lative legislation is sufficiently easy; but what architect, understanding the theory and practice of his profession, does not know the difficulty of interfering with the position of the materials of an arch already constructed and consolidated? Wesleyan Methodism is so a Connexion as to constitute one body, every where the same; and its members, knowing its value from their own experience, as well as from the testimony of their fathers, love to have it so. Methodism is not a confederation of associated churches separately independent, and, so to speak, sovereign, united for certain purposes, so far as those purposes require, and no farther. It is essentially one. It is a Connexion. To those who prefer Independency, the Wesleyans bear for that reason no hostility; but they prefer their own system, and claim the Christian right of adhering to it. And the devout and peaceful among them, whose one desire in continuing their union with it, is to avail themselves of the opportunities which it affords them of working out their own salvation,—of getting good and of doing good,—and thus fulfilling that Christian course which they trust they shall finish with joy, deeply regret that a small minority should be found aiding the more guilty agitators in their ulterior designs, by asking for changes the necessary effect of which would be to destroy the Methodism to which they all are so greatly indebted. This was abundantly proved in the memorials which were presented to the Conference, and which, in most instances in which change was sought, asked for alterations utterly inconsistent with the Connexional principle. The Conference devoted much and very serious attention to these memorials, and has recorded its decision on them in a Minute which we shall take another opportunity of quoting at length. At present we content ourselves with stating the significant fact, that while of the presented memorials some contained declarations of full confidence in the constitution and operations of Methodism, and others suggested what the memorialists thought would be improvements in certain departments of the Connexional economy and discipline, the remainder, amounting to only twenty-two, asked for organic changes such as the Conference cannot make, and remain faithful to its high trust. Out of the four hundred and fortythree Circuits under the care of the Conference in Great Britain, only sixtysix sent memorials. By three hundred and seventy-seven Circuits, therefore, no memorials were sent. The history of the last few years clearly shows that, in religious as well as in secular affairs, a very small, but an active and united, minority is often very powerful for mischief. The satisfied and immense majority are quiet, minding their own business, and put not forth the strength they possess till a pressing sense of proximate danger arouses them. In Methodism, as in the political movements which have threatened the very foundations of civil society on the Continent, the few have availed themselves of the unsuspecting quietness of the many, and have spoken as if they were the voice of the whole. The deception loses its power when the truth is made known. One painful duty the Conference had to perform; but (if we may be allowed the phrase) the honour, the very character, of Methodism demanded that it should be performed, and performed fearlessly. The Conference distinguished between memorialists, led, by some ill-understood theory, inconsistently to seek a change affecting the very constitution of the Methodism which their hearts all the while loved, and the agitators, who not only sought to revolutionize the system, but were instigated in their proceedings by principles and feelings which, as utterly inconsistent with the moral standard of the New Testament, cannot co-exist, so far as man may judge, with