A History Of The Rise Of Methodism In America - Media Sabda Org

A HISTORY
OF THE
RISE OF METHODISM IN AMERICA
by
John Lednum
CHAPTER 1
If we were permitted to behold the panorama of Divine Providence, and see how the Lord wisely
works all things, after the counsel of His will, we should be filled with astonishment, and
overwhelmed with the view. While Mr. Wesley's heart and hands were filled with the great work to
which he had been called, in England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, the Great Head of the Church,
whose proper work it was, provided the instrumentalities for the introduction of Methodism into
America.
As the rising of the springs, moistening the surface of the earth in time of drought, is promise of
coming showers; so the well-intended labors of Messrs. John and Charles Wesley in Georgia, in
1786-7, were providential preludes and pledges of what commenced some years afterward. Through
Strawbridge, Embury, Webb, Williams, Boardman, Pilmoor, King, and others. After the Wesleys
had preached a short time in Georgia, and had formed a society for religious benefit, Mr. Charles
Wesley embarked for England; but, by stress of weather, he was driven into Boston, where he
preached a few sermons which greatly pleased the clergy and people, after which he reached the land
of his nativity. Mr. John Wesley, after remaining in America more than a year, during which time
he visited and preached in Charleston, South Carolina, also returned home, and neither of them ever
came to this country afterwards.
About the time Mr. John Wesley reached England, Mr. George Whitefield sailed for Georgia, for
the purpose of assisting Mr. Wesley in his labors of love. In 1739, the epoch of Methodism in
England, the inhabitants of Philadelphia, then the London of this nation, first listened to and were
attracted and captivated by pulpit oratory and eloquence to which they had been unaccustomed, from
one "Who sent his soul with every lance he threw." The pulpit of Christ's Church in Second Street,
was subsequently opened to this interesting minister, who was as ready to speak, as the audience was
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to hear. He soon gathered around him such ministers as Gilbert, and William Tennant, Blair,
Rowland, and Davenport, -- kindred spirits. At one time, after these godly ministers had exercised
their impressive ministry on the people of Philadelphia for a week, the effect produced was, the
closing up of all places of sinful amusement, -- turning the current of conversation of the citizens to
the truth preached, -- and rendering all books, except such as treated of religion, unsaleable.
Subsequently Mr. Whitefield preached the essential truth of Christianity, in almost every
neighborhood from Maine to Georgia, between the Allegheny and the Atlantic. Many thousands
were awakened, some of whom were afterwards found among the followers of Wesley, when they
organized societies in this country.
Mr. Wesley says: --