01 i< i :^ (\ ^ i 1^ n.- 1-^ ^/|^ 0- ^^ MINUTE THE METHODIST CONFERENCES, THE FIEST, HELD IN LONDON, THE LATE REV. JOHN WESLEY, A.M., IN THE TEAR 1744. VOLUME I. LONDON: PUBLISHED BY JOHN MASON, AT THE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE OFFICE, 2, CASTLE-STREET, FINSBURY; AND SOLD AT 66, PATEE,NOSTER-BOW. 1862. LOMUON : PRINTED BY WILLIAM NICHOLS, HOXTON SQUARE. ADVERTISEMENT. Under the general name of "Minutes of Con- ference " are comprised tlie following classes of publications : — I. Those which have appeared annually, in unbroken series, from the year 1765 to the present ; and which are republished, down to the year 1860, in fourteen vols. 8vo. ]n^ II. Those which were issued from time to time plunder the title of "Minutes of SEVEHAii Con- ^JVERSATIONS BETWEEN THE HeV. Mr. JoHN AND 1^ Charles Wesley, and others :" — being, in reality, jii^ digests or compendiums of former annual pub- 1^* lications ; and commonly called the " Large 1^ Minutes." In 1797 this important document I was revised, and published as a " Collection of ^ Hules, or Code of Laws." But on the title-page >» there is a typographical error, arising from the : inverting of two figures; the date being given as jj 1779. This pamphlet, verified by affidavit, was pro- ':. duced during the Chancery proceedings of 1835, •P (Warren v. Burton,) and recognised as a " Code," by 1 the Vice- Chancellor, and also by the Lord Chancel- 5 lor. The latter observed, " They [the Conference] published what they considered to be the Code of the ^ Laws of Methodism, in the year 1797 ; and they sign 5 that Code with their names. That very Code has ^ been given in evidence : it is the document described by the letter P." — Subsequently to 1797, the uncodi- fied "Large Minutes" appeared in two or three editions. III. Those which Mr. Wesley published at Dub- A 2 IV ADVERTISEMENT. lin, in 1749 : — "being two tracts, the first of which, containing doctrinal discussions only, has been seve- ral times reprinted, but is so interwoven, in the former edition of Volume I., 8vo., with the " Large Minutes" of 1763, that its documentary character is there lost; while the second, relating to matters of discipline, has never been reprinted, and appears to be very little known. The two tracts form a most valuable contribution to the history of the United Societies. Eor many years a collection of these several docu- ments has been strongly desired. A Committee was appointed, in 1858, to make the preparatory arrange- ments ; and it was agreed, (in terms of the Commit- tee's Eeport,) — 1. That the volume of 1812 be not reprinted as it stands, but altered in various particulars. 2. That the following articles be included in the new volume : — (1.) Mr. "Wesley's Doctrinal Minutes published at Dublin, a.d. 1749. (2.) The Disciplinary Minutes published in the same year and place. (3.) A List of the Conferences successively held after 1749 to 1764; with Mr. Wesley's notices of each, as given in his " Journal." (4.) The Minutes from 1765 to 1798. (Proper names of men, and of places, to be given correctly and uniformly ; and errors in numeration to be set right.) (5.) The American Statistics, as far as found in the originals. (6.) The six several editions of the '' Large Minutes," published during Mr. Wesley's life ; to be arranged in parallel columns. ADVERTISEMENT. (7.) "Exhibit P." (8.) In an Appendix, the Jones and Rowell Manuscripts, carefully collated; with a suitable introductory note. (9.) An Index to the whole. To fulfil the Committee's programme has been the labour of many months. Much care has been bestowed, and much valuable counsel taken, in order to render this volume as accurate as possible. With the exception of the Minutes of 1782, the reprint is made from original copies ; and no change has been admitted, beyond what is technical, — as, the correcting of manifest errors, and just as much modifying of the punctuation as seemed needful to make the sense plain. The whole illustrates the rise and growth of a remarkable work of God. Students of this chapter of church-history will not fail to compare the suc- cessive editions of the " Large Minutes," which are here exhibited at one view. The additions and alter- ations made from year to year are thus distinctly shown ; and the charge of garbling these documents, once and again so vehemently preferred, is thus effectually refuted. The volume contains much that is unlike the wisdom of the world ; but still more that may humbly claim kindred with " the wisdom that is from above," which is "first pure, then peaceable." May the fervour and simplicity of our fathers, their love of the truth, and self-denying devotion to their work, survive in their sons and successors till time shall be no more ! Conference Office, City -Road, London; May, 1862. CONTENTS. Minutes of some late Conversations between the Eev. Mr, WESLETa AND others. [On Doctrine.] Page. London, June 25-27, 1744 1 Bristol, August 1, 2, 1745 6 Bristol, May 13, 1746 11 London, June 16, 17, 1747 15, 17 Minutes of some late Conversations between the Eev. Mr. Weslets AND others. [On Discipline.] London, June 25, 23, 29, 1744 21 Bristol, August, 1, 3, 1745 25 Bristol, May 12, 14, 15, 1746 .. 30 London, June 15, 18, 1747 34 London, June 2, 3, 6, 1748 39 London, November 16j &c., 1749 44 Brief Notices of Fifteen Conferences held between 1749 and 1765 ... 45 Page. conference XXII. Manchester, 1765 48 XXIII. Leeds, 1766 53 XXIV. London, 1767 70 XXV. Bristol, 1768 75 XXVI. Leeds, 1769 82 xxvil. London, 1770 89 XXVIII. Bristol, 1771 97 Page. conference XXIX. Leeds, 1772 loi XXX. London, 1773 106 XXXI. Bristol, 1774 Ill XXXII. Leeds, 1775 116 XXXIII. London, 1776 121 XXXIV. Bristol, 1777 127 XXXV. Leeds, 1778 131 CONTENTS. Pasre. Vll COHFERENCE XXXVI. London, 1779 136 xxxvii. Bristol, 1780 141 XXXVIII. Leeds, 1781 146 XXXIX. London, 1782 151 XL. Bristol, 1783 159 XLI. Leeds, 1784 165 XLII. London, 1785 171 XLIII. Bristol, 1786 182 XLIV. Manchester, 1787 194 CONFERENCE XLVI. Leeds, 1789 216 XLVII. Bristol. 1790 227 XLVIII. Manchester, 1791 242 XLIX. London, 1792 257 L. Leeds, 1793 274 LI. Bristol, 1794 295 LII. Manchester, 1795 316 LIII. London, 1796 346 LIV. Leeds, 1797 377 London, 1788 203 Bristol, 1798 412 The " Lakge Minutes " in the six successive Editions published during THE Life of Mr. Wesley 443 Minutes of several Conversations between the Rev. John Wesley, A.M., AND THE Preachers in connexion with him. Containing the Form OF Discipline established among the Preachers and People in the Methodist Societies. Published in 1797 676 APPENDIX. Notes of certain Conferences preserved in the Handwriting of the LATE Rev. John Jones 70S Notes preserved in the Handwriting of the late Rev. Jacob Rowell 714 Index to the Volume 721 MINUTES OP MINUTES OF SOME LATE CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN THE REV. 3IR. WESLEYS AND OTHERS. CONVERSATION THE FIRST. MONDAY, 25th of June, 1744. The following persons being met at the Foundery, John Wesley, Charles Wesley, John Hodges, Rector of Wenvo, Henry Piers, Vicar of Bexley, Samuel Taylor, Vicar of Quinton, and John Meriton, after some time spent in prayer, the design of our meeting was proposed, namely, to consider, 1. What to teach; 2. How to teach ; and, 3. What to do ; i. e., How to regulate our doctrine, discipline, and practice. We began with considering the doctrine of justification. The questions relating to, with the substance of the answers given thereto, were as follows : — Q. 1. What is to be justified? A. To be pardoned, and received into God's favour, into such a state that, if we continue therein, we shall be finally saved. Q. 2. Is faith the condition of justification? A. Yes ; for everyone who believeth not is condemned ; and everyone who believes is justified. Q. 3. But must not repentance and works meet for repentance go before this faith? A. Without doubt : if by repentance you mean conviction of sin ; and by works meet for repentance, obeying God as far as we can, forgiving our brother, leaving ofi" from evil, doing good, and using His ordinances according to the power we have received. Q. 4. What is faith? A. Faith in general is a Divine, supernatural elenchos of things not seen ; i. e., of past, future, or spiritual things. It is a spiritual sight of God and the things of God. Vol. I. B 2 1744. First, a sinner is convinced by the Holy Ghost, " Christ loved me and gave Himself for me ;" — this is that faith by which he is justified or pardoned the moment he receives it. Immedi- ately the same Spirit bears witness, "Thou ai't pardoned; thou hast redemption in His blood." And this is saving faith, whereby the love of God is shed abroad in his heart. Q. 5. Have all Christians this faith? May not a man be justified and not know it ? A. That all true Christians have such a faith as implies an assurance of God's love, appears from Rom. viii. 15 ; Eph. iv. 32 ; 2 Cor. xiii. 5; Heb. viii. 10; 1 John iv. 10; v. 19, And that no man can be justified and not know it, appears farther from the nature of the thing. For faith after repentance is ease after pain, rest after toil, light after darkness. It appears also from the immediate, as well as distant, fruits thereof. Q. 6. But may not a man go to heaven without it? A. It does not appear from Holy Writ that a man who hears the Gospel can, (Mark xvi. 16,) whatever a Heathen may do. (Rom. ii. 14.) Q. 7. What are the immediate fruits of justifying faith? A. Peace, joy, love, power over all outward sin, and power to keep down inward sin. Q. 8. Does any one believe, who has not the witness in himself, or any longer than he sees, loves, obeys God? A. We apprehend not ; seeing God being the very essence of faith ; love and obedience the inseparable properties of it. Q. 9. What sins are consistent with justifying faith? A. No wilful sin. If a believer wilfully sins, he casts away his faith. Neither is it possible he should have justifying faith again, without previously repenting. Q. 10. Must every believer come into a state of doubt, or fear, or darkness ? Will he do so, unless by ignorance or unfaithful- ness? Does God otherwise withdraw Himself? A. It is certain, a believer need never again come into condemnation. It seems, he need not come into a state of doubt, or fear, or darkness : and that (ordinarily at least) he will not, unless by ignorance or unfaithfulness. Yet it is true, that the first joy does seldom last long ; that it is commonly followed by doubts and fears ; and that God frequently permits great heaviness, before any large manifestation of Himself. Q. 11. Are works necessary to the continuance of faith? A. Without doubt ; for a man may forfeit the free gift of God, either by sins of omission or commission. Q. 12. Can faith be lost, but for want of works? A. It cannot, but through disobedience. Q. 13. How is faith made perfect by works? A. The more we exert our faith, the more it is increased. "To him that hath, shall be given." 174^4. 3 Q. 14. St. Paul says, Abraham was not "justified by works." St. James, He was "justified by works." Do they not contradict each other ? A. No : 1. Because they do not speak of the same justification. St. Paul speaks of that justification which was when Abraham was seventy-five years old, above twenty years before Isaac was born. St. James of that justification which was when he offered up Isaac on the altar. 3. Because they do not speak of the same works. St. Paul speaking of works that precede faith : St. James of works that spring from it. Q. 15. In what sense is Adam's sin imputed to all mankind? A. In Adam all die, i. e., 1, Our bodies then became mortal. 3. Our souls died, i. e., were disunited from God. And hence, 3. We are all born with a sinful, devilish nature : by reason whereof, 4. We are children of wrath, liable to death eternal. Rom. V. 18; Eph. ii. 3. Q. 16. In what sense is the righteousness of Christ imputed to all mankind, or to believers ? A. We do not find it expressly affirmed in Scripture, that God imputes the righteousness of Christ to any. Although we do find, that faith is imputed to us for righteousness. That text, " As by one man's disobedience all men were made sinners, so by the obedience of One all were made righteous," we conceive means. By the merits of Christ, all men are cleared from the guilt of Adam's actual sin. We conceive farther, that through the obedience and death of Christ, 1. The bodies of all men become immortal after the resurrection ; 2. Their souls receive a capacity of spiritual life ; and, 3. An actual spark or seed thereof. 4. All believers become children of grace, reconciled to God; and, 5. made partakers of the Divine nature. Q. 17. Have we not then unawares leaned too much towards Calvinism ? A. We are afraid we have. Q. 18. Have we not also leaned towards Antinomianism ? A. We are afraid we have. Q. 19. What is Antinomianism? A. The doctrine which makes void the law through faith. Q. 20. What are the main pillars hereof? A. 1. That Christ abolished the moral law. 2. That therefore Christians are not obliged to observe it. 3. That one branch of Christian liberty is liberty from obeying the commandments of God. 4. That it is bondage to do a thing because it is commanded, or forbear it because it is forbidden. 5. That a believer is not obliged to use the ordinances of God, or to do good works. B 2 4 1744. 6. That a Preacher ought not to exhort to good works : not unbelievers, because it is hurtful; not believers, because it is needless. Q. 21. What was the occasion of St, PauFs writing his Epistle to the Galatians ? A. The coming of certain men amongst the Galatians, who taught, " Except ye be circumcised and keep the law of Moses, ye cannot be saved. ^^ Q. 22. What is his main design therein? A. To pi'ove, 1. That no man can be justified or saved by the works of the law, either moral or ritual, 2. That every believer is justified by faith in Christ, without the works of the law. Q. 23. What does he mean bv " the works of the law ? " Gal. ii. 16, &c. A. All works which do not spring from faith in Ch):'ist. Q. 24. What by being "under the law?" Gal. iii. 23. A. Under the Mosaic dispensation. Q. 25. What law has Christ abolished? A. The ritual law of Moses. Q. 26. What is meant by "liberty? " Gal. v. 1. A. Liberty, 1. From the law; 2. From sin. On TUESDAY Morning, June 26, ivas considered, The doctrine of sanctification : with regard to which the questions asked and the substance of the answers given were as follows : — Q. 1. What is it to be sanctified? A. To be renewed in the image of God in righteousness and true holiness. Q. 2. Is faith the condition or the instrument of sanctifi- cation? A. It is both the condition and instrument of it. When we begin to believe, then sanctification begins. And as faith increases, holiness increases, till we are created anew. Q. 3. What is implied in being a perfect Christian? A. The loving the Lord our God with all our hearts, and with all our mind, and soul, and strength. Dent. vi. 5; xxx. 6; Ezek. xxxvi. 25—29. Q. 4. Does this imply, that all inward sin is taken away? A. Without doubt : or how could he be said to be saved from all his uncleannesses ? Verse 29. Q. 5. Can we know one who is thus saved? What is a reasonable proof of it ? A. We cannot without the miraculous discernment of spirits be infallibly certain of those who are thus saved. But, we apprehend, these would be the best proofs which the nature of the thing admits. 1. If we had sufficient evidence of their 1744. 5 unblameable behaviour, at least from the time of their justifica- tion. 2. If they gave a distinct account of the time and manner wherein they were saved from sin, and of the circumstances thereof, with such sound speech as could not be reproved. And, 3. If upon a strict inquiry from time to time, for two or tliree years following, it appeared that all their tempers and words and actions were holy aud unreproveable. Q. 6. How should we treat those who think they have attained this ? A. Exhort them to forget the things that are behind, and to watch and pray always, that God may search the ground of their hearts. WEDNESDAY, June 27, We began to consider points of discipline : with regard to which the questions asked, and the substance of the answers given were as follows : — Q. 1. What is the Church of England? A. According to the twentieth Article, the visible Church of England is the congregation of English believers in which the pure word of God is preached, and the sacraments duly administered. (But the word church is sometimes taken in a looser sense, for " a congregation professing to believe.^' So it is taken in the twenty-sixth Article, and in the 1st, 2d, and 3d chapters of the Revelation.) Q. 2. What is a member of the Church of England ? A. A believer, hearing the pure word of God preached, and partaking of the sacraments, duly administered, in that Church. Q. 3. What is it to be zealous for the Church ? A. To be earnestly desirous of its welfare and increase : of its welfare, by the confirmation of its present members, in faith, hearing, and communicating; and of its increase, by the addition of new members. Q. 4. How are we to defend the doctrine of the Church ? A. Both by our preaching and living. Q. 5. How should we behave at a false or railing sermon? A. If it only contain personal reflections, we may quietly suffer it : if it blaspheme the work and Spirit of God, it may be better to go out of the church. In either case, if opportunity serve, it would be well to speak or write to the Minister. Q. 6. How far is it our duty to obey the Bishops? A. In all things indifferent. And on this ground of obeying them, we should observe the canons, so far as we can with a safe conscience. Q. 7. Do we separate from the Church? A. We conceive not : we hold communion therewith, for 6 1745. conscience sake, by constantly attending both the word preached and the sacraments administered therein. Q. 8. What then do they mean who say, " You separate from the Church?^' A. We cannot certainly tell. Perhaps they have no determinate meaning : unless, by the Church they mean them- selves ; i. e., that part of the Clergy who accuse us of preaching false doctrine. And it is sure we do herein separate from them, by maintaining that which they deny. Q. 9. But do you not weaken the Church? A, Do not they who ask this, by the Church mean themselves? We do not purposely weaken any man^s hands. But accident- ally we may, thus far : they who come to know the truth by us, will esteem such as deny it less than they did before. But the Church, in the proper sense, the congregation of English believers, we do not weaken at all. Q. 10. Do you not entail a schism on the Church? i. e., Is it not probable that your hearers, after your death, will be scattered into all sects and parties ? Or that they will form themselves into a distinct sect ? A. 1. We are persuaded the body of our hearers will even after our death remain in the Church, unless they be thrust out. 2. We believe, notwithstanding, either that they will be thrust out, or that they will leaven the whole Church. 3. We do, and will do, all we can to prevent those consequences which are supposed likely to happen after our death. 4. But we cannot with a good conscience neglect the present opportunity of saving souls while we live, for fear of consequences which may possibly or probably happen after we are dead. CONVERSATION THE SECOND. BRISTOL, Thursday, August I, 1745. The following persons being met together at the New Room, John Wesley, Charles Wesley, John Hodges, Thomas Richards, Samuel Larwood, Thomas Meyrick, James Wheatley, Richard Moss, John Slocomb, Herbert Jenkins, and Marmaduke Gwynne : It was proposed to review the Minutes of the last Conference with regard to justification. And it was asked, Q. 1. How comes what is written on this subject to be so intricate and obscure ? Is this obscurity from the nature of the thing itself? Or, from the fault or weakness of those who have generally treated of it? A. We apprehend this obscurity does not arise from the nature of the subject : but, perhaps, partly from hence, that the 1745. 7 devil peculiarly labours to perplex a subject of the greatest importance ; and partly from the extreme warmth of most writers who have treated of it. Q. 2. We affirm faith in Christ is the sole condition of justification. But does not repentance go before that faith? Yea, and (supposing there be opportunity for them) fruits or works meet for repentance ? A. Without doubt they do. Q. 3. How then can we deny them to be conditions of justification? Is not this a mere strife of words? But is it worth while to continue a dispute on the term condition ? A. It seems not, though it has been grievously abused. But so the abuse cease, let the use remain. Q. 4. Sliall we read over together Mr. Baxter's Aphorisms concerning justification? A. By all means : which were accordingly read. And it was desired, that each person present would in the afternoon consult the Scriptures cited therein, and bring what objections might occur the next morning. Friday, August 2. The Question was proposed, Q. 1. Is an assurance of God's pardoning love absolutely necessary to our being in His favour? Or may there possibly be some exempt cases? A. We dare not positively say, there are not. Q. 2. Is such an assurance absolutely necessary to inward and outward holiness? A. To inward, we apprehend it is : to outward holiness, we incline to think it is not. Q. 3. Is it indispensably necessary to final salvation? Suppose in a Papist? Or a Quaker? Or, in general, among those who never heard it preached? A. Love hopeth all things. We know not how far any of these may fall under the case of invincible ignorance. Q. 4. But what can we say of one of our own Society, who dies without it, as J. W. at London? \ A. It may possibly be an exempt case (if the fact was really so). But Ave determine nothing. We leave his soul in the hands of Him that made it. Q. 5. Does a man believe any longer than he sees a reconciled God ? A. We conceive not. But we allow there may be infinite degrees in seeing God : even as many as there are between him who sees the sun, when it shines on his eyelids closed, and him who stands with his eyes wide open, in the full blaze of his beams. Q. G.'-Does a man believe any longer than he loves God? 8 1745. A. In no wise. For neither circumcision or uncircumcision avails, without faith working by love. Q. 7. Have we duly considered the case of Cornelius ? Was not he in the favour of God, when his " prayers and alms came up for a memorial before God?^^ i. e., before he believed in Christ? A. It does seem that he was, in some degree. But we speak not of those who have not heard the Gospel. Q. 8, But were those works of his splendid sins ? A. No ; nor were they done without the grace of Christ. Q. 9. How then can we maintain, that all works done before we have a sense of the pardoning love of God are sin? And, as such, an abomination to Him? A. The works of him who has heard the Gospel and does not believe are not done as God hath willed and commanded them to be done. And yet we know not how to say, that they are an abomination to the Lord in him who feareth God, and from that principle does the best he can. Q. 10. Seeing there is so much difficulty in this subject, can we deal too tenderly with them that oppose us? A. We cannot; unless we were to give up any part of the truth of God. Q. 11. Is a believer constrained to obey God? A. At first he often is. The love of Christ constraineth him. After this, he may obey, or he may not ; no constraint being laid upon him. Q. 12. Can faith be lost, but through disobedience? A. It cannot. A believer first inwardly disobeys, inclines to sin with his heart : then his intercourse with God is cut off", i. e., his faith is lost. And after this, he may fall into outward sin, being now weak, and like another man. Q. 13. How can such an one recover faith? A. By repenting and doing the first works. Bev. ii. 5. Q. 14. Whence is it that so great a majority of those who believe fall more or less into doubt or fear ? A. Chiefly from their own ignorance or unfaithfulness : often from their not watching unto prayer: perhaps sometimes from some defect, or want of the power of God, in the preaching they hear. Q. 15. Is there not a defect in us ? Do we* preach as we did at first ? Have we not changed our doctrines ? A. 1. At first we preached almost wholly to unbelievers. To those, therefore, we spake almost continually of remission of sins through the death of Christ, and the nature of faith in His blood. And so we do still, among those who need to be taught the first elements of the Gospel of Christ. 2. But those in whom the foundation is already laid, we exhort to go on to perfection : which we did not see so clearly 1745. 9 at first ; although we occasionally spoke of it from the beginning. 3. Yet we now preach, and that continually, faith in Christ as the Prophet, Priest, and King, at least as clearly, as strongly, and as fully as we did six years ago. Q. 16. Do Ave not discourage visions and dreams too much ? As if we condemned them toto (/enere. A. We do not intend to do this. We neither discourage nor encourage them. We learn from Acts ii. 19, &c., to expect something of this kind "in the last days." And we cannot deny that saving faith is often given in dreams or visions of the night : which faith we account neither better nor worse than if it came by any other means. Q. 17. Do not some of our Assistants preach too much of the wrath and too little of the love of God ? A. We fear they have leaned to that extreme ; and hence some of their hearers may have lost the joy of faith. Q. 18. Need we ever preach the terrors of the Lord to those who know they are accepted of Him ? A. No ; it is folly so to do : for love is to them the strongest of all motives. Q. 19, Do we ordinarily represent a justified state so great and happy as it is? A. Perhaps not. A believer, walking in the light, is inexpressibly great and happy. Q. 20. Should we not have a care of depreciating justification in order to exalt the state of full sanctification ? A. Undoubtedly we should beware of this : for one may insensibly slide into it. Q. 21. How shall we effectually avoid it? A. When we are going to speak of entire sanctification, let us first describe the blessings of a justified state as strongly as possible. Q. 22. Does not the truth of the Gospel lie very near both to Calvinism and Antinomianism ? A. Indeed it does: as it were, within a hair's breadth. So that it is altogether foolish and sinful, because we do not quite agree either with one or the other, to run from them as far as ever we can. Q. 23. Wherein may we come to the very edge of Calvinism ? A. 1. In ascribing all good to the free grace of God; 2. In denying all natural free will, and all power, antecedent to grace ; and, 3. In excluding all merit from man, even for what he has or does by the grace of God. Q. 24. Wherein may we come to the edge of Antinomian- ism ? A. 1. In exalting the merits and love of Christ. 2. lu rejoicing evermore. 10 1745. Q. 25. Does faith supersede (set aside the necessity of) holiness or good works? A. In no wise. So far from it, that it imphes both, as a cause does its effects. About Ten, loe began to speak of sanctificaiion : with regard to which it was inquired : — Q. 1. When does inward sanctification begin ? A. In the moment we are justified. The seed of every virtue is then sown in the soul. From that time the believer gradually dies to sin, and grows in grace. Yet sin remains in him ; yea, the seed of all sin, till he is sanctified throughout in spirit, soul, and body. Q. 2. What will become of a Heathen, a Papist, a Church-of- England inan, if he dies without being thus sanctified? A. He cannot see the Lord. But none who seeks it sincerely shall or can die without it : though possibly he may not attain it till the very article of death. Q. 3. Is it ordinarily given till a little before death ? A. It is not, to those that expect it no sooner, nor consequently ask for it, at least, not in faith. Q. 4. But ought we to expect it sooner ? A. Why not? For although we grant, 1. That the gene- rality of believers, whom we have hitherto known, were not so sanctified till near death. 2. That few of those to whom St. Paul wrote his Epistles were so at the time he wrote. 3. Nor he himself at the time of writing his former Epistles : yet this does not prove that we may not to-day. Q. 5. But would not one who was thus sanctified be incapable of worldly business ? A, He would be far more capable of it than ever, as going through all without distraction. Q. 6. Would he be capable of marriage ? A. Why should he not ? Q. 7. Should we not beware of bearing hard on those who think they have attained? A. We should. And the rather, because if they are faithful to the grace they have received, they are in no danger of perish- ing at last. No, not even if they remain in luminous faith (as some term it) for many months or years : perhaps till within a little time of their spirits returning to God. Q. 8. In what manner should we preach entire sanctification? A. Scarce at all to those who are not pressing forward. To those who are, always by way of promise : always drawing, rather than driving. Q. 9. How should we wait for the fulfilling of this promise ? A. In universal obedience : in keeping all the command- 1746. 11 ments, in denying ourselves, and taking up our cross daily. These are tlie general means which God hath ordained for our receiving His sanctifying grace. The particular are, prayer, searching the Scripture, communicating, and fasting. CONVERSATION THE THIRD. TUESDAY, May 13, 1746. The following persons being met at the New Room in Bristol, John Wesley, Charles Wesley, John Hodges, Jonathan Reeves, Thomas Maxfield, Thomas Westell, and Thomas Willis, it was inquired : — Q. 1. Can an unbeliever (whatever he be in other respects) challenge anything of God^s justice ? A. Absolutely nothing but hell. And this is a point which we cannot too much insist on. Q. 2. Do we empty men of their own righteousness, as we did at first ? Do we sufficiently labour, when they begin to be convinced of sin, to take away all they lean upon ? Should we not then endeavour with all our might to overturn their false foundations ? A. This was at first one of our principal points. And it ought to be so still. For, till all other foundations are overturned, they cannot build upon Christ. Q. 3. Did we not then purposely throw them into convic- tions? Into strong sorrow and fear? Nay, did we not strive to make them inconsolable ? Refusing to be comforted ? A. We did. And so we should do still. For the stronger the conviction, the speedier is the deliverance. And none so soon receive the peace of God, as those who steadily refuse all other comfort. Q. 4. Let us consider a particular case. Was you, Jonathan Reeves, before you received the peace of God, convinced that, notwithstanding all you did, or could do, you was in a state of damnation ? J. R. I was convinced of it, as fully as that I am now alive. Q. 5. Are you sure that conviction was from God? /. R. I can have no doubt but it was. Q. 6. What do you mean by a state of damnation ? /. R. A state wherein if a man dies he perisheth for ever. Q. 7. How did that conviction end ? J. R. I had first a strong hope that God would deliver me : and this brought a degree of peace. But I had not,, that solid, peace of God, till Christ was revealed in me. .-'''^:- Pv a < ,jy Q. 8. But is not such a trust in the love of ,©0(3, t|io;i}gh|it be as yet without a distinct sight of God, reconciled tb' me through Jesus Christ, a low degree of justifying faith'i?-^ JLOCjIl. , SEMINASY ^f'W 12 174G. A. It is an earnest of it. But this abides for a short time only : nor is this the proper Christian faith. Q. 9. By what faith were the Apostles clean before Christ died? A. By such a faith as tliis; by a Jewish faith. For the Holy Ghost was not then given. Q. 10. Of whom, then, do you understand those words, " Who is there among you that feareth the Lord ? That obey- eth the voice of His servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no hght ? " Isai. 1. 10. A. Of a believer under the Jewish dispensation : one in whose heart God hath not yet shined, to give him the light of the glorious love of God, in the face of Jesus Christ. Q. 11. Who is a Jew (inwardly)? A. A servant of God : one who sincerely obeys Him out of fear. Whereas a Christian (inwardly) is a child of God; one who sincerely obeys Him out of love. But was not you sincere before Christ was revealed in you ? /. R. It seemed to me that I was in some measure. Q. 12. What is sincerity ? A. Willingness to know and do the whole will of God. The lowest species thereof seems to be " faithfulness in that which is little.^' Q. 13. Has God any regard to man^s sincerity? A. So far, that no man in any state can possibly please God without it : neither, indeed, in any moment wherein he is not sincere. Q. 14. But can it be conceived that God has any regard to the sincerity of an unbeliever ? A. Yes, so much, that if he persevere therein, God will infallibly give him faith. Q. 15. What regard may we conceive Him to have to the sincerity of a believer ? A. So much, that in every sincere believer He fulfils all the great and precious promises. Q. 16. Whom do you term a sincere believer? A. One that walks in the light, as God is in the light. ■Q. 17. Is sincerity the same with a single eye ? A. Not altogether. The latter refers to our intention ; the former to our will or desires. Q. 18. Is it not all in all? A. All will follow persevering sincerity. God gives every- thing with it ; nothing without it. Q. 19. Are not, then, sincerity and faith equivalent terms ? A. By no means. It is at least as nearly related to works as it is to faith. For example : Who is sincere before he believes ? He that then does all he can : he that, according to the power 1746. 13 he has received, brings forth " fruits meet for repentance." Who is sincere after he beheves ? He that, from a sense of God^s love, is zealous of all good works. Q. 20. Is not sincerity what St. Paul terms a willing mind ? ^ OT^oS'Ujaia ? 2 Cor. viii. 12. A. Yes : if that word be taken in a general sense. For it is a constant disposition to use all the grace given. Q. 21. But do we not, then, set sincerity on a level with faith? A. No. For we allow a man may be sincere, and not be justified, as he may be penitent, and not be justified : (not as yet :) but he cannot have faith, and not be justified. The very moment he believes he is justified. Q. 22. But do we not give up faith, and put sincerity in its place, as the condition of our acceptance with God? A. We believe it is one condition of our acceptance, as repentance likewise is. And we believe it a condition of our continuing in a state of acceptance. Yet we do not put it in the place of faith. It is by faith the merits of Christ are applied to my soul. But if I am not sincere, they are not applied. Q. 23. Is not this that " going about to establish your own righteousness," whereof St. Paul speaks, E/Ora. x. 3? A. St. Paul there manifestly speaks of unbelievers, who sought to be accepted for the sake of their own righteousness. We do not seek to be accepted for the sake of our sincerity, but through the merits of Christ alone. Indeed, so long as any man believes, he cannot go about (in St. Paulas sense) to " establish his own righteousness." Q. 24. But do you consider, that we are under the covenant of grace? And that the covenant of works is now abolished? A. All mankind were under the covenant of grace from the very hour that the original promise was made. If by the covenant of works you mean that of unsinning obedience made with Adam before the fall : no man but Adam was ever under that covenant : for it was abolished before Cain was born. Yet it is not so abolished but that it will stand, in a measure, even to the end of the world : i. e., If we do this, we shall live ; if not, we shall die eternally. If we do well, we shall live with God in glory : if evil, we shall die the second death. For every man shall be judged in that day, and rewarded " according to his works." Q. 25. What means, then, " To him that believeth his faith is counted for righteousness ? " A. That God forgives him that is unrighteous as soon as he believes, accepting his faith instead of perfect righteousness. But then observe, universal righteousness follows, though it did not precede faith. 14 1746. Q. 26. But is faith thus " counted to us for righteousness " at whatsoever time we believe ? A. Yes. In whatsoever moment we believe, all our past sins vanish away. They are as though they had never been, and we stand clear in the sight of God. TUESDAY, Ten o'clock. Mr. Taylor, of Quinton, and T. Glascot, being added, it was inquired : — Q. 1. Are not the assurance of faith, the inspiration of the Ploly Ghost, and the revelation of Christ in us, terms nearly of the same import ? A. He that denies one of them must deny all, they are so closely connected together. Q. 2. Are they ordinarily, where the pure Gospel is preached, essential to our acceptance ? A. Undoubtedly they are ; and, as such, to be insisted on in the strongest terms. Q. 3. Is not the whole dispute of salvation by faith, or by works, a mere strife of words ? A. In asserting salvation by faith we mean this: 1. That pardon (salvation begun) is received by faith, producing works. 2. That holiness (salvation continued) is faith working by love. 3. That heaven (salvation finished) is the reward of this faith. If you who assert salvation by works, or by faith and woi'ks, mean the same thing, (understanding by faith, the revelation of Christ in us, by salvation, pardon, holiness, glory,) we will not strive with you at all. If you do not, this is not a strife of words ; but the very vitals, the essence of Christianity, is the thing in question. Q. 4. Wherein does our doctrine now differ from that we preached when at Oxford ? A. Chiefly in these two points : 1. We then knew nothing of that righteousness of faith in justification; nor, 2. Of the nature of faith itself, as implying consciousness of pardon. Q. 5. May not some degree of the love of God go before a distinct sense of justification? A. We believe it may. Q. 6. Can any degree of sanctification or holiness ? A. Many degrees of outward holiness may : yea, and some degree of meekness, and several other tempers which would be branches of Christian holiness, but that they do not spring fi'om Christian principles. For the abiding love of God cannot spring, but from faith in a pardoning God. And no true Christian holiness can exist, without that love of God for its foundation. Q. 7. Is every man, as soon as he believes, a new creature, sanctified, pure in heart? Has he then a new heart? Does 1747. 15 Christ dwell therein? And is he a temple of the Holy Ghost? A. All these things may be affirmed of every believer, in a true sense. Let us not, therefore, contradict those who maintain it. Why should we contend about words ? CONVERSATION THE FOURTH. TUESDAY, June 16, 1747. The following persons being met at the Foundery, John Wesley, Charles Wesley, and Charles Manning, Vicar of Hayes; Richard Thomas Bateman, Hector of St. Bartholo- mew's the Great; Henry Piers, Howel Harris, and Thomas Hardwick : It was inquired, Q. 1. Is justifying faith a Divine assurance that Christ loved me, and gave Himself for me ? A. We believe it is. Q. 2. What is the judgment of most of the serious Dissenters concerning this ? A. They generally allow. That many believers have such an assurance; and. That it is to be desired and prayed for by all : But then they affirm. That this is the highest species or degree of faith ; That it is not the common privilege of believers : Consequently, They deny that this is justifying faith, or necessarily implied therein. Q. 3. And are there not strong reasons for their opinion ? For instance : If the true believers of old had not this assurance, then it is not necessarily implied in justifying faith : But the true believers of old had not this assurance. A. David, and many more of the believers of old, undeniably had this assurance. But even if the Jeivs had it not, it would not follow that this is not implied in Christian faith. Q. 4. But do you not know that the Apostles themselves had it not till after the Day of Pentecost ? A. The Apostles themselves had not the proper Christian faith till after the Day of Pentecost. Q. 5. But were not those Christian believers, in the proper sense, to whom St. John wrote his first Epistle ? Yet to these he says, " These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God ; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." 1 John v. 13. A. This does not prove that they did not know they had eternal life, any more than that they did not believe. His plain meaning is, " I have written unto you, that you may be the 16 1747. more established in the faith." Therefore, it does not follow from hence that they had not this assurance; but only that there are degrees therein. Q. 6. But were not the Thessalonians true believers? Yet they had not this assurance; they had only a "good hope." 2 Thess. ii. 16. A. The text you refer to, runs thus: "Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, Avhich hath loved us, and given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." This "good hope" does not exclude, but necessarily implies a strong assurance of the love of God. Q. 7. But does not St. Paul say, even of himself, "I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified"? 1 Cor. iv. 4. A. He does not say of himself here. That he was not justified : or, that he did not know it : but only, That though he had a conscience void of offence, yet this did not justify him before God. And must not every believer say the same? This, there- fore, is Avide of the point. Q. 8. But does he not disclaim any such assurance in those words, " I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling"? 1 Cor. ii. 3. A. By no means. For these words do not imply any fear either of death or hell. They express only a deep sense of his utter insufiiciency for the great work wherein he was engaged. Q. 9. However, does he not exclude Christians in general from such an assurance, when he bids them "work out their salvation with fear and trembling"? Phil. ii. 12. A. No more than from love; which is always joined with filial fear and reverential trembling. And the same answer is applicable to all those texts which exhort a believer to fear. Q. 10. But does not matter of fact prove, that justifying faith does not necessarily imply assurance ? For can you believe that such a person as J. A. or E. V., who have so much integrity, zeal, and fear of God, and walk so unblameably in all things, is void of justifying faith? Can you suppose such as these to be under the wrath and under the curse of God? Especially if you add to this, that they are continually longing, striving, praying for the assurance which they have not ? A. This contains the very strength of the cause ; and some- times inclines us to think that some of these may be exempt cases. But, however that be, we answer : — 1. It is dangerous to ground a general doctrine on a few particular experiments. 2. Men may have many good tempers, and a blameless life, (speaking in a loose sense,) by nature and habit, with preventing grace; and yet not have faith and the love of God. 1747. 17 3. It is scarce possible for us to know all the circumstances relating to such persons, so as to judge certainly concerning them. 4. But this we know, If Christ is not revealed in them, they are not yet Christian believers. Q. 11. But what will become of them then, suppose they die in this state ? A. That is a supposition not to be made. They cannot die in this state. They must go backward or forward. If they continue to seek, they will surely find righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. We are confirmed in this belief by the many instances we have seen of such as these finding peace at the last hour. And it is not impossible but others may then be made partakers of like precious faith, and yet go hence without giving any outward proof of the change which God hath wrought. CONVERSATION THE FIFTH. WEDNESDAY, I7th. Q. 1. How much is allowed by our brethren who differ from us, with regard to entire sanctification ? A. They grant, 1. That everyone must be entirely sanctified, in the article of death : 2. That till then, a believer daily grows in grace, comes nearer and nearer to perfection : 3. That we ought to be continually pressing after this, and to exhort all others so to do. Q. 2. What do we allow them? A. We grant, 1. That many of those who have died in the faith, yea, the greater part of those we have known, were not sanctified throughout, not made perfect in love, till a little before death : 2. That the term "sanctified^' is continually applied by St. Paul to all that were justified — were true believers : 3. That by this term alone, he rarely (if ever) means, saved from all sin : 4. That, consequently, it is not proper to use it in this sense, without adding the word " wholly,^' " entirely," or the like : 5. That the inspired writers almost continually speak of or to those who were justified ; but very rarely, either of or to those who were wholly sanctified : 6. That, consequently, it behoves us to speak in public almost continually of the state of justification; but more rarely, at least in full and explicit terms, concerning entire sanctification. Q. 3. What, then, is the point wherein we divide? Vol. I. C 18 1747. A. It is tliis : Whether we should expect to be saved from all sin^ before the article of death ? Q. 4. Is there any clear Scripture promise of this? That God will save us from all sin ? A. There is. "He shall redeem Israel from all his sins." Psalm cxxx, 8. This is more largely expressed in the prophecy of Ezekiel : "Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. I will also save you from all your uncleannesses," Chap, xxxvi. 25, 29. No promise can be more clear. And to this the Apostle plainly refers in that exhortation, — " Having these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Cor. vii. 1. Equally clear and express is that ancient promise, — " The Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul." Dent. xxx. 6. Q. 5. But does any assertion answerable to this occur in the New Testament? A. There does, and that laid down in the plainest terms. So St. John, iii. 8 : " For this purpose the Son of God was mani- fested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." The works of the devil, without any limitation or restriction : but all sin is the work of the devil. Parallel to which is that assertion of St. Paul : " Christ loved the church, and gave Himself for it ; that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing ; but that it should be holy and without blemish." Eph. v. 25, 27. And to the same effect is his assertion in the eighth of the Romans, ver. 3, 4 : " God sent His Son that the righteous- ness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Q. 6. Does the New Testament aflbrd any farther ground for expecting to be saved from all sin? A. Undoubtedly it does, both in those prayers and commands which are equivalent to the strongest assertions. Q. 7. What prayers do you mean ? A. Prayers for entire sanctification ; which, were there no such thing, would be mere mockery of God. Such, in particular, are, 1. "Deliver us from evil;" or, rather, from the evil one. Now, when this is done, when we are delivered from all evil, there can be no sin remaining. 2. " Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word : that they all may be one, as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us. I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one." John xvii. 20, 21, 23. 1747. 19 3. "I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ that He would grant you that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God/' Eph. iii. 14, 16—19. 4. "The very God of peace sanctify you wholly ; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ/' 1 Thess. v. 23. Q. 8. What command is there to the same effect? A. 1. "Be ye perfect, as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Matt. v. ult. 2. " Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." Matt. xxii. 37. But if the love of God fill all the heart, there can be no sin there. Q. 9. But how does it appear that this is to be done before the article of death ? A. First, from the very nature of a command, which is not given to the dead, but to the living. Therefore, " Thou shalt love God with all thy heart," cannot mean, Thou shalt do this when thou diest, but while thou livest. Secondly, from express texts of Scripture : 1. "The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men; teaching us that, having renounced (apv»](rajaevo<) ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, right- eously, and godly, in this present world : looking for the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus ii. 11 — 14. 2. " He hath raised up an horn of salvation for us to perform the mercy promised to our fathers the oath which He sware to our father Abraham, that He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life." Luke i. 69, &c. Q. 10. Is there any example in Scripture of persons who had attained to this ? A. Yes. St. John, and all those of whom he says in his first Epistle, ch. iv. ver. 17 : " Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world." Q. 11. But why are there not more examples of this kind recorded in the New Testament ? A. It does not become us to be peremptory in this matter. One reason might possibly be, because the Apostles wrote to the church while it was in a state of infancy. Therefore they might C 2 20 1747. mention sucli persons the more sparingly, lest they should give strong meat to babes. Q. 12. Can you show one such example now? Where is he that is thus perfect? A. To some who make this inquiry, one might answer, If I knew one here, I would not tell you. For you do not inquire out of love. You are like Herod. You only seek the young child to slay it. But more directly we answer, There are numberless reasons why there should be few (if any indisputable) examples. What inconveniences would this bring on the person himself, set as a mark for all to shoot at? What a temptation would it be to others, not only to men who knew not God, but to believers themselves ? How hardly would they refrain from idolizing such a person? And yet, how unprofitable to gainsayers? For if they hear not Moses and the Prophets, Christ and His Apostles, neither would they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. Q. 13. Suppose one had attained to this, would you advise him to speak of it ? A. Not to them who know not God. It would only provoke them to contradict and blaspheme. Nor to any without some particular reason, without some particular good in view. And then they should have an especial care to avoid all appearance of boasting ; and to speak more loudly and convincingly by their lives, than they can do by their tongues. Q. 14. Is it a sin, not to believe those who say they have attained ? A. By no means, even though they said true. We ought not hastily to believe, but to suspend our judgment, till we have full and strong proof. Q. 15. But are we not apt to have a secret distaste to any who say they are saved from all sin? A. It is very possible we may; and that on several grounds: partly from a concern for the honour of God, and the good of souls, who may be hurt, yea, or turned out of the way, if these are not what they profess : partly from a kind of implicit envy at those who speak of higher attainments than our own : and partly from our slowness and unreadiness of heart, to believe the works of God. Q. 16. Does not the harshly preaching perfection tend to bring believers into a kind of bondage, or slavish fear ? A. It does. Therefore we should always place it in the most amiable light, so that it may excite only hope, joy, and desire. Q. 17. Why may we not continue in the joy of faith even till we are made perfect ? A. Why indeed ? Since holy grief does not quench this joy : since even while we are under the cross, while we deeply partake 1744. 21 of the sufferings of Christ, we may rejoice with joy unspeak- able. Q. 18. Do we not discourage believers from rejoicing ever- more? A. We ought not so to do. Let them all their life long rejoice unto God, so it be with reverence. And even if lightness or pride should mix with their joy, let us not strike at the joy itself, (this is the gift of God,) but at that lightness or pride, that tlie evil may cease, and the good remain. Q. 19. Ought we to be anxiously careful about perfection? Lest we should die before we have attained ? A. In no wise. We ought to be thus careful for nothing, neither spiritual nor temporal. Q. 20. But ought we not to be troubled, on account of the sinful nature which still remains in us ? A. It is good for us to have a deep sense of this, and to be much ashamed before the Lord. But this should only incite us the more earnestly to turn unto Christ every moment, and to draw light, and life, and strength from Him, that we may go on, conquering and to conquer. And therefore, when the sense of our sin most abounds, the sense of His love should much more abound. Q. 21. Will our joy or our trouble increase, as we grow in grace ? A. Perhaps both. But without doubt our joy in the Lord will increase as our love increases. Q. 22. Is not the teaching believers to be continually poring upon their inbred sin, the ready way to make them forget that they were purged from their former sins ? A. We find by experience, it is; or to make them under- value, and account it a little thing ; whereas, indeed, (though there are still greater gifts behind,) this is inexpressibly great and glorious. MINUTES OF SOME LATE CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN THE REV. MR, WESLEYS AND OTHERS. MONDAY, June 25, 1744. First, it ivas inquired, Whether any of our Lay Brethren should be present at the Conference? And it was agreed. To invite, from time to time, such of them as we should judge proper. It was then asked. Which of them shall we invite to-day? And the answer was. 22 1744. Thomas Richards, Thomas Maxfield, John Bennet, and John Downes ; who were accordingly brought in. Then was read as follows : — It is desired, That all things be considered as in the immediate presence of God : That we may meet with a single eye, and as little children who have everything to learn : That every point may be examined from the foundation : That every person may speak freely what is in his heart : and That every question proposed may be fully debated, and "bolted to the bran.'' The first preliminary question was then proposed ; namely. How far does each of us agree to submit to the unanimous judgment of the rest? It was answered. In speculative things each can only submit so far as his judgment shall be convinced. In every practical point, so far as we can without wounding our several consciences. To the second preliminary question, namely, How far should any of us mention to others what may be mentioned here ? It was replied. Not one word which may be here spoken of persons should be mentioned elsewhere. Nothing at all, unless so far as we may be convinced the glory of God requires it. And from time to time we will consider on each head. Is it for the glory of God, that what we have now spoken should be mentioned again ? On THURSDAY, June 28, Were considered other points of discipline : the substance of the questions and answers were as follows : — Q. 1. How are the people divided who desire to be under your care ? A, Into the United Societies, the Bands, the Select Societies, and the Penitents. Q. 3. How do these differ from each other? A. The United Societies (which are the largest of all) consist of awakened persons : part of these, who are supposed to have remission of sins, are more closely united in the Bands. Those of the Bands who seem to walk in the light of God compose the Select Societies ; those of them who are for the present fallen from grace meet apart as Penitents. Q. 3. What are the Rules of the United Societies? A, Those that follow. (Then they were read.) Q. 4. What are the Rules of the Bands ? A. They are these. (Which were read and considered.) 1744. 23 Q. 5. What are the Rules of the Select Societies? A. The same : and these three, 1. Let nothing spoken in this Society be spoken again; no, not even to the members of it. 2. Every member agrees absolutely to submit to his Minister in all indifferent things. 3. Every member, till we can have all things common, will bring once a week, bond fide, all he can spare toward a common stock. Q. 6. Are there any peculiar Rules for the Penitents ? A. Not yet. Q. 7. What officers belong to these Societies ? A. The Ministers, Assistants, Stewards, Leaders of Bands, Leaders of Classes, Visiters of the Sick, School-Masters, Housekeepers. Q. 8. What is the office of a Minister? A. To watch over the souls whom God commits to his charge, as he that must give account. Q. 9. What is it to be moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon yourself this office ? A. It can mean no less than to be immediately convinced by the Spirit of God that this is His will. Q. 10. Is field-preaching unlawful? A. We do not conceive that it is contrary to any law, either of God or man. Yet (to avoid giving any needless offence) we never preach without doors, when we can with conveniency preach within. Q. 11. Where should we endeavour to preach most? A. 1, Where we can preach in the church: 2. Where there is an open door, quiet and willing hearers : 3. Where there is the greatest increase of souls. Q. 12. What is the best way of spreading the Gospel? A. To go a little and little farther from London, Bristol, St. Ives, Newcastle, or any other Society. So a little leaven would spread with more effect, and less noise ; and help would always be at hand. Q. 13. What is the best general method in preaching? A. 1. To invite. 2. To convince. 3. To offer Christ. Lastly, To build up, and to do this (in some measure) in every sermon. FRIDAY, June 29. fVe considered, Q. 1. Are Lay Assistants allowable? A. Only in cases of necessity. Q. 2. What is the office of our Assistants ? A. In the absence of the Minister to feed and guide, to teach and govern the flock. 1. To expound every morning and evening. 24 . 1744. 2. To meet the United Societies, the Bands^ the Select Societies, and the Penitents every week. 3. To visit the classes once a quarter. 4. To hear and decide all differences. 5. To put the disorderly back on trial, and to receive on trial for the Bands or Society. 6. To see that the Stewards, the Leaders, School-Masters, and Housekeepers faithfully discharge their several offices. 7. To meet the Leaders of the Bands and Classes weekly, and the Stewards, and to overlook their accounts. Q. 3. What are the Rules of an Assistant ? A. 1. Be diligent; never be unemployed a moment. Never be trifiingly employed. Never while away time. Neither spend any moi^e time at any place than is strictly necessary. 2. Be serious. Let your motto be, " Holiness to the Lord." Avoid all lightness as you would avoid hell-fire; and laughing as you would cursing and swearing. 3. Converse sparingly and cautiously with women. 4. Take no step toward marriage without first acquainting us, 5. Believe evil of no one. If you see it done, well. Else take heed how you credit it. Put the best construction on everything. You know, the Judge is always supposed to be on the prisoner's side. 6. Speak evil of no one. Else your word especially Avould eat as doth a canker. Keep your thoughts within your own breast, till you come to the person concerned. 7. Tell everyone what you think wrong in him, and that plainly, and as soon as may be. Else it will fester in your heart. Make all haste to cast the fire out of your bosom. 8. Do nothing as a gentleman. You have no more to do with this character than with that of a dancing-master. You are the servant of all. Therefore, 9. Be ashamed of nothing but sin : not of fetching wood, if time permit, or drawing water; not of cleaning your own shoes or your neighbours\ 10. Take no money of anyone. If they give you food when you are hungry, or clothes when you need them, it is good. But not silver or gold. Let there be no pretence to say, we grow rich by the Gospel. 11. Contract no debts without our knowledge. 12. Be punctual. Do everything exactly at the time. And in general; do not mend our rules, but keep them; not for wrath, but for conscience sake. 13. Act in all things not according to your own will, but as a son in the Gospel. As such, it is your part to employ your time in that manner which we direct : partly in visiting the flock from house to house, (the sick in particular,) partly, in such a course of reading, meditation, and prayer, as we advise from 1745. 25 time to time. Above all, if you labour with us in our Lord^s vineyard, it is needful you should do that part of the work which we direct, at those times and places which ^^e judge most for His glory. Q. 4. Should our Assistants keep journals? A. By all means, as well for our satisfaction as for the profit of their own souls. Q. 5. With whom should we correspond ? When? A. Once a month, with each Assistant, and with some one other person (at least) in each Society. Q. 6. How shall we exclude formality from prayer and conversation ? A. 1 . By preaching frequently on that head. 2. By watching always, that we may speak only what we feel. Q. 7. Is it lawful to bear arms ? A. We incline to think it is ; 1. Because there is no command against it in the New Testament. 2. Because Cornelius, a soldier, is commended there, and not mentioned to have laid them down. Q. 8. Is it lawful to use the law ? A. As defendant, doubtless ; and perhaps as plaintiff in some cases : seeing Magistrates are an ordinance of God. Bristol, THURSDAY, August 1, 1745. It was inquired, Q. 1. Should we still consider ourselves as little children, who have everything to learn ? A. Yes, so far as to have our minds always open to any farther light which God may give us. Q. 2. What general method may we observe in our following Conferences ? A. First, To read and weigh at every Conference each article of those preceding : Secondly, To speak freely, and calmly hear, touching each ; that we may either retract, amend, or enlarge it. Q. 3. Should not the time of this Conference be a time of particular watching and self-denial ? A. It should. Q. 4. Should we not desire all who can of the Society to join with us to-morrow in fasting and prayer ? A. We will desire them so to do. Q. 5. Ought not every point which shall be proposed to be examined from the foundation ? A. Without question it ought. If there was any defect herein at the last Conference, let us amend it now. Q. 6. How can we effectually provide that everyone may speak freely whatever is in his heart ? 26 1745. A. By taking care to check no one, either by word or look, even though he should say what is quite wrong. Q. 7. How shall we provide that every point may be fully debated, and throughly settled? A. Let us beware of making haste, or of showing or indulging any impatience, whether of delay or of contradiction. On SATURDAY, August 3, Were considered points of discipline. Q. 1. Can he be a spiritual governor of the church, who is not a believer, not a member of it ? A. It seems not : though he may be a governor in outward things, by a power derived from the King, Q. 2. What are properly the laws of the Church of England ? A. The Kubricks : and to those we submit, as the ordinance of man, for the Lord^s sake. Q. 3. But is not the will of our governors a law? A. No; not of any governor, temporal or spiritual. There- fore if any Bishop wills that I should not pi^each the Gospel, his will is no law to me. Q. 4. But what if he produce a law against your preaching ? A. I am to obey God rather than man. Q. 5. Is Episcopal, Presbyterian, or Independent church- government most agreeable to reason ? A. The plain origin of church-government seems to be this. Christ sends forth a Preacher of the Gospel. Some who hear him repent and believe the Gospel. They then desire him to watch over them, to build them up in the faith, and to guide their souls in the paths of righteousness. Here, then, is an Independent congregation; subject to no Pastor but their own, neither liable to be controlled in things spiritual, by any other man, or body of men, whatsoever. But soon after, some from other parts, who are occasionally present while he speaks in the name of Him that sent him, beseech him to come over to help them also. Knowing it to be the will of God, he consents. Yet not till he has conferred with the wisest and holiest of his congregation, and with their advice appointed one or more, who has gifts and grace, to watch over the flock till his return. If it please God to raise another flock in the new place, before he leaves them, he does the same thing : appointing one whom God has fitted for the work to watch over these souls also. In like manner, in every place where it pleases God to gather a little flock by his word, he appoints one in his absence to take the oversight of the rest, and to assist them of the ability which God giveth. These are Deacons, or servants of the church, and look on the first Pastor as their common father. And all these 1745. 37 congregations regard him in the same light, and esteem him still as the shepherd of their souls. These congreo;ations are not absolutely independent : they depend on one Pastor, though not on each other. As these congregations increase, and as their Deacons grow in years and grace, they need other subordinate Deacons, or helpers : in respect of whom they may be called Presbyters, or Elders ; as their father in the Lord may be called the Bishop, or Overseer of them all. Q. 6. Is mutual consent absolutely necessary between the Pastor and his flock ? A. No question. I cannot guide any soul, unless he consent to be guided by me. Neither can any soul force me to guide him, if I consent not. Q. 7. Does the ceasing of this consent on either side dissolve that relation ? A. It must, in the very nature of things. If a man no longer consent to be guided by me, I am no longer his guide ; I am free. If one will not guide me any longer, I am free to seek one who will. Q. 8. But is the shepherd free to leave his sheep, or the sheep to leave their shepherd ? A. Yes; if one or the others are convinced it is for the glory of God, and the superior good of their souls. Q. 9. How shall we treat those who leave us ? A. 1. Beware of all sharpness, or bitterness, or resentment. 2. Talk with them once or twice at least. 3. If they persist in their design, consider them as dead. And name them not, unless in prayer. Q. 10. Can I attend any more Societies than I do? seeing this would imply the spending less time with the rest. A. It seems not : at least till the Societies already founded are more established in grace. Q. 11. May we not make a trial, especially in Wales and Coi'nwall, of preaching, without settling any Societies? A. It might be well : and by this means we may preach in every large town where a door is open. Q. 12. Should we permit any serious person to be present when one of our Societies meets ? A. At some times we may, if he particularly desire it : but not always ; nor the same person frequently. Q. 13. Have we borne a sufficient witness to the truth? Particularly when attacked by the Clergy ? A. Perhaps not. We have generally been content with standing on the defensive. Q. 14. May not this cowardice have hindered the work of God ? And have caused us to feel less of His power ? A. Very probably it may. 28 1745. Q. 15. How shall we act in such cases for the time to come? A. Not only refute, but retort the charge. Their mouths must be stopped, (only in meekness and love,) and the eyes of others opened. Q. 16. Is it expedient for us to converse more with the Clergy ? A. Yes ; wherever they are willing we should. Q. 17. With our chief opposers or persecutors ? A. It might do good; 1. When they make any overtures toward it. 2. When we can take them unawares, and converse with them alone. Q. 18. National sins call aloud for national judgments. What shall we do to prevent them ? A. The first Friday in every month, at least, speak expressly on this head ; and insist on the necessity of a general repentance, to prevent a general scourge. Q. 19. Should we talk of persecution before it comes? A. To talk or think before, of any particular persecution, only weakens our hands. And how long the general persecution may be deferred, God only knows. It was next inquired with regard to our Assistants, Q. 1. Should any other Hule be added to the Twelve? A. Only this : "You have nothing to do but to save souls. Therefore spend and be spent in this work. And go always, not only to those who want you, but to those who want you most.-'^ Q. 2. Who are our present Assistants? A. Jonathan Ueeves, James Wheatlej^, John Nelson, John Bennet, John Trembath, Francis Walker, Thomas Richards, John Dovvnes, Tiiomas Westell, James Jones, Samuel Larwood, Henry Millard, Thomas Maxfield, Thomas Meyrick. Q. 3. What general method of spending their time may our Assistants have? A. They may spend the mornings (from six to twelve) in reading, writing, and prayer : from twelve to five, visit the sick and well : and from five to six use private prayer. Q. 4. Can I travel less, in order to write more ? A. As yet it does not seem advisable. Q. 5. How shall we order our correspondence at home and abroad ? A. 1. Fix whom to correspond with monthly, in every place. 2. Divide them betweeii my brother and me. 3. Send them notice in every place. Q. 6. W hat books should we keep for our own use, at London, Bristol, and Newcastle ? A. Those that follow : — 1745. "29 I. Divinity, Practical. 1 . 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. II. Physic. Doctrinal. 1, 2. 3. 1. 2. 3. 4. III. Natural Philoso- phy. IV. Astronomy. V. History. VI. Poetry. VII. Latin Prose. Verse. VIII. Greek Prose. Greek Verse. Hebrew. The Bible. Our Tracts. Boehm^s ) c? ^x 1 , y Sermons. JNalson s j Frank's Works. Pascal's Thoughts. Heylin's Tracts. Bishop Beveridge's Private Thoughts. Bishop Pearson on the Creed. Bishop Fell on the Epistles. Dr. Gell's Works. Drake's Anatomy. Quincy's Dispensatory. Allen's Synopsis. Dr. Cheyne's Works. Nature Delineated. Miller's Gardener's Dictionary Abridged. Whiston's Astronom. Principles. Universal History. Spenser. Milton. Sallust. 2. Csesar. 3. Corn. Nep. Veil. Paterculus. Littleton's Dictionary. Tullii. Philosophica, and De Offi- ciis. Cypriani Opera. Castellio's Dialogues. Erasmi Selecta. Austin's Confessions. Terence. 2. Virgil. Selecta Horatii. Juv. Pers. Mart. Vida. 5. Casirair. 6. Buchanan. Greek Test. Hederici Lexicon. Plato's Select Dialogues. Xenophon's Cyropsedia. Epictetus. Antoninus de se ipso. Ignatius, &c. Ephraim Syrus. Macarius. Chrysost. de Sacerd. Homer's Iliad. Epigrammatum Delectus. Duport's Job, &c. The Bible. Buxtorf. 30 1746. MONDAY, May 12, 1746. It was inquired, Q. 1. Who are the properest persons to be present at any Conference of this nature ? A. 1. As many of the Preachers as conveniently can; 2. The most earnest and most sensible of the Baud-Leaders where the Conference is ; and, 3. Any pious and judicious stranger who may be occasionally in the place. Q. 2. Might it not be useful to read over one or more of our tracts at each Conference? A. Doubtless it might ; were it only to correct what is amiss^ and explain what is obscure in each. On WEDNESDAY, Uth, Were considered points relating to discipline. Q. 1. When the Pastor of a congregation dies, who has the right of choosing another ? A. Without all doubt, the congregation itself, whom none can feed or guide without their own consent. Q. 2. What is the scriptural notion of an Apostle ? A. One who is sent of God to convert Heathens. Q. 3. How many Apostles were there in the first church? A. A great number, besides those twelve who were eminently so called. Thus St. Paul, speaking of our Lord after His resurrection, saith, " He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve : after that of above five hundred brethren at once. Then of all the Apostles.^' 1 Cor. xv. 5—7. Q. 4. What is the New Testament notion of a Prophet ? A. A builder up of the faithful. Q. 5. In what view are we and our Helpers to be considered ? A, Perhaps as extraordinary messengers, designed of God to provoke the others to jealousy. Q. 6. Do you not slide insensibly into taking state upon yourselves ? Or lording it over God's heritage ? A. 1. We are not conscious to ourselves that we do: 2. But there is a continual danger : therefore, 3. We cannot be too jealous lest we should : and, 4. We will thank any who warn us against it. Q. 7. How shall we be more easy of access ? A. Let any speak to us, after preaching, morning or evening. Q. 8. How shall we try those who beheve they are moved by the Holy Ghost, and called of God to preach ? A. Inquire, 1. Do they know in whom they have believed? 1746. 31 Have they the love of God in their hearts ? Do they desire and seek nothing but God ? And are they holy in all manner of conversation ? 2. Have they gifts (as well as grace) for the work ? Have they (in some tolerable degree) a clear, sound understanding? Have they a right judgment in the things of God ? Have they a just conception of salvation by faith? And has God given them any degree of utterance ? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly ? 3. Have they success ? Do they not only so speak as generally either to convince or affect the hearers ? But have any received remission of sins by their preaching? A clear and lasting sense of the love of God ? As long as these three marks undeniably concur in any, we allow him to be called of God to preach. These we receive as sufficient reasonable evidence, that he is moved thereto by the Holy Ghost. Q. 9. But how shall we know, in the case of a particular person, whether there is this evidence or no ? A. 1. We will send one of our Helpers to hear him preach, and to talk with him on the preceding heads. 2. We will hear him preach and talk with him ourselves. 3. We will examine throughly those who think they have received remission of sins by his preaching. 4. We will desire him to relate or to write down the reasons why he believes he is called of God to preach. 5. We will desire the congregation to join with us in fasting and prayer, that we may judge and act according to the will of God. Q. 10. Should we not use the same method of fasting and prayer on other occasions also ? A. Without doubt we should use it, 1. At the receiving any fellow-labourer in our Lord's vineyard. 2. At going ourselves, or sending any, to a new place. 3. Before publishing any book. Q. 11. Why do we not use more form and solemnity in the receiving a new labourer ? A. We purposely decline it. 1. Because there is something of stateliness in it. 2. Because we would not make haste. We desire barely to follow Providence, as it gradually opens. Q. 12. Are there any of our Assistants whom we might employ more than the rest ? In what instances ? A. There are. We may employ some, 1. In visiting the classes at each place. 2. In writing lists of the Societies and Bands there. 3. In delivering new tickets, where we cannot do it ourselves. 4. In holding lovefeasts, where needful. Q. 13. Is there any prudential help for greater watchfulness and recollection which our Assistants might use ? A. We believe it would be an inconceivable help if they kept 32 1746. a journal of every hour. The manner of doing it they may learn in a few minutes by looking at one of the journals we kept at Oxford. Q. 14. In what light should your Assistants consider them- selves ? A. As learners rather than teachers : as young students at the University : for whom^ therefore, a method of study is expedient in the highest degree. Q. 15. What method would you advise them to? A. We would advise them, 1. Always to rise at four. 2. From four to five iu the morning, and from five to six in the evening, partly to use meditation and private prayer, partly to read the Scripture, (two or three verses, or one or two chapters,) partly some close, practical book of divinity. In particular, The Life of God in the Soul of Man, Kempis, the Pilgrim's Progress, Mr. Law's Tracts, Bishop Beveridge's Private Thoughts, Heylin's Devotional Tracts, the Life of Mr. Haly- burton, and M. De Renty. 3. From six in the morning (allow- ing one hour for breakfast) to twelve, to read in order, slowly, and with much prayer. Bishop Pearson on the Creed, Bishop Fell on the Epistles, Mr. Boehm's and Mr. Nalson's Sermons, Mr. Pascal's Thoughts, our other tracts and poems, Milton's Paradise Lost, Cave and Fleury's Primitive Christianity, and Mr. Echard's Ecclesiastical History. Q. 16. Have we in anything altered our manner of preaching for the worse since we set out ? A. Perhaps we do not preach so much concerning the blood of atonement as we did at first. Q. 17. What inconvenience is there in speaking much of the wrath and little of the love of God ? A. It generally hardens them that believe not, and discou- rages them that do. Q. 18. What sermons do we find by experience to be attended with the greatest blessing ? A. 1. Such as are most close, convincing, particular; 2. Such as have most of Christ, the Priest, the Atonement ; 3. Such as urge the heinousness of men's living in contempt or ignorance of Him. THURSDAY, May 15. Q. 1. What is a sufficient call of Providence to a new place? suppose to Edinburgh or Dublin ? A. 1. An invitation from some one that is worthy; from a serious man, fearing God, who has a house to receive us. 2. A probability of doing more good by going thither, than by staying longer where we are. Q. 2. Ought we not diligently to observe in what place God is pleased to pour out His Spirit more abundantly ? 174G. 33 A. We ought, and at that time, to send more labourers than usual into that part of the harvest : as, at this time, into Yorkshire, and the country round Coleford. Q. 3. How can we add a proper solemnity to the admission of new members into the Bands or the United Society? A. 1. Admit new members into the Bands at London, Bristol, and Newcastle, only once a quarter, at the general love- feast. 2. Read the names of the men to be admitted on the Wednesday, of the women on the Sunday before. 3. Admit into the Society only on the Thursday or Sunday following the quarterly visitation of the classes. 4. Read the names of those to be admitted on the Tuesday and Thursday or Sunday evening before. 5. The first time that anyone (on trial) meets a class, let the Rules of the Society be given him. 6. And let them be publicly read on the Thursday or Sunday after every admission of new members. 7. Then, also, let the names of those be read who are excluded from the Society. Q. 4. How shall we guard more effectually against formality in public singing ? A. 1. By the careful choice of hymns proper for the congre- gation. 2. In general by choosing hymns of praise or prayer, rather than descriptive of particular states. 3. By not singing too much ; seldom a whole hymn at once ; seldom more than five or six verses at a time. 4. By suiting the tunes to the hymns. 5. By often stopping short, and asking the people, " Now, do you know what you said last ? Did it suit your case ? Did you sing it as to God ? With the spirit and with the understanding also ? " Q. 5. Should we insist more on people's going to church ? Shall we set them the example at Bristol ? A. We will make a trial of the effects of it by going to St. James's every Wednesday and Friday. Q. 6. How shall we be more recollected and more useful in conversation ? A. 1. Plan every conversation before you begin. 2. Watch and pray during the time, that your mind be not dissipated. 3. Spend two or three minutes every hour in solemn prayer. 4. Strictly observe the morning and evening hour of retirement. Q. 7. How are your Circuits now divided ? A. Into seven. 1. London (which includes Surrey, Kent, Essex, Brentford, Egham, Windsor, Wycombe). 2. Bristol (which includes Somersetshire, Portland, Wilts, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire). 3. Cornwall. 4. Evesham (which includes Shrewsbury, Leominster, Hereford, and from Stroud to Wed- nesbury). 5. Yorkshire (which includes Cheshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutlandshire, and Lincolnshire), 6, Newcastle. 7. Wales. Q. 8. Who are our present Assistants ? Vol. I. D 34 1747. A. Jonathan Beeves, John Bennet, John Haughton, John Nelson, James Wheatley, John Trembath, Thomas Westell, Thomas Bichards, John Downes, Thomas Meyrick, Thomas Maxfield, Prancis Walker. Perhaps James Jones, Samuel Larwood, Joseph Cowuley. Q. 9. Can we be of any farther use to the Moravians ? A. Perhaps by writing to the Count. Q. 10. To whom should we give copies of our Conferences ? A. Only to those who Avere or might have been present. Q. 11. To whom should we read them? A. To the Stewards and Leaders of Bands, the Sunday and Thursday following the Conference. MONDAY, June 15, 1747. Q. 1. Which of our brethren shall we invite to be present at this Conference ? A. John Jones, Thomas Maxfield, Jonathan Beeves, John Nelson, John Bennet, John Downes, Thomas Crouch, Bobert Swindells, and John Maddern : who were accordingly brought in. Q. 2. How may the time of this Conference be made more eminently a time of prayer, watching, and self-denial ? A. 1. While we are in Conference, let us have an especial care to set God always before us. 2. In the intermediate hours, let us visit none but the sick ; and spend all our time that remains in retirement, 3. Let us then give ourselves unto prayer for one another, and for the blessing of God upon this our labour. Q. 3. Should we at every Conference read over all the Conferences we have had from the beginning? A. Only that immediately preceding ; and so much of the rest as we may find needful from time to time. Q. 4. In our first Conference it was agreed to examine every point from the foundation. Have we not been some way fearful of doing this? What were we afraid of? Of overturn- ing our first principles ? A. Whoever was afraid of this, it was a vain fear. For if they are true, they will bear the strictest examination. If they are false, the sooner they are overturned the better. Let us all pray for a willingness to receive light ; an invariable desire to know of every doctrine, whether it be of God. Q. 5. It was then inquired. How far does each of us agree to submit to the unanimous judgment of the rest ? And it was answered. In speculative things, each can only submit so far as his judgment shall be convinced. In every practical point, so far as we can without wounding our several consciences. 1747. 35 Q. 6. Can a Christian submit any farther than this, to any man, or number of men, upon earth ? A. It is undeniably plain he cannot : either to Pope, Council, Bishop, or Convocation. And this is that grand principle of every man's right to private judgment, in opposition to implicit faith in man, on which Calvin, Luther, Melancthon, and all the ancient Reformers, both at home and abroad, proceeded : ** Every man must think for himself; since every man must give an account for himself to God.'' Q. 7. Shall each of us read over all the tracts which have been published before our next Conference ? And write down every passage we do not approve, or do not fully understand ? A. Every one answered, in order, "I will endeavour so to do." About Ten (Mr. Perronet, Vicar of Shoreham, being added) we began to consider points of discipline. Q. 1. What is schism, in the Scripture sense of the word? A. The word occurs only twice in the New Testament; namely, 1 Cor. i. 10, where St. Paul exhorts them, that there may be no schisms among them ; {(r^la-ixaTo. is the word which we render "divisions;") and ch. xii. 25, "God hath mingled the body together, having given the more abundant honour to that part which lacked ; that there may be no schism in the body," i. e., in the church, the body of Christ. In both these places the word undeniably means (which, con- sequently, is the true scriptural notion of schism) a causeless breach, rupture, or division made among the members of Christ ; among those who are the living body of Christ, and members in particular. Q. 2. Are not the Methodists guilty of making such a schism ? A. No more than of rebellion or murder. They do not divide themselves at all from the living body of Christ. Let any prove it, if they can. Q. 3. But do they not divide themselves from the Church of England ? A. No. They hold communion therewith now, in the same manner they did twenty years ago ; and hope to do so to their lives' end. Q. 4. You profess to obey both the governors and the rules of the Church. Yet, in many instances, you do not obey them. How is this consistent ? Upon what principle do you act, while you sometimes obey, and sometimes not ? A. It is entirely consistent. We act at all times on one plain, uniform principle. " We will obey the rules and the governors of the Church, whenever we can consistent with our duty to God, D 2 36 1747. Whenever we cannot, we will quietly obey God, rather than man/^ Q. 5. But why do you say, you are "thrust out of the churches?" Has not every Minister a right to dispose of his own church? A. He ought to have, but in fact he has not. A Minister desires I should preach in his church. But the Bishop forbids him. That Bishop then injures him, and thrusts me out of that church. Q. 6. Does a church in the New Testament always mean " a single congregation?" A. We believe it does. We do not recollect any instance to the contrary. Q. 7. What instance or ground is there then in the New Testament for a National Church? A. We know none at all. We apprehend it to be a merely political institution. Q. 8. Are the three orders of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons plainly described in the New Testament ? A. We think they are ; and believe they generally obtained in the churches of the apostolic age. Q. 9. But are you assured that God designed the same plan should obtain in all churches, throughout all ages ? A. We are not assured of this ; because we do not know that it is asserted in Holy Writ. Q. 10. If this plan were essential to a Christian church, what mast become of all the foreign Reformed Churches? A. It would follow, they are no parts of the church of Christ ! A consequence full of shocking absurdity. Q. 11. In what age was the Divine right of Episcopacy first asserted in England ? A. About the middle of Queen Elizabeth's reign. Till then all the Bishops and Clergy in England continually allowed and joined in the ministrations of those who were not episcopally ordained. Q. 12. Must there not be numberless accidental varieties in the government of various churches ? A. There must, in the nature of things. For, as God variously dispenses His gifts of nature, providence, and grace, both the offices themselves and the officers in each ought to be varied from time to time. Q. 13. Why is it, that there is no determinate plan of church- government appointed in Scripture ? A. Without doubt, because the wisdom of God had a regard to this necessary variety. Q. 14. Was there any thought of uniformity in the govern-: ment of all churches, imtil the time of Constantino? A. It is certain there was not ; and would not have been then, had men consulted the word of God only. 1747. 37 THURSDAY, June 18. Q. 1 . Have we not limited field-preaching too much ? A. It seems we have. 1. Because our calling is^ to save that which is lost. Now we cannot expect the wanderers from God to seek us. It is our part to go and seek them. 2. Because we are more peculiarly called^ by going out into the highways and hedges (which none will do, if we do not) to compel them to come in. 3. Because that reason against it is not good, " The house will hold all that come.'^ The house may hold all that will come to the house, but not all that would come to the field. 4. Because we have always found a greater blessing in field- preaching, than in any other preaching whatever. Q. 2. What is "respect of persons?'^ (James ii. 1.) A. The regarding one person more than another, on account of some outward circumstances, particularly riches. Q. 3. Have we not fallen into this, by allowing more of our time to the rich than to the poor? By not speaking so plain and home to them? And by admitting them into the Society, or even the Bands, though they had never received remission of sins, and had met in no Band at all ? A, These are instances of such a respect of persons as we will endeavour to avoid for the time to come. Q. 4. Would it not be well for the Minister to visit the sick, on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday ? A. It seems, no time could be more profitably employed, either for them or us. Q. 5. How shall we keep off unworthy communicants? A.\. By being exactly careful whom we admit into the Society : and, 2. By giving notes to none but those who come to us on the days appointed in each quarter. Q. 6. How shall we thoroughly purge the Bands? A. 1. In visiting the classes, meet those who are in the Bands, every morning, before the rest ; and examine them as strictly as you can, both as to their heart and life. 2. Meet the married men and married women apart, the first Wednesday and Sunday after each visitation: the single men and single women apart, on the second Wednesday and Sunday. Q. 7. Who are our present Assistants ? A. John Jones, Jonathan Reeves, John Haughton, Joseph Cownley, James Wheatley, John Nelson, John Trembath, Hobert Swindells, Thomas Richards, Samuel Larwood, Thomas Westell, Francis Walker, John Bennet, Thomas Maxfield, John Downes, Richard Moss, Edward Dunstan, Thomas Meyrick, Richard Williamson, John Maddern. Perhaps James Jones and Eliezer Webster. Q. 8. Who are there, that assist us chiefly in one place ? 38 1747. A. Thomas Rawlins^ J. Hathaway, James Rogers, John Slocomb, Corn. Bastable, John Jane, John Whitford, David Trathen, John Jenkins, John Spargo, Ant. Lidicot, Steph. Nichols, John Wheeler, John Osburn, Edw. May, John Bennet, William Fenwick, Robert Blow, James Skelton, Robert Taylor, John Brown, Christopher Hopper, Archibald Patten, William Holmes, William Shent, Matthew Watson, Samuel Appleyard, William Darney, Francis Scott, Joseph Lee, John Eaton, John Appleton, John Griffiths, Richard Watts, William Walker, John Gill, Thomas Crouch, Henry Loyd. Q. 9. Are our Assistants exemplary in their lives ? Do we inquire enough into this ? A. Perhaps not. We should consider each of them who is with us as a pupil at the University : into whose behaviour and studies we should therefore make a particular inquiry every day. Might we not particularly inquire, Do you rise at four? Do you study in the method laid down at the last Conference? Do you read the books we advise, and no other ? Do you see the necessity of regularity in study ? What are your chief tempta- tions to irregularity ? Do you punctually observe the evening hour of retirement? Are you exact in writing your journal? Do you fast on Friday? Do you converse seriously, usefully, and closely? Do you pray before, and have you a determinate end in, every conversation ? Q. 1 0. How often should our Assistants preach ? A. Never more than twice a day ; unless on a Sunday, or an extraordinary occasion, of which themselves are to be the judges. Q. 11. Are there any smaller advices concerning preaching, which it may be useful for them to observe ? A. Perhaps these that follow. 1. Be sure to begin and end precisely at the time appointed. 2. Sing no hymns of your own composing. 3. Endeavour to be serious, weighty, and solemn in your whole deportment before the congregation. 4. Choose the plainest texts you can. 5. Take care not to ramble from your text, but to keep close to it, and make out what you undertake. 6. Always suit your subject to your audience. 7. Beware of allegorizing or spiritualizing too much. 8. Take care of anything awkward or affected, either in your gesture or pronunciation. 9. Tell each other, if you observe anything of this kind. Q. 12. Is there any part of the work of an Assistant wherein only some of our Assistants need be employed ? A. There is. Let those, and those only, to whom we shall write from time to time, 1. Visit the classes in each place, and write new lists of all the members. 2. Regulate the Bands. 3. Deliver new tickets. 4. Keep watch-nights and lovefeasts. 1748. 39 5. Take and send to us an exact account of the behaviour of the Stewards, Housekeepers, Schoolmasters, and Leaders. THURSDAY, June 2, 1748. The following persons being met at the chapel-house in Tower- Street, London, John Wesley, Charles Wesley, William Felton, Charles Manning, Thomas Maxfield, John Jones, Thomas Meyrick, John Trembath, Edward Perronet, Jonathan Reeves ; and after- wards, Richard Thomas Bateman, John Green, and William Tucker : it was inquired, Q. 1. What is our chief business at the present Conference? A. Not to consider points of doctrine, (the time will not permit,) but, 1. To review those parts of the former Conferences which relate to discipline; and, 2. To settle all things relating to the school, which is now to be begun at Kingswood. Q. 2. We are again pressed " only to preach in as many places as we can, but not to form any Societies.^' Shall we follow this advice ? A. By no means. We have made the trial already. We have preached for more than a year, without forming Societies, in a large tract of land, from Newcastle to Berwick-upon-Tweed ; and almost all the seed has fallen by the way-side. There is scarce any fruit of it remaining. Q. 3. But what particular inconveniences do you observe, when people are not formed into Societies ? A. These among many others : 1. The Preacher cannot give proper exhortations and instructions to those who are convinced of sin, unless he has opportunities of meeting them apart fi'om the mixed, unawakened multitude. 2. They cannot watch over one another in love, unless they are thus united together. Nor, 3. Can the believers build up one another, and bear one another's burdens. Q. 4. Ought we not to have a larger time of probation for the rich, before we admit them into our Society ? A. It seems not. But neither should we have a shorter; let either rich or poor stay three months. Q. 5. How may we more effectually avoid respect of persons? A. 1. Let us take care to visit the poor as much as the rich. 2. Let us strictly examine our hearts, whether we are not more willing to preach to the rich than to the poor. 3. We will apply to the poor at the chapel as often as to the rich ; to the latter chiefly on Wednesday, to the former on Friday. Q. 6. How often shall we permit strangers to be present at the meeting of the Society ? 40 1748. A. Let every other meeting of the Society, either at the Found ery, the chapel at Bristol, Kings wood, Newcastle, or else- where, be inviolably kept private, no one stranger being admitted on any account or pretence whatsoever. And let public notice of this be given in every place. On the other nights we may admit them with caution. Q. 7. May a relapser into gross sin, showing signs of repent- ance, be immediately re-admitted into the Society ? A. Not till after three months. But he may be admitted on those nights w^herein strangers are admitted. Q. 8. Are we not apt, particularly in the Society, to make too long prayers ? A. It may be we are. There are several exceptions, which deserve a particular regard. But, in general, we would not choose to pray above eight or ten minutes without intermission. Q. 9. What can be done, in order to purge and quicken the Society ? A. Let us strictly examine the Leaders, both with regard to their grace, their gifts, and their manner of meeting their several classes. 2. Let the Preacher meet the Leaders weekly before preaching at Wapping, Snowsfields, and Deptford. Q. 10. If it please God to take our present Ministers away, who should succeed in their place ? A. We cannot tell yet. God wiU make it. plain, whenever the time shall come. FRIDAY, June 3. HowEL Harris, Samuel Larwood, James Jones, and William Shent being added, it was inquired : Q. 1. W^hat can be done in order to a closer union of our Assistants with each other ? A. Let them be deeply convinced of the want there is of it at present, and of the absolute necessity of it. 2. Let them pray that God would give them earnestly to desire it ; and then that He would fulfil the desire He hath given. Q. 2. Ought not the Ministers to have as much confidence as may be in those who serve as sons in the Gospel ? A. It is highly expedient they should. Q. 3. Would it not then be well, that they should be exceeding unready to believe any evil report concerning them ? A. They ought not to believe it till they have seen them, or written to them, and received an answer. Q. 4. Suppose one of our Assistants should be tempted to think evil of us, and should mention it to another, ought that other to mention this to us ? A. Not if it was spoken only as a temptation. And if he thinks it a thing of moment, which we ought to know, still it may 1748. 41 be best to wait a little till he who was under that temptation comes to town, and then let him speak it himself. Q. 5. What farther advice can be given to our Assistants, in order to their confiding in each other ? A. 1. Let them beware how they despise each other's gifts; and much more, how they speak anything bordering thereon. 3. Let them never speak slightly of each other in any kind : And, 3. Let them defend one another's character in every point, to the uttermost of their power. 4. Let them labour, in honour each to prefer the other to himself. Q. 6. What Assistants do we now agree to receive into the work? A. Charles Skelton, (from Ireland,) David Trathen and John Whitford, (of Cornwall,) Thomas Colbeck, William Darney, and El. Webster, (of Yorkshire,) and WiUiam Tucker. Q. 7. How shall they avoid all approaches to jealousy and envy of each other ? A. Let each examine his own heart, "Am I glad that another has greater success than me ? " Do I pray that he may be more blest than myself? Q. 8. What is popularity ? A. In cautioning you against it, we mean thereby the gaining a greater degree of esteem or love from the people than is for the glory of God. Q. 9. How can we avoid this ? A. 1. Earnestly pray for a piercing sense of the danger and sinfulness of it. 3. Take care how you ingratiate yourself too much with any people. 3. Or how you do it at all, by slackness of discipline, 4. Or by any method which another cannot follow. 5. Warn the people against esteeming or loving you too much. 6. Converse sparingly with those who are fond of you. MONDAY, June 6. The following persons being present at the Foundery, John Wesley, Charles Wesley, Charles Manning, John Jones, Thomas Maxfield, Jonathan Reeves, John Bennet, James Jones, Samuel Larwood, John Trembath, Edward Perronet, Thomas Meyrick, William Holland, William Shent, William Darney, Eichard Moss, Howel Harris ; with William Briggs, William Welsh, Patrick Thompson, (of Newcastle,) Stewards: It was inquired, Q. 1. How may the Leaders of classes be made more useful? A. 1. Let each of them be diligently examined concerning his method of meeting a class. 42 1748. 2. Let more particular directions be given on those heads in which many of them have been wanting. Q. 2. "What directions ? A. 1. Let every Leader come into the Society Room as soon as ever service is ended, and there sit down and commune with God in his heart till the Preacher comes in. 2. Let no Leader go out till the exhortation and the whole service are ended. 3. Let none speak there but the Preacher or the Stewards, unless in answer to a question. 4. Let every Leader there give in a note of every sick person, and of every disorderly walker in his class. 5. Let every Leader send a note to the visiter weekly of every sick person. 6. Let the Leaders near Short^s- Gardens meet the Preacher there every Monday night after preaching. 7. Let the Leaders converse with all the Preachers as frequently and as freely as possible. 8. In meeting classes, let them diligently inquire how every soul prospers. Not only how each person observes the outward rules, but how they grow in the knowledge and love of God. Q. 3. Can any farther expedient be found for making these meetings lively and profitable to those who meet? A. Let us try this. Let us observe what Leaders are most blessed to those intrusted to their care : and let these meet in other classes as often as possible, and see what hinders their growth in grace. Q. 4. In the country Societies one Preacher has sometimes undone all which had been done by him who went before. How shall this be prevented for the time to come ? A. 1. Let it be contrived as often as may be, that one should not go before another comes. 2. When this cannot be, let him who leaves any place leave a written account of what he has done. Q. 5. How may we profit more by the work of God carried on in the distant Societies ? A. Let the Preachers resident in each send a circumstantial account to the Minister at the Foundery : First, Of every remarkable conversion. Secondly, Of every one who dies in the triumph of faith. Q. 6. How are our Societies divided ? A. Into nine divisions, thus : I. London: including, 1. London itself, 2. Kent and Surrey, 3. Essex, 4. Brentford, 5. Windsor, 6. Wycombe, 7. Oxford, 8. Reading, 9. Blewberry, 10. Salisbury. II. Bristol: including, 1. Bristol itself, 2. Kingswood, 3. Bath, 4. Bearfield, 5. The Devizes, 6. Road, 7. Coleford, 1748. 43 8. Oakhill, 9. Shepton-Mallet, 10. Middlesey, 11. Beercro- comb, 12. Taunton, 13. Collumpton. III. Cornwall: including, 1. Tavistock, 2. Plymouth-Dock, 3. Trewint, 4. St. Tue, 5. Gwennap, 6. St. Agnes, 7. Illogan, &c., 8. St. Ives, 9. The western Societies. IV. Ireland: including, 1. Dublin, 2. Tullamore, 3. Tyr- rel's-Pass, 4. Athlone. V. Wales: including, 1. Cardiff, 2. Fonmon, 3. Lanmais, &c., 4. Lantrissent. VI. Staffordshire: including, 1. Stroud, 2. Cirencester, 3. Stanley, 4. Evesham, 5. Wednesbury, 6. Shrewsbury, 7. Leominster. VII. Cheshire: including, 1. Cheshire itself, 2. Nottingham, 3. Derbyshire, 4. Lancashire, 5. Sheffield. VIII. Yorkshire: including, 1. Leeds, 2. Birstal, 3. ^eigh- ley, 4. Acomb, 5. Syke-house, 6. Epworth, 7. Hainton, 8. Grimsby, 9. The Fens. IX. Newcastle: including, 1. Osmotherly, 2. Newcastle itself, 3. Sunderland, 4. Biddick, 5. Burnupfield, 6. Spen, 7. Swalwell, 8. Horsley, 9. Plessy, 10. Berwick-upon-Tweed. Q. 7. How shall we have a more exact knowledge of the states of the Societies in each division ? A. Let the Preacher, assisted by the Steward in each Society, take an exact list of them every Easter. 2. Let those lists be transmitted, within three weeks after Easter, to the person appointed in each division to receive them : 3. Let this person at the same time diligently inform himself of the spiritual and temporal state of each Society : and, 4. Let him bring those lists with him to the following Con- ference, and give an account of all. Q. 8. Would it not be of use if all the Societies were more firmly and closely united together ? A. Without doubt it would be much to the glory of God, to the ease of the Ministers, and to the benefit of the Societies themselves, both in things spiritual and temporal. Q. 9. Might not the children in every place be formed into a little Society? A. Let the Preachers try by meeting them apart, and giving them suitable exhortations. 44 1749. NOVEMBER 16, ^c, 1749. Q. Can there be any sucli thing as a general union of our Societies throughout England? A. A proposal for this was made some time since. The substance of it is this : — " May not all the Societies in England be considered as one body, united by one spirit ? "May not that in London, the mother-church, consult for the good of all the churches ? "May not the Stewards of this answer letters from all parts; and give advice, at least in temporals?" Q. But how can the state of all the Societies be known to the Stewards in London? A. Very easily, by means of the Assistant. Q. Who is the Assistant ? A. That Preacher in each Circuit who is appointed, from time to time to take charge of the Societies and the other Preachers therein. Q. HoAV should an Assistant be qualified for this charge ? A. By walking closely with God, and having his work greatly at heart. Q. What is the business of an Assistant ? A.\. To see that the other Preachers in his Circuit behave well, and want nothing. 2. To visit the classes quarterly in each place : to regulate the Bands, and deliver new tickets. 3. To keep watch-nights and lovefeasts. 4. To take in, or put out of the Bands or Society. 5. To hold Quarterly Meetings, and therein diligently to inquire both into the spiritual and temporal state of each Society. 6. To take care that every Society be duly supplied with books, and that the money for them be constantly returned. 7. To send from every Quarterly Meeting a circumstantial account to London, (1.) Of every remarkable conversion. (2.) Of ever\-one who dies in the triumph of faith. 8. To take exact lists of his Societies every Easter, and transmit them to London before Whitsuntide. 9. To meet the married men, the married women, the single men, and the single women in the large Societies once a quarter. 10. To see that every Society have a private room, and a set of the Library for the Helper: and, 11. To travel with me once a year through the Societies in his Circuit. Q. How many Circuits are there now? A. Twelve. 1. London. 2. Bristol. 3. Wiltshire. 4. Corn- ivall. 5. Staffordshire. 6. Cheshire. 7. Leeds. 8. Haworth. 9. Lincolnshire. 10. Newcastle. W.. Wales. 12. Ireland. 1749. 45 Q. How vnay the married Preachers be provided for ? A. 1. Let the Assistant inquire at the Quarterly Meeting what each Preacher's wife will want for the ensuing quarter. 2. Let this be supplied first of all, out of the common stock. Q. But what if a Preacher marries hand over head ? A. Then he must provide for himself. Q. The Predestinarian Preachers have done much hurt among us. How may we prevent this for the future? A. Let none of them preach any more in any of our Societies. Q. Mr. Ingham seems to desire a re-union. Can we unite with him ? A. Yes, as soon as he returns to the old Methodist doctrine. Meantime let us behave with all tenderness and love. [The above Minutes are inserted here, as being the only record published by Mr. Wesley concerning the Conference of 1749. The pamphlet from which they are reprinted is without a date ; but, on comparing them carefully with the manuscript Minutes of that year, which will be published in the Appendix to the present volume, there will be found some discrepancies, which seem to render it probable that the publication of them was delayed until after the Conference of 1753, and that the number of Circuits was corrected up to that date.] [It does not appear that any Minutes of the Conferences, taking the form of an Annual Record, were published, after the year 1749, till 1765. The Editor of Volume I., a.d. 1812, suggests, in explanation, that the Doctrines and main particulars of Discipline had been already agreed upon. In the interim, fifteen Conferences (at least) were held ; but of most of these there are scanty records, and only in the form of manuscript memoranda. (See Appendix to the present volume.) The following notices occur in Mr, Wesley's Journal, under the successive dates : — Bristol, 1750. March 8, and following days. — "I desired all the Preachers that were in Bristol to meet me at four in the afternoon; and so every day while I was in town. In the evening God rent the rocks again. I wondered at the words He gave me to speak. But He doeth whatsoever pleaseth Him." Bristol, 1751. March 11-15. — "Our Conference began; and the more we conversed, the more brotherly love increased. The same spirit we found on Tuesday and Wednesday. I expected to have heard many objections to our first doctrines ; but none appeared to have any : We seemed to be all of one mind, as well as one heart. 46 "Fri. 15. — I mentioned whatever I tliought was amiss, or wanting, in any of our brethren. It was received in a right spirit, with much love, and serious, earnest attention ; and, I trust, not one went from the Conference discontented, but rather blessing God for the consolation." Leeds, 1751. May 15. — "We had a little Conference with about thirty Preachers. I particularly inquired concerning their grace, and gifts, and fruit ; and found reason to doubt of one only." Leeds, 1753. May 22-26. — "Most of our Preachers met, and conversed freely together; as we did, morning and after- noon, to the end of the week, when our Conference ended with the same blessing as it began : God giving us all to be not only of one heart, but of one judgment." London, 1754. May 22, and following days. — "Our Con- ference began ; and the spirit of peace and love was in the midst of us. Before we parted, we all willingly signed an agreement, not to act independently on each other : So that the breach lately made has only united us more closely together than ever." Leeds, 1755. May 6, and following days. — " Qur Conference began at Leeds. The point on which we desired all the Preachers to speak their minds at large was, ' Whether we ought to separate from the Church?^ Whatever was advanced on one side or the other was seriously and calmly considered ; and on the third day we were all fully agreed in that general conclusion, — that (whether it was lawful or not) it was no ways expedient." Bristol, 1756. August 26-28. — "About fifty of us being met, the Rules of the Society were read over, and carefully considered one by one : But we did not find any that could be spared. So we all agreed to abide by them all, and to recom- mend them with our might. " We then largely considered the necessity of keeping in the Church, and usiug the Clergy with tenderness ; and there was no dissenting voice. God gave us aU to be of one mind and of one judgment. " Fri, 27. — The Rules of the Bands were read over and con- sidered, one by one ; which, after some verbal alterations, we all agreed to observe and enforce. " Sat. 28. — The Rules of Kingswood School were read and considered, one by one; and we were all convinced they were agreeable to Scripture and reason : In consequence of which it was agreed, — " 1 . That a short account of the design and present state of the School be read by every Assistant in every Society : And, "2. That a subscription for it be begun in every place, and (if need be) a collection made every year. "My brother and I closed the Conference by a solemn 47 declaration of our purpose never to separate from the Church ; and all our brethren concurred therein." London, 1757. August 4-11. — "Our Conference began the next morning, and continued till the Thursday following. From the first hour to the last there was no jarring string, but all was harmony and love." Bristol, 1758. August 13, and following days. — "Our yearly Conference begun and ended in perfect harmony." London, 1759. August 8-11. — " Our Conference began, the time of which was almost entirely employed in examining whether the spirit and lives of our Preachers were suitable to their profession. On Saturday, in the afternoon, we concluded. Great was the unanimity and love that reigned among us ; and if there were any who hoped or feared the contrary, they were happily disappointed." Bristol, 1760. August 29, 30. — "I spent the two following days with the Preachers, who had been waiting for me all the week : And their love and unanimity was such as soon made me forget all my labour." London, 1761. September 1-5. — "Our Conference began, and ended on Saturday." Leeds, 1762. August 9, and following days. — "Our Confer- ence began on Tuesday morning; and we had great reason to praise God for His gracious presence from the beginning to the end." London, 1763. July 19-23. — The Conference "began on Tuesday, July 19, and ended on Saturday, 23. And it was a great blessing that we had peace among ourselves, while so many were making themselves ready for battle." Bristol, 1764. August 6, and following days. — " On Monday, the 6th, our Conference began. The great point I now laboured for was a good understanding with all our brethren of the Clergy who are heartily engaged in propagating vital religion."] / 48 1765. MANCHESTER, August 20, 1765. Q. "What Preachers are admitted this year? A. John Mason, Peter Price, Moseley Cheek, Kobert Coster- dine, John Whitehead, Barnabas Thomas, James Stephens, James Dempster. Q. Who are admitted on trial? A. WilHara Orpe, Wilham Ellis, James Brownfield, Duncan Wright, John Dillon, Samuel Woodcock, James Longbotham, _Joseph Pilmoor. Richard Walsh, William Ashman, Richard Bourke, James Rea. Q. Who act as Assistants this year? A. John Jones, James Morgan, Joseph Cownley, John Helton, Peter Jaco, James Oddie, T. Lee, T. Taylor, Alexander Mather, John Purz, T. Johnson, George Story, John Murlin, Richard Henderson, T. Hanson, Jacob Rowell, Mark Davis, W. Thompson, Robert Roberts, T. Hanby, T. Rankin, Isaac Brown, George Roe, Thomas Newall, Richard Eoardman. Q. Who are the other Travelling Freachers? A. W. Penington, Richard Lucas, WilUam Darney, Daniel Bumstead, William Brammah, John Morley, John Brandon, John Easton, James Clough, John Catermole, Thomas Tobias, John Gibbs, Jolin Oldham, James Cotty, Thomas Carlill, James Glassbrook, William Minethorp, John Murray, John Oliver, Isaac Waldron, Joseph Guilford, John Shaw, John Poole, Paul Greenwood, Thomas Brisco, John Atlay, Nicholas Manners, John Nelson, Parson Greenwood, George Hudson, Thomas Mitchell, James Kershaw, Jeremiah Robertshaw, John Ellis, John Pawson, Christopher Hopper, Matthew Lowes, William • Whitwell, Joseph Thompson, Thomas Olivers, John Morgan, Martin Rodda, Thomas Roorke, Samuel Levick, Thomas Westell, Richard Blackwell, Robert Swindells, John Heslup, John Johnson. Q. How are these stationed this year? A. As follows : — 1 London, John Jones, W. Penington, R. Lucas, Wil- liam Darney. 2 Sussex, Daniel Bumstead, Mark Davis. 3 Canterbury, W. Brammah, John Morley. 4 Colchester, John Brandon. 5 Norivich, John Easton, James Clough. 6 Bedford, John Catermole. 7 Oxfordshire, Thomas Tobias. 8 Wilts, Richard Henderson, John Slocomb, Richard Walsh, Thomas Simpson. 9 Bristol, John Helton, John Gibbs. 1765. 49 10 Devon, George Hoe, John Oldham, William Free- mantle. 11 Cornwall, East, George Story, James Cotty, Thomas CarliU. West, John Furz, John Mason, William Ellis. 12 Staffordshire,!}. Hanson, William Orpe, James Glassbrook. 13 Salop, 14 Lancashire, 15 Derbyshire, 16 Sheffield, 17 Epworth, 18 Grimsby, 19 Leeds, 20 Birstal, 21 Haworth, 22 23 York, Ya7in, 24 The Dales, 25 Neivcastle, Alexander Mather, William Minethorp. James Oddie, John Oliver, John Murray, Isaac Waldrou. Robert Uoberts, John Shaw, Joseph Guilford. Peter Jaco, Paul Greenwood. Thomas Lee, T. Brisco, James Longbotham. Richard Boardman, John Poole, Samuel Wood- cock. Thomas Hanby, John Nelson. John Murlin, Parson Greenwood, John Pawson. Isaac Brown, John Atlay, Nicholas Manners, James Stephens, Robert Costerdine. T. Johnson, T. Mitchell, George Hudson. Matthew Rowell, James Kershaw, James Brownfield. T. Rankin, John Ellis, Jeremiah Robertshaw. Joseph Cownley, Christopher Hopper, Matthew Lowes, Moseley Cheek. 26 Edinburgh, Thomas Taylor. 27 Dundee, William Whitwell. 28 Aberdeen, Joseph Thompson. 29 Glasgow, Thomas Olivers. 30 Glamorganshire, Martin Rodda. 31 Pembroke, Thomas Newall. William Thompson, John Morgan. R. Swindells, S. Levick, Barnabas Thomas. ^ James Dempster, Thomas Roorke. John Dillon, T. Brisco. T. Westell, John Heslup, John Whitehead. R. Blackwell. James Rea. 39 Londonderry, John Johnson. Q. What does the Kingswood Collection amount to ? A. A hundred pounds, nine shillings, and seven pence. Q. What are the rules relating to the Preachers' Fund ? A. As to th^ subsistence of those who are so entirely worn out, that they cannot preach at all ; 1. Let every Travelling Preacher contribute half-a-guinea yearly, at the Conference. 2, Let this, till it can be safely placed out, be lodged in the hands of three Stewards, approved of by the majority of the Preachers. Vol. I. E 32 Dublin, 33 Cork, 34 Limerick, 35 Waterford, 36 Athlone, 37 Castlebar, 38 Newry, 50 1765. 3. The present Stewards are, Samuel Franks, at London; William Hey, at Leeds ; John Hosmerj at Sunderland. 4. Every one, when he is received as a Travelling Preacher, is to pay one guinea. 5. This Fund is never to be reduced to less than a hundred pounds. 6. Out of this are to be supplied superannuated Travelling Preachers, and, when they die, their widows and children. 7. Every superannuated Preacher shall receive, at least, ten pounds a year. 8. Every widow of such a Preacher shall receive, once for all, a sum not exceeding forty pounds. 9. Every child left by such a Preacher shall receive, once for all, a sum not usually exceeding ten pounds : but this caunot be claimed by any child whose mother has received forty pounds, 10. None is entitled to anything from this Fund till he has subscribed two guineas. 11. Nor any person, from the time he ceases (unless superan- nuated) to be a Travelling Preacher. 12. Nor any who neglects paying his subscription for four years. 13. But whoever is excluded shall have the money he has subscribed returned. 14. Let an exact account of all receipts and disbursements be produced at the yearly Conference, by Francis Gilbert, Secretary. Q. What does the Yearly Subscription amount to ? A. Seven hundred and seven pounds, eighteen shillings. Q. How was this disposed of? £. s. d. A. For buildings - - - - 578 0 0 To the Preachers - - - - 53 1 0 For law - - - - - 38 17 0 £669 18 0 This was the first distribution : but the small remainder was soon divided among the Preachers who were in want, as far as it would go. Q. We are still overrun with debt : what can be done ? A. Let no preaching-house anywhere be begun, but by the advice of the Assistant. And let no Assistant consent thereto without an absolute necessity. Q. Are the houses already built safe ? A. Not all. Some of them are not regularly settled yet. Several Trustees for others are dead. Q. How shall this be remedied ? A. Let a person be sent through England, to survey the deeds, and supply the Trustees wanting. 1765. 51 Q. Is anything farther advisable with regard to these houses? A. In all our future buildings, ^ 1. Let all the windows be sashed, opening downwards. 2. Let there be no tub-pulpits : and, 3. No backs to the seats. Q. Should the men and women sit apart everywhere ? A. By all means. Every Preacher look to this. Q. Why is field-preaching often omitted ? A. To please the Stewards or Society. Let it be so no more. Q. How late may the evening-preaching begin? A. Never, but in harvest-time, later than seven. Q. How long should a lovefeast last ? A. Never above an hour and half: everyone should be at home by nine. Q. Should the people break the cake to each other at a love- feast ? A. By no means. That silly custom, invented by James Wheatley, creates much confusion. Q. Are all the Preachers merciful to their beasts ? A. Perhaps not. Every one ought, 1. Never to ride hard. 2. To see with his own eyes his horse rubbed, fed, and bedded. Q. What can be done to prevent our people needlessly removing from one Society to another? A. I. Let none remove without the advice of the Assistant. 2. Let none be received in another Society without a certifi- cate from the Assistant, in these words: "A. B., the bearer, is now a member of our Society in . I believe he has a sufficient cause to remove from hence." 3. Let notice be immediately given of this in every Society. Q. Would it not be well to have one ticket everywhere ? A. It would. Send the form from London directly. Q. Can R — W — preach among us ? A. No : we are not satisfied as to his moral character. Q. Can we receive R — F — , or I — H — , as itinerants? A. Not unless we could pay their debts. Q. Ought we to insist upon our rule, that no Preacher print anything without your approbation ? A. Undoubtedly : and whoever does it for the time to come cannot take it ill, if he is excluded from our Connexion. Let every one take this warning, and afterwards blame none but himself. Q. When and where shall our next Conference be ? A. At Leeds, beginning on Tuesday, August 14. Q. What was the rise of Methodism, so called? A. In 1729, my brother and I read the Bible ; saw inward and outward holiness therein ; followed after it, and incited others so to do. In 1737 we saw, "This holiness comes by faith." In 1738 we saw, "We must be justified before we are sancti- E 2 52 1765. fied." But still holiness was our point, inward and outward holiness. God then thrust us out, utterly against our will, to raise a holy people. When Satan could no otherwise prevent this, he threw Calvin- ism in our way; and then Antinomianism, which struck at the root both of inward and outward holiness. Then many Methodists grew rich, and thereby lovers of the present world. Next, they married unawakened or half- awakened wives, and conversed with their relations. Hence, worldly prudence, maxims, customs, crept back upon us, producing more and more conformity to the world. There followed gross neglect of relative duties, especially education of children. This is not cured by the Preachers. Either they have not light or not weight enough. But the want of these may be in some measure supplied by publicly reading the Sermons everywhere ; especially the fourth volume, which supplies them with remedies suited to the disease. Q. Might not some parts of the late Conference in Dublin be of use to us ? A. They might; which therefore are subjoined. Q. What can be done to make the people sing better? A. 1. Teach them to sing by note, and to sing our tunes first. 2. Take care they do not sing too slow. 3. Exhort all that can, in every congregation, to sing. 4. Set them right that sing wrong. Be patient herein. Q. Have the Preachers observed the rules? A. Not exactly. For the time to come let them take care, 1. To meet the Society and the Bands everyAvhere. 2. To encourage all in the Bands to speak freely. 3. In Dublin, Cork, and Limerick, to meet the married men and married women, the single men and single women, apart. 4. In all the larger Societies meet the children. 5. Use intercession on Friday; and recommend fasting, both by precept and example. Q. But how can we encourage the women in the Bands to speak, since "it is a shame for women to speak in the church?'' 1 Cor. xiv. 35. A. I deny, 1. That speaking here means any other than speak- ing as a public teacher. This St. Paul suffered not, because it implied "usurping authority over the man," 1 Tim. ii. 12, Whereas no authority either over man or woman is usurped by the speaking now in question, I deny, 2, That the church in that text means any other than the great congregation. 1766. 53 Q. Is not family-worship partly neglected, partly pei-formed in a dull, formal manner? A. It is. Therefore strongly recommend, both in public and private, the having family-prayer, morning and evening, after reading a chapter, and that in the most lively manner. And read publicly that part of Mr. Philip Henry's Life, enforcing it as a pattern. Q. Are our people good economists ? A. In public and private, enlarge on economy as a branch of religion. Q. Are they guarded in their words ? A. Not sufi^ciently. Warn them against little oaths ; as, Upon my life, ray faith, my honour. And against compliments. Let them use no unmeaning words. Q. Should we recommend calling each other brother and sister ? A. It may be done tenderly and prudently. Q. Do not they in general talk too much, and read too little ? A. They do. Let them retrench but half the time they spend in talking, and they will have time enough to read. Speak of this everywhere. K-epi-ove them publicly and privately for reading less useful books. Do not talk too much yourself. If you stay above an hour at any place, take out a book and read. Q. Have they left off snuff? A. No. Many are absolutely enslaved to it still. In order to redress this great evil, 1. Speak to anyone who takes it in sermon-time. 2. Let no Preacher touch it on any account. 3. Show the Societies the evil of it. Q. How shall we cure them of drinking drams? .^.1. Let no Preacher drink any, on any pretence. 2. Strongly dissuade our people from it. 3. Answer their pretences; particularly those of curing the colic, and helping digestion. Q. Is not their religion usually too superficial ? A. It is. To remove this, preach on the most spiritual sub- jects. Exhort all believers to go on to perfection. And earnestly recommend private prayer, reading the Scriptures, and universal self-denial. LEEDS, August 12, ^c, 1766. Q. Whatn Preachers are admitted this year? A. William Orpe, WiUiam Ellis, James Brownfield, Samuel Woodcock, James Longbotham, Joseph Pilmoor, William 54 1766. Barker, Thomas Simpson, Duncan Wright, James Dillon, James Rea ; Richard Bourke remains on trial till we know what his debts are. Q. William Ellis, have you faith in Christ ? Are you going on to perfection ? Do you expect to be perfected in love in this life ? Are you groaning after it ? Are you resolved to devote yourself wholly to God and His work ? Do you know the Methodist doctrine? Have you read the Sermons ? The Notes on the New Testament ? Do you know the Methodist plan ? Have you read the Plain Account ? The Appeals ? Do you know the Rules of the Society ? Of the Bands ? Do you keep them ? Do you take no snuff? Tobacco ? Drams ? Do you constantly attend the church and sacrament ? Have you read the Minutes ? Are you willing to conform to them ? Have you considered the Twelve Rules of a Helper; especially the first, tenth, and twelfth ? Will you keep them for conscience' sake ? Are you determined to employ all vour time in the work of God? Will you preach every morning and evening ? Endeavouring not to speak too loud or too long? Not lolling with your elbows? Have you read the "Rules of Action and Utter- ance ? " Will you meet the Society, the Bands, the Select Society, the Leaders (of Bands and Classes) in every place ? Will you diligently and earnestly instruct the children, and visit from house to house ? Will you recommend fasting, both by precept and example ? The same questions were proposed to the rest severally, before they were admitted. Q. Who are admitted on trial ? A. Thomas Dancer, Simon Day, Benjamin Rhodes, John Allen, Thomas Halliday, Lancelot Harrison. Q. Who act as Assistants this year ? A. John Jones, William Penington, Thomas Hanson, Alex- ander Mather, Richard Henderson, Thomas Simpson, John Furz, John Mason, Wilham Orpe, Thomas Johnson, P. Jaco, James Clough, Rolsert Roberts, T. Mitchell, Thomas Rankin, Thomas Lee, James Oddie, Isaac Brown, Richard Boardman, John Heslup, Joseph Cownley, Jacob Rowell, T. Taylor, John Helton, James Morgan, M. Davis, William Thompson, T. Brisco. Q. What Preachers are laid aside this year ? A. J B , and J M . Q. How are the Preachers stationed ? 1766. 55 A. 1 London, John Jones, John Murlin, Richard Blackwellj 2 Sussex, 3 Canterbury, 4 Colchester, 5 Norivich, Duncan Wright. WiUiam Penington, John Catermole. John Easton. Thomas Tobias. Thomas Hanson, Benjamin Rhodes. 6 Bedfordshire, James Glassbrook. 7 Oxfordshire, WiUiam Minethorp. 8 Wilts, Alexander Mather, Thomas Dancer, James Stephens, John Oldham. 9 Bristol, Richard Henderson, J. Nelson. 10 Devon, Thomas Simpson, James Cotty. 11 Cormvall, East, J. Furz, J. Davis, Joseph Pilmoor. 12 West, J. Mason, Simon Day, W. Barker. 13 Staffordshire, W. Orpe, N. Manners, J. Poole. 14 Cheshire, T. Johnson, Parson Greenwood. 15 Lancashire, Peter Jaco, Paul Greenwood, John Pawson, John Allen. 16 Derbyshire, James Clough, Isaac Waldron, G. Hudson. 17 Sheffield, Robert Roberts, Joseph Guilford. 18 Lincolnshire, East, T. Mitchell, J. Ellis, T. Carlill. 19 West, Thomas Rankin, W. Brammah, L. Harrison. 20 Leeds, 21 Birstal, 22 Haworth, 23 York, 24 25 26 Yarm, The Dales, Newcastle, 27 Dunbar, 28 Edinburgh, 29 Dundee, 30 Aberdeen, 31 Glasgow, 32 Wales, 33 Dublin, 34 Limerick, 35 Waterford, 36 Cork, 37 Athlone, 38 Castlebar, 39 North West, Thomas Lee, James Longbotham. James Oddie, Thomas Hanby, Daniel Bum- stead, Moseley Cheek. I. Brown, J. Shaw, Robert Costerdine, John Atlay. R. Boardman, W. Whitwell, J. Standring, Samuel Woodcock. John Heslup, J. Kershaw, W. Darney. J. Rowell, J, Robertshaw, T. Halliday. J. Cownley, Christopher Hopper, J. Oliver, Matthew Lowes. William ElHs. John Helton, Joseph Thompson. Thomas Olivers. Thomas Taylor. James Brownfield. George Story, T. Newall. John Morgan, John Murray. Samuel Levick, Barnabas Thomas. Robert Swindells, T. Westell. Mark Davis, John Dillon. Richard Bourke, Thomas Brisco, J. Whitehead, W. Thompson. James Dempster. John Johnson, James Morgan. 40 East, James Rea, Robert Williams. 56 Q. What numbers are in the Society at 1766. London ? Sussex Canterbury Colchester Norwich Bedford Oxfordshire Wilts Bristol Devon Cornwall, East West Staffordshire Salop Lancashire Derbyshire Q. What is the Kingswood Collection ? A. £118. 135. lid. Q. W^hat can be done for Kingswood ? A. 1. Put in James Hindmarsh and master and house-keeper. 2. Desire Mr. Price to stay another year. 3. Appoint three or five Trustees. 4. Let each Bristol Preacher be an hour •with the children. Q. What is the Yearly Subscription ? A. £695. 2s. lid. Q. What places petition for help ? £. A. Aberdeen - 50 granted. Edinburgh - 100 197 141 167 941 1089 580 1655 836 587 1742 739 Sheffield 583 Ep worth 665 Grimsby 700 Leeds - 1072 Birstal - 1376 Haworth - 1536 York 982 Yarm - 1103 The Dales - 772 Newcastle - 1804 Dunbar Edinburgh 165 Dundee, &c. - 321 Wales Ireland his wife as writing- a week, at least. Portarlington Londonderry Mountmelick 20 Monkwearmouth 20 Sunderland Alston Swaledale AUandale 5 Barnardcastle 10 Teesdale 4 Yarm 10 Thirsk 5 Stokesley 10 Whitby 5 York 10 Scarborough Heptonstall Padiham 10 Bacup Bingley Bradford 5 40 Halifax 10 Leeds 10 Bothwell Thorner Horbury Seacroft Grimsby Louth 5 5 Sibsey Boston 10 10 Sheffield 5 Bradwell Rotherham 10 10 granted. 1766. Derby Nottingliam Burton Creitch Ashby Stockport Congleton Warrington Burslem Macclesfield Bolton Liverpool Chester Salop Birmingham Wolverhampton Stroud 57 20 granted. 30 4 10 Darlaston Lelant St. Hilary Crowan Stithian St. Just Collumpton Pensford Bath Bradford Shepton Shaftesbury Bedford Norwich Colchester Canterbury 20 granted. 10 10 20 20* Q. What is our total debt for building ? A. £11,383. Q. We shall be utterly ruined if we go on thus. How may we prevent the increase of debt ? A. 1. Let no other building be undertaken till two-thirds of the money are subscribed. 2. We will allow nothing to any house which shall be begun after this day till the debt is reduced to £3,000. 3. Let every Preacher labour with his might to increase the collection next year. Q. Are the houses settled according to the plan ? A. Most of them are. Let each Assistant take care that the rest be so settled without delay; that at Liverpool in particular. And let a Counsel be consulted concerning the deeds, and concerning indorsing new Trustees. Q. But what if the proprietors delay conveying the houses, because they are in debt ? A. Then let them give a bond, that they will convey as soon as they are indemnified. And let no Classes meet in any preaching-house. Q. 4. Are the roofs of most of them well built ? A. They need never rise above a third of the breadth. 5. Let a collection for the School be made in June next, in every preaching-house in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Q. What is received this year for the Preachers' Fund ? A. Q. Need any rule be added relative to this ? * The remainder was divided among the Preachers who were in want. 58 1766. A. Yes. Let every Preacher who does not bring or send his money to the Conference be fined 2^. 6d. Q. It was agreed at the last Conference, that the men and women should sit apart everywhere. Is there any exception to this? A. There is one. In those galleries where they have been accustomed to sit together, they may do so still. But let them sit apart everywhere below, and in all new-erected galleries. Q. It was also agreed, that field-preaching should not be omitted to please anyone. But who is proper to preach abroad ? A. 1. The Assistant. 2. Any Preacher whom he advises to it. Q. We agreed, none should remove from one Society to another without a certificate from the Assistant. Has this been well observed? A. No. Let every Assistant observe itbetterfor the time to come. Q. When and where may our next Conference begin? A. At London, the third Tuesday in August. Q. How may each Assistant take a regular catalogue of the Societies ? A. By writing the names of the members as they live in house-row, without regarding the Classes. Q. Should we give the Bules of the Society to everyone, when taken on trial ? A. By all means. And let every Band-Leader have the Band- Rules. Q. Should we repeat or enforce the rules relating to ruffles, lace, snuff', and tobacco ? A. Enforce them vigorously, though calmly. When any person is admitted into a Society, even good-breeding requires him to conform to the Rules of that Society. Q. When should we enforce them in Ireland and Scotland ? A. Without delay. Only show them the reasonableness of it in Scotland, and they will conform to anything. Q. Have the Sermons on Wandering Thoughts, In-being Sin, the Lord our Righteousness, and the Scripture-Way of Salva- tion, been carefully dispersed ? A. No. Let each Assistant do it now. And let each insist on cleanliness and decency everywhere ; and give an account to his successor of the state of things in his Circuit. Let him likewise so order the preaching in his Circuit, that no Preacher may be obliged to miss the church more than two Sundays in a month. Q. Are we not then Dissenters ? A. We are irregular, 1. By calling sinners to repentance in all places of God^s dominion. 2. By frequently using extemporary prayer. Yet we are not Dissenter's in the only sense which our 1766. 59 law acknowledges : namely, persons who believe it is sinful to attend the service of the Church : for we do attend it at all opportunities. We will not, dare not separate from the Church, for the reasons given several years ago. We are not Seceders, nor do we hear any resemblance to them. We set out upon quite opposite principles. The Seceders laid the very foundation of their work in judging and condemning others. We laid the foundation of our work in judging and condemning ourselves. They begin everywhere with showing their hearers how fallen the Ciiurch and Ministers are. We begin everywhere with showing our hearers how fallen they are themselves. And as we are not Dissenters from the Church now, so we will do nothing willingly which tends to a separation from it. Therefore let every Assistant immediately so order his Circuit, that no Preacher may be hindered from attending the church more than two Sundays in the month. Never make light of going to church, either by word or deed. Remember Mr. Hook, a very eminent and a zealous Papist. When I asked him, " Sir, what do you for public worship here, where 5'^ou have no E-omish sermon "P^^ He answered, "Sir, I am so fully con- vinced it is the duty of every man to worship God in public, that I go to church every Sunday. If I cannot have such worship as I would, I will have such worship as I can." But some may say, "Our own service is public worship." Yes, in a sense : but not such as supersedes the Church Service. We never designed it should. We have a hundred times professed the contrary. It pre-supposes public prayer, like the sermons at the University. Therefore I have over and over advised. Use no long prayer, either before or after sermon. Therefore I myself frequently use only a collect, and never enlarge in prayer, unless at intercession, or on a watch-night, or on some extraordinary occasion. If it were designed to be instead of Church Service, it would be essentially defective. For it seldom has the four grand parts of public prayer ; deprecation, petition, intercession, and thanks- giving. Neither is it, even on the Lord^s day, concluded with the Lord's Supper. The hour for it on that day, unless where there is some pecu- liar reason for a variation, should be five in the morning, as well as five in the evening. Why should we make God's day the shortest of the seven ? But if the people put ours in the place of the Church Service, we hurt them that stay with us, and ruin them that leave us. For then they will go nowhere, but lounge the Sabbath away, without any public worship at all. I advise, therefore, all the Methodists in England and Ireland, who have been brought up in the Church, constantly to attend the Service, of the Church, at least, every Lord's day. 60 1766. Q. But what power is this, which you exercise over all the Methodists in Great Britain and Ireland? A. Count Z. loved to keep all things close. I love to do all things openly. I will therefore tell you all I know of the matter, taking it from the very beginning. 