Orangeburg times. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1872-1875, 1874-12-03
7 JOHN Wesley

JOHN WESLEY. t'i, -
Tho lnjustice BiogrnpI,ers Hnvo Dono 10
tho Father or Methodism. fas
1t has long been settled conclu-
sion that John Wesley, the founder
OF Methodlsm, was in many respects
great character, as we'll as good and
apure man. The sect which he ,origi-
mated has spread throughout the, world,
and, from tho poorest and humblest
surroundings, has grown to vast wealth,
numbers its adheronts by hundreds of
thousands, and the tall spires, of its
churches and schools greet the eye in
almost every city and village in America,
while Its numbers aud strength in the
Old World are such as to command
consideration and respect from its
former bitter assailants and despisers.
Gould the old crusader against the pride
and folly and wickedness of an hundred
again in the flesh and behold the grand
results of the, mission work he began in
the wllds OF Georgia, he would doubt
s-~T~i less be filled with surprise and rapture
somewhat akin to that experienced by
81. John after he had avaiIed himself
oi free press and gazed upon the won
aehful glories of tho New Jerusalem.
Without assenting or objecting to the
peculiar faith and teachings of this
sect, 1t will be admitted that history. in
its record of the different religions
creeds and systems, chronicles no par.
aliel that will contrast to the organiza.
tlon. growth, and achievements of the
Methodist Episcopal church. And vet,
even while the great apostle was strug-
gling to nurture and preserve the feeble
lie OF his new doctrine in its infancy.
he encountered trials and tribulations
other than those arising in mis- spiritual
field of labor. While sweating under
the bnrden'of the cross that bore the
legends OF holiness, purity, and charity.
and crying aloud TO fallen mon and
women to turn from their wiokedness
aud be saved, he was at the same time
the unhappiest of men. Misery and
despair were in his soul anguish and
remorse followed him through the long
days, and the dreary nights brought
him NO rest. Singing aud striving with
holy fervency to do the work of his
master with clean thoughts and white
soul concentrating all his gifts and en-
ergles ln'the grand resolve to build up
.aoernacie OF the Lord in which man.
hiho could learn the way to eternal
happiness lE and peace, he was beset in his
path by temptations which. when not
resisted, have their inevitable seouence
ia IA misery and torment. His was like
inc experience of other men in similar
POSITIONS 1t is the same story of
Semptatloms, weakness and suffering.
sQA4et, unlike many other men, it seems
oohn Wesley did not go to ruin in con-
~ sequence OF his sins and indiscretions !:
nor does 1t appear that the subsequent
Propects or final success of his church
were seriously impaired by his actions.
L.,
known truth when he remarked To his
friend Herndon. that few biographers
gave the real facts in IN, great mans
lfe; that3the writer thereof is too ant
20 make panegyric instead Of a history.
presenting and dwelling upon all the
good deeds performed by his hero, and
glossing over or secreting his foibles
ana weaker characteristics. So it 3has
t9n Deen with the bographers of John
wesley, with perhaps one exceptional
sIote Mo recent lie written by Tyerman
MoC one telis tho true story of his rela.
tlons with the several women who he-
came connected with his life. and Who
beyond doubt, cast balefnI shadow
upon his career. F" "
In early life Wesley formed n reso,u.
ton OF celibacy, and determined that
MS ifltllre career should be ono of self-
denial, labor, and homelessness He
publlshed an essay entitled "Thouphts
on Single Life" oxtoling that state as
1he privilege, if not the duty, of all
who were capable OF receiving it, aud
three years aftor, in public hymn.
which ls clearly autobiographicai, OK.
pressed himself MS .folIows: .'F
I" have no aharor of NV heart
fET Io.robmy Savior of q part, &
And dcsocratetlie whole; q q h
Only betrotlled to Christ am 7. -. u
And wait His coming from the sky
Towed my happy soul"
But it seems ho did not long persist
IN this resolve. During his ministry in
9eofgla @ ne formed deep attachment
TO q MISS Sophia Hopkey, niece Of The
ch,ei magistrate OF the colony. The
earlier biographies of Wesley represent
sA The afnir as involving conspiracy on
the part Of the yonng lady and her
frinI,ti. ,orniraah Il, : -o-,-InI:o., a ,,;l.a