the possession of vital godliness. Charity abounds in extenuations, where extenuations are admissible; but charity must always he obedient to truth, and human affections give way to divine righteousness. To plead for the calumniator, is to plead for Baal. He who taketh up a reproach against his neighbour, is not a citizen of Zion. On the last year's agitation, therefore, the Conference has pronounced a definite opinion, and thus freed itself from all suspicion of participating in the antinomianism of the agitators. Than the sympathy which has been entertained and expressed with individuals whose identification with a course of secret calumny and falsehood, utterly at variance with the plainest laws of the New Testament, had drawn on them of necessity the exercise of Christian discipline, a more melancholy spectacle cannot be conceived. The language of a letter addressed officially by the Rev. George B. Macdonald to one of the chief promoters of the agitation, only too justly declares the character of the proceedings. He says, "Such calumniating records and base insinuations are an infraction of the divine law. They cannot be issued and repeated by any one possessing the mind that was in Christ. They involve the soul in guilt, and necessitate repentance towards God, and the fruits of repentance towards man, if forgiveness be sought evangelically." Such an agitation the Conference has no reason to fear. Truth and righteousness must eventually prevail among a Christian people. The "Annual Address" will be found to contain some faithful and affectionate warnings to those who may be in danger, by the artifices of designing men, of being moved from their steadfastness. We trust that by all our readers this valuable and truly Christian document will be read with prayerful attention. While much of the time of the Conference was unavoidably occupied by matters arising out of the painful occurrences of the past year, the usual business of the Connexion was not overlooked, and some subjects of great importance were carefully considered, and resolutions passed in relation to them, from which we anticipate great benefit to the Connexion. Such will be found to be those which refer to Catechumen Classes, and to Education. We can only mention them, directing attention to the "Annual Minutes," in which these arrangements are recorded. Notwithstanding the efforts made to disturb the Connexion, many of the Circuits were reported to be not only in a peaceful, but even a prosperous, condition. In Great Britain alone there has been a net increase of 10,003 members of Society. On the Foreign Stations, also, there has been a small increase; but in Ireland, chiefly through emigration, there is found to be a decrease of 1,114. The total increase is thus reduced to 9,004. The Conference has been eminently "a good one." Many subjects of discussion were, indeed, painful ones; but a stronger union of fraternal affection among the assembled Ministers was never witnessed. It was evident, too, that never was ministerial responsibility more deeply felt. Both from the extraordinary (and, we trust, only temporary) circumstances of the Connexion, and its ordinary condition, motives were derived for increased zeal and fidelity. The Ministers separated, firmly purposing, in the strength of Divine grace, to devote themselves more fully than ever to God and His work, and thus to answer by well-doing the unfounded charges of mistaken men. Let them experience the cordial and effectual co-operation of the people of their charge,-let both divisions of the church earnestly and without ceasing pray for a revival of the work of God, avoid whatever would hinder its breaking forth, and unitedly labour, in their several spheres of action, to promote it,-and blessings rich as any with which Wesleyan Methodism has ever been