledged in the Advocate and Journal and Zions Herald. A considerable amount has been received, but the work is not as yet accomplished. 1829. — A truly prosperous year ! such an ingathering of souls was never before known in the western world. 29,305 were brought into fellowship with the Methodist Episcopal Church ! Suiely the Lord's ear is not heavy that he cannot hear, nor his arm shortened that he cannot save. The years 183) & 31 yielded a copious increase to the cause of Methodism. Itsrmarch in the latter year, more especially, was, per- haps, never exceeded, since its cheering rays first shone upon the western world. The general progression of the work was no way inconsiderable. From all that can be readily ascertained however, the Oneida, Genessee and Ohio conferences, shared the fullest in this work of grace. Throughout the two former conferences, the fire of reformation spread in an astonishing manner, and thousands were made partakers of the grace ot life. In some villages where the four days, (or as they proved) protract- ed meetings were held, from one, to three or four hundred souls were converted in a very short period. In Moscow, a small village forty miles south of Roches'er, N. Y. at a District Conference of local preachers, rising of fifty souls received forgiveness of sins in the course of about forty-eight hours. Besides, many others also, found peace before the meeting finally closed. In Rochester a gracious work commenced in the autumn of 1830, soon after the close of the Genessee conference, which held its ses- sion in that place. In course of the fall and winter, the* work was steady and progressive, and sometimes unusually powerful. Not linfrequently from ten to twenty broken hearted sinners, have found pardon and peace in Jesus Christ, in the space of two or three hours. When after preaching, in the evenmg, th^ iyitation being given for tlie penitent to come forward for prayers, they often rushed around 4 1' h 1.4 .tl f-q , and after him his jjrandson was called Thomas. At the age of sixteen, he was removed from Brecon to Oxford ; and in the Lent term of his vseventeenth year, was entered a Gentleman- Commoner at Jesus College, in that university. On finding revela- tion assailed by sophisms which he had never heard before, and those principles attacked, which he had never been instructed to defend, si- lence succeeded to astonishment at fir^t ; but the poison was working its way through unguarded avenues to his heart ; so that by slow and imperceptible degrees, he became a captive to those snares of infidelity, which he had at first surveyed with detestation and horror. It providentially happened about this time, that the discourses and dissertation of Bishop Sherlock fell into his hands. The reasonings ol Sherlock, only made him a christian in theory. He was still a stranger to the religion of the heart, and knew nothing of the necessity of being born again. But an important point was gained ; it had brought him within the precints of Revelation, and even laid him un- der an obligation to examine with deep attention, the various doctrines o( that system which he had thus embraced. The effect followed vrhich might naturally be expected. From a treatise on Regenera* 427 DECEASED DI^^1^ ^'ITH THAT Of :, L. h. D. Brecon, in Soulli laptized on the \rtholomew Coke. I. He was of liigli :hief magistrate of nd with an equoi 's nanne was Ann Phillips, E'.q , and "con to Oxford ; and red a Gentleman- On finding revela- 1 before, and those ucted to defend, si- lolson was working that bv slow and snares of infidelity, horror, the discourses and The leasonings He was still a ling of the necessity as gained; it had even laid him un- ;he various doctrines 'he effect followed itise on Regenera- tion by Dr. VVilhcrspooa, he obtained a considerable knowledge of the ttuiturc, and the necessity of it ; but it was not until some time after- Iward that he was put i\\ actual possession of that genuine faith which :an,andhis warm and active mind gathering strengili in its progress, he proceeded to turn the parish into a kind of Method- ist circuit. He visited and preached in every part of it ; and as some showed signs of dissatisfaction, and spoke against his proceedings, liei cast off all restraint ; and after the second lesson, on the Sunday muro ing, he commenced the practice of reading an account of his intended labors tor the week to come, to the amazement of his auditory. These bold advances soon brought matters to a crisis. The doctor! was dismissed from his cu-acy ; and as his opponents found out tk day on which he was to leave the town, the bells were rung, aol some hogsheads of cider were brought into the street, that those w were so disposed might rejoice over the deliverance of the parish froi its Methodist curate. On Mr. Wesley *s next visit to that part of the kingdom, Dr.Cokej ioined him. ind accompanied him to Bristol. In this city, amono; people established in the true faith of the gospel, the doctor's gentli manly manners, his manifest zeal for religion, and his attachment Mr. Wesley, gained him universal love and esteem. His biographer) 429 has however, manifested very little knowledge ot Mr. Wesley's cliar- acter, in supposing that he kept the doctor under his own eye for some considerable time, fearing that he might be tempted to turn back, and that he should thus loose a helper that promised to be so useful. In all these things, Mr. Wesley always kept his mind perfectly free, knowing his high responsibility. Speaking of his own constant fel- low laborers, to whom under God he was indebted for his great success, lie observed many years before this time, " The desire of serving me, as sons in the gospel, was on their part, not mine ; my wish was to live and die in retirement." He was still more cautious with respect to the clergymen who joined him. He well knew that only those Iwhom the Lord of the harvest thrusts forth into the work would be Ipermanently useful in it ; and he certainly was in no bondage respect- ling Dr. Coke. Upon Mr. Wesley's going to London, he left the jdoctor at Bristol, where he remained a considerable time. While Dr. Coke continued in that city he became more fully ac- Iquainted with the rules of the society into which he had entered. The Itliscipline, which has been detailed in these memoirs, it now became lliis duty to maintain, and consequently to be present at all the meet- ings of the society. In these meetings he listened to Christian expe- rience, to which he was himself a stranger ; and not unfrequently, pvithout being conscious of the cause, he found himself in that embar- liassing situation described by President Edwards, of New England, |in bis *■ Considerations on the work of God," in that province : " How nelancholy," observes that great man, " is the case of one who is to act as a shepherd and guide to a people, many of whom are under great [awakenings, and many are filled with divine light, love, and joy ; to undertake to instruct and lead them all, under those various circumstan- ces; to be put to it to play the hypocrite, and force the airs of a Saint fn preaching, and, from time to time in private conversation ; and, in particular dealing with souls, to undertake to judge of their circumstan- b; to talk to those who come to him as if he knew what they said ; Miy totalk with persons of experience, asjf he had experienced as hvell as they ; to force a joyful countenance and manner of speech, l^'^lieii there is nothing in the heart. What sorrowful work is here •' How miserable must such a person feel ! What wretched slavery is v 3 ** . f > m 4 Wmt T 2ii! '**" _f^'-' ■' ■» ' Mil '11,81 :*1-^'<1 m 430 - this ! Besides the infinite provocation of the most high God, and dis- pleasure of his Lord and Master !" The case of Dr. Coke, who truly v/ished to do good, was however, not so lamentable. He was not m the condition of an ungodly minis- 1 ter who, tor a living, undertakes such a work. The doctor had no stipend, his own fortune being sufficient for his suppoit; and, not be- ing convinced of sin, he felt nc misery. He did not, indeed, like Mr. Southey and others, suppose that those people labored under a menial I disease; on the contrary, he supposed them sincere and of a sound I mind ; but he comlmted himself with his own supposed advantage " They have," he said to himself, " a knowledge of God among! them, which is s!range to me : but in philanthropy, and in large viewi for the good of mankind, I am superior to them." , The doctor was now pre'pared to attend more seriously to what he] heard amon^ a people who were well acquainted with those teachings and reproofs of the Spirit of God, and with that renunciation of * theirj own righteousness' which must precede the obtaining of ' that right' eousness, which is of God by faith.' He obtained that faith which gave his laboring conscience peace:] and which, in a miu"-! naturally so ardent, raised him upas on the wings of eagles! He joined from that time in all the exercises ol religion with a fervor that surprised many, and caused the people to whom he ministered to glorify God on his behalf. He confined himself no longer to the duties of a clergyman, 1 took part m all the work of a regular preacher Preaching abroad,, and in all the chapels ; exhorting all with a zeal almost equal to Max- field himself J 'instant in season and out of season,' no labors seemed too much for him, — no journeymgs too fatiguing; so that Mr. Wesley used to say, he was to him as a right hand. As Dr. Coke, towards the latter period of his life, was chiefly «ii' gaged in the promoting of Missions, his name stood at the head of the I missionary department, in the appointments of the preachers. Audi as superintendent of the Missions he regularly published, during thel last seven years or more of his life, an annual report, in which hel traced the rapid or progressive advancement of the work of God iai various parts ol the world. Among these it is pleasing to review thel mkm iillu 431 long I manner in which it has prospered in Ireland, and to trace the kind hand of Providence, in preserving his ministers and faithlul people in the midst of surrounding discouragements and dangers. . He had hved to behold missions established in Ireland ; in Wales ; |in the uncltivated parts of England ; in America ; in the West Indifs ; at Gibraltar ; and at Sierra Leone. In all these places he had seen Iprosperity attend the word which he had thus been made instrumental |in planting. These, therefore, no longer required that lostenng care, Iwhich their infant state had rendered necessary ; and, conf^equently, he Ifound himself somewhat free from those calls of duty, which, on furuier loccasions, were too ini[)erious to be resisted. From his various publications he was also disenjraged, bv having jiransferred the whole to the Conference. Of both wives he had like- kvise been deprived by the inscrutable dispensations of Heaven, so Ibt he was again free to enter upon any new enterprise that might proTiije to enlarjre the boundaries of Zion. These considerations, in bined effect awakened within him a latent desire which had Vered in his bosom, to turn his thoughts towards the shores bf India. In the year 1S13, when his resolution to visit India was near'ly formed, Dr. Coke opened a correspondence with the late Dr. Buchan- an, whose valuable reserches in India have made the Christian world [lis debtor. From this gentleman he also received much additional in- lormation, as well as a confirmation of what he had previously received Irom other quarters, particularly from Col. Sandys, Dr. Buchanan's Intimate friend, correspondent, and relative. It was through Dr. Bu- pnan that his views were more immediately directed towards the Island of Ceylon, the obstacles there being fewer in number, and less In mag;nitude, tlian those which must have been encountered, iii case Hiad thought of entering immediately among the Hindoos. This ns recommended as a preparatory step, that might enable him and his kssociates to acquire more particular knowledge of the continent, to 'hich the missionaries might repair hereafter, when they had fully es- [abliskd themselves in Ceylon, where part of the inhabitants, not fliolly ignorant of Christianity, might be addressed in the languages Bf Europe. « , I ' t ' ' U 432 At tbc Couference of 1813, which was held at Liverpool, Dr. CoU introduced his design to visit India, stating -at large the providentiV concurrence of circumstances which had appeared, the favorable dispoj sition which some men in power had manifested towards the mission] and the reasons which had finally led him to visit the eastern regiooil of the globe. At the same time he introduced to the Conference sj men whom he had procured to accompany him, and share in his toilif Of these volunteers in the cause of God, James Lvnch, William Ay'J George Erskine, VVilliam M. Harvard, and Thomas Squance wetj already travelling preachers, and to these were added two appronej local preachers whose names were Benjamin Clough and John l\\ Kenny. Dr. Coke and his companions continued in London, attentiveij studying the Portuguese language, and making other arrangemei;!J for their departure, until the 10th o' December, when they foudj necessary to repair to Portsmouth, to be in readiness to embark, they had taken their passage on board of two ships belonging to : fleet: the Lady Melville, commanded by Captain Lochmer; andi Cabalva, commanded by Captain Birch. Dr. Coke with Mr. HaJ vard, his wife and Mr. Clough, were stationed in the latter, andi the others in the former. It certainly would have been desirable,! they could all have embarked in one ship, but neither the Lady M ville nor the Cabalva could receive them without incommoding otli passengers ; and to have taken another ship, in which all couWi accommodated, would have cost them an additional sum of 900/. I their passage. They continued at Portsmouth until the 30, when taking leail ©f their affectionate and hospitable friends on shore, and of each m the parties separated to meet no more, till they greet each other world of spirits. Very early the next morning they weighed ancioj and put to sea under the mfluence of a favorable breeze, and an the prayers of the pious, who witnessed their final departure fwij their native shores. "Our fleet," says Dr. Coke, "when we si sail, consisted of a line of battle ship, of 74 gims, two frigates, sloop of war, six regular Indiamen, two country Indiamen, (sl« fcuilt in India) and about 35 smaller merchantmen." Sereralof tlnj 433 it liiverpool, Dr. CokJ large the providentiji id, the favorable dispo 1 towaras the mission sit the eastern regionil to the Conference sii| and share in his toikl s Lynch, WiUiam Aaltj rhomas Sqnance mi J added two approve Clough and John ill in London, attentivei] :ing other arrangemerJ iber, when they found | readiness to embark, vo ships belonging to I aptain Lochmer ; and tl Dr. Coke withMr.Ha] ned in the latter, andi ,d have been desirable, t neither the Lady ^ hout incommoding ottj ip, in which all could i ditional sum of 9001. f 30, when taking H shore, and of each otlil aey greet each other b ling they weighed ancbol Lable breeze, and a Lir final departure m jr. Coke, "when wes^ W guns, two frigatesi [country Indiamen, {^ Itmen." Several of tM merchantmen were bound for several parts of the world, and only sailed in company to certain latitudes, to avail themselves of the pro- tection which the convoy afforded. On the 23 they passed the island of Bourbon, and though about twelve leagues from the shore, they distinctly saw with the naked eye, the flames issuing from a volcano. Sometimes the blaze appeared sta- tionary for a short season ; and then, as the mountain was high, it re- sembled a comet shining in the distant heavens. At other times, ihe eye was arrested by a stream of fire, moving with inconceivable velo- city in sportive coruscations, and occasionally changing in its varying hues, from gleams of brilliancy, to a dismal and lurid gloom. On the 24, they passed the isle of France. And, on the 27, they were with- in five miles of the little isle ofGallega, yet no soundings could be found with a line of fifty fathoms. But they were now brought to the margin of an event, which was of too much magnitude, and was too deeply interesting to all the mis- sion^ies, to allow them time to make observations on any thing be- sides. This event was nothing less than the sudden and unexpected death of Dr. Coke. Cheerful, and animated with the mission which now was full in prospp-:-. before him, he had enjoyed a good share of health during all the former part of their voyage ; and in- stead of having any presentiment of his death, he was ready, on most occasions, to comfort those whose spirit sunk under the violence of con- tinued storms. Even to the last day of his life his exertions in his study were unremitted, to prepare himself for those missionary labors, on which he had already entered, and of which he beheld the happy effects by a pleasing anticipation. But his work was done ; and his days were brought to an end, like a tale that is told. On the first day of May, he just hinted that he found himself some- what indisposed, but his complaint was of so trifling a nature, that neither himself nor his companions viewed it in any serious light. On the 2 day of May he continued much the same ; his indisposition was not wholly removed, but he did not perceive u to increase. He con- versed as usual, and walked the deck at his accustomed hour, In the evening, as he was about to retire to rest, he requested Mr. Clough to give him from their chest a little op«ning medicine. With this re- N N 1 r,' '• V(\ I i ■ w 4P ■;ii ;f ' m-. m 434 (juest Mr. Clougli instantly complied, offering at the same time to sit up with him during the night. But this offer was refused by Dr. Coke, who did not think himself so much indisposed as to render sucli attention necessary. He, therefore, on retiring to rest, took his fellow missionaries by the hand, and, in his usual manner, commended them to God. This was the last time his voice was ever heard. To improve his moments to the utmost, it had been his constant practice while on board, to rise every morning at half-past five ; and to prevent him from sleeping beyond his accustomed time, the servan who attended him, had received orders to call him from his bed at the appointed hour. On the morning of the 3 of May, the servant knock- ed, as usual at his cabin door. But after several efforts, being unable to procure any reply, he ventured to open the door. This being done he discovered to his utter astonishment, the mortal remains of Dr Coke, lifeless, cold, and nearly stiff, stretched upon the cabin floor. The servant, on making this discovery, hastened to the apartment of Captain Birch, making hitr first acquainted with the melancholy ti- dings. Captain Birch, on hearing of the event, immediately sent for Mr. Clough, and communicated to him the awful information. Mr, Clough instantly hastened to Mr. Harvard, and imparted to him the tale of woe. Both then proceeded to the cabin of Lr. Coke, and saw- that the catastrophe, which they would gladly have di^^believed, was mournfully true. The corpse had by this time been taken from the floor, and laid on the bed ; but from the placidity which rested on the countenance, it did not seem to have been agitated by any convulsive throes. The head appeared to be a little turned towards one shoulder ; but witli this exception, no distortion whatever was visible. As soon as the agitation, which the sudden shock had occasioned, had a little subsided, they requested the surgeon of the ship to examine the body. With this request he readily comphed, and the result of his examination was, the probability that his death was occasioned by a fit of apoplexy, to which, from the make of his body and the nature of his constitution, he appeared to have been somewhat predisposed. But of this fact no sa- tisfactory evidence can be either expected or obtained, as he died sud- denly and alone. ,. ;..,...