JJi) AJiy 6 / PREFACE. npniS little volume is not designed to be a History of Methodism, but to give the general reader a glance at what Methodism is, and what it has accomplished during the cent- ury. The writer refers those who wish to ob- tain a more detailed account of its rise and progress to such works as Tyerman's " Life of Wesley," and to Stevens's interesting and admirable volumes. For the statistics of the various branches of the Church, he is indebted to their own historians, or to leading members of those Churches who have kindly furnished them. The reader is specially requested to note that the Centennial Period is counted from the close of 1775 to that of 1875; the facts and numbers being taken from the respective reports for those years. 408866 CONTEI^TS. Chapteb Paob I. Preliminary Remarks 7 II. Rise of Methodism 13 III. British Methodism TO 1775 29 IV. Rise of Methodism in America 34 V. Progress During the Revolution 47 VI. Organization of the Church 53 VII. Progress FROM 1785 to 1792 60 VIII. " " 1792x01800 77 IX. " " 1800T01808 87 X. " " 1808 TO 1820 97 XI. " " 1820T01832 Ill XII. " " 1832T01844 I2J XIII. " " 1844T01860 153 XIV. " " 1860TO1875 176 XV. Doctrines, Usages, and Economy 210 XVI. Church Institutions , 237 XVII. American Branches 308 XVIII. Methodism in Foreign Countries 327 XIX. Review 339 Ai-i'ENDix 353 A HUNDRED YEARS OF METHODISM, CHAPTER I. PRELIMINARY REMARKS. ** I ^HE occurrence of the Centennial Anniversary -*- of the Nation's Birth revives the memories of the past. The actors of 1776 are roused as if by magic wand, and step upon the stage again. Scene after scene flits before us, recalHng the revolutionary struggle from Lexington to Yorktown. We listen to the voices of the old patriots, and to the tones of the old bell, ringing, " Proclaim liberty through- out the land to all the inhabitants thereof." Would there were some skillful workman to mend that bell, that our children and children's children might listen to its sound ! Orators, statesmen, poets, phi- losophers, inventors, and discoverers pass in long procession before us. The teeming millions come from farm and shop, from land and sea. The forests turn into farms and the deserts into gardens, and songs of joy announce that oppressed colonies have become a triumphant nation, acknowledging no superior on the globe. 8 A Hundred Years of Methodism. Nor has the world been unmoved. Civilization ha3 extended her triumphs. The islands of the sea and the inland deserts and mountains have been explored and measured. The brave mariner has battled the icebergs of the North, and the intrepid traveler haa dared the heat and dangers of the tropics. The railroad has spanned the continents and tunneled the Alpine mountains. The telegraph has cabled the ocean and joined the extremities of the earth. Africa and Asia have parted their borders, and per- mitted the Mediterranean to mingle its waters with the Indian Ocean, and the " high way of the East" has been opened. Despotisms have fallen, and mon- archies have been remodeled. Republican ideas have spread eastward and westward. Machinery has multiplied the power of labor, and inventions have added to human comfort. The advancement of science ; the diffusion of literature ; the establish- ment of public schools; the endowment of universi- cies ; the enlargement of libraries and museums ; the opening of hospitals ; the care of orphans ; the teach- ing the blind to read and the dumb to speak; the education and elevation of woman, giving her access to employments and professions ; the myriad issues of the daily press, with its news from every quarter of the globe ; the systems of express and cheap post- ages ; the furnishing houses and streets with water and gas ; the phosphoric match ; the electric fire Preliminary Remarks. g and burglar alarm ; the sewing-machine and kindred appliances; the photograph; the spectroscope, which makes us neighbors to the stars ; the partial separa- tion of Church and State ; the freedom of religious worship; the multiplication of religious edifices ; the establishment and growth of Sunday-schools, with the system of international lessons indoctrinating youth with the ideas of a universal brotherhood and foreshadowing international fraternity ; the emancipation of serfs, the striking of manacles from millions of slaves, and transmuting chattels into citi- zens — all these are but faint outlines of the manifold triumphs of the century, which might well startle old Galileo from his slumbers to cry again, " But it does move, though ! " In these great movements America claims her part. In some of them she has been a chief actor. She has given the world the example of a free Church in a free State. She has realized the grand ideas of " liberty, equality, and fraternity ; " older nations are but beginning to follow the path on which she boldly stepped ere the morning light had dispelled the shadows. In material progress and in inventive genius the nations recognize her power. Mcr grain is feeding, her cotton is clothing, her oil is lighting, and her precious metals are enriching millions of people of the world. Well may she invite all nations to rejoice in her cen- 10 A Hundred Years of Methodism. tennial birth-day, for she " is the friend of all, the enemy of none." But the material rests upon the immaterial — the seen issues from the unseen. The patriot and phi* lanthropist well know that civil freedom musl rest on moral purity. True morality receives its inspiration and strength from a spiritual religion. For its law it bows at Sinai, and for its hopes it listens to the sweet whispers that float over the sea of Galilee. General Washington, in his farewell address, well said : " Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are in- dispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to re- spect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connection with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the Instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of re- fined education on minds of peculiar structure, rea- Preliminary Remarks. ii son and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religous principles." Any review of the century would be incomplete without a survey of the work of the Churches Kapid as has been the increase of population, still more rapid has been the increase of membership in the Churches. On the first wave of population, as it rolled westward over plain or mountain, floated the banner of the cross, and the voice of its herald was heard before the sound of the hammer in the erection of the pioneer tent or cabin had died away. The emigrant from distant lands has been met with the Bible in his own language, and has been in- vited to the sanctuary, the " house of prayer for all nations." In the midst of all the excitements of business and the pursuit of pleasure, the quiet and calmness of the holy Sabbath has stilled the factory and the mart, and the weary and exhausted work- man has heard the divine invitation, " Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," This result has been achieved, not in an age of apathy or indifference, or by the exercise of repress- ive power. The spirit of free inquiry has been abroad. The old has been called in question by the new. The spirit of skepticism has suggested doubts upon all subjects, and has spared no topic, human or 12 A Hundred Years of Methodism. divine. Histories have been challenged and nnir acles assailed. The votaries of science have tried to construct a universe without a God. Yesterday the material alone was magnified, and immaterialit)', spirituality, and immortality, were pronounced to be fancies of an excited brain. To-day the world is re- ported to be full of spirits that not only " peep and mutter," but rap and startle, and utter strange mes- sages to credulous inquirers. Error, ever changing, with chameleon hue and protean form, discomfited or vanquished, vanishes but for a moment to reap- pear in fresh disguise. Meantime the " truth as it is in Jesus " pursues its steady way, enlightening the ignorant, comfort- ing the afflicted, and throwing the light of immor- tality into the caverns of the tomb. Bible societies have been the glory of the century, translating God's word into two hundred languages, and seeking to place a copy in the hand of every human being. Missionaries have visited every heathen land, and half a million of converts are singing the notes of holy triumph. In this work each denomination has performed its part, and will rehearse its story in its own way. Be it our task to write only of one — the youngest of all the leading families of the Church of Christ — a cen- tury and a half ago "to fortune and to fame un- known." The Rise of Methodism. 13 CHAPTER II. THE RISE OF METHODISM. *' l"^HE first Methodist Society was organized in -*- London, near the close of 1739. Centuries before, a sect of physicians had been called Meth- odists, and in the previous century we find the phrase "New Methodists" applied much as "New School" in our day, indicating increased religious activity and more liberal sentiments. The epithet was applied, however, in derision, to Mr. Wesley and a few young men associated with him in Ox- ford University. So systematic were they in their studies, their habits, their devotions, and their works of benevolence ; so scrupulous in their redemption of time, and so self-denying and earnest in their practices, that the gayer young men called them Methodists. The founder of the Society, the Rev. John Wesley, was born June 14, 1703, in the parish of Epworth, Lincolnshire. He was descended from a long line of able ministers. His father was rector oi the parish church ; a man of more than ordinary mental power, an able writer, but a poor financier. With a large family and a small salary he was con- stantly embarrassed. His mother, Susannah Wes- 14 A Hundred Years of Methodism. Icy, was the daughter of Rev. Dr. Annesley, an In- dependent minister of marked abihty. She was a woman of strong intellect, fine culture, deep piety, and rare domestic qualities. Few such women have ever graced our earth. She was the mother of nine- teen children, nine of whom died in their infancy, and though by scanty means, she was compelled per- sonally to attend to household duties, yet she dili- gently superintended the education of her children. She had regular school hours, opened with prayer, and in addition she conversed privately with each one every week on a personal religious life, closing the interview with appropriate prayer. With all this, she read the best religious works, and main- tained a correspondence with her sons when absent at the university. When John, her sixth son, was seven years of age the parsonage was destroyed by fire, and he was barely rescued. In her journal she wiites, "I do intend to be more particularly careful of the soul of this child, that Thou hast so mercifully provided for, than ever I have been." She began to teach him, as she did her other children, at five years of age. Under her tuition he made remarkable prog- ress, and was early distinguished for demanding a reason for every thing, and an unwillingness to yield his convictions unless such reason was given. In his eleventh year, through the kindness of the Duke of Buckingham, he was admitted into the The Rise of Methodism. 1 5 Charter House School, in London, and enjoj'ed the tuition of able instructors. In his seventeenth year he was elected a student in Christ College, Ox- ford, where he continued until after his ordination as a minister, at the age of twenty-four. In the year following he was elected a fellow of Lincoln College. For several years he acted as tutor, and pursued his studies in divinity. He was early rec- ognized as one of the foremost students in the uni- versity, and was distinguished for his pure classical taste. He was exceedingly methodical and logical in all his performances. He gathered around him a number of thoughtful and earnest young men, among whom was his brother Charles, the subse- quent poet of Methodism, and the eloquent and untiring George Whitefield. They read the Greek Testament daily, conversed upon religious topics, formed plans for mutual improvement, and engaged in works of mercy and benevolence. They system- atically visited the prisoners in the jails, and the poor in the lanes and alleys of the town, instruct- ing and relieving them according to their means. After this, for a short period Mr. Wesley acted as curate for his father, but was unwilling to bind him- self to assume the active duties of a parish. As if in anticipation of his future, his heart then yearned for a larger sphere of usefulness. In 1735 the infant colony of Georgia having been founded by a number i6 A Hundred Years of Methodism. of gentlemen, among whom was Governor Ogle- thorpe, Wesley was requested to become a missiona- ry to the colonists and to the Indians. After prayer- ful consideration, hoping to be useful to both classes, he accepted the invitation. During his passage he was ceaselessly active in doing good, carefully in- structing all who came within his influence, not neg- lecting a little colored cabin-boy, to whom he gave a number of lessons. In the colony he held services not only in English, but also occasionally read prayers in German and French. His strictness of religious life, and especially his severity of religious discipline, excited against him the opposition of leading families, and becoming embarrassed by them in his ministry, in about two years he returned to England. During his voyage to America, Wesley became acquainted with some Moravians who were fellow- passengers. On one occasion, during a severe storm, when death seemed to be imminent, they manifested so much tranquillity, and even joy, that it produced a powerful impression on his mind, and he felt that he had not attained to their religious experience. Subsequently, in Georgia, one of their ministers said to him, "Does the Spirit of God bear witness with your spirit that you are a child of God?" The question troubled him, and he could not answer with confidence. He frequently attended their TJie Rise of Methodism. 17 services, witnessed the daily life and devotion of their ministers, and admired their apostolic simplic- ity and purity. Dissatisfied with his own compara- tive lack of faith, we find in his journal, on his return to England, this record : *' I went to America to con- vert the Indians ; but O, who shall convert me ! . . . I have a fair, summer religion ; I can talk well ; nay, and believe myself, while no danger is near: but let death look me in the face, and my spirit is troubled, nor can I say, * To die is gain.' " On his return to London he attended tlic social meetings of the Moravians, and both he and his brother formed the acquaintance of Peter Bochler, a leading Moravian, and subsequently a bishop. They greatly enjoyed his society and conversation, and were profited by his experience. John's brother Charles first attained that clear religious assurance which both sought. Possibly owing to his logical cast of mind, and his determination not to be sat- isfied without the fullest evidence, the doubts and anxieties of John were not so soon removed. While, however, seeking and praying for clearer light, and for full assurance, he was so earnest in his ministry that thousands attended his services, many of whom were awakened. One evening in May, 1738, he at- tended a meeting of the Moravians. While one of them was reading Luther's preface to the Epistle tc the Romans, and while he was listening to the de- 1 8 A Hundred Years of Methodism. scription of the change which God works in the penitent heart, he says : " I felt my heart stran|;ely warmed ; I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation ; and an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death. I began to pray with all my might for those who had in a more es- pecial manner despitcfuily used me, and persecuted me ; I then testified openly to all there what I now first felt in my heart." He was then nearly thirty- five years of age, an accomplished scholar, an acute theologian, and an able writer. Then properly com- menced that wonderful career which closed only with his death, at the advanced period of eighty- eight years. That summer he visited the continent of Europe, extending his journey to Herrnhut, that he might witness the discipline and order of the Moravians; and converse with their leading men. He carefully examined into their usages and institutions, and the agencies which they employed, both for their own spiritual benefit and for the spread of the truth. He also became acquainted with Count Zinzendorf, and other able ministers. He visited Halle to see the devoted Francke, and to inspect his Orphan House, his religious publications, and his general plans of usefulness. That visit, probably, influenced his subseque it course, and shaped, to some extent, The Rise of Methodism. 19 his own plans : for immediately on his return to England we find him preparing to establish an orphan house, and to engage more actively in relig- ious publications. In the mean time his colaborer, the Rev. George Whitefield, had been preaching to immense audi- ences with remarkable power. His brother Charles, also, had been preachii g with such earnestness that the churches were crowded, and the clergy, becom- ing offended, had closed their doors against him. The day after John's return from Germany to En- gland he makes the following record : " I began to declare in my own country the glad tidings of salva- tion, preaching three times, and afterward expound- ing to the large company in the Minories. On Mon- day I rejoiced to meat our little society, which now consists of thirty-two persons. The next day I went to the condemned felons in Newgate, and offered them a free salvation. In the evening I went to a society in Bear Yard and preached repentance and remission of sins." The following Sabbath he preached at St. Ann's, and twice at St. John's, Clctkcnwell, and adds, " I fear they will bear with , me no longer." Though his doctrine was that of the Church — though he was a minister in regular standing, and had shown his devotion by his mis- sion to America — and though his manner was calm though forcible, yet the churches were soon closed 20 A Hundred Years of Methodism. against him also. Great crowds, stirred by his clear and earnest presentation of religious truth, followed him wherever he preached. Shut out of the churches he visited prisons and hospitals, and preached daily in them, as well as to small societies which met in private places. The year 1739 opened in a remarkable manner. He, his brother Charles, Mr. Whitefield, and three other ministers, with about sixty brethren, held a watch-night, or love-feast, in Fetter Lane. De- scribing it, he says : About three in the morning they were continuing instant in prayer, the power of God came mightily upon them, insomuch that many cried out for exceeding joy, and many fell to the ground. As soon as they had recovered a little from the awe and amazement which the presence of the Divine Majesty had inspired, they broke out with one voice, " We praise Thee, O God ; we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord." On the 5th of January seven ministers met, and continued in fasting and prayer until three o'clock, when they separated, "with the full conviction that God was about to do great things among us." At that time, as is ad- mitted by many ecclesiastical writers, the condition, cf the Church of England, and of the people gener- ally, was very low. Infidelity was widely diffused, and a general disregard for religion prevailed among the masses. Many of the clergy scarcely maintained The Rise of Methodism. 2i even a show of morality. From such parties the earnest ministers met with great opposition, but many of the common people heard them gladly. OUTDOOR PREACHING. Mj, Whitefield went to Bristol, and finding the pulpits closed against him, began to preach in the open air, in the midst of the collieries of Kings- wood, and thousands gathered to hear him. The work assumed such magnitude that he sent for Mr. Wesley, who had hesitated as to the propriety of outdoor preaching. He then, however, saw both its necessity and its value, and following Mr. White- field's example, commenced a similar career. Re- turning to London he preached in Moorfields, Ken- nington Commons, and elsewhere, to congregations variously estimated at from ten to fifty thousand. The poorest and lowest classes of the people list- ened with deep interest, and multitudes dated from these services the commencement of their religious h-fe. SOCIETIES ORGANIZED. Near the close of this year, as we have stated, the fiist Methodist Society was formed. Its origin I\Ir. Wesley thus describes: "In the latter end of the year 1739 eight or ten persons came to me in Lon- don, and desired that I would spend some time with 22 A Hundred Years of Methodism. them in prayer, and advise them liow to flee from the wrath to come." For this purpose he set apart Tliursday evening in each week. By a strange coin- cidence, to say the least, this was the same evening that his mother had set aside to converse with him, during his boyhood, in reference to his soul. He tells us that twelve came the first evening, forty the next, and soon a hundred. This was the beginning of or- ganized Methodist Societies. The same year Wesley laid the foundation, in Bristol, of the first Methodist chapel : he also rented, in London, a building called the Foundry, which he used for religious worship. While thus engaged in preaching, in visiting, in organizing Societies, and in securing places of wor- ship, John and Charles Wesley published their first volume of hymns and sacred poems. Some of the earliest editions contained not only the hymns, but the music also, on opposite pages, in copper-plate engraving, and on the title-page we find " for the voice, harpsichord, and organ." Thus they ante- dated the improvements supposed to belong to modern times, and showed their love for music, instrumental as well as vocal. LAY preachers. Congregations and Societies increased rapidly, not only in London and Bristol, but in various other parts of England. Mr. Wesley, being obliged to The Rise of Methodism. 23 visit different localities, selected some of his ablest young men to watch over the societies in his ab- sence. One of these, Thomas Maxfield, began preaching to the congregation in London, which Mr. Wesley hearing of, hastened home to stop the disorder. His aged mother, however, who had heard Mr. Maxfield preach, cautioned him, saying, " Take care what you do 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 preaching, and hear him for yourself." Mr. Wesley did so, and felt convinced that God had truly called him to that work. Thus, contrary to all his pre- conceived opinions, he was led, though with great reluctance, to this apparent violation of ecclesias- tical order. Thus was also introduced into modern Christendom a power, the influence of which has been steadily increasing. Prior to that time, how- ever, there were a few instances of lay preaching in the societies which were connected with the Mora- vians, in London, and in the early movements in Bristol, in which Mr. Wesley and Mr. Whitefield were united. STEWARDS. As chapels were erected and other expenses in- curred, it became necessary to make collections. Mr. Wesley appointed a number of men as stewards, who received, accounted for, and disbursed these 24 A Hundred Years of Methodism. funds. At first, in London and in Bristol, he ap- pointed sixteen, but subsequently reduced the num- ber to seven. With these men he conferred as to the proper arrangement of the work, and as to the needs of the societies. It is a somewhat curious fact that for many years all the class moneys which passed through their hands were applied to general pur- poses, or for the poor, and not for the support of the preachers. In later periods, to trustees were assigned the superintendence of church property, and the care of moneys raised for such purposes, while the stew- ards gave special attention to the support of the preachers, and to the relief of the necessitous. In this division Mr. Wesley showed his clear foresight. As the church property was frequently paid for by general collections, he did not wish that the current expenses should become chargeable against it. This plan, except in large cities, has been generally pur- sued since that time, and has saved many churches from great embarrassment, if not from ruin ; though, on the other hand, preachers have not unfrequently suffered by failing to receive their support. CLASSES. Thus far the care of all the societies rested nn Mr. Wesley. He visited every member, and trans- cribed every name, when in London alone they numbered two thousand. But as he was frequently The Rise of Methodism. 25 absent, and as many of his members, being poor, often chansred their residences, he was unable to sat- isfy himself as to their proper deportment. "At length," says Wesley, "while we were think- ing 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 (i 5th February, 1742) concerning the means of paying the debts there, when one [Captain Foy] stood up and said, ' Let every member of the Society give a penny a week till all are paid.' Another answered, ' Ikit many of them are poor and cannot afford to do it.* * Then,' said he, * put eleven of the poorest with me, and if they can give nothing I will give for them as well as for myself. And each of you call on eleven of your neighbors weekly, receive what they give, and make up what is w^anting.' It was done. In a while some of them informed me, they found such and such a one did not live as he ought. It struck me im- mediately, * 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 companies) and desired that each would make a par- ticular inquiry into the behavior of those whom he .saw weekly. They did so. Many disorderly walk- ers were detected. Some turned from the evil of their ways. Some were put away from us."* * " Wesley's Works." 26 A Hundred Years of Methodism, As this plan took much of the leader's time, some* times persons being absent from home, and others being difficult of access, it was soon resolved that the class should meet in one place, and that the interview should be opened and closed with prayer. These leaders met Mr. Wesley and the stewards once a week, to pay over the moneys received, and to re- port any cases requiring aid or attention. Such was the origin of class-meetings, and of leaders' meetings. In addition to this Mr. Wesley visited each member personally once every three months, and gave tickets to such as were approved. Though arising thus apparently by accident, class- meetings have accomplished a vast amount of good, both by enriching personal experience and by ac- customing the members to religious conversation and labor. They have developed many a timid, hesitating convert into an earnest and active Christian worker, and in the absence of ministerial labor, have supplied a regular religious service. It must be remarked, however, that nearly three years had elapsed before they were generally introduced into Mr. Wesley's so- cieties. ITINERANCY AND CONFERENCES. As societies and congregations increased in num- ber young men were raised up who offered their services to Mr. Wesley. For some years he had no regular plan of appointments. He sent each one The Rise of Methodism. 27 from town to town where he beHeved his services were most needed. Thus commenced an irregular itinerancy. In 1744, five years after his first Society was formed, his first Annual Conference met. But at this period no circuits were formed, nor any regular plan adopted. Each Society was independent of any other, though all recognized Mr. Wesley as their head. As the early minutes are lost, we do not know *ji what year the Societies were properly consolidated. But in 1749 the first question asked was, "Can there be any such thing as a general union of our Societies throughout England?" The answer is, "A proposal for this was made above a year ago. The substance of this proposal was to regard the Society in London as the mother Church ... to send reports to the stewards in London . . . and to take a yearly collec- tion out of which any pressing society debts might be discharged, and any Society suffering persecu- tion, or in real distress, might be specially relieved." Rejoicing in prospect of such a connection Mr, Wes- ley adds, " Being thus united in one body, of which Jesus Christ is the Head, neither the world nor the devil will be able to separate us in time, or in eternity." The proposition to make the society in London the mother Church was not practically accepted, but the conference became the great center. In it the itinerants met, and from it, were distributed from 28 A Hundred Years of Methodism. year to year. It became the great bond of union, and its annual meetings were seasons of great church mterest, as well as of religious profit. Thus the itinerancy became regular. THE COMMON PLATFORM. In ten years the outlines of the coming Church were already prepared. Societies were organized, classes formed, leaders appointed, stewards selected, love-feasts and quarterly meetings held, Annual Conferences assembled, and preachers exchanged. All these were the outgrowth of the earnest revival spirit, and were instituted to meet a felt want. It is remarkable, that to this day, amid all the changes and secessions which have taken place, in all its branches and in all countries the Methodist family has preserved all these outlines. They are a broad platform, a ground of common union. Differences have arisen as to the mode of appointing leaders and stewards, as to who should compose the Annual Conferences, and how the preachers should be ap- pointed to their work. These have involved ques- tions as to a General Conference, as to episcopacy, and as to ordination. But in all the points which touch the masses of the people directly, Methodism is one every-where, for it is simply, in the language of Chalmers, " Christianity in earnest." British Methodism to 1775. 