On December 7, he writes: “I went on to Yarmouth, and found confusion
worse confounded. Not only Benjamin Worship’s society was come to
nothing, but ours seemed to be swiftly following. They had almost all
left the Church again, being full of prejudice against the clergy and
against one another.” On December 12, he came back to London, where he
continued the remainder of the year, with the exception of a visit to
Sheerness. He writes, December 16: “The governor of the fort having
given me the use of the chapel, I began reading prayers, and afterwards
preached to a large and serious congregation. The next evening it was
considerably increased, so that the chapel was hot as an oven. In the
afternoon of the day after, the governor sent me word, I must preach
in the chapel no more; but, a room being offered, we had a comfortable
hour. Examining the society, consisting of four or five and thirty
members, I had the comfort to find many of them knew in whom they had
believed; and all of them seemed desirous to adorn the doctrine of
God their Saviour. Such a town as many of these live in is scarce to
be found again in England. In the dock, adjoining to the fort, there
are six old men-of-war. These are divided into small tenements, forty,
fifty, or sixty in a ship, with little chimneys and windows; and each
of these contains a family.”

The Whitefield section of the Methodists seem to have had a society in
Sheerness previous to this. Cornelius Winter, now a young man of about
five-and-twenty, and acting as a sort of itinerant local preacher,
in the county of Kent, tells us that, in 1766, Wesley’s “people made
an innovation upon the Calvinistic cause at Sheerness,” upon which
he walked over from Sittingbourne, on a severe winter’s night, and
preached from the words: “And Gideon said unto him, O my Lord, if the
Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all His
miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring
us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered
us into the hands of the Midianites.” No doubt, the young preacher
intended his text to be a stunning one, and to put an end to Wesley’s
“Midianites” poaching on Calvinian preserves. He states that his sermon
“had an amazing effect”; that he “became a frequent and acceptable
visitor”; and that an “eminent old saint, by the name of Wadsworth,
was so pleased with his services, that, when he died, he left him
half-a-crown and his Bible,” the first legacy that Cornelius ever
had.[715] Young Winter thought he had extinguished Wesley’s Methodism
in Sheerness; but, like most young men, he proved himself to be liable
to fall into mistakes.

It is a curious fact, that, in 1767, as in the year previous, Methodism
was attacked chiefly by the muses. One of the principal poetic
effusions was, “Methodism Triumphant; or, the decisive Battle between
the Old Serpent and the Modern Saint,” 4to, 139 pages. In Nichols’
“Literary Anecdotes,” it is stated, that this skittish, satirical
production was written by Dr. Nathaniel Lancaster, rector of Stanford
Rivers,—“a man of strong natural parts, great erudition, refined taste,
and master of a nervous and elegant style. He was a native of Cheshire,
lived a recluse, and died deeply in debt, June 20, 1775.”[716]

Of course, Wesley is Dr. Lancaster’s “modern saint”; and the poem,
which is not without literary merit, professes to sketch “the state of
religion previous to Wesley’s mission; his transcendent character and
miraculous powers,” and his subsequent history, till he is brought into
“single combat with the old serpent. Satan accepts Wesley’s challenge;
leaves his dominions; and repairs to Moorfields, in Britannia.”
Then follows a description of the conflict; Wesley is blown up with
gunpowder; a seraph heals him; the battle is renewed; with his “massive
journals,” Wesley shatters the devil’s horns, batters his skull,
squashes his igneous brains, and then, seizing a falchion sent from the
armoury of heaven, lops off his cloven feet, and finally pulls off his
tail, and suspends it over a fane,—

          ... “a trophy of victorious faith,
    And surest proof, that Methodism springs,
    With all her tenets, from a heavenly source.”

The whole poem is full of clever, but profane, banter of this
description.

Another quarto poetical publication, of forty-seven pages, and, in
style and spirit, bearing so strong a resemblance to the former one as
almost to affiliate itself, was entitled, “The Troublers of Israel;
in which the principles of those who turn the world upside down are
displayed. With a preface to the Rev. Dr. D——; to which is prefixed, a
short introductory description of modern enthusiasts.

Besides the above, there was a shilling pamphlet published, with the
title, “A Dialogue between the Rev. Mr. John Wesley and a member of the
Church of England, concerning Predestination.” The author is a most
zealous Calvinist, and attacks Wesley’s views with great violence;
perhaps thinking that, though man might have reason to complain, God
would commend and honour his heavy handed flagellation.

Wesley’s publications, in 1767, were the following.

1. “A Word to a Smuggler,” with this sentence printed on the title
page,—“This tract is not to be sold, but given away:” 8vo, eight pages.

Smuggling was, at this period, one of England’s crying evils; and, from
the first, Wesley resolutely set his face against it. “A smuggler,”
said he, “is a thief of the first order, a highwayman or pickpocket of
the worst sort. Let not any of those prate about reason or religion. It
is an amazing instance of human folly, that every government in Europe
does not drive these vermin away into lands not inhabited.”[717] “Every
smuggler is a thief general, who picks the pockets both of the king and
all his fellow subjects. He wrongs them all; and, above all, the honest
traders, many of whom he deprives of their maintenance.”

So general was the evil in Wesley’s day, that not a few, even of the
members of his own societies, were tainted with it. At St. Ives,
in 1753, he ascertained that nearly the whole society “bought or
sold uncustomed goods.” At Sunderland, in 1757, he had to tell the
Methodists that, unless they would “part with all sin, particularly,
robbing the king,” he should be obliged to part with them. “Carefully
disperse the ‘Word to a Smuggler,’” said Wesley at the conference of
1767; “expel all who will not leave off smuggling; and silence every
local preacher that defends it.”

2. “An Extract of the Rev. Mr. John Wesley’s Journal, from May 6, 1760,
to October 28, 1762.” 12mo, 141 pages.

3. “Christian Letters, by Joseph Alleine.” 12mo, 88 pages.

4. “Extracts from the Letters of Mr. Samuel Rutherford.” 12mo. “The
same piety, zeal, and confidence in God,” says Wesley, “shine through
all the letters of Mr. Alleine that do in Mr. Samuel Rutherford’s; so
that, in this respect, he may well be styled the English Rutherford. In
piety and fervour of spirit, they are the same; but the fervour of the
one more resembles that of St. Paul,—of the other, that of St. John.
They were both men of intrepid courage; but in love Mr. Alleine has the
preeminence.”

5. “The Repentance of Believers.” 12mo. This was a sermon for the
times, peculiarly adapted to settle the inquiries of the Methodists
respecting the subject of Christian perfection, and other points
connected with it.

                              FOOTNOTES:

[1] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 158.

[2] Moore’s Life of Wesley, vol ii., p. 130.

[3] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 310.

[4] _Irish Evangelist_, Aug. 1, 1860.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 158.

[7] Minutes (edit. 1862).

[8] C. Wesley’s Journal.

[9] C. Wesley’s Journal.

[10] Page 12.

[11] Page 66.

[12] Southey says this was Lady Maxwell, forgetting that Wesley had no
acquaintance with her ladyship for many a long year after this.

[13] Myles’s Chronological History, p. 464.

[14] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 277.

[15] _Methodist Magazine_, 1852, p. 51.

[16] Manuscript letter.

[17] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 276.

[18] Short Account of Kingswood School, 1749.

[19] Myles’s History; and _Methodist Magazine_, 1778, p. 533.

[20] _Methodist Magazine_, 1778, p. 533.

[21] Ibid. 1779, p. 42.

[22] Minutes (edit. 1862).