favoured, may in the course of the ensuing year be anticipated. Let disturbing agitation give way to calm reflection, and strife be subdued by the spirit of prayer and holiness and love; and in every Circuit it shall be said, as the Ministers assembled in Conference felt that with humble and devout thankfulness they could say, "The best of all is, God is with us." III THE STATIONS OF THE WESLEYAN-METHODIST MINISTERS, AND PREACHERS ON TRIAL, FOR 1850-51. [N.B. Each of the places mentioned in these Stations, and numbered from 1 to 498, is the head of a Circuit. The Superintendent and other Minister or Ministers stationed in, or appointed to, the several Circuits under-mentioned, is and are appointed by the Conference to preach and to perform all acts of religious worship and Methodist discipline in each and every of the Wesleyan-Methodist chapels already erected, or to be crected, within each Circuit respectively, within the space of twelve calendar months, at such time or times, and in such manner, as to him or them shall seem proper; subject nevertheless to the Superintendent Minister.] I. LONDON GREAT BRITAIN. JOHN BEECHAM, D.D., President of THE CONFERENCE. JOHN HANNAH, D.D., SECRETARY. DISTRICT.-John Beecham, D.D., (President of the Conference,) Chairman of the District. Frederick J. Jobson, Financial Secretary. 1 First London, (City-road,&c.,) Joseph Fowler, Joseph Hargreaves, Thomas Pennington, Frederick J. Jobson, J. Gilchrist Wilson, James Allen, 3d; Joshua Fielden, William Brocklehurst, James Whitworth, Supernumeraries. George Cubitt, and William L. Thornton, M.A., Editors; John Mason, Book-Steward. Jabez Bunting, D.D., Robert Alder, D.D., and Elijah Hoole, General Secretaries for our Missions; John Hebb, President's Assistant; Samuel Young, Superintendcnt, under the direction of the Missionary Committee, of the Irish Missions and Schools. Wesleyan Theological Institution : Dr. Bunting, President of the Institution. House-Governor; John Hannah, D.D., Uxbridge, David Barley. 2 Second London, (Great Queen-street, &c.,) John Lomas, George Maunder, William Arthur; Robert Wood, Joseph Walker, Supernumeraries. 3 Third London, (Spitalfields, &c.,) Peter M'Owan, Joseph Stinson, William O. Booth, Theophilus Woolmer; James Baker, Supernumerary. Thames Mission, William A. Quick, who shall change once on each Sabbath with the Ministers of the Third London Circuit. 4 Fourth London, (Southwark, &c..) John Rigg, Willson Brailsford, James Wheeler; James H. Rigg, Supernumerary. 5 Fifth London, (Lambeth, &c.,) John Hall, David Hay, Thomas Nightingale, Luke Tyerman; Thomas Key, Supernumerary. 6 Sixth London, (Hinde-street, &c.,) Joseph Beaumont, M.D., Alexander Strachan, John Nelson, 1st, Daniel West; Joseph Sutcliffe, A.M., Joseph Lewis, William M. Bunting, John C. Leppington, Supernumeraries. 7 Seventh London, (Chelsea, &c.,) William Naylor, George Scott, 1st; John Bicknell, Supernumerary. 8 Eighth London, (Islington, &c.,) John Scott, John Rattenbury, Thomas Vasey, Edward Lightwood, Michael C. Taylor; John Kershaw, Isaac Phenix, sen., Isaac Phenix, jun., Supernumeraries. 9 Deptford, John Brown, 1st, John Lyth; Thomas Rogers, Supernumerary. N.B. The Superintendent shall reside at Greenwich. 10 Woolwich, Robert Thompson, Henry Edwards. 11 Hammersmith, William D. Goy, Jacob Morton. 12 Croydon, John Knowles, 1st, Thomas Wilkinson; Edward Chapman, Supernumerary. 13 Barking and Romford, George Ranyell, who shall change once in every four weeks, on the Lord's day, with the Ministers of the Third London Circuit. 14 Leyton, William Burnett, who shall change twice in every quarter of a year, on the Lord's day, with the Ministers of the First and Eighth London Circuits. N.B. Brother Burnett shall reside at Woodford, Essex. 15 Ware and Bishop-Stortford, John Richards, 2d, Robert T. Rundle. 