shall attend the general conference. For a farther account of their principles and discipline, we must refer the reader to a pamphlet entitled "General Rules of the United Societies of Methodists in the new Connection."

The Calvinistic Methodists are not incorporated into a body as the Arminians are, but are chiefly under the direction or influence of their ministers or patrons.

leaders, stewarts, and trustees desired select committees in the different cir it, the people should have preaching in cuits of the connection, and, with few church hours, and the sacraments of bap- alterations, was accepted by the contism and the Lord's supper administered ference of preachers and delegates. to them The spirit of inquiry being The preachers and people are incorroused did not stop here; for it ap- porated in all meetings for business, not peared agreeable both to reason and by temporary concession, but by the esthe customs of the primitive church, sential principles of their constitution; that the people should have a voice in for the private members choose the the temporal concerns of the societies, class-leaders; the leaders' meeting no. vote in the election of church officers, minates the stewards; and the society and give their suffrages in spiritual con- confirms or rejects the nomination. cerns. This subject produced a variety The quarterly meetings are composed of arguments on both sides of the ques. of the general stewards and representation: many of the preachers and peo- tives chosen by the different societies of ple thought that an annual delegation of the circuits, and the fourth quarterly the general stewards of the circuits, to meeting of the year appoints the preachsit either in the conference or the dis-er and delegate of every circuit that trict meetings, in order to assist in the disbursement of the yearly collection, the Kingswood School collection, and the preachers' fund, and in making new or revising old laws, would be a bond of union between the conference and connection at large, and do away the very idea of arbitrary power among the travelling preachers. In order to facilitate this good work, many societies, in various parts of the kingdom. sent delegates to the conference held at Leeds in 1797; they were instructed to request, that the people might have a voice in the formation of their own laws, the choice of their own officers, and the distribution of their own property. The preachers proceeded to discuss two motions: Shall delegates from the societies be admitted into the conference? Shall circuit stewards be admitted into the district meetings? Both motions were negatived, and consequently all hopes of accommodation between the parties were given up. Several friends of religious liberty proposed a plan for a new itinerancy. In order that it might be carried into immediate effect, they formed themselves into a regular meeting, in Ebenezer Chapel, Mr. William Thom being chosen president, and Mr. Alexander Kilham secretary. The meeting proceeded to arrange the plan for supplying the circuits of the new connection with preachers; and desired the president and secretary to draw up the rules of church government, in or der that they might be circulated through the societies for their approbation. Accordingly, a form of church government, suited to an itinerant ministry, was printed by these two brethren, under the title of "Outlines of a Constitution proposed for the Examination, Amendment, and Acceptance of the Members of the Methodist new Itierancy." The plan was examined by

It is necessary to observe here, that there are many congregations in London, and elsewhere, who, although they are called Methodists, yet are neither in Mr. Wesley's, Mr. Whitfield's, nor the new connection. Some of these are supplied by a variety of ministers; and others, bordering more upon the congregational plan, have a resident minister. The clergy of the church of England who strenuously preach up her doctrines and articles, are called Methodists. A distinct connection upon Mr. Whitfield's plan, was formed and patronized by the late Lady Huntingdon, and which still subsists. The term Methodist, also, is applied by way of reproach to almost every one who manifests more than common concern for the interests of religion, and the spiritual good of mankind.

V. Methodists, numbers, and success of. Notwithstanding the general contempt that has been thrown upon them, and the opposition they have met with, yet their numbers are very considerable.

From the minutes of the conference of the Wesleyan Methodists held in London, July 50, 1810, it appears that the number of persons in their societies is as follows. In Great Britain, 137,997; Gibralter 50; In the West Indies, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland, 13,580. The Methodists in America are not in immediate connection with the Wesleyans here. Their church is Episcopal,

