Concerning the Persons with Whom You Have to Labour

Although I have been of considerable standing in the connexion, yet I do not think that, on that account, my opinion can be entitled to much attention; but as I have taken some pains to form it, and you wish to know it, it cannot be unacceptable

8 — 2 to yoa. The abilities of a workman are best known by his work: judging in this way, I conceive the Preachers in general to be a most extraordinary body of men. The work that is performed by their iftinistry, is (I speak, I trust, with a pure conscience) the most extensive and the most glorious, of which I have heard or read. Now I judge, if these men were not very high in Grod’s favour, He could not bless their work in so eminent a manner; and if they did not, in general, so walk as to please Him, they could not stand so high in his favour. Therefore, I conclude, that the great body of preachers is a body of eminently useful and holy men, whose great actuating soul is the Spirit of the Most High. I think I know the preachers as well as any man in the connexion; for I have made it a sacred point to hear all their preaching, both evening and morning, at every conference I have attended, for many years. And after having seriously considered the matter and manner of their preaching, I scruple not to assert that they are (for pure doctrine, good sound sense, various knowledge, and impressive natural eloquence) at least equal to any body of ministers I know in the nation. And I am satisfied, that nothing but the glorious strictness of their doctrine and discipline prevents ihem. from being the most popular preachers in the land.” But is there not a declension of the work? And on your own ground does not this prove that there is a defect in the workmen f ‘If I could credit the premises, I must certainly admit the conclusion. But I cannot. I have been thirty-seven years a travelling preacher; I have had every part of the work under my eye in many of the little places and in some of the greatest. I have diligently consulted all the records of our revival; I have compared the former with the present times; and rigid impartial justice obliges me to draw the following condu- 3ion.-T-The work of God among the Methodists is at present abundantly more extensive, more scriptural, more rational, and at least as deep, as it has been from the beginning. I judge thus from what I have seen, from what I know, and from what I have read. Whatever has been suggested against the holiness and usefulness of the preachers, and the extent and purity of the work, by individuals among ourselves, or by any others, (comparing the former with th present times,) I religiously believe to be utterly unfounded. And while I magnify the grace of the Lord Jesus towards us, I heartily pray that we may exceed our former selves, and

8 — 3 walk more and more worfchy the yocation where- -witli we are called. I need scarcely add, that our missions are among the most extensive, and the most successful in the world.