DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY DURHAM, N. C. THE SUBSTANCE an f sa) FUNERAL DISCOURSE, ‘DELIVERED AT THE REQUEST, : a OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE, on ‘ Tuesday, the 23d of April, 1816, IN ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA < ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. FRANCIS ASBURY, SUPERINTENDENT, OR SENIOR BISHOP, OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, NOW ENLARGED. BY EZEKIEL COOPER, PRESHYTER OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. ry 5 13497 PHILADELPHIA: PUBLISHED BY JONATHAN POUNDER, NO. 0. 134, North 4th street, opposite St. George’s Church. 1819. Eastern’ District of Pennsylvania, to wit = wt BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the tenth day of © April, in the forty-third year of the Independence of the — United States of America, A, D. 1819. Jonathan Pounder of the said District, hath deposited in this office the Title of a book the right whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following, to wit: dias « The substance of a Funeral Discourse, Delivered at ‘the Request of the Annual Conference, on fuesday, — . “the 23d of April, 1819, in St. George’s Church, Phila- | “delphia: on the Death of the Rev. Francis Asbury, ‘Superintendent, or Senior Bishop, of the Methodist ** Episcopal Church: now Enlarged. By Ezekiel Cooper, ‘© Presbyter of the Methodist Episcopal Church.” In Conformity to the act of the Congress of the United ~ States, intitled, “An Actfor the encouragementof learn- — ing, by securing the copies ot maps, charts, and books, — to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned.” And also to the act, en- — titled, ‘‘ An Act supplementary to on act, entitled, * An — Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein men- tioned,” and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of desizning, engraving, and etching historical and other rints,” . D. CALDWELL, Clerk of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. F . — i ADVERTISEMENT. THE original Discourse, of which the fol- lowing contains the substance, was delivered extemporaneously, by the special request of the Philadelphia Annual Conference, of the Me- thodist Episcopal Church. At that time, there was no eapectation of its publication; but, after it was delivered, the Conference requested the author, to commit it to writing, and to supply a copy for publication: in compliance wit that request, the author wrote it down; and endeavoured, to the best of his memory and re- ‘ collection, to give the substance truly and fully. It is not to be expected that an extemporary discourse could be written exactly as it was delivered; so that, although, in substance it may be the same; yet, in some respects, as to the mode, and manner, of expatiating upon, and illustrating, some points, and details, there may appear to be some difference. Indeed, it could not bereasonably eacpected otherwise; for, in the nature of things, it was impossible for the author, to write it verbatim, as he deliv- ered it from the pulpit. He never pretended to any thing more, than to be able to give the substance; and nothing more was expected. Sundry circumstances, and considerations, — not necessary here to detail, have occasioned a long delay in the publication: and indeed, for some considerable time, thz author very seri- ously fesitated, whether he would supply a copy for publication at all: He had rolled up the Manuscript, and laid it by, among some other papers, 73 Ge will necer come ZOtTR ‘ovo . aR ad. arte i eee ADVERTISEMENT. a to public view. However, having been repeat- edly solicited, and pressingly advised, by sun- dry persons who heard it delivered, to let it be published; he has, at length, upon mature de- liberation, and counsel with several preachers and private members, thought it adviseable to yield to the advise and solicitation of his friends; and, he has, accordingly, consented, to supply a copy for publication. The author, had contemplated, if the dis- course should ever appear inprint, to have pub- lished with it, sundry notes, or an appendix— by way of further illustration, explanation, or enlargement; however, he has been advised to incorporate the notes, with, and in, the body of the discoure, wherever they were connected with their correspondent parts respectively; that the reader might not be taken off, from the continuity of the discourse, by references to the notes. On deliberate reflection, this course is thought to be adviseable; therefore, the author has adopted it, and wnited a part of the notes with the regular continuity of the discourse. This circumstance, has made a considerable .en- largenvent: however the original discourse, was so long, that it took one hour and a haif to de- liver it from the pulpit. The author has nothing more to say, than, such as it is,he submits it to the public, most sin- cerely praying, that it may be useful. The Lord bless us all, with grace, mercy, and salvation, through Jesus Christ, our adorable Redeemer: so prays the AUTHOR. THE SUBSTANCE OF A FUNERAL DISCOURSE, ke. 2 Tim. iii. Chap. 10. ver. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, — purpose, faith, long-suffering, charity, pa- tience. BRETHREN, on what impressive and affect- ing occasion, have we, with such apparent solemnity, now assembled? Every counte- nance is indicative of sadness and gloom !— Every aspect, every appearance around me, portends a day of distress, affliction, and mourning!—Under what unusual excitement, — has so very large a concourse of friends and citizens, been induced, on a day of worldly bu- siness, to leave their various secular occupa- tions, worldly professions, and pecuniary pur- suits; and, with such apparent concern of mind, to assemble at the temple of the Lord, now turned into the house of mourning?* *It was supposed, that in, and round the church, there were from three to four — people Pub Surely, some extraordinary and eventful occurrence has taken place, to produce so re- markable an excitement upon the public mind; its nature and circumstances, must be unusually affecting, to have such an in- fluence, as now appears, upon the feelings of | the community—The pensive appearance, the sorrowful countenances, the great solem- nity, and the appendages of mourning, on every hand, ‘bespeak aloud, some sad intel- ligence ; or the occurrence of some adverse and painful event, giving poignant grief, and keen affliction; piercing the hearts, smi- ting: and. wounding the tender sensibility of our afflicted Israel, with sorrow and sighing —I almost tremble, and am ready to falter, in coming at the point, to announce the woful tale of sorrow!—But I presume, the sad intelligence, the mournful occasion is well known to you all! Asbury ts dead / I am called on, by the special request of the conference, to perform an arduous and a painful task, as the organ through which the mournful tidings, and sorrowful intelligence of the death of Bishop Asbury, is, this day, to be publicly announced, and a funeral ora- tion to be delivered, on the occasion, to this pensive assembly, this crowded concourse of people!—At the very threshold ofthis distres- sing and embarrassing duty, I am so oppres- sed and bowed down, and my sensibility so much affected, that Iam not able, even were I disposed, to conceal the impression, which the occasion makes -upon my full and throb-« ‘bing heart !—If ardent affection for a depart- ed friend, and a sincere attachment to a lamented father; combined with a deep con- cern for the cause of religion, and united with an association of affecting ideas, and heart melting contemplations; arising from. the recollection of what is past, from a knowledge of what is present, and from a consideration of what is to come ; should, so far excite and influence my sensibility, as to obstruct, in some degree, my articulation; _ or, even at intervals, to cause me to falter, and in silence and tears to weep—I hope, that the occasion, will be an ample justifica- tion, and that no apology will be thought necessary-to excuse the weakness. Nay, you anticipate me—I see, from your tears, that our united hearts, in unison, swell with ful- ness of emotion, and are almost ready to overflow, and break forth into floods of mutual sorrow and lamentation! Ah, my brethren! upon an occasion like the present, » it is compatible with humanity and chris- tianity, with sound heads and good hearts, to weep with those that weep ! Even Jesus wept, when his friend died—Behold, how he loved him! — We are now, about to pay the last sad of- 4 fice, of duty and respect, to the memory of a great ae who has fallen in Israel!—A fa-- ther in Israel is dead! Bishop Asbury is no more! He sleeps in the dust of the val- ley! When living, he was greatly beloved, and universally esteemed ;—now dead, he is as greatly, and as universally lamented ! His distinguished name, his excellent character, and pious memory, will be spoken of in all the churches, and be held in venerable admi- ration and everlasting remembrance. The pulpit, is a place, from whence, we have been in the habit of proclaiming, glad tidings of great joy, to listening multitudes ; and from whence, you have been accustom-. ed to hear, good news, to rejoice the heart and delight the soul—But now, alas! I am _ the messenger of grief; to announce sorrow- ful tidings, sad intelligence, and mournful news; which, for a season, dispels our joys, and turns our gladness into sorrow and | mourning. This day, instead of being the herald of good news, and bringer of glad tidings ; I am the bearer of sad information ; ~ which, covers the church with the mantle of sorrow, and causes the thousands of our Israel to mourn, and to set down in grief, as it were, by the rivers of Babylon, and to hang their harps upon the willows, and with lamentation to weep, while they think of Zion! Why, alas! is the pulpit, the desk, 5 the chandelier, the congregation, the preach= ers, and the people, so clad with funeral emblems? Our full hearts respond to the question. Bishop Asbury is no more ! What means this vesture of black, this mournful shroud, around me, that covers the pulpit where I stand? Why is the sacred. desk, so clothed with the sable mantle of. grief and mourning? Is it an indication that the pastoral voice of our shepherd and bishop, which used to echo the joyful sound of gos- pel grace with so much delight, and useful instruction, is now hushed. and silenced in death; and is to be heard from hence no more? And that the venerable man, now sleeping in the grave, shall no more be seen in person, to grace the sanctuary, to pro- claim salvation, and to instruct the congre= gation of God’s people in this church? Is he no more to go in and out before us?’And also, why is that chandelier, from whence the lighted candles, usually, illuminate the church, now covered with a dark veil? Is it emblematical? Is it appropriated to the oc- casion? doth it, on reflection, suggest this intimation to the mind, that a great and - shining light, in the church of God, is now extinguished? and no more to let his light shine before men, that others may see his good works? He was.as alight to the world; not put under a bushel, but on the candle- A2 6 stick, to give light to all within the house. But, the lamp of life is burnt out; he burns, he shines no more ; excepting it be in the remembrance of his bright examples, and his illustrious doctrines. And wherefore is it, that the house of God, the place of pray- er, of praise, of rejoicing, and gladness; is now so clothed in the apparel of sadness and gloom, and clad with the badges of deep mourning and sorrow? I look around, and survey this crowded assembly, and, with in- expressible emotions, I behold an unusual appearance, and uncommonly affecting in its aspect—tears and silence, give an unuttera- ble expression, speaking louder, and more emphatically heard and felt, to the sensibili- ty of the heart, than words can utter—No pathetic strains of human language, no arti- ficial flowers of pensive rhetorick, can speak, to the feelings of the heart, like the deep touches of sorrow and distress, engraven in your pensive countenances, over which, the falling tears are rolling down; or, like crystal drops, quivering on the eyelids, and then trick- ling down so many faces—This expressive aspect, this impressive tone, discoverable throughout this great concourse of people, laudibly proclaim to every sympathetic ob- server), that there is, truly, and verily, a noted difference between an observance of mere ceremonious formality, and a solemnity 7 of veal and spontaneous feeling. Are you melted into sympathy? Your mourning looks proclaim it; your flowing tears at- test it. What doth allthismean? The sighs, the groans,the weeping eyes,the flowing tears, the deep concern depicted in your sorrow- ful countenances; all are impressive expres- sions, giving evidence of sympathetic sensibi- lity, and melting emotions of sorrow and grief. Truly, we have met with an afflictive dis- pensation of adversity, in one of the most distressing and trying occurrences, that has ever befallen the Methodist Episcopal church in America; and, probably, under all the peculiarities and circumstances of the case, the like never will, perhaps, never can befall us again! Public notification, has already announced, that, at this time, a funeral dis- ‘course, is to be delivered, upon the occasion of the death, of our much beloved, and great- ly lamented, father in the gospel, Francis Asbury, senior bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church. Alas! what did I say? The death of Francis Asbury! And is it so, that bishop Asbury is dead? Yes, my brethren, the stroke of death is given ; the - sad tidings are confirmed; stern necessity compels us, at last, to say, though with tears, that Asbury is no more! The great, the good, the wise, the laborious, the useful and the beloved bishop Asbury is dead !— His labours, his. afflictions, and his suffer- ings are over! He has paid the last sad debt of nature; all tears are wiped from his eyes; he will labour and suffer no more ; he rests from his labour, and his works will follow him! Our father, our bishop, and friend, will visit us no more! He will not return to us, but we shall follow him. This mournful pulpit, where I now starid, has often sustained his venerable form; while proclaiming to you, and listening multitudes, the unsearchable riches and treasures of grace!—His expresssive looks, his heavenly countenance, his melodious, full toned voice, his silvered gray locks, encircling his venerable brow, his zealous labors, his wholesome instructions, and pious counsels: are all, at this moment, represented to our view, and lively recollection. The imagina~ tion can portray, and almost realize, the picture of his actual presence before our eyes, and the echo of his voice, as if sound- ing in our ears!—But alas! we shall see his face no more! we shall never hear his voi again! The messenger death}hath clostil the scene! Weneed not marvel that the church should be clad in deep mourning; the con- gregation be overwhelmed with sadness ; the preachers be bathed in tears; and the people to sit in sorrow and sighing! De- parted worth, demands the tribute of a tear ; Pi ‘the mémory of the pious dead calls forth the effusions of respectful sympathy, among sur- viving friends! We are at the house of mourning! What am I about? On what strange topic ‘is this I am dwelling? Iam almost ready to pause! And under the influence of some strange emotions, to recoil at the idea of what I have stated; and with an impulse of surprise, and incredulous doubt, to ask, Are we not dreaming? Is it a reality? or, can it be so? that bishop Asbury, is certainly dead? Alas! O, that we were but autho- rised to countermand the report! If, perad- venture, it were but God’s good pleasure, for his own glory, the good of the church, and the benefit of the world, how would we rejoice,- abundantly, in being able to pro- nounce that our Asbury yet lived! But, the die is cast, the seal is fixed; it is a sad reali- ty; it is no fancy or imagination ; inflexible truth pronounces He is dead!—Nay, not dead, but he sleepeth—he has fallen asleep in the arms ofhis Saviour. He that liveth and be- lieweth in me, (said Christ) though he were dead, yet shall he live ; and he that liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Hence, we may say, though he be dead, yet he liveth, and is alive forevermore. He liveth in the remembrance and affectionate esteem of his brethren; and will live forever, with his God, among the glorified spirits made holy and 10 perfect in redeeming love! The animal life is extinct; the organs of corporeal sense, are locked up in the silence of death; the mor- tal body, for a season, is consigned to the tomb, to sleep with composure, in the solita- ry slumbers of mortality; there, quietly to rest, in its original dust of the earth, the house, and the bed, appointed for all living, till the morning of the resurrection—Then, the triumphant spirit shall come, and put it on afresh! ‘Till then, the departed spirit, in its immortal state, of separate and conscious existence, lives with its God, in the enjoy- ment of uninterrupted, and supernal felici- ty!—And, when the last trumpet shall sound, Arise ye dead, and come to judgment! the sleeping dust shall awake, arise, and come forth, all immortal, to everlasting life! All that are in their graves, shall hear the woice of the Son of God, and come forth; they that have done good, to the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. “ If aman die, shall he live again?” Yes, my brethren; then let us not sorrow, as with- out hope. When the night of death hath passed away, and the glorious morning shall usher in; then, our departed friend, with the thousands of Israel, shall rise slag, hin at the sound of the trumpet, shouting and exclaiming, O death! where is thy sting 2 O 11 grave! where is thy victory? Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ! In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; the dead shall be raised incorruptible—for this cor- ruptible, must put on incorruption, and this mortal, must put on immortality ; and death be swallowed up in victory. Hail! that happy day! When the eternal Judge, of quick and. dead, shall call the sanctified, who have washed their robes white, inthe blood of the Lamb, to receive their complete and full reward ; then, we hope to see our departed friend again, all resplendant, going forth to meet the adorable Saviour, and to be forever with the Lord. Then, the Judge of all the earth, will say to him, and to every holy sanctified child of God, Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joys of thy. Lord! O, that we, who have known and lived with him here, may reign and dwell with him there! Then, we shall no more be parted forever. Neither sorrow, nor sigh- ing, nor affliction, nor death, can enter that heavenly place. All tears, shall be wiped away from their eyes; and there shall be weeping no more. “The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joys upon their heads; to obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” “I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning « 12 them which are asleep, that ye sorrow no even ag others, which have no hope. Fori we believe that Jesus died, and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him. For the Lord himself shall descend from heayen with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive, and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord: wherefore, comfort one another with these words.” When the conference requested me to deliver a sermon on the present occasion, I was, for some time, at a stand, to determine what passage of scripture to select, as most appropriate and suitable for a text on the important and melancholy occasion of the bishop’s death. Various apt and interesting — passages, both in the Old and Wew Testa- ment, have been in succession presented to my mind—lI felt inclined not to take one, which had been usually taken, either on special or ordinary occasions; and to select a passage particularly applicable to the case and character, of the venerable and remark- able man, under consideration. After as mature deliberation, reflection, and exami- nation, as the short time allotted me would — admit of, I have given the preference to that, ’ 4 13 ; which I have read unto you. « I cannot cali to mind any passage of scripture, which, to me, appears more directly in point, as ap- plicable to the truly evangelical doctrine and the apostolic manner of life, and admi- rable christian character, of that venerable and wonderful man, bishop Asbury ; nor one more suitable, as an impressive subject, on the minds and recollections of his mourning ministerial brethren, and his weeping pas- toral charge; whom he has left, in tears, to remember, to believe, and to follow his doctrine ; and diligently, and perseveringly, to imitate and follow his pious example, and. holy manner of life, in purpose, faith, long- suffering, charity, patience: Perhaps there is no text more suitable for the occasion. And E am almost persuaded, that if the departed, disembodied, happy spirit, were now hover- ing over.us, and could be consulted, and were permitted to speak, and to communi- cate with us, on the occasion, that there are few, if any passages, which he would more cordially approve, as a text for his funeral discourse. Being dead, he yet speaketh to our memo- ry, and to our recollection, in language. like the text. Our feeling hearts vibrate, at the recollected accents. of his tongue, the empha- tic energy of his diction, and the still more forcible language of his well remembered to B 14 examples. We have heard and read, of the voice of the dead to the living—And, per- haps, there is a greater intimacy, a more frequent intercourse, and a nearer connexion, between departed spirits, and the living, than many are willing to admit— Why should it be thought a thing incredible, that God should even raise the dead? and why not, permit departed spirits, on certain occasions, to-communicate with the living? The spirit that appeared to John, in the Revelation, said untohim, “ I am thy FELLOW SERVANT, and of THY BRETHREN, that have the tesli-~ mony of Jesus”—and again, “ I am thy re.- LOW SERVANT, and of THY BRETHREN THE PROPHETS, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: In the case, when our Lord took Peter, James, and John, into a high moun- tain, and was transfigured before them—JBe- hold, there APPEARED UNTO THEM, Moses and Elias, talking with him: they saw his glory, and THE Two MEN that stood with him. A bright cloud overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud,“ Thisis my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased:”——And the disci- ples heard it, fell on their face, and were sore afraid—And suddenly—they saw no man any MORE, save Jesus with themselves.—Hark !— ~ In solemn silence pause!—Methinks,I almost hear his voice whisper, to every kindred spirit, to every mind that knew him, to every heart 45 that loved him, “ Follow me, as I followed Christ.” Thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, charity, patience—May it sink deep, in every heart!—remain long, in every mind!—and rest with weight upon the soul of every minister and member of the church! Holy men of old, spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. In their writings, we have doctrines, precepts, reproofs, corrections, and instructions, in righteousness; as a complete and all sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice, to direct and guard us, perfectly, with God’s blessing, against false doctrines, wrong practices, and evil workers—And they, being dead, yet speak to us in the sacred book—And may it not also be said, of other eminent and distinguished men of God, whose works praise them in the gates of Zion, whose apostolic doctrines, and holy manner of life, whose arduous labours and distinguished usefulness, have left behind them, standing memorials, and indisputable testimonials of their excellence and worth in the world; and so long as the fruits and effects of their useful lives and labours stand, as a living monument, that mankind has been made wiser, and better, and happier; and the world has been benefitted, by their studies, their researches, their labours, and their manner of life; may it not be said, truly and verily, that though dead, they continue to — 16 speak to us, and their yoice is heard in the world? The exemplary and instructive voice: the dead to the living, very often, is receiy with more weight, more respect, and more au- — thority, than the same warning, or counsel, or instruction, would be, from the living. The si- lent remembrance of departed worth, the re- collected examples of the pious dead, the wise counsels, and good advise, of friends, whoare no more; come home to, our feelings, with — more energy; speak louder, and with more impressive jinfluence, to the sensibility of the soul, than the vocal precepts and _in- structions of the living. k In life, it is admitted, that example speaks louder than precept; but when death, strikes the fatal blow, and cuts down our dearest friends; it gives a more emphatic tone, to their recollected sentiments and counsels; and a more impressive energy, to their re- membered examples. O death! with what gigantic force, with what majestic power, doth it strike the most dormant passion of the soul, rouse the most latent sensibility of the mind, and kindle up the remotest sparks of sympathetic tenderness and affection! The feelings of the heart are excited imto action, and melted into softness, or throbbing grief and anguish, at beholding a beloved friend, bidding this world, and us, a final farewell; and groaning out his last expiring breath, ee: wa as hesinks a lifeless corpse, in the cold arms of death! Then how we review and call to mind, with new emotions, with strange sen~ sations, the past occurrances of his life! His instructive words, his pleasing actions, his amiable deportment, his good examples, and every thing worthy and useful in his life, is called to mind with double effect, upon the feelings ofthe heart. Every excellence, ap- preciates to anadditional value; so that it is sometimes said, We never knew their value and full worth; nor how much we loved them, until they were taken fromus. Will not this, in some measure, apply, in the case before us? Doth not the manner of life, and the many excellencies of our brother Asbury, speak to our memories, our reason, our af- fections, and to our consciousness, with re- newed energy, and appreciated value? While touching on this feeling subject, I, again, almost imagine, that his venerable portraiture is in full view before me : as in a perspective vision, I behold, as it were, his person, his countenance, his snow-white hair, and his di- versity of deportment, in all the vicissitudes of his fluctuating and useful life. I almost fancy, that the echo of his voice, is sounding in our ears; and that his kindred spirit, as a guardian angel, is hovering over us, waving his wings, and saying, in gentle whispers; “Ye have fully known my doctrine, manner B 2 . et, Sian See ¢ . of life, purpose, faith, ae ng-sui patience.” He always manifecaan Perici attach- ment, to the directions, instructions, junctions, given by St. Paul, to Tim Titus ; as being directly connected with, and applicable to, the ministerial offices and du- ties, in the church of Christ ; and, as depen- dant on which, and a faithful discharge of the same, existed, in a great degree, the im- portant and essential interests of ‘religion, in the house of God. In his episcopal and pas- toral charges and addresses, how frequently did he adopt the sentiments and language, of St. Paul, particularly, to Timothy and Titus; relative to the office and work of the minis- try: in teaching, governing, and leading the flock of Christ, in the paths of piety, and the ways of cdheeearmas ? The Motto, on his official Episcopal ‘Seal, with which he executed the Credentials, or Letters of orders, for those whom he ordain- ed, and set apart to the work of the ministry, ‘m the church of God, was selected from the aposties charge to T imothy ; which was, “ SruDY TO SHEW THYSELF APPROVED UN- To Gop :’—that always, on looking over, or reviewing their parchment, or Letters of ordination, and on seeing his hand and seal of Episcopal authority, they might have before their eyes, the charge and injunction, as a “ +2 Menento, to stir gitar minds, by way of remembrance, to a fresh and lively recollec= tion of their duty, their obligations, and their’ promise ; and to a solemn and serious reflec- tion, upon their accountability, and responsi- bility, to God; im the great eternal day: as those, who must give an account, for the faithful discharge and performance of the sacred duties and trusts, committed to their care. How great, and how awful, the charge, the responsibility, and the accountability ! The words of our text, he sometimes ex- patiated on, and improved and applied it, to ministers and people, as an excellent remem- brancer, to put them in mind, of the Aposto- lic doctrine, and-manner of life, as an exam- ple for us, as ministers and christians to fol- low; as in duty bound, we ought, most care- fully and diligently to observe. In the primitive days of christianity, the “Apostle saw that false doctrines, and. evil workers, would creep into the church; and that the mystery of miquity had already be- gan to work: therefore, to put Timothy, and the church, on their guard, against those evil ehiratters: and enemies to thetruth of sound doctrine ; and to fortify them, against inno- vators, who would endeavour to bring in condemnable heresies, turning the-grace of | God into lascivious sness, he proposes an an- * tidote against their poison ; and recommends 20 to Timothy, a firm, constant, and vigilant, adherence to the doctrines of the gospel of Christ; which he, both held and preached | among them; and which, Timothy, had so | fully known. He enjoins a careful imitation and following of that example, of piety and | holiness, so fully known, and exemplified, in his own manner of life, purpose, faith, long- suffering, charity, patience. He also enjoins, a steadfast adherence to the holy scriptures, which he had known from a child; and which were, able to make him wise to salva- tion, through faith, in the Lord Jesus Christ: “ All scripture, given by inspiration of God, and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness ; that the man of God may be perfected, tho- roughly furnished unto all good works.” , Thus the apostle, sets up a standard, and states a criterion, and lays down a rule, by — which, we may try, test, and prove, all doc- trines, and manner of life. —“* To the law, and to the testimony ; if they speak not accord- ing to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” . Whether we consider the words of our text, as the apostle’s, originally addressed to Timothy, to the church, and to successive gencrations ; or as the adopted language of our late Bishop, in appropriate fitness, and suitable application, as addressed to us,, | 21 they are, in either case, for our instruction, and as a remembrancer. In them, we hear the voice, and the address, of the dead to the living. When we think of our departed bro- ther, let us callto mind the language of the text ; and when we hear, or recollect these words, let us remember the doctrme, the pi- ous example, and holy manner of life, to which they refer; and let us steadfastly adhere to the one, and diligently follow the other. Thou hast fully known—Probably, Timo- thy, had not a more intimate knowledge of Paul, than we have had of Asbury. We have known him as our father, preceptor, leader, and guide, inthe kingdom and patience of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have known him long, even from youth to old age. We have known him as aman, as achristian, as a citi- ‘zen, as a minister of the gospel, and asa gene- ral superintendant, or bishop, in the church of God. We have known him in public and in private ; among friends and among enemies ; in prosperity and adversity ; generally and particularly ; intimately and thoroughly ; or fully known him. The relative situation in which he stood connected with the church ; and the circumstances and manner of his life ; exposed him, continually, to public or private observation and inspection, and. sub- jected him to a constant and critical review ; and that from day to day, and from year to year. Wie od ig me —_— co : 7 22 Through the United States, and every State in the Union, from east to west, and. from north to south; hundreds of thousands, have had their eyes upon him, their ears open to him, their tongues speaking of him, and their heads and hearts, their opinions and sentiments, their partialities and preju- dices, their passions and affections, various~ y employed and exercised about him. But ew, very few, have been so generally known, both personally and_ characteristically. What more perfect knowledge, could we pos-— sibly have of any man, than we have had of him? In all his various and extensive movements, through all his complicated and multiplied concerns; we have known him to be critically imspected, carefully watched, closely examined, thoroughly tested, and completely proved and tried: like gold or silver, seven times tried in the fire. Some- times we have known him, as in the fires of strife, of envy, suspicion, and jealousy, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, in Ne- buchadnezzar’s fiery furnace; and yet, un- hurt, in the midst of the flame. Or, like Daniel, in the lions’ den; preserved in safety, in the midst of danger: when the beasts of the people, and the devil, like roaring lions, were seeking his destruction; and whomso- ever else they might destroy. But that God, whom he believed, and loved, and served ; 23 that God, “who quenched the violence of fire, and stopped the mouths of lions,” took care of his servant “until the calamities were overpast:” for hissoul trusted in him; yea, under the shadow of the Almighty wings did he make his refuge. ‘“ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. He shall cover thee with his fea- thers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and’ buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day ; nor for the pestilence that walketh in dark- ness ; nor for the destruction that.wasteth at noon-day. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and the adder, or asp: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” We have known him—to be, the man of probity, integrity, fidelity, and punctuality ; of truth, justice, mercy and benevolence ; the christian, of strong faith, great watchful- ness, importunate in prayer, deep humility, much patience, and of devout and holy liv- ing; the minister of unwearied diligence, indefatigable labours, incessant cares, and constant solicitude; for the prosperity of Zi- on, the success of the gospel, and the salva- tion of the people: In doctrine, sound, scrip- 24 tural, and evangelical; in labours abundant, faithful, and useful: As ‘bich op, or superin- tendant, remarkably qualified for his station and office, and unusually diligent, persever- ing, and faithful, in his: unwearied applica- tions, to the abundant and complicated du- ties and labours of his official . station: throughout all his vastly extended diocess, and arduous pastoral charge. He was loved, respected, esteemed, admired, and feared, with filial reverence, both by ‘the ministers. and people. He was accounted worthy of double honor, for his work’s sake, as one that ruled well, and laboured especially in the — word and doctrine. His episcopal charges, official directions, and constitutional appointments and orders, in general, were punctually observed, and respectfully, willingly, and cheerfully obey- ed. Very few, either primitive or modern, ever knew, or acquired the art, better than he, of obtaining, excercising and supporting, the pastoral and episcopal influence and au- thority ; and of using it, with so much digni- ty, respectability, usefulness, and approba- tion. He had a particular qualification for governing; his peculiar temperature of mind and spirit, his dignified manner of conversa- tion and deportment, his stern reserve, tem- pered by a social freedom, his authoritative decisions, softened down by gentle sooth- a ee meme S : ings,and his apparent inflexibility and inde- pendent opinion, placidly yielding to rea- sonable and amicable accommodations ; car- ried with them an impressive, and almost ir- resistable influence; and gave him a kind of patriarchal ascendency and superiority. And which, had a powerful tendency to inspire others with filial reverence, and profound respect for the man, and to create a respect- ful difidence, almost to embarrassment, in his presence ; and to produce a pliable and courteous disposition of yielding, to his opi- nions, words, and wishes. Thus, in almost every circle, where he moved, he gained a kind of irresistable ascendency, influence, and authority, like a father in his family, and aruler in Israel. We well know, what influence his presence had, what weight his words carried, and with what decision and precision, his opinion and judgment, would put to silence, and settle, the knotty, or the doubtful question. Who of us could be in his company without feeling impressed with a reverential awe, and profound respect, for the man, the christian, the minister, and am- bassador of God? It was almost impossible to approach, and converse with him, without feeling the strong influence of his spirit and presence, upon our minds, sentiments, words, and actions. There was something, in this re- markable fact, almost inexplicable, and indes= C 26 cribable. Was it owing to the strength and elevation of his spirit, the exalted and sub- lime conceptions of his mind, the dignity and majesty of his soul; or the sacred pro- fession and authority, with which he was clothed, in his distinguished character; as an eminent christian, remarkable for piety, and . an ambassador of God, invested with divine authority? But so it was, it appeared as though the very atmosphere in which he moved, gave unusual sensations of diffidence and humble restraint, to the boldest and © most undaunted confidence of, man. We now have, and, I hope and pray, we may continue to have, many excellent men, pious. christians, good preachers, wise counsellors, useful instructors, and able prudent rulers ; but alas! “to take him all and in all, his like we shall never see again!” Another F'ran- cis Asbury, another like him, we shall nei- ther have nor know again! Our father! our father! has gone down to the silent shades of death! but his happy spirit, with Elijah’s, has gone up to his God! Brethren! of the ministry, now bewailing, your loss, in tears; to you he was especially known, ever since you entered the ministry ; © probably, ever since you possessed religion ; and, perhaps, some of you, ever since your earliest recollection—to you, therefore, we might appeal, if necessary, as witnesses, of 27 what we advance. We might also appeal to many others, who for a long time, some of you, for more than forty years, have known the distinguished worth, the superior excellence, and the pre-eminent usefulness of our venerable father. But on earth we shall know him no more; we are left to mourn and to suffer a little longer im this vail of tears. However, we must be resign- ed. “The Lord gave and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord.”— We could not expect to have him always, nor keep him from his reward forever. We ought to be thankful, that we were favoured with him so long. We must learn to do without him. The Lord will provide. His memory, however,demands from us the tri- bute of respectful remembrance. Brethren, of the ministry, you have not been accustomed tomeet in your annual con- ference, without his presence amongst you, tocheer your spirits and gladden your hearts; and his wisdom, experience, and counsel, to aid and direct, in your deliberations and bu- -siness. But his seat is now vacated, to be filled by another; it may be well filled, and much to your satisfaction; but, not as it was by him; a vacuum, a vacancy, will remain. It is enough to say, He is not there: he is no more to preside among you; no more to go in and out before you. I believe I enter into i 28 your sympathies; you must feel like the sor-. rowful school of the prophets, when their. senior, their father, was taken away! We have been accustomed to receive the annual visits, of our Asbury, to be benefitted by his public ministry, to be instructed by his lectures and counsels, in society meetings, and to be profited by his pious conversations, and holy examples, in private families, and social circles. But now, my friends, while reflecting on the present sorrows, and com- paring them with the past joys; you must feel - a kind of melancholy pleasure, astrange con- flict of emotions, arising from the pleasing remembrance of the past, and a painful sen- sation under the present distress. Though sorrowing and sighing, at his death; yet were- joice and praise God, that he once lived, and that we ever saw his face and knew him, and enjoyed the unspeakable advantages of his labours of love. We bless God, that we have known, fully known, such a minister of the gospel, as the exemplary, the pious, the labo- rious, the useful Francis Asbury. Thou hast fully known, My DocTRINE.— We have not only known him, but his doc- trine. We now come on the subject of doc- érine. , As was before suggested, the Apos- tle Paul, forewarned Timothy, of perilous times to come, of great difficulties to encoun- ter,ofinsiduous teachers,who would be creep- 29 ing into houses, and churches, and artfully endeavouring to lead the unwary and silly professors astray. He apprized him of false doctrines, erroneous. opinions, vain specula- tions, and evil examples; which would be in- troduced among them, and probably, produce sad and awful effects, and destructive conse- quences, in the church of Christ.. Therefore, to put Timothy on his guard, and to arm him against those pernicious delusion,and danger- ous consequences; herefers him to the stand- ard of truth, in the holy scriptures, as exem- plified in his own doctrine, and manner of life, well known to Timothy; which were to be diligently followed, in opposition to those false teachers, and destructive errors, which were likely to produce heresy, schism, dis- orders, and confusion in the church; and ir- religion, wickedness, and destruction, to the souls of the people. The gospel doctrine, founded on a firm rock, supported by its cre- dible witnesses, competent testimony, and weight of internal evidence; can, alone, be sufficient, with God’s blessing, to counteract, and overthrow, the fanciful notions, vain philosophy, uncertain hypothesis, and speci- ous sophistry, of deluded, artful, and wicked men. i The term doctrine, signifies any tenet, opi- nion, principles or positions, of any sect, or ‘teacher, whether true or false, in philosophy, C2 ee ee 30 / morals, or religion. Hence, we hear of the various doctrines of the ancient philosophers, such as the Stoicks, the Platonicks, the Py- thagoreans, the Fatalists, and others. All sécts, and all religions, have their peculiar doctrines; even we read of the doctrines of devils. Among the Jews, there were the doctrines of the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Essenes, and the Herodeans. Our Saviour, warned his disciples against the leven of the Pharisees, and they perceived that he spake of their doctrine. He also warned them against the doctrine of the Sadducees, the Herodeans, and other false opinions, and doctrines, in morals and religion. The apos- tle, followed Christ; and our late bishop, care- fully followed Paul, as he followed Christ; © in the custom of warning the people, against delusions and errors, of doctrine and of practice. How often have we heard him proclaim against pharisaical self-righteous- ness, against antinomian licenciousness, against sadducean sceptical infidelity, and the herodean courtly flattery, dissimulation, and carnal temporizing. : We find that in different nationsand ages, ancient and modern, that adiversity of sects and doctrines have existed ; not only among heathens and Jews, but also among those who have called themselves christians, both Greeks, Romans, and Protestants—There 34 were the Manichees, the Arians, Pelagians, Socinians, Antinomians, and numerous others, of anti-christian, and anti-scriptural doctrines, strange delusions, and alarming fatal errors, of primitive and modern times, which have made awful havoc in the chris~ tian world ; turning, as it were, the grace of God into lasciviousness; and many from the faith of the gospel, from the practice of piety, and from the way of salvation! Even in the apostolic days, the mystery of iniquity be- gan to spread, and condemnable heresies were brought in, overthrowing the faith of some, and bringing swift destruction upon them. “ Now the spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. For the time will come, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts will they heap to themselves teachers; having itching ears, they will turn eway their ears from the truth, and will be turned unto fables.”— Some of the false doctrines were of Jewish origin, others of Pagan derivation, and. others of astrange heterogeneous compound, of Judaism, heathen philosophy, Pagan idola- try and superstition, blended with christiani- ty. Others, again, from the vain philosophy, fanciful notions, and specious pretentions, of strange theological speculators; in schemes, systems, and bodies of divinity, so called. 32 Unfortunately, in the days of St. Jugus=. tine, bishop of Hippo, and/of St. Prosper, his — zealous advocate, in the end of the fourth, and beginning of the fifth century, there — were too many of the doctrines of the Pla- — tonic school, and Stoical philosophy, of. blind fatality, and of absolute, arbitrary, unavoidable necessity, strangely blended, | and lamentably incorporated with the doc- trines of the christian theology. Out of which, as it appears to me, in a great mea- sure, arose the Antinomian doctrine of un- conditional election and reprobation—the doctrine of absolute predestination of the elect to life and salvation, as immutably and infalli- bly certain, as absolute necessity can make it, do what they will; and the predestination of the reprobates to unavoidable destruction, as awfully-certain, as fatality itself can fix it, do what they can! And all this, pretended to be unalterably established, by a supposed, irrevocable, immutable decree, made from ali eternity. I can find nothing of this, m the apostles doctrine—nothing like this, was taught or believed by our late Bishop. He, and all of us to help him, could not find it, in the benevolent, the impartial,the just, and merciful doctrines, of the gospel * the free grace of God, in Christ Jesus. No, nor in the | primitive fathers, previous to St. Augustine. - Some set up, and dissemirate for doc- 33 trines, the wild effusions and vain imagina- tions of their own disordered fancies ; some attempt to buiid and improve upon the. ‘Sper culative notions of other men; some appear to be influenced by the pride of vain _philoso- phy; others by an enthusiastical imagina- tion, bordering on fanaticism, proclaim | the reveries of their own whimsical fancy ; others by their prepossessions or prejudices, for or against any notion or opinion, as it may appear subservient to the predelictions of their passions, their interest, their per- verse wills, their views of gratification, or the depraved inclinations of their own wicked hearts; and others again from some strange and unaccountable unstableness of mind, which subjects them to be driven about with every wind of doctrine, and to be the dupes of artful, insinuating, designing, or deluded men. In the dark ages of popery, whatian awfal departure from the doctrines and authority of the scriptures of truth; from the spirit, and temper, and practice of the gospel; and al- most from every moralvirtue. And how de- plorably was the church, so called, sunk into the abominations of idolatry and superstition, and into a profanation of sacred things! The decrees and canons of counci papal bulls, and the decretals of the ] were substituted, for divine authority, ait eee place ofthe holy scriptures, as a rule of faith and practice. The pure apostolic doctrines of the gospel, were almost entirely discarded. It was at the risk of property, liberty, and life ; to believe, profess, and live up to the doctrines of Christ, ascontained in the word of God. Exquisite tortures were inflicted, on those who dared to question the autho- rity and the infallibility, of the Romish church, their councils, and popes ; though ever so unscriptural, absurd, and horrid. I forbear to recite, even from ecclesiastical writers of that church, such as Duphin, doc- tor of the Sorbonne, and Royal Professor, in the ecclesiastical faculty at Paris, and others, the awful apostacy, and abominations of the church of Rome. _ Many zealous and laudible efforts were made, against the corruptions of Rome, the tyranny of the popes, and the abomination of desolation, standing, iti the holy place; a long time, before much, if any, reformation could be produced. The Waldenses, the Albigenses, and others, struggled hard, but to little effect; they were generally suppressed and awfully slaughtered, and butchered; by divers methods of cruelty and torture ; by the ecular arm, then under the power and con- _ of the ecclesiastical hierarchy of Rome. ength, Wickliffe, of England, then John ~ ss, and Jerome, of Prague, made bold, » : 35 learned, pious, and deadly strokes, at the pre= vailing errors, abuses, and corruptions of popery. They sowed the seed of truth, which afterwards sprang up, and produced a blessed harvest of the word. When Lu- ther, Melancthon, Calvin, and other protest- ant Divines, being protected and supported by princely reformers, proclaimed the doctrines of the scriptures, and the authority of Christ, asa standard of divine truth; and the only divine rule of christian faith and practice; in ‘opposition to the awful indulgences, and other prevailing errors, superstitions, and idolatry of the times ; it was like a lamp that burneth, with brightness, to shine upon the path of salvation. ‘The word of the Lord prevailed, and the doctrines of truth reviv- ed, and a great reformation took place, and spread. in the earth. But unfortunately, too many of the pro- testantreformed churches, in process of time, greatly sunk into formality, and mto the spirit and temper of the world; and then, evangelical doctrines, and vital piety, again declined; and were too seldom heard from the pulpit, read from the press, or seen in the lives and deportment of professors. Genu- ine primitive christianity was greatly neglect- ed, and scarcely to be found; excepting in corners, and solitary circles. The churches generally, having a name to live, but were 36 % : dead—“having a form of godliness, but deny- ing the power thereof—professing to know Christ, but in works denying him.” This lamentable state of things, too generally ex- isted, in the different churches and nations of the earth.—When, in the early part of the last century, God, in his wisdom and good~ ness, raised up the two Wesleys, John and Charles, George Whitefield, and a goodly number of other faithful witnesses; who — _ stood forth as lights in a benighted land, zealously to testify of the grace of God, and to spread the doctrine of gospel truth, and to revive evangelical religion in the world. — They made a firm and successful stand, and boldly attacked the strong holds of dark~ ness, the errors of the times, and the vices of the age; which were so prevalent among both the clergy and the laity. God blessed their efforts, prospered their labours, and added to their strength, and to their numbers — daily. Behold, they have spread into bands! © The Wesleys, and their coadjutors, were attacked on every side, and almost in every form, by principalities, powers, and spiri- tual wickedness in high places. But they stood steadfast, in the support and defence of the apostles doctrine, with great patience and perseverance. We might give a cata- logue of eminent and useful men, who were imployed, as colleagues and co-workers to- 37 gether, for many years, in this great and glorious revival of pure and undefiled re- ligion; but for this, [refer you to Crowther’s - Portraiture of Methodism, to the Minutes ef Conferences, and to the histories written by Wm. Myles, J. Lee, and others, upon this subject. However, I will briefly notice the remar- kable providence of God, in raising up that _admirable and wonderful man, John Fletch- er, who came to the help of the Lord against the mighty. He was an eminent and learned man, and one of the most holy and useful preachers of his day, and one of the most distinguished polemical writers of the age. Mr. Wesley acknowledged, that God had raised up John Fletcher, as a helper and assistant to him in this great work. In the year 1771, the Revd. Mr. Shirley, and nine or ten others, opposers of Mr. Wesley, and the Methodist doctrine, came to the Bristol Conference, in a body, and insisted upon a recantation .of certain offensive points of doctrine, which had been published in the minutes of conference for 1770; and which dad occasioned the publication of Mr. Shir- ‘ley’s famous circular letter. ‘They con- versed freely about two hours, and found the Conference not such “ dreadful heriticks” as they immagined; but tolerably sound in the faith.” Mr, Wesley and the Conrfer-. D Bet i al $: oe SEO CO | “$8 ar . » " ence, would not, and did not, recant’ any of the points or propositions, against which, Mr. Shirley, and his friends, so warmly pro-— tested. This brought on that great, and extraordinary, religious controversy; in — which Mr. Fletcher, so remarkably and pre-eminently distinguished himself in polé- mical divinity. Hé came out, from the press, in open and bold defence of the Mi- nutes, and of the doctrines therein contain- ed. He appeared, as with gigantic strength of logical, argument accompanied by the ir- resistible evidence and testimony of the scriptures of truth. His learned opposers, one afteranother, took him in turn; Shirley, the two Hills, Toplady, and others, were all put to silence. Those masterly and unan- swerable writings, I would recommend, to the attention of all, who wish to be settled, and established, in points of gospel truth, and scripture doctrines—especially, I would recommend them to all ministers, and dents of divinity. They are in six volumes, under the title of FLETCHER’S CHECKS. “ Ah, Fletcher, many have done well, but thou hast done wonderously well.” «7 In the time of this great revival of truth and religion, during the ardent struggles for the maintainance of the doctrines of the gospel of Christ, while many were success- ‘fully, and “ earnestly contending for the faith, _. t 89 once delivéred to the saints”, our Asbury, came forward, as a son in the gospel; being well instructed, by the best of preceptors, in | the doctrines of grace, the genuine princi- | ples of the christian religion, both in theory, experience, and practice. At the Bristol | Conference, above mentfoned, in 1771, he | had been travelling, as a preacher, about five | years. We shall have further occasion, in | this discourse, to notice, that it was at that — conference, he was appointed to come to | America. He was considered as settled and established in doctrines, sound in the faith, and well qualified for the Mission. Like a David, the son of Jesse, a strip- ling in the armies of Israel, he ventured forth, to meet and encounter the gasconad- ing- Goliah, the giant of error and sin, which stalked through the land, putting at, _ defiance the armies of the living God. Me- thinks, I can almost see him, with his shepherd’s staff in hand, taking the five smooth stones of truth, out of the brook divine, putting them into his shepherd’s,bag, and with his gospel sling in his hand, going forth in the name of the living God, against the prince of the power of the air, who rules the children of discbedience. He took the sword of the spirit, the word of God, the shield of faith, the breast-plate of righteous- ness, the helmet of salvation; was girt about 40 with truth, shod with the preparation of the gospel; and then, praying always, with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance; he came forth in this glorious warfare, as a good soldier, to fight under the banner of “Christ, against false doctrine, sin, and the divil. His Motio was, “ Do the work of an _evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. . ~ Continue thou in these things, which thou hast — learned, and hast been assured of, know ingof whom thou hast learned of them. Take heed to thyself, and to thy doctrine; continue in them; — give thyself wholly to them: for in so doing, — pv shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee.” His doctrines, are so fully known, that it may be a question, whether it is necessary to expatiate, particularly, upon their various branches. They embraced all those divine . truths, contained in the sacred scriptures.— ‘The bible, to him, was the book of books, ~ and his grand confession of faith. He was careful to regulate, all his religious tenets ‘and doctrines, by the book of God; and to discard every thing that was incompatible — with the divine law and testimony. Mr. Wesley’s Sermons, and Notes on the Scrip- tures, and Fletcher’s Checks, exemplify his leading doctrines. The’Articies of religion, in the Form of Discipline, and, what is com+ 44 monly called, the Apostles Creed, contain 4 brief summary of his faith and doctrines.—~ In his public ministry, in his conference communications, and examinations of can- © didates, for the ministry; in his addresses to the Societies, in his private and social in- terviews, and in his sentimental conversa- tions; we have often heard him, instructive- ly and entertainingly, profess, declare, and enforce his opinions and doctrines. We have fully known them. - - With fear and trembling, I almost shud- der, at the idea of touching upon some of the awfully glorious doctrines of the gospel, which embrace his sublime and exalted views of the Infinity, and Eternity, of the divine perfections, and glorious attributes ! The incomprehensible, and inexplicable ful- ness, of the adorable, Omnipotent, Omnipre- sent, and Omnicient Deity ! Whose divine wisdom, goodness, and power, brought all creation into existence; and wonderfully , govern the universé! And are continually employed, in benevolent diffusions, and mer- ciful distributions, of providential and gra- cious benefits, to all creation! The Being of a God, permit mé to say, is so indisputably , manifest, in all the visible works of nature, and in all the perceptible, and conceivable, - volume of the universe; that an irresistible consciousness, of the Being of a God, anda — D2 Ps ie ets, eo a ak oe Bhi 42 moral sense of Deity, is forcibly, and incon-" trovertibly, impressed upon the reason, the _ Judgment, and the understanding of every intelligent creature! Hence, it appears to me, ~ about as necessary, and as reasonable, to at-— tempt to prove, the being of a God, by argu-— ment, as it is to light a candle, at noon day, to let men see that the sun shines; and to prove, thereby, the existence of the sun. It appears to me, that the power, the wisdom, the good- ness, and the government, of the infinite God, in creation, and providence, is as con- clusive, and indisputably manifest, to reason and consciousness, as the illumination, and — warmth of the world, by the light and heat of the sun, is evident, to the corporeal sense, of seeing and feeling, that the sun exists, and gives light and heat! It is, however, one thing to acknowledge God, and, like the Athenians, raise an altar, and make inscriptions, “To THE UNKOWN Gop;” but it is another thing, to know him, The unknown God, whom many ignoranily worship ; him we declare unto you. This is life elernal, to know thee, the only true God,” and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”— « Acquaint now, thyself with him, and be at peace, thereby good shall come unto thee.” “God hath made the world, and all things therein, he is Lord of heaven and of earth; he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things ; 43 and hath made of one blood, all nations of men, for to dwell on all the face of the earth: for in him, we live, and move, and have our: being.” Forasmuch then, as we are all the offspring of God, we ought not to think light- - ly or irreverently of his Being, and sove-- reignty over us; and of our dependence on him, and obligations tohim. Heaven is his throne, and earth is his footstool! ‘ The’ invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead.” O' that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto us the spirit of wisdom and revelation, in the knowledge of himself! The eyes of our understanding being en- lightened, that we may know what is the hope of his calling, and the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and the exceeding greatness of his power toward those who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, wrought in Christ, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is nam- ed, not only in this world, but also in that which i to come.” “ The fulness of Him, that filleth all in all!” O! the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom, and knowledge, _ and power, and goodness of God! how un- _ searchable are his judgments, and his. ways _ past finding out! PO te eee ; Ad, The doctrine of the Trinity—That great, and inexplicable, perhaps, inconceivable, mystery ; of three persons, or personated offices, in the, supernatural and divine ope- rations, interpositions, and influences, of the Infinite Spirit ; in the stupendous works of creation, redemption, and sauctification ; and that these three, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, are. One, in the indivisible, unity of the eter- nal and infinite Deity. This sublime doc- trine, he held and taught, as an article of the christian faith, founded in the scriptures of truth. “ There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” And why should this doctrine be thought any more unreason- _ able, or difficult, to hold, and believe, on the ground of mystery; than to hold and believe, that every attribute, and every per- fection of God, is an infinite attribute, and an infinite perfection ; and yet, nevertheless, all the particular infinite attributes, and all the distinct infinite perfections of Deity, are so many distinct infinites, as applied to every particular perfection and attribute, and yet, are all comprehended in the One, indivisible, Infinite Being? O! the unsearchable, the incomprehensible, the boundless, the im- measurable, lengths, and breadths, and depths, and heights, and infinites, of the power, the wisdom, the goodness, the voli- 45 \ tion, the presence, and the free-agency, of the One Eternal, Infinite Jehovah! Filling an infinite expanse, or boundless space! And, filling an infinite duration, from eter- nity past, to eternity tocome! As some have expressed it, “‘ Comprehending, One eternal now!” For us to attempt to scan and test, the infinite possibilities, consisten- cies, connexions, and subsistences, with God, by our finite capacities, and limited views, is as fruitless and unreasonable, as an attempt to gather the boundless ocean, and contain it in the palm of our hand ; or to stand on the earth, and touch the stars with our fingers. Oh! thou Infinite of Infi- nities! How unsearchable art thou! And thy being, thy fperfections, and thy ways, past finding out! In awful reverence we prostrate before thee! And as we cannot. - comprehend thee, we desire, with profound adoration, to worship at thy feet! We | prostrate before thee! We fear, we love, we worship and adore thee! CThe doctrine of the fall of man—He held that man had fallen, from his primeval inno- cency ; and believed the universal depravi- ty of human nature ; that the whole poste- rity of Adam, were plunged into sin, and into a lost and helpless condition; unable to restore or save themselves, or even to perform any good work, acceptable to God, * ® without the grace of God in Christ Jesus preventing them.” All flesh hath corrupt- ed their way ; they have all gone out of the way ; there is none that doeth good, no not one. ‘ By one man, sin entered into the world, and death by sin, so death has pass- ed upon all, for all have sinned.” “ The whole head is sick, the whole heart faint ; from the sole of the foot even to the crown, wounds, bruises, and putrifying sores. The carnal mind, is enmity against God-being alienated, we are enemies to God by wicked works.” This doctrine, we know he held and taught. It is truly a sad picture of hu- man depravity ; debased by sin, sunk into crimes, loaded with guilt, and under the sen- tence of death, condemned and wretched)! Is there any hope of relief? Is there any _ prospect? Is there any ‘promise of a Deli- verer? O, yes! The Lord Jesus Christ, is able to bear, and strong to deliver. In the majesty of his divine power, he bruises the serpent’s head, and wounds the dragon; he spoils the hosts of hell, and triumphs over sin, death, and the grave. He leads capti- vity, captive, and procures gifts, of grace, pardon, and salvation, even for the rebel- lious. (The doctrine of redemption—Of salvation, through the incarnation, life, sufferings, death, resurrection, aScension, and interces~ - onal 47 a . , sion, of our Lord Jesus Christ. The doc- trine of a full, complete, and general atone- ment. That, through the merits and medi- ation of the adorable Saviour, there is free and full redemption and salvation, for all, and every one, who as a moral agent, will come, and accept it, upon gospel terms. This was a topic, on which his tongue, his heart, and his soul, delighted to dwell! Pleasing theme! Redemption through Christ; salvation for sinners ! How often have we heard him proclaim, in animated strains, and pathetic energy— “ Jesus whowas made a little lower than the ‘angels, for the suffering of death ; crowned with glory and honor, that he, by the grace of God, should taste death for every man!” “ The lowe of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, if one died for all, then were all dead, and that he died for all, that they who live, should not henceforth live to themselves, but to him who died for them, and rose again” — “that the grace of God, that bringeth salva~ tion, hath appeared to all men”—“ God is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is long-suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and live” —He held, he preached, he offered free mercy, and salvation, to every soul of man. “ As I live, saith the Lord, I have no plea-. 48 sure in the death of the oy an e the wicked turn from his way and live. “For this is good and acceptable in t sight of God our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth”—* Who gave him- self a ransom for all”—O, glorious news! Redeeming love! heavenly doctrine ! And, “God be thanked for the unspeakable gift ’ Of a divine Saviour! An all sufficient Sa- viour! A full and free salvation! He held the doctrine, of the Divinity of Christ. In opposition to Deism, Arianis Socinianism, and all the host of ceed infidelity. For, “ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God—And, the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.