American Methodism.

Introduction

The close of the first century of the Methodist-Episcopal Church marks an important era in the history of the church at large.

As a result of the Centenary Celebration, the numbers and resources of the church, the greatness of her thank-offering for God's favor, including individual gifts rarely equalled, and collective contributions greater than were ever before given by single assemblies for any object, have awakened a general interest in her history, and an earnest inquiry relative to the causes and means of her success.

The origin of American Methodism was lowly, and its first agents were too humble to think of being the founders of a great church. They devised no extended system for the future, but sought to do good as they had opportunity, striving most earnestly to lead sinners to conversion and Christians to holiness.

The success of Methodism, so far as human instrumentalities are concerned, may be ascribed to the doctrines taught, and the providential character of the measures used, which were developed as circumstances required. At the time of its origin, the close connection between Church and State in some parts of the country had originated other than spiritual motives for a profession of religion, and there was a general decline in piety. Eminent men taught that regeneration was not a prerequisite for participation in the Lord's Supper, nor an essential qualification for the Christian ministry. The great doctrines of the Bible were in many instances perverted, or so taught as to obscure others equally important.

in

Thus the great doctrine of God's sovereignty was so presented as to lead men to overlook human agency, and to cause a general apathy relative to personal responsibility. Methodism united the two doctrines of God's sovereignty and man's agency. It magnified the doctrine of grace, proclaiming that the atonement of Christ was made for all, and that it was the unchangeable purpose of God to save all who should believe on him. It declared that, relative to lost sinners, Christ watches for an opportunity to save, and waits to be gracious ; and that God uses all the means that infinite wisdom, goodness, and power can devise, every hour, to save every man.

It made the doctrine of the utter worthlessness and helplessness of human nature a source of comfort. Since salvation is simply and only of grace, no good works as a prerequisite are required; and even compliance with the conditions of salvation, that are within the reach of all men, has no merit : the humblest may come with the same confidence as the highest to the throne of grace, and not hesitate to expect mercy. It impressed on every man a fearful sense of personal responsibility, when he was led to believe that God required and enabled him immediately to submit to his requirements, and enter his service. As the result of these principles, came the doctrine of assurance, and believers were led to receive a joyous confidence in God. As salvation is a present work, and is connected with no embarrassing contingency relative to future perseverance, the believer was led to expect the witness of the Holy Spirit to his acceptance with Christ, and to sin£ in joyous strains, —

" How happy every child of grace, Who knows his sins forgiven ! . .

Exults my rising soul, Disburdened of her load ; And swells unutterably full Of glory and of God."

The doctrines of the church impelled to personal activity. The believer was taught that he must continually obey God, and live by present faith, or he would cease to be a child of God. He must.

INTRODUCTION. V

moreover, continually grow in grace, and before him was placed a high standard of Christian attainment. Having been justified bygrace, through faith, he must seek to be wholly sanctified, and to have all the powers of his soul subject to the will of God. Thus the attainment of holiness was placed before the church, not as a mere possibility, but as a duty.

Moreover, the doctrines of a free, present salvation, of the freedom of the will, and of personal responsibility for influence exerted, led to earnest efforts for the salvation of others. Christians saw their friends, of their own will, subject to the wrath of God. As no stern decree bars the way to God's favor, and there is no need to wait for a gracious season, since every moment God does all that infinite power, infinite wisdom, and infinite love can devise to save every soul ; and inasmuch as, in consequence of the co-operation of the Holy Spirit with human agency, human sympathies, efforts, and prayers render more efficacious his warnings and pleadings, — a strong and often overwhelming sense of personal responsibility for the salvation of others came to the Christian. He felt that the warning given to Ezekiel as a watchman was directed to him, and trembled at the thought, that, on account of his silence, God at the day of judgment might require at his hands the blood of souls.