16 Cambridge, James Brownell, Marmaduke C. Osborn. 17 Windsor, William Box, Joshua Mottram. 18 Chelmsford, William Drewitt, Henry W. Jackson, B. A. 19 Maldon, Joseph B. West, John Reacher. 20 Colchester, James Ray, George Blencowe; William Sharpe, Supernumerary. 21 Manningtree, Thomas Turner, Robert Keyworth, Robert S. Ellis. N.B. Brother Keyworth shall reside at Harwich. 22 Ipswich, Ebenezer Moulton, Edward Crofts, John Harrop; George North, Supernume rary. N.B. Brother Crofts shall reside at Woodbridge, Suffolk. 23 Hastings, Henry W. Williams, Thomas Akroyd; James Lancaster, Henry Padgham, Supernumeraries. 24 Sevenoaks, Samuel Lucas, 1st, Alexander T. James. 25 Tunbridge Wells, Walter O. Croggon, Benjamin Frankland, jun., B.A., John Skidmore. N.B. Brother Frankland shall reside at Tonbridge. 26 Lewes and Eastbourne, Joseph Pechey, who shall change regularly with the Ministers of the Brighton Circuit. 27 Brighton, William Barton, John Harvard, John Jones, 4th. N.B. Brother Harvard shall reside at Worthing. 28 St. Alban's, Maurice Britton, Richard Woodfin, Charles E. Woolmer. N.B. Brother Woolmer shall reside at Watford. 29 Guildford and Alton, Richard Chapman, John Eglinton, James A. Macdonald. N.B. Brother Eglinton shall reside at Alton, and Brother Macdonald at Godalming. 30 Dorking and Horsham, John Owen, George Buckley. N.B. Brother Buckley shall reside at Horsham. II. BEDFORD AND NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT.-Benjamin Andrews, LL.D., Chair man. Peter Cooper, Financial Secretary. 31 Bedford and Ampthill, Joseph Entwisle, Walter Coates, Thomas B. Goodwin; Maximilian Wilson, William Dixon, Supernumeraries. 32 Leighton - Buzzard, John Wevill, Charles Carter, Henry Banks. N.B. Brother Banks shall reside at Stewkley. 33 Luton, Thomas Stephenson, Matthew T. Male. 34 Dunstable, Peter Cooper, John Vanes. 35 St. Neot's, John D. Julian, James Sugden. 36 Biggleswade, Wright Shovelton, John W. Wilson. 37 Hitchin, Thomas Dove, who shall change on one Sunday in every six weeks with the Ministers of the Biggleswade Circuit. 38 Huntingdon, Thomas M. Rodham, Nathaniel Alston, John Moore; John Piggott, Supernumerary. 39 Northampton, Benjamin Andrews, LL.D., William Tarr; William Hinson, William Taylor, Supernumeraries. 40 Towcester, James S. Haigh, Henry Keet. 41 Daventry, William Jewett, James Golding, William Ford. 42 Newport-Pagnell, John Booth, James Hartle. 43 Higham-Ferrers, Samuel H. Wardley, William J. Dawson. 44 Wellingborough, John Cullen, John Dawson. 45 Kettering, John Mann; Henry Fish, A.M., Supernumerary. 46 Market-Harborough, Thomas Pearson, 1st, Charles Hillard; Richard Eland, sen., Supernumerary. N.B. Brother Hillard shall devote every other Sabbath to the Kettering Circuit. 47 Chatteris, Benjamin G. Mitchell, Benjamin Field. 48 Oundle, John Tucker, George Rowe; Isaac Aldom, Supernumerary. III. KENT DISTRICT.-Thomas Martin, Chairman. James Cooke, 1st, Financial Secretary. 49 Canterbury, James Cooke, 1st, Edward Fison. 50 Faversham, Jesse Pilcher, Charles G. Turton. 51 Rochester, Thomas Martin, William H. Rule, Benjamin Gregory. 52 Gravesend, John Hobkirk, Henry J. Thomas. N.B. Brother Thomas shall reside at Dartford. 53 Sheerness, William Wedlock, who shall change on one Sunday in every six weeks with the Ministers of the Rochester Circuit. 54 Margate, Joseph Hollis, John G. Wilson; Robert Morton, Supernumerary. N.B. Brother Wilson shall reside at Ramsgate. 55 Dover, Thomas W. Smith, John Philp, William B. Pope; James Jarrett, Supernumerary. 56 Deal, James Rathbone, John Gilbert. 57 Rye, James Cheeswright, Jabez Overton. 58 Tenterden, John W. Dawson, Edward B. Pinder. 59 Ashford, Joseph Wilson, Henry Pollinger. 60 Sandhurst, Jabez Rought, Robert Dyson. 