The autobiography of a Wesleyan Methodist missionary (formerly a Roman Catholic) containing an account of his conversion from Romanism and his reception into the Wesleyan ministry; also, reminiscences of nearly twenty- five years' itinerancy in the North American provinces, &c

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AUTOBIOGRAPHY.

thU
AUTOBIOGRAPHY

i^^-rti^

WESLEYAN METHODIST

MISSIONARY,

(FORMERLY A ROMAN CATHOI-IC,)

CONTAINISB AS

ACCOUNT OP HIS CONVERSION FROM ROMANISM, AND HIS RE-
CEPTION INTO THE WESLEYAN MINISTRY; ALSO,
REMINISCENCES OF NEARLY TWENTY-FIVE
years' ITINERANCY IN THE NORTH
AMERICAN PROVINCES, &C.

■ After the way which Ihey call heresy, so warship 1 Ine God of mv
Fathers."— «. Pairf.

First Thouaandt

MONTREAL :
t". PICKUP, 69 SaiKt Francois Xavier Street.

1856.

O^viBE * Stsvenson, Printers, St, FnANCors Xavier Stheet.

DEDICATION.

My deliverance from error — the blessings of pardon, accept-
ance with God, and adoption into His family — my position
and standing in the Christian ministiy — and a prospect of
an abundant entrance into glory everlasting — all these,
through the grace of God, do I owe to reading The Bible,
and to the preaching of Wesleyan ministers. Therefore,
to express my reverence for the one, and to record my obli-
gations to the other, I inscribe this volume to the Ministers
and Preachers of the British North American Conferences,
praying that the Great Head of the Church may render
them increasingly successful in their endeavours to propa-
gate Biblical Truth, and to spread Scriptural Holiness
throughout the land.

THE AUTHOR.

December, 1855.

PREFACE.

All the statements contained in the following pages are
substantially correct. There are among the reminiscences
one or two slight discrepancies, arising chiefly from a
blending of different occurrences, and from a mere ana-
chronism. The information which would have corrected
these mistakes, arrived too late to be available ; but as no
interest is affected, nor any principle compromised, neither
explanation nor apology is necessary. I have not spoken
unkindly or reproachfully of any one ; for while I have con-
scientiously denounced systems and doctrines, which in my
opinion are contrary to the Word of God, I have abstained
from every thing personal, and have endeavoured to speak
" the truth in love," remembering that " urbanity will often
lend a grace to actions that are of themselves ungracious."

December, 1855.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I,

rage,
Reasons for compiling these Memoirs — Birlh, Parentage,
and other Family Matters — Townsend Street Chapel—
The Peculiarities of certain Priests Noticed — Filial Re-
miniscences — Strictures on Popery. . . . 17

CHAPTER n.

Family Reminiscences continued — Reflections on the Present
State of the Papacy — Early History continued — Roman
Catholic Confraternities — Friar Hayes — Catholic Eman-
cipation — Resolves to Emigrate to America — Sails from
Dublin on Board the " Earl of Aberdeen, " and arrives
in Miramichi, Province of New Brunswick. . . 34

CHAPTER HI.

Fire in Mimamichi — Contested Election for the County of
Northumberland — Deceit on the part of Ecclesiastical
Superiors — Declines entering the Ministry of the Enis-

X CONTKNTS.

Page,
copal Church — Bible Expedition — Rev. Mr. Dollard,
&c • . . . 54

CHAPTER lY.

Connected with the Press — Remarkable Characters — Joins
the Methodist Church — Visits Halifax, Nova Scotia — Al-
lusion to Hon. Joseph Howe — Convinced of Sin — Expe-
riences Religion-*— Passes the Nova Scotia District Meet-
ing — Appointed to Murray Harbour — Rev. William
Dowson — Remarkable Preservalion. ... 72

CHAPTER v.

Stationed in Liverpool, N. S.— Some account ot the Wesley-
an Church there — Appointed to Halifax, N. S Ordain-
ed at Newport — Married — Appointed to Guysborough
— Hon. Judge des Barres — Responsible Government —
Appointed to Quebec — The Saint Lawrence — Seat of
Government— Odell Town — Canadian Rebellion, &r.
&c 93

CHAPTER VL

Rebellion — Battles of La CoUe and Odell Town — Subsequent

Death of some who took part in these engagements

Appointed to Stanstead,— Millerism, &c. — Church Esta-
blishments XIO

CHAPTER VH.

Appointed to Montreal — Rev. W. Squire — Rev. Messrs
Prownel) and Bott?rell— Reiparks on the Growth and

CONTENTS. XI

Page.
Improvement of Montreal — Adventures in Vermont —
State of Methodism in Montreal, under the Administra-
tion of the Rev. Mr. Lang, &c.| &c. . . . 123

CHAPTER VIII.

Appointed to Toronto — Rev. William M. Harvard — Union
of the British and Canadian Conferences — Extinction of
the Canada West District — Appointed to Saint John,
New Brunswick — Stale and Prospects of Methodism
there, &c.,&c 133

CHAPTER :X.

Methodism in Saint John, N.B. — Eastern Conference formed
at Halifax, N.S. — Statistics of this Conference — Wes-
leyan Academy, Sackville— Removes from Saint John
to Mill Town— Methodism in Mill Town, &c., &c, J49

CHAPTER X.

Rev. Duncan McCoU — Methodism on the Saint Croix —
Remarks touching the United States — Extracts from
Journal — Conjectures relating to the present Emperor of
France, Napoleon III — Extracts from Journal, &c., &c.
Fredericton, &c 164

CHAPTER XI.

Extracts from Journal— Allusion to the State of Europe and
of China— Railroad Demonstration at Saint John, N.B.
— Movements in the United States — Extracts from
Journal " r • • (80

XU CONTENTS.

Page.

CHAPTER XII.

Exlracls from Journal— Messrs. William and Richaid
Wriglil— 31r. Richard Throne, &c.— Allusion to Ihe

Refugees— City of Saint John, &c Further Extracts

from Jourpal. '194

CHAPTER XIIJ.

Special Reminiscences — Strange Interruption — Some account
of Tristful and his followers — Brief Sketches of some
Particular Persons. , , , . , . 212

CHAPTER XiV.
Obituary Notices of several Wesleyan Ministers, &c. . 232

CHAPTER XV.

Languages in the Romish Liturgy — Remarks on the Itine-
rancy — Furnishing the Parsonages, or Ministers' Houses
— Remarks on the Wesleyan Missionary Society — And
the Missionary Institution in general. . . . 253

CHAPTER XVI.

Remarks on various Religious Agencies — Thoughts on the
English Language — Extracts from Journal — A Practical
Definition — Crossing the Shubenacadie — Swimming the
Tootoogoore — Anecdotes, &c. .... 273

CBNTENTS, Xlli

Pa^e.
CHAPTER^XVIl.

A Canadian Counterpane — Nocturnal annoyances, and a
Union Jack — An inconvenient Bed-room— A Mission-
ary Deputation in Jail— New features in Missionary
Jleetings- ProvideiUial Escape on Lalce Erie — Indian
Experience 3Ieoin-g 294

CHAPTER XVIII.

Early Methodist Preachers in Canada West— Methodism in
Canada— In Great Britain and Ireland — Throughout the
World 312

CHAPTER XIX.

Temporal Prosperity of Canada — Past and Present State
contrasted — Patrick Doolan — Importance oi the North
American Provinces — Remarks on Romanism — Power
of the Priests, &c 329

CHAPTER XX.

Remarks on Various Forms of Worship — Extracts from
Kirwan's Impressions of Canada— Observations on
Christian Union, &c., &c. ..... 347

CHAPTER XXI.

Zeal and Ingenuity of Methodism— 'New Anglican Bishops
for Canada — Voluntary System — State Endowments —
Timid Trustees— A Practical Philosopher — A Case of
Exorcism — A new species of Miracle— Brother Moses. 377

xiV CONTENTS.

Page.
CHAPTER XXII.

Canadian Habits, &c. — Remarks on the Temperance Move-
ment in Canada — Some Account of a Temperance
Meeting in S A Word or two about Schools, &c. 382

CHAPTER XXIII.

Observations concerning Methodism — Some Remarlcs touch-
ing the Validity of Wesleyan Ordination, &c. — Conclu-
sion 39S

AUTOBIOGRAPHY, &C.

CHAPTER I.

Reasons for Compiling these Memoirs — Birth, Paren-
tage, AND other FaMHY MaTTERS — ToM'NSEND

Street Chapel — the Peculiarities or certain-
Priests Noticed — Filial Reminiscences — Stric-
tures ox PoPERVj

One Would suppose, from the flood of biographies
and memoirs with which the M'orld is now inun-
dated, that the compilation of these works resulted
from a longing after notoriety, or from the power
of some morbid infiaence, that could not be either
propitiated or resisted. I am not, I assure you, dear
reader, in the least degree alTected by either of these
agencies ; nor am I able, at present, to conjecture
what may be the fate of ray own unpretending
effort, simply to record the leading incidents of my
life and history. I cannot exhibit any very striking
or salient points of character ; and I am equally
unable to furnish any display of remarkable vicissi-
tudes, or exciting events. My expectations, there-

18 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

fore, are very limited ; and should they not be
realized, the disappointment will be easily borne,
and cheerfully endured.

The renowned Dean of Saint Patrick's beheld a
battle of the books in his day ; and enjoyed the feats
of literary pugilism that his own fertile brain created.
I see a similar contest — similar in its aspirations and
motives, but different in the character of the com-
batants, and in the nature of their tactics. Here I
behold robust and Athletic Quartos — Imperial
LOOKING Octavos — Decimos — Duodecimos, " cum
multis aliis" engaged in fierce and deadly strife ; and
as the battle waxes hot and furious, we see hundreds
trampled to death ; vast multitudes fearfully gashed
and wounded ; and others flying for their lives, their
splendid uniforms of gilded morocco, embossed calf,
and embellished roan, rent and torn, and defiled
with mire and blood. " You certainly will not,"
whispers a friend, " enter upon such an arena as
this." Yes, I will ; and take my word for it, the issue
will prove that I am not as rash as you suppose ;
and that what you regard as presumption, is in
reality self-reliance. " Bnt won't you assign any
reason for so unusual an enterprise 1 That, at least,
you are bound to do." Well, you may be of that
opinion, but I assure you I am not ; nevertheless, I
will give you the only reason I am able to furnish.

\VEStEYAN MISSIONARt. 19

I was sitting one evening in my study, holding
communion with myself; and before I was aware
of it, I became so fully absorbed in reflections on
the past, and conjectures touching the future, that
every oiher consideration was excluded. My his-
tory, especially the itinerant portion of it, passed
before me in a very orderly and precise manner.
Indeed, it seemed to me as if the various occur-
rences thereof had arranged themselves into a regu-
lar series, and were doing all they could to attract
attention, and acquire importance. They passed
by, as I have said, at a steady pace ; regularly fol-,
lowing each other ; but at the same time changing'
their forms, and altering their aspects, like dissolving
views, or shifting scenes. These circumstances
affected me a good deal, — they impressed their
variegated image upon my mind, and prompted me
to trace the effect of their operation in these fami-
liar sketches.

1 was bom in the parish of Saint Mark, in the
ancient city of Dublin, on the 24th of June, in the
memorable year of Our Lord, 18 — . Here, then, at
the very dawning of the narrative — almost as soon
as it commences to breathe, it acquires distinction
from the fact, that I was born in troublous times :
and that I am " a citizen of no mean city." My
parents were Roman Catholics, and in that commu-

20 AUtOBIOGKAPHV OF A

nion, myself and all the rest of their children were
strictly educated. My father was a native of the
Barony of Forth, in the county of Wexford, and
was, in the conventional language of the world,
well to do, and very respectably connected. His re-
lations were distributed through various parts of the
counties of Wexford and Waterford, and consisted
chiefly of mercantile men, opulent graziers, and
thriving farmers. This, as far as social position is
involved, was well enough : and to make up, as it
were, for the want of heraldic honom's, the family
connexion was dignified by the incorporation of no
less than two veritable Priests, and one Titular
Bishop. One of the former was quite an original in
his way ; and as Lord Byron prided himself more
upon his prowess as a swimmer, than upon his ge-
nius as a Poet, so Father Roche thought more of
his physical performances, than he 'did of his theolo-
gical attainments. He was, according to tradition,
very much distinguished, not for his intellectuality,
but for his agility, not for his acquaintance with
canons and councils, but for his consummate ability
in leaping, vaulting, wrestling, and other gymnastic
exploits. The other was a good deal of the Church-
man — one that stood by his order, and enjoyed
considerable reputation as a preacher. The pre-
late — the Right Rev. Dr. Sterne Brock, was, 1 have

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 21

lieardj a very exemplary and talented man — simple
in his habits, and unobtrusive in his manners : but
noted withal for quietly maintaining his position
by driving a gig painted green, virith a mitre duly
emblazoned on its pannels.

My mother's maiden name was Ilaughton ; and
her parents, as well as herself, were natives of" The
Irish Metropolis." Mr. and Mrs. Haughlon, were
descended, I believe, from a family in Lancashire,
England ; but at what period their ancestors came
to Ireland, or whether they came in the miscella-
neous train of Strongbow, or among the followers
of Cromwell, are subjects that admit of discussion,
but concerning which I can afford no satisfactory
information.

My maternal grandfather and grandmother were
of '• the High Church party" — disciples of the old
school : genuine tories, and strenuous supporters of
Church and State. They had several children,
two of whom were sons ; and as the career of these
sons, though very opposite to each other, present
features worthy of delineation, I shall bestow on
them u somewhat extended notice. The elder of
the two, named Edward, was educated at King
Charles's Free School, Oxmantown-green, DubHn ;
a seminary which has had the honor to supply the
City Corporation with some of its most talented and

22 AUTOBIOGRAPHT OF A

opulent members, and the Orange Society with some
of the most vehement admirers of the glorious, pious
and immortal memory of William of Nassau. Du-
ring his stay at this institution, my uncle appears to
have conducted himself with great propriety ; and
hence, when the requisite time for remaining there
was accomplished, he was duly articled to Alder-
man Darragh, a wealthy merchant, equally re-
spected in the municipality, and "on change/'

But my worthy relative, like many of his com-
patriots, seems to have had a greater regard for war
than for commerce. He was a worshipper not of
Mercury but of Mars. He longed to be a soldier,
and so fiercely did the martial flame burn within him,
that it never let him rest, until, in the words of an
old and popular ballad —

" He mourned the while cockade,"

and sought renown at " the cannon's mouth." But
his aspirations were not of the low and vulgar kind.
He had no notion to be a mere man at arms — the re-
tainer of some Sir John Ramorney~a follower of some
doughty mail clad chief. Oh, no ; his soul despised
such servility ; his heart was set upon being a slash-
ing, dashing light dragoon. Nor was it long until
his desires were fully gratified, for about this time,
Lord Drogheda, then a Lieutenant General in the

WESLEYAN MISSIONART. 23

army, was organising a regiment of cavalry, into
which young Haughton contrived to procure ad-
mission. It was a very select corps, and was called
Lord Drogheda's Light Horse, and as such ac-
quired considerable eminence. This regiment was
afterward styled, according to numerical usage, " the
Eighteenth Light Dragoons," under which desig-
nation it attained great celebrity in India, in Egypt,
in the Peninsula, and on many a hard fought field
where it rendered " the state some service."

The young volunteer rose rapidly — passed with
eclat through the various non-commission grades ;
and in a short time, owing to the recommendations
of a fine person, and the interest of friends, became
what the illustrious Chatham once was —

"A cornet of horse."

From this regiment Mr. Haughton exchanged
into " the Mid-Lothian Cavalry," a Scotch Regi-
ment, then stationed in Ireland, where he served
during the insurrectionary years of 1798, and 1799.
From this corps he passed into the Fifth Dragoon
Guards, or " Old Green Horse ,•" served with them
during the Wellington campaigns — married in Por-
tugal — was promoted to the command of a troop
after the battle of Busaco— obtained his majority

24 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Or A

two years subsequently, and retired at the close of
the war.

The fortunes of my other maternal uncle, John,
so called after his father, were neither so equable
nor so prosperous. He also, like his brother, es-
chewed the civil and pacific walks of life. He was
designed, I believe, for the legal profession ; but
after considerable expense had been incurred in a
suitable education, and in other preliminaries, he
manifested such a decided aversion to the project,
that it had to be totally abandoned. Left to his
own choice, he selected the naval department for
tlie object of his affections and the scene of his
exploits; his pursuit of fame was very unsuccessfid,
and all his hopes ended in bitter disappointment.
He became a midshipman in the Royal Navy ; but
owing to a delicate constitution, and social irregu-
larities) he was obliged to reliuqviish his profession,
and seek employment in some other enterprise.
Through family influence he obtained a good situa-
tion in the excise department. The emoluments
were very handsome; but the duties were onerous,
and in his endeavours to perform them, he fell into
a decline, and died while he was yet young. Con-
cerning my other relatives, I know but very little ;
I have been separated from them for many years,
more than a quarter of a century having elapsed

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 25

since I emigrated ; and during Uiat time Death has
been so busy, and has made so many inroads upon
them, that but few of them now survive.

I stated in the commencement of this narrative,
that my grandfather and grandmother belonged to
" the Established Church.'" My mother, previous
to her marriage, was of the same persuasion ; but if
she ever was a member of tliat body, her membership
must have been only nominal, for shortly after her
marriage, she conformed to the doctrine and worship
of the Romish Church. I shall not of course, under-
take her defence — an attempt to juStify so flagrant a
dereliction, would be almost as criminal as the
apostacy itself. I shall therefore barely offer a few
remarks, intended to give the transaction as favour-
able an appearance as it is capable of bearing.

At the period to which we are now adverting,
the Establishment was in a very low condition, in
both England and Ireland. Experimental religion
was scarcely either known or enjoyed. Practical
Christianity was denounced in high places, and de-
clared to be fanaticism. The Clergy were little
else than Ecclesiastical Commissaries ; Mammon
was enthroned upon the altar; the Church, which
should be a spiritual institution, was nothing better
than a mere element of the state ; and the duties
and symbols of genuine piety were discarded to
b2

26 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

make room for selfish policy, and priestly arro-
gance.

My mother was very young and very inexpe-
rienced when she became a wife. She knew
nothing of experimental religion — had no fixed
principles; and was of a highly imaginative tem-
perament ; and coming in. this state, within the
impetuous current of Romish influence, without
either ability or inclinatiott to resist its force, no
marvel that she was borne along into the stagnant
cesspool of superstition and error. The means
generally employed to induce Protestants to abjure
their religion, wSs, no doubt, resorted to in this
case ; and as these means are very plausible — well
adapted, and employed with great prudence and
dexterity, there is no reason to wonder at their
success, though there is much reason to deplore it.
We resided for several years in Townsend Street,
directly opposite to " the Parish Chapel," an old and
tinpretending edifice in the form of a cross ; and
which was attended by a very large and rather mis-
ceillaneous congregation. Among the notabilities
that attended this popular place of worship, I have
often observed the Earl of Fingal ; Lord French ;
Sir Thomas Esmond ; Daniel O'Connell ; Sir Patrick
Bellew, and others of less note. They inspired me,
I must say, with a favourable opinion of their devo-

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 27

tion and zeal ; and the total absence of everything
like distinctions of caste and position, made them
great favourites ■with the people. I am inclined to
think that this condescension was sincere, and that
if it was not the fruit of religion,.it was the effect of
good breeding. In one case it is spiritual, and of
great price in the sight of God — in the other, it is to
say the least, amiable, and greatly esteemed among
men.

There were generally seven or eight priests con-
nected with this chapel : and all of them were re-
gular and frequent visitors at our house. My father
was very hospitable, and those whom he regarded
as his spiritual guides and directors, were always
sure of being received as welcome and cherished
guests. Some of these gentlemen I remember very
distinctly ; and the peculiar features, which have-
served to bo a memorial of them, are as vividly
presented to my mind now, as when they made their
first impression. The first and most prominent in
the groupe was, the Rev. Morgan D'Atcy, a ripe
scholar, and a finished gentleman; he was possessed
of a fine rich voice, and was celebrated for the
manner in which he executed the popular naval
song of

'• Lashed to the hehiti when seas o'crwhehn. "

Their there was the Rev. Mr. Wall, distinguished

28 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

chiefly for his aristocratic figure and manner — ^^Fatlier
Coleman, revered for the devout nianaer in which
he celebrated mass — Mr. Smith; noted for the total
absence of this quality : and Father Quigley, who
went through it so rapidly, that his was called " the
hunting mass." There was also the Rev. Pierce
Walsh, a great favourite, and very popular as a
preacher ; and Mr. McDonough, a very neat eccle-
siastical looking person, of rather Italian manners and
appearance. They were generally aftable and cour-
teous ; and with one exception, omitted in this enu-
meration, I reverenced and loved them all. This
one I both disliked and dreaded ; and the cause of
ray apprehension and aversion lay in the following
circumstances. He was a frequent visitor, and
seemed to be a great favourite ; he was, moreover,
in good repute, as an amateur surgeon ; and from
either the promptings of humanity, or the aspira-
tions of genius, this clerical admirer of Esculapius
was in the habit of carrying lancets, and such like
surgical instruments about his person. On two or
three occasions he took out his lancet case, and made
preparations, as if he intended lo bleed me. This
injudicious feint, the first time it was tried, terrified
me ; but the repetition of it so annoyed and disgusted
rae,thatl could not endure my tormentor, nor could
any thing induce me to enter the room where he was,

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 29

About this time, my dear father sustained heavy
losses, the result of his own confiding and generous
disposition. The pecuniary obligations that devolved
upon iiim from these casualties, must have been very
serious, lie often alluded to them ; and that too,
in a very feeling manner, so that we became ac-
quainted with all the circumstances of the case.
Some one has said, " if ignorance be bliss, it is folly
to be wi'-e," and less knowledge of this untoward
event, would have been an advantage to us, for we
had the mortification to know that the parties with
whom the evil originated, eventually grew rich, but
7iever did any thing towards the removal, or the
mitigation of it.

lu many respects my father was a strong minded
man — well acquainted with business, especially the
corn trade ; and was for many years, the confidential
clerk of the eminent anil wealthy corn merchants,
CoDD, l^ENNAN & Co. But notwitlistswiding this,
he was a very superstitious Romanist — a strict
observer of Lent; and during that penitential season,
more than usually devout. He was accustomed
to repeat one or other of " The Rosaries " daily — to
use holy water more freely ; and to cherish increased
veneration for images and pictures. His favourite
preachers were the Rev. Dr. Betagh, a celebrated
controversialist, attached to Rosemary Lane Chapel

30 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP A

— the Rev. Nicholas Molloy, an Aiigustinian Friar,
and the Rev. Barnaby Murphy, a very popular ad-
vocate of charitable iiistitiitiins. He was a very
upright man ; kind and affectionate too, in the
various relations of life, and highly respected by a
large circle of friends and acquaintances. lie was
thoroughly Irish in all his feelings — full of genuine
"Amor Patriai;'" and judging from his recollec-
tions of "The Irish Parliament"; his opinions
touching " The Union " — and his admiration of
Grattan, Curran, Ponsonby, Flood, &c., I con-
chide that he was liberal in politics, and not over
friendly to British supremacy.

The honoured subject of these remarks died in
Dublin, after a brief, but severe illness; and while
I was comparatively young... This was a heavy
struke indeed — a sore, — very sore bereavement. A
dark and cloudy day came upon us ; but the extreme
verge of this gloomy horizon was already gilded
with light, and that light soon broke forth in all its
strength, and dispelled the darkness. T^e Lord
was with us ; and never did the widow, or her five
fatherless children, want bread to eat, or raiment to
put on.

" When all ihy meicies, O my God,

" My rising soul surveys j
'■Transported with Ihe view, I'm lost,

'- In wonder, love, and praise."

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 31

My mother embodied all that is comprehended in
that dear familiar word. The maternal virtues, so
conspicuous in her conduct, and the allusion tq which
awakens so many recollections, were inherited"; and
this inheritance, in its abundance and variety, was
impartially distributed among all her children . She
was a woman of strong understanding, and of a highly
cultivated mind ; and by her were we all taught our
letters; also to 'spell and read ; nor did her domestic
tuition cease even here, for in my own case at least,
she it was that initiated me in the hieroglyphic mys-
teries of writing, and in the rudiments of arithmetic.
One trait of her character I distinctly remember — she
was a (studious and devout reader of " The Douay
Bible," and of Alban Butler's Lives of the
Saints. She thought very highly too of the wri-
tings of Thomas A'Kempis — of Bossuet — of Chal-
loner, and of other Roman Catholic authors ; and
was very conversant with their sentiments and
principles. The numerous and grave errors that
disfigure the above version of the Sacred Scriptures
— the objectionable character of the notes and com-
ments appended to it — the apocryphal and legendary
tenor of Butler's canonical biographies — and the ela-
borate sophistries of the Bishop of Meaux — these
like powerful auxiliaries strengthened her erroneous
views and opinions — acting as pabulum, they nour-

32 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

ished lier misconceptions and prejudices, and ren-
dered her very assiduous in her endeavours to train
up her children, in what she ignorantly termed
" The Faith once delivered to the Saints."

I have already said that the virtues which con-
stitute a mother's character, and that render her
name and her memory sacred, were very conspi-
cuous in my beloved parent. She discharged the
duties of her station with unwearied diligence and
zeal ; and the burdens which it imposed upon her,
she sustained with a cheerful and contented spirit.
I was ever an object of special solicitude, though
not of favouritism ; and often, when we have been
together, have I seen her eyes fill with tears while
they have been rivetted upon me ; and at times,
abruptly suspending her gazej she would say, " I
hope I may live to see you a Priest — O if I could
only see you ordained," and sometimesj during these
interviews^ she would be powerfully affected ;)and
iu after years, when it became highly probable that
her hopes would be realized, her letters breathed
the most ardent prayers to God, that she might see
me celebrate " one Mass at least, " before she
would die. Let all these circumstances be duly
considered, and they will, I think, supply a sufficient
reason why we were all inflexible Roman Catlwlics.
But at the same time, I am also of opinion, that these

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 33

desires, so often, and so fervently expressed, and the
theological instruction which my poor mother im-
parted — these, in my judgment, contributed largely
to the formation and developement of my character,
and to produce in me a respect for the sacerdotal
office, and a desire to enter therein. They also
inspired me with a taste for history, general biogra-
phy — religious memoirs, &c ; and also with a
reverence for the Holy Scriptures. 1 cannot in the
elegiac and posthumous devotion of Rome, either
recite Ihe " Be pro fiindis'^ for her, or say " Reguies-
cat in Face" ; but I can say, and that in all good
conscience too, that I loved lier when living, and
now timt she is dead, I revere her memory.

CHAPTER 11.

Family Remikiscences Continued — Reflections on the
Present State of the Papacy — Early History
Continued — Roman Catholic Confraternities, —
Friar Hayes — Catholic Emancipation — Resolves
to Emigrate to America — Sails from Dublin on
Board the " Earl of Aberdeen," and Arrives in
Miramiohi, Province of New Brunswicx.

My dear mother's life was a very chequered one ;
strongly marked by many and painful vicissitudes.
It pleased the Lord to show her many and sore
troubles. His chastening hand was often and hea-
vily laid upon her ; stroke after stroke fell in rapid
succession ; and frequently, since I experienced his
pardoning mercy, have I thought that this was the
way in which God signified his displeasure for the
course she adopted; and that it was the medium
through which he vindicated " the truth " that had
been so grossly dishonoured, when she " turned unto
fables." Popery is the grand apostaoy : one of the
worst phases of the carnal mind — one of the most
repulsive and pernicious developments of our de-
praved nature. It is the same now as it ever was —
as dark and as gloomy as it was in the middle ages
— as fierce and as ferocious as it was during the

avesleyan missionart. 35

reign of the haughty 11 ildebrand— or in the times
of Ximines and Richelieu. It ever has ^seen an
enemy to God and to man ; to hberty and to truth. It
revoked "the edict of Nantz," and organized " the
Dragonades" — It built " the Bastile" in Paris, and
" the inquisition" at Madrid. It perpetrated the
horrible massacres of " Bartholomew's day, " and
"the Sicilian vespers" — It equipped "the Spanish
Armada," and kindled the fires of Smith-field ; the
wretched condition of Spain, of Italy, Portugal, and
the kingdom of Naples, or the two Sicilies, are
evidences of its baneful and deadly influence in
Europe ; and if we turn from these European mo-
narchies, to the Republics in " the New world^'' we
see the print of its cloven hoof legibly stamped upon
them all, from the Atlantic cities of " the United
States"., to the extreme verge of Mexico and Peru.
In the Old World, and in the New — in Empires — in
Kingdoms, and in Commonwealths it is still the
same. Time, like an ever-flowing stream, rolls on,
but Popery is still the same. Nations rise and fall ;
thrones and dynasties pass away ; but Popery
abideth still the same— it still is " The mystery of
iniquity " and " The mother of abominations."

When the light of God's reconciled countenance
first beamed upon my soul, the scales fell from mine
eyes, and the veil dropt from my heart. I had

36 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

found Him '• of whom Moses in the law, and the
prophets did write, Jesns of Nazareth" ; and could
rejoice " in the gladness of them that believe." But
in the midst of this rejoicing, and while my soul
exulted in " The liberty ivherewith Christ had made
ine free" I thought on my poor enslaved mother,
and wept. The superstitions, falsehoods, lying
wonders, and all the enormities of Romanism
appeared to me, as very high and thick walls,
encompassing her round about as in a huge fortress
and prison. She seemed to me as one excluded
from the reception of the light, and the knowledge
of the truth ; and shut up in darkness and condem-
nation. This picture of her deplorable and perilous
condition fairly haunted mo ; so that I had no rest
luitil I communicated all my thoughts and feelings
to her, which I endeavoured to do in a letter, written
a short time after my conversion to God.

I remember with what conflicting feelings! wrote
that letter. I called to mind how often 1 had
accompanied her, whom I was iaow addressing, to
mass ; and how much I had reverenced her for her
piety, and loved her for her affection. But the
thought of her spiritual state outweighed all other
considerations. The guilt involved in her " Recan-
tation ; " and the fearful consequences to which
that guilt exposed her, rushed upon me, and alarmed

^VESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 37

me on account of her soul. I longed to see her
snatched " as a brand from the burning" — I longed
— yea my soul panted to see "the grace of God,"
and " the truth as it in Jesus," magnified in her sal-
vation. On this absorbing topic we corresponded for
a long time. Otir correspondence was full and
unreserved; and of such a character, as leads me to
hope that the Lord opened her eyes ; and that she
sought and obtained mercy ; and that she is now
numbered with the sai;its in glory everlasting.
She died in the autumn of 1838^ while I was
stationed in Odelltown, Canada East ; and a short
time before the battles, which were fought in that
place, between the insurgents, and the Loyal Volun-
teers.

Very few, I think, of those who will favour these
pages with a perusal, will consider what I have
said touching Romanism, as unnecessary, or unkind.
I denounce the system ; but I pity its dupes. I not
only here solemnly protest against it ; but take this
opportunity to record my abhorence and detestation
of it. O that God would fight against it with the
spirit of his mouth, and the brightness of his appear-
ing. Selah.

The present age is, I am sorry to say, marked
by a good deal of false liberalism, and under the
guise, and in the name of charity, the errors of

38 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP A

Popery are treated with great indulgence. Luke,
warm and half-hearted Protestants affect to disbe-
lieve a great deal of what is said concerning its men-
dacious legehds — its ^unwarrantable assumptions ;
and its malignant and persecuting spirit ; and are in
the habit of affirming, that in all these respects, it is
much better now, than it was wont to be. Let us
see. On the feast of Saint Anthony, it is still de-
clared that he sailed to Saint Petersburg on a mill-
stone to convert the Russians — it is still proclaimed
of Saint Dunstan, that he led Satan about with a
pair of red hot pincers. The Gallican branch of
this Holy- ipostolic Church, persists in declaring
that Saint Denis carried his head under his arm
after it was separated from his body ; and that he
walked in this state for more than six miles. It is
gravely asserted of Saint Dominic, that he turned
the Devil into a monkey, and made him do penance ;
and that even a mule, belonging to Saint Anthony,
ot Padua, was so abstemious, and withal so devout,
and so good a Catholic, that after fasting for three
days, he left his provender to worship the host. _

Let the reader turn away from these absurdities,
and look at this mammoth imposition, as it now is.
Let him think of the intolerance of Tuscany — of the
ferocity of Naples — the perfidy of Austria — the
gloomy bigotry of Spain. Let him look at these

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 39

governments as they now exist — let it be remem-
bered that they are under the dictation and influ-
ence of the Papacy — that Popery is the breath of
their nostrils — that they reflect its political and ex-
ecutive image : and then, if he can, let him talk of
concessions. I need not allude to the pretended
miracles of Prince Hohenloe, of Bamberg ; to the
puerilities of Benedict Joseph Labry ; to the pious
frauds practised by " the Holy Coat of Treves ;" to
the " Fete Dieu'^ of Canada ; and last, though not
the smallest in the catalogue, to the assembling
now — December, 1854 — of Bjshops and Dignitaries
from SiW parts of Christendom,-at " the Eternal City"
to decide upon " the immaculate conception of the
Virgin Mary."

It is patent to every one, at all cognizant of such
matters, that " The metropolis of the Christian
world," so called, has lost its ancient prestige. The
sceptred and triple-crowned Pnest of the Tiber is
well nigh shorn of his beams. The hand writing
that announces his doom is on the walls of " The
Vatican," and may be easily read and interpreted.
His feet, that so often pressed the necks of princes,
are now prepared for flight ; and his throne is so
frail and tottermg, that it is kept together by state in-
trigues, and propped up by French bayonets. Coun-
cils may be held, and Bulls may be issued ; accounts

40 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OV A

of miracles, as fabulous as heathen myths, may be
published; and relics multiplied " ad infinitum " —
but all will be of no avail. The word of the Lord
has gone forth, and it will not return unto him void ;
and as sure as Dagon fell before the Ark of the
Covenant, so sure will this foul and accursed system
fall before the preaching of" the glorious gospel of
the blessed God."

At eight years of age I was sent to a public school,
where I remained until I attained my fourteenth
year. During that time, I made perhaps, more than
ordinary progress in the various branches of learning
taught in preparatory schools ; and was fortunate
enough to obtain some small prizes for my pro-
ficiency in English composition, and in the mathe-
matics. The average number of boys in the Insti-
tution, during my time, was about two hundred ;
and every one conversant with such establishments,
are aware, that under the best code of regulations,
and with the best administration, there is nmch I hut
is unpleasant and irksome — a great deal that must
be endured without murmuring, or complaining.
The younger lads experience a large measure of in-
justice and oppression at the hands of those who
are older and stronger. I had my share ; sometimes
perhaps, more than my share — at least so /imagin-
ed ; but who can say that even this rough discipline

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 41

has not been an advantage. The inspired mourner
of Anathoth says, " It is good for a man that he bear
Ihe yoke in his youth " — and if the application of
this truth be admissible in the present case, the
arguments usually employed in favor of Public
Schools, will be greatly strengthened.

Very little worth relating occurred from this time
until I reached my eighteenth year. At this junc-
ture my father died. This was a heavy — heavy
stroke ; and it fell upon my poor mother with a
weight that almost crushed her to the earth. But
the Lord supported her, and sent her help in the
time of need. She did her part bravely ; but the
death of my dear father seriously affected our
whole domestic economy ; and my hopes of becom-
ing a Priest fell to the ground. The " Res Augusta
J)omi" — our straitened circumstances, forbade the
indulgence of such ambitious hopes. My studies
were suspended ; and the knowledge I acquired by
them, was employed for our maintenance and sup-
port. These circumstances formed a remarkable
period in our domestic annals ; we were now cast
upon our own resources, or rather, more directly,
and more obviously than heretofore, upon the pro-
vidence and goodness of God. His kind and
gracious interposition was seasonable and effectual.
We saw it in many ways ; but more particularly in
c

42 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

raising up friends, through whose influence, we all
obtained employment in departments corresponding
with our tastes and habits; and which yielded iis an
income adequate to our wants, and as ample as our
wishes.

We lived together in the greatest harmony ; and
walked in strict and cheerful obedience to the laws
and precepts of" the Church of Rome. ''^ My mother
was a weekly communicant — that is, she confessed
her sins, and received absolution, and the blessed
Eucharist once a week. Her confessor was the
E.ev. Patrick Coleman, and her time of communing,
was at the pontifical mass, celebrated by the dio-
cesan, at 8 o'clock every Sunday morning. I ob-
served these rules -and performed these duties^ on
the first Sunday in every month ; the usual time for
granting plenary indulgences in the Archiepiscopal
See of Dublin. We both endeavoured to walk
uprightly in the sight of God — our great aim was to
please God, in all we did ; and in all we said. We
were ignorant of the righteousness of God ; and we
sought to establish our own righteousness. Of the
great doctrine of salvation by faith, we knew no-
thing ; we foolishly imagined we were to be saved
by our own works ; and we helped each other on, as
we supposed, in all good conscience, and unto all
well pleasing. Lent, Advent, the Ember t)AYs,

WESLETAN MiSSiONAfiY. '43

AND Rogation Days, were all strictly kept. Unde-
viating attendance at Mass, on all Sundays, and
holidays of obligation ; and a scrupulous performance
of the devotions prescribed by our spiritual directors,
were leading features in our conversation and
practice. In short, we were considered, and very
justly too, as very devout and exemplary Roman
Catholics. In our own immediate circle, we oc-
cupied a very high position, and were looked up to
with great deference. My mother's devotional ha-
bits, and her zeal as a Sodalitist, reached even the
ears of Dr. Murray, then coadjutor to the Most Rev.
Dr. Troy, and subsequently Archbishop of Dublin. I
was also myself a member of the famous Sodality,
called " The Order of the Scapular of Our Lady
OF Mount Carmel." The branch of" The Institute"
to which I belonged, was called " The Discalceated
Carmelites" " Tlie Barefooted Carmelites^' and were
established in French Street. I was invested ac-
cording to the usual forms, by the Rev. John Spratt,
now (December, 1854,) the Very Rev. Dr. Spratt,
well known in Dublin for his zeal in the tempe-
rance cause. I was also a member of" The Society
of the Catholic Faith," a religious association formed
" Permissio Superiorum," by the Rev. Richard
Hayes, a Franciscan Friar of great learning and
eloquence, I admired this gentleman very much

44 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

indeed. As a preacher, he was very popular — es-
pecially as a panegyrist and a controversialist. He
was said to be very charitable, and devout ; was " a
lover of good men" of every persuasion — and deeply
attached to his native country. A few remarks, of
rather a biographical character, will at once express
my views, and delineate his portrait.

This gifted priest was born in the ancient and
historic town of Wexford, in the year 1787. In
1802, he went to Rome, and after studying for the
priesthood, in the College of Saint Isidore, was duly
ordained ; and afterwards admitted to the order of
Saint Francis of Assissium ; the largest section of
the regular clergy, and the most distinguished of all
the mendicant orders. At the expiration of nine
years, he returned to his native town, where he
officiated for nearly three years, at the conclusion
of which period, he removed to Dublin. The ques-
tion of Catholic emancipation was then agitating
the public mind, and engaging the attention of Par-
liament. The ministry proposed carrying the mea-
sure through both houses, but on this express condi-
tion, namely, that " the Crown " should have the
power, in all cases, of vetoing, or forbidding, the
nomination of the Irish Roman Catholic Bishops.
This proposition was submitted to the consideration
of the Romish court ; and Lord William Bentinck,

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 45

a member of the ducal house of Portland, and who
was then our ambassador at the Papal Court, used
all his influence to secure its adoption . In due time
a rescript on the subject, from Cardinal Quarantotti,
was received in Ireland. This roused all classes —
meetings were held all over the country, and Mr.
Hayes was despatched to " the Eternal City," as the
delegate of the Irish Catholics, with full powers to
do every thing he could to resist the accomplish-
ment of this object. He succeeded in preventing
the vetoists from effecting, what was looked upon
as an artful attempt to impose upon the Pope — to
make the priests ecclesiastical commissaries, and to
destroy the independence of the Catholic Church in
Ireland. Mr. Hayes died at Paris, on the 24th of
January, 1824. Consumption, " like a worm in the
bud," had been for some time slowly but effectively
undermining his constitution ; and to stay its hand,
he fled to France, hoping to find in that sunny cli-
mate, health and length of days ; but it was only a
flight through " the valley of the shadow of death,"
for in France, he found not health — not length of
days — but a death-bed and a tomb. His mortal
remains lie interred in the cemetery of Pere la
Chaise, not far from the grave of Abelard and
Heloise, but far from his own kindred, and the
country that he loyed,

46 AUTOBIOGRAPHT OF A

This determined opposition to the government
measure deferred the emancipation of the Eomun
Catholics until the year 1829, when it was carried
by the W^ellington-Peel Administration. These
statesmen were not in their hearts favourable to
the removal of Catholic disabilities — all their ante-
cedents declared the contrary ; but Mr. O'Connell's
return for Clare, over a ministerial candidate, com-
pelled them to change their policy, and to substitute
expediency for principle, so that this great political
and social change was brought about by the very
men who afterwards endowed Maynooth, and re-
pealed "the corn laws." Par rwbile fratrum. The
Parliamentary majorities in favour of " the bill "
were very large — the Royal sanction was given
with great cheerfulness — " Te Deums" were chaunt-
ed, and solemn High Masses celebrated in all the
Romish chapels throughout the Empire ; and all
Ireland seemed to be convulsed with joy. Peace,
prosperity, and happiness, in the language of Ca-
tholic journalism, were now restored to us, and were
to abide with us for ever. All creeds and parties
were now one ; and were embarked together in
" THE Akk" of " a free and glorious constitution ;"
and had entered upon a voyage, destined to be more
advantageous in its results, than that of Deucalion,
or the Argonauts,

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 47

Quarter of a century has passed away since this
act became part and parcel of " the statute law" of
the United Kingdom ; but how much, or how many
social, or other advantages, have resulted from it,
are still to be ascertained. Ireland, I am afraid, is
not much the better of it : this much every one knows,
— it has been agitated ever since. Cadmus sowed
dragons' teeth, and from them sprung an host of
armed men ; and from the settlement of " the
Catholic claims" have sprung up " Repeal associa-
tions," " monster meetings," " leagues," " clubs,"
" state trials," " insurrectionary tumults," and
" transportations." These have never ceased to
make this ill-starred country the object of their
violence ; and like waves and storms they are still
beating upon it. It was confidently predicted that
'"Catholic Emancipation" would allay all the
murmurs, and heal all the maladies that prevail
in Ireland. This would be the infallible remedy
for every evil. Politicians spoke as if they were
imbued with the spirit of the ancient seers ; and
philanthropists indulged in dreams and visions of
millennial unity, concord, and love. But what has
been the result — instead of the grapes of Esohcol
we have sour grapes. Let the criminal calendar — let
the opposition to " the Queen's Colleges"— let the
convict hulks, and the penal colonies— the agrarian

48 AUTOBldGRAPHY OF A

outrages — and the arms' bill — let these answer the
question in the sister Kingdom, and let the Wise-
man agitation — its origin and its design — its prin-
cipal and its adjuncts, answer it in England. Pu-
seyism, with its absurdity and wickedness — the papal
assumption involved in the recent erection of Ro-
mish bishoprics in England, — the insidious, but
steady progress of Jesuitism — and the increase of
monastic Institutions, both at home, and in the colo-
nies : — these may all be traced to that tortuous qnd
time serving policy, which has been pursued of late
years ; and to which, with some honourable excep-
tions, both Whigs and Tories seem to be heartily
pledged. But the lord God ommipotent reigneth
— His kingdom ruleth over all — He will come,

AND WILL NOT TARRY. He WILL DEFEND THE RIGHT.

A remarkable period of my life was now approach-
ing — a crisis was about to arrive, which became a
turning point in my history'; and exercised upon the
whole of my career, a most powerful and gracious
influence. All my ancestors had lived and died in
" The British Islands" — their migrations, like those
of the Vicar of Wakefield's family, were very limit-
ed. For my own part, I was never fond of adven-
ture, or enamoured of either new countries, or new
faces. And although I am now, and have been, in
the Wesleyan Ifinerancy, for nearly twenty-five

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 49

years, I am nevertheless, to a great extent," a home
body." The thought of leaving Ireland had never
entered into my head ; my habits and feelings were
at variance with such an enterprise. Besides, I
was greatly attached to my mother and sisters. Our
remaining together and intact, seemed to be neces-
sary to our happiness; but the ways of Providence,
even with humble individuals, are often " unsearch-
able, and past finding out." I have found them to
be so ; but they have always tended to such issues,
and led to. such results, that I can say of a truth,
God has done all things well ; and that his goodness
and mercy have followed me all the days of my life.
The idea of emigrating to America, was first
suggested to me by a gentleman who felt a deep
interest in our welfare. It was first broached in a
desultory conversation, and without any previous
reflection or arrangement; and was forgotten almost
as soon as it was mentioned. After some time, how-
ever, the subject was resumed, and viewed under
the different aspects in which it presented itself to
us. While this important movement was under
discussion, the gentleman already mentioned, made
a direct proposal that I should try life in " The New
World, and commence the effort in The Province
OF New Brunswick." At that time, nearly 30
years ago, the tide of emigration . did not flow so
c2

50 AOTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

copiously either to the Canadas, or to the. United
States, as it now does. It was directed with con-
siderable impetus towards this colony; and had
proper legislative encouragement been afforded to
it, the settlement of the country might have been
greatly facilitated.

The project of leaving " Home," and probably for-
ever, appeared to be one of great magnitude. It
induced very serious reflections. We pondered it
well ; looked at the probable contingencies, and
weighed the results. As an indispensable- prepara-
tion, I attended in my place, at the monthly pro-
cession of my Sodality, in the Carmelite Friary
already mentioned. With the same views, I con-
fessed and obtained absolution, and received the
sacrament ; and that I might be as fully equipped
as possible, I obtained the habit and surplice of the
order, and also a blest missal. What a Panoply —
a few yards of coarse serge and a little figured
muslin — how different from " the Armour of Light .'"
but such was the way in which my poor benighted
soul tried to know the will of God ; and sought to
put itself under his divine protection and guidance.
O! EoME, Rome ! of a truth thou art " the house of
bondage," and " the region of the shadow of death."
O how shall I sufficiently praise my heavenly
Father, who brought me out of this bondage into

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 51

" the glorious liberty of the gospel" — out of this
darkness into his " marvellous light." " Bless the
Lord, O my soul ; and all that is within me bless his
holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul ; and forget
not all his benefits."

I sailed from Dublin for Miramichi, on the 24th
of August, 1824, on board of " the Earl of Aberdeen,"
of Aberdeen, commanded by Captain George Wash-
ington Ligertwood. This gentleman was a native
of Aberdeen, and had received a very good education
at Marischal College, in thut city. I caunot say
why these remarkable baptismal names were con-
ferred upon him ; but I know he did not admire
them. He had no republican tendencies; and
during the voyage he often expressed his decided
preference for monarchical institutions. He had
two brothers — Andrew, who was the eldest of the
family, and was a retired army surgeon, enjoying a
lucrative jiractice in Aberdeen ; and John, who was
also a surgeon, and belonged to one of the infantry
regiments serving in Ireland, but was attached to
the Medical Staff in Dublin. The nomenclature 1
suppose, must be attributed to liis father; indeed,
I have heard him say as much ; but whether it was
to express his regard for the great revolutionist, or
his predilection for the name itself, I am not able to
decide. Well, it is no great matter after all— that is,

52 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

in this case ; but really there is a great deal in a
name ; and. for a proof of this, we need only point to
the present ruler of France — onoe a iieedy adven-
turer — a mere " man about town ;" but now the
imperialised occupant of the throne of Charlemagne,
and the zealous ally of her Britannic Majesty, Queen
Victoria — and all this because his name is NapoleoNi
Jnstar Omnium. This one example will suffice.

We had only two cabin passengers, a young gentle-
man named Arnold, and myself. In the steerage
there were nearly forty. They were all apparently
in comfortable circumstances, and dwelt together
in peace. The voyage was undistinguished by any
thing out of the usual way. The weather was mild,
and the wind generally favourable ; and we all
arrived safely at Miramichi, on the 5tli of October ;
making in all forty two days since our departure
from Dublin.

Miramichi is not the name of a town, or village,
but that by which a large and beautiful river' is de-
signated. "The Miramichi" then, or "Happy
Retreat," is one of the largest rivers in " the Pro-
vince of New Brunswick." In the Micmac lan-
guagCj the diminutive noun is formed by the addi-
tion of" Sis," and hence this river was formerly
called RestigouchesiSj in contradistinction to " the
Restigouche," a somewhat larger river, that Qow§

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 53

into the Baie des Chaleurs, at its head. The Mira-
michi rises ia a lake, a short distance from the
Tobique, a river bathing the un-iraproved, and al-
most unknown lands of the county of York. Its
computed length is about 230 miles — flowing pretty
equably, but with considerable -force, over a shingly
and rocky bed, and describing an Easterly course
until it rolls into the gulf of Saint Lawrence, through
a large and beautiful bay, in Latitude 47° 5' N. and
Longitude Gi" 53' W.

There are several small towns, and villages on
this river, but the largest and most thriving ones,
are Chatham, Newcastle, and Douglastown. The
first is the largest, and is situate on the left bank of
the river ; the other two, are on the right bank ;
and all three are located within the tide-way which
extends for more than 30 miles, and is met by the
descending waters above Beaubair's Island. All
the settlements on this river, and on some of its
tributaries, underwent a dreadful visitation in the
beginning of October, 1825 — just one year after my
arrival in the country ; but as this sad event forms a
remarkable period in the history of this Province,
and a no less remarkable episode in my own me-
moirs, I shall defer my notice of it imtil another
chapter.

CHAPTER HI.

Fire in Miramichi — Contested Election for the
County of Northumberland — Deceit on the
part of Ecclesiastical Superiors — Declines
entering the Ministry of the Episcopal Church
— Bible Expedition — Rev. Mr. Dollard, &c.

The summer of 1825, was nn usually warm in both
hemispheres, particularly in America, where its
effects were fatally visible in the prevalence of
epidemical diseases. During July and A.ugust,
extensive fires raged in different parts of Nova
Scotia, especially in the Eastern division of the pen-
insula ; but the country being generally cleared for a
considerable distance round the settlements and vil-
lages, very little injury was snstained. In Mira-
michi, dnd thronghout the northern parts of New
Brunswick, the season had been unusually dry.
Scarcely any rain had fallen, and considerable
apprehensions had been entertained for the crops.
Very extensive fires Were observed in a north-wes-
terly direction. Also along the south side of " Le
Bale des Chaleurs" — in several parts of " the district
of Gasp6" — on the Richibucto; and thence in a
southerly direction towards Westmoreland.

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 55

From the first to the fifth of October, a season
generally cool, an extraordinary and an unnatural
heat prevailed. The protracted drought of the sum-
mer acting up on the aridity of the forests, had rend-
ered them more than naturally combustible. Land
clearing had been carried on extensively all the
spring ; and as this operation includes burning the
trees and roots, the circumstances mentioned above,
facilitated both the progress and dispersion of these"
fires, and produced the unusual heat. On the 6th
and 7th, the condition of the people living along the
valley of the Miramichi, became very alarming. In
the rear of Newcastle — in the vicinity of Douglas-
town and Moorfields — and along the banks of the
Bartibog, the fires were evidently approaching the
line of settlements on the north side of the main
river. On the south side of the river from below
Nappan, thence upward in the rear of Nelson Town,
up Cain's river — and along the whole of the south-
west, the same menacing process was going on. In-
deed, the whole country appeared to be encircled by
a flaming zone, which, gradually contracting itself
by the devastation it made, seemed as if it would
converge into a point, as soon as nothing remained
to be destroyed.

On Friday the 7th inst., about 9 o'clock, in the
evening, and for some time previous, lengthened

56 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

and sullen roars — repeated crashing noises — and
sounds like unto thunder, filled every one with
terror. The people seemed to be perfectly stupified.
Every body seemed to be alive to their danger ;
but no one seemed capable of warding it off. And
about the time stated above, and suddenly, as it
struck me, " hundreds of flames of fire" simul-
taneously burst from the forests, and rushed out
upon the settlements : and then NewcastlEj
DouGLASTOWN, and the whole northern side of the
river, extending from " the Bartibog," to " the
Naashwaak," a distance of more than one hundred
miles in length, became enveloped in one immense
sheet of flame, that eventually spread over some
thousands of square miles.

I was at the time this " Great Fire" occurred,
residing within a mile of Newcastle ; and my can-
did opinion is, that a greater calamity never befel
any forest country; and that very few places in any
country, of the same population, and of the same
available resources, ever experienced a greater loss.

The following statement of lives lost, and property
consumed, was exhibited by a local committee,
organized for the management of all matters con-
nected with this disaster.

Persons burnt and drowned, . . . 160
Buildings destroyed, .... 595
Head of Cattle destroyed, . . . 875

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 57

Loss of Property estimated, . £204,323
Less this sum insured, . . 12,050

Net Loss, . . £192,273

That the stranger may form a faint idea of the
desolation and misery no pen can describe, he must
picture to himself a large and rapid river, thickly
settled for one hundred miles, or more, on both sides
of it. He must also fancy four thriving tovs^ns, two
on each side of this river; and then reflect, that
these towns and settlements were all Composed of
wooden houses, stores, stables, and barns ; and that
the arrival of the fall importations had stocked the
warehouses and stores, with spirits, powder, and a
variety of combustible articles, as well as with the
necessary supplies for the approaching winter. He
must then remember, that the cultivated, or settled
part of the river, is but a long narrow strip, about
a quarter of a mile wide, and lying between the
river, and almost interminable forests, stretch-
ing along the very edge of its precincts ; and
all round it. Extending his conception, he will see
these forests thickly expanding over more than 6,000
square miles, and absolutely parched into tinder by
the protracted heat of a long summer, and by the
large fires that had streamed through almost every
part of them. Let him theii ariimate the pictuye

58 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

by scattering conntless tribes of wild animals ; hun-
dreds of domestic ones ; and even thousands of men
through the interior. Having done all this, he will
have before him, a feeble description of the extent,
features, and general circumstances of the country,
which, on the night I have mentioned, was sud-
denly buried in fire.