In its early days, the Methodist Church had many of the best characteristics of the churches of the present day. It sought to enforce practical principles, and gave no prominence to difficult, abstract, metaphysical propositions. It everywhere proclaimed the cross, and set forth the doctrine of the atonement as the most important. The only condition of membership it prescribed was a sincere, earnest desire to flee the wrath to come; but it, at the same time, presented a system of rules for its members, so simple, so strict, so broad, so comprehensive, that no one could obey them, and not become a consistent Christian. It has ever exhibited a kind, catholic spirit; and presented, as a basis of union among Christians, the doctrine of the cross, and a strict regard for the great principles of the gospel.

vi INTRODUCTION.

The measures adopted by the Methodist Church were also peculiarly well calculated to promote individual godliness, and secure a diffusion of its principles. In order to secure oversight and pastoral care in the absence of the preacher, the church was divided into small classes, and placed under the care of leaders of Christian experience and prudence, whose duty was to meet their classes weekly for their instruction, to encourage them to seek hi^-h attainments in a Christian life, and to report to the minister such as might walk disorderly. There were also bands, or small associations of Christians, pledged to promote each other's spiritual welfare. The public meetings of the societies, the quarterly meetings, the protracted meetings, and the camp-meetings, bringing a great number together, were well calculated, by the earnestness and the variety of their exercises, to awaken and continue religious interest, and give opportunity, not only for personal improvement, but for the acquisition of the power to communicate truth. The exercises of these meetings, and the responsibilities of the various subordinate offices of the church, gave an excellent practical training for the ministry.

If we consider Methodism as an aggressive system, there is displayed wonderful wisdom in its adaptation to the circumstances of the country and the age. A country so vast as ours, with a scattered population, ever extending to a rugged territory difficult of access, presents peculiar difficulties to all attempts to supply its spiritual wants. Methodist preachers traversed this wide extent of territory, and kept pace with the advancing wave of population, preaching the gospel wherever a few might be gathered, forming societies, which at stated times they visited and taught. The organization and plans of the church allowed a great variety of talent to be employed. The " circuits " were placed under the care of experienced ministers, and associated with them were the young and inexperienced, who, under their care, received careful training for their work. The "circuits" were arranged in "districts;" and their oversight was committed to men of greater wisdom and power, who presided over the Quarterly Confer-

INTRODUCTION. vii

ences, composed of representatives from all the societies. The Annual Conferences included the districts, and were composed of all the preachers who had passed the prescribed probation. Over these presided the bishops, who, with the assistance of the presiding elders, made the appointments of the preachers to their several fields of labor. Higher, and including all the Annual Conferences, was the General Conference ; in which all the rules of the church were made, and plans formed for the extension of its power and usefulness. Thus unity and efficiency were secured to all the efforts of the church. It would be difficult, even now, to suggest any material Changes which would secure a better adaptation of the church to the country as it was when Methodism was introduced.

The unity of the church, bringing into Christian sympathy men from different sections, and interchanging their labors, had a most powerful influence in preserving the unity of the nation. The division of the Methodist-Episcopal Church was justly considered as greatly weakening the bonds of union between the North and the South.

As the church for the people, rather than for the few, it is peculiarly adapted to this country. It enforces in its principles, and by its organization, the great doctrine of human equality, — one of the fundamental principles of a republican government. The history of the church strikingly shows these characteristics, and with what difficulty some customs involving them, but rendered unnecessary by changes in circumstances, have been discontinued.

One great source of the prosperity of the church has been its doctrine relative to the requisite qualifications of the ministry. The usage of the church has been to employ men of various grades of natural talent and preparatory training. It has recognized, as called to this work, all who give evidence of gifts, grace, and usefulness. From each class of society, as distinguished by degrees of intelligence and culture, men have been selected as ministers, who gave satisfactory evidence of piety and of good natural powers, but who were not so far removed from the sympaviii INTRODUCTION.

thies and habits of the people as to lose power over them. We think this is the true principle that should govern the church, in the rules prescribed for the education and training of ministers.

