'IMS*^ LIBKAKY AT PRIW€ETOI¥, W. J. S A M Ij K I . A ( T N K \V , uF HHI L Ai)t. L H H 1 A. PA. No.... ^^ ^ III Cifse^ Division A ^ PORTRAITURE OF METHODISM AN IMPARTIAL VIFJF RISE, PROGRESS, DOCTRINES, DISCIPLINE, AND MANNERS WESLEYAN METHODISTS. SERIES OF LETTERS, ADDRESSED TO A LADY. By JOSEPH NIGHTINGALE. Sit mlhi fas audita loqui*.— — Virgil. LONDON: Printed by C. Slower, 32, Patemo»ter Row, FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, AND ORME, PATE*NOSTER ROVT. 1807. Digitized by the Internet Arciiive in 2011 witii funding from Princeton Tlieological Seminary Library . , 7 4 -Jow, littp://www.arcliive.org/details/portraitureofmetOOnigli PREFACE, As far as concerns the manner in which the following work is executed, I must be allowed to deprecate the severity of criti- cism ; in what relates to the matter of it, I desire only that it should stand upon its own merits, as an impartial and fair ac- count of the people whose history and inter* nal economy 1 have attempted to develop. If I appear to have been too personal in my remarks on some living characters among the Methodists, it has arisen from my utter detestation of bigotry and intolerance ; and from a desire of distinguishing the precious from the vile. And it should be remember- ed, that those remarks refer to them in a 2 IV PREFACE. their public, and not in their private, capacity. In this latter point of view, no man is more ready than myself, to acknowledge their zeal, sincerity, and moral worth. From the candid and honest INIethodist I can have nothing to dread : he will observe, that impartiality and truth are the leading features of the work : while the enthusiast and the bigot will condemn me for having disclosed the *^ Secrets of the prison house." From persons of this class, however, I expect, court, I desire no mercy. Let them ransack the stores of abuse — let them cast their jaundiced eyes over every page; and let them see, or fancy they see, errors in every Une, and mischief in every sheet ; as they are incapable of discerning excellences, should there happen to be any, so remarks on defects, from them, will not be noticed or regarded by the author. *' I would ra- ther," to use the language of Bering, *' bear the scourge of their tongues, than have the kisses of their lips : the latter would make me suspect myself; the former would beget a hope of some merit in me." PREFACE. y To the Methodists in general, I may safely appeal for the faithfulness of the fol- lowing Portraiture. They will perceive that I have never blamed their community, either individually or collectively, without also awarding them their due degree of praise : so that, upon the whole, I have not a doubt, but an impression will be left on the mind of the candid and discerning reader, favour- able to the cause and interest of the Wes- ley an Christians. It has ever been my object to state, rather than to controvert or defend, the opinions and practices of the Meihodists ; and here- in, I conceive, in part, lies the merit of my book above others who have attempted the same subject. The Methodists have certainly met with unmerited abuse from various quarters, and on various occasions ; yet I have not thought it particularly necessary to notice those se- veral attacks, as they have already met with due censure from Mr. Benson and others. I may, nevertheless, be here permitted to re- mark on one or two instances of this nature. On the detraction and disapprobation of Methodists and Dissenters in general. Tl PREFACE. given in the first volume of The Orthodox Churchman's Magazine, I shall say little, because, much to the credit of the for- mer editor of that mis-named Miscel- lany, he has ingenuously disavowed the party spirit with which it was conceived and conducted, and which '* too fatally leads men to discredit and disgrace their opponents rather than give them a candid hearing." — He has frankly acknowledged that the gene- ral charges against Methodists and Dissenters originated in inexperience and a zeal with- out knowledge, which then received no check nor censure from older and wiser heads than his own, and whose age and ex- perience should have taught them better things — ^Yide The Monthly Repository OF Theology and General Litera- ture, for February, I8o0. Injustice to the same author I must also observe, that this acknowledgment applies to another work : " The Rise and Dissolution of Infidel Socie- ties in this Metropolis." In this copious dis- sertation, so far as the author's remarks are connected with the progress of modern deism and the licentiousness of anti-Christian principles, they are excellent ; his informa- iion is curious and important ; but as the PREFACE. Vll fifth chapter of that work was written as a vindication of the Established Church of England, and with a particular view to de- grade the character of Methodists and Dis- senters in general, though it obtained the warm approbation of a third of the Re- viewers, the author, within a twelvemonth after its appearance, took every opportunity of avowing the change in his sentiments, in favour of toleration, and of expressing his disapprobation of a narrow, persecuting, party spirit. Such an acknowledgment, from a writer allowed to possess no mean talents, is ano- ther instance of the many who have pub- licly renounced the old persecuting spirit, and the temporal advantages attending it, in favour of true Christian charity, with uni- versal toleration and forbearance in matters of conscience. It is much to be lamented, that the An- nual Review, a work of such distinguished excellence, and conducted by persons of the first literary reputation, should have admitted so gross a dereliction of principle as ap- peared in a critique on Myies's History of the Methodists, in the second volume of that work. And it is, perhaps, the more Vlll PREFACE. to be regretted, the writer of that critique being pretty generally known, that abuse, so scurrilous, should have come from the pen of one capable of much better things, and whose labours, in other walks of liter- ature, will continue to amuse and instruct while there is any taste left for works of genuine and intrinsic merit. It is somewhat remarkable, that more than twenty- four co- lumns, in royal octavo, should have been de- devoted to the Review of a work, which the critic himself declares " is no subject for cri- ticism !" and it is equally strange, that nearly one half of those columns should be filled, not in reviewing Mr. Myles's book, but in abus- ing the whole body of Methodists in the most shameful and unjust manner imagin- able ! In like manner has Mr. Benson acted in his reply to this Reviewer : Not contented with answering the Critic's objections, he has taken that opportunity of shewing his implacable zeal and anger towards the Uni- tarians ! It is difficult to discern any con- nexion between the Unitarians and the An- nual Review ; but the fact is, IMr. Benson, b^eing .exceedingly mad against this class of Christians, is glad of every opportunity of PREFACE. iX abusing them. To do this, he is certainly instant in season and out of season ! Mr. Benson has manifested a similar spirit and conduct with regard to IMr. Evans, au^ thor of the Sketch of Rehgious Denomina- tions, which was attacked in a most rude and scurrilous manner in the ISIethodist Ma- gazine for 1805. The paper to which I here allude was written by a certain banker of Hull, and is signed Inspector. Why Inspector should have taken a dislike to a work which has been so very favourably received by the public (nearly forty thousand copies having already issued from the press) it is not easy to conceive. He seems indeed to have taken great offence at tlie author for having prudently avoided extolling his own party, the General Baptists, at the expense of all others ; and this is the most probable motive for his conduct ; a motive truly wor- thy of the head and heart of him who could write such an attack on the Sketch. The chief blame which attaches to Mr. Benson, in this business, as editor, arises from the mutilated and garbled copy he has given of *' Mr. Evans's Defence of himself;" which appeared in the same ma- gazine, some time after the appearance of X PTREFACE. Inspector's attack. Nay, Mr. Benson did not only insert the defence in a partial man- ner, but he even attempted to answer it, paragraph by paragraph ; thereby endeavour- ing to prejudice the mind of the unsuspect- ing reader still more against the Author of ilic Sketch. To fill up the measure of in- sult, he then triumphantly exclaims, ** Mr. Evans has now had full justice done him !" The man who could thus act, is certainly unworthy of having the management of any publication whatsoever. The Sketch, a tenth edition of which has just made its appear- ance, has been re-printed in America, and has also been translated into several of the continental languages ; and w^ill, I doubt not, continue to be read when its few illiberal enemies are deservedly forgotten. In drawing the following Portraiture, T have had recourse to every publication I am ficquainted with, which could enable me to do it fully and faithfully. It is not, how- ever, necessary that I should enter into a de- tail of those authorities: they are chiefly to be found in the various biographical and histo- rical works which throw any light on the subject of Methodism. PREFACE. XI In addition to those several authorities, I may be allowed to mention my own per- sonal knowledge of the Methodists : more particularly in what relates to the internal economy of this sect, and to the several peculiar customs and modes of expression and action which they have adopted. From this source I have been able to produce much original and interesting information : original, at least, to the public at large ; and even, I may add, to numbers of the Methodists themselves. I have throughout aimed at strict impar- tiality; and if at any time I have failed of my object, it has been through mistake and inadvertence, and not from any vi ish to ex- hibit the Methodists either in a favourable or an unfavourable point of view ; but to draw a faithful and accurate Portraiture of the origin, progress, discipline, and maimers of the Wesleyan Method i.^ts. Ficct-strcct, June IS, 1S07. r i^' ^ T Ia xs »:^ Aii ^ tj. A V .;*. aji ^r ^' . CONTENTS. Page PREFACE. iii LETTER I. Introductory. 1 LETTER n. Origin of the Term Methodist, and of its Application to the Wesleyans. 5 LETTER in. *' A Brand plucked from the burning." 12 LETTER IV. " The Father of Methodism," a Poet. 19 LETTER V, Origin of Methodism at Oxford. 28 LETTER VL Decline of Methodism at Oxford. 33 LETTER VII. Methodism visits America. 41 LETTER VIII. Progress of Methodism at Georgia. 53 ^IV COyTEXTS, LETTER !X. Page Bicki-rings, Persecutions, and Decline of Methodism at Gcorgiiv. 54 LITTER X. Progress of Methodism, and Conversion of the Weslcys. 74 LPriTER XL Third Period vi Methodism — Orders of a Religious Society — Mr. Wesley doubts of his Conversion — Visits Geimany. 83 LETTER XIL Increase of Methodism — Specimens. gs LETTER XI IL *' A Shaking among the dry Bones" — Dialogue between Mr. Wesley and the Bishop of Bristol. 103 LETTER XIV. Fightings without, and Fears within. 115 LETTER XV. Mt'thodism extends itself over various Parts of the Kingdom. 125 LETTER XVI. Formation of the Societies — General Rules — Directions given to the Bands -Schism, 135 LETTER XVIL Persecutifms — Miraculous Escapes — Reflections. 149 LETTER XVIII. Conference — Prayer- Meetings — Specimens. l63 LETTER XIX, Of Class-Meetings — Specimins. 177 LEHER XX. Of Band Meetings — Strictures by the Annual Rvvieweri — De- •. feiulvd by the Molhodis's. 19O CONTENTS. XV LETTER XXI. Page Of Agapae, or Love-Feasts — Specimens. 201 LETTER XXn. Of Watch-Nights — Wrestling Jacob. 214 LETTER XXin. Of the Yearly Covenant. 2l5 LETTER XXIV. Of the Society-Meetings. 236 LETTER XXV. Of the Qarterly Visitation of the Classes. 244 LETTER XXVI. Of Preaching, &c. with Specimens. 251 LETTER XXVII. Of Prayer- Leaders, Class-Leaders, and Local-Preachers ^5^ LETTER XXVIII. Of Travelling Preachers — Specimens — Trustees — Stewards 278 LETTER XXIX. Of Meetings for Business — Leadcrs'-Moctings — Quarterly- Meetings — District-Meetings — Conference. 302 LETTER XXX. Progress of Methodism on the Field of Battle— John Nelson — Preachers' Talents — The Christian Library — Great Labours ■ — Liberality — Illiberality. 321 LETTER XXXL Persecutions — Inconvenience of the first Prearlers — Marriage of INIr. C. Wesley — A Parody — Riots — Irritability of some of the Preachers. 331 LETTER XXX IL Mr. Whitefield^-^Hypotrisy of Unbelievers — Dreadful Ahirrns - — James Wheatley. 3-1-i X^l CONTEXTS. LETTER XX XI II. Prejudices against Mr. Charles Wesley— DcM'sts from Travel- ling— His Sickness aiui Death — IIis Character — Specimens of his Poetry. Paj,e 357 LETTER XXX IV. Marriage of Mr. Wesley — Success of Metliodism in Scotland- Causes of its Failure there — Testimony in favour of the established Clergy of these Kingdoms. 369 LETTER XXXV. Mr. Fletcher — Anecdote — A Revival — Perfection — Mr. INIax- field — George Bell — Prophesying — Pandora's Box. 380 LETTER XXX VI. A Revival at Kingswood — Erasmus — Methodistical Ordina- tion. 393 LETTER XXXVII. Methodistical Ordination, concluded. 400 LETTER XXXVIII. Tolerant Spirit of Methodism mistated — Conventicle Act — Tolerant Spirit of the Church. 409 LETTER XXXIX. l\Ir. Wesley's Reflections on himself — The last Words and Seo- timents of dying Men no Test of Truth — Sickness and Death of Mr. Wesley — Remarks on INIr. Wesley's general Cha. racter. 419 LETTER XL. Of the Methodist Doctrines. 427 LETTER XLI. Of Bibliomancy — Scripture-Cards Women-Preaching Street and Field Singing. 44- S LETTER XLIL Controversies with the Calvinists, &c. — Circular Letter. 459 LETTER XLIIL Finances — Population. 466 LETTER XLIV. Divisions — Conclusion. 472 PORTRAITURE METHODISM, &c, LETTER 1. Introductory, DEAR MADAM, The last time 1 had the pleasure of dining at — , you requested me to recommend to you some Book containing an impartial account of the Wesleyan Methodists. But, you may possibly remember, I then remarked, that ignorance, prejudice, and selfish prepossession, had hitherto united their baneful influences to withhold from the public eye the information you desired. Solicitous, however, of gratifying the curiosity of a lady of Mrs. 's charac- ter and literary celebrity, I gladly take upon myself the task of collecting into one viev/ some information concerning the origin, progress, B 52 INTUODUCTORY. doctrines, church-discipline, and singular cus- toms, of the Wesleyan Methodists ; and I deem myself somewhat fitted for this task, because they are a people with whom I have, during a period oi nine or ten years, been intimately con- nected, and with whose doctrines and peculiari- ties my situation, as minister among them, must have necessarily rendered me tolerably fa- miliar. This information, IMadam, it is my intention to communicate to you, from time to time, as the avocations of m}- profession may permit me ; or as your more important pursuits and engage- ments may allow you time and inclination to peruse my several epistles. In the performance of this engagement I an- ticipate much pleasure, and some pain. It will be gratifying to me to be able to satisfy your laudable curiosity on the subject of Methodism, as M'ell as pleasing to observe the influence of re- ligious principle on a body of Christians who, in the course of less than eighty years, have sprung from a number not exceeding half a dozen persons, to the astonishing amount of near- ly two hundred and seventy thousand. This pleasure, howev-er, must-experience some abate- ment, from the conside^ration of the necessity I shall be laid under, either of repressing some necessary- and important facts, or of relating se- veral instances of tlic evil nature and contami- INTRODUCTORY. 3 nating influence of bigotry, enthusiasm, and su- perstition. Confiflent that my fidelity in tiie relation of facts will receive due credit, and that all pos- sible candour will be exercised in the perusal of that relation, I shall proceed ^yith my narrative, more anxious to observe accuracy and faithful- ness in its execution, than to decorate the por- trait with the less necessary ornaments of ele- gance of style and purity of diction. It will, however grieve me, should I inadvertently fall into any glaring mistake even of this latter kind, which might offend the just taste and de- licate ear of my correspondent. It will. Madam, be my chief ambition to please and inform by stating facts and circum- stances exactly as they are, unbiassed by any difference of sentiment and opinion, or by the blinding influence of interested predilection. Were this not my determination, I might save both you, Madam, and myself, the trouble of this correspondence, by recommending to your perusal the work of Bishop Lavington, on the Enthusiasm of Methodists and Catholics ; the late publication of the rector of Killesandra, entitled, *' Methodism Inspected ;" the " Me- thodism Unmasked," of Mr. Owen; or, the *' Defences/' of Wesley, Fletcher, Benson, and others, who have treated the subject of Me- B 2 4 INTRODUCTORT. thodism in a partial, or in an uncharitable man- ner. The Portraiture of Methodism, as drawn by the dexterous hands of these gentlemen, is too often caricatured and distorted on the one liand, or over-coloured and enlarged on the other. Extremes having been observed on both sides, it will be no very difficult task to draw the line of truth between them ; and thus to de- lineate such a picture of modern Methodism as shall, I flatter myself, gratify you. Madam, and, by so doing, confer an honour on, DEAR MADAM, Your most obedient. Humble servant, J. NIGHTINGALE. ii imh ,a£m bio LETTER II. Origin of the Term Methodist, and of its application to the JVeskyans, DEAR MADAM, Themison, the John Wesley of an ancient sect of physicians, flourished about thirty or forty years before the Christian era. The college of physicians, of which Themison was the founder, affected a more easy method of teaching and practising the art of physic than was at that time observed in Rome, where the college was founded ; and their peculiarities, like those of the Wesleyan Christians, procured them the appellation of Methodists. This sect flourished about three hundred years, and had some of the greatest physicians of the age among its mem- bers. But of its founder, Juvenal seems to have entertained no very flattering idea, when he ob- serves, concerning the bodily infirmities of an old man, that it were as difficult to enumerate ORIGIN OF THE the patients killed by Themison in one autumn, as to tell the names of all the diseases which, like a troop, rush upon the aged and infirm on all sides — Circumsilit aoinine facto Morborum oinne genus, quorum si nomina qua?ras Promptius cxpediam Quot Themison ajgios autumno occidcrit uno. It is doubtful, however, whether Juvenal here alludes to the Methodist, Themison, or to some other physician of the same name ; and cer- tainly. Madam, there is a most material differ- ence in the character of Themison, as spoken of by this fiery satirist, and the venerable founder of that sect of Christians concern- ing which I am about to give you some infor- mation. The practice of the ancient physician seems to have been very extensive, and so was that of the modern divine ; but while the one was engaged in killing or curing the bodies of his patients, the other was most successfully exercised in saving the souls, and reforming the morals, of many of those whose cases in other hands wouldhave been thought desperate; and who indeed had been discharged as incurable by practitioners of less zeal and more limited experience. Hannah Adams, in her '* View of all Reli- gions," mentions a species of polemic doctors TERM METHODIST. 7 in the Roman Catholic church, who were term- ed MetJiocihts. It has been somewhat unusual, in the forma- tion of the numerous sects into wliich the Chris- tian world is divided, for tiie members of any de- nomination of Cliristians voluntarily to adopt the appellations which their enemieshave given them, as their regular and proper terms of distinction from the rest of their Christian brethren. My very worthy and much respected friend, the well-known author of a " Sketch of the Deno- minations of the Christian world," has furnished his readers with a useful table, exhibiting at one view the names, and origin of the names, by which the chief sects in the Christian world are distinguished ; and from this table you will ob- serve, that these distinctive appellations are al- most all of them derived either from some opi- nions respecting the person of Christ ; the means and extent of the divine favour; from some pe- culiarities respecting church-government, and the administration of ceremonies; or from the names of their respective founders : but not one, I believe, of this list, amounting to upwards of thirty, has unequivocally taken to itself a name originally applied to it as a term of ridicule and reproach, excepting the J\Iethodists. For al- though Mr. Wesley often distinguisiied the so- ciety of which he was head, by a mode of ex- pression somewhat similar to that used by the 8 ORIGIN OF THE Suciety of Friends, and denominated his follow- ers, " The People called Methodists," yet in several publications, he gravely sanctions the term and its application ; and his people have most unreservedly adopted it, by making it the title of a Magazine published by themselves, which the author of a critique on Myles's His- tory of the Methodists, in the second volume of the Annual Review, calls their Oflicial Ga- zette. If we remark the conduct of Mr. Wesley, both in his public capacity, as head and founder of a sect, and in his more private concerns, as a Christian and a scholar, we shall observe a me- thodical strictness in all his undertakings, which will cause the term Methodist, when applied to himself, to possess a great degree of pro- priety. Though an itinerant, a wanderer, through the whole of his life he observed the greatest regularity in the times and places of his mi- nisterial engagements; and when his socie- ties were in some degree organized, he might, inaking proper allowances for the vicissitudes of fortune, and the natural uncertainty of all hu- man affLirs and undertakings, have written a large portion ofhiscuch day's journal, a day, or even a wtek^, prior lo his engagements, with almost as much accuracy as when those en- Q'agements had been fulfilled ; so much was \k TEB.M METHODIST. 9 aclclictecl to those habits which are the great sources of success in all momentous concerns — punctuahty and regularity. In the early part of Mr. Wesley's life, a dis- position to metiiodical exactness in all his un- dertakings displayed itself in a manner border- ing upon an unnecessary and superstitious for- mality : it was, however, doubtless, of won- derful assistance in his various pursuits as a student and a man of leiters. It is pleasing, Madam, to observe this man of regularity, this finished Methodist, so early in life as his twenty- fourth year, entering with determined serious- ness on a plan, which he had before fixed, of appropriating certain hours in tlie mornings and aftertioons to certain branches of study ; and it has been observed, that Mr. Wesley never suf- fered himself to depart from the rules he had once laid down. His hours of study on Mon- days and Tuestlays were aevoted to the Greek and Latin classics, historians, and poets ; Wed- nesdays, to logic and ethics ; Thursdays, to Hebrew and Arabic: on Fridays, iNIr. Wesley embarked on the unfathomable ocean of meta- physics, or recreated himself in the amusing- paths of natural philosophy. His Saturdays were very properly given to oratory, and the delight- ful exercises of poetry and poetical composition; and his Sundays were still more appropriately devoted to the study and practice of divinity. 10 OIIIGIX OF THE Certain intermediate hours, in each day, wcve given to the study of the Frcncli language. J\Ir. Wesley's mode of reading Mas, first to read an author regularly tlirough, and in his se- cond reading to transcribe favourite passages into his collections. So strictly did Mr. Wesley adhere to order, "Heaven's first lavv%" that, I believe, all his dis- courses, and even many of his familiar letters, \vere regularly divided into an almost puritani- cal exactness of — firstly, secondly, thirdly, fourthly, Sec. Most aptly, therefore, was Mr. Wesley called a Jifethodist. At what precise period this term \vas first ap- plied to the sect of Christians now so called, is not quite certain. It appears that the term was first applied to Mr. Charles Wesley, one of Mr. John Wesley's brothers, and to a few others, ^t Oxford, some time before November, in the year 1729, while Mr. John Wesley was at Ep- worth, the place of his birth, and where his fa- ther was at tliat time rector. Mr. Wesley's own account of the matter is as follows : — '* The ex- act regularity of their lives, as well as studies, occasioned a young man of Christ Church to say, ' Here is a new sect of Methodists sprung up,' alluding to some ancient physicians who were so called. The name was quaint, so it took immediately, and the Methodists were known all over the University." TERM METHODIST. 11 This, however, is not the only term by which the disciples of Mr. John Wesley were distin- guished : — Sacramentarians ; The Godly Club; The Holy Club ; Supererogation-men ; and Swaddlers — are all appellations which satire or ridicule has at times used to apply to " the people in connection with the Kev. John Wes- ley.'' The term Swaddlers was first given to these people in Irel ind, where one of the early lay-preachers in that country took for a text that passage from Ezekiel, where the prophet says, "Thou wert not swaddled at all." Thus much, Madam, for the origin and ap- plication of a term which is now often used to distinguish all who make pretensions to superior sanctity of mind and manners, and to a more than ordinary spiritual intercourse with the Al- mighty. Indeed this term is now very com- monly given to all who presume, on the grounds of morality, to violate the boundaries of any branch of modern etiquette. It is become the invidious catch-word of the careless and the in- diiferent — the countersign of the unbelieving sophist, as well as the pride and glory of the hypocrite, the enthusiast, and the bigot. I am, kc. 12 LETTER III. '^ A Brand plucked from the burmng. DliAR MADAM, Mr. John Wesley, '' the father of the Armi- nian Methodists," was born at Epworth, in Lin-, colnshire, in the year 1703. He was the son of Samuel and Susannah Wesley, who, as appears from Dr. Whitehead's account of them, were persons of much respectabihty, and were re- markably serious and devout. -^'^:r:*d When Mr. John Wesley was about six years of age, he was almost miraculously saved from being destroyed by fire^ on which account he used to consider himself in another besides a spiritual sense, " a brand plucked from the burning." As I wish, Madam, to have you in- terested in whatever concerns the hero of my history (for the history of all sects must bfe'- connected with the biography of their founders;)?''^ A BRAND PLUCKED, &C. 13 I will give you a circumstantial account of this calamity which had so nearly proved fatal to the whole of Mr. Samuel Wesley's family. I cannot do this better than by transcribing Mrs. Wesley's letter to the Rev. Mr. Hoole, in which she gives a full account of the whole transac- tion. This letter is dated August 24, 1709. "Rev. Sir, " My master is much concerned that he was so unhappy as to miss of seeing you at Epworth ; and he is not a little troubled that the great hurry of business about building his house will not afford him leisure to write. He has there- fore ordered me to satisfy your desire as well as I can, which I shall do by a simple relation of matters of fact, though I cannot at this distance of time recollect every calamitous circumstance that attended our strange reverse of fortune. " On Wednesday night, February the 9th, between the hours of eleven and twelve, our house took fire, by what accident God only knows. It was discovered by some sparks fall- ing from the roof upon a bed where one of the children lay, and burnt her feet. She immedi- ately ran to our chamber and called us ; but 1 believe no one heard her, for Mr. Wesley was alarmed by a cry of fire in the street, upon which he rose, little imagining that his own house was on fire ; but on opening his door^, he 14 A BRAND PLUCKED found it was full of smoke, and that the roof was already burnt through. He immediately came to my room (as 1 was very ill he lay in a separate room from me), and hid me and my two eldest daughters rise quickly, and shift for our lives, the house being all on fire. Then he ran and burst open the nursery door, and called to the maid to bring out the children. The two little ones lay in the bed with her ; the three others in another bed. She snatched up the youngest, and bid the rest follow, which they didj except Jacky. When we were got into the hall, and saw ourselves surrounded with flames, and that the roof was upon the point of falling, we concluded ourselves inevitably lost, as Mr. Wesley in his fright had forgot the keys of the doors above stairs. But he ventured up stairs once more, and recovered them, a minute before the staircase took fire. VvHien we opened the street-door, the strong north-cast wind drove the flan^.es in with such violence, that none could stand against them. Mr. Wesley only had such presence of mind as to think of the garden-door, out of which he helj^cd some of the children ; the rest got through the windows. I was not in a condition to climb up to the win- dows ; nor could I get to the garden-door. I endeavoured three times to force my passage through the street-door, but was as often beat back by the fury of the flames. In this distress FROM THE BURNING. 15 I besought our blessed Saviour to preserve me, if it were his will, from that death, and then waded through the fire, naked as I was, which did me no further harm than a little scorching my hands and face. " While Mr. Wesley was carrying the children to the garden, he heard the child in the nursery cry out miserably for help, which extremely af- fected him ; but his affliction was much increas- ed, when he had several times attempted the stairs then on fire, and found they would not bear his weight. Finding it was impossible to get near him, he gave him up for lost, and kneel- ing down, he commended his soul to God, and left him, as he thought, perishing in the flames. But the boy seeing none come to his help, and being frightened, the chamber and bed being on fire, he climbed up to the casement, where he was soon perceived by the men in the yard, who immediately got up and pulled him out, just in the article of time that the roof fell in, and beat the chamber to the ground. Thus, by the in- finite mercy of Almighty God, our lives were all preserved by little less than a miracle ; for there passed but a few minutes between the first alarm of fire and the falling of the house." Mr. John Wesley's account of this calamitous affair does not exactly agree with that I have just given from his mother. Permit me, Madam, 4 16 A BRAND PLUCKED to transcribe his own account of what more immediately concerns himself in what then hap- pened. " I beheve it was just at that time (when liis fatlier supposed he beard him cry) I awaked; for 1 did not cry, as they imagined, unless it was afterwards. I remember all the circum- stances as distinctly as though it was but yes- terday. Seeing the room M'as very light, I call- ed to the maid to take me up : but none an- swering, I put my head out of the curtains, and saw streaks of fire on the top of the room. I got up and ran to the door, but could get no further, all the floor beyond it being in a blaze. I then climbed upon a chest, which stood near the window : one in the yard saw me, and pro- posed running to fetch a ladder. Another an- swered, there will not be time ; but I have thought of another expedient. Here I will fix myself against the wall : lift a light man, and set him on my shoulders. They did so, and ihey took meoutof the window. Just then the roof fell ; but it fell inward, or we had all been crushed at once. When they brought me into the house where my father was, he cried out, '* Come, neighbours! let us kneel down! let us give thanks to God ! He has given me all my eight children : let the house go, I am rich enouf;h 1" FROM THE BURNING. 17 111 the language and conduct of old Mr. Wes- ley, when lie found all his children safe from the devouring element, you "vviil douhtless re- cognise Dr. Primrose, the virtuous Vicar of Wakefield, who, under similar circumstances, is made to exclaim, holding up his rescued chil- dren— " Now let the flames burn on, and all my possessions perish. Here they are ; I have saved my treasures. Here, my dearest, here are our treasures, and we shall yet be happy !" In the subsequent part of Mr. Wesley's life he had several of these *' hair- breadth escapes/' sometimes from one danger and sometimes from another; but chiefly, I believe, from the fury and bigotry of enraged and encouraged mobs. The ]\Iethodists love to dwell on these miracu- lous interpositions of divine Providence, as they suppose them to have been. Every circum- stance is generally related Avith the most scru- pulous exactness ; and the narrative is height- ened wilh all the colouring which the facts will possibly bear, that the picture may possess as large a portion of the marvellous, as the truth, sometimes, especially in verbal lepresentations, aided by a slight tincture of hyperbole, will al- low. There is a strong propensity in the human mind to excite wonder and astonishment, when we are relating what concerns ourselves and connec- tions ; and the Methodists have come in for c J8 A BRAND PLUCKED, &C. their full share of this disposition. Mr. Wesley's conclusion of the above account partakes not a little of this spirit: he evidently wishes to make every circumstance appear as astonishing as possible. " The next day," continues Mr. Wesley, '' as lie, (his father) was walking in the garden, surveying the ruins of the house, he picked up part of a leaf of his Polyglot Bible, on which just those ivords were legible — Vack ; vende omnia qu(n habes, ct attolle crucem, et sequere me — Go ; sell all that thou hast, and take up thy cross and follow me." I am, &c. 19 LETTER IV. The Father of Methodism," a Poet> DEAR MADAM, The seeds of IMethoclism (if by this term I may here be permitted to mean a more than common degree of piety) were early sown in the mind of John Wesley. He received the first rudiments of his education from his mother, who, for de- votion, appears to have been another Mrs. Rowe. She was a most worthy woman;, and an excel- lently good mother towards all her children; but her son John seems to have shared her most particular attention. " I do intend," says she, in one of her evening meditations, " to be more particularly careful of the soul of this child, that thou hast so mercifully provided for, than ever I have been ; that I m.ay instil into his mind the principles of true religion and virtue, Lord, give me grace to do it sincerely and prudently, and c 2 20 MR. "WESLF.Y, A POET. bless my attempts with good success." How far tliis good woman succeeded in her pious endea- vours, you will he able to judge, when you are informed that John Wesley was admitted as a communicant al the Lord's table so early as his eighth year; and it is somewhere, asserted that he used to say, he had not sinned away the grace of baptism until, I believe, his fifteenth or six- teenth year! In his tenth year, Mr. Wesley was placed at the Charter-house ; and in his sixteenth he was elected to Christ Church, Oxford, where he made such progress in his learning, that in his twentieth year, Mr. Baddock writes of him, that " He appeared the very sensible and acute col- legian— a young fellow of the finest classical taste, and of the most liberal and manly senti- ments." You, Madam, will be pleased to find such a man as John Wesley a poet of no mean rank, although he was not perhaps one of the very first order. I will here present you with a specimen of his talents as a poetical translator from the Latin, written, I believe, in his twenty- first year. " Since you have a mind," says he, in a letter to his brother Samuel, " to see some of my verses, I have sent you some, which em- ployed me above an hour yesterday in the af- ternoon. There is one, and I am afraid but MR. WLSLEY, A POET. 21 one, good thing in them, that is — they are short. FROM THE LATIN. " As o'er fair C/oe's rosy cheek, Careless a little vagrant pass'd, With artful hand around his neck A slender chain the virgin cast. ' As Juno near her throne above, Her spangled bird delights to see ; As Venus has her favourite dove, Cloe shall have her favourite flea. Pleas'd at his chains, with nimble steps He o'er her snowy bosom stray'd ; Now on her panting breast he leaps, Now hides between his little head. Leaving at length his old abode, He found, by thirst or fortune led. Her swelling lips, that brighter glow'd Than roses in their native bed. Cloe, your artful bands undo, Nor for your captive's safety fear ; No artful bands are needful now To keep the willing vagrant here. Whilst on that heaven 'tis given to stay, (Who would not wish to be so blest !) No force can draw him once away, Trll death shall seize bis dcstin'd breast." 22 MR. WESLEY, A POET. These verses, Madam, you will tliink not. quite so good as tliose written by Burns on a kindred insect, both of \vhich, I fear, are rather of too mean and indehcate a species to be the subject of poetic composition. I have transcribed the poem, partly to shew you that ]\Ir. Wesley was not quite that dark, saturnine creature, which Archbishop Herring* took him to have been. But it must be granted, that Mr. Wesley was not then so methodistical as he was at a subsequent period of his life. If he had, he certainly would have thought it a sin to have exercised his talents in writing a poem on a fcecourite flea — Clot's rosy cheek — pa?iting breast — and swelling lips, which he then called a hea- >cen, for the blessings of which he himself seems so ardently to wish. He was, however, at all times witty — sometimes satirical. Mr. Wesley began to prepare his mind for Methodism and ordination, by reading and studying — Thor^ias a Kempis, and Dr. Taylor on Holy Living and Dying. His natural good sense and constitutional vivacity suggested some objections to the extiaordinary strictness of these devotees, which notwithstanding laid the foundation of tiiat seriousness — or Methodism — for which he aiterwards became so conspicuous. The damnatory clauses of the Athanasian creed also very justly furnished his mind with some scruples, which his father, by what species of MR. WESLEY; A POET. 23 logic I cannot tell, removed, and ]\Ir, Wesley, accordingly, was ordained deacon, on Sunday the li>th September, 172.5, by Dr. Potter, the author of the Grecian Antiquities, and at that lime Bishop of Oxford. JNIr. Wesley now began to be more and more serious — more and more devout. He com- menced an inquiry into the truth and evidences of that religion of which he was now about to become a public teacher ; but he did not neg- lect the necessary study of the classics, and books of science in general. Indeed such was his diligence and success as a scholar, that the following year he was elected Fellow of Lincoln College, and Greek Lecturer and Moderator of the Classes. You will excuse me, Madam, if I give you ene more specimen of Mr. Wesley's poetical talents, written about this time. It is his pa- raphrase on the first eighteen verses of the hun- dred and fourth psalm, and will give you a more pleasing idea of my hero, as a poet, than th« verses I have just transcribed. 24 MR. WESLEY, A POET. " V. 1. Upborne aloft on vcnt'rous wing, AVhilc, spurning earthly themes, I soar, Through paths untried before, What God, what seraph shall I sing? Whom but thee should I proclaim, Author of this wond'rous frame ? Eternal, uncreated Lord, Enshrin'd in glory's radiant blaze ! At whose prolific voice, whose potent word, Commanded, nothing swift rctir'd, and worlds began their race. S, Thou, brooding o'er the realms of night, Th' unbottom'd infinite abyss, Bad'st the deep her rage surcease, And said'st — Let there be light ! jEthcreal light thy call obey'd, Glad she left her native shade, Through the wide void her living waters past; Darkness turn'd his murmuring head, Risign'd the reins, and trembling fled ; The crystal waves roird on, and fiU'd the ambient waste. 2. In light, effulgent robe, array'd Thou left'st the beauteous realms of day ; The golden towers inclin'd their head, As their sovereign took his way. 3, 4. The all-encircling bounds (a shining train, Minist'ring flames around him flew) Through the vast profound he drew, When, lo ! sequacious to his fruitful hand, Heav'n o'er th' uucolour'd void her azure curtain threw. MR. WESLEY, A POET. 25 Lo ! marching o'er the empty space, The fluid stores in order rise. With adamantine chains of liquid ghiss, To bind the new-born fabric of the skies= 3. Downward th' Ahnigiity Builder rode, Old Chaos groan'd beneath the God, Sable clouds his pompous car, Harnest winds before him ran, Proud to wear tlicir Maker's chain, And told, with hoarse-resounding voice, his coming from afar. 5. Embryon earth the signal knew. And rear'd from night's dark womb her infant head, 6. Though yet prevailing waves her hills o'erspread, And stain'd their sickly face with pallid hue. 7. But when loud thunders the pursuit began, Back the affrighted spoilers ran ; 8. In vain aspiring hills opposed their race, O'er hills and vales, with equal haste. The flying squadrons past. Till safe within the walls of their appointed place : 9. There firmly fix'd, their sure enclosures stand, Unconquerable bounds of ever-during sand ! 10. He spake ! from the tall mountain's wounded side Fresh springs roU'd down their silver tide : O'er the glad vales the shining wanderers stray. Soft murmuring as they flow, 11. While in their cooling wave inclining low, The untaught natives of the field their parching thirst allay. 12. High seated on the dancing sprays. Chequering with varied light their parent streams, The feather'd quires attune their artless lays, Safe from the dreaded heat of solar beams. 26 MR. WESLEY, A POET. 13. Genial showers at his command. Pour plt-nty o'er the barren land : Labouring with parent throes, 14. See! the teeming hills disclose A new birth : see cheerful green, Transitory, pleasing scene, O'er the smiling landscape glow. And gladden all the vale below. 15. Along the mountain's craggy brow, Amiably dreadful now ! See the clasping vine disprcad Her gently-rising verdant head ; See the purple grape appear, Kind relief of human care I 16. Instinct with circling life, thy skill Uprcar'd the olive's loaded bough ; What time on Lebanon's proud hill Slow rose the stately cedar's brow. Nor less rejoice the lowly plains, Of useful corn the fertile bed, Than when the lordly cedar reigns, A beauteous but a barren shade. 17. While in his arms the painted train, Warbling to the vocal grove. Sweetly tell their pleasing pain, Willing slaves to genial love, 18. While the wild-goats, an active throng, From rock to rock light-bounding fly, Jehovah's praise in solemn song, Shall echo through the vaulted sky." MR. WESLEY, A POET. 27 Had tliese lines not been so good, some apo- logy would have been necessary for my having transcribed them into this letter, on account of their number and extent. I will, therefore, proceed, in my next, to acquaint you with the progress of Methodism in the mind of Mr. Wesley, and of its origin among the students at Oxford. I am, &c. 28 LETTER V Origin of Alelhodism at Oxford. DEAR MADAM, In my last 1 remarked to 3'ou Mr. Wesley's in- crease of piety on his entering into holy orders. This spirit of religion advanced with his in- crease of learning, and with his promotion at the university ; which, compared with the pro- gress of the generality of collegians, was, I be- lieve, rather in a retrograde motion. But John Wesley was destined for greater things ; he was to perform on a more extensive theatre than any of his fellow-collegians ; and it was perfectly natural he should make advances suitable to his high and important destination : high and im- portant, as being supreme head, and sole direc- tor, of a body of his fellow-countrymen, whose union and influence affect the interests, if not threaten the existence, of the ecclesiastical estab- lishment in this island. ORIGIN OF METHODISM, &C. 29 He took his degree of Master of Arts, on the 14th of February, 1727. His time was now more at his own disposah and he proceeded to follow his studies according to a method he had previously laid down, Of this plan I gave you the outlines in ray second letter. In his literary pursuits he made rapid progress ; but still more, as I have already remarked, did he improve in spiritual matters. Of Mr. Wesley's manner of recommending the spirit and practice of religion to others, the following anecdote will afford you a very fa- vourable specimen. " About a year and a half ago," says he in a letter to his mother, '' I stole out of company at eight in the evening, with a young gentleman with whom I was intimate. As we took a turn in an aisle of St. Mary's church, in expectation of a young lady's funeral, with whom W6 were both acquainted, I asked him if he really thought himself my friend ? and if he did, why he would not do me all the good he could ^ He began to protest — in which I cut him short, by desiring him to oblige m.e in an instance, which he could not deny to be in his own power — to let me have the pleasure of making him a whole Christian, to which I knew he was ?X least half persuaded already; that he could riot do me a greater kindness, as both of us would be fully convinced Vvhen vre came to follow that young woman. 4 30 ORIGIN OF METHODISM " lie turned exceedingly serious, and kept something of that disposition ever since." The seriousness which ]\Ir. Wesley thus re- commended, and which he was so successful in producing in others, he himself possessed in a very eminent degree ; and as he was in all things an enterprising man, so did he still make ad- vancement in this spirit of piety and the prac- tice of religion. In the year 1728, he accepted one of his fa- ther's livings, for he had two, Epworth and Wroote ; and accordingly left Oxford to per- form the duties of a curacy at the latter place : but he was soon called back to Oxford, by sl letter from Dr. Morely, his rector at the col- lege. It was during Mr. John Wesley's residence in Lincolnshire, that his brother Charles, with a Mr. Morgan, and one or two others, formed themselves into a little society, principally with a view of studying the Greek scriptures, and to encourage each other in a devout and holy life ; and when he left his curacy at Wroote, he be- came the head of this society. Ihis was to- wards the Close of the year 1729. Notwithstanding his sincere piety, a strong disposition to rule was always very predominant in his character. You doubtless have heard, Madam, the anecdote of his haranguing his fel- low school- boys, when very young, from the AT OXFORD. 31 writing-desks and forms ; and that when he was reprimanded by his master for this forwardness, he exclaimed — " Better to reign in hell than serve in heaven !" What truth there is in this anecdote, I will not take upon me to say; but it appears well enough to accord with the spirit and conduct which he manifested in the subsequent part of his life. That he was every way forward to govern, is certain ; and from this persuasion, the young gentlemen who met together at Oxford willingly put themselves under his spiritual superintend- ence. When the management of this little so- ciety first devolved upon Mr. Wesley, it con- sisted of the following persons — Mr. John Wes- ley, Fellow of Lincoln College^ Mr. Charles Wesley, Student of Christ Church ; Mr. Morgan, Commoner of Christ Church; and Mr. Kirkman, of Merton College. They were soon after joined by two or three of Mr. John Wesley's pupils; by Mr. Clayton, with two or three of his pupils ; Mr. Ingham, Mr. Broughton, and by one of Mr. C. Wesley's pupils. They were af- terwards joined by the celebrated author of Meditations among the Tombs, at that time one of Mr. J. Wesley's pupils ; and in the year 1735, by the still more celebrated Mr. George Whit- 32 ORIGIN OF METHODISM, SCC. field, then of Pembroke College, who after- wards became the great importer of the Gene- van doctrines of election and reprobation. *' At that time," says Mr. Myles, " they were fourteen or fifteen in number, all collegians, of one heart and of one mind, and must be con- sidered as the first Methodists." Mr. Myles adds, '' Our Lord's parables of the leaven hid in three measures of meal, and of the grain of mustard- seed. Matt. xiii. 31 — 34, are herein strikingly illustrated, for from these small beginnings what a great increase has been given!" This illus- tration will be still more striking, when we con- sider that this grain of mustard-seed, now grown into a large and spreading tree, has some of the wildest fowls of the air lodging in its luxuriant branches. The Methodists, when reflecting on the suc- cess of their exertions in making proselytes to their cause, often sing, in strains the most rap- turous and enchanting — " Saw ye not the cloud arise, Little as a human hand ? See it spreads along the skies — Hangs o'er all the thirsty land! Lo! the promise of a shower Drops already from above. And the Lord will shortly pour All the spirit of his love !" I am, Sec. LETTER VI. Decline of Methodism at Oxford, DEAR MADAM, The pious and zealous collegians, whose names I mentioned in my last, under the special guid- ance of Mr. J. Wesley, and encouraged by the indefatigable zeal of Mr. Morgan, extended the sphere of their exertions beyond the pre- cincts of their college. They had already be- gan to communicate once a week ; and they now resolved to visit the unfortunate persons, confined for debt or otherwise, in the castle at Oxford. They got the Bishop's consent to estab- lish a monthly service at the castle, where they preached to, and conversed with, the prisoners. This small society, also, com- menced a regular plan of visiting the sick, and of encouraging a few children to become good Christians, by distributing books, or some other D ->i DECLINE OF AIETHODISM pleasing little matters among them. This line of conduct, pursued with tlie most unremitting attrntion, and accompanied, if we may credit their friendly historians, with a correspondent behaviour in their private and individual capa- city, one would have thought should have se- cured to them the countenance and support of the A\ hole university. There is nothing unrea- sonable, I apprehend, in the supposition, that the Vice Chancellor and Heads of Houses should most gladly have encouraged and forwarded so good a work. The very reverse of this conduct being tlie fact, would lead one to suppose, that the /;/Y/67(T6' of religion does not enter into the rules and regulations of our learned universities — that the theory of Christianity is all that a student ought to attend to while at college, re- serving tiic exercise of it to a period, when, settled in a cjuiet country curacy, undazzled by the glare of learning, the bustle of company, and the dreams of preferment, a man may find his account in rendering himself beloved by his parishioners, and revered by the good and w'ise, for a steady adherence to the eternal principles of truth and virtue, and the uniform praetice of a religion^ in the acquisition of which he has spent four, six, or eight years, at Oxford or ■ Cambiido-e. There is, however, a religious duty, which, T^'licn carried to aii, improper extent, and per- AT OXFORD. $5 formed in even tlie appearance of an unbecom- ing spirit, is sure to defeat its own salutary pur- poses— I mean that of reproof. It was one of the divine injunctions under the Mosaical law, and the duty, like all other moral obligations, retains its force under the more perfect dispen- sation of Christ, that a man should not hate his brother in his heart ; that he should in anywise rebuke his neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. A mistake in the performance of this duty will generally produce effects which the zealot will denominate persecution, but which the person reproved will think only a just and proper retaliation for an unbecoming insult, though couched in tiie form of a friendly re- proof. It is very certain, that the persecutions which the Methodists and other zealots, have at times been made to suffer, have had their ori- gin in a dictatorial and insulting mode of re- proof. How far this was the case in the in- stance before me I will not pretend to deter- ftiine. It is, however, certain, that these young men had to encounter very considerable oppo- sition : arguments of various kinds were resorted to, if possible to convince them of the very great impropriety of pursuing any plans, or adopting any rules, contrary to the long and well-estab- * lished usages of the university. It was not to be expected tliat the Vice Chancellor and Heads of Houses sliould enter into any formal mode of d2 DECLINE OF METHODISM lugiinicntation with these young men ; neither could it be supposed that reasons, however strong, wliich had their foundation in the minds of l]alf a dozen young collegians, should over- turn tlic practice of a whole universit3\ Among the various methods adopted to bring these un- ruly religionists to order, that is, to persuade or force them to lay aside some or all of their aus- terities, that of shaking one of them by the collar was thought necessary. But, Madam, this was a species of logic by which John Wes- ley and his companions v/ere not very likely to be convinced of their errors or their disobedi- ence. The cajoling plan had a far more power- ful effect ; and some of the younger brethren were soon persuaded, it was not absolutely necessary to salvation, that a man should fast two days out of every seven, or that a weekly participation of the body and blood of Christ is entirely needful to the eternal welfare of an im- mortal spirit. Be this, however, as it may, from more causes than one did the spirit and the practice of Methodism begin to decline very ra- pidly' at the university. It is somewhat strange, but it is nevertheless true. Madam, that as a spirit of piety and devotion increased in the mind of Mr. J. Wesley, a proportionate decrease of zeal and number took place among the young Methodists at Oxford. AT OXFORD. -37 The abuse or the ridicule which tended to flamp tlie zeal, and cool the religious fervour of the weak, the unstable, and the cowaiflly, had a very different effect on the mind and con- <]uct of Mr. Wesley. Before he had set out with a resolution to be more than usually de- vout, he had counted the cost. He had al- ready anticipated opposition. He knew, the ig- norant and the vicious, would all be against him; when therefore the storm arose, he was prepared for it. He puzzled his opponents with -questions concerning tlie reasonableness of his conduct. He did more ; he confounded them by an uniform regulanty of life, an-h this resolution and his still iiicreasiup" austerities might stand uninjured by the shafts of his enemies, yet did those shafts light vvltli redoubled force on the heads of some of his weaker colleagues; and they shrunk from the performance of duties which exposed ti^em to 58 DECLINE OF METHODISM SO much obloquy and reproach. Mr. Wesley la- mented their want of courage : but he soon dis- covered a far greater source of mournring than even the decay of liis infant society of col- legians; and this discovery, of whatever benefit it might be to himself, was, in its consequences, higlily prejudicial to the Oxonian Methodists. He began to suspect, that he himself, as yet, did only possess the form of godliness, being al- most wiioUy destitute of the power of it ! The fact is as follows : — He had contracted an acquaintance Avith Mr. Law, author of " A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life," who possessed much of the spirit which dwelt in the minds, and directed the devotions, of some of the French and German mystics ; and Mr. Wesley, admiring the piety, and long- ing for the devotional spirit, of tliis gentle- man, became, as Dr. Whitehead himself ac- knowledges, too much captivated with the views wjiich some of the mystic writers gave him of religion. In fact, he caught, at least to a cer- tain degree, the spirit of mysticism, and became restless and uneasy within himself. He read Law's Christian Perfection, studied the Theolo- gia Germanica, became desirous of being all eye, all ear, all soul; pure intellect; lie hungered and thirsted after mysteries, and sighed to know what God's presence icith his people meant. To obtain this information, he often rambled from AT OXFORD. 39 the iniiversit}', that he niioht have the advan- tage of spiritual advice and instruction from Mr. Law and others more advanced in the divine life than himself. He wrote to his mother, who possessed a still stronger sense of piety and in- ward devotion than even old Mr. Wesley himself. It must be acknowledged, that few men were ever more ready to receive information from others, than was Mr. John Wesley. It appears, however, that neither his mother, nor even Mr. Law, could satisfy the inquiring mind of this pious seeker. This caused him great pain. His philosophy and good sense on the one hand, and his Methodism on the other, seem to have given him much uneasiness, so that, on the 25th January, 1738, he complains, that — " For many years he had been tossed about with various winds of doctrine;" that his ac- quaintance with the mystic writers had ltd. him into numerous mistakes ; that their " noble de- scriptions of union with God and internal re- hgion, had made even good works appear flat and insipid" to him; "yea," adds he, "faith itself, and what not?" Whether this unsettled state of mind, or, which I think. Madam, is very likely, this spirit of mysticism, like that of the Athenians, loving to be hearing and comniiini- cating some new thing, had inspired its victim with a rambling disposition, I cannot say; but during this liurricane, or rather dead calm of 40 DECLINE OF METHODISM the soul, Mr. Wesley often visited Epworth and London, and always contrived to go through as many towns as he could, often going much out of his way, in order to see some friend, or to converse with one after his ozvn heart. He ob- serves, that about this time he had walked a thousand and fifty miles in the course of one year. The effects, however, of one of these journeys had nearly proved fatal to the young society at Oxford, and made him resolve to stay more at college in future. While the shepherd was absent the sheep began to stray. One of his pupils had learned to be afi"aid of singula- rity— another had read an excellent piece of Mr. Locke's, which had convinced him of the mis- chief of regarding authority : they both con- cluded that it was not quite necessary to fast on Wednesdays. A third had been convinced of the uselessness of flisting, by a fever and Dr. Frewin. The seven and twenty communicants at St. Mary's, were shrunk to ^ive ; and the last of Mr. Clayton's pupils who continued with them, now informed them, that he did not in- tend to meet with them any more. This, Ma- dam, you will readily conceive must have been a terrible blow to the young methodistical co- lony. None of these things, however, moved our hero, who soon reconciled himself to the loss — methodized his reasoning on tlic subject ; and reduced his ill success to iJir(;e causes : di- 1 AT OXFORD. 41 mlnutlon of fortune, loss of friends^ and of reputa- Hon. These three general heads he, in his usual methodical way, subdivided into about six times that number of inferior heads; comforted him- self ?with the consolations of Christianity; re- doubled his dilio-ence that he niii>-ht recover the ground he had lost ; and finally syllogisti- cated the whole matter away. About this time died Mr. Morgan, one of their most active members. It was reported that this gentleman had shortened his days by excessive fasting; but this charge, which the discernment of Mr. Wesley foresaw would, if not timely refuted, prove of great hurt to his society, he took care to repel in a long letter to Mr. Morgan's father, who it seems had beea before rather averse to his son's manner of life while at Oxford. Mr. Morgan was satisfied ; and this stroke was very opportunely warded oir by the dexterity of Mr. Wesley. All these things, however, made against the prosperity of Methodism at Oxford ; and shortly after, on Mr. Wesley's removal to Georgia in America, this young society became nearly, if not en- tirely, extinct at the universit}'. He was the life and soul of the cause. His spiritual valour gave courage to the cowardly; filled the droop- ing with animation ; and lifted up the falling, when assailed by the shafts of envy apd re- 42 DECLINE OF METHODISM, kc. proach. It was in his absence only, that any tlefection of zeal in his brethren took place : when, therefore, he was led by a sense of duty or inclination to leave them, the tvork of God at Oxford began to experience a visible de- cay. I am, &c. 43 LETTER VIL Methodism "cisits Ameiica. DEAR MADAM, In my last, I informed 3^011 of the decay of Methodism at Oxford. The few that remain- ed of the society continued steadfast and im- moveable, abounding in every good word and work. I do not know that the society expe- rienced any revival after the death of Mr. Mor- gan and the backsliding of the pupils; and an event was now approaching, that threatened its final dissolution: this was the removal of Messrs. John and Charles Wesleys, and Mr. Ing- ham, of Queens College, to America. Be not alarmed, my dear Madam, to embark with our Methodists on the rude and ungovern- able ocean — where the ark of the Lord is, there must be safety. We shall be in good company ; 44 METHODISM and amidst the boisterous surges, the rolling billows, and the fierce combat of contending elements, the song of gladness shall be heard; the murmurings of despondency shall be stilled; and the consolations of hope shall be our sup- port. Our cargo is religion ; and our object the conversion of the Indians. In the formation of all wise governments some mode of religion has ever been deemed an essential requisite. As man is a social, so also is he a religious, being ; hence has arisen the policy of associating civil and ecclesiastical in- terests in the same government. The philoso- pher, from a sense of honour, and from a concern for the happiness and dignity ol" human nature, will voluntarily and cheerfully submit to the re- straints which the condition of a mixed com- munity render necessary. The ignorant, the unruly, and the wicked, require a stronger band of union than the general laws of morality : the obligations of religion, the stimulus of fear, and the allurements of hope, must be held out to these, as Inducements to order, and as re- strictions on the immoderate gratification of selfish interests and sensual desires. But I must have done with my speculations, Madam, and inform you, that the trustees of the newly planted colony of Georgia, wanting some missionaries to conduct the service of re- Jigion in that settlement, and to endeavour to VISITS AMERICA. 