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THE

BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM
THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

A BICENTENARY OFFERING OF THE NOVA SCOTIA
CONFERENCE.

BY THE
REV. GEORGE OXLEY HUESTIS
» 1 1
Author of "A Manual of Methodism.''

Presented on his 82ND Birthday, August 6th, 1903.

TORONTO:
WILLIAM BRIGGS
1903

PREFACE.

The bicentenary celebration of John "Wesley's birth
and the Methodism he introduced has prompted me to
write, not a history, but such an outline of this provi
dential and religious movement as will give a clear and
distinct view of its origin, nature, and early results.
I have found, during a ministry of nearly three-score
years, a vast amount of ignorance on this subject, and
that increasing, notwithstanding the many lives of Wesley
that have been published and the histories of Methodism
accessible. Such books are very rare among our people,
especially the poor. The price has probably been a hin
drance ; indifference more so. The first difficulty is re
moved by this little book. Its careful reading will awaken
a desire to know more of the details, and thus the second
obstacle disappears. A good outline begets a desire to
know the substance of a sermon.
I trust this epitome of the " Great Revival," will speedily

_ PREFACE.
lead to a larger circulation of the admirable "History of
Methodism in the Maritime Provinces," by the late Dr. T.
W. Smith. I hope also that this year's review of old-
fashioned Methodism will kindle anew the revival flame
which is smouldering in the not very warm embers of the
continued revival. It will come again. The prayer of
faith, like that at the beginning, is the chief factor in
bringing down Pentecostal showers.
G. O. H.
Lunenburg, 1903.

Beginnings of the Great Revival
Called Methodism.

In order to ascertain as clearly as possible the
origin of this marvellous spiritual movement, begin
ning in England early in the eighteenth century, and
to trace its rapid development, I shall have to refer
to events, personalities, and hopeful anticipations
occurring somewhat previous to its visible manifesta
tion. There is no doubt concerning the fact that at this
period England was morally in a deplorable condition.
This truth is confirmed by the statement of a reliable,
able historian of recent date : " When Wesley appeared
the Anglican Church was an ecclesiastical system
under which the people of England had lapsed into

6 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
heathenism, or a state hardly to be distinguished
from it." Methodism checked this alarming decay,
and infused new life and vigor into the Established
Church ; and, as the same writer says, ¦' preserved
from extinction and reanimated the languishing Non
conformity of the last century."
In the midst of this general decay of vital godli
ness there were some noble examples of eminent
piety among both the clergy and the laity. The
Wesley family were among this class. They were
serious, devout, prayerful, strongly inclined to re
ligion, attentive to its duties, yet destitute of the joy
of God's salvation, as the mother of John Wesley
confessed at a later period of her life. She was
eminently adapted by intellectual attainments, spirit
ual power and example to train her son to become
the human originator and effectual promoter of the
most extensive and penetrating revival of religion
the world has ever seen. If anything like hero-
worship is at all allowable it must be so to the heroine
as well as to the hero. Then Mrs. Wesley, equally
with her son John, has the right to be thus honored.

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 7
A few incidents in her life and character will justify
such remarks.
She was the mother of ten sons and nearly as many
daughters. Two sons, John and Benjamin, died in
early life, and when another was born she called him
John Benjamin, and thus his father baptized him.
But John never used the second name. Three years
before John's birth Mrs. Wesley set apart one hour
morning and evening for devotional reading, prayer,
and fellowship with God, which she observed for
years with as few interruptions as possible. For
this secret communion with God she was rewarded
openly. John Wesley was born June 17th, 1703. When five
years of age he very narrowly escaped death by the
burning of the parsonage. He was the last rescued, just
as the roof was falling in. The mother began the
education and religious instruction of her children in
very early life. Her mind seems to have been led to
a more than ordinary attention to her son John from
that time. In one of her private meditations, when
he was about eight years of age, she mentions him in

8 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
a manner that shows how much her heart was engaged
in forming his mind for religion. The meditation is
as follows :
"Evening, Mat 17, 1711.
" ' What shall I render to the Lord for all his mer
cies ? ' The little unworthy praise that I can offer is
so mean and contemptible an offering, that I am even
ashamed to tender it ; but, Lord, accept it for the
sake of Christ and pardon the deficiency of the sacri
fice. I would offer Thee myself and all that Thou
hast given me ; and I would resolve (0 give me grace
to do it !) that the residue of my life shall be all de
voted to Thy service. And I do intend to be more
particularly careful of the soul of this child that Thou
hast so mercifully provided for than ever I have
been ; that I may do my endeavor to instil into his
mind the principles of Thy true religion and virtue.
Lord, give me grace to do it sincerely and prudently,
and bless my attempts with good success ! "
Her good endeavors were not without the desired
effect, for about this time he desired of his father to
partake of the Lord's Supper.
Wesley was wisely educated from his fifth to his

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 9
eleventh year by his mother, the next two years
at the Charter- House, then at the Westminster School
for a short time. In his seventeenth year, being
intended for the Church, he entered Christchurch
College, Oxford. He rapidly acquired knowledge
and soon became proficient in almost every branch
of learning, especially in classic lore. About that time
one of the professors of the university said of him,
" His perfect knowledge of the classics gave a smooth
polish to his wit and an air of superior elegance to
all his compositions." He had already begun to
amuse himself with writing verses. His imitators
in this line have been more numerous than celebrated.
While in college Mr. Wesley became very religious,
and with his b other Charles and a few others deter
mined to live holy lives. They met together frequently
for prayer, reading the Bible, and partaking of the
sacrament ; were diligent in the use of all the means of
grace and doing good, and very methodical in all their
studies and work. This was something new in Oxford,
which soon excited attention and called for many
remarks. They were first spoken of as Sacramentar-

10 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
ians, then the Godly Club, and, finally, Methodists.
And so, as the disciples of Christ were first called
Christians in Antioch, the followers of John Wesley
were first called Methodists at the University of
Oxford. Mr. Wesley at this time realized not in
experience the inward holiness he diligently sought,
because he sought it by the deeds of the law and not
by faith — the only way it can be obtained. He had
the name, not as yet the essence, of Methodism ; the
latter he obtajned not till many years afterwards.
In 1735 Mr. Wesley went as a missionary to Georgia,
in the Southern States. Here he learned that he was
not yet a converted man. This knowledge was
obtained through a pious Moravian minister. He
asked him, "Have you the witness within yourself ?
Does the Spirit of God bear witness with your spirit
that you are a child of God ?" Wesley was surprised,
and knew not what to answer. Spangeburg, observing
his embarrassment, asked, "Do you know Jesus
Christ ? " "I know He is the Saviour of the world,"
replied Wesley. " But," he writes, " I fear they were
mere words."

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 11
Wesley returned to England in two years and was
shortly after brought into a more satisfactory state of
mind. Here is how it came about, as he tells us him
self: "In the evening I went very unwillingly to a
meeting in Aldersgate Street, where a layman was
reading Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans ;
about a quarter before nine, while listening to Luther's
description of the change which the spirit works in
the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart
strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ for
salvation, and an assurance was given me that he had
taken my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law
of sin and death." Here is the central idea, the very
essence of Methodism : a felt experience of God's
pardoning love — conscious religion. This kind of
religious experience had almost died out in England.
Mr. Wesley was the chosen human instrument of
kindling the revival flame which spread so rapidly in
England and elsewhere.
John Wesley's mission was not to preach new doc
trines, but to call attention to those essential truths of
Christianity which were found in the Articles, Homi-

12 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
lies and Prayer Book of the Established Church.
Some of these, especially justification by faith, etc.,
were seldom heard in the pulpits. Hence, the main
design of the Christian religion was not being accom
plished. God's work on earth, the saving of souls,
was not being done. Just here commenced the revival
flame. Wesley's preaching was attended with such spiritual
power that, as on the day of Pentecost, souls would
cry out in the church, " What shall we do ? " Some
times this seemed like confusion, and the result was
expulsion from the use of places of worship. Then
the Wesleys and a few others, filled with the Holy
Ghost, began to call sinners to repentance in the open
air. The word of the Lord had free course ; in every
service multitudes were convinced of sin and converted
— born of the Spirit. The poor especially, as in the
time of Christ, had the gospel preached unto them ;
and they accepted it. God's revenue of praise was
greatly increased. Hallelujahs and inspired amens
abounded in London, Bristol, and Kingswood, spread
ing in all directions. The effect on the morals of the

