Compendium of methodism ; embracing the history & present condition of its various branches in all countries ..

Front matter

J] ©MR WE§LEYY,

EMBRACING

THE HISTORY AND PRESENT CONDITION OF ITS VARIOUS BRANCHES IN ALL COUNTRIES ;

Preface

In offering this volume to his Wesleyan brethren, the author deems it appropriate to mention some of the considerations that have influenced him in its publication. One is, that many of the difficulties which have occurred in the church owe their existence to misapprehension. Most of the attempts at revolution are attributable to this cause. Had the reformers been better acquainted with the various church arrangements of different sects, and especially of their own, they would have remained quiet and useful members. But they imagined evils that never existed, and conceived beautiful schemes, that, in their opinion, would open a better era ; not knowing that similar experiments had repeatedly proved unsuccessful in abler hands. Besides, many fail to work our plan as effectually as they .might, for the want of a proper understanding and appreciation of it. And to this we may add, that much of the prejudice of other sects against us is attributable to the same general cause. ' They have no just conception either of our system or their own, and know little of our operations or success.

The object of the writer has been to adapt himself to this state of things, and present a view of the whole subject, sufficiently full and comprehensive to supply the information necessary, in a single volume of moderate size and expense. If he has succeeded as ha intended, the thousands of young people who annually join us on trial, will be able, by reading it, to get quite an idea of our history, doctrines, government, and prudential economy, — the points of difference among Methodists, — and the grounds of their dissent from older denominations. Thus they will be prepared, on

4: PREFACE.

graduating to full connection, to give a reason for their preference, and to maintain our peculiarities against the popular prejudices •with which they may be assailed. Should other sects happen to read it, we trust it may rectify their misconceptions, and lead to that charitable consideration of our claims to which we are entitled.

The materials for the work have been gathered from the most authentic sources. We have derived particular assistance from the Life of Mr. Wesley, and his Works ; Grinnod's Compendium ; Dr. Bangs' " History of the M. E. Church," and " Original Church of Christ," and Stevens' " Church Polity." For the statistics we are considerably indebted to Rev. William Butler, author of a popular Missionary Chart recently issued. They have cost us great labor and perplexity, but we are quite sure that they form the most perfect exhibit of Methodism ever published. There is, however, a little disparity between the tabular views on page 194 and some of the numbers given in the preceding pages. This is attributable to the fact that the table was the last thing Btereotyped, and gives the statistics for 1851 in the cases referred to, instead of those for 1850. The chapter of official decisions has been transcribed from books, periodicals, conference journals, and private manuscripts. Our aim has been to portray Methodism in its true character and relations — not to mend it. However successful the effort may prove, it cannot exceed the author's high sense of the intrinsic excellence of the system, or of the obligations of society to it for the civil and religious privileges it enjoys.

Finally, we commend the work to the kind examination of all Methodists. Please to read it carefully, and lend it to your prejudiced neighbors. It may correct some of their errors, and promote better feelings. If any are thinking to leave us, and enter into other church relations, it may lead them to inquire where they are more needed, or can be more useful. May the divine presence accompany it, and make it the instrument of good to many souls.

THE AUTHOR.

Boston, Sept. 1, 1851.

Part First. Historical Sketch Of Methodism From Its Rise To The

PRESENT TIME.

CHAP. PAGE.

I. — The Origin of Methodist Societies, 13

II. — Early Progress of Methodism, giving the origin of several of its

peculiarities, 81

III. — The First Conference, with the trials and success that followed, 61

IV. — The Calvinistic Controversy, the Deed of Settlement, and Mr.

Wesley's standing in the country, 76

V. — Difficulties about the Sacraments, " Plan of Pacification," and

Missionary Operations, . . . ' 88

VI. — Wesleyan Schools and Funds, 100

VII. — Secessions from the Wesleyan Connection ; their principles, history, and present condition, 113

VIII. — Origin of Methodism in America, 126

IX. — The First General Conference, with numerous historical events

which occurred previous to 1820, 137

X. — Improvements, Defections, and Successes in the Methodist Episcopal Church, previous to 1840, 162;

XL — Great Revival of Religion — Anti-Slavery Secession — and the

Present State of Methodism throughout the world, 172

Part Second

DOCTRINAL VIEWS OF METHODISTS AS DISTINGUISHED FROM THOSE OF OTHER DENOMINATIONS.