The organization of the Methodist Church, and the measures adopted, were eminently practical, and had direct reference to good and immediate results. The means adopted for the diffusion of literature and the sale of books were essentially the same as those which at the present day are found to be the most successful. The doctrines of Methodism are to-day the same as at first, and its principles and modes of action are essentially unchanged. It has thus far succeeded, and has reason for rejoicing over its triumphs; but the important question arises, Will it continue to prosper, and will its success for the next century correspond to that of the century just closed? We are hopeful and confident relative to the future, and believe that the church will so modify her measures and policy, which have ever been providential, as to meet the present and future wants of society, and will thus go forth with increased strength to gain new victories for the cause of Christ.

The great work of the church of the future is to devise a plan that shall bring into systematic, earnest, and continued action the power of the membership of the church, in extending the kingdom of Christ. There is piety and power enough in the churches of to-day to spread the gospel through the land and the world. There is now a tendency to suppose that the customs of earlier years, whose circumstances were far different from the present, must still be followed. Hence, too much reliance is placed on the pulpit, and an unreasonable dissatisfaction is manifest with its efforts, and a demand made which it cannot meet. Action is wanted more than instruction. Christians must be made to feel that it is their duty constantly to engage in efforts for the conversion of sinners. Earnest meetings are frequently held in cities to consider what means shall be adopted to meet the spiritual wants of the ignorant degraded multitudes that gather there. As a result, it is generally the case that one or two home missionaries are employed, who meet with but little encouragement, and are only feebly aided

INTRODUCTION. iX

T\e true way to meet this want is for the church themselves to engage in the work. If all who are able and qualified should devote one-half of each Sabbath to organized, systematic, welldirected labor in the cause, what a change in the course of a single year wWld be produced !

We are persuaded that every successful church will engage directly ari$ continuously in this work. The Methodist Church is peculiarly well calculated to take the lead in this direct and practical preac^ng of the gospel. Her past success, in a great degree, has been du^ to the fact, that, more than any other church, she has called into exercise the gifts of her members in the work of saving men.

In this commencement of the second century of her existence as a distinct churchy all the power of her organization, all her enthusiasm, should be Viven to this cause. Thus will she go forvva/d to greater success, and secure greater glory to the Saviour.

We may naturally expect that several new histories of the church will soon appear, The fact that authentic, able, and interesting histories have been published is no reason why others should not be written : no one book will reach all the members of so large a church. Each able writer, and each energetic publisher, will have a class of readers.

From an examination of the plan of the work prepared by Rev. M. L. Scudder, D.D., and <mr knowledge of its contents, we regard it as one of unusual valuft. The author is an able writer, well qualified for the work he has undertaken ; and we have full confidence his history will be four^d to be able, instructive, and inter esting. It will be presented in a compact volume, at a price so moderate as to be within the reach of all. It brings the history of the church down to the present time, including the events of the centenary year. It is fortunate that it is issued by publishers of so great energy, skill, and acquaintance with their business. We are confident that the merits of this work, thus published, will give it a wide circulation, and that it will accomplish much good.

JOSEPH CUMMINGS.

Wesleyan University.

ILLUSTRATIONS.

i. Bishops of the Methodist-Episcopal Church (deceased), — John Wesley, Thomas Coke, Francis Asbury, William M'Kendrce, Enoch George, Robert R. Roberts, Elijah Hedding, John Emory, Jeverly Waugh.

