person in all the classes throughout the society, came under the direct personal notice and examination of a preacher, four times in a year; and. a ticket with a verse of scripture upon it was given to each member at every visitation, as a mark of approval, and as a token of continued membership. This excellent practice commenced in London, but it soon became general, and has remained a part of our economy ever since.

On April 9th, the first watch-night was held in London. The custom was begun by the Kingswood colliers, who, instead of spending the Saturday night as they once did, in cursing, swearing, and drinking, spent it in praying to God, and singing his praises. Mr. Wesley heard of it, and ordered it to be held once a month, at the time of the full moon,-then once a quarter,and recommended it for the adoption of all his societies.

In May, Mr. Wesley visited Birstal, in Yorkshire, where he met with John Nelson, a laypreacher of uncommon strength of understanding, wit, and usefulness. He gave Mr. Wesley a detailed account of his doings and successes, which seems to have much pleased him. The Journal of honest John Nelson has been extensively read in the Methodist Societies, and is universally admired for its interesting simplicity.

On July 23rd, Mrs. Susannah Wesley, (Mr. Wesley's mother) died at the house adjoining the Foundry, London. She was the youngest, and last surviving daughter of Dr. Samuel Annesley. It is impossible to do justice to the

read the lives of several others, and composed Adam Clarke, "with many pious females, I have "I have been acquainted, says Dr. character of this venerable, talented, and holy

Tablished under the oilowing ice:

The

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Coinwail, ar. Charres Vesley and two rear nors
On August 26th, Mr. Wosiey set
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On October 30th, & furious meù

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he was in the hands of the infuriated "beasts of the people" for a considerable time. They carried him before two Justices of the Peace, who both pretended to be in bed! These same Justices-Lane and Persehouse-within a few days of this brutal riot, issued a warrant to all high constables, petty constables, &c., stating that "several disorderly persons, styling themselves Methodist preachers, go about raising routs and riots to the great damage of his Majesty's liege people, and against the peace of our Sovereign Lord the King" and commanding these high constables, petty constables, &c., to "make diligent search after the said Methodist preachers, and to bring him or them before some of us, his said Majesty's Justices of the Peace, to be examined concerning their unlawful doings.' When a Methodist preacher was captured and brought to them, these valiant Justices certainly acted most inconsistently in going to bed. Mr. Wesley calls this "warrant" "as great a curiosity in its kind as, he believed, was ever yet seen in England." It is indeed a precious specimen of enlightened liberality.

In the latter end of the year 1743, Mr. Wesley, who was always multiplying beneficial agencies, appointed visitors of the sick.

Here then we see an earnest, and rapidly increasing society, in full and harmonious operation. The members are wisely divided into little companies called classes, each of which has a leader, who gives direction in difficulty, and consolation in distress, to those, under his care; and

also receives their contributions.

Stewards are

А

appointed to manage the finances; and other persons are engaged as visitors of the sick. number of earnest and devoted lay-preachers constantly travelling round the country, overlook the members of the society, and the operations of the various office-bearers; and finally, there is Mr. Wesley, who, as the father and ruler of all, guides and directs all subordinate agencies, and changes or consolidates any part of the widely expanding system, as it appears necessary or desirable; thus superintending, with matchless wisdom, the whole work of God.

CHAPTER VII. From the first Conference in 1744, till the year 1750.

1744. The strange revival of the work of God called Methodism, having become, by this time, very extensive and important, Mr. Wesley, who had, as we have observed, the superintendence and control of the whole work, considered it advisable to invite some clergymen who were favourable to him, and also some of his own preachers, to meet him in London, that he might confer with them concerning the present state of this great and holy cause, and lay out plans for future usefulness.

The first Methodist Conference commenced its sittings in London on June 25th. Besides Mr. Wesley and his brother Charles, there were present four clergymen of the Established Church, viz: John Hodges, Rector of Wenvo; Henry Piers, Vicar of Bexley; Samuel Taylor, Vicar of Quinton, and John Meriton. Likewise four of Mr. Wesley's own preachers, viz: Thomas Maxfield, John Downs, Thomas Richards, and John Bennett. Mr. Wesley himself, of course, presided. "It is desired" says he in his introduction, "that all things be considered as in the immediate presence of God; that we may meet with a single eye, and as little children who have everything to learn; that every point which is proposed may be examined to the foundation; that every person may speak freely whatever is in his heart; and that every question which may arise, should be thoroughly debated and settled."

On the first day, certain preliminaries were settled, and the doctrine of Justification discussed. On the second day they considered Sanctification. On the third, the Established Church, and their relation to it. On the fourth, certain points of discipline; and on the fifth day, Friday, the various meetings of the society were defined, and the officers described.

The subjects discussed were proposed in the form of questions; the decisions being put as an swers. This plan was pursued by Mr. Wesley in all succeeding Conferences, and it has continued to the present time. These discussions, or rather results of discussions, were published by Mr.