104. CHAPTER XV. ABOUT this time the worthy 'Squire was visited by his friend the Dean of In the course of conversation, of which the recent uncommon proceedings in the parish formed a very conspicuous part, we select the following: DEAN. Sir, I have no doubt on my mind whatever, of the purity of the motives which actuate your worthy Vicar, or of his general good conduct; indeed it is very exemplary; but of the general expediency, and ultimate tendency of his conduct, I must say, I am somewhat doubtful. 'SQUIRE.-On all his proceedings I have conversed with him at large; and, whatever scruples I formerly felt, he has completely removed them. One thing he insists upon, that we must take things as they are, not as we would have them. This I can state, that affairs with us wear another aspect: the churches are always full, often crowded; the congregations are very devout and attentive; the service is delightfully performed; and as, before his coming amongst us, nearly the whole population had left the church, now, with very few exceptions, all his parishioners attend; and I am sure his sermons are as correct as I generally have heard, though, I believe, he preaches extempore, or nearly so; using notes which are laid on his bible in the pulpit. On that too, I have conversed with him. He says his sermons cost him more labour than they would do to write and read them out; and certainly they take better with the country people. His charity and kind condescension make him much beloved by the poor; and the children are delighted with him. DEAN.-A parish Priest is an important and estimable character when he fulfils his duty in every respect. 'SQUIRE.-I think our good Vicar does. He is enamoured of the character, and often appeals to me; (though I believe, losing sight of himself,) if the eighteen thousand ministers, of various orders and degrees, which there are in our establishment, were all entirely devoted to the glory of God, the salvation of souls, and the various duties of their function,throwing the full weight of their character, influence, time, strength, learning, property, -their all into the work, would not produce the most powerful effects. DEAN. They would be incalculable: but may I not obtain an interview with this gentleman? I confess I should like it. Some intimations of several parts of his proceedings have reached the higher authorities, but I am confident every allowance will be made to so much real excellence; and he will only be admonished, if any thing really hostile to the cause he wishes to promote, should be practised. We should, in the present day, be zealous, but we should be careful. In the afternoon, Mr. Monson accepted the invitation; when, after some desultory conversation, a subject was very seriously introduced, respecting the re-union of the Methodists with the church; a project which the Dean, as well as many persons high in station and character, thought highly de sirable; and which is advocated by Dr. Southey, in his interesting life of Wesley. DEAN.-Pray, Mr. Monson, what is your opinion of a union between the church and that powerful, zealous, and highly respectable body, the Wesleyan Methodists? as to its advantages and practicability. MR. M.-Sir, as to the advantages, I have no doubt whatever, to both parties; and, as to its practicability, I see no reason against it, but as to the best method of effecting it, I am less certain. DEAN. You have perused Mr. Mark Robinson's pamphlet, I suppose? MR. M.-I have; and the review of it in the Christian Guardian; with all the answers to it in pamphlets, and the Methodist Magazine. DEAN.-Well, Sir, is not his the proper method, or something near it, think you? MR. M.-On this subject I must bespeak your indulgence, if I express myself too freely -my sentiments may be peculiar. DEAN. My dear Sir, I shall feel obliged by your freedom. The subject is one which very much interests me, and I am anxious to hear various opinions upon it. MR. M.-Then, Sir, in the first place, Mr. R., I think, cannot have seriously intended a union if he have, he has gone about it in the strangest manner possible. He exposes all the faults of the Methodists he can possibly find-even the real and reputed errors of individuals, and represents them in the most unfavourable light: exalting above them the Ranters, Tent Methodists, Kilham's Party, and, in fact, every other; and this, with the professed design of uniting them to the church! Then the method adopted by his friends is no better. They review his pamphlets, heap encomiums on them, reproach or reflect on the Methodists-then, inconsistently talk of uniting! It is something like saying to them, "You are out of your place; come down; sit at our feet; submit in all things to us; and we will condescend to call it a union." But Methodism seems to say, "Do you know who you are talking to? The Methodists are not the poor handful, chiefly of the lower orders, pelted, driven from place to place; a garret here, a cellar there, a barn in another to preach in; but they are numerous, respectable, learned; |