2. Freeborn Garrettson.

3. Nathan Bangs, D.D.

4. Bishops of the Methodist-Episcopal Church, — Thomas A. Morris,

5. Wilbur Fisk, D.D.

6. Peter Cartwright, D.D.

Chapter I. Present State Of Methodism

Methodism claims to be of God. — The Phenomena of its History. — Its Present Status. — Its Rapid Growth, compared with the Primitive Church. — Statistical Proof of Greatness. — English Methodism. — Its Numerical Strength. — A Religious Educator of the Young. — Its Literature among the People. — Its Missionary Work. — Beneficial Re-action on the Domestic Church. — Its Moral Power on the Masses. — Maintains its Evangelical Spirit. — American Methodism. — A Wonderful Religious Movement. — What the Centenary Year has shown, by its Services, by its Teachings, by its Commemorative Offerings. — General Diffusion of the Methodist Family. — Present Statistics. — Relative Increase with Population, with other Religious Sects. — Its Position as a Missionary Church, in Sunday Schools, in General Education, in the Dissemination of Religious Literature. — A Forming Power in the Nation. — ■ Makes Great Men. — Its chief Influence among the Common People. — Its Great Object to "save Souls." — True to its Original Mission . . 23

Chapter II. The True Origin" Op Methodism

Marvellous Effects from the Preaching of the Wesleys and Whitefield. —

— A " New Life " in these Men the Reason for this. — This " New Life " the Origin of Methodism. — Peculiar Ecclesiastical Organizations come from some Distinctive Doctrine. — Romanism. — Calvinism. — Lutheranism. — Methodism. — Early Experience of the Wesleys, of Whitefield. — Dissatisfied State. — Wesleys in America. — The Moravian Ananias. — Return to England. — Whitefield's Conversion. — The Wesleys converted.

— Methodism Originated in Aldersgate Street, not in Oxford. — The Impulsions of the New Life. — Methodistic Results follow it. — Analogy with Primitive Church. — Vital Force of Methodism. — Still continues 47

xi

Xii CONTENTS.

Chapter III. Wesley And His Assistants

The Workmen of Early Methodism. — Three Classes, the Principals, Patrons, Helpers. — The First Class, Wesleys and Whitefield. — How they were alike. — How unlike. — Excluded the Churches. — Whitefield Field-preaching. — Kingswood. — Wesley follows. — Success. — Whitefield in Wales. — Charles Wesley at Moorfields. — No Back Track. — All become Itinerants. — Persecutions. — Wesley " folds " his Converts. — " General Eules." — Builds Chapels. — Whitefield in America. — Becomes a Calvinist. — Returns. — Separates from Wesley. — Second Class, Patrons. — Who they were. — How they aided Methodism. — Third Class, " Helpers. " — How necessary to Methodism. — Maxwell turns Preacher. — Against Wesley's Prejudices. — Their Qualifications. — New Phase of Ministry. — God's Order. — Its Fruits. — Instructive Lessons. — The Men.

— The Seed of a Great Harvest 68

Chapter IV How Wesleyan Methodism Was Constructed

Organic Wesleyanism a Model for American Methodism. — Peculiar Organization. — Various Opinions of it. — Why opposed. — A Case of Ignorance.

— What Wesley sought. — His Part in constructing it. — Its Features. — Field Preaching. — Not essential to, but auxiliary. — Its Advantages. — United Societies. — How they originated. — " General Eules." — Strict and Catholic. — Benefits of their Adoption. — Erection of CJutpels. — A Necessity. — Promoted Independence. — Classes. — How they originated.

— Spiritual Conservitors. — Love-Feasts. — Social, Religious Festivals. — Band-Meetings.— Ilyper-supervisional. — Fell into Disuse. — Watch-Nights.

— Social Prayer-Meetings.— Congenial to the Methodistic Spirit. — Lay Preachers. — Main Arteries of Methodism. — Itinerancy. — Began with Methodism. — Its Advantages. — Annual Conferences. — Why held. — How held. — Provision for Ministerial Support. — Harmony of the whole. 98

Chapter V. Wesleyan Methodism To The Present Time

True to its Original Spirit. — Good Results of Separation of Whitefield from Wesley. — Lady Huntingdon. — Her Connection with Methodism. — Her Devotion. — Liberality. — Becomes Independent. — The Different Branches of Calvinistic Methodism. — Arminian Methodism. — Favored with Executive Leader. — Its rapid Spread over the Kingdom. — Its First Peril Internal. — Sacramental Contest. — How settled. — Unabated Prosperity

CONTENTS. xiii

— The Calvinistic Controversy. — Its Origin. — Its Actors. — Result of it. — Wesley growing old. — Provides for his Societies after his Death. — " Deed of Declaration." — What it embraced. — Same Year provides for Organization of American Methodism. — Methodism educates its Members to be Evangelists. — Extends to the Islands around. — Wesley's death.

