tree to preach and doubtless Barbara
'l'HE WeEsLEYs—in Picture anp Story
THE OLD PEAR TREE
ple. The whole town came together in the evening and praised God for the consolation. Many of those who are not outwardly joined with us walk in the light of God's countenance." He speaks also of his meetings at Kileheen, Courtmatrix, Pallas, and Adare,
Bellingarrane, Ireland N THE garden of the home in which Barbara Heck lived in Bellingarrane [now spelled Bellingran] there is an old pear tree that has been renewing itself for the last two hundred years. There it stands with the aid of props, that it may go on telling its story of other days to those who will hear. John Wesley stood under this tree to preach and doubtless Barbara Heck heard his sermon on that day in 1756, or a very short time after that, for she was converted under his preaching. She and her folks belonged to the Palatines of which Wesley speaks in his Journal. "In the afternoon I rode to Ballingarrane, a town of Palatines, who came over in Queen Anne's time.
They retain much of the temper and manners of their own country, having no resemblance of those among whom they live. I found much spiritual life among this plain, artless, serious peoall within twenty miles of Limerick.
Lecky says of these Palatines, "They consisted of more than 800 families brought over from Germany about 1709. They were brought over by landlords, assisted by a small grant from the Irish Parliament. They continued for about 75 years to preserve their distinct identity. In the course of time they passed into the condition of ordinary tenants, though at first they had a high standard of sobriety, industry and comfort."
It was interesting to visit in this old home and to stand under this old pear tree where John Wesley stood to preach the gospel of his Christ and ours, more than one hundred and eighty years ago.
Tue WESLEYS—IN PICTURE AND STORY
Senne
THE BELLINGARRANE HORN
(Now Bellingran) sciousness of being out of tune with the Infinite, but now he had the melody of Heaven in his life and he knew how others. might have it. He could not rest/ content till every one possessed it.
N Bellingarrane, Ireland, there is a horn, from which this picture was taken, that hangs in the little church of the quaint town. The people of the town speak of it with reverence and are very anxious that you shall not only see it but admire it as well. It is the horn that was used by John Wesley, they tell us, to call the people together for services when he came into The walls of Jericho fell down at the blowing of the ram's horns in the days of Joshua and, while this is not a ram's horn, it answered the purpose of helping to break down the walls of sin in the hearts of men and setting the captives free, in all the villages and country including and surrounding Bellingarrane. that neighborhood. His frequent visits here must have called for frequent blasts upon the horn. When he had gathered the people, he had another instrument upon which he gave forth no uncertain sound. Out from his soul went forth the call to men to turn from the discords of sin to the harmonies of He hurried on from place to place in this part of Ireland that all of the people might have a chance to know and to accept Christ. This was fertile spiritual fellowship with Jesus Christ.
Who knew better how to do do it than . he? He had lived for years in the consoil for the gospel, among these Palatines, and right well did John Wesley know it.
Ture WESLEYS—IN PicTtuRE AND StToRrY
PHILIP EMBURY
ETHODISM will always be inBefore coming to America, he was a carpenter and served as a local preacher under Wesley and in 1758 was received on trial at the Conference held in Limerick at which Wesley presided. In 1760 he and his party of fifteen sailed from Limerick, Ireland, for the City of New York. He had married Mary Switzer in the Rathkeale
Church in 1758 and she was a great helper in his new field of labor. debted to Ireland for the influence exerted by her sons and daughters in helping to establish the Kingdom of God both in Europe and America. Among the first of that number was one Philip Embury. He was own cousin to Barbara Heck and the adjoining farms of their parents are just outside the town of Bellingarrane.
The home of Embury is gone, but some of that of Barbara Heck is still standIn the picture, Embury is represented as preaching to the Palatines when leaving for America in 1760. What a day was that for Embury and his party, and what a day was that for Methodism in the New World!
The "Perry," the ship which brought these Methodist converts to America, might very well be called "the Methodist Mayflower."
There are more descendants who can trace their spiritual lineage to this Mayflower, than the multitudes who claim physical descent from the Mayflower of 1620. ing. Philip Embury was converted before the coming of Wesley in 1756, and at that time was a local preacher. He tells the story of his conversion in these words, "On Christmas Day:—being Monday ye 25th of December in the year 1752; the Lord shone into my soul by a glimpse of His redeeming love; being an earnest of my redemption in Christ Jesus, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Phil: Embury." This statement is taken from his own handwriting.
Tue WESLEYS—IN PICTURE AND STORY
PHILIP EMBURY IN NEW YORK
dism, under the preaching of Embury.
HEN Embury arrived in New York he had left off preaching.
Wakeley says, "He was a very different man and his not doing was among his darkest deeds." It took a woman to call him to his duty and his high privilege. This woman was none other than his cousin, Barbara Heck, who, with her husband Paul, had come with Embury to New York. Find the story, under the title, "Barbara Heck." Embury began to preach at once, in his own house. That was soon too small for the growing numbers and larger quarters must be found. A larger room was hired and the expense was met from collections taken. (This was probably the "Rigging Loft" at 120 William Street.)
The coming of Captain Thomas Webb in 1767 gave an impetus to the work, such as it needed at this time and in the days ahead. More permanent and larger quarters must now be secured for the constantly increasing numbers that were being added to the Church.
To this end the site of John Street Church was leased in 1768 and purchased two years later. Of this church
Embury was the first trustee, first treasurer, first class-leader and _ first preacher. He labored faithfully and well during the few years that were allotted to him.
His son, Samuel, writes, "My father, Philip Embury, died in August, 1773, aged forty-five years." He gave thirteen years of blessed service to New York and American Methodism. Thank God for Embury!
The fact that Whitefield had often preached in New York three years before helped to open the way for Metho-
THe WEsLEYS—IN Picture AND SToRY
THE FIRST METHODIST SERMON IN NEW YORK CITY
N THE John. Street Church, New Embury and Barbara Heck are names inseparable from American Methodism.