E,esting on the indulgence of those who have
been kind enough to patronize this work, it may
not be improper to state, that I was, at the time of
the " Great J'iRE," residing within a mile of New-
castle. If my opinion be entitled to any considera-
tion, this is its candid expression. — A greater cala-
mity, than' the Fire, which happened in Miramichi,
never befel any forest country, and has been rarely
excelled in the annals of any other : and the gene-
ral character of the scene was such, that all it re-
quired, to complete a picture of the Geneeal Judg-
ment, was the blast of a Trumpet, the voice of the
Archangel, and the resurrection of the Dead.

During my first three years residence in JMira-
MiCHi — that is from October, 1824, to October, 1827,
I filled the office of chief clerk in a very respectable
mercantile house. The business consisted chiefly
in importing British, and West India goods and pro-
visions, which were sold to the lumberers, from
whom timber, deals, lathwood, &c., were received

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 59

in return, and shipped to different ports in Great
Britain and Ireland. The house also manufactured
timber rather extensively, on its own account ; and
employed a considerable capital besides, in ship
building.

At the expiration of my agreement with this
firm, I assumed a similar position in the office of an
eminent barrister, who afterwards became Queen's
Counsel, and a distinguished member of the Legis-
lative Assembly. This gentleman had very few, if
any superiors, either at " The Bar," -or in " The
Senate." He was eloquent, well educated, and
liberally endowed with personal and social qualifi-
cations. He possessed, one would suppose, every
thing that could be desired in order to insure suc-
cess : but he failed — failed notwithstanding all his
advantages : and was obliged, after many years of
professional and public life, to remove to the United
States.

"While I was with this gentleman, a circumstance
occurred, which seemed once more to open my way
to the sacred office— to the Priesthood. The oppor-
tunity looked very favourable — success almost cer-
tain. I resigned my situation in favour of one who
was afterwards called to « the Bab," and re-com-
menced my studies imder the most favourable cir-
cumstances. X For a year or so, every thing went

60 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

on smoothly and prosperously ; and the position to
which I sincerely and ardently aspired, became pro-
portionally near. But my Heavenly Father des-
tiioed me to fill an office very different from that of
a EoMisH Ecclesiastic. The Lord purposed in his
mercyj to give me other vs^ork to do ; and hence-
forth, " the breviary" and the missal ; the cope and
the stole, were no longer to exercise their charms
over me. But O, when I think on the kind and
gracious manner in which the Lord led me ; and of
the ways, unknown and unforeseen, by which he
conducted me, step by step, "from darkness into his
marvellous light" — when I think on these things,
and on his gracious and merciful dealings ever since,
I cannot find words to express my gratitude or sur-
prise. These reflections overwhelm me, and con-
strain me to cry out

" What am I, O thou glorious God ;'*

And what my falher»s houce to thee,
That thou such mercies hast bestowed,

On me, the vilest reptile, me ;
1 take the blessing from above,

" And wonder at thy boundless love." — Wesley.

The causes that turned me from these fond pur-
suits, and the ulterior and remote effects, which,
under God, followed in their train — these I think
deserve to be noticed in a full and circumstantial
manner. Thi§ I owe to myself— I owe it to God.

WESLEY AN MISSIONARY. 61

The following is a minute and detailed account of
the whole matter ; and to every enquiring and en-
lightened mind it will supply an illustration of the
inspired maxim, so fervently' cited by the apostle :
" O the depth of the riches both of the msdom and the
knowledge of God ; how unsearchable are his judg-
ments, and his ways past finding out."

A vacancy occurred by the death of Richard Si-
monds, Esq., in the representation of the county of
Northumberland ; and as the valley of " The Mira-
MicHi" formed the principal part of the electoral
district, a great deal of the excitement attending a
contested election prevailed there. Two gentlemen,
both very popular, became aspirants for the vacant
seat. They were both , of course, Protestants, the Ro-
man Catholics being at that time [1828] excluded
by_" The Penal laws" from both the Imperial and
Colonial Parliaments. One of the candidates, James
D. Fraser, Esq., was of the "High Church party;"
the other, Joseph Cunard, Esq., avowed liberal prin-
ciples, and was well known to be kind hearted and
generous, and sincerely opposed to political dis-
qualifications and religious tests. The former died
a member of the Nova Scotia Legislature, in which,
for many years, he efficiently represented the town-
ship of Windsor. In the present instance, Mr.
Cunard succeeded, and for several years represented

62 AUTOBIOSRAPHf O* A

his oonstitueiTcy with great zeal and fidelity. He
was afterwards promoted to "The Legislative
Council;" and in this higher sphere, he justified
the choice of" the Executive," and proved himself
to be worthy of a place in the Colonial Peerage.
A short time ago he relinquished all his honours,
and went to Liverpool, in Great Britain, where he
now resides, and carries on an extensive business as
a ship agent, and commission merchant.

My countrymen and co-religionists regarded me
with considerable reverence. Many circumstances
contributed to render me very popular with them.
They and the Acadian French formed a large sec-
tion of the freeholders ; and this fact rendered my
support very desirable. The contest was fierce and
protracted. Both parties maintained their ground
with equal firmness, and with nearly equal success-
Victory alternately hoyered over the standard of
each party ; and as the struggle drew towards a
close, each became more anxious for the triumph.
Mr. C's friends solicited my influence — I complied ;
but not until entreaties, arguments, and appeals to
religion and patriotism were repeatedly used. I
exerted ra.yae\£ legitimately — yea conscientiously, and
we prevailed. The battle was gained ; but the
defeated party was exasjperated. Many of these
were Scotch Romanists— the Bishop, Dr. McEache-

WeSleYan mi^stonarV. 63

rin, was also a Scotchman, and the defeated candi-
date was the son of a Scotchman. His Lordship was
highly displeased with my interference, and con-
demned it in no very measured terms. I could not
endure this. He was himself a great partisan, and
had often done the very same thing he rebuked in
me. I knew this ; and the Jesuitism he displayed,
incensed and disgusted me. I have seen priests on
the hustings in Ireland — I have heard them haran-
guing the electors, in a manner which no mere lay
demagogue could approach. I have known them
to compel the tenants to vote against their landlords,
and to denounce any that would presume to exercise
their elective franchise in opposition to their wishes.
This active and improper interference in Ireland,
is notorious ; it is extensively employed in Canada
East ; and in this province, the general election
held in 1850, was materially, and injuriously affected
by it. In proof of this assertion I need only refer
to the elections in Kent, Gloucester, and Victoria,
in all of which the returned members were the
nominees of the priest^.

But my Ecclesiastical superiors forsooth, disclaim-
ed all politics, although they were secretly working
themselves, nay more, when they granted me per-
mission to espouse the cause of the candidate that
eventually succeeded. The fault consisted not in

64 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP A

my doing it ; but in the way that I did it, I did it
openly and above board, and that constituted " the
head and front of my offending." The duplicity exhi-
bited on this occasion induced a new train of thought
and reflections ; or rather aided the developement
of sentiments and feelings, that had already begun
to exercise my mind. Previous to this, I had en-
dured a good deal of anxiety ; — I had begun to en-
tertain doubts concerning the principles in which I
had been educated. These often and sorely per-
plexed me ; sometimes I thought they were temp-
tations ; and that the enemy was thus permitted to
buffet me for my faults. These painful surmises
occasioned me great distress, I prayed — wept — fast-
ed ; but all in vain. I found no relief ; at other times,
these suggestions seemed to come from another
source, which I could neither understand, nor de-
signate. It was, however, evident to myself, that
my religious views, from some cause or other, had
undergone a great change ; and hence without a
pang, or even a regret, I abjured the clerical office,
at once, and for ever : and in a short time after, I
withdrew myself from the Romish church altoge-
ther.

I look back upon these things with feelings I can-
not describe. Twenty-five years have rolled into
eternity since then. I have experienced many vi-

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 65

cissitudes,and have had many trials, but my strength
has been always proportioned to my day. I can say
of a truth, I have been " in perils in the city, in
perils in the wilderness, in perils among false bre-
thren," but the Lord delivered me out of them all.

" Still hide me in thy secret place,
Thy tabernacle spread ;
Shelter me with preserving grace.
And screen my naked head."

All this time I had no right views of religion ; J.
knew nothing of the plan of salvation as it is re-
vealed in the Bible. I certainly was not a Koman-
ist: from my heart I renounced the whole system j
and from the day that I left the mission station at
Bartibog, to this hour, I never entered a Romish
place of worship, except a couple of times, while
I was stationed in Montreal, when I went into the
French Cathedral, after service hours, and merely
to examine the interior of that mammoth edifice.
I was in my heart a Protestant ; but I had no reli-
gion. I was dead in trespasses and in sins, but I
knew it not. The scales had not yet fallen from
my eyes. The veil was still upon my heart. I
often, indeed, felt great uneasiness ; and at inter-
vals I experienced something like a vague sense of
my lost condition as a sinner, and a consequent ap-
prehension of" the wrath of God." These emoticns,

D

66 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

however, were but slight in their operation, and
infrequent in their recurrence. I knew nothing of
the source whence they proceeded, or of the agent
that produced them. Regarding the influence of
the Holy Spirit, and a work of grace in the heart,
I was as ignorant as a Bedouin or an Arab.

I attended regularly every Sanday at either 'the
Episcopal Church, or the Presbyterian. These were
the only Protestant places of worship accessible to
me. I cannot say that I received any benefit, owing,
probably, to my own indisposition of mind, and to a
want of suitability in the services. The Rev. Mr.
Bacon, the Rector, was exceedingly anxious that I
should seek for orders in the Church of England ;
and had so far opened my way before I was aware
of it, in a correspondence with the Right Rev. Dr.
Stewart, then Bishop of Quebec, that his Lordship
directed him to forward me to Archdeacon Moun-
tain, with a view to my preparation for deacon's
orders. I was grateful for this kindness ; but being
wholly averse to such a course, I respectfully de-
clined his well-meant assistance and patronage.
The truth is, I felt an aversion to any further stu-
dies or preparations, with a view to the ministry, in
any branch of the Reformed Church, and had made
up my mind to be a layman, but to acquire all the
knowledge I could of the various systems of Pro-
testant theology.

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 6'i

I now applied myself, for the first time in my life,
to the close perusal of the Sacred Scriptures. After
a while, this became a truly delightful exercise.
My heart began to feel its sacred influence. Light
seemed to break in upon my mind. The truth as
it is in Jesus obtained an entrance into my soul. I
became thoughtful — even devout. I wanted to be
right before God ; and I earnestly prayed to him to
lead me into the right way — to make me acquainted
with myself, and to show me what I must do to be
saved.

I'have often thought since, that if I had any one
that would have explained to me the doctrine of
original sin — the nature of evangelical repentance,
and of justifying faith, and the necessity of being
born again, that I would have earnestly sought — yea,
sought until I had obtained, the salvation of God.

There were some Wesleyans in the neighborhood,
who would have kindly and effectively done this ;
but I did not communicate with them. I kept all
these matters to myself. They were as fire in my
bones : they burned within me, so that I suffered
greatly for my reserve. My only gnide at this
period was " the Lord the Spirit," and my only
counsellor was His true and lively Word. I felt in
my inmost soul that " all scripture is given by in-
spiration of God"— that the Bible is to every sincere

68 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

enquirer — the only infallible oracle — that all who
are trying to come unto God, find it to be " a lamp
unto their feet, and a light unto their path" — and
that whosoever lacks wisdom, and asks of God, will
find that he giveth to all liberally, and upTiraideth
not.

When I reflect on the goodness and mercy, the
wisdom and love displayed in " the Bible" ; and
see multitudes, not only of Roman Catholics, but of
nominal Protestants, such as Puseyites, and sui ge-
neris, turning their backs upon this true light, " in
which there is no variableness, 'neither shadow of
turning;" and running after the flickering and false
lights that glimmer through Canons, Traditions,
Decretals, and Legends ; when I see this, my soul
cries out in the language of holy indignation and
resolution:

" Should all the forms that men devise,
Assault my faith with treacherotis art ;
I'd call them vanity and lies,
And bind thy gospel to my heart."

While on this subject, I am forcibly reminded of a
circumstance of rather a singular character — a melo-
dramatic sort of occurrence, in which I was a
passive sort of actor, and which materially influenced
my religious views and feelings. And as it illus-
trates one of the ways, in which " the wrath of

WESIETAN MISSIONARY. 69

man" praises God, I shall here relate it in extenso.
The Rev. Mr. Dollard, the missionary priest residing
in Miramichi, having heard that the agents of" the
Bible Society," had been lately distributing a great
many copies of the Sacred Scriptures among his
people, resolved to counteract their efforts. He was
a meek and an unassuming man — better — much
better than his creed— better than most of his con-
freres ; but he was a Priest, and as such, was op-
posed to the circulation of " the word of God." When
the proper time ,|irrived, he and I set out upon our
crusade, the only one of the kind in which I ever
was engaged. We followed the trail of the distri-
butors, and succeeded in obtaining possession of
nearly all the copies they had circulated,. This
expedition was performed in the winter, and the
spoils thereof, which nearly filled our sleigh, were
brought safely home.

The late Dr. Doyle, Bishop of Kildare and
Leighlin, commended a peasant of his diocese, for
being so fastidious, as to take up with a pair of
tongs, a Bible, left with him in a similar way, and
bury it in his garden. We were entitled to similar
respect, for we put the Bibles by very carefully into
a large box stove that had fallen into disuse. Mr.
Dollard would not, could not destroy them. I re-
spected him while living, and now that he is dead

70 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

it is pleasing to reflect upon the way, in which his
conduct in this particular instance, contrasts with
that of some Biblk burning priests in Canada, and
elsewhere. Mr. Dollard was consecrated Bishop " in
partibus" in the year 1840 ; and exercised Episco-
pal jurisdiction in New Brunswick, until he died.
He bore his prelatic honours in a very becoming
manner ; and was the same plain and unostentatious
man, with his mitre and pectoral cross, that he was
before he received them.

I often reflected on this strange pursuit and cap-
ture of the Bibles; and the reflection always pro-
duced a great deal of mental disquietude, and from
a desire to allay this recurring conscience-fever,
and to gratify my curiosity, I used to visit " the
stove very frequently ; and in a hurried and steal-
thy manner, read portions of the Scripture. This
expedient was of very little service ; the disease
could not be reached by such superficial means —
indeed, I often felt worse after it ; and sometimes
after a few minutes' perusal, my mind would be so
distressed, that I would run out of the house into
the adjoining chapel, and there kneel for a long
time before "the Host," as an atonement for my
indiscretion and vacillation.

But God delivered me from the snare : He res-
cued me from this state of fear and thraldom, apd

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 71

brought me from being a timid and cursory reader
of his revealed will, to be a thoughtful and habitual
student of it. I have been endeavouring for many
years to preach " the unsearchable riches of Christ,"
and to make all men see, what is the fellowship of
the mystery, which from the beginning of the world
hath been hid in God,;" and I am disposed to regard
the incidents to which I have alluded, as precious
and important links in the mysterious chain, by
which he was pleased to conduct me to this high
and honourable position. May I have grace to make
full proof of my ministry — power to " do the work
of an Evangelist." O may I be faithful to "feed
the flock of God, taking the oversight thereof, not
by constraint, but willingly ; not for filthy lucre,
but of a ready mind." Amen. Even so Lord Jesus.

CHAPTER IV, .

CpUNECTBD WITH THE PrESS — EeMARKABJ,E CHARACTERS'"

Joins the Methodist Church — Visits Halifax,
Nova Scotia — Allusion to Hon. Joseph Howe —
Convinced of Sin — Experiences Religion — Passes
the Nova Scotia District Meeting — Appointed
to Murray Harbour — Eev. William Dowson»—
Remarkable Preservation.

The matters and events recorded in the preceding
chapter extended from the autumn of 1825 to that
of 1829. Towards the close of that year, I entered
into an arrangement with the proprietor and puh-
isher of '' the Northumberland Gleaner^" a very
respectable and well conducted paper. This sheet
was issued weekly, and advocated liberal principles
in a moderate and consistent manner. It has been
rendered a great benefit to the country, inasmuch
as it has diffused general information ; and promoted
several important measures in social and municipal
yeform.

I furnished articles in connexion with the current
jterature of the day ; and as a correspondent sup-
plied information upon all local and provincial sub-
jects generally. I worked hard in this department,
and amongst other labours, producad a good many

WBSLEYAN MISSIONARY. 73

essays under the head of " Atiauis" ; *' Civis" —
" Nemo" ; and a few after the manner of Black-
wood's "NocTES AmbrosianjE," and distingiiished
by the saroe expressive title.

My connexion with journalism led to my intimate
acquaintance with the principal merchants and the
professional classes, and through them to a general
knowledge of the entire community. This formed
a most heterogeneous mass, comprising a great deal
of the eccentric and the grotesque — a good deal of
worldly wisdom and selfishness — a large amount of
assumption — and a considerable portion of refine-
ment and intellectual worth — of commercial enter-
prise and sterling principles. From this diversified
multitude a few may be easily selected, and from
the material which their characters afford for such
a purpose, a few plain sketches may be easily exe-
cuted. The first whom I shall notice is C. M., as
strange a compound as you would meet with in any
place. His person and his mind perfectly agreed ;
and both were as gnarled and as tough as an old
oak. His arms and legs were uncommonly long ;
and his hands and feet the largest I ever saw. His
usual dress was black, faded, and much worn : his
motion consisted of long and rapid strides— he al-
ways reminded me of Dominie Sampson, only that
he had neither the simplicity nor the benevolence
d2

74 AUTOBIOQRAPHT OF A

of that worthy pedagogue. Meet C. M. when you
would he was always in a hurry — and looking fur-,
tively over his shoulder, as if he was afraid of being
pursued. His coat pockets were very capacious,
and generally contained biscuits, which, he used very
freely. He was moreover, an old bachelor, and
was possessed of considerable property. He was
shrewd, but honest ; and was often annoyed by the
boys and others who honoured him with the sou-
briquet of" Long Pockets."

A. S. was a gentlemanly man of good parts, and
of liberal education. He had been an army sur-
geon, and had seen some service. He enjoyed a
lucrative practice, and was deservedly a great fa-
vourite. A career at once useful and honourable lay
before him ; but he became intemperate ; the writer
of these pages often remonstrated with him, and
elicited, promises of amendment ; and he observed
them at intervals, but would as often relapse again.
At length he became a confirmed drunkard ; fell
into the most degrading habits, and into a state of
the most abject poverty ; and was found one morn-
ing lying dead at the public slip. Such was the
end of a very talented and popular surgeon, an end
too, brought on by himself, in the prime of life, and
when eminence and affluence were within his reach.

R. M. This individual was a weaver from the

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 75

North of Ireland ; but commenced life in New
Brunswick in a very humble department. He
began as a lumberer's cook ; but in despite of this,
and his illiteracy^ he became rich and influential.
He carried on lumbering more extensively than
any one else ; and was able to regulate and control
the market. Unfortunately he went too far ; lost
all that he had acquired ; and sunk, rather advanced
in. life, into hopeless and irremediable poverty.
When I last saw him he was begging ; and so sadly
was he changed, that I could hardly recognize in
the wretched and ragged man before me, the once
dashing and popular R. M., who was so intimate
with the heads of departments, and often entertained
Lieutenant Governors themselves. Sic transit glo-
ria mtindi,

K. A. was quite an original, and very clever in
many respects. He also was a member of the me-
dical profession, and was in great repute. He had
two hobbies nearly akin, and he almost rode the
poor creatures to death— duelling was one— pugil-
ism the other. I never heard that he ever engaged
in either of these amiable and fashionable pursuits ;
but he was constantly talking of pistols— hair
triggers — paces — boxiag-gloves, &c., and being a
small and very good natured looking man, he was
obliged, when discussing these topics, to look fero-

76 AUTOBIOGBAPHT OF A

cious and stretch himself in order to make a suitable
impression. He contrived, however, to live in peace
and good will with every one. His valour was
never tested, nor his wrath provoked ; exemptions,
which he ascribed to a formidable array of fighting
weapons that he kept hung up in his surgery.

This redoubtable disciple of Esculapius, had an
intimate acquaintance whom we shall call S. He
was a native of the Land of Cakes ; and seemed to
live upon the hereditary honour derivable from some
illustrious ancestor who fell at the battle of Sheriff-
muir. In his estimation this hero was equal to
either Marlborough or Wellington. S. was a Pres-
byterian, and a strenuous defender of the solemn
league and covenant. He looked upon Prelacy as
the mystery of iniquity; and regarded Liturgies
with as little reverence as he did " Old wives'
fables."

L. was an attorney, an excellent scholar too,
having taken the highest honours in Marischal
College, Aberdeen. He was a singular compoimd,
formed, one would judge, of the most conflicting ma-
terials. He was in fact a bundle of absurdities tied
up in contradictions ; and as he prided himself very
much on his knowledge of mathematics, and was
constantly using mathematical terms, some wags
honoured him with the surname of Pakallelogram.

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 77

He bore the honour meekly, and affected to look
upon it as a distinction to which he was most
justly entitled.

This series might be extended lo a great length :
but the addition of one or two more portraits will
be enough for our purpose. B. was a canny Scotch-
man ; one who knew how to take care of himself.
He was a stone Cutter by trade, and did a good deal
in the epitaph line. He would not admit that his
was a mechanical calling, but insisted that it was
artistic. In his eyes " Old Mortality " was the
Prince of Sculptors; and his efforts to perpetuate
the memory of " the Covenanters," a good and gra-
cious work. This worthy generally wore a tartan
jacket, and contended that Joseph's coat of many
colours was of the same material.

There is one more whom we shall represent by W
— an Irishman — a genuine and gifted Irishman. He
was a native of Bandon, and an Orangeman. His
principles were well known, and the maintenance
of them, often involved him in trouble. He was a
thorough and determined partisan, adored the me-
mory of Sohomberg, and would never weary sing-
ing " the Boyne water." Pope and Popery he con-
demned in the most unqualified manner ; and re-
garded every concession on the part of government
or the legislature, as a betrayal of the trust reposed

18 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

ill them. He is still living — and is as anti-catholic
as ever ; anJ as able, and as willing as he ever was
to celebrate the 12th of July, and as " a son of tem-
perance," honour " th§ Charter Toast" with a drink-
offering of good, clear, pure cold water ! !

What with editing, corresponding, and so forth,
my hands were pretty full, and my mind pretty
^leavily taxed : but in addition to these engagements
I travelled through the Northern and Eastern parts
(Jfthe Province, then almost in a wilderness state,
So that I may say I explored it. I was enabled to-
prosecute my researches with very little expense ;
every facility was afforded me that the circum-
stances of the country, such as the state of the roads,
modes and means of conveyance supplied. And,
although I had sometimes to " camp out," I suffered
very little inconvenience from this nomadic way
of spending the night. I availed myself of many
opportunities to converse with the Indians in their
wigwams — with the lumberers in their camps —
and with the Acadian habitans, and with the old
settlers. These enquiries occupied some months,
and resulted in the publication of a small octavo
volume, entitled '•' A compendious history of the
Northern and Eastern parts of the Province of New
Brunswick."

This was my first and last effort as an historian.

WESLEYAN MISSIONART. 79

for while it was going through the press, God was
pleased to bless me with that wonderful, that mar-
vellous visit of his pardoning and renewing grace,
which in a short time, withdrew me from all secular
pursuits, and conducted me into the Wesleyan Mi-
nistry, in which I have sustained an humble posi-
tion for nearly twenty-five years. When I reflect
on my antecedents — the plans formed for me — the
preliminaries arranged, and partially carried out, in
order that I might become a priest ; when I reflect
on all this, I am really filled with astonishment, and
can only say ; — what hath not God wrought ]

The effort to which I have alluded was, if I am
not mistaken, the first atteilnpt of the kind made in
New Brunswick. It was a kind of pioneer clearing
the way for others, and into which, Mr. Perley,
Dr. Gesner, and other eminent Provincialists have
since entered. From these gentlemen, and from
Richard Montgomery Martin, Esq., author of a
splendid and comprehensive work on the colonies,
the writer of the New Brunswick sketches received
very favourable notices.

I shall now in God's name, and by his help, lay
before the reader a full account of ray connexion
with the Methodist church— my conversion to God
■^and my call to the Christian ministry.

I joined the Methodist sppiety in Miramichi, in

80 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

the year 183 1, and received my first ticket from the
Rev. Enoch Wood, then superintendent of that
circuit, and now president of the Canada Confer-
ence. From this esteemed minister, and from his
no less esteemed and worthy colleague, the Rev.
Arthur McNutt, I received every attention which
the peculiarity of my case required. They both
treated me with great delicacy and consideration :
I profi.ted very much by their public minis(rations,
and also by repeated personal interviews, to which
they very kindly admitted me. The Rev. Mr.
Pickles, who preceded these gentlemen, regarded
me with great interest, and always evinced a, dis-
position to afford me all the spiritual help he could ;
and to the commencement of my acquaintance with
him my mind often reverts with pleasing and grate-
ful emotions. These honoured brethren are all liv-
ing, and zealously endeavouring to win souls to
Christ. The two latter are, at present, like myself,
members of the New Brunswick District.*

On the grounds above stated I am very much in-
debted to Mr. Joseph Spratt, of Chatham. He was
the first man that ever spoke to me of Methodism,
and of the state of my soul. From him also I
received the first invitation to meet in class. This

* Now a part of the Eastern Conference of British America.

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 81

kind hearted man cared for my soul. He often set the
plan of salvation before me in the plainest manner
possible ; and generally followed his instructive
efforts by fervent prayer to God for my conversion.
This worthy man is a native of Chester, England 5
and previous to his emigration, filled the offices of
local preacher and class leader, in his native city 5
and upon the introduction of Methodism into Mira-
michi, he was duly appointed to these important
trusts. He is still living, and though old and
stricken in years, he is running with alacrity and
patience the race set before him, looking unto Jesus.
When I had been but a few months in society,
and was still a seeker, the work to which I have
already advened was ready for the press. This
obliged me to go to Halifax, to superintend its publi-
cation, by Mr. Joseph Howe, then proprietor and
editor of "the Novascotian." This gentleman is a
son of the late John Howe, Esq., who was for many
years King's Printer in Nova Scotia, and Gustos of
the county of Halifax. He commenced public life
as a journalist, at a period when great political and
official corruption prevailed in all the colonies; espe-
cially in the North American ones. These fine
possessions of " the Crown," had not at that time,
even the theory of the constitution. True, the repre-
sentative forni of government prevailed ; but fhep

82 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

the local legislatures were only like Grand Juries ;
and all their measures were subject to the revision
and control of a secret council appointed by the
Governor. The country was ruled, not by " Heads
of Departments," not by a responsible executive,
chosen by the people — ^but by cliques and family
compacts. Mr. Howe became the popular advocate
of reform — in due time he obtained a seat in the
Legislature, and the office of provincial secretary,
which he now fills.* He is supposed to be the
leading man of the Nova Scotia Cabinet ; and is at
present very actively employed in promoting the
construction of provincial railways. He has many
fierce, but, I daresay, conscientious opponents ; he
has also a great many sincere and ardent friends.
But to return. While I was residing in Halifax,
the Lord was pleased to pour out his Holy Spirit
upon the Wesleyan Society and Congregation.
Great awakenings and searchings of heart imme-
diately ensued. The place of worship, Zoar Chapel,
became too small for the congregation, and after the
revival had continued for a short time, it became
indispensably necessary to hold simultaneous ser-
vices in the adjoining school room. Both places

• Recently appointed Chief Gommissioner of Railways for the Province
of Nova Scotia.

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 83

continued to be literally crowded ; and this circum-
stance, with others of a similar character, led to the
erection of a second" chapel in Brunswick Street.
The results of this divine effusion were great and
marvellous in our eyes. Many backsliders were
reclaimed, believers were quickened and sanctified,
and upwards of two hundred made a profession of
religion, and were received into the Church. Du-
ring the progress of these " Revival Meetings," I be-
came deeply convinced of sin ; for several days I
groaned under the terrible burden of a guilty con-
science ; and a terrifying sense of my exposure to
the wrath of God. I wept ; I prayed ; I tried to
believe — but I could not. I sought the Lord, but
found him not. On a Tuesday evening, I met in
class. I went thither with a heavy heart. When it
came to my turn to speak, I thought my heart would
break. I wept aloud, nay I roared by reason of the dis-
quietude of my soul ; it seemed as if the sorrows of
death encompassed me. All that night and the
following day, my convictions of sin were very
deep and powerful. I cried unto God with all
my heart. O how often, and how fervently did I
pray in the language of the blind man of Jericho,
« Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me."

On Wednesday evening I went to the prayer
meeting in the school-room, determined to wrestle

84 AUTOBIOGRAPHT OF X

with God, and never to give up until my soul should
be set at liberty by his victorious love. The meet-
ing was a most gracious one. The presence of God
seemed to pervade the whole assembly ; a solemn
awe rested upon every soul — it appeared to me as if
the Lord was there for the express purpose of saving
souls. I felt that we would witness signs and won-
ders ; and behold^remarkable displays of his pardon-
ing mercy, and saving grace. Hope began to spring
up in my soul 5 and light began to beam upon my
understanding: I felt a hungering and thirsting
after salvation — a most vehement desire — a yearning
to obtain the conscious forgiveness of ray sins, and
to feel and know that I was truly converted, and
made a child of God.

At length the time arrived that I so much longed
for. The minister conducting the service, invited
any who were penitent to come forward. Many
instantly complied with the invitation, I was one
of them. The Lord the spirit enabled me to go for-
ward. I remember it weil. I fell on my knees
before God, and poured out my soul in prayer. For
two hours or so, I prayed, and wept^and wrestled
with God ; and by his grace, I was enabled to cast
my soul upon his mercy ; and to believe in Jesus
Christ, with my whole heart. The burden was re-
moved — njy troi}]3led and guilty conscience was set

Vtesleyan missionarV. 85

at rest. I obtained redemption through the blood
of sprinkling : my sins were all pardoned. I felt it
— I knew it. I was jiistified freely by the grace of
God, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
I rose up from my knees — the room was crowded ;
my heart was full ; the sacred fire that fell from
Heaven, burned within me ; then spake I with
my tongue ; I proclaimed what God had done for
me ; and while I was endeavouring, with a stam-
mering tongue, to magnify "the grace of God," and
glorify his son Jesus, the whole congregation lifted
up -their voiccs> and sung this expressive and beauti-
stanza :

"My God IS recoQC'lledi

His pardoning voice I hear ;
He owns me for his childj

I call no longer fear j
Wilh confidence I now draw nigh,
And Father, Abba Father, cry."

I went home rejoicing in the love of God; my
earthen vessel was full. I was happy — truly happy.
Old things had indeed passed away ; and all things
had become new. My previous life seemed like a
dream ; I now saw that I had all my life been walk-
ing in a vain show. I remember that Popery ap-
peared unto me as it never did before. The whole
system presented itself to my mind as a religious
harlequin ; but at the same time, a harlequin whose

86 AUTOBIOGRAPHY 0» A

gambols and exploits are disgraced by fraud, cruelty,
and bloodshed.

In an unusually short time I passed " the March
Quarterly Meeting " and was recommended to " the
District." I was presented to this body at their an-
nual meeting in Halifax, in the May following. I
was treated with the greatest tenderness. I felt my-
self to be at once among Christian ministers, and
brethren in the Lord. I underwent a long and
searching examination touching doctrines ; my con-
version to God ; and my call to the ministry. The
whole District expressed themselves highly gratified
with the result ; and unanimously recommended
me to " the Conference," to be taken out as a mis-
sionary. This recommendation was received, and
adopted ; and in pursuance thereof, I was appointed
to Murray Harbour, Prince Edward Island.

This station was then connected with Charlotte
Town, the capital of the Island ; both places forming
one circuit, under the superintendence of the late
Rev. William Dowson. I became acquainted with
Mr. D. on my arrival in Halifax, where he was then
stationed ; and under his auspices I was brought into
the work. He treated me with great kindness,
and did everything in his power to promote my
Bpiritual welfare. And in order to express my re-
gard for his memory, and my gratitude for his kind-

, WESLETAN MISSIONABY. ST

ness, I shall here transcribe his obituary from the
minutes of 1846, In answer to the usual question,
"what Preachers have died during the year/' it
was stated : —

" William Dowson, who died on Friday, the 29th
of May, 1846, at the residence of his son-in-law, W.
D. Albury, Esq., in the sixtieth year of his age, and
the thirty-sixth of his ministry. He was the third
in the succession of British Wesleyan Missionaries
who have laboured in the Bahamas. For some
time he had been a'supernumerary. In his parental,
pastoral, and ministerial relations, he was esteemed
and loved. A few days before his decease, he was
joined by several branches of his family, in partak-
ing of the Lord's Supper; after which he com-
mended them to God in the most solemn and im-
pressive manner. He then spoke of the sure founda-
tion of his feith and hope, and of his earnest long-
ing to depart and be with the Lord. Calmly re-
posing in the merits of his Saviour, and experienc-
ing the benefits of his all-prevalent intercession, and
the fellowship of His Holy Spirit, he waited for his
Master's coming till Friday night, when he quietly
entered into rest."

Murray Harbour was settled chiefly by emigrants
from the Norman Isles. Their language was a sort
of Lingua Franca, or French Patois 5 but they all

88 AUTOBIOGRAfHT OP A

knew English tolerably well. With very few ex-
ceptions, they were all Wesleyans. Great sim-
plicity distinguished their habits ; and in their
houses, wearing apparel, &c., they were exceed-
ingly neat and primitive. This station was first
supplied with a regular preacher at the request of
the late renowned Dr. Adam Clarke ; and during
one of the periods that he occupied the chair of the
Conference. This great and good man was held in
the highest estimation by this little community.
They often adverted, and with deep feeling to the
time that he laboured in their native Islands, dwell-
ing particularly upon his privations, trials, and
persecutions.

The membership included several eminently
pious souls, especially among the females. These
were, indeed, women of chaste conversation; coupled
with fear. They were precious in the sight of God,
and laboured to be found of Him in peace, without
spot and blameless. Among these devout women
and mothers in Israel, Madame de Jersey, and Ma-
dame Machon, were very distinguished. These
two venerable saints were very kind to me ; and
although many years have fled away since I saw
either of them, I still cherish for their memory and
their character unabated and profound respect. I

WESLEYAJf MISSIONARY. 89

have not heard of the death of these Godly matrons,
bat in all probability they have long ago —

" Escaped to the mansions of light,
And are lodged in the Eden of love."

In so limited a sphere, as that which now engages
our attention, very little of an extraordinary cha-
racter, or of great importance would be likely to
happen. The people were very kind. The Lord
gave me favour in their eyes. He was pleased also
to own my labours, and to bless the preaching of
his word to many precious souls. Several died, too,
while I laboured on the circuit ; but all of them
died in the Lord. I enjoyed very favourable oppor-
tunities for reading and studying, and availed my-
self of them. During the two years that God per-
mitted me to occupy this retired post, I studied
Methodism very closely. Its history was carefully,
and I think impartially reviewed ; its ecclesiastical
organization and polity were investigated,and its doc-
trines, morals, and religious usages were tested by the
Word of God. These researches, by the divine
blessing, issued in fully convincing me of the va-
lidity of our ordination ; the evangelistic character
of our tenets ; and that Methodism as a whole, is not
only a very Scriptual form of Christianity, but also a
peculiar developement of it: and that it is better

30 AUTOBlOGRAPHr OP A

adapted than any other form or system, for carrying
on, and accomplishing that spiritual warfare,, by
which Messiah will obtain " the heathen for his in-
heritance, and the uttermost part of the earth for his
possession." These convictions, nearly twenty-five
years experience, have only deepened and consoli-
dated.

One remarkable circumstance occurred during
the time I was stationed in Murray Harbour ; and
as it immediately concerns myself, in connexion
with the special interposition of divine providence,
I shall make a grateful and devout commemoration
of it, form the conclusion of this chapter.

I resided at Madame Machon's, on the right side
of the harbour, and nearly opposite to what are
called " the Narrows.^' On the other side, but some
distance farther down, a young man and his wife
lay in the last stage of a consumption. I was in the
habit of visiting them every second day. The
spring was now far advanced ; the harbour, as usual,
had been frozen over all the winter, and the ice
was still considered perfectly safe. Yesterday it
was travelled by sleighs in every direction. To-
day, I had to visit the sufierers above mentioned ;
and as I was wont to do, I went. I crossed the har-
bour on the ice. The day was very fine — indeed
balmy and warm for the season. I remember well

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 91

— I was walking along, my hands behind my hack,
and my heart lifted up to God, beseeching him to
make my visit profitable ; — and just at the moment
while I was repeating some passages in the Psalms,
which I intended to apply— just then, and while
crossing " the Narrows," the ice gave way under
my feet, and I was suddenly precipitated into the
channel. I made a violent effort to re-ascend, and
succeeded in getting my arms out over the ice ; but
it broke again, even undpr that slight pressiire : and
I fell back into more than two fathoms of water,
and where there was a very rapid current. I suc-
ceeded, but cannot tell how, in getting out upon
the ice again, and was providentially rescued by two
of Mrs. Machon's sons. They conducted me home,
benumbed with cold, and almost exhausted. I saw
the hand of God in this occurrence very plainly. I
had some notion, when setting out, to put on my
surtout, a very heavy one, but did not. Had that
been on me, I could never have escaped, but would
have sunk almost immediately. Again — had my
deliverers heen four ot five minutes later, all would
have been over. The water was very cold ; and I was
so exhausted when they took me out, that I was
unable to stand. The Lord was my help and my
salvation ; but for his preserving care the waves
would have gone over my soul. He was a present

92 AtitofiioeRAPHt or A

help in this time of trouble, a deliverer in the hour of
peril and danger.

" In midsl of dangers, fears, and deaths,
Thy goodness 1*11 adore ;
I'll praise thee for thy mercies past,
And humbly hope for more."

CHAPTER V.

S*rATiONED IN Liverpool, N. S. — Some Account op the
Wesleyan Church there — ^Appointed to Halifax,
N.S.— Ordained at Newport — Married— Appoint-
ed to Guysborough — Hon. Judge des Barres — Re-
sponsible GOVERNMENT— Appointed to Quebec— the
Saint Lawrence — Seat of Government — Odell
Town — Canadian Rebellion, &c., &c.

My next station was Livrepool, in Nova Scotia ; a
beautiful and flourishing sea port, on the western
shore ; an air of comfort approaching even to af-
fluence, pervades every part of it. The inhabitants
are proverbial for kindness and intelligence ; nor
are there many places in which a Wesleyan Minis-
ter wpuld enjoy more comfort in his domestic circle,
pr be more happy in his work. The district meeting
was held here in May 1834, and the Rev. William
]VIcDonald, the preacher in charge during the pre-
ceding year, having died in the March previous
tQ our assembling, I was appointed to supply his
place. He was a very promising man, and had it
pleased the Lord to spare him, he would, no doubt,
have become an able minister of " the New Testa-
ment." He died of consumption, superinduced, I
think, by close application and repeated exposures

91 XUTOBIOGRAPHT 07 A.

to the inclemency of the climate. This dear brother
fell asleep in Jesus, in the sixth year of his ministry,
greatly and deservedly lamented.

The Methodist church in Liverpool, at this time,
included many precious souls, who were indeed
« the salt of the earth." Among these the follow-
'ug brethren were very prominent : — Joshua New-
ton, Esq., custos and port collector ; Robert Barry,
Esq., an upright and intelligent magistrate ; Mr. Sel-
lon, the keeper of the light liouse; Mr. West, a
highly respectable mechanic ; Mr. Thomas Freeman,
and James Barrss, Esq., an efficient member of
the Colonial Legislature. They all have, except
the last, crossed the flood, and entered into the pro-
mised inheritance ; and he is following them, and
has nearly to the margin come. My labours, though
performed in weakness and trembling, were owned
of God. He gave us " seed time and harvest," and
"fruitful seasons." The preaching of the word,
through the divine blessing, was rendered very
effectual, in increasing the congregations, and in
awakening and restoring some who had turned
aside from the holy commandment given unto them.
I was succeeded the following year, by the Rev.
Mathew Cranswick, a man distinguished for his
zeal and devotedness to the work of the ministry ;
and hence his entrance upon the circuit, was fol-

WESLETAN MISBIOKART. 95

lowed by an extensive revival of religion, during
which, many were brought from darkness into mar-
vellous light, and many perfected in love.

In 1835, 1 was associated with the Rev. Richard
Knight, in Halifax, and prospectively appointed to
the same place for the following year, in conjunction
with the Rev. John F. Hetherington. I am now for
the second time the colleague of Brother Knight ;
and we are drawing to the close of our third year,
in this, the Saint John south circuit. God has
blessed our labours in a most signal manner ; and
owing to copious and repealed effusions of the Holy
Spirit, the societies and congregations are in a
highly prosperous condition. Brother Hethering-
ton is now stationed in Glasgow, Scotland, still la-
bouring on at God's command, and offering all his
works to him. I am indebted to these two excel-
lent brethren for a great deal of kindness and love
unfeigned ; and I avail myself of this opportunity
to acknowledge and record it.

My probation being now closed, I was according
to the usages of our body, solemnly set apart to the
work of the ministry, by imposition of hands. For
a long time the only form of ordination observed
among us was a formal recognition by the Conference,
and which was termed being " received into full
connexion." This is one of thp peculiarities which

9§ AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A ■

render Methodism perfectly unique, and it resulted
from its being looked upon not as a distinct church
but a Christian society, or reformed and purified
section of the Church of England. The more scrip-
ttiral and apostolic mode, namely the laying an of
the hands of the Presbytery, was first introduced in
the ordination of missionaries, in order to give them
a suitable position — qualify them more fully for
their arduous labour — and clothe them with that
amount of ministerial authority, necessary to coun-
teract the insolence and prejudice that often pre-
vailed in the Colonial governments. But things are
now greatly altered. High Churchism has lowered
its crest — the policy of Downing Street has expe-
rienced a thorough change — and the Provincial
satraps and red tapists have been rebuked. Our
Missionary committee stands deservedly high in the
esteem of the Imperial Government ; and any Colo-
nial administrator, that would unjustly, or in an ar-
bitrary manner, interrupt our missionary operations,
would subject himself to serious inconveniences.
What hath not God wrought.

But to return, the ordination services in my case,
were performed in a very impressive and solemn
manner. I was deeply affected by them ; and felt
myself to be totally undeserving of such an honour.
And now, after the lapse of so many years, my

WESIBTAN MISSIONART. 97

short comings and imperfections array themselves
against me; but blessed be God, I feel that my
iniquity is purged, that my sin is taken away, and
that I stand accepted through the beloved. The
event which elicits these observations, took place
on the 28th of May, 1837,. in the Wesleyan chapel,
Oaklandsi, in the Newport Circuit.

I have now to notice another event, also a very
important one ; and one too, that almost invariably
follows the ordination of a Wesleyan minister. I
derived the greatest advantages from it, and imbibe
exquisite pleasure from commemorating it. I allude

to my marriage — happy marriage, with Mrs. ,

a woman (I prefer the term to every other) every
way adapted to be a missionary's wife, and who
lias_^been for a period of eighteen years, this very
day June 20, 1855, a blessing to myself, and to the
various societies and congregations among whom
we have lived and laboured. I do of a truth, include
my invaluable wife among the choicest blessings,
" the giver of every good and perfect gift" has bes-
towed upon me. Her maiden name was ; her

honoured father has long since entered into rest ;
but her mother is still living, a widow of three
score and fifteen years of age — a mother in Israel
— patiently waiting the coming of her Lord, and
^ble to say,

E 2

98 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Of A

" Let this feebl« body fail,
And let it droop and die ;
My soul shall quit the mournful VAle,
And soar to worlds on high. "

My beloved S. and I were married at Halifex,her
native city, on the 20th of June, 1837, by the Rev.
Jno. P. Hetherington, then Superintendent of that'
circuit ; and on the following morning, we embarked
for Guysboroughj our first station .

Guysborough is a small town, situate at the head
of Chebucto Bay, and about 30 miles from Canso.
We found the society in a good state, all trying to
walk by the same rule, and to mind the same thing
They bade us welcome in the name of the Lord
and we soon found, that our lot was cast among a
kind hearted and affectionate people. And in
other spheres of labour, often have we reverted to
Guysborough, and wished that the amiable qualities
for which it had become proverbial, were more
generally diffused. We became greatly attached
to this circuit ; and hence our unexpected removal
from it, at the expiration of our first year, was a trial
of our submission. The district meeting was held
in Charlotte Town, and on ray arrival there, I
learned that the missionary committee had appointed
me to Canada. ,Our Guysborough friends and people
felt the separation very keenly ; and when the time
for taking our departure arrived, several of them

WESLEYAN MI&SIONAET. 99

accompanied us to the vessel that was to convey us
to Halifax. We vi^ere most liberally furnished with
every thing necessary to make our short voyage a
comfortable one j and one kind sister, Miss Char-
lotte Newton, not satisfied with taking leave on
board, went round by the shore a considerable dis-
tance, 9,nd ascending a rooky eminence that pro-
jected from the main land, she sat down, and there
remained waving a white handkerchief, until dis-
tance intervening rendered us mutually invisible.
This parting scene imprinted itself upon my mind ;
the picture it embodied has often risen up before
me ; its poetry has often touched my heart, and
even now while I am writing, the remembrance of
the whole is so vivid, that all becomes as it were
distinct and palpable, and past occurrences are re-
vived by the force of present reflections. We be-
hold the jutting clifi"— we see our dear friend and
sister seated upon it — we see the white handker-
chief fluttering to and. fro in the wind — and in our
hearts we say —

"In flesh we part a while,
But still in spirit joined ;
To embmce the happy toil,
Thou hast to each assigned j
And while we do thy blessed will,
We bear our Heaven about us still. "

The kindness we experienced in Guysborough

100 AUTOBIOORAPHT OT A

was not confined to the Methodists — the Episcopa-
lians also shewed us great favour. Uninterrupted
harmony had subsisted between us during the whole
year. We had, during that period, received many
tokens of regard from Mr. Hartshorne and family—
from Mr. Cutler and family— and Mr. DesBarres
and family — and others. Mr. D. was then in the
legislature, as representative for the town of Guys-
borough, and was in good practice as a barrister.
He joined the liberal party — and arraigned himself
under Mr. Howe's banners. He continued always
to act with that gentleman, rendering him and his
party that assistance, which a consistent mainte-
nance of liberal measures could not fail to afford.
In due time he received the reward of his fidelity,
being appointed to a judgeship in the Court of
Queen's Bench. In this new and elevated station,
he has evinced the same moderation and firmness ;
and in most cases, his decisions and other judicial
acts have afiorded general satisfaction. We met
with him lately at Parsborough, on our way from
Saint John to Windsor ; looking older of course, but
he soon recognized us in a manner which shewed
that neither his memory nor his kindness, had suf-
fered any diminution. Guysborough has the ho-
nour just now, to be represented by the Speaker,
Mr. Stewart Campbell, but bow long it may enjoy

WESLETAir UHSIOKART. 101

that distinction is quite uncertain. The tenure of
office under responsible government, is very frail,
and subject to many and strange vicissitudes, a gen-
tleman who is now oue of the in's, may at the next
election be an outsider. All depends upon the popu-
lar voice — the constituencies rule. The party that
has the majority has the power, hence the power is
with the people. The working of responsible go-
vernment shews that the people, under the repre-
sentative form, are in reality the source of legitimate
power. They create the ministry — supply the
crown with advisers and councillors ; and so com-,
pletely carry on the administration by their re; r^-
sentatives and proxies, that " the hustings" are in-
timately connected with " the throne," and are
the very foundations upon which " the constitution
rests." The right of suffrage — or the elective fran-
chise as it now exists in Great Britain, and in hier
trans-atlantic colonies, is at once, one of the fruits,
and one of the safe guards of a free constitution ;
and under such a systemj a revolution is almost as
impracticable as progress and improvement are cer-
tain and inevitable. England may experience re-
verses both by sea and land — her commerce may
pass through many vicissitudes ; but while she up-
holds her constitution, and adheres to the principles
of « the Eeformation," taking " The Bible" for her

102 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

charter and the rule of her faith, God will never
leave her, nor forsake her; but will he with her by
his presence and guardian care,- and make her an
hundred fold greater Ihan she is.

To return to Gwysborough ; — We embarked on
board the Mermaid, a schooner belonging to the
port ; and after a short and pleasant passage, arrived
safely in Halifax, intending to leave by the very
first opportunity for Quebec. This we did when
the first opportunity arrived, whicji was not until a
month after our landing in Halifax. At length after
some delay, and not a little disappointment, we
sailed for the ancient capital of Canada, on board a
Brigantine called " the Dove." We were twenty
days performing the passage, the greater part of the
time being spent in ascending the Saint Lawrence.
Our craft was a tolerably good sea boat ; but her
sailing qualities were of little use. We were nearly
all the time either becalmed, or retarded by head
winds.

The Saint Lawrence is, indeed, a noble river

the great artery through which the life's blood of
Canada flows. By it a vast commerce is carried on
with Europe ; and through it the industry of the
west finds its way to the most desirable markets.
It commences, properly speaking, at Cape Chat, for
below this point it may be called the Gul/ofSt. Law^

WX8l.I!TAN MUSIONARY. 103

rence. From the Cape up to Quebec, and, indeed,
thence to Montreal — the head of the ship naviga-
tion — the river is very picturesque and beautiful.
The land on both sides presents that agreeable va-
riety which is comprised in an equal proportion of
hill and dale — unreclaimed forests and cultivated
lands. Mountains in many places form a very im-
posing back ground ; while the foreground is filled
up with villages, churches, and other features of
rural beauty. There are several bei|,utiful islands
studding different portions of the river, and these
contribute very much to its embellishment and
attraction.

We arrived in Quebec about 10 o'clock on as fine
a night as could possibly be : the moon was full,
and the water as bright and unruffled as the surface
of a mirror. We came to anchor at a short distance
from the " Malabar," seventy-four, the leading ship
of the squadron that accompanied the Earl of Dur-
ham to Canada, in his capacity of Governor General
and Lord High Commissioner, to which important
offices the Whig Ministry had recently appointed
him.

His Lordship was a Whig of the old stamp, and
as John George Lambton, Esq., he rendered his
party great service in the House of Commons. Being
very rich and of an ancient femily, he was raised to

104 AUTOSIOeSXPHT Ct A

the Peerage, and having, as Kussian Ambasador,
very efficently represented the British Crown, and
maintained British interests, he was selected to allay
the troubled waters in Canada. How he succeed-
ed will be noticed elsewhere.

Quebec is a city of considerable eminence in both
a political and commercial point of view. It wears
quite a venerable appearance, — presents a great
many points of attraction, and is surrounded by
magnificent scenery. Point Levi, the St. Charles,
Cape Diamond, the Cul de Sac, "Wolfe's Cove, and
Orleans Island, form a noble panorama, and add to
the importance of the place. Quebec is now the
seat of Government, but how long it will enjoy
that honour, no one can determine. Canada has
railroads, suspension bridges, canals, and other pub-
lic works worthy of an Empire, but it has no Go-
vernment house — no permanent seat of Government
— no legislative halls. Toronto, Montreal, King-
ston, and Quebec, have all in their turn rejoiced in
the honours of metropolitanship ; and have been the
resting places of our wandering Executive, and peri-
patetic statesmen. Why this migratory system is
pursued I know not, Retrenchm.ent is not the rea-
son ; philanthropy cannot be the motive ; ostenta-
tion is not the cause : in fact, for such a ludicrous
proceeding only one reason can be assigned— :viz.,

WESIEYAN MISSIONARY. 105

the concentration of so inuch wisdom, and so much
patriotism in one place for a long time, is more than
any one place could endure.

Hence charity lies at the bottom of all this absur-
dity ; or rather, our rulers and legislators have so
, high an opinion of themselves, and such tender
concerns for us, that they are willing to appear
beside themselves for our sake. We are a people
highly favoured, but we are not aware of it. We
are objects of the most tender solicitude, but we
don't know it. The public monies are squandered
for our benefit, and we are not conscious of it. Every
thing is done, in every possible way, for the good of
the country, and still the unreasonable people ex-
claim, " we want retrenchment and reform,''

After remaining some time in Quebec, where we
experienced a great deal of Christian kindness and
hospitality, we proceeded to Montreal, and in ac-
cordance with an affectionate invitation, took up our
abode while we remained in that city, in Mr. John
Matthewson's beautiful suburban cottage near " the
Priests' farm," Mr. M. is proverbially the friend
of Methodist preachers — his heart — his house are
always open to receive and entertain them. From
him and his excellent wife and family, we received
that attention which is so gratifying to strangers in
every place.

108 AUTOBIOGRAPHT Of A

Our conference appoinment was Quebec, but
owing to the detention we met with in Halifax,
already noticed, that station had to be supplied, and
we were obliged to assume the charge of Odell
Town. This lies in the seignory of La Colle,and
in the midst of a French population. It also forms
the boundary line between that part of Canada East,
and the state of New York. In the previous year,
1837, a rebellion of a very alarming character, had
broken out in Canada. The hahitans, or French
Canadians had long been in a state bordering on in-
surrection, owing principally, to long and serious
misunderstanding between the Execiitive and the
popular branch of the Legislature. The manner in
which this fine colony was governed, previous to
the establishment of the responsible system, was
any thing but constitutional . Cliques, family com-
pacts, and similar close and selfish organizations,
directed public affairs as their own interests sug-
gested. Addresses to the throne, remonstrances,
and other legislative expedients, usually adopted in
such cases, were totally disregarded. Things went
on growing worse and worse — recriminations —
heart burnings — parliamentary dissolutions, and oc-
casional ez officio prosecutions followed. For a while
these and other inflammatory proceedings, burned
like subterranean fires, invisibly but fiercely ; and

•WESLETAN MISSIONART. 101

at length, they broke out into a flame that spread
through the whole country, and involved it in re-
bellion. The inhabitants generally, took up arms
against the government ; and although the attempt
was promptly suppressed, and the leaders either dis-
persed, or sent to Bermuda, the insurrection broke
out again in the fall of 1838, and raged with great
violence in the above seigniory, and in De Lery, and
Napierville, and L'Acadie ; and indeed through the
whole country, extending from the left bank of the
Saint Lawrence, to the American Lines.

In Odell Town, we soon found ourselves in the very
midst of the insurgents ; the whole population, ly-
ing outside of the precincts thereof, being made up
of Canadians. All the fighting that occurred in this
second outbreak, consisted of two battles, both
fought in Odell Town and its immediate vicitiity,
and in the course of the same week — the first on
Wednesday Nov. 7, the second on the following
Saturday. About the same time a very sanguinary
engagement took place at Prescott, in Upper Cana-
da ; but in every instance the rebels were defeated.
The remembrance of these distressing events brings
them all up before me, and suggests the propriety
of doing something more than merely alluding to

them.