-,. ,,^.,,: (.1 •nn A 435 I.* It was supposed by those on board, that he must have risen from his bed, either to procure something that was not within his reach, or to call assistance, as he found his indisposition to increase ; but that the stroke commg so suddenly on him, with irresistible violence, he fell immediately on the floor, and instantly expired in that position in which lic was found by the servant. It is furthermore presumed that his death must have happened about midnight. If it had been much earlier, his fall must have been heard by some in the adjoining cabins who had not long retired to rest ; and if it had been later, his body could not have been stifi and cold. Divided from his cabin only by ^ thin wainscoat partition were the cabins of Captain Birch and Mr. Harvard ; but as neither of these heard the least noise from his apart- ment, it is fairly to be presumed that he expired without a struggle or a groan. As the Lady Melville was at no great distance, and the weather uas serene. Captain Birch kindly olfered to Messrs. Harvard and Clough a boat, to transmit the melancholy tidings to the missionaries on board that ship. A note was accordingly written by Mr. Harvard to the brethren on board, and another from Captain Birch to Captain Lochner stating the awful fact, and requesting the missionaries to has- ten to the Cabalva, and jom in the mcurnful consultation. On receiv- ing their note, the missionaries gazed «n each other in speechless amazement, scarcely presuming to credit the intelligence which its lines had imparted, or to believe the evidence of their eyes. They were however, soon roused from this natural delirium, by the surgeon of the Lady Melville, who entered their cabin with the note of Captain Birch to Captain Lochner in his hand, announcing to them with unquestion- iible certainty, that Dr. Coke was actually dead. Expiring hope being now deprived of every subterfuge, the mourn- 'ul band repaired on board, to mingle their tears with those who were already weeping there. Their first meeting was rather speechless than silent ; and the sensations of their bosoms at the sight of each other, no language can fully express. Their own situation was now rendered truly forlorn : but the tide of sorrow, on which they were borne by their present calamity, swallowed up every other considera- tion, thus leaving to them no room for reflections on their private con- cerns. ■4 I. i K '' '■ > 1 'f' , 1.1 -1. m ■ <» ,.-"'- 430 I ti' When the first transports of their grief had somewhat subsided, they held a consultation together, to contrive in what manner they mighl preserve the body, and, in comphance with Dr. Coke's will, restore it to England, that it might be interred at Brecon, with his wives. Bui as nothing could be done without the concurrence of Captain Birch, they agreed to wait oh him, and state the particular wish which their deceased father in the Lord had frequently expressed Messrs. Ault and Clough undertook this task, and on being introduced, communica- ted their message. To every thing they urged he paid the most scru- pulous attention, and expressed his earnest desire to comply with their wishes, so far as prudence and propriety would admit. But on the present occasion, he thought the difficulties against preserving the body to be so numerous and so formidable, that their request amounted to little less than a moral impossibihty. Being disappointed in their hopes, in the same proportion that they were convinced by his arguments, Messrs. Ault and Clough then withdrew, to communicate to their associates in sorrow the observa- tions which Captain Birch had made. A consultation was immediate- ly held ; and after deliberately weighing all that had been, and might be urged, on both sides, they finally concluded that it would be pru- dent to submit to the Captain's op'iiion, and suflTor thp body of Dr. Coke to be committed to the deep. On communicating this reluc int acquiescense to the Captain, he seemed highly pleased with their determination, and requested them to pursue any plan they might think proper in celebrating his funeral solemnities. But as this was a point on which they had not delibera- ted, it became necessary for them to withdraw, to hold another con- sultation. Their ship was now within about two degrees of the equa- tor and the intenseness of the heat rendered it improper for them t> preserve the body, which would soon become putrid in a cabin, cent;- ^ ' • ^ The carpenters therefore prepared a large thick coffin, in which the corpse was deposited with four cannon balls and four bags of sand, to accelerate its descent; and, which, after the funeral service was per- 4- s what subsided, they anner they might ke's will, restore it ith his wives. Bui of Captain Birch. r wish which theii led Messrs. Ault duced, communica- ; paid the most scru- to comply with their dmit. But on the preserving the body quest amounted to proportion that they t and Clough then I orrow the observa- ition was immediate- lad been, and might it it would be pru- thft body of Dr. \o the Captain, he id requested them to [brating his funeral ;y had not delibera- hold another con- legvpes of the cqua- )roper for them li Id in a cabin, conl;- was therefore ic- jvcning of the same coffin, in which the lur bags of sand, to ll service was per- 4S1 formed, was consigned to the great deep to be seen no more, till " the great trump shall sound, and call forth the sleeping dust into incorrup- tible life." This solemn event took place on the 3 day of May, 1814 ill latitude 2 deg. 29 min. south, and longitude 69 deg. 29 min. east, liom London. After thus having paid their last respects to Dr. Coke, the missionaries were at liberty to reflect on their situation : being nearly in the midddle of the Indian ocean, without a known friend on board to render them that assistance, which all would require, as sooa as they arrived at the foreign shore. They however arrived safe at the destined port, on the 21 day of May, where they met with a fa- vorable reception, by a gentleman to whom they in conection with Dr. Coke had been recommended by a friend in England. CHAPTER II. A short account o/ Bishop Asbury. The Venerable Frances Asbury Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was a native of Staffardshire, England, and was born the 20 of August 1745. When but a child, he was impressed with the im- portance of religion, which led him studiously to avoid those scenes of vice and carnal amusement prevalent among the youth of his age. From his sobriety and serious deportment, he was often ridiculed acd called a Methodist Parson. His mother likewise inviting rehgious peo- ple to her house, afforded his wicked companions an opportunity of carrying their persecution to still greater lengths. By the conversa- tion of one of the Methodists, visiting his father's housp, he was awakened to a sense of his lost state when about fourteen years of age ; which led him to an inquiry, who, where, and what these peo- ple were. His mother therefore directing him to Wednesbury, where they regularly preached, he soon began to learn who they were, and what spirit they were of. " The pf ople," he observes " appeared very devout, men and women kneeling, saying Amen. Now behold they were singing hymns — sweet souni! ! Why strange to tell ! the preacher had no prayer-book and yet he prayed wonderfully; what was yet more extraordinary, the man took his text and had no sermon book. Thought T, this is w >nderful indeed ! 'Tis certainly a strange way, but it is the best way. The preacher talked of confidence; assurance &c,, of which all my flights fell short. ^ N n2 M urn I ■ -,'i Hi. \0[ l« V, '1^-. I^tas m' :^r I 4 im m^ 438 Soon after this he began to hold meetings in various places, exhort- ing the people to repentance ami a godly life, and his labors wen- blessed to the awakening of souls. He had preached some months, before he appeared publicly in the Methodist meeting houses, when his labors became more extensively witnessed. Some were amazed, not knowing that he had exercised elsewhere. He was now received by Mr. Wesley as a local preacher, in which, sphere he acted for some time, with great acceptance and uselulness; liii was called at length, to occupy a more extensive field of gospel labor in an itenerant course. — Entering on an itenerant liie, he assiduously devoted his whole time, in publishing the glad tidings of salvation to a perishing race. He pursued an itenerant course in his native land, until the year 1771, whnn he volunteered as a missionary to America; where ho, landed, at Philadelphia, on the 27 of October, in tie samp year. Be- ing appointed General Assistant by Mr. Wesley, he continued to pre- side in the conferences, and exercise the functions cf his office under Mr. Wesley, till the year 17S4, when by Dr. Coke and several of the elders he was ordained Bishop of the church, which had been organ- ized at the same conference. Here he continued to discharge the du- ties of his office as Bishop, by travelling through every part of tlv United States, preaching, and superintending the work, for the space of thirty two years ! when on the 31 of March, 1816, he bid a sudden adieu to all terrestrial things, and " ceased at once, both to work and live," after toiling for more than half a century as an embassador ol' Christ, for th-^ salvation of perishing souls. During the time of his ministry, it is presumed that he preached from fifteen to eighteen thou- sand sermons — presided at more than two hundred conferences, travel- led on this continent from one to two hundred and fifty thousand miles, and perhaps ordained more ministers than any other man ever did I!! Bishop Asbury possessed good natural and acquired abilities — read the scriptures in the languages in which they were originally written ; was acquainted with the several branches of polite literature, which he appeared studious to conceal. But nothing short of deep and uniform piety, could so long have secured to him the love, and confidence of a people, who knew how to distinguish between the form and the power of godliness. 430 UU3 places, exlioit- . his labora wen- heil some months, ting houses, vvheri )mc were amazed, ». was now received re he acted for some called at length, tu itenerant course. — ed his whole time, shing race, land, until the year America ; where ho, the same year. Be- he continued to pre- 3 of his olFico under )ke and several of the. ich had been organ- to discharge the du- Ih every part ot th- work, for the space 5 16, he bid a sudden |e, both to work and as an embassador ol' ring the time of liis len to eighteen thou- conferences, travel- lifty thousand miles, r man ever did I! I <\ abilities — read the originally written ; literature, which he if deep and uniform and confidence of a form and the power I'ur almost halfacentury,this extraordinary man traversed this extcn- ,,vc continent. The Rev. Ezekiel Cooper speaks thus concerning him : "' It is scarcely necessary to mention, what must be so obvious, that perlorming his astonishing and annual tours, and in attending to all !,i! vast variety of hir. Christian, ministerial, and episcopal duties and kuiling, he must have been almost continually on the move. Flying, L it were, like the angel through the earth, preaching the everlasting Lspel ; no season, no weather stopped him. Through winter's cold, Ian. [summer's heat, he pressed on. He was often in the tempest and !ic storm ; in rain, snow, and hail ; in hunger, thirst, weariness, and lilictions. Sometimes uncomfortable entertainment, with hard lodg- ijr, and unkind treatment * 1 «oar,' said Mr. Asbury himself, * but litis over the tops of the highest mountains.' — Then to the distant and [emote settlements, traversing solitary and gloomy valleys ; — crossing Diiil recrossing dangerous waters; — administering the word of life in ronely cottages, to the poor and destitute ; — sleeping upon the flooTf |cr on beds of strawj or not much better, in houses of logs, covered ^ith bark of trees, or wooden slabs ; sometrmes lodging in the wilder- bess and open air, — with the earth for his bed, and the sky for hiscan- |ppv, surrounded by ravenous beasts, and fierce savages. He knew inw to abound among the wealthy, and how to endure hardship and Ivant among the poor. This was his manner of life, to spend and b« spent, in going about from place to place, like his Master, and the liiaciples of old, in doing good. He chc.crfulhj and willingly conde- pnJed to men of low estate. Even the poor African race^ in bond- ajje and wretchedness, were not neglected by him He attended to peir forlorn condition, and taught them the way of life and salvation. |When among the great, the honorable and the rich, he manifested liiiniility in prosperity ; maintaining, at the same lime, a dignified in- dependence of spirit, withoul exaltation. When among the poor and Jowcr classes ot society, he showed a courteous condescension, and nanifested content and patience in adversity. He went on through good report, and through evil report, among the rich, the poor, the vise, and the unwise : at all times, among all people^ in all places ^ and upon all occasions, his aim was to promote the cause ot God ; to i instrumental to the good of man, and to the salvation of precious souls.- ? AA i fe'U ^r ; .4.^ ri ''4' if r » 440 CHAPTER III. -.4 Short Account of Bishop Wiiatcoat. The venerable Richard Whatcoat, Uishoi) cf the Methodist Ejjiicj jial Church in the United States, was a native of Enf^land and bo in Quinton, Gloucestershire, 1736, but early removed to the towno:] Darleston, in Staffordshire, one mile west of Wednesbury, where became a member of the Methodist society ; ^ society as ancient, wci tried, greatly persecuted, and as respectable according to the numbeil of members as any in the United Kmgdoms. He was a member oi that society about eight or nine year*^. IJis gravity, sincerity andsiir.- plicity.(virtuti3 in which he greatly excelled,) recommended him ve;rj early to the office of leader, steward, and local preacher. In the yean 1769, he gave himself to God, aqd the oversight of the British Cor; ference, as a travelling preacher. He moved extensively througli England, Ireland, and the principality of Wales. In the year ITSlJ he came to the United States of America, and served the Methoilisl connection in various and important stations,in Cities, Towns, CircuidJ and Districts, with the pious tidelity of an apostolic man of God. Upj wards of six years in the latter part of his life, he served in the superj intendency of the church, which advanced him past the 70 year of his ageJ We will not use many words to describe this almost inimitable inaDJ so deeply serious — who ever knew him trifling or light ? who mi heard him speak evil of any person, nay, who ever heard him speaJ an idle word, dead to envy, pride, and praise. Sober, without sad ness, cheerful without levity — careful without covetousness, and dej cent without pride. He died, not possessed of property sufficient I have paid the expenses of his sickness and funeral, if a charge had beeJ made : so dead 'vas he to the world. .Although he was not a man of deep erudition, yet probably heiaJ as much learning as some of the apostles, and primitive Bishops. Ui was deeply read m the word of God, his knowledge in the scripture! was so great, that one of his friends used to call him his concordance] He gave himself greatly to reading. Notwithstanding he was calle to the office of an overseer, at an advanced age of life, he magr his office by travelhng annually three or four thousand miles thioug] all the United States. V ^ 441 A complication ofpaiaful anJ irresistible diseases produced and ag- gravated by excessive travellings closed the scene. He was a prodigy pain, and patience tor fifteen weeks. He departed this life in full Insurance of faith, July 5, 1806, in the State of Delaware. He proved himself worthy of the affection, and confidence of the [iiethodist Connection in Europe and America : but we cannot in u |ew lines speak his christian and ministerial excellencies. Indeed they Lnnot be ennumeratcd, for the man of deep piety, frequently will not let his left hand know what his right hand doeth." He labored and jravelled in Europe and America for about thirty eight year.'. He lofessed the justifying and sanctifying grace of Giod, and all the tknew lini, well might say, if a man upon earth possfssed thes- blessing.s, rely it was Richard VVhatcoat. March 30, 1807, at the place oi his tomb, VVe^sle} Chapf i, in [)over. Bishop Asbury made some funeral observations u[ ""■» the icath of Richard Whatcoat, his faithful tolleaojue, fro^^ 2. Timothy L 10. But thou hast fully known my doctrine j manner o" life, pur- ^ic, faith, long suffering, charity, patience "That he had known lichard VVhatcoat from his own age of fourteen, to twentv four years lost intimately, and had tried him most accurately in the soundness liis faith, in the doctrine of universal and the compk and gene- atonement. The insufficiency of either moral or ceremonial righ'- |)usness for justification to faith alone, in the merit and righteousness Ciirist. The doctrine of regeneration and sanctification, bis holy lanner of life in duty at all times, in all places, and before all people, a christian and as a Minister. His long • '"ring, a man of great Eiction of body and mind, having been exercised with severe dis- pcsaiid great labors. But this did r:': abate his charity, his love iGod ;ind man in all its cflects, teM)/. :s, words and actions, bear- with resignation and patience, great temptations, bodily labors |J inexpressible pain. In li!c and death placid and calm : as he liv- isohe died. '] !