29 CHAPTER III. BRITISH METHODISM TO 1775- A T the Conference in 1746 is found the first men- -^^^ tion of circuits regularly established. There were then six in England, and one in Wales. In 1748 two circuits were added, one of which was in Ireland. In 1753 we find the first trace of appoint- ments as since that period they have been arranged. It embraces the names of thirty-eight preachers, nine of whom were in Ireland and two in Wales. In 1755 there are three lists: First, the itinerants; secondly, the half-itinerants; and, thirdly, the chief local preachers. The half-itinerants were those who traveled partially without relinquishing their trades. In 1757 Alexander Mather was the first married preacher received. He was a man of superior abili- ty, but would not consent to travel until provision was made for his wife. When asked what would be sufficient, he replied, " Four shillings [one dollar] a week." The stewards would not allow this, and he remained at home. This year, however, the Confer- ence promised the stipend, and he started to his circuit, a hundred and fifty miles, on foot. This was the beginning of an allowance for preachers' 30 A Hundred Years of Methodism. wives. In 1767 wc find the first complete reports of members, being twenty-five thousand nine hun- dred and eleven. There were then forty-one cir- cuits, and one hundred and four preachers. In 1769 the first preachers were sent to North America where they reported the opening of a promising field. In 1775, the period preparatory to our Centennial Era, the reports show fifty-one circuits, one hundred and forty preachers, and thirty-eight thousand one hundred and forty-five members, of whom three thousand one hundred and forty-eight were in America. MINISTERIAL SUPPORT. Mr. Wesley for many years received nothing for his own support. His Oxford Fellowship and the pro- ceeds from his numerous publications, not only sus- tained his brother and himself, but enabled him to contribute largely to aid his preachers, and to assist in various enterprises. He practiced, personally, the most rigid economy, and applied all his profits in ad- vancing the cause of Christ. His ministers, being un- married men, required but little for their sustenance. As a few became married, a fund was commenced for the aid of their families, and in 1765 a plan was de- vised for the support of those who became enfeebled in the Avork. This was to be partly by ministerial subscription and partly by collections. In 1769 the allowance for a wife was fixed at ten pounds [fifty British Methodistn to 1775. 31 dollars] per annum, and the circuits were assessed for this purpose according to their several abilities, without reference to where the preacher with his fam- ily might be stationed. At that time there were thir- ty-one wives provided for, and a small amount Wc.s distributed for the support of children. The allow- ance, however, was so small, and the support of the preachers so meager, that many were compelled to retire to obtain the necessaries of life. In 1774 the married preachers were so straitened that it was re- solved to allow twelve pounds for each preacher's wife, in addition to lodgings, coal, and candles, or fifteen pounds in lieu of them. KINGSWOOD SCHOOL. In 1739, before his first Society was formed, Mr. Wesley, in conjunction with Mr. Whitefield, had commenced a school for the children of the poor colliers. The burden, however, of the erection of the building and of the support of the school fell upon Mr. Wesley. In 1748 he added to the build- ings, and opened a school for the education of the sons of the preachers. It was also open for the children of such of the friends as chose to send them. The school was a source of great care and anxiety to Mr. Wesley, who personally solicited means for its support, and enjoined on liis preachers to take collections to aid it. It, however, more than 32 A Hundred Years of Methodism. compensated him by furnishing him young men better trained for the ministry, and who labored actively and zealously to promote the good work. Subsequently other institutions were originated for higher education. PERSECUTIONS. While devoting all his time and energies to pro- mote the evangelization of Great Britain, it is sad to record that Mr. Wesley and his preachers were the subjects of severe persecution. It is still more sad to be obliged to add, that the persecution was, in most cases, stimulated and strengthened by the ap- peals of the clergy of the Church of England. They denounced him as a heretic and a deceiver ; they branded his reputation as if guilty of every crime ; they appealed to their people to drive him and his preachers from their parishes ; and in various in- stances they headed the mobs and encouraged them in their dreadful work. Mr. Wesley was frequently hooted and hissed by the rabble : he was pelted and covered with mud ; his clothes were torn nearly off him ; he was stoned and sometimes severely inji.ied ; dragged before magistrates ; the doors and windows of the houses in which he lodged were broken ; and in some instances his chapels were destroyed. His preachers were thrown into prison, and some died of the wounds which thev received. Thoucjh this British Methodism to 177^. 33 persecution lasted for several years, we are pained to add that, so tar as known, the persecuting clergy- men were ncv^er degraded or severely censured by their superiors. But in contrast we are glad to say that when he appealed to the Court of King's Bench, he and his preachers were always protected. The day of persecution, however, finally passed away, and he not only outlived the calumnies of his accusers, but was reverenced and honored by multi- plied thousands wherever he went. Before closing this preparatory sketch wc should add that the members of these Societies did not con- stitute a Church. They were still members of the Church of England, and received from its clergymen the holy sacraments. His assistants were lay preach- ers, and were not ordained. Mr. Wesley viewed these labors and all his work as supplemental to the church services, and intended merely to increase re- ligious interest and action throughout the kingdom, 3 j4 A Hundred Years of Methodism. CHAPTER IV. RISE OF METHODISM IN AMERICA. "I' N North America the rise of Methodism was -*- wholly incidental. A few persons connected with Mr. Wesley's Societies in England and Ireland emigrated to the Western Continent, and among them were two local preachers. One of these, Robert Strawbridge, from the north of Ireland, settled about the year 1764 on Sam's Creek, Mary- land. Being an earnest Christian, he commenced holding religious services in his own house. Subse- quently, at a date not specifically determined, he erected, with the help of his neighbors, a small log- building, about a mile from his house, in which services were held. This building does not appear ever to have been finished, or to have been deeded to the Church. The farm on which it was erected passed into other hands, and hence it can scarcely be numbered among the Methodist churches. He also visited other neighborhoods, and was instru- mental in the accomplishment of much good, though he does not appear to have organized many permanent Societies, or to have erected any per- manent churches. Under his ministration, how- Rise of Methodism in America. 35 ever, several were converted who became active and zealous preachers. About the same time some emigrants from the west of Ireland, originally of German stock, settled In New York. Their ancestors had been expelled from that portion of Germany then known as the Palatinate by religious persecution, and had found an asylum in Ireland. Being a foreign people, they had not very readily assimilated with the native population, and their religious condition had been greatly neglected. Mr. Wesley visited their locality about 1750, and under his ministration many were converted, some of whom were among the emigrants mentioned. In 1776, at the earnest request of one of these — Barbara Heck, a Christian woman — Philip Embury (the other preacher referred to) commenced service in his own house, and shortly after in a larger room. One day the little Society was startled by the appearance in their midst of a British ofhcer, (Captain Webb,) who they feared had come with a design to persecute them. They were both surprised and delighted in finding him to be an earnest co-worker. He had been converted in England, and licensed by Mr. Wesley as a local preacher. He was connected with the barracks in Albany, New York, and was a brave, bold man, who had lost an eye in his country's service. Hearing that Methodist services had been commenced in the 30 A Hundred Years of Methodism. city he had come to visit them. Under his zeal- ous labors the Society was greatly enlarged. A sail-loft was rented for temporary services, and in 1768 a lot of ground on John-street was purchased A building was soon commenced ; but such was the intolerance of the age, that in New York no church was permitted to be erected except by the recog- nized denominations. In order to evade the law, they were obliged to build a fire-place in one end of the house, thus making it resemble a family residence. The building was finished in 1768, and an earnest application was made to Mr. Wesley for a minister, and also for some pecuniary assistance. At the Conference held in Leeds in August, 1769, occurs the following record: "Question 13th. We find a pressing call from our brethren in New- York, who have built a preaching-house, to come over and help them. Who is willing to go ? Answer. Rich- ard Boardman and Joseph Pillmoor. Question 14th. What can we do further in token of our brotherly love? Answer. Let us now make a collection among ourselves. This was immediately done, and out of it, fifty pounds were allotted toward the pay- ment of their debt, and about twenty pounds given to the brethren for their passage." Captain Webb not only preached in New Yoik, and assisted in the erection of the John-street church, but with restless energy he made excur- Rise of Methodism in A merica. 37 sions to other parts of the country. He visited Long Island, where he gathered a Society, and he preached in the chief towns of New Jersey. He also introduced Methodism into Philadelphia, where, in 1768, he formed a class of seven members, who met in a sail-loft for worship. He was also active in the purchase of the first church property in Phila- delphia, St. George's, on Fourth-street, which had been built by a German Reformed Society, but, in an unfinished state, had been sold to a private individual. He also penetrated into Delaware and Maryland, and thus laid extensive foundations for rising Methodism. He not only supported himself while he thus labored, but he contributed liberally to the erection of the chapels. He also corresponded with Mr. Wesley, and entreated him to send mis- sionaries to the new field. While great credit is due to Strawbridge for his efforts in Maryland, and to Embury for his faithful work in New York, (as a mechanic laboring in build- ing John-street Church, and in occupying the pul- pit which his own hands had built,) yet Webb merits the title of the chief apostle of Methodism, prior to the coming of Mr. Wesley's missionaries. His more extensive knowledge of Methodism in En- gland, his better education, and his position in society, gave him more power to lay proper founda- tions. He was also a preacher of great earnestness 4(iS86G 38 A Hundred Years of Methodism. and eloquence. During one of the sessions of th^ American Congress, John Adams describes him as "the old soldier, one of the most eloquent men I ever heard. He reaches the imagination and touches the passions very well ; he expresses himself with great propriety." A Methodist writer says, " They saw the warrior in his face, and heard the missionary in his voice ; under his holy eloquence they trembled, they wept, and fell down under his mighty word." In October, 1769, Boardman and Pilmoor arrived in Philadelphia. Boardman had been a minister about six years, and was then thirty-one years of age. Mr. Pilmoor had been educated at Wesley's Kingswood school, and had traveled four years. They were thus familiar with all the usages of Methodism in En- gland, and were appointed by Mr. Wesley to give proper shape and form to the new Societies in America. Robert Williams, a local preacher in En- gland, hearing of the work which had commenced in America, sailed on his own responsibility, though with Wesley's approval ; and having arrived about two months in advance of Mr. Boardman, began to labor earnestly in the new field. On the arrival 0! the latter, he immediately left New York, stopping a short time with ]\Ir. Pilmoor in Philadelphia, and then hurrying on to Mar>'land, where he joined Mr. Strawbridge. He also labored in Northern Virginia. Rise of Methodism in A merica. 39 In 1770 America is mentioned for the first time in Mr. Wesley's Minutes, and in 1771 it is reported as having three luindred and sixteen members. As we find that more than a hundred of these were in New York, and about as many in Philadelphia, the Societies which had been gathered in Delaware, in Maryland, and in Virginia, at that time, must have been very small. The opening work, however, demanded other laborers, and in 1771 Mr. Wesley sent out Francis Asbury and Richard Wright. The latter soon returned to England. But Mr. Asbury, whose heart had yearned for America for months before he volunteered, became for a time the active and efficient superintendent of all the Societies, and subsequently, the pioneer bishop of the Church. When he came to America he was twenty-six years of age, and had traveled four years. He was thoughtful, studious, and energetic ; he preached methodically and with great fervor. As a disciplin- arian he was strict and systematic, self-possessed, and fearless. He had unusual skill in judging of human character, and was a man in every way fitted to lead an extensive movement. His mental strength, his dignity of character, his deep piety, his self-denial, and his diligence in labor, gave him commanding innucncc and inspired confidence wherever he went. In his appearance he had something of a military bearing, united with unaffected manners, case of 40 A Hundred Years or Methodism. deportment, and great Christian affability. lie had a deep conviction that America was to be his per- manent field of labor, and Mr. Wesley showed his accustomed sagacity, not only in selecting him, but in appointing him, the year after his arrival, to succeed l^oardman as superintendent of American Methodism. With the exception of Captain Webb, who had traveled extensively, the preachers had confined themselves chiefly to a few of the larger places. Asbury at once commenced itinerating through the country, and, inspired by his example, the other ministers followed in his footsteps. Captain Webb visited England in 1772, and representing the pros- pects in America induced Mr. Wesley to send out two additional ministers, Thomas Rankin and George Shadford, with whom he returned in 1773. Both of them w^ere men of more than ordinary ability and prominence. Rankin was a careful disciplinarian, possibly somewhat too rigid, while Shadford was a successful revivalist. As Mr. Rankin was the older preacher, and a good executive officer, Mr. Wesley appointed him as the general assistant or superin- tendent. Prior to this time there had been no general meet- ing of the preachers in conference. They had met occasionally at the Quarterly Conferences, and be- ing few in number thcv had distributed their labors? Rise of Methodism in America. 41 as from time to time was judged best. Mr. Rankin called tlie preachers together in Philadelphia, July 14, 1773. to hold their first Annual Conference. The Minutes show ten preachers stationed, and one thousand one hundred and sixty members report- ed. Only eight preachers, however, were present besides Boardman and I'ilmoor, who were about rcturninc: to En^jland, and all of them were from Europe. Two others, whose names appear in the Minutes, were not present, Strawbridge and Wat- ters. Embury had, prior to this time, removed from the city of New York, and had settled in one of the northern counties, where he shortly afterward died. Captain Webb, though laboring earnestly until the breaking out of the Revolutionary movements, was never connected with the Conference. The following year appears to have been one of great prosperity, and at the Conference held in May, in the city of Philadelphia, there were reported seven- teen preachers, with two thousand and seventy-three members; and in 1775, nineteen preachers, with three thousand one hundred and forty-eight mem- bers. These statistics show that the membership had nearly trebled in two years. 1 his growth is remarkable when we consider the time in which it occurred. The rise of Methodism was coeval with the Revolutionary spirit. In 1760 the Lords of Trade, in England, advised the taxing 42 A Hundred Years of Methodism. of the colonics, and the following year the hearts of the people were deeply stirred by the royal inter- ference with the judiciary. The memorable Stamp Act was passed in 1765; and the first Society in New York was organized in the year that compelled its repeal. From that time forward there was con- stant agitation and excitement, and in 1773, theyeai of the first Annual Conference, the famous act in reference to tea was passed. This was followed im- mediately by resistance in Philadelphia, New York, and Charleston, and in Boston harbor the vessels were boarded and the freight thrown into the sea. Then followed in quick succession the Boston Port bill, the meeting of the General Congress, the block- ade of Boston, and the battles of Lexington, Con- cord, and Bunker Hill. Methodism was thus cradled in the Revolution, and it grew up in the midst of the storm of battle. Not only were the times unfavorable, but its early ministers, being from England, were looked upon with suspicion. They were generally prudent, and confined themselves to their purely ministerial du- ties ; yet as the stoim grew in violence, the most of them prepared to return to their native land. Or.t or two of them, by imprudent expressions, involved the early Methodist Societies in great difficulties, and greatly embarrassed the labors of the preachers for several years. Rise of Methodism in America. 43 While Methodism was commencing its work, and surrounded with such difficulties, other denomina- tions were strong and vigorous. Among these the Church of England, succeeded chieOy by the Protest- ant Episcopal Church in this country, held the high- est rank. The southern colonies from Virginia to Georgia had been founded chiefly by the members of that Church, and the ministry was supported by taxation or by appropriations. Virginia alone contained ninety-five parishes, in each of which, save one, a minister was stationed. In Maryland, while free toleration was given, yet the Church of England was established by law, and its clergy were supported by a poll-tax of forty pounds of tobacco, in lieu of tithes. In Pennsyl- vania, aside from that part of the Penn family who were Friends or Quakers, the governing class was at- tached to the British Church. The son of William Penn, who succeeded him as governor of the colony, having been disciplined by the Quakers for acts contrary to their profession, left them and gave his influence to the Church of England. In New York the entire influence of the government officers was with it ; and in the city of New York it had secured that landed property which has since become the immense endowment of Trinity Church. Not only were the Episcopalians strong by having 44 A Hundred Years of Methodism. control of the landed interests through settlement, and by having the offices and emoluments of the Government at their disposal, but they had also ac- quired the control of King's College, in New York, since kncnvn as Columbia College, and also of the University of Pennsylvania. Both of these institu- tions received public funds ; but being close corpo- rations, the Church secured a majority of the board of trustees, and has ever since controlled them, in its denominational interests. It had also founded William and Mary College in Virginia. New England, with the exception of Rhode Isl- and, was settled by the Congregationalists. They also established their ChUrches by law, and supported them by general taxation. They had, at an early period, founded Harvard University, Yale College, and Dartmouth, and they had control of the gen- eral literary and social interests of that part of the country. The Dutch Reformed were, for a time, the ruling power in New York, and had several large houses of worship. They had also founded Rutger's College. The Baptists were strong in Rhode Island, where they had established an institution of learning, which became Browu Uni- versity. They had also scattered congregations and about seventy-seven church edifices. The Presby- terians had early settled in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where they founded Princeton College, and Rise of Methodism in A nierica. 45 also several academies. As early as 17 16 they had organized four presbyteries, and numbered at the beginning of the Revolution more than a hundred ministers and Churches. The Lutherans had early settled in the interior of Pennsylvania, and were com- paratively strong both in ministers and Churches. Thus at the commencement of the present Centen- nial Period the Methodist Societies were far inferior in numbers, in strength, in position, and in culture, to all the leading denominations. The other Churches, being generally Calvinistic and the Methodists being Arminians, their doctrines were bitterly attacked and denounced in the princi- pal pulpits ; and, as a reference to the publications of the day will show, they were represented as " wolves in sheep's clothing," and unworthy of Christian fel- lowsliip or confidence. In addition to all this, they labored under the embarrassment of not claiming to be a Church. The Societies were organized after the model of those in England. The members were taught to have their children baptized, and to receive the Lord's Supper at the hands of the clergy of the English Church ; and up to the period we have mentioned, none of their preachers in the United Colonies had been authorized to administer the holy sacraments. On this subject there had been some division of opinion and sentiment; Strawbridge had administered baptism in a few cases, and also the 46 A Hundred Years of Methodism. Lord's Supper; but his course had been regarded a.s irregular by the leading ministers, and had been disapproved. At the commencement of the Centennial Period — the close of the year 1775 — we find the Methodism of the world to be as follows: In England, Ireland, and Scotland, one hundred and forty ministers, and thirty-four thousand nine hundred and ninety-seven members ; in America, nineteen ministers, and three thousand one hundred and forty-eight members; making the entire membership thirty-eight thousand one hundred and forty-five. These were not organ- ized as Churches, but simply as Societies. They had comparatively but little religious hterature, and were without any school except the one at Kings- wood, and the membership was generally poor and without social influence. In the United Stages the only church edifice which it then had, and which still remains, is the St. George's, in Philadelphia, but which at that time was without a gallery, unplas- tered, unseated, and but half floored. In New York and Baltimore there were plain, unfinished buildings, which long since have been superseded by others. Besides these, only a few unimportant and exceed- ingly plain buildings were scattered through the country. Who could anticipate from such a com- mencement the present results? Progress During the Revolution. 47 CHAPTER V. PROGRESS DURING THE REVOLUTION. ' I "^HE opening of the Centennial Period was in the -^ midst of no ordinary trials. As we have seen, the lead^g ministers were from England ; and while keeping themselves aloof from political excitements, their sympathies generally were with the British Government. When the war commenced they be- gan to make arrangements to return ; and in two years after the Declaration of Independence, all of them, with the exception of Mr. Asbury, had re- turned to England. In the mean time native minis- ters were raised up, who went forth preaching with great earnestness, and their labors were blessed with extensive and remarkable revivals. These, however, were chiefly confined to the region south of Phila- delphia. For Methodism had not yet to any extent entered New England ; New York was occupied by the British troops ; and New Jersey and Pennsylva- nia were frequently fields of contest. The chief itinerant labor was performed in Dela- ware, Maryland, and Virginia, extending subsequent- ly into North Carolina. During this time the min- isters suffered no little opposition. Ezekiel Coop(?r, 48 A Hundred Years of Methodism. in his sermon on Asbury, says: "The prejudices of tlic people there ran high, and some of the laws, tc meet the exigencies of the times, were hard and op pressive ; and some of the rulers and civil officers appeared disposed to construe and enforce every apparent legal restriction with rigor and oppression against the Methodists, who were then a persecuted and a despised people. " Some of the preachers were mulcted or^ed, and thrown into costs ; and others were imprisoned, for no other crime or offense than traveling, and preach- ing the Gospel ; and others were bound over in bonds and heavy penalties, with sureties, not to preach in this or that county. Several were arrested and committed to the common county jail. Others were personally insulted, and badly abused in differ- ent ways. Some were beaten with stripes and blows, righ unto death, who carried their scars dov/n to the grave. In the city of Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, Jonathan Forrest and William Wren, and I believe at different times two or three others, were committed to jail. In Prince George's County, P. G., a preacher, was, by a mob, shamefully mal- treated ; * honored,* according to the cant of the times. ' with tar and feathers.' In Queen Anne's, Joseph Hartley was bound over, in penal bonds of five hundred pounds, not to preach in the county, Thomas Segar, yet living, was one of his sureties. Progress During the Revolution. 49 In the same caunty Freeborn Garrettson was beaten with a stick by one of the county judj^es, and pur- sued on horseback till he fell from his horse, and was nearly killed. In Talbott County, Joseph Hart- ley was wiiipped by a young lawyer, and was im- prisoned a considerable time. He used to preach during his confinement, through the grates or win- dow of the jail, to large concourses of people, who, on Sabbath days, used to attend to hear the pris- oner preach. They frequently came from ten to fifteen miles to hear him, and even from other coun- ties. His confinement produced a great excitement upon the public mind, and God overruled it for good to the souls of many. Christ was preached and numbers embraced religion. Even his enemies at length were glad to have him discharged." Mr. Asbuiy was a firm friend of American inde- pendence, but deemed it imprudent to make any public declarations, and in 1778 he found it neces- sary to retire from public labor, in Delaware, where he had the personal friendship of Judge White and other distinguished men. He was regarded with great suspicion by the officers of the army, until a letter which he had written to one of his colleagues, in which he defended the course of the United States, fell by some means into their hands. From thai time their opinions and their deportment to- ward him were changed. A part of the opposition 4 30 A Hundred Years of Methodism. also arose from the fact that Mr. Wesley had issued his " Calm Address to the American Colonies," which he had abridged from the tract of Dr. Johnson, and wliich had been seized, and its circulation prevented in America. It has since, however, been ascertained, from the files of the British Government, that at the very beginning of the war he addressed privately a powerful appeal to Lord North in favor of the colo- nies, in which he urged the inexpediency of the course of the British Government and the impossi- bility of their success. The care of the Methodist Societies was necessa- rily left in the hands of young ministers, generally without experience, and the most of them without much culture. It is very remarkable that under such guidance the Societies should have increased, yet by their zeal and earnestness, by their fervent appeals and untiring activity, these young men were instrumental in promoting great revivals in parts of Maryland and Virginia. During the period of I\Ir. Asbuiy's retirement his name was omitted from the Minutes, and he was unable to attend the annual meetings. At the Conference held in Virginia, in 1779, it was thought best to ordain some of the preachers to ad- minister the sacraments. The necessities of the case seemed very urgent. The ministers of the Church of England had, with very few exceptions, fled from Progress During the Revolufto?t. 5 1 the country, and the parishes were left destitute. The field was left open to the Methodist preachers, and they were welcomed by the great mass of the people The people, when converted, pleaded for the baptism of their children and for the administration of the Lord's Supper. Mr. Asbury, however, who had been appointed by Mr. Wesley, as assistant, prior to the arrival of Mr. Rankin, md who, after his departure, had been chosen by the preachers who had met in Delaware as their general superintendent, strongly opposed this step. As soon as he was able to take active measures he called together the ministers, who agreed to remain true to Mr. Wesley's plan, and a committee was appointed, of which he wab one, to visit the brethren in Virginia, and urge them to desist. For a time a rupture seemed inevitable . but finally the brethren in Virginia agreed to declin'=' for a time the administration of the sacraments, and to consult Mr. Wesley, and to follow his advice. Union and harmony having been restored, Mr. Asbury, being free from restraint, began again tc travel extensively. The work was pressed forwarc^ through the western settlements in Pennsylvania, and by the close of the Revolutionary war a few Societies had been organized west of the mountains in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and in the Holston country in Tennessee. The Revolutionary war closed in 1782, though the definitive treaty of peace 52 A Hundred Years of Metiiooism. was not signed until 1783. That year Mr. Asbury urged John Dickins to go to New York and resusci- tate the pubhshing interests of the Cliurch, which, in a small way, had been commenced before the Revolution. The next year he took charge of the small Society which was still existing, but which had been nearly destroyed during the war. Organization of the Church. 