It is related that Barbara Heck "stirred up" Philip Embury to preach, and it is equally true that Embury by preaching '"'stirred up" the people to accept Jesus Christ. So these two cousins labored on, with those who were added to them, until they had extended far the bounds of the Kingdom of God.
York City, hangs the painting from which this picture was taken.
The painting, by John B. Whittaker, presents to us Philip Embury the Preacher and his little congregat''on of five persons. The service was held in the home of Embury in 1766, the month and day being unknown.
What a far cry it is from that small Society of six to the merger of eight million Methodists in America in 1939!
Surely we may well say, "Behold what God hath wrought!"
Surely that first sermon of Philip Embury's was kin to the grain of mustard seed of which Jesus spoke so hopefully. It would be interesting to have that sermon today. We could wish that "Where two or three are met in My name, there am I in the midst," said Jesus, long ago. Surely He was in the midst of that small group that day! it might have been handed down to posterity, but better than the sermon is the spirit that prompted it, and that we have. This small group probably thought that they were doing a very simple thing that day. A few hymns of Charles Wesley's writing, a few prayers in the name of the Christ, and To those present, it may have seemed like the day of small things, but faith was there, and faith is never small. They had faith to enroll themselves as a Society of Methodism and went on to increase their numbers by winning others to Christ until they were forced to build larger quarters in which to worship. The first Chapel was dedicated in 1768, October 30. Philip a sermon made up that service, to all outward appearances, but there was much more. God was there, and His sp:rit moved upon them mightily in the sermons and services that followed this.
Tur WESLEYS—IN PICTURE AND STORY
BARBARA RUCKLE HECK
"Philip, you must preach to us or we shall all go to hell and God will require our blood at your hands."
HE name of Barbara Heck is something to conjure by in American Methodism.
Someone has said, "If John Street Church deserves to be called the 'Mother Church of Methodism in America' then Barbara Heck deserves to be called the 'Mother of American Methodism' ".
"But I have no preaching place and no congregation", he replied.
"Preach here in your own house and to your own company", she answered.
He consented to preach and she went out to gather the first congregation, which consisted of herself and Paul, her husband, Mrs. Embury, a Mr.
Lawrence and Betty, an African servant.
Those present enrolled themselves in a class and promised to attend regularly at the house for religious instruction. Later she was used of God in stirring up an interest in building the John Street Chapel.
She was born in Bellingarrane (now spelled Bellingran, Ireland, and in 1760 came with Paul Heck, her husband, and the Emburys to New York
City.
She had been converted under Wesley's preaching and, after some years in America, was herself awakened to the need of someone preaching the gospel here. Her influence to that end was brought about in this way. One evening she found a number of men, including her eldest brother, gathered in her kitchen playing cards.
She gathered the cards off the table in her apron, threw them into the fire and went in search of Philip Embury. The following dialogue ensued:
Her testimony in her closing days was, "I have never lost evidence of my acceptance with God for twenty-four hours together from my eighteenth year". Her body rests in the Blue Churchyard, on the St.
Lawrence River, near Prescott, Ontario, Canada.
THE WESLEYS—IN PICTURE AND STORY
ee ae a
JOHN STREET CHURCH AND PARSONAGE,
NEW YORK, 1768
OHN Street Methodist Church in J 1768 was not a very imposing structure, but it was the best that Methodism could do, and it fitted the City of which it was a part. The population of New York at this time was only there was not much room for boasting of the beauty of its architecture, nor the grandeur of its furnishings, but for those who sacrificially labored and unstintedly gave of their best, it had in it "the beauty of Holiness". When Solomon had finished the building of the Temple and had dedicated it unto God, it is recorded in I Kings, 9:3, "The Lord said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before Me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast 15,000 and there was little promise of a rapid increase.
It is on record that when a man offered a tract of land to the trustees of the Lutheran Church, it was rejected on the ground "that it was not worth fencing in".
Here amid these unpromising circumstances, Philip Embury, Barbara Heck, Captain Webb, and all the others built this House of God.
Its dimensions were forty-two by sixty feet, with a seating capacity of seven hundred.
Built of stone, covered over with a light blue plaster, seated with benches without backs, its floors sanded, and candles used for lighting; built, to put my name there forever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually." Some such message as this might have been spoken by God to Philip Embury and his faithful helpers the day they dedicated this Temple to God and to the unborn generations of Methodists.
Ture WeESLEYS—IN PICTURE AND STORY
THE JOHN STREET METHODIST CHURCH
HE present church at 14 John Street, New York City, was built in 1841. It is the third building to be erected on that site. The stone from the first church was used in the second, and most of it is in the present building.
The church building is 30x80 feet, with a gallery around three sides, and a large basement and lecture room.
It is commodious and inviting, and many out of the multitudes that pass church from three to five days a week, and this has continued for more than fifty years.
It is a favorite meeting place for groups large and small. The visitors' register shows that over five thousand persons have entered its walls within the last four years.
Its present pastor, Robert H. Dolliver, and his assistants are doing splendid service here in the midst of the multitudes of people. its doors come in to rest and to pray.
In order to retain its site, Old John Street has come up through several struggles.
In 1854 there was a desire on the part of many of its members to This down-town church in the midst of the busy marts of trade in New York City is paralleled by the Chicago Temple in Chicago.
Both of these sites have been held by Methodism amid great difficulties, but what an honor it is to Methodism that they have continued to carry on at the old stand, nothwithstanding the rapid changes that take place in our American cities.
Methodism's wonderful itinerant system has helped to make this possible. sell the property and build in the neighborhood of Madison Square. To prevent such action, many of the members of the church lived in the building, both eating and sleeping within its walls, until their protests created a sentiment that prevented the sale.