45 convert their neighbours, the Indians, turn- ed their attention towards the two Wesleys, as proper persons for such a service. It seems the trustees for setthng- and estabhshing the co- lony of Georgia, were men of a pious turn of mind, and they coukl not, one should have sup- posed, have made a more fortunate choice than they did, in sending Messrs. John and Charles Wesleys as missionaries to their colony. A long and somewhat tedious correspondence had for some time been carrying on between Mr. John Wesley and his relations respecting his removal to Epworth, to take charge of his father's flock. Old Mr. Wesley was now ad- vanced in years ; his growing infirmities daily gave him assurances that his sheep at Epworth would soon lose their shepherd. If his son John did not succeed him in the living, it appears that a Mr. M. must ; and such was the old gentleman's dread of this, that he assured his son, " the prospect of that mighty Nimrod's coming thither shocked his soul; and was in a fair way of bringing down his grey hairs with sorrow to the grave." His unbending son, how- ever, had no desire to leave Oxford; and he re- solved not to accept the Epworth living. His brother Samuel wrote to him on the subject ; but it seems without hope of success, for he tells him, he believes that no one could move his mind but him that made it. He neverthc' 46 METHODISM less used several arguments, by way of trial, but all to no purpose. John replied to them in a long letter to his father, containing no fewer than six-and- twenty pretty long para- graphs, being so many reasons why he should remain at Oxford, contrary to his father's and brother's wishes. I thought it necessary. Ma- dam, to mention this circumstance, as it un- folds a trait in Mv. Wesley's character, to which he was so much indebted for success in liis sulisequent conduct as head and go- vernor of the Methodist connexion. His fa- ther died in April, 1735, and the living was disposed of in May following; so that now he thought himself at rest at the univer- sity. But he was soon undeceived in this mat- ter; application being made to him, by Dr. Burton, who introduced him to IMr. Ogle- thorpe, governor of the colony of Georgia, re- questing his removal to America. Mr. Wesley, after having consulted his friends, with some little hesitation, consented to become a mission- ary to convert the Indians. Accordingly, on Tuesday, the 14th of October, 1735, he set out for Gravesend, in order to embark for Geor- gia, accompanied by his brother Charles, Mr. Ingham, and a Mr. Delamotte, a merchant's son in London, " Our end," says he, "in leaving our native country, was not to avoid want, God having given us plenty of temporal VISITS AMERICA. 47 blessings ; nor to gain the dung or dross of riches or honour; but singly tliis, to save our souls, and to live wholly to the glory of God/' In the afternoon of the same day, they em- barked on board the Simmonds. The next day Mr. John Wesley wrote to his brother Sa- muel, who kept a school at Tiverton, informing him that, having presented his father's Com- mentary on the Book of Job, to the Queen, he l^ad received, in return, mauy good zvords and smiles. Good zvords and smiles, Madam, must always be acceptable from a lady ; but when they come from a Queen of England, they are surely doubly enchanting. Not that I would insinuate that these kind of favours are but sel- dom granted at court ; yet as they were be- stowed on a Methodist, I hope, INIadam, you will not think the mention of them unbecomini2: tlie gravity of my histor}^ In this letter, Mr. Wesley cautions his brother against the beg- garly elements of Greek and Latin in his school. Not that he wished him to lay aside the use of them ; but to mind the gospel much more. He, however, besought him, by the mercies of God, tp banish all such poison as Ovid, Virgits jEneid, and Terence's Eunuch, from his school. That he should speak of these matters just at a time when he was about to leave his iViends apd his country, was owing^ as he says, to the 48 METHODISM uncertainty of having another opportunity of telling his hrother his thoughts in this life. On board the Simmonds were twenty-six German Moravians ; and Mr. Wesley immedi- ately began to learn the German language, that he might converse with them. David Nitch- nian, the Moravian bishop, and two others, be- gan to learn English, that the benefit of con- versation might be mutual. It was here that Mr. Wesley's acquaintance with the Moravian brethren commenced ; and here were confirmed the notions of mysticism, of faith, and of holi- ness, which he had imbibed some time before. When they had set sail from Gravesend, and gotten into the Downs, " We began," says he, " to be a little regular. Our common way of living was this — From four in the morn- ing till five, each of us used private prayer. Prom five till seven, we read the bible together, carefully comparing it (that we might not lean to our own understandings) with the writings of ihe earliest aces. At seven we breakfasted. At eight were the public prayers. From nine to twelve I usually learned German, and Mr. Delamotte Greek. ]\fy brother writ sermons, and Mr. Ingham instructed the children. At twelve we met, to give an account to one ano- tlier what we had done since our last meeting, and what we designed to do before our next. About one we dined. The time from dinner to VISITS AMERICA, 40 four, we spent in reading to those of whom each of us had taken charge, or in speaking to them severally, as need required. At four were the evening prayers ; when either the second lesson was explained (as italv/a3's was in the morning), or the children catechirsed, and instructed he- fore the congregation. From five to six we again used private prayer. From six to seven I read in our cabin to two or three of our pas- sengers (of wiiom there were about eighty Eng- lish on hoard), and each of my brethren to a few more in theirs. At seven, I joined with the Germans in their public service; while Mr. Ing- ham was reading between the decks, to as many as desired to hear. At eight we met again, to exhort and instruct one another. Between nine and ten we went to bed, where neither the roar- ing of the sea, nor the motion of the ship, could take away the refreshing sleep which God gave us." Now, Madam, what think you of our Me- thodists on board a ship ? This is doing busi- ness systematically— in other words, it is doing- it to some purpose — as it ought to be done. Mr. Wesley was determined that his society, large or small, should not be a rope of sand. O, Madam, this Jifet/wdism is the very life of busine^ — the soul of enterprise ! I cannot conclude this epistle better, ]\Ia- 60 METHODISM dam, than by transcribing Dr. Whitehead's n*y^- lative of the remainder of their voyage. * - , ^^„" The wind being contrary, they did not set sail from Cowes till the 10th of December. — On Thursday, the 15th of January, 1736;, com- plaint being made to JNIr. Oglethorpe, of the unequal distribution of water to the passengers, new officers were appointed, and the old ones ^%ere highly exasperated against Mr. Wesley, wl>p, as they supposed, had made the complaint. From the 17th to the 25th they had violent storms, the sea going frequently over the ship, and breaking the cabin windows. On these Q^ccasions, he (Mr. Wesley) found the fear of ^r^4tl|, brought him into some degree of bond- age; and being a severe judge of himself, he concluded, that he was unfit, because he was unMnlling, to die: at the same time, he could ,l)ot but observe the lively and victorious faith vvhich appeared in the Germans, and kept their imnds in a state of tranquillity and ease, in the m^idst of danger, to which he and the English ^n board were strangers. Speaking of these humble followers of Christ, he said, ' I had Jong before observed the great seriousness of tli^ir - behaviour. Of their humility they had given continual proof, by performing those ser- vile offices for the other passengers which none of the Enghsh would undertake, for which they VISITS AxMERICA. 51 desired and received no pay ; saying, * It was good for their proud hearts, and their loving Saviour had done more for them.' If they were pushed, struck, or thrown down, they rose again and went away ; but no complaint was found in their mouth. " In the midst of the psalm wherewith their service began, the sea broke over, split the mainsail in pieces, covered the ship, and poured in between the decks, as if the great deep had already swallowed us up. A terrible screaming began among the English. The Germans calmly sung on. I asked one of them afterwards, ' Was you not afraid ?' He answered, ' I thank God, no.' I asked, ' But were not your women and children afraid ?' He replied, mildly, ' No ; our women and children are not afraid to die.' " On the 29th, they fell in with the skirts of a hurricane, which, however, did no damage. On the 4th of February, they saw land ; and on the 6th, after a stormy passage, set foot on American ground, on a small uninhabited island over against the Tybee, whence Mr. Oglethorpe led them to a rising ground, and they returned God thanks ; and then he took boat for Sa- van nan. ' During his passage, Mr. Wesley preached ex- /^???pore— discontinued the use of flesh and wine, e2 52 METHODISM VISITS AMERICA. confining himself to vegetables and biscuit — left off eating suppers — and as he had, when his bed was wet, lain upon the floor, and slept well, he concludes, in a triumphant manner, " I believe I shall not find it needful to go to bed, as it is called, any more." I am, &c. LETTER nil. Pi^ogress of Methodism at Georgia. DEAR MADAM, I HAVE now conducted the brethren across the Atlantic ; and have landed them in safety on the vast continent of America. In this letter, I purpose to develope the progress of Methodism, as it unfolded itself in the minds of our mission- aries, or made advances in the infant colony of Georgia. Methodism, considered as a strong spirit of piety and devotion, seems to.be constitutional with some persons. Like the electiic fluid, ^vhich pervades material substances, it often remains dormant in the soul, till by friction it is made visible, and brought into action. Mr. John Wesley was certainly, by nature, very higlily charged with this spirit. Some of his very warm admirers have even thought him 54 PROGRESS OF METH0DI5M sanctified from thewomJ^. Himself was of a very different opinion ; and indeerl it is congenial with this spirit for its recipients to imagine, or say they imagine, themselves to he the nilest of the vile. I must confess, however, that 1 once knew a travdting preacher, who, althougli very pious, and very method istical, declared to me, that he did not think himself the chief of sinners; but then, to be sure, he was only a travelling preacher in Mr. Aleawider Kilham's conyiei'ion ; and this may possibly account for his presumption. Mr. Wesley himself, even in his dying moments, more than once was heard to exclaim- — Ai *' I the chief of sinners am." If Mr. Wesley, after having spent a long life ill carrying on the work of God amo?ig the people called Methodists, could thus denounce against himself, what, Madam, will you think, when I inform you, that, although he had left his owa country that he might convert the poor Indians to the truth, and, by introducing religion, give a permanency to the Georgian government, he was yet a stranger to the true faith, not having the witness in himself, or knowing his sins to be washed avyay by the blood of the cross ? Whatever, Madam, you may think of the mat- ter, this was certainly the case, as he himself was AT GEORGIA. • 55 made to lUKlerstaiu], tlie very day after his ar- jjval in America. > ;m: I have already intimatecli^ that whatever mig]it be his opiuion of himself^ be was e^tain- ]y constitutionally TficthodisticaL He was na- turally devout, and he seems to have loved to know the worst of his own character. ^Vhen, therefore, liis spirit came into contact with the spirit oi one of the German pastors, whom Mr. Oglethorpe introduced to him, he speedily caught the celestial fire. " I soon found, "says Mr. Wesley, '* what spirit he was of; and asked his advice with regard to my own conduct." — Hear, Madam, the reply which this Mora^vian divine made our inquisitive missionary. '* My brother," says he, " I must first ask you one or two questions. Have you the witness in your- self? Does the spirit of God bear M'itness with your spirit, that you arc a child of God .'' Do you know Jesus Christ r Do you know he has saved you? Do yoiv know yourself?'* Mr. Wesley's inability to answer tliese searcliing (questions in a satisfactory manner, half^.if not entirely, convinced him, that hitherto he had been little more than merely a nominal Chris- tiathl Itis ttue, he' answered the last af these questions^ in the affirmative: but he observes, fh^t he feared his answer was GOmposed of "oain * 'i^btjut;^ '^e^k «ft^r:this conrersatioir^jsome 4 56 PROGRESS OF METHODISM Indians were introduced to them, who shook them by the hand, one of tliem saying- — " I am glad you are come. When 1 was in England, I desired that some would speak the great zcord to H^^uifAnd my nation then desired to hear it. But now we are all contusion. Yet I am glad you are come. I will go np and speak to the wise men of our nation ; and 1 hope they will hear. But we would not be made Christians as the Spaniards make Christians. We would be taught before we are baptized." ;Mr. John Wesley answered — "There is but One, he that sitteth in heaven, who is able to teach man wisdom. Though we are come so far, we know not whether he will please to teach you by us or not. If he teach you, you will learn wisdom ; but we can do nothing." This, Madam, was but very poor encouragement to these inquiring Indians, who looked up to the white men to teach them every thing ; and not, when they made application to them for that purpose, to be coldly told, that t/int thci/ could do 770thi)ig. With Impressions, as we may well conjecture, not very favourable to the wisdom or kindness of these Christians, the poor disap- pointed Indians withdrew. Some months seem to have elapsed before any thing of consequence transpired between our missionaries and these simple-hearted heathens. In the meantime, Mr^ John Wesley, and Mr. Delaniotte, took a AT GEORGIA. ' O/ temporary lodging with some of the Moravian brethren, their own house not being yet pre- pared for tlieir reception. Mr. Wesley was a careful observer of men and manners, particularly of religious men, and their mode of conducting themselves. Being now under the same roof with the pious Moravians, he had an opportunity, day by day, of observing their whole behaviour; "for," saj-s he, "we were in one room with them from morning to night, unless for the little time I spent in walk- ing." To know the real state of a person's mo- ral character, it is often needful, Madam, to have opportunities of observing him in the daily domestic occupations of his life. To draw the human character with accuracy, we must not see men only, as they appear in the world, or in- com pan}'. In the common concerns of social, commercial, or friendly intercourse, all men, whether they mean to be so or not, are more or less dressed for the character they wish to ap- pear in. A man may be a cheerful companion, an honest trader, and even a steady friend ; but he may be unreasonable and quarrelsome at, home; tyrannical over his servants; insolent, before his equals; and superciiious before his. inferiors. It is an easy matter for some men to make a fair shezv in the flesh ; or, as the renown- ed alegorist, John Bunyan, expresses it, to be a saint abroad, though a devil at home. Nor, 5S PUOGRESS OF METHODISM Madam, is this double cliaracter only found among- men professing religion : men who would not for the world be thought pious ; in whose vocabulary saint and fool, devotion and hypocrisy, are synonymous ; even these, Madam, do very often act the hypocrite; and it is necessary to see them in some other capa- city than that of friend, companion, or chap- man, in order to form a true estimate of their character. Indeed, I know none bet- ter prepared- to act a double part on the great theatre of human life, than those who despise religion, and call a man a fool and a Methodist because he believes Christianity, and who can see any particular advantage to be derived from profligacy of manners, or licentiousness in con- Yersation. Mr. Wesley had already begun to entertain a favourable opinion of the Moravians; and he was glad to have that opinion confirmed, as he observed the Christian conduct and amiable tempers which they manifested, not only among themselves, but towards each other. He bears the most honourable testimony to their charac- ter, observing that " they were always employed, always cheerful themselves, and in good humour •with one another. They had put away all an- ger and strife, wrath and bitterness, and cla- mour and evil speaking. They walked worthy ©f the vocation wherewith they were called, and AT GEORGIA. 5.9 adorned the gospel of our Lord in all things." Jt is no wonder, Madam, that ]\Ir. Wesley shotdd, after this, think so highly of the Mora- vians. So high, indeed;, was his opinion of these Christians, that, having been present at the or- dination of a bishop, he says, " The great sim- plicity, as well as solemnity of the whole, almost made me forget the seventeen hundred 3"ears between, and imagine myself in one of those as- semblies where form and state were not ; but Paul the tent- maker, or Peter the fisherman, presided : yet with the demonstration of the Spirit and of power." Mr. Wesley, having made rather an unpro- mising visit to the Indians, entered on his mi- nisterial engagements at Savannah, on March the 7th. Nearly a month elapsed, and finding no convenient opening for the conversion of the heathen, he and his companions proceeded to a more methodkcd arrangement of the flock at Sa- vannah. The more serious of them were form- ed into a society, to meet once or twice a week; and these again were subdivided in little com- panies, that they might form a more intimate union with each other ; and, by a close and friendly intercourse, strengthen each other's zeal, and be permanently and spiritually united. Here, i\Iadam, was laid the foundation of what the Methodists call Classes and Bands, which, in the subsequent periods of Methodism, have 60 PROGRESS OF METHODISM been the means of their union, and of their as- tonisliing success. Whether, however, the un- settled slate of Mr. Wesley's own religious opi- nions, or the quarrels and bickerings which had ah'eady begun to agitate them, operated in an unfriendly manner upori them, I know not; but the Georgian Methodists seem to have made very little progress ; and in a short time it was thought necessary to abandon the scheme alto- gether. Of this I will treat in my next epistle ; and. in the mean tirae^ permit me, Madam, as the ^conclusion of this, to transcribe a curious dia- logue, which took place between ]\lr. Wesley and some Indians, on the subject of religion. " Q. Do you believe there is one above, M'ho is above all things? Paustoobee answered — We beheve there are four beloved things above ; the clouds, the sun, the clear sky, and He that Uves in the clear sky. Q. Do you believe, there is but one that lives in tlie clear sky ? tio ^m^- .,i-ii .u' iriui> 'I.^kk j A. Wc believe there are tv»^o with him ; "three in all. Q. Do you think he made the sun, and the other beloved things? aio .tentj^gij A. We cannot tell. Who hath seenrpjj o^ioa r , (Q. ;Do you think he made you ? auuhd lijj ^lAibWpiithink he made all men at first. AT GEORGIA. 6l Q. How did he make them at first? A. Out of the ground. Q. Do you beheve he loves you ? A. I do not know : I cannot see him. Q. But has he not often saved your life? A. He has. Many bullets have gone on this side, and many on that side^ but he would never let them hurt me. And many bullets have gone into these young men, and yet they are alive. Q. Then cannot he save you from your cns- mies now ? A. Yes ; but we know not if he will. We have now so many enemies round about us, that I think of nothing but death. And if I am to die, I shall die, and I will die like a man. But if he will have me to live, I shall live, though I had never so many enemies. He can destroy them all. Q. How do you know that ? A. From what I have seen. Wlien our ene- mies came against us before, then the beloved clouds came for us. And often much rain, and sometimes hail, lias come upon them, and that in a very hot day. And I saw, when many French and ChoctawS;, and other nations, came against one of our towns; and the ground made a noise under them, and the beloved ones in the air behind them ; and they were afraid, and went away, and left their meat and their drink, 62 PROGRESS OF METHODISM and their guns. I tell no lie. And these saw it too. Q. Have you heard such noises at other times ? A. Yes, often : before and after almost every battle. Q. Do you often think and talk of the be- loved ones? A. We think of them always, wherever wc are. We talk of them^ and to them, at home and abroad ; in peace, in war, before and after we fight ; and indeed whenever and wherever we meet together. Q. >Vhere do you think your souls go after death ? A. W"e believe the souls of red men walk up and down near the place where they died, or where their bodies lie ; for we have often heard cries and noises near the place where any pri- soners had been burnt. Q. Where do the souls of white men go after their death ? A. We cannot tell. We have not seen. Q. Our belief is, that the souls of bad men only walk up and down ; but the souls of good men go up. A. I believe so too. But I told you the talk of the nation. Q. We liave a book that tells us many things .... AT GEORGIA. „ ,_._ . 63 of the beloved ones above — would you be glad to know them ? A. We have no time now but to fight. If we should ever be at peace, we should be glad to know. Q. What do the French teach you? A. The French black kings (so they call the priests) never go out. We see you go about: we like that : that is good. Q. How came your nation by the knowledge they have ? A. As soon as ever the ground was sound, and fit to stand upon, it came to us, and has been with us ever since. But we are young men. Our old m.en know more : but all of them do not know. There are but a few; whoRi the beloved one chooses from a child, and is in them, and takes care of them, and teaches them. They know these things: and our old men practise; therefore they know. But I do not practise ; therefore I know little." I am, &c. \''j vox b^ 'Ti'l!-.!; 64 ^mnn^ioc LETTER IX. Bkkerlug^, Persecutions, and Decline oJ'.3d[(^^,x tfiodism at Gconi;ia. DEAR MADAxM, Mil. Charles Wesley went with his brother John to America, for the same purpose, that of converting the heathen. He was appointed se- cretary to Mr. Oglethorpe, and also secretary to India affairs ; and having been ordained before he left England, he entered upon the sacred of- lice with much zeal and activity. He was ap- pointed to superintend the flock at 'Frederica. Here he often read prayers and exptAinded in the open air; for tiie conveniences for social worship were here fewer even than those at Sa- vannah. Mr. Oglethorpe himself attended those exercises, and for a short time encouraged Mr. Charles Wesley b}' his presence and kindness: but, alas ! a month had scarcely elapsed from DECLINE OF METHODISM, &C. 63 tlie time of their settlement, ere the private bickerings of the women began to disturb the infant church of Frederica. The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water. A Mrs. W. and a Mrs. H. took it into their heads, for what cause it does not appear, to be at variance, and our missionary, well knowing that the suc- cess of his labours depended much upon the tempers of his flock, endeavoured to disarm the fiend of discord before he had done much mis- chief Mrs. W. had come in the same vessel with our missionaries, and Mr, C. Wesley had in vain endeavoured to persuade her to lay aside the cares of the world, and " to give herself up to God." Equally vain were his pious attempts to reconcile her and Mrs. H. At all times, it seems, these angry Avomen rejected the word of recon- ciliation. Jealousies among the women, in va- rious parts of the colony, now began to disturb the harmony of the church and the peace of Mr. Oglethorpe. Mr. Wesley's serious de- portment, his constant presence with them, and his frequent reproof of their licentious behaviour, soon made him an object of hatred ; and plans were formed either to ruin him in the opinion of Mr. Oglethorpe, or to take him off by vio- lence. On the 11th of March,after he had performed divine service with about a dozen women, lie F 66 DECLINE OF METHODIS.^ met Mrs. H.'s maid, in a great passion, anci a flood of tears. She had left her mistress, with whom she had been quarrelling, and seemed re- solved to make away witli herself. Mr. Wesley did what he could to reconcile them ; but failed in the attempt. It is insinuated by his biogra- phers, that in endeavouring to perform this la- bour of love, he had some way exasperated Mrs. H. so as to induce her to seek private revenge; for in the evening of the same day he received the first harsh word from Mr. Oglethorpe, whose coldness increased to such a degree as to render it impossible for Mr. Wesley to remain in his presence. It does not appear wliat was the real cause of these disputes. A dark cloud of mystery in- volves the whole affair in obscurity. Mr. Charles Wesley, however, seems to have been treated iii a very harsh and cruel manner. Every conve- nient utensil was kept from his use. In some instances he does not appear to have had even a proper bedstead to lie down upon. Mr. John AVesley visited Frederica several times, and did whatever lay in his power to stem the torrent that seemed to threaten the most destructive consequences ; but, alas ! a most serious affair was now impending over the head of Mr. John himself; and the storms of persecution and pri- vate bickerings were fast gathering over the church of Savannah. MSiaCAT GEORGIA. ^if Mr- Charles Wesley and Mr. Inghim both re- turned to England ; and Mr. Johr Wesley was left to bear the burthen and heat of the day, and to sustain the many trials and inconveniences which are ever attendant on the spirit of ^d3cf iW^ %l .^^ oT — vsg 1 PSD loM .'baldijo-n 7t 1 '"V 1 LETTER X. Progress of Methodism, and Co?iversion oj the IVesleys. DEAR MADAM, Jn my last I left Mr. John Wesley on his return to England, writing bitter things against him- self, and making the most gloomy and discou- raging reflections on the state of his spiritual concerns. He landed at Deal, on February 1, 1738; ^ where he was informed Mr. Whitefield had sailed Xht day before for Georgia. He read prayers and explained a portion of scripture to a large _ company at the inn ; and on the third arrived safe in London. ' " 1\fr. Chares Wesley arrived in London in De- ''^pember, 1736, in the same unhappy disposition of mind in which we have just seen his brother John. A confused notion of fiiith, and of sen- CONVERSION, &C. 75 fiible conversion, kept him in a state of the greatest abjection of soul — the most unpleasant degradation of intellect. Some time in January, 1737, the active Mo- ravian, Count Zinzindorf, arrived in England, for the purpose of effecting a union between the Moravian and the English churches at Georgia. This gentleman, having heard of the piety and austerities of the Wesleys, soon after his arrival sent for Mr. Charles, and through his influence procured an introduction to those persons whose power and interest were necessary to the acconir pUshment of his object. In return for these ecclesiastical services, Mr. Charles Wesley seems to have received certain spiritual instructions relative to the nature of faith, and the mode and terms of partaking of the divine favour. Mr. Wesley spent tins year in attending on the Trustees and the Boar(| of Trade; in ex- tending his spiritual connections in Londor, Oxford, and the West of Englanch He con- sulted Mr. Law on the state of his soul; but seems to have received no very satisfactory in-, formation on that head. He had not resigned the reins of reason into the ])ands of an ima- ginary abstraction of soul, and could not easily J comprehend the force of his friend's counsel, to " renounce himself, and not be. impa- ■^'^^ '"■^ ^'- w h'i^.utaooA fidol 70 COXVERSION" Al)Out tlic beginning of February, 173S, one Peter Bohler, another Moravian of note, arrived in England. Much about the same time Mr, John Wesley returned from Georgia. Peter cultivated an accjuaintance with the two bro- thers, and seems to have laboured hard for their conversion. This gentleman appears to me tp have been strongly tinctured with German en- thusiasm. With much zeal for protelytism, he appears to have drank largely at the Bourigno- iiian spring of mystical speculation, and fancied illuminations. He was now at Oxford wilh Mr. Charles Wesley, pressing upon the moral and regular scholars the necessity o^ courersion. But, as Dr. Whitehead observes, none of them seemed to understand him. ]\Ir. Charles Wesley being taken dangerously ill of a pleurisy, he requested Peter Bohler to pray for him. Peter hesitated: but at length, beginning faintly, he prayed for his recovery \s\i\\ strange cojijidence. He then took him by the hand, and calmly said, " You will not die now!!" What information Bohler could have received concerning this matter, it is not for you or me, Madam, to inquire. He asked his sick friend if he hoped to be saved. This ques- tion seems to have been put for a similar reason to that of a bad poet, who often writes one line for the sake of producing a jjngie by anothcK'' OF THE WES LEYS. 77^ He foresaw that Mr. Wesley would answer liis question in the affirmative, and immediately on. this being the case, asked, " For what reason do you hope to be saved?" "Because," replied the worthy sick man, " I have used my best en- deavours to serve God>" The enthusiast shook his head, and was silent. Mr. Chailes Wesley happily recovered, and confirmed the pious prognosticaiions of his Moravian confessor. Observe, Madam, the progress of Methodism ! Remark tlie development of those speculations which, since the effervescence of puritanism was blown off the minds of our countrymen, had been almost wholly forgotten in these islands. On the i25th of April, the two brothers, with a Mr. Broughton, and Mrs. Delamotte, fell into a warm dispute, whether conversion was gradual or instantaneous. j\Ir. John Wesley, being of a more sanguine disposition than his brother, verv positively contended for the latter ; and shocke{l his brother Charles, by producing some late in- stances of gross sinners being converted in a mo^ ment ! So warm was Mr. John in his defence of this strange notion, that- both his brother and Mrs. Delamotte found it impossible to stay anv longer in ihe room ! J\fr. Charles, however, so,oiieariieu>';^r^-to his brother's opinion on the subject, and contended tiiat sinners may be bora again in the twinkling of^ an eye.: j1lhis> Madam, will not appear so very strange, when 78 COXVKRSION you are informed, that to attain this great end of instantaneous conversion, or indeed of any conversion at all, according to the opinion of a Methodist, a certain sort of faith is requisite ; a kind of preparatory, accommodating, and ini- tiatory principle or notion. But I will speak of this, when I come to treat of the doctmies of the Wesleyans. In the mean time, I must inform you, that after all the virtuous toil of the two Wesleys, during a period of nearly ten \ears, they were both well convinced, that as yet they had not the faith of the gospel ! This great de- fect in the minds of these two zealous ministers, it ^eems, was owing to a want of elear xicws of Christ, andofrt living faith in him. Accordingly, being very sincere, everything that agonizing prayer, bodily mortifications, assisted by Hali- hurton, Martin Luther, and Peter Bolder, could do, was employed to effect the speedy conver- sion of Messrs. John and Charles Wesley. The time, however, was happily drawing near, when they should emerge from Egyptian darkness ; when the candle of the Lord should shine upon them — the radiance of divine truth enlighten them ; when the long black list of real or ima- ginary transgressions being removed, they should receive beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness. I hasten, Madam, with pleasure, to the relation of so desirable an event. OF THE WESLETS. f§ This, liowever, is a most delicate matter 'to touch upon; and as I would not misconceive or misrejDresent these facts, I will give you the ac- count in their own or their friends' words. Mr. Charles Wesley was the first of the two that was set at liberty. This was in Whitsun- tide, about three days prior to the spiritual de- liverance of his brother John. Of Charles's conversion, Dr. Whitehead writes as follows — " On Whitsunday, May 21, he waked in hope and expectation of soon attaining the object of his wishes, the knowledge of God reconciled in Christ Jesus. At nine o'clock, his brother -and some friends came to him, and sung a hymn suited to the day. When they left him, he be- took himself to prayer. Soon afterwards, a per- son came and said, in a very solemn manner, * Believe in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, amd thou shalt be healed of all thine infirmities.' The words went through his heart, and animated him with confidence. He looked into the scripture, and read, ' Now, Lord, what is my hope? truly my hope is even in thee.' He then cast his eye on these words, ' He hath put a new song into my mouth, even thanksgiving unto our God : Mars}^ shall see it and fear, and put their trust in /the Lord.' Afterwards he opened Isaiah,' xl. 1. ad. Comfort ye, comfort ye my |>eople, saith our jiGod; speak comfortably to Jerusalem, ahd <:?ry junto her that her warfare i« accomplished, that 'ot ^-^bN version her iniquity is pardoned ; for she liatli received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins.' In reading these passages of scripture, he was en- abled to view Christ as set forth to be a propi- tiation for /?Z5 ^iw^, through faith in his blood, and received tliat peace and rest in God which he had so earnestly sought. " The next morning he waked with a sense of the divine goodness and protection, and rejoiced in reading the lO/th psalm, so nobly descrip- tive, he observes, of what God had done for his soul. This day he had a very numbling view of his own weakness ; but was enabled to contem- plate Christ in his power to save to the utter- most, all those who come unto God by him> Many evil thoughts were suggested to his mind-, but they immediately vanished away. In the afternoon, he was greatly strengthened by these words, in the forty-third chapter of Isaiah, M'hich he saw were spoken to encourage and comfort the true Israel of God, in every age of his church — ' But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Lsrael, Fear not : for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name ; thou art mine. When thou passest th'ough the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overtlow thee ; Mhen thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Lor I am tlic OF THE WESLEYS. 81 Lord thv God. the Holy One of Israel, thy Sa- viour." ... ,,, .......J 3H-. ), Such, Madam, is the account given by Mr. Charles Wesley of his conversion. I forbear, at present, to make any remarks or observations on this event and the mode of its procedure, and hasten to lay before you the state of Mr. John Wesley's case under similar circumstances. Wednesday, May the 24th, he writes thus — " I think it was about five this morning that I opened my Testament on those words, ' There are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature.' " Just as I went out, I opened it again on those words, ' Thou art not far from the king- dom of God.' In the afternoon I was asked to go to St. Paul's. The anthem was, ' Out of the deep have I called unto thee, OLord ! Lord, hear my voice,' &c. " In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate- street, where one was reading Luther's preface to the epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart stranc'clv warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ — Christ alone — for salvation: and an assur- 8^ CONVERSION, &C. sins, even mine, and saved j?ie from the law of sin and death. " I began to pray with all my might, for those who had in a more especial manner despitefully used me and persecuted me. I then testified openly to all there, what I now first felt in my heart. But it was not long before the enemy suggested, ' This cannot be faith, for where is thy joy?' Then was I taught, that peace and ^victory orcr sin, are essential it) faith in the Cap' tain of our salvation ; but, that as to the transports of joy, that usually attend the beginning of it, especially in those who have mourned deej)ly, God sometimes giveth, sometimes withholdeth them, according to the counsels of his own will." You have now. Madam, a faithful account of the conversion of these two well-meaning and pious clergymen. It would be improper, pro- bably rash and presumptuous, to make any fur-* ther observations on this matter: I therefore subscribe myself, Your's, &c. ss LETTER XL Third Period of Methodism — Orders of a Religi- ous Society — Mr. JVesley doubts of his Cojixer- sio7i — Visits Germany. DEAR MADAM, ** Ml frater, mi frater, excoquenda est ista tua philosopbia :" — My brother, my brotlier, that philosophy of }■ our's must be purged away : So said Peter Boliler to Mr. John Wesley, who could not easily exclude the use of his reason ia matters of religion. We have, however, seen that the philosophy of Mr. Wesley did not fi- nally prevent his coivcersion. After that event Meiluidism began to spread most astonishingly — Many run to and fro, and knowledge was in- creased. You are not to understand, JMadam, tliat the two brothers were the^r^^ that, about this time, stept into the glorious liberty of Moravian Me- thodism. Many others had already been set af g2 84J^ TIIIKD PERIOD liherfy ; and in particular, Mr. Hutcliins, of Pembroke College, and a Mr. Fox, who were *' two living witnesses, that God can, at least, if he does not always, give that faith whereof conieth salvation, in a moment, as lightning falling from heaven !" These, with the two brothers, and about forty others, had formed themselves into a society which met in Fetter- lane every Wednesday evening, that they might enjoy free conversation, and build each other up in the faith. Mr. Wesley, in his Ecclesiasti- cal History, calls this the third period of Me- thodism. It was the first Methodist society in London, since the days of Puritanism : a society wherein was as much zeal, and as much piety, with less rebellion and less treason, than that which, about two hundred years before, met at Essex-house, in the Strand ; when the fallen, the degraded, the infatuated favourite of Eliza- beth, employing religion to the basest of pur- poses, laid up for himself (not like our Method- ists in Fetter-lane, who devoutly sought a crown of righteousness) a treasure of wrath, wdiich brought him to utter destruction, and gave the lie to all his religious pretensions. No, Madam, whatever similarity is discoverable in the reli- gious notions, and pious practices, of the Pu- ritans and Methodists, I am convinced there ijsr*.^ very material difference in their poli- tics. OF METHODISM. 85. The following are the Rules by which the So- ciety I am speaking of was governed ; and were entitled — % *' Orders of a Religious Societv, meetlrig i' in Fetter-lane ; in obedience to the Co7nma}id of God by St. James, and bif the Advice of Peter Bohkr." These Rules being printed, '^ it was agreed, ** 1. That they would meet together once in a week, to confess their faults one to another, and lo pray^ for one another, that they might be healed. ;; ii 2_ That others, of whose sincerity they were well assured, might, if they desired it, meet with them for that purpose. *' 3. That the persons, so meeting, should be divided into several bancls, or little companies, none of which should consist of fewer than five, or more than ten persons. ii. " 4. That some person in each band should speak to the rest in order, and be called the leader of the band. '' 6. That each band should meet twice a- week ; once on Monday evening, and the se- cond time as might be most convenient; every meeting to be begun and ended with singing and prayer. 86 ORDERS OF A '' 6. That every one in order sliould speak as freely, plainly, and concisely, as he could, the state of his heart, witli the several temptations and deliverances since the last time of meet- ing*. '' 7. That all the bands shoidd have a con- ference at eight every Wednesday evening, be- gun and ended with singing and prayer. " 8. That any who desired to be admitted into this society, should be asked, ' What are your reasons for desiring this ? Will you be en- tirely open, using no kind of reserve? Have you any objection to any of our orders r' '' 9. That any one might make objections to any new member that should be proposed. *' 10. That tljose against whom no reason- able objection appeared, should, in order for their trial, be formed into one or more dis- tinct bands, and some person agreed on to as- sist them. " 11. That after two montlis' trial, if no ob- jection then appeared, they niiglit be admitted into the society. *' 12. That every fourth Saturday should be observed as a day of general intercession, which might continue from twelve to two, iVum three to five, and fioni six to eight. '^ 13. That on the Sunday sevcnnigiit ful- lovv'ing, there should be a general lovefcasf, from seven till ten in the evening. RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 87 ■=' 14. That no particular person should b^ allowed to act in any thing contrary to any or- der of this society; but that every one, without distinction, should submit to the determination of his brethren : and that if any person or per- sons did not, after being thrice admonished, conform to the society, they should no longer be esteemed as members. " Jo. That any person whom the whole so- iciety should approve, might be accounted a corresponding member, and as such be admit- ted to the general meetings, provided he cor- responded with the society at least once a- month." These, Madam, are theregulations which con- stitute the basis of the whole Methodist economy to the present day. " It would have been happy," says Dr. Whitehead, " for the IMethodist societies, if these rules had been preserved among them, and rigorously kept : the work .would in that case have been more pure than it has been, and much confusion would have been prevented." A very just and rational ob- servation. It was a natural consequence, that, shortly after his conversion, Mr. Wesley should be at- tacked by various doubts, and by internal as well as external conflicts. The revoltingsof hissub- 8i8> MR. WESLEY DOUBTS jected reason; the natural love of entire intel- lectual liberty ; and the suggestions of friends and enemies all conspired to " saw asunder" his tender mind. The convei^sion of so good a man as Mr. Wesley could not be so perceptible as to admit of no doubt. Having no other data on which to build the certainty of his acceptance with the Beloved^ than the fallible testimony of supposed internal feelings, or remote inferences from the scriptures, it was very often a matter of great doubt with him whether he even yet possessed the right faith ; whether even yet God had pardoned his sins. Having myself known something of this wretched state of mind — this miserable halting between two opi- nions— I most sincerely pity the unhappy vic- tims of such spiritual scepticism. The follow- ing stanzas, being part of a hymn composed by one under the influence of these doubtings, will give you a faint idea of this state of misery and suspense — ^* 'Tis a point I long to know, . I Oft it causes anxious thought, J I. Do I love the Lord, or no ? Am I his, or am I not ? Tlf L/ ■ 'If I love, why am I thus ? od (\vA\' '• Why this dull and helpless frame? Ill ri'db Hardly, sure, can they be worse jA , J . Who have never heard his name. tfFHTS CONVERSTO>r. ^ J Could ray hciirt so hard remciin? Piajer a task and burden prove ? Every trifle give jiie pain, If I knew a Saviour's loye ? When I turn my eyes within, All is dark, and vain, and wild : Fill'd with unbelief and sin, Can I decra myself a child ? If I pray, or hear, or read, Sin is raix'd with all I do : Ye who love the Lord indeed. Tell mc, is it thus with you ?" Sucli, Madam, is the lamentable state of mind whicli generally follows the overflowings of joy, the divine ecstacies, the rapturous delights, of instantaneous conversion ; and such was the humiliating: condition of Mr. John Weslev. They are the after-pains of the new birth — the melancholy forebodings of an honest but fearful heart. Never man was more desirous of buildino- Oil a sure foundation in religion than was Mr. John Weslev. That he mioht be streno'th- encd in his mind, by the example and advice of the Moravian brethren, he determined to visit Germany ; where, at Flernlmth in particular, lie would meet with many who had long trodden in these paths, and who would rejoice to be the ^0 VISITS GEUMAXV. helpers of his joy. Accordingly, he left his mother, ami embarked at Gravcsend, accom- panied by Mr. Ingham, on the 15th of June, and landed at Rotterdam. On his journey through Holland and Germany, he found se- veral who had imbibed the same notions of religion with himself. At Marienborn, he met with Count Zinzendorf, Count de Solmes, an I several other eminent Moravians, who all en- couraged him to proceed in his spiritual cours» without wavering. At Hernhuth, where he ar- rived on the 1st of August, he staid a fortnight. At this place, he says, he was " exceedingly comforted and strengthened by the conversa- tion of this lovely people," and that he " re- turned to England more fully determined to spend his life in testifying the gospel of the grace of God." "I would gladly,"says he, "have spent my life here; but my Master calling me to labour in another part of his vineyard, on ^Monday, August the 14th, I was constrained to take my leave of this happy place."' " Oh i" he exclaims, " when shall this Christianity cover the earth, as the waters cover the sea ! " Soon after his return to England, he entered vipon a strict examination of himself and the grounds on which he luid reason to believe Jiimself to be a new creature. Taking St. PauEs EXABilNES HIMSELF. <) j assertion, that if any man be in Christ he is a new creature, as the test of this examination, he proceeded to notice /?ue particulars in which it was necessary sucli a one shoukl be renewed, who is a new creature. These were — his judg- ments, his designs, liis desires, his conversation, and his actions. The first of these particulars he subdivided into three separate branches — a, man's judgment of himself, of happiness, and of holiness. Before a man can be said to be a new creature, "he must judge of himself to be altogether fallen short of the glorious image of God ; to have no good thing abiding him, but all that is corrupt and abominable; in a word, to be wholly cartlily, sensual, and devilish : a motley mixture of beast and devil ! !" It is jiardly credible. Madam; but Mr. Wesley adds, '* Thus, by the grace of God in Christ, 1 judge of myself Therefore I am, in this respect, a new creature !" He proceeded witli the other parts of his examination in like manner ; and concludes thus — "Upon the whole, although I have not yet that joy in the Holy Ghost, nor the lull as- surance of faith, nuich less am I, in tlie full scuse of the words, in Christ a new creature ; 1 nevertheless trust, that I have a measure of faith, and am accepted in the Bcloted. ilid'rjtjs': the hand-writing that was against me is bl©fEted ^2 EXAMINES HIMSELF. out, and that I am reconciled to God through his Son." Such was the half-doubting, half-confiden- tial, language of Mr. Wesley, even after his re- turn from visiting the pious and well-experienc- ed Hernhutters. I am, &c. j>dnD8n ; •aoo ,no(ii. -no J ai dioc .l2um jfidW ' 4tio 'gniv -auH J6 ^niBngtil iM : ^r LETTER XII. - Hh'^; Increase of Methodism — Specimens. DEAR MADAM, It is wonderful to remark with what rapidity the new faith began to spread itself in London, Oxford, and Bristol. On the 13th of October, Mr. Wesley writes from Oxford to some of his friends in Holland and Germany, giving them an account of the success of his labours since his return. Permit me, Madam, to transcribe part of these letters, for your information, con- cerning this business. To Dr. Koker he writes thus : "God's blessed Spirit has wrouglit so powerfully, both in Lon- don and Oxford, that there is a general awaken- ing, and multitudes are crying out, * What must we do to be saved?" To Mr. Ingham, at Hern- huth, he writes thus: ''A great and effectual 2 94 INCREASE OF METFIODISM. door is opened; and we continue, through evil report and good report, to preach tlie gospel of Christ to all people, and earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Indeed, he hath given us many of our fiercest opposers, who now receive with meekness the ingrafted vv'ord. One of the hitterest of them could have no rest in his spirit, till, on Saturday, the 30th of Septemher, Old Style, he was couipelled to send for me, who knew him not, so much as hy face, and to tell me tlie secrets of his heart." This man confessed himself in the most ahject manner, declaring among other evils, that, the very night before, he had been guilty of gross drunkenness, notwithstanding his strong and repeated resolutions to the con- trary. Mr. Wesley adds — " We fell on our knees, and besought our Lord to bring this sin- ner unto God, who through his blood justifieth the ungodly. He arose, and his countenance was no longer sad ; for he knew, and testified aloud, that he was passed from death unto life, and felt in himself that he was healed of his j)laguc. And from that hour to this, he hath peace and joy in believing, aiul <]n Lath no more (Unninion over him ! " Mi\ Stonehouse hath at length determined to know nothing but Jesus Christ, and him cru- cified ; and to preach unto ail remission of sins through faith in bis blood. ^Ir^ Hutchiys is INCREASE OF METHODISM. 95 strong in the faith, and mightily convinces gainsayers, so that no man hath hitherto been able to stand before him. Mr. Kircher, Gam- bold, and Wells, have not yet received com- fort, but are patiently waiting for it. Mr. Rob- son, who is now a minister of Christ also, is full of faith, and peace, and love. So is Mr. Combes, a httle child, who was called to minister in holy things two or three weeks ago. Indeed, I trust our Lord will let us see, and that shortly, a mul- titude of priests that believe. My brother and I are partly here, and partly in London, till Mr. Whitefield, or some other, is sent to release us from hence." To Count Zinzendorf, at Marienborn, Mr. Wesley writes, that the love and zeal of the : brethren in Holland and Germany had stirred up many who would not he comforted till they came to partake of the great and precious pro- mises. " To the Church of God which is in Hernhuth, John Wesley, an unv^^orthy presbyter of the Church of God in England, wisheth all grace aud peace in our Lord Jesus Christ. Octo- ber 14th. *' Fourteen were added to us since our return, so that we have now eight bands of men, con- sisting of fifty-six persons." — " As yet we have • only two small bands of women, the one of three, the other of five, persons. But here, ate nianyfj 96 INCREASE OF METHODISM. Others who only wait till we have leisure to iri- struct them." " Though my brother and I are not permitted to preach in most of the churches in London, yet, thanks be to God, there are others left, M'herein we have liberty to speak the truth as it is in Jesus. Likewise every evening, and on set evenings in the week, at two several places, we publish the word of reconciliation, sometimes to twentv or thirty, sometimes to fifty or sixty, sometimes to three or four hun- dred persons, met together to hear it. We be- gin and end all our meetings with singing* and prayer; and we know that our Lord hcareth our prayer, having more than once or twice, and this was not done in a corner, received our peti- tions in that very hour." "Ten ministers I now know in England who lay the riglit foundation.*' — " Over and above wiiom, I have found one Anabaptist, and one, if not two, of the teachers among the Presby- terians here." In another letter, to Dr. Koker, he says — *' The harvest is plenteous, and the labourers few; and it increases upon us daily.'' To Mr. Viney, at Ysselstein — " After a long sleep, there seems now to be a great awakening in this place also. The Spirit of the Lord hath already shaken the dry bones, and some of them stand up and live. But I am still dead and cold ; havinjr INbViEASE OF METHODISM. ^"^ peace indeed, but no love or joy in the Hdly Ghost. O, jjray for nie ! that I may see and feel myself a sinner," &c. These short extracts, jNIadam^ will afford you some information respecting the spread of the work after Mr. Wesley's return from Germany. You will also thereby become a little acquainted with the vocabulary of Methodism. Ta one unac- customed to the technical phraseology of these people, many of their writings are as unintelli- gible as the poems of Burns or Allan Ramsay to a merely English ear — a glossary being almost as necessary in the one case as in the other. Even the language and style of the scriptures, with a methodistical application, become as dark and mysterious, as the newly-coined phrases by which the writings and conversation of Methodists are so much obscured. Mr. Wesley, however, spoke much better English than did many of his followers. During his residence in Germany, and Mr. Whitefield's in America, the zvork of Methodism had been making rapid advances in England, under the auspices of Mr. Charles Wesley. Nu- merous societies were formed in London, Ox- ford, and Bristol; and multitudes were ^rowo-^f in; instantaneous conversions became common; extravagances of the most marvellous nature ' were practised ; and dreams, visions, sudden il- luminations, and extraordinary agitations of H i)S SPECIMENS. mind and body, gave witness that a great otit- poll ring of the spirit was soon to be ex- pected. When Mr. Whitefield returned from America, and Mr. Wesley from Germany, they found things in this flourishing state. The church of God in Fetter-lane continued to orow in iium- bcr and grace almost beyond all former pre- cedent; and letters of thanks, or of petition, were daily received from those who had found, or were eagerly seeking, the pearl of great price. Those who could not write themselves (this was a very numerous class), got their friends to do it for them ; and with one consent, the behevers and the penitents were looking-for the great sal- vation. Please to take the following as a speci- men of what Wirs at that time going forward among the faithful — At a love-feast in Fetter-lane, "About three in the morning," says Mr. Wesley, " as we w^ere continuing instant in prayer, the power of God came mightily upon us, insomuch that many- cried out for exceeding joy, and many fell to the ground. As soon as we were recovered a little from that awe and amazement at the pre- sence of his majesty, we broke out with one voice — lie praise thee, 0 God! zee acknowledge ihee to be the Lord r After this specimen, and 1 do assure you it is one of the most favourable I could have given you, you wdl not be sur- 4 SPECIMENS. 59' prised that many of the churches should have been shut against the V/esleys, which indeed now began to be very generally the case. I cannot avoid, Madam, presenting you with ano- ther specimen or two of methodistical raptures, which I Iiave just met w^ith in one of the books sold by the Methodists at their own preaching- houses, and therefore may be relied upon as authentic. They form, says the Editor, part of nearly three thousand quarto MS pages, written by a Miss Roe, of Macclesfield. " I was so happy in the night," says Miss Roe, " that I had very little sleep, and awoke with these words — ' The temple of indwelling God !' My soul sunk into depths of nothing- ness, and enjoys closer union with him this day than ever before. Every moment I feel such a weight of love, as almost overpowers the facul- ties of nature ! I know I could bear no more and live; but I often feel ready to cry, O, give me more, and let me die !" "At preaching this morning, I was so over- come with the love and presence, and exceeding glory of my Triune God, that I sunk down, nnable to support it ! I was long before I could stand or speak ! All this day I have been lost in depths unutterable. At the love- feast, I was again overwhelmed with his imme- diate presence! All around me is God \" H 2 100 SPECIMENS. Again — " As I came from meeting, I was so overpowered m itli the presence of God, tliat had not a friend supported me, I could not have walked home ! I Avas lost in depths of love, and admitted, as it were, into the imme- diaie presence of my Lord's glory ! Yet, I can- not explain it — for I saw no manner of simili- tude." Again — " At the prayer-meeting, my body was quite overcome for half an hour together; so did my Lord unfold his fulness to my ra- vished soul, I seemed as in the presence of his glory, confounded, and overwhehned with a sense of his purity, his justice, his grace, and love ! and was constrained to lie at his feet, in speechless adoration and humblest praise — while niy body was covered with a cold sweat, and all around thought I was dying !" Excuse, Madam, another specimen, and I will have done for the present — " Mr. P. preached from, ' The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and tlie fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with you!' Before he had spoken ten minutes, I was filled with the Triune God, and sunk motionless, under an ex- ceeding great weight of love ! My outward senses were locked up ; but my spirit seemed surrounded with glory inexpressible! I beheld Jesus, and was, as it were^ overshadowed, and weighed down by the presence, and exceeding ■ Mil. W. VISITS EUISTOL. 101 glory of the whole Deity! I knew not where I was, or wlietlier in the bodij ! But all was un- utterable bliss and glory ! After I came to my- self, I continued full of the divine presence, and a weight of love, such as enfeebled my whole frame. For many days and nights, I could eat little ; and had seldom more than one hour's sleep in twenty-four !" Mrs. N knew this young lady, and can remember her coming often to her father's, to hold meetings with those after her own heart. She was the daughter of a respectable clergyman;, and was as exemplary in her life as enthusiasti- cal in her religion. You will excuse the above extracts being in- serted a little out of the chronological order of my history. I make them to let you see the manner in which tlie doctrines of the Method- ists do sometimes operate on the human mind. In the spring of 1739, Mr. Whitefield went down to Bristol, and there began to preach to incredible numbers of people. Mr. Wesley con- tinued his labours in London and Oxford alter- nate! v. The latter end of March he received a letter from Mr. Whitefield, who entreated him in the most pressing manner to come to Bristol, that he might step into the new ])ath which now lay open before him. After some hesita- tion, he consented to yield to Mr. Whitefield's solicitations, notwithstanding the remonstrances 102 MR. W. VISITS BRISTOL. of his brother Charles, and others, to the con- trary. It was a rule of the society, " that any person who desired, or designed, to take a jour- ney, should first, if it were possible, have the approbation of the bands." '' So entirely," ex- claims Dr. Whitehead, " were the ministers, at this time, under the direction of the people !" On the 20th, the matter was laid before them, and after some deliberation, they determined that he should comply with Mr. Whitefield's re- quest. He left London the next day, and on the 31st reached Bristol. I am, &c. 103 LETTER XIII. '"' A Shakbig among tJie dry Bones" — Dialogue belween Jlr. JV. and the Bp. of Bristol. DEAR MADAM, Mr. Wkitefield having left Bristol, Mr. Wes- ley began lo expound, to a small society, meet- ing in Nicholas-street, the sermon on the mount. On " IMonuay, April £," says he, " I submitted to be 7nore vHe, and proclaimed in the highways the glad tidings of salvation, speaking from a little eminence in a ground adjoining to the city, to about three thousami jjeople." This preaching was attended with extraordi- nary success ; and many societies were soon formed on a plan similar to those in London. Mr. Wesley's labours through the week were divided in the following order : — Every morn- ing he read prayers and preached at Newgate. Every evening he expounded at one or more of 104- A SHAKING AMONG the societies. On Monday, in the afternoon, he pieacliccl abroad near Bristoh On Tuesday, at Batli and Two mile-hill alternately. On Wed- nesday, at iiaptist-niilh. E\cry other Thurs- day, near Pensford. Every other Friday, in another part of Kingswood. On Saturday in the afternoon, and Sunday morning, in the Rowl- ing-green. On Sunday, at eleven, near Han- nam-mount ; at two, at Cliftc n ; at five, at Kow-c:reen. Ail this labour of mind and body could not but become visible in its effects ; and as Mr Wesley's discourses were of the most ur- gent and searching nature, those effects were, perhaps, such as the world never heard of or saw before. To give a statement of these facts will, I fear, seem to have been done with an intention to throw^ ridicule upon the persons concerned ; and a desire of bringing the Me- thodists into contempt; than which nothing is farther from my wishes. Impartiality, however, demands, that I give some account of the visible effects of Mr. Whitefield's and Mr. Wes- ley's preaching at Bristol, and other places. In my last, I gave you one or two specimens of these tilings : take tiie following as the complete climax of enthusiasm — the marvellous effects of the power of imagination when exercised on the awful subjects of religion. " Under the sermon, some persons trembled from head to foot : others fell down, and cried THE DRY BONES. 