I. — Points of Agreement, 195

II. — The Character and History of certain Sentiments with which

Methodists have been most in collision, 208

HI. — Predestination, 225

6 CONTENTS.

CHAP. PAGE.

IV. — Free Grace and Free Will, 23ts

V. — The New Birth, with its means and manifestations 245

VI. — Christian Perfection, • 256

VII. — " Perseverance of the Saints," 272

VTII. — The Sacraments, 284

Part Third. Op Government, Particularly That Op The Methodist Epis- Copal Church

I. — A General Exhibit of Different Systems, 293

II. — The Government of the Methodist Episcopal Church, its Officers

and Judicatories, 804

HI. — Methodist Episcopacy, both Scriptural and Wesleyan, .... 323 IV. — Methodist Episcopacy, with its powers and appendages, necessary,to itinerancy, 344

V. — The Government of the M. E. Church well balanced — its 'dangers

and securities, 363

VI. — The Government of the M. E. Church contrasted with other

systems, ,385

VII. — Disciplinary Questions officially decided, 407

Part Fourth. Prudential Arrangements Peculiar To Dipperent Sects Op

WESLEYANS.

I. — Manner of Eeceiving Members, 426

II. — Lay Preachers and our style of Preaching defended, 432

III. — Itinerancy both " Lawful and Expedient," 440

IV. — Distinctive Social Meetings vindicated, 457

V. — Camp Meetings — objections to them answered, and the grounds

of their defence stated, ' 468

VI. — Forms of Worship and Modes of Usefulness not generally main-

tained by other denominations, 480

YTI — Miscellaneous Peculiarities, embracing our general appearance,

dress, audible responses, &c, 497

INDEX OF SUBJECTS.

Apostolic Succession, popish notions of, false, 323 — 330. Atonement, objects of, 205. Universal, 228, 238, 239. Asbury, Francis, 129, 132, 135, 137, 140. His death, 147, 148.

Bishops, title, of, 138. Powers opposed, 139 — 142. Utility of, 345 — 349. Soule and Hedding, 156. Andrews, 182. Wesley a bishop, 331—334. 351. Duties of, 366. Responsibilities of, 367 — 372. Own no meeting-houses, 315.

Baptists, origin of, 189. Name of, 208. Give no letters, 430.

Baptism, obligations of, 285. Nature of, 286. Subjects of, 287. Mode of, 289.— 290, 291.

Books, effects of reading good ones, 14, 18. Provided for preachers, 69, 70.

Band Meetings, history and benefits of, 50. Present state of, 460.

Book Concern, 139. 152. History of, 160—161. Burned, 161. Capital of, 162. 316.

Calvinism, its influence, 38, 39, 79. Resisted, 77, 78. Modi fied, 144. History of, 208—224. Its foreknowledge, 231. Natural ability, 233.

Camp Meetings, origin of, 146, 150 Defended, 468—479.

C INDEX OF SUBJECTS.

Church, the M. E.f organized, 135. Receiving members, 426.

Withdrawing from, 424. Receiving in full, 429 — from other

sects, 430.

Glass Meetings, origin of, 47, 48. Defence of, 458, 459.

Leaders of, 309.

Colleges, our first, 137. Asbury, burned, 149. Madison, 156.

Present state of, 187.

Coke, Dr., in charge of missions, 93. Ordained, 132 — 13^.

Death of, 94.

Congregationalists, age of, 189. Name of, 208. Government

Conferences, the first, 61 — second, 62. 78. First in Amerioa,

167. District, 154. Annual, 407. Quarterly, 321. Right*

of, 177.