Noonday meetings are held in the
THe WESLEYS—IN PicTURE AND STORY
CAPTAIN THOMAS WEBB
In three months he was able to rejoin his comrades.
HILE listening to a sermon by John Wesley in Bristol, England, Captain Thomas Webb was soundly converted to God. He became a very zealous Christian.
He joined the Methodist Society and was soon recognized by Wesley as a man capable of preaching the Gospel, and he licensed him to preach. Webb had been in the battle of Louisburg September He was never ashamed of his scars, and over his eyeless socket he wore a green shade.
Carrying his sword and with his eye thus covered, he came into the service at New York. The worshippers were fearful that he had come to interfere in their work, but not so.
He immediately joined them in their worship and, with his sword reverently laid on the table before him, preached the Gospel to them.
He became a tower of strength to Embury in building John Street Church, and headed the list of subscribers at thirty pounds.
12, 1759, and was with those who climbed the Heights of Abraham and assisted in its capture.
At Louisburg he received a serious injury. The story runs like this: "A ball hit him on the bone which guards the right eye, and, taking an oblique direction, burst the eyeball, and passing through his palate This short testimony of Wesley concerning
Webb is most interesting.
"Captain Webb is now in Dublin; invite him to visit Limerick; he is a man of fire, and power of God constantly accompanies his word." into his mouth, he swallowed it." A comrade said, "He is dead enough."
Webb replied, '""No, I am not dead."
Tur WESLEYS—IN PICTURE AND STORY
ee ee ee : ae Wek HORN IN IRELAND, bs0.u ANTS |
TO NEW VORK THEY OBGANTZED
|THE FIRST METHODIST saci s
IN AMERICAN
1766,
THROUGH THEIR LABDES TUE
FIRST METRODOs) (1lt Ri
WAS ERECTED O8 THIs SPOT. AND
| DEDICATED BY EMBURY Tilt FIRS
PASTOR (ALSO THE FIRST (1.455
(LEADER AND LOCAL PREACTIER:
October 30 176%.
"Their works do follow them" ety Me Bib : | This tablet was raised in grateful mory of their prety veal anil useiul aa by the Loval Preachers of Neu Vork, ity.on the ovrcastan of the yy Annie rary Gee 15658
IN MEMORY OF PHILIP EMBURY AND
BARBARA HECK
tinued so to do until out of their faith and labors came the John Street Methodist Church.
We do not lose sight of the service rendered by men and women who aided them and who carried on in the years that followed, but we must keep ever green the memory of those who under God were so instrumental in beginning what has become so great a ministry to our beloved America.
N the front of the Old John Street Methodist Church, near the pulpit, is this tablet raised to the memory of two persons who did more to start Methodism in New York City than any other persons. This is a splendid memorial erected to them at the end of the first hundred years, but at the end of the second century, Methodism ought to do something more outstanding to commemorate the splendid service of these heroic servers and sacriAll honor to Philip Embury who challenges the manhood of Methodism to do its best for the Kingdom of God, but doubly honored is Barbara Heck who leads the womanhood of our Methodism today to the noblest service and the finest ministry that can be given in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord. ficial givers of long ago days.
That was a great day when Barbara Heck plead with Philip Embury to begin to preach in his own house, since they had no church, lest they and their neighbors should all go to hell. That was a great day when Philip Embury consented to preach, and did, and con-
'THE WESLEYS—IN Picture AND Story
eae
ROBERT STRAWBRIDGE
poo STRAWBRIDGE was born at Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland, or, as some say, at Drumsnagh.
As a convert to Methodism, due to Wesley's preaching, he came out of the fiery persecutions that followed Wesley's ministry in Ireland to the unsettled wilds of Frederick County, Maryland, in 1760.
It was a wilderness, indeed.
Seeing the appalling needs of the people spiritually, he held services in his newly constructed log house, provided by his neighbor, John Evans. Here many were converted and his first class-meeting was formed. Five miles west of the home is Sam's Creek Church where Strawbridge baptized Henry Maynard.
John Wesley's preachers were not supposed to baptize, but the need produced the result.
Strawbridge said, "I need no other warrant than the divine; the need itself is the grant of authority to serve ite Despite the criticism of Asbury, Strawbridge's aim to serve the pioneers in their spiritual needs produced a new era of spiritual democracy that opened the way for the building of the Lovely Lane Church of Baltimore, Maryland, about twenty years later.
Strawbridge devoted almost all his time to evangelism and moved through all of this country, starting classes and winning men to the Christ.
While he did not always agree with Asbury as to the sacraments and ordination, he cooperated until Asbury urged Wesley to provide these without delay. Doubtless the eagerness of Strawbridge for these rights for his ministers in America hastened the decision of Wesley to grant them. Strawbridge died in 1781 after a very strenuous ministry of twenty years.
The church had grown to 11,000 members by this time, most of whom were the fruitage of the Maryland beginnings.
Tur WeESLEYS—IN PIcTURE AND STORY
nnn eee EEE UE EEE SS °" Home of John Evans, near Sam's Creek, Carroll Co., Md.
The aldest house standing in achich Methodists are known to have held services
THE HOME OF JOHN EVANS AND LATER
METHODISM IN U.S.A:
for all of Methodism, when in 1828 a large group broke away from the parent church, and formed the Methodist
Protestant Church. They have carried on until this day, doing valiant service.
Then in 1844 the slavery question separated Methodism into two _ large groups, the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Each of these groups has toiled and served and grown while separated from each other. Long have the leaders in both churches sought to bring them together again, but without avail until now.
All three of these groups have agreed to forget the things that are past, and to go forward together into the future, to build the Kingdom of God, as one body in Christ. The Uniting Conference will be held early in 1939 to work out the details that will make us one Methodist Church instead of three.
HIS copy of a picture sent to the writer by Dr. Porter of Baltimore, Maryland, tells its own story.
