Where both parties deserve so much censure, with regard to their tempers, the comparative estimate of their delinquency is difficult, and the condemnation of the one implies no praise to the other. The Calvinists, however, were the most guilty; for Mr. Toplady bore away the palm of contempt and bitterness, evil surmises, and provoking speeches. To Mr. Wesley, indeed, must be attributed the guilt of letting loose the dogs of war; he commenced the dispute by publishing Mr. Fletcher's defence of the minutes, after having publicly drawn up and signed a refutation or recantation of the obnoxious principles which they contained; and his horrid appeal to all the devils in hell gave a sort of infernal tone to the controversy. In point of temper, Mr. Fletcher was of all the disputants, at once the best and the worst. Too much under the impression of the approaching judgment to indulge himself with the ribaldry, sneers, and contempt, in which others seemed to glory, he discovered all the seriousness of Saul of Tarsus in his opposition to the Gospel, and, transported by that zeal which is not according to knowledge, he is often very devoutly wicked, and almost blasphemous from a sense of duty. In argument, however, he stood alone on the Arminian side: for though Mr. Wesley was shrewd and perspicuous, excelling in that luminous simplicity of language which controversy demands, he soon turned from disputing with enemies to rule his votaries; and left Fletcher to dazzle with eloquence instead of reasoning, and to substitute tropes for arguments. If the corruscations of passion and ephemeral wit should go down to it, posterity would pronounce him too loquacious for a deep reasoner, and too impassioned to investigate duly the most profound and awful themes which can occupy the human understanding.

It is as painful as it is remarkable, that the true point on which the whole controversy turns was never brought to view. This could not be expected from the Arminians, whose cause it would have injured. But the Calvinists, by this neglect, betrayed a want of insight into their own system. The contest, concerning what God designed from eternity, must at last be decided by what he effects in time; for his actions are the annunciations of his decrees. As Mr. Wesley professed to admit that God was the author of conversion, that he gave the will its right direction, and sustained the religion which he first produced; when this admission is pursued to all its consequences, it proves all that Calvinisin requires. Instead, however, of discussing this interesting question which lay within their reach, and tended to edification as it led them to look into their own hearts, the combatants pushed each other back into the ages of

eternity, to speculate upon the order of the thoughts which passed in the Infinite Mind.

Another singularity of this contest was, the difference of the tribunals to which the litigants appealed. The Arminians seem to have felt as gladiators exhibiting before the world, which must have been much confirmed in its native enmity to divine sovereignty and grace, by the misrepresentations of Mr. Wesley and Mr. Fletcher. The Church of Christ was the theatre in which the Calvinists sought applause; but they seemed not sufficiently solicitous whether that applause proceeded from the best or the worst part of the professors of religion. The Arminians gloried in the patronage of the Monthly Review, and Mr. Fletcher reproached Mr. Hill for appealing to the children of God. That was indeed more likely to be true which commended itself to those "who had tasted that the Lord is gracious," than that which suits the taste of "the carnal mind which is enmity against God;" but in appealing to the people of God, we should not forget that those who lay claim to this title without right are often the worst judges of truth and holiness.

The effect of the controversy was most pernicious. Without eliciting truth, or illustrating difficult texts, the combatants inflamed the spirit of party, and rendered the two bodies of Methodists, for several succeeding years, more hostile to each other than almost any other differing sects. Both parties were driven to extremes. The Calvanists not only shocked their opponents by saying things as strong, rather than as true, as possible, against Aminians; but they actually went to lengths which some of them afterwards condemned as the perversion of Calvinism; though others unhappily gloried in these extravagancies as the perfection of the Gospel: so that real Antinominianism became the pest of many Churches, and the scarecrow of the Arminians. These, in their turn, fled from Calvinism, with such haste, that they almost rushed into the arms of a mystical deism; for though Mr. Fletcher, as he advanced towards the close of the controversy, felt as a Christian on the verge of eternity, and dropped some healing antidotes to the controversial venom, Mr. Wesley seemed only intent on following up his position, that "we are going too far towards Calvinism."

CHAPTER XL.

American Affairs-Rev. Cornelius Winter-Refused Ordination for the Orphan House_Rev. John Zubley-Governor Wright-Bishop of London-Letters from the Hon. Mr. Habersham-Mr. Whitefield's Will-Great Meeting in Wales-Mission to America Circular Notice from Lady Huntingdon-Letters to the Hon. James Habersham, from Lady Huntingdon-Letter to Mr. Wright and Mr. Crane-Services at Trevecca-Designation of the Missionaries in London-Mr. Piercy preaches on Tower-hill-Rev. Charles Stuart Eccles-Arrival of the Missionaries at the Orphan House.

LADY HUNTINGDON now stood in a very high and responsible situation. By the will of Mr. Whitefield she became the sole proprietor of very considerable possessions in America, which, with the numerous chapels erected in various parts of the kingdom, and the College that her boundless liberality had reared, greatly increased her labours and her cares. Impressed with the necessity of depending more simply and entirely upon the revelation of "the arm of the Lord," she recommended to the several congregations under her patronage to unite, both in public and private, in earnestly supplicating the Great Head of the Church for a copious outpouring of his Spirit upon ministers and people. Tuesday the first, and Tuesday the fifteenth of January, 1771, were appointed for the solemn purpose, and were observed with great strictness throughout her Ladyship's

connexion.

