369-384. Duty to their preacher Succe Rules of, adopted, 37. Die well, Preser METHODISM, origin of, 30. Its compa MINISTERS, authority of, 386. Powers 389-398. MISSIONS, the first, 93. New measur 187. To America, 128, 129-Li NEW BIRTH, 28, 206. Implies what, ORDINATIONS, at the first, 92, 93. By PERFECTION, CHRISTIAN, what not, 256 PERIODICALS, magazines published, 149. PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS, Calvinistic notions of, refuted, PREDESTINATION, sermon on, 38. Objections to, 225-235. Effects of their poverty, 98. Worn out, 108, 109. Capt. PREACHING, of laymen, 36, 42, 43. Success of, 46, 133. Ex- PRESIDING ELDERS, changes proposed, 141. Sub-bishops, 307. Expense of, 358. Powers of, safe, 370. Questions relating to, 408-414. PRIEST, ELDER, AND BISHOP, one, 327-331. PRESBYTERIANS, 189. Government of, 300, 301. 399. Prefer- ROMANISTS, government of, 297, 298. SACRAMENTS, difficulties concerning, 88. Allowed by Wesleyans, SCRIPTURES, true, 196. Inspired, 197-203. SEMINARIES, the first, 149. Present number of, 188. SECESSIONS, 38. Under Maxfield, 74-O'Kelley, 139- Brett, SCHOOLS, Kingswood, 70. Others, 95. For preachers, 101, CIETIES, tract, formed, 148. Missionary and Bible, 150. Regard for WESLEY, JOHN, birth and education, 13 25. Ordained, 15, 16. consecration to God, 17, 18. Fo Called Methodist, 19. Missionary 28-31. Regard for Mr. Whitefiel Reasoned with the clergy, 63. Α Travels, 68. Aims to improve the p of, 73. His deed, 80. Letter to th of, 86. Care for America, 128. A dicated, 331-339. WESLEY, CHARLES, opposed his broth Preached in the streets, 36. Inclinat 45. WHITEFIELD, united with Wesley, 18. 33. Preached in the fields, 33. Calvinist, 37. Affection for Wesley, PART FIRST. HISTORICAL SKETCH OF METHODISM FROM ITS RISE TO THE PRESENT TIME. CHAPTER I. 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, O. 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 senti ments 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 to 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 knowl edge and experience in salvation by faith. |