Here Robert Strawbridge preached in the beginning of his ministry in America. It is recorded that he arrived from Ireland about 1760, and began to preach soon after his coming.
John Evans was one of his earliest converts.
The first class of Methodism in Maryland consisted of John Evans, his wife Eleanor Evans, his nephew Job Evans and Mary Evans his wife, Nancy Murphy and Mrs. Hoy.
No longer do we call them "Meeting Houses", but churches, and what a multitude of churches Methodism has built since that day! How marvelously has the flouted small beginning changed into a multitude that no man can rightly number!
This great Methodism has pushed on and on, amid many conflicts and trying experiences, but it has never Fervently let us pray, that God will make us a Church after His own heart. lost its soul. Those were trying days
Tue WESLEYS—IN PicTuRE AND STORY
—_————SSesee-e—ee
LOVELY LANE CHAPEL MEETING HOUSE 1774-1786
HE foundation of the new chapel in Lovely Lane, Baltimore, Md., was laid by Rev. Francis Asbury, April West Indies.
Here also $5300 was raised for Cokesbury College at Abingdon, Maryland, the first Methodist College in the world.
From that day on Methodism has been a strong advocate of education and she has provided many small and great colleges in America.
18, 1774. Captain Webb opened it in October, and it was completed the next year.
The fourth Methodist Conference was held here in 1776. Mr. Wesley sent Dr. Thomas Coke from England in 1784, after ordaining him, with power to ordain, or rather, "to set apart,"
Asbury as Superintendent.
Wesley said nothing about calling a Conference or organizing an independent church.
Yet this was done, and Coke soon found that he had exceeded Wesley's plan. The Christmas Conference was called on November 14, 1784, to meet in Lovely Lane Chapel on December 24th. This meeting was held as planned and Asbury was ordained a bishop after he was elected by his brethren.
The present church is the inheritor of Lovely Lane, and the three churches that followed it. Many relics of Strawbridge,
Asbury, and other church Fathers are preserved here. Because of this collection, Dr. Goucher liked to call this "the Westminster Abbey of Methodism."
All honor to such men as Robert Strawbridge, Philip Embury, Francis Asbury, Captain Webb, Freeborn Garrettson, Thomas Coke, and all the rest who helped Methodism to get a start in the new world. They laid deeply the foundations that were to carry the structure of American Methodism that was to bless, not only this land, but all
The first collection for foreign missions was raised by Dr. Coke, with which Freeborn Garrettson and J. O.
Cromwell were sent to Nova Scotia, and J. Lambert started work in the the lands.
Ture WersLteys—IN PicruRE AND STORY oe nnn ——
FRANCIS ASBURY
passed through his hands for the church he loved, and his friends gave him $2,000 for retirement, he willed it to the church and went as penniless RANCIS ASBURY sailed from near Bristol September 2, 1771.
He said, "If God does not acknowledge me in America, I will soon return to England.
I know my views are upright now. May they never be otherwise."' He never did return to England.
American Methodism could never have been the same without him. He gave himself unstintedly to his task, and that task was to make America Christian. to heaven as he came to America.
When he came to America, in 1771, the Methodist Church did not number more than four hundred members, but when he died there were more than two hundred thousand.
This was not the work of Francis Asbury alone.
There were many young men who also labored with him amid perils of all kinds, undaunted by the sufferings and the sickness and death that followed, for they had caught a vision of Him who is invisible, and they were under Divine compulsion to make Him real He never married, nor did he ever own a home here. He spent most of his time on horseback.
His physical body knew much weariness, but it never knew any surrender.
Back and forth he went among the people, preaching and teaching the Gospel of salvation,-while he cheered his preachers on to greater efforts and greater sacrifices for the sake of the Kingdom of Christ. to men.
Asbury labored on during the trying days of the Revolutionary War when almost all of the Episcopal ministers and all of the English Missionaries of Methodism had gone home for protection.
When he came to America he did not have a cent, and while much money
THe WESLEYS—IN PicTuRE AND STORY
THOMAS COKE
HOMAS COKE was a Welshman, short of body, short of neck, but big of brain. At first he was a strict High Churchman who would not tolerate Dissenters. The Sermons and Journals of Wesley came into his hands and they deeply moved him. With that spiritual unrest in his soul he came to London, and finding Maxfield, one of Wesley's lay preachers, he found the way to Christ. He went back to his Somersetshire parish and preached the Christ he had found. His people would not have it, so they drowned his voice by ringing the church bells while he spoke. He was soon dismissed from his curacy. only Wesley and Coke could do together.
Wesley could see only Great Britain, but Coke helped him to see America and he became Wesley's man for America.
He crossed the Atlantic Ocean eighteen times, at his own expense.
He planted missions in the West Indies and before his death in 1814, there were 15,000 members there.
He advanced $30,000 to found a mission in India, under the auspices of the British Wesleyan Connection and, accompanied by six missionaries, set sail for Ceylon on December 10th, 1813.
On May Sth, 1814, he was found dead in his cabin with a placid smile on his face. One of the missionaries read the burial service and the casket and the body of Bishop Coke were lowered into the Indian Ocean. Fit resting place it was for this world missionary and lover of God.
At this time, 1776, he met Wesley.
Wesley says, "I had much conversation with him and a union then began which I trust shall never end." He came at the right time into Wesley's life. There was work to be done that
Ture WESLEYS—IN PICTURE AND, STORY
DR. COKE SET APART AS SUPERINTENDENT
FOR AMERICA
for he was a stickler for words, but in America the ministers liked the word Bishop, and Bishop it became.
HIS is the house at Number 6, Dighton Street, Bristol, where on September 2, 1784, John Wesley ordained Thomas Coke Superintendent for America. He also ordained Whatcoat and Vasey as Presbyters at this time, for they were about ready to set sail for the United States for service among its people.
Coke was instructed to ordain Francis Asbury In a letter written to Dr. Coke, Mr.