53 CHAPTER VI. ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH. M "ARNEST representations were made to Mr. -* — ' Wesley as to the necessities of the people, and he was urged to secure the ordination of some ministers for America. The subject had occupied his closest thought for many years. He had carefully studied church history, and, while orig- inally a high-Churchman, he had become fully sat- isfied that the doctrine of apostolic succession was wholly untenable, and that the right to ordain its officers resided in the Christian Church. He be- lieved that there was no difference originally, in order, between the presbyters and bishops. The Church at Alexandria had for many years ordained its bish- ops by the presbyters, not calling in any foreign aid, and he believed the right remained with the Church, whenever any exigency demanded its exercise. At the same time he considered the episcopal form as most efficient for the establishment and spread of the Christian Church. As the American colonies had become independent of the British government, he thought they were free to follow " the direc- tions of Scripture, and the practice of the primitive «i4 A Hundred Years of Methodism. Church." With these views he selected Dr. Coke, a presbyter of tiie Church of England, who, some eight years before, had associated himself with the Methodists in England, and who had labored with great earnestness and success. He proposed to him to be ordained as superintendent, that he might organize the societies in America into a distinct Church. The proposal was new to the doctor, and he asked time for consideration. In about two months he informed Mr. Wesley of his willingness to undertake the mission. Mr. Wesley prepared an abridgment of the Prayer Book, containing the arti- cles of religion, and a ritual providing for the or- dination of deacons, elders, and superintendents, copied, with but little alteration, from that of the English Church, which he printed in England, and gave to Dr. Coke to take with him. He se- lected also Richard Whatcoat and Thomas Vasey, two of his experienced ministers, to accompany the doctor. Calling them together at Bristol, he, as- sisted by Dr. Coke and Mr. Creighton, a minister of the Church of England, ordained Whatcoat and Vasey, first, as deacons, and subsequently as elders. Then, with the assistance of the three elders, he ordained Dr. Coke as superintendent of the Church in America. He also designated Francis Asbury as general superintendent, to be associated with Dr. Coke. Organization of the Church. 55 The Societies in America had patiently waited more than three years after they had sent their re- quest to Mr. Wesley to advise them as to a proper plan for the administration of the sacraments. They thus gave the strongest possible proof of their re- spect for his judgment, and of their attachment to his plans. In September, 1784, Dr. Coke and his associates left England, and arrived at New York November 3, where they were received by Mr. Dickins, then in charge of the Church in that city. To him Dr. Coke unfolded his plan, and consulted with him as to the necessary measures. It was agreed that Dr. Coke should go forward into Delaware. Mr. Asbury, hearing of his coming, invited a number of preachers to meet at Barrett's Chapel, at their ensuing quarterly meeting. Here Asbury and Coke met and embraced each other with brotherly love. The first sacramental season conducted by ordained Methodist ministers in America was held there amid deep religious feeling. The plan was fully consid- ered, and Mr. Garrettson was sent southward to summon the preachers to meet in a general con- ference on Christmas day, at Baltimore. Dr. Coke traveled extensively in the interval, and a week be- fore the Conference a few of the preachers met to mature and prepare matters for the coming session. $6 A Hundred Years of Methodism. FIRST GENERAL CONFERENCE. At ten o'clock on Christmas-day, 1784, the Gen- eral Conference commenced in the Lovely Lane Chapel, in Baltimore. There were then eighty-three preachers occupying circuits or stations, and of these about sixty assembled. A few in distant parts of the Church did not receive the notice in time to be present, and a few, owing to unforeseen difficulties, were .delayed in their journey. At the opening of the Conference, a letter from Mr. Wesley was read, stating his appointment of Dr. Coke and Mr. Asbury, and his ordination of Whatcoat and Vasey to act as elders ; and giving his opinion that the brethren in America should be wholly inde- pendent of the English hierarchy, and should " fol- low the Scriptures and the primitive Church." On motion of Mr. Dickins it was unanimously agreed to form an independent Church, to be called the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Asbury declined accepting ordination unless elected by his brethren. Whereupon Dr. Coke and himself were unanimously elected as superintendents. It was then agreed that the persons to be ordained deacons and eld- ers should be "nominated by the superintendent, elected by the Conference,'- and ordained by im- position of the hands of the superintende4its and * Whatcoat's •' Memoirs," p. 21. Organization of the Church. 57 elders. The superintendent has a negative voice." On the second day of the session Asbury was or- dained deacon by Coke, assisted by Vasey and What, coat ; on the third day he was ordained elder, and on Monday he was consecrated superintendent. Mr. Ot- terbein, of the German Church, by Mr. Asbury's spe- cial request, assisted Dr. Coke and the elders. Sub- sequently a number of preachers were elected and ordained deacons, and thirteen of these deacons were elected elders, of whom two were set apart for Nova Scotia, one for Antigua, in the West In- dies, and ten of them, together with Whatcoat and Vasey, were designed for the United States. Three of those elected elders, however, were not pres- ent, but were subsequently ordained. At that time less than thirty preachers had traveled four years. A few of these, through age and infirmities, were deemed unsuitable for the office, while others had not sufficient stability and culture. Dr. Coke re- cords his very favorable impression of the careful- ness and impartiality of the brethren in the discus- sions which followed, and in the elections which were made. He says: "They are, indeed, a body of devoted, disinterested men, but most of them young." In this state of affairs Mr. Wesley had specially requested that no greater number should be ordained elders than would suffice for the pur- pose of administering the sacraments. No change, 58 A Hundred Years of Methodism. except in matters pertaining to ordination, was made in the economy of the Church. The general Minutes of Mr. Wesley were accepted, and all the usages of the Church remained intact. At this Conference no changes were made in the appointments, and the preachers returned to their several charges. Never in ecclesiastical history was such a change so unanimously adopted. There was not a single dissenting vote in the Conference as to the organization of the Church, or as to its name, or as to its outline of government. What is still more remarkable, there is no record of a single complaint or murmur as to its doings from any absent minis- ter, or from a single member in any one of its Socie- ties. Every-where the organization was hailed with joy, and the sacraments were eagerly attended. The Prayer Book, as revised by Mr. Wesley, was used in the larger towns, and in some country places, in the Sabbath services, and in a few in- stances on W^ednesdays and Fridays. But the preachers being obliged to travel extensively, and the people not being furnished generally with prayer books, and in many places no Societies having been organized, its use was attended with difficulty. Some of the ministers were opposed to it, believing they could be more devotional, and more useful, without a set form. In a few years it was omitted from the services, though never formally discounte- Organization of the Church. 59 nanced or abolished. The custom of wearing the gown and bands was introduced by Dr. Coke, and was followed for a time by Bishop Asbury and some of the elders, but this met with opposition from both preachers and members. They were considered to be superfluous, and as they encumbered the preach- er, who must make long journeys on horseback, without private rooms, in many places, to make the needed changes, the custom was soon abandoned. Such had been the progress of the Societies during the period of the Revolutionary struggle, that at the organization of the Church we find the number of members was fourteen thousand nine hundred and thirty-eight, having increased more than fourfold in nine years, and the number of preachers had in- creased from nineteen to eighty-three. 6o A Hundred Years of Methodism. CHAPTER VII. PROGRESS FROM 1785 TO 1792- 'T^HREE Annual Conferences had been appointed -^ for the year 1785. Dr. Coke and Bishop As- bury traveled southward, and visited Charleston, South Carolina, and other points. They held their first Conference for the South at the residence of Mr. Green Hill, in North Carolina, and they ordained on their route Henry Willis, Beverly Allen, and John Tunnel, who had not been present at the Christmas Conference. From thence they passed to the Vir- ginia Conference, held at Mr. Mason's, and thence to the Baltimore Conference, which was the princi- pal one, and which closed the list. On their way from Virginia to Baltimore, Bishops Coke and Asbur)' called upon General Washington, dining with him, by appointment, at Mount Vernon. He received them very politely, and conversed with them on the subject of slavery, they having prepared a petition asking for the emancipation of the negroes. General Washington informed them that he agreed with them in sentiment, and would so signify to the Assembly if it should consider the petition, but did not deem it proper for him to sign it. Progress from 1785 to 1792. 6l As Dr. Coke was to sail on the second day of the Baltimore Conference for Europe, it sat the first day until midnight. Dr. Coke preached that day, and also the next morning. During this session five additional brethren were elected as elders and three as deacons. One, who had been elected at the Gen- eral Conference, was temporarily laid aside. The Minutes, as published, show twenty in the list, of elders, the name of the one who was laid aside be- ing omitted. Of these, twelve are marked as elders having several appointments under their care. At the organization of the Church, measures were taken for the establishment of a college. As early as 1780 Dickins and Asbury had devised a plan for a seminary, and had drawn up a subscription paper which a few brethren had signed. In the first inter- view between Dr. Coke and Mr. Asbury this project became a matter of conversation, and Dr. Coke pro- posed the establishment of a college rather than a seminary. Abingdon, eighteen miles north-east of Baltimore, on the road toward Philadelphia, was selected as the site ; subscriptions were immediately commenced, and over a thousand pounds were re- ported. At the close of the Conference Dr. Coke and Mr. Asbury drew up a plan for the building, and on the fifth of June, after the adjournment of the Baltimore Conference, Mr. Asbury laid the corner- stone. The plot of ground contained about six 62 A Hundred Years of METHODis>f!. acres, and commanded an extensive view down the bay — supposed, by Bishop Coke, to be some fifty miles. The edifice was of brick, one hundred and eight feet long by forty feet wide, and three stories high. The building was not finished or the institU" tion opened until December, 1787. An excellent course of study was marked out, careful teachers were selected, and though the discipline was, per- haps, unnecessarily rigid, the institution was prosper- ous. It added largely, however, to Bishop Asbury's care, as he was made its nominal president, and was engaged from time to time in securing subscriptions not only for the erection of the building, but to meet its current expenses. Plans were also devised at that Conference for raising funds for the support of ministers, for the greater comfort of preachers' wives, and to aid missionaries both in Nova Scotia and the western settlements. CHANGES. The following year there were three Annual Conferences, and we find some slight changes in the Discipline of the Church. These were effected by laying propositions before each Conference in suc- cession, and only those were adopted which received the approbation of a majority of the preachers in each Conference. The only notable change was an addition to the duties of the elders. In the INIinutes Progress from 17S5 /oo 10 1808. 95 that, " Burke's brow gathered a solemn frcwn , Gale and others looked sad ; as for poor Lakin, he wept like a child." The brethren remained in the city, however, another day, and by the personal exertions of Bishops Asbury and M'Kendree some private in- terviews were held, and a number of the members of the Philadelphia and Baltimore Conferences agreed to vote for the plan if the brethren would remain This they accordingly did ; and subsequently the plan was adopted with great unanimity. Thus the constitution of the Church was essen- tially changed, and its stability was secured. Prior to that time the General Conference was supreme in all departments. Since that time it is supreme, excepting in the items specified in the restrictions, no change in which can be made without the con- sent of the preachers in their several Annual Con- ferences. So tenacious was the General Conference upon these restrictions, that it was enacted that they should be altered only by a majority of two thirds, on the joint recommendation of all the Annual Conferences, This remained fhe law of the Church until 1832, when the ratio of delegation, which had been fixed at not less than one for every seven, made the Conference an unw'eldy body. After various efforts the Annual Conferences consented not only to alter the ratio of delegation, but gave their consent that all the restrictions, except that 96 A Hundred Years of Methodism. referring to the Articles of Religion or standards of doctrine, might be changed by two thirds of the General Conference, on the recommendation of three fourths of the members of the Annual Conferences. Since that period the ratio has gradually been changed, until at present it is one for ever>' forty-five. At this Conference Ezekiel Cooper resigned the office of Book Agent ; he had been elected to succeed John Dickins, who died in 1798. He states, in his resignation, that when he took charge of the Con- cern, "in the spring of 1799, the whole amount of the clear capital and stock, including debts, and all manner of property, was not worth more than four thousand dollars. In 1804 I could show a capital of about twenty-seven thousand dollars." At that time the location was changed from Philadelphia to New York ; John Wilson was associated with him in the agency, and they reported : " Now we show a capital of about forty-five thousand dollars." John Wilson was appointed as editor and general book steward, and Daniel Hitt was elected by ballot as the assistant editor and general book-steward. At the Conference of 1804, when the rule limiting the ministerial term to two years was enacted, the office of editor and book steward was made an exception. Since that period the exception has been extended to all General Conference officers, and to sorhe others specifically named. From 1808 to 1820. 97 CHAPTER X. FROM 1808 TO, I 820 XT O special events occurred in church history ■^ ^ from 1808 to 1 8 12, General satisfaction as to the constitution of the delegated Conference pre- vailed, and the preachers pursued their work with their wonted zeal and activity, so that the Minutes of 1 81 2 show six hundred and eighty-eight preach- ers and one hundred and ninety-five thousand three hundred and fifty-seven members, with eight Annual Conferences. The first delegated General Conference met in the city of New York on the first of May, 181 2, and was composed of ninety members. Prior to this time, the bishops were members of the General Confer- ence, and had equal rights upon the floor ; they made motions and took part in the debates. From this time forward, their duties were limited to the simple office of presiding. Prior to this time, the cfiicc itself could have been abolished by a single vote of the General Conference, or they could have taken from the episcopacy any one of the functions which they had assigned it. Since that period, it has required a concurrent vole of all the Conferences, o8 A Hundred Years or' Methodism. or, since 1832, of three fourths of the preachers vol. iu<^ in the Annual Conferences, and of two thirds of the members of the General Conference, either to dc away the office itself, or in any way to destroy " the plan of our itinerant general superintendency." The same is true as to the trial of members and ministers, and their right of appeal. Prior to 1808, by a sim- ple vote, the right of appeal could have been refused, and the trial of members could have been taken out of the hands of the Societies. Since that period, by the constitutional restrictions, no such change can be made without the concurrence aforesaid. At this Conference local deacons were made eligible to the office of elders. A proposition was made to remove the Book Concern to the city of Baltimore, no property as yet having been purchased in New York ; but the motion was lost, and Daniel Hitt and Thomas Ware were elected Book Agents. At the opening of the Conference Bishop IM'Ken- dree made a communication in writing, portions of which were referred to appropriate committees. This was the commencement of the episcopal ad- dresses, which have been continued with more or less regularity from that time. Bishop Asbury also made a long verbal address, directing it chiefly to Bishop M'Kendree. The subject of electing presiding elders was again brought forward at this Conference, though the From 1808 to 1820. 99 precise form of the plan is not stated in the Jour- nal. The movement had been commenced in the New York Conference, and its friends were san- guine of success. It failed by a vote of forty-two to forty-five. Bishop Asbury says : " After a seri- ous struggle of two days in General Conference to change the mode of appointing presiding elders it remains as it was." DEATH OF COKE AND ASBURY. Between 181 2 and 1816, the Church was called upon to mourn the death of two of its bishops. Though Dr. Coke had not visited America since 1804, his name had been retained in the Minutes. In England he was very active in conference busi- ness, and was the center of all its missionary opera- tions. As early as 1784 he had drawn up a plan for a missionary society. In 1786 he issued a call for subscriptions to support the missions in the isl- ands adjacent to England and in the West Indies and Nova Scotia; and, under Mr. Wesley's approba- tion, he collected and disbursed a large amount of funds. He visited the missions in the West Indies, and through his earnest efforts the public attention of England was in great measure aroused to the horrors of slavery. He early meditated the estab- lishment of a mission in India, and after much cnr. respondcncc and removing many embarrassments, loo A Hundred Years oe Methodism. he finally sailed, in December, 1813, with six preach- ers, for Ceylon, to commence missions in the East Indies. When he had almost reached that country, on the 3d of May, 18 14, he was found in the morn- ing dead in his cabin. During his voyage he had been assiduous in his studies, and had read and written nearly all the time. His heart yearned for the evangelization of India, and though cut off sud- denly, the work, which he had long wished to sec established, was placed on a permanent basis. It has constantly prospered and enlarged from that time to this, and has accomplished a vast amount of good. Notwithstanding that Bishop Asbury and he differed on some points of church economy, yet there was cordial and abiding confidence and attach- ment between them. Bishop Asbury regarded hina as surpassed in activity and missionary zeal by no man since the apostolic age. Bishop Asbury had been for years greatly enfee- bled, yet he had continued to travel extensively. For some years, the Conference allowed him a traveling companion. Unable to ride on horseback, he had traveled in a plain carriage. Often unable to stand in the pulpit, he had sat while he preached earnest and powerful sermons. The Sabbath before he died, he was seated on a table in the pulpit when he ad- dressed the congregation. He expired near Fred- cricksburgh, Va., the 31st of March, 1S16. A man From 1808 to 1820. lOl of less energy would have taken to his bed long before, but he continued to ,travcl and to preach until the last. On the Sunday of his decease his traveling companion desired to call in a physician, but as there was none within ten or twelve miles, he declined to have one sent for, saying, " He could only pronounce me dead." The day was stormy, and no person was present save the family; but he in- sisted on having regular religious worship. After it was ended, raising himself in bed, he asked that the "mite subscription should be presented," but was told that no strangers were present. In the after- noon he calmly fell asleep. After he was unable to speak, in response to a question he raised his hands toward heaven, in the joyful assurance of everlast- ing life. The mite subscription for which he asked as his last official act, was a paper which he carried to raise money for the poor preachers who were dis- tressed in their circumstances, and who traveled in frontier settlements, performing purely missionary work. Thus he showed to the last that his thoughts were with his brethren, and he died in the midst of his efforts in their behalf. As an apostle to the Churches of America he has had no equal. He shunned no toil or sacrifice which lay in the path- way of duty. Enfeebled and diseased, he kept ceaselessly on his way, crossing mountains and traversing forests, seeking the lost, and inspiring 102 A Hundred Years of Methodism. young ministers with missionary zeal. To no other man does American civilization owe so much as to Bishop Asbur)'. He is worthy of a place among the heroes of ''jd. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1816. The General Conference of 1816 met in the city of Baltimore, Bishop M'Kendree presiding alone. It was resolved to elect two additional bishops, and Enoch George, a delegate from the Baltimore Con- ference, and Robert R. Roberts, a presiding elder of the Philadelphia Conference, were chosen. Both of them were men of deep piety, and they enjoyed to a large degree the esteem and confidence of their brethren. Bishop Roberts especially, by his dig- nified bearing, apostolic simplicity, comprehensive views, sound common sense, and his exposure to the hardships of a frontier life, exercised a com- manding influence in the Church. Bishop George was earnest, active, zealous, and useful, though less cultured, perhaps, than any other of those who have been elected to that office. At this session, also, the question of electing pre- sidinf? elders was brought before the Conference, but it was again rejected. A resolution was adopted di- recting the bishops to prepare a course of study to be pursued by the candidates prior to their admis- sion into full connection. The number of Annual From 1808 to 1820. 103 Conferences was increased from eight to eleven, and the bishops were authorized to appoint an additional Conference if, in their judgment, the number of cir- cuits required it. A few houses of worship about this time were built with pews, and the matter being brought to the attention of the General Conference, a vote of disapprobation was passed. A resolution was also adopted directing the bishops and presiding elders to guard against too great division and reduction of districts and-circuits. The publication of a monthly Missionary Magazine by the Book Agents at New York was recommended. The capital of the Con- cern at this time was reported to be about eighty thousand dollars, and yet, owing to various causes, it was considerably embarrassed. A change in man- agement w^as deemed necessary, and Joshua Soule and Thomas Mason were elected Book Agents. The capital of the Chartered Fund was reported as amount- ing to twenty thousand six hundred and fifty-two dollars. The report of numbers showed considera- ble increase, the membership being two hundred and fourteen thousand two hundred and thirty-five, and the preachers, six hundred and ninety-five. NEW MOVEMENTS. The period from 18 16 to 1S20 forms in several re- spects an interesting era in the Church. A few men 104 A Hundred Years of Methodism. of creative minds, such as Joshua Soule, Nathan Bangs, John Emory, Ehjah Hedding, Wilbui Fisk, and Martin Rutcr, became leaders in their respective s[)]ieres, and gave breadth and energy to connectional movements. The montlily " Methodist Magazine" made il.s appearance in 1818, and was the first hter- ary connectional bond in the Church. The news it contained, though small in amount, created a desire forthe weekly periodical literature which was to follow. In 1817 a "Tract Society" was organized in New York, to aid in circulating cheap religious publi- cations. It was closely identified with the Book Concern, which printed and circulated its issues, and kept its accounts, without any other agency. About 1 8 19 a seminary was opened at New Market, New Hampshire, which was ultimately re- moved to Wilbraham, Massachusetts, and of which Dr. Fisk was once the able and accomplished princi- pal. It is the only survivor of the literary move- ments of that period. About the same time a sem- inary was organized in New York, with a building in Crosby-street. The building was afterward sold tc the Book Concern, and the seminary was removed to White Plains. It ceased several years since to be a Church institution. The great movement of the period was the for- mation of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, largely through the efforts of From 1808 to 1820. 105 Joshua Soulc, Nathan Bangs, and Laban Clark, assisted by Freeborn Garrettson and a few other persons. The cry for help was long and loud from the frontier work, and oftentimes, under appeals from the bishops, collections had been taken, and private S'lbscriptions made. Another call came from the In- dian tribes, whose borders had been reached by the wave of civilization. The story of Stewart, to which we shall allude hereafter, stirred the hearts of many, and some systematic arrangement was needed to collect and disburse the contributions of the Church. While these movements were in progress some agitation arose in church polity. The discussion on elective presiding elders led to discussions as to the rights of the local preachers. They claimed that they had a right to be heard, as they were preachers also, and worked more disinterestedly than the trav- eling ministers ; and that if officers were to be elect- ed they should in some way take part. The excite- ment spread to the membership to some extent, who suggested their rights to be represented when changes were proposed in church economy. In the midst of these discussions, the membership during the quadrennium increased forty-two thousand six hundred and forty-six ; not quite so large a percent- age as in previous years, but giving a total of two hundred and fifty-six thousand eight hundred and eighty-one. io6 A Hundred Years of Methodism. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1 820. The General Conference of 1820 met in Baltimore, and was composed of eighty-nine delegates. It approved the formation of the Tract and Mis- sionary Societies, and strongly recommended the Annual Conferences to found academies and unii'er- sities. The condition of the Church in Canada occupied considerable attention. During the war with Great Britain from 18 12 to 181 5, the preachers were much embarrassed. The Wesleyan Missionary Society embraced the opportunity of sending several ministers from England, who endeavored to alienate the membership from the American Church. On the return of peace, the Societies, generally, earnestly requested that ministers should be sent as formerly, but a few of the official members in the large cities preferred those from Great Britain. This led to a warm controversy. In 18 16 Messrs. Black and Bennett, the missionaries from England, visited the General Conference and addressed that body. In consequence of the representations made, a letter was sent to the British Conference explaining the position of the Church, but it received no answer. Subsequently, Bishop M'Kendree and Bishop George addressed the Wesleyan Missionary Societ\% but no response was given. At this Conference a number of memorials were received praying the Conference From 1808 to 1820. 