The History of Methodism

Front matter

The Gift of

Rollins College Library

THE HISTORY

Preface

Tus volume concludes my task—‘ The History of the Religious Movement of the Eighteenth Century, called Methodism, considered in its different Denominational Forms, and its Relations to British and American Protestantism.” Another work, _ “The History of the Methodist Episcopal Church in “the United States of America,” alluded to in former prefaces, will be a complement to the present volumes, but it will have the advantage of being also a distinct and independent production in both substance and form. A parallel line of narrative, relating to American Methodism, extends through these three volumes,. sufficiently for their purpose as a record of the general Methodistic movement centralizing in the Wesleyan body of England; but most of the data of American Methodism have necessarily been reserved for its separate history.

The first of the present volumes brings the narrative down to the death of Whitefield; the second to the death of Wesley; the third to the centenary jubilee of Methodism in’1889.

The first and second volumes are complete in themselves as a record of ‘‘The Life and Times of Wesley,” and will be found, it is hoped, as promised in my first preface, to be ‘the fullest account of the ‘Life and Times’ of the great founder yet published.” They can be obtained by the reader as a completed work, and present a conclusive view of Methodism as founded and administered by Wesley and Whitefield.

Aside from this chronological convenience a singular, if not providential, harmony marks the course of events narrated in these three volumes. It presents three well-defined yet correlative phases or stages. The first is the period of mesley’s

4 PREFACE.

personal ministry, the forming period of Methodism, in which it begins, extends to both hemispheres, and becomes at last an organic system; the second may be called its testing period, comprehending nearly the whole decade which followed Wesley’s death, in which it was tried as with fire by internal and external controversies respecting its subsequent government, but from which it emerged with a settled polity and augmented vigor, and entered upon its third and what seems to be its final development, missionary or universal evangelization. Remaining no longer a revival of Anglo-Saxon Protestantism in both hemispheres, it became, in this last period, the most effective missionary Church of our age, planting its standards in many parts of continental Europe, in several of the British colonies of the West Indies, the continent of South America, Africa, Ceylon, continental India, China, the islands of the Southern Ocean, and indeed on the outlines of much of the earth; so that, though at the death of Wesley Methodism was considered a marvelous fact in English history, in our day the missions of British Methodism alone comprise more than double the number of traveling preachers and nearly double the number of communicants reported from the entire Wesleyan ‘‘Connection” at Wesley’s last Conference. If the almost epic interest of the events of the first period somewhat subsides in the present volume, yet this grand outbreak of the movement into much of the world gives to its later periods a novel if not a sublimer interest, The great founders, the Wesleys, Whitefield, Fletcher, etc., disappear from the arena, but Coke still lingers, greater in some respects than any of them notwithstanding acknowledged weaknesses, and other and commanding actors—Bunting, Newton, Clarke, and Watson, not excepting humbler but historic men like Carvosso, Hicks, Dawson, Saville—and saintly female representatives like Mary Fletcher, Hester Ann Rogers, Lady Maxwell, Lady Mary Fitzgerald, Dinah Evans, (the heroine of “‘ Adam Bede,”) maintain, if they do not increase, the characteristic interest of the narrative.

In one respect I have submitted reluctantly, but necessarily, to much self-restraint in the preparation of the present volume. Not a few actors in its scenes still live, and some of them are

PREFACE. Paes 5)

among my most estimable personal friends. To give to their services the particular record and to themselves the particular characterization which have been given in the volume not only to their predecessors but to some of their contemporary but deceased fellow-laborers, would be impossible without the risk of much indelicacy toward themselves and their families, and of contradictory. opinions among their ecclesiastical associates, especially in matters of controversy now happily at rest. I have ample data for a record of their denominational services, but I have chosen to hold them in reserve for a more convenient time, which, I pray, may be far off. I have studied . to give a sufficient account of the plans and events in which they have shared, while refraining as much as possible from merely personal details. It has been found necessary, indeed, that my rule in this respect should be nearly absolute, and even the names of many such men will be found unmentioned. I have not deemed it desirable to encumber my pages with minute accounts of many local disputes and secessions which have occurred in the progress of Methodism. There is no modern religious denomination which does not unhappily afford a superabundance of such data. The characteristic fervor of ecclesiastical controversies usually gives them more contemporary than historical importance. I have sketched such as have had a general or permanent significance in the history of the denomination, but have ignored most others, or dispatched them with passing allusions.