Several causes conspired to produce this second
revolt ; but the two principal ones were, the gross

108 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

ignorance of the people, misconstruing the conduct
of the Government, and ascribing to fear, that which
proceeded from clemency ; and the abrupt depar-
ture of the Earl of Durham, and the consequent
delegation of his authority, to the commander of the
forces, Sir John Colborne. His Excellency had
scarcely got out of the Saint Lawrence, before symp-
toms of disaffection appeared ; and these were
speedily followed by occasional overt acts and deeds
of violence. The Executive consisted of crude ma-
terials hastily put together, and destitute of com-
pactness and vigour. The loyal inhabitants were
obliged to take the initiative — nay such was the
supineness and the imbecility of the then ruling power
in Canada, that it^'was not until after the second
battle had been fought in Odell Town, that they
became aware of their danger, or adopted any suit-
able measures for the defence of the country.

This unaccountable lethargy infected the military
as well as the civil authorities, so that the two
affairs in Odell Town were settled between the in-
surgents and loyal inhabitants themselves ; the lat-
ter self-organized, and hastily formed into volunteer
companies. No assistance whatever could be ob-
tained from the regular troops, although repeated
applications were made, and a whole regiment of
infantry, the 24(th, was lying quietly ensconced at
Isle aux Noix.

WESLEYAN MISSIONART. 109

The mora] effect, however, was better. The sup-
pression of the rebellion by mere volunteers, or rural
soldiery, opeued the eyes of the Canadians, and
convmced them that (here was enough of loyalty in
the country to preserve its integrity. The Ch'artisis in
England were taught the same practical lesson a few
years ago, when a demonstration was intended, and
the arrangements for it all^concluded. Their plan
was to go through the streets of London in solemn
procession. The Government wisely resolved to pre-
vent it — a measure which they accomplished, not
by squadrons of cavalry, and battalions of infantry ;
but by a corps of special constables, among whom
was the present Emperor of France, Napoleon III.
This circumstance exhibited, in a striking manner,
the power of conservatism, and how deeply rooted
that principle is in the English mind. At this pe-
riod the whole continent was convulsed — sceptres
were broken to pieces, and thrones were pulled
down — Kings and Queens were flying before their
indignant and exasperated subjects — and institutions,
forms of government, and dynasties paralysed and
degraded by their own corruptions, had fallen before
the popular will, and lay in shapeless masses at the
feet of the sovereign people. But in England, order
prevailed ; the loyalty of the people maintained the
public tranquillity, and the flexibility of the consti-
tution saved the Empire.

CHAPTEU VI.

Rbbellion— Battles of La Colle and Odell Towk—
Subsequent Death of some who took part in
THESE Engagements — Appointed to Stanstead —
MiLLEMSM, &o. — Church Establishments.

The writer does not intend to open wounds that are
healed, or to disinter remembrances that are buried.
He does not allude to the battles of La Colle and
Odell Town, from any pleasure the retrospection
afiords ; but because he feels it to be a bounden,
though painful duty. The memory of the brave
men who fell on these occasions — the patience and
constancy — fealty and courage of others — the bodily
sufferings of those who were maimed and wounded
— and above all, the irreparable loss of those who
were bereaved of husbands and fathers, call loudly
for such a tribute.

On the 7th of November, early in the forenoon,
sympathizers and rebels, amounting to more than
four hundred, entered the Province from Rouse's
• Point, State of New York. They were well pro-
vided with arms and assorted ammunition, and were
supported by a field piece. After a short time,
they took up a good position between Mr. Mussen's
farm and the high road leading; to Champlain ; but

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. Ill

they had scarcely executed this manoBUvre, when
the Hemmingford vokinteers, two hundred strong,
and commanded by Major Scriyer arrived in Odell-
town, thus augmenting the force in that place to
350 equipped and effective men. A party not in-
cluded in this number, under Major Stott, of Saint
Valentine, attacked the advanced post of the insur-
gents, and forced it to retire upon the main body,
while Colonel Odell, supported by Majors Scriver
and March, fell upon the remainder, and rendered
the action general. The arrangement on this occa-
sion evinced a good deal of judgment, and tended
to secure the result that followed. Major March
and Captain Straker occupied the right, the men
under Major Scriver, composed the centre and the
left, and to Captains Fisher, Weldon, and Hays was
assigned the hazardous duty of flanking.

The numerical force on both sides was nearly
equal, but the insurrectionists had certainly the best
position, and this important circumstance, together
with their piece of ordnance, gave them a decided
advantage.

The action continued for nearly an hour, when
the rebels fled in the utmost confusion, leaving
eighteen of their party dead on the field, besides
nine wounded, two of whom died soon after.
Among the fruits of this victory were the cannon,

112 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF A

a large quantity of ammunition, nearly three hun-
dred stand of arms, and several prisoners.

Napierville, at this time, was the head quarters
of the revolutionary army, and also the seat of the
Provisional Government. When the news of this
signal defeat reached here, a force of more than six
hundred strong was hastily collected together, in
order to renew the attack upon Odell Town, and
avenge the loss they had sustained. To meet this
formidable onset, some of the volunters entrenched
themselves in the Wesleyan Church, a large stone
edifice, while others selected the best positions in
the immediate vicinity. Their whole number did
not exceed two hundred ; but notwithstanding this
fearful odds against them, they resisted the enemy
for more than two hours, and eventually compelled
them to retreat, broken and discomfited.

In these disastrous affairs several of the volunteers
were killed and eleven wounded ; none severely
however, except Lieutenant Hiram Odell, and pri-
vate James Kidd. Many were saved as by the
skin of their teeth, as the following instances will
abundantly prove, A rifle ball tore open Major
March's cap, and was found in the lining. A mus-
ket ball entered the cartouche box Worn by Ensign
Van Vleit, and dropped down among the rest of the
ammunition. A bullet stiruck the breast plate of

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 113

Private Armstrong, of Captain Straker's company,
with such force, that it was indented, and his breast
discoloured. The captured gun was effectively
served by Lieutenant Curran, of the Hemmingford
militia, assisted by Sergeant Beatty, of the first
Koyals ; and all cheerfully and eiRciently performed
the duty which as loyal British subjects devolved
upon them.

Upwards of forty of the insurgents were killed,
chiefly Canadians, many were wounded and taken
prisoners — the latter were forwarded to Montreal,
and tried by Court Martial. Some were discharged,
but the greater number were transported to different
penal Colonies, and five were executed, among
whom was a Captain Hindenlang, a native of
France, and who on the scaffold, and when he was
about to be turned off, shouted " Vive la Liberie."
" Bas Us Bureaucrats,''^ "Liberty for ever"— ^
" Down with the government."

In these constitutional endeavours to preserve
Canada to the British Crown, the Wesleyans bore
an honourable and distinguished part. They com-
prised nearly all the Protestants in the seigniory ;
and were all on the side of law and order ; and al-
though many of them were in both of the engage-
ments, to which we have alluded, not one of them
was killed. The Lord was on their side of a truth.

F

114 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

He was their shield and buckler ; their stronghold
and their deliverer. He enabled them to do valiantly
— and to tread down their enemies, and to say,

" Thine arm hath safely brought us

A way no more expected,
Than when Thy sheep passM through the deep,

By crystal walls protected.
Thy glory was our rear- ward,

Thine hands our lives did cover,
And we, even we, have passM the sea,

And march'd triumphant over."

Many who were actively engaged on these occa-
sions,have gone to the house appointed for all living.
Their journey is ended, and their warfare is past.
We trust they are in that happy abode, where peace
and harmony reign with uninterrupted ascendancy
and power, so that there is

" No rude alarm of raging foes,
No care to break the long repose."

Among these are Lieutenant Colonel Odell, Cap-
tain Douglass, Mr. Hiram Odell, Mr. Cornelius
Masten, Mr. Miller, Mr. John Macallum, Mr. Mac-
allister, Mr. Flowers, and others. Colonel Taylor,
ofthe Staff, who was Commandant of the District,
has also fallen. This gentleman, and several other
field officers, had been sent out from the Horse
Guards to organise and discipline volunteers, and
when the rebellion tvas over, and order fully re-

VfESLEYAN MISSiONARir. 115

stored, they were recalled. Colonel Taylor was
appointed to the 29th Foot, then serving in India,
and fell while acting as a Brigadier in the memora-
ble battle of Aliwal, fought between the British
troops and the Sikhs. His father was a distinguished
Cavalry officer, and was a Colonel at the battle of
Salamanca, where he was killed, while charging at
the head of his regiment and endeavoring to break
the French lines.

We remained in Odell Town two years ; but the
demoralizing effects of the rebellion, militated very
much against us, and prevented the Word of God
from having free course. The whole country was
transformed into a camp. The greater part of the
young men was metamorphosed into a species of rural
soldiery, or local militia, and every house was a
species of cantonment. All the means of grace
ill use among us, were regularly administered ; but
although they were tolerably well attended, it was
easy to perceive that iniquity abounded, and that
the love of many waxed cold.

Through all these untoward events, and the diffi-
culties connected with them, I was cordially and
efficiently assisted by my esteemed brother and col-
league, the Bev. Malcolm McDonald. He was
always ready with his sympathy and counsel, which
I frequently found to be of great service , He is now

116 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP A

a respectable member of the Canada Conference,
and is " a workman that needeth not to be ashamed ;"
one that rightly divideth the word of truth. His
ministerial labours have, I am rejoiced to hear, been
abundantly owned of God ; and should his eye
ever fall on these observations, I wish him to regard
them as a token of respect and affection, and a re-
membrancer of former intimacy and former times,
when we were fellow-laborers in the vineyard of
Christ, and strove together to make it rejoice and
blossom as the rose.

Our next station was Stanstead, the principal
circuit in the Eastern Townships ; and^upon which
we entered early in June, 1840. This town is
situated in a beautiful country, and is growing in
wealth and importance. Methodism was never
properly established here, owing probably to the
character and religious views of the original set-
tlers, the greater part of whom came from the New
England States. In doctrine they are sufficiently
Wesleyan, but in many instances our peculiar insti-
tutions are not particularly admired. The people
generally, are very exemplary in their morals, and
steady in all their habits. Sobriety, industry, and
a reverence for the Sabbath, and the Word of God
are very prominent traits in their character. They
are warmly attached to the Wesleyan ministers, and

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 117

are as generous in their efiorts to sustain them, as
any of our people similarly circumstanced are in
other places. We had many kind friends here ;
among whom we feel a pleasure in mentioning
Colonel Chamberlain and his excellent family j
Mr. and Mrs. lohabod Smith; Mr. Wilder Pierce
and family ; Mr. and Mrs. Child ; Mr. Field and
family ; Mr. Erastus Lee ; Mr. Whitcher and family ;
and many others whom we equally respect.

We laboured here for three consecutive years, con-
tending against many disadvantages, but not with-
out some encouragement. For the first two years
the chief hindrance to our success consisted of poli-
tical dissensions and family feuds, dregs of the late
rebellion ; and during nearly the whole of the third
year, the public mind was agitated, and the interests
of religion deeply and grievously injured by the
spread of an extravagant and pernicious system,
called after^ its founder, Millerism.

The head of the Stanstead Circuit extended in a
southerly direction, to the lines which separate
Canada from the State of Vermont. Owing to this
local circumstance, there is always a great influx of
preachers of different sects, and preachers of no sect
at all. A great many came at the time to which we
are now alluding, who held Mr. Miller's views, and
laboured hard to propagate them. The burthen of

118 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

their preaching was, that the world would positively
come to an end in March, 184.3. The basis of this
opinion, ais they affirmed, were the prophetic visions
of Daniel, and some of our Lord's discourses with
his disciples ; and by a gross and erroneous inter-
pretation of these and other portions of the Sacred
Scriptures, they arrived at the above conclusion.
These guides and teachers were very dogmatic —
took great liberty with astronomy and mathematics ;
and proved from these sources, greatly to the edifi-
cation and satisfaction of their wretched dupes, that
this material system would be entirely destroyed at
the period above mentioned. And some, whose
vision was clearer, and who had a deeper insight of
the future, went so far as to determine the very day,
and the precise hour too, when this awful event
would take place.

We have heard of the extravaganofes of the fifth
monarchy men — of the absurd opinions and vicious
practices of the followers of James Naylor. We
have heard and read of the wild and dangerous
tenets of various sects in Germany, and in other
places, and we are old enough to remember the
monstrous delusion palmed upon the English public
by Johanna Southcote ; and our opinion is, that in
absurdity, grossness, and impiety, MUlerism was
equal to any of then?.

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 119

I have witnessed scenes myself that would dis-
grace dancing Dervises, and make Harlequins blush
with shame. Kicking, jumping, pounding each
other; shrieking, and so forth, were among their
common rites and ceremonies. They evinced their
renunciation of the world, and attested the truth of
their creed by selling every thing at the highest
price. Their charity consisted in getting for them-
selves all they could ; and their meekness and gen-
tleness were forcibly displayed in the manner in
which they abused and denounced all who difiered
from them. Ministers were "dumb dogs, that
would not bark;" '' lying prophets;" "wolves in
sheep's clothing ;" " Hirelings, Robbers ;" &c. A
few of the many that were carried away by this
fatal delusion, " returned to the Shepherd and Bishop
of their souls ;" but by far the greater number re-
main in their fallen and lapsed condition, exhibiting
in their alienation from God, the dreadful conse-
quences that ensue from believing cunningly devised
fables instead of the truth ; and from walking ac-
cording to the desires and devices of their own hearts,
instead of walking by faith, and according to godli-
ness.

" Be it my only wisdom here,
To serve the Lord with filial fear,"'

With loving gratitude ;
Superior sense may I display,

By shunning every evil way,
And walking in the good,"

120 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

While I was stationed in Stanstead, I derived
great advantage from having associated with me
two most excellent and devoted coUeagnes— the
Hev. Heniy Lanton, and the Rev. Robert Graham i
both of whom are members of the Canada CoU'
ference, and are zealously and faithfully prosecuting
the important and glorious work to which God has
called them.

It has often been asserted that an established
church is calculated to prevent these indecent and
irreligious developements. The advocates of this
opinion maintain that a national church established
by law, and liberally sustained from the public re-
venue, is best adapted to supply the spiritual neces-
sities, aud meet the spiritual views of the people.
They add, however, that the Episcopal form of go^
yernment and ordination, is not only the best for
this purpose, but that it is the only Scriptural form ;
j|.ncl some have been rash enough to declare, that
all the irregxUarities and absurdities which have, in
the name of religion, made ^'the Reformation" a
proverb of reproach, are the legitimate conseejuences
-^the inevitable results of dissent,

"Now let us examine this — let us Subject these
"High Church " opinions to cool and dispassionate in-
vestigation. The Church of England was establish-
ed, say three centuries ago. It was then made a

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 121

part of the state — of the constitution — in fact, the
great religions element of the nation. It was, ac-
cording to human policy, set up under the most
favourable circumstances : and exhibited the most
perfect ecclesiastical organization, and the best
constructed instrumentality for the attainment of
its own ends, that could be conceived or desired.
What is the result : what has this great religio-poli-
tical apparatus effected 1 Has it prevented the rise
and progress of dissent? No. Has it restrained the
growth, or modified either the letter, or the spirit of
Popery T No. What has it done for the diffusion of
popular education, or for the advancement of mora-
lity and religion ? How has it succeeded in Ireland :
where are its trophies — where shall we find the re-
cord of its victories.' It has been established there
for more than two hundred and fifty years ; during
all that time it has had the only University in the
kingdom under its exclusive control, and the reve-
nues of the kingdom for its treasury. During all
that time it has been fostered by the government ;
protected by the army; favoured by the court;
honoured and dignified by patronage, and what has it
achieved ? It has not been able to prevent the growth
and power of dissent, and for its inability in this
respect, we are unfeignedly thankful to God — it has
not been able to restrict the right of private inter-
r 2

122 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

pretation, or the exercise of civil and religious
liberty, and for its inability in these respects, we
are unfeignedly thankful to God. But it has ori-
ginated Puseyism — Tractarianism, and other semi-
popish elements and principles, and this we sincerely
and deeply deplore. Nearly two hundred of its
ministers, and a great multitude of its people, have
within the last twenty years, conformed to the church
of Kome, and for this "the harlot" rejoices, and
" the saints" mourn. The church of England may
increase the number of her dioceses — she may mul-
tiply Bishops — she may create and endow univer-
sities and Colleges — she may do all this ; but so long
as she clings to the Popish fiction of" Apostolical suc-
cession," all her efforts will be but a magnificent
prosely tism, and the only preventative of error, and
the only safeguard of religion pure and undefiled,
will be found in the doctrines — practices — and ec-
clesiastical polity of the dissenters.

CHAPTER VII.

Appointed to Mqnteeal — Rev. W. Swire — Rev. Messrs.
Brownell and Botterell — Remarks on the
Growth and Improvement of Montreal — -Adven-
tures IN Vermont — State of Methodism in Mon-
treal, UNDER the Administration of the Rev. Mr.
Lang, &c. &c.

A short time after the half of our third year in
Stanstead had expired, we were removed thence to
Montreal, to supply the place of Mr. Borland, the
second preacher in that city. Mr. B. had become
very ill, some thought dangerously ill, of bronchitis.
The physicians advised him by all means to proceed
to England, alleging that a sea voyage would, in
all probability, work an cfTectual cure. He went,
and I entered into his labours. He remained but a
few months in England, and then returned to Ca-
nada a new man, resumed his place in the vineyard
of the Lord, in which he is still labouring with
fidelity and success.

The first six months, or thereabouts, I laboured
as co-pastor with the Rev. Wm. Squire, a faithful
and devoted minister, who has since ceased from
his labours, and entered into rest. He was a native
of Bruton, a small town in Somersetshire, in the

124 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

West of England. His parents were members of
the Methodist church, and were distinguished for
the harmony observable in their profession and prac-
tice. The honored subject of this notice was brought
to God at a very early age — he had scarcely com-
pleted his fourteenth year, when he was enabled to
rejoice in the pardoning mercy of God ; and on the
11th of January, 1821, and while he was in his
twenty-sixth year, he was solemnly set apart to the
work of the ministry by prayers and imposition of
hands. This ceremony was performed in the City
Eoad Chapel, London, and the certificate of ordina-
tion was signed by " Jabez Bunting, C. Atmore,
George Marsden." This eminent soldier of Christ
fell at his post, and with his armour on — the battle
fought — the victory won — and the prize in view.
Or in other words, he fell asleep in Jesus, iu the fifty-
seventh year of his age, and in the thirty-second
year of his faithful and laborious ministry. And
now, from the place of rest and recompense to which
the saving grace of God hath raised him, our departed
brother looks down upon us, and holding aloft the
glorious banner under which he served and con-
quered, he exclaims :

'• The bloody baimer see,
Aiid, in your Captain^s sight,
Fight the good fight of faitli with me,
My fellow-soldiers, fight ;

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 125

In miglity phalanx joined,

To battle all proceed ;
Arm'd with the unconquerable mind,

Which was in Christ your head."

At the ensuing district meeting I was regularly
appointed to Montreal, as an associate pastor witli
the Rev. Matthew Lang and the Rev. John B.
Brownell. The former has finished his course with
joy, and is now in glory everlasting ; but the latter
is still in the field, fighting the battles of the Lord
manfully, and endeavoring by every means in his
power to multiply and extend the victories of the
Cross. He is at present stationed in Halifax, Nova
Scotia, where I lately saw him, and his excellent
wife and daughter. Many years had elapsed since
our last interview, and our meeting on this occasion
was a source of mutual gratification and joy. We
had also an opportunity while in the above city, to
renew with another beloved brother and his family,
an intimate and affectionate acquaintance, which
the operations of our itinerancy had interrupted. I
allude to the Rev. Edmund Botterell and family.
We were rejoiced to see this esteemed brother min-
ister, and his kind, warm-hearted wife. Time, it is
true, has left its mark upon all these beloved friends,
as well as upon myself. The wear and tear inse-
parable from the work of a Methodist preacher has
produced its external effects ; but though our out-

126 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

walrd man perish, our inner man is renewed day by
day. This is our rejoicing. " We know, that if our
earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we
have a building of God, an house not made with
hands, eternal in the heavens."

But we must retrace our steps, and revisit Mon-
treal, from which the force of these reminiscences
has led us. During our stay here the work of God
advanced very steadily ; the various means of grace
were very well attended ; and both the societies
and congregations were considerably enlarged.
Two new chapels were also built, — one in Great St.
James Street, the other in Lagauchetiere Street,
Quebec Suburbs. The former is a very splendid
edifice, of the florid Gothic style, or high pointed
Gothic, such as prevailed in England in Henry the
VII.'s time. It is well adapted for the purposes con-
templated in its erection, and is capable of accom-
modating upwards of two thousand, hearers. The
other is also a very fine building of the Corinthian
order, without any external decoration except a
portico and corresponding pediment. This building
is also very spacious, and well adapted, and is large
enough to seat nearly fifteen hundred persons.

The Lord gave us favor in the sight of the people
generally ; through his goodness and mercy we
were enabled to walk before them in love, and to

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 127

all well pleasing. We had many kind friends, but
delicacy forbids us to be more particular. It will
not allow us to extend this allusion any farther than
to request that they will consider it as an expression
of our undiminished respect and esteem.

Montreal, in every thing that constitutes a metro-
politan city, takes the lead in British America. In-
deed, in some respects,\i excels any city in the United
States. I have been in Boston, New York, Phila-
delphia, Baltimore, &c., and for wharfs, or quays,
and public buildings, especially places of worship,
none of them can be compared to Montreal. Boston
exults in the possession of her Common and her
Bunker Hill monument. The Empire city may
boast of her Broadway, though it is very narrow in
some places, and of her squares, though they are all
of unequal dimensions, and tending to the triangular
form. The city of brotherly love, and the monu-
mental city, has each its distinguishing features, but
parade them as they will, Montreal, according to its
population and resources, surpasses «Ae»8, as much as
it does the other two cities.

It derived great advantages formerly, owing to
its being at the head of ship navigation. This ren-
dered it a great commercial entrepot for Upper Ca-
nada. In short, it made the Montreal merchants
both importers and forwarders, and conferred upon

12S ^ AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

them all the henefits aceruing from the control of all
the trade and commerce of the west.

The privileges in this respect are less now than
they formerly were, but notwithstanding, Montreal
has in wealth, in population, in extent, and in general
improvement, increased as rapidly during the last
ten years, as it has done during any decade of its
former history. Among the evidences of its growth
and improvement in a business and architectural
point of view, the New Post Office, the Commer-
cial Exchange, the Montreal Bank, the City Bank,
the three Wesleyan Chapels, the Scotch Church at
Beaver Hall Terrace, the Bishop's Palace, the Me-
chanics' Institute, and a magnificent Town Hall and
Market House ; among the evidences, we say, of the
growth and improvement of this Queen City of the
mighty Saint Lawrence, all these buildings, erected
within the above period, occupy a distinguished
place, and supply the most abundant proofs in sup-
port of our assertion.

While the bounds of our habitation were fixed in
Montreal, I had an opportunity of travelling through
a considerable part of the state of Vermont, incl uding
in our route Burlington, Saint Alban's, and other
places. We observed in the manners and bearing
of the people, a good deal of what is generally
ascribed to the natives of the Green Mountain

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 129

State. We travelled privately, and had to stop fre-
quently at inns and other resting places ; and on all
such occasions, we were the observed of all ob-
servers. All eyes were fixed on us, saying too, as
plainly as such organs could say it, " we want to
know who you are, and all about you. Guess you
are Britishers, sloped off perhaps, who knows ; at
any rate the air of liberty will do you some good."

In most places they selected me to endure their
questioning and cross questioning. Why I was
preferred I cannot imagine ; my travelling com-
panion, a brother minister, was a more communi-
cative looking man. Nevertheless I had to stand in
the breach, and do the best I could. His turn came
at last, and he acquitted himself, as he always does,
with great credit. We were driven I think, during
a heavy shower, to seek refuge in a wayside tavern

or place of entertainment. Brother had a

nice portable travelling case, and a trunk of corres-
ponding appearance. These were carried in with
us ; and after a little while, the whole family honor-
ed us with a special scrutiny, enlivened by a mix-
ture of commonplace remarks, and rather irrelevant
questions. We bore it all with the patience and
heroism of martyrs, and at last the siege was raised,
and as we supposed given up as hopeless, but in this
we were mistaken ; hostilities were only suspended

130 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

to be renewed in another form. A lad, an inde-
scribable specimen, stalked into the room and eyed
the aforesaid packages with a peculiar leer ; and
then with a knowing expression looked at Brother

and said, " Pedlar I guess 1" " No," was the

reply. Scratched his head for an instant, and as if
he had found the information there, added " Doctor,
1 guess ■?" " No," again. This evidently bothered
him a little, but nothing loath he tried it again, and
hit the mark by saying " Methodist preacher, then, 1
reckon.'" I predicted a remarkable career for this
lad ; and would not be surprised, if he is living, to
hear that he has turned out to be an energetic and
a prosperous man.

Our labours in Montreal were brought to a con-
clusion under the most encouraging circumstances.
The last year was the most prosperous. We were
able, through the blessing of God, to report an in-
crease in the circuit income— in the missionary con-
tributions — and in the membership. I am not able
to speak positively ; but from all that I can learn,
Methodism never was, either financially, or spiri-
tually in a much better state than it was under Mr.
Lang's administration. His successors may have
been, in some particulars, more talented ; but in no
instance, has any of them been more devoted, or
more faithful. His work is done, and his record

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 131

is on high. The labourers sicken and die, but the
work goes on ; the soldiers fall, but the campaign
is continued, and the war sustained. Since I en-
tered upon the work, many have died, both at home,
and on the foreign stations ; and some have gone out
from us and entered into other churches. In the
parent connexion there have been fightings without
and fears within , our fathers and brethren have
been often cast down, but not destroyed — often per-
plexed, but never in despair. They have had to
contend with the horsemen, and the footmen ; and
with the swelling of Jordan ; but through all, the
Lord has been with them ; and he has caused the
wrath of man to praise him, and the remainder of
wrath- has he restrained.

Almighty God has ever exercised a peculiar care
over the Evangelical churches in Montreal. This
is apparent in many ways, and under many aspects ;
but in none more so, than in the gracious manner in
which he has supplied them with devoted and ta-
lented ministers ; and in furnishing these ministers
with zealous coadjutors from their own respective
congregations. Popery continues to be as active
and as virulent as ever ; indeed, it has latterly mani-
fested an increase of both these properties. It ap-
pears to make more use now than heretofore, of
jirocesdons, bells, nunneries, monastic institutions,

132 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

and similar agencies. This wretched system, as it
exhibits itself here, and as it is seen in its rites and
mummeries, is a tind of Fetichism, in which the
grosser features are either embellished, or concealed
by incantation and pantomime. But through God's
mercy, " the true light" shines out from the Protes-
tant churches, with shadeless effulgence, and in-
creasing strength. The candle-stick still retains its
position, in spite of all that has been done to displace
and remove it. From their midst the law goes
forth as it did from Zion in the days of old ; and
out of their pulpits proceed the still small voice,
more potent than either the storm, the earthquake,
or the fire, and which proclaims the truth as it is in
Jesus. " Look upon Zion the city of our solemni-
ties ; thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habita-
tion, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down ;
not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed,
neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.
But there the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of
broad rivers and streams ; wherein shall no galley
with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.
For the Lord is our judge — the Lord is our law-
giver—the Lord is our king. He will save us." —
Jsaiah xxxiii. 80-23.

CHAPTEE, Vlli.

Appointed to Toronto— Eev. William M. Harvakd —
Union of the British and Canadian Conferences
— Extinction of the Canada West District —
Appointed to St. John, New Brunswick — Sxate
and Prospects of Methodism there, &c. &c.

At the expiration of the usual period, we were trans-
ferred from Montreal to Toronto, Canada West,
This city was at that time the head of another fo-
reign district, and our translation was effected by a
petition from the Toronto Quarterly Meeting to the
Missionary Committee in London.

I had the pleasure, during five or six weeks of the
winter 184(4), to perform a missionary tour through
Canada West, in company with the esteemed chair-
man of the District, the Rev. Dr. Richey . We visited
all the principal stations, preaching missionary ser-
mons, and holding missionary meetings, and succeed-
ed beyond our most sanguine expectations. Our hea-
venly Father abundantly blessed us with a continu-
ation of delightful weather ; with vminterrupted
health and strength, and with a complete exemption
from all accidents and contingencies.

This was the first time I had visited the western

134< AtTOBlOGKAPHf 0? A

or upper section of the Province ; and all the favour-
able impressions I had imbibed concerning it, were
fully confirmed. Since then, although little more
than ten years have elapsed, the country has ad-
vanced more rapidly than any part of the United
States. Three new cities, namely, Hamilton, Lon-
don, and Ottawa, have been incorporated within
that period. The Grand Trunk, and Great Western
Railway, have been built during the same time — co-
temporary with this, is the erection of a magnificent
suspension bridge near the Falls of Niagara ; besides
other public works of great utility and vast magni-
tude. In a word, the whole country has, in wealth,
in population, and in intelligence, advanced with
great rapidity ; and this progress is of such a healthy
and general character, that we may rest assured of
its continuation and difiusiou.

This perhaps is the place to insert a copy of a re-
solution, which the ministers of the Canada Eastern
District passed unanimously, and which was duly
recorded in their minutes. The time that has
elapsed since I received the copy, now transferred
to these pages — the brotherly kindness it breathes —
the sentiments it expresses — and the lamented mi-
nister by whom it is officially signed — all these cir-
cumstances greatly enhance its value, and entitle it
to more than ordinary consideration.

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 135

Montreal, May, 1845.
" Rev. and Dear Bbother, '

" We, the members of the Canada Eastern District,
cannot permit the removal from our District of our venerated and
highly esteemed Chairman, the Rev. W. M. Harvard, and as

well that of our beloved brethren, the Rev. , and

the Rev. Ed. Botterell, without such an expression of our feelings
towards them, as the painful occasion of their departure from our
District so strongly elicits.

" We beg to assure the Chairman, and the Brethren with him,
that we have ever felt, and shall not fail yet to cultivate, towards
them, sentiments of great respect and deference for their many
and varied talents ; and as well those of confidence and affection
for their high Christian bearing^; and unbending adherence to
principles which we, in common with themselves, recognize as
the essentials of our faith and practice.

" We beg to assure them of our affectionate desire for their fu-
ture usefulness and happiness, and pray that when we shall, each
one of us, have finished our course according to the will of God,
we may appear to receive from the Great Head of the Church the
award of glory, honour, and immortality — Eternal Life.

" Signed by order, and in behalf of, the Canada Eastern Dis-
trict Meeting,

Matthew Lang,

Secretary." .
The Rev

We arrived in Toronto early in June, 184.5, and
was associated with the Rev. William M. Harvard,
who also took charge of the district, Mr. John
Bredin, a very promising young man, (now Au-

1^6

AUTOBIOGRAPHlf OF A

gust, 1855,) a highly respectable member of the
Canada Conference, laboured with us as third
preacher. Time, and vicissitudes incident to a
Methodist Preacher's life and labours, have pro-
duced their deep and varied impressions on both of
us ; but I rejoice to know that he is very successful
in the ministry which he received of the Lord
Jesus, to testify of the Gospel of the grace of god.

Mr. Harvard is, in the Wesleyan worldj quite an
historical man, owing chiefly to his connexion with
the Ceylon Mission, being one of the young men
that accompanied Dr, Coke to that island. He had
charge of the Mission Press ; acted as Treasurer and
Secretary to the party during the voyage ; and per-
formed the melancholy duty of reading the funeral
service over the remains of the venerable Doctor,
previous to their being committed to the 'deep. He
spent several years in this beautiful island, " the gem
of the Indian ocean," and labored faithfully, and not
without success, among the Singalese, Hindoos,.
Moors, and Vedahs ; the four distinct nations into
which the population is divided.

Alter some years, failing health compelled him to
return to England, where he published an interest-
ing narrative of the mission, including a large amount
of historical and statistical information relative to
Ceylon, and some of the adjacent parts of con-

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 13*7

tinental India. I found this excellent minister of
Christ to be a most considerate and affectionate su-
perintendent ; while, in Mrs. Harvard, none could
fail to recognise an exemplary Christian, one who
cheerfully fulfilled all the relations of life, and
abounded in every good word and work. They are
now travelling in England, whither they were re-
moved when the union was effected between the
British and Canadian Conferences, in June, J847.

Our cause, as it was familiarly termed, was very
influential and flourishing in Toronto. We had
three good substantial brick chapels, with suitable
basement stories, used for week night services and
Sabbath School purposes. One of these chapels,
Richmond Street, was opened at om' entrance upon
the circuit. It is a plain, but substantial and Well-
finished edifice of the Corinthian order, and is ca-
pable of seating about fifleen hundred persons. We
were very happy among this warm hearted and
affectionate people. Our congregations were very
good. The Lord was with us and blest our labours,
He gave us seals to our ministry and souls for our
hire ; and at each District meeting, we had the happi-
ness to report an increase of merribership ; an im-
provement in every branch of the fiscal depart-
ment ; and to exhibit other evidences, also, of ge-
neral spiritual prosperity.

138 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

la 1846, the Canada Conference held its annual
session in Kingston ; and the divided state of Me-
thodism, among other matters of a kindred charac-
ter and bearing, were patiently and gravely dis-
cussed. After much and serious deliberation it was
deemed advisable to send two of their body to ne-
gotiate with the British Conference, and lay before
them certain proposals as the basis of a federal
union, or amalgamation of the two great sections of
the Wesleyan family. To accomplish this desir-
able object, two very suitable persons, namely, the
Rev. Messrs. John Ryerson, and Anson Green, were
chosen delegates, and sent home with proper cre-
dentials and instructions. The venerable body with
whom they sought fraternity, received them courte-
ously, and in the spirit of brotherly kindness. Their
propositions were favourably entertained, and re-
ferred to a committee on Canadian affairs.

This committee met in the September following,
and decided upon sending out the Rev. Dr. Alder
for the accomplishment of this desirable end, and
authorised him, in case he should succeed, to pre-
side over the United Conference ; all of which was
duly carried out to a legitimate and prosperous
issue, at Toronto, in June, ISil, as already stated.

This union, in its principal features, resembles
that which has so long, and so happily subsisted be-

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 139

tween the English and Irish Conferences. The
constitution upon which it is founded is susceptible
of amendment in several particulars, especially in the
appointment and functions of chairmen. It has so
far worked very well ; and there is no doubt but it
will continue to do so if it be administered in " the
spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
The following extracts from the minutes of the
British Conference, held at Liverpool, in July, 1847,
Eev. Samuel Jackson, President, express the feel-
ings produced in the minds of our fathers and
brethren, upon the receipt of the official documents
which informed them of the compact, that has since
contributed so largely to the consolidation and ex-
tension of Methodism in Western Canada.

Re-union of the Wesleyan-Methodist Chukch in Wes-
tern Canada with the British Conference.

The Address from the Conference of" the Wesleyan-Metho-
dist Church in Canada, in connexion with the English Confe-
rence," signed on their behalf by" James Musgrove, Secretary,"
and dated Toronto, June 15th, 1847, having been read; — and also
an Address from the last District-Meeting of Western Canada,
held at Toronto in the same month, signed on behalf of that Meet,
ing by " William M. Harvard, Chairman, William Scott, Jour-
nal Secretary," it was unanimously resolved, —

1. That this Conference learns with high satisfaction, that the
arrangements made in London, in September last, between our
Committee on Canadian affairs, appointed, with full powers, to

140 autobiogrAfht of a

act io this matter on our behalf, and the Reir. Messrs. John Ryer-
son and Anson Green, who were deputed on behalf of the Brethren
In Western Canada formerly connected with this Conference, for
the purpose of effecting a Re-Union, have been generally and
cordially approved by all the parties concerned ; and that the
Re-Union of the two great branches of the Wesleyan-Methodist
family, in one of the most important provinces of the British
eolonial empire, has been auspiciously commenced in a United
Conference held at Toronto, under the able Presidency of the
Rev. Dr. Alder. This Conference earnestly trusts, that the
arrangements thus agreed upon will be carried into full operation,
in the same spirit of Christian love and brotherhood in which
they have been proposed and hitherto conducted, and that this
happy Re-Union will be lasting and complete. And the Con-
ference hopefully and prayerfully anticipates, from this event,
ereat spiritual blessing and benefit to the growing population of
that intereating country, and especially to the Indian tribes,
among whoni our Missions have been or may be established.

2. The Rev. Dr. Alder was heard concerning the important
results of his mission to Canada, and in particular, as to the Re-
Union of the Conference in Upper Canada, with the British Con-
ference, now happily effected ; and it was resolved unanimously,
That the Conference, has received with great satisfaction the im-
portant and gratifying information which Dr. Alder has now
given ; and desires to express its thankfulness to God for the res -
toration of Dr. Alder's health, and for his safe return from his im-
portant mission.

3. That the further adjustment of such matters as may still re-
quire more complete settlement, be referred to the former Canada
Committee, which shall be convened by the President of the
Conference when he shall judge it necessary.

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. Ul

This amicable adjustment, of course, broke up our
District ; all missionary operations of a distinctive
character were now abolished. The Canada West
District was annihilated. Mr. Harvard was called
home to England, and appointed to Maidstone, a
quaint old city in Kent ; I was removed to Saint
John, New Brunswick ; and others were dispersed in
various directions. We were put to death quietly, but
in a very summary manner ; and buried, too, in the
same noiseless, but expeditious way.

This sudden and violent disruption was very dis-
tressing to both preachers and people, between whom
there always subsisted a mutual and hallowed friend-
ship. There never was a District in which the mi-
nistry and the membership were more cordially
united. We saw eye to eye ; we walked by the
same rule, and minded the same thing.

" We all were of one heart and soul,
And only love inspired tlie wliole."

This dispersion of a whole district was a most
painful event. We separated from one another
with the most poignant grief; and myself and Mrs.
felt, when leaving our beloved people in To-
ronto, as if we were leaving home and kindred, and
all that were near and dear to us ; and that during
our future itinerancy, the lines would never agaiu

142 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

fall to US in such a pleasant place. But we are very
short sighted, and cannot see afar off. We know
not what is before us, or what a day may bring
forth. We were mistaken ; for in St. John, " down
East," and foggy though it be, we met with a host
of as kind friends as our hearts could desire — Me-
thodists in deed, and in truth — in profession, and in
practice. Brothers and sisters beloved in the Lord,
and among whom we had the privilege to labour
and to dwell for five consecutive years. Happy —
happy years. Seasons of peace and prosperity, and
" years of the right hand of the most High."

We entered upon our new sphere of labour,
namely. Saint John West, in July, 1847, and spent
two years, humbly endeavouring to cultivate that
portion of our connexional demesne. This circuit,
as its name implies, lies on the western side of the
harbour, and forms the western part of the city. It
is also the oldest part of it, and was originally called
Carleton, after Sir Guy Carleton, a very popular
Governor of New Brunswick, and who was after-
wards created Lord Dorchester. Here, as in Toronto,

Mrs. met two classes ; one on Monday, another

on Wednesday ; she also taught a class in the Sab-
bath school.

The church in this place, includes some of the
excellent of the earth. They are proverbial for self-

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 14.3

reliance — an unwavering attachment to our doc-
trine and discipline — and a liberal support of all our
connexional institutions and funds. The Lord gave
us favour in the eyes of the people ; but at the end
of two years, we were obliged to leave them. They
were anxious to retain us ; but it could not be.
Saint John south was our Conference appointment,
and thither we went, exhibiting once more the
union and obedience, so well expressed in these
lines of our inimitable Psalter —

" Joined ill one spirit to our head,

Wtiere he appoints we go ;
And still in Jesu's footsteps tread,

And shew his praise below."

In this removal we had only to cross the harbour
— about half a mile — in the steam ferry boat, so
that for three years longer we enjoyed intercourse
with our Carleton friends, and had the pleasure to
see them prospering as a church, and as a part of the
community. I do not wish to enumerate names*
lest it should appear invidious ; and were I to men-
tion all that I respect and love, the catalogue would
occupy a larger space than could be spared. I can-
not, however, refrain from saying, that so far as the
membership has contributed to the advancement of
Methodism in Saint John West, Mr. Robert Salter
has been both prominent and efficient. His example,

144 AUTOBIOSRAPHY tt A

his time, his means, have been largely consecrated
to this object ; and in him, and Mrs. Salter, the
Wesleyan ministers have invariably found kind
and affectionate friends. I pray that upon them,
and upon the church in Carleton, the dew of Her-
mon may constantly rest, and the light of the divine
countenance perpetually shine.

This part of Saint John, will probably, be soon
erected into a separate and independent city— the
increase of population, of property, and of intelli-
gence, all tend towards such a change ; and we
venture to predict, that whenever this municipal
alteration will take place, the growth of Methodist
inflilfence, and the extension of the Methodist church
will be prominent features of the general progress.
Moncton, formerly called "Petit codiac," or the
Little Elbow, has been recently elevated to this
civic dignity ; and the people proved themselves to
be worthy of the honour, by introducing the ballot
box, and by unanimously choosing Mr. Joseph Sal-
ter to be their first mayor. They have since esta-
blished a bank, and commenced a weekly newspa-
per ; and both institutions bid fair to be of great
public utility, and to remunerate those who are
more immediately interested in their success. The
bank is under the management of Mr. James John-
son, a very talented Local Preacher, and to us par-

■WESLEYAN MISSIONART. ]4<5

ticularlyj a brother greatly beloved.. The Journal,
too, derives, I am informed, a very liberal support
from the Methodists, not only as paying subscribers,
but also as literary contributors.

Reasoning from these premises, and from the well
known justice and good sense of the Carleton people,
the natural conclusion is, that when the opportunity
arrives, our friend will be the man whom they will
delight to honour. His long residence among them
— his unblemished reputation — his devotion to the
temperance cause — his qualifications for the office
— all these invest him with claims which his mo-
desty would prevent him from urging ; but to which,
no doubt, his fellow citizens would cheerfully res-
pond. Robert Salter should be the first mayor.

In Saint John South, we spent three very happy
years 5 as happy and as useful as we expect to enjoy
while the Lord permits us to labour in his name. I
was associated in colleagueship all the time with
the Rev. Richard Knight, the chairman of the Dis-
trict. We laboured harmoniously and successfully.
These three years were the most prosperous, both
in spirituals and temporals, that this station, the
most important in the Eastern Provinces, ever en-
joyed. To the glory of God we record it. Both the
congregations and the societies were increased ; the
chapel debts were liquidated, and large sums ex-
G 2

♦ 146 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

pended u^ion painting and repairing the chapels."
The first year we brought to the District a siirphis of
more than eighty. pounds ; the second year, nearly
one hundred pounds ; and the third year, if I mis-
take not, about one hundred and fifty pounds.
Surely the hand of the Lord was on us for good..
The missionary contributions were also greatly aug-
mented during that period, and all was achieved
under God, without any special effort, or extraordinary
appeal, or any other expedient than a steady and
systematic administration of our excellent financial
economy, in which we were cordially and efficiently
supported by our excellent and numerous staff of
leaders and stewards. Among these honoured bre-
thren, and indeed among the societies and congre-
gations generally, we had many personal friends, for
whose character we entertain the highest regard,
and of whose numerous acts of kindness we shall
ever cherish a lively and grateful recollection.

I never felt more sensibly, than on this important
station, how great a matter it is for a Methodist

preacher to have a suitable wife. Mrs. was

rendered a great blessing to the church in Saint
John, and much of the influence I possessed was
derived, under God, from her zeal, her prudence
and piety. All the time we were in this circuit, she
jnet a very large and flourishing class, gathered up

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. HI '

from the congregation by herself; she also taught
the female Bible-class in the Sabbath-school ; and
served, to the utmost of her ability, in sustaining and
extending the operations of the Dorcas society.

Our parting from these dear people was a sore
trial to us ; and, take them all in all, perhaps we
will never meet their like again.

It has been our lot, through the operation of the
itinerant principle, to be stationed in several of the
principal circuits of British North America ; we have
had ample opportunities of making observation and of
acquiring information, and of comparing and judging
for ourselves, and our opinion is, that in none of them
is Methodism in a more healthy, or prosperous state
than in " the city of Sa»«« John." Its influence is
dispersed like a gracious dew throughout the whole
community ; a spirit of unity pervades the whole
membership ; the congregations are permanently
and steadily large ; the Sabbath-schools are exten-
sive, efficient, and strictly conuexional. The prin-
ciples and doctrines of our body are well understood,
and heartily adopted ; and the circuit income, de-
rived purely from Wesleyan sources, is very large,
and constantly increasing ; and as the city itself is
likely to become one of the largest on the Eastern
coast of this vast continent, Methodism in Saint John
seems to have before it a most important mission,

148 AUTOBIOGRAPHT 01 A

and a glorious destiny. Esto perpetua. " Peace be
•within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces ;
for my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now
say peace be within thee." May thy works praise
thee in the gates, and may great grace rest upon
thee, and make thee in the hand of the Lord, a royal
diadem, and a crown of glory. Amen.

CHAPTER IX.

Methodism in Saint John, N.B. — Eastern Conference
FORMED at Halifax, N.S. — Statistics of this
Conference — Wesleyan Academy, Sackville —
Removes from Saint John to Mill Town —
Methodism in Mill Town, &c. &c.

The reader has, no doubt, perceived that I regard
Methodism in Saint John, as superior to what it is
in many places. This arises chiefly, from the
paucity of wealthy persons in the society ; this is
the opinion of some, and I have heard it repeatedly
expressed. I am not, myself, altogether satisfied
with this reason. I admit that the Church is, in a
great measure free from the distinctions of caste, con-
sequent upon the inclusion of a considerable number
of opulent members. I would not set up for a re-
former ; I don't desire that sumptuary laws should
be enacted and enforced ; but I would like to see
our rules observed, and that for conscience sake.
The form of the coat, the shape of the hat, the mode
of adjusting the cravat, these do not constitute re-
ligion; they are no doubt, with many, the form of god-
liness ; but after all, they are very often merely con-
ventional. I am not an advocate for tithing " mint,
and cummin, and anise," and leaving the weightier
piattejrs of the law neglected. By no means ; but I

150 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Of A

would like to see our primitive simplicity retained,'
and the dress, the habits, the manners, and the
whole soQial life of our people exhibiting a greater
conformity to the Word of God.

Wesleyans, of all others, should evince in every
branch of their conduct, deadness to the world. Our
disinterestedness, purity, spirituality, self-denial, and
zeal for the glory of God, should be such, that it
would enable us always to say, we live not unto
ourselves, but unto him who died for us and rose
again. " They that are Christ's," says the apostle,
"have crucified the flesh with the afTections and
lusts." But all this fails to account for the pecu-
liar excellency, and influence of Methodism in Saint
John. My opinion is, that it cannot be ascribed to
any one cause ; but that it is the result of several
combined causes, among which are the following : —
The truly Wesleyan manner in which it was intror
duced and set in operation ; a very general equality of
social position and temporal circumstances ; the fact
that a great proportion of the church consists of, the
united heads of families ; and of entire families ; an
exemption for many years, from all dissensions and
schisms ; an adequate supply of practical, working
preachers ; and last, though not least, repeated and
copious effusions of the Lord the Spirit, followed by
repeated and gracious revivals.

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 151

The Wesleyan churches in the Lower Provinces
have lately passed through a great, an ' important
change. The missionary committee nursed and
cherished them for years. For some time back they
had manifested symptoms of being weary and tired
of this heavy burden. At length they resolved to
relieve themselves, by forming them into a separate
Conference, a measure carried into effect last July,
(1855,) at Halifax, and through the agency of the
Rev. Dr. Beecham, whom the Conference sent out
for that purpose.

This change will, no doubt, diminish the burdens
and lessen the responsibilities of the Conference and
the committee ; it will enable them to devote more
of their means and their energies to the great work
of evangelising the heathen.

I am not acquainted with the particulars of the
arrangement that has been effected, but if they are
the same as those that have been observed in refer-'
ence to Ireland and Australia, there is no doubt but
the change will work well. Nova Scotia, New
Brunswick, Prince Edward's Island, the Bermudas,
and Newfoundland are the countries comprised in
this new Conference. They are comparatively poor
countries, and but thinly settled ; the gross popula-
tion does not exceed seven hundred thousand.
Australia and Canada are wealthy, and are annually

152 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

absorbing thousands of emigrants, many of whom
are supplied from these less favoured colonies, while
they receive none at all in return. If the organiza-
tion just formed has been conceived and consum-
mated in a liberal and generous spirit, it will give
Methodism a new impulse ; it will breathe into it
fresh vigour; give it its proper position among the
colonial churches ; and render it more than ever, a
means of spreading Scriptural holiness through the
land. May the Lord, who alone is mighty in coun-
sel and in judgment, take it into his holy keeping,
direct all its operations, and conduct them to a pros-
perous issue.

Methodism has many enemies,not in the world only
— not in the ranks of Popery and Puseyism merely
— but in the very bosom of Protestant churches, and
among even Protestant ministers. Many from
whom she had a right to expect sympathy, have
exulted in her adversity, and rejoiced in her afflic-
tion. Her doctrines and her discipline, though both
are strictly Scriptural, have been reviled and de-
nounced. Her itinerancy and her counexional unity
— her missionary zeal, and her unfeigned loyalty,
have been made the subjects of vituperation and cen-
sure. But still she pursues the even tenor of her way ;
endures reproaches without complaining ; and con-
sidering him " who bore the contradiction of sinners

WKSLEYAN MISSIONARY. 153

against himself" she hears all meekly, and when
she is reviled she revileth not again.

The following statistics, copied from official (docu-
ments, exhibit the Eastern Conference as it now
is. As a part of the army of the living God, she has
commenced her campaign and taken the field. Du-
ring her previous and somewhat desultory opera-
tions, she became familiar with toil and hardship,
fought many battles and won many victories, ac-
quired a good deal of territory, and obtained a good
deal of renown. With these advantages, and with
the forces and resources here mentioned, she goes
forth to glorious war, led on by the captain of the
Lord's host, and animated by the assurance of final
conquest.

Central, or principal, stations, called circuits... 71

Chapels connected therewith 208

Ministers and preachers, including super-
numeraries 88

Local preachers 109

Full and accredited church members 12,540

Sabbath schools 139

Scholars attending these schools 8,192

In addition to this there is a Book-room in Hali-
fax, and, in connection with this institution, there is
a printing establishment, and a well-conducted
weekly paper. There is also a male and female day

154 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

school in St. John, strictly and legally Wesleyan,
but according to the will of the testator, Mr. Mark
Varley, is under the exclusive control of the trustees
of the Saint John chapels. In Newfoundland there
are also some connexional day schools, towards the
maintenance of which, I believe, the Imperial Go-
vernment affords considerable aid. But the great
educational institution of the new, or Eastern, Con-
ference, is " the Wesleyan Academy, Mount Allison,
Sackville." Sackville is a beautiful village, in the
county of Westmoreland, in New Brunswick, and
within a few miles of the boundary line that separates
that province from Nova Scotia. It comprises a
male and female department, carried on in separate
buildings, and each under its own proper faculty.
The buildings, grounds, philosophical apparatus,
library, and other academical appurtenances, all the
property of the connexion, have cost, I should think,
not less than from eleven to twelve thousand pounds.
This noble establishment was originated by Charles
F. Allison, Esq., who has contributed, towards its
erection and support, fully the half of the above
amount, perhaps more. The male branch has been
in operation for more than twelve years ; has ever
been a great favourite with the public, the legislature
and the government. From the beginning this in-
stitution has_been under the judicious supervision of

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 155

the Eev. Humphrey Pickard, A.M., and to his ability
and zeal may be attributed a great deal of the pros"
perity that has hitherto distinguished its career.
The female branch was opened in August, 1854, and
already it promises to be both useful and popular.

The following remarks on this subject, are taken
from the last published report of the " Missionary
Auxiliary Society for the New Brunswick District ;"
and may therefore be regarded as semi-ofRcial ; —

Our Educational Institution is in a very flourishing condition,
and is contributing very largely to the difl'usion of the inestimable
advantages resulting from Academical training, based upon Chris-
ian principles. The Female Seminary, to be opened in a short
time, will no doubt, be rendered a great blessing to the Province'
and a means of developing more fully, the inellectual capabilities
of those for whose special advantage it is intended. The qualifi-
cations of the Rev. Principal are well known, and duly appreciat-
ed. They have been long-tried, and found to be commensurate
with all that his arduous position involves. The faculty of the
female branch, we have no doubt, has been judiciously selected :
and although the Rev. Governor and Chaplain, is, in his present
position, a Noviis Homo — an untried man, all his antecedents are
calculated to inspire confidence, and to afford an assurance, that
the duties othis department will be faithfully and efiiciently per-
formed. Nor can we close this allusion to " the Wesleyan Aca-
demy" of Mount Allison, without recording our expression of
sympathy and respect for our beloved brother, who did, through
many and heavy afflictions, for a long period too, and in a most
exemplary manner, discharge the duties of the Chaplaincy ; and

156 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

we trust, that in bis new relation, the Reverend Albert Desbrisay
and his family will be comforted in all their tribulations, and that
these tribulations will work out for them, " a far more exceeding,
and eternal weight of glory."

This flourishing seminary deserves to be called a
college, and to rank as such. The number of stu-
dentSj the character and qualifications of « the Fa-
culty ;" the collegiate order of " the curriculum ;"
the magnitude and adaptation of the edifice itself,
and the fact that it is the property of a highly in-
fluential religious denomination — all these circum-
stances claim for this institution the title to which
we have adverted.

The subjoined statement contains the names of
the principal officers, faculty, &c. &c. ; also the
course of study, terras, educational fees, &c.

Wesleyan Academy. Mount Allison, Sackville, N.B,

Rev. E. Knight, President of the Board of Trustees.

Rev. W. Temple, Secretary.

Rev. E. Evans, D.D., Governor and Chaplain.

Rev. H. PicKAKD, A.M., Principal.

Charles F. Allison, Esq., Treasurer.

Faculty— JIfflic Branch.
Rev. H. Pickard, A.M., Professor of Mental and Moral Sciences
Mr. A. Reid, Professor of French and Assistant in Classical De-
partment.
Mr. A. McN. Patterson, Teacher in Intermediate Department.
Mr. J. R. Inch, Teacher in Primary Department.
Mr, J. W. Webb, Assistant in Classical Department,

WEStETAN MISSIONARY. 157

Female Branch.

