METHODISM
168 METHODIST EPISC. CHURCH
histon', doctrine, government, and peculiar ceremonies (Bremen, 1«53, l"imo) ; Thomas Jackson, Wesleyan Meth- odism a lievivul o/ Apostolical Chi-istianity, a centenary- sermon (Lond. and N. Y. 1839) ; Dixon, Methodism in its Orif/in, Economy, and present Position (Lond. and N. y. 1843, 18mo); Wise, I'npular Ohjeclioius to Methodism Considered and Answered (Boston, 1856, I'imo); Kigg, Essay on the Principles of Methodism (Lond.); Shrews- burv. Methodis/n Scriptural (Lond.) ; Thomas Bond. The Economy of Methodism Illustrated and Defended (^N. Y. 8vo); Jackson, /-e//t-r to Dr. Pusey, being a Vindication of the Tenets and Character of the Wesleyan Methodists against his Misrepresentations and Censures (Lond. and N. Y.) ; Y. Hodgson, Ecclesiastical Polity <f Methodism Defended (Lond. and N. Y.); llenkle, Primary Platform (</J/(-M(«//.-.m (Louisville, Ky., 1851); F. J. Johson, .1 ;/«'/•- ica and A tnerican Methodism (X. Y. 1857, Vlmo) ; Strick- land, (icnins (Old Mission of Methodism (X. Y. 1851) ; 'J'ur- ner, ( 'onslitulion of Methodism (Lund. I'Jnio) ; W. J. Sass- nctt, Progress, considered irilh partii-ulnr Hfrt iicr In the M. E. Cliurch,Soulh (Xashvillc is."..".. r_'in(i; : X. Bangs, J'resent State, Prospects, ami /.'r.^jimrloiUi;, .< ,fih, M. K. Church (N. Y, 1850) ; John Bake. veil, Admonitory Coun- sels to a Methodist, etc. (N. Y. 18mo) ; Bishop Baker, Guide in the A dministration of the Discipline of the M. E. Church (N. Y'. 16mo) ; Hawley, Manual of Methodism (N. Y. l-2mo).
Among the earlier apologetical works of jMethod ism, Fletcher's Checks to Antinomianism, covering the lirst t^vo volumes of his whole works (see below), ranks deservedly as the ablest and most learned defence of Arminianism ; and, indeed, it proved (juite a polemic against Calvinism. The same writer furnished o-,,e of the best polemics against Sociiiianism, prcoked by I'riestley. The ablest treatise on systematic theology, from a jMethodistic stand-point, was furnished by Dr. Kicluuil Watson in his Theological Institutes, a work which to this day remains the text-book of Methodist students in divinity. An elaborate Analysis was pre- pared for it by the late senior editor of this Cyclopedia, the Ucv. Dr. John M'Clintock. Editions innumerable have been published of tlie I?istitutes, ^vith the Analy- sis, hulh in this -country and in England (1st edition Lond. 182-2-1828, in G parts; N. Y'. 2 vols. 8vo; Nash- ville. Tenn., 1 vol. 8vo). There is also a compilation of jMcthnilist doctrines, entitled Wesleyana: a System of , t '< sh linn Theology (N. Y. 12mo). See also Meth. Qu. Rev. 1853,.Jan. p. 136 sq.; North. A met: Rev. 1865, April, p. 593 sq. ; Wesleyan Meth. Magazine, lSGG,Fch. ; Cood Words, 18G6, Jan."; Lond. Qu. Rev. Oct. 1872; D. D. Whedon, in the Bibliotheca Sacra, April, 1862; J. T. Peck, in the Meth. Qu. Rev. April, 1870 ; J. Porter, in the Meth. Qu. Rev. Ajiril, 1871 ; D. A. Whedon, in the Meth. Qu. Rev. Jan. l.sd.H, and April, 1870; D. D. Whedon, in the Meth. Qu. R'v. IHiiO, p. 124, 276, 312, 443 ; 1872, April and Oct. art. ill ; 1873, Jan. p. 138 sq.; Lond. Rev. Oct. 1854. art. v; \<irlh Jiril.Rev. 1852, Feb.; Ch. Examiner, vol. iv; North lirit. Rev. xxxii, 269; Newell Culver. Methodism Eorty Years Ago aiul Noio (N.Y', 1873, 18mo) ; ^lalcom. Theological Index, s. v. ; and the excellent Catalogue of the lioston Library (2d or consolidated edition, July, 1X73). Dr. Abel Stevens, in his Hist, of Methodism, reckons that at least 1500 titles would be refpiircd to make up a fair bibliography of Jlethodism. 'i'lie l!cv. William F.Warren, D.D., in \\\» Systematische Theologie einheitlich behamlelt (Bremen, 1865, 8vo), besides giving the position of Jlethodism in systematic theology some- what in detail, has furnished a very elaborate compila- tion of Methodist literature, which is (piite complete up to the time of the publication of his book; it covers p. 168-186. In ICngland, Dr. Osl)orn prepared a treatise on the literature of the Wesleyans (Lond. 18()8, 8vo). Very recently a work was commenced In' the Hev. Dr. Sidzberger, of Frankfort-on-tbe-^Iain, which is intend- ed to be a full treatment of Methodist doctrinal theol- ogy for the use, especially, of German students. Vol. i appeared iu 1873.
Methodist Episcopal Church, The, is the official title of the largest body of Methodists in the United States, with branches in difl'erent parts of the world.
L Organization. — This title was assumed by the Amer- ican Methodists as a distinct body at what is historically known as the "ChristmasConference," whichcommenced its session on Friday, Dec. 24, 1784, and was continued through Christmas week, and until the second day of the new year. Previous to this period the American ^Meth- odistshad constituted sociWjVs, like those in (ireat Brit- ain, in connection with and under the jurisdiction of the Kev. John Wesley, whom they all alike reverenced and obeyed as their spiritual father and head. The first Methodist service in America is believed to have been held in the year 1766, in the city of New Y'ork, by Philip Embury, an Irish immigrant and local preacher, a caqjenter by trade, who was moved thereto by the stirring appeals oi' Barbara Heck, an Irishwoman, whose name is illustrious in tlie annals of the denomination. Thomas Webb, a captain in the British army, who was then staying in America, Robert Strawbridge, and Rob- ert Williams, all local preachers, were, with Emburj', the prosecutors of the work thus begun, until, in the autumn of 1769, Richard Boardraan and Joseph Pilmoor arrived at Philadelphia as missionaries sent out by 3Ir, W'esley. Seven others afterwards came; but the entire service of all Wesley's missionaries in the colonies was less than twenty-eight years, leaving out of the account Francis Asbury, who alone of them remained in the country during the Revolutionary War, and who be- came the apostle and bishoj) of the Church. Tliough several of them were not fortunate in their associations with their American brethren, two soon becoming Pres- byterians, a third, by his active Toryism, causing grave scandal and even persecution, and none, except Asbury, staying long, they, as a whole, by their labors, zeal, and adherence to the well-proved Wesleyan discipline, were instrumental in settling the cause upon a firm basis, and raising up scores of native preachers to carry on the work.