priations according to the number of years the claimant had devoted to the ministry, varying from ten to fifty pounds sterling per annum. As, for example, a preacher who had travelled thirty-nine years and upwards was to receive fifty pounds, while one who had travelled under twelve

years was to receive but fifteen pounds; and the widow of such an one but ten pounds. These are the two extremes of the scale, which divides the claimants into seven classes.

The plan of the Conference also provides for giving each preacher, on his becoming supernumerary, and each preacher's wife, on her becoming a widow, the sum of thirty pounds sterling to buy furniture, they having been supplied this necessity by the several circuits where they have labored up to that time. It provides, too, for the children of deceased preachers, for their education as well as their support, and for special emergencies either among the supernumeraries, the widows, or the fatherless. The means of meeting these several claims, the first year after the adoption of the plan, were chiefly obtained of the centenary committee, which, in accordance with the design of the donors, appropriated about forty-five thousand dollars of the centenary collections to this object.

The aggregate amount contributed to these funds the last year was as follows: To the contingent fund, $61,729.64; to the children's fund, $ 16,471.78; to the general chapel fund, $25,153.81; and to the preachers' auxiliary fund, $ 53,355.70.

Add to these more than five hundred thousand dollars raised for missions, the salaries paid to the preachers, and various other regular and occasional collections, and the liberality of the Wesleyans will be seen to exceed that of any other church in Christendom.

A few remarks in relation to the various measures referred to in the foregoing pages will close the presert

chapter. The first is, that all these arrangements, par ticularly the funds, have been providentially demanded. Nothing has been devised before its time, and nothing really matured for many years after its first discussion. This circumstance ought to encourage the younger members of the Wesleyan family to "try again," and never to cease discussing important practical questions till they shall have hit upon the right plan, and seen it in successful operation.

Another thought, which might not occur to the reader from what has been said, is, that these several plans and measures, though providentially suggested, were the result of profound study. Not merely during the sessions of the Conference. The Conference seemed generally to be impressed that the necessary brevity of their sessions, and other circumstances, would not admit of the needful investigation. Therefore, when they found themselves approaching the crisis, when something must be done, they appointed large committees, embracing the wisdom of the ministry and the laity, and designated the time and place of their meeting. In these committees the matter was deliberately dissected limb by limb, every weakness and impracticability detected, and the whole consolidated and adapted to the Wesleyan system, so that, if approved by the Conference, it might become a part of that system, and seem indispensable to its healthful operation. But another advantage of this course was, the plan, when it came out, was as much the people's as the preachers', and was, in a great degree, to be managed by them. This gave it popularity, and secured its success.

To the reader of this sketch, these regulations may seem complicated. This is their first appearance to a stranger But if one will examine them more closely, he will find them

most finished and effective scheme of ra How else could such an interest be kep amounts of money be raised in a societ the wealthy, and composed chiefly of many of whom are objects of charity th whom are exorbitantly taxed to support the Episcopal Church-taxed for eve . for what they eat, and drink, and wea light of heaven that shines upon them, a in their wages, too, and compelled to w for what will scarcely procure them Should their children imitate the par Methodism would soon fill the whole eart

SECESSIONS

CHAPTER VII.

FROM THE WESLEYAN CONNECTION; THEIR

PRINCIPLES, HISTORY, AND PRESENT CONDITION.

THE history of European Methodism is not complete, nor is a sketch of that history just, which does not refer to other sects taking rank under this general title. The Wesleyan Connection does not embrace all who revere the name of its founder. There are several minor bodies of Methodists which claim our attention.

This title compre

I. THE CALVINISTIC METHODISTS. hends two distinct denominations, one of which never had any connection with Wesley, and the other but little. We refer to the "Welch Calvinistic Methodists," and the "Whitefield, or Lady Hundingdon Connection." The first originated in Wales about the time the Wesleys began to attract attention in England. They have been a zealous people, and have succeeded in doing much good. In 1850 they reported 186 ministers, 241 local preachers, and 58,930 members. The Whitefield, or Lady Hundingdon Connection, was organized under the labors of Mr. Whitefield, patronized by the Countess of Hundingdon. The congregations connected with this sect are about ninety in number. In some of its chapels the service of the church is read. In others, the forms of the Independents are observed. A sort of itinerancy is also maintained, the respective congregations employing the

however, little system or efficiency in it, tions are fast relapsing into Independency

This off-shoot from the parent Metho properly be called such, is remarkable i ulars. The first is, that it has the hono one that ever occurred on doctrinal groun of great significance. The other, that it persons of high rank and influence. M man of unbounded reputation as a C orator; his theology was popular, and hi persons of wealth and distinction. But the swift, nor the battle to the strong."

II. THE NEW METHODIST CONNECTIC Kilhamites, after one Alexander Kilha its organization, was originally compose the Wesleyan societies. There were in nection at the time of Mr. Wesley's dea isfied with his system, and hoped for a not fancy its peaceable policy toward the ernment. After much noisy discussio sent delegates to the Conference held a 1797, who demanded a change in the by Mr. Wesley's Deed. For important ence did not see fit fully to acquiesc whereupon they immediately assembled, tem of itinerancy and government a peculiar views, and went into operation "The New Connection." Their treat ence was very severe, and threatened se but it was too manifestly unjust to be suc A few disaffected ones in different joined them, making an aggregate of