[23] _Methodist Magazine_, 1838, p. 555.

[24] “Methodism in Halifax,” p. 65.

[25] “Methodism in Manchester,” p. 116.

[26] Manuscript.

[27] Myles’s Life of Grimshaw, p. 114.

[28] Myles’s Life of Grimshaw, p. 73.

[29] Wesley’s Works, vol. ii., p. 253.

[30] Manuscripts.

[31] “Methodism in Congleton Circuit,” p. 38.

[32] Whitefield’s Works, vol. ii., p. 370.

[33] Whitefield’s Works, vol. ii., p. 200.

[34] Whitefield’s Works, vol. ii., p. 150.

[35] Ibid. p. 156.

[36] Ibid. pp. 204, 215.

[37] _Gentleman’s Magazine_, 1748, pp. 475, 523.

[38] _Scots Magazine_, 1748, p. 456.

[39] Whitefield’s Works, vol. ii., p. 190.

[40] “Life and Times of Lady Huntingdon,” vol. i., p. 96.

[41] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 160.

[42] Moore’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 248.

[43] _Methodist Magazine_, 1848, p. 158.

[44] _London Magazine_, 1748, p. 426.

[45] Ibid. 1748, p. 476.

[46] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 152.

[47] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 488.

[48] Ibid. vol. xii., p. 74.

[49] Walpole’s Letters, vol. ii., p. 149.

[50] Walpole’s Letters, vol. ii., p. 155.

[51] Whitefield’s Works, vol ii., pp. 220, 252, 282-284, 291.

[52] _Methodist Magazine_, 1848, p. 639.

[53] Charles Wesley, in a letter dated the 3rd of March, 1749, says: “I
spent half-an-hour with my brother at Kingswood, which is now very much
like a college. Twenty-one boarders are there, and a dozen students,
his sons and pupils in the gospel. I believe he is now laying the
foundations of many generations.”—_Watchman_, Feb. 18, 1835.

[54] Sullivan’s house was the preachers’ home, and was also sometimes
used for preaching. (Wesley’s Works, vol. ii., p. 148.)

[55] Smith’s “Methodism in Ireland,” pp. 33, 34.

[56] _Methodist Magazine_, 1812, p. 45.

[57] Wesley’s Works, vol. viii., p. 494.

[58] Everett’s “Methodism in Sheffield,” p. 257.

[59] Ibid. p. 261.

[60] _Methodist Magazine_, 1817, p. 683.

[61] Ibid. 1778, p. 472.

[62] Minutes (edit. 1862), p. 709.

[63] Whitefield’s Works, vol. ii., p. 362.

[64] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 422.

[65] Wesley’s Works, vol. ii., p. 243; and _Methodist Magazine_, 1780,
p. 322.

[66] “Life and Times of Lady Huntingdon,” vol. i., p. 45; and Everett’s
“Methodism in Sheffield,” p. 41.

[67] The above facts are taken from private manuscripts; from “Memoirs
of Mrs. Grace Bennet, by William Bennet”; and from an authentic
manuscript, in the British Museum, which, though not in Wesley’s
handwriting, was read and revised by him, and has a few corrections
by his own well known pen. This manuscript was published, a few years
ago, by John Russel Smith, of Soho Square, London. The writer has
compared the printed pamphlet with the original document; and, with a
few unimportant exceptions, including one or two omissions, has found
it faithfully and correctly given. It is from the same source, that we
chiefly derive the following facts.

[68] Life of C. Wesley.

[69] Nineteen of these verses, with many erasures and corrections,
in Wesley’s own abbreviated long hand writing, are at the end of the
manuscript in the British Museum, from which the foregoing statements
have been taken.

[70] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 154.

[71] Watson’s Works, vol. v., p. 200.

[72] Moore’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 171.

[73] Manuscripts.

[74] Manuscript in British Museum.

[75] _Methodist Magazine_, 1833, p. 758.

[76] In a list of “Books published by John and Charles Wesley,” in
1749, one, numbered 85, is “Moravian Hymns,” price a penny; and, in a
letter dated 1749, Zinzendorf remarks: “J. Wesley’s extract from our
hymn-book has done us no injury.” (“Memoirs of James Hutton,” p. 218.)

[77] What a change in eleven years! The following interesting and
important letter has not before been published. It was lent to the
author by Charles Reed, Esq., M.P.; but too late to be inserted in the
proper place. Let the reader compare it with Wesley’s Journal of the
same date.

“WESTPHALIA, GERMANY, _July 7, 1738_.

“DEAR BROTHER,—I am now with the Count, at his uncle’s, the Count of
Solmes, five or six hours from Marienborn; and have stolen an hour to
let you know that God has been very merciful to us in all things. The
spirit of the Brethren is above our highest expectation. Young and
old, they breathe nothing but faith and love, at all times, and in
all places. I do not therefore concern myself with the smaller points
that touch not the essence of Christianity, but endeavour (God being
my helper) to grow up in these after the glorious example set before
me. Having already seen with my own eyes more than a hundred witnesses
of the everlasting truth,—‘Every one that believeth hath peace with
God, and is freed from sin, and is in Christ a new creature,’—see,
my dear brother, that none of you receive the grace of God in vain;
but be ye also living witnesses of the exceeding great and precious
promises, which are made to every one of us through the blood of Jesus.
Adieu.—JOHN WESLEY.”

[78] The Moravian Hymn-Book, published in two volumes, in 1754,
is before us; and similar quotations to the above might be given,
almost _ad infinitum_, but no good end would be answered by doing so.
Zinzendorf’s heart was better than his head. His brain was fertile, but
brought forth weeds as well as flowers. His passions were strong, and
easily excited; and he was not unwont to assume a superiority, to which
he foolishly fancied that his German birth and rank entitled him. He
was an enormous worker; and his energy, disinterestedness, and devotion
are deserving of praise; but he was far from faultless. His policy was
often suspicious, and sometimes had the appearance of dissimulation. He
was too anxious to assert his authority, even when it was not called
in question; and, though his eccentricities were not surprising,
considering his temperament and activity, they were not to be commended.

[79] Nichols’ “Illustrations of Literature,” vol. ii., p. 162.

[80] This will be noticed in the year 1761.

[81] Wesley’s Works, vol. x., p. 367.

[82] Ibid. vol. x., p. 403.

[83] _Methodist Magazine_, 1827, p. 314.

[84] Whitefield’s Works, vol. ii., p. 316-18.

[85] Ibid. p. 320.

[86] “Life and Times of Countess of Huntingdon,” vol. i., p. 118.

[87] See Whitefield’s Letters.

[88] _Methodist Magazine_, 1837, p. 421.

[89] _London Magazine_, 1750.

[90] Walpole’s Letters.

[91] _London Magazine_, 1750, p. 139.

[92] _London Magazine_, 1750, p. 223.

[93] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 257.

[94] _Methodist Magazine_, 1781, p. 92.

[95] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 256.

[96] _Methodist Magazine_, 1848, p. 776.

[97] The reference here is doubtless to Roger Ball.

[98] _Methodist Magazine_, 1794, p. 524.

[99] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 316.

[100] Whitehead’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 259.

[101] _Methodist Magazine_, 1819, p. 544.

[102] Lavington, bishop of Exeter, begins his “Enthusiasm of the
Methodists and Papists compared,” with a sketch of what he calls “the
madness and presumption of the Montanists.”

[103] _Methodist Magazine_, 1815, p. 47.