Miss Mary E. Adams, Chief Preceptress, &c. &c.

Miss Augusta M. Adams, Assistant in Fine Arts and Collegiate

Department.
Mrs. Eliza Neville, Teacher in Intermediate Department.

, Teacher of Penmanship, &c.

Mrs. Amelia Walker, Asst. in Primary Department.

Thomas Pickard, Esq., A.M., Lecturer upon Natural Science,

Astronomy, &c.
, Teacher of Vocal and Instrumental Music.

The Branch of this Institution for Males has been in successful
operation more than eleven years ; it will continue to be con-
ducted upon the same principles as heretofore.

The Branch designed for Females was opened for the recep-
tion of students on Thursday the 17th of August ; adequate pro-
vision has, it is believed, been made to render this in every respect
worthy of public confidence and favour.

t3' Persons wishing further information are requested to apply
to either the Principal or the Chaplain.

The Course of Study will be extensive, systematic and tho-
rough ; including all the branches of a common English, a Lite-
rary and Scientific, aad a Classical Education.

Terms.

The Academical Year consists of two terms : — the first of 24
weeks, from the first Thursday in January, — the second of 19
weeks, from the first Thursday in August.

158 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

Expenses.
For Board, Washing, Fuel, Lights, &c, and Tuition
in the Primary Department : — For First Term,

(24 weeks) £14

For Second Term, (19 weeks) . . . . 110

Or — For the Academical year, . £25

Additional Charges are made for instruction in the
higher Departments, but the expense for Board,
&c., and Tuition, will in no case exceed J£30

Ten Shillings per week is charged to those who remain during
the Vacations.
iEf" The amount of the ordinary expenses must be paid in ad-
vance — one half at the beginning, and the remainder at the mid-
dle of each Term.

,*, Books and Stationery, such as will be required by the Stu-
dents, may be purchased at the Academy. '

Donations of Books, Minerals, Shells, and Natural Curiosities
of any land, are solicited from our friends, to aid us in making up
a good Library and Cabinet of Minerals, &c. &c., for this Institu-
tion. The Wesleyan Ministers will act as Agents, to receive
and forward anything which may be given, suitable for the Li-
brary or the Cabinet.

The late ecclesiastical changes among" us have
been carried out so rapidly, and have involved so
much in relation to myself personally, that they
present themselves to me at every turn. I feel
their influence resting upon me ; I see that influ-
ence entering into this part of these memoirs — inter-

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. l59

rupting their progress, and endeavouring as it were,
to break them up into mere episodes.

Owing to this I had almost lost sight of Saint
John, and of my removal from it, although at the
time that event took place, it produced in my mind,
feelings very different from those of pleasure and
gratification.

Immediately after the District meeting of 1852,
we left Saint John for Mill Town, Saint Stephen,
experiencing something like a shrinking from the
contrast that awaited us, and from the responsibility
that would devolve upon us. We had heard so
much of the place, and of the habits and principles
of the people, that it seemed to us as if we were
going to jflough among rocks, and sow the seed in a
cold and flinty soil, and in the midst of storms and
tempests. We were perplexed, but not in despair.
We remembered by whom it was said, " They that
sow in tears shall reap in joy." We thought of the
beatitude-^" Blessed are ye that sow beside all
waters." We went forth in the name of the Lord,
casting our cares upon him; and comforting our-
selves with this exceeding great and precious pro-
mise : " For as the rain cometh down, and the snow
from heaven, and returneth not thither, but water-
eth the earth and maketh it to bring forth and bud,
that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the

160 Autobiography of a

eater : so shall my word be that goeth forth out of
my mouth ; it shall not return unto me void ; but it
shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall
prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." — Isaiah Iv.
10> 11.

Mill Town is a handsome thriving little town, in
the parish of Saint Stephen, on the right, or northern
bank of the St. Croix, which forms here the dividing
line be^een the province of New Brunswick and
the State of Maine. It contains an Episcopal church,
a Roman Catholic chapel, a Wesleyan chnrch, a
Congregational church, and a rather, imposing edi-
fice in course of erection, and intended to be a place
of worship for the Universalists. The people form
a mixed population, consisting of Americans, Nova
Scotians, natives, and Irish Roman Catholics. They
are all etf gaged in the- lumber trade, or in depart-
ments connected with that trade, and sustained by
it.' Saw mills are erected upon every available site,
from Calais to Baring, a distance of about six miles
There are also foundries, and other manufactories,
carried on with a good deal of spirit and success.

Methodism here never was in a very healthy or
sound condition. The commirnity, generally speak-
ing, never adopted it. Many did, and have proved
by their unswerving attachment to it, that their adop-
tion was the result of a rational and deliberate

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 161

choice. There are in the Wesleyan church in Mill
Town, some as consistent and as exemplary Metho-
dists as you will find anywhere ; but still, to a con-
siderable extent, the membership has been only
nominal. This is very generally the case on border
circuits, both in New Brunswick and in Canada.
The peculiaritiesof Methodism are rather distasteful
to many of the people. The doctrines are received
in almost every instance, but the administAtion is
regarded with suspicion and aversion. It is too par-
ticular ; a little too stringent ; it has not enough of
the democratic element in it.

A few years ago, a considerable secession took
place here among the Methodists. The promoters
of this schism alleged that our discipline was too
strict ; that the Conference had too much power ;
and that " the Poll Deed" was an artful contrivance
to establish and perpetuate an ecclesiastical domina-
tion. That these separatists were but partially ac-
quainted with Methodism, and that they were but
slightly attached to it, may be inferred from the
factj that they became the nucleus of a Congrega-
tional church, of which they are now the main
pillars and supporters.

During the agitation and disquietude that pre-
ceded this unhappy division, the Wesleyan chapel,
a very beautiful one, was burned down — not by

H

162 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP A

accident, but by incendiarism ; and some will per-
sist in thinking, and saying too, that the instigators
of this act of sacrilege and vandalism, are still living
in Mill Town. I can't say how it is ; nor would I
be so presumptuous as to contradict those who hold
and express this opinion. The Lord knoweth; and
the day is coming that will declare it. In that
day secret things shall be brought to light, and hid-
den things, and all the works of darkness shall be
made rnanifest.

This untoward event and its effects, which are
still felt ; the rudeness of the working classes ; the
speculative spirit and sharp practice of the mer-
chants and manufacturers ; the prevalence of pro-
fane and vulgar habits ; the demoralizing tendency
of the lumbering business ; the flagrant violation of
the Sabbath up the river, at the booms, and in the
mills ; and the unscriptural and infidel opinions en-
tertained by a great many ; these circumstances
render this circuit a rather painful position to any
Wesleyan minister, especially, as in our case, to one
who had spent the five years immediately preced-
ing, among the beloved societies and congregations
of Saint John.

The Methodists have here, now, a very neat and
commodious chapel, on the site occupied by the one
that was burned. It was erected chiefly at the ex-

Wb^Letan MissioNARir. l63

pense of Messrs. Abner and Stephen Hill, two
brothers, both members of the church, and prover-
bial for liberality. The parsonage is very com-
fortable, and has a good deal of land attached to it.
Both it and the chapel are free from debt, and are
kept in good condition by the zeal and industry of a
sewing society, consisting of a few pious sisters, at
the head of whom is Mrs. Abner Hill.

This circuit has an annual income of about fifty
pounds, the proceeds of munificent bequests from the
late Mr. Abner Hill, already mentioned, and from
Mr. Phineas Nevins, also deceased. These worthy
and generous men, and Mr. Stephen Hill, and the
late James Albee, Esq., and the venerable Robert
Hitchings, have ever been the stedfast and staunch
supporters of Methodism as it is. Only two of these
now survive, and they are far advanced in years ;
but God will raise up others ; and there is little
doubt but we shall hear that Mr. James Bowes,
Mr. Alexander Gibson, Mr. James Crossett, and
others, are zealous for the glory of the Lord, and for
the maintenance and extension of Methodism in
Mill Town.

CHAPTER X.

Rev. Duncan McColl — Methodism on the Saint Croix
Remarks touching the United States — ^Extracts
FROM Journal — Conjectures relating to the pre-
sent Emperor of France, Napoleon III — Extracts

! FROM Journal, &c. &c, — ^Fredericton, &o.

I There are three circuits on the Saint Croix—
Saint Andrew's, called after the shire or county
town, situate at the mouth of the river, and where
it flows into Passamaquoddy Bay — Saint Stephen's
at the head of the navigation — and Mill Town,
about two miles farther up. JVIethodism was intro-
duced into this part of the province, by the late
Rev. Duncan McColl, who, for many years, was
the only preacher of the Gospel in the whole coun-
try. He was a Scotchman, and originally a Calvi-
nist ; in early life he was in the army, and had seen
some service. He was a man of strong understand-
ing, great decision, and steady habits ; and owing to
which, probably, he rose to the highest grade of
non-commissioned officers. While in the service,
he experienced religion under the preaching of the
Methodists, abjured his Calvinistic fenets, and soon
became a hearty and zealous Wesleyan.
The regiment to which Mr. McCoH belonged,

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 165

was disbanded at the close of the last American
war ; and he, and a great many of his companions in
arms, settled on the Saint Croix, and in other parts
of the county of Charlotte, upon lands granted to
them by the crown. From his entrance into the
country, until nearly the close of his life, this good
man laboured hard to win souls to Christ, and to
form Methodist churches and congregations. He
had to endure many privations and hardships ; and
persevere through many and serious discourage-
ments ; but the Lord was with him, and so pros-
pered him in his work of faith, and labour of love,
that they resulted in the formation of the three cir-
cuits alluded to above. In each of these circuits
there are many precious souls — Methodists in word,
and in deed — by profession and by practice — men
and women devoted to God, and who would, under
more favourable circumstances, be burning and shin-
ing lights.

But after all, these stations taken collectively, are
in a comparative degree, a hard and unproductive
soil. They have had great care bestowed upon
them — much pains have been taken with them ; and
they have been supplied with the best preachers ;
but certainly the effects produced are not in keeping
with the cause, and although the salvation of one
soul is above all estimate, the spiritual harvest

166 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

hitherto yielded by these frontier circuits, is not
commensurate with the skill and the labour bestowed
upon them.

Methodism seems to be too evangelical — too pure
for the generality of the people. It cannot, will not
connive at logging, scaling logs, driving, or sawing
on the Lord's Day. It denounces usury, smuggling,
and extortion ; all which practices, or rather mal-
practices, are very common in the trading part of
the community, and not uncommon even in some
churches.

A form of doctrine and discipline much inferior
to Methodism, would suit the people better — would
be more congenial with their wishes and their prin-
ciples. A sort of jwasj-religion, that would permit
them to walk according to the desires and devices
of their own hearts, and at the same time give them
the status of church membership, and an assurance
of everlasting life. This pliable, accommodating
kind of religion, would find great favour in the bor-
der towns and villages on the picturesque and
beautiful banks of the Saint Croix.

The above are no doubt, some of the reasons why
the Methodist societies are so sm.all — why the doc-
trine of Christian perfection is not well received ;
why class meetings and love feasts are little regard-
ed; and the value of week-day services scarcely

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 167

acknowledged. But still we must not despair. The
truth is mighty and will prevail ; this motto is in-
scribed on the oriflame of the Gospel ; and the form
of Christianity that has triumphed over so many, and
such formidable obstacles, will eventually triumph
here. " In the wilderness shall waters break out,
and streams in the desert ; and the parched ground
shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of
water."

Universalism may stretch forth its profane hand,
and remove the ancient land marks in Zion ; scep-
ticism may sneer and try to invalidate the testi-
mony of God ; Popery may magnify relics, and in-
crease and diversify its mummeries, until every
vestige of religion is lost in a species oi necromancy ,
and every particle of truth swallowed up hy fables ;
spiritual rappings ; manifestations, and all other
phases of the carnal mind. These and all other ab-
surdities may rage and bluster, fret and fume, tell of
lying wonders, and speak great swelling words;
but all will end as the crackling of thorns under a
pot. The truth will remain, and as Methodism is
the truth of God, and a peculiar developement' of
Scriptural Christianity, it will remain ; yes, remain
as long as the sun and moon shall endure ; as long
as " the everlasting hills " shall sta.nd, until " the
heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and

168 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

the elements melt with fervent heat ;" " yea, it
shall remain for ever and ever, because t'he mouth
of the Lord hath spoken it."

" Let Thy dying love constrain

Those who disregard Thy frown ]
Siulc the mountain to a plain,

Bring the pride of sinners down;
SoAen the obdurate crowd ;

Melt the rebels with Thy blood."— Wkslei.

While I remained on this circuit I resumed my
practice of keeping a kind of diary, or common
place book. Circumstances frequently interrupted
this species of journalism, so that I have not been
able to observe anything like chronological order.
I shall, therefore, at present, make a few extracts
from the memoranda I kept in Mill To^vn.

To day, March 4, 1853, our Republican neigh-
bours in the State of Maine, are celebrating the in-
auguration of their new president, General Pierce.
This celebration is rather ludicrous, savours a leetle
too much of the Captain Bobadil spirit. It consists of
firing off a few discharges from some superannuated'
pieces of ordnance, and an abortive attempt at ring-
ing a merry peal, which to me, sounds very like
a compromise with funeral tolling. General P — —
belongs to the Democratic or Loco Foco jiarty, and
is not more than a third-rate man. He served in
" the Mexican war," and acquired as mucli fame

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 169

perhaps, as a subordinate commander could, in such
an inglorious service.

The American population, not really the American
'people, are very presumptuous. Their military pre-
tensions are really ludicrous ; and their national
vanity is insupportable. They rant and rave about
liberty, while the chains of three millions of slaves
are clanking in thejr ears. They talk loudly and
vehemently about progress, while they are retro-
grading ; they denounce British ambition and ex-
tension, while they are trying to dismember Mexico,
and annex Cuba ; they make stump speeches, and
electioneering harangues, about " Free trade, "
"sailors rights," "free soil," "the higher law,"
" cum myitis aliis" while they maintain high tarifis,
scourge their sailors, enact fugitive slave laws, and
execute Judge Lynch's summary and sanguinary
code.

But some would say, is this an impartial state-
ment? Is this intended to apply to the whole of
the United States'? We frankly and promptly
reply. From these charges, and from all that they
can be supposed to presume, we exonerate the New
England States, the northern section of the Union
and some of the Western States. Indeed, it is to
these portions of the nation, to their Anglo-Saxon
character, to their honour, their love of justice, their
H 2

170 A.UTOBI0GRAPHT OF A

religion, that we look for such measures as will re-
peal the Fugitive Slave Law, defeat the Nebraska-
Kansas conspiracy, abolish slavery, and restore to
this really great republic, the name and fame it once
achieved, and long enjoyed ; but of which it has
been basely plundered by pro-slavery men, by-
aspiring demagogues, mercenary politicians, and
Popish emissaries.

The United States have done a great deal, and
are still doing a great deal, for the spread of religion,
for the promotion of morals, and 'for the diffusion of
education. They possess in themselves all the ele-
ments of a great and mighty nation ; and if their
leading public men, their rulers, and their statesmen
are true to their country, and true to God, He
will exalt it, and make it a praise among all na-
tions, and " the joy of the whole earth."

lam rejoiced, however, that recent intelligence
from Saint John, furnishes a more genial topic for
reflection ; and one, too, that more properly belongs
to my department. My politics are enunciated by
the apostle of the circumcision : " Honour all men,
love the brotherhood, fear God, honour .the King."

The Lord is again visiting the Wesleyan section
of His church in that city. The visitant in this case
is pre-eminently love. The Lord the Spirit has de-
scended upon his heritage like showers upon the new

WESLETAN MISSIONART. 171

mown grass, or as the small rain upou the tender
herb. Some have experienced the blessing of perfect
love. Among these are the preachers, their wives,
and several of otir intimate friends. A cloud fraught
with this divine blessing is spreading over ihe whole
society, and many are hastening to catch

" The teeming shower,
And all its moislure drain."

O that God, in his abundant goodness, would cause
it to extend hither. O that some fertilizing drops
might descend upon this parched and barren land.
A great deal of labour has been expended here ;
some of our most zealous and talented men have
laboured on this circuit ; and although the head of
the church has honoured his servants, and blest
their ministry to the salvation of many precious
souls, still the result has not been equal to what
might have been expected, or to what should have
been realized. " O, Lord, revive Thy work. O,
Lord, send us now prosperity."

March 20. — I find it very difficult to labour here
(Mill Town). I am almost alone ; I don't know
what I would do, were it not for the valuable aid
afforded me by my dear wife. She is, indeed, " a help
meet for me." A great domestic and spiritual bless-
ing, and for which I never can be sufficiently thank-

172 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

ful. " Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain ; but
a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be,
praised."

Sunday, March 27. — I buried Mrs. Walker to-day .
Her death was preceded by severe illness, but the
Lord sustained her. She bore her sufferings with
great patience, and was enabled to hold fast the re-
joicing of hope firm, unto the end. She fell asleep
in Jesus, on Thursday the I7th instant, and in the
58th year of her age. This is the fourth death that
has occurred since we came to this circuit, about
eight mouths ago. Three of these aiibrded the most
cheering evidence that in them " grace reigned
through righteousness unto eternal life," and that
the " blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, cleansed
them from all sin." Hallelujah. Touching the
other, we are not without hop^ in his death ; his
disease, that of which he died, materially affected
his understanding, and for some time previous to his
departure, deprived him of speech. But he is with
the Lord who judgeth rightly, and doeth all things
well. Selah.

April 8. — In looking over a Saint John paper I
see the following numerical prediction of the fall of
the present imperial government of France. It is
rather fanciful than profound, and belongs more pro-
perly to soothsaying than to science. Here it is to

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 173

speak for itself: — " A Frenchman lately communi-
cated the following curious calculation to an Eng-
lish friend": —

" Fall of Robespierre in the year 1794

Repeat 1 791 in single figures, and then add the 1

whole 7

9
4

Fallot Napoleon 1815

Repeat as above 1

8
1
5

Fall of Charles X 1 830

Repeat as above 1

8
3

Fall ot Duke of Orleans 1842

Add as before 1

8
4
2

1857

In this year Louis Napoleon, the present Emperor
of France will fall. The government of this

I74l AUTOBIOGRAFHT OF A

remarkable mxa is the best that can now be estab-
lished in France : but still there can be no stability as
long as the government is seated as it now is upon
the very edge of the crater of a fierce volcano.
There are at present two other claimants to the
Gallic throne. One the grandson of Charles X. re-
presents the Bourbon dynasty, and bears the title of
" Count of Charabord," the other, the grandson.,
of Louis Phillippe, represents the Orleans branch of.
the Bourbons, and is called " the Count of Paris."
But amid all these political conjectures, and through
all the vicissitudes that produce them, the Christian
knows that the Lord reigneth," and that his Heaven-
ly Father " is the blessed and only Potentate.'?
Alleluia.

Sunday, April 18. — Our congregations in the
town were very good: and the preaching of the
word was attended with power. God was in our
midst, of a truth: surely all the seed has not been
sown in stony ground, or upon the way side.

Monday, 19. — The prayer meeting this evening
was a very profitable one. If we had a few praying
men, and a few efficient leaders, great good
might be done ; it must be remembered, however,
that the race is not always to the swift, or the bat-
tle to the strong. The walls of Jericho were thrown
down, not by military assault, but by the sounding of

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 175

rams' horns— and the Midianitish camp was
surprised and routed, not by midnight assault, but
by a barley cake, or rather by the sword of Gideon
the son of Joash.

June 2. — Our district meeting (New Brunswick
district^) commenced to-day in Fredericton, the capi-
tal of the Province. It was formerly called Saint
Anne's Point ; but adopted its present name as an
avowal of its high conservative principles, and to ex-
press its respect for his late Royal Highness Frede-
rick, Duke of York. It is now an Episcopal city ;
and is the seat of a Cathedral. Fredericton is ra-
ther low ; but still there is something pleasant in
ils situation ; a good deal of the picturesque and the
beautiful, in its ancestral trees, and in its general 'Rus
in urhe" appearance. At present it contains a popu-
lation of perhaps between five and six thousand,
among whom are some very distinguished profes-
sional men, and some very enterprising merchants.

This city is " the head quarters" of a regiment of
infantry, usually the whole military force of the Pro-
vince. There is also a small, but neat artillery bar-
rack : and a very efficient and respectable commis-
sariat ofiice. The legislative chambers and public
offices are 'inclosed within a very handsome square
near the river : and on an eminence, a short distance
beyond the suburbs, is the only university of which

176 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

the colony can boast. It stands alone in frigid and
solitary state : not adding much as a public edifioejto
the architectural distinctions of the metropolis ; and
still less in the opinion of some, as an educational
institution, to the intelligence or erudition of its
inhabitants.

Besides these already enumerated, Fredericton
contains the official residence of His Excellency
the Lieutenant Governor ; -also a very respectable
and well conducted academy belonging to the Cal-
vinist Baptists ; and several places of worship,
among which, the Anglican bishop's chapel is distin-
guished by its Puseyitish aspect, and the Wesleyau
church, by its beauty and capacity.

During the district meeting, we had services every
morning and evening ; and the attendance on every
occasion was very good. One of the best choirs, and
one of the most flourishing Sunday schools in the
whole province are in this circuit : circumstances
these which, under God; are attributable to the energy
and ability of the Hon. L. A.Wilmot,one ofthepuisne
Judges of the Supreme Court. This zealous brother
in Christ, and his excellent wife, are very devoted
Methodists. They never weary, or faint by the
way 5 but are " in season, and out of season," dili-
gent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.

The chairman preached on Sunday forenoon, from

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 177

Isaiah lii. 11. " Be ye clean that bear the vessels
of the Lord ;" and in the evening, I endeavoured to
trace the rise and progress of Christianity from
Psalms xlvi. 4-5. The house -was crowded, and I
spake unto them as the Lord gave me utterance.

The district love feast, held in the afternoon, was
of a truth, "the fellowship of Saints," over which
the master of assemblies presided ; and the admi-
nistration of "the Lord's supper" in the evening,
was attended with tokens of the divine presence
and power. These were indeed most precious and
delightful seasons ; times of refreshing and anoint-
ing ; of illuminating and sanctifying grace ; and
that will no doubt, be' long and gratefully remem-
bered, by those who had the privilege to enjoy
them. "Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that
is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord,
O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."

The anniversary of the auxiliary society was held
on Tuesday evening, and was well attended ; and
on the following evening, brother Robert A. Tem-
ple, was ordained in the presence of a large and
attentive congregation.

The District meeting was, upon the whole, a very
agreeable and profitable one. The preaching was
of rather a superior order ; the claims of the Mis-
sionary society were advocated with considerable

178 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

fervour ahd eloquence ; harmony and love pre-
vailed in an eminent degree at every sitting ; all the
deliberations were conducted in a proper spirit ;
the stationing was effected with very little difficul-
ty ; five candidates were duly examined and re- .
ceived on trial ; and all went to their respective
fields of labour, resolved by the help of God, more
strenuously than ever — more faithfully than ever,
to perform the work to which he had called them,
so that at the last, they might have the satisfaction
to obtain His gracious approval, and hear Him say,
" Well done good and faithful servants, enter ye into
the joy of your Lord."

Mill Town, Sunday, June 19. — Being re-appoint-
ed to this circuit, I renew my labours after an
interregnum of three weeks. The people are all
rejoiced to see me back again. This, also, is of the
Lord. Glory be to his name. The church was
crowded this morning, owing to there being no con-
gregational minister here at present. I never saw
it so full, benches had to be erected in the aisles.
I endeavoured to preach from Eev. vii, 13-17.
May the Lord own his word, and make it fruitful.
Amen. Even so Lord Jesus.

Preached in the evening from John xii, 26. " If
any man serve me, let him follow me ; and where

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 179

I am, there shall also my servant be ; if any man
serve me, him will my father honour;" O !

" If all the world my Saviour knew,
All the world would love Him too."

As our master, our friend, our leader whg is like
unto Jesus 1 Every saintin heaven, and every saint
on earth, say none. Jesus is the first and the last,
" the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever."

But for Jesus there never would have been snch
a person as a sinner saved by grace ; but for him no
human being would have ever entered heaven ;
only for Jesus, there never would have been such
an institution as the church, or such a community
as " the spirits of just men made perfect." But for
Jesus the glory of the Lamb would never have been
displayed in heaven, nor would the song of the
redeemed, or the minstrelsy of the heavenly harpers
ever have been heard. He " is all, and in all."

" Salvation; O thou bleeding Lamb,

To Thee the praise belongs ;
Salvation shall inspire our hearts.

And dwell upon our tongues;
Glory, honor, praise, and power

Be unto the Lamb for ever,
Jesus Christ is our Redeemer,

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah,

Praise the Lord."

CHAPTER XI.

EXTKACTS FROM JOURNAL^ — ^ALLUSION TO THE StATE OT

Europe and or China — Railroad Demonstration
AT Saint John, N.B. — Movements in the United
States — Extracts from Journal.

Sunday, July 24, 1854. — Congregation very good
in the forenoon, all seemed to listen attentively
while I endeavoured to expound and enforce, Heb.
xi, 7. May all that heard become heirs of the
righteousness which is by faith. Preached at the
Ledge in the afternoon, and in the evening at Saint
Stephen. Evening congregation remarkably at-
tentive. Text, Luke ix, 42.

July 31. — Our congregations continue to be very
good. The chapel is full at every service. The
people seem to hear with attention, and I try to
preach with all simplicity and patience, and plain-
ness of speech. My language was at my first com-
ing among this people, considered a little too ele-
vated, and my style a little too descriptive ; but I
have succeeded in greatly modifying these peculi-
arities, so that the least informed of the people can
" mark, learn, and inwardly digest" what they hear.

August 16, 1854.-^Europe is just now in a very

Wesleyan missionary. 181

unsettled state ; its peace is in ijumiuent danger of
being disturbed, not by revolutionary attempts, not
by the oppressed nationalities of Italy, Poland, or
Hungary struggling for freedom ; but by the ambi-
tious designs and movements of the Czar of Russia.
He longs to annex European Turkey to his already
overgrown empire. Acquisition and aggression have
distinguished the policy of this nation from the
days of Rurik, down to the present time. Sweden,
Finland, Poland, Turkey have all felt the influence
of its cupidity, and the weight of its power. The
old. continent was never in a more unsettled state
than it is at present. Italy is writhing in anguish
under the iron yoke of Austria. Sicily is ground
into the very dust, by the abominable despot, that
God in his wrath permits to sit on the throne of
Naples ; and France, La belle France, lies gagged,
chained, and bleeding at the feet of a mere parvenu.
Everything looks ominous and threatening ; the
political horizon is darkening, and the clouds are
gathering blackness ; but the Christian remains un-
moved, for he knows that " the Lord reigneth," and
and that " His kingdom ruletli over all."

A movement is also going on in China, which
bids fair to overthrow the ancient Tartar dynasty,
divide this vast empire, open what has hitherto
been sealed up, make known what has been for

182 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OV A

ages " a terra incognita" and prepare a highway for
our God, and for the chariot of his gospel. There
is a strong probability that the success of the insur-
gents will issue in these great and glorious results'
They are not idolaters. On the contrary, they re-
ceive the Sacred Scriptures as their rule of faith ;
and if their revolutionary efforts prosper, an effec
tual door will thereby be opened for the preaching
of the gospel to millions who have never heard its
"joyful sound/' nor felt its saving power.

But those who still plead for the divine right' of
kings, and who condemn resistance to established
power,— -however arbitrary, or unconstitutional it
may be, will condemn our speculative policy.
They may perhaps go farther, and insinuate that
we hold the corrupt maxim which the Romish
Church finds to be so convenient, to wit, that " the
end sanctifies the means." Now, to all this special
pleading we have but one answer — we are loyal,
and desire to " render to Ctesar the things that
are CsBsar's, and to God the things that are God's."
But we cannot help thinking, and believing too,
that we are greatly indebted for the civil and
religious liberty we now so fully enjoy, to Oliver
Cromwell to the Long Parliament, and to the Revo-
lution of William, Prince of Orange.

Sunday August, 21. — The gracious Lord has been

WESLBYAN MISSIONARY. 183

with US to day, and has made it a high day to our
souls. Congregations large aud attentive. The
spirit itself helped my infirmities, and strengthened
my weakness. In the afternoon we held our quar-
terly love feast, and for a while feasted with Jesus,
Priests, and Kings. Glory be to God for the holy
Sabbath ; and for bringing us a Sabbath day's jour-
ney, nearer to the land of rest,

" The Saints' secure abode."

24. — We celebrated a great Sabbath school festi-
val to day. The friends connected with this insti-
tution chartered the steamer " Nequassett," hence
to Saint Andrews and back again. The children
with their parents, teachers, and friends, amount-
ing to upwards of three hundreds, all landed safely
at Saint Andrews, and went in procession from the
principal wharf to a beautiful grove outside of the
town. Here a very abundant and recherche feast
was served up a la fete Cliampetre, and after this
was disposed of, the young people and children in-
dulged for a considerable time in various gymnas-
tic exercises. About 4 o'clock P. M. the whole
party embarked at " the Point," and after a very
pleasant trip to Calais, arrived at Mill Town, in
health and safety. Thanks be to God, for all his
meicies.

i84< AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

RAILROAD DEMONSTRATION AT SAINT JOHN.

September 14. — This dear old city has had many
a gate, day, and has passed through many an event--
ful one. We have heard of the notable day when
the indignant Blue-noses burnt the late Lord Syden->
ham in effigy, having previously carried the said
effigy through the principal streets of the city. A
few years after this harmless Auto de. Fe, his Lord-
ship, ^s Governor General, actually visited Saint
John ; and the inhabitants being apprised of his
intention, received him in a most gratifying manner
with deputations, addresses, processions, so that the^
city enjoyed all the pleasures of a festive day, and
a day of rejoicing. The opening of the crystal
palace— the opening of the fountain in King's square
— and other public events, such as political exhibi-
tions, and temperance demonstrations, have treated
Saint John to many a holiday ; but the railroad
display surpassed them all.

His Excellency came down from the Celestial
city, (Predericton) attended by a suitable, though
terrestrial escort. He came down in all the pomp
and panoply of vice-regal state ; and his excellent
lady turned up — yes, actually turned up ihe first
sod of " the great European and North American
Railway ;" and His Excellency himself wheeled it
off in state, of course. And then — what then]

WEStEYAN MISSIO.VART. 185

Why, the bands struck up the National Anthem—
the city bells rung a vaetty peal — the people shouted
and cheered, and cheered and shouted, and the sun
shone out with a fierceness which expressed at
once, his joy on the occasion, and his determination
to keep the sky bright, and 'treat the good folks of
Saint John to a great and memorable day.

To finish the celebration 9f so important an event
as the turning up, and the wheeling off of the said
first sod, there were fire-works — and after the fire-
works, a ball — and after the ball, a supper — and
after the supper, supplementary dancing — and in
the midst of the dancing a crash — a giving way of
the temporary building in which these orgies wers
performed, and by which several persons %vere se-
verely maimed and wounded, and one young man
killed.*

The day for turning up the second sod, like the
Greek calends, has not arrived yet, and the day on
which the first sod was detached from its natural
position, turned out to be, dies infaustus, an unfortu-
nate day.

MOVEMENTS IN THE UNITED STATES.

Our neighbours " over the border" are an energetic

• This road, or rather project, has been since abandoned.
I

186 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

race, and have to adopt multifarious expedients, and
almost countless projects, to furnish occupation for
their teeming brains and busy hands. This arises,
no doubt, from the national diversities that obtain in
the gross population ; from the boundless extent of
the country, presenting vast fields for speculation
and enterprise ; and from the flexibility of their do-
mestic institutions, and the self-protecting character
of their foreign and commercial policy. '

There is another circumstance which has greatly
contributed to the growth of manufactures, and to
the prosecution of the arts and sciences, and even
the liberal professions, in the United States. We
allude to their freedom from the conventional usages
and laws which in older countries have so long re-
gulated municipal corporations, trades, the civil
rights of cities, and the operation and government of
universities. In many parts of Europe still, a lad
must serve an apprenticeship to the most familiar
and ordinary trade, of no less than seven years dura-
tion. That is, to acquire the art to make a shoe, or
to bake a loaf, to kill a calf, or to dress his hide, he
must devote seven long and tedious years, and un-
less he does so, he is disqualified from following
such a pursuit, either as an operative, or an employer.
The statutes of the universities were equally absurd
and oppressive 5 but in the United States all this

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 187

cumbrous machinery has been swept away ; full and
free scope are afforded to the intelligence, the
energy, and the ambition of all classes ; and, al-
though this freedom of choice and action may be
sometimes abused, the working of it as a fixed and
established principle has been productive of a vast
amount of good. The advocates of the old system
may say what they please; they may extol one
system, and condemn the other ; but still (he Ame-
ricans, in the mechanical branches, in the arts and
sciences, and in the liberal professions, are "going
a-head" rapidly and prosperously ; and to all that are
so sceptical on this subject as to require proof, we say,
in the language of a Latin poet, " Si quaeris monu-
mentum circumspice te" : if you want evidence look
all around you.

I have been led, without any intention, into these
remarks, by having my notice drawn, through a por*
tion of the press, the American press, to the follow-
ing matters, which are discussed in a very racy
article, and from which we make the annexed quo-
tation : —

" The whole commonwealth is just now engaged
in the discussion of almost innumerable subjects.
These are chiefly, the Maine Liquor Law, the Rail-
road to the Pacific, Free Trade, Free Soil, the
Fisheries, Nebraska, Nicaragua, Abolition, United

188 AtjTOSlOGRAPHT OF A

States Bank, Steam Navigation, and last, but not
least. Women's Rights. The meetings held for the
vindication of the last measure are very frequent,
and sometimes boisterous. And among the ludicrous
results of this false assumption, we notice lately the
ordination of Antoinette Lucy Brown, as pastor over
a Baptist church, in Borden Town, New Jersey.
There were present on the occasion a brace of
Senators, an equal number of female M.D.'s, and
some other fair celebrities in theology and science.

" Surely the men are going out of fashion. Their
pre-eminence is waning away, and their glory is
departing. They will soon become obsolete."
" Jacta est alea.'" The die is cast.

Sunday, October 25. — « The ta.bernacle of God is
with men." We feel it ; and are persuaded that
He is not only among us, but is waiting to be gra-
cious. One of the great hindrances to the spread
of pure religion here, is Popery. We feel it, it
spreads like a cloud over the whole community.
But God will "destroy it with the spirit of his
mouth, and consume it with the brightness of his
appearing." The time will come when God will
root it out. Human policy, court intrigue, military
force, and Jesuitical strategy may prop it up for a
while ; but its doom is no less certain ; its total
destruction, though deferred, is inevitable. Fara-

■WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 189

lysis has seized it ; its last sickness has fallen upon it ;
and before long, the evangelical churches will exult
in its death, and say, '' Babylon the Great, the
mother of harlots, and abominations of the earth, is
slain, and the blood of the saints is avenged."

Sunday, Nov. 9. — This is the day of the Lord;
and we will be glad and rejoice in Him by His name
'' Jah." I have had great liberty to day, especially
in the forenoon, while preaching from 2 Cor. viii. 9.
Jesus was poor indeed ; He had neither house, nor
home, nor friends. He traversed the lakes of Judea
in boats belonging to His disciples, held the Pass-
over in a borrowed room ; had nothing to bequeath
but His blessing; and was buried at the expense of
a friend ; but now He is so rich, and withal so mu-
nificent, that thrones, kingdoms, imperishable in-
heritances, and everlasting possessions are the gifts
He bestows, and the favours He confers, upon all
His ransomed followers. Blessed be His name for
ever.

" For Him shall endless prayer be made,
And praises throng to crown His head ;
His name, like sweet perfume, shall rise,
"With every morning sacrifice."

November 23. — Preached this morning with
great comfort, and was encouraged by some tokens
for good. Surely such blessed truths cannot be
preached in vain. The Gospel is the power of God

190 AUTOBI0GRA.PHY OP A

unto salvation ; not an instrument of his power
merely, but the power itself. The power of God
put forth to save souls. It possesses vitality, wis-
dom, grace, power, love. The Gospel gives life to
the dead ; it makes wise the simple ; it affords
grace in every time of need ; it gives strength and
power to the weak and faint, and fills all that fully
believe it with " the perfect love that casteth out
fear." We have this Gospel ; the same that Paul
preached in Rome, and in Corinth, and in Ephesus.
The same that Peter preached in Jerusalem, and
throughout Judea, and in Pontus, Galatia, and Cap-
padocia. We have the same Gospel ; it retains its
original character in all its plenitude ; and though
we are not extraordinary messengers, Jesus Christ
is still the same ; the promise is still the same ; and.
that promise assures us that He will be with us
always even unto the end. We believe it, and,
therefore, do we speak, O'may the Lord bless the
preaching of his glorious Gospel to this people.
Amen.

Let Rome depend on architecture and sculpture ;
on painting and music; on ceremonies, bells, and
candles. We will depend upon " God, and the
word of his grace ;" upon " Jesus Christ, and him
crucified." Feats and performances more extrava-
gant than those of an Harlecjuin, cannot represent

WESLE7AN MISSION ART. 191

religion ; nor can ecclesiastical masquerading esta-
blish among men that kingdom, which is " righteous-
ness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost."

In the evening we found it good to wait upon the
Lord again. His house was made a Bethel to our
souls. Many were enabled to rejoice in his salva-
tion ; O, how precious are the days of the son of
man on earth ; Ihey make the valley of Baca a well.
On these blessed days especially, the rain cometh
down that filleth the pools, and makes the church
as a fruitful field which God hath blest.

January 10, 1855. — Set out to-day from Mill
Town, accompanied by my dear wife, for Saint
John. The roads are very bare, scarcely any snow,
and tlie sleighing of course, is very bad. 1 under-
take this journey from necessity, and in order to
fulfill pressing and important engagements. At the
last District meeting, brother Churchill and I were
appointed the missionary deputation for the above
city. I was also under an engagement to deliver
two lectures at the Mechanics' Institute.

After a great deal of toil and hardship we arrived,
about dark, at Mr. Macallum's at Digediguash, hav-
ing in the whole day, performed a journey of about
twenty miles.

•When we had been seated a little while, I per-
ceived that a boy, probably 10 years of age or there-

192 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

abouts, was very anxious to converse with me, and
that the topic uppermost in his thoughts was the war
with the Russians. This was while the public mind
was filled with the emotions produced by the
terrible battles of the Alma, and of Inkermann,
The prodigious feats of valour performed by the
Allies ; and the more conspicuous chivalry and in-
trepidity of particular portions of the army, especi-
ally of the Scotch Brigade, seemed to have taken
exclusive possession of this boy's mind. I spoke to
him of the evils of war ; the immorality that attended
it ; the orphanage and widowhood it produced, but all
to no purpose ; he could see but one feature in it, and
that feature was the British beating the Russians.
I tried to lead him off by adverting to his studies, to
what he was learning ; but it was no use, his voice
was still for war ; and a little before he retired, after
a pause in the conversation, perceiving that he was
about to resume the old familiar theme, I ventured to
speak about arithmetic ; and in an instant (Duncan,)
I think that was his name, caught a new idea, and
acting upon it with great promptitude, said, " don't
you think Mr. — — — , that the British would beat
the Russians, though they were ten to one against
them," and then went olF saying, " I guess they
would." Should this lad ever become a soldier,
there is no doubt but he will sustain the traditional

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 193

eminence of the Clan Macallum, and if required,
risk health, and life, and everything to help the
British to beat the Russians.

January 11. — No snow having fallen during the
night, and the roads hence to Maguadarick, and
thence to Saint John being completely bare, we
turned our face toward home; arrived early in
the evening at Oak Bay, where we stopped all
night; next morning started for Mill Town, and
reached it in the afternoon, on the third day after
we had left it.

Mr. Churchill, the other member of the deputa-
tion, was, also, prevented by an accident, from at-
tending, so that we both failed. But the anniver-
saries were held without us, and were well sus-
tained. The collections and donations were very
large ; a divine influence rested upon the various
meetings, and this influence was felt in the societies
and congregations during the remainder of the
winter. To God be all the praise.

CHAPTER XII.

Extracts from Journal — ^Messrs. William and Richard
Wright — Mr. Richard Thorne, &c. — ^Allusion to
THE Refugees — City of Saint John, &c. — Fur-
ther Extracts from Journal.

Early in February my dear wife and I renewed
our attempt to reach Saint John, which we did in
the usual time, and with as much comfort as could
be expected to attend travelling at this season of the
year. In a short time after entering the city, by
" the Suspension Bridge," we arrived at our quarters
comfortable quarters too, at Mr. William Wright's,
in Brussell's street. Here we found everything pre-
pared for our reception, and a most ample stock of
very superior hay and oats specially provided for our
horse. In a few minutes we found ourselves at
home, and so completely domesticated, that the in-
convenience and fatigue of the journey were soon
forgotten.

Sunday, February H. — Preached in Germain
street in the forenoon, and in the Centenary church
in the evening. Morning congregation large, and
apparently deeply interested in the service. In the
evening the house was crowded, and God enabled
me to deliver his message with considerable power,

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 195

After the evening service we held a prayer meeting
in the basement story, at which, probably, from five
to six hundred persons were present. The Lord
was in their midst ; His arm was made bare, and
His saving power displayed. Of all the prayer meet-
ings held throughout this great continent among
Wesleyans, or any other denomination of Christians,
perhaps there is not one better at teiided, or one that
is more distinguished for devotional fervour and
divine unction, than the Monday evening prayer
meeting, held in the basement story of " the Cen-
tenary chapel, in the city of Saint John. There are
very few circuits, if any, within the same vast ex-
tent, favoured with a more efficient staff of " pray-
ing brethren." In this spiritual band Mr. David
Collins, Mr. Henry Marshall, Mr. Edward Lloyd,
and others, occupy a distinguished place. Many, O
many are the fervent and eflectual prayers, that these
zealous and devoted men have offered up to God.
May He bless them yet more, and more, and keep
them until prayer shall be swallowed up in praise,
and faith in full and everlasting fruition.

Monday, 15. — Delivered one of the promised lec-
tures this evening in the Mechanics' Institute. The
weather was very favourable, and the walking good.
The hall of the institute was crowded, and several
had to go away, not being able to procure seats.

196 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

The subject was of a character rather interesting
and popular, and owing to these circumstances, the
lecture was well received by the audience, and com-
mendingly reviewed by the press.

Sunday, 21. — Preached to-day in each of the city
chapels. The Lord the Spirit, as on former occa-
sions, and in these very sanctuaries, cheered my
soul with a sense of His divine presence, and
strengthened me in my inner man, by the commu-
nication of His power. I trust the services of this
blessed day will be made a blessing to many ; they
were to my own soul as honey and the honey-comb,
more precious than gold, yea than much fine gold.

Monday, 22. — Lectured this evening in the Me-
chanics' Institute, and redeemed my pledge. The
weather was rather unfavourable, but owing to the
wonted kindness of the people, I was honoured with
a full house, and the usual cordial and flattering re-
ception.

The object of our visit being accomplished, and
the time allotted for that purpose having expired,
we began our preparations for returning. The ar-
rangements were few and simple, and, therefore,
soon completed. And hence, on Wednesday morn-
ing, we took leave of our kind host and hostess.
The weather was fine ; the roads in excellent order ;
our equipage in good condition ; and after a very

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 197

pleasant journey, performed in two days, we arrived,
through the special goodness of our Heavenly
Father, in our own quiet and comfortable home ;
supplied with additional material for agreeable and
grateful reflection in the kindness and benevolence
oi our dear friend, Mr. William Wright.

This gentleman, and his brother, Mr. Richard
Wright, are practical ship-builders, and have con-
tributed very largely to elevate New Brunswick
built vessels to the distinguished reputation they
now enjoy. The Messrs. Wright commenced life
not many years ago, having little else, probably,
than a good character, industrious habits, and a
determination to go a head, and to succeed. Their
career has been alike characterized hy probity,
honour, and prosperity, and the position they now
occupy at the head of the ship-builders of the
Eastern Provinces, furnishes another instance, in
addition to the numerous ones, which the history of
trade and commerce supplies, of what may be
achieved by uprightness, ability, and perseverance.

This firm has built some of the best and largest
ships that have been constructed in British America.
It is not necessary to enumerate them all ; indeed,
the list, though it would present a great array of
both ships and tonnage, would engross more space
than is at our disposal ; we shall, therefore, only

198 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

mention "the David Cannon," « the Beejeepoie,"
'• the Dundonald," « the Guiding Star," « the Star
of the East," and the " Morning Light," recently
launched ; and that is, at present, the largest vessel
ever bnilt by any of our Colonial ship-wrights. But,
touching the character and dimensions of this superb
specimen of naval architecture, the American papers
speak in the highest terms of commendotion and
praise. The following is one eulogy selected from
many of a similar character.

" The New Brunswiokers have abundant reason
to be proud of their feats in ship-building ; and are
now saying a good deal, but not a word too much,
in favour of the ship " Morning Light," lately
launched*at Saint John. She is 265 feet long, and
measures 2,368 tons, and is said to be the finest and
most expensive ship ever built in British North
America."

"We spent more than a fortnight at Mr. Wright's ;
cared for in every respect ; and so abundantly fur-
nihhed with every thing that good taste and hospi-
tality could supply, that the only imperfection in our
visit was the brevity of its duration. I refer to it
now with feelings of mingled pleasure and regret j
and^should we never again see this kind friend, in
the flesh, we hope that, through the infinite mercy of
God, we shall meet him, and his generous and

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 199

noble hearted wife, and his amiable sister, where
there is no parting; and where we shall spend a
blessed eternity, and that eternity seem like a day.
This may be so ; it is the purpose of God that it
should be so ; and the sincerity, as well as the fer-
vour of that purpose, may be inferred from the ade-
quate and suitable provision made for its attainment.
There are many others, of whose Christian cour-
tesy and kindness we have largely partaken, but
want of space, and many other circumstances,
render it impossible to do more than gratefully
acknowledge it. Indeed so numerous is this class
in Saint John, that the record of their names would
form a very lengthy document ; but nevertheless, it
would be almost criminal — gratitude, if consulted,
would pronounce it to be felony, were we to omit
the names of our dear friends, " the Poor Steward "
and his generous and hospitable wife ; we allude to
Mr. and Mrs. Pdchard Thorne. Their house was
our last resting place, our last home, in New Bruns-
wick. Their dear familiar faces were among the
last we saw, and should we never see them again
on earth, we hope to meet them in Heaven, where,

'' Arrayed in glorious grace
Shall these vile bodies shine ;
And every shape and every face
Be heavenly and divine,"

To these beloved friends in Christy and to Mr.

200 AUTOBIOGKAPHY OF A

and Mrs. Aaron Eaton, in whose dwelling we found
our first New Brunswick home, we now present
our lively and grateful remembrance. May the
Lord bless Ihem and their families in a]l their
branches, and through all their generations. Ame7t.

When the renowned Apostle of the Gentiles,
wished to draw up a muster roll of the ancient
worthies and leading men of Israel, he was obliged
to do it in a summary manner, and hence he uses
this elegant expostulation : — " And what shall I
more say, for the time would fail me to tell of Gi-
deon, and of Barak, and of Sampson, and of Jeph-
thae, of David also, and Samuel, and of the pro-
phets ;" and the writer can plead the same apology
for not inserting the names of many in Saint John,
in Montreal, in Toronto, and in other places, from
whom he has received many personal favours, and
to whom he is greatly attached.

All he can do is, to emulate the naive and com-
prehensive reciprocity of the Indian Chief Shaw-
andais, alias John Sunday, and like him, shake
hands with them all in his heart. This I do ex-
animo, with all my heart and soul, and not only do
I perform this act of friendship and love with them,
and in this symbolical way ; but by the anticipations
of faith and hope, I do it with many others that
have fallen asleep in Jesus. They " have crossed

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 201

the flood," and are now ranging over " the sweet
fieMs " that " stand dressed in living green." We
see them ; they are clothed in white raiment, they
have crowns upon their heads, palms in their hands,
and the Lamb's name written upon their foreheads.
They see us ; the recognition is mutual ; it springs
from the unity of the church and the fellowship of
the saints. This is heaven on earth begun ; a fore-
taste of bliss and an " earnest of our inheritance,
until the redemption of the purchased possession,
unto the praise of his glory."

" Even now by failh we join our handa,
With those thai went before ;

And greet the blood-besprinkled bands,
On the eternal shore."

We shall now take our final leave of Saint John,
by offering some remarks of a general description,
relating to its past history, present condition, and
future prospects.

This city is situate at the mouth of the river
Saint John, where it forms itself into a safe and
commodious harbour, and through which it flows
into the Bay of Fiindy. It was settled by some
loyalists, who fled from the revolted.Araerican colo-
nies, now the United States, during the progress of
the revolution. We have no means at present to
determine either the amount, or the quality of their

202 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

allegiance, nor can we form any correct .estimate of
the privations they endured, or the courage they
manifested, or say anything positively of the losses
they sustained, or the sacrifices they made. A
good deal has been said on all these subjects ; and
they have been sometimes made the basis of claims
and assumptions neither very limited, nor very,
modest.

In New Brunswick, the loyal refugees and their
descendants, generally speaking, have fared exceeds
ingly well. They have had more than Benjamin's
portion; they have had the lion's ghare. The fa-
mily compact parly consisted of refugees and their
connexions, and irom the settlement of the Pro-
vince, until a few years ago, when responsible go-
vernment was introduced, they had everything their
own way ; office, emoluments, titles. They grasp-
ed all, and as long as they could, they held all.
Many of them were amiable and honourable men
in private life, and in their mercantile transactions ;
but their political inspirations were imbibed from
the fountains of the most rabid Toryism, while their
religion seemed to consist of nothing more than a
subscription to the thirty-nine articles, and a hatred
of the Dissenters.

These people, however, founded Saint. John, and
their descendants attach so much importance to that

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 203

event, and regard it with such intense feelings of
traditional veneration, that they still celebrate the
anniversary thereof with commendable zeal and
spirit.

The city lies on both sides of the harbour, and con-
tains a population of from twenty-five to thirty
thousand inhabitants. The original charter was
very narrow and exclusive, framed upon the feudal
principle, and in such a way that the corporation
was under the direct control of the government,
while the mayor himself was, de facto, de jure, their
mere nominee. This charter was lately cancelled,
and a new and liberal one enacted in its place ; and,
by virtue of this instrument, the municipal govern-
ment is vested in a mayor, and a certain number of
aldermen and councillors, all elected by the popular
suffrage of the free-holders and rate-payers.

The history of this city, though a brief one com-
paratively, has been marked by many, and by very
painful vicissitudes. It has suffered deeply and fre-
quently by commercial depressionsj and most disas-
trous fires. Indeed the business part of the city has
been twice literally reduced to ashes, but still, under
a gracious pfovidence, the indomitable energy and
unwearied perseverance of the people have carried
them through all, and Saint John, like the fabled
bird, has risen from its ashes, and is now more

204i XUTOlBIOGRAPHT OF A

comely and beautiful than it ever would have been
had it not passed through these terrible but renova-
ting ordeals. All the burnt districts are built up
with large and substantial stone and brick edifices ;
so that King street, Prince William street, Rocky
hill, the North Market wharf, Dock street. Nelson
street, &c., present a very imposing appearance.

This city is well provided with suitable places of
worship for the various Protestant denominations,
and the Roman Catholics are now erecting a very
large cathedral, which, for size and architectiirkl
beauty, will surpass every ecclesiastical edifice in
the Eastern provinces.

Saint John possesses two very handsome squares,
and a very respectable supply of public buildings.
Among the latter, the Custom House, the Court
House, the Banks^ and the Mechanics' Institute are
the most prominent. There are also in the vicinity
of the city, but in different directions, the Provincial
Lunatic Asylum, a magnificent Suspension Bridge,
an Alms-house, and the Provincial Penitentiary.
The streets are kept clean, and well lighted ; a great
improvement is going on in sewerage, and in wharf
accommodation, and the erection of a»new Town
Hall is contemplated. Several of the stores and
ware-houses are really magnificent; and, taken al-
together. Saint John, in all that constitutes a colonial
city, has very few superiors.

■rtTESLEYAN MISSIONART. i6^

The business consists almost exclusively of ship-
building, the manufacture and exportation of lum-
ber, and the fisheries. These departments of industry
supply the principal exports ; and it is thought that
the repeal of the navigation laws, and the conclusion
of the late reciprocity treaty, will render these
different pursuits more remunerating than they have
hitherto been,

Jn our humble opinion, a high and prosperous
career lies before Saint John ; its future is calculated
to inspire large conceptions, and lofty anticipations.
In less time, probably, than we imagine, the shores
of the Atlantic, and those of the Saint Lawrence,
and of the Bay of Fundy, will swarm with an in-
dustrious and enterprising race ; and then there will
be large cities, and populous towns and harbours in
all these coasts, and among them the city of Saint
John will lift up its head crowned with metropolitan
dignity, and demonstrating in her prosperity the
truth of her civic motto, " Ofortunati quorum jam
mania surgu?tt.'" The tongue that expresses these
opinions will be dumb, and the hand that records
them will be mouldered into dust, but such a degree
of social and municipal progress, progress in religion,
in law, in art and literature, in politics and com-
merce ; in short, so general and so rapid a progress
will mark the future history of the North American

206 AUTOfilOGRAPHT OF A

\

provinces, that Saint John, owing to its position and
maritime facilities, will be borne upward, and car-
ried forward by this great and impulsive force, and
will become one of the chief marts, and principal
cities of the eastern section of this vast continent,

EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL.

I have just finished reading " the book of Ruth."
There is not in the whole range of profane literature
such an exquisite narrative. Paine in his scurrilous
strictures on this inspired book betrays at once the
immorality and the illiteracy of the infidel. An
open and avowed scoffer at revelation, his en-
deavours to repudiate this, as well as every other
part of the sacred canon, does not so much excite
our surprise, as his inability to appreciate the fine
feelings and exalted virtues of Ruth, does ; and yet
his infidelity and his obtuseness are cast into the
shade by the fiendish malignity he evinces, in tra-
ducing her, and aspersing her motives, as well as
those of Naomi and Boaz.

But the filial tenderness of the one, the disin-
terestedness and bereavement of the other, and the
affability, graceful benevolence and piety of the
third, will live in the imperishable records of Sion^
and afii)rd comfort and edification to thousands and
tens of thousands, long after the name and the me-

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 20?

mory of their slanderer are forgotten like a tale that
is told.

