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ERRATUM.--Page 274, line 3 from bottom, read 1492 for 1692.

CONTENTS.

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XIV. On the Pursuit of Knowledge under Difficulties
XV.-Methodist Hymns

XVI.-The Evidences of Christianity

XVII.-History of Methodism on New-Rochelle Circuit,
New-York. By the Rev. Daniel De Vinne

XVIII.-Bishop Whatcoat

XIX.-Methodism on Alleghany Circuit, Maryland
XX. The next General Conference

XXI.-Mr. Wesley's Bishops

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METHODIST MAGAZINE,

AND

Quarterly Review.

VOL. XIV, No. 1. JANUARY, 1832. NEW SERIES-VOL. III, No. 1.

THE UNION OF WESLEYAN METHODISTS.

[THE following article, with the omission of a few passages chiefly of a local bearing, is extracted from the Wesleyan Methodist Magazine. Much of its matter will be found equally applicable and interesting here as in England.]

Upwards of ninety years have passed away since the establishment of Wesleyan Methodism, and the experience of that extended period has shown that the fabric is not composed of those unsubstantial materials which its enemies surmised. Assailants have arisen at different periods from almost every quarter; and in the earlier stages of its existence, persecution fierce as ten furies' was ever and anon let loose. Then often came 'the world's dread laugh, which scarce the firm philosopher sustains;' to this, in many cases, was added, proud disdain. But in the midst of this elemental strife, which has been a war both of principle and practice, the institutions of Methodism remain unshaken; the outworks have been pressed, but no breach is made: so far from that, new defences are raised, and a more advanced position is taken. Every part both of its doctrines and discipline indicates durability; its adversaries, melted into a better mood, have gradually disappeared; and it is evident, that while the members of the societies are faithful to themselves, and to the profession they have assumed, no injury can be inflicted. The lucubrations of unsettled men may excite occasional notice, and produce occasional apprehension; but, like ripples on the wave, they are formed but to disappear; and can have not the smallest effect on the course of the mighty stream to which they are indebted for momentary appearance.

That the founder of Methodism was a man gifted with first rate intellect, is no new discovery; but his ambition was, not to astonish mankind by the parade of talent, natural or acquired. He kindled a light, not to dazzle, but to benefit, his fellow creatures. He lived for others. He studied for the benefit of others. If his learning became prominent, its exhibition was incidental, rather than designed. It came, as a modest servant, only when called for; and among the various excellencies for which his works are remarkable, the luminous simplicity of his style, to the exclusion of verbiage and confusedness, is by no means the least remarkable. But all VOL. III.-January, 1832.

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this might have subsisted, and probably has been found, in others, who were nevertheless utterly unqualified for the work to which, in the order of Providence, Mr. Wesley was called. To his mind, naturally powerful and comprehensive, was added a correctness of perception, which at the commencement of his public life enabled him not only to prepare the most judicious rules for the government of the then infant society, but to examine and compare their accordance with each other, their bearing upon the general system, and to choose the most proper agents in reducing the whole to practical purposes. The consequence is, that where this system exists in healthful exercise, each part is brought sufficiently forward, and no portion is overlooked; there is a place for every man, and every man is to be in his place.

Another main advantage included in the entire plan, is, that suitable employment is offered to every member. Varied, and of unequal power, as is the capacity of the human mind in different persons, such are the general duties connected with works of mercy and benevolence, which have gradually arisen within the pale of Methodism, that no man need stand all the day, or any part of the day, idle. As an exercise of humility, he might enter a Sunday school, and begin a course of good works, by teaching a little child the character of his vernacular tongue. Engagements more extensive may follow; more honourable they cannot be. Meantime, benefits of a lasting order fall out for both parties; for while the ignorant are instructed, or the sick consoled, the benefactor feels himself amended. Religion without practice, like water without motion, is apt to stagnate. This was not unknown to the founder, and the old worthies, of these societies; and therefore it is thought that, next to an unblamable life, the most conclusive proof that a man can give of the reality of his religion, is to be found attempting to communicate it to others. The natural tendency of Methodism inclines to this activity. Up and be doing is its motto and essence. To still-born life it is constantly opposed; and it remembers that, as in the grave there will be leisure enough, now is the time for improvement and usefulness.

But the establishment of class meetings may be deemed the most important feature in the construction of Methodism. It was sometimes observed by Mr. Wesley, that he desired not to go before, but to follow, the leadings of the Divine guidance. In the printed Rules of the Society," the definition of the term class meeting may be found. It is a company of persons having the form, and seeking the power, of godliness.' The character of these weekly assemblies is strictly social. They serve to fill up the vacancy between private meditation and public ordinances; a want which, though often perceived, was never supplied till the establishment of these meetings. The first great result is to be found in the spiritual improvement of the parties concerned; who find, by mutual intercourse, that no temptation hath happened to

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