1. In November, 1738, two or three persons, who desired to flee from the wrath to come, and then seven or eight more, came to me in London, and desired me to advise and pray with them. I said, " If you will meet on Thursday night, I Avill help you as well as I can." More and more then desired to meet with them, till they were increased to many hundreds. The case was after- wards the same at Bristol, Kingswood, Newcastle, and many other parts of England, Scotland, and Ireland. It may be observed, the desire was on their part, not mine. My desire was, to live and die in retirement. But I did not see that I could refuse them my help, and be guiltless before God. Here commenced my power; namely, a power to appoint when, and where, and how they should meet; and to remove those whose life showed that they had no desire to " flee from the wrath to come." And this power remained the same, whether the people meeting together were twelve, twelve hundred, or twelve thousand. 2. In a few days, some of them said, " Sir, we will not sit under you for nothing. We will subscribe quarterly." I said, " I will have nothing, for I want nothing. My Fellowship sup- plies me with all, and more than I want." One replied, " Nay, but you want £115 to pay for the lease of the Foundery. And likewise a large sum of money will be wanting to put it into repair." On this consideration, I sufi'ered them to subscribe. And, when the Society met, I asked, " Who will take the trouble of receiving this money, and paying it where it is needful?" One said, "I will do it, and keep the account for you." So here was the first Steward. Afterwards I desired one or two more to help me as Stewards, and, in process of time, a greater number. Let it be remarked, it was I myself, not the people, who chose these Stewards, and appointed to each the distinct work wherein he was to help me, as long as I desired. And herein I began to exercise another sort of power; namely, that of appointing and removing Stewards. 3. After a time, a young man came, T. Maxfield, and said he desired to help me as a son in the Gospel. Soon after came a second, Thomas Richards, and a third, Thomas Westell. — These severally desired to serve me as sons, and to labour when and where I should direct. Observe, these likewise desired me, not I them. But I durst not refuse their assistance. And here commenced my power to appoint each of these, when, where, and how to labour ; that is, while he chose to continue with me : for each had a power to go away when he pleased ; as I had also 1766. 61 to go away from them, or any of tliem, if I saw sufficient cause. The case continued the same, when the number of Preachers inci'eased. I had just the same power still, to appoint when, and where, and how each should help me ; and to tell any, if I saw cause, " I do not desire your help any longer/' On these terms, and no other, we joined at first; on these we continue joined. But they do me no favour in being directed by me. It is true, my reward is with the Lord. But at present I have nothing from it but trouble and care, and often a burden I scarce know how to bear. 4. In 1744, 1 \^T.'ote to several Clergymen, and to all who then served me as sons in the Gospel, desiring them to meet me in London, to give me their advice concerning the best method of carrying on the work of God. They did not desire this meeting, but I did, knowing that " in a multitude of counsellors there is safety." And when their number increased, so that it was neither needful nor convenient to invite them all, for several years I wrote to those with whom I desired to confer, and these only met at the place appointed, till at length I gave a general permission that all who desired it might come. Observe : I myself sent for these, of my own free choice; and I sent for them, to advise, not govern me. Neither did I at any of those times divest myself of any part of that power above described, which the Providence of God had cast upon me, with- out any design or choice of mine. What is that power ? It is a power of admitting into and excluding from the Societies under my care; of choosing and removing Stewards; of receiving or not receiving Helpers; of appointing them when, where, and how to help me; and of desiring any of them to meet me, when I see good. And as it was merely in obedience to the Providence of God, and for the good of the people, that I at first accepted this power, which I never sought, nay, a hundred times laboured to throw off; so it is on the same considerations, not for profit, honour, or pleasure, that I use it at this day. 5. But several gentlemen are much offended at my having so much power. My answer to them is this : I did not seek any part of this power. It came upon me unawares. But when it was come, not daring to bury that talent, I used it to the best of my judgment. Yet I never was fond of it. I always did and do now bear it as my burden ; the burden which God lays upon me, and there- fore I dare not yet lay it down. But if you can tell me any one, or any five men, to whom I may transfer this burden, who can and loill do just what I do now, I will heartily thank both them and you. 6. But some of our Helpers say, "This is shackling free-born Englishmen,'^ and demand a free Conference, that is, a meeting 63 1766. of all the Preachers, wherein all things shall be determined by most votes. I answer, It is possible, after ray death, something of this kind may take place; but not while I live. To me the Preachers have engaged themselves to submit, to "serve me as sons in the Gospel." But they are not thus engaged to any mau, or number of men, besides. To me the people in general will submit. But they will not yet submit to any other. It is nonsense, then, to call my using this power, " shackling free-born Englishmen." None needs to submit to it, unless he will ; so there is no shackling in the case. Every Preacher and every member may leave me when he pleases. But while he chooses to stay, it is on the same terms that he joiued me at first. "But this is arbitrary power; this is no less than making yourself a Pope." If by arbitrary power you mean a power which I exercise single, without any colleagues therein, this is certainly true; but I see no hurt in it. Arbitrary in this sense is a very harmless word. If you mean, unjust, unreasonable, or tyrannical, then it is not true. As to the other branch of the charge, it carries no face of truth. The Pope affirms that every Christian must do all he bids, and believe all he says, under pain of damnation. I never affirmed anything that bears any, the most distant resemblance to this. All I affirm is, " The Preachers who choose to labour with me, choose to serve me as sons in the Gospel." And, " The people who choose to be under my care, choose to be so on the same terms they were at first." Therefore all talk of this kind is highly injurious to me, Avho bear this burden merely for your sakes. And it is exceeding mischievous to the people, tending to confound their under- standings, and to fill their hearts with evil surmisings and unkind tempers toward me : to whom they really owe more, for taking all this load upon me, for exercising this very power, for shackling myself in this manner, than for all my preaching put together. Because preaching twice or thrice a day is no burden to me at all ; but the care of all the Preachers and all the people is a burden indeed ! But all hitherto is comparatively little. I come now to speak of greater things. I do not depend on seeing another Conference. Therefore I will now speak once for all, as taking my leave of you. I cannot but know more of the state both of the Methodist Preachers and people than any other person : because I see more of the Preachers, and more of the people, in every part of the kingdom. Therefore I can give you such an account both of the Preachers and the people, as no other person can. 1766. 63 And you are fully assured, that I am not prejudiced against either the Preachers or the people. To begin with the latter. The world says, " The Methodists are no better than other people.^^ This is not true. Yet it is nearer the truth than we are willing to imagine. For, 1. Personal religion, either toward God or man, is amazingly superficial among us. I can but just touch on a few generals. Hoav little faith is there among us, how little communion with God ! How little living in heaven, walking in eternity, deadness to every creature ! How much love of the world ; desire of pleasure, of ease, of praise, of getting money ! How little brotherly love ! What continual judging one another ! What gossiping, evil-speaking, tale-bearing ! What want of moral honesty ! To instance only in a few particulars : — What servants, journeymen, labourers, carpenters, bricklayers, do as they would be done by ? Which of them does as much work as he can ? Set him down for a knave that does not. Who does as he would be done by in buying and selling, particularly in selling horses ? Write him knave that does not. And the Methodist knave is the worst of all knaves. 2. Family religion is shamefully wanting, and almost in every branch. And the Methodists in general will be little better, till we take quite another course with them. For what avails public preach- ing alone, though we could preach like angels ? I heard Dr. Lupton say, "My father, visiting one of his parishioners, who had never missed going to church for forty years, then lying on his death-bed, asked him, ' Thomas, where do you think your soul will go?^ ' Soul ! soul \' said Thomas. *Yes; do not you know what your soul is?' *Ay, surely,' said he: 'why, it is a little bone in the back, that lives longer than the rest of the body.' " So much Thomas had learned by often hearing sermons, yea, and exceeding good sermons, for forty years ! We must instruct them from house to house : till this is done, and that in good earnest, the Methodists will be little better than other people. Can we find a better method of doing this than Mr. Baxter's ? If not, let us adopt it without delay. His whole tract, entitled Gildas Salvianus, is well worth a careful perusal. A short extract from it I have subjoined. Speaking of this visiting from house to house, he says, p. 351 : We shall find many difficulties both in ourselves and in the people. 1. In ourselves there is much dulness and laziness; so that there will be much ado to get us to be faithful in the work. 64 1766. 2. We have also a base, man-pleasiug temper, which makes us let men perish, rather than lose their love ; and let them go quickly to hell, lest we should anger them. 3. Some of us have also a foolish bashfulness. We know not how to begin, or to speak plain. We blush to speak for Christ, or to contradict the devil, or to save a soul. 4. Our interest stops our mouths, and makes us unfaithful in the work of Christ. 5. But the great hindrance is, weakness of faith : so our whole motion is weak, because the spring of it is weak. 6. Lastly, we are unskilful in the work. How few know how to deal with men, so as to get within them, to win upon them, and suit all our discourse to their several conditions and tempers ; to choose the fittest subjects, and follow them with a holy mixture of seriousness, and terror, and love, and meekness, and evangelical allurements ! And we have as many difficulties to grapple with in our people. 1. Too many of them will be mnvilling to be taught, till we conquer their perverseuess by the force of reason, and the power of love. 2. And many are so dull, that they will shun being taught, for fear of showing their dulness. And, indeed, you will find it extremely hard to make them understand the veiy plainest points. 3. And it is still harder to fix things on their heart, without which all our labour is lost. If you have not, therefore, great seriousness and fervency, what good can you expect ? And when all is done, it is the Spirit of grace. He alone, who must do the work. 4. And when w^e have made some impressions upon their hearts, if we look not after them, they Avill soon die away. But as great as this labour of private instruction is, it is absolutely necessary. For, after all our preaching, many of our people are almost as ignorant as if they had never heard the Gospel. I study to speak as plain as I can ; yet I frequently meet with those who have been my hearers many years, who know not whether Christ be God or man; or, that infants have any original sin. And how few are there that know the nature of repentance, faith, and holiness ! INlost of them have a sort of confidence that Christ will justify and save them, while the world has their hearts, and they live to themselves. And I have found by experience, that one of these has learned more from an hour's close discourse, than from ten years' public preaching. And undoubtedly this private application is implied in those solemn words of the Apostle : " I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom ; Preach the word ; be 1766. 65 instant in season, out of season ; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine/' This is likewise necessary to the greater glory of God, by the fuller success of the Gospel. O brethren, if we could generally set this work on foot in all our Societies, and prosecute it skilfully and zealously, what glory would redound to God thereby ! If the common ignorance were thus banished, and our vanity and idleness turned into the study of the way of life, and every shop and every house busied in speaking of the word and works of God, surely God would dwell in our habitations, and make them His delight. And this is necessary to the welfare of our people; many of whom neither believe nor repent to this day. Look round about, and see how many of them are still in apparent danger of damnation ! And how can you walk, and talk, and be merry with such people, when you know their case ? Methinks, when you look them in the face, you should break forth into tears, as the Prophet did when he looked upon Hazael, and then set on them with the most vehement and importunate exhortations. O then, for God's sake, and for the sake of poor souls, bestir your- selves ; and spare no pains that may conduce to their salvation. What cause have we to bleed before the Lord this day, that have so long neglected this great and good work ! — that have been Preachers so many years, and have done so little by personal instructions for the saving of men's souls ! If we had but set on this work sooner, how many more might have been brought to Christ ! And how much holier and happier might we have made our Societies before now ! And why might we not have done it sooner ? There were many hindrances in the way ; and so there are still, and always will be. But the greatest hitidrance was in ourselves, in our dulness, and littleness of faith and love. O that God would throughly humble us, and cause us to bewail our own neglects ; that we may not think it enough to lament the sins of others, while we overlook our own ! But it is objected, 1. "This course will take up so much time, that we shall have no time to follow our studies." I answer, 1. Gaining knowledge is a good thing; but saving souls is a better. 2. By this very thing you will gain the most excellent knowledge of God and eternity. 3. But you will have abundant time for gaining other knowledge too, if you spend all your mornings therein. Only sleep not more than you need ; talk not more than you need. And never be idle, nor triflingly employed. But, 4. If you can do but one, either follow your studies, or instruct the ignorant; let your studies alone. I would throw by all the libraries in the world, rather than be guilty of the perdition of one soul. It is objected, 2. "The people will not submit to it." If some do not, others will gladlv. And the success with them Vol. L F G(i 1766. may be so much, as to repay all our labour. O let us herein follow the example of St. Paul. 1. For our general business, '^serving the Lord with all humility of mind." 2. Our special work, " Take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock." 3. Our doctrine, " repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." 4. The place and manner of teaching, "I have tauglit you publicly, and from house to house." 5. The object, and internal manner, " I ceased not to warn everyone, night and day, with tears." This it is that must win souls, and preserve them. 6. His innocency and self-denial for the advantage of the Gospel, "I have coveted no man^s silver or gold." 7. His patience, " Neither count I my life dear unto myself." And among all our motives, these should be ever before our eyes : 1. "The church of God, which He hath purchased Avith His own blood." 2. " Grievous wolves shall enter in ; yea, of your own- selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things." Write all this upon your hearts, and it will do you more good than twenty years' study of lower things. We may, 1. Every Preacher take an exact catalogue of those in Society, from one end of each town to the other. 2. Go to each house, and give, with suitable exhortation and direction, the " Instructions for Children." 3. Be sure to deal gently with them, and take off all discouragements as effectually as you can. See that the children get these by heart. Advise the grown persons to see that they understand them. And enlarge upon and apply every sentence as closely as you can. And let your deahng with those you begin with be so gentle, winning, and convincing, that the report of it may move others to desire your coming. True, it is far easier to preach a good sermon, than to instruct the ignorant in the principles of religion. And, as much as this work is despised by some, I doubt not but it will try the parts and spirits of us aU. So Archbishop Usher : " Great scholars may think it beneath them to spend their time in teaching the first principles of the doctrine of Christ. But they should consider, that the laying the foundation skilfully, as it is the matter of greatest importance in the whole building, so it is the very master-piece of the wisest builder : ' According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master-builder, 1 have laid the foundation,' saith the great Apostle. And let the Avisest of us all try, whenever we please, we shall find that to lay this ground-work rightly, to make an ignorant man understand the grounds of religion, will put us to the trial of all our skill." Perhaps in doing this, it may be well, 1. After a few loving words spoken to all in the house, to take each person single into another room, where you may deal closely with them, about their sin, and misery, and duty. Set these home, or you lose all your labour. At least let none be present but those who are quite familiar with each other. 1766. 67 2. Hear what the children have learned by heart. 3. Choose some of the weightiest points, and try by farther ques- tions how they understand them. As, " Do you believe you have sin in you ? that you was born in sin ? What does sin deserve ? What remedy has God provided for guilty, helpless sinners ? " 4. Often, with the question, suggest the answer. As, '' What is repentance? Sorrow for sin, or a conviction that we are guilty, helpless sinners ? What is faith ? A divine conviction of things not seen?" 5. Where you perceive they do not understand the stress of your question, you must lead them into it by other questions. So I have asked some, " How do you think your many and great sins will be pardoned?" They answer, "By repenting and mending my life;" and never mention Christ. I ask farther, " But do you think your amendment will make satisfaction for your past sins?" They will answer, "We hope so, or else we know not what will." One would think now, these had no knowledge of Christ at all. And, indeed, some have not. But others have, and give such answers only because they do not understand the scope of the question. Ask them farther, " Can you be saved without the death of Christ?" They immediately say. No. And if you ask, " What has He done or suffered for you?" they will say, "He shed His blood for us;" and profess they trust in that for salvation. But many cannot express even what they have some conceptions of; nay, can scarce learn, when expressions are put into their mouths. With these you are to deal exceeding tenderly, lest they be discouraged. 6. If you perceive them troubled that they cannot answer, step in yourself, and take the burden off them, answering that question yourself: and then do it throughly and plainly, and make a full explication of the whole business to them. 7. Thus, when you have tried their knowledge, proceed to instruct them yourself, according to their several capacities. If a man understand the fundamentals, fall on what you perceive he most needs, either explaining further some doctrine of the Gospel, or some duty, or showing the necessity of something he neglects, as may be most edifying to him. If it be one that is grossly ignorant, give him a short recital of the Christian religion in the plainest words. And if you perceive he understands not, go over it again till he does, and, if possible, fix it in his memory. 8. Next inquire into his state, whether convinced or uncon- vinced ; converted or unconverted. Tell him, if need be, what conversion is. And then renew and enforce the inquiry. 9. If you perceive he is unconverted, your next business is, to labour with all your skill and power to bring his heart to a sense of his condition. Set this home with a more earnest voice than you spoke before ; for, if you get it not to the heart, you do nothing. F 2 68 1766. 10. Conclude all with a strong exhortation, which must con- tain two parts: 1. The duty of the heart, in order to receive Christ j and, 2. The avoiding former sins, and constantly using the outward means. And here be sure, if you can, to get their promise to forsake sin, change their company, and use means. And do this solemnly ; reminding them of the presence of God, that hears their promises, and will expect the perform- ance. 11. Before you leave them, engage the head of each family to call all his family every Sunday, before they go to bed, and hear what they can rehearse ; and so continue till they have learned all the " Instructions " perfectly. And afterwards take care that they do not forget what they have learned. 12. Speak differently according to the difference of them you have to deal with, as they are dull and obstinate, or timoi-ous and tender. Be as plain as possible to those of weak capacities, and give them Scripture-proof for all you say. Let us in every town, and wherever it is practicable, set upon this method in good earnest ; and we shall soon fiud why the people are not better, viz., because we are not more knowing and more holy. Q. Why are we not more knowing? A. Because we are idle. We forget the very first rule, "Be diligent. Never be unemployed a moment. Never be triflingly employed. Never while away time : neither spend any more time at any place than is strictly necessary .'' I fear there is altogether a fault in this matter ; and that few of us are clear. Which of you spends as many hours a day in God's work, as you did formerly in man's work ? We talk, talk • — or read history, or what comes next to hand. We must, absolutely must, cure this evil, or give up the whole work. But how? 1. Head the most useful books, and that regularly and constantly. Steadily spend all the morning in this employ, or at least five hours in twenty-four. " But I read only the Bible.'' Then you ought to teach others to read only the Bible, and, by parity of reason, to hear only the Bible. But if so, you need preach no more. Just so said George Bell. And what is the fruit ? Why, now he neither reads the Bible nor anything else. This is rank enthusiasm. If you need no book but the Bible, you are got above St. Paul. He wanted others too. " Bring the books,'^ says he, "but especially the parchments;" those wrote on parchment. " But I have no taste for reading." Contract a taste for it by use, or return to your trade. " But different men have different tastes." Therefore some may read less than others ; but none should read less than this. 17GQ. 69 "But I have no books." I will give each of you, as fast as you will read them, books to the value of five pounds. And I desire the Assistants will take care, that all the laro;e Societies provide the " Christian Library " for the use of the Preachers. 2. In the afternoon follow Mr. Baxter's plan. Then you will have no time to spare; none for learning Latin, or Greek, or Hebrew : you will have work enough for all your time. Then, likewise, no Preacher will stay with us who is as salt that has lost its savour. For, to such, this employment would be mere drudgery. And, in order to it, you will have need of all the knowledge you can procure. The sum is : Go into every house in course, and teach evenjone therein, young and old, if they belong to us, to be Christians, inwardly and outwardly. Make every particular plain to their understanding. Fix it in their memory. Write it on their heart. In order to this, there must be line upon line, precept upon precept. I remember to have heard my father asking ray mother, " How could you have the patience to tell that blockhead the same thing twenty times over?'' She answered, "Why, if I had told him but nineteen times, I should have lost all my labour." What patience indeed, what love, what knowledge is requisite for this ! Q. In what method should we instruct them? A. Read, explain, enforce, 1. The Rules of the Society. 2. Instructions for Children. 3. The fourth volume of Sermons. 4. Philip Henry's Method of Family-Prayer. Over and above : wherever there are ten children in a Society, spend at least an hour with them twice a week. And do this, not in a dull, dry, formal manner, but in earnest, with your might. " But I have no gift for this." Gift or no gift, you are to do it, else you are not called to be a Methodist Preacher. Do it as you can, till you can do it as you would. Pray earnestly for the gift, and use the means for it; particularly studying the chil- dren's Tracts. Q. Why are not we more holy ? Why do not we live in eter- nity ? Walk with God all the day long ? Why are we not all devoted to God ? Breathing the whole spirit of Missionaries ? A. Because we are enthusiasts; looking for the end, without using the means. In order to be throughly convinced of this, we need only consider the first Minutes, pp. 12, 13, and each examine himself upon each article.* To touch only upon two or three instances : * Reference is made to the Digest or Compendium published in 1763; which ■will be found at length in another part of this volume. 70 1767. Do you rise at four? Or even at five^ when you do not preach ? Do you fast once a week ? Once a month ? Do you know the obhgation or benefit of it ? Do you recommend the five-o'clock hour for private prayer? Do you observe it? Do not you find that any time is no time? O let us all " stir up the gift of God that is in us ! " Let us no more "sleep, as do others." But whatsoever our "hand findeth to do/' let us " do it with our might." London, August 22, 1766. LONDON, August 18, ^-c, 1767. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. Richard Bourke, Benjamin Rhodes, John Allen, Alex- ander M'Nab, Lancelot Harrison, Thomas Dancer. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. William Fugill, Thomas Halliday, and John Smith. Q. 3. Ought not all those who are admitted, to be present at the Conference? A. By all means. Let it be so for the time to come. And let them be examined one by one, as in the last year's Conference. Q. 4. Who are admitted on trial? A. T. Janes, F. Asbury, John Peacock, John Wittam, Thomas Cherry, William Hunter, William Harry, Thomas Ryan, and William ColHns. Q. 5. What Preachers desist from travelling? A. John JNIorley, James Stephens, Simon Day, William Whitwell, and James Kershaw. Q. 6. Who act as Assistants this year? A. Benjamin Colley, John Easton, Duncan Wright, William Minethorp, James Glassbrook, Alexander Mather, John Murlin, John Purz, Samuel Woodcock, Samuel Levick, Thomas Hanby, Thomas Taylor, J. Pawson, Thomas Johnson, Isaac Brown, T. Mitchell, T. Rankin, John Oliver, Daniel Bumstead, T. Brisco, Robert Costerdine, Richard Boardman, T. Lee, Jacob Rowell, James Oddie, George Hudson, W. Thompson, John Helton, James Deaves, Richard Bourke. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed ? A. 1. London, WilWnra Buckingham, Benjamin Colley, Peter Jaco, Nicholas Manners, Thomas Janes. 2 Sussex, John Easton, John Allen. 3 Canterbury, Duncan Wright, Alexander M'Nab. 4 Colchester, Thomas Hanson. 5 Norwich, William Minethorp, Benjamin Rhodes. 6 Bedfordshire, James Glassbrook, Francis Asbury, 7 Oxfordshire, Richard Henderson. 1767. 71 8 Wilts, Alexander Mather, John Catermole, William Orpe, John Haime. 9 Bristol, John Murlin, Peter Price. 10 Devon, John Furz, James Cotty. 11 Cornwall, East, Samuel Woodcock, John Magor, W. Barker. 12 TFest, Samuel Levick, John Davis, Joseph Harper, Thomas Carlill. 13 Staffordshire, T. Hanby, Robert Roberts, J. W. 14 Cheshire, Thomas Taylor, Moseley Cheek. 15 Lancashire, John Pawson, John Whitehead, John Poole, William Fugill. 16 Derbyshire, T. Johnson, James Clough, John Oldham. 17 Sheffield, Isaac Brown, John Shaw. 18 Lincoln, J5Ja5^, T. Mitchell^ John Standring, Lancelot Harrison. 19 West, T. Rankin, John Ellis, John Peacock. 20 Leeds, John Oliver, Parson Greenwood. 21 Birstal, Daniel Bumstead, John Nelson, Thomas Brisco, Thomas Westell. 22 Haworth, Robert Costerdine, Joseph Guilford, John Wittam, Thomas Cherry. 23 York, Richard Boardman, Jeremiah Robertshaw, T. Newall, James Longbotham. 24 Yarm, T. Lee, John Heslup, Matthew Lowes. 25 The Dales, Jacob Rowell, William Brammah, William Hunter. 26 Newcastle, James Oddie, Joseph Cownley, William Ellis, William Darney; Christopher Hopper, Super- numerary. 27 Wales, George Hudson, Joseph Pilmoor, William Harry. 28 Glasgow, \ John Atlay, 29 Dunbar, j Thomas Simpson and Joseph Thompson. Let John Atlay and Joseph Thompson change the first week in February. 30 Edinburgh, William Thompson, Mark Davis. This Circuit includes Leith, Dalkeith, Lin- lithgow, and Burro wstoness. Each Preacher is to be a fortnight in the city and in the country alternately. 31 Dundee, \ Richard Blackwell, \ Change on Michaelmas- 32 Aberdeen, j James Brownfield. j day, Christmas-day, Lady- day, and Midsummer-day: on that day let them meet at Brechin. 33 Dublin, 1 John Helton, T. Olivers, (J. Johnson, Supernu- >■ merary,) 34 Limerick f ) James Deaves, George Story. Let the two former change with the latter, on February 1. 35 Waterford, James Rea. 72 1767. 36 Cork, \ Richard Bourke, } Chanj^e every sixth Monday 37 Bandon, J John Mason. / without fail. 38 Castlebar, W. Peuington, Robert W., ) Change Fe- 39 Athlone, Robert Swindells, J. Denapster. j bruary 1, 40 Augher, John Dillon, John Murray, Barnabas Thomas. Change every fourth Monday. 41 Armagh, Thomas Ryan, John Smith, John Morgan, Thomas Halliday. Q. 8. What number are in the Societv at London? - - 2250 Sussex - - 176 Kent - - - 147 Colchester - - 145 Norwich - - 293 Bedford - - 208 Oxfordshire - - 142 Wilts - - 840 Bristol - - 1064 Devon - -413 Cornwall, East - 558 West - 1602 Staffordshire - - 906 Cheshire - - 525 Lancashire - - 1875 Derbyshire - - 741 Ireland - - 2801 Sheffield - - 591 Q. 9. A. £121. 95. Q. 10. This ^ be done to procure a sufficient supply ? AA. Let every Preacher seriously consider the urgency of the case. 2. Let the Midsummer Collection be made in every place, great and small. 3. Let a Subscription be set on foot at Dublin, Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, and Liverpool. Q. 11. What is the Yearly Subscription? A. £804. 145. %\d. Q. 12. What part of this was paid for law? A. £134. Is. Q. 13. What, to supply the necessities of the Preachers? A. £148. 14. What is reserved for contingent expenses ? £30. 135. 9kd. 15, What remained to be divided ? £491. 195. 11^. Q. 16. How many places petition for help? A. About seventy. What is the Kingswood Epworth - . 769 Grimsby . - 693 Leeds - . . 1120 Eirstal . . 1491 Haworth . _ 1366 York - - . 1000 Yarm - - . 825 The Dales - _ 833 Newcastle . - 1837 Glasgow . . 64 Dunbar - . 40 Edinburgh _ . 150 Dundee . - 40 Aberdeen . - 174 Wales - _ _ 233 In all 25,911 Collection? answer the demand. What can Q. A. Q- A. 1767. 73 Q. 17. What can be done to enlarge tins Collection? A. 1. Let every Assistant begin the Subscription at Christmas, and begin the Collection at Easter. 2. Let him lay the whole case before the people^ and urge them to do all they can. Q. 18. Can we make a push toward paying. the whole debt? A. I will state the case in writing to the most substantial men in our Society. Q. 19. What is received this year for the Preachers' Fund? A. £54. Us. 6d. Q. 20. Need any rule be added relative to this? A. Yes. Let none have any claim on this Fund till it amounts to five hundred pounds. 2. Let it never sink lower than this. 3. Let a Preacher's widow receive yearly a sum not exceeding ten pounds during her widowhood. 4. No money shall be returned to an excluded Preacher. Q. 21. Who are the present Stewards for the Preachers' Fund? A. Joseph Cownley and John Murlin. Q. 22. Who are the present Committee ? A. Peter Jaco, Duncan Wright, Thomas Hanby, Robert Roberts, Alexander Mather, Peter Price, Thomas Johnson, John Pawson, James Oddie, Mark Davis, Thomas Olivers, William Penington. Q. 23. What is the safest way of leaving a legacy for the use of these Funds ? A. To leave it absolutely to a person they can confide in; suppose, to Mr. Wesley. Q. 24. When and where may our next Conference begin ? A. At Bristol, the third Tuesday in August. Q. 25. Are our preaching-houses settled in our form safe? Should we not have the opinion of a counsel? A. I think not. 1. Because the form was drawn up by three eminent counsellors. But, 2. It is the way of every counsel to blame what another counsel has done. But you cannot at all infer that they think it wrong because they say so. 3. If they did in reality think it wrong, that would not prove that it was so. 4. If there was (which I do not believe) some defect therein, who would go to law with the body of Methodists ? 5. And if they did, would any Court in England put them out of possession ? Especially when the intent of the deed is plain and undeniable ? Q. 26. The Wednesbury Trustees are afraid lest the Confer- ence should impose on them one Preacher for many years. May not this be guarded against ? 74 1767. A. Yes. By inserting in the deed, " provided that the same Preacher shall not be sent, ordinarily above one, never above two years together." Q. 27. How may the books be spread more ? A. Let every Assistant give them away prudently; and beg money of the rich, to buy books for the poor. Q. 28. How may our preaching be more extensively useful ? A. Wherever we have a large preaching-house at one end of a great town, let us preach abroad at the other end of it, every Sunday morning, at least, if it be fair. The want of preaching abroad, and of preaching in new places, has greatly damped the work of God. Q. 29. What can be done to revive the work ? A. 1. Let there be a general fast in all our Societies, on Friday, September 18. 2. Let there be such a fast once a quarter. 3. Let any Assistant appoint an occasional fast in his Circuit. 4. Let every Preacher strongly insist upon practical religion and relative duties; but in such a manner as to keep Christ continually in view. 5. Exhort the Leaders of Bands to speak to those with them in the closest manner possible. 6. Encourage all, at the public meeting of the Bands, to speak with all openness and simplicity. Q. 30. How may we put a stop to smuggling ? A. 1. Speak tenderly and frequently of it in every Society near the coasts. 2. Carefully disperse the "Word to a Smuggler." 3. Expel all who will not leave it oflf. 4. Silence every Local Preacher that defends it. Q. 31. How may we prevent bribery at the ensuing election for Members of Parliament ? A. 1 . Largely show the wickedness of thus selling our country, in every Society. 2. Do the same thing in private conversation. 3. Read everywhere the " Word to a Freeholder," and disperse it, as it w-ere, with both hands. But observe, a voter may suffer his expenses to be borne, and not incur any blame. Q. 32. By the absence of Preachers during the Conference, many places have sustained much loss. How may this be prevented ? A. 1. Let not all the Preachers in any Circuit come to the Conference. 2. Let those who do come set out as late as possible. 3. Let them return as soon as possible. 4. Let none of those who are left in the Circuit go out of it during the Conference. This is the most improper time in the whole year. 1768. 75 Let us all be men of one business. We live only for this, — to save our own souls, and them that hear us. London, August 20, 1767. \ BRISTOL, Tuesday, August 16, S^c, 1768. Q. 1. What Preachers are. .AnMTiijED this year? A. Thomas Janes, S^ancis Asbury, John Peacock, John Wittam, Thomas Cherry, William Hunter, Joseph Harper, John Smith, Wilham Collins, Thomas Halliday, and William Harry. Q. 2. Who REMAINS ON TRIAL? A. None. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial ? A. John Duncan, George Shadford, Jonathan Crowle, John Goodwin, Robert Howard, Richard Seed, Samuel Bardsley, Stephen Proctor, Martin Rodda, Joseph Garnet, Robert Bell, and Christopher Watkins. Q. 4. Who DESIST FROM TRAVELLING ? A. William Fugill and John Davis. Q. 5, Who act as Assistants this year? A. Peter Jaco, James Glassbrook, T. Hanson, Duncan Wright, T. Hanby, Benjamin Rhodes, Nicholas Manners, James Cotty, John Whitehead, John Furz, Samuel Levick, T. Rankin, John Pawson, Thomas Brisco, Alexander Mather, T. Johnson, Robert Costerdine, John Ellis, Isaac Brown, John Oliver, Christopher Hopper, Daniel Bumstead, Thomas Mitchell, Samuel Woodcock, Jacob, Rowell, Richard Boardman, James Oddie, Joseph Pilmoor, George Hudson, William Thompson, T. Simpson, John Helton, R. Bourke, George Story, John Dillon, John Mason, T. Taylor. Q. 6. Are there any objections to any of the Preachers? A. Name them one by one. (Which was done.) Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed ? A. As follows : — 1 London, Peter Jaco, John Murlin, Mark Davis. 2 Sussex, J. Glassbrook, Richard Henderson. 3 Kent, Thomas Hanson, Thomas Janes. 4 Colchester, Francis Asbury. 5 Norwich, Duncan Wright, Alexander M'Nab. 6 Bedfordshire, T. Hanby, John Duncan. 7 Oxfordshire, Benjamin Rhodes, Martin Rodda. 8 Wilts, South, N. Manners, William Barker. 9 iVor^A, James Cotty, Jonathan Crowle. 10 Bristol, John Whitehead, William Whitwell. 11 Devon, John Furz, John Magor. 12 Cornwall, East, Samuel Levick, John Easton, John Good- win. -6 1768. 13 Cornwall, West, T. Rankin, Lancelot Harrison, George Shadford, Thomas Westell. 14 Staffordshire, John Pawson, J. W. John Allen. 15 C/ieshire, Thomas Olivers, W. Harry, (Stephen Proctor.) 16 Lancashire, South, A. Mather, J. Standring. North, Thomas Brisco, John Oldham. 17 Derbyshire, Thomas Johnson, John Nelson, Will. Darney. 18 Sheffield, Robert Costei'dine, John Wittam. 19 Lincoln, East, John Ellis, John Peacock, John Poole. 20 West, Isaac Brown, John Shaw, Thomas Carlill. 21 Leeds, 22 Birstal, 23 Haivorth, 24 York, 25 Yarm, 26 The Dales, 27 Neiv castle, 28 Wales, 29 Dimbar, 30 Edinburgh, 32 Glasgoiv, 33 Dublin, 34 Water/or d, 35 Cork, 36 Limerick, 37 Castlebar, 38 Athlone, 39 Augher, 40 Armagh, John Oliver, Robert Roberts. C. Hopper, T. Lee, Daniel Bumstead, Parson Greenwood. T. Mitchell, Joseph Guilford, William Ellis, Thomas Newall. Samuel Woodcock, Jeremiah Robertshaw, Jam. Longbotham, Samuel Bardsley. Jacob Rowell, William Brammah, Jas. Brown- field. Richard Boardman, W. Hunter, Joseph Garnet, Robert Bell. Joseph Cownley, James Oddie, Supernumerary, Matthew Lowes, Joseph Thompson. G. Hudson, Joseph Harper, Joseph Pilmoor, Moseley Cheek. William Minethorp. William Thompson. 31 Dundee, Perth, Aberdeen, Thomas Cherry, Thomas Simpson, Robert Howard. John Atlay. T. Taylor, John Johnson, Supernumerary. James Dempster. J. Dillon, George Story. Richard Bourke, J. Mason. W. Collins, R. W. Barnabas Thomas, John Murray. T. Halliday, Joseph Smith, J. Rea. Christopher Watkins, Hugh Saunderson, Rich- ard Steel. What numbers are in the Society at Q. 8. London? Sussex Kent Essex Norfolk Bedfordshire - Oxfordshire - Wilts 2180 176 230 128 316 170 160 956 Bristol - 1177 Devon 384 Cornwall, East 543 West - 1495 Staffordshire - - 1994 Cheshire 484 Lancashire - 2000 Derbyshire - 676 1768. 77 Sheffield Epworth Grimsby Leeds Birstal Haw or til York Yarm The Dales Newcastle Q A Q A 600 Dunbar 871 Edinburgh 707 Dundee 1088 Aberdeen 1476 Perth 1356 Glasgow 1050 Wales 892 Ireland 890 1910 In all 40 146 46 150 24 76 250 2700 27,341 9. What is the Kingswood Collection ? £173. 10. What is contributed towards the debt ? £5,660. Q. 11. What part of this was paid for law? A. £182. Q. 12. What, to supply the necessities of the Preachers? A. £26. Q. 13. What reserved for contingent expenses? A. £100 : so that near £5,000 were paid away. Q. 14. What is the whole debt remaining in England, Scot- land, and Ireland ? A. As near as we can compute, it is £7,728. Q. 15. Would it not be proper for all the deeds relating to preaching-houses to be lodged in one place ? A. Certainly it would. Let a strong box be prepared for them in London. Q. 16. Many have contributed largely this year, supposing the debt would be paid off at once : can we ask these to con- tribute again ? A. We cannot press them ; it must be left to their own generosity. Q. 17. What is received this year for the Preachers^ Fund? A. £42. Q. 18. Is it proper that none should have any claim on this Fund till it amounts to five hundred pounds? And that it should never sink lower than this ? A. By no means. This is mere worldly prudence. Let those two rules be abolished. /''5N19. Who succeeds William Penington? [ ^. \rhomas Taylor. V-QT 20. Where and when may our next Conference begin ? A. At Leeds, the first Tuesday in August. Q. 21. We have very imperfect accounts of all things from Ireland and Scotland. How may this be remedied ? A. Let the Assistants of Dublin and Edinburgh, Thomas Taylor and William Thompson, procure, and bring or send to the Conference, an exact account of the Societies, the Yearly 78 1768. Subscription, the Collection for Kings wood, and the Preachers' Fund. Q. 22. Should Itinerant Preachers follow trades ? A. This is an important question. And, as it is the first time it has come before us, it will be proper to consider it thoroughly. The question is not, whether they may occasionally work with their hands, as St. Paul did; but whether it be proper for them to keep shop, and follow merchandise. Of those who do at present, it may be observed, they are unquestionably upright men. They are men of considerable gifts. We see the fruit of their labour, and they have a large share in the esteem and love of the people. All this pleads on their side, and cannot but give us a prejudice in their favour. Three of these urge necessity for doing this : one, that he may help his aged father ; another, that he may maintain his wife ; a third, that he may keep his children. A fourth does not plead any necessity, but a desire of doing more good. One answered J. O., " If you cannot help your father without trading, and if the Societies either cannot or will not, I will allow him what you allow him now. So this necessity is at an end." To Ja. O. it was answered, " Your wife wants nothing yet. It is not likely she ever will. You have money beforehand. So your necessity is not yet begun." To K. R., " You do not want now. When you do want anything for your children, you shall have it. So here is no necessity." As to the second plea, doing more good, it was inquired. Is it not doing evil that good may come ? Is not the thing in question both evil in itself, (for us,) and evil in its consequences ? First, Is it not, with regard to Travelling Preachers, evil in itself? Is it well consistent with that scripture, 2 Tim. ii. 4, " No man that warreth," (takes on him the profession of a soldier, as we eminently do,) " entangleth himself with the aflfairs of this life : " plainly referring to the Roman law, which absolutely forbad any soldier to foiloAv any other profession ? Is it well consistent with that word, " Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to teaching : meditate on these things, give thyself wholly to them?" (i Tim. iv. 13, 15.) Can we be said to give ourselves wholly to these things, if we follow another profession ? Does not our Church, in her Office of Ordi- nation, require every Minister to do this? If they do not, the more shame for them. But this plainly shows what both they and we ought to do. We indeed more particularly ; because God has called us to " provoke them to jealousy," to supply their lack of service to the sheep that are as without shepherds, and to spend and be spent therein. We above all ; because every Travelling Preacher solemnly professes to have nothing else to do; and receives his little allowance for this very end, that he may not need to do anything else, that he may not be entangled in the things of this life, but may give himself wholly to these things. Secondly, Is it not evil in its consequences ? Have not some 1768. 79 ill consequences appeared already ? And is there not the greatest reason to apprehend that still worse would follow ? We are con- cerned to give no offence, either to Jew or Gentile, or to the church of God. But this has already offended, not only many of the world, but many of our own brethren. Many of the Preachers, in particular, have been much grieved: yea, and those most who were most alive to God. Now, the beginning of offence is as when one letteth out water ; who can gather it up again? They are grieved the more, because they apprehend this would be an increasing evil. For where will it stop ? If one Preacher follows trade, so may twenty ; so may every one. And if any of them trade a little, why not ever so much ? Who can fix how far he should go ? Therefore we advise our brethren who have been concerned herein, to give up all, and attend to the one business. And we doubt not but God will recompense them a hundred fold, even in this world, as well as in the world to come. It is true, this cannot be done on a sudden. But it may between this and the next Conference. And even as to the drops that many sold, if their wives sell them at home, well ; but it is not proper for any Preacher to hawk them about. It has a bad appearance. It does not well suit the dignity of his calling. Q. 23. In many places the work of God seems to stand still. What can be done to revive and enlarge it ? A. 1. Much good has been done by the books which have been published : and more would be, if they were spread more effectually. At present there is a grand defect herein, almost all over Great Britain and Ireland. Thousands of our brethren never saw or heard of the most useful books we have printed. Many have heard of them, but cannot have them, though they have desired it over and over. Little can be done to remedy this, unless all of you will lend a helping hand. You may do this by recommending reading to all the people, frequently and earnestly ; not only in general, but reading this or that tract in particular : by reading a page or two of a book in the congre- gation, and then recommending it : by carrying round with you this or that book, suitable to the subject of your sermon : by begging money of the rich to buy tracts for the poor, and giving them away prudently : and by recommending none but those which we recommend, and selling none else ; which Avill effectu- ally prevent the improper publications either of Itinerant or Local Preachers. 2. Let there be more field-preaching : without this, the work of God Avill hardly increase in any place. 3. Let the preaching at five in the morning be constantly kept up, wherever you can have twenty hearers. This is the glory of the Methodists. Whenever this is dropped, they will dwindle away into nothing. Rising early is equally good for 80 1768. soul and body. It helps the nerves better than a thousand medicines ; and, in particular, preserves the sight, and prevents lowness of spirits, more than can well be imagined. 4. As soon as there are four men or women believers in any place, put them into a Band. These need to be inquired after continually, and the place of any that do not meet supplied. In every place where there are Bands, meet them constantly, and encourage them to speak without reserve. 5. Be conscientiously exact in the whole Methodist Discipline. And, that you may understand it, read over carefully the "Plain Account of the People called Methodists,'^ and the several " Minutes " of the Conferences. One part of our Discipline has been generally neglected, viz., the changing of the Stewards. This has been attended with ill consequences : many Stewards have been ready to ride over the Preacher's head. Let every Assistant, at the next Quarterly- Meeting, change one Steward at least, in every Society, if there be therein any other man that can keep an account. 6. Beware of formality in singing, or it will creep in upon us unawares. Is it not creeping in already, by those complex tunes which it is scarce possible to sing with devotion ? Such is, "Praise the Lord, ye blessed ones ! " Such the long quavering Hallelujah, annexed to the Morning- Song tune, which I defy any man living to sing devoutly. The repeating the same word so often, (but especially while another repeats different words, the horrid abuse which runs through the modern church-music,) as it shocks all common sense, so it necessarily brings in dead formality, and has no more of religion in it than a Lancashire hornpipe. Beside that, it is a flat contradiction to our Lord's command, " Use not vain repetitions." For what is vain repeti- tion, if this is not? What end of devotion does it serve? Again. Do not suffer the people to sing too slow. This naturally tends to formality, and is brought in by those who have very strong or very weak voices. Is it not possible, that all the Methodists in the nation should sing equally quick? Why should not the Assistant see that they be taught to sing in every large Society? And do this in such a manner, as to obviate the ill effects which might otherwise spring therefrom ? 7. Let a fast be observed in all our Societies, on Friday, September 30, and on the Friday after New-Year's-day, after Lady-day, and after Midsummer- day next. 8. Which of us " fasts every Fiiday in the year? " Which of us fasts at all ? Does not this show the present temper of our minds (though not of all) soft and unnerved? How then can we advance the work of 'God, though we may preach loud and long enough ? Here is the root of the evil. Hence the work of God droops ; few are convinced, few justified, few of our brethren sanctified. Hence more and more doubt, if we are to be sancti- 1768, 81 fied at all till death : I mean, sanctified throughout, saved from all sin, perfected in love. That we may all speak the same thing, I ask, once for all, Shall we defend this perfection, or give it up ? You all agree to defend it ; meaning thereby, as we did from the beginning, salvation from all sin, by the love of God and our neighbour fiUing the heart. The Papists say, " This cannot be attained, till we have been a sufficient time in purgatory." The Dissenters say, " Nay, it will be attained as soon as the soul aud body part." The old Methodists said, "It may be attained before we die : a moment after is too late." Is it so, or no ? You are all agreed, we may be saved from all sin before death. The substance then is settled. But as to the circumstance, is the change instantaneous or gradual ? It is both one and the other. From the moment we are justified, there may be a gradual sanc- tification, or a growing in grace, a daily advance in the know- ledge and love of God. And if sin ceased before death, there must, in the nature of the thing, be an instantaneous change. There must be a last moment wherein it does exist, and a first moment wherein it does not. But should we, in preaching, insist on both one and the other ? Certainly we must insist on the gradual change ; and that earnestly and continually. And are there not reasons why we should insist on the instantaneous also ? If there be such a blessed change before death, should we not encourage all believers to expect it ? And the rather, because constant experience shows, the more earnestly they expect this, the more swiftly and steadily does the gradual work of God go on in their souls. The more watchful they are against all sin, the more careful to grow in grace, the more zealous of good works, and the more punctual in their attendance on all the ordinances of God. Whereas, just the contrary effects are observed whenever this expectation ceases. They are saved by hope ; by this hope of a total change, saved with a gradually increasing salvation. Destroy this hope, and that salvation stands still ; or rather decreases daily. Therefore, whoever would advance the gradual change in believers, should strongly insist upon the instantaneous. 9. But how far from entire sanctification are we still? The religion of the Methodists in general is not internal ; at least, not deep, universal, uniform: but superficial, partial, uneven. And what pains do we take to make it otherwise ? Do we visit from house to house, according to the plan laid down in the Minutes ? Have you done this ? Mr. Colley begun ; but he is gone to paradise. And who has trod in his steps ? What hin- ders? Want of time? Only (as William Penington said) spend half the time in this visiting, which you spend in talking uselessly, and you will have time enough. Do this, particularly, in confirming and building up believers. Then, and not till then, the work of the Lord will prosper in your hands. Vol. I. ^ G 82 1769. 10. But what can we do for the rising generation ? Unless we can take care of these, the present revival of religion will be res unius cetatis : it will last only the age of a man. Who will labour herein ? Let him that is zealous for God, and the souls of men, begin now. (1.) Spend an hour a week with the children in every large town, whether you like it or no. (2.) Talk with them every time you see any at home. (3.) Pray in earnest for them. (4.) Diligently instruct and vehemently exhort all parents at their own houses. (5.) Preach expressly on this, particularly at Midsummer, when you speak of Kingswood. 11. Let every Preacher read carefully over the Life of Mr. Brainerd. Let us be followers of him as he was of Christ ; in absolute self-devotion, in total deadness to the world, and in fervent love to God and man. We want nothing but this. Then the world and the devil must fall under our feet. 12. Lastly, (1.) Let us keep to the Church. Over and above all the reasons that were formerly given for this, we add another now from long experience : They that leave the Church leave the Methodists. The Clerg}'^ cannot separate us from our brethren ■ the Dissenting Ministers can and do. Therefore, carefully avoid whatever has a tendency to separate men from the Church ; in particular, preaching at any hour which hinders them from going to it. Let every Assistant look to this. (2.) Let all the servants in our preaching-houses go to church on Sunday morning at least. (3.) Let every Preacher go always on Sunday morning, and, when he can, in the afternoon. God will bless those who go on week-days too, as often as they have opportunity. LEEDS, Tuesday, August 1, ^c.,l769. Q. 1, What Preachers are admitted this year? A. George Shadford, Eobert Howard, John Goodwin, Eichard Seed, Samuel Bardsley, Stephen Proctor, Martin Rodda, Joseph Garnet, Christopher Watkins, and Francis Wolfe. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. John Duncan and Thomas Wride. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. William Pitt, Wiiham Ashman, William Whitaker, Samuel Wells, James Hudson, Prancis Wrigley, Samuel Smith, Robert Wilkinson, Thomas Dixon, Jonathan Hern, John Bredin, and John M'Neese. Q. 4. Who desist from travelling ? 1769. 83 A. Mark Davis, Jolm Whitehead, William Whitwell, Jonathan Crowle, John Peacock, and Joseph Thompson. Q. 5. Who act as Assistants this year? A. Peter Jaco, Thomas Rankin, John Easton, E-ichard Hen- derson, Benjamin Rhodes, John Mason, John Furz, John Hel- ton, Samuel Levick, T. Westell, T. Hanson, James Glassbrook, John Shaw, William Pitt, James Dempster, Alexander Mather, Thomas Olivers, William Minethorp, Parson Greenwood, Thomas Johnson, Isaac Brown, Daniel Bumstead, Christopher Hopper, John Oliver, Thomas Mitchell, Joseph Guilford, Robert Howard, Jacob Rowell, Joseph Cownley, Matthew Lowes, Thomas Simpson, Duncan Wright, John Dillon, Hugh Saunderson, Thomas Halliday, William Harry, and William. Collins. Q. 6. Are there any objections to any of the Preachers ? A. !Name them one by one. (Which was done.) Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed ? A. As follows : — 1 London, John Pawson, John Allen, James Stephens. 2 Sussex, Thomas Rankin, Thomas Janes. 3 Kent, Peter Jaco, George Shadford. 4 Essex, f John Easton, ) ^i r it, i 5 Norfolk, I John Murray | Change every fourth week. 6 Bedfordshire, Richard Henderson, Francis Asbury. 7 Oxfordshire, Benjamin Rhodes, Richard Whatcoat. 8 Wiltshire, South, John Mason, Thomas Brisco. 9 North, John Furz, James Cotty, Martin Rodda. 10 Bristol, JohnHelton, Barnabas Thomas, Samuel Wells. ] 1 Devonshire, Samuel Levick, Francis Wolfe. 12 Cornwall, East, Thomas Westell, WilHam Ashman. 13 West, Thomas Hanson, John Goodwin, William Brammah, James Hudson. 14 Staffordshire, James Glassbrook, James Clough, Jeremiah Robertshaw, Francis Wrigley. 15 Cheshire, John Shaw, Richard Seed, Samuel Bardsley. 16 Wales, East, William Pitt, William Barker. 17 West, James Dempster, William Whitaker. 18 Lancashire, South, Alexander Mather, Robert Costerdine, George Story. 19 North, Thomas Olivers, John Morgan. 20 Derbyshire, William Minethorp, Samuel Woodcock, Samuel Smith, Thomas Barnes. 21 Sheffield, Parson Greenwood, James Longbotham. 22 Lincolnshire, East, Thomas Johnson, John Poole, W. Ellis. 23 West, Isaac Brown, John Ellis, Joseph Garnet. 24 Leeds, Daniel Bumstead, Is. W. 25 Birstal, Christopher Hopper, Robert Roberts. 26 Bradford, John Oliver, Thomas Lee. G 2 84 1769. 27 Haworth, 28 29 Whitehaven, York, Thomas Mitchell, George Hudson, Thomas Wride, David Evans. Joseph Guilford, John Wittam. Robert Howard, Thomas Carlill, N. Manners, Joseph Fothergill. Jacob E/Owell, James Brownfield, William Hunter. Matthew Lowes, Joseph Harper, James Wiltam. Joseph Cownley, John Murlin, John Nelson, Thomas Hanby; James Oddie, Super- numerarj^ Thomas Simpson. John Atlay. 35 Dundee, Perth, Aberdeen, Duncan "Wright, Alexander M'Nab, Thomas Cheny, Lancelot Harrison. William Thompson. J. Dillon; John Johnson, Supernumerary. !H. Saunderson, Jonathan Hern, 1 Feb. 1, Thomas Taylor, St. Proctor, V let T. Richard Bourke. J Taylor go to Limerick, S. Proctor to Waterford, and R. Bourke and H. Saunderson to Cork. Thomas Dixon, John Bredin. Thomas Newall, Christopher Watkins. George Snowden, James Rea. Thomas Halliday, John Smith. William Harry, Robert Wilkinson. William Collins, John Duncan, John M'Neese. Q. 8. What numbers are in the Society ? A. They are as follow : — London Sussex Kent Essex ^Norfolk Bedfordshire - Oxfordshire Wilts, South - North - Bristol Devonshire Cornwall, East West Staffordshire Cheshire 30 Yarm, 31 Dales, 33 Newcastle, 33 Dunbar, 34 Edinburgh, 36 Glasgow, 37 Dublin, 38 Waterford, 39 Cork, 40 Limerick, 41 Castlebar, 42 Athlone, 43 Enniskillen, 4.4i Derry, 45 Augher, 46 Armagh, 2391 Lancashire, South - 1340 181 *North - 607 252 Wales . 300 134 Derbyshire - 721 290 *Sheffield - 595 260 Epworth - 757 314 Grimsby - 747 200 Leeds _ 1156 814 Birstal . 859 1165 Bradford - 732 433 Haworth . 1269 630 Whitehaven - 163 1600 York - 1130 1090 Yarm - 1031 575 The Dales - 896 1769. 85 Newcastle Dunbar Edinburgh Glasgow 1924 36 130 85 25 28 Aberdeen Arbroath Ireland - In all 150 73 3180 28,263 Perth - Dundee N.B. In the Circuits marked thus * there are fewer members than there were a year ago. Q. 9. What is the Kingswood Collection ? A. £187. 13*. 106^. Q. 10. What is contributed towards the debt ? A. £2,458. 19*. 7d. Q. XI. How was this distributed ? A. As follows : — £. s. d. £. s. d. Law 300 0 0 Boston - 22 0 0 Preachers' Neccss. 77 5 3 Louth - 20 0 0 New- York - 50 0 0 Horncastle - - 30 0 0 London 126 7 6 Leeds - 30 0 0 Wandsworth 10 0 0 Horbury - 30 0 0 Colchester - 2 10 6 Rothwell - - 12 0 0 Norwich 71 5 9 Seacroft - 12 0 0 Bedfordshire 5 5 0 Thorner - 8 16 2 Oxfordshire - 10 0 0 Birstal - 43 10 6 Portsmouth 20 17 0 Dawgreen - - 50 0 0 Bradford 20 0 0 Morley - 30 0 0 Shaftesbury - 15 0 0 Thong - 101 0 0 Shepton Mallet - 15 0 0 Whitehaven - 18 18 6 Collumpton 11 5 0 Bingley - 10 0 0 Hill-Farrance 5 0 0 Heptonstall - - 40 0 0 Axminster - 5 0 0 Padiham - 10 0 0 Cornwall, East 61 0 0 Bradford - 60 0 0 West - 76 0 0 HaHfax - 6 1 5 Wednesbury 25 0 0 Yarm - - 14 14 0 Darlington - 15 0 0 Whitby - 70 0 0 Wolverhampton - 10 0 0 R. Bell - 5 0 0 Stroud 9 0 0 Stokesley - 10 0 0 Chester 9 0 0 Hutton - 10 6 7 Burslem 70 0 0 Stockton - 40 0 0 Congleton - 20 0 0 Thirsk - 20 16 6 Macclesfield and ) Stockport j 30 0 0 Monkwearmouth 94 7 11 Edinburgh - - 49 16 6 Derby 150 0 0 Dundee - 8 0 0 Nottingham 7 7 0 St. Daniel's - - 21 0 0 Burton 4 8 6 Ireland ^ 300 0 0 Shpffipld e 0 0 OlXCillClil - - Rotherham - o 29 yj 0 0 £2458 19 7 Bradwell 9 0 0 86 1769. Q. 12. What is reserved for contingent expenses ? A. Nothing. ~Q. 13. We have a pressing call from our brethren at New- York, (who have built a preaching-house,) to come over and help them. Who is willing to go ? A. Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmoor. Q. 14. What can we do further in token of our brotherly- love? A. Let us now make a collection among ourselves. (This was immediately done ; and out of it £50 were allotted towards the payment of their debt, and about £20 given to our brethren for \ their passage.) Q. 15. What is the whole debt remaining ? A. Between five and six thousand pounds. Q. 16. What is contributed towards the Preachers' Fund? A. £48. 165. 6d. Q. 17. Who may succeed Mark Davis? A. John Helton and Christopher Hopper. Q. 18. Who may be Clerks for this, and for the money collected on account of the debt ? A. John Helton and Christopher Hopper. Q. 19. What can be done to encourage our brethren in con- tributing to pay the remaining debt ? A. 1. Let whatever is collected in any Circuit be paid away in that Circuit, as long as any debt remains therein. 2. Let whatever is contributed in any single place, which is in debt, pay that as far as it will go. 3. Whereas twelve Circuits are already quite out of debt, let the money contributed therein be always produced at the Conference, which shall be sent wherever we judge it is most wanted. Q. 20. We have this year spent above two days in temporal business. How may we avoid this for the time to come ? A. Let the Clerks do as much of it as they can by themselves, and it will save us half the time. Q. 21. Where and when raa}'^ om* next Conference begin? A. At London, the first Tuesday in August. Q. 22. Does it belong to each Circuit to provide the Preachers who need them with horses, saddles, and bridles ? A. Undoubtedly it does ; for they cannot be supposed to buy them out of their little allowance. Q. 23. Many inconveniences have arisen from the present method of providing for Preachers^ wives. The Preachers who are most wanted in several places cannot be sent thither because they are married. And if they are sent, the people look upon them with an evil eye, because they cannot bear the burden of their families. How may these inconveniences be remedied ? A. 1. Let each Society contribute what it usually does now. 1769. 87 "owards maintaining the families of married Preachers. For Qstance : the London Society can assist two married Preachers, Let them contribute .€5 a quarter ; Sussex, £2. lOs. for one ; Sahsbury Circuit, Bradford, Bristol, Devon, Cornwall East, the same ; Cornwall West, £o ; Staffordshire and Cheshire, £2. 10s. ; Manchester Circuit, £o ; Liverpool, £3. 155.; Derbyshire, ^2. 10*.; Sheflfield, £S. I5s. ; Lincolnshire East, £6 ; West, £3. 155.; Leeds, £5; Birstal, £5; Bradford, £3. 15s.; Haworth, £o ; York, £5 ; Yarm, £5 ; The Dales, £5 ; Newcastle, £7. 10s. Here is provision for six-and-thirty wives, at £2. 10s. a quarter each. At present we have only two-and-thirty in England, besides those that keep themselves. But, as several of them have children, the overplus is to be divided among them as need requires. 2. Let the General Steward in each Circuit see that the sum above-mentioned be paid at the Quarterly Meeting. 3. Let each married Preacher therein receive his share. 4. If anything remains, let the Assistant send it to the nearest Circuit where there is any deficiency, till we can pro- cure a General Steward for this Fund, at London, at Bristol, and at Leeds. By this means, whether the Preachers in any particular Cir- cuit are married or single, it makes no difference ; so that any Preacher may be sent into any Circuit without any difficulty. Q. 24. How shall we procure an exact account of things in Scotland and Ireland ? A. Let John Atlay procure such an account in Scotland, and John Johnson in Ireland. Q. 25. Those who keep the books in many places have been extremely careless : How can this be prevented for the time to come ? A. Let John Helton look over the books in every place, and, where it is needful, change the book-keepers. Friday, August 4ith, Mr. W. read the following paper : — My dear Brethren, 1. It has long been my desire, that all those Ministers of our Church who believe and preach salvation by faith might cordially agree between themselves, and not hinder but help one another. After occasionally pressing this in private con- versation, wherever I had opportunity, I wrote down my thoughts upon the head, and sent them to each iu a letter. Out of fifty or sixty to whom I wrote, only three vouchsafed me an answer. So I give this up. I can do no more. They are a rope of sand ; and such they will continue. 2. But it is otherwise with the Travelling Preachers in our Connexion : you are at present one body. You act in concert 88 1769. with each other, aud by united counsels. And now is the time to consider what can be done in order to continue this union. Indeed, as long as I live, there will be no great difficulty : I am, under God, a centre of union to all our Travelling as well as Local Preachers. They all know me and my communication. They all love me fof my work's sake : and, therefore, were it only out of regard to me, they will continue connected with each other. But by what means may this connexion be preserved when God removes nie from you? 3. I take it for granted, it cannot be preserved by any means between those who have not a single eye. Those who aim at anything but the glory of God, and the salvation of men ; who desire or seek any earthly thing, whether honour, profit, or ease, will not, cannot continue in the Connexion ; it will not answer their design. Some of them, perhaps a fourth of the whole number, will procure preferment in the Church. Others will turn Independents, and get separate congregations, like John Edwards and Charles Skelton. Lay your accounts with this, aud be not surprised if some you do not suspect be of this number. 4. But what method can be taken to preserve a firm union between those who choose to remain together ? Perhaps you might take some such steps as these : — On notice of my death, let all the Preachers in England and Ireland repair to London within six weeks : Let them seek God by solemn fasting and prayer : Let them draw up articles of agreement, to be signed by those who choose to act in concert : Let those be dismissed who do not choose it, in the most friendly manner possible : Let them choose, by votes, a Committee of three, five, or seven, each of whom is to be Moderator in his turn : Let the Committee do what I do now ; propose Preachers to be tried, admitted, or excluded ; fix the place of each Preacher for the ensuing year, and the time of the next Conference. 5. Can anything be done now, in order to lay a foundation for this future union ? Would it not be well, for any that are willing, to sign some articles of agreement before God calls me hence ? Suppose something like these : — " We, whose names are underwritten, being thoroughly con- vinced of the necessity of a close union between those whom God is pleased to use as instruments in this glorious work, in order to preserve this union between ourselves, are resolved, God being our helper, " I. To devote ourselves entirely to God ; denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily ; steadily aiming at one thing, to save our own souls, and them that hear us. 1770. 80 " II. To preach the old Methodist doctrines, and no other, contained in the Minutes of the Conferences. " III. To observe and enforce the whole Methodist discipline, laid down in the said Minutes." The Preachers then desired Mr. W. to extract the most material part of the Minutes, and send a copy to each Assistant, which he might communicate to all the Preachers in his Circuit, to be seriously considered. Our Meeting was then concluded with solemn prayer. LONDON, Tuesday, August 7, ^fC, 1770. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. William Pitt, William Whitaker, Samuel Wells, James Hudson, Francis Wrigley, Samuel Smith, Robert Wilkinson, Thomas Dixon, Richard Whatcoat, Thomas Wride, John Peacock, John Duncan, Joseph Thompson, Jonathan Crowle, Jonathan Hern, William Ashman. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. David Evans, John Bredin, John M'Neese, Joseph Garnet. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. John M'Evoy, Thomas Tennant, Edward Slater, Thomas Janes, James Perfect, William Linnell, John Undrell, John Floyd, William Winby, Stephen Nichols, Richard Wright, George Wadsworth, Richard Rodda, Robert STfan, James Watson, George Mowat, Michael M'Daniel, William Horner. Q. 4. Who desist from travelling? A. Robert Howard, James Brownfield, Joseph Pothergill, James Barry, and James Rea. Q. 5. Who act as Assistants this year? A. John Pawson, Thomas Rankin, Benjamin Rhodes, George Shadford, John Easton, John Furz, John Catermole, James Cotty, Alexander Mather, John Mason, Samuel Wells, Thomas Hanson, James Glassbrook, Jeremiah Robertshaw, John Shaw, Robert Costerdine, James Dempster, William Pitt, Thomas Taylor, Parson Greenwood, Thomas Olivers, Samuel Woodcock, Isaac Brown, John Ellis, Daniel Burastead, John Oliver, Chris- topher Hopper, Richard Seed, Joseph Thompson, Thomas Lee, Thomas Johnson, Jacob Rowell, Peter Jaco, Duncan Wright, George Story, Thomas Simpson, Samuel Levick, Thomas Dixon, Thomas Newall, Stephen Proctor, Richard Bourke, William Collins. Q. 6. Are there any objections to any of the Preachers? A. Name them one by one. (Which was done.) 90 1770. Q. 7. Two years ago it was agreed that Itinerant Preachers ought not to follow trades. How can we secure the observance of this ? A. It is agreed by all the brethren now met in Conference, this 9th day of August, 1770, that no Preacher who will not relinquish his trade of buying and selling, or making and vend- ing pills, drops, balsams, or medicines of any kind, shall be considered as a Travelling Preacher any longer ; and that it shall be demanded of all those Preachers who have traded in cloth, hardware, pills, drops, balsams, or medicines of any kind, at the next Conference, whether they have entirely left it off or not. But observe, we do not object to a Preacher's having a share in a ship. Q. 8. How are the Preachers stationed this year ? A. As follows : — 1 London, John Pawson, John INIurlin, Thomas Rankin, John Allen, John Helton. 2 Sussex, Edward Slater, Francis Wolfe. 3 Ke7it, Benjamin Rhodes, John M'Evoy. 4 Essex, \ George Shadford, 5 Norfolk, j John Murray. 6 Bedfordshire, John Easton, Richard Whatcoat, James Perfect. 7 Oxfordshire, John Furz, John Duncan. 8 Wiltshire, South, John Catermole, Francis Asbury. 9 North, James Cotty, Barnabas Thomas, John Magor. 10 Bristol, Alexander Mather, Thomas Janes. 11 Devonshire, John Mason, Thomas Brisco. 12 Cornwall, East, Samuel Wells, William Brammah, Jonathan Crowle. 13 West, Thomas Hanson, William Ashman, James Stevens, John Floyd. 14 Gloucestershire, James Glassbrook, Martin Rodda. 15 Staffordshire, Jeremiah R&bertshaw, James Clough. 16 Cheshire, North, John Shaw, Joseph Guilford. 17 South, Robert Costerdine, William Linnell. 18 Wales, West, Richard Rodda, William Whitaker. 19 East, James Dempster, William Barker. 20 North, Richard Henderson, William Pitt, John Undrell. 21 Lancashire, South, Thomas Taylor, John Morgan. 22 North, Parson Greenwood, Thomas Westell. 23 Derbyshire, Thomas Olivers, John Poole, William Winby. 24 Sheffield, Samuel Woodcock, Samuel Bardsley. 25 Lincolnshire, East, Isaac Brown, George ]Mowat, Samuel Smith. 26 West, John Ellis, J. W., William Ellis. 27 Leeds, Daniel Bumstead, Thomas Mitchell. 1770. 91 28 Birsfal, John Oliver, John Atlay, Rohert Roberts. 29 Bradford, Christopher Hopper, George Wadsworth. 30 Haworth, Richard Seed, George Hudson, David Evans. 31 Whitehaven, Thomas Wride, Joseph Garnet. 32 York, Joseph Thompson, John Peacock. 33 Scarborough, Thomas Lee, Thomas Carlill. 34 Yarm, Thomas Johnson, John Nelson, William Hunter; James Oddie, Supernumerary. 35 The Dales, Jacob Rowell, Lancelot Harrison, Christopher Watkins. 36 Newcastle, Peter Jaco, Joseph Cownley, Thomas Hanby, Matthew Lowes, Thomas Tennant, 37 Edinburgh, Duncan Wright, William Thompson. 38 Aberdeen, George Story, Thomas Cherry, Robert Swan. 39 Glasgow, Thomas Simpson, Alexander IVPNab. 40 Dublin, Samuel Levick, John Goodwin. 41 Waterford, Jonathan Hern, George Snowden. 42 Cork, Hugh Saunderson. 43 Limerick, James Hudson. 44 Castlebar, Stephen Proctor, Josiah Horner; Robert Swindells, Supernumerary. 45 Athlone, Richard Bourke, John Bredin. 46 Enniskillen, Thomas Dixon, John M'Neese. 47 Armagh, Francis Wrigley, John Smith. 48 Derry, Thomas Newall, Robert Wilkinson. 49 Tandragee, John Wittam, Michael M'Daniel, Thomas Motte. 50 Amei'ica, Joseph Pilmoor, Richard Boardman, Robert Wil- liams, John King. Q. 9. What numbers are in the Society? A. Thev are as follows : — *London - 2292 Lancashire, * South 1406 Sussex 182 North 737 Kent 289 Derbyshire - 883 *Essex 126 Sheffield - 597 *Norfolk 231 *Lincolnshire, East - 717 Bedfordshire 270 West - 760 Oxfordshire - 354 Leeds . 1355 Wiltshire, South 323 Birstal . 965 *North 806 Bradford - 807 Bristol - 1236 Haworth - 1333 Devon 482 Whitehaven - 225 ^Cornwall, East 602 York - 1157 West - 1709 Yarm - 1034 Wales, West 84 The Dales - 912 East - 142 *Newcastle - 1862 North 120 *Dunbar . 30 Staffordshire - 1138 *Edinburgh . 62 ^Cheshire 565 *Glasgow - 76 92 1770. Perth Dundee Aberdeen Arbroath Dublin Waterford Cork Limerick 413 461 164 223 154 Castlebar 388 Athlone 256 Enniskillen - 569 Armagh 299 Londonderry 60 Tan dragee In all, 550 29,406 thus * there are fewer members N. B. In the Circuits mai than there were a year ago. Q. 10. What is the Kingswood Collection? A. £218. 4s. 5d. Q. 11. What is contributed towards the debt? A. £1,958. lOs. 2d. Q. 12. How was this distributed? A. As follows : — £. s. d. £. .9. d. Contingencies 100 0 0 Chester - - 60 8 2 Law 26 0 4 Cardiff - - 3 10 0 London - 170 1 2i St. Daniel's - 9 0 0 Bow 12 10 0 Stockport - 20 5 6 Contingen. for 1769 64 19 6 Bolton - 25 0 0 Printing Minutes 2 19 6 Macclesfield - 21 10 0 Preachers^ Necess. 81 5 3 Newmills - - 12 0 0 Chatham - 20 7 6 Liverpool - 34 0 0 Yarmouth 5 0 0 Congleton - 7 0 0 Norwich - 116 11 Gi Burslera - - 15 0 0 Salisbury 4 13 6 Warrington - 4 0 0 Portsmouth 21 10 9 Burton - 30 0 0 Pareham - 3 3 0 Nottingham - 7 9 9 Bradford 14 12 6 Creitch - 6 1 0 Axminster 13 0 0 Sheffield - - 48 10 2 Hill-Farrance 6 0 0 Boston - 21 10 0 Collumpton 4 0 0 Louth - 14 16 0 K-edruth - 10 0 0 Leeds - 10 0 0 St. John's 32 15 8 Rothwell - 17 15 0 Kerley 5 0 0 Horbury - - 17 10 0 Stithians - 4 0 0 Armley - - 17 10 0 Old Gwennap 20 0 0 Seacroft - - 17 10 0 New ditto 2 2 2 Bradford - - 50 6 8 Stroud 20 0 0 Heptonstall - 4 12 0 Wednesbury 3 2 6 Rochdale - 85 0 0 Birmingham 32 15 6 Millend - - 1 10 6 Darlaston 3 3 4 Bacup - 5 10 0 Cradley - 3 11 0 Padihara - 8 0 0 Stourbridge 13 7 6 Yeadon - 1 10 0 Wolverhampton - 5 0 0 Bingley - - 6 6 2 Dudley - 2 0 0 Whitehaven - 12 12 11 1770. 93 £. s. d. £. s. d. 10 0 0 Ireland, being so ) 9 0 0 much collected !>163 19 0 5 13 0 there J 24 12 1 Aberdeen - 50 0 0 4 12 6 Arbroath - - 5 5 0 30 17 9 Dundee - - 56 0 0 10 3 0 Perth - 5 0 0 36 15 7 Glasgow - - 12 0 0 60 6 6 Edinburgh - 23 0 0 5 0 10 0 3 0 £1960 12 9 19 2 6 York Yarm Stockton Whitby - Hutton Thirsk - Stokesley Barnardcastle Weardale - Teesdale - Shields Monk wearmouth The old debt is only reduced i81,000 this year, and the new £700. Q. 13, What is the whole debt remaining? A. The old, £5,671. The new debt, £1,287. Q. 14. We gain no ground. The debt is larger now than it was last year. How can we prevent its farther increase ? A. By putting an absolute stop to all building for the ensuing year. Let no new house be built; no addition or alteration made in any old one, unless the proposers thereof can and will defray the whole expense of it without lessening their Yearly SuDscription, Q. 15. What can be done in order to pay the old debt? A. 1. Give a note to each Assistant, specifying the debts toward which the money collected in each Circuit next year is to be paid. 2. Let each Assistant encourage the people in each place, like those in Birmingham, to make a push toward paying off their own debt. 3. Consider the proposal of vesting all the houses in a general trust, consisting of persons chosen out of the whole nation. Only beware this does not interfere with the Yearly Subscription. Do not drop the substance by catching at a shadow. Q. 16. What shall we do to prevent scandal, when any of our members becomes a bankrupt ? A. In this case, let two of the principal members of the Society be deputed to examine his accounts : and, if he has not kept fair accounts, or has been concerned in that base practice of raising money by coining notes, (commonly called the bill-trade,) let him be immediately expelled the Society. Q. 17. What is contributed toward the Preachers' Fund? A. £47. 55. 3d. Q. 18. Where and when may our next Conference begin? A. At Bristol, the first Tuesday in August. Q. 19. How many Preachers' wives are to be provided fcr ? A. Forty-three. 94 1770. S Q. 20. By what Societies? A. As follows: — The Society in London provides for S.Easton, Barker, And Sussex, for S. Wolfe. Wilts, South, 1 for S. Mather and Bristol, j and Janes. Devon, for S, Brisco. Cornwall East, for S. Braramah, and half for S. Henderson. Cornwall West, S. Pitt, S. Whitaker, and half for S. Henderson. Gloucestershire, for S. Richard Rodda. StafFordshire,for S. Robertshaw. Sheffield, ha/f for S. Clough. Cheshire North, for S. Shaw. Haworth, \ half each for S. Bradford, ) Guilford. Cheshire South, for S. Coster- dine. Lancashire South, for S. Taylor and S. Morgan. Q. 21. But some have children Lancashire North, for S. Greenwood and Westell. Derbyshire, for S. Poole. Sheffield, for S. Woodcock. Lincolnshire East, for S. Brown and Swan. Lincolnshire West, for S. W. and Ellis. Leeds, for S, Bumstead and Mitchell. Birstal, S. Oliver and Atlay. Bradford, S. Hopper, ha/f for S. Guilford. Haworth, S, Evans and Garnet. York, S. Peacock and Carlill. Scarborough, S. Lee. Yarm, S. Nelson, and The Dales, S . Rowell & Harrison . Newcastle, S. Jaco, Hanby, and Lowes. . How are these to be provided for? A. By the Societies where they labour. Q. 22. What poor children may be admitted now at Kings- wood School? A. John Poole's child, and John Peacock's. Q. 23. But how can we secure our masters ? A. Ask each, before he is received. Do you design to stay here ? Have you any thoughts of being ordained ? Have you any design to preach ? Q. 24. How shall we procure an exact account of things in Scotland and Ireland? A. Let Duncan Wright procure such an account in Scotland, and John Johnson in Ireland. Q. 25. The late evening preaching, in some places, prevents morning preaching. Is this right? A. No. Let the evening preaching never begin later than seven, in any place, except in harvest- time. Q. 26. How shall each Assistant know the Exhorters in his Circuit ? A. Let each give his successor a list of them. Q. 27. How can we prevent the loss, which many Circiuts have sustained, by want of preaching during the Conference ? A. Let no Preacher who does not attend the Conference leave 1770. 95 the Circuit at that time, on any pretence whatever. This is the most improper time in the whole year. Let every Assistant see to this, and require each of these to remain in the Circuit till the new Preachers come. Q. 28. What can be done to revive the work of God where it is decayed ? A. 1. We must needs visit from house to house, were it only to avoid idleness. I am afraid we are idle still. Do we not loiter away many hours in every week ? Try yourselves. Keep a diary of your employment but for a week, and then read it over. No idleness can consist with growth in grace. Nay, without exactness in redeeming time, it is impossible to retain even the life you received in justification. Can we find a better method of visiting than that set down in the Minutes of 1766, pp. 63 — 68. When will you begin? 2. Observe what is remarked in the Minutes of 1768, pp. 79 — 81 ; particularly With regard to dispersing the books. With regard to field-preaching. With regard to morning preaching, wherever jou can have twenty hearers. With regard to singing, to fasting, and to instantaneous deliverance from sin. 3. Let a fast be observed in all our Societies, on Friday, Sept. 28, and on the Friday after New-Year's-day, after Lady-day, and after Midsummer-day next. 4. Observe what is said, p. 82, with regard to the children in every large town, with regard to Mr. Brainerd, and with regard to the Church. 5. Let every Assistant so order the Sunday-noon preaching in his Circuit, that no Preacher may be kept from church above two Sundays in four. 6. Take heed to your doctrine. We said, in 1744, "We have leaned too much toward Calvin- ism.^' Wherein ? 1. With regard to man's faithfulness. Our Lord Himself taught to use the expression. And we ought never to be ashamed of it. We ought steadily to assert, on His authority, that if a man is not " faithful in the unrighteous mammon,^' God will not give him the true riches. 2. With regard to ivorking for life. This also our Lord has expressly commanded us. "Labour" — Ipy a ^ecrSs, literally, " work" — " for the meat that endureth to everlasting life." And, in fact, every believer, till he comes to glory, works for as well as from life. 3. We have received it as a maxim, that "a man is to do nothing in order to justification." Nothing can be more false. 9G 1 770. Whoever desires to find favour with God sliould " cease from evil, and learn to do well." Whoever repents should do " works meet for repentance." And if this is not in order to find favour, what does he do them for ? Review the whole affair. 1. Who of us is now accepted of God? He that now believes in Christ, with a loving, obedient heart. 2. But who among those that never heard of Christ? He that feareth God, and worketh righteousness, according to the light he has. 3. Is this the same with "he that is sincere?'^ Nearly, if not quite. 4. Is not this " salvation by works ? " Not by the merit of works, but by works as a condition. 5. What have we then been disputing about for these thirty years ? I am afraid, about words. 6. As to mei'it itself, of which we have been so dreadfully afraid : we are rewarded " according to our works," yea, " because of our works." How does this differ from for the sake of our works? And how differs this from secundum merita operum, — as our works deserve ? Can you split this hair ? I doubt I cannot. 7. The grand objection to one of the preceding propositions is drawn from matter of fact. God does in fact justify those who, by their own confession, neither feared God nor wrought right- eousness. Is this an exception to the general rule ? It is a doubt, God makes any exception at all. But how are we sure that the person in question never did fear God and work righteousness? His own saying so is not proof: for we know how all that are convinced of sin undervalue themselves in every respect. 8. Does not talking of a justified or a sanctified state tend to mislead men? almost naturally leading them to trust in what was done in one moment? Whereas, we are every hour and every moment pleasing or displeasing to God, according to our works; according to the whole of our inward tempers, and our outward behaviour. 1771. 97 BRISTOL, Tuesday, August 6, 1771. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. John Bredin, Joseph Garnet, James Perfect, WiUiara Lin- nell, Riciiard-ffiright, William Winby, John Floyd, John Undrell, George Wadsworth, Robert Swan, James Watson, George Mowat, Charles Boon, Michael M'Donald, and William Horner. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. David Evans, Edward Slater, and Thomas Tennant. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. Joseph Benson, Samuel Tooth, James Hindmarsb, John Watson, John Bristol, John Brettell, Thomas Tatton, and Thomas Eden. Q. 4. Who act as Assistants this year ? A. Alexander Mather, George Shadford, John Easton, Samuel Wells, William Pitt, Richard Bourke, John Pawsoii, Thomas Johnson, George Hudson, Thomas Rankin, John Eurz, James Dempster, John Ellis, Robert Costerdine, Joseph Guil- ford, John Shaw, Thomas Taylor, Parson Greenwood, Thomas Olivers, Daniel Bumstead, Benjamin Rhodes, John Peacock, Robert Roberts, John Oliver, Thomas Hanson, Jeremiah Robertshaw, John Mason, Isaac Brown, Thomas Lee, Christopher Hopper, Jacob Rowell, Peter Jaco, Duncan Wright, George Story, John Goodwin, James Glassbrook, Thomas Dixon, William Collins, Francis Wrigley, Robert Wilkinson, James Hudson, Thomas Wride, Alexander M'Nab. Q. 5. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers ? A. Examine them one by one. (Which was done.) Q. 6. How are they stationed this year? A. As follows : — 1 London, J. W., C. W., A. Mather, Joseph Benson, John Allen, John Helton. 2 Kent, James Clough, John Duncan. 3 Sussex, Thomas Newall, William Whitaker. 4 Norwich, George Shadford, John Floyd, John Undrell. 5 Bedfordshire, John Easton, Martin Rodda, John M'Evoy. 6 Oxfordshire, Samuel Wells, William Barker, 7 Wiltshire, South, William Pitt, William Ashman. 8 North, Richard Bourke, Thomas Brisco, James Hindmarsb. 9 Bristol, John Pawson, John Murlin. 10 Devon, Thomas Johnson, Jonathan Crowle. 11 Cornwall, East, George Hudson, William Brammah, Richard Rodda. 13 West, Thomas Rankin, Francis Wolfe, Samuel Tooth, William Ellis. 13 Pembrokeshire, John Furz. Vol. I. H 98 1771. 14 Glamorganshire, John Bristol, John Brettelh 15 Brecon, James Dempster, Robert Empringham. 16 Gloucestershire, John EUis, James Cotty. 17 Staffordshire, Robert Costerdine, Richard Seed. 18 Chester, Joseph Guilford, Barnabas Thomas. 19 Macclesfield, John Shaw, Samuel Smith, Thomas Tatton. 20 Manchester, Thomas Taylor, John Bredin. 21 Liverpool, Parson Greenwood, Samuel Woodcock. 22 Derbyshire, Thomas Olivers, Samuel Bardsley, David Evans. 23 Lincolnshire, East, Benjamin Rhodes, Lancelot Harrison, Thomas Tennant. 24 West, John Peacock, George INIowat, Charles Boon. 25 Sheffield, DanielBumstead, Joseph Garnet, JohnMoulson. 26 Leeds, Robert Roberts, Thomas Mitchell. 27 Birstal, John Oliver, John Morgan, Thomas Westell. 28 Bradford, Thomas Hanson, John Atlay. 29 Haivorth, Jeremiah Ptobertshaw, Stephen Proctor, John Poole, 30 Whitehaven, John Mason, William Linnell. 31 Yoi'k, Isaac Brown, John Nelson. 82 Hull, Joseph Thompson, J. W., Thomas Lee. 33 Yarm, Chris. Hopper, Thomas Carlill, Robert Swan. 34 The Dales, Jacob Rowell, Joseph Harper, William Hunter. 35 Newcastle, Peter Jaco, William Thompson, Thomas Simp- son, Joseph Cownley. 36 Edinburgh, Duncan Wright, Thomas Hanby, Christopher Watkin, Hugh Saunderson. 37 Aberdeen, George Story, George Wadsworth, James Watson; Thomas Cherry, Supernumerary. 38 Dublin, John Goodwin, William Winby. 39 Wat erf or d, William Horner. 40 Cork, James Glassbrook, John Murray. 41 Limerick, William Collins. 42 Athlone, Thomas Dixon, Edward Slater, George Snow- den; Robert Swindells, Supernumerary. 43 Gastlebar, Francis Wrigley, Jonathan Hern, Michael M'Donald. 44 Enniskillen, Robert Wilkinson, James Perfect, Richard Whatcoat, John Smith. 45 Londonderry, James Hudson. 46 Armagh, Thomas Wride, Nehemiah Price. 47 Newry, Alexander M'Nab, John Wittara, John Watson. 48 America, Richard Boardman, Joseph Pilmoor, Francis Asbury, Richard Wright. Q. 7. Our brethren in America call aloud for help. Who are j willing to go over and help them? A. Five were wilUng. The two appointed were Francis Asbury and Richard Wright. 1771. 99 Q. 8. What numl lers i ire in the Society ? A. They are as follows >: — LondoQ . 2420 Birstal . 1111 Sussex - 206 Bradford - 831 *Kent . 280 *Haworth - 1241 Norfolk . 389 Whitehaven . 237 *Bedfordshire - - 284 York - - 558 *Oxfordshire - - 350 Scarborough - _ 596 ^Wiltshire, South . 277 *Yarm . 970 North - 851 *The Dales - . 874 Bristol - 1271 *Newcastle - 1747 ^Devonshire - - 402 Edinburgh . 137 ^Cornwall, East - 570 Aberdeen . 668 West - 1927 Glasgow - 87 Gloucestershire - 387 *Dublin _ 402 * Staffordshire . 706 *Waterford - 160 Chester, North - 559 Cork - . 260 South -- 849 Limerick - 168 Wales, West - 112 Castlebar - 418 *East - - 130 Athtone . 316 ' North - - 137 Enniskillen - 669 *Lancashire, South - 879 * Armagh - - . 254 *North - 622 Derry - 405 Derbyshire - 896 Newry - 580 ^Sheffield - 652 America - 316 *Lincolnshire, East Wes 660 806 b - In all 31,338 Leeds - - 1711 N.B, In the Circuits marked thus * there are fewer members than there were a year a 2f0. Q. 9. What is the Kingswood Collection ? A. £230. 1*. 8^. \ Q. 10. What is contributed toward the debt ? A. dl,665. 13s. 8id. Q. 11. How was this distributed ? A. As follows : — £. s. d. £. s. d. London 159 14 1 Chester, South - 30 8 6 Chatham - 11 11 6 Lancashire, North 35 11 9 Norwich - 237 16 7 South 53 5 8 Wilts, North - 28 0 0 Derbyshire 35 8 7 Pensford 40 0 0 Sheffield 30 10 6 Bath - 40 0 0 Lincoln, East - 21 13 4 Devonshire 19 12 6 Leeds - 74 0 0 Cornwall, W. - 25 10 0 Birstal - 85 11 0 Stroud - 21 12 9 Bradford 46 8 8 Staffordshire 87 2 1 Haworth 50 0 0 Chester, North - 56 10 8 H Whitehaven 2 5 0 0 L^' Scarborough Yarm - The Dales Newcastle Edinburgh Aberdeen 100 £. s. d. 1 18 3 3 1 Preachers & 41 4 0 I Law 57 0 0 ! Cork - 75 1 3 Derry - 78 0 0 I 7 0 0 1771. £. s. d. 180 16 1 10 0 0 25 0 0 In all £1,687 1.2 9 N.B. Here is more expended than received : this was supplied out of money which was borrowed. The old debt is only reduced 561,212. 7*. 7d. this year; the new, £272. IO5. Q. 12. Still we gain little ground. What can be done to remove this heavy burden ? A. Try a new method. 1. Let eveiy Methodist in England, Scotland, and Ireland give for one year a penny a week. 2. Let those who are not poor in each Society pay for those that are. 3. Let any of them who are minded contribute farther weekly, as they shall see good. 4. Let this be paid by the Leaders to the Assistant in each Circuit; and let him, 5. Bring it to the ensuing Conference. If this is done, it will both pay our whole debt, and supply all contingencies. Q. 13. Where and when may this begin? A. At Leeds, the first Tuesday in August. Q. 14. What is added this year to the Preachers' Fund ? A. £63. 8s. ^d. Q. 15. What is given out of it? A. To Ehzabeth Standring Elizabeth Oldham Mary Penington Ehzabeth Dillon Q. 16. What remains? A. £27. Ss. 5d. Q. 17. How many Preachers' wives are to be provided for? A. Eorty-four. (For three are removed, and four added.) £. s. d. £. s. d. Samuel Levick - 5 5 0 10 0 0 Richard Lucas - 5 5 0 5 5 5 5 0 0 £36 5 0 5 5 0 Q. 18. By what Societies? A. London, S. Mather, Duncan, Clough, half. Sussex, S. Whitaker. Cornwall, West, S. Easton, Wolfe, Crowle, half. Bristol, S. Barker, Pitt. Devon, S. Ashman, half; Cotty, half Wilts, North, S. Bourke, Brisco. Cornwall, East, S. Brammah, Rodda. Gloucestershire, S. Ellis. Staffordshire, S. Costerdine. Chester, S. Guilford. Manchester, S. Thomas, Tay- lor. Macclesfield, S. Shaw. Liverpool, S. Greenwood, Woodcock. 1772. 101 Derbyshire, S. Evans. Grimsby, S. Harrison, Westell. Epworth, S. Peacock, Lee. Sheffield, S. Bumstead. Leeds, S. Garnet, Mitchell. Birstal, S. Oliver, Morgan. Bradford, S. Atlay. Haworth, S. Robertshaw, Poole. York &) S.Brown, |S. Wal- Hull, J S, Nelson, j dron. The Dales, S. Rowell, Hunter. Yarm, S. Hopper, Carlill. Newcastle, S. Swan, Jaco, Hanby. LEEDS, Tuesday, August 4, 1773. Q. 1. What Preachers are ADMITTED this year? A. Joseph Benson, Thomas Tatton, John Bristol, John Pritchard. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. Edward Slater, David Evans, Thomas Tennant, James Hindmarsh, John Watson, John Brettell : because they were not present ; otherwise they might have been admitted. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. William Eels, John Roberts, William Severn, John Broad- bent, Thomas Payne, Thomas Rutherford, Robert Dall, John Watson, John M'Burney, Robert Davis, and John Price. Q. 4. Who desist from travelling ? A. W. P. and B. T. Q. 5. Who act as Assistants this year? A. Alexander Mather, John Easton, William Barker, James Clough, Thomas Hanson, Samuel Wells, Richard Bourke, George Shadford, John Pawson, John Goodwin, Robert Wilkin- son, James Dempster, Stephen Proctor, Martin Rodda, John Furz, Francis Wolfe, Thomas Brisco, John Oliver, Samuel Woodcock, John Murlin, John ]\Iason, John Shaw, Benjamin Rhodes, Isaac Browm, Daniel Bumstead, William Thompson, T. Taylor, John Atlay, Thomas Johnson, Jeremiah Robertshaw, Thomas Rankin, William Hunter, Joseph Thompson, James Watson, Christopher Hopper, George Story, Duncan Wright, Peter Jaco, James Glassbrook, William Collins, John Chinstian, George Snowden, James Hudson, Richard Whatcoat, and Thomas Wride, Q. 6. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers ? A. Examine them one by one. (Which was done.) Q. 7. How are they stationed this year ? A. As follows : — 1 London, J. W., A. Mather, Thomas Olivers, Thomas Payne. 2 Kent, John Easton, John Undrell. 3 Sussex, William Barker, John Duncan. 4 Norwich, James Clough, John Pritchard, John Broad- bent; Thomas Tennant, Supernumerary. 102 1772. 5 Bedfordshire, Thomas Hanson, W. Ashman, John M'Evoy. 6 Oxfordshire, Samuel Wells, William Brammah. 7 Wiltshire, South, Richard Bourke, William Eels. 8 North, George Shadford, James Hindmarsh, Jonathan Crowle, Thomas Newall. 9 Bristol, John Pawson, George Hudson ; John Allen, Supernumerary. 10 Devon, John Goodwin, James Cotty. 11 Cornwall, East, Robert Wilkinson, William Ellis, John Roberts. 12 West, James Dempster, Richard Rodda, Joseph Bradford, William Whitaker. 13 Pembrokeshire, Stephen Proctor, Charles Boon. 14 Glamorganshire, Martin Rodda, James Barry. 15 Brecon, John Furz, John Brettell. 16 Gloucestershire, Francis Wolfe, Richard Seed. 17 Staffordshire, Thomas Brisco, Thomas Hanby. John Oliver, Robert Costerdine. Samuel Woodcock, David Evans, John Bristol. John Murlin, Joseph Guilford. John Mason, Robert Roberts. John Shaw, Samuel Bardsley, Joseph Harper. 23 Lincolnshire, East, Benjamin Rhodes, Joseph Garnet, Thomas WesteU. West, Isaac Brown, John Peacock, Robert Empringham. Daniel Bumstead, William Severn, Thomas CarhU. William Thompson, Thomas Lee, Parson Greenwood. Thomas Taylor, Thomas Mitchell, John Nelson. John Atlay, John Morgan. Thomas Johnson, John Poole, Thomas Tatton. Jeremiah Robertshaw, William Liunell. Thomas Rankin, J. W. William Hunter, Lancelot Harrison, M. F. Joseph Thompson, John Bredin, Samuel Smith. Robert Swan, James Watson, George Mowat; Thomas Cherry, Supernumerary. Christopher Hopper, Jacob RoweU, Joseph Benson, Thomas Simpson. George Story, Alexander M'Nab, Hugh Saunderson, George Wadsworth. 18 Chester, 19 Macclesfield, 20 Manchester, 21 Liverpool, 22 Derbyshire, 24 25 Sheffield, 26 Leeds, 27 Birstal, 28 Bradford, 29 Haworth, 30 Whitehaven, 31 York, 32 Hull, 33 Yarm, 34 The Dales, 35 Newcastle, 30 Edinburgh, 1772. 103 37 Aberdeen, Duncan Wri ght, Thomas Dixon, Christopher Watkins, Thomas Rutherford, Robert Dall. 38 Dublin, Peter Jaco, 39 Waterford, James Glassbrook, Francis Wrigley . 40 Cork, William Collins, Jonathan Hern, Swindells. Robert 41 Limerick, Edward Slater. 43 Athlone, John Christian, James Perfect, Horner. William 43 Castlebar, George Snowden, T. H., Robert Davis. 44 Enniskillen, Jjimes Hudson, John Watson, M'Donald, John M'Burney. Michael 45 Londonderry, John Floyd. 46 Armagh, Richard Whatcoat, John Wittam. 47 Newry, Thomas Wride, Nehemiah Price, John Murray, John Price. 48 America, Francis Asbury, Richard Boardman, Joseph Pilmoor, Richard Wright. Q. 8. What numbers are in the Societ}' ? ^. They are as ; follows : — London - 2,441 Leeds - 1,826 *Sussex - 193 Birstal - 1,155 Kent - - 334 Bradford - 849 Norfolk - 410 *Haworth - 1,219 ^Bedfordshire - 274 Whitehaven - - 256 Oxfordshire - 390 *York - 536 Wiltshire, South . 278 Hull - - 608 *North - 823 *Yarm - 883 ^Bristol - 1,249 The Dales - 1,003 Devonshire - 419 Newcastle - 1,747 Cornwall, East - 639 *Ediuburgh - 245 *West - 1,814 Aberdeen - 458 Gloucestershire - 391 *Dubhn - 347 *Staffordshire - 696 Waterford - 124 Cheshire, North - 544 *Cork - 220 South - 975 Limerick - 168 Wales, West - - 112 Castlebar - 357 East - - 130 Athlone - 326 North - 167 Enniskillen - 937 Lancashire, South - 907 Armagh - 347 North - 687 Londonderry - 483 Derbyshire - 903 *Newry - 483 Sheffield - 725 America - 500 Lincolnshire, East 'i^WesI - 690 : - 716 In all 31,984 N.B. In the Circuits marked thus * there is a Year. 104 1772. Q. 9. What is the Kingswood Collection ? A. £228. 9s. lOd. Q. 10. What is contributed toward the debt ? A. £3,076. 7s. 8d. Q. 11. How was it distributed? A. As follows : — £. s. d. £. s. d. Law . 83 19 0 Burslem - - 56 5 9 Contingencies oi } 83 11 2 Macclesfield - 56 6 0 last year Congleton - 35 5 5 Ditto for the pre } 99 13 4 Creitch - - 10 0 0 sent year Brecknock - 8 0 0 Borrowed for ) 55 0 0 Newmills - - 40 0 0 Ireland j - Stockport - 25 0 0 To relieve Preachers 119 13 5 Rochdale - 77 3 3 London - - 100 0 0 Bury - 7 0 0 Norwich - . 200 0 0 Liverpool - 27 1 2 Chatham . 30 15 0 Warrington - 10 2 0 Colchester - 5 0 0 Bolton - 28 13 5 Witney - 9 12 3 Derby - 21 4 9 Newbury - 2 2 0 Burton - 76 0 0 Portsmouth - 30 0 3 Nottingham - 77 15 4 Salisbury - 8 6 6 Ashby - 12 4 0 Fareham - 5 5 0 Bradwell . 5 0 0 Bradford, Wilts. . 17 5 8 Sheffield - - 40 0 0 Shaftesbury - 5 5 0 Doncaster - 20 0 0 Shepton - - 50 0 0 Boston . 50 0 0 Bath . 47 7 0 Louth - 5 0 0 Paulton - _ 5 0 0 Rothwell - 30 0 0 Pensford - . 7 0 0 Armley - - 10 12 0 Axminster - 14 0 0 Horbury - - 40 0 0 Combstock . 8 15 4 Seacroft - - 30 0 0 Hill-Farrance . 6 0 0 Dawgreen - 160 0 0 Sidmouth . 21 0 0 Thong - - 13 0 0 Lympsham . 9 ]0 0 Bradford, Yorks. 100 18 10 Kedruth - 10 10 0 Halifax . 28 7 0 Bisveale . 2 10 0 Bingley - - 2 10 0 St. John's - 7 7 0 Bacup - 16 0 0 Camborne . 6 6 0 Padiham - 6 0 0 Tuckingmill . 4 10 0 Millend - 8 14 0 Stroud . 74 0 0 Heptonstall - 25 0 0 Worcester . 70 0 0 Hull - 130 0 0 Darlaston - 20 0 0 Whitby - - 100 0 0 Craidley - ■ 14 7 0 Stockton - - 15 0 0 Stourbridge . 5 7 8 Yarm - 20 0 0 Birmingham - 12 0 0 Thirsk - . 8 5 6 Wolverhampton - 10 0 0 Stokesley - 2 0 0 Chester - - 80 0 0 Barnardcastle - 10 0 0 1772. 105 s. 0 Monkwearmouth - 30 2 6 Kilkenny - 70 Edinburgh - 56 10 0 Newry - - 6 0 0| Dunbar - - 46 10 0 Newcastle - 10 0 0 Greenock- - 20 0 0 Dublin - - 38 11 6 Total ^3,078 1 0^ Cork - - 15 0 0 Q. 12. What can be done toward paying the remaining debt? A. 1. Let us make a trial of another method. Instead of a subscription, let a collection be made at every preaching-house, some time in next autumn. (The Kingswood Collection as usual.) 2. Let all the money collected be produced at the next Con- ference : and we will return to every house that is in debt (provided it be old debt, not otherwise) at least what was collected there. Q. 13. Where and when may the next Conference begin? A. At London, the first Tuesday in August. Q. 14. What is contributed to the Preachers' Fund ? A. £83. Us. Sd. Q. 15. What was given out of it? A. £38. Q. 16. How many Preachers' wives are to be provided for ? A. Forty-four. Q. 17. By what Societies? A. By the following : — London, S. Mather, Duncan, Clough, half. Sussex, S. Barker. Wilts, North, S. Bourke, Brisco. Bristol, S. Barry, Christian. Cornwall, East, S. Brammah. West, S. Whitaker, Rodda, Easton. Gloucestershire, S. Wolfe, Devonshire, S. Cotty, half; S. Crowle,^ half . StaflFordshire, S. Hanby. Chester, S. Oliver. Macclesfield, S. Woodcock. Derbyshire, S. Shaw, Evans. Manchester, S. Costerdine, Taylor. Liverpool, S. Roberts, Morgan. Q. 18. Several Assistants were accounts were wanted. How prevented ? Lincolnshire, East, S. Westell, Garnet. West, S. Brown, Peacock. Sheffield, S. Bumstead. Leeds, S. Thompson, Lee, Greenwood. Birstal, S. Mitchell, Nelson. Bradford, S. Atlay. Haworth, S. Robertshaw, Poole, York&lJ.W., IS.Harri- Hull, J S. Hunter, ) son. The Dales, S. Swan, Empring- ham. Yarm, S. Story. Newcastle, S. Hopper, Simpson, Rowell. not present when their may this inconvenience be 106 1773. A. Let all the Assistants be present on Sunday evening before tlie Conference, that they may give in their accounts on Monday Uioruiij}?. LONDON, Tuesday, August 3, 1773. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. Edwai'd Slater, David Evans, Thomas Tennant, James Hindmarsh, John Brettell, William Severn, John Broadbent, Robert Empringham, Nehemiah Price, Thomas Payne. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. Thomas Rutherford, Michael Moorhouse, Robert Dall, John Price, John M'Burney, Robert Davis, William Eels, John AVatson, jun. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. Richard Hunt, Joseph Bradford, James Wood, Samuel Randall, JohnWilshaw, Victory Purdy, William Percival, Ralph Mather, Jasper Robiusou, William Dufton, Joseph Moore, John Leech. Q. 4. Who DESIST FROM TRAVELLING? A. J. G., William Ellis, Wilham Linnell, John Watson, sen. Q. 5. Who act as Assistants this year? A. Daniel Bumstead, Alexander Mather, John Easton, James Clough, Samuel Wells, Hugh Saunderson, Richard Bourke, George Hudson, John Furz, John Goodwin, James Dempster, Robert Wilkinson, Richard Whatcoat, Richard Rodda, James Barry, John Allen, Thomas Hanby, John Oliver, Thomas Hanson, John Mason, Robert Roberts, John Sliaw, Jeremiah Robertshaw, Isaac Brown, Parson Greenwood, Thomas Lee, Thomas Taylor, Thomas Johnson, Jacob Rowell, William Hunter, Benjamin Rhodes, Duncan AVright, George Story, Christopher Hopper, William Thompson, Thomas Dixon, Peter Jaco, John Murray, Francis Wrigley, James Glassbrook, John Christian, Michael Moorhouse, Alexander M'Nab, John Pritchard. Q. 6. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. Examine them one by one. (Which was done.) Q. 7. How are they stationed this year? A. As follows : — Thomas Olivers travels with Mr. Wesley. 1 London, Daniel Bumstead, John Atlay, John Murlin. 2 Kent, Alexander Mather, Samuel Smith. 3 Sussex, John Easton, John Undrell. 4 Norwich, James Clough, John Brettell, Richard Hunt, James Wood. 5 Bedfordshire, Samuel Wells, William Ashman. 6 Oxfordshire, Hugh Saunderson, John Wittarai. 7 Wiltshire, South, William Collins, John Cjowle. 1773. 107 8 Wiltshire, North, George Hudson, Richard Bouvke, Thomas Newall, Victory Purdy. 9 Bristol, John Allen, Francis Wolfe, Joseph Bradford ; John Pawson, Supernumerary. 10 Devon, John Goodwin, James Hindmarsh. 11 Cornwall, East, James Dempster, Martin Rodda, George Shorter. 12 West, Robert Wilkinson, James Cotty, Thomas Carlill, Joseph Moore. 13 Pembrokeshire, Richard Whatcoat, Charles Boon. 14 Glamorgan, Richard Rodda, W. Whitaker. 15 Brecon, James Barry, Stephen Proctor. 16 Gloucestershire, John Furz, William Severn. 17 Staffordshire, Thomas Hanby, Joseph Harper. 18 Chester, John Oliver, Thomas Brisco. 19 Macclesfield, Thomas Hanson, Thomas Westell, Samuel Bardsley. 20 Manchester, John Mason, Lancelot Harrison. 21 Liverpool, Robert Roberts, John Morgan. 22 Derbyshire, John Shaw, Richard Seed, William Percival. 23 Lincolnshire, East, Samuel Woodcock, John Peacock, John Wilsbaw. 24 West, Jeremiah Robertshaw, David Evans, Jasper Robinson. 25 Sheffield, Isaac Brown, John Leech, William Dufton. 26 Leeds, Parson Greenwood, John Nelson, J. W. 27 Birstal, Thomas Lee, Thomas Mitchell, John Poole. 28 Bradford, Thomas Taylor, William Barker, Thomas Tennant. 29 Haworth, Thomas Johnson, Edward Slater, Robert Costerdine. 30 Whitehaven, Jacob Rowell, George Mowat. 31 York, William Hunter, Thomas Wride. 32 Hull, Benjamin Rhodes, George Wadsworth, Robert Empringham. 33 Yarm, Duncan Wright, Joseph Thompson, William Brammah. 34 The Dales, George Story, Christopher Watkins, M. E. 35 Newcastle, Christopher Hopper, James Hudson, Robert Swan, William Eels. 36 Edinburgh, William Thompson, Joseph Benson, John Broadbent. 37 Aberdeen, Thomas Dixon, Thomas Rutherford, John Bredin, Thomas Tatton, Robert DaU. 38 Dublin, Peter Jaco, John Floyd. 39 Waterford, John Murray, Michael M'Donald. 40 Cork, Francis Wrigley, John Bristol. 41 Limerick, Jonathan Hern; Robert Swindells, Supernum, 108 1773. 42 AthJone, 43 Castlebar, 44 Enniskillen, 45 Londonderry, 46 Armagh, 47 Newry, \J48 America, James Glassbrook, George Snowden. John Christian, William Horner, John Price. JNIichael Moorhouse, T. H., John M'Burney. Alexander M'Nab, James Perfect. Barnabas Thomas, Thomas Payne, John Watson, jun. John Pritchard, James AVatson, Nehemiah Price. Thomas Rankin, George Shadford, Francis Asbury, Richard Boardman, Richard Wright, Joseph Pilmoor, Robert Williams, John King. 8. What numbers are in the Society ? They are as follows : — Q A London *Kent Sussex Norfolk Bedfordshire - Oxfordshire - Wiltshire, Soutli North Bristol Devonshire ^Cornwall, East *West Gloucestershire ^Staffordshire Cheshire, North South Wales, West - East - *North - Lancashire, South North Derbyshire Sheffield Lincolnshire, East West 2442 Leeds 311 Birstal 223 Bradford 485 *Haworth 282 Whitehaven 442 *York 340 Hull - 872 =i^Yarm 1360 The Dales 425 ^Newcastle 573 Edinburgh 1421 Aberdeen 420 Dublin 631 Waterford 547 Cork- 1076 Limerick 141 Castlebar 112 Athlone 117 Enniskillen 987 Armagh 724 Londonderry 1057 Newry 9 l(h -^America 739 650 In all 1902 1185 900 1212 272 510 620 874 1053 1716 260 470 174 230 170 404 436 1160 370 175 486 1000 33,274 N.B. In the Circuits marked thus * there is a decrease this year Q. A Q. A 9. What is the Kingswood Collection ? £229. 165. M. What children are admitted ? Brother Barry's, Greenwood's, Poole's. Q. 10. What is contributed toward the debt? A. =g2,237. 155. 9d. Q. 11. llow was it distributed? 1773. 109 A. As follows : — £. s. d. £. s. d. Law - 184 19 2 Warrington 5 14 0 Contingencies - 51 0 0 Nottingham 37 1 4 Chatham 120 0 0 Burton 90 0 0 Sheerness 20 0 0 Boston 40 0 0 Norwich 180 0 0 Louth 20 0 0 Sarum 20 0 0 Rotherham 50 0 0 Portsmouth 20 0 0 Brad well 5 0 0 Fareham 12 0 0 Doncaster 30 0 0 Bradford, Wilts. 34 1 3 Bradford 149 5 0 Shaftesbury 80 0 0 Halifax 15 15 0 Shepton 96 0 0 Bingley 24 0 0 Frome 4 0 0 Heptonstall 20 0 0 Lympsham 8 0 0 Padiham 20 0 0 Axminster 4 0 0 Hull - 90 0 0 Brecon 80 0 0 Whitby 100 0 0 Stroud 30 0 0 Edinburgh 143 0 0 Worcester 30 0 0 Whitehaven 20 0 0 Darlastou 20 0 0 Witney 50 0 0 Wolverhampton 40 0 0 Dundee 50 0 0 Chester 60 0 0 Greenock 20 0 0 Macclesfield - 20 0 0 Newbury 10 0 0 Congleton Bolton 20 34 0 6 0 0 In all £2,238 1 9 Liverpool 80 0 0 Q. 12. What is contributed to the Preachers' Fund? A. £81. I2s. 3d. Q. 13. What demands are there upon it? A. The following : — S. Oldham S. Standring S. Penington S. Dillon S. Garnet £. 7 10 5 5 5 s. 17 0 5 5 5 d. 6 0 0 0 0 B. Minethorp B. Lucas In all s. 5 5 d. 0 0 £44 2 6 Q. 14. How many Preachers' wives are to be provided for ? A. Forty-four (in effect). Q. 15. By what Societies? A. By the following : — London, S. Bumstead, Mather. Sussex, S. Easton. Wilts, North, S. Collins, Bourke. Bristol, S. Barry, Christian, Ashman, half. Devon, S. Cotty, half; S. Crowle, half. Cornwall, East, S. Bodda. West, S. Whitaker, Atlay, Clough, half. Gloucestershire, S. Wolfe. Staffordshire, S. Hanby. Chester, S. Oliver. Macclesfield, S. Westell. Derbyshire, S. Shaw, Poole. no 1773. Birstal, S. Mitchell, Lee. Bradford, S. Morgan. Haworth, S. Brown, Brisco. York, I S. Hunter, ) g g , Hull, j S. Story, f »-«arker. Yarm, S. Brammah. The Dales, S. Rowell, Shorter. Newcastle, S. Hopper, Swan, Thompson, half. Manchester,S.Harrison,Taylor. Liverpool, S. Roberts, Coster- dine. Lincolnshire, East, S. Peacock, Woodcock. West, S. Robert- shaw, Empringham. Sheffield, S. Evans. Leeds, S. Greenwood, S. W. Nelson. Q. 16. When and where may the next Conference begin ? A. At Bristol, the first Tuesday in August. Q. 17. Can anything be done now, in order to lay a foundation for the future union? Would it not be well for any that ai'e ■willing to sign some articles of agreement before Gud culls me hence? A. We will do it. Accordingly, the following paper was written and signed : — We, whose names are underwritten, being thoroughly con- vinced of the necessity of a close union between those whom God is pleased to use as instruments in this glorious work, in order to preserve this union between ourselves, are resolved, God being our helper, I. To devote ourselves entirely to God; denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily, steadily aiming at one thing, to save our own souls, and them that hear us. II. To preach the old Methodist doctrines, and no other, contained in the Minutes of the Conferences. III. To observe and enforce the whole Methodist discipline laid down in the said Minutes. Daniel Bumstead, John Atlay, John IMurlin, Thomas Olivers, Alexander Mather, Thomas Hanby, Thomas Taylor, John Oliver, William Hunter, Thomas Brisco, John Morgan, Samuel Wood- cock, Richard Bourke, John Pawson, William Thompson, Joseph Thompson, John Allen, Thomas Johnson, John Nelson, Isaac Brown, WilHam Eels, WiUiam Barker, Thomas Payne, James Hindmarsh, John Shaw, Samuel Wells, Samuel Bardsley, John Goodwin, George Hudson, John Bristol, David Evans, Lancelot Harrison, John Easton, James Hudson, John Pritchard, William Severn, Robert Wilkinson, Richard Rodda, William Brammah, James Clough, John Broadbent, John Mason, Thomas Tennant, AVilliam Whitaker, Joseph Harper, John Brettell, Francis Wolfe, Richard Whatcoat, Hugh Saunderson. 1774. Ill BRISTOL, Tuesday, August 9, 1774. Q. 1. "What Preachers are admitted this year? A. Joseph Bradford, Samuel Randall, William Dufton, Joseph Moore, George Shorter. Q. 2, Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. William Eels, Thomas Rutherford, Robert Dall, Michael jMoorhouse, John Price, John M'Burney, John Watson, jun., John Leech. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. William Moore, Francis Smith, William Tunney, Jeremiah Brettell, John Moon, Samuel Bradburn, Thomas Corbet, William Thorn, James Rogers, Arthur Kershaw. P, Mill, George Guthrie, Andrew Delap, John Whitley, Robert Hayvvard. Q. 4. Who desist from travelling? A. Joseph Pilmoor, James Clough, John Murray, James Glassbrook. Q. 5. Who act as Assistants this year? A. Daniel Bumstead, Alexander Mather, John Easton, George Hudson, Francis Wolfe, John Goodwin, John Murlin, James Hiudmarsh, Richard Rodda, John Furz, Stephen Proctor, Thomas Dixon, Charles Boon, Thomas Ilanby, John Shaw, Wil- liam Collins, Thomas Hanson, John Mason, Christopher Hopper, Isaac Blown, Jeremiah Robertshaw, Samu;jl Woodcock, John Oliver, John Pawsou, Thomas Lee, Thomas Taylor, Robert Costerdine, Jacob Rowell, William Hunter, Benjamin Rhodes, James Hudson, Duncan Wright, William Thompson, Joseph Benson, Thomas Rutherford, Robert Wilkinson, Joseph Thompson, Alexander M'Nab, John Bristol, Michael M 'Donald, Barnabas Thomas, John Watson, Thomas Wride, John Pritchard, Richard Boardman, James Perfect, Thomas Rankin, Francis Asbury, George Shadford. Q. 6. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. Examine them one by one. (Which was done.) Q. 7. How are they stationed this year? A. As follows : — Joseph Bradford travels with Mr. Wesley. 1 London, Daniel Bumstead, William Dufton, Arthur Kershaw, John Atlay, Peter Jaco. 2 Kent, Alexander Mather, Francis Smith. 3 Sussex, John Easton, James Wood. 4 Norwich, George Hudson, Thomas Brisco, Samuel Randall, WiUiam Moore. ..-- • , ^ 5 Bedfordshire, Richard Bourke, Joseph Harper.- -^ ^ " ' -l \y\ 6 Oxfordshire, Francis Wolfe, Joseph M^VeyWilliam Tuhney. ■c'' ' 7 Wilts,, South, James Barry, John Uijflreli, ^^homas Westell, 113 1774. William 8 Wilts., North, Joliu Goodwin, John ]\Ioon, William Severn, William Whitaker. 9 Bristol, John Murlin, Hugh Sanndorson, James Cotty. 10 Devon, James Hindmarsh, George Shorter. 11 Cormoall, East, Richard Rodda, Thomas Newall, JohnBi'ettell, I. G. 12 West, John Furz, Jonathan Crowle, Richard Wright, J. W. 13 PembroJcesJdre, Thomas Dixon, Christopher Watkins. 14 Glamorgan, Charles Boon, John Prickard. 15 Brecon, Stephen Proctor, Richard Whatcoat. 16 Gloucestershire, Thomas Hanby, Samuel Wells. 17 Staffordshire, John Shaw, Edward Slater. 18 Chester, William Collins, Francis Wrigley. 19 Macclesfield, Thomas Hanson, John Poole, Percival. John Mason, Robert Roberts. Christopher Hopper, Samuel Bradburn, John Morgan . Thomas Carlill, Isaac Brown, Nicholas Man- ners, Robert Hayward. 23 Lincolnshire, East, Jeremiah Robertshaw, William Thorn, John Peacock. West, Samuel Woodcock, Jeremiah Brettell, Thomas Corbet. John Oliver, Thomas Mitchell, Samuel Bardsley. John Pawson, John Allen, Samuel Smith. Thomas Lee, Parson Greenwood, Thomas John- son. Thomas Taylor, William Brammah. Robert Costerdine, Richard Seed, Robert Swan. 20 Manchester, 21 Liverpool, 22 Derbyshire, 24 25 Sheffield, 26 Leeds, 27 Birstal, 28 Bradford, 29 Haworth, 30 Whitehaven, Jacob Rowell, M. F. 31 York, William Hunter, George Story. 32 Hull, Benjamin Rhodes, David Evans, John Leech. 33 Yarm, James Hudson, Lancelot Harrison. 34 Thirsk, Duncan Wright, James Rogers. 35 The Dales, Joseph Thompson, Robert Empringham, William Bai'ker. 36 Neivcastle, William Thompson, John Broadbent, George Wadsworth, Thomas Tennant. 37 Edinburgh, Joseph Benson, William Eels, John Bredin. 38 Dundee, Thomas Rutherford, Peter Mill, John Wittara. 39 Aberdeen, Robert Wilkinson, James Watson. 40 Dublin, Alexander M'Nab, William Horner. 41 Waterford, John Watson, sen., Andrew Delap. 42 Cork, John Bristol, George Snowden. 43 Limerick, Michael M'Donald. 44 Athlone, Thomas Wridc, John Floyd, Jonathan Hern. 1774. 113 45 Castlehar, Barnabas Thomas, Michael Moorhous( 3, T. H. 46 Enniskillen, John Watson Jun., John Price, George Guthrie, John Christian. 47 Londonderry, Richard Boardman, Nehemiah Price. 48 Armagh, John Pritchard, John Whitley. 49 Newry, James Perfect, Thomas Payne, George ; Mowat, Robert Dall. 50 America, Thomas Rankin, Francis Asbury, George Shadford, Robert Williams, John King, James Dempster, Martin Rodda. Q. 8. What numbers are in the Society ? A. They are as follows : — London 2452 Birstal - 1190 ^Sussex 218 Bradford - 930 *Kent - 306 Haworth - 1213 Norfolk 525 Whitehaven - 299 Bedford 300 York - - 520 Oxfordshire 501 Hull - - 645 *Wilts, South - 330 Yarm 1 Thirsk j - 880 North - 892 Bristol 1404 The Dales . 1086 Devon 505 Newcastle - 1784 Cornwall, East 660 Edinburgh - 287 West 1482 *Aberdeen - 448 Gloucestershire 431 *Dublin - 310 Staffordshire - 733 Waterford - 204 Cheshire, North 552 Cork - - 317 South 1202 Limerick - 178 *Wales, West - 137 Castlebar - 410 East - 120 *Athlone - 320 *North- 83 ^Enniskillen - - 937 Lancashire, South 988 Armagh - 500 North 776 Londonderry - - 433 Derbyshire 1065 Newry - 732 *Sheffield 890 America - 2204 Lincolnshire, East West - 747 686 In all 35,672 *Leed3 1860 In the Circuits marked thus * there is a decrease this year, Q. 9. What is the Kingswood Collection ? A. £260. 165. Q. 10. What children are admitted? A. Charles Whatcoat, James Greenwood. Q. 11. What can be done, in order to pay for the clothes of the Preachers' children? A. If their parents can pay for them, in whole or in part, they should ; if they cannot, all is well. Q. 12. Can nothing be done for their daughters? Vol. I. I 11-1 1774. A. If any of them were sent to M. Owen's school, (perhaps the best boarding-school for girls in Great Britain,) they would keep them at as small an expense as possible. Q. 13. What is contributed for the Yearly Expenses? A. £569. 10s. 5d. Q. 14. How was it expended? A. As follows : — £. s. d. £. s. d. Contingencies for Bradford - . 20 10 0 1774 - 73 0 0 Rochdale - - 10 0 0 Do. at Conference - 128 7 3 Scarborough . 20 0 0 Chatham - 10 0 0 Boston - 31 1 11 Sheerness - 5 0 0 Edinburgh - 50 0 0 Northampton Worcester- 20 20 0 0 0 0 Perth Greenock - 4 12 0 0 0 0 Mousehole 5 0 0 Arbroath - . 20 0 0 Penzance 2 0 0 Glasgow - . 10 0 0 Craidley - Creitch Haverfordwest 5 5 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 Reserved for th present year ^\ 71 9 3 Brecon 10 0 0 £569 10 5 1 jPli^Pftf f^V 2 5 2 0 0 0 Loughborough Q. 15. What is contributed to the Preachers' Fund? A. £65. 85. 6^. Q. 16. What was allowed out of it ? A. The following — £. s. d. £. *. d. W. Minethorp 5 5 0 M. Nelson - . 5 0 0 E. Standring E. Old ham - M. Penington J. Garnet - Q. 17. How manj A. Forty-three (in 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 achers' ct). E. Dillon - - 2 2 0 O 5 5 '^ Pre efiFe £37 7 0 wives are to be provided for? Q. 18. By what Societies? A. By the following : — London, S. Mather, Jaco. Sussex, S. Easton. Wilts., North, S. Whitaker, Wolfe. Bristol, S. Christian, S. Bourke, S. Cotty, half. Devon, S. Shorter. Cornwall, East, S. Rodda. West, S. Barry, S. Hindmarsh, S. Crowle, half. Gloucester, S. Hanby. Staffoi'dshire, S. Shaw. Chester, S. Collins. Macclesfield, S. Poole. Derbyshire, S. Brown, S. Bar- ker. Manchester, S. Roberts, Story. Liverpool, S. Hopper, Morgan. Lincolnshire East, S. Robert- shaw, Peacock, W. S. West, S. Wood- cock, Brammah. Hull, S. Evans. Haworth, S. Costerdine, Swaa. Yarm, S. Harrison. Dales, S. Rowell, Empringhara. Newcastle, S. Brisco, Thomp- son, Corbet. 1774.- 11; Sheffield, S. Oliver. Leeds, S. Greenwood, Waldron, Westell. Birstal, S. Lee, Mitchell. Bradford, S. Taylor. York, S. Hunter, J. Thomp- son, half. Q. 19. "When and where may the next Conference begin? A. At Leeds, the first Tuesday in August. Q. 20. Are not the Preachers who come to the Conference burdensome to the Societies in the way ? A. Frequently. To prevent this, 1. Let every Preacher pay for his horse^s keeping. 2. Let each of those Societies fix on an inn where the horses will be taken care of, Q. 21. Do not some of the Preachers neglect sending their contribution to the Preachers' Fund to the Conference ? A. They do. Each Assistant should see to bring it from the Preachers in his Circuit. And every Assistant should take care to attend the Conference. Likewise it is desired, that every Assistant would at Christ- mas take an exact account of the Books that are in his Circuit, and remit that and the balance to London. Q. 22. Are not the married Preachers much straitened ? A. It seems some of them are. Therefore, 1. Let every Preacher's wife (except at London and Bristol) have j612 a year. 2. Every Circuit is to find her a lodging, coal, and candles ; or to allow her j£15 a year. Q. 23. We have still imperfect accounts of Scotland and Ireland. How can this be remedied ? A. Let the general Assistant of Scotland and Ireland always attend the Conference. Q. 24. What can be done where we have no good Leader? A. Let the Preacher constantly meet the Society as a Class. Q. 25. Several are grieved at 's preaching up and down, though he has not strength regularly to supply a Circuit. How can he remove this oflFence ? A. By following a route marked out by Mr. W., and preaching where the Assistant of each Circuit judges it would be most useful, Q. 26. Can anything be done in order to lay a foundation for future union ? Would it not be well, for any that are willing, to sign some articles of agreement, before God calls me hence ? A. We will do it. Accordingly, the following paper was written and signed : — We, whose names are under-written, being throughly con- vinced of the necessity of a close union between those whom God I 2 116 1775. is pleased to use as instruments in this glorious work, in order to preserve this union between ourselves, are resolved, God being our helper, 1. To devote ourselves entirely to God, taking up our cross daily, steadily aiming at one thing, to save ourselves, and them that hear us. 2. To preach the old Methodist Doctrines, and no other, contained in the ]\linutes of the Conferences. 3. To observe and enforce the whole Methodist Discipline, laid down in the said Minutes. Daniel Bumstead, William Dufton, Alexander Mather, John Easton, George Hudson, John Atlay, Samuel Randall, Richard Bourke, Joseph Harper, Thomas Wolfe, Joseph Moore, James Barry, John Goodwin, William Severn, Wilham Wliitaker, John Murlin, Hugh Saunderson, J. Cotty, Thomas Simpson, James Hindmarsh, George Shorter, Richard Rodda, Thomas Newall, John Brettell, Stephen Proctor, Richard Whatcoat, Thomas Hanby, Samuel Wells, John Shaw, William Collins, Robert Swindells, Francis Wrigley, Thomas Hanson, John Poole, John Masoti, Thomas Carlill, Isaac BroAvn, Jeremiah Robertshaw, Thomas Mitchell, Samuel Bardsley, John Pawson, John Allen, Samuel Smith, Joseph Bradford, Thomas Lee, Parson Green- wood, Thomas Johnson, Thomas Taylor, William Hunter, Benjamin Rhodes, James Hudson, Duncan Wright, William Barker, Robert Wilkinson, Samuel Woodcock, James Dempster, Thomas Olivers, John Oliver, Thomas Brisco, John Morgan, William Thompson, Joseph Thompson, William Eels, Thomas Payne, John Bristol, David Evans, Lancelot Harrison, John Pritchard, William Brammah, James Clough, John Broadbent, Thomas Tennant. LEEDS, Tuesday, August 1, 1775. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. James Barry, Robert Hay ward, Thomas Rutherford, James Rogers, James Wood, John Leech, Samuel Bradburn, AVilliam Thom, Jeremiah Brettell, William Percival, Michael ISIoorhouse, George Guthrie, John Watson, jun., John M'Burney, William Duke, John Wade, Daniel Ruff, Edward Drumgoole, Isaac Hollings, Richard Webster. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. William Tunney, William Moore, William Eels, Thomas Corbet, John Moon, John Wilshaw, John Prickard, Robert Dall. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial ? A. John Walton, John Crook, John Dean, Duncan M'Allum, 1775. 117 Peter Ferguson, Andrew Delap, Humphry Brown, John Bean- land, Joseph Saunderson, John Roberts. Q. 4. Who DESIST FROM TRAVELLING? A. Nicholas Manners, Daniel Bumstead. Q. 5. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. Examine them one by one. Considerable objections being made to three of the Preachers, the matter was referred to three several committees. Q. 6. How are they stationed this year? A. Joseph Bradford travels with Mr. Wesley. 1 London, Peter Jaco, John Atlay, Thomas Byan, John Watson, John Hilton. 2 Kent, Charles Boon, Thomas Westell. 3 Sussex, Thomas Brisco, James Wood. 4 Norwich, Samuel Randall, George Wadsworth, George Hudson, John Beanland. 5 Bedfordshire,^\chKYd Bourke, William Tunney,WilliamMoore. 6 Oxfordshire, Samuel Wells, John Valton, George Shorter. 7 Wilts., South, Francis Wolfe, T. V., John Undrell. 8 North, John Goodwin, James Perfect, George Snow- den, Thomas Tatton. 9 Bristol, John Murlin, William Severn, William Ash- man ; John Floyd, Supernumerary. 10 Devon, James Hindmarsh, Supernumerary, James Cotty, Jonathan Crowle. 11 Cornwall, East, Richard Rodda, William Whitaker, Richard Wright, John Roberts. 12 West, Thomas Hanson, John Moon, Samuel Watson, John Leech. 13 Pembrokeshire, Samuel Bradburn, John Prickard. 14 Glamorganshire, Christopher Watkins, Thomas Dixon. 15 Brecon, Richard Whatcoat, John Broadbent. 16 Gloucestershire, Thomas Hanby, John Furz. 17 Staffordshire, Alexander Mather, William Dufton. 18 Chester, Wilham Colhns, Thomas Carlill. 19 Macclesfield, Duncan Wright, John Poole, William Percival. 20 Manchester, Robert Roberts, John Oliver. 21 Liveryool, Christopher Hopper, Thomas Lee, M. F. 22 Derbyshire, Isaac Brown, Edward Slater, John Peacock, John Wilshaw. 23 Lincolnshire, East, John Easton, Joseph Harper, Thomas Corbet, John Wittam. 24 West, Samuel Woodcock, Robert Hayward, John Crook. 25 Sheffield, Robert Costerdine, Thomas Mitchell, Richard Seed. 26 Leeds, John Pawson, William Bramraah, T. Tennant. 27 Birstal, P. Greenwood, T. Johnson, John Morgan^ 118 1775. 28 Bradford, John Allen, J. W., Samuel Smith. 29 Haworth, Thomas Taylor, Robert Swan, Samuel Bardsley. 30 Whitehaven, John Mason, Joseph Saunderson. 31 York, John Shaw, George Story. 32 Hull, WilHam Hunter, W. Barker. 33 Scarborough, Benjamin Rhodes, James Hudson. 34 Yarm, Jacob Rowell, Lancelot Harrison. 35 Thirsk, Jeremiah Robertshaw, William Thom. 36 Tlie Dales, James Barry, Joseph Thompson, David Evans. 37 Newcastle, William Thompson, Robert Empringham, Joseph Benson, Joseph Moore. 38 Edinburgh, Thomas Rutherford, James Rogers, Robert Wilkinson. 39 Dundee, Stephen Proctor, Francis Wiigley, Duncan M'Allum. 40 Aberdeen, William Eels, Peter Ferguson. 41 Dublin, Alexander M'Nab, Barnabas Thomas. 42 Waterjford, John Bristol, Andrew Delap. 43 Cork, John Watson, William Horner, change every six weeks. 44 Limerick, Nehemiah Price. 45 Athlone, John Pritchard, Michael Moorhouse, Jonathan Hern, Thomas Halliday. 46 Sligo, Thomas Payne, Thomas Wride. 47 Enniskillen, John and Jeremiah Brettell, Hugh Brown. 48 Londonderry, Richard Boardman, George Mowat, John Price. 49 Armagh, 50 Lisburn, 51 America, John Slocomb, Robert Dall, John M'Burney John Bredin, George Guthrie. Thomas Rankin, George Shadford, James Dempster, Martin Rodda, John King, William Duke, John Wade, Daniel Ruff, Edward Drumgoole, Isaac Hollings, Richard Webster. Q. 7. What numbers are in the Society ? A. They are as follows : — Brecon - - 107 Gloucestershire - 446 Staffordshire - - 740 *Chester - - 536 Macclesfield - - 1238 Manchester - - 1060 Liverpool - - 820 Derbyshire - - 1120 Lincolnshire, East - 822 *West - 683 Sheffield - - 1114 Leeds - - 2023 Birstal - - 1250 Bradford - - 1157 London - 2492 Kent 312 Sussex 232 Norwich 629 Bedfordshire - 412 Oxfordshire - 530 *Wilts, South 315 *North 849 Bristol - 1427 Devon 583 Cornwall, East 769 *West - 1380 Pembrokeshire 189 Glamorganshire 120 1775. 119 Haworth Whitehaven - York Hull Yarm Thirsk *The Dales - Newcastle *Edinburgh - *Dundee *Aberdeeu Dublin N.B. In the Circuits 1344 315 570 670 640 530 862 1805 260 169 240 401 *Waterford Cork Limerick Athlone *Castlebar Enuiskillen Londonderry *Armagh *Newry America In all 176 382 185 344 327 990 392 4-23 617 3148 - 38,145 marked thus * there is a decrease this 8. What is the Kingswood Collection ? £283. 0*. Qd. 9. What children are admitted ? John Greenwood, Richard Rodda, and Francis Hern. year. Q. A. Q. A. Q. 10. What can be done for the Preachers' daughters ? A. Send two of them to M. Owen^s school. Q. 11. Which this year? A. Paulina Taylor, and Isabel Snowden. Q. 12. What is contributed for the Yearly Expenses ? A. £564. 9*. 10^. Q. 13. How was it expended ? A. As follows : — £. 17 Last yearns Con- ) tingencies J For the present year 100 Law - - 34 Preachers' Necess. 157 Dundee - - 100 Arbroath - 22 Aberdeen - 13 Barnardcastle - 16 Limerick - - 10 Pembroke - 11 Q. s. 9 0 16 12 0 0 4 11 0 10 d. 6 0 10 9 0 0 0 5 0 0 £. s. Thornhill Wandsworth Darlaston Craidley - Chatham - Norwich - Sheerness Macclesfield Chester - In all 5 10 10 9 10 10 10 7 10 14. What was contributed for the Preachers' Fund ? A. £119. Os. 6d. Q. 15. What was allowed out of it? A. The following : — EHz. Standring - 10 0 John Horner - 10 0 Eliz. Oldham - 5 5 Elizabeth Dillon - 5 5 Mary Penington 5 5 5. Jane Garnet W. Minethorp £46 d. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 £564 9 6 d. 0 0 120 1775. Q. 16. How many Preachers' wives are to be provided for? A. In Ireland four ; in England fortv-two. Q. 17. By what Societies.? A. By the following : — London, S. Westell, Jaco. Sussex, S. Brisco. Wilts., North, S. Shorter, Snowden. Bristol, S. Barker, Cotty, half. Devon, S. Hindmarsh. Cornwall, East, S. Rodda. West, S. Costerdine. Gloucestershire, S. Hanby. Staffordshire, S. Mather. Chester, S. Collins. Macclesfield, S. Poole. Manchester, S. Roberts, Oliver. Liverpool, S. Hopper, Lee. Derbyshire, S. Brown, Peacock. Grimsby, S. Easton, Corbet. Epworth, S. Barry, Barker. Sheffield, S. Mitchell. Leeds, S. Beanland, Evans. Birstal, S. Greenwood, Morgan. Bradford, S. Brammah. Howarth, S. Taylor, Swan. York, S. Story, 'Shaw. Hull, S. Hunter. Yarm, S. Howell. Thirsk, S. Robertshaw. The Dales, S. Thompson, S. Woodcock. Newcastle, S. W. Thompson, Empringham, Harrison. Q. 18. When and where may the next Conference begin? A. At London, the first Tuesday in August. Q. 19.Who are the present Committee for the Preachers' Fund? A. The following : — Peter Jaco, Christopher Hopper, Thomas Johnson, Alexander Mather, John Pawson, William Thompson, Thomas Hanby, John Murlin, Robert Roberts, Thomas Taylor, Thomas Planson, Duncan Wright. Q. 20. Are not many of the Trustees for the preaching- houses dead ? And are not others out of the Society? A. Let the remaining Trustees for each house meet as soon as possible, and indorse their deed thus (having affixed to it three new stamps) : JVe the remaining Trustees for the Methodist Preaching -House in have this day, according to the Power lodged in us by this Deed, chosen and named to be Trustees for the Preaching -House aforesaid, in the Room of Witness, A. B. &c. Q. 21. Are not many of our classes too large? A. Yes. Divide every one which contains above thirty members. Q. 22. Do we allow any to build new Preaching-Houses ? A. Yes ; if it be proposed first at the Conference. Q. 23. And may they go about to desire help in the neigh- bouring Circuits? A. They may : provided, first, that they ask the consent of each Assistant; second, that the Collection be made between the Conference and the beginning of March. 1776. 131 Q. 24. "Where do we allow new houses to be built this year ? A. At Oldham, Taunton, and Halifax. Q. 25. What can be done to encourage our brethren to make a push for paying oflF their old debt ? A. A fifth part of what is collected may be sent to the Conference : all the rest may be kept in the Circuit. Q. 26. What Preachers signed the Agreement to adhere to each other, and to the old Methodist Doctrine and Discipline ? A. The following : — Peter Jaco, John Atlay, Charles Boon, Thomas Westell, Thomas Brisco, James Wood, Samuel Randall, George Wadsworth,George Hudson, Richard Bourke, Samuel Wells, John Walton, John Goodwin, Francis Wolfe, James Perfect, Thomas Tatton, John Murlin, William Severn, William Ashman, James Hindmarsh, Samuel Smith, Richard Rodda, William Whitaker, Thomas Dixon, Samuel Bradburn, John Broadbent, Thomas Hanby, Alexander Mather, William Dufton, William Collins, Thomas Carlill, Duncan Wright, John Poole, William Percival, Robert Roberts, John Oliver, Christopher Hopper, Thomas Lee, Isaac Brown, Edward Slater, Robert Hayward, James Barry, Lancelot Harri- son, Thomas Mitchell, Robert Costerdine, Richard Seed, Parson Greenwood, Thomas Johnson, John Allen, J. W., Robert Swan, Samuel Bardsley, John Mason, John Morgan, John Shaw, George Story, Jacob Rowell, Samuel Woodcock, William Hunter, William Barker, Benjamin Rhodes, Jeremiah Robertshaw, William Thom, Joseph Thompson, Joseph Moore, David Evans, William Thompson, Robert Empringham, Joseph Benson, Stephen Proctor, Thomas Rutherford, James Rogers, Francis Wrigley, Thomas Olivers, John Hudson, Thomas Hanson, John Leech, Jeremiah and John Brettell, Joseph Bradford, Samuel Smith. N.B. We all deny that there is, or can be, any merit (pro- perly speaking) in man. LONDON, Tuesday, August 6, 1776. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. Wilham Tunney, William Moore, Thomas Corbet, John Mason, Joseph Pescod, John Crook, John Valton. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. William Eels, John Prickard, Robert Dall, Hugh Brown, Joseph Saunderson, Andrew Delap, Duncan M'AUum. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. Henry Robins, Thomas Hosking, James Skinner, John Hampson, James Hall, Jasper Robinson, John Gouldston, William Boothby, William Lumiey, Joseph Fothergill, Peter Mill, Robert Davis, James Gaffney. 122 1776. Q. 4. Who DESIST FROM TRAVELLING? A. Edward Slater, Jonathan Crowle, Samuel Woodcock, David Evans, James Dempster. Q. 5. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. Yes. It is objected, that some are utterly unquaUfied for the work ; and that others do it negligently, as if they imagined they had nothing to do, but to preach once or twice a day. Ill order to silence this objection for ever, which has been repeated ten times over, the Preachers were examined at large, especially those concerning whom there was the least doubt. The result was, that one was excluded for insufficiency, two for misbehaviour. And we were throughly satisfied, that all the rest had both grace and gifts for the work wherein they are engaged. I hope, therefore, we shall hear of this objection no more. Q. 6. How are they stationed this year? A. As follows : — Joseph Bradford travels with Mr. Wesley. John Atlay keeps his accounts. Thomas Olivers corrects the press. 1 London, Peter Jaco, Supernumerary, James Hindmarsh, John Murlin, Joseph Pilmoor. 3 Kent, Charles Boon, William Barker. 3 Sussex, Thomas Westell, Thomas Ryan, Thomas Tatton. 4 Norwich, Bichard Bourke, John Watson, Henry Bobins. 5 Lynn, Barnabas Thomas, William Tunney, William Boothby. 6 BedfordsJtire,SKmue\ Randall,George Shorter, William Moore. 7 Oxfordshire, John Valton, William Whitaker, John Gould- ston. 8 Wilts, South, Richard Rodda, James Cotty, Thomas Newall, John Pescod. 9 North, Samuel Wells, Thomas Brisco, John Furz, Francis Wolfe. 10 Bristol, John Hilton, John Floyd, Hugh Saunderson. 11 Devon, John Goodwin, John Undreil, George AA^ads- worth. 12 Cornwall, East, James Perfect, Richard Wright, James Watson, John Blade. 13 West, Thomas Hanson, Richard Whatcoat, J. Poole, James Skinner. 14 Pemhrokeshire, James Wood, John Moon, John Broadbent. 15 Glamorganshire, John Prickard, William Ashman. 16 Brecon, Thomas Carlill, George ]\Iow^at. 17 Gloucestershire, George Snowden, T. V. 18 Staffordshire, Alexander Mather, John Wittam. 19 Macclesfield, Duncan Wright, Thomas Hanhy, James Hall. 20 Manchester, Christopher Hopper, Thomas Mitchell, Jasper Robinson. 1776. 123 21 Chester, John Mason, Robert Roberts. 22 Liverpool, William Collins, John Oliver, William Percival. 23 Leicester, Christopher Watkius, John Beanlaud. 24 Nottingham, Robert Costerdine, Robert Swan, William Severn. 25 Grimsby, Isaac Brown,Thoraas Corbet, Nicholas Manners. 26 Gainsborough, John Easton, William Thom, Joseph Harper. 27 Epworth, Lancelot Harrison, Robert Hayward, Richard Condy. 28 Sheffield, P. Greenwood, John Peacock, M. P. 29 Leeds, William Thompson, Joseph Thompson, Thomas Johnson. 30 Birsfal, John Pawson, John Morgan, T. Tennant. 31 Bradford, John Allen, Thomas Lee, James Hudson. 32 Keighley, Thomas Taylor, Samuel Smith. 33 Colne, Samuel Bardsley, William Brammah. 34 Whitehaven, T. Wride, Robert Empriugham, Richard Seed. 35 York, John Shaw, George Hudson. 36 Hull, George Story, William Dufton. 37 Scarborough, William Hunter, John Leech. 38 Yarm, Jacob Ro\vell,Thomas Dixon, Michael Moorhouse. 39 Thirsk, Jeremiah Robertshaw, Joseph Moore. 40 The Dales, John Crook, William Lumley, G. G. 41 Newcastle, Benjamin Rhodes, Joseph Benson, I. W., James Barry . 42 Edinburgh, AlexanderM'Nab, T.Rutherford, James Rogers. 43 Dundee, Robert Wilkinson, F. Wrigley, Joseph Saun- derson. 44 Aberdeen, William Eels, Stephen M'Allum. 45 Dublin, J. H., John Bristol. 46 Waterford, John Bredin, John Price. 47 Cork, Richard Boardman, T. H. 48 Limerick, Samuel Bradburn. 49 Athlone, John Watson, William Horner, Andrew Delap, Hugh Brown. 50 Sligo, T. Payne, Nehemiah Price. 51 Clones, John Slocomb, John Mayly. 52 Enniskillen, Robert Dall, James Gaflney. 53 Armagh, John and Jer. Brettell, Robert Davis. 54 Londonderry, John Pritchard, Jonathan Hern, Peter Mill, Robert Armstrong. 55 Lisburn, R. W., John Harrison, George Brown. Q. 7. What numbers are in the Society ? ^London - - Kent Sussex Norwich Proctor, Duncan 2425 Lynn 313 Bedfordshire - 450 264 *Oxfordshire - 491 645 Wilts, South - 317 124 1776. Wilts, North - 873 York _ 571 *Bnstol 1414 HuU _ 380 Devon 633 Scarborough - - 410 *Cornwall, East 760 Yarm - 745 West - 1390 Thirsk . 