— Triumphant. — His Character and Position. — Movement for Independence follows. — How it resulted. — The Missionary Work the Glory of Wesleyan Methodism for the last Half-century. — Coke initiated it. — West-India Missions. — East-India Missions. — Died on his Passage. — Missionary Society organized. — Its Comprehensive Scheme. — What it has done. — How affected the Church at Home 122

Chapter VI

AMERICAN METHODISM. INITIATED.

Favorableness of America for an Evangelical Movement in 1766. — Diversity of Sects in Different Parts. — Toleration in Religion. — Opposition to Methodist Doctrines. — Low State of Religion in the Colonies. — Prejudices against Methodism. — Originated without Plan for the Future. — Priority in New York or Maryland disputed. — Its Initiation by Four Local Preachers. — Philip Embury. — Whence he came. — Persecution overruled. — Embury in New York. — How moved to preach. — Barbara Heck. — First Sermon, and where. — More Room needed. — Captain Webb. — His Qualifications. — Another Place of Worship. — " Rigging Loft. " — First Chapel built. — Webb itinerating. — Appeals to Wesley for " Helpers. " — Another " Methodist Fire. " — Strawbridge in Maryland. — His Work. — His Characteristics. — His Success. — Opposition in New York. — Chapel crowded. — Converts. — Robert Williams. — Introduces Methodism in Virginia. — Great Success. — Four Local Preachers introduce American Methodism.. . 148

. CHAPTER VII.

AMERICAN METHODISM. WESLEY'S MISSIONARIES.

The Young Societies ask Wesley's Help. — Scene in the Wesleyan Conference.— Request granted. — Richard Boardman and Joseph Pillmore.— Material Aid furnished. — Boardman's Qualifications. — Pillmore. — Hear ty Reception in Philadelphia. — At Work. — Reception in New York. — Other Missionaries. — Francis Asbury. — Richard Wright. — Asbury be comes the Chief Leader in American Methodism. — His Early Life. — Conversion. — Enters the Itinerancy. — His Heart in America. — Supplied with Means to embark. — Hard Passage. — Arrives in Philadelphia.

— "Old St. George's. "— His Love for Itinerancy. — The Field mapped out.— Spread of Methodism. — Native Preachers. — Asbury establishes

XIV CONTENTS.

Methodism in Baltimore. — Chapels built. — Captain Webb at the British Conference. — Thomas Rankin and George Shadford appointed Missionaries.— Rankin takes Asbury's Place as "Assistant." — Why the Change. — First Conference. — Its Results. — Revolutionary War at Hand. — New- Trials for the Young Societies. — How met. . . 172

Chapter VIII

AMERICAN METHODISM. ITS FIRST NATIVE PREACHERS, AND THE

REVOLUTIONARY WAR.

The Revolutionary War begun. — Influence of the Religious State of the Colonies in producing it. — Relation of Methodism to the English Church a Disadvantage. — Methodists reported to be " Tories." — Wesley's Loyalty an Embarrassment. — Wesley's Missionaries return Home. — Asbury an Exception. — Their Return a Good Providence. — Asbury's Prudence. — Great Revivals in Virginia. — Encourage the Struggling Church. — The Young Itinerants. — Their Heroic Lives. — William Watters, the First Native Itinerant. — Philip Gatch. — Benjamin Abbott. — Francis Poythress. — Caleb Pedicord. — John Tunnell. — John Dickens. — Nelson Reed. — Asbury in Retirement. — The Sacramental Controversy. — Threatened Severance of the Infant Church. — Happy Issue. — Methodism Inseparable. — Great Prosperity. — Came out of the War largely reenforced 190

Chapter IX. Organization Op The Methodist-episcopal Church

Full Time for it to be done. — Union hitherto by Spirit rather than Letter.

