On November 11th, Mr. Wesley preached in a building in Moorfields, called the Foundry, so named because of having been formerly used by Government for casting cannon. This was the first preaching house opened by Mr. Wesley for his own use. It afterwards became celebrated in the history of Methodism, but it always retained its original designation.

During all this time not only Mr. Wesley, but likewise his brother Charles, was constantly, zealously, and successfully preaching the gospel to vast numbers of people. The country, accordingly, began to feel the influence of these itinerant preachers. Sinners in abundance were converted to God, and a revolution was even wrought in the conduct of those far-famed ruffians, the Kingswood colliers. These strange proceedings, as might be expected, caused much excitement and alarm. The clergy, in particular, stood aghast at such extraordinary doings. Much opposition consequently followed, but nothing could damp the ardent energy of Mr. Wesley and his brother Charles. "And all their zeal," as it has been remarked, "was supported and made more noticeable by the moral elevation of their character. There conduct was scrupulously hallowed; their spirit gentle, tender, and sympathising; their courage bold and undaunted; their patience proof against all reproach, hardships, and persecutions; their charities to the poor abounded to the full extent of all their resources; their labours were wholly gratuitous; and their wonderful ac

tivity, and endurance of the fatigue of rapid travelling, seemed to destroy the distance of place, and to give them a sort of ubiquity in the vast circuit which they had then adopted as the field of their labours. For all these reasons they were men to be wondered at,' even in this infancy of their career and as their ardour was increased by the effects which followed,-the conversion of great numbers to God, of which the most satisfactory evidence was afforded,-it disappointed those who anticipated that their zeal would soon cool, and that shorn of their strength' by opposition, reproach, and exhausting labours, they would become like other men.'

In the latter end of the year 1739 the Methodist Society was instituted. Mr. Wesley, however, divides the rise of Methodism into several distinct periods. First, at Oxford, in November, 1729, when he and his brother Charles and a few other young men formed a little society there. Second, at Savannah, in April 1736, when he commenced meeting several pious persons in his own house, and gave them advice and instruction. Third, in Fetter lane, in 1738. And the fourth period of Methodism, in the latter end of November, 1739, when he began to meet some serious people regularly once a week in London, in order to advise them how to "flee from the wrath to come." This was, in reality, the commencement of the present Methodist Society.

CHAPTER V.-The rise of the Methodist Society.

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The term Methodist" was anciently used to designate certain Roman physicians who prescribed from theory, and treated their patients according to fixed rules, and in a regular method. The designation continued during several ages, and many of the physicians to whom it was applied, appear to have been eminent in the profession.

In the early part of the 17th century, some plain and simple religious people in this country were called Methodists. In a sermon preached at Lambeth in 1639, the preacher exclaims, "Where are now our Anabaptists, and plain pack-staff Methodists, who esteem all flowers no better than stinking weeds, and all elegancies of speech, no better than profane spells?" And in the latter part of the 17th century, the term was frequently applied in reproach to the Nonconformists.

In was by a very easy and natural transition, that the same term was, in derision, employed to designate certain young men at the University of Oxford in the year 1729, who were distinguished by the seriousness of their deportment, and regularity of their lives. It was first given to Mr. Charles Wesley. He says, 66 My first year at college I lost in diversions: the next I set myself to study. Diligence led me into serious thinking. I went to the weekly sacrament, and persuaded

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two or three young students to accompany me, and to observe the method of study prescribed by the statutes of the University. This gained me the harmless name of Methodist.” The disciples of Christ were first called christians at Antioch the Wesleys and their followers were first called Methodists at Oxford. This quaint designation, being so remarkably appropriate, became the general distinguishing appellation, not only of the young men at the University, but likewise of Mr. Wesley's followers ever afterwards.

The rise of the present Methodist Society is fully explained, and the rules for the guidance of its members are clearly laid down in a document published by Mr. Wesley, and entitled, "The nature, design, and general rules of the united societies in London, Bristol, Newcastle

upon-Tyne, &c." Mr. Wesley says, “In the latter end of the year 1739, eight or ten persons came to me in London, who appeared to be deeply convinced of sin, and earnestly groaning for redemption. They desired, (as did two or three more the next day,) that I would spend some time with them in prayer, and advise them how to flee from the wrath to come, which they saw continually hanging over their heads. That we might have more time for this great work, I appointed a time when they might all come together; which, from thenceforward, they did every week, viz: on Thursday in the evening. To these, and as many more as desired to join with them (for their number increased daily,) I gave those advices

from time to time which I judged most needful for them; and we always concluded our meetings with prayer suitable to their several necessities.

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This was the rise of the United Society, first in London, and then in other places. Such a society is no other than a company of men having the form and seeking the power of godliness united in order to pray together, to receive the word of exhortation, and to watch over one another in love, that they may help each other to work out their salvation."

"There is one only condition previously required of those who desire admission into these societies, viz: a desire to flee from the wrath to come, and be saved from their sins.' But whereever this is really fixed in the soul, it will be shown by its fruits. It is therefore expected of all who continue therein, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation;

"First, by doing no harm:" such as swearing, sabbath-breaking, drunkenness, &c. &c.

"Secondly, by doing good,"-such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting and helping those that are sick or in prison, &c. &c.

Thirdly, by attending upon all the ordinances of God,"-such as the public worship of God, the Lord's supper, &c &c.

This, be it observed, is Mr. Wesley's own account of the rise of the United or Methodist Societies; and these are, in abstract, the rules which he laid down for the regulation of the conduct of the members. The entire rules, as contained in this document, either are, or ought to