Asbury, and other American Brethren, on September 10, 1784, after recounting the changes that had come in the later years, as a result of the war, and recognizing the need for ordained men to baptize and to administer the Lord's Supper, he says, "I have accordingly appointed Dr. Coke and Mr. Francis Asbury to be joint Superintendents as Superintendent when he arrived in America. This he did in the Christmas Conference, 1784, in the Lovely Lane Chapel in Baltimore, Maryland. over our brethren in North America.
It was only after a long period of discussion with the leading ministers of If any one will point out a more rational and scriptural way of feeding and guiding these poor sheep in the wilderness, I will gladly embrace it.
At present I cannot see any better method than I have taken." the Church of England, with his brother Charles and others, that John Wesley decided to take this step. It is probably true that Wesley intended these men to be Superintendents and not Bishops,
Tue WESLEYS—IN PicTURE AND STORY
-—_ere——————— eee — — —
———————————ESSSSESSSSSFSFSFSSSFSSSSesFsF
BISHOP FRANCIS ASBURY
N December 23, 1783, there met in Scriptures and the primitive Church."
The young preachers took Wesley at his word, and it is said "The letter was read, analyzed, and cordially Approved" John Dickins proposed the name "Methodist Episcopal Church" which was adopted "'without a dissenting vote". Francis Asbury refused appointment by Mr. Wesley and insisted that if he was to be a bishop he must be elected by his brother ministers, which they did. This gave the American stamp to the new church. the State House at Annapolis, Maryland, a body of patriots, Revolutionary officers, and statesmen, to receive the resignation of General George
Washington as Commander-in-chief of the victorious army and to prepare for the days ahead in our American Government.
Just one year and two days later, December 25, 1784, sixty young Methodist preachers were gathered together in the Lovely Lane Meeting
House, Baltimore, Maryland, to form a new church in this same new Republic.
Freeborn Garrettson had ridden twelve hundred miles to call them together. But how was it to be done?
John Wesley had sent Dr. Thomas Coke from England, after ordaining him as Superintendent, with full power to ordain Francis Asbury to the same We may well thank God again and again for that attitude of mind on the part of Asbury. Asbury may have been a bit arbitrary, at times, in carrying forward the work of the Church, but he was not arbitrary in the stand he took that day in 1784. The spirit of American democracy was injected into Methodism then, and that spirit has characterized it ever since. office.
The letter from Mr. Wesley said: "Our American brethren are now at full liberty simply to follow the
Tue WESLEYS—IN PICTURE AND STORY
ne "THE PROPHET OF THE LONG ROAD'—This monument to the first American Bishop stands in the Federal Reservation at 16th and Mt. Pleasant
Streets, Washington, D.C.
It was erected by gifts of American Methodists and was unveiled October 15, 1924, President Coolidge delivering a notable address on that occasion.
THE ASBURY STATUE
made an offer of myself.
It was accepted by Mr. Wesley and others, who judged I had a call." For forty-five years, as pastor and as bishop, he rode over mountain and valley, through mosquito and malaria infested swamplands, fording swollen streams, blazing his way through almost impenetrable forests,. while the physical body suffered; on and on he went, commissioned of God to carry the good news of heaven to needy and to dying men.
NE of the greatest, if not the greatest itinerant that ever bestrode a horse and rode away to preach the Everlasting Gospel was Francis Asbury. He writes in his Journal, "On the 7th of August, 1771, the Conference began in Bristol, England. Before this, I had felt for half a year, strong intimations in my mind that I should visit America, which I laid before the Lord; being unwilling to do mine own will, or run before I was sent. During this time my trials were very great, which the Lord, I believe, permitted, to prove and try me, in order to prepare me for further usefulness. At the Conference it was proposed that some preachers should go over to the American Continent.
I spoke my mind and He preached 16,500 sermons, ordained 4,000 preachers, and rode 247,- 000 miles.
Francis Asbury and his horse were almost inseparable in life, and it is most fitting that they should appear together, as we see them here.
Tue WEsLEYS—IN PicTuRE AND StToRY
ALDERSGATE
COMMEMORATION
"In the evening I went very unwillingly to @ society in Aldersgate Sireet, where one was reading Luther's Preface to the Epistle to the Romans.
About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith im Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed.
I felt that I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation, and an assurance was given me, that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.'—John Wesley.
THE SALISBURY PORTRAIT OF JOHN WESLEY
HROUGH the courtesy of Reverend Percy J. Boyling of Wesley Chapel, City Road, London, we are permitted to use a picture taken from the portrait as painted by Mr. Frank O. Salisbury in commemoration of the union of British Methodism. The original is the property of the Wesley
Museum of London. and portraits made than were made of John Wesley.
His long life and his outstanding work in the British Isles, together with his popularity among rich and poor alike in later years, and that wonderful face that challenged the artist's best endeavor, produced many likenesses and some unlikenesses of the man. Few of them surpass the A relative of Mr. Wesley posed for the picture.
The gown is the gown worn by Mr. Wesley and the head and features are from a bust made from one before you. This picture has gone throughout Methodism and is cherished by everyone who is fortunate enough to possess a copy. life. Of few men were more pictures
Tue WESLEYS—IN PICTURE AND STORY
ELECTRICITY
WESLEY AND
N the Wesley House, City Road, more as strange phenomena, arise from the turning round a glass globe? It is London, is the original instrument that Wesley used in treating patients.
The picture is a very good likeness of all mystery, if haply God may hide pride from man!"
In 1753 he tells how he had advised one who had been troubled for many years with a stubborn paralytic disorder to try the new remedy of electricity.
She did and was helped immediately. He procured an apparatus and started to use it in a small way at it. Wesley was always open-minded toward every new thing, and when electricity was discovered by Benjamin Franklin, he undertook to learn all about its nature and to make application of its healing properties in a medical way. On October 16, 1747, he writes, "I went with two or three friends to see what are called the electrical experiments.