Chapels, how settled, 34. Building committee, 107. Fund,

106. Rules concerning, 108, 312.

Conviction, how wrought, 246. Wesley's, 14, 22, 25. Effects

of, 247. An essential element of, 248. Conversion, what, 253. Instantaneous, 253. How known,

Deacons, how constituted and duties of, 304.

Deed of Declaration, 80. Its objects, 81, 82. Opposed,

81—83. Its influence, 85. Our deed, 314. Delegates to General Conference, 142. Exchange of, with

other bodies, 155, 166.

Discipline, the first, 62. Questions in relation to, 407 — 425.

Episcopacy, Asbury 's construction of, 137. Our's Scriptural, 324— 339,— Wesleyan, 331— 343,— its powers, 366—372.

Faith, beginning of, 249. Its progress, 250. Its prevailing act, 252. Its result, 253.

Financial Plan, 71. Its influence, 98, 99, 105—110. Remarks on, 111. Our own, 378.

INDEX OF SUBJECTS. *

Fletcher, John, account of religion, 76. Checks of, 78. How

esteemed, 79.

Free Grace and Free Will, what, 236—238. Eesults of,

Funds*, contingent, 104. Children's, 105. Chapel, 106. Auxiliary, 108—112. Chartered, 146. Centenary, 159, 194.

God, perfections of, 203. Foreknowledge of, 231, 232. Glory

of, 240.

Government, Church, systems of, 293 — 303. Civil, 295.

Ecclesiastical, 297, the best, 317. Our judicatories, 318.

Well balanced, 363. Safe, 369, 383. Contrasted, 385. Its

legislation, 398— jurisprudence, 400. Protects individuals,

Independents, origin of, 188, 297, 301—303. Government of,

400, 406.

Ireland, visited, 72. Conferences held in, 93. Statistics of,

194.

Itinerancy, popular, 344. Arrangements of, 345. Lawful,

440. Expedient, 441. Objections to, 452.

Jurisprudence, 400 — 406. Questions of, settled, 407—425.

Kneeling, defended, 480, 481. Effect of, 482. In Church, 482, 483.

Love-Feasts, origin of, 50. Explained and defended, 461 — 464.

Man, fall and depravity of, 204, 219. Present state of, 239. Maxfield, Thomas, began to preach, 41. Became a fanatic,

74, 75.

Meetings, watch, 48, 49, 464. Four-days', 157. Quarterly,

357, 359. Prayer, 484.

Meeting-Houses, the first, 34 — in America, 128. Free, 152.

Pewed, 153.

10 INDEX OF SUBJECTS.

Members, how received, 426 — 431. Protected from oppression, 369—384. Duty to their preachers and society, 380—382.

Methodists, name of, 19, 30. Success of, 35. Troubles of, 37. Rules of, adopted, 37. Die well, 46. Persecuted, 52 — 60 Strictness of, 66. Must give offence, 67. Greatest obstacles of, 74. In Scotland, 78 — America, 80. Increase of, 86, 154. In Europe, 96— stability of, 97. In New York, 126, 130, 131. In 1784, &c, 139. In New England, 143— their early conflicts, 145. At the death of Asbury, 148. In England and America contrasted, 155. In 1839, 160. Decrease of, 174, 187. Statistics of, 194. Doctrines of, 195 — 207. G-overnment of, Episcopal, 304. Calvinistic, 113. Doctrinally one, 114. New Connection, 114. Primitive, 115. Bryanite, 116. Primitive Wesley an, 116. Independent, 117. Warrenite, 118. Episcopal, Canada, 120. African, 163. Reformed, 162. Stilwell, 165. Protestant, 167 — 171. Wesleyan, 177 — 181. Episcopal, South, 182 — 186. British, trouble of, 120 — 125. Appearance of, 497. Views of dress, 498. Audible responses of, defended, 498—501.

Methodism, origin of, 30. Its comparative success, 189, 190 — the cause of it, 190 — 192. Present state of, 194. Assailed doctrinally, 219.