—In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily—The mighty God, the everlasting Father. God our Saviour ; who gave himself a ransom for all.” He also held the doctrine of the superna- tural influences of the Holy Ghost, upon the hearts and consciences of men, in reproving the world of sin, and of righteousness, and’ judgment. It is by the diversity of the ope- rations of the Holy Ghost, that the under- standing is divinely illumimated, the will graciously renovated, and the affections of the heart become sanctified. Itis the Di 49 wine Spirit, that graciously excites, and reli- giously quickens, the moral sensibility, and the moral capacity of the human soul, to things spiritual and divine. He shall receive of mine, said Christ, and shall shew it unto you—When he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth. It is by the efficient influences of the Holy Spirit, that the soul is awakened, regenerated, justified, and sanctified. The fruit of the Spirit, is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, soodness, faith, meekness, temperance—Now, if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his—O Lord, take not thy Holy Spirit from us! Uphold us by thy free Spirit! Enable us to live in the Spirit, to walk in the Spirit, and to mind the things of the Spirit! O, that, “ The Spirit itself, may bear witness with our spirits, that we are the children of God!” He also held, and constantly inculcated, the doctrine of “‘ Repentance towards God, and of faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ;” and the necessity of a holy life,in obedience tc the gospel of the grace of God; as the terms and conditions, upon which we ob- fain salvation. ‘ Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.” ‘ He that believethnot the Son, shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” And, “ without ho- imess, no man shall see the Lord.” Ex- 50 _ perimental and practical dliigin, faith and good works; justification and sanctificati anda perseverance in holiness of heart life, to the end; were, less or more, inc porated with, and enforced in most all discourses. In the divine scheme and plan of'sylvation, I consider that, the Love of God, is the moving cause; the atonem of Chiist: is the meritorious cause; the s pernatural'influences of the Holy Ghost, th efficient cause; and repentance, faith, and obedience, the conditional cause of our sal vation. What God, in his word, hath join ed together, as so many links, in his gosp chain, let no man attempt to seperate, put asunder. O, that we all, may be strong, and unfeigned in ‘the faith! correct, and true. in opinion and doctrine! sound, and deep, in, christian expenesce obedient, and pious in holy living! and the God of peace, sant tify us wholly; and preserve our whole spirit, soul, and body, blameless! ; His doctrine, of the immortality of the soul; future rewards and punishment; ofa general resurrection; of an awful day of jud ment; and of the eternity of the happiness I the righteous; and of the at pusig S ment of the wicked; are well r by, proclaimed abroad, as wit a mpet- voice; especially, in the applications Ls son of his most solemn, and most alarmin, 51 courses! Death, judgment, heaven and hell, immortality and eternity! O! eternity! eternity! that awful sound! It is more ter- rifick, than the peals of roaring thunder! O God! let it sound with good effect in every ear; and with divine energy and power to every heart! “ It is appointed man once for to die, and af- ter death thejudgment. The hour is coming, in the which, all that are in the graves, shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, to the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, to the resurrec- tion of condemnation! In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the trumphet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised! This corrupti- ble, must put on incorruption; and this mortal, must put on immortality; then, death is swal- lowed wp in victory. O,death! where is thy sting? O, grave! where is thy victory? Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory, through mur Lord Jesus Christ!—The wicked, shall z0 away into everlasting punishment; but the ighteous, into life eternal. Alas! when the reat day of his wrath is come, who shall be le to stand?” He rightly divided the word of truth, and ve to each his portion in due season. He ad a doctrine, for the unrighteous impeni- ent sinner; a doctrine, for the broken heart- d penitent mourner; a doctrine, for the be- \ Pe a ee ee ee Se 52 lieving, humble, loving christian; and, doctrine, for every situation and station & life; and, for the variety of casuistical cases of conscience, and questions of moral an religious duty, so frequently occurring the economy and concerns of the chris) tian life and conduct, in doing and suffering’ the will of God. He was, in scriptural a casuistical theology, a Master in Israel; a distinguished evangelical divine. Deser- vedly to be placed in ‘the first class of pa~| trjarchal and apostolical theologians, pastors, and bishops. , We have fully known his doctrines, on all the great and essential points and detai of the christian faith; and on all the’ impor- tant necessary duties of the christian life —~ What he have, as christians, and ministers, to believe, to experience, to do, to endure, and to enjoy. Calculated to awaken the guil- ty consciences of sinners; to encourage and comfort the conflicting minds of desponding” mourners; to build up and establish believ~ ers, in all the graces of the Spirit; to lead and direct the souls of men, in the sure way of salvation; and to set forth the honor, the’ praise, and the glory of God! _How remarkably different, are his dot-' trines, from the fanciful notions, the whinisi-— cal reveries, the hypothetical theories, and vain philosophical speculations, of unstable,’ 53 double-minded, enthusiastic, obstinate, or perverse men? Alas! we have to lament and mourn, that the world has so much abounded with false doctrines, unscriptural notions, incoherent opinions, and systems, and of dogmatisms of divers kinds; of those, who were“ ever learning, and never able to come at the knowledge of the truth.” “ Pro- fessing to be wise, and knowing nothing as they ought to know.” Being, “wiser in their own conceits, than seven, who can render a reason.” Of whom it may be said, “ Tosee a man wise in his own con- ceit, there is more hope of a fool, than of that man.”’ How lamentably has the world been deluded and blinded; the church per- plexed, divided and distracted; and indivi- duals deceived, led astray, and ruined; by the doctrines of Atheism, Deism, Arianism, Pelagianism, Antinomianism, Pharisaism, Socinianism? And by a numerous train of other, anti-scripturalisms; dangerous, mis- - chievous, and destructive doctrines, of mis- ° takenor wicked men. Againstall such,he opposed his doctrines, of apostolic and ~ scriptural truth. His warning voice, was lifted up, his voice of reproof, of counsel, and admonition, “ to banish, and drive away all erroneous, and strange doctrines contrary to Gods word!” And diligently to teach and enforce the wholesome scriptural doctrines, E 2 54 of Jesus Christ, as the “ Life, the truth, and the way.” Didhe not, “ withstand and cons vince the gainsayers?” “ And italy oll openly call upon and encourage others to: do the same?” ‘ But now, his voice is hushed into silence! We shallno more hear it proclaim the joy- ful sound! But,we can never forget the sa-_ cred truths, we have so often heard him ut-_ ter. Being dead, he yet speaketh to our re~ collection. It appears, again, as though his presence were hovering about us, and his spirit, as it were, whispering to our imagi-— nation. ‘“ My weeping children, my mourn~ ing brethren, I have left you in tears and sorrow; but I have left you my doctrine, as a precious valuable legacy! See that yotr never forget, nor. forsake, my counsels, in- structions, examples, and doctrines!” Brethren, “ Let us give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” * Let us ~ earnestly contend for the faith, once delivered tothe Saints.” To be more particular and: minute, upon the whole system of his doc- trine, in all the points of theology, and on alk the various details, of his public and private instructions, including the full scope of his tenets, opinions, positions, and principles; would be to give a voluminous body of di- vinity, better suited to a folio publication, . a JD: to be read and studied, in schools of theolo- | gy, and private studies, for weeks and months, than tothe time, accasion, and cir= cumstances of a funeral discourse. Suffice it to say, he held all the doctrines of the gospel of Christ, as true and divine, solid and substantial, pure and uncorrupted, hea- venly and glorious! Involving, and com- prehending, the benevolent purposes of God, in the most essential and eternal interests of man; ralative to the salvation of his soul, to his genuine and intrinsic happiness in time, and to his permanent felicity, and en- joyment of God, in eternity. O, may we ever believe, love, and obey, the glorious doctrines contained in the Scriptures, as the truths of God! They shall stand, when the world shall sink and disap- pear. “ Heaven and earth shall pass away, but not a jot on tittle of Gols word shall fail.” When the elements shall melt with fervent heat; and the heavens and the earth shall pass away with a great noise; then, in the wreck of elements, and crush of worlds, the word of God shall stand secure! And the doers of the word, will be safe, and abide for~ ever! They shall shout, above the fiery void! “ They shall be caught up in the clouds tomeet the Lord in the air; and so-shall ever be with the Lord!” “(Q, glorious, celestial doctrine! While it brings life and immortality to light; 56 it unfolds the celestial doors of paradise, opens the gates of heaven, and reveals to the eye of faith, ten thousand unspeakable ‘charms, unutterable delights, and meffable glories! It directs and guides, the steps of the christian, as a light to his feet, anda lamp to his paths, in the way of faith, hope, and love, up the mountain of the Lord,, to the temple of his holiness, to the tabernacle of his presence, and to the habitation of his glory! The contemplation, the anticipation, is overwhelming! It excites profound ado- ration, with astonishment aud. wonder! O happy! thrice h lace! eternally hap- nel bere, my teria in that splendid world, of celestial spirits, we may expect to meet our departed friend, shining as & bright star, or as the sun in the firmament! “ They that be wise shall shine as the bright- ness of the firmamext; and they that turn ma- ny to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father!” OQ, the anticipation of ineffable bliss! Our hearts, and tongues, praise the Lord! And all within us agile his holy name! Ho- sanna! Hallelujah! forever and ever! Thou hast fully known, not only, my doc- trine; but, MANNER OF LIFE. St. Paul’s man- ner of life, is left on record, as written by St. Luke, in the Acts of the Apostles ; and 57 also, in his own Epistles, to the different churches, and persons, to whom he wrote. “ My manner of life, said he, from my youth, which was at first among mine own nation, at Jerusalem, know all the Jews, who knew me from the beginning, that after the most strict sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee. And now, I stand, and am judged, for the hope of the promise, made of God, unto our fathers.” He then proceeds, to give an account, of his wretchedness by nature, of his awakening, to a discovery of his lost condition, and of his conversion, and call to the ministry, and apostleship ; also of his preaching, his tra- vels, and his labours, both among the Jews and the Gentiles. And, while speaking, king Agrippa, was almost persuaded to be a christian. ‘In other places, he says, “ Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner; I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord, with all humility of mind, and with many tears and temptations which befel me by the lying in wait of the Jews; and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewn you, and have taught you, publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, re- pentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” “ Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish = a esa a i my course with joy, and the ministry which | I have received of the Lord Jesus, to tess | tify the gospel of the grace of God.” “ ¥ know, how holily, and justly, and unblamea- bly, we have lived among you.” ~ + The Apostle gave an account of his man ner of life, previous to his conversion to | God ; also of his conversion, embracing-the | christian faith, his call to the apostleship and ministry; likewise, his holy living, great labours, long sufferings, tedious travels, painful persecutions, and anxious cares, in- the kingdom and patience of our Lord Je- sus Christ. . This example, of the apostle, might be a sufficient apology, if any were necessary, and pleaded in justification, for giving, and pub-— lishing, narratives, or memoirs, of the ex- perience and lives of pious and eminent christians and servants of ‘God. When we review St. Paul’s manner of — life, and follow him by land and water, in i adversity and prosperity, among friends and enemies ; through Asia and Europe, among — Jews and Gentiles; at Damascus, Jerusa-_ lem, and the coasts of Judea; at Antioch, — Ephesus, Troas, Macedonia, and Philippi, Athens, and Rome; through Lesser Asia, Greece, and Italy; preaching the gospel; forming, constituting, and regulating, chris- — tian societies and churches; ordaining 59 elders, and deacons, and putting things in regular order; giving directions, advice, and counsel; and having the care of all the churches upon him. Have we not the pro- totype, or the archetype, of the manner of life, of our late venerable bishop Asbury? That is, the original exemplar, in Paul, of the sur- prising copy, in Asbury? Or the original drawn by Paul, of which a striking resem- blance is made by Asbury? I am persuaded, that the propriety of this remark, will be ad- ‘mitted, by those who have, attentively, exa-. mined both; who have carefully, and impar- tially compared the copy with the original. Is not the resemblance plain, and the imita- tion striking? I am almost at a loss, where to begin, and how to proceed, in giving a sketch (for such only it can be at this time) of the extra- ordinary, and wonderful, manner of life, of the venerable and very distinguished Fran- cis Asbury. It is almost, if not altogether, impossible to give a narrative of his life and character, without incorporating with it, in some degree, the history of the Methodist Episcopal church. The one, is so intimate- ly and essentially connected with the other, that they cannot well be separated, without injustice to the subject. The Memoirs of his life, must necessarily contain a considerable history of the Methodist church in Ameri- 60 ea. And a faithful history of the church, | must, as necessarily, give a history of his life. Also, permit me here to observe, that, while treating on his manner of life, we shall be led, to touch upon some things, already noticed, under the head of doctrines: for, in a great degree, the force and influence of his doctrines, upon his own believing heart, and’ mind, governed the leading actions, and the whole deportment of his life. Likewise, while on this part of the subject, we may — have occasion, and it" may be necessary, ta touch, at times, upon his purposes, faith, long- suffering, charity, patience: for these, are so closely connected with each other, that we cannot separate them, as perfectly distinct from each other. Yet, nevertheless, we shall endeavour to take a particular view of each, under distinct heads, in the order they lie before us, in the text. In this view of the case, and from these considerations, it must be expected, that while treating on one part of the subject, we shall occasionally have to refer to the other parts. His Biography, or Memoirs, ought to be, and no doubt will be, written and published, by some able hand, well furnished with ma~- terials, and documents; and, capable of doing him more» ample justice, than tay know- ledge, recollection, feeble abilities, or time, at present, will admit of. His character, 61 his life, eminent piety, great atoll markable diligence, astonishing labours, and extraordinary usefulness ; should be record- ed, perpetuated, and transmitted, to posteri- ty, and future generations; as a MremeEnTo, or monument, and durable memorial, of de- parted worth; and in memory of the pious dead. That beeps: and christian minis- ters, in ages yet to come, may read and look atit, as an example for them to follow, and as a Monitor, to stimulate them to their duty, For ages, and generations, may pass away, without producing another Francis Asbury. Posterity, yet unborn, may have cause to praise God, that such a man ever lived. ‘ Of his juvenile years, perhaps, it is not necessary to say much. In this sketch, of his life, you are not to expect a pompous detail of a splendid family ; nor a narrative of a dignified genealogy—He had no royal or noble descent, proudly to boast of; no affluent distinguished ancestors, vainly to speak of ; no dignitaries, statesmen, or court- favorites, as family connections, and patrons, to notice and push him forward into life, or raise him to honor, to fame, and promotion. With the blessing of God, by means of his own correct an F circumspect deportment ; = his diligent improvement, of his own mind and talents ; a wise application of his un- derstanding and ee to the best pure oe “J ‘ — , 2. Qe : . . | " ‘ , a " » and to accomplish the best ends; and, by a steadfast adherence to correct principles, and a virtuous perseverance in well doing, he rose to.a high reputation in society, and gained an eminent standing in the church of God; as a distinguished bishop, and a man of extraordinary useful- ness. ; His parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Asbury, were not wealthy; but they enjoyed the comforts of common life. They were not much known in the world; but sustained the reputation of honest, industrious, and reputable poor people. His father, was em= ployed by two of: the most wealthy fami- lies, in the neighbourhood, in the capacity of farmer and gardener: the occupation which all our first parents followed. The superintendance, and cultivation of gardens, and tillage of the earth, was the first em= ployment of man. This appears to have been the occupation, or business, pursued by Adam. Perhaps, in the garden of Eden, and, afterward, in the adjacent or neighbour- ing fields. “In the sweat of thy _ shalt thou eat bread ; the Lord God sent him forth, JSrom the garden of Eden, to till the ground.” — Francis Asbury, was born, according to the best account we have, in the month of August, in the year of our Lord, Seventeen Hundred and Forty-five. Not far from. 63 “ae Birmingham, in the parish of Handsworth, County of Staffordshire, England. His mo- ther was a.pious woman, and lived in the fear of the Lord. She, as all mothers ought ‘to do, paid early attention to the education of her son ; especially, to his moral and re- ligious instructions. His mind, like the ten- der twig or scion, was early bent, and well inclined, by the moral precepts, and reli- gious examples, of his judicious and pious mother. He began to read the scriptures, about the sixth year of his age.. From his childhood, he neither dared to swear an oath, or to tell a lie. He felt an abhorrance at the vile mischief, and profane wicked- ness of other boys; whose evil company, and hateful practices, he avoided, as much as his situation in life would possibly admit. Such was the rectitude of his moral princi- ples; such was the effect. of prudent paren- tal instructions. Like Timothy, from a child, he knew the Holy Scriptures, which were able to make him wise unto salvation, through faith in ‘Jesus Christ; and like Timothy, who had been taught by his grand-mother Lois, and his mother Ewnice, so he was taught by his mother Elizabeth, “ one of the tenderest of parents,” to fear God and keep his com- ‘mandments. Noble, and worthy example ; which ought to be followed, by all parents, oe and preceptors of childrén. God will bless | Lo ee such parents, and their offspring. O, j rents! as little as ye may reflect on it, lay it to heart, the foundation of your chi dren’s happiness, or misery, for time, ant eternity, is, no doubt, often laid in the days of their childhood! Many parents, I eh will liave an awful account to give, im t great day of eternity, for their improper con- duct, in rearing up their children ; and for the neglect of timely, wholesome instruc- tion, and godly discipline. “Train up -child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” O, pa rents! reflect on your responsibility to soci- ety, your accountability to yout God, and your obligations and duty to your little ones their soils, as well as their bodies!- Take warning, lest your inconsiderate conduct, and improper dieci piney be accessary to the - ruin, and destruction, of your children, both here, and hereafter! Pious and timely at- tention, may lay the foundation, of their ' present and eternal happiness! But to re- turn to Asbury. Sand ~ About the usual age, of binding out boys: { to business, according to the custom in Eng- land, he was put an apprentice, to learn a . mechanical trade; or a branch of business, in the art of working and manufactaring /inetals: like a Tubal-Cain, who was, “an 65 artificer in brass and iron.” Thereby, to be qualified to earn his own bread, and to get his own living, as a useful member of the community ; and to administer to his own wants, by the industry and labour of his own hands, in an independent and respecta- ble manner. Like a Paul, who had learnt the art of tent making, and thereby, his own hands were able to administer to his own wants and necessities. All children should be taught some useful trade, or business— It is supposed, that our Saviour himself was a mechanic. About the age of fourteen, Asbury was ‘ graciously awakened to a clear and deep sense of spiritual and divine things ; to see the need of a Saviour, and the way of sal- /vation ; he gave himself rnuch to reading, to prayer, and to an attendance on the pub- lic and private means of grace. He, though young, was not disobedient to the heavenly visitation ; he yielded, he sought, and he found, pardon and peace, mercy and salva- tion, by faith, through Christ, in the days of his youth. Like young Samuel, Josiah, Timo- thy, and others, he “ remembered his Crea- tor in the days of his youth ;” and early de- dicated himself, his time, and his talents to the Lord. He joined the Methodist society, about the same time, and was so pious, humble, and circumspect, in his deportment, F2 — —_< = that he gained, and retained, the utmost con~ fidence of the preachers and the ae which he uniformly maintained throughou his life. The venerable Bishop Whatcoat, who knew him well from the beginning, used. to relate, some interesting anecdotes of him, in evidence of his remarkable youthful so- briety, steady habits, and upright deport- ment, which arrested general attention. It used to be said, when he was a boy, “ Little Frank, generally goes to, and returns i meeting alone.” He was fond of solitary retirement. . ‘He soon became a class leader, and made such impravements in his gifts and talents, that when he was about sixteen, or seven- teen, years of age, he was admitted, and au- thorised, by the consent and approbation 6f his brethren, to be a local preacher. His mind was greatly drawn out, with deep con-' cern, to warn sinners to flee from the wrath, to come ; and to point them to the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. Now began his early gospel labours: He used to preach three or four times a week, visiting almost every place, within his reach, where there was an opening for him. On Sabbath days, and on week day evenings, he used to walk considerable distances, to pray with, and to preach to the people, and to exhort and wari them, to turn from their : . . * wa oe ae sins, and the error of their ways, unto the liv2 : ingand the true God, and to seek the salvatid#i of their souls. Thus early in life, in thé bicoin,- of youth, he “ gave diligence to shew himself approved unto God.” Amiable youth! God owned, and. blessed him aburidantly. ie It ought to be notec, and permit me to éall your attention to the remark; That; ge- nerally, those who have become the most ‘eminent and distinguished, fof piety and usefulness, in the church of God, have béen of those, who embraced religion early in life; who remembered their Creator in the days of their youth, and devoted their time and their talents to God, while young. Oyyé young people,reflect on this, and lay it to heart! Now, in the bloom of your days, setout in res, ligion, be faithful to God, and take care of your souls !—That, if you should live to be old, you may look back upon a.well sperit life, devoted to pious and useful purposes! ‘When déclining nature, under the weight of rears, is bowed down; or under affliction; shall be bending toward the grave; when your heads shall be frosted with age, and the snowy blossoms of grey hairs, bespeak the approach of mortality and death. Then, how inexpressible the pleasute ; how un- speakable the delight; how indescribable the consolation ; to be able £0.review a pi- ous life, from your youthful days, dedicated, to God, td religion, and to’a preparation for death and eternity! And, when borne down, with sickness, infirmities, affliction, or age, and you lay your heads upon a dying-pil- low ; then, to look forward, in the assurance of faith, with a well grounded hope, to an endless and uninterrupted felicity; o can describe, nay, who can conceive of, the un- speakable comforts and joys of such a trans- sili anticipation! O, that all my aged hearers, and those in middle life, had but the consolation, of reviewing the years, and the time that is gone, as having been spent in the service of God, and the work of re- figion! Permit me to warn you, this day, one and all, that you have no time to lose; death is on his way ; perhaps at the threshold of the door! “ Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel!” “No room for mirth and trifling here, if life so soon is gone!” After young Asbury had been labouring, as a local preacher, four or five years, then, about the age of twenty one, he gave him- self up, intirely to the work ofthe ministry, as an itinerant preacher. In the year of our Lord, 1766, at the Conference, in Leeds, he was approved, and appointed to a-circuit, as a travelling preacher, in .the Methodist connexion. Mr. Wesley, speaking of that conference, in his Journal, says, “A happi- er one we never had, nora more profitable one.” “It both began and ended in love, ow witha soleriin sense of the preseniée) df ”» I am here disposed to netic, a pairtialie coincidence, of two remarkable events; that is, in the simultanious commencément of the regular, itirierant, ministerial life and la- bours, of Francis Asbury, with thé begin: ing and rise of Methodism, in America; or, the formation of the first Methodist so- tieties in this country; and the ,bé ginning of Asbury’s itinerant tainistry- Both of those important events to mankind, and to the cause ofreligion, took place, the same identical year. As though the Lord, inhis wise purposes, and benevolent designs, had raised up the man for the work, and prepared the work for thé man. It was in 1766, that Philip Embuty, alocal preacher, from. Ireland, formed the first methodist sociéty in the city of New York; and about the same time, Robert Strawbridge, another local preacher; from Ireland, formed a society, in Frederick coun ty; State of Maryland: That very same year, 1766, Francis Asbury, jomed ,the British conference, as aii itinerant preacher, and a gospel missionary. We may safely suppose, in the purpose of God, he was rais= ed up for the express design of beirig select- ed, and set apart, as the American apéstle; and evangelist to come over, in due time; to take the oversight and superintendance; of - : ’ ae | 70 the great and glorious work, at that tim beginning to take root, and to spread, America; and to evangelize the wilderne: and the solitary places in this “ New world? A certain passage, of sacred history, applied to a very different case, might per- haps, be applied, with some degree of pro- priety, on this occasion, to express the bene- volent purpose of God. “ Even for this same purpose, have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my n might be declared throughout the earth.” “JT have appeared unto thee for this 0 to make thee a minister and a witness.” “* He is a chosen vessel, to bear my n among the Gentiles, and the children of Is- rael.” ‘ I am inclined, under an impressive solem- nity of mind, to notice another remarkable circumstance; and to make afew observa- tions upon it. From the year of 1766, the time, when his itinerant ministry, and the glorious work in America, began, up to the year 1816, the time of his death, makes years; the half of one century, or a Jubilee. Among the Jews, by the order of God, the fiftieth year, was a year of release, a year ol return, a year of rest, that is, a Jubilee. They had their Sabbaths of days, their Sab- baths of years, and their Jubilees—“ Thou shalt number seven Sabbaths of years, seven 71 imes seven years, and the space of the even sabbaths of years, shall be unto thee hall be a Jubilee unto you. In the year of his Jubilee, ye shall return every man unto is possession.”—The Jubilee, may be con- en the saints of God, shall be released ‘om all their toils, afflictions, labours, and. ufferings, their Jubilee will then commence; ey shall return to their celestial possessions, heir incorruptible inheritance, that fadeth ot away, reserved in heaven for them.— he application is plain. Asbury, had la- doured, and suffered, and toiled, as the ser- ant of the church, as the servant of all, his rty-nine years; this present year, 1816, was is fiftieth year in the public itinerant minis- ; he is now released, returned, and dis- charged, from all his work, and afflictions; and has returned, and gone, to his inheri+ tance, and possession; and entered into the rest that remains for the people of God.— Hail! happy soul! “Thy year of Jubilee is come.—Thy grand sabbatic year, the Jubi- lee of heaven!” Let us now review the providential dis— vote im preparing a work and a field, or him to cultivate and superintend, im America; and his divine ‘call, to the work and peculiar qualification for it; and also the orty and nine years: The fiftieth year, it , idered as typical of the heavenly rest.