«• ,442 CHAPTER IV. Ashorl account of the Rev. Jesse Lee . Jesse Lee was born in Prince George's county ,Virginia, in theyeirl 1758. In the fifteentli year of his age, he was brought to a savinjj knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. In 1783, he joined ttef Methodist itenerant ministry and received his first station on Caswelll circuit. The Methodists at that time were but few, and but little known; and like the primative christians, much persecuted by tlid ignorant and prolane. Such indeed as were distinguished by tiej niimo, were generally held objects of reproach and ridicule. Acting iiov;ever under a sense of duty to his God and fellow-men, Mr. LeJ was content to suffer the reproach of Christ, from a view, that it ^rai far preferable to the pleasures of s'lnfoi a season Possessing neither extensive learning, nor those splendid talentj that captivate the admiring auditory with the flowers of rhetoric, was only studious to render himself useful to his feKow-men by applvj ing the truths of the gospt. to their consciences in an open, unadorneJ and simple manner ; so as to produce a lasting and salutary effeca After travelling some time in Virginia and Maryland, he was an pointed a missionary to New England. Here his travels andfjd cess may be seen, in the accounts of Methodism in those parts givej in the preceding book oF this present history. In 179G, he was appointed Presiding Elder of all that portion! the work. ' In this section of country his labors proved so eminently usefyii tipreading the gospel of Christ, and in raising up a people iiitoi Ijord, that he very properly acquired the appellation of THE APOS jrLE OF NEW ENGLAND!! many will no doubt rise upa^ call him blessed. In the year 1799, he was chosen by Bishop Asbury for his travel ling companion. After leaving this seene of his ministerial career, he repaireJI his former course, in taking a more special charge of the (lock ' Christ — often filling the office of Presiding Elder, in New-Yoij New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. In 1810, Mr. Lee wrote a hijtory of the Methodists; which 3| 443 jE Lee . y,Virginia, in the ye; IS brought to a saving] n 1783, he joined the first station on Caswelll )ut few, and but littlel uch persecuted by tliel •e distinguished by tliel ti and ridicule. Actinif ipears to be a falthlul narratioi, anl in many respects a very particu- pr one. He also compiled the life of his Brother, John Lee, who hvas one of the primitive Methodist preachers. In 1816 he was sta- tioned at Annapoles where he closed his long life of useful labor, an'l entered with joy into his eternal rewar!. BOOK VII. fONTAINING A HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF METIlODISiM IX CANADA. CHAPTER L fellow-men, Mr. LeJ Vom a view, that it m| son r those splendid talenli ; flowers of rhetoric lis fellow-men by apply es in an open, unadorne^ jtincT and salutary etfod Maryland, he was a ilfoductory rcnnrks — Mdhoihm in Quebec — Vs rise in Upper Can- ada, — Mr. McCaihj^ — Mr. Losec. Various are the phenomina in the anna's of the christian church, iiich, in every afje, have served, both to counteract the sophisms of le sceptic, and call forth into lively emotion, the wonder and admi- tion of its numerous votaries. Among others, assuming a more trii- £ulous form, may be classed the introduction, and unremitting iread of the gospel into divers countries, under the most unpromis- ling and trying circumstances. In its primitive age, indeed, christian- ere his travels ^i^*^ '^Wy was widely extended among many nations, where its special mes» dism in those parts g'^^^engers had never repaired ; and by the most simple and defenceless easures, its progression rolled on, in defiance of all the competition, ftlie sagacious and opposing schemes of the pagan world. Events of a minor importance, indeed, have often proved the ba- isof its first rise, and the instrumentality of its subsequent advance- enl, to an extensive degree. Under this head may be placed, the reat revival of primitive Christianity under the specious form, of Me- oJism, which is extending its borders into every quarter of the lobe. Its rise in Britain, it seems, was wholly incidental : nor was introduction less so, indeed, into the United States and Canada ; ! latter of which, was not visited by its enlivening beams, until it J gained a firm standing in both the former countries. ^■ The first accounts indeed, which we have of Methodism in Cana- > was in the year 1780 : when it was brought into Quebec by the "vjlof the British troops, iA >time of the American revolutionary Ider of all that portion! |a so eminently usefd (ng up a people into I Nation of THE APO^ lill no doubt rise up 3^ |op Asbury for his tra^e ll career, he repaired |l charge of the flockl Elder, in New-Yoil irgmia. Methodists; which aj m ^ n J '.ill r' •^r-V, . 444 imiu^\ tHi I ■vvRV. A number ol the soldiery tiicre were, who belonged to tliel Wesleyan connection in Enojland and Ireland. Among these also,! was a gentlonrjan by tlie name of TufTey, who had been an occasion! al helper with Mr. Wesley, and who officiated as commissary of t!ie| 44 regiment. Upon their arrival, Mr. Tuffey, being zealous fory glory of God, commenced a course, which he pursued during nearJ the three years stay he made in that place : which was that of prcac:;| ing the gospel of Jesus Christ as he had opportunity, to such of IW soldiery, and citizen"^ as were disposed to hear. Although he Iiaj not that success which followed the labors of the pious Haime on tlj continent of Kur(»pe, and although no particular society was formedj yet the preaching of Mr. Tuffey, no doubt, as an incidental occu: rence, proved the introduction of tiiis wide-spreading a^id evangel: cal community, which has since, and still continues to emit the radieil splendors of the sun of righteousness throughout the Canadian popul lice. After the treaty of peace between Great Britain and the Americaj colonies was ratified, the army at Quebec was disbanded — manyc the officers and soldiers returned to England and others proceeded inii the Upper country, where they began to form settlements in diveil parts. Mr. Tuffey returned home ; but the most part, if not all,; his Methodist associates emigrated to this country ; where minorlioi with the general population, they soon became scattered abroad. The tide of emigration from England and Ireland commencing tli| same year, [1783] bore alongr its current now and then, a few of til Methodists belonging to Mr. Wesley's connection, in those countriej Their number being quite inconsiderable compared with the multitoJ that swarmed into these regions at that time, they consequently becani jnsolated remote from each others residence, which rendered social tercourse, md the public means of grace, a subject of utter impractiai bility. Having neither religious institutions or religious teachers, in th land the profligacy of its inhabitants in general, waxed more and morel and those who had professed to follow a better course, growing col and indiflferent in their enjoyments, soon turned, most of them, to follij of the world. Our Saviour*s prediction indeed, seemed most striii \j fulfilled, that Because eniqmty shall aboundt the love ojmanp^i "ipS-^S 445 wax cold. It has likewise but recently been observed, by one of those first settlers, that, '• For some years together it appeared, as though there were neither law nor religion in all the country.'* The low ebb of the religion of the cross, even for some time after this, IS obvious, from the conduct o^ sr me of the cl»>rgymen of the es- tablished Church, and the only religious teachers in the country, ex- cej)ting Mr. Lyons and Mr. McCarty of whom we shall speak pre- sently. A person who was a faithful advocate of experimental reli- gion, and an opposer of carnal amusements and mirth, happening to meet with the clergyman ot his vicinity, was abruptly accosted, with "You are a going to hell !'* And how do ycm know that, was the reply. "Ah! I'm sure of it," vociferated the clergyman ; "for you run out against danting, card playing, horse racing, &c. and you'll go to hell for it." If such indeed was the principle and practice of their teachers in relifjion, what therefore must have been the general cha- racter of the people .'* But notwithsta: Jing the corrupted state and profligacy of the gene- rality of the population, a few there were, icho bowed not the knee to (he image of Baal, and, who still maintained their character and dio-ni- ty as christians, and as avowed votaries of the hallowed cross. Being so long deprived of the preaching of the gospel and the social means j1 grace, they became exceedingly hungry tor the word of life Bat residing in a new settled country and subject to many hardships privations and toils, and separated withal from their mother country by the Atlantic, and from the population of the United States, by the Ontario, the St. Lawrence, and a vast and tracklej* wilderness, the hopesthey entertained of spiritual assistance, were but small not knowing which way to look, or where to apply fjr relief. But the God of the faithful, who is ever mindful of his people, and who delight- et'n not in the death of the ungodly, in commisseration to their forlorn condition, soon opened a door whereby they received a supply of their spiritual needs ; and from which time and circumstance, arose that wide extended community which to this day continues to hold forth the golden sceptre to many thousands of the Canadian populace. Some time in the year 1788 commenced the emiaration from the United States to Canada ; which consequently opened a communication ^it Sm'\ }. M 446 m 1 lit between the two countries. And in the latter part of that or the fore part of the^following year, a young man — Mr. liyons, who was an ex- horter in the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States, repair, ed to Canada and engaged in a school in the township of Adolphus. town. Possessing a deep desire for the salvation of his fellow-men, anj sympathising the wretched state of those about him, he ventured for- ward in the name of his Divine Master, and calling the people togeth- er in various neighborhoods, zealously exhorted them to flee the I wrath to come, and lay hold on eternal life through Jesus Christ. While the attention of some was excited by novelty or curiosity (oi attend his meetings, the more serious and religious portion were co- operating with him by faith and prayer, for a revival of the work oi God among the people. The verity of that Divine promise there- ore was soon realized, " that ichen Zion travails, she shall bring forth,'' I A few profligate sinners were turned to the Lord, backslider.** wer: reclaimed, and declining professors, were aroused to a diligent applica- tion to christian duty. The aspect of religious affairs was visibly I changed, though no classes or societies were formed. Mr. Lyons mavj therefore be considered, as making the first introduction of Episcopal Methodism into Canada. In course of the same year Mr. .Tames McCarty repaired to Cana- da and settled in Ernestown. He vyras formerly from Ireland ; but re- maining sometime in the United States, and having frequent oppor- tunities of hearing the celebrated Whitefield, when on his last missioii| to America, he become a convert to the Whitefieldian cause, and a zealous promoter of experimental religion. He made no pretention oil any union with the Methodist connection, either in Europe or M United States ; but professedly avowed himself one of Whitefielc'iJ followers. (*) Soon after his arrival, he began to warn sinners to flee from thewrntl; to come, and to encourage such as had tasted the comforts of religiou n former days. He preached Christ to the people of the varioc^j ineighborhoods, who generally attended his meetings in large numbers (*) This narration we have from Mr. Robert Perry, sen'r. who was persorl ally iinowing to all the facts here recorded respecting Mr. McCarty. :-"^k rt of that or the fore ons, who was an ex- Jnited States, repair- wnship of Adolphus. i his fellow-men, and m, he ventured for- ng the people togetli- ed them to flee the rh Jesus Christ, ovelty or curiosity to I lus portion were co- vival of the work o! 3ivine promise there- she shall bring forth." )rd, backslider? wer; d to a diligent applica- is affairs was visibly med. Mr. Lyons may roduction of Episcopa! irty repaired to Cana- from Ireland ; but re- iving frequent oppor- len on his last mission I lefieldian cause, and a made no pretention of Lhcr in Europe or thi f one of Whitefiek'j Is tofleefrom theTvrr.tl;| le comforts of religwu teople of the varioD^ Itings in large numbers sen'r, who was per5or.| Ir. McCarly. 447 lleing accustomed to the manners of the Church of England, he reaki his sermons, but with that deei feeling and engagedntss, that they pro- duced a happv and lasting efft^ct on the minds of his hearers- Convic- tions were multiplied, which wore succeeded bv conversions; and num- bers of metiiodists that were in tlie country before him, joining heart and hand with him in the work of the Lord, a jealousy was soon ex- cited among those who were advocates for the lifeless forms of the Church oi England. Fearing that Methodism might become established they soon raised a persecution against IMr. IMcCarty, in order to ex- tinguish the flame ol pure religion which had already began to spread. There were three individuals who ranked amangthe oUicials,and lead- ing characters, that were by far the n)ost active in that infamous and wicked scheme. Of these were the sherill", Mr. L , a militia Captain, Mr. C , and the chief engineer. Mr. L , tho sheriff, often declared boldly, that there should be norcHgious icorshiji istablisdy but that of the Church of England But yet the people would assemble in private houses, and Mr. McCarty true to his mas- ters work would meet with them and preach. Greatly enraged at this, his enemies could fix on no other alternative for its abolition, than that of banishing Mr. McCarly to the United States. An edict had been issued from the government, that all vagabond characters should be banished from the country They therefore seized 'jpon this advantage to effect the seclusion of Mr. McCarty with that groundless pretext. As he was preaching one Sunday therefore, at the house ot Mr. Rob- ert Perry, senior, four men armed with muskets, came to apprehend m and to take him to the jail at Kmgston. Being conscience smit- ten doubtless for their attrocious design upon the Sabbath day, they I liowever left their arms at the house of Mr. Percy a short distance prom the place of worship. Upon the bail of Mr. Perry, for Mr. Mc- carty's appearance at Kingston on the following day, the men left him id returned. On their arrival at Kingston the next day, Mr. P. pre- sented Mr. McCarty to the Sheriff, and demanded his bond given the % before. But the sheriff refused absolutely to take any charget (Concerning him. They therefore bid him goodbye, and retired. The , 'nemies of Mr. McCarty however, rallied the same day and thrus 'fe 11 11 m n ■^1 [ llffij >sw\ Wi 1 aV.L IK I i i u fm '•■PWf j: f^ 448 him into prison ; but he was again liberated by Mr. Perry's bail.— When the time had expired for which he had been bailed, he, with Mr. Perry repaired again to Kingston to receive his destiny ; where, by the orders of the ch.ef engineer, he was put on board of a boat man- aged by four French men, who were directed to leave him on a deso- late island in the St. Lawrence. This they attempted to do, but thro' Mr. McCarty's resistance, they were induced to land him on tli main shore, from whence he returned home to his family and friends Prior to this however, he had procured the friendship of Sir Join, Johnson, who had furnished him with money for the purpose of enter- ing into prosecution against his persecutors. An Attorney at Montre- al, likewise warranted him a successful process, and offered his assis- tance in carrying on the suit. But while on his way to Montreal, or on his return, (it is not ascertained which,) he was strangely and sud- denly missing and has never been heard ot since. It seems improbable, also, that he should have repaired to the United States, from the cir- cumstance that he had a wife and four ctiriidren whhom he dearlvlov- ed, and who have never heard of iiim to this day. The place where he was last seen was at the Long Sault ; but what ever befel him cr from what cause he disaj)peared, is left a subject of conjecture until tie great day, wherein the secrets of all hearts shall be revealed, and (ill \ the hidden things of dishonesty, bi ought to light. The singular phenomena which eventually followed this affair, scem^ to denote, that an overruling and interposing providence was invisiblv connected with the whole transaction from first to last. On the oik hand we see the preaching of Mr. McCarty, rendered effective ina-l rousing the attention of the people to the subject of pure religion, ^iiil preparing the way for the establishment of a durable and cvange]ica;| Church : As also, the violence and malice of his persecutors, wiiicl!. instead of answering their design, only served to develop the inii^uiti of their cause, and to confirm the public mind in favor ef Mr. McCarty. and the course he pursued. At the time of his commitment to pirsoii. indeed, Mr. Perry said to Mr. L. the SheritT, " You may /.