Ministers, authority of, 386. Powers curtailed, 387 — defended, 389—398.

Missions, the first, 93. New measures, 94, 95. State of, 96, 187. To America, 128, 129— Liberia, 156. Aided by a secretary, 316. Collections for, 194.

New Birth, 28, 206. Implies what, 253. Instantaneous, 254. Evidence of, 254.

Ordinations, at the first, 92, 93. By Mr. Wesley, 135, 335.

Perfection, Christian, what not, 256 — what, 260. Is religion,

266. Attainable, 269.

Periodicals, magazines published, 149. First papers, 156, 157,

INDEX OF SUBJECTS. 11

Perseverance op the Saints, Calvinistic notions of, refuted, 272—283. Doctrine dangerous, 283.

Predestination, sermon on, 38. Objections to, 225 — 235.

Preachers, church, no shepherds, 40. Origin of lay, 36, 41, 432. Efficiency of, 42. Approved by Wesley, 42. John Nelson, 43. Only skilled in first principles, 68. Sufferings of, 72. Effects of their poverty, 98. Worn out, 108, 109. Capt. Webb, 127, 129. Powers of, safe, 372— how checked, 377 Rights of, 386. 405. In charge, 414. Philip Embury, 127. Local, 308. 408—414.

Preaching, of laymen, 36, 42, 43. Success of, 46, 133. Extemporaneous, 51, 436 — 439.

Presiding Elders, changes proposed, 141. Sub-bishops, 307 Necessary, 351. Right style of, 357. Expense of, 3^8. Powers of, safe, 370. Questi9ns relating to, 408 — 414.

Priest, Elder, and Bishop, one, 327 — 331.

Presbyterians, 189. Government of, 300, 301. 399. Preferable to Independency, 404.

Romanists, government of, 297, 298.

Sacraments, difficulties concerning, 88. Allowed by Wesleyans, 90, 92. Views of, 284— 292— in America, 132.

Scriptures, true, 196. Inspired, 197 — 203.

Seminaries, the first, 149. Present number of, 188.

Secessions, 38. Under Maxfield, 74— O'Kelley, 139— Brett, 162. African, 163. Under Stilwell, 165. The Protestant, 167—170. The Wesleyan, 166—180. The Church South, 181—186. See Methodists.

Schools, Kingswood, 70. Others, 95. For preachers, 101, 102. For preachers' sons, 102,' 103. Sunday, &c, 103, 194.

Sivging, peculiar, 491. Wesley's views, 492. At camp meetings, 493.

f \cieties, tract, formed, 148. Missionary and Bible, 150- Sabbath School, 157.

12 INDEX OP SUBJECTS.

Slavery, attacked, 133. Discussion of, revived, 175 — continued,

176.

Speaking, in meeting, 485. Women speaking, 487 — 491. Stewards, how instructed, 71. What, 311. Superintendents, our first, 129. How ordained, 135. Called

bishops, 138. Wesley's objection to the title, 342, 343.

Tickets, quarterly, 49. Advantages of, 50. Trustees, 34. Measures of, 82, 90. Plan to assist the, 106. What, 312—316.

Wesley, John, birth and education, 13, 14. Awakened, 14, 22, 25. Ordained, 15, 16. Regard for his parents, 15, 20. His consecration to God, 17, 18. Found congenial spirits, 18. Called Methodist, 19. Missionary, 20 — 23. Converted, 28—31. Regard for Mr. Whitefield, 39. Mobbed, 53—60. Reasoned with the clergy, 63. Advice to his followers, 66. Travels, 68. Aims to improve the preachers, 69. Complained of, 73. His deed, 80. Letter to the Conference, 84. Death of, 86. Care for America, 128. A bishop, 333, 334. Vindicated, 331—339.

Wesley, Charles, opposed his brother, 26. Converted, 27. Preached in the streets, 36. Inclination to the Moravians, 44, 45.