The subject is fruitful of great questions which thé reader may deem capable of more elaborate or more philosophical treatment than I have given them. But dissertation is not history, nor is it admissable in history except so far as it becomes itself historical by dealing in the proper data of history, that is to say, in matters of fact. I have discussed the historical standpoint of Methodism, its Calvinistic controversy, the episcopal or rather prelatical question relating to Wesley’s ordinations and the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church; an entire book has not been devoted to the peculiar discipline of the denomination ; but all these pages will be found to consist substantially of matters of fact reserved from the course of the narrative for this

6 PREFACE.

special use. ‘History is philosophy teaching by example,” and the father of history was the greatest of “story tellers.” Wherever a fact, an anecdote, or an incident could serve my purpose, instead of general remarks, I have sacrificed the latter. The secret (so called) of the success of Methodism has been discussed in many an essay, and even in some elaborate books, (as those of Isaac Taylor and Dr. Benjamin F. Tefft.) I do not admit the conditions of its success to be a secret; the question receives frequent attention at appropriate points -in these three volumes, but no chapter is devoted to it. Why should the narrative pause for the discussion of a question which it answers on almost every page?

Important emendations of the preceding volumes have been suggested by transatlantic correspondents; every page of those two volumes has been thoroughly revised, and topographical and other mistakes, and defects of style have been corrected. The twenty-fourth edition of the first volume and the seventeenth of the second may be referred to as presenting these improvements.

The valuable assistance of literary friends has been acknow]ledged in the prefaces of the preceding volumes. I make the same grateful acknowledgement of the courtesy of Rev. Dr. Holdich, of the American Bible Society, and of Prof. Strong, §.T.D., in the revision of the proofs of the present volume. I am also under many obligations to Rev. John Campbell, Joseph M’Ooy, Esq., and other Irish friends for important documents relating to Irish Methodism.

This volume has been stereotyped more than half a year. The disturbed state of the country has nearly suspended the book trade during that period; but recent favorable auspices, together with large demands for the work, induce the publishers to venture upon its publication. 3

CONTENTS,

—_—-

BOOK VIL

FROM THE DEATH OF WESLEY TO THE CENTENARY OF METHODISY, 1791-1839.

Chapter I

STATE OF THE COUNTRY AND OF METH- ODISM AT THE DEATH OF WESLEY.

Page Death of Wesley ............. 1B Condition of Methodism ...... 14 Alarm of the Connection...... 15 Condition of the Country..... 15 The French Revolution....... 15 THOMAS Paine shies. sbielble ot 17 Influence of his Writings ..... 18 Prevalence of corrupt and revolutionary Sentiments....... 19 Influence of Methodism ...... 20 tion ee ee

Chapter II

CONFERENCES AND CONTROVERSIES, FROM THE DEATH OF WESLEY TO THE SETTLEMENT OF THE WESLEYAN pouiry, 1791-1797.

Page Continuance of the Controversy — 44 Conférence of 1793 ...... BA oe Episcopacy proposed 52 Conference of 1794 ..... 54 Dispute at Bristol .......6.6.. 56 Conference,of 1795... cs secce ee 59 Plan of Pacification........... 60 Conference of 1796 ........... 63 Benson preaching on the State of the Connection ........., 63 Trial and Expulsion of Kilham 64 Perilous Agitations........... ' 68 Convention of Trustees....... 70 Conference of 1707....60..005. 70 Conclusion of the Controversy. 78 CHAPTER Il.

ACOESSIONS TO THE ITINERANT MINIS- TRY—DEATHS OF EMINENT METHODists, 1791-1797.

