Disruptions and secessions in Methodism their causes, consequences, and lessons

Front matter

DISRUPTIONS AND SECESSIONS

IN METHODISM:

THEIR

Chapter I

Advantages of History— Methodism — Its Founder — Life-work — Governing Power — Letter to Conference — Deed of Declaration — Di^QMkiJ^njM-^^^^^^ Question — Are Methodists Dissenters ? — Action of Conference — SignsofAgitsiMm 1

Chapter II

First Methodist Reformers — Plan of Pacification — Rev. A.Kilham-— Course he Adopted — Its Results — His Trial and Expulsions-Observations on his Character — Rise of the New Connexion— Early Difficulties — Present State — Future Prospects. 23

Chapter III

Primitive Methodism — Origin — Marvellous Progress — Present Condition — Secession in Ireland — Primitive Wesleyans — Leeds Organ Question — Wesley on Music and Singing — Letter by Dr. Adam Clarke — Project for an Organ in Brunswick Chapel Opposed — Permission Granted by Conference — Loss of a Thousand Members in Leeds East Circuit — Wesley an Protestant Methodists 48

Chapter IV

An Educated Ministry — Wesley an Theological Institution — Opposed by Dr. Warren and others— Special District Meeting — Dr. Warren Suspended — His Appeal to the Court of Chancery — Tried and Expelled by Conference — General Commotion in the Connexion — Wesleyan Methodist Association 73 vi Contents.

Chapter V

Further Divisions— Reasons Assigned for them— Review by Dr. Campbell— Its Probable Effect— Appearance of the Fly Sheets —Condemned because Anonymous— Wonderful Productions — Outline of their Contents — Amusing Illustrations and Anecdotes—Undue Odium cast on Dr. Bunting— Just Estimate of his Character and Work 108

Chapter VI

The Writers of the Fly Sheets disappointed as to their effect on the Preachers — Attempts persistently made to find out the Authors— Those most suspected cited to the Bar of Conference — Exciting Scenes — Questions Put — Answers Refused — Several of the most Distinguished Ministers Expelled . 146

Chapter VII

Conference at the Bar of Public Opinion — Intense Excitement — Deep and Widespread Sympathy — Opinions on both Sides — Declaration by the President — Increasing Agitation — Numerous Public Meetings — Their Proceedings not Approved — The People's Delegates — Mediationists — Efforts Unavailing — Formation oj the United Methodist Free Churches 172