-/// Mel Carty, but a hundred more will rise at his burial, whom you nor yoci party cannot kill." How fully indeed, has this been exemplified, ant liow striking its eventful scenes, which crowd around us even to (!'f| resent day. Mr. Perry's ball— n bailed, he, with Mr. dfstiny ; where, by board of a boat man- leave him on a deso- mpted to do, but thro' to land him on th lis family and friend? riendship of Sir Join, r the purpose of enter- [1 Attorney at Montre- , and offered his assis- s way to Montreal, 01 was strangely andsud- , It seems improbahlc, id States, from the cir- vvhhom he dearly lov- y. The place where vhat ever befel him or t of conjecture until tie all be revealed, and (ill t. lowed this affair, sccm^ )vidence was invisiblv to last. On the out ndered effective in a- of pure religion, wl urablc and cvangelica';| is peisecutors, wliic!!. |o develop the iniqiiitv vor ef Mr. McCaity. :ommltmcnt to pir?oVi. <' You may kill ^^'^- I, whom you nor youil been exemplified, an^^ round us even to (I'M '■■r 440 ',1 Un the other hand we sec the persecutors of the cause of Christ, coming to nauglit, and overthrown by a frowning providence : Captain C .who was most active in Mr. McCarty's persecution, afterwards wrote a confession of his crime, slating that he had wrongfully, and wickedly persecuted an innocont man, and requested Mr. Perry to present the confession to the judge; who replied in the language of (lie chief priests, upon the confession of Judas after betraying our Lord: ''That it was a concern of his own, and he alone must see to it." — Captain C . afterwards fell into a state of insanity, which continued many years and finally closed with his death. The engineer wlio ordered McCarty to be left on the dessolate isle. closed his career in eight or ien days afterwards ; and Mr. L also died suddenlv in the course of two or three weeks. The work of religion which had now commenced, proved not to be of man, but of God. The enemies of the cross could not therefore bring it to an end ; and the Great Head of the church, no doubt, de- signed the spiritual welfare of this present community as well as thatot f!;cnerations yet to come, even by the efficiency of those few, and fee- ijle means. Near two years had elapsed after the arrival of Mr. Lyons before nny further measures were adopted for acquiring a competent and offi- cial supply of spiritual aid. Roused at length more deeply to deplore tiic destitute condition o' their countryman, they resolved on a plan for procuring the desired end. For this purpose they despatciied a mes- sage to the conference of the INIethodist Episcopal Church which held its session in tiie city of New York, in October 1790. Taking the case into consideration, the conference condescended to lend their assisL- ;ince in supplying their spiritual wants. The Rev. William Losee who had been received on trial the preceding year, was therefore des- patched as a missionary to labor among this anxious people. The arrival (*) of Mr. Losee was attended with much rejoicino- (•■) It has been contended that Mr, Losee arrived in 1789< and tarried tu'o successive years before he retirmed. But this must be a mistake: since accord- ing to credible testimoMy, from persons who knew him at the time, he had not embraced religion in the sumnier of 1788; and in 1789, tlie following; year, he appears on the minutes stationed on the Lake Champlnin circuit. He was also appointed to Kingston circuit, New England, in 179L Hence it follows, that 1790 must have been the time, and the only time he was in Canada until he. eame in 1792 with Mr. Dunham. ;2o n 'I rf. '■ r. k Pi m m 450 I iHiong the votaries of the cross, and an animating prelude of Zinn's prosperity, soon roused their devotions and strengthened their faith to look for a wide spreading revival of the work of God. Naturally possessing the spirit of a Boanerges in an eminent degree^ together with a hecrt renewed by grace, and warmed with the love ol God, which form the most essential qualifications of a gospel minister, Mr. Losee entered upon his charge in the name of the Lord, and la- bored most indefatigably for the good of peri hing sods. Plain and familiar in his style, (though often very abrupt) he portrayed the con- sequences of. an ungodly life, and so vehemently urged the necessity of repentance, as the only medium to happiness and peace, that many wen; induced to desert the cause of sin, and seek protection in the mercy of God. Proccedinjr into various neitrborhoods and unfoldinc: to view the ex- i.'eilencies of the gospel of Christ, a happy revival ensued, and the gen- eral attention of the inhabitants became awake to the glorious events which were daily passing among them. For the better and more judi- cious arrangement of the v^ork, he reduced the whole into a kind ol circuit, which he persued during the year. Numbers having pspouset! the Redeemer's cause in various parts, Mr. Losee proceeded likewise to form into classes those that were desirous of becoming attached to the Methodist Episcopal Church. A number of respectable societies were therefore organized under the jurisdiction of the Methodist Epis- copacy. And from this time, the standard ef iSIethodihim may be con- sidered as firmly established in the Canadian climes. The circuit thus formed, extended from Kingston along the Eny Quinte, to the uppermost settlements thereof, so as to embrace mostly, the townships of Earnestown, Fredricksburgh, and Adolphustown. This it seems was the first settled and most populous part, and here in- (jleed, was the golden sceptre of the gospel of peace, first held forth to the inhabitants of this wilderness country. Private dwellings were for sometime theif only places of public worship ; and these at length were rendered by far too contracted to contain the growing pongregations. The cry therefore became general, that, "the place is too strait for us, and we can not abide it." The erecting of tabernacles unto the tiord, was therefore taken into account ; and ere Mr. Losee 's depar- »?■< preluile of Zinn's Tthencd their AiitL 'God. an emlni-Mit degree^ led with the love ol r a frospel minister, ■ the Lord, and la- souls. Plain and portrayed the con- ro-cJthe necessity of ace, that many wen: tion in the mercy ol tinfij to view the ex- ;'nsued, and thegen- the glorious events ctter and more judi- vvhole into a kind ol ers having espoused ? proceeded likewise ?,coming attached to •espectable societies he Methodist Epis- |hoditim may be con- m along the Eay to embrace mostly. ind Adolphustown. b part, and here ia- >, first held forth i) dwellings were for Ihese at length were zing pongregations. is too strait for us, sernacles unto the [r. Losee's depar- 451 ivirc arrived, a numbtir of commodious chapels were so far advanced, ,,<; to accommodate their worshipping assemblies in a comfortable man- ln«r. Some of these indeed are still in existence ; havincr underea, and spreading forth its borders till it overshadows the land. And ;;ow wonderfully is our admiration inspired, on retrospecting ihose vicceeding events introductory to its rise, and so eflicient in its subse- :iij[it prosperity. Indeed, " it is the Lord's doing, and it is marve- Im in our eyes." CHAPTER n. Tk profjress of Methodism in Canada tinlll the separation and or- ganizaiion of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Having briefly noticed the introduction and establishment of Metho- jsni in Canada under the jurisdiction of the Methodist Episcopal Church, we may now proceed to a detail of some of the most interest- !r,g occurrencies in its subsequent history. The eye of the American conference, it appears, was fixed upon the allalrs of the church in the province of Canada ; who retained the deter- mination of cherishing this branch of Zion, and affording it all the spir- I'jjal aid that should be required. Although nearly two hundred had united under the pastoral charge h)f Mr. Losce, yet, his being an unordained minister, they were iicither favored with the ordinance of the Lord's supper, nor that of liDptisni for themselves and their children. To supply this deficiency therefore, as well as to extend their field of labor so as to keep pace with the emigration, was a subject that called forth the attention of the American conference. The Rev. Darius Dunham was therefore ap- pointed in conjunction with Mr. Losee, to proceed to Canada and la- bor for the salvation of souls in his part of the church. It was in the year 1792, that they entered upon their charge — Mr. Dunham repair- ing to the pastoral care of the flock in the Cataraqui circuit, which Mr. losee had travelled two years before, aud Mr. Losee proceeding down the St. Lawrence, formed another circuit which was called the Oswcorotchie. The bounds of the former circuit, Mr. Dunham extended somewhat farther than Mr. Losee had done before. The chapels which were f. ,^ -r. ■' } i;>- ■'^mvi I* }m 4o2 left ill an unfinlsheJ stale, \Terc rendered more commoJipus for tu congregations, and a steady, and progressive revival of the work f Ciod, proved the happy result of his gospel labors. ]Mr. Dunhann being an elder, the people were now favored \vii!,j those appendages to the ordinary means of grace, ot which they haji long been deprived. Nor was it in his circuit, alone, that he ex- ercised the functions df liis otTice, but, being appointed after the expira- tion of the first two years, as Presiding Elder of the whole work, tl,. people in each circuit were blessed with the sacred ordinances. The. Lower circuit or Oswcgotchie, was less prosperous this fiis:| year than the Cataraqui, returning only ninety souls. An elfcctQuI door was however . ^ ..ed, for its greater prosperity in succeeciin; years. Nor is it unfrequcntly the case, that the most unprornisingl aspects in the first commencement of a religious cause serve as a hirJ of prelude, to far more glorious and important events. In course of a few years the names of these circuits were variout'vl »;hanged. But that called Cataraqui eventually took the name of Biiv Quinte, which it has ever smce retained. The whole territory how- ever, embraced under the spiritual charge of thcMethodist preaclieisj consisting of two grand divisions, it was sometimes published in tlie minutes of conference, by the name of*' the Upper circuit, and Lower circuit." This whole territory extending from near the head of tlJ Bay of Quinte, to the lower boundary of the Upper Province; borj derinji on the Ontario, and the St. Lawrence river, and ernbracinr ll;e| interior country as far as settlements had been formed, comprised a'l the territory under the spiritual direction of the Methodists until lllii at which time Mr. Dunham proceeded to the Niagara country, wheJ he formed and travelled a circuit partaking of the same name. As the population of the country continued to increase, new open] ings appeared for the introduction and success of the gospel ministry and as a more competent supply of the wants of the people, the Rev James Coleman and Elijah Woolsey were appointed by the IVewj York conference, in 1794, to repair to the assistance of Mr. DudJ ham, in conducting the spiritual concerns ot this thriving branch f| the christian church. Their labors it appears wore eminently blesi edby the Head ot the church and a copious increase of souls crowna their returns at the close of the year. * 463 2 commoJipus I'or tu cvival of the work r rs. ere now favored witi, ;e, ol which Ihey hi lit, alone, that he cx-| winted after the expira- of the whole work, tl,.| :red ordinances, ss prosperous this firs'.l f souls. An eifoctya' irospciity in succeediiii: the most unprornisini:! s cause serve as a l;ii.i| events. ! circuits were variou!-;y| f look the name ofBav e Avhole territory how- hc-Methodist preaclicii imes published in tk per circuit, and Lower near the iiead of tliel Jppcr Province; boH ver, and embracing (l;t formed, comprised al Methodists until 177oJ N'iagara country, whed the same name, o increase, new opciH of the gospel ministry the people, the Revl pointed by the Newj 5sistance of Mr. Du this thriving branch i wore eminently blesi crease of souls crowns In 1795 Ihc Kev. wSylvanus Kecler arrived in Canada, and tra- velled the Bay Quinte circuit with the Kev. E. Woolsey, while Mr. Dunham was traversing forests about the Niagara, proclaiming life ,iU'J salvation to the j)eople of those parts. At this time the societies had increased to 474 : the Bay Quinle circuit numbering 270 the Oswegotchie HOj and the Niagara G4. This, indeed, was the fruit of only about four years' labor among that scatterfi'' jopulation ! Nor was it other than a mere introduction to the far greater prosperity of succteding years : The next ensuing, indeed aspired to the amount of 792 ! making an auo-mentation ol il8 souls. The Niaorara alone numbered 140. From this time until the year 1800 the march of these circuits, liiiirht the better compare with the gliding stream, rising by mode- rate degrees, than with the impetuosity of the torrent hurrit-d on- ward by an ovetswelling abundance of its watery element. Gradual |.inf' progressive in its course, and surmounting every barrier as it ap- proached in view, increasing additions to the communion of the church, crowned the endeavours of each succeeding yeiir. It would doubtless impart a satisfaction to many, were a notice of I those itenerant preachers who have repaired to these climes, brou'rht in this ac'ount as we pass along. It was in the year 1796, that the friends of Zion, in the Bay (iuinte circuit, were first favoured with ministry of that admirable vounffman, and eminent christian, the Rev. S. Coate. Althoucli a youth at that time, and having been but two years in the itinerant work, he was an able minister of the New Testament, and his ce- leLrit',') eventually became surprisingly great. For three successive years, he tarried among liis Canadian friends, holding forth the ex- [Cellfinces of the gospel of Christ with great zeal, universal acceptance, snd glorious success. No less a shining light or an example of holy emulation, however, was his contemporary the Rev. Hezekiah C. Wooster. This holy man was appointed to the Oswegotchce, where he labored with great zftal and usefulness, enduring many fatigues, reproaches and persecu- tions, and where, by excessive toiling lor the recovery of lost souls, iMaid the loundation of that disorder which terminated his useful life. :k ■1 til ^*!- ["•V ^ ^ 454 I,;, t He remaincl in the country till 1798, a part of which time he was in the Bay Quinte circuit, and a part of which, also, he was confined and wasting: away with tiiR consumption. In June 1798, he returned to his father's house, where he termin- ated his course, on the 6 of November followinir, filled with love, and an unsiiaken confidence of entering into eternal joys. To de- vout minds, how profitably pleasing the contemplation, of the tri- iimi)liant exit of the di^partinor saint ! The rUjhleouSt says the wise man, hath hope in hh death ! But to return : Tlui Rev. Michael Coate repaired to Canada in | J7TS, and the Rev. JoseMli Jewell in 1799. The former tarried hut ('t,o year ; but the latter who received the charsje of Presidinpf Elder (^f the district, continimd in that office until the year 1803; when he was succeeded by the' Rev. John Robinson, and retired to the Uni-| ted States. Prior to ISOO, four preachers were the most that had been employ- 1 «\], in the three f>xistinfr circuits, which had afforded a compe- tent supplv. Biit this vear seems to have formed an era in the his-l tory of Canadian Methodism : The population of the country had so far advanced as to admit the formation of an additional circuit, as al- so, to require more laborers in those that had been ot some years stand-l ing. The Rev. Daniel Pickett proceeded to the settlements, upon the borders of the Grand River, where his labors proved somewhat successful, in jjntheringr souls to the communion of the church. The Rev. William Anson repaired to the Bay Qui nte circuit with the Rev, S. Keeler, Rev. James Herroir to the Oswep;otchie, accompa- nied with the presiding elder of the district, and the Rev. Joseph! Sawer entered in charge upon the Niagara Six preachers were now moving round in these circuits, who were] ardently striving to build up the Redeemer's Kingdom. The appendages to the former territory occupied by the itinerant I ministry, formed but one part of the advantages, which at this time seemed gathering around this thriving community. The public minil indeed was yielding to her institutions, and her sublime doctrinesj were becoming more and more established and understood, amoDgl those who professed no attachment to the cause. 455 )f wliich time he was also, he was confined ise, where he terrnin- /infr, filled with love, eternal joys To de- itcmplation, of the tri- (jhlcousy says the wist epaired to Canada in I The former tarried hut rc;e of Presidinpj Elder ' ,e year 1803; when he] ind retired to the Uni- t that had been employ-] had afforded a compe- rmcd an era in the his- 1 » of the country had so additional circuit, as al- en ot some years standi the settlements, upon bors proved somewhat n of the church. The ui nte circuit with the| swep;otchie, accoimpa- and the Rev. Josephl lese circuits, who were | [ingdom. [upied by the itinerant I res, which at this time jity. The public mind Iher sublime doctrines id understood, among Revivals progressing in divers places, wf re lik-wisc jrathering into the arms of the church, large numbers of wortlu, members, which served in an adeqtiate proportion, to build up and strengthen her spi- ritual walls. At this period, the state of Methodism throughout the Province of Upper-Canada, stood as follows: Niajrara Circuit - - _ . 320 Bay Quitito - - - - /\f^^ Oswep;otcliie - - _ , 330 Ottawha (alias Grand River) - - 45 Total 1,150 We have thus far seen in an epitomized view a christian commu- nity rising from the most inconsiderable events to become as it were, la far famed city elivated on an eminence where the world cannot but Ikhold its grandeur and transcendent excellencies. The lapse of ten years indeed has thus spread these apostolic doc- liiinesand institutions throi;ghout the Canadian populace. What hath llylwrouglit by the weakness of human instruments! Assuming an aspect far more auspicious than any previous year, the lirAcrests of the cause began to elicit a recruit of gospel laborers, |;ir.dthe vigllent industry of its friends and votaries. And from this period until the year 1812, each succeeding year, like the returninf Iwavc, wafted the cause of Zion onward in a manner which exceeded pe expectations of the most sanguine. The foUjjwing year, however, liTAtle no acquisitions in point of numbers, but, *' as behind a frowning iroviilence, is sometimes concealed a smiling face," which emits the brighter splendors when the cloud is passed, so, when the transient ,W was overspreading the church, numberless blessings were gatli- bing around to break in all her borders. The growing prosperity ^Jeed was such that the returns of the ensuing year exhibited an Mount of 1,600 souls. It was in the year 1801, that Messrs- Samuel Draper, Seth Crow- p) James Aikens, John Robinson, and Caleb Morris were appointed py the New York Conference to labor in the Canada District. And in 2, the Rev. Thomas Madden repaired to the Long Point circuit, *.!.1 fi ? ■>: If- . I V '•■It M' .k|' I. ' 3 hi!j 'I'M 45G which was now tlislinct from the Niagara, and which numbered tlic lifth circuit in ih?. Canada District. Besides Mr. Madden, were likewise three others, who had not pre- viously travelled in the province of Canada, wiiich were, Messrs. Pe. ter Vannest, Nathan Banjrs, and Nehemiah U. Tompkins. The fbllowiiifr vear, 1803, the number of circuits was reduced b fwur ; which were supplied with eight preachers and the Presiding £1. der of the district. Four of those in the former year had retired, and the vacancies of three of whom, were supplied by the appointmeiit cl Samuel How, Reuben Harris, and Luther Bishop. A moderate increase was witnessed in some of the circuits, though the growth of Metliol ism in this year, would in nowise compare with that in some years sub sequent to that period. In 1804 but one new preacher was appointed to labor in Canao'a which was the Rev. Martin Ruter, who received his static., at Mon tieal. Until this time the Methodists had extended their borders nj further down the St. Lawrence than the lower boundaries of the Os wesfoichie circuit. But not satisfied with a confinement to the precincts of one Province so long as a probabilitv existed of their winning souls to the church c Christ in other parts, they received the stations of Montreal, and Rjvfi liC French, into the field of itinerancy, and to which latter stations; appointed the Rev. Nathan Bangs. Meeting with little encouragi incnt, after toiling for a year at these stations, the preachers rejiaired a more fruitful soil, and abandoned them fi'om their account till 180 At this time they were re-assumed with an appendage of the Ottiwl circuit, which together were constituted a Presiding Elder's district, an superintended by the Rev. Samuel (^oate. From this time to ISli Upper and Lower Canada consisted of two separate districts, and we; both embraced within the precincts of the New York Conference, unti the organization of the Genesee, which transpired in 1810. Thedi trict in the Upper Province, was included therefore in the last mention conference, and that in the Lower Province in the former. The ci of Quebec having been attached in 1806, the Three Rivers in 180! and St. Francis in 1810, the aspect would at first sight appear soirn what promising, to the success of those missionaries, who were toilii 457 I which numbered lk| thers, who had not pre- ilch were, Messrs. Pe.