105 out with a loud and bitter cry; whilst others hecnme speccliless, and seerned convulsed cs if in the agonies of deatl]. After prayer for tiiein, many rose up rejoicing in God, and testifying* they had redemption tlirough the blood of Clirist, even the JGrgrceness of sins, acco?'dhig to the ricJies of his grace. Some aftciwards said, they had a strong representation of Christ to tlieir mind at tliat time; tliat it seemed hke a a vision of him, evident hj set forth crucijied among them: and that moment they were enabled to believe on him. Others pretended they had a similar representation' of him in a dream, and tiirough faith received the remission of sins.'" — *' A woman suddenly cried out, as in the ago- nies of death, and continued to do so for some tinie, with all the signs of the sharpest anguish. One felt as it were the ])iercing of a sword, and could not avoid crying out even in the street. Two others were constrained to roar, as seized with great pain ; another as out of the belly of lieil. A young man, suddenly seized with vio- lent trembling all over, sunk down to the ground. One, and another^ and anotlier, sunk to the earth. They dropped on every side as thunderstruck. One was so wounded with the sword of the Spirit, that you would have ima- gined she could not live a moment. A woman broke out into strong cries, great drops of sweat ran down her face, and- all her bones shook, A 106 A SIIAKI^'G AMOXG Quaker c]ro])ped down as thunderstruck, in an agony terrible to heboid. Anotlier person reeled four or five steps, and then dropped down. One fallen raving mad, changed colour, fell off his cbair, screamed terribly, beat himself against the ground, his breast heaving as in the pangs of death, roaring out, ' O tliou devil ! legions of devils !' &c. Tbree persons, almost at once, sunk down as dead A little boy was seized in the same manner ; a young man, fixing his eyes upon him, sunk liimself dov/n as one dead, and beat himself against the ground ; six men could scarce hold him. Others began to cry out, insomuch that all the house (and indeed ail the street for some space) was in an uproar. Some were so torn with convulsive motion, in every part of their bodies, that four or five per- sons could not hold one of them. While I was speaking, one dropped down as dead; presently a second, and a third. Five others sunk down, most of them in violent agonies, in the pains of hell and snares of death ; one an hour in strong- pain ; one or two more, for three days." This, and an inunense quantity of the like matter, is to lic found in the journals of Messrs. Wesley and Whitcfield ; and such, Madam, are the materials on which the histoiian of Me- thodism is doomed to work. ' You will doubtless ask, And did Mr. W^esler iic'tuallV encoura2:e this enthusiasm ? Notj I am THE DKT BOXES. 107 happy to say it, in every instance; he would often exclaim against it in term^ of just seYTiit}-. Mr. Wesley was, however, sometimes too credu- lous concerning these extravagances, as appears by the foiiowing shocking relation. This v/as of a young woman, about nineteen years of age, that could neither read nor write. She was held in bed by two or three persons, with anguisli, horror, and despair, above description, in her pale face. " A thousand distortions," says Mr. Wesley, " shewed how the dogs of hell weiii gnawing her heart. She shrieked, and screamed out, ' I am damned ! damned ! Six days ago, you might have helped me. But now it is all past. 1 am the devifs now : I have given my- self to him. His I am. Him 1 must serve. With him I must P'o to hell. I will be his. I will serve h'lm. I will go with him to hell. I cannot, I will not be saved. I inusl, I will, I zvill be damned !' She then bef>:an," continues Mr. Wesley, " praying to the devil. IFe be- gan, ' Arm of the Lorclj awake, awake!' ''She immediately sunk down as asleep; but, as soon as we left off, broke out v/ith inexpressible vehemence. ' Strong hearts^ break ! I am a warn- ing to you. You need not be damned, though I must.' She then fixed her eyes on a corner of the ceiling, and said, ' Tliere he is ! Aye, tliQi'e lOS A SIIAKrXG AJrO\G he is ! Come, good devil ! Come, take me away. ^ ou said you would dash my Ijiaiiis out. Conie^ do it quickly, 1 am your's. I xvill be your\s. Come, just now, take me away. * We interruptefl her by calling again upon God. ^Ve continued in prayer till past eleven; when God, in a mo- ment, spake peace to her soul !" I feel some apology to be necessary, Madam, for these intrusions on your feelings by the re- lation of such shocking and abominable scenes. I have done — and most gladly turn to a more j^leasing part of the subject. It must be allowed, that, notwithstanding all these horrid extravagances of raptures and de- spair, much real good was done. Multitudes of the vilest and most reprobate wretches were hrought from a state bordering upon downright barbarism, to become sober, steady, useful mem- bers of society ; the comfort of their families and friends — the praise and admiration of the wise and the good — the distinguished orna- ments of religion and virtue. These instances operated in the most powerful manner on the mind of Mr. Wesley. His grand object was to do ffood to the bodies and souls of his fellow- creatures ; whenever this was in any degree ac- complished, he rejoiced greatly ; and to forward so good a purpose, he made many painful sacri- fices. Me most assuredl}'' possessed, in a very Idgh degree, the charity that believcth all tiling.^; THE DRY BONES. 109 b\ithis credulity did himself and bis cause much injury. Dr. Priestley, in his Collection of Letters, has furnished the world with an interesting corres- pondence on these subjects between Mr. John Wesley and his brother Samuel. The last that appears was by Samuel, and is in substance as follows — *' You yourself doubted, at first, and inquired, and examined about the ecstacies; the matter, therefore, is not so plain as motion to a man walking. But I have my own reason, as well as your own authority, against the exceeding clear- ness of divine interposition there. Your fol- lowers fall into agonies. I confess it. They are freed from them, after you have prayed over them. Granted. They say it is God's doing. I own they say so. Dear brother, where is your ocular demonstration ? Where, indeed, the ra- tional proof? Tlieir living Avell afterwards may be a probable and sufficient argument that they believe themselves ; but it goes no further." These are sensible and rational arguments ; but they had not, alas ! sufficient weight with Mr. J. Wesley, as far as relates to dreams, visions, and agitations ; for, some years after this period, Mr. Wesley expressed his opinion more fully concerning those agitations, &c. which attended the conviction of sin under his sermons this summer at Bristol. He supposes, it is easy to 1 10 DIALOGUE BETWEEN MR. W. account for tlicin cither on principles of reason or scripture. "First," says he, "on principles of reason. For how easy it is to suppose that a strong, lively, and sudden apprehension of the heinous- ness of sin, the wrath of God, and the bitter pains of eternal death, should affect the body as M'ell as the soul, during the present laws of vital union ; should interrupt or disturb the or- dinary circulation, and put nature out of its course. Yea, we may question whether, while this union subsists, it be possible for the mind to be affected in so violent a degree, without some or other of those bodily symptoms following. " It is likewise easy to account for these- things on principles of scripture. For when we take a view of them in this light, we are to add to the consideration of natural causes, the agency of those spirits who still excel in strength, and as far as they have leave from God, will not fail to torment whom they cannot destroy; 1(0 tear those ^Iiat are coming to CJirist. It is al- so rciriaikable, that tiicre is plain scripture pre- cedent of every symptom which has lately ap- peared. So that we cannot allow even the conviction attended with these to hz madness, without giving up both reason and scripture." ■ The following conversation, which Mr. Wes- ley had about this time with the Bishop of Oris- AND THE BP. OF BRISTOL. Ill to], will afford you a specimen of his mode of defence; and will at the same time exhibit a strong trait in his character. The subject of this conversation \w^?, justification bjj faith alone ' — a doctrine which Mr. Wesley had been taught chiefly by his ]\Ioravian brethren and which he defended with success during the whole of his subsequent life. Bishop.—" V¥hy, Sir, our faith itself is a good work ; it is a virtuous temper of mind. IVesley. — '' My Lord, whatever faith is, our church asserts, wt are justified by faith alone. But how it can be called a good v/ork, I see not: it is the gift of God ; and a gift that presupposes nothing in us but sin and misery. B. — '* How, Sir ! Then you make God a tyrannical being, if he justifies some without any goodness in them preceding, and does not justify all. If these are not justified on account of some moral goodness in them, why are not those justified too ? JF. — '' Because, my Lord, they resist his spirit ; because they will not come to him that they may have life ; because they suffer him not to work in them both to will and to do. They cannot be saved, because they will not be-* lieve. B. — " Sir, what do you mean by faith? JV.^" My Lord, by justifying faith, I mean, a conviction wrought in a man by the Holy 112 DrALOGUK BETWEEN MR. W. Ghost, that Christ hath loved him, and given liimsclf for /?/'/«, and that through Christ /^m- sins arc forgiven. B. — " I beheve some good men liave this, but not all. But how do you prove this to be tiie justifying faith taught by our church ? ly. — " JMy Lord, from her homily on salva- tion, where she describes it thus: * A sure trust and confidence which a man hath in God, that through the merits of Christ his sins are for- given, and he reconciled to the favour of God.' B. — "' Why, Sir, this is quite another thing. IF. — '• My Lord, I conceive it to be the very same. B. — " I\Ir. Wesley, I will deal plainly with you. I once thought you and Mr. Whitefield wcii-meaning men ; but I cannot think so now. Vox I have heard more of you : matters of fact, Sir. And Mr. Whitefield says, in his Journal, * There are promises still to be fulfilled in me.' Sir, pretending to extraordinary revelations, and gifts of the Holy Choi.t, is a horrid tiling, a very horrid thing ! JV. — '• My Lord, for what Mr. Whitefield says, Mr. V/hitefield, and not I, is accountable. I pretend to no extraordinary revelations, or gifts of the Holy Ghost : none but what every Chris- tian may receive, and ought to expect and pray for. But I do not wonder vour Lordship has AND THE BP. OF BRISTOL. 113 heard facts asserted, which, if true, would prove the contrary : nor do I wonder that your Lord- ship, beheving them true, should alter the opi- nion you once had of me. A quarter of an hour I spent witli your Lordship before, and about an hour now : and perhaps you have never con- versed one other with any one who spake in my favour. But how many with those who spake on the other side ! so that your Lordship could not but think as you do. But pray, my Lord, what are those facts you have heard ? B. — " 1 hear you administer the sacrament in your societies. IV. — " My Lord, I never did yet, and I be- lieve never shall. B. — ^' I hear, too, many people fall into fits in your societies, and that you pray over them. f^V — " I do so, my Lord; when any shew, by strong cries and tears, that their soul is in deep anguish, I frequently pray to God to deliver them from it; and our prayer is often heard in that hour. B. — " Very extraordinary, indeed ! Well, Sir, since you ask my advice, I will give it you very freely. You have no business here. You are not commissioned to preach in tliis diocese. Therefore I advise you to go lience. IV. — " My Lord, my business on earth is to do what good I can. Wherever, therefore, I think 1 can do most good, there must I stay, so I ll-t DIALOGUE, kc. long as I tliink so. At present I ihink I can do most g-ood liere : tlicrefore here I stay. "As to my preaching here, a dispensation of the gospel is committed to me, and woe is me if I preacli not the gospel, wherever I am in the habitahlc world. Your Lordship knows, being or- dained a priest, by the commission I then receiv- ed, I am a priest of the church universal ; and being ordained as Fellow of a College, I was not limited to any particular cure, but have an indeterminate commission to preach the word of God in any part of the church of England. I do not therefore conceive, that in preaching here by this commission, I break any human law. When I am convinced I do, then it will be time to ask, * Shall I obey God or man ?' But if I should be convinced in the meanwhile, that I could advance the glory of God, and the salva- tion of souls, in any other place more than in Bristol, in that hour^ by God's help, I will go lience ; which till then I may not do." I am, &c. 115 LETTER XIV. Fightings zvithout, and Fears within. DEAR MADAM, The subject of my last epistle will naturally pro- duce some degree of anticipation concerning the leading features of this. The irregularity of Mr. Wesley's proceedings ; his forming religi- ous societies not immediately under the direc- tion of the bishops, nor governed by the canons of the established church; his frequent practice of field-preaching; and, particularly, the en- couragement which he now gave to lay-preachers — were thought sufficient causes of alarm and discontent to the careless and the more regular part of his brother clergymen. The spirit of opposition was consequently excited in the minds of all those who either did not under- stand, or did not approve, the doctrines and practices of the infant sect. Most of the I 2 lid FIGHTINGS ^\'■ITHOUT, churches were shut against the Wesleys. Every thing that reason or railing could effect was em- ployed to crush the new faith. The sober part of the clergy lamented, and laboured to check, the rising spirit of enthusiasm ; while the lethar- gic and the vicious employed the base arts of persecution and misrepresentation, to stifle that disposition to inquiry which now began so much to prevail among the people. Nor was opposition from the enemies of Me- thodism among its greatest troubles : whilst the societies had fightings without, they were har- assed by fears within; and although they in- creased in number daily, yet did intestine bick- erings and misunderstandings begin almost t© threaten their existence. Some of the Fetter-lane brethren embraced the notion, that any Christian might preach and administer the sacraments ; and that, in fact, Christianity knew nothing of any distinctive order of men, as spiritual church-officers. These began to trouble the brethren with their specu- lations, and to disturb their meetings by un- seasonable intrusions. The Wesleys, it ma}'' well be supposed, set their flice against so dan- gerous a heresy. Shaw, the leader of this fac- tion, although a layman, claimed a right to bap- tize, &c. and brought several of the members to his own views of the matter. This was early in the year 1739. " I tried in vain," says Mr. AND FEARS "WITHIN, 1 17 Charles Wesley, " to check Mr. Shaw in his wild, rambling* talk against a Christian priest- hood. At last, I told him I would oppose him to the utmost, and either he or I must quit the society. In expounding, I warned them strongly against schism, into which Mr. Shaw's notions must necessarily lead them." " I found Mr. Stonehouse exactly right (in his notions on the priesthood), and warned Mrs. Vaughan and Brookmans against Shaw's pestilent errors." — You see. Madam, even the ladies took an active part in the disputes at Fetter-lane. This notion of Shaw's found its way to Ox ford, where it soon produced " dismal effects." Whether those effects were seen to operate on the Oxonian priests, as threatening their craft ; or whether their dismal tendency was to unsettle the minds of tlie lay-brethren, it does not ex- actly appear. I should suppose, however, that the innovations of Shaw must have been felt botli in one instance and the other; for it was soon found necessary to insist upon his expulsion from the society. Those who had embraced the opinions of Shaw, declared their dissent from the church of England. " Now/' says Mr. Charles Wesley, *' am I clear of them : by renouncing the church they have discharged me." But the internal commotions in the metho- distical church did not end here : one Bowers^ 118 FIGHTINGS WITHOUT, an enthusiastic zealot, gave much offence, by preaching in the streets of Oxford, &c. and thereby occasioned no small uneasiness to those of the society M'ho had not as yet sufficiently imbibed the spirit of proselytism. But, which was productive of greater disturb- ance still, the French prophets made several pro- selytes, who warmly defended their disgraceful wildncss in the society. J\Ir. Charles Wesley had already been witness to the enthusiasm of one of these fanatics, and had imbibed a great dislike to their spirit and proceedings. Taking up his lodgings one night with a ]\f r. Hollis, at "W'ickham, he entertained him with his French prophets, " wdio," adds Mr. Wesley, '' in his ac- count, are equal, if not superior, to the prophets of the Old Testament. While wc were undress- ing, he fell into violent agitations, and gabbled like a turkey-cock. I Mas frightened, and be- gan exorcising him with, ' Thou deaf and dumb devil,' Sec. He soon recovered from his fit of inspiration. I prayed, and went to bed, nr^t half liking my bcd-ftllow; nor did 1 sleep very sound, w^ith Satan so near me." I am here re- minded of an anecdote I luid from a Quaker some years ago. A zealous Calvinist, and a sober Quaker hap- pened to put up at an ir.n, v here the accommo- dations were so scanty, as to render it necessary for them to sleep togetlicr in the same bed. Tiie AND FEARS WITHIN. 1 I^ friend undressed, and, according to the cus- tom of his rehgion, sans ceremonie got into bed. The Calvinist thought it requisile to pay his evening devotions in an audible manner. He accordingly knelt by the bed-side ; and, to humble himself in a suitable degree, run over a list of transgressions, of whicii, had he been really guilty, would have constituted him not only a grievous sinner before heaven, but a ver}^ dangerous bed-fellosv for the Quaker. After he had finished writing bitter things against himscU", he put down the clothes^ in order to get into bed ; upon which the honest Quaker, who had listened with horror and astonishment to the hlack catalogue of his coiTipanion's iniquities of heart and practice, rose up, exclaiming, " Nay, friend, if thou art but one half as bad as thou representest thyself to be, I will not on any ac- count sleep in the same bed with thee !" l\h. Wesley, however, had more courage than our Quaker; and he slept all night without receiv- ing any harm from his enthusiastical bed-fellow. Another great source of discontent in tlie so- ciety, arose from tlie prevailing untractableness of the Moravian brethren. These were numer- ous, and were indeed the principal heads of the newly planted church of Fetter lane. Tiiey introduced several disputes into the society, about the degrees of faith, and the obligations of Christians /o ^e still; and not to mind the ISO FIGHTINGS ^VITHOUT, outward means of grace, lest they should he tempted to trust in them. The Wesleys were now no longer hahes in Christ: They were young men — nay, fathers ; and needed no more to be fed with the milk of the word ; for they were themselves feeding others with strong meat. Although they acted in a manner becoming the most zealous dissenters, yet were they still attached to the ritual of the church of England; and every attempt to dis- pense with the observance of any of her ordi- nances, or the belief of what they conceived to "be her most distinguishable and glorious doc- trines, was attended with very great pain to their minds ; and was followed by a steady re- solution to prevent, as much as in them lay, any avowed dissent from a church whose glory and happiness they conceived themselves raised up by the Almighty to promote and vindicate. They therefore withstood, with becoming zeal and fortitude, the innovations of Peter Bohler, who, with a Mr. Molther, and some others, seemed determined to controvert the doctrines, and oppose the practices, of the two Wesleys, and those who still adhered to the establish- ment. These disputes were conducted with considerable warmth on both sides ; and finally produced a separation of some of the Methodists and Moravians. AND FEARS WITHIX. 121 Mr. Wesley, seeing the impor^sii)iiity of brins;- ing these disputes to a favourable issue, put an end to them in his societies, hy leading tiie fol- lowing paper, and taking a formal leave of the Moravians. ^' About nine months ago, certain of you be- gan to speak contrary to the doctrine we liad till then received. The sum of what yai as- serted is this: 1. That there is no such thing- as weak faith : that there is no justifying faith, where there is ever any doubt or fear ; or where there is not, in the full sense, a new, a clean heart. 2. That a man ought not to use those ordinances of God, which our church terms means of grace, before he has such a faitli as ex- cludes all doubt and fear, and implies a new, a clean heart. 3. You have often affirmed, that to search the scriptures, to pray, to comn!Uui- cate, before we have this faith, is to seek salva- tion by works ; and till these v.orks are laid aside, no man can receive faith. " I believe these assertions to be flatly con- trary to the word of God. I have warned you hereof again and again, and be-ought you to turn back to the lav/ and to the tesiimony. I have borne with you long, hoping you would turn : but as I find you more and more confirm- ed in the error of your ways, nothing now re- mains, but that I should s'ive vou up to God You that arc of the same judgment, foHow me.'* 122 FIGHTINGS AriTlIOUT, - — " I then," adds Mr. Wesley, " without saying any thing more, withdrew, as did eighteen or nineteen of tlie society." Thus terminated a connexion, which had hegun in the most ardent, and apparently the most disinterested, esteem and aflection ; but which was followed by much bitter railing and foul-mouthed calumny. j\Ir. Wesley, it seems, had anticipated this event ; for, several months previous to its tak- ing place, he, without consulting the society in Fetter-lane, the majority of which were alien- ated from him, had taken the building M'hich had been formerly used as the King's foundry for cannon. Here he had often preached to crowded audiences, and to this place he trans- planted the church of the Methodists, which now became more than ever under his spiritual superintendence and support. Another cause of complaint to the societies, originated in tlie unstable conduct and dubious morals of some of the members. When the first heats of inflamed passion had cooled; when the exuberance of spiritual affection had abated, and the effervescence of love or terror was re* moved, they returned, like the sow that Mas ■washed to her wallowing in the mire. Instances of this kind were but too numerous, and caused the enemies of Methodism to blaspheme. It therefore required the most prompt and decisive measures to be pursued, to stem the torrent uf 1 AND FEARS WITHIN. J 23 SO dreadful a flood ; and to prevent that devas- tation and havoc which any known immora- lity in the members would infallibly bring upon the whole society. Proper measures were ac- cordingly resorted to ; and the engines of terror, or the mild allurements of persuasion, brought back the straggling sheep ; or dro\ e farther from the fold the detested wolves, which had alarmed the shepherds, and devoured the tender lambs of the flock. Those disputes which in former times have so successfully preyed npon the vitals of the church — which have overturned states, depopulated villages, and blasted the happiness of thousands, were now beginning to infuse their baneful in- fluence into the infant churches of the Method- ists : I mean. Madam, the long-contested con- troversy about unconditional election, eternal reprobation, irresistible grace, and the persever- ance of the saints. As yet, however, these con- troversies had not done much injury to our so- cieties ; but they now begun to poj tend future calamities and disturbances. This, Madam, has been altogether a most dis- couraging and unpromising epistle; yet be not alarmed for our Methodists ; thougli the enemy has been busy sowing his tares in different parts, yet has the work of conversion been all the time going on with rapidity. Mr. Whitefield has paid another visit to America, where the new 194 FIGHTINGS WITHOUT, &C. doctrines are rapidly gaining ground. Mr. John Wesley has sown the seeds of the gospel in Wales ; where the fields were already white unto the harvest, and where a most plentiful crop may be expected. The heathen at Kings- Avood, near Bristol, I mean the poor, ignorant, wicked colliers, have heard the glad sound of the truth; and light, and life, and love, and joy, beam on their countenances ; while the song of praise is heard from those lips which had hardly ever before been opened but in blasphemies and execrations. I am, &c. 125 LETTER XV. Methodism ej^ tends itself over Darious Parts of the Kingdom, DEAR MADAM, Roused by opposition, and encouraged by suc- cess, the Wesleyan Christians continued to ex- tend their influence, and spread their name, over various parts of the kingdom. In London, the brethren found encouragement commensurate, one would have thought, with their most san- guine wishes. Agitations, dreams, and super- natural illuminations, increased among the saintS;, and still gave some little offence to the more sober and prudent; and although these might, in some instances, operate unfavourably, yet did the number of Methodists increase in almost every part of the town ; and young persons, chiefly, I believe, servant maids, flocked in 126 FARTHER SPREAD crowds to Mr. Wesley, for information or en- (•oiuai>-ement in the duties and diffieiilties of iheir new character. Mr. Wesley travelled much ; his lack of service in town M'as, therefore, sup- j)lied by the zeal of liis colleagues, and the tlock in London was never without some one to feed them with the food of the gospel. When cases of extraordinary difliculty occurred, recourse was always had, by letter, or by special messen- ger, to Mr. John Wesley himself, in whatever part of the kingdom he might happen to be at the time. The practice of field-pr caching was now be- come pretty common. At Mooriields, Ken- iiington-common, and other places in the vici- nity of London, thousands, and tens of thou- sands Hocked to the ministrations of the Wes- leys and their lay-helpers. All restraints of de- licacy towards the establishment were fast di- minishing; and the opposition of the regular clergy WuS, in a great measure, overpowered by the zeal, or removed by the virtue, of the new reformers. The judgments of men, concerning the work of Methodism, were directed by the warmth of their passions, by the evidence of their senses, or by the strength of their reason. The humane and the pious, moved with com- ])assion towards the misery of the penitents, or astonished at the ecstacies of the converts, se- cretly encouraged what they conceived to be so OF METHODISM. 127 sood a work. The o-azino; multitude . beheld with wonder the effects of Methodism, and for- warded the cause by rioting and conversion. The sober and the rational, regarding the wliole as originating in the ebullitions of a heated ima- gination, and as affecting the people only from the novelty of the scene, quietly looked on the whole business as one of the passing occurrences of the day, which would shortly be superseded by something else more novel and more at- tractive. It was the poor to 'whom the gospel was preached, and they received the word with gladness. Mr. Whitefield opened the way to Bristol, which became a kind of nursery for JNIethod- ism. He levied contributions on his friends for a methodistical school, and alms-house at Kingswood. He did more ; he frightened the poor ignorant colliers of that place, with the most awful denunciations of divine vengeance, and then allured them to peace and sobriety, by promises of pardon here, and of " palms, thrones, rivers of pleasure, trees of life, and the soft me- lody of golden harps, to ravish their souls, and lull them to eternal rest, in another and a bet- ter world !" When Mr. Whitefield left Bristol and Kings- wood,, Mr. John Wesley went over to water the good seed of eternal hfe in the hearts of the poor colliers. With less of the terrors of the law, and 128 FARTHER SPREAD pev]>aps too with less of the raptures of the gos- pel, he- promoted tlie civilizcition of tlie bar- barian liihabitants of Kingswood, reduced them to Older, ami weaned them by degrees from ha- bits of profancness and drunkenness, to those of reHgion and virtue. Of the rooted ignorance and barbarity of the Kingswood colUers, you may form some idea, Madam, from the following circumstance, which ■was told me by a gentleman, who has been a travelling preacher more than thirty years, and lias often vv'itnesAcd tlie fact himself So much addicted were these colliers to cursina; and swearing, in their ordinary conversation, that, even after their conversion, when they had just returned from a itligious meeting, they would sometimes exclaim, that they had " had a d — d sweet season !" U his most profound ignorance, and its shocking consequence, I should hope Avere, hoMcver, shortly rfmo\ed by the instruct tions of llieir spiritual guides, and the force of better habits. Mr. Charles Wesley, animated with the ac-. counts he received of the state of aifairsat Drisr> t(d ;ind. the neig!d)ourliood, determined to share those good tiiiiigs with his brother John. Accorken and spoiled. " Jos. Spittle, collier, had his windows broke, his house broke open, some goods taken, and some lost. '* William "Woods, brick-maker, had his win- dows broke twice, and was compelled to go along with the rioters. " Elizabeth Linghem, a widow with five child- ren, had her goods spoiled, her spinning-wdicel (the support of her family) broke, and lier pa- rish allowance reduced from 2s. 6d. to Is. 6d. a week. " Valentine Ambersly, collier, had his win- dows broke twice, his wife, big with child, abused and beat with clubs. *' George Wynn had his windows and goods broke, and to save his house was forced to give them drink. " Thomas Day had his windows and goods broke, and was forced to remove from the town. " Jos. Stubs harl his windows broke twice, and his wife so frighted, that she miscarried." ** The first that came to my house (Thomas Parkes, of West Bramwick) on Tuesday, Feb. 7i PERSECUTIOKS. 153 1743, were nve with great clubs whom I met at the door. They clemLinded, ' Whether I would deny hearing these parsons ?' I told them, ' No ; for I believed they spoke the truth as it is in Jesus ; and if I were to deny them, I should deny him that sent thenu' They told me, ' If I would not they would plunder my house.' I re- plied, ' They m.ust answer it at God's bar, and I would meet them there.' I asked, ' Whether I had done them any harm ?' They said, ' No ; but they would have me keep to the church/ I told them, ' Some of you may know that I worship among the dissenters ; but I love a good man, let him go where he will, for there is but one church of Christ; and if you do not ])elong to that church, you had better never have been born.' *' I told them ' God has allowed me liberty of conscience, and so have the king and parlia- ment, and hope my neighbours will too ; but if not, a day is coming, when the persecuted and the persecutor shall stand together; and if you wrong me now, God will right me then.' ^* While I was speaking, I caught hold of their clubs, and the words seemed to have some in- fluence on tliem ; but by this time there was a great body of them gathered together ; so they broke my windows, and then the door, and flock- ed into my house, and began to break my goods. But here tlie Lord suiTered them not to go so 154 MIRACULOUS ESCAPES. far as they liacl done in otlier places; for tliey soon fell to plundering and loading themselves with the things I had for myself, a wife, and se- ven children. *' However, in a while I had prevailed with some of them to step. But they then said, ' I must set my hand to their paper.' 1 told them ' They were cloaked over with the name of Pro- testants; but none but a Popish spirit would tie men's consciences.' So I committed my cause to God, and withdrew from my house and them." ''Wednesday, October 19, 1741, IJohn Wes- ley came to Pirmingham, in my way to New- castle, Thursday, October 29, several persons from W^dnesbury earnestly desired me to call there. I yielded to their importunity, and went. I was sitting writing at Francis Vv'ard's, in the afternoon ; when the cry arose, that the Darle- ston mob had beset the house. 1 called toge- ther those that were in the house, and prayed, that God would scatter the people that delight in uar. And it was so ; one went one way, and one another; so that in half an hour the liouse was clear on every side. But, before five, they returned with great numbers. The cry of all •was, ' Bring out the minister.' *' I desired one to bring the captain of the mob into the house. After a few M'ords interchanged, MIRACULOUS ESCAPES. '155 the lion was as a lamb. I then desired him to brins; in one or two more of the most ano-ry of his companions. He did so ; and in two mi^ niites, their mind v/as changed too. I tiien bade them who uere in the room make way, tliat I might go out among the people. As soon as I Was in the midst of them, I said, ' Here I am : what do you want wilh n*e :' IMany cried out, "^ We want you to go with us to the justice.' I told them, ' That 1 will with all my hear.' So I walked before, and two or three hundred of them followed, to Bent ley-hall, two miles from Wednesbury : but a servant came out and told them, ' Justice Lane was not to besp; ken with.' Here they were at a stand, till one advised, to go to Justice Persehonse, at Walsil About seven we came to his house : but he also sent word, * That he was in bed, and could not be spoken with.' *' All the company w*ere now pretty well agreed to make the best of their way home : but we had not gone a hundred yards, when the mob of Walsal came pouring in like a flood. The Darleston mob stood against them for a while ; but in a sliort time, some being knocked clown, and others much hurt, the rest ran away and left me in their hands. " To attempt to speak w^as vain, the noise be- ing hke that of takinga city by storm; so they dragged me along till we came to the town, at a 3 15l5 MIRACULOUS ESCAPES. few liundred yards distance ; where, seeing tht (lour of a large house open, I endeavoured to go in; but a n'.an, catching- me by the hair (my hat having been caught away at the beginning), pulled mc back into the middle of the mob, who were as so man}- ramping and roaring lions. Thcv hurried nic frcm thence, throuo'h the main street, from one end of the town to the othef. 1 continued speaking all the time to those with- in hearing, feeling no pain or weariness. At the Yv^est end of the town, seeing a door half open, I made towards it, and would liave gone in ; but a gentleman in tlic shop v/ould not suffer me, saying, 'They would pull the house down, if I did.' However, here I stood, anil asked, ' Are }^ou willing to hear mc speak ?' Many cried out, 'No, no; knock his brains out.' Others said, * Na}*, but we rcill hear him speak first.' I be- gan asking, * What hurt have I done to you ? V/[]om among j'ou have I wronged in word or deed?' And continued speaking till my voice failed. Then the floods lifted up their voice again; many crying out, ' Bring him away, bring hi ni away/ " Feeling my strength renewed, I spoke again, and broke out aloud into prnycr. And now one of the men, wl.o had headed the mob before, turned, and said, 'Sir, follow me: not a man shall toucji a hair of your head.' Two or three iTlDrc confirmed liis words. At the same time, annACULoys escapes, ISf the mayor (for it was lie that stood in the sliop) cried out, ' For shame, for shame; let him go/ An honest butcher spoke to the same effect ; aii(|. seconded his words by laying hold of four or live, one after another, Avho were running on tlie most fiercely. The people then dividing to the right and left, those three or four men who haci spoken before, took me between them, and car^ ried me through the midst, bitterly protesting^ * they would knock down any that touched him/ Put, on the bridge, the mob rallied again : we therefore went on one side, over a mill-dam, anrj. thence through tlie meadows, till a little aftejr ten, God brought me safe to Wednesbury, hav- ing lost only a part of my waistcoat, and a little skin from one of my hands." On this occasion, I\ir, Wesley makes tlie foU lowing curious observations : " I nev^er saw such a chain of providences be-^ fore, so many convincing proofs that the hand of God is on every person and thing, over-ruling IVim as it seemeth him good. *' Among these I cannot but reckon the cir- cumstances that follow: 1. That they endeg.f yourcd abundance of times to trip me up, as w.e went down hill, over the wet slippery gra$s to the town ; as well judging, that if I was once on the ground, I should hardly rise again : but I made no slip, nor the least stumble at alb tiU } was entirely out of their hands. 2. 7 l.Jat aj= lv>8 MIRACULOUS ESCAPES. thougii many strove to lay hold on my collar, or clotlje^, they could not fasten at all ; their fin- gers, I cannot tell how, slipping along, without fixing once : only one man seized the flap of my waistcoat, and took it away with him ; the other flap, in the pocket of which was a twenty pound bank note, was torn but half oif. 3. That a lusty man, just behind, struck at mc many times with a large oaken stick ; with which, if he had struck me on the back of the head, I should probably have preached no more : hut every time the blow was turned aside, I know not how ; for I could not move to the right hand or left. 4. That another man came rushing tlirough the press, raised his arm to strike, let it sink again, and stroking my head, said, ' V/hat soft hair he lias? I cannot find in my heart to hurt him.* 5. That I went as streight to the mayor's door, when I v/as a little loosed, for a few moments, as if I had known it (vrhich they probably thought I did), and found him standing in the shop, v.hich gave the first check to the fury of the people. 6. That no creature (at least within my hearing) laid any thing to my charge, either true or false ; having in the hurry, it seems, for-- got to provide themselves with an accusation of any kind. And, lastl}'. That they were equally at a loss wliat to do with me, none proposing any determinate thing. The cry of most was, 'Away with him, away with him:' of others, REFLECTIONS, 159^ ' Kill him at once.' But none so much as once mentioned how; only one or two (I almost tremble to relate it) screamed out (with what meaning- I cannot tell), ' Crucify the dog, cru' cify him.' " By how gentle degrees does God prepare us, either for doing or suffering his will ! Two years since, one threw at me a piece of brick, which grazed on my shoulder, but hurt me iioL It was a year after, that another threw a stone, which struck me between the eyes ; but the hurt was soon healed ; and still no man had power to la\' a hand upon me. " At St. Ives, last month, I received one blow, the first I ever had^ on the side of the liead ; and this night two, one before we came into the tov/n, and one after I vras going out into the meadov.s. But though one man strucls; me on the breast, with all his might, and the other on the mouth, so thr.t the blood gushed out, I felt no more pain, from either of the blows, than if they had touclied me with a straw!!— October 22, 1743." It has ever been considered a matter of the greatest astonishment, that tb.e three Hebrew children should pass unhurt tlirough the burU' ing fiery furnace of Nebucliadnezzar ; and that the presence of Daniel should suspend the sa- vageness, or tame the fury, of ?i den of lions; ^ft> REFLtCTIONS. and yet that a similar iniraculoiis interpositicai of divine power, when maniiested, towards Mr. John "Wesley, should not excite like sentiments of wonder and astoniihnient, is somewhat stmnge indeed. Nothing*, surely, hut the most invin- cible incredulity can hitherto have prevented mankind from speaking; of this liighly-favoured gentleman, in terms of equal admiration with those employed when we contemplate the won- ders of Onmipotence, in the deliverance of the pious Ilebrcv/s ! We read of martyrs, who, in the midst of devouring flames, when the lower extremities of the body have been* ac- tually destroyed, have still declared that they felt not the slightest degree of pain ; and judg- ing from their appearance and language in tliose awfid circumstances, there seemed some reason to admit the fact. We know not, in- deed, how capable the mind of man, is, when strongly impressed v/ith religious or philosophi- cal speculations, of sustaining the body under pain. Tor my own part, Madam, I confess myself not a little sceptical in these matters ; and although no one can more sincerely admic the rational doctrine of a divine superintending Providence tlun 1 tlo, yet the idea I have of the eternal laws of order — of tlic inseparable concatenation of cause and event, prevents uiie iVom admitting the probabiUty of su,ch it\\v^op^-. lous iati'rposjtions as thos^ I have j'yij^f-Wentbn^cl- REFLECTIONS. 18^ i mean, Madam, of those relating to our Me- thodist and the dying martyrs. The general order, since the whole began, Is kept in Nature, and is kept in Man. From Nature's chain, whatever link you strike, Tenth or ten thousandth, breaks the chain alike. Be these conjectures right or wrong, Mr. Wesley appears to have conducted himself throughout the whole of these grievous suffer- ings, with the fortitude of a philosopher, and the patient dignity of a Christian. In the most trying seasons, his temper and conduct were such as became one whose duty it was to endure hardness as a good soldier; and whose glory it was to obey the injunction of his great Master, not to return evil for evil ; but to imitate him, who when he was reviled, reviled not again; who when he suffered, threatened not. However the rashness and unbecoming liber- ties of some of his followers might (which cer- tainly was the case) bring upon themselves the fury of an enraged rabble encouraged by their superiors, Mr. Wesley himself always took care, if possible, to give no unnecessary offence to any one. He well knew how needful it was to act with caution and prudence under the vari- ous circumstances in which he was placed, as u 1(52 REFI.ECTIONS. a Christian minister, and as the head and chief support of a large party. The sufferings of the Methodists in these parts, as usual, greatly promoted their cause ; and multitudes still flocked to the standard of the Wesleyans. I am, &c. 163 -^'' LETTER xvrri. Conference — Prayer- Meetings — Specimens, DEAR MADAM, Four years had now elapsed since Mr. Wesley and his adherents separated from the Moravians at Fetter-lane ; and from a very small number, they were now increased to nineteen hundred, in and about London, besides several preachers and a vast increase of private members in dif- ferent parts of the country. The societies had acquired a tolerable degree of stability ; and that Mr. Wesley might have his people, particularly the preachers, more immediately under his su- preme control and direction, it was necessary that he should have some general plan of union — some central point of action — where he might personally preside at the helm of affairs, and take such measures with the preachers, or adopt M 2 iOi CONrj;;RENeE. siicli rcg,-ulatioiis in the societies, as the state of existing circumstances would from time to time reqtrtre'. This necessary regulation was adopted by appointing ;i conference with the preachers. Accordingly, on the <2Qth of June, 1744, Mr. John Wesley, being in London, he there met his brother Charles, two or three other clergymen, and a few of the preachers whom he had ap- pointed to come from different parts of the country for that purpose. This first Methodist conference was holdcn on Monday, the 25th of June, and the three following days. A confer- ence of the preachers has been held annually ever since; Mr. Wesley having presided at forty- seven such conferences. Tiie subjects of their deliberations were proposed in the form of ques- tions, which were amply discussed; and the questions witii the answers agreed upon were written down, and afterwards printed, under the title of *' Minutes of several Conversations be- tween the Kcv. Mr. Wesley and others." They are now commonly called, "Minutes of Con- fei'ence.'' Such is a faint outline of the origin of a Me-r thodist conference — a kind of conclaveyasynotl^ or convocation. Belbre I enter inlo a lurnute detail of tlie proceedings of this general assem- bly of methodlstical divines, I will present you. with a regulnr portrait of the diff^YeiM meciifig^^i ■ofi'ri. i\-;- PRAYER-MEETIXGS. iGS QT, as tlie Methodists call them, 7}ieans of grace, which obtain in their connexion, I wish you, Madam, not to look upon my letter's as designed to convey a strictly regular " Chro- nological History of the People called Method- ists," being superseded in that plan by Mr. Myles. It is not necessary, therefore, that I should he over exact as to the dates when the several re- gulations, or religious institutions, took place among this people. I will begin with what may be considered an institution of the lowest order — a meeting at which every member present may exercise his gift for the spiritual good of all present. Tliis is called a Prayer- IMeeting, and is generally conducted in the .tbllowiug. manner: — ' -'- H^-iMd:!:) The prayer-meetings consist of an indefinite number of persons, members of the society and others, and are held at certain given places, in town and country, once every week. The leader is a member of the society, and is sup- posed to possess a degree of grace at least equal to the rest of his brethren. A prayer-leader must also have a good gift in prayer ; be active and zealous, and be able to read so ks to give out the hymns. He must also possess a sufficient degree of talent or boldness occasionally to give a word of exhortation. The meetings generally begin at about eight o'clock in the evening with singing. The prayer deader, standing in the 168 PRATER-MEETINGS. middle of the room, reads a line or two of the hymn, which is sung in full chorus hy the hro- thers and sisters present. He then goes to prayer, extemporary of course, lie generally hegins in a low and solemn tone; as he finds his heart warmed, or his passions fired, he raises his voice, until, in some instances, a pra\er leader will address the God of Keaven as it he Vijve deaf, or on a journey, or would not answer any other prayers but such as are loud and boister- ous. If the prayer-leader happen to have a re- markably sonorous voice; if he he very fluent of speech ; if he have a good men-ory, and can from that tieasure bring forth things new and old, by repealing a long string of real or unagi- iiary texts of scripture ; if his language in prayer be more than ordinarily sweet, loving, fiery, enthusiastical, and intoxicating ; and above all, if he seem to be in habits of strict intimacy with the Deity, and be able to manifest a very fami- liar intercourse with Jesus Christ, and tlie Holy Ghost ; — in such cases, the free spirit of devo- tion immediately runs from heart to heart, as oil from vessel to vessel. I forbear to relate the confusion, the tumult, the noise, and uproar, which at these times disgrace th^ order, and scandalize the exercise, of Christian worship. After the leader has ended the first prayer, '''jthe people rise, and he proceeds to gke cut a second hvinn. On some of the stanzas he PRAYER-MEETIi^GS. 1^2 will often feel himself disposed to expound ; during which the people sit down, or continue to standj as they may find themselves inclined, or as there may happen to be room and seats in the house foT such an accommodation. Most of those exhortations which I have heard, have been by no means such as would do honour to the cause of a religious society, or which would have benefitted any other people besides Me- thodists. ,.fr ■^'^ripy I have more than once observed, that when a prayer- leader has attempted to expound the verse of the hymn which the people were next to have sung, he has rambled so much, or so lost himself, as absolutely to forget that the w*ords he had been expounding the people had not yet heard ; and the time being expired before he had finished his harangue, he has given his audience a half-hour's sermon without once having mentioned his text ; and the good people have proceeded in their devotions without fur- ther singing or exhortation. For instance, the leader, stopping perhaps in the middleof a stan- j,^a, would address the people by saying, " My ^tibrethren, before we sing the following lines, I orfeel myself inclined to call your attention to their serious import." He would then proceed to, such a length in what he thought exposition, as to- hs(|;ally to forget his original subject, , and, lose ^rlhitu^lfpiar; wildness and vociferatiouj till^ ex^ l^a. PRAYER-MEETlNG&i'.. hi^psted. -vv(ith fatigue, be would call upoiV!,, some Brother, or Sister, to go to prayer ; — »vj which call, with several intervals oi" singing, on-f^, their knees, is obeyed hy as many as feel themr>e> selves impelled to exhibit their powers of utter-.;; ance by peremptory demands, or coaxing peti->;J tions, that the great Father of Heaven would >j send down his blessing, or himself make one inni their assembly. A shaking among the diy-n bones takes place — the shout of a king is heard !j in the camp ; and as strangers are permitted to /» be present at these assemblies, it often happens id that some are so alarmed at the denunciations,^-.?, or roused by the fervour, of the brethren, that b iliei/ also begin to cry aloud for mercy ; and la afterwards become Methodists themselves. ,xa These meetings, when soberly conducted,^^^^ ought to be concluded in the space of an hourfii;^ but when conducted in the manner I have just described, the continuance is wholly ad Ubicum^xM.. at the will of the leader ; who having opened thean meeting, closes it by the usual benediction ; and^oi rises to give notice of the next. Miinui The representation I have just given you o6ig» a prayer-meeting, will not, in all its circum->fij stances, apply to every one of that kind held by nt the Methodists. There are mimeroiis honour- oj able exceptions to tlie wildness I hayeibeendprxn scribing: and a prayer-meeting, when couduciproJ pd in a proper n^anncr, with decency and in (^\\ ^^ del", is a very rational mode of promoting the cause of true religion, and genuine devotion.' I artl well aware, that it is by no means the the north of England, where the Metliod- ists^sare most numerous, the picture I havb'jiflt' sketched is, as every Methodist, were he So in-' clined, could safely testify, strictly faithfifl aiid exact in all its parts; — and that not only aftion^* what are called Revivalists, but amorfg tlfe're- gular members of the society. By these prayer-riicctings two important ends are obtained- — ^that of strengthening the saints^ and n>aking of converts. The lirst of these ob- jects^is supposed to be promoted by tlic oppor- tunities the prayer-meetings give to tlie exhort- ers of improving their gifis, and thcrc!)y fitting them to become local preachers, should the Lord in his wisdom .see good to give any of th.en^ a call to that high olficc. It is supposed also, that i:he inembcF's' at large, by thus vraitiiig upon tlja J^oril, renev/ their strength ; wlien they mount, ^s on the wings of eagles ; vrlicr. thev ruh anii ^-0 SPECIMENS. are not weary ; walk and do not faint. The se- cond object, equally important with the first, is gained in a very great degree by the zeal they manifest, and the attention which they at those times pay to every stranger pre- sent. The hymns selected for the purpose of being used, more especially at the commencement of the meeting, have a wonderful eftect on the feelings and passions of the audience. These liymns are to be found in Parts the First and Second of the Hymn-book in use among the Methodists; and are entitled, " H)mns exhort- ing and beseeching sinners to return to God — Describing the pleasantness of Religion — The Goodness of God — Death — Judgment — Heaven — Hell — Praying for a Blessing — And Hymns describing formal and inward Religion." I will here present you with a few specimens of methodistical melody at a prayer-meeting, and leave you to judge what effect it is likely to have upon the minds of the people. The first is a hymn oi' exhortation, or a kind of me- trical invitation to all sinners. " Simiors, obey the gospel-word! IlasU^ to tl)e buppcr of my Lord : Bo wise to know your gracious day ! All things arc ic n'y : come away ! SPECIMENS. 17 i 38 ^ffTReady the father is to own, Ig-jji A. And kiss his iate-returning son : _^, - Heady your loving Saviour stands, And spreads for you his bleeding hands. Ready the Spirit of his love, Just now the stony to remove : T' apply, and witness with the blood. And wash and scai the sons of God. Ready for you the angels wait. To triumph in your blest estate: Tuning their harps, they long to praise The wonders of redeemin" grace. a o The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Is ready with their shining host : All heaven is ready to resound, ' The dead's alive ! The lost is found !' Come, then, ye sinners, to your Lord, Jn Christ to paradise restor'd ; His profFer'd benefits embrace^ The plenitude of gospel-grace. A pardon written with his blood. The lavour and the peace of God ; The seeing eye, the feeling sense, The m3-stic joys of penitence: The godly fear, the pleasing smart. The meltings of a broken heart; The tears that tell your sins forgiv'n, The sighs that waft your souls to b( av^i 17^ SPECIMEN^ The guiltless shame, the sweet distress, The unutterable tenderness ; The genuine meek humility ; The wonder, ' Wh^' such love to vie !' Th' o'crwhelming pow'r of saving grace, The sight that veils the seraph's face ; The speechless awe that dares not moTC, And all the silent hcav'n of love l" The excellent and well-known stanzas of Dr. Watts, beginning, ** Come, ye that love the Lord," are used as describing the pleasantness oF religion. The following lines are also used for the same purpose ; " Happy soul, that, free from hai-ms, Rests within the Shepherd's arms ! AVho his quiet shall molcit ? \Vho shall violate his rest ? Jesus doth his spirit bear, Jesus takes his every care : He who found the wand'ring sheep, Jesus still delights to keep." The following alsjo are supposed to be oFa si- milar nature : " Weary souls, that wander \\ide From the central point of bliss, Turn to Jesus crucify'd Fly to those dear wounds of liis : ^•^l oilt kv^ 1 i(>i =1(1 •IT' spje^j^j^P- M Sink into the purple flood ; Rise to all the lifq of.Gpdl"., ,. , The following stanzas are said to describe thtf goodness of God : " Behold the Saviour of mankind Nail'd to the shameful tree ; How vast the love that him inclin'd To bleed and die for me ! Hark how he groans I while nature shakes, And earth's strong pillars bend ! The temple's veil in sunder breaks ; The solid marbles rend. 'Tis done ! the precious ransom's paid, * Receive my soul !' he cries. See where he bows his sacred head ! He bows his head and dies ! But soon he'll break death's envious chain, And in full glory shine : O ! Lamb of God ! was ever pain. Was ever love like thine I" " I thirst, thou wounded Lamb of God, To wash me in tliy cleansing blood ; -i-'i J ii To dwell within thy wounds : then pain M'!;n r^.ll Is sweet, and life or death is gain." " O love divine! what hast thou done! The immortal God hath died for me! . The Father's co-eternal Son Bore all my sin= upon the tree: ^74 SPECIMENS. Tfie immortal God for me hath died ; '•' My Lord, my Love, is crucified 1" '' Come sec, yc worms, your Maker die 1" As a specimen of the sublime and terrible, please to take the following : ** Describing Hell." " Terrible thouglit! Shall I alone. Who may be sav*d, shall I, Of all, alas! whom I have known. Through sin for ever die ? Wliilf all my old companions dear, \Vith whom I once did live, Joyful at God's right-hand appear, A blessing to receive ! Shall I, amidst a ghastly band, Dragg'd to the judgment-scat, Far on the left with horror stand, My fearful doom to meet ? "While they enjoy his heavenly love< MiiLit I in torments dwell ? Aiu\ howl (while they sing hymns above)^ And blow the flames ol hell l" One of the hymns urder tlie \,ti\d, '* Describ- ing^ Death," is very exc-eileni in its kind. It was written by Mr. Samuel Wesley, Ijiothcr to the two Methodists, and has been taken from a quarto volume of poems, written by that gentleman. I close my extracts with this hymn, because I should like to leave a more favourable impression on your mind than I fear the foregoing- are likely to produce : A HYMN. " The morning flovv'rs display their sweetSj And gay their bilken leaves unfold, As careless of the noon-tide heats, And fearless of the evening cold. Nipt by the wind's untimely blast, Parch'd by the sun's directer ray, The momentary glories waste, The short-liv'd beauties die away. So blooms the human face divine, When youth its pride of beauty shews : . Fairer than spring the colours shine. And sweeter than the virgin-rose. ~ Or worn by slowly. rolling years, Or broke by sickness in a day, The fading glory disappears, The short-liv'd beauties die away. Yet thou, new rising from the tomb. With lustre brighter far shall shine ; Revive with ever-during bloom, / : If i] 4^ j 1 Safe; ftom diseases and decline.j?- >, y J76 SPECIMENS, Let sickness blast, let death devour^ If Heav'n must rocompence our pains r Perish the grass, and fade the flow'r, If firm the word of God remains/' Thus, Madam, have I giren yoii a true de- scription of a prayer-meeting, and of some of the hymns used on tliose occasions. All t!ie prayer- leaders ^re met once every quarter, at least in those parts of the country where I have resided, hy the preacher; when in- quiries are riiade as to their character and suc- cess. I am, Sec. 3iTj^ snail ' ^^«^ .31 oi fveCKi' tiipfi^-o: ii i / 1 d-ti /"' "'V LETTER XIX. to 9mo2 ic . ^ /IT* 3t Of Class- Aleethigs — Specimenil ^^' DEAR MADAM, In this letter, I purpose giving you some inform- ation concerning the origin and nature of what are called Class-meetings. This is such a very important part of the eco- nomy of Methodism, that I must give you a circumstantial account of its origin, which I will do in Mr. Wesley's own v/ords, " As much," says he, " as we endeavoured to watch over each other, we soon found that some did not live the gospel. I do not know that any hypocrites were crept in ; for indeed there was no temptation. But several grew cold, and gave way to the sins which had long easily beset them. We quickly perceived there were many ill consequences of suffering these to re- 178 CLASS-MEETINGS. main among us. It was dangerous to others ; inasmuch as all sin is of an infectious nature. It brought sucli a scandal on their brethren, as ex- posed them to what was not ])roperly the re- proach of Christ. It laid a stumbling-block in the way of others, and caused the truth to be evil spoken of. " We groaned under these inconveniences long, before a remedy could be found. At length, while we were thinking of quite another thing, we struck upon a method, for which we have cause to bless God ever since. I was talk- ing with several of the society in Bristol, con- cerning the means of paying the debts there, (which had been incurred by building, &c. ) when one stood up and said, ' Let every mem- ber of the society give a penny a week till all are paid.' Another answered, ' But mau}^ of them are poor, and cannot afford to do it." — ' Then, said he, put eleven of the poorest with me, and if they can give any thing, well. I will call on them weekly, and if tliey can give nothing, I will give for them as well as for my- self. And each of you call on eleven of your neighbours weekly : receive what they give, and make up what is wanting.' It was dojic. In a while some of these informed me, ' they found such and such a one did not live as he ought.' It struck me innnediately, ' This is the thing; -the very thing we have wanted so long.' I CLASS-MEETINGS. 179 called together all the leaders of the classes, (so we used to term them and their companies) and desired, that each would make a particular in- quiry into the behaviour of those whom he saw weekly : they did so. Many disorderly walkers were detected. Some turned from the evil of their ways. vSome were put away from us. Many saw it with fear, and rejoiced unto God with re- verence. '^ As soon as possible the same metliod was used in London and all other places. Evil men were detected and reproved. They were bornei with for a season. If they forsook their sins, we received them gladly : if they obstinately per- sisted therein, it was openly declared, that they were not of us. The rest mourned and prayed for them, and yet rejoiced, that, as far as in us lay, the scandal was rolled awa}' from the so- ciety. *' It is the business of a leader, " I. To see each person in his class, once a week at the least : in order " To inquire how their souls prosper • " To advise, reprove, comfort, or exhort, as occasion may require ; " To receive what they are willing to give;, tow^ards the relief of the poor. *' II. To meet the minister and the stewards of the societv, in order " To inform xhe minister of any that are sick, N 2 180 CLASS-MEETIXCS. or of any tliat. are disorderly, and will not be reproved ; " To pay to the stev.ards what thc}'^ have re- ceived of their several classes in the week pre- ceding. "At first they visited each person at his own liouse : but this was soon found not so expe- dient. And that on many accounts. 1. It took up more time than most of tlie leaders had to spare. 2. Many persons lived with masters, mistresses, or relations, who would not suffer them to be thus visited. 3. At the houses of those who are not so averse, they often had no opportunity of speaking to them but in com- pany. And this did not at all answer the end proposed, of exhorting, comforting, or reprov- ing. 4. It frequently happened that one affirm- ed what another denied. And this could not be cleared, without seeing them together. 5. Little misunderstandings and quarrels of various kinds, frequently arose among relations or neighbours; effectually. to remove which, it was needful to see them all face to face. Upon all these consi- derations, it was agreed, that those of each class should meet all together. And by this means, a more full inquiry was made into the behaviour of every person. Those who could not be vi- sited at home, or no otherwise than in com- pany, had the sau'.c advantage with others. Ad- vice or reproof was given as need requii'ed; CIASS-MEETINGS. 18,1 quarrels made up, misunderstandings removed. And after an hour or two spent in this labour of love, they concluded with prayer and thanks- giving." This, Madam, is Mr. Wesley's account of the origin of class-meetings at Bristol; wliicli branch of Methodism being attended with the niost beneficial effects, though instituted al first only to answer a temporary purpose, soon became common throughout the whole con- nexion ; and is at this time the chief support of the methodistical hierarchy. I will, therefore, be still more minute in detailing to you the na- ture and objects of a class-meeting. A class- meeting, at present, consists of an indefinite number of persons, generall}'' from twelve to twenty; though sometimes fewer even than twelve. This meeting is de- signed for the spiritual advantage of members only, or of those that are desirous of becoming such. It is composed either of persons of both sexes, of men only, or of the fair sex. In the two first cases, the leader is always a brother; in the last case, the leader is chosen out of the sisterhood. These meetings are generally holden at private houses, and commence at eight in the evenino'. 