Whitefield, united with Wesley, 18. Returned from America, 33. Preached in the fields, 33. The results, 34. Turned Calvinist, 37. Affection for Wesley, 39, 40. Methodists, 113

Chapter 1. The Origin Of Methodist Societies*

The Rev. John Wesley, the distinguished founder of Methodism, was born at Epworth, in England, in the year of our Lord 1703, 0. S. If others have been more fortunate in respect to the secular wealth and honor of their pedigree, few have had equal facilities for a thorough education. His father, Rev. Samuel Wesley, was a man of great practical wisdom and piety, and spared no pains to train his children for the highest attainments in knowledge and virtue. His mother, Susannah Wesley, was a woman of extraordinary worth. She was the daughter of Dr. Samuel Annesley, and inherited much of his genius. Her education, and deep concern for the welfare of her children, endowed her with superior qualifications to fit them for distinction in the ranks of usefulness and honor.

United in piety and solicitude for the proper training of their offspring, these parents early impressed them with sentiments of reverence for the Author of their being. At the age of eleven John was placed under that eminent scholar, Dr. Walker, Principal of the Charter-house School. Here he had some rather severe experience, though a favorite with his tutors ; but such was his application, at the age of sixteen, he was elected to Christ's Church, Oxford. Here he was placed under Dr. Wigan, a gentleman of great classical knowledge, and pursued his studies with much energy. His natural temper, it is said, was gay and sprightly, with a' turn for wit and humor. Mr. Babcock observes of him, that " when he was about twenty-one years of age he appeared the very sensible and acute theologian, — a young fellow of the finest classical taste, of the most liberal and manly sentiments. His perfect knowledge of the classics gave a smooth polish to his wit, and an air of superior elegance to all his compositions."

Being about tc enter into deacon's orders, his attention was called to the nature and importance of the work, and the motives and qualifications necessary to its successful prosecution. Reflection led to some just perception of the magnitude of the undertaking, and that to farther investigation. He now began to study divinity with a new zest, and became more anxious than ever to enter into orders. Some of the books that occupied his attention were among the most spiritual and heart-searching of the age, such as " The Imitation of Christ" by Kempis, and Bishop Taylor's " Rules of Holy Living and Dying" These made a deep impression, and aroused his whole soul to the subject. If Kempis and Taylor were right, he was wrong. In his extremity, like a true son, not spoilt by a college course, he wrote to his parents, stating his difficulties, and received very able and interesting responses from each of them. This correspondence drew out the best thoughts of both pupil and teachers ; but while it indicates deep interest in the subject of religion generally, it betrays a want of knowledge and experience in salvation by faith.

Having fully prepared himself for the holy office, according to the standard of the age, he was ordained deacon on the 19th of September, 1725, by Dr. Potter, then Bishop of Oxford. This only increased his interest in the study of divinity and the classics, and such became his standing for character and learning that, on the 17th of March, 1726, he was elected Fellow of Lincoln College, an appointment of no inconsiderable honor or profit, and one that was not without its influence on the work for which Providence was preparing the way.

The following summer he spent at Epworth and Wroote, reading prayers, preaching twice on the Sabbath, and otherwise assisting his father in the various duties of his parish. This situation was highly favorable to his interests, not only as it gave him an opportunity to cultivate the pastoral office under the paternal tuition of an experienced master, but to mature his knowledge of experimental and practical theology by frequent conversations with his esteemed parents, which he did not fail to improve. On the 21st of September he returned to Oxford, and was soon chosen Greek Lecturer and Mode rator of the classes, though but little more than twenty-three years of age, and not yet advanced to the Master's degree.

His advancement in religious tendencies was not less marked. Writing to his mother about this time, he says : "The conversation of one or two persons whom you may have heard me speak of (I hope never without gratitude) first took off my relish for most other pleasures, so far that I despised them in comparison of that. I have since proceeded a step farther, to slight them absolutely. And I -am so little at present in love with even company, the most elegant entertainment next to books, that, unless the persons have a religious turn of thought, I am much better pleased without them. 1 think it is the settled temper of my soul, that I should prefer, at least for some time, such retirement as would seclude me from all the world, to the station I am now in. Not that this is by any means unpleasant to me, but I imagine it would he more improving to be in a place where I might confirm or implant in my mind what habits I would, without interruption, before the flexibility of youth is over."