| Tomnkins. circuits was reduced Ij I and the Presidinej El er year had retired, anJ a by the appointment c j »n. A model ate increase! the growth of Metho']-| h that in some years sulij Inted to labor in Canada] Ived his statiov. at Monj aended their borders nj er boundaries of the Osj precincts of one Provincel \iT souls to the church of IS of Montreal, and Rivf| which latter station \va ..f his office during each confer- ence year, and, at the expiration of which called the preachers toge- ther to consult the tnuttf rs of the church ; and whom he exchanged or re-appointed, as the best expedience and demands of the work^re- quired. The dismal aspect which the work assumed, during this season of agitation and alarm, proved exceedingly distressing to the faithful ac'-j hcrants of the cross, both among the ministry and laity of the churcliJ According to the ordinary course ot events, results other than a ce^ sation, and din- nution of the work of God, can hardly be anticipated. The case indeed, of the spr^^ad of religion in the Engl-sh armv by the labors of John Haime, is one, but rarely to be found. Nor is it much less surprising that in a country thinly scattered in its population, sol nafrowly situate, and hordf-rinnr withal in its whole extent on the op- posing government, thai the church of Christ should retain in any tol-j .^-...■-■•.jiSJi w iew of being molest, ver, before the de- e flying in every di- t preachers who had J design, and bent etreat in the United erence, received ap- leir native land. But L number,who remain, the conference, with red to remain during ;h they'pursued until [nunication betwixt the liberty to pass and !ars were employed. Bvation, and for ex- ;y of the times would n of Presiding Elder, now become the sole bve travelled through lee during each conter- the preachers togc-l whom he exchanged lands of the work re-| during this season ol sing to the faithful ad- |nd laity of the churcli 5uUs other than a ce"; hardly be anticipated. le Engl'sh army by tk! found. Nor is it muchl in its population, so I hole extent on the op- louid retain in any tol* 459 eiable measure its former acquirements, amidst the conflicting scenes of horror, tumult and war. This much indeed, was retained in some parts, and among many private individuals, scattered in divers sec- tions of the work. Upon the whole, however, as before remarked, a considerable loss was felt, both in point of numbers and the intern- al enjoyment of the church. While occupying a probation, closely connected with the chantring scenes of the world, tiie state of reli- gion in general amonsj men, will more or less be influenced by the varigated circumstances in which they are placed. The war being over, and the mild calm of peace restored, it was hailed with a hearty welcome by thi- ^riends of languishing Zion. And, as at the approach of spring, after tlie dreary winter is paot, ihe musical birds return with the sono;s of thanksgiving and praise, $0 the triumphant and exhilarating sounds ot Ziun's songs were soon breaking forth in all her borders As vice however, holds a mu ch greater sway than virtue, among men, the prevalence thereof, during the three years of the war, had so impaired the church of Christ, that its former attainments were scarce regained in the four ensuing years. A- new supply nf lahorers bcihg appointed to this part of the work, tlie spirit of religion be^an t,. r.^viv^- nnri fh,. progression of the Re- leemer's cause rolled onward in a manner unprecedented in this part of Zion. As in the literal world, an excessive nightlv gloom, is often suc- ceeded by the break of approaching day, so, likewise, the spiritual 'ay of grace had now dawned upon this pnrt of the vineyard of the Lord; and the sun of righteousness wns emitting a salutary infijence through all its bounds. The return of the siiepherds with the increase ^! their flocks was a clear indication that the Lord was with his peo- I pie. ihe number oi souls in communion with the church in the year 1820, had approached to 5,52G : exceeding considerably that of any Pievious year. It was prior to this period, that the English conference had sent h number of Missionaries into this country : who dispersing through' -lie population and making their stands in the most conspicuous parts, •,1 T|S^ iTiT.T^^Rn^j- . n m • Uil^ I If w 460 their assumptions were iiot well relished by most of the ministers and people of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The authority exercised by some of the missionaries was considered as a gross infringement upon their legitimate privileges as a long standing church, and one which had grown up with the rising of thi country. The missionaries not willing to adhere to the jurisdiction of tiic Methodist Episcopal Church, and the preachers and people of tha! church eijualiy as uiiwilling to render subjection to them, the spirit ol opposition and jealousy began to work, and a fatal catastrophe, loutl- \y threatened the cause of Methodism in the Canadas. Petitions being circulated, and signatures obtained in many of the Quarterly meeting conferences, a request was made to the British Conference for the missionaries to be recalled. I^ut, viewing it their prerogative to occupy any part of the British dominions, the petitions were not regarded, and the missionaries still adhered to their posts The General Conference which sat in Baltimore in 182:), therefore, took the matter into consideiation, and devised a plan fur effecting the desired end : this was, to dispatch a delegate to the ^-nsuing Kr- glish conference, empowered to negotiate the question on amicable terms. The Kev. John Emory was chosen for that purpose. He repaired to England, where he met a favorable recrption, ami the subject Wa-, decided in a satisfactory manner. It was agreed that the missiona- ries should leave the Upper Province wholly to the Episcopal Metho- dists, and the latter should wholly relinquish the JiOwer I'rovinco Ij the occupency of the former. The American Methodist preachers were therefore soon rccalli'd from Lower-Canada, and confined to the U{»per Province. Thi requisition was also acceded to on the pait of the English connection with the exception of one. In the year 1824, the work had so far prospered, as to reiitici expedient, the organization of this branch of Methodism into a sepa- rate conference. This was done at the general conference which s'* in the city of Pittsburgh, Pa. in that same year. At this time indeed, it mav he said, that a new ein was formed of the ministers and 4G1 j'ac annals of Oanailian Metliodism. The number included in this con- I'erencc at its organization, was 6,150, and 36 itinerant preachers. It jught to he home in mind that this number does by no means compose ihc ^vhole product of American Methodism in Canada, a considerable amount being consigned in the year 1820, to the charge of the Eng- lish Methodist connection. It was about this time that some serious didiculties were breeding, which eventually resulted in the schism, afterwards denominated " Ca- nadian- VVeslyan Methodists.'' The Rev. Henry Ryan, of whom we have spoken, and, who had lor many years been a zealous and acceptable minister in the itinerant connection both in Canada and the United States, was brought under censure at the conference of 1824, for some things which were consid- ered as improprieties in a minister of Jesus Christ. After adjusting ;hc matter, Mr. Ryan was acquitted and appointed to a mission amono- the back settlements, upon the Grand River. The feelings both of Mr. Ryan and some other members of the conference however, having been exceed! . ily chafed were not so easily healed. ; even from this lime to the cuaference at which Mr. Ryan took his final departure liom the church, contentions and broils were carried to an unwarranta- ble pitch, and, at every subsequent session of the conference, the most '.iaagreeablo dilliculties were introduced, arising indirectly from the -amc cause. Tho greater the exertions for their suppression the more, apparently the fire of opposition raged. In justification of the conduct of Mr. Ryan, and in vindication of his character against what were termed by his iriends, the defamatory charges of the conference, pamphlets and handbills were published and flying through every di- rection of the cjiurch. Divers conventions were called, composed of delegates from the societies in ditferent parts, which were thronged with spectators and which continued for some days together. At the conference of 1827, alter a long and painful discussion, the subject was finally dismissed by a resolution of the conference, and Mr. Ryan restored. By this resolution however, it was afterwards discov- ereil that they had unauthorized themselves to re-sume the subject, however egregioiis the conduct of Mr. Ryan might subsequently prove- The rescinding of that vote was therefore proposed on tlie ensuing. ■r' 'I i ? } f ■W,t VS »i ,' Oii ^ m 462 Jay, for the puipose, of placing Mr. Ryan on an cfjual fuolino- wiih Ih' other members of tht conference. Exasperated however at this, Mr. Ryan arose and declared \nn)seU tvit/idrmvnfrom the church. Num- bers of the society possessing a predelection in his favor, with other'^ who had been previously expelled, united together and organized them- selves into an Independent church. The most prominent subject of their protestation, was that of Melho- t^ist Episcopicy ; in support of which a letter from ]\'Ir. Wesley to Bish- op Asbury is introduced in their discipline. For an illustration of this letter, spc pages 350, 351, 1333, and 35;] CHAPTER III. Separation of the however, some were tVe point was at length to the General Confer- cliurclu wbich rcques! the annual conferencr was taken up and llu li^piscopal Churchin IxtenJed ov'T the min- Ih, in the Province of lonsentof our bietliren is thf». general wish o! ttiscopui Church in Up- independent body, ir- Church in the United Ibeen pleased to com?\)' Id any one or more, oi ipiscopal Church in tlie ,or more Elders, to or- rch, in Upper Canada, \x elected by this Can*' U Coufercncp,; be it therefore resolveJ, tliat it is expedient, and ue- lessary, and that the Canada conference of the Methodist Church, du ;,o\v organize itself into an independent Methodist Episcopal Church. Upper Canada, with a General Superintendent, to be known by e name of the * Methodist Episcopal Church in Canada.'' " This separation was so complete, that the Bishop from the United 5l;ites who had presided in the conference previous to the passing; of jiat resolution, arose, and declarft*! that he had no longer any jurisdic- ion over them, and that they must elect a president before they could rucoed to farther business. The Rev. William Case was then elect- ieiicral Superintendent, pro-tern. The number of Preachers in the itinerant connection at this me, was 50, who were the following: Thomas Whitehead, William ase, John Ryerson, William Rycrson, George Ryerson, Egerton Ry- :son, Philander Smith, James Wilson, Wyat Chamberlain, Petei ones, 1, James Jackson, William Brown, James Richardson, George Drereign, Daniel M'MuUen, Samuel Belton, Anson Green, William ilffis, Joseph Gatchell, Richard Phelps^ Joseph Messmore, Rowley eyland, George Bi^sel, George Ferguson, David Wright, Robert Mson, James Norris, Franklin Metcalf, David Youmans, Johh S. hood, Ezra Healy, John C. Davidson, Thomas Madden, William Williams, Jacob Pool, Solomon Waldron, John H. H. Hustin, John Hack, William Smith, Ephraim Evans, John Beatty, Hamilton Big- ;ar, Charles Wood, Alva Adams, Asahel Hurlburt, Richard Jones, eorge Pool, Cyrus R Allison, Mathew Whiting, Peter Jones 2. There were three Districts, which were the Niagara, Bay Quinte iiil Augusta. The circuits, stations and missions, were 36, members 9,678. The following year, 1829, another District called the Rideau, was b]oined to the above number, which contained four circuits and one ssion. The whole number in society had increased to 10,231, lotwithstanding the occasional dissentions on account of the Ryan 1. God truly stood by his faithful mmistersand people, in these lines of affliction and trial In 1830, the Lord favored Zion in an unusual manner. An ex* ictfrom the Pastoral address, of that year will afford a summary Munt of the general prosperity of the cause. % It i! 464 «• (JoJ who lias given to us jjcacc in all our borders, hatli lavourei! U)i witli abundant prosperity. There appears to have been a very go neral revival of persqnal and family religion, in our societies diiiinffl the year. 1,817 have been added to the church — a much larger crease than we have ever enjoyed before in so short a time. Om Missions are prospering, and the converted Indians have been steai!; ]y increasing in christian knowledge, and in pious and excmplari habits. A religious periodical under the direction of the confereiict' has been established and widely circulated, and which brings to yon from week to week the glad news of" Zion^s triumph and Zion's pros perity, which ns well as warjaings, encouragemer.tsjand instructions hav doubtless cheered and strengthened the hearts of many." The wee ly periodical refered to in the above address, is the Christian Guai dian, an interesting journal which still continues its issue at York In 1820, measures were adopted by llio Methodist conference fj extending the gospel to the native tribes of Upper Canada. Aina the first fruits of missionary laBors, therefore, was a chief in the Cliipi way nation by the name of Peter Jones. Being brought to witness (I benefits of religion to his own soul, he felt moved with compassion his fellow countrymen, and united his efforts with those of the missiooi ries in propagating the gospel among the various tribes of his peoplBk( The most pleasing aspects soon assumed their cause, and large nu bers were eventually brought to the communion of the Church. U| til the present period indeed the w ork of religion has constantly p pressed among them. To this benighted people indeed, seems sfwiftly hastening on fulfilment of that prophetic and cheering promise, that, To his Si the Lord will (jive the heathen for an inheritance, and the lUtem parts of the earth for a possession. Most of the tribes of Indians which have been christianized, now located in villajres an settlements, which have been principal prepared for them by the Colonial Government, in all of which pj ces School Houses are erected, and Literary and Religious instri tion, are regularly imparted through the instrumentality of Missioi ries and Teachers impioyed and supported by this Society. ;!ar, ■til :liii '*■ 4Gj ih i 1 > • I ath lavourelB ^^^^ I'urtlier accounts the reader is refered to the Missionary Report I „ T^nrw ar.BltliR M. E. Church, as our litmits will not admit of further detail- 3 havebeen a\cry gf-» in our societies duiiiifl The state of ^Ictliodism in 1830 was as follows: ch— a much larger ii« Number of Members in Society. so short a time, ^^mjnation.s and Circuits. White. CoVd. Indiana. Total- idians have been steai'Mrt George) ^ 2i6 n pious and exempla,« ^^^^ ^ ^^^^ ^ ^ ^^.^ ction of the conlereuamcaster -UJiJ 2 495 „,l«hicl. brings to y.|*-.;;;;;;;;;-;-y;;-;.--;.;"^^ 1«5 h-lumoh and Zion's prosKudon 280 0' 280 1- * .t;nn« uMf^"-''"ster -78 ,0 278 -ts,and instructions iia\« ,j,j^^j^^^g .^.,^ ^ ^ 22s nfrmnv." The wet'MiIieislhursh i:;9 11 150 ' ^, .• f' ,»wl K'ver Midsion . . 1 170 171 J, is the Christian b'ja«yj^j^gi^,^ .^ p ^^ 72 uies its issue at Yoik. By Qmi»te (Jso tf 68fi ^"^^ ■llville 4U C7 511 ISIethoJist conference [■iiovvcU 709 709 ^, ,„ A mnMipe Island Mission 5 0- 120 125 Upper Canada. AinoW^^ .^^^ . o 519 was a chief in the Cliipfcby 324 324 •i. iiBceLakc iiicludina; Schoogoir ) _ ^ ,^^ -«q ;ingbroughtto Witness t»\^^^ ^j^^ ,.f^^^ ^"^ 3 175 > 178 moved with compassionBvan 132 132 '" , ^ . . Mn:;?. Street 510 1 511 with those ot the missionm^i;,,, ^^^ q jQg \ous tribes o( his peoMkeSmic^^^^^^^^^ 2 ^ ^^^ ^02 ir cause, and large nuM,!;.; ^7j q l'6 ^f iKa Church. UB^iito 5;<0 530 inn of the Lhurcn. « ^^^ j^j-^,.^,^ 4 ^ ^^^ ^ j^^ lio-ion has constantly pfc-ton G57 3 fi60 ° ^ckvillc 6;;8 668 5ta 474 474 swifllv hastening on iBinwall 289 . 289 omise, that, io ms »3«il„-ju., 243 1 244 tance.andthemm^)-:', ^..1-18 148 ' ^"iMppi 115 115 iiiiond Mission 368 368 , • X- • „,1 ^ l^'Wii and Bonshii>- 125 125 e been christianized, irh have been principaB Total this year, 10180 15 115;{ 11348 . ,1 f u-.h .■ I^^st year, 9156 23 1052 10231 ent, in all of which'" V and Religious instr« Increase, 1024 (d. 8) 101 1117 '^ * r. \( MksloB 1';''''"'"^ preacliers last year, 53. trumentahty 01 iuissi"^ This year, _ , . ^2 Increase 9. this Society. t % ■A :t 46G 'J. H '^1 • ■]< \ I .*,:■; APPENDIX. .1 Chronohfjical List of all the Itenerant Vrenchcrs in the Amerl can Methodist ronneclion, Jnmi the first Conference held in 177,^ to the year 182tj, shewing the tim c in irhich they entered, am that in which any have died, withdrawn ^ or were expelled. Not*:.