I am greatly interested in Mr. Wesley's journals;
what an extraordinary man ; and how admirably
qualified for the great work to which God had called
him. Great zeal, tempered with great prudence ;
ripe scholarship, with great simplicity ; burning
with the love of God, and the love of man ; and
constantly warning every man, and teaching every
man in all wisdom, that he might present every
man perfect in Christ Jesus. Of a truth he was the
Paul of modern limes. " In perils oft, in labours
more abundant."

This truly great and good man well deserved the
following poetic eulogium, said to have been pro-
nounced upon him by a young lady, in reply to one
who spoke disparagingly of his ministerial labours:

" See him yonder iii Ihe north,

Daily spreading good around ;
Loves to set his Saviour forth,

Sluggish he is never found ;
East and West, and South may see

Wesley's love and labour free. "

The wrongs and the crimes of Ireland have often
and deeply affected me ; sometimes ray heart has
swelled with indignation, and not unfrequently has
it burned with shame. I have thought on her
misery and degradation, her strife and bloodshed,

3Cif5i AUTOBIOORAPriy OF A

her religious animosities, and her agrarian wars j
but scarcely has the remembrance of these, at any
time, caused a stronger throb in my heart, or a
deeper blush on my cheek, than has the reading of
a circumstance related by Mr, Wesley, in the fourth
page of the third volume of his journals. The fol-
lowing is an extract verbatim et literatim : —

On the 19th of lugust, 1749, the Grand Jury of
Cork, made the following memorable presentment :

" We find and present Chas. Wesley, to be a
person of ill fame, a vagabond, and a common dis-
turber of his Majesty's peace, and we pray ho may
be transported."

" We find and present Jas. Williams, &c. ; wa
find and present Eobert Swindle, &c. ; we find and
present Jonathan Reeves, &c. ; we find and pre-
sent John Larwood, &c.; we find and present
Joseph MacaulifF, &c. ; we find and present Chas.
Sharon, &c.; we find and present Wm. Tooker,
&c. ; we find and present Dan. Sullivan, to
be a person of ill fame, a vagabond, and a common
disturber of his Majesty's peace, and we pray he
may be transported."

Such was the liberality of an Irish Protestant
Grand Jury, to an exemplary and pious Protestant
clergyman, and a little band of pious Protestant
Christians, who were striving together with him,

^ESlfiVAN MISSIONARY. 209

to spread the knowledge of Jesus Chrisf, and him
crucified.

Surely the language of the satirist vvouli be ap-
plicable to the conduct of these sapient and discri-
minating conservators of His Majesty's peace, per-
son, crown, and dignity.

" O judg.nent thou an fled to briuisli beasU
And men have lost their reason."

I have just now closed a careful perUsal of a very
useful and clever work, entitled "Keith on th6
Prophecies." The author is a clergyman of the
Scotch National Church ; and in the examination
of the subject, he confines himself entirely to a
review of those palpable and literal predictions, the
fulfilment of which is proveable from history. And -
certainly the present forlorn and abject condition of
Jerusalem, Babylon, Tyre, Sidon, Nineveh, &c.,
stamp the broad and legible seal of God's inspiration
upon the prophecies delivered by the ancient seers
of Judah and Israel. " Prophecy came not in old
time by the will of man, but holy men of God spake
as they were movedby the Holy Ghost."

How clear, how distinct and luminous must have
been the view, which those holy men obtained of
the future history, and fate of those large and opu-
lent cities. They described their state as accurately
as if they were relating what they beheld with their

210 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

own eyes, instead of foretelling whatdifl not transpire
till centuries after they were gathered to their
fathers.

In tracing out the accomplishment of these his-
toric predictions, Mr. Keith refers to the testimony
of travellers of unimpeachable veracity; men who
personally explored those countries, and related the
substance of their research for other purposes, than
to show the truth of prophecy. But in no in-
stance has he availed himself of this species of evi-
dence with more decided success, than in his re-
peated allusions to Volney's ruins of Empires. Here
no partiality can be suspected ; and the ingenuity,
the research, and the enterprise of the unbelieving
and sceptical traveller are all over-ruled, and made
subservient to the sovereign purposes of the great
Jehovah. Verily there is a God that judgeth the
earth, and the wrath of man praises him.

Rode to day for several miles in company with a
Presbyterian minister who had received his educa-
tion at Picton Academy. We discoursed pretty
freely on some of the contested dogmas of Calvin-
ism and Arminianism. He was very inflexible ; and
defended, not iu a logical, or scriptural way, but
with great pertinacity, the doctrine of unconditional
election ; the final perseverance of the Saints ; and
the impossibility of being fully saved until death.

<irtSLEYAN MISSIONARY. 211

His imperfect defence of his creed surprised me, and
his deficiency as a textiiary surprised me still more.
I was enabled not only to maintain my own position,
but to assail his with such force, that he desired an
armistice, saying that we could renew the conflict
another time. We then pursued our journey, dis-
cussing various subjects, until we arrived at a pluce
called Cherry Valley, where we tarried all night,
and were courteously and hospitably entertained by
Mr. and Mrs. Irvine, both professors of religion, and
greatly respected by all their neighbours.

CHAPTER XIII.

Special keminiscences — Strange Interruption — Some
Account of Tristful and his Followers — Brief
Sketches of some Particular Persons.

It has been my lot, during an itinerancy of nearly
a quarter of a century, to meet with many persons,
and to be connected with many occurrences which
deserved to be noticed. An allusion to them will
serve to show human nature under several phases
and various modifications, in the same manner that
the Kaleidoscope, acting upon enclosed, but move-
able objects of various colours, produces a great
variety of appearances and images.

I shall now commence our optical performance,
or rather evoke these reminiscences, and present
them as they come forth, in their own proper shape
and person.

At the very commencement of my missionary
career, 1 was thrown into circumstances of a some-
what ludicrous nature, and although several years
have elapsed since they took place, I have always
retained a very lively recollection of them. The

first was on this wise. The late Rev. S B ,

then superintendent of Charlotte Town, and myself

WESLEVAN MISSIONARY. 213

went to hold a missionary meeting a few miles
from town, at a place I think called « Little York."
The meeting was held in a barn half filled with hay,
and with different kinds of grain lately gathered in.
When we arrived, the building was crowded with
people ; some huddled together upon the hay and
corn, and others on every kind and description of
seats, arranged on the floor. The pulpit, a dilapi-
dated fiour barrel, stood in a corner, bottom up, and
a Bible and hymn book, both the worse of wear,
placed upon it. To this quarter we made our way
as best we could, and at length gained our position.

Mr. then took the Bible and Hymn book off the

barrel ; turned it upside down, and very gravely
told me to get into it. I tried, but could not suc-
ceed; tried again, and down came barrel, preacher
and all; some shouted, some cried glory, some one
thing, and some another ; the people seated on the
hay and grain became excited, and came sliding
and rolling down one after another, but in the midst
of all this involuntary and harmless disorder, some
one struck up a tune, and in a few minutes the
troubled waters were assuaged, while several voices
sung, as only English voices can sing, these defiant
and animating words,

" We are soldiers fighting for our God,
Let trembling cowards -fly ;

214 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

We'll stand unshaken, firm, and fixed.
For Christ lo live and die ;
Let devils rage, and hell assail.
We'll fight our passage through ;
Let foes unite, and friends desert,
AVe'U seize the crown, our due."

The service now commenced ; God poured out his
spirit in a very copious manner. The word fell with
power on the whole congregation, some fainted and
swooned away, others cried for mercy, some clapped
their hands and shouted for joy, and the whole place
seemed to be filled with the presence and glory of
God. After the preaching, a collection was made
in behalf of Foreign missions ; and the amount
obtained proved that the fervour of the people pro-
ceeded from the right source ; and that they loved
not in word and in tongue only, but also in deed
and in truth.

Shortly after this, while I was preaching in
another part of the Charlotte Town Circuit, I expe-
rienced a very novel species of interruption. I can-
not remember the name of the place ; the meeting,
however, was held in a very large roonij in a farm
house, and a kind of clothes line was drawn across
the room, in a horizontal direction with where I
stood. The apartment was rather long, and crowded
with people ; and as I stood on the floor, I suppose
some at the extremity of the congregation could not
see me. I observed a man in tjje congregation

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 215

with his chin resting very composedly upon the
clothes line. He appeared to listen very attentively,
and as one that loved " the joyful sound ;^' but still
he would frequently withdraw his eyes from me,
and look all through the apartment — then at me,, as
if he was measuring me ; and at last he cried out,
in a very earnest and impassioned manner, " that
man is not tall enough to be a minister ;" " he is too
short to preach the Gospel ;" and without more ado,
he forced his way through the crowd and went out,
but soon returned, bearing a pig trough on his
shoulder, and putting it down, inverted, of course,
very good naturedly and devoutly said, " there.
Brother, stand on that, and may the Lord bless you."
And the Lord did bless me, and blest his word, and
gave us a fruitful and a blessed season.

This man was well known ; and the interruption
he occasioned proceeded from his desire that all
should hear, and, if possible, see the preacher. I
know not whether he is living or dead : he may be
still in the church militant ; if not, I trust he is one
of" the general assembly" in heaven, all of whom
are tall enough ; and where Zaccheus need not
climb to see Jesus.

Another reminiscence, though somewhat diiferent
from the preceding ones, now occurs to my mind.
One day a gentleman called on me at ray lodgings.

?16 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

desiring to see me, as he termed it, on particular
business. Anxiety and apprehension seemed to be
depicted on bis countenance. I requested him to
be seated, and to make me acquainted with the ob-
ject of his visit ; and in an instant, and in the mobt
abrupt manner he cried out, « you are a Roman Ca-
tholic in your heart, l^hat^s what you are.'''' " In-
deed," said I ; " and pray, how d?d you make that
notable discovery /" " O," replied this penetrating,
far-seeing genius, " last Sunday evening, when you
were preaching, you crossed ypur hands very often.
I saw it with my own eyes, and you can't deny it."
How could any one gainsay such a conclusion ; what
chance could I have with a man that knew the se-
crets of hearts? I asked him if he ever saw a Ro-
mish priest in the pulpit. He said, no. If he ever
heard one preach, and he replied in the negative,
and went away saying, " I guess you are a Papist
in your heart after all."

A young man, a native of this place, but who has
spent some years in the United States, has lately
returned, and set up a store. Among other commo-
dities which he ofiers for sale are several useless, and
some pernicious, books. I can hardly describe this
individual ; he is perfectly unique in every thing. He
talks as nobody else talks ; as if all he said was to be
considered unmentionable ; and he walks as if his

WESLEYAN MISSIONART. 217

heels were never intended to perform any part in
that operation. He attends the preaching regularly,
but I am not sure that he profits much by it-; for I
have heard of opinions and sentiments expressed by
him, not very favourable to religion. In fact, they
savour strongly of'Budhism," only that they are,
if possible, a little more absnrd. I judge, that in this
really droll specimen of humanity, the speaking
organs, the walking organs, and the thinking organs
were all either deranged, or forced to act apart for
the sake of notoriety.

When we were stationed in the town of B ,

in N. S., there was a young gentleman that attended
the Wesleyan ministry, and went by the singular
name of" no collection." This never sounded very
well in our ears ; it seemed too much like " no sup-
plies." Mr. had been originally a churchman,

and was very closely related to two or three Epis-
copal ministers. But he preferred the Methodists
in every thing except in their Sabbath pecuniary
operations ; and always persisted in saying, as " the
box" performed its rounds, " no collection ;" and
when he would be hard pressed on the subject, and
the soundness of his principles controverted, he al-
ways quoted the authority of Saint Paul, reciting
these words in a very self-satisfied and triumphant
inanner ; and then exclaiming, " there is chapter
k2

218 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

and verse for you." " Now concerning the collec-
tion for the saints, as I have given order to the
churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first
day of the week, let every one of you lay by him
in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no
gatherings when I come." — 1 Cor. xvi. 1-2.

I have heard of no Popery, the war cry of the
Protestants from the time of Gustavus Addphus,
until now ; and of mo surrender, the watchword of the
Orangemen ; but never, until as related above, did
mine ears hear so harsh, so unmusical, and so un-
Wesleyan a cry as no collection.

There is one person, and to pass him by without
due and sufficient notice would be a gross deriliction
of duty. Indeed he is too important to be over-
looked, and too essential to the filling iip of these pic-
tures, to be excluded. Suppose we call him Trist-
ful, not a very taking name, certainly, but still a
very suitable one, for he published a book profess-
ing to be his own history, and which he designated
" A Man of Sorrows."

The first time I ever saw Tristful, was in

Street, in the Town of . He and two other

persons, an old man, and an old woman, were walk-
ing, not abreast; but in Indian file ; not, however, in a
straight line, but rather diagonally ; and holding each
other by the hand. They exhibited all the degrees

■WESLETAN MISSIONAKY. 219

of comparison, and presented a representation of odd,
odder, and oddest, the superlative fairly belonging to

T , He had on, over his usual habiliments, a

coarse camlet cloak, very much faded and worn,
and secured round the waist by a cincture, or belt
of the same quality. His hat partook of the an-
tique and the Quaker style; and from under it, an
immense mass of coarse and tangled hair obtruded
and reached down to his shoulders ; and as the inter-
esting groups went along, a constantly increasing
retinue of boysand girls followed them romping and
shouting all the way, until they turned into another
street, when I lost sight of them.

This man had been a local preacher in England,
and must have been a very popular one. He pos-
sessed "considerable talent, and with more meekness
and prudence would have been very successful in
winning souls to Christ. But he was indiscreet, un-
stable, and censorious, was in the habit of speaking
unadvisedly with his lips; was a perfect caraeleon '
in his religious views and principles, and made for
himself a whole' host of enemies.

The second time I saw the subject of this allusion,
was in the congregation, in the Methodist Chapel in

. I was preaching from these words, " These

shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall
overcome them ; for he is Lord of Lords, and King

220 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

of Kings ; and they that are with him are called, and
chosen, and faithful."— Rev. xvii. 14. He declared
that it was all intended for him ; that I held him up as
one warring against the Lamb ; and declared that
he and his followers were opposed to Christ, as were
all Methodist seceders ; and that those who remain-
ed with us, were with Christ, and were his fol-
lowers, " called, and chosen, and faithful." In the
evening he preached in a large school-house near
our chapel ; and in the course of his sermon favoured
me with a little coarse animadversion. He also at-
tacked the Baptists in a very trenchant and furious
manner, alleging, that in Halifax, at least, they
had departed from God — 1st, By administering the
ordinance in a tank, or cellar ; 2nd, By the admi-
nistrator wearing india-rubber pantaloons while he
was performing the ceremony ; and 3rd, By giving
the immersed, or baptized persons, stimulants to pre-
vent them from catching cold.

He formed churches in various parts of N. S., and
became so popular, that several hundred copies of
his likeness in lithograph, were gratuitously distri-
buted amongst his followers and friends. It was a
good resemblance, and I remember that under the
likeness itself, these words were inscribed, " the Eev.

, the first Protestant Methodist preacher

that ever visited Nova Scotia." I saw but one copy

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 221

of this print ; and under the foregoing words, some
one had written as follows, " And I hope he may be
the last. Amen."

In a short time the mystery of iniquity began to
work; jealousies, heart-burnings, disputes and rail-
ing accusations rapidly followed each other, and
dispersed " the Tristfulites" in every direction, and
compelled Tristful himself to strike his tent, and go
away into parts unknown. " Non nostrum tantas
componere lites."

Individual peculiarities disclose the results pro-
duced by the operation of our depraved hearts, in
many and various ways. They sometimes involve
gross ignorance as to spiritual things, and some-
times they consist of a striking species of immora-
lity. These remarks are recorded, almost before I
was aware of it, and are the effect of my calling to
mind another character, with whom I have met in

the course of my itinerant travels. Mr. B

was a very gentlemanly man, of good family, and
well connected. He was formerly in the army, and
was reputed a good soldier, and an excellent officer.
He retired on half-pay, but for some years
previous to his retirement, he enjoyed a lucrative
staff appointment, so that he was in easy and com-
fortable circumstances. This gallant son of Mars
called himself " a churchman" ; was wont to say

222 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

that his father before him was one ; _and that he
never would be anything else. But still, notwith-
standing all this professed attachment, B for

years prior to his death never went to church, al-
though it was very near him. He persisted in this
course until his death ; and the reason was, because
he could not go as a military man, in his uniform,
in company with soldiers, regularly paraded for
divine service, and conducted to the house of God
with martial music.

This eccentric gentleman, it might be added,
served for a considerable period in the eighty-eighth,
or Connaught Rangers; was very soldierly in his
appearance and demeanour ; and were he still in
the flesh, might be fairly set down, indeed duly
gazetted, as one of " the church militant," but un-
attached, and serving for the present in the recu-
sant battalion.

But all these portraits, the reader is disposed fo
say, are rather sombre and gloomy, and while we
look upon them a shade of melancholy comes over
us. Well, but you forget that you have been look-
ing through a kaleidoscope, in whose tube dark sub-
stances only were enclosed ; so that what you com-
plain of is a naftiral effect, is in accordance with the
laws of optics, and demonstrates the fidelity of the
instrument. Let us now look through one contain-

WKSLEYAN MISSIONARY. 223

ing exclusively bright substances, and such as will
reflect only pleasing and agreeable figures.

To begin, Mr is one of the excellent of

the earth ; view him in whatever light you please,
regard him under any aspect, consider him in any,
or all, of the various relations of life, and you will
find very little, very little indeed, 1o reprove or con-
demn, while you will find a great deal to applaud
and admire. In the church, and in the world, he
is a pattern oi candour and uprightness. He is
little in profession, but large in practice ; frugal in
all his domestic arrangements, but liberal in his be-
nefactions to the poor, and in his contributions to
the church. A conservative in politics, and a Wes-
leyan in religion ; and as sound in his views and
opinions, as he is exemplary in his walk and con-
versation.

This honoured friend has read a great deal, and
has been for many years a close observer of man-
kind. His studies are creditable to his discrimina-
tion, and his literary preferences shew the purity of
his taste, and the quality of his thinking. His fa-
vourite authors are Hannah More, Dr. Edward
Young, Cowper, the poet, Burnet, the historian, and
John Wesley, the divine, all of whom he seems to
have " read, marked, learned, and inwardly di-
gested," I know him well, and respect him

224 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

greatly ; and should I never see him on earth, I
trust that we will, through the mercy of God, meet
in heaven.

J. N. was well known in the ■ circuit. He re-
sided there for nearly half a century ; and during that
time he was connected with the Methodist church.
He filled all the offices that a layman could, and
discharged the important duties appertaining to
them with great efficiency and faithfulness. He
was also custos of the county, and chief officer of
the customs and excise departments ; and in these
trying and responsible stations, he always en-
deavoured to keep a conscience void of offence,
toward both God and man. He was a gentleman
of the old school, one of the Sir Charles Grandison
type. But the gentleman and the Christian were
so harmoniously blended, that his politeness seemed
to be the effect of his piety ; and they were so nicely ,
equipoised, that his piety gave to his politeness the
form of godliness.

The writer was stationed in , when he was

a probationer, and in this Christian gentleman, he
found a kind friend, a judicious counsellor, and an
affectionate brother in Christ. J. N. died not long
ago, full of days, and full of love. He went down
to the grave " in a full age, like as a shock of corn
Cometh in his season," and is now bound in the
jjundle of life with the Lord his God,

WESLEYAN MISSIONART. 225

In one of the principal circuits of British North
America, there dwells a man, who is well known,
and greatly beloved by every one, that knows any
thing of Methodism in that place. He has been a
zealous and successful class leader for many, many
years. He is still one ; and although he is waxing
old, he is as fervent as ever ; always labouring for
the good of souls "^ in season, and out of season."
He is mighty in prayer, and powerful in exhorta-
tion ; always full of kindness and of love. I never
heard any one speak evil of him ; indeed his exemp-
tion in this respect has become proverbial. He is,
according to his means, very kind to the poor ; and
in his intercourse with careless and impenitent per-
sona, he is so pitiful and kind, that a harsh word
never escapes from him. This excellent man of God,
bears a name greatly honoured in the prophetic
records, and in the royal linetf Judah ; and when
his Christian course is run, and his warfare ended,
he will in " the Holy City," meet with many whose
feet he turned thither, many whom he helped on
the way, and many whom he saw crossing the flood
that divides

"The heavenly land from ours."

There are many others with whom I have been
acquainted, and whose character and position sup-

226 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

ply abundant and suitable material for pictural com-
memordtion ; and although they all partake of the
common joyj and are

" One church above, beneath."

they contain such a diversity, as would invest the
whole series with all the charms of variety and
contrast. From among these, one or two more may
be selected as a specimen of the whole.

B was a native of Dublin, Ireland, and was

originally a member of the established church. In
early life his prospects were very good, and his
friends very numerous. He held for a long time
the combined offices of vestry clerk and parish
soliool-master, in Saint Werburgh's parish in the
above city. He was, moreover, a Serjeant in a yeo-
manry corps, commanded by the notorious John
Claudius Beresford. • These antecedents serve to
shew that B. was a staunch Protestant, and a loyal
subject. He must have been an Orangeman into
the bargain ; for the riding house colonel, as Beres-
ford was called, promoted none to the rank of non-
commissioned officers, but those who belonged to
that distinguished fraternity.. When I knew this
brother, he -was old and feeble ; the martial spirit,
if he ever had any, had given place to the spirit of
Christ, and the carnal weapons to the weapons of a
inore righteous warfare.

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 227

B was very conscientious as a class-leader ;

kept his book scrupulously neat, not a wrinkle in
it, and the names, &c., very legibly written. He
possessed many excellent traits, and among the rest
a profound respect for the ministerial office, peculiar
reverence for the Bible, and a great attachment to
" the house of God." He departed this life about
two years ago, full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost.

E. is well known throughout all Canada as an

exemplary and devoted follower of Jesus. His
praise is in all the churches, but among the Metho-
dists especially, is he esteemed and loved. He for-
merly belonged to the Presbyterian church, and in
that communion knew something of the fear of God.
It is to be feared, however, that he rested in the
form, but knew little or nothing of the power of
godliness.

Several years ago the Rev. James Canghey, the
eminent revivalist, visited the place in which bro-
ther R then resided. His fame as an evange-
list preceded him ; he commenced a series of special
services in the Wesleyan church, and great crowds
flocked to hear him. His efforts were crowned
with great success, and among those brought to God
by his ministry, was the subject of this reference.

Brother R was brought into the full liberty of

the Gospel, and his soul was made exceedingly

228 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

happy in the Lord, and liis spirit rejoiced in God
his Saviour.

Now came the trial of his faith^of his constancy.

R is a medical man ; and at the time of his

conversion he enjoyed a very lucrative practice,
chiefly among the Presbyterians. But he withdrew
from them and joined the Methodists, and imme-
diately his practice declined; his old friends [forsook
him ; but the Lord has been his friend ; and from the
time he united himself with the people of his choice
until now, he has never faltered, nor turned aside,
nor stood still, but has held on, and gone on his way

rejoicing. He is now living in , and still is

a zealous and devoted class-leader ; a beloved phy-
sician ; a man of faith and prayer ; " stedfast and
unmoveable, and always abounding in the work of
the Lord."

M is another of the worthies, with whom I

have met in my walks round about Zion. He is a
complete locomotive, and always going at full
speed. He is no corruptionist, and is deadly op-
posed to sinecurism. But, after all, he is a thorough
pluralist ; and at this very moment, if I am not
mistaken, he fills the office of chapel-steward, pew
and rent collector, prayer-leader, class-leader, &c.,
and if it were necessary, and would promote the
interests of Methodism, he would sweep the cross-

■VVHSLETAN MISSIONARY. 229

ings, or, like " the Danaides," draw water with a

sieve. M is in heart and soul a Methodist;

prays for it, gives his time to it, lays out his money
upon it, and even sings for it. He'll raise the tune,
open a prayer-meeting, light the lamps, kindle the
fire, meet a class, deliver an exhortation ; in short,
do anything for the good of the cause, that would
be pleasing in the sight of God.

This zealous brother, like R , is blest with a

most excellent wife, an eminently pious and devoted
woman ; a mother in Israel ; and a woman precious
in the sight of God. She has been a class-leader
for many years ; and still fills that important ofiice,
with great credit to herself, and great advantage to
the church. God bless them both ; and may they
abound yet more and more in every good word and
work, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

These photographs might be continued much
longer ; there is no scarcity of either subjects or light ;
and the peculiarities and excellencies of many living
and dead might be worked up into pictures that
would afford both pleasure and instruction. I might
say a great deal of the meekness and simplicity of
M., who invariably addressed the female members of
the church as dear sisthren ; of J., who innocently
prided himself upon being the oldest member of the
society in — ; and of N., a resident of the same

230 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP A

place, who claimed superiority over all, on the
ground that Mr. Wesley himself laid his hands upon
his head, when his mother held him up in her arms
for that purpose. Of W., whose whole stock of ex-
clamations consisted of" no such thing." With this
he maintained our economy — enforced our discipline
— protected the preachers — and conquered all oppo-
nents. Let any one venture to say that the salary
of the ministers was too high, and in an instant he
was silenced by " no such thing.''^ In fine, this was
his only weapon, but it was a formidable one, and
suited his purpose much better than either the sword
of Asmodeus, or the spear of Achilles. Alarmists,
croakers, grumblers, &c., were all routed and dis-
comfited by " no such thing."

We knew one who was never weary of talking
about " Billy Dawson ;" another who regarded
" Gideon Ousely," as the embodiment of Apostolic
zeal ; one who awarded that honour to John Smith ;
another who contended that Irish Methodism was
the most ardent and social ; and many who claimed
this pre-eminence for Methodism as it is in York-
shire. Some of these bdloved brethren have fallen
asleep in Jesus, and some are still living, but not
unto themselves ; but unto him who died for them
and rose again. To the praise of his name, to the
glory of his grace, and to the honour of that form of

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 231

doctrine and discipline which he has so signally
prospered and blest, be it said. I have known hun-
dreds of men and women in our communion, who
have been burning and shining lights ; some of
whom are now shining as stars in the spiritual firma-
ment of heaven, while others are shedding the
jradiance of their character and example through the
cloudy atmosphere of the church on earth.

" Our glorious leader claims our praise

For his own pattern given ;
While the long cloud of witnesses,

Shew the same path to heaven."

CHAPTER XI-^^.
Obituary Notices of several Wesleyan Ministers, &c.

The history of Methodism is richly fraught wilh
materials which might be wrought into a most in-
teresting and instructive biography. It has, under
God, brought out of the world and into the church,
a host of men, both ministers and laymen, who
have in their day and generation been valiant for
the truth, and zealous for the spread of the Gospel.
Plutarch might have written their memoirs; and
the Necropolis would have been honoured by the
reception of their remains. But their record is on
high, and their memorial is with their God. They
require neither the historian, nor the sculptor, to
perpetuate their fame, or preserve the recollection
of their virtues. The Almighty testifies of them,
as he did of Abel ; and hence, although they ale
dead, they live by their influence, and speak by
their example.

I design in this chapter to bestow special notice
upon some of our deceased missionaries who
laboured in the North American districts, and with
whom I was, more or less, personally acquainted.
They have all died since I entered the mission

WESiK'i^Aif MISSiONART. SlS

field ; and when I think of the sparing mercy of
God vouchsafed to me, and of how I have been
kept as in the hollow of His hand, I am constrained
to adopt the language of the Psalmist, and say,
" Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within
me, bless His holy name."

I may observe here, that the colours used in these
mortuary pictures, are obtained chiefly from our
connexional font, that is, the obituary contained in
" the minutes of Conference," and that I do nothing
more than supply a little filling up, and a few cheap
frames.

William M'Donald departed this life at Liver-
pool, in Nova Scotia, on the 16th of March, 1834.
He was a man of deep and uniform piety ; distin-
guished, too, for great moral courage, and for an
ardent attachment to our doctrines and usages.
His talents were highly respectable ; and his min-
istrations were generally crowned with the divine
blessing. The sickness that preceded his death
was severe in degree, and protracted in duration ;
but he found adequate support in the consolations of
-religion, an3 the prospect of immortality and eternal
life. Mr. M'Donald possessed great facility for
learning languages, and, had his life been prolonged,
he would in all probability have made great profi-
ciency in that department.

234. AUTOBIOGRAPHY 9V A

This dear brother was greatly beloved by his fel-
low-labourers in the ministry, and by a large circle
of religious friends and acquaintances, not only in
Nova Scotia, but also in Canada, where he had pre-
viously laboured.

George Newlove was a young man of fervent
piety, and promising abilities. He was appointed
to the Canada District, but lived only a few weeks
after his arrival there. He died in Montreal of
malignant cholera, ten hours after the commence-
ment of the attack^ on the 26th of June, 1 832. His
sufferings, though brief, were severe ; but he was
enabled not only to endure them, but even to
triumph over them, and to die rejoicing in Jesus
Christ.

Thomas Crosthwaite ; who, having obtained the
knowledge of salvation through faith in Christ, was
led deeply to feel on account of the perishing state
of sinners, and offered himself as a Christian mis-
sionary. While he sustained this character, (a
period of about six years, part of which was spent
in Nova Scotia, and part in the West Indies,) he
gave full proof of his ministry. The love of Christ
constrained him to devote all his powers to the ser-
vice of his Divine Master ; and he had the pleasure
of knowing that his labour was not in vain, and
that the Gospel which he preached was made to

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 235

several the savour of life unto life. He died of con-
sumption, May 1st, 1836, in the thirty-first year of
his age, and the sixth of his itinerancy, assuring all
around him, that he relied upon the atonement of
Christ for acceptance and eternal life.

John Barry. — He was a man of an amiable dis-
position, genuine piety, and of considerable talents
for the work of the ministry. He was appointed a
Missionary to the island of Jamaica, in 1824- ; find
on his return in 1832, he had the opportunity of
giving useful evidence before Committees of both
Houses of Parliament, intimately connected with
the interest of the negro race. He was afterwards
appointed to Upper Canada and Bermuda : but hav-
ing ruptured a blood-vessel, he returned to England
with impaired health in 1836. After a short resi-
dence in Guernsey he visited America and the
West Indies ; but the means used for his recovery
proved unavailing ; and he died in Montreal, on the
21st of June, 1838. During his late visit to Jamaica
(the former scene of his labours,) he manifested his
attachment to the doctrines and discipline of Wes-
leyan Methodism, by zealously opposing the efforts
of a party who have been endeavouring to agitate
and divide our societies in that island. In his last
illness he was graciously supported ; and resting on

236 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

the atonement of Christ, he died in peace, and in
tlie joyful hope of everlasting life.

Samuel Stuart Johnson, assistant missionary j a
young man of deep piety and ardent zeal. He was
a native of Harbour-Island, in the Bahamas, and was
called to the work of the ministry soon after his
conversion to God. In the year 1835 he was ap-
pointed by the Conference to labour in the Nova-
Scotia District ; from whence, in consideration of his
health he was removed to Bermuda. Here, how-
ever, his indisposition was such as entirely to dis-
qualify him for his public duties, and he returned to
the place of his birth early in the year 1837 ; where,
after suffering severely for some time from the
effects of pulmonary consumption, he died full of
faith and hope.

Robert H. Crane ; who was a native of Nova
Scotia, and for some years laboured as a Missionary
in various Circuits of the British Provinces. In the
year 1832 he was appointed to the West Indies, and
preached in St. Vincent's for about three years.
He was then removed to Tobago, and after fulfill-
ing his time there, he was again stationed in St.
Vincent's. Infirmity had induced him to request a
return to his native land, and this had been granted ;
but just as he was preparing to take leave of his
brethren at their approaching District Meeting, he

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 237

was called to sicken and to die. He was seized with
severe fever on Wednesday, the 30th of January,
1839 ; and continued to get worse until the 3rd of
February, when he fell asleep in Jesus. This was
the first Sabbath of the District Meeting, and most of
the preachers were present. His funeral took place
the next day, and the whole population appeared
deeply affected. His remains were attended to the
grave by a very large concourse of spectators. Bro-
ther Crane was brought to God in early life, under
the preaching of a Missionary sent out from home,
and he considered himself as the fruit of Missionary
labour. He was of a mild and affectionate temper, a
lover of Methodism, and was beloved for his kind-
ness by the brethren with whom he laboured.

William Murray. — He was a native of Bernard
Castle, Durham, and in early life was made a sub-
ject of saving grace. Soon after his conversion,
under a conviction of duty to God and his church,
he offered himself as a candidate for our Mission
work, and was accepted by the Conference. For
several years he laboured in New Brunswick and
Nova Scotia, with benefit to many souls. In 1834<
he was appointed, to the Newfoundland District,
where he preached the Gospel with zeal and accept-
ance in the Harbour Grace and Port de Grave Cir-
cuits. During his stay in the latter Circuit, his

238 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

health became so impaired that his immediate re-
moval from the island was necessary. After visit-
ing his native land, and the West Indies, without
any improvement in his health, his afflictions were
augmented by the death of his beloved wife, who
exchanged mortality for life, in St. John, New
Brunswick. From that time his affliction increas-
ed ; but his consolation in the Lord became stronger.
To many o£ his brethren he gave satisfactory evi-
dence of his well-grounded hope in his Redeemer ;
and terminated his extreme sufferings on the 16th
of January, 1840.

Jesse Wheelock ; who, five years ago, was recom-
mended for our work, but was subsequently com-
pelled to retire in consequence of bad health. He
was an excellent and promising young man ; of an
amiable disposition, deep piety, and fervent zeal.
He was useful whilst actively engaged in the
ministry, adorning the doctrine of Christ ; and as he
lived, so he died, a witness of the power of God to
save. He exchanged mortality for life on the even-
ing of the 18th of May, 1841. He had frequently,
during the day, earnestly prayed for the coming of
his Lord. A short time before he breathed his last,
he expressed his firm hope of eternal happiness
through the merits of Christ ; whose gracious pro-
mise, " I will come again and receive you unto my-

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 239

self, that where I am, there ye may be also," he
quoted whilst passing through the valley of the
shadow of death.

John Raine, a native of Yorkshire. After a life
which evinced the reality of his faith, trusting in
the atonement and infinite merits of his Saviour, he
died in great peace, at the Mission-House, Mel-
bourne, Eastern Canada, in the forty-first year of his
age, and in the eleventh of his ministry. He was
remarkably diligent in the improvement of his
mind, and made great progress in the attainment of
theological knowledge. He united with a modest
and unassuming deportment, more than ordinary
fervour of spirit in the discharge of his pastoral
duties. He was an ardent lover of Wesleyan Me-
thodism, a faithful colleague, and a holy and useful
Minister of the Gospel.

John S. Marsden ; who died at Peterborough Wes-
tern Canada. He was brought to the saving know-
ledge of God in the year 1836, and entered on^the
work of the ministry in. 1840. His zealous exer-
tions for the promotion of the cause of God, and his
urbanity of manners, greatly endeared him to those
among whom it was his lot to labour. His consti-
tution was impaired by severe toil and exposure in
a Circuit consisting chiefly of new settlements. His
illness was of only ten days' duration. During that

240 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

period, he enjoyed great peace of mind ; and died in
the triumphant experience of the truth which he
had delighted to proclaim. He fell asleep in Jesus
on the 18th of September, 1845, in the thirty-third
year of his age, universally lamented by the flock
among whom he had exercised the pastoral office
since the previous District Meeting.

William Webb, 1st, of Charlotte Town, Prince
Edward's Island. His conversion to God in early life
was followed by a deep conviction of obligation to
a personal consecration of himself to Christ, in what-
soever manner Divine Providence might open his
path. In 1827 he was received as a candidate for
the missionary work, and sent out to Nova Scotia.
After pursuing a course of unimpeachable integrity,
and considerable ministerial success, he was seized
with an illness which ultimately proved fatal.
Every sentiment which he expressed, during his
brief but severe affliction, evidenced great confi-
dfence in God, and was indicative of the strong con-
solation which he perpetually received. His bre-
thren in the ministry being absent from the island
upon District business, he was visited by a Clergy-
man of the Church of England,, to whom he em-
phatically gave his last and glorious testimony to
the truth and blessedness of his experience, in the
follo-yving words ; — " 1 ani standing on t^he Eoc^: I

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 24)1

have laot believed in cunningly-devised fables ; but
I feel the power of the Lord." He fell asleep in
Jesus whilst liis sorrowing family, with some pious
friends, were in prayer commending his spirit to the
God of his salvation. He died July 4.th, 1847.

Stephen Baniford ; who was co nverted lo God
while in the array, in which he honourably served
his Sovereign fourteen years. Three years after
obtaining his discharge, Mr. Bamford was taken
into our ministry, and was first stationed in Cum-
berland, Nova Scolia, in 1806. For nearly thirty
years he laboured for the conversion of souls to God,
and occupied successively most of our respectable
circuits in that part of the world, with acceptance
lo our people ; and, although unable for the last
twelve years of his life to undergo the fatigues and
responsibilities of regular circuit- work, he laboured
to the best of his ability in the capacity of a super-
numerary. Mr. Bamford possessed naturally an
active and vigorous miud, which he improved by
valuable reading, and careful and accurate observa-
tion of men and things. But his best characteristics
were, that he was a man of strong faith, of earnest
prayer, and of a grateful spirit. His end was peace,
resulting from a long-continued habit of implicit de-
pendence on Jesus Christ as " the Lord his righteous-
ness," and a consequent well-founded hope of im-
L 2

242 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

mortal life. He died at Digby,Nova Scotia, August
Uth, 1848, in the seventy-eighth year of his age,
and the forty-second of his ministry.

Robert L. Lusher; who having been converted
to God in early life, through the instrumentality of
Methodism, was called at the recommendation of
the late Revds. Joseph Entwisle and John Gaulter,
into onr missionary work in 1817. During the first
ten years of his ministry he occupied the most im-
portant of our mission stations in Canada and Nova
Scotia ; where by his uniform piety, his amiable
disposition, his uncompromising integrity, his pas-
toral devoteduess, and his highly acceptable and
useful pulpit-labours, he won for himself the esteem
and confidence, not only of his brethren, but also of
the societies and congregations over which he was
placed. He returned to England- in 1827; and,
after labouring for several years with great accept-
ance in some of the more prominent of our home
circuits, he complied with the request of the mis-
sionary committee by again proceeding to Canada,
as chairman of the Eastern District, and resuming
his ministerial duties amongst the people of his for-
mer charge. His. health, however, speedily de-
clined ; and he was obliged, in 1843, to desist from
the full and regular labours of a Christian minister,
and to become a supernumerary. His piety gre\Y

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 24S

with his intelligence and years. He was firmly
attached both to our doctrines and our discipline,
and he greatly endeared himself to his ministerial
colleagues in all the circuits in which he laboured.
The last years of his life were years of deep afflic-
tion and sorrow ; but they were years also of abun-
dant spiritual consolation. His trust in the atone-
ment of the Son of God was constant and unshaken ;
and, in his last sickness, his prospects were pecu-
liarly bright and cheering. Not long before his
death he was heard to say, " My trust is in Jesus ;"
and again,

- 1 the ehicf of sinners am,
But Jesus died for me."

Matthew Lang ; who was born in Ireland, in
1798, and brought up at Preston, Lancashire. In
this town, when about sixteen years of age, he was
converted to God through the instrumentality of
Wesleyan Methodism. At the age of twenty-five,
after having successfully discharged the duties of an
Exhorter and Local Preacher, he was called into
our ministry, and appointed to Canada, where bela-
boured as a faithful and diligent missionary during
the remainder of his hfe. Of him indeed it may be
said, that all the energies of his body and mind
were devoted to the accomplishment of the great

Si'i AUTOBIOGRAPHY CF A

purposes of that ministry to which lio felt hinnelf
called by the Holy Ghost. He niaiiilained an un-
blemished character during the whole of his puhlic
course, aiid was eminently distinguished by fervour
ami uniformity of zeal in seeking the glory of Christ
and the salvation of man. He yielded to none of
his brethren in attachment to the doctrines and es-
tablished economy of Methodism, or in the faithful
enforcement of its discipline. He was " in labours
more abundant ;" and his acceptable ministry was
signally attended with the Divine blessing. He
sustaiiied with honour and integrity some of the
most important offices in his District, and was at the
time of his death chairman of the Eastern Canada
District, and General Superintendent of its Missions.
The oft-repeated desire of his soul, in his most de-
vout frame, was that which is expressed in the
words, —

" O that without a lingering groan
I may the welcome word receive ;

My body with my charge lay down,
And cease at once to work and live !

His end was in accordance with this wish. While
engaged in the service of the church, he was sud-
denly seized with sickness, which in twenty minutes
terminated in death. His last utterance, and indeed
the only one which be had power to articulate, was

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 245

in perfect iiuisoa with his unvarying trust in the
atonement of Christ, and his untiring zeal for God's
glory : « Sweet Jesus, help me to glorify Thee !"
He died at St. John's, on the 21st of February,
1850, in the fifty-second year of his age, and the
twenty-seventh of his ministry.

Sampson Bushy; who was horn at Rainton, in
Yorkshire, on the 16th of February, 1790. His
parents were members of the Established Church ;
and in the forms and principles of that communion
they appear to have trained up all their children.
During his early years, he was often the subject of
good impressions ; and although these did not
directly issue in his conversion, they prepared
him .for the reception of " the grace of God that
bringeth salvation." In the state of mind produced
by these gracious visits from on high, he was accus-
tomed to attend the Wesleyan chapel, then lately
erected in his native town ; and under a faithful
ministry, he was first awakened to a full sense of his
lost condition as a sinner, and soon obtained mercy,
and was made " a new creature in Christ Jesus."
After discharging with credit and efficiency the
duties of Prayer-Leader, Exhorter, and Local
Preacher he was received into the regular work, and
appointed to labour in the Luton Circuit. Having
for several months performed the work of an Evar.-

246 AUTOBIOGRAPHT OF A

gelist in tins place, he repaired to London, and was
ordained by the late venerable Dr. Coke and others,
on August 28th, 1812. In the ensuing spring he
was sent as a Missionary to Newfoundland. His
labours in that island, during four years, were re-
markably owned of God, and honoured in the salva-
tion of many souls. During his ministerial life Mr.
Busby was stationed for a short time in Prince
Edward's Island ; but the last twenty-nine years of
that period were spent in Nova Scotia and New
Brunswick. In both of these Districts the head of
the church gave him many seals to his ministry
and many souls for his hire. In his last illness he
was sustained by the presence and grace of his
heavenly Father, and was enabled to rejoice in the
" perfect love " which " casteth out fear." He fell
asleep in Jesus on Easter Sunday, March 31st, 1850,
in the sixty-first year of his age, and the thirty-
eighth of his ministry.

Here are fifteen instances of mortality among the
missionaries in British America; but this does not?
perhaps, include more than half the number that
has fallen fighting the battles of the Lord. 'Nine of
these soldiers of the cross were Englishmen ; three
were natives of the Green Isle ; and three were
colonists. Seven fell early in the war, but not
vintil they had obtained many laurels. The remain-

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 24-7

ing eight were spared to pass through many cam-
paigns ; were enabled to endure a greater amount of
hardness; and to finish their period of service as
gallant and faithful veterans.

Jesus the Captain of the Lord's host, was their
leader and their commander ; their fore-front and
their rereward. He made his truth their shield and
buckler ; he taught their hands to war and their
fingers to fight. He vtos to all of them, a present
help in every time of trouble. In the day of ad-
versity he blest them with patience, that they might
endure, and in the day of battle he gave them bold-
ness that they might fight and conquer. Through
Him they stood manfully ; through Him they won
the well fought day ; and through Him they " turned
to flight the armies of the aliens."

'• His word was Iheir arrow.
His brealh waslheir sword."

And by His mighty power He brought thfim off more
than conquerors ; and now, as a part of " the armies
of Heaven," they ascribe their victory to his free
and unmerited love.

Concerning Mr. Webb, one of the departed bre-
thren commemorated in these obituaries, I might
add, that he was born in Bath, in Somersetshire ;
was brought up among the Congregationalists in
^hat city ; and was for a tiriie an attendant upon the

248 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP A

ministry of the late Rev. William Jay, for whom
he always entertained the most profound respect.
The dicect instrument of his conversion was the
late Rev. Jonathan Edmonson ; and it was under
the auspices of this eminent servant of God, that he
was conducted into the itinerant department, in
which, us we have seen and known, he lived and
laboured, until the head of the church was pleased
to give him a resting place in Aljraham's bosom.

The official notice in Mr. Barry^s case is very
defective ; and this is the more surprising, inasmuch
as there were in Montreal, at the time of his death,
many available sources of information. He was an
Irishman, an Irish Protestant, and eminently dis-
tinguished by several of the intellectual, and moral
qualifications, for which the well educated classes
of his countrymen are so celebrated.

As a preacher, very few of the Wesleyan mission-
aries excelled him. His sermons were invariably
rich in thought and chaste in expression, and deli-
vered with great earnestness and power. And had
his life been spared, and circumstances required it,
there is no position in Methodism that he was not
capable of filling, with credit to himself, and with
advantage to the connexion.

Mr. Barry had, in every place where he laboured,
numeious and warmly attached friends ; and in no

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 249

place more than in Montreal, where his name and
his memory are greatly revered.

As a slight extension of the notice in Mr. Lang's
case, I might state, that his parents removed to Eng-
land, when he was very young ; and that they settled
in Preston, in Lancashire. They were both Metho-
dists, and were successful in their endeavours to train
up their child in the same way, and to lead him
in the same path. As a Sabhath-school scholar, he
was distinguished above all his juvenile contempo-
raries, for propriety of conduct, and proficiency in
learning ; and when at a very early age, he was
promoted to be a Sabbath-school teacher. A con-
sciousness of his responsibility was evidenced by
the manner in which he performed his duty.

During the subsistence of the first union between
the British and Canadian Conferences, the subject
of these remarks laboured under the direction of the
latter body, and was greatly esteemed throughout
■Western Canada. He advanced the interests of
Methodism, in that part of the Province, in many
ways ; but especially while he filled the office of
book-steward in Toronto, and while he presided over
the Bay of Quinte District.

Mr. Bamford was universally known and beloved
through all the Lower Provinces. It is stated in
the official recoyd of his death, tfiat he had bepn

250 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

in the army for fourteen years ; and in connection
with that fact, I would merely observe that he be-
longed to the 29th foot — that he served in Ireland
during tjie rebellion of 1798 — that his regiment
formed a part of " the Walcheren Expedition" —
that he was present at the siege of " Bergen-op-
Zoom"^ — and that he was wounded there.

This corps afterwards acquired great distinction
during the Peninsular war, and was for some time
a part of the fifth, ot fighting division. It also form-
ed a portion of the force engaged in the Pnnjaub,
and in other parts of India, and suffered severely in
the battle of Aliwal.

Mr. Bamford was born in Nottinghamshire, Eng-
land — was first awakened to a sense of his lost con-
dition as a sinner, under the preaching-af the cele-
brated Samuel Bradburn, and was brought to the
enjoyment of the pardoning mercy of God in Kil-
kenny, Ireland.

The 29th, and one of the militia regiments con-
stituted, at that period, the garrison of Kilkenny ;
and the zeal and love which afterwards formed such
prominent features of his ministerial character, ma-
nifested themselves in his endeavours to bring his
fellow-soldiers to a knowledge of salvation by the
remission of sins. His laudable efforts were opposed
in various ways; derision, contempt, persecution,

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 251

tried their influence, but in vain. Zeal for the glory
of God, and love for the souls of men, enabled him
to endure, to persevere, and to conquer. And in
the barracks — under all the disadvantages of mili-
tary restriction, and when the kingdom was agitated
by sedition and rebellion, the Almighty owned and
blest his labours ; so that even then he gathered the
first fruits of the abundant harvest he reaped in sub-
sequent years, and in other portions of the vine-
yard.

This chapter, so far, has been written on the very
confines of the grave — at the entrance of the valley
of the shadow of death. While I have been engag-
ed upon it, I have been meditating among tombs,
and writing epitaphs — walking through a remote
lane or alley of the great city of the dead, startled
at the sound of my ©wu footsteps, and overcome by
the force and character of my own recollections.

But thanks be to the Lord, a beam of heavenly
light, emanating from the throne of God and the
Lamb, irradiates, yea, dispels this darkness ; the
voice of Jesus proclaiming himself to be " the Re-
surrection and the Life," animates this solemn still-
ness ; and " a thousand oracles divine" assure us
that this corruption shall put on inftorruption — that
this mortal shall put on immortality — that death
shall be swallowed up in victory — and that all who

252 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

die in Jesus, shall reign with him in glory ever-
lasting.

" Let sickness blast, and death devour,
If heaven must recompense our pains;

Perish the grass, and fade the flower,
If firm the word of God remains."

CHAPTER XV.

Languages in the Romish Liturgy — Remarks on the
Itinerancy — Furnishing the Parsonages, or Min-
isters' Houses — Remarks on the Wesleyan Mis-
sionary Society — ^And the Missionary Institu-
tion IN GENERAL.

The Church of Rome endeavours to justify the use
of the dead languages in her ritual, by alleging that
they were used in the triple inscription upon the
cross : " And a superscription also was written over
him, in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew,
this is the king of the Jews." — Luke xxiii. 38.
How far this is a plea for so strange a practice we
leave the reader to decide. At the time of onr
Lord's death they were living languages, and
spoken throughout the whole Roman empire ; now
they are dead languages, not' understood by one
thousandth part of the Romish laity ; and many of
the clergy themselves know but very little of Greek,
and still less of Hebrew. When the writer was a
young man there was no Professor of Hebrew in
Maynooth,and there were two other Roman Catho-
lic Ecclesiastical Colleges in Ireland, namely, Car-

254 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP A

low and Kilkenny, and at the same period neither
Greek nor Hebrew was taught in either of them.

This absurd practice is continued, then, either
from a desire to establish the claim to antiquity, or
from a superstitious reverence for whatever is re-
mote and venerable. And yet it is hard to suppose
that that is the motive, because if it be, it is Carried
out in a very partial and absurd manner. They
act in this matter as they do in many others, like
Indian jugglers, or mountebanks. They take chro-
nology and turn it upside down, and, in this inverted
position, make it the basis of their usage, and the
exponent of their principles. To evince their affec-
tion for Hebrew they include in their public
liturgy just one word, " Hallelujah" ; their regard
*for Greek is expressed by no less than three words,
all supplicatory, " Kyrie Eleison, Chrlste Eleison,"
while all the rest, occupying about half an hour in
the recital, is couched in Latin.

The Methodists are charged with a great many
naughty, and even terrible things, among the rest
with afiectation, and pretensions to antiquity ;
and those who prefer this accusation try to sustain
it by pointing to our itinerancy. These far-seeing
and charitable people can discover no reason for this
peculiarity except in our ambition. They say we
are ashamed of our moilernism, and that, like all

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 255

parvenues, whether in Church or State, we are very
anxious to have a pedigree. They declare, in as
many words, that we retain the itinerancy for this
very reason, and because it carries with it the
appearance of antiquity. An old proverb has it,
that " love is blind," and it may be added that
jealousy is afflicted with the same infirmity. We
publish our age to all the world. The class-ticket,
the badge of church membership, is the official re-
gister of our connexional birth. On this paper,
issued four times a year to all our members, the pre-
cise date of our nativity is thus legibly inscribed,
',' Wesleyan Methodist Society, established 1739."

The Wesleyans, so far from glorying in an ima-
ginary antiquity, are constantly referring in various
ways to the opposite feature in their history ; truly
glorifying God who has been pleased, in such a
short time, to accomplish such great things by their
instrumentality. Methodism at its very commence-
ment, by its evangelical preaching, by its prayer-
meetings, class-meetings, love-feasts, &c., revived
Apostolical truths and institutions when they were
on the very point of expiring. God raised her up
to shake the slumbers of " the reading-desk," to
quicken and renovate the Presbyterians and the Dis-
senters, and to spread Scriptural holiness throughout
the land. This is her mission ; this connects her

256 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP A

with the past, the present, and the future; and
while she labours in it patiently and faithfully, she
is labouring to propagate the ancient faith ; " the
faith once delivered to the saints."

We retain our itinerancy because God has owned
and blest it ; has caused it to prosper exceedingly,
both in the home work, and on all our foreign sta-
tions. The Apostles, moreover, and all the primi-
tive preachers of the Gospel were itinerant, " they
went to and fro, and knowledge was increased."
■ The baptism of Pentecost was the inauguration of
the itinerancy.

Stationed ministers are like fixed stars; they
always shine in the same orb, and illuminate the
same limited section in the firmament. By this
arrangement a permanent light is, indeed, kept up ;
and, although it may increase in purity and inten-
sity, the sphere of its influence is, nevertheless, mea-
sured by a contracted horizon. But itinerants pene-
trate the regions beyond, and scatter light through
the thick gloom that enshrouds them.

Some philosophical ministers; men of academical
habits and tastes, seem to divide their affections be-
tween literary pursuits, and ministerial labours :
but Socrates was an itinerant, and in order to reform
and enlighten his countrymen, he delivered his
lectures in the groves of Aoademus ; in the Lyceum,

■WiS^LEfAN MISSIONARif. 25'?

and on the banks of the Illisas. But a greater than
Socrates ; even Jesus himself, the great teacher, was
an itinerant. He preached the Gospel on the sea,
and on the land ; in Zebedee's fishing bnat. and in
Z&ccheus' house ; in the public high ways, and in
crowded cities ; in the Synagogue, and at Jacob's
well ; in the Temple at Jerusalem, and in the house
of Lazarus and his sister, in the sweet little village of
Bethany ; on the way to Emmaus ; and at the base
of Mount Olivet, from whence he ascended to
heaven.

The glorified head of the church is now within
the vail ; invisible it is true, but still presiding over
all her operations, and directing her in all her ways.
And we have his example and his precept for our
warrant to perpetuate this system ; and it will be
perpetuated so long as his divine command has force
or authority among men. " Go ye into all the
world, and preach the Gospel to ever creature.^'

The direct witness of the spirit, and entire sancti-
fication are the peculiar tenets of the sacred
theology of the Methodists; and the itinerancy is one
of the most distinctive features of our religious
polity; and I hope and pray *hat we may be so
guided, and kept by the wisdom and power of God,
that we will, as a branch of the militant host, hold
them fast, and set them forth in all our generations.

