Smyrna times., 1858-12-23
Dover, December II, 1853.

FRIEND --: Believing that MethOdiSm,
as taught by the immortal Wesley aud promul-
gated by the selt-sacrIcug fathers of our own
country, is the wiSest system of religion IN the
world, have taken the liberty of address ng
you some thoughts upon some of those inROua-
tiOns which have crept into The church latterly,
and which, in my humble judgment threathen
TO destroy the old, welI-dehned landmarks, and
Danish from the church that spirituality which
has distinguished it above all others. | have
been pleased to notice, that your voice has never
ceased to oppose these Innovations, which have
recently made their appearance in the church
here; and it is for thus reason that desire to
express to you, in this mode, my hearty appro-
val of your course, hoping that what | may
here utter will prove to be a word of encour.
agement; although coming from one in no wise
Connected with the church, except by Birth
The great design and mission of Methodisla, as
you are aware, was to carry the Gospel to the
poor, and to erect higher standard of splritu-
ality among Christians. Wesley saw that the
poor were neglected and despised, simply be-
cause they were poor. He saw that the Church
of England was so wrapped up in tormality and
pride to De dead to the very essentials of true
religion, and he took the high resolve to sever
all connection with it and lay the foundation of
a new sect. This he did, expecting to meet
with the most bitter sarcasm aud ridicule, from
both clergymen and laymen of the English
church. In this he was not disappointed: be
aud his humble followers were derIded al eyery
point, as fanatcal enthusiasts" The success
which attend the preaching of Wesley, Whit
held and others, was truly wonderful, and marks
a new era in English history.
Having alluded to the origin of Methodism
L wish to enquire the cause OF the unparalleled
success which attended the labors of Wesley
and his contemporaries. All who are the least
familiar with The history Of the rise of Melho-
dlsm must attribute that success 10 the lessons
OF humility, simplicity aud charity which were
not only taught but practlsed by these early
fathers. The gospel was preached in the fields,
along the roadside aud in the rudest chapels
The poor, who were hitherto accustomed to
think that religion was something to be attend.
ed to by those whose birth and education ent-
tied them to its priVIle res, were now invited to
hear the Gospel preached without parade or
idle ceremony. The MeIhodists therefore, of
thus day, were an exceedingly plain people, in
their dress and manners. THIS was their great
Characteristic for many years; even in our own
country, So much was this the case, that thirty
years ago, they cOnld b. pointed out from the
gay aud fashionable. The MethOdists were
also known for their palnness and simplicity in
both manners and dress. They underwent
great hardshipS, sometimes,-and sometimes
they were imprisoned for the crime Of preach
ing. The prosecutions of Freeborn Garretson
are part OF the early history of Methodism
upon this peninsula. Let US now enquire, whe.
ther the Methodlsm of the present day conforms
IN It's spirit TO the Methodsm OF Wesley's time
or to that of our own country thirty years ago
The most superficial observer can hardly fail to
see that it does not particularly in the large
towns, where the wealthy of the country CON
gregute Some Of the plainest teachings of
Wesley are wantonIy, as it were, Sc: at def.
aace. We have already said, that Wesley !
taught lessons of humility, simplicity and great |
torbearance. Now, will 1t be denied by any |
one, that these lessons, which, If the life and |
teachings OF Christ are worth anything, form |
the most important part Of the true character |
OF the Christian! The lessons, however, are
CO nplratively but little needed by many of the
churches of the present day. Not in all the
members is this change 10 be noticQd. but we
are now speaking Of the church as whole
for OF course there are individual exceptions ;
so are there exceptions to be found in many of |
the country churches. But the influence of the
towns is fast extending to the country, if we
eau be permitted to Judge from Appearances
The truth Is, many OF the churches are fast
sinking into that same formalIiy and its twin
vi
Of England in The days of Wesley, and which
led to the secession of Wesley. If not the
SaDc 90 5' srs", 1t Is the same 10 kind MANY
Jf the members confirm 10 the most tashlOna.
Die in eVerythlng-In dress and daily deport.
uent LAD" d, unless We were told it would
- q II. WAO are church-members-
These iashIonable church-goe must have a
"a ashlOnable dress; they must have fashionable {
preacher, who must always appear in the pulpit ,
ASH IOnably clad, and who must not think Of
occurring them for their pride, but rather talk
Weeiy OF the glnrles OF heaven, with it's streets
Iicely paved with gold to insinuate, how q
,ver. that one OF them would finally fall shcri &
,f these glOries, would give offence, probably. ,
.ven if pride were to be the only sacrifice ,
Then, they are very kind to their preacher
i salary. if eight hundred or thousand. is
bot too mucl, with fne house bpsldes: fine I
PRESENTS are made 10 himself and lady by the t
rood ladies OF his congregation. ln fact no one n
ives better than the preacher, for all vie with
ZACH other to do him honor. The singing too U
nuet be fashionable these days,-and unless il 1
zones from the improved edition of the uole- 4
looks, it is perfectly insupportable the quoir G
nusG sit 10 The gallery, or it is unworthy Of the
anne. The hymns must be given out ut least
week beforehand, or they can't be properly =
ung: they must be practised over during the a
week, after the manner of the orchestra or q
pera truup. IA for these old ia shioncd tunes. !
hey are only suited to the darkies there is no
,usic in them. Occasionally you hear rumor- Q
d that an organ would greatly improve the Ii
,asc. Besides, say they. the Presbyter.ans v
ave organs, and unless the Melhodlsls adopt il
seup, the young folks will stray away to that !
harch. IL is further said that the preacher is
, fager ct organs. aud links they oughtto be
all The churches. As to the occasional rncr. C;
urs of some of the old heads, at these, 10 Sc
Iem. unheard OF things. when they fret learn n
what Melh0dism WIS, the answer is made
they belong TO another ages" when they are III
one they hope 10 40 as they please. Fairs NJ