107 to continue its oversight. An address was sent, in reply, relating the efforts made to secure an under- standing with the British Conference, and promising continued attention. Subsequently, a motion was adopted directing the bishops, if they judged it best, to send a delegate to confer with the Wesleyans in England. Accord- ingly John Emory, afterward bishop, visited England during the ensuing season. Thus commenced the interchange of delegates, which has continued till this time. As the Church was enlarging it was judged best to elect an additional bishop ; and Joshua Soule, then Book Agent at New York, received forty-seven votes and was elected. His competitor was Nathan Bangs, who received thirty-eight. This vote prob- ably represented the strength of the parties on the presiding elder question which subsequently created no little excitement. After the election. Bishop M'Kendrce, who con- sidered quiet and rest essential for his health, retired from the Conference into the country, designing to return and be present at the ordination services. During his absence resolutions were introduced, similar to those rejected by previous General Con- ferences, on the election of presiding elders. After considerable discussion it became apparent that they would be defeated. An intimation was given io8 A Hundred Years of Methodism. by one of the members that the bishops had a com- promise plan in view, and a committee was appointed to wait upon and to confer with them. It was well known that Bishop George was in favor of the election of presiding elders ; Bishop Roberts con- sidered it an infringement of the constitutional pro- vision of the Discipline, but had no personal ob- jection to the plan, and felt unwilling to interpose any episcopal influence. Bishop George, after con- sultation, informed the committee that all hopes of agreement were at an end. The next morning he invited the committee to meet him on the ad journment of the Conference at noon. He met them alone, and explained his views, and they reported the resolutions to the Conference, who, understanding it was a joint agreement of the bish- op's and of the committee, adopted them without debate, by a vote of sixty-one to twenty-five. Hear- ing of this action, Bishop M'Kendree returned to the Conference, and called the bishops together. He expressed to them his decided conviction that the action was in violation of the third restrictive rule, as it changed the plan of general superintend- ency. Bishop Roberts concurred with him in this view, but did not wish to make any personal oppo- sition. Bishop George declined to express any opinion as to its infringement of the restriction, but expressed From 1808 to 1820. 109 himself in favor of the plan. Bishop Soule, whose opinions were well known, had been elected by a majority of nine over Dr. Bangs, who at that time represented the party in favor of election. Being a man of decided convictions, and believing the action to be unconstitutional, he informed the bishops that he was unwilling to administer under it. This infor- mation Bishop M'Kendree communicated to the Conference. Considerable discussion followed, dur- ing which Bishop Soule declined to be ordained, and resigned the office of bishop. The majority of the Conference, finding that their action had been taken in consequence of incorrect information, or of misun- derstanding, voted to suspend the resolutions for four years, and they directed the bishops to admin- ister under the Discipline as it had previously stood. An effort was then made to establish some plan by which the constitutionality of measures might be properly considered. A resolution was passed rec- ommending the Annual Conferences to so alter the Discipline that if a majority of the bishops judged a measure unconstitutional they should return it to the Conference with their objections, and a majority of two thirds should be required for its final passage. This resolution, however, was not adopted by the constitutional majority of the Annual Conferences. After Bishop Soule had declined to be ordained, the bishops expressed their desire for another election no A Hundred Years of Methodism. to be held, as they greatly needed the assistance of an additional colleague. The majoiity at once expressed their purpose to re-elect Bishop Soule, and the mi- nority, finding them resolute, petitioned the bishops to withdraw their request and let the electioi\ be deferred for four years. Whereupon Bishops George and Roberts agreed that they would undertake to perform the extra laboi. To prevent misunderstanding it should be stated that the only plan which was before the General Conference of 1816, and the plan on which the Con- ference of 1820 voted, gave to the bishops the right of nominating the presiding elders, and to the Con- ferences the right of confirming or rejecting without debate. After the adoption of the Restrictive Rules we find, on examining the Journals, the names of such men as Ezekiel Cooper, John Emor}^ and Na- than Bangs attached only to motions or resolutions giving the bishop the right to nominate. From \'62Q to 1832. in CHAPTER XI. FROM 1820 TO 1832. AFTER the close of the General Conference, Bishop M'Kcndree, who had signified to the Conference his purpose to do so, issued an address to the several Annual Conferences expressing his strong conviction of the unconstitutionality of the provision regarding the election of the presiding elders. But, for the sake of peace and harmony, he recommended to the Annual Conferences such an alteration of the restrictive rule as would allow the plan which had been voted upon in the General Con- ference to be adopted. This was laid before the Annual Conferences and seven out of twelve ex- pressed their judgment that the resolutions were unconstitutional, and recommended the General Con- ference, in accordance with Bishop M'Kendree's ad- vice, to so alter the restrictive rule as to enable the General Conference to pass the suspended resolu- tions. Five of the Annual Conferences, the majority of v/hich were in favor of the suspended resolutions, refused to act upon Bishop M'Kendree's address, or to memorialize the General Conference, and conse- quently the plan of Bishop M'Kcndree failed. They 112 A Hundred Years of Methodism. refused to take this action, believing that they were in the majority and could secure the desired action at the next General Conference. These questions gave rise to an animated, and in some cases a bitter, con- troversy. The discussion extended to the nature and powers of the episcopacy ; and the membership of the Church became excited on the subject of lay repre- sentation in the General and Annual Conferences, and on the election of class leaders and stewards. The local preachers also claimed a representation in Conference. The " Wesleyan Repository," a month- ly publication, was commenced in Trenton, then in the bounds of the Philadelphia Conference, for the purpose of securing these changes. In its pages, inflammatory articles were published, and severe at- tacks were made upon the economy of the Church. The English system was represented as superior to the American, and it was claimed that the excite- ment was sweeping over the Church. The combi- nation was a formidable one. The dissatisfied trav- eling preachers had succeeded in exciting a large proportion of the local preachers on their right of representation, and a part of the membership on lay delegation. They determined also to carry the question into the election for delegates to the ensu- ing General Conference, where they expected to have a decided majority. Bishop M'Kendree, lest his presence at the north- Frow 1820 to 1832. 113 em and central Conferences, where the excitement was greatest, might be misunderstood, decUned to attend those sessions immediately preceding the General Conference, when delegates were about to be elected. Bishop Roberts refused to exercise any inAuence whatever, while Bishop George ex- pressed his opinions freely in favor of the resolutions. He gave to the ministers his judgment that their pas- sage was essential to the harmony and success of the Church. The elections, however, preceding the ses- sion of 1824 being finished, it was ascertained that the majority of delegates chosen was opposed to the contemplated alterations. During this period Augusta College was founded, in Kentucky, under the patronage of the Kentucky and Ohio Conferences, being the first college suc- cessfully organized after the failure at Abingdon and Baltimore. J. P. Finley was its first president, and a number of useful and distinguished men were educated in its halls. The increase in membership, notwithstanding the agitation, was quite encouraging. From 1820 to 1824 seventy-one thousand six hundred and forty- two were added to the Church, making the total membership three hundred and twenty-eight thou- sand five hundred and twenty-three. 8 114 A Hundred Years of Methodism. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1824. The assembling of the General Conference of 1824 was a period of deep interest. Bishop M'Kendree's health was becoming more feeble, and enlarging work required more episcopal labor. After full dis- cussion two additional bishops were thought to be requisite for the work. On the first ballot no one had a majority. On the second ballot Bishop Soule was elected, and on the third ballot Bishop Hedding, the next highest being Beauchamp, of Ohio, and Dr. P^isk, who, after the second ballot, requested his name to be withdrawn. This shows that while the major- ity were in favor of Bishop Soule, they were not disposed to make the election of bishops a party question, but elected also Bishop Hedding, who had previously favored the suspended resolutions. The Journal of the General Conference is some- what obscure, and we cannot clearly trace its decis- ion on the suspended resolutions. A resolution, offered by David Young, of Ohio, stating that the majority of the Conferences had pronounced them to be unconstitutional, and declaring them to be of no effect, it is said, was sustained. Subsequently, near the close of the session, they were, by a reso- lution, declared to be " unfinished business," and to be suspended until the next General Conference. That we may not recur to this subject again, wc From 1S20 to 1832. 115 may state that the General Conference of 1828 formally rescinded the resolutions, declaring them mil. and void. From that time, until recently, there has been little discussion on this point of Discipline. It is also but just to say, that while Dr. Bangs represented the party in favor of the election, he subsequently changed his opinion upon its propriety. The " Methodist Magazine," which had been es- tablished in 18 1 8, was the only periodical published by the Church. It was conducted somewhat after the plan of the English magazine, publishing ser- mons, religious essays, and general religious intelli- gence, but containing comparatively little Church news. For some time the Church desired a weekly periodical. As we have seen, in 1821 the " Wesl cy- an Repository" was started at Trenton, N. J. In New England, in 1823, " Zion's Herald" was printed at Boston, under the trustees of Wilbraham Acad- emy ; and shortly after the " Wesleyan Journal " was commenced in Charleston, S. C. The General Conference recommended the establishment of a weekly periodical, to be published by the ]5ook Agents, as soon as it was deemed to be safe. Dr. Bangs was elected Book Agent, and Dr. Emor)' was .Assistant Book Agent, and also editor of the "Quar- terly Review." As the Church continued to grow it became man- ii6 A Hundred Years of Metiiouism. ifest that the General Conference would be too large a body, unless the ratio of representation should be reduced. The Annual Conferences were requested, by the General Conference of 1824, to so change the lestrictive rule as to allow a representation of not J<;ss than one for every twenty-one. According to the restrictive proviso it required, however, the con- sent of every Annual Conference to enact such a nieasure, and it was lost. Rev. Richard Reese and Rev. John Hannah were teceivcd by the General Conference as delegates from the British Conference. Their visit created a very favorable impression, and their religious serv- ices were highly esteemed. The bonds of union be- tween the two bodies were more closely cemented by this fraternal visit, and the bishops were author- ized to appoint a delegate to reciprocate the court- esy. Circumstances, however, prevented the selec- tion of a delegate. REFORM EXCrrEMENT. As soon as the General Conference had taken de- cided action against any modification of the elder- ship, and the majority of the Annual Conferences had decided that the proposed measures were un- constitutional, the most thoughtful leading men de- clined further agitation. The more violent com- menced the publication of inflammatory articles. From 1820 / A Hundred Years of Methodism. merely from the bitter feeling which the controxersy excited, but also from the action of other Christian Churches, which seized the occasion for extensive proselytism. In reviewing the excitement of the years which followed, it must be admitted that severe and exag- gerated statements were made, both orally and from the press, which the calm and sober judgment qf all parties would now disapprove. Still there was a radical difference in sentiment, and tlie spirit of slav- ery being aggressive, would brook neither restraint nor opposition. To carry some of the border Soci- eties into the southern organization, not only argu- ment was employed, but, in some instances, force and violence also. In several instances ministers were mobbed ; their letters and periodicals opened in the post-offices; the papers of the Church were decided to be incendiary, and were not delivered to their subscribers ; and those adhering to the old Church were fearfully ostracised, their business de- stroyed, and, in a fe\^ instances, some were even put to death. We can now, however, see the guidance of an all-wise Providence, which overruled the counsels of men in the midst of all these commotions. It was the Divine will that slavery should be destro)'ed. With determined purpose, step by step, the South moved forward in the separation, first, of the Chris- tian Churches, and then in the attempted division From 1844 to i860. 157 of the States, to tliat fearful war which resulted in the emancipation of the slaves. No instance in his- tory more clearly shows how God has made *' the wrath of man to praise him, and the remainder of wrath* he has restrained. FOREIGN MISSIONS. In 1847 the Missionary Board resolved to open a mission in China, and four missionaries were sent out during that year. Thus in the midst of excite- ment at home, and actual decrease in members, the Church took its first bold step of founding its mis- sions in the heathen world. Though no speedy re- sults followed, yet the eyes of the Church being turned to its work abroad, and the great contest with sin throughout the world, it gathered strength and unity at home. The work among the German population continued to grow with increasing rapid- ity, and steps were also taken to begin a work among immigrants speaking other languages. Rev. O. G. Hedstrom, an earnest minister in the New York Conference, a converted Swede, commenced a mission in a Bethel Ship in New York city. His congicgation was composed not only of Swedish sailors, but als3 of immigrants from Denmark and Norway, and a religious interest was excited which led to the conversion of a number of active men. Some of these, emigrating westward, originated 158 A Hundred Years of Methodism. Swedish and Norwegian missions, especially in Wis- consin and Minnesota. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1848, The General Conference met for the second time in Pittsburgh, on the first of May, 1848. Its pre- vious session in that city had occupied much of its time in connection with what was then termed the " radical controversy." Its second session was still more fully occupied with the consideiation of the relation of the Church to the southern separation which had taken place. As the Conference believed that the provisions of the plan, adopted by the Gen- eral Conference, had been seriously infracted upon the border ; and as they further believed that the previous General Conference had exceeded its con- stitutional right in enacting, even provisionally, such a plan, resolutions were adopted, almost unanimous- ly, declaring that the General Conference had no power " either directly or indirectly to effectuate or sanction a division of the Church." A resolution was also passed declaring the plan null and void. Dr. Lovick Pierce, the father of Bishop Pierce, of the Church South, an old and highly estimable minister, had been sent by the Southern Chuich as a delegate to propose fraternal relations. The Con- ference was disposed to receive him cordially, and to grant him every personal courtesy, but he made From 1844 to 1S60. 159 his personal reception contingent on the adoption of fraternal relations. The General Conference was not prepared to adopt full fraternal relations while a suit was threatened in the United States Court, and while aggressions, as they believed, were being made upon the territory of the Church. These they re- garded not merely as local outbursts of excitement, but as movements sanctioned by the administration of the Church South. When the Conference de- clined to adopt, at that time, fraternal relations, Dr. Pierce refused further to attend the sessions of the body. SUIT FOR BOOK CONCERN. As the Annual Conferences had refused their con- sent to an alteration of the restrictive rule to per- mit a division of the church property, the book agents were not authorized to make it. Several efforts at compromise had also been ineffectual. Resolutions were adopted by this Conference ex- pressing a wish to settle the matters in controversy amicably, and authorizing the book agents, if they could legally do so, to submit the matters at issue to arbitration. The measure, however, was not ac- ceptable to the ministers of the Church South, and a suit was commenced in the United States Court, which was finally decided in favor of the South. The grounds assumed were, that the ministers were the owners of the property of the Book Concern ; i6o A 1Ii;m)Ri;i> Vkars ok Mi;riioi>isM. that thc}'\vcn, fully represented in the General Con- ference, and that the superannuated ministers con- nected with the southern Conferences had a vested right in the profits of the establishment. By this decision the Church South, held control of the printing establishments in Richmond, Charleston, and Nashville. To them were transferred the debts due from persons residing within the limits of their Conferences, and, in addition, two hundred and sev- enty thousand dollars were paid them in cash, the Book Concern also paying the costs of the suit. Thus the financial loss was of no inconsiderable character. CALIFORNIA AND OREGON CONFERENCE. As the population in Oregon had considerably en- larged, and as' an increasing emigration was directed to that coast as well as to California, the General Conference authorized the establishment of an An- nual Conference in California and Oregon, This, though considered by many at that time as prema- ture, proved to have been a wise arrangement, as during the next year the discoveiy of gold in Cali- fornia was made. Such was the tide of emigration which then flowed to that region, that active meas- ures were adopted by the Missionary Society for planting the Church on our western coast. From 1844 ^0 i860. 161 BRITISH DELEGATE. Rev. Dr. James Dixon brought to this Confer- ence, as a delegate, the fraternal greetings of the Biitish Conference. He was most cordially wel- comed, both personally and in his official capacity. His modest and unassuming deportment, his devout and loving spirit, his quick perception, and his clear and forcible statements, made him a favorite with the Conference, and gained him many friends. Sub- sequently he traveled somewhat through the coun- tr}', and on his return, wrote a creditable work on American Methodism. Bishop Hedding was appointed to visit the Wes- leyan Conference to reciprocate its greetings, but impaired health prevented him from undertaking the journe\\ The decrease which had taken place annually, aft- er 1844, was arrested in 1847. The increase at first was slow, but from 1848 to 1852 the Minutes show an increase of eighty-nine thousand six hundred and thirty-four members, and six hundred and se\enty- two traveling preachers. MISSIONARY SECRETARY. The health of Dr. Pitman, who had been Mission- aiy Secretary, became so impaired that he was una- ble to discharge the duties of his office, and, on the II 1 62 A Hundred Years of Methodism. nomination of the bishops, Dr. Uurbin was appointed in his stead. Under his able administration, as well as by his earnest and eloquent appeals, the Mission- ary Society made rapid advances, and the organiza- tion Avas brought more perfectly into harmony with that of the Church. BISHOPS HEDDING AND HAMLINE. During this period the health of Bishop Hamline became so seriously affected that in 1850 he was obliged to desist from episcopal labor. Early in 1852 Bishop Hedding rapidly declined in health, and after a severe and protracted illness died at his residence in Poughkeepsie, on the 9th of April. He had exercised the episcopal office nearly twenty- eight years. He was not only an able and talented minister, but an executive officer of superior ability. Intellectually, he was one of the ablest men ever elected to the office. To deep piety and great dig- nity of character, he added the gentleness and sim- plicity of a child. Wherever he was known he ac- quired not only the confidence, but the deep affec- tion, both of ministers and members. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1852. The General Conference of 1852 assembled in the city of Boston. It was the first time it had met in New England, and its reception presented a remark- From 1844 to i860. 163 able contrast to that of Jesse Lee, more than half a century before. Not only were the delegates hand- somely entertained, but many courtesies were shown them by the officers of the city, among which was an excursion through the harbor and down the bay. No efforts were spared to render their visit and so- journ in the "Athens of America" both pleasant and interesting. Bishop Hamline, unable to be present, tendered to the General Conference the resignation of his of- fice. Many were unwilling to accept it, but it was understood that he most earnestly desired the Con- ference to release him, as he believed that if he re- mained connected with the office, its care and anxi- ety, though he should desist from active labor, would hasten him to an earlier grave. The Conference reluctantly accepted it, and thus he retired from his position, becoming a superannuated member of the Ohio Conference. He was a man of remarkable intellectual power, and of fine literary attainments and culture. As a writer he had few superiors; and in spiritual life, and devotion to the Church, he was a bright example to his brethren. ELECTION OF BISHOPS. While the bishops were thus diminishing in num- ber, the Annual Conferences had increased. It was resolved to elect four additional bishops, and on the 164 A Hundred Years of Methodism. first ballot Levi Scott, Matthew Simpson, Edward R. Ames, and Osmon C. Baker, were elected. These, with the exception of Bishop Baker, are still in act- ive service pewld churches. The question of pewed churches was brought to tlie attention of the Conference by an appeal from the action of the Ohio Conference in censuring one of its ministers. After considerable discussion the rule forbidding their erection was rescinded, and another was adopted expressing the decided judg- ment of the Church -in favor of free churches. A memorial and petitions were presented on the subject of lay delegation, to which wc shall hereafter refer. SUNDAY-SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES. At this period general peace and harmony pre- « vailed in the Church, and increased interest was manifest in all its enterprises. Large additions were made to the Sunday-school librar>% and Sunday- school papers were more extensively circulated. The most notable feature of improvement was the commencement of the erection of the better class of church buildings. Prior to this time but little attention had been paid to tasteful architecture. ]\Iany of the earh' churches had been unwisely lo- cated in the suburbs of towns and villages, and tht edifices were exceedingly plain. In Boston the From 1844 to i860. 165 Hanover-street Church had been purchased from the Unitarians, and was the most tasteful building at that time owned by the Church. Charles-street, in Baltimore, and Trinity, in Philadelphia, were the most neat ai.d beautiful churches which had been erected by our congregations up to that date. Christ Church, in Pittsburgh, was the first church erected of Gothic architecture, and fitted up in modern style. From that time forward, in all the principal cities, movements were made for the erec- tion of handsome and commodious churches. Si- multaneously with their erection, the Church began to give to its ministers a better support, and the general financial interests were more carefully con- sidered. In some sections there was a growing interest in reference to a change in the General Rule on the subject of Slavery in order to make it more strin- gent, and several resolutions were adopted by An- nual Conferences looking to that end. The membership increased to seven hundred and twenty-eight thousand seven hundred, including probationers, and the preachers to four thousand five hundred and thirteen traveling, and five thou- sand seven hundred and sixty-seven local. The distinction between colored and white members was omitted during this period. i66 A Hundred Years of Methodism. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1856, The General Conference of 1856 a'^sembled in the city of Indianapolis, a point farther west than any previous session had been held, and indicating the rapid and continuous spread of the Church over the western sections of the country. BRITISH DELEGATES. Drs. Hannah and Jobson attended this session as delegates from the British Wesleyan Conference. Their ministrations were highly valued, and both by their public addresses and their private inter- course they won the affections of their brethren, and their mission tended to strengthen still further the bonds of union. To reciprocate their mission, Bishop Simpson and Dr. IM'Clintock were selected to visit the British and Irish Conferences in 1857. Dr. Robinson Scott was also a visitor from the Irish Conference, asking assistance for a literary institu- tion which had been established in Belfast. The enterprise was recommended to the confidence and liberality of the Church. GENERAL MEASURES. The subject of slavery came very prominently before the Conference, and the discussion was ear- nest and animated. It was evident that those who From 1844 to i860. 167 were in favor of making tlic General Rule more stringent were in the majority, yet they were solicit- ous not to embarrass unnecessarily their brethren on the border, who were already severely pressed. At the same time they felt it their duty to make a strong and decided utterance. With the emigration westward the Church had kept constant pace, and it became necessary to estab- lish new Conferences in Kansas and Nebraska. A decided improvement was made in the collection and publication of statistics. H'therto they had been confined chiefly to the numbers of members and ministers. The tables were enlarged so as to embrace the number of deaths, the baptisms both of infants and adults, the number and value of churches and parsonages, and the contributions made for missions, Sunday-schools, and other benev- olent departments. Since that period a more per- fect view can be obtained of the progress of the Church. FOREIGN VISITATION. In 1857 Bishop Simpson and Dr. M'Clintock visited the English and Irish Conferences, under the direc- tion of the General Conference. Bishop Simpson, also, visited the Continent, and held the Mission Conference of Germany and Switzerland. This work had been commenced a few years previously under ♦ he superintendency of Dr. Jacoby. He had shown i68 A Hundred Years of Mi/iiiodisnt. unusual zeal and foresight in all his movements. Me had established, at Bremen, a printing-press, pub- lishing a weekly paper, and had issued several tracts and books in the German language. Though sur- rounded with difficulties, and meeting great opposi- tion, he had succeeded in establishing congregations in several centers. Prior to this time, also, missions had been commenced in Denmark and Norway, which were also visited, and a number of native ministers were ordained to extend the work. The episcopal visit was extended down the Danube, along the borders of Bulgaria, and the missionaries, just appointed to that country, were met in Constan- tinople, and consultation was held in reference to their work. MISSION TO INDIA. The mission to India had also been projected, and in 1856 Dr. Butler sailed with his family for that distant land. The following year the terrible Sepoy rebellion occurred, from which he and his family and his associates narrowly escaped with their lives, Under his superintendence the mission, however, was successfully established, and has since enlarged into an Annual Conference, where the work is ex- ceedingly prosperous. From 1844 to i860. 169 EDUCATION. The spirit of education continued to advance in its various departments. The number of students in at- tendance at the seminaries increased. The endow- ment of colleges began to be augmented and in several institutions a partial theological course was arranged. A theological school had been established several years before at Concord, New Hampshire, which, though small, had done much service in the edu- cation of young ministers. Bishop Baker had been for several years a professor, and subsequent- ly to his election as bishop he was its nominal president. In 1856 Mrs. Garrett, of Chicago, offered a large property for the establishment of a Biblical School at Evanston, Illinois. A charter was obtained for that purpose, which was laid before the General Conference of 1856 and received its approval. This was the first indorsement of a strictly theological institution by the General Conference. As the number of professors in the academical institutions increased, and as some of these sought connection with the Conference without any purpose of engag- ing in the itinerant ministry, the bishops thought proper tc call attention to that fact, and suggested that those who had no purpose to itinerate ought not to be admitted as members in the Conferences. 