545 Pembrokeshire 220 *The Dales - _ 806 Glamorganshire 120 Newcastle - 1908 *Brecou 95 *Edinburgh _ 250 G loucestershire 456 Dundee _ 169 * Staffordshire - 660 *Aberdeen _ 151 *Chester 525 Dublin _ 418 Macclesfield 1260 Waterford _ 252 Manchester 1118 *Cork _ 324 Liverpool 855 *Limerick _ 175 Derby 1125 Athlone . 529 Nottingham Sligo _ 388 Lincolnshire, East - 905 Clones _ 430 *West - 641 Enniskillen . 442 *Sheffield 1060 Londonderry - - 640 Leeds 2169 Armagh . 601 Birstal 1270 *Lisburn . 599 Bradford 1390 America . 3148 Keighley 1640 Colne In all. 39,826 Vrhitchaven 458 N.B. In the Circuits marked thus * there is a decrease this year. Q. 8. What is the Kingswood Collection ? A. £335. Os. 31 d. Q. 9. What children are admitted this year? A. William Collins, John Bob ins, John and Wilham '. Morgan, and William Shent. Q. 10. What girls are admitted into Publow school ? A. Alice Brisco and Ann Roberts. Q. 11. What is contributed for the Yearly Expenses? A. £637. 85. M. Q. 12. What part of this was contributed in Ireland ? A. Nothing (except thirty-five shillings in Bandon). Our brethren in Ireland said, this was nothing to them : they would only bear their own expenses. Q. 13. And do we desire any more ? But this we require, if they would have any more Preachers from England. We require, 1. That they bear the expenses of all English Preachers going to and from Ireland; and, 2. Of any sickness or unavoid- able distresses, which may befall them or their wives in that kingdom. These are properly their expenses ; nor will we pay any part of them for the time to come, unless their Yearly Contribution enable us so to do ? 1776. 125 The same we now adopt with regard to Scotland. Let tliera first contribute, then expect help from us. Q. 14. Is there anything else in Ireland, which we complain of? A. There is. Part of the Leaders meet together on Sunday- evening, without any connexion with, or dependence on, the Assistant. We have no such custom in the three kingdoms. It is overturning our discipline from the foundations. Either let them act under the direction of the Assistant, or let them meet no more. It is true, they can contribute money for the poor ; but we dare not sell our discipline for money. Q. 15. How was the Yearly Contribution expended? A. As follows : — £. *. d. £. s. d. Last year's Con- } 54 9 0 Worcester - - 12 0 0 tingencies Dudley - 16 7 6 For the present year 100 0 0 Chester - 18 0 6 Law . 36 16 0 Burslem - 9 0 0 Preachers' Necess. 144 10 6 Congleton - - 4 10 0 Wandsworth - 5 0 0 Macclesfield - 4 10 0 Chatham _ 5 0 0 Rochdale - 10 17 0 Sheerness - 5 0 0 Bolton - 5 0 0 Norwich . 3 6 5 Derby - 7 5 0 Bury - 5 0 0 Louth - 12 0 0 Holcomhe - - 40 0 0 Keighley - 10 12 1 Axbridge _ 9 1 8 Yarm - - 13 3 5 Exeter - 3 3 0 Whitby - 3 14 3 St. John's - - 7 0 0 Londonderry - 75 0 0 Tuckingmill - 3 4 0 The Dales - - 10 10 0 Kerley - 1 8 0 Redruth - 2 0 0 £637 8 4 Q. 16. What was contributec to the Preachers' Fund? A. i;81. I7s. 6d. Q. 17. What was allowed out of it ? A. £. s. d. £. s. d. John Hosmer - 10 0 0 Mary Penington 7 7 0 Eliz. Standring - 10 0 0 Eliz. Dillon - 5 5 0 EhV Oldham K n 0 0 Jane Garnet _ 5 5 InaU £48 7 0 W. Minethorp - 5 5 0 Q. 18. How many wives are to be provided for? A. In Ireland four ; in England forty-two. Q. 19. By what Societies? A. By the following : — London, S. Jaco, S. Hindmarsh. Sussex, S. Westell. Wilts., North, S. Brisco, S. Cotty, half. Bristol, S. Bourke, S. Peacock. Devon, S. Shorter. Cornwall, East, S. Rodda. West, S. Poole, S Beanland. Gloucestershire, S. Suowden. 150 1776. Leeds, S.Thompsoiis,S Barker. Birstal, S. Morgan, S. Hunter. Bradford, S. Lee. York, S. Shaw, S. Story. Keighley,S.Taylor,S.Brammah. Staffordshire, S. ?,^a{hcr. Leicestershire, S. Swan. Nottingham, S. Costerdine. Chester, S. Roberts. ]\Iacclesfield, S. Hanby. Manchester, S. Hopper, S. Yarm, S. Rowell Mitchell. j Thirsk, S. Robertshaw. Liverpool, S. Collins, S. Oliver. The Dales, S. Crook. Grimsby, S. Brown, S. Easton. j Newcastle, S, Barry, I. W., Epworth,S. Harrison, S. Corbet. S. Empringham. Sheffield, S. Greenwood. | Q. 20. When and where may the next Conference begin ? A. At Bristol, the first Tuesday in August. Q. 21. What houses are to be built this year? A. One at London, and one at Colne. Q. 22. Why should not all our octagon houses be built like that at Yarm, all our square ones like that at Scarborough ? A. We cannot find any better models. Q. 23. Our brethren at Huddersfield desire leave to collect money in the neighbouring Circuits. May they do it ? A. Yes; on the terms mentioned in the late Minutes. But it is desired, that neither they, nor any other of our builders, set up any Chinese paling. Q. 24. Complaint is made that sluts spoil our houses. How can we prevent this ? A. Let no known slut live in any of them. Q. 25. People crowd into the Preacliers' houses as into coffee- houses. Is this right ? A. It is utterly wrong. Let no person come into the house, either on Sunday or other days, unless he wants to ask a question. Q. 26. Should not the Assistants come early to the Conference ? A. Let them be always present on Saturday evening. Q. 27. Calvinism has been the grand hindrance of the work of God. What makes men swallow it so greedily? A. Because it is so pleasing to flesh and blood : the doctrine of final perseverance in particular. Q. 28. What can be done to stop its pi'Ogress ? A. 1. Let all our Preachers carefully read our tracts, and INIr. Fletcher's and Sellouts. 2. Let them preach Universal Redemption frequently and explicitly ; but in love and gentleness, taking care never to return railing for railing. Let the Calvinists have all this to themselves. 3. Do not imitate them in screaming, allegorizing, calling tliemselves ordained, boasting of their learning. College, or " my Lady.^' Mildly expose these things, when time serves. 1777. 127 4. Visit as diligently as them; and insist on Universal Redemption, to every one newly convinced or converted. 5. Answer all their objections both in public and private, with sweetness both of look and voice. 6. Strongly advise our people " not to hear them." 7. Pray constantlj^, and earnestly, that God would stop the plague ! BRISTOL, August 5, 1777. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. John Prickard, Thomas Hosking, Henry Robins, James Skinner. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. William Eels, Andrew Delap, Hugh Brown, Duncan M'Allum, Joseph Saunderson, Jasper Robinson, Peter Mill, Robert Davis, James GafFney, James Hall. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial ? A. Joseph Taylor, Peter Dean, John Whitley, William Church, Edward Jackson, John Fenwick, John Howe, Hugh Moore, J. H., jun. Q. 4. What Preachers have died this year? A. John Slocomb, at Clones : an old labourer, worn out in the service. — John Harrison, near Lisburn : a promising youth, serious, modest, and much devoted to God. — William Lumley, in Hexham : a blessed young man, a happy witness of the full liberty of the children of God. — And William Minethorp, near Dunbar : an Israelite indeed, in whom was no guile. Q. 5. Who desist from travelling? A. Hugh Saunderson, John Undrell, Richard Wright, John Bristol. Q. 6. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. Yes. It is objected, that " most of them are not called of God to preach." This deserves our serious consideration. In the large Minutes we ask, " How shall we try those who think they are moved by the Holy Ghost, and called of God to preach? '* Pages 30, 31 . Q. 7. Is this method of trial sufficient? Can we find any better? Weigh this matter calmly and impartially. A, We cannot find any better method, any more scriptural, or more rational. Q. 8. But suppose they were called once, have not many of them forfeited their calling? A. Examine them one by one; and whoever has any objection or doubt, concerning anyone, let him now speak without any disguise or reserve, or for ever hold his peace. 128 1777. Q. 9. HoAv arc they stationed this year ? A. As follows : — Joseph Bradford travels with Mr. Wesley. John Atlay is the Book- Steward. Thomas Olivers corrects the press. 1 London, Peter Jaco, James Hindmarsh, Samuel Smith. 2 Kent, Bichard Bourke, Thomas Tatton. 3 Sussex, Charles Boon, James Skinner, John "Wittam. 4 Norwich, Joseph Pilmoor, Peter Dean, William Tunney. 5 Lynn, Barnabas Thomas, William INIoore, Thomas Byan. 6 Bedford, Samuel Randall, William Percival, James Perfect. 7 Oxfordshire, James Cotty, William Severn. 8 Wilis., South, Richard Bodda, James Watson. 9 North, Samuel Wells, William Barker, Thomas Newall. 10 Bristol, John Goodwin, Thomas Carlill, John Pritchard. 11 Somerset, Thomas Brisco, John Furz. 12 Devon, Francis Wolfe, George Wadsworth. 13 Cornwall, East, Bichard Whatcoat, Henry Robins, Isaac Shering, James Rogers. 14 West, John Mason, John Poole, George Mowat, T. V. 15 Pembroke, John Broadbent, James Hall, Thomas Hosking. 16 Glamorgan, William Ashman, William Church. 17 Brecon, James Wood, John Moon. 18 Gloucester, George Snowden, John Valton. 19 Stafford, Thomas Taylor, John Whitley. 20 Macclesfield, John Shaw, Jasper Robinson, Thomas Hanby. 21 Manchester, Duncan Wright, Thomas Mitchell. 22 Chester, John Murliu, Robert Roberts. 23 Liverpool, William Collins, Samuel Bardsley, Nicholas Manners. 24 Leicester, Christopher Watkins, Joseph Pescod, Joseph Taylor. 25 Nottingham, Robert Costerdine, Thomas Corbet, John Beanland. 26 Grimsby, Isaac Brown, Richard Seed, Robert Hayward. 27 Gabisborough, John Easton, William Thom, M. F. 28 Epworth, Lancelot Harrison, John Oliver, Joseph Harper. 29 Sheffield, Parson Greenwood, George Shorter. 30 Leeds, William Thompson, John Morgan, John Floyd. 31 Birstal, John Pawson, Joseph Thompson, Thomas John- son, Thomas Tennant. 32 Bradford, Christopher Hopper, Joseph Benson, Thomas Lee. 33 Keighley, John Allen, William Brammah. 1777. 129 34 Colne, Alexander Mather, Richard Condy. 35 Whitehaven, John Fenwick, James Barry, Thomas Ruther- ford, Robert Empringham. 36 York, George Hudson, J. W. 37 Hull, Thomas Hanson, James Hudson. 38 Scarborough, William Hunter, Edward Jackson, John Peacock. 39 Yarm, George Stor}'-, WilHam Dufton, G. G. 40 Thirsk, Jacob Rowell, Thomas Dixon. 41 The Dales, Jeremiah Robertshavv, Thomas Wride, Robert Wilkinson. 4.2 Newcastle, John Crook, John Leech, Michael Moorhouse. 43 Alnwick, Benjamin Rhodes, Robert Swan. 44 Edinburgh, Alexander M'Nab, Stephen Proctor. 45 Dundee, William Eels, Duncan M'Allum. 46 Aberdeen, Francis Wrigley, Joseph Saunderson, Joseph Moore. 47 Dublin, John Hampson, Samuel Bradburn. 48 Cork, Richard Boardman, J. H. 49 Waterford, Peter Mill, John Howe. 50 Limerick, John Watson. 51 Athlone, Thomas Payne, Robert Armstrong, Hugh Brown, James Gaffney. 52 Sligo, Andrew Delap, John Bredin. 53 Clones, William Horner, Robert Davis. 54 Enniskillen, John Mayly, William Boothby. 55 Armagh, Thomas Halliday, George Brown, Hugh Moore. 56 Londonderry, R. W., John Prickard. 57 Bally shannon, Nehemiah Price, John Price. 58 Lisburn, John and Jeremiah Brettell, Jonathan Hern. Q. 10. What numbers are in the Society? A. London - - 2512 Gloucestershire - 484 Kent - - 258 Staffordshire - - 654 Sussex - 314 ^Chester - 466 Norwich - 446 Macclesfield - 1100 Lynn - - 221 Manchester - 1152 Bedfordshire - - 503 Liverpool - 1056 Oxfordshire - 533 Leicester - 522 Wilts., South - - 309 Nottingham - - 773 *North - - 794 Grimsby - 736 *Bristol - 1339 Gainsborough - - 471 Somerset ) Devon j - 637 Ep worth - 500 *Sheffield - 933 ^Cornwall, East - 708 Leeds - - 2200 West - 1420 Birstal - 1370 Pembrokeshne - 220 Bradford - 1450 Glamorgan - 149 Keighley - 1006 Brecon 99 Colne - - 754 Vol. L ] EC 130 1777. Whitehaven York - Hull - Scarborough Yarm - Thirsk - The Dales Newcastle ^Edinburgh ^Dundee Aberdeen Dublin Waterford - 142 Cork - - 345 *Limerick - 164 *Athlone - 520 Sligo - - 416 Clones - - 509 Enniskillen - 487 Londonderry - - 722 *Armagh - 580 Lisburn - 868 In all 671 594 440 560 839 460 822 1915 245 155 273 458 Q. 11. What is the Kingswood Collection? A. £380. Ss-. 2d. Q. 12. What children are admitted this year? A. We have no room for any more yet. Q. 13. What girls? A. There is no vacancy yet. Q. 14. What is contributed for the Yearly Expenses? A. Nothing. There is only one contribution this namely, for the New Chapel in London. Q. 15. What was contributed to the Preachers' Fund? A. £84>. Us. Q>d. Q. 16. What was allowed out of it? £. s. d. 8 8 0 10 38,274 year , Jane Garnet - EHz. Dillon - Isab. Slocomb s. 5 5 A. J. M'Burney Ehz. Standring - 10 0 0 John Hosmer- - 10 0 0 Eliz. Oldham - 5 5 0 Mary Penington - 7 7 0 j £56 15 0 Q. 17. How many wives are to be provided for? A. In Ireland four (S. Watton, Payne, W., and Hern); in England forty-nine. Q. 18. By what Societies? A. By the following : — London, S. Jaco, Hindmarsh. Sussex, S. Boon. Wilts., North, S. Barker, S. Wolfe, m. Bristol, S. Bourke, Peacock. Devon, S. Brisco. Cornwall, East, S. Westell. West, S. Poole. Oxford, S. Cotty, £6. Gloucestershire, S. Snowden, Wolfe, £Q. Staffordshire, S. Taylor. Leicestershire, S. Beanland. Nottinghamshire,S.Costerdine. Chester, S. Roberts. Macclesfield, S. Shaw. Manchester, S. Mitchell, Wright. Liverpool, S. Collins, Oliver. Grimsby, S. Brown. Gainsborough, S. Easton. Epworth, S. Harrison, Corbet. S. Shorter, Green- Sheffield, wood . Leeds, S. Floyd. Thompson, Morgan, 1778. 131 Yarmouth, S. Story. Thirsk, S. Rowell. The Dales, S, Robertshavv. Newcastle, S. Barry, Crook. Birstal, S. Hunter, Thompson. Bradford, S. Hopper. York, S. W., Lee. Keighley, S. Brammah, Etu- pringham. I Alnwick, S, Swan. The money which was Avanting was then contributed. Q. 19. Do any of the Preachers take money for wives who do not want it ? A. So it has frequently been asserted. But, upon inquiry, we found it an absolute slander. Q. 20. There is a difficulty in procuring the money for the Preachers^ wives in Ireland. How may this be removed? A. Let each Assistant take care to send up to the General Assistant in Dublin, every quarter, the money which his Circuit is to pay. Q. 21. What houses are to be built this year?. A. We have no objection to the building at Bath, at Col- horton-Moor, at Macclesfield, and at Newcastle-under-Lyne ; for which a collection may be made in the neighbouring Circuits. And try if anything can be done at Birmingham. Q. 23. Some of the late buildings have been ill conducted. How may that be remedied? A. Let the Assistant of the Circuit diligently superintend every preaching-house which shall be hereafter built. Q. 23. What can be done for the sufferers by the fall of the gallery at Colne ? A. Let a private collection be made for them in the neigh- bouring Circuits. Q. 24. Are not some of our Preachers clownish still, and others apt to be offended ? A. Great care should be taken to prevent or cure this, that the good which is in them may not be evil spoken of. Q. 25. When and where may the next Conference begin? A. At Leeds, the first Tuesday in next August. Q. 26. On what days may the Quarterly Fasts be observed ? A. On the Friday in the Conference w^eek, the first Friday in November, the first Friday in February, and the first Friday in May. LEEDS, Tuesday, August 4, 8^c., 1778. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. Andi'ew Delap, Peter Mill, J. Howe, James Gaffney, Robert Davis, Hugh Moore, William Saunders, Joseph Taylor, Jasper Robinson, Thomas Vasey, John Whitley, Robert Armstrong, John Mayly. K 2 133 1778. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. Duncan M'AUura, James Hall, William Church, Joseph Saunderson, William Eels, John Blades, Hugh Moore, George Brown, E. Jackson. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. William Gill, Andrew Blair, William Myles, John Accut, James Burt, Thomas Warwick, Daniel Jackson, John Livermore, Nathaniel Ward, Bobert Naylor, Jonathan Brown, Robert Black. Q. 4, Who DESIST FROM TRAVELLING? A. George Guthrie, Robert Swan. — Thomas Tatton, George Wadsworth, William Severn. Q. 5. What Preachers have died this year? A. Thomas Hosking, a young man, just entering on the work ; zealous, active, and of an unblameable behaviour. — And Richard Bourke, a man of faith and patience, made perfect through sufferings; one who joined the wisdom and calmness of age, with the simplicity of childhood. Q. 6. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. Examine them one by one. This was carefully done, and two were set aside. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year? A. As follows : — Joseph Bradford travels with Mr. Wesley. John Atlay is the Book-Steward. Thomas Olivers corrects the press. 1 London, John Pawson, Thomas Rankin, Thomas Ten- nant; Peter Jaco, Super.; John Wesley, Thomas Coke, John Abraham. 2 Sussea?, Charles Boon, Benjamin Rhodes, John Accut ; James Skinner, Supernumerary. 3 Kent, James Rogers, Joseph Harper, M. F. 4 Norwich, Joseph Pilmoor, Barnabas Thomas, Robert Naylor. 5 Lynn, John Moon, John Walker, Jasper Robinson. 6 Bedfordshire, John Pritchard, William Whitaker, Thomas Corbet. 7 Oxfordshire, Thomas Carlill, William Tunney. 8 Gloucestershire, Thomas Brisco, Samuel Smith, John Bristol. 9 Wilts., South, Richard Whatcoat, William Barker, James Perfect. 10 North, Samuel Randall, William Moore, Thomas Newall, Thomas Westell. 11 Bristol, John Goodwin, John Valton, James Wood. 12 Taunton, Francis Wolfe, Henry Robins. 13 Tiverton, Samuel Wells, James Burt. 1778. 133 14 Cornwall, East, Richard Condy, John Furz, Joseph Jones, John Poole. 15 West, John Mason, William Ashman, Richard Rodda, James Cotty. John Broadbent, Robert Black. John Watson, William Chnrch. James Hall, George Mowat, Joseph Pescod. 19 Staffordshire, T. Mitchell, William Horner. 20 Macclesfield, John Shaw, Nicholas Manners, Jeremiah Brettell. Duncan Wright, Joseph Benson. James Barry, Robert Costerdine. Robert Roberts, Thomas Hanby, Parson Greenwood. 24 Leicestershire, Thomas Dixon, Richard Seed, Michael Moorhouse. 25 Nottingham, William Collins, Samuel Bardsley, William Percival. 26 Sheffield, Thomas Lee, George Snowden, John Fenwick. 27 Grimsby, John Peacock, John Norris, William Thorn, R, Erapringham. 28 Gainsborough, Lancelot Harrison, Joseph Taylor. 16 Glamorgan, 17 Brecon, 18 Pembroke, 21 Manchester, 22 Chester, 23 Liverpool, 29 Epivorth, 30 Leeds', 31 Birstal, 32 Bradford, 33 Keighley, 34 Colne, 35 Whitehaven, 36 Isle of Man, 37 York, 38 Hull, George Shadford, Martin Rodda, George Shorter. John Easton, John Floyd, James Hiudmarsh. Thomas Taylor, John Oliver, William Brammah, Robert Hayward. Christopher Hopper, Thomas Johnson, John Murlin. John Allen, George Hudson. Alexander Mather, Thomas Vasey. Robert Wilkinson, Stephen Proctor. John Crook, Robert Dall. Thomas Hanson, John Morgan. Christopher Watkins, J. Beanland. 39 Scarborough, Isaac Brown, John Wittam, William Saunders. 40 Thirsk, William Hunter, John Whitley. 41 Yarm, George Story, Edward Jackson, Thomas Wride, 42 The Dales, Jeremiah Robertshaw, John Leech, Jonathan Brown. 43 Newcastle, William Thompson, Jacob Rowell, Josepk Thompson, William Eels. 44 Edinburgh, Francis Wrigley, Joseph Moore. 45 Dundee, Alexander M'Nab, William Dufton. 46 Aberdeen, Joseph Sauuderson, J. Watson, sen., Duncan: M'Allum. Q. 8. How many wives are to be provided for ? 134 1778. A. Forty-four. Q. 9. By what Societies ? A. London, S. Jaco, Harper. Sussex, S. Boon. Gloucestershire, S. Brisco. Bristol, S. Barker, Westell. Devon, S. Wolfe. Cornwall, East, S. Poole. West, S. Rodda. Staffordshire, S. Mitchell. Macclesfield, S. Shaw, Crook. Manchester, S. Wright, Cos- terdine. Chester, S. Barry. Liverpool, S. Roberts, Green- wood. Leicestershire, S. Thorn. Nottinghamshire, S. Collins. Sheffield, S. Lee, Suowden. Grimsby, S. Peacock. Q. 10. What numbers are in A. London - - 2,559 Sussex - - 340 Kent - - - 259 Norwich - - 484 Lynn - - - 238 Bedfordshire - - 550 Oxfordshire - - 547 Gloucestershire - 529 *Wilts., South - - 301 *North - - 727 ^Bristol - - 1,330 Taunton 1 x,qo Tiverton j Cornwall, East- West *Glamorganshire Brecon Pembrokeshire - Staffordshire - Macclesfield Manchester Chester Liverpool Leicestershire - *Nottingham - ^Sheffield Grimsby Gainsborough, S. Harrison. Ep worth, S. Shorter. Leeds, S. Eastou, Eloyd, Hindmarsh. Birstal, S. Taylor, Brammah. BradTord, S. Hopper. Keighley, S. Oliver. Colne, S. Mather. York, S. Morgan. Hull, S. Beanland. Halifax, S. Wilkinson. Thirsk, S. Hunter. Yarm, S. Story. The Dales, S. Robertshaw. Newcastle, S. . Thompsons^ Rowell. Oxfordshire, Ion u «. Tj If 1 u- r-S. Corbet. Bedtordshire, j the Society ? Gainsborough - - 503 Ep worth - - 510 Leeds - - - 2,337 Birstal - - 1,751 Bradford - - 1,522 Keighley - - 1,104 Colne - - - 770 Whitehaven ) qqo Isle of Man j " ^"^"^ York - - - 680 Hull - - - 500 Scarborough - - 565 - 718 - 1,430 - 138 - 117 - 242 - 690 - 1,1G0 - 1,250 - 510 - 1,095 - 626 - 739 - 795 - 733 Thirsk - Yarm - The Dales *Newcastle *Edinburgh *Dundee Aberdeen Dublin *Cork - Waterford Limerick Castlebar 1 Athlone j *Sligo - *Clones 573 880 825 1,887 161 142 311 462 325 170 257 526 402 461 1778. 135 511 582 708 Belfast Lisburn America Enniskillen Lisleen ) Armagh j Londonderry - In all Q. 11. What is the Kingswood Collection? A. £366. Us. lUcl. Q. 12. What children are admitted this year? A. John Slocomb, John Bourke, James Mitchell^ Pinder, Cornelius Peacock. Q. 13. What girls? A. Ann Easton, Sarah Brown. Q. 14. Ought all the money that to be produced at the Conference ? 932 6,968 47,057 Joseph is contributed anywhere A. Undoubtedly. Nothing should be stopped, on any reason or pretence whatsoever. Q. 15. What is contributed for the Yearly Expenses? A. £621. I7s. lOd. Q. 16. How was this distributed ? £. s. d. £. s. d. A. Preachers^ \ Necessities j 227 12 10 Newcastle 21 0 0 Shaftesbury 10 0 0 Law 15 12 0 Macclesfield 10 0 0 Contingencies - 85 10 0 Bodmin 5 5 0 London - Londonderry 161 18 0 75 0 0 £621 17 10 Dublin - 10 0 0 Q. 17. What is contributed for the Preachers' Fund? A. iJ99. 8s. 6cl. Q. 18. What was allowed out of it? £. s. d. Jane Garnet 10 0 0 EHz. Garnet 8 8 0 Is. Slocomb 10 0 0 I. Waldron 7 7 0 T. Westell 14 14 0 5 5 0 £. 5 5 5 20 13 A. To E. Stand- ring - John M'Burney - John Hosraer Mary Penington - Lucia Bourke Eliz. Oldham - 5 5 0 £104 12 0 Q. 19. Is it not advisable for us to visit all the gaols we can? A. By all means. There cannot be a greater charity. Q. 20. What houses are' to be built this year? A. At Addingham, Padiham, Pannall, Davyhulme, Frome, Macclesfield. Q. 21. Many Trustees are dead. What is to be done? A. 1. Let each Assistant inquire before Christmas, what Trustees are wanting in his Circuit. 2. Let him write me word when they think proper to supply the want. 136 1779. Q. 22. Some Trustees may abuse their power after my death. What can be done now to prevent this ? A. It seems, we need take no thought for the morrow. God will provide when need shall be. Q. 23. Why do so many of our Preachers fall into nervous disorders ? A. Because they do not sufficiently observe Dr. Cadogan's rules ; — To avoid Indolence and Intemperance. They do indeed use exercise. But many of them do not use enough; not near so much as they did before they were Preach- ers. And sometimes they sit still a whole day. This can never consist with health. They are not intemperate in the vulgar sense : they are neither drunkards nor gluttons. But they take more food than nature requires ; particularly in the evening. Q. 24. What advice would you give to those that are nervous? A. Advice is made for them that will take it. But who are thej' ? One in ten, or twenty ? Then I advise: — 1. Touch no dram, tea, tobacco, or snuff. 2. Eat very light, if any, supper. 3. Breakfast on nettle or orange-peel tea. 4. Lie down before ten ; — rise before six. 5. Every day use as much exercise as you can bear : — Or, 6. Murder yourself by inches. Q. 25. When and where may the next Conference begin? A. At London, the first Tuesday in next August. Q. 2G. On what days may the Quarterly Easts be observed? A. Next Friday, the first Friday in November, the first Friday in February, and the first in May. LONDON, Tuesday, August 3, 1779. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. Edward Jackson, Joseph Saunderson, William Eels, Johu Norris, James Hall, Daniel Jackson, Robert Naylor. David Evans and George Wadsworth were re-admitted. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. Duncan M'Allum, William Church, Hugh Moore, George Brown, William Gill, Andrew Blair, Wilham Myles, Thomas Warwick, John Accut, Jonathan Brown, and Robert Blake. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. Henry Moore, Thomas Barber, Thomas Davis, John Booth, Samuel Mitchell, James Christie, George Button, William Simpson, George A'^aughan, Alexander Suter, William Warreuer. Q. 4. Who DESIST FROM TRAVELLING? A. William Whitaker, disabled by the stone ; Joseph Moore, Robert Empringliam, and John Whitley. Q. 5. What Preachers have died this year? 1779. 137 A. George Shorter, an Israelite indeed, a lively, zealous, active man ; a witness of full salvation, and an earnest exhorter of all believers to aspire after it. — And James GafFney, a young man of considerable abilities, wise above his years. He was snatched away by a galloping consumption; but was fully delivered from the fear of death, and was unspeakably happy, though in violent pain, till his spirit returned to God. Q. 6. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. Examine them one by one. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year? A. As follows : — Joseph Bradford travels with Mr. Wesley. John Atlay is the Book- Steward. Thomas Olivers corrects the press. 1 London, J. W., T. Coke, John Pawson, Thomas Rankin, John Murlin. 2 Sussea^, Samuel Wells, Joseph Harper, Alexander Suter. 3 Kent, Parson Greenwood, Francis Wrigley, James Perfect. 4 Norwich, George Shadford, Samuel Bardsley, John'Accut. 5 Lynn, John Pritchard, John Moon, James Skinner. 6 Bedfordshire, Charles Boon, William Barker. 7 Oxfordshire, George Story, Thomas Newall. 8 Northamptonshire, William Eels, Thomas Corbet. 9 Gloucestershire, Jolin Goodwin, James Wood, John Broadbent. 10 Wiltshire, South, Hichard Whatcoat, David Evans, John Wittara, Richard Seed. 11 North, Samuel Randall, Francis Wolfe, Henry Robins, Thomas Tennant. 12 Bristol, Alexander M'Nab, John Valton, John Bristol. 13 Taunton, John Mason, Michael Moorhouse. 14 Tiverton, Thomas Carlill, William Ashman. 15 Cornwall, East, Richard Condy, William Tunney, Robert Blake, John Poole. 16 West, Thomas Hanson, George Wadsworth, Richard Rodda, William Simpson. 17 Glamorgan, William Church, James Cotty. 18 Brecon, J. Watson, jun., Robert Swan. 19 Pembroke, William Moore, John Booth, Zach. Yewdall. 20 Staffordshire, Thomas IMitchell, Robert Costerdine. 21 Macclesfield, John and Jeremiah Brettell, Robert Hayward. 22 Manchester, Joseph Benson, George Snowden. 23 Chester, James Barry, William Horner. 24 Liverpool, Robert Roberts, John Leech, Thomas Hanby. 25 Leicester, Thomas Dixon, John Furz, Joseph Pescod. 26 Nottingham, William Collins, John Walker, George Vaughan. 27 Sheffield, Thomas Lee, William Brammah. 28 Griinsbi/, John Peacock, Daniel Jackson, George Button. lo8 1779. 30 Epivorth, 31 Leeds, 32 Birstal, 33 Bradford, 34 Keighley, 35 Colne, 29 GainshoroiKjh, Lancelot Harrison, William "Warrener, Thomas Warwic|v. Nicholas jNIanners, John Norris, Joseph Taylor. John Easton, John Allen, James Rogers. Thomas Taylor, John Floyd, John Oliver, John Shaw. Alexander Mather, Thomas Johnson, Thomas Brisco. James Hindmarsh, George Hudson. Christopher Hopper, William Percival. 36 Whitehaven, Jeremiah Robertshaw, Thomas Vasey. 37 Isle of Man, John Crook, Martin Rodda. 38 York, John Fenwick, John INIorgan. 39 Hull, Isaac Brown, John Beanland. 40 Scarborough, Christopher Watkins, James Watson, Thomas Wridc. William Hunter, Jonathan Brown. Duncan Wright, Edward Jackson, William Saunders. Jacob Rowell, Robert Wilkinson, Thomas Richy. William Thompson, John Watson, sen., Stephen Proctor, William Thom. Joseph Pilmoor, Barnabas Thomas, Benjamin Rhodes. George JMowat, Robert Naylor. Joseph Saunderson,W.Dufton. ^Let these change Duncan M'Allum, Jaspers once in two Robinson. \ months. Richard Watkinson, James Hall. Samuel Bradburn, John Bredin. Hugh Moore, WiUiam Gill. Thomas Payne, Richard Boardman. Robert Armstrong, T. H. J. H., sen., J. H., jun., Nehemiah Price. John Price, Thomas Barber. Robert Lindsay, John M'Burney. 57 Enniskillen, John Mayly, WiUiam M'Cornock. 58 Armagh, Peter Mill, Jonathan Hern, T. Davis. 59 Lisleen, George Brown, Samuel ]\Iitchell. CO Londonderry, Thomas Rutherford, Henry Moore, Andrew Blair. 61 Belfast, John Prickard, James Christie. 62 Lisburn, WiUiam Boothby, Robert Davis, William Myles. Q. 8. How many wives are to be provided for ? A. Forty-three. Q. 9. By what Societies ? 41 Thirsk, 42 Yarm, 43 The Dales, 44 Newcastle, 45 Edinburgh, 46 Dundee, 47 Aberdeen, 48 Inverness, 49 Dublin, 50 Cork, 51 52 Waterford, Limerick, 53 Castlebar, 54 Athlone, 55 56 Sligo, Clones, 1779. 139 A. London, S, Booties. Story. Sussex, S. Harper. Gloucestershire, S. Goodwin. Bristol, S.Wilkinson, S. Evans. Wilts., North, S. Swan. Devon, S. Wolfe. Cornwall, East, S. Poole. West, S. Rodda. Staffordshire, S. Mitchell. Macclesfield, S. Costerdine. Manchester, S. Snowden and S. Oliver. Chester, S. Barry. Liverpool, S. Roberts, S. Greenwood. Leicestershire, S. Corbet. Nottinghamshire, S. Collins. Sheffield, S. Lee, S. Brammah. Grimsby, S. Peacock. Q. 10. What numbers are in A. *London - 2436 ^Sussex - - 321 Kent - - 330 Norwich - - 497 Lynn - - 187 ^Bedfordshire - 494 ^Oxfordshire - - 523 ^Gloucestershire - 496 Wilts., South- - 307 North- - 843 Bristol - - 1505 *Taunton - - 209 *Tiverton - - 355 Cornwall, East - 718 *West - 1412 Glamorgan - - 152 Brecon - - 140 *Pembrokeshire - 239 Staffordshire - 713 Macclesfield - - 1236 Manchester - ■- 1307 Chester - - 550 ^Liverpool - - 1031 Leicestershire - 632 Nottingham - - 780 Sheffield - - 843 Grimsby - - 837 * Gainsborough - 480 Gainsborough, S. Harrison. Epworth, S. Robertshaw. Leeds, S. Easton, S. Rogers, S. Flovd. Birstal, S. Taylor, S. Shaw. Bradford, S. Mather. Keighley, S. Hindmarsh, S. Crook. Colne, S. Hopper. York, S. Morgan. Scarborough, S. Brown. Halifax, S. Brisco. Thirsk, S. Hunter. Yarm, S. Wright. The Dales, S. Rowell. Newcastle, S. Thompson, S. Thorn, S. Watson. Oxfordshire, \ g g^^j^gj. Bedfordshire, ) the Societies ? Epworth - - 630 *Leeds - - 2222 Birstal - - 2323 Bradford - - 1541 Keighley - - 1260 Colne - - 790 Whitehaven - - 302 Isle of Man - - 1051 *York - - 653 Hull - - - 681 Scarborough - - 670 Thirsk - - 600 Yarm - - 900 The Dales - - 828 Newcastle - - 1890 Edinburgh - - 193 *Dundee - - 121 *Aberdeen - - 276 Inverness - - 42 Dublin - - 562 *Cork - - 239 Waterford - - 300 Limerick - - 355 ^-Castlebar - - 182 *Athlone - - 230 Sligo ~ - 489 Clones - - 615 Enniskillen - - 560 Lisleeu Armagh *Loudonderry *Belfast N.B. we 140 638 Lisburn 811 150 334 America is omitted, account for the decrease 1779. 475 42,486 Q. 11. How can we account tor tlie decrease in so many Circuits this year ? A. It may be owing, partly to want of preaching abroad, and of trying new pLiccs ; partly to prejudice against the King, and speaking evil of dignities ; but chiefly to the increase of worldly- mindedness, and conformity to the world. Q. 12. How can we stop this evil-speaking? A. Suffer none that speak evil of those in authority, or that prophesy evil to the ration, to preach with us. Let every Assistant take care of this. Q. 13. What is the Kingswood Collection ? A. £368. 18*. Q. 14. What children are admitted this year? A. George Snowden, John Barry, Charles Margate. Q. 15. W^hat is contributed for the Yearly Expenses? A. £473. 6s. 2d. Q. 16. How was this distributed ? £. d. A. For Preachers' Necessities. j Law - - 28 Contingencies for 1 year ) 100 3 2 15 0 0 0 To Padihara To Newly n To Shaftesbury To Arbroath To Exeter To Neston £. 20 10 10 10 3 1 the present v To Grimsby ' - 5 5 0 To Louth - 10 0 0 To Londonderry - 10 0 0 £473 6 2 To Colne - - 30 0 0 Q. 17. Exceeding little has been contributed this year. How may this, be altered? A. Let every Assistant, 1. Read publicly the article in the Minutes : 2. Ask every person at the Christmas visitation, " What will you subscribe ? " 3. Receive it at the next visitation. Q. 18. But whatever is subscribed will not answer' the numberless demands. What can be done to lessen these? A. 1. Let every Circuit bear its own burden, and not lean upon the Conference. 2. Tell every one expressly, " We do not make a subscription for paying debts." 3. Let all the Assistants in Ireland do the same as those in England. Q. 19. When should casual collections be made ? A. Between the Conference and January 1st. Q. 20. Should not the Plans be brought in yearly? A. Certainly : the Plan of every Circuit. Q. 21. What is contributed for the Preachers' Fund? £. s. d. £. s. d. Eliz. Dillou 5 5 0 18 0 0 Jane Garnet 5 5 0 10 0 0 Mary Peniiigtou 5 5 0 12 0 0 Eliz. Shorter - 7 7 0 10 10 0 0 0 0 £88 7 0 5 5 0 1780. 141 A. £106. 85. 2d. Q. 22. What is allowed out of it ? A. To Isaac Waldron Eliz. Standring T. Westell Lucia Bourke - W. Whitaker - Eliz. Oldham - Q. 23. What houses are to be built this year ? A. At Huntingdon, High-Wycomb, Plymouth, Plymouth- Dock, Salop, Nottingham, Sheffield, Hunslet, Greetland, Mirfield. We do not judge it proper that a house should be built at South Shields. Q. 24. Has each Assistant inquired, what Trustees were wanting for aiiy house in his Circuit? and considered, who are proper persons to supply the want ? A. No. But let it be done this year. Q. 25. Should any Assistant take into the Society any whom his predecessor has put out ? A. Not without first consulting him. Q. 26. Preachers hasten home to their wives after preaching. Ought this to be done? A. Never, till they have met the Society. Q. 27. What can be done to revive the work in Scotland ? A. 1. Preach abroad as much as possible : 2. Try every town and village : 3. Visit every member of every Society at home : 4. Let the Preachers at Dundee and Arbroath never stay at one place more than a week at a tima : 5. Let each of them once a quaiter visit Perth and Dunkeld, and the intermediate villages. BRISTOL, Tuesday, August 1, 1780. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. William Church, George Button, WiUiara Warrener, Robert Blake, Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. Nathaniel Ward, George Dice, Robert Bridge, Jonathan Brown, John Booth, Alexander Suter, Zach. Yewdall, George Wawne, Duncan M'Allum, Hugh Moore, George Brown, Andrew Blair, WilHam Myles, Henry Moore, Thomas Barber, Samuel Mitchell, William Simpson, Edward Jackson. 143 . 1780. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. John Cricket, Joseph Cole, William Green, T. Shaw, Jonathan Cousins, John Livermore, Robert Hopkins, Samuel Hodgson, Joshua Keighley, Andrew Inglis, and Henry Foster. Q. 4. Who DESIST FROM TRAVELLING? A. Thomas Newall, George Hudson, Thomas Wride, William Barker, and John Beanland for want of health. N. B. As we admit no one as a Travelling Preacher, unless we judge him to have grace, gifts, and fruit; so we cannot receive any one as such any longer than he retains those qualifications. Q. 5. What Preachers have died this year? A. Samuel Wells, a sensible, honest, upright man, who put forth all his strength in every part of his work. He was parti- cularlj'' zealous in observing discipline, and in exhorting believers to go on to perfection. — And William Brammah, who, having had much weakness and pain, finished his course with joy. Q. 6. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. They were examined. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year? A. As follows : — 1 London, John Wesley, Charles Wesley, Thomas Coke, Bichard Boardman, Joseph Bradford, John Atlay. 2 Sussex, Francis Wrigley, William Ashman. 3 Kent, Richard Whatcoat, Thomas Mitchell. 4 Colchester, Peter Mill, James Perfect. 5 Norwich, James Wood, John Moon, Jonathan Cousins. 6 Lynn, Charles Boon, Robert Hopkins. 7 Bedford, Thomas Vasey, John Norris. 8 Northampton, William Eels, Joshua Keighley. 9 Oxfordshire, George Story, John Accut. 10 Gloucestershire, John Goodwin, George Wawne, Joseph Cole. 11 Salisbury, William Tunney, John Poole, John Walker, William Green. 12 Bradford, John Mason, Richard. Rodda, Alexander Suter, John Wittam. 13 Bristol, John Pawson, Thomas Rankin, Thomas Tennant. 14 Taunton, John Pritcliard, James Skinner. 15 Tiverton, Nicholas Manners, Thomas Shaw. 16 Cornwall, East, Jeremiah Brettell, INIartin Rodda, Simon Day, Henry Foster. 17 West, Thomas Hanson, John Booth, Francis Wolfe, Stephen Proctor. 18 Glamorganshire, William Plorner, Zachariah Yewdall. 19 Brecon, John Prickard, Henry Robins. 1780. 143 20 Pembrokeshire, Samuel llanclall, William Moore, William Church. 21 Staffordshire, John Broaclbent, Robert Swau. 22 Macclesfield, Robert Roberts, Robert Costerdine, Thomas Corbet. John Valton, George Snowden. William Boothby, Jonathan Hern. John Easton, Thomas Hauby, Richard Seed. James Barry, John Brettell, M. Moorhouse; J, Furz, Supernumerary. John Hampson, sen., Joseph Pescod, David Evans. James Rogers, Alexander M'Nab, Samuel Bardsley. George Shadford, Robert Wilkinson, Robert Hayward, William Warrener. 30 Gainsborough, Isaac Brown, Jeremiah Robertshaw, George Button. Joseph Harper, Thomas Warwick, John Oliver. John Allen, John Murlin, Joseph Benson. Thomas Lee, John Floyd, John Shaw. Parson Greenwood, Thomas Johnson. Alexander Mather, James Hindmarsh, John Fenwick. ^.^ A^_.-^^ ^-_ c^^:^-^- /Z>,^ Samuel Bradburn, Willimn Sieapsosi. Christopher Hopper, Thoraas Longley. William Thom, Joseph Thompson. 39 Isle of Man, John Crook, Thomas Readshaw. 40 York, Thomas Taylor, Joseph Taylor, Samuel Hodg- son. 41 Hull, Lancelot Harrison, William Percival. 42 Scarborough, Thomas Dixon, John Peacock, James Watson. 43 Thirsk, Christopher Watkins, John Leech. 44 Yarm, Duncan Wright, Daniel Jackson, Jonathan Bi'own; Jacob Rowell, Supernumerary. 45 The Dales, Edward Jackson, William Saunders, John Morgan. 46 Newcastle, William Hunter, William Collins, Benjamin Rhodes, Thomas Brisco. 47 Edinburgh, William Thompson, John Watson, sen., Duncan M'Allum. 48 Dundee, Jasper Robinson, William Dufton. 49 Aberdeen, Joseph Saunderson, John Hampson, jun. 50 Inverness, John Watson, jun., George Mowat. 51 Dublin, Joseph Pilmoor, Barnabas Thomas. 52 Cork, Richard Watkinson, William Myles. 53 Waterford, Thomas Payne, Thomas Barber. 54 Limerick, John Livermore, Robert Naylor. 23 Manchester, 24 Chester, 25 Liverpool, 26 Leicester, 27 Nottingham, 28 Sheffield, 29 Grimsby, 31 Epworth, 32 Leeds, 33 Birstal, 34 Hiiddersfield, 35 Bradford, 36 Keighley, 37 Colne, 38 Whitehaven, 144 1780. 55 Castlebar, Robert Lindsay, Samuel Mitchell. 56 Athlone, Nchemiah Price, T. H., John Bredin. 57 S/iffo, Andrew Blair, James Jordan, William West. 58 Clones, John Price,WilliamM'Cornock, Robert Bridge. 59 Enniskillen, George Brown, Robert Davis, Edward Evaus, 60 Charlemout, Henry Moore, Robert Blake, Nathaniel Ward. 61 Lisleen, Hugh Moore, Robert Armstrong, John Cricket. 62 Londonderry, Thomas Rutherford, Thomas Davis. 63 Belfast, John Mayly, George Dice. 64 Lisburn, Thomas Carlill, James Hall. Q. 8. How many wives are to be provided for ? A. Fifty-two. Q. 9. By what Societies? A. By London, S. Bradford, Wood. J. W. and T. C, S. Poole, Hindmarsh, Naylor. Sussex, S. Mitchell. Gloucestershire, S. Goodwin. Bristol, S. Boon, Storv, Church. North Wilts., S. Rodda. Cornwall, East, S, Dav. West, S," Booth, Green. Devon, S. Corbet. Birmingham, S. Swan. Macclesfield, S. Roberts, Cos- terdiue. Manchester, S. Snowden, Oliver. Chester, S. Hern. Liverpool, S. Easton, Thom. Leicester, S. Barry. Nottingham, S. Evans. Q. 10. What numbers are in the Societies ? A. In London - 2498 Sussex - - 288 Kent - - 253 Norwich - - 555 Colchester j ' ^^^ Bedfordshire - 244 Northampton - 217 Oxfordshire - 445 Gloucestershire - 626 Salisbury - 331 Bradford - 925 Bristol - - 1492 Sheffield, S. Rogers, W. Thompson. Grimsby, S. Wilkinson. Gainsborough, S. Robertshaw. Epworth, S. Harper. Leeds, S. Greenwood, Longley, Joseph Thompson. Birstal, S. Floyd, Shaw. Bradford, S. Mather, Brisco. Keighley, S. Bradburn, Brown. Colne, S. Hopper. York, S. Taylor, Rowell. Hull, S. Harrison. Scarborough, S. Peacock. Thirsk, S. Leech. Yarm, S. Wright. The Dales, S. Morgan. Newcastle, S. Watson, Collins, Hunter. LsleofMan, S. Crook. Taunton ) Tiverton j 517 Cornwall, East 637 West 1334 Glamorgan - 168 Brecon 135 Pembrokeshire 196 Birmingham 681 Macclesfield - 1380 Manchester - 1323 Chester 507 Liverpool - 1023 Leicester 633 1780. 145 Kottingliam - Sheffield Grimsby Gainsborough Epworth Leeds Birstal \ Huddersfield J Bradford Keii 700 823 748 507 659 2330 2340 Edinburgh Dundee Aberdeen ) Inverness J Dublin Waterford Cork Limerick Castlebar Athlone Sligo Clones Enniskilleu - Lisleen Charlemont - Londonderry - Belfast Lisburn 208 127 220 527 177 243 283 197 315 G'J4 615 569 651 782 166 415 475 - 1754 .ghley - - 1360 Colne . - 951 Whitehaven - - 305 Isle of Man - - 1486 York - - 720 Hull - - 696 Scarborough - - 665 Thirsk - - 626 Yarm - - 940 The Dales - - 832 Newcastle - - 1944 In all 43,830 Q. 11. What is the Kingswood Collection? A. £402. Is. 9d. Q. 12. What boys are received there this year ? A. Thomas Warwick, James Hanby, and Thomas Harrison. Q. 13. What girls are removed from school? A. E. Taylor, Brisco, and Mary Payne. Q. 14. Should any others be admitted? A. Not yet. Instead of this, give P. Taylor, A. Brisco, M. Roberts, and H. Barry, ^66 each; and consider how to dispose of Mary Payne. Q. 15. What was contributed for the Yearly Expenses? A. £629. Is. 9d. Q. 16. How was this expended? A. Thus :— £. s. d. This year's Con- } 100 0 0 tingencies Last year's ficiencies De- 1 16 2 6 Preachers' cessities Ne- [ 270 18 3 Law 4 0 0 Edinburgh - 102 18 0 Arbroath - - 10 0 0 Dunbar - _ 10 0 0 Sheffield - _ 12 18 6 Greenock - _ 5 0 0 Sibsey - 10 0 0 Vol. I. Bolton Huntingdon Wolverhampton Worcester Melton Donington Taunton - Collumpton Carmarthen Chatham 15 20 10 10 2 10 5 5 5 5 s. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 d. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ^6628 17 Lncia Bourke - Elizabeth Dillon Elizabeth Oldham Elizabeth Shorter Catherine Garnet £. s. d. 5 5 0 5 5 0 5 5 0 5 5 0 5 5 0 146 1781. • Q. 17. What was contributed to the Preachers' Fund? A. £87. Q. 18. What was allowed out of it ? £. s. d. A. To Isaac Waldron 20 0 0 Thomas Westell _ 18 0 0 John Shaw - 14 0 0 William Whitaker 12 0 0 EHzabeth Standring 10 0 0 Mary Peniugton 10 0 0 AHce Brammah 10 0 0 In all £120 5 0 Q. 19. What remains in the Preachers' Fund ? ^4. Upwards of £700: and we never desire it should rise higher. Q. 20. What houses are to be built this year ? A. At Deverel, Cowbridge, Lane End, Birmingham, Delf, and Retford. Q. 21. What business have we remaining? A. The main business for which we met : To revise and enforce the Large jNIinutes of the Conference. Q. 22. Where and when may we meet again ? A. At Leeds, on the first Tuesday in August. LEEDS, Tuesdaij, August 7, ^c, 1781. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. John Booth, Zachariah Yewdall, Duncan M'Allum^ Wilham Simpson, Jonathan Cousins, William Green, Samuel Hodgson, Joshua Keighley, Jonathan Brown, George Gibbon, Andrew Inglis, Nathaniel Ward, Thomas Shaw, and Thomas Longley. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. George Dice, Robert Bridge, Alexander Suter, Hugh Moore, George Brown, Andrew Blair, William Myles, Henry Moore, Thomas Barber, Samuel Mitchell, John Cricket, Joseph Cole, John Livermore, and Henry Foster. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. Thomas Elhs, Charles Atmore, T. Cooper, James Wray, Philip Hardcastle, John Ingham, William Graham, T. Tatter- shall, and Christopher Peacock, Q. 4. Who DESIST FROM TRAVELLING? A. Martin Rodda, William Tunney. Q. 5. What Preachers have died this year? A, George Wawne, a young man zealous for God, and of an unblameable behaviour : — And Robert Wilkinson, an Israelite indeed ; a man of faith and prayer, who, having been a pattern of all good works, died in the full triumph of faith. 1781. 147 Q. 6. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. Let them be examined one by one. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year? A. As follows : — 1 London, John Wesley, Cliarles Wesley, John Fletcher, Thomas Coke, John Atlay; Joseph Bradford, Supernumerary. 2 Sussex, William Ashman, Thomas Cooper. 3 Ke7it, Thomas Rankin, James Hindmarsh. 4 Colchester, Thomas Carlill, John Ingham. 5 Norivich, James Wood, William Horner, John Accut, Robert Hopkins. 6 Lynn, John Prickard, George Button. 7 Bedford, Thomas Vasey, Robert Swan, 8 Northampton, Richard Whatcoat, Michael Moorhouse. 9 Oxfordshire, Richard Rodda, Thomas Warwick. 10 Gloucester, George Story, Joseph Cole, John Walker. 11 Sarum, Praucis Wrigley, Thomas Shaw, Jonathan Cousins, John Poole. 12 Bradford, John Mason, James Perfect, George Gibbon, W. Green. 13 Bristol, John Pawson, John Murlin, William Moore. 14 Taunton, John Pritchard, Charles Boon. 15 Tiverton, John Moon, Alexander Suter. 16 Cornwall, East, Thomas Payne, John Wittam, William Saunders, George Wadsworth. 17 West, Christopher Watkins, Nicholas Manners, Francis Wolfe, Simon Bay. 18 Glamorgan, Stephen Proctor, William Church. 19 Pembroke, Samuel Randall, Thomas Tennant, James Hall. 20 Brecon, Henry Robins, Nathaniel Ward. 21 Staffordshire, John Broadbent, John Goodwin, Thomas Hanby. 22 Macclesfield, Robert Roberts, John Hampson, jun., John Leech; Richard Seed, Supernumerary. 23 Manchester, John Valton, John Allen, Alexander M'Nab. 24 Chester, William Boothby, Supernumerary, Jonathan Hern, William Simpson. 25 Liverpool, John Easton, Jeremiah Brettell, William Eels. 26 Leicester, Joseph Harper, Robert Costerdine, David Evans ; John Furz, Supernumerary. 27 Nottingham, John Hampson, sen., John Brettell, James Skinner. 28 Sheffield, James Rogers, William Percival, Jos. Taylor. 29 Grimsby, George Shadford, Thomas Corbet, Joseph Pescod, Charles Atmore. 30 Gainsborough, Jeremiah Robertshaw, W. Warrener, Philip Hardcastle. L 2 148 1781. 31 EpiDorth, James Barry, John Norris, Thomas Tattershall. 3.2 Leeds, Alexander Mather^ Christopher Hopper, Joseph Benson. 33 Birstal, Thomas Brisco, John Shaw, Thomas Longley. 3i Huddersfield, George Snowden, Thomas Lee. 35 Bradford, Samuel Bradburn, John Floyd, John Oliver. 36 Ki'ujlde]}, Isaac Brown, Robert Hay ward. 37 Colne, Thomas Hanson, Thomas Beadshaw, Parson Greenwood. 38 Whitehaven, Thomas Dixon, John Booth. 39 Isle of Man, Daniel Jackson, Jonathan Brown. 40 York, Thomas Taylor, Thomas Johnson, Joshua Keighley. 41 Hull, Lancelot Harrison, William Dufton, Samuel Hodgson. 42 Sca7'boroii(/7i, John Fenwick, John Peacock, Christopher Peacock. 43 Thirsk, Joseph Thompson, John Beanland, James Wray. 44 Yar'm, William Collins, James Watson, Benjamin Bhodes. 45 The Dales, Wm. Thom, John jMorgan, Jasper Robinson. 46 Newcastle, Duncan Wright, William Hunter, Edward Jackson, Thomas Ellis. 47 Edinburgh, William Thompson, Jos. Sauuderson, Duncan M'Allum. 48 Dundee, Barnabas Thomas. 49 Aberdeen, Peter Mill, Samuel Bardsley, Andrew Inglis. 50 Dublin, Joseph Pilmoor, John Crook. 51 Waterford, Robert Lindsay, Zachariah Yewdall. 52 Cork, Richard Watkinson, N. Price. 53 Limerick, John Cricket, Richard Boardman. 54 Castlebar, Thomas Barber, Robert Naylor. 55 Athlone, John Price, George Mowat, John Watson, sen. 56 Sligo, Andrew Blair, Thomas Davis; John Mayh'', John Miller, George Dice : change once in three months. 57 Clones, Samuel Mitchell, Robert Blake, Edward Evans. 58 Enniskillen, John Livermore, Robert Armstrong, Robert Bridge. 59 Charlemont, Henry Foster, William M'Cornock, Robert Davis. GO Lisleen, George Brown, James Jordan, Win. Graham. 61 Londonderry, Hugh Moore, William West. 62 Belfast, William Myles, John Watson, jun. 63 Lisburn, Thomas Rutherford, Henry Moore. Q. 8. How many wives are to be provided for ? A. Forty-eight. 1781. 149 Q. 9. By what Societies? j4. London, S, Bradford, Wood. Sussex, S. Hindmarsh. Gloucestershire, S. Story. Bristol, S. Church, Moore. Bradford, S. Poole. Cornwall, East, S. Payne. West, S. Day, Swan. Devon, S. Boon. Birmingham, S. Goodwin. Macclesfield, S. Roberts, Costerdine. Manchester, S. Longley, Oliver. Hern. S. Rutlierford, Watson. Chester, S Liverpool, Easton. Leicester, S. Evans. Nottingham, S. Harper Q. 10. Three wives are still unprovided for ; for them ? A. Supply them from the Preachers' Fund. Q. 11. What numbers are in the Societies? Sheffield, S. Rogers, Thomp- son. Grimsby, S. Corbet. Gainsborough, S. Robertshaw. Epworth, S. Barry. Leeds, S. Mather, Moore, Hopper. Birstal, S. Brisco, Snowden. Bradford, S. Bradburn, Floyd. Keighley, S. Brown, Shaw. Colne, S. Greenwood. York, S. Taylor. Hull, S. Harrison. Scarborough, S. Peacock. Thirsk, S. Thompson. Yarm, S. Collins. Newcastle, S.^AVright, Hunter, what shall we do A. In *London - 2,511 Liverpool - 927 Sussex - 187 *Leicester - 660 Kent - - 213 ^Nottingham - - 767 Colchester - 151 *Sheffield - 920 *Norwich - 582 * Grimsby - 880 Lvnn - - 161 *Gainsborough - 580 ^Bedford - 274 *Epworth - 702 *Northampton- - 251 *Leeds - 2,480 Oxfordshire - 442 Birstal - 1,431 * Gloucestershire - 667 Huddersfield - - 795 *Sarum - 346 *Bradford - 1,830 Bradford - 889 Keighley - 1,201 Bristol - 1,444 *Colne - 958 *Taunton - 204 Whitehaven - 290 Tiverton - 397 *Isle of Man - - 1,597 Cornwall, East- - 613 *York - - 767 *West - 1,538 *Hull - - 709 ^Glamorganshire - 163 *Scarborough - - 670 Pembroke - 181 *Thirsk - 650 Brecon - 110 Yarm - - 970 * Birmingham - - 803 The Dales - 821 Macclesfield - 1,326 Newcastle - 1,786 ^Manchester - - 1,426 Edinburgh - 191 ^Chester - 515 Dundee - 112 150 1781. Aberdeen ) Inverness j *Dublin *Cork - *Waterford Limerick *Castlebar Athlone *Sligo - 198 546 246 252 212 206 258 910 *Clones - 627 Enniskilleu - 569 Charlemont - 680 Lisleen - 646 *Londonderrv - - 172 Belfast - 393 Lisburn - 458 44,461 In all N.B. The Circuits marked thus, * are increased this year. Q. 12. What is the Kingswood Collection? A. £440. Is. Id. Q. 13. What boys ai'e received there this year? A. Thomas Brisco, James Poole, David Evans, Joseph Collins, James Eowell, James Barry. Q. 14. What shall we allow to those parents whose children cannot be received ? A. Allow Harriet Barry, Mary Roberts, Hannah Peacock, Jane Thompson, Eliz. Brown, and Eliz. Easton, £6 each. And let each Assistant diligently inquire how this is expended, and give an account of it at the yearly Conference. Q. 15. Can any one recommend a writing-master for Kings- wood school? A. John Inwood is every way qualified for the place. Q. 16. What can be done to lessen the burden which lies on those Societies where the Conference is held ? A. Let every Preacher pay for his own horse. Q. 17. What was contributed to the Preachers' Fund? A. £207. 135. M. Q. 18. What was allowed out of it ? £. s. d. A. To Thomas Westell - 30 Isaac Waldron - 20 Jacob Howell - 15 Sarah Hosmer - 10 WilHam Whitaker - 12 John Furz - 12 Ehzabeth Standring 12 Mary Penington - 10 Jane Wilkinson - 20 Alice Brammah - 10 Lucia Bourke - 10 Ehzabeth Dillon - 5 Q A £. s. d. Elizabeth Oldham - 5 5 0 Ehzabeth Shorter - 10 0 0 Catherine Garnet - 5 5 0 S. Beanland - 12 0 0 S. Thorn - - 12 0 0 S. Booth - - 12 0 0 S. Eels - - 12 0 0 S. Boothby - 6 0 0 Money advanced ) last year j 15 15 0 £256 10 0 19. What houses are to be built this year? Nottingham, Beverley, Stockport, Ashton. Q. 20. If bankrupts ever are able, is it not their duty to pay their whole debt ? 1782. 151 A. Doubtless it is. If they do not, they ought not to continue in our Society. Q. 21. Ought we not to exhort all dying persons to be, then at least, merciful after their power? A. We ought, without any regard to the reflections which will be cast upon us on that account. Q. 22. Does the rule for giving each wife £15 a year take place with regard to them that live at home ? A. It was never intended so to do. Q. 23. We have neither money nor houses for any more wives : what can we do ? A. 1. We must admit no more married Preachers, unless in defect of single Preachers. 2. The Societies that have not houses must hire lodgings for the Preacher^s wife. Q. 24. Can we erect a school for Preachers' children in Yorkshire ? A. Probably we may. Let our brethren think of a place and a master, and send me word. Q. 25. Have not our Preachers printed anything without my consent and correction? A. Several of them have, (not at all to the honour of the Methodists,) both in verse and prose. This has, 1. Brought a great reproach. 2. Much hindered the spreading of more profitable books. Therefore we all agree, 3. That no Preacher print or reprint anything for the time to come, till it is corrected by Mr. W. And, 4. That the profits thereof shall go into the common stock. Q. 26. What shall be done with the remaining copies of the Notes on the Old Testament ? A. Let them be sold weekly at Sd. a number. Q. 27. How shall we prevent the waste of books? A. Let every Assistant, before he leaves his Circuit, deliver an exact catalogue to Mr. Atla3^ Q. 28. What business have we remaining? A. The main business for which we met : To enforce the Large Minutes of the Conference. Q. 29. When and where may we meet again? A, On the first Tuesday in August, at London. LONDON, Tuesday, August 6, 1782. Q. 1. What Preachers ai'e admitted this year? A. James Wray, John Ingham, Thomas Tattershall, George Brown, Andrew Blair, John Livermore, William Myles, Henry Moore, Thomas Barber, Samuel Mitchell, Henry Foster, Thomas Davis, Robert Bridge. 152 1783. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. Alexander Suter, Joseph Cole, John Cricket, Thomas Ellis, Thomas Cooper, Charles Atmore, Robert Hopkins, Philip Hardcastle, George Dice, Hugh Moore, James Jordan, Christopher Peacock, WiUiara West, William M'Cornock, John Miller, Joseph Algar. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. Ptobert Scot, WilHam Hoskins, Edward Eippon, John Barber, James Christie, Thomas Bartholomew, John Glascock, Samuel Botts, George Holder, James Bogie, John Ogilvie, John Kerr, Gustavus Armstrong, Thomas Wride, Robert Empringham-. Q. 4. Who DESIST FROM TRAVELLING? A. James Skinner, Francis Wolfe, John Floyd, Robert Hay ward; these without blame. — Stephen Proctor, John Walker. Q. 5. What Preachers have died this year? A. John Norris, a lover and a witness of Christian perfection, who died as he lived, full of faith and of the Ploly Ghost. And John Morgan, a plain, rough man, who, after various trials, and a long^ painful illness, joyfully committed his soul, his "wife, and his eight little children, to his merciful and faithful Creator. Q. 6. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. Let them be examined one by one. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year? A. As follows : — 1 London, John Wesley, Charles Wesley, Thomas Coke, John Murlin, Thomas Lee, John Broadbent, John Prickard, John Atlay. 2 Sussea^, James Wood, William Horner. 3 Kent, William Ashman, John Glascock. 4 Colchester, George Gibbon, Robert Hopkins. 5 Norwich, James Hindmarsh, T. Cooper, Joshua Keighley, Robert Scot. 6 Lynn, Richard Whatcoat, J. Ingham. 7 Bedford, Joseph Harper, Robert Empringham. 8 Northampton, Joseph Pescod, James Walker. 9 Oxfordshire, Richard Rodda, Joseph Cole. 10 Gloucester, George Story, John Brettell, Jonathan Cousins. 11 Sarum, John Mason, William Moore, William Hoskins, Nathaniel Ward. 12 Bradford, Francis Wrigley, John Poole, Edward Rippon, Joseph Algar. 13 Bristol, Thomas Rankin, Charles Boon, Thomas Payne. 14 Taunton, Christopher AVatkins, William Church; Joha Furz, Supernumerary. 1782. 15J 15 Tiverton, John Moon, Jolin Accut. 16 Cornivall, East, William Green, Thomas Shaw, George A¥aclsworth, Alexander Suter. 17 West, Joseph Taylor, James Hall, William Saunders, Simon Day. John Wittara, Henry Robins. Thomas Tennant, Samuel Hodgson ; Richard Seed, Supernumerary. John Leech, James Perfect. John Easton, Thomas Hanby, Samuel Randall. James Rogers, Christopher Peacock, William IMyles, William Simpson, John Allen, Jonathan Hern, Jeremiah Brettell. John Fenwick, John Goodwin, John Oliver. Parson Greenwood, Robert Costerdine^ George Button. 26 Leicesterslilre, Joseph Bradford, Thomas Warwick, Jeremiah Robertshaw. George Suowden, Joseph Pilmoor. John Hampson, jun., Thomas Longley. Thomas Taylor, W^illiam Percival, John BootR. Thomas Carlill, James Wray, Samuel Botts, Thomas Wride. Thomas Corbet, James Barry, Thomas Bartholomew. George Shadford, Barnabas Thomas, John Beanland. Alexander Mather, P^obert Roberts, John Shaw. John Valton, Christopher Hopper, Thomas Brisco. John Hampson, sen., Philip Hardcastle. Samuel Bradburn, T. Mitchell, Joseph Benson. Isaac Brov/n, William Hunter, Thomas Hanson, Thomas Johnson, David Evans, William Boothby, James Watson, Jasper Robinson, Jonathan Brown, Thomas Tattershall, John Pawson, William Tliompson, Thomas Readshaw. Joseph Thompson, Nicholas Manners, Edward Jackson. 18 Glamorgan, 19 Pembroke, 20 Brecon, 21 Birmingham, 22 Macclesfield, 23 Manchester, 24 Chester, 25 Liverpool, 27 NottvAgham, 28 Derby, 29 Sheffield, 30 Grimsby, 31 Gainsborough, 32 Epworth, 33 Leeds, 34 Birstal, 35 Huddersfield, 36 Bradford, 37 Keighley, 38 Colne, 39 Wliitehaven, 40 Isle of Man, 41 York, 42 Hull, 43 Scarborough, 44 ThirsJc, 45 Yarm, 46 The Dales, 4:7 Sunderland, 48 Newcastle, 49 Edinburgh, 50 Dundee, 51 Aberdeen, 52 Z>mZ>/?:», 53 JVaterford, 54 Cor^', 55 Limerick, 56 Castlebar, 57 Athlone, 58 ^%o, 59 Ballyco7inell, 60 Clones, 61 Enniskillen, 62 Charlemont, 63 Lisleen, 64 Londonderry , 65 Belfast, 66 Lisburn, 101. 1782. Lancelot Harrison, William Dufton, Charles Atmore. Benjamin Rhodes^ Michael Moorhouso, William Thorn. William Collins, William Eels, George Holder. John Peacock, Robert Swan, Thomas Vasey. Duncan Wright, Thomas Dixon. Duncan INPAllum, Alexander M'Nab, Thomas Ellis, John Pritchard. Joseph Saundersou, Samuel Bardsley, James Bogie. Peter Mill, John Ogilvie. Andrew Inglis, Hugh J>Ioore, AVilliam Warren er. Thomas Rutherford, Andrew Blair. Nehemiah Price, Thomas Davis. Zachariah Yewdall, Richard Boardman. Richard Watkinson, Robert Blake. John Pi'ice, George Mowat, Daniel Jackson, Gustavus Armstrong. George Brown, Robert Armstrong. Samuel Mitchell, Robert Davis, James Christie. John Watson, sen., George Dice, John Mayly. Robert Naylor, William West. Thomas Barber, John Livermore, John Kerr. Robert Lindsay, John Miller, William M'Cornock. Henry JNIoorc, John Cricket. Henry Foster, Robert Bridge. John Crook, James Jordan. Q. 8. How many wives are to be provided for ? A. Sixty-four. Q. 9. What part of these are provided for by the Societies with whom their husbands labour? A. The following : — London, S. Lee, Hindmarsh. Gloucestershire, S. Story. Bradford, S. Poole. Bristol, S. Boon, Payne, Moore. Devon, S. Church. Cornwall, East, S. Green, Wadsworth. Cornwall, West, S. Rodda, Harper. Birmingham, S. Easton. Macclesfield, S. Rogers, Wood. Manchester, S. Hern, Goodwin. Chester, S. Crook. Liverpool, S. Greenwood, Costerdinc. 1782. 155 Leicester, S. Bradford. Nottingham, S. Snowden. Sheffield, S. Taylor, Booth. Grimsb}', S. Kobertshaw, Boothby. Gainsborough, S. Barry. Epworth, S. Corbet, S. Wride, £6. Leeds, S. Mather, Shaw, Roberts. Huddersfield, S. Hampson. Birstal, S. Brisco, Hopper. Bradford, S. Bradburn, Mitcliell. Keighle}^, S. Brown. Colne, S. Evans. York, S, W. Thompson, Thorn. Hull, S. Joseph Thompson. Scarborough, S. Harrison. Thirsk, S. Moorhouse. Yarm, S. Collins. The Dales, S. Peacock. Sunderland, S. Wright, Swan. Newcastle, S. Ellis. eleven provided for ; Q. 10. How are the other Beanland, Day, Hunter, Empringham, Longley, H Mill, Mov.at, Watson, Naylor, Eels ? A. Out of the Preachers^ Fund. Q. 11. What numbers are in the Societies? viz., S. Moore, A. *London - 2,515 *Epworth *Sussex - 214 Leeds - Kent - - 209 *Birstal *Colchester - 190 Huddersfield ^Norwich - 590 Bradford Lynu - - 156 Keighley ^Bedfordshire - - 300 *Colne Northam ptonshire - 246 =5-^ Whitehaven Oxfordshire - 440 *Isle of Man Gloucestershire - 505 *York - *Sarum - 373 Hull - ^Bradford - 891 Scarborough ^Bristol - 1,457 *Thirsk Taunton - 200 Yarm - Tiverton - 400 The Dales *Cornwall, East - 756 Sunderland ) *West - 1,813 ^Newcastle | Glamorganshire - 163 Edinburgh Pembrokeshire - 177 Dundee *Brecon - 118 *Aberdeen *Birmingham - - 925 *Dublin Macclesfield - 1,325 Waterford *Manchester - - 1,500 *Cork - ^Chester - 532 Limerick *Liverpool - 952 Castlebar *Leicestershire - 697 *Athlone IS ottingham ) - 710 *Shgo Derby - j *Ballyconnell * Sheffield - 1,060 *Clones * Grimsby - 882 Enniskillen ^Gainsborough - 648 *Charlemont 740 2,383 1,448 749 1,800 1,160 986 310 1,683 810 680 642 698 889 810 2,020 187 62 210 550 208 383 197 205 273 1,098 728 556 702 156 1782. *Lisleen - - G54 Lisburn - - 424 *Loudonderry - - 180 Belfast ' - - 354 In all 45,723 N.B. The Circuits marked thus * are increased this year. Q. 12. What is the Kingswood Collection? A. £457. 4-5. 6f/. Q. 13. AVhat boys are received this year? A. Joshua Colhns, John IMitchell, James Morgan. Q. 14. Are the children at Amcsbury used well? A. Far from it. Therefore remove them at Michaelmas. Q. 15. What can we allow the female children? A. Allow Elizabeth Roberts, Hannah Peacock, Jane Tiiompson, Elizabeth Brown, Elizabeth Eastou, and Ann Snowden £6 each. Q. 16. What was contributed to the Preachers' Fund? A. £252. 35. Q. 17. What was allowed out of it? £. s. d. A. To Thomas Westell - 30 0 0 Ann Morgan - 30 0 0 Jacob Rowell - £0 0 0 William Whitaker - 20 0 0 Jane Wilkinson - 20 0 0 Lucia Bourke - 15 0 0 John Furz - - 12 0 0 John Bredin - 12 0 0 Thomas HaUiday - 12 0 0 Elizabeth Standring 12 0 0 S. Beanland and Eels - - 24 0 0 S. Day , - - 12 0 0 S. Hunter and Em- pri 'ham - 24 0 0 S. Longley and Mill S. Henry Moore and Watson S. Nay lor and Mowat - Mary Penington Alice Brammah Elizabeth Shorter - Catherine Garnet - Elizabeth Oldham - Elizabeth Dillon - Tabitha Norris Sarah Hosmer £. 24 d. 0 24 0 0 24 10 10 10 5 5 5 5 10 In all £376 0 0 Q. 18. What was contributed for the Yearly Expenses? A. Q. 19. £681. Us. 2H .9. d. 06 17 8i How was this expended ? £. s. d, A. Arrears of) n^r> ^q q Preachers' Ne- last year j '^ cessities This year's Con- I iqO 0 0 tingencies j Law - - 12 0 0 Q. 20. What houses are to be built this year? A. Nottingham, Hinckley, Painsher, Carlisle. Q, 21. Several of our preaching-houses are awkwardly settled. How shall this be prevented for the time to come ? £661 14 2. 1782. 157 A. 1. Let none collect for any house, but the Itinerant Preachers. 2. Let none collect for any house/ unless the undertakers or managers of the building first give a written promise to the Assistant, To conform to tlie 3d, 4th, 5tli, 6th, and 8th articles of answer [to Question] 65, (pp. 4i, 45,*) in the Large Minutes of the Conference : To settle the house, without meddling with lawyers, in the form set down pp. 42, 43,* of the JNlinutes. And To engage that the men and women shall sit apart, both above and below. Q. 22. What can be done with regard to the preaching-house at Birstal? A. If the Trustees still refuse to settle it on the Methodist plan, 1. Let a plain state of the case be drawn up : 2. Let a collection be made throughout all England, in order to purchase ground, and to build another preaching-house as near the present as may be. Q. 23. Several members of our Societies, who make a conscience of Sabbath-breaking, have been much distressed; barbers in particular. What can be done to relieve them ? A. 1. Let no members of our Society have their hair dressed on Sunday. 2. Let all our members, that possibly can, employ those barbers. Q. 24. Is it well for our Preachers to powder their hair, or to wear artificial curls? A. To abstain from both is the more excellent way. Q. 25. Ought any person to be continued as a member of our Society in Ireland who learns, or performs, the military exercise as a volunteer on the Lord's day ? A. No ; certainly. Let him be excluded. N.B. Meeting on the parade, in order to attend Divine service, is not to be considered as an infringement of this rule. Nor shall the above minute refer to anything which it may be necessary for them to do, in case of an actual invasion. Q. 26. Ought any person to be excluded our Society who, after proper admonition, will, on the Lord's day, continue a spectator of the exercise of the volunteers ? A. Certainly he ought. Q. 27. When and where may we meet again? A. On the last Tuesday in July, at Bristol. ADDENDA. Q. 30. Has that rule which occurs in the large Minutes been observed : " At every other meeting of the Society * Edit, of 17«f>. 158 1782. let no stranger be admitted ; and let them show their tickets before they come in?" Has it been observed in the Birstal Circuit ? A. Hardly at all : let the Preacher, Stewards, and Leaders see this observed for the time to come. Q. 31. Have the weekly and quarterly contribution been duly made in all our Societies? A. In many it has been shamefully neglected. To remedy this, 1. Let every Assistant remind every Society that this was our original rule : Every member contributes one penny weekly, (unless he is in extreme poverty,) and one shilling quarterly. Explain the reasonableness of this. 2. Let every Leader receive the weekly contribution from each person in his class. 3. Let the Assistant ask every person, at changing his ticket, Can you afford to observe our rule? and receive what he is able to give. Q. 32. The Scripture says, " If any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, with such an one no not to eat ;" and " put away from among yourselves that wicked person." This is an express command : and it is of unspeakable importance. These money-lovers are the pest of every Christian society. They have been the main cause of destroying every revival of religion. They will destroy us, if we do not put them awa3\ But how shall we know them, without the miraculous discernment of spirits ? A. 1. By their own confession. Tell any one alone, with all tenderness, "I am to give an account of your soul to God. Enable me to do it with joy. I am afraid you are covetous. Answer me a few questions, in order to remove that fear." 2. By their fruits. For instance : A man not worth a shilling enters our Society. Yet he freely gives a penny a week. Five years after, he is worth scores of pounds. He gives a penny a week still. I must think this man covetous, unless he assures me he bestows his charity some other way. For every one is covetous, whose beneficence does not increase in the same proportion as his substance. Q. 33. In the Large Minutes it is asked, "What is the oflice of a Helper?" It is answered, "To preach morning and evening." Therefore none who does not, can perform this office. " But he cannot." Perhaps so. Then he cannot undertake this office. " I did this for many years. But I cannot do it any longer." Then you can no longer undertake this office. But you may be a Supernumerary, as John Furz and Kichard Seed are. Q. 34. Should we insist on that rule, " Sing no hymns of your own composing?" [Large Minutes, ed. 1780, Q. 37, A. 9.] 1783. 159 A. Undoubtedly : and let those who will not promise this be excluded at the next Conference. Q. 35. It was agreed last year, that all the Preachers should join as one man to prevent people's talking before and after sermon. Has this been done? A. Hardly at all. People talk just as they did before. Nay, the Preachers themselves seem to have quite forgotten it. One and another speak to me, even in the pulpit. Q, 36. But what can be done now ? A. 1. Let the Preacher desire every person to go silent away. 2. Let no Preacher speak one word in the house. 3. Let each Preacher do this over and over, till the point is gained. BRISTOL, Tuesday, July 29, 1783. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. Joseph Cole, John Barber, Joseph Algar, Thomas Wride, John Kerr, William West, James Christie, William M'Cornock, Adam Clarke. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. Alexander Suter, Thomas Cooper, Thomas EUis, Chai'les Atmore, Christopher Peacock, Robert Hopkins, Robert Scot, John Cricket, Gustavus Armstrong, George Dice, John Miller. Q. 3. Who are admitted on teial? A. John Cowmeadow, Lawrence Kane, Wilham Wilson, James Thom, Joseph Jerom, Charles Bond, Samuel Edwards, George Holder, Edward Burbeck, John King, John Crosby. Q. 4. Who desist from travelling? A. James Hindmarsh, David Evans, Thomas Readshaw. Q. 5. What Preachers have died this year? A. Richard Boardman, a pious, good-natured, sensible man, greatly beloved of all that knew him. He was one of the two first that freely offered themselves to the service of our brethren in America. He died of an apoplectic fit, and preached the night before his death. It seems he might have been eminently useful ; but good is the will of the Lord. Robert Swindells had been with us above foi'ty years. He was an Israelite indeed. In all those years I never knew him to speak a word which he did not mean ; and he always spoke the truth in love : I believe, no one ever heard him speak an unkind word. He went through exquisite pain (by the stone) for many years ; but he was not weary. He was still " Patient in bearing ill, and doing well." One thing he had almost peculiar to himself: he had no enemy ! So remarkably was that word fulfilled, " Blessed are the merciful ; for they shall obtain mercy." James Barry was for many years a faithful labourer in our IGO 1783. Lord's vineyard. And as he laboured much, so he suffered much ; but with unwearied patience. In his death he suffered notliini;, steahng quietly away in a kind of lethargy. ^i'lioMAS Payne was a bold soldier of Jesus Christ. His temper was uncommonly vehement; but before he went hence, all that vehemence was gone, and the lion was become a lamb, lie went away in the full triumph of faith, praising God with his latest breath. Robert Naylor, a zealous, active young man, was caught away by a fever in the strength of his years. But it was in a good hour; for he returned to Him whom his soul loved, in the full assurance of faith. A fall from his horse, which was at first thought of little consequence, occasioned the death of John Livermore; a plain, honest man, much devoted to God, and determined to live and die in the best of services. Q. 6. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers ? A. They were examined one by one. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year ? A. As follows : — 1 London, John Wesley, Charles Wesley, Thomas Coke, Thomas Lee, Thomas Tennant, John Atlay, J. Prickard; Thomas Rankin, Super- numerary. 2 Sussex, Joshua Keighley, William Horner; Henry Robins, Supernumerary. 3 Kent, James Wood, John Accut, William Wilson. 4< Colchester, John Booth, Thomas Cooper. 5 Norivich, Richard Whatcoat, Joseph Thompson, William Adamson, Adam Clarke. 6 Lynn, Jeremiah Brettell, John Ingham, Jonathan Parkin. 7 BedforcT, Joseph Pescod, Michael Moorhouse. 8 Northampton, Christopher Watkins, John Barber. 9 Oxfordshire, J. Broadbent, Simon Day, J. Cole. 10 Gloucestershire, Jonathan Cousins, John Brettell, Robert Empringhara. 11 Sarum, John ^lason, George Story, Joseph Jerom. 12 Bradford, John Pritchard, Francis Wrigley, John Poole, George Wadsworth. 13 Bristol, George Shadford, John Hampson,WiUiaraGreen. 14 Devon, William Ashman, Nathaniel Ward, Charles Bond; John Furz, Supernumerary. 15 Plymouth, John Moon, James Hall. 16 Cormvall, East, James Thorn, Joseph iVlgar, John Cow- meadow. 17 IFest, Joseph Taylor, William Moore, John Wittara, William Holmes. 1783. 161 18 Glamorgan, John Watson, jun., William Hoskins. 19 Pembroke, James Perfect, William Church, Samuel Hodgson. 20 Brecon, John Leech, William Saunders. 21 Birmingham, Richard Rodda, Charles Boon. 22 Burslem, John Fenwick, Thomas Hanby. 23 Macclesfield, James Rogers, Samuel Bardsley. 24 Manchester, John Murlin, Jon. Hern, William Percival. 25 Chester, Duncan Wright, John Goodwin, George Gibbon. 26 Liverpool, P. Greenwood, William Eels, Zachariah Yew- dall, Thomas Vasey. Joseph Bradford, Samuel Randall, Robertshaw. 28 Nottingham, William Myles, John Hampson, jun Snowden, Supernumerary. Thomas Lougley, Samuel Edwards. Thomas Taylor, Thomas Johnson, William Simpson. Thomas Carlill, Robert Scot, Samuel Botts, Joseph Harper. 32 Gainsborough, Thomas Corbet, Thomas Wride, James Wray. 33 Epworth, John Beanland, Peter Mill, Philip Hardcastle. 34 Leeds, WilHam Thompson, Robert Roberts, Samuel Bradburn. 35 Birstal, John Valtou, John Allen, Isaac Brown. 36 Huddersfield, Thomas Hanson, John Shaw. 37 Bradford, 27 Leicester, 29 Derby, 30 Sheffield, 31 Grimsby, Jeremiah George Alexander Mather, Joseph Benson, William Dufton. Benjamin Rhodes, Thomas Mitchell. John Easton, Robert Costerdine, Thomas Warwick. Thomas Ellis, Hugh Moore. Jasper Robinson, George Button, Edward Burbeck. John Pa wson, Thomas Simpson, Charles Atmore. 43 Scarborough, Lancelot Harrison, Robert Hayward, Thomas Shaw. Edward Jackson, Barnabas Thomas, Robert Johnson. 45 Thirsk, Robert Swan, John Crosby, James Watson. 46 Yarm, Thomas Brisco, Christopher Peacock. 47 Whitby, William Thom, Robert Hopkins. 48 The Dales, John Peacock, Matthew Lumb, John King. 49 Sunderland, William Collins, George Holder. 50 Newcastle, Thomas Dixon, Christopher Hopper, WilUam Boothby. 51 Berwick, William Hunter, James Bogie. 52 Edinburgh, Joseph Pilmoor, Andrew Inglis. Vol. I. M 38 Keighley, 39 Colne, 40 Whitehaven, 41 Isle of Man, 42 York, 44 Hull, 163 1783. 53 Dundee, Joseph Saundcrson, William Warrener. 54 Aberdeen, Duncan ]M'Allura, Alexander Suter, Thomas Bartholomew, J. Ogilvie. 55 Dublin, Thomas Rutherford, Daniel Jackson. 56 Waterjord, Thomas Davis, John Price. 57 Cork, Henry Moore, Andrew Blair, Lawrence Kane. 58 Limerick, Bichard Watkinson, William West. 59 Castlebar, George Dice, John Mayly. 60 Athlone, Nehemiah Price, Bobert Blake; Thomas Halliday, Supernumerary. 61 Sliffo, Bobert Lindsay, Gustavus Armstrong. 62 Ballyconnell, Bobert Armstrong, John Kerr. 63 Clones, John Cricket, William 64 Enniskillen, 65 Charlemont, 66 Lisleen, Christie, James Hetherington, George Brown, M'Cornock. James Jordan, John Miller. Thomas Barber, James Ben nick. Samuel Mitchell, Thomas Joseph Armstrong. 67 Londonderry, John Watson, T. Tattershall. 68 Belfast, Henry Foster, George Mowat, Bobert Bridge. 69 Lisburn, John Crook, Jonathan Brown. Q. 8. How many wives are to be provided for? A. Sixty-six. Q. 9. How many of these are to be provided for by the Societies ? A. Fifty-two; namely, — London, S. Lee, Wood. Gloucestershire, S. Cousins. Bradford, S. Poole. Bristol, S. Green, Hampson, Day. Devonshire, S. Church. Plymouth, S. Moon. Cornwall, West, S.Ellis, Moore. Birmingham, S. Bodda. Macclesfield, S. Bogers. Burslem, S. Boon. Manchester, S, Hern, Wright. Chester, S. Goodwin. Liverpool, S. Greenwood, Eels. Leicester, S. Bradford. Nottingham, S. Myles. Sheffield, S. Taylor, W. Simp- son. Grimsby, S, Harper, Mills. Gainsborough, S. Corbet, Longley. Epworth, S, Beanland, Wride £6. Leeds, S. Bradburn, Boberts, Inglis. Huddersfield, S. Shaw. Birstal, S. Bobertshaw, Brown. Bradford, S. Mather, Story. Keighley, S. Mitchell. Colne, S. Easton. York, S. T. Simpson. Hull, S. Costerdine. Scarborough, S. Thom. Thirsk, S. Swan. Yarm, S, Brisco. Dales, S, Peacock. Newcastle, S. Boothby. Sunderland, S. CoUins, War- wick. Ireland, S. Butherford, H. Moore, Price, Watkinson. 1783. 163 Q. 10. How are the other fourteen to be provided for ? — viz., S. Booth, G. Brown, Crook, Empringham, Hunter, Joyce, Kane, Moorhouse, Mowat, Pritchard £6, Snowden, Jos. Thompson, James Watson, John Watson. A. Out of the Preachers' Fund. Q. 1 1 . What numbers are in the Societies ? A. ^London - 2617 *Huddersfield 781 ^Sussex 216 Bradford - 1709 Kent 198 Keighley - 1045 Colchester 170 *Colue - 1003 Norwich 547 Whitehaven - 275 Lvnn 127 *Isle of Man - - 1758 ^Bedford 330 *york 817 Northampton 229 *Hull 696 ^Oxfordshire - 480 Scarborough - 615 Gloucester 460 Thirsk 633 *Sarum 386 Yarm 875 ^Bradford - 893 Dales 802 ^Bristol - 1481 Sunderland - - 1000 *Taunton 206 Newcastle - 1020 Tiverton 347 Edinburgh 173 Plymouth 266 ^Dundee 103 Cornwall, East, 496 ^Aberdeen - 247 *West, - 2047 DubHn 495 ^Glamorgan - 173 Waterford 208 ^Pembroke - 181 Cork 370 *Brecon 133 *Limerick 218 Birmingham - 753 Castlebar 195 *Maccles field - 1380 *Athlone 282 ^Manchester - 1600 Sligo 303 Chester 497 Ballyconnell - 670 ^Liverpool 965 Clones 673 ^Leicestershire 713 Euniskillen - 476 ^Nottingham 573 Charlemont - 669 *Derby 345 Lisleen 590 *Slieffield - - 1166 Londonderry - 164 *Grimsby 923 Belfast 831 ^Gainsborough 658 Lisburn 409 Ep worth 706 Leeds - 2356 In all 45,995 *Birstal - 1773 N. B. The Circuits marked thus * are increased this year. Q. 12. What is the Kingswood Collection? A. £464. 6s. Ud. Q. 13. What boys are received this year? A. Isaac Barry, Michael Harrison, Samuel Roberts, Isaac Brown, David Poole. M 2 164 1783. Q. 14, What can we allow the daughters of the Preachers ? A. Mary Ann Collins, Elizabeth Roberts, Jane Thompson, Ann Snowden, Sarah Barry, £Q each. Q. 15. Can any improvement be made in the management of Kingswood School ? A. My design in building the house at Kingswood was to have therein a Christian family; every member whereof (children excepted) should be alive to God, and a pattern of all holiness. Here it was that I proposed to educate a few children, according to the accuracy of the Christian model. And almost as soon as we began, God gave us a token for good, four of the children receiving a clear sense of pardon. But at present the school does not in any wise answer the design of its institution, either with regard to religion or learning. The children are not religious : they have not the power, and hardly the form, of religion. Neither do they improve in learning better than at other schools ; no, nor yet so well. Insomuch that some of our friends have been obliged to remove their children to other schools. And no wonder that they improve so little either in religion or learning; for the rules of the school are not observed at all. All in the house ought to rise, take their three meals, and go to bed, at a fixed hour. But they do not. The children ought never to be alone, but always in the presence of a master. This is totally neglected; in consequence of which they run up and down the wood, and mix, yea, fight, with the colliers^ children. They ought never to play : but they do, every day ; yea, in the school. Three maids are sufficient : now there are four ; and but one (at most) truly pious. How may these evils be remedied, and the school reduced to its original plan ? It must be mended or ended : for no school is better than the present school. Can any be a master, that does not rise at five, observe all the rules, and see that others observe them ? There should be three masters, and an usher, chiefly to be with the children out of school. The head-master should have nothing to do with temporal things. Q. 16. But how can Mr. Simpson be provided for? A. He desires to be an Itinerant Preacher. Q. 17. What is contributed to the Preachers' Fund ? A. £244. \Qs. Q. 18. What is allowed out of it? £. s. d. A. To Thomas ) on a n Westell h<30 0 0 £. s. d. Jacob Rowell - 20 0 0 William Whitaker - 20 0 0 1784. 165 £. s. d. Ann Morgan . 30 0 0 Jane Wilkinson - 20 0 0 Lucia Boiirke - 10 0 0 Elizabeth Standrin'g 12 0 0 Mary Penington - 10 0 0 Alice Brammah - 12 0 0 Elizabeth Shorter - 10 0 0 Cath. Garnet - 5 5 0 £. s. d. Elizabeth Dillon - 7 17 6 Tabitha Norris - 5 5 0 Margaret Payne - 12 0 0 Sarah Barry - 24 0 0 Sarah Naylor - 12 0 0 Fourteen Wives 162 0 0 £. s. d. Law _ 21 I 0 Preachers' Neces- sities }_ 511 12 3 In all £716 14 3 £402 7 6 Q. 19. What is contributed for the Yearly Expenses ? A. £716. Us. M. Q. 20. How was this expended ? £. s. d. A. Arrears of last 'I year^and Con- >-84 1 0 tingencies J This yearns Con- K tingencies J Q. 21. What houses are to be built this year? A. None that are not already begun. Q. 22. Has not the needless multiplying of preaching-houses been a great evil ? A. So it appears. Q. 23, How may this be prevented ? A. By permitting none for the future to beg for any house, except in the Circuit wherein it stands. Q. 24. What can be done to get all our preaching-houses settled on the Conference plan ? A. Let Dr. Coke visit the Societies throughout England, as far as is necessary for the accomplishment of this design ; and let the respective Assistants give him all the support in their power. Q. 25. When and where may our next Conference be ? A. In Leeds, the last Tuesday in next July. LEEDS, Tuesday, July 27, ^c, 1784. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. Thomas Ellis, Charles Atmore, Christopher Peacock, Robert Scot, Robert Hopkins^ Samuel Botts, George Holder, Samuel Edwards, Robert Johnson, Philip Hardcastle, James Bogie, John King, John Crosby, Matthew Lumb, Charles Bond, Lawrence Kane, James Jordan, Matthias Joyce, John Cricket, Thomas Hetherington, Gustavus Armstrong, Joseph Armstrong, James Rennick, George Dice, John Miller. 166 1784. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. John Cowmeadow, Joseph Jerom, Edward Burbeck, Alex. Suter, Thomas Bartholomew, John Ogilvie, William Adamson. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. William Palmer, Charles Kyte, Benjamin Pearce, William Entwisle, Melville Home, Vince Seller, John M'Kersey, and John Cornish. Q. 4. Who desist from travelling? A. Robert Blake, Robert Lindsay, Henry Robins. — Joseph Saunderson, Thomas Simpson. Q. 5. AVho have died this year? A. John Prickard, a man throughly devoted to God, and an eminent pattern of holiness : — And Jacob Rowell, a faithful old soldier, fairly worn out in his Master's service. Q. 6. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. They were examined one by one. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year ? A. As follows : — 1 London, John Wesley, Charles AVesley, James Creighton, Richard Dillon, Henry Moore, Thomas Tenuant; Thomas Rankin and John Atlay, Supernumeraries. 3 Sussea?, Henry Foster, William Adamson. 3 Keiit, James Wood, William Horner, Zach. Yewdall. 4 Colchester, William Boothby, Thomas Cooper. 5 Norwich, Jonathan Cousins, George Button, William Palmer, Joseph Jerom. 6 Lynn, John Barber, John INI^Kersey. 7 Bedford, Joseph Pescod, John Ingham. 8 Northampton, Joseph Harper, William Entvvisle. 9 Oxford, Samuel Hodgson, Simon Day. 10 Gloucester, Joseph Taylor, John Poole, Barnabas Thomas. 11 Sarum, John Moon, George Story, George Wadsworth. 13 Bradford, Christopher Watkins, John Pritchard, Michael Moorhouse, John Wittam. 13 Bristol, Samuel Bradburn, Thomas Lee, James Hall. 14 Devon, John Mason, William Ashman, Robert Erapringham, Charles Kyte. 15 Plymouth, Phihp Hardcastle, William Moore. 16 Cornwall, East, Francis Wrigley, WilHam Church, Adam Clarke. 17 West, William Green, John Accut, Joseph Algar, J. Cowmeadow, J. Cornish. 18 Pembroke, Joshua Keighley, William Holmes, Benjamin Pearce. 19 Glamorgan, William Saunders, James Perfect. 30 Brecon, Joseph Cole, Wilham Hoskins. 1784. 21 Birruingham, 22 Burslein, 23 Macclesfield, 24 Manchester, 25 Chester, 26 Liverpool, 27 5o//on, 28 Leicester, 29 Nottingham, 30 2)er(5?/, 31 Sheffield, 32 (h^imshy. 33 Epivorth, 34 Gainsborough, 35 Leeds, 36 Birstal, 37 Hudders field, 38 Bradford, 39 Keighley, 40 Co/we, 41 Whitehaven, 42 Zs/e o/ J/a«, 43 YbrA:, 44 iJM//, 45 Scarborough, 46 ^FAz/^y, 47 77iir5^, 48 Farm, 49 The Dales, 50 Sunderland, 51 Newcastle, 52 Berwick, 167 Richard Rodda, Thomas Warwick. 11. Costerdine, Thomas Hanby. Joseph Bradford, William Percival. John Pawson, John Murhn, John Goodwin, Duncan Wright, Thomas Corbet, Edward Jackson. Jonathan Hern, John Fenwick, Melville Home. Christopher Hopper, William Eels. William Myles, John Parkin, Samuel Edwards. Charles Boon, Samuel Bardsley. John Brettell, Nathaniel Ward, Joseph Benson, Benjamin Rhodes, George Gibbon. Wilham Dufton, James Watson, Robert Scot, John Watson, jun. ; James Christie, Supernumerary. Thomas Longley, Thomas Wride, Lancelot Harrison. Thomas Carlill, Peter Mill, Samuel Botts, William Thompson, Thomas Brisco, Thomas Rutherford. John Broadbent, John Allen, Robert Roberts; T. Johnson, Supernumerary. Thomas Hanson, Isaac Brown. John Valton, Thomas Tayloi% John Shaw. Parson Greenwood, John Booth. John Easton, Thomas Dixon^ Charles Atmore. Jasper Robinson, Joseph Thompson. James Thorn, James Bogie, Edward Burbeck. Alexander Mather, Joseph Pilmoor, Robert Hopkins. Jeremiah Robertshaw, William Thorn, George Holder. William Simpson, Charles Bond, John King. John Peacock, James Wray. Robert Swan,Robert Hay ward, Thomas Shaw. G. Shadford, J. Hampson, sen. Thomas Ellis, John Ogilvie, James M'Cadden. William Collins, J. Hampson, jun. Jeremiah Brettell, George Snowden, John Beanland. William Hunter, William Warrener. 168 1784. Richard Watkinson, Andrew Inglis. Alexander Suter, Thomas Bartholomew. Duncan M'Allum, John Crosby. Robert Johnson, Matthew Lumb. James Rogers, Andrew Blair. Thomas Tattershall, James Wilson. Christopher Peacock, ^ Thomas Davis. [ Let these change Daniel Jackson, Law- f every quarter. rence Kane. / John Leech, John Watson, sen. James Jordan, John Kerr; Thomas Halliday, Supernumerary. Matthias Joyce, John Cricket. Robert Bridge, John Clark. Robert Armstrong, WilUam West, James McDonald. Nehemiah Price, George Mowat, T. Hetherington; S. Mitchell, Super- numerary. Thomas Barber, Gustavus Armstrong. John Crook, John Mayly, Walter GriiBfitb. Joseph Armstrong, James Rennick. Jonathan Brown, George Dice, William M'Cornock. John Price, John Miller. George Brown, William Hammet. Robert Carr Brackenbury. Thomas Coke, Richard Whatcoat, Thomas Vasey. 8. How many wives are to be provided for ? Seventy. ruany of these are to be provided for by the 53 Edinburgh, 54 Dundee, 55 Aberdeen, 56 Inverness, 57 Dublin, 58 Wat erf or d, 59 Cork, 60 Bandon, 61 Limerick, 62 Castlebar, 63 Athlone, 64 Sligo, 65 Ballyconnell, 66 Clones, 67 Enniskillen, 68 Cfiarlemont, 69 Lisleen, 70 Londonderry, 71 Belfast, 72 Lisburn, Isle of Jersey, America, Q A Q. 9. How Societies ? A. Fifty- three; namely, — London, S. Moore, Wood. Gloucestershire, S. Poole. Bradford, S. Moorhouse. Bristol, S. Bradburn,Moon,Lee. Devon, S. Church. Plymouth, S. W. Moore. Cornwall, West, S. Green, Cousins. Birmingham, S, Rodda. Burslem, S. Costerdine. Macclesfield, S. Bradford. Manchester, S. Goodwin, Day, Warwick. Chester, S. Wright. Liverpool, S. Hern. Bolton, S. Hopper. Leicester, S. Myles. Nottingham, S. Boon, Horner. Sheffield, S. Gibbon, Harper. Grimsby, S. Peacock, (James) Watson. Gainsborough, S. Corbet, Mill. Epworth, S. Longley, M'Al- lum, £6. Leeds, S. Brisco, Rutherford, Inglis. 1784. 169 Thirsk, S. Swan. Yarm, S. Hampson. The Dales, S. Ellis. Sunderland, S. Collins, Hunter. Newcastle, S. Snowden. Ireland, S. Price, Blair, Wat- son, sen., Crook. Huddersfield, S. (Is.) Brown. Birstal, S. Roberts, Robert- shaw. Bradford, S. Taylor, Shaw. Keighley, S. Booth. Colue, S. Easton. York, S. Mather. Hull, S. Thorn. Q. 10. How are the other seventeen — viz., S. (Jos.) Thompson, Pescod, Empringham, Story, Simpson, Wride, Beanland, Boothby, Kane, Watkinson, West, (Geo.) Brown, Rennick, £6, Mowat, Bridge, Greenwood, and Joyce — to be provided for ? A. Out of the Preachers' Fund? Q. 11. What numbers are in the Society?' A. As follows : — *London - 2,680 *Epworth - 744 *Sussex - 255 *Leeds - 2,480 *Kent - 235 *Birstal - 2,024 *Colchester - 253 * Huddersfield - - 825 Norwich - 482 ^Bradford - 1,850 *Lynn - 140 *Keighley - 1,050 Bedford - 263 *Colne - 1,044 ^Northampton - 267 Whitehaven - 269 *Oxfordshire - - 495 *Isle of Man - - 2,121 * Gloucestershire - 580 *York - 851 Sarum - 385 Scarborough - - 595 ^Bradford - 916 *Hull - 808 ^Bristol - 1,549 *Thirsk - 641 *Devon - 681 *Yarm - 505 Plymouth - 222 *Whitby - 443 ^Cornwall, East - 650 *The Dales - - 808 *West - 2,393 * Sunderland - - 1,100 Glamorgan - 151 Newcastle - 970 Pembroke - 176 Berwick 52 Brecon - 127 ^Edinburgh - - 126 ^Birmingham - - 770 ^Dundee - 104 *Burslem - 694 ^Aberdeen - 251 ^Macclesfield - - 800 *Dublin - 583 *Manchester - - 1,757 *Waterford - 209 *Chester - 630 *Cork - 633 *Liverpool - 1,020 *Limerick - 270 ^Leicester - 795 *Castlebar - 259 Nottingham - 562 Athlone - 273 *Derby - 369 *Sligo - 308 *Sheffield - 1,200 *Ballyconnell - - 673 * Grimsby - 971 Clones - 627 Gainsborough - - 613 *Enniskillen - - 563 *Charlemoiit Lisleen ^Londonderry Belfast N.B 684 452 171 287 170 1784. *Lisburn - - 441 ^America - - 14,988 64,157 The Circuits marked thus * are increased this year. Q. 12. What is the Kingswood Collection ? A. £507. 125. Q. 13. What boys are admitted this year? A. John Goodwin, Jonathan Hern, John Leech. Q. 14. What can -we allow the daughters of the Preachers? A. Eliz. Rodda, Eliz. Corbet, Jane Thompson, Eliz. Roberts (for her 2d year), Ann Snowden (for her 2d year), Mary Ann Collins (for her 2d year), £6 each. Q. 15. What is contributed to the Preachers' Fund? A. £370. 7s. . Q. 16. What is allowed out of it? A. To Thomas \ Westell j S. Rowell - William Whitaker- Ann Morgan Jane Wilkinson Lucia Bourke Eliz. Standring Mary Peuington ■ Alice Brammah Eliz. Shorter Cath. Garnet EHzabeth Dillon ■ Tabitha Norris Margaret Payne ■ Sarah Barry Q. 17. What is contributed for the Yearly Expenses? A. £803. 05. 2d. Q. 18. How was this expended? £. s. d. £. s. d. 30 0 0 Sarah Nay lor - 12 0 0 Ehz. Oldham - 12 0 0 10 0 0 S. Meggitt - 5 0 0 20 0 0 S. Hosmer - 10 0 0 24 0 0 Thomas Mitchell - 30 0 0 20 0 0 Thomas Johnson - 12 0 0 10 0 0 John Furz - - 12 0 0 12 0 0 James Christie - 12 0 0 10 0 0 Henry Robins - 12 0 0 12 0 0 Thomas Halliday - 12 0 0 10 0 0 Samuel Mitchell - 12 0 0 10 0 0 John Bredin - 12 0 0 5 0 0 Seventeen Wives -198 0 0 5 12 0 0 0 0 £565 0 0 24 0 0 £. d. Law Preachers' Neces- sities £. - 10 1 410 d, 0 15 8 A. Arrears of^ last year, and 1281 19 6 Contingencies J This year's Con- X-if^n n p, tingencies j i^^ ^ ^ ^803 0 2 Q. 19. Is not the time of trial for Preachers too short ? A. It is : for the time to come, let them be on trial four years. Q. 20, Some who once preached with us deny Original Sin. What is to be done in this case ? A. No Preacher who denies Original Sin can preach among us : and we advise our brethren not to hear him. 1785. 171 Q. 21. Many of our brethren have been exceedingly hurt by frequenting feasts or wakes on Sundays. What do you advise in this case? A. Let none of our brethren make any wake or feast, neither go to any on Sunday, but bear a public testimony against them. Q. 22, Is the making candles for our own use, without paying duty for them, contrary to law ? A. Certainly it is. It is a species of smuggling, not to be practised by any honest man. N. B. No Preacher is to leave his Circuit, till the Monday sevenuight before the Conference ; except the Cornish Preachers when the Conference is at Leeds, and the Scotch Preachers when the Conference is at Bristol. Let the four Quarterly Fasts be duly observed, in August, November, February, and May. Q. 23. When and where is the next Conference to begin? A. At London, on the last Tuesday in July, 1785. LONDON, Tuesday, July 26, 1785. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. William Adamson. — Ireland: Walter Griffith, John Clark, Hugh Moore. — America: Jesse Lee, James Hinton, Thomas Anderson, Thomas Humphries, Richard Swift, William Dameron, Thomas Bowen, William Phebus, William Hingold, Lemuel Green. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL ? A. Alexander Suter, Thomas Bartholomew, Joseph Jerom, Edward Burbeck, John Ogilvie, Melville Home, William Palmer, Charles Kyte, Benjamin Pearce, Timothy Crowther, Jonathan Crowther, John M'Kersey, William Butterfield, Richard Cornish. — Ireland: James Wilson, James M'Donald, William Hammet. — America : David Jefferson, Isaac Smith, John Smith, Elijah Ellis, John Robertson, William Jessop, James Riggin, Wilson Lee, Simon Pyle, Thomas Jackson, Samuel Breeze, Matthew Greentree, Thomas Ware, James Thomas. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial ? A. John Phillips, Thomas Jones, James Ridall, John Gaulter, Peter Walker, William Fisher, John Smith, Charles Bland, John Ramshaw, William Hunter, jun., WiUiam Blagborne, Robert Gamble, Alexander Kilham, Joseph Entwisle, John Robotham, William Thoresby. — Ireland: John Dinnen, Robert Lindsay, Andrew Coleman, Thomas Verner. — America : Mark Whitaker, Henry Bingham, George Noseworthy, Stephen Johnson, Thomas Williamson, John Freeman, Michael Gilbert, 172 1785. Joshua Hartley, Jeremiah Maston, Hope Hull, Ezekiel Cooper, Hezekiah Bonum, Stephen Dickins, Levin Ross, Shores Bright, Eleazor Hatheway, Robert Sparks, William Steens, John Street, Garret Thompson, Robert Ay res, Jacob Brush, Moses Hurley, Robert Cann. Q. 4. Who DESIST FROM TRAVELLING? A. Thomas Cooper, William Moore, John Accut, Nathaniel Ward, John Hampson, sen. and jun. — John Fenwick, James Perfect. Q. 5. Who have died this^year? A. Thomas Mitchell, an old soldier of Jesus Christ. Q. 6. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. They were examined one by one. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year? A. As follows : — 1 London, John Wesley, Charles Wesley, Thomas Coke, James Creighton, Henry Moore, Benjamin Rhodes, George Whitfield; Thomas Rankin, and John Atlay, Supernumeraries. 2 Sussex, William Boothby, J. Phillips. 3 Kent, George Shadford, W. Horner, Zachariah Yewdall. 4 Colchester, Joseph Algar, Thomas Shaw. 5 Norwich, Thomas Wride, T. Jones, J. M'Kersey. 6 Yarmouth, Samuel Hodgson, George Button. 7 Lynn, William Palmer, Charles Bland. 8 jBer//brc?5Aire, William Ashman, John Ingham; John Watson, jun., Supernumerary. 9 Northampton, Joseph Harper, Jonathan Parkin. 10 Oxfordshire, Jonathan Cousins, Barnabas Thomas. 11 Gloucester, James Hall, William Church, John Robotham. 12 Sarum, John Moon, John Wittam, Robert Empring- ham. 13 Bradford, Christopher Watkins, Simon Day, Charles Kyte, Timothy Crowther. 14 Bristol, Samuel Bradburn, John MurHn, Jeremiah Brettell. 15 Taunton, John Pritchard, John Poole. 16 Devon, George Wadsworth, Michael Moorhouse. 17 Plymouth, John Mason, Adam Clarke, J. King. 18 St. Austle, William Myles, Richard Cornish, Benjamin Pearce. 19 Redruth, Francis Wrigley, Charles Bond, Joseph Jerom. 20 St. Ives, William Green, Peter Walker, Robert Gamble. 21 Pembroke, Joshua Keighley, Joseph Cole, William Hoskins. 23 Glamorgan, William Saunders, W. Holmes. 23 Brecon, William Warrener, J. Cricket. 1785. 173 24 Birmingham, Andrew Blair, George Story, Robert Coster- dine ; John Brettell, Supernumerary. 25 Burslem, Thomas Warwick, S. Edwards. 2G Macclesfield, Joseph Bradford, T, Dixon. 27 Manchester, William Thompson, Thomas Lee, William Eels ; John Furz, Supernumerary. 28 Chester, John Fletcher, Richard Rodda, Melville Home, James Wray. 29 Liverpool, Jonathan Hern,WilliamPercival, George Gibbon. 30 Bolton, Christopher Hopper, Jasper Robinson. 31 Colne, CharlesAtmore, Edward Jackson, Robert Hay ward. 32 Leicester, John Easton, Thomas Corbet, Joseph Pescod. 33 Nottingham, Charles Boon, James Bogie. 34 Derby, Thomas Tattershall, J. Booth. 35 Sheffield, Joseph Benson, Robert Hopkins, John Barber. 36 Grimsby, William Dufton, G. Holder, Lancelot Harrison, Alexander Kilham. 37 Gainsborough, Thomas Carlill, Robert Scot, Samuel Botts. 38 Epworth, Thomas Longlev, James Watson, W. Butter- field. 39 Leeds, Thomas Taylor, Thomas Rutherford, Duncan Wright. 40 Birstal, John Broadbent, J. Goodwin. 41 Dewsbury, Robert Roberts, Thomas Tennant. 42 Huddersfield, Isaac Brown, William Hunter, jun. 43 Halifax, John Allen, Thomas Johnson. 44 Bradford, John Valton, Supernumerary, John Shaw, Henry Foster. ♦^z^, ^^v..^^"^ ..^.^ 45 Keighley, Parson Greenwood, JosispK E»twiislfi. ^^^^^^ /^^r-o^ 46 Whitehaven, Alexander Suter, Joseph Thompson. 47 Isle of Man, James Thorn, John Ogilvie, John Gaulter, John Smith. 48 York, Alexander Mather, Jeremiah Robertshaw, William Adamson. 49 Hull, Peter Mill, William Thorn, William Fish. 50 Scarborough, William Collins, Samuel Bardsley, Jonathan Crowther. 51 Whitby, John Peacock, John Ramshaw. 52 Thirsk, Philip Hardcastle, Thomas Brisco, J. Crosby. 53 Yarm, Robert Swan, James RidaU. 54 The Dales, Thomas Ellis, George Mowat, Edward Burbeck. 55 Sunderland, James Wood, John Beanland. 56 Newcastle, George Snowden, William Simpson, Andrew Inglis. 57 Berwick, William Hunter, William Blagborne. 58 Edinburgh, John Pawson, Robert Johnson. 59 Dundee, Thomas Hanby, Duncan M'Allum. 60 Aberdeen, J. Taylor, R. Watkinson. 174 1785. 61 Invei'ness, T. Bartholomew, M. Lurab. Brother Taylor and Watkinson are to change twice a quarter with Brother Bartholomew and Lumb. James Bogers, Christopher Peacock. James Jordan, William M'Cornock, Walter Griffith. Daniel Jackson, George Brown, John Dinnen. Thomas Davis, Lawrence Kane. John Leech, J. Watson, sen. Matthias Joyce, John Mayly, John Wilson ; Thomas Halliday, Supernumerary. George Dice, Andrew Coleman. 69 Ballyconnell, Robert Bridge, Gustavus Armstrong, Thomas Verner. Nehemiah Price, John Clark, James Rennick. Thomas Barber, Thomas Hetherington, Samuel Mitchell. John Crook, John Miller, J. M'Donald. Joseph Armstrong, Richard Condy. 74 Londonderry, Jonathan Brown, William West, William Hammet. 75 Belfast, Robert Armstrong, R. Lindsay. 76 Lisburn, John Kerr, Hugh Moore, John Price. 62 Dublin, 63 Waterford, 64 Cork, 65 Limerick, 66 Castlebar, 67 Athlone, 68 Sligo, 70 Clones, 71 Enniskillefi, 72 Gharlemont, 73 Lisleen, SUPEEINTENDENTS. 77 Georgia, 78 Charleston, 79 George- Tbz^^w, Wool. Hickson 80 Broad River, 81 Yadkin, AMERICA. Thomas Coke, Francis Asbury. Elders. - B.Allen. 82 Holstein, 83 Wilmington, 84 New River, 85 Tar River, 86 Roan Oak, 87 New Hope, 88 Caswell, 89 Salisbury, 90 Guildford, 91 Halifax, H. Bingham, Thomas Wil- liamson. Richard Swift, M. Gilbert. John Baldwin. Philip Bruce. Thomas Humphries, Isaac Smith. Edward Morris, M. Whit- aker. Henry Jones. Elijah Ellis. Joshua Hartley, H. Hull. J. Smith, Stephen Johnson. James Hinton, G. Nose- worthy. J. Tunnell. \ H. Wilhs. .R. Ellis. R. Ivey. 1785. 175 - Enoch Mattson, 92 Camden, William Partridge, Williaml Elders. Steens. ', -jo- -pppj 93 Portsmouth, T. Anderson, John Street, j 94 JViUiamsburg, Jeremiah Maston. J 95 Bertie, John Dickins, D. Jefferson. - 96 Sussex, W. Glendinning, J. Easter. 97 Brunswick, Edward Dromgoole, James Haw. 98 Mecklenburg, John Major, John Robert- son. William Dameron, John"j Freeman. | T. Bowen, J. Kenny. .f" James O'Kelly. )T. Jackson, H. Bonum, j S. Dickins. J Peter Moriarty, J. Fidler,^ W. Lee. I 104 Alleghany, L. Green, J. Paup, Jessop. Eleazor Hatheway. Simon Pyle. J. Everitt, L. Koss. 99 Amelia, 100 Bedford, 101 Orange, 103 Hanover, 103 Bedstone, W. T. Foster. 105 Berkley, 106 Fairfax, 107 Lancaster, 108 St. Mary's, \ I. Pigman. 109 Calvert, Michael Ellis. J 110 Frederick, William Ringold, S. Breeze."! -p -txrv, f f 111 Baltimore, Jon. Forrest, F. Poythress. \^' ^^atcoat. 112 Kent, Thomas Curtis, G. Moore. ^ 113 Talbot, Thomas Haskins, J. Crom- 1 well. j- C. Boyer. 114 Dorset, W. Thomas, G. Thompson. I 115 Northampton, Philip Cox, M. Huidey. J 116 Dover, Samuel Dudley, J. Wyatt. 117 Caroline, William Cannon, J. Lee, S. Bright. j-W. GiU. 118 Somerset, Henry Ogburn. 119 Annamessex, James White, R. Cami. ; 120 Little York, John Cooper. ^ 121 Philadelphia, Ira. Ellis, James Thomas, \^ ^j Robert Ayres. ^' ^^^^y* 122 Juniatta, James Riggin. 123 West Jersey, WilHam Phebus, T. Ware,' R. Sparks. 124 £a*/ Jersey, Adam Cloud, M. Green- Irp pi tree. i 125 Trenton, Robert Cloud, John M'Clas- key, J. Brush. J 126 New York 1 127 Long Island, Ezekiel Cooper. j^' ^aggerty. 176 1785. 128 Nova Scotia, 129 Newfoundland, John M'Gearj. Elders. TF. Garrettson, (^ James Cromwell. ion A *• fJ- Baxter, Jer. \6^Anhgua, | l.^^\,^,i. Q. 8. How many wives are to be provided for? A. Sixty-nine. Q. 9. How many of these are to be provided for by the Circuits? A. Fifty-two; namely, — London, S. Moore, Boothby. Gloucestershire, S. Church. Bradford, S.Empringham, Bristol, S. Bradburn, Moon, Day. Devonshire and Taunton, S. Moorhouse. St. Austle, S. Poole. Redruth, S. Story. St. Ives, S. Green. Birmingham, S. Blair. Burslem, S. Warwick. Macclesfield, S. Bradford. Manchester, S. Goodwin, Lee, Corbet. Chester, S. Rodda. Liverpool, S. Hern. Bolton, S. Hopper. Colne, S. Swan. Leicester, S. Easton. Nottingham, S. Boon. Sheffield, S. Peacock, Mowat. Horncastle, S. Inglis. Gainsborough, S. Scot, Thom. Epworth, S. Longley. Leeds, S. Taylor, Rutherford, Wright. Birstal, S. (Jos.) Thompson. Dewsbury, S. Roberts. Huddersfield, S. (Is.) Brown. Bradford, S. Shaw. Halifax, S. Robertshaw. Keighley, S. Greenwood. York, S. Mather. Hull, S. Mills. Scarborough, S. Collins. Thirsk, S. Brisco. Yarm, S. Simpson. The Dales, S. ElUs. Sunderland, S. Wood, Bean- land. Newcastle, S. Ireland, S. Suowden. Brown, Dinnen, Kane, Watson. Grimsby, S. (Jam.) Watson. Q. 10. How are the other seventeen to be provided for? A. Eight out of the Yearly Collection ; viz., S. Harper, Cousins, Watkinson, Joyce, Bridge, Crook, Condy, Lindsay. And nine out of the Preachers' Fund; viz., S. Wride, M'Allum, Myles, Butterfield, Price, West, Rennick, Booth, (Thos.) Shaw, £6, Q. 11. What numbers are in the Societies ? A. As follows : — London - 2437 Gloucester 584 Sussex 240 Sarum 380 Kent 322 Bradford - 1156 Colchester 209 Bristol - 1531 Norwich 617 Taunton \ Tiverton j fil/L Lynn 202 D14! Bedford 336 Plymouth 282 Northampton 331 Cornwall, East 757 Oxfordshire - 500 West - 2578 1785. 177 Glamorgan - 197 Charlemont - 943 Pembroke 200 Lisleen 574 Brecon 133 Londonderry 444 Birmingham - 900 Belfast 303 Burslem 715 Lisburn 520 Macclesfield - 912 Manchester - - 2064 AMERICA. Chester 670 Liverpool 587 SOUTH CAROLINA. Leicestershire 710 Charleston 13 Nottingham - 596 Broad River - 110 Derby 324 NORTH CAROLINA. Sheffield - 1300 Roan Oak 468 Grimsby 959 Tar River 425 Gainsborough 682 New River 588 Epvvorth 691 Wilmington - 55 Leeds - 2500 New Hope 150 Birstal - 2001 Caswell 191 Huddersfield - 788 Salisbury 457 Bradford - 1088 Pee Dee 20 Halifax 974 Yadkin 338 Keighley - 1080 Guildford 413 Colne - 1240 Bertie 575 Whitehaven - 232 VIRGINIA. Isle of Man - - 2422 Halifax 371 York 872 Holstein 173 Hull 884 Orange, Whites 383 Scarborough - 651 Blacks 40 Thirsk 648 Bedford 321 Yarm 506 Mecklenburg 372 Whitby 530 Brunswick, Whites - 408 The Dales - 805 Blacks 47 Sunderland - - 1050 Amelia 265 Newcastle - 1020 Sussex 524 Berwick 73 Nansemond, Whites - 202 Edinburgh 134 Blacks - 22 Dundee 110 Portsmouth - 180 Aberdeen 290 Camden 334 DubHn 700 WilHamsburg, Whites 180 Waterford 300 Blacks 5 Cork 720 Hanover 20 Limerick 250 Redstone 115 Castlebar 293 Alleghany, Whites 267 Athlone 400 Blacks 7 SHgo 311 Berkley, Whites 143 Ballyconnell - 698 Blacks 11 Clones 710 Fairfax, Whites 231 Enniskillen - 651 Blacks 14 Vol. I. i: nT 178 1785. Northampton, Whites 133 PENNSYLVANIA. Blacks 2 Little York, Whites - 100 MARYLAND. Blacks - 1 Calvert, Whites 175 Juniatta 10 Blacks 100 Philadelphia, Whites - 400 Frederick, Whites 500 Blacks - 11 Blacks 37 NEW JERSEY. Baltimore, Whites 635 West Jersey, Whites - 473 Blacks 131 Blacks - 8 Kent, Whites 505 Trenton, Whites 278 Blacks 328 Blacks 7 Talbot, Whites 618 East Jersey, Whites - 258 Blacks 286 Blacks - 9 Dorset, Whites 600 NEW YORK. Blacks 135 New York, Whites - 94 Somerset, Whites 260 Blacks 12 Blacks 40 Long Island - 46 Annamessex - Caroline 258 800 Nova Scotia - Antigua, Whites 300 8 DELAWARE. Blacks 1100 Dover, Whites 740 Blacks 169 In all 70,466 Q. 12. What is the Kingswood Collection ? A. £649. 16*. 9^. Q. 13. What children are admitted this year? A. John Bodda and William Thom. N. B. We will receive none for the time to come under nine years old. Q. 14. What can we allow the daughters of the Preachers ? A. Mary Bodda, £Q the second year, Ann Watkinson, and Ann Roberts. N. B. We allow nothing to a girl under ten years old. Q. 15. What is contributed to the Preachers' Fund? A. £471. 125. Id. Q. 16. What is allowed out of it? £. s. d. £. s. d. A. To Thomas ) Westell j" 30 0 0 Mary Penington - 10 0 0 \J Alice Brammah - 12 0 0 William Whitaker - 20 0 0 Elizabeth Shorter - 10 0 0 James Christie 10 0 0 Catherine Garnet - 12 0 0 John Bredin 12 0 0 Ehzabeth Dillon - 5 0 0 Thomas Halliday - 12 0 0 Tabitha Norris - 5 0 0 Matthew Lowes 5 15 6 Margaret Payne " 12 0 0 Ann Morgan 12 0 0 Sarah Barry - 20 0 0 Jane Wilkinson 20 0 0 Sarah Nay lor - 10 0 0 Lucia Bourke 10 0 0 Elizabeth Oldham - 12 0 0 Ehzabeth Standring 12 0 0 Sarah Bowell - 6 0 0 1785. 179 £. s. d. Sarah Hosmer - 10 0 0 Sarah Mitcliell - 24 0 0 Sarah Jaco -550 £. s. d. Nine Wives 10.2 0 0 In all .€399 0 6 Q. 17. What is contributed for the Yearly Expenses ? A, £899. 145. M. Q. 18. How was this expended ? £. s. d. A. Arrears of last 1 ^f- q ^ year - j £. s. d. Preachers' Neces- )(-/?-, • ,- J-562 sities - j Eight Wives - 96 0 0 18 1 In all £899 14 4 Law - - 65 8 3 Towards the Con- 1 tingenciesofthe MOO 0 0 current year J Q. 19. What houses are to be built this year? A. One at Winchelsea^ Sheerness^ Margate, Winchester, Ditcheat, Wallington, Camelford, Birmingham, Chesterton, Bullock-Smithy, Failswoi'th, Colne, Haslingden, Bramley, Gainsborough, Hatfield, Holbeck, Wichfield, Carlisle, Easing- \vold, Selby, Market-Weighton, Redcar, South Shields, North Biddick. Q. 20. What is the state of our Societies in North America? A. It may best appear from the following letter.* Bristol, Sept. 10, 1784. To Dr. Coke, Mr. As bury, and our Brethren in North America. 1. By a very uncommon train of providences, many of the provinces of North America are totally disjoined from their mother country, and erected into independent States. The English Government has no authority over them, either civil or ecclesiastical, any more than over the States of Holland. A civil authority is exercised over them, partly by the Congress, partly by the Provincial Assemblies. But no one either exercises or claims any ecclesiastical authority at all. In this peculiar situation, some thousands of the inhabitants of those States desire my advice; and in compliance with their desire, I have drawn up a little sketch. 2. Lord King's Account of the Primitive Church convinced me many years ago, that Bishops and Presbyters are the same order, and consequently have the same right to ordain. For many years I have been importuned, from time to time, to exercise this right, by ordaining part of our Travelling Preachers. But I have still refused, not only for peace' sake, but because I was determined, as little as possible to violate the established order of the national Church to which I belonged. * If any one is minded to dispute concerning Diocesan Episcopacy, he may dispute. But I have better work. N 2 180 1785. 3. But the case is widely different between England and North America. Here there are Bishops who have a legal jurisdiction. In America there are none, neither any parish Ministers. So that for some hundred miles together, there is none either to baptize or to administer the Lord's Supper. Here therefore my scruples are at an end : and I conceive myself at full liberty, as I violate no order, and invade no man's right, by appointing and sending labourers into the harvest. 4. I have accordingly appointed Dr. Coke and Mr. Francis AsBURY to be joint Superintendents over our brethren in North America: as also Richard Whatcoat and Thomas Vasey, to act as Elders among them, by baptizing and administering the Lord's Supper. And I have prepared a Liturgy, little differing from that of the Church of England, (I think, the best consti- tuted national Church in the world,) which I advise all the Travelling Preachers to use, on the Lord's day, in all the congregations, reading the Litany only on Wednesdays and Fridays, and praying extempore on all other days. I also advise the Elders to administer the Supper of the Lord on every Lord's day. 5. If any one 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 see any better method than that I have taken. 6. It has indeed been proposed to desire the 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 : 2. If they consented, we know the slow- ness of their proceedings ; but the matter admits of no delay. 3. If they would ordain them noiv, they would likewise expect to govern them. And how grievously would this entangle us ! 4. As our American brethren are now totally disentangled, both from the State, and from the English Hierarchy, we dare not entangle them again, either with the one or the other. They are now at full liberty, simply 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. JOHN WESLEY. Q. 21. When and where is our next Conference to begin? A. At Bristol, the last Tuesday in July, 1786. Whatever Preacher has been a year on trial may subscribe to the Preachers' Fund. No power which I ever enjoyed is given up by the Declara- tive Deed. No such thing could have been supposed, had it not been for that improper and ambiguous word Life-Estate. This 1785. 181 also has given the grand occasion of offence to them that sought occasion. Let the four Quarterly Fasts be duly observed, in August, November, February, and May. Q. 22. Is it proper to sell any books on the Lord's day ? A. By no means. Neither to talk of worldly things, more than is strictly needful. Q. 23. Is it lawful to employ a hair-dresser on Sunday? A. We are all fully persuaded it is not. Q. 24. Is it right to send our children to a dancing-school ? A. It is entirely wrong. Neither do we think it right for any that keep boarding-schools to admit a dancing-master into their house. London, July 30, 1785. We whose names are underwritten do declare that Mr. Wesley was desired at the last Bristol Conference, without a dissentient voice, to draw up a Deed which should give a legal specification of the phrase, "The Conference of the People called Methodists :" and that the mode of doing it was entirely left to his judgment and discretion. And we do also declare, that we do approve of the substance and design of the Deed which Mr. Wesley has accordingly executed and enrolled. Thomas Coke, Thomas Hanby, John Pawson, John Murlin, Thomas Taylor, John Broadbent, George Shadford, Samuel Bradburn, Francis Wrigley, Duncan Wright, William Thompson, John Valton, Alexander Mather, Thomas Eankin, Richard Rodda, Thomas Wride, Joseph Cole, Joseph Taylor, James Wood, Benjamin Rhodes, Charles Boon, John Barber, Joshua Keighley, Joseph Harper, William Collins, Thomas Tennant, William Ashman, Simon Day, Thomas Warwick, William Myles, Isaac Brown, Joseph Pescod, John Peacock, John Moon, Christopher Watkins, William Green, John Easton, George Whitfield, Parson Greenwood. London, July 30, 1785. We whose names are underwritten, but who were not present at the last Bristol Conference, do declare our approbation of the substance and design of the Deed which Mr. Wesley has lately executed and enrolled, for the purpose of giving a legal specification of the phrase, "The Conference of the People called Methodists." James Creighton, Christopher Hopper, Jeremiah Brettell, Jonathan Hern, William Boothby, Samuel Hodgson, William Saunders, Jonathan Cousins, Thomas Carlill, William Adamson, Thomas Ellis, George Button, Robert Swan, William Warrener, William Simpson, James Hall, Joseph Bradford, Thomas Longley, Robert Johnson, Samuel Bardsley, Melville Home, 182 1786. Joseph Algar, Charles Rogers Bond, John Furz, Jeremiah Robertshaw, Barnabas Thomas, Jasper Robinson, Henry Moore, John Cricket, Henry Foster. BRISTOL, July 25, 1786. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. In Great Britam : Alexander Suter, Joseph Jerom, James Thorn, William Hoskins. — \xi Ireland : William Hammet, James M'Donald. — In America: Isaac Smith, John Smith, Elijah ElUs, John Robertson, Thomas Jackson, Henry Jones, William Jessop, James Riggin, Wilson Lee, Thomas Ware, John Fidler. Q. 2, Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. In Great Britain : Thomas Bartholomew, Edward Burbeck, John Ogilvie, William Palmer, Charles Kyte, Benjamin Pearce, Timothy Crowther, Jonathan Crowther, John M'Kersey, WilHam Butterfield, Richard Cornish, William Holmes, James Ridall, Peter Walker, Charles Bland, Robert Gamble, John Smith, Alexander Kilham, William Fish, John Ramshaw, William Hunter, juu., William Blagborne, Henry Robins. — In Ireland: John Dinnen, Thomas Verner. — In America : M. Whitaker, H. Bingham, S, Johnson, Thomas Williamson, J. Hartley, H. Hull, William Steens, J. Maston, E. Cooper, L. Ross, Robert Sparks, J. Brush, Robert Ayres, G. Thompson, J. Paup, J. M'Claskey, Robert Cann, S. Dicldns, S. Pyle. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. In Great Bi^itain: James Gore, John Reynolds, Richard Philhps, WiUiam Bramwell, James M. Byron, John Townseud, George Baldwin, Theophilus Lessey, Thomas Jones, James Evans, William Stevens, Thomas Roberts, Wilham Heath, Thomas Smith, William Thoresby, John Ptobotham, James Williams, George Highfield, John Barritt, John Tregortha, John Atkins, John Beaumont, Thomas Gill, Jonathan Edmondson, Duncan Kay, Richard Thoresby, Abraham Moseley, John de Queteville, Michael Griffiths. — In Ireland: Samuel Bates, Thomas Owens, David Gordon, Francis Frazier, Thomas Seward, John Harper, John Gillis, Samuel Moorhead, John Grace, William Cowen. — In America : Sihon Smith, J. Mason, R, Johnson Miller, M. Moore, Charles Hardy, Daniel Asbury, Caleb INIaxcy, John Steward, H. Vanover, T. Burns, Micaiah Tracy, Elijah Lums- don, Newman Spain, J. Lurton, William Hudson, John Jarrell, William Hervey, Benjamin Ogdon, J. Simmons, Moses Hurley, J. Merrick, S. Talbot, L. Matthews, M. Lard. Q. 4. Who DESIST FROM TRAVELLING? A. In Great Britain : Philip Hardcastle, William Adamson : — John Ingham, William Church, Michael !Moorhouse. — Tn Ire- 1786. 183 land: George Dice, Thomas Halliday. — In America: James Hinton, Edward Dromgoole, William Glendiiming, William Ringold. Q. 5. Who has died this year? A. John Fletcher, a pattern of all holiness, scarce to be paralleled in a century : — And Christopher Peacock, young in years, but old in grace ; a pattern of all holiness, full of faith and love, and zeal for God. Q. 6. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. They were examined one by one. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year? A. As follows : — John Broadbent travels with INIr. Wesley. 1 London John Wesley, Charles Wesley, James Creighton, Samuel Bradburn, Benjamin Rhodes, Jere- miah Brettell ; Thomas Rankin, John Atlay, and George Whitfield, Supernumeraries. 3 Sussex, William Boothby, John Reynolds, James M. Byron. 3 Kentf George Shadford, Thomas Wride, William Bramwell, James Gore. 4 Colchester, Joseph Algar, Charles Bland. 5 Norwich, Jasper Robinson, Robert Erapringham, Thomas Shaw, Abraham Moseley, Robert Gamble. 6 Lynn, William Palmer, John M'Kersey, John Gaulter. 7 Bedford, Barnabas Thomas, William Horner. 8 Northampton, Joseph Pescod, Michael Griffiths. 9 Oxfordshire, Joseph Harper, Samuel Edwards, John Robotham. 10 Gloucestershire, James Hall, Robert Hopkins, William Stevens. 11 Sarum, William Ashman, William Butterfield, Charles Kyte. John Mason, Simon Day, William Hoskins, 12 Bradford, 13 Bristol, 14 Taunton, 15 Tiverton, 16 Plymouth, 17 St. Austle, 18 Redruth, 19 St. Ives, John King. John John Valton, Christopher Watkins, Pritchard, Thomas Tennant. George Wadsworth, John Poole. Joseph Jerom, Peter Walker. William Myles, Charles Bond, Timothy Crowther. John Moon, John Cricket, John Townsend. Francis Wrigley, Jonathan Cousins, Joseph Sutcliffe. George Button, Richard Cornish, Theophilus Lessey. 184 1786. 20 Pemhroke, Joseph Cole, John Tregortha, James Evans. 21 Glamorganshire, William Holmes, George IJaldwiu. 22 Brecon, William Saunders, Thomas Jones. 23 Birmingham, Andrew Blair, John Murlin, Duncan Wright; John Brettell, Supernumerary. Thomas Warwick, Thomas Corbet. George Story, William Thoresby. Wilham Thompson, William Eels, Thomas Smith. Robert Roberts, Duncan Kay. Richard Rodda, Thomas Brisco, John Beaumont. Charles Boon, Christopher Hopper, James Williams. Jeremiah Robertshaw, Thomas Lee. Edward Jackson, Samuel Bardsley, James Ridall. John Easton, Robert Hayward, Thomas Gill. Jonathan Hern, James Bogie, William Heath. Thomas Carlill, Robert Scot. Alexander Mather, George Gibbon, Thomas Tattershall. Lancelot Harrison, James Wray. Thomas Longley, John Barritt, Richard Thoresby. 38 Gainsborough, William Dufton, George Mowat, Thomas Ellis, Alexander Kilham. James Watson, John Fenwick, Jonathan Edmondson. 40 Leeds, Thomas Taylor, John Shaw, George Snowden. 41 Birstal, John Goodwin, John Wittam. 42 Dewsbury, Parson Greenwood, Jonathan Parkin. 43 Huddersfield, John Booth, John Crosby. 44 Halifax, John Allen, Alexander Suter. 45 Bradford, WiUiam Collins, Samuel Hodgson; Thomas Johnson, Supernumerary. 46 Keighley, Joseph Bradford, John Beauland. 47 Whitehaven, John Peacock, James Christie. 48 Isle of Man, John Crook, John Ogilvie, Jonathan Crowther, John Ramshaw. 49 York, Thomas Rutherford, Samuel Botts, George Highfield. 50 Pocklington, Robert Swan, George Holder. 51 Hull, Joseph Benson, John Barber. 52 Scarborough, Peter Mill, Robert Costerdine, William Fish. 53 Whitby, Isaac Brown, Thomas Dixon. 54 Thirsk, WiUiam Simpson, William Hunter, jun., Henry Robins. 24 Burslem, 25 Macclesfield, 26 Manchester, 27 Stockport, 28 Chester, 29 Liverpool, 30 Bolton, 31 Colne, 32 Leicester, 33 Nottingham, 34 Derby, 35 Sheffield, 36 Grimsby, 37 Horncastle, 39 Epworth, 1786. 185 Joseph Thompson, Thomas Broadbent. James Thom, John Atkins, J. Smith. James Wood, WilHam Thom. Andrew Inglis, Joseph Saunderson, William Percival. WilHam Hunter, sen., Zachariah Yewdall, Matthew Lumb. John Pawson, Charles Atmore. Duncan M'Allum. Thomas Hanby, Robert Johnson, William Blagborne. Joseph Taylor, Hichard Watkinson. Joshua Keighley, Thomas Bartholomew, Edward Burbeck. Robert Carr Brackenbury, Adam Clarke. John de Queteville. James Rogers, Henry Moore. George Brown, David Gordon. Jonathan Brown, Matthias Joyce, John Dinnen. Daniel Jackson, Thomas Seaward. Nehemiah Price, William M'Cornock. Lawrence Kane, John Miller; John Mayly, Supernumerary. Thomas Davis, James McDonald, John Bredin, invalid. James Jordan, Francis Frazier. Joseph Armstrong, James Rennick, Thomas Owens. William Green, Thomas Hetherington, John Harper. Samuel Mitchell, Thomas Verner, John Gillis. 78 Ballyshannon, Thomas Barber, Richard Condy. 79 Omayh, John Price, Samuel Moorhead. 80 Charlemont, Hugh Moore, Gustavus Armstrong. 81 Newry, John Kerr, Robert Bridge. 82 Londonderry, John Leech, Walter Griffith. 83 Coleraine, Thomas Roberts, William West, Wm. Cowen. 84 Belfast, Robert Armstrong, John Howe, John Grace. 85 Lisburn, Robert Lindsay, Samuel Bates, Benjamin Pearce. AMERICA. Superintendents. Thomas Coke, Francis Asbury. Elders. Georgia, Thomas Humphries, J.") Major. > J. Foster. Broad River, S. Johnson. ) Charleston, J. Smith. -Henry Willis. 55 Yarm, 56 The Dales, 57 Sunderland, 58 Newcastle, 59 Berwick, 60 Edinburgh, 61 Ayr, 6.2 Dundee, 63 Aberdeen, 64 Inverness, 65 Jersey, 66 Guernsey, 67 Dublin, 68 iVaterford, 69 Cork, 70 Limerick, 71 Castlebar, 72 Athlone, 73 Longford, 74 Sligo, 75 Ballyconnell, 7Q Clones, 77 Enniskillen, 186 E-ichard Swift. J. Maston, H. Hull. Thomas Williamson^ H. Bingham. E. J. Miller, J. Mason. M. Whitaker, M. Moore. J. Baldwin. E. Morris, C. Hardy. J. Easter, H. Jones. W. Partridge. T. Anderson, M. Tracv. T. Bowen, W. Steens.' S. Smith. T. Jackson, J. Freeman. Camden and Banks, J. Robertson, John Steward. T. Burns. P. Cox, J. Gibbons, H. Merritt. S. Pyle, L. Matthews. E. Ellis, D. Asbury. Levin Boss. William Dameron, E. Lumsdon. W. Cannon, H. Van- over, N. Spain. Ananias Hudson. G. Thompson, A. Ed-' wards, M. Lard. J. Smith, R. Ayres, S. Dickins. L. Green, J. Paup. " R. Owens, J. Fidler. W. Waters, W. Hervey. J. Lee, S. Talbot. ^ J. White, W. Lee. Ira EUis, I. Moore. ' W. Jessop, M. Hurley,^ J. Jarrell. S. Dudley, J. Everitt. ' J. Riggin, J. Merrick. W. Thomas. T. Curtis. H. Ogburn, P. Mori- arty. Matthew Greentree. 1786. Santee, Pee Dee, Salisbury, Yadkin, Holstein, Guildford, Halifax, Mecklenburg, Neio Hope, Tar River, Boan Oak, Casivell, Bertie, Portsmouth, Brunswick, Sussex, Amelia, Williamsburg, Orange, Bedford, Hanover, Alleghany, Redstone, Westmoreland, Fairfax, Berkley, Kent, Talbot, Dover, Caroline, Dorset, Somerset, Annamessex, Northampton, Philadelphia, Little York, Juniatta, Elders. [■ Bev. Allen. >- Reuben Ellis. tj. O'Kelly. Y Richard Ivey. Phil. Bruce. F. Poythress. ;. Thomas Chew. C Enoch Mattson. L Nelson Reed. l R. Whatcoat. I J. Haggerty. I Thomas Foster. Caleb Beyer. 1786. Trenton, West Jersey, East Jersey, Newark, New York, Long Island, Baltimore, Frederick, Calvert, Kentucky, Newbern, New River, Wilmington, Antigua, Nova Scotia, 187 R. Sparks, R. Cann J. Brush, J. Simmons J. Lurton. J. M'Claskey, E. Cooper. Robert Cloud. J. Dickins. Thomas Ware. W. Hickson, A. Cloud. M. Ellis, J. Cromwell. Jonathan Forrest. B. Ogdon. . It. Elders. Vasey. J. Tunuell. ") William Gill. C Ignatius Pigman, James Haw. J. Hartley, C. Maxcy. i- Le Roy Cole. W. Black, J. Mann. Newfoundland, John M'Geary. ) J. Baxter. ) William Warrener. S F. Garrettson. / James Cromwell, r John Clarke. J W. Hammet. Q. 8. How many wives are to be provided for ? A. Seventy-five. Q. 9. How many of these are to be provided for by the Circuits ? A. Fifty-seven; namely, — Grimsby, S. Butterfield. London, S, Brettell, Boothby. Gloucestershire, S. Hall. Bradford, S. Green. Bristol, S. Hopkins, £6; Dixon, £6 ; Day, Algar. Devon and Taunton, S. Poole. Plymouth, S. Myles. St. Austle, S. Moon, £6. Redruth, S. Wride. St, Ives, S. Shaw (Thomas). Birmingham, S. Blair, Wright. Burslem, S. Warwick. Macclesfield, S, Story. Stockport, S. Roberts. Manchester, S. Cousins, Corbet. Chester, S. Rodda. Liverpool, S. Boon, Hopper. Bolton, S. Robertshaw. Colne, S. Lee, Harper. Leicester, S. Easton. Nottingham, S. Hern. Sheffield, S. Mather, Gibbon, Brisco. S. Gainsborough, Mowat. Epworth, S. Longley. Leeds, S. Taylor, Snowden. Birstal, S. Goodwin. Dewsbury, S. Greenwood. Huddersfield, S. Booth. Bradford, S. Collins. Halifax, S, Crosby. Keighley, S. Bradford. York, S. Rutherford. Hull, S. Swan. Scarborough, S. Mill. Yarm, S. Thompson (Jos.). The Dales, S. Watson. Sunderland, S. Thorn. Newcastle, S. Inglis. Ireland, S. Jackson, Brown (George), Dinnen. Ellis, Shaw, Wood, Price, Joyce, 188 1786. Q. 10. Ho\r are the other eighteen to be provided for? namely, S. Williams, Scot, Beanland, Peacock, Crook, Costerdine, Browu (Isaac), Simpson, Percival, Hunter, sen., Watkinson, M'Ailura, Atkins, Moon, £6 ; Moore, Kane, Rennick, "West, Condy. A. Partly out of the Yearly Collection, and partly out of the Preachers^ Fund. N.B. The money for them all, except the five last, -will be lodged in the hands of Mr. Atlay : the money for the five last, in the hands of Mr. James Rogers. Q. 11. What numbers are in the Societies? A. As follows: — London - 2,517 Ep worth - 644 Sussex - 217 Leeds - - 2,384 Kent - - 400 Birstal - - 1,043 Colchester - 184 Dewsbury - 925 Norwich - 600 Huddersfield - - 800 Lynn - - 237 Halifax - 1,000 Bedford - 264 Bradford - 1,146 Northampton - - 350 Keighley - 1,100 Oxfordshire - 500 Whitehaven - 227 Gloucester - 647 Isle of Man - - 2,433 Sarum- - 430 York - - 890 Bradford - 1,193 Hull - - 900 Bristol - 1,600 Scarborough - 700 Taunton - 180 W^hitby - 536 Devon - 442 Thirsk - - 667 Plymouth - 483 Yarm - - 512 St. Austle - 816 The Dales - 805 Redruth - 1,404 Sunderland - 1,076 St. Ives - 1,292 Newcastle - 1,063 Pembroke - 186 Berwick 80 Glamorgan - 209 Edinburgh - 219 Brecon - 100 Dundee - 134 Birmingham - - 1,010 Aberdeen - 324 Burslem - 780 Jersey - - 136 Macclesfield - 922 G uernsey 42 Manchester - 2,460 Dublin - 900 Chester - 700 Waterford - 300 Liverpool - 655 Cork - - 800 Bolton - - 650 Limerick - 266 Colne - - 1,500 Castlebar - 303 Leicester - 674 Athlone - 600 Nottingham - - 700 Sligo - - 391 Derby - - 366 Ballyconnell - 636 Sheffield - 1,550 Clones - - 929 Grimsby - 480 Enniskillen - 1,400 Horncastle - 582 Charlemont - 1,200 Gainsborough - - 745 Lisleen - 950 1786. 189 Londonderry - 700 Belfast - - 420 Lisburn - - 550 Total in Europe 58,156 AMERICA. Portsmouth, Whites - 330 Blacks - 26 Sussex, Whites - 416 Blacks - 72 Brunswick, Whites - 305 Blacks - 59 Amelia, Whites - 382 Blacks - 30 Mecklenburg, Whites 392 Blacks 37 Bedford, Whites - 524 Blacks - 16 Orange, Wliites - 374 Blacks - 75 WilHamsburg, Whites 167 Blacks 11 Alleghany, Whites - 350 Blacks - 18 Berkley, Whites - 140 Blacks - 26 Redstone - - 523 Fairfax - - 260 Lancaster - - 174 Frederick, Whites - 390 Blacks - 32 Calvert, Whites - 295 Blacks - 316 Baltimore, Whites - 655 Blacks - 111 Little York - - 136 Kent - - 1,013 Talbot, Whites - 632 Blacks - 332 Dorset - - 719 Somerset - - 220 Aunamessex, Whites - 317 Blacks - 33 Northampton, Whites 151 Blacks- 9 Caroline, Whites - 657 Blacks - 243 Dover, Whites 690 Blacks 158 Philadelphia - 498 Georgia 78 Charleston, Whites •• 35 Blacks 23 Santee 75 Pee-Dee, Whites 285 Blacks 10 Broad River - 200 Salisbury, Whites 327 Blacks 10 Yadkin, Whites 426 Blacks 11 Holstein 250 Guildford, Whites 400 Blacks 10 Halifax, Whites 324 Blacks 14 Newhope, Whites 192 Blacks 3 Tar River, Whites 607 Blacks 42 New River, Whites - 500 Blacks 72 Roan Oak 474 Caswell 153 Bertie, Whites 405 Blacks 58 Camden and Banks - 257 West Jersey - 492 Trenton 352 East Jersey - 365 New York, Whites - 178 Blacks 25 Long Island, Whites - 146 Blacks - 8 Newark 50 Nova Scotia - 510 Newfoundland 100 Antigua, Whites 10 Blacks 1,559 Total in America, 21,350 Total in Europe, 58,156 Total in Europe and ) America, j 79,506 ]90 1786. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A, 12. What is the Kingswood Collection? £685. 7s. lOd. 13. What children are admitted this year? Morgan, Samuel Barry, Lawrence Kane. 14. What can we allow the daughtei's of the Preachers? Hannah Roberts, £6 the second year. Ann Watkinson, £6 the second year. Q. 15. What is contributed to the Preachers' Fund? A. £365. 8s. 2d. Q. 16. What is allowed out of it? A. Thomas Westell William Whitaker John Bredin Matthew Lowes Thomas Hanson John Furz - Henry Foster John Watson, jun. John Mayly Ann Morgan £. 30 20 12 5 12 12 12 12 12 24 12 20 £. s. d. Elizabeth Shorter - 10 0 0 Catherine Garnet - 12 0 0 EHzabeth Dillon - 5 0 0 Tabitha Norris - 5 0 0 Margaret Payne - 12 0 0 Sarah Barry - 24 0 0 Sarah ISaylor - 10 0 0 Elizabeth Oldham - 12 0 0 Sarah Hosraer - 10 0 0 Sarah Mitchell - 24 0 0 In all. Lucy Bourke Mary Peuington Q. 17. What is contributed for the Yearly Expenses? A. £917. 135. 8^/. Q. 18. How was it expended? £. s. d. £307 5 0 Last year's ) ies j 167 5 6 es j 100 84 0 25 15 0 Preachers' cessities Ne- £. I 540 In all, d. 2 £917 13 8 A Contingencies Present year Contingencies Law Sending out"^ Preachers in f Great Britain C and Ireland J Q. 19. What houses are to be built this year? A. One at Gloucester, Frome, Trowbridge, St. Austle, Probus, Wolverhampton, Alnwick, Glasgow, Kinsale, Castlebar, Auglirim, Cloughagady, Ballinamallard, Killydart, Armagh, Dungannon, and Portaferry. Q. 20. Does the General Deed require any alteration in the mode of settling our preaching-houses? A. None, except the insertion of the phrase, " The Conference of the people called Methodists, as established by a Deed-Poll of the said J. Wesle}', under his hand and seal, bearing date the 28th day of February, in the year 1784, and enrolled in His 1783. 191 Majesty's High Court of Chancery, and no others/' instead of the phrase, "The Conference of the people called Methodists, in London, Bristol, or Leeds, and no others/' Q. 21. Is there any further direction to he given, to secure the proper settlement of our preaching-houses? A. Let no Assistant make, or suffer to be made, in his respec- tive Circuit, a collection for any preaching-house, till every step be previously taken to secure it on the Conference plan, by a trust-deed, a bond, or sufficient articles of agreement. Q. 22. Dii^ections are given in the Minutes concerning the windows, &c., of preaching-houses : have those directions been observed ? A. In some places they have ; in others not at all, particularly with regard to the windows, doors, pews, and the dividing of the men from the women. Q. 23. Shall we insist on the observance of these directions for the time to come, or no ? A. We will permit none to collect for any future building unless security be first given to observe the rules laid down in the Large Minutes. Q. 24. When and where is the next Conference to be held? A. At Manchester, on the last Tuesday in next July. And all succeeding Conferences are to be held in the following order; — viz., 1st, in London; 2dly, in Leeds; 3dly, in Bristol; 4thly, in Manchester. August 30, 1785. OF SEPARATION FROM THE CHURCH. 1. Ever since I returned from America, it has been warmly affirmed, " You separate from the Chui'ch." I would consider how far, and in what sense, this assertion is true. 2. Whether you mean by that term, the building so called, or the congregation, it is plain I do not separate from either : for wherever I am, I go to the church, and join with the congre- gation. 3. Yet it is true that I have in some respects varied, though not from the doctrines, yet from the discipline of the Church of England; although not willingly, but by constraint. For instance: Above forty years ago, I began preaching in the fields ; and that for two reasons : First, I was not suffered to preach in the churches. Secondly, No parish-church in London or Westminster could contain the congregation. 4. About the same time several persons who were desirous to save their souls, prayed me to meet them apart from the great congregation. These little companies [societies they were called) gradually spread through the three kingdoms. And in many places they built houses in which they met, and wherein I and 193 1786. my brethren preaclied. For a few young men, one after another, desired to serve me, as sons in the Gospel. 5. Some time after, Mr. Deleznot, a Clergyman, desired me to officiate at his chapel in Wapping. There I read prayers, and preached, and administered the Lord's Supper to a part of the Society. The rest communicated either at St. Paul's, or at their several parish-churches. Meantime, I endeavoured to watch over all their souls, as one that was to give an account ; and to assign to each of my fellow-labourers the part wherein I judged he might be most useful. 6. When these were multiplied, I gave them an invitation to meet me together in my house at London ; that we might con- sider in what manner we could most effectually save our own souls, and them that heard us. This we called a Conference (meaning thereby, the perso7is, not the conversation they had). At first I desired all the Preachers to meet me; but afterwards only a select number. 7. Some years after, we were strongly importuned by our brethren in America to " come over and help them." Several Preachers willingly offered themselves for the service; and several went from time to time. God blessed their labours in an uncommon manner. Many sinners were converted to God ; and many Societies formed, under the same rules as were observed in England : insomuch, that at present the American Societies contain more than eighteen thousand members. 8. But since the late revolution in North America, these have been in great distress. The Clergy, having no sustenance, either from England, or from the American States, have been obliged almost universally to leave the country, and seek their food else- where. Hence those who had been members of the Church had none either to administer the Lord's Supper, or to baptize their children. They applied to England over and over : but it was to no purpose. Judging this to be a case of real necessity, I took a step which, for peace and quietness, I had refrained from taking for many years : I exercised that power which I am fully persuaded the great Shepherd and Bishop of the church has given me. I appointed three of our labourers to go and help them, by not only preaching the word of God, but likewise administering the Lord's Supper, and baptizing their children, throughout that vast tract of land, a thousand miles long, and some hundreds broad. 9. These are the steps which, not of choice, but necessity, I have slowly and deliberately taken. If anyone is pleased to call this separating from the Church, he may. But the law of England does not call it so ; nor can anyone properly be said so to do, unless out of conscience he refuses to join in the service, and partake of the Sacraments administered therein. Camelford, August 30, 1785. JOHN WESLEY. 1786. 193 After Dr. Coke's return from America, many of our friends begged I would ^^onsider the case of Scotland, where we had been labouring so^many years, and had seen so little fruit of our labours. Multitudes indeed have set out well, but they were soon turned out of the way : chiefly by their Ministers either disputing against the truth, or refusing to admit them to the Lord's Supper, yea, or to baptize their children, unless they would promise to have no fellowship with the Methodists. Many who did so, soon lost all they had gained, and became more the children of hell than before. To prevent this, I at length con- sented to take the same step with regard to Scotland, which I had done with regard to America. But this is not a separation fi-om the Church at all. Not from the Church of Scotland ; for we were never connected therewith, any further than we are now: not from the Church of England ; for this is not concerned in the steps which are taken in Scotland. Whatever then is done either in America or Scotland is no separation from the Church of England. I have no thought of this : I have many objections against it. It is a totally different case. " But, for all this, is it not possible there may be such a sepa- ration after you are dead ? " Undoubtedly it is. But what I said at our first Conference above forty years ago, I say still, " I dare not omit doing what good I can while I live, for fear of evils that may follow when I am dead," Bristol, Juh/ 22, 1786. Perhaps there is one part of what I wrote some time since, which requires a little further explanation. In what cases do we allow of service in Church-hours ? I answer, 1. When the Minister is a notoriously wicked man. 2. When he preaches Arian, or any equally pernicious, doctrine. 3. When there are not churches in the town sufficient to contain half the people. And, 4. When there is no church at all within two or three miles. And we advise everyone who preaches in the Church-hours to read the Psalms and Lessons, with part of the Church-prayers : because we apprehend this will endear the Church Service to our brethren, who probably would be prejudiced against it, if they heard none but extemporary prayer. A few little advices I Avould add to the Preachers. I advise the Assistants, 1. To re-establish morning-preaching, in all large towns, at least. 2. To exert themselves in restoring the Bands. 3. And the Select Societies. 4. Change both a General and Particular Steward in each Circuit. Vol. I. O 191- 1787. I advise all the Preachers, 1. Always to conclude the service in about an hour. 2. Never scream. 3. Never lean upon or beat the Bible. 4. Wherever you preach, meet the Society. 5. Do not, without the utmost necessity, go home at night. 6. Never take part against the Assistant. 7. Never preach a funeral-sermon, but for an eminenth^ holy person : nor then, without consulting the Assistant. Preach none for hire. Beware of panegyric, particularly in London. 8. Have love-feasts in more places. 9. Introduce no new tunes. See that none sing too slow, and the women sing their parts. Exhort all to sing, and all to stand at singing, as well as to kneel at prayers. 10. Let none repeat the last line, unless the Preacher does. 11. Inform the Leaders, that every Assistant is to change both the Stewards and Leaders when he sees good. And that no Leader has power to put any person either into or out of the Society. August 1, 1786. JOHN WESLEY. MANCHESTER, July 31, 1787. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. In Great Britain : T. Bai'tholomew, John Ogilvie, William Palmer, Jonathan Parkin, William Holmes. — In America : Uobert Ayres, Henry Bingham, Jacob Brush, Robert Cann, Ezekiel Cooper, Stephen Dickins, Hope Hull, Thomas William- son, Stephen Johnson, Jeremiah Maston, John M'Claskey, John Paup, Simon Pyle, Levin Ross, Robert Spai'ks, Garret Thompson, Mark Whitaker. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. In Great Britain: Edward Burbeck, Charles Kyte, Benjamin Pearce, Timothy Crowther, Jonathan Crowther, John M'Kersey, William Butterfield, Richard Cornish, James Ridall, Charles Bland, Robert Gamble, John Smith, Alexander Kilham, William Fish, William Hunter, jun., William Blagborne, James Gore, John Reynolds, William Bramwell, James M. Byron, John Townsend, G. Baldwin, Theophilus Lessey, Thomas Jones, J. Evans, William Stevens, Thomas Roberts, T. Smith, William Thoresby, George Highfield, John Barritt, John Tregortha, John Atkins, John Beaumont, Jonathan Edmondson, Joseph Sutcliffe, Duncan Kay, Abraham Moseley, John de Qucteville, John Gaulter, William Franklin, Stephen Kessall. — In Ire/and : Benjamin Pearce, John Dinnen, Thomas Ycrner, Samuel Bates, Thomas Owens, David Gordon, Francis Frazier, John Harper, Thomas Roberts, John GilliS; Samuel Moorhead, John Grace. — 1787. 