61 Maidstone, John Geden, William Hopewell Sittingbourne, John Smith, 1st, who shall change on one Sunday in every four weeks with the Ministers at Faversham. IV. NORWICH AND LYNN DISTRICT.James J. Topham, Chairman. James Allen, 2d, Financial Secretary. 62 Norwich, James J. Topham, Thomas Thompson, A.M., Thomas Rigby; John Hanwell, Supernumerary. 63 Bungay, James Jones, 1st, John Livingston; William Edwards, 1st, Supernumerary. 64 North-Walsham, Charles Povah, George Smith, 1st, Robert Horwood. 65 Yarmouth, James Allen, 2d, Thomas Rowe; James Waller, Supernumerary. 66 Lowestoff, Francis S. Keeling, Frederick F. Edmunds. 67 Framlingham and Peasenhall, Joseph Sykes, James Youngman. 68 Diss, Thomas Brumwell, John Sharman, Joseph L. Ball; John Reynolds, 1st, Supernumerary. 81 High Wycombe, James Bartholomew, Thomas Withington. 82 Aylesbury, George F. Driver, John Webb. 83 Witney, Peter C. Horton, John Dowty. 84 Banbury, Richard Hornabrook, Richard Bell. Kineton, John Anderson, who shall charge on one Sunday in every month with the Ministers at Banbury. 85 Newbury, William Davies, 2d, James P. Fairbourn. 86 Reading, Thomas Hodson, Alexander Puddicombe; Samuel Leigh, Supernumerary. 87 Hungerford, Charles Williams, Uriah Butters, Charles Willis. 88 Wallington, Edmund Lockyer. Thame, John P. Johnson; Paul Clarke, Supernumerary. N.B. The Ministers of the two preceding Circuits shall change on one Sunday in every six weeks. 89 Brackley, John Pearce, George Clement, John S. Vickers. 90 Chipping-Norton, Samuel Cook, Miles B. Pickering. 91 Swindon, Ebenezer Tovey, James Hughes. N.B. Brother Hughes shall reside at Farringdon. 92 Wantage, James Mayer, James Cooke, 3d. N.B. Brother Cooke shall reside at Abingdon. under the direction of the Superintendent at Poole. 97 Wimborne, John Fletcher, Joseph Simpson; Thomas Fletcher, Supernumerary. 98 Ringwood, John Bonser, who shall change regularly on the Lord's day with the Ministers at Poole. 99 Newport, Isle of Wight, John Wood, 1st, John Parry, Henry B. Brown, George C. Harvard. N.B. Brother Parry shall reside at Cowes, Brother Brown at Ryde, and Brother Harvard at Ventnor. 100 Southampton and Winchester, John Crofts, William Clegg, James Smith; Richard Waddy, John Willis, Supernumeraries. N.B. Brother Smith shall reside at Winchester. 101 Andover, Thomas Bolas, Jacob Turvey. 102 Chichester, William Worth, Francis T. Tranmer. VII. GUERNSEY DISTRICT.-Joseph Earnshaw, Chairman. 103 Guernsey, (English,) Ninian Barr; William Toase, William Wears, Supernumeraries. N.B. Brother Toase is appointed to take the Superintendency of the English work in Alderney. 104 Guernsey, (French,) John Renier, George Leale; James Hocart, Supernumerary. 105 Alderney, John de Putron. 106 Jersey, (English,) Joseph Earnshaw, Edwin Thorley; James Etchells, Supernumerary. 107 Jersey, (French,) St. Helier's, Philip Tourgis, William J. Ilandcock; Amice Olivier, Supernumerary. 108 Jersey, (French,) St. Peter's, Daniel Robin. James Hocart is the Editor of the French Magazine. VIII. DEVONPORT DISTRICT.-John Smith, 2d, Chairman. James Mowat, Financial Secretary. 109 Devonport, John Smith, 2d, Samuel W. Christophers, Robert Rees. 110 Plymouth, James Mowat, Thomas Wood, George T. Morrison; Thomas Bersey, Oliver Henwood, Joshua Wade, Supernumeraries. 111 Launceston, Thomas Jewell, John W. Roberts. 112 Holdsworthy, John Allin, John Shipham. 113 Kilkhampton, John L. Sanders, Henry W. Holland. 114 Liskeard, Richard Moody, Edward Addison. 115 Callington, William Sanders, Thomas Chope. 116 Tavistock, John Ryan, 2d, William Way; Nicholas Sibly, Henry Hicks, Supernumeraries. 117 Camelford, Edward Branstone, James Fisher; John Robinson, Supernumerary. N.B. Brother Fisher shall reside at Wadebridge. 118 Kingsbridge, Humphrey B. Trethewey, John Lewis, 2d. N.B. Brother Lewis shall reside at Modbury. 119 Brixham, Elijah Toyne, James Mitchell. N.B. Brother Mitchell shall reside at Dart mouth. |