170 A Hundred Years of Methodism. BISHOP FOR AFRICA. The General Conference of 1856 adopted a special measure for the election of missionary bishops, but it required the concurrence of the Annual Confer- ences to change the Restrictive Rule. Having been referred to the several Conferences, it received the requisite three-fourths majority. Accordingly the Rev. Francis Burns, a member of the Liberia Con- ference, who had been elected by that body ac- cording to the direction of the General Confer- ence, was ordained bishop, October 14, 1858. He was the first colored minister elected to that of- fice in the Church, but he lived only a few years to perform its functions. SLAVERY. The antislavery excitement continued to increase from 1856 to i860. The discussion in the Church was no doubt in part stimulated by the political events which followed each other in rapid succession. A warm controversy arose in reference to slavery in Kansas. It had been excluded by what had been termed the "Missouri Compromise," but when Kan- sas was opened for immigration, and especially when it asked for admission as a State, the South asserted their right to carry slaves into that tcrritor}-. The contest was carried into political movements, and From 1844 to i860. 171 the people became thoroughly aroused. Finally, the contest culminated in the triumph of the antislavery party, in the election of Abraham Lincoln as Presi- dent of the United States. During this period of excitement, many of the Annual Conferences passed strong resolutions demanding an alteration in the Discipline, so as to exclude all slave-holders from r.hurch communion. The feeling throughout the North became intense, and almost unanimous ; but in the border States, which had adhered at the time of the separation, there was much excitement. In 1845 the Methodists in Delaware, Maryland, and in portions of Virginia, Kentucky, and Missouri, re- mained in connection with the old Church. During this excitement, the membership in those States feared they could not maintain their position in the face of stronger resolutions, or of an altered discip- linary action. Notwithstanding this excitement, however, the Church continued to increase. Its numbers swelled, during the four years, from seven hundred and nine- ty nine thousand four hundred and thirty-one, to nine hundred and seventy-four thousand three hun- dred and lorty-five, being an increase of nearly one hundred and seventy-five thousand, of which the increase for the year 1858 was much the largest portion. 172 A Hundred Years of Methodism. DEATH OF BISHOP WAUGH. On the ninth of February, 1858, Bishop Waugh closed his earthly labors. He had exercised the office of bishop from 1836, and had traveled exten- sively throughout the Church. He was remarkable for his personal gentlemanly bearing, his Christian dignity, and. for his cautious and skillful administra- tion. Before his election as bishop he had served as book agent in New York for eight years. For several years before his death he was in delicate health, but he had continued to discharge his epis- copal functions with great regularity until a short period before his departure. His illness was short and his death happy. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF i860. The General Conference of i860 met in the city of Buffalo. The session was a pleasant and harmo- nious one, though several exciting questions came before it for consideration. The Annual Confer- ences, generally, had passed resolutions touching the alteration of the General Rule on Slavery. Some of them had requested, that if that could not be effected, there should be an alteration in the chap- ter on that subject, which should declare more dis- tinctly the doctrine of the Church. It was found that the constitutional majority had not agreed From 1844 to i860. 173 to the change of the General Rule, but the chap- ter was altered by a decided majority, so as to give this distinct expression. Fears were enter- tained for the result, but the church difficulties were soon merged into the far greater ones which arose in the country. " NAZARITES." Prior to the meeting of the General Conference, unpleasant contests had arisen in several Churches in western New York in reference to the organiza- tion of societies within the Church, which professed to desire its purification, but which were conducted in opposition to its discipline and economy. The members of these associations were usually distin- guished by the term " Nazarilcs." Several minis- ters had been tried for matters growing out of these associations, some of them for insubordination, and others for falsehood, and had been expelled by the Genesee Conference, and had given notice of their appeal to the General Conference. Notwithstand- ing their expulsion, they had continued to preach, and to organize societies in defiance of church or- der, thereby seriously affecting the interests of the Church in several of its stations and circuits. Their appeal was presented to the Conference, and was referred to the committee of trial. They were rep- resented, and their cause was advocated by sevctal 174 A Hundred Years of Methodism. able ministers, but their appeal was rejected because they had refused to submit themselves to church discipline. The disaffected ministers and members organized themselves into what is termed the " Free Methodist Church." LAY DELEGATION. The subject of lay delegation came prominently before this Conference. In 1852, a convention was held in the city of Philadelphia to secure the ad- mission of lay delegates into the General and An- nual Conferences. The convention was composed of a number of the most prominent and active mem- bers, who professed entire loyalty to the discipline and economy of the Church, and who declared their anxiety to add to its influence and power. Their memorial was received at the session held in Bos- ton, and referred to a large committee, which held open sessions, in the afternoon, in one of the churches, and not only considered the memorial, but listened to addresses and representations of brethren who appeared before them, both in favor of, and in opposition to, the measure proposed. After full consideration, the committee agreed that any action at that time was inexpedient, as there was no evidence that it was generally desired by the members or ministers of our Church. The discus- sion of this subject, howe\er, continued to a greater From 1844 to i860. 175 or less extent until the commencement of the ses- sion of i860. A committee, appointed on this sub- ject, reported in favor of lay delegation when the members and minist^^rs of the Church should desire it, and they proposed to submit the question to a vote of the members and ministers to be taken in 1862. This report, after discussion and amendment, was adopted. After the rise of the Conference a periodical was started in New York, called the " Methodist," de- signed as an advocate of lay representation, and as an organ through which those favoring the measure could express their views. The following year, however, the fearful Rebellion occurred in the South, and the most intense excitement prevailed throughout the land. National questions, for a time, took precedence of all others. The vole when taken was exceedingly small, but was decided in the negative, twenty-eight thousand eight hun- dred and eighty-four members voting for, and forty- seven thousand eight hundred and fifty-five against. The proportion of ministers opposed to the meas- ure was somewhat larger. At this session the bishops were authorized to constitute the missions in India into a Mission An- nual Conference, as soon as, in their judgment, it would promote the interests of the work. r/o A Hundred Years of Methodism. CHAPTER XIV. FROM i860 TO 1875. SCARCELY had the members of the General Conference returned to their homes, when the political contests to which we have alluded became exciting and intense. Notwithstanding secessions were tlireatened on the border, and in some cases actually occurred, church interests were generally prosperous. As the business of the country re- vived after the financial depression of 1857, the contributions for church building and for colleges, and for other important enterprises, increased in amount. Revivals of religion indicated more rapid progress, and the friends of the Church were hope- ful for its future. THE REBELLION. In a few months all was changed. The slave- holders of the South precipitated their States int«. recession. The hopes of a peaceful settlement, how- ever, were not fully abandoned until the fatal slict was fired at Fort Sumter. This put an end to all efforts at compromise, and aroused the entire nation. Inspired by patriotism, devoted to the Govern- From i860 to 1875. 177 ment of their country, and opposed to slavery, which had already rent and torn their Church, it is not surprisin^^ that a very large number of the young men of the Methodist congregations volunteered for the army. Through these dreadful years of bloody contests large numbers of the members and friends of the Church fell while supporting the banner of their country. Throughout the entire conflict the- support of the membership of the Methodist Episcopal Church was given to the Government. To them the American flag was a symbol both of union and freedom. They mourned at its reverses and rejoiced at its triumphs. They gave many of their ablest men to the field ; and the records show, that of soldiers* orphans, far the largest proportion is of Methodist parentage. So greatly was this the case, that many feared the Church would be largely depleted both of men and means. EMAN-CITATION. This era was remarkable for one of the most won- derful facts of history. The Proclamation of Eman- cipation was issued by President Lincoln in Sep- tember, 1862, conditioned on the continuance of the rebellion ; and on the first of January, 1863, that proclamation was made final. Thus the man- acles were struck from nearly four millions of hu- man beings ; and frtnn that time forth they were to 12 j;^ A Hundred Years of Meiik^dism. some extent employed in the army. It was the general conviction that God had permitted this great struggle to occur to end the system of slavery. Statesmen had anxiously sought, but were unable to find, a proper mode of relief. Instead of giaJual (Mnancipation advancing, as had been hoped, slavery had assumed a more aggressive attitude, and had shown a bolder determination to extend its area. So far as human vision can perceive, in no other way could this evil have been so speedily and so successfully terminated. It was permitted to be- come the agent of its own destruction. The re- bellion was commenced by the South. A leading orator had boasted that he would call the roll of his slaves on Bunker Hill. The South fired the first gun, made the first attacks, and precipitated the na- tion into the fearful struggle which resulted, under the blessing of God, in the abolition of slavery, and in the strengthening and consolidation of the gen- eral union. In this issue the Church most heartily rejoiced. In 1864 a committee was appointed to express to President Lincoln the sympathy of the General Con- ference as the representative body of the Church, and to assure him of their determination to support the Government of the country both by their prayers and by their efforts. Mr. Lincoln responded to this address, and said; Fro)ii i860 to 1875. 179 " Nobly sustained as the Government has been by all the (Churches, I Avould utter nothing which might in the least appear invidious against any. Yet, with- out this, it may fuirly be said that the Methodist Episcopal Church, not less devoted than the best, is, by its great numbers, the most important of all. It is no fault in others that the Methodist Episcopal Church sends more soldiers to the field, more nurses to the hospitals, and more prayers to Heaven, than any. God bless the Methodist Church ! God bless all the Churches! Blessed be God, who, in this our great trial, gi\cth us the Churches.' NEW CONFERENCES. A portion of the northern slave States having been occupied by the army, the union men in those sections earnestly requested the Church to send them ministers. Their request having been favora- bly answered, the borders of the Church were largely extended. The General Conference of 1864, which met in Philadelphia, organized a number of new Annual Conferences, anil l,.'.\c the bishops authority to form such other organizations as might be neces- sary for the interests of the work. At this session three additional bishops were elected, namely : Davis W. Clark, of the New York Conference, who had resided at Cincinnati as editor ol" the " Ladies' Repository ; " Edward Thomson, i8o A IIuNDRij) Years of Methodism. of the North Ohio Conference, who had served the last four years as editor of the " Christian Advo- cate and Journal ; " and Calvin Kingsley, of the Erie Conference, who had been editor of the " Western Christian Advocate." GENERAL INTERESTS. The membership from i860 to 1864 sIjows a de- crease of over sixty-eight thousand. Notwithstand- ing this loss, which occurred chiefly on the border, which had been overrun by the secession army, and from deaths in the service, the financial inter- ests of the Church were constantly improving. The foreign missionary work enlarged from year to year, and the contributions for missions increased in a rapid ratio, being over sixty per cent, in the four years. Notwithstanding the division of the capital of the Book Concern with the South, it had been able not only to carry fonvard its plans, but greatly to enlarge its operations. In the midst of the struggles of the war, the Annual Conferences, with great unanimity, recommended the alteration of the restrictive rule so as absolutely to forbid slave-holding in the Church ; and the Conference of 1864, in accordance with the recommendations, made the requisite change. From i860 to 1875. 181 MINISTERIAL TERM. The term of ministerial appointment, which from 1804 had been limited to two years, was now ex- tended to three. At the same time, however, the l)ishops were forbidden to continue either supernu- merary or superannuated ministers longer than that term, or to permit, through the presiding elders, the employment of local preachers for any greater pe- riod. Prior to that time, supernumerary and local preachers had, in a few instances, been employed for a longer term. TRUSTEES FOR THE CHURCH. A board of trustees was appointed, and subse- quently chartered by the Legislature of Ohio, to hold, for the benefit of the Church, donations and bequests made to the Church and not otherwise specially designated or directed. CHURCH EXTENSION SOCIETY. At this Conference was originated the Church Lxtension Society, with its center in Philadelphia. Us first secretary was Rev. S. Y. Monroe, of New Jersey, who in a short time died in the midst of his woik. Since that period, under the able adminis- tration of Rev. Dr. Kynett, of Upper Iowa Confer- ence, it has accomplished great good in aiding fee- i82 A Hundred Years of Methodism. ble Societies, especially in the South and West. It has also been instrumental in saving for the Church a number of the edifices, which had become greatly embarrassed, and which would in all probability have been lost but for the exertions of the Societ)-. Its permanent fund, for which Rev. C. C. M'Cabc has been earnestly laboring, promises to become of immense service. CLOSE OF THE WAR. The spring of 1865 witnessed the end of the Re- bellion and the triumph of the Union arms. When Mr. Lincoln was inaugurated the second time, he uttered words which will live as long as the English language when he said : " Fondly do we hope, fer- vently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondmen's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another, drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said, ' the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.' With malice towards none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive to finish the work we are in, to bind up the wounds, and care for him who shall have borne the From i860 to 1875. 183 battle, and for his widow and his orphans, and achieve a just and a lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations." On the 9th of April, 1865, General Lee surrendered. In one short week, how- ever, the joy of the nation was turned into sorrow by the assassination of President Lincoln, and the attempted assassination of Secretary Seward. It was too late, however, for the South to profit by this terrible catastrophe, and it only intensified the hatred of the people against slavery, and their de- termination to maintain the union of the country. CENTENARY YEAR. As the hrst American Methodist Society was or- ganized in 1766, the Centenary of Methodism oc- curred in 1866. The General Conference of 1864 arranged preliminary measures for thanksgiving serv- ices, and for pecuniary offerings in behalf of our in- stitutions. A committee was appointed, consisting of the bishops, with twelve preachers and twelve laymen, to prepare proper plans. It was suggested that two millions of dollars should be raised, chiefly for educational and connectional purposes ; but the different Conferences were authorized to select for themselves more special objects. The first Sabbath of the ye;ir was devoted to religious services, and public meetings were held at different times. The chief celebration occurred in the month of October. 1 84 A Hundred Years of Methodism. The Churches, however, preferred local enterprises, svich as the erection of edifices of worsiiip and the removal of debts on church property, and the estab- lishment or endowment of local seminaries or col- leges. When the offerings were made, the Lhurcli was astonished to find that, instead of wo millions, they amounted to more than eight millions of dol- lars. Among these offerings were the donations for the Drew Theological Seminary at Madison, New Jersey, and for the erection of a large building for the Garrett Biblical Institute at Evanston, Illinois, as a memorial to Barbara Heck, who is frequently styled the mother of American Methodism. The Connectional Educational Fund, which the commit- tee recommended, received only about tweK'e thou- sand dollars, and the Children's Fund, fifty-nine thousand dollars. To care for this fund, a board of education was appointed and properly organized. The amount has now increased to over one hun- dred thousand dollars, yielding annually some seven thousand dollars. The proceeds are devoted to the education of young men for the ministry and for the missionary work. No grander scheme could have been inaugurated for the future welfare of the Church. EUROPEAN VISIT. Rev. W. L. Thornton having been received with great pleasure by the General Conference of 1864, as From i860 to 1875. 185 a delegate from the British Conference, Bishop Janes was requested to visit Great Britain and Ireland, and to convey to those Conferences the fraternal salutations of their brethren in America. This duty he performed with great ability, and was most cor- dially welcomed by the British and Irish Confer- ences. He also held the Conference in Germany, and visited the missions in Switzerland and in Scan- dinavia. SOUTHERN WORK. The close of the Rebellion and the freedom of the slaves, opened for the Church a wide field in the South. The union men in East Tennessee, in Northern Georgia, and in other places, anxiously desired the services of the old Church, while the colored people looked to it for sympathy and aid. They were unwilling to trust themselves to the Church South, which was controlled by their for- mer masters, and they doubted whether that Church desired their presence. They joined in most ear- nest requests that preachers should be sent to them. For the accomplishment of this work Conferences were organized, at first in the region contiguous to the border, but ultimately embracing the entire ter- ritory of the States formerly in rebellion. The Church entered with great vigor into its new field, and the results show a heavy increase. The num- ber of members swelled from nine hundred and i86 A Hundred Years of Methodism. twenty-eight thousand three hundred and twenty, in 1864, to one milHon two hundred and fifty-five thousand one hundred and fifteen in 1868, being an increase of nearly three hundred and twenty-seven thousand. This was the largest, for the period, which the Church had ever known, and enlarging the num- bers to an amount greater than before the separation of the South in 1845. FREEDMEN'S AID SOCIETY. The condition of the South enlisted the sympathy of many northern people for the education of the freedmen. Several public societies were organized for this great end. It, however, soon became mani- fest that the different Churches would be obliged to act each in its own way, and in the autumn of 1866 the " Freedmen's Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church" was organized in Cincinnati, Its object was to select and send teachers to the South, and to exercise a watchful supervision over them and their work. At the General Conference of 1872 this society was regularly indorsed, and it has ever since been successfully working under the vigorous man- agement of the Rev. Dr. Rust, its untiring secretary. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1868. The General Conference of 1868 assembled in the city of Chicago, being the farthest point West at From i860 /i; 1875. 187 which it had ever met. Delegates came to this Conference from the newly-formed Mission Confer- ences, who had been elected contingently, and ap- plied for admission. An able and earnest debate occurred as to their reception, which was ultimately decided in the affirmative. LAY DELEGATION. The subject of lay delegation was again brought before the Church. The Conference of 1864 had re- affirmed its willingness to admit lay delegates when- ever the Church desired it. At this session a plan for their introduction was adopted by the General Conference, to go into operation, contingently, upon the vote of a majority of the membership, which was to be taken in 1869, and upon a three fourths majority of the ministers, the vote to be taken in 1870. The discussion in the General Conference was able and dignified, although no small amount of feeling was elicited. The discussions which fol- lowed the session were generally conducted in a kind and fraternal spirit, though, in a few instances, un- guarded utterances were made, and motives were improperly impugned. Seldom, if ever, has so im- portant a measure been so thoroughly and so Kindly discussed. Th& result was, that out of a vote of over two hundred thousand of the laity, more than two to one desired a change. The measure also received i88 A Hundred Years of Methodism. the sanction of the Annual Conferences by the req- uisite three^fourths majority, and delegates were chosen to meet at the ensuing session of the Gen- eral Conference. DEATH OF BISHOPS. The quadrcnnium between 1868 and 1872 was marked by an unprecedented fatality among the bishops of the Church. The work having been greatly enlarged, and the interests in many direc- tions having increased, the supervision involved a great responsibility. The majority of the bishops in 1868 desired an increase in the episcopal board, but the opponents of lay delegation earnestly op- posed such increase, alleging that the majority of that Conference was accidentally in favor of lay del- egation, and that no bishop ought to be chosen until the sense of the Church on that measure had been decided. The health of Bishop Baker had been se- riously impaired for several years. He had suffered during his visit to the Colorado Conference, in 1866, from a slight paralytic affection, and from that time he had been unable to perform much episcopal work. In the spring of 1870 Bishop Thomson, after attending the West Virginia Conference, was seized with pneumonia. After a very short illness he died in the city of Wheeling, on the 22d of March, 1870, before any of his family could reach From i860 / ^"^ the esti- mated value was $15,781,310. In 1S65 the value was $26,750,502: in 1875, $71,353,234- The reader will notice that the last ten years has added of this sum $45,602,732, while the first hundred years had From i860 to 1875. 207 accumulated only $26,750,532. Thus the value of church property has much more than doubled in the last ten years. A hundred years ago, we had neither a religious press, periodicals, nor books published in this coun- try ; we had no university, college, or school. Now we have many periodicals ably conducted, and wide- ly circulated. From our presses are issuing, from time to time, works of intellectual and moral value. Colleges are increasing their endowments and their number of students. Multiplied seminaries are in active operation; and our theological schools are well attended by hundreds of promising young men. Abroad, the missionaiy work has been blessed in every one of its. widening fields; and calls for more laborers, and more means to occupy opening terri- tory, are heard upon every side. Then the Church occupied but a strip upon our Atlantic border ; now it has spread into every State of the Union, and into every territory except Alaska. It has established its missions, and has a Conference organized, in every quarter of the globe. Its ritual is translatcii, its services are heard, and its hymns are sung in the German, Swedish, Danish, Spanish, French, Italian, Bulgarian, Hindoostanee, Chinese, and Japanese languages ; and, to some extent, in sc\'eral of the Indian dialects of our own continent. Papers and tracts are published by its presses in Germany, 2o8 A Hundred Years of Me'iiiodism. Scandinavia, China, India, Italy, and Mexico. A theological school is in operation at Frankfort-on- the-Main, and one has been commenced in India; while in every mission-field, some arrangements have been made for preparing, on a limited scale, a few young men for the ministry. The century has also witnessed a vast change in the relation of other Churches to Methodism. Then the various pulpits sounded notes of alarm, and Methodism was denounced as a fearful and danger- ous heresy. To-day it receives fraternal greetings from nearly all the large Churches in Christendom. It exchanges pulpits with many, and is recognized by nearly every Protestant denomination, as an active branch of Christ's visible Church. Its usages have also spread, in the form of revival work, into many of its sister denominations. During the century it has trained up, almost without exception, its own ministry ; and it has, in addition, furnished many of its young ministers to the pulpits of other denominations. Persecuted in its infancy, it has never persecuted in turn. Its theology is broad and comprehensive ; it proclaims free and full salvation ; it assumes no exclusive divine right either in discipline or usages ; it re- cognizes the right of each denomination to adopt for itself such plans as are in harmony with the Holy Scriptures, and are best adapted _ for the From 1860/^ 1S75. 209 accompli.sliment of its great work. It reaches out a hand of fraternal greeting to the disciples of Christ every-where, and is at all times ready to join in any plan for the conversion of the world. What may be its future, is known only to Him who knows all things, and who controls all agencies. Should its sons emulate the wisdom and devotion of their fathers, and follow in their footsteps; should it wisely conserve its Church unity and energy; should it maintain its spirit of piety and its loyalty to the great Head of the Church ; then, in the coming cen- tury, its prayers will ascend, and its songs resound in every land and in all languages, and it will join, with the other branches of Christ's Church, in the song of millennial triumph over a redeemed world. 14 2IO A Hundred Years of Methodism. CHAPTER XV. DOCTRINES, USAGES, AND ECONOMY. "IT AVING given a simple sketch of the rise and •'- -*- progress of the Methodist Episcopal Church, \vc may notice, in a more connected form, its doc- trines, usages, government, and institutions, that the thoughtful reader may the better perceive the cause of its success. ; DOCTRINES, The doctrines of Methodism are contained in its " Articles of Faith," and its moral code and chief principles in its General Rules. {See Appendix^ Its creed may be styled evangelical Arminian. It teaches the natural depravity of the human heart; the atonement made by the Lord Jesus Christ as a sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world; that salvation is offered to every individual on con- dition of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ; that a man is justified by faith alone, but that good works follow and flow from a living faith. It teaches that every believer may have the witness of the Spirit attesting his sonship, and insists upon " following after holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." It also teaches the Doctrines, Usages, and Economy. 2 1 1 doctrines of future rewards and punishments, the immortahty of the soul, and the resurrection of the body. Its system of doctrines is similar to that of the Church of England, omitting its Calvinistic arti- cle, and putting more stress upon the work of the Spirit in the conscious purification of the heart. It differs from the Calvinistic Churches, by reject- ing the doctrines of election and reprobation, and of the impossibility of falling from grace. It differs from the Unitarians, by asserting the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ ; and from the Pelagians, by hold- ing the natural corruption of the human heart, and human inability, without divine grace, to turn from sin to holiness. It teaches, however, that a suffi- cient measure of that grace is given to every man to profit withal, and that through the merits of the atonement, full salvation is the privilege of every individual. USAGES. Its doctrines being thus broad and comprehensive, its usages partake of the same spirit. It recognizes every true believer as a part of the sacramental host of the Lord Jesus Christ. It urges each individual to seek a clear and definite experience, and then to '.voik for the salvation of others. Its members are divided into classes, consisting usually of from twelve to thirty, which are expected to meet once a week for religious conversation, instruction, and prayer. 