258 AliTOBIOGRAPHT OF A

To this evangelical mode of distributing minis-
terial labour ; to this primitive method of dispersing
the unsearchable riches of the grace of Christ ; to
this af)ostolic way of proclaiming ■' the everlasting
Gospel ;" in short to their itinerancy, under God, are
the Methodists mainly indebted for the pre-eminent
position they now occupy in the mission field.
There is in its very name, in the very sound there-
of, as well as in its modus operandi, something sug-
gestive of aggressive and Missionary efforts. It
inspired our fathers with the sublime conception, the
glorious idea of evangelizing the whole world. To
the honour of Methodism, be it said, that while it
was yet an infant, weak and feeble, scarcely able to
stand alone, it conceived the magnificent project of
sending the Gospel to the remotest ends of the
earth. And this truly Catholic enterprise, upon
which they entered in weakness, and in poverty
they have prosecuted with such energy and success
that they have placed their Missionary Society at
the head of all the Missionary Institutions of the
Protestant world.

I rejoice therefore in the progress of Methodism,
because it is the progress of Christianity ; I rejoice
in the difTusion of Methodism, because it is the dif-
fusion of the truth ; and I rejoice in the triumphs of

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 259

Methodism, because they are the victories of the
cross, and the triumphs of the " Prince of Peace."

The working of this principle is, I am fully per-
suaded, essential to the prosperity of the work of
God among us. It is one of the elements of ^our
being as a part of the Church of Christ, And,
therefore, am I glad to perceive that " the Canada
Conference" is endeavouring to induce the people to
furnish the parsonages, or preachers' houses. The
practice, hitherto, in many parts of Western Canada,
has been to leave the preachers to furnish the houses
themselves. That was certainly very considerate
on the part of those who decided on such a course.
That ministers, many of them with large families,
and who are liable to change their residence upon
an average every two °years, that such ministers
should be required to provide their own furniture
is monstrous. The expense of the original pur-
chase, the weir and tear, and cost of frequent
removals render it unjust as well as monstrous ; un-
just, we repeat it " soberly, advisedly, discreetly, and
in the fear of God" ; yes, unjust in requiring the
minister to appropriate so large a portion of his small
stipend for such a purpose, and unjust in absorbing
so much of the connexional funds for the payment
of freight and transportation.

I am really glad that there is, in this matter, a

260 AtTOBIOeRAPHT OF X

move in the right direction; and that there is a
prospect of having our parsonages furnished in a
style corresponding with the growth of wealth, the
growth of intelligence, and the growth of piety so
observable in all our societies. I am glad that the
Conference has taken this step, because I don't like
that anything, even constructively monstrous or un-
just, should cleave to us ; and because I am snre
that this measure of reform will remove an incum-
brance which has heretofore, in some degree, inter-
fered with our itinerant operations, and has rendered
that itinerancy rather distasteful to many of the
preachers.

I am only pleading for a common right ; a right
so common, and so obvious^ that it needs no pleading
at all. We want educated ministers; men of cul-
tivated minds, as well as sanctified hearts, to fill
our pulpits. Circuits formerly of a subordinate
character, are now important ones, others are
advancing in the same way ; and these will expect,
and require too, the services of suitable ministers;
men of the proper stamp; and to obtain such, we
should at least provide them with a comfortable re-
sidence. The Episcopal church, the Free church,
and other religious denominations are very indus-
trious and zealous. We are no less so. We are in
the same course, running the same raee, and labour-

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 261

ing for the same end ; and, with God's help, we can
endure as much, run as swiftly, and work as hard
as any of them ; all we ask as a body of ministers is
" fair play." Let us have this, and God's blessing,
and great spiritual prosperity will be the inevitable
result. Let us furnish the parsonages; let us re-
move every hindrance and every impediment^ so
that our time-honoured itinerancy may be free and
unrestrained ; allowed to accomplish its great and
important work in its own legitimate way ; and
then, more than ever, shall the word of the Lord
have free course, and run and be glorified.

Then shall the hundreds and the thousands of
our Israel, with more reason and with more fervour
sing:—

" When he first the work begun,

Small and feeble was his day ;
Now the word doth swiftly run,

Now it wins its widening way }
More and more it spreads and grows.

Ever mighty to prevail ;
Sin's strong-hold it overthrows.

Shakes the trembling gates of hell."

In connection with the foregoing observations, I
feel disposed to say something of the operations of
the venerable parent Society, and of the Missionary
Institute in general.

The present healthy and prosperous condition of
the Missionary enterprise is a sufficient evidence that

262 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

those who are engaged in it are the friends and ad-
vocates of progress. We look in vain, through all
the records of the past for any great movement that
advanof d with the same rapidity, or was sustained
with the same perseverance. — Many of the most
popular schemes were visionary and infeasible :
and as they soon died through impracticability, they
were speedily buried in the grave of exploded theo-
ries. Some of them lived long enough to attest the
baseness of their origin, and to develope the perni-
cious character of their tendencies; and were then
destroyed by the indignation of those whom they,
had seduced and betrayed. But this Institution,
projected and organised by " The Lord, the spirit,"
lives and grows — yea, waxes stronger and stronger
— increasing in power, and in influence — in the
number of its agencies — in the amount of its funds
— in the extent of its operations — and in all the Ca-
pabilities of an instrumentality chosen of God, and
anointed to accomplish the mission of the " Prince
OF Peace."

Quintillian says that " Phidias' statue of the
Olympian Jove gave new impulse to the religion of
Greece, and revived the national worship of that
particular deity ;" and surely, if the cold and lifeless
figure of an imaginary God, however well executed
and gorgeously attired, could renew a nation's faith ;

WGStETilN MISSIONARr. 963

if an image made of ivory at^d gold, adorned in the
richest manner possible, seated upon a splendid
throne, and exhibited through all the forms of a vo-
luptuous ritual — if this could fill the hearlsof a sen-
sitive people, with feelings of awe, adoration, and
love, what may not this and kindred societies ac-
complish by their united and constant endeavours
to proclaim the truth as it is in Jesus, and exhibit to
all mankind " The Lamb of God that taketli away
the sin of the world."

" The present state of Missionary operations, is it-
self, the result of a great national revival of religion,
and this revival was in a great degree produced by
the rise of Methodism in the bosom of the Church
of England. What the reformers did for Ortho-
doxy and religious liberty in the sixteenth century,
the Methodists did for practical and vital godli-
ness in the eighteentli century ; and because Metho-
dism rightly defined is" Christianity in earnest" — >
Christianity itself, we see it going forth, walking in
the footsteps of Him, who came out of'' Edom, with
dyed garments from Bozrah," preaching the Gospel
to every creature, '• warning every man, and teach-
ing every man in all wisdom ; that it may present
every man perfect in Christ Jesus."

The Missionary enterjirise is the result of one
of the holiest aspirations that ever Christianity

264 AUTOStOGRAPHT OF *

breathed, and one of the most sublime conceptions,
that ever its Catholic spirit formed, or its divine
heart indulged. The heavenly origin and celestial
pedigree of Christianity are abundantly proved by
her graceful and beautiful form, her radiant coun-
tenance, and glorious appearauce. In these, as in
other respects, she resembles " The Lord from Hea-
ven." Her credentials are exhibited in her practice
— the divinity of her mission is authenticated by its
results — and the certainty of ultimate and complete
success is guaranteed by the declarations of pro-
phecy — and the promises of God.

The spirit of Christianity spoke out in the first
promise, and declared that the seed of the woman
should bruise the serpent's head. It obtained its
first triumph over the adversary; and laid its first
trojihy.at the feet of the Almighty when Abel en-
tered Heaven. It taught Noah to build ' the Ark."
and to perform a voyage, greater than Mythology
ever invented, or the Falinlists of old ascribed to
Deucalion, or Ulysses. The Shepherd of Midian
heard its voice in Horeb, and saw its glory in " the
burning bush." It furnished the marvellous equi-
page, that bore Enoch, the seventh from Adam, and
Elijah the Tishbite up to God. The simplicity and
the efiii-acy of her remedy for all spiritual diseases
■Vyere set forth, when the Hebyew viceroy exhibited

WESLETAN MISSIONART. 265

"the Brazen Serpent" in the midst .of the camp.
The universal diffusion ot her principles and her
doctrines was predicted, when Ezekiel was com-
manded to measure the waters of Mount Moriah .

i

and the Missionary character of her operations, and
the effects thereof, were portrayed before Daniel in
the visions of the night, when he saw " the Son of
Man" come in the clouds of Heaven, and receive
from " the Ancient of Days," everlasting dominion,
and universal empire.

THE GENERAL SUMMABY OF XLL THE SOCIETY'S
MISSIONS IS AS FOLLOWS :

Central or principal stations called Circuits, . . 367

Chapels or Preaching places connected therewith, . 3,116
Missionaries and Assistant Missionaries, including 26

Supernumeraries ...... 507

Other paid agents, namely, Catechists, &c., Day School

Teachers, and Interpreters, .... 703
Unpaid Agents, namely, Sunday School Teachers, Local

Preachers, &c., ...... 8,779

Full and accredited Church Members, . . . 110,228

On trial lor Membership, 4,873

In the Schools, . . .... 78,811

Printing Establishments, 8

The above is the latest authentic acoouht of the
missions of the British Wesleyan Church and is
copied from the last annual report, published under
M 2

266 JLCTOBIOeRAPHY OF A.

the direction of the Missionary Committee. A few
years ago this annual expose was wont to exhibit
a larger field of operations, more agents, and
more Church Members, &c. But this change is
not the result of decline or failure ; nor is it a con-
traction occasioned by want of funds, or a declension
of public confidence ; it is the effect of a cause di-
rectly opposite to all this. It is the effect of pros-
perity. All the missions in Australia, Polynesia,
Van Dieman's Land, New Zealand, France, and
Switzerland, and Canada, have been recently or-
ganized into separate and Independent Conferences,
subordinate to, and united to the British Conference.
The apparent reduction of our Missions, as exhibited
in the official documents, is the consequence of
growth ; and a -further curtailment, now contem-
plated, will furnish additional evidence of increasing
prosperity, and accumulative proofs that " God is
with us," and doth bless us, and makes us a blessing.
This multiform, but consolidated agency exercises
a vast amount of moral and religious influence.
Organized and sustained by him who overthrew the
obstinate king of " the Pyramids" and his mighty
hosts by the rod of his prophet, and who besieged and
captured Jericho by the sounding of Rams' horns, it
has accomplished a great deal, and that too, under
many discouragements, and often in the face of great

WESIBTAN MlSStONART. 267

difficulties. Our trust is in Godj and we are persuad-
ed that He who made the " great mountain sink
into a phdin before Zerubbabel, and who directed the
course of the horses and chariots of the Seer, will
enable us to overcome, and render missionary
operations commensurate with the dimensions and
necessities of the world.

But the signs of the times, in their impressive and
self-interpreting forms and aspects, speak to us as it
were with an audible voice, and in terms calculated
to inspire the hope of seeing at no very distant
period, numerous and efiectual doors opened for the
furtherance of the Gospel. The decline of Idolatry
and the extension of British influence and power in
India; the threatened overthrow of the Tartar dy-
nasty in China; the whitening of the fields unto
the harvest in Australia ; the triple league, sacred
and powerful, of the Bible, Tract, and Missionary
Societies now at work in the United States ; the
Romish Exodus from Ireland ; the decline of Popery
in Central Italy ; the liberal policy of France ; and
the war between the Muscovite and the Turk — all
these events, under the control of Him who " pu].
leth down one and setteth up another," may yet
wonderfully increase and diversify our missionary
statistics— disenthral the slaves of Budhism, and
the worshippers of Gaudama — regenerate the land of

268 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

Confucius — dethrone the sceptred Priest of haughty
Rome — evangelize ancient Gaul — and perform such
signs and wonders, that " a Missionary Ship will be
seen safely moored in the classic waters of " the
Golden Horn" — and Christian missions, like trees
planted by the rivers of water, flourishing upon the
banks 'of the Euphrates, in Adrianople, and in an-
cient Bysantium^

Let no one say that this is visionary, and never
will — never can be realized. This is the language
of scepticism — of unbelief. The Lord has said that
" the little one shall become a thousand, and the
small one a strong nation." The original projectors
of our missionary society were regarded as crack-
brained enthusiasts and madmen — persons fitter
for an apartment in Bedlam, than for a place in the
church, and whom a straight waistcoat would admi-
rably suit. The result has proved that these zealous
and godly men were right ; indeed it has already
fur exceeded their most sanguine expectations : and
what it may yet become, none but the Almighty
himself can tell. As a confirmation of these views,
I here append, an extract which supplies very heart-
cheering information on this very subject, and that
too, from a most reliable source.

Gospel in Turket. — In more than fifty places in Turkey
the gospel is now proclaimed every I^ord's day. Among the

■WKSLEYAN MISSIONARY. 269

Armenians, there are thousands who are Protestants in sentiment,
where, twenty-five years ago, not a Protestant could be found,
la consequence of English and American missionary efforts, there
are now nineteen Protestant clergymen labouring in Constan-
tinojile and its suburbs, twenty-five Protestant sermons preached
in different languages every Sabbath, and fourteen Protestant
schools. In all Turkey there are at least sixty-five Protestant
ministers. Episcopalians, Cojigregationalists, Presbyterians,
Lutherans, and one Waldensian, laboring harmoniously together.

Ill times like these, when the trariquility of the
world is menaced by wars and rnraours of wars j
when the din of arms and the gathering of martial
hosts resound from " the dark rolling Danube" to
the Thames ; and from the Seine to the Wolga—
when despots are trembling and their thrones crum-
bling under them — when millions of hereditary
bondsmen are panting to be free — when Mammon
is so popular, and when a deep and powerful current
of worldliness is roaring and rushing furiously
against the pulpit and the sanctuary — in such times,
it is a comfort to know, that with some at least, " the
still small voice," the voice of the meek and lowly
Jesus, speaking from the mountain side, in the wil-
derness of Galilee, obtains a hearing, and that not a
few are determined to lay up for themselves trea-
sure in Heaven.

As a portion of the Church we are embarked in a

270 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

great enterprise ; but for our encouragement we have
promises such as God alone has authority to give.
We are sure of the help and strength we need, and
which God himself has assured ns he will bestow.
He, under whose banner we serve, is the Lord of
Hosts. The Lord strong and mighty. The Lord
mighty in battle. His truth is our shield and buck-
ler; our martial code, and the weapons of our war-
fare. His power is the source of our strength, and
his oath the warrant of our final triumph. His arm
shall be made bare, and all flesli shall see his salva-
tion. He has sworn by himself. The word has
gone out of his mouth in righteousness, and shall not
return. " Unto him every knee shall bow, and
every tongue shall swear ;" '• yea, all kings shall fall
down before him ; all nations shall serve him ;"
" He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and
from the river unto the ends of the earth."

Christianity is, as we have elsewhere observed,
essentially aggressive. Wesleyanism is a peculiar de-
velopement of Christianity. We say peculiar, not
on account of its catholic spirit, or evangelical doc-
trines ; for these excellencies distinguish other re-
formed churches — not on account of its extensive
missionary labours, because others are co-workers
with her in the same sphere ; but because she is

WESLETAN MJSSlONART. 271

herself, in her collective ecclesiastical capacity " a
missionary church'" bona fide a missionary church.

She is decidedly the most militant portion of the
church on earth: no other branch of the church ex-
hibits the militant form and character so expressly,
or in so intelligent and forcible a manner as Me-
thodism does. Her tactics — her mode of carrying
on the war — her commissariat department — the di-
versities that characterize her forces — the positions
she occupies — the muster-roll of her troops — her ar-
ticles of war — her code of military regulations — in
the appointment of her officers — in the pay and ra-
tions of her soldiers — in fine, all the distinguishing
military features^ in a spiritual and administrative
sense, that could be expected to characterize any
branch of the Church of Christ, obtain in the consti-
tution and usages of the Wesleyan Church, and
render it the best specimen, and the most striking
illustration of the church militant now in exist-
ence.

My soul rejoices greatly in this blessed truth. I
praise God with all my^heart and soul for the posi-
tion we occupy. May he keep us humble, watchful,
faithful, fighting manfully, contending legitimately
following our invincible leader, using the armour
and weapons he has provided, pushing the battle to
the gates, ac(juiring fresh coHjrage from every en-

272 AUTOBiocaiAPHy of a

counter, issuing out of every conflict with in-
creased spoils, and closing every campaign with
new triumphs and laurels. O, may the Lord of
Hosts continue to be with us ; may the power that
enabled Joshua, and Gideon, and Barak to prevail
over the uncircumcised Gentiles enable us to pre-
vail over all our antagonists, and to subdue and
trample under foot, the beast and the dragon, the
mystic harlot and the old serpent, and every form and
developement of the carnal mind, and everything
that is opposed to our God and liis Christ.

"Rise, ye men of Israel, rise.

Your routed foe pursue ;
Jesus bsliolds you from the elcies,

And says, Pursue '^ pursue ; pursue."

CHAPTER XVI.

Remarks on various Religious Agencies — Thoughts on
THE English Language — Extracts from Journal
— A Practical Definition — Crossing the Shdbb-
NACADiL— Swimming the Tootoogoore— Anecdotes

&c,

Being engaged for some time back in eflorts to pro-
mote the interests of various religions institutions,
I have been more than ever impressed with the
necessity there exists for being " instant in season,
and out of season"; and that it is incumbent upon
all evangelical churches to use every expedient, and
to employ every instrumentality that will receive
the divine approval. Among these means, mis-
sionary meetings for domestic, as well as for foreign,
purposes are entitled to the highest consideration.
These meetings wear an aspect, and possess a cha-
racter, which make them essentially different from
all other relif^ious meetings.

Sabbath-schools are nurseries in which the seeds
of Christian knowledge and virtue are sown into the
hearts of the rising generation, and are there tended
and nourished, until they grow up and are matured
in^o " cedars of Lebanon," ajid trees of righteou§?

274 AUTOBIOGRAPHT OF A

ness, yielding friiit to the glory of God. The Tract
society, in its efforts, may be compared to the rapid
evolutions of a well-trained body of tirailleurs, or
sharp-shooters ; light-footed, quick, and noiseless in
their motions, and proverbial for doing great execu-
tion. The Bible society sustains a close resemblance
to the sun ; like a great spiritual luminary it dis-
perses the rays of spiritual light and warmth through
the whole world, shining with eqvial and impartial
lustre upon the rich and the poor, upon the learned
and the unlearned. All these, and many other
kindred societies, labour cordially and effectually
to roll away the stone from " the mouth of the well" ;
but missionary societies lead the flock to the well,
and water it. In this department, angels and men
are united. Heaven and earth are united. The
throne and the footstool of the King of kings are
united ; and the consequences which flow from this
extraordinary conjunction are, the exaltation of the
church, the enlargement of Sion, the diflusion of
the truth, the fulfilment of prophecy, the spread of
divine glory, and the salvation of souls.

These associations in their combined form and
action, and in their religious character and unity of
purpose, remind me of the wonderful vision of
Ezekiel, the son of Bnzi. This distinguished priest
and prophet was one of the captives whom the

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 275

Chaldeans carried away captive. He resided, it
appears, "by the river of Chebar," and "in the
fourth month, in the fifth day of the month" the
heavens were opened, and he saw " visions of God."

He saw a great cloud, and a fire unfolding itself,
out of which came four living creatures, fearfully
and wonderfully made, joined together in an extra-
ordinary manner, moving simultaneously in the same
direction, and as rapid as lightning. He saw also
four wheels of fire, exceeding bright, illuminated
with eyes, and revolving with the circumference of
one great wheel which seemed to fill up the space
between heaven and earth. And as he looked upon
this wondrous piece of celestial machinery, he per-
ceived that it was set in motion, and kept in
vigorous and constant motion by the four living crea-
tures, and that this motion affected the whole uni-
verse.

Now, the Sunday-school society, the Tract society,
the Bible society, and other kindred institutions,
are so many concentric wheels of fire, enfolding one
another, and all revolving with the circumference
of one great wheel — the missionary institute. All
these religious organizations present numerous and
inalienable claims to our sympathy and support;
and in the same proportion as we respond to those

276 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

daims do we increase the action, and accelerate the
motion of" the wheels."

Sheading to-day a treatise on grammar, in which
the author has interwoven some very pertinent and
ingenious remarks on the rise and progress of the
English language, I think the following facts are
clearly illustrated and established.

The Britons being harassed by the continual and
increasing hostilities of their northern neighbours,
the Picts and the Scotch, solicited the assistance of
the Saxons, a warlike and hardy people inhabiting
the north of Germany. After these foreign auxilia-
ries had succeeded in driving out the Picts and
Scots, they very coolly, and in the most cavalier
manner imaginable, took possession of the country
they had emancipated.

A possession of more than five centuries followed
this assumption, and procured for the Saxon lan-
guage an almost universal adoption in Britain. At
the expiration of the above period, the Normans, or
French succeeded to the throne, and again did the
language of the conquerors obtain a footing. In
this way the French became incorporated with the
Saxon, and hence the prevalency of Gallic terms
and phrases, from which we derive no advantage
whatever. But, nevertheless, the admixture of
words continually brought to the original language

WliSLEYAN MISSIO]<IARt. 21"?

ill every successive age, by commerce, by fashion,
science, and literature, have given to it a weaUh,
a richness, a variety, a copiousness, and a flexibility,
of which no other language, either ancient or mo-
dern, is possessed.

And hence, although the English, in its present
form and structure, is palpably a combination of lan-
guages, modified and reduced to a vocabulary, ap-
parently primitive and uncorapounded, it is one of
the sweetest languages of the whole earth, and is
as much distinguished for its utility, and adaptation
to the wants and purposes of common, every day
life, as it is for the euphony of its expression — the
melody of its tones, and the sublimity of its senti-
ments.

Went to Trinity Church in , and was really

grieved at the inefRcient manner in which the
whole service was performed. I am not fond of
indulging in animadversions, nor do I expect per-
fection in either the worship or the practice of any
church ; but in that church whose ministers claim to
be the successors of the Apostles, it is but reasonable to
expect that apostolical doctrines would be preached
in an apostolic way, and that the Sacred Scriptures
would be read with apostolic fervour. The sermon,
occupied in the delivery, just thirteen minutes and a
half; pronounced in a cold and unimpressive man-

278 AUTOBIOGBAPHT OF A

ner ; or rather read after that fashion, and glike des-
titute of evangelical sentiments and rhetorical at-
tractions. The services of " the reading desk" were
performed in the same manner ; and yet to keep up
this kind of agency, the Parliament of the Empire,
for a long time, taxed the impoverished resources
of the working classes of all denominations.

Read to-day in Plutarch's lives, a short sketch of
Lycurgus, the celebrated Spartan law-giver. The
political and legislative virtues of this man are very
highly extolled, not only by heathen, but even
by Christian historians. Writers who are ashamed
to say a word in favour of Christianity, and others
who write and declaim against it, are really lavish
in their praises of this unprincipled man, and unjust
ruler.

In his code of laws, he not only aiithorized sla-
very, but even the assassination of the slaves. Chil-
dren were encouraged to pilfer and steal, and their
expertness in these vices was regarded as a proof
of their ingenuity and tact. He also tolerated adulr
tery, and allowed the Spartans to practice it as a
mode of perpetuating a healthy population. But
this inimitable moralist carried his expediency far-
ther, for he sanctioned infanticide, as a salutary
means for relieving the state from incumbrances.
New-born children were submitted immediately

WESLETfAN MISSIONARY. 279

after birtL to the inspection of the physicians, and
if they pronounced them unhealthy, or likely to be-
come apublic burden, they were instantly destroyed.

I will not insult the divine legislator by saying,
compare these brutal and sanguinary laws with
those that are embodied and enforced in " the ser-
mon on the Mount." How necessary is a divine
revelation ; and how thankful should we be unto
God for this unspeakable gift. It is indeed " a lamp
to our feet, and a light to our path."

I preached missionary sermons to-day in the town
of , where a very rigid section of the Presby-
terians exercise a great deal of influence and con-
trol. I was greatly assisted while I attempted to
describe the deplorable condition of the heathen, and
of all those who were destitute of the Gospel. My
heart was enlarged while I endeavoured to shew
that a free and full salvation was provided for every
nation, and tongue, and kindred, and people. The
Lord gave me great boldness, and liberty of speech
too, while I. appealed to the sympathy and liberality
of the congregation in behalf of my innumerable
clients, and to which they responded very cheerfully
and very generously.

This being one of the first and most strenuous
efTorls made in this place, in behalf of " the perishing
heathen," it caused no small stir in th« community.

^2§() auTobiographV of a

Indeed it produced quite a sensation. One gentle-
man, a lawyer, and a Universalist into the bargain,'
declared it was an imposition, and that the heathens
themselves would be saved as well as the Metho-
dists. Another very gravely asserted that the Gos-
pel would do them no good, but rather evil; with-
out it they would be saved through their ignorance,
but their being supplied with it would increase
their accountability, while their rejection of it
would be sure to involve them incondemnation,and
perdition. To these most logical conclusions I
made no reply ; their absurdity rendere4 them un-
answerable. I left the objectors as I found them,
" wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own
conceits."

But I had to meet aiipther opponent, no less a
personage than a Deacon of the Presbyterian
Church, I was informed that he intended to ho-
nour me with a visit; and that his deaconship was
prompted to this act of condescension by a contro-
versial impulse. In due time the dreaded interview
took place, the awful passage at arms commenced,
neither was unhorsed, or in any way injured ; and
after a little parley, my antagonist said, in rather
an angry tone, that the Methodists were not wanted

in , that they were intruders; and that their

trying to establish themselves here was contrary to

WtSLEX-AN jiissioNARV. 281

the counsel and purpose of God. This was a dread-
ful onslaught, but I neither reeled nor tottered under
it. He waxed warm, spoke rapidly and loudly, said
a good deal about work-mongers, election, reproba-
t;on, fore-knowledge of God, and of all things being
fore-ordained, &c., &c. ; in short, he pushed at ine
in so vigorous a manner with the whole '• ten horns
of Calvinism," that he exhausted both his physical
strength, and his theological resources. A pause
ensued; a delightful refreshing calm; and taking
advantage of it, I ventured to say, Has God fore-or-
dained, pre-appointed everything that comes to
pass/ " YeSj" was the reply. Then, added I, one
of the things which lias come to pass is, that J am
here; endeavouring to promote the formation of a
Methodist Church ; and therefore, God must have
fore-ordained it ; and who are you, that you should
dare to withstand, or gainsay his divine purpose 1
This ended the controversy.

There is now a flourishing society in that place ;
the Wesleyan ministers have been very successful
in winning souls to Christ ; and in creating a Mis-
sionary interest. The exclusive views and tenets of
ultra-Calvinism have greatly subsided. A milder tone,
and a more benignant spirit prevail in reference to
Methodism. The various denominations ore very
active and cordial in their efforts to proclaim th^
N

282 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP A

truth ; to promote the cause of genuine religion ;
and to disseminate the glory of God in the face of
Jesus Christ.

BAPTISM.

A good deal of excitement prevails to-day among
our Baptist friends. Eleven persons, chiefly fe-
males, are to be baptized. The Baptist minister here
is incapable of performing the service, being liable to
be seized by cramp, vs^hen in the water. He has been
inefficient in this particular, for many years ; and as
in the present instance, has always been obliged
to apply for help. This is certainly no argument in
favour of their particular mode of administering this
ordinance.

Here is a man, a very excellent one, pastor of a
Church, and able to discharge all the duties of his
office but one ; a most important one in their esti-
mation. This has to be performed by proxy
not when the candidates, or their own particular
minister chooses ; but when the minister who is to
perform the duty can attend. The persons to be
baptized to-day, have been waiting for nearly three
monthi. What would this infirm minister and his
church do, where no substitute could be procured.
How would they extricate themselves from so seri-
ous a dilemma.

WJl-SliIilXAlX miSSIOKAKT.

I regard immersion as a scriptural mode of bap-
tism ; and I thauk God that I can view sprinkling
in the same light. The circumstance reminds me
of the difficulty in which our immersing friends

were placed in L , when I was stationed

there. A Mr. C experienced religion on his

death-bed, a few hours befoie he died ; and being
brought among the baptists, had imbibed their bap-
tismal sentiments. He desired to be immersed ;
and to comply with that desire the baptist minister
that visited him, immersed him (as I was informed),
in a bath filed loith tepid water. I have no doubt
whatever, that all the parties were sincere ; but I am
equally sincere, when I say, I prefer sprinkling, and
ventuise to declare, that in my humble opinion,
while it is incomparably more convenient than im-
mersion, it is equally as scriptural and as well pleas-
ing in the sight of God.

I have just finished reading " the Book of Job."
What an exquisite production. It abounds in all
the charms of epic and dramatic poetry ; and in all
the beauties of allegory, dialogue, and scenic re-
presentation. Like an histrionic painting, designed
to perpetuate the remembrance of many and impor-
tant vicissitudes and occurrences, it introduces us to
a groupe of actors and a variety of incidents ; and
while we behold the actors performing their part.

284 AUTOBIOGRAPllT OP A

and the incidents succeeding each other, we see the
purposes of God ripening into maturity, and his
ways gradually unfolding themselves.

The hero of the piece is Job himself; and his
patience under great afflictions; his resignation
under great reverses and losses ; his confidence in
God ; and his determination to trust in Him let what
will happen ; and the prosperity that crowned his
latter days ; all these prove " that unto the upright
there ariseth a light in the darkness ;" and that
while " many are the afflictions of the righteous, the
Lord delivereth him out of them all."

We have for models, the faith of Abraham ; the
meditation of Isaac ; the importunity of Jacob; the
meekness of Moses ; the determination of Joshua ;
the penitence of David ; the zeal of Josiah ; the con-
stancy of Daniel ; the sanctity of Isaiah ; the patriot-
ism of Jeremiah ; and the patience of Job.

EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL.

Heard the Bishop of preach to day. The

arrangement and delivery very good. His Lord-
ship has a fine rich voice ; and his ma'nner in the
pulpit is very graceful. The sermon was a thorough ,
apostolical-succession one ; and as it was prepared
for the occasion, perhaps for all similar occasions,
we may suppose it was the best that the Right Re-

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 285

verend Prelate could produce on the subject. It
may be my fault' — it may be that I am very hard to
be convinced ; but I must say that his Lordship's
reasoning appeared to me very inconclusive. I
thought, if it is not presumption to say so, that his
premises were false, and of course, that his conclu-
sions were erroneous. 1 have heard some very ta-
lented preachers, in both the Romish, and the An-
glican Church, on this subject, but they all failed to
make out a good case ; and left upon my mind an im-
pression, that it was a mere ecclesiastical myth ; and
that it never existed, except in the conceptions and
aspirations of ambitious churchmen.

The congregation was very large, and very atten-
tive, and among many excellent advices which the
bishop addressed to two young gentlemen, whom
he was about to promote to priests' order ; I remem-
ber that he told them to be satisfied of the validity
of their own ordination, and not to concern them-
selves about the ordination of others. This was
assuredly " a word fitly spoken.'^

With one of the priests, however, the Episcopal
advice had but little weight. He became an out-
and-out successionist ; and a very intolerant and of-
fensive one. He was all the time at war with
" the dissenters ;" and the result was, that his church
and congregation dwindled away.

286 AUTOBIOGRAPHt OP A

A PEACTICAL DEFOITIOI?.

I have often heard of a practicaljoke — and of a
practic&l man ; but to-day I was favoured with a
practical definition. It presented quite a new fea-
ture in lexicography, and not a bad illustration of
the well-known elocutional maxim, " suit the ac-
tion to the word." Brother and myself

were a missionary deputation for . It was

arranged that he would preach in the forenoon, and
I in (he evening; and while he was carrying out
his part of this plan, with even more than his usual
zeal and ability — while he was advocating the cause
of the Heathen with irresistible eloquence — while
the large and attentive congregation was listening
with wrapt attention — just at this crisis — while our
dear brother was carrying his audience with him —
a man suddenly started up in one of the galleries
and shouted with all his might and main, " Haush,
Haush, Neish." He repeated these words or some-
thing like them, two or three times, in a perfect
phrenzy, and loud enough to humble even Stentor
himself. Of what language, or of what dialect they
were I know not, nor can I say what is their ety-
mology or signification, but it was ascertained that
he was a Dutchman — that he saw a chimney on fire
—that he announced that appalling fact ; and the

WKSLEYAN MISSIONARY. 287

congregation, whether they understood him or not>
supplied us with " a practical definition " by rushing
out of the chapel as rapidly as they could.

The scene was absolutely ludicrous ; and although
the interruption was very annoying, I could not but
look at the cause of it with rather risible feelings,
for he never moved, but stood stock still peering
through one of the windows, looking as if greatly
bewildered ; and still saying, or rather muttering,
something that sounded very like the above elegant
and classic phrases " Haush, Haush, Neish "

CROSSING THE SHUBENACADIE.

The Shubenacadie is a very rapid river, emptying
into Cuppequid bay, at the head of the bay of
Fundy. An attempt was made several years ago
to connect it with Halifax, by means of a canal ; a
provincial bubble by the way, which greatly
damaged the character of Nova Scotians, and
swindled many of the stock-holders, especially
English ones, out of their money. N'importe.
No matter now ; that is all past and gone. What
we have to notice is crossing this river on a tea-
tray ; yes, on a veritable tea-tray. Crossing a river
in a boat is a very common, and rather natural
operation ; executing this manoeuvre in a canoe is an
ordinary exploit ; crossing on horse-back is a feat of

288 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

amphibious equestrianship frequently performed ;
but to accomplish this on a tea-tray, would be almost
as difficult as to cross it in a tea-pot ; and, yet, I
believa it was done ; but it was when the river was
frozen over, and when the ice •was very glare.
ISfehemiah . — was going home with a large tea-
tray, carrying it on his shoulder ; and as he was de-
scending the steep and uneven bank of the river on
the eastern side, the wind took hold of the " tea-
tray," and whirled it in the air, and away went
Nehemiah after it, not in the air, of course, but the
best way he could, and at last, breathless and pant-
ing, he threw himself upon the fugitive tea-tray,
and was actually blown across the river.

I heard him silence a rather egotistical gentleman
one day, who was expatiating in a very magnilo-
quent strain upon his wonderful achievements and
adventures. Having listened to him for some time,
he looked at him in a very arch and quizzical man-
ner, and said, " Pooh, pooh ; I have done more than
all that myself, for I once crossed the Shnbenacadie
on a tea-tray." Hear this ye suspension bridges,
tubular bridges, and tunnels, and think less of the
facilities ye afford for crossing rivers.

But lest any one should be so unreasonable as to
doubt the truth of the said Nehemiah's statement,
and thereby treat an authenticated fact as if it were

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 289

no better than a mere legend, or fable, I shall advert
to another feat of river-crossing, performed by no
less a person than one of Her Majesty's counsel,
learned in the law, and who was also a member of
the New Brunswick- legislature.

I heard Mr. , a very talented member of the

House of Assembly, declare that the roads in his
county were so bad, that he had to swim some of
the rivers with snow-shoes on. The members

stared ; but Mr. repeated the assertion ; and

insisted that they must make his county a liberal
grant out of the road-money, for he really had, on
his way to Fredericton, to swim the Tootoogoose,
with his snow-shoes on. In making this statement
I may be mistaken in the name of the particular
river ; but I am, notwithstanding, substantially cor-
rect.

The circumstance, and the manner in which it
was related, excited a good deal of merriment at the
time, and one very witty member impromsatrised
the whole affair in one or two very epigrammatic
verses, which I have heard him repeat. So much
for a grave and wise legislator swimming across a
river with snow-shoes. MiraUle dictu.

Prodigies like these, performed under such disad-
vantages, must for ever eclipse the achievements of
both Deucalion and Leander. The prestige that
N 2

290 AUTOBIOGRAPHT OF A

surrounded the son of Prometheus, and the charm
that invested the hero of Abydos are completely
dissolved by the unparalleled exploits of our friend
Nehemiah, and our friend the senator.

Fashion is a great despot ; a positive tyrant ; and
although she does not enforce her laws in the same
way that Khouli-kan or Nadir-shah did, she is fully
as dogmatic. She says wear this, and we wear it ;
do this, and we do it. Cut your coat this way ;
shape your gown according to this pattern ; wear
such a kind of hat ; adjust your bonnet in this way ;
wear sleeves inconveniently large ; now wear
sleeves uncomfortably small ; and all is complied
with; every edict is promptly and cheerfully obeyed.

Now, habit is nearly related to fashion, and is, if
possible, more dominant and powerful . It developes
itself in various ways, and exhibits the nature and
extent of its influence under various aspects. Some-
times it is peculiar without being injurious ; and
where this is the case, it displays its power in the
singularity it produces, just as much as it does, when
it occasions the greatest evils. As an illustration of
this I might instance J S . He was an ex-
cellent man ; a sincere and an intelligent Wesleyan ;
and greatly respected where he resided. But meet
him where you would, see him where you would,
he was sure to talk about " the quarterly meeting,"

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 291

Others might speak about the weather ; some about
the state of the markets ; some about the war,
but his theme was " the quarterly meeting."

It was to Brother S what the assembling of the

clans would be to a Highland chief, or what the
gathering on 'change would be to an anxious stock-
broker. About such periodical divisions of time as
" qninquagesima, septuagesima," &c., he knew
nothing, and cared less ; for his chronology was
based upon " the quarterly meeting," and his
calendar was regulated by it. It was the pivot
upon which all his dates revolved; everything that
concerned him taking place either before, or after,
the quarterly meeting.

I knew a brother in Christ, one whom I greatly
esteemed, aud " the minutes of Conference" were
his " vade mecum" ; his constant companion, and his
daily study. He was thoroughly acquainted with
all subjects bearing on our connexions, laws, and
statutes. No a.ntiquarian could take more delight
in studying out old records, or black-letter manu-
scripts, than this excellent brother did in reading
and digesting " the minutes of Conference." They
were his favourite annual. This, however, was not
his only excellency. His hospitality was proverbial ;
and to the preachers, especially, he was uniform
and afiectionate. In these respects he was pro-

292 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

minent, but not singular ; for he resided in Q ,

where the Methodists are so addicted to the practice
of these virtues, that it has become a confirmed
habit.

H. W. was a pattern of politeness, of genuine un-
affected politeness. He had the exquisite grace and
polish of Chesterfield, without, of course, any of his
lewdness or infidelity. H. W. was a perfect gen-
tleman

" Of courtly manners, and of love unfeigned ;"

And as he was tall in stature, of a fine portly figure,
and withal very comely, and of a venerable aspect,
he exhibited in himself an assemblage of the per-
sonal distinctions which are supposed to meet in a
venerable British Peer. Swift said he would know
George Falkener anywhere, and under any disguise ;
Sterne entertained such reverence for the Francis-
can's head, that he declared he would worship it
wherever he met it, and, in like manner, see the
subject of this reference, where yon would, you
would feel respect for him.

But his politeness was not confined to mannerism
and expression ;on the contrary, it manifested itself
in a"bts and deeds of kindness, exercised on all occa-
sions, and towards all with whom he had any inter-
course whatever. It was a passion ; a living principle

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 293

actuating him and governing him ; and so great
was its power and so strong its ascendancy, that it
regulated his conduct towards irrational creatures
themselves.

For instance, he had a horse, rather a sagacious
one, quite an original in his way ; and whether he
presumed on the urbane and indulgent disposition
of his master, or consulted his own inclination, I
cannot say, but this is a fact, he would frequently
stand still in the road, turn his head round and look
at H. W. in a very kno\ving manner ; and so strong,
so dominant had our friend's habit of politeness be-
come, that he would look at the horse, and even
bow to him.

There were many others with whom I was fami-
liar in the Lord ; men and women precious in His
sight. Some of them

'■ Lilile and Uiikuowu,

Prized and loved by God aioae ;"

And others that occupied conspicuous stations in the
church, and in the world. They are now, through,
grace by faith, in that happy place where there are
neither times, nor seasons, where all laws are
absorbed in the perfect law of love, where all the
inhabitants are one 'in Christ, and where Christ is
fill and in all.

CHAPTER XVII.

A Canadian Counterpane—Nocturnal annoyances, and a
Union Jack — An inconvenient bed-room — A Mis-
sionary Deputation in Jail — New features in
Missionary Meetings — Providential escape on
Lake Erie — Indian Experience Meeting.

Evert one has heard of Marseilles, the grand em-
porium of the south of France. This city was so
celebrated in the time of the Romans, that Cicero
styled it th6 Athens of the Gauls, and Pliny called
it the mistress of education. Marseilles is famous
for the manufacture of an. elegant fabric, extensively
used in the formation of quilts or counterpanes, and
which are in great repute as Marseilles quilts, I
have seen a good many specimens of this article,
but I never saw one, that could, either for the ex-
quisite delicacy of the texture, or the purity of the
colour, be compared to a counterpane made in Eas-
tern Canada, in one of the Eastern Townships there-
of. Canadian skill and enterprise are both now very
creditably represented at the industrial exhibition in
Paris ; and Prince Napoleon, a competent judge, no
doubt, has bestowed great praise upon us.
What his serene highness would say, if he could

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 295

but see this counterpane, I cannot imagine. It was
not composed of either flax or hemp, of either linen,
or woollen, or cotton. It was neither spun, nor wove,
it was the produce, not of the earth, but of the at-
mosphere, and was made not in the day, but in the
night and without hands. Now for the explanation.
One of our Missionaries, while performing his circuit
work in the winter, stopped all night at the house of
one of our friends. It was a log cabin, and al-
though the proprietor was in comparatively comfort-
able circumstances, the house was not in a very good
condition.

The owner was a hospitable man, and his house
was a hospitable house ; indeed, it carried this virtue
a little too far ; it was on some occasions painfully
hospitable. At the time the quilt, about which we
are speaking, was manufactured, it was in the con-
dition, the Earl of Chatham supposes the English
peasant's cottage may be in, while it will neverthe-
less be his castle, which the king himself dare not
enter without a legal warrant. Our friend's house
admitted the wind, and the snow, the hail, and the
rain, and the sleet ; and never evinced any symp-
toms of displeasure, at the rude and boisterous man-
ner in which his guests sometimes disported them-
selves.

On the night in question, Brother slept al;

296 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP A

his house, and slept very comfortably, g,rid felt more
than usually warm and snug ; and in the morning
when he awoke, he found the bed covered all over
in the full breadth thereof, and in the length, from
the foot, up to within eight or ten inches of the upper
end of the bed clothes, with a beautiful counterpane
of snow, slightly frozen, and glistening as if it were
orystalized. The night had been calm and still, and
as is often the case, a good deal of snow had fal-
len in a quiet and noiseless, but insinuating man-
ner, and had obtruded through the dilapidated roof;
and in the morning the whole bed, except the part
already mentioned, was covered with a quilt, or coun-
terpancj of more than an inch thick, and so smooth,
white, and brilliant, that neither Marseilles nor
Arras could produce anything equal to it.

This circumstance occurred many years ago, when
the social and domestic condition of the people was
much inferior to what it is now ; and when the de-
voted herald of the cross, in whose life it formed
an incident, had to pass through many vicissitudes
and dangers. He had to endure " perils in the wild-
erness," as Bolton woods could testify, if they were
able to speak. Perils in the deep, as " Lake Mem-
phramagog well knows, if it could declare it ; and
perils in the city, as the end of his career witnesseth.

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 297

He has entered into his rest, and is now where all
is calm, and joy, and peace ; where there is

*' No midnight sliade, no clouded sun,
Bat sacred, iiigii, eternal, nooii."

And we are still in the field ; still praying, and
preaching, and travelling ; toiling to gain the blest
shore, and labouring to enter into the rest which
remaineth for the people of God. O, may we be
kept even unto the end — kept by the mighty power
of God, through faith unto eternal salvation. Amen,

The reader is requested to remember that this
occurred several years ago ; but still I have no doubt
that circumstances, somewhat similar, have often
taken place since. Indeed, I have myself been di-
rectly connected with events belonging to this class,
some of which transpired previous to the " counter-
pane " affair, and some subsequent thereto. 1 shall
briefly notice a few of them, merely observing, that
they do not all relate to the article of lodging only,
but extend to hoard, and even to travelling.

Ou one occasion I was entertained by a zealous
young brother, now in the Canada Conference.
He occupied the house, previously the residence of
a married preacher and his family ; but as my host
was a probationer, and dwelt alone, we had the Avhole
mansion to ourselves. So, at least, I thought, but
as the sequel proved, I was grievously mistaken

298 AUTOBIOGRAPHT OP A

The rats and the mice maintained their right to a
joint-proprietorship ; and during the night these te-
nants, in common, carried on their nocturnal revels in
so obstreperous a manner, that we scarcely closed
our eyes or got one moment's rest. We would not
have been so wakeful, I suppose, if we had supped
a little more substantially. I remember that our even-
ing meal was neither very recherche, nor very
heavy. It consisted principally of dry ship biscuit,
rather venerable, and suffering under a combined
attack of must and mould. There was also some tea,
with a very economical supply of sugar, and no
milk. These delicacies composed our repast; if
there was any thing else, it was so|little, and so in-
different, that I forget all about it.

Our sleeping accommodation was not very luxu-
rious ; it was in keeping with the rest ; bed and
board seemed to rival each other. Our couch was
as hard as our table was scanty; and the principal
article of covering was, — was, — was what — a Union
Jack. Yes, a veritable Union Jack.
- Goldsmith in his Deserted Village, I think, speaks
of a chest of drawers, that was

" A bed by night, and a chest of drawers by day,"

And this " Union Jack," if 1 remember correctly,
was a quilt by night, and a Bethel-flag by day.

WESLETAN MISSIONART. 299

The hero of Corunna lay

" With his martial cloak arontid him,"

And we lay under the honoured flag of " merrie
England" ; but we slept not, for the aforesaid rats
and mice kept up a perfect carnival, and that "un-
toward circumstance," with the strenuous, but fruit-
less, endeavours which brother ■ made in order

to interrupt or finish their pastime, kept us wide
awake all night. In vain did he repeatedly get up,
in vain did he make all kinds of noises, and throw
at them all kinds of available missiles, such as the
candlestick, his boots, fire-irons, &c., but all to no
purpose, our persecutors stood their ground, and con-
tinued their orgies, and did

" — '■ not go home till morning. "

While on a missionary tour through the lower
parts of Western Canada, I met with an adventure,
such as I had never met with before. I had to seek
repose, the best way I could, in a bed far too short
for me. This wds a serious grievance ; and one,
too, upon which I. never reckoned. It is well known
that I am not one of " the Anakim," not by any
means unusually tall, and yet, in this instance, I
could not obtain a bed long enough ; there was no
help for it. I thought upon Procrustes, and what

300 AUTOBIOGKAPHT OF A

he had to suffer, and this reconciled me to the in-
convenience. The room was small too, but then
I am not very large myself ; and why should there
not be small rooms as well as small men. It was
not scrupulously neat either, but that is neither
here nor there, what I felt most tried by was this ;
there was a very large tomb-stone, standing up-
right at the foot of the bed, with a very long and
pathetic epigraph inscribed upon it, surmounted by
a very lugubrious looking device, rudely executed.
This was my first and last encounter with limited
upholstery, and church-yard sculpture.

In the morning I felt rather uncomfortable, and
not much refreshed ; but by the time I had break-
fasted, all was right again, except a little unpleasant
sensation that I felt, something like what is called
growing pains, but of course not growing pains.

I remember that during this tour, rather a pro-
tracted one, at every hotel or tavern where we
were obliged to stop, we found both men and women
drinking, generally hot potations ; the men taking
their portion at the bar, and the women taking care
of themselves in some inner room. I also observed
that in almost every female coterie, so large were
they, there was invariably one woman with a brown
camlet cloak, green veil, and spectacles; and these
in their general appearance, resembled each other

wesleyan missionary. 3Cfl

so much, that they appeared like a kind of sister-
hood, accustomed to live iu a cenobiticai way, but
were now enjoying a little relaxation among their
friends.

During an extensive tour through the upper parts
of the Western Province, performed on behalf of
the British Wesleyan Missionary Society, I was fa-
voured with an opportunity of seeing' and hearing a
good deal, and of becoming personally acquainted
with ministers and others, to whom I had previously
been an utter stranger.

Iu this mission I was the associate, or colleague,

of , a brother greatly esteemed, and whose

efficiency in this department of our work is well
known and duly appreciated. We commenced ope-
rations in , by holding an anniversary in a

very spacious room in the City Hall, kindly afforded
us by the Mayor, John Counter, Esq., who also pre-
sided on the occasion. The room was crowded, the
addresses were appropriate, some of them even elo-
quent, and the pecuniary result far above our most
sanguine anticipations. On the following evening a
mammoth tea-meeting was held in the same place,
and for the same benevolent object. The apartment
was crowded, the tables abundantly furnished, and
the gastronomic operations extensively and dexter-
ously performed.

302 AtTOBIOGRAPHt OP A

After tea, several speeches in connexion with
missionary movements were delivered ; and several
devotional and national tunes played by a superb
regimental band, engaged for the purpose. This
meeting was in truth a festival ; a sort of evangeli-
cal re-union, in which the social and religious ele-
ment were blended together in harmony and love.
The whole proceedings were closed with " the
National Anthem," the band playing, and all the
people singing ; and while the welkin rung with the
united efforts of the minstrelists and vocalists, a
dog — a large dog — a large black dog of the New-
foundland species — commenced barking in a most
extraordinary manner, jumping and frisking about
in a state of ecstacy, and trying to convince ns in
his own way that he was both a happy and a loyal
dog.

The anniversary at W was marked by se-
veral very peculiar features : and as if there had
been a preconcerted plan, these features obtained
at the very commencement, and continued until the
very end. The deputation, consisting of the brother
aforesaid and myself, were, upon our entrance into
the town, sent right off, without any ceremony
whatever, to Jail. Yes, sent to jail, without either
summons or warrant. Arrangements had been
made for our entertainment in the jailor's apart-

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 303

ments, and we found them to be as comfortable as
the proprietor was kind and hospitable.

Saint Paul was put into a dungeon, and his feet
thrust into the stocks ; but we were comfortably lodg-
ed, and treated in all respects, as guests whom the
jailor delighted to honour. In a little time we re-
paired to the Court House, the place where the meet-
ing was to be held, and found it filled with people.
The chair was occupied by the High Sheriff of the
county, who opened the meeting in quite an original
way, and in keeping with his official position. He
opened it not exactly according to " the Gospel," but
in strict accordance with " the law." In the legal
form, and as he was accustomed to open the sittings
of the eourt, did this worthy functionary, and kind-
hearted man, open our missionary meeting; and
when he had gone through the .preamble, he raised
his voice to. a higher key, and looking all round him
said, " I hereby declare this missionary meeting to
be now opened in the name, and by the authority
of her most gracious Majesty Queen Victoria." In
an instant, the whole house reverberated with shouts
of" God Save the Queen ! God Save the Queen !"
The meeting was a very lively and interesting
one. The chairman had evidently raised the tune
in the right key-note, and all went on harmoniously,
and concluded successfully. The subscriptions and

364 AUTOBIodRAPHT OF A

donations were greatly in advance of every preced-
ing year, and proved that the loyalty of the people
was not a mere ebullition, but a fixed principle, and
a constituent part of their religion.

Our meeting at B exhibited a trait per-
fectly original. I don't allude to the verytastefj.il
and ingenious manner in which the place was de-
corated, and w^hich was so high'y creditable to those
that designed and executed it : these evidences of
zeal in the cause of missions, are not by any means
either rare or infrequent in Canada. I advert to the
fact that a most excellent sister seconded one of the
resolutions ; and if she did not perform her part in a
masterly way, she certainly did it in a mistressly
way, and with-great effect. I have known very
efficient female missionary collectors, and can un-
derstand how one of this class of agents is better
than five men and a half; and I have known many
generous female missionary subscribers ; but this
was the first time I ever heard one of our excellent
sisters speak at a missionary meeting, but I hope it
will not be the last. I am for " Womens' rights,"
by which I understand the right to do all the good
they can, in every right and proper way.

In the sacred scriptures we read of Rebecca, the
mother of Jacob ; of Deborah, the heroine of Israel ;
of Euth, the model of filial devotion ; of Hannah,

W^SLEfAN MlSSIONARt. 305'

the pattern of mothers ; of Judith, the type of pa-
triotism ; of Mary and Martha, the hospitable sisters
of Bethany; of Dorcas, that made clothes for the
poor ; and of Lydia, that ministered to the saints,
I see them all before me ; these noble-hearted, ge-
nerous, godly women ; and while I gaze upon this
splendid collection of ancient historical portraits,
my heart thrills with pleasure, from a conviction
that the claims of religion, the claims of povertyj
the claims of the sick-bed, of the widow, and the
orphan, &c., will always meet with a kind and
a liberal response at the hands, and the hearts of
women.

The Eastern poets speak of a wondrous tree that
yields golden apples and silver bells ; and they say
that whenever the wind blows it moves the beau-
tiful branches of this tree, and then the golden
apples fall in showers, and the bells ring a merry
and delightful peal. This, of course, is all allego-
rical ; a mere combination of oriental myths. But
let the claims of " the Gospel," and the deplorable
condition of those that are destitute of it, be presented
to the women, presented as their urgency and im-
portance demand, and results are sure to follow
which will prove " that truth is stranger than fic-
tion," and that the historical fact often surpasses the
poetical conception.

306 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

On our way to A we met with rather un-
pleasant occurrences ; indeed one had like to have
proved fatal. We had not gone very far on our
way ■v^hen the tier came off of one of the wheels,
so that we had to travel a considerable distance with
a snag. This rendered our travelling very tedious ;
and the delay occasioned by the necessary repairs,
in some measure, disconcerted our plan.

On Lake Erie we had a narrow escape from being
killed ; our preservation was really miraculous, and
may be attributed, under God, to the self-possession,

coolness, and dexterity of our driver, brother

The shores of Lake Erie, in many places, are very
dangerous. Numerous impetuous streams and rivers
make deep channels for themselves, and these, when
the waters are low, form deep ravines varying from
14 or 15 to 30 feet in depth. The night was very
dark, and in driving over one of these,the frail bridge
that spanned it, creaked, trembled, and just as we
cleared it, gave way,'and tumbled down to the bot-
tom with a crashing, thundering noise. We soon
arrived at a tavern, and found that Boniface him-
self, was the path master ; and he very coolly told
us that he thought we would have seen how bad the
bridge was, and that we would have gone round.
We might perhaps, have made this discovery, if the.
night had not been so very dark, or if he had been

■#IlSLEYAN MISSIONART. 30l'

possessed of common sense enough, to have set up a
lantern, or to have adopted some other way. of giv-
ing us admonition and warning.

The ravine was more than 20 feet deep, and at
the bottom lay several gnarled and jagged stumps;
and had we been one moment later in clearing the
falling bridge, horses, carriage, deputation, and all
would have been precipitated to the bottom, and
nothing less than the miraculous interposition of God,
could have saved us. Blessed be his name, his pro-
tecting care was over us ; his everlasting arms were
underneath us, and round about us. And we were
saved.