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 13
people proved it to be the genuine work of God.
Every true revival blesses the people in turning every
one from his iniquities. Acts 3. 26.
Thus began, in 1739, in the greatest city in the
world, through the instrumentality of John Wesley
and a few contemporaries, the most remarkable revival
of pure religion the world had seen since the third
century. It continues in operation to this day, being
realized and carried on not only by Methodists but
also by many other branches of the Church of
Christ. Before I record its marvellous progress in the Brit
ish isles, as I shall in the next chapter, I will give a few
more historical facts respecting Wesley's personality,
physical, mental and moral. As we are now com
memorating his birth, in 1703, we wish to know all we
can about the man and his work. In doing this, I
desire not to encourage hero-worship, but simply
memorial veneration, or grateful reflection on divine
goodness to man.
John Wesley was a remarkably great and good man
in every aspect in which we look at his person-

14 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
ality. This appears even in his physical nature. In
person he was rather below the middle size, but very
well proportioned. He had an excellent constitution,
and seemed not to have the smallest quantity of super
fluous flesh. In every period of his life his habit of
body was the reverse of corpulent, and was expressive
of the strictest temperance and constant exercise,
never weighing more than 126 pounds ; was muscular
and strong until a very few years before his death.
He had a firm yet elastic step, and was a remarkably
good walker. His face was beautifully attractive,
even to old age ; one of the finest ever seen. In his
countenance and behavior there was an admirable
mixture of cheerfulness and gravity ; was well devel
oped in his social nature, fluent in conversation,
abounding with cheerfulness without levity.
His natural temper was warm and vehement, but
grace enabled him to wisely control it. Outward per
secution and opposition he bore without wrath, and
apparently almost without feeling ; but when it came
from his own preachers or people his displeasure was
visible. He, however, never allowed the sun to go

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 15
down on his wrath or gave place to the devil ; gener
ally it was soon over. It has been said of him in this
connection, —
"He carried anger as the flint bears fire,
Which, much enforced, shows a hasty spark,
And straight is cold again."
A man of more extraordinary character than Mr.
Wesley probably seldom lived on earth. His piety
was sincere and of a most exemplary kind, and for
more than fifty years his unceasing, great, and various
labors were most astonishing. His direct ministerial
toils exceeded those of any man of whom we have
read or heard. For more than sixty years he con
stantly rose at four o'clock in the morning, devoting
only six hours of the twenty-four to sleep, and, what
none of his imitators can say, never lost a night's
sleep during all that time. He could not be diverted
from that health-giving practice. A gentleman once,
desiring a lengthy conversation, managed to occupy
with him a part of the same bed. Shortly after
retiring, the conversation began, but soon ended. Mr.

16 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
Wesley, turning over to the wall, said, " Good night,
brother, I came to bed to sleep."
His travelling was marvellous, several thousands of
miles yearly, chiefly on horseback, until seventy years
old. During the last eighteen years he drove in a car
riage most of the time. He preached twice every day,
often three or four times, altogether over 40,000 times.
Had he taken a different text every time, there would
not have been sufficient verses in the whole Bible to
supply the demand. From his journals we learn
that he frequently repeated his sermons, which any
itinerant is justified in doing, especially a pioneer
evangelist. The increase of those having "itching
ears " for something new will not allow it in our days.
Hence, some of the essential old truths are evaporat
ing from the pulpit.
John Wesley was a great preacher, and in this line
of gospel work has done more to reform and make
effective this divine calling than any other man
since the days of St. Paul. He popularized this
divine institution, elevating it to its proper position
in Christianity, which had been reduced by sacer-

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 17
dotal influences to a lower position in soul saving
than sacraments or ritualism.
His attitude in the pulpit was graceful and easy,
his action calm and natural, yet pleasing and ex
pressive. His voice was not loud, but clear, mascu
line, and agreeable ; his style, neat, perspicuous, and
fascinating. When he had time to make proper pre
paration for the pulpit, he was admirable : but some
times, this not being the case, he fell short of his
general excellence. Yet, when heard on such an occa
sion, one capable of testifying remarked, " It was not
a masterly sermon, yet none but a master could have
preached it." His sermons were not lengthy, seldom
more than thirty minutes. His prayers were also
short. He advised his preachers not to exceed
in that exercise in public more than five or six
minutes. He has not many imitators to-day. In
point of great, extensive, and long-continued useful
ness, he has had no compeer.
In all his studies, labors, writings, and preaching
he had one object in view : to propagate the Gospel of
Christ— 2

18 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
"To spread eternal truth abroad,
And bring a guilty world to God."
He observed so rigid a temperance, and allowed
himself so little repose, that he seemed to be above
the infirmities of nature and to act independently of
the earthly tenement he occupied. His zeal was not
a transient blaze, but a steady and constant flame.
The ardor of his spirit was neither dampened by dif
ficulty nor subdued by age. This was ascribed by
himself to the power of divine grace ; by the world
to enthusiasm. Oh, for more of such enthusiasm in
this religiously quiet age ! He was well qualified to
excel in every branch of literature, well versed in the
learned tongues, in metaphysics, in oratory, in logic,
in criticism, and in every requisite of a Christian
minister. These attainments, however desirable,
furnished not the more important and essential qualifi
cation. They were only subsidiary to the gift of the
Holy Spirit. This was ever the fire, the penetrating
influence of Methodism, the " Great Revival. "
In Wesley's style in the use of language we find
he used more freely the Saxon than any other.

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 19
Hence, his preaching was pathetic, instructive, and
persuasive, admirably adapted to the age in which he
lived. It has marvellously influenced the expressions
of religious thought ever since. In recent years the
pulpits and press of Methodism are not imitating so
closely as formerly the clear and impressive style of
John Wesley's sermons and definitions of doctrine.
Perhaps the divergence is in the line of improvement.
The writer doubts that. He still prefers morals to
ethics, and conversions to character building.
This remarkable man of God was sent to perfect
the reformation begun by Luther, who restored to the
Church the eliminated doctrine of justification by
faith, but failed to give prominence to its experi
mental realization. Luther's reformation was a mental
change in the head ; Wesley's a moral one in the heart,
the throne of the spiritual nature.
Wesley's personality exhibited very prominently
both phases of humanity, the human and the spiritual.
He was complete in both, without any serious defici
ency. In the estimation of God, through grace, he
was faultless, but not so in the estimation of man.

20 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
In a book on the life of this great and good man, pub
lished by one of his contemporary preachers, Jonathan
Crowther, we have this remark : '' I do not say he
was without faults, or above mistakes ; but they
were lost in the multitude of his excellences and
virtues." In the idiosyncrasies of his mental constitution
there was a larger amount than usual of the cheerful,
vivacious, buoyant, or, as we now speak, optimistic
feeling, with a talent for wit which he checked rather
than cultivated. One illustration of its exercise shows
that it was genuine.
Once two young men on horseback dashed along
with great speed, seemingly determined to run him
down. As they approached he stepped out of the
road. They halted, and one said, " We never step out
of the path for fools." " I always do," replied Mr.
Wesley. He never indulged in "foolish talking or
jesting," or even punning or making conundrums.
Once only have I read of his approach to this dubious
region of thought. One time he had to lodge with a
very poor family, I think the name was Jackson. In

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 21
the morning the hostess asked him how he slept.
He replied, " Your bed is just like an Englishman."
The good woman tried for some time, but could
not unravel the puzzle ; but he did. " It will not
budge." Thus far we have been looking at the preliminaries,
early existence, development, conversion, and preach
ing of John Wesley, the chief human instrument in
the great revival of pure Christianity begun in
England in the early part of the eighteenth century.
We. shall now briefly note some of the immediate and
subsequent results of the kindled and increasing flame
which burned up so many brush-heaps impeding the
King's highway of holiness. The word of the Lord
had free course and was glorified ; that is, sinners
were awakened, convinced of sin, and converted in
every service. Very soon a five o'clock preaching
service was established at headquarters, giving the
working-classes a chance of hearing the Gospel before
the commencement of their daily toil. Societies were
formed everywhere with great rapidity. New con
verts were immediately brought into Christian fellow-