— Those with this (•) mark, were in connection with Mr. Wcsl' I»cfore tlic oryauizatio I of tho Methodist Kipscopal Church. Entered A Entcrcn I7SI) ITS') I7HS I7H9 1790 1791 I79.'5 1797 1799 1800 IS02 1801 1805 1806 ]816 Askiu John* Ad.inis Philip* Alficy Lewis* A(huiisi William* \sbury Fnincis*— Died, 181(J \!1(!M Ik-verly*— KxpelM, 1792 Abel Jcreinisili* Andcron Thomas* Abln>t Uivid' Ayrc.j I'obcrl* Anlerson Lemuel Aabury Dit.icl,— Diod 1S2C Allen .liishuit AiiJiew John— Died, 1793 .Aske\v JoHiuh Abbot Hciijamin— -Died 179G Andrew Wyit A"i:old Ho/ekiah AlUrcd^c Kudus « (Vne^lcy Samuel Askif) (M^orgc A hair J(;lm— Died, 1795 Acull' Frviiicis—Diod, 179C Abbott David Atwrod Milliam Andr« vs Abiaham — Died, 1901 Avai.t VVilliaTi A|{;ciod William Arnold Smith Annon William Askin George— Died, 181G Annis James Andrus Luraan Aikens James — Died, 1823 Allen Thomas Aydelott Joseph— l^ied, 1824 Aydelot Jos. Adams Thomas Alexander Archd. Amos Abraham Axlcy James Arendell William Ashworth Moses Arendell I3rcges A 1816 Ayre Philip Anderson Nathau Asbury Tbomas 1807 yVrrihgton Joel—Died, 181(j 1808 Arthur James M. Andrews Thomas Andrews T P. Anderson John Arnold Wm. 1809 AiKirc',.' Moses Armesteud Robt. A. Asbtoii D.micl Armstrong Hugh Arnold Roi)t. Anderson Lewis 1810 Ashcraft Nathau 181 r AvantJames Adams John T. At\% ell John 1812 Adams John Andrews John Junr 1813 Adam John Ady Uoaz Andrew James Allen William 1814 Amadon Moses Adams Zenas Anderson Payton — Died, 182 1815 Adams William Arnold John 1816 AvisJames— Died, 1821 1817 Ashley William Allison William Aylsworth Reuben A. Ames Isaac Anderson Robt. Alverson John 15. Adams Ezra 1818 Atkius George AyerJohn S. 1819 Adams Samuel Adams David Alley Henry Armstrong Riclianl 467 renchcrs in the Ameri mference held in 177H Hch they entered, am, If were expelled. icction with Mr. Wcsln Jhurch. A IMiilii) rson Nathau ry T'lomas gtou Joel— Died, ^BHi II James M- ew9 ThonvdS ewsT P- •rson Jotiu )ld Wm. rc".; Moses lostpistl Robt. A. Loll L>.\r.iel istroiig Hugh oldUoht. lersou Lfiu'it? craft Nalhai« lilt James inis Johu i'. V ell John ins John rews John Junr iiii John Uoay. icw James n William idon Moses ,mf> Zonas eisoii Payton— Died, IJ** n»s William lold John James— Died, 1821 [ley William ion William iworth Reuben A. js Isaac ,^ er30ii Robt. prson John li- is Ezra Ins Geovge IrJohn S. ;ns Samuel 18 David jy llonry istrong Richaril r.tn iel Ballard Jeremiah B'Hteman JoTiathan Bownewell Charles Brittain William Blaik Moses— Died, 1810 Biidd Wesley Benton R -ger Baker John Bachelor Elijah Bishop Freeman Bidlack Benjamin Bnrdine Ezekiel Blackman Learner — Died, 1816 Baker Joseph Branch Thomas— Died 1820 Burrough Banks M. 1792 1793 1 794 1795 1796 1796 1797 1798 1799 1800 1800 1801 I t <«<' ^> s.OJ ^. ^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) «?. // 'rowii William jBaiicv Stephen 1810 -BrovnJobn *. ' ^■rnes Dan jBlut kburn Leroy £acon Thomas M. /"ond John W— Died, 181!) -Bussing Peter l^igelow Noah ■Biishnell Samuel— Died, 182^| •Byingtorj Justus -Bennet Leonard iiell Joseph C. -Baker James H. 1811 ^ryon Soloman -Byrd John J. E. -Boswell John -Brown Daniel -Branch Jesse J5lanchard David .Burdock Enoch 1812 .Bon well Charles -Bass Henry -Bunch i?ritton -Bunch John jBrown Archibald -Bihins Elisha -Beiin James L. 1813 /'rown Samuel bowman John .Bass Allen -Barnett William Bird Elijah 1814 -Brown Samuel -Bear John -Brayton Daniel -Barrett Eli -Bowen Elias .Barlow Wm — Withdrawn 1?| .Bird Kl/iah 1815 JBaconLadosa^l ^ i?igelow Russel JSascomb Henry B. .Baker Henry >5arnard Allen R. JBrame John T Died, 1828 JBrowder David JJrowderTho. mi"- 469 B es Horatio ^ ■ ;ess Joel re Thomas Caleb N. ,vii Jesse — Died 1813 gart Jiicob ivu William ey Stephen vn John »• nes Dan [kburn Leroy on Thomas M. Hi John W.— Died, 181'J isiiig Peter elovv Noah . (hnell Samuel— Died, 1824 1 ington Justus nnet Leonard il Joseph C. ker James H. yon Soloman rd John J. E. swell John own Daniel anch Jesse anchard David irdock Enoch )nwell Charles . iss Henry mch Britton iich John [own Archibald |hins Elisha in James L. iwn Samuel uman John Iss Allen Irnett William - •d Elijah wn Samuel ar John Lyton Daniel rrett Eli Iwen Eiias . •low Wm Withdrawn 1?] 'd Klfiah « ;on Ladoga » ^. ;elow Russel i ' icomb Henry B. * :er Henry nard Allen R. ime John T— Died, I82e iwder David wder Tho. •ifT KntereJ B 1S15 Baker Henry Barry Bazil Boyd Robt. Bowen Josiah Brown William Bangs Heman Bancroft Earl Baker Peter J8I6 Barnes Nathan Bloom John ■ , Bellah James Boyd John W. Beaks Thomas Burrows Walter Brown George Barcley David Boyd John Beebee Joshua Bacon John |sl7 Burnett George Booth Ezra Baker Simuel— Died, 1823 Brooke John Barrett William D. Barnes William Briajgs John ISIS Baker Job Betts Charles Buckingham Peregrine Bcaucamp Thomas Brown Ebenezcr Burgess Peter Bray Sullivan Belton Samuel Beckwith Alba Barnes Enoch Buel Parker Beggarly John Brovvnsou Joseph 1SI9 Bar y Mordec »i— Died, 1823 Brockunier Samuel Brown George Butcher Joshua Brooks John Brown H rtwell Brown Sterlii g C. Burge William Battee Dennis Bangs John Bishop James Boardman Elijah 1820 Bass Stephen Brown Horrace Bradfield John Entered B 91 1820 Browder Josiah |R Brock Moses fii Brame Thomas R. flj Barry Mordecai w Rain Geo. A. V Bradenbury Wm. 3 Baker Charles ifl Baker Samuel H Brownson Ira {H Bennet Jaspet T Baker Joseph 1821 Brunson Alfred ••J Brokfield Isaac f Brownley Archibald "S Bryson Samuel \ Brown Benjamin '•• .' 1822 Brandriff Richard i'^ Brooker Simon L. Browden James "* \ BanksonJimes If Blasdell John M Barstow Wm. M Beioate John ^ Bal;er German ifl Boyd Rohert Brown Thomas J, ■A !. Blackburii A J. Bernard Overton Bigl)y John Bartleft Horace Buliinch Henry i Bi.ll Phii.eas » Brooks Jonathan M ,; 1823 B.>g:rs Stephen R. * Bryant William iji Boweji Abner H Br.>.\ n Barton ll Bnrkh;ilter David 9 B r'fcr Isiac 1 Buc'c Arnasa fl Brbnry Philo H 1824 Rerrim m N. G. H Baunhman John A. fl Beacham Tb«mas ■W Bleeck Daniel « Barger John S. fl Blake Bennett T. fl Bond f?ichard w Bl ckDa'iel H Br.idley Enoch 1 Bilker Gardiner fl Breakenridge David fl Bissel George H 1825 Brown Ira ■, ■ Q^ 1 ' "0 J9 / X 470 Entered C 1825 Baxter Andrew F. Barris Joseph S. Brown Henry J. Berry Michael Boring Isaac Barker Darius Barnes Horatio P. Black John 1826 Babcock James Babcock Wm. R. Brown William Blackburn A. J. Bell Benjamin Bradley Jacky M. ^ Baily Robt. P. . Barcleft Wilson Bell James W. Best Hezekiah Buck William S. Binney Amos Bailey Rufus C. Bryant Benjamin C Coke Thomas* Chew Thomas S.* Cole Le Roy* Cromwell James O.* Cannon William* Cox Philip*— Died, 1794 Curtis Thomas* Coleman John*— Di. 1788 Cloud Adam* Cole Carter Cloud Robert* Cooper Ezekiel* Cann Robert* Cooper John*— Died, 1789 1787 Conner James— Died, 1790 Carter Benj— Died, 1793 Cook Cornelius— Di. 1790 Conway Charles Callaham George Combs David 1790 1791 E ntered C 1787 Cx)mbs Daniel 1788 Calmers John Cook Valentine Callahan Griffith Chastain Lewis Cromwell Jos. — Exp'd 1795; 1789 Conner Julius Childs John Cosden Jer. — Wd'n 1704 Carroll Thomas Crawford John Cannon Joshua Carlisle Simon — Ex'd 1704 Christie Henry Clark John — Wd'n 1796 Cowles Samuel Colbert WiHiam Cambell James Covil James Coleman James 1792 Crank Henry Coleman Carlisle Clark Georg^e Chambers Ephraim 1763 Curp Frederick Cox Robert Crane Moses 1794 Cash Rezin— Died 1804 Cole Josiah Coope Thomas — Ex. 1797 Cole Elisha Canfield Ezekiel— Di. lS2r| Coate Samuel 1795 Coate Michael Crouch Daniel Cullison John Cavender Charks Covington Solomon 1796 Curry Thomas Conger Zenas 1797 Crawford Joseph— Ex. 182f'| Chapin Nathaniel Cowles Eber "^^ '»*W»t, 471 C Daniel ; John I alentine 1 Griffith n Lewis ell Jos— ExpM 179« Julius John Jer.— Wd'n ITO'I Thomas rd John 1 Joshua jSimon— Ex'd 1704 e Henry John— Wd'n 1796 s Samuel t William ?11 James James an James : Henry lan Carlisle George bers Ejihraim ^'rederick lobert Moses Rezin— Died 1804 osiah Thomas— Ex.1797 i^lisha Id Ezekiel— Di. 182" Samuel Michael ;h Daniel on John ider Charks ''f^ gton Solomon Thomas _3r Zenas , fordJoseph— Ex.l82t ,n Nathaniel s Eber Entered C 1797 Chandler W. P.— Di. 1822 Colbert Jacob 1798 Capel Brittain Corr Billy 1799 Chichester Elijah Clark John— Wd'n — 1800 1800 Campbell John Coe Jesse Cole Jesse Cox John ' Clark Henry 1801 Cook Isaac Chieuvront Joseph carpenter Gilbert Covell Zenas Crowell SetH Candee Isaac Clark Laban Crowell Joshua 1802 Chappell James Cartel Robert Cassell Leonard— Di. 1809 church Thomas Cobb Allen H. Cove Nehemiah Crutchfield William Crowder James Cummins Asa Cook Phineas Christian Gabriel Curren Thomas Collins John Cochran Samuel Chamberlain Luther Coleman Abdel Cartwright Peter Cloud Caleb W. Curtis Amos Clayton Dimpsey Carson Joseph Case William 1 1306 Christian Abda Callaway Charles 11803 11804 1S05 Entered C 180G Charles James Chaney Jonathan Carr David 1807 Collins John crane John — Died, 1813 Collingsworth John cannon Edward clingan John Conway Paul Crawford John 1808 Cragg John Crawford Josiah Cook Thomas Y. Colborn Josiah Currier Caleb Clark Abner Cutler Samuel 1809 Crume Moses Capers William Cooper Urban Cooper Thomas Cummins Alexander Compton William Carpenter Coles 1810 Capers John P. Capers James Chase Abner Crowell David Covenhoven Peter Cooper Edward 1811 Colbert George A. Cam})bcll John Culver Cyrus Cummins Cyrus Cann Richard. 1812 Caliman John Cord John Cunningham Jesse Conn Richard Carter Shadrach B. A Christopher G. Colgan Jas. S. Clark Theod. i« ' 472 ml Mi' i I mi Kiitered C 1812 Chamberlain Josiah F. 1813 Conger Isaac Collingsworth Wm. Carney Robt. F. Connally John Cox Samuel J. Chamberlain Israel Cook Israel I SI I Chamberlain Wyatt Cameron William Coffiiti Ezekiel W. Collinsworth William Cryer Hardy M. Carver Oliver Clay Bradbury Childs John Cadden Robert 1816 Cannon Ibri Covel James Creamer John Covert Morris Carper Josepu Christenbury Daniel Chenowith Samuel Cunningham Wm.-Ex IS 17 Carr Thomas Carpenter Timothy Corson Richard R. Covvles Amasa 1818 Cusiiion Sain'l.-W'drn Chapman Exum Charlton Ceorge W. Cooley rha's L. — Ex. Corwinc Richard Counell William 1819 Carey Sylvester Coles Georore Coe Daniel Conway Paul Collins Benjamin Carey Jeseph Chesley George C. Chappel John 1826 1823 1825 Entered C 1819 Connel Zechariah 1820 Coleman Abdel Crouch Benjamin T- Collard Isaac Cole Cheslea Chnton Thomas Cook Charles Clark John Crandal Phineas Culver David 1821 Cook H. P.— Died, 1 Cravvlbid William Collard James Coston Zarah H. Cravens William Chamberlain David Clark Gilbert Crawford A. J. Carpenter Wdliam Cumminff James Crowder Thomas Clark Samuel Chapman William H. Chancy Shad'rach Covel Samuel 1822 Chase Squire Cassell Anthony \¥. Cassert John Copeland John Cox Mellville B. Gaboon Charles D. Case John W. Crane Elijah Chadvvick Anson CraiggJohn Covinjjton John Chatham Francis R. C^arpenter William Cumming David l^- Crane Caleb Chambers William Colhns William H. 1823 Crawford Joseph Y. yj'-: Uj^d 473 c Zechaiiah in Abdel Benjam'm T- I Isaac 'heslea 1 Thomas Charles John a\ Phineas r David ibid William rd James ,u Zarah H. ens William [iberlain David i Gilbert ^•tbrd A. J« ,enter William iniing James ^•der Thomas k vSamuel pman William H- ncy Shadrach lerSamuel ,e Squire eW Anthony W • ,ert John lelandJohn Mellville B. loon Charles D. e John W. |ne Elijah ,dvvick Anson hcrp; John ington John itham Francis R- ■penter William ming David K- ne Caleb .mbers William jins William H^ .wford Joseph '^■• lilntered C 1823 Corson Robert Castle Joseph Chamberlain Parmele Carl Joseph Collins Isaac Chesney Jesse Conn William Cannon John Carle Jessop Cook Nathan P. Crane Benjamin Curtis William M. cannon Thomas H. claik Gilbert Colvin Silas Crawford John clifton clement clardy Benjamin S. Campbell Giles Crawford Elias CoUoway Joseph Cotton John Collier John Chandler John Castle Levi B. Ghrk Homer Carter Joseph Crane William Casteel Shadrach Crook William Chase Henry. Clark Lorin Champney Vanrenslaer Coleman Andrew Callender Nathaniel Christy William B. Crow James Cravens Nehemiah Cole Philip Capers Benjamin Cookman George G. Calder Alexander Clark Charles P. \m Entered D 1826 chase Charles G, Cory David • D Duval Daniel* Debruler Micaijah*^ Dempster James* Duke Wm. Dickins John* Died, 1798 Dudley Samuel* Drumgole Edward* Damaron VVm.* 1785 Deakins Stephen 1787 Davis Thomas 1788 Doddridge Jas. Davis Stephen — Di. 179G Davis Archer Davis Stephen Djwson Joseph Duui(lierty VVm. Duniiam Darius Difnal J. 1790 Deai) Daniel 1791 Dilhin Robt. r7D2 Dawley James Dyer Wm. i 793 Durborousjh John Dyson Leonard Douorlass Wm. Denton Benj. Danthet James Denis Daniel 1794 Dawley Wm. Dickins John 1795 Duzan Wm. Davey Timothy 1796 Dunn Joseph 1797 DouthetSanil. Dunham John Dodson Thos. 1798 Daugherty Geo — Di.1808 Denman Hanover Drumirole Thos. Daughady Thos Di. 1811 Q ft2 'V; m m ^m$ Entered D 1798 Dow Larenzo 1799 Dillaril James Denton James Davis Peter B. Dunham David 1800 Davis Wm. 1801 Darley Thos. Douglass Thos. L. Draper Saml. — Died, 1802 Doxey Thomas Dustin Paul 1803 Durbin John— Died, Draper Gideon Dudley Daniel Donnelly David 1804 Davisson James David Jesse Dockins John Dunn Thomas 1805 Dunwoody 1806 Duvanny Benj. Davids Abraham Dunn Michael 1807 Day Daniel Darrell Augustus Doweil Jacob 1808 Dulany Benj. Drummond Thos. Ex. Draper Friend 1809 Daty Samuel Drake Ethelburt Decellon John Densmore Geo. W. 1810 Durr Michael Davis John Davis Thomas Dane Francis Dennett Joseph 181 1 Dixon James Doolittle Orin Dunbar Almond 1813 Dixon WiMiam Dickersan Chas. [Entered O 11812 Deyampert L. Q. ^• Dance Mat. M. Davisson Daniel Dailey David Doolittle Ebn. 1813 Dew John Dickerson Chas. Duval Clackborne 1824 Douthet Wm. Dayle John Davis Hez. 1805 1814 Davis Samuel—Died, 1R2J 1815 Doan Phincas Dayton Smith Day Daniel 181G Davis Alphias Dempster John Dorchester Daniel Day Solomon Dowling; Zac. Davis Philip Daucrhtry Josiali 1817 Davidson Daniel Dement Samuel Duckson John 1818 Downing Russel Dixon Freeman 1816 De Wolf Harvey Wd. 18^1 Dowlev Bennet Doup Poter Dix John— died, 1823 Dunwoily James Daver John Dowler Bennet 1819 Demerest Thomas Dorsev Thomas 1819 Duff Peter Donnelly James 1820 DelapRobt. Dyke David Dunham Ezra Durbin John P. Denison JBli 475 John— died, 18.23 Altered E S20 Devey Bazil Dc Forest Barlow 1821 Devinne Daniel Dillard Allen B. Denham John Draka Benj. Button Mann Davis Chas. A. J)avis John Dighton Benjamin S22 Davis Jonathan Deveraux Nat. L. P. Dustin Caleb Dow John G. Dixon Philip — Died, Danahoo James T. 1S23 Douglass William S. Dyer William Dewey Elisha Doughty Samuel Dieskill Ambrose T, jl824 Dunham Sylvester Duncan Richard Dills Nelson Dye John Dennehay James 1S25 Delay Jacob 79ueher David Davidson Samuel R. Davidson Thos. P. Douglass Wm. V. Davis Samuel Dey James Doud Menzer ^3G Davis James S. Duke Henry Denton John G. Doup Jacob. Dorsey Edwin Dandy James Denniston J. W. E Ebert Philip* 1824 Entered E 182G Ellis Reuben*— Died 179(> Ellis Michael* Everett Joseph*— Di. 1810 Ellis Ira* 1786 Edwards Aquelia 1787 Ellis Elijah— Died, 1788 1790 Easter Thomas Everard Thomas 1791 Earley William— Di. 180^ 1793 Ebert Jacob 1795 Esex Benjamin Edwards Thomas Ellis Edward Evans Llewellin 1797 Elhs Stephen 1799 Elhs John Emery Nathan. 1798 Evans John 1800 Eames Henry 1803 Edney Levin Easty Eben. Ensign Datus 1805 Ellington Wm. • Edge Banjamin 1806 Elliot Thomas 1807 Edward Robt. Early John 1808 EdgeObadiah 1809 I J'Tin Wm. B. 11- vm Josiah 1810 Emory John 1812 Ekins fJeorge Emery Richard — Died 1821 1813 Elder Samuel T. Elliot Allen Emerson Isaiah 1814 Eighmey Samuel Ellis Rueben 1815 Everpart John 1817 Elliott Chales Everhart Lawrence 1818 Erwin George Eastwood Wm. 1. *l i ■;|' Hi 47G 1821 1822 1 823 Entered F 1818 KdJy Ira 1619 Elliott Arthur Emerson yosiali Ellis Samuel Evans John English Bond Ercan brack John Evans French S. Ellis David Emerson Warren Edwards Alex. F. Di. 1S2C Edwards Loren'*:o 1824 EUsbury Isaac - Edmonson Jos. Eastclley Isaac Eaton ./osiali IS25 Eddy Augustus Ercanbrack Henry Enochs Isaac V. Easterly Christopher F Foster Thomas* Fidler John* Fore Johh Fidler Z/aniel 1791 Fisher Benjamin 1792 Fowler Samuel 1794 Ferguson Rich'd — Ex 1795 Finegan John 1796 Fell John Foster Archibald 1797 Flovd James Floyd Loammi-W'drn 1798 Fitzgerald Elijah 1799 Fletcher Thomas Fidler John 1799 Field Hezekiah Fairbank Joseph Fox Nathan ' Farrer Joseph 1800 Floyd Moses 1801 Felch Nathan-W'drn 180;2 Frye Christopher 17S8 1689 1792 1800 1807 Entered F 1802 Foster Sylvester— Ex 1%; Fairbank Orin 1803 Fairbank Ebenezer 1805 Flint Richard 1806 Fisher Henry Fogg Caleb 1807 Fisher Charles 1808 Floyd Wesley Finney William Fisher William S. Fields Lebbens Frobt Leonard 1809 Frye ./oseph Fox John Finley James B. Ford John S. 1813 Ira Fairbank 1814 Ford John S. 1815 Feetherstone JofdiUa Finley WilHam P. 1816 Freeman Obadiah Fifield Moses Foster Russell Ferguson George 1817 Fares James Furlong Henry 1818 Fillmore Glezen Foster Jeter Flint Calvin N. Fisk Wilber Freeman Jeremiah Fillmore Jesse Fox Dana Fitzgerald Henry T. Flourney Robert 1819 Fallows Joseph Ferguson Samuel D. Foster Josiah 1820 Fifield Mark Fenandes Henry 1821 Field Julius Fuller Aaron Farr George ■i ler Sylvester — Ex IS(ii;| [bank Onn rbank Ebenezer it Ricbard ler Henry y Lutcrcd G 18:^1 Foot Orriii Flint Martin— Diet], 1 |fi'23 Fairbank (ieorge Fowler William Foster Hershcl Fletcher Z)anicl L. French Milton Frink Elislia Ferris Philo Fitzegald Edward Freeman josiah |^'2J Frink Silas Field Burton Finlev John P.-/)ied, rloyd Buzzel 1^24 Fisher Orsencth Fulton Creed Filley Levi C- P'erris ]ra |S25 Foss Cyrus Fish John Flemming i)avid Fisk Sere no |52G Fox Absalom Z>. Fairchields Ebenezer Ferree John Fisk John Fletcher Elliott B. Farner Eli P. G Gatch Philip* Green Greenbury* Garrettson Freeborn* Gill William* Glendenning William* Gibbons James* Green Lemuel* Greentree Matthew* P Gilbert Michael fl Grigcr Lewis G. p Green Robert Gassaway William "-8 Grissam Wheeler 477 Entered (i 1788 Green Myles S25 1790 George Enoch 1791 Garrettson Aquilla 1792 Gibson Tobias— Died, 180." 