" Then let us adore, and give him his right,
All glory and power, all wisdom and might.
All honour and blessing, with migels above,
And thanks never ceasing and infinite love.''

While holding our anniversary at , the

chairman gave the most unequivocal evidences that
he would maintain order. He would not suffer a
single dog to remain, no matter who owned it ; he
was determined on their expulsion. He was equally
impartial in his government of the boys, whom he so.
effectually controlled, that they were as silent as
mutes. Nay he performed the duties of the chair
so impartially and firmly, that a little whispering on
the platform, among the speakers themselves, was

308 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

instantly suppressed in an authoritative, but good
natured tone, with a cry of" order gentlemen ; or-
der," and adding, " I am determined to keep or-
der ." ■

The rigid discipline maintained over the assembly
was very conducive to the furtherance of our object.
It put every one into good humour, and kept them
in that state, so that when the collection speech had
been made, and an opportunity was afforded them
of evincing their christian liberality, and of testifying
their zeal for the prosperity of missions, they did so
very cheerfully, and to an extent fully commensur-
ate with their resources.

Our last meeting was at . It was not ex-
actly a missionary one, although it exhibited certain
missionary features, of which all the preceding ones
were destitute. It was exclusively an assemblage
of aboriginals. All except the ministers, were
either Mohawk, or Chippewa Indians. The con-
gregation embodied a very general assortment,
consisting of men, women, grown up boys and girls,
and some papooses, or babies, amounting in all, to
ixpwards of two hundred. The adults formed about
half of the congregation, and were nearly all mem-
bers of the church, and were endeavouring to walk
by faith, and in the comforts of the Holy Ghost.

It was a kind of experience meeting ; or a love feast

AVESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 309

without the usual accompaniments of bread and
water. Several, both men and women, spoke in
their own poetical and significant language of the
tender mercy and saving grace of God. Their
statements were delivered, not in an impassioned,
but in a deep and solemn manner, and produced
corresponding feelings. I observed that while one,
who had been formerly a niedisine man, or a kind
of sorcerer, spoke, the whole audience was deeply
moved, and gave expression to their feelings in re-
peated exclamations. A visible sensation was also
created, while one, who had been in his Pagan
state, a very bad Indian, addressed the audience.
Some of the women also related their experience,
and were listened to with great attention.

The deepest feeling, and the greatest degree of
interest, however, were excited by a chief culled
Wawanosh, a venerable, and comely looking man.
In his original state he was, it is said, a violent
opposer to the Missionaries, and strenuously resisted
the introduction of the Gospel, among those over
whom he was chief. His opposition too, evinced a
good deal of stratagetical skill, for whenever he
heard that preaching was to be in a certain place,
he always contrived, without appearing to do so, to
have a pow-wow, a sort of palaver, or religious meet-

310 AUTOBIOSRAPHY OF A

ing of his own, of course by accident, at the same
place, and at the same hour.

But Wawanosh was brought to a saving knowledge
of Christ ; and his conversion was, I have been in-
formed, both clear and scriptural. He became a de-
cided Cliristian, and at the time, to which we are
alluding, was very happy in the love of God, and
ripening, through grace, for immortality and eternal
life.

It was a Missionary meeting indeed, the only one
of the kind I ever witnessed, and it did my soul in-
calculable good. All realized the presence of God ;
a solemn reverence and great grace rested upon us
all. The suitability and adequacy of the gospel were
abundantly demonstrated ; and the success of mis-
sionary operations fully proved. We had no mis-
sionary speeches, nor subscriptions, no moving or
seconding of resolutions ; but we had the fruits of
missionary zeal, and the trophies of missionary en-
terprise. To God be all the praise.

Thus ended our tour, during which, the writer
had many opportunities of preaching and pleading
in behalf of the venerable parent institution. For
this distinguished privilege ; for the pleasure accru-
ing from the formation of an intimacy with many
honoured fellow labourers ; for the personal spiritual
blessings I received ; and for the countless mercies of

WKSLEYAN MISSIONARY. 311

every kind, which my Heavenly Father bestowed
upon me ; for all these I desire to be unfeignedly
thankful, and to gratify that desire, I hereby record
my thanks in the inspired language of his servant
David : O my soul " Give thanks unto the Lord ; for
He is good ; for His mercy endureth for ever. O
give thanks unto the God of Gods, for His mercy
endureth for ever. O give thanks to Him, who
alone doeth great wonders ; for his mercy endureth
for ever."

CHAPTER XVIII.

Early Methodist Preachers in Canada West — Metho-
pjsM IN Canada — In Great Britain and Ireiand
'^Throughout the World.

The history of Methodism in Canada West is yet to
be written, and should this duty be performed by-
one adequate to the task, the coimtry and " the
Conference" will be under a great and lasting obli-
gation to him. There is no scarcity of materials for
such a work ; these, indeed, from the very nature
of the case, must be very abundant, and of such a
kind as to include a great deal that is interesting
and diversified. The early preachers were truly,
and indeed, men of God ; self-sacrificing, devoted
men, full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith. Hard-
ships, privations, and dangers, were things with
which they were very familiar ; these were ordinary
occurrences ; regularly recurring items in the cata-
logue of daily incidents and adventures. The roads
were bad, and in many parts of the coimtry there
were none at all. Bridges were equally scarce ;
and few as they were, they were for the most part
yudely constructed, and very fjrail. Railroads,

WBSLEYAN MISSIONARY. 313

canals, suspension bridges, and other facilities for
travelling, for which Canada is now justly cele-
brated, were not so much as dreamed of; such im-
probabilities never entered into the heads of the
most speculative, nor ever came within the range
of the imaginings of the most visionary.

These laborious and successful pioneers, who
cleared the way for their sons and inheritors in the
Gospel, had to cross rivers, explore forests, and
reach the remote settlements in the best manner
they could. Their flocks and congregations were
dispersed throughout the whole country, from the
Ottawa to the western extremity of Lake Erie.
They were for many years almost the only preachers
of the Gospel in Upper Canada. They had nearly
all the evangelism in the country among themselves
and their churches. They ploughed up the fallow
ground, and sowed the seed, and others have
entered into their labours. They opened the door,
and others have rushed in ; they cast their net on
the right side of the ship, and olhers have hauled
up the miraculous draught of fishes ; they stormed and
took the strong-holds, and others have marched in
and seized the spoils.

If they were roughly clad, their loins were girt
about with truth; and, although their trumpets
might have been made of " rams' horns," they nevey
o2

314^ AUTOBIOSRAPHT OF A

gave an uncertain sound. Compared with the
flocks, for whom they had to provide spiritual food,
they were hke the " five barley loaves and the two
small fishes" among the multitude in Galilee ; but
God multiplied the bread of life in their hands, and
increased the fruit of their labours. Let our fathers
in " the Gospel" ; the patriarchs and elders of Me-
thodism in Great Britain and Ireland, in Canada, in
the United States, and in every other " clime and
place/' be had in everlasting remembrance. Selah.
In the language of the large volume of minutes,
- published in Toronto, in 1846, we heartily concur.
" Methodism is Christianity in earnest." And we
add, as much so in Canada, in our opinion, as in
any part or portion of its wide dominions. This is
the character it sustains now; and among the
causes from whose operation it has acquired its pre-
sent influential and commanding position, must be
reckoned the zeal and devotion of the first and
second generation of preachers. With great reason^
therefore, does the work already quoted say : " It is
both pleasing and profitable to look back upon the
achievements of by-gone days ; and reflect upon the
labours and sacrifices of those men, through whose
instrumentality, God has turned a barren wilderness
into a fruitful field, and made the degert rejoice and
blossom like the rose."

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 315

The ofScial publication which records this tribute,
so richly deserved by our departed forerunners, con-
tains the minutes from 1824 to 184-5, inclusive.
The first Conference was held at Hallowell, August,
1824. Bishops George and Hedding, presiding ;
William Case, secretary.

The whole Conference comprised but two Dis-
tricts. The Niagara District extending from Nia-
gara to the Grand River, and making a. detour, -which
embraced Yonge Street and York. And the Bay of
Quinte District, stretching all the way from Smith's
Creek 1o the Ottawa.

The members in the Societies were as follows: —
Whites. Coloured. [ Indians. Total.
6072 22 56 6150

Travelling Preachers, . . 36

Circuits or Stations, . . . 21

This was surely the day of small and feeble things,
but not in all respects. In more senses than one
it was a day of large and strong things. The
parishes were large although the stipends were
small ; and the incumbents, though few were " strong
in the Lord, and in the power of his might."

In seven years after, the Conference assembled
at York, September, 1831. William Case, general
superintendent, pro tern. ; James Pdchardson, secre-
tary.

316 AUTOBIOCiRAPHY CF A

There were now four districts, to wit : — Niagara
District ; London District ; Bay of Quinte District ;
Augusta District.

Members in Society as under : —

Whites. Coloured. Indians. Total.
11,310 -20 1,233 12,563

Travelling Preachers, . . 65

Circuits or Stations, ... 37
In addition to these agencies there were a mis-
sionary to the Indian tribes, a well conducted weekly
paper, and an Academy then recently opened.

In June, 1838, the Conference was held at King-
ston. William M. Harvard, president ; Egertoti
Ryerson, secretary.

There were now six Districts, including a mis-
sionary one, and were as follows : — London Dis-
trict ; Toronto District ; Bay of Quinte District ;
Augu&ta District ; Ottawa District ; Missionary
District.

Stations. Missions. Total.

The membership amount-
ed to 13,849 1479 15,328
Travelling Preachers, 95
Supernumeraries. &c. 12
Stations and Circuits, 61

The financial statement exhibited as collepte^
and received from various sources, for

■WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 317

The superannuated preacher's fund,.. £235 3 3^
The contingent fund, 216 17 8

The next ecclesiastical septenary of this body was
held at Saint Catherines, June, 184i5 ; Henry Wil-
kinson, president ; Thomas Bevitt, secretary.

There was still the same number of Districts,
though somewhat altered in their arrangement and
designation, and were as follows : — London District ;
Hamilton District ; Toronto District ; Cobourg Dis-
trict ; Kingston District ; Bytown District.

Members in the Societies, including the

Indian Missions, 22,946

Travelling Preachers and Missionaries, . . 142

Supernumeraries, &c 15

Stations and Circuits 82

The funds of the Connexion were also in an im-
proved and healthy condition, so that £414i 14s. 8jd,
were distributed among the superannuated, or worn-
out preachers, and ^6313 10s. 9^d. appropriated to-
wards making up deficiencies.

This outline presents a numerical and financial
view of Methodism in Upper Canada diTring three
septenaries, or three consecutive periods of seven
years each. It advanced steadily all the time; but
not so rapidly or so decidedly in all its departments
as it has done since the union with the British Con-
ference in 1847.

318 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

This will be sufficiently obvious to all who will
take the trouble to peruse the following s.tate-
ments : —

Canadian Methodism is noWj blessed be God, one
and undivided — a compact and consolidated body.
It presents a bold and imposing appearance, and
promises to be, in the hand of God, an instrumenta-
lity for the accomplishment of a great and glorious
work. An exalted destiny lies before it ; and al-
though, in its onward and upward career, it may
have to both suffer and contend, nevertheless, if we
are faithful, he who was with our fathers will be
with us, and will bring us off more than con-
querors.

The last Conference was held in the City of Lon-
don, June, 1855. Enoch Wood, president; John
Ryerson, co-delegate ; Samuel D. Rice, secretary.

From ihe published minutes of this meeting, the
most authentic and the most reliable source of in-
formation, we are supplied with the following gra-
tifying intelligence.

The Conference comprises no less than seventeen
Districts ; sixteen of which are in Canada proper,
and one in Hudson's Bay territories. These Dis-
tricts are sub-divided into two hundred and ten
Circuits. There are three hundred and eight mi-
nisters and preachers, including supernumeraries

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 319

besides a whole host of local preachers, interpreters,
and other salaried and unsalaried agents, amount-
ing, probably to some thousands. The membership
consists of thirty-six thousand eight hundred and
forty-six whites, and one thousand and thirty-nine
Indians ; making in all " thirty-seven thousand eight
hundred and eighty-five church members."

Taking these numbers as the data, and applying
the rule generally used in such conjectural calcula-
tions, the congregations served by the Wesleyan
ministers and preachers in Canada, amount to from
one hundred and eighty thousand to two hundred
thousand souls." "What hath not God wrought.

No government should, no government can, think
lightly of such a body. There was a time when a
Methodist minister could not solemnize a marriage
— could not bury a corpse ; when the very name of
Methodist was a hissing and a proverb of reproach.
But the former things are done away. The Lord has
exalted our horn ; his right hand enables us to do
valiantly ; and through him we shall tread down
our enemies.

The following extracts, copied verbatim from the
minutes, present the education, literature, and funds
of the connexion under a very encouraging aspect.

" Notwithstanding there are monetary deficiencies
on soijje circuits, their receipts very generally are

320 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

more commensurate with ministerial 'claims than
they ever were ; and measures have been sanctioned
by us which originated in a large Committee, ap-
pointed by the Conference, of Ministers and Lay-
men, held during the year in Kingston, that are
likely to result well to our financial system, and
general economy ; and spiritually, if we may judge
from the Christian and generous acts and intentions
of that Committee. Our connexional funds are ad-
vancing. Our church edifices are increasing in
number, capaciousness, and respectability in every
part of the Province. The Book Room and Print-
ing Establishment, by the completion of its commo-
dious and substantial buildings, possesses superior
facilities, and is largely patronized . Victoria College
is much favoured in its position and prospects.
Uniting the Faculties of Arts and of Medicine, it
has, besides its President and Governor, twelve
professors and teachers, and the number of students
in its published catalogue for this year is two hun-
dred and forty-nine, upon some twenty of whom
degrees in arts or in medicine have been conferred :
and it is very satisfactory, that besides the large
number of students who became decidedly pious
last year, others have reached the same decision
this year, many of whom are now consistent in their
religious profession. So indispensable to large):

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 321

success in our educational proceedings does Divine
influence appear to us, that we have recommended
to our Societies a special religious service for the
benefit of the College ; as we have, likewise, ap-
pointed an early day to be devoted to fasting and
prayer, to promote the more triumphant progress of
the Redeemer's spiritual kingdom in our Church,
the province, Hudson's Bay, and the world.'^

" Besides an increase in our usual connexional
publication this year, there have been already is-
sued, three numbers of a new periodical, entitled
" Wesleyan Missionary Notices, Canada Confe-
rence ;" and a " Missionary Tour'^ in Hudson's Bay,
by the deputation to that territory, has been publish-
ed by the missionary Society. The Branch reports
of the Society are not yet all received and adjusted,
but you will be happy to learn that while we had an
extraordinary increase of funds last year, the increase
this is very gratifying. Last year the total income
was £7,500; this year the total amount for Western
Canada alone is already more than ^69,000. We have
no department of benevolence and zeal more conso-
nant with t'h6 genius of our people ; and they sup-
port it with enthusiasm and liberality ; and to it must
btj ascribed much of the Christian vitality, effective-
ness, and popularity, of Canadian Wesleyan Metho-
dism. In the paramount work of moral subjugation

322 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

we would emulate your charity, your magnanimity,
your faith ; and we rejoice in the fact that the Cap-
tain of our salvation has his seat on "the white
horse/' with this name upon his vesture and on his
thigh, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords/'

In addition to all these means and appurtenances,
there are under the jurisdiction of the Conference,
no fewer than " Three hundred and forty five Sab-
bath-schools, " in which " Twenty thousand, seven
hundred and eight" scholars receive Sabbath school
instruction. It would be difficult, under any circum-
stances, to form a correct estimate of the importance
of this institution, or of the amount of good accom-
plished by it ; but both are greatly augmented by
the advantages derived from the libraries belonging
to these schools, and which amount to " Fifty-two
thousand, five hundred and thirty four volumes."

Here then is a great moral and spiritual apparatus,
which God himself has constructed ; and by which
he designs to perform signs and wonders in Canada.
Here is a great spiritual lever, which God himself
has made, and by which he intends to raise hup-
dreds, and thousands, and tens of thousands from
bondage to liberty, from ignorance to knowledge,
from condemnation to pardon and acceptance, from
a death of sin to the life of righteousness, and from

WESLKYAN MISSIONARY. 323

the yawning and flaming throat of Hell to Abra-
ham's bosom.

When we contemplate Wesleyan Methodism in
Canada ; when we survey its present position ; when
we think of its origin ; when we trace its progress ;
but above all, when we see it, as we now do, work-
ing harmoniously in all its departments — prosecuting
its important mission, and fulfilling its glorious des-
tiny ; when we see all this, our hearts leap with joy ;
we clap our hands with exultation, and shout with
the voice of triumph. And while we are indulging
these delightful sensations, the revered and honoured
object by which they have been produced, seems to
assume a personal shape, and to appear before us,
resplendent with " the beauty of holiness" — fraught
with the riches of free grace — and radiant with
light derived from the glory of God, in the face of
Jesus Christ,

Such is the form, and such is the phase, under
which Canadian Methodism presents itself to us ;
and devoutly recognizing in these circumstances,
the fruits of the divine blessing, and evidences of
the divine presence, we give utterance to our feel-
ings, and express our gratitude in the language of
our venerable founder, " the best of all is, God is
with us."

We rejoice in the increase of Districts ; in the

324 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

multiplication of Circuits; in the augmentation of
members ; in the accession of labourers ; in the
acquisition of funds ; in the erection of churches ;
and in the enlargement of the sphere of our opera-
tions : we rejoiae in all these, yea, we rejoice ex-
ceedingly ; not from party motives ; not from secta-
rian considerations ; not for secular reasons ; but
because they are the eiFebts of spiritual prosperity ;
proofs that " the Head of the Church" approves of
our doctrines and discipline ; proofs that the taber-
nacle of" the Most High" is in our raidst ; and that
He, who dwelt in " the pillar of fire," and in " the
pillar of cloud,"-" goeth before us ; and that He will be,
if we continue faithful, our light and our defence ;
our God and our portion, for ever and ever.

Such is the flourishing condition, and such the
cheering prospect of Methodism in Canada, espe-
cially in the western portion of it ; and for both, we
are, under God, deeply indebted to the zeal and
ability of the president, the Rev. Enoch Wood, and
to the cordial and efficient co-operation he has inva-
riably received from his worthy co-delegate, the
Rev. John Ryerson, and from the various officers
and committees that liave been associated with
them. These, as executive and governing function-
aries and bodies, have been very instrumental in
promoting this connexional prosperity ; but anothej:

WESLBYAN MISSIONARY.

§25

very eminent and honoured agency, is to be found
in the fidelity and piety of the preachers generally,
and in their unremitting and strenuous endeavours
to win souls to Christ, and to spread scriptural holi-
ness through the land.

Many years have elapsed since the Author of
these reminiscences became acquainted with the
highly-respected chief officer of the Conference ;
and it aflords him unqualified pleasure to see him
occupying his elevated and responsible position, with
so much credit to himself, and with so much advan-
tage to the church. May he, and all that are la-
bouring with him in extending and consolidating
the church of their choice, be rendered increasing
successful, and increasing happy in their work of
faith and labour of love. May the pleasure of the
•Lord prosper in their hancjs still more and more,
and may " the minutes" of every succeeding Con-
ference record an increase of members — an exten-
sion of territory — and an augmentation of victories
— and as our faith anticipates an answer to these
prayers, we venture to predict that

" So shall the hright succession run,
Through the last courses of the sun ;
While unborn churches by their care,
Shall rise and flourish large and fair. "

Should the reader be disposed to find fault with

226 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

me for dwelling so much upon Methodism, he must
excuse me. It is a theme in which I delight, a sub-
ject I love to discuss. Methodism was the instru-
mentality, which it pleased Almighty God to em-
ploy to bring me to the knowledge of salvation, and
to lead me into the Christian ministry, that I might
proclaim that salvation to others. Let a deep sense
of my obligation plead for me ; let the vast debt
that I owe, but can never discharge, be my apology
and my justification. Persuaded that those whom
I am now addressing understand my motives, and
that they will, of their clemency, grant me this in-
dulgence, I shall close this chapter by a brief statis-
tical exhibition of Methodism throughout the world.

BRITISH WESLETAN METHODIST CHURCH AND ITS

ASSOCIATED BODIES.

Ministers and
Supernumeraries. Members.
Sec.

In Great Britain 1,186 264,1 68

In Ireland 160 19,233

On the Foreign Stations 358 95,520

In the Canada Conference.. 308 37,885

In the French Conference. . . 28 1,098

2,040 417,904

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, UNITED STATES.
Conferences. Ministers, SuperuumcrarieSj &c. Members.

38 4,618 829,957

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 327

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH.

Conferences. Ministers, Supernumeraries, &c. Members.

22 1,968 572,851

Besides these already enumerated, there are
several branches, or offshoots from the parent stem.
These, notwithstanding their separation and exist-
ence as independent organizations, are neverthe-
less Methodist churches in the most important sense.
They hold the same doctrines, retain the same
means of grace, and observe the same forms of wor-
ship as those do who are more immediately mem-
bers of the great Wesleyan family. These, we
think, are sufficient reasons why they should be in-
cluded in every aggregation of the Methodist
churches. We shall, therefore, begin with

THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH.
Ministers, Supernumeraries, &e. Members.

609 129,984

NEW CONNEXION METHODISTS.
Ministers, Supernumeraries, &c. Members.

25,690

THE WESLEYAN ASSOCIATION.

Ministers,' &-0. Members.

108 22'932

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN CANADA.
Conferences. Ministers, Supernumeraries, &c. Members,

2 145 9,850

328 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP A

This is a mere outline, a rough sketch of Method-
ism ; the colours are few, and but imperfectly mixed,
and the frame is of coarse material and of crude
workmanship. Could we -introduce the features
necessary to fill up and complete the picture
-and thus bestow upon it, the artistic skill which
the subject it represents deserves, we would
succeed in exhibiting a panoramic view of the
whole system. Light would then appear to stream
down from above, from i' the Father of Lights"
himself; and this light, shining upon the whole
would render every part conspicuous, and beau-
tiful to behold. And then, standing in the very
ceritre of the scene — that is, at " the foot of the
Cross" — we could survey the whole, and see the
goodness, the mercy, and the loving-kindness of God
our Saviour, wondrously developed in the rise, the
progress, and the present state of universal Method-
ism.

It is the liOrd's doing; and it is marvellous in
our eyes. "Non nobis Domine." Not unto us— riot
unto us, O Lord : but to thy name be all the glory.
To thee be ail the praise, now, and for evermore.
Ameu.

CHAPTER XIX.

Temporal Prosperity of Canada — Past and Prbsent
State contrasted — Patrick Doolan — Import-
ance or THE North American Provinces — Re-
marks on Romanism — Power or the Priests, &Ci

The prosperity and affluence of Canada West have
become proverbial. For some years back the agri-
cultural products have been immense. The yield
of wrheathas surpassed that of the Western Prairies
themselves ; but notvv'ithstanding that, the growers
have realized high remunerating prices. The far-
mers have become comparatively rich, and are ena-
bled, by their increased means, not only to extend
their operations, but also to prosecute them upon
the most approved principles. In Canada West,
agriculture is steadily advancing to the dignity of
a science ; and those who are engaged in it, bid fair
to occupy a very high and influential position among
the yeomanry of this continent.

A great many in the commercial and trading de-
partments have acquired a competency, and not a
few have become opulent. In short, this favoured
section of the Province is rapidly increasing in in-
telligence and in wealth. The growth, too, as far
p

330 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

as we can judge, is healthy, and likely to continue.
It is not a progress resulting from unnatural stimu-
lation, or hot-bed excitement. It is natural— sub-
stantial, and unless some unforeseen calamity shall
fall upon us, or unless, like Jeshurun of old, we wax
fat, and forget God, it will be enduring. The coun-
try possesses all the elements of a great nation ; and
the steamboats, railroads, canals, and other public
xvorks, either finished or in progress, are its first
fruits, and also the pledges of its future greatness.

We admit that the discussion of these merely
secular topics devolves upon others. Wesleyan
ministers can know but little about them. They
are in the keeping of agricultural societies — board*
of directors — chambers of commerce, -fcc., and are
duly honoured by the notice they receive in " the
prices current," " the rise and fall of stocks," " ofii-
cial returns and state papers."

But notwithstanding these admissions, we feel
the expanding and ennobling influence of this truly
Catholic sentiment, " homo sum ; humani nihil a
me alienum puto." We are men — men living in
Canada, and everything relating to it, interests us.
We are therefore rejoiced to see " the electric tele-
graph" in operation, and to know that we have sus-
pension bridges., and hundreds of miles of railways
and canals 5 and that we are likely to have more of

WfiSLEtAN MISSIONARY. 39 1

these facilities for rapid travelling and rapid com-
munication. It delights us to witness a marked im-
provement in steam navigation, and in the means
of internal communication. The progress of educa-
tion, and the consequent refinement of manners and
public morals, are events, too, upon which we look
with great satisfaction.

Besides all these, we have a rich and fertile soil,
a healthy climate, noble rivers, magnificent lakes,
inexhaustible stores of minerals, and boundless fo-
rests. Yes, Canada possesses all these, and we re-
joice and give thanks to Almighty God for them ;
but this, in a special sense, " is our rejoicing." The
vine which the Lord brought out of Egypt is thriv-
ing, and the dew of heaven is falling on Gideon's
fleece. During the past year, the religious denomi-
nation to which the writer belongs, has been, in
Upper Canada, abundantly favoured with the grace
and blessing of God. The sword of the son of Joash
has been mighty in the wars of our Israel. The
hosts of Midian and Amalek have been smitten and
vanquished ; and the shouts of praise and triumph
have been frequently heard in our encampment.

Indeed, everything in Upper Canada is at present
in a state very different from what it used to be.
Religion, law, literature, politics, commerce and the

^32 AUtoBtOGRAPhT OF A

and improving. These things are so apparent to
every one, that they speak for themselves. They
are, in fact, their own evidences — evidences so clear
and so convincing, that they require no corrobora-
tion from others. What little allusion, therefore, I
shall make to Canadian antecedents, shall be made
simply for the sake of contrast, and that we may
more clearly discern the goodness and loving-kind-
ness of the Lord.

We should never lose sight of the past ; it should
always be present with us ; furnishing matter for
our recollections, and supplying motives for perseve-
rance. A due consideration of the past cannot fail
to be of great advantage to a state. It tends to pre-
serve the knowledge gained by experience ; and that
knowledge, owing to the way in which it is acquir-
ed, is sure to be employed for practical purposes.
This renders the history of a state or nation a sort
of beacon, which if followed, will become both a
guide and an instructor.

The language of the inspired prophet, though
addressed to a church, is not altogether inapplicable
to a nation, and although it was uttered nearly three
thousand years ago, it speaks with considerable force
to us, and sets before us many valuable suggestions.
" Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteous-
ness, ye that seek the Lord ; look to the rock

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 333

whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit
whence ye are digged," ,

A writer in the Journal of the Board of Agricul-
ture in Canada, thus relates his early experience,
and gives us his reminiscences, in an article, enti-
tled " Upper Canada Sixty years ago, "

" I am myself one of the eldest born of this country, after its
settlement by the loyalists. 1 well remember the time when, as
Bishop Berkley observes, a man might be the owner of 10,000
acres of land in America, and want the sufficient means to buy
himself a breakfast ! One half the land on the Bay of Quints, the
garden of Canada, could, within my remembrance, have been
purchased for £ 5 ; a 200 acre lot, and many a one, has been soldi
for a. half Joe! All this cannot be a matter of wonder, when I
tell you that a great scarcity of provisions prevailed for two or
three years consecutively, in consequence of the failure of the
crops. What brought on the famine or " scarce year, " (about
1790, if I am not mistaken,) was the almost entire destruction of
the deer by the wolves, for two consecutive years. The snow
lay upon the ground from December until Apj il, at the depth of
four to five feet. In the month of February of the last oflhese
years, a near relation of mine, sent all the way to Albany, in the
State of New York, a distance of more than 200 miles, for four
bushels of Indian corn ! And this was brought all that distance by
two men on snow shoes ! It took them about eight weeks to ac-
complish this journey, and during this lime about one-lhird of the
quantity was necessarily consumed by the men. The residue of
this precious cargo — pounded up in a mortar made of maple
stump, with the winter green berry and mucilaginous roots, lat-
terly boiled with a Jittl? milk — constituted the principal (ood fpr

334 AUTOBIOSRAPHT OF A

two families, consisting of seven souls, for the space of four or
five months ! It was remarked, I have heard some of the oldest of
the settlers assert, that the usual supply of fish had even failed.
The few cattle and horses which the settlers at great cost and
trouble had collected, were killed for food. The faithful dog was,
in several instances sacrificed, to supply that food which he had
often been the means of furnishing to his kind, but now starving
master."

This striking contrast presents some very startling
features ; but I have myself met with some no less
wonderful. I could advert to many instances of pro-
gress and contrast in the Lower Provinces, and al-
though they are confined to a small sphere, and oc-
curred in a shorter space of time ; they are no
less deserving of commemoration. One will suffice.

A man named Patrick Doolan, now in comfortable,
indeed affluent circumstances, went, when he first
settled in Belledune, Bale des Chaleurs, (about thirty
years ago,) to Petit Roch6,an old French settlement
then, in order to get a barrel of potatoes. The last shil-
ling was spent to effect the purchase. This was hard
enough ; but how to get the potatoes home, was
even more difficult than to pay for them. He was
twelve miles jrom home, and to make the matter
worse, the road was very bad. Patrick was great-
ly perplexed, nay non-plussed ; and as greater men
have done under similar circumstances, h^ tprne4

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 335

the matter over in his mind, but to no purpose ; he
then scratched his head, but it was of no use. The
load was too heavy to be carried ; to hire a convey-
ance was equally impolitic and impossible ; and to
borrow one, was a favour of such magnitude, that
no stranger could presume to expect it.

Reduced to this extremity, brought as we would
say, to his wit's end, poor Doolan had no other alter-
native than that of submitting to chop firewood for
the Frenchman from whom he bought the potatoes,
as an equivalent for the miserable privilege of being
allowed to eat them in his cabin.

The first settlers of Belledune, once so destitute,
are now thriving and wealthy farmers ; exhibiting
a very large amount in real estate, and in acquired
property of various kinds.

When the writer last visited this place, there
lived near it a French veteran, named Francis
Guitarre. This man was born in the Faubourg Saint
Antoine, in Paris ; and was about nineteen years of
age when Louis XVI. was beheaded. Guitarre
witnessed many of the sanguinary executions of
that period. He saw the head of the beautiful
Princess Lamballe carried through the streets, and
was near the scafibld when the celebrated Madame
Roland was decapitated. While the world was still
blushing at the atrocities of republican France, he

336 AL'TOBIOGRAPHT OF A

vas one of the cavalry force that condncted Robesr
pierre to the guillotine, and was several times a
sentry at the coneiergirie. He subsequently served
under Buonaparte at Marengo and Ijodi ; and after
the evacuation of Jtaly, by the Austrians, followed
him into Egypt, and fought at the battle of the
Pyramids.

This instance of progress in the northern part of
New Brunswick, is only one of a great many which
might be quoted, not only in connection with this
section of that Province, but with almost every sec-
tion of it ; and I am persuaded that if the resources
and capabilities of the northern and eastern parts of
our North American Colonial empire were better
known, they would be more highly valued.

On this subject, the author of a recent work, en-
titled " Nature and Human Nature," makes the fol-
lowing piquant and truthful observations : —

" Now, doctor, I'll tell you what neither Ihe English nor the
i'ankees, nor the Colonists themselves know nothing of, and that
is about the extent and importance of these North American Pio-
vinces under the British rule. Take your pencil now, and write
down a few facts I will give jou, when you are alone meditating,
just chew on 'em. First, there are four millions of square miles
of territory in them, whereas all Europe has but three million
some odd hundred thousand, and our almighty and everlasting
United States still less than that again. Canada alone is equal in
«i^« to Great Britain, prance and Prusiia. fhe maritifne pro-

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 337

vinces themselves cover a space as large as Holland, Belgium,
Greece, Portugal, and Switzerland all put together. The imports
for 1853 were between ten and eleven millions, and the expoits
[ships sold included] between nine and ten millions. At the
commencement of the American revolution, when we first dared
the English to fight us, we had two and a half; these provmces
now contain nearly three, and in half a century will reach the
enormous amount of eighteen millions of inhabitants. The in-
crease of population in the States is 33 percent ; in Csnada 68.
The united revenue is nearly a million and a half, and their ex-
ports amount to four hundred and fifty thousand tons. Now,
take these facts and see what an empire there is here, surely the
best in climate, soil, mineral and other productions in the world,
and peopled by such a race as no other country under heaven can
produce. No, Sir, here are the bundle of sticks, all they want is
to be well united. How absurd it seems to us, i'ankees, that
England is both so ignorant and so blind to her own interests, as
not to give attention to this interesting portion of the empire, that
in natural and commercial wealth is ofinfinitely mofe importance
than half a dozen Wallachias and Moldavias ; and in loyalty, in-
telligence and enterprise, as far superior to turbulent Ireland as
it is possible lor one country to surpass another."

It is painful to see how little advancement is
made by the habitants, or French Canadians. In
everything they are almost statu quo. A consider-
able addition has been made of J ate years to the
Bomish churches, and educational institutions in
Montreal, and in other places. The increase of the
fprmer, however, is no evidence whatever of the irj-

338 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP A

crease of religion ; no body ever thinks of it as sueh.
It is not always a proof that Popery itself is increas-
ing ; and any one who would regard it as such, in
Montreal at least, would be greatly mistaken.

Rome is fond of display ; and to this vulgar pas-
sion, not to her love of the fine arts, is to be ascribed
the numerous specimens of architecture, painting,
and sculpture, &c., which are embo'died in her
various places of worship. These are some of the
chief means by which she seeks to propagate her
false doctrines and anti-Christian views throughout
the world. Her liturgy has been framed in this
detestable spirit, and is still maintained in all its
pantomimical absurdities for the same object. Such
a system must necessarily be an enemy to progress ;
an enemy to the truth, and to the civil and religious
liberty of mankind; and hence, notwithstanding
the increase of educational establishments as above
admitted, there is no increase of either learning or
information. The masses are still the same ; the
country as destitute of schools as ever, and the peo-
ple every whit as ignorant now, as they have been
at any time during the last half-century. The only
exception is the dawning of " a young Canada"
party, which seems disposed to free itself from the
ponderous shackles, which a despotic hierarchy
would fain rivet upon the universal mind of the
country.

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 339

Our trust is in the living God. His word is
•pledged for the overthrow of this usurpation. It is
tottering now, tottering to its very base; and as
sure as there is a God in heaven, so sure will this
kingdom of Apollyon be destroyed ; utterly des-
troyed, so that neither a vestige nor a memorial of
it shall remain. " It shall be found no more at all."

Let any impartial and competent enquirer go
through the rural parishes, comprised within the
jurisdiction of the Romish church, in Eastern Ca-
nada; let him visit the elementary or common
schools, and then tell us how many there are, how
many pupils in each of them, and what the charac-
ter and quality of the teaching is — let such an one
prosecute this enquiry, and then tell us the result
of his investigations, and I am confident, that in
the main, all that I have asserted will be too fully
confirmed. It cannot be denied that the French
Canadians are behind all other classes in Canada ;
apart from religion, leaving this out of the question
altogether, they are behind all other classes. In
commerce, in literature, in mechanics, in the
sciences ; in all these departments, their inferiority
is both notorious and proverbial. We cannot be con-
tradicted ; these facts are too plain to be misunder-
stood, and too palpable to be denied. They exist as

340 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP A

effects all through the country, and Popery is the
cause that produced them.

I am not trying to make up for the deficiences of
research by the fertility of invention. This cul-
pable expedient, it is true, ■would be perfectly inno-
cent, nay meritorious in the eyes of those who
teach that the end sanctifies the means. It would
agree admirably with the morality of a certain
editor, who told his foreign correspondent, "you
will not fail to take, if you will only lie;" and it
would, with equal grace, suit the ethics of a certain
pontiff, who is said to have made the following
reply : " The world loves to be deceived. Holy
Father," said one. "Let it be deceived then,"
answered his Holiness.

I make these observations, lest any, estimating my
principles by their own standard, might think I
indulged in exaggerations, or made wilful misstate-
ments. I speak "the truth in love, "and no one
can either gainsay, or controvert what I affirm.

1. Every Romish Priest arrogates to himself the
power of the spiritual sword, or what is called in
canonical phraseology, "ensis terrorem," that is
"the sword of terror." By this, the Priest, if he
choose, can cut off the soul from God himself And
this act of excision is performed by with-holding
pardon ; and the doctyine inculcated, and received

"WESLEYAN MISSIONART. 341

on this point is, that God tvill not, yea, cannot par-
don any penitent, however deep and pungent his
contrition may be, unless he has previously obtained
pardon from a priest. If the ecclesiastics, or priests
conspire against an individual, and resolve on his
perdition, nothing can save him. This is a power
superior to " the power of the keys."

2. In the arch-diocese of Dublin, and in the
primatical see of Armagh, attending a Protestant
place of worship, during divine, or religious service
of any kind, is declared to be an overt act of heresy ;
and of course, a reserved case ; that is, the ofiender
must appear before the bishop, bitterly deplore his
heinous sin, and vow in the most solemn manner,
never to repeat it. He is then permitted to goto
confession in the usual way ; and after a good deal
of delay, and a good deal of penance, he is at length
pardoned, by the magical power of the words : " Ali^
solvo te in nomine, ^c,"

3. Works of supererogation, every one knows,
are held by the church of Rome. They are not
considered necessary to salvation, but they are de-
clared to be of great advantage to the soul. They
yield in fact a kind ofcontingent fund of piety; a great
surplus of religion, arising from an individual excess
of that article, in multitudes of persons, and which

342 AUTOBIOeSAPHT OP A

is distributed through the whole church, in order to
keep up a mediocrity of piety in the entire body.
4. I have knOwn several instances, in vi^hich the
arbitrary power of the priesthood has been exercised.
I need only mention one. It came under my own
observation. This is it. A widow lady, a member
of the church of Rome, a weekly communicant,
was dangerously ill ; her life all but despaired of by
her physician ; yet she could not obtain pardon,
could not, although she was in dying circumstances.
The parish priest, who was also her confessor, with-
held the rites of the church, without which she
must perish for ever, until she solemnly promised
that she would immediately remove her daughter
from a school kept by a Protestant lady, and in
which she was an assistant.

Our adorable Lord said that his yoke was easy and
his burden light ; and so mild and gracious was he,
that he would not break a bruised reed, nor quench
the smoking flax. He came to undo heavy burdens,
and to set the captive free ; to elevate, enlighten,
and save mankind. Does the Church of Eome
walk in his footsteps? does she imitate his conduct?
Is. she, in her present state and condition, such an
organization as the Son of God would devise, or
such an agency as he would or could employ for the
accomplishment of his divine mission 1 The hor-

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 343

rors of the inquisition — the tortuous polisy of the
Vatican — the pride, the intrigue, the cruelty, the
fraud that characterize her operations — all these
say, no !

I write not either in wrath or in malice ; and
were I so disposed, I could say a great deal of the
immorality and scepticism which I have witnessed,
and which it is to be feared, exist to a fearful ex-
tent, where opposite principles and practices might
be expected to prevail. I have known young men,
in minor orders, say janitors, and even exorcists, to
laugh at the idea of any miracles being performed
subsequent to the time of the Apostles. I have
known some still farther advanced, to be very un-
settled in their creed, and others to be absolutely
deistieal. I have known some that privately con-
demned indulgences, and many that regarded celi-
bacy with great dislike and aversion.

But it must be added that I have been acquainted
with some clergymen of this class — that is, minor-
ites, who were very exemplary young men, and
who were sincerely and ardently devoted to their
calling, and scrupulously performed all that was re-
quired of them. And among the priests themselves
I have known some very amiable men — some very
benevolent — and not a few whose walk and conver-
sation seemed to be faultless, and who lived and

344) AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP A

acted under the influence of a constant and power-
ful conviction, that if saved at all, it must be by
their own good works.

My allusion to a particular class of clergymen,
requires a little explanation. In the Church of
Rome, there are no less than seven orders or degrees
of ecclesiastics. These orders reach their culmin-
ating point in the priest ; they are all concentrated
in him. This, the reader will perceive, renders
every priest a clergyman, although every clergyman
is not a priest. These seven orders are divided into
minor and sacred orders; the first comprising four,
namely, janitor, lecturer^ exorcist, and acolyth ; the
second comprising the other three, namely, sub-dea-
con, deacon, and priest. The latter three are some-
times called hierarchists : and the office of priest is
the highest, for although there are canons, prebends,
deans, archdeacons, vicars-general, bishops, arch-
bishops, primates, &c., they are only dignitaries, or
dignified priests. Indeed, the Pope himself — the
chief officer of the church and the visible head of
it — is but supreme pontiff, or chief priest.

The reception of the lowest order, that of janitor,
constitutes the recipient a Romish clergyman. He
is now invested with the soutaine, and the tonsure,
and the cincture. That is, a bishop puts the soutaine
upn him, fastens a broad belt round \m waist, and

VTESLETAN MISSIONARY. S45

then with a scissors removes a little hair from
the top of his head, as near the centre as pos-
sible, and of a circular form. This process destroys
for ever his former lay character, and thus equipped,
clipped and girded, he goes forth to do battle for
Rome.

At this stage, the tonsure, or shorn spot on the top
of the head, is very small, not exceeding in circum-
ference that of a Canadian halfpenny. The obliga-
tions and vows, too, are but few and simple : but at
every subse(juent step, his progress is marked by an
extension of "the tonsure," and an augmentation of
the vows and engagements, so that by the time he
becomes a priest, the whole top of his head is com-
pletely bared, and whatever amount of brains there
may be inside of itj is taken possession of in the
name of the church.

This is the way she creates her agents, and keeps
up a constant supply of them ; and by them, she
perpetuates her influence, and extends and consoli-
dates her power. But this is not all. In carrying
out its designs, and accomplishing its ends, the pa-
pacy strengthens her regular and standing forces by
the help of some valuable auxiliaries, such as nuns,
monks, tertians, lay brothers, sodalists, &c., all of
whom are very zealous, and in great repute among
the common people.

346 AUTOBIOeRAPHT OP A

The whole system is replete with ingenuity ; but
if we judge of the source of that ingenuity, by its
devices and its acts, it will be very difficult to as-
cribe it to either a very honourable motive, or a very
pure origin. A tree is known by its fruits ; and the
nature of a cause is explained by the effects that
result from its operation. It is an elaborate piece
of network, spread with great dexterity over the
human mind ; and in its manifold and complicated
meshes, thousands and millions of precious souls are
entangled and held in bondage.

In the next chapter I shall introduce some ex-
tracts from " Kirwan's Impressions of Canada.''
They originally appeared in the " New York Obser-
ver," and were re-published in the " Toronto Chris-
tian Guardian," whence I have obtained them. The
author is an Irishman, and was formerly a Roman
Catholic, but is at present a very distinguished Pro-
testant minister, and is pastor of a Presbyterian
church in one of the cities of the United Slates.
As " KiRWAN," he is well known, and has rendered
himself polemically famous. He has contended
with many champions of the Romish faith, and has
worsted them all. Every one that has entered the
lists against him has he vanquished, but none more
signally or more completely than Archbishop Hughes
of New Yorkr

CHAPTER XX.

Remakks on various Forms or Worship — Extracts from
Kirwan's Impressions of Canada — Observations
on Christian Union, &c., &c.

The Roman Catholics are very numerous where I
now reside, and like every other part ,of the Pro-
vince where that is the case, there is a great deal
of outward demonstration. This consists chiefly of
ringing of bells, processions, and such like. All
this is unscriptural ; but that is of little consequence ;
indeed the importance attached to these grotesque
manifestations, and the frequent use that is made of
them, look like a determination to oppose the in-
spired authority, which says, " the kingdom of God
cometh not with observation," and to invalidate the
divine testimony, which declares that " the kingdom
of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness,
peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."

The Persians, the Assyrians, the Chaldeans, the
Gymnosophists of India, and the Druids of Britain,
all these have practised strange things, and per-
formed ludicrous rites in the name of religion. It
must be remembered, however, that these were
idolatrous nations, ^.nd tjiat their priests were jug-

348 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP A

glers. The worship of the sun, and the moon ; of
fire, of serpents, of the druidical stone of destiny,
and of such gross objects, harmonises with impure
and a^urd forms and ceremonies ; they are the
essence of it ; but Christianity requires and suggests
a different class of services. She claims our adora-
tion not for Bel, or Nebo ; not for Vishnu, or Thor,
or Woden ; but for the God of heaven ; the pure
and holy God ; and says, '< God _is a spirit, and they
that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in
truth."

Jesus came to teach us the way of life and salva-
tion, to establish the worship of the one true and
living God, and to shew ns in what that worship
consists. And how far the church of Rome con-
forms to His requirements, or follows His teachings,
may be learned from her missal ; seen in her ser-
vice ; and inferred from her history.

In every country, and in every state of society,
she is the same ; impervious alike to the tropics and
the poles, to civilization and to barbarism. Sub-
mission to her supposed ecclesiastical authority
induces either superstition or infidelity. This is
notoriously the case in France, as every one who
visits that country can bear witness ; and that the
same order of things prevails in Canada, is patent
to q.11. The habitants, generally, are an ignorant

■wfistETTAJf MiSSldNART. 349

and superstitions people, while the educated and
upper classes are inclined to scepticism and infi-
delity. These facts are substantiated by evidences
too numerous to be quoted, and too palpable to be
gainsay ed.

But on these subjects, as far as they, relate to
Romanism in Canada, I shall now let " Kirwan"
have an opportunity to express his opinions in his
own words ; to tell us, in his own peculiar style,
what he saw and what he felt. " Veritatis simplex
oratio est." The language of truth is simple : —

'' Within a few weeks, I have made my first visit
to Canada ; and although but a brief and rapid one,
it has been to me one of great interest. By the va-
rious ways of public travel, I have traversed its
frontiers from Niagara to Quebec, stopping at the
chief cities by the way ; and I desire to spread out
before the readers of lh.& Observer, ray impressions
of the country and people. This I shall do in a few
brief articles.

My first impression is, I believe Canada destined to
a great future. Its population is rapidly on the in-
crease. Its soil, especially that of Canada West,
is productive. Its timber is excellent. Its rivers
are large enough to convey the products of the in-
terior to market. And the British portion of its
people are industrious and frugal. Whilst the lower

350 AUTOBloeRAfHY Of A

province is cold, and subject to great alternations,
having the summer of France, and the winter of
Russia, the Upper Province is more genial. Because
of the influence of the great lakes, and the smaller
ones lying in the interior, the climate is genial, and
the soil is, like that of Ohio and Michigan, exceed-
ingly productive. And whilst the population is now
about 2,000,000, scarcely an impression seems to be
made on the vast virgin forests waving in every
direction, and which show by their magnificent
growth, the richness of the soil from which they
spring. Canada alone, of England's possessions in
North America, is able to sustain a population far
greater than is that of all the British isles ; and at
no distant day the seat of a mighty kingdom, em-
pire, or republic, may rise on the banks of the St.
Lawrence, or on the shores of Lake Erie, or Lake
Superior. In its youth it may need the fostering
care of its mother ; but in its manhood, mother and
child may find it best that it should put away
childish things, and set iip for itself. Constant
dependence tends not to the full development of
children, or states. But apart from this, Canada is
destined to a great future, and to a conspicuous part
in the drama, of which the northern portion of our
continent is to be the theatre."
My next impression is that there is yet a great con-

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 351

flict in reserve for Canada. There are there two dis-
tinct people, the French and the British. These
are. divided by origin, language, religion, customs,
habits, and also by political preferences. Whilst
they are mainly divided by the line which separates
East from West Canada, they are frequently mixed
together in the same communities, as at Montreal
and Quebec, and their representatives meet in the
same parliament. And although Canada West has
200,000 more population than Canada East, yet do
they send an equal representation to Parliament.
This is regarded as a great evil, as it is ; and is a
source of great agitation. The lower province will
not yield the advantage, and the upper will not sub-
mit to the injustice ; ana to keep in with the Papists,
and to keep in office, there are those from the Upper
Province who can see nothing but wisdom and jus-
tice in the arrangement ! This keeps popery in the
ascendancy. Wherever we find original sin, there
we will find dough-faced politicians. They are lo-
vers of self and of place, and not lovers of their
country.

These two classes but rarely agree in any thing.
As to schools, they are the poles apart. So they are
as to the church property question, and indeed as to
every question that enters vitally into the upward
march of the country. They stand in the same re-

352 AUToiio6RAi*Hlr of A

lalion to one another as do dead inactivity and ipid-
gress — as do the Popish and Protestant clergy. And
thus far the Popish party, if they have not clogged
all the wheels of progress, have very materially im-
peded their movements. Nor is Canada to prosper
as it is destined to do until these clogs are removed.
What capitalists will invest their funds in iMontreal
as long as the priests have the seigniory of the island 1
Nor can these clogs be removed otherwise than by
great conflict and convulsion. And for these the peo-
ple are preparing. The Protestant spirit is rising.
The Anglo Saxon race is rapidly multiplying,and will
be soon ascendant. Intelligence is rapidly extending
among the people. A party is rising in the east, cal-
ling itself " Young Canadii," in opposition to Ihe
priests, and whose natural affinity is with the libe-
rals. And whilst nothing will be done violently,
the people will demand that the laws shall be so
changed as to place Papists and Protestants on the
same level, as to place all churches on the same basis,
and as to free all settlers there from those annoyan-
ces, whether from priests, religious houses or sei-
gniors, which have hitherto induced emigrants go-
ing there to seek a home in the United States. The
day of conflict on these subjects is fast hastening.
The noise of its chariot wheels can be heard rolling in
the distance ; and there are many brave hearts there

WESLEirAif misIsionAry. 353

joyfully anticipating its approach. The days of the
priests are numbered in Canada. Their downfall is
only a question of time ; and when it occurs the win-
ter of the country will have passed, and its glorious
summer season will have commenced. The voice
of the turtle will be heard in the land.

Popery has taken a very strong hold there, and has
borne, and is bearing, its accustomed fruits. Although
the country was discovered in 1497, by Cabot, an
Englishman, the French first took possession of it in
1525. They sent there many colonies, and the go-
vernment granted large endowments to the bishops
and priests of the Romish Church. The country was
conquered by the British in 1759, and was formally
ceded in 1763, by the Treaty of Paris, which treaty
lef\ the endowments of the Romish Church undis-
turbed. The lands, of which these endowments
consisted , have,in process of time, become im mensely
valuable ; and are now yielding a large yearly
revenue, which is expended in building churches,
and sustaining the pomp and circumstance and ce-
remonials of the ritual. You see, in the Lower Pro-
vince these churches, built of solid masonry, lifting
their ample roofs amid the lowly cottages of every
village, telling at once the extent to which Popery
has obtained, and the wealth which is controlled
by the ptiesthotod. In Montreal there is a priestly
ft

354 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

corporation of immense wealth ; their churches
meet you in every direction ; and all this, apart from
the squares of the city, which are owned by the va-
rious oi0lou.red nuns, whose houses meet you at all
points. In the Upper Province also, Popery has ob-
tained a strong hold. In the city of Toronto they
have an immense cathedral and several churches,
with a bishop and all the appliances for making
priests and nuns.

And yet, with churches thus liberally endowed,
and with priests and nuns swarming in every direc-
tion, the Canadian Papists are in a low state of civi-
lization. They -live in villages, and cultivate just
enough of land to support them through the year.
Beyond that, they have but little care. Thosd of
them who can read, instead of being the rule, are
the exception. A member of parliament told me of
a petition sent recently to the lower house, with
several hundred names appended, all of whom, save
about a dozen, made lxi his mark. The Bible is
unknown among the French and Irish portion
ef them. And whilst a high civilization has obtain-
ed all around them, the people of the lower province
are now what they were, (and perhaps a little more
so,) when their fathers came from Normandy, three
centuries ago. Their houses, their dress, their
ploughs, their waggons, recal the years which pre-

Wesletan missionary. 355

ceded the reformation, from which have sprung the
causes of our high civilization.

Before closing these brief articles, I have a few-
things to say as to the Protestantism of Canada.

Whilst in the Lower Province, the vast majority
of the people are Papists, in the Upper, the great
body of the people are Protestants. But yet in both
Provinces the Protestant element is rapidly gaining
on the Papal. I learn, from Census Tables before
me, that whilst in the seven years from 1844 to
1851, the increase of Papists in Lower Canada was
30 per cent., that of the Church of Scotland was 85
per cent, — of the Wesleyan Methodist 58 per cent,
— other Methodists 816 per cent, — and Presbyterians
465 per cent., in the same time. From the same
tables I learn that whilst in the nine years from
1842 to 1851, the increase of Papists in Upper Ca-
nada was 114 per cent., that of the Church of Eng-
land was 73 — the Church of Scotland 38 — the
Free Church and other Presbyterians, 572 — the
Episcopal Methodists, 82 — other Methodists, 700 —
the Baptists, 131 — the Lutherans, 123 — and the
Congregationalists, 53 per cent., in the same time !
This is a remarkable statement, and greatly encou-
raging as to the future of Canada. Whenever
Bishop Hughes makes another oration on " The
Decline of Protestantism and its Causes." I would

3

56 AUTOBIOGRAPHY of A

recommend the aJoove tables to his candid conside-
ration. And that I may not be considered as falling
into the same mistake as poor Bishop Spaulding, of
Kentucky, M>fe3 endorses a hook that was never written
or printed, I will state that the tables were printed
by John Lovell, in Quebec, in 1853.