'i'hc leader haviuir opened the service by singing and prayer, all the members sit down, and he then relates to them iiis own e.vperience during th.e preceding week. His joys, and his 182 CLASS-MEETIXGS. sorrows; his hopes and his fears; his conflicts with the world, the flesh, and the devil; his fightings without and his fears within; his dread of hell, or his hope of heaven ; his pious long- ings and secret prayers for the prosperity of the church at large, and for those his brothers and sisters in class in particular. This experience is generally concluded with some such language as the following : — " After all, my dear brethren, I still find a determination in my own soul to press forward for the mark of the prize of my high calling of God in Christ Jesus. He is still precious. His word is as ointment poured forth. After all my short- comings — my doubts and anxieties — my wanderings, weakness, and weariness, his spirit still M'hispers to my heart — ' Thou art black but conicly. Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it. Make haste, my belo^ed^ and be thou like to a roe, or to a young hart, upon the mountains of spices 1' so I still mav say to my sweet Jesus — * I hold thro with a trembling hand, And will not let thee go.'' After some such harangue as this, the leader proceeds to inquire into the state of every soul present ; saying, " Well sister, or well bro- ther, how do you find the state o^ your soul this evening ?" The member ihen proceeds, w^ithout CLASS-MEETINGS. 183 risings to unbosom his or her mind to the leader ; not, as has often been said, by particular con- fession, but by a general recapitulation of what has passed in the mind during the week. Such advice, correction, reproof, and consolation, is tlien given, as the state of the case may require ; so the leader passes on to the next, and the next, until every one has received a portion of meat in due season. After this, the leader, or some other on whom he may be pleased to call^ giv-es out a stanza or two of a hymn, which being sung, standing, they proceed with prayer; when such thanks- givings, deprecations, or petitions, are poured forth as the different e.vpei'iences may have sug- gested. Any one is at liberty to exercise the gift of prayer, and no strangers being present, a freer vent is given to the effusions of the mind and the soft meltings of the soul, than is usual at a public prayer-meeting. Those who are still un- converted, or who labour in the pangs of the new birth, lay their unhappy case before God ; and in the most pressing manner, beseech the merciful Jehovah tl>en to pity them — at last to lend a willing ear to their complaints — to bow the heavens of his love and come down — to open the bowels of divine compassion towards them — to look upon the bleeding wounds of his suf- I8i CLASS-MEETINGS. fering Son; and to pardon all their sins upon the consideration of his merits. Those who are groaning for fall redemption — who seek to have their rohes washed and made Avhite in the hlood of the Lamh — who will not be comforted until the last remains of sin are removed from their hearts, and God declares that they *' are all fair, that their is no spot in them," are more than commonly solicitous that the Holy Ghost would come and dwell in their souls without a rival ; and that the enemies they had seen that day they should see no more for ever. For the careless, the formal, and the luke- Avarm, the most earnest prayers are put up, lest the Almighty, in disgust, should " spue them out of his mouth." In short. Madam, every case is fully canvassed, and the great Physician of souls is applied to for A sovereign balm for every wound — A salve for every sore. As singing forms a considerable portion of the service at a class-meeting, I must give you one or two specimens of their hymns. SPECIMENS. IBS Praying for Repentance. ^' Jesu ! my heart's desire obtain ! My earnest suit present and gain : My fulness of corruption show, The knowledge of myself bestow : A deeper displacence at sin, A sharper sense of hell within ; A stronger struggling to set free ! A keener appetite for Thee !" " Jesus, on me bestow, The penitent desire ; With true sincerity of woe My aching breast inspire ; With softening pity look. And melt my hardness down. Strike, with thy love's resistless stroTiC, And break this heart of stone !" A Mourner convinced of Sid. " I am all unclean, unclean, Thy purity I want ; INIy whole heart is sick cf sin, And my whole head is faint ! Full of putrilying sores. Of bruises, and of wounds, my soul Looks to J'sus ; help implores, And easns to be made whole !" IS6 iPEClMEXS, '' Poor, alas ! thou know'st I am, And would be poorer still, See my nakedness and shame, And all my vileness feel : No good thing in me resides, I\Iy soul is all an aching void. Till thy spirit here abides. And I am fill'd with God." '^ Friend of sinners! in thy heart, Tell mc, doth there not remain One unarm'd and tender part. Capable of human pain ? Lord, I wait for the reply ; Groan an answer from within ; Tell me. Comforter, that I, I shall be redeem'd from sin." " Look not on me, a beast, a fiond, All wrath, all passion, and all pride; But see thyself the sinner's friend, The son of man ; the crurincd ; The God, that left his throne above, The bleeding Prince of peace and love." A Mourner brought to the Birth. " I'll weary thee with my complaints : Here at thy feet for ever lie, ^Vith longing, sick ; with groaning, taint; O "ive mc love or else 1 die !" SPECIMENS. Bejoicing. *' Pvly God, I am tliine ! "What a comfort divine ! What a blessing to know that my Jesus is mine ! In the heavenly Lamb, thrice happy I am ; And my heart it doth dance at the sound of his name , True pleasures abound in the rapturous sound ; And whoever hath found it hath paradise found ; My Jesus to know, and feel his blood flow, 'Tis life everlasting, 'lis heaven below ! Yet onward I haste to the heavenly feast ; That, that is the fulness : but this is the taste : And this I shall prove, till with joy I remove To the heaven of heavens in Jesus's love !" " Ah ! why did I so late thee know, Thee, lovelier than the sons of men ? Ah ! why did I no sooner go To ihee the only ease in pain ? Asham'd I sigh, and inly mourn, That I so late to thee did turn I" A Believer groaning for full Redemption. '' Lo ! on dangers, deaths, and snares, I every moment tread; Hell without a veil appears, And flames iiround my head. 1^8 SPECIMENS. Sin increases more and more^ Sin in all its strength returns; Seven times hotter than before The fiery furnace burns. Sin in me, the inbred foe, A while subsists in chains ; But thou all thy power shalt showj And slay its last remains ; Thou hast conquer'd my desire. Thou shalt quench it with thy blood. Till me with a purer fire, And make me all like God." " O, Love ! I languish at thy stay ! I pine for thee with lingering smart ! Weary and faint through long delay : "NVKen wilt thou come into my heart ? From sin and sorrow set me free, And swallow up my soul in Thee !" Such, Madam, are the liymns wlucli are often sung' on these occasions. Tlicy arc poured forth in the most soft, sootliing, languishing-, and melting strains that music is capal-ie of; and music, you know, lias charms to soothe a savac;"e breast. Tlie leader having closed the meeting, in the usual manner, by benediction, proceeds to call over the names of every member present; and to collect what they are disposed to give to- wards the support of the xcork of God. Tlic SPECIMENS. 1851 usual sum is one penny each ; but some, who can afford it, pay two- pence, three-pence, or even six-pence, as they may be able^, or willing. These several sums are entered on the class- paper: a sheet being provided for that purpose, ruled and divided into columns and squares for every separate account ; the leader himself al- ways contributing his proper share. I am, &c. 190 LETTER XX. Of Band-meetings — Strictures by the Ammal Reviewers — Defended bij the Methodists. DEAR MADAM, I HAVE already given you the General Direc- tions to all the bands. I now proceed to lay before you the Particular Rules of the band so- cieties, and to give you some account of the dif- ferent kinds of band-meetings. These rules were drawn up by Mr. Wesley, on December 25, 1738, and with few, if any, altera- tions, are still in force among the Methodists. '* The design of our meeting, is to obey that command of God — ' Confess your faults one to vinother, and pray one for another, that 3'ou may be healed.' To this end, we intend, *' 1. To meet once a week, at the least. BAND-MEETINGS. 191 " g. To come punctually at the hour appoint- ed, without some extraordinary reason. " 3. To begin (those of us who are present) exactly at the hour, with singing or prayer. " 4. To speak each of us in order, freely and plainly, the true state of our souls, with the faults we have committed, in thought, word, or deed, and the temptations we have fett since our last meeting. "5. To end every meeting with prayer, suited to the state of each person present. " 6. To desire some person among us to speak his own state first, and then to ask the rest in order, as many and as searching questions as may be, concerning their state, sins, and temp- tations. " Some of the questions proposed to every one Ijefore he is admitted among us, may be to this effect — " 1. Have you the forgiveness of your sins? *' 2. Have you peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ ? ^' 3. Have you the witness of God's Spirit with your spirit, that you are a child of God ? "4. Is the love of God shed abroad in your heart? " 5. Has no sin, inward or outward, dominion over you, jOHv *' 6. Do vou desire to be told of your faults?- 192 BAND-MEETINGS. " 7. Do you desire to be told of all your faults, and that plain and home ? " 8. Do you desire that every one of us should tell you, Irom time to time, whatsoever is in his heart cobccruing you? " 9. Consider ! Do you desire we should tell you whatsoever we think, whatsoever we fear, whatsoever we hear, concerning you? "■ 10. Do you desire, that in doing this, we should come as close as possible, that we should cut to the quick, and search your heart to the bottom ? " 11. Is it your desire and design, to be on this and all other occasions, entirely open, so as to speak every thmg that is in your heart, without exception, without disguise, and with- out reserve? "Any of the preceding questions may be asked as often as occasion offers : the four fol- lowing at every meeting : " 1. What known sins have you committed since our last meeting? " 2. Wliat temptations have you met with? " 3 How was you delivered ? " 4. What have you tlioight, said, or done, of which you doubt whether it be a sin or not?" These, Madam, are the rules which govern th? prkatc bands. A baud-meeting is composed of 1 BAND-MEETINGS. about four or five persons. The single men meet by themselves ; the young, or unmarried sisters, by themselves ; and the married mem- bers of both sexes in like manner. The time of meeting is as may best suit the convenience of the members. One person being appointed leader opens- the meeting, as usual, by singing and prayer. He then proceeds, according to the rules I have just transcribed for your inform- ation. A^ less reserve is used in the band, than in any other meeting ; and as the members are generally those who have either attained, or are earnestly seeking, a state of perfection or complete sanctification, the hymns and prayers are of as melting and warming a nature as any they can adopt ; and when the regular hymns fail of expressing the full sentiments of their en- larged and swelling souls, the deficiency is often made up by several auxiliary ones, composed by different persons, which have found their way into the hands of the Methodists, in the form of pamphlets, open sheets, or MS. copies. Some of these poetical effusions are the most luscious and enthusiastic productions you can possibly conceive ; but as they are not regularly appoint- ed by conference, nor indeed encouraged by the sober and thinking part of the society, I spare your modesty, by not transcribing; any of the^ irito this letter. '.*> .^n^LzM ^i^^^jHT \^ BAND-MEETINGS. In perusing tlie rules, you have perceived that the fullest and most particular confession of every sin, in thought, word, or action, that any in the band may have committed, is insisted upon. That some inconveniences should follow from this auricular confession, you will readily perceive. I will not here, however, retail th« numerous anecdotes which have had their foun- dation in the subjects often discussed at a band- meeting ; because I wish to bring no disgrace on an institution which may be productive of good, and which so many of my fellow- Christians regard with such profound and reli- gious veneration. I am persuaded that the tales which the late Chiswell-street bookseller has heaped together, about men dressing themselves in women's apparel, and thereby taking advan- tage of the innocence or the weakness of several band-sisters, are wholly without foundation ; and I should have been disposed to have thought more favourably of that gentleman's ConfessiojiSy had he unequivocally denied many of the scan- dalous and indecent stories which, in his Me- moirs, he thought proper to relate to the preju- dice of the Methodists. That auricular confession, in the full and pro- per sense of the word, is practised at a band- meeting, is certain ; but that the evils which have resulted from a like practice in the church BAND-MEETINGS. 195 of Roine have followed these methodistical confessions, is, I think, very doubtful. A writer in the second volume of the Annual Review, has the following remarks on these band-confessions : — '' Is it possible, that they who devised this confession should be ignorant of its consequences? Every. incipient feeling, every lighter thought that would have passed over the maiden's mind, and been forgotten, is to be remarked and remembered, that it may be renewed and rivetted, and burnt in to the heart by the pain and shame of confession ! — of confession, not to one, whom for his age and character, she has ever from her infancy been taught to regard with fatherly, or more than fatherly reverence, and who, by the holiest oaths and the severest penalties, is bound to inviol- able secrecy — but to companions of her own sex and age, who will make it their tea-table talk ; and each of whom is, by a similar con- fession, to renew and sear her shame ! Either from natural and sacred modesty, the thought will be concealed, and made more intense by the imagined sinfulness of that concealment; or it will be confessed, and that action will strengthen the idea, and the idea will recur more frequently, because it is thus strengthened; and thus confession will be again and again re- quired, till a sinful pleasure be at length ex- tracted from confession itself, the atonenjent o2 19^ BAND-MEETIXGS. will partake of the nature of the sin, and all niodtiity and all shame be utterly destroyed." These observations, Madam, are upon the whole strictly just and proper: they manifest a considerable knowledge of the human heart ; but they are made in a wrong place. It is the office of a reviewer to state, not to controvert, the opinions of an author, or the practices of a sect. It is but just I should here make you ac- quainted with the manner in which the above objections to the band-confession is vindicated by the Methodists. This vindication made its appearance in the Methodist Magazine during the last year, under the superscription " Ve- ra x." - The reviewer having started some objections to the separation of the sexes in the Methodist chapels, Verax asks, *' What mischief is there ill this?" lie then observes, " This introduces a subject which the wicked imagination of tiiese reviewers has worked up to a delicious morsel, • In these societies each is to confess to all; to confess in the strict and popish sense of the term.' It may not be improper to observe here, that, in what are called the />^/y/<:/-meetings of the Methodists, three or four persons, always of the ^anic sex, agree to converse and pray with each other, or, according to St. James's direction, to i:onfess their faults one to another, as far as they UAND-MEETINGS. 197 may think it useful to do so, and to pray one for another, in order that, by mutual advice and prayer, they may be the helpers of each other's faith and love in Christ Jesus. ])ut, notwith- standing these reviewers l-cnow that the men and the women meet separately, and have just been exclaiming against the Methodists for se- parating tiie sexes, their depVaved mind imme- diately brings together ' the father confessor (a Methodist preacher) and a single M^oman.' — * We must touch lightly,' say they, ' on this abominable subject.' Then they begin to sug- gest what must pass in ' the maiden's mind,' until ' all modesty and all shame be utterly de- stroyed.' Now this is all pure fiction of their own invention, as ten thousands of persons can testily, who have long been of the IMethodist societies, and as every honest and decent man in the nation will readily believe." How far Verax has been successftd in vindi- cating the practice of the Methodists in this particular, it is not for me to determine. Be this, however, as it may, the Annual Reviewer has certainly fallen into a most glaring error, by supposing that confession is ever made by any woman in the Methodist society to any preacher whatsoever. I would hope, also, that no band sister or brother is ever so lost to all sense of shame and honesty, as to repeat abroad what 198 BAND-MEETINGS. passes in confidence at a private band-meeting. For my own part, I never knew an instance of the kind during my connexion with the ^Nle- thodists. Mr. Wesley defends the band- confessions in the following manner : — " An objection boldly and frequently urged, is, that ' all these bands are mere Popery.' 1 hope I need not pass a harder censure on those (most of them at least) who affirm this, than that they talk of they know not what ; that they betray in themselves the most gross and shame- ful ignorance. Do not they yet know, that the only popish confession is, the confession made by a single person to a priest? (And this itself is in nowise condemned by our church ; nay, she recommends it in some cases). Whereas, that which we practise, is the confession of se- veral persons conjointly', not to a priest, but to each other. Consequently, it has no analogy at all to popish confession. But the truth is, this is a stale objection, which many people make against any thing they do not like : it is all popeiy out of hand." You will understand. Madam, it is not posi- tively insisted upon, though earnestly requested, that all the members of the Methodist con- nexion should belong to some band : a regular attendance on public worship and class, being BAND-MEETINGS. 199 all that is required of this nature to entitle a per- son to full membership. m yra t; • At certain stated periods, all the bands as- semble together in the chapel, where they are met by the preacher, who relates his own ea'pe- rience, and hears the experience of any others who may be disposed so to favour him. At these public bands, no confession is required. The meeting commences with singing, and is carried on by atternate intervals of speaking, singing, and prayer. No persons are admit- ted to the public bands, but those who meet in some one of the private bands, and can pro^ . duce a proper certificate to that purpose. There are also what are called select hands.-^ These are, I believe, conducted in the same njanner as the public bands; but consist of those members only who have attained to what is called a state of perfection ; that is, those who never, on any account^ or on any occasion, or temptation what soever, commit the slightest sin, in thought , word, or deed ! You would suppose. Madam, that the num- ber of these must be very small; but, I assure you, the select band is better attended than you would imagine ! As I had never the unspeak- able happiness of having arrived at a proper de^ gree of perfecting grace, I never could be ad- mitted into the sanctum sanctorum of a select 200 BAND-MEETINGS. band ; and cannot therefore inform you, from personal observation, of all that passes on those occasions. Nothing, however, I am confident, that is in itself wrong, or unbecoming the cha- racter of a Methodist, takes place in a select bapd. I am, &c. 20^ LETTER XXL Of Agapce, or Lot e- Feasts — Specimens, DEAR MADA.M, I VOW proceed to give you some account of the agapse, or love-feasts, of the Methodists. No branch of the Wesleyan church-discipUne lias been more mistaken, or more grossly misrepre- sented, by persons ignorant of the subject, than this. I remember, when I first attended one of these meetings, I thought surely a new species of beings had come among us, in the form of men, to tell what was passing in the realms of light, and in the regions of eternal darkness. Mr. Wesley borrowed the practice of holding love-feasts from the Moravian brethren. The first he ever saw was in the year 1737, during his residence ni America, when he attended at one among the Germans, He was so struck with the 4 coo, LOVE-FEASTS. order and decency with which it was conducted, that he afterwards introduced these agapJE into the economy of Methodism. At first they uereoing poem, from tlie muse of Mr, Charles Wesley, has some merit as tlie raptur- ous effusion of a zealous and devout mind. — What could induce Dr. Watts to assert its su- periority to all that he had ever written, I know not; unless it was from the resemblance it bears to his own poem, entitled *' Converse with Christ." I am, ^c. j^d m 4 4fUt'. iff f95 LETTER XXIIL Oftlie Yearly Covena?iL DEAR MADAM, The Covenant, one of the most solemn and aw- ful assemblies of the Methodists, has often been the subject of mistake and severe animadver- sion. I will therefore give a perfectly impar- tial account of this sacred ceremony, having myself attended at more than one or two of them. The Reviewer, to whom I alluded in a former epistle, asserts of the Methodists, that " the in- crease of madness, in England, has been pro- portioned to the increase of Methodism," and he seems to suppose that the increase of this na- tional disorder is owing, in a great measure, to *' denunciations of damnation, and to that tre- mendotts blasphiemy, their yearly covenant with Q 226 YEARLY COVENANT. Almighty God !" To this heavy charge, Verax answers ai follows : — " Tremendous hhisphemy ! What is there blasphemous in covenanting or agreeing to serve God ? Good King Josiah, and his people, both small and great, made a covenant before the Lord, to * keep liis commandments with all their heart, and all their soul. And all the people stood to the covenant.' Si Kings, xxiii. 3. Jere- miah, when describing the effects of the preach- ing of the gospel, informs us, that the people shall ask the way to Zion, &c. saying, ' Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord, in a per- petual covenant that shall not be forgotten,' chap. I. ver. 5. "In the small pamphlet, entitled, 'Directions to Penitents and Believers for renewing their Covenant with God/ which is extracted from a larger work of the pious and excellent Richard Alleine, and may be had at any of the chapels of the Methodists, the whole of what these Hieii call a tremendous blasphemy^ may be seen. The pamphlet begins with these words — 'Get these three principles fixed in your heart: — That things eternal arc much more considerable than things temporal — ^That things not seen are as certain as the things that are seen — That upon youf^presjent_ choice depends your eternal Iqt- Choose Christ and his wa^s, and you are blessed for ever ; jefus^, and you are, uadone fqr ey^;*/ 3 YfcARLV COVENANT. 227 After this exordium, a short account is given of the fallen state of man, and of the sentiments of an awakened sinner, who sees and feels that the •\vrath of God abideth on him. This sinner is called upon to cast himself on the merit of Christ Jesus for the pardon of his sin ; and he is then described as choosing Christ for his por- tion and salvation, and the commandments of God for the rule of his conduct. ' I do here take thee, the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for my portion ; and I do give up myself, body and soul, for thy service, pro- mising ^nd voWing to serve thee, in holiness and righteousness, all the days of my life.' Good Richard Alleine recommended, that this cove- nant or engagement to serve God, should not only be made in word and in heart, but in zvrit- mg;\n order that it might be more particularly remembered and adverted to, as an inducement to flee from sin, in time of temptation and dan- j^er^ But these reviewers make a mock at sin, and as they think it tremendous blasphemy to co- vetiknt to serve God, it cannot be expected, that iMtf will condemn those who covenant to serve the devil '^^i^— f^*^? 5i'j;r^ sj'.?i-..i. -/lu \>.,iM.xya cj^n.sij Wednesday, August 6, \ fSS] ' Mr". "Vfesley "writes thus : " I mentioned to the conffreffation another means of increasing serious religion, i^ch bad been frequently practised by ous forefathers, and attended with eminent blessing ; Q 2 228 YEARLY COVENANT. namely, the joining in a covenant to serve God, with all our soul. I explained this for several mornings following; and on Friday, many of us kept a fast unto the Lord, beseeching him to give us wisdom and strength, to promise to the Lord our God, and keep it. On Monday, at six in the evening we met for that purpose, at the French church in Spitalfields. After I had re- cited the tenor of the covenant proposed, in the words, of that blessed man, Richard Alleine, all the people stood up, in token of assent, to the number of about eighteen hundred. Such a night I scarce ever knew before : Surely the: fa;uit of it shall remain for ever." Since that period, the covenant has been renewed once every year, generally on the night of the new year, or on the Sunday next following. The renewal of the covenant is always, I be- lieve, preceded by a sermon, very often on Joshua's resolution — " As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." After sermon, those who are disposed to enter into this most solemn compact with Jehovah, return into the chapel, shewing their tickets at the door. Singing and extemporary prayer being ended", the followino- awful address is read aloud from tlie pulpit, all the people kneehng : — ' "^ - ^ " P, most dreadful God ! for the passion of thy Son, 1 beseech Thee, accept of thy poor prodigal, now prostrating himself at thy door; YEARLY COVENANT. 229 I have fallen from Thee by mine iniquity, and am by nature a son of death, and a tliousand- fold more the child of hell, by my wicked prac- tice; but of tliine infinite grace thou hast pro- mised mercy to me in Christ, if I will but turn to thee with all my heart; therefore, upon the call of thy gospel, 1 am now come in, and throw- ing down my weapons, submit myself to thy mercy. " And because thou requirest, as the condi- tion of my peace with thee, that 1 should put away miiie idols, and be at defiance with all thine enemies, which I acknowledge I have wickedly sided with against thee; 1 here, from the bottom of my heart renounce them all ; firmly covenanting with thee, not to allow my- self in any known sin, but conscientiously to use all the means that I know thou hast pre- scribed, for the death and utter destruction of all my corruptions. And whereas I have for- merly, inordinately and idolatrously let out my affections upon the world, I do here resign my heart to thee that madestit; humbly protesting before thy glorious Majesty, that it is the firm resolution of my heart, and that I do unfeigned- 1^ desire grace from thee, that when thou shalt call me hereunto, I may practise this my resolu- tion, to forsake all that is dear unto me in this ■jvorld, rather than turn from thee to the ways 2^0 YEARLY XJOVENAKT. cf sin : and that I will watch against ail its temptations, whether of prosperity or adversity, lest they should withdraw my heart from thee ; beseeching thee also to help me against the temptations of Satan, to whose wicked sugges- tions I resolve, by thy grace, never to yield. And because my own righteousness is but men- struous rags, I renounce all confidence therein, and acknowledge that I am of myself a hopeless, helpless, undone creature, without righteousness or strength. >>;. .■;>.;,.] : r . *'And forasmuch as thou hast, of thy bbt- tondess mercy, offered most graciously to me, wretched sinner, to be again my God tlirough Christ, if I would accept of thee ; I call heaven and earth to record this day, that I do here so- lemnly avouch thee for the Lord my God ; and "with all possible veneration bowing the neck of my soul under tlje feet of thy Most Sacred IMa- jesty, I do here take thee, the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for my portion ; and do give up myself, body and soul, for thy .^^■servant, promising and vowing to serve thcc Y^U Jipliness and righteousness, all the di^yjs ofiuy tf5£[?"»And since thou hast appointed the Lord Je- sus Christ the only means of coming unto th^c, .j^tdo here, u)>on the bended knees of my soul, oif^^fiBt^o^iihn as the only neiy^.aii vm 31II03gd V.'Ofl ' - * ' " For God to live and die. 234 YFARLY COVENANT. The covenant we this niomci>t make. Be ever kept in mind: We will no more our God forsake^ Or cast his words behind. We never will throw off his fear, Who hears our solemn vow : And if tht)U art well plcas'd to hear, Come down and meet us now [ Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Let all our hearts receive ! Present with the celestial host, Thc^ pcacefal answer give ! To each the covenant-blood apply, Which takes our sins away ; And register our names on high. And keep us to that day 1" The people then stand up, and lift their hands in token of their determination to serve the Lord from that time. " 1 swear, and from my solemn oath Will never start aside, That in God's righteous judgraentg I Will constantly abide ! The world's contempt of his commancfe But make their value rise In my esteem, who purest gold Compar'd with them, despise,'' yEARJLT COVENANT. ^235 How far the foregoino- covenant may be said to be a " tremendous blasphemy," I will not take npon me to say. People will form separate and different judgments on the matter, as they may be disposed to regard it in the light of a ratiojud or spiritual foian of self-cledication, or as a for- mulary unwarranted by the light of reason and the scriptures of truth. I have thought it my duty to give it to you terbatim as it is used by the Methodists ; and I now leave it with your- self to assent, differ, or remain, like myself^ neuter on the Subject. So highly, liowcver, is this form of covenant with the Almighty re- garded by many Methodists, that instances have occurred where, in the most solemn manner, it has been actually signed by tlie blood of the crea- ture, imagining that such a mode of ratification is required, from its analogy to the bloody jseal of the Creator ! ! ! The covenant-meeting is con- cluded, like others, with singing and prayer. lo. I am, &c. aan sixisv ivnit ^tara tsZ 1236 LETTER XXH Of the Sockty-mcet'wf^s. "^ ' i)EAR MADAM, The members of the Methodist societies arc composed of persons enjoying various degrees of IQoral attainments, or, as they express it, in dif- ferent states of grace. There are careless and lukewarm unbelievers, who have, nevertheless a sufficient hankering after Methodism to join the society ; and are so far moral in their con- duct, as not to merit excommunication. There are also awakened members, who, from some cause or other, have not experienced the new- birth. There are the penitents, or " mourners convinced of sin." Others are those who are not only convinced that they are sinners, and mourn on that account ; but are sunk to very considerable depths of sorrow; yet^ Jbeing half SOCIETY-MEETINGS. 237 inclined to think they shall not '' go sorrowing all their days," are denominated, " mourners brought to the birth." Others, again, are those who have stept into the glorious liberty of God's children, and know their sins to be blot- ted out of the book of the divine remembrance. It too frequently happens, that the vain allure- ments of the world — the smiles or the frowns of mankind — the force of unconquered habits — tlie rebellions of unsubdued lusts — and the dia^ bolical instigations of their enemy, the devil — will all combine their baneful influences to in- crease the number of a fifth class of the mem- bers of the Methodist societies; I mean the backsliders in heart : the open apostates are ei- ther forcibly expelled, or voluntarily withdraw from the connexion. Again; a sixth class of members, are those who are " convinced of backsliding," and are undergoing the same in- ternal struggles, and spiritual conflicts, they ex-- perienced before their first conversion. A se- venth class is composed of the '' groaners for full redemption ;" that is, those who have the witness of the Spirit that they are pardoned ; but not satisfied with this, are earnestly seeking all the mind that was in Christ; or, in other words, those whom nothing- will satisfy but per- fection. The last class of Methodists I shall mention, is made up of the' pure in heart-^the sanctified— t\\Q, saints that are already peifected 4 -^8- sociETr-srEtTiiccr^;' ill love ; who literally rejoice evermore, ptaf^- without ceasing, and in every thing- give*^ thanks. It heing impossible in every instance to sepa-*-'^ rate the precious from the vile ; the members composing these several sorts or degrees of Me- thodists, being promiscuously blended in the classes and bands, they are all met together, on a Sunday evening, immediately after public preaching; when the preacher gives them such advice, &c. as their several states require. You must, however, understand, that they are not spoken to individually, as at a class-meeting; but are addressed from the pulpit in general, yet pointed, terms of reproof or advice. This is called the bociety-meeting; and is a very useful and proper mode of promoting the moral and spiritual good of the members. A society-meeting, however, is not confined to this object alone. At this time the preacher gives such general information respecting the state of the work in other parts, as he may have received. lie reads any circular or other letters v.'h.ich he conceives will benefit or interest the members; in short, every thing that immedi- ately concerns the purely spiritual aflairs of the wlH)ie society, is here made known to the people; who n^ourn or rejoice as the reports may be favourable or otherwise. Reports, how- ever, of an unfavourable nature seldom are made. SOCIETV-MEETIXCS. 239 as they would only tend to dan:p the fervour, and weaken the exertions, of the brethren. lioiiir-v The following hymn is appropriate toa^sa-^ ciety- meeting. lib QiBl aoqaiba " Two are better far than one, t For counsel or for fighl ; How can one be warm alone, Or serve his God aright ? Join we then our hearts and hands ; Each to love provoke his friend ; Run the way of his commands. And keep it to the end. Woe to him whose spirits droop ! .sj^ u; .>; To him who falls alone ! r+ f3>3J|j^-i He has none to lift him up, r , To help his weakness on; ' . . Happier we each other keep, I We each other's burdens bear ; '"- Xever need our footsteps slip, Upheld by mutual prayer. CT^tt^l "SWho of twain has made us one, tr; Maintains our unity: ' ;/ I Jesus is the corner-stone, , In whom we all agree : . , Seirvants of one common Lord, .' , Oil! O^ Sweetly of one heart and mind, aViOqTf Who can break a three-ibld cord, -'|O0q v/od .alic^^art whom God hath.joiWU?rfiovHi 3d VBf« s^h^m aiB raobi32 3iuifin sldBiuoYBtnu ns, lo t'lsva 240 SOCIETY-MEETINGS. O that all with us might prove The t'ellovvshij) ot saints ! Find supplied, in Jesu's love, What every member wants ! Grasp we our high-calling's prize,^ Feel our sins (\n earlh forgiv'n ! Rise, in his wliole image rise, And meet our Head in heav'n !" When we consider the cementing tendency — the uniting influence — of these meetings, and these hymns, need we be surprised. Madam, at the union and increase of the Wesleyan Me- thodists? Here is every thing to warm the imagination — to inspire the aft'ections — to en- gage the heart. All the generous passions of the soul, and all the tender sympathies of love, are liere invited to share the sweets of benevo- lence— the mystic pleasures of devotion — the alluring anticpations of futurity, accompanied by the rapturous delights of present enjoyment, and the upiokling influence of social inter- course. PI'jw iar tliese apparent enjoyments are actually realized by the Methodists, I will in- quire, when I come to treat of their general character. In the mean time, I cannot lielp observin;^, on this occasion, the strong propen- sity to amplification, liyperbole, and exaggera- tion, which some of the younger preachers often manifest at a society-meeting. SOCIETI -MEETINGS. 241 I have already said, that one part of the bu- siness of these meetings, is to relate to the people what information may have been ob- tained concerning the state of the connexion in distant towns, or in other countries. So desirous are the preachers of having it un- derstood that the cause in which they are en- gaged is always in a thriving, flourishing state; and at the same time, so natural is it for a man to believe whatever he wishes to be true, that a little amplification — a slight degree of eaHj^a colouring, is sometimes thought to be almost allowable, when a preacher is relating the state of religion, and the increase of its votaries. Such a practice, hovv^ever, so nearly resembles lying for God, and doing evil that good may come, that I am sure the preachers, as a body, . do by no means encourage it. This foolish propensity has been observed even by Mr. Wesley himself; and he has more than once been under the necessity of checking it among his preachers. Dr. Whitehead, also, seems to have witnessed someUiing of this disposition, towards enlargement of description in the Methodist preachers. , But I will press this matter no farther. — Tiiough I have often witnessed its existence with sorrow^ I should hope it is not tcry common. It is a weak and childish pract 242 SOCIETY-MEETINGS. t'lce, unbecoming tlie character of a man and a Christian ; and to which the Methodists, of all others, have the. least occasion to re- sort. The society-meetings end with singing; and it not unfrequently happens that several find peace on those occasions. Often do I reflect with no small pleasure on the ecstatic joy I have felt on hearing the accounts at a society-meeting. It was delight- ful to anticipate an approaching INIillennium — to see the period at hand, when war and tumult, sin and misery, shall no longer desolate the eartli ; when universal peace, charity, and good-will shall be established among man- kind ; when the whole race of men shall rally round the standard of Methodism, and every one, laying aside his prejudices, and his pride, shall exclaim — ''This people shall be my people, and their God my God !" " O Jesus ! ricte on, till all arc subdued ; Thy mercy make known, and sprinkle thy blood I Display thy salvation, and teach the new song To every nation, and people, and tongue !" " How pleasant and sweet. In his name when we meet, SOCIETY-MEETIXGS. 243 Is his fruit to our spiritual taste ! We are banqueting here. On angelical cheer, And the joys that eternally last !" Such, iVIadam, are tlie effects — such the in- vigorating sensations — produced at a meeting oi' the society. I am, &c. r2 244 LETTER XXV. Of the Quarterly Visitation of the Classes. DEAR MADAM, In the year 1742, commenced the quarterly vi- sitation of all the classes. Mr. Wesley gives the following account of this visitation: — *'As the society increased, I found it re- quired still greater care to separate the precious from the vile. In order to this, I determined, at least once in three months, to talk with every inemher myself, and to inquire at their own mouths, as well as of their leaders and neigh- bours, whether they grew in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ? At these seasons, I likewise particularly inquire, whether there be any misunderstandings or differences among them ? that every hindrance of peace and brotherly love may be taken out of the way. VISITATION, &c. 245 '* To each of those, of whose seriousness and good conversation I found no reason to doubt, I gave a testimony under my own hand, by writing their name on a ticket prepared for that purpose; every ticket implying as strong a re- commendation of the person to whom it was given, as if I had wrote at length—" I believe the bearer hereof to be one that fears God and works righteousness." " Those who bore these tickets (these 2y/xCoXa, or Tesserce, as the ancients termed them ; being of just the same force with the Im'^oXou av^xriKoi, commendatory Utters^ mentioned by the apostle), wherever they came, were acknowledged by their brethren, and received with all cheerful- ness. These were likewise of use in other re- spects. By these it was easily distinguished when the society were to meet apart, who were members of it, and who not. These also sup- plied us with a quiet and inoffensive method of removing any disorderly member. He has no new ticket at the quarterly visitation (for so often the tickets are changed) ; and hereby it is immediately known that he is no longer of this community." That you may understand this very excellent regulation still more clearly, I here lay before you an exact representation of two of these tickets, viz. the common, or class-ticket, and a ticket for those who meet in band ; premising 246 VISITATION that the alphabetical letter, and the texts of scripture, are varied on every renewal of the tickets. A CLASS-TICKET. A Band-ticket. March, 1S07. ..>>-"«V"0""0"-d"«O--«» •-<>•••<►•-< 1" That which yc have already hold fast till I come. Rev. ii. 25. M. J— N—' March, 1 807. Thou art all fair, my love, there is no spot in thee. Song or Sol. iv. 7. M. b. M—N— »..»>-.0..«0""<»'-<»~0-"<>-"0»"0"»<«.. 41 ..>>™0»-©....0.-.0-"0~«--d-<>--«<" *■ These tickets are printed at the Conference- office, North-green, Worship-street, and are re- gularly sent to every town and village in the United Kingdoms which contains a Methodist society. '] lit classes being now very numerous in al- most every Tuwn in the kingdom, ii has becfjmc l^eces^aly for the preacher to notify from the j>ulpit, some time before the visitation, the par- ticular days on whic h he pioposes to meet each of them severally. Accordingly, at the appoint- OF THE CLASSES. 247 ccI time, two, three, or more, of the classes, with their respective leaders, are convened at the ciiapel vestry, and, after singiug and prayer, the preacher proceeds to receive the testimony of every individual present. He inquires how their souls prosper ; what advancement they make in the divine life ; or what occasion there may be for correction and reproof, or for the ex- pulsion of any of the members. While the member is answering his interro- gatories, he writes his or her name on the ticket, and in a very solemn monner presents it^ with the requisite advice, &c. &c. For these tickets, the members are expected to pay about sixpence each, more or less, as may suit their several inclinations or circum- stances. In answer to a question, proposed the last conference, respecting further regulation in the financial affairs, they say, " We earnestly re- commend to all our societies, a strict compli- ance with that original rule of Methodism, which requires that each member shall pay, for the support of the work, at least one penny per week, and one shilling per quarter." It has hitherto escaped my observation, that it is an original rule of Methodism, for each member to pay, at least, one shilling per quarter, in addi- tion to the weekly class-money and such other contributions as the stated and contingent col- 248 VISITATIOSf lections in the chapels may demand. A rule of Methodism i:s a law of conference. This money is received by the preacher, and is afterwards deposited in the hands of the stew- ards, who are the treasurers of the society. *' Now, Jesu, now thy love impart, To govern each devoted heart, And fit us for thy will ! Deep fouudtd in the truth of grace, Build up thy rising church, and place The city on the hill." Now, Madam, should you hereafter be dis- posed to visit a Metl'.odist chapel, and after the sermon is ended, should hear the minister en- tertain his audience for live or ten minutes, with a long list of names and dates, you will not be entirely ignorant of what is about to be trans- acted, when you hear him proclaim — " On Sun- day, the day of , immediately after morning preaching, I shall meet the following classes: Brother J.'s, Brother N.'s, and Brother W/s. After the noon preaching, Brother D.'s, Brother R.'s, and Brother F.'s two classes. On Sunday, the day of , imme- diately after evening preaching. Brother B. will meet Si-.ter A.'s, Sister L.'s, and Sister B.'s classes," &c. &c. &c. I say. Madam, ou these occasions, you will hereafter be less y^^/^e/j/ and impatient during this ceremony, because you OF THE CLASSES. 249 will be better acquainted witii the nature and meaning ot the long bead-rolls to which your attention will be called, after having heard a pressing Methodist sermon. It were to be wished the Methodists could select a more convenient season for tliese adver- tisements, than after th.eir public services of preaching, &c. It is certainly very disagreeable to strangers, to be condemned either to leave the chapel before the benediction, or to wait while the minister reads a long list of names and appointments, in which no one besides him- self and his brethren is in the least interested. This is peculiarly distressing, when it occurs on a cold winter's day, and, as is very commonly the case, when the strangers, sitting in the vi- cinity of the door, are nearly starved. It hap- pens too, sometimes, that they are faither morti- fied by the additional interruption of half a do- zen written notes of request from the sick, or of thanksgiving from the recovered. And when to all this is added one or two proclamations, that Brother intends, God willing, to preach a funeral or charity sermt)n that day week, at Widow 's, in , or Brother 's, in , the ceremony becomes absolutely intolerable, and is sometimes productive of much confusion and impatience. All tl^se concurring hindrances happening on a U0'( ^ii- 250 VISITATION, &C. collection-night, would exhaust the patience of the most foihearing. The distribution of tickets, and the quarterly- visitations, are, however, among the wisest and most politic institutions in the Methodist eco- nomy. I much question whether Solon himself ever made a wiser law, or Lycurgus devised a better statute. But, as the Wesleyans sing — " Except the Lord conduct the plan, The best concerted schemes are vain, And never can succeed." I am, &Cc 251 LETTER XXVL Of Preaching, &^c. zvUJl Specimens. DEAR MADAM, I HAVE now described to you, in as clear and impartial a manner as I am able, almost all the different modes of worship or religious service which obtain in the Methodist connexion. On the two ordinances of baptism, and the Lord's supper, I have been silent, as those institutions are not observed in any manner peculiar to this people; neither are they, as yet, universally ad- ministered in the Methodist chapels. It only remains for me, on this head, to give you some account of their manner of conducting the con- stant public service of preaching, &c. The mode of conducting divine worship a- mong the Methodists, is of all others the most regular and simple. If their plan be defective 552 PREACHING, See. in any point, it is in not having the scriptures read to the people. This certainly ought never to be dispensed with. In every other respect, it is impressive and engaging in the highest de- gree. Here is no pomp ; no idle parade; no vain shew of unmeaning ceremonies, nor irksomeness of tedious liturgies ; all is simple and intelligible, agreeai)le to the easy decorum and decent order of a Christian temple, and a spiritual* worship. It is not the least of its recommendations, that, although musical instruments are not generally permitted in a Alethodist chapel to divert the attention from the inward contemplation of di- vine and spiritual pleasures, the charms of vocal melody warm the zeal, and animate the spirits, of the numerous worshippers. Hence it is, in a great degree, that the meeting-houses of the Me- thodists are always so well attended by hearers. Thousands, I make no doubt, repair to the meeting, as well as to the church, *' Not for the worship, but the music there." Public worship is begun by singing; the hymns being given out, line by line, by the preacher. After singing follows prayer; then singing again ; to which succeeds an extempore sermon; after this another hymn is sung; and the service is finally concluded by prayer, and PREACHING, &C. 253 the customary benediction. The whole service usually lasts about an hour in the morning ; at noon, and in the evening, about an hour and a half. This, however, depends much upon the prudence, the zeal, the modesty, or the loqua- city, of the preacher. I have known the con- gregation kept in pain more than two hours. This service of the Wesleyans is, however, upon the whole, shorter and more simple than that of the Whitefieldians, or Calvinists, whose preach- ers are usually extremely tiresome. Mr. Adam Clarke, in his admirable " Letter to a Methodist Preacher," gives his brethren the following advice on this subject: " In whatever way you handle your text, take care when you have exhausted the matter of it, not to go over it again. Apply every thing of importance as you go along; and when you have done, learn to make an end. It is not essential to a sermon, that it be half an hour or an hour Ions:. Some preach more in ten minutes than others do in sixty. At any rate, the length of time spent in preaching, can never compensate for the want of matter; and the evil is double, when a man brings forth little, and is long about it. There are some who sing long hymns, and pray long prayers, merely to fill up the time : this is a shocking profanation of these sacred ordinances, and has the most direct tendency to bring them into contempt. If they are of no more import- 254 SPECIMENS. ance to the preaclier, or liis work, than merely to fill up the time, the people act wisely, who stay at home an'd mind their business, till the time in which the sermon commences. Have you never heard the following observation ? — * You need not be in such haste to go to the chapel : you will be time enough to hear the sermon, for Mr. X. Y. always sings a long Iiymn, and makes a long prayer." This is ex- cellent counsel, Madam ; but the Methodist preachers do not always attend to it. Many of the Methodist preachers shew consi- derable acuteness in the choice, and dexterity in the elucidation of their text. I have known the most quaint and out of the way passages chosen for the subject of a Methodist sermon. Such as, " Set on the great pot," — " Two legs and a piece of an ear,''&c. Mr. Clarke mentions tVN'o of his colleagues, *'who trifled away the whole year in this way." " Their texts," says he, " v/cre continually such as these: 'Adam, M'heie art thou?' — ' I have somevrhat to say unto thee.' — 'Ifthou wilt deal justly and truly with my master, tell me.' — ' 1 have put off my coat, how shall I [)ut it on r' — 'Thy mouth is most sweet,' 8:c." " These solemn triflers," adds Mr. Clarke, " did no good ; and they are both, long since, fallen away." This oentleman seems to be aware of the fact, that many of these '* solemn triflers" are still re- SPECIMENS. 255 maining among the Methodists. It would be much to the credit of their cause, were they all " fallen away." Notwithstanding Mr. Clarke's advice, many of his brethren still assume an air of importance while in the pulpit; and have many fantastic attitudes ; being still afflicted with that species o^ paralysis termed St. Vitus's dajice, as is evi- dent from their queer iioddings, i^idiculous stoop- ings, and erections of the body, skipping from one side to the other of the desk, knitting their brows ; with other theatrical and foppisli airs. Yea, many do still flourish their handkerchiefs, and gaze about upon the congregation, before they begin their work. They still wliisper in the beginning of their prayer, storm and bellow in the middle, and scream towards the end ; al- v/ays, however, losing their fervour when they come to repeat tl.e Lord's prayer. Neither has this worthy and sensible man been more successful in reclaiming his fellow- labourers from the weak and childish practice of interlarding their discourses with quotations from the poets. To this practice, you, Madam, would probably have no objection; especially when you found that the muses had the merit of all that is really excellent in the discourse, to the aid of which they are only dragged in as Qmamental auxiliaries. 25() SPECIMENS. The last time I had the honour of hearing a sermon by Mr. Benson, one of their most popu- lar preachers, 1 could not help remarking, that Thomson, Young, Blair, and Charles Wesley, contril)utcd as much, or more, to that discourse, as the writers of the four gospels, or even St. Paul himself It is true, Mr. Benson spouted Avell,' and his favourite authors were introduced willi spirit and grace. I must, however, be al- lowetl 10 conjecture, that ndien Thomson wrote "The Seasons," Young "The Night Thoughts," and Blair " The Grave," none of them dixajiicd, poets as they were, that they were at that time composing Methodist sermons. Mr. Clarke very properly cautions his brethren against the common practice of treating a sub- ject "negatively and positively;" of "shewing jiei^ativch/ what a thing is 7wt,'' and adduces the foUovviiig instances of this injudicious mode of I'andling lliC word of God, whicli he says have come v.'iihin the compass of his own observation. *' A gentleman took for his text, Isa. xxviii. \6. * He that believeth shall not make haste.' On this he preached iic'O sermons. His (iivision was as follows : ' I shall llrst prove that lie who be- lieveth shall make haste : and, 2dly, Shew in •wh.at sense he tliat bclievelh^/M// not make haste." On the first, which was a fiat contradiction to the text, he spent more than an hour: and the 4. SPECIMENS. ^57 Congregation were obliged to wait a whole month before he could coraie back to inform them, that he who believeth shall not mak& haste."'' " Another took his text from Psalm xxxiv. 19. * Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but God delivereth him out of them all' His divi- sion was as follows : ' In handling this text, I will first prove, that there is none righteous: gdly, That the afflictions of the righteous are many : and, 3dly, That the Lord delivereth them out of them all !" I myself knew an instance of this kind, and from this very text, with only a slight variation in the words of the division. My champion, 1. Enumerated the troubles of the righteous: 2dly, Proved " there is none righteous, no not one:" and, 3dly, Shewed how the Lord de- livereth them out of them all ! *^ x\nother took Luke, xii. 32. * Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.' In opposition to the letter of this text, the preacher laboured to prove, that the flock of Christ is not a little, but a very large flock : and in order to do this, brought in multitudes of pious heathens, vast numbers who sought and found mercy in their last hour, together with myriads of infants, idiots, &c," s 25^ SPECIMENS. Instances of such glaring absurdity are not, however, very common; and when they do oc- cur, they are chiefly among the local-preachers, or the very young and very aged travelling- preachers. A disposition to allegorize and spiritualize the most plain and obvious texts, is not very uncom- mon with the Methodist preachers. I was informed a few years ago, by a very re- spectable and M'orthy gentleman, who was then, and is now, a preacher among the Wesleyan Me- thodists, that a certain preacher did actually al- legorize that passage in the 2 Kings, iv. 38. " Set on the great pot,"' something in the fol- lowing manner: The pot itself is the church — the meat in the pot, the word of God — and the broth the grace of God ! After having en- larged on these several heads, the preacher, in imagination and gesture, turned the pot upside clown, and from the circumstance of its having three feet, placed in a triangular direction, took occasion thence to demonstrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity ! I could enumerate a variety of similar in- stances ; but 1 fear the disclosure would give pain to the minds of those preachers who so much despise this practice. They, however, are not themselves at all times over delicate in their representations and exposures; and 1 ho- SPECIMENS. 259 Hour them for it : let them go on, until the *' solemn triflers," are gone to rest with their forefathers, the allegorizers of the sixteenth cen* tury. Some of the preachers, who, though more ju- dicious in the choice of texts, and more rational in their explications, are nevertheless too much disposed to eke out a text into several divisions and subdivisions — to wire-draw and distort a passage, till every word, and almost every letter, like the well- known sermon on the word MALT, is made the subject of a division. — ■ From numerous instances which have fallen within the compass of my own observation, the two following shall suffice: Ezek. xviii. 31. *' Why will ye die?" Divided as follows; Why will ye die ? — Why will ye die ? — Why will ye die ? Again : Rev. iii. 20. '' Behold, I stand at the door and knock : if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and Vvill sup with him, and he with me." Divided as follows: (1.) Behold! (2.) 7 (3.) stand at t\\Q {i^.) door and {5.) knock; if (6.) any mzxi hear my (7.) voice, and (S.) open the door, {9-) I will (10.) come in to him, and will (11.) sup with him, and (12.) he with me. These^ duly and appropriately subdivided, v.ith an exordium, application, recapitulation, and conclusion, made up a '^sermon of no contemptible dimensions. The person who thus exhibited his skill in s2 260 SPECIMENS. the rule of division, is at this time a travellinj^ preacher ! The Methodist preachers have been accused o^ always preaching so as to inspire their hearers with terror and alarm. This is rot the fact: they do often fall into the other extrenie; and keep the congregation in a constant titter, dur- ing the whole sermon. They abound in witty sayings, smart repartees, and laughable anec- dotes. Some of them are little inferior, in these respects, to those merry preachers, who so powerfully excited the risibility of the Puritans during the reign of that profligate monarch Charles II. and the hypocritical Protector, Oli- ver Cromwell. The practice of spiritual jesting, and pious punning, is, however, fast going to decline among the Wesleyan Methodists. Though some of their popular and eloquent preachers still occasionally indulge in this habit, it is not encouraged by their more serious and useful brethren. Mr Samuel Bradburn, whose powers of oratory are neither few nor small, may be ranked among those preachers who take delight in see- ing their audience merry under the word ; while Mr. Adam Clarke, whose learning, zeal, and in- defatigable industry, do honour to his sect, would rejoice to see and hear of nothing but what is serious and becoming in a Christia i mi- laister. Upon the whole, the Wesleyan preach- SPECIMENS. 261 crs seem to be transferring their wit to tlieir Calvinistic bretliren ; who, with the boisterous and intolerant joker of Surry chapel at their head, are drawina: thousands to their meetino;s by holy mirth and devout jocularity. The Annual Reviewer, to whom I alluded in a former letter, asserts that the sermons of the Methodists are " seasoned with brimstone, and glowing with hell-fire." This is not always the case ; neither are the flames of hell, and the tor- ments of the damned, resorted to so frequently as they were by some of the early preachers. — They still, however, deal pretty lar<2:ely in the terrors of the Lord ; and seek to draw back the wandering children of men to a sense of duty, by proclaiming that hell and damnation, devils and furies, brimstone and flames, tortures and torments without mitigation or end, shall ere long be commissioned by an angry God to pu- nish their numerous transgressions. That some of their sermons are still pretty higldy "seasoned," the following quotations fully demorstrate. " A damned spirit" — " a devil damned," " in the abyss of perdition, in the burning pool, which spouts cataracts of fire 1" *' Sinners may lose their time in disputing against the rert/zVy of heil-fire, till awakened to a sense of their folly, by finding themselves plunged into what God calls ' the lake that burns with fire and brimstone.' Many are desirous oi stein ^^ an 1 262 SPECIMENS. inhabitant of the other world, or tliey wish to converse witli one to know what passes there. Curiosity and infidehty are as insatiable as they are unreasonable. Here, however, God steps out of the common way to indulge them. You wish to see a disembodied spirit ? Make way ! Here is a damned soul, which Christ has evoked from the hell of fire! Hear him! Hear him tell of his torments! Hear him utter his anguish ! Listen to the siiihs and groans which are wrung from his soul by the tortures he endures ! Hear him asking for a drop of wa- ter to cool his burning tongue ! Telling you that he is tormented in that flame ; and warn- ing you to repent, that you come not into that place of torture ! How solemn is this warning ! How awful this voice !" " Hear the grcans of this damned soul, and be alarmed !'' Well, Madam, what think you ? Have the Methodists forgotten to " ■ deal damnation round the land V But what will you say, when I inform you, that the foregoing specimens are extracted from a sermon, on Dive« and Lazarus, jirinted the very last year, and written by Mr. Adam Clarke ! ! Loudly alarming as tbe language in these short extracts may appear, I do assure you, Madam, they SPECIMENS. 263 are gentle as the vernal spring, refreshing as the cooling breeze, and lulling as the gurgling ri- vulet, when compared to those thunderbolts of everlasting vengeance, which a certain method- istical Doctor sometimes hurls at the devoted heads of the poor Arians and Socinians ! This little man, with the most barefaced ef- frontery, and in direct opposition to all truth, common sense, decency, religion, and even the express rules of his own society, embraces every opportunity to make the pulpit a vehicle of abuse and insult, especially when what he chooses to call Arianism and Socinianism are concerned. The fourth clause in the 2i)th section of the General Minutes (Rules of Conference), express- ly provides, that " No person (among the Me- thodists) shall call another heretic, bigot, or any other disrespectful name, on any account, for a difference in sentiment." And in the third clause of Addenda to the 36th section, called " a Plan of General Pacification," it is said, " We (the Methodist preachers) all agree, that the pulpit shall not be made the vehicle of abuse." These identical rules and prohibitions are signed Tho- mas Coke, Secretary!!! As some extenuation, however, of the pious and consistent Doctor's conduct, I must not forget to inform you, that Arianism is expressly mentioned in these Miiiutes, ^s being a '* pernicious doctrine ;" and that the 264 SPECIMENS. 