The late Rev. Cornelius Winter had now returned from America with Mr. Whitefield's will, and was the bearer of

*The respect showed to the memory of Mr. Whitefield by the inhabitants of the province of Georgia, was very great, and gratifying to the feelings of Mr. Winter, who had accompanied him thither in order to instruct the poor negroes in the settlement. All the black cloth in the stores was bought up; the pulpit and desks of the church, the branches, the organ-loft, the pews of the governor and council were covered with black. The governor and council in deep mourning, convened at the state-house, and went in procession to church, and were received by the organ playing a funeral dirge. The funeral sermons were preached, one by Mr. Ellington, and the other by the Rev. John Joachim Zubley, first minister of the Presbyterian Church at Savannah. He originally came from Switzerland, and took the charge of this church in 1760. He preached to an English and German congregation, and sometimes also he preached in French. He was a member of the provincial congress, in 1775, but, as he differed in opinion from his fellow-citizens with respect to the independence of the United States, he incurred their displeasure, and his subsequent days were embittered. He was a man of great learning, of a vigorous and penetrating mind, and of a heart moulded into the Christian spirit. He published a sermon

To

letters from his Excellency Governor Wright and Mr. Frink, the rector of Savannah, addressed to the Bishop of London, recommending Mr. Winter for episcopal ordination.* strengthen their testimonials and prevent any obstacle, President Habersham wrote to the Rev. Brian Broughton, rector of Allhallows, Lombard-street, secretary to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, and one of the original Methodists at Oxford.

Mr. Winter waited on the Bishop of London, who, after reading the testimonials, sent for him into his room. He said, "You have been over to America as a preacher?" Mr. Winter answered, "No, as a catechist." "But," said his Lordship, "you have preached ?" Mr. Winter replied, "I have attempted to explain the Scriptures to the negroes, and the curiosity of some people have excited them to hear." "It was illegal," said the Bishop; "you had no right to do so." As Mr. Winter stood before the Bishop as a candidate, and not as a casuist to defend his conduct, he judged it prudent to be silent.

"How came you over to America?" asked his Lordship. "On purpose to see if I could be of any service to the negroes,' replied Mr. Winter. "Then," said the Bishop, "you went over with Mr. Whitefield? I suppose you have been connected with him, and have drank deep into his sentiments." To which Mr. Winter replied, "I hope, my Lord, I shall be enabled to give a degree of satisfaction upon examination." The Bishop told him on the value of that faith, without which it is impossible to please God, in 1772-a funeral sermon--and one on American affairs. He occasionally corresponded with Lady Huntingdon and Mr. Whitefield; and died at Savannah, in July 1781.

*At a meeting of the trustees upon the occasion of Mr. Winter's return to England, the following address was agreed upon to Sir James Wright, Governor of Georgia.

The Executors of the Rev. Mr. Zulubuhler to Governor Wright.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY,

We, the subscribers, executors, and trustees of the last will and testament of the late Rev. Mr. Zulubuhler, having, agreeably to the said will, employed Mr. Cornelius Winter as a catechist to instruct the negroes on the plantation of the deceased, for a year past, and he having given us entire satisfaction in the discharge of his duty, and behaved irreproachably in all respects in his religious and moral character, beg leave to recommend him to your Excellency as a person, in our opinion, properly qualified to receive holy orders; and therefore we request your Excellency will be pleased to recommend him to the Lord Bishop of London for ordination, that he may thereby be enabled fully to comply with the intention of the testator, by performing the ministerial offices required by his will, We are with great respect, your Excellency's most obedient servants, FRANCIS HARRIS,

Savannah, Georgia, Nov. 22, 1770:

JAMES READ,
JOHN SMITH,

JOSEPH CLAY,

NOBLE WILLIAM JONES,

he would do nothing for him of himself, that it was always usual for missionaries to apply to him through the Society; that they should meet at Bow Church, on the 15th instant, where he would be examined, and there would be an ordination the next week. From the manner in which his Lordship dismissed him, Mr. Winter formed some expectation of success. But to his surprise, after waiting in Bow Church till the Society was nearly broken up, Dr. Burton sent for him into the vestry, and informed him his business had been laid before the Society, who agreed to have nothing to do with it; neither could they recommend him to the Bishop of London, as he wanted no assistance from them. However all agreed if his Lordship of London were disposed to ordain Mr. Winter, they had no objection; but his Lordship replied he would have nothing to do with the American business except through the Society; and he added, that he was afraid the young gentleman had drank deep into Mr. Whitefield's doctrine.

After his rejection, Mr. Winter waited upon every gentleman whom he judged had any interest, and among the rest, upon Dr. Franklin, the kind and steady friend of Mr. Whitefield, and Lady Huntingdon, who engaged to use his exertions on his behalf. Mr. Winter was advised to write to the Bishop of London, and after his Lordship perused his letter, he sent for him and said, "I suppose you have heard what the Society have concluded on?" Mr. Winter replied, "My Lord, I have; and as it is a matter left to your Lordship, I hope you will determine it in my favour." But though he urged the necessity by repeated arguments, the only reply he made was, "I can do nothing in it." When Mr. Winter informed him he could not think of returning to America in his present circumstances, his Lordship said, "You must do as you please; and withal added, "Now Mr. Whitefield is dead, you want to throw yourself under our wing. We have an objection against ordaining any person brought up to business; but you have been a preacher with Mr. Whitefield, which is illegal." To each of these Mr. Winter made a reply in submission to his Lordship's judgment, but did not dwell upon them, remembering the circumstances in which he stood. Just as Mr. Winter shut the door on leaving the Bishop, he called to him, which led him to think the scale was turned, but he only said, "When you return to America let me know." To which Mr. Winter replied, "My lord, I cannot think of returning without ordination." Bowing his head, he said, “Very well;" and thus they parted till the judgment day.

The complete failure of Mr. Winter's mission was soon communicated to his numerous friends in America.

The trustees