How much these also confound those poor half-thinkers who will believe nothing but what they can comprehend!
Who can comprehend how fire lives in water and passes through it more freely than through air? How flame issues out of my finger, real flame, such as sets fire to spirits or wine? How these, and many first. In two or three years the patients increased so rapidly that he set up an instrument at Southwark, at the Foundery, at St. Paul's, and near the Seven
Dials. He afterward wrote a "Desideratum" on Electricity that was quite comprehensive for that day. He read everything that he could find printed from the pen of Franklin, and of Priestley, and others.
THe WESLEYS—IN Picture AND StToRY
ROBERT RAIKES AND THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
T Gloucester, England, is located the year after Robert Raikes was born.
Bishop Hurst, in his history of the Christian Church says, "Sunday Schools were formed by the Methodists before Robert Raikes received his beautiful inspiration, and Sophia Cooke, another Methodist, who afterwards became the wife of Samuel Bradburn, was the first to suggest to Raikes the Sunday School idea, and actually marched with him at the head of his troop of ragged urchins the first
Sunday they were taken to the parish church." the home of Robert Raikes and the room in which he started the Sunday School in 1780. There is nothing imposing about the building in which he began his work so long ago, as the picture shows, but there is something majestic about the outcome of that day's work, when he gathered the few ragged urchins from off the street, took them into this old room, and taught - them the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
To Robert Raikes goes the honor of beginning the Sunday School that has grown to its present world proportions, and because of the time and effort he put into it, the honor is rightfully his.
It is interesting, however, to hark back to the days of Susanna Wesley when she gathered not only her own but her neighbors' children into her home and taught them the word of God.
John Wesley taught a Sunday School in Savannah, Georgia, which he organized After the school was transferred to the church, it grew rapidly, and the teachers were given a shilling a day for their work. John and Charles Wesley, George Whitefield, and others gave him moral and material support. The Queen expressed an interest in the movement by sending for Raikes in order to hear his plan described.
Tue WESLEYS—IN PICTURE AND STORY
WESTMINSTER ABBEY HONORS THE WESLEYS
ESTMINSTER
ABBEY has honored many of England's notables in crypts and graves and tabous a place upon her walls. These two men gave the best they had for Great Britain. John Wesley, preacher, evangelist, and writer, gave sixty-five years of unceasing labor and love; while Charles Wesley, preacher, hymnwriter, and evangelist, gave fifty-five years of unfailing love and labor to help save England, by means of the lets within her walls. There the leaders in war and science, in state and religion, await the resurrection day. It seems fitting that so many of England's great ones should be thus honored.
But for future generations it is most fitting that the bodies of John and Charles Wesley should rest, the one in the little cemetery of the Wesley Chapel, City Road, London, and the other in the cemetery at Marylebone, London. revival, "from a drenching in blood such as came to France in the French Revolution" as is related by the historian, Green.
The two mottoes on the tablet, "I look upon all the world as my parish" and "The best of all is, God is with us", challenge all men to make Jesus Christ supreme in living and in dying.
Westminster Abbey has not only honored the Wesleys, but she has equally honored herself in placing this Memorial Tablet in so conspicu-
Tse WestEYs—in Picture AND Story
JOHN WESLEY THE METHODIST
HIS picture does not do justice to the great painting, but it will help us to call to mind the picture that Wesley liked. One often wonders why Wesley had so many pictures of himself painted but the answer is not hard to find. As he grew older and more beloved of the people, the artists sought to capitalize on that fact, and they have presented him in many poses. one desire and the one design of his life is not to do his own will but the will of Him that sent him. He keeps all God's commandments from the least to the greatest.
He follows not the customs of the world, for vice does not lose its nature through becoming fashionable.
He fares not sumptuously every day. He cannot lay up treasures upon earth, nor can he adorn himself with gold and costly apparel. He cannot join in any diversion that has the least tendency to evil. He cannot speak evil of his neighbor any more than he can lie.
He cannot utter unkind or While John Wesley never fully and openly separated from the Anglican Church, at heart he was a Methodist, and he has given us a_ wonderful "Definition of a Methodist." He says, evil words. He does good unto all men, unto neighbors, strangers, friends and enemies. These are the principles and practices of our sect.
These are the marks of a true Methodist.
By these alone do Methodists desire to be distinguished from all other men."
In other words Wesley said, the way to be a good Methodist is to be a good Christian, and the way to be a good Christian, is to be Christ-like.
""A Methodist is one who has the love of God shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost given unto him. One who loves the Lord his God with all his heart and soul and mind and strength.
He rejoices evermore, prays without ceasing, and in everything gives thanks.
His heart is full of love to all mankind and is purified from envy, wrath, malice, and every unkind affection.
His
Tue WESLEYS—IN PICTURE AND STORY
eee
THE CHANNEL ISLANDS, GUERNSEY
Mons Plaisir ton on a small sloop.
After a short voyage they were driven into Yarmouth harbor by a heavy storm. Both
Wesley and Coke preached here during the two day delay. On Monday they T is Saturday, August 11th, 1787, less than four years before the close of his long and eventful life that we find John Wesley on his way to the Channel Islands.
Paul-like he must needs preach the Gospel to them also, and so he sets out on his journey. Let us follow him, the 84-year-young man, set out again, but were driven by another storm into Swanage. Here he met the Society he established in 1774 and the next day reached Guernsey. as he makes his way from Manchester to Southampton, a distance of 240 miles in 81 hours, preaching as he goes.
This is the record: starting on Sunday at midnight, he travelled
hours, including two breakdown delays; Tuesday he rose at 4, Wednesday at 2, Thursday at 3, Friday at 4.