— | admirable openings, directions, and sings of Providence, in bringing him to in keeping, supporting, and prospering in it. ‘ The first Methodist societies, forn in America, had no regular trayellin preachers, to take the charge and oversigh of them. ‘They were first formed, watched over, and, under God, taken care of, for a time, by local preachers. Yes brethren, let it be remembered, that the be- ginning of the great work of God, a us, by the divine blessing, was through th instrumentality of local brethren., Which, with other considerations, should lead us fespect, and esteem, the local preachers, ag a useful, ‘and most valuable order of men among us; to whom, the connexion, under God, is greatly indebted.. God has owned them, and he will own them; and we are in duty bound to own, and acknowledge them, as a constituent part of the ministry amon us. Then, “ Let us provoke one another ta love and to good works.” Keeping the unity of the spirit in thé bond of peace.” ~ - In New York, where the first society was formed, by Philip Embury, whose labours _ were crowned with success, they received _ considerable assistance from Captain Webb, a military officer, and Barrick master, at Al- bany; who being’ converted to God, became a zealous and useful preacher of the gospel; 73 d, singularly and strangely as it may ap- ear, sometimes preached in his regimental iform. Some of you recollect him, for e visited, and preached, in Philadelphia. e first time he went to the society room, n New-York, the members were consider~ bly surprised, and somewhat alarmed, at eing an officer, in his martial dress, enter ong them; not knowing but he might lave some unfriendly design toward them ; jor, at that time, they were a poor, despised, d persecuted people, and had but few. iends. But, when they saw him conform o their mode of worship, and devoutly join em in singing, and kneeling, and prayer, ey were, more than ever, surprised, and truck with astonishment, gladness, and joy. He united with them, and zealously used his influence and talents, to promote so good a cause. The society increased in numbers, in friends, and in strength ; so that in the year i768, they began to build the first Metho- dist chapel, in America; which is yet stand- ing, in John-Street, New-York. About that time, they made application to Mr. Wesley, to send over help; particularly some regular preachers to assist them, and to take the charge and oversight of the great work of God, then beginning, in America, to take root, and to spread. = the Leeds Confe- _ or 74 rence, in 1769, Mr. Wesley, mentioned thi case ; and two of the preachers, Richar Boardman, and Joseph Pilmoor, willing}} offered themselves for the service ; and a cordingly’ were appointed, and came ove] They were the first, regular Methodig preachers, sent to this country, by Mr. We ley. They landed here in Philadelphia, th latter part of the year 1769; and broug with them a present of fifty pounds sterlin as a donation to the society of New-Yor. as a token of brotherly love, toward payin| the expenses of the chapel, which they ha been building. Mr. Pilmoor, is now livin and a respectable minister of the Protestan Episcopal church, in this city, Philadelphi They preached, in New-York, Philadelphi and in various other places, both in town and country, north and south. During thei time, this church, St. George’s, where w are now assembled, was procured, as a Me thodist chapel; though, at that time, in > _ very unfinished, and poor condition. Som of you well remember, the times and cit cumstances of which I am speaking, and which, I can only give, on this occasion, a fet brief touches. Since then—O! what has Go wrought? what has he done torws, as a people In the year, 1771, at the August confe _ rence, held in Bristol, Mr, Wesley, propose sending more help to America. Franci 75 sbury, who had been travelling about five ears, and, having had great exercises about oming to America, then voluntarily offered — is services, aS a missionary, to.come over oO what was then, sometimes, called the new world,” to traverse the wilderness, the ountains, and the solitary places, to seek af- er the lost sheep of the house of Israel. The ffer was accepted, and he was accordingly pproved, appointed, and sent over. Pre- ious to that conference, he had his serious xercises, and leading impressions, perhaps divine call, that he should visit America. nd, does it not appear, that the great Shep- erd, and Bishop of souls, evidently design- d and purposed him for the work in this ountry? Had he not a call from God? Vas he not divinely directed, and providen- ially sent among us? It was at that conference, in Bristol, 1771, that the Revd. Mr. Shirley, and nine or ten others, met, to insist upon the recantation of certain offensive propositions in the mi- nutes, of 1770, and which, brought on the famous controvercy, before mentioned, in which, the extraordinary Fletcher, so pre- eminently distinguished himself. We have understood, that some of the | elder preachers, made some objections to Asbury’s coming, because of his youth, and want of more experience; but Mr. Wesley, 76 who well knew the man, his doctrines, mai: ner of life, talents, zeal, firm integrity, ani qualifications, for a Missionary, resolved t send him, into “ the new world,” so called. to seek after the lost sheep in the wilder ness, and to take the oversight of the soci ~eties, and the work of religion, then spring: ing up, in America. “ Where the eyes a the blind were to be opened, the ears of the deaf were to be unstopped, the lame was t leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb was to sing. In the wilderness shall water break out, and streams in the desert—Th parched ground shall become a pool, and th thirsty lands springs of water.” He returned home, from the Bristol con ference, to take leave of his mother, and other friends, and to bid them all an affec- ting and final farewell. He said, “ It was grievous to flesh and blood, but was borne with divine assistance.”—After visiting, and parting with his friends, in Stafford- shire, and other places, he returned to Brisa tol; and on the second day of September, 1771, he left his native country, which he was to see no more, to come and serve us, and the cause of religion, in the church of God. This was leaving all to follow Christ. In a perspective view, I can almost see his pious affectionate mother, ina flood of tears, Wweaping, while parting with her only son— yr _ : 7 ever! no, never, to see his face again! How pilecting the scene? How heart rending, such parting, to see each others faces no more: In his journal, while on the Ocean, he writes, “‘ Whither am I going? What to do? To gain honor or to get money? No; Iam f going to live to God, and to bring others “so todo. If God does not acknowledge “me in America, I will return to England. “T know my views are upright—may they “never be otherwise! May my Lord pre- “serve me in an upright intention!”—He had his trials, and troubles, on the deep, as may be seen in his journal. On the 27th of October, 1771, he and Richard Wright, who came with him, land- ed in this city, Philadelphia; and in the evening, attended divine worship, . in this church, where we are now assembled, on the occasion of his death. Yes, where we are now performing the mournful solemni- ‘ties of his funeral, was the place,-where he ‘first met with a congregation of his Ameri- can brethren, “Who received him as an angel,” or a messenger of God. His first ‘sermon, among ts, was preached from these very appropriate words—For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Je- sus Christ, and him crucified —And his se- cond was equally pertinent—For though I preach the gospel, Ihave nothing to glory. of: G2 ¥ bai *” “a for necessity is laid wpon mes yea, woe 1s wnto me, if Ipreach not the gospel. Here began his union, his labours, his cares, and- his | sufferings among us. Since which time, we. have fully known his manner of life; we have known him as a man, as a christian, as a | friend, as a minister, and as a general su] perintendant of the church of Christ. On Nov. 7th, 1771,he left Philadelphia on a Visit to New-York. He preached at Bur- lington, and other places, on his way, through New-Jersey, and Staten-Island. On the 12th of Nov. he arrived in York. He then began more: fully to enter into his American Missionary work. Richard Board- man, Joseph Pilmoor, and Richard Wright, were his colleagues; making, at that time, only four regular travelling preachers—It must, however, be recollected, that the local preachers, with whom the work first began, were useful helpers in’ promoting it; and were co-workers together with the itinerant’ preachers.. In 1773, Thomas Rankin, and George Shadford, came over from England; and, in 1774, Boardman, and Pilmoor, returned.— In 1775, J. Dempster, and M. Rodda, came over; and, in 1777, Rankin, and Rodda, returned. In 1778, Shadford returned. Be- side those, who came from England, the ehief part of whom. returned again, there 79 ps» among ourselves, as labourers in the ineyard of the Lord. The fields were uly white unto the harvest, and the Lord ut it into the hearts of a goodly band of pious brothers, zealous young men, to turn ut, into the harvest of the Lord, as labour- rs, to warn sinners:to flee from the wrath to come. They went forth as flames of fire, as lights, in a benighted land. There was a Waters, a Ruff, a Gatch, a Garrettson, and many others, as will appear by the Minutes of the Conferences, who, one after another, entered into the work of God. There soon arose a cloud of witnesses, a little army of the soldiers of Christ, combined together, as of one heart,-and of one mind, to strive to« gether for the faith of the gospel; the weap- ons of whose warfare, were not carnal, but mighty through God, pulling down strong holds, high thoughts, vain imaginations, and whatsoever exalteth itself against God.— There was a great work to do, much preju- dice and powerful opposition to meet with, formidable difficulties to encounter, and se- vere troubles,. persecutions, and: conflicts to’ endure; sufficient to have discouraged men, who were not strong in faith, patient in hope, abundant: in love, and zeal; and of great courage, resolution, and firmness. But this united band, of faithful brothers, with am — vere a number of our own citizens, raised” WS enc 80 Asbury at their head, pressed forward, | struggled on, and pushed through, fiery tri- | als, which were to try them, and did try | them, as though some strange thing happen- ed unto them; but they went on, rejoicing, | inasmuch as they were made partakers of | Christ’s sufferings. With patient persever- | ance, they faced a frowning world, as with | their lives in their hands, and braved every storm, and endured every tempest, either from the world, the devil, principalities and powers, or spiritual wickedness in high places. During the seven years, of the reyolution- ary war, between 1775, and 1783, they had, more especially, almost insupportable diffi- culties, violent oppositions, bitter persecu- tions, and grievous sufferings to endure. So many of the preachers being Englishmen; and Mr. Wesley, who was considered the founder, and chief ruler, of the Methodist societies, and his directions, opinions, and advices, having great influence upon their rules of conduct in America; and he being in England, and known to be a loyal man to his king, and of course, unfriendly to the American measures and revolution; these things, occasioned jealousies and suspicions to arise among many, that the aathodiaie were, politically, a dangerous people. Also, the moral views, the religious principles, and 81 the consciencious scrupels,of the people called Methodists, not being favorable, on general principles, to the spirit and practice of war; on this ground also, the temper and spirit of the times, combining with other prejudi~ ces and passions of the day, excited jealou- sies and suspicions, which occasioned an evil report, of alarm, to be raised and propagated, that the methodists, preachers and people, were unfriendly, and opposed, to the Ameri- can revolution} However untrue, or incor- rect, those inferences were, against the me- thodists, as drawn from the premises; yet, nevertheless, perhaps, some of them were to blame. I do not hesitate to admit the im- proper conduct of some. I feel no disposi- tion to conceal it, that a few of the preachers, were imprudent, and reprehensible, in some things; and gave too much cause for such suspicions. Rodda, in particular, acted im- properly, and quit the country, in 1777, un- der circumstances unfavorable to his repu- tation, as a preacher of the gospel, and hurtful to the cause of religion. Captain Webb, also, did not act so‘well as he ought to have done; as a christian preacher, nay, even as a British officer, his conduct was ex- ceptionable. Rankin, likewise, had spoken so freely, and imprudently on public affairs, that it excited jealous fears, that his op nions and influence would be of dangerous a 82 consequences to the American cause. How- ever, he left the country, in 1777, more _ honorable to himself, and not so hurtful to his brethren, ; We forbear to mention others. And, al- though I am not disposed, at present, to pass any judgment, or.to pronounce any sentence against them ; yet, I can make no apology for their imprudence and indiscretion, suffi- cient to justify them fully ; but, must view their conduct, as it was then considered, by Asbury, and others, as exceptionable and un- justifiable——But so it was, that the way of the preachers, on every side, was almost hedged up; and for a considerable time, it was with the utmost difficulty, and at the greatest risk, of personal safety, that they . ‘Pa travel and preach at all. n 1778, when the times, perhaps, were about the worst, Asbury and Shadford, agreed, to make it a matter of fasting and prayer, for direction, in their straits and dif- ficulties, what to do; whether to stay in the country, or return to England.—After the season of fasting and prayer; Shadford, con- cluded, and observed, that he had an answer to leave the country, and return to England; but Asbury, who received an answer to stay, replied, “ If you are called to go, I am called to stay; so we must part.”—Accordingly they parted, to meet no more on earth. From ; 83 that. moment, he made America, his coun- try, and his home. He resolved to abide among us, and at the risk of all, even of life itself, to continue, to labour, and to suffer, with, and for, his American brethren}, Oppositions, reproaches, and persecutions, ushed in against them, from every quarter, | in various forms, like a tempest and a flood. During the whole period ‘of conflict and danger, his manner of life, was irreproacha- ble. His prudence and caution, as a man and a citizen ; his pious and correct deport- ment as achristian and a minister; was such, as to put at defiance, the suspicious mind, and the tongue of persecuting slander. They were never able to substantiate any allega- tion, or the appearance of a charge, against him, that was incompatible with the charac- ter of a citizen, a christian, or a faithful mi- nister of the gospel. He never meddled with -politicks. But in those days, of suspicion and alarm, to get a preacher, or a society, persecuted, they only had to excite suspicion, sound the alarm, and cry out, “ Enemies to the coun- try! or, tories!” To enflame the passions of hot-headed, and unreasonable men, they had toraise a clamour and drive on furiously, like Jehu of old, to put the mob into motion, and to excite the passions, to insult, to rudeness, or outrage; which is the work, generally, of ignorant, violent, or wicked men! If the 84 a expression be admissible, I feel inclined to | use it, that, “I love to hate,” the principles, and the practices, of persecution, violence, and “mobs.” God deliver us from them all! The Methodists, at one period, were generally called tories, by those who either knew not the people, or the meaning of word. “a I am inclined to recite a few cases, as a specimen, of what the brethren had to en- counter, in those days of distress, that tried men’s souls, and put their integrity and firm~ ness, their stability and sincerity to the test. I shall not give a minute review, of all their persecutions and sufferings, throughout the States of the Union, The time and occa-~ sion, only admits, and calls for, a few brief statements. I shall principally confine my-— self to Maryland, my native State, where I was best acquainted, and where, probably, their sufferings were as great, perhaps great- er, than in any other State. The prejudices — of the people there, ran high, and some of the laws, to meet the exigencies of the times, were hard and oppressive ; and some of the rulers, and civil officers, appeared disposed to construe, and enforce, every apparent le- gal restriction, with rigor and oppression, against the Methodists, who were then, a persecuted and a despised people. Some of the preachers, were mulct or fined, 85 ad thrown into costs; and others were impri- oned, for no other crime, or offence, than velling and preaching the gospel; and thers, were bound over in bonds, and hea- - penalties, with sureties, not to preach in is, or that county. Several, were arrest- ed, and committed to the common county jail. Others, were personally insulted, and badly abused, in different ways—And some, were beaten with stripes and blows, nigh unto death, who carried their-scars down to the grave. Our aged and much respected brother, Freeborn Garrettson, now present, and sitting among us, knows the truth of these statements ; for he was then among them, and was, himself, one of the sufferers. He was, for preaching the gospel, commit- ted to prison, In one county, and severely beaten with blows, and wounded, even to the shedding-of blood, nigh unto death, in another. My father, and my brother Gar- rettson, you, with your fellow-sufferers, en- dured these things, for the testimony of Je- sus.—You yet live, but where are the others? Nearly all of your old colleagues, and suf- fering brethren, are gone to reap the reward of their labours and long-sufferings. “ These are they, who came through much tribula- tion, having washed their garments white in the blood of the Lamb.” To give a further view of those trying H — ‘concerned, in. taking up, and committing scenes, and times of dist state a few prominent insté cular cases, to serve as @ sp men, . what our first preachers had to endure nd suffer, while first planting the gospel among us. In the city of Annapolis, the be the State, Jonathan Forrest, and Wren, and I believe at different times, twe or three others, were committed to jail= ‘Three of the men, who were principal brother Wren, afterward became methodis ts, ‘among whom, -was one of the magistrates, who wrote, or signed, the mittimus for h commitment. I knew them well, and never forget the serious and solemn ti when brother Wren and myself, with man who arrested him, in company, dine at the magistrates house, after they j ia the methodists. In Prince George’s c P. G. a preacher, was, by a mob, hel fully maltreated; “honored,” according to the cant of the times, “ with tar and feathers.” In Queen-Anns, Joseph Hartley, was bound over, in penal bonds, of five hundred pounds, not to preach in the county; Thomas S yet living, was one of his sureties.—In the same county, Freeborn poms weg was. beaten with a stick, by f the bc aie Judges, and pursued, xf he fell from his horse, and was apes 87 In Talbott county, Joseph Hartley, was yhipped, by a young lawyer, and was im-~ risoned a considerable time. He used to reach, during his confinement, through the brates, or window, of the jail, to large con- fourses of people, who, on Sabbath days, sed to attend to hear the prisoner preach. Chey frequently came, from ten to fifteen miles, to hear him, and even from other Ounties. His confinement, produced a great xcitement upon the public mind; and God bverruled it for good, tothe souls of many. hrist was preached, and numbers embraced eligion. Even his enemies, at length, were plad to have him discharged.—In Dorches- ker, Caleb Pedicord, was whipped, and bad- ‘hurt, upon the public road; he carried his ars down to the grave——In the same county, brother Garrettson, was committed to jail._—In Caroline, a preacher (T. C.) was aken up in a lawless manner, and put into the custody of the sheriff, to be taken to jail; but there was no mittimus, for his commitment, nor any legal cause for his de- tention, or regular process against him; how- ever, the sheriff, prudently received him in- to his care and protection, from the rage of his enemies; and after giving him a hospita- ble entertainment in his own house, dis- charged and let him go.—In the same coun- ty, Joseph Foster, the father of Thomas ' Foster, to the court, as stated to me by Foster, so well known to man brought before the court, a bar, and thrown into troubl costs. aha " Li Upon this last case, I feel inclined to stat part ofa short address, made by old b: self. Such a man, said he, has lodgec information against me, and upon oath said, that “he heard me preach the. gos} But, I am strongly persuaded, that he does not know what the gospel is; nay, I am con= fident that he does not, unless his soul is| converted to God; and of this, there are tht strongest reasons to doubt. For if his soul, was converted to God, he would not per: cute religion, nor lodge an information complaint, against a minister, for prea the gospel. Now, if he is an unconverte man, he does not know what the gospel is; and if he does not know what the gospel is, how could he swear, that he heard me _ preach it? And now, if he were interrogat- ed, before the court, I do not believe that he could tell, what the the gospel is, nor what he heard me preach. And if so, what does his oath amount to? If it be so, that he is an unconverted man, and ignorant of the gospel, a stranger to the subject, and unac quainted with religion, how could he <7 that, I preached the gospel? = be asd 89 | In another case, where the witness was nterrogated—‘ Did you hear Mr. P. preach e gospel?” “IT heard him preach; butI do jot know, whether it was the gospel, or not.” ty What did he say, when you heard him?” “I cannot so recollect, as to repeat his ords.”—Mr. P. then proposed, by permis- ion, that he himself would tell what he had aid: for he was neither afraid nor ashamed. Liberty being granted—he then began, with he fall, the wickedness, and the guilt of man; € proceeded, to the redemption wrought out or man by Jesus Christ; the offer of salva- ion, to perishing sinners; and then came on the subject, of repentance, faith, conversion, nd obedience to God; without which, hell nnd. destruction would be the portion of Very sinner: upon which, he was interrupt- pd, like Paul by a guilty trembling Felix, ‘Stop! stop! we have enough of that!” How ard it is, for sinners to hear the truth? We might, perhaps, with propriety, notice some other cases, in the different counties and States, both north and south, of the Suf-_ ferings, both of preachers and members; but time would fail us, to be minute, in recitals and details. From. these brief sketches, some tolerably correct, though faint idea may be formed, of what our first preachers, and fathers, and brethren, had to contend with, to bear, to endure, and to suffer. O! - H 9 = \ i —— ee Se ,probably, had better pd deferred: ‘ll 4 came on the head of long-suffering. — ay ut 2] hardly knew how to pass it over in th place: let it be kept in mind. During those perilous times, within vas | our Asbury? How was he emplopegy ; and | what was the manner of his life? After having travelled and preached at large, with | all the zeal, fidelity and caution, which prue | dence and- ~ wisdonal situated and circum: stanced as he was, could dictate ; he greatly embarrassed and perplexed, and y all, much suspected as an Poniaone il at length, to retire, in a great measure, for a season, until the indignation was overpast. The spirit of the times, the passions and the prejudices of the people, and the jealousies and suspicions subsisting against him, as an Englishman, and as a principal Methodist preacher, was such, that he could not, with safety, continue to travel openly and at large. in the year 1778, when the storm was at its highest, and persecution raged furiously, he, being in serious danger, prudently and a visedly confined himself, for personal safe- ty, chiefly to the little State of Delaware ; where the laws were rather more favorable, 91 d the rulers and influential men were some vhat more friendly. For a time he had, ven there, to keep himself much retired. ite found. an asylum, as his castle of safe- , in the house, and with the hospitable fa- mily, of his fast and firm friend, Thomas Inte, esq. one of the Judges of the Court, in Kent county, Delaware. He was a pious nan, and his wife one of the holiest of wo- en; they were great friends to the cause of eligion, and to ‘the preachers generally. rom this place of retreat and protection, jas in a castle of repose and safety, be could correspond with his suffering brethren, who Were scattered abroad, in different parts. He could also, occasionally travel about, visiting the societies, and, sometimes, preach- ing to the people. He was accessible, to all the preachers, and his friends, who came to see him ; so that by means of correspond- ence, and of visits, they could communi- lcate with each other, for mutual counsel, comfort, and encouragement. In some’ of their movements, they had to be very cau- tious and circumspect; for they were watch- ed, as the hawk watches the partridge on the mountain ; and as the wolves watch the sheep of the pasture and the lambs of the flock. It was about this time, that Shadford. and he, had their affecting and final parting, before Peagapned. However, his manner of 3 et life, was such, as to sec ential and fast friends. A good tell, esteem; and nfidence, he ublic generally , and o} rincipal officers, | rt, chief riick of the ea os aah the se, whose particular frienc hip he secured, we might mention, with TIudge White, the. piot Judge Barreté ; both of whom, opened their, houses for the brethren as a home, an ‘pro= tected the preachers, and exerted their in fluence in support of the cause of religion. Each of them was instrumental, i in having a preaching-house built, in their respectivi neighbourhoods ; ; and which, to this day, are respectively called White’ s-meeting ows, and Barreit’s-chapel. We may also mention the late Richa Bassett, esq. well known, as a distinguish character, not only in that State, but in the United States.—At different times and pe- riods he filled high and honorable stations He was a Lawyer, of note, a Legislator, a Judge, and a Governor, in the State of Be laware. He was also,a member 6 the Con- vention which framed the constitution of United States, a Senator in test Co on= gress, and a Judge of the 1 Inited States’ Court, for the circuit, comp oo a Distri icts of Pennsylvania, News fersey, am = 93 elaware. Their friendship, and confiden- jal intercourse, was mutual, intimate, and a interrupted, till death ; the one, only sur- viving the other, a few months. Bassett died the 16th of August, last, 1815, whose uuneral sermon, together with that of his m-in-law, the late J A. Bayard, esq. . died the same oe I preached, by the request of the family, at the same time and place. Asbury died the 31st of March, last, 1816, whose funeral discourse, I am now delivering.—I mention those names, and many others might be mentioned, if time would permit, as a tribute of respect due to their memory, in order to give an idea, how the Lord providentially, favoured Asbury, and his brethren, in raising friends, to open the way before them, that the word of the Lord might Be, forth as a lamp that burneth. _ Their friendship, asad patronage, not only extended to him, but to his suffering breth- ren generally, to the persecuted societies, and to the weeping cause of religion. Un- der whose fostering protection, and benevo- lent favor, bleeding Zion smiled in the midst of tears. This was the Lord’s doing, ‘and it is marvellous in our eyes. They found Asbury to be, a plain, res- pectable, and intelligent man; a safe, and a good citizen; a circumspect, and a pious ehristion; a zealous, anc of the gospel; and w confidence, as a frie: choice, of which, he providentially, become found him ssocited plain, honest, at laudible work of - culcating religion, rate eid i ing, the morals, habits, and manners people. And what true patriot, who feared God, loved his country, and had a regard to the good of the people, could refuse to pa« tronise such men, thus Rass bi seve best of causes? Provided, they only had a know- ledge of them, and did but understand, their motives, their business, and their usefi ‘ness? And who, pretending to any kind goodness, would not approve and encour: such philanthropic designs, and. such | piou laborious exertions, to revive, and spread, pure and undefiled hig ‘throu 1 ip land? The pi Governorof Delaware, though, I believe, no professor of religioi influenced. by those conside dry other motives of good will ar 1 ship, toward Asbury, his brethren, friends, interposed nis kind ‘offices, as Governor, and wrote to the Executi or Governor of Maryland; »i in behalf tein 95 the suffering preachers in that State— nd, in consequence of which, they were re- pased from recognisances, or from prison, other Garrettson, who then was, in the hidst of all the times of distress, and now resent, must remember, what passed, be- veen himself, the Governor, and Doctor legaw, on one of those occasions.—For as made by the Governor of . Delaware to ve Governor of Maryland; and by virtue of hich, he was released, from his recogni- ance, in the case of his imprisonment, and onds in Dorchester. | Under all those embarrassing and per- lexing circumstances, and trying cases of uthorised and unauthorised persecutions, he preachers, with Asbury at their head, s their Senior, and leader, went on, public- 7, and privately, im their indefatigable la- jours, with zealous diligence and patient erseverance. They counted all things, but oss, and their lives not dear to themselves, o that they might gain Christ, win souls,- md finish the ministry and work committed mto them. The Lord was with them, as hey passed through the fires and the waters; le supported their minds, and gave comfort o their souls, in all their perils and distres- es; he gave them grace sufficient for the vil days; and they won and gained souls for 8, Was one, in whose favour an application’ — 96 their hire. They saw the pleasure Lord prosper in their hands—many we awakened and converted to God. This the midst of their sorrows and tears, joy and gladness to their own souls. © wilderness and the solitary places were gl: the parched ground became springs of and the desert flourished and blossomed the rose. The eyes of the blind were open ed, the ears of the deaf were unstopped, : lame leaped as an hart, and the tongue : the dumb sang aloud with joy. O, brethr with what gratitude and thanksgiving, we to bear in mind, the ceilayelee-caligcall the zeal, the perseverance, and the patience of our first preachers! What did they suffer, what did they endure, to prepare the way of _the Lord, and to make seca paths for our feet, smooth roads, and easy ways, for those who came after them! You who were not cotemporaries with them, and now are en- joying the fruits, advantages, and benefits, of their labours and long-sufferings, can scarcely conceive of their extraordinary trials, and severe warfare; nor of the vast difference between your situation and theirs. Their rough ways, have become smooth to us; their hard ways, are now made easy to us; and the crooked paths, they had to walk, have now become straight and plain for our feet. But, alas! Have we now among us, that 97 ~ faith, zeal, love, humility, brotherly kind- ness, union of ‘spirit, deadness to the world, ~ and holy living, which, so much abounded among them? Indeed brethren, I awfully fear!—I lived then, asa spectator, an obser- ver, and a witness; I live now, and stand as a witness yet, and probably, am able to bear testimony. This reflection, moves my tender feelings, ‘excites an association of ideas, and produ- ces a train of contemplations, that awaken the mind, to a lively recollection, of interest- ing and affecting occurrences, which are past and gone, in the current of time; and have fled away, like the morning of our youthful days, no more to return forever! The remembrance of which, fills and over- flows the, sympathetic sensibility of the heart, with inexpressible emotions; all the tender passions and affections of the soul are strangely excited; my conflicting sensa- tions, I cannot well describe!—We can feel, when “we cannot speak!—we can feel, what we cannot utter!—we can know, what we cannot relate!—what shall I say? what do I mean?—Brethren, do you understand, do you know any thing of the paradox, of a heart rending satisfaction, of a joyful grief, a mournful comfort, a sorrowful gladness, a painful happiness, and a pensive melan- choly pleasure? Ifso, you may understand ‘ 98 me, and enter into a view of my present feelings. “Our fathers! where are they?—_ | b ali | And the prophets! do they live forever?” — Elisha, said to Elijah, as he went up and left © him, “ my father! my father! and he saw him no more!”—Our Asbury, our fathers, our brethren, who lived before us, who laboured . and suffered for us, who brought us up like children, who gave and left us excellent ex- — amples, and with whom we have spent so many delightful seasons, in public and in ‘private meetings, and in social interviews— they have left us behind, they have depart- ed in the Lord, we shall see them on earth no more! We ought to record their names, perpetuate their memory, and spread their fame abroad; for they were the excellent of the earth. They will not return to us, but we shall follow them. O, may we follow them in their excellent examples, through the regeneration here below, and follow them to heaven! Well may our hearts be full, our eyes be bathed in tears, and every sympathetic passion flow, like fountains of waters, in streams and currents, of intermix- ed joy and grief!—Surely, we shall be allow- ed to vent our sighs, and weep!—TIt needs no apology. When Lazarus died, and his sisters, and friends, were mourning, Jesus _ -wept—Behold, how he loved him! — 99 But to return to the historical and biogra- phical narrative. The more Asbury and the preachers were known, the more they gained friends—the more the people became acquainted with their doctrines, their man- ser of life, their purposes, and their designs, the more they approved, and the better they liked them. Their friends increased, in the midst of their enemies. 1777, it was asked in conference, “ As the present distress is such, are the preachers resolved to take no step to detach them- selves from the work of God for the ensu- ing year?” To which it was answered,— “We purpose, bv the grace of God, not to ‘take any step that may separate us from the brethren, or from the blessed work in which we are engaged.” I believe, that none of the English preachers continued in the country, longer than 1778, excepting Asbury; they fled from the troubles and distresses, and from the work; leaving, as it were, the sheep in the wilderness, among the wolves. Not so with Francis, he stood at his post, as a good shepherd, venturing himself and his all, for the sake of the flock. But the times and circumstances were such, that his name, I, believe, does not appear in the Mi- nutes of Conference for that year. It was a blessed thing, for the cause of religion, that he stood firm, and continued among us. i. 100 troubles and difficulties, w. without, the bre renhad some painful trials g the mselve About that time, a parti _ divisi Surely it was of the Long _ Among ms administration of the ordinances. In Vir- -_ginia, a part of the brethren, associated, and, for the sake of the ordinances, resolved on a separation from the old church of Eng. land; and they introduced ordination, and the sacraments, among themselves, as an independant, separate people. They pro- ceeded so far, as to occasion a partial divi- Sion, among themselves, foraseason. ‘Thi step, was disapproved of, and opposed, Asbury, and others; as irregular, unadvi- sable, and premature. In 1779, there were two conferences held; the first was in the State of Delaware, in April, for the convenience of the preachers in the northern stations, that all might have an opportunity of meeting in conference; for, at that time, it was not ad- visable for Asbury, Ruff, and some others, to attend in Virginia. It was also prepara- tory to the other conference, which was to be held in Virginia, in the month of May; and to guard against the separation, which at that time was taking place. The senti- ments of Asbury, and of the Delaware con- ference, were to be taken to the Virginia conference, by Wm. Watters. A brief 101 , statement of which, may be seen in the Minutes for that year. That conference, renewed the appointment of Mr. Asbury, as the Superintendent, or General assistant, then so called. He was the senior preach- er among them, and had been originally appointed, by Mr. Wesley, to that office; but now, they renewed, and confirmed, his ap- pointment. In April, 1780, a Conference was held in Baltimore ; which, unanimously, disap- proved of the steps taken by the brethren in Virginia ; and resolved not to look upon them any longer as Methodists, in con- nexion with Mr. Wesley and themselves, until they came back into the union.