Autobiography of Dan Young; A New England Preacher of the Olden Time (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER X. Origin of Methodism--Colleagues of Wesley--Controversies--Methodism in America--Personal of early New England Preachers--Abbott--Labors--Incidents--Mitchell--Jesse Lee--Pickering--Sabin--Taylor--Bostwick--Webb--Soule--Kuter--Bishops of Olden Time--Hedding--An Incident--James Yonng--Sketches of Bishop Hedding's Sermons--A Freewill Baptist--Conversion of a Sailor--Sugar-making--Dreadful Calamity--Remarkable Conversion of a Young Lady--The hospitable Man. Methodism had its origin under circumstances highly reputable to the numerous and flourishing religious sect known by the name and style of Methodist. It did not originate in a struggle for political or ecclesiastical power, but in a deep hungering and thirsting after righteousness, in a fixed and fervent desire for holiness of heart and life. No persecution, no blood, no uncharitable treatment of other sects has ever marked its course. Mr. John Wesley, the father of Methodism, by his iron constitution, giant intellect, deep piety, profound erudition, and untiring industry and perseverance, was peculiarly qualified for the great work to which God called him. But when he entered upon his work he had no idea of the results which would follow, and was perhaps more surprised in their development than anybody else, and repeatedly had almost determined on opposing them himself; and but for the controlling influence of his extraordinary mother, it seems that he would have done it, especially when laymen, converted under his ministry, began to preach the Gospel. How little did he think that God was using him as an instrument to produce the wonderful effects which have followed in Europe and America, and which are destined in their ultimate results to revolutionize the world. When God saw that the task of...