43 1 St hymn, in the Large Hymn Booh, contains the following very liberal and pious peti- tions : ** O ! might the blood of sprinkling cry, For those who spurn the sprinkled blood ; Assert thy glorious Deity ! Stretch out thy arm, thou Triune God, The Unitarian fiend expel, And chace his doctrine back to hell 1" So that, every thing considered, the good Doc- tor is not so highly culpable as one might at the first imagine. And he no doubt thinks he is doing God service, by thus damning the poor Unitarians. 'Ibis being the case, I do not ex- pect the excellent Letter, lately addressed to him, by the Rev. Job David, of I'aunton, will have any very salutary effect; more especially as his intolerant abuse is kept in countenance by the oratorical railing of Mr. Bradburn, and the declamatory powers, and even active eaer- tioris, of the Editor of the Methodist Maga- zine " Where is the man, who, prodigal of mind. In one wide wish (m braces human kind ? All pride of sects, all party zeal above, Whose guide is reason, and whose God is love, Fair naturj's friend, a foe to fraud and art — Where is the man, so welcome to my heart !" La.nghoknb. SPECIMENS. 265 Were I here to close my description, I am persuaded you "would never, on any account, enter the door of a Methodist chi'pel. But as that would be an effect ic is not my wish to pro- di'ce, I gladly call your attention to the favour- able side of the picture. When, Madam, you wish to see the most im- portant of all concerns engaged in with ardour iand seriousness — wlien you feel yourself weary of the toil and drudgery of life, yet are still chnging to the soil from whence grou s all your cares — when you would have your heart en- gaged, and your soul warmed with the love of religion, and the beauty of holiness — when you feel a more than ordinary hatred of moral evil, ?ind wi^h to sec the nionster depicted and ex- posed in all its hideous deformity^ go to a Me- thodist chapel. See the zeal of the Wesleyans -^^listen to the representations of a bli^sfid fu- turity— let all within you admire the union, the love, and affection, of those who are inquir- ing the way to Zion, with their faces thitlter- ward ! I do not say you would not find these incentives to virtue and holiness at any other place of Christian worship, or that you actually require them ; but this 1 do say, that no body of Christians are more earnestly an.; tion ;with the leaders'; meeting: the nomina-T tiog^l^ -be : in th^; , stiijeriiiteiidanl, and the a^)^ CHURCH-OFf'ICERS. 273 probation or disapprobation to be in the leaders' meeting. ** Let the leaders frequently meet each others classes. " Let us observe which of the leaders are most useftd, and let these meet the other classes a^ often as possible." These officers are, for the most part, chosen from among* the brethren ; there are, however, not a few class-leaders in the sisterhood. The class-leaders are the body-politic ; the great representatives of the people ; and a» you will have already observed, they are the pringi- pal tax-gatherers in the Methodist government. That they are, therefore, of infinite importance to the cause, is very evident. An insurrection among the leaders would be attended with fatal consequences to Methodism. Out of this body are often chosen the local-preachers ; a species of officers in the Wesleyan church which I must next attempt to describe. In the early days of Methodism, all the lay- preachers might be called local-preachers ; for by this term is meant, in their vocabulary, all those preachers who follow some secular em- ployment for their livelihood ; receiving no re- muneration at all for their ministerial services. These men are consequently employed on Sun- days only, «xcept. where the we^k-night preach- T f74 CHURCH-OFFIdXES. ing hiippeos to be in the vicinity of their resi* dence._ ,» ,_. ^ Their call to the ministerial office is both in- ward and outward ; the process being generally carried on somewhat in the following manner ; After a person has been a regular member for ^ome time, if he possesses a tolerable share of boldness, and can speak with moderate fluency before a number of persons at a prayer-meeting ; and especially if he be successful in making converts, it not unfrequently happens that a suggestion will arise in his mind, of his being called to preach the gospel. This, at first, is but a faint and transient thought, which vanishes on the least exertion of rational consideration. If the person thus acted upon be of rather a ti- morous disposition, or if he have a considerable share of natural modesty, the first thoughts of his becoming a preacher are repelled as sugges- tions of the devil, who thus seeks to draw him away from the humble simplicity of the gospel; and desires to raise him up, that he may cast him down with greater force. If, however, the man's exejtion in the prayer-meetings, or at class, are still attended with success, the in- ward motions to become a preacher will grow upon him ; they will return with redoubled .strength on every repjclling attack of reason, ti- mprousness, or modesty. These thoughts will tHukcH-OF^lCERS. 2^ cause him to he still more active in the way of exhortation, advice, &c. He will try his strength in the way of reproof, wherever he has an oppor- tunity ; on some occasions the reproofs will have the desired effect in the conversion of the sin- ner; on others, they will re-act upon himself^ in quite a contrary manner, and bring upon him a greater or a less degree of persecution. In whatever way his reproofs operate, they tend to strengthen the thoughts of his having a call. If he is successful in his feeble attempts upon Cithers, that is a sure iiidicatfon that he was so employed by the motions of God's good Sjjirif, who speaks ih him to the convinced siiincr. If his reproofs produce an unfavourable effect, he remembers tliat the true prophets of the Lord must expec't' the' buffetings of the enemy • and that to siiffer'persecutio'n is a^'^sure ba'^ge of dis- (bipleship, as Well as astrongniark of a true call to the ministry. ' ' ' It will often happen^" thafsbhib 6n''6 bir,otliet, seeirig the zeal and useftilness of this brottfef, will'liM' ta liim/ that God' lias'^very lit^fely iliore work for'hitn^o do in his vineyard. Tins is very o^teti enough^— this gives the final blow t6 all the revoltings of worldly prudence ^nd • carnal reasbii5 ^^^^^^^^^^^ XP^^ °'^^^^^- ^^^ If, however^ some doubts should still remain u{)oii his milid, they are removed, either by sjoiiie T 2 276 REMARK ABLE DREAM. extraordinary dream, or by his having some text of serijjture applied to his vihid, in a very power- ful manner: such as — " Woe is me if I prea^'h not the gospel ;" " Go ye out into the highways and liefiges, and conipel them to come in;" " Behold I send you out as sheep amopg wolves," &c. &c. Accidentally to open upon. a text of this nature is a good prognostic of fu- ture public service in the church. As I have mentioned dreams being some- times employed to thrust labourers into the vine- yard, I may be allowed to mention a case in point Some time after 1 first joined the so- ciety of Methodists, I was induced, after a thou- sand inward conflicts, which affected my health not a little, to yield to the pressing solicitations of some of the brethren, and to try my powers of extemporaneous effusion, before a very crowd- ed audience;, but not succeeding exactly as I wished (though some of my friends told me it was only the pride of nature and the tempta- tions of the devil), I resolved to make no far- ther attempts; until some time after, I went to hear a Mr. Thomas Wood, one of the travelling "preachers, who assured me, in the presence of two or three others, that a few nights prior to 'his having seen me for the first time, at the -preaching, he had dreamed, that a young man, of my name, had lately been converted to, God among the Methodists ; that this young man REMARKABLE DIlEABf. 277 vi'^s possessed of considerable talents ; had, be- fore his conversion, been led to entertain some very erroneous opinions ; and that he was be- come a preacher of the gospel ! — This appeared very extraordinary ; and what seemed to me to confirm the truth of Mr. Wood's statement, was his actually calling me by my name, and appear- ing to know my person, although 1 was certain he could never before have seen me ; and he de- clared that no one had told him my name. "• Can you wonder. Madam, that after this, your humble servant should soon become a Me- thodist preacher ? But you will ask me, if I now believe the facts asserted by Mr. Wood ? I answer, I certainly do. I\ir. \Vood is a man of some learning, of unimpeachable integrity; and so much was he at that time averse to the en- thusiasm of some of the people, that 1 have often heard it asserted of him, that he was a back- slider in heart — a mere formalist, without any of the true spirit of revival. This gentleman is still living. 1 sau^ him a Yew years ago at Manches- ter, where, l)efore several of the preachers, he mentioned his extraordinary dream. You will smile at my credulity; but 1 find an insuperal)le objection to believe that Mr. Wood is capable of any species of known falsehood. And alter all, the thing is not so wonderful as to reader the belief of it impossible. 2t8 DiFFiJDtrsrcE. OF some men. AllcJi'eains are more or less defective. In one instance, Mr. Wood's was particularly so: his young man possessing "very considerable ta- lents." In every other respect his ramhlings of fancy were tolerably correct : fori had formerly entertained a very strong prejudice against the truth of Christianity ; and, at the time of the clream, had been recently converted to JMf- thociism. 1^6 aoH '^--^^igfyr^^s ? «8^bfoc| A young man, wha formerly resided at my house in the country, was strongly convinced that he was called to preach the gospel ; but be?: ing of an uncommonly timid disposition, as well as of a most unpromising address, he was never able to break through his timidity and basJiiuJr ness ; so that he actually threw himself into a consumption, and died in the work house, in the most abject state of poverty and distress. He was a virtuous and worthy young man ; but so much Mas he harassed with what he conceived to be an inward call to the ministry, that I have known him, after a restless and sleepless night, to tlirow himself across the bed, and there to lie, groaning and bemoaning his S^ ant of resolution the whole of the day. *' Lord, ^I am not eloquent !" — " Send me not against this pe*^ple;" was his constant cry. But the more he sought to get rid of these impressions, the stronger they grew upon lum; untii it becaii^ie impossible for Lim to attend to his 4)usiness, and he left my house to go to his own town, where he soon sunk under the weight of his conflicts. Many of the Methodists are not, however, so backward to do the Lbrd's work : the sHghtest impulse, and the most distant encouragement, will cause some of them to stand forward with fc>oldness ; saying, — " Here ajn I, Lord, seit^ jfne!" "" -C'-Y .r-;;!: .^ :••■*':■■:> A iiv Tlie society are prudent enough not to accept the overtures of every one who may think he has the inward call; he must also have the outward call, or he is nv true i»inis|e* of Christ. .-:- 'L:.: -1 ;:":., n The following are the rules respecting local preachers: — ugjioaf mi 3d J ^ " Cf the hocal'PreacherSj and their Meetings,. ■* 1. The superintendant shall regularly meet .the local preachers once a quarter, and no per- son shall receive a plan as a local preacher, nor JoQ suffered to preach among us as such., without -the approbation of that meeting,! Ojt, if in any dcircuit a regular local-preaphers' meeting paunot -be held, they shall be .pKO^^ed ^and app-roy^^^ '280 LOCAL- PREACHERS. ■at the general quarterly-meeting of the. cir- cuit. . , •'if^^^-2. All local-preachers sliall meet in class. No exception shall be made in respect to any •who have been travelling preachers in former years. " 3. Let no local-preacher, who will not meet in class, or who is not regularly planned by the superintendant of the circuit where he re- sides, be permitted to preach. ,3 *' 4. Let no local-preacher be permitted to ■preach in any other circuit than his own, with- out producing a recommendation from the su- perintendant of that circuit in which he lives ; nor suffer any invitation to be admitted as a plea, except from men in office, who act in con- junction with the superintendant of that cirr cuit which he visits. ^a'T^'^5. Let no local-preacher keep love-feasts, without the consent of the superintendant, nor in any wise interfere with his business. Let every one keep in his own place, and attend to the tluties of his station. :^ " 6. No preacher who has been suspended or expelled, shall, on any account, be employed as a local-preacher, without the authority of Conferenee." /.o iijii? Though some of the local- preachers are ex* trcmely ignorant, they are, npon the whole, a 'i»ilo Y'fT/ odv/ bnc „ ^^iiom-ii'Aiio ^IA'^tn imli LO C A L r PJiE'A C H ERS. useful and valuable body of men;. 2ui?ttbef^ a«e gradually improving in point of learning raittl abilities. I know one, however, at this . time, M'ho very lately knew not the use. of a common English dictionary; nay, there are some among them, I believe, that cannot-read at all. .riS')'^ '■■- The respectable local- preachers by no means despise human learning, nor neglect to avail themselves of every opportunity ot" cultivating it. From a tolerably extensive acquaintance .with these men, I am well persuaded, that as they are more independent, so are they-morje useful in spreading the name, and promoting the influence, of Methodism, than even the tra- velling preachers themselves ; who, many of them, to their great shame be it spoken, often act as if they affected to despise them. In thp circuit where I last resided, it was agreed, that when a local- preacher had an appointment which led him to the distance of six miles from his own home, he should be allowed what would defray the expense of horse-hire, &c. Buti(-9,« this money was to be raised by a subscription in the poor country places, to he made by the local preachers themselves, it almost ^l>^a-yis happened that these gentlemen had iod^fray their own costs ; as they had not sufBciewt; jiti)- pudenee to levy contributions upon the peo|)lv, wb6 they knew could scarcely afford to pay their weekly class-money ; and who very oi'teu fS2 LOCAL-l'REACHERS. had been pretty well drained by the travelling- preachers, by collections on sundry occasions, which I will explain to you in a future Letter. 1 do not koow what are the regulations in other towns ; but in the circuit to which I am allud- ing, if most of tlie local-preachers were not men of some little property, and very willing to con- tribute every thing in their power to the cause in which they are engaged, both travelling and every other kind of preaching among the Me- thodists, would very speedily be at an end. I would hope some more equitable mode of pro- ceeding has since been adopted. When it is considered that many of the local- preachers are not at all inferior tp their travel- ling brethren, either in zeal, piety, usefulness, or learning, it is a most flagrant abridgment of their Christian liberty, as well as an insult to their character and judgment, that they are ne- ver, on any account, admitted into the sanctum sancforum — a yearly conference. ^ > >>«• > The travelling-preachers have, doubtless^ goo4 and sufficient reason for thus shutting the con- ference doors aga|nst their local brethren ; lest, therefore it should be imperiously and pettishly ^demanded of me,. as it is of the Annual Reviewer^ respecting Kings wood-school — " What right liave you, Sir, to meddle about the rules of con- ference?"— I jwill say no more on this, priestly iaw. I must", ho)\^ever, be permitted to add, that EXTRACT, &e. .. 29$ in an address to conference, written by one of the local preachers a few'^ years ago, it is asserted ihat they (the travelHng preachers) are extreme- ly God-Hke — their ways, in many instances, be- ing pdst finding out. From the body of local-preachers are chosen the travelling, or, as a country friend of mine used to call them, the gentlemen preachers. 1 will close this account of the local preacher* with one or two extracts from a publication en- titled, " The Methodist Monitor," published in the year 1796. fo^r 4 '' There seems something contaminating in the ministry. While a man follows a lawful trade, and preaches the gospel among us, he re- mains on a level with his brethren. But take a faumber of persons of this character, from a va- riety of places, and let them travel in union xnth the itinerant preachers, and you will soon per- ceive what rapid progress the spirit of priest- craft generally makes in their hearts. Theit may be exceptions. Some think them but few."' -.3 •>nfe ■J' *' At present, they (the local preachers) go to break up new ground, as it is called, and after they get a congregation established, and see ^bnie fruit of their labour, the travelling-preach- ers are introduced, and form classes immediate- ly. A great number of places have been opened this way. Willi propriety they might say, *We 2 ig'84 EXTRACT FROM THE 1f^aVe'i'i%^i!?df^.''aiid tliey Ikivc entered into the fruits of cur la'ionvs.* '"^^I'f would be in;possible to support the cause without local-preachers. 'Ihtv aie numerous in many circuits, and all eni]>l<>yed. They |)reach a great deal more than tlie circuit preacliers. If it were not for their labours, the people would be in a very trying situation." " If matters were brought to this alternative, that either the travelling or the local preachers must he parted with, it Mould be easy to deter- mine which could be best spared. The people would suiTer no loss, comparatively speaking, by all the travelling preachers being dismissed, from what they would sustain by all the local preach- ers being silenced ; because it woubl be easy to fill up the places of the former out of the body of the latter, with men every way as acceptable preachers, and for considerable less expense. Because, if they were ever s») disposed, it would be several years before they becau'C as much ef- feminate— as afraid to go out in a stormy day — as indiiferent about supplying the circuit — as expensive in their houses, kc. — or, to speak all in one word, as much gentlemen as many of ihe travelling- preachers are.' I do both hope and believe, that some of the insinuations in the latter part of this extract are both illiberal and unjust. This writer, consider- ing St. Paul as a kind of Methodist local preach- METHODIST MONITOR. 285 cr, thus indulges his fancy in describing . liim and his labours : — . , ' , " I often fancy in my own mind, when St. Paul first went to Athens, that he had not a good coat to put on, nor was he able to appear de- cent in public without his cloak ; which he.oncip forgot, and desired his son in the gospel to bring to him. With a knapsack on his shoulders, fdled with tools for making tents, his books, and provisions, he entered that populous city. Having just as much in his purse as would pay for his lodgings that night, and as much bread, &c. in his scrip, as served for his breakfast, he was obliged to look out for a job of tent-making or mending, to keep body and soul together. After he had been sweating at work, as he re- turned to his lodging, he saw an inscription upon one of their altars — ' To the Unknown God.' While he refreshed himself with the fruit of the labours of the day, and performed the .other duties necessary to fit him for public com- pany, he digested his subject, and prepared to give the Athenians a lecture. He repaired to Mars-Hill, and preached to the wise philoso- .phers and others, that frequented that place. When he had finished, several were ready to dis- pute with him ; and some went so far as to pro- ,.pose giving him a second hearing; but we do BOt read of any oflFering him a night's lodging, or, .tj^ie^least refI•csl^IIle^t, , The apostle^ liowevef, £86 EXTRACT, &C. greatly rejoiced that his own hands were able to administer to his own necessities." Whether, if St. Paul were now living, he would become a local -preacher, go to dispute at the Old 'Change, or settle upon a curacy in the church of England, I will not undertake to determine; but it is evident, that every sect seems desirous of having it thought he would be on that side to which each member now at- taches himself. The local-preachers, in these kingdoms, and on the continent of America, amount to about four thousand in number. I am, &c. dVKd S'. §87 bfyovf LETTER XXrill. Of Travelling Preachers — Specimens—^' ^^ Trustees — Stewards. DEAR MADAM, During the lifetime of Mr. Wesley, such per- sons were admitted itinerant preachers as he himself might think proper to raise to that high office. His well-known credulity introduced many persons who proved a disgrace to Method- ism ; but since his decease, more caution has been observed in transplanting the brethren from their humble stations as local preachers. Still the door of Methodism is very wide, and various are the ways by which a local preacher may become an itinerant ; as the people have not the power of choosing their own ministers. The writer I quoted in my last Letter states the following ^— 288 TRAVELLING PREACHERS. " I," says he, " as an assistant, may wish to liave the honour of sending many labourers into tlie vineyard of Christ, and therefore thrust out, against the minds of the people, such men as are unfit for the work, to gratify my vanity. Or, I may like to lounge at home with my family, when I ought to go to disagreeable or distant places, and appoint a local preacher to sup])ly for me. He does it cheerfully, hoping one good turn will make way for another. When he has hacked about for me throughout the year, as a reward for his services, I get him a place among the travelling preachers, without stooping to ask at a quarterly-meeting, whether it will be suitable or not. Or, I may see a man that has not attended well to his business, and is on the border of being a bankrupt, and does not know what to turn his hand to. His pitiful stories may work upon my passions, and, without con- sulting with the people in the circuit where I la- bour, 1 may get him accepted both at the dis- trict-meeting and at tlie conference." These hindrances to a pure ministry have been in some measure removed by a law made in the year 1797, requiring every candidate to be ap- proved of at a quarterly-meeting. The follow- ing are the rules on the admission of perons to become travelling- preachers : — fRYfXG CANDIDATES, &C. ^8^ Ojfl! ?Tft?< . -' '^ - ' - '' ^^ 'Villi ^f^Ult T/ic method of trying Candidates fof*^^* '*^*' ^^ *^^^'^^ "^ the Mimstry, " Q. 3. How shall we try those who think tliey are moved by the Holy Ghost to preach the gospel ? ^' " A. Inquire, Do they know God as a par- doning God ? Have they the love of God abid- iiig in them ? Do they desire and seek nothing Biit God? And are they holy in all raianner of conversation ? Have they gifts as well as grace for the work ? Have they a clear, sound under- standing? Have they a right judgment in the tilings of God ? Have they a just conception of salvation by faith? And has God given them an acceptable way of speaking? Do they speak justly, rt-aciily, and clearly ? Have they had any fruit of their labour? Have any been truly convinced of sin, and converted to God by their preaching? >m-jDiit ■ ''■ " As long as the above marks concur in any one, we beReve he is called of God to preach. These we receive as sufficient proof, that he is' moved thereto by the Holy Ghost \\'-y^''w '* i3efGv<^ Sifiy one can be received even upon' trial among us, ft is necessary, that he should have been a member of the society for some considerable time ; that he should have acted V 290 TRYING CANDIDATES as a local-preacher ; that he should be reconi- mended by tlie quarterly-meeting to the dis- trict-meeting, and by that to the conference : and at the conference in 17.97, it was agreed, that before any superintendent propose any preacher to the conference as proper to be ad- mitted on trial, such preacher must not only be approved of at the March quarterly-meeting, but must have read and signed the General Mi- nutes, as fully approving of them. Nor must any one suppose, or pretend to think, that the conversations which have been on any of these minutes were intended to qualify them, as in the least to affect the spirit and design of them. That he should then travel four years upon trial, during which time he must not marry. And being well recommended by the people where he has laboured, and by the preachers who have laboured with him, he shall then be received into full connexion. The proper time for doing this is at a conference. After serious solemn prayer, the following questions shall be proposed to each candidate, which he shall be required to answer as in the presence of God : — " Have you a lively faith in Christ ? Do you enjoy a clear manifestation of the love of God to your soul? Have you constant power over all sin? Do you expect to be perfected in lo^ in this life? Do you really desire and earnestly seek it? Are you resolved to devote yourself FOR THE MINISTRY. 29l wholly to God, and to his work ? Do you know the Methodist plan of doctrine and discipline ? Have you read the plain account of the Me- thodists ? The appeals to men of reason and religion ? Do you know the rules of the society and of tlie bands ? Are you determined by the help of God to keep them ? Do you take no snuff, tobacco, or drams ? Have you read and seriously considered the minutes of the confer- ence ? Especially, have you considered the rules of a helper? And above all, the first, tenth, and twelfth, and will you keep them fur conscience sake? Are you determined to employ all your time in the work of God ? Will you preach every morning and evening, when opportunity serves, endeavouring not to speak too long or too loud ? "Will you diligently instruct the children where you can? Will you visit from house to house where it may be done ? Will you recommend fasting and prayer, both by precept and ex- ample ? Are you in debt ?" "Having answered the above questions to our satisfaction, we then give him the minutes of the conference inscribed thus : To A. B. " You think it your duty to call sinners to repentance. Alake full proof hereof, and we shall rejoice to receive you as a fellow-la- bourer." u2 i^92 BUSINESS OF A *' VVe have been disappointed by married preachers coming out to travel, in expectation of being themselves able to maintain their wives independently of the conference, who very soon became entirely dependent. How shall this be prevented? Let no preacher be received on this plan, unless he can bring in writing such an account of his income, signed by the super- intendent, as shall satisfy the conference. And if any person shall promise to maintain a preacher's wife, or children, he shall give a bond to the conference for the sum he intends to allow." *• Every preacher, before he is admitted into full connexion, shall write an account of his life, and give it to Mv. Story," (at that time Edi- tor of the M. Magazine). Mr. Wesley appointed one of the preachers in each circuit to assist in governing the societies in the places where they were stationed. The, other preachers were called Helpers. The assist- ant is now denominated the Superintendent. The office and duties of a superintendent arc as follow. " § V. The peculiar Business of a Superintendent. '' Q. (). What is the business of a superin- tendent ? SUPERINTENDENT. 293 '' A. To see that tlie other preachers in his twrcuit behave well, and want notliing. He should consider these (especially if they are young men), as his pupils: into whose behavi- our and studies he should frequently inquire; and at proper times shcndd ask, Do you walk closely with God? Have you now fellowship with the Father and the Son? At what liour do you rise ? Do you punctually observe the mornin"- and evenino- hour of retirement? Do you spend your time profitably? Do you con- verse seriously, usefully, and closely ? Do you use all the means of grace yourself, and enforce the use of them on all other persons? These are either instituted or prudential. *' L The instituted are these : " 1. Prayer: in private, in the family, and in public ; consisting of deprecation, petition, in- tercession and thanks^'iving;. Do you use each of tliese ? " Do you use private prayer every morning and evening at least; if you can, at six in the evening, and the hour before or after morning preaching? Do you forecast daily, wherever you are, how to secure these hours ? Do you avow it every where? Do you ask every where, Have j/oi/ family prayer ? T)o you retire at six o'clock ? '* 2. Searching the scriptures, 1, By reading constantly, some part every day, all the Bible^, 294 BUSINESS OF A in order;, carefully, seriously, and with earnest prayer, before and after, and do this fruitfidly, immediately practising what you learn there. 2, Meditating, at set times, by a fixed rule. 3, Hearing ti.e word preaclied at all opportu- nities, carefully, with earnest prayer to God for a blessing upon iiis word. Have you a New- Testament always about you ? " 3. ^J he Lord's Supper. Do you use this at every opportunity ? With solemn prayer, and witli earnest and deliberate self-devotion ? "4. Feasting. Do you fast every Friday? The neo'lect of this is sufficient to account for our feebleness and faintness of spirit. We ara continually grieving the Holy Spirit by the ha- bitual neglect of a plain duty ! Let us amend from this hour. There are several degrees of fasting which cannot hurt your health. Begin next Friday, and avow this duty wherever you go. Touch no tea, coifee, or chocolate in the morning; but if you want it a little milk, or water-gruel. Dine on potatoes ; and if you want it, eat three or four ounces of fiesh in the evening. But at other times eat no flesh-sup- pers. These exceedingly tend to breed nervous disorders. •' 5. Christian conference. Are you convinced how important, and how difficult it is to order your conversation aright ? Is it always in grace, seasoned with salt, meet to minister grace to the SUPERINTENDENT. 295 hearers ? Do not you converse too long at a time? Is not an hour commonly enough?— Would it not be well always to have a deter- minate end in view? And always to conclude with prayer? *' II. Prudential means, we may use either as common Christians, or as preachers of the gospel. " I. As common Christians. What particular rules have you in order to grow in grace? What arts of holy living ? "2. As preachers. Do you meet every so- ciety, also the leaders, and the bands, if there are any ? Do you live in holy watchfulness ; denying yourself; taking up your cross ; and in the exercise of the presence of God ? Do you steadily watch against the world, the devil, yourself, and your besetting sin ? Do you deny yourself every useless pleasure of sense, ima- gination, and honour ? Are you temperate in all things? Instance in food? Do you use only that kind, and that degree, which is best both for your body and soul ? Do you see the ne- cessity of this ? Do you eat no more at each meal than is necessary? Do you eat no flesh suppers, and no late suppers? Do you use only that kind and degree of drink which is best both for your body and soul ? Do you drink water, or wine, or ale ? Do you want these ? 296 BUSINESS OF A " Wherein do you take vip your cross daily?' Do you cheerfully bear your cross (whatever is grievous to nature) as a gift of God, and labour to profit thereby ? " Do you endeavour to set God always before you ? To see his eye continually fixed upon you ? Never can you use these means but a blessino- must ensue. And the more vou use them the more you will grow in grace. '' A superintendent ought also to visit the classes quarterly, to regulate the bands, and to deliver tickets. To take in or to put out of the society, or the bands. At the conference in J 797, it was agreed that the leaders' meeting shall have a right to declare any person on trial, improper to be received into the society : and after such declaration, the superintendent shall noi admit such person into the society. And no person shall be expelled from the society for immorality, till such immorality be proved at a leaders'-meeting. To keep watch-nights and love-feasts. To hold quarterly-meetings, and there diligently to inquire both into the tempo- ral and spiritual state of the societies. To take care that every society be supplied with books. To send to London a circumstantial account of every remarkable conversion, and of every remarkable death. To take an exact list of all the societies in his circuit once a year. To meet SUPERINTENDENT, 297 the married men and women, and the single men and women, in the large societies once a year, and to over-look the accounts of the stewards. " The following advices arc recommended to all the superintendents. " Leave your successor a regular catalogue of all the societies in the circuit. See that every band-leader has the band-rules. Calmly and vigorously enforce tlie rules concerning need- less ornaments, drams, snuff, and tobacco. Give no band- ticket to any person v/lio does not promise to leave them off. As soon as there are four men or women believers in any place, put them into a band. Suffer no love- feast to last more than an hour and a half: And instantly stop all from breaking the cake with one another. Warn all from time to time, that none are to remove from one society to another, without a certificate from the superintendent in these words : 'A. B. the bearer, is a member of our society in C. I believe he lias a sufficient reason for removing.' Every where recommend decency and cleanliness. Cleanliness is next to godliness. Read the thoughts upon dress onc« a year in every large society. In visiting the classes be very mild, but very strict. Give no ticket to any who follow the foolish fashions of the world. Meet the bands once a week, and keep a love-feast for them o/z/j/, once a quarter.. 298 BUSTKESS OF A HELPER. Exhort every l)eliever to embrace the advantage. Give a band-ticket to none, till they have met a quarter on trial." " § IX. The prape?' Busi?icss of a Helper. " Q. 9. What is the particular business of those preachers v/ho do not act as superin- tendents } •' A. To feed the flock, by constantly preach- ing morning and evening. To meet the society and the bands weekly. To meet the leaders ueekiy. To preach every morning where he can have twenty hearers ; but where he cannot, then to sing and [)r:iy with them. And to do any other part of the work which the superin- tendent may desire him to do. " Q. 10. Should any of our preachers follow trades? *' A. The question is not, whether they may not occasionally work with their hands, as St. Paul did : But whether it be j)roper for them to buy or sell any kind of merchandize ? It is fully determined, that this should not be done by any preacher, no not the selling of pills, drops, or balsams." As I wish to give you a general view of the whole system of Methodism, I have been parti- al- TRUSTEES, &C. 299 cular in detailing the rules by which their officers are appointed and governed. Circumstances oF rather a disagreeable nature having sometimes taken place among the preach- ers, it is become necessary to enforce the follow- ing advice — " Converse sparingly and cautious- ly with women, particularly with young wo- men."' Tiie travelling preachers in tjiese kingdoms are in number about five hundred, and in America also about five hundred ; making the total num- ber of JMethodist preachers, including the local brethren, in the Weslevan connexion onlv, about five thousand. These gentlemen (the travelling preachers), says Mr Kilham, who had himself travelled several years, " have access within the veil, and siiould they write wdiat they have seen and heard, it would amazingly affect the whole body of the people."' In the year 1739, the first Methodist preach- ing-house was built at Bristol. It was settled by Mr. John Wesley on eleven feoffees. Being soon convinced, by a letter from Mr. Whitefield, that these men had too much power, and that they could even turn both himself and his preachers out of the chapel, he called them to- gether, cancelled the. writings, and took the vdiole management respecting the building into his own hands. 300 TRUSTEES Soon after, he got a form of tiiist-dced drawn up for tbc settlement of tlie preaching-houses. This trust-deed, with ovily a t'i^w alterations and additions, is still iii use among his followers. It would be tiresome in the extreme to lay before you tiie words of this instrument. It provides, that the persons in whose trust the chapels are vested, sliall admit such preachers as shall be appointed at tlie yearly conference, and no others, to have and enjoy the cliapels, Sec. provided always, that the said persons preach no other doctrines than those contained in Mr. Wesley's Notes on the New-Testamentj and his four volumes of sermons. The stewards of the society are of two orders, town and circuit. The town-stewards have the managemen-t of whatmore immediately concerns the business of the society in the town ; and.the circuit-stewards superintend the temporal con- cerns of the country societies belonging to their respective circuits. The trustees are not, in every instance, re- quired to be members of the society; yet it is alw ays desirable to have them men at least well- «lis])Osed towards Methodism ; otherwise their ])Owcrs being extensive, they might do great itiischief, by cramping the authority and in- lluence of the j)rcachers. The rules of th.e stewards are: " J. Be frugal AND STETVARDS. 361 — Save every thing that can be saved honestiv. 2. Spend no more than you receive — Contract no debts. 3. Have no long accounts — Pay every thing within the week. 4. Expect no thanks from any man." These rules were parti- cularly adapted to the state of the society in London, at the time they were first made by Mr. Wesley. They are not now always attended to ; particularly in what relates to the weekly pay- ment of all monies, &c. You are now, Madam, I hope, pretty well ac- quainted with the duty and business of the dif- ferent officers, both spiritual and temporal, which are appointed to govern the church of the Me- thodists. When I have described to you their various secular associations, I will proceed with the history before and after the death of Mr. Wesley. I am, ^c. 302 LETTEli XXiX. Of Mectiniis for Business — Leaders' -meetings — Qiiat terHij-meelings — District- meetings — Con- ference. DEAR MADAM, T 11^ Leaders'- meetings Tire \\t\(\ once every week. The superintendent presides at them as a kind of chairman. Into his hands the difTerent lead- ers pay their respective collections of class- money. At this meeting the preacher looks over the several class-papers ; when, by the num- ber of Ps, As, Is, or blanks, which are to be found in the several squares and columns, he sees, at one view, ^vhich of the members have been present or absent; who have paid, and who have not. By this admirable regulation, the preacher is enabled to exhort, reprove, re- buke, or praise, the several members of his church ; and by this he is also enabled to form QUARTERLY-MEETIXGS. 303 a judgn-'ent of each persons's zeal and attention to the great concerns of his own mind, and to the society to which he belongs. At a leaders'-meeting, almost every other temporal concern of the society may be in- vestigated. The friends of the late Mr. Alexander Kil- ham thought that the leaders'-meeting had not sufficient power and weight in managing the af- fairs of the society; but the conference have since extended the power of th.at meeting; and it now seems to have a pretty fair and adequate share in the management of the connexion, and in checking the power and influence of the preachers, with respect to the admission and re- jection of members, the sending out preachers to travel, &c. The Quarierly-meet'mi^s are composed of all the travelling-preachers in the circuit where such meetings are held ; of the leaders and stew- ards of the society ; and of such of tlie local- preachers and members as may be invited by any of the travelling-preachers or stewards. At this meeting, the whole of the society's books are audited; the preachers paid their re- spective salaries; and such other receipts and ,disbursenjents settled as circumstances may re- •ijuire; or the finances permit. In some circuits, a dinner is provided at the quarterly-meetings^ 304* LOCAL-PREACIIERS' MEETTXGS. e^i,,^f- there be no jarring-srrings, much so- b^r^pleapaiitiicss anci liilarity takes place. The qiuirtcrly-mectiugs are often followed by a wiitch-JLiight. ,,i^ -. -cThe Local-preachers* meetings are usually held on<;e every quarter of a year. At these times their plans are renewed, and such arrangements made as are necessary for the furtherance of the work. ' A local- preacher's plan, is a paper pro- perly divided and subdivided into columns and squares, on which tlie names of all the preachers are inserted, the respective places of their preach- ing-appointments, and the dates of the month; by which it is known at what time and at what place each of the brethren is to officiate.— One of these plans is given to every local- preacher. " As the societies continued to increase, the circuits became both more numerous and ex- teusiyei it consequently was more difficult for Mr. .Wes-ley and the assistants to manage so vast a concern. That the government might be darrjed on with success, tlie kingdom was divid- f d ' iiTtOsdistricts; each district comprehending |;WOi t^Tlise, or more circuits. Over each of these \inited methodistical provinces or states, there is lappointed a:kind of supren^e governor, called ifeei^haimiUu of the District, -who has a power DISTRICT-MEETIXGS. 305 of assembling all the preachers in full connexion, i. e. who have travelled four years, in his domi- nions, to form a district'-meeting^ which has au- thority, 1. To try and suspend preachers who are found immoral, erroneous in doctrine, or de- iicient in abilities. 2. To decide concerning the building of chapels. 3. To examine the de- mands from the circuits respecting the support of the preachers, and of their families. And, 4. To elect a representative to attend and form a committee four days before the meeting of the conference, in order to prepare a draft of the stations of the preachers for the ensuing year. These are the general matters which form the business at a district-meeting. These districts have, hovi'ever, several other powers, privileges, and immunities, which make them of verv con- siderable consequence in working the great ma- chine of modern Methodism. The additional laws and regulations which are yearly taking place in this and in almost every other depart- ment, render it difficult to define all the power and influence of the districts. If the confer- ence proceed in enacting laws at the rate the/ have done of late, a few years hence the gene- ral minutes must be little inferior in bulk to the statutes at large ; and it will be as difficult te tell what is law and what is not, in the court of Methodism, as in the high court of chancery, or any other circumlocution register- office in Great 306 COyPEREXCE. Britain. Tliis is pretty clear, that every circuit is a kind of parish, where the superin- tendent is rector or vicar ; every district a diocese, over which the chairman is bishop ; and the conference a sort of conclave, or general council. The chapels in the large towns may be called mcthodl^tical cathedrals; those in the surrounding villages, parish-churches, and the consecrated barns, out-houses, &c. &c. so many chapels of ease. I hasten, with pleasure, to conduct you to cnnfcrcfice, to which, as a kind of theglogical watering-place, all the beaux and belles, the old men and matrons, among the Methodists, resort in shoals, that they may have their natural pro- pensity to novelty gratified for a season, by the glorious sight of hundreds of priests; that they nlcly catch the healing virtues of grace, as they drop from tlic lips of a favourite preacher, or descend in torrents from an inspired multitude ; and that they may be near the fountain-head of intelligence, ready to join in the disputes, or t^ participate in the union, of all their bre- »^ .* ' oanii3 thren. ,^ ^"The first conference was held in London, bii the 25th of Junei, 1/44. There attended six clergymen and four travelling preachers ; all of whom, '^vith oiil}-, I believe, two exceptions, afterwards forsook the "Wesleys, either from not conferexcJe. 30/ liking their proceedings, or from a want of 2eal. At the early conferences were settled what doctrines the Methodists should preach ; what plans they should pursue to spread their tenets ; and what regulations were necessary to preserve union among those persons who had already be- lieved : so that the minutes of those conferences may now be referred to, in case of any dispute, as so many decrees of council. Since the death of Mr. Wesley, according to Mr. Myles's account, when the preachers assemble, the first thing they do is to elect a president and secretary, which is done by ballot. [Who has the nomination of candidates rj The minutes of the districts are then read over: after vdiich the conference proceeds to inquire — 1. What preachers are admitted into full con- nexion ? 2. Who remain on trial? 3. Who are admitted on trial ? 4. Who desist from travel- ling? 5. Who have died this year? 6. Are there any objections to any of the preachers ? ( They are then named one by one ; exambn^d they cannot properly be said to be, as no one besides themselves are admitted within hearing of this farcical namijig). 7. How are the preachers ^tationed this year? 8. What numbers are in the societies ? 9- What is the Kino-swood col* lection? 10. What boys are received tliis year? 1r. What girls are assisted? 12. Wiiat is cob.-* x3 $0& CONFERENCE. tribiitecJ iTor tlie yearly expenses ? 13. How was it expended? (This question may be properly answered ; but the answer is never published — or at best, in a very partial and imperfect man- ner). ' 14. What is contributed for superan- nuated preachers and widows? 15. What de- mands are there upon it? i6. How many preachers' wives are to be provided for ? 17. By what societies? 18. When and where may our next conference begin ? The above, and such other questions as cir- cumstances may require, are made the subject of an annual Methodist conference. Every old law is repealed (if any laws are ever repealed by the Methodist government), and all new ones pro- posed and enq^cted in the form of question and answer; Acts of conference may very properly be called. The Assembly's Catechism. , The conference, considered in a learal sense, consists of one hundred preachers, who were lirst chosen by Mr. Wesley, empowering them ' to fill up all vacancies in their body, occasioned by death or otherwise, by an election by bal- iot. One of the many treacherous friends of the late ^Ir. Kilhani, who is to this day a traveUihg ^preacher, thus divulges ^* ^ '•" ^'-^^•■'•fy-t t>fi. ' H.'-The secrets of,th9;0'isQivhj!^^:". , In a letter addreiseA t6 Mif fenlram, prior tp rr CONFERENCF. 30fl that gentleman's trial and subsequent^expulsion^ Mr. J. Crowther represents their proceedings as an '' annual sublime sight of six ox seven men, getting round the table at conference, and fi^ht* ing with each other, talking by turns (except when several of them talk together), engrossing all the speechifying ; while the rest sit round in sullen, stupid, or indignant silence — the devil perching on the front of the gallery ; while love, meekness, and wisdom, together with our guar^- dian angels, and even the Holy Ghost, quit the assembly; and the confused group appears to the weeping heavens, somewhat like the assem- bly in a cock-pit.' As this gentleman has never yet been called to account for this representation, which was published a few years ago, I should suppose it is a tolerably just picture : but having myself been only a local brother, I have not had an opportu- nity of seeing the original. It is, however, but just to give the counter part of this representa*- tion. They describe themselves at conference, as doing every thing as in the immediate pre- sence of God : that they meet with a single eye, and as little children, who have every thijjg to learn : that every point which is proposed may be examined to the foundation: that every per- son may speak freely whatever is in his heart; and that every question which arises may be rv thoroughly debated and settled. They say that 316 CONFERENCE. they act upon the grand principle of private judgment, on which all the reformers proceeded —"Every man must judge for himself, because every man must give an account to God." These were their professions at the first conference, and the present race of Methodists pretend to act upon the same liberal principles. At the forty-ninth conference, held in l79Qj which sat nearly three weeks, the brethren pro- posed the following question : *' What shall we do more to promote the work of God ? — Ans. We do, at this solemn hour of the night, (past ten o'clock, on the 15th of August) devote our- selves to the service of Almighty God, in a more unreserved and entire manner than ever we have hitherto done; and are all determined to spend and be spent in this blessed work. And this our solemn dedication of ourselves to God, we do unanimously signify, by rising from our seats in the presence of the Lord." Mr. Crowther's letter, which speaks of tlie absence of love, meekness, wisdom, the guardian angelf, and the Holy Ghost ; and of the devil perching on the front of the gallery at one of these conferences, is dated January 12, 1794!!! At the fifty-sixth conference, held at Man- chester, in 1799, I was present when Mr. Sa- muel Bradburn, being president, preached the conference-sermon, from tliese words in the se- coxference; 31t cond and third verses of the IcGth psalm:-T* *' Then said ihey among the heathen, The Lord hath done great tilings for them. The Lowl hath done great things for us; whereof we arg glad/' After the worthy president had dis- charged his pious virulence against the Kil- hamites, who had separated themselves from the connexion, he called upon every preacher pre- sent who was still determined to he on the Lord's side, to signify that determination, by then publicly rising from his seat. As Mr. Bradburn pronounced the word of command, he suddenly clapped his hands ; and in the same moment the preachers, being placed in the front seats of the gallery, and other conspicuous parts of the chapel, rose up as one man ! They continued on their feet a few seconds — the president was silent — the most rapturous sensations and en- thusiastic ardour were diffused throughout th-e whole congregation— some, nearly fainting with delight, fell back in ecstacies ; others loudly ex- claimed, "Glory be to God ! Glory be to God :!-' and had not the chief actor in this scene in ter^ posed, by requesting the brethren to sjt down, I am confident there had been no more occa- sion for the preaclier that day. I sat in the g*ai- lery, and heard a female voice,- from the farthest corner of the chapel, cry out with all her might, " Come and pray for a soul in distress !" ^o that it appeared the exhibition had produced sensa- 312 CONFERENCE. tions of a painful nature upon some stranger who happened to be present. The chapel was exceedingly crowded indeed. From these circumstances, Madam, one would be led to hope that Mr. Crowther must have mistaken the spirit and conduct of his speechi- fying brethren, at that sublime sight — an an- nual conference. I would recommend it to conference, to pub- lish Mr. B.'s sermon of 1799, with a plate^ in- troduced in that part of the discourse where he gives the all- commanding clap of his hands. As the thing itself was performed in the pre- sence of hundreds of strangers, there could be no danger in publishing an engraved drawing of the exhibition, of thereby casting pearls be- fore swine. When will ^* solemn trifling," and "theatrical* manoeuvres be excluded from the pulpit! When will modesty and Christian simplicity take place of high-sounding professions, and boisterous declamation ! — That Mr. Brad burn is capable of better things, is evident from the following ad- vices which he drew up for the conduct of the preachers during the time of the sitting of con- ference : — " Be tender of the character of every brother,; j but keep at the utmost distance from counte- nancing sin. C05fFER"E?fCfi. SfS <^* Say: tiTjthmg i n the conference hut ^vl?ai-4^ strictly necessary, and to the point in Jiatt^.odw " If accused by any one, remembeiv recrimia nation is no acquittance, therefore avoid it, - " Beware of impatience of contradiction"; be firm, but be open to conviction. The cause is God's, and he needs not the liands of an Uzzah to support the ark. The being too tenacious^of a point, because t/ou brought it forward, is only feeding self. Be quite easy if a majority decide asrainsi vou. ** Use no craft or guile, to gain a point. Ge- nuine simplicity will always support itself.- But there is no need always to say all you know or think. *' Beware of too much confidence in your owa abilities, and never despise an opponent. * 'Avoid all lightness of spirit, even what would be innocent any where else. 'Thou God seest me." I cannot but exclaim, with Young — How poor, haw rich, how abject, how august. How complicate, how wonderful, is Man ! The answers which are given to two dp thf^e of the conference-questions, are worthy of ^^pai^ ticalar remark: .-:.--- -a i* I , : What preachers are -admitted -info- fiitt- connexionr" You have already obsen*ed, Ma- dam, that every travelling-preacher is to be four 314 CONFERENCE. years on trial before he is admitted into full con- nexion. To be in full connexion, has some very capital advantages. 1. Relating to marriage. A person cannot marry among the travelling- preachers, until he is admitted into full con- nexion. Ibis may be sound policy with the Methodists; but it is both unjust and unscrip- tural. It savours too strongly of popery ; and it is no wonder that effects of a most scandalous and disgraceful nature should sometimes be the result of so cruel a law. 2. As it relates to power and authority. Until a preacher is ad- mitted to lull connexion he is not eligible to any post. He can neither be made a superin- tendent, nor a chairman of the district ; neither can he, being only a probationer, have any vote or influence at conference, nor consequently be elected on any conference-committee ; nor de- rive any advantage from the sale of the society's books in his circuit. These are considerations of no small importance. 3. Until a preacher has travelled four years, he is liable to be dis- missed from the service, witliout that formal trial which the other preachers might demand. So that you see. Madam, while a preacher is on trial, he may be said to stand in jeopardy every liour, as a slight offence given to the superin- tendent might be attended with very fatal con- secjuences to the probationary preacher, { CONFERENCE. 513 I have the honour to know a very respectable dissenting minister, who once travelled among the Methodists, hut was expelled for marrying before the expiration of his years of probation. The language of St. Paul is very strong against the doctrine of forbidding to marry. How far it will apply to a certain law of Methodism, the reflecting mind will judge. The following extracts from the minutes of the last conference, shall close my account of the meetings both for worship and business, which are established in the Methodist connexion :— . ** The Sixty -third General Confer eiice of the People called Methodists, late in connexion with the Rev. John JVesley, deceased, held in Leeds by several Adjournments, from July 28, to August 9, 1806. _ " We are happy in having it in our power to inform our readers, that all our affairs, temporal and spiritual, at this conference, were transact- ed with the utmost peace and harmony ; and -that the accounts received from different parts -of the United Kingdom, as well as from the West Injdia. islands, and from America, afford amp-le proof of the great prosperity of the work of God, in general, among us. In Great Britain, the 1 916 • JUINUTES OF iiumbers in society have received an increase of more than eight thousand souls last year, and fifty new chapels are erecting, or appointed to be erected. Some of the manufacturing districts "have been peculiarly favoured ; and a multitude have been converted to the Lord. In one larjre village, in the West of Yorkshire, in particular, almost the whole of the inhabitants have been brought under good impressions. In North and in South Wales, the work continues to revive and prosper, and it has been conducted with a degree of order which affords us the greatest consolation. *' In many parts of Ireland, also, much good Las been done, through the preaching of the word. A spirit of hearing has been excited in the minds of people of almost all descriptions, insomuch that no inconveniences of time or si- tuation could prevent hundreds, in various places, from assembling in the streets, to hear the gospel of Christ. These encouraging open- ings, we have reason fa believe, will be fol- lowed up by the brethren, arid will, we doubt not, be productive of the greatest benefit to marl- kind. ** Our great doctrines were again tlakeii into serious consideration ; and, for their security, three of the brethren were appointed to draw up a digest, or form, expressive of themt, top- firmed by a suffici^t nurnber of texts of Scrip- eONFERENCi:. ^^IJf 'tuffiji properly selected ; a copy of- which- form iir jdigest, is ordered to he sent to the chairm^ £>f each district before next May. : " We are happy to observe, likewise^ that a plan for tli€ improvement of the young preach- jers was laid before the conference, the heads of which were ordered to be printed, and a copy thereof sent to every preacher, that the brethren may have the opportunity of considering it ma- turely at their next district-meetings, and may report their collective judgment concerning it to the ensuing conference. *' Matters of discipline also engaged the pecu- liar attention of the preachers; and from the sundry regulations made.f,especting this, we se- lect the following : — , , '• , . *' Q. 24. How may the union of the brethren, who labour together in the same circuit, be .more effectually promoted ? " A. 1. The conference insists, that no helper shall countenatnce or encoura^ any person who 2 Opposes the superintendent, in the proper dis- . charge of Hs official duties, according to our rules^ *' 2. We advise the brethren to meet toge- ther once a week, or as often as it is practicable, > 44i d^ider to converse freely with each other, rs- specting the.aJBfaiTs of their circuits. * qno'c to Bjfrgj 'to i^dfiUir ^fi^i-^FB.-.^ g ycf , 4 ' 3 IS MINUTES OF " Q. 25. Is any advice necessary respecting the Lord's supper r " A. 1. We once more earnestly beseech all the members of our societies, conscientiously to attend this sacred ordinance of God our Savi- our, at every opportunity ; and do entreat them to approach the Lord's table, at least, once in every month, either in our own chapels, or else- where ; and to make a point of staying till the whole service be concluded. " 2. In the visitation of the classes, let every preacher closely examine the members on this head, and strongly enforce our rules concerning it. And, in order to remove every excuse, let this blessed sacVament be regularly and fre^ quently administered, wherever it has been ap- pointed by the conference. " Q.. 26. Can any advice be given concern- ing the mode of conducting the Sunday-service in our chapels? *' A. We insist upon it, that the Holy Scrip- tures shall be constantly and statedly read in public, wherever we have preaching in the fore- noon of the Lord's day. Our fixed rule is, that 'Wherever divine service is performed by us in England, on the Lord's day, in church-hours, the officiating preacher shall read cither the service of the established church, our vener*' able father, Mr. Wesley's Abridgment of it, or at* CONFERENCE. 319 least the Lessons appointed by the Calendar.' — See the Minutes of 1795. " Q. 31. What can be done to prevent extra- vagant and costly dress? " A. Let us all enforce our rules concerning dress ; and, with love and meekness, endea- vour to put an end to every unjustifiable cus- tom. " Q. 32. One of the standing rules of our so- cieties expressly prohibits ' the buying or selling uncustomed goods." How may this rule be more fully enforced ? *' A. Let our old minute on this subject, be executed with respect to every species of smug- gling. It is as follows, viz. *' Q. How shall we put a stop to smug- gling? "A. I. Speak tenderly and frequently of it in every society near the coasts. " 2. Carefully disperse Mr. Wesley's * Word to a Smuggler.' " 3. Expel all those who will not leave it off. , ." 4. Silence every local preacher who de- fends it. , *• There Were present at this conference of the Methodists about 240 itinerant preachers, and an amazing concourse of people; probably ©n some days, especially Sunday, August 3, not 3S0 MINUTES OF fewer than fifteen or twenty thousand. The ef- fects of this day's solemnities, we doubt not, will be found after many days. Tuesday, Au- gust 5, in the evening, was appointed by the con- ference for the admission, and solemn dedica- tion to God, of the candidates for the ministry. They had been examined in private by the pre- sident, and in full conference. A crowded au- dience was present in the chapel. The young men were in the front seat of the gallery. They were called, in succession, to give an account of their experience, and the ground on which they exercised the office of the Christian minis- try. The examination concluded with appro- priate addresses by the president, and Mr. Tho- mas Taylor, when the young men were com- mended to God by solemn prayer. " Thirty- two preachers have been admitted into full connexion this conference, having been four years on trial. *' There remain still on trial, ninety-four, having not yet completed their four 3'ears. Admitted on trial, forty- five. — —Ten of the preachers died the last year." I am, &c. LETTER XXX. :^4 .^-rr Progress,, of Methodism in tJic Field of Battle-—- John. Nelsoii— -Preacher si .Talents — The Chris- tian Libraru^:-Qreat Zalwiws-^Ldbei'ality—. IUiberaUt)j. -.. \ . -... : , .. . JDEAIl.MApAM, In the year 17|5; t!ie spirit of Metliodism had not only spread over the greatest part of tliese kingdoms ; but had also found" its" wajTliito. the English army abroad. Societies were formed by the soldiers, and some of the dragoOiis had begun to preach ! John Haime, William Cle- ments, and John Evans, were alt thfee courage- ous soldiers, both in the service of the king, their master, and in that of the King of kings. In the hottest moments of battle, when the swift-winged messengers of death were flying about with desolating velocity; when the de- mons of destruction were stalking around ; and when the shrieks of the wounded and the groans 322 METHODIiSM IN THE of the dying, were unheard amidst the tremend- ous roar of cannon, and the sickening clangour of martial music — these men were heard to en- courage each other with loud assurances of soon meeting the face of their Saviour in " another and a hetter world !" William Clements writes as follows, after the battle of Fontenov — " On the 29th, we marched close to the enemy, and when I saw them in their camp, my bowels moved toward them, in love and pity for their souls. We lay on our arms all night. In the morning, April 30th, the cannons began to play at half an hour after four: and the Lord took away all fear from me.; so that I went into the field with joy. The halls flew on cither hand, and men fell in abundance; but nothing touched me till about two o'clock. Then I received a ball through my left arm, and rejoiced so much the more. Soon after, I re- ceived another into my right, which obliged me to quit the field. But I scarce knew whether I was on earth or in heaven. It was one of the sweetest days I ever enjoyed." -. John Haimesays, "The Lord has been pleased to try our little flock, and to shew them his mighty power. Some days before the late battle, one of them, str.nding at his tent-door, broke out into raptures of joy, knowing his departure was at hand, and was so filled with the love of God, that he danced before his comrades. In FIELD OF BATTLE. 