How to dispose of himself in accordance with these predilections was not easy to determine. He first thought of a school in Yorkshire, which fell into the hands of another who stepped in before him. His father, having two livings, and not finding it convenient to obtain an assistant to his mind, now invited him to become his curate, which he did. In July, 1728, he was inducted into the office of priest, and soon after left his curacy at the call of the rector of his college, and returned to Oxford. Here he found his brother Charles standing vigorously up against the tide of infidelity which was setting in upon the students on all sides, and united with him in the pursuit of learning, and in doing good. Besides attending to the duties of his office, he became tutor to various pupils placed under his care, and labored assiduously for their welfare. His address to the tutors of the university indicates the objects and spirit of his endeavors. " Ye venerable men," said he, " who are more especially called to form the tender minds of youth, to dispel thence the shades of ignorance and error, and train them up to be wise unto salvation ; are you filled with the Holv Ghost? With all those fruits of the Spirit which your important office so indispensably requires ? Is your heart whole with God ? Full of love and zeal to set up his kingdom on earth? Do you continually remind those under your care that the one rational end of all our studies is to know, love, and serve the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent ? Do you inculcate upon them, day by day, that love alone never faileth? Whereas, 'whether there be tongues, they shall fail,' or philosophical knowledge, ' it shall vanish away ; ' and that without love all learning is splendid ignorance, pompous folly, vexation of spirit ? Has all you teach an actual tendency to the love of God, and all mankind for his sake ? Have you an eye to this end in whatsoever you prescribe touching the kind, the manner, ftd the measure of their studies ; desiring and laboring that wherever the lot of these young soldiers of Christ is cast they may be so many burning and shining lights, adorning the gospel of Christ in all things ? And permit me to ask, do you put forth all your strength in the vast work you have undertaken ? Do you labor herein with all your might ? Exerting every faculty of the soul ? Using every talent which God hath lent you, and that to the uttermost of your power ? "

The process by which his mind had reached this intensity of religious devotion is best stated in his own words, which are as follows : "In the year 1725, being in the twentythird year of my age, I met with Bishop Taylor's ' Rules and Exercises of Holy Living and Dying.'3 In reading several parts of this book, I was exceedingly affected with that part in particular which relates to purity of intention. Instantly I resolved to dedicate all my life to God : all my thoughts, and words, and actions : being thoroughly convinced there was no medium, but that every part of my life must either be a sacrifice to God, or to myself, that is, in effect, to the devil.

"In the year 1726 I met with 'Kempis's Christian Pattern.' The nature and extent of inward religion, the religion of the heart, now appeared to me in a stronger light than ever it had done before. I saw that giving even all my life to God, would profit me nothing, unless 1 gave my heart, yea, all my heart, to him. I saw that simplicity of intention, and purity of affection, one design in all we speak or do, and one desire, ruling ail our tempers, are indeed the wings of the soul, without which we can never ascend to the mount of God.

" A year or two after, Mr. Law's ' Christian Perfection9 and l Serious Call ' were put into my hands. These convinced me more than ever of the absolute impossibility \ «f being half a Christian. And I determined through ms grace to be all devoted to God, to give him all my soul, my body, and my substance. In 1729 I began not only to read, but to study the Bible, as the one, the . only, standard of truth, and the only model of pure religion. Hence I saw, in a clearer light, the indispensable necessity of having the mind which was in Christ, and of walking as Christ also walked ; even of having, not some part only, but all the mind which was in him, and of walking as he walked, not only in many, or in most respects, but in' all things. And this was the light wherein at this time I generally considered religion, as a uniform following of Christ, an entire inward and outward conformity to our Master.''"