212 A IIundri:d Years ok Methodism. The services are conducted by one appointed for the purpose, who is styled the class leader. In these meetings such advice and sympathy are af- forded as conduce to the edification of the members. Each one is expected to participate, the youngest as well as the oldest, the women as well as the men, and thus each becomes accustomed to speak of his religious experience and to take part in religious duties. Occasionally, larger social meetings are held, termed "general class meetings;" and at cer- tain stated periods a love- feast, in which, after the example of the ancient Christians, they partake of bread and water in token of fraternal affection and Christian union, and an hour is devoted to religious experience. The members are also urged to engage, according to their opportunities, in teaching in Sun- day-schools, and in visiting the sick and the poor. Young men wdio manifest a truly devotional spirit, and feel themselves inclined thereto, are permitted to give a w^ord of exhortation, and, if approved by the membership, they are licensed as cxhorters. MINISTERS. Such of these as feel mwardly called of God for more public duties, and are believed by the Church to possess the requisite ability, are licensed as local preachers. These, while performing public duties on the Sabbath, follow their accustomed avocations dur- Doctrines, Usages, and Econo)iiy. 2 1 3 ing the week, and are of no expense to the Church. From among these the travcHng ministry is chosen, upon a recommendation of the Society, and of the Quarterly Conference of which they are membeis. Thus the ministry arises, from time to time, from the bosom of the Church. Some come from its schools and colleges, while others are recognized as called of God and prepared for active work, who may not have enjoyed such important advantages. As we have previously remarked, the platform of Methodism, so far as it affects the individual and the societies, is precisely the same as that laid down by Mr. Wesley in its early organization. In all its great outlines it is preserved in every division and every branch of the Methodist family. In the admin- istration of the sacraments, it inculcates the largest liberality. The candidate for baptism chooses for himself the mode of its administration, the Church believing, that the essential element in the ordinance is the application of water in the name of the Holy Trinity, indicating the Spirit's influences in cleansing the heart and conscience, and that the mode is not clearly defined or limited in the Holy Scriptures. So also, in the administration of the Lord's Supper, it invites to the communion all believers in the atoning merits of the Lord Jesus Christ, without reference to speculative points of creed, or to what division of the Church militant they may belong. ;ii4 A Hundred Years of Methodism. Where individual Churches or Societies are not sufficiently strong for the support of the minister, several are united together, constituting what is termed a "circuit," which the minister visits in reg- ular order, dividing his labors among them. In early times and in sparse populations these circuits sometimes included from thirty to forty appoint- ments, scattered over an area of from ten to one hundred miles. This imposed great labor on the minister, but carried religious services to those who otherwise would have been destitute. Thus the Church became a strong element of Christian civili- zation, in teaching and restraining those who would have been beyond the limits of other religious influ- ences. The first circuit which the writer traveled embraced thirty-four appointments in six weeks. As population becomes more dense and the Church grows strong, these circuits are divided and sub- divided, until at last each appointment becomes a separate and self-sustaining congregation, and is usually called a " station." The officers of the Church are, first, the class leaders, of whom we have spoken ; secondly, frcan five to nine individuals, who are called stewards, are F.elected t. attend to the financial interests of the charge, as to its current expenses. Their duty is also to confer with the minister, and advise in refer- ence to the general management of the work. Doctrines, Usages, and Economy. 2 1 5 Thirdly, the church property is vested in trust- ees, appointed or elected for the purpose, who hold the property and manage its interests^ in trust, for the use of the Church, and in further trust, that the pulpit shall be occupied, from time to time, by such ministers as shall be appointed according to the rules of the Church. In large churches in the cities the trustees attend to the duties of the stew- ards as well as of their own, there being but one financial department ; but in the work generally, the current expenses and the interests of the property are administered by different boards. Perhaps in no one thing was the foresight of Mr. Wesley more clearly seen than in this arrangement. The stew- ards, owning no property and being alone responsible for the current expenses, no debt was permitted to accumulate. Each year, so far as the salaiy of the minister was concern-ed, closed its operations. Some- times the minister left his work sadly deficient, but he had no further claim. Usually, however, the stewards and the members were stimulated to make up all deficiencies before the time expired. Where societies build their own churches by con- tributions wholly among themselves, it would be equitable that their property should be responsible for their engagements to their ministers; but from the beginning of IMethodist history, tiie churches were built not exclusively, oftentimes, indeed, in 2i6 A Hundred Years of Methodism. small part, by the local societies. Subscriptions and collections were made in adjacent charges to build houses of worship, which should not be put in jeop- ardy by any temporary neglect of the immediate lo- cality. Thus the connectional bond of Methodism vas strengthened, and in its poorest periods, the sale of a church was a very rare occurrence, as Method- ists every-where felt more or less interested in the erection and preservation of every church. leaders' meetings and quarterly con- ferences. For counsel and supervision the leaders and stew- ards, in stations or small circuits, meet the preacher weekly, or at short periods, to report the condition of the classes and to advise as to all matters of cur- rent interest. The government of the individual Church, however, is vested in what is termed the Quarterly Conference, which assembles once in ev- ery three months. The minister or ministers regu- larly appointed, the local preachers, exhorters, stew- ards, class leaders, and such trustees and superin- tendents of Sunday-schools, as are members of the Church, compose this body. The stewards of the Church are elected by the Quarterly Conference on the nomination of the preacher, and, the trustees are answerable to it for the correct performance of their duties. It has also the control of the Sunday- Doctrines, Usages, and Economy. 217 schools in its bounds ; and it recommends such per- sons as it may approve to be Hcensed as local preachers. It also recommends local preachers to be admitted on trial in the Annual Conferences, or to be ordained. Its president is the presiding elder of the ilistrict, who is required to visit everv charge once in three months, and to inquire into its practi- cal workings during that period. DISTRICT CONFERENCES. The last General Conference authorized the for- mation of District Conferences, but left to the Quar- terly Conferences of each district to decide whether they should be held. Probably about one half of the districts made the experiment. In many in- stances they have been a decided success, and have proved of great value. In other instances they have accomplished but little. Where constituted, they are composed of the preachers, traveling and local, the exhorters, and the district stewards, and one Sunday-school superintendent from each charge. All matters pertaining to the licensing, recommend- ing, and trying local preachers are transferred to ^hem. ITINERANCY. The peculiar feature of Methodism is the itinerancy of its ministers. Primarily each congregation has the rie^ht to select its own minister, and each min- 2i8 A Hundred Years of Methodism. istcr has the ri^^ht to select his own congregation. The period of ministerial stay must then depend upon the negotiations and engagements between the respective parties. This is the theory and prac- tice of all Congregational Churches, In Presbyte- ti:in Churches and other connectional bodies, before these arrangements can be perfected, the consent of the Presbytery, or, in the Protestant Episcopal Church, the consent of the bishop, must be obtained. The system of an itinerant ministry requires that the congregations on the one hand, and the minis- ters on the other, shall agree to submit to a selected umpire, the arrangement of the appointments. Both paities are at liberty, however, so far as they may see fit, to make known their peculiar condition, wishes, or circumstances. ANNUAL CONFERENCES. The ministers within certain boundaries assemble each year, their meeting being called an Annual Con- ference. In this body the character of each minister is carefully examined and approved, as he represents not himself merely as an individual, but the whole body of the ministry of which he is a member. The bishop, who presides at an Annual Conference, after consultation with the presiding elders, and after having received as full information as practicable, an nually appoints each minister to his field of labor. Doctrines, Usages, and Economy. 219 Prior to 1804 the bishop was at liberty to continue a minister in the same charge without hmit ; but the usual practice was to change every year, and sometimes changes were made two or three times during the year. At that time the great mass of ministers were single men, and could change without inconvenience. We are informed by Mr. Ware that, as late as 1809, when the Virginia Conference con- sisted of eighty-four members, there were but three who had families. In 1804 it was agreed that no minister should remain more than two years suc- cessively upon a circuit or station. This continued to be the law of the Church until 1864, when the ministerial term was lengthened from two to three years, subject, however, to annual appointment. This system imposes no small privations, and oftentimes hardships, upon the ministers. I'rom the earliest period of the Church, the ministers have been remarkable for their self-sacrificing heroism, and this spirit fitted them for the great work which they have accomplished. The itinerancy, however, furnislics f )r the Church a variety of ministerial talent ; and where changes are desired, they can be annually arranged, without that f. iction ivhich so frequently arises where no pro\ision is made for periodical changes. At these Annual Conferences, the general inter- ests of the Churches within their boundis are also 220 A Hundred Years of Methodism. carefully considered, and such order is taken as is deemed to be for the benefit of the whole. Preachers recommended by the Quarterly or Dis- trict Conferences may be admitted by the Annual Conference on trial. They are then subject to ap- pointment by the bishop. After two years' proba- tion, and after passing a prescribed course of study, they are eligible to admission into full connection. If admitted, they have a right to participate in all the deliberations and business of the Conference. They are also eligible to deacons' orders. After two years' appointments as deacons, and having pursued their course of study, they are eligible to elders' orders. For missionary work the probation for orders may not be required. Local preachers, if properly recommended and qualified, may be elected and ordained as deacons after four years' experience in the ministry, and as elders after four years' service as deacons. GENERAL CONFERENCE. The supreme government of the Church is vested in the General Conference. At the Christmas Con- ference of 1784 this body was composed of all the traveling preachers. They were invited to meet Dr. Coke, who came as the representative of Mr. Wesley, who had been earnestly requested to aid them in the organization of an independent Church. Doctrines, Usages, and Economy. 221 During the following eight years, whatever measures were enacted were made binding only by the votes of the preachers in the Annual Conferences. As this iystem was cumbersome, and tended to a sepa- ration of interests, a General Conference was called in 1792, to which all the preachers in full connec- tion were invited ; and from that time the General Conference has met every fourth year. After 1796 only elders were permitted to attend. From 1792 to 1808 the General Conference pos- sessed supreme and absolute authority. By the simple vote of the majority, it had power to change any article of faith or any usage of the Church, or to alter or abolish any feature of church govern- ment. Many thoughtful ministers and laymen feared that, under the influence of some sudden excitement, the form and condition of the Church might be radically affected. At one of the early sessions of the General Conference it was determined that no old rule should be changed without the vote of two thirds of the members. But this rule could at any time have been rescinded. In addition to this feeling of insecurity, there iiroje another difficulty. The General Conference was held as near the center of the work as possible, which, at that time, was the city of Baltuiiore. The ministers who were distant found it both expensive find troublesome to take the long journeys necessary 222 A Hundred Years of Mltiiodism. for attendance ; and the practical result was, that the majority of the General Conference was composed, for several sessions, of the ministers of the Hrlti- more and Philadelphia Conferences. Dissatisfact-on sprung up at the extremities, and the distant Con- ferences insisted upon the constitution of a delegated body, so that each part of the Church might be fairly represented. As we have stated, the General Con- ference of 1808 agreed to constitute a delegated Conference, to be composed of not less than one for every seven members of the Annual Conferences. In constituting this delegated body, however, the preachers w^ere unwilling to clothe it with the full power which they possessed, and they placed it under certain limitations, which are usually known as the " Restrictive Rules," forbidding it to make certain changes without the consent of the majority of every Annual Conference. These restrictions were six in number, and were as follows: — " I. The General Conference shall not revoke, alter, or change our Articles of Religion, nor estab- lish any new standards, nor rules of doctrine con- trary to our present existing and established stand- ards of doctrine. " 2. They shall not allow of more than one repre- sentative for every five members of the Annual Conference, nor allow of a less number than one for every seven. Doctrines, Usages, and Economy. 223 " 3. They shall not change or alter any part or rule of our government so as to do away Episcopacy, or destroy the plan of our itinerant General Super- intendency. 4. They shall not revoke or change the General Rules of the United Societies. " 5. They shall not do away the privileges of our ministers or preachers of trial by a committee, and of an appeal ; neither shall they do away the privi- lege of our members of trial before the Society or by a Committee, and of an appeal. " They shall not appropriate the profits of the Book Concern, nor of the Chartered Fund, to any purpose other than for the benefit of the traveling, supernumerary, superannuated and worn-out preach- ers, their wives, widows, and children." These restrictions could never be altered except according to the following proviso : — ^^ Provided, nevertheless, That upon the joint rec- ommendation of all the Annual Conferences, then a majority of two thirds of the General Conference succeeding shall suffice to alter any of the above restrictions." The ratio o^ representation, which in 1S08 Wcis one for every five, was changed in 18 16, according to the limit allowed, to one for every seven. As the Church increased in the number of its ministers, the General Conference became, at each term, a 224 A Hundred Years of Methodism. larger body. An effort was made in 1824 to alter the second Restrictive Rule, so as to require fewer delegates ; but as by that time it was felt by some Conferences that the restriction against changes was unnecessarily severe, some of the central Con- ferences refused to agree to any change until the proviso itself could be enlarged. After considerable delay, in 1832 the proviso was altered, with the con currence of all the Annual Conferences, to read as follows : — " Provided, ncvcrtJiclcss, That upon the concurrent recommendation of three fourths of all the members of the several Annual Conferences who shall be present and vote upon such recommendation, then a majority of two thirds of the General Conference succeeding shall suffice to alter any of the above restrictions, excepting the first article ; and, also, whenever such alteration or alterations shall have been first recommended by two thirds of the General Conference, so soon as three fourths of the members of all the Annual Conferences shall have concurred, as aforesaid, such alteration or alterati^Dns shall take effect.' This proviso having been changed, the second Restrictive Rule was altered in 1833, so as not to " allow of more than one representative for eveiy fourteen members of the Annual Conference, nor al- low of a less number than one for every thirty." It Doctrines^ Usages, ami Rcoiioviy. 225 was also provided that a fraction of two thirds should be entitled to a delegate, and that no Con- ference should be denied two delegates. In 1856 the General Conference, by a two-thirds vote, recom- mended the insertion of forty-five as the limit, in- stead of thirty, and the measure was adopted by the vote of the Annual Conferences. Under tliis proviso several changes have since been made on the original Restrictions. The first was in 1848, altering the fourth Restriction, so as to change the General Rule on intoxicating liquors to read : " Drunkenness, buying or selling spirituous liquors, or thinking them, unless in cases of extreme necessity." The second was in 1856, altering the third Re- striction, so as to permit the election of a missionary bishop for any foreign mission, limiting his episcopal jurisdiction to the same. The third was the alteration on the recommenda- tion of the Annual Conferences, in 1864, of the fourth Restriction, so as to make non-slaveholding a term of membership. The fourth change was the recommendation of the General Conference in 1864, altering the second Restriction, so as to allow the smaller Conferences but one delegate, which wa:; approved subsetjuently by the Annual Conferences. The fifth and last change was made on the rccom- 226 A Hundred Years ov Methodism. mcndation of the General Conference of 1868, of the second Restriction, so as to allow the introduc- tion of lay delegates into the General Conference ; and which was subsequently ratified by the Annu.J Conferences. Outside of these restrictions, the pov/ci of the General Conference is still supreme. The introduction of the lay element into the General Conference brought the actual government of the Church into harmony with its article of faith, which vests in the Church the right " to retain, change, or abolish rites and ceremonies, so that all things may be done to edification ; " and, further, defining the Church to be " a congregation of faithful men," etc. The fact that, prior to that time, the government of the Church was vested wholly in the ministry, was no fault of theirs, or the evidence of any desire to exercise undue authority. The government of the Church arose out of the pressing exigencies of the case. Congregations were few and far between ; the laity could not be assembled, and it was found in every way much more convenient to refer all ar- rangements to the ministry. Nor did the majority of the laity ever manifest a desire to be admitted into the General Conference until that Conference had freely opened the way. The General Confer- ence creates and constitutes the boundaries of the Annual Conferences. It is the only law-making Doctrines^ Usage Sy and Economy. 227 power in the Church, the Annual Conferences beinj^ confined to matters admhiistrative and judicial. EPISCOPACY. The General Conference carries out its purposes, through an executive arrangement consisting of the bishops and presiding elders. By their agency, it ex- ercises a general supe.intendence over the Church. The bishops, or, as they were originally called, su- perintendents, arc elected by the General Conference, and are consecrated by its authority. The episco- pacy of Methodism is not, like that of the Protest- ant Episcopal Church, diocesan, or limited to locality, but is coterminous with the Church. In this respect our friends of other denominations are sorely per- plexed. Notwithstanding our system has been before the public for nearly a hundred years, it seems to be comprehended by comparatively few ; for the ques- tion is "asked almost every day, in reference to any of the bishops, " What is his diocese?" or, " In what State does he preside?" Such a number of bishops is elected by the Gen- eral Conference as is supposed to be necessary to supervise the general interests. They arrange from time to time, among themselves, by the authority of the General Conference, where their work shall be done, and they visit the Annual Conferences in such order as is deemed best. Each one has, in the 228 A Hundred Years of Mi;tii(;dism. field which he visits and supervises, full authorit) for the time being; whether he visits, now a con- ference in Oref^on, or the following year one in Florida, or Maine, or Germany, or India. As in the itinerancy, so in the episcopacy, this general supervision is accompanied with toil, an«l oftentimes with privations, but the unity of the Church in its general features and administration is secured. The writer kept an accurate account of his travels for several years, and found that they varied but little from an average of two thousand miles per month. The episcopacy in the Methodist Church differs from that of some other Churches in a second feat- ure. It claims no apostolic succession or special Divine authority. The Methodist episcopacy is re- garded as an office of the Church, not distinct in order from the eldership, but authorized by the Church for the promotion of its grand design of "spreading scriptural lioliness" over the world. In this respect it is not recognized by what is called the High-Church party. It derives its authority merely from the Church, and while the consecration is performed by a bishop, provision is made that if all should die, a new bishop elected would be con- secrated by the hands of elders. Thus the theory and practice of the Church stand wholly opposed to any idea of prelacy. ThirdK', in other Episcopal DoctrmeSy Usages, and Economy. 229 Churches, the bishops are part of the law-making power. In the Roman Catholic Church this power is chiefly in the hands of the bishops. In the Prot- estant Episcopal Church they constitute a distinct house, and no measure can be adopted without their concurrence. In the Methodist Episcopal Church, they have no legislative functions whatever, not having a vote in any Conference — quarterly, district, annual, or general. They are simply executive or administrative officers. The use of the word " order," however, has given rise to some confusion. That term is sometimes used to signify a Divine arrangement, and in this sense, generally, the phrase is applied to the order of deacons, to the order of elders, and in the high Episcopal Churches, to the order of bishops. In this sense our bishops are not a separate order. But the word "order" is sometimes used in the sense of class, or diversity of arrangement. We speak of the order of traveling preachers, and of the order of local preachers ; we speak of the order of presiding elders, and of the order of bishops. The ceremony of consecration indicates this kind of a distinct class ; but which, we repeat, is a class of office, and not of any Divine order. In our ordination service, there is allusion made to " diverse orders of ministers in the Church ; " and this doubtless refers to apostles, evangelists, teach- 230 A lIUNDRKi) Years ok METiiODisvf. crs, and pastors, as well as to deacons and elders. For, primarily, as to the Divine call, we recognize but one order in the ministry; and we receive from other Churches brethren who have been, without a previous ordination as deacons, ordained as elders according to the usages of their respective Churches. The bishops are required to preside in the-Annual Conferences, and to see that in the administration, the authority of the General Conference is pre- served, and its directions executed. It is also made their duty to supervise the temporal and spiritual interests of the Church. By this it is understood that the General Conference holds them responsible for a proper exercise of supervision, and for report- ing to it what may be deemed necessary for the interests of the Church. They are also directed to ordain such ministers, as deacons or elders, as are duly elected by the Annual Conference. PRESIDING ELDERSHIP. It is impossible, however, for the bishops, being few in number, to superintend in detail the admin- istration. To assist them, presiding elders are ap. pointed, varying in number in each Annual Confer- ence from two to ten. The duty of these presiding elders is, to visit every charge within their district once every three months, ana to supervise their ad- ministration. These distr'cts consist, according to Discipline, Usages, and Econoviy. 231 circumstances, of from twelve to sixty charges. They preside in the Quarterly Conference's, and de- cide such questions of law as may from time to time arise. I'heir term of office on any one district has been limited since 1792 to four }'ears. In the intervals of Conference, they are author- ized to make such arrangements, by the interchange of preachers within their districts, as the necessities of the Church may require. In cases of charges against ministers they preside in the preliminar}- in- vestigation. Becoming personally acquainted with the official boards within their charges, and holding services in each congregation, they receive informa- tion concerning the circumstances and qualifications of the preachers, and concerning the necessities and wishes of the different congregations. Hence, at Conference, they are enabled to give to the presid- ing bishop such information and advice as may be neces.sary for a proper arrangement of the work. PLAN OF SUPERINTENDEXCV. Through this plan of superintendency, the Gen- eral Conference is able to maintain a uniform system of discipline throughout the Church. For while in the districts the presiding elder supervises the ad- ministration in each charge, he is responsible to the bishop lor the correct performance of that part of his dutivis •, and the General Conference holds the 232 A Hundred Years of Methodism. bishop responsible for tlie entire administration, as they liave given him the right of appointing and changing tlic presiding elders as the necessities of the Church may require. The General Conference has no direct control over either preachers or presiding elders. These are re- sponsible for their moral conduct to their Annual Conferences. But as the presiding elders receive their official appointments from the bishops, who are held responsible, both personally and officially, to the General Conference, that body retains its power over every department of the Church. In our Union, Congress exercises its authority over the people in all the States through the United States officers who are appointed under the Government, and who execute its will in the several States. Were the judges, marshals, and collectors, within the bounds of the several States, appointed by the States, the general Government would be powerless to secure unity or obedience to its laws. So, if the bishops and presiding elders were elected by the An- nual Conferences, and were amenable primarily to them for their administration, the General Confei- ence would have no means of enforcing its directions. But, under our general system, an enactment o1 the General Conference is observed in the Annual Con- ferences under the administration of the bishop, and in the Quarterly Conferences under that of the pre- Doctrines, Usages, and Eeunoniy. 233 siding ciders. Sliould a preacher refuse to obej; the orders of the General Conference, he can, if necessary, be changed by the presiding elder; and if the presid- ing elder should refuse, he can be removed by the bishof. . But for their moral conduct, or for any wrong done in administration, the prcsidingelders, as well as the preachers, are responsible to the Annual Confer- ences, who alone have power to affix any penalty. The power of the bishop over the elders is simply confined to appointment or removal from the special office. The guard against the abuse of trust on the part of the episcopacy lies in the fact that the General Conference, having supreme authority, has the right to remove the bishop from office, or to expel him from the Church at any time, not only for immorality or decided improprieties, but also for any cause what- ever, either of inefficiency or unacceptability, through which the Church sustains an injury. Prior to 1808 the General Conference, by a simple vole of a majority, could have abolished the epis- copacy or altered any part of the plan of superin- tendency, making the Church either Presbyterian 01 Congregational. Since that period, such a change can only be effected by a vote of two thirds of the General Conference, with the concurrence of the requisite majority of the Annual Conferences. What that episcopacy was (alluded to in 1808) which must not be destroyed, or what \.