195 In America: Sihon Smith, Jolin Mason, Mark Moore, Cliarlcs Hardy, John Simmons, Lastly Matthews, M. Laird, Henry Merritt, Daniel Asbury, Henry Vanover, Terence Burns, Micaiah Tracy, Jacob Lurton, John Jarrell, Benjamin Ogden, John Marrick, S. Quinton Talbot, Aquila Edwards, John Simmons. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. In Great Britain: Samuel Gates, John Stamp, George Phillips, John Holmes, John Woodrow, John Sandoe, Thomas Cooper, R. Reece, Michael Marshall, Joseph Cross, Robert Harrison, William Joughin, Joseph Entwisle, Francis Truscott, Thomas Crossley, David Barrowclough, John Saunders, William Collins, jun., Robert Dall. — In Ireland : John Burnet, Andrew Jefterys, John Black, William Johnson, George Hender- son, John Darragh, Francis Armstrong, William M'Cornock, Thomas Heuett, John Malcomson, Thomas Kerr, John West, Hugh Pugh. — In America : Edward West, James Conner, William Bradbury, Jeremiah Minter, D. Lockett, Lemuel Andrews, Matthew Harris, Lewis Grigg, Barnabas M'^Henry, Benjamin Carter, Isaac Low, Nathaniel Moore, David Haggard, Jeremiah Abel, Thomas Wetherford, Thomas Davis, L. Chastain, Francis Spry, Cornelius Cook, T. Morrell, Christopher Spry, Nathaniel Mills, R. Pearson, Charles Connoway, James Wilson, John Todd, J. Milbourn, B. Reggin, G. Callaghan, David Combes, Dan. Combes, T. Hayman, B. Roberts, Aaron Hutchinson, Elijah Phelps. Q. 4. Who have died this year? A. Thomas Lee, a faithful brother, and a good old soldier of Jesus Christ. — Henry Foster, an excellent young man, wholly devoted to God. — John Cowmeadow, a pious young man, unblamable in spirit and conversation. — John Fenwick, wlio died, I believe, in peace. — Thomas Seaward, a pious_, zealous, blameless, useful young man. Q. 5. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. They were examined one by one. Q. 6. How are the Preachers stationed this j^ear? A. As follows : — 1 London, John Wesley, Charles Wesley, Thomas Coke, James Creighton, Peard Dickinson, Samuel Bradburn; Thomas Rankin, and John Atlay, Supernumeraries. — Joseph Bradford travels with Mr. Wesley. 2 Sussex, John Reynolds, Robert Empriugham, Abraham Moseley. 3 Kent, Joseph Algar, James M. Byron, W. Butterfield, J. Holmes. 4 Colchester, John Poole, Samuel Gates, John Woodrow. 5 Norwich, Jasper Robinson, Joseph Harper, John Cricket, Charles Bland, John Roberts. O 2 195 1787. 6 Limn, 7 Bedford, John Gaulter, William Bramwell, George Phillips. Barnabas Thomas, T. Broadbent ; J. Watson, Supernumerary. 8 Northampton,W\\\\nm Horner, W. Hoskins. 9 Oxfordshire, Joseph Pescod, J. Entwisle, R. Reece ; John Murlin, Supernumerary. 10 Gloucestershire, Christopher Watkins, M. Marshall, Robert Hopkins, J. Beaumont. 11 Sarum, William Ashman, John Pritchard, William Hunter, jun. 12 Isle of Wight, Thomas Warwick. 13 Bradford, John Furz, Supernumerary; John Mason, John Easton, George Wadsworth, C. Kyte. John Valton, Supernumerary; J. Broadbent, B. Rhodes, Jeremiah Brettell. William Green, C. Bond. George Button, J. M'Kersey. Lawrence Kane, Samuel Bardslev, Joseph Cole. John Moon, James Evans, J. Sandoe. George Shadford, W. Palmer, J. Gore. Jonathan Cousins, T. Lessey, J. Sutcliflfe. William Dufton, Simon Day, S. Kessall. 22 Glamorganshire, George Baldwin, T. Jones. 23 Brecon, William Holmes, R. Cornish. 24 Birmingham., Daniel Jackson, T. Tennant, T. Cooper; John Brettell, Supernumerary. 25 Burslem, Ricliard Rodda, Thomas Corbet, J. Tregortha. 26 Macclesfield, George Story, T. Smith. 27 Manchester, Thomas Tavlor, E. Jackson, J. Beanland. 28 Stockport, Robert Roberts, T. Carlill. 29 Chester, Andrew Blair, William Eels, J. Ridall. 30 Wolverhampton, ]\Ieh ille Home, Supernumerary ; J. Leech, W. Saunders. Charles Boon, Thomas Brisco, R. Armstrong. Duncan Wrii;;ht, Christopher Hopper. James Hall, S. Edwards. Francis Wrigley, E. Burbeck. William Boothby, T. Ellis, J. Jerora. Jonathan Hern, Robert Scot, G. Highfield. George Gibbon, T. Crowthcr, T. Wood. Alexander Mather, Thomas Hanby, J. Bogie. Thomas Longley, W. Fish. James Watson, J. Townsend, Jonathan Edmondson. 41 Gainsborough, Lancelot Harrison, J. Barritt, T. Crossley. 14 Bristol, 15 Taunton, 16 Tiverton, 17 Plymouth, 18 St. Austle, 19 Bedruth, 20 St. Ives, 2d Pembroke, 31 Liverpool, 32 Bolton, 33 Colne, 34 Blackburn, 35 Leicester, 36 Nottingham, 37 Derby, 38 Sheffield, 39 Grimsby, 40 Horncastle, 1787. 197 43 Epworth, Thomas Tattershall, G. Mowat, Robert Hayward. 43 Leeds, John Pawson^ George SuowJen; John Shaw, Supernumerary. 44 Wakefield, John Allen, S. Hodgson. 45 Birstal, "William Thompson, William Thoresby. 46 Dewsbury, Parson Greenwood, W. Percival. 47 Huddersfield, John Bootli, Robert Costerdine. 48 Halifax, John Goodwin, Jonathan Parkin. 49 Bradford, William Collins, Jeremiah Robcrtsliaw ; T. Johnson, Supernumerary. 50 Keighley, William Blagborne, Thomas Dixon, T. Shaw. 51 Whitehaven, John Peacock, John Wittara. 52 Isle of Man, John Crook, John Smith, D. Bavrowclough. 53 York, Thomas Rutherford, J. Barber, W. Franklin. 54 PockUngton, Robert Swan, J. Cross. 55 Hidl, Joseph Benson, Thomas Bartholomew. 56 Scarborough, Peter Mill, Alexander Kilham, J. Atkins. 57 Whitby, Isaac Brown, G. Holder. 58 Thirsk, John King, John Ogilvie, J. Christie. 59 Yarm, William Simpson, D. Kay, 60 The Dales, James Thorn, J. Saunders, J. Stamp; J. Thompson, Supernumerary. 61 Sunderland, William Hunter, Andrew Inglis, J. Crosby. 62 Newcastle, James Wood, W. Thorn, T. Wride. 63 Berwick, Joseph Taylor, Matthew Lumb, Pi-. Gamble. 64 Musselburgh, Zachariah Yewdall. 65 Edinburgh, Charles Atmore, J. Keighley. 66 Ayr and Greenock, Alexander Suter, W. Joughin. 67 Dumfries, Robert Dall. 68 Dundee, Richard Watkinson, S. Botts. 69 Aberdeen, Robert Johnson, Joseph Saunderaon. 70 Inverness, Duncan M'Allum, J. Crowther, R. Harrison. 71 Jersey, Robert Carr Brackenbury, A. Clarke. 72 Guernsey and Alderney, John de Queteville, William Stevens. 73 Dublin, Henry Moore, William Mylss. 74 Waterford, David Gordon, A. JeiTerys. 75 Cork, James Rogei's, M. Joyce. 76 Bandon, Richard Condy, B. Pearce. 77 Limerick, Jonathan Brown, J. Dinuen. 78 Castlebar, George Brown, W. .M'Cornock, sen., M'Cornock, jun. 79 Athlone, Walter Griffith, J. Miller. 80 Longford, William West, J. West. 81 SUgo, Francis Frazier, W. Johnson. 82 Bally connell, Joseph Armstrong, J. Renuick, J. Grace. 83 Clones, Hugh Moore, John Black, H. Pugh. W. 198 ]787. 84 Lishellaw, 85 Enniskillea, 86 Ballyshannon, 87 Lisleen, 88 Omagh, 89 Charlemont, 90 Londondernj, 91 Coleraine, 92 jBe//fl5^, 93 Lis burn, 94 Newry, Samuel Mitchell, Thomas Verner, J. Gillis. George Henderson, T. Kerr. Thomas Barber, J. Darragh. Robert Bridge, J. Malcomson. John Price, T. Hewett. Samuel Bates, J. Collins. Thomas Davis, James INI'Donald. Thomas Roberts, N. Price, G. Armstrong. John Howe, T. Owens. Robert Lindsay, J. Burnet, F. Armstrong. John Kerr, T. Hetheriugton, S. Moorhead. AMERICA. THE UNITED STATES. Superintendents. R. Ivev. B. Allen. R. Ellis. F. Poythrcss. Thomas Coke, Francis Asbury. Eldeiis. 95 Burke, John Major, M. Harris. 96 Augusta, T. Humphries, M. Park. 97 Broad River, J. Mason, T. Davis. 98 Edisto, E. West. 99 Charleston, L. Green. 100 Cainhoy and Santee, I. Smith. 101 Fee Dee, H. Bingham, L. Andrews, H. Leadbeater. 102 Yadkin, W. Partridge, B. M'Henry, J. Conner. 103 Salisbury, M. Moore. 104 Guildford, J. Minter. 105 Halifax, D. Asbuiy, J. Abel. 106 New Hope, J. Baldwin. 107 Caswell, T. Burns. 108 Bladen, D. Combes. 109 New River, E. Morris, H. Ogburn. 110 Tar River, T. Bowen, T. Wetherford. 111 Roan Oak, T. Anderson, B. Carter. 112 Mecklenburg, R. Swift, C. Hardy. 113 Brunswick, J. Easter, H. Jones. 114 Sussex, P. Cox, L. Grigg. 115 Amelia, H. Hull, M. Whitaker. 116 Portsmouth, T. Jackson, D. Jefferson. 117 Camden, S. Smith. 118 Banks, D. Haggard. 119 Bertie, H. Merritt, L. Cliastain. 120 Bedford, J. Paup, W. Bradbury. 121 Greenbrier, J. Smith. 122 Orange, I. Lowe, D. Locket, 123 Hanover, H. Vanover. 124 iniliamsburg, S. Johnson. !> J. O'Kelly. P. Bruce. Lc Roy Cole. 1787. 199 125 Holstein, J. Maston, Nath, Moore. ") 126 Nolachuclcie, T. Ware, M. Tracy. > 127 New Eiver, E. Morris, H. Ogburn. ) 128 Kentuchj, T. Williamson, W. Lee. 1 129 Cumberland, B. Ogden. J 130 Redstone, W. Phebus, J. Wilson, E Phelps, R. Cann, R. Pearson. J. Connoway, G. Callaghan John Simmons, J. Todd. R. Ayres, M. Laird. L. Matthews, J. Lurton. M. Ellis, A. Hutchinson. W. Cannon, E. Elhs. J. Forrest, B. Riggin, B Roberts. 131 Clarksburg, 132 Ohio, 133 Alleghany, 134 Bath, 135 Berkley, 136 Fairfax, 137 Lancaster, 138 Frederick, 139 Calvert, 140 Baltimore, 141 Kent, 142 Talbot, 143 Dover, 144 Caroline, J. Riggin. J. Lee. I. Ellis, J. Merrick. J. Cooper. A. Cloud, J. Brush. J. White, G. Thompson, F. Spry. 145 Dorset, T. Curtis. 146 Somerset, L. Ross, C. Spry. 147 Annamessex, J. Everitt, M. Greentree. 148 Northampton, R. Sparks. 149 Philadelphia, S. Dudley, W. Thomas. 150 Little York, Juniatta, D. Combes. 151 Eliza. Town, R. Cloud, T. Morrel. 152 West Jersey, Rob. Cann, J. M'Claskey, J. Milbourn. 153 Tre7ito7i, Ezek. Cooper, N, Mills. 154 East Jersey, S. Pyle, C. Cook. 155 New York, 156 New Rochelle, S. Talbot. 157 Long Island, P. Moriarty. THE BRITISH DOMINIONS. 158 Nova Scotia, William Jessop, W. Black,") J. Mann, James Mann. J Elders. J. Tunnell. J, Haw. Jos. Cromwell. R. Whatcoat. E. Maston, Invalid. N. Reed. J. Haggert}', I. Pig man. T. Chew. J. Cromwell. F. Garrettson. W. Gill. J. Dickins. H. WilHs. 159 Newfoundland, J. M'Geary. 160 Antigua, 161 St. Vincent's, 162 St. Christopher's, Ray. }W. Warrencr. J. Clarke. J. Baxter. W. Hammet. UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF HOLLAND. 163 St. Eustatius, J. Harper. 200 1787. Q. 7. How many wives are to be provided for? A. Seventy-nine. Q. 8. How many of these are to be provided for by the Circuits ? A. Sixty-three; namely, — London, S. Bradburn, Em- pringham. Gloucestershire, S. Hopkins. Bradford, S. Easton. Bristol, S. Ehodes, Brettell, Poole. Tiverton and Taunton, S. Green. Plymouth, S. Kane. St. Austle, S. Moon, £6. Eedruth, S. Algar, Moon, £6. St. Ives, S. Cousins. Birmingham, S. (D.) Jackson, Butterfield. Burslem, S. Rodda. Macclesfield, S. Story. Stockport, S. Roberts. Manchester, S. Taylor, Bean- land. Chester, S. Blair. Liverpool, S. Boon, Brisco. Bolton, S. Wright. Colne, S. Hall, Hopper, £6. Blackburn, S. Hopper, £6. Leicester, S. Boothby. Nottingham, S. Hern. Sheffield, S. Mather, Gibbon, Grimsby, S. Lougley. Gainsborough, S. "Watson, Ellis. Epworth, S. Mowat. Leeds, S. Snowden, Shaw, Costerdine. Wakefield, S. Percival. Birstal, S. Horner. Dewsburv, S. Greenwood. Huddersiield, S. Booth. Bradford, S. (W.) Collins. Halifax, S. Goodwin. Keighley, S. Crosby. York, S*. Rutherford. Pocklington, S. Swan. Hull, S. Robertshaw. Scarborough, S. Mill. Yarm, S. Simpson. Whitby, S. (Is.) Brown. Thirsk, S. (T.) Shaw. The Dales, S. Thom. Sunderland, S. Inglis, Ogllvie. Newcastle, S. Wood. Edinburgh, S. Atmore. Ireland, S. Moore, Myles, Joyce, Hetherington, (G.) Brown, Griffith, Price. Scot. Q. 9. How are the other sixteen to be provided for? namely, S. Harper, Warwick, Corbet, Peacock, Crook, Dixon, £6; Atkins, £6 ; Dall, Watkinson, Johnson, £6 ; Hunter, M'Allum, Condy, Rennick, Dinnen, (J.) Collins. A. Partly out of the Yearly Collection, and partly out of the Preachers^ Fund. N.B. The money for them all, except the four last, will be lodged in the hands of Mr. Atlay ; the money for the four last, in the hands of Mr. Henry Moore. Q. 10. What numbers are in the Societies ? A. As follows : — London - 2600 Norwich - 576 Sussex - - 222 Lynn - - 247 Kent - - 450 Bedford - 2.")2 Colchester - 334 Northampton - - 370 1787. 201 Oxfordshire . - 5G0 Sunderland _ 1100 Gloucestershire - 707 Newcastle _ 1093 Sarum - - 593 Berwick . 100 Bradford - 1199 Edinburgh _ 261 Bristol - - 1864 Ayr - . 55 Taunton - 205 Dundee _ 125 Tiverton - 426 Aberdeen . 243 Plymouth St. Austle - 660 - 820 Inverness Jersey - - 144 200 Redruth St. Ives - - 1620 - 1287 Guernsey and Alderney Dublin 100 1137 Pembroke - - 182 Waterford . 320 Glamorganshire - 219 Cork - . 8:20 Brecon - 96 Limerick _ 2i0 Birmingham - - 1343 Castlebar _ 351 Burslem - - 1064 Athlone . 356 Macclesfield . - 972 Longford . 340 Manchester . - 1852 Sligo - _ 288 Stockport Chester - - 880 - 840 Ballycouuell Clones - 700 887 Liverpool Bolton - - 752 - 869 Enniskillen Charlemont - 1450 680 Colne - . - 1850 Ballyshannon - - 800 Leicester . ■- 700 Omagh _ 413 Nottingham Derby - - - 800 - 397 Londonderry - Coleraine - 236 416 Sheffield . - 1600 Belfast - 425 Grimsby . - 530 Lisburn - 600 Horncastle . - 629 Newry- . 824 1 tqitic nnvAnorri - m - 636 - 2470 xJctlliaUUXUUgLI Epworth Leeds - Total in Europe 02,088 Birstal- - - 900 AMERICA. Dewsbury Huddersfield - - 808 - 945 THE BRITISH DOMINIONS. Hull - . - 580 Nova Scotia .. 600 Scarborough .. - 630 Ncw^foundland - . 100 Whitby Thirsk - - - 547 - 640 Antigua, Whites Blacks - 43 1957 Halifax - - 128 St. Vincent's, Whites - 9 Bradford . - 1128 Blacks - 81 Keighley . - 1240 St. Kitt's, Whites . 50 Whitehaven - - 247 Blacks - 100 Isle of Man York - Pocklington - - 2116 - 910 - 680 UNDER THE DUTCH GOVERN- MENT. Yarm - . - 455 St. Eustatius, Whites - 2 The Dales . - 950 Blacks . GO 1787. I.v THE United States 25,347 Total in Europe and ) America j 90,387 Total in America 28,299 Q. 11. Vv'hat is the Kingswood Collection? J. £739. 05. 11^. Q. 12. AVliat children are admitted this year? A. Benjamin Rogers, Lawrence Kane, Wesley Hern, William Hern. Q. 13. What can v:c allow the daughters of the Preachers out of the Kingswood Collection? A. Mary Ilodda, £6 the second year: Margaret Story, £6 the first year: Sarah Harrison, j£6 the first year. — N.B. John Brown is allowed .€6. Q. 14. What is contributed to the Preachers' Fund? A. £458. 13s. Od. Q. 15. What is allowed out of it? A. To Thomas ) Westell j William Whitaker John Bredin, for ) the present year J Matthew Lowes - Thomas Hanson - John Furz Johu Watson John jNIayly Ann Morgan Lucy Bourke Mary Peningtoa - Sarah Shorter - 10 0 0 In all £340 Q. 16. What is contributed for the Yearly Expenses? A. £1035. 16s. Id. Q. 17. How was it expended ? s. d. £. s. d. 30 0 0 20 0 0 15 0 0 5 5 0 12 0 0 12 0 0 12 0 0 12 0 0 24 0 0 12 0 0 15 0 0 10 0 0 £. s. d Catherine Garnet - 12 0 0 Ehzabeth Dillon - 10 0 0 Tabitha Norris 12 0 0 INIargaret Payne - 12 0 0 Sarah Barry 24 0 0 Sarah Nay lor 10 0 0 Eliz. Oldham 15 0 0 Sarah Hosmer 10 0 0 Sarah Mitchell - 24 0 0 Elizabeth Jaco 12 0 0 Mar}'^ Lee 10 0 0 Sarah Evans (a gift) 10 0 0 f's| } £. CO A. Last year Deficiencies This year's Con tingencies For the Defici- 1 encies of the | Preachers and !► 243 their families in | Ireland J FortheDeficiencies"^ of the Preachers (. i ^o and their fami- C lies in Scotland J 0 0 100 0 0 7 6 16 9 57 15 0 For the Defici-^ encies of the f ^, Preachers, &c., in Wales For the Defici- encies of the Preachers and V446 12 11 their families in | England Law J 22 3 6 In all £1103 16 1788. 203 Q. 18. What bouses are to be built this year? A. One at Rye, Stourport, Godshill, Winterbourne, Neath, Dudley, Altrincham, Mosley, Salford, Leigh, Buruley, Preston, Sheepshead, Ackworth, Pomfret, Kettleshulme, Lofthouse, Howden, Tullamore, Carlow, Moat, and Tanderagee. Q. 19. Are there any directions to be given concerning Kingswood School? A. Let the number of boarders be reduced as soon as possible to ten ; and the number of Preachers' sons be raised to thirty. Q. 20. Are there any directions to be given concerning Preachers to whom we are strangers ? A. Let no person that is not in connexion with us preach in any of our chapels, or preaching-houses, without a note from Mr. Wesley, or from the Assistant of the Circuit from whence he comes; which note must be renewed yearly. Q. 21. Many of our people who have been travelling on business have crowded into the Preachers' dwelling-houses, and taken up their lodgings there, to the great inconvenience of the Preachers and their families, and expense of the respective Societies. What can be done to remedy this evil? A. Let none of our friends that travel on business expect to be entertained in the Preachers' houses. Q. 22. What can be done to prevent the heavy burdens and expenses which are needlessly thrown on the Conference ? A. Those Circuits that do not provide for their Preachers (except Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, and a few small Circuits in England) shall have no more Preachers sent to them for the time to come than they will provide for. Q. 23. Are there any directions to be given concerning singing? A. Let no anthems be introduced into our chapels or preaching-houses for the time to come ; because they cannot be properly called joint-worship. Q. 24. When and where shall our next Conference be held? A. In London, on the last Tuesday in July, 1788. LONDON, Tuesdaij, July 29, 1788. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. Charles Kyte, William Butterfield, Thomas Cooper, Robert Dall, Benjamin Pearce. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. Timothy Crowther, Jonathan Crowther, John M'Kersey, Richard Cornish, James Ridall, Charles Bland, Robert Gamble, John Smith, Alexander Kilham, William Fish, William Hunter, jun., William Blagborue, James Gore, John Reynolds, William 204 1788. Bramwell, James M, Byron, John Townsend, George Baldwin, Theophilus Lessey, Thomas Jones, James Evans, "William Stevens, Thomas Roberts, William Thoresby, George Highfield, John Barritt, John Tregortha, John Atkins, Jonathan Edmondson, Joseph Sutcliffe, Duncan Kay, Abraham Moseley, John de Queteville, John Gaulter, Thomas Wood, William Heath, Samuel Gates, John Stamp, George Phillips, John Holmes, John Woodrow, John Sandoe, Richard Beece, Michael Marshall, Joseph Cross, Bobert Harrison, Joseph Entwisle, Francis Truscott, David Barro^^•clough, John Diuucn, Thomas Verner, Samuel Bates, Thomas Owens, David Gordon, Francis Frazier, John Gillis, Samuel Moorhcad, John Grace, Andrew JefiFerys, John Black, WilHam Johnson, John Darragh, Francis Armstrong, William M'Cornock, jun., Thomas Hewett, John Malcorason, Thomas Kerr, John West, Hugh Pugh. N.B. All those Avho have travelled tour years are to be present at the next Conference. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. Richard Phillips, Thomas Rogerson, Thomas Wyment, John Wilshaw, George Lowe, Thomas Allen, Henry Taylor, John Hickling, Charles TuunyclifFe, John Furness, Thomas Kelk, Thomas Dobson, Richard Burdsall, Richard Seed, Jasper Winscom, John Stephens, James Lyons, James M'Mullen, Alexander Moore, Matthew Stewart, Thomas ElUott, Frederick Hamilton, Andrew Hamilton, Robert Smith, Nebuchadnezzar Lee, John Stephenson, William Hamilton, Daniel Graham, John Riles, Mark WilHs. Q. 4. Who have died this year? A. 1. Jeremiah Robertsh aw, who was a good soldier of Jesus Christ, fairly worn out in his INIaster's service. He was a pattern of patience for many years, labouring under sharp and almost continual pain ; of meekness and gentleness to all men, and of simplicity and godly sincerity. 2. Joshua Keighley, who was a young man deeply devoted to God, and greatly beloved by all that knew him. Ho was " About the marriage-state to prove, But death had swifter wings than love." 3. Edward Burbeck, Avho from a child was eminent for uprightness, industry, and the fear of God. He was qualified for eminent service in his Lord's vineyard, but was taken just in the dawn of his usefulness. 4. John Roberts, who for many years was clearly convinced that God had called him to preach the Gospel. But he delayed from time to time, till at length conscience prevailed over all other considerations. It was almost too late ; for, after labouring a few months, he fell into a lingering illness. For some weeks he was in utter darkness; then God scattered the clouds, and gave him to die in peace. i7i 205 5. Mr. Charles Wesley, who, after spending fourscore years with much sorrow and pain, quietly retired into Abraham's bosom. He had no disease ; but, after a gradual decay of some months, " The weary wheels of life stood still at last." His least praise was his talent for poetry : although Dr. "Watts did not scruple to say, that " that single poem, Wrestling Jacob, was worth all the verses he himself had written.^' 6. John Mayly, worn out in the service of his Master. He suffered much in his last illness, and died triumphant in the Lord. 7. John Burnet, a very pious, devoted, useful young man : he continued through a long illness in a very triumphant state of mind, and departed this life in extraordinary triumph. Q. 5, Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. They were examined one by one. Q. 6. Who have desisted from travelling? A. John Beaumont, Thomas Smith, Robert Lindsay, James Jordan, Robert Armstrong. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year? A. As follows : — 1 London, John Wesley, Thomas Coke, James Creighton, Peard Dickinson, Henry Moore, Samuel Bradburn; Thomas Rankin, John Atlay, Alexander Suter, Supernumeraries, — Joseph Bradford travels with Mr. Wesley. 2 Sussex, Timothy Crowther, J. Holmes, Thomas Jones. 3 Kent, John Pritchard, William Butterfield, Charles Kyte, James M. Byron ; Barnabas Thomas, Supernumerary. 4 Colchester, Joseph Harper, Thomas Broadbent, Thomas Rogerson. 5 Norwich, John Poole, Richard Reece, Thomas Kelk. 6 Yarmouth, Thomas Tattershall, J. Woodrow. 7 Lynn, John Reynolds, W. Green, John Cricket. 8 Bedford, Robert Empringham, Thomas Ellis. 9 Northampton, William Horner, Thomas Wyment. 10 Oxfordshire, Joseph Pescod, Charles Bland, Abraham Moselej''; John Muriin, Supernumerar3% 11 Gloucestershire, Robert Hopkins, Michael Marshall. 12 Worcestershire, Christopher Watkins, Thomas Wood. 13 Sarum, William Thorn, W. Holmes, Richard Cornish, J. Winscom, Thomas Alien. 14 Isle of Jersey, Robert Carr Brackenbury, Adam Clarke. 15 Isles of Guernsey and Alderney, John Bredin, John de Queteville. 16 Bradford, John Easton, Joseph Algar, William Hoskins, 206 1788. William Hunter, jun.; John Furz, Super- numerary. 17 Bristol, John Broadbent, T. Tennant, Thomas Warwick ; John Valtou, Supernumerary. 18 Taunton, Jonathan Cousins, William Heath. 19 Tiverton, William Ashman, J. M 'Kersey. 20 Bideford, Richard Drew, John Sandoe. 21 Plymouth, 'Lawrence Kane, G. Wadsworth, Thomas Cooper. 22 St. Austle, John Mason, Theophilus Lessey, William Fish. 23 Redruth, Beniamin Rhodes, Samuel Bardsley, Richard Phillips. 24 St. Ives, George Shadford, J. Gore, Joseph Sutcliffe, S. Gates. 25 Pembroke, William Palmer, C. Bond, Francis Truscott. 26 Glamorganshire, William Stevens, Georq;e Button. 27 Brecon, George Baldwin, William Church. 28 Birmingham, Andrew Blair, Jeremiah Brettell, John Moon. 29 Wolver]iampton,'Me\v\\\Q Home, Supernumerary; John Leech, John Brettell. 30 Burslcm, Richard Rodda, T. Shaw, Thomas Dobson. 31 Macclesfield, John Allen, John Tregortha, George Highfield. 32 Stockport, Thomas Rutherford, William Dufton. 33 Manchester, Thomas Taylor, George Suowden, James Hall. 34 Bolton, Parson Greenwood, Christopher Hopper. 35 Chester, Robert Roberts, George Lowe; Thomas Brisco, Supernumerary. 36 Wirrall, John Hickling. 37 Liverpool, Daniel Jackson, Henry Tajdor. 38 Blackburn, George Story, William Bramwell. 39 Colne, Charles Atmore, J. Ridall. 40 Leicester, James Watson, Simon Day, Richard Seed ; John Watson, Supeimumerary. 41 Nottingham, Joseph Taylor, T. Hanby, Joseph Jerom. 42 Derby, George Gibbon, T. Corbet, Robert Costerdine. 43 Sheffield, Edward Jackson, A. Inglis, John Beanland. 44 Grimsby, Thomas Longley, George Phillips. 45 Horncastle, Thomas Carlill, Robert Scot, Benjamin Leggatt. 46 Gainsborough, Lancelot Harrison, George Mowat, James Evans. 47 Epivorth, Robert Swan, James Chi'istie, John Atkins. 48 Leeds, John Pawson, John Peacock, William Collins. 49 Wakefield, Alexander Mather, Jonathan Parkin. GO Huddersfield, Francis Wrigley, William Boothby. 1788. 207 51 Birstal, 52 Bradford, 53 Halifax^, 54 Keigldey, William Thompson, Joseph Eatwisle, William Tlioresby. John Booth, Samuel Hodgson; Thomas Johnson, Supernumerary. John Goodwin, John Shaw. James Wood, Thomas Bartholomew, William Blagborne; Robert Hay ward. Super- numerary. 55 Whitehaven, Thomas Wride, John Wilshaw. 56 Isle of Man, George Holder, John Smith, John Wittam. 57 York, Jonathan Hern, John Ganlter, Richard Burdsall. 58 Pocklington, Jasper Robinson, William Percival, Thomas Dunn. 59 Hull, Joseph Benson, Jonathan Edmondson. 60 Scarborough, Thomas Dixon, Isaac Brown, Alexander Kilham. James Thom, J. Townsend. John King, Duncan Kay, John Crosby. William Simpson, Charles TunnyclifFe. William Saunders, Thomas Gill, Mark Willis. William Hunter, Duncan Wright, John 61 Whitby, 62 Thirsk, 63 Yarm, 61 The Dales, 65 Sunderland, 66 Newcastle, 67 Berwick, 68 Dalkeith, 69 Edinburgh, Ogilvie. Peter Mill, Joseph Thompson, John Stamp. James Bogie, Zachariah Yewdall, John Furness. Jonathan Crowther. Joseph Cownley, John Barber. 70 Ayr and Dumfries, Joseph Cole, Robert Dall. 71 Dundee, Joseph Richard Watkinson, Samuel Botts; Saunderson, Supernumerary. 72 Aberdeen, Robert Johnson, J. Cross. 73 Inverness, Duncan M'Allum, John Barritt, Robert Harrison. 74 Dublin, Charles Boon, W. Myles 75 Wexford, Hugh Moore, Thomas Verner. 7Q Waterford, Richard Coudy, Francis Frazier. 77 Cork, James Rogers, Thomas Roberts. 78 Bandon, John Kerr, Robert Bridge. 79 Limerick, Jonathan Brown, Andrew Jefferys. 80 Birr, Thomas Davis, Gustavus Armstrong. 81 Castlebar, James M'Donald, Thomas Kerr. 82 Athlone, John Dinnen, William Wilson. 83 Longford, Thomas Barber, John Malcomson. 84 Sligo, David Gordon, T. Hewett. 85 Bally connell, George Brown, John IMiller, Francis Armstrong; John Price, Supernumerary. 86 Clones, Joseph Armstrong, Samuel Moorhead, Alexander Moore. 208 1788. 87 Brookborough, William M^Cornock,jun., William Hamilton. 88 Enniskillen, John Black, Daniel Graham. 89 Bally shannon, James Rennick, Andrew Hamilton. 90 Killybegs, John Stephenson, Thomas Elliott. 91 Lisleen, Matthew Stewart, Nebuchadnezzar Lee. 93 Omagh, Samuel Bates, James M'Mullen. 93 Charlemont, John Crook, David Barrowclough. 94) Londonderry, William West, John West. 95 Coleraine, Matthias Joyce, William Johnson, John Stephens ; John Howe, Supernumerary. 96 Belfast, Samuel Mitchell, John Darragli. 97 Lisburn, Thomas Hetherington, John Gillis, Frederick- Hamilton ; Hugh Pugh, Supernumerary. 98 Newry, Walter Griffith, John Grace. 93 Tanderagee, Nehemiah Price, James Lyons, Robert Smith. AMERICA. THE BRITISH DOMINIONS IN AMERICA. 100 Newfoundland, John M^Geary. "^ Elders. 101 Nova Scotia, William Jessop, William L j tip- Black,John Mann, James f * ^* Mann. J inn A J' ") W. Warrener. 102 Antigua, V j rr^,.^^^ J J. Harper. J. Baxter. J. Clarke. 103 St. Vincent's, X ^- ^^^^t^^- 104 St. Christopher^'s, UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF HOLLAND. ^ W. Hammet. 105 St. Eustatius, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Superintendents. Thomas Coke, Francis Asbury. N.B. The last Conference in America for the present year has not yet been held; so that we are not able to insert the exact stations of the Preachers in the United States. Q. 8. How many wives are to be provided for ? A. Ninety-one. Q. 9. How many of these are to be provided for by the Circuits ? A. Seventy-eight : as follows ; viz., — London, S. Moore, Bradburn, Crowther, Empringham. Sussex, c€3. Norwich, £3. Yarmouth, £3. Lvun, £3. Oxfordshire, £Q. Gloucestershire, S. Hopkins, m. Worcestershire, S. Hopkins, £Q. Sarum and Portsmouth, S. (Wm.) Thorn. 1788. 209 Bradford, S. Easton, and £6. Bristol, S. Broadbent, War- wick, Algar, (J.) Sliaw. Tiverton and Taunton, S. Cousins. Plj^mouth, S. Kane, and £6. St'. Austle, S. Church. Redruth, S. Rhodes, and £6. St. Ives, S. Horner. Birmingham, S. Blair, Brettell, Story. Burslem, S. Eodda, and £6. Macclesfield, S. Pritchard, and £6. Stockport, S. Rutherford, and £6. Manchester, S. (Tho.) Taylor, Snowden, Roberts. Chester, S. Hall, and £6. Liverpool, S. (D.) Jackson, Brisco, (H.) Taylor. Bolton, S. Greenwood. Colne, S. Atmore, Bramwell. Leicester, S. Scot. Nottingham, S. (Jos.) Taylor, Atkins. Derby, S. Gibbon. Sheffield, S. Inglis, Hopper, Moon. Q. 10. How are the other twelve to be provided for ? A. By the Preachers' Fund. — N.B. The money for all those Avives whose names are not inserted in the Minutes, will be lodged in the hands of Mr. Atlay. Q. 11- What numbers are in the Societies? A. As follows : — Grimsby, S. Longley. Horncastle, £6. Gainsborough, S. Watson. Epworth, S. Swan. Leeds, S. Collins, Peacock, (T.) Shaw. Wakefield, S. Mather, Ogilvie. Birstal, S. Butterfield. Huddersfield, S. Boothby. Bradford, S. Booth. Halifax, S. Goodwin. Keighley, S. Wood, and £3. York, S. Hern, and £3. Pocklington, S. Percival. Hull, S. Mowat. Scarborough, S. (Is.) Brown, and £3. Yarm, S. Simpson, and £6. Whitby, S. (Jas.) Thorn. The Dales, S. Gill, and £3. Sunderland, S. Hunter, Dunn, and £6. Newcastle, S. Mill, and £6. Edinburgh, S. Watkinson. Ireland, S. Boon, Myles, West, Dinnen, (G.) Brown, Stewart, Rennick, Joyce. London - 2800 Bradford - 1365 Sussex - - 25 li Bristol - - 2040 Kent - - 530 ! Taunton - 246 Colchester - 280 Tiverton 444 Norwich - 460 Plymouth - 745 Lynn - .. 290 St. Austle - 818 Bedford - 250 Redruth - 1776 Northampton - - 358 St. Ives - 1231 Oxfordshire - 620 Pembroke - 183 Gloucestershire - 381 Glamorgan - 215 Worcestershire - 339 Brecon - - 150 Sarum - 464 Birmingham - 1300 Isle of Wight - 87 Burslem - 1250 Vol. I. ] P 210 1788. Macclesfield . . 972 Bandon 280 Manchester . - 1950 Limerick 244 Stockport . - 846 Castlebar 344 Chester . - 600 Athlone 396 Wolverhamptou . 493 Longford 331 Liverpool - - 792 Sligo - 330 Bolton - - 1100 Ballyconnell - 750 Colne . . 993 Clones - - . 1268 Blackburn - - 878 Brookborough - 648 Leicester - - 606 Enniskillen 655 Nottingham . - 810 Ballyshannon - 500 Derby - - 640 Killybegs 300 Sheffield _ - 1620 Lisleen 327 Grimsby - - 557 Omagh 310 Horncastle - . 600 Charlemont 838 Gainsborough - - 660 Londonderry - 221 Epworth - - 650 Coleraine 491 Leeds - . . 2058 Belfast 373 Wakefield - . 670 Lisburn 611 Birstal - - 903 Newry - - - 946 Dewsbury - - 768 Huddersfield - - 910 In all ( 36,375 Halifax . . 1100 Bradford Keighley - - 1040 1317 AMERICA. Whitehaven - - 221 THE BRITISH DOMINIONS. Isle of Man . - 2262 York - _ _ 990 Newfoundland - 200 Pocklingtou _ _ 690 Nova Scotia, Whites - 302 Hull ^ _ _ 647 Blacks 200 Scarborough _ _ 644 Antigua, Whites and ) Mulattoes - j 60 Whitby . . 525 Thirsk _ « 647 Blacks 2670 Yarm - _ _ 506 S t.Christopher's, Whites 25 The Dales - - 982 Coloured ") People - J 375 Sunderland - _ 1160 Newcastle _ . 1100 St. Vincent's, Whites - 12 Berwick Edinburgh an J T\„n, _'ii 111 330 Blacks - 149 d Dalkeim Ayr and Dumfries . 45 In all 3,993 Dundee - - 129 Aberdeen - - 249 UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF Inverness - - 165 HOLLAND. Jersey - - - 248 Guernsey anc Alderney 105 St. Eustatius, Whites - 2 Dubhn _ - 1150 Blacks - 140 Waterford _ _ 350 Cork - _ _ 550 In all 142 1788, 211 Caswell, Whites 207 IN THE UNITED STATES. Blacks 6 Bertie, Whites 386 Georgia, Blacks 50 Burke Richmond, Whites 82 345 Camden and Banks, Whites Blacks 370 34 Blacks - Washington, Whites - Blacks - 22 707 71 New River, Whites - Blacks Bladen 495 80 30 South Carolina. Virginia. Halifax, Whites 403 Charleston^ Whites - 50 Blacks 23 Blacks 65 Mecklenburg, Whites 828 Edisto, Whites 340 Blacks 7Q Blacks 25 Portsmouth, Whites - 391 Cainhoy, Whites 36 Blacks - 57 Blacks 24 Brunswick, Whites - 407 Santee, Whites 225 Blacks 59 Blacks 20 Sussex, Whites 496 Pee Dee, Whites 885 Blacks 93 Blacks 50 Amelia, Whites 573 Broad River, Whites - 460 Blacks 51 Blacks - 29 Williamsburg, Whites 217 Seleuda, Whites 230 0-' Blacks - 5 Blacks 11 Orange, Whites 337 Blacks 34 North Carolina. Amherst, Whites Blacks 100 7 Salisbury,* Whites - 391 Bedford 252 Blacks 24 Buckingham, Whites - 87 Yadkin, Whites 517 Blacks - 10 Blacks 20 Kentucky 90 Holstein, Whites 449 Alleghany 736 Blacks 1 Berkley, Whites 203 Guildford, Whites - 409 Blacks 26 Blacks 15 Redstone 756 New Hope, Whites - 291 Fairfax 270 Blacks 30 Lancaster, Whites 400 Tar River, Whites - 680 Blacks 155 Blacks 50 Northampton, Whites 178 Roan Oak, Whites 419 Blacks - 22 Blacks 129 Greenbrier 100 * The remaining numbers are taken from the return of last year, the Conference at Baltimore for the present year having not yet been held ; but we have sufficient reason to believe that many thousands have been added to the Societies in Virginia and the States that lie north of it P 2 212 1788. Murylarid. Frederick^ AVliitcs - 445 Blacks - 55 Calvert, Whites - 443 Blacks - 550 Baltimore^ Whites - 756 Blacks - 196 Kent, Whites - 607 Blacks - - 604 Talbot, Whites - 1077 Blacks - 524 Dorset, Whites - 594 Blacks - 135 Somerset, Whites - 223 Blacks - 56 Annamessex, Whites - 343 Blacks - 43 Caroline, Whites - 616 Blacks - 268 Delaware. Dover, Whites - 654 Blacks - 209 Q. 12. What is the Kingswood Collection ? A. £1^\. 16s. Id. Q. 13. What children are admitted this year? A. Joseph Rogers, Edward Price, Lancelot Harrison. Q. 14. What children are sent to Raynham School? A. Joseph Harper. Q. 15. W^hat can we allow the daughters of the Preachers out of the Kingswood Collection? A. Frances Longley, £6 the first year ; Jane Allen, £6 the first year; Catherine Thompson, i86 the first year. — N.B- John Brown is allowed £6 the second year. Q. 16. What is contributed to the Preachers' Fund? A. £420. Us. Od. Q. 17. What is allowed out of it? Pennsiyh-amci. Philadelphia - Little York ) Juniatta j 513 136 Neil) Jer.9et/. West Jersey, AVhites - Blacks - Trenton East Jersey - - - Elizabeth Town 557 8 372 465 240 New York. New York, W^hites Blacks - Long Island^ Whites - Blacks - 235 40 160 7 In all 27,333 Total in Europe Total in America 66,375 31,468 Total in Europe and America - 97,843 A. To Thomas \ Westell j William Whitaker- Thomas Hanson - Robert Hay ward - John Furz John Price John Watson £. s. d. 30 0 0 20 0 0 12 0 0 12 0 0 12 0 0 12 0 0 12 0 0 £. s. d. Wilham Church - 12 0 0 Ann :Morgan - 24 0 0 Lucia Bourke - 15 0 0 Marv Peninsjton - 12 0 0 Sarah Shorter - 10 0 0 Catherine Garnet - 12 0 0 Elizabeth Dillon - 10 0 0 Tabitha Norris - 12 0 0 1788. 213 £. s. d. £. s. d. 12 0 0 S. Rohertsliaw - 12 0 0 24 0 0 S. Rowell - - 10 0 0 10 0 0 Thomas Johnson - 6 0 0 15 0 0 Twelve Wives - 144 0 0 10 20 0 0 0 0 In all £492 0 0 12 0 0 Margaret Payue - Sarah Barry Sarah Naylor EHzabeth Oldham - Sarah Hosraer Sarah Mitchell - Elizabeth Jaco Q. 18. What is contributed for the Yearly Expenses ? £1,203. 7s. Id. 19. How was it expended ? s. d. A. Q. Tl Last year's } Deficiencies j V ear's Con- ) £. 56 5 10 HS tiuffeucies 100 0 0 £. d. For the Defici- encies of the Preachers, &c., in Wales For the Defici-^ encies of the j Preachers and > their families \ in England Law Houses 68 0 6 469 4 0 For the Defici- encies of the Preachers and y- 214 8 7 their families in Ireland For the Defici-^ Law " - - 37 4 encies of the ) Houses - - 106 15 0 Preachers and[>151 9 0 their famines \ In all £1,203 7 1 in Scotland Q. 20. What houses are to be built this year? A. Erompton, St. Stephen's, Penryu, Penzance, Birmingham, Oldham, Tunstall, Madeley-Bank, Liverpool, Ovvston, Whitby, Kelso, Dumfries, Dalkeith, Dundee, Wexford, lloss, Bandon, Ballinrobe, llich-Hill, Brookborough, and Dublin-house to be enlarged. Q. 21. What further directions may be given concerning the Prayers of the Chui-ch of England? A. The Assistants shall have a discretionary power to read the Prayer-Book in the preaching-houses on Sunday mornings, where they think it expedient, if the generality of the Society acquiesce with it; on condition that Divine service never be performed in the Church-hours on the Sundays when the sacra- ment is administered in the parish-church where the preaching- house is situated, and the people be strenuously exhorted to attend the sacrament in the parish-church on those Sundays. Q. 22. Are any directions to be given concerning the weekly and quarterly collections in the Circuits ? A. Let every Assistant be particularly careful to enforce the weekly collection of a penny from each member of our Society in the class-meetings, and the quarterly collection of a shilling from each member that can afford to pay it at the quarterly visitation. 214 1788. Q. 23. Many of our Preachers have been obliged to go from the house of one friend to another for all their meals, to the great loss of their time, and to the injury of the work of God. What can be done to prevent this evil in future ? A. Let every Circuit provide a sufficient allowance for the Preachers, that tliey may in general eat their meals at their own lodgings. Q. 24. What can be further done to secure our preaching- houses to the Connexion ? A. Let no house be built on any consideration, till the ground be first settled on the Conference plan. Q. 25. What is the Conference plan? A, Though it has been printed in many editions of the Large Minutes, yet, at the desire of the Conference, it is inserted here. " This Indenture, made , between Benjamin Heap, of , in the County of , on the one part, and Thomas Philips, hatter, &c., on the other part, WITNESSETH, That in consideration of five shillings, lawful money of Great Britain, by the said T. P., &c., to the said B. H. truly paid, before the sealing and delivering hereof, (the receipt whereof the said B. H. doth hereby acknowledge,) and for divers other considerations him thereunto moving, the said B. H. hath granted, bargained, and sold, and by these presents doth bargain and sell, unto the said T. P., &c., their heirs and assigns for ever, all that lately erected house or tenement, with the yard thereunto adjoining, situate in aforesaid, now in the tenure or occupation of , together with all the ways, drains, and privileges, to the said premises appertaining, and all the profits thereof, with all the right, title, and interest, in law and equity : To have and to hold, the said house, yard, and other premises, to the said T. P., &c., their heirs and assigns for ever. Nevertheless, upon special trust and confidence, and to the intent that they, and the survivors of them, and the Trustees for the time being, do and shall permit John Wesley, of the City-Road, London, Clerk, and such other persons as he shall from time to time appoint, and at all times, during his natural life, and no other persons, to have and enjoy the free use and benefit of the said premises ; that the said John Wesley, and such other persons as he appoints, may therein preach and expound God^s holy word. And after his decease, upon farther trust and confidence, and to the intent that the said T. P., &c., or the major part of them, or the survivors of them, and the major part of the Trustees of the said premises for the time being, shall, from time to time, and at all times for ever, permit such persons as shall be appointed at the yearly Conference of the people called Methodists, as established by a Deed-PoU of the said John Wesley, under his hand and seal, bearing date the 1788. 215 28th day cf February, in the year 1784, and enrolled in His Majesty^s High Court of Chancery, and no others, to have and to enjoy the said premises, for the purposes aforesaid : provided always, that the said persons preach no other doctrine than is contained in Mr. Wesley's Notes upon the New Testament, and four volumes of Sermons : and upon farther trust and confi- dence, that as often as any of these Trustees, or the Trustees for the time being, shall die, or cease to be a member of the Society commonly called Methodists, the rest of the said Trustees, or of the Trustees for the time being, as soon as conveniently may be, shall and may choose another Trustee or Trustees, in order to keep up the number of Trustees for ever. In witness •whereof the said B. H. hath hereunto set his hand and seal, the day and year above written.^' In this form the proprietors of the house are to make it over to five, seven, or nine Trustees. But observe, 1. Every Deed must be enrolled within six months after its execution; the persons in whose names the premises have been bought, acknowledging their execution of the Deed before a Master in Chancery, and the Master in Chancery inserting on the margin of the Deed the following words, or words to this purport : — "A. B. of the parish of , in the county of , (and C. D., &c., if the premises have been purchased in the names of two or more,) did appear before me, this day of , in the year of , and did acknowledge that he did sign, seal, and deliver this Indenture, as his own act and deed; and prays that the same may be enrolled in His Majesty^s High Court of Chancery. E. F., Master Extraordinary in Chancery." N.B. Almost every eminent attorney in the country is a Master Extraordinary in Chancery. If the Deed be then sent to Mr. Clulow, No. 10, Chancery-Lane, Loudon, it will be carefully enrolled, and returned to the country according to directions; the Society to which the preaching-house belongs paying the expenses of the enrolment, &c. 2. If the preaching-house is in debt, a clause may be inserted, empowering the Trustees to mortgage the premises. Q. 26. Is it necessary to make any alteration in the economy of Kingswood School ? A. Let the number of the Preachers' sons be raised to forty, and the number of boarders be reduced to ten, as soon as possible. Q. 27. The general collections for preaching-houses are become a great grievance, both to the Preachers and people. What method can be taken to remedy this evil ? A. Let no collections be made for preaching-houses after this 216 1789. year, except in the Circuits in which they shall respcctivelj'^ be built. Q. 28. Who are the Missionaries appointed this year for tiic West Indies? A. WilHani M'Cornock, sen., Benjamin Pearce, Matthew Lumb, Robert Gamble, Thomas Owens. Q. 29. When and Avhere is our next Conference to be held ? A. In Leeds, on the last Tuesday in July, 1789. To our Societies in England and Ireland. Fifty years ago, and for several years following, all our Preachers were single men, when, in process of time, a few of them married. Those with whom they laboured maintained both them and their wives, there being then no settled allowance either for the one or the other. But, above thirty years ago, it was found most convenient to fix' a stated allowance for both, and this was found by the Circuits where they were stationed ; till one year some of the Circuits complained of poverty. Dr. Coke and I supplied what was wanting. The next year, the number of wives increasing, three or four of them were supplied out of the Contingent Fund. This was a bad precedent ; for more and more wives were thrown upon this Fund, till it was likely to be swallowed up thereby. We could think of no way to prevent this, but to consider the state of our Societies in England and Ireland, and to beg the members of each Circuit to give us that assistance which they can easily do without hurting their families. Within these fifty years, the substance of the Methodists is increased in proportion to their numbers. Therefore, if you are not straitened in your own bowels, this will be no grievance, but you will cheerfully give food and raiment to those who give up all their time, and strength, and labour to your service. London, August 2, 1788. JOHN WESLEY. LEEDS, Tuesday, July 28, 1789. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. In Great Britain: Timothy Crowther, Jonathan Crowther, James Ridall, Charles Bland, John Smith, Alexander Kilham, WilHam Hunter, jun., William Biagborne, John Reynolds, James M. Byron, George Highfield, John Barritt, John Atkins, William Bramwell, and John Gaulter. — In Ireland: Thomas Verner, and John JDinnen. — In Jersey : John de Queteville. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. In Great Britain: John M'Kersey, Richard Cornish, William Fish, James Gore, John Townsend, George Baldwin, 1789. 217 Theopliilus Lessey, Thomas Jones, James Evans, William Stevens, Thomas Roberts, William Thoresby, John Tregortha, Jonathan Edmoudson, Joseph SutclifFe, Duncan Kay, Abraham Moselcy, Thomas Wood, William Heath, Samnel Grates, John Stamp, John Woodrow, John Sandoe, Richard Reece, Miciiael Marshall, Joseph Cross, Robert Harrison, Joseph Entwisle, Francis Triiscott, Richard Drew, Thomas Gill, Thomas Rogerson, Thomas Wymeut, John Wilshaw, George Lowe, Henry Taylor, John Hickling, Charles Tunnycliffe, John Furness, Thomas Kelk, Thomas Dobson, Richard Seed, and Jasper Winscom. — In Ireland: John Stephens, James Lyons, James M'Mullen, Alexander Moore, John Riles, Mark Willis, Samuel Bates, David Gordon, Thomas Roberts, John Gillis, Samuel Moorhead, John Grace, Andrew Jefferj^s, John Black, William Johnson, John Darragh, Francis Armstrong, William M'Cornock, jun., Thomas Hewett, John Malcomson, Thomas Kerr, John West, James Lyons, Alexander Moore, Matthew Stewart, Thomas Elliott, Andrew Hamilton, Robert Smith, Nebuchadnezzar Lee, William Hamilton, John Stephenson, Daniel Graham, Michael Murphy, WilUam Wilson, and David B arrow clou gh. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial ? A. In Great Britain : William Jenkins, William Cox, W^illiara Saunderson, Henry Saunders, Robert Lomas, John Ramshaw, Miles Martindale, Thomas Hutton, William Smith, John Kershaw, John Nelson, John Denton, Robert Crowther, Robert Smith, and Jonathan Thompson. — In Ireland: William Brandon, George Donovan, Samuel Wood, Thomas Ridgeway, James M'Quigg, Thomas Patterson, Andrew Hamilton, jun., James Irwin, Thomas Worrell, and Robert M'Cay. Q. 4. Who have died this year? A. In Great Britain: Thomas Corbet, a plain, honest, pious, useful man. He endured much in his last illness, manifested great fortitude, and died in the full triumph of faith. In Ireland : Hugh Pugh, a zealous, pious young man, who suffered much in his illness, but died happy in God. — Francis Frazier, a good young man, and a good preacher. — And John Stephens, who, being little more than a child in years, was a man both in knowledge and piety, and went hence in the full triumph of faith. Q. 5. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. They were examined one by one. Q. 6. Who have desisted from travelling? A. In Great Britain : WiUiara Hoskins, George Phillips, and John Holmes. — In Ireland: John Howe. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year ? A. As follows : — 1 London, John Wesley, James Ci-eighton, Peard Dickinson, Henry Moore, John Broadbeut ; 218 1780. Thomas Rankin, Supernumerary; George Whitfield, Book-Steward. — Joseph Bradford travels with JNIr. Wesley. Sussea?, Timothy Crowther, John Woodrow, William Cox.' Kent, John Pritchard, Thomas Jones, Charles Kyte, Thomas Wyment. Colchester, Joseph Harper, Jonathan Crowther, Robert Miller. Norwich, Thomas Tattershall, Thomas Broadbent, Thomas Rogerson, William Green, Thomas Hutton. 6 Lynn, John Reynolds, John Hickling, Thomas Kelk. 7 Bedford, William Jenkins, John Ramshaw. 8 Northampton, George Gibbon, James M. Byron. 9 Oxfordshire, William Horner, John Cricket, Richard Reece ; John Murlin, Supernumerary. 10 Gloucestershire, George Baldwin, Simon Day. 11 Worcestershire, John Leech, Lawrence Kane. 12 Sarum, William Thorn, Theophilus Lessey, Michael Marshall. 13 Isle of Wight, Jasper Winscom, Henry Saunders. 14 Isles of Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney, Robert Carr Brackenbury, John de Queteville, John Bredin, William Stevens, William Dieuaide. 15 Bradford, Joseph Sutcliffe, Robert Empringham; John Furz^ Supernumerary. 16 Bristol, Adam Clarke, George Wadsworth, Samuel Hodgson; John Valton, James Gore, Supernumeraries. 17 Shept on- Mallet, John Easton, Joseph Algar. 18 Taunton, Jonathan Cousins, Christopher Watkins. 19 Tiverton, Richard Drew, John Poole. 20 Bideforil, Samuel Bardsley, M. Fenwick. Thomas AVarwick, Jasper Robinson, Charles Bland. John INIason, William Ashman, Benjamin 21 Plymouth, 22 St. Austle, 23 Redruth, 24 St. Ives, 25 Pembroke, Leggatt. Benjamin Rhodes, William Holmes, John M'Geary. Alexander Suter, Joseph Pescod, Thomas Dobson, John Sandoe. William Palmer, James Hall, WiUiara Heath. 26 Glamorganshire, George Button, Wilham Fi-^h. 27 Brecon, Joseph Jerom, William Church, John M'Kersey. 28 Birmingham, Joseph Benson, George Snowden, William Thoresby, John Smith. 1789. 219 29 Wolverhampton, Melville Home, Supernumerary; Thomas Cooper, Jeremiah Brettell. Hobert Roberts, John Brettell, Abraham Moseley, John Beaumont. John Allen, Samuel Gates, Robert Lomas. Daniel Jackson, Thomas Tennant. Richard Rodda, Christopher Hopper, Samuel Bradburn, WiUiam Hunter, jun. Thomas Hanby, John Wilshaw. Parson Greenwood, Francis Truscott, John Denton ; Thomas Brisco, Supernumerary. William Myles, Henry Taylor, John Tregortha. George Story, George Lowe. William Collins, William Bramwell. William Butterfield, Miles Martindale, James Christie ; John Watson, Supernumerary. Joseph Taylor, Thomas Vasey, John Moon. James Watson, Robert Costerdine, Richard Seed, John Atkins. Andrew Inglis, Lancelot Harrison, Thomas Bartholomew. William Saunders, Robert Scot, John Riles. Thomas Carlill, George Mowat, James Evans, John Kershaw. 45 Gainsborough, Thomas Longley, Thomas Wood, Robert Hayward. Robert Swan, William Boothby, William Saunderson. Andrew Blair, John Goodwin, Isaac Brown. Alexander Mather, George Highfield. 30 Burslem, 31 Macclesfield, 33 Stockport, 33 Manchester, 34 Bolton, 35 Chester, 36 Liverpool, 37 Blackburn, 38 Colne, 39 Leicester, 40 Nottingham, 41 Derby, 42 Sheffield, 43 Grimsby, 44 Horncastle, 46 Epworth, 47 Leeds, 48 Wakefield, 49 Huddersfield, Francis Wrigley, John Peacock. 50 Birstal, John Pawson, Joseph Entwisle, James Ridall ; Thomas Johnson, Supernumerary. 51 Bradford, George Shadford, John Booth. 52 Halifax, William Thompson, John Shaw. 53 Keighley, James Wood, Jonat. Parkin, John Eeanland. - ^ fbi^-iji. 54 Whitehaven, John Crosby, John Barritt. ■f-fr-f-.x'— /i.,.^..;^ 55 Isle of Man, George Holder, Jonathan Brown, Mark Willis. 56 York, Edward Jackson, Joseph Thompson, Jonathan Edmondson. 57 Pocklington, Thomas Dixon, William Percival, Alexander Kilham. 58 Hull, Thomas Taylor, William Simpson. 59 Scarborough, Duncan Kay, Jonathan Hern, Thomas Dunn. 60 Whitby, James Thorn, William Biagborne. 61 Thirsk, WilUam Dufton, Thomas Shaw, Charles Tunnyclifre. 62 Yarm, Robert Hopkins, John King. o-.»o 1789. 63 61 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 The Dales, Thomas Gill, Thomas Wride, John Wittara. Sunderland, Duncau Wright, John Gaulter, John Stamp. Newcastle, Charles Atmore, John Ogilvie. Alnwick, William Hunter, William Stephenson, John Furness. EdinburgJi, Joseph Cole, Robert Dall, John Townsend ; Joseph Cowuley, Supernumerary. Glasgow, Richard Watkinson, James Bogie, Zachariah Yewdall. Dundee, Robert Johnson, Peter Mill. Aberdeen, Duncan M'AUum, Robert Harrison. Inverness, John Barber, Samuel Botts, Joseph Cross, Jonathan Thompson. Thomas M'Geary, Head jNIastcr of Kingswood School. Dublin, Thomas Rutherford, Charles Boon. Wicklow, John Gillis. Wexford, Thomas Kerr, Robert Smith. Waterford, Robert Bridge, John West. Cork, John Kerr, Thomas Roberts. Bandon, James Rogers, Gustavus Armstrong. Limerick, Richard Condy, Andrew Jeflcrys, J, M'Quigg. Birr, William West, John Darragh. Castlebar, Hugh Moore, Thomas Verner. Athlone, John Dinnen, Thomas Davis. Longford, Thomas Barber, John Miller. S/igo, John Black, ISIichael Murphy. Ballyconnell, George Brown, Alexander Moore, John Stephenson; John Price, Supernumerary. Cavan, Joseph Armstrong, James Irwin. Clones, Matthew Stewart, William Wilson, Thom.is Ridgeway. Brookborough, William M'Cornock, James Lyons, Andrew Hamilton, sen. Enniskillen, Thomas Hetherington, Robert M'Cay. Ballyshannon, Samuel Moorhead, William Hamilton, Francis Armstrong. 90 Lisleen, James RennicK, Thomas Elliott, Andrew Hamilton, jun, Omagh, Samuel Bates, Nebuchadnezzar Lee. Charlemont, John Crook, James M'Mullen. Londonderry, John Grace, Thomas Worrell. Coleraine, David Gordon,Thomas Patterson, Samuel Wood. Belfast, Samuel JNIitchell, Nehemiah Price, William Brandon. Lisburn, Matthias Joyce, William Johnson. Dotvnpatrick, John Malcomson, Daniel Graham. Tanderagee, David Barrowclough, Thomas Ilcwett, George Donovan. 89 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 1789. 221 99 Newry, Walter Griffith, James McDonald, Q. 8. How many wives are to be provided for ? A. Ninety-eight. Q. 9. How many of these are to be provided for by the Circuits ? A. Seventy-eight: as follows; viz., — London, S. Moore, Broadbent, Crowther, Ramshaw. Kent, S. Pritchard. Norwich, S. Green. Lynn, £Q. Oxfordshire, £Q. Gloucestershire, S. Day, £Q). Worcestershire, S. Day, £Q. Sarura, S. Thorn. Bradford, S. Empringham. Bristol, S. Clarke, Hodgson, Easton, Poole. Shepton-Mallet, £6. Tiverton and Taunton^ S. Cousins. Plymouth, S. Warwick, Ste- vens. St. Austle, S. Church. Redruth, S. Rhodes, and £Q. St. Ives, S. Kane. Birmingham, S. Snowden, Simpson. Wolverhampton, S. Brettell. Burslem, S. Roberts, Beau- mont. Macclesfield, S. T. Shaw, and £6. Stockport, S. D. Jackson, and £Q. Manchester, S. Rodda, Hopper, Bradburn. Bolton, S. Story. Chester, S. Greenwood, and .£6. Liverpool, S. Myles, H. Taylor, Beanland. Blackburn, S. Bramwell, £Q>. Colne, S. Collins, and to S. Leicester, S. Butterfield, and to S, Moon, £Q. Nottingham, S. (Jos.) Taylor, and to S. Moon, £Q, Derby, S. Watson. Sheffield, S. Inglis, Costerdine, Boothby. Grimsb}^, S. Scot. Horncastle, £Q>. Gainsborough, S. Longley. Epworth, S, Swan. Leeds, S. Blair, Goodwin, Brown. Wakefield, S. Mather, Dunn. Huddersfield, S. Parkin. Birstal, S. Peacock. Bradford, S. Booth. Halifax, S. (John) Shaw. Keighley, S. Wood. Isle of Man, S. Holder. York,S.(Jos.)Thompson,and£3. Pocklington, S. Percival. Hull, S. (Thomas! Taylor. Scarljorough, S. Hern. Whitby, S. (James) Thom. Yarm, S. Hopkins. The Dales, S. Gill, and £G. Sunderland, S. Hunter, Gaul- ter, and to S. Ogilvie, £6. Newcastle, S. Atmore, and to S. Ogilvie, £6. Edinburgh, S. Watkinson, £G. Glasgow, S, Watkinson, £6. Ireland, S. Rutherford, Boon, West, Dinnen, (G.) Brown, Stewart, Rennick, McDonald, Griffith, and £8. Bramwell, £6. Q. 10. How are the other twenty wives to be provided for? A. Fifteen, viz., S. Mill, M'Allura, Harper, Horner, Gibbon, Lessey, Mowat, R. Johnson, Dall, Condy, Crook, Price, 222 1789. Hetherington, Joyce^ and J. Armstront)^, out of the Preachers' Fund ; and the remaining five, viz., S. Kyte, Stephenson, Atkins, Crosby, and T. Shaw, by tlie money collected in various Circuits for the wives, which money will be lodged in the hands of ]\Ir. Whitfield, London. Q. 11. What numbers are in the Societies? A. As follows : — London 2680 Colne 960 Sussex 268 Leicester 622 Kent - 611 Nottingham - 840 Colchester 290 Derby 742 Norwich ) Yarmouth j 730 Sheffield - 1670 Grimsby 609 Lvnn 350 Horncastle 640 Bedford 237 Gainsborough 720 Northampton - 370 Epworth 670 Oxfordshire - 650 Leeds - 2140 Gloucestershire 381 Wakefield - 689 Worcestershire 235 Huddersfield - 866 Sarum 636 Birstal - 1403 Isle of Jersey 294 Bradford - 1075 Isles of Guernsey, &c. 105 Halifax - 1100 Bradford 1290 Keighley - 1330 Bristol 2203 Whitehaven - 240 Taunton 275 Isle of Man - - 2569 Tiverton 420 York - 886 Bideford 83 Pockhngton - 800 Plymouth 805 Hull - 684 St. Austle 785 Scarborough - 660 Redruth 1800 Whitby 611 St. Ives 1379 Thirsk 660 Pembroke 163 Yarm 522 Glamorganshire 273 The Dales - - 1060 Brecon 202 Sunderland - - 1240 Birmingham - 1260 Newcastle - 1000 Wolverhampton 548 Berwick ) Dalkeith f 142 Burslem 1280 " J. x their families I in Scotland -^ For the Defici-'^ encies of the f Preachers, &c., C in Wales ) 263 16 4 100 0 0 118 1 8 106 0 0 46 14 0 For the Defici-^ encies of the f Preachers and > their families \ in England -^ Law Houses, (several ' of the sums granted under this article, have been long due) £. 297 8 4 - 171 15 6 - 122 0 0 In all J £1,225 15 10 224 1789. Q. 19. What directions are to be given concerning the building of preaching-houses? A. We do not permit any preaching-house to be built this year, except one at Dewsbury, and those ^vhich have already been begun or set on foot. Q. 20. Are there any directions to be given to the Preachers ? A. 1. Let the Rules of the Society be read in every Society once a quarter. 2. No person shall be admitted into the love-feasts without a Society-ticket, or a note from the Assistant. 3. Every watch-night shall continue till midnight. 4. The money collected at the love-feasts shall be most con- scientiously given to the poor. 5. It is advised that no Preacher go out to supper, or be from home after nine at night. Q. 21. We are frequently reproached with the dress of our Preachers' children : how ought they to dress ? A. Exactly according to the rules of the Bands. Q. 22. Are there any directions to be given concerning the books? A. No books are to be published without Mr. Wesley's sanction ; and those which are approved of by him shall be printed in his press in London, and sold by his book-keeper. Q. 23. Are there any directions to be given concerning Scotland ? A. Only one Preacher is to come in future to the Conference from Scotland, except those who ai'e to be admitted into full connexion. Q. 24. What directions ai*e to be given concerning the building of a new preaching-house at Dewsbury ? A. Let every Assistant make a private and public collection in his Circuit, for the purpose, as soon as possible. Q. 25. When and where is our next Conference to be held? A. In Bristol, on the last Tuesday in July, 1790. Leeds, July 29, 1789. Whereas it has been affirmed, that many of our itinerant Preachers disapprove of settling the preaching-houses upon the Methodist plan : we whose names are underwritten do hereby certify, that we entirely approve of the settling all our preaching- houses on the said plan. John Wesley, Thomas Coke, Alexander Mather, John Pawson, Joseph Bradford, William Thompson, John Easton, George Story, Thomas Rankin, Christopher Hopper, Thomas Wride, John Mason, John Valton, Richard Rodda, D. Wright, Francis Wrigley, Thomas Johnson, Peter Mill, John Pritchard, Thomas Rutherford, Daniel Jackson, Joseph Taylor, H. Moore, Charles Atmore, John Peacock, John Gaulter, Robert Dall, 1789. 225 Joseph Cole, William Myles, Andrew Inglis, George Highfield, Jonathan Edmondsou, William Thom, John Crosby, James Thom, Charles Bland, William Saunders, Thomas Carhll, William Boothby, Parson Greenwood, John Booth, Samuel Bradburn, John Atkins, William Thoresby, Thomas M'Geary, Robert Swan, James Watson, John King, John Goodwin, Lawrence Kane, George Snowden, John Broadbent, Robert Roberts, Zachariah Yewdall, Robert Hopkins, George Gibbon, Thomas Cooper, Jonathan Cousins, William Simpson, John Shaw, Joseph Benson, Thomas Taylor^ Andrew Blair, William Collins, James Wood, Thomas Dixon, Henry Taylor, Thomas Vasey, William Dufton, Thomas Brisco, William Blagborne, John Beaumont, Isaac Brown, William Horner, George Holder, Alexander Kilhara, Lancelot Harrison, Thomas Longley, Thomas Shaw, Samuel Bai'dsle}'', William Palmer, John Reynolds, Thomas Tattershall, John Smith, Thomas Gill, John Stamp, John Leech, Thomas Bartholomew, Joseph Entwisle, William Stevenson, Richard Drew, James Ridall, Jonathan Crowther, William Bramwell, Jonathan Parkin, Christopher Watkins, John Allen, Joseph Harper, James M. Byron, Edward Jackson, William Hunter, Timothy Crowther, William Stevens, Duncan Kay, Thomas Dunn, William Hunter, Robert Costerdine, Joseph Pescod, John Barritt, Jasper Robinson, Thomas Dobson, George Baldwin, Samuel Hodgson, W, Percival, Simon Day. SUBSCRIBED TOWARDS A NEW PREACHING-HOUSE AT DEWSBURY. £. s. d. £. s. d. John Wesley 50 0 0 Christopher Watkins 1 1 0 Thomas Coke 50 0 0 William Thom 0 5 0 Thomas Rankin - 5 5 0 William Holmes - 0 10 6 Wm. Thompson - 3 3 0 John Easton 0 10 6 Henry Moore 1 1 0 Wm. Hunter, jun. 0 10 6 Joseph Bradford - 1 1 0 John Broadbent - 1 1 0 George Whitfield - 1 1 0 Thomas M 'Geary - 1 1 0 John Robinson, ) Burslem j 5 5 0 Thomas Tennant - 1 1 0 Thomas Warwick - 0 10 6 Timothy Crowther 0 10 6 John Valton 10 10 0 Thomas Taylor 1 1 0 Jonathan Cousins - 0 10 6 Joseph Harper 0 5 0 Richard Drew 0 10 6 Thomas Tattershall 0 10 6 Lawrence Kane - 1 1 0 John Reynolds 0 10 6 John Mason 0 10 6 R. Empringham - 0 5 0 Thomas Cooper 1 1 0 William Horner - 0 10 6 Samuel Bardsley - 0 10 6 Joseph Pescod 0 10 6 William Fish 0 10 6 Cliarles Bland 0 10 6 George Shadford - 1 1 0 Robert Hopkins - 1 1 0 William Palmer - 0 10 6 Vol. L ( a 226 1789. £. s. d. £. s. d. "William Stevens - 0 5 0 John Goodwin 0 10 6 Andrew Blair 0 10 6 John Shaw 1 1 0 John Leech 1 1 0 James Wood 0 10 6 Richard Rodda 1 1 0 T. Bartholomew - 0 10 6 Thomas Shaw 0 10 G W. Blagborne 2 2 0 Thomas Dobson - 0 10 6 Thomas Wride 1 1 0 John Allen 1 1 0 George Holder 0 10 6 George Highfield - 1 1 0 John Smith 0 10 6 Thomas Rutherford 0 5 0 John Gaulter 0 5 0 William Dufton - 0 10 6 W. Stephenson 0 10 6 George Snowden - 0 10 6 Jasper Robinson - 0 10 6 Parson Greenwood 0 5 0 William Percival - 0 5 0 Robert Roberts - 0 10 6 Thomas Dunn 0 5 0 Thomas Brisco 0 10 6 Jou. Edmondsou - 0 5 0 Daniel Jackson 0 10 6 Thomas Dixon 0 10 6 Henry Taylor 0 10 6 Isaac Brown 0 5 0 George Story 0 10 6 Alexander Kilham 1 1 0 Thomas Vasey 1 1 0 James Thom 1 1 0 Charles Atmore - 1 1 0 John King 0 10 6 James Ridall 0 5 0 Duncan Kay 0 5 0 James Watson 0 10 6 John Crosby 1 1 0 Joseph Taylor 1 1 0 William Simpson - 0 5 0 Thomas Hanby 0 10 6 William Saunders - 0 5 0 George Gibbon 1 1 0 Thomas Gill 0 5 0 Robert Costerdine 0 10 6 WilHam Hunter - 1 1 0 Edward Jackson - 1 1 0 Duncan Wright - 1 1 0 Andrew Inglis 0 5 0 Peter Mill 0 10 6 Thomas Longley - 0 5 0 John Stamp 1 1 0 Thomas Carlill - 1 1 0 Zachariah Yewdall 1 1 0 Lancelot Harrison 1 1 0 Jonathan Crowther 0 10 6 Robert Swan 0 5 0 John Barber 0 10 6 James Christie 0 10 6 Joseph Cole 1 1 0 John Atkins 0 10 6 Robert Dall 0 5 0 John Pawson 5 5 0 John Barritt 1 1 0 John Peacock 0 10 6 William Myles 1 1 0 WilHara Collins - 0 10 6 James M. Byron - 0 10 6 Alexander Mather 1 1 0 John Beaumont - 0 5 0 Jonathan Parkin - 0 10 6 Marmaduke Pawson 1 1 0 Francis Wrigley - 1 1 0 Simon Day 0 5 0 William Bramwell 0 10 6 George Baldwin - 0 10 6 William Boothby - 1 1 0 Samuel Bradburn - 1 1 0 Joseph Entwisle - 0 10 6 John Pritchard 1 1 0 William Thoresby- 0 10 6 John Booth 0 10 6 ^£208 8 0 Thomas Johnson - 1 1 0 1790. 227 BRISTOL, Tuesday, July 27, 1790. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. George Baldwin, William Heath, Duncan Kay, Abraham Moseley, Joseph Sutcliffe, William Thoresby, James Evans, Thomas Roberts, John M 'Kersey, William Fish, Thomas Jones, Thomas Gill, Theophilus Lessey, John Townsend, Samuel Bates, David Gordon, John Gillis, Samuel Moorhead, and John Grace. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? . A. Thomas Broadbeut, William Stevens, Jonathan Edmondson, Thomas Wood, Samuel Gates, John Stamp, John Woodrow, John Sandoe, Richard Reece, Michael Marshall, Joseph Entwisle, Francis Truscott, Richard Drew, Thomas Rogerson, Thomas Wyment, John Wilshaw, George Lowe, Henry Taylor, John Hickling, Charles Tunnyclitfe, John Furness, Thomas Kelk, Thomas Dobson, Jasper Winscom, William Jenkins, William Cox, William Saunderson, Henry Saunders, Robert Lomas, John Ramshaw, Miles Martindale, Thomas Hutton, John Kershaw, John Nelson, John Denton, Robert Crowther, Robert Smith, John Grant, John Beaumont, Robert Miller, WiDiam Stephenson, Mark Willis, John Riles, James Anderson, William Johnson, John Darragh, Francis Armstrong, William M'Cornock, Thomas Hewett, John Malcorason, Thomas Kerr, James Lyons, James M'Mullen, Alexander Moore, Matthew Stewart, Thomas Elliott, Andrew Hamilton, Robert Smith, and William Hamilton. Q. 3, Who are admitted on trial? A. Owen Davies, Edward Gibbons, George Sargent, John Braithwaite, Thomas Simmonite, Joseph Burgess, William Hainsworth, Richard Elliott, George Sykes, James Lawton, Thomas Trethewey, John S. Pipe, Samuel Taylor, William Shelmerdine, John Dean, John Boyle, Thomas Harrison, John Doncaster, Booth Newton, John Saunderson, John Simpson, Thomas Greaves, and John Grant. Q. 4. Who has died this year? A. James Gore. He was a young man of good understanding, great sweetness of temper, and eminent piety : and his end was glorious. He poured out his blood and his soul together.* Q. 5. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers ? A. They were examined one by one. Q. 6. Who have desisted from travelling? A. Robert Scot, William Church. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year ? A. As follows : — * He died vomiting blood. Q 2 228 1790. 6 Norwich, 7 Diss, 8 Lynn, 9 Burp, 10 Bedford, 1 London, John "Wesley, Thomas Coke, James Creighton, Peard Dickinson, James Rogers, John Broadbent, Duncan Wright; Thomas Rankin, Supernumerary ; George Whit- field, Book-Steward. — Joseph Bradford travels with Mr. Wesley. 2 Sussex, Charles Kyte, Thomas Rogerson, Robert Miller. 3 Chatham, John Pritchard, Thomas Greaves. 4 Canterbury, Charles Boon, William Cox, John S. Pipe. 5 Colchester, William Ashman, Robert Crowther; Mark Willis, Supernumerary. John Reynolds, John Hickling, Thomas Jones, James Lawton. Thomas Carlill, William Shelmerdine. Thomas Tattershall, Joseph Harper, Thomas Simmonite. Thomas Broadbent, Joseph Jerom. William Jenkins, Owen Davies, Edward Gibbons. 11 Northampton, John Leech, James M. Byron, William Saunders. 12 Oxfordshire, William Horner, Joseph Sutcliffe, Jasper Winscom; John Murlin, Supernu- merary. 13 Gloucestershire, John Mason, Simon Day. 14 Worcestershire, William Palmer, Lawrence Kane. 15 Sarum, William Holmes, Joseph Algar. 16 Portsmouth, John Easton, William Stevens, Henry Saunders. 17 Isle of Jersey, John Bredin, John de Queteville. 18 Isle of Guernsey, ^c, William Dieuaide, Thomas Kelk. 19 Bradford, George Snowden, William Thoresby, Michael Marshall ; John Furz, Supernumerary. 20 Bristol, Henry Moore, Alexander Suter, Thomas Roberts ; John Valton, Supernumeraiy. Thomas M'Geary, Head-Master of Kingswood School. 21 Shepton-Mallet, Jonathan Cousins, George Wadsworth, Thomas Wyraent. 22 Taunton, Christopher Watkins, Theophilus Lessey. 23 Tiverton, Richard Drew, Joseph Pescod. 24 Bideford, Samuel Bardsley, Thomas Wride. 25 Plymouth, Thomas Warwick, John Smith, Abraham Moseley. 26 St. Austle, Benjamin Rhodes, Charles Bland, John Boyle. 27 Redruth, Timothy Crowther, Jonathan Crowther, Thomas Dobsou. 1790. 28 St. Ives, Richard Watkinson, Robert Empringliam, Benjamin Leggatt, Thomas Trethewey. 29 Pembroke, John IN'PKersey, James Hall. 30 Glamorgan, George Button^ William Heath, John Dean, 31 Brecon, William Fish, John Cricket. 32 Birmingham, Joseph Benson, George Gibbon, George Baldwin, Francis Truscott. 33 Wolverhampton, Jeremiah Brettell, Robert Lomas; Melville Home, Supernumerary. 34 Burslem, Robert Roberts, Thomas Cooper, Samuel Gates, Charles Tunnycliffe. 35 Macclesfield, Andrew Inglis^ George Shadford, William Dufton. Daniel Jackson, Thomas Hutton. Richard Rodda, Samuel Bradburn, Thomas Tennant, Charles Bond. Thomas Hanby, James Ridall. Parson Greenwood, Richard Seed, John Wilshaw. William Myles, John Beaumont, John Denton, Joseph Burgess. James Thorn, John Nelson. Thomas Longley, William Bramwell, William Hains worth. William Butterfield, Robert Costerdine, Thomas Dunn. John Moon, Miles Martindale, Richard Elliott. Joseph Taylor, William Hunter, jun., John Sandoe, George Sykes. Francis Wrigley, Lancelot Harrison, Henry Taylor. Jasper Robinson, John Peacock, James Evans. John King, George Mowat, John Riles, George Sargent. 49 Gainsborough, William Collins, Thomas Wood, William Saunderson; Robert Carr Brackenbury, Supernumerary. Isaac Brown, Thomas Shaw, John Ramshaw. James Wood, John Goodwin, Samuel Hodgson. Alexander Mather, Supernumerary; George Highfield, Richard Reece. 53 Huddersfield, George Story, Robert Smith, 54 Birstal, John Pawson, William Percival, Samuel Taylor; Thomas Johnson, Supernumerary, 55 Bradford, John Allen, Jonathan Edmondson. 56 Halifax, William Thompson, Joseph Entwisle, 36 Stockport, 37 Manchester, 38 Bolton, 39 Chester, 40 Liverpool, 41 Blackburn, 42 Colne, 43 Leicester, 44 Nottingham, 45 Derby, 46 Sheffield, 47 Grimsby, 48 Horncastle, 50 Epworth, 51 Leeds, 52 Wakefield, 230 1790. 57 Keiffhley, 58 Otley, 59 Whitehaven, 60 Isle of Man, 61 York, 62 Pocklington, 63 //m//, 64 Scarborough, 65 Whitby, 66 7%ir5A:, 67 Farm, 68 The Dales, 69 Sunderland, 70 Newcastle, 71 Alnwick, 72 Edinburgh, 73 Glasgow, 74i Campbelton, 75 Dumfries, 76 /fe/50, 77 Dundee, 78 Aberdeen, 79 Inverness, 80 Dublin, 81 Wicklow, 82 Carlow, 83 Waterford, 84 Cor^, 85 Bandon, 86 Limerick, 87 Kerry, 88 5i7T, 89 Castlebar, 90 Athlone, 91 Longford, 92 -S%o, John Booth, John Grant. Jonathan Parkin, John Atkins. John Crosby, John Kershaw. Jonathan Brown, John Barritt, "VViUiam FrankUn. Edward Jackson, Robert Hayward, Thomas Bartholomew. William Thorn, Thomas Gill, Duncan Kay. Thomas Taylor, John Shaw. Robert Swan, John Beanland, John Simpson. Thomas Dixon, Alexander Kilham. James Watson, George Lowe, William Stephenson. Robert Hopkins, Booth Newton. George Holder, Jonathan Hern, Wittam ; William Blagborne, numerary. John Gaulter, Joseph Thompson, Furness. Charles Atmore, John Brettell; Cownley, Supernumerary. John Stamp, John Ogilvie. Joseph Cole, Thomas Vasey, Zachariah Yewdall. William Hunter, James Bogie, Braithwaite. Robert Harrison. Samuel Botts. Robert Dall. Robert Johnson, Doncaster. Duncan M^Allum, John Townsend. John Barber, Thomas Harrison, Anderson, John Saunderson. Adam Clarke, Thomas Rutherford. Thomas Kerr, John Hurley. Thomas Barber, John Gillis. Walter Griffith, James Lyons, jun. Andrew Blair, John Kerr. William West, John Woodrow, Andrew Hamilton, jun. Matthias Joyce, James M'Quigg. Charles Graham. David Gordon, James Hurley. John Darragh, Thomas Patterson. Richard Condy, James Irwin. Thomas Davis, John Miller. James Rennick, Daniel Graham. John Super- John Joseph John Peter Mill, John James 1790. 231 93 Ballyconnell, Matthew Stewart, William Wilson, William Ferguson ; John Price, Supernumerary. 94 Cavan, Samuel Moorhead, William Hamilton, Thomas Ridgeway. 95 Clones, William M'Cornock, Thomas Hewett, William Brandon. 96 Brookborough, William Johnson, Thomas EUiott, Thomas Brown; Andrew Hamilton, sen.. Super- numerary. 97 Enniskillen, Joseph Armstrong, George Donovan. 98 Bally shannon, Robert Smith, John Graham, Archibald Murdoch. 99 Lisleen, George Brown, Alexander Moore. 100 Omagh, Michael Murphy, John Stephenson. 101 Charlemont, John Dinnen, John Malcomson ; Samuel Bates, Supernumerary. 102 Londonderry, David Barrowclough, William Smith. 103 Coleraine, John Grace, James M'MuUen. 104 Belfast, Thomas Hetherington, Thomas Verner. 105 Lishurn, Samuel Mitchell, Gustavus Armstrong. 106 Downpatrick, Francis Armstrong, Thomas Byan. 107 Tanderagee, John Crook, John Cross, Samuel Steele. 108 Newi'y, James McDonald, Samuel Wood. AMERICA. THE WEST INDIES. 109 Antigua, William Warrener, John Harper. 110 Barbadoes, Benjamin Pearce. 111 St. Vincent's, John Baxter, Matthew Lumb. 112 St. Christopher' s,\^ohert Gamble, George Skerritt, 113 Nevis, j Thomas Owens. 114 Tortola, William Brazier, John M'Vean. 115 Jamaica, William Hammett. New Missionaries, James Lyons, Thomas W^orrell. NOVA SCOTIA AND NEWFOUNDLAND. 116 Halifax, James Wray, John Mann,"^ 117 Liverpool, James Mann, Elders ; f William Black, 118 Cumberland, Thomas Whitehead, t presiding Eider. Preacher. J 119 Newfoundland, John M 'Geary. THE UNITED STATES. Superintendents. Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury. 120 Washington, Moses Park, Elder;' Wyat Andrews. 121 Richmond, Matthew Harris, Wheeler Grissom. 122 Burke, Hope Hull, Bennet Maxey. 123 Augusta, James Conner. Richard Ivey, presiding Elder. I- Beverley Allen, Elder. 232 1790. 124 Cherokee, John Andrew, Philip Matthews. 125 Seleuda, John Crawford, 126 Broad River, Mich. Burdge, "William M'Doweil. 127 Bush River, William Gassaway. 128 Santee, Mark Moore, John Russell. 129 Edisto, Isaac Smith, Lemuel Andrews. 130 Charleston, 131 Great Pee-Dee, Aquila Suggs, Hardy Herbert. 132 Little Pee-Dee, Thomas Humphries, Lemuel Moore. 133 Anson, John Ellis, Jonathan Jackson.. 134 Bladen, 135 New Hope, Thomas Anderson, Doily Baird. 136 East New River, Jeremiah Maston, Daniel Locket. 137 Tar River, Charles Hardy, Micaijah Tracy, Miles Smith. 138 Pamlico, James Park. 139 Roan Oak, Henry Merritt, Edward West, Jonathan Bird. 140 Casivell, Thomas Ware, Henry Leadbeater. 141 Guildford, Isaac Lowe, Benjamin Carter. 143 Salisbury, Sihon Smith, Julius Conner, Josiah Askew. 143 Yadkin, Daniel Asbury, John M'Gee. 144 Holstein, John Baldwin, Mark Whitaker. 145 West New River, Jeremiah Abel, Jo- seph Doddridge. 146 Green Brier, James Biggin, Jesse Richardson. 147 Bottetourt, Henry Ogburn. 148 Halifax, David Haggard, William Moss, AVilliam Heath. 149 Mecklenburg, John Paup. 150 Bedford, Richard Pope. 151 Cumberland, John Barker, William M'Kendree. 152 Amelia, John Easter, Elder; John Fore. Reuben Ellis, presiding Elder. Ira Ellis, Elder. Edward Morris, presiding Elder. John Tunnell, presiding Elder. ^ James O'Kelly, presiding Elder. 1790. 233 160 Hanover, 161 Orange, 164 Berkley, 165 Fairfax, 166 Lancaster, 153 Brunswick, Jer. Miuter, INI. Green. 154 Sussex, Stephen Johnson, Stephen Davies, John Linclsey. 155 Grenville, James Mechem. 156 Bertie, H. Birchett, J. Nicholson. 157 Camden, Rice Haggard, Daniel Southall. 158 Portsmouth, Archer Davis, Lewis Dawson. 159 Williamsburg, John Robertson, William Spencer. Thomas Weatherford, Christopher Mooring. Thomas Hardy, Salathiel Weeks, Benjamin Barns. . 162 Rockingham, Samuel Breeze. 163 Alleghany, Ja. Thomas, J. Hutt. T. Fleming, B. Brown. Thomas Bowen, John Chalmers, Benjamin Snelling. Garret Thompson, Isaac Lunsford. 167 Gloucester, Lewis Chastaiu, Valentine Cook, Thomas Scot. Philip Cox, Elder and Book-Steward. 168 Calvert, L. Martin, R. Green. 169 Annapolis, Ezekiel Cooper. 170 Baltimore, John Haggerty, Elder. 171 FelVs Point, Thomas Foster, Elder. 172 Montgomery, James Wilson, John Childs. 173 Frederick, John Hill. 174 Bath, Geo. Haggerty, Josh. Wells. 175 Huntingdon, Michael Leard, Thomas Workman. 176 Little York, Jon. Forrest, Elder. 177 Hartford, J. Allen, J. Rowen. 178 Baltimore Circuit, Bent. Riggin. 179 Cecil, Geo. Moore, Ben. Roberts. 180 Kent, Matthew Greentree, Walter Fountain. 181 Talbot, J. Smith, J. Milbourn. 182 Dorset, J. Jarrell, A. Banning. 183 Annamessex, William Ward. 184 Somerset, Eliph. Reed, Griffin Cal- laghan. James O'Kelly, presiding Elder. Philip Bruce, presiding Elder. Nelson Reed, presiding Elder. Richard What- coat, presiding Elder. 234 1790. 185 Northampton, Christ. Spry, Jeremiah Causdea. 186 Carolina, R. Sparks, J. Benson. 187 Milford, Thomas Jackson, William Ratcliff. 188 Dover Circuit, W. Thomas, L. Ross. 189 Dover and Duck-Creek, J. Brush. 190 Wilmington, William Jessop. 191 Chester, William Dogharty, James Campbell. 192 Philadelphia, J. Dickins, Elder and Book-Steward. 193 Bristol, Robert Cann. 194 Clarksburff, Jacob Lurton, Lastly Matthews. 195 Bedstone, J. Simmonds, N. Sebrcll. 196 Pittsburgh, Charles Connoway, Pem- berton Smith. 197 Ohio, R. Pearson, Tho. Carrol. 198 Salem, Sim. Pyle, J. Johnson, Sylvester Hutchinson. 199 Trenton^ Joseph Cromwell, Elder; Richard Swain. 200 Burlington, John M'Claskey, William Jackson. 201 Flanders^ Aaron Hutchinson, Daniel Combes. 202 Elizabeth Town, John Merrick, John Cooper. 203 Newburg^ Nathaniel Mills, Andrew Harpending. 204 Neiv York, Robert Cloud, Elder ; John' Merrick, W. Phebus, each for four months. 205 Long Island, William Phebus, John Lee. 206 New Boche/le, Peter Moriarty, Lemuel Smith. 207 Dutchess, Samuel Talbot, Benjamin Abbott. 208 Columbia, J. Bloodgood, Samuel Wigton. 209 Cambridge, Darius Dunham. 210 Lake Champlain, David Kendall, Wm. Losee. 211 Coeman's Patent, J. Crawford. 212 Standford, Jesse Lee, Andrew Van Nostrand. Joseph Everitt, Elder. Henry WilHs, presiding Elder. Lemuel Green, presiding Elder. James Oliver Cromwell, pre- siding Elder. Thomas Morrel, Elder. Freeborn Garrett- ^ son, presiding Elder. 1790. 235 213 Schenectady, Lemuel Smith, Cornelius ) Freeborn Garrett- Cook. I son, pres. Elder. 314 Lexington, James Haw, Elder ; Wilson "j Lee, Steph. Brooks. Francis Pov- 215 Dansville, Barn, M'Keudree, Peter I , , -i ' ' > thress, presid- ing Elder. y Massey. 216 Cumberland, Tho. Williamson, Joshua Hartley. Q. 8. How many wives are to be provided for ? A. Ninety-eight. Q. 9. How many of these are to be provided for by the Circuits ? j4. Eighty-two : as follows ; viz., — Loudon, S. Broadbent, Kyte, Davis, Boon. Sussex, £3. Chatham, ) g. Pritchard. Canterbury, ) Norwich, S. Reynolds. Lynn, S. Tattershall. Oxfordshire, £6. Gloucestershire, ) a -rj Worcestershire, j * ^' Portsmouth, S. Easton. Bradford, S. Snowden. Bristol, S. Moore, Kane, Stevens, Poole. Shepton-Mallet, S. Cousins. TiTerto"; js.Empringham. Plymouth, S. Warwick, Horner. St. Austle, S. Rhodes. Redruth, S. (Tim.) Crowther, and £6. St. Ives, S. Watkinson. Birmingham, S. Benson, Gibbon. Wolverhampton, S. Brettell. Burslem, S. Roberts. Macclesfield, S. Inglis, and £6. Stockport, S. Jackson. Manchester, S. Rodda, Brad- bum, Shelmerdine. Bolton, S. Ridall. Chester, S, Greenwood. Liverpool, S. Beaumont, Har- per, Lessey. Blackburn, S. (Jam.) Thom. Colne, S. Longley, and £Q. Leicester, S, Butterfield, £6. Nottingham, S. Moon, and £6. Derby, S. Taylor. Sheffield, S. (Hen.) Taylor, Ramshaw, Costerdine. Grimsby, S. Peacock. Horncastle, £6. Gainsborough, S. Collins. Epworth, S. Brown. Leeds, S. Wood, Goodwin, Hodgson. Wakefield, S. Dunn, Tunny- chfi'e. Huddersfield, S. Story. Birstal, S. Percival. Bradford, S. Bramwell. Halifax, S. Mowat. Keighley, ) c- Otley, r- Isle of Man, S. (Jon.) Brown. York, S. Gill. Pocklington, S. (Wm.) Thom. Hull, S. (Thos.) Taylor. Scarborough, S. Swan. Whitby, S. Beanland. Yarm, S. Hopkins. The Dales, S. Holder, and £6. Sunderland, S. Gaulter, Thomp- son, Hunter. Newcastle, S. Atmore, (John) Brettell. Edinburgh, ) © -n • ^1 *= ' > S. Bogie. Glasgow, ) ° Booth. 236 1790. Condy, Rennick, Stewart ; and Steplieuson^ £6. Ireland, S. Clarke, Blair, Rutherford, Griffith, West, Joyce, Graham, Dinnen, N.B. — S, Parkin, ]\Iartindale, Atkins, and Ogilvie, are to receive their salaries from the money that is to be collected in the Circuits above-mentioned ; which money is to be lodged in the hands of Mr. Whitfield. Q. 10. How are the other twelve wives — viz., S. Dall, Johnson, Mill, M'Allum, (Jas.) Watson, Price, Armstrong, Brown, Smith, Hetherington, Crook, and M'Donald — to be provided for? A. Out of the Pi'eachers' Fund. N.B. The money will be lodged in Mr. Whitfield's hands. Q. 11. What numbers are in the Societies? A. As follows : — London 2740 Bolton - - 1152 Sussex - 249 Chester - 604 Kent - 570 Liverpool - 1020 Colchester 300 Blackburn - 930 Norwich 900 Colne - - 976 Lynn . - - 385 Leicester - 775 Bedford 376 Nottingham - 910 Northampton - 406 Derby - - 736 Oxfordshire 636 Sheffield - 1690 Gloucestershire 354 Grimsby - 584 Worcestershire 339 Horncastle - 643 Sarum- 556 Gainsborough - - 585 Isle of Wight - 150 Epworth - 697 Isles of Jersey, Guern- ) sey, and Alderney j 498 Leeds - - 2157 Wakefield - 706 Bradford 730 Huddersfield - -• 846 Shepton-Mallet 880 Birstal- - 1266 Bristol- 1841 Bradford - 1085 Taunton 226 Halifax - 1111 Tiverton 380 Keighley - 1480 Bideford 140 Whitehaven - 302 Plymouth 804 Isle of Man - - 2580 St, Austle 762 York - - 880 Redruth 1840 Pocklington - 830 St. Ives 1391 Hull - - 665 Pembroke 159 Scarborough - - 652 Glamorganshire 240 Whitby - 582 Brecon 167 Thirsk - - 674 Birmingham - 1400 Yarm - - 525 Wolverhampton 559 The Dales - 980 Burslem 1400 Sunderland - 1300 Macclesfield 1090 Newcastle - 700 Stockport 830 Alnwick - 290 Manchester 2060 Edinburgh - 204 1790. 237 Glasgow _ 300 Dundee - 132 Aberdeen - 260 Inverness - 190 Dublin - 1040 Wicklow _ 117 Wexford _ 260 Waterford _ 186 Cork - _ 660 Bandon _ 250 Limerick „ 330 Birr - _ _ 240 Castlebar « 155 Athlone - 560 Longford Sligo - - 450 371 Ballyconnell Cavan - - 875 580 Clones - _ 800 Brookborough Enniskillen L - 800 530 Bally shannon Lisleen - 838 520 Omagh - 290 Charlemont - 1023 Londonderry Coleraine - 300 440 Belfast- - 560 Lisburn - 380 Downpatrick Tanderagee - 340 856 Newry - t 355 Total ri,463 AMERICA. THE BRITISH DOMINIONS. Nova Scotia and New- foundland, Whites - 600 Blacks 200 Antigua, Whites and Mulattoes - 70 Blacks 2180 Barbadoes, Whites 10 Blacks 47 St. Vincent's , Whites - 13 Blacks - 350 Nevis, Coloured people - 200 St.Christopher's, Whites and Mulattoes - 280 Blacks 500 Tortola, Coloured people 900 Total 5,350 THE UNITED STATES Georgia. Washington, Whites - 900 Blacks 148 Hichmoncl, Whites 545 Blacks 30 Burke, Whites 297 Blacks 4 Augusta, Whites 87 South Carolina. Cherokee, Whites 78 Blacks 10 Seleuda, Whites 231 Blacks 11 Broad Hiver, Whites - 411 Blacks - 18 Edisto, Whites 340 Blacks 25 Charleston, Whites 52 Blacks 69 Cainhoy, Whites 27 Blacks 12 Santee, Whites 420 Blacks 63 Anson, Whites 561 Blacks 23 Great Pee-Dee, Whites 369 Blacks 39 Little Pee-Dee, Whites 598 Blacks 20 North Carolina. Tar Biver, Whites 878 Blacks 131 Bladeu, Whites 34 East New Biver, Whites 730 Blacks 420 Roan Oak, Whites 758 Blacks 321 Caswell, Whites 351 Blacks 43 238 1790. New Hope, Whites 527 Fairfax, Whites 474 Blacks 31 Blacks 76 Guildford, Whites 410 Berkley, Whites 325 Blacks 22 Blacks 3G Salisbury, Whites 480 Alleghany, Whites 499 Blacks 27 Blacks 21 Yadkin, Whites 345 Rockingham, Whites - 79 Blacks 7 Blacks - Bertie, Whites - 510 Northampton, Whites - 360 Blacks - 20 Blacks - 84 Camden, Whites 424 Lexington, Whites 402 Blacks 85 Blacks 21 Cumberland, Whites - 225 DansviUe, Whites 410 Virginia. Blacks 30 Holstein, Whites 411 Maryland. Blacks 9 Bath, Whites - 400 West New River, Whites 299 Blacks - 34 Blacks 6 Frederick, Whites 322 Greenbrier, Whites 222 Blacks 56 Blacks 5 Montgomery, Whites - 648 Bottetourt, Whites 40 Blacks - 103 Halifax, Whites 470 Annapohs, Whites 128 Blacks 54 Blacks 141 Portsmouth, Whites 480 Calvert, Whites 943 Blacks 473 Blacks 909 Sussex, Whites 1300 Baltimore, Whites 719 Blacks 508 Blacks 218 Brunswick, Whites 1182 Hertford, Whites 451 Blacks 318 Blacks 110 Amelia, W^hites 754 Cecil, Whites - 257 Blacks 154 Blacks - 252 Mecklenburg, Whites - 692 Kent, Whites - 616 Blacks - 98 Blacks - 637 Cumberland, Whites - 394 Talbot, Whites 1006 Blacks 10 Blacks 608 Bedford, Whites 221 Dorset, Whites 685 Blacks 20 Blacks 347 Orange, Whites 616 Annamessex, Whites - 135 Blacks 71 Blacks - 10 Hanover, Whites 497 Somerset, Whites 400 Blacks 183 Blacks 48 Williamsburg, Whites 274 Caroline, Whites 705 Blacks 50 Blacks 229 Gloucester, Whites 657 Blacks 62 Delaware and Pens. Lancaster, Whites 630 Dover, Whites - 509 Blacks 244 Blacks - 227 1790. 239 Chester, Whites - 228 Blacks - 18 Wilmington, Whites - 4B Blacks - 19 Bristol, Whites - 51 Blacks - 2 Little York, Whites - 151 Philadelphia, Whites - 256 Blacks - 17 Huntingdon, Whites - 185 Blacks - 4 Redstone, Whites - 290 New York, New York, Whites Blacks Long Island, Whites - Blacks New Kochelle, Whites - Blacks - Dutchess, Whites Blacks Columbia, Whites Blacks Cambridge, Whites Coeman^s Patent, Whites Newburg, Whites Blacks Total Total in America Total in Europe Total in Europe and America 290 70 215 9 725 6 200 3 60 1 154 10 257 4 43,260 48,610 71,463 120,073 Neiv Jersey. Salem, Whites - - 680 Blacks - - 24 Trenton, Whites - 527 Blacks - 5 Indians - 3 Elizabeth Town, Whites 216 Blacks 13 Flanders, Whites - 281 Blacks - 2 Q. 12. What is the Kingswood Collection? A. £907. 8*. Ud. Q. 13. What children are admitted this year? A. Joseph Goodwin, Joseph Hanby, Thomas Leech, Edmond Barry, Joseph Empringham, and William Dieuaide. Q. 14. What can we allow the sons and daughters of the Preachers out of the Kingswood Collection ? A. John Brown (once for all), £12; William Thompson, £6; Thomas Rutherford (the second year), £6; John Thorn, £6 (second year); Maria Bradburn (the first year), £6; Mary Goodwin, c€6 (the first year) ; Sarah Roberts, £6 (the second year) ; Elizabeth Dall, £6 (the second year) ; Mary Ann Brisco, £6 (the second year) ; Mary Joyce, £6 (the first year) ; Joseph Benson, £6 (the first year) ; Sarah Lougley, £6 (the first year) ; Ann Allen, £6 (the first year). Q. 15. What is contributed towards the Preachers' Fund? A. £695. Ss. 7d. Q. 16. What is allowed out of it ? £. s. d. A. To Thomas ") Westell J 35 0 0 William Whitaker - 20 0 0 Matthew Lowes 5 5 0 Thomas Hanson 12 0 0 John Furz - 12 0 0 £. s. d. Ann Morgan - 24 0 0 S. Robertshaw - 12 0 0 Lucia Bourke - 12 0 0 Mary Penington - 12 0 0 Sarah Shorter - 12 0 0 Catherine Garnet - 12 0 0 240 1790. £. s. d. ,£. s. d. 12 0 0 Christopher Hopp er 20 0 0 24 0 0 John Poole - 35 0 0 10 0 0 James Christie - 12 0 0 10 0 0 Wilham Boothby - 24 0 0 20 0 0 Ditto - 20 0 0 12 0 0 Thomas Brisco - 30 0 0 12 0 0 Twelve Wives -144 0 0 12 0 0 6 6 0 In all £583 11 0 12 0 0 Elizabeth Dillon Sarah Barry Sarah Nay lor S. Hosmer - Sarah Mitchell Elizabeth Jaco John Price - S. Corbet - Thomas Johnson Samuel Bates Q. 17. What is contributed for the Yearly Expenses? A. £1,225. 15*. 10^. Q. 18. How was it expended ? £. s. d. A. Last year's ) Deficiencies j Present year's Contingencies } 52 13 11 100 0 0 Scotland - Wales, Isles of Guernsey, &c. In all Eugland } £. 200 78 473 d. 0 0 11 Law - - 72 3 0 Ireland - - 248 18 0 £1,224 19 10 Q. 19. Are any directions to be given concerning collections? A. No collections shall be made in future for the building or repairing of preaching-houses, except in the Circuits where they are respectively built or repaired. Q. 20. Are any directions to be given concerning the Conference ? A. No Preachers shall in future attend the Conference, whose Circuits, in which they respectively labour, will not provide for their travelling-expenses; the Preachers who labour in Scotland and Wales excepted. Q. 21. At what times shall the Quarterly Fasts be held? A. On the first Friday in August, November, Februar}'^, and May. The Committee for the management of our affairs in the West Indies : — Thomas Coke, Alexander Mather, Thomas Rankin, James Rogers, Henry Moore, Adam Clarke, John Baxter, William Warrener, Matthew Lumb. The Building-Committee for Great Britain : — Alexander Mather, John Pawson, Thomas Rankin, W^illiam Thompson, William Jenkins, and the London Assistant. For Ireland : — Andrew Blair, Adam Clarke, Thomas Rutherford, Thomas Mitchell. Rules to be observed by the Building-Committee : — 1. All preaching-houses are to be settled on the Methodist plan. 2. All preaching-houses are to be built in future on the same plan as the Loudon or Bath chapel. 1790. 241 Q. 22. When and wliere shall our next Conference be held? A. At Manchester, on the last Tuesday in July, 1791. ADDENDA. TAKEN OUT OF FORMER MINUTES. Q. 1. What is subscribed will not answer the demands : what can be done to lessen these ? A. 1. Let every Circuit bear its own burden. 2. Tell every- one expressly, "We do not make a subscription for paying debts.^' 3. Let all the Assistants declare this in every place. Q. 2. Has each Assistant inquired, what Trustees are wanting in every place ? A. No. Let it be done in every preaching-house. Q. 3. Should any Assistant take into the Society any whom his predecessor has put out ? A. Not without consulting him. Q. 4. Preachers hasten home to their families after preaching in the evening. Ought this to be done ? A. Never, till they have met the Society. Q. 5. Ought we not to exhort all dying persons to be then, at least, merciful after their power ? A. We ought, without any regard to the reflections which will be cast upon us on that account. Q. 6. What can be done to prevent the heavy burdens and expenses which are needlessly thrown on the Conference? A. Those Circuits that do not provide for their Preachers and their children (except Scotland, Ireland, and Wales) shall have no more Preachers sent to them, for the time to come, than they will provide for. The following Preachers, who had not the opportunity of subscribing at the last Conference towards the building of Dewsbury preaching-house, desire to have their names added to the list, as follows : — £. s. d. £. s. d. Benjamin Rhodes - 1 1 0 Joseph Jerora - 0 5 0 Charles Bond - 1 1 0 Joseph Algar -• 1 1 0 James Hall - 1 1 0 Thomas Brisco - 0 10 6 John Murlin - 1 1 0 Joseph Benson - 1 1 0 James Christie - 0 10 6 John Brettell - 0 io 6 John Nelson - 0 10 6 Adam Clarke - 0 10 6 John M'Kersey - 0 10 6 '" James Rogers . 1 1 0 £11 0 0 John Bredin - 0 5 0 Omitted under the 4th question : — Jonathan Thompson, who died in Scotland in the course of the last 3''ear; a young man, full of faith and the Holv Ghost, Vol. I. R 242 1791. an ornament and honour to our Society in Scotland. His great zeal for God, and the salvation of souls, united with the fervour and imprudence of youth, led him to excessive labour in the work of his great Master, which proved the cause of his death. Further Directions concerning the Building-Committee. 1. Everything relative to the building or repairing of preaching-houses is to be referred to them. 2. No house shall be undertaken without the consent of the majority of them : and not a stone laid, till the house is settled after the Methodist form, verbatim. — N.B. No lawyer is to alter one line, neither need any be employed. 3. No building is to be undertaken, till an estimate of the expense is made, and two-thirds of the money raised or subscribed. 4. Every preaching-house equal to or less than the Bath house, is to be built in the same form without and within. 5. Every house larger than the Bath house is to be built on the plan of the new chapel in London, both within and without. N.B. 1. No Preacher shall preach three times the same day ' to the same congregation. 2. No Preacher shall preach oftener than twice on a week- day, or oftener than three times on the Lord's day. 3. No Preacher shall in future leave the Conference before the conclusion of it, without consent publicly obtained in the Conference. MANCHESTER, Tuesday, July 26, 1791. A COPY OF A LETTER FROM THE REV. JOHN WESLEY TO THE CONFERENCE. Chester, April 7, 1785. To THE Methodist Conference. My dear Brethren, Some of our Travelling Preachers have expressed a fear that, after my decease, you would exclude them either from preaching in connexion with you, or from some other privileges which they now enjoy. I know no other way to prevent any such inconvenience, than to leave these my last words with you. I beseech you, by the mercies of God, that you never avail yourselves of the Deed of Declaration, to assume any superiority over your brethren; but let all things go on, among those Itinerants who choose to remain together, exactly in the same manner as when I was with you, so far as circumstances will permit. In particular, I beseech you, if you ever loved me, and if you 1791. 243 now love God and your brethren, td have no respect of persons in stationing the Preachers, in choosing children for Kingswood School, in disposing of the Yearly Contribution and the Preachers' Fund, or any other public money. But do all things with a single eye, as I have done from the beginning. Go on thus, doing all things without prejudice or partiality, and God will be with you even to the end. JOHN WESLEY. N.B. The Conference have unanimously resolved, that all the Preachers who are in full connexion with them shall enjoy every privilege that the members of the Conference enjoy, agreeably to the above-written letter of our venerable deceased Father in the Gospel. It may be expected, that the Conference make some observa- tions on the death of Mr. Wesley ; but they find themselves utterly inadequate to express their ideas and feelings on this awful and affecting event. Their souls do truly mourn for their great loss; and they trust they shall give the most substantial proofs of their venera- tion for the memory of their most esteemed Father and Friend, by endeavouring, with great humility and diffidence, to follow and imitate him in doctrine, discipline, and life. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. Thomas Broadbent, William Stevens, Jonathan Edmond- son, Thomas Wood, Samuel Gates, John Stamp, Jolm Woodrow, John Sandoe, Richard Reece, Joseph Eatvvisle, Francis Truscott, John Beaumont, Thomas Dunn, Thomas Kerr, John Darragh, William M'Cornock, William Johnson, John Malcomson, David Barrowclough, Francis Armstrong, and Thomas Hewett. N.B. The Irish Preachers in this Minute are admitted to all the privileges of Travelling Preachers in full connexion, but must be received in form at the next Irish Conference. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. Thomas Rogerson, John Wilshaw, George Lowe, Henry Taylor, John Hickling, Chaiies Tunnycliffe, John Furness, Thomas Kelk, Thomas Dobson, Jasper Winscom, WiUiam Jenkins, William Cox, William Saunderson, Heniy Saunders, Robert Lomas, John Ramshaw, Miles Martindale, Thomas Hutton, John Kershaw, John Nelson, John Denton, Robert Crowther, Robert Smith, John Grant, Robert Miller, WiUiam Stephenson, Mark Willis, John Rdes, James Anderson, James Lyons, James M'MuUen, Alexander Moore, Matthew Stewart, Thomas Elliott, Andrew Hamilton, sen., Roljert Smith, William Hamilton, Daniel Graham, Michael Murphy, William Wilson, George Donovan, Samuel Wood, Thomas Ridgeway, James M'^Quigg, Thomas Patterson, Andrew Hamilton, jun., James R 2 244 ]791. Irwin, John Stephenson, John Cross, Charles Graham, John Hurley, Samuel Steele, William Smith, William Ferguson, Owen Da\des, Edward Gibbons, George Sargent, John Braith- ■waite, Thomas Simmonite, Joseph Burgess, William Hainsworth, llichard Elliott, George Sykes, James Lawton, Thomas Trethe- wey, John S. Pipe, Samuel Taylor, William Shelmerdine, John Dean, John Boyle, Thomas Harrison, John Doncaster, Booth Newton, Robert Swan, John Sauuderson, John Simpsorf, Thomas Greaves, Robert Harrison, Thomas Brown, John Graham, Archibald Murdoch, William Aver, William Denton, Isaac Lilly, Thomas Black, William Franklin, James Bell, Blakely Dowling, and Joseph Cross. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. Thomas Robinsoil, Henry INIahy, William Mahy, James Jay, and Michael Emmett. Q. 4. Who have died this year? A. Duncan Wright, an old, faithful labourer in the vineyard of the Lord. Gravity and steadiness were two eminent parts of his character. After a useful life spent in the service of his Divine Master, he gave indubitable proofs, in his last illness, that he was going to rest from his labours in Abraham's bosom. And Robert Gamble, who died in the island of St. Vincent's, in the West Indies. He laboured for some years as a Travelling Preacher in England ; but spent the last three years of his life in the conversion of the poor, despised Negroes. Last February he was seized with a putrid fever, and after a sickness of sixteen days entered into glory in the triumph of faith. Q. 5. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. They were examined one by one. Q. 6. Who have desisted from travelling? A. Thomas Wyraent and Thomas Ryan: Jonathan Hern, Thomas Verner, and William Brandon. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year? A. As follows : — 1 London, Thomas Coke, James Creighton, Peard Dickinson, James Rogers, Joseph Bradford, Richard Rodda; Thomas Rankin, Super- numerary ; George Whitfield, Book- Steward. 2 Sussex, Charles Kyte, John Poole, Robert Crowther. 3 Rochester^ Thomas Warwick, John S. Pipe. 4 Canterbury, Charles Boon, Thomas Rogerson, William Cox. 5 Colchester, William Ashman, Joseph Jerom, William Aver. 6 Norwich, John Reynolds, Thomas Simmonite, John Wilshaw, Isaac Lilly. 7 Diss, William Shelmerdine, James Lawton. 8 Bunj, John Hickling, ]Mark Willis. 1791. 245 9 Lynn, William Jenkins, Owen Davies. 10 Wells, Thomas Broadbent, Jasper Winscom. 11 Bedford, Thomas Tattershall, John Wittam, Edward Gibbons, William Denton. 12 Northampton, John Leech, Joseph Harper. 13 Oxfordshire, George Baldwin, WiUiam Stevens, Thomas Jones ; John Murlin, Supernumerary. 14 Gloucestershire, John Mason, Lawrence Kane, 15 Worcestershire, Jeremiah Brettell, Francis Truscott. 16 Sarum, Joseph Algar, Thomas Fearnley. 17 Portsmouth, John Easton, Michael Marshall, Thomas Dobson. 18 Isle of Jersey, Joseph Sutcliffe, William.^ Dieuaide. / To change 19 Isle of Guernsey, Henry Saunders, John de > every two Queteville. \ months. 20 Isle of Alderney, Henry INIahy. -^ 21 France, William Mahy. 22 Bath, John Broadbent, James Hall, George Button ; John Furz, Supernumerary. 23 Bristol, Henry Moore, Thomas Rutherford, Thomas Tennant, Thomas Roberts ; John Valton, Supernumerary ; Thomas M'Geary, Head- Master of Kingswood School. 24 Shepton-Mallet, Jonathan Cousins, William Saunders, William Holmes. 25 Taunton, Charles Bland, James Jay; Christopher W^atkins, Supernumerary. 26 Tiverton, Theophilus Lessey, George Wadsworth. 27 Bideford, Robert Empringham. 28 Plymouth, William Horner, William Thoresby, Thomas Kelk. Benjamin Rhodes, Samuel Bardsley, Thomas Trethewey. Timothy Crowther, Abraham Moseley, John Boyle. Richard Watkinson, Jonathan Crowther, John Smith, James M. Byron. Thomas Hutton, William Fish, Benjamin 20 St. Austle, 30 Redruth, 31 Penzance, 32 Pemhrolie, 33 Glamorgan, 34 Brecon, Leggatt. William Hainsworth, John Cricket, Robert Miller. John Dean, William Heath. * 35 Birmingham, Samuel Bradburn, George Gibbon, Thomas Bartholomew, Samuel Taylor. 36 Coventry, Charles Bond, who is to change quarterly with the single Preachers of the Birming;- ham Circuit. 246 1791, George 37 Wolverhampton, Alexander Suter, Simon Day ; Melville Home, Supernumerary. Andrew Inglis, Thomas Cooper, Richard Seed, John Nelson. 39 Macclesfield, John Goodwin, John Denton, John Furness ; George Shadford, Supernumerary. William Myles, Samuel Gates. Joseph Benson, Adam Clarke. Thomas Hanby, Robert Costerdine. Robert Roberts, Robert Lomas. Parson Greenwood, James Thom, Lowe. Thomas Taylor, Joseph Burgess. George Snowden, William Palmer. Henry Taylor, James Evans. Thomas Longley, Charles Tunnycliffe, William Saunderson. John Moon, Miles Martindale, John Sandoe, William Hunter, jun. 50 Nottingham, Thomas Carlill, William Butterfield, John Beaumont, Thomas Wood. Joseph Taylor, Joseph Pescod, Thomas Dunn, Thomas Greaves. 38 Burslem, 40 Stockport, 41 Manchester, 42 Oldham, 43 Bolton, 44 Chester, 45 Liverpool, 46 Warrington, 47 Blackburn, 48 Colne, 49 Leicester, 51 Derby, 52 Sheffield, 53 Grimsby, 54 Horncastle, "Francis W^rigley, Daniel Jackson, George George Mowat, George Riles, Carr Highfield Jasper Robinson, Sargent. John King, John Ramshaw, John Jonathan Edmondson; Robert Brackenbury, Supernumerary. 55 Gainsborough, William Collins, John Peacock, John Simpson. 56 Epworth, Isaac Brown, Thomas Shaw, John Atkins. 57 Leeds, James Wood, Lancelot Harrison, William Percival. 58 Wakefield, William Thompson, Richard Reece. 59 Huddersfield, George Story, Richard Elliott. 60 Birstal, 61 Dewsbury, 62 Bradford, 63 Halifax, 64 Keighley, 65 Otley, 66 Whitehaven, Edward Jackson, John Kershaw ; Thomas Johnson, Supernu- merary. William Bramwell, George Sykes ; j' Jonathan Parkin, Supernu- merary. J John Alien, John Grant. John Pawson, Joseph Entwisle. John Booth, James Ridall, WilHara Dufton, William Simpson John Crosby, Jonathan Brown. The single Preachers to change every quarter. 1^ i 0 k 1791. 247 67 Isle of Man, John Ogilvie, John Barritt, William Franklin. 68 York, Samuel Hodgson, John Beanland, William Blagborne. 69 Pocklington, William Thom, Robert Hayward. 70 Hull, Alexander Mather, John Shaw. 71 Bridlington, John Braithwaite, Booth Newton. 72 Scarborough, George Holder, James Watson, Thomas Robinson. 73 Whitby, Robert Hopkins, Duncan Kay. 74 Thirsk, Thomas Dixon, Thomas Gill, Robert Smith. 75 Yarm, William Hunter, sen., John Stamp. 76 Barnard Castle, John Brettell, W^illiam Stephenson. 77 Hexham, Peter Mill, John M'Kersey. 78 Sunderland, John Pritchard, Zachariah Yewdall, Joseph Thompson. 79 Newcastle, John Gaulter, Alexander Kilham ; Joseph Cownley, Supernumerary. 80 Alnwick, Charles Atmore, Michael Emmett. SCOTLAND. 81 Edinburgh, Joseph Cole, Samuel Botts, John Saunderson. 82 Glasgow, Robert Johnson, Joseph Cross, Robert Harrison. 83 Dumfries, John Barber. 84 Kelso, Robert Swan. 85 Dundee, James Bogie, Robert Dall, Thomas Harrison; Joseph Saunderson, Supernumerary. 86 Aberdeen, Thomas Vasey, John Townsend. 87 Inverness, Duncan M'Allum, James Anderson, John Doncaster. IRELAND. 88 Dublin, Andrew Blair, Walter Griffith; Matthias Joyce, Supernumerary. 89 Wicklow, Samuel Wood, James Lyons. 90 Carloiv, Thomas Davis, John Miller. 91 Waterford, John Darragh, Thomas Ridgeway. 92 Cork, David Barrowclough, John Woodrow. 93 Bandon, William M'Cornock, Wilham West, James M'Quigg. 94 Limerick, David Gordon, Andrew Hamilton, jun., Charles Graham. 95 Birr, Thomas Kerr, Thomas Patterson, James Hurley. 96 Castlebar, Samuel Moorhead, William Wilson. 97 Athlone, Richard Condy, William Johnson. 98 Longford, James M'Mullen, William Black. 99 Sligo, Francis Armstrong, Blakely Dowling. 7 V 248 1791, 100 Ballyconnell, Mattliew Stewart, Daniel Graham, Joseph Hennin. 101 Cavan, John Malcomson, Michael Murphy, Thomas Brown. 102 Clones, Robert Smith, Andrew Hamilton, sen., William Hamilton. X03 Brookborough, James Rennick, Thomas Elliott, "William Ferguson. 104 Enniskillen, Joseph Armstrong, George Donovan. 105 Bally shannon, Thomas Hewett, John Hurley, John Cross. 106 Lisleen, Archibald Murdoch, John Graham. 107 Omagh, Alexander Moore, John Fury. 108 Charlemont, John Dinnen, Gustavus Armstrong; Samuel Bates, Supernumerary. 109 Londonderry, John Kerr, Samuel Mitchell. 110 Coleraine, William Smith, John Gillis, John Stephenson. 111 Belfast, James M'Donald, James Irwin. 112 Lisburn, John Grace, James Bell. 113 Downpatrick, Thomas Barber, Thomas Hetherington. 114 Tanderagee, George Brown, William Armstrong, John M'Farland. John Crook, Samuel Steele. J 15 Newry, AMERICA. THE BRITISH DOMINIONS. NOVA SCOTIA. AND NEW BRUNSWICK. Halifax, Liverpool, Shelburne, Newport, Cumberland, River St. John, Annapolis, Carbonear, William Jessop, John \ Mann, Elders. Thomas Whitehead. William Early. John Cooper. Benjamin Fizler. John Regan. James Boyd. NEWFOUNDLAND. John M'Geary. THE WEST INDIES. William Black, f Presiding Elder. Antigua, John Baxter, Benjamin Pearce. Barbadoes, Matthew Lumb. St. Vincent's, James Wray, James Lyons. Grenada, Thomas Owens. Nevis, John M'Vean. St. Christopher^ s, William Warrener, and a Preacher from the continent of America; George Skerritt, Supernumerary. 1791. 249 Tortola, John Harper, and a Preacher from the continent. Jamaica, William Brazier, Thomas Worrell. N.B. As we have not received the Minutes of the Confer- ences of the United States for the present year, on account of the sudden departure of Dr. Coke from America in consequence of Mr. Wesley's death, we are not able to insert the Stations of the Preachers of those States in their usual places. Q, 8. What regulations are necessary for the preservation of our whole economy, as the Rev. Mr. Wesley left it? A. Let the three kingdoms be divided into Districts : England into nineteen Districts; Scotland into two; and Ireland into six. As follows : — 1. London, Sussex, Colchester, Rochester, Canterbury, Bedford, Oxford. 2. Norwich, Diss, Lynn, Bury, Wells. 3. Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Northampton. 4, Sarum, Portsmouth. 5. Jer- sey, Guernse}'', Alderney. 6. Redruth, St. Austle, Penzance. 7. Plymouth, I3ideford, Tiverton. 8. Bristol, Taunton, Shepton- Mallet, Bath, Gloucester. 9. Pembroke, Glamorgan, Brecon. 10. Birmingham, Worcester, Wolverhampton. 11. Manchester, Stockport, Oldham, Bolton, Liverpool, Blackburn. 12. Chester, Macclesfield, Burslem. 13. Halifax, Colne, Keighley, Bradford, Huddersfield. 14. Leeds, Sheffield, Wakefield, Birstal, Dews- bury, Otley. 15. York, Hull, Pocklington, Bridlington, Scar- borough. 16. Grimsby, Horncastle, Epworth, Gainsborough. 17. W^hitby, Yarm, Thirsk, Barnard-Castle. 18. Whitehaven, Isle of Man. 19. Newcastle, Sunderland, Hexham, Alnwick. 20. Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dumfries, Kelso. 21. Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness. 22. Dublin, Wicklow, Carlow, Longford. 23. Cork, Bandon, Limerick, Waterford. 24. Athlone, Birr, Castlebar, Sligo. 25. Clones, Cavan, Ballyconnell, Euniskillen, Brookborough. 26. Londonderry, Coleraine, Lisleen, Ballyshannon, Omagh. 27. Charlemont, Tanderagee, Newry, Downpatrick, Lisburn, Belfast. Q. 9. What directions are necessary concerning the manage- ment of the Districts? A. The Assistant of a Circuit shall have authority to summon the Preachers of his District who are in full connexion, on any critical case, which, according to the best of his judgment, merits such an interference. And the said Preachers, or as many of them as can attend, shall assemble at the place and time appointed by the Assistant aforesaid, and shall form a Committee^ for the purpose of determining concerning the business on which they are called. They shall choose a Chairman for the occasion ; and their decision shall be final till the meeting of the next Conference, when the Chairman of the Committee shall 250 1791. lay the Minutes of their proceedings before the Conference. Provided, nevertheless, that nothing shall be done by any Committee contrary to the resolutions of the Conference. Q. 10. How many wives are to be provided for? A. One hundred and nine. Q. 11. How many of these are to be provided for by the Circuits ? A. Eighty-three : as follows ; viz., — London, S. Rodda, Boon, Poole, Kyte. Sussex, £3. Rochester and Canterbury, S. Warwick. Norwich, S. Reynolds. Lynn, S. Davies. Northampton, S. Harper. Oxfordshire, £6. Portsmouth, S. Easton. Isle of Jersey, £S. Bath, S. Broadbent. Bristol, S. IMoore, Rutherford, Kane. Shepton-Mallet, S. Cousins. Taunton andTiverton,S.Lessey. Plymouth, S. Horner, Bland. St. Austle, S. Rhodes. Redruth, S. (Tim.) Crowther, and £6. Penzance, S. Watkinson. Birmingham, S. Bradburn, Gibbon. Wolverhampton, S. Day. Burslem, S. Inglis. Macclesfield, S. Goodwin, and £6. Stockport, S. Myles, Empring- ham. INIanchester, S. Clarke, Ash- man, Tattershall. Oldham, S. Costerdine. Bolton, S. Roberts. Chester, S. Greenwood. Liverpool, S. (Tho.) Taylor. Warrington, S. Snowden. Blackburn, S. (Hen.) Taylor. Colne, S. Louglcy, and £Q. Q. 12. How are the otiier twenty-six wives — viz., S. Martin- dale, Atkinson, £(>; Simpson, Ridall, Dufton, £6; Crosby, Leicester, S. Moon. Nottingham, S. Butterfield, and £6. Derby, S. (Jos.) Taylor. Sheffield, S. Jackson, Pescod, Dunn. Grimsby, S. !Mowat. Horncastle, £6. Gainsborough, S. Collins. Epworth, S. (Is.) Brown. LeedSj S. Wood, Percival, Ramshaw. Wakefield, S, (W.) Thompson, (James) Thom. Huddersfield, S. Story. Birstal, S. Beanland. Bradford, S. Bramwell. Halifax, S. Beaumont. Keighley, S. Booth. Isle of Man, S. Ogilvie. York, S. Hodgson. Pocklington, S. (W.) Thom. Hull, S. Shaw, Peacock. Scarborough, S. Holder. Whitby, S. Hopkins. Yarm, S. Hunter. Hexham, S. Mill. Sunderland, S. Pritchard, (Jos.) Thompson. Newcastle, S. Gaulter, Atmore. Edinburgh, I s -3^^^^ Glasgow, J Ireland, S. Blair, Griffith, Hetherington, West, Gra- ham, Condy, Rennick, Stew- art, Armstrong, Dinnen, Smith, M'Douald. 1791. 251 (Jou.) Brown, Franklin, £6; Watson, Gill, (John) Brettell, (Jer.) Brettell, (Wm.) Stephenson, Tunnycliffe, Stevens, Cross, Swan, Bogie, Dall, Townsend, M'Allum, Grace, (Geo.) Brown, Crook, Woodrow, and (John) Stephenson, £3. 16s. — to be provided for ? A. Partly by the smaller subscriptions raised in the Circuits, and partly by the Contingent Fund. N.B. The money for the twenty-six wives above-mentioned will be lodged in the hands of Mr. Whitfield. Q. 13. What are the subscriptions of the Circuits in Ireland towards the support of the wives ? A. As follows : — £. s. d. £. s. d. Dubhn - 30 0 0 Brookborough - 4 0 0 Wicklow - 0 10 6 Enniskillen - 3 10 0 Carlow 3 10 0 Ballyshannon - 1 10 0 Waterford 3 13 6 Lisleen - 1 10 0 Cork 16 0 0 Omagh - 1 10 0 Bandon - 1 10 0 Charlemont - 5 10 0 Limerick - 5 10 0 Londonderry - 3 0 0 Birr 4 0 0 Coleraine - - 5 10 0 Castlebar - 2 0 0 Belfast - - 6 10 0 Athlone - 7 0 0 Lisburn - . 8 0 0 Longford - 8 0 0 Downpatrick - 1 10 0 Sligo 1 10 0 Tanderagee - 5 0 0 Ballyconnell 2 10 0 Newry - 2 10 0 r^lnnpQ . - « 0 0 Cavan 6 \J \j 0 0 ^146 4 0 Q. 14. What numbers are in the Society? A. As follows : — London - 2950 Bradford _ 952 Sussex - ■_ 260 Bristol- . 1563 Chatham - 280 Shepton-Mallet _ 950 Canterbury . 295 Taunton - 234 Colchester - 145 Tiverton . 403 Norwich . 580 Bideford - 150 Diss . 310 Plymouth . 816 Lynn - - 370 St. Austle . 950 Bury - - 160 Redruth . 1705 Bedford - 500 St. Ives . 1537 Northampton - - 470 Pembroke - 168 Oxfordshire . 700 Glamorgan - 250 Gloucestershire _ 316 Brecon - 116 Worcestershire - _ 288 Birmingham - _ 1600 Sarum - _ 238 Wol verh ampton . 613 Portsmouth - 430 Burslem - 1434 Isle of Jersey - - 316 Macclesfield _ 1140 Isle of Guernsey - 223 Stockport - 655 252 1791. Manchester - 2090 Bandon 240 Boltou- - 1160 Limerick 350 Chester - 614 Kerry - - - 100 Liverpool - 1050 Birr - _ - 280 Blackburn - 955 Castlebar 184 Colne - - 1020 Athlone 499 Leicester - 768 Longford 440 Nottingham - 1000 Sligo - - . 320 Derby - - 785 Ballyconnell - 764 Sheffield - 1690 Clones - . - 670 Grimsby - 583 Cavan - . - 1006 Horncastle - 638 Brookborough - 760 Gainsborough - - 700 Enniskillen 400 Epworth - 710 Ballyshannon - 745 Leeds - - 2080 Lisleen 357 Wakefield - 730 Omagh 430 Huddersfield - - 780 Charlemont 1112 Birstal - - 1230 Londonderry - 268 Bradford - 1095 Coleraine 412 Halifax - 1115 Belfast- 450 Keighley - 900 Lisburn 500 Otley - - 560 Downpatrick - 412 Whitehaven - 282 Tanderagee 858 Isle of Man - 2500 Newry - - - 458 York - Hull - - 874 - 664 Total r2,476 PockUngton - 834 Scarborough - - 621 Whitby Thirsk - - 545 - 629 AMERICA. Yarra - - 554 The Dales - 986 THE BRITISH DOMINIONS. Sunderland - 1250 Newcastle - 780 Nova Scotia, Whites - 530 Alnwick - 300 Blacks - 200 Edinburgh - 205 Newfoundland, Whites 150 Glasgow - 218 Antigua, Whites 36 Campbelton 16 Mulattoes 105 Dumfries 44 Blacks 2113 Kelso - 31 Barbadoes, Whites 30 Dundee - 157 Coloured People 30 Aberdeen - 286 St. Vincent^s, Whites - 13 Inverness - 222 Coloured People 450 Dubhn - 970 Nevis, Whites - 6 Wicklow - 200 Coloured People 394 Carlo w- - 293 St.Christopher's, Whites Waterford - 230 and Mulattoes 280 Cork - - 450 Blacks 1120 1791. 253 Tortola, Whites Coloured People* Jamaica, Whites and Mulattoes Blacks Total 18 900 40 110 6,525 The United States 57,621 Total in America Total in Europe Total in Europe and America 61,146 72,476 136,622 * The return at the last Conference in the West Indies was 1800 : but the work has been of such short continuance, and the increase so rapid, that only half the number is set down. Q. 15. What is the Kingswood Collection? A. £1,035. Us. 9d. Q. 16. What children are admitted this year? A. James M'Buruey, eleven years old ; William Rutherford, nine years old; John Wilshaw, nine years old; Samuel Wood, eight years old ; Andrew Inglis, near eight years old ; and Richard Summers for one year. Q. 17. What can we allow for the education of the Preachers' children that cannot be admitted into Kingswood School? £. 35 0 0 £108 18. What is contributed towards the Preachers' Fund? £730. 10s. Sd. 19. What is allowed out of it ? d. S. Corbet - - 12 0 Thomas Johnson - 6 6 Samuel Bates - 12 0 Christopher Hopper 24 0 James Christie - 12 0 William Boothby - 24 0 Thomas Brisco - 24 0 John Watson - 12 0 Thomas Wride, ) for the past year j Do., for this year - 20 0 Thomas Olivers - 24 0 George Shadford - 12 0 S. Wright- - 8 8 John Bredin - 12 0 A. Q. A. Q. A. To Thomas Westell William Whitaker Matthew Lowes Thomas Hanson John Furz Ann Morgan S. Robertshaw Lucia Bourke Mary Penington • Ehzabeth Dillon • Sarah Nay lor Sarah Barry S. Hosraer Sarah Mitchell Elizabeth Jaco John Price 20 10 12 12 24 12 15 12 12 10 24 10 20 12 30 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 d. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 In all £495 14 0 Q. 20. What is contributed for the Yearly Expenses ? A. £1,338. 8s. Id. Q. 21. How was it expended? £. s. d. £. s. d. A. Deficien-S Law 87 8 1 cies of last f 35 7 6 Deficiencies of") year's Con- T the salaries of > 372 18 3 tingencies J the Preachers 3 254. iroi. £. s. d. Travelling ex-'^ penses this / 1 57 g q extraordinary C year J Various Con- tingenciesfor ^ 97 13 9 the tlirec kinj'doms £. s. d. Deficiencies of"^ the salaries of / ^oq k a the wives of X the Preachers J Deficiencies inS the allowance / c,r\n n. r, made for the f ^^^ ^ ^ children J Sick families - 44 5 0 Rent for houses,&c. 104 3 0 £1,338 8 1 Q. 22. Who is appointed to hold the Conference in Dublin, on the first Friday of next July ? A. Thomas Coke. Q. 23. Are any directions necessary concerning the preceding Minute? A. No letters of complaint, or on Circuit-business, shall be written to England on account of this appointment. The Committees of the Districts shall determine all appeals what- soever during the intervals of the Conference ; and therefore all applications on Society business during the said intervals, which cannot be determined by the Assistants of the Circuits, shall be made to the Committees only. Q. 24. Whereas we have been disappointed by married Preachers coming out to travel in expectation of being them- selves able to maintain their wives independently of the Connexion, who very soon became entirely dependent ; how shall this be prevented in future ? A. 1. Let no Preacher be received on this plan, unless he can bring in writing such an account of his income, signed by the Assistant, as shall satisfy the Conference. 2. If any person shall propose to keep a Preacher's wife or children, he shall give a bond to the Conference for the sum he is to allow. Q. 25. Is it necessary to enter into any engagements in respect to our future plan of economy ? A, We engage to follow strictly the plan which INIr. Wesley left us at his death. Q. 26. Are any directions necessary concerning the stationing of the Preachers ? A. No Preacher shall be stationed for any Circuit above two j^ears successively, unless God has been pleased to use him as the instrument of a remarkable revival. Q. 27. Are any directions necessary concerning the disburse- ment of the Yearly Collection ? A. It shall be disbursed in the following manner, as far as the money will extend ; viz., — 1st. The demands of the Connexion in Scotland, as far as they are approved by the Conference, shall be disbursed. 1791. 255 2d. The demands of Ireland. 3d. Those of Wales. 4th. Those of France. 5th. Those of the poor Circuits in England. Lastly. The demands of all the remaining Circuits, according to the judgment of the Conference. Q. 28. A great expeflse is incurred by letters to the Preachers. What directions are necessary on this subject? A. 1. Let the Preachers return all circular letters to the persons respectively from whom they are sent. 2. Let the postage of all letters sent to the Conference on public business be paid by the Stewards of the Societies from which they are sent. But the postage of the private letters sent to the Preachers during the sitting of the Conference shall be paid by the Conference. Q. 29. When and where shall the next Conference be held ? A. In London, on the last Tuesday in July, 1792. A List of the Preachers that were received on trial at this • Conference, but were not immediately wanted : — 1. Richard Pattison, of the Oxford Circuit. 2. John Ashall, of the Manchester Circuit. 3. Francis Thoresby, of the Stockport Circuit. 4. John Kingston, of the London Circuit. 5. George Deverell, of the Shepton-Mallet Circuit. 6. Roger Crane, of the Blackburn Circuit. 7. Stephen Wilson, of the Sunderland Circuit. 8. Paul Wilson, of the Manchester Circuit. 9. James Buckley, of the Manchester Circuit. 10. Robert Harper, of the Keighley Circuit. 11. John Foster, of the Dales Circuit. 12. Alexander Cummins, of the Liverpool Circuit. 13. John Ward, of the Sheffield Circuit. 14. Henry Anderson, of the Pocklington Circuit. Q. 30. Are any directions necessary concerning the manage- ment of the Preachers^ Fund? A. No money that has been or shall be subscribed to that Fund shall be applied on any account to the discharge of Con- tingencies, or to any other purposes whatsoever, except those which the rules of the Fund direct. Q. 31. Are any directions necessary concerning the disburse- ment of the Yearly Collection ? A. Let the District Committees settle the temporal accounts of their respective Districts annually, either on the Saturday before the Conference, or at such time as is most convenient. Q. 32. What directions are necessary concerning the forming of Committees to draw up plans for stationing of the Preachers in Great Britain and Ireland? 256 1791. A. 1. The Committee of every District in England and Scotland shall elect one of their body, to form a Committee to draw up a plan for the stationing of the Preachers in Great Britain ; which Committee shall meet at the place where the Conference is held, three days in the week preceding the Conference, in order to draw up the above-mentioned plan. 2. The Committee of every District in Ireland shall send one of their body to meet the Delegate, two days before the Iritsh Conference, for the same purpose. Q. 33. Have we not made too great advances towards con- formity to the world ? A. We fear we have. Q. 34. How shall we prevent this ? A. 1. Those school-masters and school-mistresses who receive dancing- masters into their schools, and those parents who employ dancing-masters for their children, shall be no longer members of our Society. 2. Let every Assistant read the " Thoughts on Dress " once a year in all his Societies. Q. 35. What directions are necessary concerning Kingswood School? A. 1. The following persons shall be appointed as a Committee to superintend the School for the ensuing year; viz., Henry Moore, Thomas M'Geary, John Valton, and Thomas Roberts and John Ewer, of Bristol. 2. The Preachers' children that cannot be admitted into the School, and are allowed .£12 per annum for their education, shall not receive the usual salary of £4, either from the Circuit or from the Yearly Collection. 3. The assistants of the School, and the servants of the house, shall be under the control of the master, and accountable to him for their conduct. Q. 36. What Preachers were received on trial in Ireland ? A. Thomas Black, William Armstrong, John M^Farland, James Bell, John Fury, Blakely J)owling, and Joseph Hennin. N.B. Andrew Jefferys is in reserve. Q, 37. Whom does the Conference appoint as their Delegate for the West Indies, &c. ? A. Thomas Coke. Q. 38. Who are the Committee for examining accounts, letters, and Missionaries that are to be sent to the Islands ? A. The President, Alexander Mather, John Pawson, Thomas Taylor, Henry Moore, Samuel Bradburn, James Rogers, Richard Rodda, and Joseph Bradford. Sioned, WILLIAM THOMPSON, President, THOMAS COKE, Secretary. 1792. 257 LONDON, Tuesday, July 31, 1792. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. Benjamin Leggatt, Thomas Rogerson, John Wilshaw, Henry Taylor, William Dieuaide, John Hickling, John Furness, Thomas Kelk, Thomas Dobson, William Jenkins, Robert Miller, Wilham Stephenson, Michael Marshall, Mark Willis, John lliles. Ireland. — James M'^Mullen, Alexander Moore, Matthew- Stewart, Thomas Elliott, Andrew Hamilton, sen., Robert Smith, William Hamilton, Daniel Graham, JMichael Murphy, and William Wilson, Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. Robert Harrison, George Lowe, Charles Tunnycliffe, William Saunderson, John Kershaw : These have travelled four years. William Cox, Henry Saunders, Robert Lomas, John Ramshaw, Miles Martindale, John Nelson, John Denton, Robert Smith, John Grant, James Anderson, Owen Davies, Thomas Simmonite, James Lawton, William Shelmerdine, Thomas Harrison, John Saunderson: These have travelled three years. Robert Crowther, Edward Gibbous, George Sargent, John Braithwaite, Joseph Burgess, William Hainsworth, Richard Elliott, George Sykes, Thomas Trethewey, John S. Pipe, Samuel Taylor, John Dean, John Boyle, John Doncaster, Booth Newton, John Simpson, Thomas Greaves, William Aver, William Denton, Isaac Lilly, William Franklin : These have travelled tioo years. Stephen Wilson, Thomas Robinson, William Tvlahy, Henry Mahy, James Jay, Michael Emmett, Richard Pattison, Francis Thoresby, John Kingston, George Deverell, James Buckley, John Foster, Alexander Cummins, Henry Anderson : These have travelled one year. Ireland. — James Irwin, Thomas Ridgeway, Andrew Hamilton, jun., Thomas Patterson, Samuel Wood, George Donovan, James M^Quigg, James Hurley, John Hurley, Wilham Ferguson, Thomas Brown, John Graham, Charles Graham, Archibald Murdoch, William Smith, John Stephenson, John Cross, Samuel Steele, Thomas Black, Joseph Hennin, James Bell, William Armstrong, John M'Farland, and Blakely Dowling. , Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. Richard Gower, George Dermott, Joseph Kyte, Joseph Bowes, Francis Balliau, Joseph Bobbins, Cleland Kirkpatrick, Vol. I. S 258 1792. John Stephens, Robert Smith, Thomas Hutton, William Martin, John Ward, Isaac Muff, Richard Hardacre, James Bridgnell, William Fenwick, Richard Treffry, Robert Harper, Stephen Eversfield, James Buckley, William Brown. Ireland. — Matthew Tobias, Samuel Alcorn, Robert Banks, Matthias Dice, Thomas M'Clellan, James Stuart, Robert Dougherty, and James Jordan. Q. 4. Who have died this year? A. 1. John Richardson, A.B., who, like his great Master, was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. The uni- formity of his life, the Christian simplicity of his manners, the meekness of his spirit, and the unction which attended his ministry for twenty-nine years in the city of London, will be ever remembered by many hundreds with gratitude to the God of all grace. After labouring under a severe asthma for twenty-six years, he died, in the fifty-eighth year of his age. The last words he uttered, just before he expired, were, " God is always with me." 2. Robert Empringham, a faithful old labourer in the vineyard of his Lord. 3. Thomas Worrell, a most promising young man. For some time he laboured in Ireland, his native country, with success. Afterwards, he devoted himself to the work of God among the Heathens : and, after a short but successful ministry in the island of Jamaica, he died the death of a saint, of a Christian entering into glory in the full assurance of hope. Q. 5. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. They were examined one by one. Q. 6. Who has desisted from travelling? A. James Lyons. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year? A. As follows : — 1 London, Thomas Coke, James Creighton, Peard Dickinson, William Thompson, James Rogers, Richard Rodda, George Story, William Blagborne, William Palmer, Thomas Bartholomew ; Thomas Olivers, Thomas Rankin, Thomas Tennant, Supernu- meraries ; George Whitfield, Book-Steward. 2 Sussex, William Shelmerdine, Thomas Simmonite, Mark Willis. 3 Rochester, Thomas Warwick, William Aver. 4 Canterbury, John Reynolds, Thomas Dobson, Charles Tunnycliffe. 5 Colchester, William Jenkins,JamesLawton, William Heath. 6 Norwich, William Ashman, Charles Bond. 7 Yarmouth, Charles Boon, John Wilshaw. 1792. 259 8 Diss, Charles Kyte, Jolm Wittam. 9 Bury, John Hickling, Thomas Rogerson. 10 Lynn, William Saunders, Thomas Broadbent. 11 Walsingham, William Denton, Henry Anderson. 12 Bedford, Thomas Tattershall, Thomas Jones, Isaac Lilly, Francis Thoresby, George Dermott. 13 Northampton, John Crosby, George Deverell, Thomas Fearnley, 14 Oxfordshire, George Baldwin, William Stevens, Edward Gibbons; John Murlin, Supernumerary. 15 Gloucestershire, Jonathan Cousins, John Sandoe. 16 Worcestershire, Jeremiah Brettell, Joseph Robbins. 17 Sarum, Joseph Algar, Richard Gower; Robert Carr Brackenbury, Supernumerary. 18 Portsmouth, John Easton, George Button, Thomas Trethewey. 19 Isle of Jersey, Michael Marshall, Henry Saunders,"^ Theseare Henry Mahy. /tochange 20 Isle of Guernsey, ) John de Uueteville, William T every two 21 Isle of Alderney, j Dieuaide, Francis Balliau. J months. 22 France, William Mahy. 23 Bath, Henry Moore, Lawrence Kane, Joseph SutclifFe; John Furz, Supernumerary. 24 Bristol, Samuel Bradburn, Thomas Rutherford, Owen Davies, Samuel Taylor; John Broadbent, John Valton, Supernumeraries ; Thomas M'Geary, Head-Master of Kingswood-School. 25 Shepton-Mallet, Joseph Harper, John Cricket, William Holmes. 26 Taunton, Charles Bland, John Foster, Cleland Kirkpatrick; Christopher Watkins, Super- numerary. 27 Collumpton, Theophilus Lessey, John M'Geary. 28 Plymouth, Benjamin Rhodes, Francis Truscott, William Cox. 29 St. Austle, Timothy Crowther, William Thoresby, James M. Byron, Robert Smith, jun. 30 Redruth, William Horner, John Smith, Thomas Kelk, John Stephens ; John Poole, Super- numerary. 31 Penzance, John Leech, Abraham Moseley, John Boyle, James Jay. 32 Pembroke, Benjamin Leggatt, Thomas Roberts, Joseph Bowes. 33 Glamorgan, William Hunter, jun., Joseph Kyte, Richard TreflFry. 34 Brecon, John Dean, Stephen Wilson. 35 Birmingham, Joseph Cole, Simon Day, Joseph Burgess. S 2 260 179^ George 36 Wolverhampton, Alexander Suter, Robert Costerdine. 37 Shreivshury , Miles Martindaie, William Saunderson 38 Burslem, Andrew Inglis, Samuel Bardsley, Snowden, Jolm Denton, James Bridgnell. 39 Macclesfield, Jolm Goodwin, George Lowe, Robert Crowther ; George Shadford, Supernumerary. AVilliam Myles, Robert Miller. Joseph Benson, Adam Clarke; James Hall, Supernumeraiy. Thomas Hanby, Jonathan Parkin. Robert Roberts, Richard Reece, ]\Iichael Emmett; Christopher Hopper, Super- numerary. Francis Wrigley, Richard Condy, James Thorn. Thomas Taylor, Joseph Bradford. Daniel Jackson, John Ward; Robert Hayward, Supernumerary. John Booth, William Hains worth, Isaac MuflF. Lancelot Harrison, John Beanland, James Evans. William Smith. Thomas Longley, John Barber, James Buckley. 51 Castle-Donington, John Moon, William Brown. 52 Nottingham, AVilliara Thom, John Beaumont, Thomas Greaves, John Furness. 53 Derby, Joseph Pescod, Thomas Hutton. 54 Ashby-de-Ia-Zouch, Joseph Taylor, Richard Hardacre 40 Stockport, 41 Manchester, 42 Oldham, 43 Bolton, 44 Chester, 45 Liverpool, 46 Northwich, 47 Blackburn, 48 Colne, 49 Lancaster, 50 Leicester, 55 Sheffield, George Highfield, Thomas John Mason, Cooper. John King, George Mowat, George Sargent. Isaac Brown, Thomas Gill, John Simpson, Robert Harper. 58 Gainsborough, Thomas Carlill, John Peacock, John Ramshaw. Jasper Robinson, William Collins, Thomas Robinson. John Allen, William Percival, Joseph Entwisle. James Wood, Jonathan Edraondson. 56 Grimsby, 57 Horncastle, 59 Epivorth, 60 Leeds, 61 Wakefield, 62 Huddersfield, George Gibbon, Richard Elliott. 63 Birstal, Edward Jackson, Robert Smith; Thomas Johnson, Supernumerary. 61 Dewsbury, William Bramwell, John Nelson. 65 Bradford, Parson Greenwood, John Grant. 66 Halifax, John Pawson, Robert Lomas. 67 Keighley, James W^atson, Duncan Kay. 68 Otley, Zachariah Yewdall, W^illiam Simpson. 69 Whitehaven, Jonathan Brown, John Barritt. 1792. 261 70 Isle of Man, John Ogilvie, William Fenwick, William Martin. 71 York, Samuel Hodgson, Joseph Thompson, Thomas Harrison. 72 Pocklington, John Shaw, Booth Newton. 73 Hull, Alexander Mather, Robert Hopkins. 74 Bridlington, John Braithwaite, William Stephenson. 75 Scarborough, George Holder, William Butterfield, George Sykes. 76 Wfiitby, John Stamp, John Kershaw. 77 Thirsk, Tliomas Dixon, James Ridall, Samuel Gates. 78 Stockton, William Hunter, sen., Thomas Vasey. 79 Barnard Castle, John M'Kersey, Thomas Dunn. 80 Hexham, Peter Mill, William Franklin. 81 Sunderland, John Pritchard, John Brettell, John Atkins. 82 Neivcastle, John Gaulter, Samuel Botts ; Joseph Cownley, Supernumerary. 83 Almvick, Charles Atmore, John S. Pipe. SCOTLAND. 84 Edinburgh, 85 Glasgow, 86 Ayr, 87 Dumfries, 88 Berivick, 89 Kelso, 90 Dundee, 91 Aberdeen, 92 Inverness, 93 Dublin, 94 TVicklow, 95 Carloiv, 96 Waterford, 97 Cork, 98 Bandon, 99 Limerick, 100 Birr, 101 Aughrim, 102 Castlebar, 103 Athlone, Duncan M'Allum, Robert Johnson, John Riles. Henry Taylor. Robert Harrison. John Townsend. Robert Swan. ") mi i. t, Thomas Wood, j ^^^^^ ^'^ *^ ^^^°°^- James Bogie, Robert Dall, Joseph Cross; Joseph Saunderson, Supernumerary. Alexander Kilham, James Anderson; John Watson, Supernumerary. John Saunderson, John Doncaster, Alexander Cummins, Stephen Eversfield. IRELAND. Andrew Blair, James McDonald. David Gordon, George Donovan. William M'Cornoek, John Stephenson. John Darragh, Andrew Hamilton, jun. Walter Griffith, Jonathan Crowther. Thomas Patterson, William Johnson, Thomas Ridgeway. William West, Thomas Kerr, WilUam Hamilton, John Gillis. Matthias Joyce, William Wilson. Francis Armstrong, John Hurley. John Woodrow, James Hurlev. Thomas Davis, John Miller., 262 1792. Armstrong, 104 Longford, Samuel Mitchell, James M'Quigg; John Bredin, Supernumerary. 105 SUgo, Samuel Moorhead, Blakely Dowling. 106 Ballyconnell, Joseph Armstrong, Thomas Black, James Stuart. 107 Cavan, John Malcomson, William William Ferguson. 108 Clones, Robert Smith, Joseph Hennin, Andrew Hamilton, sen.; Thomas Hewett, Super- numerary. 109 Brookborough, James E-eunick, James Irwin, Robert Banks. 110 EnmsMllen, Matthew Stewart, Charles Graham. 111 Bally shannon, Alexander Moore, Samuel Alcorn, James Jordan; Thomas Elliott, Supernumerary. 112 Rathmelton, Samuel Steele, James Bell. 113 Newtown Stewart, Archibald Murdoch, John Graham. 114 Charlemont, David Barrowclough, John M'Farland, Matthias Dice; Samuel Bates, Super- numerary. 115 Londonderry, John Dinnen, Gustavus Armstrong. 116 Coleraine, WilHam Smith, Michael Murphy, Thomas Brown. 117 Belfast, John Grace, Samuel Wood. 118 Lisburn, John Kerr, Robert Dougherty. 119 Doivnpatrick, Thomas Barber, James M'Mullen. 120 Tanderagee, George Brown, John Cross, Thomas M'Clellan. 121 Newry, John Crook, Matthew Tobias. Halifax, AMERICA. THE BRITISH DOMINIONS, NOVA SCOTlA AND NEW BRUNSWICK. William Jessop, John Mann, Elders. Liverpool, Shelburne, Newport, Cumberland, River St. John, Annapolis, Thomas Whitehead. WilHam Early. John Cooper. Benjamin Fizler. John Regan. James Boyd. William Black, presiding Elder. THE WEST INDIES. Antigua, John Baxter, Benjamin Pearce. Barbadoes, Matthew Lumb, John Kingston. St. Vincent's, James Wray. Nevis, John M'Vean. St. Christopher's, William Warren er, Richard Pattison. 1792. Tortola, John Harper, Thomas Owens. Jamaica, William Fish, William Brazier, Daniel Graham. Q. 8. How many wives are to be provided for ? A. One hundred and eighteen. Q. 9. How many of these are to be provided for by the Circuits ? A. Eislitv-two : as follows; viz., — London, S. (Wm.) Thompson, Rodda, Ashman, Reynolds. Sussex, £6. S. Warwick. S, Boon. S.Broadbent. Rochester, \ Canterbury, j Norwich, i84. \ Yarmouth, £8. j Diss, £3. Lynn, Walsingham, Bedford, S. Tattershall. Northampton, 1 g_ ^^^^^ Oxfordshire, ) -' Portsmouth, S. Button. Bath, S. Moore. Bristol, S. Bradburn, Ruther- ford, Davies. Shepton-Mallet, S. Harper. Taunton, ) o t Tiverton; [ S. Lessey. Plymouth, S. Rhodes, Bland. St. Austle, S. Crowther. Redruth, S. Horner, and £6. Penzance, S. Moseley, and £Q. Birmingham, S. Day, Simpson. Shrewsbury, S. Martindale. Burslem, S. Inglis. Macclesfield, S. Goodwin, Snowden. Stockport, S. MyleSjCosterdine. Manchester, S. Clarke, Broad- bent, (Jer.) Brettell. Oldham, S. Bradford. Bolton, S. Roberts. Chester, S. Condv. Liverpool, S. (T.)' Tayler. Northwich, S, Ward. Blackburn, S. Booth, and £6. Leicester, ^ o r i f^ L\ W • L > S.Longley. Castle-Donmgton J ° " Nottingham, S. Thom. Derby, ^ S. (Jos.) Ashby, j Taylor. Sheffield, S. Pescod, Beau- mont, Moon. Grimsby, S. Mowat. Horncastle, S. (Is.) Brown. Gainsborough, S. Peacock. Epworth, S. ColUns. Leeds, S. Greenwood, Percival, Beanland. Wakefield, S. Wood. Huddersfield, S. Gibbon. Birstal, S. Bramwell. Bradford, S. Eutwisle. Halifax, S. Gill. Keighley, S. Story. Isle of Man, S. Ogilvie. York, S. Hodgson. Pocklington, Bridlington, Hull, S. Hopkins. Scarbbrough, S. Holder. Whitby, S. Butterfield. Thirsk, £6. Stockton, S. Hunter. Hexham, £6. Sunderland, S. Pritchard, (John) Brettell. Newcastle, S. Gaulter, Botts. Ediuburgh, £6. Ireland, S. Blair, McDonald, Griffith, West, (Thomas) Kerr, Joyce, Johnson, Wood- row, Armstrong, Rennick, Stewart, Graham, Grace. ) S. Shaw. Colne, S. Harrison, and ^66. Q. 10. How are the other thirty-six wives to be provided for? viz., — S. (Jon.) Brown, (James) Thom, Ramshaw,, Kane, Ste- 264 i7d\ vens, Tunnydiffe, Kyte, Bogie, Dall, Cross, (Jos.) Watson, (Jos.) Thompson, (William) Stephenson, Watson, Dixon, Ridall, i)unn. Mill, Franklin, Atkins, £6; Cousins, Atmore, Shelmer- dine, M'Allura, £6; Johnson, (Hen.) Taylor, Tovvnsend, Swan, Dieuaide, Dinnen, Smith, (George) Brown, Crook, (John) Kerr, Barrowclough, Stephenson, £6. A. Partly by the smaller subscriptions raised in the Circuits, and partly by the Contingent Fund. N.B. The money for the wives above-mentioned, resident in England and Scotland, will be deposited in the hands of Mr. Whitfield ; and that for the wives resident in Ireland, in the hands of Mr. Blair. Q. 11. What numbers are in the Society? A. As follows: — London - 3250 Coventry 64 Sussex- - 285 Wolverhampton - 600 Rochester - 310 Burslem - 1470 Canterbury - 300 Macclesfield - 1214 Colchester - 165 Stockport - 950 Norwich - 617 Manchester - 1400 Diss - - 330 Oldham - 793 Bury - - 180 Bolton - 1220 Lynn - - 245 Chester - 600 Wells - - 190 Liverpool - 660 Bedford - 550 Warrington - 475 Northampton - - 407 Blackburn - 1040 Oxfordshire - 740 Colne - - 1010 Gloucestershire - 324 Leicester - 709 Worcestershire - 363 Nottingham - - 1140 Sarum- - 282 Derby - - 830 Portsmouth - 480 Sheffield - 1700 Isle of Jersey - - 334 Grimsby 575 Isle of Guernsey ") Isle of Alderney J - 240 Horncastle - 640 Gainsborough - - 710 Bath - - 900 Epworth - 693 Bristol- - 1600 Leeds - - 2100 Sheptou-Mallet - 974 Wakefield - 744 Taunton - 285 Huddersfield - - 760 Tiverton ") , Bideford J - 519 Birstal- - 720 Dewsbury - 510 Plymouth - 880 Bradford - 1170 St. Austle - 1030 Hahfax - 1124 Redruth - 1660 Keighley - 990 Penzance - 1540 Otley - - 549 Pembroke - 207 Whitehaven - 288 Glamorgan - 245 Isle of Man - 2400 Brecon - 133 York - - 879 Birmingham - - 1589 Pocklington - 463 1792. 265 Hull - - 663 Bridlington . 350 AMERICA. Scarborough - - 607 Whitby - 514 THE BRITISH DOMINIONS. Thirsk - - 641 Nova Scotia, and New ~) Brunswick J 800 Yarm^ - - 580 Barnard Castle - 3S3 Newfoundland 270 Hexham - 620 Antigua, Mulattoes 105 Sunderland . 1154 Blacks 2329 Newcastle - 800 Whites 36 Alnwick - 350 St. Christophex^'s, ") Mulattoes J 114 Edinburgh - 209 Glasgow - 209 Whites 28 Dumfries 49 Blacks 1424 Kelso - 29 Tortola^Coloured People 1200 Dundee - 170 Nevis, Coloured People 394 Aberdeen - 295 Grenada 20 Inverness - 323 St. Vincent's, Whites - 13 Dublin - 950 Coloured People 450 Wicklow - 199 Barbadoes 51 Carlow - 230 Jamaica, Whites and~) Mulattoes J 40 Waterford - 261 Cork - - 390 Blacks 130 Bandon - 230 Limerick - 463 DOMINION OF THE STATE Birr - - 350 OF HOLLAND. Castlebar - 217 St. Eustatius - 220 Athlonp 503 Longford - 367 In all 7,624 Sligo - . 370 Ballyconnell - - 800 THE UNITED STATES i. Cavan - 875 Clones - 980 South Carolina. Brookborough - - 790 Charleston, Whites 66 Enniskillen - 450 Blacks 119 Ballyshannon - - 646 Kingston, Whites 116 Lisleen - 392 Blacks 84 Omagh - 419 Little Pee-Dee, Wliites 765 Charlemont - 1214 Blacks 55 Londonderry - - 318 Great Pee-Dee, Whites 317 Coleraine - 661 Blacks 49 Belfast - 419 Santee, Whites 354 Lisburn - 480 Blacks - 126 Downpatrick - . 497 Edisto, Whites 550 Tanderagee - 970 Blacks. 121 Newry - 517 Catauba, Whites 220 Blacks Cherokee, Whites 29 372 InaU 75,278 Blacks 10 £66 1792. Bush River, Whites 200 E. New River, Whites - 1160 Blacks 15 Blacks - 466 Broad Ptivei', Whites - 450 Contcutney, Whites 293 Blacks 95 Blacks 48 Uuion, W^hites 120 Virginia. Seleuda, Whites 300 Blacks 5 Sussex, Whites 606 /~1 • Blacks 208 Georgia. Portsmouth, Whites - 819 Washington, Whites - 621 Blacks 574 Blacks - 114 Surrey, Whites 770 Richmond, Whites 501 Blacks 705 Blacks 72 Bedford, Whites 383 Burke, Whites 572 Blacks 89 Blacks - 43 Amherst, Whites 335 Savannah, Whites 323 Blacks 130 Blacks 4 Orange, Whites 530 North Carolina. Blacks Hanover, W^hites 54 640 W. New River, Whites 320 Blacks 121 Blacks - 16 Essex, Whites - 248 Russel, Whites 79 Blacks - 20 Blacks 5 Williamsburg, Whites - 473 Holstein, Whites 140 Blacks - 194 Blacks 6 Gloucester, W"hites 620 Green, W^hites 340 Blacks 62 Blacks - 3 Lancaster, Whites 586 Yadkin, Whites 401 Blacks 210 Blacks 25 Stafford, Whites 258 Salisbury, Whites 519 Blacks 19 Blacks 24 Fairfax, Whites 657 Anson, Whites 150 Blacks 141 Blacks - 56 Berkley, Whites 1024 Lincoln, Whites 429 Blacks 192 Blacks 12 Alleghany, Whites 351 Roan Oak, AVhites 5S6 Blacks 23 Blacks 352 Rockingham, Whites - 335 Pamlico, Whites 374 Blacks - 46 Blacks 50 Clarksburg, Whites 300 Guildford, Whites 420 Blacks 4 Blacks 36 Ohio^ W^hites - 350 Caswell, Whites 508 Blacks 31 Maryland. New Hope, Whites 510 Northampton, Whites 563 Blacks 108 Blacks 203 Bladen, Whites 232 Redstone, Whites 360 Blacks 57 Blacks 7 Tar River, Whites 655 Pittsburgh, Whites 100 Blacks 162 Rauflolph, Whites 30 1792. 