Monthly scrap book, for October/Methodists

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THE METHODISTS.

The Methodist Society was first founded in 1729. Mr John Wesley and several others, who in 1735 were joined by the celebrated George Whitefield, constituted its first Association. They formed rules for the regulation of their times and studies, for reading the Scriptures, and self-examination; and obtained the name of Methodists from the exact regularity of their lives, and the systematical manner in which all their concerns were conducted.

In 1735, Mr Wesley and several other brethren embarked for America, where, after remaining some time he returned to England, and was succeeded by Mr Whitefield, whose unwearied exertions, and astonishing success, are without a parallel in the western world. On his return from America, in 1741, he declared his full assent to the doctrines of Calvin. Mr Wesley, on the contrary, professed the doctrines of Arminius, and had already written in favour of them, stating some strong objections in particular against the Calvinistic doctrine of election. This difference of sentiment between these two eminent men caused a separation, and their followers continue to be divided to this day.

The Wesleyan Methodists, as they are now called, were first formed into a society in 1738, after Mr Wesley's return from America; when forty or fifty persons agreed to meet together every Wednesday evening in London, in order to a free conversation, begun and ended with prayer. Mr Wesley himself was much attached to the Episcopal establishment; but the churches in general being soon shut against him, he preached in some dissenting chapels in London, also in Newgate, and in different places in the country, where he could gain admission. In consequence of lying under this kind of proscription, and multitudes crowding from all quarters to hear him, he was at length compelled to take the open air, and commence field preacher.

Mr Wesley finding his societies increasing very fast in London, Bristol, and other places, and having in vain solicited assistance from some of the established clergy, was induced to select from his followers those who appeared best qualified to instruct the rest. Hence originated his lay preachers, and from a similar cause the local preachers which abound in this connection. Having thus formed a number of active and zealous assistants, he sent them forth in every direction; some to watch over the societies already formed, and others to the highways and hedges, preaching repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and offering a free salvation to the chief of sinners. Their labours were eminently useful in every part of the kingdom, and numerous societies were formed. Even the colliers of Kingswood, and the miners of Cornwall, who were ignorant and wicked to a proverb, listened to the animated preaching of these itinerants, by whom some thousands of them have been reclaimed from their evil ways. In many places, however, they were persecuted with unrelenting cruelty. Frequently they were beset by mobs, and assailed by showers of stones; and sometimes inhumanly dragged through the streets, until their mangled bodies were bereft of every symptom of life. But Methodism survived all opposition, and has since been crowned with abundant success. There is now upwards of a million of persons connected with the Methodists.

The doctrinal sentiments of this denomination are chiefly Arminian; but they differ on some points of minor importance. The Methodists hold the doctrine of original sin, or the total fall of man in Adam, and his utter inability to recover himself, "without the grace of God preventing and working with him." General redemption, and a free salvation extending itself to all, are fundamental points in their system.

The government and discipline adopted by this numerous body of people are nearly peculiar to themselves, and are well adapted to unite and consolidate the various branches of such an extensive and multifarious society. All that is necessary to render a person eligible to become a member is, "a desire to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from sin;" and to continue in communion, he is required to attend regularly on all the ordinances of public worship, and to maintain an irreproachable behaviour. A departure from this rule is followed with admonition, and finally with exclusion, if not reclaimed.