\\c plan of :^34 A Hundred Years of Methodism. our general superintcndency was which must not be destroyed witliout a concurrent vote of the preachers is shown by the history of the preceding period, when the nature and duties of that episcopacy were clearly understood, and the plan of that general superin- tcndency was well defined. As we have already seen, the episcopacy of which our fathers spoke, as well as the general superintcndency, were peculiar to the system of Methodism ; and they were designed to exist as they were then understood, until, by the general concurrence of the Church, it should be deemed wise to abolish or modify. Prior to i8o8 the General Conference was com- posed of all the members of the Conferences who had traveled four years. The bishops were component parts of the body, and as such they took part in the deliberations, both by making motions and by join- ing in the debates ; but when the General Confer- ence became a delegated body, their duties were limited, in the- General Conference, to the office of presiding. The system of appointments was the same it is to-day. From the beginning, the appoint- ments of the preacher? were made by the bishops, but the term of the appointments was hmited accord- ing to the discretion of the General Conference. So, also, from the beginning, the General Conference elected its book agents and its editors, and made them exceptions to the ministerial term. Since Doctrines, Usages, and Economy. 235 that period, they have extended the number of these exceptional appointments, but have always adhered to the same principle. It will be apparent to the thoughtful observer, that the manner of sui)ervising the charges in a Conference such as the British Wesleyan, where the governing and administrative body is the same, must be very different from that of the Methodist Episcopal Church, where the governing power resides in one General Conference; but the administration is performed through eighty-one Annual Confer- ences. These Conferences, too, are not in the com- pass of an island scarcely equal in area to some one of our States, but occupy the territory not merely of a large portion of this continent, and are scattered in the four quarters of the globe. The latter condi- tion requires an agency to secure unity of adminis- tration for which the other has no necessity. There has been much difference of opinion, and no little discussion, from time to time, over the office of the presiding elder. The chief friction has arisen from the fact, that the presence and services of the presiding elder are but little needed by the old and strong charges, and yet the greater part of his support is assessed upon them. The functions of the office are chiefly twofold — supervision and ag- gressive action. The first is especially required where the preachers are young and inexperienced 236 A Hundred Years of Methodism. and the second, for the commencement of new charges, and the encouragement and strengthening of Ciuirches. Some arrangement seems desirable by which tlic labors of a presiding elder can be so distributed that the Churches shall see the importance of thr office in its missionary aspect and its connectional functions. For where the order of the congregation is well settled, its finances regularly managed, and its pastor a man of experience and of correct prac- tice, the duties of an elder in that congregation ap- pear limited to simple routine matters, which are of scarcely any value. It is only by the perception and consideration of its wider influences that the Churches can feel its necessity. Whether a system can be devised by which the efficiency of supervision can be maintained over feeble societies and younger ministers, and by which the wants of both preachers and congregations can be fully understood, as well as their adaptation of each to the other, and yet the expense be so arranged as not to fall too heavily on those Churches who receive the least benefit, may well demand the careful consideration of the mem- bers of the General Conference. Church Institutions. 237 CHAPTER XVI. CHURCH INSTITUTIONS. HAVING thus given a brief and succinct view of the doctrines and general economy of the Church, we pass to notice those institutions and agencies through which it has exerted a wide- spread influence. BOOK CONCERN. The first of these in the order of time was the pubhshing house. We have already seen that Mr. Wesley's attention was early occupied with the pub- lication of religious tracts and books. These inter- ests grew upon his hands, until he was compelled to place them under the control of other persons termed book stewards. He early enjoined upon his preachers to spread the books, and to encourage the Societies to purchase them as far as they were able. The first missionaries who were sent to America, Messrs. Boardman and Pilmoor, were preceded by some two months by Robert Williams, who came to America on business, but who, previous to his coming, obtained from Mr. Wesley a license to preach under the authority of the missionaries wiio were about to come. 238 A IIUiNDRED Years or Methodism. Beinroved for attending Methodist services on the Sabbath. The writer himself, during his acadcnnc course, was almost daily assailed and reproached be- 256 A Hundred Years of Methodism. cause of his Church predilections, yet at that time the progress of hbcral sentiment had very com.ider- ably softened the former j)rejudices. Under such circumstances, we cannot wonder tliat ]Mr. Asbury and the fathers of the Church were anxious to provide some institution for their youth. To raise money to build Cokesbury College and to meet its expenses, Bishop Asbury personally solicited subscriptions, and was for several years in charge of its finances. The Discipline of 1789 says : " The college will be under the presidency of the bishops of our Church for the time being, and is to be sup- ported by yearly collections throughout our circuits, and in endowments which our friends may think proper to give and bequeath." Shortly after its commencement r^Ir. Wesley, at the request of Mr. Asbury, sent from England the Rev. Mr. Heath to be the principal. The discipline was unusually strict. The students were required to rise at five o'clock in the morning, and to be in bed at nine in the evening, without fail. They were directed to study seven hours a day, three hours being given for meals and recreation. The recrea- tions were gardening, walking, riding, and bathing, without doors, and a carpenter's, joiner's, cabinet maker's, or turner's business within doors. Three acres of ground were arranged for a garden, and a gardener was employed to overlook the students CJiiircJi Institutions. 257 r.'hcn employed in that recreation, and all play and amusements were prohibited. In 1789 an extraordinary religious work occuired i\mong the pupils. In 1792 more than sexenty stu- dents were within its walls, and the course embraced not only ancient languages, but also French and German. Abingdon became a favorite resort, and the Baltimore Conference frequently held its sessions at Cokesbury College to conclude its business. It was accomplishing a great work for the Church, but in the midst of prosperity, it was destroyed by fire December 7, 1795, at a loss of about $30,000. The fire was supposed to have been the work of an incen- diary, and the governor of the State offered a reward of $1,000, but the perpetrator was never discovered. A previous attempt had been made to fire the build- ing, but it was discovered and frustrated. Bishop Asbury had been greatly burdened by its financial interests and its general management, and when lie heard of its destruction he wrote : " If any man should give me £' 10,000 per year to do and suffer again what I have done for that house I would not do it. The Lord called not Mr. White- field nor the Methodists to build colleges. I wish only schools : Dr. Coke wanted a college. I feel distressed at the loss of the library." Nevertheless the college had some warm friends in Baltimore, who consulted together and resolved 17 258 A Hundred Years of Methodism. to rebuild, landing, however, that a large building in the city could be purchased at a low rate, it was determined to purchase that property and remove the institution to Baltimore. The property was procured, and the institution commenced with hue prospects. In about a year it caught fire from an adjacent building and was consumed. Discouraged and dispirited, both Bishop Asbury and Dr. Coke agreed that it was not in accordance with the will of God that they should devote their energies and the means of the Church to this enterprise. With the founding of the college, the desire for educational advantages had spread to different parts of the Church. In Georgia, the bishops had re- ceived the offer of three hundred acres of land for the purpose of establishing a school, which Dr. Coke was anxious to name "Wesley College," but which elsewhere is spoken of as Wesley and White- field School. Incipient measures were also taken to secure a large tract of land, of near five thousand acres, in Kentucky, to found a school in the West, but after the destruction of the college in Baltimoie further effort seems to have been abandoned. While Bishop Asbury had not at first favored the establishment of a college, he was very anxious for academies and district schools. In 1792 he wrote to Dr. Coke, who was then in England : " If it were not for the superstition of some, and the Church Institutions. 259 pride and ignorance of others, I am of the opin- ion I could make provision by collections, profits on the books, and donations in lands, to take two thousand children under the best plan of educa- tion ever known in this country. The Lord be- gins to smile on our Kingswood school. One promising young man has gone forth, another is ready, and several h;.ve been under awakenings. None so healthy and orderly as our children, and some promise great talents. The obstinate and ig- norant oppose, while the judicious in Church and State admire and applaud." From 1796 until 1817 we find no notice of educa- tional movements. In the latter year, Dr. Samuel Jennings, assisted by others, opened in Baltimore an institution called "Asbury College," but being without endowment it soon ceased to exist. In 1 8 19 an academy was opened in New Market, New Hampshire, under the control of the New England Conference, which was subsequently removed to VVilbraham, and has been one of the most efficient and po[)ular seminaries in the land. In the same year an institution called the Wcsleyan Seminar^' was commenced in New York, and buildings were secured on Crosby-street. Subsequently they were Ijiirchased by the Book Concern. The General Con- ference of 1820 approved of these institutions, and advised all the Annual Conferences to establish 26o A HuNDRi::) Years ok Mi;tiioi)Ism. seminaries and colleges, and the bishops were au- thorized to make necessary appointments of teach- 5r:3 from among the preachers. The seminar^' in New York was subsequently removed to White Plains, but the change did not secure it the ex- pected success. In 1823 Augusta College, in Kentucky, was estab- lished, under the presidency of Rev. J. P. Finley, and in it Dr. Durbin and Dr. Tomlinson were subse- qurntly professors. In 1826 Dr. Ruter accepted the presidency. For many years it accomplished great good in the Church. A number of prominent min- isters in Ohio and Kentucky were educated within its walls. Bishop Foster, Professor Miley, of Drew Seminary, and other distinguished ministers, were among its students. In 1844 Dr. Bascom attempt- ed to merge it into the Transylvania Uni\crsity of Lexington, but the latter project failed ; and though, after the division of the Church, Augusta College was resuscitated, yet it was so greatly crippled tkat it soon ceased to exist. In 1825 the Pittsburgh Conference, desiring to es- tablish a college, received the offer of an academy in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and shortly after it was opened under the title of " Madison College," Dr., afterward Bishop, Bascom was president ; Dr. Charles Elliott and J. H. Field were professors. As there was no e i()\vment, and the tuition fees were Chirch Institutions. 261 not sL.fficient to meet expenses, there was a constant call for aid. In 1830 a building in Middletown, Connecticut, which was owned by a literary institution, was of- fered to the New England Conference on condition of its raising $40,000 for endowment. The offer was accepted, and Dr. Wilbur Fisk, who had charge of Wilbraham Academy, was elected president. Thus the " Wesleyan University " was commenced, under tlie patronage of the New York and New England Conferences. This is the oldest collegiate institution, now in existence, in our Church. In its halls many of the most talented ministers have been educated. Other of its students have become pro- fessors and presidents of colleges, and others have been prominent in the professional and business walks of life. In 1833 Alleghany College, which had been estab- lished at Meadville, Pennsylvania, was tendered tc the Pittsburgh Conference, and the institution was removed from Uniontown to that place. In that })reparatory period, a number of active young minis- ters received their education in its halls, and weie pici)ared for more extensive usefulness. In the same year the trustees of Dickinson ('ol. lege at Carlisle, Penns\-lvania, which had been es- tablished in 1783, offered the institution to the Bal- timore and Philadeli)hia Conferences if they would 26? A Hundred Years of Methodism. take it under their patronage. The offer was ac- cepted, and the institution was opened under favor- able -auspices. Dr. Durbin was its first president, and he associated with iiimself a number of the most briUiant scholars of our Church. From these institutions educated young men went forth to teach elsewhere, and the spirit of ed- ucation extended rapidly into all the Conferences. In various parts of the West institutions were or- ganized which have exerted a wide-spread influence up to the present time. Their names and date of organization, and the leading facts connected with them, will be found in the following tables, presented in the report of the Board of Education to the last General Conference. Some changes have occurred since that time: a few seminaries have been discon- tinued, but probably as many others have been opened. The exhibit shows the rapid advance which the cause has made, and is a triumphant an- swer to the declaration of our enemies, that Meth- odism does not favor education. BIBLICAL SCHOOLS. In 1839, the centenary }ear of Wesleyan Mcth odism, the subject of establishing a biblical school in New England was widely discussed, and incipient measures were taken for such an organization. Some two or three years afterward a biblical de- Church Institiitions. 263 partment was organized in Ncwbur)' Seminary. A board of education, whicli had been appointed, thought it best to transfer the small amount of funds collected to the Wesleyan University, with a pros- pect of the organization of a theological department in that institution. Its funds, however, did not per- mit an enlargement of its Faculty, and attention was again called to the necessity of a separate organiza- tion. In 1847 Rev. Dr. Dempster, who had been elected for the purpose, opened in Concord, New- Hampshire, a theological school. For a number of }-ears it struggled with many difficulties, and was re- garded by a large part of the Church as a measure of doubtful propriety. As the students went forth into the various Conferences its value was demon- strated, and the desire for ministerial education con- tinued to increase. A lady in Chicago, Mrs. Garrett, donated a large j)roperty to found a theological school at Evanston, and Dr. Dempster, having left Concord, opened the "Garrett Biblical Institute." The Trustees and Fac- ulty memorialized the General Conference of 1S56 to talce it under its supervision, as one of its provis- ion^-, was, that professors could only be elected with I lie approwil of the bishops. The matter was re- ferred to a committee. Their re})ort was adopted, and the General Conference gave its approval to the institutions both at Concord and at Evanston. In 264 A Hundred Vkars '>i- Mktiiddism. 1866 a large building was erected, in great part by the offerings of the women of the Church, with rooms fitted up for biblical students, and named "Heck Hall," as a memorial of that "elect lady," who has sometimes been called the mother of Amer. ican Methodism. In the same year Daniel Drew, of New Vork, subscribed $500,000 for the establishment of a the- ological seminary. The site was selected at Madi- son, New Jersey. A large building on the premises was refitted ; other build. ngs were erected, both for the studer.ts and for the residence of professors. In the purchase of the ground, thiC fittiig up of these buildings, and the purchase (;f a library, he expended over $270,000. He continued to give to the institution the interest of $250,000 to support its Faculty, until 1876, when unexpected financial embarrassments of its generous patron deprived the institution of its expected endowment. In 1S67 the Biblical Seminary at Concord was re- moved to Boston ; its means were greatly enlaige 1, and since that time it has become a department in the Boston University. These three institutions are accomplishing a wcik of great value to the Church. In each of hem about one hundred students are receiving in.,trdc- tion, and are annually aiding to elcxate the minis- terial standard in the Conferences. Church Institutions. 265 UI04; -y lufSsq M ' '>l>'qA\ •i.ooo .5,300 2,000 . . . . ic >o : : : :5S3 ■ ^So :8S2o88S ;S : r ; -ii!Hi.,jauijtidi'j 1 .0 !0 . . . 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'O 'O • cs Tj, CO ■ > >■ • « a : a : : : : : ►J -1 :a : : ■ d^c5 : • qH v.-a : = ~-= 5 a 2: « S = .^- : &;^-■ 5-' >■ >■ >■ • S B 3 ° ^ '• : : i : : ;« : ; : : ;d ; i • : •. :-;^ -J : :o • .■^ : : : : . :3r- :>J :^c^cJ^ :^^ i^|l^?l; III 1.111 > ■' > > > ?' >■ : r" ? ^ ? ?; ir •^' :•' i • •pspuuoj a.H.v\ -. 10 CO -.0 »»c<5 cc CO CO 1- CO 00 1^ . r- t- CO »c -r CI 1- — 00 — . c • iO CO • * CI -1- >o 4. -r CO ri .0 .0 -c •QDOO •QOaCOO^^OOCOCOCOOOOOCOCO 04 ■i'il il^l i 1^ c 5 - ^ _• _■ ^ - i ¥ rt ^. p — c S IlllilSilillilil 3 IS a = >.■- 1) ^55 = • ■= rr != -^ r^ (••• -.T-— ►-I'-.i' te 266 A Hundred Years of Methodism. iq ui.Jj JO -uM 2,500 3,000 2,600 490 •0' r-'cO ■ ■ i-i 00 ■ ■ 'fH ■ * * iii •X.«!u,,v i "i •d»M • ei ■ *o Ci ^ ■* X ^i CD . -n »o CI CI cc -•• O • • ■ •-< ein-H .01-, ^ M ^ . . . ■.Cjisiuii^ U| -ox • •ooei..-ic..io.-'0.c.'-- o•••• • • 00 CI . . .^ . . . .« .« c i - •|»1"J, O 'o CI »o « 'O CI CO o o 1- Ci 1- c t- o CI CI »- o ic c: o rs ■ o a; o ei 1- -1- ao ci CO -r> e- o ci I- -11 tc t- « O ci ■»• »i- ci C -< ■ oo rt ^ m -.« — _ .r. ci cici ci n ci — iS — — r: — — cirt — oiniuaj COt^CDCOCItDCI '.rcOOCI • 't-iO ■*1'CD-faO *o« •-t'^ •sp.iv O'Occt-Cicoci .c;oc»-* -OwO -00 — — CI .rc^ .rs^ t- "O O en o CO o .ciccocei -cii-co • t- t- -•" » • c ao ■■<••- ^ a-' •8|«U1,.J CI CO o CI CO on- o 03 •* ci ^ o • cc C( . ■* CO CO -r — . -»• -r CI o« -a •OP'IV -H-».t-cocccicscocico.cciO"^o5ci .-<U I isiiuuv iiiiiliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii occon 'cDoo •tiTcc ■ *cf ' ' * ■cDoccTi.-i' eo " ' of ■punj jua u.»"p=a 11 e» S *-■ : : : ...>...,;•-. , . ~- . . . ^- . ;> . . ^ ■ OT --01 a P"" = §ooo = o;g = 3o.,-ogg = g 2 = 55550 -g c?55Ssrao*55i5o8S5oS25= = 55 -S 2 2 S 2 g ? 8 g § g S Z! ^' 2 S "■ 5 2 li ■4"?; ^" ^ g' g ■ g" Principal. : : :^- : :gq :5;=;sa" '■ ■ ■=■•3. -6 '• '■ -S -^^ mmmiimmiimn «^s -••?,'*-xr i^ S S 1 C-* i'-^-io-^sc^^ go •; c t,; >■ c-i g s^ >•>•>>> i^ S >>>• ^ > c = >■>:-■>>■ > •pjpunoj usqAV ^ c < 1 4 £ i! i: .s f 0'.= 1 c .g 1 f ~. £ .5 o-|" S :^ = = II 1 i 5 r 1 5 > s c < .■J 6 • :' Z , Co «= •- Mil C « C i ills :=.t^^ :-5 :§! :^ = ilil^iiiaifill s p|i.ii^iy£ii|il|i aojoj: — — — ScS— ooc;oi.s_-„ :1 : .:I5 .• c a ©•s 11} Church lustitutions. 267 ill ill ;| CO CO i-H 00 • 8i »C O "C -^ :88 ■ O C^ «0 — 10 O CO ■ rf CC C^ »0 CI CJ 00 '"i^cjcccccoc'ico^cc'* -cOi— «o •cDOO'^^r- to •c-j«o«:5 iOOJCsiMr-icieo^ccr-H .«^*r5 ■o^'*'cOf-iiC(M'«}*r-iro ^ O -f c 00 o c .?SS : :8SS< : - O • O ■ 00 O 00 ■ O • • 10 CO SgSB 00 i 2 o -03 :8 :? « — •OCOOOCO^OOCOCQ ;0 C C 0^0 O O O ^_0_0_>0_0 O ! C >t^' O :D cf "-'^ r-^ O O C* o c^ o' c r CI 01 o 00 CI o ra ^ 10 «^ 8SiS :SgJ »C OD -^ 01 -* -f • S 8 5 ~ 5 b •o oc c 00 O CI ■* O 01 o «« c-- --=. . =i ■ o rt o :;: iLi = = >. c s ^ _c__ C Jr ^ = . ^ cc W> 5 c 3 o ■^ £ -s c i £ ? c c; -^ i C ^ 5; - — t S •! _, -^r :=? §■== = ? £= £^ X a r j: el g > = ■£ I- ii ^ • ^=^ « ~ S J^ ?^>geg s s p c IS •- o) — ;: — cis?r« E a,' "St- " m — c *•? . ^ fc Ci- _^ (5 4j *rj 73 "C t 1- •' _ .i: 'J. X C K O . « . C CC t-, c - Cl. s r ^ >. «■= = W c .:: r ^ ^ 5 .2-^ n. (^ ^ c-cs: p; fe'^ ;e lit- £§S5 111? C 3 5 o E >.« Ill o g ® ^O .£■0 ;: a c u c 1 « = = ~ :3 ^ "^ "x "r r « ^' J; c c C-' o =. ~ ■ o; c Ice g . c x « c = ° ■5 £.5 268 A Hundred Years of Methodism. (A O O u w < S?8 :S!2g»5Sf |8 :§ •rjtmpniy | c-. 5 — c-. x> ao i- o -f :;: yj c^ -^ 4 . e- •e|«ui9j 1 -«"0-o«ci«5ooa««« .» •91«W iO'«. 11. Moore Rev. lOrastiis Rowley, D.D Rev. George C. Smith, A.M... D. 0. Van Nernian, LL.D Uev. .1. M'U. Mallhews, A.M.. Rev. W. II. I)e Molte Rev. Ch. W. Cvishing, A.M... Wni. Richardson Rev. I. C. Pershing, D.D Mrs. Julia A. Tevis liov. John Wilson, A.M •papunoj U3q.\\ oo'iSxSoo^oo^baDcc-c^nSljo M ■4 Hal li more, Md.. Hordeiitovvti.N.I. f'iiKMiinati, Ohio. New Albany, Ind. Carniel, N. Y.... New Y'ork City. . Hillsborough, 0. .laekson, III Aiilinriidale, Mas liehiware, Ohio.. I'ittsburgh, Pa... shelbvvllle, Ky.. Wilmington, Del lOvansliin, 111 o M :::: :-^ ;::::: :©• -o ^ a 2- • • •J -5 tJ.^ o • -.3 3 • :».0 o a Si- i: rT 5 • ^>- O ?, b c = " ^^. "5 ,- "? ^^ '■^■£. ^' '-^ "^ H 5 2 5" i|i=-^>-t.i!:^ = gri lll^|p.Hl-2|lli o i I a £ = = o Church Institutions. 260 MINISTERIAL SUPPORT. In 1796 the General Conference orj^anized the Chartered Fund, appointing for it a Board of Tnistees, which was subsequently chartered by tlu: J ejjislature of Pcnns}'lvania. Its object was to sup- plement the salaries of ministers, and to afford some support for the worn-out preachers, their widows and orphans. Prior to that time an effort had been made to establish a Preachers' Fund, by requiring every preacher, when admitted, to pay $2 67 — then £1 American currency, and to contribute annually %2 ; the money to be lodged in the hands of treas- urers, and report to be made at each Conference. P"rom this fund provision was to be made, first, for the worn-out preachers and their widows and chil- dren. The allowance for the worn-out preachers was to be, " if he wants it, $64;" and every widow and child, " if wanted, $53 33 ; " but none should be entitled to any thing who had not paid $6 Gj, nor any one who had neglected to pay his subscription for three years, unless sent out of the United Slates. This organization was on the principle of a mut- r.al aid society, and continued until 1796, when it ivas merged into the "Chartered Fund" to which we have alluded. Annual subscriptions were, how- ever, continued a few yeirs longer to meet extraor- dinary cases. The anxicLy for such a fund grew 270 A Hundred Years ok Meihodism. out of the fact, that nearly all of the married preach- ers were compelled to locate in order to support their families. An appeal was issued, in behalf of this fund, in which we find the following paragraph: " It is to be lamented, if possible with tears of blood, that we have lost scores of our most able married ministers; men who, like good household- ers, could, upon all occasions, bring things new and old out of their treasuries, but were obliged to re- tire from the general work because they saw noth- ing before them for their wives and children, if they continued itinerants, but misery and ruin." The number of locations which we find in the annual Minutes fully sustains this view. The support allowed to the early preachers was, indeed, exceedingly meager. The membership was generally poor, and, as the ministers were unmar- ried men, who traveled from place to place, living among the people, they "were able to subsist on small contributions. In 1774 we find an enact- ment, that each preacher should have $64 a year and traveling expenses. Indeed, the earliest preach- ers did not receive this amount. Captain Webb, \A\o founded many of the Societies, and who, moit than any other person, gave early form to American Methodism, supported himself, besides contributing to the erection of church edifices. Embury and Strawbridge were married men, but were local Church Institutions. 271 preachers, the one being a carpenter the other a farmer, and they parti}' supported themselves by their work. Asbury, Boardman, Pilmoor, Rankins, Williams, and Shadford, were single men. Williams subsequently married and located ; and cf him iL ■.va3 said, he was " the first American Methodist pieacher that published a book, got married, located, and died." In 1778 paper money had depreciated, and the salary was raised to £^2 per year, which was nearly equivalent to $80. In 1782, to equalize the support of ministers, a resolution was adopted that " all the gifts received by the preachers, whether in money or clothing, shall be brought to the quarterly meet- ing, and valued by the preachers and stewards, and the preacher who has received the gifts shall be considered as having received so much of his quar- terage, and if he is still deficient, he shall carry the account of such deficiency to the next Conference, that, if possible, he may have it made up out of the profits arising out of the sale of books and the an- nual collections." In 1780 the first notice occurs of the wives of preachers, the fourteenth question reading, ' What p'ovision shall be made for the wives of iiiarried preachers?" Answer. " They shall receive an equiv- alent with their husbands in quarterage if they stand in need." In 1783 we find the answer to the ques- 272 A Hundred Years oe Methodism. tion, " He vv many preachers' wives arc to be pro- vided for is "eleven:" and that the sum needed for their support is estimated at £2(yo. To .'a'^e tliis sum it was said, " Let the preachers make a small collection in all the circuits." Theii purpc^i was to equalize the support, so that all the circuits should combine in sustaining the families. In 1784 thirteen preachers are reported as married, and £102 were apportioned to the different charges. A ccllec- lection was also ordered to be taken up in every charge, prior to Conference, to meet deficiencies. This was called " the Conference Collection." A year after the organization of the Church this col- lection amounted to ;^300, which was applied in making up the yearly deficiencies, and in sending out two missionaries? In 1785 the thirty-seventh question reads, "What shall be the regular annual salary of the elders, dea- cons, and helpers?" to which answer is made, "six- ty-four dollars and no more, and for each preacher's wife sixty-four dollars ; and for each preacher's child, if under the age of six years, there shall be allowc:! sixteen dollars ; and for each child over the age cf six and under the age of eleven years, twenty- one dollars and thirt}'-three cents." This rule, in reference to children, created dissatisfaction, and the Conference of 1787 resolved that no provision jhould be made in future " for the children of our Church Institutions. 273 married preachers." And this appears to have been the practice of the Church until 1800. In those early days they were strict, even beyond propriety, in reference to all financial matters. One of their rules reads : " We will on no account what ever suffer any deacon or elder among us to receive a fee or present for administering the ordinances of marriage, baptism, or the burial of the dead ; freely we receive, and freely we give." It is probable that this rule was adopted to pre- vent jealousies among the ministers, as but few were at first elected to orders. A few years subsequently it was agreed that a present might be received for the marriage ceremony, but it must be reported to the stewards of the circuit, to be applied as quarterage. This rule continued in force until 1800; after which time, preachers were not required to make such report. At this day it seems surprising how so great a work could have been sustained on such small means. Brave and self-denying were the men who laid the firm foundations of the edifice of Method- ism. The Chartered Fund, to which we have al- luded, never became a favorite with the people. A f.^w persons made contributions, and a few legacies swelled the amount. The capital at present is about forty thousand dollars. The general sentiment of the Church was, that they who preach the Gospel 18 274 A Hundred Years of Methodism. should live by the Gospel. And it was believed that the current expenses should be met by annual contributions. Until i8Co the salary of a preacher was fixed at one hundred dollars, and one hundred dollars for his wife, and a small allowance was made to the children, together with an amount to be esti- mated by the circuits or station for house-rent and family expenses. At that time the rule for specific allowances was removed from the Discipline; and the stations and circuits have, from time to time, determined what they are willing to give for minis- terial support. This creates an inequality in the charges, from which British Methodism is compar- atively free, and greatly adds to the embarrassment of arranging the appointments. In too many cases the estimate made is not fully met ; but even then the preacher has no claim upon the property of the Church as a compensation for his services. MISSIONS. From its commencement Methodism was essen- tially missionary. In England the first preachers in- troduced the Gospel into new places, without any support, except such aid as Mr. Wesley could occa- sionally furnish them. Many of these self-denying and heroic men traveled on foot the circuits which were assigned them, while they endured privations sufficient to discourage the stoutest heart. When CJiurcJi Institutions. 