Continued Success of Method- SBE ia cnens wae Minwateteea's(a.e "7

Dire CORC aren cow were 5 Snares 25 | Statistical Growth sco DAD William Thompson........... Zo | New CHADCIE. os iasc cc de cesves 78 The Halifax Circular ..,...... 25 | Richard Treffry ..........00++ 78 Administrative Arrangements. 25] James Townley..........-+++ 79 Popular Agitation....... vossae O9 | Richard Watson.........2+0+: 80 The Sacramental Question.... 25} His Character and Labors..... 80 Alexander Kilham............ 25 | His Eloquence and Writings ... 85 His Character and Labors..... 28 | Other eminent Laborers ...... 88 Conference of 1791 ........... 82| Death of Duncan Wright ..... 90 Its Provisions for the new Ex- Of Joseph Cownley ....++..+. 91 UZONOY wrote desues ay vee cits 84 Of John Valton ........-++--- 98 Methodism in America........ 86 | Thomas Hanby .....---+.+.+. 93 Resumption of the Controversy 88/His Early Rencounters with Conference. of 1792 ........... ZO NEEMODS. 5 <,4:5 s1e:« «isl esteem 95 An Extraordinary Expedient.. 42! His Death .....c..e.senseseee 98

8 CONTENTS.

Page 2 ; Page Captain Webb..%. .%.cewee secs 99 | His singular Reformation ..... 147 Eig sPregohin gs sxcc. sciences 100 | He rides about the County pay- NS MO OMG feiss cicstauielelsloie elec 99| ing his Debts and Preaching 151 Hester Ann Rogers... OH) SHEL yeas yi aes cleat sta nre s 153 Her Character...... Wriele 102 | His Adventures with Mobs ... 152 Pere Oath vessels mhtistetet. os 102 | Alexander Mather............ 155 Christopher Hopper.......... 157 CHAPTER IV. Triumphant Deaths .......... 158 REVIEW OF THE PERIOD FROM WES- LEY’S DEATH TO THE SETTLEMENT CHAPTER VI.

OF THE METHODIST PoLITY, 1791— 1797.

Benson’s Powerful Preaching. 104 His Tour through Cornwall... 105

Out-door Preaching .......... 105 Adam Clarke’s Success....... 107 His Manner of Preaching ..... 109 His Pastoral Fidelity ......... 109 Clarke among the Colliers of

Ann Cutler’s Character and

WSCHTINGSE Gt vase tim ensale The Heroine of ‘‘ Adam Bede”? 117 Seth and Dinah Evans........

Their Christian Labors and

MiSGEMINOSS ioc aner emt he Samuel Hick, “the Village

CHAPTER V.

CONFERENCES AND DEATHS OF PREAOH- ERS, FROM 1797 ‘To 1805, Conference Presidents........

Coke’s Attempt to obtain Episcopal Ordination, from the Establishment, for the Wes-

WEMERILS etait siois/o191 0.5: nialulers..0iei sale 128 DMUARIETIIEa stile's: 6.4 </alvsese\eia.c 1s )4 ies: sve 130 ' Progress in the West Indies .. 180 Ministerial Support........... 182 Preachers’ Fund...........00: 182 Qualifications of Candidates... 184 Committee of Privileges..... 134 Lay Co-operation............. 185 Female Preachers ............ 1385 Deceased Veterans ........... 186 William Hunter’s Death...... 186 William Thompson..........- 140 Murlin, the ““WeepingProphet’’ 140

Thomas Olivers, ‘The Cobbler,” Polemic, and Hymnist 148 His enormous Wickedness..., 144

EXTRAORDINARY LABORERS AND SUCcxussEs, 1797-1805.

Additions to the Ministry.....

Edward Hare ee ry

Jabez Bunting ..........

His Early History ...