—Re- quiring, as a condition, the suspension of their ordinations, and sacramental adminis- trations, and all to meet together at the next Conference, in Baltimore. Asbury, Gar- rettson, and Watters, were appointed to at- tend the Virginia Conference, in order to inform them of the proceedings of the Con- ference in Baltimore ; and to use their in- fluence, to prevent a further division ; and also to receive theiranswer. This mission, or duty, was performed successfully. Times were then growing better, or more mode- rate ; Asbury, and others, then could travel at large, in Maryland, Virginia, and other places, without ite ala 2 A} 102 ; | In April, 1781, the Conference was held in Baltimore. After mature considerati close observation, and earnest prayer, they resolved, firmly, to discountenance a sepa- | ration among either the preachers, or the | people. The brethren, in Virginia, yielded — to the decision. | aa Thus ended the partial division, chiefly through the counsel, and influence, of As- — bury ; peace, among brethren, was restored, — and union established, both among the preach- ers and the people. It did not, however, appear to bea division of heart and af- fection ; but only of opinion about the ordi- nances, and of the measures to be pursued. —Love however prevailed. It was agreed upon, by mutual consent, to consult Mr. Wesley, and to follow his advice and coun- sel, upon the question of becoming an inde- pendent church, separate from the church of England. . In 1782, by virtue bi the Preliminary Ar- ticles of peace, hostilities ceased between the United States and Great Britaim—and in 1783, the Definitive Treaty of peace was signed, ratified, and carried into full effect. The Independence of the United States, be- ing acknowledged, by Great Britain, and our civil and religious rights, liberties, and privileges, being established, and secured, and peace being restored again to the land; the state of things was amazingly changed. 103 In 1784, Mr. Wesley, who had been ap- plied to for advice and counsel, considered 'the situation of the Methodist societies in | the United States ; and on mature delibera- tion, and calm reflection, advised, and re- ‘commended, his American brethren, who were totally disentangled, both from the British civil government, and from the Eng- lish church hierarchy, that it was best for them, “to stand fast in that liberty, where- —And, he and us, being at full liberty, in this matter, to follow the scriptures, and the usages of the primitive church; he being clear in his own mind, took a step, which he had long weighed in his thoughts; and, not only advised and recommended his American brethren, but took a decided part in aiding them, to become a distinct and in- dependent church. Accordingly, he set apart, andappointed, Thomas Coke, Doctor of Civil law, late of Jesus College, Oxford, who was a regular Presbyter of the English church, and vested him with full Episcopal authori- ty, to come over to America on this busi- ness; and Richard Whatcoat, and Thomas Vesey, presbyters, to come with him ; and to confer ordinations, and to assist the Me- thodist societies, in becoming, and organiz- ing theniselves, an independent. church. At thesame time, herecommended the Epis- j with God had so strangely made them free.” * / /| in law, and to hold the chapels, preachi 104 copal. form and mode of church gover “ ment; and that Dr. Thomas Coke, and Mr. Francis Asbury, be received, and acknow- ledged, as joint Superintendants, or bishops. The same year, Mr. Wesley executed th famous deed of settlement, or declaration, of one hundred preachers, of whom Dr. Coke was one, and first on the list, after the twe Wesleys, as members of the British Cor ference, in regular succession, to be know houses, and other property, in behalf of the connexion in Europe. Next to his brother Charles, no man stood higher, in the esteem and confidence of Mr. Wesley, than Dr. Coke ; and in America, no man stood so high vith him as Mr. Asbury. September 18th, 1784, Coke, Whatcoat, and Vesey, sailed from Bristol, for America; and landed in New York, the 3d of Novem- ber, following. Dr.Coke, and Whatcoat, leav- ing Vesey behind, hastened on to the south, ‘with all expedition. On the 14th of the same month, November, they met Mr. As- bury, and about fifteen of the American eri at a Quarterly Meeting, held in arrett’s Chapel, Kent county, State of Delaware. I was then a witness, with my eyes, my ears, and my heart, of pne of the most solemn, interesting, and affectionate meetings. It was in full view of a large con- 1035 course of people, a crowded congregation, nena for public worship. While Dr. Joke was preachng, Mr. Asbury came into the congregation. A solemn pause, and deep . silence, took place at the close of the sermon, las an interval for introduction, and salutation. Asbury and Coke, with great solemnity, and much dignified sensibility, and with full hearts of brotherly love, approached, em- - braced, and saluted each other. The other © eachers, at the same time, participating in ne tender sensibilities of the affectionate salu- tations, were melted into sweet sympathy and tears. The congregation, also, caught the glowing emotion, and the whole assembly, as if divinely struck, with a shock of heaven- ly electricity, burst into a flood of tears — Every heart, appeared as if filled, and over- flowing, with love, unity, and fellowship; and a kind of ecstacy, or rapture, of joy and gladness ensued. I can never forget the af- ffecting scene. ee The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered by the Doctor and Mr. What- coat, to several hundreds, and it was a bless- ed season, to many souls, while in the holy ordinance, they, through faith, discerned the Lord’s Body, and shewed forth his death, and were feasting on him in their souls, by faith, with thanksgiving. It is the more im- pressive on my mind, and affecting to my - Y recollection; for, at @ first time I ever pai per,-and the first tim was ever administe dists, in this coun _ Ordained preachers. _ by the particular request, aad: 3 tion, of brother Asbury, and aor coupe ph some other Riper y Bon: HA ae to travel, nor, Yat aay tim - contemplated it. It was unsought, an I went to that meeting, perfectly un ed. With much diffidence, and great ance, I yielded to go; though pressed by my greatly beloved, and much este brother Asbury, and encouraged, and to it, by some of the other preachers brother W. Thomas, held up both his toward me, and in a loving and alarmin manner, addressed me, “ I warn you, in name of God, not to refuse! Ido not know. but your salvation depends it! Go has a work for you to do, and, h e has a you to it; and wo, be untoy ou prez not the gospel!”——That address, through me like thunder; pan hago I could say no more! They had some ‘ledge of my deep exercises, about pre? _ 107 x, and they believed that I was “ verily led to the work.” They having heard me conversation, and, in the close of meet- vs, a few times, exhort and pray, they ? sosed I had “a talent to be improved.” wever, I submitted; and, having obtained pof God, I continue to this day, witnessing h to small and great, that they should re- ut and turn to God. The Lord have mercy on me! my only hope for acceptance and vation, is in the mercy of God, through sus Christ my Redeemer! From that time, e especially, I have had a particular and imate knowledge of Francis Asbury, and manner of his life. We have had a confi- - intercourse, an intimate friendship, d union of heart. And it now gives me nsolation, to recollect, that the last time . met and parted, it was in brotherly love, the unity of the spirit, and in the bond of ace. His acquaintance, and his friendship, s long been a particular source of pleasure happiness to my mind. I can scarcely tain myself under the affecting recollec- s which crowd upon my mind. Being ch moved, I am almost ready to cry out, in spirit of lamentation, like David, when went up to the chamber and wept for Ab- lom—O, my father Asbury! Would God ad died for thee, O Asbury, my father! father! Butit is all over! The strongest, rest ties in life, must be broken! wars 5. ae ee meet in Baltimore, on the Christmas ing, to take into consideration, the proposal and advice of Mr. Wesley. — Intelligen was sent. off, to every part of the nexion. Brother Garrettson, was appoin to go ‘through Maryland, into Virginia, to give the information, to the south a west, and to call the preachers togethe The conference met, the 27th, o ber, 1784, and continued their delib and sitting until sometime in Jan. : It was unanimously agreed, that circ ces made it expedient for the Methodist ® _ cieties, in America, to become a separ body, from the church of England, of w until then, they had been’ considered members. ‘They also resolved to take th title, and to be known in future, by the nam of Tur Mrruopist. Eprscopat Cuurct —They made the episcopal office electiv: and the bishops, or superintendants, ae amenable, for their conduct, to the body C preachers, or to the General conference Mr. Asbury, though appointed by Mr. M% __ ley, would not be ordained, unless he wa ~ chosen by a vote, or the voice of fe rence. He was unanimously elected, an 109 Dr. Coke, was also unanimously received, jointly with him, to be the Superintendants, or Bishops, of the Methodist Episcopal church. From that time, the methodist societies, in the United States, became an independant church, under the Episcopal mode and form of government—Designing, professing, and resolving “ to follow the scriptures, and the primitive church,” according to the advice and counsel of Mr. Wesley, and in perfect unison with the views, the opinion, and wish- es of Mr. Asbury. This step met with ge- neral approbation, both among the preach- ers and the members. Perhaps we shall sel- dom find, such unanimity of sentiment, in a whole community, upon any question, of such magnitude, proposed to be adopted by them. And do we profess, in our church povernment, and order, to be founded’ on, to be governed by, and to follow, the Scrip- tures, and also the usages of the primitive church? Well brethren, let us be careful, firmly to adhere to the good old way; and never depart from the Scripture rule! Let us continue to follow the best lights we can obtain, from the apostolick and primitive sages and customs, both as to doctrines, orality, discipline, and church govern- ment. : From the time that the church was con- stituted, and he was clothed with Episcopal K TE RN ty io le rE A, OE 110 functions, until the day of his death, which was more than thirty years, Bishop Asbury, continued to be, uninterruptedly, the he proved, the diligent, the indefatigable, and useful Superintendant of the Methodist Epis-| copal church, in the United States and the extensive territories thereof. He made it his constant, regular, and only business. Once a year, he, generally, passed through the widely extended bounds of his vast and important charge. He usually travelled about five thousand miles, annually ; and in his tour, generally presided in six, seven, or eight conferences ; fixed the stations and ap- pointments, of, from two to six hundred preachers ; ordained a great number of tra- velling and local elders and deacons ; and, likewise, had the general oversight of the whole connexion, and body of the church, amounting, at the close of his labours, to more than two hundred thousand members. —Beside all this, there were other ministe- rial cares and arduous labours—such as, public preaching; an extensive episto correspondence, business of divers kinds, with the trustees, of different churches, or societies, and the various other official mem- bers ; and in overseeing, less or more, the temporalities, and spiritualities of the whole church. To which may be added, his re- markable attention to, and constant diligence iti im social and family prayer, and religious conversations, admonitions, and counsels, wherever he went, and into whatsoever place or circle he came ; together, with his atten- tion to reading, to study, and to private and secret devotions, in promoting, and establish- ing, and maintaining, his own communion and fellowship with the Father and the Son, and to keep his own soul alive to God. Wonderful man! Every day, and every hour, almost every minute, appeared to be employed, and devoted, in close application to some excellent work and useful purpose! But he appeared to have nothing to do witle the things of this world, only as they pro- moted the cause of God. It might be too prolix, and tedious, in this discourse, to follow him minutely through all the complicated and diversified movements, and exercises, of his public and private life, from week to week, from month to month, and from year to year; in the great work of his own salvation, the salva- tion of others, and the good of the world. His manner of life, has been equalled by few; perhaps surpassed by none. I am confident- ly persuaded, to take him all and in all, that no man, in America, ever came up to his standard. I have many things in my know- ledge, and recollection, to say, which crowd upon my mind. I have known him well, and 112 I have known him long; and have a recol- lection and knowledge of so many events and circumstances in his life, and so — traits, in his excellent character, to form h biographical portraiture ; that, were I to in. dulge, in the leadings of my present feeling of respectful considerations, perhaps, I mi exceed the limits, prescribed by prudent « cretion, for the bounds of a funeral dis course. Heuce, I can only give you — slight descriptive touches, and brief s es, of his remarkable and extraordinary life In his annual visitations, and extensive ‘tours, he was somewhat like the revolving seasons of the year, regularly, and periodi cally, constantly, and beneficially, comi and going, and returning again. Or, li the sun, in his daily and annual circuit ; con. ‘tinually keeping his course, progressing through the hemispheres, and the degree: of latitude, in the different seasons of thi year ; diffusing light, and heat, and bene fits, to the world. I trust the similitude willnot be considered as chimerical, or mere ly fanciful; for the scripture justifies thi comparison in some degree—* Ve shine a. lights in the world—Ye are the lights of th _world-—The path of the just, is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unio the per: fect day.”—And the stars, which the Lorc held in his right hand, were the angels, 01 the bishops, of the churches. 113 We find him like a herald of the Lord, passing through the different parts, and al- most in every part of the nation.—At one time we see him in the State of Maryland, then, he goes through Delaware, Pennsyl- wania, New-Jersey, New-York, Connecti- cut, Rhode-Island, Massachusetts, New- Hampshire, the Province of Main, Vermont, and away beyond the lines, and the Lakes, imto Canada. The King’s business requiring - haste.—We see him quickly returning, through other parts of York, and Pennsylvania ; and away he goes to the west, through Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Western Ter-. ritories. Then away through Georgia, South- Carolina, North-Carolina, and Virginia, and back again he comes to Maryland. And all this extensive tour in the space of one year. And that, repeated, again, and again, from year to year. It is scarcely necessary to mention, what must be so obvious, that in performing such astonishing annual tours ; and in attending to all the vast variety of his christian, ministerial, and episcopal du- ties and callings ; he must have ae almost continually on the move ; and be diligently, as well as constantly employed. Flying, as it were, like the angel, through the earth, preaching the everlasting gospel. No sea- son, no weather, stopped him. Through winter’s cold, and summer’s heat, he press- K 2 Se ae eee ae LAS SE ns 114 ed on. He was often in the tempest and the storm ; in rain, snow, and hail; in hunger, thirst, weariness, and afflictions. Some- times uncomfortable entertainment, with hard lodging and unkind treatment. Methinks, in a contemplative view, I see him, bending his missionary course, from the large cities, and populous towns, through the thick settled countries, until I behold him far away and over the hills. Climbing the lofty Blue ridges, and the towering Alleghany -Mountains, whose elevated summets, rise among the clouds. ‘“ I soaf, said he, but it is over the tops of the highest mountains.” Then to the distant and remote settlements, in and beyond the dreary wilderness! Tra- -versing the solitary and. gloomy valleys; crossing and re-crossing the dangerous nor- thern and western waters, which in rapid currents flow! I can almost see him on the desolate banks of the Lakes, and the rivers St. Lawrence, the Ohio, the Mississippi, and others, passing from shore to shore.— There he resorted, and there he was found, administering the word of life, in lonel; cottages, to the poor and destitute inhabi- tants. Sometimes, he had to sleep upon the floor, or on beds of straw, or not much better, in houses built of logs, filled in with clay, and covered over with bark of trees or wooden slabs. Sometimes, like Jacob of i15 old, he had to take up his lodging in the wild wilderness, and open air; with the earth for his bed, and the sky for the cano- py; surrounded by the ravenous beasts of the forest, roaming and prowling for their prey; and by the fierce savages, of the de- -sert, wandering and searching for their vic- ‘tims and game. He knew how to abound, among the wealthy, in populous cities, and rich countries; and how to endure hardship and want, among the indigent poor, in the barren mountains, the uncultivated wilder- ness, and other places of poverty. This was his manner of life, to spend and be spent, in going about, from place to place, like his Master, and the disciples of old, in doing good. Most excellent man; who can but admire him with reverence? At times, we find him in oppulent fami- lies, abounding with plenty, supplied with all the comforts, which wealth, friendship, and hospitable kindness could afford; at other” ‘times, among those in the mediocrity of life, enjoying a competency, barely sufficient to _ supply the common necessaries of life; at other times, among the indigent sufferers, straitened and pinched in their circumstan- ces, and destitute of the means to make life comfortable; not only those who were sigh- ing under the griping hand of poverty, but also those, who were groaning under the a 116 hard and cruel hand of oppression and in- justice; and bowed deme the weight of complicated distresses, and afflictions.— The poor had the gospel preached to them. He cheerfully and willingly, condescended to men of low estate. Even the poor African race, in bondage and wretchedness, were not ne- glected by him; he attended to their forlorn condition, and taught them the way of life, of gospel liberty, and salvation. Here, in this manner of life, were found occasions for the exercise of long-suffering, faith, cha- rity, patience, and full empl nt for all the graces of the Spirit, and for sympathe- tic benevolence. ’ When among the great, the honorable, and the rich, he manifested humility, im his prosperity; maintaining, at the same time, a dignified independence of spirit, without exaltation. When among the poor, and lower classes of society, he shewed a courteous condescension, and manifested content, and patience, in adversity. He went on through good report, and through evil report, among the rich, the poor, the wise, and the unwise; without partiality and without respect of persons. At all times, among all people, in all places,and upon all occasions, his aim was, to promote the cause of God; to be instrumental to the good of man, and to the salvation of precious souls. 117 Kr x / His eye, appeared to be always single, and his whole body, soui, and example, full of ‘light. He was one of the lights of the world; his light did shine bright before men, and they saw his good works. He was, a great, a bur- ‘ning, and a shining light. Perhaps, it may not be necessary to speak of his literary attainments; though, proba- bly, some will expect it. It is understood, and admitted, that he was not distinguish- ed as a scientific, or literary Scholar. He was not considered a critical Linguist; nor as being eminent in the arts and sciences. He made but little pretention to either; and never sought to rank with the Literati.— Though languages, arts and sciences, ought ‘to be encouraged, and, no doubt have their various excellent uses; yet, nevertheless, they are not the essential, nor pre-eminent qualifications, of an apostolic, primitive, or modern, christian minister, or bishop. The scriptures are clear and full on this point.— The apostles were not learned men. We are also informed, that many of the primi- . tive fathers, were not learned men. Even the great, and celebrated Mugustine, Bishop of Hippo, did not understand Greek; and, his cotemporary, John, Bishop of Jeru- salem, did not understand Latin. Those two noted and eminent bishops, in their in- tercourse and correspondence, had to have 118 an interpreter; of course, there was no one language, which they both understood; ei- ther Latin, Greek, or Hebrew. Other cases might be recited, in different ages and na- tions, to shew, that much learning, was not considered as an essential qualification, | to be a minister of the gospel or a bishop. Although we admit, that our late Bishop, did not pretend to much literature, and that he did not stand high in the ranks of the Literatie; yet, he had some knowledge of the learned languages, and was able to read and consult the Holy Scriptures in their ori- ginals. He was conversant with, and de- lighted in, his Hebrew Bible, which he al- most continually carried with him. In the early part of his life and ministry, more especially, he gaye himself diligently to study, and to reading; and had acquired a considerable stock of useful informationand knowledge. He had an acquaintance with the necessary branches of polite literature; of natural and moral philosophy; ancient and modern history, both profarle, civil, and eccle- siastical; also of Geography, Biography, Lo- gic, Rhetoric, &c. He hadanextensive know- ledge of the world, of men, and of the na- ture of things. But he shewed no disposi- tion to make a display of his knowledge, his talents, or his learning. He never, with soli- citude or ambition, sought after fame, dis- tinction, or popularity, among the men of 119 this world. His greatest ambition was, to be useful, and his greatest solicitude was, to save souls. Yo shew himself approved unto God; a workman that needeth not to be asha- med, rightly dividing the word of truth. He studied, he meditated, on these things; he gave himself wholly to them. He took heed unto himself; and also, unto his doctrines; he continued in them, that, in so doing, he might both save himself and them that heard him. Of all his studies, there was one, especially, which was always dear to him, which he never neglected, and in which he was con- tinually delighted, and never ceased to make an improvement in, unto the latest period of his life. It was, the study of the Bible, the Religion of the Bible, christian and ministe- rial duty and usefulness. In this christian science, this evangelical philosophy, he made a very extraordinary proficiency, and was equaled by few,perhaps surpassed by none.—Let us all, deligently study, this Curistran Puitosopuy. __ His manner, of preaching, was well known. His language was good, his manner agreea- ble, his matter excellent, and his voice me- lodious. “ But, (copying after the apostle) his eloquence did not usually consist in the splendor of pompous language ; nor the ar- tificial flowers of refined and polite orato ry; but in the grandeur of the sentiments, 120 and the sublimity and excellence of the di- vine truths he uttered. His addresses were, generally, plain and simple; yet energetic, carrying with them the impressive authori- ty of truth; and admirably tempered with the gentleness of christianity, self-posses- sion, modest intrepidity, and humble bold-. ness ; and, most commonly, consisted in a judicious selection of choice matter, to suit the occasion. It was neither his study, nor custom, to use artful strains of disingenuous, ) or unintelligible declamation, to amuse and. tickle the fanciful imaginations of those who had itching ears. It was not his object to shew, by smooth and. well turned periods, and all the studied artificial graces of rhe- torick, how handsomely he could speak ; nor did he seek, in all the beautiful elegance of attitude and elocution, to gain the admira- tion of the listening multitude; but rather to manifest, how well, how truly, how con-. vincingly, and how feelingly and pungently he could address himself, to every man’s con- science in the sight of God ; that, thereby, he might gain souls for Christ. Every thing, bombastic, in the pulpit, all artificial rhap- sody and affectation, all pompous display of theatrical oratory and eloquence, he pate discarded. He was careful, not to pr himself, but Christ Jesus the Lord: and him- self the servant of all, for the sake of Christ. 121 He was, however, sometimes, rather abrupt and obscure, owing to the suddenness of his transitions and digressions; and his method, | frequently bore the appearance of the want of attention, and correct arrangement ; this was discoverable, or rather apparent, in his epistolary correspondence, and conversa- tions, as well as in his extemporary public preaching; but this supposed neglect, and apparent irregularity, or defect, was, some~ times, made more impressive, and more touching, than the most lucid and critical order, or the most ingenious and methodi- cal arrangement. It was not his custom, nor design, politely to compliment christia- nity, by bestowing on it flattering eulogies, splendid panegyricks, and fanciful flowers, and ornaments of rhetorical eloquence. But rather, to pay it a profound homage and re- verence, and to recommend it to others, and to enforce it, in all its own intrinsic excel- lencies, its divine beauties, native simplici- Pe and great plainness. May we not urther say, in the language of an eminent writer, that, he was too devout to be inge- nious, too earnest to be fanciful, too humble to be inventive? That his sober mind, could. discern no real analogy, between the sublime truths of christianity, and the little arts of refined human accomplishments? Did he ever sooth, where it was a duty to give r@- L ; 122 proof? Did he not consider that aharsh truth, which tended to benefit a soul, had more be- nevolence in it, than a dangerous pleasing palliative? He was not guilty of that mis- chievous compassion, and solicitude, of pre- ferring the ease and applause, of his friends and the people, to their safety and benefit. He was studious to awaken every guilty conscience to a sincere contrition; but he was just as ready, and earnest, to heal the pangs of a wounded spirit, by an application of the Balm of Gilead, and to administer the cordials of consolation, and the oil of joy ta thos¢-who had received the spirit of mourn ing. Dignity, simplicity, independence, and godly Sincerity, accompanied by a ministe< rial, evangelical authority, were admirably’ united in his manner of preaching. He was . very little elevated by applause, or depress- ed by reproach ; but, with Paul, could ex- claim, as with a noble disregard to perso- nal considerations, Jone of those things move me; neither count I my life dear, so that ¥ may finish my course with joy, and the minis- iry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God! His manner, of ruling and governing the church, we have fully known. Perhaps, we might, with propriety, say of him, what Livy said of Cato, “ You would suppose, that he was born for the very place and thing, in 123 which he was employed and engaged.” We might point you to his manner of presiding, in the annual and general conferences; his method of precision, and decision, in sta- tioning and fixing the appointments of the preachers; his solemnity, and manner, in ordaining deacons, elders, and bishops; and, probably, he ordained more ministers of the gospel, than any other man living. The field of his administration was large. His work was great and complicated; the trusts com- mitted to his care, were numerous and im- portant; the power and authority, given to him, and vested in him, as bishop, in the executive government of the church, put him in a critical responsibility to God, to the church, and to all his brethren. We might notice a thousand transactions, in his man- ner of ruling the church, and governing his charge; which would be interesting, enter- taining, and instructive, in the particular and general, public and private, execution of discipline, and in the exercise of his episcopal functions, and authority; but for these I must refer you to the biographical historian of his life; who, I trust, will do ample justice to his character and memory. It has, however, been objected by some, “that he had too much power; that more authority was vested in him, than was con- sistant with the safety and security, of the 124 rights and privileges, of the ministry, and of the membership, of the church of Christ; that, had he been so disposed, with the authority and power he possessed, he could have op- pressed his brethren, driven them from the work, or, have imposed on them burdens and hardships, incompatible with the genu- ine principles of christian liberty, and the rights of man.” It has also been objected, ‘“« That he was too fond of power, and too tenacious of maintaining his authority, and of supporting his power.” As to those ob- jections, this is neither the time nor the place, to repel, rebut, defend, or controvert them. However, it may be proper, in this part of the subject, to bring them into view; and, by way of accommodation, I have no difficulty in admitting, honestly and candid- ly, that the objections, when considered on general principles, are too well founded. But, is there not an apology, sufficient to -extenuate the supposed fault contained in the objections? Perhaps, no other man, could be equally justifiable, in wishing, or claiming, or exercising, the same degree of authority in the church; and, probably, the conferences will not consider themselves justifiable in admitting, or granting, the same power to any other.