[104] It is rather remarkable, that in a second instance the Methodists
took possession of a French protestant church, in Spitalfields, namely,
the chapel now occupied in Church Street, and at the erection of which
John Nelson worked, when he heard Wesley preach in 1739, and saw him
stroke back the hair of his head. (Private manuscript.) _Apropos_ of
chapels, it may be added, that in Reed’s _Weekly Journal_ of December
15, 1750, is the following item of intelligence: “We hear that the
Rev. Mr. John Wesley, senior fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford, has
purchased New Wells, near the London Spaw, Clerkenwell, and that
he intends, with all convenient speed, to fit up the same for a
tabernacle.”

[105] Wesley’s Works, vol. x., pp. 464, 472.

[106] Ibid. p. 340.

[107] _London Magazine_, 1749, p. 436.

[108] Whitefield’s Works, vol. ii., p. 407.

[109] See Hutton’s Memoirs, and Spangenberg’s Life of Zinzendorf.

[110] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 260.

[111] The Rev. Charles Manning is said to have performed the marriage
ceremony.

[112] _Methodist Magazine_, 1847, p. 868; and Southey’s Life of Wesley.

[113] Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 172.

[114] C. Wesley’s Life, vol. i., p. 568.

[115] Hampson’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 124.

[116] Whitehead’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 263.

[117] C. Wesley’s private journal.

[118] C. Wesley’s Journal, vol. ii., p. 213.

[119] Ibid. vol. ii., p. 217.

[120] Ibid. p. 247.

[121] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., pp. 163, 164.

[122] In Osmotherley old society book, still in existence, we find the
following item of expenditure: “1752: April 27 and 28.—Laid out for Mr.
John Wesley’s wife’s daughter, William Shent, and John Haine, 5_s._
2_d._”

[123] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 165.

[124] Ibid. vol. v., p. 205.

[125] Wesley’s Works, vol xii., p. 171.

[126] Ibid. p. 206.

[127] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 206.

[128] Watson’s Life of Wesley.

[129] Manuscript.

[130] Hampson’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 127.

[131] Private manuscripts.

[132] Moore’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 175.

[133] Stamp’s Orphan House, p. 119.

[134] Wesley’s Works, vol. iii., p. 449.

[135] Manuscript letter.

[136] _Gentleman’s Magazine_, 1781.

[137] Hampson’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 128.

[138] Jackson’s Life of C. Wesley, vol. ii., p. 569.

[139] Moore’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 175.

[140] C. Wesley’s Journal, vol. ii., p. 85.

[141] _Methodist Magazine_, 1797, p. 514.

[142] Whitehead’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 271.

[143] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 316; and _Methodist Magazine_,
1781, p. 137.

[144] Wesley’s Works, vol. x., p. 341.

[145] Whitefield’s Works, vol. ii., p. 420.

[146] Clarke’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 242.

[147] Wesley’s Works, vol. viii., p. 316.

[148] Ibid. vol. xii., p. 471.

[149] Probably George Atchinson. See Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 182.

[150] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 315.

[151] Larkin’s History of Methodism in Norwich.

[152] “Summary View of the Doctrines of Methodism.” By Charles
Perronet. Second edition. 1753.

[153] “A Hundred Years Ago.” By James Hutton; and _Gentleman’s
Magazine_, 1756, p. 89.

[154] Myles’s History.

[155] Jackson’s Life of C. Wesley, vol. i., p. 585.

[156] Jackson’s Life of C. Wesley, vol. i., p. 583.

[157] Whitehead’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 270.

[158] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 317.

[159] Whitefield’s Works, vol. ii., p. 404.

[160] Ibid. vol. iii., p. 496.

[161] _Methodist Magazine_, 1819, p. 544.

[162] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 181-183.

[163] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 435.

[164] Ibid., p. 406.

[165] Ibid. vol. ii., p. 368.

[166] “Life and Times of Countess of Huntingdon,” vol. ii., p. 380.

[167] Whitefield’s Works, vol. ii., p. 428.

[168] Jackson’s Life of C. Wesley, vol. ii., p. 576.

[169] Life of Rev. S. Walker, p. 201.

[170] _Methodist Magazine_, 1847, p. 869.

[171] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 165.

[172] “Memoir of Rev. T. Monkhouse,” p. 4.

[173] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 165.

[174] Ibid. vol. xii., p. 166.

[175] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 106.

[176] _Irish Evangelist_, October 1, 1860.

[177] Whitefield’s Works, vol. ii., p. 464.

[178] _London Magazine_, 1752, p. 48.

[179] _London Magazine_, 1749, p. 388.

[180] Whitefield’s Works, vol. ii., p. 275.

[181] _London Magazine_, 1752, p. 193.

[182] Polwhele’s edition of “Enthusiasm,” etc.

[183] “Life and Times of Howel Harris,” p. 203.

[184] James Hutton’s Memoirs.

[185] Whitefield’s Works, vol. iv., p. 253.

[186] Ibid. vol. iii., p. 14.

[187] _Methodist Recorder_, Sept. 22, 1865.

[188] Whitefield’s Works, vol. iii., p. 35.

[189] Whitehead’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 273.

[190] _Methodist Magazine_, 1797, p. 512.

[191] Whitefield’s Works, vol. iii., p. 7.

[192] Minutes (edit. 1862), p. 717.

[193] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 168.

[194] Ibid. vol. xiii., p. 318.

[195] _London Magazine_, 1753.

[196] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., pp. 107, 108.

[197] Whitehead’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 276.

[198] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 318.

[199] Whitefield’s Works, vol. iii., p. 43.

[200] The word “Manchester” is written, not printed.

[201] C. Wesley’s Journal, vol. i., p. 364.

[202] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 259.

[203] Ibid. 1778, p. 232.

[204] C. Wesley’s Journal, vol. ii., p. 51.

[205] The _Gentleman’s Magazine_, for 1749, p. 44, contains the
following announcement: “1749, January 28.—Marriage of William Briggs,
Esq., of the Custom House, Secretary to Messrs. Wesley, to Miss
Perronet, of Shoreham, Kent. £5,000.”

[206] Whitehead’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 261.

[207] See preface to Methodist Hymn-Book.

[208] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 394.

[209] _Methodist Magazine_, 1800, p. 545.

[210] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 169.

[211] Whitefield’s Works, vol. iii., p. 61.

[212] Life of Rev. H. Venn.

[213] _Methodist Magazine_, 1797, p. 569.

[214] _Christian Miscellany_, 1849, p. 115.

[215] “Methodism in Frome,” p. 11.

[216] Wesley’s Works, vol. x., p. 305.

[217] Hervey’s Letters to Lady Frances Shirley, 1783, p. 222.

[218] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 375.

[219] Manuscript letter by Baddiley to Wesley.

[220] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 170.

[221] Manuscript, by Alex. Bell.

[222] Everett’s Life of Adam Clarke, vol. i., p. 336.

[223] Manuscript, by Alex. Bell. We have a list of all the Liverpool
Methodists in 1759, with their occupations, and places of residence,
from which it appears that there were, at that period, 121 members,
meeting in five classes, of which the respective leaders were Robert
Jones, Enoch Norris, James Edmunds, Thomas Hodgson, and Thomas Beck.

[224] Minutes (edit. 1862), vol. i., p. 711.

[225] In his shorthand diary, Charles Wesley writes as follows. “1754:
October 17.—Sister Macdonald first, and then sister Clay, informed me
that Charles Perronet gave the sacrament to the preachers, Walsh and
Deaves, and then to twelve at sister Garder’s, in the Minories.”