22 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
ship, one of the most potent factors in the spread
of Methodism.
After the use of the repaired foundry building, the
first Methodist chapel in the world, built by Metho
dists, was opened in Bristol in 1739. Soon other
men sent by God came to Mr. Wesley's assistance in
spreading the revival flame. He hesitated, because
they were laymen, until he saw God was blessing
their attempts at preaching equally with his own.
Among the earliest was one John Nelson, an honest
Yorkshire mason, converted under the preaching of
Mr. Wesley, who became at once a flaming evangelist.
Working by day at his trade among the stones, at
night he pounded with the hammer of God's word on
harder rocks, which were broken and polished for the
erection of a spiritual temple .
This man's labors were signally blessed in his native
shire. He formed as many societies, or classes, in
Yorkshire during a little less than two decades than
Wesley himself. This became the banner shire of
Methodism until outrivalled many years afterwards
by Cornwall. It is said that in 1770 it contained about

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 23
one-third of all the members in the society in the
British islands. This wonderful work of God spread
all over England and the adjacent isles so rapidly that
in 1767 there were in the society 25,911 members and
104 preachers.
In no place outside of England did Methodism take
so well as in Ireland. Something very similar to it
was first realized there, as the experience ot' Saint
Patrick testifies, more than a thousand years before.
Mr. Wesley's first visit was in 1747. But one of his
preachers, Thomas Williams, had preceded him, for he
found 300 members in the society. Many successful
pioneers of Methodism, and some of its great men,
came from this kind-hearted, vivacious, and vigorous
race. We record only the names of Gideon Ouseley,
Thomas Welsh, Adam Clark, William Arthur, and
Matthew Richey.
Torches carrying the revival flame in the army
went first to Scotland, which Mr. Wesley visited at
their invitation in 1751. The seed of Gospel grace
took deep root, but very slowly, as Calvinism had not
prepared the soil for the reception of the truths of

24 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
universal love and free grace for all. It came, how
ever, to stay and produced good fruit. It was nearly
one hundred years after before it obtained favor
among that intellectually religious people. This we
know from the pen of one of their most distin
guished divines, Mr. Chalmers, who said of Methodism,
" It is Christianity in earnest." The pulpit of Meth
odism in the Maritime Provinces has been privileged
for the last thirty-three years with the best kind of
theological training from a well-developed intellect and
sanctified heart from Scotland. Dr. Stewart has
done more in that line of Christian work for us than
any other man in our history. Others of that nation
ality are among us for good, one of whom, Alexander
Nicolson, very recently exchanged the toils of an active
ministry for the rest that remains for the people
of God.
The Isle of Wight was visited by Wesley in 1753.
He found a small society already formed at Newport.
One of his preachers had been on the ground before
him. Among the early Wesleyan converts was
Elizabeth Wallbridge, the " Dairyman's Daughter," of

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 25
world-wide fame, by means of the simple, touching
narrative of Rev. Leigh Richmond. Elizabeth was
brought to God through the instrumentality of the
Rev. James Crabb, a Methodist home missionary, and
was for many years a truly pious and consistent
member of our Church. The writer of her very
beautiful narrative altogether ignores that fact. I
believe it has had a much wider circulation because
of that omission. The prejudice, as well as wrath of
man, is sometime overruled for the glory of God.
The West Indies.
I shall now attempt to trace, in chronological order,
the providential progression throughout the world of
this marvellous work of God. The first place outside
the British Isles where Methodism was introduced
was Antigua, a West India island belonging to Great
Britain. It came about, in the providence of God, as follows :
In 1758 Nathaniel Gilbert, Speaker of the House of
Assembly of Antigua, visited England. While remain-

26 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
ing with some slaves he had with him, he heard Mr.
Wesley preach, was convinced of sin, and soundly con
verted to God. Similar blessing was obtained by two
of the colored slaves that came with him to England.
Mr. Wesley baptized one, and declared of her that she
was the first regenerated African he had ever seen,
remarking, " Shall not His saving health be made
known to all nations."
In 1760 Mr. Gilbert and the slaves with him
returned to Antigua. Methodist-like he soon began
to work for God. He held meetings at his own house,
praying, reading the Scriptures, and exhorting the
people to turn to the Lord. The converting power of
God came down upon them, and soon two hundred
members of society were meeting in class. He and
two colored females looked after this increasing flock
for eighteen years, when John Baxter, a shipwright
and Methodist local preacher, came from England in
1778. He was a very successful worker in the gospel
vineyard. Through his efforts, in 1783, the first
Methodist chapel in the torrid zone was erected.
Here was a society of Methodists existing and

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 27
flourishing spiritually for over twenty years without
an ordained minister. Such was the case often with
early Methodism. But a change was at hand. In
1786, Dr. Coke left England, with three missionaries,
for Nova Scotia ; but the providential, powerful, furi
ous north wind would not permit him to land when
near Halifax, but drove the ship to Antigua, where
the Methodists, nearly a thousand in number, were
earnestly praying for ministerial help. He arrived
there on Christmas day, after a most tempestuous
voyage of nearly three months. The newly-arrived
preachers were left there, and thus Methodism was
speedily introduced into most of the West India
Islands, where it has realized most glorious success
in saving sinners.
Newfoundland.
The next place where this revival flame was kindled
was Newfoundland, Britain's oldest colony. One of
Ireland's sons, Lawrence Coughlan, a very devoted
and excellent preacher, willingly complied with Mr.
Wesley's request to go as a missionary to that island.

28 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
Mr. Wesley wished him to be ordained, but the bishops
would not grant the favor ; and not seeing it his duty,
as he did a few years afterwards, to do it himself, he
requested it of Erasmus, a bishop of the Greek Church,
who was then on a visit to England. Coughlan was
ordained, but, I believe, afterwards doubted its valid
ity. He was evidently, however, in the true succes
sion, for God soon gave him souls for his hire and
seals to his ministry. He came in 1765, and returned
to England in 1772. But the revival power con
tinues, while thousands on earth and many more in
heaven, are praising God that Methodism ever came
to Newfoundland.
Thus far, twenty -five years after its commencement,
Methodism had touched no continent (except for a
short time in the army, while at Flanders, in 1745), but
only the isles of the sea. Thus was fulfilled the beau
tiful, prophetic hymn of Dr. Watts, written not long
before this period :
" Ye islands of the northern sea,
Rejoice ! your Saviour reigns ;
His word, like fire, prepares His way,
And mountains melt to plains,"

the beginnings of methodism. 29
America.
The very next year(l766)after this holyfire began to
burn in Newfoundland it was kindled on the continent
of America, in New York. Irish immigrants of Teu
tonic-German extraction came to the New World to
find better homes than Ireland could give them. Two
of the chief names were Heck and Embury, a local
preacher. Shortly after, Captain Webb, an English
man belonging to the army, full of faith and the Holy
Ghost, greatly assisted in spreading the truth abroad.
About the same time another Irishman, Strawbridge,
was kindling the fire in Maryland and elsewhere. No
field in the world was better adapted for Methodism
than America. Its triumphs and progress exceeded
that of any other country. So much so that in twenty-
five years from the beginning (1766) the number of
members in the society was about 25,000, while those
of Britain and her colonial islands had increased from
the beginning (1739), in fifty-two years, to not more
than 76,000, showing a much larger rate of increase
in America than in the Old Country. That increase
has continued till to-day, when the Methodists of

30 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
America outnumber those of all other countries com
bined. Recently an Episcopal clergyman in England was
greatly surprised on hearing a gentleman say there
were over 30,000,000 Methodists. He replied, " You
surely mean thousands, not millions." ' Yes, mil
lions," said the other. Here Methodism has had free
scope, and the revival flame has spread everywhere.
Had not this work of God been seriously hindered by
an irreligious population, largely from the slums of
Europe, this marvellous, self-sufficient country would
ere this have been the holiest nation on earth. Perhaps
it is so now. My largest optimism is stretched in say
ing or thinking so.
In 1768, at New York, was opened the first Meth
odist chapel in this Western world, on John Street, not
far from Wall Street. It still exists, at least portions
of it; and some of its old Methodism still remains,
as I can testify from experience. On the first Sab
bath of October, 1892, there seemed to be a peculiar
solemnity and sanctity in the place while the writer
was preaching the word and assisting in administer-

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 31
ing the Lord's Supper. It is one of the most pleasing
memorials of a lengthened ministry.
Canada.
In 1779, thirteen years after the beginning of Meth
odism in New York, the revival flame broke out in
Amherst, County Cumberland, Nova Scotia, in con
nection with prayer-meetings. They were conducted
b}r a few live Methodists, emigrants from Yorkshire,
England, who came out in 1775. For many months
these services were held before the fire came : but it
did come with power and saving grace to more than
five-score souls. There was no preaching, because they
had no preacher; but among the converts there was one
in embryo. He soon began (1781) to exercise his gifts
and grace in exhortation and prayer, and in a few
months to preach the glorious Gospel of Christ. He had
not all the qualifications since considered necessary for
the holy calling, but the essential, most important
one, the gift of the Holy Ghost. Hence William
Black became the apostle of Methodism in Nova
Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.