({ Bishop Asbury, stood as a father, and as 4 patriereht; con- nexion. ‘The preachers, and the members, 125 were nurtured, and brought up under him, like children by a parent; they were in the habit of being directed by him, and of look- ing up to him, with filial affection, and pe= culiar reverence, and of rendering a respect- ful submission to him. As sons, and chil- dren, in the gospel, they felt their obliga- tions to him, as toa father. They had also experienced his parental care over them, and proved his fatherly solicitude for their pros- perity and welfare. He was, to the Ameri- can connexion, like the patriarch Jacob, to the tribes of Israel. The venerable Wesley, “was, as the Abraham, the father of the Me- thodist community; and Asbury, as the Ja- cob, to the American So . No other man, can ever possibly stand in the same relation to us. Tous, he was like | a Moses, who led us out of Egypt, through the wilderness, toward the promised land. And from him, the servant of God, we re- ceived, as it were, the tables of the law. So we were in the habit, and practice, of be- ing led, directed, and instructed by him. It cannot be expected, in the nature of things, that any other, can possibly have the same influence and authority. A brother, cannot reasonably, have the same influence and au- thority over brethren, that a father had over his sons. Perhaps, under the circumstances of the case, no man, could, in any situation, T “ha oe 126 * be more justifiable, in claiming and exercis« ing, his influence and authority, over a reli- gious community ; unless we except the ve- merable Wesley. And, probably, no com- munity, cou e more justifiable in yield- ing, with cheerful submission, than in the _case under consideration ; unless we except the English connexion, to Mr. Wesley. I suggest these considerations, not by way of opposition or vindication ; but, by way, of amicably stating the case, to your conside- rations, and as an extenuation, of the sup- posed fault, in the estimation of the objec- tors; who would appear to attach blame, both to our late Bishop, for claiming, and to the Conferences for granting, and submitting to, so much power in one man. Perhaps, he was rather too tenacious, and might have shewn rather too much solicitude on the point in question. Ifso, no doubt, it was, because he thought it was for the best, and in the order of God; and, was fully persuaded, that it was right, and conducive to the pro- motion of religion, and the good of the church ; as being providentially put into his hand, for that purpose, by divine direction. But, in what manner did he exercise his power? When, and where, was the man, possessing so much influence, and invested | with so much authority, that ever used it to i better purposes, for the good of others: and 127 * so little to selfish advantages ; so little to- ward his own bodily ease, earthly honor, or worldly profit? Who ever exercised his. au- thority and influence more disinterestedly, in the spirit and temper of an apostolic and primitive Bishop?) As Crowther observes, in his Portraiture of Methodism, ‘“¢ May he not be said, to have (had) the largest see of any bishop in the world? yet, many curates have larger salaries ?” His diocess, extend- ed from Canada, and the other British pos- sessions to the North and East, unto the Spanish possessions, the Floridas, and Mex- ico, to the South and West, fifteen hundred, or two thousand miles in length; and from the Atlantic to the Mississippi and .Louis- iania, East and West, the best part of one thousand miles in breadth. Including all the United States, and the extensive terri- tories thereof. And he generally went through this whole district, once every year. And, instead of a salary of hundreds, or thousands, which scarcely satisfy the crav- ings of some ordinary secular priests, com- mon parish ministers, or lucre-loving bi- shops; he, as a bishop, with all his authority, though in labours more abundant, contented himself with the small allowance, of Eighty Dollars a year, and the amount of his tra- velling expenses ; he demanded, he request- ed, he asked no more. 128 / He was Not greedy of filthy lucre, he was ‘ blameless, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, ‘ apt to teach, not given to wine, not a novice, he had a good report of them who were with- out; one who ruled well, and knew how to take care of the church of God. For, a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God ; not self-willed, not soon angry ; but a lover of hos- pitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy temperate; holding fast the faithful word, that he may be able, by sownd doctrine, b to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Did | ever a bishop come nearer to the apostolic standard, since the primitive days? Let every bishop, and every minister, examine himself, and regulate his conduct according- ly, by the rule laid down, in the scriptures, for Timothy, Titus, and others to follow. What a certain writer said of St. Paul, we may here apply—“ He was a conqueror; he had gained the most splendid victories; and still, during his probationary state, he considered himself only in the road to sal- vation; still he never thought of slackening his course, or diligence; he thought not of resting; he had not reached his end. His re- solution rose with his trials and afflictions, he was not intimidated; his grand solicitude was, that himself and others, might not lose the ground they had gained. He never sought, whilst he never shrunk from danger. 129 is straight forward rectitude, neither court- td the applause, nor despised the good opi- ion of men. As Paley said of Paul, “ the oolness of his head kept pace with the armth of his heart.” That prudence which s a-kin to selfishness, that discretion which leans. to craft, that candor which tends to indue pliancy, that wisdom which is sensu- and earthly, he never sought, and had not cquired. ‘ No desire of pleasing, no fear f offending, prevented him from delivering holesome truths, because they might be Vas That which Burke said of the Marquis of Rockingham, we may with more propriety say, of Asbury, “ His vir- tues were his arts.” Perhaps no man ever adhered more lite- ally and more punctually to the scripture recepts respecting prayer. Pray without easing, pray always, pray evermore, men mght always to pray, with all manner of rayer, and supplication in the spirit, watch- ng unto prayer &c. He had maturely con- idered the nature and subjects of prayer, he obligations, the utility, and the indispen- ible duty and necessity of prayer, in every tate, and situation, of body and mind, and n every condition of life. In danger, pray- sr was his strong hold for safety; in trouble, srayer was his resource for comfort; in sick- ness, it was his refuge; in dejection, his wary 130 hope; in death, his support and consola He was importunate in prayer, incess supplications, and unwearied in his addres ses, and applications, continually to the| throne of grace; making his requests known,| in all things to God, by supplication and prayer, with boldness, faith, confidence, and humility. He was truly a man great and wonderful in prayer. His access to the' throne of grace + emarkable, his gifts i prayer were astonishing, and he appeared t address himself to God, in his intercessions with much assurance of faith. Ask and ye shall receive; the fervent effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much with God.— Perhaps, no man ever devoted himself more frequently, more fervently, and more de- voutly, to prayer, than he: , ' Those who have had the pleasure of his / acquaintance, the benefit of his visits, and the happiness of entertaining him in their houses, fully know the manner of his life; his holy living, his pious deportment, his godly examples, his religious conversations, his de- vout prayers, and his zealous, earnest, and affectionate, both admonitions, among pa- rents, children, servants, and visitors. The recollection thereof, fills your hearts with j and gladness, that you ever knew him, an were blessed with his company and friendship, under your roofs, and in your families; but, 131 ¢ affecting consideration, that you will er be favoured with the pleasure and be- t of his company and presence there gain, fills your hearts with overflowing sor- w. Ah! my beloved friends, you will see ssively, and more emphatically, than lan- age can describe! Time would fail me, to be more minute pon all the rules, maxims, customs, forms, d modes, of his extraordinary manner of ife; as a man, a christian, a minister, and superintendant of the church of Christ.— t would lead me too far beyond the ordinary imits of a funeral discourse. I must now s on, and take a brief view of the closing ene, and the end of his life! I have had my eye upon him, and kept im in view, and followed him through the vicissitudes, and complicated cares, duties, and labours of life. But now, I have come to a2 point, and arrived at a place where he disappears: I lose sight of him, and come to a solemn pause! a sudden stop!—I stand and look, with fixed attention, and weeping pyes! We see him no more! I raise my rembling hand, and point toward the sor- rowful, the mournful place of lamentation, where his course was finished, and his dis- finguished journey in life was enged! Shall 132 ” I direct your attention, and call your pen- sive minds, to the mourning house of his old friend, George Arnold, in ee | Virginia? There he was; he disappeared;| and there we losthim! There, the scene was closed! There, on that spot, he ceased labour, to suffer, to breathe, and to live! It is finished, it is done, it is ended! He fella victim to death, and triumphantly yielded his spirit to God! He conquered, though he died! In the midst of splendid victory, he fell into the arms of his adorable Saviour! Shall we repair to the place where we lost him, to the house of lamentation, to the si- lent grave, and weep with those that weep? | Where have they laid him? Surely some Monument will be reared, to designate the spot, where the remains, the bones, and the dust, of the venerable Asbury, are Cf gre His name, and his manner of life, should be recorded on vellum, and engraven in marble; that generations yet unborn, after we shall all be sleeping with him im the grave, may point at the record and say, * Since the discourse, of which, this.contains the sub- stance, was delivered, the official members of the Me- thodist Episcopal church, iv Baltimore, by and with consent of the General Conference, have had the relick of the Bishop, removed to Baltimore, and deposited, in a respectable situation, at the Eutaw Chureh. This respectful attention, does honor to the memory of Bishop Asbury, and te themselves. i 133 * There is the testimony, in remembrance of the great, the good, the wise, the exem- plary, the laborious, and the memorable Bishop Asbury.” While he lived, his life, and labours, were bestowed on the public, and on the church; and now he has gone down to the grave, posterity may say, in the language of an eminent statesman, and ora- tor, of ancient days. He has received a praise that will never decay, a sepulchre that will always be most illustrious;—not that in which his bones lie mouldering, but that in which his fame is preserved; to be on every occasion, when the honor, the fidelity, the laborious deligence, of the gospel minis- ‘try, is the employ of either words or actions, “Eternally remembered!”—No glory, no re- nown, is comparable to that of doing good; and of all the various kinds of good, that we can do, that is pre-eminent, which has res- pect directly to the benefit ‘of the souls, and spiritual state of mankind: Their holiness and happiness in time, and their endless fe- licity in eternity! Thow hast fully known, my doctrine, man- ner of life, and, My puRPosE. ‘The purpose of man is essentially connected with his manner of life. In speaking of one, we must occasionally touch on the other. Our mo- ral virtues, and their contrary vices, gene- rally receive their stamp and type, from the M 134 purpose of the heart. A t proportion of the << and vice, RR need and evil, in life, depend directly, or indirectly, upon the purpose, the design, or the intention of the mind. According to this, we act; and among the various objects of choice, make our selection, with respect to the courses and measures, to be pursued, in order to accom- plish the end we have in view. Hence, base purposes, have a tendency to lead to base actions: the evil man, from the evil treasure, and purposes, of his heart, bringeth forth evil things. On the other hand, correct and up right purposes, lead to correct and upright actions: the good man, from the good treasure, and purposes, of his heart, bringeth forth good things. The word purpose, signifies the resolu- ion of the soul to do a thing, the intention of the mind with respect to any thing, the ‘design and motive of the heart in our ac-. tions, and the end or object we have in view to be accomplished by our actions and pur- suits in life. Now, what was the resolution, the intention, the design, the motive, the’ object, the end, or the purpossg, of the ve- nerable Bishop Asbury? Examine his whole deportment, and conduct; his actions, his pursuits, his doings, his objects and his ends im view, to be accomplished; and what do they. speak? (Retrospect and investigate his 1335 public and private life; look into all his move ments and transactions, withmen and things, in the world, and in the church; view the bearing, the relation, the connexion, the ten’. dency, of all his pursuits and measures; his privations, self-denial, mortifications, long sufferings, and arduous toils and labours; and who can hesitate a moment, to say, that his puRPosEs, must have been noble, bene- volent, pure, and holy? , We have had the most indubitable evi- ences, of the honest sincerity, and strict in- tegrity of his soul, and the purity and up- rightness of his designs, intentions, and mo- tives. He always appeared to aiga at the greatest good, and the best end, and at. the best means to accomplish the object; follow- ing the last and best dictate of his under- standing, according to the clearest light, the best evidence, and the most correct infor- mation he could obtain. On this principle and basis, his pure purpose stood, and from it he was not to be moved. tile was siead- fast, immoveable, and always abounding, in the work of the Lord. Wo cross, no danger, no suffering, no labour, or toil, would hin- der, or turn him aside, where, he conscien- ciously believed that duty called him,) Nei- ther honor nor reproach, riches nor‘poverty, friends nor enemies, ease nor pain could in-. fluence or deter him from his straight for- — 136 ward course. Inflexible integrity, and ho- nest sincerity, appeared to be incorporated with all his purposes, plans, arrangements, and pursuits. It must however be admit- ted, that in him there sometimes appeared a flexibility of manner; a change of opinion and measures; but, while this manifested an openness of mind toconviction, upon receiv~ ing new light, further and better informa- tion, or from the evidence of experience; it proved that he was not perverse, stubborn, or obstinate in his own opinions. However, he combined his change of opinion and mea- sures, with an inflexibility of principle, and a firm comsciencious rectitude of intention and purpose: A change of opinion, or measures, is no change of principle. / You see that I have no intention to say, or even to intimate, that he never erred in judgment, and in the actions of life. Nay, I admit, and I believe, that he fdealile did err in opinion ; and that from an error of judgment, he sometimes erred in practice. We have known him to be convinced; and, / yielding to conviction, candidly to acknow- ledge that he had been wrong; and then honestly to correct himself. His aim was to follow the light of truth, to think, to speak, and to act right. This was evidence of an upright purpose of mind ; and is mentioned, and. considered, as being respectful and ho- Jue qenfar tie Peg tom * norable to his memory. Is it not a max- im in theology, in ethicks, and philosophy, That a good man will always be open to conviction from the light of truth? And will gladly relinquish error, in sentiment or prac- tice, upon a conviction of wrong, by the evi- dence of truth? Is it not honorable, dignified, and virtuous so todo? And, is not the opposite disposition bothmean and criminal? “ Aner- ror of judgmentis no corruption of principle.” Anerror of judgment and opinion, only shews the infirmity and fallibility of man, in the im- perfections of his intellectual capacity, and is thecommon frailty of all, even of the wisest, and of the best. But corruption of princi- ple, shows a vile depravity of the human heart, a criminal baseness of mind, and a diabolical defection of the moral principle of the soul; and can only dwell in the bo- som of unrighteous and wicked men. There is all the difference imaginable, between an error of opinion, and the criminal, wilful in- tention of the mind. (Mr. Wesley, in his treatise on ‘ Chris-_ tian Perfection,” admits, that the most holy christians, perfect in Christ Jesus, are lia- Bley-and subject, through the infirmity of the human understanding, to error of opinion, and from the error of judgment, are liable, also, to errors of practice. From a num- ber of cases in scripture, we plainly disco- - M2 ~~ 138 ver, that some of the most distinguished apostles, and eminent saints, were, in some instances, much mistaken, and fell into errors both of opinion and practice. Paul and Bar- nabas, once, widely differed in their opinion, and that difference of opinion, led them to adopt and pursue different lines of conduct; both could not be correct. Also, Paul and Peter, two of the most distinguished apos- tles, came to a pointed opposition ; ZF with- stood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.—Two opposites, cannot both be right. Hence, we learn, that good men may differ in opinion, and be mistaken; and we ought to learn prudence and caution, how we censure, or implicate, or even suspect, other men’s upright intentions, or purity of purpose, merely because they differ from us. Possibly, we may be wrong ourselves; who art thou, that judgest another? Judge not that ye be not judged. And, even where an error is evident, either im opinion or. practice, in things not essential, nor clearly decided by the word of God, we ought to remember, that charity will cover the mul- titude of faults. The best and the wisest of men, may err and differ; yet, neverthe~ less, be upright and holy in purpose, and pure in their designs and intentions. / ~Few men were more correct both im sen- ( timent and practice, than bishop Asbury; / ‘A a and none more upright and pure in their in- 139 tentions and purposes. We might view his early purposes in life, and follow him, in the leading designs of his soul, through the various stages of life; and what were his objects, his motives, and designs ? and what induced him through life to pursue the ex- traordinary course he did? Passing over his ordinary concerns in life, and things of minor importance, we may direct our atten- tion to his purpose, in the ministry of the gospel, as an itinerant missionary, for fifty years. What induced him to encounter, the hardships, perils, reproaches; labours, and the sufferings, connected with that manner of life? What purpose, led him to leave his native country, the “tenderest of parents,” and all his other connexions and friends, and cross the stormy ocean, to come over to a strange land and serve us? I wili briefly recite some of his own words, while on the waves of the Atlantic, in 1771, as recorded in his Jour- nal. “ Whither am I going? To the New World! What todo? To gain honor or to get money? No!—If I know my own heart, I am going to live to God, and to bring others so ‘to do. I know my views are upright ;. may they never be otherwise ; may my Lord preserve me in an upright im- tention! Oh! how I wish to spend all my time and talents for him, who spilt his blood for me! I feel my spirit bound to the New- World, and my heart united to the people, a a though unknown to me; and I have great cause to believe, that I am not running be~. fore Iam sent. I feel a strong desire to be given up to God ; both body, soul, time, and talents! In this, I comfort myself, that I know my intention is upright, and that I have the cause of God at heart. But I want to. stand complete, in all the will of Ged. My spirit mourns, and hungers, and thirsts, after entire purity. Many have been my trials in the course of this voyage, from want of. a comfortable bed, suitable and proper pro- visions ; from sickness, and from men, igno- rant of God. But all this is nothing. IfI cannot bear this, what have. I learned ?— When I came near the American shore, my very heart melted within me, to think from whence I came, where I was going, and what I was going about. May God Almighty keep me as the apple of his eye, till all the storms of life are past! Whatever I do, wherever I go, may I never sin against God; but always do those things that please him!” In those expressions, and observations, in his Journal, written with his own hand, while on the great deep, he has stated his purpose, intention, and motive, his object, and end; which was to please and glorify God, to win and save souls, to be a servant to all for Christ’s sake, and, to secure for himself, not worldly honors, riches, ease, 144 applause, or pleasure, but, an incorruptible inheritance, an unfading crown of glory, and eternal life. Throughout the course of his life, he appeared to adhere to the same un- deviating purpose of soul; not to accumulate earthly wealth or treasure; not to gain worldly applause, honor or fame; not to seek bodily ease, gratifications, or pleasures; but to follow Christ through much tribulation, and to secure, and lay up for himself, trea- sures in heaven, where moth and rust do not corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. Also, his purpose was, to use all his talents, his time, his influence, and his labours, prudently and diligently, to the best advantage, and to accomplish the most excellent designs, in the promotion of the cause and honor of God, and for the sal- vation of man. He gave himself, and all he had, and all he was, to this great business; he lived for nothing else. He was so far from > se¢king the things of this world, that he carefully avoided every occasion that might lead him into a temptation of the kind; he guarded against every snare and entangle- ‘ment, every allurement and inducement, every contract and engagement, that had a tendency to draw him, from his great work, . into the spirit, and temper, of the world, or into the maxims. and customs of the men of this world. He aimed and endeavoured to 142 bring every thought into captivity to the obe- dience of Christ. He did not live to him- self, he sought not his own; but his purpose was, to glorify God, to exalt the Saviour, to promote religion, to save souls, and to preserve the unity, the fellowship, and the peace of brethren, His purpose, was, also, to drive away schism, false doctrines, and evil practices; and to maintain sound whole some doctrines, good order, regular governe ment and proper discipline. To accomplish those objects, what sacri- fices would he not make? What enjoyments would he not forego? What crosses would he not bear? And what labours and suffer- ings would he not undergo and endure? No- ble spirit! elevated mind! benevolent heart! heavenly purpose! The fixed unalterable pur- pose of his heart, the invariable bent of his mind, the constant solicitude of his soul, was, to promote and advance the interests and honor of the Redeemer’s kingdom. For this he lived, for this he travelled, for this he preached, for this hé superintended, and for this he laboured and suffered, in faith, and patience, till life sunk, and he expired, be- neath the load. How far, his pious purpose was accomplished, is pretty well known to haye been extensively great, and even be- yond his own expectations. The recital of which we must now leave. 145 ee. e Thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, and My FaiTH. Faith, is par- ticularly connected with doctrine, manner of ife, and ose. Doctrine, laysthe founda- —__ tion of the system of our religion; faith, in those doctrines, is the principle that puts the volitions of the mind into action, and forms the purposes, or the motives of the heart, and produces obedience to the injunctions and precepts founded on those doctrines; and thus regulates and governs the actions and the manner of life. So that, while we consider faith, we must of course, occasionally refer to doctrines, and to manner of life. The term Faith, literally and simply, sig- nifies a conviction and confidence of the mind, or a belief and assurance of the soul, on the authority of testimony, and force of evidence; that a proposition, or doctrine, is certainly true. Hence I may observe, with- out entering minutely, or elaborately, into an exposition and illustration of the extensive question or subject of faith, generally, that a divine faith, has for its objects, a divine proposition, or doctrine, accompanied by 2 divine testimony, or supernatural evidence; under the influence, force, and authority of which, the mind receives a conviction, and confidence, that the divine doctrine fs true. Similar remarks might be made with respect to any other faith; corresponding in name, 144. and nature, with its objects, and evidences; whether historical, philosophical, or theolo- gical. Whatever the proposition or doctrine is, itrequires testimony, or evidence, corres- pondent with its nature, to support and and prove its truth. All faith implies a cre- dent capacity, or moral faculty, possessing power to believe; for we cannot do that, for which we have no ability; and it would ap- pear, that there is also a capability to with- hold, orto yield the consent of the mind, to the truth of a proposition; otherwise, we could not, as free agents, be accountable for faith, or unbelief. A good and benevolent Being, would never require and demand, under severe penalties, that of us, for which, no ability, or power, was ever given us to perform, or even to choose; and which of course, would be impossible for us to do, far- ther than necessity was laid upon us. In cases of necessity, or impossibility, there cannot be a free agency, nor any accountability, and of course, neither vice nor virtue, neither rewards nor punishments, upon principles of justice and mercy. QFaith, also signifies a doctrine, or proposition, as an object, or CREDENDA, to exercise the eredent capacity upon. It likewise implies, testimony or evi- dence, to prove the truth of the doctrine, whether human or divine, as the case may be, to the conviction and belief of the ra- il ei ” 445 tional mind.” Thus under the influence of evidence, the mind receives conviction, that the proposition or doctrine is true, and the credent capacity, less or more, exercises 2 confidence or belief, in the truth of such doctrine. ‘Fhen the fruits and effects of faith, will follow, in our life and conduct; mm proportion to the strength of our faith, ac- cording to the nature and importance of the thing believed, and in proportion to the de- gree of interest we feel, or purpose to take, in the subject matter of the truth of the doctrine believed. I conceive that this will apply to all faith, whether historical, specu- lative, temporary, philosophical, secular, le- gal, or evangelical. Hence it will follow, that saving evangelical faith, is the volunta- ry exercise of our rational, moral, credent. capacity, in the firm belief of the truth of God in Jesus Christ; under thé influence, and authority, of divine testimony, and evan- gelical evidence, set home, with divine pow~ er, upon the soul; and producing a supernatu- ral conviction,or the witness of God, upon the heart and mind; from which, the fruits of righ- teousness, spring up and grow, both in the heart and life. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of Ged. Faith is the evi- dence of things not seen, the substance of things hoped for. With the heart man believeth unto «ighteousness, Faith works by love, and purifies N Sli Rt i ON ea bit aes 146 ba the heart. Faith, if it hath not works is dead. t will shew thee my faith hee In the Methodist Magazine, it is said, “ Believing right, may have a hundred different mean- ings; faith, in general, is, a divine evidence of things unseen” In Hervey’s pemremss. dation of Marshall’s Gospel mystery of ification, it J id,.in.a.note, “ We must not expect to have faith, wrought im us, by some fatality of supernatural operas tions, without any application or endeavour of our own.” Faith, though an act of our own, in the believing of God’s truth; yet, 7 does not stand in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God. cia | ‘The term faith, is sometimes applied to the tenets, doctrines, and articles of any be- - lief ; which are called the faith of those who hold and believe them. In this sense, there is the Pagan faith, the Mahometan faith, the Jewish faith, the Christian faith, and the apostle even speaks of the faith of devils, they believe and tremble; thereby distinguish- ing one system of doctrines, of religion, of sects, and of sectarian and party opinions, from another. In this sense, it was, that Paul “ preached the faith which befere he destroyed ;” that is, the gospel, and the Christian religion, ‘¢ Contend earnestly for the faith ;” ‘Be sound in the faith.” At other times, the term faith, signifies, fideli- ~ wy, a4 147 ty, veracity, honesty, and diligence, in per- forming engagements, in executing trusts, and in fulfilling obligations —Taking the gospel faith, or the Christian faith, in all its evangelical significations, objects, evidences, excitements, exercises, fruits and effects, up= on the heart and life, as spoken of in the scriptures of truth, and how does it divinely stand, in glorious opposition to, and in clear distinction from, the faith of Pagans, of Mahometans, and of all other men of cor- _rupt minds, who are given up to strong de- lusions to believe a lie; and. being to every good work reprobate. Lord preserve us in the faith of the gospel, and keep us from in- fidelity, licentiousness, and delusign! Away with false systems of faith: (ee The venerable Asbury, in tHe scriptural sense of the word, in the evangelical mean- ing of the term, as it ‘relates to the objects, the exercise, and the blessed fruits of faith, © was firm, strong, clear, and unfeigned in the: faith of the gospel. The life that he lived, in the flesh, was by the faith of the Son of God. He stood steadfast, and he walked circumspectly in the faith; he prayed, he preached, he laboured, he suffered, and he died, triumphantly in the faith. He, con- stantly and perseveringly defended, support- ed, and maintained the faith. We have ful- ly known, how eminently he lived, in the 148 exercise, the comforts, the victories, and the fruits of faith, in his ovat and manner of life. He let his light’so shine before | men, that others saw his good works, flow- ing from a living faith; and by the influ- ence of his example, of obedient faith, many were brought to glorify God. We seldom found so great faith, no, not in all Israel. Brethren, We are saved by grace, throug faith, and that, not of ourselves, not of wor it is the gift of God. Our salvation, by grace, through faith, is God’s gift; and '\God be thanked for the unspeakable gift. It is: God’s gift, that we obtain salvation at all, even by grace through faith. It is through the free grace of God, that salvation is ten= dered to us, and that we are enabled, and capacitated, to believe, and to receive Christ, by faith, and to believe to the saving of the soul ; and to bring forth the fruits of righ- teousness in the practice of piety and holy living. Faith, when without works, is dead, being alone, without piety, without holy liv- ing; or too often, by men of perverted minds, itis reconciled to, and associated with, deeds of darkness; sucha fruitless, or licentious faith, is called an antinomian faith, and it is abo- minable to God, and to all good men. Works without faith, is only self righ- teousness, and is called pharisaism; denying the necessity, and being destitute of commu- V4 r) a a nion with God, and fellowship with the Father and the Son. But that faith, which, unfeign-— edly embraces all the truths of God in Je- sus Christ, “‘ which, takes God at his word,” and which produces. good works, in obe- dience to all the doctrines and precepts of the gospel, in holiness of heart, and purity of life, may truly be called “.evangelical faith.” Without this faith, how is it possi- ble that we can please God? And without this holiness of heart, and purity of life, this experience and practice of religion, so as to please God, how can we be accepted of him? And if we do not please God, and are not accepted of him, how is it possible for us to be saved? He that believeth not, ‘shall not see life; but, all things are possible to him that believeth—This is the victory, that overcometh the world, even our faith. The just, shall live by faith. May God make’ us faithful unto death! 0, Lord! increase our faith! Make us strong, unfeigned, vic- torious, and triumphant in the faith! O, that we may all live and die in the faith of the Son of God! Glorious conquering faith! Oh, Asbury! Great was thy faith! Whose faith, let us follow. Thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, and MY LONG-sUFFER- inc. It must be very obvious, that on this part of the subject, we shall have. to reca~ N2 149 150 td Sl se ii. | © touched upon, in the manner - Long-suffering, is one of the most impor- tant traits, and striking features, in the chris- | tian manner of life, and closely connected with purpose, faith, charity, and aa Long-suffering, signifies, to bear a long ti _ to endure, to undergo, to feel a sense of pain, to support ; and not to sink under oe injuries, troubles, labours, and persecutio and to pass through them, with resign: patience, composure, meekness, and forti- tude of soul. The Long- suffering of Paul, is recorded at large, with his manner of life, in the Acts of the Apostles, and in his own Epistles. He renounced ease and security, and sacri ficed fame and worldly glory, and encoun- tered perils and hardships, by land and by sea; he had stripes, bonds, and 1 im rison- ments ; watchings, weariness, painfulness, and want of apparel; necessities, hunger, labours, persecutions, and afflictions ; among ‘the Jews, the Gentiles, and false brethren; and withal, had on him, daily, the care of all the churches: But his consolation was, L count not the long-suffering of this present time, worthy to be tec the glory, which shall hereafter be revealed. “If we * suffer with Christ, we shall also reign with him,” “ Rejoice, inas much as you are made pitulate, or notice again, some thin S, a , eo i 4 -partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that when — ' his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” Ifany man suf- fer as a christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God.’ For our light af- fliction, which endureth but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eter- nal weight of glory.—Observe, and O, my soul rejoice! For affliction, there is glory ; for light affliction, a weight of glory ; for light affliction, which endureth but for a mo- ment, a weight of glory, far more exceeding and eternal! ‘* Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their souls and bodies unto him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. They that live godly in Christ Jesus, shall ‘suffer persecution. “If we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him.” Hallelujah! Let us stand in our lot, and while we suffer, let us rejoice in hope of the glory which _ shall hereafter be revealed! Our suffering time will soon be over. : sigh? It may not be necessary to give a minute or particular detail of the complicated long- sufferings of our departed venerable Friend. In his Journal,»on certain trials he says, “It was grievous to flesh and blood; but, when others suffer so much for temporal in- terest, surely I may suffer a little, for the glory of God, and for the good of souls.