“October 18.—Sister Meredith told me that her husband had sent her word
that Walsh had administered the sacrament at Reading.”

“October 19.—I was with my brother, who said nothing of Perronet,
except, ‘We have in effect ordained already.’ He urged me to sign the
preachers’ certificates; was inclined to lay on hands; and to let the
preachers administer.”

“October 24.—Was with my brother. He is wavering; but willing to wait
before he ordains or separates.”

[226] Manuscript letter.

[227] Ibid.

[228] Manuscript letter.

[229] Life of C. Wesley, vol. ii., p. 78.

[230] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 320.

[231] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 109.

[232] Ibid. vol. xii., p. 110.

[233] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 371.

[234] Whitefield’s Works, vol. iii., p. 144.

[235] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 373.

[236] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 376.

[237] Osmotherley old society book has the following entry: “1755, June
2.—Laid out for Mr. John Wesley, wife and daughter, Mr. Shent, and Mr.
Downes, 5_s._”

[238] It was noted as a place for training and running horses.

[239] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 171.

[240] Ibid.

[241] Whitefield’s Works, vol. iii., pp. 121, 122.

[242] Hutton’s Memoirs, p. 302.

[243] It was advertised in a list of books published by Wesley and his
brother; and, to such an extent, was acknowledged by them.

[244] Except one class of Queries, here omitted, because referring
to matters obscene and blasphemous. It may be added that, in this
same year, 1755, Warburton, bishop of Gloucester, published a furious
pamphlet, of 180 pages, entitled, “The Moravians Compared and Detected.”

[245] Hutton’s Memoirs, p. 301.

[246] Ibid. p. 302.

[247] Wesley’s Works, vol. iv., p. 33.

[248] Hampson’s Life of Wesley, vol. iii., p. 147.

[249] Wesley’s Works, vol. ii., p. 495.

[250] _Methodist Magazine_, 1847, p. 965.

[251] Clarke’s Commentary, General Preface, p. 10.

[252] Whitefield’s Works, vol. iii., p. 155.

[253] The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Herring, was quite as bitter
as the Bishop of London. In a letter dated “January 25, 1756,” he
calls Whitefield, “Daniel Burgess _redivivus_,” and speaks of his
“joco-serious addresses.” In the same letter, he says Wesley “is a man
of good parts and learning; but a most dark, and saturnine creature,
whose pictures may frighten weak people, but will make few converts,
except for a day.” (_Gentleman’s Magazine_, 1777.)

[254] “Life and Times of Countess of Huntingdon,” vol. i., p. 207.

[255] _Methodist Magazine_, 1794, p. 528.

[256] _Methodist Magazine_, 1837, p. 423.

[257] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 434.

[258] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 475.

[259] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 319.

[260] Wesley’s Journal; and _London Magazine_.

[261] Whitefield’s Works, vol. iv., p. 265.

[262] _Methodist Magazine_, 1848, p. 777.

[263] Ibid. 1848, p. 777.

[264] _London Magazine_, 1756, p. 146.

[265] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 172.

[266] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 321.

[267] _Irish Evangelist_, March, 1868.

[268] Jackson’s Life of C. Wesley, vol. ii., p. 105.

[269] Atmore’s “Methodist Memorial,” p. 336.

[270] It is said that the entire edition was destroyed, with the
exception of about thirty copies. (_Wesleyan Times_, Dec. 31, 1860.)

[271] Wesley’s Works, vol. ii., p. 424.

[272] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 598.

[273] This agreement was signed by J. Wesley, C. Wesley, W. Shent, John
Jones, John Downes, and John Nelson. See p. 138 of this volume.

[274] Life of Rev. S. Walker, p. 201.

[275] Walker’s Life, p. 207.

[276] Walker’s Life, p. 203; and _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 641.

[277] Walker’s Life, p. 215.

[278] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 644.

[279] Walker’s Life, p. 216.

[280] Ibid. p. 221.

[281] Ibid. p. 224.

[282] Walker’s Life, p. 228.

[283] C. Wesley’s Journal.

[284] Myles’s History.

[285] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 62.

[286] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 648.

[287] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 601.

[288] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 434.

[289] Wesley’s Works, vol. x., p. 323.

[290] “Collection of Letters on Sacred Subjects.” Dublin: 1784. P. 17.

[291] Wesley’s Works, vol. xi., p. 275.

[292] _Methodist Magazine_, 1798, p. 92.

[293] Wesley’s Works, vol. vi., p. 69.

[294] Whitefield’s Works, vol. iii., p. 184.

[295] This was not true. Wesley writes: “I was under no necessity,
though I doubt not but Mr. Law heard I was, and very seriously believed
it. I very rarely mention his books in public; nor are they in the way
of one in a hundred of those whom he terms my people. I had therefore
no temptation, any more than power, to forbid the use of them to the
Methodists in general. Whosoever informed Mr. Law of this, wanted
either sense or honesty.” (Wesley’s Works, vol. iii., p. 18.) Still
perhaps Law had some reason to complain. When Wesley paid his last
visit to Dr. Byrom, in 1761, the doctor accused him of having expelled
six men from the Methodist society, “for reading Jacob Behmen and Mr.
Law.” Wesley’s reply was, that they were expelled, “not for reading the
books, which was as indifferent as the colour of their hair; but, if
they would thrust their hair into other people’s eyes, and trouble them
with their notions, _that_ was his reason.” Byrom adds: “Wesley put the
matter very magisterially, upon his own authority; so that I used the
expression of _Pope John_ to him, and _Your Holiness_.” (_Methodist
Magazine_, 1863, p. 1104.)

[296] “Collection of Letters by W. Law.” London: 1760.

[297] “Collection of Letters by W. Law.” London: 1760. P. 198.

[298] Berridge, in a letter to Lady Huntingdon, dated March 23, 1770,
writes: “No trap so mischievous to the field preacher as wedlock.
Matrimony has quite maimed poor Charles” [Wesley], “and might have
spoiled John” [Wesley] “and George” [Whitefield], “if a wise Master had
not graciously sent them a brace of ferrets.” (“Life and Times of Lady
Huntingdon,” vol. i., p. 389.)

[299] Jackson’s Life of C. Wesley, vol. ii., pp. 135-137.

[300] Whitefield’s Works, vol. iii., p. 207.

[301] Ibid. p. 206.

[302] _Methodist Magazine_, 1856, p. 761.

[303] Manuscript.

[304] Wesley’s Works, vol xii., p. 173.

[305] York society book.

[306] This was the Rev. Mr. Vowler, curate of St. Agnes. He died,
within a year afterwards, on July 30, 1758. He was a young man, in the
prime of life, who entered into all Mr. Walker’s projects, with great
zeal and piety. A weeping throng crowded to his burial, and Walker
preached his funeral sermon to the society at Truro. (Walker’s Life,
p. 451.) Wesley bears testimony, that “he rejoiced in the love of
God; both preached and lived the gospel; and was an upright, zealous,
indefatigable labourer” in the great Master’s vineyard. (Wesley’s
Works, vol. ii., p. 402; and vol. iii., p. 108.) He heard him preach in
St. Agnes’ church “two such thundering sermons as he had scarce heard
these twenty years.”

[307] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 48.

[308] Ibid. 1782, p. 269.

[309] Manuscript letter.

[310] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 110.

[311] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 536.

[312] Ibid. 1797, p. 611.

[313] Mrs. Fletcher’s Life.

[314] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 202.

[315] See _Methodist Magazine_, 1782, p. 267; and p. 109 of this volume.