267 Calvert, Whites 760 Greensville, Blacks 383 Blacks 1329 Salem, Whites - 464 Severn, Whites 734 Bethel, Whites 403 Blacks 414 Blacks - 2 Montgomery, Wliites - 637 Burlington, Whites 374 Blacks - 347 Blacks 18 Baltimore, Whites 944 Trenton, Whites 420 Blacks 207 Blacks 32 Frederick, Whites 480 Flanders, Whites 304 Blacks 93 Blacks 8 Bath, Whites - 315 Newburg, Whites 412 Blacks - 41 Blacks 7 Huntingdon, Whites - 200 Elizabeth Town, Whites 321 Blacks - 2 Blacks 12 Hartford, Whites 633 New York, Whites 524 Blacks 181 Blacks 112 Baltimore Town, Whites 430 New Rochelle, Whites - 661 Blacks 181 Blacks - 16 FelFs Point, Whites - 138 Blacks 42 New York, Annapolis, Whites 136 Long Island, Whites - 251 Blacks 223 Blacks - 17 Dover, Whites - 1022 Dutchess, Whites 473 Blacks - 396 Blacks 6 Bertie, Whites 650 Columbia, Whites 253 Blacks - 120 Blacks 3 Camden, Whites 585 New Britain, Whites - 430 Blacks 229 Cambridge, Whites 260 Banks, Whites 408 Albany, T. & C, Whites 242 Blacks - 30 Blacks 4 Bottetourt, Whites 214 Milford, Whites 720 Blacks 15 Blacks 226 Greenbrier, Whites 73 Annamessex, Whites - 325 Halifax, Whites 93 Blacks - 51 Blacks 8 Somerset, Whites 546 Franklin, Whites 287 Blacks 99 Blacks 27 Dorchester, Whites 785 Mecklenburg, Whites - 478 Blacks 459 Blacks - 25 Caroline, Whites 970 Cumberland, Whites - 385 Blacks 313 Blacks 37 Talbot, Whites 740 Amelia, Whites 651 Blacks 610 Blacks 132 Kent, Whites - 720 Brunswick, Whites 627 Blacks - 430 Blacks 200 Pennsylvania. Jersey. Cecil, Whites - 418 Greensville, Whites 720 Blacks - 340 268 1792. Wilmington, Whites Blacks Chester, Whites Blacks Philadelphia, Whites Blacks Connecticut. Bristol, Whites Saratoga, Whites Otsego, Whites Lichfield, Whites Fairfield, Whites Middlefields, Whites Hertford, Whites Stockbridge, Whites Massachusetts, Lynn, Whites - Wyoming, Whites Limestone, Whites Kentucky. Lexington, Whites Blacks 93 48 429 15 254 36 111 100 100 180 375 62 28 30 58 100 137 543 6 Dansville, Whites Blacks Salt River, Whites Blacks Cumberland, Whites Blacks Whites Blacks 520 37 259 28 349 23 67 Total 49,595 13,087 62,682 AFRICA. SierraLeone,Colourcd ) People j Total in America Total in Europe Total in Africa Total in Europe, America, and Africa 223 70,306 75,278 223 145,807 12. What is the Kingswood Collection? Q. A. ^1,229. 55. M. Q. 13. What children are admitted this year? A. George Bradburn, nine years old ; Joseph Bradford, nine years old ; Charles Stewart, eleven years old ; Josiali Goodwin, near eight years old ; Charles Tunnycliffe, near nine years old ; James Inglis, seven years old ; John Pritchard, seven years old, Richard Summers is to remain another year. Q. 14. What can we allow for the education of the Preachers' children who cannot be admitted into Kingswood School ? A. £186. Q. 15. What is contributed towards the Preachers' Fund? A. £714. 17*. Sd. Q. 16. What is allowed out of it? £. s. A. To Thomas Westell - 30 0 William Whitaker 20 0 Matthew Lowes - 15 0 Thomas Hanson - 20 0 John Furz - 12 0 Ann Morgan - 24 0 Lucia Bourke - 15 0 jNIary Peuington - 12 0 d. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 £. s. d. Elizabeth Dillon - 12 0 0 Sarah Barry - 24 0 0 Sarah Navlor - 10 0 0 Sarah Hosmer - 10 0 0 Sarah Mitchell - 20 0 0 Elizabeth Jaco - 12 0 0 John Price - 30 0 0 S. Corbet - 12 0 0 Thomas Johnson - 6 6 0 1792. 269 Samuel Bates Christopher Hopper John Poole James Christie William Boothby - Thomas Brisco John Watson Thomas Wride Thomas Olivers Georg;e Shadford - £. s. d. 12 0 0 30 0 0 30 0 0 8 0 0 24 0 0 30 0 0 12 0 0 20 0 0 24 0 0 12 0 0 12 0 0 12 0 0 Richard Watkinson Christopher Watkins 23 George Wadsworth Mary Empringham John Broadbent - Thomas Tennant - Thomas Elliott - Thomas Hewett - John Hampson Joseph Jerom Ann Wright JohnBredin - 12 0 0 In all £677 Q. 17. What is contributed for the Yearly Expenses? A. £1,443. 165. 2d. Q. 18. How was it expended ? £. s. d. 16 0 0 IS 23 0 0 13 0 0 22 0 0 22 0 0 23 0 0 12 0 0 12 0 0 12 0 0 12 0 0 6 0 £. s. d. 85 9 10 97 6 4 396 12 4 293 17 6 £. s. d. Deficiencies in^ the allowance f made for the T 279 10 8 children j Sick families 98 19 0 Kent for houses,&c. 209 12 0 Travelling expenses 297 10 6 VariousContin- '^ gencies for f the three C" 153 3 2 kingdoms J A. Deficien- cies of last year'sCou- tingencies Law Deficiencies of* the salaries of the Preach- ers Deficiencies of^ the salaries of / the wives of T thePreachersJ | £1,912 1 4 N.B. The deficiency was made up out of the profits of the books. Q. 19. What regulations shall be made concerning the oflflce of the President of the Conference ? A.\. The same President is not to be re-chosen above once in eight years. 2. The President's power shall cease, as soon as tlie Conference breaks up. Q. 20. What further regulations shall be made concerning the management of the Districts? A.\. All the Preachers of every District respectively, who shall be present at the Conference from time to time, shall meet together as soon as possible after the stations of the Preachers are finally settled, and choose a Chairman for their District out of the present or absent members of the District Committee. 2. The Chairman so chosen shall have authority to call a meeting of the Committee of his District, on any application of the Preachers or people which appears to him to require it. 270 1792. But he must never individually interfere with any other Circuit but his own. 3. Whenever the Chairman has received any complaint against a Preacher, either from the Preachers or the people, he shall send an exact account of the complaint in writing to the person accused, with the name of the accuser or accusers, before he calls a meeting of the District Committee to examine into the charge. 4. If it appear on just grounds to any Assistant, that the Chairman of his District has been guilty of any crime or misdemeanour, or that he has neglected to call a meeting of the District Committee when there were sufficient reasons for calling it, such Assistant shall have authority in that case to call a meeting of the District Committee, and to fix the time and place of meeting. The Committee, thus assembled, shall have power, if they judge necessary, to try the Chairman, and, if found guilty, to suspend him from being a Travelling Preacher till the ensuing Conference, or to remove him from the office of an Assistant, or to depose him from the chair, and to elect another in his place. Q. 21 . What direction is to be given concerning the children of the Preachers? A. No Preacher is to receive anything from the Circuits on account of his children, after they have arrived at the age of seventeen. Q. 22. Who are the members of the Committee for the inspection of Kingswood School? A. Samuel Bradburn, Thomas Rutherford, John Valton, Thomas M 'Geary, Thomas Roberts, James Yewer. Q. 23. What rules shall be made concerning ordinations? A.\. No ordination shall take place in the Methodist Connexion without the consent of the Conference first obtained. 2. If any brother shall break the above-mentioned rule, by ordaining or being ordained without the consent of the Conference previously obtained, the brother so breaking the rule does thereby exclude himself. Q. 24. W^hat rule shall be made concerning the administration of the Lord's Supper? A. The Lord's Supper shall not be administered by any person among our Societies in England and Ireland, for the ensuing year, on any consideration whatsoever, except in London. Q. 25. What directions shall be given concerning our conduct to the civil Government ? A.\. None of us shall, either in writing or conversation, speak lightly or irreverently of the Government under which he lives. 2. We are to observe, th.it the oracles of God command us to 1792. 271 be subject to the higher powers ; and that honour to the King is there connected with the fear of God, Q. 26. What rule shall be made concerning the service in the Church-hours ? A. The service shall not be performed in any new place in the Church-hours in future, without the consent of the Confer- ence first obtained. Q. 27. Expressions have been used by some, through a false zeal for their own peculiar sentiments, which were very unjustifiable. How shall we prevent this in future ? A. No person is to call another heretic, bigot, or by any other disrespectful name, on any account, for a diflference in sentiment. Q. 28. Who are the Chairmen of the Districts for the ensuing year ? A. As follows: — 1 London, William Thompson. 2 Norwich, Charles Boon. 3 Nottingham, Joseph Taylor. 4 Sarum, Joseph Algar. 5 Jersey, Henry Saunders. 6 Redruth, William Horner. 7 Plymouth, Benjamin Rhodes. 8 Bynstol, Henry Moore. 9 Pembroke, Thomas Roberts. 10 Birminffham, Jeremiah Brettell. 1 1 Manchester, Robert Roberts. 12 Chester, John Goodwin. 13 Halifax, John Pawson. 14 Leeds, John Allen. 15 York, Alexander Mather. 16 Grimsby, Thomas Caildl. 17 Whitby, William Hunter, sen. 18 Whitehaven, Jonathan Brown. 19 Newcastle, John Pritchard. 20 Edinburgh, Duncan M'Allura. 21 Aberdeen, James Bogie. N.B. The Preachers in full connexion in Ireland are desired to meet as soon as possible in their respective Districts, and to choose their Chairmen. Q. 29. Some Preachers have paid visits to their friends and relations at unsuitable times, to the injury of the work of God in their Circuits. How shall this be prevented in future? A. No Preacher is to leave his Circuit in order to visit his friends or relations, between the Midsummer and Michaelmas quarter-days. Q. 30. What directions shall be given concerning the general Fasts? 272 1792. A. A general Fast shall be held on the first Friday after Christmas-day, after Lady-day, after Midsummer-day, and after Michaelmas-day. Q. 31. What directions shall be given concerning the execution and enrolment of Deeds ? A. 1. The Deed must be drawn on a parchment with a ten- shilling stamp. 2. If it relate to a preaching-house out of London, it must be acknowledged by the person or persons convejang the premises to Trustees, (after the execution of it,) before a jNIaster Extraordinary in Chancery. — N.B. Almost every eminent attoruey-at-law in the country is a Master Extraordinary iu Chancery. 3. It must be enrolled in Chancery within six months after the execution of it. Q. 32. What can be done to contract the temporal business of the Conference? A. Let the Committees of the Districts settle all the temporal business of their Districts respectively as far as possible; and let the Chairman of each District lay the accounts in writing before the Conference. Q. 33. Who are appointed Stewards of the Fund for the superannuated Preachers, &c. ? A. Alexander Mather, William Thompson, John Pawson, Thomas Taylor. Q. 34'. Who are .ippointed the Committee for the Fund for the superannuated Preachers, &c. ? A. Thomas Hanby, Robert Roberts, Thomas Coke, John Allen, Richard Rodda, Samuel Bradburn, James Rogers, Joseph Bradford, Benjamin Rhodes. Q. 35. What directions are to be given concerning books? A. No contracts shall be made by our Book-Steward, in respect to books, with any authors or booksellers, or with any other person. Q. 36. Who is to hold the next Conference in Dublin, on the first Friday of July next? A. Alexander Mather. But if he finds that his health will not admit of his doing it, he shall have power to delegate another of the brethren. Or, if he go himself, he may take Mr. Bradford with him. Q. 37. What directions are to be given concerning the raising of money in the Circuits for erecting or paying the debts of houses? A. 1. No collection shall be made in any Circuit for the above-mentioned purpose, without the consent of the Confer- ence. 2. No collection shall be made by any other person than a Travelling Preacher. 1793. 273 Q. 38. What directions shall be given concerning the attendance of the Preachers at the Conference ? A, We aU agree to confirm our former rule, that no Preacher, except the Assistants, and the Preachers to be admitted, and Preachers against whom any complaint is to be lodged, shall come to the Conference, unless the Circuit in which he laboured bear his travelling expenses. Q. 39. What Preacher is in reserve ? A. Thomas Linay, of the Lynn Circuit. Q. 40. What shall we do more to promote the work of God ? A. We do, at this solemn hour of the night,* devote ourselves 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 His blessed work. And this our solemn dedication of ourselves to God we do unani- mously signify by rising from our seats in the presence of the Lord. Q. 41 . When and where shall our next Conference be held ? A. At Leeds, on the last Monday in July, 1793. N.B. The Delegates of the Districts are to be in Leeds oa the Tuesday preceding the Conference, and to begin to draw up the plan for the Stations of the Preachers on the day following. To the Members of our Societies who desire to receive the Lord's Supper from the hands of their own Preachers. Very dear Brethren, The Conference desire us to write to you, in their name, in the most tender and affectionate manner, and to inform you of the event of their deliberations concerning the administration of the Lord's Supper. After debating the subject time after time, we were greatly divided in sentiment. In short, we knew not what to do, that peace and union might be preserved. At last, one of the senior brethren (Mr. Pawson) proposed that we should commit the matter to God, by putting the question to the lot, considering that the oracles of God declare that "the lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty :" f and again, that " the lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord :" J and considering also that we have the example of the Apostles themselves, in a matter which we thought, all things considered, of less importance. We accoi'dingly prepared the lots; and four of us prayed. God was surely then present, yea. His glory filled the room. Almost all the Preachers were in tears, and, as they afterwards confessed, felt an undoubted assurance that God Himself would decide. Mr. Adam Clarke was then called on to draw the lot ; * Past ten o'clock on the 15th of August, just before the close of the Conference, t Prov. xviii. 18. X Prov. xvi, 33. Vol. I. T 274 1793. which was, " You shall not administer the sacrament the ensning year/' All were satisfied. All submitted. All was peace. Every countenance seemed to testify that every heart said, " It is the Lord : let Him do what seemeth Him good." A minute was then formed according to the previous explanation of the lots, that the sacrament should not be administered in our Connexion for the ensuing year, except in London. The prohibition reaches the Clergy of the Church of England, as well as the other brethren. We do assure you, dear brethren, we should have been perfectly resigned, if the lot had fallen on the other side. Yea, we should, as far as Christian prudence and expediency would have justified, have encouraged the administration of the Lord's Supper by the Preachers; because we had not a doubt but God was uncommonly present on the occasion, and did Himself decide. Signed, in behalf .of the Conference, ALEXANDER INIATHER, President, THOMAS COKE, Secretary. LEEDS, Monday, July 29, 1793. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. Robert Harrison, George Lowe, Charles Tunnycliffe, William Saunderson, John Kershaw, William Cox, Robert Lomas, Miles INIartindale, John Nelson, John Denton, Robert Smith, John Grant, Thomas Hutton, James Anderson, Owen Davies, Thomas Simmonite, William Shelmerdine, Thomas Harrison, John Saunderson, Joseph Cross, Robert Crowther, William Hainsworth, George SN'kes, John Ramshaw. Ireland. — George Donovan, Andrew Hamilton, jun., Thomas Patterson, Thomas Ridgeway, James M^Ciuigg, James Irwin, Samuel Wood. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. Henry Saunders, James Lawton : These have travelled four years. Edward Gibbons, George Sargent, John Braithwaite, Joseph Burgess, Richard Elliott, Thomas Trethewey, John S. Pipe, Samuel Taylor, John Dean, John Boyle, John Doncaster, Booth Newton, John Siiupson, William Aver, William Denton, Isaac Lilly, William Franklin. All these have travelled three years. Stephen Wilson, William Mahy, Henry Mahy, James Jay, Michael Emmett, Richard Pattison, Francis Thoresby, John Kingston, George Deverell, James Buckley, John Foster, Alexander Cummins, Henry Anderson, Clelaud Kirkpatrick : All these have travelled two years. 1793. 275 Richard Gower, Joseph Kyte, Joseph Bowes, Francis Balliaii, Joseph Robbins, John Stephens, Robert Smith, Wiliiam Martin, John Ward, Thomas Fearnley, Richard Hardacre, James Bridgnell, William Fen wick, Richard TrefFry, Stephen Eversfield, James Buckley, William Brown, Thomas Linay, John Brice, George Morley : All these have travelled one year. Ireland. — John Hurley, Charles Graham, William Ferguson, Thomas Brown, Archibald Murdoch, William Smith, Samuel Steele, John Cross, Blakely Dowling, James Bell : These have travelled three years. Joseph Hennin, William Armstrong, John M'Farland, Matthew Tobias, Samuel Alcorn : These have travelled two years. James Stuart, Robert Banks, Thomas M'Clellan, James Jordan, James Smith, John M ^Arthur: These have travelled one year. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. James Ellis, John Williams, Jonathan Barker, George Marsden, Thomas Yates, James Scholefield, Edmund Shaw, Francis West, Patrick Kelly, James Penman, George Douglas, John Clarke, Robert Green, William Harrison, Leonard Ledbrook, James Lyons, James Mort, John Phillips, Charles Gloyne, William Smith, Thomas Ingham, John Hudson. Ireland. — James M'Kee, Robert Crozier. West Indies. — Joseph Telford. Q. 4. Who have died this year? A. 1. James Wray, a faithful labourer in the Lord's vine- yard. For several years he travelled in England with success. His zealous spirit then led him across the Atlantic Ocean to Nova Scotia, where he was rendered useful in his Master's cause ; and, lastly, he closed his steady race in the island of St. Vincent, resigning his soul into the hands of his faithful Creator, with all that resignation, peace, and holy joy, which might be expected from a father in Christ. 2. Joseph Cownley, aged seventy. This venerable man began his ministry in 1744. In filling up the duties of his station, he was fervent and diligent. In doing this, he had to combat some of the most painful infirmities of human nature. His abilities as a Preacher were very uncommon ; a peculiar unction generally attended his word ; his seriousness was almost proverbial ; and he Hved and died a copy of the truths he taught. He sought out the retreats of wretchedness, and was found " M'^here hopeless anguish pour'd his groan, And lonely want retired to die. " His end was suitable to his holy life. Death had lost lu3 T 2 276 1793. terrors. He said, " I desire to be dissolved, and to be with Christ;" and, without a struggle or a groan, fell asleep in Jesus. In him the Society lost a faithful Pastor, and the world a burning and shining light. 3. Thomas Robinson, a steady, pious man. He was cut off in the prime of life, and died uncommonly happy in God. 4. John Shaw. He laboured for thirty years as a Travelling Preacher ; was useful in every Circuit where he was stationed, and died with unshaken confidence in his God. 5. Thomas Tennant, a man of a meek and quiet spirit. He travelled for twenty -two years, and was everywhere received as an acceptable Preacher. His sufferings for many years were great, arising from a deep, nervous disorder. As he hved to God, so he died in peace. 6. Richard Watkinson, an old labourer, who for several months before his death drank deep into the Spirit of God. 7. Andrew Blair; a man of sound understanding, deep piety, and great zeal, steadiness, and integrity. He laboured as an Itinerant Preacher with great faithfulness and success for near fifteen years ; and, after suffering much in his last illness, with great patience and meekness, died in peace. Q. 5, Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. They were examined one by one. Q. 6. Who have desisted from travelling? A. Charles Bond, Andrew Inglis, John M'Geary, John Graham. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year? A. As follows : — 1 London, William Thompson, Thomas Coke, James Creighton, Peard Dickinson, Thomas Rutherford, Thomas Warwick, Joseph Cole, Wilham Blagborne, John Braithwaite; Thomas Rankin, Thomas Oh vers, Super- numeraries ; George Story, Corrector of the Press ; George Whitfield, Book-Steward. 2 Godalming, Thomas Linay. 3 Sussex, Wilham Shelmerdine, James Lawton, James Elhs. 4 Rochester, Thomas Bartholomew, Thomas Simmonite. 5 Canterbury, John Reynolds, William Palmer, Mark Wilhs. W. Palmer and T. Simmonite are to change once a quarter. 6 Colchester, William Jenkins, William Heath, James Anderson, Thomas Fearnley. 7 Norwich, Alexander Suter, Henry Anderson. 8 Yarmouth, Charles Boon, Benjamin Leggatt. 9 Diss, Charles Kyte, Robert Green. 1793. 377 10 Bury, William Saunders, John Wittam. 11 Lynn, William Ashman, Edward Gibbons. 12 Walsingham, William Denton, Isaac Lilly. 13 Bedford, John Hickling, James Seholefield. 14 Hiyham Ferrers, Thomas Rogerson, John Williams. 15 St. Ives, (Hunts.,) Thomas Broadbent, James Mort. 16 Northampton, Owen Davies, John Wilshaw. 17 Banbury, George Deverell, George Dermott. 18 Oxfordshire, Joseph Algar, Thomas Trethewey, Leonard Ledbrook ; John Murlin, Supernumerary. 19 Gloucestershire, Jonathan Cousins, Joseph Robbins; John Valton, Supernumerary. 20 Worcestershire, Joseph Taylor, George Baldwin. 21 Sarum, John Easton, Abraham Moseley, Richard Gower; Robert Carr Brackenbury, Super- numerary. 22 Portsmouth, Charles Bland, John Cricket, Henry Saunders. 23 Isle of Jersey, Thomas Kelk, Henry Mahy.^j m, , 24 Isle of Guernsey, Richard Reece, W. Dieu- [ . aide, John de Queteville. C . ^ , , ^ 25 Alderney, Francis Balliau, William Mahy. J 26 Bath, Henry Moore, Jonathan Barker; John Furz, John Broadbent, Supernumeraries. 27 Bradford, Wilts., Lawrence Kane, William Holmes. 28 Bristol, Samuel Bradburn, Richard Rodda, Richard Elliott. 29 Shepton-Mallet, Joseph Harper, Joseph Sutcliffe, John Sandoe. 30 Taunton, George Button, John Dean, Richard Treffry; Christopher Watkins, Supernumerary. 31 Collumpton, John Leech, John Stephens. 32 Plymouth, Benjamin Rhodes, James M, Byron, John Boyle, Robert Smith, jun. 33 -S^^. Austle, Timothy Crowther, William Aver, John Foster, John Clarke. 34 Redruth, William Horner, William Thoresby, Francis Truscott ; John Poole, Supernumerary. 35 Penzance, John Smith, John Denton, James Jay, Cleland Kirkpatrick, Thomas Yates ; John Watson, Supernumerary. 36 Pembroke, Thomas Roberts, Samuel Taylor, Joseph Kyte. 37 Glamorganshire, WilUam Cox, Stephen Wilson, James Lyons. 38 Brecon, William Hunter, jun., Joseph Bowes, 39 Birmingham, James Rogers, Simon Day, Jonathan Edmondson. 40 Wolverhampton, Theophilus Lessey, William Saunderson. 41 ShreiDsbury, Miles Martindale, Charles Tannycliffe. 278 1793. 42 Burslem, John Goodwin, Joseph Burgess, James Brid{2;nell. 43 Leek, James Thorn, Robert Crowther. 44 Macclesfield, John IMason, George Highfield, George Lowe; George Shadford, Supernumerary. 45 Stockport, John Pritchard, William Simpson, George Marsden. 46 Manchester, Joseph Benson, Jeremiah Brettell. 47 Oldham, Robert Roberts, William Myles. 48 Bolton, Thomas Taylor, Robert Miller; Christopher Hopper, Supernumerary. 49 Wigan, Thomas Davis, James Watson. 50 Chester, John Booth, Richard Condy, Samuel Bardsley. 51 Liverpool, John Pawson, Adam Clarke. 52 Northivich, Daniel Jackson, Richard Seed. 53 Blackburn, George Snowden, John Atkins, John Furness, Richard Hardacre. 54 Colne, Lancelot Harrison, Charles Gloyne, John Ward. 55 Leicester, John Ba;;ber, William Brown. 56 Hinckley, Thomas Longley, Michael Marshall. 57 Castle-Donivgton, John Beaumont, Thomas Greaves. 58 Nottingham, William Thom, James Hall, James Buckley. 59 Newark, Thomas Dunn, Edmund Shaw. 60 Derby, Jonathan Parkin, Thomas Hutton. 61 Ashby, Joseph Pescod, George Morley. 62 Sheffield, John Moon, Thomas Cooper. 63 Botherham, William Stevens, John Saundersou. 64 Grimsby, John King, Thomas Gill, Francis West. 65 Horncastle, Isaac Brown, Robert Smith, John Bricc, William Harrison. 66 Gainsborough, Jasper Robinson, George Mowat, George 67 Epworth, 68 Leeds, 69 Wakefield, Sargent. Thomas Carlill, William Collins, John Simpson. Thomas Hanby, John Allen, Joseph Entwisle. William James Wood, Samuel Gates; Boothby, Supernumerary. 70 Huddersfield, George Gibbon, William Smith. 71 Birstal, William Bramwell, Duncan Kay; Thomaa Johnson, Supernumerary. 72 Dewsbury, Edward Jackson, John Nelson. 73 Bradford, Parson Greenwood, Michael Emmett. 74 Halifax, Charles Atmore, Robert Lomas. 75 Keighley, Robert Hopkins, William Ilainsworth. 76 Otley, Zachariah Yewdall, John M'Kersey. 77 Whitehaven, John Ogilvie, William Martin. 1793. 279 78 Isle of Man, George Holder, William Fenwick, John Phillips. 79 York, Francis Wrigley, William Percival, John Brettell. 80 Pocklington, Peter Mill, Booth Newton. 81 Hull, Alexander Mather, Jonathan Brown, John Grant. 82 Bridlington, William Stephenson, James Evans. 83 Scarborough, Thomas Dixon, Thomas Tattershall, Robert Harrison. John Stamp, George Sjkes. Thomas Harrison, John Beanland, James Eidall. William Hunter, sen., Supernumerary; John Croshj'^, John Kershaw. 87 Barnard-Castle, Wilh'ara Butterfield, William Franklin; Joseph Thompson, Supernumerary. John Barritt, John Rarashaw. Samuel Hodgson, Samuel Botts, John S. Pipe. Henry Taylor, John Peacock. John Gaulter, John Riles. 84 Whitby, 85 Thirsk, 86 Stockton, 88 Hexham, 89 Sunde7-land, 90 Newcastle, 91 Almoick, SCOTLAND. 92 Edinburgh, Duncan M'AUum, John Doncaster, Stephen Eversfield. 94 G^reenock } ^^^tthew Lumb, Robert Dall. I 95 Ayr, 96 Dumfries, 97 Berivick, 98 Kelso, 99 Dundee, Robert Swan. Robert Johnson. Thomas Wood. James Bogie, John Town send, Alexander Cummins, James Penman, 100 Aberdeen, Alexander Kilham, Joseph Saunderson; Thomas Vasey, Supernumerary. 101 Inverness, Joseph Cross, George Douglas, Patrick Kelly, Thomas Ingham. IRELAND. 102 Dublin, Joseph Bradford, William Smith. 103 Wicklow, John Woodrow, John Gillis. 104 Carlow, Alexander Moore, WiUiam Johnson. 105 Waterford, Jonathan Crowther, Matthias Joyce. 106 Cork, Walter Griffith, Thomas Patterson. 107 Bandon, John Darragh, James M'Quigg. 108 Mallow, Andrew Hamilton, jun., John Hurley, 109 Limerick, David Gordon, WiUiam Wilson. 110 Birr, John Stephenson, Robert Banks. 280 1793. 111 Aughrim, 112 Castlebar, 113 Athlone, 114 Longford, 115 Sligo, Samuel Mitchell, Blakely Dowling. Robert Smith, Andrew Hamilton, sen. William M'Coruock, Samuel Wood; John Bredin, Supernumerary. Gustavus Armstrong, George Brown. Archibald Murdoch, John Miller. 116 Ballyconnell, Samuel Moorhead, James Irwin, Thomas M'Clellan. 117 Cavan, Francis Armstrong, Thomas Ridgeway, Robert Crozier. 118 Clones, Joseph Armstrong, John Cross, James Smith. 119 Brookborough, Thomas Barber, Thomas Hewett. 120 EnniskiUen, Charles Graham, Michael Murphy, James BeU. 121 Ballyshannon, William Ferguson, James Stuart; Thomas Elliott, Supernumerary. 122 Neivtown-Stewart, William Hamilton, William Armstrong, James Jordan; John M'Farland, Supernumerary. 123 Charlemont, David Barrowclough, Thomas Brown, Samuel Alcorn. 124 Londonderry, John Dinnen, Samuel Steele. 125 Coleraine, John Crook, Matthew Tobias. 126 Ballymena, George Donovan, James M'Mullen. 127 Belfast, John Grace, Joseph Hennin. 128 Lisburn, James M'Donald, John Malcomson. 129 Downpairick, Matthew Stewart, John M'Arthur. 130 Tanderagee, John Kerr, James Rennick, Robert erty. 131 Newry, William West, James M'Kee. THE BRITISH DOMINIONS IN AMERICA. NOVA SCOTIA AND NEW BRUNSWICK. Halifax, \ Isaac Lunsford. Norton, ] James Boyd. These are to change every six weeks. Liverpool, Daniel Fidler. John Mann. James Mann, William Gran- dine, Duncan M'Coll. Benjamin Wilson. • j Dough- Newport, New Brunswick, Cumberland, William Black, Elder. Antigua, Barbadoes, uumerary. Grenada, Abraham Bishop St. Christopher's, John Harper, Telford. AVEST INDIES. John Baxter, William Warrener. Daniel Graham; Benjamin Pearce, Super- Richard Pattison, Joseph 1793. Nevis, 281 John Kingston. — N.B. The unmarried Preachers of St. Christopher's and Nevis are to change every half year. Tortola, Thomas Owens, John M'Vean. Jamaica, Wilham Fish. Missionaries, Thomas Dobson, Francis Thoresby. Q. 8. How many wives are to be provided for ? A. One hundred and twenty-one. Q. 9. How many of these are to be provided for by the Circuits ? A. Eighty-two: as follows; viz., — S. Reynolds. } I S. Boon Ashman. London, S. (Wm.) Thompson, Rutherford, Warwick, (Tho.) Broadbent. Sussex, £Q. Rochester, Canterbury, Norwich, £4. Yarmouth, £8. Diss, m. Lynn, Walsingham, Worcestershire, £Q. Sarum, £6. Portsmouth, S. Bland. Bath, S. Moore. Bristol, S. Bradburn, Rodda, Kane. Shepton-Mallet, S. Harper. Taunton, 1 q Collumpton, j ' Plymouth, S. Rhodes, and £6. St. Austle, S. Crowther. Redruth, S. Horner, and £Q. Penzance, S. Smith, and £Q. Birmingham, S. Day, Crosby. Shrewsbury, S. Martindale. Burslem, S. Goodwin. Macclesfield, S. (James) Thom. Stockport, S. Simpson, Ward. Manchester, S. Brettell, Myles, Ogilvie. Oldham, S. (R.) Roberts. Bolton, S. (T.) Taylor. Chester, S. Condy. Liverpool, S. Clarke, Booth. Northwich, S. (Dan.) Jackson. Blackburn, S. Snowden,andj66. Button. Colne, S. Harrison, and £Q. Leicester, ) c i? v, Castle-Donington, j ^-^aroer. Nottingham, S. (Wm.) Thom. Newark, S. Dunn. Derby, £6. Ashby, S. Pescod. Sheffield, S. Moon, Stevens, Beaumont. Grimsby, S. Gill. Horncastle, S. (Is.) Brown. Gainsborough, S. Mowat. Epworth, S. Collins. Leeds, S. Entwisle, Butterfield, Barritt. Wakefield, S. (James) Wood. Huddersfield, S. Gibbon. Birstal, S. Bramwell. Bradford, S. Greenwood. Halifax, S. Atmore, and £Q. Keighley, S. Hopkins. Isle of Man, S. Watson. York, S. Percival. Pocklington, Bridlington, Hull, S. (Jon.) Brown. Scarborough, S. Tattershall. Whitby, S. Holder. Thirsk, £Q. Stockton, S. Hunter. Hexham, £Q. Sunderland, S. Hodgson, Botts. Newcastle, S. (H.) Taylor, Peacock. Edinburgh, £(S. Ireland, S. Bradford, Smith, Woodrow, Johnson, Joyce, Y- Mill. 283 1793. Griffith, Gordon, Stephen- (T.) Barber, Graham, Bar- son, .£6 ; M'Cornock, (Geo.) rowclough. Brown, Miller, Armstrong, Q. 10. How are the other thirty-nine to be provided for? viz., — S. Shelmerdine, Hickling, Davies, Algar, Cousins, (Jos.) Taylor, Baldwin, Moseley, (John) Broadbent, Lessey, Kelk, Tunnycliffe, Kyte, Atkins, £6; Parkin, (John) Brettell, (Will.) Stephenson, Dixon, Franklin, Ramshaw, Gaulter, (Tho.) Wood, M'Allum, Lumb, Dall, Johnson, Bogie, Cross, Townsend, Swan, Arm- strong (in part), Dinnen, Crook, M'Mullen, Grace, M'Douald, Stewart, Reunick, West. A. Partly by the smaller subscriptions raised in the Circuits, and partly by the Contingent Fund. N.B. The money for the wives above-mentioned, resident in England and Scotland, will be deposited in the hands of Mr. Whitfield ; and that for the wives resident in Ireland, in the hands of Mr. Bradford. Q. 11. What numbers are in the Society? A. As follows : — London - 3150 Penzance - 1271 Sussex- - 312 Pembroke - 193 Rochester - 315 Glamorgan - 262 Canterbury - 298 Brecon - 128 Colchester - 235 Birmingham - - 1235 Norwich - 240 Shrewsbury - 395 Yarmouth - 325 Wolverhampton . 446 Diss - 343 Burslem - 1370 Bury - - 210 Macclesfield - 1300 Lynn - - 270 Stockport - 1060 Walsingham - - 240 Manchester - 1500 Bedford - 660 Oldham ' - - 836 Northampton - - 423 Bolton - - 1193 Oxfordshire - 776 Chester - 617 Gloucestershire - 324 Liverpool - 666 Worcestershire - 375 Northwich - 488 Sarum - - 314 Blackburn - 1090 Portsmouth - 500 Colne - - 1030 Isle of Jersey - - 267 Leicester - 494 Isle of Guernsey 1 250 Castle-Donington - 395 Isle of Alderney Nottingham - 1180 Bath - - 970 Derby - - 420 Bristol- - 1650 Ashbv - - 440 Shepton-Mallet - 990 Sheffi'eld - 1661 Taunton - 338 Grimsby - 570 Collumpton - 470 Horn castle - 607 Plymouth - 900 Gainsborough - - 669 St. Austle - 1020 Epworth - 680 Redruth - 1537 Leeds - - 2120 1793. 283 Wakefield - 770 Brook borough - _ 670 Huddersfield - - 830 Enniskillen _ 531 Birstal - - 820 Ballyshannon - _ 598 Dewsbury - 630 Rathmelton . 253 Bradford - 1180 Newtown-Stewart - 390 Halifax - 1103 Charlemont - 1054 Keighley - 1020 Londonderry - - 386 Otley - - 690 Coleraine - 641 Whitehaven - 300 Belfast - 430 Isle of Man - - 2330 Lisburn - 550 York - - 890 Downpatrick •• - 440 Pocklington - 466 Tanderagee - 913 Hull - - 640 Newry - - 487 Bridlington - 354 Gibraltar - 100 Scarborough - Whitby 6.S3 - UOkj - 517 In all 75,025 Thirsk- - 643 Stockton - 591 AMERICA. Barnard Castle - - 400 Hexham - 650 THE BRITISH DOMINIONS. Sunderland - 1064 Nova Scotia and New Bi 'uns- Newcastle - 800 wick. Alnwick - 320 Halifax . 125 Edinburgh - 187 Shelburne _ 180 Glasgow - 160 Liverpool . 60 ^^''' r - 31 Newport . 90 Dumfries 48 Horton _ 100 Berwick 34 Annapolis _ 80 Kelso - 32 New Brunswick _ 224 Dundee - 200 Cumberland - _ 130 Aberdeen - 300 Inverness .. 321 TVest Indies. Dublin - 890 Antigua, Whites _ 36 Wick low - 100 Coloured people 105 Carlow- - 335 Blacks - 2279 Waterford - 264 Barbadoes, Whites - 34 Cork - - 350 Coloured people 7 Bandon - 213 Blacks - 10 Limerick - 456 Grenada - 80 Birr - 140 St. Vincent's, Whites - 4 Aughrira - 200 Coloured people } 450 Castlebar - 220 and Blacks Athlone - 437 Dominica 20 Longford - 379 St. Christopher's, Whites 33 SHgo - - 393 Coloured people } 1522 Ballyconnell - - 668 and Blacks Cavan - - 736 Nevis - 394 Clones - - 840 Montserrat - 13 284 1793. Tortola, Whites _ 6 Camden, Whites 530 Coloured people and Blacks } 1400 Blacks Banks, Whites - 278 174 Jamaica, Whites 24 Blacks - 4 Coloured people 46 Bottetourt, Whites 221 Blacks - 170 Blacks 15 DOMINION OF THE STATES OP Greenbrier, Whites 118 HOLLAND. Blacks 2 St. Eustatius - . 220 Cowpasture, Whites 36 Blacks 3 In all 7,840 Bedford, Whites Blacks 434 99 THE UNITED STATES • Randolph, Whites 36 Virffinia. Clarksburg, Whites 267 Amherst, Whites _ 345 Rockingham, Whites - 350 Blacks _ 123 Blacks - 46 Orange, Whites . 540 Frederick, Whites 700 Blacks _ 58 Blacks 90 Hanover, Whites . 520 Berkley, Whites 350 Blacks _ 138 Blacks 95 Gloucester, Whites _ 658 Fairfax, Whites 675 Blacks . 74 Blacks 114 Williamsburg, Whites - 490 Stafford, Whites 300 Blacks . 234 Blacks 20 Pomonkey, Whites . 112 Lancaster, Whites 586 Blacks _ 37 Blacks 210 Franklin, Whites _ 567 Blacks _ 68 North Carolina. Bedford, Whites . 499 Yadkin, Whites 439 Blacks _ 43 Blacks 14 Cumberland, Whites . 384 Lincoln, Whites 453 Blacks . 37 Blacks 39 Mecklenburg, Whites . 479 Anson, Whites 241 Blacks - 32 Blacks 40 Amelia, Whites . 645 Salisbury, Whites 565 Blacks . 139 Blacks 31 Brunswick, Whites . 677 Roan Oak, Whites 573 Blacks . 233 Blacks 459 Greensville, AVhites . 735 New Hope, Whites 678 Blacks , 219 Blacks 145 Sussex, Whites . 565 Bladen, Whites 403 Blacks - _ 168 Blacks 64 Surrey, Whites- . 831 Tar River, Whites 627 Blacks - . 800 Blacks 116 Bertie, Whites - . 598 Quotentney, Whites - 407 Blacks - _ 163 Blacks 105 Portsmouth, Whites . 787 Trent, Whites - 719 Blacks _ 557 Blacks - 520 1793. i85 Pamlico, Whites - 346 Blacks - 59 Caswell, Whites - 517 Blacks - 75 Guildford, Whites - 613 Blacks - 57 Mattamaskeat, Whites - 164 Blacks - 47 Scoperlong, Whites - 167 Blacks - 10 South Carolina. Charleston, Whites - 48 Blacks - - 82 Edisto, Whites- - 538 Blacks - - 163 Little Pee-Dee, Whites 700 Blacks 33 Great Pee-Dee, Whites 260 Blacks - 53 Santee, Whites - 300 Blacks - 150 Catauba, Whites - 229 Blacks . 22 Cherokee, Whites - 453 Blacks - 11 Bush River, Whites - 76 Blacks - 12 Broad River, Whites - 500 Blacks - 86 Union, Whites - 236 Blacks - - 24 Seleuda, Whites - 266 Blacks - 6 George-Town, Whites - 49 Blacks - 100 Washington, Whites - 332 Blacks - 91 Richmond, Whites - 590 Blacks - 85 Georgia, Holstein, and Kentucky. Burke, Whites - 430 North Savannah, Whites 106 Oconee, Whites - 220 Blacks - 21 Elbert, Whites - 186 Blacks - 25 New River, Whites - 278 Blacks - 17 Holstein, Whites - 214 Blacks - 13 Green, Whites - 266 Blacks - - 8 Russel, Whites - 115 Blacks - 2 Lexington, Whites - 562 Blacks - 41 Dansville, Whites - 597 Blacks - 44 Linaestone, Whites - 149 Blacks - 7 Salt River, Whites - 381 Blacks - 27 Maryland. Cumberland, Whites - 370 Blacks - 57 Calvert, Whites - 700 Blacks - 1200 Annapolis, Whites - 170 Blacks - 243 Severn, Whites - 900 Blacks - - 450 Baltimore, Whites - 950 Blacks - 200 Prince George, Whites- 40 Montgomery, Whites - 650 Blacks - 350 Frederick, Whites - 500 Blacks - 100 Bath, Whites - - 320 Blacks - - 41 Huntingdon, Whites - 215 Blacks - 2 Northumberland,Whites 250 Little York, Whites - 200 Blacks - 5 Hartford, Whites - 630 Blacks - 181 Baltimore Town, Whites 450 Blacks 190 Fell's Point, Whites - 120 Blacks - 42 Dover, Whites - 941 Blacks - - 477 286 1793. Milford, Whites 846 Ehzabeth Town, Whites 190 Blacks 310 Blacks 3 Somerset, "Whites 615 Newburg, Whites 394 Blacks 95 Blacks 6 Northampton, Whites - 600 Wyoming, Whites 106 Blacks - Annamessex, Whites - 248 337 Neiv Jersey. Blacks 75 Bristol, Whites 162 Dorset, Whites 643 Blacks 6 Blacks - 390 Trenton, Whites 390 Talbot, Whites 400 Blacks 33 Blacks - 343 Flanders, Whites 268 Caroline, Whites 799 Burlington, Whites 507 Blacks 271 Blacks 47 Queen Ann, Whites 532 Bethel, Whites 457 Blacks 416 Blacks - 3 Kent, Whites - 395 Salem, Whites 554 Blacks - 472 Blacks - 23 Cecil, Whites - 416 New England. Blacks - 290 Dutchess, Whites 546 Pennsylvania. Blacks Columbia, Whites 7 226 Ohio, Whites - 364 Blacks 3 Blacks - 6 Pittsfield, Wliites 224 Pittsburg, Whites 156 Albany, Whites 261 Bedstone, Whites 361 Cataraqui, Whites 165 Blacks 10 Cambridge, Wliites 315 Alleghany, Whites 360 Saratoga, Whites 182 Blacks 23 Otsego, Whites 207 Tioga, Whites - 71 Lichfield, Whites 428 Philadelphia, Whites - 297 Blacks 1 Blacks 31 Fairfield, Whites 220 Wilmington, Whites - 83 Middletown, Whites - 124 Blacks 41 Hartford, Whites 195 Chester, Whites 367 Lynn, Whites - 118 Blacks 3 Boston, Whites 15 New York. Needham, Whites Providence 34 '^Jp■^)l7' TJnplipllp ^W^ViitPS - 390 Blacks - 11 Total number of "^ Croton, Whites 318 Whites and > 66,191 Blacks - 7 Blacks ) New York, Whites 511 Blacks 130 AFRICA. Long Island, Whites - 266 Blacks - 23 Sierra Leone, Co- \ loured people ) 223 Staten Island, Whites - 77 Blacks - 3 - 1793. 287 Total in Europe, "^ America, and > 149,279 Africa j Total in Europe 75,025 Total in America 74,031 Total in Africa 223 Q. 12. What is the Kingswood Collection? A. £1,177. I6s. 5d. Q. 13. What children are admitted this year? A. Charles Tuunycliffe, nine years old ; Matthias Joyce, ten years old; James Rogers, eight years old; Charles Graham, eleven years old; William West, eight years old; Matthew Stewai't, six years old; Ebenezer Hern, eight years old. Q. 14. What can we allow at present for the education of the Preachers' children who cannot be admitted into Kingswood School? A. £234. Q. 15. What is contributed for the Preachers' Fund? A. £1,084. 13s lOd. Q. 16. What is allowed out of it? £. s. d. £. s. d. A. To Thomas \ Westell j 35 0 0 John Watson 12 0 0 Thomas Wride 20 0 0 William Whitaker 20 0 0 Thomas Olivers 24 0 0 Matthew Lowes - 15 0 0 George Shadford - 12 0 0 Thomas Hanson - 20 0 0 Ann Wright 12 0 0 John Furz 15 0 0 John Bredin 12 0 0 Ann Morgan 24 0 0 Ch ristopher Watkins 23 0 0 Lucia Bourke 15 0 0 George Wadsworth 12 0 0 Mary Penington - 12 0 0 Mary Empringham 12 0 0 Elizabeth Dillon - 12 0 0 John Broadbeut - 22 0 0 Sarah Barry 20 0 0 Thomas Elliott - 12 0 0 Sarah Nay lor 10 0 0 John Hampson 12 0 0 S. Hosmer 10 0 0 Joseph Jerom 12 0 0 Sarah Mitchell 20 0 0 John M'Farland - 12 0 0 Elizabeth Jaco 15 0 0 Susan nahWatkinson 16 0 0 John Price 16 0 0 Esther Tennant 23 0 0 S. Corbet - 15 0 0 Margaret Shaw 30 0 0 Thomas Johnson - 7 7 0 Mary Blair 16 0 0 Samuel Bates 12 0 0 Joseph Thompson 29 0 0 Christopher Hopper 30 0 0 Robert Costerdine 29 0 0 John Poole 30 0 0 Robert Hayward - 19 0 0 James Christie 12 0 0 Benjamin Pearce - 12 0 0 William Boothby - 24 0 0 - "'"^"— Thomas Brisco 30 0 0 In all £802 7 0 Q. 17. What is contributed for the Yearly Expenses? A. £1,365. Us. 7d. Q. 18. How has it been expended? £. £. s. d. Deficiencies of the"^ s. d. Deficiencies of the 'I Preachers' sala- >-244 15 ries J salaries of wives of Preachers the the 187 16 0 8 1793. £. s. d. Rent for houses^ &c. 589 4 9 Travelling expenses 295 19 8 £. s. d. Deficiencies in the") allowance made > 311 6 0 for the children 3 Sick families 156 12 6 In all £1,785 14 0 N.B. The deficiency was made up out of the profits of the books. Q. 19. Who are the Chairmen for tlie Districts ? A. 1 London, William Thompson. 2 Norwich, Charles Boon. 3 Nottinyham, William Thom. 4 Sarwn, John Easton. 5 Jersey, Richard Reece. 6 Redruth, William Horner. 7 Plymouth, Benjamin Rhodes. 8 Bristol, Samuel Bradburn. 9 Pembroke, Thomas Roberts. 10 Birmingham, James Rogers. 11 Manchester, John Pawson. 12 Chester, John Mason. 13 Halifax, Parson Greenwood. 14 Leeds, Thomas Hanby. 15 York, Alexander Mather. 16 Grim,sby, John King. 17 Whitby, William Hunter, sen. 18 Whitehaven, John Ogilvie. 19 Newcastle, Samuel Hodgson. 20 Edinburgh, Duncan M'Allum. 21 Aberdeen, Joseph Saunderson. 22 Dublin, Joseph Bradford. 23 Cork, Walter Griffith. 24 Athlone, William M'Cornock. 25 Clones, Thomas Barber. 26 Londonderry, George Donovan. 27 Charlemont, John Kerr. Q. 20. What direction shall be given concerning the election of a President ? A. No person shall vote for the President by proxy. Q. 21. What direction shall be given concerning super- annuated Preachers ? A. Every Preacher shall be considered as a Supernumerary for four years after he has desisted from travelling, and shall afterwards be deemed superannuated. Q. 22. What directions shall be given concerning the future attendance of the Preachers at the Conference ? A. 1. No Preachers shall attend the Conference, except those whose expenses are borne by their respective Circuits, or by themselves, to and from the Conference, 2. Every Assistant shall be at liberty to attend the Conference 1793. 289 or not ; but, in case of absence, he shall send all his papers which are necessary by the Delegate of his District. 3. One Preacher only shall attend the Conference from Ireland, and one from Scotland. Q. 23. What directions shall be given concerning the division of Circuits? A. No division shall be made in a Circuit, where it does not appear to the District-Meeting, the Committee of Delegates, and the Conference, that there is such an enlargement of the work of God as requires it. Q. 24. Who are the Book-Committee for the ensuing year? A. All the Preachers stationed in London; who shall have united to them, as corresponding members, Messrs. Pawson, Mather, Benson, Bradburn, Clarke, Moore, and T. Taylor. N.B. The Committee in London are to consult the correspond- ing members, in respect to all publications of importance, previously to their being committed to the press. Q. 25. What direction shall be given concerning the admission of Preachers into full connexion ? A. Every Preacher, before he be admitted into full connexion, shall draw out a sketch of his life and experience. Q. 26. Are there any further directions concerning the expenses of the Conference ? A. 1. All letters not directed or belonging to the President, or the Committee of Delegates, are to be paid for by the Circuits respectively from which the Preachers come. 2. All the horses are to be paid for in the same way. Q. 27. Is any regulation to be made concerning class- meetings ? A. All Local Preachers shall meet in class. No exception shall be made in respect to any who have been Travelling Preachers in former years. Q. 28. Are any directions to be given concerning the building of preaching-houses and dwelling-houses? A. 1. All matters relating to the building of preaching-houses and dwelling-houses shall be determined in future in the District-Meetings. 2. All matters relating to the payment of the debts of houses, collections for houses, and everything that appertains to preaching-houses and dwelling-houses, shall be considered and settled in the District-Meetings. Q. 29. Is any direction to be given concerning suspended or expelled Preachers ? A. No Preacher who has been suspended or expelled shall on any account be employed as a Local Preacher, without the authority of the Conference. Q. 30. Shall any alteration be made concerning the exercise of the office of a Chairman of a District ? A. 1. If any Preacher be accused of immorality, the Preacher accused, and his accuser, shall respectively choose two Preachers Vol. I. U 290 1793. of their District ; and tlie Chairman of the District shall, with the four Preachers chosen as above, try the accused Preacher ; and they shall have authoi'ity, if he be found guilty, to suspend him till the ensuing Conference, if they judge it expedient. 2. If there be any difference between the Preachers in a District, the respective parties shall choose two Preacliers ; and tiie Chairman of the District, with the four Px-eachers so chosen, shall be final arbiters to determine the matters in dispute. In both cases the Chairman shall have a casting-voice, in case of an equality. Q. 31. Who are the Preachers that remain in reserve, who may be called out into Circuits, if wanted ? A. 1. Thomas Bennett, of the Worcester Circuit, — a single man. 2. Richard Waddy, of the York Circuit, — single. 3. George Fisher, of the Newark Circuit, — single. He cannot be called out before Christmas. 4. Edward Turner, of the Oxford Circuit, — single. 5. James Gill, of the Wolverhampton Circuit, — single. 6. Anthony Seckerson, of the Birmingham Circuit, — with a wife only. 7. John Hudson, of the Bradford Circuit, — with a wife and one child. 8. James Holland, of the Manchester Circuit, — with a wife and one child. 9. John Farrar, of the Halifax Circuit, — with a wife and. two children. 10. Robert Cousins, of the Gainsborough Circuit,— with a wife and two children, 11. Samuel Pollett, of the Bradford Circuit, — with a wife and three children. Q. 32. Are there any directions to be given concerning the dress of our Preachers ? A. No gowns, cassocks, bands, or surplices shall be worn by any. Q. 33. Is any direction to be given concerning titles and distinctions ? A. 1. The title of Reverend shall not be used by us towards each other in future. 2. The distinction between ordained and unordained Preachers shall be dropped. Q. 34. Who is appointed President of the next Irish Conference ? A. Thomas Coke, who is authorized to visit the Circuits in Ireland the ensuing year. Q. 35. Who are the Committee for Kingswood School ? A. Samuel Bradburn, Richard Rodda, Henry Moore, John Valton. Q. 36. The fund for the support of the Missions in the West Indies being exhausted, yea, considerably in debt, what can be done for its relief? 1793. 291 A. A genei'al collection shall be made for the Missions in our congregations, for this year. Q. 37. When and where shall our next Conference be held? A. In Bristol, on the last Monday in July, 1794. CIRCULAR LETTERS. LETTER I. An Address to the Members of the Methodist Societies throughout England, from the Conference assembled at Leeds, August 6, 1793. Dear Brethren, We feel it our duty to send you this Address, lest the insinuations of any who are enemies to our prosperity and unity should grieve your minds, and injure the work of God. Our venerable fatiier, who is gone to his great reward, lived and died a member and friend of the Church of England. His attachment to it was so strong and so unshaken, that nothing but irresistible necessity induced him to deviate from it in any degree. In many instances God Himself obliged him to do this ; He powerfully called him forth into the streets and open fields, and afterwards raised to his assistance hundreds of men who never passed through the usual forms of ordination. To all these evident providences of God Mr. Wesley submitted, though at first with great reluctance. In consequence, he found himself obliged to erect chapels, which were neither consecrated accord- ing to the usual method of the Church of England, nor in the least subject to the direction of the National Episcopacy. In all these things he deviated from the Establishment merely on the ground of unavoidable necessity ; or, which is the same to a truly pious soul, from the clear manifested providence and will of God. A dilemma, or difficulty, of a similar kind has been experienced by us since the death of Mr. Wesley. A few of our Societies have repeatedly importuned us to grant them the liberty of receiving the Lord's Supper from their own Preachers. But, desirous of adhering most strictly to the plan which Mr. Wesley laid down, we again and again denied their request. The subject, however, is now come to its crisis. We find that we have no alternative, but to comply with their requisition, or entirely to lose them. O, brethren, we " hate putting away \" — especially those who are members of the mystical body of Christ, and our dearly beloved brethren ; and whose only error, where they do err, is that of the judgment, and not of the heart. And can we suffer these to forsake their faithful Pastors, and possibly to run into the jaws of some ravening wolf, when the point in contest must be allowed by all to be unessential to salvation? But we are not insensible that our brethren on the other side U 2 292 1793. may justly urge, " Are not our interests as dear to you as theirs ? Why then will you grieve us in so tender a point ? Why will you oppose us in those particulars which we think of very great importance to the prosperity of Zion? Why will you force upon us a term of communion to which we never consented, or expect us to remain united to those who will be ever grieving us by pressing the necessity of compliance with that which we judge to be highlj'- injurious to the cause of God?" Such is the dilemma, dear brethren, to which we have been reduced. We allow the full force of the arguments which the brethren who disapprove of the administration of the Lord's Supper urge as above : nor can we, on any consideration, lay on them a new term of communion, or suffer a single yerson among them to be grieved by the reasonings of those who wish for an innovation in our plan. We therefore weighed this delicate subject with the greatest seriousness and deliberation, feeling the teuderest pity for those of our brethren who thought themselves aggrieved; and came finally to the following resolu- tion: "That the sacrament of the Lord's Supper shall not be administered by the Preachers in any part of our Counexion, except where the whole Society is unanimous for it, and will not be contented ivithout it ; and, even in those few exempt Societies, it shall be administered, as far as practicable, in the evening only, and according to the form of the Church of England." For we could not bear that the Sacrament, which was instituted by our Lord as a bond of peace and union, should become a bone of contention ; and are determined never to sanction the administration of that holy ordinance for the purpose of strife and division. You may clearly see from hence, dear brethren, that it is the people, in the instances referred to, who have forced us into this further deviation from our union to the Church of England, Still, we wish to be united to it as a body at large. The few Societies which answer the description mentioned in the above resolution, need but have a small influence on the whole Connexion. We cannot, however, we will not, part with any of our dear flock, who love God and man, on account of unessential points. Eor we love you all, and are the servants of you all for Jesus' sake. But we entreat our Societies at large (the few exempt cases excepted) to continue, as usual, in connexion with the Church of England ; and Ave shall, with great cheerfulness and contentment, labour among them according to tiiat simple original plan of Methodism established and left to us by our venerable friend. We must observe to you, in conclusion, that we feel the most unfeigned loyalty to the King, and a sincere attachment to the Constitution. We reverence the Government ; are conscious of the many blessings we enjoy under our gracious Sovereign, and 1793. 293 are thankful to God for them ; and do earnestly and sincerely recommend the same principles and spirit to you. We remain, dear Brethren, Your most affectionate Servants and faithful Pastors. LETTER II. An Address to the Members of the Methodist Societies, from the Conference assembled at Leeds, August 8, 1793. Dear Brethren, Having received a printed letter, signed by many of the Trustees of our New Chapel in London, and of the Broad-Mead and Guinea-Street Chapels in Bristol, with the copy of another printed letter, addressed to the Trustees and others in the Methodist Connexion, &c. ; and being conscious that the letter to the Trustees, &c., is full of misrepresentations, injurious to the cause of God in general, and to the credit of the whole body of Preachers in particular ; we think ourselves bound to address you on the occasion. The letter above referred to accuses us of a departure from the original plan of Methodism. But we deny the charge, in the sense intended by our accusers. We have not departed from the plan which was left us by our venerable father, Mr. Wesley, in the smallest degree, except in the few exempt cases where the people have been unanimous for the Lord's Supper, and would not be contented without it : and we were brought to the awful alternative of granting their requisition in this instance, or of losing them entirely from our Connexion. A dispensation of the Gospel has been committed to us, and we have, in obedience to the call of God, dispensed the word of truth ; and God has set His seal thereto. Myriads of immortal souls have been awakened and converted by our ministry. Many thousands of these are safely lodged in Abraham's bosom, and many thousands still remain under our care, in the kingdom and patience of Jesus. We cannot therefore sport with their salvation; we dare not throw stumbling-blocks in their way; nor can we bear to lose them, if we possibly can help it, till we present them without spot and blameless before the presence of the Divine glory. But we are determined, as a body, to remain in connexion with the Church of England ; and again advise you to be satisfied with the simple, original plan of Methodism, which has been so wonderfully blessed of the Lord. For a further declaration of our sentiments on this head, we refer you to our circular letter of the 6th instant. You have known us long, and loved and esteemed us long; and, we believe, will receive our solemn declaration as proceeding from upright hearts. And we do assure you, that we have no, design or desire of making our Societies separate churches. 294 1793. We have never sanctioned ordination in England, either in this Conference or in any other, in any degree, nor ever attempted to do it. The representation of us concerning this point, given in the circular letter to the Trustees, is entirely false. Nor are we surprised ; for many of the gentlemen who have affixed their signatures to that letter are neither members of our Society, nor in the general attendant on our preaching. Some of them, with all their pretended zeal for the Church of England, have taken seats in Dissenting meeting-houses ; and some of them professedly hold the doctrine of the salvation of devils and damned spirits. And almost all those of them who reside in London have withheld their assistance to the general cause for a twelvemonth past. They have not taken even a pew in our chapels, or contributed to the assistance of our poor super- annuated Preachers, who have worn themselves out in the cause of God. In short, we have reason to fear that they intend to oppress us, till they have got all the rule. and power into their own hands. But the Lord reigneth : He is our friend, and you are our friends ; and through grace we have felt such a union to each other as exceeds everything we have known before. We are, and are resolved to continue, like the heart of one man ; and, we trust and believe, we shall see better days than ever in the salvation of souls. The last paragraph in their letter to the Trustees is cruelty itself : where it is intimated that some of the body are defective in loyalty. Show us the men, and the proofs of their guilt, and we will instantly cut them oiF from our Connexion, as unworthy of any office in the church of God, and as enemies to their King and country. We hold our Sovereign King George in high estimation : we love our country and its Constitution; and, as far as Christian Ministers can go, consistently with their functions and the oracles of God, will support our King and country with all we are and have. Thus have we, beloved brethren, borne our faitliful testimony against the misrepresentations and cruel falsities mentioned in the letter above referred to. We now leave the whole to you. We know, by happy experience, that we can fully confide in you. Our cause is in your hands, and in the hand of God. As long as you honour us with the pastoral care over you, we promise you that we will, in the strength of God, devote our time, our strength, our talents, our all, to your service. O, bear us before the throne of God. Pray much for the peace and prosperity of Zion, and for Your faithful Pastors and affectionate Brethren. Signed, in behalf of the Conference, JOHN PAWSON, President, THOMAS COKE, Secretary. 1794. 295 BRISTOL, Monday, Juhj 28, 1794. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted this year? A. Henry Saunders, James Lawton, George Sargent, John Braithwaite, Joseph Burgess, Richard Elhott, John S. Pipe, Samuel Taylor, John Dean, John Boyle, Booth Newton, John Simpson, William Aver. Irelarfd. — John Hurley, Charles Graham, William Ferguson, Thomas Brown, Archibald Murdoch, William Smith, Samuel Steele, John Cross, Blakely Dowling, James Bell. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. Edward Gibbons, Thomas Trethewey, John Doncaster, William Denton, Isaac Lilly, William Franklin : These have travelled four years. Stephen Wilson, William Mahy, Henry Mahy, James Jay, Michael Emmett, Richard Pattison, Francis Thoresby, John Kingston, George Deverell, James Buckley, John Foster, Alexander Cummins, Henry Anderson, Cleland Kirkpatrick : These have travelled three years. Richard Gower, Joseph Kyte, Joseph Bowes, Joseph Bobbins, Francis Balliau, John Stephens, Robert Smith, William Martin, John Ward, Thomas Fearnley, Richard Hardacre, James Bridgnell, William Fenwick, Richard TrefFry, Stephen Eversfield, Isaac Muff, William Brown, Thomas Linay, John Brice, George Morley : These have travelled two years. Jonathan Barker, George Marsden, Thomas Yates, James Scholefield, Richard Waddy, Edmund Shaw, Francis West, Patrick Kelly, James Penman, George Douglas, John Clarke, Thomas Greaves, Robert Green, Anthony Seckerson, William Harrison, George Dermott, Leonard Ledbrook, James Lyons, James Mort, John Philhps, Charles Gloyne, Thomas Ingham, John Hudson : These have travelled one year. Ireland. — Joseph Hennin, William Armstrong, John M'Farland, Matthew Tobias, Samuel Alcorn : These have travelled three years. James Stuart, Robert Banks, Thomas M'Clellan, James Jordan, James Smith, John M'Arthur : These have travelled tivo years. James M'Kee, Robert Crozier, George Stephenson : These have travelled one year. 296 1794. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. Thomas Hemmins, Edward Towler, William Hicks, William Pearsou, Caleb Simmons, James Crabb, Mark Dauiel, Thomas Stanton, Anthony Seckerson, John Brownell, John Ashall, Thomas Parsons, William Howarth, William IMoulton, Andrew Mayor, William Timperley, Joseph Drake, Arthur Hutchinson, Richard Thompson, Richard Waddy, John Furnace, John Hudson. Ireland. — Francis Russell, Archibald Montgomery, John Stuart, John Fitzhenry, William Patten, James M'Keown, Joseph Anderson, John Hamilton. ^ West Indies. — Edward Turner, Thomas Isham, James Alexander, John Cook, Thomas Dumbleton. Q. 4. Who have di ed this year ? A. 1. Thomas Westell, one of the first Methodist Preachers. He preached the Gospel faithfully for about forty years. He was a pattern of Christian simplicity and humble love. After suffering much, his triumphant spirit returned to God, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. 2. John Valton, whose praise is in all the churches. He was a pattern of holiness, of charity, and of zeal for the glory of God. His ministry was plain, convincing, and powerful; and he was exceedingly successful in the work of the Lord. He departed this life, rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. 3. Abraham Bishop, a native of the Isle of Jersey. He began his itinerant labours in the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and concluded them last year in the island of Grenada, in the West Indies. He was one of the holiest young men upon earth. He lived continually within the veil; and his soul uninterruptedly burned for the salvation of souls. He was instant in season and out of season ; a useful Preacher all the day long, without the least breach of modesty or decorum. He preached well both in English and French, In the same letter, of which two-thirds were written by himself in the most lively and animating manner, an account was sent us of his death, by the Rev. Mr. Dent, the Rector of St. George's, Grenada, who loved him as his own child. 4. Daniel Graham, who preached for some years in Ireland. He then crossed the Atlantic ocean, to carry the everlasting Gospel to the Negroes in the West Indies. He was a man of great piety, and of a deeply crucified spirit. But the Lord, in His mysterious providence, was pleased to take him to his great reward, in the prime of his life and usefulness, and in a few months after he had begun his labours among the Heathen in the island of Barbadoes. Both he and Mr, Bishop died of the yellow fever, which lately raged in so dreadful a manner in those islands. 1794. 297 5. William Whitaker, an old, honest, faithful servant of the Lord, who suffered much, and died in peace. 6. Michael Marshall, a promising young man, zealous for the salvation of souls. He was suddenly snatched away, and died very happy in God. Q. 5. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers ? A. They were examined one by one. Q. 6. Who have desisted from travelling? A. None. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year? A. As follows : — 1 London, William Thompson, Thomas Coke, James Creighton, Peard Dickinson, Thomas Rutherford, Thomas Warwick, Jonathan Edmondson, John S. Pipe, John Saunderson; Thomas Rankin, Thomas Olivers, Supernumeraries; George Story, Editor ; George Whitfield, Book-Steward. 2 Sussex, George Button, Duncan Kay, Thomas Fearnley, James Mort. 3 Rochester, William West, Mark Willis. 4 Canterbury, William Shelmerdine, Richard Treffry, Henry Anderson. 5 Colchester, John Reynolds, George Deverell. 6 Harwich, James Anderson, James Scholefield. 7 Norwich, Alexander Suter, Edmund Shaw. 8 Yarmouth, Thomas Bartholomew, Benjamin Leggatt, Robert Green. 9 Diss, William Simpson, William Denton. 10 Bury, William Saunders, William Brown. 11 Lynn, Charles Kyte, Isaac Lilly. 12 Walsingham, William Heath, Francis West. 13 Bedford, John Hickling, Henry Saunders. 14 Higham-Ferrers, Joseph Robbins, Richard Hardacre. 15 St. Ives, (Hunts.,) Thomas Broadbent, Thomas Linay, John Furnace. 16 Northampton, Edward Gibbons, Thomas Gill, John Wittam. 17 Banbury, Thomas Rogerson, Stephen Wilson. 18 Oxfordshire, Joseph Algar, Jonathan Cousins, Richard Gower, William Moulton; John Murlin, Supernumerary. 19 Gloucestershire, William Jenkins, Joseph Burgess, John Dean. 20 Worcestershire, Joseph Taylor, George Morley. 21 Sarum, WiUiam Collins, James Lawton ; Robert Carr Brackenbury, Supernumerary. 22 Blandford, John Easton, William Holmes. 298 1794. Francis > change every two months. John 23 PortsmotUh, Charles Bland, Thomas Simmonite, James Crabb, William Howarth. 24 Isle of Jersey, William Dieuaide, Jonathan" Barker. 25 Isle of Guernsey, Richard Reece, John de These are to Queteville, Balliau. 26 Isles of Alderney and Sark, William Mahy, | Henry jNIahy. J 27 Buih, Samuel Bradburn, Richard Elliott; Broadbent, Supernumerar^^ 28 Bradford, Wilts., Joseph Harper, James M. Byron. 29 Bristol, Joseph Benson, Henry Moore, Richard Rodda, Thomas Vasey. 30 Shepton-Mallet, William Ashman, Joseph SutclifFe, Robert Smith, jun. Timothy Crowther, John Cricket, John Stephens ; Christ. Watkins, Supernumerary. John Leech, Thomas Trethewey. Charles Boon, William Palmer. John Boyle, Mark Daniel. John Smith, James Evans, Thomas Kelk, Francis Truscott. Lawrence Kane, Thomas Yates, James Jay, John Grant; John Poole, Supernumerary. 37 Penzance, and the \ William Horner, William Thoresb}', Isles of Scilly, j William Aver, John Clarke, Thomas Stanton; Joha Watson, Super- numerary. 38 Pembroke, Thomas Roberts, Samuel Taylor, James Lyons, John Sandoe. 39 Glamorganshire, William Cox, James Buckley, Joseph Bowes. 40 Brecon, Cleland Kirkpatrick, Joseph Kyte. 41 Birmingham, James Rogers, Benjamin Rhodes, James Bridgnell. Theophilus Lessey, George Dermott, John Ashall. George Baldwin, John Denton. John Goodwin, Miles Martindale, George Mars den. Thomas Hutton, Robert Crowther. 46 Macclesfield, John Mason, George Highfield, Samuel Bards- ley ; George Shadford, Supernumerary. Joini Pritchard, Thomas Davis. Alexander INIather, Jeremiah Brettell. Robert Roberts, John Allen. Thomas Taylor, Robert Miller; Christopher Hopper, Supernumerary. 31 Taunton, 32 CoUumpton, 33 Plymouth, 34 Launceston, 35 St. Austle, 86 Redruth, 42 Dudley, 43 Shrewsbury, 44 Burslem, 45 Leek, 47 Stockport, 48 Manchester, 49 Oldham, 50 Bolton, 1794. 51 Wig an, 299 John Beanland^ William Richal'cl Ccr.; Saunderson. 53 Chester, John Booth^ Owen Davies^ Thomas Hemmii:s. 53 Liverpool, John Pawson, Adam Clarke, Andrew Mayor. 54) Nort/nvich, George Lowe, James Watson. 55 Blackburn, George Snowden, Charles Tunnycliffe, William Pearson. 56 Colne, Joseph Entwisle, Richard") The single Preach - Seed, John Atkins. > ers are to change 57 Lancaster, Abraham Moseley. j once a quarter. 58 Leicester, Samuel Gates, Simon Day; Joseph Jerom, Supernumerary. 59 Hinckley, Thomas Dunn, Caleb Simmons., 60 Castle-Donington, John Beaumont, Thomas Greaves. 61 Nottingham, Zachariah Yewdall, Thomas Lougley, Jasper Eobinson. 62 Newark, Thomas Cooper, John Furness. 63 Derby, Jonathan Parkin, John Nelson. 64 Ashby, Joseph Pescod, William Hicks. 65 Sheffield, John Moon, William Blagborne. 66 Rotherham, William Stevens, Thomas Carlill. 67 Grimsby, James Hall, William Hunter, jun., Leonard Ledbrook. 68 Horncastle, Booth Newton, John Wilshaw, John Ward, Johu Brice. 69 Gainsborough, John King, George Mowat, George Sargent. 70 Epworth, James Thom, Robert Smith, sen., William Harrison. 71 Leeds, Thomas Hanby, Isaac Brown, William Thom, Francis Thoresby. 72 Wakefield, William Myles, Anthony Seckerson ; William Boothby, Supernumerary. 73 Huddersf.eld, John Barber, Robert Lomas. 74 Birsial, William Bramwell, Joseph Drake; Thomas Johnson, Supernumerary. 75 Dewsbury, Edward Jackson, Charles Gloyne. 7Q Bradford, Parson Greenwood, Michael Emmett. 77 Halifax, Charles Atmore, George Gibbon. 78 Keighley, Robert Hopkins, William Stephenson. 79 Otley, Lancelot Harrison, John Brettell. 80 Whitehaven, John Ogilvie, John Braithwaite. 81 Isle of Man, George Holder, John Simpson, John Phillips. 82 York, Francis Wrigley, William Percival, James Ridall. 83 Malton, John M'Kersey, Isaac Muff. 84 Pocklington, Peter Mill, Robert Harrison. 85 Hull, James Wood, Jonathan Brown, William Martin. 300 86 Bridlington, Daniel Jackson, John Hudson. «7 Scarborough, Thomas Dixon, Thomas Tattershall. 88 ~ - - - - 89 1794. Whitby, Thirsk, 97 Joseph Cole, Samuel Botts. Thomas Harrison, Robert Swan, George Sykes, John E-amshaw. John Peacock, William Butterfield, Thomas Parsons, Barnard- Castle, John Crosby, AVilliam Franklin ; Joseph Thompson, Supernumerary. John Barritt, William Hainsworth ; William Hunter, sen., John Foster, Supernu- meraries. Samuel Hodgson, John Stamp, John Riles. Henry Taylor, John Kershaw. John Gaulter, WilUam Tiraperley. James Bogie, Alexander Cummins, Stephen Eversfield. Glasgow and \ Matthew Lumb, John 'J The single Preach- 90 Stockton, 91 92 Hexham, 93 Sunderland, 94 Newcastle, 95 Almvick, 96 Edinburgh, Greenock, j Doncaster. '1 ' >er: J on s are to change once a quarter. 98 Jyr, Richard Waddy. 99 Dumfries, Robert Johnson. 100 Berwick, Kelso, and Melrose, Robert Dall, Arthur Hutchinson. These Preachers are to change alternately. 101 Dundee, John Townsend, Thomas Wood. 102 Brechin, Joseph Saunderson, Thomas Ingham, Richard Thompson. 103 Aberdeen, Alexander Kilham, William Fenwick. 104 Inverness, Duncan M'AUum, George"^ mi • ^ T\ ^ I The single men Douglas. ! t 1 o- 105 Banff, Joseph Cross, James f , , ° Penman, Patrick Kelly. J ^ 106 Dublin, Joseph Bradford, David Barrowclough ; James Stuart, Supernumerary. 107 Wicklow, Andrew Hamilton, jun., Daniel M'Mullen; David Gordon, Supernumerary. 108 Carlow, Michael Murphy, John Stuart. 109 Waterford, John Woodi'ow, John Gillis. 110 Cork, William Smith, John Darragh. 111 Bandon, Samuel Steele, Thomas Patterson. 112 Mallow, John Hurley, Robert Banks. 113 Limei'ick, Gustavus Armstrong, George Brown. 114 Birr J Charles Graham, James M'Quigg. N.B. These shall be also considered as Missionai'ies for the county of Clare; and shall visit it alternately, as often as possible. 115 Aughrim, Samuel Mitchell, Matthias Joyce. 116 Castlebar, John Stephenson, Samuel Wood, 1794. 301 117 Athlone, William M'Cornock, William Wilson, Francis Russell ; John Bredin, Supernumerary. 118 Longford, Samuel Moorhead, William Patten. 119 Sligo, Archibald Murdoch, Thomas Kerr. 120 Bally connell, Francis Armstrong, George Stephenson. 121 Cavan, Alexander Moore, Joseph Hennin, John Fitzhenry; James Rennick, Supernu- merary. 122 Clones, Thomas Barber, John M'Farland, Archibald Montgomery; John Cross, Supernumerary. 123 Brookborough, Joseph Armstrong, Robert Crozier. 124 Enniskillen, Thomas Ridgeway, Thomas Hewett. 125 Ball'mamallard, Blakely Dowling, James M'Keown. 126 Ballyshannon, William Ferguson, William Armstrong. 127 Newtown-Stewart, William Hamilton, James Irwin, Thomas M'Clellan. 128 Innishowen, John Hamilton (to be under the direction of William Hamilton). 129 Charlemont, Andrew Hamilton, sen., Thomas Brown, Joseph Anderson; John Miller, Super- numerary. 130 Londonderry, Robert Smith, James M 'Mullen. 131 Coleraine, John Crook, Matthew Tobias. 132 Ballymena, Robert Dougherty, James Jordan. 133 Belfast, John Dinnen, James M'Kee. 134 Lisburn, Matthew Stewart, John M'Arthur. 135 Downpatrick, John Grace, James Bell. 136 Tanderagee, John Kerr, Samuel Alcorn, James Smith. 137 Newry, James M'Donald, John Malcomson. THE BRITISH DOMINIONS IN AMERICA. NOVA SCOTIA, NEW BRUNSWICK, AND NEWFOUNDLAND. Halifax, Liverpool, Shelburne, Newport, Horton, Annapolis, St. John, Fredericton, St. Stephen's, Cumberland, Newfoundland, Antigua, James Mann. ^ Isaac Lunsford. Daniel Fidler. John Mann. Theodore Harding. James Boyd. William Jessop. William Grandine. Duncan M'Coll. Benjamin Wilson. Georcre Smith. WEST INDIES. John Baxter, William ) William Black, Elder. M'Vean. Warrener, John 302 1794. St. Christopher's, Walter Gridith, Richard Andrews, Thomas Durableton. Nevis, Timothy Crowther. Anguilla, Thomas Isham. Tortola, John Harper, Edward Turner. Barbadoes, Thomas Dobson. ^S*^. Vincent's, Thomas Owens, James Alexander. Grenada, John Kingston. Dominica, John Cook. Jamaica, William Fish, Richard Pattison. N.B. There is to be no General Confereuce in the West Indies the ensuing year: 1st, Because the expense will be enormous on account of the war. 2dly, Because of the great dangers arising from the French privateers, which infest those seas. 3dly, Because the removals of Preachers in the West Indies are very few. Q. 8. How many wives are to be provided for ? A. One hundred and thirtj'^-nine. Q. 9. How mau}^ of these are to be provided for by the Circuits ? A. Eighty-four: as follows; viz., — London, (S.) Thompson, Rutherford, Warwick, (T.) Broadbent. Sussex, £Q. Rochester, £9. \ g ^^^j. Canterbury, £Q. j ' Norwich, £4. ) q q -„,. Yarmouth, £8. r-^"*^^- Diss, S. Simpson. ^T' , Is.Kyte. Walsmgaam, j ^ Bedford, £3. Worcestershire, £6. Sarum, £3. Biandford, £3. Portsmouth, S. Bland. Bath, S. Bradburn. Bristol, S. Benson, Moore, Byron. Shepton-Mallet, S. Ashman,' and M. Taunton, \ Collumpton, j Plymouth, S. Boon,"^ and £6. f o -d i Redruth, S. Kane, f ^- ^^^^^ and m. J * S. Crowther. St. Austle, S. (I.) Smith. Penzance, S. Horner. Birmingham, S. Rhodes, Day. Shrewsbury, S. Baldwin. Burslem, S, Goodwin. Macclesfield, S.. High field, Hutton. Stockport, S. Pritchard. Manchester, S. Brettell, Martindale, Ogilvie. Oldham, S. (R.) Roberts. Bolton, S. (T.) Taylor. Chester, S. Davies. Liverpool, S. Clarke. North wich, S. Watson. Blackburn, S.Snowden, and c€6. Colne, S. Entwisle, and Atkins, £6. Leicester, \ S. Beau- Castle-Donington, j mont. Nottingham, S. Longley. Derby, £6. Ashby, S. Pescod. Sheffield, S. Moon, Stevens, Cooper. Grimsby, S. Hall. Horncastle, S. Ward. 1794.. 303 Gainsborough, S. Mowat. Epworth, S. (J.) Thorn. Leeds, S. Hanby, (W.) Thorn, (Js.) Brown. Wakefield, S. Myles. Huddersfield, S. Barber. Birstal, S. Bramwell. Bradford, S. Greenwood. Halifax, S. At more. Keighley, S. Hopkins. Isle of Man, S. Holder. York, S. Percival. Malton, S. Tattershall. Pocklington, ) Bridlington, J Hull, S. Wood. S. Mill. Whitby, S. Botts. . Thirsk,£6, )s Barritt Hexham, £6. f ^- -t'amtt. Stockton, S. Peacock. Sunderland, S. Hodgson, Hunter. Newcastle, S. (H.) Taylor, Gaulter. Edinburgh, £6. ) a t. • ni J>a f S. Bogie. Glasgow, £o. j ° Ireland, S. Bradford, Barrow- clough, Gordon, Woodrow, Smith, Patterson, G. Brown, Graham, M'Q.uigg, Joyce, Stephenson, M'Cornock, Wood, Kerr. Q. 10. How are the remaining fifty-five wives to be provided for? viz., — S. Button, Shelraerdine, Anderson, Reynolds, Heath, Hickling, Gill, Rogers, Cousins, Algar, (Jos.) Taylor, Collins, Dieuaide, Harper, Kelk, Denton, Lessey, Condy, Beanland, Heramins, Gates, Dunn, Parkin, Seckerson, Drake, Stephenson, Gibbon, Harrison, (John) Brettell, Ridall, Dixon, (Jon.) Brown, (Dan.) Jackson, i3utterfield, Bamshaw, Crosby, Franklin, Hainsworth, Lurab, Johnson, Dall, Townsend, (Tho.) Wood, M'AUum, Cross, Hudson, Barber, Armstrong, Miller, M'Mullen, Crook, Dinnen, Stewart, Grace, M'Donald. A. Partly by the subscriptions raised in the Circuits, and partly by the Contingent Fund. N.B. The money for the wives above-mentioned, resident in England and Scotland, will be deposited in the hands of Mr. Whitfield ; and that for the wives resident in Ireland, in the hands of Mr. Bradford. Q. 11. What numbers are in the Society? A. As follows : — London - - 3200 Northampton - - 240 Sussex - - 340 Banbury - 28a Rochester _ - 380 Oxfordshire . 800 Canterbury . - 269 Gloucestershire - 300 Colchester . - 270 Worcester - 410 Norwich - - 260 Sarum - - 300 Yarmouth _ - 333 Portsmouth - 550 Diss r. - 370 The Norman Isles - 548 Bury - . - 219 Bath - - 580 Lynn - - - 246 Bradford - 465 Walsingham _ - 220 Bristol - 1615 Bedford . - 218 Shepton-Mallet - 1040 High am Eerrers - 206 Taunton ^ 400 St. Ives (Hur .ts.) - 175 CoUumpton - 500 304 1794. Plymouth . - 940 York - . - 1300 St. Austle - - 955 Pocklington _ - 740 Redruth . - 1645 Hull - _ - 1200 Pembroke . - 162 Bridlington . - 450 Penzance and the \ - 1412 Scarborough _ - 800 Isles of Scilly j Whitby . - 515 Glamorganshire - 276 Thirsk - . - 828 Brecon - - Ill Stockton . - 620 Birmingham . - 1200 Barnard-Castle - 554 Wolverhampton - 442 Hexham _ - 820 Shrewsbury - - 360 Sunderland - - 1090 Burslem - - 960 Newcastle _ . 740 Leek - . - 430 Alnwick _ - 300 Macclesfield . - 1320 Edinburgh _ - 200 Stockport . - 1200 Glasgow . - 138 Manchester . - 1850 Ayr . 19 Oldham _ - 900 Dumfries _ 40 Bolton _ - 870 Berwick and Kelso 70 Wigan . - 360 Dundee . - 150 Chester . - 650 Aberdeen . - 280 Liverpool . - 963 Inverness . - 282 Northwich . - 530 Dublin - - 1010 Blackburn . - 1180 Wicklow _ - 154 Colne - _ - 1080 Carlow . - 316 Leicester . - 340 Waterford _ - 265 Hinckley . - 210 Cork - . - 300 Castle-Donington - 474 Bandon . - 222 Nottingham . - 960 Mallow . - 150 Newark _ - 311 Limerick . - 230 Derby - _ - 410 Birr . - 227 Ashby - - - 460 Aughrim - - 250 Sheffield _ - 1370 Castlebar - - 200 Rotherham _ - 563 Athlone _ - 530 Grimsby . - 530 Longford . - 350 Horncastle . - 647 Shgo - . - 270 Gainsborough . - 673 Ballyconnell . - 678 Epworth - - 674 Cavan - - - 730 Leeds - . - 3400 Clones . - 725 Wakefield . - 1050 Brookborough - 550 Huddersfield . - 1190 Enniskillen . - 822 Birstal . - 1300 Ballyshannon - - 386 Dewsbury . - 780 Newtown-Stewart - 718 Bradford . - 1400 Charlemont - 1071 Halifax . - 1500 Londonderry . 360 Keighley . - 1400 Coleraine - 330 Otley - . - 1200 Ballymena - 275 Whitehaven _ - 350 Belfast - 450 Isle of Man . - 2430 Lisburn - 610 1794 Downpatrick Tanderagee Newry 305 492 916 490 In all 83,368 AMERICA. THE BRITISH DOMINIONS. Nova Scotia and New Bruns- wick. Halifax Liverpool Shelburne Horton Newport Cumberland Annapolis St. John Fredericton St. Stephen^s - St. John's Island Newfoundland West Indies. Antigua, Whites Coloured people Blacks Barbadoes, Whites Coloured people Blacks Grenada St. Vincent's, Whites - Coloured people ) and Blacks j Dominica S t. Christopher's, Whites Coloured people ~) and Blacks J Nevis - - - Montserrat Tortola, Whites Coloured people ) and Blacks j Jamaica, Whites Coloured people Blacks Vol. I. 133 70 180 94 78 150 105 118 100 52 20 200 36 105 2279 34 7 10 80 4 450 20 13 1410 400 12 6 1400 24 46 170 DOMINION OF THE STATES OF HOLLAND. St. Eustatius - In all 40 7,846 IN THE STATES OF AMERICA. Dover, Whites - - 930 Blacks - - 507 Milford, Whites - 781 Blacks - 319 Somerset, Whites - 553 Blacks - 87 Northampton, Whites - 616 Blacks - 249 Annamessex, Whites - 345 Blacks - 85 Dorset, Whites - 534 Blacks - 431 Talbot, Whites - 635 Blacks - 330 Caroline, Whites - 446 Blacks - 236 Queen Ann, Whites - 372 Blacks - 467 Kent, Whites - - 523 Blacks - - 462 Cecil, Whites - - 434 Blacks - - 321 Hartford, Whites - 532 Blacks - 178 Baltimore, Whites - 946 Blacks - 141 Severn, Whites - 928 Blacks - 598 Annapolis, Whites - 170 Blacks - 243 Calvert, Whites - 732 Blacks - 923 Prince George, Whites 65 Blacks - 225 Montgomery, Whites - 728 Blacks - 362 Frederick, Whites - 422 Blacks - 74 Frederick Town, Whites 24 Blacks 24 306 1794. Bath, Whites - 326 Brunswick, Whites 633 Blacks - 22 Blacks 161 Huntiugdon, Whites - 165 Greensville, Whites 665 Blacks - 2 Blacks 347 NorthumberlandjWhites 170 Sussex, Whites 448 Blacks 1 Blacks 206 Little York, Whites - 156 Surrey, Whites 814 Fell's Point, Whites - 95 Blacks - 955 Blacks 37 Bertie, Whites 616 Baltimore Town, Whites 440 Blacks 176 Blacks 207 Portsmouth, Whites - 729 Tioga, Whites 70 Blacks 439 Wyoming, Whites 100 Camden, Whites 555 Lancaster, Whites 590 Blacks 347 Blacks 261 Banks, Whites 174 Stafford, Whites 309 Blacks - 4 Blacks 45 Norfolk and Ports- Fairfax, Whites 520 mouth, Whites 109 Blacks 50 Blacks 159 Berkley, Whites 571 Bladen, Whites 480 Blacks 68 Blacks 72 Frederick, Whites 485 New Hope, Whites 735 Blacks 126 Blacks 157 Rockingham, Whites - 350 Tar River, Whites 610 Blacks - 46 Blacks 160 Alleghany, Whites 382 Goshen, Whites 366 Blacks 20 Blacks 52 Winchester, Whites 55 Trent, Whites - 587 Blacks 28 Blacks - 337 Alexandria, Whites 58 Mattamaskeat, Whites - 156 Blacks 40 Blacks - 42 Amherst, Scoperlong, Whites 175 Orange, Whites 520 Blacks 23 Blacks 62 Quotentney, Whites - 360 Hanover, Whites 477 Blacks - 96 Blacks 62 Pamlico, W^hites 415 Gloucester, Whites 677 Blacks 104 Blacks 63 Roan Oak, Whites 538 WilHamsburg, Whites - 589 Blacks 544 Blacks - 241 Charleston, Whites 50 Franklin, Whites 566 Blacks 169 Blacks 92 George-Town, Whites - 52 Cumberland, Whites - 416 Blacks - 180 Blacks 43 Little Pee-Dee, Whites 589 Mecklenburg, Whites - 479 Blacks 31 Blacks - 32 Great Pee-Dee, Whites 256 Amelia, Whites 645 Blacks - 28 Blacks 139 Santee, Whites 163 1794. 307 Santee, Blacks - 158 Cowpasture, Blacks 8 Catauba, Whites 163 Clarksburg, Whites 307 Blacks 4 Blacks 3 Broad River, Whites - 541 Ohio, Whites - 362 Blacks - 78 Blacks - 9 Cherokee, Whites 428 Redstone, Whites 325 Blacks 13 Blacks 9 Seleuda and Bush Pittsburg, Whites 151 River, Whites 555 Dutchess, Whites 381 Blacks 30 Blacks 7 Edisto, Whites 474 Columbia, Whites 230 Blacks 135 Pittsfield, Whites 330 North Savannah, Whites 104 Otsego, Whites 296 Burke, Whites 420 Saratoga, Whites 270 Blacks - 10 Cambridge, Whites 440 Richmond, Whites 650 Albany, Whites 388 Blacks 111 Blacks 6 Washington, Whites - 518 Harkemer, Whites 142 Blacks - 118 Blacks 8 Oconee, Whites 202 Oswegoche, Whites 90 Blacks 18 Bay Quinty, Whites - 255 Green, Whites 345 Blacks 4 Blacks - 9 Granville, Whites 90 Holstein, Whites 271 Boston, Whites 41 Blacks 18 Lynn, Whites - 166 Russel, Whites 125 Needham, Whites 50 Blacks 4 Greenwich, Whites 16 New River, Whites 184 Warren, Whites 58 Blacks 15 Lichfield, Whites 184 Salt River, Whites 340 New London, Whites - 50 Blacks 24 Hartford, Whites 341 Dansville, Whites 548 Middletown, Whites - 170 Blacks 20 Blacks 2 Lexington, Whites 401 Fairfield, Whites 241 Blacks 30 New Rochelle, Whites - 375 Hinkstone, Whites 281 Croton, Whites 278 Blacks 4 Blacks 6 Limestone, Whites 242 Long Island, Whites - 271 Blacks 8 Blacks - 21 Cumberland, Whites - 270 New York, Whites 639 Blacks - 50 Blacks 152 Bedford, Whites 474 Staten Island, Whites - 71 Blacks 100 EHzabeth, Whites 226 Bottetourt, Whites 470 Blacks 8 Blacks 30 Flanders, Whites 310 Greenbrier, Whites 202 Blacks 12 Blacks 5 Newburg, Whites 397 Cowpasture, Whites 48 X Blacks 2 4 308 1794. Anson, Whites - 214 Blacks 40 Union, Whites - 236 Blacks 24 Swanino, Whites 70 Total number of Whites and Blacks 67,643* APRICA. 223 Salem, Whites - 502 Blacks - - 22 Caswell, Whites - 517 Blacks - 75 Guildford, Whites - 613 Blacks . 57 Salisbury, Whites - 565 Blacks - 31 Bethel, Whites - 433 Blacks - 9 Burlington, Whites - 397 Blacks - 25 Trenton, Whites - 465 Blacks - 41 Bristol, Whites - 194 Blacks - 6 Chester, Whites - 379 Blacks - 29 Philadelphia, Whites - 354 Blacks - 20 Wilmington, Whites - 82 Blacks - 55 Q. 12. A. £1,284. I8s. Id. Q. 13. What children are admitted this year? A. Elijah Harrison, eight years old ; John Mowat, eight years old; William Blair; Jonathan Hern, nine years old; George V^asey, nine years old ; Boston King, from Africa. Q. 14. What can we allow at present for the education of the Preachers' children who cannot be admitted into Kingswood School? A. £277. 55. Q. 15. What is contributed for the Preachers' Fund? Africa What is the Kingswood Collection? Sierra Leone, Coloured people Total in Europe Total in America Total in Africa 83,368 75,489 223 Total in Europe, America, and 159,080 £. d. A. By the sub- "^ scriptions of [ the people T in England J Ditto in Ireland - Q. 16. 746 5 5 48 18 9 By the subscrip- tions of the Preachers in Great Britain Ditto in Ireland £. s. d. 293 4 0 87 3 0 In all jei,175 11 2 What is allowed out of it ? £. s. d A. To Sister") Westell J 15 0 0 Matthew Lowes - 15 0 Thomas Hanson - 20 0 d. 0 0 * This total includes some items not found in the columns. For Amherst, p. 306, there is no return ; and the means of revising the list, in regard to this and other particulars, are not within reach. — Editor. 1794. 309 £. s. d. John Furz - - 15 0 0 Ann Morgan - 24 0 0 Lucia Bourke - 15 0 0 Mary Penington - 12 0 0 Elizabeth Dillon - 12 0 0 Sarah Barry - 15 0 0 Sarah Naylor - 10 0 0 Sarah Mitchell - 15 0 0 John Price- - 16 0 0 Thomas Johnson - 12 0 0 Samuel Bates - 12 0 0 Christopher Hopper 30 0 0 John Poole - 30 0 0 James Christie - 12 0 0 Thomas Brisco - 30 0 0 John AVatson - 12 0 0 Thomas Wride - 20 0 0 Thomas Olivers - 24 0 0 George Shadford - 12 0 0 Ann Wright - 15 0 0 John Bredin - 12 0 0 £. s. d. Christopher Watkins 23 0 0 George Wadsworth 12 0 0 Mary Empringham 12 0 0 John Broadbent - 22 0 0 Thomas Elliott - 12 0 0 John Hampson - 12 0 0 John Cross - 12 0 0 Joseph Jerom - 12 0 0 Susannah Watkinson 16 0 0 Mary Blair - 16 0 0 Joseph Thompson - 29 0 0 Robert Costerdine - 29 0 0 Robert Hayward - 19 0 0 James Rennick - 12 0 0 John Miller - 1 2 0 0 David Gordon - 12 0 0 James Stuart - 12 0 0 WilHam Hunter, sen. 27 0 0 Maria Marshall - 12 0 0 In all £718 0 0 Q. 17. What is contributed for the Yearly Expenses? A. £1,387. 155. M. Q. 18. How has it been expended? £. s. d. - 38 10 11 318 15 1 149 10 0 314 4 0 Sick famines - 220 Rent for houses, &c. 411 Travelling ex- penses, and various con- tingencies for the three kingdoms s. 11 7 11 3 448 14 2 A. Law - Deficiencies of the Preachers' quarterage Deficiencies of the quarterage of the wives of Preachers Deficiencies in^ the allowance/ r^^^ ^ (^ In all £1,901 13 4 made for the C children J Q. 19. In what places is the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to be administered? A. 1. In the London Circuit: Brentford, Deptford, Dorking, Woolwich, Rotherhithe, Purfleet. 2. Sussex Circuit : Rye, Maidstone. 3. Rochester Circuit : Brompton, Sheerness. 4. Canterbury Circuit : Birchington. 5. Colchester Circuit : Colchester, Harwich, Manningtrcc. 6. Norwich Circuit : Haddiscoe. 310 1794. 7. Diss Circuit : Diss, Redgrave, Old Buckenham, North Lopham. 8. Lynn Circuit : Lynn. 9. Yarmouth Circuit : Yarmouth, if the Assistant judge it expedient. 10. Higham-Ferrers Circuit : Catworth, Desborough. 11. Banbury Circuit : Banbury, Nightcot. 12. Oxfordshire Circuit : Wallingford. 13. Worcestershire Circuit ; Stourport. 14. Salisbury Circuit: Salisbury, Blandford, Poole, Monkton. 15. Portsmouth Circuit ; Portsmouth, Newport. 16. Bath Circuit : Bath, Road, Trowbridge. 17. Bristol Circuit : Portland-chapel, Kingswood, Marsh, Shays or Wiuterbourn. 18. Sheptou-Mallet Circuit : Shaftesbury. 19. Taunton Circuit : Taunton, left to the discretion of the Assistant. 20. Collumpton Circuit : Barnstaple. 21. Plymouth Circuit : Plymouth-Dock. 22. Launceston Circuit : Launceston. 23. Birmingham Circuit : Birmingham, to be left to the discretion of the Assistant. 24. Dudley Circuit : Wolverhampton, Worley-Bank. 25. Stockport Circuit : Red-hall, Bullock-Smithy. 26. Oldham Circuit : Delph, Middleton. 27. Bolton Circuit : Bolton, to be left to the discretion of the Assistant; Bury. 28. Wigan Circuit : Wigan, Lamberhead- Green. 29. Liverpool Circuit : Liverpool, to be left to the Assistant. 30. Northwich Circuit : Prescot. 31. Blackburn Circuit : Blackburn, Haslingden. 32. Leicester Circuit : Leicester, Humberston, Markstone. 33. Hinckley Circuit : Coventry. 34. Nottingham Circuit : Nottingham, Mansfield, Calverton, Bullwell, Blad worth. 35. Newark Circuit : Newark, Bingham. 36. Derby Circuit : Derby, Belper. 37. Ashby Circuit : Burton, Griffy-Dam. 38. Leeds Circuit : Thorner, Holbeck, Hunslet, Keswick, Witton, Seacroft, Rothwell. 39. Huddersfield Circuit: Huddersfield, Thong, Shelley, Holmfirth. 40. Dewsbury Circuit : Ossett. 41. Halifax Circuit: Halifax, Greetland, Bradshaw. 42. Otley Circuit : Rigton. 43. Whitehaven Circuit : Brampton. 44. Hexham Circuit : Colegate and the other places, left to the direction of Mr. William Hunter. 1794, 311 45. Whitby Circuit : Stokesley, left to the direction of the Assistant. 46. Sunderland Circuit : Hilton-Fry, Ivestone. 47. Newcastle Circuit : Byker, North-Shields. 48. Alnwick Circuit : Alnwick, Placey, Saugh-house. Q. 20. Who have been appointed Stewards of the Preachers' Fund ? A. Alexander Mather, John Pawson, Wilham Thompson, Thomas Taylor. Q. 21. Who are the Committee for Kingswood School? A. Joseph Benson, Samuel Bradburn, Richard Rodda, Henry Moore, Thomas Vasey. N.B. The Committee are to audit all the accounts once a quarter. Q. 23. What directions shall be given concerning the disbursements of the Yearly Collection ? A. All deficiencies in the quarterage of Preachers, Preachers' wives, and Preachers' children, with all demands concerning rent, furniture, &c., shall be minuted down, as far as possible, in the District-Meetings, and shall be paid at the Conference in the first place. Q, 23. What directions shall be given concerning the attendance of the Preachers at the Conference ? A. 1. The District-Committees respectively are to fix upon the Preachers who are to attend the Conference; and the expenses of their going to and returning from the Conference shall be defrayed by their respective Circuits. 2. The Conference return their sincere thanks to Dr. Coke, Mr. Mather, and Mr. Pawson, for their great labours in serving the Connexion, and unanimously request them to continue in their offices; and appoint them to attend the next meeting of the Delegates at Manchester, for the stationing of the Preachers. Q. 24. Are any alterations to be made in the Districts? A. The London District is to be divided as follows ; viz., — London, Colchester, Rochester, Canterbury, and Sussex, are to form one District; and Northampton, Banbury, Bedford, Higham-Ferrers, St. Ives, and Oxford, another. Q. 25. Who are the Chairmen for the Districts? A. 1 London, William Thompson. 2 Northampton, Jonathan Cousins. 3 Norwich, Alexander Suter. 4 Nottingham, Thomas Longley, 5 Sarum, John Easton. 6 Jersey, Richard Recce. 7 Redruth, Lawrence Kane. 8 Plymouth, Charles Boon. 9 Bristol, Samuel Bradburn. 10 Pembroke, Thomas Roberts. 312 1794, 11 Birmingham, James Rogers. 12 Manchester, Robert Roberts. 13 Chester, John Goodwin. 14 Halifax, Charles Atmore. 15 Leeds, Thomas Hanby. 16 York, Thomas Dixon. 17 Grimsby, John King. 18 Whitby, Joseph Cole. 19 IVJdtehaven, John Ogilvie. 20 Newcastle, Samuel Hodgson. 21 Edinburgh, James Bogie. 22 Aberdeen, Joseph Saunderson. 23 Dublin, David Barrowclough. 24 Cork, John Woodrow. 25 Athloiie, Archibald Murdoch. 26 Clones, Joseph Armstrong. 27 Londonderry, Robert Smith. 28 Charlemont, James M'Donald. Q. 26. What Preachers remain on the List of Reserve ? A. 1. John Wood, of the Newcastle Circuit, — single. 2. Jonas Hobson, of the Huddersfield Circuit, — with a wife. 3. John Hodgkinson, of the Blackburn Circuit, — with a wife. 4. John Jones, of the Chester Circuit, — single. 5. Edward Towler, of the Diss Circuit, — with a child. 6. John Brown, of the Bristol Circuit, — with a wife and child. 7. Edward Millward, of the Shepton-Mallet Circuit, — single. 8. Samuel Harris, of the Wakefield Circuit, — single. 9. John Farrar, of the Halifax Circuit, — with a wife and one child. 10. Charles Greenly, — single. 11. William Pearson, — with a wife. Q. 27. Is it necessary to make any observations on the present important crisis of public affairs ? A. We most affectionately entreat all our brethren, in the name of God, to "honour the King." Let us daily pray for our rulers, and " submit ourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake." Q. 28. Who are appointed masters for Kingswood School ? A. INIr. Clarke, of Coleraine, head-master ; Mr. Johnson, of Lisburn, second master ; Mr. Collins, third master. Q. 29. Who is appointed to preside at the next Irish Conference ? A. Thomas Coke ; who is also authorized to visit the Irish Circuits the ensuing year. Q. 30. When and where shall our next Conference be held ? A. In Manchester, on the last Monday in July, 1795. 1794 313 THE ADDRESS OF THE IRISH CONFERENCE TO THE MEMBERS OP THE BRITISH CONFERENCE. Dublin, July 10, 1794. Venerable Fathers and Brethren, The pleasing opportunity is again returned, which enables us, as a body, to express our gratitude, affection, and esteem for you. We return you our sincerest thanks for your Address. The sentiments of pure love towards us and our nation, which are so eminentl)'^ displayed in the whole thereof, kindle within us the warmest sense of gratitude. You are indeed our fathers in the Gospel, as far as we dare appropriate the term to any but our Father in heaven. You have been the gracious instruments of bringing to this once-benighted land the light of the Gospel ; and you have granted us, with unwearied kindness, that temporal relief, which has removed our difficulties, and softened our cares. God Himself has united us to you by ties of Divine love, which, we trust and believe, all the powers of darkness will never be able to dissolve ; and you may rest assured that our confidence in you is so firm and unshaken, that, should an attempt be ever made to alienate our affection from you, we should view it with horror, and esteem the contrivers and promoters of it as our greatest enemies. The Lord has been with us in our Conference. Peace, and harmony, and love, have reigned triumphant ; and not a jarring string has been heard among us. Our views are enlarged. We are looking forward, and praying for the universal spread of righteousness. The great outpouring of the Spirit of God, with which the north of England has been so astonishingly blessed, and with the minute particulars of which we have been favoured by Dr. Coke, has inflamed our desires. We long to see, yea, we believe we shall both see and feel, the same gracious shower in Ireland, the ensuing year. The Lord is removing the prejudices of the great body of Homan Catholics, and a door seems to be opening among them. It is our wish and fervent prayer, that the Holy Spirit may overshadow you in your approaching Conference, and that all your counsels and resolves may redound to the glory of God and the salvation of myriads ; that a great and effectual door may be opened for the everlasting Gospel, not only in these favoured islands, but throughout Europe — throughout the world. Most respected brethren, our desire and prayer to God is, that in the accomplishment of this great plan of general 314 1794. happiness you may be highly-favoured instruments, and, when you have finished the work your Great Master hath given you to do, may shine as the stars in the firmament for ever and ever. Signed in behalf of the Conference, THOMAS COKE, President, JOHN CROOK, Secretary. TO TIIK MEMBERS OF THE METHODIST SOCIETIES THROUGHOUT ENGLAND. Bristol, Aug. 8, 1794. Dear Brethren, We have again taken into our mature consideration the state of our Societies in this kingdom, respecting the administration of the Sacrament, and some other particulars, which have engaged the attention of many of our people ; and, for the sake of peace and love, have come to the following resolutions : — 1st. All ecclesiastical titles, such as Reverend, &c., shall be laid aside, as also gowns, bands, &c., agreeably to the resolutions of the Conference held at Leeds, in 1793. 2dly. Preaching in Church-hours shall not be permitted, except for special reasons, and where it will not cause a division. 3dly. As the Lord's Supper has not been administered, except where the Society has been unanimous for it, and would not have been contented without it; it is now agreed, that the Lord's Supper shall not be administered in future where the union and concord of the Society can be preserved without it. 4thly. The Preachers will not perform the office of baptism, except for the desirable ends of love and concord ; though baptism, as well as the burial of the dead, was performed by many of the Preachers long before the death of Mr. Wesley, and with his consent. 5thly. It is agreed, that the management of the temporal and spiritual concerns of the Society shall be separated, as far as the purposes of peace and harmony can be answered thereby ; or as they have ever been separated in times of the greatest peace and harmony: viz., 1. The temporal concerns shall be managed by the Stewards chosen for that purpose, who shall keep books, wherein all moneys collected, received, or disbursed, on account of their respective Societies, shall be entered. — 3. The spiritual concerns shall be managed by the Preachers, who have ever appointed Leaders, chosen Stewards, and admitted members into and expelled them from the Society, consulting their brethren the Stewards and Leaders. The Preachers also, as hitherto, are to appoint love-feasts and watch-nights, and to vary the times and places of preaching, class-meeting, &c., &c. 6thly. That the Trustees may have the fullest assurance that the Conference love them, and have not the shadow of a desire 1794. 315 to oppress them^ any more than to reject any proposals which they conceive calculated to restore and preserve peace and harmony, the following articles are added : — 1st. The Trustees, in conjunction with the Assistant Preacher, who shall have one vote only, shall choose their own Stewards, who shall receive and disburse all seat-rents, and such collections as shall be made for the purpose of paying interest for money due upon the premises, or for reducing the principal: of all which moneys, so received or disbursed, the aforesaid Stewards shall keep proper accounts in books provided for that purpose ; which books shall be open for the inspection of the Assistant, and audited in his presence once every year, or oftener if convenient. Provided always, that when the necessities of the work of God require it, the Trustees shall allow quarterly what may appear requisite for carrying on the work, so that it be not cramped. Provided, that if the seat-rents and collections fall short of what will be sufficient to discharge the rents, interest of money, and other necessary expenses of the chapels, the deficiency shall be made good out of some other revenue of the Society; and that books shall be provided, wherein shall be inserted all the accounts both of the Trustees and of the Stewards of the respective Societies, which shall be open for the inspection of the Trustees and others; and that the said accounts shall be annually audited in the presence of the Trustees. Provided also, that nothing in these resolutions shall be construed to extend to alter any of the powers contained in the Trust-Deeds. 2dly. No Trustee (however accused, or defective in conforming to the established rules of the Society) shall be removed from the Society, unless his crime, or breach of the rules of the Society, be proved in the presence of the Trustees and Leaders. 3dly. If any Preacher be accused of immorality, a meeting shall be called of all the Preachers, Trustees, Stewards, and Leaders of the Circuit in wbich the accused Preacher labours ; and if the charge be proved to the satisfaction of the majority of such meeting, the Chairman of the District in which that Circuit is situated shall remove the convicted Preacher from the Circuit, on the request of the majority of the meeting. Nevertheless, an appeal on either side to the Conference shaU remain. Signedj in behalf of the Conference, THOMAS HANBY, President THOMAS COKE, Secretary, 316 1795. MANCHESTER, Monday, July 27, 1795.* Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted into full connexion tins year? A. Edward Gibbons, Thomas Trethewey, John Doncaster, William Dcutou, Isaac Lilly, William Franklin, Stephen Wilson, William Mahy, Henry Mahy, James Jay, Michael Emraett, Richard Pattison, John Kingston, George Deverell, James Buckley, Alexander Cummins, Henrj'^ Anderson, Cleland Kirkpatrick, Thomas Fearnley, Thomas Greaves. f Ireland. — Joseph Hennin, William Armstrong, John M'Far- land, Samuel Alcorn. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL ? A. Richard Gower, Joseph Kyte, Joseph Bowes, Joseph Robbins, Francis Balliau, John Stephens, Robert Smith, jun., John Ward, Richard Hardacre, James Bridgnell, William Fenwick, Richard TrefFry, Stephen Eversfield, Isaac Muff, William Brown, Thomas Linay, John Brice, George Morley : 77ie above have travelled three years. Jonathan Barker, George Marsden, Thomas Yates, James Scholefield^ Richard Waddy, Edmund Shaw, Francis West, Patrick Kelly, James Penman, George Douglas, John Clarke, Robert Green, Anthony Seckerson, William Harrison, George Dermott, Leonard Ledbrook, James Lyons, James Mort, John Phillips, Charles Gloyne, Thomas Ingham : The above have travelled two years. Edward Towler, William Hicks, Caleb Simmons, James Crabb, Mark Daniel, Thomas Stanton, William Pearson, John Brownell, John Ash all, Thomas Parsons, William Howarth, William Moulton, Andrew Mayor, William Timperley, Joseph Drake, Arthur Hutchinson, Richard Thompson, John Furnace, Edward Millward, John Jones, Samuel Harris, John Hudson : The above have travelled one year. Ireland. — Matthew Tobias,J James Stuart, Robert Banks, Thomas M'Clellan, James Jordan, James Smith, Robert Dougherty, John INI'Arthur : The above have travelled three years. * N.B. The first day was spent in fasting and prayer. + All those who have travelled four years, and are well recommended by their respective Assistants, shall be admitted into full connexion, though absent from the Conference, provided that sufficient reasons be given for their absence. Nevertheless, they shall pass through the usual examination at the next Conference at which thry shall be present. + IMatthew Tobias has travelled four years, but was not able to attend the Dublin Conference. He would have been admitted as a person of unexceptionable character, if tlie rule for admitting Preachers in their absence had then existed. 1795. 317 James M'Kee, Robert Crozier, George Stephenson : The above have travelled tioo years. Francis Russell, Archibald Montgomery, John Stuart, William Patten, Joseph Anderson, John Hamilton, Daniel M'Mullen, Matthew Lanktree : The above have travelled one year. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. John Jennings, Charles Greenly, Thomas Rought, Josiab Hill, Joseph Brookhouse, James Gill, Joseph Cook, Martin Vaughan, John Leppington, John Wood, Thomas Edman, Thomas Blanshard, Thomas Stanley, Joseph Collier, Samuel Harris. Ireland. — John Clegg, Glenham Beech, James M'Kown, John Gillis, Lawrence Kane, jun. N.B. This is the second time that John Gillis has been put back upon trial. Q. 4. Who have died this year? A. 1. Benjamin Pearce. He travelled eleven years in England, Ireland, and the West Indies, with an unblamable character, and considerable usefulness. In his voyage from Grenada to Barbadoes, he was seized with a putrid fever, and died on his passage. Before he expired, he called the captain of the vessel, and said to him, " Tell my friends, when you arrive in Barbadoes, that I die happy in God." 2. John Cook, who was appointed to labour in the West Indies. He was recommended in the strongest manner by all the Preachers, Stewards, and Leaders of his Circuit. On his arrival at the island of Tortola, he was seized with the putrid fever then raging in that part of the world. A lodging was prepared for him on a hill, where the air was particularly salubrious, and two physicians attended him ; but all in vain. After an illness of five days, he was taken to his reward, in the prime of Hfe, and in the triumph of faith. " How unaccount- able are Thy judgments, O God ! " 3. John Broadbent, who laboured in the Lord^s vineyard for twenty-two years. During the last years of his life, his constitution was exceedingly debilitated ; but, knowing that he had sunk into an irrecoverable decline, he laid out every small degree of strength afibrded hira in the honourable course in which he was engaged, and preached to the last. He was a zealous man, and truly alive to God. He resigned his soul in peace, observing to a friend, just before he died, that God had very much blessed his soul. 4. William Butterfield. He travelled about eleven years, and was an acceptable, useful Preacher. His death was occasioned bv an inflammation in the brain. 318 1795. 5. Matthew Lowes, an old and faithful Preaclier. He travelled about sixteen years, till an asthmatic complaint obliged him to limit his usefulness. He was remarkable for humility, meekness, and seriousness. 6. Mark Willis, an excellent young man, and an acceptable Preacher. He travelled about seven years, and was taken off by a consumption in the bloom of life. 7. William Martin, a young man of promising abilities, and considerable usefulness. He died of a scarlet fever, after an illness of five days, in the third year of his itinerancy, and the twenty-ninth of his age. He was perfectly sensible to the last, and died happy in the Lord. 8. Charles Boon, who died of an atrophy, after labouring as a Travelling Preacher about twenty -four years. In him the church has lost an upright, able, and zealous Minister; his acquaintance, a kind and sincere friend ; and his afflicted partner, an affectionate and indulgent husband. There appeared to be blended in him the softness of moderation with the inflexibility of truth ; the meekness of wisdom, with the ardour of piety ; and the desire of unity and peace, with strict attention to order and discipline. He lived esteemed, and died lamented ; and his memory will be blessed, and engraven on the hearts of many. 9. Samuel Hodgson, a man of unblemished character, and of a generous, liberal mind. He acquired a good deal of know- ledge, and walked humbly with the Lord. W^hile crossing the ferry, near Sunderland, with several others, the ])oat was overset, and he and the greatest part of the passengers were drowned. Thus, in the awful providence of God, this excellent man was snatched from his sphere of usefulness to a better country, and to the full enjoyment of the God he loved. He was heard to say, just before he sunk, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit; and have mercy on my fellow-sufferers." He travelled sixteen years. 10. Thomas Elliott, a deeply-pious and zealous man. He travelled in Ireland four years, and was two yeai's a Super- numerary. He was of a strong understanding and good gifts. The Lord was pleased to take him to his reward in the prime of life, by a consumption brought on through excessive labour. Q. 5. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. They were examined one by one. Q. 6. Who have desisted from travelling? A. Francis Thoresby, William Brown. Q, 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year? A. As follows: — 1 London, Thomas Coke, John Pawson, James Creighton, Peard Dickinson, Francis Wrigley, Adam Clarke, William West, Walter Griffith, Richard Reece; George Story, Editor, &c.j 1795. 2 Rye, 3 Rochester^ 4 Canterbury^ 5 Colchester, 6 Harwich, 7 8 9 10 Norioich, Yarmouth, Diss, Bury, Lynn, 319 George Whitfield, Book-Steward; Thomas Olivers and Thomas Rankin^ Super- numeraries. Thomas Bartholomew, William Saunders, Joseph Kyte, Henry Anderson. William Collins, Richard Treffry. William Shelmerdine, John Saunderson, James Mort. (The single men in Rochester and Canterbury, are to change with each other once a quarter.) John Reynolds, John Stephens. John Hickling, Duncan Kay. (The single men in Colchester and Harwich are to change once a quarter.) Benjamin Leggatt, John Leppingtou. James Anderson, Edmund Shaw, Francis West. George Sykes, Charles Tunnycliflfe. Thomas Broadbent, John Furnace. Charles Kyte, Richard Hardacre. James 11 12 Walsinffham, William Heath, John Wittam. 13 Bedford, Jonathan Cousins, Joseph Robbins. 14 Hiff ham-Ferrers, Joseph Harper, Edward Towler. 15 St. Ives, (Hunts., J Stephen Wilson, Thomas Linay, Scholefield. 16 Northampton, Edward Gibbons, Thomas Gill. 17 Banbury, Thomas Rogerson, Josiah Hill. 18 Oxford, Owen Davies, John Dean; John Murlin, Supernumerary. .19 Newbury, John Boyle, James Lawton. 20 Gloucester, William Jenkins, Joseph Burgess, John Jennings. 21 Worcester, Joseph Taylor, James Thorn, James Bridgnell. 22 Salisbury, John M 'Kersey, Robert Smith, jun. 23 Blandford, William Holmes, William Howarth, Thomas Stanton, Charles Greenly; Robert Carr Brackenbury, Supernumerary. 24 Portsmouth, Joseph Algar, George Deverell, James Crabb, John Jones, Joseph Brookhouse. 25 Isle of Jersey, William Palmer, John de Queteville. 26 Isle of Guernsey, Thomas Simmonite, Henry Mahy. 27 Isles of Alderney\^ \\\\dim Dieuaide, Francis Balliau. (The and Sark, J Preachers in the islands are to change once in two months.) 28 Bath, Samuel Bradburn, John Grant. 29 Bradford, Wilts., James Rogers, Richard Gower. 30 Bristol, Joseph Bradford, Joseph Cole, Charles Atmore, Andrew Mayor, John Ashall; Thomas Roberts, Supernumerary. 320 1795. 31 Shepton-Mallet, William Ashman, Theophilus Lessey, Joseph Bowes ; John Easton, Supernumerary. 32 Taunton, James M. Byron, John Clarke, William Moulton. 33 Collumpton, Thomas Trethewey, William Thoresby. 34 Plymouth-JDock, Jonathan Crowther, James Lyons. 35 Launceston, Thomas Kelk, John Sandoe, John Cricket. 36 St. Austle, John Smith, Thomas Yates, Mark Daniel. 37 Jtedruth, Lawrence Kane, William Aver, James Jay, Joseph Cook. Z^ Penzance, and the'X y^'\\\\?im Horner, Francis Truscott, Isles of Scilly, J James Evans, Edward Millward, Robert Green ; John W^atson, Supernumerary. 39 Haverfordwest, William Cox, James Buckley, William Hicks. 40 Swansea, Samuel Taylor, William Pearson, James Gill. 41 Brecon, Cleland Kirkpatrick, John Wood. 42 Merthyr-Tydvil, Caleb Simmons. (The Preachers in Brecon and INIerthyr-Tydvil are to change once a month.) 43 Birmingham, William Thompson, Richard Elliott, George Marsden. John Woodrow, James Watson, Jonathan Barker. George Baldwin, Thomas Blanshard. John Goodwin, Richard Rodda, Simpson. Thomas Hutton, William Saunderson. 48 Macclesfield, George Snowden, John Booth, Crowther ; George Shadford, numerary. Jeremiah Brettell, John Leech. Alexander Mather, Thomas Rutherford. Thomas Taylor, Robert Miller. John Gaulter, John Denton. Benjamin Rhodes, John Furuess. Thomas Wood, William Franklin. James M'Donald, William Simpson, Joseph ColHer. Henry Moore, John Allen, Thomas Fearnley. (The single men in Chester and Liverpool are to change every six weeks.) George Lowe, Miles Martindale. Timothy Crowther, David Barrowclough. Joseph Entwisle, Jonathan Edmondson, Charles Gloyne. 44 Dudley, 45 Shreivsbury, 46 Burslem, 47 Leek, 49 Stockport, 50 Manchester, 51 Oldham, 52 Rochdale, 53 Bolton, 54 Wig an, 55 Chester, 56 Liverpool, 57 Northwich, 58 Blackburn, 59 Colne, John Robert Super- 1795. 321 CO Lancaster, Abraham Moseley, Alexander Cummins. 61 Leicester, Simon Day, Samuel Bardsley. 62 Hinckley, George Sargent, Leonard Ledbrook. 63 Castle-Donington, John Beaumont, George Morley. 64 Newark, Thomas Cooper, George Dermott. 65 Nottingham, Thomas Hanby, Thomas Lougley, Thomas Greaves. 66 Derby, John Nelson, Thomas Dunn; Joseph Jerom, Supernumerary. 67 Ashby, Jonathan Parkin, John Atkins, Thomas Rought. 68 Sheffield, Henry Taylor, William Bramwell. 69 Rotherham, George Button, John Crosby. 70 Grimsby, James Hall, Thomas Vasey, William Harrison, sen. 71 Horncastle, Charles Bland, Thomas Stanley. 72 Boston, John Wilshaw, Isaac Lilly. 73 Gainsborough, John King, E-obert Smith, sen., John Brice, Thomas Edman. 74 Epivorth, Jasper Robinson, George Mowat, William Hunter, jun. 75 Leeds, Joseph Benson, Isaac Brown, Wilham Thom ; William Denton, Supernumerary. 7Q Wakefield, William Myles, John Ogilvie, Michael Emmett; Thomas Hanson and William Boothby, Supernumeraries. 77 Huddersfield, John Barber, Robert Lomas. 78 Birstal, George Highfield, James MTherson, Parson Greenwood; Joseph Drake and Thomas Johnson, Supernumeraries. 79 Dewsbury, John Mason, Robert Hopkins. 80 Bradford, Robert Roberts, John S. Pipe; John Beanland, Supernumerary. 81 Halifax, John Pritchard, George Gibbon. 82 Keighley, Edward Jackson, Thomas Tattershall. 83 Otley, Lancelot Harrison, John Brettell. 84 Whitehaven, George Holder, John Braithwaite, John Phillips. (The single men are to change with Robert Dall.) 85 Isle of Man, John Barritt, Arthur Hutchinson, Samuel Harris. 86 York, William Blagborne, Zachariah YewdaU, John Kershaw. 87 Malton, Joseph Pescod, Isaac MuflF, John Dutton. 88 Pocklington, Thomas Harrison, WilUam Timperley; Peter Mill, Supernumerary. 89 Hull, James Wood, William Percival, John Stamp. 90 Bridlington, William Stevens, John Hudson. Vol. I. Y 822 1795. 91 Scarborough, 92 Whitby, 93 Ripon, 94 Middleham, 95 Stockton, Jonathan Brown, Thoraas Parsons. Thomas Dixon, Samuel Botts; Booth Newton^ Supernumerary. Samuel Gates, Philip Hardcastle. Robert Harrison, James Ridall. John Moon, Daniel Jackson. 96 Barnard-Castle, John Peacock, John Ramshaw, Anthony Seckerson; Joseph Thompson, Super- numerary. 97 Hexham, "William Hunter, sen., William Hainsworth; John Foster, Supernumerary. 98 Sunderland, Alexander Suter, Thomas Carlill, John Riles. 99 Newcastle, Robert Johnson, Richard Condy. 100 Alnwick, Alexander Kilham, Stephen Eversfield; Robert Swan, Supernumerary. SCOTLAND. 101 Edinburgh, James Bogie, Richard Waddy, George Douglas. 102 Glasgow, John Townsend, John Doncaster. 103 Dumfries, Robert Dall. 104- Berwick, Matthew Lumb. 105 Dundee, Thomas Warwick, John Ward. 106 Brechin, Joseph Saunderson, Joseph Cross. 107 Aberdeen, William Stephenson, Thomas Ingham. 108 Inverness and Banff, Duncan INl^AUum, William Fenwick, Richard Thompson. IRELAND. 109 Dublin, 110 Wicklow, 111 Carlow, 112 r Vat erf or d, 113 Cork, 114 Bandon, 115 Mallow, 116 Limerick, 117 Birr, 118 Castkbar, 119 Athlone, 120 Mountrath, 121 Longford, 122 Sligo, 123 Ballyconndl, William M'Cornock, William Smith; Matthias Joyce, Book-Steward. Samuel Moorhead, George Brown; James Rennick, Supernumerary. Michael Murphy, John Price, John Stuart. Samuel Steele, Thomas Patterson. Joseph Sutcliffe, John MTarland. John Darragh, John Hurley. Archibald Murdoch, William Patten. John Grace, Joseph Hennin. Charles Graham, William Wilson, George Stephenson; John Bredin, Supernumerary. Alexander Moore, James M'Quigg. Samuel Mitchell, James Jordan. William Hamilton, Francis Russell. John Stephenson, Joseph Anderson, James M'Kown. Thomas Ridgeway, James Irwin. Thomas Barber, John Hamilton. 1795. 333 124 Cavan, Andrew Hamilton, jun., John Cross^ Thomas M^Clellan. 125 Clones, Gustavus Armstrong, Robert Crozier, Daniel M'Mullen. 126 Brookborough, Joseph Armstrong, James Stuart. 127 Enniskillen, William Ferguson, William Armstrong. 128 BaU'mamallard, Matthew Tobias, Lawrence Kane. 129 Ballyshannon, Robert Banks, James Bell. 130 Newtown-Stewart, Francis Armstrong, Archibald Mont- gomery, Glenham Beech; Thomas Kerr, Supernumerary. 131 Charlemont, Andrew Hamilton, sen., John M'Arthur, James M'Kee. 132 Londonderry, Samuel Wood, Thomas Hewett, John Gillis. 133 Coleraine, Matthew Stewart, Thomas Brown, Matthew Lanktree. 134 Belfast, John Dinnen, Robert Smith. 135 Lisburn, David Gordon, James M'Mullen. 136 Downpatrick, Blakely Dowling, James Smith. 137 Tanderagee, John Kerr, Samuel Alcorn, John Clegg, John Malcomson. 138 Newry, John Crook, Robert Dougherty. THE BRITISH DOMINIONS IN AMERICA. NOVA SCOTIA, NEW BRUNSWICK, AND NEWFOUNDLAND. Halifax, Liverpool, Shelburne, Newport, Horton, Annapolis, St. John, Fredericton, St. Stephen's, Cumberland, Newfoundland, James Mann. ^ Isaac Lunsford. Daniel Fidler. John Mann. Theodore Harding. James Boyd. William Jessop. William Grandine. Duncan M'CoU. Benjamin Wilson. George Smith. WEST INDIES. William Black, General Assistant. ") John Baxter, William Warrener, Richard > Andrews, James Alexander, T. Dumble- ) ton, John Brownell. Edward Turner, Thomas Isham. Thomas Owens. Antigua, St. Christopher's, Nevis, Tortola, St. Vincent's, Barbadoes, Jamaica, William Fish, John M'Vean, James Penman. N.B. John Harper, John Kingston, and Richard Pattison, are removed to the continent of America. Y 2 324 1795. Q. 8. How many wives are to be provided for ? A. Oue hundred and fifty. Q. 9. How many of these are to be provided for by tLc Circuits? A. Ninety : as follows ; viz., — London, S. Clarke, AVest, Collins, (T.) Broadbent. Rochester, ^ g^ shelmerdine. S. Leggatt. S. Kelk. Brettell. S. Rutherford, ] S. Beau- mont. Canterbury, J Norwich, £4. Yarmouth, £8. Rye, £6. Diss, S. Tunnycliffe. Lynn, S. Kvte. Bedford, £S. Worcestershire, £Q. Portsmouth, S. Algar. Isles of Jersey, S. Dieuaide. Bath, S. Bradburn. Bristol, S. Reynolds, Hickling, Anderson. Shepton-Mallet, S. Ashman. Taunton, £6. ") c -d Collumpfon,£6.j^-^>™' Plymouth, S. (Jon.) Crowther, and j^6. Redruth, S. Kane, and £6. St. Austle, S. (J.) Smith. Penzance, S. Horner. Birmingham, S. (William) Thompson, Elliott. Burslem, S. Goodwin. Macclesfield, S. Snowden, Booth. Stockport, S Manchester, Leech, Hutton Oldham, S. Tftylor. Rochdale, S. Gaulter. Bolton, S. Rhodes. Chester, S. M'Donald. Liverpool, S. ]\Ioore, Allen. North wich, S. Martindale. Blackburn, S. (Tim.) Crowther. Colne, S. Entwisle. Q. 10. How are the remaining sixty wives to be provided for? viz., — S. Heath, Cousins, Harper, Gill, Boyle, Baldwin, (John) Nottingham, S. Hanbv Castle-Doningtou, £6. Derby, £6. Ashby, S. Parkin. Sheffield, S. Taylor, Bramwell, Button. Grimsby, S. Hall. Horncastle, S. Bland. Gainsborough, S. (Rob.) Smith. Epworth, S. Mowat. Leeds, S. Benson, Brown, Thom. Wakefield, S. Myles, Ogilvic. Huddersfield, S. Barber. Birstal, S. Highfield. Bradford, S. Roberts. HaUfax, S. Pritchard. Keighley, S. Tattershall. Isle of Man, S. Barritt. York, S.Harrison, (Jn.) Brettell. Malton, S. Pescod. Pocklington, ) S. Mill and Bridlington, j children. Hull, S. Wood. Whitby, S. Botts. Ripon, ,£6. lent Hexham, £6. |S- Gates. Stockton, S. Moon. Sunderland, S. Suter, Riles. Newcastle, S. Condy, Johnson. Edinbure;h, £6. ") c t> • m jpc r S. Bogie. Glasgow, £o. ) *= Ireland, S. M'Cornock, Joyce, Price, Patterson, Smith, Hurley, Grace, Graham, Wilson, M'Quigg, Stephen- son, £6; Irwin, Barber, (G.) Brown, Armstrong, Ferguson, Miller. 1795. 325 Simpson, (R.) Miller, Barrowclough, Funiess, Simpson, Watson, Day, Longley, Dunn, Atkins, Nelson, Crosby, Hunter, Drake, Greenwood, Gibbon, Hopkins, MufF, (Jon.) Brown, Dixon, Percival, (D.) Jackson, Peacock, Ramshaw, Seckerson, Hunter, Hainsworth, Kilham, Townsend, Doncaster, Dall, Lumb, Davies, Ward, Cross, Warwick, Stephenson, M'Allum, Cooper, Rogerson, (Jam.) Thorn, (Jos.) Taylor, Denton, Anderson, Bell, Kerr, Hamilton, Wood, Stewart, Dinnen, Gordon, M'Mullen, Dowling, and Crook. A. Partly by the subscriptions raised in the Circuits, and partly by the Contingent Fund. N.B. The money for the wives above-mentioned, resident in England and Scotland, will be deposited in the hands of Mr. Whitfield ; and that for the wives resident in Ireland, in the hands of Messrs. M'Cornock and Joyce. Q. 11. What numbers are in the Society? A. As follows : — London 3340 Plymouth - 584 Sussex 365 Launceston - 300 Rochester 389 St. Austle - 920 Canterbury 277 Redruth - 1858 Colchester 150 Penzance, &c. - - 1395 Harwich 193 Pembroke - 136 Norwich 280 Glamorgan - 290 Yarmouth 398 Brecon - 121 Diss - - - 417 Birmingham - - 1207 Bury - - - 179 Dudley - 445 Lynn ... 227 Shrewsbury - 420 Walsingham - 237 Burslem - 1300 Bedford 250 Leek - - 460 Higham-Ferrers 193 Macclesfield - - 1355 St. Ives, Hunts. 180 Stockport - 1400 Northampton - 229 Manchester - 3300 Banbury 291 Oldham - 1070 Oxford 820 Bolton - 1080 Gloucester 333 Wigan - 430 Worcester 470 Chester - 560 Salisbury 262 Liverpool - 982 Blandford 190 Northwich - 624 Portsmouth 500 Blackburn - 993 Isles of Guernsey, &c. 600 Colne - - 1120 Isle of Alderney 622 Lancaster 53 Bradford, Wilts. 414 Leicester - 287 Bristol 1645 Hinckley - 197 Shepton-Mallet 750 Castle-Donington - 570 Taniiton 410 Nottingham - 1100 CoUumpton 484 Newark - 370 326 1795. Derby - - 580 Waterford - 254 Ashby - - 700 Cork - - 360 Sheffield - 1750 Bandon - 162 Eotherham - 637 Mallow - 175 Grimsby - 869 Limerick - 226 Horncastle - 683 Birr - - 264 Eoston Aughrim - 270 Gainsborough - - 950 Castlebar - 223 Epworth - 684 Athlon e - 920 Leeds - - 3450 Longford - 450 Wakefield - 1080 Shgo - - 310 Huddersfield - - 1286 BaUyconnell - - 460 Birstal - 1400 Cavan - - 680 Dewsbury - 820 Clones - 755 Bradford - 1430 Brookborough - - 565 Halifax - 1500 Enniskillen - 386 Keighley - 1360 Ballinamallard - - 592 Otley - - 1100 Ballyshannon - - 356 Whitehaven - 400 Newtown-Stewart - 735 Isle of Man - - 2433 Charlemont •- 1200 York - - 1220 Londonderry - - 260 Malton - 730 Innishowen - 100 Pocklington - 940 Coleraine - 283 Hull - - 1280 Ballymena - 285 Bridlington - 450 Belfast - 550 Scarborough - - 500 Lisburn - 825 Whitby - 530 Downpatrick - - 510 Thirsk - 978 Tanderagee - 1030 Stockton - 625 Newry . 460 Barnard-Castle Hexham - 560 - 789 InaU 90,347 Sunderland - 1028 Newcastle - 800 Alnwick - 320 AMERICA. Edinburgh - 180 Glasgow - 151 THE BRITISH DOMINIONS. Ayr - Dumfries 32 36 Nova Scotia and New Bi'uns- ' - 7 Berwick, &c. - 62 wick. Dundee - 105 Halifax - 133 Brechin 68 Liverpool 70 Aberdeen - 290 Shelburne - 180 Banff - - 170 Horton 94 Inverness - J04 Newport 78 Dublin - 1030 Cumberland - 150 Wicklow - 145 Annapolis - 105 Carlow - 445 / / 1 ^' St. John - 118 1795. Fredericton St. Stephen's - St. John's^ Island Newfoundland West Indies. Antigua, "Whites Coloured people Blacks Barbadoes, Whites Coloured people Blacks Grenada St. Vincent's,* Whites Coloured people \ and Blacks J Dominica St.Christopher's, Whites Coloured people \ and Blacks J Nevis - - . Montserrat Tortola, Whites Coloured people and Blacks Jamaica, Whites Coloured people Blacks 327 } 100 52 20 200 36 7 2279 34 7 10 80 4 450 20 13 1410 400 12 6 2250 24 46 170 In all 8,558 IN THE STATES OF AMERICA. Dover Circuit, Whites - 930 Blacks - 507 Milford, Whites - 781 Blacks - 319 Somerset, Whites - 553 Blacks . 87 Northampton, Whites - 616 Blacks - 249 f Annamessex, Whites - 345 Blacks - 85 Dorset, Whites - 534 Blacks- - 431 Talbot, Whites - 635 Blacks- - 330 Caroline, Whites - 446 Blacks - 236 Queen Ann, Whites - 573 Blacks - 467 Kent, Whites - - 372 Blacks - - 467 Cecil, Whites - - 434 Blacks - - 321 Hartford, Whites - 519 Blacks - 219 Baltimore, Whites - 695 Blacks - 123 Baltimore Town, Whites 440 Blacks 207 Federal, Whites - 732 Blacks - 565 Annapolis, Whites - 120 Blacks - 190 Calvert, Whites - 682 Blacks - 1102 Prince George, Whites 110 Blacks - 205 Huntingdon, Whites - 191 Blacks - 2 Bath, Whites - - 290 Blacks - - 22 Montgomery, Whites - 685 Blacks - 340 Frederick, Whites - 365 Blacks - 90 Little York and Car- lisle, Whites - 276 Blacks - 7 Leesburg, Whites - 55 Blacks - 13 Fell's-Point, Whites - 96 Blacks - 35 Alexandria, Whites - 60 * This island and Grenada are now in so dreadful a state, that the work of God seems quite at a stand. But we doubt not that, as soon as peace is established, religion will again lift up its head. In the other islands, it still flourishes and deepens. 338 1795. Alexandria, Blacks 40 Banks, Blacks 16 Winchester, Whites 451 Richmond and Man- Blacks 111 chester, Whites 23 Fairfax, Whites 540 Blacks 4 Blacks 50 Salisbury, Whites 543 Stafford, Whites 324 Blacks 21 Blacks 42 Jadkin and Swanino, Lancaster, Whites 552 Whites 702 Blacks 180 Blacks 12 Pendleton, Whites Q7 Anson, Whites 249 Blacks 3 Blacks 36 Berkley, Whites 526 Roan Oak, Whites 464 Blacks 72 Blacks 423 Rockingham, Whites - 364 Tar River, Whites 570 Blacks - 33 Blacks 103 Alleghany, Whites 285 Goshen, Whites 355 Blacks 14 Blacks 34 Amherst, Whites 341 Pamlico, Whites 488 Blacks 10 Blacks 92 Orange, Whites 642 Mattamaskeat, Whites 198 Blacks 74 Bladen, Whites 480 Hanover, Whites 532 Blacks 55 Blacks 81 Quotentney, Whites - 316 Gloucester, Whites 713 Blacks 74 Blacks 81 Trent, Whites - 597 Williamsburg, Whites - 423 Blacks - 327 Blacks - 121 New Hope, Whites 666 Amelia, Whites 545 Blacks 102 Blacks 103 Guildford, Whites 631 Greensville, Whites 878 Blacks 51 Blacks 360 Caswell, Whites 477 Sussex, Whites 1285 Blacks 58 Blacks 1069 Franklin, Whites 514 Portsmouth, Whites - 651 Blacks 86 Blacks - 367 Great Pee-Dee, Whites 291 Bertie, Whites 616 Blacks 127 Blacks 176 Little Pee-Dee, Whites 500 Camden, Whites 480 Blacks 91 Blacks 304 Santee, Whites 254 Brunswick, Whites 586 Blacks 149 Blacks 216 Union, Whites 483 Cumberland, Whites - 312 Blacks 57 Blacks - 7 Catauba, Whites 180 Norfolk, Whites 119 Blacks 5 Blacks 154 Charleston, Whites 60 Petersburg, Whites 52 Blacks 220 Blacks 28 Edisto, Whites 452 Banks, Whites 203 Blacks 100 1795. 329 Bush River, Whites 245 Washington, Whites - 222 Blacks 7 Blacks 6 Broad River, Whites - 435 Redstone, Whites 278 Blacks - 68 Blacks 7 Seleuda, Whites 333 Pittsburg, Whites 150 Blacks 23 Blacks 1 Cherokee, Whites 204 Boston, Whites 45 George-Town, Whites - 53 Blacks 4 Blacks - 103 Needham, Whites 76 Washington, Whites - 389 Lynn, Whites 149 Blacks 128 Greenwich, Whites 30 Richmond, Whites 650 Warren, Whites 127 Blacks 111 New London, Whites - 219 Burke & Oconee, Whites 523 Middletown, Whites - 187 Blacks 31 Lichfield, Whites 195 Blackswamp, Whites - 120 Tolland, Whites 334 Holstein, Whites 257 Granville, Whites 148 Blacks 18 Pittsfield, Whites 305 New River, Whites 255 Cambridge, Whites 412 Blacks - 18 Saratoga, Whites 160 Russel, Whites 145 Otsego, Whites 140 Blacks 4 Harkemer, Whites 182 Green, Whites 300 Blacks 2 Blacks - 7 Dutchess, Whites 406 Lexington, Whites 410 Blacks 10 Blacks 20 Albany, Whites 475 Dansville, Whites 447 Blacks 5 Blacks 19 Columbia, Whites 251 Hinkstone, Whites 270 Blacks 2 Blacks 5 Fairfield, Whites 220 Limestone, Whites 374 Croton, Whites 283 Blacks 6 New Rochelle, Whites 364 Cumberland, Whites - 400 Blacks 11 Blacks - 30 Long Island, Whites - 250 Salt River, Whites 350 Blacks - 34 Blacks 8 Staten Island, Whites - 70 Bedford, Whites 345 Ehzabeth-Town, Whites 199 Blacks 41 Blacks 12 Bottetourt, Whites 470 rianders. Whites 258 Blacks 30 Blacks 3 Greenbrier, Whites 107 Newburg, Whites 430 Blacks 7 Blacks 13 Cowpasture, Whites 50 New York, Whites 575 Blacks 8 Blacks 135 Clarksburg, Whites 334 Delaware, Whites 290 Blacks 4 Freehold, Whites 453 Ohio, Whites - 221 Blacks 24 Blacks - 1 Salem, Whites 586 330 1795. Y British Dominions, Whites Upper Canada, Whites Lower Circuit, Whites Midland Circuit, Whites Blacks 116 216 2 Total number of Whites and Blacks AFRICA. SierraLeone,Coloured ) 65,505 people Total in Europe Total in America Total in Africa InaU ; 400 90,3J:7 74,063 400 164,810 Salem, Blacks - 94 Bethel, Whites - 404 Blacks - 11 Trenton, Whites - 156 Blacks - 18 Burlington, Whites - 383 Blacks - 15 Bristol, Whites - 211 Blacks - 6 Chester, Whites - 200 Blacks - 19 Lancaster, Whites - 256 Blacks - 4 Wilmington, Whites - 90 Blacks - 55 Philadelphia, Whites - 301 Blacks - 66 Northumberland,Whites 310 Blacks 1 Tioga, Whites - - 113 Wyoming, Whites - 183 Seneca-Lake, Whites - 81 Q. 12. What is the Kingswood Collection? A. £1,350. 145. 6d. Q. 13. What children are admitted this year? A. Joseph Algar and Theophilus Lessey. Q. 14. What can we allow at present for the education of the Preachers' children who cannot be admitted into Kingswood School ? A. £348. Q. 15. What sons of Preachers who are not admitted into Kingswood School have an allowance for their education ? A. William Thompson, £12. Joseph Benson, £12. John Benson, £12. Thomas Taylor, £12. Robert Hopkins, £12. Thomas Henrv Taylor, £12. Robert Taylor, £12. John M'Allum, £12' William Blair, for two years, £24. William West, £12. John Dall, £12. WilHam Black's son, for two years, £24. James Thom, £12. Wilham Percival, £12. Jonathan West and Matthew Stewart, £9. 17s. In all, £201. 175. Q. 16 Preachers ? A. For Sarah Day, third year, £6. Hannah Pritchard, third yeai', £6. Martha Longley, third year, £6. Jane Longley, second year, £6. Jane Wilshaw, second year, £6. Elizabeth Kane, second year, £6. INIartha Kane, second year, £6. Esther Lessey, second year, £6. Ann Martindale, second year, £6, Sarah Pritchard, second year, £6. Esther Roberts, What is allowed for the education of the daughters of 1795. 331 second year, £6. Ann Benson, second year, £6. Isabella Watson, second year, £6. Sarah Condy, second year, £6. Jane Jackson, second year, £6. Letitia Hall, second year, £Q. Ann Graham, second year, £6. Ann Creighton, second year, £6. Sophia Moon, first year, £6. Ann Kirkpatrick, first year, £Q. Hester Ann Rogers, first year, £6. Martha Goodwin, first year, £6. Elizabeth Day, first year, £6. Lucy Gibbon, first year, £6. Elizabeth Mill, first year, £6. Margaret Price, first year, £6. Catharine Thompson, £6. In all, £162. Q. 17. What is contributed for the Preachers' Fund? A. Subscriptions by the people - - £882 6 0 Ditto by the Preachers - - 406 10 6 In all £1,288 16 6 Q. 18. What is allowed out of it? £. s. d. £. s. d. A. To Sister") .^ 0 0 Margaret Shaw- - 30 0 0 Westell j ^"^ \J \J Joseph Thompson - 29 0 0 Thomas Hanson - 20 0 0 Joseph Jerom - 12 0 0 John Furz - - 15 0 0 Robert Costerdine - 29 0 0 Ann Morgan - 24 0 0 Robert Hayward - 19 0 0 Lucia Bourke - 15 0 0 Maria Marshall - 12 0 0 Mary Penington - 12 0 0 Jane Butterfield - 12 0 0 Elizabeth Dillon - 12 0 0 Sister Hodgson - 16 0 0 Sarah Barry - 15 0 0 Susannah Boon - 24 0 0 Sarah Nay lor - 10 0 0 Sister Miller - 12 0 0 Mary Mitchell - 15 0 0 Booth Newton - 12 0 0 Thomas Johnson - 7 7 0 WiUiam Denton - 12 0 0 Christopher Hopper 30 0 0 Catherine Garnet - 12 0 0 John Poole - 30 0 0 John Easton - 33 0 0 James Christie - 12 0 0 Peter Mill - - 12 0 0 William Boothby - 12 0 0 Sister Pearce - 12 0 0 Thomas Brisco - 30 0 0 John Watson - 12 0 0 IRELAND. Thomas Wride - 20 0 0 Samuel Bates - 12 0 0 Thomas Olivers - 24 0 0 John Bredin - 12 0 0 George Shadford - 23 0 0 Mary Blair - 16 0 0 Ann Wright - 15 0 0 James Rennick - 12 0 0 Christopher Watkius 23 0 0 Sister Miller - 14 0 0 Susannah Watkinson 16 0 0 Matthias Joyce - 12 0 0 George Wads worth 12 0 0 Thomas Kerr - 12 0 0 Mary Empringham 12 0 0 John Malcomson - 12 0 0 Sister Broadbent - 22 Sister Tennant - 23 0 0 0 0 In all £866 7 0 Q. 19. What is contrib uted for the Yearly Expenses ? A. £1,431. 15^. 3d. Q. 20. What has been Fund? ex pended on account of this 332 1795. £. s. d. A.Yox Defi ciencies on account of sickness Removal of families 176 2 Expenses in tra- velling Deficiencies in the salaries of the Preachers, of Preachers' wives, and of the children J In all i63,575 5 # ^ Q. 21. What Circuits were deficient in providing for their respective Preacliers and families ? and what sum was allowed to each of those Circuits from the Contingent Fund ? 334 19 6 0 286 8 8 1^1048 6 10 £. s. d. Servants ior^ Preachers with ) families, not > 146 11 6 provided fur i by the Circuits -^ Rents - - 506 15 3^ Law at Great") „, i^ r\ Bardfield j 33 0 0 Ireland - .1032 9 4 Sundries in Eng- 1 land 10 12 6 A. London Rye Rochester Canterbury Colchester Harwich - Worcester Salisbury - Portsmouth Bath £. s. 6 6 10 0 32 1 3 3 28 11 65 3 6 0 26 15 10 76 10 6 6 6 0 Bradford, Wilts. - 28 11 0 Bristol - - 36 15 0 Norwich - - 44 5 6 Yarmouth - 25 7 0 Diss - - 25 12 6 Bury - - 11 12 2 Lvnn - - 20 0 0 Walsingham - 27 6 8 Bedford - -740 St. Ives, Hunts. -990 Northampton - 17 11 3 Banbury - - 24 0 0 Oxfordand Newbury 48 3 0 Gloucester - 12 0 0 Bolton - - 2 12 6 Wigan - - 2 13 6 Chester - - 20 13 10 Liverpool - - 25 4 0 Northwich - 40 12 7 Blackburn - 31 14 0 Colne Lancaster Leicester - Hinckley Castle-Donington Newark - Nottingham Derby Rotherham Grimsby - Horncastle Gainsborough Epworth - Leeds Wakefield Keighley - Otley Shepton-Mallet Taunton - Collumpton Launceston St. Austle Redruth - Swansea - Brecon Birmingham Dudley Shrewsbury Burslem - Oldham - £. s. d. 8 10 0 22 8 0 47 5 0 36 7 8 23 8 0 20 8 0 26 7 5 59 7 6 46 18 0 16 6 0 47 7 4 28 8 24 3 7 7 12 0 44 0 10 22 1 0 24 0 0 14 3 6 10 10 0 5 5 0 27 4 4 24 3 0 20 17 6 24 1 6 8 8 0 85 9 9 53 12 0 33 10 8 20 4 0 £. s. d. £. s. d. 26 3 0 Edinburgh - 29 9 6 7 3 0 Glasgow - . 16 11 0 17 5 0 Dumfries - - 42 15 0 34 5 7 5 0 0 Berwick and ) Kelso j - 68 10 9 12 0 0 Dundee - . 66 6 6 66 9 0 Brechin - - 43 18 0 28 16 0 Aberdeen - - 25 5 0 68 19 5 Inverness and Banff 154 17 0 65 12 8 Law at Preston - 20 0 0 10 21 10 3 0 0 ^62,397 13 8 1795. 333 Whitehaven Isle of Man York Malton - Pocklington Hull Bridlington Scarborough Barnard-Castle Hexham - Sunderland Alnwick - Q. 22. What directions shall be given concerning the attend- ance of Preachers at the Conference. A. 1. Only one Preacher shall attend the Conference from Scotland; viz., one year, an Assistant from this side of the Forth, and the next year, one from the other side. 2. Only one Preacher shall attend from Wales, except when the Conference is at Bristol, at which all the Assistants may attend. 3. Only two shall attend from Cornwall, except when the Conference is at Bristol. 4. Only one shall attend from each District north of York, except when the Conference is at Leeds or Manchester. 5. Only one shall attend from each District south and south-east of London, except when the Conference is at London. 6. Only one shall attend from the Lincolnshire District, when the Conference is at Bristol. 7. With respect to the other Districts and Circuits, we con- firm the rule recorded in the Minutes of the Conference of last year, page 311th, question 23d; viz.. The District-Committees respectively shall, from year to year, fix upon the Preachers who are to attend the Conference ; and the expenses of their going to and returning from the Conference shall be defrayed by their respective Circuits. 8. In respect to those who are to be admitted from time to time : Those who shall be west of Bristol, and in Wales, shall be admitted only in the Bristol Conference; those who shall be south and east of London, and in the neighbourhood, shall be admitted there; and those in the north, at Manchester and Leeds. 9. Nothing in the above resolutions shall be construed to prevent those Preachers from attending the Conference, against whom there lies any accusation or complaint. 10. In order that all the Preachers may be perfectly easy respecting our form of goverument, it is agreed that no change 334 1793. shall be made in this, unless first proposed and agreed to in full Conference. Q. 23. What direction shall be given concerning the supply, ing of the Circuits with Preachers ? A. No Circuit shall have more Preachers than it can support, unless in case of some extraordinary burden in respect to wives and children; the Circuits in Scotland and Wales, and such as are poor in Ireland, being always excepted. Q. 24. What direction shall be given concerning the building of preaching-houses ? A. No step shall be taken towards the building of preaching- houses without the consent of the Conference first obtained, except as further specified in these Minutes. Q. 25. What directions shall be given concerning the books? A. 1. Every Preacher who has the care of books shall remit all the money he can to ]\Ir. Whitfield before or at Christmas. 2. All the interest which is due to the Preachers' Fund shall be paid out of the Book-Room the next year. to the members of the methodist societies. Very dear Brethren, You see here a very large deficiency, arising from the great and (as things are) unavoidable demands upon the Yearly Collection, which is raised amongst us for sending and supporting the Gospel in Scotland, Wales, and those parts of Ireland where the people are willing to hear, but, from their indigent circum- stances, are unable to support those who minister to them the word of life, all the burdens of which might be borne by the means of that collection ; though they are very much increased of late, by the necessity the Conference has been under of calling out many more Preachers than they formerly were accustomed to do. But you will easily see from the above state- ment, that demands of a similar nature have been made by a great number of Circuits in England, which have been multiplying every year, both before and since the death of our venerable Father. Insomuch as, notwithstanding he laid up nothing of the profits arising from what he published, but, as it increased, laid it out in that way he judged best for the carrying on the work, and supporting those Preachers and their families who M^ere not supported by the Circuits where they laboured ; yet he was obliged, for many years before his death, to take a very considerable part of what many of you so cheerfully con- tributed, for the support of those Preachers who had continued in your service as long as they were able, and the widows of such as had died in the work. It is true, many of you, who knew that the money you had subscribed for the above ends was so applied, were grieved, and 1795. 335 a few perhaps offended, as judging it unjust thus to lay it out. But when we told him so, he was used to answer, " What can I do? Must the work stand still? The men and their families cannot starve ! I have no money. Here it is : we must use it. It is for the Lord's work," &c., &c. In such circumstances, we could not refuse helping him, and in him the work of God, and also our distressed brethren, who were engaged with us in that work; only keeping an account from year to year of what was so advanced, which at his death was a considerable sum, besides the simple interest due upon it : which, as stewards for you, and also for those for whom you gave it, we had no right to give up; especially as the demands upon the Fund for superannuated or worn-out Preachers, and the widows of Preachers, are increasing every year, and are very likely to do so more abundantly. Should any say, "Now, the case is altered. All the profits of the books, which must amount to a very considerable sum yearly, are to be applied in defraying those expenses. And this is enough for all, and to spare ! " As there is nothing more desired by us, than that all our deeds be brought to the light, especially when any satisfaction may thereby be afforded to the world, and more especially to our own Societies or any individuals therein, whose minds may have been hurt by misrepresentations of this kind, the present may be a favourable opportunity for so doing. We will therefore make a few observations upon the occasion, and state the case just as it is, and leave all men to pass an impartial judgment on it. 1. It is true, that by Will and Deed Mr. Wesley did appoint that, after the payment of his just debts, the profits arising from the sale of the books, tracts, &c., which he left behind him, should be expended in carrying on the work of God. 2. It is as true, that, at his death, he owed to the widow and children of his brother, Charles Wesley, sixteen hundred pounds. 