32 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
He also, ten years after his first sermon, became the
instrument of reviving, strengthening, and enlarging
the decaying cause in Newfoundland.
The work of God, thus commenced, rapidly spread
throughout the Maritime Provinces. This was a
little in advance of any other Methodist society in the
Dominion of Canada. The first Methodist chapel in
the Dominion was built in Point de Bute, opened and
deeded to John Wesley, 1788. This was four years after
he made the famous Deed of Declaration, placing it
in the highest court in the Kingdom, which incorpo
rated the Methodist societies into a complete separa
tion from the Church of England for ever.
The second was opened at Sackville, 1790, by Rev.
James Mann, who, with his brother John, came from
New York to Shelburne in 1783.
The third was opened in Halifax (1792) by Rev.
William Jessop, whose text on the occasion was,
" The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered
into Zoar." — Gen. 19. 23. It was afterwards generally
known as Zoar Chapel. The four hymns used in that
service, composed by Mr. Jessop and a local preacher

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 33
named Caudle, are now in my possession. The writer
fifty-three years ago (1850) often occupied that old-
fashioned, elevated, upright pulpit. Halifax soon
became the headquarters of Methodism in the Mari
time Provinces. Here has reposed the dust of the
Rev. William Black since 1834.
Is it, then, really true that Methodism found its way
into Nova Scotia (Cumberland) before it reached any
other part of the Dominion ? Yes. But was there
not a Methodist preacher in Quebec before that ?
There was a Mr. Tuffy, officer in the British Army,
who came there one year before Mr. Black, of Amherst,
began to preach. He came there in 1780, one year
after the great revival, where William Black was
converted. He remained three years, then removed
with the army, when those who had been his hearers
were scattered abroad, Methodism not having been
permanently established, as it was about twenty years
afterwards. When Mr. Tuffy arrived at Quebec, there
were 150 Methodists meeting in class in Amherst. I
therefore claim that in my own native county,
Cumberland, Methodism was first established in this

34 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
Dominion. The revival flame, with somewhat lessened
intensity, continues to burn.
This tree of the Lord's planting began to grow in
Ontario in 1786, under the culturing care of a local
preacher, an Irish soldier named Neal, and shortly after
of McCarthy, of the same nationality. Its branches
spread out rapidly in all directions. About the close
of the century it found its way to Montreal and
Quebec, where it still flourishes. At present nearly a
million members and adherents repose under its
branches in the Dominion, three-fourths of them being
in Ontario.
If the coming of an individual Methodist or family -
means the beginning of Methodism in a place, New
port, near Windsor, Nova Scotia, has that honor.
John Smith, who often in Yorkshire, England, led
the singing in Mr. Wesley's services, and whose wife
was a convert of John Nelson's, came here in 1773,
six years before the great revival at Amherst. He
continued to reside there for nine years, when Mr.
Black appointed him the first leader of a class in

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 35
Windsor. His descendants have been prominently
engaged in nurturing and extending this work of God
ever since.
I am aware of only another similar case, Benjamin
Chappell, from the old foundry in London, who came
to Charlottetown, P.E.I., in 1775. That live coal, with
some others that came after, helped to kindle the fire
which Christ came to send on earth. It still burns
with " inextinguishable blaze."
Africa.
The next place where this revival flame burst forth
was in the then dark continent of Africa, in Sierra
Leone. It came in live hearts from Shelburne, Nova
Scotia. Some remarkable providences are traced in
this unique movement. More than a thousand colored
people came with the Loyalists from the States in
1783. There were many Methodists among them, as
Mr. Black found when he visited them the same year.
One colored man among them, so lame and crippled
that he could neither stand nor walk, was preaching
with wonderful power and success. He was called

36 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
" Old Moses." Scores were converted ; fourteen classes
were meeting in Burchtown.
As that community was facing inevitable starvation,
the British sent 1,100 of them, in 1792, to Sierra Leone,
the land of their forefathers. Two white local preach
ers accompanied them. These facts I learned from
George Jolly, a devoted colored local preacher in Shel
burne, when I was his pastor (1847). This strong man
often carried on his back to his preaching places that
marvellous man, " Old Moses."
In this way the great revival broke out in West
Africa. Thus the light that travelled westward from
Africa in the days of yore now returned to fill the
vacuum of its exit.
About twenty years after their arrival at Sierra
Leone, in answer to a request, the English Conference
sent them a preacher. When Mr. Warren came he
found the old fire still burning. Two chapels had
been built, and Methodism was in a fairly prosperous
condition. That mission has been a successful one, its
influence extending in the direction where the eunuch
carried the gospel nearly 1900 years ago.

the beginnings of methodism. 37
Australia.
The next place where Methodism began its regen
erative work was in the southern world, Australia.
Its preliminaries were remarkable, illustrating the
peculiar providence of God. The devil evidently
overshot his mark when he prompted an intelligent
lawyer in Dublin to commit forgery, which then in
curred a death penalty. He was imprisoned, and
while awaiting his trial and sentence, was visited
by the agents of Methodism, who were instru
mental in leading him to Christ for salvation from
sin. He obtained it. Through their influence the
sentence of death was commuted to transportion for
life to a penal colony in Australia. He took with
him a new heart, a Bible, a hymn book, considerable
knowledge, and good mental ability. He arrived in
1812, and, Methodist like, began at once to work for
God; told the people he had found Jesus, and in
vited them to seek and find Him too. Soon a class
and prayer-meeting were in operation. Many souls
were brought to God before two years elapsed. A
request was sent to the English Conference, in 1815,

38 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
for a preacher, and the Rev. Mr. Leigh was sent to them.
The work soon spread amazingly. It has now
reached magnificent proportions in that portion of
our world so thickly studded with islands. The
people there can now sing as heartily as we can the
hymn of Watts already referred to, by only changing
the " Northern " to " Southern " seas.
Asia.
Let us now inquire about the entrance of Meth
odism into the earth's largest continent. This form of
religion originated there in the first century of
the Christian era, but retained possession only a
few hundred years, until it was so strangely elimin
ated and corrupted as to turn its spiritual essence into
materialistic formalities. Methodism now attempts
to bring the old religion back and plant the standard
of the Cross in India. Dr. Coke, the most thoroughly
missionary man that ever lived, started from England
in 1814, with six others, carrying the Gospel with
them. On the way, near India, Dr. Coke was found
dead in his berth. His body was committed to the

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 39
deep on the Indian Ocean, leaving the six missionaries
lonely and disheartened. They remained in Bombay
for one month, then found their way to Ceylon, where
the revival flame was kindled, which has been burn
ing ever since with increasing power and brilliancy.
This mission was blest with very early success.
The first sermon preached by one of the six, Mr.
Clough, while in Bombay, was the means of the con
version of an intelligent, educated native, who be
came a very devoted and successful preacher of the
gospel, the first native Methodist preacher in India.
Great success soon followed the establishment of the
mission at Ceylon. The flame has spread over
most of India, the ratio of increase being greater of
late years than formerly. A missionary from the
Methodist Episcopal Church of America, who had
returned after an absence of a few months, baptized
1,700 converts in one week, 800 at one service. India
with its millions was given to the English for
evangelization, and they, in conjunction with their
vigorous offspring in the West, are doing the work.