[316] _Methodist Magazine_, 1782, p. 44.

[317] Ibid. 1823, p. 706.

[318] Ibid. 1806.

[319] _Gentleman’s Magazine_, 1757, p. 382.

[320] Afterwards the Rev. John Newton, vicar of Olney.

[321] Wesley’s Works, vol. ii., p. 468.

[322] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 139.

[323] Whitefield’s Works, vol. iii., p. 229.

[324] _Methodist Magazine_, 1854, p. 58.

[325] Melville Horne’s “Investigation,” p. 37.

[326] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 330.

[327] Benson’s Life of Fletcher; and _Methodist Magazine_, 1854, p. 58.

[328] _Methodist Magazine_, 1843, p. 1033.

[329] _Methodist Magazine_, 1863, p. 1101.

[330] “Memoirs of Rev. John Newton,” second edition, p. 256.

[331] Minutes of Conference (edit. 1862), vol. i., p. 711.

[332] _Gentleman’s Magazine_, 1794, p. 574.

[333] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 173.

[334] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 223.

[335] Minutes of Conference (edit. 1862), vol. i., p. 711.

[336] Minutes of Conference (edit. 1862), vol. i., p. 713.

[337] _Methodist Magazine_, 1826, p. 463.

[338] “Methodism in Frome,” p. 41; and _Methodist Magazine_, 1835, p.
812.

[339] Whittingham’s Memoir of Berridge.

[340] _Methodist Magazine_, 1797, p. 457.

[341] Memoirs of Newton.

[342] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 54.

[343] “Life and Times of Lady Huntingdon.”

[344] _Wesleyan Chronicle_, 1843, p. 267.

[345] Wesley’s Works, vol. ii., p. 411.

[346] Life of C. Wesley, vol. ii., pp. 84, 137.

[347] Hervey’s Works, vol. vi., p. 343.

[348] Both 12mo, pages 10 and 16.

[349] Nichols’ “Literary Anecdotes.”

[350] “Life and Times of Lady Huntingdon,” vol. i., p. 395.

[351] C. Wesley’s Journal, vol. ii., p. 219.

[352] “Life and Times of Lady Huntingdon,” vol. i., p. 399.

[353] See Jones’s Works.

[354] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 165.

[355] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 326.

[356] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 175.

[357] Manuscript; and _Methodist Magazine_, 1827, p. 20.

[358] Manuscript.

[359] Manuscript.

[360] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 611.

[361] The letter was written about a month after Wesley had been at
Sunderland.

[362] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 168. Mr. Goodday lived in
Hallgarth Square, next door to the Methodist meeting-house, into which
he had a private entrance. Here he constantly took his seat; nor was he
ever known to absent himself from hearing the plainest preacher, or the
feeblest exhorter. (_Methodist Magazine_, 1829, p. 795.)

[363] _Methodist Magazine_, 1797, p. 354. It may be added, that,
in 1775, Dr. Conyers became rector of Deptford, where he converted
his coach-house and stable into a domestic chapel, and established
lectures four nights every week. On April 23, 1786, after preaching to
a crowded congregation in Deptford church, and while pronouncing the
benediction, his speech faltered; he was taken home; and, within four
hours afterwards, he was in heaven.

[364] After all, this was an ecclesiastical peccadillo. The following
is an extract from the seventy-fourth canon of the Church of England,
and has never been repealed. “All deans, masters of colleges,
archdeacons and prebendaries, doctors in divinity, bachelors in
divinity, and masters of arts, having any ecclesiastical livings, shall
usually wear, in their journeys, cloaks with sleeves, without gards,
welts, long buttons, or cuts. And no ecclesiastical person shall wear
any coif or wrought nightcap, but only plain nightcaps of black silk,
satin, or velvet. In private houses and in their studies, the said
persons ecclesiastical may use any comely and scholarlike apparel,
provided that it be not cut or pinckt, and that in public they go not
in their doublet and hose, without coats or cassocks; and that they
wear not any _light coloured stockings_.” How is it that the ritualists
of the present day disregard this canon of their church?

[365] Stevens’s “History of Methodism,” vol. ii., p. 19.

[366] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 168.

[367] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 104; and 1833, p. 52.

[368] Wesley’s Works, vol. ix., p. 104. In the year following, Mr.
Downes’s widow published a letter against Wesley, which, says he,
“scarce deserves any notice at all, as there is nothing extraordinary
in it, but an extraordinary degree of virulence and scurrility.”
(_Lloyd’s Evening Post_, Nov. 24, 1760.)

[369] C. Wesley’s Journal, vol. ii., p. 245.

[370] S. Francks’ manuscript letter.

[371] Manuscript.

[372] Wesley’s Works, vol. xi., p. 378, etc.

[373] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 390.

[374] _Irish Evangelist_, Nov. 1, 1860.

[375] _London Magazine_, 1760, p. 147.

[376] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 176.

[377] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 499.

[378] _Methodist Magazine_, 1797, p. 305.

[379] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 111.

[380] I say _probably_. I think it possible that Wesley used the word
“Sussex” in mistake for “Kentish.”

[381] _London Magazine_, 1761, p. 413; _Lloyd’s Evening Post_, July 1,
1761.

[382] _Methodist Magazine_, 1848, p. 1227; and manuscript letter,
kindly lent by Mr. G. Stevenson.

[383] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 112.

[384] Mr. Newton now filled the office of tide surveyor at Liverpool,
and was in possession of a comfortable salary. In this same year, 1760,
he published a volume of his sermons, though he was not ordained for
four years afterwards. The emoluments of his Olney curacy were only £60
per annum. (“Life of Rev. John Newton.”)

[385] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 441.

[386] Walpole’s Letters, vol. iii.; and _London Magazine_ and
_Christian Magazine_, for 1760.

[387] _Methodist Magazine_, 1797, p. 459.

[388] Everett’s Folio, vol. iii., p. 451.

[389] _Lloyd’s Evening Post_, Nov. 24, 1760.

[390] Nichols’ Literary Anecdotes, vol. viii., p. 229; and _Gentleman’s
Magazine_, 1761, p. 286.

[391] _Lloyd’s Evening Post_, Nov. 24, 1760.

[392] _Monthly Review_, 1761, p. 473.

[393] One of Wesley’s letters is given on p. 244 of this volume.

[394] Pp. 296-299.

[395] P. 470.

[396] P. 472.

[397] P. 516.

[398] P. 586.

[399] P. 690.

[400] _Lloyd’s Evening Post_, Nov. 17, 1760.

[401] Widow of the Rev. John Downes, whose attack on Methodism is
mentioned on p. 342 of this volume.

[402] The Rev. Alexander Jephson.

[403] Dr. Green, dean of Lincoln.

[404] Author of “Caveat against the Methodists,” which I have not seen.

[405] _Lloyd’s Evening Post_, Dec. 1, 1760.

[406] _Lloyd’s Evening Post_, Dec. 24, 1760.

[407] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 334.

[408] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 386.

[409] Jackson’s Life of C. Wesley, vol. ii., p. 180.

[410] Life of C. Wesley, vol. ii., p. 183.

[411] Life of C. Wesley, vol. ii., p. 184.

[412] Ibid. p. 185.

[413] Life of C. Wesley, vol. ii., p. 186.

[414] Ibid. p. 188.

[415] Life of C. Wesley, vol. ii., p. 191.

[416] Life of C. Wesley, vol. ii., p. 196.

[417] _Methodist Magazine_, 1848, p. 1205.

[418] This list is taken, chiefly, from Myles’s “Chronological
History”; but it is far from being perfect.