1794 Garrettson Freeborn jr. Guthrie Peter Garrett Lewis 1795 Gaines Henry M. Gurry Williani 1797 Gaines Robert 1798 Gossatre Daniel ISUO Garrison Levi Garrard Samuel 1825 Gamewell John Gruber Jacob Gove John 1802 Greenade John A. Gorsline Samuel Goodliue William 1703 Gwiiin James Gibbons John Glidden True 1804 Gillespie Simon Goodhue David 1805 Giles Charles Gajre Nathiiniel 180G Gordon Benjamin Glenn James E. Guest Job Griffith Alfred 1807 Gibson Zacheriah Goddard Abbott Goforth John 1808 Glenn Thomas D. Green Allen Gridlev Cyprian H. 1809 GassVVilliam Gary George Grant Loring Gatchell James 1810 Glenn John B. Grambling Andrew Green Henry D. I 478 i^it •■ Kntcretl Ci 1810 Gilbraith Robert Griffin 'i'homas Grover Ezra Griffith Samuel ISU Griffith Walter—Di. 1822 Gorwell Jacob Grifiin Benjamin Gillc't Truman 181-3 Goodner David Giles John 18] 3 Graham John ISM Griffin John Gillespie Samuel P. V. Goodsell BueJ IS If) Gentry Elijah 18 K) Grant Isaac Goodsell John Goodsell Mordecai Garreltson David Gartman Daniel Garrett Lewis IS17 Green Benjamin Glaze Samuel— Di. 1824 ISIS Goodwin Timothy Gilford Alanson— Di. 1822 Grace Samuel Gerrard Thompson Greene Raleigh Graves Thomas Grern Jesse Greene Phifip 1819 (Gardner Thomas Goddard Dennis TS20 Gough Abner Gilbenth Gunn William Gordon Benjamin Goodwin Ezra S. Gilbert John B. 1821 Green Levin Glenn Joshua N. Gray David—Died, 1823 Gregg Henry Fntcred H I Greely Gorham 1822 Gardner William Green John C. Gibbons John L. Greaves Payton Glanville John 1823 Griffis William Gibson William L. Gera John A. Gaines Benjamin Garrett Greenbury Griffith Nehemiah B Gatch George Gillmore Orrin 1824 Galluchatt Joseph Goode Joseph Green Fisher 1825 Green A. L. P. Gardner Rovvse B. Green Anson 1826 Gilbert John W. Greenup James Gilliland Samuel Garland Thomas L. Gassaway William Gerry Robert Goold Robert Gage Royal Griffin Leonard Greenleaf Greelv H " Hagarty John* Haskins Thomas* Hi n ton James* Humphries Thomas* Haw James* Hartley Joseph* Hopkins Charles* Hicheon Woolman*— Di, 11 Hull Hope* 1785 Harthy Joshua Hathaway Eleazcr 1786 Hardy James Hudson Ananiais Hardy Charles Hudson William '179 [Dtcred H H ;|y Goihani Iner William an John C. Dons John L. aves Payton iville John lis William son William L a John A. nes Benjamin rrett Greenbury ffith Nehemiah b- tch George Imore Orrin Uuchatt Joseph ode Joseph een Fisher een A. L. P. rdner Rowse B. een Anson Ibert John W. Entered TI reenup James Uiland Samuel rland Thomas L. issavvay William rry Robert )old Robert is^e Royal iffin Leonard •eenleaf Greely H ;arty John* jkins Thomas* iton James* mphries Thomas* w James* rtley Joseph* 3kins Charles* ^. ,.^ ■hson Woolman*— D». l Humphrey E/ekicl Hallcy James Hill Henry Hcrdey Abncr Hitt Samuel Hunt Aaron Hallock — — . Hall Daniel Hunter William Hardy Edward Hardesty William Hunter James Hall Joshua Hunt Lewis— Died, 1803 HuUom Duke W. /funcock Roger Hull Stephen— withdrawn, 1800 iif iggins James C. Hull Elias— Withdrawn, 1899 Harris Solomon— Ex. 1807 Jf.irjier John Higbv D iniel Hill Collier Hill Joseph Harriman Hez. jffioser Samuel if ill Cornelius Hubbard Reuben— Ex. 1810 Heath Asa Hibbard Billy Herron James H. Hunt James 1802 1803 1801 i/ubbard William Hume David M. /fdi .lo'ieph ll.lll (Jlivci- H«!ddiri^ Kiijali Hill J iiiic.^ HajH .'')3epii Hi)\v Samuel HusHclljus Jdhn Hilitiian Samuel Hi'idey r.diniind— Died, ISU't II«'iiij)liill Andnnv llii(Lnhon 1804 Houston Anthony Hall Isaac- 1305 Holmes John Hill Sylvester Harris IJunoni Hill Beijamin- Expelled, is 1 1 Houston William Harper MvIps Hard\%ick William Hill John Hill Erasmus 1806 Hitt William Heliums Thomas Hearthcock Thomas Hall Horatio E. HenUle Saul Hill Nicholas Holmes John Hunt William— Expelled, 1811 1807 Hood Frederick Hunter James Harley Joseph ^ Hines Cannellera H. Hendrick William W. Harris John W. Hammond Rezin Harmon George Hickman Clement— Wd'n. 181f> Hivener Jacob Holmes Niniaa 1807 Hulbert Cephas How Eli 1808 Heniger John Harwell Coleman Harrison Saiuuel Hearne Thomas Harris James a f f<, 'ISO I J'.ittcnul Jl HinkicKii li.iidy .loliii W. Mitiiniit) Willi;iiii fliinlts(y Daviil ixon J1„M,, r.ewn Mftiiriii^j.l'ilm I la Illy llctny Mill J.ww.:. Iliil William AV. Hanson .lames | f . Hiljltanl h'()ln'ii_i)i(.,i isu:; ll.iyH Wobci'l lloyt llchj.imiii [{. Hill Nathan HawlviiiH Hctiiy Hvdt: IMwinl l>il<) JIHIums Snmicl llailidav Charlrs Iliil Wr.il.-mai. C. M:isliinM .loini Hinds Oilarido I ialli'tf rrrroriri(> Houstis .lonallian IS II ri.tton Lewis Hiitto James .Hewitt Ashley I fays .lames I lolmes I |»>iirv Hunter S.mmel— Died, IBU.'i Hunter H(Mvy J! Il.lohn ].. Hunt .lesse Hihhard Kli.jali Hopkins Silas i la/'/.ard .lohn 1JI2 JIrt William HilLlaeoIi Hanna Kohert Ilazlefon H'-nj imiu Hiekeox .loseph 181." Harris Murnlord Harris West Hodjfprt Sairmcl K. Hale .lesHO Harris William Harris Fletcher— Died, 1819 Harris Jainos H. l!J13 Haines Ransom Hutchinson David Hamilton John Hnll James Hollis Snmuol ISH Hazen James Xiilliard David lOntercd II ■) Hiinl Kiihard — Withdraxvn li-or IH15 Harris James H Kxpollecl ln\\ H irhison John C. — Kx. 0*21 Hunt William— Kx. IH'jO Hill l.saae 1H1(» HooHer Samuel llann(^r James Hamel Andrew Hariison Sairmel Hunt Ahsalnm llamiston Samtiel IH17 Hol.lm.m William Hirris Joint Hem lOljonc/er HaiiliiiiN William Harris Isai ili IHIH Hahkel Scpiaro I'-. Hamilton Wiiliiuu Hamil llni^li ;iHI!) Harris Wiliinms Ho.vard John Hdl Joint (;. Holt Isaac K. Harwell S.imuel Holland He/.ekiali I laiher-lohn If^'^O Mm.ler F.saac C. IlinKI(> INIoHes I lilt 'I'lKiinas Harris Nathaniel, Jloskii s Hiuf;. L. I lank Wdliant J leiidry Joltn llael John lloi'lon Jolhan Harvey James P. Ilalloway Aaraltani Jlamillon Frances liavins James llawl(>y William li. 1 lamed Win. 1821 Hesters Geo. V. lioaly Fzra Hyneman Samuel Iladsoii Thomas M. lluniphries T B. Hi^^ins Solomon 1821 HodRC James 1822 //all Epltraim //umphreej' //umphries //onry John //oldich Joseph //orne George //eara Jacob i', 4S1 liichiivd— Willi«lr;vUM l-a M.IaincHll.— Kxi)oll«>cllHl( isoi. Jolin C— Kx. 1^21 WiUiiun-Kv. 1^'^<» \SM\C vT Suimtcl icr.Iaim's el A»ir I) H(Mniniii(;\vay JainCM Hcylatid Kowlcy HtMidcrson VViilium C Harrison Cassi-I Haiijravn Itichard llnrison Kichaid II. Harris G. W. D. Ilonly John Hawkins John O. T. Han(>y John I*. Ilnn((!r John Hartley Isaac Unlin Ah'xandcr Hiilcliinson John Hatton Hohcrt C. Holmos Cteorgc S. Hill John Mavons John C. Holliday Charles M. Hadley James HoUyman Wm. II Henderson Georije C. Herhert Richard II. Houghton Benjamin A. Kntored I 1820 Htiehf's Jrptha Howoll Thomas I). II I Id t (fcor^i! Ilohiics David Hill Aar(Mi S. HtiHlcd John B Hill Moses Harrin;;lon James I larlow (i(!muul Havens Joihaiu Hoa^ij Willnir Holslead Henry Merrick E|)hraim Harker Mililn ■\ IHOO IH(H 1HI2 l«21i \H2li IH21 1H2(> I7H5 nm I7H7 1788 1 78.9 1790 17fM 1792 1793 1794 1795 1796 1797 Ivy Richard*— Died, 17f>(J lliti' iieijainiii— Died, IK()(; Ireland i^anicl— Wilhdraun 1821 Ireson Joseph Irvine ANjxander lnj(ersol John Ireson IChcnc/cr IlilC Jos(;])h .1 Jai'k.son Thomas* James John'* J«'Hcison Davifl* Jt'Ksop William* — withdrew I l'M> Joi.jvs //(;, ry* Joliiisoii S((!pli('n J.rrell John—Died, 179() Join, son (iethro — Wd'ii, 179 J Jocelyn Agustus Jnmen William Jones Thomas /ones Hill 4 : I ir RR2 1^ m \ Entered J. 1798 Justice Jesse Jarrett Nathan—Died, 1811 /arnes David Jones Ruiiben Jones Willy Jones William /ones Benjamin— Died, 1805 James D.^niel Jblmson John Jones Enoch Jennings James Jem William Jieflries Jeremiali Judge Hi Hard Jinks John Jones John C. Jester /ames Jaques Enoch Johnson Eu en— Died, 1816' Jewett WilJiam Johjison John Jacob John Jones Benjamin Jones Alberton Jennings John Jewett John Jenkins Samuel Jaques Jaraes Jacob Alisha P. Jacob Stephen— Died, 1819 Johnson Samuel Jones Peter Jones Zenas Jones William Johnson Waddell Jackson James James Peter Jones William James W'illiam Jeffers Robert Jamison Isaac — Died 1823 Johnson Enoch Jenkins Samuel Jerry John L Jones Greenbury R. Jones James Jamison Milton Judd Gay lord Jarrett Nathaniel R. Jamer Thomas Jones Benjamin Johnston Mark Jones Ephraim Jones Lavellen 1799 1800 1801 1802 1804 1805 1806 1807 1808 1809 1810 1811 1812 1813 1814 1815 1817 1818 1819 1821 1822 1823 482 Entered K 1823 Johnson William Jarrett Richard F. Joiies John Jean John 1824 Johnson James E. Jarrett Tho. A. Jones Lew is 1825 Jones John G. Jones Watters B. Joycelin Aaron 1826 Johnson Hugh K Kenady Henry* Kimble Geo.* King John* 1788 Kendall David 1791 Kinllinsvvorth Freeman 1792 Kinsey Absalam K am key Zebulon 1793 Ket( hum Joel 1794 King James Kaviinaugli William 1795 Keneyan William Iveeler Sylvanus ■* 1796 Kendall Caleb - • 1798 Kibby Epaphras ' 1799 King Jeremiah I«00 Knovvlron Gideon A Di. I*;] 1801 Kewley John 1802 Kent Asa 1803 Kernngan Andrew 1804 Kelly Daniel King Daniel King Samuel Keimedy Philip— Died, ISio j 1805 Kilpatrick Joshua W. 1806 Kennedy Wm. M. Kelsey James Keith W' iUiam— Died 18]<1 1807 King James KcnnonJohn W. Kline John 1808 Kirkham Thomas Kennon Charles L. Kimberlin John Kelburn David 1809 Kennon Robt. L. Kimball Nathan Kelpatrick Joseph N. Kennon Robt. L. 1810 King Duncan Kinkard Joseph— Died, 1«2^| 1811 King Tho. A. King Samuel 483 K William Uchard F. >hn in James E. rho. A. ewis >hn G. Matters B. n Aaron 1 Husjh K J Henry* ' Geo.'*' obn« il David svvorth FrcenVcin r Absalam jy Zebulon iim Joel ames iaugl» William ^an William ^^ r Sylvaiiua ,11 Caleb • Ep.tphras Jeremiah , -Iron Gideon A — Ui. 1^1| By John Asa ijran Andrew Daniel Daniel Samuel , edy Philip— Bied, Is^ trick Joshua W. edy Wm. M. V James , William-Died \m J imes on John W. : John ram Thomas on Charles li. erlin John irn David on ^obt L. )all Nathan itrick Joseph N. on Robt. L. Duncan _. ^^a atd Joseph— Died. 1 -M Tho. A. Samuel iJilei 1811 1S12 IS13 11817 1S19 11820 1*21 |!S22 1S23 |!«24 1^25 1IS7 .188 liTsa ed L Kelly John Kemball Lewis Kincaid Thomas Ko^er James King William Kennerley Thomas King Elijah Kunzelman IleTiry Kent John Kennaly Sam. C. King lienjaniin Keith Benjamin King Henry G. Kcitcrsoii John Kinney John Kainer Andrew Reach John P. KcUey Daniel Kellam Jo.-eph Kellogg Ezra Kies Josiah Kendall C.ileb Kent William J. Knapp Henry Kendrick W. P. Kirby John W. M. Kelly Rosewell Kelly Samuel Knight William KeliyJohn Kanady John Kerr John Kavanaugh H. H. Kirkpa trick Robt. King Tho. M. Kerr Moses L L'ttlejohn John* Lindsey Pobt.* Lambert Jeremiah* — Died, Lee Jesse* — Died, IS16 Lee Wilson*— Died, 1805 Leard Michael Lurton Jicob Lockett Daniel Low Isaac Lumsford Isaac Lee John Lindsay John Ledbetter Flenry Losee William ^. Lipsey Arthur * Li Hard Joseph ». Lilly Wm. A. * 1793 1794 1795 1796 1797 1798 1799 IHOO 1S02 1803 1804 1803 1806 1786 Entered L 1791 Lipsey Ricketson Lucas Thomas — Died, 1819 Lyetl Thomas Lovel Thomas Le Masters Wm. Ledbetter Charles Lindsey John Lakin Henj, Lackey John T-ambeth William Le-'ds Kobt. Luttotniis James Lyon Richard Leach John— Died, 1803 Lamb Shubal Larkins Edward Laiigdon Solomon Lewis James T otspeich Ralph Lunisden Jeremiah Luttimare John Lyon Zalmon Lee Timothy Lacy Wm. B.— Withd'n 18M Lane George Lisrht Geo. C L mbard Benj. F. Lee Garrett Lawrence Moses Lowraan Wm. G. Lewis William Layton Mynus Lambert Chandley Lockwood Josepli Locke Isaac Lodd Milton Lewis John Lloyd Wood Lindsey Isaac Lauck Simon Lamden William ^ Laws James Lirjdsay John Lodge Nathan— Died, 1815 Lawrence Lawrenson Lull Joseph Leach James G. Lindsey Marcus Lawrence Joshua Lebrand Joseph Lyon Gilbert Levis Samuel P. Leonard Wm. Lewis David 1808 1809 1810 484 Kutered L 1811 Luckey Samuel Lewis John Lanning Ralph Lumraus Aaron 1812 Lewis Samuel Lagdrum Francis Lanning Gideon Lent James S. I ISI;3 Leach Caleb Lott Ehsha Lindon John Luffkin Joseph 1811 Lummis Wm. Larken Thomas 1S15 liane Samuel 181(> Lippett Abraham Lent Isaac Lovejoy John Lawrence Bciij 1817 Linville John Lee Jesse ^S18 Landon Seymour Levings Noah Lane Joachim Leigh Hez. G. Lewrey Thomas tS19 Ladd Moses Lummus Aaron Lee John Larkin Jacob Locke George Lowery James 1821 Lemnck David Lancy Noah Ligh Wm. Luckey Jolin Lark Wallace Lewis Benj. I*. Level Stephen Landon Benj. 1 822 LesHe David Le Vert Eugene Liddon Benj. F. JiCadbetter Rufus 1823 Lull William Lake Wesley P. Ludmaii John Lambden Daniel Lee John G. Lewis Isaac Leadbetter Wyley Leach Frederick 1S24 Lorain Alfred M. ! Entered M 1824 Long Abraham Lopp Andrew Leadbetter Ihos. E. Leggett Lew alien Legget Daniel Lambuth John Lcmay Thomas Lumsden Wm. O. Langon James Lilt ton Robt. 1825 Low Samuel Le Fevre John W. 1826 Low David Lindsey Jos. Lamb Caleb Levings C. W. M Mair Georfro* — Died, 17S Rlatson Enoch*'" M'^ore George* M'>narty Peter* Monis Edward* Major John — Di. 1788 1785 ]\iastin Jeremiah 178G ]vjason John Moore Marie Maxey Caleb Merrick John Matthews Lasley Merritt Henry Minter Jeremiah 1787 Moorc Nathaniel Morrell Thomas Mills Nathaniel B, Mill'urn John 1788 Mnxev Bennet MOSS William Meacham James Martin Lenox 1789 Moore Lemuel Matthews Philip Moormg C S.- -Di. m Moore Joseph * Mooody William Martin George 1791 Miller Simon~Di. 1795 -Died, ITS M ,braliain indrew tter Ihos. E. t Lewullcn Dauiel ith John Thomas en Win. O. [1 James 1 Robt. amuel vre John AV. )avid 5y Jos. Caleb g. C. W. M Georpjo*— on Enoch* re Gcorjre* arty Peter* lis Edward* M-John— Di. 1788 tin Jeremiah on John re Marlv ley Caleb ick John hews Lasley tt Henry er Jeremiah Ire Nathaniel ell Thomas Nathaniel B, lUrn John lev Bennet William ham James inLencx Ire Lemuel hews Philip „ C. S— Di. IS:^ [re Joseph dy William in George r Simon— Di- 1'79^' Krttcrcd M 1791 ivioore Levin 1792 jviansfield Lawrence ]\|ead Stith Massie Peter — Di. 1792 1793 Mudge Enoch 794 Munday Jeremiah Mann Thomas Mitchell Joseph 795 Moody Archer Matthews Benjamin Munsy Nathaniel Mills Edward 796 Merritt Timothy 797 Meador Banister 798 Milligan Thonias i709 jV[yres Lewis Maddox Zecheriah ]\latthews Moses Moore John Mills William Merrick John SOD Monnett Samuel • Merwin Samuel Morris Caleb llSOl Marsh William Mellard James IL Moody John Morton Alexander Morgan Moses )2 Mills Samuel— Died, 1812 Mintz David B Matthews Edward Metcalf Alfred Munger Philip Mad(Jen Thomas iS04 Meek John 5 Martin Henry—Di. 1809 Matherey Charles B. iS06 Murphey William Morgan Gerard * 807 Morrill Joseph S. S08 Mason Thomas Mallory Henry % 480 1 Entered M 180S Montooth Henry Monroe Joshua Melvin Avra Merritt Leroy 1809 Miller Thomas Martindale Stephen Minnear Abraham 1810 Marble Elias Manley John Morton Josiah Monroe William Miner Timothy Mattison Seth 1811 Mills Jacob Mattox Aaron Meek Samuel S. Mullinex John Mallory John Matthias John B. Marsh William 1812 Monjar Francis A. 1813 IMalone Benjamin Morris Presby Mitchell Zacheriah Morrison Wm. C. ^ Menstiall Robert Macklefresh John 1814 Moore Daniel Moore Amos M. ore Amos C Ex. 1817 Moore Daniel— Died 1819 Monoghan Daniel Murrow John Manifer John 1815 Mner Sherman Moore Jacob Muire Thacher 1816 Mahan Matthew Munroe Andrew 1817 Morris Thomas A, Manson William Matthias John J. 1818 Mack Wilder R r2 480 r is^n IS22 i«l% Morris Nicholas— Kx. Moore James Morgan Asbury is 19 Metcalf Frankiu Miller John Mullenix John Marshal Lewis S. MedfoiJ William Mavity William Matthews Henrv IS,'20 ManoryJohn Murrdy James Marby Thomas Mason Berg. Morris Geo. W. Morasty John Moore Hiram Moore Francis Martin William Maftitt John N. Meeker Hiram Morris James Malone Green Mealy Geo. M. 1823 Mayo Henry Morgan William Maddux Patrick N. Milhn William-. Milligan James Maneer Solomon 1824 Mossey Jnhn H. Mood John Mason Washington Mason Reui'en Macon Harrison H. May hew Jouathan May Hiram Messmore Joseph J 825 Merremoon Branch Moore George Moss Wni. B. Merri wether R D. Martin Timothy 1821 Entered M 1820 Merryman D. C. Moore Richard Mann John Marby Wm. If. Miller Thomas Meeker Cyrus Moore Gieen G. Merrill Moses 1785 M'Claskey John 1787 M'Henr) Barnabas MKendree William iVPGet: Thomas 1789 M'Dowell William M'Lenahan William ^1' Kenny George 1791 M'Coy Robert 1792 M 'Combs Lawrence 1794 M'Gee Matthew 1795 M'Cay Elijah M'ColIum William 1797 M'Caine Alexander M'Lane Ebenezer 1799 M'Lane Alexander 1802 M'Carty Hugh 1803 M'Vean John ISO'l M'Guire Adjet M'Clure John M'Kenney William 1805 M'Lelland Hezekiali 1806 M'Masters William 1807 M'Crackiii George M'Donal Angus 1808 M'MJnn Jedadiah 1809 M'Rouan 1810 M'Oaniel Henry M'Evven Alexander M- m' i;hmd John 1811 MWiiian James 1812 M'Mehan Jo.m 1813 M'Oaniel Elijah M'Ellrov Arcltibald M'Phail Daniel M»Bride David S. M ryman D. 0. re Richard n John by VVm. 11. 3r Thomas ker Cyrus •re Gieen G. rill Moses! Ilaskey John lenr) Barnabas endree VVilliaiu lee Thomas )ovvell William jcnahan William venny George ^oy Robert ^ombs Lawrence jrce Matthew Jay Elijah I^olluni William uaine Alexandei Lane Ebenezer Lane Alexander arty Hugh ean John luire Adjet ure John Kenney William Lelland Hezekiah Masters William ICrackin George iDonal Angjus Klinn Jedadiah Rowan 487 Daniel Henry iRvven Alexander M' iiieind John [Mahan James liMt-han Joiin f Daniel Elijah [Ellrov Archibald Phail Daniel iBride JDavid S. Hater cd RI ISM M'Cain Hugh A. , JNPAden James I M'lntyre Nich— Di. 1 8241 M'CIendon John M'Gee John IS 15 M'Nelly M'Gee Thomas ISIO M'Creary Joseph M'Ddniels M'Henry Daniel 1817 M'Cord James M'Alhster Alex. M'Allister Rich.— Di.lS22 M'Gray William M'Kee Joel 1819 M'Clain Andrew M'Carey Thomas 1820 M'Coy William 1821 il/'Cord John if'Reynolds W. M. ^'Reynolds, J. W. M'Daniel Daniel G. M'Daniels Daniel G. jVi'Pherson M. 1822 iW'Lawrin James M'Dowell William 1823 M'Cartney Francis Jlf'Kay Elijah B. M'Leod Daniel 1824 JVI'Intire James M'Commas Wm. M'Ferrin James 1825 iV/'Daniel G M'Pherson Samuel M»Mullen Daniel 1S26 M'Donel Jacob M'Leod Dixon C. M'Allister W L. M'Ferrin John B. M'Dowell Joseph M'Pherson Anjjus M'Clunn Wm. W. M'Cann James 1805 1806 1S07 Entered N 1785 Noseworthy Georgd 1789 Nicholson Jesse 1791 Nichols Andrew Nolley James Newman Jonathan 1793 Northcott Benjamin 1793 Nichcls William 1795 Norwood Nathaniel 1797 Nichols John Noland Obed Neeley William Norris Greenleaf R.Di 1812 Norton James — Died 1825 Neeley Thomas 1808 Nolley Richraond-Di. IBM Neal Thomas 1810 Nelson Thomas 1811 Nelson Matthew Norris Thomas 1812 Northrop Beardsley 1813 Nixon John Nixon Thomas — Died 1823 Nye Joshua 1814 Northrop Charles Norwood Nich.— Died 1821 1S15 Norton John Norris Samuel Nash Miles Norwood Thomas W. Nash Elisha Neeper Richard Nixon John Nickerson H. Norris J. B H. Nealey Richard Norval Nath'l L. 1823 Nichols Jarvis Z. Nealy Thomas J. 1824 Nicholson James 1825 Norman Jeremiah Junr. Newman Theron W. Nolly Georgre W. Norris William H. 1818 1819 1820 1821 1822 488 & '%i Entoreil 1825 Norris Nathaniel JNewliall Matthew 1820 New John North llenrv B. Nichols William P. Norsvvortliv Kredrick P. Norinon b)ineon O O'Kelly Ja's*--VVd'nl7!i3 Ogbiirn Henry* Owinos Richard*— l)i. 1787 178() 0'' 1791 Pedicord C. B.