40 the beginnings of methodism.
South Africa.
In tracing the course of this wonderful revival of
earnest, living Christianity we touch the Dark Con
tinent again, this time in its southern extremity.
The Dutch had possession of this vast region of
country for many years; but it was taken from them
twice, the last time in 1806. The London Mis
sionary Society commenced its labors some years be
fore the Wesleyans. The first Methodist Missionary
to South Africa was Rev. John McKenny, in 1814,
but such was the jealousy of the Government
authorities that the missionary was not allowed to
open his commission. After waiting a few weeks for
the opening of the door he was ordered to go to
Ceylon. The next year, Rev. Barnabas Shaw, with his wife,
came to Cape Town ; but His Excellency declined to
give him permission to preach. He naively says :
"Having been refused the sanction of the Governor, I
was resolved what to do, and commenced without
it on the following Sabbath. My congregations at
first were chiefly composed of pious soldiers, and it

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 41
was in a room hired by them that I first preached
Christ and Him crucified, in South Africa." He soon,
however, perceived that there was no prospect of
success in the place, and began to long for an opening
to preach among the natives in the interior. Soon the
way opened. The Rev. Mr. Schmelen, of the London
Missionary Society, arrived in Cape Town from Great
Namaqualand on a visit, and he made such represen
tations of the openings for missionary labor in that
country that Mr. and Mrs. Shaw resolved to accom
pany him on his return, according to his kind invita
tion. A waggon and a span of oxen, with other
necessaries, were purchased for the long journey. On
the 6th of September, 1815, they started, accompanied
for some distance by a few friends from Cape Town.
The missionary party had pursued their toilsome
journey for nearly a month, and had crossed the Ele
phant River, when, on the 4th of October, by a remark
able providence, Mr. Shaw found an opening for a
suitable field of labor. He actually met with the chief
of Little Namaqualand, accompanied by four men, on
his way to Cape Town to seek for a Christian teacher

42 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
being aware of the advantages which other tribes had
realized by the reception of the gospel. Thus was the
vital flame of the great revival kindled in South
Africa. It has prospered amazingly, and spread
through all that region. If I am rightly informed by a
visitor to that country recently, there is one town in
Eastern Africa (Durban) having sixteen Methodist
churches, only one less than the Anglican Church.
The prayer in Bishop Heber's hymn for deliverance
from " error's chain " is being answered
" Where Afric's sunny fountains
Roll down their golden sand."
Soon we shall cease using the words " Dark Conti
nent." Lesser British Isles.
Before noticing the introduction of Methodism into
the European continent I will speak of its providential
admission into some of the islands contiguous to Great
Britain. First, the Isle of Man. A native who had taken up
his residence in Liverpool, in 1775, on hearing the first

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 43
Methodist sermon he ever heard, was convinced of sin
and, by faith, obtained justifying grace. Desirous that
his countrymen might know the blessedness of this
new, unpopular religion, he sought to have a missionary
sent, but could not obtain one. He then applied to a
zealous local preacher, named John Cook, who com
plied with his request. God was with him and the
revival flame was soon kindled and spread. Two
years afterwards Mr. Wesley visited the place and
greatly rejoiced at what God had wrought. The fire
thus kindled has continued to burn ever since.
Then the Scilly Isles, first visited by the Rev.
Joseph Sutcliffe, who was stationed at St. Ives, in Corn
wall. On his second visit, 1778, a class was formed and
a circuit established. Mr. Sutcliffe, in his last visit,
purposed remaining there three weeks ; but, as provi
dence would have it, stayed three months. The only
clergyman there being in poor health, the Methodist
minister occupied the church occasionally, but chiefly
the court-house. Numbers were brought to the
experimental knowledge of the truth. Mr. Sutcliffe
was obliged to live at the inn, and, on leaving, the pro-

44 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
prietor was so deeply impressed with the excellence
of his religion that he was politely told there was
" nothing to pay," and that the laborer was worthy
of his meat. The population not being large, one
minister has been sufficient to look after Methodism
there. Methodism was introduced into the island of Jersey
by one of its natives, who went to Newfoundland as
a trader. While there he was convinced of sin under
the faithful ministry of the Rev. Lawrence Coughlan,
who had been sent there as a missionary at the
instance of Mr. Wesley. Pierre Le Sueur returned to
Jersey, in 1775, with an awakened conscience; but
his friends and neighbors, to whom he spoke of a
change of heart, thought him mad, and he looked in
vain for counsel or sympathy till another convert,
named John Fentin, came from Newfoundland, who
afforded him the help which he required. They
began at once to work for God. Their conversations,
prayers, and exhortations, produced considerable ex
citement, and in the course of a week or two twelve
persons were awakened to a sense of their danger

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 45
and joined them in their devotions. In 1779 a pious
sea captain arrived in Jersey, who gladly united with
the Methodists in their efforts to do good, boldly
preaching in English, whilst Le Sueur continued his
labors in French. In 1783 the little band of devoted
Christians was further strengthened by the arrival of
a few pious soldiers who had been recently converted
in Southampton through the instrumentality of
Captain Webb.
The Methodists of Jersey now wrote to England for
a preacher, and when Mr. Wesley received the letter,
Robert Carr Brackenbury, Esq., a wealthy Methodist
layman, was present. This gentleman had been brought
to God some time before and had just begun to preach,
and, being able to preach in French as well as in
English, appeared to be just the man for the Channel
Islands. Mr. Wesley told him so, when he nobly offered
his services and proceeded at once to Jersey. He had
great success. As the work advanced, in 1786, Mr.
Wesley sent Adam Clarke to assist Mr. Brackenbury.
The revival flame spread over the whole island ; thus
Methodism was permanently established in Jersey.

46 the beginnings of methodism.
Prince Edward Island.
A few years after this, under the auspices of Dr.
Clarke, a little Colony of Methodists came to Prince
Edward Island and introduced -Methodism into Mur
ray Harbor. From that band came forth some very
bright gems in the history of Methodism in the Mari
time Provinces. I need but mention the names of two
to justify the above statement, Avard and Desbrisay.
Four of the last name became preachers of the Gospel —
one a Church clergyman, the other three Methodists.
Of the Avards, several were local preachers. One of
the most brilliant, promising and successful preachers
in Methodism was Adam Clarke Avard, who entered
the work in 1817 and died at Frederieton, March 15th,
1821, aged twenty-one years. Thus the one little
spark of the great revival flame that went in a solitary
breast from Newfoundland in 1775 came back in many
hearts to a contiguous isle after fifty years. May we
not sing as gratefully of God's providence as Watts
did of His saving power ? —
" Thy works of grace, how bright they shine !
How deep Thy counsels, how divine ! "

the beginnings of methodism. 47
The Channel Islands.
Methodism had been introduced into Guernsey the
year before (1785), when Dr. Coke, on visiting the
islands, took thither a young French preacher
named Jean de Quetteville, who had recently been
brought to God and called to the work, and who was
instrumental in the conversion of many sinners. In
1787 Adam Clarke visited Alderney, where he suc
ceeded in planting the standard of the Cross amid
much opposition and peril. Whilst the good work
was thus advancing in Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney,
the little isle of Sark was favored with a few sparks
of the heavenly fire and the whole group became
permeated with the leaven of Methodism. The
origin and progress of this remarkable work of God
was watched by Mr. Wesley with feelings of deep
interest when in the eighty-fifth year of his age he
paid a visit to the Channel Islands, accompanied by
Dr. Coke ; and when the venerable patriarch " saw
the grace of God he was glad, and exhorted the people
to cleave unto the Lord with purpose of heart." The
revival flame in these sunny isles between France

48 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
and England continues, with perhaps less intensity,
to burn as it did more than one hundred years ago.
France.
Methodism found itsvway into France, as in many
other places, through the army or navy. Among the
prisoners who were taken by the French during the
war with Britain, in the early part of the nineteenth
century, were a number of pious Methodists. As
early as 1807, some of these wrote home to their
friends from the Arras prison, giving an interesting
account of earnest exhortations, prayer and class-
meetings, and the conversion of sinners who wished
to unite with the society. Early in the year 1810,
the Rev. William Toase, then stationed on Seven Oaks
Circuit, received a very polite invitation from the
commander of His Majesty's ship Glory, to visit and
preach to the prisoners on board. This he did for
the first time on the 7th of March, and the result of
the experiment was so encouraging that he repeated
his visit as often as possible. Thus the Gospel of
Christ was faithfully preached to thousands of poor

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 49
captives in their own tongue. In the year 1816,
De Quetteville visited Normandy and several other
places with pleasing success. Shortly after arrange
ments were made to occupy several places on the
coasts. In 1819 Rev. John Hawtrey was appointed
to labor in Paris. He was afterward succeeded by
Messrs. Cook, Toase, Newstead, and Methodism took
hold, to remain till the present day. The work is
prospering there more and more through others, as
well as Methodists. The Huguenot spirit is returning
to France. Hallelujah !
Gibraltar.
The Wesleyan Mission to Gibraltar was attended
with circumstances of a very gloomy character in its
commencement ; but afterwards the sun of prosperity
shone upon it, and it has been made a blessing to
thousands, especially of the military, who have from
time to time been stationed there. It was about the
beginning of the nineteenth century that a number of
soldiers then quartered there united in a petition to
Dr. Coke that they might be favored with the