Under these convictions he entered more fully into the work of God. Conversing with his brother Charles, afterwards with Mr. Morgan, Mr. Hervey, (one of his pupils, and author of the Meditations,) Mr. Whitefield, and others, they agreed to meet and read divinity on Sunday evenings. The next summer they began to visit the prisoners in the Castle, and the sick and poor in the town. By degrees their meetings assumed a more religious character, and embraced in their exercises the careful examination of the Greek Testament, and close personal conversation on thti deep things of God. To these means of spiritual improve ment they added the observance of the Wednesday and Friday fasts, and the weekly sacrament. They were fifteen in number, and, as Mr. Wesley observed, " all of one heart and mind."

Such a spectach could but attract attention, especially as religion was in a low state ; there being little of it in the community, except the form, and scarcely enough of that to meet the claims of the municipal law, or the rules of the University. Every one spake of the young men according to his particular fancy ; some well, some ill. A rude youth, of Christ's Church, observing the exact regularity of their lives and studies, characterized them as " a new set of Methodists" in allusion to a class of ancient physicians distinguished by that name. The same spirit of reproach which suggested the title gave it popularity, and immortalized the young men it designed to crush. Taking no offence at any thing, and, withal, perceiving that their new cogno men expressed in a word exactly what they would be in life and godliness, they responded to it in all cheerfulness, as their successors have done, hoping never to dishonor it by the least departure from the ways of well-doing.

The history of this little company is full of interest, and may be found detailed in " Moore's Life of Wesley." It is a checkered page, exposing the enmity of the carnal mind, and illustrating the truth of the declaration, " all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution ; " but not more fully than it confirms the encouraging announcement of the Holy Spirit, " He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." The conflict was severe, but they succeeded. Many were benefited by their endeavors, and they received a hundred fold in discipline for the more difficult achievements of coming days.

Mr. Wesley was the master spirit of the band. His absence from Oxford, only for a few weeks, was attended with serious consequences in several instances, which compelled him to see the importance of his presence to its growing interests. Hence, when urged to accept his declining father's place at Epworth, a sense of duty required him to resist, and still cleave to his pupils and the little society with which he was surrounded.

But he had only escaped the importunities of his friends, by the assignment of the Epworth living to another, when he was designated as the most suitable person to come over to the Georgia Colony, as a missionary, both to the colonists and the Indians. Whether he ought to accept this call was too grave a question to settle hastily. Therefore he took time to consider, and immediately wrote to his mother and other friends, as he was wont to do on all questions of magnitude. His mother replied in these memorable words : " Had I twenty sons, I should rejoice that they were all so employed, though I should never see them more." His brother Samuel acquiesced in the measure, as did his eldest sister, and some others; but still he hesitated. At length, however, after reasonable deliberation, he determined to leave Oxford and go to America. His brother Charles signifying his willingness to accompany him, arrangements were made for that purpose, and they commenced their voyage about the middle of October, 1735. " Not to avoid want," Bays Mr. John Wesley, " God having given us plenty of temporal blessings ; nor to gain the dung and dross of riches and honor ; but singly this, to save our souls, and to live wholly to the glory of God."

Their labors in Georgia were not as successful as they anticipated, particularly among the Indians, and their conflicts and sufferings were considerable. But they made the

ORIGIN OP METHODIST SOCIETIES. 21

best of every thing for almost one year and nine months, and returned to England wiser and better men than when they left. Anxious as Mr. Wesley had been to be wholly the Lord's, profound as he was in divinity, and scrupulously as he had lived in all godliness, and honesty, he was ignorant and inexperienced in justification by faith, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost. He had worked and suffered for salvation, but had not believed with a heart unto righteousness. He hoped that he was a Christian, but had no joyful assurance of it, and therefore was more of a servant than a son of God, and was influenced more by fear than love. And yet, according to the prevailing theology of the day, in us brightest and purest aspects, he lacked nothing but continuance in well doing to ensure him the highest enjoyments of religion here, and an inheritance with the saints hereafter.