OF WESLEYAN METHODISM: A BRIEF SKETCH OF THE RISE, PROGRESS, AND PRESENT STATE OF THE WESLEYAN METHODIST SOCIETIES THROUGHOUT BY THOMAS JACKSON, PRESIDENT OF THE (BRITISH) CONFERENCE. JOSEPH is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose NEW YORK: PUBLISHED BY T. MASON & G. LANE, FOR THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, AT THE CONFERENCE OFFIOR, J. Collord, Printer. ז' :י 282 28 J13C TO THE MINISTERS, SOCIETIES, AND CONGREGATIONS, IN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND, THE FOREIGN MISSIONARY SETTLEMENTS, AND THE UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA, WHO, UNDER GOD, CLAIM A FILIAL AFFINITY WITH THE REV. JOHN WESLEY, A. M., THIS SMALL VOLUME, compiled with a design to commemorate that extraordinary revival of primitive faith and piety, which, arising amidst many discouragements, and assailed in its progress by every form of opposition, has, nevertheless, by its direct and indirect agency, spread "a sweet savour of Christ" through so large a portion of the globe; and with a design also, in some humble degree, to promote among Christians of every name the cultivation of those divine charities which, in spite of all the varieties of human circumstances, and all the fluctuations of human affairs, shall finally unite the whole fraternity of man in one happy bond of amity and peace, is gratefully inscribed. GLORY TO GOD ALONE. Ex Garrett Bib, inst. PREFACE. THE Volume now before the reader has been written in compliance with the request of the late Wesleyan Conference, expressed in the following resolution:-"That our President is requested to prepare and publish, with as little delay as possible, a brief but comprehensive work, on the subject of the Centenary; including, with succinct notices of the origin, progress, and present state of Wesleyan Methodism, and of the leading facts in the life and history of the revered founder of our societies, such remarks as may assist our friends in the devout improvement of the occasion." It has been the writer's intention to present an honest statement of facts, without any attempt at embellishment. Though he has been compelled to execute his task in a comparatively short period, and in the midst of numerous and urgent engagements, yet he indulges a hope that his work will in some degree meet the views of the venerable body of Ministers who have called |