— Well it was delayed till 1784. — Proper for Wesley to originate it. — His Independence in doing it. — Wise Selection of Coke and Asbury to effect it. — Dr. Coke's Antecedents. — Wesley's Reasons for his Course. — His Address to the American Societies. — Ordination of Coke, Vasey, and Whatcoat. — Imposing Scene. — They arrive in America. — Meeting of

Coke and Asbury. — Christmas Conference called. — What it did.

Asbury the Leading Spirit. — His Fitness for the Leadership. — Baltimore. — The Chief Men of that Conference. — The Importance of its Measures. —Wesley's Part in it, —"Rules and Regulations" adopted.

— People and Preachers pleased with them.... 211

Chapter X. Church Extension. — 1785-1812

Pioneer Work of Methodism from 1785 to 1812. — The Hopeful Spirit of the Church after its Organization. — Favorableness of the Methodist Pol-

CONTENTS. XV

ity for Propagandism. — It sends Garrettson to Nova Scotia. — Methodism established there. — Coke in the West Indies. — His Success. — Asbury and Lee plant Methodism in Charleston. — Beverly Allen in Georgia. — Haw and his Helpers enter Tennessee and Kentucky. — Garrettson, with Nine Young Men, takes Possession of New- York State. — Lee enters New England. — Peculiarity of the Field. — Great Kesults. — Right Men for the Work. — Losee in Canada. —- Itinerants go with the Settlers to the North-west Territory. — Cover it with a Network of Circuits. — Results of Church Extension for this Quarter of a Century. . 230

Chapter XI

Methodism a Continuous Revival. — The Secret of its Success. — It don't believe in "Barren Seasons." — Justification from Primitive Times. — The Revivals after the Christmas Conference. — Their Demonstrative Character. — Effect of such Phenomena on the People, and Methodism. — How they affected their Subjects. — Diversity of Opinions respecting them.

— Scripture Examples of such Phenomena. — Revivals of this Period general. — A Great One in Virginia. — Lee's Description of it. — The one in Annapolis. — Baltimore. — Northern New York and Canada. — The Flame spreads through Kentucky. — Overall New England. — Revivals considered a Part of Methodism. — The " Great Revival " of the West.

— Introduction of Camp-meetings. — Simultaneous Revivals over the whole Country. — Their Influence on the Character and Position of Methodism 251

Chapter XII. Methodism Adapting Itself Foe Permanency And Effi- Ciency. 1785-1812

An Episode. — Asbury's Views of the Past of Methodism. — Evidence of Divine Providence in its History. — What is before it. — His Views of the Changes necessary in its Polity. — Fidelity in Methodism will sjscure Divine Guidance. — The Discipline adopted in 1784. — All Important Changes in it made in Twenty-five Years. — The General Rules unchanged. — Articles of Religion remain the same. — The General Conference.— Modifications in it. — One more will yet be made. — Changes in the Annual Conferences. — An Interesting Scene. — Quarterly Conferences. — Their Functions. — The Unity, Harmony, and Mutual Dependence of the System .... 26 7

XVI CONTENTS.

Chapter XIII. With "what It Had To Contend

Methodism made Rapid Progress. — Its Worth shown from what it overcame.

— Prejudice against its Social Position. — Not many Noble called. — Present Social State. — Peril from this. — Prejudice against Methodism because its Teachers were not Learned Men. — Especially so in New England.— Methodists called an Ignorant People. — Vain Attempts to confound them by Captious Questions. — Itinerants " at Home " in " the Book." — Such Attempts had some Advantages. — Attracted the People.

— Their Wrong Opinions corrected. — They learned Methodist Doctrines.