Mary: Bunting, v0 c.deicecee Bunting begins his Ministry .. 164 His great Public Services ..... 164 IIS ChAT AGhON Yenc esneiniatere 164 Robert Newton. o.55.5. 00.0 168 His Conversions.c.% cise ine sia's 168

His Popularity and Character. 169 Representative Men of Method-

ism in the New Century .... 172 Clarke, Watson, Bunting, and

INO WtON st. chine nme one eh eeiae 172 Their Example and Co-opera- ROU WEARER fe. SORE 173 Revivals of Religion.......... 175 Adam: Clarke tee. stan cn cds « 175 Revivals in Cornwall ......... 176 George Lowe on Howden Cir- CU ie ce eee eee seintieeanae 176 Bramwellicc.<. ccanak costes this 176 COK Ge. asc ie detec eit cles Oeics 178 The Welsh Missions.......... 178 Great Revival on Bradford Cir- OUI. Coho anemia rerun steraare 178 Extraordinary Characters..... 179

William Dawson, ‘the York- Shimvesarmer 2 epee corcise His Character, his Services, his Geniug ew heceesemees screws Jonathan Saville .............

His Early Sufferings, his Usefulness as a Prayer-leader

Class-leader, and Local UP TOHOUG Daler ekbaaemisiciete sare 184. Statistical Results ............ 192

CHAPTER VII.

CONFERENCES FROM 1805 To 1815.

Liberal Changes in the Rules of the Conference ..........

First Ballot Election to the

‘Legal One Hundred’’...... 194 Home Missions begun........ 195 Foreign Missions.............: 195

CONTENTS. ' 9

: Page Organization of Missionary So- : CIOMOSs ei ctiice sc cteletvatter oh ls 196 British and Foreign Bible So- CABO Mais cts sos ES roa slo weiss e's 196 Chapel Building. ......65..... 197 The Committee of Privileges.. 197 Lord Sidmouth’s Bill......... 198 fia oe of Religious Liberty. 199 Great Numerical Growth...... 201 Deaths of Preachers .......... 201 John Crook, the “ Apostle of the Isie-of Man ??....50....5 202 JOHN PAWHOM i. 0c). sdietcs vest 202 His Labors and Trials ........ 204 SETI SHUI ac ctl, c)2 s/c teprsiancde oes 206 SOMME BaRbOD 6% wate cilerer ste 0 208 CHAPTER VIII.

BEVIZW OF THE PERIOD FROM 1805 TO 1815.

Religious Excitement in Keigh-

210 211 211 212 218 214

Thomas Thompson, of Hull...

Trials of the Home Missionaries Ife) of ata ANE NR, Si ORS eae a Bramwell’s successful Labors .

The ‘' Great Revival’? in Corn-

wall 216 Sketch of William Carvosso... 218 His extraordinary Usefulness.. 220 TiGPONZO DOW Gata keialegsnds,e os 228 First English Camp-meeting ..

The ‘‘ Primitive Methodists” .

Latter years and Death of Mary

Fletcher Lady Mary Fitzgerald Her Sufferings ie a)

CHAPTER IX.

PROGRESS OF METHODISM FROM 1815

Presidents of the Conference.. 233 The Annval Minutes ......... 233 Advanced Position of Method-

TBI eons a Se ae o a, se oe cae 284 Great Statistical Growth ...... 234 Proceedings of the Conference 235 Missionary Development ..... 236 Spiritual Improvement ....... 238 Deaths of Preachers .......... 239 Richard? Rodan d woenicies csislee 239 George Shadford ...........,. 239 DS OMMMISAL DOL) sicisisteerssiels.tisis.o.c'e0 239 Samuel Bradburn ............ 240 His Services and Trials....... 941

Pa,

Thomas:Taylor.. f3.05dacc. 243 George Story. ateea sone eas 244.

His Peculiar Spiritual History. 245 He turns Philosopher ........ 246 Tries Fashionable Gayeties ... 246 Becomes-a Deist’.........53.% 246 Turns Methodist ............. 248 Becomes an Itinerant......... 249 M16S' in; Peace sen vices ss oct 250 Raithby. Hallo. 0 45. kas 250 Robert Carr Brackenbury..... 250 His Character and Usefulness . 250 Sarah Brackenbury........... 254 Death of Samuel Bardsley, the

Oldest Itinerant .:.......... 255 Joseph Benson...........0-.. 256 His Services and Death....... 256

CHAPTER X.