50 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
services of a chaplain. This led to the appointment
of the Rev. James McMullen. He arrived there with
his wife and child, after a stormy passage, in the
month of September, 1804. On landing they found
the yellow fever raging among the wasted population
with more than its usual violence and malignity. The
fatal disease had invaded almost every family, and
there was scarcely a house in which there was not
one dead. The missionary's little child had scarcely
breathed the tainted air when it was seized with the
malady. On the 10th of October, her anxious father,
fatigued with constant watching by the couch of
affliction, was himself prostrated with the fever, and
on the 18th he was a corpse. Mrs. McMullen had
borne up during these days of woe with wonderful
fortitude ; but at the hour which ended the life of her
dear husband she was smitten with the shaft of the
pestilence, and followed him, in a few days, to the
tomb. Four years elapsed before another attempt was
made to establish a Wesleyan mission at Gibraltar.
The Rev. William Griffith was the next preacher

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 51
sent. He was cordially received, and entered upon
his work with pleasing prospects of success. In
1811 a chapel was erected and opened for divine
worship. A succession of ministers followed Mr.
Griffith. Among them one went from Nova Scotia,
in 1820, the Rev. William Croscombe, who returned
and spent many years in the country of his first
adoption in 1810.
A remarkable instance of violent persecution against
the Methodists in the army took place in Gibraltar
one year before the first missionary was sent. A
regimental court-martial was held, by order of
Lieutenant-Colonel Ramsay, for the trial of Corporal
James Lamb, Richard Russel, and three privates,
charged with unsoldier-like conduct in attending a
Methodist meeting contrary to regimental orders.
And, strange to say, they were found guilty, and the
sentence passed upon them was that the two corporals
were to be reduced, and all the five men were to
receive five hundred lashes each ! Former times were
not better than the present. About this time some
efforts were made to introduce Methodism into Spain

52 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
and Portugal, but very little was accomplished ; and
to this day it has very little foothold in those morally
withered countries, where similar Christianity once
prevailed. Malta — Egypt — Geeece.
As early as 1824, the Rev. John Keeling was ap
pointed to Malta, and the Rev. Charles Cook to
Palestine, and the following year the Rev. Donald
McPherson was appointed to Alexandria, in Egypt.
In 1827, the Rev. Walter Oke Croggon was sent to
Zante, and he was afterwards joined by the Rev.
James Bartholomew, with the hope of extending the
work to different parts of Greece. These interesting
stations, with the exception of Palestine, which was
never fully entered upon, were occupied for several
years with different measures of success, but on the
whole, the results were not such as to warrant
their continuance, and they were consequently given
up. The station that was occupied longest by the
Wesleyan Missionary Society was Malta, the island

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 53
where St. Paul was shipwrecked on his voyage to Rome
and the inhabitants of which showed him and his
fellow-sufferers "no small kindness." This place was
favored with the labors of a missionary for about
twenty years, and was given up in 1844, when numerous
changes had taken place among the few English resi
dents and the military, to whom his services were
chiefly devoted. The natives of Malta were so com
pletely under the influence of the Romish priests,
who strictly prohibited them from attending any
Protestant religious service whatever, that, with very
few exceptions, they were inaccessible to the mis
sionary, or perhaps he would not have been with
drawn from the island.
It is pleasant to be able to add that Malta, since
1869, has had a missionary, who tells us that soon
after coming to the place he discovered between two
and three hundred declared Wesley ans in the army,
and in the navy one hundred and sixty-one. So that
the revival flame is burning to-day, very different
from the fire Paul kindled with a few sticks, out of
which came a viper, which fastened on his hand. He

54 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
also kindled the same kind of spiritual fire which
Methodism is doing everywhere. Europe.
Methodism in Germany both in its origin and sub
sequent course appears to have been pre-eminently a
child of Providence. About the year 1830, an in
dustrious and respectable German, named Christopher
Gotlob Muller, had occasion to visit England on busi
ness, and whilst in this country he was brought to a
saving knowledge of the truth through the instru
mentality of the Wesleyan ministry. On his return
to Winnenden, in the kingdom of Wurtemburg, his
native place, he made known to his friends and neigh
bors what a precious treasure he had found. Being
a man of ardent temperament and unquenchable zeal,
Mr. Muller exerted himself in every possible way to
save the souls of his fellow-countrymen. He held
meetings for exhortation, prayer, and Christian fellow
ship, in different places, at stated intervals, and the
effects produced by his humble efforts were of a very
extraordinary character. From the commencement

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 55
the special blessing of God rested upon the labors of
His servant, and in a short time hundreds of sinners
were savingly converted. For twenty-eight years
Mr. Muller looked after the work, under the direction
of the Wesleyan Missionary Committee, by whom the
necessary funds were supplied for carrying on the
work. The revival thus begun continues to exert its
soul-saving influence under the direction of the M. E.
Church of the United States of America.
Methodism was introduced into Sweden in 1830, by
Rev. JosephR. Stevens, succeeded four years afterwards
by Rev. George Scott, D.D., who was President of the
Conference of E. B. America in 1866. He remained
in Sweden twelve years, with considerable success ; but
persecution and intolerance drove him away. The
M. E. Church of the States has for many years past
had a very flourishing mission there and at Norway
and contiguous places, so that Methodism is now
warming the frozen north as well as the south of
Europe. Italy had long been regarded as an inviting field
of labor ; but for many years, like all other popish

56 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
countries, it continued effectually closed against the
gospel. But after the revolution in civil government,
which occurred a few years ago, a measure of religious
liberty was allowed to the inhabitants, and a desire
was expressed in many places for evangelical instruc
tion. The Wesleyan Missionary Society gladly
embraced the opportunity which presented itself, and
entered the field by the appointment, in 1860, of the
Rev. Richard Green to commence the new mission.
During the next year Mr. Green was joined by the
Rev. Henry J. Piggott, B.A., and the two brethren
took extensive tours to collect information and seek
the most suitable place to begin their missionary
operations. At length they fixed upon Milan for their
headquarters, and commenced their labors with san
guine hopes of success, being favored with the assist
ance of Signor Bosio, an Italian evangelist, who soon
after joined them. The good work prospered, and has
spread over the kingdom. The Methodists of the
States have a large cause here, so that there has "
recently been held a Methodist Conference in the city of
Rome. Genuine Christianity is spreading in Italy as

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 57
it did in Paul's day, though not so rapidly. There
may be now, as then, some true believers in Caesar's
household. A Methodist minister was recently hon
ored with a title somewhat similar to knighthood by.
the Government. China.
China, the largest, most populous, and most thor
oughly pagan country on earth, until recent years
was inaccessible and almost unknown to foreigners.
The introduction of Christianity into that ancient and
separate nationality illustrates strikingly the peculiar
providence as well as the rich grace of God. As early
as the year 1807, when the way began to open, the
first effort was made by the Protestant Christians of
Europe for the evangelization of China. This honor
was reserved for the London Missionary Society, who
at that period sent out the Rev. Robert Morrison,
D.D., for the special purpose of securing, if possible, a
faithful translation of the Scriptures into the difficult
Chinese language. After many years of arduous and
plodding perseverance this grand object was accom
plished, and the name of Dr. Morrison will be handed

58 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
down to posterity as the apostle of China and the
founder of the first Protestant mission to this exten
sive and populous country.
The Wesleyan Mission to China was organized at a
comparatively recent period. This was owing, not to
the lack of enthusiasm on the part of the Society, but
to the want of means. When, in 1845, China was
thrown open to foreigners to an extent it had never
been before, a strong desire was felt by many that our
society should send thither a missionary ; but at that
time the entire resources of the Committee were more
than absorbed by the claims of the work in fields
already occupied. But the Holy Spirit was preparing
an agent to enter the opening door. A pious young
man in Yorkshire, named George Piercy, became
deeply impressed with the conviction that he ought to
give himself entirely to this work. This intense desire
was confirmed by a communication from a few pious
soldiers at Hong Kong, which led Mr. Piercy to
attempt the journey at his own expense. He arrived
at Hong Kong on the 20th of January, 1851. On

