Heroines of Methodism ; or, Pen and ink sketches of the mothers and daughters of the church.

Preface

It cannot have escaped the notice of the thoughtful readers of the New Testament, that the most heroic followers of Christ were Females. Enough has been said, as one observed, of the u guileless simplicity of Nathaniel, the honest resolves of Zaccheus, the amiable disposition of John, the daring declarations of Peter, and the prompt obedience of Matthew the Publican ;" but for true heroism in the hour of trial, I think the palm must be given to Woman! It cannot be forgotten, that when the Master was apprehended all the disciples [the heroes!] forsook him and fled, and that when he was crucified " there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, Mary Magdalene, and many other women, which came up with him to Jerusalem."

In the brief sketches that follow, the reader will find some beautiful examples of Primitive Piety. The mothers of Methodism were "holy women, who trusted in God and adorned themselves with good works." They were remarkable for their love to the cause of Christ and the souls of their fellow-creatures. Their zeal for the spread of the Gospel knew no bounds ; their fervency and constancy in prayer

4 PBEFACE.

were proverbial ; their patience in affliction, their courage and meekness in times of cruel persecution, were worthy of the age of martyrdom. Many of them enjoyed the blessing of sanctification in an eminent degree. A few were " called" from among the honorable ranks of civil society ; while others of " low degree" were made to " rejoice" in being " exalted" to the dignity of " daughters of the Lord Almighty." A goodly number lived to a great age, and manifested their unwavering and undying attachment to the cause which they had espoused in youth, till the weary wheels of life stood still ; and nearly all of those whose record is preserved in the annals of Methodism, were gloriously triumphant in death. See the case of Mrs. Gait, page 99 ; Mrs. Roszel, page 194; Mrs. Horton, page 226 ; Mrs. Janion, page 252 ; Mrs. Law, page 2*79. May the reader and the writer of these notices,

" When life sinks apace and death is in view,"

be able to say with St. Paul, " I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith : henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." George Coles.

Danbuiiy, Conn., 1857.

ty The sources whence the following sketches were derived are mostly the English and American Methodist Magazines, The Christian Advocate and Journal, and TafVs Memoirs of Holy Women.

Contents

Addoms, Mks., widow of Major page 156

Anna, the pious old lady, and the Log Meeting-house 324

Asbury, Mrs., mother of Bishop 64