— Be " i Oh! what would not one do, what would not suffer, to be useful to souls, and todo — the will of his great Master! The more troubles I meet with, the more convinced I _ am, that I am doing the will of God.” “I expect trouble; this I expected when I left England, and I am willing to suffer; yea, to die, sooner than betray so good a cause! I am in trouble, and more trouble is at hand. No cross, no suffering I decline; only let all my heart be thine’—He had his infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecution, tempta~ tions, trials, sorrows, and sufferings; of di- vers kinds, from different quarters, and in various degrees; these he bore in their regu- . lar gradations, not merely with common = signation, but with joy and triumph; no with submission only, but with gladness and ~ glory. ‘“ Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in mine infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake.”” He suffered himself, as cou- ragiously as he taught others to suffer. Only review his manner of life, on which, in its place, we dwelt at considerable length, yet all that was there said, only gave an epitome of his life, and brief touches on his trials and long-sufferings. Take into con= sideration the multiplicity, and diversity .- oes ya eee ée 153 - ee = and conflicting scenes through which " he passed, both among friends and enemies, © in prosperity and adversity, in good report _and evil report, in health and sickness, in ” fatigues, toils, afflictions and distresses; also reflect upon the multitude and magnitude of his arduous labours, his complicated cares, his extensive journies, his great exposures, by land and water, in the wilderness, the mountains, and the solitary places; his con~ flicting trials, his*perplexing-temptations; to- gether with his critical responsibility toGod, _ to: the church, to the mimistry, and tothe =~ world; only let the amplitude of thought, embrace one general and comprehensive view of him, in all his circumstances, situ- ations, movements, and employments, in his tempestuous and dangerous’ voyage and journey through life, for more than three- score years and ten, passing.through a wick- ed world, and in the midst of crooked and perverse generations; about fifty five years, a professor of religion, on his pilgrimage, encountering, and exposed to, the hardships and trials, through.which, the travellers to Zion have to pass, like the children of Isra- ‘el, journeying from Egypt, through the wil- derness, to the promised land; also, asa preacher of the cross, enlisted as a soldier _ of Christ, having daily to fight the good fight of faith, against the world, the flesh, ra and the devil; and forhalfacent empl dyed and deligently engaged, in itinerant missio~ nary services, as an ambassador for Christ, first in Europe, and then, forty five years in America; and then, your minds will more readily embrace a view of the fulness of Measure of his lops-suifferings, than at this time can possibly be described. 4 But, my brethren, he did not suffer as an’ evil doer, or asa busy body, in other men’s matters; he suffered in well doing, as a chris- tian and as a christian minister. He bore and endured all for the sake of Christ, for religion, for the church, and for the salva= tion of souls. He had often to bear the winter’s pinching cold; and to face, and con bat, the storms, and sometimes the tempests of wind, rain, hail, and snow. Hadhe not, on longand fatiguing journies, to endure the summer’s oppressive heat, like pilgrims on the scorching sands, beneath, a burning sky? Had he not to suffer hunger, dine, spaietiea weariness, hard, lodging, and réstless nights? Had he not lingering afflictions of body, and accute diseases, often brought on him by great exposures, hard labours, much fatigue, and the want of the necessary comforts of life? Were not the rillbpehaint tongues of strife, and the invidious pens of slander, sometimes directed against him? were not _his best purposes, and most upright designs, 155 a s _ sometimes misrepresented and distorted?— Were not evil, and unworthy motives, false- ly, insiduously, and wickedly imputed to. him? And withal, had he not the ponderous weight, and arduous daily care of all the churches upon him? Was not this a conti- nual source of painful solicitude, and anxious concern unto him? Did not this occasion restless nights, and sorrowful days to him? What gave him more trouble, of such keen distress, at any time, as to see any disorder, or evils in the church, which tended to in- _jure the cause of God, to produce mischief among professors, or ruin to precious souls? What wounded his feelings, affected his heart, and grieved his soul, so much, as va- ‘Tiance and hateful discord among brethren; - Yor the spirit and practice of heart and church division, which, unfortunately, sometimes appeared? The appearance of strange and false doctrines, the existance of infidelity, the prevailance of crimes, or the backsliding of professors; pierced. him with bitter an- guish, overwhelmed his niind, depressed and _sunk his spirits, and made him groan with disquietude of soul. Might we not say he was cast down, but not in despair; poor, but making many rich; always sorrowing, yet rejoicing; persecuted, but not forsaken; great- ly distressed, yet comforted; full of trouble yet happy; long-suffering with painful afflicz Spe eee ee 156 4 tion of divers kinds, both of body and mind, yet exulting with gladness and joy, from the consolations of grace, and from the antici- pation of the glory hereafter to be revealed? The temporal sufferings and parmful distres- ses, which sometimes befel his brethren, wounded his sensibility. The persecutions, reproaches, and oppositions, which they sometimes met with, especially, the distres= ses, in the time of the revolutionary war, _ which befell himself and others, were sour=_ ses of unspeakable trial and sorrow, for the! exercise of long-suffering. But dunia him so much, as the spiritual sufferings and injuries of the flock.of Christ, the chureby of God, the cause of religion, and the so f the people. Especially, when Christ wa as wounded in the house of his friends, it gave” him inexpressible, and may I not say, al- most insupportable pain, sorrowful heavi- ness, and anguish of mind. We have fully known his long-suffering. Alas! what did he not endure; what did he not undergo; what did he not bear; how. much, how long, how patiently, and how perseveringly, he held out to the end, in his long-suffering, for the salvation of men, for the promotion of religion, and for the glory of God! We have seen him, on such occa- sions, beset on every side; we have heard his sympathetic sighs, and witnessed his wie ne ‘heart affecting groans ; we have beheld his sorrowtful anguish, and painful disquietude. ‘Mine eye, said one, runneth down with tears, because men keep not thy law.” Oh! said another, that my head were waters, and mine + Aes a fountain of tears, that I might weep, for the slain of the daughters of my people ! [have warned you, said Paul, night and day, from house to house, with tears; I have told you often, said he, and now tell you even weeping, that many walk who are enemies to the cross of Christ. The pro- phets and apostles had continual sorrow and heaviness; and Asbury could not expect to be exempted. new GR ios ‘We have been with our venerable Asbury, in some of his sorest conflicts, while ascend- ‘ing and descending the mountains of diffi- culties, and passing through the valley of the shadow of death, fearing no evil; for the divine rod, and’ the staff, did comfort him. We havé seen him in the fires of af- fliction, yet unconsumed, and in the waters of difficulties, ready to overflow him, yet preserved. We haye witnessed him by | night and by day, we have attended and — watched with him on the bed of languish- ing, pain and distress; and we haye known his long-suffering. _ He counted not his life dear unto himself, so that he might fulfil the work his Master O ‘* 158 had assigned him to do; he wished to acs complish all the good and ct will of God concerning him; in all he had to do, and in all he had to suffer. His valuable life was filled up with useful employment; he was worn down and exhausted with la- bour and suffering; he was often tired in the work; but he was never tired of the work. He was willing to hold on, and to hold out, so long as he could ride, walk, stand, or speak; until his Lord and Master, whom he loved, and delighted to serve, should call him home, from labour and sufferings, to his great re- ward. Then, and not till then, he was wilé ling to go; and then, withgladness, with joy, and triumph, he ceased at once, to labour, to suffer, and to live. = ane The last sermon:he preached, it appears that he could neither stand nor walk: but he said, “ God had given him a work to do, and he must deliver his testimony.” “At that time, he was carried into the meeting house, and sat in the pulpit, a a table, where he preached his last Discourse from these words, For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. He spake almost an hour, and when done, was almost spent.” This was only the Sabbath before he died. Although the curtain of life is dropped, 159 and the past scenes are over, and closed up ‘forever; yet it appears, as if I could almost see him, sitting in yonder room, or pensive- ly walking the floor; and, as if I could hear his voice, singing some of his favourite pensive airs, suited to the state of his mind, in trou- bles and distress. I have often heard him on such occasions, sing, among other most so- lemn airs, the following lines; and his pen- sive melodious voice, now seems sounding in my ears: permit me to rehearse one fa- vourite hymn, which he used to sing in the tune called “ Light-Street.” Srixx out of the deepest abyss, Of trouble I mournfully cry; And pine to recover my peace, To see my Redeemer and die; I cannot, I cannot forbear, ‘ These passionate longings for home; Q, when shall my spirit be there! O, when will the messenger come! Thy nature I long to put on; Thine image on earth to regain; And then, in the grave to lay down This burden of body and pain. O, Jesus, in pity draw near, And lull me to sleep on thy breast; Appear, to my rescue appear, And gather me into thy rest. To take a poor fugitive in, The arms of thy mercy display, And give me to rest from all sin, And bear me triumphant away; 160 Away from a world ofdistress; § 9° 9 6% Away tothe mansions above; . , ' The heaven, of seeing thy face— . The heaven, of feeling thy love. . 5 +g Vee er follow on to know the Lord; and at the close of life, meet him again, in that glori- ous rest which remains to the people of — God. If we at last ascend the mountain of the Lord’s house, and enter into the taber- nacle of his glory ; there we shall again see . our Asbury, seated among the righteous _ Patiiarchs, the holy Prophets, the blessed Apostles, the suffering conquering Mar-. tyrs, and all the glorified Saints, who have lived and died in the faith ; and which con- stitute the church of the first born, in spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. Our — Elijah is gone up; let us hope and pray that his fallen mantle will be taken up care- — fully ; and that the spirit of our Elijah, will rest upon our Elisha, or Elishas ; and that we shall have, and continue to have, a head and a leader, among the prophets of Israel.. Oh, that a double portion of his spirit, may rest and remain upon those, who take up his mantle, and fill his office and piace! And Oh Lord! Grant that the same spirit may abundantly rest. upon us all, in. 187 power divine!—If we are only faithful to God, he will be with us, provide for us, and abundantly bless us. He will not leave us, nor cast us off from his favour, unless we first depart from him, and from his ways. That God, who sticketh closer than a broth- er, and is better than ten sons; who isa Husband to the widow, and a Father to the fatherless children, will be our God and our Friend. Though the great and good, the be- loved and useful, Francis Asbury, who was so indefatigable and. persevering, in well do- ing, and was so useful in serving the Metho- dist connexion, has now gone down with his ancestors to the grave, the house appointed for all living, and sleeps beneath the clods of the valley; yet, while we have God among us, we need not fear. If the Lord is for us, who can be against us? Who can harm us, if we but follow after that which is good? _ Bishop Asbury, died at 4 o’clock, on Sun- day, the 31st day of March, in the year of our Lord 1816; im the 71st year oft is age ; about the 56th of his profession of religion, as a witness of God’s pardoning love; the 50th of his regular Itinerant Ministry ; the 45th of his extensive travels and extraordina- ry labours in America ; and the 32d of his Episcopate, or Superintendency, as Bishop, of the Methodist-Episcopal-Church. His works shall praise him in the gates of Zion. 5 b Re ee ee es Oe | . tye | : 18 Mark the perfect man, and: behold the upright ; ; the end of that manis peace, May we die the death of the righteous, and may our last end be like his! — Now, to sum up te Weel, and come to | a conclusion; let me briefly recall your atten- tion to the character, to the different items in the text, and to ‘the different divisions of the discourse ; and permit me to make an application of the whole. You have fully known Francis Asbury, as an excellent man, a pious christian, a laborious useful minis- ter, and a diligent faithful superintendentjof the church of Christ.—You have ‘fully known his system of Doctrine, and that i it was scrip- tural, sound, and wholesome ; ‘T will there- fore enjoin, and enforce it “upon rou, my brethren of the ministry, ‘that you ¢ iligently follow his doctrine, and faithfully teach it to others. Take heed unto yourselves, and wi- to the doctrine; continue in them: for in do- ing this, ye shall both save yourselves and them that hear you.—His manner of ie) hath laid down an excellent example, of christian piety, and of ministerial diligence and fideli- ty, for us, as christians, and preachers of the gospel, to imitate ; let us carefully and dili- gently keep our own souls alive to God, and live in the exercise of all the graces of the spirit, and in the whole practice of piety, in all the duties of religion ; and, as ministers, 189 let us never forget, nor neglect, to copy af- ter the pattern laid down before us.—His > | upright, holy Purpose, his pure intention, and his godly designs, we ought to remember, ~ and endeavour to act with equally pure pur- poses, and holy intentions, in all that we do. —His unfeigned Faith, in all the truths of | the gospel, in all the doctrines of Christ, and in his distinguished fidelity, m the exercise and fruits of faith, we ought diligently to follow, and also, in all that charge which was committed unto him, as a steward in the household of God; for like Moses he was faithful in all his house, as an example for us to follow. And let us also take him for an example im the spirit and disposition of much Long-suffering, and christian forbear- ance ; let us learn the lesson, to bear, and to endure, all the good pleasure of God’s holy and perfect will concerning us; both in what we have to do, and in all that we havé to suffer—His Charity, Did he bestow his time, his talents, his all, for the good of others, for the benefit of man, for the salva- tion of souls, and for the glory of God? Did the love of Christ constrain lum ; did the Di- ine love, so burn upon the altar of his de- vout heart, as to ‘produce that ardent flame of love, and benevolence of soul to man, which led him to go forth, spending all he had, and all he was, in soul, body, and spi- - 190° rit, in the diffusion of benefits, to the souls and bodies of men, and that to the utmost of his ability? Go thou, and do likewise. If | there be a willing mind, it is accepted ac- cording to that which a man hath. Only do what you can, God requires no more; the poor widow’s two mites, being all that she had, received praise of the Lord : therefore, cast your mites, as well as your talents, in- to the treasury of the Lord—the treasury | of doing good, both to the bodies and souls of men. Keep yourselves in the love of God. Love one another, be kind, tender hearted, | with bowels of compassion. We have been | told, that our venerable Bishop, once on see- | ing a needy brother, likely to suffer, and not having money, or other necessaries, where- with to relieve his wants, took out his watch, and said, “ There brother, take that, dispose of it, and supply yourself with what you need.” If we love God, we shall love our brother also. O, brethren, above all things, have fervent charity among yourselves /—And, let Patience, have its perfect work ; if we do hope for salvation, and eternal life, let us with patience wait for it; take the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience ; ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; be patient, therefore, brethren, unto the com- _ 191 ing of the Lord ; be patient; stablish your hearts ; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. All will soon be over: the end of all things is at hand. It will not be long, before our surviving friends, will have to = that we, also, are no more. O brethren! when we are called to die, shall we be ready to go? Are we prepared, and preparing, to give an account of our stewardship to God? Have we done, and are we doing, our duty to God, to man, to the church, and to one another? When we are called hence, where shall we. find our destined place? Shall we ascend the hill of the Lord, and dwell for ever in the habitation of his holiness? Shall we there overtake, and unite again with our departed Asbury 2 Shall we be so happy as to meet, and sit down with him in that sweet world of love? There shall we see Jesus, in the midst of his glory, seated on his GREAT WHITE THRONE; and surrounded by those who were redeemed from the earth, crying out, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power ; for thow wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and “nation ; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands ; and I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could 192 y number, of all nations, und kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes’ and palms in their hands. And crying with a lowd voice, saying, Sakwation to our God, who sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb ; and they fell before the throne, and worshipped — God ; saying, Amen; Blessing, and honor, and wisdom, and glory, and power, and | might, and thanksgiving, be unto our God, for ever and ever. Amen! There my brethren, | among that innumerable multitude, we hope © to meet our Asbury, the Wesleys, Fletcher, — Coke, Whatcoat, and all the saints, of every name, with all our friends, who have de- parted in the faith ; there, we hope to see Oe Biya. chs, the. Jesus, surrounded by the pa prophets, the apostles, nd martyrs; and — to join them, in the song of Moses and the Lamb, never to be separated again. Oh, The enrapturing contemplation! How ec- static the vision, to see them all in glo L ow overwhelming, how heart*meltin p reflection, and how delightful the anticipa- — tion!. The thought, the hopeful expecta=" tion, fills my soul with awful sensations, and sympathetic emotions! My heart fills, even — to overflowing—lI feel a strange conflict, of inexplicable and’ unspeakable sensations, al- most bordering upén raptures of joy and wonder. Oh, the anticipations of hope; 193 the representations of faith; the exceeding. great and precious promises, which are all yea and amen, in Christ Jesus! With pro- found adoration and reverential « awe, I bow my head, and: prostrate fall as in the dust, O Lord at thy feec! Oh! my God! up- hold us all; strengthen and support us a little longer ; and bring us off more than ‘conquerors, in this state of trial and con- fliet; and then, take us home to thyself, and receive us up to glory! O, brethren! shall we be so happy, at last, as to ascend to the-skies, to go up tri- ump shantly as in the chariot of fire, and join those thousands oi thousands, and ten thou-_ sand peo a thousands, to sing doxolo- gies, hosannas, as, and hallelujahs to God and the Lami, forever. ‘and ever! ‘There, the unwearied congr egations shall neyer break up! There, united brethren and friends, shall never part again! There; no sorrow, affliction, or death, shall ever enter! All tears shall be wiped away from these eyes, ‘and there shall be weeping no more. All will be uninterrupted felicity, and extatic rap- tures of joy and love! It doth not yet ap- pear fully what we shall be; but when Christ, who is ou Life, shall appear, we shall see him as he is; and shall be like him ; and shall appear with him in his glo- ry! And shall we see Jesus as he is? The R : Raye he ee ine ence crucified, but nowanenly exalted Sa. viour? Shall we appear with him; shall we be like him; and shall we dwell with him, in the fulness of the brightness of his glory forever? How the Hosannas will echo throygh all the celestial plains; while un- speakable glories shall fill the heavenly | lace ! eat? : They shall come from the east, and from — the west, and from the north, and from the — south ; of every people, and nation, and kindred, and tongue, and shall sit down ~ with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the © kingdom of God. What heig’ tures:shall we know, when round hi we meet! Oh! my Lord! sl Shall I be so happy, as to fathers and brethren, into that he ry? Shall I with you, my friends, at ascend the supertial Mount Zion, the f the Lord, and enter into the heavenly city, and into the temple of God, the saints se< cure abode, and their eternal home? Oh! itis the holy of holies, where Christ our Redeemer, and forerunner, has gone, and for us, entered within the vail, He went to prepare a.place for us ; and he will come again, and take us to himself; that where he is, there we may be also.. Lord prepare us for that heavenly place! Oh, that our God, may now Visit us powerfully ; and 195 shake terribly the place where we are; and fill this house with his glory! O Lord! | “fill every heart with redeeming love; and fix, in every soul, a deep, and godly con- cern, for this great salvation, arid this fu- - ture glory! I pray God, diese, and to sanctify, the present afflictive dispensation ‘ this trying visitation, and sore calamity ; this solemn, affecting, and mournful occa- sion; and make it a means of good to us all—to the awaking of the guilty conscience ; to the conversion of the penitent sinner; to the quickening of the luke-warm ; to the re- - claiming of backsliders ; and to the build- ing up, and to the sanctification of every believing soul! He, who could make the wails of Jericho fall down at the sound of the trumpets of rams’ horns, can shake ter- ribly the strong holds of darkness, by the blowing of the gospel trumpet—O God! let the sound of thy gospel trumpet reach every conscience! O! that the walls of un- belief, the towers of sin and wickedness, and the strong holds of darkness, may shake, and give way, and fall down before our Joshua! O that Jesus, our Lord, may en- ter, and take possession of every soul!. Beloved hearers, let it be. known, and re- membered, that, without repentance, refor- mation, faith, justification, and sanctifica- tion, we can never be saved; and, without 196 this, we shall never meet_the saints above, nor sce the face of Godin glory. O! let J us awake, arise, and run, let us flee to the | ark of safet ’, to the City of refuge, to the out — stretched arms of mercy! Jesus, with open — arms, is ready to receive every returning penitent sinner; and is ready, able, and willing, to build up, to support, to Strength- © en, to sanctify, and to save, every believing’) soul. —_—_ ri Alas! alas! what heart rending reflec- — tion, what heart piercing thought is this, 4 which darts into my mind? I am arrested — by some painful apprehension, some awfal — fears.What is it? It gives me a kind of © anguish—Mine eyes run down with tears— — myvheart is filled with distress—It is this: ' Shall any of us, in that awful, that that glorious, and eternal day, be se far from the glorious company of thi ful? $hall any of us, among whom, venerable departed Friend, once lived, and laboured; who, have heard him preach, and pray, and converse; who, peradventure, have sat in conferenee with him, and taken sweet counsel together ; who, havelassocia- ted with him, entertained him in our houses, and ‘seen his godly example; sh@ll any of us, either preachers or people, fail to méet him in the bright Mansionsyabove? “Will any of you, who hear me this day, neglect ; 197 the great salvation, and so come short, at last, of that thrice happy place? The Lord forbid, that any of us, should come short of that heavenly rest, which remains for the people of God! Let us labour, let us strive, to enter into that rest. Let us so walk, and so live, in the regeneration here below, that when our course is finished, and life shall end, we may safely arrive, on Zion’s celestial Mount, and enter into the temple of the New-Jerusalem above. The Lord grant us grace, so to live, and so to order our conversation in righteousness, as becometh the gospel of Christ, while here, in time, that we may all meet together there in eternity! Oh! that our fathers, andk mothers, and children, and brethren, and friends, according to the fiesh; and also in Israel, according to the spirit, may then come up before the Lord, and say,.Here we are, and the children, and friends, Thou hast graciously given us: we have brought them with us, here we are, ready to jom the innu- merable armies of those who were redeemed. from among men, and, who, have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Oh! what acclamations of joy, and glorious exultations of unutter- able delight! At his right hand there are pleasures for ever more. O God, of power, of wisdom, and of good< 9 198 ness! O Lord, most a and. gracious, who art glorious i in holiness,-make the ‘ap- plication ! Let thy power, be. felt in thy word! Letythy Spirit, descend like the rush- ing of ami wind! Let thy love, like a flame of fire, kindle upon the altar of every heart! Let. thy r overshadow. us, and fill the house, and make the place awful, and. glorious, because of thy. »presence ! And let ie mercy, and thy great salvation, be ex- tended to every soul! Shall I now come to a elose? My heart is full and enlarged toward you. Brethren of the ministry, our Father, who used to go in and out before us, has bidden us @ final fare- _ well, till we meet him above. Adhere to his — doctrine : imitate. and follow his examples be pure in your purpose 37 teadfastl shaken in ‘faith; endure with, mvel ae suffering ; be constam ‘vent in chari- ty; and daily, and pers agly, live, in the patience of "hope. Foll yw on to know the id to do his righteous will, and to win souls to” Christ, until you Anish your course ; that then, you may leave this world, ‘triumphant i in the faith, exulting in redeeming love, and go rejoicing home to glory; and there, shine like the stars i in the firmament, for ever and ever. ~ Brethren of the church, and hearers ger rally, one and all of you, Prepare to rma ; ® Ruect me me 199 God. Prepare to die; prepare for judgment; prepare for heaven. Now is the accepted _ time, behold, now is,the day of salvation : you have no time to lose; ésc pe for your lives; flee, Oh, flee from. the ae, to come! I have but little more to say.—When will the world, or the chureh, be favoured and blessed with such another servant of God,as that which we have/lost? I never expect to see one corne up to his standard, in all re- spects. There are many Rev erends, and. Right Reverends, in the world; but where are the labourers in the Lord’s vineyard? who are the servants, the labourers in the Jarvest?. Titles, distinctions, dignities, bene- fices, and places, are but empty sounds, and paltry things; compared with the more sub- stantial, and more excellent, dignity and ap- pellation, Kar SERVANT OF THE LORD— ‘THE AMBASSADOR OF GoD—THE GOSPEL LABOURER.—The Lord requires that his Mi- nisters should be servants and labourers. He that is the greatest among you, let him be the servant of all. St. Paul said, Though I be free from all men, yet have I made m1 yself servant unto all, that T might gain the more.— Ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. And -our Lord said, Whosoever wiil be chief among you, let him be your servant. Let this mind bein you, wiich was also in Christ Jesus ; ‘who, being in the form of God, thought tt not a 200 robbery to he equal with God ; but made idle | self of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant.—-The sertvant i is not great. | er than his Lord: neither he that is sent, great- er than he who sent him.—I have given you an excumple, that ge les, cone do as I have done to you. 05 yes ervants of the’ Lord. are ye | ith the Mysteries” of the Most high Gaaea » ye the ministers of the sanctuary, and of the tabernacle, which ah Lord pitched, and not man® Is the dispens| sation of the gospel committed unto you Is it not your highest honor, your greatest gl ry, to be the Sereants of God, the servants of the church, the servants of each other, and the servants of all, for the sake of Jesus. Christ? “Oh! that my Lord would count me meet, to wash his Nero disciples’ feet!” In love, with humilityy ence, an difideli- ty, let us serve God s blessed C3 and serve one’ another, and theschurch of Christ! Let us be dabowrers in the vineyard, and workers together with Christ in the har- vest! Be not slothf ridle—Arise, there is no rest for you yet! This is n6t our rest- ing place, we have no abiding city here ; but we seek one to come. Let*us not be ‘ashamed, nor afraid, to discharge our duty; ‘Jet us do the work of evangelists, with zeal, perseverance, and holy diligence. Be not high minded, nor loyers _of the world, nor Maw 201 seekers of earthly pleasure, nor worldly trea- sure. Your business is, to save as many souls as possibly you can persuade to be re~ conciled to God ; to lay up) for yourselves, treasures in heaven # to provide bags that wax not old ; and. an incorruptible: inheri- tance, that fadeth not away, reserved. i in hea- ven for you! God’s glory, the promotion of religion, and the salvation < of souls, in the work of the ministry, is the business of the ‘ Ambassadors of God ; for this, let. us live, and work, and labour ; that the Master may say to us. in the arab day, Weil done, good and faithful pig ap enter ye into the joys of your Lord. Before I dismiss the congregation, I think it proper to read the substance of a letter from John W. Bond, to Bishop M‘Kendree, giving an account of the jdeath of Bishop Asbury. Brother Bond, travelled with him, and attended him daily, and was with him when he.died. His laborious work, and his suffering life, ended’ together. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth : yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labonrs ; and their works do follow them. SroTrsyitvanta, Va. April 1, 1816. Revo. 4nd Dear Sir, ProsaBty before this will reach you, you will have heard its solemn contents from some other source; but still I feel it my rye eee CC ae \@ Bai. i duty to send you a ) — account of what has taken place:-—WYesterday the Lord visited us with a most solemn and afflicting | Father fehl age taken our venerable : Father from Les} e — AsBury i ies ae the house of his old friend, . Manchester, on Saturday tle March. — On Sabbath he insise” to a congregation, to be con~ vened at eee elect in Brother Potts’ house. Though it was with difficulty h could be heard, yet he spake for more th an hour; and, when done, did not appear so much’ eielin teRE as Lexpected. On Mon- day, though'the weather was vourabley, we crossed over to Richmond and put u with Brother Raymond. On Thursday w ‘ moved to Brother A. Foster’s. ‘On Sun- : day, 24th, he persisted! im- are solution to speak to the congregati in the afternoon. T and urged every thing I could with prudence, to dissuade him from it; but/he-said, Gop had given him a work if do there, na he must deliver his testimony. At\the time appointed he was carried into the Meeting- house, and sat in the pulpit, on a stable, when he preached his “last Sermon, from Rom. ix. chapter, and 28th. verse— For ‘He will finish the work “ and cut it shert in She ‘conséquence, ui} 203 righteousness; because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.” He spake near an hour, and when done, was almost spent. We, howeyer, set out on ‘Tuesday and travel- led. twenty-two miiles. Father Foster accom- panied | us to our old friend, Thomas Cren- shaw’s. Being much fatigued, ‘and very un- well, he tarried here on W ednesday » and requested that an appointment should be made, and word sent out that there would - be preaching at four o’clock in the afternoon, saying,— He wished. those that were with him to do something, if he could not.” A small congregation collected, to whom I preached, . but, our venerable Father was too unwell to come into the congregation. On Thursday we again set out, and tra- yelled twenty miles, and put up with our good friend and Brother, Edward Rouzee— here he was exceedingly feeble, though cheer- ful, We set out ‘again on Friday: Brother Rouzee came several miles with us, and then took leave as one who was giving up his Father to die. _We dined at Brother Han- cock’s, and then proceeded to our old friend, George Arnold’s, travelling, in all this day, about twelve miles; but I never saw him so much exhausted in travelling before. He said to me, on Saturday morning, “ If this should be as good a day as yesterday, we can hardly help travelling some.” It, how- 204. me ever, rained, and I was not sorry to see sits wishing him torest. It being proposed that we should have meeti on Sabbath » Isp ake of sending anotet mily about five esikes off, who, it was . would be much grati- | 624 to katona 1 >i ne Bishop hearing it, replied,—* You need not be in 0 hare as so unl _a thing for to. say respe Spee g, especially on the © Lord’s day; that I concluded he apprehen- — ded that he, would be too weak to bear the noise of a meeting L the house. He spent a very restless m din the morning ap- | peared more than all unwell. I pro- posed sending for a physi¢ian, * saying, that there was a Dr. Les titioner of eminence, about ten 2 miles off. He objected, Saad not be able to ‘tell him what is the with me, and the man. will no to do.” On myurgmg 2 “He could only pronounce said, ‘* Probably he ‘cor id ¢ gi € you some- thing that would relieve you.” ” ~ He replied, ““ My breath will be gone Gebers che-can get here.” I said, “I hope you have nO ap- prehension of any thing so serious taking place—have you?” He answered—* Yes.” After a while I asked him, “ Whether, if any thing serious should take place, he had ‘any word to leave with me. He said, He . 