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 59
calling upon Dr. Legge, of the London Missionary
Society, Mr. Piercy was received as a brother in Christ,
and cordially offered a home in the Doctor's house till
he could make suitable arrangements for his own
accommodation in connection with his work. After
residing about three weeks under the hospitable roof
of his friend, the young missionary hired rooms in
Hong Kong, one of which, containing about sixty per
sons, he turned into a preaching room for the English
soldiers. At the same time he commenced visiting
the sick in the hospital, and, under the direction of
Dr. H  , applied himself to the study of medicine
as well as to the acquisition of the language of the
people among whom his lot was cast, that he might
be more fully prepared for future usefulness. The
Lord greatly blessed the labors of Mr. Piercy among
the soldiers and their wives, and about twenty of them
were formed into a society. Those among whom he
labored showed a disposition to contribute to his
support, and, although his own funds were expended
much sooner than he anticipated, what they raised,

60 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
coupled with small sums sent by his friends in Eng
land, enabled him to devote all his time to mission
work without engaging in secular employment.
At this stage of his evangelical labors, Mr. Piercy
offered his services to the Wesleyan Missionary
Society, and after an examination, subjected to
at that distance, involving a written statement of his
Christian experience and doctrinal views, he was
accepted as a candidate for our ministry.
Thus the revival flame of Methodism was kindled
in the Chinese Empire. Shortly after, in 1851, other
missionaries were sent by the Wesleyans and other
branches of the Methodist family, especially the
American, who number more at present than all the
others combined. Thousands have turned from the
worship of dumb idols to serve the living and true
God. The followers of Confucius are beginning to
see that a greater than Confucius is there.
Japan.
Japan was sealed to all missionary operations, and
even commerce, until 1854, when Commodore Perry,

THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM. 61
of the United States of America, opened it. Shortly
after the M. E. Church entered and the revival soon
began to flame. The blaze was greatly increased by
the Methodists of Canada in 1873. It is still spread
ing. Marvellous tokens of the power of the Gospel
have been manifest. " Jesus' love the nations fires."
In this bird's-eye view of the places where Meth
odism has touched I have avoided detail. To have
done so in such countries as the United States,
Australia, India, and some other places, would have
swelled this epitome into a volume unnecessarily
large. We have seen this wonderful revival, leaping, in
sparks, from the old foundry in London, in every
direction, towards the centre and ends of the earth's
surface, kindling a flame which, as Charles Wesley
says, "Sets the kingdoms on a blaze."
or as Watts sings, in reference to early Christianity,
" So when Thy truth began its race,
It touched and glanced on every land. "

62 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.

SOME MORAL REFORMS.
Having thus recorded the beginnings of Methodism
in its itinerary round the world, I shall now with
equal brevity refer to the beginnings of some other
moral reforms which were elicited by the flame of
this great revival.
And first of all, the Temperance Reform. John
Wesley obtained from the only divinely inspired
Book in the world the important truth that human
beings should not "look upon" a certain kind of
drink, because, not at the first, but "at the last it
biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder."
(Prov. 23. 31, 32.) Therefore, in the rules to governhis
societies, one was avoidance of " drunkenness, buying
or selling spirituous liquors, or drinking them, unless
in cases of extreme necessity." He boldly denounced
rumsellers as " murderers of His Majesty's subjects."
That was a clear, logical, philanthropic, divinely
inspired view of the real inwardness of the nefarious,
ungodly, and destructive business which many humane

SOME MORAL REFORMS. 63
governments to this day encourage and uphold. God
says, " Thou shalt not kill." Our rulers say, " You
may, for so much money, do it with impunity." John
Wesley being dead yet speaketh ; and the tones of
his voice are troubling the nations. He evidently
saw that intemperance was one of the greatest self-
inflicted curses of humanity, and, therefore, ought
not to be tolerated ; and the period, in the not
distant future, is approaching when this darkest blot
on our refined civilization will be wiped out.
That wise rule of John Wesley has been observed
by the writer inviolate for seventy-three years — that
is, from the ninth year of his age.
The origination of the Tract Society can be easily
traced to John Wesley. He was a voluminous writer
on a great variety of subjects, especially in the form
of tracts, letters, sermons, journals, and thoughts on
passing events. These were published under his own
inspection and scattered widely throughout the king
dom and the colonies. This cheap circulation of
religious literature has been ever since a valuable
accessory in the progress of Christianity. Methodism

64 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
gave a wonderful impetus to this method of doing
good. It has led to the fulfilment of Daniel's pro
phecy, " Knowledge shall be increased." (Dan. 12. 4.)
Let not the press ignore or forget its debt to
Methodism. It is impossible to estimate accurately
the great good that has been done" by the generous
circulation of the hymn books, sermons, Magazine
(now 125 years old), missionary reports and Journals
The last named gave shape to my religious life as no
other book did except the Bible and the old hymn-
book. In this line of duty we have doubtless gone
on almost to perfection.
The Sabbath-school movement began in 1780, a few
years before the decease of John Wesley. A conversa
tion between Robert Raikes, a very religious Church
man, and Hannah Ball.a pious Methodist, on the streets
of Gloucester, while looking upon multitudes of
children misbehaving on the Sabbath, led to the first
effort in this good cause. As quickly as possible the
Methodists espoused the movement, and to this day
their influence is felt everywhere in this inspired effort
to save the rising generation from the numerous evils

SOME MORAL REFORMS. 65
around them. That grain of mustard seed planted in
Gloucester, England, has grown to a great tree, larger
than that which Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream.
To God be all the praise !
Methodism had something to do with the origin and
formation of the Bible Society in 1804. This took place
thirteen years after Mr. Wesley's removal from earth
to heaven. The diligent search of a Methodist girl,
all the way from Wales to London, led to its institu
tion. In no branch of the Church did it spread more
rapidly than among the Methodists. This attachment
has continued and increased to the present time. The
result has been that there are more than a thousand
times more copies of the Word of God in the world
to-day than of any other book. John Wesley was
emphatically a man of one book, and that book the
Book — the Bible, the most loved book in Methodism.
The hymn-book comes next, because there is so much
of the Bible in it, beautifully expressed in mellifluous
verse. The mysterious influence of John Wesley's
personality incessantly permeates Methodism. " He
being dead yet speaketh."

66 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
The centennial of the Bible Society will be cele
brated next year, 1904. Its review will be glorious,
presenting a continuous progression in numbers of
copies published and dispensed, in a greater variety
of languages than any other book on this planet.
John saw this in his prophetic vision in Patmos,
" And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven,
having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them
that dwell upon the earth."
Methodism gave a marvellous impetus to the cause
of missions. John Wesley was born with a strong
predilection for missionary life, and engaged in the
work before he knew the great secret of Methodism ;
but when that revelation of God came to his soul the
feeling was intensified so that he could not think of
taking a parish, and when urged to do so exclaimed,
" The world is my parish." The missionary spirit is
born in us when we are born of God. The love of
Christ constrains us when it is " shed abroad in our
hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
(Romans 5. 5.) This accounts for the fact that
Methodism is pre-eminently a missionary institution.

SOME MORAL REFORMS. 67
Work of this kind was undertaken by our people
in England nearly fifty years before the Wesleyan
Methodist Missionary Society was formed, in 1814.
The first missionary was sent to Newfoundland in 1765,
the next two to New York in 1769. The collection at
that conference, among the preachers, was probably the
largest ever made for missions in proportion to the
ability of the givers. This feature of Methodism is
still retained, and, necessarily, growing missions are
inseparable from collections. Methodism has awak
ened a spirit of liberality. Hence we often hear in this
form of worship the scriptural call, " Now concerning
the collection," (1 Cor. 16. I), and we never heard it
more frequently or louder than at the present time.
This is a pleasing sign of the times, for this is a money-
loving age.
In many other ways Methodism has greatly bene
fited Christendom, some of which are not generally
recognized. It has influenced for good nearly every
branch of the Christian Church. Doubtless it led to
the establishment of the Church Missionary Society,
in 1800. Fifty years ago I read in an English paper

68 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
that there were in the Anglican Church three or four
hundred clergyman who had been converted among
the Methodists. I have known a few cases in my own
Province. The holy lives and triumphant deaths in Methodism
have greatly popularized experimental godliness,
expressed generally by the word " conversion." Nearly
all churches are now desiring to have it realized among
the people; but some do not care to seek it after the
old fashion. Even the Methodists themselves, in some
cases, are endeavoring to bring it about by religious
education ; but they are signally failing. Spirituality
in all churches is at a very low ebb. Why ? Because
of late years so few among professors of religion have
received the Holy Spirit. If they are born again,
they are born of the Spirit.
Whatever may be the cause, there is, without doubt,
an alarming lull in the fact of " bringing sinners to
God." This lull is being deeply felt at the present
time. But there is hope, yea more, the sound of abun
dance of rain. The spirit of earnest prayer is coming
upon Zion. The Lord will bless us.