3. It is equally true, that an agreement was made between the Executor of Mr. Charles Wesley, and those who, by virtue of the Deed, were obliged to become Executors of the books, &c., of Mr. John Wesley, that, to secure the widow and children of the said Charles W^esley, and free them from all uneasiness, the above sixteen hundred pounds should be paid into the hands of Mr. John Collinson, as acting Executor for them ; which Avas done some time about November, 1791, or as soon after as the money could be raised. 4. It is no less true, that this swallowed up all that was the stock of the Preachers' Fund at that time, and several hundreds more. Now the whole of this was in the Book-Room. From whence it was natural to suppose, (1.) That the simple interest (if not the principal) of the sundry sums advanced from year to 336 1795. year for ten years before the death of Mr. Wesley, as well as of what was advanced in the instance just mentioned, should have been all cleared up before a shilling of the profits arising from the sale of the books was applied in any other way. But, strange as it may appear to many, the case is, (2.) That, instead of having been able to get one single shilling for interest out of the Book-Room since the death of Mr, Wesley, we have every year since that time sunk in debt in carrying on the work between four and five hundred pounds, and in 1791 between five and six hundred, over and above all we could draw out of the Book-Room for that end. This is our case as to the Book-Room and Preachers' Fund.* Witness our hands, ALEXANDER MATHER, JOHN PAWSON, Stewards of the Preachers' Fund. Now, very dear brethren, you see, the Conference was not precipitate in making the resolutions which precede this Address; and that, in order to be just, we must (at least for the present) sacredly adhere to them ; being well assured, God who calls us to carry on His work requires of us to use every prudential means, as well as to exercise faith in Him, who, we have no doubt, will, in the use of proper means, bring us through every difficulty. Nor can you be more alarmed at the above than we were, when we came to view the vast deficiency which must be made up out of the Book-Room this year, after sinking all the surplus of the Contributions for the Preachers' Fund, and endeavouring to put off every person we possibly could, to a remoter pei'iod of the year, for just claims of sundry kinds upon the Contingent Fund or Yearly Collection. This being the case, all our brethren will see it necessary to attend to what has been resolved upon in the Conference, respecting the Preachers and Circuits, and in making their remittances to Mr. Whitfield at the time he desires. Q. 26. What directiJons shall be given concerning the keeping of the Lord's day holy? A. We are afraid that some of our people are not sufficiently attentive to this ordinance of God. We therefore strongly recommend the religious observance of that sacred day; and desire our Assistants to exclude every person from the Society who buys or sells on the Lord's day, unless the sin be acknow- ledged and forsaken; except in the cases of medicine for the sick, or of supplying necessaries for funerals. Q. 27. What directions shall be given concerning those * After having examined the Fund-Books, and carefully compared them. 1795. 337 received upon trial, "who have been inserted in the Reserved List, and have been called out in the course of the ensuing year? A. If they shall have travelled nine months in the year ensuing, they shall be entitled to the privileges of those who have travelled the whole year ; but not otherwise. Q. 28. Who are the Book-Committee? A. The Preachers stationed in London. The Corresponding Members are, Joseph Bradford, Alexander Mather, Thomas Hanby, William Thompson, Thomas Taylor, John Allen, Joseph Benson, Samuel Bradburn, Richard Rodda, Henry Moore, Benjamin Rhodes, John Moon, Henry Taylor, John Gaulter, Miles Martindale. Q. 29. What directions shall be given concerning the adminis- tration of the Lord^s Supper? A. The Lord^s Supper shall be administered by the Assistant only, or such of his Helpers, who are in full connexion, as he shall appoint ; provided no Preacher be required to give it against his approbation. And should it be granted to any place where the Preachers on the Circuit are all unwilling to give it, the Assistant shall in that case invite a neighbouring Preacher, who is properly qualified, to administer it. Q. 30. What directions shall be given concerning the appoint- ment of Stewards? A. As several inconveniences have arisen respecting the change of Stewards ; to remedy this, let it be observed, that the ofl&ce of a Steward ceases at the end of the year; and every Assistant is required to change at least one Steward every year, so that no Steward may be in office above two years together, except in some extraordinary cases. Q. 31. What directions shall be given concerning the use of tobacco ? A.'i. No Preacher shall use tobacco for smoking, for chewing, or in snuff, unless it be prescribed by a physician. 2. Our people are requested not to introduce pipes and tobacco into their houses for Preachers, except in extreme cases. Q. 32. Who are the Chairmen of the Districts? A. 1 London, John Pawson. 2 Norwich, Charles Kyte. 3 Northampton, Jonathan Cousins. 4 Bristol, Joseph Bradford. 5 Birmingham, William Thompson. 6 Salisbury, William Holmes. 7 Isles of Jersey, ^c, William Palmer. 8 Plymoutli, Jonathan Crowther. 9 Redruth, William Horner. 10 Pembroke, William Cox. 11 Chester, Richard Rodda. 12 Manchester, Alexander Mather. Vol. I. Z 338 1795. 13 Halifax, John Pritchard. 14 Nottingham, Thomas Haiiby. ^ 15 Leeds, "VYilUam Thorn. 16 Grimsby, Jasper Robinson. 17 Whitehaven, Creorge Holder. 18 York, James Wood. 19 Whitby, Thomas Dixon. 20 Newcastle, William Hunter. 21 Edinburgh, Matthew Lumb. 22 Aberdeen, Duncan M'Allum. IRELAND. 23 Dublin, William M'Cornock. 24 Cork, Joseph Sutcliffe. 25 Limerick, John Grace. 26 Athlone, Samuel Mitchell. 27 Clones, Gustavus Armstrong. 28 Londonderry, Samuel Wood. 29 Coleraine, John Dinnen. 30 Charlemont, Andrew Hamilton, sen. Q. 33. Who are the Committee for Kingswood School? A. Joseph Bradford, Joseph Cole, Charles Atmore, Samuel Bradburn, James Rogers. Q. 34. Who is appointed to preside at the next Irish Con- ference ? A. Thomas Coke ; who is authorized to visit the Irish Circuits the ensuing year. Q. 35. What directions shall be given concerning the collections ? A. \. It is desired, that the money collected in each Circuit for the Yearly Collection, for Kingswood School, and the Preachers' Fund, be entered in the General Stewards' books in their respective Circuits. 2. It is agreed, that the benefit of the late Act of Parliament respecting charitable funds shall be taken in behalf of the Preachers' Fund. Q. 36. What directions shall be given concerning our public fasts ? A.\.K public fast shall be held on the first Friday after Michaelmas, and every other regular quarter-day. 2. That we may be favoured with the direction and blessing of God on our important work at the Conference, it is agreed, that on the morning of the first day of the Conference the President and Secretary shall be chosen, and the rest of the day be dedicated to fasting and prater. And it is desired, that our Societies and congregations may join us in the solemn duties of the day. 1795. 339 Q. 37. What time are the Delegates of the Districts to meet in London, to draw up the rough Plan of the Stations of the Preachers ? A. On the Wednesday morning preceding the next Confer- ence. Q. 38. When and where shall the next Conference be held ? A. In London, on the last Monday in July, 1796. TO THE MEMBERS OF THE METHODIST SOCIETY. Dearly Beloved Brethren, We beg leave to state to you what has been done in our present Conference, in order to establish a general and lasting peace and union throughout our Connexion. When we assembled together, our hearts were most deeply touched with the awful situation of our affairs. We trembled at the thought of a division, and its dreadful consequences ; and therefore determined to set apart the first day of the Conference, as a day of solemn and real fasting and prayer. God was indeed in the midst of us; and we all felt a confidence that a solid foundation would be laid for lasting peace and unity. When we met in Conference on the second day, we saw the necessity of appointing a Committee to prepare a plan of general pacification ; and, that the Committee might be the men of our own choice, in the fullest sense of the words, we resolved that they should be chosen by ballot. Every Preacher, therefore, in full connexion, gave in nine papers, with a name upon each (nine being the predetermined number of the Committee). The ballots were received, and Messrs. Mather and Pawson were desired to retire and count the votes. When they returned, they gave in the following names, as the first upon the list ; viz., — Joseph Bradford, who was President ; John Pawson, Alexander Mather, Thomas Coke, William Thompson, Samuel Bradburn, Joseph Benson, Henry Moore, and Adam Clarke. We were astonished at the choice, and clearly saw it was of God. It evidenced beyond a doubt the impartiality of the body of Preachers; for there must have existed a majority, on one side or the other, in respect to the disputed points ; and yet they voted for a mixed Committee. The Committee accordingly met six evenings successively; and sat each evening, after all the fatigues of the Conference, for about three hours and a half. Their plan was at last completed, and laid before the Conference ; who, with the alteration of a single article, passed them unani- mously. After this, two or three articles more were agreed upon, under the title of Addenda, in order to give the completest satisfaction, and to remove every obstacle to a lasting peace. Z 3 310 1795. ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT FOR GENERAL PACIFICATION. I. CONCERNING THE LORD's SUPPER, BAPTISM, &C. 1. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper shall not be adminis- tered in any chapel, except the majority of the Trustees of that chapel on the one hand, and the majority of the Stewards and Leaders belonging to that chapel (as the best qualified to give the sense of the people) on the other hand, allow of it. Never- theless, in all cases, the consent of the Conference shall bo obtained before the Lord's Supper be administered. 2. Wherever there is a Society, but no chapel, if the majority of the Stewards and Leaders of that Society testify that it is the wish of the people that the Lord's Supper should be adminis- tered to them, their desire shall be gratified ; provided that the consent of the Conference be pi'cviously obtained. 3. Provided, nevertheless, that in Mount-Pleasant chapel in Liverpool, and in all other chapels where the Lord's Supper has been already peaceably administered, the administration of it shall be continued in future. 4. The administration of Baptism, the Burial of the Dead, and Service in Church-hours, shall be determined according to the regulations above-mentioned. 5. Wherever the Lord's Supper shall be administered accord- ing to the before-mentioned regulations, it shall always be continued, except the Conference order the contrary. 6. The Lord's Supper shall be administered by those 07ihj who are authorized by the Conference; and at such times, and in such manner only, as the Conference shall appoint. 7. The administration of Baptism and the Lord^s Supper, according to the above regulations, is intended only for the members of our own Society. 8. We agree, that the Lord's Supper be administered among us on Sunday evenings only; except where the majority of the Stewards and Leaders desire it in Church-hours, or where it has already been administered in those hours. Nevertheless, it shall never be administered on those Sundays on which it is adminis- tered in the parochial church. 9. The Lord's Supper shall be always administered in England according to the form of the Established Church ; but the person who administers shall have full liberty to give out hymns, and to use exhortation and extemporary prayer. 10. Wherever Divine service is performed in England on the Lord's day in Church-hours, the officiating Preacher shall read either the Service of the Established Church, our venerable father's Abridgment, or, at least, the Lessons appointed by the Calendar. But we recommend either the full Service, or the Abridj/meut. 1795. 341 H. CONCERNING DISCIPLINE. 1. The appointment of Preachers shall remain solely with the Conference; and no Trustee, or number of Trustees, shall expel or exclude from their cliapel or chapels any Preachers so appointed. 2. Nevertheless, if the majority of the Trustees, or the majority of the Stewards and Leaders of any Society, believe that an^^ Preacher appointed for their Circuit is immoral, erroneous in doctrines, deficient in abilities, or that he has broken any of the rules above-mentioned, they shall have authority to summon the Preachers of the District, and all the Trustees, Stewards, and Leaders of the Circuit, to meet in their chapel on a day and hour appointed (sufficient time being given). The Chairman of the District shall be the President of the assembly; and every Preacher, Trustee, Steward, and Leader shall have a single vote, the Chairman possessing also the casting voice. And if the majority of the meeting judge that the accused Preacher is immoral, erroneous in doctrines, deficient in abilities, or has broken any of the rules above-mentioned, he shall be considered as removed from that Circuit ; and "^the District-Committee shall, as soon as possible, appoint another Preacher for that Circuit, instead of the Preacher so removed ; and shall deter- mine among themselves how the removed Preacher shall be disposed of till the Conference, and shall have authority to suspend the said Preaclier from all public duties, till the Confer- ence, if they judge proper. The District-Committee shall also supply, as well as possible, the place of the removed Preacher, till another Preacher be appointed. And the Preacher thus appointed, and all other Preachers, shall be subject to the above mode of trial. And if the District-Committee do not appoint a Preacher for that Circuit, instead of the removed Preacher, within a month after the aforesaid removal, or do not fill up the place of the removed Preacher till another Preacher be appointed, the majority of the said Trustees, Stewards, and Leaders, being again regularly summoned, shall appoint a Preacher for the said Circuit, provided he be a member of the Methodist Connexion, till the ensuing Conference. 3. If any Preacher refuse to submit to the above mode of trial, in any of the cases mentioned above, he shall be considered as suspended till the Conference. And if any Trustees • expel from any chapel a Preacher, by their own separate authority, the Preachers appointed for that Circuit shall not preach in that chapel till the ensuing Conference, or till a trial take place according to the mode mentioned above. 4. If any Trustees expel or exclude a Preacher, by tlieir own separate authority, from any chapel in any Circuit, the Ciiair- man of the District shall summon the members of the District- Committee, the Trustees of that Circuit who have not ofl'ended, 342 1795. and the Stewards and Leaders of the Circuit. And the members of such assembly shall examine into the evidence on both sides ; and if the majority of them determine, that the state of the Society in which the exclusion took place requires that a new chapel should be built previous to the meeting of the Conference, every proper step shall be immediately taken for erecting such chapel. And no step shall on any account be taken to erect a chapel for such purpose, before the meeting of the Conference, till such meeting be summoned, aud such deter- mination be made. 5. No Preacher shall be suspended or removed from his Circuit by any District-Committee, except he have the privilege of the trial before-mentioned. 6. The hundred Preachers mentioned in the enrolled Deed, and their successors, are the only legal persons who constitute the Conference : and we think the junior brethren have no reason to object to this proposition, as they are regularly elected according to seniority. 7. Inasmuch as, in drawing up the preceding regulations, we iiave laboured to restore and preserve the peace and unitj' of the Society, and, in order thereto, have endeavoured to keep the Preachers out of all disputes on the subjects therein specified; Be it understood, that any Preacher who shall disturb the peace of the Society, by speaking for or against the introduction of the Lord^s Supper in our Societies, or concerning the old or new plan, so called, shall be subject to the trial and penalties before mentioned. 8. And, in order that the utmost impartiality may be manifest in these regulations, for the peace of the whole body, we also resolve, that if any Local Preacher, Trustee, Steward, or Leader shall disturb the peace of the Society, by speaking for or against the introduction of the Lord's Supper, or concerning the old or new plan, so called, the Assistant of the Circuit, or the majority of the Trustees, Stew^ards, aud Leaders of the Society so dis- turbed, shall have authority to summon a meeting of the Travelling Preachers of the Circuit, and the Trustees, Stewards, and Leaders of that Society. Evidence shall be examined on both sides ; and, if the charge be proved, the Assistant Preacher shall expel from the Society the person so ofiending. ADDENDA. 1. The Conference by no means wishes to divide any Society by the introduction of the Lord's Supper; and therefore expect that the majority of the Stewards and Leaders, who desire the Lord's Supper among themselves, testify in writing to the Con- ference, that they are persuaded no separation will be made thereby. 3. The Sacrament shall not be administered to a Societv iu 1795. 343 any private house, within two miles of any Methodist chapel in which it is regularly administered. 3. We all agree, that the pulpit shall not be a vehicle of abuse. 4. It has been our general custom, never to appoint or remove a Leader or Steward without first consulting the Leaders and Stewards of the Society; and we are resolved to walk by the same rule. 5. To prevent as much as possible the progress of strife and debate, and consequent divisions in our Connexion, no pamphlet or printed letter shall be circvilated among us without the author's name, and the postage or carriage paid. 6. Nothing contained in these rules shall be construed to violate the rights of the Trustees, as expressed in their respective deeds. Thus, beloved brethren, have we done our utmost to satisfy every party, and to unite the whole. You, by your Trustees ou the one lijind, and your proper representatives, the Leaders and Stewards, on the other, are to determine concerning the intro- duction of the Sacraments, or the service in Church-hours, among yourselves. We have gone abundantly farther. We have in some degree deposited our characters and usefulness in your hands, or the hands of your representatives, by making them judges of our morals, doctrines, and gifts. We apprehend that we could have made no further sacrifice, without sapping the foundations of Methodism, and particularly destroying the Itinerant plan. O brethren, be as zealous for peace and unity in your respective Societies, as your Preachers have been in this blessed Conference. Let the majorities and minorities on both sides exercise the utmost forbearance towards each other; let them mutually concede one to the other as far as possible ; and, by thus bearing each other's burdens, fulfil the law of Christ. Let all resentment be buried in eternal oblivion ; and let contention and strife be for ever banished from the borders of our Israel. Surely, our present complete and happy union, so contrary to the fears of many, is a signal of good times. God will, we believe, pour out His Spirit upon us more largely than ever; and by the exercise of His most gracious prerogative, bring abundance of good out of all our past evils. To His grace and holy keeping we commend you. May nothing ever separate you and us from the love of God, or from each other ; but may you be our crown of rejoicing in the great day of the Lord ! Signed, in behalf of the Conference, JOSEPH BRADFORD, President, THOMAS COKE, Secretary. Manchester, August 6, 1795. 3-14 1795. Addresses from the Delegated Trustees, assembled at Manchester, to the Conference. RESOLVED^ That the thanks of this meeting be unanimoushj given to the President, and the members of the Conference, for their kind attention to the business of the Delegation of the Trustees that has been laid before them. Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Conference, signed by the President and Secretary. MATTHEW MAYER, Committee-Room of Delegates, WILLIAM PINE. August 4, 1795. To the Methodist Preachers assembled in Conference. Dear and honoured Fathers and Brethren, We beg you to accept our sincere thanks, for your kind attention in sending us propositions for general pacification and discipline. We are sensible of the liberality and candour which are manifest in them. It is evident from their tenor, that you have attempted to meet the views of each party. We hope and trust that, by the blessing of God, it may be a means of uniting the whole body of Methodists throughout the three kingdoms. With all deference to the Conference, we submit the following propositions to their further attention : — That some provision be made for the brethren who differ from the judgment of Trustees, or the major part of a Society, on the subjects in question; as we suppose such cases are numerous and important. AVe particularly refer to Leeds Circuit. That the case of those chapels where there are no Leaders be more fuUy explained : Also those where the Sacrament is administered every Sun- day in the pai'ochial church. Although we think it our duty thus candidly to state the views which have occurred to us in carefully perusing the propositions, yet we think it necessary to say, we shall cheer- fully acquiesce in the final determination of the Conference. Signed, in behalf of the Meeting, Manchester, August 3, 1795. MICHAEL LONGRIDGE. THE address of THE IRISH CONFERENCE TO THE PRESIDENT and preachers of the manchester conference. Fathers and Brethren, Your kind reception of our last Address is a sufficient proof of your disinterested love towards us ; and, while it raises joy in 1795. 315 our souls, begets that affection and gratitude to j'ou which wo cannot describe. We may safely say, that nothing except the Divine approba- tion could afford us a happiness equal to that which arises from the assurance of your Christian esteem and brotherly love ; and we trust that it shall be our constant care to maintain that heavenly union, which, through the mercy of our Divine Master, so eminently subsists among us at present. Sensible how much we are indebted, under God, to you, we feel it our hearts^ desire to receive your every advice in the spirit which becomes junior brethren. Your important observation, that nothing can materially injure the great work which God is so remarkably carrying on through our instrumentality but " strife and division,^' we most sensibly feel, and highly approve ; and, as we know your ardent wish for Jerusalem's welfare, we are happy to inform you, that, through the goodness of God, peace and unanimity prevail among us. Your earnest exhortations to be much in prayer, and to establish prayer-meetings, we believe to be dictated by hearts big with desire for the prosperity of Zion ; and we look to God to enable us to follow these counsels, so agreeable to the Divine will, and so conducive to the eternal happiness of mankind. We cannot help repeating our approbation of our dear brother Bradford. We are more and more convinced that he is a man of God, and, like Moses, faithful in all His house : we sincerely regret his departure; and if our dear fathers and brethren should appoint him to labour in our laud again, we should consider it as a blessing from heaven, and receive him with open arms. But, while we particularize our dear friend Bradford, we would not be thought to reflect upon our beloved English brethren about to leave the kingdom, whom we believe to be true servants of God : we rejoiced in their labours, and have only to regret their removal. Neither can we help thanking God and you for the visitation of Dr. Coke. The Lord was undoubtedly with him in his tour through the kingdom ; and in our Conference he has presided with wisdom, meekness, impartiality, and love. We shall be happy to receive him as our President, whenever you shall be pleased to appoint him; and we unanimously request to be favoured with his presidency the ensuing year. We rejoice, and we bless God, that we have it in our power to inform you, that He hath owned our labours the year that is past, and that He is building up Jerusalem in troublesome times. Great have been the disturbances in our nation, among those who are without ; yet, through all, the Great Head of the church has wonderfully preserved and prospered us. To Him be the glory ! We humbly and earnestly entreat a continuation of your Christian attention ; and that you will not fail to remember us 316 1796. at the throne of grace. And be assured, respected fathers and brethren, that it shall, throujih grace, be our constant care to unite our petitions to yours for the general good, and our ambition to follow your pious example. We remain, with all possible love and esteem, your brethren in Christ Jesus. Signed, in behalf of the Conference, Dublin, July 11, 1795. JOHN CROOK, Secretary. LONDON, Monday, July 25, 1796. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted into full connexion this year? A. Richard Gower, Joseph Bowes, Joseph Robbins, John Stephens, Robert Smith, John AVard, Richard Ilardacrc, James BridguelJ, William Feuwick, Isaac MuflF, John Brice, George Morley, George Smith, Thomas Fearnley, Henry Anderson, Ireland. — Matthew Tobias, James Stuart, Robert Banks, James Jordan, James Smith, John M'Arthur. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. Jonathan Barker, George Marsden, James Scholefield, Edmund Shaw, Francis AVest, James Penman, George Douglas, John Clarke, Robert Green, Anthony Seckerson, William Harrison, George Dermott, John Phillips, Charles Gloyne, Thomas Ingham, John Foster, Joseph Kyte : The above have travelled three years. Edward Towler, WilHam Hicks, Caleb Simmons, James Crabb, Mark Daniel, Thomas Stanton, William Pearson, John Brownell, John Ashall, Thomas Parsons, William Howarth, W illiam Moulton, Andrew Mayor, William Timperley, Joseph Drake, Arthur Hutchinson, Richard Thompson, Richard W^addy, John Furnace, Edward Millward, John Jones, Samuel Harris, John Hudson, Charles Greenly : The above have travelled two years. John Jennings, Thomas Rought, Josiah Hill, Joseph Brookhouse, James Gill, Joseph Cook, John Lcppington, John Wood, Thomas Ed man, Thomas Blanshard, Thomas Stanley, Joseph Collier, John Dutton, Richard Emmett : The above have travelled one year. Ireland. — James M'Kee, Robert Crozier, George Stephenson : The above have travelled three years. Francis Russell, Archibald Montgomery, John Stuart, William Patten, Joseph Anderson, John Hamilton, Daniel M'Mullen, Matthew Lanktree : The above have travelled two years. 1796. 347 Jolm Clegg, James M'Kowii/ Lawrence Kaue, juu., Alexander Sturgeon, Daniel PedloAv : The above have travelled one year. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. Hans Shrowder, Cuthbert Whiteside, James Townley, George Matthewson, liumphrey Parsons, Martin Vaughan, Peter Ilaslam, James Burley, Thomas Shaw, John Aikenhead, John Burdsall, John Hughes. Ireland. — Thomas Edwards, John Clendinnen, Zechariah Worrell, Charles Majne, William Douglas, John Hagan, William Sturgeon, Andrew Taylor, William Little^ Thomas Booth. Q. 4. Who have di ed this year ? A. 1. John Miller, a German, He was a Travelling Preacher for sixteen years ; and though the disadvantages of his pronun- ciation were always objections to him on his first visit to a Circuit, yet he soon gained the affection and esteem of the people. Love and zeal were the two distinguishing traits in his character. After a very useful life, he died happy, rejoicing in Christ Jesus, 2. John Brettell. He was brought to the knowledge of God when he was very young; and laboured in the Lord^s vineyard more than three-and-twenty years, with a steady, upright character. In his last illness he was remarkably happy in God ; and one of his dying testimonies was, " I bless God, I was never more resigned to the Divine will ; have no pain, nor have had any doubt of my acceptance with God since my affliction began." 3, William Denton; a truly serious, watchful, and exemplary Christian; of great humility, meekness, and patience; and an acceptable and edifying Preacher. After having travelled four years on trial, and being much approved of in the Circuits in which he had laboured, he was admitted into full connexion at the last Conference ; but he was immedi- ately obliged to desist from travelling, through a painful and distressing disorder, which arose from a hurt received in the work. This affliction, which continued and increased upon him for many months, he supported with great resignation to the Divine will; and, although frequently exercised with sore temptation and much heaviness, he went off the stage of life in great peace and triumph. Q. 5. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. They were examined one by one. Q. 6. Who have desisted from travelling? A: Richard Seed ; — James Lyons, William Franklin, Alexander Kilham. 348 1796. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year? A. As follows : — Dr. Coke superintends the West India Missionaries. I London, 2 Rye, 3 Rochester, 4 Canterbury, 5 Colchester, 6 Harwich, 7 Norwich, 8 Yarmouth, John Pawson, Francis Wrigley, William West, Adam Clarke, Richard Recce, George Marsden, Peard Dickinson, James Creigbton ; George Story, Editor, &c. ; George Whitfield, Book-Steward. Thomas Tattershall, Robert Swan, Joseph Kyte, Martin Yaugban. John Woodrow, Peter Haslam. George Deverell, William Howarth, James Towuley. John Reynolds, John Stephens. John Hickling, John Cricket. Charles Kyte, Duncan Kay. James Anderson, Richard Hardacre, John Leppington. William Collins, Thomas Rogerson. Thomas Broadbent, Francis West. Benjamin Leggatt, Edmund Shaw. 9 Diss, 10 Bury, 11 Lynn, 12 Walsingham, John Saunderson, Josiah Hill. 13 Bedford, James Watson, John Furnace. 14 Hiyhani-Ferrers, Thomas Gill, Edward Towlcr. 15 St. Ives, (Hunts.,) Edward Gibbons, Stephen Wilson, James Scholefield, John Wittam. 16 Northampton, Jonathan Cousins, Charles Tunnycliffe. 17 Banbury, Joseph Harper, Cuthbert Whiteside. 18 Oxford, William Shelmerdine, John Dean; John Murlin, Supernumerary. 19 Newbury, William Holmes, Thomas Dunn. 20 Gloucester, WiUiam Jenkins, Joseph Burgess,Sarauel Harris. 21 Worcester, Walter Griffith, Jonathan Crowther, James Bridgnell. 22 Salisbury, John M'Kersey, Robert Smith, jun. 23 Blandford, Theophilus Lessey, Thomas Stanton, John Jones, Isaac Lilly. 24 Portsmouth, Joseph Algar, Thomas Rought, Joseph Brookhouse, Charles Greenly. 25 Isle of Jersey, Thomas Simmonite, William Dieuaide, Henry Mahy. 26 Isle of Guernsey, William Palmer, Francis Balliau. 27 Isles of Alderney and Sark, John de Queteville. 28 Bath, Samuel Bradburn, Richard Gower. 29 Bradford, Wilts., James Rogers, William Moulton. 30 Bristol, Joseph Bradford, John Pritchard, Charles Atmore, Thomas Roberts, Owen Davics, Andrew Mavor. 1796. 3i9 36 St. Aiistle, 37 Redruth, 38 Penzance, 31 Shcpton-Malkt, William Ashman, Thomas Kelk. 32 Taunton, James M. Byron, James Jay, Joseph Robbins, Humphrey Parsons. 33 CoUumpton, Mark Daniel, James Lawton. 34 Plyynouth-Dock, William Ilorncr, William Aver. 35 Lannceston, John Smith, Thomas Yates, James Evans. John Boyle, Edward Millward, Robert Green, Thomas Stanley. Francis Truscott, John Clarke, Richard Treffry, Thomas Trethewey. Lawrence Kane, Joseph Cook, John Sandoc, John Grant, Joseph Bowes. 39 Haverford-West, Cleland Kirkpatrick, William Pearson, James Gill. 40 Swansea, Samuel Taylor, Hans Shrewder. 41 Cardiff, Caleb Simmons, John Hughes. 43 Brecon, James Buckley, John Wood, John Jennings. 43 Birmingham, William Thompson, Richard Elliott, John S. Pipe, Jonathan Barker. Joseph Taylor, John Simpson, William Hicks. George Baldwin, Thomas Blanshard. John Mason, Richard Rodda, Thomas Hutton. William Simpson, James Ridall. 48 Macclesfield, George Snowden, Miles Martindale, Thomas Greaves. Jeremiah Brettell, James McDonald. Alexander Mather, Thomas Rutherford. Thomas Taylor, Joseph Collier. * John Gaulter, Robert Miller. Benjamin Rhodes, David Barrowclough. Thomas Wood, George Sykes. John Goodwin, Robert Crowther, Richard Emmett. Henry Moore, John Allen, George Morley. John Booth, Thomas Fearnley. Timothy Crowther, John Denton. Jonathan Edmondson, John Atkins, Charles Gloyne. Robert Harrison, Thomas Shaw. Simon Day, Samuel Bardsley. John Beaumont, James Penman. 63 Castle-Donington, George Sargent, William Timperley. 64 Newark, Jonathan Parkin, Charles Bland. 65 Nottingham, Thomas Hanby, Thomas Bartholomew, George Lowe. 66 Derby, Thomas Longley, William Hainsworth. 0)7 Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Thomas Cooper, John Burdsall. 44 Dudley, 45 Shrewsbury, 46 Burslem, 47 Leek, 49 Stockport, 50 Manchester, 51 Oldham, 52 RocJidale, 53 Bolton, 54 IVigan, 55 Chester, 56 Liverpool, 57 Northwich, 58 Blackburn, 59 Colne, 60 Lancaster, 61 Leicester, 62 Hinckley, 350 1796. 68 Sheffield, Henry Taylor, William Bramwcll, jSIichacl Emmett. 69 Rotherham, George Button, John Crosby. 70 Grimsby, Thomas Vasey, John Nelson, Thomas Edman. 71 Horncastle, William Saunderson, George Dermott, James Burley; Robert Carr Brackenbury, Super- numerary. 72 Boston, John Wilshaw, John Aikenhead. 73 Gainsboroiigh, Robert Smith, sen., William Hunter, jun. 74 Barrow, John King, William Harrison. 75 Epivorth, Jasper Robinson, George Mowat, James Hall. 7Q Leeds, Joseph Benson, William Myles, Robert Hopkins. 77 Wakefield, Joseph Entwisle, Robert Loraas. 78 Pontcfract, John Furness, William Heath. 79 Huddersfield, John Barber, John Kershaw, Joseph Drake. 80 Birstal, George Highfield, John Brice. 81 Dewsbury, Isaac Brown, Booth Newton. 82 Bradford, Robert Roberts, John Ashall. 83 Halifax, William Thom, Joseph Sutclific. 84 Keighley, Edward Jackson, John Leech. 85 Otley, George Gibbon, John Ogilvie. 86 Whitehaven, George Holder, John Braithwaite. 87 Isle of Man, John Barritt, Arthur Hutchinson, Alexander Cummins. 88 York, William Blagborne, Zachariah Yewdall, John Stamp. 89 Malton, Joseph Pescod, Thomas Harrison, Thomas Parsons. 90 Pocklinyton, Lancelot Harrison, Thomas Carlill. 91 Hull, James Wood, William Percival, Joseph Cole. 92 Bridlington, William. Stevens, William Saunders. 93 Scarborough, Jonathan Brown, John Foster, John Button . 94 Whitby, Thomas Dixon, John Hudson. 95 Ripon, Samuel Gates, Isaac JNIuff. 96 Middleham, Philip Hardcastle, Anthony Seckerson. 97 Stockton, Daniel Jackson, John Riles. 98 Barnard-Castle, Matthew Lumb, John Philhps. 99 Hexham, William Cox, Abraham Moseley. 100 Sunderland, William Hunter, sen., John Moon, Samuel Botts. 101 Neivcastle, Robert Johnson, Richard Condy. 102 Alnwick, Alexander Suter, Henry Anderson. SCOTLAND. 103 Edinburgh, James Bogie, Joseph Cross, Thomas Ingham ; Joseph Saunderson, Supernumerary. 104 Glasgoiv, Thomas V/arwick, John Townsend. 1796. 351 105 Dumfnes, 106 Berivick, 107 Dundee, 108 Brechin, 109 Aberdeen, 110 Inverness, 111 Dubli?i, Robert Dall. John Doncaster. James Thorn, John Ward. Stephen Eversfield, George Douglas. Wilham Stephenson, Richard Waddy. Duncan M'AUum, William Fenvvick, Richard Thompson. IRELAND. Hurley ; Matthias William Smith, John Joyce, Book-Steward. Alexander Moore, Andrew Taylor. Robert Banks, Thomas Edwards. Wilham M^Cornock, John Stuart. William Hamilton, William Sturgeon. John Dinnen, John Darragh. Samuel Mitchell, Joseph Anderson. Michael Murphy, James M'Q-uigg, George Stephenson. John M'Farland, Thomas Patterson. Samuel Steele, John Price, Zeghariah Worrell; John Bredin, Supernumerary. Connemara, John Hamilton. — N.B. This Circuit is to be under the inspection of brother Steele. George Brown, James M'Kown. Francis Russell, John Gillis. Charles Graham, John Clegg; Adam Averell, Supernumerary. John Stephenson, James Bell, James Jordan. 112 Wicklow, 113 Carlow, 114 Waterford, 115 Youghall, 116 Cork, 117 Bandon, 118 Mallow, 119 Limerick, 120 Birr, 121 122 Castlebar, 123 Athlone, 124 Mountrath 125 Longford, 126 Sligo, Thoi Ridf ;eway, William Wilson, Matthew Archibald Montgomery, Lanktree. 127 Ballyconnell, Thomas Hewett, Thomas Booth. 128 Cavan, Andrew Hamilton, jun., James Irwin, James Smith. 129 Clones, Robert Smith, James Stuart, Alexander Sturgeon. 130 Brookborough, Francis Armstrong, Thomas Barber. 131 Enniskillen, WiUiara Ferguson, William Douglas. 132 Ballinamallard, Matthew Tobias, Blakely Dowling. 133 Bally shannon, Robert Crozier, John Cleudinnen. 134 Newtown-Steivart, Joseph Armstrong, Wilham Little, John Hagan; Thomas Kerr, Supernumerary. 135 Londonderry, Samuel Wood, Lawrence Kane. 136 Coleraine, Matthew Stewart, David Gordon, Daniel M'Mullen. 137 Dungannon, John Kerr, Samuel Alcorn. 138 Armagh, Andrew Hamilton, sen., James M'Kee. 352 1796. Brown, Jolin Halifax, Liverpool, Shelburne, Neivport, Horton, Annapolis, St. John, Fredericton, St. Stej)hen's, Cumberland, Newfoundland, William Black, General Assistant. 139 Tanderagee, John Malcomson, Thomas M'Artliur. 140 Belfast, James M'Mullen, William Armstrong. 141 Lisburn, Gustavus Armstrong, Joseph Hennin. 142 Downpairick, James Rennick, Daniel Pedlow ; John Grace, Supernumerary. 143 Newry, John Crook, Charles Mayne. Missionaries for Africa, Archibald Murdoch, William Patten.* THE BRITISH DOMINIONS IN AMERICA. NOVA SCOTIA, NEW BRUNSWICK, AND NEWFOUNDLAND. James Mann. Isaac Lunsford. Daniel Fidler. John Mann. Theodore Harding. James Boyd. William Jessop. William Grandine. Duncan M'Coll. Benjamin Wilson. Wm. Thoresby, George Smith. WEST INDIES. Antigua, John Baxter, William Warrener. St. Christopher's,') Thomns Owens, Thomas Dumbleton, John Nevis, J Brownell. Dominica, John Kingston. St. Vincent's, Richard Pattison. Barbadoes, James Alexander. Grenada, Francis Hallett. Jamaica, John M'Veau, William Stainforth. Tortola, Edward Turner, Thomas Isham. Honduras Bay, William Fish. N.B. John Harper and Richard Andrews are gone to the States of America. Q. 8. How many wives are to be provided for? A. One hundred and forty-three. Q. 9. How many of these are to be provided for by the Circuits ? * Dr. Coke laid before the Conference an account of the failure of the colony intended to be established in the Foulah Country in Africa; and, after prayer and mature consideration, the Conferetice unanimously judged, that a trial should be made, in that part of Africa, on the proper Missionary plan. The two brethren above-mentioned having voluntarily offered themselves for this important work, the Conference solemnly appointed them for it, and earnestly recommend them and their ^reat undertaking to the public and private prayers of all the members of the Methodist Society. 1796. 353 j4. Seventy-three. London, S. Clarke, West, i Colne, S. Atkins. Reynolds, Woodrow. Rye, £6. Rochester, | s. Tattershall. Canterbury, J Harwich, £3. Norwich, ) a k j TT i.1, r i^- Anderson. larmouth, j Diss, S. Rogerson. Lynn, S. Leggatt. Bedford, £3. Worcester, £6. Portsmouth, S. Algar. The Isles, £6. Bath, S. Bradburn. Bristol, S, Pritchard, Atmore, Davies. Shepton-Mallet, S. Ashman. Taunton, 1 s T5 Collumpton, j • ^ • Plymouth-Dock, S. Sutcliffe, and £6. St. Austle, S. Boyle. Redruth, S. Truscott, Smith, and £6. Penzance, S. Kane. Birmingham, S. Thompson, Elliott. Burslem, S. Hutton. Leek, S. Simpson. Macclesfield, S. Snowden, Martindale. Stockport, S. Brettell. Manchester, S. Rutherford, Barrowclough, Miller. Oldham, S. T. Taylor. Rochdale, S. Gaulter. Bolton, S. Rhodes. Chester, S. Goodwin. Liverpool, S. Moore, M 'Donald. Northwich, S. Booth, Castle- Donington, £6. Nottingham, S. Hanby. Derby, S. Longley. Ashby, S. Cooper. Sheffield, S. H. Taylor, Bram- well, M. Emmett. Grimsby, S. Nelson. Horncastle, S. Bland. Gainsborough, S. Smith. Epworth, S. Mowat. Leeds, S. Benson, Myles, Hopkins. Wakefield, S. Entwisle. Pontefract, S. Moon. Huddersfield, S. Barber. Birstal, S. Highfield. Bradford, S. R. Roberts. Halifax, S. W. Thom. Keighley, S. Leech. Isle of Man, S. Barritt. York, S. Ogilvie, Drake. Malton, S. Pescod. Pocklington, S. L. Harrison. Hull, S. Wood. Scarborough, S. Jon. Brown. Whitby, S. Hudson. Ripon, £6. Stockton, S. D. Jackson. Hexham, £6. Sunderland, S. Suter, Hains- worth. Newcastle, S. Johnson, Condy. Edinburgh, S. Bogie. Glasgow, £6. Ireland, S. Smith, Stewart, Joyce, M'Cornock, Dinnen, Mitchell, M'Quigg, Patter- son, Price, Brown, Hurley, Graham, Stephenson, £6 ; Bell, Wilson, Irwin, Barber. Blackburn, S. T. Crowther. Q. 10. How are the remaining seventy wives to be provided for? viz., — S. Shelmerdine, Tunnycliffe, Kyte, Hickling, Kelk, Horner, Allen, Burgess, Beaumont, Parkin, Button, Crosby, Botts, Riles, Lessey, S. Taylor, Percival, Broadbent, Collins, Brown, Dean, Lumb, Muff", Dixon, King, Seckerson, Hall, Vol. I. A A 354 1796. Baldwin, "Warwick, "Ward, Stephenson, Cross, M'Allum, Stepliens, Saunderson, Townsend, Dall, Jos. Taylor, Holder, John Simpson, Harper, J. Denton, T. Wood, Gibbon, Hunter, sen., Cousins, Deverell, Trethewey, Griffith, Stevens, Dunn, M'Kersey, James Thorn, Gill, Jon. Crowther. — Ireland. Ferguson, Dowling, Armstrong, T. Kerr, Wood, Gordon, Hamilton, Brown, M'Mullen, Hennin, Crook, Grace, J. Kerr, and R. Smith. A. Partly by the subscriptions raised in the Circuits, and partly by the Contingent Fund, with £10. 10*. Qd. of the Irish subscription. N.B. The money for the wives above-mentioned, resident in England and Scotland, will be deposited in the hands of Mr. Whitfield ; and that for the wives in Ireland, in the hands of Mr. Joyce. Q. 11. What numbers are in the Society? A. As follows : — London _ 3114 Collumpton 486 Eye - - 460 Plymouth-Dock 588 Eochester _ 400 Launceston 395 Canterbury . 270 St. Austle 770 Colchester . 173 Redruth 2328 Harwich _ 237 Penzance and the") Isles of Scilly J 1605 Norwich _ 310 Yarmouth _ 510 Haverford-West 178 Diss _ 386 Swansea 390 Bury - - 180 Brecon 254 Lynn - . 212 Birmingham - 1300 Walsingham - - 194 Dudley 600 Bedford - 270 Shrewsbury 470 Higham-Ferrers _ 190 Burslem 1375 St. Ives, Hunts. . 220 Leek - - - 490 Northampton - - 269 Macclesfield 1375 Banbury - 296 Stockport 1420 Oxford . 281 Manchester 2322 Newbury . 550 Oldham 800 Gloucester _ 440 Rochdale 780 Worcester _ 660 Bolton 1150 Salisbury - 258 Wigan 606 Blandford _ 337 Chester 800 Portsmouth _ 540 Liverpool 1000 Isle of Guernsey, &c. _ 620 Northwich 678 Isle of Alderney . 53 Blackburn 870 Bath - _ 540 Colne - . - 1076 Bradford, Wilts. _ 430 Lancaster 230 Bristol _ 1500 Leicester 463 Shepton-Mallet . 770 Hinckley 280 Taunton - 520 Castle-Donington 620 1796. 355 Newark Nottingham Derby - Ashby - Sheffield Rotherham Grimsby Horncastle Boston Gainsborough - Epworth Leeds - Wakefield Huddersfield - Birstal Dewsbnry Bradford Halifax Keighley Otley - Whitehaven Isle of Man - York - Malton Pocklington Hull - Bridlington Scarborough - Whitby Bipon - Middleham Stockton Barnard- Castle Hexham Sunderland Newcastle Alnwick «■ Berwick SCOTLAND. Edinburgh Glasgow and Ayr Dumfries Dundee Brechin Aberdeen 450 1078 720 757 3000 800 1000 540 170 1100 965 2640 1500 1600 1220 752 1460 1600 1420 1030 401 2433 1214 760 800 1290 500 530 526 560 580 670 452 660 980 860 280 48 Banff and Inverness 70 79,142 IRELAND. Dublin - 960 Wicklow - 182 Carlow - 472 Waterford - 172 Cork - - 340 Bandon - 203 Mallow - 310 Limerick - 310 Birr - - 562 Castlebar - 189 Athlone - 480 Mountrath - 590 Longford - 530 Sligo - - 472 Ballyconnell - Cavan - - 733 - 666 Clones - 761 Brookborough - Enniskillen - 600 - 420 Ballinamallard - - 685 Ballyshannon - Newtown-Stewart - 426 - 680 Charlemont - 1380 Londonderry - Coleraine - 304 - 582 Belfast - 670 Lisburn - 832 Downpatrick - Tanderagee - 458 - 3340 Newry - - 455 16,764 AMERICA. THE BRITISH DOMINIONS. Nova Scotia and New Bruns- wick. Hahfax - - 133 Liverpool - - 70 Shelburne - - 180 2 A 2 L\ 356 1796. Horton 94 Newport Cumberland 78 150 Annapolis St. John 105 118 Fredericton 100 St. Stephen's - St. John^s Island 52 20 Newfoundland 250 West Indies. Antigua, Whites 33 17 3151 481 13 1410 320 34 10 Grenada, Coloured peo- ple and Blacks - 100 Montserrat - - 12 Jamaica, Kingston, Whites 24 Coloured people 46 Blacks - 170 Montego Bay - - 16 InaU 9,653 UNITED STATES Whites Blacks - 48,121 12,170 AFRICA. Sierra Leone - - 223 Total in Europe Total in America Total in Africa 95,906 69,944 - 223 Coloured people 151 Blacks - 2315 Tortola and Spanish Town, Whites Blacks St. Vincent's *- St. Christopher's, Whites ■■■ Coloured people ) and Blacks j Nevis, Coloured peo- | pie and Blacks j Barbadoes, Whites - 34 In all 166,073 Coloured people ) and Blacks j Q. 12. Who are the Chairmen of the Districts ? A. 1 London, John Pawson. 2 Norwich, Charles Kyte. 3 Northampton, Jonathan Cousins. 4 Bristol, Joseph Bradford. 5 Salisbury, John M'Kersey. 6 The Isles, William Palmer. 7 Plymouth, WiUiam Horner. 8 Redruth, Lawrence Kane. 9 Pembroke, Samuel Taylor. 10 Birmingham, William Thompson. 11 Chester, John Mason. 12 Manchester, Alexander Mather. 13 Halifax, Robert Roberts. 14 Nottingham, Thomas Hanby. 15 Leeds, Joseph Benson. 16 Grimsby, John King. 17 Whitehaven, George Holder. * We had near one thousand members in Society in St. Vincent's before the war ; but, owing to the late insurrection of the Caribbs, we cannot be exact in respect to this island at present. 1796. 357 18 York, James Wood. 19 Whitby, Daniel Jackson. 20 Newcastle, John Moon. 21 Edinburyji, Thomas Warwick. 22 Aberdeen, Duncan M'Allum. IRELAND. 23 Dublin, William Smith. 24 Cork, William Hamilton. 25 Limerick, Samuel Steele. 26 Athlone, Thomas Ridgeway. 27 Clones, Andrew Hamilton. 28 Londonderry, Joseph Armstrong. 29 Belfast, Matthew Stewart. 30 Newry, John Malcomson. Q. 13. What is the Kingswood Collection? A. 1. In Great Britain, £1,317. 1^. M. 2. In Ireland, £117. 13s. Of/. Q. 14. What children are admitted this year? A, William Andrew Blair, John Dermott, John Nelson, George Bramwell, (who should have gone last year,) Joseph Algar, Robert Wood, William Jackson, William Percival, William Mowat, John M'Allum. N.B. If a Preacher cannot give a satisfactory reason why his son should not go to the school, he shall not be allowed the £12 a year out of the Collection. Q. 15. What sons of the Preachers, who are not admitted into Kingswood School, have an allowance for their education ? A. Thomas Taylor, £12; John Benson, £12; William Thompson, £12; Robert Taylor, £12; Robert Dall, £12; James Thorn, £12; Robert Hopkins, £12; William Black, £12 ; James Stuart, £12. N.B. The boys, when sent from the school, shall have only the quantity of clothes which they brought with them when they were received. Q. 16. What is allowed for the education of the daughters of the Preachers ? A. No daughter shall receive anything till she is nine years old. She shall then have eight guineas a year for four years. Q. 17. What daughters have the allowance this year? A. Hannah Pritchard, fourth year; Jane Lougley, third year; Jane Wilshaw, third year; M. Kane, third year; E. Kane, third year ; Esther Lessey, third year ; Ann Martindale, third year ; Sarah Pritchard, third year ; Esther Roberts, third 3'^ear; Isabella Watson, third year; Sarah Condy, third year; Jane Jackson, third year; Letitia Hall, third year; Ann Graham, third year ; Ann Creighton, third year ; Sophia Moon, second year; Sarah Kirkpatrick, second year; Esther Rogers^ 358 1796. second year; Martha Goodwin, second year; Elizabeth Day, second year; Lucy Gibbon, second year; Eliza Mill, second year; Mary Price, second year; Jane and Betty Rutherford, first year; Jane Fenwick, first year; jMaxwell Watson, first year ; Ann Cooper, first year ; Esther Hopkins, first year ; Ann Condy, first year. — Ireland, as follows ; Ann Graham, second year ; and Margaret Price, second year. Q. 18. What is contributed for the Preachers' Fund? A. In England, £. s. d. Subscriptions by the People - - 745 15 3 Ditto, by the Preachers - - - 325 10 0 In Ireland - - - - 178 12 0 In all £1,249 17 3 Q, 19. What is allowed out of it ? IN ENGLAND. £. s. d. £. s. d. Robert Costerdine - 29 0 0 A. To Sister") Westell J 15 0 0 Robert Hay ward - Maria Marshall 19 12 0 0 0 0 Thomas Hanson 20 0 0 Joanna Butterfield - 12 0 0 John Furz 15 0 0 Susannah Boon 24 0 0 Ann Morgan 24 0 0 John Easton 33 0 0 Mary Penington 12 0 0 W. Denton's child - 14 0 0 Elizabeth Dillon - 15 0 0 Catherine Garnet - 12 0 0 Sarah Barry 15 0 0 Peter Mill 24 0 0 Sarah Nay lor 10 0 0 Parson Greenwood - 33 0 0 Mary Mitchell 15 0 0 Ditto, omitted last ) year j 32 0 0 Thomas Johnson - 7 7 0 Christopher Hopper 30 0 0 Deborah Brettell - 23 0 0 John Poole 30 0 0 John Peacock 27 0 0 James Christie 12 0 0 Sister Pearce 12 0 0 William Boothby - 14 0 0 John Beanland 21 0 0 Thomas Brisco 30 0 0 William Franklin - 6 6 0 JTnTin ^\^n'f«r*n 12 0 0 Thomas Wride 20 0 0 In all £851 3 0 Thomas Olivers 24 0 0 George Shadford - 12 0 0 IN IRELAND. Ann Wright 12 0 0 Samuel Bates 12 0 0 Christopher Watkins 23 0 0 John Bredin 12 0 0 George Wadsworth 12 0 0 Mary Blair 16 0 0 Mary Empringham 12 0 0 Thomas Kerr 12 0 0 Susanna Broadbent 22 0 0 INIary Miller 16 0 0 Hester Tennant 23 0 0 Returned to Robert Margaret Shaw 30 0 0 Dougherty . 3 3 0 Joseph Thompson - 29 0 0 Joseph Jerom 13 0 0 In all £71 3 0 Ditto, a gift 10 10 0 1796. 359 Q. 20. Is it necessary to make any alterations in the Rules of the Preachers' Fund? A. The Rules of the Fund, as amended at this Conference, are as follow : — Rules respecting the Fund for Worn-out Preachers, and the Widows of such as are deceased. Rule I. Every Preacher who shall be admitted upon trial shall at the next and every subsequent Conference, till his admission into full connexion, contribute one guinea. II. Every Preacher, when he is received into full connexion, shall contribute two guineas; and every succeeding year, one guinea. III. No Travelling Preacher shall be entitled to any benefit from this Fund, till he has paid, or caused to be paid, ten guineas towards the support of it; except as hereafter provided. But any Preacher in full connexion shall be entitled to the privileges of the Fund on paying ten guineas. IV. All the money received towards the support of this Fund shall be lodged in the hands of four Stewards, chosen by the Conference. These Stewards shall give sufficient security to the Committee chosen by the Conference, who shall see these Rules executed. And this Committee shall keep exact accounts of all moneys received and paid, and shall lay them before the Conference every year. V. Every Preacher whom the Conference judges to be worn out, and who has not departed from the work, shall receive twelve pounds a year for life. And every Preacher who has laboured longer than twelve years without departing from the work, and is judged by the Conference to be worn out, shall receive one pound annually for life, for every year he has travelled above twelve, to the time he became superannuated. But this allowance shall not preclude the Conference from extending mercy to any distressed Brother whose case may be represented to them. They shall consider his situation and cir- cumstances, and add to this just demand what to them may appear needful to support him comfortably. It shall likewise be in the power of the Conference to make suitable provision, out of this Fund, for the children of deceased Preachers, and distressed widows, on any occasion which they shall judge necessary. VI. Every widow of a Travelling Preacher shall receive twelve pounds a year. And if her deceased husband travelled more than twelve years before he was worn out, she shall be allowed one pound annually, for every year her husband travelled above twelve, till the time he was superannuated. N.B. If a widow marry, she shall have but half her allowance during her second marriage. But if her second husband die, 360 1796. she shall again receive the whole as before, while she continues a widow. VII. If any Travelling Preacher be superannuated, or become an invalid, before he has deposited ten guineas in the Fund, he shall be allowed twelve pounds annually for life ; on condition that he subscribe annually one guinea, till the ten guineas be subscribed, or that he make up the ten guineas sooner, VIII. If any married Travelling Preacher die before he has deposited ten guineas in the Fund, his widow shall be allowed twelve pounds annually for life ; on condition that she subscribe annually one guinea, till the ten guineas be subscribed, or that she make up the ten guineas sooner. IX. No Preacher shall have any right to this Fund till he be admitted into full connexion. X. The widow of a Preacher that has never been admitted into full connexion shall have no right to the privileges of this Fund. XI. If any widow of a Preacher, as aforesaid, marry, her annuity shall be at her own disposal, and be paid to her quarterly, by the Assistant of the Circuit in which she resides, and no otherwise. XII. No person shall be entitled to any benefit from this Fund who has voluntarily left the work, or who sets up for himself independently of the Methodist Conference and Connexion. XIII. No Preacher that shall be excluded this Connexion, for any crime or misdemeanour, shall have any benefit from this Fund, except the money he shall have subscribed toward the support of it, which shall be returned to him. XIV. No Travelling Preacher who neglects to pay his sub- scription for four years successively (except those engaged in Foreign Missions) shall have any benefit from this Fund. And every Travelling Preacher who does not bring or send his subscription to the Conference every year shall be fined five shillings. XV. This Fund shall never be reduced to less than one thousand pounds. XVI. If it shall happen at any future period, that the Fund cannot support the burden upon it, then in such case the Committee, with the advice of the Travelling Preachers, shall advise the best method, and use the most prudent means, to raise the Fund. XVII. No part of this Fund shall be applied to any other purposes than those directed by these Rules ; and all moneys that have been borrowed from it shall be repaid with legal interest. XVIII. The Head-Master of Kingswood-School for the time being, and the Book-Steward for the time being, sub- 1796. 361 scribing as above to tlie Fund, shall have all the privileges allowed by it. Q. 21. What directions shall be given concerning the attend- ance of Preachers at the Conference? A. 1. We confirm the rule recorded in the Minutes of the last Conference ; (Q. 22, rule 7 ;) namely, — " The District-Commit- tees respectively shall, from year to year, fix upon the Preachers who are to attend the Conference ; and the expenses of their going to and returning from the Conference shall be defrayed by their respective Circuits." 2. "Let no Circuit be left without a Preacher during the Conference. And if any Preacher, or Preachers, so left in a Circuit, shall during the Conference leave such Circuit, he or they shall be suspended till the next Conference." Large Minutes, p. 38. [Ed. 1780.] 3. Whoever leave the Conference before the business is all finished, and the Journals signed, must not complain, whatever may be done after their departure. Q. 22. What can be done to bring certain Local Preachers more fully to observe our discipline ? A. 1. Let no one be permitted to preach who will not meet in class, and who is not regularly planned by the Super- intendent of the Circuit where he resides. 2. Let no Local Preacher be allowed to preach in any other Circuit, without producing a recommendation from the Super- intendent of the Circuit where he lives ; or sufi'er any invitation to be admitted as a plea, whether from men in office or not, without the previous knowledge and full consent of the Super- intendent of the place where any one may ask him to preach. 3. Let no Local Preacher keep lovefeasts without the appoint- ment of the Superintendent, nor any way interfere with his business, as mentioned in the Large Minutes. We must care- fully attend to our Rules, that all things may be done decently and in order. Q. 23. What can be done in order to have a regular account of our stock of books ? A. The Conference have appointed Mr. Mather and Mr. Pawson to superintend the examination of the books in London, and to print a statement of the book-account, for the inform- ation of the Preachers. — N.B. Mr. Mather and Mr. Pawson have a discretionary power to call in any of the Preachers appointed for London to assist them in this work. Q. 24. Can anything be done to stop the abuse of printing and publishing among us ? A. The liberty of the press being considered as our undoubted privilege, the subject was fully examined, and after some debates the Conference came to the following conclusions ; namely, — 362 1796. 1. That, as the Preachers are eminently one body, nothing should be done by any individual whicli would be prejudicial to the whole, or to any part thereof. Therefore, no Preacher shall publish anything but what is given to the Conference, and printed in our own press. The Book-Committee to determine what is proper to be printed. 2. That, as a reward for his labour, whatever shall be approved of by the Book-Committee, and printed, the Author shall have a hundred out of every thousand of the books, whether great or small. And, if published in the Magazine, he shall have a reasonable allowance ; the Conference being judges. 3. That any Preacher who has books on hand may sell them ; but if another edition of any book be wanted, he shall give it to the Conference, as though it were a new manuscript. N.B. Several of the Preachers, whose writings have been highly approved of, agreed to the above regulations, merely to restrain improper persons from publishing; the peace and honour of the Connexion outweighing with them every other consideration. Q. 25. Can anything new be said relative to building chapels? A. We refer them to the District-Meetings, with this caution : Let no chapel be built but where it is absolutely necessary, and where " two-thirds of the expense are subscribed.^^ See Large Minutes, Q. 71. [Ed. 1780.] If men will build of their own accord, without the consent of the District, we are not answerable for consequences. N.B. This rule does not affect those places where buildings are begun, or where we are already engaged j as in Manchester, Sheffield, &c. Q. 26. How shall we prevent uneasiness among Preachers and people, with respect to horses ? A. Many of the Preachers have, from the beginning, pro- vided their own horses, and do so still; and it has been no uncommon case for those horses to supply the Circuits : but from henceforward we recommend it to every Circuit to provide the horse or horses necessary for that Circuit. But if any Circuit choose rather for the Preachers to ride their own horses, we submit, on this condition, — that no Preacher shall make any collection or subscription towards paying for horses; but that all collections judged needful for this purpose shall be made, either by the Circuit- Stewards, or the Stewards of the particular Societies. Q. 27. What can we do to simplify the account of our annual expenditure ? A. 1. All doctors' bills shall be discharged in the Circuit. And if the Stewards cannot pay the quarterage of the Preachers, their wives, and children, the deficiencies shall be paid by the Conference. 1796. 363 2. Let no demand for a Preacher's board, whether he be sick or well, be ever brought to the Conference. Q. 28. What was the determination of the Conference con- cerning the various addresses and petitions which they received ? A. 1. They were all read in full Conference, and a Committee appointed to examine them, and make a report to the Confer- ence. The Committee consisted of the nine who formed the Plan of Pacification ; except that the President took Dr. Cokeys place (the Doctor being gone to America) ; and the Preachers of Chester, Liverpool, Leeds, and Bristol were present when the case of those Circuits was considered. 2. The Committee examined every circumstance minutely, and made the following Report to the Conference : — (1.) That the Secretary should write to the Trustees at Bristol on both sides, proposing a meeting between them and such Preachers as the Conference should appoint, to settle the present dispute. Should the Trustees agree, we think Mr. Mather and Mr. Pawson proper Preachers to be appointed. (2.) With respect to Leeds, we see no better way than for the Preachers to be left to their own judgment, whether to preach in Bethel or not. Only, to attend to prudence, peace among themselves, and the general good of the Society. (3.) The case of Chester was fully explained ; and the Assistant declaring, that "writing to the Trustees of the new chapel would signify nothing, unless they had what they desired,^' the Committee could proceed no further, but considered them as not under our care or direction at present. (4.) A conciliatory letter was written to Liverpool, advising all parties to drop their disputes, and unite in love, &c. (5.) INIr. INIather was nominated to go to Macclesfield, in order to settle the disputes, and, if possible, heal the breach which has been made in that Society. The Secretary having read the above Report of the Committee to the Conference, the Conference confirmed every particular. Letters were accordingly written to Bristol, and answers received; and Mr. Mather and Mr. Pawson appointed to go there, as soon after the Conference as possible. At the request of the Chester Assistant, and some other brethren, who had reconsidered the Chester business, the Con- ference ordered a letter to be written to the Trustees of the new chapel, similar to the one sent to Bristol. But no answer has been received. August the 8th, a letter was received from Mr. Kilham, the contents of which seemed to indicate some desire to return. The Conference, willing to leave him no shadow of excuse, appointed (with his consent) a Committee to converse with him on his case, and to consider any proposal he might make. 364 1796. The Committee consisted of the President, Messrs. Mather, Pavvson, Thompson, Bradburn, Benson, Bradford, and Moore. After spending much time Avith him, and giving him an oppor- tunity to say what he thought proper, treating him (as he acknowledged) with the utmost respect and tenderness ; the amount of what he said, was, "That Mr. Mather and Mr. Benson had said (in their pamphlets), that it was our general custom to act in the manner he desired ; and that he only wished that general custom to be made a law." The Rules of Pacification were then proposed to him, as introductory to a further explanation. His answer was, " he thought many of them unscriptural, and he could not conform to them." The Secretary having read the above Report to the Confer- ence, it was finally determined that he could have no place in our Connexion while he continued in his present opinions. Q. 29. What can be done to prevent unruly or unthinking men from disturbing our people ? A. Let no man, nor number of men, in our Connexion, on any account or occasion, circulate letters, call meetings, do or attempt to do anything new, till it has been first appointed by the Conference. Q. 30. How shall we avoid the being entangled in law ? A. Let no District-Meetings, no Preacher, nor number of Preachers, or people whatsoever, on any consideration, involve the Confei'euce in a lawsuit, nor have any demand on the Con- ference for the expenses, or any part of the expenses of a law- suit, more especially concerning chapels or preaching-houses, without the consent of the Conference, previously obtained. Q. 31. Shall any Travelling Preacher follow trade, or be engaged in any business ? A. We all agree to confirm our old rule, in the Large Minutes [Q. 30, p. 21, ed. 1780] ; namely, — "After long consideration it was agreed by all our brethren. That no Preacher who will not relinquish his trade of buying and selling, (though it were only pills, drops, or balsams,) shall be considered as a Travelling Preacher any longer." N.B. Selling our own books is an exception. Q. 32. What is to be done for the support of the INIissions in the West Indies and Newfoundland ? A. Let a general Collection be made by the Preachers in every town in England where Dr. Coke has not made applica- tion, within six months before the meeting of the Conference ; and let the money so collected be deposited in the hands of Mr. Whitfield. Q. 33. Have the regulations respecting the Sacrament been strictly attended to ? A. We have had some complaints on both sides. To remedj'^ 179G. 365 which in futurCj the Conference agree, 1st. That those Societies who have the Sacrament allowed, according to the Rules of Pacification, shall have it duly administered ; and that, if the Superintendent will not administer it himself, he shall provide some other Preacher who is properly qualified to do it ; so that the people may not be deprived of their privilege, 2dly. That every Preacher shall attend, with the utmost exactness, to that rule in the Pacific Plan which states. That no Preacher shall, directly or indirectly, endeavour to excite any Society to desire to have the Lord's Supper; nor, on the other hand, strive to set any Society against that blessed ordinance ; but leave the people everywhere entirely free. Q. 34. Is there any direction necessary concerning the admission of communicants to the Lord's Supper? A. No person shall be suffered, on any pretence, to partake of the Lord^s Supper among us, unless he be a member of our Society, or receive a note of admission from the Assistant, which note must be renewed quarterly. And if any Leaders, Stewards, or Trustees, refuse to be regulated by this rule, the sacrament shall not be administered where this is the case. Q. 35. Inasmuch as sundry questions have been agitated in the course of the last year, respecting divers things in our Plan of Discipline, such as the admission or exclusion of members, the appointment or change of Leaders and Stewards, and the reception of Local and Travelling Preachers ; — What are our rules, or what has been our custom, respecting these particulars ? A. 1st. As to the admission of members, the rule by which we have been accustomed and still intend to walk, is contained in the Large Minutes of our Conference. Q. 36. How shall we prevent improper persons from insinu- ating into the Society ? A. 1. Give tickets to none till they are recommended by a Leader, with whom they have met at least two months on trial. 2. Give notes to none but those who are recommended by one you know, or till they have met three or four times in a class. 3. Give them the Rules the first time they meet. See that this never be neglected. 2d. As to the exclusion of members, our rule is fixed, and our custom expressed in the Rules of the Society, where it is said : — " These are the general rules of our Societies ; all which we are taught of God to observe, even in His written word, the only rule, and the sufiicient rule, both of our faith and practice. And all these we know His Spirit writes on every truly awakened heart. If there be any among us who observe them not, who 366 1796. habitually break any of them^ let it be made known unto them who watch over that soul, as they that must give an account. We will admonish him of the error of his wa^^s ; we will bear with him for a season. But then, if he repent not, he hath no more place among us." 3. As to the appointment and change of Leaders and Stewards, our rule is not to appoint or change any Leader or Steward without consulting the Leaders and Stewards. 4. Respecting the admission of persons to be Local Preachers, let the Assistant regularly meet the Local Preachers once a quarter, and let none be admitted but those that are proposed and approved at that Meeting ; and, if in any Circuit this be not practicable, let them be proposed and approved at the Quarterly Meeting. 5. With respect to persons that propose to travel, let none be recommended to be received on trial, but such as have first been mentioned at the Quarterly Meeting in March, and approved of at the District-Meeting following. 6. Respecting collections; it was enacted last year, and we now confirm the rule, that the money collected in each Circuit for the Yearly Collection, for Kingswood School, and the Preachers' Fund, be entered in the General Stewards' books, in their respective Circuits. To this we add, that from henceforth all the disbursements shall be published in detail in the yearly Minutes of Conference as they are this year, 7. As we desire to have every proper information on whatever concerns ourselves or our people, we will gladly receive intelli- gence, not only from our Leaders and Quarterly Meetings, but from any individual member of Society, as well at the District- Meeting, as at the Conference; provided always, the postage of letters containing such information be paid by the persons that write or send them. N.B. The letters that concern the stations of the Preachers should be sent so as to be at the place of Conference the week before the time appointed for the meeting thereof. Q. 37. Are there any of our former rules which are either forgotten or overlooked, and which it would be well to bring forward into the view of our Preachers and people ? A. We conceive there are, such as the following : — 1. Minutes, 1787. Let no anthems be introduced into our chapels, (unless on extraordinarj^ occasions, and with the consent of the Assistant,) because they cannot be properly called joint- worship. Also we agree with our late Rev. Father that our own tunes should be learned and sung in preference to others, as in these the whole congregation can in general join. See also p. 27, Large Minutes; [ed.l780,Q.39;] viz., — "Do not suflFer the people to sing too slow. This naturally tends to formality, and is brought in by them who have either very strong or very weak 1796. 367 voices. Let the women constantly sing their parts alone. Let no man sing with them, unless he understands the notes, and sings the bass, as it is pricked down in the book. Let no organ be placed anywhere till proposed in the Conference. Recom- mend our Tune-Book everywhere; and, if you cannot sing yourself, choose a peison or two in each place to pitch the tune for you. Exhort everyone in the congregation to sing, not one in ten only. If a Preacher be present, let no singer give out the words." 2. Minutes, ]789. Let no Preacher go out to supper, or be from home, if possible, after nine o'clock. 3. As enjoined in the Large Minutes, p. 14: [ed. 1780, Q. 21 :] (1.) Let us preach expressly, now and then, on Sab- bath-breaking, evil-speaking, unprofitable conversation, light- ness, expensiveness, or gaiety of apparel, and contracting debts without due care to discharge them. (2.) Read in every Society the Sermon on Evil- Speaking. (3.) Let the Leaders closely examine and exhort every person to put away the accursed thing. (4.) Let the Preacher warn every Society, that none who is guilty herein can remain with us. 4. We judge still, as in the year 1785, that it is not right to send our children to a dancing-school, nor for any who keep boarding-schools to admit a dancing-master into their house. 5. It was enacted in 1791, and we still enjoin, that nothing shall be received from the Circuits for the children for whom j612 is received from the Kingswood Collection, And no Preacher shall receive anything for his child, when above the age of seventeen. 6. It appears, from the state of the account relating to the Preachers' Fund, now laid before us, that the amount, if in our hands, or in any of the Funds, from whence regular interest would be paid, would have been £6,000. But this whole sum (except about £70) is all expended in the payment of Mr. Wesley's debts, and in carrying on the work before and since his death. Q. 38. When and where shall our next Conference be held ? A. In Leeds, on the last Monday in July, 1797. N.B. The Delegates will meet, as usual, on the preceding Wednesday. [NOTE BY THE SECRETARY OF THE CONFERENCE.] MEMORANDUM FOR THE TIME OF CONFERENCE. Some years ago I wrote the following Rules for my own conduct during the time of the Conference, but never let any one see them till this Conference. When I showed them to Mr. Benson, he said they ought to be put in the Minutes for general good. I intended reading them first ; but, in the multiplicity of business, 368 1796. forgot it. But as the Preachers to whom I showed them were all of the same mind, (that they ou^ht to be printed,) I have ventured to comply with their desire. S. BRADBURN. 1. Be tender of the character of every brother ; but keep at the utmost distance from countenancing sin. 2. Say nothing in the Conference but what is strictly necessary, and to the point. 3. If accused by any one, remember, recrimination is no acquittance ; therefore avoid it. 4. Beware of impatience of contradiction ; be firm, but be open to conviction. The cause is God's, and He needs not the hands of an Uzzah to support Ilis ark. The being too tenacious of a point, because you brought it forward, is only feeding self. Be quite easy, if a majority decide against you. 5. Use no craft or guile to gain any point. Genuine simplicity will always support itself. But there is no need always to say all you know or think. 6. Beware of too much confidence in your own abilities ; and never despise an opponent. 7. Avoid all lightness of spirit, even what would be innocent anywhere else. — Thou God seest me ! 1796. 369 ■5^ © O «0 t* O O O © O O «><» O O © © O © © © © M ^ (Nt^«iO 05 in CO ffii -H O M -* © — F-^ © © © U5 © >o -- ,; (Nt^co© iffl03eo©©-^cooc»ooc5eo©»M © © © © © © -^ (N »0 1-1 rH (M -^ (N in rt -H (M © © © >n >o CO © © ;o Oi fe e+J B« '^ © © a c3 v 0H C > «t| © © © © © © © © (N rt © c © © w eo eo ;o eo «o «o © © o © 33 •a «4 a -«• > «0 © ©, © © © © © © © © © © © © » © © ©©©© ©© © © © ©©©© ©© © (N (N © -^ (N © «D ^ lO >o 00 .-I lO © «o in eo lO © eo eo co >^5 s ^ 'S 'S S " £ - ^ 5 N W ■£, »- .5 s Ki > ^ Vol. I. 0o (Nirs-^©-^ ©© © m (N u5 (£i ;o »o eo ^t^e^ A eJ^o «©« c«>eo©»TC©«D©©©©©eo©f^©'«>©'*©©©05©©0 -Hr-t©(N->j'©t»t'»N(N©©t^©©t-.eo»n©»n© — -*o©©eoeo;or<.e<5'* 5«o «4 t-«-H ©ior>»t-o3->*io»niw»coeo©;ot>.T)i(M©oc5>o©t»eo(Neo©r>.'^oo 1796. 371 ooo© oooo t>. 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Dearly beloved Brethren, "With real pleasure we embrace the present opportunity, by means of our highly-respected brother, the Rev. Dr. Coke, of greeting you in the name of our common Lord, and of con- vincing you that we still remember you in love, and have your peace and prosperity greatly at heart. When we consider the church of Christ as one body, com- posed of true believers over the whole earth, animated by one Spirit, and hastening to one glorious kingdom to spend eternity together, we cannot but lament the discord and divisions which have been caused by the means of "the god of this world" among the professors of Christianity. To say nothing of the dreadful effects of persecution, the principles of which we sincerely detest, we grieve to observe the mischievous conse- quences of bigotry and party rage. We hope there is a more liberal spirit gone forth, and that the period is swiftly approaching when universal love will unite all the members of Christ's mystical body, and put an end to strife and confusion. We are influenced thus to hope, from the conduct of Infinite Wisdom in choosiug instruments to carry on His work, so much resembling those our blessed Saviour chose to propagate primitive Christianity. In the mean time, we see it our indispensable duty to guard against the spirit of indifference and infidelity, which, under the appearance of candour and liberality, is doing irreparable mischief to pure religion, by aggrandizing human reason, feeding the vanity of the carnal mind, and increasing a criminal conformity to the world. We see an absolute necessity of strictly adhering to our first principles, by firmly maintaining our original doctrines, and that plan of discipline which we have so long proved to be the very sinews of our body. Herein, we doubt not, you are like-minded with us. We consider you as a branch from the same root from which we sprung, and of which we can never think but with inexpressible gratitude. You will rejoice to hear of our unanimity and increase. The more so, as on the death of our venerable father, Mr. Wesley, the contrary was feared by our friends, and wished for by our enemies. Glory be to God, we never were more united to each other; nor were our labours, in general, more owned by the Head of the church. We trust, dear brethren, that you will join us, in frequently calling to mind our original design, and " walk by the same rule and mind the same thing ■/' namely, to save our own souls and those who hear us. 374 1796. We congratulate you on the honour which our blessed Lord has put upon you, in crowning your endeavours with such amazing success, and blessing you with the enjoyment of civil and religious liberty, for which we also have great cause to be thankful. May we still remember, that, whatever differences may mark other denominations, we are eminently one body, actuated by one Spirit, having one faith, one Lord, one baptism. That the ever-blessed Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, may preside in all your assemblies, and continue to distinguish you by particular manifestations of His love, till we meet together in the peaceful mansions of unmixed and never-ending happiness, is the sincere and fervent pray«r of. Dearly beloved Brethren, Your truly affectionate Brethren in Christ Jesus, THE ENGLISH CONFERENCE. Signed by order and behalf of the Conference, THOMAS TAYLOR, President, SAMUEL BRADBURN, Secretary. the irish address to the british conference. Fathers and Brethren, Your silence respecting our Address, although it gave us pain, could not for a moment raise in our minds a suspicion that you were unkind ; since we could not but remember the days of old, and the former years, in which you so cheerfully and generously administered both to our spiritual and temporal necessities. And while we call to mind the comforts we enjoyed through your. bountiful regard, our grateful hearts acknowledge they were more powerful proofs of brotherly kindness than the most endearing expressions. Yet we knew not what to think, until our much-respected President assured us that our Address was well received, and that an answer had been voted in the Conference, which, through the multiplicity of business, and his indisposition, was not remembered. This assurance has cheered our hearts, confirmed us in our opinion of your fatherly and brotherly love, and encouraged us to send you, as with one mind, this small token of our gratitude, esteem, and affection. We are sorry, however, that our dear brethren on your side of the water manifest so great a backwardness to come over and help us. We are ignorant of the cause ; for we feel that we sincerely love them, that we rejoice to give them the right hand of fellowship, and to embrace them wdth all the powers of our souls. These declarations we hope our fathers and brethren will not look upon as mere professions, while we can appeal to those who have returned to their own land, who were workers together with us in the vineyard of the Lord. An exchange of Preachers, therefore, is still very much desired, as we believe it 1796. 375 will tend to draw us closer together, and make us more intimately one. And, in order that confusion with regard to the appointments may be prevented, (in case the wished-for exchange of Preachers should take place,) it was thought expedient to propose to your consideration a plan which our President suggested, and which met our hearty approbation ; viz., That, whenever it is judged necessary to send an Irish Preacher to England, the same should be notified, with his name, to the British Conference, that permission may be obtained for him to go to England the follow- ing year. And also, that when any of the English brethren think it their duty to come over and help us, information should be given to the Irish Conference, or their Delegate, that the appointments may be made, and loss of time thereby prevented. This plan we propose, with all due deference and respect, and submit it to your determination; hoping, nevertheless, that the upright conduct and usefulness of our countrymen, so many years among you, will influence you to adopt this, or any other plan, which may tend to a closer union. The past year, notwithstanding some painful encounters with the enemy, has been very favourable to Zion in this land. In many places, the word of the Lord has been glorified ; numbers have been convinced, converted, and added to the church ; and we are happy to inform you that the spirit and lives of the Preachers in general give us reason to believe, that the ensuing year will be as the former, and much more abundant. We also greatly rejoice at the good tidings from England. Truly we may say, " Great things are spoken of thee, O city of God:" and to our enemies we may say, "Walk about Zion, go round about her, tell the towers thereof, mark well her bulwarks, consider her palaces ; for this God is our God for ever and ever, and He will be our guide unto death." We cannot conclude this Address without requesting the Presidency of Dr. Coke the ensuing year : we are exceedingly happy with him, and much admire his zeal for God, his love for the brethren, and his impartiality in decision. Should this be granted, it would be considered as an additional favour, and thankfully acknowledged. That God may bless you all with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and of might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord ; that all your consultations may be to the advancement of His glory, the perpetual union of the Preachers, and the present and eternal happiness of the people, is and shall be the prayer of, dear Fathers and Brethren, your fellow-labourers and younger brethren in Christ Jesus. Signed in behalf of the Conference, WILLIAM SMITH, Secretary. Dublin, July 13, 1796. 376 1796. address to the irish conference. Dear Brethren, You may rest assured that the reason of your not hearing in form from us last year was that assigned by our highly- esteemed Delegate, the Rev. Dr. Coke. We hope our conduct sufficiently proves our love to you, not only in granting the money you have wanted to carry on the work of God, but in complying with your every desire as far as we could, considering our situation. We have, according to your request, appointed Dr. Coke to be our Delegate, to preside in your next Conference ; not doubting but he, should the Lord spare him, will continue to give you satisfaction. With respect to exchanging Preachers, we have only to observe, that the expense of bringing over Preachers from, or sending them to Ireland, is a very weighty argument why the changes should bs as few as possible, especially as we are at present so much encumbered with debt. However, should we at any future period see it necessary to call any of our Irish brethren to England, or to send any of our brethren to Ireland, we shall give you timely notice, according to a rule made in 1794, (but not printed,) — namely, That no Preacher shall be appointed to come from Ireland without the consent of the English Conference. We rejoice greatly to hear of your spiritual prosperity, and trust you will be owned by our blessed Lord still more abundantly. We have the pleasure to inform you, that we have also been distinguished by Infinite Love crowning our labours with great success through the past year. This humbles us before our God, and fills our hearts with unspeakable gratitude. You will join us in praising our adorable God and Saviour for the peace and unanimity which we enjoy. This is the rather to be remarked at present, as our common enemy has endea- voured to sow discord among us. In a few places, we feared our people would have been divided and scattered, by false notions of our constitution being artfully and industriously propagated among them. Glory be to God, our adversaries have been defeated, and we have reason to believe good will be brought out of the evil. That the Head of the church may bless jou with the fulness of His Spirit, and make you the happy instruments of bringing thousands to glory, is the earnest prayer of, Dear Brethren, Your truly affectionate Brethren in Christ. Signed in behalf of the Conference, THOMAS TAYLOR, President, SAMUEL BRADBURN, Secretary. 1797. 377 LEEDS, July 31, 1797. TO THE MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE METHODIST SOCIETIES. Leeds, August 1, 1797. Whereas we, the undersigned, have, on this and the preceding day, carefully revised the Rules drawn up and left us by our late venerable Father in the Gospel, the Rev. Mr. Wesley, which were published by him in our Large Minutes, to which we consented when we were admitted, and by which we were regulated during his life : And Avhereas we have collected together those Rules which we believe to be essential to the existence of Methodism, as well as others, to which we have no objection: We do now voluntarily, and in good faith, sign our names, as approving of, and engaging to comply with, the afore- said collection of Rules, or Code of Laws, God being our helper : — Thomas Coke, President; Samuel Bradburn, Secretary; William Thompson, Alexander Mather, John Pawson, Joseph Beuson, Thomas Warwick, Thomas Taylor, John Crook, Joseph Algar, Joseph Bradford, Isaac Brown, Lancelot Harrison, Christopher Hopper, John Barber, Robert Hopkins, Jeremiah Brettell, Robert Johnson, William Percival, William Myles, William West, Edward Jackson, George Gibbon, James Wood, Thomas Rutherford, Henry Moore, Benjamin Rhodes, John Pritchard, Joseph Taylor, James Rogers, John Moon, Daniel Jackson, Thomas Rogerson, James M. Byron, Parson Green- wood, James Anderson, Jonathan Cousins, Robert Roberts, Zachariah Yewdall, Thomas Cooper, William Horner, John King, Thomas Carlill, Thomas Longley, George Button, George Sargent, William Warrener, Samuel Bardsley, George Holder, Joseph Pescod, Jonathan Brown, John Goodwin, Joseph Saunder- son, Samuel Botts, John Hickling, John Brice, George High- field, Charles Kyte, Thomas Vasey, John Stamp, John Kershaw, Charles Gloyne, George Dermott, John Ogilvie, Owen Davies, Walter Griffith, John Beaumont, James Penman, William Jenkins, Anthony Seckerson, William Shelmerdine, Thomas Gill, Joseph Harper, John Boyle, William Simpson, Thomas Dixon, Samuel Taylor, John Gaulter, William Heath, John Crosby, Simon Day, Lawrence Kane, Thomas Wood, Thomas Hutton, James Buckley, Isaac Muff, John Foster, John Barritt, Cleland Kirkpatrick, Thomas Parsons, John Clarke, William Blagborne, Thomas Yates, John Riles, Joseph Entwisle, Joseph Sutcliffe, William Stevens, John Woodrow, Edmund Shaw, George Baldwin, Jonathan Parkin, James M'Donald, Jonathan Crowther^ Samuel Gates, Matthew Lumb, Thomas Shaw, 378 1797. William Saunderson, John Wilshaw^ John Furness, Miles Mavtiudale, Robert Smith, sen., Francis West, John Booth, William Thom, Booth Newton, William Harrison, Edward Gibbons, James Hall, Thomas Bartholomew, Jonathan Edmond- soii, Theophihis Lessey, Isaac Lilly, John Nelson, Robert Lomas, Jonathan Barker, Thomas Simmonite, Joseph Drake, Charles Atmore, John Ashall, William Bramwell, Jasper R,obinson, George Whitfield, Timothy Crowther, John Allen, George Snowden, Henry Taylor, Joseph Cole, James Schole- field, James Watson, Michael Emmett, Robert Miller, David Barrowclough, Andrew Mayor, George Sykes, Richard Hardacre, Richard Reece. Various unkind reflections having been thrown out in certain publications, concerning such of the senior Preachers as are said to direct and manage our Connexion, as if they were "tryauts and oppressors," and the other Preachers but mere "ciphers:" We, whose names are under-written, think it our duty to repel such reflections, by declaring. That, instead of con- sidering our senior brethren in the light of "tyrants and oppressors/' we feel ourselves under great obligations to them, for their extraordinary labour and fatigue in the service of the Conference. We are satisfied that their piety, abilities, faith- fulness, diligence, usefulness, and long continuance in the work of the ministry, entitle them to the respect and esteem of the whole Connexion : and though we are taught by our Saviour to "call no man master upon earth," yet, regarding them as our fathers, we conceive it our duty to hear them speak in our Conferences with that deference which is due to their age and character; especially as we are persuaded they have greatly contributed to keep the body one in the Lord. We should think it an honour to wash their feet ; and our desire and prayer is, to follow them as they have followed Christ. Jonathan CroAvther, Walter Grifiith, Lawrence Kane, Robert Johnson, Jonathan Edmondson, Theophilus Lessey, John Gaulter, James M. Byron, John Crosby, Timothy Crowther, James M'Donald, William Jenkins, William Blagborne, William Shelmerdine, Wilham Heath, William Stevens, George Bald- win, Joseph Sutclifl'e, Robert Lomas, Samuel Taylor, James Buckley, John Stamp, John Kershaw, Andrew Mayor, Cleland Kirkpatrick, John Wilshaw, Jonathan Barker, Thomas Yates, Isaac Lilly, John Riles, James Anderson, Thomas Hutton, John Clarke, Francis West, Edward Gibbons, John Hickling, Booth Newton, James Scholefield, John Brice, Richard Hardacre, William Harrison, Thomas Warwick, Robert Smith, John Barritt, John Boyle, Charles Gloyue, John Foster, Isaac Muft', Samuel Gates, John Beaumont, James Penman, Anthony 1797. 379 Seckerson, Matthew Lumb, Thomas Shaw, William Saunderson, Joseph Entwisle, Thomas Wood, George Highfield, Oweu Davies, Thomas Gill, John Nelson, George Sykes, John Woodrow, Miles Martindale, John King, James Hall, Edmund Shaw, Joseph Drake, John Ashall, Thomas Longley, Thomas Siramonite, George Gibbon, William Myles, Robert Hopkins, John Ogilvie, John Barber, Charles Atmore, George Holder, Jonathan Brown, William Warrener, Joseph Taylor, Zachariah Yewdall, Jonathan Cousins, William Simpson, Alexander Suter, William West, David Barrowclough, John Furness, Joseph Cole, Charles Kyte, Robert Miller, Jonathan Parkin, Simon Day, Samuel Botts, Thomas Cooper, Joseph Saunderson. Leeds, August 10, 1797. A CERTAIN person has informed the public, in print, that " the junior Preachers were required to sign the above Declaration or quit the Connexion," and has made plausible comments upon the circumstance on that ground. But the whole Conference know, and especially those who signed it, that this is as abso- luteh'^ false as anything that ever was published. No person was " required to sign it ; " and no man was threatened with either expulsion or anything else, in case he did not sign. Every man was left entirely to his own choice: the junior brethren met by themselves; spoke freely and largely upon the subject ; drew up, unanimously agreed to, and cheerfully signed the Declaration, as a free-will offering in vindication of the reputation of those who deserve so well of the Methodist Connexion. Signed by the desire of the junior Preachers, JONATHAN CROWTHER, Chairman. Leeds, August 15, 1797. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted into full connexion this year ? A. Jonathan Barker, George Marsden, James Scholefield, Edmund Shaw, Francis West, James Penman, George Douglas, John Clarke, Robert Green, Anthony Seckerson, William Harrison, George Dermott, John Phillips, Charles Gloyne, Thomas Ingham, John Foster, Francis Balliau, James Alexander, Thomas Isham, Edward Turner, Richard Waddy, Joseph Kyte. Ireland. — James M'Kee, Robert Crozier, George Stephenson. Q. 2. Who REMAIN on trial? A. Edward Towler, William Hicks, Caleb Simmons, Mark Daniel, Thomas Stanton, William Pearson, John Brownell, John Ashall, Thomas Parsons, William Howarth, WiUiam Moulton, Andrew Mayor, William Timperley, Joseph Drake, 380 1797. Arthur Hutchinson, Richard Thompson, John Furnace, Edward Milhvard, John Jones, John Hudson, Charles Greenly^ Thomas Dumbleton : The above have travelled three years. John Jennings, Thomas Rought, Josiah Hill, Joseph Brook- house, James Gill, Joseph Cook, John Leppington, John Wood, Thomas Edman, Thomas Blanshard, Thomas Stanley, Joseph Collier, John Button : The above have travelled two years. Cuthbert Whiteside, James Townley, George IMatthewson, Humphrey Parsons, Martin Vaughan, Peter Haslam, James Burley, Thomas Shaw, John Aikenhead, John Burdsall, John Hughes, Francis Hallett, William WiUiams, John SydserflF, Thomas Laycock, Richard Watson, Hans Shrowder : The above have travelled one year. Ireland. — Francis Russell, Archibald Montgomery, John Stuart, William Patten, Joseph Anderson, John Hamiltou, Daniel M'Mullen, Matthew Lanktree : These have travelled three years. John Clegg, James M'Kown, Alexander Sturgeon, Daniel Pedlow : These have travelled two years. David Gordon, Thomas Edwards, John Clendinnen, Zechariah V/orrell, Charles INIayue, William Douglas, William Sturgeon, Andrew Taylor, William Little : These have travelled one year. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? ^. Samuel Woolmer, Jacob Stanley, Charles Martin, William M'Allum, John Walmsley, John Hodgson, John White, William Henshaw, John Chettle, David Deakin, Henry Stead, John Vipoud, William Vipond, William Jenkin, Francis ColHer, John Moses, John Waters, John Knowles, James Hall. Ireland. — Archibald Campbell, Thomas Johnson, James Carter. Q. 4. Who have died this year? A. 1. Thomas Hanby. He was the oldest Travelling Preacher in the Methodist Connexion, having regularly travelled forty- four years. His temper was remarkably mild and gentle. His qualifications for the ministry were very great, and his character unexceptionable. His praise is in our Societies, and his memory will long be precious to thousands. Though the affliction which ended in his death was of some continuance, yet he was taken rather suddenly at last ; as he preached till within a few days of his removal. He died in the triumph of faith, rejoicing in the God of his salvation. 1797. 381 2. George "Wadsworth, who hud been confined by tlie palsy near two years. He never discovered the smallest dis- position, during all his illness, to murmur against Divine Provi- dence ; but submitted with unfeigned resignation to the will of God, and departed remarkabl}^ happy. A more full account of him will be given in the Magazine. 3. Samuel Harris, a very pious, steady, and promising young man. His heart was truly engaged in the work of God, and much united in love to his brethren in the ministr3% He died of a consumption, in the third year of his travelling, very happy in God. Q. 5. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? ^. They were examined one by one. Q. 6. Who have desisted from travelling this year? A. William Thom, Stephen Eversfield, James Lawton. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year? A. As follows: — Dr. Coke visits America and the West Indies. 1 London, John Pawson, Charles Atmore, Adam Clarke, George Marsden, John Ashall, Peard Dickinson, James Creighton ; George Story, Editor, &c. ; and George Whitfield, Book- Steward. 2 Colchester, John Hickling, George Deverell, Edward Towler. 3 Rochester, William West, Martin Vaughan. 4 Canterbury, John Woodrow, Booth Newton, James Hall. 5 Rye, Thomas Tattershall, James Burley, Samuel Woolmer, William Henshaw. 6 Weathersfield, John Stephens. John Pawson, Chairman of the District. 7 Northampton, Jonathan Cousins, Cuthbert Whiteside, David Deakin. 8 Brackley, William Holmes, John Dean. 9 Bedford, Joseph Harper, Jacob Stanley. 10 Oxford, William Shelmerdine, Joseph Cole, Stephen Wilson ; John Murlin, Supernumerary. 11 Higham-Ferrers, Thomas Gill, James Scholefield. 12 S)t. Ives, Hunts., Edward Gibbons, Thomas Dunn, Jaraes Townley, John Wittam. Joseph Cole, Chairman of the District. 13 Norwich, Charles Kyte, Francis West. 14 Yarmouth, Jaraes Anderson, Thomas Broadbent, Duncan Kay. 15 Diss, Thomas Rogerson, William Vipond. 382 179: 16 TJietford, William Timperley, John Cricket. 17 Lynn, John Saunderson, John Leppington. 18 fValsingham, Benjamin Leggatt, Charles ]\Iartin. Charles Kyte, Chairman of the District. 19 Bristol, Joseph Bradford, John Pritchard, Walter Griffith, William Jenkins, Andrew Mayor. 20 Taunton, Richard Gower, William Johnson. 21 Banwell, James Jay, Joseph Robbins. 22 Bath, Henry Moore, Thomas Simmonite. 23 Stroud, James Rogers, William INIoulton. 24 Gloucester, Lawrence Kane, Charles Greenly. Joseph Bradford, Chairman of the District. 25 Salisbury, James M. Byron, Humphrey Parsons. 26 Portsmouth, Joseph Algar, William Ashman, John Clarke, Thomas Stanton, John SydserflF ; and John Mason, Supernumerary. (The Godalming and Crowdhill Missions must be supplied by the single men, under the direction of the Superintendent.) 27 Newbury, James Watson, John Furnace. 28 Poole, Robert Smith, jun., Robert Green, Mark Daniel. 29 Bradford, Wilts., William Horner, Thomas Yates. 30 Shepton-Mallet, Thomas Kelk, John M'Kersey. William Horner, Chairman of the District. 31 Isle of Jersey, William Palmer, John de Queteville. 32 Isles of Guernsey, ") Francis Balliau, Joseph Brookhouse, Alderney, and Sark, j Henry Mahy. William Palmer, Chairman of the District, 33 Plymouth-Dock, Theophilus Lessey, Thomas Trethewey. 34 Collumpton, William Aver, John Sandoe. 35 Launceston, John Smith, Edward Millward^ William Jenkin. Theophilus Lessey^ Chairman of the District. 36 Redruth, 37 St. Austle, 38 Penzance, 39 Swansea, 40 Cardiff, Francis Truscott, James Evans, Joseph Bowes, William Howarth, Thomas Bought. John Boyle, Joseph Cook, John Walmsley, WilHam INIacklow. Owen Davies, John Grant, Richard Treffry, Thomas Stanley, Hans Shrowder. Owen Davies, Chairman of the District. George Baldwin, Thomas Blanshard. Cleland Kirkpatrick, Thomas Roberts, John Wood. 1797. 41 Brecon, S83 James Buckley, William Pearson, James Gill, Francis Collier. 42 Haverford-West, Caleb Simmons, John Hughes, John Jennings. George Baldwin, Chairman of the District. 43 Birmingham, Samuel Bradburn, Thomas Cooper, William Williams, Edmund Shaw. Francis Wrigley, Joseph Burgess. Richard Elliott, Samuel Taylor. Joseph Taylor, James Bridgnell, John Burdsall. Jonathan Crowther, John Jones. Samuel Bradburn, Chairman of the District. 44 Worcester, 45 Stourport, 46 Dudley, 4i7 Shrewsbury, 48 Chester, John Goodwin, Robert Crowther, Isaac Lilly. 49 Macclesfield, Richard Reece, Miles Martindale, John Knowles ; Thomas Greaves, Supernumerary. 50 Burslem, Jeremiah Brettell, William Saunders ; Richard Rodda, Supernumerary. 51 Northwich, John Booth, John Hodgson. 52 Leek, William Simpson, James Ridall. John Goodwin, Chairman of the District. 53 Manchester, William Thompson, John Barber, Jonathan Barker. Edward Jackson, William Percival. John Allen, James M'Donald. Thomas Rutherford, George Snowden, George Morley. (N.B. Mr. Morley and Mr. Barker are to change once a quarter.) John Gaulter, Thomas Wood. Benjamin Rhodes, Joseph Collier. Henry Taylor, John Leech. Thomas Hutton, James Penman. William Thompson, Chairman of the District. 54 Stockport, 55 Bolton, 56 Liverpool, 57 Rochdale, 58 Oldham, 59 Blackburn, 60 Wigan, 61 Halifax, Thomas Taylor, Robert Miller. 62 Colne, Timothy Crowther, John Denton, Richard Hardacre. 63 Keighley, John Moon, Samuel Gates. 64 Bradford, Robert Hopkins, Thomas Harrison. 65 Huddersfield, George Highfield,Charles Gloyue, Joseph Drake. 66 Lancaster, Thomas Shaw, Thomas Fearnley. Thomas Taylor, Chairman of the District. 67 Nottingham, Thomas Bartholomew, John Reynolds, George Lowe. 68 Newark, Jonathan Parkin, John Simpson. 69 Leicester, Jonathan Edmondson, Thomas Lay cock. 384 1797. 70 Hinckley, Simou Day, John Chettle. 71 Ashby-de-la-Zouch, John Riles, George Smith. 72 Burton, Joseph Pescod, William Hicks. 73 Derby, Thomas Longley, George Sargent, W. M'Allum. 74 Castle-Donington, William Hainsworth, Hichard Watson. Thomas Bartholomew, Chairman of the District. 75 Leeds, 7Q Wakefield, 77 Birstal, 78 Dewsbury, 79 Rotherham, 80 Otley, 81 Sheffield, 82 Pontefract, 83 Doncaster, 84 Grimsby, Alexander Mather, William Myles, Alexander Suter, P. Haslara. (Mr. Mather is requested to visit any Societies to which he is invited by the Superintendents 'of the Circuits respectively; and to give advice when applied to concerning preaching- houses, or anything else relating to the Connexion ; and also to inform the Super- intendents, on application, what Preachers remain on the List of Reserve, and can go out to travel.) Joseph Entwisle, Robert Lomas. David Barrowclough, John Nelson. John Crosby, William Heath. John Beaumont, John Furaess. George Gibbon, John Ogilvie. James Wood, William Bramwell, John S. Pipe. Isaac Brown, George Sykes. Joseph Sutcliffe, John Atkins. Alexander Mather, Chairman of the District. 85 Horncastle, 86 Epworth, 87 Spalding, 88 Barrow, William Saunderson, Robert Smith, sen., Richard Thompson; Thomas CarliU, Super- numerary. Jasper Robinson, George Dermott, John Aiken- head; R. C. Brackenbury, Supernumerary. John King, Anthony Seckersou. Thomas Edman, Joseph Kyte. John Brice, Henry Stead. 89 Gainsborough, George Button, John Dutton. John King, Chairman of the District. 90 Whitehaven, Robert Dall, John Wilshaw. 91 Isle of Man, Robert Harrison, Alexander Cummins, John Moses. Robert Dall, Chairman of the District. 92 York, William Blagborne, Robert Roberts, Michael Emmett. 93 Hull, Joseph Benson, John Stamp, John Foster. 94 Pocklington, Lancelot Harrison, John White. 1797. 385 97 Malton, 98 Whitby, 99 Ripon, 100 Stockton, 95 Bridlington, George Holder, William Harrison. 96 Scarborough, Daniel Jackson, William Warreuer, Henry- Anderson. Thomas Dixon, John Hudson, Thomas Parsons. Joseph Benson^ Chairman of the District. Jonathan Brown, Thomas Vasey. William Hunter, jun., Isaac Muff. William Stevens, Richard Condy. 101 Barnard-Castle, 'Mwii'hevf Lumb, Abraham Moseley; Joseph Thompson, Supernumerary. 102 Middleham, John PhilHps, Charles Tunnycliffe; Philip Hardcastle, Supernumerary. Jonathan Brown, Chairman of the District. 103 Newcastle, Zachariah Yewdall, James Bogie. 104 Sunderland, Robert Johnson, Charles Bland, William Cox. 105 Hexham, Samuel Bardsley, George Mowat. 106 Alnwick, Samuel Botts, Thomas Ingham; William Hunter, sen.. Supernumerary. Robert Johnson, Chairman of the District. SCOTLAND. 107 Edinburgh, Thomas Warwick, John Braithwaite, William Fen wick ; Joseph Saunderson, Supernu- merary. John Townsend. John Barritt. Thomas Warwick, Chairman of the District. John Doncaster, Arthur Hutchinson. John Kershaw, Joseph Cross. John Ward, George Douglas. Duncan M'Allum, Richard Waddy, John Vipond, James Thom. Duncan M'Allum, Chairman of the District. 108 Glasgow, 109 Dumfries, 110 Aberdeen, 111 Dundee, 112 Brechin, 113 Inverness, IRELAND. 1 Dublin, James M'MuUen, John Hurley; Matthias Joyce, Book-Steward. 2 Wicklow, Alexander Moore, Andrew Taylor. 3 Carlow, Francis Russell, Zechariah Worrell. 4 Waterford, William M'Cornock, Joseph Anderson. 5 Youghall, John Darragh, Matthew Lanktree; Thomas Patterson, Supernumerary. 6 Cork, John Dinnen, John Stuart. 7 Bandon, Samuel Mitchell, George Stephenson; John Gillis, Missionary. 8 Milltown, Michael Murphy, John Hamilton. Vol. I. C C 386 1797. 9 Limerick, 10 Birr, 11 Castlebar, 12 Athlone, 13 Mountrath, 14 Longford, 15 Sligo, 16 Balhjconnell, 17 Cavan, 18 Clones, William Smith, John M'Farland. Samuel Steele, James Bell, William Patten. George Brown, James M^Quigg. K.obert Smith, John Price, Alexander Sturgeon. Charles Graham, Thomas Hewett ; Adam Averell, Supernumerary. Francis Armstrong, James Irwin, James Stuart. William Hamilton^ Thomas Barber, WilUam Douglas. William Ferguson, Blakely Dowliug, John Clendinnen. Matthew Tobias, J. Smith, Archibald Campbell. Archibald Murdoch, Thomas Edwards, William Little. 19 Brookborough, John Stephenson, Daniel Pedlow ; William Armstrong, Supernumerary. 20 Enniskillen, ]\Tatthew Stewart, Archibald INIontgomery. 21 Ballinamallard, James Rennick, John M'Arthur. 22 Ballyshannon, Samuel Alcorn, James M'Kown. 23 Newtown- Steivart , Robert Crozier, Thomas Johnson. 24 Londonderry, Thomas llidgeway, David Gordon, James Jordan; Thomas Kerr, Supernumerary. Andrew Hamilton, jun., William Wilson, William Sturgeon. John Kerr, James M'Kee. John Crook, John Grace; Andrew Hamilton, sen.. Supernumerary. 28 Tanderagee, Joseph Armstrong, Thomas Brown, James Carter. Samuel Wood, Daniel M'Mullen. Gustavus Armstrong, Charles Mayne. 31 Downpatrick, Robert Banks, John Clegg. 32 Newry, John Malcomson, Samuel Moorhead. 25 Coleraine, 26 Dungannon, 27 Charlemont, 29 Belfast, 30 Lisburn, The Chairmen of the Districts in Ireland for the ensuing year : — 1 Dublin, James M'Mullen. 2 Cork, John Dinnen. 3 Limerick, William Smith. 4 Jtklone, Robert Smith. 5 Clones, William Ferguson. 6 Londonderry, Thomas Ridgeway. 7 Belfast, Andrew Hamilton, jun. 8 Newry, John Crook. 1797. 387 THE BRITISH DOMINIONS IN AMERICA. NOVA SCOTIA, NEW BRUNSWICK, AND NEWFOUNDLAND. James Mann, John Mann, William Grandine, j w-iv ■D^ v. General Assistant. . , ,y Duncan M'Coll, Benjamin Wilson, and r_ Daniel Fidler. i" Newfoundland, William Thoresby. J WEST INDIES. Antigua, John Baxter, John Walters. St. Christopher's, Thomas Owens, Richard Merritt. Nevis, John Brownell. Tortola, Edward Turner, Thomas Isham. St. Vincent's, Richard Pattison, Francis HaUett. Barbadoes, Thomas Dumbleton. Grenada, John Kingston. Jamaica, William Fish, John M'Vean, James Alexander, Q. 8. How many wives are to be provided for? A. One hundred and thirty-six. Q. 9. How many of these are provided for by the Circuits ? A. Seventy-eight; viz., — Worcester, £3. S. Woodrow. S. Anderson. London, S. Clarke, Atmore, West, Hickling. Rye, £Q. Rochester, ) Canterbury, j Colchester, £^. Norwich, ") Yarmouth, J Diss, S, Rogerson. Lynn, S. Saunderson. Bedford, £3. Isles of Jersey, &c., j66. Portsmouth, S. Algar. Bath, S. Moore. Bristol, S. Pritchard, Griffith, Horner. Shepton-Mallet, S. Kelk. Taunton, ") Banwell, > S. Gower. Collumpton, ) Plymouth-Dock, S. Lessey. Redruth, S. Truscott, Evans, (John) Smith. St. Austle, S. Boyle. Penzance, S. Davies, Byron, Trethewey. 2 Stourport, £3. Birmingham, S. Bradburn, Cooper. Burslem, S. Brettell. Leek, £Q. Macclesfield, S. Martindale, (Rob.) Crowther. Stockport, S. (Edward) Jack- son. Manchester, S. Thompson, Barber, Percival. Oldham, S. Rhodes. Rochdale, S. Gaulter. Bolton, S. McDonald. Chester, S. Goodwin. Liverpool, S. Rutherford, Snowden. Northwich, S. Booth. Blackburn, S. (Henrv) Taylor. Colne, S. (Tim.) Crowther. Nottingham, S. Reynolds. Leicester, £Q. ^ s H " - 681 Bedford . - 277 Sark 3 Higham-Eerrers - 157 Bath - 520 1797. 389 Bradford, Wilts. - 450 Wakefield _ - 950 Bristol - 1380 Pontefract _ - 890 Shepton-Mallet - 745 Huddersfield _ - 1700 Taunton - G60 Birstal - - 1079 Collurapton - 440 Dewsbury - - 611 Plymouth-Dock - 597 Bradford - - 1476 Launceston - 450 Halifax _ - 1706 St. Austle - 870 Keighley _ - 1400 Redruth - 2430 Otley - - - 1011 Penzance - 1888 Whitehaven . - 403 Haverfordwest - 211 Isle of Man _ - 2750 Swansea - 164 York - _ - 1229 Cardiff - 236 Malton _ - 780 Brecon - 407 Pocklington _ - 760 Birmingham - - 1400 Hull - - - 1200 Dudley - 620 Bridlington . - 477 Shrewsbury - 500 Scarborough - - 555 Burslem - 860 Whitby - - 513 Leek - - 503 Ripon - - - 590 Macclesfield - - 1352 Middleham _ - 690 Stockport - 1345 Stockton _ - 640 Manchester - 2400 Barnard-Castle - 438 Oldham - 950 Hexham _ - 750 Rochdale - 950 Sunderland - - 960 Bolton - 1260 Newcastle . - 846 Wigan - 580 Alnwick - - 170 Chester - 738 Berwick . - n^r- Liverpool - 1123 Edinburgh . - 200 Northwich - 720 Glasgow - - 214 Blackburn - 890 Dumfries - 34 Colne - - 1180 Dundee - - 121 Lancaster - 350 Brechin . 70 Leicester - 530 Aberdeen - - 247 Hinckley - 330 Inverness - - 273 / Castle-Donington - 780 Newark - 485 82,713 Nottingham - Derby - - 1400 - 779 IRELAND. Ashby-de-la-Zouch - 812 Dublin . - 1000 Shefl&eld - 3267 Wicklow . - 288 Rotherham - 820 Carlow . - 472 Grimsby - 990 Waterford - - 222 Horncastle - 700 Youghall - 87 Boston - 250 Cork - - - 340 Gainsborough - 525 Bandon - - 270 Barrow - 560 Mallow . - 200 Epworth - 957 Limerick - - 330 Leeds - 2460 Birr - • - 467 390 1797. Castlebar - 219 Fredericton 100 Athlone - 600 St. Stephen's 52 Mouutrath - 355 St. John's Island 20 Longford - 580 Sligo - - 664 Newfoundland 250 Ballyconnell - Cavan - - 662 - 689 West Indies. Clones - 660 Antigua, Whites 25 Brookborough - 560 Coloured people 2379 Enniskillen - 514 Tortola and Spanish-") Town, Whites J 17 Ballinamallard - 651 Ballyshannon - 380 Coloured people 1351 Newtown-Stewart - 557 St.Christopher's, Whites 13 Londonderry - - 309 Coloured people 1460 Coleraine - 500 Nevis, Coloured people 320 Dungannon - 560 Barbadoes, Whites 34 Charlemont - 860 Coloured people 10 Tanderagee - 1400 Grenada, Coloured people 100 Belfast - 669 Montserrat, Coloured people 12 Lisburn - 836 Dominica, Coloured people 50 Downpatrick - - 490 Jamaica, Kingston, ) Whites J 24 Newry - 415 Coloured people 46 16,806 Blacks 170 AMERICA Montego Bay 23 The Plantations 350 Nova Scotia and Ne wick. w Bruns- - 133 St. Vincent's - 1008 Halifax 8,742 Liverpool 70 - Shelburne - 180 In the United States 56,800 TTm*fnn _ Q4< XXUX tUll " Newport 78 Total in America 65,542 Cumberland - - 150 Total in Europe 99,519 Annapolis - 105 . St. John - 118 In aU 165,061 N.B. For an account of the Collections and Disbursements see the whole in detail at the end of these Minutes. TO THE METHODIST SOCIETIES. Leeds, Aug. 7, 1797. Dear Brethren, We think it our duty to inform you, by the earliest oppor- tunity, of the measures we have taken, in order to satisfy those of our brethren who have been made more or less uneasy by sundry publications circulated through the Societies ; and we trust that, on a serious consideration of the regulations we have 1797. 391 agreed to at this Conference, you will see that the sacrifices in respect to authority which we have made, on the part of the Avhole body of TravelHng Preachers, evidence our willingness to meet our brethren in everything which is consistent with the existence of the jNIethodist discipline, and our readiness to be their servants for Jesu's sake. I. In respect to finances, or money matters : — 1. We have determined to publish annually a very minute account of the disbursements or application of the Yearly Collection. And, 2. A full account of the aff'airs of Kingswood School. 3. That all bills for the support of Travelling Preachers and their families, in respect to deficiencies, house-rent, fire, candles, sickness, travelling expenses, and all other matters of a temporal kind for their support, for which the Circuits cannot provide, shall first meet with the approbation of the Quarterly Meeting, and be signed by the General Steward of the Circuit, before they can be brought to the District-Committee. II. In respect to all other temporal matters : — 1. It has been determined that no Circuits shall be divided, till such division has been approved of by their respective Quarter-Meetings, and signed by the General Stewards. 2. That no other temporal matter shall be transacted by the District-Committees, till the approbation of the respective Quarterly Meetings be first given, signed by the Circuit- Stewards. III. In respect to the receiving and excluding private members of Society : — 1. 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 not admit such person into the Society. 2. No person shall be expelled from the Society for immorality, till such immorality be proved at a Leaders' INIeeting. IV. In respect to the appointment and removal of Leaders, Stewards, and Local Preachers, and concerning meetings : — 1. No person shall be appointed a Leader or Steward, or be removed from his office, but in conjunction with the Leaders' Meeting; the nomination to be in the Superintendent, and the approbation or disapprobation in the Leaders' Meeting. 2. The furmer rule concerning Local Preachers is confirmed ; viz., That no person shall receive a Plan as a Local Preacher, without the approbation of a Local Preachers' Meeting. 3. In compliance with a request made by the Committee of persons from various parts, — namely, " That the Conference be requested to re-consider and revise those rules which relate to the calling of meetings, and appointing Local Preachers, made 392 1797. last 3'car," — we say : " No Local Preacher shall be permitted to preach ia any other Circuit than his own^ -without producing a rccoramendatiou from the Superintendent of the Circuit in which he lives; or suffer any invitation to be admitted as a plea, but from men in office, who act in conjunction with the Superintendent of that Circuit which he visits/^ The design of this rule is, to prevent any, under the character of Local Preachers, from burdening the people, either by collecting money, or by living upon them; and to prevent improper persons, who bear no part of the expense, from inviting Local Preachers thus to visit them. But it never was intended to reflect the least disrespect on any of our worthy brethren, the Local Preachers, whom, considered as a body, we greatly respect. And it should not be lost sight of, that several of the most respectable Local Preachers in the kingdom, who were in the Committee which met the Committee of Preachers appointed by the Conference, declared their high approbation of the rule, and desired that it might be strengthened as much as possible, as none could justly complain of it. 4. As the Committee above-mentioned requested also that the Minutes of the last Conference, concerning the calling of meet- ings to consider of the afl'airs of the Society or Connexion, be explained; and as we are exceedingly desirous of preserving the peace and union of the whole body ; we have agreed upon the following explanation ; viz., — (1.) As the Leaders^ Meeting is the proper meeting for the Society, and the Quarterly Meeting for the Circuit, we think that other formal Meetings, in general, would be contrary to the Methodist economy, and very prejudicial in their conse- quences. But, (2.) In order to be as tender as possible, consistently with ■what we believe to be essential to the welfare of our Societies, we allow that other formal Meetings may be held, if they first receive the approbation of the Superintendent, and the Leaders' or Quarterly Meeting ; provided also, that the Superintendent, if he please, be present at every such Meeting. V. We have selected all our ancient rules, which were made before the death of our late venerable Father in the Gospel, the Rev. Mr. Wesley, which are essential rules, or prudential at this present time; and have solemnly signed them, declaring our approbation of them, and determination to comply with them ; one single Preacher excepted,* who, in consequence, withdrew from us. VI. We have determined that all the rules which relate to the Societies, Leaders, Stewards, Local Preachers, Trustees, and Quarterly Meetings, shall be published with the Rules of the Society, for the benefit and convenience of all the members. * Before the Conference concluded two other Preachers withdrew. 1797. 393 VII. In respect to all new rules Avhich shall be made by the Conference, It is determined, that if at any time the Conference see it necessary to make any new rule for the Societies at large, and such rule should be objected to at the first Quarterly Meeting in any given Circuit ; and if the major part of that Meeting, in conjunction with the Preachers, be of opinion that the enforcing of such rule in that Circuit will be injurious to the prosperity of that Circuit; it shall not be enforced in opposition to the judgment of such Quarterly Meeting, before the second Confer- ence. But, if the rule be confirmed by the second Conference, it shall be binding to the whole Connexion. Nevertheless, the Quarterly Meetings, rejecting a new rule, shall not, by publica- tions, public meetings, or otherwise, make that rule a cause of contention ; but shall strive, by every means, to preserve the peace of the Connexion. Thus, brethren, we have given up the greatest part of our executive government into your hands, as represented in your different public meetings. (1.) We have delivered the whole of our Yearly Collection to your management. For we know, by experience, that the bills of the Quarterly Meetings, if only mere justice be done to the Preachers and their families, will amount to much more than the Yearly Collection. The Conference will, in this business, have no authority whatsoever. They will have nothing but the trouble of receiving the money, and paying the bills which shall have been sent to them from the Quarterly Meetings, and been approved of by the District-Committees. And when the accounts are published by the Conference, every Quarterly Meeting may compare its omq accounts with those of the Conference, and thereby have as complete a check as the nature of things can possibly admit of. The Conference has reserved to itself the management of its own Book-concerns. This is most reasonable : as the institution was established for the carrying on of the work of God, under the direction of Mr. Wesley and the Conference; was continued, by the deed or codicil of Mr. Wesley's will, for the use of the Conference ; as the whole burden of the management of the business lies upon the Conference, and the servants they employ, and on the Superintendents of Circuits ; and also, as it is the only fund which can supply any deficiencies of the Yearly Collection, as the accounts published in our Minutes for several years past clearly evidence, the Yearly Collection having not been nearly sufficient for the wants of the Preachers and families, and for the carrying on of the work of God in general. (2.) The whole management of our temporal concerns may now be truly said to be invested in the Quarterly Meetings, the District-Meetings having nothing left them but a negative. 394 1797. (3.) Our Societies have a full check on the Superintendent, by the means of their Leaders' Meeting, in regard to the intro- duction of persons into Society ; whilst the Superintendent has sufficient scope allowed him for the increase of the Societies, not only according to the common course of things, but at the times of remarkable outpourings of the Spirit of God. (4.) The members of our Societies are delivered from every apprehension of clandestine expulsions; as that Superintendent would be bold indeed, who would act with partiality or injustice in the presence of the whole meeting of Leaders. Such a Superintendent, we trust, we have not among us ; and if such there ever should be, we should be ready to do all possible justice to our injured brethren. (5.) There is now no Society-officer among us, who can be received withoiat the consent of that Meeting to whicli he particularly belongs; nor can any officer be appointed, except upon the same plan. (6.) In order to prevent any degree of precipitation iu making of new rules, and to obtain information of the sentiments of our people on every such rule, we have agreed to the article mentioned under the Vllth head, by which no regulations will be finally confirmed till after a year's consideration, and the knowledge of the sentiments of the Connexion at large, through the medium of all their public officers. In short, brethren, out of our great love for peace and union, and our great desire to satisfy j-our minds, we have given up to you far the greatest part of the Superintendent's authority : and, if we consider that the Quarterly Meetings are the sources from Avhence all temporal regulations, during the intervals of the Conference, must now originally spring; and also, that the Committee, formed according to the Plan of Pacification, can, in every instance in which the Trustees, Leaders, and Stewards choose to interfere respecting the gifts, doctrines, or moral character of Preachers, supersede, in a great measure, the regular District-Committees; we may, taking all these things into our view, truly say, that such have been the sacrifices we have made, that our District-Committees themselves have hardly any authority remaining, but a bare negative in general, and the appointment of a Representative to assist in drawing up the rough draught of the Stations of the Preachers. And, besides all this, we have given the Quarterly Meetings opportunities of considering every new law, of suspending the execution of it for a year iu their respective Circuits, and of sending their senti- ments on it to the Conference, before it be finally confirmed. We have represented these measures, which we have taken for your satisfaction, in as concise a manner as we well could, giving you the sense of the whole, not only for brevity's sake, but for expedition, that you may be informed of the general 1797. 395 heads of our proceedings as soon as possible. In the Regulations which will be published with the Rules of the Society, as mentioned above, you will have the whole at large. We are your affectionate Brethren, Signed, in behalf and by order of the Conference, THOMAS COKE, President, SAMUEL BRADBURN, Secretary. SUNDRY MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS. I. WITH RESPECT TO DISTRICTS. 1. In order to render our Districts more effective, the Presi- dent of the Conference shall have power, when applied to, to supply a Circuit with Preachers, if any should die or desist from travelling ; and to sanction any change of Preachers which it may be necessary to make in the intervals of the Conference; and to assist at any District-Meeting, if applied to for that purpose, by the Chairman of the District, or by a majority of the Superintendents in such District. And he shall have a right, if written to by any who are concerned, to visit any Circuit, and to inquire into their affairs with respect to Methodism, and, ia union with the District-Committee, redress any grievance. 2. The Chairman of each District, in conjunction with his brethren of the Committee, shall be responsible to the Confer- ence for the execution of the laws, as far as his District is concerned. 3. That no Chairman may have cause to complain of the want of power, in cases which (according to his judgment) can- not be settled in the ordinary District-Meeting, he shall have authority to summon three of the nearest Superintendents, to be incorporated with the District-Committee, who shall have equal authority to vote, and settle everything till the Conference. 4. The Conference recommends it to the Superintendents of the Circuits to invite, on all inaportant occasions, the Chairman of their respective District, to be present at their Quarterly Meetings. 5. The Chairman of every District shall be chosen by the ballot of the Conference, after the names of all the Preachers in the District have been read to them by the Secretary. II. AS TO DELEGATES. The Conference, having maturely considered the subject, are thoroughly persuaded, with many of our Societies, whose letters have been read in full Conference, that they cannot admit any but regular Travelling Preachers into their body, either in the Conference or District-Meetings, and preserve the system of 396 1797. Metliodlsm entire, particularly the Itinerant plan, which they are determined to support. 13ut, let it be well observed, that, in explaining their IMinutes, it was fully and explicitly under- stood, that, if there be any accusation against a Preacher, or any difficult affair to settle, not only the Circuit or Town Steward, but any Leader, or even member of the Society, shall be admitted, as evidence, to the District-Meeting; provided the matter has been first heard at a Quarterly Meeting. III. WITH REGARD TO PREACHERS. 1. Before any Superintendent propose a Preacher to the Conference, as proper to be admitted on trial, such Preacher must not only be approved of at the March Quarterly Meeting, but must have read and signed the General Minutes, 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 so to qualify them as in the least to affect the spirit and design of them. 2. No Local Preacher shall keep lovefeasts without the con- sent of the Superintendent, nor in any wise interfere with his business. Let every one keep in his own place, and attend to the duties of his own station. lY. TOUCHING THE BOOK-CONCERNS : It is agreed, 1. That every Superintendent shall settle his accounts with, and pay the balance to, Mr. Whitfield, at every Conference, for the preceding year. 2. That a Circular Letter shall be drawn up, and sent by Mr. "Whitfield to every Superintendent, informing him of the above resolution. 3. The article made last year, and published in the Minutes, relative to printing, shall stand in its full force, with this excep- tion : — Should a manuscript be rejected by the Book-Committee, a Preacher may print it, provided he do not sell it at our chapels, nor advertise it from our pulpits. The design of this rule is, to prevent any Preacher in our Connexion from selling at the doors of our chapels, or otherAvise, or offering to sell, any books or pamphlets among our people, but those which belong to the Conference, and come from our Book-Room. — N.B. If a Preacher be attacked by any of our enemies, and his character misrepresented, his printing a reply in his own defence shall not be deemed a breach of this rule. V. CONCERNING THE WEST INDIES. 1. Let a collection be made in the course of this year, for the support of the Missionaries, in every congregation where it is practicable, 2. The District-Committees in the month of May are to inquire, whether any Preacher is willing to go to the West 1797. 397 Indies; and the Chairmen of those Districts in which any Preacher offers himself are to inform Dr. Coke of it before the meeting of the Irish Conference. VI. THE CASE OF BRISTOL. 1. It is the opinion of the Conference, that the Plan of Pacification, in respect to the affair at Bristol, has been broken ; but they are determined this shall not be a precedent, but they v,\]\ take proper means that the Plan shall be sacredly observed in all its parts in future. 2. The Conference, in union with the Committee of Trustees in Leeds, advise the contending parties in Bristol to settle their differences in the following manner : — (1.) That our brethren who attend Divine Service at the Old Room and Guinea-Street chapel unite with their brethren of the new chapel, and bring all their subscriptions and collections into one and the same channel with our brethren of the new chapel, according to the agreement at Manchester; and take seats in, and attend, in general, the services at the new chapel. (2.) That our brethren of the new chapel, if the others comply with the above condition, give up the service in church-hours in that chapel. VII. PUBLIC COLLECTIONS. 1. The Superintendents in the Bristol District are to make a collection in their respective Circuits, and in the Bradford Circuit, as soon as convenient, towards paying the workmen the money due to them on account of our chapel at Frome. 2. A collection is to be made through Hye^ Rochester, and Canterbury Circuits, for the Dover house. 3. A collection is to be made for Axminster, through all the Circuits in the Salisbury District. 4. A collection is to be made for Tavistock, through all the Circuits in the Plymouth-Dock District. 5. A collection is to be made for Falmouth, through the Redruth, Penzance, and St. Austle Circuits. 6. A collection is to be made through the Shrewsbury and Chester Circuits, for the chapel at Merthyr-Tydvil, in the Brecon Circuit. — N.B. The Brecon Circuit is to be divided. 7. A collection is to be made for Doncaster, through the Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield Circuits. 8. A collection is to be made for Carlisle, through the York, Whitby, and Newcastle Circuits. All the above collections to be made as soon as convenient, that they may not interfere with the stated collections. Q. When and where shall our next Conference be held ? A. In Bristol, on the last Monday in July, 1798. N.B. The Representatives of the Districts, who form the 398 1797. Committee for stationing the Preacbers^ will meet as usual on the preceding Wednesday, in the morning, at six o'clock. Signed, in behalf and by order of the Conference, THOMAS COKE, President, SAMUEL BRADBURN, Secretarij. TO THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE PEOPLE CALLED METHODISTS IN GREAT BRITAIN. Baltimore, Nov. 1, 1796. Fathers and Brethren, dearly beloved in the Lord, We feel ourselves highly gratified by your kind remem- brance of us, and with great satisfaction embrace the present opportunity, by Dr. Coke, of returning you our sincere thanks for your welcome Address, and of assuring you of our unfeigned esteem and aflPection for you. Though a vast ocean divides us, we are intimately one with you in spirit, and frequently with much delight remember you in our prayers. We doubt not but we are remembered in yours ; and we entreat also, through you, the fervent petitions of your dear flocks to the throne of grace in our behalf. With you, beloved brethren, we deeply lament the increase of infidelity in the world. But it is no more than we have reason to expect, from the sure word of prophecy. And we have full confidence that, through the exercise of one great prerogative of the Head of the Church, abundance of good will be brought out of this greatest of evils. The faithful will be made manifest ; the reign of Antichrist be put down by the infidels, who are the fittest instruments for the work ; and the church of God will eminently become the city set upon a hill, the salt of the earth, the light of the world. There certainly is, as you observe, brethren, a liberal spirit gone forth into the Christian world, and bigotry and party-rage daily lose ground. But the carelessness, and the contempt of the sacred writings, which more and more prevail, are perhaps as dangerous to individuals as the former. May we be able to steer between the rocks on both sides, under the guidance of our heavenly Master ! We admire with you the method God is taking to beat down the pride of philosophy, even by choosing the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty : and this is agreeable to the method of God's proceedings in the purest times of Christianity. At the same time, the Lord has not left us without men who, when necessary, are able to contend against that vain philosophy, with its own weapons of logical arguments, and with success; though we are sensible how far we are inferior to you, our elder brethren, in this respect. 1797. 399 We bless God, that both we and our people highly esteem all the branches of the Methodist discipline ; nor can we possibly be too thankful to our adorable Lord, for that highly-honoured instrument of His grace, your and our late Father iu the Gospel, the Kev. John Wesley. We do trust, brethren, we shall with you persevere to walk by the same rules, and mind the same things. We candidly confess to you, that we were very fearful, when the Lord took that eminent man to his reward, that divisions would take place among 3^011, from the delicate circumstances in which you were placed. To us in general he v/as personally unknown, and acted only by his Delegates. But you were honoured with his constant residence and useful labours. Among you he superintended for half a century, to the admira- tion, we had almost said, of the whole civilized world. But our God is infinitely kind to us all. He has preserved both you and us in a wonderful manner. We rejoice in your union ; and can bless God that tve were never more united than at present. A few indeed, who were as great enemies to the civil Government under which they lived, as to our discipline, have left us ; and we have now not a jarring string among us. God has abundantly owned our feeble labours, during this present Conference, to the people of Baltimore ; and we trust it is an earnest of a glorious Gospel-harvest through this continent in the ensuing and future years. At present you have the largest sphere of action in respect to the number of souls ; but we are humbly endeavouring to sow those seeds of grace, which may grow up and spread in this immense country, which in ages to come will probably be the habitation of hundreds of millions. We trust we shall never forget your kind advice, but shall always remember that the Methodist Societies through the world are eminently called to be one body, and to be actuated by one spirit ; and that we have but one faith, one Lord, and one baptism. To your and our God we humbly recommend you, fathers and brethren. May His everlasting arms be ever beneath and around you ; may His blessed Spirit overshadow 5^ou in all your Conferences, and in all your labours ; and may that love which we mutually feel towards each other increase a hundred-fold, till we all meet in those realms of bliss where we shall see each other eye to eye, and, with the children God hath given us, live together in the complete union for ever ! We subscribe ourselves, with great respect and esteem, Your affectionate and younger Brethren in the Gospel, The American General Conference. Signed, in behalf and by order of the Conference, THOMAS COKE, FRANCIS ASBURY. 400 1797. to mr. francis asbury, and all the conferences of the people called methodists in america. Very dear Brethren, Your Address afforded us very great satisfaction ; but wc are more particularly thankful to our common Lord, on the information, Avith which you have favoured us, of your perfect union and concord. Certainly, there is nothing upon earth which displays more of the resemblance of heaven, than a numerous assembly of Christian Ministers, conferring for weeks together, and conversing of God and the interests of Ilis church in the spirit of peace and love, which is the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are at present indulged with a privilege of which several of the nations of Europe are destitute. You enjoy, as a nation, in a great measure, external peace. INIay you improve this blessing by redoubled diligence in spreading the sacred truths of Christi- anity, and thereby blessing your continent for ages to come ! Our Conference has been wonderfully overshadowed by the Spirit of God. We have renewed our covenant with the Lord; and have solemnly signed our rules of doctrine and discipline, declaring our approbation of them, and engaging iu the presence of God to hold them fast with an inviolable attachment, and to fulfil them with zeal. But, in the midst of all, we have experienced some violent convulsions. For some have arisen who, under the pretence of liberty, (but in reality making it a cloak for licentiousness,) and from the desire of being the heads of a party, endeavour to overturn our itinerancy and discipline, and to destroy them root and branch. We may truly, in the proper scriptural sense, apply those words of the Apostle to them ; " They went out from us, but they were not of us ; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us : but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all ' of us.^^ However, they have been but too successful in draw-ing disciples after them ; and, though they have been sowing the seeds of discord for two years past, their plan has been but just brought to maturity ; and they are now exerting themselves to the utmost of their powers to scatter and destroy the flock. But we have a full confidence that the great Governor of the church is on our side ; and if so, who can be against us ? IS^evcrthe- less, it is our duty to use every prudential means to stem the torrent, as well as to pray mightily to God for His assistance. It is on this ground, that we must request the return of our friend and brother, the Rev. Dr. Coke. He has often been a peace-maker among us, and we have frequently experienced the salutary effects of his advice and exertions in behalf of this part of the Connexion. He has informed us of the engagements he 1797. 