205 had spoken, and written so fully, that it was unnecessary. I told him, “ that I had heard him speak so frequently on the affairs of the church, that I believed I understood his sentiments fully.” He replied,— Yes.” After a while, asking the hour of the day, and being told it was near eleven, he asked if it was not “time for meeting,” being told that there were none present but the family, he replied,—“ call them together, I want to have meeting.” They being collected, I read what was our Lesson for the day, the 21st. Chapter of the book of Revelation; it being remarkable that the last chapter in the Revelation, which in course would have been read in the evening, should be the Les- son which should close the day on which he closed his labours. “ During the whole of the meeting his soul seemed much engaged, and as it was truly an affecting time, he ap- peared much elevated and raised his hands frequently in token of triumph. When meet- ing was over, he called on me to “tread the mite subscription.” But being told that there were none present but the family he said no more. His calling for this to be read shews that even the pangs of death were not able to wrest from him the interests of the mis- sions, which lay with somuch weight on his mind. After this his voice failed, but still he + S ‘ 206, : gave evidence that he Teed his rea- son to the last. A little before he died, finding that I was affected at his not being able to take a little barley water which I offered to him in a tea-spoon, he lifted up his hand toward Heaven in token that he should , soon be there. *I_ then asked him if he found that Jesus was present? when he rais- ed both his hands toward Heaven with an_ expression which I shall never forge get. He then without a groan or Sonne fell ; asleep i in the arms of his Saviour, at four o’clock on Sunday the 31st. of March, Eigh- teen Hundred and Sixteen. . His venerable remains T expect to be in- terred to-morrow, in the my burying ground of his.old F riend, Brother - George Arnold. ng / _ Yours, with respect, JOHN) w. BOND. REV. BISHOP M‘ KENDREE. ay a iy Now, brethren, I commend you to God, to his divine protection and favour, and to “the Word of his grace, whichis able to do far more abundantly for you, than we are able to ask or think, and to build you wp, and to give you an Inheritance among all them that are sancti- fied. Now, to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, "be ascribed unceasing, undivided and everlasting honor, praise, and, glory! AMEN, me * Te aA 207 Appendix, to page 108 and 109. Tere are those who have blamed.and censured the Methodist Episcopal Church, for becoming a separate people, distinct from the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the Uni- ted States. It has been objected, that the Methodists, as a body of people, ought to have waited, till the Episcopalians had ob- tained the succession, and consecration of their bishops, from the Church of England ; and to have united and remained with them, as the same body of people, or one church, and to have received the ordinances from them. Some have been so uncharitable, as even to charge the Methodists with schism, in separating from them. They have also objected to the Methodist Episcopacy, as being only presbyterial, and, as they say, not valid. On this ground, they have rather illi- berally, and unkindly, called in question the validity of our ordinations, altogether, and of the authority of our ministers, to preach the word and to administer the holy sacra- ments in the church of God. These unkind and unfriendly allegations, and, as we con- ceive, uncharitable, and unjustifiable cen- sures, go directly, if they were correct, to % 208° give a fatal wound to the existence of the. Methodist Episcopal Churel we have some cause to fear was intended by them when they levelled their artillery of allegations, accusations, and censures against us ; but they can never succeed. And, in- deed, it strikes directly at the authority of the ministry of every denomination to preach and administer the sacraments, where they have only presbyterial ordination ; for, the principle of objection calls in question, or denies, the validity of al! presbytery ordina- tions : Of course, all, who dissent from pre- - latical uninterrupted succession, according to this strange doctrine, must be involved in the vortex of annihilation, or extirpation, as it respects an authorised ministry, and their existence as true churches of Christ. They call in question, very pointedly, the authority of the Reverend Messieurs Wes- ley, Creighton, and Coke, to ordain minis- ters in the church of God; yet, nevertheless, those three divines were all, to say the least, regularly ordained, and canonically autho- rised Presbyters, of the Episcopal church of England. The objectors, dispute the vene~ rable Bishop Asbury’s ordination, and en- deavour to cut off the whole of the Metho- dist ministry, at one stroke, as being an un- authorised ministry. In this view of the question, the validity of all our ordinations, wee and, which, ~~ 209 the existence of an authorised Mneay | among us, and our very existence, as a true church of Christ, it struckat. On all those points we have maturely deliberated ; we have also searched a great variety of good authorities, primitive and modern, on the questions connected with this subject ; and we are prepared with documents, from dif- ferent annals, both ecclesiastical, civil, and other authorities ; papal, protestant, episco- pal, and presbyterial, if necessity, expedience, or duty should call us to it, to say considera- ble upon this subject. Although this may not be the proper time or place to controvert those questions ; yet, upon this occasion, I can searcely refrain from thinking it a duty to make a few mig | remarks, by way of brief response. As to the question of schism, which sig- nifies a separation or division in the church ; what church did we divide? Itis admitted, that before the revolutionary war, the eth dist*sdcieties, were considered as members of, and belonging to the church of England; and likewise, the episcopalians of the United States, were members of, and belonging to the same church. But now, neither we, nor they, belong to the church of England; we are all distinct churches: the church of England is one; the .Methodist-Episcopal church is® Yee ; and the Protestant- s2 210 i biecanal church, in the a States, 13 | another. Perhaps, then, if there be a schism, we both are guilty of it, im separating from 2 the church of England. For how are we guilty, and they not guilty, ‘seeing we both — have become distinct churches, from the church of England, to which we both for- merly belonged? It may be proper to ob~ serve on this point, that the Protestant- Episcopal church, in the United. States, is not considered in*England, by church or state, as belonging to the English church ; for, a minister, regularly ordained .by a. bishop of the Protestant-Episcopal church, in the United States, youl not, as I apace informed, be admitted to a Benefice, or Ectlesiastical living, as a minister of the church of England. The case of the Rev. Bhomas Vasey, is is. somewhat in point.—He was one of the first ordained Methodist preachers, and came to the United States, with Dr. Coke, and Mr. Whatcoat ; in process of time, he got re-- ordained by a bishop of the Protestant- Episcopal church, in the United States ; and some time afterward, he ‘returned to Eng- land, and is yet living; but to the best of my infarcts ton he has never been acknow- ledged, recognized, nor known, as a minis- ter of the church of England ; though or~ dained, by a bishop of the Protestant-Epis- 2t1 éopal church, in the United States ; (and I believe, is no farther known there, as a mem ber of the church of England, than in his standing, as a Meh acher, to this day. ] of schism, a as applied to us, any more than to themselves? Yet, I grant, they stand nigher related to the English church than we I do not apprehend that either of us, strictly speaking, are guilty of schism ; but is it not an unfriendly term of reproach used against us; which, perhaps, with some degree of force, might be retorted against themselves? On the acknowledgment of the Independence of the United States, by Great Britain, she not only withdrew from us her claim of civil authority, but also her ecclesiastical jurisdiction—of course, we were as free from her hierarchy, as we were from her Monarchy; and were at as full liberty to form and regulate our ecclesias- tical, as our civil governments: and were altogether free to provide for ourselves, both in church and state, without infringing on the;rights and privileges of any others ; and, without incuring the uncharitable and unjust imputation ef schism, m the one case of the other. In this situation of rights and liberty, we all stood in 1783. After which, the Methodist-Episcopal church, and - | 212 the Pitestant-Episedia church, in the United States, both. o: ized themselves, ' and framed their vespactve constitutional forms of church governmen ; distinct from the church of - England, and distinct from each other. 2 Now, a question arises, which of these two churches, the Methodist-Epise the Protestant-Episcopal, \ in “tht States, first organized, and déueeiled aii. selves, a distinct Episcopal church; with their own Episcopal superiors, as Superin- tendents, or Bishops, at their head? And > which of these two churches, as springing from, or rising out of the church of Eng- land, is the senior, or oldest church? It _will probably appear, taking date, from’ the times of the ordinations, or consecrations, of. their respective Superintendents, or Bis sho Rs and of their being constituted and or ed, in their respective, distinct, chine Ca- pacities, with their Bishops, as their’ ec- clesiastical superiors at their head, that the Methodist-Episcopal church, will ’be found more than two years older than the Pro- testant Episcopal church, in the United States. If so, how then, coul we be guilty of schism, in a separation fr mn them, see~ ing, that they, as a distinct, ieee and constituted chutelt. are more ‘than tw 0 years younger than ourselpee . Nye 213 Dr. Coke, clothed with the Episcopal chaz racter and authority, under Mr. Wesley’s appointment and direction, came from Eng- land, with Mr. Whateoat, and Mr. Vasey, presbyters, in the latter part of the year 1784, for the purpose of confermg orders on Mr. Asbury and others—And at the Christ- mas Conference, in Baltimore, the same year, the Methodist Episcopal church, was duly constituted and organized, with Dr. Coke and Mr, Asbury, both unanimously chosen, and regularly constituted, as their Superintendents or Bishops; and the confer- ence rose early in January, 1785. But it will appear from the Journal of the conven- tion of the Protestant Episcopal church, that they only agreed on “a general ecclesiasti- cal Constitution of the Protestant Episcopal church,” in October, 1785; in which conven- tion, they made “alterations in the liturgy, and alterations in the articles” of the church of England, and prepared and agreed upon a plan for the obtaining consecration of bi- shops; and prepared an address to the arch- bishops and bishops of the church of Eng- land, requesting them to confer the episco- pal character on such persons as should be chosen, and recommended to them for that purpose. This was preparatory.—But it appears that Dr. White, was not elected to be bishop of the church in Pennsylvania, “214 : until September, 1786—That fall, Dr: White, and Dr. Provost, bishops elect, went to Eng- land, for orders; and in December, 1786, they were presented, by Mr. Adams, the Ameri- can Ambassador, then at London, to the archbishop of Canterbury, to be consecrated bishops for the Protestant Episcopal church, in the United States; but it was not before February, 1787, that they were consecrated to the Episcopal office, by Dr. Moore, arch- bishop of Canterbury, assisted by Dr. Mark- ham, archbishop of York, Dr. Moss, bishop of Bath and Wells, and Dr. Hinchcliff, bi-, shop of Peterborough. This was more than two years after the Methodist Episcopal | church was fully and regularly organized and | constituted, with their superintendents or | bishops at their head. Now, is it quite fair for us to be charged with the sin of schism, from them; nay, how could it be, seeing that we were fully and duly formed and consti- tuted a distinct church, more than two years before them? And if we were peliy of schism, in becoming a distinct church from the church of England, have they not done the same in fact; though in a different man- ner, and degree, with the boast of prelatical . succession? But, if the uninterrupted suc- cession of prelacy, constitutes a true church, which is disputed; and, if the’ church of Rome has that succession, which they con- 215 end for, and which is also disputed, and equires proof; then, the church of Rome, y their own arguments, is said to be a true hurch; now, if every separation from a true hurch, constitutes schism; what then, by heir own arguments, becomes of the schism f the church’of England and every other rotestant church, in separating from the hurch of Rome? “ Audi alterem partem.” As to the validity of our ordination, and ur authorised ministry, as a presbyterial piscopacy, with full and ample authority to reach the word, and to administer the holy acraments.—I wall only at this time offer a ew brief remarks. In the primitive church, he terms, overseers, presbyters, bishops, and elders, were indiscriminately appropri- ated to the same order of men, and to the same men in office, as every scholar and man of reading, and candour, ought to know, and to acknowledge. In the 20th chapter of Acts, at the 17th verse, the very same men, who are called presbuterous, in the original, are in the 28th: verse called episcopous, that is, presbyters, and. bishops, literally; translated in our New Tes- tament, elders, and overseers. St. Paul, in his Epistle to the Philippians, i. chapter and 1. verse, speaks of the bishops and deacons, only two orders; I believe in the epistle of . St. Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, to the same 216 ri r _ city, &c he o1 presbuterous: Saint Chrysostom, bishop of Cor istantinople, as | istle, says, ‘elders, that is bishops.” — " “rie Archbishop Usher, in his letter to Dr. Ma? ew * hy answer to Baxter—* The king, having asked me, at the Isle of Wight, whether I found in antiquity, that presbyters alone ordained any? repel, yes; and that I could show his majesty more, even where presbyters alone successively ordained bishops,’—Bishop Bur- net said, “ As for the notion of distinct of ces of bishops and presbyters, I confess it is not so clear to me—Since I look upon the blessed sacramental actions, as the highest of sacred performances, I cannot but ac- knowledge those, who are empowered for them, must be of the highest order in the church.” ‘Wickliffe is very positive, “ One thing I boldly assert, that in the primitive church, or in the time of the apostle Paul, two orders of clergy What * * Se ne i a 217. viz. Priests and Deacons; and I do also say, that in the time of Paul, fuit idem pres- byter atque episcopus, a priest, and a bishop, were one and the same; for in those times the distinct orders, of pope, cardinals, pa- triarchs, archbishors, bishops, archdeacons, officials, &c. were not invented.” We could produce a volume on this sub- ject; but at this time we must be brief— Perhaps it is a duty, though with reluctance, to say something in our defence; but we must let love continue. We respect other churches; and is it not equally right for them to respect us? Let us mind the things of the spirit, and strive together for the faith of the gospel. O for more charity! O that we might provoke one another to love and to good works! Stillingileet, in his Irenicum, lets us know that archbishop Cranmer, and other eminent prelates of the church of England, were of opinion, that, in cases of necessity, an ordi- nation would be valid, that was performed even by laymen, and that such things had been done; and that “ bishops and priests were, at one time, not two things, but both one office, in the beginning of Christ’s reli- gion.”—-They went further, and said, not only that emperors, and princes, and chris- tian people, could, and did, formerly, make bishops and priests; but that, “Tn the New Testament, he that is appointed to be a bi- shop or a priest, eek no consecration by ROR Moe wee SS 218 the Scriptures; for election or appointment thereto is sufficient.”—“It is not against God’s law, but contrary, they ought indeed so to do, and there be histories, and witnes- ses, that christian princes, and other laymen unconsecrate, have done the same”—It is not forbidden by God’s law”—These are a part of the answers of Cranmer, and other bishops, and divines, of the church of Eng- land, to a part of seventeen questions pro- posed to them by the select Assembly at Windsor Castle, called together by the king’s special order, These answers which relate to an authorised ministry in cases of necessity, the archbishop of Canterbury, the archbishop of York, the bishop of Roches- ter, the bishop of London, the bishop of | Carlisle, &c. &c. of the learned doctors of — divinity, “ gave, in their several resolutions, in papers, to the questions propounded, with their names subscribed. All whose judg- ments were accurately summed up, and set down by the archbishop of Canterbury him- stlf”’—so says Stillingfleet, author of the “ Origines Sacre,” who was, after publishing this, advanced to be the bishop of Worces- ter—and a great deal more, is in his Ireni- cum to our purpose. Me ke aN sa In the primitive times, the presbyters of the apostolic church at Alexandria, used to make their own bishops, successively, for which fact, we have the testimony of arch- bishop Usher, of St. Jerome, and of Euty- 4 219 chius a patriarch of Alexandria, who wrote — the annals of that church, an extract of which was translated into Latin by Selden,’ and appeared at Oxford 1642, the whole-an- nals, were published in Arabick and Latin by Pocock, in 1659. And other authorities prove the same, that presbyters successively made their own bishops; and we have no evidence, but that their ordinations were as valid, and their ministry as fully authorised, and as evangelical, as if they had been con- secrated by any archbishop or the pope him- self. We apprehend that the Methodist Episcopal church, may rest confidently satis- fied, that their ordination is as good, and their ministry as valid, and as evangelically authorised, as all the popes, or prelates, in the universe could make it. If it were ne- cessary, we are prepared to meet the ques- tion more fully and at large. We stand upon a rock; and, as we believe, a sure foun- dation. Turtullian says, Ubi tres, ecclesia est, licet laici— Wheresoever three are ga- thered together in the name of the Lord, there is a church, although there be but the laity.” I feel disposed to present the reader with a few additional remarks and extracts, chief- ly from Stillingfleet’s Irenicum. He says, “* God, by his own laws, hath given men power and liberty to determine the particu- lar form of church government among them. Hence it may appear, that though one form 220 of government be agreeable to Brig iantg it doth not follow that another is not; Of be cause one is lawful, another is unlawful : one form may be more agreeable to some parts, places, people, and times, than others are. In which case that formof government is to be settled which is'most~agreeable to the present state of a place, and is most advantageously conducive to the promoting the ends of church government in that place or nation.” And he asserts, that “ any par- ticular form of government agreed ‘upon by the governors of the church, consonant to the general rules of scripture, to be of divine right”—because God’s own law allows of that right. © “ The reason of church govern- ment is immutable in all times and places, » which is the preservation of the peace and unity of the church; but the particular form of that government, the laws of God have left to the prudence of particular churches to determine. So the same reason of church government may call for an equality im the persons acting as governors of the church in one place; which may call for superiority and subordination in another.” Hence we find that this distinguished seihianband) -emi- nent bishop of the church of England, con- sidered, that church government itself alone is of divine right; but the form and mode is of human institution; because the law of God requires government, but authorises the churches, respectively, to ae ‘that 220 mode or form which discretion and prudence may dictate or direct. “I confess, said Stillingfleet, the i disci- pline of the primitive church hath been very. mach misrepresented. to us, by men looking upon it through the glass of modern practices and customs among us.— Whether any shall succeed the apostles in superiority of power over presbyters, or all remain governing the church in an equality of power, is no where determined by the will of Christ in scripture ; and so not necessarily binding christians’’—He says, “That Christ did never intend to institute any one form of government in his church—no one form is prescribed in scripture; all the standing laws respecting church government, are equally applicable to several forms.—All the laws ‘in scripture respecting church government, may be referred to three heads. 1. The qua- lification of the persons for the office of go- vernment ; 2d. Such as require a right ma- nagement of their office ; 3. Such as lay down rules for the management of their office. Now, all these are equally applicable to ei- ther of the forms ; and are equally required as necessary in a bishop, whether taken for one ofa superior order above presbyters, or else only for a single presbyter.” Speaking of the power of ordination, and of jurisdiction &c. he says, “‘ Though it be- longs habitually to every presbyter, in actu primo; but the limitation and exercise of 522 that power doth belong to the ey in com-— mon, and is subject to positive restraints, by prudential determinations. Though it be- long to every presbyter habitually, yet being about matters of public: concernment, ‘some further authority in a church constituted, is necessary beside the power of order. Though, . intrinsically, the power 1 remain i in every byter, yet the execution of it belo ngs o th whoare soappointed. And therefore, Caz determines that, ordination doth no to the power of order only, but of jurisdiction ; and, therefore, sv ) sitive restraints by prudential. determina- tions. By this we may understand how law- — ful the exercise of an episcopal power may! ve in the church of God, supposing an equ in allchurch officers (bishops and presbyters) as to the power of order.” 1 ay In vindicating St. Jerome, from a contra- “ diction, he replies to those who strove to make him contradict himself, “ Jerome, spendsa great part of the epistle to prove that a bisho and a presbyter, are the same. Isit Baginate that a man who had been proving all along the superiority of a presbyter, above a deacon, be- cause of his identity with a bishop in’ the apos- tles’ time, should, at the same time say, that a bishop was above a presbyter by the apostles’ in- stitution, and so directly overthrow all he had been saying before? The plain meaning ‘then of Jerome is no more but this, as Aaron and his sons in the — of pr a were > above the er ieee . 223 Levites, under the law; so the bishops and pres- byters, in the order of the Evangelical priest- hood, are above the deacons under the gospel. The comparison runs not between Aaron and his sons under the law, and bishops and presby- ters under the gospel; but between Aaron and his sons as one part, and the Levites as the other ; so under the gospel, bishops and presby- ters make one part of the comparison, and the other part, under the gospel, is that of deacons --The opposition is between the same power of order, which is alike in bishops and presby- ters, to that of deacons, which stood in compe- tition withthem. The scope and drift of Je- rome’s epistle, was, to chastise one who made deacons superior, (or equal) to presbyters.” He elearly proves that the form of church orders and: government was not taken up, by the apos- tles, from analogy to the temple, but to the syna- gogue——and of course the orders of the minis- try not from the levitical priesthood, but from the elders or presbyters, the rulers in the syna- . gogue. Speaking of the usage in the synagogues, he says, * Before they had restrained themselves of their own liberty, then the general rule for ordination among them was, every one, who was regularly ordained himself, had the power of or- daining his disciples, as Maimonides affirms. To the same purpose is that testimony of the Ge- mara Babylonia, in Mr. Seiden, Rabbi Abba Bar Jonah said, that, in times of old, every one was wont (accustomed) to ordain his own disciples, to which purposes, many instances are there. brought. But this course was altered, and they fae 2 were restrained from’ their Sictiier Sibu as they say, out of reverence tothe house of Hillel, they agreed that none should or others with- out the presence of the prince o the Si rity or alicence obtained from him for that end-- The same distinction may be observed under the gospel in reference to the fixed officers « of the church ; for we may consider them in their first state and period; as the firesbyters church in common, as Jerome tells the jurisdiction of presbyters was restrained by Bj mutual consent, the presbyters enjoyed the same liberty that the presbyters ene the Jews did, of ordaining other presbyters, by that power they were invested in, or with, at their own or- dination. In the first primitive church, the presbyters all acted in common, for the welfare of the church, and either did, or might, ordain | others to the same authority with themselves 5 because the intrinsical power of order is equal- , ly in them and in those who were afterwards ap- pointed governors over presbyters. And the collation of orders doth come from the power of order, and not merely from the power of juris- diction. It being likewise fully acknowledged by the schoolmen, that bishops are not superior above presbyters, as to the power of order. The clearest evidence of this isin the church of Alex- andria, of which Jerome speaks. To which we may add what Eutychius, the patriarch of Alex- — andria saith in his Origines Ecclesia Alexan- drine”’ (or annals of the church of Alexandria, to which we before referred) “ published in Arabick (and Latin) by the most learned Selden, _ (and also by Pocock) who expressly affirms, : that ‘ 225 the twelve firesbyters, constituted by Mark, ufior the vacancy of the See, did choose out of their nember, one to be head over the rest, and the other eleven did lay their hands upon him and blessed hint, and made him patriarch,” or bishop. Here the presbyters alone made bishops, as Usher told king Charles. We see that where no positive restraints, from consent and choice} for the unity and peace of the church, have re- strained men’s liberty, as to their external ex- ercise of the power of order or jurisdiction, eve- ry one being himself advanced into the authori- ty of a church governor, hath an internal power of conferring the same upon persons fit for it ; and yet have a right so to do, when no ecclesiasti- cal jurisdiction restrains that liberty : and such ordination is as scriptural and valid as if it had come from Canterbury or Rome. “* We come tothe second period or state of the church, when the former liberty was restrained, by some act of the charch itself, for preventing the inconveniencies which might follow the too common use of the former liberty of ordinations. Antonius de Rosellis expresses himself, Every firesbyter, and presbyters, did ordain indifferent- ly, and thence arose divisions : thence the liberty was restrained, and reserved peculiarly to some persons who did act in the several presbyteries, without whose presence no ordination by the church was to be looked upon as regular, (dust this was a human firudential regulation.) Beng granted that such a restraint was laid upon the liberty of presbyters ordaining; the exercise of that power may be restrained still, granting it to be radically and intrinsically in them ;” or, y 226 the restraints taken off, the authority, and validi- ty of such ordinations, be as good as any in the world. “ Those who are for ordinations only by a superior order in the church, “ne wledg- ing a radical power for ordination in the pres- byters, which may be exercised in cases of ne- cessity, do thereby make it evident, that none who grant that, do think that any positive law of God hath forbidden presbyters the | ower of or- dination ; for then it must be u case of necessity it cannot be valid : which doc- trine, says bishop Stillingfleet, I dare ‘with con- fidence assert to be a stranger to our church of England, as shall be largely made appear after- ‘wards,’’—Hooker, Grindal, Whitgift, &c. &c. and even Bancroft himself, yielded the point, that ordinations by aa was valid,in cases of necessity. “TI believe that upon the strictest enquiry, Medina’s judgment will prove true, that Jerome, Austin, Ambrose, Sedulius, Primasius, Chrysos- tom, Theodoret, Sc. were all of this judgment, as to the identity of both name and order of bi- shops and presbyters in the primitive church.” —5Sullingfleet informs us that Grotixs, im his epistle to Bignonius, to prove the undoubted an- tiquity of St. Clement’s epistle to the Corinthi- ans, brings this as one argument, that there was then, no such episcopacy at Corinth, as bi- shops superior to presbyters.” “ The several presbyters enjoyed an equal power among themselves, thereby occasion was given to many divisions, partly by the bandying of the presbyters one against another, partly by the sidings of the people with some against the 227 rest, partly by the too common use of the pow- er of ordinations, in presbyters, by which they were enubled to increase their own party, by ordaining those who would join with them ; up- on this, the wise and graver sort, considering the abuses following the promiscuous use of this power of ordination, and for preventing future divisions among themselves, agreed to choose. one out of their number, who was best qualified, and to devolve the exercise of the power of or- dination and jurisdiction to him, yet so as that he was to act nothing of importance, without the consent and concurrence of the presbyters, who were the common council of the bishop. — This I take to be the true and just account of the original of episcopacy, in the primitive church, “according to St. Jerome. Which mo- dei of government, will be found most agreeable to the primitive form, both as asserting the due interests of the presbyters, and allowing the due hovour of episcopacy, and by the joint harmony of both, carrying on the affairs of the church with the greatest unity, concord, and peace.— Which form of government, I cannot see how any possible reason can be produced by either party, why they may not with cheerfulness em- brace ii—One chosen, not only out of, but by the presbyters, to be set above the rest ; for-so Jerome must be understood; and the instance brought of the church of Alexandria makes it evident to be by the presbyters.—I wish all that are of his judgment, for the practice of the primitive church, were of his temper; and, while they own not episcopacy as necessary by a divine right, yet, being duly moderated and 298 joined with presbytery, they may embrace it, as’ mot only a lawful, but very useful constitution in the church of God. By which we may see what an excellent temper, may be found out, most fully consonant to the primitive church, for the management of ordinations, and church go- vernment, viz. by the presidency of the bishop, and concurrence of the presbyters—For episco- pacy can never be so well managed for the good ‘of the church as when it is joined with th ‘/pres- bytery”—and we may add, the presbytery. to have the superintendency, and jain ¥o 8 Pnov 25 3 3 9 by <8 bo MAY 1 7: ocT28 ‘49 Sor 22] | ei 2>| | € r “5 r fe ae |} J L. B. Cat. No. 1137 ’ ee ne wae) wget 2012853230 al