2'^^ the first preachers were sent to America, in 1769, the Conference gave a collection of ^^50 as a present to the Church in New York, toward their indebted- ness, and ^20 to help pay the passage of the mis- sionaries. Collections were also taken up by them in London and other places. In 1785, at the organ- ization of the Church, two ministers were sent to Nova Scotia, and a collection was taken to aid them, which amounted to ^57- In 1786 Dr. Coke issued an address to the English public proposing an annual subscription for missions to the islands adjacent to Great Britain, as also to Nova Scotia and the West Indies. Allusion is also made to a mission designed for Asia, which was for a time postponed. Mr. Wesley indorsed the plan, recommending it to the Christian public. Dr. Coke sailed, in September of that year, from England, with missionaries who commenced their work in the West Indies; and in 1787 there appeared in Mr. Wesley's Minutes, " Missions established by the Methodist Society." At Mr. Wesley's last Conference in 1790, a com- mittee of nine, of which Dr. Coke was chairman, was appointed to take charge of mission interests; being thus in reality a board of managers for a mis- sionary society. Collections were taken up in many circuits, and in 1793 the Conference ordered a col- lection to be taken in every charge. As early as 2/6 A Hundred Years or Methodism. 1787 Dr. Coke published his receipts and disburse- ments. The amount for that year was ;^ 1,1 67. At the General Conference of 1796, Dr. Coke proposed, among his other duties, " to visit the West Indies and France, when there is an opening and I can be spared." In 1 79 1 the British Methodists had already begun some evangelical labors in France, being in advance in missionary work of nearly all other Churches. The Baptist Missionary Society was established in 1792, the London Missionary Society in 1795, and the Glasgow Missionary Society in 1796; though the movement was opposed by many of the Churches. In 1789, when Mr. Carey proposed, for consideration by the Baptist ministers, the sending of the Gospel to the heathen, the venerable divine who presided at the meeting sprung to his feet, de- nounced the proposition, and said: "Young man. sit down ! When God pleases to convert the heathen, he will do it without your aid or mine." Wlien, in 1796, a proposition was made in the Gen- eral Assembly of the Church of Scotland to estab- lish a foreign mission, it was urged that it was " not only an unnatural, but a revolutionaiy design." In I his view such men as Doctors Erskine, Hill, and C'thers concurred, and they recommended that the Assembly should express its " most serious disap- probation, and its immediate and most decisive op- Church Institutions. 2^^ position." Yet these Churches soon changed their opinions, and have been among the most active sup- porters of the missionary cause. In America the whole plan of the Methodistic work was essentially missionary. The preachers fol- lowed the swelling tide of population over hill and valley, across mountain and plain, and as really per- formed missionary labor as though they had been sent forth by a missionary society. Dr. Coke was so full of missionary spirit that, having crossed the Atlantic sixteen times in visiting America and the West Indies, he projected, and in his old age led, a missionary expedition to the East Indies; dying on his passage before his eyes beheld the land for which his heart had yearned. The difficulty of securing assistance for the preach- ers on the frontier, led Doctors Bangs, Clark, Soule, and others to earnest effort. A committee was ap- pointed to prepare a constitution for a society, which v.'as adopted on the 5th of April, 18 19, Dr. Bangs presiding, and Joshua Soule appealing to the people for subscriptions. The General Conference of 1820 sanctioned the plan, and the Missionary So- ciety became an integral part of the Church. For Fixteen years from that time Dr. Bangs acted as sec- retary, speaking and traveling without salary ; and in addition to his other regular duties he was the au- thor of every annual report but one until 1841. 278 A IIuNDRLi) Years of Methodism. WYANDOTTE MISSION. One of the circumstances which led to the forma- tion of this society was of a very singular character. A colored man, named Stewart, supposed to have been partly Indian, residing in Marietta, Ohio felt a deep impression that he must go somewhere in a north-western direction. The impression also rested upon his mind that he must "preach to a man and woman " who had appeared to him, and who, he thought, had said to him in the vision, " You must declare my counsel faithfully." In the year 1814 he left Marietta with but a small outfit, and taking his Bible with him, finally reached Upper Sandusky. Arriving at this place, he saw what appeared to him the very " man and woman " whom he saw in vision. Being a sweet singer he attracted the attention of the Indians, gradually won their confidence, and several of them were converted. In three years after an interesting revival commenced under his labors, and many were converted. After a short absence he returned again, and continued to labor among them. Applying for assistance, a mirister from Mount Vernon, Ohio, went to his aid, and in 18 19 the mission was adopted by the Ohio Annu- al Conference. Subsequently such men as Rev. Messrs. Finley, Gilruth, and Dr. Elliot were con- nected with the mission, which for a time had great C/iiirch Institutions. 279 prosperity. The report of this success did much to stimulate the friends of the missionary cause. Mis- sions were soon after commenced in Upper Canada and arrong the Creek Indians in Alabama and Geor- gia, and were gradually established among other tribes, One of the most promising of these, which was greatly injured by the division of the Church in 1845, was among the Cherokees. MISSION TO AFRICA. In 1 83 1 it was proposed to establish a mission in the colony of Liberia, in West Africa, for the benefit of the people of color who had emigrated from this country. Melville B. Cox, of New England, offered himself, and was appointed as a missionary. On ar- riving in Africa his labors were attended with more than ordinary success, but in a few months, pros- trated by the fever, he passed away. Reinforce- ments were sent in the year 1834, among whom the Rev. John Seys was one of the most efficient. He was accompanied by the Rev. Francii^ Burns, then a local preacher, who was subsequently elected bishop. A number of missionary stations were es- tablished, some native Africans converted, and sev- eral schools were opened. An academy was estab- lished at Monrovia, of which Mr. Burton, a graduate of Alleghany College, was api)ointed principal. Li a short time he too was cut off. An Annual Con- 28o A Hundred Years of Methodism. fcrcncc was subsequently orf^anizcd, which was vis- ited by Bishop Scott in 1852. 'Ihe mission in Africa has not reahzcd the lull expectation of its friends. The colonists, being chiefly liberated slaves, have not shown that inde- pendence and energy essential to rapid growth. Instead of pushing out into the interior, the preach- ers have confined their efforts principally to the col- ony, and consequently not much has yet been done for the regeneration of Africa. FLAT HEAD INDIANS. In 1833 there came a remarkable call from the Flat Head Indians of Oregon. By some means they had heard that the white men had a book whi'ch told about the Great Spirit and another world. They sent a delegation across the Rocky Mountains to find the book, and to ask for a teacher. Arriving at St. Louis they made known their wants, and the intelligence was published throughout the country. Dr. Fisk issued an earnest appeal in their behalf, and three young men, Joshua and Daniel Lee, and Cyrus Shepherd, volunteered for this work. Thf.y arrived at Fort Vancouver in September, 1834, anil immediately commenced their labors. Other mis- sionaries and mechanics followed in a few years, and the foundation of the Church was laid in Ore- gon. This appeal stirred the heart of the Church, CInircJi Institutions. 28 1 and increased the missionary contributions. In 1833 the amount of collections was $17,095 05; in 1S34 it had increased to $35,700 15, havang more than doubled. There is something sad connected with the con- dition of the Indian population. Gradually they are melting away. They imitate the vices of the whites, without cultivating their virtues. Tribe after tribe is disappearing, and only a poor remnant remains. There are, it is true, some interesting missions among the Indians on the Pacific coast. That among the Walla-Walla tribe is conducted by one of the early members of the mission, Rev. Mr. Wil- bur, and has accomplished great results. Yet even the chief success of the mission to Oregon has been in laying broad and strong foundations for the grow- ing Church. SOUTH AMERICA. In 1835 the condition of South America attracted considerable attention. Rev. F. C. Pitts was sent by the board to visit Rio Janeiro, Buenos Ayres, Montevideo, etc. Having reported favorably, Dr. Dempster was appointed in 1836 to Buenos Ayres, and the Rev. Justin Spaulding to Rio Janeiro. The following year the Rev. Dr. Kidder uas sent out to assist Mr. Spaulding, but, owing to the death of his wife, he returned in 1840. For many years, the work of the mission was confined chiefly to English sneak- 282 A Hundred Years of Methodism. ing persons, but more recently the work has extended among the Spanish population, and under the man- agement of Ikothcrs Jackson, Wood, and others, a very' favorable work is reported, especially in Mon- tevideo, and in the interior of Uruguay. MISSIONARY SECRETARY. At the General Conference of 1836 it was judged best to appoint a missionary secretary, who should superintend this department of Church work. The mission field was constantly widening, and the collections were increasing in amount. Dr. Bangs, who had previously devoted himself to their inter- ests, in addition to his other work, was at once chosen as the corresponding secretary, and he entered with great zeal and energy on his work. This Conference also directed the organization of the Liberia mission into an Annual Conference. GERMAN MISSIONS. About this time commenced a remarkable move- ment among the Germans, which has since assumed large proportions. We have already seen that the Rev. Mr. Otterbein assisted at the ordination of r)ishop Asbury, and was his intimate friend. He established a form of Discipline very similar to that of the Methodists, and which resulted in the forma- tion of the Church of the United Brethren. After Church Institutions. 383 that time a movement took place among the Ger- mans, under the lead of a minister named Albright. An association was formed, which adopted the gen- eral Discipline of the Methodist Church. In some sections of the country they are known as the AI- l)right Methodists, but they call themselves the " Evangelical Association." Many leading minds in the Church had felt the necessity of doing something for the German popu- lation, which was increasing in our midst. In 1835 Professor Nast, a young man from Germany, a pro- fessor in one of the western colleges, became deeply awakened, and was converted. He at once felt r.n earnest desire to preach the Gospel to his country- men. He was received into the Ohio Conference, and appointed missionary to the Germans of Cin- cinnati. II is success at first was very limited. He encountered many difficulties, and no little persecu- tion. In addition to his regular preaching he trans- lated a number of works into the German language; and in the beginning of 1839 ^ German paper, under his editorial supervision, was issued from the West- ern Book Concern. hVom that time the work has continued to enlarge until, at this time, there are six Annual Conferences in the United States. Nor has the influence of this work been confined to our country. While Dr. Nast was preaching in Cincin- nati, a young infidel physician. Dr. Jacoby, with 284 A Hundred Years of Methodism. several companions, attended service for the purpose of furnishing notes to an abusive German paper. Under the ministry of the word his conscience was awakened, and he shortly afterward was converted. After having preached in St. Louis he was sent to Germany, and was the successful founder of the Conference in that country. CHINA MISSION. The next mission in order of time was estab- lished in China. For several years attention had been called to that populous kingdom, and in 1846 the Missionary Board resolved to commence the work. In 1847 ^^v. Moses C. White and Rev. J. D. Collins sailed for China, arriving on the 14th of August. Foochow was selected as the center of the mission, and in October of the same year Rev. Henry Hickok and Rev. Robert S. Maclay, since superintendent, and now missionary to Japan, sailed as reinforcements. For several years they met with great difficulty, and toiled without seeing a convert. Within a few years past, however, the work h^s been greatly favored of God and much enlarged. The missions have been visited by Bishops Thom- son, Kingsley, and Harris. A number of districts have been arranged, consisting of native presiding elders and preachers, and some of the work is self- supporting. Church Institutions. 2S5 MISSION TO INDIA. In 1856 a mission was established in India, under the superintendence of Rev. Dr. Butler. A year after his arrival the terrible Sepoy Rebellion occurred, and he, his family, and assistant missionaries, amid almost incredible hardships, barely escaped with their lives. Since that time the mission has regu- larly and constantly progressed, as will be seen from the statistics. It has prospered in every depart- ment. A number of schools have been established ; a college has been founded for the training of mis- sionaries ; a printing-press is in operation ; and *' ze- nana " work, under the care of active women, some of whom are physicians, is successfully conducted. An Annual Conference was organized in 1865 by Bishop Thomson, and more recently, under the la- bors of the Rev. William Taylor, a glorious revival commenced in Bombay, Calcutta, and at other points, both among the English speaking and native population. BULGARIAN MISSION. In 1857 a mission was also established in Bulga- ria. From various causes this has not been so suc- cessful in its results as some others. Dr. Long, for- merly superintendent of the mission, is now profess- or in Roberts College, near Constantinople. He is an eminent linguist, and has done a valuable work 286 A Hundred Years of Methodism. in helping to translate the Scriptures, and in i.-.suing tracts in the Bulgarian language. The mission is at present under the superintendence of Rev. Mr. Flockcn. SCANDINAVIAN MISSIONS. In 1845, under the l.ibors of Mr, Hedstrom, a converted Norwegian, a mission was commenced in a bethel ship on the North River at New York. This was attended by many sailors and officers of vessels, and also by many emigrants. The latter generally passed westwardly to Wisconsin, Iowa, and ]\Iinnesota, and preachers were raised up who ministered to them. As the result there are Scan- dinavian districts in the Central Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota Conferences, now embracing one hundred and twelve preachers, and five thousand two hundred and sixty-five church members. Some converted Scandinavians, returning to their own country, told the story of their conversion, and a religious interest was awakened. They earnestly pleaded that some minister might be sent to them, and in 1854 C. Willerup, a native Dane, was sent to open a mission in Norway His labors were attended with success, and several Societies were established in the vicinity of Sarpsburg and Frederickshall. In 1858 he opened a mission in Copenhagen, where a large church edifice was erected, and from which as a center these missions were prosecuted. Amid "Church Institutions. 287 many discouragements, arising from the laws of the country as well as from the strong opposition of the clerg)', the work gradually spread. At present there are in Denmark seven missions, of which Carl Schou is superintendent, and a Sunday-school paper is regularly published. The mission in Norway gradually enlarged under the care of Rev. Mr. Willerup, then of Rev. Mr. Peterson, and at present of Rev. Mr. Hanson. There are now stationed twenty-one preachers, and there are about twenty-five hundred members. A church has been built in Christiana, the capital, and also respectable buildings in a number of the larger towns. A small Book Concern has been started, and a Sunday-school paper is regularly issued. The laws in Sweden being very severe, it was more difficult to find entrance for our missions; but in 1868, Victor Witting, a native Swede, and a successful minister, was sent to Gottenburg. From this place, as a center, the missionary work has spread until, at the last Conference, held in Wis- by, on the island of Gothland, the writer stationed some sixty ministers, who have enrolled some six thousand Church members. Notwithstanding the masses of them are poor, they have contributed liberally for the erection of churches. A small school has been established for the education of young men preparing for the ministry, and for such 288 A Hundred Years of Methodism. other young people as may desire education. A publisliing house has been commenced in Gotten- burg, and a weekly Church paper is issued, as also one for the Sunday-schools. A number of books and tracts, including an abridgment of Clarke's Commentary, have been issued in the Swedish Ian- guage, and Sunday-school hymns, with appropri- ate music, are now in general circulation in both Sweden and Norway. ITALIAN MISSION. The overthrow of the temporal power of the pope, which followed the recent Franco-German war, opened the Papal States, with the city of Ro ne, to Protestant efforts. The Missionary Society sent Dr. L. M. Vernon, in 1871, to Italy, to examine the religious condition of the country, to select a proper center, and to pursue as he might be able evan- gelistic work. While learning the language, and becoming acquainted with the wants of the country, the center of the mission was fixed at Bologna ; but as Paris is said to be France, so is Rome Italy, and it was deemed proper to make the city of Rome the center of this work. Under Dr. Vernon's care sev- eral missionary stations were opened, and several helpers were raised up, partly from the Protestant Churches which had been working in that land, and partly from converted Catholic priests. Bishop CliiircJi Institutions. 289 Harris met these missionary workers in 1874, and in 1875 tlie writer held an interesting session with them in the city of Milan. A site in a populous part of Rome was purchased, and a small but neat Gothic edifice has been erected, which was opened for public worship last Christmas. Several minis- ters of more than usual talent have been employed ir. the mission, and the indications are favorable for the progress of the work. There arc now thirteen missionaries, with a membership of about five hun- dred. Thus it is that Methodism has at last estab- lished itself in the very center of the operations of the Roman Catholic Church, and, in common with other Protestant denominations, will henceforth contest with that Church the occupancy of all the Catholic countries of Europe. It is, perhaps, not generally known that the members and ministers of the Church of England have done very little for Protestantism in Europe. They have established small churches in the large cities, for the benefit of the resident English population, but they have wholly neglected the natives. Being themselves the Established Church of England, they have not been willing to come in contact with the Established Churches of other countries. It is with regret we add, that they have not only done nothing to counteract the spread of Popery in the countries of Europe, but the influence of some of their ministcr- 19 290 A lIUxNDRED Years of Methodism. has been used in opposition to the evangelistic efforts of other denominations. It cannot be a mat- ter of astonishment, that with the Papists vigorous- ly occupying ever)' Protestant country, and with the leading Protestant Churches declining to occupy Papal countries, that Protestantism has been shorn in great measure of its strength. This tendency of the State Churches in Europe has thrown upon America the duty of leading the evangelistic efforts in those old countries. In these remarks I do not include the Independ- ents, the Wesleyans, the Baptists of England, or the Free Church of Scotland, all of which are wholly independent of the State Churches ; and yet they have been to some extent, perhaps unconsciously, influenced by the pressure of public opinion, by the conduct of the large Established Churches, and by the sentiments of their Governments. Thus, while Protestantism is the established religion in Prussia, England, Holland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, there has not been, so far as I know, a minister sent by any one of the State Churches to the native population of Catholic countries. Even in our own country the Protestant Episcopal Church, until very recently, has not made any effort in behalf of the Catholic population o.f the world. We record with pleasure the fact that it has now established its missions in Hayti, having elected a Church Institutions. 291 bishop therefor, and that it has also commenced a mission in Mexico. It is to be hoped that the fine edifice erected by the contributions of the members of this Church for the Americans temporarily resi- dent in the city of Rome, may ere long be the cen- ter of religious services for the native population. MISSION TO iMEXICO. Early in 1873 a mission was commenced in the city of Mexico under the superintendency of Dr. Butler, who had some years before returned from India. The duty of attempting the evangelization of our sister republic had long been felt by many earnest Christians ; but the unsettled state of the country, and the insecurity of life and property, together with the persecuting spirit of the Roman clergy, caused long-continued delay. At last, however, a wide, and, as we trust, an effectual door has been opened, and Protestant Churches have entered that land with hopeful prospects. A com- modious building, centrally located in the city of Mexico, has been secured for our mission, and opera- tions have been commenced not only in the capital, but in Puebla, Pachuca, Orizaba, and Guanajuato, and also in the district between Mexico and Puebla. There are now six ministers sent from this country, a press has been established, the Discipline, and tracts, and sermons have been printed, two orphan. 292 A Hundred Years of Methodism. schools arc in operation, a small institute has been opened for the education of young ministers, and a number of native helpers and colporteurs have been employed. The Mexican Government, with enlarged and liberal policy, has pledged its efforts to protect alike all denominations of Christians, and we have no doubt of its sincerity. As we write, however, a revolution is in progress, the result of which may exercise an important influence on our work. From this center it is to be hoped that the work will spread throughout not only Mexico, but also through the lands of Central America. It is the first attempt of Methodism to establish on a broad basis its institutions and services, and to introduce its lit- erature, into the Spanish language. For, though some efforts had been made by the Wesleyans in the Spanish dominions, and though missions in South America had been commenced some years previously, yet there had been no organized plans for the diffusion of our Church literature, nor had such agencies been established as are essential for the wide and rapid development of our work. Church Institutions. 293 RECEIPTS OF THE SOCIETY. The folic R'ing table exliibits the income of the Society from all sources sinco Its orgiiiiization : — Datt.^. A"l llTll. UATui. 1 A..a„t. Rccei f fid d 11 ring the year 1S20 *S'23 04 deceived during the yeai lg4S $81,600 34 '• " lS-21 2.32S 76 •' " 1.849, :81.045 13 •' " ls-22 2,54T 39 " " K.0 104.579 54 " " l>i28 5.427 14 May 1. 1S51, to April 30 1^52 152.1-2 43 -' " IS'24 .3,r)S9 92 " 1, 1852, " Dec. 31 Isrvi 33^.008 39 " " IS'-T, 4.140 10 Jan. 1, 1S54, '■ K4 220.412 0.1 ** " Ib-.'O 4.91)4 11 ' 1S55, " 1nn5 219.3114 04 " '• Isi'T 0,si2 4!) ' 1S56, " 1-50 2;N.441 92 " " l^i>> 0,24o 17 ' 1S57, " K.7 272.190 43 " " ls-.'!i 14.17(i n ' INJS, " 1N.■^25^22^ 01 *♦ " l.-ciO i:i.l2s (H 18,59, " 1>51I 27ii.Oi;7 19 H '• ISJl 9.'.l.")ii .">T ' ISOO, " l-Oo 2ri2.722 77 " " \<:V> ll.:-;79 (w; • ISOI, " IsOl •_'.•,( |.;J74 93 U •' 1S.-W 17.01(7 0.") ' 1802, " 1^02 272.523 71 " " ISU 35.700 15 18G3, " 1>0( 429.708 75 " " ls« 30.4112 21 ' l8tU, " ]-lU5.>.'.i93 20 ** " iNSfi 59.517 10 ' 1 805, '• 1m;5 012.740 07 " " l^iT 57.ii!iO o5 ' 1800, " l-lic, r,-r,.:No 30 *♦ " iNi^ 9i'i.ll--7 30 " 1807, " 1-07 0|:;.I120 96 u " \-<\\) 132.4SO 29 " ISOS, " 1808 ooti,i;oi 09 u " livln 1:;0.410 >7 " 1S09. " 1-09 (V!4.704 11 •* " I'^l 139.'.I25 70 " 1870, to Oct. 31, ls70 t;o2.951 27 •♦ " 1 •>!■.' 13:i.4T3 25 Nov. 1, 1S70, 1-7! 029.021 75 " " \^-'. 141.770 ^11 1S71, " ]>72 001.11.50 00 4t " 1M4 140.57-. 7^ 1S72, " 1-73 OMIS'.O (>1 u " \>a:, 91.502 27 " 1873, " 1874 075,0-0 33 •♦ " lS4li s9.o2S 20 •' 1874, " 1875,002,465 69 " " 1S4T 7S.932 73 1 SUMMARY OF STATISTICS FOR 1875. Foreign Missions. Africa S. America.. K. China.... ('. China V. f'liii, ;..... (ler. &.'<«■ itz. Dt-nniark NdrWHT , Sw.vlen Iiiil'a Ii..inl)'j li.-n- gnl i .Mad. r i.s liiilsiria IiaLv Japan Mex ico Total _• X »• isa; »• E 1 i Ml - p- s s A. 1«.3! < < 4( <^ X. 7. B- 1 1 ?,I0( 20- :;3 1K<0 .") 1 307 m 3 1M47 ;■) 3 71 I,2;'8 (Hii 1808 1; 3 3 %\ 21 •1 1869 1; 5 5 ?(■ 22 1K49 3 \M Si 7;!4« 2;il!i 02 \KA 1 7 7 i-*i, 2!3 3 18.-,4 1 (W 15 1.H70 2/): 17 II 18.ki I ll.i 02 3,(;;>« i;i:i5 3- 1856 24 131 » 45 1.979 789 18 lR;Vi 12 lH;-,7 3 .1 2 1 52 111 1x71 n 12 m< 1 1872 5 h 1 7 11 3 1872 4 2 2 10 o*< 119 mi ■)59 28 281 r8.77.TH,2x2; lO'll 1.171 0! 1,01 lO 01 .0111) ,5110 (II ;ioii 0' .17H 82 ,li;ir 0( .1100 (III .."Is im ••.« 00 10,000 no 2.000 on A 13M) lil,9.">:! Oil 12.0110 2'.»,10U 3,0: 5l',74« ♦778,0111 8j;.V)»13,3.>2 •14,741 2,1:19 i 13,124 i I5.9:i4 I 208 I 1.731 904 35 104 12,:!!>5 943 l,0.iO 4.l3rt £i5C5 »9il,'?94 00 436 32,lta ' In these cases Schools, I'riiiting-onices, Hospitals, etc., may be included. >94 ^ IIUNDkKi) Years of Methouism. Territories. MiKSIONS. 8 6 c ^ J3 "e ■= Pi Arizona 46 J . lis 7 6 4 4 — 7 C Total 1 9 ItU Domestic Missions — Foreign Popci-ations. Missions. ■" 1 i "5 j Prob. Viil. "3 i ^ J Welsh 1 206 49 4 749 5 518 •1 63 10 "86 1 76 1 f3,500 23V,.52.^ 17,850 23 $31,156 $104 on 73 5.1Iembei«. British Wesleyan Methodists 2,539 13,720 467,583 Irish Wesleyan Methodists 185 Soo 21,273 French Wesleyan Methodists 27 q6 2,030 Australian Wesleyan Methodists 362 750 67,912 British Primitive Methodists 1,020 14,838 169,660 Methodist New Connection Church. . . 15S 125 25,837 United Methodist Free Church 354 3,428 74,702 Bible Christian Churches 274 1.747 26,878 British Wesleyan Reform Union 538 104 8,093 Methodist Church of Canada i,b04 1,027 102,887 Methodist Episcopal Church in Canada. 247 201 23,012 Other Methodists not included above. 380 420 26,000 Total 6,038 37,256 1,015,867 AdJ American Methodists 2,875126 Total in the world , . 3,890,991 Review. 339 CHAPTER XIX. REVIEW. A REVIEW of the events connected with the ^ ^ Churches of the last century shows that, when compared with other Church organizations, Meth- odism has been pre-eminently successful. In the United States, the Congregationalist, Church of En- gland, Presbyterian, Baptist, and Dutch Reformed Churches were all strong in 1775. Each of them had colleges and seminaries in successful operation, training some young men for their ministry, and educating others for the professional walks of life. Some of these Churches, as the Congregational and the Church of England, were supported by systems of taxation levied upon the people of the different States. Methodism was not at that time a separate Church, its members receiving the sacraments chiefly from the ministers of the Church c f England. To-day it ranks first among all the religious bod- lef i;i the number of its communicants, in the nuni- bei and capacity of its church buildings, and in the value of its Church property, as shown in the fol- lowing census tables published by the Government. 340 A Hundred Years of Methodism. AH the branches of the leading denominations arc included under the generic name : — IfNiTKi) States Denominational Statistics. Cknsus 1870. DuNOMINATIONf. ^'u"',"'^' E-Mcf- Siliingv F-'-Tty. Hfiptist (rcpilKr) 14.474 12,8.07 3.997.1 IG 139,223,22: Bnptist (I'tlicr; 1,3.05 1,10.^ .3(W.iil9 2.3TS.9n Chiistiuii 8,.578 2,^22 &(V).fiM2 6.42.^37 Cm-riHgational 2,887 2.71.5 1,117.212 2.''..n00.(!9% Epis.oi.aUI'rotest.'int) 2,«.S.5 2,(;ol Q'MM'd SUMiMi Evsntrflical Association 815 Wl l',):i.7'.if! 2.3(il.r).'iii Fiiemls 092 Gr,2 224.fi<4 •.l.m9.rm Jt-wish 1S9 1;V2 73.i.'i;5 f>.l.'A2.}4 Liillitran .3.032 2.776 977.332 14.!i:7.747 Mcthudi.st. 2.'J.27^ 21,8.37 6,52S.2(l9 C9.8.''>t.l2I Mi.scilhiucons 27 17 C.93o 1.35.G.V) Moravian (Unitas Fr.-itnim) 72 fi7 2.").7(iO 7fK».l(K) M.^rmon 1S9 171 87.8:iS er,fi.-i:« Kcw .liiusaloin (S\v.-(lonboi{,nan) 911 01 18.7.55 Si;9.700 rrt'slntcriaM (iviriilai).... ..... C,2fi2 5.6<3 2,19S.!t(lO 47.-2>,732 I'li-sl.ytiiiaM (oiluM) 1,5G2 1,3^3 49ii.344 6.4:jG..V24 IJetoiiMiil Cliiiicli in .\inirica (late Duti-li KrfoiiMoil) 471 4C3 227,228 10,259,255 licl'ornu'd Cliiirili in tlic Hniteit .States (late r.ennan liofonned) 1,2.56 1.145 431.700 5.775.215 Roman Cathnlio 4.127 -S.SdG 1,!HI0..514 60.;tS.5..5ri6 Swond Advent 225 140 34.."i55 8ii6.240 Shal> 1--- "^ oto w '» ^ %.. ^ » 0ia\HAR8fc ^•OEC?,OI9ffi OEC 71982 r 10m-9,'66(G5925s4) ■^^91 1 iV^H^BSa 1.9 1 K^mBm^m^ 3 1158 00747 5162 liSiiififfl ' AA 001 250 990 7 UV-ZJ 11