— Many of them converted. — Opposition of Sectarians to Methodist Doctrines.— Inveteracy of Dogmatism. — Methodism required little Confession of Creed. — Its Peculiar Doctrines opposed. — Various Forms of doing it.

— The Opposition Ineffectual. — The People become Arminian. — Other hinderances. — Methodists treated as Intruders. — They gained Possession of the Land. — Scandalized by Lying Reports. — Counter Fires kindled.

— Disturbance of their Meetings. — All Opposition worked together for Good. — The World went after them 289

Chapter XIV

"WITH "WHAT IT HAD TO CONTEND. CONTINUED.

What an Itinerant's Appointment meant. — The Early Preachers compared with Present Ones. — Contend with Violent Persecutions. — What the Wesleyans suffered, and the American Itinerants. — Ordinarily from Simple Disturbers, sometimes from Personal Violence. — Instances of this kind.

— Philip Gatch. — Benjamin Abbott. — Freeborn Garrettson. — Joseph Hartly. — George Dougherty. — James M'Carty. — None of the Itinerants deserted their Post of Duty, faced the Mob, conquered. — Sufferings from an Itinerant Life. — Hospitality of Strangers. — Treated as Vagrants. — Were exposed to Physical Sufferings. — The Country New and Rough. — Their Circuits Vast. — Mode of Travel. — Asbury's Experience.— Iledding's Experience. — Amount of Labor performed. — Many were " broken down." — Ability to endure a Test. — Poor Financial Provision for their Support. — Turning an old Coat. — Scene in a Quarterly Conference. — The Voluntary Principle abused. — How it affected Celibacy. — Sufferings of the Preacher's family. — Improved Financial Arrangements of the Present Time. . . 30 7

Chapter XV Representative Men Of The First Quarter Of A Century

OF EPISCOPAL METHODISM.

Certain Men Representatives of Itinerants. — Methodism calculated to make Great Men. — Their Diversity. — Their Originality. -r- Their Ver-

CONTENTS. Xvii

satility. — Wherein they were alike. — Believed they were inspired for their Mission. — How it helped to develop them. — A Group Picture. — Asbury the Centre. — The Man of Methodism. — Joshua Marsden's Sketch of him. — Freeborn Garrettson. — Leader in Methodism for Thirty Years. — Dr. Bangs's Sketch of him. — His Triumphant Death. — Jesse Lee. — Introduced Methodism into New England. — Dr. Laban Clark's Sketch of him. — Ezekiel Cooper. — His Powers in Debate. — Lycurgus. — His Power in the Pulpit. — Dr. Kenneday's Sketch of him. — Representative Men in the South. — William M'Kendree. — The Leader of Methodism in the West. — Just the Man needed. — His Popularity. — A Great Preacher. — His Executive Talent. — Elected Bishop. — The Eloquence of Methodist Preachers. — Judge M'Lean's Sketch of him. — These Men affected the General Character of the Itinerant Ministry 335

Chapter XVI. Episcopal Methodism In" The Last Hale Century

The Organization of Methodism completed in 181 2. — The Life of Methodism continued in its Revivals. — Their Extent and Frequency. — An Essential Part of the Working System of Methodism. — Church Extension continued. — Relative Increase of Methodism in this Period. — Its Boundaries enlarged. — Attempted Change in the Polity of Methodism to make Presiding Elders Elective. — Reasons for the Change. — An Anomaly in Ecclesiastical Systems. — Remains as it was. — Possible Advantages of a Change. — Another Organic Change proposed. — " Lay Representation." -— History of the Movement. — Its Failure. — Its Revival. — Will be adopted soon. — Advance of Methodism in Church Edifices. — Improvement in the Financial Policy of Methodism. — The Adaptation of the Gifts of the Ministry to the Demands for them. — The Men who supplied them. — Wise Choice in the Selection of Bishops. — Their Endowments for the Office . . %2