CONTENTS. 13 V.-Wesley's Works-The Works of the Rev. John Wesley, A. M., sometime fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford. First American Complete and Standard Edition, from the latest London Edition, with the last corrections of the Author: comprehending also numerous transla- X.-Judge M'Lean's Address-An Address, prepared at the XIV. On the Pursuit of Knowledge under Difficulties XVI.-The Evidences of Christianity XVII.-History of Methodism on New-Rochelle Circuit, XVIII.-Bishop Whatcoat XIX.-Methodism on Alleghany Circuit, Maryland XXI.-Mr. Wesley's Bishops 49 72 96 ral Samuel L. Winston. Delivered at Washington, Mississippi, March 11, 1832. By Rev. William Winans 241 XXIII.-History of Methodist Missions-Authentic History of the Missions under the care of the Missionary Soci- ety of the Methodist Episcopal Church. By Nathan Bangs, D. D. New-York, Published by J. Emory & B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church. 249 XXIV.-History of Methodism on the Connecticut Western Reserve, Ohio. By Rev. Alfred Brunson XXV.-Adventures on the Columbia River-Adventures on the Columbia River, including the Narrative of a resi- dence of six years on the western side of the Rocky Mountains, among various tribes of Indians hitherto ART. XXVI.-The General Conference of 1832-1. Report of the Committee on Missions.-2. Report of the Committee on Bible, Sunday School, and Tract Societies.-3. Re- port of the Committee on Education.-4. The Pastoral read to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and accepted without an expression of the opinion of the Assembly on the same, XXVIII. Marshall's Life of Washington-The Life of Geo. Washington, commander in chief of the American Forces, during the War which established the Inde- pendence of his Country, and first President of the United States. Compiled under the inspection of the Honorable Bushrod Washington, from original papers bequeathed to him by his deceased relative. By John Marshall. Second Edition, revised and corrected by the Author. In two volumes, 8vo. pp. 982 XXIX.-New Tracts-No. 134. Dr. Fisk's Address to the Members of the Methodist Episcopal Church on the Subject of Temperance. 12mo. pp. 16.-No. 135. XXXI.-Some Account of the Old Foundry in London XXXIV.-Memoirs of the Rev. David Stoner-Memoirs of the Rev. David Stoner, containing copious Extracts from his Diary and epistolary Correspondence. First American, from the second English Edition XXXV.-Works of the late Rev. Robert Hall, A. M.-The entire Works of the Rev. Robert Hall, A. M. With a brief Memoir, and a Sketch of his literary Character, by the Right Hon. Sir J. Mackintosh, LL. D. M. P., and a Sketch of his Character as a Theologian, and a Preacher, by the Rev. John Foster. Published under the superintendence of Olinthus Gregory, LL. D. F. R. A. S., Professor of Mathematics in the Royal Mili- tary Academy. Three vols. 8vo. XXXVI.-Nature and Constitution of the Visible Church- Remarks on the Nature and Constitution of the Visi- ble Church of God, in answer to the Rev. Joseph Samuel C. F. Frey, as contained in a work entitled 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. 1 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 |