On Saturday at 6, he preached in Southampton, and the record says, "in the afternoon I went with Mr. Taylor The picture shows ''Mons Plaisir" the home of Mr. DeJersey where Wesley and his helpers were welcomed and lodged. He says "I found a most cordial welcome, both from the master of the house, and from all his family. I preached at seven in a large room, to as deeply serious a congregation as I ever saw.
On Thursday at five I preached in a large room of Mr. DeJersey's House." to hear the famous musician that plays upon the glasses."
This large room of which he speaks is to the left of the picture, over the dairy and bakehouse.
The next morning they were on their way to Guernsey, leaving Southamp-
THE WESLEYS—IN PicTuRE AND STORY
THE CHANNEL ISLANDS, JERSEY
The Chapel of Notre Dame De Pas ESLEY left Guernsey Island on the 20th of August, 1787, for Jersey Island, which was only a short distance away. About three or four in the morning they set sail in a very small, inconvenient sloop, that took seven hours to go seven leagues. They landed at St. Heliers, the capital of Jersey, and went at once to the home of Mr. Brackenbury.
Here a large room had been arranged for the meeting and Wesley preached to what he called, "an exceedingly serious audience." They then went to the College large trees, are inexpressibly beautifully?
He speaks of "Suffering the will of the Lord" while he waits for favorable winds. They left Guernsey for Penzance on September 6th and ran into a fierce storm. Adam Clarke' tells how when Wesley called a prayer-meeting, and he and Coke and Bradford had prayed, "Wesley broke into supplication, which seemed more the offspring of strong faith than mere desire.
His words, spirit, feeling and manner were remarkable. Wesley prayed 'Command (probably Victoria College), and from there to the top of a high hill. This is the one seen in the picture. Let Wesley these winds that they obey Thee, and take us speedily and safely to the haven whither we would be!' The power of his petition was felt by all.
He rose from his knees, made no remark but took up his book and continued his reading. I went on deck and found a steady breeze and the vessel moved on to a safe anchorage in Penztell it in his own words, 'Here is an old
Chapel, believed to be the first Christian church which was built in the Island. From hence we had a view of the whole island, the pleasantest I ever saw; as far superior to the Isle of Wight, as that is to the Isle of Man.
The little hills, almost covered with ance Bay."
Tue WeESLEYS—IN PIcTURE AND STORY
THE REFORMERS
WESLEY AMONG
Wesley did his most heroic work as a Reformer.
England's Church and Clergy was doing almost nothing to help the poorer people, who were sunk in vice, crime and poverty, to a most deplorable stage; when John Wesley was raised up of God to do a work among them, in a mental, moral and spiritual/ way, that lifted them out of their degradation, poverty and crime, as he gave them, not the law, but Christ.
He labored hard and long against the whole liquor business, believing that if he got men right with God he would get them right with themselves, and with the mass. He was a strong contender against slavery in N the City of Geneva, Switzerland, is the International Monument of the Reformation which commemorates the four hundredth anniversary of John Calvin's birth in 1509. The picture shows the four principal figures, in order from left to right: Farel, Calvin, Beza and Knox. The date 1559 is inscribed on both sides of pedestal in memory of the most important year in the Calvinian Reformation, and the year when they were all four present in Geneva. To Farel belongs the honor of starting the Reformation in Geneva, but Calvin was the avowed leader of the work. He called Beza to come to his aid, and had him made Rector of the newly founded University. He also succeeded Calvin as head of the reformed church. Knox was pastor of the all of its forms. The last letter he ever wrote was to Wilberforce, and contained these words, as a final protest against, "That execrable villainy, which is the scandal of religion, of England, and of human nature. Go on, first Puritan congregation of the English refugees and one of the earliest helpers in the translation of the Geneva
Bible. in the name of God and the power of His might, till even American slavery The name of John Wesley does not appear here, nor ought it to appear here, for it was not upon the continent of Europe, but in Great Britain, that (the vilest that ever saw the sun) shall vanish away before it."
Tue WesLEYS—IN Picture anp STorY
—— eee
WESLEY AT LEATHER-
HEAD JUST BEFORE
HIS DEATH
HERE is something pathetic about the closing of a busy, and a fruitful life, but there is also something glorious and majestic about it too. Especially is that true in the case of John
Wesley. It was the 23rd day of February 1791, after a week of illness, that a call came to this servant of God, now almost eighty-eight years of age, and he felt that he must respond. The call was from a village twenty miles from London, to come to the above pictured home, to visit a man whom Wesley did not know. The man had recently lost his wife and his soul was crying out for God. Let Mr. Rogers tell the story in his own words. "Mr. Bradford being engaged, I accompanied him thither peared to hear with deep attention as Mr. Wesley gave them a most solemn warning from the words, 'Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near,' which was the last sermon this eminent minister of Jehovah ever delivered.
In the afternoon we drank tea with a clergyman, at whose house we slept; and the night following we stopped at Mr. Wolff's at Balham on our way home. At both these places Mr. Wesley rested comfortably and rose each morning at four o'clock, it being his usual hour of rising for more than sixty years."
The next morning Mrs.
Wolff brought him to his home at City Road House, where, within a few days, he quietly slipped away to his eternal reward. little suspecting it to be his last journey; but so it proved.
In less than two hours after our arrival, our kind host, who was a magistrate, and well beloved in the neighborhood, sent his servants to invite the neighbors to hear preaching at his house. A considerable number soon assembled and were ordered upstairs into a spacious diningroom, beautifully furnished. The plain country people who had come plodding through the mire, seemed rather out of their element; however they all apA member of the House of Commons, who knew the activities of John
Wesley, once said, "If I am kept steadily busy for ten days at my tasks, I am so wearied that I cannot go on, except with the greatest difficulty, but this man Wesley has gone on for more than sixty years, day and night, through storm and stress and never seemed to get weary."