— Di. 17Sr. 1787 Pearson Kichard Phelps Etisha 1788 Parks James Pope Richard Prior Emory 1790 Parker Francis Powell James Pace John Pini.ard Nathaniel Pickering Georjre Pelham Elisha 1 792 Page John P,,tts John— Di. 182:} Peck Jacob Paynter James Perkins Juson 1793 Page William 1794 Priest Zadok—Di. 179t) Posey Richard 1795 Pinnell Joseph Patterson James 1796 Pitts John Philips John 1798 Philips Josiah IbOO Parven Aaron Peckett Daniel Polemus James 1801 Peck Phineas Peckitt William 1802 Porter Hujih Parker Fielder Simon'* bus William* ridge VVu'n ITS' cord C. B— Di. ITSfi son KichnnI ps Elisha 489 bintcred P 1502 Pattie Asa Perry Dan 1503 Perry Thomas Pearse Gershom Pickett William Pettip^rew Grew 1504 Pattison William Phelps Samuel Parker Parley Parker Clement 1805 Parker Samuel Pigree Reddick Pierce Lovick Pinnell Jesse Porter John Pinner John Perry Robert Powers George 1506 Porter Robert Paine Thomas ^ Philips George Pinnell Thomas Prindle Andrew Purden John 1507 Pease Lewis Pattie Elias Patten John Paine Lela Peck Joseph 180S Parch Thomas Pickin Lewis 1^^09 Puffer Isaac 1810 Pinnell William Pool Ashby Price John 1^11 Page John Phipps John Piggot Joseph Pavev Isaac Pullum Nathan , Postell John Pickins Andrew Pearce Marmaduke Entered V 1812 Porter Thomas D. Paine John Puckitt Thomas Powell Dniry 1813 Porter James Pearsons James Parks Richard Potts John Price Phineas 1814 Prcltyman'Williani PrattJob Phelps Eleazer Pierce Joseph Pailgett Henry 1815 Patterson Josiali Pownal Joseph Parker Samu«»l— Di. 1S2I 181G Peebles William Peck George PiJigott Joseph Proctor Benjamin Plumb James— Ex. 1821 1817 Peter Simon Peoples Benjamin Pajje Edward Pesry Anios 1818 Piuton Yelverton Peal James G— Died 1822 Pittman Charles Parker Ira— Wd^r. 1823 1819 Pier Orrin Pram Edward Pipkin Barnabas Paine Robert 1820 Peter William ■Piggot Isaac N. Pool William C. Pliimmer Samuel Page True Parker Roswell Parker Robert Parkus Philetus 1821 Payne Thomas I 49U Kutercd P 1821 PaulsaulJohu Peck Wiley B. Puriiby Arch. Peyton Henry Panesh Daniel Princlle Cyrus Pease VV. S — Died 182G Pcrrv lie man 1823 Preston Mark Parker John Putnum Roswell Parks Williann Pomeroy John Pearson Edward Patton William Parker Lewis Power John H. Pardo John Pool Jacob Paine Benjamin Pettv Ewell Puffer Stephen 7\irrott Dennis M. Parker Felix Petty Sewell Purifoy M'C?rrel Perry Edward T. Plimpton Belling O. 18'i4 Pattee True , Pipkin Richard Panabaker John Porter Nathaniel Perkins Jared Putman George 1825 Pitts Fountain Parker Nathaniel Perdew Abner Poor Joshua Plummer Edwin Peirce Aaron 1826 Peyton Robert S. Poor David Pier Orris Enlercd Q 1826 Pearsall Joseph Paddlelord J. W. Plundey Daniel Q 1807 Quinn Isaac 1809 Quail James— Di. 1820 1817 Quinn William 1818 Quinlan James R Reed Nelson*' Rinojold VVilliam* Robertson John* — Wd IT'J': Rijrgin John* Row Samuel* Rodda IMartin* Rallins Isaac* 1785 Ross Levin 1787 Rigcrin Benton— Di. 179U Roberts Benjamin Reed Eliphalet—Di. 1791 1788 Richardson Jesse 1789 Robinson John Roberts George Racran John — Died, 179") Ratcliffe William 1790 Rudder Samuel RogroTs Evan Rainor Menzer Di — 170 Roper Frederick 1791 Rand>ill Josias Rogers James Robinson Isaac 1792 Rexford Jordan— Wd. 170 Rowen Joseph Rogers Levi 1793 Risher Samuel 1793 Richardson David 1794 Reynolds Jjhn H. 1794 Rowzee Edward T. 1800 Ross Daniel Russel Jeremiah Robbins Isaac Ryan Daniel— Di. 1805 401 Q rsall Josepli Jlelord J. W. nley Daniel Q in Isaac il James— Di. 182(i in William nian James R d Nelson* Told VVilliam* ertson John* — Wd 179'1 cr'm Juhn"* \! Samuel* da Martin* iins Isaac* s Levin rrin Benton— Di. 179'J| erts Benjamin d Eliphalet— Di. 1791| hardson Jesse )inson John )erts Georp;e ;an John — Died, 179;) cliffe William der Samuel r«"rs Evan nor Menzer Di — 179 )er Frederick d:ill Josias rers James )inson Isaac ford Jordan— Wd. HO] ven Joseph rers Levi ler Samuel hardson David nolds Jo\\n H. vzee Edward T- s Daniel sel Jeremiah bins Isaac in Daniel— Di. 1805 I Entered R l8UU Uyan Her.iy llSOl Hose Samuel Ruter Man in Kylaiid William Roberts R. Robert;* |l302 Raivin 'I'liomas Ilicher Duiiifl llSOd Rubi-rison John — Di. 1S21 Ridjraway James |lS04 Richards John — W'dn 1808 Redstone Henry , , h;0:') llijijxin Joshua Russei Jiinies Ridgawiiy VV'm. Reynolds Caleb " Riley Law I (Mice |lSOG Rider IN'athni.iel |iS07 Rogers Osljwm Roundtree CiiuHps Reynolds Benedict Rice Phineas 1S08 Rumph Christian Ross Samuel Ravvleiph ^kimuel L. Reed Charles Reynolds John Randle Joshua JiS09 Richards Richard Redwin William Rumph Jacob— Di. 1812 Rye John Richardson Marvin 11510 Riley Tobias Richmond Steph. — Di.l817 11511 Ross Huorh Ryder William Roberts Palmer Robinson Abel |1812 Rhoton Benjamin Ross William— Died 1824 |1813 Ray Anderson . Row Reuben Robinson Henry Entered R 1813 Reader Nathaniel 1814 RusliufT Joseph Roberts Orin Riiark Shad Reynolds Bowcn 1815 Reid J. inns Rogers Joshua 1916 Richards William 1817 Reed Joseph Reed Fitch Reed Eliplialet Roseman Thus. 1818 Rohtnson Arch.— Di. 1S21 1819 RiCe, Nathan Rice Thomas Rayford Matthew Richardson A. Raiisel 1820 Reg^rles Nath. Ruckle Thos. R. Raper Wm. H. I Renian Meriath Rhodes Nathaniel i Rowsev Edward 1821 Rodman W. W. Reynolds Isaac Robertson John i Reynolds John Rverson John 1822 Ross James Roach James B. Bisley John E. Rice John Rains John Randall Parham 1n23 Ryerson William Roper John Richards David Robinson Ezk. Rogers Caleb D. Rhoton Josiah Rozzel Ashley B. Ryan William a ? i L in*. U \i: 492 li ¥ IviitcreU 8 1823 Handle Cornelius RolMTts VVilli,.m— Ex.1824 Raiidl« Thomas Ray Ivhvin 1824 Richardson (ieorge RubiTts l)jvi I Ransom RruUen 1825 Runnels Williams Raijan ./oab Recce 'I'homas Rand I' 11 (iforire Rarn.=;'iell Hcz. Richardson ./atnns Rvorson Eirt'tton 1S26 Robinson (>o. VV. RaM;nn Zcrh- Renshaw John RkUt John Richardson Chancpy Richmond Paid C Robins Onpse|)horus S Sliadford fJp'ir23 Tucker JonathanG.E. Thomas Christopher Taylor James C. Tovvnsend Joel i><24 Tevis Daniel Trott James Jr Thompkins Samuel Tackett Ignatus H. Talbot John Tuller Anson l»25 Taylor Gilbert D. Thompson William • ),^2B Taylor Thomas 496 i Entered T Tredvvell Benjamin 1806 Thompson John Thwackston Zadok B Thompson Stephen Thurman Pleasant 1807 Tarvcr John Talbot Samuel Travis John Travis Joseph Thompson Robert Trower Thomas Thomas John Teller Isaac Talbot Samuel Q. 180S Truman Jacob Trail Abraham 1822 1809 Truett Eli Talley William Tidings Richard Tayler Amasa 1810 Traves Francis Talley Alexander Tarrant John Tidings Richard Thompson Samuel H. Taylor john Torbert William Thompson Samuel 1811 Timmons Stephen Tucker Reuben 1825 TavIorJohn C. 1812 Turner Allen Talley Nicholas Threft Minton Thomas James Thorp Thomas Tucker Thomas 1813 Tatman Joseph Trader Moses Turner Thomas B. Thornton Thomas C. Tredwell Jahez 1814 Truce Henry 497 Ivvell Benjamin upson John 'ackston Zadok B mpson Stephen rman Pleasant /cr John )ot Samuel vis John vis Joseph •mpson Robert wer Thomas imas John ler Isaac bot Samuel Q- man Jacob il Abraham lett Eli ley William ings Richard ,^ler Amasa ives Francis jley Alexander rant John ings Richard )mpson Samuel H. or John 3ert William impson Samuel mons Stephen ter Reuben lor John C ner Allen ey Nicholas ft Minton mas James rp Thomas er Thomas nan Joseph er Moses er Thomas B. Irnton ThomasC well Jahez e Henry Kiilered Entered ^v 1789 1790 1791 1792 1793 1795 Taylor Michael Tevis Benj. Tevis Fletcher Tomlinson Jos. S. Talbott NatM M. Tunnel David l,j,26 Turkington Jos. Tanner Rucker Trotter John Tarrant James Tatum John M. Towner Joseph IT '.S21 Upham Frederick V Vasey Thomas* 1 1786 Viiiiovcr H(.Miry ll790 Vick Newet Van Nostn.nd Albert— Di. 17971 1794 1791 Vallau David J-'xpelled 1791 11793 Vannerman John 179() Vaniieyt Peter 1798 Vredenburgh Willi'm |l80l Vandouzeii Matthew ll802 Vanderlip Klias VennillioM Win. 11707 Virgin t harles J1810 Vanschaick John 1812 Vicory John 1818 Vinton Robert 1821 Vredenburjih H. 11825 Varner Jacob W Vf'rift-ht Richard* Wade .lobr* W.aters Willi.im* W liters Nichol.s*— Died, 1805 Wyatt Joseph* Williams Robert* Whitwortb Abmham* Whatcout Ricliurd*— Di. »'^06 Willis Henry*— Died, 1808 Ware Thomas* Wliite James* 785 AVhitaker Mark Wilhainson T)>omas 1 1787 Weatherford Thomas Wilson James |1788 Wells George Wigtoii "»iiniuel m Wells Joshua s s2 1796 1797 1798 1800 1801 1802 Workman Thoma*; Ward William West Edward West John W iley Rufus Wilson Benjamin Wyman /ohn— Died, 1774 Wajrcr Philip Weed John Wliitehead Thomas \\ ard James Watson John Weeks Salathiel— Di. 1801 AVainwriglit Joseph White Alward Wilkersou William Woolsey Thoiucis Woolse'y Elijah Wooster hezekiah C— Di. 179. Wi!ker!«on Thomas Wells William V.'iiyraan Edmund — Di. 1802 Weeks John Welsh Samuel Wooster .John Williams Curtis Wood Humphrey Williamson Jonathan Wilson Moses Whitby Joseph Wyatt Solf mon Williston Ralph WiisoM Micriel H. R. Walker Nathaniel West Williim Wilkerson Robert Wilso. John— Di. 1810 Webb Daniel Wood Abner— Expelled Willey Pr/,iilia Wheeler Buddy W. Williams ' iHiam Watson Joab Whittle Edward Walls John Wilkerson Josiah Wiltbank Washburn Ebenezer Ward E 'jHi Woodward Frederick Willis Joseph; Wh'te Ebenezer Whit be d Stephen G. Wicker Joel 1i 1805 ^''j-irt^\ t ISOi 1805 1807 J808 •198 I'Jnteied W Ward Francig i:J03 AValker Jesse Wright William Willis Nicholas Woolley Georgo Weaver Jolin P. Wllard Elijdh Winch Joel Walker Thomas White Henry Walker John Warwick Wjley Watts Benjamin Watts James Williams Joseph Wilcox Edmund Weaver John Weedon Nathan V/^alkcr Levi Williamson John ' i^OO WiUiamsOrey Warfield Charles Weston Jonas Wells Elcazcr Wilkinson John Willis Bela Warren Henry Watt John G. Wilcox Edmund Wheat Eli Wright Edmund Wilson James Whiting Lansford <809 Winnians William Watson John Waugh Beverly Woolson John Wilson John Wentworth Daniel ISIO West Samuel WimherlyF. D. Webb John White John Webster Wesley Wilson Robert Williams William Wingle Stephen Walker Chandler Worthing Jonathaa Weather Baker Wright Thomas— Di. 1826 1811 Waggoner Samuel— Di. 1817 Wicks William J812 Waddle Charles Entci' 1812 1818 11814 1 il815 i j 'l817 [618 1819 1820 1821 1822 'cd W Windsor Joseua Wyatt Peter Woodvvorlh Oliver Walker Jason Wilson Sliiploy W. Whitehead Williaui White Samuel B. White Nicholas Wiltcn Zacheriah Warhcld J.ott Winnigham W Iliain Williams West Walker Ivy Winchester Salmon Ward Eboiiczer W. Wight John F Wliitesides JacoD Waterman John Wcstlake Burroughs Weston Horace Wells Samuel Williams Zacherla!) Westlake William W-'illlrvmO ^VjliJaHl Wofford Benjamin Williams Parker Williams Benajuh Wilson Janiei Warner Hir.im G. Williams Asa Wright Will am— Died 1S22 Ware Nicholas Winn Thomas L. Wittin James Wiley Allen Wallace John— Di. 1824 William Davies Walker Lawson Ward Francis A.— Ex. I82(i Williams Willi im H. Wilkenson Robert , Warner Petir Walker Nathan— Di. 1825 Williams Joseph Waters Alson J. W. rd Robt. T. Willson Nerval WilliJinri JoHcpli Wood Charles White George Williams Otis Winner Isaac West John B. W^ade Peyton w jor Joseua t Peter worLh Oliver ;r Jason n Sliiploy W. jhead William ; Samuel 13. ; Nicholas n Zaclieriah eld I.ott igham W lliain 1II13 West er Ivy hcster Salmou EbtM.ezer W. it John F esides JaeoD riTiivn John lake Burroughs on Horace ! Samuel ains Z.icherlah lake William nmo ^Viliitiiil ord Benjamin anis I'arker ams Benajah <■ )n Jamei ler Hir.im G. ams Asa ht Will am— Died 1S22 ) Nicholas 1 Thomas L . n James Allen ice John— Di. 1824 im Davies er Lawson Francis A.— Ex. 1826 ims William H. snson Robert er Peter er Nathan— Di. 182t> ms J' 'seph rs Alson J. Robt. T. [on Nerval Lms Josepli Charles |e George n»s Otis ler Isaac John B. Peyton T •199 (crcil _ W 22 WestiKoreland Miidv Walker John •23 Wright David Warren Elias C. Waldroii Soloniou Wheclock Hascall Wallace Wesley W. White Joseph Wittcn John W. - White William W. Wryick Adam Westerland Jonas AVhite John— Di. 1825 Whittin John W. Wood John Wood An roil 1 Waddle George Wilson Job Wright David Walker Robert Williams David II. Wright Johr C. Wade Daniel F. Weatherspoon C P. Watson John H —Ex. 1826 Wllt^!ii^, Gcfirge Wilbur W rren W'allate John H. Wiley John Whipple Eleazer t) Watts John Entere 1825 1820' 1796 1801 1803 1801 1813 1811 1818 1821 1822 1823 1 1826 ^'■ .1 V Wilson Robert J Waller Wnj. I. Wait John Wait Aaron Wiison John jr. West Asa D Williams Henry Waldron Hiram Wakelieid 1 conard ^^ .irren James Whilney John Wlueler Elisha" Wood worth Philo Y Yeargan Andrew* Ye arby Josepli" Yallaby Robert Young Benjamin—Exp'd 1605 Young Jacob Young James "V oung Dan Young David Young William Youmans David Youngs James Young Damon — Died 182i Young William— Died 1825 Young Charles Young Thomas A. Young Seth Young George W. i i •■I, ■s. -f-i ■^ I r' m ■ M:^ i ^ .,^ 500 YVic s<«/c of the missions tinder the direction of the W'cslcyan Ml sionary Society^ may be seen in the following extract from tk "Report''^ for the last year* The number ot Mission Stations now occupied is 15C. The jM sionaiics at present employed, including Assistant Missionaries, a: 218. The salaried catechists and teachers employed chiefly in Society's daily schools are about 160. The gratuitous teachers the Sunday and day Missionary schools are upwards of 1,400. The number of members on the Foreign Stations, exclusive those in the Irish Missions, is 42,743, being an increase of 1,5] on the number reporteil last year. In the VVesi India colonies 24,4'j of the members are slaves, and 7,281 are free negroes and persoi ol colour. Jn Stockholm, Germany, France, Gibraltar, Malta and Zante. . 3 In Continental India and Ceylon In New South Wales, Van Diemea's Land, New Zealand, and the Friendly Isles T. In Africa • 9' In the West Indies 33u: In British North America, inchiding Newfoundland 67: Total number of Members under the care of our Foreign Missionaries this year 4211 Last year* • ••. 41 ij Increase of Members in the Missionary Stations. • . • • 15.J The Returns of the Children and Adults in the Mission daily al Sunday Schools are as follows: Ireland - - - 5,000 Mediteranean - _ - 250 Continental India and Ceylon - 5,374 Southern Africa , . - 1,431 Western Africa - - 1^0 South Sea Missions - - - 1,411 West Indies - - - 7,110 British North America - - 4,564 Total 25,420 "i - ,r^ ••• on of the W'cslcyan Mi lowing extract frmn th( 501 I NDE X . PART I. OF METHODISM IN EUROPK. :upie(l is 15G. The IMi Assistant Missionaries, ai ■b employed chiefly in t! 'he gratuitous teachers upwards of 1,400. i>rn Stations, exclusive , , . /. , ,, ■ cr an increase of 1 bl '"'^^''"X''/ " '^^''^''^ account of the ancestry and rclatices oj the Ker. Yesi India colonies 24,4'j tree negroes and perso Malta and Zante. . 3 • • • • • • • • • • ], New Zealand, and foundland care of our Foreign BOOK I. y/lhe ancei John Wesley, A. M. 7c 9 33u; 67 \p. 1. Mr. Bartholomew Wesley, and Mr. John Wesley.. !AP. 2. Dr. Samuel Annesley !AP. 3. Mr. Samuel Wesley, Sen AP. 4. Mrs. Susannah Wesley AP. 5. Rev. Samuel Wesley, Jun. liAP. 6. Mrs. Wright and Mrs. Hall Page ♦; 9 10 13 IS 20 Stations. ......... Vol ts in the Mission daily ai 5,000 250 5,374 - 1,431 Ir^O - 1,411 7,110 - 4,564 tal 25,420 BOOK II. ^^Jarlypart of the lives of Messrs. John and Charles Wesley. 411^a'. 1. A short account of the life of the Rev. John Wesley 22 AP. 2. A short account of the life of the Rev. Charles Wes- ley, and his connection with his brother Mr. J. Wesley \p. 3. Mr. Wesley's Mission to America in which he was accompanied by his brother Charles • • • iP. 4. Return of Messrs. Wesley's to England and obtaining true christian faith ^ BOOK III.' fess of Methodism in Europe, till the death of Messrs. Wesleys- JP- 1. [Continued to Chap. 4] Introduction of Itinerancy and field preaching — Progress of religion S2 liP. 4. General progress of religion with the persecution that followed 120 35 40 54 i li. :M I ^ % I % V'- 11? ■'V J'. i 002 Chap. Tj. Accounts from Germany o! the slate ol religion in th< i English army — The first conference — The labors of ]\Iessrs VVesleys and their coadjutors — Mr. J Wesj ley's marriage — He resigns his fellowship f CirAP. G. Mr. J. Wesley's illness— Renewal of Mr. C. Wes- ley's labors — Minutes of the Conference against AntU nomianism — Protest of Mr. Shirley — Mr. Fletch- er's writings — Anecdote of Mr. Wesley — Deed ol] Declaration OiiAP. 7. Death of the Rev. Charles Wesley — View of his Character • • » ('iXAP. S. Latter end and Death of the Rev. John Wesley — Re- view of his Character CiTAp. 9. Miscellaneous accounts of Methodism to the year 1810. BOOK IV. (Jontalniiuj a Biographical Account of aomp. of the firstj and soni the most eminent Preachers in Connection with Mr. Wesley. Chap. 1. A short Account of the Rev. John Fletcher CiiAP. 2. A short Account of the Rev. William Grimshaw* • • • « Chap. 3. A short Account of the Rev. John Nelson Chap. 4. A short Account of the Rev. Joseph Benson ■ 'i - «?^. - ■ PART II. OF METHODISM IN AMERICA. BOOK V. Containing an Account of Methodism in America till the Organ tion of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Chap. 1. The Rise of Methodism in New York — Its rise in Maryland — The First MeHiodist Meeting House in America— The first Conference -■■"!'^i. < *.'"'■ ■ '^- -■ 'iM^iifc*-*.--- '^*, J ic slate ol religion in the nference — The labors of )atJjutors — Mr. J Wes- lis fellowship jnewal of Mr. C. Wes- Conference against Anli- . Shirley— Mr. Fletch- Mr. Wesley — Deed of Wesley — View of his tlev. John Wesley — Ke- thodism to the year 1810. 503 Pan* IP. 2. Progress of Religion in General — Contern|)lated Sep" aration — Union Confirmed — Notice of the Yearly Conferences to the Organization of the Methodist f ' " Kpiscopal Church 2S\ BOOK VI. itainiug a Historical Account of the Methodist Episcopal Church to the year 1832 ■' ^p. 1. Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of America 30b ,U'. 2. Church Government 315 p. r?. Cokeshnry College — General Progress of Religion — Origin of Campmeetings, &c 353 BOOK VTI. ilaining a Biographical Account of the Deceased Bishops of the „ , ^ , Jikthodi^t Episcopal Church with that of the Rev. Jesse Lee. Rome of the first j and som nectim with Mr. Wesley§^' 1- ^ short Account of the Rev. Thomas Coke, L L. D. 42t; AP. 2. A short Account of Bishop Asbury 437 (.p. 3. A short Account of Bishop Whatcoat 440 John Fletcher* • William Grimshaw John Nelson* • • • Joseph Benson • • • • • f I BOOK VIII. Containing a Historical Account of Methodism in Canada. rr^C America. lAP. I\P. AP. America till the Organ ?opal Church. [ew York — Its rise in [dist Meeting House in Ice • • • » 1. Introductory Remarks — Methodism in Quebec — Its rise in Upper Canada — Mr. M'Carty — Mr. Losee, 44o 2. The Progress of Methodism in Canada until the or- ganization of the Methodist Episcopal Church 451 3. Separation of the Canada Conference, and its Organ- ization into an Independent Church 462 Appendix 466 Wesleyan Missions * * 500 1 ■^ 1 ^^ •'if / KnnA'fTA — On page 12, in soiic copie;;, in the ith panvgraph, for read 1725. On page 20, bottom line partly for i«.c spread breast. On page 160, line 8 from the top fo: June 34, read June 24. On page 216, at head of the chapter, for 18, read 1810. On page 426, for Book IV, read Hook VII. On page 443, in contents of Thnp. I. for McUaily. read McCarty On page 263, for Book IV, read Book V. On page 443, for Book VII, read Book VIII. On page 353, for Chap. U, read Chap. III. ' ■ .»> k'fv, ■.II. .'."•■ -.,,. t i\ the jth parivgiaph, lor U breast. read June 24. •ead 1810. 'aily. readMcCarty *v