323 the battle, before he died, he openly declared, * I am going to rest from my labours in the bo- som of Jesus.' I believe nothing like this was ever heard of before, in the midst of so wicked an army as ours. Some were crying out in their wounds, ' I am going to my Beloved ;' others, * Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly j' and many that were not wounded, were crying to their Lord to take them to himself. There was such boldness in the battle among this little despised flock, that it made the officers, as well as com- mon soldiers, amazed. And they acknowledge it to this day. As to my own part, I stood the fire of the enemy for above seven hours. Then my horse was shot under me ; and I was ex- posed both to the enemy and our own horse. But that did not discourage me at all; for I knew the God of Jacob was with me. I had a long way to go, the balls flying on every side ; and thousands lay bleeding, groaning, dying, and dead on each hand. [Ye gods, what ha- voc does ambition make among your works !] Surely I was in the fiery furnace; but it never sino-ed one hair of mv head. The hotter it o-rew, the more strength was given me. I was full of joy and love, as much as I could well bear. Go- ing on, I met one of our brethren with a little dish in his hand, seeking for water. He smiled, and said, he had got a sore wound in Iiis leg. 32^ JOHN NELSON. I asked, 'Have you got Christ in your heart ?*" lie answered, ' I have, and I liave had him alt the day. Blessed be God, that I ever saw your face.' Lord, what am I that I should l)e counted worthy to set my hand to the gospel plough ? Lord, humble me, and lay me in the dust !" John Evans belonged to tlie train. At the battle of Fontenoy, one of his companions saw him laid across a cannon (both his legs having been taken off by a chain-shot), praising God, &c. until he fell down dead ! One John Nelson, a stone-mason, who had been pressed for a soldier, refused at the same time to be an ambassador from the Prince of Peace and to choose the weapons of his war- fare from among the carnal instruments of death. John very justly thought, that a fighting- minister of the gospel would be a strong con- tradictory character; and as he was resolved to preach, so he refused to fight. Which of these Methodist soldiers acted the most consistent part, I leave to the decision of those who can fully comprehend the meaning of that prohi])i- tion in the gospel — " Put up thy sword into its ])lace ; for every one that taketli the sword shall perish with the sword." Mr. Wesley, encouraged by the accounts which he every day received of the wonderful preachers' talents. 'S25 success of his and his assistants' labours, pro- acceded with increasina; ardour in the business of proselytisni. He rejoiced in the work of his hands, and he thought his spiritual sons who la- boured with him in the gospel were men of a most extraordinary character. He saw multi- tudes added to his societies wherever they went; but he knew they were men of no education, liaving been taken from the meanest and most common occupations, to become ministers of the gospel. Their abilities, as Methodist preach- ers, were certainly great. Considered in any other capacity, than as tradesmen, labourers, mechanics, and Methodists, their talents were quite mediocre. Mr. Wesley was aware of this; and foresaw much reproach would fall upon his cause, unless something were done to enlighten and instruct his lay-preachers. He wished to have them " workmen that needed not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." We have already seen how far some of the breth- ren succeeded in dividing the word ; wdiether they do it rightly or no is another question. That the early preachers were men of very scanty literary attainments, will admit of no doubt; and it is to be feared, that the plan of instruction which Mr. Wesley laid down for their improvement, was not very likely to expand their views be- yond the sphere of their own notions in theo- logy, or their favourite prejudices in politics.—^ \^$ THE CHRISTIAN LIBRARY. 7 Indeed, as to general politics, the Methodists have never, as a body, known any thing about the matter. ,, It is much to the honour of Mr. Wesley, that ■ he previously consulted that very excellent and worthy man, Dr. Doddridge, on the choice of books for the perusal of his lay-preachers. Af- ter some time, the Doctor sent him a list of such theological books as he thought would be of service to them. These Mr. John Wesley thought proper to garble, mutilnte, and abridge, to make them speak, in every point, his own sentiments. He then published them at his own press, in fifty duodecimo volumes, under the title of " The Christian Library." I believe, comparatively few of the present Methodist preachers have ever read all the vo- lumes of the Christian Library. The collection abounds with much sound practical morality, such as you may suppose the author of the Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul would re- commend. They are chiefly the works of the N most eminent Puritan divines. Dr. Doddridge, in his answer to Mr. Wesley's letter which re- quested his assistance in the compilation of books for this undertaking, writes of himself thus : *' I trust I can call God to record, on my soul, that to bring sinners to believe in Christ, and universally to obey him, from a prin- ciple of grateful love, has been tl^e main busi- 3 THE CHRISTIAN LIBRARY. 527 ness of my life." The man who could thus write, would be cautious how he selected books for the improvement of oihers. It never was Mr. Wesley's intention to make scholars of his lay preachers. The great bulk of Methodists, to this day, have a sort of dread of human learning. The preachers may raise an outcry against this charge ; but it is never- theless just, as every one who has been at all conversant with the private manners of this people must acknowledge. The majority of Methodists, notwithstanding the present much improved and refined state of the connexion, are still to be sought for among persons in the lowest ranks of life, and these have nearly as strong an aversion to what they call head- knowledge, as any of their brethren in the life- time of Mr. Wesley. A local-preacher whom I know, was a few years ago forbidden to preach at one of the places in his circuit, because he spoke rather better English than did the rest of his fellow-labourers in the same place I It such be the character of the Methodists at this day, what nlust it have been at the time when Mr. Wesley projected the Christian Library ? We may form some notion of the labours of the itinerant preachers, from a letter written to Mr. Wesley by one of them, who travelled through various parts of Yorkshire, Lancashire, Perbyshixe, and Cheshire. 328 GREAT LA LOURS. ^' Many doors," says he, " are operied for preaching in these parts, but cannot be supphed for M'aut of preachers. I tliink some one should be sent to assist me, otherwise we shall lose ground. I\fy circuit is one hundred and fifty miles in two weeks ; during which time I preacii publicly thirty-four times, besides meeting the societies, visiting the sick, and transacting the temporal business. I think the above is too much for me, considering my weak constitu- tion." Great as these exertions were, they bear a very small proportion to the labours of the two brothers. They preached as many times, fre- quently travelled near treble the number of miles in the same space of. time, and had be- sides upon them the " care of all the churches." About this time, 1747, Mr. Wesley received a letter from one of the preachers who had been sent to Ireland. A society had been formed in Dublin, and Mr. Wesley determined to visit them immediately. Accordingl}^ August 4, he set out from Bristol, and passing through Wales, he arrived in Dublin on Sunday the ^Hh, about ten o'clock in the forenoon. At three, the same day, he wrote to the curate of St. IMary's, offering his assistance, which was thankfully received: " So," says he, *' I preached there, another gentleman reading prayers, to as gay LIBERALITY. ' S^f) and senseless a coDOTe^-ation as ever I saw." In the course of the day, he went to wait on th^"^- archbishop ; but b.e was out of town. He saw " him the next diiv, and had the honour of con- versing with him two or three hours; during which he answered abundance of objections. Both the Wesleys were very much abused by- mobs during their labours in Ireland ; at the head of whicli were generally the Roman Ca- tholics. Their brethren, the Protestants, were nevertheless, at times pretty active in persecut- ing the poor Methodists. Still they triumphed over every difficulty ; still they exulted in the success of their labours. On the 17th of the same month in which Mr. John Wesley arrived in Ireland, he began to exa- mine tlie society, which contained about two hundred and eighty members. Notwithstand- ing the opposition he met with in that island, he remarks that the people in general are of a more tractable spirit than in most parts of England; but on tliat account, he adds, they must be watched over with the more care, being equally susceptible of good and ill impressions. The following letter, written in November, may shew us how careful Mr. Wesley was, at times, to guard the preachers against a party spirit in their public labours: *■ ?vly dear bro- ther," says he, " in public preaching, speak not -one word against opimom of any kind. ■ We 330 ILIlifERALITT. are not to fight against notions, but sins." Mr. John Wesley has compiled many books, he has preached many sermons, and said many good things in his time, but he never uttered a finer sentiment, noi- one more agreeable to the mild spirit of Christianity, tlian the one I have just quoted. But do his disciples follow this advice at present^ Did Dr. Coke follow this advice, when he said that the Lord Jesus Chiist 'vomited forth Arianlsm, xvhich ran like a stream into the gulph of hell? Or, did ISlw Samuel Bradburn, when he publicly asserted, at Bolton, not long ago, that a certain character was a devil in the shape of a man, like a spunge dipped in the de* >vil's lake, and squeezed in zvrath over the guilty nations ; and that Socinians are not only con^ demned sinners, hut damned fools ! and that they are as eer tain of being da?nned in hell, as if they tcere already there ? What ought we to think of the piety of men who can thus transfer the language of the tap- room to the pulpit? Surely their zeal is com- posed of the rankest bigotry; their sanctity is the most disgusting grimace, and their pretend- ed holiness is founded on the very worst species of hypocrisy. I am; &•• 331 LETTER XXXI. Persecutions — Incotweniences of the first Preach* ers — Marriage of Mr, C. JFesley — A Parody ^ — Riots — Instability of some of the Preachers, DEAR MADAM, On Sunday, the 23d August, 1747, Mr. V\^esley took ship for England ; on the Wednesday fol- lowing, he landed at Holyhead, in Wales. On Saturday, 29th, he preached at Garth, in Breck- nockshire, where he met his brother Charles, on his way to Ireland, Mr. Charles arrived in Dubhn on the Sth of September following. " The first news we heard," says he, *' was, that the little flock stands fast in the storm of persecution, which arose as soon as ray brother Jeft them. The popish mob broke open their ?oom, and destroyed all before them. Some of 532 PERSECUTIONS. them are sent to Newgate, others bailed. What will be the event we know not, till we see whe- thei- the grand jury will find the bill." The grand jury threvv" out the bill, and thus ga\e up the Methodists to the unrestrained fury of a popish mob. Still undaunted, Mr. C. Wesley proceeded to the Green adjoininiij the barracks, and crying out, " Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I xvill give you rest," was presently surrounded by a large concourse of people, both Catholics and Presbyterians. To the Papists he quoted Thomas a Kempis and their ov.m Liturgy; so that none lifted up Ills voice or hand to oppose; but all listened with strange attention, and many weie in tears. lie advised tlicm to co to their respective {dfices of worship ; and thus, for that time, conciliated the favour of all. The Papists de- clared he was a good Catholic at heart. On a future visit to Ireland, when he was at Kinsale. it is remarked, tliat every denomina- tion of Christians claimed him as their own. "The Presbyterians say I am a Presbyterian; the people who go to church, say I am a mini- ster of theirs ; and the Catholics are sure I am a good Catholic in my heart." As IMr. Wesley maintained many of the fun- damental doctrines of all these denominations, such as the trinity, atonement, original sin, IX CONVENIENCES, &C. 333 &c. it were very easy so to irianage tlie phraseo- logy of his discourses as to be taken for a friend to any or all of them. At this early period of I\Iethodism, the two brothers and the lay-preachers suffered great in- conveniences at the places where they lodged, even in large towns; and we may suppose, says Dr. Whitehead, that both their accommodations and provisions were worse in country societies. The rooms also where they assembled, when they could not preach in the open air, began to be much too small for the number of people who attended. This being the present state of things in Dublin, Mr. Charles Wesley purchased a house near the place called Dolphin's Barn. The whole ground-i^oor was forty-two feet in length, and twenty-four in breadth. This was to be turned into a preaching-house, and the preachers were to be accommodated with the rooms over it; but ])efore he completed the purchase, he wrote to his brother for his opinion on the matter. His letter is dated October 9, in which he says, one advantage of the house was, that they could go to it immediately; and then adds, " I must go there, or to some other lodg- ings, or take my flight; for Jiei^e 1 can stay no longer. A faraiily of squalling children, a land- lady just ready to lie-in, a maid who has no time to do the least thing for us, are some of our con- veniences. Our two rooms for four people (six 334 INCONVENIENCES, ScC. "when J. Healy and Haugiiton come), allow no opportunity for retirement. Charles (be means Mr. Charles Perrenot) and I groan for elbow- room in our press-bed ; our diet answerable to our jodgirgs ; no one to mend our clothes and stockings ; no money to buy more. I marvel that we have stood our ground so long in these lamentable circumstances. It is well I could ■not foresee, while on your side of the water." — October ]?, he observes, " I passed the day at the house we have purchased,* near Dolpliih's Barn, in writing and meditation. I could al- most have set up my rest here ; but I must not Jook for rest on this side eternity.'* The Methodist preachers of the present day sometimes speak of their hardships in the exer- cise of their ministerial duties. They, however, feed upon marrow and ftit things, when com- pared with the manner in which their ances- tors fared. Surely the lines are fallen to them in pleasant places, and they have a goodly he- ritage. On the 9th February, 1748, Mr. C. Wesley left Dublin, and took an excursion into the country, where, particularly at Tyrrel's Pass, much good had been dene among the poor people by the instrumentality of the lay- preachers. At this place, which had long been a proverb of wickedness, one hundred persons were joined in society ; and a visible alteration MARIIIAGE OF MR. C. WESLEY. S35 Lad taken place in their moral character. Not an oath was then heard, nor a drunkard seen among them — operto vivitur horto. Mr. C. Wesley continued his labours in the country, through much opposition, but with wonderful success, till the 15th of February, and then returned to Dublin, where the society was also rapidly increasing. On the 8th March, his brother John arrived from England, and gave him relief from his present situation. He left Dublin on the 20th, and on the day following reached Holyhead ; from thence, after great fa- tigue, he arrived at Garth, where he forgot his troubles in company with Miss Gwynne, for whom he had for some time entertained a very great regard ; and to whom he had in fact a l>.ind of embryo intention of making proposals o f m a r r i age. ^ o cf ij r : During his present visit at Garth, this. inten- tion ripened into a fixed resolution; and he thought it necessary to take the advice of his friends. For 01:6 tliat is in love, to ask advice concern- i)Xg what steps he should take, is generally no- thing more than mere ceremony. When the obstacles to marriage are not absolutely insur- mountable, a union of the parties will alwa3's take place, whatever may have been the advice of real or pretended friends. ]\iiss Gwynne was SL young lady of good sense, piety, and agreeable 65^ ,A PA ROD V. a€ComplisIiments. M\. John Wesley did not oppose the match ; and if he had, Mr. Charles loved the lady, and was of a bold and independ- ent spirit ; so that on the Oth of April, 1749, he -was married by his Ijrother John, at Garth, who observes of the marriage- day, that " it was a solemn day, such as became the dignity of a Christian marriage." On tlie 15th of February, 1748, Wr. John Wesley left Bristol, and proceeded through Wales, on his way to Ireland. Being detained at Holyhead about twelve days, he says, " I ne- ver knew men make such poor excuses, as thes6 captains did for not sailing. It put me in mind of the epigram — * There are, if rightly I may think, Five causes why u man may drink.^ *^ Wliich, with a little alteration, would just suit them — ' There are, unless my memory ftiilj Five causes why \vc shouUl not s.ail — The fog is thick : the wind is high : It rains : or may do by and by : Or any other reason why." , He arrived at Dublin on the evening of th6 8th of March. HYPERBOLE. 337 On tbe 16tli, he made inquiries into the state of the society. " Most pompous accounts/' says he, ^' had been sent me from time to time, of the great numbers that were added to it; so that i confidently expected to find therein six or se- ven hundred members. And how is the real fact ? I left three hundred and ninety-four mem- bers ; and I doubt if there are now three hun- dred and ninety-six ! " Let this be a warning to us all, how we give in to that hateful custom of painting things be- yond the life. Let us make a conscience of magnifying or exaggerating any thing. Let us rather speak under than above ihe truth. We, of all men, should be punctual in all we say, that none of our words may fall to the ground.'* On this advice Dr. Whitehead makes the follow- ing very just and necessary observations : *' It is to be greatly lamented, that some few of the preachers have not given more attention to this caution, and to some others Mr. Wesley has left on record, concerning evil-speaking, than they seem to have done. I cannot conceive hOw a man can keep a good conscience, who does not religiously observe them." That some of the Methodist preachers do still deal pretty largely in amplification, when speak- ing concerning the success of their labours, it is very certain. I could produce some shameful instances of this species of pious fraud. Of evil- z 538 SCANDAL. speaking, I believe it may fairly be said, that it is the great besetting sin of Methodism. Cer- tainly there are few professing Christians so much guilty of slander and back-biting as these people. They exercise this disagreeable propen- sity even against their own friends: what then have those to expect who they regard as their enemies.'' Who steals my purse, steals trash — 'twas something — no- thing— 'Twas mine — 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands : But he that filches from me my good name, Robs me of that which not enriches him. And makes me poor indeed ! During this visit to Ireland, Mr. "Wesley seems to have had little success ; for the people in the country places were very kind. A shower of stones which had been poured against his bro- ther by the papists, so far prejudiced the pro- testantsjn his favour, as to cause the people to M'eep when he left them ; yet none of them seems to have been set at liberty from the guilt and bur- then of their sins. " The waters," says he,. " were too wide to be deep." In Dublin, the cause prospered rather better; for there " lie had the satisfaction to find, that the work of God not only spread wider and wider, but was also much deepened in many souls." On Wed- nesday, the 18th, he prepared to leave Ireland/ and arrived at 'Holyhead the next day. lANCASTllIAN METHODISTS. 339 " June 24th, lie opened the school at Kings- wood, for the reception of ])oarders, and preach- ed there on — " Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." During the summer of 1748, the Methodist doctrines and discipline made wonderful pro- gress in Northumberland, the county of Dur- ham, and in the savage parts of Lancashire, as Dr. Whitehead very politely denominates the county that gave birth to your humble ser- vant. In the village where I was born, being to the full, perhaps, as savage a part of Lanca- shire as any other district of that county, the Methodists were never able to get much foot- ing. I allude to Chowbent, a pretty large vil- lage, lying between Manchester and Wigan, where there are three places of public worship, viz. a large and very respectable Unitarian chapel, an Episcopal chapel of ease, and a chapel originally built by a Methodist, who afterwards became a Moravian, and opened his meeting- house to the Unitas Fratrum. Some few years ago I preached in this chapel to a very rumer- ous audience, composed of Deists, Methodists, Moravians, Calvinists, Baptists, Arians, what are called Socinians, and Swedenborgians. This chapel was at that time in the possession of the friends of the illuminated Swedish Baron. TherQ z 2 340 RIOTS. were then very few i\fethodists in the place; indeed the preachers under the superintendence of Mr. John Wesley were never succcssftd at Chowbent. I would, therefore, fain persuade myself, that the village of my nativity is not to be really included in " the savage parts of Lancashire." It was, however, savage enough, God knows ! when it drove one of the best men I ever knew, the Rev. Harry Toulmin, to seek shelter, from the fury of an enraged mob of pretended churchmen, in the woods of Kentucky, in North America. It is certain, however, that some of the Lan- castrians abused Mr. Wesley and his preachers in a most shameful manner ; and it was often M^ith very great difficulty that he escaped with his life. Mr. Wesley seemed to delight in a storm : when the waters were troubled, many poor impotent sinners stepped into the pool of Methodism, and were healed of their diseases. It was in these troubled waters that our hero delighted to fish. Accordingly, in the beginning of September, 1750, having been informed of the violence of the mobs at Coik, he determined to set out for the scene of riot. He arrived at Cork on the 19th of May ; and the next day proceeded to preach on Hamniond's-marsh, then a large open space The congregation was very large, and very attentive ; but the floo-ds soon began to lift uip their voice, and the most shocking out- INSTABILITY, &C. 341 rages were permitted by the magistrates. Scenes of riot and persecution took place at Cork and tlie neighbourhood, which will be an eternal blot on the memory of the magistrates of those places. During these shameful proceedings, the cause of Methodism made rapid progress in various parts of Ireland. Many, both of the Roman Catholic and the Protestant fciith, were brought over to the interest of the Wesleyans ; and many more of the Papists would have been converted, had not the Protestants, as well as their own priests, taken pains to hinder them. Violent as was the oppposition which Mr. Wesley met with from avowed enemies, he had to encounter evils of a more dangerous and alarming kind from some of his preachers and people. Many of the preachers had begun to wish to have the Methodists a body distinct from the church of' England, froni which Mr. Wesley had never avowed his dissent. The slightest hint of a rebellion of this nature gave him no small pain. He thus writes to a confi- dential friend, Mr, Edward Perronet — ** I have abundance of complaints to make, as well as to hear. I have scarce any on whom I can depend, when I am an hundred miles off. 'Tis well I do not run away soon, and leave them to cut and shuffle for themselves. Here is a 5 S42 iirsTABiLiTy of some glorious people. But, O ! where are the shep- . herds? *' The society at Cork have fairly sent me word, that they will take care of themselves, and erect themselves into a dissenting congre- gation. I am weary of these sons of Zeruiah : they are too hard for me. Dear Ted, stand fast, whether I stand or fall." He afterwards writes to the same person, say- ing, " Charles (Charles Perronet, the hrother of Edward) and you hehax'c as I want you to do. But you cannot, or will not, preach where I de- sire. Others can and will preach where I de- sire; but they do not behave as I want them to do." Again— *"' I think both Charles and you have a right sense of what it is to serve as sons in the gospel. And if all our helpers had had the same, the 'work of God would have pros- pered better, both in England and Ireland." — And again — " Yon put the thing right. I have not one preacher with me, and not six in Eng- land, whose wills are broken enough to serve me as sons in the gospel." These were alarming symptoms, Madam ; and they seem to have shocked the ambition of Mr. John Wesley not a little. The fact is, the Me- thodists were already practical dissenters; and it was but honest in the society at Cork, and all the ingenuous preachers, to avow their disseiu OF THE PREACHERS. 343 at once. It was Mr. Wesley himself who was cutting and slmffling between the church of England and t'ie Protestant disseniers, and not those societies which determined to act an ho- nest, open part, by leaving the church whose rubric tliey had broken, and whose ritual tiiey had in a great measure discarded. How the Methodists of the present day can persist in cal- ling; themselves members of the church of Ens:- land, I cannot tell. Whea will they lay aside their double-dealing ? Mr. Wesley left Ireland on the 22d of July, and proceeded to visit the societies through the West pf England. I am, &c» 344 LtlTTER XXXIT. Mr. JVhite field — Hypocrisy of UnbeVievers-r; jpreadful Alarms — James Wheatky. DEAR MADAM, Mr. Whitefield, having become a zealous Calvinist, harl separated himself from the Wes- leyan connexion, and was proceeding with astonishing success in making proselytes to the cause of Predestinarianism. With respect to the notion of sensible and instantaneous con- version, and of almost all the other peculiarities of Methodism, the Whitefieldian and the Wesleyan Methodists still agreed pretty well. Whitefield's manner in the pulpit was more engaging than that of either of the two Wes- leys : he had formerly been very much attached to theatrical entertainments, and after his con- version, when he had become a preacher, he parried along with him many of the graces of MR. WHitEFIELD. 545 oratory and the attractive gestures of the stage into the pulpit : his ministrations were conse- quently always very well attended. Sometimes, indeed, he was honoured with the attendance of some great personages, who, at that time, were making a figure in the literary and politi- cal world. Under the patronage of the cele- brated Countess of Huntingdon, he acquired considerable celebrity both as a Christian preacher and an orator. After his return from Georgia, in 1748, the Countess wrote to him, informing him that several of the nobility and gentry were desirous of hearing him preach. In a few days that complete man of the world, the Earl of Ches- terfield, and a large circle of his friends attend- ed at the preaching, and having heard him once, expressed a desire of hearing him again. '' I therefore preached again," says he, " the same evening, and went home, never more sur- prised at any incident in my life." This, Ma- dam, is perhaps the first and only instance in which a sermon has been known to be encored , Mr. Whitefield adds, "All behaved quite weU, and were in some degree affected. The Earl of Chesterfield thanked me, and said, ' Sir, I will not tell you what I shall tell others, how I approve of you ;' or words to this purpose. At last Lord Bolingbroke came to hear, sat like an archbishop, and was pleased to say, ' I had 346^ ^^^'^i^tt. AVHITEFIELD. cfflne great justice to the divine attributes in my discourse.' Soon afterwards her Ladyshijj re- moved to town, when I preached generally twice a- week to very brilliant auditories — Blessed be God, not without effectual success on some." — It has been said that tlie celebrated Scotch historian, Hume, was occa-.ionally a hearer of Mr. Whitefield, and that he was much capti- vated with his eloquence. We must not, how- ever, look among the Chesterfields, the Boling- brokes, and the Humes for converts either to Arminian or Calvinian Methodism. Had the preaching of Whitefield been attended with any lasting effects on the mind of the Earl, he might perhaps have been spared some of those gloomy and heart-appaling reflections which made the 'close of his days bitter to him ; in- stead of looking upon his entrance upon ano- ther state of existence as "a leap in the dark," he might have left the world, which he had so long and so faithfully worshipped, with a hope blooming and full of immortality. He would have learned also in his lifetime to have guarded the morals of his son against the fascinatin": allure- ments of a gay and thoughtless age. Instead of endeavouring to initiate him into the mys- teries of fashion, and of teaching him to pre- varicate for good manners' sake, he would, probably, have learned himself in simplicity and godly sincerity to have had his conversa- HYPOCRISY OF UNBELIEVERS. S47 tion among men. I greatly fear, when this votary of flattery told Mr. Whitefield he ap- proved of him, by which he meant to be un- derstood that he approved of his preaching, he was only paying the preacher a compliment; which he might think it his duty to do from a regard to the demands of good hrteding. Of the sincerity of Lord Bolingbroke's pro- fessions I M^ould say less. He has been said to be a Deist ; but he certainly at one time thought highly of Christianity. '' No religion,'' says he, " ever appeared in the world whose natural tendency was so much directed to promote the peace and happiness of mankind as Christian- ity." But indeed, Madam, there is no trusting to the professions of those who have thrown off all obligation to the restraints imposed upon them by the religion of Christ ; a religion which requlreth truth in the inward parts. I know some unbelieV'Crs, and those too men of respect in the world, who have scrupled not, in writ- ing, to signify their belief of the Christian Doctrine ; but who, in conversation, are pro- fessed enemies to our common faith. That most fallacious and pernicious of all worldly maxims, to " think with the wise, and speak with the fpolish," is near a-kin to this species of preva- rication, which, if it had been always acted upon, would have left the world in a lixed state of barbarism and misery. Voltaire received 348 HVPOCRisy of unbelievers. the Sacrament, at the verv time he was encraffed in a conspiracy with the king of Prussia and others to crush the wi-etchy meaning Christ. Rousseau declares that the evangehc historv does not bear tlie mark of fiction. '' On the contrary," says he, " the history of Socrates, which nobody presumes to doubt, is not so well attested as that of Jesus Christ !" Thomas Paine, who tells us that the Bible teaches rapine, cruelty and murder, and that the New Testa- ment teaches us, that but I must not be allowed to repeat his very indecent blasphemy about the Virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit; — that to love our enemies was only one out of many others of our Saviour's dogmas of false morality; I say, Madam, this man also con- fesses, that ** Jesus Christ taught and lived the purest morality," that he was ** a virtuous re- former;" and that his morality has not been exceeded by any. I forbear to quote from one or two authors of the present day, who have thus shamefully and basely prevaricated. I repeat it then, that no dependance can be placed on the professions of unbelievers. As to Hume, he might possibly admire the \eloquence of Whiteficld ; but surely he despised his Christian virtues : else he would have had more manly and exalted enjoyments on a bed of death, than a g'ame at whist, or a joke about Lucian, Charon, and the River Styx. HYPOCRISY OF UNBELIEVERS. 349 Had poor Emerson, tlie mathematician, lived the morality wliich Christ taught, instead of creeping on his hands and knees, covered with dirt, shame, and infamy, alternately praying and blaspheming, he might have been as happy as he was learned, and have closed his days,, exclaiming, *' Though I walk through the val- ley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil ; for thou art with me ; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." " O, death ! where is thy staig ? O, grave ! where is thy vic- tory ?" Excuse this digression, Madam. I now pro- ceed with the progress of our Wesleyan. Chris- tians. While Whitefield, by his eloquence, was drawing some of the mighti) and the noble to the Tabernacle, and while John Wesley was fighting with beasts in Ireland, IVIr. Charles Wesley was making converts in England, and labouring to purge the Church of the Metho- dists from those members, preachers and others, who were a disgrace to the society. His mar- riage, which was rather an unusual one, had not lessened his zeal for Methodism, nor hin- dered his exertions to spread its name and in- fluence. He had, however, much to labour against, by the unsoundness of some ; the re- bellion of others ; and the enthusiasm of a third class. 350 DREADFUL ALARMS. In the months of February and March, 1750, the city of London felt several shocks of an earthquake, which alarmed the inhabitants ex-r ceedingly, particularly the Methodists, who flocked in shoals to the Foundery and the Ta- bernacle. Mr. Charles Wesley wrote to his brother John, on the 8th March, giving some account of this affair. "This morning," says he, "a quarter after five, we had another shock of an earthquake, far more violent than that of Fe- bruary 8. I was just repeating my text, M'hen it shook the Foundery so violently, that we all expected it to fall on our heads. A great cry followed from the women and children. I im-, mediately cried out, Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved and the hills be car- ried into the midst of the sea : for the Lord of Hosts is with us ; the God of Jacob is our refuge. " He filled my heart with faith, and my mouth with words, shaking their souls as well as their bodies. The earth moved westward, then east, then westward again, through all London and Westminster. It was a strong and jarring mo- tion, attended with a rumbling noise, like that of thunder. Many houses were much shaken, and some chimnies thrown down, but without any further hurt." DREADFUL ALARM*. 351 Earthquakes not being- very common in Eng- land, when they do happen, are always pro- ductive of great terror and alarm to the inha- bitants; while every unusual phenomena in nature, is sure to find work for the dreamers of dreams ; every total eclipse of ilie sun, every appearance of a comet, every aji,itation of the earth, the combination of sulphureous and me- tallic particles, yea, ever}' extraordinary storm of thunder and lightning, will rouse tlie pro- phets to action ; who will cause " confusion to be worse confounded" by their alarming prog- nostications. The convulsions of nature are always regarded by tlie Prophets of our day, as the sure harbinger of its final dissolution. I have seen nearly all the inhabitauts of a village running about the streets, in the most wild and frantic state of consternation, quite certain that the day of judgment was about to com- mence, because there had been a long and vio- lent tempest of hail, thunder, and lightning. Tliis was the case on tlie 3d of August, 1793, at Tildsley-13anks, near Manchester ; at which place there was such a storm of this kind as perhaps the inhabitants of our island never saw before. During the space of eighteen minutes, the heavens were in one continual roar. The lightnings blazed incessantly, and tlie hail descended in such large stones, and with so much velocity, as to break almost every pane S52 DREADFUL ALARMS. of glass in the village thai fronted southward* It might truly be said, that " fire mingled with hail ran along upon the ground." In a farm- house, where I was then sitting, I saw the glass and leads in the windows torn away as by an invisible hand. This being just after the sur- render of Valenciennes to the British troops, it had been proclaimed through the village, that a general illumination should take place in the evening When, lo ! if the stars in their courses could once be said to fight against Sisera, it might then be concluded, that con- tending elements combined to check the un- hallowed triumphs of ambition and bloodshed. It appears, Madam, that the storm I have just been describing v/as not wholly confined to the village of Tildsley- Banks ; for the Prophet, Brothers, then in London, mentions it, in one of his pamphlets, as being one of the angels then engaged in pouring out his vial on the sun ! To return to the eartliquake. On the 4th of April, Mr. Wesley observes, *' Fear fill- ed our Chapel, occasioned by a prophecy of the return of the earthquake this night. I preached my written sermon on the subject, with great effect, and gave out several suitable hymns. It was a glorious night for the disciples of Jesus. April 5, I rose at four o'clock, after a night of sound sleep, while my neighbours watched. I sent an account to M. G. as fol- EftEADFUL AIAR?r5. 355 rows: — The late earthviuake has found me work. Yesterday I saw tlie Westminster entl of the town full of coaches, and crowds flying out of tlie reach of divine justice, with astonishing ])recipitation. Their panic was caused by a ])Oor madman's prophecy. Last night they were all to be swallowed up. The vulgar were almost in as great consternation as their betters. Most of them watched all night ; multitudes in the fields and open places ; several in their coaches : many removed their goods. London looked like a sacked city. A lady just stepping into I'.er coach to escape, dropped down dead. Many were all night knocking at llie Foundery door, and begiiing admittance for God"s sake !' This account is confirmed by a letter from a \V. Bia:2:s to ]Mr. John Wesley, dated on the firth of the same month, in wliich he says, '' This great city has been, for some days past, under terrible apprehensions of another earth- quake. Yesterday tliousaiids tied out of town, it bavins' been confidentlv asserted bv a dra- goon, that he had a revelation, that great part of London, and Westminster, especially, would be destroyed by an eartliquake the 4th instant, between twelve and one at night. The whole city was under direful apprehensions. Places of worship were crowded with frightened sin- iiers, especially our two Chapels and the Talier- nacle, where Mr. Whitefield prcacluul. Several A A 354 DREADFUL ALARMS. . Classes came to their Leaders, and desired that they would spend the night witli them in prayer: which was done, and God gave them a blessing. Indeed all around was awl'ul !" — • '' Though crowds left the town on Wednesday night, yet crowds were left behind ; multirufles of whom, for fear of being suddenly over- whelmed, left their houses, and repaired to the fields and open places in the city. Tower-Hill, Moorfields, but above all Hyde-Park, were filled best part of the night, with men, women, and children, lamenting. Some, with stronger imaginations than others, mostly women, ran crying in the streets, an earthquake ! an earth- quake ! Such a distress, perhaps, is not re- corded to have happened before in this careless city. Mr. Wliitencld preached at midnight in Hyde-Park. Hereby God will visit this city : it will be a time of mercy to some. O may I be found watching !" Does not this last re- mark amount to something like a belief in the dragoon's revelation? These confusions, like all other public dis- turbances, turned to good account in the cause of Methodism. Many m iio had been driven to the preaching through dread of the earth(}uake, when the prophecy came not to pass and their fears were abated, still continued attaciied to the Wcslcyans and the Whitcfield- ians, and thereby augmented the nunibers in JAMES WHEATLEY. 355 society, and the hearers at the Fcundery and Tabernacle. But these alarms also increased the number of enthusiasts and fanatics, which gave much pain to Mr. Charles Wesley. A worse calamity befel the Methodists soon after, through the lewdness of one of their preachers. His name was Wheatley, and was a kind of a quack in physic as well as in theology. This man made dreadful havoc among the sisterhood. Your modesty forbids that I should enter into farther detail of this wretch's dealings among the women. Wheatley con- tinued his licentious depredations until he was discarded by the two brothers on the 25th of June, 1751. Such was the notoriety of this man's lewdness, that it became necessary, for the credit of the cause, to publish the note of his expulsion, which was as follows : '^ Because you have wrought folly in Israel, grieved tlie holy spirit of God, betrayed your own soul into temptation and sin, and the souls of many others, whom you ought, even at the peril of your own life, to have guarded against all sin ; because you have given occasion to the enemies of God, whenever they shall know these things, to blaspheme the ways and truth of God. — We can in no wise receive you as a fellow-ltil)ourer, till we see clear proofs of your real and deep repentance. Of this you have given us no proof yet You have not so much AA 2 356 JAMES W'HEATLEr. as named one single person, in all England of Ireland, w ith whom you liave behaved ill, ex- cept those we knew before. " The least and lowest proof of such repent- ance which we can receive is this. That till our next Conference (which we hope M'ill be in October) you abstain both from preaching and practising physic. If you do not, we are clear ; we cannot answer for the consequence. " John Wesley, " Charles Wesley." This Wheatlcy was such a sad rake among the ladies, that even three years after his ex- pulsion, we lind the Mayor of the city of Norwich employed a whole day in taking the affidavits of the women whom he had tried to corrupt. These accounts being printed and cried about the streets, occasioned great con- fusion. Fresh discoveries were daily made of liis lewdness, '^enough," it is said, "to make the ears of all who hear it tingle." I will have mercy on your cars, Madam, and drop the sub- ject, observing, that this INIethodistical Adonis published a book, which I have read, entitled *' Advice to Married Persons !" I am, SiC. ,a^r X.ETTER XXXIIL Prejudices against Mr. Clmrles Wesley — Desists from Travelling — His Sickness and Death — His Character — Specimens of his Poetry, DEAR MADAM, The conduct of James Wheatley put tlxc bro- thers upon a strict inquiry into the character and abihties of the rest of the lay-preachers. This unpleasant office fell, with very great pro- prietj^ on Mr. Charles Wesley. He accordingly commenced a kind of inspecting tour through all the circuits. This service, as we may well suppose, was attended with no very pleasing- effects. Many Arere found deficient in abihties; many were discovered to be disobedient and ungovernable, especially in what regarded the union of the Methodists with the church of England; many were found careless and luke- 4 358 PREJUDICES AGAINST warm in their duties ; and some were discovered to have been innnoral in their conduct. It was neither safe nor possible to silence all these offending preachers. Charles Wesley, being of a more resolute and discerning mind than his brother John, acted under tlicse circumstances with as much prudence and courage as he possibly could. But his hiigh-church principles^ nearly amounting to bigotry, induced him, at times, to number among the sins oi' the preach- ers, tlicir non-attendance on the service and ordinances of the church of England. He con- sequently created himself many enemies ; some from niotives of moral principle, and others from those of revenge. The lukewarm and the im- moral liated him as an enemy that had found them out; the dissenting brethren, sometimes lookt'd upon h.ini as one seeking to lord it over God's heritage ; those w ho were deficient in abilities to preach, desj)ised him, as one wish- ing to opjio^e human learning and head-know- ledge to the inspiration and operations of the Spirit. Concerning a preacher of tliis last class, he writes as follows — *' August 5, I went to tlie room, that I might hear with my own ears, one of whom many strange things had been told me. But such a preacher never have I heard before, and hope I MR. C. WliSLEY. 359 jiever shall aoain. It was beyond description. I cannot say he preached false doctrine, or true, or any doctrine at all ; but pure unmixed non- sense. Xot one sentence did he utter that could do the least good. Now and then a text of scripture was dragged in by head and shoul- ders. I could scarcely refrain from stopping him. He set my blood a galloping, and threw me into such a sweat, that I expected the fever to follow. (He was then just recovering from a severe indisposition). Some begged me to step into the desk, and speak a few words to the dis- satisfied hearers. I did so, taking no notice of M. F k (meaning, I suppose, Mich. Fen- wick, who died in the connexion, in 1797), late superintendent of all Ireland! I talked closely with him, utterly averse to working, and told him plainly he should either work with his hands, or preach no more. He complained of my brother. I answered, I would repair the supposed injury, by setting him up again. At last he yielded to work." The same day he silenced another preacher; for what offence it does not appear. It is very commonly thought among the Me- thodists, that Mr. Charles Wesley used, at times, to backslide from his religious course ; and that on one of these occasions he wrote the follow- ing stanza — 360 DESISTS FROM TRAVELLING^ " Ah ! where am I now ? WUon was it, or how, That I fdl from my heaven of grace? I am brought into thrall, I am stript of my all ; I am bu:iish'd from Jcsus's face !" Th.e iLimour of (^liailes ^yeslcy falling from grace, and of his being deficient in zeal, was, I believe, unfounded. Be this, however, as it may, he did certainly desist from travelling in conjunc- tion with his brother John, some time before liis death. The cause of this circumstance is perhaps to be sought for in the spirit of dissent from the church, wliich began to prevail among tlie brethren, and which John had not sufficient courage to oppose, as Charles thought he ouglit to have done. The foolish and ridiculous prac- tice, which his brother had begun, of ordaining some of the lay-prcachers, who vainly thought that such an honour would give them greater in- fluence with ihe people, cojisiderably strengthen- ed him in his separation. Charles was veiy desir- ous of abiding by his ordination-oaths ; and when John began to make such very glaiiiig in- novations, as to take upon himself the power and office of ordination, it grieved him exceedingly. Not that he formally withdrew himself from the connexion : for although he laid aside, in a great measure, his itinerant plan, he still preached HIS DEATH. 361 at the chapel in London, and sometimes visited that at Bristol. Mr. Charles Wesley having now in a great measure resigned the very active part which he took in the societies, we muse pioceed to take OLii final leave ot' ami. Of the last hou;s of this champion of Method- ism, we are not furnishj-d with any ihing very importani. " Ke possessed," says Dr. White- head, '•' tliat state of mmd which he had been always pleased to see in others— unalfected hu- mility, and holy resignation to the wiH of God- He had no transports of joy, but solid hope and unshaken confidence in Christ, which kept his mind in perfect peace. A few days before his death, he composed the following lines — " In age and fcebk^nc3s extreme, ^^'ho shall a sini'ul worm redeem ? Jesus, my only hope thou art, Strength of my tailing flesh and heart ; O ! could I catch a smile from thee, And drop into eternity !" He died, March 29, 1788, aged seventy-nine years and three months; and was buried, April p, in Maiybone church-yard, at his own de- sire. The pall was supported by eight clergy- men of the cliurch of England. On his tomb- 362 HIS CHARACTER. Stone are the foUoAving lines, written by him- self on tlie deatli of one of his friends — " With poverty of spirit blest, llcat, happv saint, in Jesus rest : A sinner sav'd, through grace forgiv'n, Redccm'd from earth, to roign in heaven ! Thy labours of unwearied love, By thee forgot, are crown'd above ; Crown'd, through the mercy of thy Lord, With a free, full, immense reward !" Mr. Charles Wesley is described as a man of a warm and lively disposition, of great frankness and integrity, and generous and steady in his Iriendsiiips. In conversation he is said to have been pleasing, instruct iv'e, and cheerful ; and that bis observations were often seasoned with wit and humour. As a husband, a father, and a friend, his character was amiable; and that, as a minister, he delivered from the pulpit what flowed from the present views and feelings of his own mind. No one will be disposed to call in question the faithfulness of this account. But was he not at times severe, haughty, over- bearing, and dog- matical in his manner? Too tenacious of his own opinion? Was he not tinctured with bi- gotry, when he declared that the scripture came with a peculiar sweetness to him when read in a church ? Though he often opposed the spirit HIS CHARACTER. 363 of enthusiasm among his brethren, was he not sometimes enthusiastical himself? He became ahnost as firm a behever in sudden conversions, in extraordinary illuminations, as his brother John. Pie did not always check the ecstacies, and wild raptures, into whicli his commanding eloquence and terrible descriptions often threw his hearers. Charles Wesley was the great poet of Method- ism— the bard of the saints. Of ihe Collection of Hymns madCj and I believe chiefly composed, by the two brothers, Mr. John says, that they will not soon be worn thread-bare; that the book " is large enough to contain all the import- Rnt truths of our most holy religion, wlicther spe- culative or practical ; yea, to illustrate them all, and to prove tJieni hoih bij scripture and reason T " May I be permitted," he continues, " to add a few words with regard to the poetry ? Then I will speak to those who are judges thereof, with all freedom and unreserve. To these I may say, without offence, 1. In these hymns there is no doggerel ; no botches , nothing put in to patch up the rhyme ; no feeble expletives. 2. Here is nothing turgid or bombast on the one hand, or low and creeping on the other, 3. Here are no cant expressions ; no words without mean- ing.— 4. Here are both the purity, the strength, and the elegance of the English language ; and at the same time the utmost simplicity and 5 394 5P£CIJHENS plainness, suited to every capacity. Lastly, I desire men of taste to judge (these are the onl}' competent judges ), whether there is not in some of the verses the true spirit of poetry; such as cannot be acquired by art and labour, but must be the gift of nature. By labour a man may be- comea tolerable imitator of Spenser, Shakespeare, or Milton, and may heap together pretty com- pound epithets, ^ot all the gay pageants that brejithc Can with a dead body compare. With solemn deliglit 1 survey The corpse when the spirit is fled, |n love with the beautiful clay, And longing to lie in its stead ! How blest is our brother bereft Of all that could burden his mind I How easy the soul that has left Tiiis wearisome body behind \ OF HIS POETRY. SG5 Of evil incapable thou, Whose relics with envy I sec, Xo longer in misery now, No longer a sinner lil^e me. This earth is aflected no more With sicitness, or shaken with pain; The war in the members is o'er, And never shall vex him again : No anger henceforward or shame Shall redden this innocent clay; Extinct is the animal flame, And passion is vanish'd away. This languishing head is at rest, Its thinking and aching are o'er; This quiet immoveable breast Is heav'd by affliction no more. This heart is no longer the seat Of trouble and torturing pain ; It ceases to flutter and beat — It never shall flutter agelin. The lids he so seldom could close, By sorrow forbidden to sleep, Seal'd up in eternal repose. Have strangely forgotten to weep : The fountains can yield no supplies ; These hollows from water are free ; The tears are all wip'd from these eyes. And evil they never shall see. To mourn and to suffer is mine, While bound in a prison I breatlip", And still for deliverance pine, And press to the issues of death : 366 SPECIMENS What now witli my tears I bedew, O might I this moment become! My spirit created anew, My flesh be consign'd to the tomb I These verses do not, T conceive, disgrace the muse of Mr. Charles Wesley, whose production I believe they are. But you will perceive, Ma- dam, that very great poetic licence has been taken with some of the doctrines of Christianity, as well as with the common experience of men concerning a state of death. Mr. John Wesley, in his preface to these hymns, asserts, that "no word is there used but in a fixed and determinate sense." In what sense, then, are we to understand the third line of the fifth stanza? — Seal'd up in eternal repose • And how are we to reconcile that petition in the Litany, against sudden death, with many of the expressions, and the general sentiment of the above stanzas? particularly with part of the last ? — And still for deliverance pine, And press to the issues ot" death : What now with my tears I bedew, O might I this moment become ! OF HIS POETRY. 367 But they who feel not the beauty and the poetic fire of the verses altogether, have never paid their court to the muses. I may be allowed to give you one or two spe- cimens of Charles Wesley's lighter and more lively poetry. THE MAN OF FASHION. WRITTEN IN ITS-I. WHAT is a modern IMan of Fashion ? A man of taste and dissipation: A busy man, without employment; A happy man, without enjoyment. Wiio squanders all his time and treasures. On empty joys and tasteless pleasures; Visits, attendance, and atti^ntion, And courtly arts too low to mention. In bleep, and dress, and sport, anil play, lie throws his worthless life away ; Has no npinion of his own, But takes from leading beaux the ton. With u disdainful smile or frown, He on th? 1 if-raf crjud looks down : The world polite, his Iriends and he, And all the rest are — Nobody! Taught by the great his smiles to sell. And how to write, and how to spell ; The great his oracles he makes, Copies their vices and mistakes ; Custom pursues, hi-s only rule, And lives an ape, and dies a fool I S68 Specimens. From a perusal of the following lines, one would almost be led to conclude, that Mr. Charles Wesley was a dissenter : " Inventions added in a fatai hour, Human appendages of pomp and power ; Whatever shines in outward grandeur great, ' I give it up — a creature of the State ! Wide from the church a's hell from heaven is wide. The bhizc of riches, ahd the glare of pride, The vain dciire of being entitl'd Lord, The worldly kingdom, and the princely sv.ord. But should the bold usurping spirit dare Still higher climb, and sit in Moses' chair, Power o'er my faith and conscience to maintain, Shall I suhrr>;t, and suficr it to reign ? Call it The Church, and darkness put for light, Falsehood with truth coni'ound, and wrong with right : No ! I dispute the evil's haughty claim, The Spirit of the World be still its name ; Wliotev^r call'd by men, 'tis purely evil, Tis I/aLiel, Antichrist, and Pope, and Devil {"' I am, ike. $69 LETTER XXXIF Marriage of Mr. JVeskii — Success of Methodism in Scotland — Causes of its Failure there — Testi- mony in favour of the established Clergy of these Kingdoms. DEAR MADAM, In- the year 1750, Mr. John Wesley began to en- tertain thouo'hts of marriao;e : but his brother Charles, for reasons which do not now appear, set his face against that measure. Mr, Wesley was not, however, to be diverted from the pur* pose he had once seriously embraced. He had long been accustomed to follow the dictates of his oWn will in things less important than that i)^ carnal love. It could not then be expected from him that he should suffer a determination of such consequence to his happiness to be frus- trated by any of the ordinary occurrences of life. Accordingly, in the year 1751, he gave B B 370 MARRIAGE OV liis hand to Mrs. Vizelle, a widow lady of inde- pendent fortune. This was a most unhappy laiatch indeed. He loved his \vife, but he loved to travel and preach much more. Indeed h^ made it a kind of marriage-article during; his courtship; that he should not preach one sermon or travel one mile less on that account. *' If I thought I should," said he, *' my dear, as well as I love you, I would never see your face more." It seems Mrs. Wesley soon broke this engage- ment, and at last took her leave of hiu), signify- ing her resolution that she would never more re- turn. On this event Mr. Wesley coolly ob- serves, *' Non earn relitjui, non dimissi ; non re- 'vocabo. " She died in the year 1781, at Camberwell, near London. The stone, which is placed at the head of her grave, sets forth, " That she was a woman of exemplary piety, a tender parent, and a sincere friend." Her fortune, which had been secured to her prior to her marriage with Mr. Wesley, she left to her son by her former husband. To Mr. Wes- ley she bequeathed a ring ! Mr. Wesley found it less difficult to govern a society, consisting of some thousands of mem- bers,'than he did to bring his wife into due sub- jection. He was determined in all his under- takings with others to be complete lord and master hunsclf. Of t]^e importance of his own MR. ^rESLEY. 371 character, contrasted with that of his wife's, he had very high notions. In one of his letters he thus asks her: "Of what importance is your character to mankind ? If you was buried just now; or if you had never Hved, what loss would it be to the cause of God ?" According to the accounts which his bio- graphers have given us of this unfortunate match, it appears, that Mrs. Wesley used her husband in a most unjustifiable manner : robbing him — susj)ecting him of a criminal intercourse with other women — aspersing his moral character, &c. Yet he writes to her, saying, " I love you still, and am as clear from all other women as the day I was born. At length know me, and know yourself. Your enemy I cannot be; but let me be your friend ; asperse me no more ; provoke me no more. Do not any longer contend for mastery, for power, money or praise. Be con- tent to be a private insignificant person, known and loved by God and me. Attempt no more to abridge me of my libcrt3\ which I claim by the laws of God and man. Leave me to be governed by God and my own conscience. Then shall I govern you witii gentle svv'ay, and shew that I do indeed love you as Christ loved the church.*' Though I am disposed to believe ]Mrs. Wesley was very censurable ; yet, if I have not mis- taken the general temper of you ladies, Madam. B B 2 572 SUCCESS OF METHODISM tlicre are some very ol)iioxious words and phrases in the letter from wliich I liave made this short extract. The question respecting Airs. Wesley's importance in society — *' 'know yourself '' — " do not contend for mastery, for power, or praise'' — a " private insignificant person" — " I will go- vert? you with gentle sway," Sec. are such phrases which few wives will patiently suhmit to from their hushands. Mr. Wesley j)aid his first visit to Scotland in this year ( 1751 ). The labours of the Methodists have, however, never been crowned with extra- ordinary success in that country; and Air. Myles seems to intimate that their reason for still preaching in Scotland is, that INIethodism there may act by way of check upon the spread of Arianism and Socinianism. The manner in which the Methodists proceed against these he- resies, as they suppose them to be, is not by the common mode, such as force of argumentation, or strength of reasoning; but simply by rank- ing Arians and Socinians with Atheists and De- ists. It is an easy matter to knock down a man of straw. But 1 will be bold to assert, that not one out of a hundred of the members have read a single line on the subject, and that not one out of fifty, even of the preachers, ever gave it half an hour's impartial consideration in their whole lives. Satisfied with the verbal representations of Dr. Coke and a few others, and thereby relying; IN* SCOTLAND. S73 on the accounts of professed enemies, they take it for granted that Arianism and Socinianism are 8} nonymous with Deism and Atheism ; though I much question whether many of the good bre- thren know v.liat is meant by those two last terras. They very justly think it unfair in others to condemn them and their doctrines without first having given them an impartial hearing; but do they always attend to this themselves ? The Unitarians have, however, nothing to fear from the attacks of the Me- thodists, who are every way incompetent to the question. The Methodists have other work to do than the conversion of Unitarians; work in which they are more likely to succeed. — That is not their calling ; neither is a spirit of accurate investigation, or of unrestrained in- quiry ihcw'forle. Let them be content to ci- vilize the mob, and they will continue to do good. If they attempt more than this, they labour in vain. They ought not to meddle in matters they do not understand. Highly as I think of the editor of the Bibliographical Dic- tionary, I am well persuaded that were all the preachers hke to that gentleman, Methodism would shortly be no more. It is said, Madam, that Mr. Wesley declared, he never could le- tain a bookseller in his society for any length of time ; and Charles Wesley says he never knew a genius tiiat did any good. 574: FAILURE OF METHODISM I would not be understood to pass these cen- sures indiscriminatel3\ I have the pleasure of knowing and corresponding with some whose minds ai e as liberal as their hearts are good, and their views methodistical. To one of thein, a 'much esteemed friend, whose virtues reflect an honour on his connexions, 1 applied for some of the Methodists' publications, to assist me in this work; and he answered me — " Though I am a member of the IMethodist society, I have not one of their books in my library, excepting an odd volumeof the Magazine, and Wesley's tract on Electricity." To proceed : What with Unitarianism on the right hand, and Calvinism on the left, the Wesleyan Chris- tians have not succeeded so well in North Bri- tain as in other parts of the world. Besides, the state of morals among the North Britons leave very little for Methodism to work upon ; whose business it is, not so much to change the opi- nioiis, as to reform the manners, of the people. It were much to be wished, that other tlenomi- ni-ulons would be more ambitious to emulate the Methodists in this particular. But every one in its own order: — How many of the members of other communities can now look through Me- thodism, to the rock from whence they Mere hewn, and to the hole of the pit from whence they were dug ! IN SCOTLAND. 