401 has made to you. But you must spare him to us for a time, at least whilst these convulsions continue in our Societies ; and the sooner you permit him to return, the greater will be the favour. In this, we address you as your elder brethren ; and therefore we had almost said, we will not be denied : and if, when our affairs are in a settled state, he must return to you, to devote the remainder of his days to the work of God upon your conti- nent, he shall return with our blessing and thanks. And, at all events, he shall visit you, if God preserve his life, at your next General Conference. Brethren, we can assure you that we never possessed more heartfelt love one to another, than at present. We are not entirely unacquainted with the sifting times which you have experienced for a few years past ; and we bless God that they have produced the blessed effect of uniting you so perfectly among yourselves. Favour us with your frequent prayers in behalf of us and our people. We do not forget you in ours. We cannot too often reciprocally animate each other to the strictest observance of all the parts of the Methodist discipline. As the soul and body make a man, so the Spirit and discipline make a Christian. Our class-meetings, band-meetings, love- feasts, and other parts of our economy, are the grand external ties of our union. If these were broken, if the body was dead, the soul would soon disappear. Much of the life of God cannot be preserved among us without strict Christian discipline. But love. Divine love, is the grand central point of our union. We at least flatter ourselves, that there are no people in the world who are more influenced by the spirit of love than the Methodists in Europe and America. Then, rapid as are the strides of infidelity, if we continue ONE, the world will fall before us, through the power of Almighty Grace. As one proof of our love to you, we have agreed. That if any of the Preachers from the States of America come to Great Britain, with a recommendation from their Annual Conference, under the direction of which they shall have laboured, such Preachers shall be received into this part of the Connexion, in the same manner as if they had travelled for the same nvimber of years in this country as they shall have travelled in their own. And now, very dear brethren, we recommend you most affectionately to the Lord. May He pour out His Spirit largely on you all; and may you be made the happy instruments of spreading the Gospel through your vast continent, and may ages to come have cause to bless God for your labours ! We remain your very affectionate Brethren. Signed iu behalf, and by order of the British Conference in Leeds, Aug. 10, 1797, SAMUEL BRADBURN, Secretary, Vol. I. D D 403 1797. an address from the methodist conference at dublin. Fathers and Brethren, We are exceedingly happy that the season is again returned, in which we have the opportunity of expressing our affection and gratitude. Your annual aid, and brotherly kindness, render this our indispensable duty, from the performance of which no efforts of the powers of darkness shall draw us. The troubles of our land, as yon in part have been informed, have been inexpressibly great. No one can have an adequate idea of them, but those who were in the midst of them. The confusion of things, the loss of trade, and variety of other dis- tressing circumstances, have rendered our people in general unable to assist the work of God in temporal respects, as they were accustomed to do. But, at the same time, we cannot help observing, that our souls are filled with gratitude to God, who, in the midst of the greatest dangers and difficulties, preserved us ; so that not one of us received the least injury through the year. Truly we may say, to the honour of our great Preserver, we have gone from strength to strength, and now every one of us appears in Zion before God. Glory be to His almighty name, we feel ourselves happy in Him, filled with brotherly love, and firmly resolved, by Divine grace, to pursue our way, regardless of our lives, in calling our fellow-sinners to repent- ance. In your Address to us you observe, that according to our request you appointed Dr. Coke to be our President, and you express your confidence that he will continue to give satisfaction; and we are happy in assuring you that you have not beeu dis- appointed. Dr. Coke has given us great satisfaction in the exercise of that power vested in him by you. We feel that our souls are knit together, like those of Jonathan and David ; and we have only to regret that his solemn engagements to the American brethren cut off our expectations of seeing him any more, till we meet in the presence of the Chief Shepherd : nevertheless, we entertain a hope that, should kind Heaven direct his course to Great Britain again, you will have no objec- tion to nominate him to fill that station which he has done for so many years, with so much honour to himself and you. We could not avoid bearing this testimony for our old, valuable friend ; and we believe that the remembrance of his love, and the thought of seeing him no more, will often extract the tear of sorrow and affection, and excite the heartfelt sigh for his return. We bless the Lord that, notwithstanding the calamities of the times. His work has prospered in many places. We look upon this as a token for good, that the thoughts of God are favour- able to our Zion ; that He will not suffer any Aveapon formed against it to prosper ; but that, according to His promise. He will 1797. 403 water it every moment, and, lest any hurt it, He will keep it night and day. We are sorry, very sorry, to hear of that spirit of division which is likely to prevail among our brethren in Great Britain. Painful as we feel the report, we find it profitable; having agreed to drop all contention about modes and forms, and to go on in the plain path of primitive Methodism, till Divine Provi- dence shall point out to us a more excellent way. Respecting a President for the ensuing Conference, we can say very little, being for the most part perfect strangers to you all. The choice must therefore lie with yourselves ; only we hope you will send us a man endued with much of the meek- ness of wisdom, and who will have patience to bear with our simplicity. That Grod may guard and keep you and us from the power of the grand adversary, and that the light of Divine truth may shine upon our path, to the total banishment of error and discord, is, Fathers and Brethren, The hearty desire and prayer of Your younger Brethren in the Ministry. Dublin, Signed in behalf of the Conference, July 12, 1797. JOHN CROOK, Secretary. to the methodist conference in ireland. Very dear Brethren, Your Address was very welcome to us ; for we felt much for your situation. The troubles of your nation we were not unacquainted with ; and we bless God for His wonderful preser- vation of you amidst the dangers with which you have been surrounded. We indeed had reason to expect a great dimi- nution in the numbers in your Societies; but have been agreeably surprised to find that you have an increase of some hundreds. This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes ! Only go on upon the simple plan of Methodism, and our gracious Lord will be with you in the fire and the water, and make you in all things more than conquerors. We certainly should be very glad to make reciprocal exchanges of Preachers between the two kingdoms, if it could be admitted by the circumstances of things; but at present our finances render it impracticable. It is a pleasure to us to oblige you, and we both think and feel that you are one with ourselves ; and we trust that this blessed union will be handed down to succeeding ages. We are all agreed in the grand points which are essential to Christianity and Methodism, and little differences arising from local matters need never divide us. We thank you for sympathizing with us on account of the contentions which have so injured our Connexion. But the 2 D 2 404 1797. Lord has been wltli us^ and has overruled all for the best. A division has taken place, but in the gentlest manner we could expect, only three Travelling Preachers having left us ! We shall lose all the turbulent disturbers of our Zion, — all who have embraced the sentiments of Paine, and place a great part of their religion in contending for (what they call) liberty. The vine which the Lord has planted among us with His own right hand, needed to pass through this pruning ajjd purgation. At the same time, all our watchfulness and diligence should be employed, that the wheat may not be destroyed with the tares. For the loss of the latter we have reason to be thankful to God. And we trust and believe that He will preserve our dear, faithful brethren from all the attacks of Satan and his emissaries. The Captain of our salvation is stronger than the demon of discord, and He will in His good time drive him back to the hell whence he came. Dr. Coke, in consideration of our situation, has promised, with the consent of his American brethren, to return, and give us his influence and advice in these distressing times. And, as he absolutely engaged, as a point of duty and honour, (should God spare him,) to be present at the opening of our next Con- ference in his office as President, we have appointed him our Representative for Ireland the ensuing year, agreeably to your wishes; not doubting but he will be made useful to you, by the blessing of our Divine Master. We are happy to hear that our people have evidenced such loyalty to the King, and attachment to the laws and government of these kingdoms. And we make no doubt but, with us, you are determined henceforth to walk by the same rule, and to mind the same thing. May the Lord God Almighty bless you, and render you more abundantly useful than ever ! We are Your very affectionate Brethren. Signed in behalf and by order of the British Conference in Leeds, August 10, 1797, SAMUEL BRADBURN, Secretary. £. s. d. Yearly Collection - - 1412 11 1 In Ireland £. s. d. 145 3 6 .€1,557 14 7 Preachers' Quarterage - 283 6 0 Preachers' Wives 662 10 0 Preachers' Children 49i 19 0 Preachers' Servants 237 12 8 Preachers' House-rent - 329 10 8 1797. 405 £. s. d. Preachers' Coals and Candles Furniture for Houses Law _ _ - Long Afflictions - Travelling Expenses Missions In Ireland For Printing Total The whole expenditure this year 3,521 3 6 The Yearly Collection - Borrowed from Kingswood Borrowed from the Preachers' Fund From the Book-Room - - 676 1 6 3,521 3 6 £. s. d. 119 7 9 169 16 1 38 7 0 100 14 0 175 7 5 38 11 11 850 13 0 20 8 0 £3,521 3 6 1557 14 7 600 0 0 d 687 7 5 676 1 6 We likewise received from the'^ Book-Room, which was bor- [ ^.^^ ^ ^ rowed last year from Kings- X wood Collection J Quarterage for sixty- seven wives") qq^ n. q last year j- 4 u Half the money allowed to the) 4,9 p; lo O Superannuated Preachers J "^ Taken out of the Book-Room - - - 3,405 11 6 So that the Book-Room is still very deep in debt after aU that we can do. The Kingswood Collection - - - 1,276 17 7 In Ireland - - - - - 95 4 0 In all £1,372 1 7 Paid out of it to Preachers' Children 580 19 0 £791 2 7 Borrowed of the above sum - - - 600 0 0 According to the above account, the Book-'"! Room stands engaged to pay in the course >• 600 0 0 of this year to the Kingswood Collection j To the Superannuated Preachers and Widows,"^ as we have only paid them half tlieir money, / 41 f^ f> n except in a few cases, which are accounted X for ) Wives unprovided for 55 1 - - - 666 0 0 The Book-Room will have to pay in the course ) ^i goi 5 q of this year ) 406 1797. Q. 12. What sons of the Preachers, who are not admitted into Kingswood School, have an allowance for their education ? £. d. } A. Benjamin') Khodes, for >- last 5'car ) John Clarke William Rutherford William Percival, for two years Edward Johnson Robert Hopkins John Wesley Dall Thomas Taylor Thomas Jackson John Parkin Thomas Mowat Benjamin Roberts Martin Black 13 0 0 12 12 24 0 0 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 George Bramwell, ) for last year | William Stuart John Nelson, for ) the year 1795 j Boston King, forS his conveyance > to Africa ) James M'-Burney, son of the late John M'Bur- ney, an orphan, for his appren- tice fee £. s. d. 12 0 0 12 0 0 12 0 0 10 10 0 ^ 21 0 0 £238 0 0 Q. 13. What is allowed for the education of the daughters of the Preachers ? Fourth year. A. Jane Longley 8 Hester Roberts - 8 Isabel Watson - 8 Jane Rutherford - 8 Ann Martindale - 8 Sarah Pritchard - 8 Sarah Condy - 8 Jane Wilshaw - 8 Jane Jackson - 8 Letitia Hall - 8 Ann Creighton - 8 Mary Kane - 8 Elizabeth Kane - 8 Hester Lessey - 8 Maxwell Watson,") for 1795 j Third year. Ann Rutherford - 8 Hester Rogers - 8 Sophia Moon - 8 EHzabeth Day - 8 Sarah Kirkpatrick - 8 Martha Goodwin - 8 Lucy Gibbon - 8 Elizabeth Mill - 8 s. d. 8 0 8 0 8 0 8 0 8 0 8 0 8 0 8 0 8 0 8 0 8 0 8 0 8 0 8 0 8 8 0 £. Ann Graham Mary Price Second year. Ann Benson Elizabeth Rutherford Ann Condy Hester Hopkins Jane Fenwick Ann Cooper First year. Isabella Benson Maria Brettell Ann Pritchard Mary Crosby EHzabeth Horner - Charlotte Dermott - Elizabeth Algar INIary Hewett Ann Black Conveyance for"\ three Preachers^ / children to the C School J d. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 0 Total £580 19 0 1797. 407 Q. 14. What is contributed for the Preachers^ Fund ? £. s. d, A. Collected from the people - - 811 7 11 From the Preachers in England - - 355 5 0 In all £1166 12 11 Q. 15. What is paid out of it £. s. d. A. To Mrs. \ Westell I 10 0 0 10 0 0 - 7 10 0 -500 - 7 10 0 - 7 10 0 - 10 0 0 .500 - 7 10 0 -770 Thomas Hanson John Furz - Ann Morgan Mary Peuington Elizabeth Dillon Mary Barry Sarah Nay lor Mary Mitchell Thomas Johnson Christopher Hopper 15 0 0 John Poole - 15 0 0 William Boothby -600 Thomas Brisco - 15 0 0 James Watson Thomas Wride George Shadford Mrs. Wright Christopher Watkins 11 10 0 Mrs. Empriugham -600 Mrs. Broadbent - 11 0 0 Mrs. Tennant - 5 15 0 Mary Shaw - 15 0 0 Joseph Thompson - 14 10 0 The whole Collection Paid out of it - £685 7 Paid the above sum towards the common expenses. -600 - 10 0 0 -600 -600 £. s. d. Joseph Jerora 6 10 0 Robert Costerdine - 14 10 0 Robert Hayward - 9 10 0 Mrs. Butterfield - 3 0 0 Mrs. Boon - 12 0 0 WilHam Denton 7 0 0 Mrs. Garnet 6 0 0 John Easton 16 10 0 Peter Mill - 18 0 0 ]\Irs. Pearce 6 0 0 Parson Greenwood 16 0 0 Mrs. Brettell 11 10 0 John Peacock 13 10 0 John Beanland 10 10 0 Robert Swan 33 10 0 Mrs. Hanby 17 0 0 Mr. Mason 16 10 0 Mrs. Collins 14 10 0 Mr. Hunter 15 0 0 William Stevens 7 7 0 William Dieuaide - 6 16 6 Total £481 5 6 £. s. d. 1166 12 11 481 5 6 408 1797. •tt © © © © © © © © © © © © = ©©3 © © t>.© © © © © © 2 3 (0 »0©>»C005©«» © © O JO © M « © -* © f»IN CO © — Tf © o C ^ £ Ck «rt ioeoeo>oM©«t^ CiO03t^©.© iO © © .1 1^ C4 ■«i< CO -< t- ^ U5 CO ec "3 "5 o» ■'I' CO •^ "" ■^ © rt ©« S ts © © © © © ©© © ©© = c . o « © © -^ ©e>? 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(M »< iM © © © © © © o©©coc4coi © — ©©co^co— >' -H©©©©^©© '©©©©©©--<« ©©00Oi©©©©(>>©©CO©CO©r)< t'.-H-H©(N©eOCOC0(N©C0©©-H(N © ■<1' -^ © © © 03 -H © CO (N !>• -^ (M © O S3 © Tf CO — 1 cM -^ p— ( — i -^ © © © © © © f4 (N lO © © © -^Jf lO n3 C3 ^ [« rfl s?;^ Ilt-rli|iils-il1iiiiil?. h3 K ;— lOOOOOOOeOCOtfOOWO 3 H W «+| c o o oooomo oo (N (M i-H 00'«eo (M © » «3 © © ec ■* «o (N (N © «>• «5 (M (N © © >> 0 ^6 C42J «s © © © ■<* CO © -f (N © © ■r}' ej •.-H CO CO '=^ <5 ^ s ►- ^ 412 1798. TO TUE SUPERINTENDENTS THROUGHOUT THE CONNEXION. London, Sept. 5, 1797. Very dear Brethren, From the conversation we had with each other respecting our temporal affairs, you will, no doubt, clearly see, 1. The necessity of doing all in your power to persuade our people to provide for their Preachers in the several Circuits. 2. To inform them, that in future we shall be under the disagreeable necessity to send them no more Preachers than they are able and willing to provide for, a very few Circuits excepted. 3. That, on this account, the smaller places in each Circuit which can scarcely support the Preachers while they are with them, must have less preaching, if not be wholly given up the next Conference ; and that a list of such places be taken at the next Midsummer Quarterly Meeting, in order that it may be sent to the next Conference. 4. That, where any Circuit has been divided, so as to render more Preachers necessary than the people are able to support, and especially where they cannot provide a house for a family, such Circuits must be again united. 5. That the grand reason for the above regulations is hard necessity. We cannot add to our debt a thousand pounds every year, as we have done^ for several years last past. BRISTOL, July 30, 1798. Q. 1. What Preachers are admitted into full connexion this year ? A. Edward Towler, William Hicks, Caleb Simmons, Mark Daniel, Thomas Stanton, William Pearsons, John Brownell, John Ashall, Thomas Parsons, William Howarth, William Moulton, Andrew Mayor, William Timperley, Joseph Drake, Arthur Hutchinson, Richard Thompson, John Furnace, Edward Millward, John Jones, John Hudson, Charles Greenly, Thomas Dumbleton. Ireland. — Francis Russell, Archibald Montgomery, John Stuart, Joseph Anderson, John Hamilton, Daniel M'MuUeu, Matthew Lanktree. Q. 2. Who REMAIN ON TRIAL? A. John Jennings, Thomas Rought, Josiah Hill, Joseph Brookhouse, James Gill, Joseph Cook, John Leppington, John Wood, Thomas Edmau, Thomas Blanshard, Tliomas Stanley, Joseph Collier, John Dutton : The above have travelled three years. Cuthbert Whiteside, James Townley, Humphrey Parsons, 1798. 413 Martin Vaiiglian, Peter Haslam, James Burley, Thomas Shaw, John Aikenhcad, John Burdsall, John Hughes, Francis Hallett, Wilham Wilhams, John Sydserff, Thomas Laycock, Richard Vv'^atson, Hans Shrowder, William Turtou, Richard Merritt : The above have travelled two years. Samuel Woolmer, Jacob Stanley, Charles Martin, William M'Allum, John Walrasley, John Hodgson, John White, William Henshaw, John Chettle, David Deakin, Henry Stead, John Vipond, William Vipond, William Jenkin, Francis Collier, John Moses, John Knowles, William Atherton, George White, John Hod son, Bartholomew M'Douald : The above have travelled one year. Ireland. — John Clegg, James M'Kown, Alexander Sturgeon, Daniel Pedlow : These have travelled three years. David Gordon, Thomas Edwards, John Clendinnen, Zechariah Worrell, Charles Mayne, William Douglas, William Sturgeon, Andrew Taylor, William Little : These have travelled two years. Archibald Campbell, Thomas Johnson, James Carter : These have travelled one year. Q. 3. Who are admitted on trial? A. Edward Hare, George Finder, William Welborne, George Gilead, George Gellard, Robert James, John Moore, Robert Finney, John Farrar, Thomas Gee, William Midgley, John Hawkshaw, Isaac Turton, John Gisburn, Thomas Preston, Diggory Joll, John Hodson, Thomas Wilton, William Johnson, Nicholas Mauger, Thomas Pattison, Thomas Slinger, William Ayre, Daniel Campbell, William Fowler. Ireland. — Thomas Davies. Q. 4. Who have died this year? A. 1. William Hunter, a man truly devoted to God, and for many years a happy possessor of that " perfect love which casteth out fear.^^ His deportment was grave and serious, without any mixture of lightness or trifling. His humility shone in a variety of instances. When in company with his brethren, the Preachers, his unassuming and modest carriage showed that he preferred each in honour to himself. It seemed as if he con- tinually recollected our Lord's words, "He that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger ; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve." In preaching the Gospel, and, indeed, in all his conversation, his expressions were solid and weighty, and his manner, though very deliberate, was peculiarly energetic, so that few could hear him without being affected. In his inter- course with the people, he was truly a pattern to all, manifesting a uniform piety, a deadness to the world, and a conversation that adorned the doctrine of God our Saviour. He laboured as an 414 1798 . Itinerant Preacher, with an unblemished character, thirty years, and departed this life full of peace, love, and joy, August 14th, 1797, aged seventy -four years. — See a further account of this man of God in the last January Magazine, 2. Thomas Johnson, whose happy spirit returned to God October 18th, 1797, in the seventy-eighth year of his age, and in the forty-fifth of his ministry. He was a lively, zealous Preacher, and his manner of preaching was peculiar to himself. In the early part of his ministry, he suffered much from cruel and unreasonable men; but, as he never shrunk from the cross of his Divine Master, so the Lord never failed to deliver him. Though he was no stranger to affliction, yet he delighted in his work, and took cheerfully his part thereof, when not absolutely disabled. He was a faithful and affectionate fellow-labourer; a plain, honest man. He lived agreeably to what he preached, and in a glorious manner closed a peaceful and useful life. — See the last May, June, and July Magazines. 3. Jasper Robinson, "an Israelite indeed, in whom was no guile." He was a Travelling Preacher three-and-twenty years, during which his unaffected simplicity of manners, his steady and upright conduct, his mild and gentle spirit, never failed to gain him the affectionate regard of all the pious people who knew him. His whole heart was in the work of God, and many will praise the Lord for his labours. He was remarkably patient in suffering, and entirely resigned to the will of his heavenly Father. His memory will long be precious to the people among whom he laboured. He lived and died a happy witness of the full salvation of God. He fell asleep in Jesus, December 6th, 1797, aged seventy-three years. — See the Magazine for last May. 4. Thomas Brisco. He was a man of many afllictions, being subject to extreme nervous debility, so that for many years he could not take a Circuit. His disorder was first occasioned by lying in a damp bed, and by poor accommodations in the country parts of Ireland. He was a sensible, well-read man, and by no means a weak Preacher ; but, owing to his great feebleness of body, he wanted that energy which would have rendered his discourses more useful. He was uniformly steady in his attach- ment to Methodism, and died happy in the Lord. Q. 5. Are there any objections to any of our Preachers? A. They were examined one by one. Q. 6. Who have desisted from travelling? A. Alexander Cummins, James Hall. Q. 7. How are the Preachers stationed this year ? A. As follows : — The Rev. Dr. Coke superintends the Foreign Missions. I. THE LONDON DISTRICT. 1 London, Alexander Mather; John Pawson, Super- 1798. 415 numerary ; Charles Atmore, John Grant, Peter Haslam, John Aikeuhead, Peard Dickinson, James Creighton ; George Story, Editor, &e. ; George Whitfield, Book-Steward. William West, Stephen Wilson, Martin Vaughan. Thomas Rogerson, William Thoresby. John Hickling, James Scholefield, John Stephens, Isaac Turton. John Woodrow, John Wittam, James Burley, William Henshaw. 6 Weathersfield, Benjamin Rhodes. Alexander Mather, Chairman of the District. 2 Colchester, 3 Rochester, 4 Canterbury, 5 Rije, II. THE NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT. 7 Northampton, Jonathan Cousins, Samuel Woolmer, George Pinder; Edward Gibbons, to act as a Missionary, under the direction of Mr. Cousins. 8 Brackley, William Holmes, John Dean. 9 Bedford, Joseph Harper, Charles Martin, Jacob Stanley. 10 Oxford, William Shelmerdine, George Deverell; John INIurliu, Supernumerar3% 11 Kettering, Thomas Gill, Robert Finney. 13 St. Ives, Hunts., Francis West, Thomas Dunn, David Deakin, John Hawkshaw. Jonathan Cousins, Chairman of the District. in. THE NORWICH DISTRICT. 13 Nonvich, James Anderson, James Penman, Thomas Edman. 14 Yarmouth, Charles Kyte, Edward Towler, Josiali Hill. 15 Diss, James Buckley, WilUam Vipond. 16 Theiford, William Timperley, WilUam Ayre; Thomas Broadbent, Supernumerary. 17 Lynn, John Saunderson, Duncan Kay. 18 Walsingham, Benjamin Leggatt, Francis Collier. Charles Kyte, Chairman of the District. IV. THE BRISTOL DISTRICT. 19 Bristol, Walter Griffith, Adam Clarke, William Jenkins. Kingswood, Joseph Bradford, Andrew Mayor. 20 Taunton, Richard Gower, Robert James. 21 Banivell, Richard Elliott, James Thom. 22 Bath, Henry INIoore, William Palmer. 416 1798. 23 Stroud, James Rogers, William Moulton. 24 Gloucester, Lawrence Kane, Edmund Shaw. Joseph Bradford, Chairman of the District. V. THE SALISBURY DISTRICT. 25 Salisbury, 26 Portsmouth, James M. Byron, Thomas Simmonite. Robert Smith, jun., Thomas Stanton, William Johnson ; John Mason, Supernumerary. 27 Southampton, Robert Green, John Sydserff. 28 Neivhury, Joseph Algar, John Sandoe. 29 Poole, Thomas Kelk, John Clarke; John M'Kersey, Supernumerary, 30 Bradford, Wilts., William Horner, Humphrey Parsons. 31 Shepton- Mallet, William Aver, James Jay. William Horner, Chairman of the District. VI. THE NORMAN ISLES DISTRICT. 32 Guernsey, Alderney, 'I'Ma.vk Daniel, John de Qaeteville, and Jersey, J Francis Balliau, Henry Mahy. Mark Daniel, Chairman of the District. VII. THE PLYMOUTH-DOCK DISTRICT. 33 Plymouth-Dock, Theophilus Lessey, John Ashall. 34 Collumpton, James Evans, Edward Millward, Hans Shrowder. 35 Launceston, John Smith, Richard Treffry, Joseph Bowes. Theophilus Lessey, Chairman of the District. VTII. THE REDRUTH DISTRICT. 36 Redruth, Thomas Longley, George Dermott, Caleb Simmons, John Walmsley, John Hodgson. 37 St. Austle, Francis Truscott, Thomas Rought, George Gellard, Diggory Joll; Thomas Trethewey, Supernumerarv. 38 Penzance, Owen Davies, John Boyle, Thomas Stanley, Charles Greenly, Joseph Bobbins. (N.B. The single men are to change regularly to the islands.) Tltomas Longley, Chairman of the District. IX. THE WALES DISTRICT. 39 Swansea, George Baldwin, Thomas Yates. 40 Cardiff, Cleland Kirkpatrick, Thomas Roberts, John Hughes. 41 Brecon, William Pearson, John Jennings, James Gill, William Howarth. 42 Haverfordwest^ Joseph Cole, John Kingston, Thomas Parsons. Joseph Cole, Chairman of the District. 1798. 417 X. THE BIRMINGHAM DISTRICT. 43 Birmingham, Samuel Bradburn, Thomas Cooper, William Williams, John Burdsall. 44 Worcester, Francis Wrigley, Joseph Burgess. 45 Stou7'port, Joseph Taylor, John Kuowles. 46 Dudley, John Pritchard, John Booth, John Jones. 47 Shrewsbury, Jonathan Crowther, Samuel Taylor. Samuel Bradburn, Chairman of the District. XI. THE CHESTER DISTRICT. 48 Chester, Thomas Hutton, James Kidall, George Morley. 49 Macclesfield, Richard Reece, George Marsden, James Townley. 50 Burslem, Jeremiah Brettell, James Bridgnell, Joseph Cook. 51 Northwich, John Goodwin, Isaac Lilly. 52 Leek, William Saunders, Miles Martindale. John Goodwin, Chairman of the District. XII. THE MANCHESTER DISTRICT. 53 Manchester, 54 Stockport, 55 Bolton, 56 Liverpool, 57 Rochdale, 58 Oldham, 59 Blackburn, 60 Wigan, William Thompson, John Barber, Jonathan Barker. (N.B. The single Preacher to change quarterly with the single Preacher at Oldham.) Thomas Bartholomew, William Percival. John Allen, James M'Donald. Thomas Rutherford, George Snowden, Thomas Blanshard. William Myles, WiUiam Hainsworth. John Gaulter, John Farrar. John Leech, Thomas Wood. William Simpson, John Furnace. William Thompson, Chairman of the District. XIII. THE HALIFAX DISTRICT. 61 Halifax, Thomas Taylor, Robert Miller, Joseph ColUer. 62 Colne, Timothy Crowther, John Denton, Thomas Shaw. 63 Keighley, John Moon, Samuel Gates. 64 Bradford, Robert Hopkins, Thomas Harrison. 65 Huddersfield, George Highfield, Richard Hardacre, Henry Anderson. 66 Lancaster, Thomas Fearnley, William Welborne. Thomas Taylor, Chairman of the District. Vol. I. E E 418 1798. XIV. THE NOTTINGHAM DISTRICT. 67 Nottingham, John Reynolds, William Bramwell, Kichard Pattison. 68 Newark, George Button, John Simpson. 69 Leicester, Jonathan Edmondson, Richard Watson. 70 Hinckley, Simon Day, John Chettle. 71 Ashby-de-la-Zouch, John Riles, William M^Allum. 72 Burton, Joseph Pescod, William Hicks. 73 Derby, George Sargent, Charles Gloyne, John Lep- piugton. 74 Castle-Donington, Thomas Tattershall, George Smith. John Reynolds, Chairman of the District. XV. THE LEEDS DISTRICT. 75 Leeds, 76 Wakefield, 77 Birstal, 78 Dewsbiiry, 79 Rotherham, 80 Otley, 81 Sheffield, 82 Pontefract, 83 Wetherby, 84 Doncaster, 85 Grimsby, Richard Rodda, Alex- Gibbon, Thomas William Blagborne, ander Suter. Edward Jackson, George Lavcock. David Barrowclough, Jonathan Parkin. John Crosby, William Heath. John Beaumont, John Furness. Samuel Botts, Joseph Drake. James Wood, John Nelson, John S. Pipe; Thomas Greaves, Supernumerary. Lancelot Harrison, Cuthbert Whiteside. Isaac MufF, Michael Emmett. Joseph SutclifFe, John Hodson. James Wood, Chairman of the District. XVI. THE GRIMSBY DISTRICT. William Saimderson, John Atkins, Joseph Brookhouse, Wilham Atherton; Thomas Carlill, Supernumerary. Robert Smith, sen., Joseph Xyte, John White ; Robert Carr Brackenbury, Super- numerary. John King, Anthony Seckerson. William Hunter, John Cricket. Isaac Brown, William Harrison. 90 Gainsborough, Robert Crowther, George Sykes. Isaac Brown, Chairman of the District. 86 Horncastle, 87 Epworth, 88 Spalding, 89 Barrotv, XVII. THE WHITEHAVEN DISTRICT. 91 Whitehaven, Robert Dall, John Barritt. QO T J f Tvr \ Douglas, Robert Harrison, William Midgley. y.v isie oj man, | p^^^^ j^j^^ ^^^^-^^^ j^j^^^ Moore. John Crook, Chairman of the District. 1798. 419 XVIII. THE YORK DISTRICT. 93 York, Joseph Entwisle, Roljert Roberts, John Stamp. 94 Hull, Joseph Benson, Robert Lomas. 95 Howden, John Brice, John Dutton. 96 Pocklington, Tliomas Dixon, George Lowe. 97 Bridlington, George Holder, Henry Stead. 98 Scarborough, Daniel Jackson, William Warrener, George Gilead. 99 Malton, John Ogilvie, John Foster, John Hudson. Joseph Benson, Chairman of the District. XIX. THE WHITBY DISTRICT. 100 WJiitby, Jonathan Brown, Thomas Vasey; Philip Hardcastle, Supernumerary. 101 Kipon, Matthew Lumb, John Phillips. 102 Stockton, William Stevens, Richard Condy. 103 Barnard -Castle, John Wilshaw, Charles Bland; Joseph Thompson, Supernumerary. 104 Middleham, John Moses, George Mowat. Jonathan Brown, Chairman of the District. XX. THE NEWCASTLE DISTRICT. 105 Newcastle, Zachariah Yewdall, James Bogie. 106 Sunderland, Robert Johnson, Abraham Moseley, Edward Hare; William Cox, Supernumerary. 107 Hexham, Samuel Bardsley, Charles TunnyclifFe. 108 Alnwick, John Townsend, John Wood. 109 Berwick, Joseph Cross. Samuel Bardsley, Chairman of the District. SCOTLAND. XXI. THE EDINBURGH DISTRICT. 110 Edinburgh, Thomas Warwick, William Fenwick, George White; Joseph Saunderson, Supernu- merary. 111 Glasgow, John Braithwaite. 112 Ayr, Richard Thompson. 1 13 Dumfries, John Doncaster. (Whitehaven District.) Thomas Warivick, Chairman of the District. XXII. THE ABERDEEN DISTRICT. 114 Aberdeen and ) Duncan M'AUum, Superintendent of both Inverness, j Circuits, George Douglas, Arthur Hutchinson, Richard Waddy, John Gisburn, John Vipond. 2 E 2 420 1798. 115 Dundee, John Kershaw, Thomas Ingham. 116 Brechiriy John Ward, Thomas Wilton. Duncan M'Allum, Chairman of the District. 117 Dublin, 118 TFicklow, 119 Carlow, 120 Longford, 121 Cork, 122 Waterford, 123 Youghall, 124 Bandon, 125 Milltown, IRELAND. XXIII. THE DUBLIN DISTEICT. John Kerr, Matthew Tobias; Adam Averell, Supernumerary; Matthias Joyce, Book- Steward. Alexander Moore. Francis Russell, Thomas Davis. Charles Graham, James Smith, Andrew Taylor. John Kerr, Chairman of the District. XXIV. THE CORK DISTRICT. James M'jMullen, INIatthew Lanktree. John :M'Farland, Samuel Mitchell. Thomas Patterson, George Stephenson. John Dinnen, John Stuart; John Hamilton, Missionary for Skibbereen. Joseph Anderson, Zechariah Worrell. James M' Mullen, Chairman of the District. XXV. THE LIMERICK DISTRICT. 126 Limerick, William Smith, Samuel Steele. 127 Birr, William M'Cornock, Michael Murphy. 128 Mountrath, John Darragh, John Price. William M'Cornock, Chairman of the District. 129 Athlone, 130 Castlebar, 131 Sligo, 132 Boyle, 133 Clones, XXVI. THE ATHLONE DISTRICT. Robert Smith, Alexander Sturgeon. Thomas Barber, James M'Quigg. William Hamilton, Thomas Hewett. Francis Armstrong, James Bell. William Hamilton, Chairman of the District. XXVII. THE CLONES DISTRICT. Robert Banks, James Irwin, John Clen- dinnen. 134 Ballyconnell, William Ferguson, William Douglas. 135 Cavan, Joseph Armstrong, Blakely Dowling. 136 Brookborough, Robert Crozier, Thomas Johnson, Archibald Campbell. 137 Enniskillen, Matthew Stewart, Thomas Edwards. 138 Ballinamallard, George Brown, William Little. Williarn Ferguson, Chairman of the District. 1798. 421 XXVIII. THE LONDONDERRY DISTRICT. 139 Londonderry, Thomas Ridgeway, James Jordan. 140 Ballyshannon, James Stuart, James M'Kown. 141 Newtown- Stewart, Samuel Alcorn, David Gordon. Thomas Ridgeway, Chairman of the District. XXIX. THE BELFAST DISTRICT. 142 Belfast, Samuel Wood, Charles Mayne. 143 Coteraine, Andrew Hamilton, jun., William Wilson, Daniel M'MuUen. 144 Lisburn, Andrew Hamilton, sen., Daniel Pedlow; John Johnson, Supernumerary. Andreiv Hamilton, jun., Chairman of the District. XXX. THE NEWRY DISTRICT. 145 Newry, John Hurley, Archibald Montgomery. 146 Dimgannon, James M'Kee, John M'Arthur. 147 Ckarlemont, John Grace, James Carter; Thomas Brown, Supernumerary. 148 Tanderagee, Gustavus Armstrong, James Rennick, John 149 Doivnpatrick, Samuel Moorhead, William Armstrong. Gustavus Armstrong, Chairman of the District. THE BRITISH DOMINIONS IN AMERICA. NOVA SCOTIA AND NEW BRUNSWICK. William Black, General Assistant. James Mann, John Mann, William Grandine, Duncan M'Coll, Benjamin Wilson, and Daniel Fidler. Newfoundland, Thomas Gee. west indies. Antigua, John Baxter, Job Davies, Thomas Pattison. St Christopher's \H[\ova^% Owens, William Jenkin, John and Nevis, j Tozer, James Richardson. (N.B. Thomas Owens superintends both islands, and may appoint and change with the other three Preachers, as he judges most expedient from time to time.) Tortola and ) Archibald Murdoch, Thomas Isham, William Spanish Town, j Sturgeon. (N.B. Archibald Murdoch is to superintend all the Virgin Islands.) Dominica, Thomas Dumbleton. St. Vincent's, Edward Turner, Francis Hallett. Barbadoes, Richard Merritt, Grenada, Bartholomew M'Donald, St. Bartholomew, William Turton. 4:22 1798. Campbell, William Jamaica, Kingston, William Fish, Daniel Fowler. Montego Bay, James Alexander. (William Fish is to superin- tend the work throughout the whole island.) Providence Island, John Brownell. Bermuda, John Stephenson. Q. 8. How many wives are to be provided for? A. In Great Britain, one hundred and forty-eight; in Ireland, thirty-six. Q. 9. How many are provided for by the Circuits? A. In Great Britain^ eighty-two; viz., — London, Hickling, West, S. Woodrow. S. At more, Rogerson, Rye, £6. ^' Rochester, \ Canterbur}', j Colchester, ^3. Norwich, \ g j^ .g Yarmouth, j •' Diss, S. Buckley. Lvnn, S. Saunderson. Bedford, £^3. Portsmouth, S. (Robt.) Smith, jun. Bath, S, Moore. Bristol, S. Clarke, Griffith, Jenkins. Shepton-Mallet, S. Elliott. Taunton, £3. ^ Banwell, £3. V S. Gower. Collumpton, £6. J Plymouth-Dock, S. Lessey. Launceston, S. (John) Smith. Redruth, S. Longley, Baldwin, Evans. St. Austle, S. Truscott, Tre- thewey. Penzance, S. Davies, Boyle, Kirkpatrick. Worcester, £3. Stourport, £3. Birmingham, S. Bradburn, Cooper. Burslem, S. Brettell. Leek, S. Wilson. Macclesfield, S. Haiusworth, (Thos.) Wood. Stockport, S. Bartholomew. Manchester, S. Barber, Per- cival, M'Donald. Oldham, S. Gaulter. Rochdale, S. Myles. Bolton, S. Allen. Chester, S. Hutton. Liverpool, S. Rutherford, Snowden. Northwich, S. Goodwin. Blackburn, S. Leech. Colne, S. (Tim.) Crowther. Nottingham, S. Reynolds. Leicester, £6. "i Castle-Don- [-S.Tattershall. ington, £6. J Derby, S. Sargent. Ashby, S. Riles. Burton, S. Pescod. Sheffield, S. (James) Wood, Pipe, Gloyue. Grimsby, S. Atkins. Horncastle, S. Hunter. Gainsborough, S. (Robert) Crowther. Epworth, S. Seckerson. Leeds, S. Suter, Parkin, Drake. Wakefield, S. (E.) Jackson. Barrow, S. (Is.) Brown. Pontefract, S. (L.) Harrison. Huddersfield, S. Highfield. Bii'stal, S. Barrowclough. Bradford, S. Hopkins. Halifax, S. (Thos.) Taylor. Keighley, S. Moon. 1798. 423 Newcastle, S. Bogie. Edinburgh, S. lugham. Glasgow, £6. In Ireland : S. Kerr, Joyce, Davis, Mitchell, Patterson, Stephenson, M'Mullen, Din- nen, (W.) Smith, M'Cornock, Barber, M'Quigg, (R.) Smith, Darragh, Price, Graham, (James) Smith, Hamilton, Bell, Ferguson, Armstrong, Dowliug. Otley, S. Botts. Isle of Man, S. (R.) Harrison. York, S. Entwisle, Sykes. Mai ton, S. Ogilvie. Pocklington, S. Hudson. Scarborough, S. (D.) Jackson. Hull, S. Benson. Whitby, S. (Jou.) Brown. Bipon, S. Lumb. Hexham, £6. Stockton, S. Stevens. Middleham, £6. Sunderland, S. Johnson, Moseley. Q. 10. How are the remaining eighty wives to be pro- vided for? viz., — In Great Britain: S. Algar, Pritchard, Kelk, Byron, Martindale, Bhodes, Booth, Horner, (R.) Smith, sen.. Button, Lomas, Brice, Emmett, Sykes, Barritt, Deverell, (John) Stephens, Cousins, Dean, Harper, Shelmerdine, Gill, Dunn, (T.) Broadbent, Cricket, Leggatt, Kane, Watson, Burgess, (Jos.) Taylor, Bridgnell, (J.) Crowther, (J.) Simpson, Miller, (W.) Simpson, Denton, Gates, Crosby, Heath, Beaumont, Furness, Sutcliffe, Dall, Wilshaw, Holder, Gibbon, Dison, ,£6; Muff, Condv, Doncaster, Cross, M'Allum, Ward, Aver, Bland, M'Kersey, Tattershall, Thorn, (John) Clarke, Green, Foster, Anderson, (Jos.) Kyte, (Fr.) West, Farrar, Bramwell. In Ireland : S. Irwin, Stuart, (Geo.) Brown, Alcorn, Gordon, Jordan, Wilson, Grace, (Tho.) Brown, Rennick, Wood, Moor- head, Hurley, Russell. A. Partly by the subscriptions raised in the Circuits, and partly by the Book- Room. . Q. 11. What numbers are in the Society? A. As follows : — London Colchester Rochester Canterbury Rye - Northampton - Brackley Bedford Oxford Higham-Ferrers St. Ives, Hunts. Norwich Yarmouth Diss Thetford 3288 Lynn - - - 319 468 Walsingham - 165 341 Bristol 1600 240 Taunton 340 600 BanweU 311 279 Bath - 514 1346 Stroud 280 300 Gloucester 260 284 Salisbury 360 150 Portsmouth 745 310 Newbury 533 320 Poole - - - 302 574 Bradford, Wilts. 430 522 Shepton-Mallet 780 246 Guernsey, Jersey, &c. - 714 424 1798. Plymouth-Dock - 612 Sheffield - 2350 Collumpton - - 470 Pontefract - 955 Lauucestou - - 530 Doncaster - 450 Redruth - 2519 Grimsby - 1200 St. Austle _ - 1060 Horncastle - 870 Penzance _ - 2118 Epworth - 600 Swansea - - 160 Spalding - 230 Cardiff _ - 208 Barrow "'- - 524 Brecon _ - 447 Gainsborough . 595 Haverfordwest - 239 Whitehaven - 367 Birmingham . - 1420 Isle of Man - - 4847 Worcester - - 443 York - - 1600 Stourport - - 520 Hull - - 1180 Dudley - - 640 Pocklington - ■ 770 Shrewsbury - - 535 Bridlington - 490 Chester . - 660 Scarborough - - 620 Macclesfield _ - 1618 Malton - 870 Burslem - - 810 Whitby - 846 Northwich . - 710 Ripon - 550 Leek - _ - 525 Stockton - 650 Manchester - - 2470 Barnard-Castle - 400 Stockport - - 1165 Middleham - 688 Bolton . - 1100 Newcastle - 830 Liverpool . - 1448 Sunderland - 970 Rochdale - - 1020 Hexham - 720 Oldham .; - 778 Alnwick - 202 Blackburn - - 840 Edinburgh - 190^ Wigan _ - 460 Glasgow - 183 Halifax _ - 1250 Dumfries 23 Colne - _ - 1140 Aberdeen - 203 Keighley _ - 1320 Dundee - 115 Bradford . - 1580 Brechin 78 Huddersfield - - 1200 Inverness - 2677 Lancaster Nottingham - 320 - 1100 *'■ ^ In all 85,055 Newark . - 490 Leicester - - 540 IRELAND. Hinckley - - 333 Ashby-de-la-Zouch - 490 DubHn - 1000 Burton . - 380 Wicklow - 288 Derby - _ - 835 Carlow - 400 Castle-Donington - 700 Waterford - 236 Leeds - . - 2530 YoughaU - 160 Wakefield _ - 970 Cork - - 360 Birstal _ - 1050 Bandon - 264 Dewsbury - - 583 Skibbereen 48 Rotherham _ - 540 Milltown - 160 Otley - - - 925 Limerick - 430 1798. 425 Birr - - 460 Castlebar - 222 Athlone - 530 Mountrath - 426 Longford - 600 Sligo - - 920 Ballyconnell - Cavan - - 589 - 614 Clones - 670 Brook bo rough - 712 Enniskillen - 512 Ballinaraallard - 650 Ballysliannon - - 392 Newtown-Stewart - 450 Londonderry - - 374 Coleraine - 470 Dungannon Charlemont - 585 - 730 Tanderagee - 1230 Belfast - 530 Lisburn - 760 Downpatrick Newry - 470 - 415 In all 16,657 AMERICA. THE BRITISH DOMINIONS. Nova Scotia and Neiv Bruns- wick. Halifax - 133 Liverpool Shelburne 70 - 180 Norton 94 Newport Cumberland 78 - 150 Annapolis St. John - 105 - 118 Fredericton - 100 St. Stephen's - St. John's Island 52 20 Newfoundland 510 West Indies. Antigua^ Whites Coloured people")^ and Blacks J St.Christopher's, Whites Coloured people \ and Blacks j Nevis, Coloured people and Blacks - Tortola and Spanish ) Town, Whites | Coloured people \ and Blacks j Dominica, Coloured ) people and Blacks j St.Vincent'SjColoured ) people and Blacks ) Grenada, Coloured ") people and Blacks J Barbadoes, Whites Coloured people") and Blacks J Jamaica,* Kingston, ) Whites j Coloured people Blacks Montego Bay - The Plantations St. Bartholomew's 21 2800 25 1800 450 17 2700 85 1621 130 34 10 24 46 170 23 350 70 In all 11,986 UNITED STATES. Whites - - 46,445 Coloured people and \ -i o oi q Blacks In all 58,663 Total in America 70,649 Total in Europe 101,712 luaU 172,361 * We have reason to believe, from accounts received from Jamaica, that the number in Society in the Plantations is considerably greater than is mentioned above. But, as the return of numbers for the present year, in respect to that island, is not exact, we have inserted the return of last year. 426 1798. N.B. For an account of the Collections and Disbursements, see the whole in detail at the end of the Minutes. an address from the methodist conference in dublin. Fathers and Brethren, Though the troubles of our nation, when we last addressed you, were exceedingly alarming, they were only the beginning of sorrows. Never did we expect to see so awful a day as we now behold ! The scenes of carnage and desolation which open to our view in almost every part of the land are truly affecting; and while we drop the tear of commiseration over our unhappy country, and our deluded countrymen in arras against the best of Sovereigns, and the happiest Constitution in the world, we cannot help crying, " O God, shorten the day of our calamity, or no flesh can be saved !" To attempt a description of our deplorable state, would be vain indeed. Suffice it to say, that loss of trade, breach of con- fidence, fear of assassination, towns burned, countries laid waste, houses for miles without an inhabitant, and the air tainted with the stench of thousands of putrid carcases already cut oflF, form some outlines of the melancholy picture of our times. However, in the midst of this national confusion, we, and our people in general, blessed be God, have been wonderfully preserved. Though some of us were imprisoned for weeks by the rebels ; exposed also to fire and sword in the heat of battle, and carried (surrounded by hundreds of pikes) into the enemy^s camp, and plundered of almost every valuable ; yet we have not suffered the least injury in our persons ! And moreover, God, even our own God, has brought us through all, to see and embrace each other in this favoured city. O that the church would therefore praise the Lord for His goodness, and for the wonders He hath done to us, the meanest of His servants ! We cannot be sufficiently thankful to God for the mild Government under which we live ; a Government which shows us every possible indulgence, so that, with regard to the use of the means of grace peculiar to our Connexion, we seem to be in a land of peace and tranquillity. We enjoy all the instituted and prudential ordinances, while, in various parts, houses of all denominations have been deserted. Our Conference was not only held without molestation, but by permission of His Excel- lency the Lord Lieutenant. Under God, we owe this permission to the exertions of our worthy President, Dr. Coke, who, upon hearing of our danger and distress, flew on the wings of love from your land of safety and happiness, to partake of our suff'er- ings, and to help us on our way to heaven. We feel ourselves highly obliged to him ; and our hearts are so knit to him in love, t hat we are sure you will approve of our earnest desire to have 1798. 437 him delegated by you to us, not only to tra^■el through the kingdom, but to preside among us the ensuing year. We consider this request as a duty we owe Dr. Coke, whom we wish to share in the sunshine of prosperity with us, (which we hope ere long will rise upon our land,) as he now does in our dark and cloudy day. But, while we bless God for our preservation, we have to lament that on the Caiiow and Wicklovv Circuits, and several others, many Societies have been scattered, and many of our people left without a place to lay their heads. This may in some measure account for the diminution of the number this year; yet we bless God that in other parts of the kingdom there has been an ingathering of souls, as well as a deepening of His work in the hearts of His people. Tlirough grace we feel a determination to urge on our w&y, whatever may be our lot. Rather than forsake our charge, for any danger which may arise, God being our helper^ we are resolved to die. From what we have felt and seen since these troubles began, it would be injustice not to own that His grace has been sufficient for us, and that His strength was made perfect in weakness. And He still graciously says unto us, " Fear not, for I am with you ; be not dismayed^ for I am your God:" &c. With this promise we will go forth, not being in any wise terrified by our adversaries. We cannot conclude our Address without returning you our unfeigned thanks for the temporal aid afforded us for many years. The peculiarity of our circumstances, this year also, will require your affectionate attention. But we forbear to enlarge, leaving that painful work to our worthy President, to whom we have committed all our affairs, and whom we have unanimously appointed our Delegate to you this year. That God may direct you in all your counsels, prosper you in ail your endeavours to promote His gl5ry, lay us contiimally on your minds at the throne of grace, and save you from the dire calamities with which we are now acquainted, is. Beloved and respected Fathers and Brethren, The sincere and hearty prayer of your younger Brethren in Christ Jesus, The Members of the Dublin Conference. Signed, in behalf of the Conference, ANDREW HAMILTON, jun.. Secretary. Dublin, July 20, 1798. to the methodist conference in ireland. Very dear Brethren, Though the common means of intelligence had made us acquainted with your truly calamitous condition before we 428 1798. received your very moving Address, yet, on its being read in the Conference, the tenderest compassion and most affectionate sympathy were excited in every breast. We saw — we felt — the difference of our situation ! You were in the midst of various perils, while we were, comparatively, resting in safety : we Avere in "a laud of peace,^' while you were exposed to "the swelling of Jordan/' At the same time, we were constrained to magnify the grace of God on your behalf, seeing you so wonderfully preserved from all your enemies. Surely, those words were eminently fulfilled among you, — "Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." Not only the good angels had charge concerning • you, but, being in extraordinary trouble, God Himself was with you, and kept you "as the apple of His eye." May His blessed name be praised for all His mercies ! Your conduct, dear brethren, is worthy of the highest degree of appi'obation and applause. You evidenced your attachment to the flock of Christ, over which the Holy Ghost had made* 3^ou overseers, by continuing to watch over them and share their lot, when hirelings would have manifested themselves to be such by fleeing at the approach of the wolf. May the same principles still operate, till "patience have her perfect work !" You will be encouraged, dear brethren, in this glorious enter- prize, by considering the present awful and important crisis. The prophecies are fulfilling in a manner peculiarh^ distin- guished. An infatuated nation, just emerged from the lowest dregs of superstition, appear intent on spreading carnage and desolation wherever they go, in order to establish a lawless free- dom and a chimerical equality. The unprincipled spirit of infi- delity, naturally arising from the foregoing cause, is manifesting itself in the conduct of deluded thousands, who seem to be in the most alarming state to which fallen humanity can be reduced; namely, a judicial blindness from the God of heaven. Nor must we pass unnoticed the strange work of our blessed Lord, — persecution having fallen chiefly on the formal, outward- court worshippers, while the faithful remnant is hid under the shadow of the Almighty. But what more especially demands our attention, in this eventful period, is the total dowufal of the Man of Sin. This circumstance is the more remarkable, as it was accompanied with so little bloodshed. But "God is Love:" and, althougli " clouds and darkness be round about Him, righteousness and judgment are the habitation of His throne." Be comforted, brethren : we shall soon see beyond the present state of darkness and mutability, and, with exulting hearts, join with saints and angels in singing, " He hath done all things well !" O brethren, rejoice that the Head of the church hath thus 1798. 429 honoured you, to suffer for His name^s sake. Go forward, and fear nothing. " As your days, so shall your strength be.^^ And should any of you be called to lay down your lives in so righteous a cause, it will be djdng like the Prince of Life, and the crown of martyrdom will be your eternal reward. We join issue with you in blessing God for the mild and peaceful Government under which we live. This calls forth our gratitude to God and our rulers, and fills us with a determined ardour, to do all in our power to suppress whatever tends to molest the quiet of the best of Kings, or derange, in any degree, the happiest of all civil Constitutions. We never forget that, to "lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty," we must pray " for Kings, and for all that are in authority." To this our governors are no strangers; and therefore they allow us such indulgences as no body of people like us ever enjoyed before, in such times of peinl and confusion. As a small proof of our ajffectionate regard for you, a unani- mous vote was passed, that all your temporal deficiencies, as signified by your account, should be supplied, before any of our ow^n were mentioned ; and it gives us peculiar pleasure to find that the conduct of your President, whom you have also sent as your Representative, has been such as to incline you to desire his services another year. With this request we cheerfully com- ply, in full confidence that the same generous and disinterested spirit, which moved him to disregard all danger for your sakes, will prompt him on all future occasions to do all in his power to promote your present and eternal welfare. To his unwearied exertions you are certainly indebted for the great privilege of travelling in safety to your respective Circuits, as well as for permission to hold your Conference without molestation. And now, brethren, we commend you to the never-failing providence of our heavenly Father, who ordereth all things in number, weight, and measure, and whose right hand bringeth mighty things to pass, and hath in all things the pre- eminence. We are, very dear Brethren, Your truly afi'ectionate Brethren, Signed in behalf of the British Conference, JOSEPH BENSON, President. SAMUEL BHADBURN, Secretary. Bristol, Aug. 7, 1798. the address of mr. asbury and the virginian confer- ence to the members of the british conference. Respected Fathers and Brethren, As you, in your brotherly kindness, were pleased to address a letter to us, your brethren and friends in America, expressing 450 1798. your difficulties, and your desire concerning our beloved brother. Dr. Coke, that he might return to Europe to assist in healing the breach which designing men have been making amongst you, or to prevent its threatening overflow ; we would observe to you, that we have but one grand responsive body, which is our General Conference ; and it was in and to this body the Doctor entered his obligations to serve bis brethren in America. No Yearly Conference, no official character, dare assume to answer for that grand Federal Body. By the advice of the Yearly Conference, now sitting in Virginia, and the respect I bear to you, I write to inform you, that in our own persons and order we consent to his return and partial continuance witli you ; and earnestly pray that you may have much peace, union, and happiness together. May you find that your divisions end in a greater union, order, and harmony of the body ; so that the threatening cloud may blow over, and your divisive party may be of as little consequence to you, as ours is to us. With respect to the Doctor's returning to us, I leave your enlarged understandings and good sense to judge. You will see the number of souls upon our Annual Minutes ; and, as men of reading, you may judge over what a vast continent these Societies are scattered. I refer you to a large letter I wrote to our beloved brother Bradburn on the subject. By a probable guess, we have, perhaps, from one thousand to two thousand Travelling and Local Preachers. Local Preachers are daily rising, and coming forward (with proper recommend- ations from their respective Societies) to receive ordination; and the regulations and ordinations of the six Yearly Confer- ences form a weighty concern. From the Conference held in Charleston, South Carolina, to the Conference in the Province of Maine, there is a space of about one thousand three hundred miles, and only one worn-out Superintendent, who was this day advised by the Yearly Conference wholly to desist from preaching till next spring, on account of his debilitated state of body; and the situation of our affairs requires that he should travel about five thousand miles a year, through many parts unsettled, and other thinly- settled countries. I have now with me an Assistant, who does everything for me he constitutionally can; but the ordaining and stationing of the Preachers can only be performed by myself, in the Doctor's absence. We have to lament that our Superintendency is so weak, and that it cannot, constitutionally, be strengthened till the ensuing General Conference. How I have felt, and must feel, under such critical and important circumstances, I leave you to judge. To write much on the subject, would be imposing on my own weakness, and yoar good understanding. I speak as unto wise 1798. 431 men; judge ye what I say. Wishing you great peace and spiritual prosperity, I remain, Your Brother, your Friend, your Servant, for Christ^s sake, Virginia Conference, FRANCIS ASBUEY. November 29, 1797. SUNDRY MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS. Q. Can any amendment* be made in our Yearly District- Meetings ? A. Yes; in the examination of characters, not only morality and religion, in a general sense, should be kept in view ; but a particular inquiry must be made, whether our rules, as set forth in the Large Minutes, are observed by each individual in every station. N.B. The Minutes of each District shall be read in the Conference. Q. Why cannot more married Preachers be taken out to travel, seeing we have many of unblemished characters in divers Circuits ? A. 1. Because our temporal circumstances are exceedingly straitened, so that we cannot provide for them. And, 2. We have, at present, a sufficiency of single men to supply the Circuits. Q. What regulations shall be made in respect to those Preachers who marry widows that have children by former husbands ? A. Such Preachers shall have no assistance either from the public funds, or from the Circuits in which they labour, for the children which their wives have had by former husbands. Q. Can anything more be done to guard against improper Preachers getting admittance into our Connexion ? A. In the examination of the candidates, let each be required to answer any question the President may ask him, respecting the doctrines contained in the eight volumes of Sermons which Mr. Wesley left in his will to the Preachers. Every Superin- tendent is to take care that the Preachers on trial have the eight volumes to read. And every one, when received into full Con- nexion, shall have the eight volumes given to him as a present from the Book-Room. Q. What can be done for the support of our Foreign Missions ? A. 1. Dr. Coke is desired to make private collections, as far as possible, among our Societies and among strangers, for the Missions, and the Preachers are to assist him in this business ; and in those Societies which the Doctor cannot visit, the Preachers are to do what they can by private applications for 432 1798. this purpose. And this is to be considered as a substitute for a public collection, on account of the temporal ciixumstances of our Connexion. 3. The Chairmen of the Districts respectively are to inquire at their Committee-meetings, whether any Travelling or Local Preachers are willing to go to Nova-Scotia, Gibraltar, or the "West Indies ; and to make their report accordingly to the next Conference. Q. What Preachers are in reserve ? A. Thomas Preston, Birstal ; Thomas Pattison, Malton ; Thomas Slinger, Wiyan; Thomas Pinder, Sheffield; Nicholas Mauger, Guernsey. Q. When and where shall our next Conference be held ? A. In Manchester, on the last Monday in July, 1799, N.B. The Representatives to meet, as usual, on the preceding Wednesday. Q. What can we do for our brethren who have had their chapels and houses taken from them ? A. This year we will assist Nottingham and Huddersfield, as they are places of the greatest importance. First, by subscribing something handsome ourselves : and, secondly, by dividing the kingdom between these two places, and making a public collec- tion in all our chapels, as soon as convenient, after the first Quarter-day. The following Districts are appointed for Notting- ham : — Loudon, Northampton, Norwich, Bristol, (except Bristol itself,) Salisbury, Plymouth-Dock, liedruth, Wales, York, and Grimsby. And the following Districts are appointed for Huddersfield : — Birmingham, Chester, Manchester, Halifax, Leeds, Whitby, Whitehaven, and Newcastle. The following sums were subscribed by the Preachers assem- bled in Conference, to the Nottingham and Huddersfield new chapels : — £. s. d. £. s. d. Dr. Coke - - 2 2 0 Mr. Anderson - 0 10 6 President - - 1 1 0 — C. Kyte - 0 10 6 Secretary - - 1 1 0 — Timperley - 0 10 6 Mr. Mather - 1 1 0 — Griffith - 1 1 0 — Pawson - 1 1 0 Clarke - 1 1 0 — Grant - - 0 10 6 — Jenkins - 1 1 0 — Story - - 1 1 0 — Mayor - 1 1 0 — West - - 1 1 0 — Gower - 1 1 0 — Woodrow - 0 10 6 — James Thorn - 0 10 6 — Whitfield - 1 1 0 — Palmer - 1 1 0 — Bradford - 2 2 0 — Rogers - 2 2 0 — E. Gibbons - 0 10 6 — Byron - 1 1 0 — Holmes - 0 10 6 — Green - - 1 1 0 — Shelmerdine - 0 10 6 — Sandoe - 1 1 0 — Blagborne - 2 2 0 — Horner - 1 1 0 1798. 433 £. s. d. £. *. d. Mr. Parsons 0 10 6 Mr . Thompson - 1 1 0 — Aver - 1 0 0 — Barrowclough - 0 10 6 — Jay 1 1 0 — J. Wood - 1 1 0 — Algar - 1 1 0 — Saunderson - 0 10 6 — John Smitlr - 0 10 6 — Sykes - - 1 1 0 — J. Gaulter 0 10 6 — Dall - . 0 10 6 — G. Baldwin 1 1 0 — Wilshaw - 0 10 6 — T. Roberts 2 2 0 — Barritt - 0 10 6 — Cole - 1 1 0 — Dixon - . 0 10 6 — Cooper 1 11 6 — Warrener . 1 1 0 — Wriglev 1 1 0 — Johnson - 0 10 6 — BooUi - 1 1 0 __ Moses - - 0 10 6 — S. Taylor 1 1 0 — Bardsley . 1 1 0 — Brettell 0 10 6 — Warwick - 1 1 0 — ]\Iartindale (not }° 10 A — Kingston - 0 10 6 paid) JL Vf >y — Harrison - 1 1 0 — J. Barber 1 1 0 — Simmonite - 0 10 6 — Bartholomew - 2 2 0 — Stevens - 0 10 6 — T. Taylor 1 1 0 — Jos. Taylor - 0 10 6 — Hopkins 1 1 0 — Dermott (not } ^ 5 0 — IJighfield 5 5 0 paid) — Button 0 10 6 — - Day - 1 1 0 In all £77 13 0 — Eodda Q. 12. What sons 1 1 of the 0 Pr eachers, who are ] Qot admitted into Kingswood School, tiave an allowance for their educatior L? £. s. d. £. s. d. A. John Clarke - 12 0 0 Martin Black - 12 0 0 William Percival - 12 0 0 George B ram well - 12 0 0 Robert Hopkins 12 0 0 James Stuart - 12 0 0 Joseph Dall 12 0 0 George Condy - 12 0 0 Thomas Taylor 12 0 0 Samuel West - 12 0 0 Thomas Jackson 12 0 0 Duncan M'Allum - 12 0 0 John Parkin 12 0 0 John Leech, jun. - 12 0 0 Thomas INIowat Benjamin Roberts - 12 12 0 0 0 0 In all £192 0 0 Q. 13. What dau ghters of the Preachers are to have 1 :he allowance for their education ? £. s. d. £. s. d. Fourth year. Mary Goodwin - 8 8 0 A. Ann Ruther- Lucy Gibbon - 8 8 0 ford - 8 8 0 Elizabeth Mill - 8 8 0 Hester Rogers 8 8 0 Mary Price - 8 8 0 Sophia Moon Elizabeth Day 8 8 8 8 0 0 Third year. Sarah Kirkpatrick - 8 8 0 Ann Benson - 8 8 0 Vol. I. F F 431 1798. £. s. d. £. s. d. Elizabeth Rutherford 8 8 0 First year. Ann Condy 8 8 0 Jane Crei^liton - 8 8 0 Estlier Hopkins 8 8 0 Frances West - 8 8 0 Jane Fenwick 8 8 0 Elizabeth GiU - 8 8 0 Ann Cooper 8 8 0 Amelia Kane - 8 8 0 Maria Bradbum 8 8 0 ]\Iary Percival - 8 Brother Price's ""i 8 0 Second year two daughters > 16 16 0 in Ireland ) Isabella Benson 8 8 0 Mary Kyte- - 8 8 0 Maria Brettell 8 8 0 Elizabeth Condy - 8 8 0 Ann Pritchard 8 8 0 Isabella Gaulter - 8 8 0 ISIary Crosby 8 8 0 AraeUa Moon - 8 8 0 Elizabeth Horner - 8 8 0 Sarah Stevens - 8 8 0 Charlotte Dermott - Ann Black - » 8 8 0 0 8 In all £294 0 0 Q. It. "What boys are admitted into the School? A. Whcclock Price, Edward Johnson, William Harrison, John Wesley Dall, Edward Reynolds, Samuel Pritchard, Charles Kyte, and Thomas Horner. A STATEMENT OF THE ACCOUNTS OF KINGSWOOD SCHOOL, From June 25, 1797, to June 25, 1798. £. s. d. Cash in hand - - - - - 89 12 2| Cash received at the Conference, 1797 - - 791 13 0 Received for sundries - - - -1410 Total £895 6 2f By cash paid for") flour } Biitcher's meat Cheese and butter INIalt and hops Wine and spirits - Groceries - Milk Cloth; making") and mending > clothes ) Liueu ; making \ and niendine: | £. s. d. 59 16 0 78 8 6 18 19 0.1 23 16 10 1 11 4 27 11 n 18 15 0 97 6 10} 18 6 21 } Shoes ; and re pairing ditto Hats and stockings Repairs of house, &c. Furniture Salaries - Servants' wages Labourers' work Stationarics - Coals and candles Soap, was and ironin sliing,") ling J £. s. d. 15 13 4 10 16 0 25 17 n 5 10 Oh 63 0 0 17 12 0 5 7 0 14 2 0 11 15 6 26 15 81 1798. 435 s. d. Taxes and ") ground-rent J Travelling ex- penses for masters and boys Horse-keeping Letters Boy s' pocket-money 6 13 0 Cutting boys^ hair 0 14 0 20 16 8 20 17 6 - 10 5 6 -731 £. s. cL Medicines - 1 12 6 Seeds for the') garden, and > 2 15 0 work J Sundries - - 1 4 11 Balance in hand -282 4 2h Total J895 6 2i FAMILY AT KINGSWOOD SCHOOL. A Preacher and his wife to superintend the family; two masters ; two maid-servants ; one man-servant ; and thirty boys. N.B. In this account there are many expenses included, which are not incurred in other schools ; such as clothing, wash- ing, boys^ pocket-money, travelling expenses for removing the boys to and from school, the master^s attendance upon the Con- ference, the postage of letters, implements for the school, &c. There being no vacations, the boys are perpetually at the school, which occasions another large extra expense ; and also every boy, when he leaves the school, has six new shirts, six new pairs of stockings, two pairs of shoes, two hats, pocket-handker- chiefs, &c. Q. 15. What is contributed to the Preachers' Fund? A. Jl,190. \\s. M. Q. 16. What is paid out of it? A, As follows : — George Shadford - Mr. Wright's widow Christopher Watkins 11 Widow E mpringham Widow Broadbent - Widow Teunaut Widow Shaw Joseph Thompson - Joseph Jerom Robert Costerdine - Robert Hayward - Widow Butterfield - Widow Boon Wm. Denton's child ' 2 £. s. d. Widow Westell - 10 0 0 Thomas Hanson - 10 0 0 John Furz - - 7 10 0 Mary Penington Ehzabeth Dillon - 7 - 7 10 10 0 0 Mary Barry - 10 Sarah Nay lor - 5 Mary Mitchell - 7 Christopher Hopper 15 John Poole - 15 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 William Boothby Widow Brisco - 6 - 10 0 0 0 0 John Watson - 6 0 0 Thomas Wride - 10 0 0 2 £. s. d. 6 0 0 6 0 0 11 0 0 6 0 0 11 0 0 5 15 0 15 0 0 14 10 0 6 10 0 14 10 0 9 10 0 6 0 0 12 0 0 7 0 0 43G 1798. Widow Garnet John Easton Peter Mill - Widow Pearce Parson Greenwood Widow Brettell John Peacock Robert Swan Widow Hanby John Mason Widow Collins James Watson Widow Hunter £. 6 16 12 6 16 s. 0 10 0 0 0 d. 0 0 0 0 0 £. Mr.Marshall's widow, for two years - 18 Thomas Carlill - 18 John M'Kersey - 7 Thomas Broadbent 6 s. 0 0 0 0 d. 0 0 0 0 11 15 13 22 16 14 14 14 0 0 0 0 10 10 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Acts of Mercij. James Watson - 31 Widow Collins - 5 10 5 0 0 In all £520 10 0 1798. 437 _ 3 "a o MOOOOCOSOOOOCOO© © eo « © © i>« © to lO 50©©©©C<5 — «©«<5©©©eo © »o t>.-^ OS (N >0 «+i w ■^ OS © Tf eo (M Tj" — 05 lO (N eo „•'« © o ;o to © so © © cs o CO — t- ^ OS «o OS >a •a m "d <» o © so © ^1 » •« © © so o ;o © o © © © © = S « © © »0© U5 © 05 © Tl" © © eq ~ ■^ o -* — eo t^ CO t^ i-O a IM © ■in © © © © o © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © CO © © © © eo © © tc © © © © © © e-i © © © (M © (N 4tJ ©©©©©©© ©©©©©©© © eo re © -^ Tt © © © © © © © © © © © © © •^ eo (N (f» ©©©©©©© © o © o © © © «tl © p © © (N 5 M =0 © © © © CO eo © © l-C (N © l>« © '^ © «+J05 © © © ■^ ■<* M « © CO ©©©©eo©sp — ©©©t'»©©©©©©©»n©>o©©©(N© — «-H©©iO©©t^©t^(M©©-<1't^lNCO-l»©©t^M©-Ht-»©'^'-H©(M© 93 >^ -S. K ^ '5 ■= ^ 3 -S -^ -.2 g C -o3c3o3>3rS'50«fo>^^3 „ 3 «4 23 438 1798. 94 O CO osoooooo ©OOiOOWCOO — OOOCOOC^t^OO&l ■^ «^ « ©1 © OS r*© © «o© ^ «0 ■^ (N CO Htf «*« o © © © CD © I l-H cc © ■ >o © © »c eo © l-» .0©©©CO©CQ©©©©(N©©©©©©©©n©©©©OCO© ©O0t>©©©©M^©C»5©©©«©©CO©'-'<1'©»>«-H©«©i.O-i!5-*©t»©-«*©©1©©-^««(N»O©«e0(NiOt-«Tji ^3 ,-_ 1798. o .^ O © O © O © © © CS o IJg ooCmMCO©^©©!!?© ' 0 « i-H P. s450CC©iOWeO^(NCCl(N 439 © © ©-H © CO © © ©© © © r- © © © © (N-o CO © >— I tfS CO 1-4 I' «+J S c4 5" ^ © eo M OS (N CO © © © OS © © © © © © •^ lO eo eo CO «rt © © © © (N ^ © © © © © © © © © © CO © © Tt eo © © t^ 2 g ca »; ■go •go =4iis © © © © © © © © (M © CO CO © © © 01 © •o-O ©© © © **i2 (N Tj" ^ (N (M (M i 5? »© ©eo©©©©-.(NeO-«l'(N©©©^-Ht»^CO •So ., 1©©©0©©©»0(N I©©©— (CiCO"*(N(N c^eo©©©©iN©N-^©©©©©t-«©©io©©-i* t>.SOrJi©©iO©»>.©i-HC0(N-H-.*© — CO-*-* — t--.© o ^) H S D C) 2 •" fcojid dde ica> ttin war tJ S ta o >S CC ^ 2 ii s-.'S^ M^ '^ - - ?5 ti .S fe ^ W) c U d 0 fn ^ to a a 3 0^ o York HuU Pockl Bridli ta u 440 1798. o a H 8. «4S ;0 O e3 Q< «♦{ CO © OS (N •ft (N «tj «+J u ^ 5; i' .^ T< -*< ~ ->■,-> ^ -> " . I— ^ a> •-r "e © © © © ©© CO 1 g '^ © © © lO 0© Oi «*i ^ CO so (M t-M t^ "no .-B* © ©© ©© © © a '01 >" I-: © © © © © © © '^^ (N * ©CO © © © © © (M -H 0 CO N © -"t © CO 0 © © © © © © © © © © © © 21 =0 0 © © © © © © © © © © © © fS «+« C» (M (M -V (M ^ — -IN — W « © © © © © © © © © © s 1-^ © © CO © © © © © «0 M (N M 0 t-«-«f — '^ — -* © •a jj ©OJOOOSCOCOffiCOO© © CI ©© © © © MO ^ U5(N©0St-C0^Ci — © (N (N (M O(M©C0©iC«iT)09 1772. ♦ Q. 81. What general method of employing our time would you advise us to? A. We advise you, 1. As often as possible, to rise at four. 2. From four to five in the morning, and from five to six in the evening, to meditate, pray, and read, partly the Scrip- ture with the Notes, partly the closely practical parts of what we have published. 3. From six in the morn- ing to twelve, (allowing an hour for breakfast,) to read in order, with much prayer. Bishop Pearson on the Creed, Mr. Boehm's and Nalson's Sermons, and the other books which we have published in prose or verse. 1780. little exercise, far less than when they wrought at their trade : and this will naturally pave the way for many, especially nervous disorders. 2. Intemper- ance (though not in the vulgar sense). They take more food than they did when they laboured more : and let any man of reflec- tion judge, how long this will consist with health. Or they use more sleep than when they laboured more : and this alone will destroy the firmness of the nerves. If then our Preachers would avoid nervous disorders, let them, 1. Take as little meat, drink, and sleep, as nature will bear : and, 2. Use full as much exercise daily as they did before they were Preachers. Q. 29. What general method of employing our time would you advise us to? A. We advise you, 1. As often as possible, to rise at four. 2. From four to five in the morning, and from five to six in the evening, to meditate, pray and read, partly the Scrip- ture with the Notes, partly the closely practical parts of M'hat we have published. 3. From six in the morn- ing till twelve, (allowing an hour for breakfast,) to read in order, with much prayer, the Christian Li- brary, and the other books which we have published in prose and verse. 1789. little exercise, far less than when they TVTOught at their trade : and this will natur- ally pave the way for many, especially nervous disorders. 2. Intemper- ance (though not in the vulgar sense). They take more food than they did when they laboured more : and let any man of reflec- tion judge, how long this will consist with health. Or they use more sleep than when they laboured more: and this alone will destroy the firmness of the nerves. If then our Preach- ers would avoid nervous disorders, let them, 1. Take as little meat, drink, and sleep, as nature will bear : and, 2. Use full as much exercise daily as they did before they were Preachers. Q. 29. What general method of employing our time would you advise us to? A. We advise you, 1. As often as possible, to rise at four. 2. From four to five in the morning, and from five to six in the evening, to meditate, pray, and read, partly the Scrip- ture with the Notes, partly the closely practical parts of what we have published. 3. From six in the morn- ing till twelve, (allowing an hour for breakfast,) to read in order, with much prayer, first, the Christian Library, and the other books which we have pub- lished in prose and verse, and then those which we recommended in our Rules of Kingswood School. 510 1753, or 1757. A. 1. Fix the end of each coiiversatioa before you be- gin. 2. Watch and pray during the time. 3. Spend two or three minutes every hour in earnest prayer. 4. Strictly observe the morning and evening hour of retirement. 1763. A. 1. Fix the end of each conversation before you begin. 2. ^Yatch and pray during the time. 3. Spend two or three minutes every hour in earnest prayer. 4. Strictly observe the morn- ing and evening hour of retirement. 5. Earely spend above an hour at a time in conversing with any one. 6. Earnestly recommend the five o'clock hour to all. 1770. Q 32. Should our Help- ers follow trades ? A . This is an important question : therefore it mil be proper to consider it throughly. The question is not, whether they may oc- / casionally work with their hands, as St. Paul did ; but whether it be proper for them to keep shop and follow merchandise. Of those who do so at present it may be observed, they are unquestionably upright men ; they are men of con- siderable gifts. We see the fruit of their labour, and they have a large share in the esteem and love of the people. All this pleads on their side, and cannot but give us a prejudice in their favour. Three of these urge necessity for doing this : one that he may help his aged father ; another that he may main- tain his vidfe : a third that he may keep his children. A fourth does not plead any necessitj', but a desire of doing more good. One answered J. 0., " If you cannot help your father without trading, and if the Societies either cannot or will not, I will allow him what you allow him now. So this necessity is at an end." To Ja. 0. it was answered, " Your wife wants nothing yet ; it is not likely she ever will. You 1772. Q. 32. Should our Help- ers follow trades '\ A . This is an important question : therefore it will be proper to consider it throughly. The question is not, whether they may occasionally work with their hands, as St. Paul did ; but whether it be proper for them to keep shop and follow merchan- dise. Of those who do so at present it may be ob- Bcrved, they are unques- tionably upright men ; they are men of consider- able gifts. We see the fruit of their labour, and they have a large share in the esteem and love of the people. All this pleads on their side, and cannot but give us a prejudice in their favour. Three of these urge necessity for doing this : one that he may help his aged father; another that he may maintain his wife ; a third that he may keep his children. A fourth does not plead any neces- sity, but a desire of doing more good. One answei'ed J. O., " If you cannot help your father without trad- ing, and if the Societies either cannot or will not, I will allow him what you allow him now. So this necessity is at an end." To Ja. 0. it was answered, " Your wife wants nothing yet ; it is not likely she 511 1780. Q. 30. Should our Help- ers follow trades ? A. The question is not, whether they may occa- sionally work with their hands, as St. Paul did; but whether it be proper for them to keep shop or follow merchandise 1 After long consideration, it was agreed by all our brethren, that no Preacher who will not relinquish his trade of buying and selling, (though it were only pills, drops, or balsams,) shall be consider- ed as a Travelling Preacher any longer. 1780. Q. 30. Should our Help- ers follow trades ! A . The question is not, whether they may occa- sionally work with their hands, as St. Paul did ; but whether it be proper for them to keep shop or follow merchandise ! After long consideration, it was agreed by all our brethren, that no Preacher who will not relinquish his trade of buying and selling, (though it were only piUs, drops, or balsams,) shall be consider- ed as a Travelling Preacher any longer. 1753 or 1757. 512 1763. '^./..J /P^L.^. 1770. have money beforeliand : so jour necessity is not yet begun." To R. R., " You do not want now. When you do want anything for your children, you shall have it. So here is no ne- cessity." As to the second plea, doing more good, it was inquired, Is it not doing evil that good may come ? Is not the thing in ques- tion both evil in itself, (for us,) and evil in its conse- quences? First, Is it not (with regard to Travelling Preachers) evil in itself? Is it well consistent with that scriptui-e, 2 Tim. ii. 4 \ " No man that warreth," (takes on him the profes- sion of a soldier, as we eminently do,) " entangleth himself with the afiairs of this life ;" plainly referring to the Roman law, which absolutely forbad any sol- dier to follow any other profession. Is it well con- sistent with that word, " Give attendance to read- ing, to exhortation, to teaching : meditate on these things, give thyself wholly to them ? " (1 Tim. iv. 13, 15.) Can we be said to give ourselves wholly to these things, if we fol- low another profession ] Does not our Church, in her Office of Ordination, require every Minister to do this? If they do not, the more shame for them. But this plainly shows what both they and we ought to do. We indeed more particularly, because God has called us to pro- voke them to jealousy, to supply their lack of servifce to the sheep that are as wjthout shepherds, and to spend and be spent therein. We above all ; because every Travelling Preacher 1772. ever will. You have money beforehand : so your necessity is not yet be- gun." To E, R., " You do not want now. When you do want anything for your children, you shall have it. So here is no necessity." As to the second plea, doing more good, it was inquired, Is it not doing evil that good may come 1 Is not the thing in ques- tion both evil in itself, (for us,) and evil in its conse- quences 1 First, Is it not (with regard to Travelling Preachers) evil in itself] Is it well consistent with that scripture, 2 Tim. ii. 4 1 " No man that warreth," (takes on him the profes- sion of a soldier, as we eminently do,) "entangleth himself with the affairs of this life ; " plainly referring to the Roman law, which absolutely forbad any sol- dier to follow any other profession. Is it well con- sistent with that word, " Give attendance to read- ing, to exhortation, to teaching : meditate on these things, give thyself wholly to theml" (1 Tim. iv. 13, 15.) Can we be said to give ourselves wholly to these things, if we fol- low another profession 1 Does not our Church, in her Office of Ordination, re- quire every Minister to do this 1 If they do not, the more shame for them. But this plainly shows what both they and we ought to do. We indeed more par- ticularly, because God has called us to provoke them to jealousy, to supply their lack of service to the sheep that are as yet without shepherds, and to spend and be spent therein. We above all; because every Travelling Preacher so- VOL. I. 515 1780. I78y. L L 1753, or in: 514 1763. 1770. solemnly professes to have nothing else to do, and receives his little allowance for this very end, that he may not need to do any- thing else, that he may not he entangled in the things of this life, but may give himself wholly to these things. Secondly, Is it not evil in its consequences'! Have not some ill consequences appeared already 1 And is there not the greatest rea- son to apprehend that still worse would follow 1 We are concerned to give no offence, either to Jew or Gentile, or to the church of God. But this has al- ready offended, not only many of the Avorld, but many of our own brethren, ilany of the Preachers in particular have been much grieved ; yea, and those most, who were most alive to God. Now " the begin- ning of offence is as when one letteth out water : " who can gather it up again? They are grieved the more, because they apprehend this would be an increasing evil. For where will it stop ] If one Preacher fol- lows trade, so may twenty ; so may every one. And if any of them trade a little, why not ever so much 1 Who can fix how far he should go? Therefore we advise our brethren who ha,ve been concerned here- in, to give up all, and at- tend to the one business. And we doubt not but God will recompense them an hundred fold, even in this world, as well as in the world to come. It is true, this cannot be done on a sudden. But it may between this and the next Conference. And even as to the drops that 1772. lemnly professes to have nothing else to do, and receives his little allowance for this very end, that he may not need to do any- thing else, that he may not be entangled in the things of this life, but may give himself wholly to these things. Secondly, Is it not evil in its consequences ? Have not some ill consequences appeared already 1 And is there not the greatest reason to apprehend that still worse would follow? We are concerned to give no offence, either to Jew or Gentile, or to the church of God. But this has already offended, not only many of the world, but many of our own brethren. Many of the Preachers in particular have been much grieved ; yea, and those most, who were most alive to God. Now the beginning of offence " is as when one letteth out water :" who can gather it up again? They are grieved the more, because they apprehend this would be an increasing evil. For where will it stop? If one Preacher follows trade, so may twen- ty; so may every one. And if any of them trade a little, why not ever so much ? Who can fix how far he should go ? There- fore we advise our brethren who have been concerned herein, to give up all, and attend to the one business. And we doubt not but God will recompense them an hundred fold, even in this world, as well as in the world to come. It is true, this cannot be done on a sudden. But it may between this and the next Conference. And even as to the drops that 515 I7bu 1789. 2 L 2 1753, or 1757. 51G 1763. 1770. many sold, if their wives sell them at home, well : but it is not proper for any Preacher to hawk them about. It has a bad appearance. It does not well suit the dignity of his calling. Two years after, it was agreed by all our brethren, that no Preacher who will not relinquish his trade of buying and .selling, or of making and vending pills, drops, baLsams, or medi- cines of any kind, shall be considered as a Travelling Preacher any longer : and that it shall be demanded of all those Preachers who have traded in cloth, hard- ware, pills, drops, balsams, or medicines of anj' kind, at the next Conference, whether they have entirely left it off, or not? Q. 33. Why is it, that the people under our care are no better 1 A. Other reasons may concur ; but the chief is, because we are not more knowing and more holy. Q. 34. But why are we not more knowing 1 A. Because we are idle. We forget the very first rule, " Be diligent. Never be unemployed a moment. Never be triflingly employ- ed. Never while away time: neither spend any more time at any place than is strictly necessary." I fear there is altogether a fault in this matter ; and that few of us are clear. Which of you spends as many hours a day in God's work, as you did formerly in man's work 1 We talk, talk— or read history, or what comes next to hand. We must, absolutely must, cure this evil, or give up the whole work. But how ? 1. Eead the 1772. many sold, if their wives sell them at home, well : but it is not proper for any Preacher to hawk them about. It has a bad ap- pearance. It does not well suit the dignity of his calling. Two years after, it was agreed by all our brethren, that no Preacher who will not relinquish his trade of buying and selling, or of making and vending pills, drops, balsams, or medi- cines of any kind, shall be considered as a Travelling Preacher any longer : and that it shall be demanded of all those Preachers who have traded in cloth, hard- ware, pills, drops, balsams, or medicines of any kind, at the next Conference, whether they have entirely left it off, or not ? * Q. 33. Why is it, that the people under our care are no better ] j4 . Other reasons may concur; but the chief is, because we are not more knowing and more holy. Q. 34. But why are we not more knowing ] A. Because we are idle. We forget the very first rule, "Be diligent. Never be unemployed a moment. Never be triflingly employ- ed. Never while away time : neither spend any more time at any place than is strictly necessary." I fear there is altogether a fixult in this matter ; and that few of us are clear. Which of you spends as many hours a day in God's work, as you did formerlj^ iu man's work? We talk, ^or read history, or what comes next to hand. We must, absolutely must, cure this evil, or give up the whole work. But how] 1. Read the 517 1780. Q. 31. Why is it that the people under our care are no better ? A. Other reasons may concur ; but the chief is, because we are not more knowing and more holy. Q. 32. But why are we not more knowing ? A . Because we are idle. We forget our veiy first rule, " Be diligent. Never be unemployed a moment. Never be triflingly em- ployed. Never while away time ; neither spend any more time at any place than is strictly necessary." I fear there is altogether a fault in this matter, and that few of us are clear : which of you spends as many hours a day in God's work, as you did formerly in man's work? We talk, talk, — or read history, or what comes next to hand. We must, absolutely must, cure this evil, or betray the cause of God. But how? 1. Eead the 1789. Q. 31. Why is it that the people under our care are no better 1 A. Other reasons may concur; but the chief is, because we are not more knowing and more holy. Q. 32. But why are we not more knowing ? A . Because we are idle. We forget our very first rule, " Be diligent. Never be unemployed a moment. Never be triflingly em- ployed. Never while away time ; neither spend any more time at any place than is strictly necessary." I fear there is altogether a fault in this matter, and that few of us are clear. Which of you spends as many hours a day in God's work, as you did formerly in man's work 1 We talk, talk, — or read history, or what comes next to hand. We must, absolutely must, cure this evil, or betray the cause of God. But how? 1. Eead the 1753, or 1757. 518 1763. 1770. most useful books, and that regularly and con- stantly. Steadily spend all the morning in this employ, or at least five hours in twenty-four. " But I read only the Bible." Then you ought to teach others to read only the Bible, and by parity of reason, to hear only the Bible. But if so, you need preach no more. Just so said George Bell. And what is the fruit] Why, now he neither reads the Bible, nor anything else. This is rank enthusiasm. If you need no book but the Bible, you are got above St. Paul. He wanted others too. " Bring the books," says he, " but espe- cially the parchments," those wrote on parchment. " But I have no taste for reading." Contract a taste for it by use, or return to your trade. " But different men have different tastes." There- fore some may read less than others ; but none should read less than this. " But I have no books." I will give each of you, as fast as you will read them, books to the value of five pounds. And I desire the Assistants will take care, that all the large Societies provide the Christian Libraiy, for the use of the Preachers. 2. In the afternoon fol- low Mr. Baxters plan. Then you will have no time to spare: none for learning Latin, or Greek, or Hebrew : you will have work enough for all your time. Then likewise no Preacher will stay with us who is as salt that has lost its savour. For to such, this 519 1772. most useful books, and that regularly and con- stantly. Steadily spend all the morning in this employ, or at least five hours in twenty-four. " But I read only the Bible." Then you ought to teach others to read only the Bible, and by parity of reason, to hear only the Bible. But if so, you need preach no more. Just so said George Bell. And what is the fruit 1 Why, now he neither reads the Bible, nor anything else. This is rank enthusiasm. If you need no book but the Bible, you are got above St. Paul. He want- ed others too. " Bring the books," says he, " but espe- cially the parchments," those wrote on parchment. " But I have no taste for reading." Contract a taste for it by use, or return to your trade. " But different men have different tastes." Therefore some may read less than others ; but none should read less than this. " But I have no books." I will give each of you, as fast as you will read them, books to the value of five pounds. And I desire the Assistants will take care that all the large Societies provide the Christian Li- braiy, or at least the Notes on the New Testament, for the use of the Preachers. 2. In the afternoon follow Mr. Baxter's plan. Then jou will have no time to spare : none for learning Latin, ur Greek, or Hebrew : you will have work enough for all your time. Then likewise no Preacher will stay with us who is as salt that has lost its savour. For to such, this 1780. most useful books, and that regularly and con- stantly. Steadily spend all the morning in this em- ploy, or at least five hours in four-and-twenty. "But I read only the Bible." Then you ought to teach others to read only the Bible, and by parity of reason, to hear only the Bible : but if so, you need preach no more. Just so said George Bell. And what is the fruit 1 Why, now he neither reads the Bible, nor anything else. This is rank enthusiasm. If you need no book but the Bible, you are got above St. Paul. He want- ed others too. " Bring the books," says he, " but espe- cially the parchments," those wrote on parchment. " But I have no taste for reading." Contract a taste for it by use, or return to your trade. " But I have no books. " I will give each of you, as fast as you will read them, books to the value of five pounds. And I desire the Assistants would take care that all the large Societies provide our Works for the use of the Preachers. 2. In the afternoon, fol- low Mr. Baxter's plan. Then you will have no time to spai"e : you will have work enough for all your time. Then likewise no Preacher will stay with us who is as salt that has lost its savour. For to such, this employment would be mere drudgery. 1789. most useful books, and that regularly and con- stantly. Steadily spend all the morning in this em- ploy, or at least five hours in four-and-twenty. " But I read only the Bible." Then you ought to teach others to read only the Bible, and by parity of reason, to hear only the Bible : but if so, you need preach no more. Just so said George Bell. And what is the fruit? Why, now he neither reads the Bible, nor anything else. This is rank enthusiasm. If you need no book but the Bible, you are got above St. Paul. He want- ed others too. " Bring the books," says he, " but es- pecially the parchments," those wrote on parchment. " But I have no taste for reading." Contract a taste for it by use, or return to your trade. " But I have no books." I will give each of you, as fast as you will read them, books to the value of five pounds. And I desire the Assistants would take care, that all the large Societies provide our Works, or at least the Notes, for the use of the Preachers. 2. In the afternoon, fol- low Mr. Baxter's plan. Then you will have no time to spare : you will have work enough for all your time. Then likewise no Preacher will stay with us who is as salt that has lost its savour. For to such, this employment would be mere drudgery. And in 1753, or 1757. 520 1763. 1770. employment would be mere drudgery. And in order to it, you will have need of all the knowledge you can procure. The sum is. Go into every house in course, and teach every one therein, young and old, if they belong to us, to be Chris- tians, inwardly and out- wardly. Make every particular plain to their understand- ing; fix it in their me- mory ; write it on their heart. In order to this, there must be " line upon line, precept upon precept." I remember to have heard my father asking my mother, " How could you have the patience to tell that blockhead the same thing twenty times over ] " She answered, " Why, if I had told him but nineteen times, I should have lost all my labour." What patience indeed, what love, what knowledge, is requi- site for this ! Q. 34. [*] In what me- thod should we instruct them ? A. Kcad, explain, en- force, 1. The Rules of the So- ciety. 2. Instructions for Child- ren. 3. The fourth volume of Sermons. 4. Philip Henry's Me- thod of Family Prayer, 1772. employment would be mere drudgery. And in order to it, you will have need of all the knowledge you can procure. The sum is. Go into every house in course, and teach every one therein, young and old, if they belong to us, to be Chris- tians inwardly and out- wardly. Make every particular plain to their understand- ing ; fix it in their me- mory; write it on their heart. In order to this, there must be " line upon line, precept upon pre- cept." I remember to have heard my father asking my mother, "How could you have the patience to tell that blockhead the same thing twenty times over]" She answered, " Why, if I had told him but nineteen times, I should have lost all my labour." What patience indeed, what love, what knowledge, is requi- site for this ! Q. 34. [*] In what me- thod should we instruct them? A. Eead, explain, en- force, 1. The Rules of the So- ciety. 2. Instructions for Child- ren. 3. The fourth volume of Sermons. 4. Philip Henry's Me- thod of Family Prayer. 521 1780. And in order to it, you will have need of all the knowledge you can pro- cure. The sum is. Go into every house in course, and teach every one therein, young and old, if they belong to us, to be Chi-is- tians, inwardly and out- wardly. Make every particular plain to their understand- ing ; fix it in their me- mory ; write it in their heart. In order to this, thei'e must be " line upon line, precept upon pre- cept." What patience, what love, what knowledge is requisite for this ! Q. 33. In what particu- lar method should we instruct them ? A. You may read, ex- plain, enforce, 1. The Rules of the So- ciety. 2. Instructions for Child- ren. 3. The fourth volume of Sermons ; and, 4. Philip Henry's Me- thod of Family Prayer. We must needs do this, were it only to avoid idle- ness. Do we not loiter away many hours in every week ? Each try himself : no idleness can consist with growth in grace. Nay, without exactness in redeeming time, you can- not retain the grace you received in justification. 1789. order to it, you will have need of all the knowledge you have, or can procure. The sum is. Go into every house in course, and teach every one therein, young and old, if they be- long to us, to be Christians, inwardly and outwardly. Make every particular plain to their understand- ing; fix it in their me- mory; write it in their heart. In order to this, there must be " line upon line, precept upon precept." What patience, what love, what knowledge is requi- site for this ! Q. 33. In what particu- lar method should we instruct them ] A. You may, as you have time, read, explain, enforce, 1. The Rules of the So- ciety, 2. Instructions for Child- ren. 3. The fourth volume of Sermons ; and, 4. Philip Henry's Me- thod of Family Prayer. We must needs do this, were it only to avoid idle- ness. Do we not loiter away many hours in every week? Each try him- self: no idleness can con- sist with growth in grace. Nay, without exactness in redeeming time, you can- not retain the grace you received in justification. 17:3, or 1757. 522 1763. 1770. [See page 66i.] Over and above : where there are tea children in a Society, spend at least an hour with them twice a week. And do this, not in a dull, dry, formal manner, but in earnest, with your might. " But I have no gift for this," Gift or no gift, you are to do it, else you are not called to be a Method- ist Preacher. Do it as you can, till you can do it as you would. Pray earnestly for the gift, and use the means for it, particularly studying the Children's Tracts. Q. 35. Why are not we more holy] Why do not we live in eternity ? walk with God all the day long? Why are we not all devoted to God? breathing the whole spirit of Mission- aries ] A. Because we are en- thusiasts ; looking for the end, without using the means. In order to be thorough- ly convinced of this, we need only consider the first ^Minutes, and each examine himself upon each article. To touch only upon tAvo or three instances. 523 1772. [Sec page 665.] Over and above : where there are ten children in a Society, spend at least an hour with them twice a week. And do this, not in a dull, dry, formal man- ner, but in earnest, with your might. " But I have no gift for this." Gift or no gift, you are to do it, else you are not called to be a Method- ist Preacher. Do it as you can, till you can do it as you would. Pray earnestly for the gift, and use the means for it ; particularly studying the Children's Tracts. Q. 35. "Why are not we more holy ] Why do not we live in eternity? walk with God all the day long? Why are we not all devoted to God] breathing the whole spirit of Mission- aries 1 A. Because we are en- thusia.sts; looking for the end, without using the means. To touch only upon two or three instances. 1780. But what shall we do for the rising generation'? Unless we take care of this, the present revival will be res unius catatis : it will last only the age of a man. Who will labour herein? Let him that is zealous for God and the souls of men begin now. 1. Where there are ten children in a Society, meet them at least an hour every week. 2. Talk with them every time you see any at home. 3. Pray in earnest for them. 4. Diligently instruct and vehemently exhort all parents at their own houses. 5. Preach expressly on education, particularly at Midsummer, when you speak of Kingswood. " But I have no gift for this." Gift or no gift, you are to do it; else you are not called to be a Methodist Preacher. Do it as you can, till you can do it as you would. Pray earnestly for the gift, and use the means for it. Particularly study the Instructions and Lessons for Children. Q. 34. Why are not we more holy? Why do not we live in eternity? walk with God all the day long? Why are we not all devot- ed to God ? breathing the whole spirit of Mission- aries ? A. Chiefly because we are enthusiasts ; looking for the end, without using the means. To touch only upon two or three instances. 1789. But what shall we do for the rising generation ? Unless we take care of this, the present reviv-al will be res unius cekdis : it will last only the age of a man. Who will labour herein? Let him that is zealous for God and the souls of men begin now. 1. Where there are ten children in a Society, meet them at least an hour every week. 2. Talk with them every time you see any at home. 3. Pray in earnest for them. 4. Diligently instruct and vehemently exhort all parents at their own houses. 5. Preach expressly on education, particularly at Midsummer, when you speak of Kingswood. " But I have no gift for this." Gift or no gift, you are to do it ; else you are not called to be a Methodist Preacher. Do it as you can, till you can do it as you would. Pray earnestly for the gift, and use the means for it. Particularly study the Instructions and Lessons for Children. Q. 34. Why are not we more holy? Why do not we live in eternity? walk with God all the day long ? Why are we not all devot- ed to God? breathing the whole spirit of Mission- aries ? A. Chiefly because we are enthusiasts ; looking- for the end, without using the means. To touch only upon t « o or three instances. 1753, or 1757. 524 1763. [Soe page 558.] [See page 558.] 1770. Do you rise at four, or even at five, when you do not preach ? Do you fast once a week'? Once a month] Do you know the obliga- tion, or benefit of it ? Do you recommend the five-o'clock hour for pri- vate prayer? Do you observe it? Do not you find, that any time 13 no time ? 0 let us all " stir up the gift of God that is in us ! " Let us no more " sleep, as do others : " but whatso- ever our " hand findeth to dd, " let us " do it with our might 1" [See page 668.] 525 1772. Do you rise at four, or even at five, when you do not preach ? Do you fast once a week ? Once a month? Do you know the obligation, or benefit of it? Do you recommend the five-o'clock hour for pri- vate-prayer 1 Do you observe it? Do not you find, that any time is no time? O let us all "stir up the gift of God that is in us ! " Let us no more " sleep, as do others :" but whatsoever our " hand findeth to do," let us "do it with our might." [See page 559.] 1780. Who of you rises at four ? Or even at five, when he does not preach ? Do you recommend to all our Societies the five- o'clock hour for private prayer? Do you observe it? Or any other fixed time? Do not j-ou find by experience, that any time is no time ? Do you know the obliga- tion and the benefit of fasting? How often do you practise it ? The neglect of this alone is sufiicient to account for our feebleness and faintness of spirit. We are continu- ally grieving the Holy Spirit of God, by the habitual neglect of a plain duty ! Let us amend from this hour. Q. 35. But how can I fast, since it hurts my health ? A. There are several degrees of fasting, which cannot hurt your health. I will instance in one. Let you and I every Fri- day, (beginning on the next,) avow this duty throughout the nation, by touching no tea, cofifee, or chocolate, in the morning, but (if we want it) half a pint of milk, or water- gruel. Let us dine on potatoes, and (if we need it) eat three or four ounces of flesh in the evening. At other times let us eat no flesh suppers. These exceedingly tend to breed nervous disorders. Q. 36. What is the best general method of preach- ing? A. 1. To invite: 2. To 1789. Who of you rises at four in summer? Or even at five, when he does not preach ? Do you recommend to all our Societies the five- o'clock hour for private prayer? Do you observe it? Or any other fixed time ? Do not you find by experience, that any time is no time ? Do you know the obliga- tion and the benefit of fast- ing? How often do you practise it? The neglect of this alone is suflacient to account for our feebleness and faint- ness of spirit. We are con- tinually grieving the Holy Spirit of God, by the habitual neglect of a plain duty ! Let us amend from this hour. Q. 35. But how can I fast, since it hurts my health ? A . There are several de- grees of fasting, which cannot hurt your health. I will instance in one. Let you and I every Friday, (beginning on the next,) avow this duty throughout the nation, by touching no tea, cofifee, or chocolate, in the morning, but (if we want it) half a pint of milk, or water-gruel. Let us dine on potatoes, and (if we need it) eat three or four ounces of flesh in the evening. At other times let us eat no flesh suppers. These exceedingly tend to breed nervous disorders. Q. 36. What is the best general method of preach- ing? A. 1. To invite: 2. To 17r.3, or 1757. [See page 658.] 526 1763. [See page 558.] ITTa, [See page 558.] 527 1772. [See page 559.] 1780. convince : 3. To offer Christ : 4. To build up : and to do this in some measure in every sermon. Q. 37. Are there any smaller advices relative to preaching, which might be of use 10 us 1 A. Perhaps these : 1. Be sure never to disappoint a congregation, unless in case of life or death. 2. Begin and end pre- cisely at the time appoint- ed. 3. Let your whole deport- ment before the congrega- tion be serious, weighty, and solemn. 4. Always suit your subject to your audience. 5. Choose the plainest texts you can. 6. iuke care not to ram- ble, but keep to your text, and make out what you take in hand. 7. Be sparing in alle- gorizing, or spiritualiz- ing. 8. Take care of anything awkward or affected, either in your gesture, phrase, or pronunciation. 9. Sing no hymns of your own composing. 10. Print nothing with- out my approbation. 11. Do not usually pray above eight or ten minutes (at most) without inter- mission. 12. Frequently read and enlarge upon a portion of the " Notes;" and let young Preachers often exhort, without taking a text. 13. In repeating the Lord's Prayer, remember to say hallowed, not hol- lowed ; trespass against lis ; Amen. 14. Repeat this prayer aloud after the Minister, as often as he repeats it. 15. Repeat after him aloud every confession, and 1789. convince : 3. To offer Christ : 4. To build up : and to do this in some measure in every sermon. Q. 37. Are there any smaller advices relative to preaching, which might be of use to us 1 A. Perhaps these : 1. Be sure never to disappoint a congregation, unless in case of life or death. 2. Begin and end pre- cisely at the time appoint- ed. 3. Let your whole deport- ment before the congrega- tion be serious, weighty, and solemn. 4. Always suit your subject to your audience. 5. Choose the plainest texts you can. 6. Take care not to ram- ble, but keep to your text, and make out what you take in hand. 7. Be sparing in alle- gorizing, or spiritualiz- ing. 8. Take care of anything awkward or affected, either in your gesture, phrase, or pronunciation. 9. Sing no hymns of your own composing. 10. Print nothing with- out my approbation. 11. Do not usually pray above eight or ten minutes (at most) without inter- mission. 12. Frequently read and enlarge upon a portion of the " Notes ; " and let young Preachers often exhort, without taking a text. 13. In repeating the Lord's Prayer, i-emember to say hallowed, not hol- lowed ; trespass against us ; Amen. 14. Repeat this prayer aloud after the Minister, as often as he repeats it. 15. Repeat after him aloud every confession, and 528 1753, or 1757. [See page 560.] [See page. 662.] 1763. [See page 560.] [See page 562.] 1770. [See page 54G.] [See page 560.] [See page 562.] 529 ir72. [See page 547.] [See page 561 .] [See page 563.] Vol. I. 1780. both the doxologies in the communion-service. 16. Always kneel during public prayer. 17. Everywhere avail yourself of the great festi- vals, by preaching on the occasion, and singing the hymns, which you should take care to have in readi- ness. 18. Avoid quaint words, however in fashion, as " object," " originate," " very," " high," &c. 19. Avoid the fashion- able impropriety of leaving out the "u" in many words, as "honor," "vigor," &c. This is mere childish afifectation. 20. Beware of clownish- ness. Be courteous to all. 21. Be merciful to your beast. Not only ride moderately, but see with your own eyes that your horse be rubbed, fed, and bedded. Q. 38. Have not some of us been led off from prac- tical preaching by (what was called) preaching Christ ? A. Indeed we have. The most effectual way of preaching Christ, is to preach Him in all His offices, and to declare His law as well aa HLi Gospel, both to believers and un- believers. Let us strongly and closely insist upon in- ward and outward holiness in all its branches. Q. 39. How shall we guard against formality in public worship] Particu- larly in singing ] A. 1. By preaching fre- quently on the head. 2. By taking care to speak only what we feel. 3. By choosing such hymns as are proper for the congre- M M 1789. both the doxologies in the communion-service. 16. Always kneel during public prayer. 17. Everywhere avail yourself of the great festi- vals, by preaching on the occasion, and singing the hymns, which you should take care to have in readi- ness. 18. Avoid quaint words, however in fashion, as " object," " originate," " very," " high," &c. 19. Avoid the fashion- able impropriety of leaving out the " u " in many words, as "honor," "vigor," &c. This is mere childish affectation. 20. Beware of clownish- ness, either in speech or dress. Wear no slouched hat. 21. Be merciful to your beast. Not only ride moderately, but see with your own eyes that your horse be rubbed, fed, and bedded. Q. 38. Have not eome of us been led off from practical preaching by (what was called) preaching Christ? A. Indeed we have. The most effectual way of preaching Christ, is to preach Him in all His offices, and to declare His law as well as His Gospel, both to believers and un- believers. Let us strongly and closely insist upon inward and outward holi- ness, in all its branches. Q. 39. How shall we guard against formality in public worship? Particu- larly in singing ? A. 1. By preaching fre- quently on the head. 2. By taking care to speak only what we feel. 3. By choosing such hymns as are proper for the congre- 1753, or 1757. 530 1763. 1770. [See page 656.] [See page 564.] [See pages C64, 658.] 531 17' [See page 657.] [See jages 565, 659.] 17S0. gation. 4. By not sing- ing too much at once ; seldom more than five or six verses. 5. By suiting the tune to the words. 6. By often stopping short, and asking the people, " Now ! Do you know what you said last] Did you speak no more than you felt?" Is not this formality creeping in already, by those complex tunes, which it is scarce possible to sing with devotion ? Such is, " Praise the Lord, ye bless- ed ones." Such the long quavering Hallelujah, an- nexed to the Morning- Song tune, which I defy any man living to sing devoutly. The repeating the same words so often, (but especially while ano- ther repeats different words, the horrid abuse which runs through the modem church-music,) as it shocks all common sense, so it necessarily brings in dead formality, and has no more of reli- gion in it than a Lanca- shire hornpipe. Besides, it is a flat contradiction to our Lord's command, " Use not vain repetitions." For what is vain repetition, if this is not? What end of devotion does it serve 1 7. Do not suffer the peo- ple to sing too slow. This naturally tends to forma- lity, and is brought in by them who have either very strong or very weak voices. 8. In every large Society let them learn to sing; and let them always learn our own tunes first. 9. Let the women constantly sing their parts alone. Let no man sing with them, un- less he understands the notes, and sings the bass^ 2 M 2 1789. gation. 4. By not singing too much at once ; seldom more than five or six verses. 5. By suiting the tune to the words. 6. By often stopping short, and asking the people, " Now ! Do you know what you said last? Did you speak no more than you felt?" Is not this formality creeping in already, by those complex tunes, which it is scarcely possible to sing with devotion'? Such is, " Praise the Lord, ye bless- ed ones." Such the long quavering Hallelujah, an- nexed to the Morning-Song tune, which I defy any man living to sing devout- ly. The repeating the same words so often, (but especially while another repeats different words, the horrid abuse which runs through the modern church-music,) as it shocks all common sense, so it necessarily brings in dead formality, and has no more of religion in it than a Lancashire hornpipe. Be- sides, it is a flat contradic- tion to our Lord's com- mand, "Use not vain re- petitions." For what is a vain repetition, if this is not? What end of devo- tion does it serve? Sing no anthems. 7. Do not suffer the peo- pie to sing too slow. Thia naturally tends to forma- lity, and is brought in by them who have either very strong or very weak voices. 8. In every large Society let them learn to sing; and let them always learn our own tunes first. 9. Let the women constantly sing their parts alone. Let no man sing with them, unless he understands the notes, and sings the bass. 1753, or 1757. 532 1763. 1770. [See page 696.] [See page 596.] [See page 564.] [See page 596.] [See page 596.] [See page 564.] Q. 36. Who is the As- sistant 1 A . That Preacher in each Circuit, who is appointed from time to time to take charge of the Societies, and the other Preachers therein. Q. 37. How should an Assistant be qualified for this charge 1 A. By walking closely with God, and having His work greatly at heart ; by understanding and loving discipline, ours in particu- lar; and by loving the Church of England, and resolving not to separate from it. Q. 38. What is the busi- ness of an Assistant 1 A. 1. To see that the other Preachers in his Cir- 1772. [See page COS.] Q. ?,Q. Who is the As- eistant 1 A. That Preacher in each Circuit, who is ap- pointed from time to time to take charge of the So- cieties, and the other Preachers therein. Q. 37. How should an Assistant be qualified for this charge ] A. By walking closely with God, and having His work greatly at heart; by understanding and loving discipline, ours in particu- lar; and by loving the Church of England, and resolving not to separate from it. Q. 38. What is the busi- ness of an Assistant ? A, 1. To see that the other Preachers in his Cir- 1780. as it is pricked down in the book. 10. Introduce no new tunes till they are perfect in the old. 11. Let no organs be placed anywhere, till proposed in Conference. 12. Recom- mend our Tune-Book everywhere ; and if you cannot sing yourself, choose a person or two in each place to pitch the tune for you. 13. Exhort every one in the congrega- tion to sing, not one in ten only. 14. If a Preacher be present, let no singer give out the words. 15. When they would teach a tune to the congregation, they must sing only the tenor. After preaching, take a little lemonade, mild ale, or candied orange-peel. All spirituous liquors, at that time especially, are deadly poison. Q. 40. Who is the As- sistant ■? A. That Preacher in each Circuit, who is ap- pointed from time to time to take charge of the So- cieties, and the other Preachers therein. Q. 41. How should an Assistant be qualified for his charge. A. By walking closely with God, and having His work greatly at heart ; by understanding and loving discipline, ours in particu- lar ; and by loving the Church of England, and resolving not to separate from it, Q. 42. What is tha busi- ness of an Assistant % A. \. To see that the other Preachers in his Cir- 1789. as it is pricked down in the book. 10. Introduce no new tunes till they are perfect in the old. 11. Let no organ be placed anywhere, till proposed in the Conference. 12. Re- commend our Tune-Book everywhere; and if you cannot sing yourself, choose a person or two in each place to pitch the tune for you. 13. Exhort everyone in the congrega- tion to sing, not one in ten only. 14. If a Preach- er be present, let no singer give out the words. 15. When they would teach a tune to the congregation, they must sing only the tenor. After preaching, take a little lemonade, mild ale, or candied orange-peel. All spirituous liquors, at that time especially, are deadly poison. Q. 40. Who is the As- sistant ■? A. That Preacher in each Circuit, who is ap- pointed from time to time to take charge of the So- cieties, and the other Preachers therein. Q. 41. How should an Assistant be qualified for his charge? A. By walking closely with God, and having His work greatly at heart ; by understanding and loving discipline,ours in particular; and by loving the Church of England, and resolving not to separate from it. Let this be well observed. I fear, when the Method- ists leave the Church, God will leave them. But if they are thrust out of it, they will be guiltless. Q. 42. What is the busi- ness of an Assistant ] A. 1. To see that the other Preachers in his Cir- 1753. or 1757. 534 1763. [S^epa^e 600.] nro. cuit behave well, and want nothing. 2. To visit the classes quarterly in each place, regulate the bands, and deliver new tickets. 3. To keep watchnights and lovefeasts. 4. To take in, or put out of the bands or Society. 5. To hold quarterly meetings ; and therein diligently to in- quire both into the spirit- ual and temporal state of each Society. 6. To take care that every Society be duly supplied with books, and that the money for them be constantly return- ed. 7. To send from every quarterly meeting a cir- cumstantial account to London of every remark- able conversion, and of every one who dies in the triumph of faith. 8. To take exact lists of his So- cieties every Easter, and bring them to the next Conference. 9. To meet the married men, the married women, the single men, and the single wo- men, in the large Societies once a quarter. 10. To see that every Society have a private room, and a set of the " Library " for the Helper; and, 11. To travel with me, if required, once a year, through the Socie- ties in his Circuit. Q. 39. Ought we to insist upon our rule, that no Preacher print anything without your approbation ] A. Undoubtedly. And whoever does it for the time to come, cannot take it ill, if he is excluded from our Connexion. Let every one take this warn- ing, and afterwards blame none but himself. Q. 40. But has the office of an Assistant been tho- roughly executed ? A- ^o; not by one 535 1772. cuit behave well, aud want nothing. 2. To visit the classes quarterly in each place, regulate the bands, and deliver new tickets. 3. To keep watchuights and lovefeasts. 4. To take in, or put out of the bands or Society. 5. To hold quarterly meetings ; and therein diligently to in- quire both into the spirit- ual and temporal state of each Society. 6. To take care that every Society be duly supplied with books, and that the money for them be constantly return- ed. 7. To send from every quarterly meeting a cir- cumstantial account to London of every remark- able convei'sion, and of every one who dies in the triumph of faith. 8. To take exact lists of his So- cieties every Easter, and bring them to the next Conference. 9. To meet the married men, the mar- ried women, the single men, and the single wo- men, in the large Societies once a quarter. 10. To see that every Society have a private room, and a set of the "Library" or the "Notes " for the Helper ; and, 11. To travel with me, if re- quired, once a year, through the Societies in his Circuit. Q. 39. Ought we to insist upon our rule, that no Preacher print anything without your approbation } A. Undoubtedly. And whoever does it for the time to come, cannot take it ill, if he is excluded from our Connexion. Let every one take this warn- ing, and afterwards blame none but himself. Q. 40. But has the office of an Assistant been throughly executed ? A . No ; not by one As- 1780. cuit behave well, and want nothing. 2. To visit the classes quarterly, regulate the bands, and deliver tickets. 3. To take in, or put out of the Society or the bands. 4. To keep watchnights and lovefeasts. 5. To hold quarterly-meet- ings, and therein diligently to inquire both into the temporal aud spiritual state of each Society. 6. To take care that every Society be duly supplied with books, particularly with " Kempis," " Instruc- tions for Children," and the " Primitive Physic," which ought to be in every house. 7. To send from every quarterly-meeting a circumstantial account (to London) of every remai'k- able conversion, and re- markable death. 8. To take exact lists of his So- cieties every quarter, and send them up to London. 9. To meet the married men and women, and the single men and women, in the large Societies, once a quarter. 10. To overlook the accounts of all the Stewards. 1789 cuit behave well, and want nothing. 2. To visit the classes quarterly, regulate the bands, and deliver tick- ets. 3. To take in, or put out of the Society or the bands. 4. To keep watch- nights and lovefeasts. 5. To hold quarterly-meet- ings, and therein diligently to inquire both into the temporal and spiritual state of each Society. 6. To take care that every Society be duly supplied with books ; particularly with " Kempis," " Instruc- tions for Children," and the " Primitive Physic," which ought to be in every house. 0, why is not this regarded'? 7. To send from every quarterly-meet- ing a circumstantial ac- count (to London) of every remarkable conversion, and remarkable death. 8. To take exact lists of his Socie- ties every quarter, and send them up to London. 9. To meet the married men and women, and the single men and women, in the large Societies, once a quarter. 10. To overlook the accounts of all the. Stewards. Q. 43. Has the office of an Assistant been well executed ? A . No, not by half the Q. 43. Has the office of an Assistant been well executed ] A . No, not by half the 1753, or ^767. 536 1763. 1770. Assistant out of three. For instance. Every Assistant ought, 1. To "see that the other Preachers behave well." But who has sent me word, whether they did or no? 2. "To visit the classes, regulate the bands, and deliver tickets quar- terly." How few have done this ! 3. Lovefeasts for the bands have been neglected. 4. Nor have persons been regularly taken in and put out of the bands. 5. I fear, many of the quarterly meetings are formal, not spiritual. 6. The Societies are not half supplied with books; not even with " Kempis," " Instructions for Children," and " Primi- tive Physic," which ought to be in every house. And why should not each of you do like William Pen- ington ? — carry books with you through every round. Exert yourselves in this. Be not ashamed. Be not weary. Leave no stone unturned. 7. How few accounts have I had, either of remarkable deaths, or remarkable conversions ! 8. How few exact lists have we received of the Societies ! Take more time and more pains in preparing them. 9. Who of you has met the mar- ried and single men and women once a quarter, even in the largest Socie- ties ] 10. You have not provided a private room everywhere for the Preach- er : nor a bed to himself : neither the " Librar}'," for want of which, some still read trash. Till this can be done, let there be im- mediately in every place at least the " Notes," and the tract on Original Sin. 537 1772. sistant out of three. For instance. Every Assistant ought, 1. To " see that the o^her Preachers behave well." But who has sent me word, whether they did or no 1 2, " To visit the classes, regulate the bands, and deliver tickets quar- terly." How few have done this ! 3. Lovefeasts for the bands have been neglected. 4. Nor have persons been regularly taken in and put out of the bands. 5. I fear, many of the quarterly meetings are formal, not spiritual. 6. The Societies are not half supplied with books ; not even with " Kempis," "Instructions for Children," and "Pi'imitive Physic," which ought to be in every house. And why should not each of you do like William Penington] • — carry books with you through every round. Exert yourselves in this. Be not ashamed. Be not weary. Leave no stone unturned. 7. How few accounts have I had, either of remarkable deaths, or remarkable con- versions ! 8. How few exact lists have we receiv- ed of the Societies ! Take more time and more pains in preparing them. 9. Who of you has met the married and single men and women ouce a quarter, even in the largest Socie- ties] 10. You have not provided a private room everywhere for the Preach- er : nor a bed to himself : neither the " Library," for Avant of which, some still read trash. Till this can be done, let there be im- mediately in every place, at least the "Notes" and the tract on Original Sin. 1780. Assistants. 1. Who has sent me word, whether the other Preachers behave well or ill? 2. Who haa visited all the classes and regulated the bands quar- terly ? 3. Lovefeasts for the bands have been neg- lected : neither have per- sons been duly taken in and put out of the bands. 4. The Societies are not half supplied with books ; not even with those above- mentioned. 0, exert your- selves in this ! Be not weary ! Leave no stone unturned ! 5. How few accounts have I had, either of remarkable deaths, or remarkable conversions ! 6. How few exact lists of the Societies ! 7. How few have met the married and single persons once a quarter ! 1789. Assistants. 1. Who has sent me word, whether the other Preachers behave well or ill? 2. Who has visited all the classes and regulated the bands quarterly ? 3. Lovefeasts for the bands have been neglected : neither have persons been duly taken in and put out of the bands. 4. The Societies are not half supplied with books ; not even with those above-mentioned. 0, exert yourselves in this ! Be not weary ! Leave no stone unturned ! 5. How few accounts have I had, either of remarkable deaths, or remarkable con- versions ! 6. How few exact lists of the Socie- ties ! 7. How few have met the married and single persons once a quarter ! 1753, or 17C7. 538 1763. [Seepage 602.] 1770. Q. 41. Are there any other advices which you would give the Assistants ? A. Several. 1. Take a regular catalogue of your Societies, as they live, in house-row. 2. Leave your successor a particular ac- count of the state of the Circuit. 3. See that every Band-Leadcr have the Rules of them. 4. Vigor- ously, but calmly, enforce the rules concerning ruf- fles, drams, snuff, and tobacco. V>"lien any per- son is admitted into a So- ciety, even good breeding requires him to conform to the rules of that Society. The same you should en- force in Scotland as Eng- land. The Scot^ will hear reason as well as the Eng- lish. 5. As soon as there are four men or women believers in any place, put them into a band. 6. Everywhere insist on de- cency and cleanliness. Tell them cleanliness is next to godliness. 7. Suffer no lovefcast to last above an hour and half; let not one duty interfere with another: and stop all breaking the cake with one another. That silly custom was in- troduced by James Wheat- ley, and creates much con- fusion. And, 9. Inform all the people from time to time, that none should re- move from one Society to another, without a sufBci- ent reason ; and that those who desire to remove are to acquaint you with their rea.soiis, and to have a cer- tificate in these words, (else they will not be received in other Societies,) " A. B., the bearer, is a member of our Society in M . I believe he has a sufficient cause for removing." 10. In every place, exhort )39 1772. Q. 41. Are there any other advices which you would give the Assistants? A. Several. 1. Take a regular catalogue of your Societies, as they live, in house-row. 2. Leave your successor a particular ac- count of the state of the Circuit. 3. See that every Band-Leader have the Eules of them. 4. Vigor- ously, but calmly, enforce the rules concerning ruf- fles, drams, snuft^ and to- bacco. When any person is admitted into the So- ciety, even good breeding requires him to conform to the rules of that Society. The same you should en- force in Scotland as Eng- land. The Scots will hear reason as well as the Eng- lish. 5. As soon as there are four men or women believ- ers in any place, put them into a band. 6. Eveiy- where insist on decency and cleanliness. Tell them cleanliness is next to god- liness. 7. Suffer no love- feast to last above an hour and half; let not one duty interfere with another : and fitop all breaking the cake with one another. That silly custom was intro- duced by James Wheatley, and creates much confu- sion. And, 9. Inform all the people from time to time, that none should re- move from one Society to another, without a suffici- ent reason ; and that those who desire to remove are to acquaint you with their reasons, and to have a cer- tificate in these words, (else they will not be received in other Societies,) "A. B., the bearer, is a member of our Society in il . I believe he has a sufiicient cause for removing." 10. In every place, exhort those 1780. Q. 44. Are there any other advices which you would give the Assistants ? A. Several. 1. Take a regular catalogue of your Societies, as they live, in house-row. 2. Leave your successor a particular ac- count of the state of the Circuit. 3. See that every Band-Leader have the Rules of the Bands. 4. Vigorously, but calmly, en- force the rules concerning needless ornaments, drams, snuff and tobacco. Give no band-ticket to any man or woman who does not promise to leave them off. 5. As soon as there are four men or women believers in any place, put them into a band. 6. Suffer no love- feast to last above an hour and an half : and in- stautly stop all breaking the cake with one another. 7. Warn ail from time to time, that none are to re- move from one Society to another, without a certifi- cate from the Assistant in these words, (else he will not be received in other Societies,) " A. B., the bear- er, is a member of our So- ciety in C. I believe he has suflBcient cause for removing." 8. Eveiywhere recommend decency and cleanliness. Cleanliness is next to godliness. 9. Ex- hort all that were brought up in the Church, to con- tinue therein. Set the ex- ample yourself: and im- mediately change every Plan, that would hinder their being at church, at least two Suud.'iys in four. Carefully avoid whatever has a tendency to separate men from the Church : in particular, preaching at any hour which hinders them from going to it. And let all the servants in our 1789. Q. 44. Are there any other advices which you would give the Assistants ? A. Several. 1. Take a regular catalogue of your Societies, as they live, in house-row. 2. Leave your successor a particular ac- count of the state of the Circuit. 3. See that every Band-Leader has the Rules of the Bands. 4. Vigor- ously, but calmly, enforce the rules concerning need- less ornaments, drams, snuff and tobacco, Give no band-ticket to any man or woman who does not promise to leave them off. 5. As soon as there are four men or women believers in any place, put them into a band. 6. Suffer no lovefeast to last above an hour and an half : and instantly stop all breaking the cake with one another. 7. Warn all from time to time, that none are to remove from one Society to another, without a certificate from the Assistant in these words, (else he will not be received in other Societies,) "A. B., the bearer, is a member of our Society in Q. I believe he has suffi- cient cause for removing." I beg every Assistant to remember this. 8. Every- where recommend decency and cleanliness. Cleanli- ness is next to godliness. 9. Exhort all that were brought up in the Church, to continue therein. Set the example yourself : and immediately change every Plan, that would hinder their being at church, at least two Sundays in four. Carefully avoid whatever has a tendency to separate men from the Church : and let all the servants in our preaching-houses go to 1753, or 1757. 540 1763. 1770. those who were brought, up in the Church to continue therein. And in visiting the classes, ask every one, " Do you go to church as often as ever you did!" Set the example yourself: and immediately alter every Plan that interferes therewith; so that every Preacher may attend the church, at least two Sun- days out of four. Is there not a cause ? Are we not unawares by little and little sliding into a separation from the Church 1 0 remove every tendency thereto with all diligence. 1. Let all our Preachers go to church. 2. Let all the people go constantly ; and, 3. Re- ceive the sacrament at eveiy opportunity. 4. Warn all against niceness in hearing; a great and prevailing evil. 5. Warn them also against despising the prayers of the Church. 6. Against calling our So- ciety a Church or the Church. 7. Against call- ing our Preachers Minis- ters, our houses meeting- houses (call them plain preaching-houses), 8. Do not license them as such : the proper form of a peti- tion to the Judge or Jus- tice is, "A. B. desires to have his house in C — li- censed for public worship." 9. Do not license yourself till you are constrained ; and then not as a Dis- senter, but a Methodist Preacher. It is time enough when you are pro- secuted, to take the oaths. And by so doing you are licensed. Q. 42. But are we not Dissenters ? A. We are irregular, 1. By calling sinners to re- pentance, in all places of 541 1772. who were brought up in the Church to continue therein. And in visiting the classes, ask every »ne, " Do you go to church as often as ever you did V Set the example yourself: and immediately alter every Plan that interferes therewith ; so that every Preacher may attend the church, at least two Sun- days out of four. Is there not a cause? Are we not unawares by little and little sliding into a separation from the Church 1 0 remove every tendency thereto with all diligence. 1. Let all our Preachers go to church. 2. Let all the people go constantly ; and, 3. Receive the sacrament at every opportunity. 4. Warn all against niceness in hearing; a great and prevailing evil. 5. Warn them also against despising the prayers of the Church. 6. Against calling our Society a Church or the Church. 7. Against calling our Preach- ers Ministers, our houses meeting-houses (call them plain preaching-houses). 8. Do not license them as such : the proper form of a petition to the Judge or Justice is, "A. B. desires to have his house in C ■ licensed for public wor- ship." 9. Do not license yourself till you are con- strained ; and then not as a Dissenter, but a Methodist Preacher. It is time enough when you are pro- secuted, to take the oaths. And by so doing you are licensed. Q. 42. But are we not Dissenters ? A. We are irregular, 1. By calling sinners to re- pentance, in all places of 1780, preaching-houses go to church once on Sunday at least. Is there not a cause] Are we not unawares by little and little sliding into a separation from the Church"? 0 use every means to prevent this ! 1. Exhort all our people to keep close to the Church and sacrament. 2. Warn them all against niceness in hearing; a prevailing evil ! 3. Warn them also against despising the pray- ers of the Church. 4. Against calling our Society the Church. 6. Against calling our Preachers Ministers, our houses meet- ing-houses ; call them plain preaching-houses or chapels. 6. Do not license them as Dissenters : the proper paper to be sent in at the assizes, sessions, or Bishop's court is this : " A. B. desires to have his house in C. licensed for public worship." 7. Do not license yourself till you are constrained ; and then not as a Dissenter, but a Me- thodist. It is time enough when you are prosecuted, to take the oaths. And by so doing you are li- censed. Q. 45. But are we not Dissenters 1 A. No. Although we call sinners to repentance in all places of God's do- 1789. church once on Sunday at least. Is there not a cause? Are we not unawares by little and little sliding into a separation from the Church] 0 use every means to prevent this ! 1. Exhort all our people to keep close to the Church and sacrament. 2. Warn them all against niceness in hearing ; a prevailing evil ! 3. Warn them also against despising the pray- ers of the Church. 4. Against calling our Society the Church. 5. Against calling our Preachers Mi- nisters, our houses meeting- houses ; call them plain preaching-houses or cha- pels. 6. Do not license them as Dissenters : the proper paper to be sent in at the assizes, sessions, or Bishop's court, is this: "A. B. has set apart his house in C. for public wor- ship, of which he desires a certificate." — N.B. The Jus- tice does not license the house, but the Act of Par- liament. 7. Do not license yourself till you are con- strained ; and then not as a Dissenter, but a Me- thodist. It is time enough when you are prosecuted, to take the baths. And by so doing you are licensed. Q. 45. But are we not Dissenters ] A. No. Although we call sinners to repentance in all places of God's do- 1753, or 17.17. 542 1763. 1770. God's dominion. 2. By frequently using extem- porary prayer. Yet we are not Dissenters in the only sense which our law ac- knowledges; namely, per- sons who believe it is sin- ful to attend the service of the Church : for we do attend it at all opportuni- ties. We will not, dare not separate from the Church, for the reasons given several years ago. We are not Seceders, nor do we bear any resem- blance to them. We set out upon quite opposite prin- ciples. The Seceders laid the very foundation of their work in judging and condemning others. We laid the foundation of our work, in judging and con- demning ourselves. They begin everywhere, with showing their hearers, how fallen the Church and Ministers are. We begin everywhere, with showing our hearers, how fallen they are themselves. And as we are not Dis- senters from the Church now, so we will do nothing, willingly, which tends to a separation from it. There- fore let every Assistant immediately so order his Circuit, that no Preacher may be hindered from at- tending the church, more than two Simdays in the month. Never make light of going to church, either by word or deed. Remem- ber Mr. Hook, a very eminent and zealous Pa- pist. When I asked him, " Sir, what do you for public worship here, where you have no Romish ser- mon]" he answered, "Sir, I am so fully convinced, it is the duty of every man to worship God in public, 543 1772. God's dominion. 2. By frequently using extempor- ary prayer. Yet we are not Dissenters in the only sense which our law ac- knowledges; namely, per- sons who believe it is sin- ful to attend the service of the Church : for we do at- tend it at all opportunities. We will not, dare not sepa- rate from the Church, for the reasons given several years ago. We are not Seceders, nor do we bear any resemblance to them. We set out upon quite op- posite principles. The Se- ceders laid the very found- ation of their work in judging and condemning others. We laid the foun- dation of our work, in judging and condemning ourselves. They begin everywhere, with showing their hearers, how fallen the Church and Ministers are. We begin everywhere, with showing our hearers, how fallen they are them- selves. And as we are not Dis- senters from the Church now, so we will do nothing, willingly, which tends to a separation from it. There- fore let every Assistant immediately so order his Circuit, that no Preacher may be hindered from at- tending the church, more than two Sundays in the month. Never make light of going to church, either by word or deed. Eemem- ber Mr. Hook, a very eminent and zealous Pa- pist. When I asked him, "Sir, what do you for public worship here, where you have no Eomish ser- mon V he answered, "Sir, I am so fully con- vinced, it is the duty of every man to worship God 1780. million ; and although we frequently use extemporary prayer, and unite together in a religious Society : yet we are not Dissentera in the only sense which our law acknowledges ; namely, those who renounce the service of the Church. We do not : we dare not sepa- rate from it. We are not Seceders, nor do we bear any resemblance to them. We set out upon quite op- posite principles. The Se- ceders laid the very foun- dation of their work, in judging and condemning others. We laid the foun- dation of our work, in judging and condemning ourselves. They begin everywhere, with showing their hearers, how fallen the Church and Ministers are. We begin everywhere, with showing our hearers, how fallen they are them- selves. And never let us make light of going to church, either by word or deed. Remember Mr. Hook, a very eminent and a zealous Papist. When I asked him, " Sir, what do you do for public worship here, where you have no Romish service V he answered, " Sir, I am so fully con- vinced, it is the duty of every man to worship God in public, that I go to church every Sunday. If I cannot have such worship as I would, I will have such worship as I can." irso. minion; and although wo frequently use extemporary prayer, and unite together in a religious Society: yet we are not Dissenters in the only sense which our law acknowledges ; namely, those who renounce the service of the Church. We do not : we dare not sepa- rate from it. We are not Seceders, nor do we bear any resemblance to them. We set out upon quite op- posite principles. The Seceders laid the very foundation of their work, in judging and condemn- ing others. We laid the foundation of our work, in judging and condemning ourselves. They begin everywhere, with showing their hearers, how fallen the Church and Ministers are. We begin everywhere with showing our hearers, how fallen they are them- selves. What they do in America, or what their Minutes say on this subject, is nothing to us. We will keep in the good old way. And never let us make light of going to church, either by word or deed. Remember Mr. Hook, a very eminent and a zeal- ous Papist. When I asked him, " Sir, what do you do for public worship here, where you have no Romish service V he answered, "Sir, I am so fully con- vinced, it is the duty of every man to worship God in public, that I go to church every Sunday. If I cannot have such worship as I would, I will have such worship as I can." 1763. or 1757. 