The Episcopal, or as it is called there, " the church
of England,-' is decidedly the largest branch of the
Protestant church. It has been patronized by the
government, and has been amply supported, and
furnished with all the appliances for its extension ;
and with it the officials of the government have
been mainly connected. And whilst in 1853 it
was less than a fourth of the Papal population, it is
decidedly the largest of the Protestant churches.
But I regretted to learn from all sources that its
religious was far less than its political influence ;
and that it sided with the Romanists in order to
prevent very many of the changes and reforms
which the interests of Canada require. Whilst
among its clergy and laity there are many noble
Christians and Protestants,, worthy descendants of
the Cranmers and Ridley's, of the Leightons, the
Newtons, and Scotts, and of our own Milner, yet
high church dogmas, and the adorable nonsense of
Puseyism rule in the body. Its sympathies are more
with Trent than with Westminster— with Leo than

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 357

with Luther ; and so far as it is high church and
Puseyistio, its influence is adverse to all the high
religious interests of the Province. Its bishops are
as pompous and as mediasval as propriety will ad-
mit; and whilst they treat with neglect, and un-
church their Protestant brethren, they are ever
willing to fraternize with the bishops and priests of
Rome. Neither Canada nor the United States,
nor the church of God, has anything to expect but
evil from high church dogmas, and Puseyistio
masses said in English. And in view of the fruit
that they are bearing wherever they have taken
root, it is only a wonder that they are not chased
with a whip of scorpions, from all the churches of
the Reformation."

These impressions are continued much farther
than we can follow them ; and embody a great deal
of information, acquired in a short time. They bear
evidence of being hastily written, so that in point of
style, and in arrangement, they are not equal to
other emanations of the same pen.

The state and prospects of the dissenting bodies
are discussed in a very frank and generous spirit,
while some useful hints are thrown out, which, if
adopted, would lead to very beneficial results .

Topics of a secular and political character, are
also treated with due consideration ; and although

358 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OT A

we cannot endorse every sentiment which the
author expresses, or be induced to think that all his
anticipations or forebodings will be realized, we
admit that his opinions are entitled to great respect,
and that his conjectures should be made the subjects
of our serious reflection.

The power of the Crown over Canada, is very
nominal, consisting of little more than the appoint-
ment of Governor. The United States are certainly
impressing their image upon us; and drawing us
closer and closer to them every year ; and to what
this annual approximation may lead, I cannot de-
termine ; but should annexation be the result,! hope
it will be preceded by the abolition of slavery, and
an honest and practical exposition of the declaration
of independence. Kirwan thinks that the North
American Provinces will be united together, as a
great republic ; or that they may be incorporated
with the United States. Well, perhaps they may ;
but should the latter ever take place, I trust that the
repeal of the fugitive slave law, and the adjustment
of the Nebraska-Kansas difficulties will precede it.

There are, it is true, other hindrances to such an
amalgamation, but we need not advert to them, for
in all likelihood, when the time shall arrive, and
the maturity be attained, that will render the inde-
pendence of these provinces desirabje, if not nepes-

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY.

359

sary ; in all likelihood they will form, not a part of
the United States, but a distinct nation, having its
own flag, and its own constitution. Let this separa-
tion take place when it may, it is certain to result
from mutual and friendly arrangement ; and to be
based upon such principles, as will cement the new
state with Great Britain, by the remembrance of
former ties, and the force of present relations.

A genuine union of hearts and affections is at
once an attribute of religion, and a fruit of it. David
contemplated it with great delight, when he said,
" how good and how pleasant a thing it is for bre-
thren to dwell together in unity." Our Lord know-
ing its value, how necessary it was to the efficiency
and success of His Apostles, and to the authentica-
tion of their mission, prayed that it might dwell in
them richly, and through them diffuse its influence
over all the world. " That they all may be one, as
Thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they all
may be one in us ; that the world may believe that
Thou hast sent me."

A great deal is said about union, and a large
amount of very fine words is disbursed in her praise.
But it is often painfully evident from the conduct
of these talkers and panegyrists, that they don't
know what real Christian union is ; don't know
what is meant by " the unity of the spirit in the

360 AUTOBIOGKAPHT OF A

bond of peace." "Knowledge is power," and
" anion is strength" ; but pretension or pedantry is
often mistaken for the one, and uniformity and co-
alition for the other.

This grace, in fact, has a great many imitators ;
and they resemble it in the same way that a picture
resembles the reality, or that a counterfeit does the
genuine coin of the realm. Assimilation, monotony,
uniformity, fraternization, and alliance all try to
palm themselves upon the world for union ; but the
frequent outbreaks and dissolutions that attend their
progress unmask and expose them.

But Christian union exhibits the marks of her
divine lineage, for she was born of God, and in
answer to prayer. Her garment is a seamless one,
and it is brighter than the noon-day sun. Concord,
friendship, and harmony follow after her, and carry
her train. Peace waves its olive branch over her
head, love goes before her strewing the roses of
Sharon in her path, and joy and gladness walk by
her side playing upon harp and timbrel, and singing
" Ihanks be to God,"

"For the love that makes all one . "

Again, divisions, sections, or separate organiza-
tions, as they exist among evangelical Protestant
churches, are not so great an evil as they are gone^

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 361

rally supposed to be ; nor are they so anti-Christiaa
in their appearance as many imagine. They are
not so much the result of difference and dissension,
as they are of distinction and freedom of opinion.
They result from the exercise of our religious char-
ter ; they spring from the right of private interpre-
tation, and the adoption of Chillingsworth's famous
maxim, " the Bible, and the Bible alone, is the re-
ligion of Protestants."

There may be uniformity where there is no
spiritual life ; and there may be a great deal of that
life pervading and dwelling in churches, externally
differing from each other. Conformity has some-
times resulted from fear, and not un frequently from
selfishness ; while the spirit that animated the Puri-
tans and the Nonconformists was an effect of their
zeal and an evidence of their sincerity. There are
many prismatic hues in the rainbow, but only one
arch ; and there are many stars, differing from one
another in glory, but only one firmament. In like
manner there are many evangelical denominations,
many even similarly designated, manyPresbyterians,
many Baptists, many Methodists ; but they are all
branches in the same vine ; they are all one in
Christ.

These observations have been induced by the
planner, in which the author in question, deplores
Q 2

362 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

the divisions, which he says prevail among Presby-
terians and Wesleyans in Canada. I know but
little of the former ; but touching, the latter, I trust
it will not be deemed presumptuous, if I say that I
know something. « The Canada Conference," as
has been already observed, numbers nearly thirty-
eight thousand church members, and nearly five
times that number of hearers ; and I believe, geuer
rally speaking, that between them and the other
Methodist churches and congregations, there sub-
sists a good deal of" brotherly kindness and charity."
They are all striving for the faith and hope of the
Gospel ; and though not striving together, they en-
deavour to maintain " the unity of the spirit in the
bond of peace."

My own opinion touching the influence of Ro-
manism, and the power of the priests in Canada is,
that both are on the decline. The decree is gone
forth against them, and that decree, more immuta-
ble than the laws of the Modes and Persians, is sure
to be accomplished. Their cup is full and running
over ; and the iniquity of the system, and of those
that administer it, is such, that God cannot any
longer endure it. The fifth seal is opened, and the
souls from under the altar are crying — " How long,
O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and
avenge."

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 363

I know that Popery is putting forth great exer-
tions throughout the length and breadth of the Pro-
vince, and that churches, monastic institutions, Sec,
are, in Montreal, erected in every available place ;
and I am also aware that it is spreading its sable
wings in Kingston, in Toronto, and wheresoever it
can, in Upper Canada. But all this does not either
alter my opinion, or lessen my conviction. The
Roman Church and the Celt are simultaneously de-
clining in Canada. Their extinction is inevitable, and
their death is sure and certain. Their grave is dug
and their epitaph is written. Multiplied combinations
of brick, and stone, and mortar, are not evidences
of either numerical growth, or territorial extension.
The policy of this church is regulated, not by states-
manship, but by commerce. She acts upon the
principle that supply creates demand ; and as the
proprietors of fancy stores, dry good stores, millinery
establishments, &c., arrange their windows, and try
to make their places look as attractive as possible,
in order to obtain custom, so does she furnish church
accommodation, hoping thereby to obtain followers
and proselytes.

I regard these circumstances, therefore, as the
result of apprehension. The priests know that their
system is waning ; and lest the people should be-
come aware of that fact, they endeavour, by these

364) AVT0BI06IIA.PHT Or A

architectural demonstrations, to produce a contrary
impression. That cause must be in a wretched
state that needs to be sustained by such pitiful shifts,
and such contemptible expedients.

The mysterious handwriting, once traced upon
the walls of the banqueting house in Babylon, is
inscribed upon the walls and gates of Rome ; but as
neither the voluptuous monarch, nor his debauched
court, nor his drunken satraps, could understand the
import of" Mene, mene, tekel, upharsin" neither do
the infatuated but doomed rulers of the mystic Ba-
bylon understand their position, or discern the signs
of the times.

The Canadian Missionary Society — the Grand
Ligne Mission — the Colporteurage — the Bible So>
ciety — and the preaching of Evangelical Protestants
— all these are arrayed against it. Jesus himself
marshals them and directs their operations ; they
fight under his banner, and with his weapons. The
fate of the beleaguered city is inevitable, and in due
time the standard of " the Prince of Peace" will
wave in triumph over its ruins. Sdah.

CHAPTER XXI.

Zeal and Ingenuity of Methodism — New Anglican
Bishops for Canada — Voluktaky System — State
Endowments — Timid Totstees — A Phactical
Philosopher — A Case of Exorcism — A new
species of Miracle— Brother Moses.

We hear it frequently asserted that Methodism is
very fruitful in the production of anarchy and divi-
sion. Nothing can be farther from the truth. This
assertion is often traceable to an ignorance of the
real state of the case ; but it is sometimes uttered by
those "who are aware of its inaccuracy. Prejudice
is not particularly enamoured of veracity ; and
where sectarian jealousy prevails, neither candour,
nor truth is much respected. Our body, it is true,
has suffered deeply by agitation and strife ; but this
has arisen, not from any defects in our ecclesiastical
constitution, nor from any errors in our theological
system, but from an insubordinate spirit on the
one hand, and administrative imperfections on the
other.

The zeal of Methodism is seen under a very
favourable aspect in its missionary operations ; and
its fiscal ingenuity and fruitfulness are developed in
the ways and means it is constantly devising foy

366 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

carrying on the work of God. The Almighty
crowns its zeal with .his blessing, that blessing
renders it successful, and the success increases its
pecuniary embarrassment. Its origin and progress
shew that it is pre-eminently a child of Providence.
It has always been, and still is an object of his
special care. Those who are waiting until they
shall have the pleasure to follow its hearse, will have
to wait a long time.

Without parliamentary aid, or Government pa-
tronage, it has waxed strong and increased exceed-
ingly. It has been, in this respect, left to shift for
itself. Necessity has become to it the mother of
invention— it has been enabled by ingenuity to
make up for the want of means ; and it has often
obviated the inconveniences of poverty, by financial
ability and tact.

The British Wesleyan Church and its afBliations
raise annually, for missionary purposes alone, about
one hundred and twenty thousand pounds sterling,
or six hundred thousand dollars. Nearly a quarter
of a million sterling was raised as g. centenary com-
memoration, and since that event, upwards of one
hundred and fifty thousand pounds have been col-
lected together for educational purposes.

Methodism has created a host of auxiliaries such
as Christianity never employed before ; and by them

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 367

she has been enabled to extend her diversified oper-
ations, and to prosecute them with increasing vigour.
Every one has heard of our breakfasts, tea meetings^
bazaars, excursions, female associations, juvenile
collectors, sewing societies, &c. ; and many have
been surprised at the pecuniary results of these mo-
dern expedients.

I can see no objection to the use of these secular
agenciesj provided they are employed in a suitable
manner, and in^all respects, as everything should bej
that is connected with religion. Some will object
to them, and so they will to public collections, and
to the contributions in the classes, and in short to
every form of giving. Others will object to gowns,
to organsj and choirs, and carpeted aisles, as if they
wished to establish the most striking contrast be-
tween the impoverished house of God, and their
own sumptuously furnished dwellings.

The author has been often connected with these
efforts in Nova Scotia, in New Brunswick, and in
Canada ; and has known Sabbath-school libraries to
have been purchased, pulpit trimmings and fixings
procured, parsonages furnished, churches repaired,
and heavy trust debts liquidated, by the proceeds of
such efforts. The voluntary system developes the
suggestive and creative capabilities ; and knocks at

368 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

the doors of our munificence and zeal, and obtains a
prompt and an abundant entrance.

Many that formerly frowned on endeavours of this
kind, and that appeared to be shocked at their secu-
lar character and tendency, have since adopted
them. They are now quite common ; nay, even
fashionable among all denominations. The stately
Episcopalian, the rigid Presbyterian, the unyielding
Papist have all taken to these "ways and means"
of raising the estimates, and have thereby proved
that the voluntary system is no less fruitful in con-
ception, than it is flexible in operation.

But I have witnessed stranger things than these.
I have heard Sunday evening preaching denounced
from an Episcopal pulpit, on more than one occasion.
I have heard an Anglican bishop in one of our Colo-
nial cathedrals declare that such a practice was both
unseemly and vulgar, and I have heard the same
prelate, in the same cathedral^ preach on a Sunday
evening himself ; and not only preach himself, but
also announce that there would be preaching there,
and in all the city churches, every Sunday evening
during winter. Sunday evening preaching is now
as common among Episcopalians, as it is among the
various bodies of Dissenters.

While on this subject, I may as well allude to
another that is intimately connected with it. I

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 369

mean the government project of erecting two
additional bishoprics in Canada. I am sorry that
this measure is under discussion just now ; not that
I have any objection that there should be fiw An-
glican mitres in our Province, instead of three ; but
because I am greatly afraid we will not get the
right men. The ministry have too much to do, and
are too much affected by outside influence to make
a wise selection. What with augmenting their
fleets, arranging for the Spanish contingency, re-
buking Naples, comforting Denmark, encouraging
Sardinia, taking care of Turkey, and fighting Rus-
sia; with their hands thus filled, they have no time
to think about who shall be the two new Canadian
prelates.

Lord Palmerston is about as fit to make a proper
selection as Omer Pasha is ; I don't know but Abdul.
Medjid himself is as good a judge of the qualifica-
tions of a Christian bishop, as his lordship is. It is
not at all likely, therefore, that he will do any bet-
ter than his predecessors have done ; and no one
can say that in the article of evangelical bishops,
either Canada, or any other of the North American
provinces, has been much favoured. It is, there-
fore, almost presumption to say, I hope that when
the "conge d'elire" is issued it will be to elect men,
in every way qualified as Protestant diocesans, to

370 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP A

sustain and promote the letter and spirit of " the
Homilies," and thereby render themselves a bless-
ing to this important section of Her Majesty's
dominiops.

The relative claims of the state endovirment and
the voluntary system, have been frequently and
fully discussed. Men, alike gifted and disinterested,
have been arrayed on each side of the question.
Their opinions have evinced a great deal of learning
and research ; but they have been as opposite to
each other as " the antipodes." Like the baptismal
controversy, the Apostolical succession question,
and some others that might be mentioned, it is a
tree upon which the apples of discord have grown
in great luxuriance.

The dispute has often ran high, and waxed
furious ; the peace of Sion has been repeatedly dis-
turbed, and the placid streams which flow from " the
river of life," has been frequently turned into waters
of contention. Ephraim has vexed Judah, and
Judah has vexed Ephraim ; and after all the strife
and debate, the question remains as undecided as
ever.

For strictly religious purposes, perhaps the volun-
tary system is the best ; it certainly accords best
with the principles of the Gospel and the doctrines
of " free grace," It will apply as a general rule,

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 371

and if its application be not forced beyond that line,
it will woik very well. This will recognise excep-
tions, and admit that in special cases there may be
a departure from the principle without any violation
of it. The introduction of the Gospel among the
heathen, or the propagation of it in remote and im-
poverished parts of Christendom, and among fleets
and armies, are projects which need the assistance
of the state, and should receive that assistance.

Religion is the result of a divine conception — the
execution of a divine plan. It is, in short, altogether
too pure in its nature — too disinterested in its motive
— too sublime in its object, to derive any advantage
from connexion with the state. Christianity dif-
fused itself throughout the Roman Empire without
the aid of Cassar. Jesus himself protested against
any alliance of a political description, when he said
" My kingdom is not of this world." The Gospel
can accomplish its mission without being too familiar
with Machaeival, or too dependant upon Croesus.
The favours of Mammon are only gilded snares;
and the honours of the world are unsuitable cogno-
mens for the followers of Him, who was meek and
lowly. State endowment will not accelerate our
speed in pursuit of "the mark of the prize of our
high calling," nor will it help us much in our en-
deavours to ascend mount Pisgah.

372 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

There are a great many who will cheerfully go
with our blessed Lord to the marriage in Cana, or
to the Pharisee's house ; but when lie turns his face
to the paschal chamber, they follow him at a dis-
tance ; and when he repnirs to Gethsemane, they
forsake him altogether. Connexion with the state
first enfeebled and polluted the church. The alliance
compromised it. The distinctive and spiritual cha-
racter which it should always have maintained was
merged in its political relation ; and when it became
an appurtenance of" the Crown," it ceased to be an
exclusively religious institution.

On the claims of educational institutions to legis-
lative aid there are also conflicting opinions. The
writer has carefully considered them all ; and has
been unable to discover any thing that relieves the
Government from providing for the education of
such portions of the people as cannot provide the
means themselves. To afford religious instruction
is the duty of the church, and where she can do it,
she should also furnish secular education in con-
nexion with religion ; but we maintain that it is
imperative on the state to provide education for the
destitute classes, and not to confine it to the diffu-
sion of a mere elementary education, but where
circumstances justified such a course, to make it
liberal. This countenance should, however, jn a

■wesletaIi missionary. 373

Protestant state, be regulated by strictly Protestant
principles, and with an explicit recognition of the
paramount authority of " the Holy Bible." Away
with the cant that says " ignorance is the mother
of devotion," that "pictures are the books of the
unlearned," and "beads the arithmetic of the faith-
fal." Such nonsense is too puerile for the nursery.
But let us introduce another topic. Shortly after
it pleased God to honour me with a place in the

Wesleyan ministry, I had to visit M , where

I had been studying for the priesthood, and where
I was regarded by the people, as one that would
soon fill that office. The Wesleyan minister then
stationed there, is now sustaining a high position in
the Canada Conference. He is a man of great de-
cision of character ; of great moral courage. As a
matter of course, he invited me to preach, and I
accepted the invitation. All this went on smoothly
enough ; but the trustees were not as intrepid as
the preacher. They waited on him, and so lugu-
brious was the expression of their countenances, and
so abortive their effort to conceal their fears, that he
soon apprehended the nature of their business, and
which was transacted in pretty much the following
way: —

Trustees. — We have been informed that you have
invited Mr. to preach on Sunday evening,

374 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Of A

and we have come to know if such is the case.
Minister. — Yes, it is all right ; I have requested
him to take my Sunday evening appointment, and
he has kindly acceded lo ray request. I hope that
we will have a good time, and that some precious
souls will be converted Trustees. — But we are afraid
there will be some disturbance ; perhaps, said one of
the officials, (a very grave looking brother) there will
be a riot, and some of the windows may be broken. '
Now, the minister in question, has a peculiarly mer-
ry eye ; and after the little orb had indulged its own
humour, he laughed outright ; and exclaimed, " let
them break the windows ; any thing for a change ;
we have been dozing and sleeping long enough,
this may wake us up, and who knows but we may

have a revival after it. Brother has been

recommended by his district to the Conference, and
windows here or there, he'll preach, God willing, on"^
Sunday evening." Well, Sunday evening came — a
large congregation attended — Brother preach-
ed — the Lord blest the words ; and instead of riot
and confusion, there was peace and joy in the Holy
Ghost.

A change is sometimes as necessary to the vigo-
rous continuation of a narrative or a dissertation, as it
is to the attraction and efficiency of religious ser-

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 375

vices; and hence, we now adopt this expedient,
confidently anticipating a successful issue.

The first object that claims our attention is a some-
what remarkable person, and may be introduced as

A PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHER.

I have known many who could talk fluently about
metaphysics, and mental philosophy, and such ab-
struse sciences, but I never could understand them.
Whether this is to be attributed to obtuseness of
intellect, or to some kindred incapacity or not, I
cannot say. All that I have ever heard or read on
these subjects, has been to me as unintelligible, as
a treatise on the quadrature of the circle, or a dis-
quisition on the Greek particles could possibly be.
My friend was an excellent man, and quite an origi-
nal in his way. He had a happy art in getting
through difficulties, so that what would have griev-
ed most other men, made little or no impression on
him. His station in life brought him into frequent
contact with a great variety of persons. Many of
these must have been very eccentric and unman-
ageable, for their conduct led him to adopt a theory
exploded since the days of Galileo. Pie would have
it that the world stood still, and that the rounditude,
as he termed its revolutions, was all a fiction, and
assigned as his reason for so preposterous an opinion,

376 AUTOBIOGRAPHY dF A

the fact Ihat the multitudes of crotchely personSj
crack-brained persons, and erratic persons which are
in the world, could never stick on if it moved round
as rapidly as was supposed. Centrifugal and cen»
tripetal forces, gravitation, and all that, he disposed
of in a most summary manner, by simply pronounc-
ing the word "bosh."

Like most gentlemen, the subject of these remarks
had two pockets in his coat ; but one of them had no
bottom ('metaphorically^, and into that he was wont
to put all his cares and troubles, so that he contrived
to get clear of them almost as soon as he obtained
them. Men diiFer in their estimation of most things,
and why not of pockets. Our ]iractitS^l philosopher,
as we have seen, set great value upon an im.perfect
pocket; and I have heard of a renowned breeches
maker in Ballyshannon, I think, who, whenever any
of his customers found fault with the production of
his mechanical skill, would silence all their objec-
tions by saying, " I assure you that I put the best
pair of pockets into them breeches that I ever made."

A CASE OF EXORCISM DEFE.\DED.

My Biblical reading to-day has served to conjure
up the recollections of the past. Memory is some-
times a resurrectionist, and then, as in the present
iostaucB, he exhumes incidents and dcourrfences

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 377

that had been long dead and buried. While read-
ing the 19th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, I
was forcibly reminded of a sermon I heard in the
Franciscan Friary, Church street, Dublin ; the text
was, " And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus
I know, and Paul I Know, but who are ye."— Acts
xix. 15. The gist of the discourse was to uphold
and maintain demoniacal possession, and to prove
that the church retained the exorcising power.
None, he asserted, could expel or cast out evil spirits
but the clergy of "the true Apostolic church of
Rome," and that the office of exorcist was instituted
for that express purpose. As an illustration, or
rather confi.rmation, of this tenet, he alluded to a
case that came under his own observation. It oc'
curred in Italy; a few miles from JElome itself.
The possessed was a peasant girl, about IS years of
age ; and although she was perfectly illiterate, no
sooner did" the officiating priest commence his ad-
jurations, than she replied to him " in pure classical
Latin," and in a strain of " Ciceronian eloquence."
She defied him ; called him " a demonomist" ; and
accused him of being her slave and vassal; He
then commenced the service usual in such cases, in
the Greek language., and to which she responded in
the same tongue, in a most wonderful manner, and
with great indignation.

R

378 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

■ The preacher, Rev. Mr. , of the above

Friary, let it be remembered, stated in his sermon
during the holy season of Lent, that he personally
saw all this. The writer knew him well, and
greatly admired him. He was proverbially a man
of probity and truth. He stated that about this time
her body had become greatly swollen ; that her
neck was twice its usual size ; that she foamed at
the mouth ; that her whole frame was convulsed in
a frightful manner ; and that it required the united
strength of six men to hold her. They succeeded
at last, continued our informant, in keeping her
down, and while the exorcist had his foot upon her
neck, and was commanding the unclean spirit to come
out of her, " she vomited" ; yes, said he, " vomited,"
and what do you think she vomited, " a brass button,
a brass nail of a chair, a braid of human hair, and
some chopped parsnips." He added, that she soon be-
came composed, and went home with her friends ;
and accounted for this extraordinary emetic and the
other circumstances, by stating that " a young man
had charmed her by giving her the button, the nail,
and the hair in some prepared parsnips, and that as
soon as she received these the devil entered into
her."

This sermon, being~one]of a series delivered in
Lent, excited a good deal of attention ; and as it.

WESLEVAN MISSIONARY. 379

■was delivered by a man of high character and posi-
tion, it called forth many answers, one of which I
well remember ; it was very tart and spicy, and was
entitled, " the devil turned preacher^''

This reminds me of two other circumstances in
which I was myself indirectly concerned, and both
of them will serve to shew how simple plain facts
may, by a little distortion and a little embellish-
ment, be worked up into capital legends. I knew a
young man in one of the Provincial Roman Catholic
colleges in Ireland, who contrived during Lent to
supply himself with eggs, contrary to the statutes in
such case made and provided. It was on this wise :
the students were allowed nothing but cocoa for
breakfast, or rather collation, but J. W. always
managed to have eggs in his cocoa. And one day,
just after attending a lecture on miracles, by the
Rev. Mr. F — ^k, he called two of his most intimate
companions into his room, and when his cocoa-pot
was brought and placed on the table, he took it up,
looked at us very archly, laid it down again, waved
his hand over the vessel, tapped it three times on
the lid, saying, " chuck, chuck, chuck," then raised
the lid, exhibited the eggs, and cried out, "a
miracle ! a miracle !" This Thaumaturgus persisted
until he was detected; but, notwithstanding, he
obtained his " exeat," went out to the United States

380 AUTOBIOGRAPHY ®F A

an aoolythe, and was ordained a priest, I believe, in
Philadelphia.

The other occurrence was as follows : — There
lived in Montreal, some years ago, an old coloured
man named Moses ; a member of the Methodist
Church, and very pious withal. Like many of his
class, he was a man of warm passions, and very
easily excited, as the congregation, that then assem-
bled in Griffintown chapel, could testify. Well, the
Rev. Mr. , then one of the Wesleyan Min-
isters in Montreal, in the course of his pastoral
visitations, called on Brother Moses. After a little
appropriate conversation, both repaired to a back
room that communicated with the shop, in order to
have prayer. The room had no window in it, and
was consequently very dark; and in the darkest
corner of this dark room, Moses had his bed. At
this bed, the minister and he knelt down together,
and while the former was pouring out his soul in
fervent supplication, the sacred fire fell on both of
them. Moses held in as long as he could, but it
was no use ; the fire burned within him so intensely
that it must have vent, he shouted with all his
might ; when lo, a cat that had been lying on the
bed, enjoying a comfortable nap, suddenly jumped
up, and sprung out over their heads, and vanished
away. Here then, in two simple prosaic facts, are

WESLEYAN UISSIONART. 381

abundant material for two marvellous adventures •
in which the eggs and the cat might be rendered
very important, and no less mysterious.

While on this subject it might be mentioned that
many eminent Protestant divines of the last century
believed in the fact of demoniacal possession ; and
Mr, Wesley was of opinion that in some cases mad-
ness, and the worst form of epilepsy, might be traced
to this source. Such instances of satanio influence
and power were not uncommon in our Lord's
time ! and for all we can aver to the contrary,
they may not be so rare, even now, as we are dis-
posed to believe. But, as one of old said. Nee scire
fas est omnia. We are not permitted to know all
things. Our knowledge is partial, our perceptions
are dull, our vision is both limited and obscure, we
cannot see afar off, we see through a glass darkly ;
and only know in part, and prophesy in part ; but
this we do know that

" All power is to our Jesus given,
O'er Eartii's rebellious sous he reigns ;
He mildly rales the hosts of Heaven,
And holds the power of hell in chains.

CHAPTER XXII.

Canadian Habits &c. — Remarks on the Temperance
Movement in Canada — Some Account of a Tem-
perance Meeting in S • A Word or two
ABOUT Schools, &c.

Having but lately returned to Canada East, after
an absence of more than ten years, I have not had
much opportunity to consider the habits of the
people, and cannot therefore say positively, whether
they have improved or degenerated. In a social
point of view the°^ hoMtans appear to have made
some progress ; and some of the parishes and villages
have increased in both wealth and population.

It has afforded me great pleasure to have been
able to renew my former acquaintance with some
old and valued friends in Montreal, in Odell Town,
and in Quebec ; and it refreshed my spirit to behold
so many cleaving to the Lord, and labouring " to be
found'of him in peace, and without spot and blame-
less. I have had opportunities of assisting in reli-
gious services at all these places, and felt, as I have
often done before, the hallowing influence and pre-
sence of God. Nor can I v/ithhold the expression
of my unfeigned thanks to my Heavenly Father,

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 383

for his goodness and mercy to us in the portion of
his vineyard where I now labour. For although
the influence, not merely of Methodism, but of vital
religion generally, is injuriously aifected by local
circumstances, still, the Lord does not leave himself
without witnesses. " He giveth power to the faint ;
and to them that have no might he increaseth
strength." Even here, although the sphere of our
operations is limited, God condescends to own and
bless us ; and were all who are ecclesiastically asso-
ciated with us as hearty in the cause, and as
spiritually minded as some are, " the parched ground
would become a pool, and the thirsty lands springs
of water."

Let it be 'remembered that the race is not to the
swift, nor the battle to the strong. That the Lord can
save by few, as well as by many. That the power
of a church lies, not in its numerical strength, nor
in its civil relations, but in the force of truth, and in
the influence of piety. It should always be borne
in mind, that it is not by might, nor by power, but
by the spirit of the Lord we are to prevail. And
although we are a " little flock," we have the
Chief Shepherd for our guide, and the green pas-
tures and living waters of the Gospel for our sus-
tenance and comfort.

I have had ample means to perceive, that tobacco

S84

AUTOBIOGEAPHT OF A

smoking and citiewing are almost universal hatits^='
particularly among the Franco-Canadians. With
them the first seems to jirevail, and might for want
pf a better term, be cafled pipolatry. Indeed, both
practices are indulged in to an extent that renders
them very offensive to those who eschew such
abominations. At the station houses, on board the
steamers, and even in the cars, in short, every
where, it is nothing but smoke and chew ; chew
and smoke ; something like the alternated bill of
fare, so common in certain parts of the primitive
district "of Connemara^-potatoes and salt twenty-one
times a week ; and salt and potatoes twenty-one
times during the same period. On the railways
the smoking is confined to the second class and
baggage cars; but the masticatirlg department,
with all the filthy expectoration that attends it, has
become so potent, that it is carried on every where.
The quid is supreme,

In connexion with these remarks, a little might
be said concerning the way in which the landing
pf passengers at Montreal, from some of the steapi-
bpats, is efFected. The riyer police perform their
part of the duty in a vejry credita]5le manner ; bijt
certainly, some of the railway and steam-boat
officials are not entitled to the same commendation.
Whether their haying so much to do -^ith puffin g

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 385

and steaming occasions it or not, I am unable to
say ; but of a truth, they seem to care so little about
the passengers, that they leave them to get ashore
the best way they can ; striving and contending
with horses and oxen ; and that too, under such
manifest disadvantages, with only half as many
legs and no horns at all. It is really too bad ; it
would be denounced in Loughrea.

Canada, as we have already observed, has grown
rapidly within the last few years ; but if this may
be affirmed of the Province, as a whole, with how
much greater force will it apply to a certain district,
in which all the Methodist preachers had but one
umbrella among them ; — yes, but owe umbrella, and
even that was a cotton one. After all, there is no-
thing very wonderful in this, when we compare it
with the privations that John Bradford, John Nelson,
and many of the early Melhodisi preachers in Eng-
land had to endure. But the hardships and duties
of the Irish preachers, of the same period, were even
more severe. They had to perform long and pain-
ful journeys — were frequently exposed to insults
and personal violence ; but nothing could shake
their constancy, or damp their ardour. " In all
things ■" they approved themselves " as the minis-
ters of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in ne-
cessities, in distresses ; " and to their self-sacrificing
Ji 2

386 AUTOBIOKBAPHY ©F A

spirit and indomitable perseverance — to these, under
God, are the Wesleyan churches of the United
States, and of Canada, indebted for much of their
present efficiency and prosperity.

It is to be regretted, however, that in the midst of
all this social and general improvement, the tempe-
rance cause seems to languish — at least to advance
very slowly. A good deal, it is true, has been done,
but a great deal remains to be done. The Canada
Temperance Society is not behind any other similar
organization in either diligence or ability ; but they
have a Herculean work to perform. The drinking
usages have been checked — seriously checked ; but
the spirit of the total abstinence movement will be
satisfied with nothing less than their total abolition.
This is the object of its hope, and the summit of its
ambition.

The temperance societies are strictly connexional
in the motives by which they are actuated — in the
end they desire to accomplish — and in the means
they employ. These distinctive features are "a
three-fold cord " which binds them together in unity
of purpose and of action. Hence simultaneous exer-
tions are now on foot in several places, Canada includ-
ed, to obtain a prohibitory law. The general opinion
among temperance men is, that this stringent mea-
sure is absolutely necessary to the triumph of their

WKSLETAN MISSIONARY. 387

principles. The right of the Legislature to enact
such a law, cannot be disputed. Such at least, is
the opinion of many eminent jurists and senators.
The character of this great moral enterprise enti-
tled it to the highest consideration, nor can any Le-
gislature overlook its claims, without compromising
its own dignity.

Apart from the Bible and Missionary Societies,
there is, perhaps, no association that has done so
much to impress upon the present age, the beautiful
lineaments of a great moral reformation. Its origi-
nators, and those who sustain and perpetuate it, de-
serve to be ranked among the benefactors of man-
kind. All who do good to others, or contribute in
any degree to the amelioration of our race, or to the
diminution of crime and misery are, dejure, de facto,
in law, and in fact, the friends and benefactors of
humanity, and will be gratefully remembered as
such, when the names of their revilers are either
execrated or forgotten.

Social improvement has been ever an object of
hope, and the end to which both religion and philo-
sophy have looked forward as the result of their
labours. It glimmered through the darkness of hea-
thenism, and was perceptible in the gloom of the
middle ages. It flourished amidst the decline of li-
terature ; and lived when even liberty expired.

388 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OP A

Philosophy speculated concerning it — poets and
minstrels sung about it — the priestess of Delphi
spoke of it from her " tripod, " and the sybils of Ita-
ly wrote about it on their mystic leaves.

This institution should be reverenced for its an-
tiquity, and honoured for its benevolent design, and
practical philanthropy. It was inaugurated 600
years before Christ, and to the credit of Mr. Wesley
be it spoken, that he sought to incorporate its spirit
with the devotional element, and didjas early as 1 743 ,
make the recognition of the true temperance prin-
ciple, one of the standing rules of his societies. This
rule is still retained, and it strictly prohibits " buy-
ing or selling spirituous liquors, or drinking them,
unless in cases of extreme necessity."

In the Eastern provinces, all the Wesleyan minis-
ters, with very few exceptions, are members of one
or other of the temperance organizations ; and this
statement will, I believe, present the true state of
the case as far as the Canada Conference is con-
cerned. And a very respectable and intelligent
member of that body, the Rev. William Scott, of
Odell Town, is connected with the temperance
press ; and fills a very influential and commanding
position among temperance men, and temperance
movements in Canada ; and the writer was grati-
fied to perceive that on a late occasion, some parti-

WESLErAN MISSIONARY. 889

cular section of the great temperance family, ho-
noured itself, by the handsome manner in which it
signified its appreciation of his valuable services.

Tradition says that a few drops from Chosopis, the
enchanted river of the Persians, was certain death
to all on whom they fell ; and the Grecian mytho-
logists declare, that Circe, a Sarmatian queen, had
a charmed cup, and that all who drank out of it
were turned into swine. These are but myths and
fables ; but they have been exceeded by the facts.
Greater evils have resulted from the use of alcoho-
lic drinks, than ever fiction imagined, or. poetry con-
ceived. Of this, the evidences are such, that they
appal us by their number, and overwhelm us by
their conclusions. The jail, the lunatic asylum, the
penal colony, and the gallows depose to the truth of
this assertion. The criminal calendar of the whole
civilized world, contains the records of what alcohol
has said and done.

Let temperance men be firm without being dog-
matic ; avoiding'as much as possible, the dangerous
maelstrom of politics. Let them be united as the
heart of one man ; illustrating by their practice the
great virtues of purity, fidelity, and love. While
they are faithful they have nothing to fear ; and
while they seek the guidance and blessing of God,
they will never miss their providential way, but go

390 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

on prospering and to prosper. Be of good courage,
friends, acquit yourselves like men ; and never lay
down your arms, until the huge Sebastopol, you have
so long besieged, and so vigorously assaulted, is taken
and razed to the ground.

The principles for which temperance men are
contending, was, about thirty years ago, in immi-
nent danger of perishing. Drinking usages and cus-
toms every where prevailed ; and a brood of vices,
robust and trucculant, sprung from them, as the
snakes did from the head of Medusa. These con-
sisting, chiefly, of riot, debauchery, murder, &;o.,
made war upon temperance, and endeavoured to
destroy it. Alcohol was now as powerful over his
miserable dupes, as ever the Grand Lama of Thibet
was over his. Like the sanguinary ogres and giants
we have read of, when we were children, he seemed
to eat the flesh and drink the blood of his victims ;
but when he was gorged to the full, when his eyes
stood out with fatness, and glared with savage de-
light ; just then, while he was lopking with ma-
lignant satisfaction upon the awful havoc he had
made, he received a blow, a heavy and an unex-
pected blow, a blow that inflicted upon him a deadly
wound, that will never be healed, and of which he
will ultimately die.

Gome then, friends of temperance, and look at this

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 391

monster; there he lies, foaming and raving with
pain; struggling in the agonies of dissolution. His
extremities are growing cold, his blood is putrified,
his brain is swimming ; and before long, some great
revival in the temperance cause, will rise up ; and
as Perseus cut off the head of the Gorgon, and
placed it in the shield of Minerva, so this revival
will out oiFthe hideous head of alcohol, and place it
in some temperance museum, to be a rarity, and a
memorial forever.

We set out on the desultory road that is thus far
traced in the preceding pages, stating that they, the
said pages, would include certain " reminiscences,"
and as we are determined to the utmost of our abi-
lity, to fulfil this engagement, the reader shall now
be furnished with another evidence of the conscien-
tiousness, in this respect which he has, no doubt,
already frequently discerned, and as frequently ad-
mired.

W R was one of the most devoted and

talented of all the temperance lecturers which it
has been my lot to hear in Canada. He and J.
Johnson, Esq., of Saint John, New Brunswick, both,
by the way, Methodist local preachers, are entitled
to a high rank among those that are labouring to
advance the interests of this cause. Their emi-
nence, no doubt, may be put to the credit of their

592 AUTOBIOSRAPHT OF A

Wesleyan training, and to the habits induced by
their office, as religious teachers. Now; W— —

R -, in one of his lecturing tours, carried with

him four diagrams representing the human stomach
under four aspects, exhibiting the various effects
produced by drinking habits. In the course of his

peripatetic labours, he visited S , where he

held several meetings, aiid laboured with his usual
ability and success. On one occasion, a very special
one, he went to a certain place accompanied by a
minister residing in these parts, and, of course,
bringing his stomachs along with him. In due time
they arrived at their destination, a very large school
house, and found it filled with people. The minis-
ter knew the materials upon which the lecturer had
to operate, and therefore introduced him, and his
stomachs too, with a positive flourish of trumpets.
He commenced by stating the object they had in
view, and how much the attainment of that object
would delight them. " My friend, Mr. W— R— ,"
continued he, " is a local preacher — not an ordinary
local preacher — (great attention) — not a common
one, I assure you — he is a Montreal local preacher,
(profound sensation^, and he has come here from
the Metropolis — aye, from the emporium of Canada ;
and he has brought his stomach with him, and four
pthey stomachs besides, (great staring, expressive of

WEStEYAN MISSIONARY, 393

both doubt and wonder), and he will snhmit the
four stomachs to our inspection ; he will let us ex-
amine them, and even handle them, provided we
do, it carefully. This, my dear friends will be
equal to a lecture on gastrology ; and after that he
will give us a lecture on temperance, and I have
no doubt a great many of you will sign the pledge."
The writer was present at this meeting, and shall
never forget the way poor W — R — looked while
his ministerial friend was delivering this facetious
exordium. He really did not know what to make
of it, Oifended he could not be. The novelty of
his position embarrassed him, but did not displease
him ; and all was said in such a kind and good-na«
tured manner, and was so well received by the au-
dience, that it prepared the way for him, and ren-
dered him even more than usually interesting and
effective. He 'spoke with great liberty and very
much to the purpose: some parts of his address
were really eloquent ; and the whole wag crowned
by the felicitous manner in which he illustrated his
arguments, enforced his reasons, and defended his
positions. All which he did, not by deductions or
syllogisms, not by anecdotes or denunciations, but
by an adroit use of his four wonderful diagraphipal
stomachs.
The people were highly gratified ; many joineji

394 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

the society ; one or two drunkards were reclaimed ;
a highly favonrahle opinion was formed of the Mon-
treal local preachers, and an amount of good was
accompjished, the eifects of which are still seen and
felt in the C Districtj in the township of S .

In the place where these reminiscences are
written, the temperance institution does not exercise
a great deal of influence. Though the town is small,
and the business carried on principally in a couple
of streets, there are about thirty places including
hotels, in which spirituous liquors are sold. I am
not able to say whether there is " a total abstinence
society," according to the old platform, here or not.
There is a Division of " the Sons" here, and they
jneet regularly every week. It does not, indeed,
include many members ; but if they are few, they
are very consistent, and much respected. The
author has seen them in procession on a couple of
occasions, when their appearance was highly cre-
ditable to them ; and in the loyal demonstration got
up to celebrate the success of " the allies" in the
Crimea, they were neither the last nor the least in
the pageant. This little band has lately received
some accessions, by which their moral influence, no
less than their numerical strength, has been some-
what increased.

But if temperance moves on rather slowly, educa-

■WESLEYAN MISSIONART. 395

tion advances at a rapid pace. Both Komanism and
Episcopacy are just now actively employed in this
department. Both are doing everything they can
to maintain their position, and increase their in-
fluence. The former has two day-schools, held in
large substantial buildings owned by the church.
Both are well attended ; all the Canadian children
of a suitable age being among the pupils. These
institutions are respectively under the superintend-
ence of the Brothers and Sisters of the Christian
doctrine.

There is in connexion with the Episcopal church,
a respectable and commodious academy, where
about sixty boys receive such an education as is
afforded by seminaries of this class ; also a French
normal, or training school ; but touching the literary
merits or other qualifications of these institutions, I
am not able to speak positively, inasmuch as I am
destitute of the requisite information. I am inclined
to think, however, that they sustain a very fair
character ; and some are of opinion that they would
be more popular, if they were less denominational.
I have heard this urged as an objection against
them, but 1 cannot see much force in it. It is quite
natural for each religious body to do what it can to
have its own educational institutions, and sd long
as this agency is used in an honourable manner, in

396 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

the spirit of the Gospel, and with a due regard to
the rights and feelings of others, I am ready to bid
them God speed,

A siQgular fatality has attended nearly all our
Colonial universities, and no wonder ; for establish-
ments, less adapted to the wants and circumstances
of the country, could not well be. What could be
more absurd than to erect in a new country, seats of
learning, encumbered and fettered with the obsolete
and impracticable statutes of Oxford and Cambridge.
It was like putting SauFs armour on David. Large
tracts of the public lands, and immense sums of the
people's money have been lavished upon these in-
stitutions ; but all to no purpose ; and, as might be
expected, they soon became effete, and died of pre-
mature old age. Monopolies, family compacts, and
political tergiversation have been the bane of these
fine possessions of the crown. These have been
almost the only hindrances to a more rapid progress,
and a fuller developement of their resources. Our
poor universities were strangled by the pressure of
their kindness and corruption. Every attempt at
reform was resisted, until reform became incapable ;
a new creation became indispensably necessary.
The old establishments, such as Toronto, Windsor,
Predericton, &c., have fallen under the crushing,
the overwhelming weight of antiquated charters^

■WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 397

red tapism, religious tests, and ecclesiastical domina-
tion.

Genius is not like the peerage, or a commission in
the army ; it cannot be obtained by patent, or pro-
cured by purchase. Mind is not like an heir-loom,
or an estate, transmissable from generation to
generation. It is an emanation from " the only
true and wise God" ; a beam of light from " the
Father of lights, in whom there is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning ;" and when it is duly
and properly cultivated, it asserts its own dignity,
and tramples under foot all the senseless distinctions,
and grotesque assumptions of both castle and creed.

CHAPTER XXin.
Observations concerning Methodism — Some Remarks

TOUCHING THE VALIDITY OF WeSLEYAN ORDINATION,

&0. — Conclusion.

The far-seeing and sagacious policy of Rome, mani-
fests itself jast now in a very striking manner. The
exodus in Ireland ; the rise of Know-nothingism in
the United States; the Anglican leanings of Louis
Napoleon ; and the anti-papal bearing of Spain and
Sardinia — all these make her look rfiiaid and bestir
herself; and find out, if possible, some way of pre-
paring for whatever emergencies may happen.
The best thing she can think of at present is, an
Austrian " Concordat ;" and hence one has been
just concluded between the Pope and the Austrian
government. By this compact the imbecile and
superstitious Emperor, Francis Joseph, prostrates
himself and his nation at the feet of. Pio None,
while intolerance and bigotry lift up their heads as
high as they did in the days of Ferdinand or the
Rudolphs.

Methodism is said to be grasping and despotic,
and with just as much propriety, and as little truth,
as Christianity is said to be ambitious and erroneous.

WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 399

If it be that arbitrary system which its enemies de-
clare it isj I never either saw it, or felt it ; nor do I
know any organization that more effectually guards
the exercise of irresponsible and lawless power.
The rights of the ministers and the rights of the
people are well defined and mutually conserved .
It is as far removed from bigotry as from tyranny ;
for while it wages a truceless and unrelenting war
against all forms of doctrinal and moral error, it is
animated by that charity which ■' doth not behave
itself unseemly." Its zeal is tempered with meek-
ness ; and its weapons are not carnal, but spiritual.

The writer has met with some trials, or rather
disappointments, arising oat of the working of Me-
thodism : but he has always endeavoured to bear
them in a becoming manner, from a hope^ that the
general interests of the connexion might be ad-
vanced, by measures that subjected him to personal
inconvenience. These results, it is true, have not
always followed, owing chiefly, 1o a little too much
management, and a rather defective admixture of
the wisdom of the serpent, and the simplicity of the
dove.

However, among the multitudes brought to God
by the instrumentality of Methodism, there are
few more deeply indebted to it than I am ; and now
after many years experience, I can in all good con-

400 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

science, and in the fear of God, recommend it, as I
do this day. An eminent father of the Latin
church has said, « Christian is my name, and' Catho-
lic my surname" — and with equal candour, and no
less pleasure, I now say. Christian is my name, and
Wesleyan my surname. As a Wesleyan, I am the
friend of all, and the enemy of none. God who
knows ray heart, knows that it bears neither malice,
nor ill will to any human being. There is nothing
in my heart contrary to love. I fain would, in the
arms of faith and prayer embrace every Roman
Catholic in the world. I testify against unscriptural
errors and false systems, not against individuals;
and in every man I recognise a brother for whom
Jesus Christ died.

Many years have not elapsed since it was quite
common to speak disparagingly of the attainments
of Methodist ministers ; but that reproach, if it ever
was one, has been rolled away. There is no body
of ministers that preach the gospel more extensively,
or in more of the different languages and dialects of
the earth than they do ; and in nothing are they a
whit behind any, except it be in salaries and sti-
pends.

That system must have a good deal of vitality in
it, which has in so short a space of time, produced in
Great Britain alone, five commentators, and about

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 401

thirty authors of religions biography, theology, and
sacred literature.

The anuals of Methodism are adorned with a ga-
laxy of great and good men. Coke, famous for mis-
sionary zeal — Benson, distinguished for theological

search — Clarke, with his rich and varied scholar-
ship — Watson, with his eloquence and philanthropy
— Sutcliffe, with his sanctified genius and learning
— and Ousely, with his apostolic faith and love ; —
but time would fail me, were I to speak of Treflry,
and Cubitt — Barrett and Edmonson — Newton and
Drew — Bunting and Moore — Jackson and Lessy —
and Tobias, and Powell, &c. &c.

I will not say " Thou art all fair my love ; there
is no spot in thee." But I will say — " As the apple
tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved
among the sons. I sat down under his shadow
with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my
taste. " — Canticles.

The Sacred Scriptures furnish us with a kind of
sylvan imagery, which may be employed to denote
or represent the various evangelical denominations
now subsisting in Christendom. Here we have the
cedars of Lebanon, and the palm trees of Judah.
The olive with its fatness, and the fig tree with
its sweetness. The vine with its fruitfulness, and
the oak with its strength and stature. The syca-

402 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

more tree with its branches, and the fir tree where
the stork builds her house. And the myrtle tree,
and the box, and the pine tree. These are " trees
of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he
might be glorified. " These are the trees of the
Lord, and they are full of sap ; and the birds sing
among the branches. They are all plants of renown,
their roots are spread into all lands, and the hills
and mountains are covered with their shadows.
The angels gather the fruits of these trees in their
proper season, and store them up in heaven until
the marriage supper of the Lamb. Then they will
be brought forth — and then the Lamb and the Bride,
and they that are called and chosen will feed upon
them — and then the celestial choirs will sing
" Blessed are they that are called unto the marriage
supper of the Lamb. " May Methodism, so called,
by the free grace of God, and by his holy spirit, in
common with others, be a fruitful tree, fat and fair,
and flourishing, always yielding abundantly towards
the celebration ofthese divine nuptials.

When I joined the Methodist church, many pre-
dicted that I would soon repent of my error, and
seek re-admis3ion into the fold from which I strayed.
For this purpose octaves and novenas were perform-
ed, and masses celebrated ; but the historical fact
has falsified the prediction. I can appeal to twenty-

•WESLETAN MISSIONARY. 403

five years and invoke their testimony to my sted-
fastness. Others, betraying their ignorance, declared
that I " changed my religion, turned my coat," for
the sake of " the loaves and fishes." This of course,
every one will smile at, who is acquainted with
the pecuniary regulations of Methodism. In my
case, these same loaves and fishes have been small
enough ; a fact, which I can most abundantly prove,
to the satisfaction of any one, that requires either
evidence or information on so delicate a subject.
" Sic vos non vobis."

The writer might have been an editor, a barrister,
or an Episcopal minister : but the Lord, the spirit,
called him to the ofiice and work of a Methodist
preacher.. And in that office, and at that work, has
he been kept by the mighty power of God, even
unto this day. Through good report and through
evil report, he has been enabled to hold on his way,
sometimes halting' on his thigh ; often faint, yet
pursuing ; but always retaining in his heart an un-
changeable and undiminished love fur Methodism
as it is. May the Lord God of our fathers increase
it a thousand fold ; may it extend more and more,
even " unto the utmost bound of the everlasting
hills."

There is one subject, a very grave one, on which
I would like to make a few observations.' It has

404 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

been so repeatedly discussed, that little need be said
on the present occasion. I allude to the validity of
Presbyterian Ordination. On this subject some have
lately obtained new light; but whether they have,
since the reception of this favour, exhibited any of
the effects which might be expected from a new,
or an increased illumination I am not able to decide.
I am thankful to God that on this point my mind
has always been at rest. If, in order to secure the
ecclesiastical status of her clergy, as successors of
the apostle s; if, for this purpose, the church of Eng-
and is willing to be regarded as a continuation of
the Church of Rome, I have no objection. There
is no accounting for taste ; it is like genius, rather
eccentric. But her claim to continuation or descent
is not allowed. The Romish church denounces her
as the chief heresiarch ; declares that all her bishops,
priests, and deacons are unauthorized teachers, mere
laymen, who have obtruded themselves into the
sacrdd office. And when it is remembered that all
this is ex Cathedra, the anxiety evinced about lins-
age and pedigree, is as servile, as the repudiation of
dissent is ridiculous and assuming.

We have among us the very best form of Presby-
terian ordination, and cannot doubt of its validity
and divine order, while we hear the Holy Apostle
thus addressing the presbyters of the church of

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 405

Ephesus, " Take heed to yourselves, and to all the
flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you
Episkopot — bishops. Presbyters are here called bi-
shops, and the injunction which is given to feed the
church of God, shews that they are pastors. Again,
the same apostle directs Titus to " ordain presbyters
in every city ;" and adds, as a special reason for this
direction, " for a bishop must be blameless.^'

Archbishop Cranmer acknowledges that it is very
difficult to prove that bishops jure divino, ever had
any lawful authority over presbyters ; and adds,
" the bishops and presbyters were not two things,
but both one oiBce at the beginning of Christ's reli-
gion." Origen, Ignatius, Polycarp, and several of
the early fathers held the same views. And many
eminent modern divines have decided that a bi-
shop has authority over a presbyter, only in a conven-
tional sense, and that he is merely a 'primus inter
pares, a chief among equals.

These claims and assumption scan not be sustained
from the Scriptures ; on the contrary, the Scriptural
evidence and argument are against them ; and the
greatest theologians of all ages, have given it as
their opinion, that all the ministers of Christ are
equal in point of order. There is not, either in the
Word of God, or in the history of any church what-
ever, any proof of a personal succession of valid

406 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A

Episcopal ordinations. " The true Apostolical succes-
sion is the succession of the Apostles' faith and holy
labours." In the language of the learned and ex-
cellent Dr. Adam Clarke : " He who appeals to
what is termed the uninterrupted Apostolical suc-
cession, for his authority as a minister, had best sit
down till he has made it out ; and this will be by
the next Greek Kalends." That is never.

I have studied this subject as closely as I was
capable of doing ; and not, I may be allowed to say,
without some facilities for arriving at the truth.
And my firm conviction is, that bishops and presby-
ters are one ; that their is only one priest, even
Jesus, who is a priest for ever after the order of
Melchisedeo ; and that the term " hiereus" — priest,
is nowhere applied to Christian ministers in the
New Testament.

I am satisfied, fully satisfied, of the validity of my
ordination ; and am in my inmost soul convinced
that were His Grace of Canterbury, and His Holi-
ness of E-ome to lay their primatial and pontifical
hands on ray head, aye, and keep them there, from
the rising of the sun until the going down thereof,
it would not add one iota to either my ability or
authority to preach the Gospel, administer the sacra-
ments, and do whatever is required of a Christian
minister. I am, in some humble degree at least,

■WESLEYAN MISSIONARY. 407

conscious of my unworthiness ; but, notwithstand-
ing, I consider myself to be, by virtue of my Wes-
leyan-Presbyterian ordination, to all intents and
purposes, a Christian presbyter, alias a Christian
bishop; and hence, this little volume might have
been sent into the world under the dignified appel-
lation of" the Autobiography of a Wesleyan Metho-
dist Bishop, &c., &c."

" Convert and send forth more

Into Thy church abroad :
And let them speak Thy word of power.

As workers with then" God.

" O let them spread Thy name.

Their mission fully prove ;
Thy universal grace proclaim,

Thy all redeeming love."

THE END.

OwLBR & Stevksson, I'risters, Mosibbal.