EXTRAORDINARY LABORERS AND SUC- OESSES, 1815-1825.

Moral Invigoration of the ~

OGISUIK. <1) \stclets, cide ep otal ere 264 He projects the Shetland Mis-

SUOMS tec clans tein elecaretete ene te 264. Completes his Commentary... 265 Watson’s Services............ 265 IBGATW OUIE Tije « siete dria See vice nlc 266 EIS Holy Ldtene ites «on eles 267 His Great Success ..........2% 267 MATS EY Gath ic cdrae sa arduinia e's an iorasere 270 David Stoner begins his Minis-

ANY: teat ai iaitale states ose ta siete 271 His Usefulness,....0...2---+ 273 PUDUWISIO® gece ects ne’ re cMuith ee 274 The ‘Village Blacksmith”

and the ‘‘ Yorkshire Farmer?’ 275 Jonathan Saville ......... Cpe Wh Their Influence on the Mission-

ary Development of Method-

ISTE Reet cists 8 alee cavere.0.6 QT7 William Carvosso ..........+ 279 Illustrations of his Usefulness 280 Great Revivals in Cornwall ... 283 John Smith’s Conversion ..... 280 His first Failures in Preaching 287 He changes the Style of his

WDISCOUTSES coe. occ sees evens 287 His Extraordinary Usefulness. 288 Hodgson Casson......-+++e0-- 294.

His Eccentricities ....-.-+.-.. 295 He turns a Dancing Party into age ach His History and Remarkable

Usetulness's jt. eases 296 John Emory, Delegate from the American General Con- FETONCO eed Ade ess eles’ eis 804 Richard Reece and John Hannah, Delegates from the Wesleyan Conference....... 308 CHAPTER XI.

MISSIONARY DEVELOPMENT OF METH- ODISM : WEST INDIES AND CEYLON.

The Three Phases of Methodist

Ibo wero prac ioE orice he Ott 311 Methodistic Propagandism.... 312 Early Foreign Attempts ...... 312 The Idea of Universal Evangel-

Coke’s Fifth Voyage to Amer-

TOD sie esis piaioieisiciass diets b save violate 314 Birthday Reflections.......... 814 Exciting Scenes in the West

UVACHF ccravare ot ivinfalersetsr agi deietce 815 Persecution of Missionaries... 315 Their Triumphs.............- 316 An Extraordinary Death...... 317 Improvement of the Slaves ... 317

Rapid Extension of the Missions 819 They reach the South American Continent. 820 AVGAUIEGS cc 1S: n y-sreva cayevaleverninco a ertls 821 Emancipation .......00-s0006 828

The Last Night of Slavery .... 325 Coke before the Conference of 1813 in behalf of India......

British Sway in the East......

Lord Clive and the Battle of Plasse Coke’s Letter to Wilberforce respecting an Indian Bishop- SELIG: s aictsce verateieibtelels elalevaretereavnetnts

ESELGO 5 's-y) si ierat pe wc sunte ni tier el hotels SIMA OV EPO cc vice de cwisie ne oe His Death and Burial at Sea ..

Effect of his Death on the Church at Home............

Organization of the First Missionary Society, at Leeds.... 885 Origin of the General Wesleyan ° issionary Society ......... 337 Character and Services of Coke 339 CHAPTER XII.

METHODIST FOREIGN EVANGELIZA- TION: ASIA,

Arrival of Coke’s Missionaries

in: Coydomimaemmacer yoistcd aie

The Mission 3

842 843

Contents

Page Results of the First Sermon ... 343 Lord Molesworth............. 343 He perishes by Shipwreck.... 348 First Native Methodist Preach-

Or Oe ABini ss <2 lees elise 843 Progress of the Mission....... 343 Tis Schooissens i tevieac.css« 344 Oriental Scholarship of the Mis-

BIONATIOS AE ae dawz eres sels 344 The Mission reaches Continen-