544 1763. 1770. lliat I go to church every Sunday. If I cannot have such worship aa I would, I will have such worship as I can." But some may say, " Our own service is public wor- ship." Yes, in a sense : but not such aa supersedes the Church service. We never designed it should : we have an hundred times professed the contrary. It presupposes public prayer, like the sermons at the University. Therefore I have over and over advised, " Use no long prayer, either before or after sermon." Therefore I myself frequent- ly use only a collect, and never enlarge in prayer, unless at intercession, or on a watchnight, or on some extraordinary occa- sion. If it were designed to be instead of Church service, it would be essentially de- fective. For it seldom has the four grand parts of public prayer : depreca- tion, petition, intercession, and thanksgiving. Neither is it, even on the Lord's day, concluded with the Lord's supper. The hour for it on that day, unless where there is some peculiar reason for a variation, should be five in the morning as well as in the evening. Why should we make God's day the shortest of the seven 1 But if the people put ours in the room of the Church service, we hurt them that stay with us, and ruin them that leave us. For then they will go nowhere, but lounge the Sabbath away, without any public worship at all. I advise therefore all the Methodists in England and Ireland, who have been 545 1772. in public, tliat I go to churcli every Sunday. If I cannot have such worship as I would, I will have such worship as I can." But some may say, " Our own service is public wor- ship." Yes, in a sense : but not such as supersedes the Church service. We never designed it should : we have an hundred times professed the contrary. It pre-supposcs public prayer, like the sermons at the University. Therefore I have over and over advised, " Use no long prayer, either before or after sermon." Therefore I myself frequent- ly use only a collect, and never enlarge in prayer, unless at intercession, or on a watchnight, or on some extraordinary occa- sion. If it were designed to be instead of Church service, it would be essentially de- fective. For it seldom has the four grand parts of public prayer : depreca- tion, petition, intercession, and thanksgiving. Neither is it, even on the Lord's day, concluded with the Lord's supper. The hour for it on that day, unless where there is some peculiar reason for a variation, should be iive in the morning as well as in the evening. Why should we make God's day the shortest of the seven ] But if the people put ours in the room of the Church service, we hurt them that stay with us, and ruin them that leave us. For then they will go nowhere, but lounge the Sabbath away, without any public worship at all. I advise therefore all the Methodists in England and Ireland, who have been Vol. I. 1780. But some may say, "Our own service is public wor- ship." Yes ; but not such as supersedes the Church- sei'vice : It presupposes public prayer, like the ser- mons at the University. If it were designed to be instead of the Church-ser- vice, it would be essentially defective. For it seldom has the four grand parts of public prayer : deprecation, petition, intercession, and thanksgiving. If the people put ours in the room of the Church- service, we hurt them that stay with us, and ruin them that leave us. For then they will go nowhere, but lounge the Sabbath away, without any public worship at all. N N 1789. But some may say, " Our own service is public wor- ship." Yes ; but not such as supersedes the Church- service : it presupposes public prayer, like the sermons at the University. If it were designed to be instead of the Church-ser- vice, it would be essentially defective. For, it seldom has the four grand parts of public prayer : deprecation, petition, intercession, and thanksgiving. If the people put ours in the room of the Church- service, we hurt them that stay with us, and ruin them that leave us. For then they will go nowhere, but lounge the Sabbath away, ^vithout any public worship at all. 1753, or 1757. 546 1763. 1770. brought np in the Church, constantly to attend the service of the Church, a:- least every Lord's day. Q. Do Tre sufficiently watch over our Helpers? A. We might consider those that are with us as our pupils : into whose he- Q. Do we sufficiently watch over our Helpers "? A. We might consider those that are with us as our pupils : into whose be- Q. 43. Are all our Preachers merciful to their beasts 1 A . Perhaps not. Every one ought not only to ride moderately, but also to see with his o^vn eyes his horse rubbed, fed, and bedded. Q. 44. Do we sufficiently watch over our Helpei"s? A. We might consider those that are with us as our pupils : into whose be^ 547 1772. brought up in the Church, constantly to attend the seryice of the Church, at least every Lords day. Q. 43. Are all our Preachers merciful to their beasts ? A. Perhaps not. Every one ought, not only to ride it moderately, but also to see with his own eyes his horse rubbed, fed, and bed- ded. *Q. 44. Do we sufficient- ly watch over our Helpers 1 ,4. We might consider those that are with us as our pupils : into whose be- 1780. Q. 46. Nay, but is it not our duty to separate from the Church, considering the wickedness both of the Clergy and the people 1 A. We conceive not, 1. Because both the Priests and the people were full as wicked in the Jewish Church. And yet it was not the duty of the holy Israelites to separate from them. 2. Neither did our Lord command His disci- ples to separate from them : He rather commanded the contrary. 3. Hence it is clear, that could not be the meaning of St. Paul's words, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate." Q. 47. But what reasons are there why we should not separate from the Church ? A . Among others, those which were printed above twenty years ago, entitled "Reasons against a Sepa- ration from the Church of England." [See page 529.] Q. 48. Do we sufficiently watch over our Helpers f A. We might consider those that are with us as our pupils : into whose be- 2 N 2 1789. Q. 46. Nay, but is it not our duty to separate from the (;!hurch, considering the wickedness both of the Clergy and the people 1 A. We conceive not, 1. Because both the Priests and the people were full as wicked in the Jewish Church. And yet it was not the duty of the holy Israel- ites to separate from them. 2. Neither did our Lord command His disciples to separate from them : He rather commanded the contrary. 3. Hence it is clear, that could not be the meaning of St. Paul's words, " Come out from among them, and be ye separate." Q. 47. But what reasons are there why we should not separate from the Church ] A . Among others, those which were printed above twenty years ago, entitled " Reasons against a Separa- tion from the Church of England." We allow two exceptions, 1. If the parish Minister be a notoriously wicked man. 2. If he preach Socinianism, Arianism, or any other essentially false doctrine. [See page 529.] Q. 48. Do we sufficiently watch over our Helpers ? A. We might consider those that are with us as our pupils : into whcse be- 548 1753. or 1757. haviour and studies we should therefore make a particular inquiry every day. Should we not particu- larly ask each. Do you walk close with (5od? Have you now fellowship with the Father and the Son? At what hour do you rise] Do you punctually ob;-;erve the morninij and evening hour of retirement] Do you spend the day in the manner which we advise 1 Do you read the books we advise, and no other 1 Do you fast as often as your health will permit? Do you converse seriously, use- fully, and closely ? Do you pray before, and have you a determinate end in, every conversation ? 1763. haviour and studies we should therefore make a particular inquiry every day. Should we not frequently ask each. Do you walk closely with God 1 Have you now fellowship with the Father and the Son? At what hour do you rise ] Do you punctually obs'.n've the morning and evening hour of retirement? Do you spend the day in the manner which we advise? Do you read the books we advise, and no other? Do you fast as often as your health will permit? Do you converse seriously, use- fully, and closelj' ? Do you pray before, and have you a determinate end in, every conversation? To be more particular. Do you use all the means of grace yourself, and en- force the use of them on all persons 1 They are either instituted or prudential. I. The instituted are, 1. Prayer; private, fa- mily, public ; consisting of deprecation, petition, in- tercession, thanksgiving. Do you use each of these constantly (at set times) and fervently ? Do you use private prayer every morning and even- ing ] If you are your own master, at five in the even- ing, and the hour before or after morning-preaching ? Do you forecast wherever you are, how to secure these hours ? Do you avow it every- where ? Are you resolute herein ? Do you call your family together at five? Do you ask cvei'.vwhere, (] .) Haveyou family-prayer .' 1770. haviour and studies we should therefore make a particular inquiry every day. Should we not frequently ask each. Do you walk closely with God ? Have you now fellowship with the Father and the Son? At what hour do you rise ? Do you punctually observe the morning and evening hour of retirement? Do you spend the day in tlie manner which we advise? Do you read the books we advise, and no other ? Do you fast as often as your health will permit? Do you converse seriously, use- fully, and closely ? Do you pray before, and have you a determinate end in, every conversation ? To be more particular : Do you use all the means of grace yourself, and en- force the use of them on all persons ? They are either institut- ed or prudential. I. The instituted are, 1. Prayer; private, fa- mily, public: conaisting of deprecation, petition, in- tercession, thanksgiving. Do you use each of these constantly (at set times) and fervently ? Do you use private prayer every morning and evening? If you ai-e your own master, at five in the evening, and the hour be- fore or after morning- preaching ? Do you forecast wherever you are, how to secure these hours ? Do you avow it every- where ? Are you resolute herein ? Do you call your family together at five ? Do you ask everywhere, (1.) Haveyou family-prayer? 1772. haviour and studies we should therefore make a particular inquiry every day. Should we not frequent- ly ask each, Do you walk closely with Godi Have you now fellowship with the Father and the Son! At what hour do you rise 1 Do you punctually observe the morning and evening hour of retirement? Do you spend the day in the manner which we advise] Do you read the books we advise, and no other 1 Do you fast as often as your health will permit] Do you converse seriously, use- fully, and closely ? Do you pray before, and have you a determinate end in, every conversation ] To be more particular : Do you use all the means of grace yourself, and en- force the use of them on all persons? They are either institut- ed or prudential. I. The instituted are, 1. Prayer; private, family, public; consisting of deprecation, petition, intercession, thanksgiv- ing. Do you use each of these constantly (at set times) and fervently ] Do you use private pray- er every morning and evening ] If you are your owTi master, at five in the evening, and the hour be- fore or after morning- preaching ] Do you forecast wherever you are, how to secure these hours ] Do you avow it every- where ] Are you resolute herein] Do you call your family together at five ] Do you ask everywhere, (1 .) Have you family-prayer ] 549 1780. haviour and studies we should inquire every day. Should we not frequent- ly ask each. Do you walk closely with God] Have you now fellowship with the Father, and the Son? At what hour do you rise ] Do you punctually observe the morning and evening hour of retirement ? Do you spend the day in the manner which we advise? Do you converse seriously, usefully, and closely] To be more particular : Do you use all the means of grace yourself, .and enforce the use of them on all other persons? They are either institut- ed or prudential. I. The instituted are, 1. Prayer ; private, fa- mily, public ; consisting of deprecation, petition, in- tercession, and thanksgiv- ing. Do you use each of these ] Do you use private pray- er every morning and evening] If you can, at five 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 everywhere? Do you ask everywhere. Have you family-prayer ? Do you retire at five o'clock ? 17«0. haviour and studies we should inquire every day. Should we not frequent- ly ask each, Do you walk closely with God? Have you now fellowship with the Father, and the Son? At what hour do you rise ? Do you punctually observe the morning and evening hour of retirement] Do you spend the day in the manner which we advise ? Do you converse seriously, usefully, and closely ? To be more particular : Do you use all the means of grace yourself, and en- force the use of them on all other persons ] They are either institut- ed or prudential. I. The instituted are, 1. Prayer; private, fa- mily, public ; consisting of deprecation, petition, in- tercession, and thanksgiv- ing. Do you use each of these ] Do you use private pray- er every morning and evening] If you can, at five 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 everywhere] Do you ask everywhere. Have you family-prayer ] Do you retire at fivft o'clock ] 550 1755;. CT 1757. 1763. (2.) Do you retire at five o'clock ] 2. Searching the Scrip- ture ; by, (1.) Reading: constantly, some part of every day, and at all vacant hours ; regularly, all the New Tes- tament (at least) and the Lessons for Children in order ; carefully, with the Notes, seriously, delibe- rately, with much prayer preceding, accompanying and following ; fruitfully, immediately practising what you learn there ? What other books do you read? Is it wise to read any, till you have read our Tracts, and the Christian Library ] Do you give the morn- ing to reading, writing, and prayer ] (2.) Meditating : at set times? How? By Bishop Hall's, or Mr. Baxters rule ] How long ? (3.) Hearing : constantly 1 Every morning t Humbly ? Uncritically, devoutly 1 Carefully ? With prayer before, at, after] Fruitfully] Immediately putting in practice ] Have you a New Testa- ment always in your pocket] (See that the Notes are in every Society. Explain them to the congregation.) 3. The Lord's supper. Do you use this At every opportunity ] With due preparation ] i. e., with solemn prayer ] With careful self examination 1 With deep repentance suit- ed thereto ] With earnest and deliberate self-devo- tion ] Do you in communicat- ing discern the Lord's body] Do you afterward retire, 1770. (2.) Do you retire at five o'clock ] 2. Searching the Scrip- ture ; by, (1.) Reading: constantly, some part of every day, and at all vacant hours ; regularly, all the New Tes- tament (at least) and the Lessons for Children in order ; carefully, with the Notes, seriously, delibe- rately, with much prayer preceding, accompanying and following; fruitfully, immediately practising what you leam there ] What other books do you read] Is it wise to read any, till you have read our Tracts, and the Christian Library ] Do you give the morn- ing to reading, writing, and prayer ] (2.) Meditating : at set times] How] By Bishop Hall's, or Mr. Baxter's rule ] How long ] (3.) Hearing : constantly ? Every morning ] Humbly ] Uncritically, devoutly] Carefully ] With prayer before, at, after ] Fruitfully] Immediate- ly putting in practice ] Have you a New Testa- ment always in your pocket] (See that the Notes are in every Society. Explain them to the congregation.) 3. The Lord's supper. Do you use this At every opportunity? With due preparation ] That is, with solemn pray- er] With careful self ex- amination ] With deep repentance suited thereto] With earnest and delibe- rate self devotion ] Do you in communicat- ing discern the Lord'a body] Do you afterward retire> 551 1772. (2.) Do you retire at five o'clock 1 2. Searching the Scrip- ture; by, (1.) Eeading : constantly, some part of every day, and at all vacant hours; regularly, all the New Tes- tament (at least) and the Lessons for Children in order ; carefully, with the Notes, seriously, delibe- rately, with much prayer preceding, accompanying and following; fruitfully, immediately practising what you learn there ? What other books do you read ? Is it wise to read any, till you have read our tracts, and the Christian Library ? Do you give the morn- ing to reading, writing, and prayer? (2.) Meditating : at set times 1 How ] By Bishop Hall's, or Mr. Baxter's rule '] How long ] (3.) Hearing: constantly? Every morning 1 Humbly ? Uncritically, devoutly '.' Carefully? With prayer before, at, after ? Fruitfully? Immediate- ly putting in practice ? Have jou a New Testa- ment always in your pocket ? (See that the Notes are in every Society. Explain them to the congregation.) 3. The Lord's supper. Do you use this At every opportunity ? With due preparation ? That is, with solemn prayer? With careful self- examination? With deep repentance suited thereto? With earnest and delibe- rate self-devotion ? Do you in communicat- ing discern the Lord's body? Do you afterward retire, 1780. 2. Searching the Scrip- tures ; by, (1.) Reading : constantly, some part of every day; regularly, all the Bible in order ; carefully, with the Notes; seriously, with prayer before and after ; fruitfully, immediately practising what you learn there ] (2.) Meditating: at set times ? By any rule ? (3.) Hearing: every morn- ing 1 Carefully ? With prayer before, at, after ? Immediately putting in practice ? Have you a New Testa- ment always about you ? 3. The Lord's supper. Do you use this at every opportunity ? With solemn prayer be- fore? With earnest and deliberate self-devotion ] 1789. 2. Searching the Scrip- tures ; by, (1.) Reading : constantly, some part of every day ; regularly, all the Bible in order ; carefully, with the Notes ; seriously, with prayer before and after; fruitfully, immediately practising what you learn there ? (2.) Meditating: at set times ? By any rule ? (3.) Hearing : every morn- ing? Carefully ? With prayer before, at, after? Immediately putting in practice ? Have you a New Testa- ment always about you ] 3. The Lord's supper. Do you use this at every opportunity ? With solemn prayer be- fore ? With earnest and deliberate self-devotion ] 552 irsb. or 1757. 1763. not formally, but in ear- nest] 4. Fasting: God led us to this at Oxford. And He led all of you to it, ■when you first set out. How often do you fast now] Eveiy Friday? In •what degree ] I purpose generally to eat only vegetables on Friday, and take only toast- and-water in the morning. 5. Christian conference. Are we convinced, how important and how diffi- cult it is to order our con- versation right ] Is it always in grace 1 Seasoned with salt ? Meet to minister grace to the hearers 1 Do we not converse too long at a time ] Is not an hour at a time commonly enough 1 Would it not be well to plan our conversation be- forehand ] To pray before and after it ] II. Prudential means we may use either as common Christians, as Methodists, as Preachers, or as Assist- ants. 1. As common Christians. What particular rules have you for avoiding evil i doing good? growing in grace? What arts of holy living ? 2. As Methodists : do you never miss auy meeting of the Society? Neither your class, or band ? 3. As Preachers : do you meet every Society weekly'- Also the Leaders ? and bands, if any ? Do you visit the sickt and the well ? Instructing masters and parents? And in all relative duties 1 4. As Assistants : do you fill up and regulate the bands wherever you come ? Diligently inquire into tho 1770. not formally, but in ear- nest? 4. Fasting : God led us to this at Oxford. And He led all of you to it, when you first set out. How often do you fast now? Every Friday? In what degree ? 5. Christian conference. Are we convinced, how important and how diffi- cult it is to order our con- versation right? Is it always in grace? Seasoned with salt ? Meet to minister grace to the hearers ? Do we not converse too long at a time ? Is not an hour at a time commonly enough ? Would it not be well to plan our conversation be- forehand ? To pray before and after it ? II. Prudential means we may use either as common Christians, as Methodists, as Preachers, or as Assist- ants. 1. As common Christi- ans. What particular rules have you, for avoiding evil ? doing good ? grow- ing in grace? What arts of holy living ? 2. As Methodists : do yo\i never miss any meet- ing of the Society? Nei- ther your class, or band ? 3. As Preachers : do you meet every Society week- ly? Also the Leaders? and bands, if any ? Do you visit the sick 1 and the well ? Instructing masters and parents 1 And in all relative duties ? 4. As Assistants : do you fill up and regulate the bands wherever you oome] Diligently inquire 553 1772. not formally, but in ear- nest? 4. Fasting: God led us to this at Oxford. And He led all of you to it, when you first set out. How often do you fast now] Every Friday? In what degree ? 6. Christian conference. Are we convinced, how important and how diffi- cult it is to order our con- versation right? Is it always in grace ? Seasoned with salt ? Meet to minister grace to the hearers? Do we not converse too long at a time ? Is not an hour at a time commonly enough ? Would it not be well to plan our conversation be- forehand ? To pray before and after it ? II. Prudential means we may use either as common Christians, as Methodists, as Preachers, or as Assist- ants. 1. As common Christi- ans. What particular rules have you, for avoiding evil? doing good? grow- ing in grace ? What arts of holy living? 2. As Methodists : do you never miss any meet- ing of the Society? Nei- ther your class, or band ? 3. As Preachers : do you meet every Society week- ly ? Also the Leaders ? and bands, if any? Do you visit the sick? and the well? Instruct- ing masters and parents? And in all relative duties? 4. As Assistants : do you fill up and regulate the bands wherever you come? Diligently inquire 1780. 4. Fasting. How do you fast every Friday ? 5. Christian conference. Are you convinced how important and how diffi- cult it is to oi'der your conversation right ? Is it always in grace? Seasoned with salt ? Meet to minister grace to the 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 determi- nate end in view ? And to pray before and after it ? II. Prudential means we may use, either as com- mon Christians, as Method- ists, as Preachers, or as Assistants. 1. As common Chris- tians : what particular rules have you, in order to grow in grace ? What arts of holy living? 2. As Methodists, do you never miss your class or band ? 3. As Preachers, do you meet every Society ? Also the Leaders and bands, if any? 4. As Assistants, have you throughly considered your office? And do you make a conscience of 1789. 4. Fasting. How do you fast every Friday ? 5. Christian conference. Are you convinced how important and how diffi- cult it is to order your conversation right ? Is it always in grace ? Seasoned with salt? Meet to minister grace to the 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 determi- nate end in view'* And to pray before and after it ? II. Prudential means we may use, either as common Christians, as Methodists, as Preachers, or as Assist- ants. 1. As common Christi- ans : what particular rules have you, in order to grow in grace? What arts of holy living? 2. As Methodists, do you never miss your class or band ? 3. As Preachers, do you meet every Society? Also the Leaders and bands, if any? 4. As Assistants, have you throughly considered your office ? And do you make a conscience of 554 1753, or 1757. 1763. state of the books, and do all j-ou can to propagate them ] Keep watchnights once a month ] And love- feasts 1 With one twice a year, for all the Society ] Do you visit every So- ciety once a quarter, and regulate all things therein 1 Do you take a regular catalogue of your Societies at least once a year? Do you write me an account of all the defects of the common Preachers, which you cannot yourself cure] These means may be used without fruit. But there are some means which cannot ; namely, ■watching, denying our- selves, taking up our cross, exercise of the presence of God. 1 . Do we steadily watch against the world, the devil, ourselves? the be- setting sin] 2. Do you deny your- selves every useless pleasure of sense ] imagination ? honour] Are you tempe- rate in all things ] To take one instance, in food ] Do you use only that kind and that degree, which is best both for the body and soul ] Do you see the necessity of this] Do you eat no flesh sup- pers ] No late suppers ] These naturally tend to destroy bodily health. Do you eat only three meals a day] If four, are you not an excellent pat- tern to the flock ] Do you take no more food than is necessary at each meal ] You may know if you do, by a load at your stomach ; by drow- siness or heaviness ; and, in a while, by weak or bad nerves. 1770. into the state of the books, and do all you can to pro- pagate them ] Keep watchnights once a month ] And lovefeasts ] With one twice a year, for all the Society ] Do you vi.*it every So- ciety once a quarter, and regulate all things therein? Do you take a regular catalogue of your Societies at least once a year ] Do you write me an account of all the defects of the common Preachers, which you cannot yourself cure] These means may be used without fruit. But there are some means which cannot ; namely, watching, denying our- selves, taking up our cross, exercise of the presence of God. 1. Do we steadily watch against the world, the devil, ourselves ? the be- setting sin ! 2. Do you deny your- selves every useless plea- sure of sense? imagination? honour] Are you tempe- rate in all things] To take one instance, in food ] Do you use only that kind and that degree, which is best both for the body and soul ] Do you see the ne- cessity of this] Do you eat no flesh sup- pers ] No late suppers ? These naturally tend to destroy bodily health. Do you eat only three meals a day ] If four, are you not an excellent pat- tern to the flock ] Do you take no more food than is necessary at' each meal? You may know if you do, by a load at your stomach ; by drow- siness, or heaviness ; and, in a while, by weak or bad nerves. 1772. into the state of the books, and do all you can to pro- pagate them 1 Keep watch- nights once a month? And lovefeasts 1 With one twice a year, for all the Society ] Do you visit every So- ciety once a quarter, and regulate all things therein 1 Do you take a regular catalogue of your Societies at least once a year 1 Do you write me an account of all the defects of the common Preachers, which you cannot yourself cure 1 These means may be used without fruit. But there are some means which cannot ; namely, watching, denying our- selves, taking up our cross, exercise of the presence of God. 1. Do we steadily watch against the world, the devil, ourselves 1 the be- setting sin ] 2. Do you deny your- selves every useless plea- sure of sense] imagina- tion] honour] Are you temperate in all things] To take one instance, in food] Do you use only that kind and that degree, which is best both for the body and soul] Do you see the necessity of this ] Do you eat no flesh sup- pers] No late suppers] These naturally tend to destroy bodily health ] Do you eat only three meals a day ] If four, are you not an excellent pat- tern to the flock ] Do you take no more food than is necessary at each meal] You may know if you do, by a load at your stomach ; by drow- siness, or heaviness; and, in a while, by weak or bad nerves. 1780. executing every part of it] These means may be used without fruit. But there are some means which cannot ; namely, watching, denying our- selves, taking up our cross, exercise of the presence of God. 1. Do you steadily watch against the world ] the devil ] yourselves ] your besetting sin ] 2. Do you deny yourself every useless pleasure of sense ] imagination ] ho- nour] 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 necessity of this] 3. Do you eat no flesh suppers ] No late suppers ] 4. Do you eat no more at each meal than is neces- sary ] Are you not heavy or drowsy after dinner ? 1789. executing every part of it] These means may be used without fruit. But there are some means which cannot ; namely, watching, denying oui-- selves, taking up our cross, exercise of the presence of God. 1. Do you steadily watch against the world] the devil! yourselves] your besetting sin ] 2. Do you deny yourself every useless pleasure of sense ] imagination ] ho- nour ] 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 necessity of this ] 3. Do you eat no flesh suppers] No late suppers] 4. Do you eat no more at each meal than is neces- sary ] Are you not heavy or drowsy after dinner ] 1753, or 1757. Q. What can he done in order to a closer union of our Helpers with each other? A. 1. Let them be deeply convinced of the want there is of it at pre- sent, and the absolute necessity of it. 2. Let them pray for an earnest desire of union. 3. Let them speak freely to each other. 4. When they meet, let them never part without prayer. 5. Let them beware how they despise each other's gifts. 6. Let them never speak elightingly of each other in any kind. 7. Let them defend one another's character in everything, to the utmost of their power : and, 17G3. Do you use only that kind and that degree of drink which is best both for your body and soul ? Do you drink water'? Why not 1 Did you ever ? Why did you leave it off] If not for health, when will you begin again ] To- day ]' How often do you drink wine or ale] Every day? Do you want or waste it ] 3. Wherein do you take up your cross daily ] Do you cheerfully bear your cross (whatever is grievous to nature) as a gift of God, and labour to profit there- by] 4. Do you endeavour to set God always before you ] To see his eye continually fixed upon j'ou] Never can you use these means, but a blessing will ensue. And the more you use them, the more will you " grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." Q. What can be done in order to a closer union of our Helpers with each other] A. 1. Let them be deep- ly convinced of the want there is of it at present, and the absolute necessity of it. 2. Let them pray for an earnest desire of union. 3. Let them speak freely to each other. 4. When they meet, let them never part without prayer. 5. Let them beware how they despise each other's gifts. 6. Let them never speak slightingly of each other in any kind. 7. Let them defend one another's character in everything, to the utmost of their power : and, 1770. Do you use only that kind and that degree of drink which is best both for your body and soul ? Do you drink water? Why not ? Did you ever ? Why did you leave it off? If not for health, when will you begin again ] To- day ] How often do you drink wine or ale ? Every day ? Do you want or waste it ? 3. Wherein do you take up your cross daily? Do you cheerfully bear your cross (Avhatever is grievous to nature) as a gift of God, and labour to profit there- by] 4. 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 blessing will ensue. And the more you use them, the more will you "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." Q. 45. What can be done in order to a closer union of our Helpers with each other ? A. 1. Let them be deep- ly convinced of the want there is of it at present, and the absolute necessity of it. 2. Let them pray for an earnest desire of union. 3. Let them speak freely to each other. 4. When they meet, let them never part without prayer. 5. Let them beware how they despise each other's gifts. 6. Let them never speak slightingly of each other in any kind. 7. Let them defend one another's characters in everything, to the utmost of their power : and. 557 1772. Do you use only that kind and that degree of drink which is best both for your body and soul ] Do you drink water? Why not? Did you ever? Why did you leave it off? If not for health, when will yon begin again ? To- day? How often do you drink wine or ale ? Every day ? Do you want or waste it ? 3. Wherein do you take up your cross daily? Do you cheerfully bear your cross (whatever is grievous to nature) as a gift of God, and labour to profit there- by? 4. Do you endeavour to Bet God always before you? To see his eye con- tinually fixed upon you ? Never can j^ou use these means, but a blessing will ensue. And the more you use them, the more will you "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." Q. 45. What can be done in order to a closer union of our Helpers with each other ? A. 1. Let them be deep- ly convinced of the want there is of it at present, and the absolute necessity of it. 2. Let them pray for an earnest desire of union. 3. Let them speak freely to each other. 4. When they meet, let them never part without prayer. 5. Let them beware how they despise each other's gifts. 6. Let them never speak slightingly of each other in any kind. 7. Let them defend one another's characters in everything, to the utmost of their power : and, 1780. 5. Do you use only that kind and that degree of drink which is best both for your bodj^ and soul ? 6. Do you drink water? Why not ? Did you ever ? Why did you leave it off? If not for health, when will you begin again ? To- day? 7. How often do you drink wine or ale ? Every day ? Do you want it ? 8. Wherein do you take up your cross daily ? Do your cheerfully bear your cross (whatever is grievous to nature) as a gift of God, and labour to profit there- by? 9. 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 blessing will ensue. And the more you use them, the more will you grow in grace. Q. 49. What can be done in order to a closer union of our Helpers with each other ? A. 1. Let them be deep- ly convinced of the want there is of it at present, and the absolute necessity of it. 2. Let them pray for a desire of union. 3. Let them speak freely to each other. 4. When they meet, let them never part without prayer. 5. Let them beware how they despise each other's gifts. 6. Let them never speak slightingly of each other in any kind. 7. Let them defend one another's characters in everything, so far as con- sists with truth : and, 1789. 5. Do you use only that kind and that degree of drink which is best both for your body and soul ? 6. Do you drink water? Why not ? Did your ever ? Why did you leave it off? If not for health, when will you begin again ? To- day? 7. How often do you drink wine or ale ? Every day ? Do you want it ? 8. Wherein do you take up your cross daily? Do you cheerfully bear your cross (whatever is grievous to nature) as a gift of God, and labour to profit there- by? 9. 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 blessing will ensue. And the more you 'use them, the more will yuu grow in grace. Q. 49. What can be done in order to a closer union of our Helpers with each other? A.\. Let them be deep- ly convinced of the want there is of it at present, and the absolute necessity of it. 2. Let them pray for a desire of union. 3. Let them speak freely to each other. 4. When they meet, let them never part witliout prayer. 5. Let them beware how they despise each other's gifts. 6. Let them never speak slightingly of each other in any kind. 7. Let them defend one another's characters in everything, so far a& con- sists with truth ; and. 558 1753. or 1757. 8. Let them labour in honour each to prefer the other before himself. Q. How shall we avoid popularity ? We mean such esteem or love from the people, as is not for the glory of God. A.\. Earnestly pray for a piercing sense of the danger there is, and the sinfulness of it. 2. Take care how you ingratiate yourself with any people by slackness of discipline : 3. Or by any method which another Preacher cannot iollow. 4. Warn the people among whom you are most, of esteeming or loving you too much. 5. Converse sparingly with those who are particu- larly fond of you. Q. How often should our Helpers preach \ A . Not more than twice a day, unless on a Sunday, or some extraordinary oc- casion. Q. Which is the best general method of preach- ing] ^.1. To invite. 2. To convince. 3. To offer Christ. 4. To build up. And do this in some mea- sure in every sermon. Q. Are there any smaller advices relating to preach- ing, which might be of use to us? A . Perhaps these :' 1. Be sxire to begin and end pre- cisely at the time ap- pointed. 2. Endeavour to be seri- ous, weighty, and solemn in your whole deportment before the congregation. 3. Always suit your sub- lect to the audience. 4. Choose the plainest texts you can. 5. Take care not to 1763. 8. Let them labour in honour each to prefer the other before himself. Q. How shall we avoid popularity ? We mean such esteem or love from the people, as is not for the glory of God. ^ . 1. Earnestly pray for a piercing sense of the danger there is, and the sinfulness of it. 2. Take care how you ingratiate yourself with any people by slackness of discipline : 3. Or by any method which another Preacher cannot follow. 4. Warn the people among whom you are most, of esteeming or loving you too much. 5. Converse sparingly with those who are par- ticularly fond of j'ou. Q. How often should our Helpers preach ] A. Not more than twice a day, unless on a Sunday, or some extraordinary oc- casion. Q. Which is the best general method of preach- ing? A. 1. To invite. 2. To convince. 3. To offer Christ. 4. To build up. And to do this in some measure in eveiy sei'mon. Q. Are there any smaller advices relating to preach- ing, which might be of use tons? A. Perhaps these : 1. Be sure to begin and end pre- cisely at the time ap- pointed. 2. Endeavour to be seri- ous, weighty, and solemn in your whole deportment before the congregation. 3. Alwaj's suit your sub- ject to the audience. 4. Choose the plainest texts you can. 5. Take care not to 1770. 8. Let them labour in honour each to prefer the other before himself. Q. 46. How shall we avoid popularity 1 We mean such esteem or love from the people, as is not for the glory of God. A. I. Earnestly pray for a piercing sense of the danger there is, and the sinfulness of it. 2. Take care how you ingratiate yourself with any people by slackness of discipline : 3. Or by any method which another Preacher cannot follow. 4. Warn the people among whom you are most, of esteeming or loving you too much. 5. Converse sparingly with those who are particu- larly fond of you. Q. AT. How often should our Helpers preach \ A. Not more than twice a day, unless on a Sunday, or some extraordinary oc- casion. Q. 48. Which is the best general method of preach- ing ? A. 1. To invite. 2. To convince. 3. To offer Christ. 4. To build up. And to do this in some measure in every sermon. Q. 49. Are there any smaller advices relating to preaching, which might be of use to us 1 A. Perhaps these : 1. Be sure to begin and end precisely at the time ap- pointed. 2. Endeavour to be seri- ous, weighty, and solemn in your whole deportment before the congregation. 3. Always suit your sub- ject to the audience. 4. Choose the plainest texts you can. 5. Take care not to 559 1772, 8. Let them labour in honour each to prefer the other before himself. Q. 46. How shall we avoid popularity? We mean such esteem or love from the people, as is not for the glory of God. .4. 1. Earnestly pray for a piercing sense of the danger there is, and the sinfulness of it. 2. Take care how you ingratiate yourself with any people by slackness of discipline : 3. Or by any method which another Preacher cannot follow. 4. Warn the people among whom you are most, of esteeming or loving you too much. 5. Converse sparingly with those who are par- ticularly fond of you. Q. 47. How often should our Helpers preach ] A. Not more than twice a day, unless on a Sunday, or some extraordinary oc- casion. Q. 48. Which is the best general method of preach- ing] ^. 1. To invite. 2. To convince. 3. To offer Christ. 4. To build up. And to do this in some measure in every sermon. Q. 49. Are there any smaller advices relating to preaching, which might be of use to usl A. Perhaps these : 1. Be sure to begin and end precisely at the time ap- pointed. 2. Endeavour to be seri- ous, weighty, and solemn in your whole deportment before the congregation. 3. Always suit your sub- ject to the audience. 4. Choose the plainest texts you can, 5. Take care not to 1780. 8. Let them labour in honour each to prefer the other before himself. [See page 525.] [See page 527,] 1789. 8. Let them labour in honour each to prefer the other before himself. [See page 525.] [See page 527.] 560 1753, or 1757. ramble from your text, but keep close to it, and make out from it what you take iu hand. 6. Beware of allegorizing or spiritualizing too much. 7. Take care of anything awkward or aifected, either in your phrase, gesture, or pronunciation. 8. Tell each other, if you observe anything of this kind. 9. Sing no hymns of your own composing. 10. Without a pressing reason, do not pray above eight or ten minutes (at most) without intermis- fiion. Q. What sermons do we find by experience to be attended with the greatest blessing ? A. 1. Such as are most close, convincing, search- ing. 2. Such as have most of Christ. 3. Such as urge the heinousness of men's living in contempt or igno- rance of Him. Q. But have not some of us been led off from practi- cal preaching, by (what was called) preaching Christ] A. Indeed we have. The most effectual way of preaching Christ is to preach Him in all His offices, and to declare His law as well as His Gospel, both to believers and un- believers. Q. Do we now all preach strongly and closely, con- cerning both inward and outward holiness? A. It would be well, if we 1763. ramble from your text, but keep close to it, and make out from it what you take in hand. 6. Beware of allegorizing or spiritualizing too much. 7. Take care of anything awkward or affected, either in your phrase, gesture, or pronunciation. 8. Tell each other, if you observe anything of this kind. 9. Sing no hymns of your own composing. 10. Without a pressing reason, do not pray above eight or ten minutes (at most) without intermis- sion. 11. It would be well for every young Preacher fre- quently to exhort, without taking any text : and for everyone, young or old, fre- quently to read and enlarge upon a portion of the Notes. Q. What sennons do we find by experience to be attended with the greatest blessing ] A. 1. Such as are most close, convincing, search- ing. 2. Such as have most of Christ. 3. Such as urge the heinousness of men's living in contempt or igno- rance of Him. Q. But have not some of us been led off from practical preaching, by (what was called) preach- ing Christ 1 A . Indeed we have. The most effectual way of preaching Christ is to preach Him in all His offices, and to declare His law as well as His Gospel, both to believers and un- believers. Q. Do we now all preach strongly and closely, con- cerning both inward and outward holiness >. A. It would be well, if we 1770. ramble from your text, but keep close to it, and make out from it what you take in hand. 6. Beware of allegorizing or spiritualizing too much. 7. Take care of anything awkward or affected, either in your phrase, gesture, or pronunciation. 8. Tell each other, if you obser\'e anything of this kind. 9. vSing no hj'mns of your own composing. 10. Without a pressing reason, do not pray above eight or ten minutes (at most) without intermis- sion. 11. It would be well for every young Preacher, fre- quently to exhort, without taking any text : and for every one, young or old, frequently to read and en- large upon a portion of the Notes. Q. 50. What sermons do we find by experience to be attended with the great- est blessing ] A. 1. Such as are most close, convincing, search- ing. 2. Such as have most of Christ. 3. Such as urge the heinousness of men's living in contempt or ig- norance of Him. Q. 51. But have not some of us been led off from practical preaching, by (what was called) preaching Christ ? A . Indeed we have. The most effectual way of preaching Christ is to preach Him in all His offices, and to declare His law, as well as His Gospel, both to believers and un- believers. Q. 52. Do we now all preach strongly and close- ly, concerning both inward and outwai"d holiness ] A. It would be well, if 1772. ramble from your text, but keep close to it, and make out from it what you take in hand. 6. Beware of allegorizing or spiritualizing too much. 7. Take care of anything awkward or affected, either in your phrase, gesture, or pronunciation. 8. Tell each other, if you observe anything of this kind. 9. Sing no hymns of your own composing. 10. Without a pressing reason, do not pray above eight or ten minutes (at most) without intermis- sion. 11. It would be well for every young Preacher, fre- quently to exhort, without taking any text: and for every one, young or old, frequently to read and enlarge upon a portion of the Notes. Q. 50. What sermons do we find by experience to be attended with the great- est blessing ? ^.1. Such as are most close, convincing, search- ing. 2. Such as have most of Christ. 3. Such as urge the heinousness of men's living in contempt or ig- norance of Him. Q. 51. But have not some of us been led off from practical preaching, by (what was called) preaching Christ] A. Indeed we have. The most effectual way of preaching Christ is to preach Him in all His offices, and to declare His law, as well as His Gospel, both to believers and un- believers. Q. 52. Do we now all preach strongly and close- ly, concerning both inward and outward holiness ? A. It would be well, if Vol. I. 501 1780. [See page 529.] 1789. [See page 529.] o o 56.2 1753, or 1757. were more frequently and more largely to insist upon it in all its branches. Q. Do we insist enough upon practical religion in general] And, in parti- cular, on relative duties'? Using the means of grace 1 private prayer 1 self-denial ] fasting? seriousness] A. It seems most of us have been wanting here. Let us take care to sup- ply this defect for the future. Q. How shall we be assured, that no Preacher will ever disappoint a con- gregation ■? ./I. Ask everyone, 1. Do you see the great sin, and fatal consequences of it ? 2. Will you break a limb rather than wilfully break your word herein? 3. If you do, can j'ou blame us for not employing you any more? Q. How shall we guard against formality in public worship] Particularly in singing ] A.\. By preaching fre- quently on that head. 2. By taking care to speak only what we feel. 3. By choosing such hymns as are proper for the congrega- tion; generally hymns of prayer or praise, rather than descriptive of par- ticular states. 4. By not singing too much at once ; seldom more than five or six verses. 5. By suiting the tune to the nature of the hymn. 6. By often stopping short, and asking the people, " Now ! Do you know what you said last] Did you speak no more than you felt] Did you sing it as unto the Lord ; with the spirit, and with the understanding also?" 1763. were more frequently and more largely to insist upon it in all its branches. Q. Do we insist enough upon practical religion in general ] And, in parti- cular, on relative duties] Using the means of grace ] private prayer] self-denial] fasting] seriousness] A. It seems most of us have been wanting here. Let us take care to sup- ply this defect for the future. Q. How shall we be assured, that no Preacher will ever disappoint a con- gregation ? A. Ask everyone, 1. Do you see the great sin, and fatal consequences of it ] 2. Will you break a limb rather than wilfully break your woi'd herein] 3. If you do, can you blame us for not employing you any more? Q. How shall we guard against formality in public worship] Particularly in singing ] A.\. By preaching fre- quently on that head, 2. By taking care to speak only what we feel. 3. By choosing such hymns as are proper for the congre- gation ; generally hymns of prayer or praise, rather than descriptive of particu- lar states. 4. By not sing- ing too much at once : seldom more than five or six verses. 5. By suiting the tune to the nature of the hymn. 6. By often stopping short, and asking the people, " Now ! Do you know what you said last] Did you speak no more than you felt] Did you sing it as unto the Lord ; with the spirit, and with the understanding also]" 1770. we were more frequently and more largely to insist upon it in all its branches. Q. 53. Do we insist enough upon practical re- ligion in general] And, in particular, on relative duties ] Using the means of grace] private prayer? self-denial ] fasting ? se- riousness ? A. It seems most of us have been wanting here. Let us take care to sup- ply this defect for the future. Q. 54. How shall we be assured, that no Pi-eacher will ever disappoint a con- gregation? A. Ask everyone, 1. Do you see the great sin, and fatal consequences of it ] 2. Will you break a limb rather than wilfully break your word herein ? 3. If you do, can you blame us for not employ- ing you any more ? Q. 55. How shall we guard against formality in public worship ] Particu- larly in singing? A. 1. By preaching fre- quently on that head. 2. By taking care to speak only what we feel. By choosing such hymns as are proper for the congre- gation ; generally hymns of prayer or praise, rather than descriptive of parti- cular states. 3. By not singing too much at once ; seldom more than five or six verses. 4. By suiting the tune to the nature of the hymn. 5. By often stopping short, and asking the people, " Now ! Do you know what you said last] Did you speak no more than you felt? Did you sing it as unto the Lord ; with the spirit, and with the understanding also?" 1772. we were more frequently and more largely to insist upon it in all its branches. Q. 53. Do we insist enough on practical reli- gion in general ? And, in particular, on relative duties'? Using the means of grace? private prayer? self-denial ] fasting 1 se- riousness ? A. It seems most of us have been wanting here. Let us take care to sup- ply this defect for the future. Q. 54. How shall we be assured that no Preacher will ever disappoint a con- gregation 1 A. Ask everyone, 1. Do you see the great sin, and fatal consequences of it 1 2. Will you break a limb rather than wilfully break your word herein? 3. If you do, can you blame us for not employing you any more? Q. 55. How shall we guard against formality in public worship ? Particu- larly in singing ? -4.1. By preaching fre- quently on that head. 2. By taking care to speak only what we feel. 3. By choosing such hymns as are proper for the congrega- tion; generally hymns of prayer or praise, rather than descriptive of parti- cular states. 4. By not singing too much at once ; seldom more than five or six verses. 5. By suiting the tune to the nature of the hymn. 6. By often stopping short, and asking the people, " Now ! Do you know what you said last? Did you speak no more than you felt? Did you sing it as unto the Lord ; with the spirit, and with the understanding also?" 563 1780. 1789. [See page 529.] [Sec page 529.] 3 0 3 564 1753, or 1757. Mat 14, 1746, &c. Q. How shall we try those who think they are moved by the Holy Ghost, and called of God to preach? A. Inquire, 1. Do they know God as a pardoning God ] Have they the love of God abiding in them 1 Do they desire and seek nothing but God ] And are they holy in all man- ner of conversation 1 2. Have they gifts (as well as grace) for the work? Have they (in some toler- able degree) a clear, sound understanding 1 Have they a right judgment in the things of God ? Have they a just conception of salva- tion by faith ? And has God given them any de- gree of utterance? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly ? 3. Have they fruit? arc any truly convinced of sin and converted to God by their preaching ? As long as these three marks concur in any, we believe he is called of God to preach. These we receive as a sufficient proof, that he is moved thereto by the Holy Ghost. 1763. Q. What can be done tomakethepeoplcsingtrue? A.l. Learn to sing true yourselves. 2. Recom- mend the Tunes every- where. 3. If a Preacher cannot sing himself, let him choose two or three persons in every place, to pitch the tune for him. Q. What is it best to take just after preaching? A . Lemonade ; candied orange-peel, or a little soft, waim ale. But egg-and- wine is downright poison. And so are late suppers. May 14, 1746, &c. Q. How shall ■we try those who think they are moved by the Holy Ghost, and called of God to preach ? A. Inquire, 1. Do they know God as a pardoning God? Have they the love of God abiding in them ? Do they desire and seek nothing but God ? And are they holy in all man- ner of conversation ? 2. Have they gifts (as :vell as grace) for the work? Have they (in some tolerable degree) a clear, sound understand- ing? Have they a right judgment in the things of God? Have they a just conception of salvation by faith ? And has God given them any degree of utter- ance? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly? 3. Have they fruit ? Are any truly convinced of sin and converted to God by their preaching ? As long as these three marks concur in any, we believe he is called of God to pi-each. These we receive as a sufficient proof, that he is moved thereto by the Holy Ghost. 1770. Q. 56. What can be done to make the peoplcsing true * A. 1. Learn to sing true yourselves. 2. Eecom- mend the Tunes every- where. 3. If a Preacher cannot sing himself, let him choose two or three persons in evcrj' place to pitch the tune for him. Q. 57. What is it best to take j ust after preaching ? A . Lemonade ; candied orange-peel, or a little soft warm ale. But egg-aad- wine is doisiiright poison. Q. 58. How shall we try those who think they are moved by the Holy Ghost to preach ? A. Inquire, 1. Do they know God as a pardoning God ? Have they the love of God abiding in them ? Do they desire and seek nothing but God? And are they holy in all man- ner of conversation? 2. Have they gifts (as well as grace) for the work : have they (in some tolerable degree) a clear, sound un- derstanding ? Have they a right judgment in the things of God ? Have they a just conception of salva- tion by faith? And has God given them any degree of utterance ? Do they speak justly, readily, clear- ly? 3. Have they fruit? Are any truly convinced of sin and converted to God by their preaching? As long as these three marks concur in anyone, we believe he is called of God to preach. These we receive as sufficient proof, that he is moved thereto by the Holy Ghost. 1772. Q. 56. What can be done to make the people sing true ? A. 1. Learn to sing true yourselves. 2. Kecommend the Tunes everywhere. 3. If a Preacher cannot sing himself, let him choose two or three persons in every place to pitch the tune for him. Q. 57. AVhat is it best to take just after preaching ? A. Lemonade; candied orange peel, or a little soft, warm ale. But egg-and- wine is downright poison. Q. 58. How shall we tiy those who think they are moved by the Holy Ghost to preach] A. Inquire, 1. Do they know God as a pardoning God ? Have they the love of God abiding in them? Do they desire and seek nothing but God? And are they holy in all man- ner of conversation? 2. Have they gifts (as well as grace) for the work ? Have they (in some tolerable degree) a clear, sound un- derstanding ? Have they a right judgment in the things of God ? Have they a just conception of salva- tion by faith ? And has God given them any de- gree of utterance? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly? 3. Have they fruit? Are any truly con- vinced of sin and convert- ed to God by their preach- ing? As long as these three marks concur in anyone, we believe he is called of God to preach. These we receive as sufficient proof, that he is moved thereto by the Holy Ghost. 565 1780. [See page 531.] [See page 533.] Q. 50. How shall we try those who think they are moved by the Holy Ghost to preach ? A. Inquire, 1, Do they know God as a pardoning God ? Have they the love of God abiding in them? Do they desire and seek nothing but God? And are they holy in all manner of conversation? 2. Have they gifts (as well as grace) for the work ? Have they (in some toler- able degree) a clear, sound- understanding ? Have they a right judgment in the things of God ? Have they a just conception of salvation by faith? And has God given them any degree of utterance ? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly? 3. Have they fruit ? Are any truly con- vinced of sin and convert- ed to God by their preach- ing? As long as these three marks concur in anyone, we believe he is called of God to preach. These we receive as sufficient proof, that he is moved thereto by the Holy Ghost. 1789. [See page 531.] [See page 533.] Q. 50. How shall we try those who think they are moved by the Holy Ghost to preach ? A. Inquire, 1. Do they know God as a pardoning God ? Have they the love of God abiding in them] Do they desire and seek nothing but God? And are they holy in all man- ner of conversation ? 2. Have they gifts (as well as grace) for the work ? Have they (in some toler- able degree) a clear, sound understanding ? Have they a right judgment in the things of God ? Have they a just conception of salvation by faith? And has God given them any degree of utterance? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly? 3. Have they fruit ? Are any truly con- vinced of sin and con- verted to God by their preaching ? As long as these three marks concur in anyone, we believe he is called of God to preach. These we receive as sufficient proof, that he is moved thereto by the Holy Ghost. 1753. or 1757. Q. But how shall we know whether they concur or no, in any particular person 1 A.\. If he is near us, we will talk with him on the preceding heads, and then hear him preach. 2. We will desire him to write down or relate the reasons why he thinks he is called of God thereto. 3. We will examine those who seem to have been convinced of sin or con- verted to God by his preaching. 4. If he is at a distance, we will desire one of the neighbouring Preachers to do this ; and to inquire what is the judgment of the Society in that place con- cerning him. Q. What method may we use in receiving a new Helper ? A. A proper time for doing this is at a Confer- ence, after solemn fasting and prayer. 566 1763. Q. But how shall we know whether they concur or no, in any particular person? ^ . 1. If he is near us, we will talk with him on the preceding heads, and then hear him preach. 2. We will desire him to write down or relate the reasons why he thinks he is called of God thereto. 3. We will examine those who seem to have been convinced of sin or converted to God by his preaching. 4. If he is at a distance, we will desire the Assistant to do this ; and to inquire what is the judgment of the Society in that place concerning him. Q. What method may we use in receiving a new Helper ] A. A proper time for doing this is at a Confer- ence, after solemn fasting and prayer. 1770. Q. 59. But how shall we know whether they con- cur or not, in any particu- lar person 1 A. 1. If he is near us, we will talk with him on the preceding heads, and hear him preach. 2. We will desire him to write down or relate the reasons why he thinks he is called of God thereto. 3. We will examine those who seem to be con- vinced of sin or converted to God by his preaching. 4. If he is at a distance, we will desire the Assistant to do this ; and to inquire, what is the judgment of his brethren concerning him. Q. 60. What method may we use in receiving a new Helper ? A. A proper time for doing this is at a Confer- ence, after solemn fasting and prayer. Every person to be ad- mitted is then to be pre- sent ; and each of them may be asked, "A. B. Have you faith in Christ ? Are you going on to perfection ] Do you expect to be perfected in love in this life 1 Are you groaning after it? Are you resolved to devote yourself wholly to God and His work ? Do you know the Methodist plan ? Have you read the ' Plain Ac- count V the ' Appeals V Do you know the Rules of the Society? of the Bands? Do you keep them? Do you take no snuff ? tobacco ? drams ? Do you constantly attend the church and sacra- ment ] Have you read the Minutes ? Are you willing 1772. Q. 59. But how shall we know whether they con- cur or not, in any parti- cular person ? A. 1. If he is near us, we will talk with him on the preceding heads, and hear him preach. 2. We will desire him to write down or relate the reasons why he thinks he is called of God thereto. 3. We will examine those who seem to be con- vinced of sin or converted to God by his preaching. 4. If he is at a distance, we will desire the Assistant to do this ; and to inquire, what is the judgment of his brethren concerning him. Q. 60. What method may we use in receiving a new Helper 1 A. A proper time for doing this is at a Confer- ence, after solemn fasting and prayer. Every person to be ad- mitted is then to be pre- sent ; and each of them may be asked, • " A. B. Have you faith in Christ 1 Are you going on to perfection 1 Do you expect to be perfected in love in this life 1 Are you gToaning after it? Are you resolved to devote yourself wholly to God and His work? Do you know the Methodist plan ? Have you read the ' Plain Account?' the 'Ap- peals ? ' Do you know the Rules of the Society ? of the Bauds? Do you keep them ? Do you take no snuff? tobacco? drams? Do you constantly attend the church and sacrament ? Have you read the Mi- nutes ? Are you willing to 567 1780. Q. 51. What method may we use in receiving a new Helper ? A. A proper time for doing this is at a Confer- ence, after solemn fasting and prayer. Every person proposed is then to be present ; and each of them may be asked, " Have you faith in Christ ? Are you going on to perfection ? Do you ex- pect to be perfected in love in this life ? Are you groaning after it? Are you resolved to devote yourself wholly to God and to His work ? Do you know the Methodist plan ? Have you I'ead the ' Plain Account?' the 'Ap- peals ? ' Do you know the Rules of the Society? of the Bands ? Do you keep them? Do you take no snuff? tobacco? drams? Do you constantly attend the church and sacrament ? Have you read the Mi- nutes of the Confei-ence? 1789. Q. 51. What method may we use in receiving a new Helper ? A. A proper time for doing this is at a Confer- ence, after solemn fasting and prayer. Every person proposed is then to be present ; and each of them may be asked, "Have you faith in Christ ? Are you going on to perfection? Do you expect to be perfected in love in this life ? Are you groaning after it? Are you resolved to devote yourself wholly to God and to His work ? Do you know the Methodist plan ? Have you read the ' Plain Account?' the 'Ap- peals?' Do you know the Rules of the Soci- ety? of the Bands? Do you keep them? Do you take no snuff? tobacco? drams? Do you constant- ly attend the church and sacrament ? Have you read the Minutes of the J753, or 1757. We may then receive him as a probationer, by giving him a book inscribed thus : To A. B. " You think it your duty to call sinners to re- pentance. Make full proof hereof, and we shall be glad to receive you as a fellow-labourer." Let him then read and carefully weigh what is contained therein, and see whether he can agree to it or no. 568 17C3. We may then receive him as a probationer, by giving him the Minutes of the Conference inscribed thus : To A. B. " You think it your duty to call sinners to re- pentance. Make full proof hereof, and we shall be glad to receive you as a fellow-labourer. " Observe : You are not to ramble up and down, but to go where the Assist- ant directs, and there only." Let him then read and carefully weigh what is contained therein, and see whether he can agree to it or no. 1770. to conform to them 1 Have you considered the twelve Eules of a Helper 1 espe- cially the first, tenth, and twelfth] Will you keep them for conscience' sake? Are you determin- ed to employ all your time in the work of God ] Will you preach every morning and evening'? endeavour- ing not to speak too long (an hour in the whole) or too loud? not lolling with your elbows? Have you read the 'Kules of Action and Utterance?' Will you meet the Society, the Bands, the Select So- ciety, and the Leaders in every place? Will you diligently and earnestly instruct the children, and visit from house to house? Will you recommend fast- ing, both by precept and example?" We may then receive him as a probationer, by giving him the Minutes of the Conference inscribed thus : To A. B. " You think it your duty to call sinners to repent- ance. Make full proof hereof, and we shall rejoice to receive you as a fellow- labourer. " Observe : You are r^t to ramble up and down, but to go where the As- sistant directs, and there only." Let him then read and carefully weigh what la contained therein, and see whether he can agree to them or no. 569 1772. conform to them? Have you considered the twelve Kules of a Helper ? espe- cially the first, tenth, and twelfth? Will you keep them for conscience' sake ? Are you determin- ed to employ all your time in the work of God ? Will you preach every morning and evening? endeavour- ing not to speak too long (an hour in the whole) or too loud? not lolling with your elbows ? Have you read the 'Rules of Action and Utterance ? ' Will you meet the Society, the Bands, the Select Society, and the Leaders in every place ? Will you diligently and earnestly instruct the children, and visit from house to house ? Will you recommend fasting, both by precept and example?" AVe may then receive him as a probationer, by giving him the Minutes of the Conference inscribed thus: To A. B. " You think it your duty to call sinners to repent- ance. Make full proof hereof, and we shall rejoice to receive you as a fellow- labourer. " Observe : You are not to ramble up and down, but to go where the As- sistant directs, and there only." Let him then read and carefully weigh what is contained therein, and see whether he can agree to them or not. 1780. Are you willing to conform to them? Have you con- sidered the Rules of an Helper ? especially the first, tenth and twelfth? Will you keep them for conscience' sake ? Are you determined to employ all your time in the work of God? Will you preach every morning and evening : en- deavouring not to speak too long or too loud ? Will you diligently instruct the children in every place? Will you visit from house to house? Will you re- commend fasting, both by precept and example ?" Are you in debt ? We may then receive him as a probationer, by giving him the Minutes of the Conference inscribed thus : To A. B. " You think it your duty to call sinners to repent- ance. Make full proof hereof, and we shall rejoice to receive you as a fellow- labourer." Let him then read and carefully weigh what is contained therein, that if he has any doubt, it may be removed. Observe ! Taking on trial is entirely difi'erent from admitting a Preacher. 1789. Conference? Are you will- ing to conform to them? Have you considered the Rules of an Helper ? espe- cially the first, tenth, and twelfth? Will you keep them for conscience' sake? Are you determined to em- ploy all your time in the work of God? Will you preach every morning and evening : endeavouring not to speak too long or too loud ? Will you diligently instruct the children in every place? Will you visit from house to house ? Will you recommend fast- ing, both by precept and example?" Are you in debt? Are you engaged to marry ? (N.B, A Preacher who marries while on trial is thereby set aside.) We may then receive him as a probationer, by giving him the Minutes of the Conference inscribed thus: To A. B. "You think it your duty to call sinners to re- pentance. Make full proof hereof, and we shall rejoice to receive you as a fellow- labourer." Let him then read and carefully weigh what is contained therein, that if he has any doubt, it may be removed. Observe ! Taking on trial is entirely different from admitting a Preacher. 1753, or 1757. If he can, let him come to the next Conference ; where, after examination, fasting, and prayer, he may be received into full con- nexion with us, by giving him a book insciibed thus ; " So long as you freely consent to, and earnestly endeavour to walk by, these Rules, we shall rejoice to acknowledge you as a fellow-labourer." Q. Why do you not use more form and solemnity in admitting a new la- bourer ] A . Because we would not make haste. We desire barely to follow Providence, as it gradually opens. 570 1763. If he can, let him come to the next Conference; where, after examination, fasting, and prayer, he may be received into full con- nexion with us, by giving him the Minutes inscribed thus : " So long as you freely consent to, and earnestly endeavour to walk by, these Rules, we shall rejoice to acknowledge you as a fellow-labourer." Q. What can we do to prevent unqualified persons from preaching or exhort- ing] A. 1. Let none exhort in any of our Societies without a note of recom- mendation from the Assist- ant. 2. Let every Exhorter see that this be renewed yearly. 3. Let every As- sistant rigorously insist upon this. 1770. If he can, let him come to the next Conference ; where, after examination, fasting, and prayer, he may be received into full con- nexion with us, by giving him the Minutes inscribed thus : " So long as you freely consent to, and earnestly endeavour to walk by, these Rules, we shall rejoice to acknowledge you as a fel- low-labourer." Meantime, let none ex- hort in any of our Societies without a note of permis- sion from the Assistant. Let every Exhorter take care to have this renewed yearly. And let every As- sistant rigorously insist upon it. [See page 636.] 571 1772. If he can, let him come to the next Conference ; where, after examination, fasting, and prayer, he may be received into full con- nexion with us, by giving him the Minutes inscribed thus : " So long as you freely consent to, and earnestly endeavour to walk by, these Rules, we shall rejoice to acknowledge you as a fel- low-labourer." Meantime, let none ex- hort in any of our Societies without a note of permis- sion from the Assistant. Let every Exhorter take care to have this renewed yearly. And let every As- sistant rigorously insist upon it. [See page 637.] 1780. Ohe on trial may be either admitted or rejected, with- out doing him any wrong. Otherwise it would be no trial at all. Let every As- sistant explain this to them that are on trial. At the next Conference, if recommended by the Assistant, he may be re- ceived into full connexion, by giving him the Minutes inscribed thus : "As long as you freely consent to, and earnestly endeavour to walk by, these Rules, we shall rejoice to acknowledge you as a fel- low-labourer." Meantime let none ex- hort in any of our Socie- ties, without a note of per- mission from the Assistant : let every Exhorter take care to have this renewed yearly : and let every As- sistant insist upon it. Q. 52. What is the method wherein we usually proceed in our Conferences'} A. We inquire, 1. What Preachers are admitted 1 Who remain on trial ] Who are admitted on trial 1 Who desist from travel- ling] 2. Are there any objec- tions to any of the Preach- ers ? Who are named one by one. 1789. One on trial may be either admitted or rejected, with- out doing him any wrong. Otherwise it would be no trial at all. Let every As- sistant explain this to them that are on trial. When he has been on trial four years, if recom- mended by the Assistant, he may be received into full connexion, by giving him the Minutes inscribed thus : " As long as you freely consent to, and earnestly endeavour to walk by, these Rules, we shall rejoice to acknow- ledge you as a fellow- labourer." Meantime let none exhort in any of our Societies, without a note of permission from the Assist- ant : let every Exhorter take care to have this re- new ed yearly : and let every Assistant insist upon it. Q. 52. What is the me- thod wherein we usually proceed in our Conferences! A. We inquire, 1. What Preachers are admitted 1 Who remain on trial 1 Who are admitted on trial ? Who desist from travel- ling? 2. Are there any objec- tions to any of the Preach- ers ] Who are named one by one. 1753, or 1757. 572 1763. [See page 632.] 1770. Q. 61. How can we pro- vide for worn-out Preach- ers 1 A . Those that can preach a little may be Supernu- merary Preachers where there is most need. As for those who cannot preach at all, 1. Let every Travelling Preacher contribute half a guinea yearly at the Con- ference. 2. Let everyone, when first received as a Travel- ling Preacher, pay one guinea. 3. Let this be lodged in the hands of the Stewards approved of by the majo- rity of the Preachers. 4. The present Stewards are Joseph Cownley and John Murlin. 5. Out of this let pro- vision be made, first for the worn-out Preachers, then for the ■widows and children of those that are dead. 1772. Q. 61. How can we pro- vide for worn-out Preach- ers? A . Those that can preach a little may be Supernu- merary Preachers where there ia most need. As for those who cannot preach at all, 1. Let every Travelling Preacher contribute half a guinea yearly at the Con- ference. 2. Let everyone, when first received as a Travel- ling Preacher, pay one guinea. 3. Let this be lodged in the hands of the Stewards approved of by the majo- rity of the Preachers. 4. The present Stewards are Joseph Cownley and John Murlin. 5. Out of this let provi- sion be made, first for the worn-out Preachers, then for the widows and child- ren of those that are dead. 573 1780. 3. How are the Preach- ers stationed this year 1 4. What numbers are in the Society ] 5. What is the Kings- wood Collection ? 6. What boys are receiv- ed this year ? 7. What girls are assist- ed? 8. What is contributed for the Contingent expenses? 9. How was this ex- pended 1 10. What is contributed toward the Fund for Super- annuated and Supernume- rary Preachers ? 11. What demands are there upon it ? 12. How many Preach- ers' wives are to be pro- vided for? By what So- cieties ? 13. Where and when may our next Conference begin ? Q. 53. How can we pro- vide for Superannuated and Supernumerary Preachers ? A. Those who can preach four or five times a week are Supernumerary Preachers. As for those who cannot, 1. Let every Travelling Preacher contribute half a guinea yearly at the Con- ference : 2. Let everyone, when first admitted as a Travel- ling Preacher, pay a guinea. 3. Let this be lodged in the hands of the Stewards. 4. The present Stewards are John Murlin and John Pawson. 6. Out of this let pro- vision be made first for the worn-out Preachers, and then for the widows and children of those that are dead. 1789. 3. How are the Preach- ers stationed this year ? 4. What numbers are in the Society ? 5. What is the Kings- wood Collection ? 6. What boys are receiv- ed this year ? 7. What girls are assist- ed? 8. What is contributed for the Contingent expenses ? 9. How was this ex- pended ? 10. What is contributed toward the Fund for Super- annuated and Supernume- rary Preachers ? 11. What demands are there upon it ? 12. How many Preach- ers' wives are to be pro- vided for? By what So- cieties ? 13. Where and when may our next Conference begin ? Q. 53. How can we pro- vide for Superannuated and Supernumerary Preachers ? A. Those who can preach four or five times a week are Supernumerary Preachers. As for those who cannot, 1. Let every Travelling Preacher contribute half a guinea yearly at the Con- ference : 2. Let everyone, when first admitted as a Travel- ling Preacher, pay a guinea. 3. Let this be lodged in the hands of the Stewards. 4. The are John Pawson. 5. Out vision be worn-out then for children dead. present Stewards Murlin and John of this let pro- made first for the Preachers, and the widows and of those that are 1753, or 1757. 574 1763. 1770. 6. Every worn-out Preacher shall receive at least ten pounds a year. 7. Every widow of a Preacher shall receive year- ly during her widowhood (if she wants it) a sum not exceeding ten pounds. 8. Every child left by a Preacher shall receive, once for all, a sum not usually exceeding ten pounds. 9. But none is entitled to anything from this Fund till he has subscribed two guineas. 10. Nor any person from the time he ceases (unless worn out) to be a Travel- ling Preacher. 11. Nor any who neg- lects paying his subscrip- tion for four years toge- ther. 12. Let everj' Preacher who does not bring or send his subscription to the Conferences be fined two shillings and sixpence. 13. This Fund is never to be reduced to less than an hundred pounds. 14. Let a Committee be chosen to see these rules duly executed. The pre- sent Committee are, Peter Jaco, Duncan Wright, Thomas Hanby, Robert Roberts, Alexander Mather, Thomas Johnson, John Pawson, James Oddie, Thomas Olivers, John Helton, Christopher Hopper. 15. Let an exact account of all receipts and dis- bursements be produced at the Conference. 575 1772. 6. Every worn-out Preacher shall receive at least ten pounds a year. 7. Every widow of a Preacher shall receive year- ly during her widowhood (if she wants it) a sum not exceeding ten pounds. 8. Every child left by a Preacher shall receive, once for all, a sum not usually exceeding ten pounds. 9. But none is entitled to anything from this Fund till he has subscribed two guineas. 10. Nor any person from the time he ceases (unless worn out) to be a Travel- ling Preacher. 11. Nor any who neg- lects paying his subscrip- tion for four years toge- ther. 12. Let every Preacher who does not bring or send his subscription to the Conference be fined two shillings and sixpence. 13. This Fund is never to be reduced to less than an hundred pounds. 14. Let a Committee be chosen to see these rules duly executed. The pre- sent Committee are, Peter Jaco, Duncan Wright, Thomas Hanby, Robert Roberts, Alexander Mather, Thomas Johnson, John Pawson, Daniel Bumstead, Thomas Olivers, John Helton, Christopher Hopper. 15. Let an exact ac- count of all receipts and disbursements be produced at the Conference. 1780. 6. Every worn-out Preacher shall receive, if he wants it, at least ten pounds a year. 7. Every widow of a Preacher shall receive year- ly, (if she wants it,) during her widowhood, a sum not usually exceeding ten pounds. 8. Every child left by a Preacher shall receive, once for all, a sum not usually exceeding ten pounds. 9. But none is entitled to anything from this Fund till he has subscribed two guineas. 10. Nor any who neg- lects paying his subscrip- tion for four years toge- ther. 11. Let every Preacher who does not bring or send his subscription to the Conference be fined two shillings and sixpence. 12. Let the Fund never be reduced to less than an hundred pounds. 13. Let a Committee be named to see these rules duly executed. The pre- sent Committee are, Christopher Hopper, Robert Roberts, Thomas Coke, Thomas Hanby, John Allen, Thomas Lee, Duncan Wright, Thomas Taylor, William Thompson, Thomas Rankin. 14. Let an exact account of all receipts and dis- bursements be produced at the Conference. Let every Assistant bring to the Conference the contribution of every Preacher in his Circuit. 1789. 6. Every worn-out Preacher shall receive, if he wants it, at least ten pounds a year. 7. Every widow of a Preacher shall receive year- ly, (if she wants it,) during her widowhood, a sum not usually exceeding ten pounds. 8. Every child left by a Preacher shall receive, once for all, a sum not usually exceeding ten pounds. 9. But none is entitled to anything from this Fund till he has subscribed two guineas. 10. Nor any who neg- lects paying his subscrip- tion for four years toge- ther. 11. Let every Preacher who does not bring or send his subscription to the Conference be fined two shillings and sixpence. 12. Let the Fund never be reduced to less than an hundred pounds. ^j3. Let a Committee be named to see these rules duly executed. The pre- sent Committee are, Christopher Hopper, Robert Roberts, Thomas Coke, Thomas Hanby, John Allen, Henry Moore, Duncan Wright, Thomas Taylor, William Thompson, Thomas Rankin, Andrew Blair. 14. Let an exact account of all receipts and dis- bursements be produced at the Conference. 15. Let every Assistant bring to the Conference the contribution of every Preacher in his Circuit. 576 1753. or 1757. [See page 5U8.] 1763. [Seepage 61 C] 1770. Q. 62. How may the wives of the Travelling Preachers be provided for ? A. If a Preacher mar- ries hand over head, he must provide for himself. As to the rest, we cannot but observe many incon- veniences have arisen from the present method of providing for the wives of the Preachers. Those who are most proper for several places cannot be sent thither because they are married. And if they are sent, the people look upon them with an evil eye, be- cause they are burdened by their families. In order to remedy these inconve- niences, let it be consider- ed, 1. What each Circuit can contribute. 2. How many wives are to be pro- vided for. (Their children are provided for where they are.) 3. By what Circuits 1 By this means, whether the Preachers in any particular Circuit are married or single, it makes no difference : so that any Preacher may be sent to any Circuit, without any difficulty. 1772. Q. 62. How may the wives of the Travelling Preachers be provided for? j4. If a Preacher mar- ries hand over head, he must provide for himself. As to the rest, we cannot but observe many incon- veniences have arisen from the present method of providing for the wives of the Preachers. Those who are most proper for several places cannot be sent thither because they are married. And if they are sent, the people look upon them with an evil eye, because they are bur- dened by their families. In order to remedy these inconveniences, let it be considered, 1. What each Circuit can contribute. 2. How many wives are to be provided for. (Their chil- dren are provided for where they are.) 3. By what Circuits'? By this means, whether the Preach- ers in any particular Cir- cuit are married or single, it makes no difference : so that any Preacher may be sent to any Circuit without any difficulty. 577 1780. Q. 54. Are not many of the Preachers' wives still straitened for the neces- saries of life ] A . Some certainly have been. To prevent this for the time to come, 1. Let every Circuit either provide each with a lodging, coals, and candles, or allow her fifteen pounds a year. 2. Let the Assistant take this money at the Quarter- ly Meeting before any- thing else be paid out of it. Vol. I. Q. 55. How can we ac- count for the decrease of the work of God in some Circuits, both this year and the last ] A. It may be owing either, 1. To the want of zeal and exactness in the Assistant, occasioning want of discipline throughout: or, 2. To want of life and diligence in the Preachers : or, 3. To our people's losing the life of God, and sinking into the spirit of the world. It may be owing, farther, to the want of more field- preaching, and of trying more new places : and now in particular, to their P P 1789. Q. 64. Are not many of the Preachers' wives still straitened for the neces- saries of life 1 A . Some certainly have been. To prevent this for the time to come, 1. Let every Circuit either provide each with a lodging, coals, and candles, or allow her fifteen pounds a year. 2, Let the Assistant take this money at the Quarterly Meeting before anything else be paid out of it. Fail not to do this. Q. 55, How can we ac- count for the decrease of the work of God in some Circuits, both this year and the last t A. It may be owing either, 1. To the want of zeal and exactness in the Assistant, occasioning want of discipline throughout : or, 2, To want of life and diligence in the Preachers : or, 3. To our people's losing the life of God, and sinking into the spirit of the world. It may be owing, farther, to the want of more field- preaching, and of trying more new places. 1753, or 1757. 578 1763. 1770. [See page 654.] 579 1772. [See page 655.] 1780. sen9eles unemployed." Do we spend as many hours in a day in God's work, as we did formerly in man's work 1 Do not some of us spend too much time in talking, or in reading history, newspapers, or other books, which have no tendency either tq make us more holy or more useful ? That this may no longer be the case, — as often as possible, rise at four o'clock. From four to five in the morning, and from six to seven in the evening, meditate, pray, and read, partly the holy Scriptures, and partly the most close and practical parts of what Mr. Wesley has published. From six in the morning till twelve (allowing an hour for breakfast) read in order, with much prayer, the Christian Library, and all our other books, whether in prose or in verse, and especially all Mr. Wesley's Sermons. If any one will say, " I read only the Bible ;" then he ought to teach others to read only the Bible, and, by the same rule, to hear only the Bible. If you need no other book but the Bible, you are got above St. Paul. He wanted others too ; " Bring the books," says he, " but especially the parchments." If any say, " I have no taste for reading ; " then you must contract a taste for it by use, or return home again. In the afternoon visit as many of the sick, and those who want your help, as you can ; and you will have work enough for all your time. Then no Preacher will stay with us who is as salt that hath lost its savour ; for to such this employment would be mere drudgery. And in order to it, you will have need of all the useful knowledge you can procure. XT. — DIRECTIONS FOR OBTAINXKG A CLOSER TJNION AMONG THE PREACHERS. Q. 12. What can be done in order to a closer union of our Preachers with each other 1 A. Let them be deeply convinced of the absolute necessity of it. Let them pray for a desire of union. Let them speak freely and lovingly to each other. When they meet, let them never part without prayer. Let them beware how they despise each other's gifts. Let them never speak slightingly of each other in any kind. Let them defend each other's characters in everything, as far as they can with a good conscience. And let them labour in honour to prefer the other before himself. 683 XII. — ON PREACHING WHEKE WE CAN FOKM NO S0CIET7 ; AND ON PIEtD-PREACHlNO. Q. 13. Is it advisable to continue preaching in those places where we find that we can form no Society 1 A. By no means ; we have made the trial in various places. But the seed has fallen by the highway-side ; there is scarce any fruit remaining, Q. 14. Where shall we endeavour to preach the most 1 A . Where there is the greatest number of quiet and willing hearers ; and where the Lord is in a peculiar manner reviving His work. Q. 15. Have we not used field-preaching too sparingly] A, We have. Because our call is to save that which is lost. Now we cannot expect them to seek us. Therefore we should go and seek them ; because we are peculiarly called to go into the highways and hedges, to compel them to come in ; because that reason against it is not good, " The house will hold all that come :" the house may hold all that come to the house, but not all that would come to the field. The greatest hindrance to this you may expect from the rich, or cowardly, or lazy Methodists. But regard them not, neither Stewards, Leaders, nor people. Whenever the weather will permit, go out in the name of the Lord into the most public places, and call upon all to repent and believe the Gospel ; every Sunday in particular ; especially where there are old Societies, lest they should settle upon their lees. The Stewards will frequently oppose this lest they lose their usual collections. But this is not a sufficient reason against it. Shall we barter souls for money "i XIII. — ON THE DECREASE OF THE WORK, AND THE PROPER MEANS OP PROMOTINQ A REVIVAL. Q. 1 6. How can we account for the decrease of the work of God in any Circuit 1 A. It may be owing to the want of zeal and exactness in the Superintendent, occasioning the want of discipline throughout ; or to the want of life and diligence in the Preachers ; or to the people's losing the life of God, and sinking into the spirit of the world. It may be owing to the want of more field-preaching ; or of ' visiting more new places. Q. 17. What can be done in order to revive the work of God where it is decayed ? A . Let every Preacher read carefully over the Life and Journals of the late Mr. Wesley, the Life of Mr. Fletcher, the Life of David Brainerd ; and let us be followers of them as they were of Christ, in absolute self-denial, in total deadness to the world, and in fervent love to God and man. Let us only secure this point, and the world and the devil must fall under our feet. Let all the Preachers be conscientiously exact in the whole Methodist disci- pline ; and take care that no Circuit be at any time without Preachers. Strongly and explicitly exhort all believers to go on to perfection. We all agree to defend this doctrine ; meaning thereby, salvation from all sin, by the love of God and man filling the heart. We say, " That this may be attained in this life." The substance then is settled. And as to the circumstance, " Is this change gradual or instantaneous ]" it is both the one and the other. From the time we are justified, there ought to be a gradual sanctification, a growing in grace, a daily advance in the knowledge and love of God. And if sin cease before death, there must, in the nature of the thing, be an instantaneous change. There must be a last moment wherein it does exist, and a first moment wherein it does not. But should we, in preaching, insist both upon the one and the other ? Certainly, we must insist on the gradual work, and that earnestly and constantly. And are there not reasons why we should insist on the instantaneous work also ] If there be such a blessed change before death, should we not encourage all believers to expect it? and the rather, because constant experience shows, that the more earnestly they expect this, the more swiftly and steadily does the gradual work of 684 God go on in their souls; the more watchful they are against all sin, the more careful to grow in grace, the more zealous of good works, and the more punctual in their attendance upon all the ordinances of God. Whereas, just the contrary efiects are observed whenever this expectation ceases. They are saved by hope ; by this hope of a total change with a gradually increasing salvation. Destroy this hope, and that salvation stands still, or rather decreases daily. Therefore, whosoever would advance the gradual change in believers should strongly insist on the instantaneous. XIV. — AGAINST ANTINOMIANISM. Q. 18. What is most destructive of Methodism, or the doctrine of inward holiness ? A. Calvinism, that is, the doctrine of unconditional predestination. All the devices of Satan have done far less towards stopping this work of God than that single doctrine. It strikes at the root of salvation from sin, previous to glory ; it puts the matter quite upon another footing. This doctrine seems to magnify Christ ; although in reality it supposes Him to have died in vain. For the absolutely elect must have been saved without Him, and the non-elect cannot be saved by Him. It is highly pleasing to flesh and blood ; unconditional persever- ance in particular. Let all our Preachers carefully read over Mr. Wesley's and Mr. Fletcher's tracta. Let them frequently and explicitly preach the whole truth, though not in a controversial way. Let them take care to do it in love and gentleness. Lay hold upon any that you find newly convinced of the truth, and warn them against predestination. Answer all their objections as occasion offers, both in public and in private. But do this with all possible sweetness both of look and accent. Frequently warn our people against hearing that doctrine. And pray much, that the Lord may prevent the evil. We said in 1744, " We have leaned too much toward Calvinism." Wherein 1 With regard to man's faithfulness. Our Lord Himself taught us to use the expression, and therefore we ought never to be ashamed of it. We ought steadily to assert, upon His authority, that if a man is not faithful in the unrighteous mammon, God will not give him the true riches. With regard to working for life, which our Lord expressly commands us to do : " Labour," ep7afecr0e, that is, work, " for the meat that endureth to everlasting life." And, in fact, every believer, till he comes to glory, works for, as well as from, life. We have received it as a maxim, that a man is to do nothing in order to justification. Nothing can be more false. Whosoever desires to find favour with God should cease from evil, and learn to do well. So God Himself teaches by the Prophet Isaiah. Whosoever repents should do works meet for repentance. And if this is not in order to find favour, what does he do them for ] Once more review the whole affair. Who of us is now accepted of God ? He that now believes in Christ with a loving, obedient heart. But who among those that never heard the Gospel ] He that, according to the light he has, feareth God and worketh righteousness. Is this the same with. He that is sincere 1 Nearly, if not quite. Is not this salvation by works'? Not by the merit of works, but by works as a condition. AVhat then have we been disputing about for these thirty years 1 I am afraid, about words ; namely, in some of the foregoing instances. As to merit itself, of which we have been so dreadfully afraid : We are rewarded according to our works, yea, because of our works. How does this differ from, "for the sake of our works?" And how diffei-s this from secundum merita operum ? which is no more than, " as our works deserve." Let him that can, split the hair. The grand objection to one of the preceding propositions is drawn from matter of fact : God does in fact justify those who, by their own confession, neither feared God, nor wrought righteousness. Is this an exception to the general rule ? It is J 685 a doiibt whether God makes any exception at all. But how are we sure, that the person in question never did fear God and work righteousness^ His own thinlcing so is no proof. For we know, how all who are convinced of sin undervalue them- selves in every respect. Does not talking, without proper caution, of a justified or a sanctified state, tend to mislead men ; almost naturally leading them to trust in what was done in one moment ? Whereas we are every moment pleasing or displeasing to God, accord- ing to our works ; according to the whole of our present inward tempers, and outward behaviour. XV. — THE MOST USEFUL WAY OP PEEACHINO. Q. 19. What is the best general method of preaching 1 A. To invite, to convince, to offer Christ, to build up ; and to do this in some measure in every sermon. The most effectual way of preaching Christ is to preach Him in all His offices ; and to declare His law as well as His Gospel, both to believers and unbelievers. Let us strongly insist upon inward and outward holiness ; and, with this view, set forth Christ as evidently crucified before their eyes ; Christ in all the riches of His grace, justifying us by His blood, and sanctifying us by His Spirit. Always suit your subject to the state of your audience. Choose the plainest texts you can. Take care not to ramble, but keep to your text, and make out what you take in hand. Be sparing in spiritualizing or allegorizing. Let your whole deportment before the congregation be serious, weighty, and solemn. Take care of anything awkward or affected, either in your gesture, phrase, or pronunciation. Do not usually pray above eight or ten minutes, before or after the sermon. Be sure never to disappoint a congregation, unless in case of life or death ; and begin and end exactly at the time. The evening preaching should never begin later than seven o'clock, unless in time of harvest. Young Preachers might often exhort without taking a text. Everywhere avail yourself of the great festivals, by preaching on the occasion, and singing our hymns, which you should take care to have in readiness. XVI. — HOW TO GUARD AGAINST FORMALITY IN PUBLIC WORSHIP, ESPECIALLY IN SINGING. Q. 20. How shall we guard against formality in public worship ? A. By carefully warning the people against it. By taking care that our own minds are duly affected by the truths we preach ; never losing sight of ourselves. By choosing such hymns as are suitable to the congregation. By singing not too much at once, seldom more than five or six verses. By suiting the tune to the words. By sometimes seriously asking the people, " Now, do you know what you said last? Did you speak no more than you felt?" Is not formality in singing creeping in, singing those complex tunes and anthems which it is scarcely possible to sing with devotion 1 The repeating the same words so often, and especially while another is repeating other words, (the horrid abuse which runs through the modern church-mu.sic,) as it shocks all common sense, so it necessarily brings in dead formality, and has no religion in it. Besides it is a flat contradiction to our Lord's command, " Use not vain repetitions ;" for what is a vain repetition, if this is not? What end of devotion does it serve ? Sing no anthems. Do not suffer the people to sing too slow : this naturally tends to formality. In every large Society let them learn to sing ; and let them always learn our own tunes first. Let the women constantly sing their own parts alone : let no man sing with them, unless he understands the notes, and sings the bass. Introduce no new tunes, till they are perfect in the old ones. Let no organ be placed any- where, till it be proposed at the Conference. Eecommend the Tune-Book every- where ; and if you cannot sing yourself, choose a person or two in each place to 686 pitch the tune for you. Exhort everyone, whether man or woman, in the congregation, to sing. If a Preacher be present, let no other person give out the words. When they wish to teach the congregation to sing any new tune, they should only sing the tenor. XVII. — ON VISITING AND INSTRUCTING THE PEOPLE FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE. Q. 21. How shall we farther assist those who are under our care ? A . By instructing them from house to house. The necessity of this will appear if we consider, that personal religion, either towards God or man, is still very much wanted among us. How little living faith is there amongst us ! how little communion with God ! how little living in heaven, walking in eternity, deadness to every creature ! how much love of the world, desire of pleasure, of ease, of getting money ! How little brotherly love ! what continual judging one another ! what gossiping, evil-speaking, tale-bearing ! what want of moral honesty ! Who does as he would be done by in buying and selling, especially in selling horses'? Family religion is very much wanting among us. Our religion is not deep, universal, and uniform ; but too supei*ficial, partial, and uneven. Public preaching alone, though we could preach like angels, will not be sufficient to reform those evils : we must therefore visit from house to house. But we shall find many hindrances to this, both in ourselves and in the people. 1. In ourselves there is much dulness and laziness, so that there will be much ado to get us to be faithful in the work. We have a base man-pleasing temper, so that we let men perish, for fear of offending them ; we let them go quietly to hell lest they should be angry with us. Some of us have a foolish bashfulness. We know not how to begin, and blush to contradict the devil. But the greatest hindrance is weakness of faith. Our whole motion is weak, because the spring is weak. We are unskilful in the work. How few know how to deal with men, so as to get within them, and suit all our discourse to their several conditions and tempei"s ! to choose the fittest subjects, and follow them with a holy mixture of seriousness and terror, of love and meekness. 2. And we shall meet with many difficulties from the people. Some of them will be unwilling to be taught, till we conquer their perverseness by the force of reason, and the power of love. We shall find it difficult to fix things in their minds, without which all our labour will be lost. If we have not, therefore, great seriousness and fervency, what good can we expect ] And after all, it is grace alone that must do the work. And when we have made some good impres- sions upon their hearts, if we do not look after them, they will die away. We shall find that many are very ignorant, and know but little of the nature of repentance, of faith, and of holiness. Most of them have a sort of confidence that God will save them, while the world has their hearts, and evil tempers have dominion over them. This private instruction is implied in those solemn words of the Apostle : " I charge thee, before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing, preach the word; be instant in season, out of season ; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine." 0 brethren, if we could set this work on foot in all our Societies, and prosecute it zealously, what glory would redound to God ! If the common ignorance were banished, and the people in every house and in every shop were busied in speaking of the word and works of God, surely the Lord would dwell in our habitations, and make us His delight. And this is absolutely necessary, as many of our people neither repent nor believe to this day. Look round, and see how many are still in danger of damnation ; and then say, How can we walk, and talk, and be cheerful with such people, when we know their case ? When we look such persons in the face, ought we not to break forth into tears, as the Prophet did when he looked upon Hazael, and then set upon them with the most vehement and importunate exhortations ? 687 0, for God's salte, and for the sake of poor souls, let us bestir ourselves, and spare no pains that may conduce to their salvation ! What cause have we to blush before the Lord this day, that we have so long neglected this good work ! If we had but set upon it sooner, how many more might we have brought to Christ ! And how much holier and happier might we have made our Societies before now ! And why might we not have done it sooner ] There were many hindrances, and so there always will be. But the greatest hindrance was in ourselves, in our littleness of laith and love. It is objected : " This will take up too much time, so that we shall not be able to follow our studies." Gaining useful knowledge is a good thing ; but still saving souls is better. By this very thing we shall gain the most excellent knowledge, — that of God and eternity. We shall likewise have time for gaining other knowledge, too, if we spend all our mornings therein. Only sleep not more than we need, and never be idle, or ti'iflingly employed. But if we can do but one, then let our studies alone. Better throw away all the libraries in the world, than be guilty of the loss of one soul. If some of the people will not submit to it, others will ; and the success with them will repay us for all our labour. 0 let us follow the example of St. Paul ! for our general business, " Serving the Lord with all humility of mind ; " our special work, "Take heed to your. 11 ( 1. in Wexford Circuit. Jacob Eowell, j g; _ Athlone Rounds. With J. C. 3, — Limerick. With P. G. 4, — Wexford Circuit. Thomas Kead, 1, in Athlone Rounds. 2, — Wexford Circuit. 3, — Athlone Rounds. With J. C. 4, — North. Robert Swindells, 1, in Athlone Rounds. withT.w. j |zs;:°'- 4, — Athlone Rounds. John Fenwick, 1, in North. 2, — Athlone Rounds. 3, — Wexford. 4, — Athlone Rounds. 1753.] 717 Paul Greenwood, ) 1, in Dublin. T. W. 12, — Wexford. 3, — Dublin. 4, — Wexford. James Morris, 1, in Wexford Circuit. 2, — Athlone Eounds. 3, — Wexford Circuit. 4, — Athlone Kounds. John Edwards, 1, in Athlone Eounds. 2, — North. 3, — Cork. 4, — Limerick. We, whose names are under-written, do freely and fully consent to the above- written Conference ; and are resolved, by the grace of God, punctually to observe the rules contained therein, and in the printed Conferences, to the utmost of our skill and power. We do likewise fully purpose to labour at the times and in the places here set down. In proof whereof we have set our hands unto this. John Haughton, Thomas Walsh, Thomas Kead, James Morris, John Fisher, John Whitford, Jacob Eowell, Eobert Swindells, Joseph Cownlet, Samuel Larwood. In the year of our Lord God 1762, August the 14, 15. , Leeds, May 22d, 1753. John Weslet, William Grimshaw, John Milner, Samuel Larwood, John Haughton, Christopher Hopper, William Shent, John Edwards, William Hitchens, John Fisher, Thomas Walsh, James Jones, John Nelson, Francis Walker, Joseph Jones, Thomas Mitchell, Nicholas Gilbert, John Hampson, Edwai-d Perronet, Jonathan Maskew, Matthew Lowes, Jacob Eowell, John Haime, Jonathan Catlow, William Fugill, John Turnough, James Scholefield, Enoch Williams, Travelling Preachers ; — and Thomas Colbeck, Thomas Lee, Titus Knight, Benjamin Bean- land, Joseph Bradley, John Johnson, Thomas Slaton, Thomas Johnson, Francis Scott, William Allwood, John Thorpe, Matthew Watson, William Parker, J. Coats, William Greenwood, John Greenwood, Local Preachers; — being present, it was inquired : — Q. 1. At what places, all things considered, will it be most proper to have our Conference for the time to come ? A. At London, Bristol, and Leeds, by turns. Q. 2. What can be done in order to bear a sufficient testimony against the corruptions of the Germans ? A . It may not be improper to reprint the " Letter to the Church at Hernhuth," with some additions, and a Dedication to the Count. Q. 3. Can we unite, if it be desired, with Mr. Ingham 1 A. We may now behave to him with all tenderness and love, and unite with him when he returns to the old Methodist doctrine. Q. 4. Predestinarian Preachers have done much hurt among us : how may this be prevented for the future 1 A. 1. Let none of them preach any more in our Societies. 2. Let a loving and respectful letter be wrote to Mr. Whitefield, wherein he may be desired to advise his Preachers not to reflect (as they have done continually, and that both with great bitterness and rudeness) either upon the doctrines, or discipline, or person of Mr. Wesley, among his own Societies ; to abstain himself (at least when he ia among Mr. Wesley's people) from speaking against either his doctrines, rules, or 718 [1753. Preachers ; not to declare war anew, as he has done by a needlesB digression in his late sermon. Q. 5. Are none of our own Preachers tainted with predestination 1 A . We know of none but John Broseworth, of Fishgate. Q. 6. Does he do any hurt by his opinion 1 A . Very much ; for he is continually cavilling with the Preachers, and dis- puting with them. Q. 7. What can be done to prevent this 1 A. (1.) Let our Preachers preach at his house no more. (2.) Let him preach no more in any of our Societies. Q. 8. Are none of our Preachers tainted with Antinomianism 1 A. We hope not. Q. 9. Shall we read over the " Antinomian Dialogues? " A . By all means. (Which were read ; as were also Mr. Baxter's " Aphorisms concerning Justification.") Q, 10. Does everyone know the exact time when he was justified ] A. It is possible he may not know what to call it, when he experiences this ; especially if he has not been accustomed to hear the scriptural doctrine concerning it. And the change then wrought in some may not be so sudden, or so observ- able, as it is in others. But generally, wherever the Gospel is preached in a clear and a scriptural manner, more than ninety-nine in a hundred do know the exact time when they were justified. Wednesday, May the 23d. Q. 1. Shall we read over that part of [the record of] the preceding Conference which relates to sanctification ? A. By all means. (Which was read and explained.) Q. 2. Do we all preach strongly and closely concerning both inward and outward holiness? A . Perhaps not. It would be well if we were more frequently and more largely to insist upon it in all its branches. Q. 3. Do we insist enough upon practical religion in general? and, in par- ticular, on relative duties, using the means of grace, private prayer, self-denial, fasting, seriousness ? A . It seems most of us have been wanting here. Let us take care to supply the defect for the time to come. Q. i. Have not some of us been led off from practical preaching by what was called preaching Christ ? A . It may be we have. But we find by experience the most effectual way of preaching Christ is to preach Him in all His offices, and to declare His law as well as Gospel both to believers and unbelievers. Q. 5. But if we are fully sanctified in this life, shall we then have any need of Christ ? A . Undoubtedly, as much as ever : for the only foundation of all holiness is faith in Him ; a divine conviction that He died and now intercedes, and a divine confidence in God through Him. Q. 6. Do we observe any evil which has lately prevailed among our Societies? A. Many of our members have lately married with unbelievers, even such as were wholly unawakened ; and this has been attended with fatal consequences. Few of these have gained the unbelievers, wives or husbands. Generally they have themselves either had a grievous cross for life, or have entirely fallen back into the world. Q. 7. What can be done to put a stop to this ? A. (1.) Let every Preacher take occasion to speak in public of the danger of being unequally yoked together, after it is openly declared. (2.) If any does this notwithstanding, let the Society to which he or she belongs know that the next who acts thus grossly contrary both to Scripture and reason will be expelled the Society. (3.) Let an exhortation be subjoined, showing the sinfulness of so doing, and the numberless inconveniences which attend it. (4.) And let it be a general 1753.] 719 rule that no Methodist marry without consulting the most serious of his brethren. Q. 8. Do not Sabbath-breaking, dram-drinking, evil speaking, unprofitable conversation, lightness, and contracting debts without sufficient care to discharge them, prevail in many places ] And what method can we take to remove these growing evils ? A. (1.) Let us preach expressly and strongly on each of these heads. (2.) Let the Leaders closely examine their several classes, and exhort every single person to put away the accursed thing. (3.) Let the Preacher warn the Society in every place that none who is hereafter guilty can remain with us. (4.) In order to give them clearer views of these and all other branches of practical religion, let every Preacher recommend to every Society the reading our books preferably to any other ; and when any new book is sent to any place, let him give notice in the public congregation. Tlmrsday, May the 2iih. Q. 1. Has any of you any objections against any of the Twelve Rules of an Itinerant Preacher 1 (Which were read over, and considered one by one.) A. We have no objections against any; but are determined, by the grace of God, cheerfully to observe them. Q. 2. Have any of you any objections to the life or doctrine of any Itinerant Preacher 1 (Whose names were then mentioned one by one, and their behaviour severally considered.) A . We are all well satisfied with each other. Q. 3. Is it expedient that John Edwards should settle at Leeds 1 A. (1.) He can in nowise consent to stay there always. But (2.) neither he nor we have any objections to his spending half a year in Leeds Circuit, as any other Travelling Preacher ; and he may make a trial for the two or three next months, as joint Assistant with William Shent. Q. 4. What are those hardships upon the Preachers which it is in our power to remove "? A . One of the greatest is that which lies on the married Preachers. There is no provision for their wives. Q. 5. Ought they not to be careful how they bring this upon themselves by marrying hand over head 1 A. Undoubtedly they ought. Therefore any Preacher who marries without first consulting his Ministers, or his brethren, should not take it amiss that he is then left to himself to provide for her [his wife] how he can. Q. 6. But if a Preacher do consult them first, and still if he marry one that has nothing ? A. He must be content to return to his temporal business, and so commence a Local Preacher. Q. 7. That the Societies may the more readily assist the married Preachers, ought not their wives to be as exemplary as possible 1 A. Certainly they ought. In particular, they ought never to be idle, and constantly to attend the morning preaching. Q. 8. But how may they have what is needful with the least trouble ? A. (1.) Let the Assistant inquire what each Preacher's wife wants, at every Quarterly Meeting. (2.) Let those wants be supplied, first of all, out of the common stock. (3.) Let a letter be wrote to all the Societies upon this head. Q. 9. Do the Stewards behave well with regard to the Preachers 1 A . Most of them do ; some do not. Q. 10. How may this be remedied 1 A. (1.) Let the Assistant explain to the Stewards in every place the nature of their office. (2.) Let him immediately displace those who behave amiss and will not be reproved. Q. IL How many Circuits are there] A. Twelve :— (1.) London. (,2.) Bristol. (3.) Devonshire. (4.) Cornwall. 720 [1753. (5.) Staffordshire. (6.) Cheshire. (7.) Leeds. (8.) Haworth. (9.) Lincolnshire. (10.) Newcastle. (11.) Wales. (12.) Ireland. Q. 12. How may these be supplied the ensuing year 1 A. (1.) John Wesley, &c., London. (2.) Bristol, William Kitchens, John Haime, Paul Greenwood. (3.) Devonshire, William Roberts, Peter Jaco. (4.) Cornwall, John Fisher, Thomas Mitchell, John Turnough, John Fen wick. (5.) Staffordshire, James Jones, John Thorpe. (6.) Cheshire, John Haughton, James Scholefield.* (7 and 8.) Yorkshire and Haworth, Jonathan Maskew, John Whitford, Enoch Williams, Joseph Jones, William Shent, John Edwards. (9.) Lincolnshire, William Fugill, Thomas Johnson, J. Schofield. (10.) Newcastle, Christopher Hopper, John Hampson, Jonathan Catlow, Jacob Eowell. (11.) Wales, Francis Walker, William Darney-i* (12.) Ireland, Joseph Cownley, Charles Skelton, Thomas Walsh, Samuel Larwood, James Deaves, Thomas Kead, Eobert Swindells, James Morris, N. Gilbert. * In another MS., John Nelson, t This name omitted in another MS. INDEX TO VOL. I. Adam, sin of, how imputed to his posterity, 3 Addresses from the Conference, to the Societies, 216, 273, 291, 293, 314, 334, 339, 390. See also America and Irish Conference. Africa, first appointment of Mission- aries to, 352 America, Preachers first sent to, 86 — • Preachers first appointed to, in the list of stations, 98 — number of mem- bers in, first mention of, 99 — Super- intendents and Elders in, fii-st men- tion of, 174 — Mr. Wesley's ecclesiast- ical arrangements for Methodism in, 179 — Addresses of the British Con- ference to the Conference in, 373, 400 : Answers to, from American Conference, 398, 429 Anthems, introduction of, into public worship, forbidden, 203 — rule deter- mining the use of, 366 Antinomianism, defined, 3, 4 — leaning toward, suspected, 3 — truths verging on, 9 Ajwstle, office of an, defined, 30 Arms, lawfulness of bearing, asserted, 25 Assistants, office of, 23 — rules of, 24 — directed to keep journals, 25 — correspondence to be held with, 25 — additional rule for, 28 — names of, mentioned, 28, 34, 37, 54, 70, 75, 83, 89, 101, 106, 111— how to spend their time, 28 — some of them to be more freely employed, 31, 38 — advice to, 31, 32, 38, 40, 41— to cherish mutual charity, 40, 41 — to avoid love of applause, 41 — duties of, 44 — all to attend the Conference, 106 — Stewards and Leaders to be changed by the, 194 Backsliders, rules for the re-admission of, 40 Bands, regulations for the admission of members into the, 33 — how to main- Vol. I. tain the purity of, 37 — believers to be formed into, 80 Bankriqyts, rule to be observed in the case of, 689 — when able should pay their debts, 150 Bajjtism, when Preachers may perform the office of, 314 Believers, to be encouraged to rejoice evermore, 21 Birstal, case of the preaching-house at,l 57 Bishops, how far to be obeyed, 5, 26 — ■ Bishops and Presbyters in the primi- tive church, identical, 179 Boardman, Richard, offer of, to go to New-York, 86 Booh-Committee, appointment of the, 289, 337 — remuneration by the, to authors, 362 Book-Room, embarrassment of the, 336 — management of the, retained by the Conference, 393 — Circuit accounts with the, to be settled yearly, 115, 334, 396 Books, list of those kept at Bristol, London, and Newcastle, 28, 29 — how to circulate, 74, 79 — none to be pub- lished without Mr. Wesley's sanction, 61, 224 — directions concerning, 272 — regulations under which a Preacher may publish, 361, 396 — provision for a regular account of the stock of, 361 Bradhurn, Eev. S., rules of, for the time of Conference, 367 Brainerd, every Preacher to read the Life of, 82 Bribery, how to repress, 74 Bristol, Plan of Pacification violated at, 397 — proposals to settle differences at, 397 — ^agreement with Trustees at, 695 Building. See under Debt. Building Committee, for Great Britain, 240— for Ireland, 240 — rules to be observed by the, 240 — building or repairing of preaching-houses to be referred to the, 242 — no preaching- 3 A 722 INDEX. house to be commenced without the consent of a majority of, 242 Calvinism, leaning toward, suspected, 3, 95 — truths verging on, 9 — how to arrest the spread of, 126 — why eagerly embraced, 126 Children, Preachers directed to meet the, 43, 69, 688 — instructions as to the mode of teaching, 67, 68, 687, 688 — method of catechizing, 67 Christ, benefits flowing to man from the obedience and death of, 3 — righteous- ness of, how imputed, 3 " Christian Library," the larger Soci- eties to provide the, for the use of Preachers, 69 Church, definition of a, 36 Church- government, origin and develop- ment of, 26 — various forms of, allow- able, 36 Church-hours, service during, when al- lowed, 193 — not permitted in any new place without consent of the Conference, 271 — rules relating to service in, 314, 690 Church of Englaiid, defined, 5 — true zeal for the, 5 — doctrines of the, how to be defended, 5 — separation from the, denied, 5 — what is meant by separation from the, 6 — resolution not to separate from the, 47 — worship of the, not to be superseded by Me- thodist services, 59 — letter on separa- tion from the, 191 Circuits, names of, first mentioned, 33 — again enumerated, 42, 44 — required to provide for their Preachers, 241, 412, 441 — rules respecting the divi- sion of, 289, 391 Classes, when to be divided, 120 Clenpj, hostile, to be answered, 27, 28 — to be expostulated with, 28 Coke, Dr., to bold the Conference at Dublin, 254 — Superintendent of Foreign Missions, 414 Collections, to be entered in the Stew- ards' books, 338 — appointed to be made for various chapels, 397 Conference, the first, 1 — method to be observed in conducting the business of the, 25 — points considered in the, to be carefully examined, 25, 26 — persons who are to attend the, 30 — time of the, how to be improved, 34 — Minutes of several Conferences, wanting, 45 — notices of the, from Mr. Wesley's Journal, 45-47 — Preachers not to leave the, without obtaining consent, 242 — letter of Mr. Wesley to the, enjoining impartiality, 242, 696 — record of the, on the death of Mr. Wesley, 243 — purpose of the, to follow Mr. A¥esley"s example, 243 ; and plan, 254 — conditions on which Preacliers shall attend the, 273, 288, 311, 361 — rule for attending the, relating to Ireland and Scotland, 289 — rule limiting the attendance of Preachers at the, 333 — letter of the, to the Societies, on financial em- barrassments, 334 — rule for the employment of the first day of, 338 — rule to be observed in recommending Preachers to be received on trial by the, 366 — Addresses of the, to the Irish Conference, 376, 403, 427— only Travelling Preachers to be admitted to the, 395 — Addresses of, to the American Conference, 373, 400 — regular method of holding the, 681. See also A ddresses. Consequences, fear of, not to deter from present duty, 6, 193 Controversy, needless, to be avoided, 15 Conversation, how to improve, 33 Cornelius, case of, 8 Counsel, opinion of, not needed for the settlement of preaching-houses, 73 Covenants, of grace and of works, defined, 13 Covetous men, to be seriously admo- nished, 158 Dancing, children should not be taught, 181, 367 — those who employ dancing- masters to be excluded from Society, 689 Debt, for building, first mention of, 50, 57 ; sum contributed toward defray- ing the, first mention of, 77 ; how to prevent further increase of, 50, 57, 93 ; what can be done in order to pay the 86, 93, 105, 121— duty to warn against running into, 367 Deed- Poll, preparation of the, 181 — approval of, by the Preachers, 181 Deeds, directions concerning, 272 Dewsbury, collections to be made for the preaching-house at, 224 — sub- scriptions toward, 225, 226, 241 Diligence, enjoined, 68 Disciplinary Regulations, letter on, of the Conference to the Methodist Societies, 314 Disciplhie, points of, considered, 5, 21, et seq., 35 District-Committee, Assistant authorized INDEX. 723 to summon, if necessary, 249 — their decision final till Conference, 249 — to determine all appeals in the inter- vals of Conference, 254 — directions to, relating to financial business, 255, 692 — Stationing Committee to be elected by, 256 — Chairman of, author- ized to summon, 269, 691 — Chairman of, not to interfere individually with any Circuit except his own, 270, 691 — Chairman of, to send to an accused Preacher an exact copy of the charges alleged against him, 270 — rule to be observed in a case in which the con- duct of a Chairman requires in- vestigation, 270, 691 — Chairman of, to have a casting vote, 290 — attend- ance of Preachers at the Conference to be determined by the, 311 — Chairman of, how to be elected, 395 — duties and powers of Chaii'man of, 691 Districts, division of the three kingdoms into, 249 — directions concerning the management of, 249 — alterations of, 311 — Chairmen of, mentioned, 311 — Chairmen of, responsible for the ad- ministration of Methodist discipline, 395 — Chairmen of, to be invited to Quarterly-Meetings in cases of difficulty, 395 — rules for the election of Chairmen of, 269, 691 Doctrine, points of, considered, 1-21 Doubt, a state of religious, not inevit- able, 2 — how caused, 8 Dreams, how to be regarded, 9 Dress, Preachers to warn against excess in, 367 — the Assistant to read "Thoughts on," once a year to the Societies, 256 Duties, relative, how to remedy the neglect of, 52 — to be exemplified and enforced, 53 Ecclesiastical titles and costume, rules relating to, 290, 314 Episcoijacy, divine right of, when first asserted in England, 36 Evil-sjjeaking, how to be corrected, 140 — Preachers enjoined to warn against, 367 — the sermon on, to be read in every Society, 867 Faith, defined, 1, 15 — imputed for righteousness, 3 — how lost, 8 — how recovered, 8 — effects of, 14 — how made perfect by works, 2 — relation of, to sanctification, 4 — does not I supersede good works, 10 — of the | 3 A Apostles, prior to Christ's death, 12 — salvation by, meaning of the phrase, 14 Fasting, when to be observed, 31, 74, 80, 95, 171, 181, 240, 271, 338 Forgiveness of sin, the knowledge of, not essential to salvation, 7 Fund, Preachers', rules relating to the, 49, 50, 73, 359, 698— Stewards of, 50, 73, 311 — Committee of, 73 — abolition of two rules of, 77— clerks for, 86 — how to leave a legacy for, 73 — letter of Messrs. Mather and Pawson on the, 334 Galatians, Epistle to the, object of, 4 Gospel, how to spread the, 23 Harsh names, the use of, forbidden, 271 Helper, duties of a, 158, 682 — twelve rules of a, 678 Holiness, directions for obtaining higher degrees of, 682 Holy Sjnrit, advantage to be taken of the outpouring of the, 32 H bidders field, collection on behalf of chapel at, 432 Irish Conference, Addresses of, 313, 344, 374, 402, 426 : Answers to, from British Conference, 376, 403, 427 Jones, Eev. John, Minutes of Confer- ence in the handwriting of, 708-714 Joy in God, an abiding privilege, 21 Judgment, submission of the, how far lawful, 34, 35 Judgments, national, duty in respect to, 28 Justification, faith the condition" of, 1, 7 — defined, 1 — fruits of, 2 — a blessing of which the soul is made conscious, 2 — different kinds of, 3 — St. Paul's and St. James's doctrine of, explained, 3 — causes of obscure views of, 6 — repentance necessary in order to, 7 — nature of works done before, 8 — greatness of, 9 — its true position to be maintained, 9 — what necessary in order to, 95, 96 Kilham, Mr., letter from, 363 — Com- mittee on the case of, 363, 364— decision of the Conference upon, 364 Kingswood School, first mention of, 39 — amount of collection for, first men- tion of, 49 — arrangements for, 56 — collection to be made for, 46, 57, 72 2 7U INDEX. — directions for the management of, 164 — instructions relating to, 203 — appointment of a Committee to super- intend tlie, 256 — Committee for tlie inspection of, 270, 290, 311 — regu- lation respecting boys' clothing, 357 — statement of accounts of, 434 Large Minutes, editions of the, pub- lished by Mr. Wesley, 443-675 Law, proceedings in, not to be under- taken without consent of the Confer- ence, 364 — civil, proper to resort to, 25 — ecclesiastical, how far binding, 26,35 Lay-Brethren, agreement to invite to the Conference, 21 Leaders, to be carefully examined, 40 — how to promote the usefulness of, 41 — rule to be observed in the ap- pointment or change of, 366 — Super- intendents to inquire as to their method of meeting their classes, 680 — improper, to be changed, 680 — to meet each other's classes, 680 Leeds, regulations made at, in 1797, 703 Local Preachers, disciplinary regula- tions relating to, 361 Love-feast, not to last more than an hour and a half, 51 Marrying with unbelievers. Preachers to caution against, 689 Mather, Mr., to visit particular Societies and offer counsel, 384 Means of grace, the instituted, 679 — the prudential, 679 Meetings, not to be summoned without the consent of the Superintendent, and Leaders' or Quarterly-Meeting, 392 — rules relating to official, to be published, 392 Members of Society, how divided, 22 — rule for re-admission of, 40 — catalogue of, to be taken, 66 — number of, in Society, first mention of, 56 Methodism, rise of, 51, 676 Methodist Preachers, design of God in sending the, 676 — office and duty of, 678 y Methodists, do not separate from the Church, 5 — do not weaken the Church, 6 — not guilty of schism, 35 — not Dissenters, 58 — not to sepa- rate from the Church of England, 82 — service of the, when allowed in church-hours, 193 — complaint of the want of religion among the, 63 Minister, office of, defined, 23 — ^relation of, to his flock, 27 — right of choice of, 30 Minides, subscription of Preachers to certain rules in the Large, 377 — Manuscript notes of certain, 708-720 Missions, Foreign, collection on be- half of, authorized, 291, 364, 431— Chairmen of Districts to inquire if any Preachers are willing to engage in the work of, 432 National Church, a political institution, 36 Nottingham, collection on behalf of, 432 Ordination, not to be conferred without the consent of the Conference, 270 Organs, not to be introduced without the consent of the Conference, 367 Pastoral visitation, enjoined, 63, 69, 686— directions for, 687, 683 Persons, respect of, to be avoided, 37, 39 Pilmoor, Joseph, offer of, to go to New- York, 86 Plan of Pacification, 339-343, 693 Power, Mr. Wesley's explanation and defence of his, 60-62 Prayer, how to exclude formality in, 25 — family, to be enforced, 53 Prayer-Booh, directions respecting the use of the, 213 Preachers, death of, noticed,— Barry, James, 159 Bishop, Abraham, 296 Blair, Andrew, 276 Boardman, Eichard, 159 Boon, Charles, 318 Bourke, Richard, 132 Brammah, William, 142 Brettell, John, 347 Brisco, Thomas, 414 Broadbent, John, 317 Burbeck, Edward, 204 Burnet, John, 205 Butterfield, William, 317 Cook, John, 317 Corbet, Thomas, 217 Cowmeadow, John, 195 Cownley, Joseph, 275 Denton, William, 347 Elliott, Thomas, 318 Empringham, Robert, 258 Fenwick, John, 195 Fletcher, John, 183 Foster, Henry, 195 Frazier, Francis, 217 Gafl[ney, James, 137 INDEX. 725 Preachers, death of, continued. Gamble, Eobert, 244 Gore, James, 227 Graham, Daniel, 296 Hanby, Thomas, 380 Harris, Samuel, 381 Harrison, John, 127 Hodgson, Samuel, 318 Hosking, Thomas, 132 Hunter, William, 413 Johnson, Thomas, 414 Keighley, Joshua, 204 Lee, Thomas, 195 Livermore, John, 160 Lowes, Matthew, 318 Lumley, William, 127 Marshall, Michael, 297 Martin, William, 318 Mayly, John, 205 Miller, John, 347 Mine thorp, William, 127 Mitchell, Thomas, 172 Morgan, John, 152 Naylor, Robert, 160 Norris, John, 152 Payne, Thomas, 160 Peacock, Christopher, 183 Pearce, Benjamin, 317 Prickard, John, 166 Pugh, Hugh, 217 Richardson, John, B.A., 258 Roberts, John, 204 Robertshaw, Jeremiah, 204 Robinson, Jasper, 414 Robinson, Thomas, 276 Rowell, Jacob, 166 Seaward, Thomas, 195 Shaw, John, 276 Shorter, George, 137 Slocomb, John, 127 Stephens, John, 217 Swindells, Robert, 159 Tennant, Thomas, 276 Valton, John, 296 Wadsworth, George, 381 Watkinson, Richard, 276 Wawne, George, 146 Wells, Samuel, 142 Wesley, Charles, 205 Wesley, John, 243 Westell, Thomas, 296 Whitaker, William, 297 Wilkinson, Robert, 146 Willis, Mark, 318 Worrell, Thomas, 258 Wray, James, 275 Wright, Duncan, 244 Preachers, early Methodist, how to be regarded, 30 — testing of candidates for the office of, 30 — married, how to be provided for, 45 — directed to observe the rules, 52 — first printed stations of, 48 — questions proposed to, 54 — not to follow trades, 78, 90, 364, 682— plan to preserve union among the, 88, 682 — provision for the wives of, first accounts of, 86, 93, 94 — children of, how to be provided for, 94 — objections to some, considered, 122, 127 — time of the trial of, extended, 170 — directions and advice to the, 193, 194 — not to be sent to Circuits that do not pro- vide for them, 203, 334— not to preach three times on the same day to the same congregation, 242 — not to preach oftener than twice on a week-day, 242 — case in which a third year's appointment may be allowed, 254 — ^rule relating to absence from Circuits, 271 — how long to be con- sidered supernumerary, 288 — require- ment from, when admitted into full connexion, 289 — rule to be observed in an accusation of immorality, 315 — to receive a remuneration for works presented to the Conference, 362 — rule relating to those on the list of reserve, 336, 337 — calumnies against, refuted, 378 — confidence in the senior, declared, 378 — rule to be ob- served in recommending, to the Conference, 396 — regulations to avoid the introduction of improper, 431 Preaching, nature of Methodist, at the beginning, 8 — and subsequently, 8 — Christ to be the great subject of, 9 — kind of, required by believers, 9 — may be continued when Societies are not formed, 27 — disadvantage of, when Societies are not formed, 39 — rule concerning evening, 51 — how to be made more extensively influential, 74— the most useful way of, 685 Preaching, field, not unlawful, 23 — where to be chiefly used, 23 — has been too limited, 37, 683 — why often omit- ted, 51 — never to be omitted, 53 Preaching-houses, how to avoid the increase of debts upon, 50 — directions to provide for the proper settlement of, 50, 57, 165, 191 — instructions respecting, 51 — classes not to meet in, 57 — limitation of collections for, 165, 215 — talking in, to be discou- raged, 159 — deeds of, how affected by the Poll-Deed, 190— rules to be ob- served in the building of, 120, 242, 334 — all business relating to, to be 726 INDEX. considered and settled by the District- Meetings, 289 Predestinarian Preachers, injury done by the, 45 President of the Conference, regulations concerning the office of the, 269 — rule for the re-election of, 269 — power of, when to cease, 269 — direction con- cerning the election of, 288 — empow- ered, in case of necessity, to supply a Circuit with Preachers, 395 — may assist at a District-Meeting, 395 — may visit and inquire into the affairs of a Circuit, 395 Pro2)het, office of, defined, 30 Providence of God, indications of, as to visiting new places, 32 Quarterly-Meeting, Assistant to send an account of the, to London, ii Religion, remedy for superficial, 53 — how to promote a revival of, 74, 79, 95 Removals, how to avoid needless, 51 Repentance, defined, 1 .Rowell, Kev. Jacob, Minutes of Con- ference in the handwriting of, 714- 720 Rules, Band, to be distributed, 58 — Society, to be given to aU admitted on trial, 58 — regulations to be ob- served in the issuing of new, 393 Sahhath, directions relating to the ob- servance of the, 157, 171, 181, 336— sanctification of the, to be urged, 367, 689 Sacrament, of the Lord's Supper, letter of the Conference to the Societies, on the administration of the, 273 — Circular Letters of the Conference to the Societies, on the, 291, 293 — places at which permission is granted to administer, 309-311 — rules relating to the administration of, 314, 337, 365 Salvation, evidence of the possession of, 4,5 Salvation by faith, in what sense as- serted, 14 Sanctification, defined, 4 — evidence of, 4, 5 — when begun, 10 Sanctification, entire, when to be ex- pected, 10 — state of those who die without, 10 — how to treat those who enjoy, 10 — how to preach, 10, 20 — how to wait for, 10 — why so few examples of, 20 — should be cau- tiously professed, 20 — texts of Scrip- ture in proof of the doctrine of, 18, 19 — examples of, 19 Schism., defined, 35 — Methodists not guilty of, 35 Scotland, how to promote a revival of the work of God in, 141 — rule re- lating to the attendance at Conference of Preachers stationed in, 224 Sermons, how to behave under im- proper, 5 — kind of, most useful, 32 — funeral, for whom to be preached, 194 Sin, strong convictions of, necessary, 11 — inbred, how it should aflFect the soul, 21 Sincerity, nature of, explained, 12 Singing, how to avoid formality in, 33, 80, 685— rules for, 52, 366— recommendations respecting, 366 Smuggling, how to prevent, 74 Societies, officers of the, 23 — catalogue of, to be taken, 58, 66— regulation for the admission of persons into the, 33, 365, 680— regulation for the exclusion of members from the, 365, 681— list of the, to be taken every Easter, 43 — neglect of con- tributions in the, 158 — rules of, to be read in each Society once a quarter, 224 — rules for the manage- ment of the temporal and spiritual concerns of the, 314 — rules of, to be given to all who join the, 365 — letter of the Conference to the, on points of discipline, 390 Society-Meetings, strangers may be admitted to, under certain regula- tions, 27, 39 Stewards, change of, to be made regu- larly, 337^ — rule to be observed in the change or appointment of, 366, 391 Subscriptions, made in the Conference for sending two Missionaries to Ame- rica, &c., 86 — of the Preachers for building Dewsbury chapel, 225, 241 — of Preachers to the Nottingham and Huddersfield new chapels, 432, 433 Supei-fluities, rule respecting, to be enforced, 680 Superintendents, peculiar business of, 678— advice to, 680 Talking, excess in, must be reproved and avoided, 53 Tickets, counsels on the renewal of, to classes, 680 Tobacco, rule respecting the use of, 337 Trust-Deed, form of, 214— reported disapproval of the, by some Preachers, INDE!?. 727 224 — signatures of Preachers approv- ing the, 224 Trustees, directions for the appointment of new, 120, 135 — to choose their own Stewards, 315 — to submit their ac- counts annually or oftener to the Assistant, 315 — to render all needful and available aid in supporting the work of God, 315 — how to provide for deficient income of, 315 — rule to be observed in the case of accused, 315 — addresses from delegated, 344 Union, signature of articles of agree- ment in order to, 110, 115, 116, 121 Visitation, pastoral, earnestly urged, 63-66— directions for, 66-69 Volunteers, directions respecting the military duties of, 157 Wesley, Mr., letter of, on the preserva- tion of union among the Preachers after his death, 87 — letter of, to Dr. Coke, Mr. Asbury, and tho brethren in North America, 179 — remarks of, on separation from the Church, 191, 193— letter of, to the Societies, on providing for the Preach- ers, 216 — letter of, to the Conference, 242 — remarks of the Conference on the death of, 243 West Indies, Committee for the manage- ment of affairs in the, 240 — collections to be made for the ]\Iissions in the, 290, 396 — District-Meetings to inquire whether any Preacher is willing to go to the, 396 Words, the people to be warned against using improper, 53 Wo7-k of God, measures to promote the, 79, 95, 273, 683— cause of the decrease of the, 683 Works, in what sense meritorious, QQ Worldly conformity, how to prevent, 256 Yearly Collection,, account of, 701 V EiOMDOK : PBHrrES by WrT.UAU HICHOI