Tue WESLEYS—IN PICTURE AND STORY
ec ore ow
THE TRANSLATION OF JOHN WESLEY
morning, February 27, 1791, he rose, sat in his chair with a cheerful face, and repeated his brother Charles' verse, E have seen how John Wesley lived under the influences of the Gospel he preached. It will now be interesting to look in upon this same man when the shadows of death have gathered about him and to see whether this Gospel works in the hours of severest trial. Wesley once said, "Our people die well." Was it true in his own case? If ever there was a sense of victory displayed in confronting death,
John Wesley displayed it.
"Till jglad I lay this body down, Thy servant, Lord, attend; And Oh, my life of mercy crown With a triumphant end."
"T want to write," he said on Tuesday, but he could not hold the pen.
"Let me write for you," one said.
"What shall I write?" "Nothing," he replied, "but that God is with us."
Then he sang, This is the picture.
He has come with difficulty to his room and asks to be alone for a half hour. Alone? No not alone, but with his God, for he realized that death had come.
He would talk with God alone. Now Dr.
Whitehead is called. He says, "Doctor, they are more afraid than hurt," referring to his friends. The next day
Joseph Bradford sends a message to each preacher in London, saying, "Mr.
Wesley is very ill. Pray, pray, pray."
All Saturday he slept, but on Sunday "Pll praise my maker while I've breath, And when my voice is lost in death, Praise shall employ my nobler powers.
My days of praise shall ne'er be past, While life and thought and being last, Or immortality endures."
'""Now we have done, let us go. The best of all is, God is with us. Farewell," and his spirit went home to God.
Wesley lived by the Gospel, and he died by the Gospel, and it never failed him. Nor will it fail you and me.
Tue WESLEYS—IN PictuRE AND STORY
WESLEY'S TOMB
N the rear of the Wesley's Chapel, land and in America.
City Road, London, lie the mortal remains of John Wesley, and this is as he wished it. To some it may seem strange that the body of the man who did more for England than most of its so-called great men should not have been placed in Westminster Abbey.
That would have been a crypt; this is a shrine, sacred because of the ministry of a godly man.
It is fitting that his grave should be near the rush and throng of the multitude of common people among whom he was always at home and for whom he gave the full measure of his devotion. To this spot come men and women of all faiths and of no faith, together with ten thousand times ten thousand devoted Methodists to pay their tributes of love to the man that made religion live anew in EngIt is related that an old Methodist lady told the Rev. William Arthur, when he travelled in the City Road Circuit, that when the Chapel was building she stood with Wesley on the spot where he now lies buried, watching the workmen.
Turning to her he said, "I should like to be buried here, and on the morning of the resurrection rise with all my children around me."
He had his wish.
Many other noted leaders rest in the Wesley vault, including Jabez Bunting, Richard Watson, Thomas Rankin, Adam Clarke, Joseph Benson and other leaders of Methodism.
No earthly tomb could hold the spirit of this man. He is not here. He abides in one of the mansions of which Jesus spoke with such certainty.
Tue WESLEYS—IN PICTURE AND STORY
THE PERSONALITY OF JOHN WESLEY TOGETHER
WITH A CLOSING WORD
can be conceived, and a freshness of complexion scarcely ever to be found at his years, and expressive of the most perfect health.
In his countenance and demeanor there was a cheerfulness mingled with gravity; a sprightliness which was the natural result of an unusual flow of spirits.
His aspect, particularly in profile, had a strong character of acuteness and penetration.
A narrow plaited stock, a coat, no buckles at his knees, no silk or velvet in any part of his apparel, and a head HIS picture of John Wesley, taken from the painting by J. H. Fincken, is one of the best that is left to us.
It is fitting that we use it hcre at the close of the story of the life and times of the Wesleys, and the beginning of Methodism both in Europe and America, together with the other pictures that have helped us to portray it to the eye as well as to the mind.
Here is a pen picture of John Wesley drawn by one who knew him and loved him.
We quote his words. "He (Wesley) had a clear smooth forehead, an aquiline nose, and an eye the brightest and the most piercing that as white as snow, gave an idea of something primitive and apostolical; while an air of neatness and cleanliness dif-
THE WESLEYS—IN PicTurE AND STORY
fused over his whole body." enced more lives than any other man in English history. And through it all, as he himself, in a humorous paradox puts it, 'he had no time to be in a hurry.' "
John Wesley was well known, perhaps the best known character that travelled through the three divisions of Great Britain during the eighteenth century. He was born in 1703 and died in 1791.
In all of that time he never spent more than two years outside of his native land. He poured out his life in abandon in helping to make this a better world in which to live, both for his own and for every succeeding generation.
There was no task too difficult for him to undertake.
There was no service too great for him to render.
What man of all that century did more for England than did he?
Who among all of her great ones has left such a record for whole-hearted unselfish ministry to the bodies and the souls of men and women in all walks of life as he?
Dr. John Thompson says truly, '"Wesley put his hands down under the civilization of England and lifted it up toward God."
Wesley himself near the close of his life was heard to say, "I have not felt lowness of spirit one-quarter of an hour in my life. Ten thousand cares are no more weight to my mind than ten thousand hairs to my head."
It is now a bit more than two hundred years since his heart warming experience in Aldersgate Street, when God set him free to be "His flaming angel" to carry the everlasting gospel to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people that dwell on the earth.
History records that John Wesley died and was buried in the little cemetery back of the City Road Chapel, and the monument erected over the spot where they laid his worn-out body tells the same story; but John Wesley lives and his spirit goes marching on.
His is a name to conjure by, Dr. Fitchett says of him, "In range, speed, intensity, and effectiveness, Wesley must always remain one of the greatest workers known to mankind.
He preached more sermons, travelled more miles, published more books, wrote more letters, built more churches, waged more controversies, and influif we believed in that sort of thing, but to this we can all testify, that his name will always gladden the hearts of those who love the Lord Jesus Christ, and of those who seek to live by the Gospel that he so effectively preached. a A THE END (as (aes a ae V
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