375 The Methodists have never been persecuted in Scotland ; that is another reason why they have succeeded so ill in that country. We have already observed, that the Wesley ans fish the best in troubled M'aters. The Calvinists have no power, and if they had, I believe they would not nozv use it; and the Unitarians have no in- clination to persecute others ; therefore has Me- thodism in Scotland been left to make its way by its own inherent excellence : the conse- quence has hitherto been, that they have done ittle good there. The Methodists, however, have not been wholly unsuccessful in that part of the Lord's vineyard ; and they do not de- spair of yet doing more to bring the people to embrace their opinions and practices. " Scotland," they say, '' it is certain, like Ge- neva, has, since the Reformation, ran from high Calvinism, to almost as high Arianism or Socinianism : the exceptions, especially in the ci- ties, are but few. And who can stem the torrent?'* Not, I am persuaded, the Methodist preachers. If Arians and Socinians are to be subdued, it must be by reason and argument, not by abuse and declamation ; and these latter are the only \yeapons the Wesleyans hav6 in their power to iise against them. They, however, wield them with all their might; while the objects of their implacable hatred seem to smile at the feebleness 376 TESTIAipKY IN FAVOUR OP of tlieir attempts ; and to flourish with the in- crease of leavpiiig and sound morality in the l^ingdom. About this time arose various disputes in the societies, concerning their union with the church of England, The dissenters. Mho had been converted to Methodism, retained their former non-conforming ])rejudices ; many who liad bei'orc been used to consider themselves church- people, became dissenters; and, lastly, the in- temperate conduct of some of the preachers, in pointing out what they conceived to be the crimes of the clergy, are said to be the leading causes of those disputes which ever after gave Mr. Wesley great uneasiness, and whic]i have increased so much since his death. It is necessary to make one or two remarks on the last of the above mentioned causes of disturbance; viz. the intemperate conduct of some of the preachers, in pointing out the er- rors of the clergy. We may ask, Madam, Who made these Mctliodists judges in Israel.^ Wlio gave them authority to abuse, ii; public and private, the character of a body of men whose learning, piety, and morality, are in a great de- gree the honour of our island ? Although myself a dissenter, I am constrained to acknowledge, that the great bulk of our national learning is to PC found amon^.J;,l|p ,cl4:i;gj(,.9^,,the establish- THE ESTABLISHED CLEHGY. 377 ment. In the practice of morality in general, what body of men in the M'orld exceeda that of the regular clergy of these kingdoms? I am persuaded, not any. Pray who are the great promoters of those public charities, those learn- ed and beneficent institutions which are at once the glory, the happiness, the bulwarks, of ouf country ? Not the Methodists ; but the bishops and clergy of the established church. Were they to withdraw their patronage and support from e\^ery charitable institution in the kingdom, the widow's heart that now sings for joy would droop within her; the poor, now raised by their munificence and public spirit, would fall to rise no more. Let us only look at the lists of names which are printed with the periodical reports of almost every literary and charitable institution in these kingdoms, and we shall i^nd this feeble testimony to the worth of our national clergy confirmed in the amplest manner. Considered as a body, they are, doubtless, the ornaments of the religion they teach, and of the country that supports them. And shall a few mistaken Methodist preachers take upon them, without censure, to vilify these men as "dumb dogs;" as unenligiitened, worldl}'-, unregenerate, unconverted sinners, without hope and without God in the woild ? Is it to be tolerated, tliat because tlie regular clergy are disposed to act soberly in their pub- 378 TESTIMONY IN' TAVOUU OF lie ministrations, and to read tlieir discourses, instead of pouring out upon the people a heap of crude, undigested, extemporaneous matter, that, therefore, they shall be considered as blind leaders of the blind ? It is in vain for the Methodists to pretend to be of a spirit different to the one I have been here alluding to, concerning tljcir respect for the clergy. Every Methodist in the kingdom knows, if he vv'ould confess it, that those clergymen who do not ])reach extempore, are looked upon as unevangeiical, unconverted men. No tiling is a surer test of a clerg3'man's being an unenlightened man, than his using notes in the pulpit. The exceptions to this illiberal notion arc very few indeed. Else, whence is it that tliose clergymen who preach extempore are alone called gospel, evangelical, and enlightened ministers? Many aged and truly respectable ministers of the established church may now say: "Those who are younger than I, have me in derision, whose fathers I would have scorned to have set with the dogs of my flock !" I am aware, Madam, that the praise I have here bestowed on the ministers of our church, nuist be given with some painful exceptions; that pluralists, and non-residents, do still dis- grace the establishment; and that some of the clergy arc immoral men, regardless of the flock, THE ESTABLISHED CLERGY. 379 while they secure the fleece; hut I repeat ir with pleasure, the bulk of the clergy is coin- posed of men of profound learning, sincere piet}-, and extensive liberalit}'. I should be sorr}^ to see these men removed from their livings, to make room for their calumniators. I should be so'.ry to see our ecclesiastical establishment re- duced to that state of barbarity from wliicii it has long been emerging. It lias been said, that Ave have an Arminian clergy and a Calvinistic hturgy. Admit this : but we had better have only one evil than two ; and if we let tliem alone, the time will come, I make no doubt, when the evil will be purged away by the growing influ- ence of the good. At any rate, such serio-comic-episcopo-dis- senting clergymen as the author of Tlie Sale of Curates, are not the men to reform the church : but rather to augment the number of her ble- mishes, and to re-barbarize her ministers and supporters. Under their hands she will be " Worse foy mendiiig— v/ash'd to fouler stains. " You will excuse. Madam, this apparent di- gression from the sul)ject in hand; and believe me to be. Yours, &c. 380 91; LETTER XXXV Mr. Fletcher — Anecdote — A Revival — Perfection hv. i_j/^. Max field — George Bell — Prophesying — Pandoras Box, DEAR MADAM, The disputes, which I mentioned in my last, greatly agitated the Methodist connexion, and produced many partial divisions and separations from the societies, in different parts of the kingdom ; yet upon tlie whole the work went on well ; that is, the members in the societies continued to increase. . ; In the year 17o7, Mr. Wesley first received assistance in his ministerial labours from John William de la Fiech^re, a Swiss gentleman, who had just taken Priest's orders in this country. MR. FLETCHER. S81 Mr. Wesley notices this circumstance in the following- manner: — "March 13, 1757, finding myself weak at Snowfields, I prayed that God, if he saw good, would send me help at the chapel. He did so. As soon as I had done preaching, Mr. Fletcher came, who had just then been ordained Priest, and hastened to the chapel, on purpose to assist me, as he supposed me to be alone. How wonderful are the ways of God ! When my bodily strength failed, and no clergyman in England was able and wiUing to assist me, he sent me help from the mountains of Switzerland ! And a help meet for me in every respect ! Where could I have found such another !" Air. Fletcher is said to have been one of the holiest men of the age ; and I am not disposed to call the truth of this assertion into question : There have been many holy men this age : Mr. Fletcher was eminently of the number. He certainly professed to have attained a state of perfection! and he wrote much in defence of that notion. Whatever were his spiritual at- tainments, his abihties as an able and powerful reasoner must remain undoubted while' The Checks toAntinomianism are extant. Thesebooks never were, they never can be, answered. The late venerable Member of Parliament for Shrews- bury, and his witty brother, the author of The Sale of Curates, to whom I alluded in a former 3S2 ANECDOTE. letter, did all they could to overturn Fletcher's arguments; but in vain — Never were the ad- mirers of that man who i>ave Sjivctus such a warm reception, more completely foiled, than M'hcn they fell into the hands of the Rev. John Fletcher. This gentleman's polemic writings made the Countess of Huntingdon tremble. — To ease her mind, her minions railed against the VVesIeyans, and gnashed their teeth at John Fletcher. But John kept his temper and his ground, until the disciples of Calvin retired from the field in disgrace. The pious Countess, however, was pretty well contented that Fletcher had been ansiiered. The pious Countess was more easily satislied than was James I. wdien under somewhat similar circum- stances. When this monarch had read Calder- wood's book, entitled, " Alter Damascenum," he manifested <>reat uneasiness: "Letnotthisdisturb your Majesty," cried one of the Bishops, "we M ill answer the book." — " Tush, mon," replied the King, " v.liat Vv'id ye aunser I 'tis nothing but scraptiir and razon !" Nothing remarkable seems to have taken place in the Methodist society from the time 'of Mr. Fletcher's debut, till the year 176^0, in vliich year a mighty revival commenced, which lasted some years. This w-as " that glorious \\Q\k of Sancti/ication. v/hich,"' Mr. Wesley A REVIVAL. 383 says, '' had been nearly at a stand for twenty years." But which "from time to time spread, first tlirough various parts of Yorkshire, after- wards in London, then through most parts of England, next to Dublin, Limerick, and through all the south and west of Ireland." One would almost suppose that Mr. Wesley is here describing the course of a real meteor, such as that which made its appearance in the year 1/83, and was seen by so many thousands of his Majesty's subjects, in most parts of his dominions! No, Madam, it is a meteor of the mind which our hero is here speaking of. He calls it is day of Penticost — the perfecting of the saints. Dr. Whitehead speaks of it as fol- lows : — "From the present year (17^6) I find little more than a recurrence of circumstances similar to those already related, till we come to the year 17^0; when religious experience, or at least the profession of it, began to assume an appearance among the Metliodists^ in some re- spects quite new." The thing is this : ]\fr. Wes- ley had long entertained an opinion similar to that held by the Papists and the Quakers, ( viz. ) that it is possible for a person to attain to a state of perfect ion G\ en in this life. Tarclay, the Apologist of the Quakers, thus describes this doctrine. " In whom this pure and holy birth is fully brought forth, the body of death and sin comes to be crucified, and removed, and 384 PERFECTION-. their hearts united and subjected to the truth ^ so as not to obey any suggestions or tempta- tions of the evil one, to be free from actual sinning and transgressing of the law of God, and in tliat respect perfect : Yet doth this per- fection still admit of a growtb ; and there re* niaineth always in some part a possibility of sinning, when the mind doth not most dili* gently and watchfully attend unto the Lord." How Mr. Wesley held this notion, I will explain to you, when I come to treat of his doctrines: suffice it at present to observe, that he improv- ed upon Barclay's opinion. One of his improve- ments was, that this state of perfection might be attained in a moment, during preaching, prayer, reading, conversation, or any other spiritual exercise ; nay, I have known it take place while the person was smoking a pipe of to- bacco ! Against the doctrine itself, Dr. Whitehead thinks there can be no just objections : " but," says he, " this instantaneous manner of attain- ing perfection in the Christian temper, seems to have no foundation in scripture ; it even appears contrary to reason, and to the constitution and order which God has established through all animated nature, where we see no instance of any thing arriving at perfection in a moment-' And thousrh there can be no doubt but som.e of those who made professions of this happy state I MR. MAXFIELt). 385 were both sincere and deeply pious, perhaps beyond most of their brethren, yet there seems just reason to affirm they were mistaken in tlie judgment they formed of their own attain- ments." From the consequences which attend- ed this revival, it is just to con chide that many of the perfectionists v/ere thus mistaken. About the beginning of this business, Mr. Maxfield, the first regular lay-preacher among the Methodists, having been ordained by the Bishop of Londonderry, was in London. For some time he laboured conjointly with the rest of the preachers. But this did not continue. He became, with many others, a mighty dreamer of dreams. Antinomianism beo-an to rear it head, as it had often done before. Dreams, visions, and revelations were now honoured more than the written word. The reproofs of some preachers only made things worse. One George Bell, whom I before mentioned, as an intimate of Mr. Maxfield, was a serjeant in the life-guards. This man fell into strange errors^ if the accounts published of him are true. He believed he had the miraculous discernment of spirits, and prophesied, in January, 17^3, that ** the end of the world would be on the 28th of February following !" Mr. Wesley warmly op- posed this, both from the pulpit and the press. When the day arrived he preached at Spital- fieUls in the evening, on "Prepare to meet thy cc 386 GEORGE BELL. God." This text, taken at such a time, no doubt increased the superstitious fears of tlie poor Methodists, many of whom, notwithstand- ing all he could say against Bell's absurd pro- phesies, were afraid to go to bed, and some wandered about in the fields, being persuaded, that if the world did not end, at least London would be swallowed up by an earthquake ! Mr. Wesley silenced Bell, and a separation, with Maxfield at the head of it, soon took place. Mr. Maxfield lived about twenty years after this, and preached in a meeting-house, near Moorfields, to a large congregation. So little do some ministers regard their ordination oaths ! George Bell died very lately, at his house near Paddington. He had, I believe, long given up all pretensions to religion. Though the separation had removed one hun- dred and seventy- five persons from the Wes- leyan connexion, yet was not the i^evkal thereby stopped; many still professed, that after a deep conviction of inbred sin, and of their total fall from God, they were so filled M'ith faith and love, (and generally in a moment) that sin vanished, and they found, from that time, no pride, anger, evil desire, or unbelief! You may, therefore, well suppose, that his Majesty, the king of the bottomless pit, would rage ter- pandora's box. 387 ribly; and stir up all his Antinomian, Calviniati, and Pelagian subjects to oppose this great work of perfection. He did so. How far he succeeded I will describe to you in the words of Mr. Fletcher himself, who was the great champion of the Doctrine of Perfection ; and who pro- fessed to have attained it himself Speaking of the increase ot" jNIethodism, he says, "■ Leaning on her fair daughters, Truth and Love, she took a solemn walk through the kingdom, and gave a foretaste of heaven to all that en- tertained her." " She might," says he, " by this time have turned this favourite isle into a land, flowing with spiritual milk and honey : if Appollyon, disguised in his angelic robes, had not played, and did not continue to play, his old game." " At this time we stand particularly in dan- ger of splitting upon the Antinomian rock. Many smatterers in Christian experience talk of finished salvation in Christ, or boast of being in a state of justification and sanctification, while they know little of themselves, and less of Christ. Their whole behaviour testifies, that their heart is void of humble love, and full of carnal confidence. They cry Lord ! Lord ! with as much assurance, and as little right, as the foolish virgins. They pass for sweet Chris- tians, dear children of God ; but their secret reserves, evidence them to be only such bc- c c 2 388 pandora's box. lievers as Simon Magus, Ananias, and Sapphira. Some with Diotrophes love to have the pre- eminence, and prate maUcious words ; and not content therewith, they do not themselves re- ceive the brethren, and forbid them that would. Some have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam, who loved the ways of unrighteousness ; they are wells without watcr^ and clouds without rain, and trees without fruit: with Judas they try to load themselves with thick clay, endeavour to lay up treasures on earth, and make provision for the flesh to fulfil ihe lusts thereof. Some, with the incestuous Corinthian, are led captive by fleshly lusts, and fall into the greatest enor- mities. Others, with the language of the avvakened publican in their mouths, are fast asleep in their spirits : You hear them speak of the corruptions of their hearts in as unaifected and airy a manner, as if they talked of freckles upon their face. It seems they run down their sinful nature only to apologise for their very sinful practices ; or to appear great proficients in self-knowledge, and court the praise due to genuine humility. " Others quietly settled on the lees of the Laodicean state, by the whole tenor of their life say they are rich and increased in goods and liave need of nothing : utter strangers to hun- ger and thirst after righteousness, they never pandora's box. 38p importunately beg, never wrestle hard for the hidden manna: on the contrary, they sing a requiem to their poor dead souls, ending, Soul take thine ease, thou hast goods laid up in Christ for many years, yea, for ever and ever ; and thus, like Demas, they go on talking of Christ and heaven, but loving their ease, and enjoying this present v/orld. *' Yet .many of these, like Herod, hear and entertain us gladly ; but like him also they keep their beloved sin, pleading for it as a right eye, and saving it as a right hand. To this day their bosom-corruption is not only alive, but indulg- ed ; their treacherous Delilah is hugged ; and their spiritual Agag walks delicately, and boasts that the bitterness of death is past, and he shall never be hewed in pieces before the Lord : nay, to dare so much as to talk of his dying before the body, becomes almost an unpardonable crime. *' Forms and fair shews of godliness deceive us: many, whom our Lord might well compare to whited sepulchres, look like angels pf light when they are abroad, and prove tormenting fiends at home. We see them weep under ser- mons, we hear them pray and sing with the tongues of men and angels ; they even profess the faith that removes mountains ; and yet by and by we discover they stumble at every mole- hill ; every trifling temptation throws them into 390 pandora's box. peevishness, fretfulness, impatience, ill-humour, discontent, anger, and sometimes into loud passion. " Relative duties are by many grossly ne- glected : husbands slight their wives, or wives neglect and plague tlieir husbands ; children are spoiled, parents disregarded, and masters disobeyed : yea, so many are the complaints against servants professing godhness on account of their unfaithfulness, indolence, pert answer- ing again, forgetfulness of their menial condi- tion, or insolent expectations, that some serious persons prefer those who have no knowledge of the truth, to those who make a high profession of it." *' "With more truth than ever we rcay say, * Ye diflerent sects, who all declare, Lol here is Christ, or Christ is there; Your stronger proofs divinely give, And shew us where the Christians live^ Your claim, alas ! ye cannot prove. Ye want the genuine mark of love.* " The consequences of tliis high, and yet lifeless profession, are as evident as they are deplorable. Selfish views, sinister designs, in- veterate prejudice, pitiful bigotry, party-spirit, self-sufficiency, contempt of otliers, envy, jea- lousy, making men offenders for a word — possi- bly a scriptural word too, magnifying innocent pandora's box. 391 mistakes, putting the worst construction upon each other's words and actions, false accusa- tions, backbiting, mahce, revenge, persecution, and a hundred such evils, prevail among reh- gious people, to the great astonishment of the children of the world, and the unspeakable grief of the true Israehtes tliat yet remain among us. *' But this is not all. Some of our hearers do not even keep the great outlines of heathen mo- rality : not satisfied practically to reject Christ's declaration, that it is more blessed to give than to receive, they proceed to that pitch of covet- ousness and daring injustice, as not to pay their just debts ; yea, and to cheat and extort, when- ever they have a fair opportunity. How few of our societies are there, where this, or some other evil has not broken out, and given such shakes to the ark of the gospel, that had not the Lord wonderfully interposed, it must long- ago have been overset ? And you know how to this day the name and truth of God are openly blasphemed among the baptized heathen, through the Antinomian lives of many, who • say they are Jews when they are not, but by their works declare they are of the synagogue of Satan." This Pandora's box of Methodism, was opened, Madam, not by an enemy, nor yet by one differing in opinion from the Wesleyans, 392 pandora's box. but from their best friend, and great defender of all their doctrines — not by one whose own bad spirit and evil conduct might lead him to expose the crimes of others as some excuse for his own; but by one, on whose morals and spi- rit liis most bitter enemies could never fix a stain, whom even the corrosive rancour of Calvinian malice could never blacken or con* vince of sin. Plad any other man besides Mr. Fletcher, drawn such a portrait of the Methodists, a nest of hornets had been raised to torment him ; and the guilt of the accused would have level- led a blow at the honesty and faithfulness of the accuser. I am, &c. 30Biq 393 LETTER XXXVL A Revival at Kiugswood — Eramius — Metliodisti- cnl Ord'mation, DEAR MADAM, Ai-THOUGH hindred by separations, and scan- dalised by false brethren, the society of Me- thodists continued to increase; so that in the year 1/66, notwithstanding four of the preach- ers had desisted from travelling, during the pre- ceding year, there were one hundred and four preachers, twenty-five thousand nine hun-^ dred and eleven members, and forty districts, in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales united. In the following year a great revival took place among the children at Kingswood ! Many of them were converted, and became zealous Methodists. I mention this circumstance be- 354 ilETlIODISTICAL ORDJNATION". cause it is somewhat remarkable, both from the age of the converts, and tlie unfrcquency of the scholars at tliis Methodistical college becoming SGrious. Kingswood sends few members to the Methodist societies, and very few preachers to Conference. During the revival, which I mentioned in my last, a Greek Bishop, named Erasmus, came to London on a visit. Application having been made to the Patriarch of Smyrna, respecting the leality of his office, it a[)peared that he was Bishop of Arcadia in Crete. This point being- ascertained, Erasmus was shortly after beset with a whole host of apj)lications from the Me- thodist preachers, both local and travellings to give them episcopal ordination ! This real or supposed Greek, (for many still thought the matter extremely doubtful) having nothing to fear in this country from such a measure, will- ingly complied with the request of these ambi- tious Methodist preachers. It was even said, that Mr. Wesley himself did strongly press Eras- mus to ordain him a Bishop ! This charge, Mr. Wesley partly denied ; but not so as to leave no doubt on the minds of some of l-is friends. Or- dained Bishoj), however, he was not ; yet that did not hinrler him from exercising the power and office of one : for, strange to tell ! Mr. Wesley did afterwards actually take upon him- self to ordain som.e of the lay-preachers ; yea, METHODISTICAL ORDINATIOIC. 595 some of them he made into a kind of Episcopal Bishops ! — Was ever such a thing known before or since in theamials of our Church history ? — But he was teazed into that weakness by the repeated importiijiities of Dr. Coke and a few others ; and though Mr. Wesley often boasted that he did nothino- in a corner ; vet was this mock ordination — this episcopal farce, per- formed in a private manner, in a chamber ! A great increase of Methodism had been brought about in America by the labours of Whitefield and some others ; and after the In- dependence of the American Colonies had been acknowledged, Mr. Wesley thought himself justi- fied in ordaining Dr. Coke, and through him, Francis Asbury, to be joint superintendants over the brethren in North America. Tliat is to say, he made Dr. Coke into a Methodistical Bishop, v.ho communicated his second-hand functions to F. Asbury ! Richard Wliatcoat and Thomas Vasey were ordained Elders, to administer the blessed Sacraments to the newly emancipated Americans ! Mr. Wesley also prepared a Liturgy, little differing from that of the Church of England, which he advised the travelling-preachers to use on the Lord's day, in all the congregations, reading the Litany only on Wednesdays and Fri- days, and praying extempore on all other days ; at the same time he advised the newly-created ^D6 METHODISTICAL OKDIXATION. Elders to adminis^ter the Supper of the Lord on every Lord's da v. " If any man," says he, " will point out a more rational and scriptural way of feeding and guiding those poor sheep in the wilderness, I will gladly embrace it. At present I cannot sec any better method than tliat I have taken. " It has indeed been proposed to desire some of our English Bishops to ordain part of our preachers for America. But to this I object, 1. I desired the Bishop of London to ordain only one ; but could not prevail. C. If they consented, we know tbie slowness of their pro- ceedings; but the matter admits of no delay. 3. If they would ordain them noii\ they would Jikewise expect to govern them. And how grievously would this entangle us ! (Mark this, Madam !) 4. As our American brethren are now totally disentangled, both from the state and tlie English hierarchy. Me dare not entangle them again, either with the one or the other ! (And mark this also!) They are now at full liberty to follow the Scriptures and the Primitive Church. And we judge it best that they should stand fast in that liberty, wherewith God has so strangely made them free ! ! !" This reasoning, and the consequent practice of ordination, came, IMadam, not from a Dis- senting Minister and one who had akcays becu FORGETFULNESS, 397 friendly to the cause of the oppressed Colonists, but from the Rev. John Wesley, M. A. some- time Fellow of Lincoln College, and at that time a true son of the Church — a Presbyter of the Church of England ; who had a little before written "A calm Address to the American Co- lonies," in which he takes the side of their op- pressors ! It is probable that he had " forgot - ten' both that he had ever written the Address, and that he was Presbyter of the Church of England, for surely nothing but forgetfulness could have allowed so gross a dereliction of all his former principles, as appeared both in the practice of ordination, and his manner of de- fending it. We know Mr. Wesley could^ oc- casionally, remember to forget, as he did in the instance which formed part of his short con- troversy with the late Dr. Evans of Bristol. In that instance, Mr. Wesley did actually pretend to have forgotten ever having read a certain pamphlet, written in favour of the Americans, and v/hich he strongly recommended for notice in a Bristol newspaper to Mr. Pine the printer. Mr. Wesley had changed his opinion concern- ing the subject of dispute between the Ameri- cans and the mother country, and when he was charged with a deviation from his former prin- ciples, he said he had forgotten ever seeing or re- commending the book which had, if not actu- ally produced, yet very much strengthenct others, 1 think him very guilty." It has ah-eady appeared, in the course of these letters, that this observation is strictly just and pro- per. I have already said, that Mr. Charles Wesley opposed his brother's ordination-work with all his might, lie did so, to his great credit as a minister of the church of England and an honest man. As a dissenter, I can have no objection to Mr. Wesley, or any other Christian man, lay- ing hands on as many of their fellow-Christians as zvish it ; but I do contend, that as a regular clergyman, Mr. Wesley did certainly violate every principle of the cliurch to which he still professed to belong; and that, by taking upon himself to ordain others to the ministr}^, he threw off that subjection to the legal bishop which every regular clergyman is supposed to owe to those under whose authority he acts. There may, perhaps, be no express law for- bidding presbyters of the church of England to make bishops of their brethren ; but that law which gives the power of ordination to the bishops themselves, plainly implies, that it shall not be assumed by any inferior order of men in the church. It may be remarked, that had Mr. Wesley re- fused to exercise his supposed power of ordina- 406 METHODISTICAL ORDINATION'. tion, by not listening to the earnest solicitations of his ambitious counsellors^ Dr. Coke might have exercised his own power; for he also is a presbyter of the church of England, lie might have agreed with some ambitious lay-preacher, first to ordain him presbyter, when he would be on an equal footing with Mr. Wesley himself; and in return for tins honour, the newly-made episcopal brother might have conferred a greater honour on the Doctor, by consecrating him a bishop. Thus would the lay-preacher pay the ordained presbyter with interest, for tlie honour which had been conferred on him- self! This method would have been equally legal with that which was taken with Mr. Wes- ley. But it was hrftuence the Doctor sought af- ter, as well as power and a title; and this could not be obtained through any other channel than that of Mr. Wesley — the great father of all the churches. Whenever //e spake, it was done ; when he commanded, it stood fast ! Yes, Ma- dam, had the name, and even the oflice of bishop, been all the good Doctor had wanted, he might easily have obtained the end of his wishes, by takiug the method I have just laid down. The bargain would shortly have been struck ; it was only saying, " I'll make you a presbyter of the church, if you'll a^fterwards consent to make me a bishop." Or as some METHODISTICAL ORDINATION. 407 Roman Catholics have expressed themselves concerning the broken order of succession at the Reformation: " If you'll make me arch- bishop of York, I'll make you archbishop of Canterbury !" As Mr. Wesley was never publicly elected by any presbyters and people to the office of a bi- shop, nor ever consecrated to it, when he pre- sumed to usurp that office, his brother Charles exclaimed — " So easily are bishops made, By man's or woman's whim, \^esley his hands on Coke hath laid ; But who laid hands on him ?" Dr. Whitehead concludes his very able rea- soning on the subject of niethodistical ordina- tion, with the following observations: — " A scheme of ordination so full of confusion and absurdity, as that among the Methodists, can surely never filiate itself on Mr. Wesley : it must have proceeded from a mere chaotic brain, where wild confusion reigns. Nor can I easily believe that Mr. Wesley would ever have adopted so mis-shapen a brat, had not his clear perception of things been rendered feeble and dim, by flattery, persuasion, and age/' 408 METHODISTICAL ORDINATION. Should you be disposed to enter farther in- to the subject of methodistical ordination, give me leave to refer you to Dr. Whitehead's Life of Wesley, volume the second, where this mat- ter is treated in a perfectly full and satisfactory manner. I am, &c. 409 LETTER XXXrilL Tolerant Spirit of JMethodism mlstated — Conven- ticle-Act — Tolerant Spirit of the Church. DEAR ilADAMj In the year 17SS, Mr. Wesley taking a review of the nature of the work in which he had so long been engaged, thus speaks of it: " There is no other rehgious society under heaven, which requires nothing of men in order to their admission into it, but a desire to save their souls. Look all around you ; you cannot be admitted into the church or society of the Presbyterians, Baptist?, Quakers, or any other, unless you hold the same opinions with them, and adhere to the same mode of worship. The Methodists alone do not insist on your holding this or that opinion, but they think and let think. Neither 410 TOLERANT SPIRIT OF METHODISM do they impose a particular mode of worship, but you may coi^tinue to worship in your for- mer n.anner, be it what it may. Now I do not know any other religious society, eitlier ancient or modern, wherein such liberty of conscience is now allowed, or has been allowed since the age of tlic apostles ! Here is our glorying, and a glorying peculiar to us ! What society shares it with us ?" Were this representation, in all its parts, ex- actly true and just, the Methodist would indeed be tlie Church of God — the glory of every other church — the Lamb's wife, adorned as a bride for the bridegroom. We should never hear of expulsions for supposed heresies — there would no longer be proud looks and disdainful carriage manifested towards those who difler in opinion from their brethren — all anger and strife and bitterness would be done away — persecution would hide its horrid visage — bigotry would be forgotten, and uncharitableness be swallowed up of Christian love and philosophical forbear- ance. But is this the case among Methodists more than any other sect ? I know it is not. I know, that to call into question any of their doctrines, or to dispute the validity of any part of their discipline, is a sure ground of excom- munication. Nay, the very last Conference, (1806) they expelled one of the travelling preachers, for holding some opinions coiKrerning MISTATED. 411 justification by faith and the \^■itness of the spirit, which the Conference thoug'lit were Anti- Methodistical ; hut which the expelled preacher has since attempted to prove, are strictly agree- able to the doctrines taught hy Wesley and Fletcher. Whatever the society of Methodists may re- quire of candidates on their admission, it is cer- tain, that, having once entered, it is expected they will not vary one jot or tittle from the true Methodistical creed. Else why is it tliat tlie trust deeds of their chapels have a clause in them, requiring all the preachers to preach only such doctrines as are laid down inWesJe\''s Ser- mons and Fletcher's Checks ? Nay, Madam, if any private member should hr^ach any other faith than theirs> expulsion from the society would infUlibly be the consequence ! What confidence then are we to place iu tlie boasting professions of liheralit}^ contained in the extract I have just made? Truly it may be said of it that " All is false and hollow !" Mr. Wesley did not, I am persuaded, design to deceive when he made those declarations concerning his connexion ; bi't he forgot him- self in the warmth of his admiration ; and spoke of Methodism rather as he wished it to be, than as it really was. I have thought it neces- sary to let you know this that you may not be misled by false appearances, and partial repre- 412 CONVENTICLE ACT. sentations ; and let not the Methodists deem me their enemy -because I have told tlie trutli. I ought to have informed you before, that after a long* conversation with Mr. Clulow, an attorney, Mr. Wesley judged it expedient to have all his chapels and travelling preachers duly licenced according to the act of tolera- tion, hoping thereby, notwithstanding their professing to belong to the church, to escape the inconvenience arising from the conventicle act. This was certainly a safe and prudent step; but they ought from the moment of tak- ing the oath, to consider the meeting-houses as dissenting chapels, and the preachers as dis- senting ministers ; for the act, whose protection they claim, was made for persons *' Dissenting from the Church of England." While Mr. Wes- ley and his people continued to belong to the church, I know not why they should expect to be exempted from the penalties of the conven- ticle act. That act, like all others that would infringe the liberty of conscience, I grant is "an execrable act," as Mr. Wesley himself calls it, but that gentleman ought not to have lost sight of his still being a churchman, and that as such he was bound to obey all the laws of the church to which he belonged. He had taken the church for better and for worse; and ought either to have submitted to her dictates, or honestly to have withdrawn from her com- punion. TOLERANT SPIRIT OF THE CHURCH. 413 It argues very strongly for the spirit of libe- rality which is now found among the members of our national establishment, that so few pro- secutions take place against clergymen holding doctrines, and following practices, contrary to the canons and articles of the church to which they belong. Here we have Calvinian, Ar- minian. Unitarian, Swedenborgian, Pelagian, Arian, Socinian, Sabellian, Trinitarian, and I do not know how many other sorts of clergy- men in our church, some starving on a curacy, and others fattening on a bishopric ; we have Methodist clergymen, and clergymen following no method at all, but that of lounging at home, and hiring others, at half price, to do their duty. All these classes of clergymen are retained in the church ; live upon her revenues, and are protected by her laws. And yet we are some- times told of the intolerance of the church, of persecutions for righteousness' sake, and of the operations of certain "execrable acts !" Truly, Madam, I think our national church is the most liberal of churches; and her pale every way the most extensive. The test acts will ever be a stumbling block to the Dissenters, and the Catholics have just cause of complaint ; but let these men once enter the church, and they may follow any practices, and hold any doctrines they please.— They have only to find out th^ true method of .5 414 TOLtRAXT SPIRIT Of THE CHUKCR. stifling conscience ; and tlie ingenious one of retonciling principles and practices otherwise in opposition to eacii other; and then sign Arch- deacon Paley's "Terms of Pacification;" and none shall afterwards dare to make them afraid ! Were the /c^//e?' of our canon laws agreeable to the spirit and general pr^c/ice of their present supporters, I should have very few objections to uniting in fellowship with the Church of Eng- land, neither do I see how any reasonable man could object to such an union. The example and influence of Dissenters have made it un- fashionable to persecute for conscience sake; and hence it is that a great majority of our re- gular clergy have imperceptibly imbibed that spi- rit of toleration, which prevents the laws against Dissenters being put into execution, 1 look forward with pleasure to the time when even the letter of our ecclesiastical laws shall breathe a perfectly mild and liberal spirit, when the pious wish of Archbishop Tillotson shall be accom- plished ; and wc shall no longer hear of Chris- tians *' perishing everlastingly" for any venial error of judgment. To the light of science and the humanizing influence of reason and philosophy, I look for that spirit which will counteract the growing authority of Calvinian bitterness, and finally triumph over puritanic barbarity. Yet while we hear men, and those caUing themselves the only true sons of the 4 COXVENTICLE ACT. 415 cliurcli, pleading for persecution, by the vin- dication of Calvin's affair with the unfortunate Servetus, there is certainly something to dread from the spread of this branch of Methodists, especially when we consider how many of their preachers have found their way into the church. This alarm is not a little strengthened when we see the crowds that attend the ministry of these pretended evangelicals. Finding great inconvenience from a professed adherence to the church, and not willing either to alter the mode of his proceeding, nor yet to acknowledge himself a Dissenter, J\Ir. Wesley stated the case to a member of parliament, hop- ing the legislature might be prevailed on to in- terpose, and free the Methodists from the penal- ties of the conventicle act. He states the cause thus : — '*■ Last month a few poor people met to-* gether in Lincolnshire, to pray, and to praise God, in a friend's house : there v/as no preach- ing at all. Two neighbouring Justices fined the man of the house twenty pounds. I suppose he was not worth twentvi shillings. — Upon this, his household goods were distrained and sold to pay the fine, lie appealed to the quarter-sessions, but all the Justices averred, ' The Methodists could have no relief from the act of toleration, because they went to church ; and that, so long as they did so, the conventicle act should be executed upon them.' 416 CONVENTICLE ACT. *' Last Sunday, when one of our preachers ■\vas beginning to speak to a quiet congregation, a neighbouring Justice sent a constable to seize him till he had paid twenty pounds — telling him his licence was good for nothing, ' Because he was a Churchman.' " Now, Sir, what can the Methodists do ? They are liable to be ruined by the conventicle act, and they have no relief from the act of toleration ! If this is not oppression, what is ? Where then is English liberty ? The liberty of Christians, yea, of every rational creature, who as such, has a right to worship God ac- cording to his own conscience ? But waving the question of right and wrong, what prudence is there in oppressing such a body of loyal sub- jects ? If these good magistrates could drive them, not only out of Lincolnshire, but out of England, who would be gainers thereby ? Not his Majest}^ whom we honour and love : not his ministers, whom we love and serve for his sake. Do they wish to throw away so many thousand friends, who are now bound to them by stronger ties than that of interest? — If you will speak a word to Mr. Pitt on that head, you will oblige," &c. This reasoning is certainly very just and pro- per ; yet it must be granted, that the Justices in Lincolnshire did no more than tliey were bound to do by the laws. While the church OBEDIENCE TO THE CHURCH. 417 and state continue to be united, it is the busi-- ness of the civil magistrate to see that the eccle- siastical, as well as all the other laws, are duly kept and obeyed ; and surely it must be allow- ed, that the church of England has as much right as other churches to make what laws she chooses for the government of her own mem- bers ; and such the Methodists professed them- selves to be. If any do not like those laws and regulations which she has enacted, they are at liberty to dissent ; after which neither the church of England, nor any other church, has a right to interfere with them : But while they con- tinue in membership, they ought to pay proper deference to all established rules of her communion. The Methodists may thank the lenient spirit of the churchmen of the present day, that they are not forcibly expelled as un- ruly members. This they would think a hard case; and so it would be: But law is law, said the facetious George Alexander Steevens ; and I wish the Wesleyans would imitate the forbear- ance of their brethren of the church, when any one of their own members sees fit to violate the conventicle acts of Methodism. Whatsoever ye would that men should do to 3"0U5 do ye even so to them. The time is now approaching that .we must take our leave of the chief hero of this history, INIr. John Wesley. The last annual Conference - E E 418 STATE OF THE CONNEXIONS. at which he presided, was lield at Bristol, in the year 1790. At that time there were in the connexion, 216 circuits; 511 preachers; and 120,233 members! When we consider that all these preachers and people had arisen among the Methodists in little more than fifty years, we shall be astonish- ed at the success which attended the preaching of Mr. Wesley and his lay-brethren. Thus have they continued to increase, yea, and they do still continue to make converts to their faith and practices with equal, if not with greater, rapidity than ever. I am, &c. 419 LETTER XXXIX. Jlr. IVeski/'s Reflections on himself- — The last Words and Sentimenls of dying Men no Test of Truth — Sickness and Death of Mr. TFesley — Inscriptions — Remarks on M?\ TVesley's general Character. DEAR MADAM, OxV the 28t]i of June, 1790, Mr. Wesley ob- serves: — "This day I enter into my eighty- eighth year. For above eighty-six years I found none of the infirmities of old age ; my eyes did not wax dim, neither was my natural strength abated. But last August I found almost a sud- den change ; my eyes were so dim that no glasses would help me ; my strength likewise quite for- sook me, and probably will not return in this world. But I feel no pain from head to foot, E E 2 420 DYING WORDS NO TEST OF TRUTH. only it seems nature is exhausted, and humanly speaking, will sink more and more, till — " The weary springs of life stand still at last." The reflections of a great man, on his own ap- proaching dissolution, must always be interest- ing. We watch such a one with anxious curio- sity, and listen to his dying words as the test of his former sincerity, if not of the truth of his former opinions. The notion, however, which Dr. Young has broached, that though men may live fools, they cannot die such, is certainly not in every instance to be relied upon. For we may be certain, that as the wicked have no bands in their death, so neither will the circumstance of approaching dissolution operate upon the mind so as to remove ignorance and infuse knowledge. If we would be truly wise, we must suffer the discipline of the mind in life; and cor- rect our mistaken notions or vicious propensities while in health and vigour. The night cometh, when no man can work. It is easy from hence to infer, that the dying language of a man ought never to be regarded as the sure test of any thing more, respecting the truth of his opi- nions, or the propriety of his former ac- tions, than that he M'as a man of honesty and sincerity. LAST SICKNESS OF MR. WES LEI. 421 Mr. John Wesley, and Dr. Joseph Priestley, held sentiments in religion directly opposite ; yet both these gentlemen left this world, as every good and wise man must wish to leave it. The momentous period which Mr. Wesley had so calmly anticipated, at length arrived ; and he met the last attack of the king of terrors with true Christian fortitude. After having; dined at Islington, on Saturday, the 19th of February, 1791, he desired a friend to read to him from the fourth to the seventh chapter of Job, inclusive. The next morning he rose at his usual hour, but found himself quite unfit for the duties of the day. He lay down again about seven in the morning, and slept several hours. In the even- ing, he came down to supper. On Monday, the 21st, he seemed much better, and rode to Twick- enham to see a friend. The next morning he proceeded with his labours, as usual, at the City- Road ; and on the Wednesday, he preached his last sermon, at Leatherhead, from " Seek ye the Lord while he may be found ; call ye upon him while he is near." On Friday he returned from visiting a IMr. Wolf's family, at Balaam, and found himself ex- tremely ill. He immediately requested to be left alone for half an hour. He afterwards drank a little mulled wine, which he immediately threw up, and said, " I imist lie down." Dr. White- 422 DEATH OF MR. WESLEY. head, his future biographer, visited him. When that gentleman came into the room, " Doctor," said ]\Ir, Wesley cheerfully, " they are more afraid than hurt." Most of the day he had a quick pulse, and a degree of fever and stupor; which continued till Sunday morning, when he got up, and attempted to resume his wonted cheerfulness. But attempting to converse much, his strength failed him, and he lay down, say- ing, after his friends had prayed with him — *' There is no need of more ; when at Bristol (ir^ 1783) my words were— " I the chief of sinners am. But Jesus died for me." Intimating that such were his present feelings and language. On Tuesday morning, the 29th, he sung two stanzas of a hynm : tiien lying still a short time, he called for pen and ink, and attempted to write; but could not. A person desired to write for him, and requested to know what he would say. He replied, " Nothing, but that God is with us !" These words he repeated more than once before his departure, Mith con- siderable force and energy. His weakness, and his joyful state of mind, continued till the last great struggle of nature gave him release from CHARACTER, &C. 423 Ill's pain and weakness, and sent him triumph- ing to '' Another and a better world !" He died without a groan, on the second of !March, while a number of his friends were kneel- ing around his bed. This was in the eighty- eighth year of his age., and the sixty-fifth of his pubhc ministry. His death was such as we might reasonably expect such a life as he had spent would naturally produce — " The chamber where the good man meets his fate Is privileg'd beyond the common walk of virtuous lifci^ Quite in the verge of heaven !" Various have been the attempts to delineate the character of the late Rev. John Wesley ; and these uniformly bear testimony to his patient in- dustry, great zeal, and moral worth. That drawn by ]Mr. John Hampson, in his Life of Mr. Wesley, is perhaps the most just and impartial of any that has yet appeared. Most otl.crs are too much in the sickening style of fulsome pane- gyric ; and some few are found to have been too severe upon Mr. Wesley's foibles; for foibles he certainly had, and those at times ratlier glaring ; but his excellencies outshone all his errors, and his name and character must continue to be 4^4 CHARACTER, &C. respected, while the human mind retains its in- herent love of virtue and order. He was honest, punctual, and regular ; cheer- ful, warm, and generous ; but credulous, ambi- tious, and cnthusiastical. Some people ha\T thought, that his character had something of cunning in it; and indeed his affair with the late Dr. Evans, which I mentioned in a former letter, seems to justify such an opinion : but it should be remembered, that he was placed in a very critical situation. His private principles might sometimes be at variance with the gene- ral good of his societies; and this latter con- sideration outweighed every other with him. In such cases, it is hard to withstand the tempta- tions to pious fraud, and to the doing of evil that good may come. If, therefore, Mr. Wesley was at any time the slave of circumstances, or the dupe of others, great charity ought to be ex- ercised towards him. Perhaps not another man then living could have been found, who would have acquitted himself with greater credit to his own character, and to the cause in which he was engag-^d, than did the Rev. John Wesley. In controvers}', he was sometimes dogmatical in a very great degree ; and when he conceived any of his people in danger of being drawn aside from his communion, he would interpose his authority in a manner that bore the appear- ance of much self-confidence and authority. The I ORIGINAL LETTER OF MR. WESLEY. 425 following original letter, furnished me by the gentleman to whom it was addressed, \v\\\ exhi- bit a fair specimen of his manner on those occa- £^ions — " To Mr. John Simpson, Yarmouth. " London, Nov. 28, 1774. ' ' My dear Brother, *' Read over, with earnest humble prayer, Mr. Fletcher's three Checks, and I think yon will see things clearly. Or read the Farther Appeal, in the beginning of which those points are clearly stated. You ask, 1. Are any persons mentioned in the New Testament, diS seeking ^siith, who have Tvot found It } Certainly there are. Seek and ye shall find. They had not found it yet, and every man must seek for the good pearl before he can find it. But the word seeker you do not use 2. Is any thing proposed to a convinced sinner in scripture, but to believers only ? Yes. How readest thou ? Cease from evil, learn lo do well ; or God will not give you faith. Bring forth fruits meet for repentance ; otherwise you are never likely to believe. 3. Ought every unbe- liever to pray or communicate ? Yes. Ask, and it ( faith) shall be given you. And if you be- lieve Christ died for guilty, helpless sinners, then eat that bread, and drink of that cup. 426 CHAItACTEll, &C. *'TiiC Philibtines are upon thee, Sampson !-^ Beware the Lord do not depart from thee ! I am afraid, in confidence of your own strength, you have been disputing with some subtle Antino- mian, and he has confounded your intellects. Talk with him no more, at the peril of your soul, and beware of their pernicious books. You have been warned by me, now, escape for your hfe ! ** I am your affectionate brother, *' John Wesley." I shall, in my next, lay before you a full and impartial view of the principal doctrines that are taught by the Methodists. In the mean time, believe mc, Yours sincerely. 427 LETTER XL. Of the MetJiodlst Doctrines, DEAR MADAM, T MUST now proceed to give you an account of the doctrines maintained by the Metliodists ; and lest I should be accused of partiality in the performance of this duty, I will state the opi- nions of this people in their own words. In a pamphlet written by Mr. Wesley, entitled, *' A further Appeal to Men of Reason and lle- ligion," he has laid before the woi Id a summary of his religious opinions. I shall, therefore, give such extracts from this book as arc neces- sary to communicate the needful information on this subject. " All I teach respects either the nature and condition of justification; the nature and con- 428 M ET HOD I i>r clition of salvation ; tlie nature of justifying and saving faith ; er the Author of faith and salva- tion. *' First, Tlie nature of justification. It some- times means, our acquittal at the last day. But this is altogether out of the present question : that justification whereof our articles and homi- lies speak, meaning present forgiveness, pardon of sins, and consequently acceptance with God : who tlierein declares his righteousness or mercy, by or for the remission of the sins that are past, saying, I will be merciful to ihy unrighteous- ness, and thine iniquities I will remember no more. '* I believe the condition of this, is faith : I mean, not only, that without faith we cannot be justified ; but aTso, that as soon as any one has true faith, in that moment he is justified. " Good works follow this faith, but cannot go before it : much less can sanctification, which implies a continual course of good works, spring- mg from holiness of heart. But it is allowed, that entire sanctification goes before our justifi- cation at the last day. " It is allowed also, that repentance and fruits meet for repentance, go befoic faith. Repent- ance absolutely must go before faith : fruits meet for it, if there be opportunity. By repent- ance, I mean, conviction of sin, producing real desires anil sincere resolutions of amendment: DOCTRINES. 429 and by fruits meet for repentance, forgiving our brother, ceasing from evil, doing good, using the ordinances of God, and in general obeying him according to the measure of grace which we have received. But these I cannot as yet term good works ; because they do not spring from faith and the love of God. By salvation, I mean, not barel}', according to the vulgar notion, deliverance from hell, or going to heaven ; but a present deliverance from sin, a restoration of the soul to its primitive health, its original purity; a recovery of the divine nature ; the renewal of our souls after the image of God, in righteousness and true holi- ness, in justice, mercy, and truth. This implies all holy and heavenly tempers, and by conse- quence all holiness of conversation. '' Now, if by salvation we mean, a present salvation from sin, we cannot say, holiness is the condition of it. For it is the thing itself. Sal- vation, in this sense, and holiness, are synony- mous terms. We must therefore saj', We are saved by faith. Faith is the sole condition of this salvation. For without faith we cannot be thus saved. But whosever believeth is saved al- ready. *' Without faith we cannot be thus saved. For we cannot rightly serve God, unless we love him. And we cann-ot love him unless we know him ; neither can we know God, unless by faith- 430 METHODIST Therefore, salvation by faitli is only, in other words, the love of God by the knowledge of God : or, the recovery of the image of God, by a I rue spiritual accjuaintance with him. •' Faith, in general, is a divine, supernatural sXsfxof (evidence or conviction) of things not seen, not discoveral)le by our bodily senses, as being either past, future, or spiritual. Justifying faith implies not only a divine iXi^xps. That God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, but a sure trust and confidence, that Christ died for wy sins, that he loved me, and gave himself for me. And the moment a peni- tent sinner believes this, God pardons and ab- solves him. " And as soon as this pardon or justification is witnessed to him by the Holy Ghost, he is saved. He loves God and all mankind. He has the mind that was in Christ, and power to walk as he also walked. From that time (unless he make shipwreck of the faith ) salvation gradually increases in his soul. For so is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground — and it springeth up, first the blade, then the car, after that the full corn in the ear. " The first sowing of this seed, I cannot con- ceive to be other than instantaneous ; whether I consider experience, or tiie word of God, or the very nature of the thing. However, I contend not for a circumstance, but the substance ; if DOCTRINES. 431 you can attain it another way, tio. Only see that you do attain it; for if you fall sliort, you perish everlastingly. "This beginning of that vast inward change, is usually termed The new birth. Baptism is the outward sign of this inward grace, which is supposed by our church to be given with and through that sign to all infants, and to those of riper years, if they repent and believe the gospeL But how extremely idle are the common dis- putes on this head ! I tell a sinner, ' You must be born again.' * No, say you, he was born again in baptism. Therefore he cannot be born, again now.' Alas ! what trifling is this ! What if he was then a child of God ? He is now ma- nifestly a child of the devil. For the works of his father he doth. Therefore do not play upon words. He must go through an entire change of heart. In one not yet baptized, you your- self would call that change, the new birth. In him, call it what you will; but remember, mean- time, that if either he or you die without it, your baptism will be so far from profiting you, that it will greatly increase your damnation, "The author of faith and salvation is God alone. It is he that works in us both to will and to do. He is the sole giver of every good gift, and the sole author of every good work. There is no more of power than of merit in man ; but as all merit is in the Son of God. in what he 432 METHODIST lias done and suffered for us, so all power is in the Spirit of God. And therefore every man, in order to believe unto salvation, must receive the Holy Ghost. This is essentially necessary to every Christian, not in order to his working miracles, but in order to faith, peace, joy, and love, the ordinary fruits of the Spirit. '* Although no man on earth can explain the particular manner wherein the Spirit of God works on the soul, yet whosoever has these fruits cannot but know and feel that God has wrouoht o them in his heart. " Sometimes he acts more particularly on the understanding, opening or enlightening it, (as the scripture speaks) and revealing, unveiling, discovering to us the deep things of God. /' Sometimes he acts on the wills and affec- tions of men; withdrawing them from evil, in- clining them to good, inspiring (breathing, a& it were) good thoughts into theni : so it has fre- quently been expressed, by an easy, natural me- taphor, strictly analogous to plP, mzvyM, spiritus, and the words used in most modern tongues also, to denote the third person in the ever- blessed Trinity. But however it be expressed, it is certain, all true faith, and the whole work of salvation, every good thought, word and work, is altogether by the operation of the Spirit of God. DOCTRINES. 433 In order to be clearly and fully satisfied, what the doctrine of the church of England is (as it stands opposite to the doctrine of the Antino- mians, on the one Imnd, and to that of justifi- cation by works on the other) I will simply set down what occurs on this head, either in her Litursfv, Articles or Homilies. ** Spare thou them, O God, which confess their faults : Restore thou them that are peni- tent, according to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus, our Lord." " He pardoneth and absolveth all them that truly repent and unfeignedly believe his holy gospel." " Almighty God, who dost forgive the sins of them that are penitent, create and make in us new and contrite hearts ; that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee perfect remis- sion and forgiveness, through Jesus Ghrist our Lo rd . " Collect for AsJi - Wednesday. " Almighty God hath promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him." Co7nmumon Office. " Our Lord Jesus Christ hath left power to absolve all sinners who truly repent and believe in him." Visitation of the Sick. *' Give him unfeigned repentance and stedfast faith, that his sins may be blotted out." Ibid, T F 434 METHODIST " lie is a merciful receiver of all true, peni- tent sinners, and is ready to pardon us, if we come unto liim with faithful repentance." Com- minat'iou Ojjicc. Infants indeed our church supposes to he jus- tified in haptisni; although they cannot then either believe or repent. But she expressly re- quires both repentance and faith, in those who come to be baptized when they are of riper years. As earnestly therefore as our church incul- cates justification by faith alone, she neverthe- less supposes repentance to be previous to faith, and fruits meet for repentance : Yea, and uni- versal holiness to be previous to final justifica- tion, as evidently appears from the following words: " Let us beseech him, that the rest of our life may be pure and holy, so that at the last we may come to his eternal joy." Absolutiun. ** May we seriously apply our hearts to that holy and heavenly wisdom here, which may in the end bring us to life everlasting." Visitation of the Sick. " Raise us from the death of sin unto the life of righteousness, that at the last day we may be found acceptable in thy sight." Burial Office. " If we from henceforth walk in his ways, -.seeking always his glory, Christ will set us on his right hand." Commination Office. DOCTRINES. 