[419] _Methodist Magazine_, 1806, p. 518.

[420] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 329.

[421] This wretched man, in 1761, published a silly octavo two-shilling
pamphlet, entitled, “Union: or, a Treatise of the Consanguinity and
Affinity between Christ and His Church.” The _Monthly Review_ of
that period, p. 87, observes:—“The author says he is quite _above
uncertainty_, in respect of the matter and scope of his treatise; but
freely owns his defects as a writer,—which are, indeed, so many and so
great, that he does not even ‘pretend to the abilities of _falliable_
authors.’ However, if some ‘busy critic, whose genius leads him ever in
search of offal, or the _pidling_ pedant, who feeds on garbage,’ should
pretend to detect in his book, not only bad grammar (of which there is
plenty), but inaccuracies in phrase and errors in judgment, yet, he
says, he has ‘an _infalliable_ remedy in silence.’” Other particulars
of this mischievous antinomian could easily be given; but suffice
it to add that, in 1764, a case came before the lord chancellor, in
Lincoln’s Inn, in which a Yorkshire lady was plaintiff, and James
Relly and others were defendants. The allegations of the plaintiff
were—(1) that Relly had fraudulently obtained from her, while she was
labouring under a fit of enthusiastic frenzy, a deed securing to him
an annuity of £5 per annum for his life, without giving to her any
valuable consideration; and (2) that, in addition to this deed, Relly
had received from her a considerable sum of money, under the like
circumstance. The hall, at the hearing of the case, was crowded; and
the decision of the court, which gave great satisfaction, was that the
deed be cancelled, and the money be refunded. (_London Magazine_, 1764,
p. 654.)

[422] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 670.

[423] At this period, the Rev. Henry Venn had recently removed
from Clapham to Huddersfield, where his church became crowded to
such an extent, that many were not able to procure admission. His
irregularities were such as the following. He would often address the
congregation from the desk, briefly explaining and enforcing the psalms
and the lessons. He would frequently _begin_ the service with a solemn,
extemporised exhortation. Instead of reading his sermons, he only used
short notes. He statedly visited, on the week days, the different
hamlets in his extensive parish, and held service in private houses.
(Venn’s Life, p. 26.)

[424] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 672.

[425] _Methodist Magazine_, 1781, p. 219.

[426] Ibid. 1781, p. 143.

[427] _Methodist Magazine_, 1846, p. 1188.

[428] _Methodist Magazine_, 1781, p. 142.

[429] Ibid. 1827, p. 428.

[430] “History of Methodism in Darlington,” p. 17.

[431] Private manuscripts, and Wilson’s “Dissenting Churches.”

[432] Dixon’s “Methodism in America,” p. 75.

[433] Atmore’s “Methodist Memorial.”

[434] Jacob Rowell’s manuscripts. The following are some of the entries
in Yarm society book, for 1761:—“Mr. Fugill’s and Mr. Wesley’s charges,
13_s._ 8_d._ Paid the lad for dressing the horses, 1_s._ 6_d._ Half a
pound of _lickrish_ for Mr. Megget’s horse, 6_d._ A pound and a half
of candles, 9_d._ Preacher’s watch mending, 2_s._ 3_d._ _Lousing_ a
letter, 4_d._”

[435] “History of Methodism in Darlington.”

[436] _Methodist Magazine_, 1808, p. 88.

[437] Ibid. 1810, p. 216.

[438] Memoir of Cussons, p. 6.

[439] Manuscript.

[440] _Methodist Magazine_, 1826, p. 595.

[441] An idea of the low state of Methodism at York may be formed from
a fact, stated in the old society book, namely, that the seat rents of
the chapel amounted to only £8 per year; that the monthly collections
averaged not more than about 5_s._ 8_d._ each; and the class moneys
hardly 6_s._ 6_d._ weekly.

[442] _Methodist Magazine_, 1827, p. 225.

[443] Ibid. 1845, p. 116.

[444] Old newspaper.

[445] Everett’s “Methodism in Sheffield.”

[446] Manuscript.

[447] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 224. We have before us two
unpublished letters, written by Alexander Coates to Wesley, and dated
respectively “July 14, 1761,” and “September 29, 1761.” Both refer
to the points which Wesley here mentions; but the letters, though
deeply interesting, are too lengthy for insertion. Suffice it to say,
that Sandy Coates believed that he would be sanctified just before he
had to die; and that, meanwhile, it was his “duty and his privilege
to persevere in grace.” He confesses, that Wesley’s “perfect folk”
gave him but little satisfaction, and that he had received tempting
offers, both at London and Leeds, to leave the Methodists; but he had
no intention of doing so. Coates, as his letters show, was a good man,
with great courage and independency of thought; but though he read
several languages, he was without any mental discipline. No doubt,
he was serviceable in saving souls; but he was utterly unfit for the
professor’s chair; and to think of him solving the vexed questions
which were now agitating the Methodists was simply ridiculous.

[448] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 177.

[449] Ibid. p. 178.

[450] Manuscript.

[451] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 113.

[452] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 331.

[453] At the first Methodist conference, in 1744, it was asked, “Is
faith the condition, or the instrument, of sanctification?” And it
was answered, “It is both the condition and instrument of it. When we
begin to believe, then sanctification begins; and as faith increases,
holiness increases, till we are created anew.”

[454] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 332.

[455] _Methodist Magazine_, 1781, p. 390.

[456] _Methodist Magazine_, 1783, p. 106.

[457] Ibid. 1782, p. 272.

[458] Whitehead’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 297.

[459] Ibid. p. 298.

[460] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 113.

[461] _London Magazine_, 1761, p. 19.

[462] Ibid. p. 36.

[463] Ibid. p. 35.

[464] Ibid. p. 91.

[465] Ibid. p. 91; also Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 371.

[466] _London Magazine_, 1761, p. 356.

[467] Manuscript letter of J. Pawson.

[468] _Methodist Magazine_, 1782, pp. 157, 386; and 1783, p. 328.

[469] Wesley’s Works, vol. iii., p. 149.

[470] Moore’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 218.

[471] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 385.

[472] Wesley’s Works, vol. iii., p. 120.

[473] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 674.

[474] Maxfield’s “Vindication,” p. 14.

[475] Wesley’s Works, vol. iii., p. 117.

[476] _Methodist Magazine_, 1790, p. 42.

[477] Wesley’s Works, vol. iii., p. 76.

[478] _Methodist Magazine_, 1795, p. 50.

[479] Maxfield’s “Vindication,” p. 16.

[480] Manuscript.

[481] _London Chronicle_, Feb. 26, 1763; and _London Magazine_, 1763,
p. 162.

[482] Whitefield’s Works, vol. iii., p. 287.

[483] _Lloyd’s Evening Post_, March 2, 1763.

[484] Ibid. March 21, 1763.

[485] Wesley’s Works, vol. iv., p. 232.

[486] Jackson’s Life of C. Wesley, vol. ii., p. 210.

[487] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 333.

[488] Reilly’s “Memoir of an Actor.”

[489] “Life and Times of Countess of Huntingdon,” vol. i., p. 281.
Grimshaw had died triumphantly four months before.

[490] _Christian Miscellany_, 1865, p. 284.

[491] _Methodist Magazine_, 1865, p. 985.

[492] _Methodist Magazine_, 1856, p. 988.

[493] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 342.

[494] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 193.

[495] _Methodist Magazine_, 1783, p. 108.

[496] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 115.

[497] Ibid. p. 116.