SOME MORAL REFORMS. 69
Methodism has done more than any of the churches
to cultivate the fellowship of saints, or as Paul expresses
the idea, " the unity of the Spirit." (Ephesians 4. 3.)
That lovely feature of Christianity is becoming more
and more apparent. Some are endeavouring to de
velop it by external organic union. That might or
might not increase the " unity of the Spirit." I fear it
would not.
Thank God for the oneness already existing and
increasing ! The fulfilment of Christ's purpose in this
respect will be realized not so much by the external
as by the spiritual union. Hear His own ideas on the
subject : " That in the dispensation of the fulness of
times he might gather together in one all things in
Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on
earth ; even in him." (Ephesians 1. 10.)

70 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.

ORIGIN, NATURE, AND DEVELOPMENT OP
METHODISM.
The glories of the Reformation
Were fading in Britannia's realm ;
Skeptical thought disturbed the nation,
Threatening the truth to overwhelm.
Uncertain sounds the pulpit uttered,
Unwisely mixed error and truth ;
Even these in speech were faintly muttered,
Arresting neither age nor youth.
On Zion's walls the watchmen sleeping,
The warning voice in silence hushed;
The thoughtful few, perplexed, and weeping,
O'er fears aroused and hopes all crushed.
The general reign of pride and folly,
Growing forgetfulness of God ;
National outlook melancholy,
Presages of the coming rod.
Amidst this moral desolation,
Prom Oxford comes a hopeful gleam ;

ORIGIN, NATURE, AND DEVELOPMENT. 71
John Wesley's soul, in perturbation,
Seeks Him, "Who did the world redeem."
Long sought by works, justification,
But not obtained until he saw
That grace through faith bringeth salvation,
Not mere obedience to the law.
Accepting pardon, without merit,
Reposing in the atoning blood ;
The witness of the Holy Spirit,
Cried, Abba Father, child of God.
Heart warmed with love, touched tongue of fire,
Confession of salvation came;
The Spirit's prompting, strong desire,
The heart-felt gospel to proclaim.
The simple truth inspired with unction,
Arrested thought, awakened mind;
Soon multitudes, in deep compunction,
Repent, believe, and mercy find.
In fellowship delightful meeting,
Midst fervent prayer and songs of praise,
With Christ in heavenly places sitting,
Triumphing in redeeming grace.

72 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
Arranged by guidance providential,
A form appears, instinct with life,
Retaining only truths essential.
Others not with salvation rife.
With vital power in operation
Circles of influence increase ;
Outcome of wise organization,
A silent secret of success.
Wise system, not of man's devising ;
The Master's plan John Wesley took ;
To Bible students not surprising,
He loved and studied most one Book.
Doctrines of grace, in combination
With other doctrines of the Word ;
No creature made for condemnation,
All may obtain the great reward.
In vain do Antinomians lecture
On sovereign grace and partial love ;
With holier zeal seraphic Fletcher
The doctrines of Arminius prove.
The gospel method of salvation,
Conviction, penitence and trust ;

ORIGIN, NATURE, AND DEVELOPMENT. 73
Release from conscious condemnation,
Excluding all desire to boast.
Intense desire for inward cleansing,
The highest prize of gospel grace ;
Washing divine, and spirit's rinsing,
Essence of Christian holiness.
Thus purified from every evil,
Blameless in life, perfect in love ;
Destroyed by grace works of the devil,
Prepared for earth and heaven above.
Zealous of works, thus persevering,
Unless it works doubtful of faith ;
No declination ever fearing,
With footsteps in the narrow path.
Challenges holy competition,
The knowledge of the Lord to spread ;
More fond of union than division,
Here bigotry is never fed.
Magic of sacred song expressing
Happy experience, grace possessed,
The triune God for ever blessing ;
For faith, and hope, and spirit rest.

74 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
No apostolical succession
Flowing through muddy lakes is claimed,
A better warrant in possession,
Written epistles, souls redeemed.
Vouchsafed the constant smile of heaven,
The saving grace of God made known ;
Witness, ye thousands now forgiven,
That Jesus doth his servants own !
Intent that all should know the Saviour,
The tribes remote, as well as near ;
Truly, a heaven inspired endeavour,
The gospel publish everywhere.
The mission cause to life thus springing,
Early the Church to duty woke ;
The Lord the instrument is bringing,
He comes, the wise, heroic Coke.
No larger soul in smaller stature
Since Paul upon this planet trod ;
Heaven's love embellished every feature,
A nobleman, a man of God.
Biography's rich treasures given,
Awaken emulation's power ;

ORIGIN, NATURE, AND DEVELOPMENT. 75
Silently spreading gospel leaven,
The Church's never failing dower.
Fletcher and Stoner, Bramwell, Pawson,
Benson, Watson, and Asbury;
Everit, Jackson, Newton, and Dawson,
Summerfield, Garretson, and Lee.
Nelson, Carvosso, Hick, Entwistle,
Of brilliant ones a galaxy,
Who like the stars above us glisten,
In glory's skies eternally.
A general blessing made to others,
Some hesitate the fact to own ;
Children of God we call our brothers,
The friends of all, the foes of none.
Intent in scattering useful knowledge,
Embryo Tract Society;
Kingswood, the sons of preachers' college,
To adorn and strengthen piety.
The Arminian Magazine exposing
And burying errors of the day ;
Firm on the rock of truth reposing,
Existing still without decay.

76 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
A wise itinerancy, displaying
In every place fresh energy ;
Similar truth to all conveying
With talent's strange variety.
Laymen, devout, zealous, and willing,
Freely God's saving truth proclaim ;
Their duty faithfully fulfilling,
A large increase to Zion came.
Developed well the social nature,
Fellowship, love feasts, class, and prayer ;
Remaining still the nomenclature,
And that which all delight to share.
No priests or prelates touch our Zion,
Scriptural authority is known ;
Jesus is Head, whom we rely on,
Our Prophet, Priest, and King we own.
Governed by reason, not by fancy,
The Word of God the rule of faith ;
Hating intensely necromancy,
More fond of life than shades of death.

ORIGIN, NATURE, AND DEVELOPMENT. 77
To members all wisely forbidden
The liquid poison and the trade ;
No rule to earth brings more of Eden,
Alas ! how often disobeyed !
Wiser directions are not many,
"Get all, save all, give all you can ;"
Quarterly shilling, weekly penny,
Truly the apostolic plan.
John Wesley sought not separation
From England's Governmental Church ;
But when he ventured ordination,
The satellite took outward lurch.
The famous Deed of Declaration
Defined the lurch as severance near ;
Henceforth a Church in isolation,
Her course and work alone to steer.
From shackles free, filled with ambition,
The ambition holiness inspires ;
With footsteps firm, pursues her mission,
Kindling the flame of gospel fires.

78 THE BEGINNINGS OF METHODISM.
Exciting still surprise and wonder,
This tree of Methodism fair ;
Millions its shadow now are under,
Its leaves are healing everywhere.
Not yet fulfilled her God-like mission,
Destined in providence to grow ;
Till real John's delightful vision,
All nations their Redeemer known.

STATISTICS OF METHODISM.

79

STATISTICS OF METHODISM THROUGHOUT THE
WORLD UP TO DATE (1903.)
Prepared by the Rev. G. H. Cornish, LL.D. (See the second volume ot his
admirable, correct, and complete "Cyclopedia of Methodism in Canada.")

CO

GO

CJ

_h ©

03,4

o o
o ce
hJ °
§
£
Old World Methodism 
5,5942,030 932
40,451
50,243 3,3678,452
44,645
1,108,640
Australian Methodism 
291,895 131,774
6,245,578
Grand Total 
49,007
106,707
7,777,887
As there are over three adherents, including children, for
every member of the Church, there are more than 30,000,000
of persons called Methodists. What hath God wrought in 200
years by the hand of his servant John Wesley ! To God be all
the glory. Amen.
¦

I

ii