433 We come next to tlie articles of our church : The former part of the ninth runs thus: Of Orig'mal or Birth- Sin, '' Original sin, is the fault and corruption of the nature of every man, whereby man is very far gone from original righteousness, and is of his own nature inclined to evil, so that the flesh lusteth always contrary to the spirit : And there- fore in every person born into this world, it de- serveth God's wrath and damnation." Art. X.~Of Free-miL '* The condition of man after the fall of Adam is such, that he cannot turn and prepare him- self by liis own natural strength and good works to faith and calling upon God. Wherefore we have no pow er to do good works, pleasant and acceptable to God, without the grace of God by Christ preventing us, that we may have a good will, and working with us when we have that good will." Art. XL— 0/ the Justification of Man. *' We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Je- sus Christ, by faith, and not for our own works F F 2 ^36 llETHODIST or deservings. Wherefore that we are justified by faith only, is a most wliolesonie doctrine, and very full of comfort, as more largely is ex- pressed in the homily of justification." I believe this article relates to the meritorious cause of justification, rather than to the condi- tion of it. On this therefore I do not build any thing concerning it, but on those that follow. Art. XII.— Of Good TForks. " Albeit that good works which are the fruits of faith and follow after justification, cannot put away our sins — yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and do spring out necessarily of a true and Hvely faith : Insomuch that by them a lively faith may be as evidently known, as a tree may be known by the fruit." We are taught here, 1. That good works in general, follow after justification. 2. That they spring out of a true and lively faith, that faith whereby we are justified : 3. That true, justify- ing faith may be as evidently known by them, as a tree discerned by the fruit. Does it not follow, That the supposing any good work to go before justification, is full as absurd as the supposing an apple or any other fruit to grow before the tree ? But let us hear tlie church, speaking yet more plainly. DOCTRINES. ^^J Art. XIII. — Of JForlis done before Justification. "Works done before the grace of Christ and the inspiration of his spirit, (/. e. before justi- fication, as the title expresses it) are not pleasant to God, forasmuch as tiiey spring not of faith in Jesus Christ — Yea rather, for that they are not done as God hath willed and commanded them to be done, we doubt not they have the nature of sin." Now, if all works done before justificatioi), have the nature of sin, ( both because they spring not of faith in Christ, and because they are not done as God hath willed and commanded them to be done) what becomes of sanctilication previous to justification r It is utterly exckuled : Seeing whatever is previous to justification, is not good or holy, but evil and sinful. Although therefore our church does fiequently assert, That we ought to repent and bring forth fruits meet for repentance, if ever we would at- tain to that faith, whereby alone we are justifi- ed: Yet she never asserts (and here the hinge of the question turns) That these are good works, so long as they are previous to justifica- tion. Nay she expressly asserts the direct con- trary, viz. 'That they have all the nature of sin.' Mr. Wesley next proceeds to shew what oc- curs in the Homilies on these subjects. 458 METHODIST ** These things must go together in our justi- ficalion ; upon God's part, his great mercy and grace; upon Clirist's part, the satistaction of God's justice ; and upon our part, true and hvely faith in tlie merits of Jesus Christ." Huni'ilij on Salvation, Part I. ** So that the grace of God doth not sliut out the justice (or rigliteousness) of God in our jus- tification ; but only shutteth out the righteous- ness of man — as to deserving our justification." " And tlierefore St. Paul declaretli nothing on the behalf of man, concerning his justification, but only a true faith." " Anrl ycv that faith doth not sluit out repent- ance, liope, love, to be joined with faith (that is, afterwards; see below) in every man that is justified — Neither doth faith shut out the righte- ousness of our good works, necessarily to l)e done afterwards. But it excluded them so, that we may not do them to this intei-.t, to be made just (or, to be justified ) by doing tliem." '" That we are justified hy faith alone, is spoken, to take away clearly all irerit of our works, and wholly to ascribe the merit and de- serving of our justification unto Christ only." Ib'id. Part II. ' " The true meaning of this saying. We be justified by faith only, is this, We be justified by the merits of Christ only, ar.d not of our own works." Ibid. Part III. DOCTRINES. 439 "Thus far touching the meritorious cause of our justification : referred to me in the 11th ar^ tide. The 12th and 13th are a summary of what now follows, with regard to the condition of it. " Of (justifying) true faith, three thing's are specially to be noted, 1. That it bringeth forth' good works, 2. Tiiat without it can no good- work be done. 3. What good works it doth bring forth."' Sefvnoii on Faith, Part I. " Without faith can no good woi k he done, accepted and pleasant unto God. For as a branch cannot bear fruit of itself, saith our Sa- viour Christ, except it abide in the vine, so cannot you, except you abide in me. Faitli giveth life to the soul; and they be as much dead to God that lack faith, as they be to tlie world, whose bodies lack souls. Vv'ithout faith all that is done of us, is but dead before God. Even as a picture is but a dead representation of tlie thing itselt", so be the works ot all unfaith- i"ul (unbelieving) persons before God. They be but shadows of lively antl good things, and not good things indeed. Fur true faith doth give hfe to the works, and without faith no work is good before God." Ibid. Part III. " We must set no good works before faith, nor think that bej'orc faith a man may do any good works. For such wcrk[> are as the C'un;^ 440 METMODIST of an horse that runneth out of the way, which laketh great labour, but to no purpose." Ibid. "Without faith we have no virtues, but only the shadows of them. All the life of them that lack the true faith is sin." Ibid. " As men first have life, and after be nourish- ed, so must our faith go before, and after be nourished with good works. And life may be without nourishment, but nourishment cannot be without life." Homily of Works annexed to Faith, Ft. I. *' I can shew a man, that by faith without works lived and came to heaven. But without faith never man had life. The thief on the cross only believed and the most merciful God justified him. Truth it is, if he had lived and not regarded faith and the works thereof, he should have lost his salvation again. But this I say, faith by itself saved him. But works by themselves never justified any man." *'Good works go not before, in him which shall afterwards be justified. But good works do follow after, when a man is first justified." Homily 071 Fasting, Part I. From the whole tenor tlien of her liturg}", articles and homilies, the doctrine of the church of England appears to be this : 1. That no good work properly so called, cari go before justification. 2. That no degree of true sanctification c^n be previous to it. I>PCTRIN£;S. 4 4 1 I 3-. That as the meritorious cause of justifica- tion is, The life and death of Christ ; so tlie con- dition of it, is faith. Faith alone ; and 4. That both inward and outward holiness^ are consequent on this faith, and are the o''di- nary stated condition of final justification. And what more can those desire, wiio have hitherto opposed justification by faith alone,~ merely upon a principle of conscience ; because, they were zealous for holiness and good works ? Do I not effectually secure these from contempt; at the same time that I defend the doctrine of the church ? I not only allow, but vehemently contend, That none shall ever enter inio glory, who is not holy on earth, as well in heart, as in all manner of conversation. I cry aloud, Let all that have believed, be careful to maintain good works : And, Let every one thatnameth the; name of Christ, depart from all iniquity, I ex- hort even those who are conscious they do not believe, Cease to do evil, learn to do well : The kingdom of iieaven is at hand ; therefore re- pent, and bring forth fruits meet for repent- ance. Many of those who are perhaps zealous of good works, think I have allowed too much. — Nay, my brethren, but how can we he^p allow- ing it, if we allow the Scrij^tures to he from God^ For is it not written, and do not vourselves be-.' 44*2 METHODIST lievc, Without lioliness no man sJiall see the Lord ? And how then, without figliting about words, can we deny, That holiness is a condi- tion of final acceptance? And, as to tlie first acceptance for pardon, does not all experience as well as Scripture prove, That no man ever yet truly believed the Gospel, who did not first re- pent ? That none was ever yet truly convinced of righteousness, who was not first convinced of sin? Repentance therefore in this sense, we cannot deny to be necessarily previous to faith. Is it not cquall}^ undeniable. That the running back into known, vvilful sin, (suppose il were drunkenness or uncleanness) stifles that repent- ance or conviction ? And can that repentance conie to any good issue in his soul, who resolves not to forgive his brother ? Or who obstinately refrains from what God convinces him is right, whether it be prayer or hearing his word ? And yet 1 allow this. That altiiough both re- pentance and the fruits thereof are in some sense- necessary before justification, yet neither tlie one nor the other is necessary in the same sense or in the same degree with faitli. Not in the same degree. For in whatever moment a man believes (in a Christian sense oi" the word) he is justified, his sins arc blotted out, his faith is counted fo liiin for righteousness. UiU il is not DOCTRINES. 443 SO, at whatever moment lie repents, or brings fortli any or all the fruits of repentance. Faith alone tlierefore justifies ; which lepentanre alone does not ; much less any outward worl^. And consequently, none of these are neces- saiy to justification, in the same degree with faith. Nor in the same sense. For none of these has so direct, immediate a relation to justifica- tion as faith. This is proximately necessary thereto; repentance, remotely, as it is neces- sary to the increase or continuance of faitli. And even in this sense, these are only necessary, on supposition — if there be time and opportu- nity for tlicm : For in many instances there is not: But God cuts short his work, and faith prevents tlie fruits of repentance. So that the general proposition is not overthrown, but clearly established by these concessions ; and we conclude still, both on the authoiity of Scripture and the Church, That faith alone is the proximate condition of justification." You will observe. Madam, that in drawing up the foregoing formulary of the J\Iethodist doctrines, Mr. Wesley's chief aim has been to prove, that the religious opinions of the Metho- dists are the same as those taught in tlie articles and homilies of the church of England. It is not my business to cuter into the (juebtions which 444 METHODIST- have been agitated among the Arminian or Wes- Icyan, aiul the Calviiiistic, or Whiteficldian Mcthodj^ts, respecting the true meauiiig of these articles. There are some leading points in both their systems, which tend to bind them together in the same general interests. The doctrines of the Trinity, satisfaction to Divine Justice for the sins of men, by the sufferings of Christ, original or birth sin, sensible, and, generally speaking, instantaneous conversion, the necessity of su- pernatural influences to good works, justifica- tion by faith only, and the eternity of hell tor- ments are points in which these two branches of Methodists agree. There are other sects of Me- thodists, agreeing with one or other of these in most points ; but differing either as to bap- tism or the nature and order of church goverrj'- ment. The chief points in which the Wesleyan and Whiteficldian Methodists differ, are those re- specting perfection, irresistible grace, tlie per- severance of the saints, imputed righteousircss, and election and reprobation. Ti)e former be- lieve that Christians may, ivdy, ought to attain a state of perfection before death ; and that this may he att lined in a moment, just as they received the forgiveness of thtir sins. This work they chietiy assign to the third person in the DOCTRINES. 44fi§ Trinity, who is said to commence his cleansing operations in the soul, the same moment in which he speaks peace to the soul by the absolu- tion of the sinner from all his past sins ; and that he, the Holy Ghost, silently and gradually, sometimes almost imperceptibly; but at other times, as it vv^cre irresistibly, proceeds to work upon the remains of inbred sin, till in a mo- ment the old man with his deeds is wholly put off, the soul is purged from every stain, and the saint stands up, complete in the whole armour of God, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing 1 This state of perfection needs never be lost; and, indeed, it seems morally impossible it ever should, because nothing but sin, we may lupposc, could rob the believer of so precious a gift, and he being freed from sin ; the world the flesh and the devil having no more domi- nion over him; having in fact lost ''the power of sinning,'" it does not appear how any perfect Christian can ever become imperfect or any way in the least sinful. It is, however, a lament- able truth, that the perfect Methodist is as liable to sin as the imperfetone ; which abundance of facts have long proved. Nor could I ever per- ceive any moral difference in these two charac- ters, though I have had the honour of bei»g intimately acquainted with many of the perfec- tionists. In fact, except in the bare profession 446 METHODIST of the parties, a state of mere justificatian, ami" the liighest attainments of sanctificalion are nf> wise morally tliifTcFcnt, at least to an ordinary heholtler. I knc\v a good woman, who de- clared tome, that she had never said, tliought, •or acted any tliing contrary to the pure will of (jrod for the space of two and-twenty years; except once, when she, through the violence of sudden temptation, just tasted a little wine, Avhich she had been desired to purchase for a sick neighbour ! And I know a man, who is so constantly fdled with the love of God, and lias such constant communion witli the Father and the Son, through the Spirit, that the bare ■mention of the Holy Ghost will bnng tears of joy into his eyes, check the powers of utter- ance, and sometimes throw liim on the ground in the most devout ecstasies ! The Calvinistic Methodists do not believe in the doctrine of perfection ; but as they admit that of divine influence, they also are somethnes lost in devout and holy raptures. The doctrines of irresistible grace and of the final perseverance of the saints are not held by the Wesleyans ; but are strenuously contended for by the Calvinists. The Wesleyans reject the Calvinistic doctrine of imputed righteousness, and admit that of imputed faith, in lieu of it. DOCTRINES. 44/ But the grand point of difFerence is that re- specting predestination ; which the Wesleyau Methodists reject, but which the Whitefieldians admit, and contend tor on all occasions. I am, &c. H^ 448 LETTER XLL Of Bibliomancy — Scripture- Cards — TFomeri' Preaching — Street aixd Field Singing. DKAU MADAM, Having detailed the rise, progress, and doc- trines of the Wesleyan Methodists, I must now proceed to give you some information con- cerning certain religious practices which obtain among this people, but vvhicli are not publicly acknowledged as forming any part of the eco- nomy of Methodism. These are Bibliomancy, or the practice of determining the present or fu- ture state of the soul by accidental opening upon texts of Scripture — religious card playing — fe- male preaching and exhorting — and street and field singing. :;Iri the EncyclofKedia Perthensis, it is ob- served, ** the Methodists have long practised Bjbiyioyiancy, with regard to the future state o^ 1 OF BIBLIOMAXCY. 449 theii" souls ; but that some of:" their members having been driven to despair, by texts occur- ring to them, that threatened the most awful judgments, their late pastor, Mr. Wesley, to prevent such fatal consequences from recurring, improved upon the system of sacred lottery, by printing several packs of cards with a variety of texts, containing nothing but the most com- fortable promises : and thus his disciples drevv with courage and comfort, in a lottery where there were various prizes, great and small, but no blanks.''' This statement is not, I believe, ex- actly correct. The manner in which Bibliomancy is prac- tised among the Methodists is as follows : At a religious gossiping, when the tea-board is re- moved, tiie subjects of pious scandal are nearly exhausted, and religious chit-chat grows lan- guid, it is not unusual, after a ze'orfi? of prayer, to introduce the Bible, as a kind of auxiliary, to the fading energy of evangelical conversa- tion, as well as to secure obedience to the sa- cred command, to have all their words *'mixt with grace." The company being placed in proper order, one of them takes the Bible, and asks the next }>erson near her, (for this prac- tice is mostly prevalent among the sisterhood) which text she will fix upciMi as the object of her present choice. It is answered by naming s(^nTe particular aumber, and a|.>plyi8g it to the G G 450 ANECDOTE. cpiresponding text on either the right or left page of tlie book, whichever the party may think proper to adopt. The Bible is then opened, with great solemnity, and every heart is engaged for the success of the enterprise. The all-important verse is then read aloud, which is immediately followed by such ejaculations of prayer or praise as the text chosen may happen to suggest ! This ceremony is performed for the benefit of every in- dividual in succession, who chooses to risk her peace of mind on the event of so solemn a lottery. This practice is also very frequently resorted to in private; when a person is perplexed concerning the state of his mind, or before some important undertaking. I remember, on the day of my conversion, which was the ISth of June, 179^, being extremely distressed on a religious ac- count, and living a few miles distant from the place where a class-meeting was held, 1 was in- duced to run, as if life and salvation depended ihereon, through much rain, to the meeting, all in my undress, because I had opened upon that passage where our Lord tells his disciples, that they knew the truth, and that the truth should make them free. Had the meeting been at five times the distance ; and had my gooi5S been criminally tolerated. I have found them the constant companions of religious gossips; and have seen them drawn for the purpose of shewing the success of journies, enterprises, '^c?^-'Very great mischief they have done to my own knowledge; and sensible persons have through them been led to despise the whole of that system from which they never sprung, on which they have never been engrafted, and in. which they have never been more than barely tolerated. Giving tlie authors of them all the credit we can for the Q:oodness of their inten- tiori, we cannot help saying of their produc- tions, (and this is giving them the very best character they deserve) that they are the dri- vellings of religious nonage, or of piety in super- annuation. I do not find, that Mr. Wesley ever made, used, or approved, of these things ; but as they were tolerated in his time, they have been attributed to himscir," He then pi'oceeds to observe, concerning what the editors of the Encyclopaedia Perthen- sis have said about the practice of Bihliomancy and the scripture cards, " I am sorry that there should have ever been the least shadow of ground for the above calumny : but let these gentlemen 1it >a woman to speak in the congregation ;' yet in extraordinary cases, he made a few exceptions, at Corinth in particular. 'M am, " My dear Sister, *' Your affectionate brother, *' John Wesley." What practice may not be allowed under the notion of having " an extraordinary ^call?" b: At the Dublin conference, in the year 1802, a debate took place on the propriety of women preaching and exhorting in public congrega- tions; which ended by making the following rule: *' It is the judgment of the conference, that it is contrary both to scripture and pru- dence, that women should preach, or should ex- hort in public; and we direct the superintend- .ants to refuse a society- ticket to any woman in ;<_.the Methodist connexion, who preaches or who : ^exhorts in any public congregation, unless she ^f~entirely ceases from so doing." I am informed >: that this motion was carried by a very small ma- ' jority. In the English conference, no such 1 455 MART BARRET. rule has yet been made. I have often heard Miss Mary Barret, now, if I mistake not, Mrs. Taft, preach, both in the pulpit and the open air, to immense crowds of hearers. If one miglit judge of Miss Barret's call by the suc- cess of her laliours, it was very extraordinarif in- deed ! She made numerous proselytes ; but, as I remember, in Macclesfield and in Manchester, several of them soon began to backslide. She had a wonderful knack at inflaming the passions; but was extraordinarily defective in the art of in- forming the judgment. I took the substance of several of her sermons in short-hand ; and they are very curious specimens of pulpit-eloquence, I assure you. Though the practice of women preaching is not very comm.on, particularly in the present day, yet that of female exhortation is frequent enough ; and there are great iiumbers of wo- men regularly appointed to be leaders of classes. The women pray in public as frequently as the " men, and no censure is attached to the practice. Indeed the sisterhood are generally remarkably gifted in prayer. The warmth of feeling, the quickness of wit, and the extraordinary volubf* - lity of tongue, with which many ladies are pos- - sfrssed, render them peculiarly fitted for the j)ub- lic exercises of j)rayer and praise at a Methodist meeting. - For n^y own part, I see no solid reasorf'^ STREET AN^D FIELD Sl^CGING. 457' AJ^'by our fair country women sliouM not be allow"-' ed to exercise the'w gifts- as well as (he men. ' -'--^Vhy boast, O arrogant, imperious man, Perfections so exclusive ! Are thy powers Nearer approaching to the Deity ? Canst thou solve Questions which lui^h infinity propounds, Soar nobler flights, or dare immortal deeds, Unknown to woman, if slie greatly dare - To use the powers assiga'd her? Active strength, :, ''The boiist of animals, is clearly thine : By this upheld, thou think'it the lesson rare That female virtue teaches, poor the height \Vhich female wit obtains. The theme unfolds Its ample maze, for Mont«gue befriends The puzzlM thought, and blazing in the eye Of bolden'd opposition, straight presents The soul's best eiu"rgies, her keenest powers, Clear, vigorous, and enlightened. Mrs. Ann Ykarslet. Of the practice of street and field singing I shall say but little ; because it is not very com- mon among the Methodists, except at fune- rals. It is sometimes the custom, when a party i of young people have been at a country love- Coloured people, &c. 243i6j ' * 1^9,944 ''^n . . 14,940 13165 3 Total . . 270,918 470 POPULATION?. . "Of these," Mr. Hulbert observes, ''up- wards of 109,000 are found in England and Wales, to which we may add 109,000 more, who are thorough Methodists in sentiment, equally as upright in their conduct, and as con- stant at their places of worship, hut from some modest motive or other, have not yet ventured to have their names enrolled on the class papers. *'To these we may further add, the younger branches of families, and those who are only generally influenced by their doctrines, fond of their preaching, and considerably reformed in life, making about 218,000 more, forming in the whole, nearly half a million of souls, or one twentieth part of the population of the kingdom and principality." If to all these we add the numbers of Metho- dists who are separated from the old connexion on some difference respecting the administra- tion of the sacraments, or the mode of church government, the Wesley an Methodists will make a very large body indeed. By the minutes of the last conference (May, 1807) of ministers and delegates of what is called the new con- nexion, it appears their number was six thou- sand four hundred and twenty- eight. I believe we may safely calculate on as many more, in various parts, who are separated in point of discipline, but who all agree in doctrines. By this it will appear, that the effective force, re- POPULATION. 47t gular and volunteer, of the Methodists, is about seven hundred thousand strong! Saying no- thing of their alhes, "of various descriptions, both in the church, and among the e'vangelical dissenters, who all belong, more or less, to the same body, or compose what has been called, I hope improperly, " the combined armies against the Church of England." I am, &c. sijsioiiv -:foa.v*5\ - >i if) bn.R -uorij xi£ i- 73fbd I .vTii^:- 'viij i ^woi bfiBa iii: »3Tom iftiijca :.- ^,. -' r^ )'»?.?' -/fim 9W aanxilpob ni d9igE ilij odv/ Jud j^nifqbeib -3: ^3oio1 3Yt:^03ft3 arl? 3bcU j£3qqB ili-w It eirii 473 LETTER XLIV. Divisions — Conclusion. DEAR MADAM, I SHALL conclude my series of Letters with giv- ing you some information relative to one or two divisiuns which have taken place in the Wesley- an connexion of Methodists, since tl^ death of its founder. There have been, from time to time, numerous partial separations from the Methodists, con- cerning the administration of the sacraments, service in church- hours, &c. but the most for- midable divisions have been those relative to the nature and exercise of religious liberty, and to the forms of church government. Disputes on these subjects have produced the Methodist new itinerancy, and also the society of RcvivaV Methodists. . ,.^..i Drv^isioNS. 473 It has been observed, that there does not exist a denomination of Christians but what at one time or other lias been guilty of persecu- tion ; the Quakers alone excepted : but since the recent transactions relative to Hannah Barnard, Mr. Rathbone, and others, have transpired, even this sect is shorn of its glory; and on its cha- racter also must now be written the humiliating word — iCHABOD ! A more glaring instance of persecution is, perhaps, not to be found in the annals of modern sectarian bigotry^ than that relating to the trial and expulsion of the late Mr. Alexander Kilham from the Methodist con- nexion. If ever man suffered for righteousness' sake, he most assuredly did, and that too from hts own brethren ; yea, even from many who had pledged themselves, in the most solemn manner, to stand by and support him. It appears from copious extracts of more than twenty letters, addressed to Mr. Kilham, from those very per- sons" who afterwards signed his expulsion, that he was made the dupe of cunning and designing men. Those extracts are to be found in Messrs. Thorn and Grundel's Life of Kilham. They ex- ' hibit a farrago of abuse and satire against many of the most eminent men among the Methodists, which one might have supposed would have ended either in their voluntary resignation, or their excommunication from the society of Me- thodists, 474 DIVISIONS. Even Tvlr, Myles, who insinuates that Mr. Kilham died by the particular judgment of* Hea- ven, himself acknowledges, that he was a sin- cere, though a mistaken and troublesovie man. The great sacrifices he made, for the cause in which he was embarked, give indubitable proof of his sinceriti/ ; his various publications, com- pared with the v/eak and puerile answers of the old Methodists, afford demonstrative evidence that he was not very much mistaken on the sub- jects he took in hand ; while the effects which his inquiries have produced on the minds and conduct of his enemies, shew him to have been troublesome to those only, whose quiet it would have been criminal in him to have studied. The division which took place on Mr. Kil- ham's expulsion from the society of Methodists, is of a magnitude and importance sufficient to entitle it to particular notice in this work. The friends of the new Methodist connexion say, that the cause of the division was a few leading preachers having obtained such a power over the people and the junior preachers, as to keep them in the greatest subordination ; and that this is effected by forming their confer- ence, which they have attempted to support by the civil power, and by a legal claim over all the chapels in the kingdom. Tlie exercise of this power they say is necessary to the support .,q£; the itinerant plan; but it is at length fulfy DIVISIONS. 475' discovered, to be only a pretence to introduce an episcopal government, Idj establishing a few with certain privileges, cither given to them from their own body, or perhaps obtained by force or by fraud, as other freebooters have ob- tained their power, and estabhsh themselves as ghostly rulers over their brethren, whom they meao to govern by a code of laws of the most singular nature, and which the preachers shew, by their silence on the subject, to be entirely indefensible. The people, say they, have always joined with the preachers in a determination to maintain itinerancy ; and had the preachers pursued those steps that reason and common prudence would have dictated unto them ; had they plainly ad- hered to their profession of having no other view in establishing their conference, but to preserve itinerancy, no division would have taken place. But at the time of Mr. Wesley's death, a pe- riod to which the attention of the societies had been long directed, expecting then to have a li- beral form of government established, they found themselves quite neglected ; they saw themselves left out in all the new regulations that were made, and they were treated with the greatest contempt. -Tsd^ ^riJ .^^-JThe conference now began to shew plainly the end at which they had been aiming; they 470 Divisio^^s. endeavoured to establish tliemselves into a hier- archy, or priestly corporation, totally excluding- the people from among them, and endeavoured to have all their acts, which were to be register- ed in a Statute Book, provided and kept for that purpose, supported and acknowledged by the government of this country. It now began to be fully discovered, that though to preserve the itinerant plan had been the original and ostensible reason for establishing the conference, there were other latent motives in the breasts of the leading preachers, that began to be deve- loped. This was no less than to form them- selves into the most arbitrary, and despotic sys- tem of government that Iniman ingenuity could possibly invent. This first appeared in the forming district meetings, that were held by the preachers in many of the principal towns in the kingdom. These, like the Jewish sanctum sanc- torum, were only open to the high priests ; the local or stated preachers were entirely rejected. These riieetings were in all respects so conducted as to cast the j^reatest insult on the people ; the rejection of whom, and the secrecy observed bj' the members of these meetings, were facts that shewed very plainly the intention of the preaclr- ers as to their future government. During Mri AV^esley's hfe, he frequently admitted his se- lect friends into the conference ; but that whicfi followed his decease" was fully" closed to ev^ery 5 DIVISIONS. 477 individual, but the travelling preachers. None of the people have, since that period, been per- mitted to enter those hallowed wallsj except in- deed on some occasions as errand-boys; and their business being dispatched, they were ex- pected to retire with due obedience. So that no persons but the preachers have ever been pre- sent, either to advise on important business, to inspect accounts of large sums of money col- lected from them, or even to behold it with their eyes. For the preachers, amongst many other pretensions equally strange, claim the pri- vilege of disposing of various contributions to a considerable amount, without giving any ac- count to the societies. A preacher at Notting- hanij having received contributions from the societies, refused to give any account of it to the people, saying he was accountable only to God and the conference for iiis conduct : had he denied giving account to the conference also, this circumstance would not have been men- tioned, as it would have been only the conduct of an imprudent individual, and no general con- clusion would arise from it. But this honest man spake at once the truth, and acted quite consistently with the laws of Methodism : lie had not, it seems, been initiated into the art of managing the people ; he at least acted openly and fairly, as all men, but particularly Chris- tian ministers, ought to do. 47S DIVISIONS. Moreover, the conference at some of their meetings, but particularly at thoseoftlieir com- mittees, require from the members of them pro- mises of secrecy ; a circumstance highly dis- graceful to them, and, as might naturally be ex- pected, draws on them the suspicions and cen- sures of all men acquainted with these singular transactions. Thus the societies soon began to perceive they had been completely out-witted by the preachers. When the conference made this declaration, "The trustees (of the various chapels) ma}^ have the fullest assurance that the conference loves them, and has not the shadow of a desire to oppress them ;" it was received by the people with that blushing indignation that a man feels when he discovers his prudence has been asleep till he has fallen into the snare, and becomes the dupe of others. The societies now found that the preachers were attempting to form the most detestable priestly oligarchy that could be invented. Their eyes began to open ; they saw the situation their credulity had brought them into, and that the preachers had completely juggled them out of every shadow of lilyerty. u*. ^"'For six years the societies remonstrated with the conference, and requested at different time* an alterati'oh in its laws and form pf SLP- DIVISIONS. 479 vernment, which they thought highly oppres- sive; hut all was to no purpose : and they were at length fully convinced that the conference would never make any of those alterations in fa- vour of the people, that they thought so reason- able and necessary : and the various refusals they had received irritated them, as might naturally be expected, and stirred them up to opposition. In August, 1797, the conference was held at Leeds, and a number of delegates from societies in various parts of the kingdom assembled, to make another application to have their govern- ment placed on a liberal footing. They de- manded of the conference that delegates should be suffered to meet with them, and this request was positively refused. After this the delegates requested that they might be permitted to as- semble by themselves, and give their sanction or disapprobation to any important business that might be debated by the conference : this was not only refused, but the delegates were inform- ed also, that they should not have the privilege of meeting with the preachers ia the district meetings. These various refusals of these most reasonable requests of the societies, brought matters to a conclusion : a division immediately took place ; many societies rejected the preach- ers sent to them by the conference, and a new conference and itinerancy v.^as established on li- Veral and scriptural principles. 480 DITI3I0XS. These people conclude with the following so- lemn declaration : — *• Be it known to all the world, that we have not separated on account of any difference of opinion as to doctrines; nor is it an afiectation of singidarity, love of change, nor want of regard to the preachers of the old connexion, many of whom we highly esteem, that determined us to proceed in supporting the rights and liberties of the people ; and therefore, every suggestion of that kind is entirely groundless. No: it was a conviction, arising from scripture evidence, and the constant practice of the primitive church, which, from the apostolic age to the time of Constantine, looked upon all the members of Christ as one, and always acknowledged their unquestionable right to the ciioice of their own officers, the formation of their own laws, and the distribution of their own property." IVIr. Alexander Kilham, the cliief actor in this business, on the side of the people, was expelled the connexion, at the London conference, in the year 1796 ! You will observe, Madam, that the principal grounds of complaint among the people were that the preachers had too much power; and that they exercised that power in divers ways; particularly in refusing the ordinances to many of the societies. • ISTumerous pamphlets were written for and against the administration of the DIVISIONS. 481 Lord's supper and of Baptism by the hands of the preachers ; and surely they disclose, when put together, such a spirit of rancour and hatred as the rehgious world have seldom seen ! The parties abused each other without shame and without mercy. The Sacramentarians were ac- cused of an attempt to undermine the original foundation of Methodism, and to shake off their allegiance to the church. They were repre- sented as the whigs — the innovators — the level- lers of Methodism. The cr j o^ The old Flan! was raised, sent forth, and reverberated, not in- deed " from Siam to Cahfornia," but from the Land's End to the Tweed — from the Thames to the Severn ! wliile the votaries of liberty and the rights of conscience v.'ere heard to exclaim, " Who art thou, O great mountain ! before Ze- rubbabel thou shalt become a plain !" After the fight had been kept up, with great heat, for some time ; and the connexion began to be threatened with very alarming consequences, a " Plan of Pacification" was concluded on, by ballot, in which the leading preachers made some concessions, but still retained, in effect, all their original power ; demanding the "consent of conference," before any important alteration could take place. Mr. Kilham saw through the dust that was attempted to be thrown into the eyes of the people ; and being of an undaunted and enter- I I 48| DIVISIOKS. prisinjif-spirit, he did all in his power to repre- sent the matter in a clear and distinct point of view. In short, Madam, he publicly exposed, not.Qnly the errors of the I^Iethodist govern- ment, and the domineering; spirit of some of the preacKers; but he also unfolded many scenes of baseness. and hypocrisy in the ruling preachers. He published a book, called The Progress of Jjberty among the People called Methodists^ in which he exposed the defects of the " Old plan," and proposed a form of church goveru- iiient on a broad and liberal basis. This brought upon him denunciations of vengeance and re- venge from the offended party. They branded him as a heretic, a leveller, a jacobin, a rebel — ,they likened him to the devil — they consigned him to hell — they made some feeble efforts to raise the secular power against him and his ad- hereii^ts — and they finally expelled him the con- ^xiexion ! ,^ He was tried at the London conference, on charges, the most childish and frivolous imagin- ,ary^-picked and culled from his pamphlets with ^aJI possible diligence. They even refused to give liini a list of the charges they meant to ex- hibit aiiainst hun, until he was summoned to ..the bur of conference, to give extemporary an- .s.w:er.s..t0:^such questions as the very persons he ^ l?iad, . accused should think proj^er to put to DIVISION'S. 483 * *' The accusations," says he, ** that were Gul- fed, with all possible diligence from my pam- phlets, were, * that I had complained of want of abilities for the ministry in some of the preach- ers/ ^ " That ' the preachers tyrannised over their brethren in the societies, and restrained them in those liberties and privileges, that as a Christian church they ought to expect.' - **That ' many preachers had been taken out to travel against the consent of the societies, and that they were improper for the work, and that some of these were great weights to the socie- ties.' " That 'the examination of the preachers' cha- racters, under the particular circumstances in. which they stootl when at the conferences, tak- ing into consideration that the preachers were the accusers of each other, at a remote distance from the place where they had laboured ; that it was a mock examination, and made sensible people laugh at us.' *' That I had affirmed, * there was great waste and want of economy in managing the public money, and a criminal secrecy in their ac- counts,' and many other affairs of importance. " These and many other charges of the same kind were brought against me ; to all which I answered particularly, as related at large in the account I have published of my trial. During II 2 4li DIVISIONS. my trial and the debates it occasioned, an im- portant one took place, which was, ' Whether the conference was trying me or I was trying them ?' Notwithstanding the reason I had to be dejected, 1 could not help smiling at it, which AVas imputed to levity, and want of respect. — Some of the preachers said I was trying them ; but Dr. Coke and some others said they were trying me; but at length they came to the de- termination, * that unless I would retract what I had said; or at ^east make certain concessions, that they would expel me;' but, as I refused these conditions, they proceeded to pronounce sentence on me, which the president did with all the gloom and gravity of an inquisitor. To make my expulsion secure, it was not only conr firmed by every preacher standing up and giv- ing his consent to the transaction, but everyone of them. >vas required to sign a paper, signifying tlie justness and uprightness of the transaction. The paper was taken to the communion table, and laid on the place where the memorials of the body and blood of Christ are laid, when the so- lemn ordinance of the Lord's supper is admini- stered ; and Mr. Bradhurn (I cannot mention this tragical story without weeping), who had formerly professed himself a friend to liberty and to the rights of the people — Mr. Bradburn, I say, stood by the rails of the communion tabl^ like the governor of the inquisition, to see that 5 DIVISIONS. 485 none omitted signing. Here we find one hundred and fifty preachers of the gospel of Clirist con- firming the sentence of condemnation, in a way unheard of in the records of Methodism, if not in the records of ecclesiastical history, and stands as a sufficient proof that the leading men in that process, supposed that what I had written (to enlighten and save the people from the evils that they groan under) was worse than any crime that had ever been examined in any former con- ference. ! *' The same day they lost no time in preparing a circular letter to be sent through the kino- dom, giving an account of my expulsion, and among other things, affirming I had not sup- ported any of my charges that I had published against them. How far 1 have done this, all who lake the trouble to read the trial at large will be capable of judging. But if I had not discharged myself with that adroitness, so as to preckide all reflections of that nature, it is not much to be wondered at, when my situation is fully con- sidered. I was without any friend to support me, singh/ opposed to one hundred and fifty per- sons, all my judges and accusers, and every one of them racking their inge uity to embarrass or entrap me in any thing I said ; and I may add, they were so disorderly, that they were fre- quently five or six speaking at one time. When J was called to the bar of the conference, I had 48.6 pivjsioN$. not the least knowledge of the charges that were to be broLight against me ; when these were read 1 was required to answer immediately, without a single advocate ; I was ej^pected to give ex- temporary ansvyers to the question^ that were put to me, and vvas refused the liberty to exa- mine them alone, and prepare for my defence. Can it be supposed that in such a situation I could make the best of my cause, and defend myself to advantage ?" .• a It has always been my practice, in my ac- counts of disputable points, to give, as far as possible; both sides of the question : it shall be the case in this instance also. I, therefore, here i.present you with the substance of what Mr. Myles, in his History of the Methodists, has said : relative to this sui)ject. -q s oi ^mjstt "i . 'f The Plan of Pacification had satisfied all the i moderate people, who only desired scriptural and ^.rational liberty. But there was a party who were not satisfied with this, but remained still conteji- tious. Ayoung man [[thirty-four years of age ;!] y, named Alexander Kilham, (who had been ad- mitted upon trial as a preacher, in the year 178i5) -became the champion of this party, and occa- sioned great uneasiness by various pampld^ts which he published. He had not only unhappily imbibed the levelling doctrines which were com- c mon in that day, but had even strangely applied tiheni. to, religion, ancl the order: of the jchurch-of Christ." HeiBsistied that the' people wete held io" gross bonclage. That they ought to i be tip and dehver themselves, and assume that power ivhich of right belonged to them. That the preachers were merely their servants, and ought to be obedient to their will: and every thing contrary to this wild unscriptural theory he termed popery and priestcraft ! He also traduced -the character of the preachers in the vilest man- ner. The party whose cause he espoused sup- ported and abetted him by every means in their -power, so that the societies in several places -"were rent in pieces in the dispute. When the 'conference assembled, he was unanimously ex- pelled the connexion. The minutes cf the trial -were published, and every preacher signed his name to a paper, testifying his approbation of "the sentence. (This was the only instance of - that kind.) He afterwards used ail his influence t from the pulpits of the dissenters to which he -had access, and also from the press, to bring the Tpreachers into disrepute, not only with the Me- -thodists, but with the nation at large. But he •failed of his object, and on December 20, 179^, ---■tt'hile employed in his revolutionary schemes, 2- he was called into eternity, at Nottingham, af- V ter at few days illness, occasioned by a bone -^sticking in his throat !'* Jbdii.f ♦ The disaffected party being irritated by the "tcekpukion of their partizan^ Mr. Kilham, and 488 DIVISIONS. having no hppe of being permitted to rule in the connexion (through the old pretence of vin- dicating the rights of the people), they laboured incessantly to bring about a division : and they determined that it should be as considerable as calumny, and the popular cry of liberty, could make it. Among other things, they asserted, in various publications, that the preachers were really divided in sentiment, and that a consider- able number were of Mr. Kilham's judgment, only they wanted his courage to declare it." A declaration of allegiance to the conference (held at Leeds, July 31, 1/97), was drawn up, which was signed by all the preachers present, except Messrs. Thorn and Eversfield : a third, Mr. Cumniin, signified his dissent by letter. — "They," spys Mr. Myles, "joined Alexander Kilham, and made a schism^ under the name of The New Itinerancy. "' The division which the conduct of the preach- ers towards Mr. Kilham occasioned, consisted of about five thousand mtmbers. They are now increased to more than six thousand. Five hundred new members were added the last year. They have nineteen circuits ; thirty travelling or circuit preachers ; and, I suj3pose, about sixty local preachers. They have lately purchased the large and elegant meeting-house, called Gib- faltar chapel, in Church-street, leading to Beth- nal-green ; where there is an extensive public DIVISIONS. 4^9 btirial-ground. The Re\'. W. Brown, is tlie sta- tioned minister there at })resent. --' ui I woidd gladly have enlarged on the clrcllfn'^' stances connected with this division; but it is time I should hasten towards a conclusion ; be- sides, that I have been unsuccessful in endeavour- ing to procure several documents necessary to form a complete account of the Methodist New Itinerancy. The Revival Methodists form a numerous body of the Wesleyan Christians. They are not, how- ever, all of them formally separated from the old connexion ; though they have, in many towns, separate places for religious worship. The Revivalists are those Methodists who are more particularly partial to noisy meetings. — They claim, as a Christian privilege, a right to indulge their propensities to prayer and praise, at all times, and on all occasions. This liberty they will take during the time the minister is engaged in preaching ; and indeed at any other time they think themselves called upon by the motions of the Spirit of God. They are a simple, harmless, and well-meaning body; but enthusi- astical and unafovernable to an extraordinarv degree. In Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Stock- port, Preston, and Macclesfield, they are very numerous. At the last-mentioned place, they have lately erected a neat chapel, having beeri Jong separated from their brethren of the old 490 CQNCLUSIOX. connexion. They have pul)lishecl their Rules, in a small pamphlet, entitled, " General Rules of a Society of Christian Revivalists, at Maccles- field, with a Preface, containing a Declaration of Doctrines." The mottoes to this pamphlet are as follow — " Let us walk by the same hule.'' — " We may truly pro- nounce those churches happy, however plain and poor, in which * No simony nor sinecure is known, Where works the bee — no honoy for the drone.' *' In the primitive church, profession of faith in Christ, ac- credited by a holy life, was accounted a sufficient title to mem- bership.'' Uobinson's Claude. These mottoes Avill give you some idea of the ^/?mV of the pamphlet to which they are pre- fixed. ^ Imust now conclude m3'Portraitureof Method- asm. I hope, Madam, you have found, in my se- ries of epistles, all the information you wished to ohtain, respecting the origin and history of tire Wesleyan Methodists. I am not sensible of having omitted any point of sufficient import- ance to merit your attention ; and I close my labours on the subject, with the tranquil con- sciousness of having used my best endeavours to gratify your curiosity ; and to add something to the general stock of useful information. ,, I am, &c. FINIS, .^0* ,23' INDEX. •. vocl -A-GAPjE, orliove-feasts . . ^ aoi— 203 Alarms, dreadful .... 350 ^^s, Anecdote, of Mr. Wesley and a young man, 19. Of a Calviiiist and a Quaker, 118. Of King James I. 383. Of the author, 450, Con- . cerning text-chooiing . . . ^j j Annual Review . _ . . . ^9S Antinomiani-:m, testimony against . , ^6^ Author, his happiness at a society-meeting . - . 3 , j, B. Bands, directions given to the, 143, 144. Rules of the, How conducted Barret, Miss Mary Bashfulness, some Methodists affected therchy Battle, de6C:iption of one Bell, George, falls into enthusiasm and prophesies Bibliomancy Biggs, William, his account of an earthquake Bishop, why the American Methodists adopt the term Bohler, Peter, visits England, 76. Prays with Mr. C We: Bradburn, Mr. Samuel, 260. 264. Theatrical trick of, at 311. Advice of, to the preachers Bradford, Mr. Joseph Bristol, a nursery for Methodism Birth-sin . . Brothers, the prophet . . . Bunting, Mr. Jabez Burns, the poet, mentioned . , i9B—i$ftir 'J93 206 - 3^3 „385 448,449 is 3 ley conference. K> axuc 29^ 76 A3S 35Z in .; ■ Calvinism, disputes concerning Calvinists, slander of some, concerning Mr. C. Wesley, i jo. In what they agree and diiTer with Methodibts Causton, Miss Sophia, refuses her hand to Mr. J. Wesley, 67 ; and marries Mr. William:on, ib. Is repelled the communion Causton, Mr. commences a law- suit against Mr. Wesley Chesterfield, Lord, politeness of . Church, discipline of the, exceedingly lax, 147. Why the Methodists ought to obey her, 41 7. Tolerant spirit of, 413. Summary of her doctrinss . ^ . . . 1*7 444 68 69 346 440 49* INDEX. Church-hours, ir. what cases preaching is then allowed Circular letters . . . . 463, Class-meetings, origin of, 177. Described . . 181— Class-leaders, bssiness of, 179, 180. Their importance Clarke, Mr. A. extract from a sermon of his, 253. His opinion con- cerning bibliomancy . ■ . Classes, quarterly visitation of the Clements, AAjlliam, courage and zeal of . . Clergy, testimony in favour of the, 376. Abused by Methodists and Calvinists, 377. Censured, and why Congregation, a mixed one Conference, Methodist, 306. Outline of the first, 163, 164. Business of, 307. What, 308. Address of, 315. Crowther's description of one ..... Confession, auricular, practised by the Msthodists, 194. Defended by Verax, 197. Defended by Mr. Wesley Connexion, Methodist, state of, at Mr. Wesley's death Controversies, .... Convcnticlc-act, .... 412— Conversion, the author's Cekc, Dr. his letter on ordination, 402. His ambition, 406. Guilty ofrailinsr ..... Pa^e 26j 465 -189 273 45» 244 37S 339 309 198 418 459 ■415 450 404 D. Dialogue, between Mr. Wesley and the Bp. of Bristol Diffidence of some men District-meetings Disturbances at watch-nights Divisions Doctrines, Methodist Dream, a remarkable one Dry bones, a shaking amongst III — 114 278 305 219 47* 427—447 276 104. 168 Earthquakes . • . Emerson, Mr. Encyclopaedia Perthensis, extract from Entwisle, Mr. Escapes, miraculous ones Evans, Rev. J. alluded to Evans, Dr. his controversy with Mr. Wesley Exaggeration, the McLhodist preachers addicted to Experience .... 350 349 448 266 154—158 7 397.398 241 204 Faith, what Father of Methodism, a poet Fcllowes, Mr. mistake of, about love feasts Field-preaching • . • Fightings without and fears within Figure, a fine poetical one Finances Fletcher, Mr. 380. 391. Extracts from, on th 387 — 39 1 . Opposes the Calvinists Forgetfulness 43a 20. 26, 27 212 126 116 208 247-467 fall of Methodists, 464 397 ]ND£X. ^ Page Foundery, preaclied at by Methodists , .' ix» Free-will ..... 435 French prophets .... jig G. Georgia, visited by Mr. Wesley, 51. Progress of Methodism there, 53. Decline of Methodism there ... g^j Good words and smiles .... ^y Good works 430 H. Haime, John, courage and zeal of . . . ^Z* Hampson, John, his character of Mr. Wesley recomniended 443 Hell-fire ..... 361 Helper, busines-s of one . . . jog Homilies, extracts from them , . . 428—450 Hume, his profanity .... ^46 Hunting, species of religious . . . 470 Huntingdon, Countess of, charmed with Maxfield's expounding 131 Hymn-book, contents of the Methodists' . . 170 Hyperbole ..... 337 Hypocrites, 57. Unbelievers may be . , 58 I.&J. Jesting, pious Indians, disappointed by Mr. Wesley Introductory Letter Irish Methodists, shallowness of their religion Justification, the nature of i6o 338 42S. 435 Kilham, Mr. Alexander, £4.473. Expelled the society, 480. Charges against ..... 483 Kingswood, colliers, their ignorance and profanity, ia8. Revival at 393 L. Lackington, the Chiswell-street bookseller . . 19^ Lancastrian Methodists . . . 39^ Law, Mr., Seriou ; Call of, how useful to Mr. Wesley . 38 Library, The Christian . . . 3^6 Local-preachers, 273. 279. Call of, 274. Rules concerning, 279. Their u-e and importance, 281. 284. Compared to St. Paul, 285. Number of, 286. Their meetings . . 304 Love-feasts, of one held at Petter-lane, 98. Described aoi, ao* Love-feast hymn .... aio -: M. Marriage, when forbidden by Methodists . . 31^ Maifie:d, Thomas, 132. 385. Preaches before Lady Hnntingdon, 133. Falls into enthusiasm ... 133. Methodism, rise and decline of. at Oxford, 36 — 40. Visits America, 43. Progress of, in Georgia, 53. Like the electric fluid, 54. Third period of, 84. Increases in England, 93. Progressof, inthe field of ■ tattle, 321. Liberality of, 329. ^09. Ulifacrality of 330. 410 494 lNDE3t. Page Methodist, .'^r^. Origin of the term, 5. Certain doctisrs so called, 6. Propriety of the term, 8 — lo. Why the Wesleyans were so called, Jo. Sometimes improperly used, II. Various kinds of, 256. Mo- nitor, extract from it, 28.3. Melody, specimens of hymns to promote . it, 170 — 176. How far they agree and differ with Calvinists, 444. '! A perfect one • • . . 446 Ministry, method of trj'ing candidate? for it . . 289 Minutes of conference, 164. Extract from the last . 317" Miraculous interpositions . . . 17, IS Moravians, Wesley's first acquaintance with them, 48. Testimony in their favour .... j8 Morgan, Mr. death of, supposed to have been caused by excessive fasting ..... 4T Myles. Mr. 32. FUs account of the New Itinerancy . 486 Alysticism, how far Mr. Wesley was tinctured with it . 38 N. National faith, why necessary 44 Nelson, John 3,H Ne^v-birth .... 431 Night -preaching 131 Notiacatione, various unseasonable 448, 149 Ordination, Methodistical, 394 — 396. 400— 408. In America 398 — 39> Old Plan, cry of . . . i 481 P. Pandora's box . . . . . 387 Parody . . ... . » . _ , 336 Pearce, Sarah, experience of . . , li'j Perfection, 199. Instantaneous, 384. How held by the Quakers,, 383. How held by Methodists _ .;;...', .' . ' 444 Persecutions, 147. 331. Advantages of.. '';;..''. . 134 Poetry— : Juvenal's lines on Themison, 6. From 'tlie Latl|i, ai . One "hundred and fourth psalm, 24. Exulting hyniti, 32. Doubting ~:liynin, 88. Invitation, 170. Goodness of God, 173. Thirsting, ib. ^'' JHeil, 174. On the frailty of human life, 175. Praying for repent- ance, 185. A mourner convinced, of sin, ib. Brought to the birth, 186. Rejoicing, 187. Groaning for full redemption, ib. Love- ~ feast hymn, 2C9. Wrestling Jacob, zti. Covenant hymns, ^33." ISociety- meeting, 239. Funeral hj-mn, 364. The man of fashion, 367. Lines by Mr. C.:W£idey, 368. Ey Mrs. Ann Yearsley 457 Population ..... 469 Prayer-meetings, describedj 165. \Leaders, 369. Their qualifica- ^^ iioDs, 165. lj,norance of some leaders . . . ^. j6f 'preaching, 251. How conducted by .Methodists, jji. House, the - ; first . • - •. . . . *99 Preachers, their talents, 325. Their labours, 328. Their inconveni- ences, 333. Instability of some, 341. Odd gesticulations of some 254 Priestley, Dr. . . . . 4^a^i "Public and select bands . . ' ". '■:o cri^iio, rris r: Cv.-jiob •■ - ■ - ■ tr .\i ■ ?.s:,.-^. .«< Q. . ,,• . . • ^^ Quaker?,pne whp was afraid to skep with i.,Cii\jifi$t,.iig. .^^Are-perr ^ fectibhists . '. ' " ." " : "~ V "" 3^3 INDEX. R. Ramsay, Allan Reasons for the author's undertaking this work Reflections on a particular Providence Religion, how recommended by Methodists Religious society, orders of one Reproof should not be given in a bad spirit Revivalists, account of Revivals Riots Roe, Miss, her raptures Rules, general Pag, 97 r 159 465 8j 35 489 383-393 340 99, 100 137—14* Scandal .... Schism .... Scotland, success of Methodism there, 37Z. Causes of the Methodism there Scripture-cards . . . Shaw, Mr. .... Sockty- meetings Socinianis;Ti, hinders the progress of Methodism in Scotland Spirit of God .... Stewards .... Storm, account of a dreadful one Street and field .-inging . . Superintendants, their business . . failure of 145 374 45* 116 a38 37a 43* 300 457 292 Text?, some singular ones, 257. How divided ~, ThemisoDj a physician so called . . . . Tickets. 245. Specimens of two ... Travelling;-preach;r;, one that thinks himself not the Vilest ofsJnners, 54. How a local-preacher may become sne, 388. Rules concern- ing them, 289. Number of . . . Tru^t-deed . . • Trustees . . . • • 359 J 346 499 ib. Unbelievers, hypocrisy of "Unitarians, how they ought to be treated University, the practice of religion not insisted on there V. Verax, defend'* the Method! -ts Visions, how atcovntcd for by Mr. Wesley Voltaire, his hypocrisy W. 347 373 34 196 IIO 347. 348 •Vatch-night?, origin of, 114. Defended . ;s3ii^. ^jua ,;. ':ai5r We ley, Re . John, a f roper Methodist, 8. TO. Manner in which he pursued his ; tudie: , y. His es. ape from fire, 1 3. His father and the Viar of Waktfield compared, 17. fiiszeai and perseverance, 37. ,^ ,0 4a;"' 'Unsettled in lus opinions, 3^. Refuses to become his" fsuHesJj , -^ 496 INDEX. successor at Epworth, 46. His opinion concerning the classics, 47. How employed on his voyage to America, 48. Thinks himsL-lf tlic chief of sinners, 54. Was constitutionally methodistical, 55. In- capable of teaching the Indians, 56. Discourses with Indians at Sa- vannah, 60. Falls in love with Miss Causton, 67. Is disappointed, ib. Is involved in a law-suit, 69. Returns to England, 71. Hi» reflections on himself, 72. 419. Disputes about instantaneous con- version, 77. Is converted, 81. Doubts, 87, 88. Visits Bristol, 103. Makes a schism in the church of Fetter-lane, lai. . His Zealand sin- cerity, i6i. His prudence, ib. His critique on the large hymn- feook, 363. His marriage, 369. Extract from a ietter of his to Mrs. Wesley, 371. His la^t sickness, 421. His death, 422. His character, 423. Original letter of his, 425, His letter on women- preaching ..... 454 "Wesley, Mr. Charles, the first Methodist, 10. Loses the favour of General Oglethorpe, 66. Is converted, 80. Marries, 3^5. Preju- dices against him, 358. Desists from travelling, 360. His sickness and death, 361. His character, 362. Opposed his brother's ordina- tion work .... 398. 405 Wesley, Mrs. Susannah, her letter to Mr. Hoole, 13. Her care of her son John . . . . 19 Wesley, Mr. Samuel, extract of a letter from him • 109 Wesley, Mrs., John Wesley's wife . . 370 Wheatley, James, his lewdness . . . 355 Whiteficld, Rev. George, visits Bristol, loi. Was formerly attached to the theatre, 344. Favoured by Lady Huntingdon, 345. His preaching attended by several enoinent men • 345 Whitehead, Dr. his account of the voyage of the Methodists to Ame- rica, 50. His remarks on Methodistical ordination . 407 Women, jealousy among those at Georgia, 65. A perfect, 446. Preaching of .... 434 Wood, Mr. Thomas, remarkable dream of his . 276 Words, dying, no test of truth . . . 420 Worksdonc before justification . . . 437 Yearly covenant, origin of, stj. 227. Defended, 126. Form of, 228 — 333. How signed by som? Methodists . . 23S Z. Zinzendorf, Count • » • • » 7S ERRATA. preface, page iv. line (9, after apainst, rtad 1. Page 31, line 10,/ur ionvard, read formed. .".g, H, can, cannot. 398, 14, case, era. 419, 4, Rcv, ^'^tTM. ■J. lite