[498] _Monthly Review_, 1762.

[499] _Monthly Review_, 1762.

[500] _London Chronicle_, Jan. 8, 1763.

[501] _London Chronicle_, Jan. 15, 1763.

[502] Ibid. Feb. 10, 1763.

[503] Whitehead’s Life of Wesley, vol ii., p. 299.

[504] _Methodist Magazine_, 1794, p. 565.

[505] Ibid. 1794, p. 566.

[506] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 116.

[507] Ibid vol. xii., pp. 116, 117.

[508] “Life and Times of Countess of Huntingdon,” vol. i., p. 329.

[509] “Life and Times of Countess of Huntingdon,” vol. i., p. 330.

[510] _Methodist Magazine_, 1795, p. 49.

[511] Ibid. p. 151.

[512] _Methodist Magazine_, 1797, p. 351.

[513] _London Magazine_, 1763, p. 48.

[514] _Lloyd’s Evening Post_, Jan. 26, 1763.

[515] For a full account of the society, see the “Life and Times of the
Rev. Samuel Wesley,” pp. 213-224.

[516] The figures were: Whitefield’s followers, about 20; Wesley’s,
about 50; Churchmen, about 20; Dissenters, about 70.

[517] _London Chronicle_, April 5, 1763.

[518] The reason of this was the excited state of the London
Methodists. Hence, the following extract from an unpublished letter,
kindly lent by Charles Reed, Esq., M.P.

“LONDON, _March 21, 1763_.

“MY DEAR SISTER,—My coming into the country is quite uncertain, till I
see what turn things here will take. I am glad to hear the work of God
prospers among you; etc.

“J. WESLEY.”

[519] _Methodist Magazine_, 1782, p. 443.

[520] Lady Maxwell’s Life.

[521] Lady Glenorchy’s Life.

[522] Myles’s “Chronological History.”

[523] Manuscript letter.

[524] Ward’s “Strictures.”

[525] Rev. Valentine Ward’s manuscript diary.

[526] _Methodist Magazine_, 1813, p. 74.

[527] _Methodist Magazine_, 1782, p. 216.

[528] “Minutes of Several Conversations,” etc. 1763: 12mo. 30 pages. P.
2.

[529] “Minutes of Several Conversations,” etc. 1763: 12mo. 30 pages. P.
3.

[530] Ibid. p. 4.

[531] Ibid. p. 5.

[532] Ibid. p. 6.

[533] Ibid. p. 6.

[534] Ibid. p. 7.

[535] “Minutes of Several Conversations,” etc. 1763: 12mo. 30 pages.
Pp. 7, 8.

[536] Ibid. p. 9.

[537] Ibid. p. 11.

[538] Ibid. pp. 12-15.

[539] Ibid. p. 18.

[540] Ibid. p. 18.

[541] “Minutes of Several Conversations,” etc. 1763: 12mo. 30 pages. P.
19.

[542] Ibid. p. 19.

[543] Ibid. pp. 20-22.

[544] Ibid. pp. 23, 24.

[545] “Minutes of Several Conversations,” etc. 1763: 12mo. 30 pages.
Pp. 24, 25.

[546] Ibid. pp. 25-27.

[547] Ibid. pp. 27-30.

[548] “Minutes of Several Conversations,” etc. 1763: 12mo. 30 pages. P.
30.

[549] Ibid. p. 30.

[550] _Methodist Magazine_, 1804, p. 269.

[551] Evans’s “Sketch of all Religions.”

[552] _Methodist Magazine_, 1782, p. 550.

[553] Ibid. 1782, p. 667.

[554] Ibid. 1801, p. 194.

[555] _Methodist Magazine_, 1821, p. 883.

[556] Life of Byrom, prefixed to his Poems.

[557] _Lloyd’s Evening Post_, April 23, 1777.

[558] _Methodist Magazine_, 1863, p. 905.

[559] _Methodist Magazine_, 1863, p. 777.

[560] Ibid. p. 599.

[561] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiv., p. 272.

[562] Ibid. vol. iii., p. 475.

[563] Wesley’s Works, vol. x., p. 432.

[564] “Life and Times of Lady Huntingdon,” vol. i., p. 331; “Methodism
in Sheffield,” p. 185; and manuscript letter of John Pawson.

[565] Was this William Crabb, who left the itinerancy in 1764?

[566] Wesley’s Works, vol. x., p. 432.

[567] Myles’s History, p. 88.

[568] Olivers’ Letter to Toplady, 1771, p. 50.

[569] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiv., p. 329.

[570] Everett’s Life of Dr. A. Clarke, vol. i., p. 244.

[571] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 114.

[572] Wesley’s Works, vol. x., p. 340.

[573] The following are the first lines of the paragraphs, in Book I.,
which Wesley distinguishes as “peculiarly excellent.” They will serve
as specimens of all the others.

“Say first, for heaven hides nothing from thy view.”

“Nine times the space that measures day and night.”

“If thou art he; but oh how fallen! how changed!”

“But see the angry Victor hath recalled.”

“Thus Satan talking to his nearest mate.”

“He scarce had ceased when the superior fiend.”

“He called so loud, that all the hollow deep.”

“These feminine. For spirits when they please.”

“To flutes and soft recorders; such as raised.”

“Their dread commander; he above the rest.”

“He spake; and to confirm his words, out flew.”

[574] Wesley’s Works, vol. ii., p. 441.

[575] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 435.

[576] _London Magazine_, 1765, p. 26.

[577] _Methodist Magazine_, 1782, p. 439.

[578] _Monthly Review_, 1764, p. 76.

[579] _Youth’s Instructor_, 1832, p. 38.

[580] Lady Huntingdon’s Life and Times, vol. i., p. 364.

[581] _Methodist Magazine_, 1823, p. 568.

[582] Hampson’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 32.

[583] Manuscript.

[584] Wesley’s Works, vol xii., p. 178.

[585] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 117.

[586] Ibid.

[587] See _Methodist Magazine_, 1849, p. 1297.

[588] Pawson’s “Affectionate Address,” 1795, p. 11.

[589] _Methodist Magazine_, 1783, p. 163.

[590] The new chapel was built of the old materials of St. Andrew’s
church, which stood in the middle of St. Andrew’s Street, and was
pulled down in 1763, because it was an annoyance to travellers.
(_Methodist Magazine_, 1837, p. 423.)

[591] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 120.

[592] _Methodist Magazine_, 1837, p. 821.

[593] _Methodist Magazine_, 1783, p. 499.

[594] _Methodist Magazine_, 1783, p. 498.

[595] See Hartley’s “Paradise Restored,” p. 169.

[596] Wesley’s Works, vol. x., pp. 29, 30.

[597] _Methodist Magazine_, 1827, p. 392.

[598] Hartley’s “Paradise Restored,” p. 221.

[599] See pp. 261, 262, of this volume.

[600] The following is an extract from the last letter Wesley wrote to
Hervey. “LONDON, _November 29, 1758_. Dear Sir,—Every one is welcome
to write what he pleases concerning me. But would it not be well for
you to remember, that, before I published anything concerning you, I
sent it to you in a private letter: that I waited for an answer for
several months, but was not favoured with one line; that, when at
length I published part of what I had sent to you, I did it in the most
inoffensive manner possible, in the latter end of a larger work, purely
designed to _preserve_ those in connection with me from being tossed
to and fro by various doctrines. What therefore I may fairly expect
from my friend, is to mete to me with the same measure: to send to me
first, in a private manner, any complaint he has against me: to wait
as many months as I did; and if I give you none, or no satisfactory
answer, then to lay the matter before the world, if you judge it will
be to the glory of God. But whatever you do in this respect, one thing
I request of you,—Give no countenance to that insolent, scurrilous,
virulent libel, which bears the name of William Cudworth. Indeed, how
you can converse with a man of his spirit, I cannot comprehend. O leave
not your old well tried friends! The new is not comparable with them.
I speak not this because I am _afraid_ of what any one can say or do
to _me_; but I am really concerned for _you_. An evil man has gained
the ascendant over you, and has persuaded a dying man, who had shunned
it all his life, to enter into controversy as he is stepping into
eternity! Put off your armour, my brother! You and I have no moments
to spare. Let us employ them all in promoting peace and goodwill among
men. And may the peace of God keep your heart and mind in Christ
Jesus! So prays your affectionate brother and servant, JOHN WESLEY.”
(_Methodist Magazine_, 1778, p. 136.)

[601] Works of Hervey, folio edition, 1789, p. 444.

[602] Preface to the Eleven Letters to Wesley.

[603] Ibid. p. 83.

[604] Ibid. p. 192.

[605] Ibid. p. 255.

[606] “Life and Times of Lady Huntingdon.”

[607] The italics are not ours.

[608] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 299.

[609] Ibid.

[610] Ball’s Memoirs.

[611] _Lloyd’s Evening Post._

[612] _Methodist Magazine_, 1835, p. 123.

[613] _Lloyd’s Evening Post_, Sept. 27, 1765.

[614] _Methodist Magazine_, 1843, p. 380.

[615] S. Bardsley’s manuscript journal.

[616] Pawson’s “Affectionate Address,” p. 10.

[617] _Methodist Magazine_, 1782, p. 495.

[618] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 301.

[619] Ibid. p. 302.

[620] _Methodist Magazine_, 1799, p. 201.

[621] Drew’s Life of Coke, p. 47.

[622] Pritchard’s funeral sermon for Webb.

[623] Sprague’s “Annals of American Methodist Pulpit.”

[624] _Methodist Magazine_, 1799, p. 272.

[625] Ibid. 1850, p. 161.

[626] Wesley’s Works, vol. iii., p. 461.

[627] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 391.

[628] _Methodist Magazine_, 1849, p. 386.

[629] Ibid. 1845, p. 427.

[630] Dixon’s “Methodism in America,” p. 162.

[631] Manuscript letter.

[632] Stevens’ History of Methodist Episcopal Church, vol. i., p. 62.

[633] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 179.

[634] Dr. Adam Clarke, in the general preface to his commentary,
says that Wesley’s notes on the Old Testament are “meagre and
unsatisfactory”; and, that Wesley himself told him, that this was owing
to “Mr. Pine, the printer, who having set up and printed off several
sheets in a type much larger than was intended, it was found impossible
to get the work within the prescribed limits of _four volumes_, without
retrenching the notes, or cancelling what was already printed. The
former measure was unfortunately adopted.” It is difficult to reconcile
Clarke’s statement with Wesley’s advertisement.

[635] Whitefield’s Works, vol. iii., pp. 335, 336.

[636] _Methodist Magazine_, 1846, p. 43.

[637] C. Wesley’s Journal, vol. ii., p. 247.

[638] _Methodist Magazine_, 1797, p. 304.

[639] Walpole’s Letters, vol. v., p. 16.

[640] _Methodist Magazine_, 1825, p. 653.

[641] _Methodist Magazine_, 1785, p. 435.

[642] Ibid. 1786, p. 171.

[643] Taft’s “Memoirs of Holy Women.”

[644] _Methodist Magazine_, 1834, p. 902.

[645] Memoir of Entwisle, p. 306.

[646] _Methodist Magazine_, 1780, p. 547.

[647] Everett’s “Methodism in Sheffield.”

[648] Whitefield’s Works, vol. iii., p. 337.

[649] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 122.

[650] _Methodist Magazine_, 1798, p. 494.

[651] Unpublished manuscript letter.

[652] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 331.

[653] _Methodist Magazine_, 1826, p. 464.

[654] Gilbert’s Journal.

[655] _Methodist Magazine_, 1824, p. 721.

[656] _Methodist Magazine_, 1833, p. 750.

[657] Lady Maxwell’s Life, p. 24.

[658] “Lives of Early Methodist Preachers,” vol. i., p. 460.

[659] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 250.

[660] _Methodist Magazine_, 1782, p. 104.

[661] _Methodist Magazine_, 1827, p. 458.

[662] _Watchman_ newspaper, March 27, 1861.

[663] “Methodism in Bradford,” by Stamp.

[664] Manuscript.

[665] _Methodist Magazine_, 1829, p. 32.

[666] _Gentleman’s Magazine_, 1791, p. 489.

[667] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 121.

[668] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 122.

[669] C. Wesley’s Life, vol. ii., p. 227.

[670] Hampson’s Life of Wesley.

[671] Minutes of Conference, 1766.

[672] _Lloyd’s Evening Post_, Aug. 15, 1766.

[673] As a specimen of Methodist learning and expenditure in early
times, the following items are taken from the Shaftesbury society book,
extending from September 3, 1762, to July 11, 1821.

“1766. Nov. 2.—Paid for _shouling_ dirt £0 0 6 1767. Dec. 24.—Paid Mr.
Mather’s _Quarteridge_ 1 4 0”

[674] _Christian Miscellany_, 1854, p. 51.

[675] _Methodist Magazine_, 1820, p. 542.

[676] Memoirs of Trewavas, p. 174.

[677] _Methodist Magazine_, 1783, pp. 387, 441.

[678] Olivers’ “Rod for a Reviler.”

[679] Mrs. Fletcher’s Life, p. 54.

[680] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 122.

[681] Mrs. Fletcher’s Life, p. 53.

[682] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 288.

[683] _Methodist Magazine_, 1845, p. 1168.

[684] _Lloyd’s Evening Post_, July 25, 1766.

[685] Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 291.

[686] Jackson’s “Life of Charles Wesley,” vol. ii., p. 232.

[687] Whitefield’s Works, vol. iii., p. 345.

[688] Ibid. p. 348.

[689] Ibid. p. 351.

[690] Ibid. p. 353.

[691] Ibid. p. 354.

[692] Whitefield’s Works, vol. iii., p. 357.

[693] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 123.

[694] See p. 232 of this volume.

[695] _London Magazine_, 1766, p. 90.

[696] Liverpool society book.

[697] _Methodist Magazine_, 1868, p. 919.

[698] Ibid.

[699] _Irish Evangelist_, Jan. 1, 1861.

[700] Ibid vol. i., No. 11.

[701] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 345.

[702] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 125.

[703] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 320.

[704] “Life and Times of Countess of Huntingdon,” vol. ii., p. 159;
vol. i., p. 411.

[705] _Methodist Magazine_, 1861, p. 985.

[706] “Life of Venerable W. Clowes,” p. 159.

[707] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 374.

[708] _Methodist Magazine_, 1845, p. 577.

[709] _Methodist Magazine_, 1855, p. 227.

[710] Ibid. 1845, p. 577.

[711] Ibid. 1855, p. 227.

[712] Ibid. 1855, p. 227.

[713] Manuscript letter.

[714] _Methodist Magazine_, 1845, p. 579.

[715] “Memoirs of Cornelius Winter,” by W. Jay, p. 63.

[716] “Literary Anecdotes,” vol. ii., p. 380.

[717] Wesley’s Works, vol. ix., p. 214.