ritual; and they represent them as not on fair, just, and humane foundations. to commence till after the conflagration The torch of civil discord will be exof the present earth. But that this last tinguished. Perhaps Pagans, Turks, supposition is a mistake, the very next Deists, and Jews, will be as few in numverse but one assures us; for we are ber as Christians are now. Kings, nothere told, that, "when the thousand bles, magistrates, and rulers in churches years are expired, Satan shall be loosed shall act with principle, and be forward, out of his prison, and shall go out to de- to promote the best interests of men: ceive the nations which are in the four tyranny, oppression, persecution, biquarters of the earth;" and we have no gotry, and cruelty, shall cease. Busireason to believe that he will have suchness will be attended to without conpower or such liberty in "the new hea- tention, dishonesty, and covetousness. vens and the new earth, wherein dwell-Trades and manufactories will be careth righteousness." We may observe, ried on with a design to promote the however, the following things respect- general good of mankind, and not with ing it: 1. That the Scriptures afford us selfish interests, as now. Merchandise ground to believe that the church will between distant countries will be conarrive to a state of prosperity which it ducted without fear of an enemy ; and never has yet enjoyed, Rev. xx. 4, 7. works of ornament and beauty, perhaps, Psal. Ixxii. 11. Is. ii. 2, 4. xi. 9. xlix. 23. shall not be wanting in those days. lx. Den. vii. 27.-2. That this will con- Learning, which has always flourished tinue at least a thousand years, or a con- in proportion as religion has spread, siderable space of time, in which the shall then greatly increase, and be emwork of salvation may be fully accom-ployed for the best of purposes. Asplished in the utmost extent and glorytronomy, geography, natural history, of it. In this time, in which the world metaphysics, and all the useful sciences, will soon be filled with real Christians, will be better understood and conseand continue full by constant propaga- crated to the service of God; and I tion to supply the place of those who cannot help thinking that by the imleave the world, there will be many provements which have been made, and thousands born and live on the earth, are making, in ship building, navigation, to each one that has been born and lived electricity, medicine, &c. that "the in the preceding six thousand years; tempest will lose half its force, the so that, if they who shall be born in that lightning lose half its terrors," and the thousand years shall be all, or most of human frame not near so much exposed them saved (as they will be,) there will, to danger. Above all, the Bible will be on the whole be many thousands of more highly appreciated, its harmony mankind saved to one that shall be lost. perceived, its superiority owned, and 3. This will be a state of great hap-its energy felt by millions of human be piness and glory. Some think that ings. In fact, the earth shall be filled Christ will reign personally on earth, with the knowledge of the Lord as the and that there will be a literal resur-waters cover the sea.-4. The time rection of the saints, Rev. xx. 4, 7; but when the Millennium will commence I rather suppose that the reign of Christ cannot be fully ascertained; but the and resurrection of saints alluded to in common idea is, that it will be in the that passage, is only figurative; and that seven thousandth year of the world. It nothing more is meant than that, before will, most probably, come on by dethe general judgment, the Jews shall be grees, and be in a manner introduced converted, genuine Christianity be dif- years before that time. And who fused through all nations, and that Christ knows but the present convulsions shall reign, by his spiritual presence, in among different nations; the overthrow a glorious manner. It will, however, which popery has had in places where be a time of eminent holiness, clear it has been so dominant for hundreds of light and knowledge, love, peace, and years; the fulfilment of prophecy refriendship, agreement in doctrine and specting infidels, and the falling away worship. Human life, perhaps, will of many in the last times; and yet in rarely be endangered by the poisons of the midst of all, the number of Missionathe mineral, vegetable, and animal king-ries sent into different parts of the world. doms. Beasts of prey, perhaps will be extirpated, or tamed by the power of man. The inhabitants of every place will rest secure from fear of robbery and murder. War shall be entirely ended. Capital crimes and punishments be heard of no more. Governments placed

together with the increase of Gospel ministers; the thousands of ignorant children that have been taught to read the Bible, and the vast number of dif ferent societies that have been lately instituted for the benevolent purpose of informing the minds and impressing the

hearts of the ignorant; who knows, I say, but what these things are the forerunners of events of the most delightful nature, and which may usher in the happy morn of that bright and glorious day when the whole world shall be filled with his glory, and all the ends of the earth see the salvation of our God? See Hopkins on the Millen. Whitby's Treatise on it, at the end of the 2d Vol. of his Annotations on the New Tes. Robert Gray's Discourses, dis. 10; Bishop Newton's Twenty fifth Diss. on the Proph. Bellamy's Treat. on the Millen nium. There are four admirable papers of Mr. Shrubsole's on the subject, in the 6th vol. of the Theol. Misc. Lardner's Cred. 4th, 5th, 7th, and 9th vol. Mosheim's Eccl. Hist. cent. 3, p. 11, ch. 12; Taylor's Sermons on the Millennium; Illustrations of Prophecy,

ch. 31.

MIND, a thinking, intelligent being; otherwise called spirit, or soul. See SOUL. Dr. Watts has given us some admirable thoughts as to the improvement of the mind. "There are five eminent means or methods," he observes, "whereby the mind is improved in the knowledge of things; and these are, ob servation, reading, instruction by lecturcs, conversation, and meditations which last, in a most peculiar manner, is called study. See Watts on the mind, a book which no student should be without.

MINIMS, a religious order in the church of Rome, founded by St. Francis de Paula, towards the end of the fif teenth century. Their habit is a coarse black woollen stuff, with a woollen girdle of the same colour, tied in five knots. They are not permitted to quit their habit and girdle night nor day. Formerly they went barefooted, but are now allowed the use of shoes.

which is the most important that cari be sustained by mortal beings. Many volumes have been written on this subject, but we must be content in this place to offer only a few remarks relative to it. In the first place, then, it must be observed, that ministers of the Gospel ought to be sound as to their principles. They must be men whose hearts are renovated by divine grace, and whose sentiments are derived from the sacred oracles of divine truth. A minister without principles will never do any good; and he who professes to believe in a system, should see to it that it accords with the word of God. His mind should clearly perceive the beauty, harmony, and utility of the doctrines, while his heart should be deeply impressed with a sense of their value and importance.-2. They should be mild and affable as to their dispositions and deport ment.-A haughty imperious spirit is a disgrace to the ministerial character, and generally brings contempt. They should learn to bear injuries with pa tience, and be ready to do good to every one; be courteous to all without cringing to any; be affable without levity, and humble without pusillanimity; conciliating the affections without violating the truth; connecting a suavity of manners with a dignity of character; obliging without flattery; and throwing off all reserve without running into the opposite extreme of volubility and trifling.-3. They should be superior as lo their knowledge and talents. Though many have been useful without what is called learning, yet none have been so without some portion of knowledge and wisdom. Nor has God Almighty ever sanctified ignorance, or consecrated it to his service; since it is the effect of the fall, and the consequence of our departure from the Fountain of intelligence. Ministers, therefore, especially, should endeavour to break these shackles, get their minds enlarged, and

MINISTER, a name applied to those who are pastors of a congregation, or preachers of God's word. They are also called divines, and may be distin-stored with all useful knowledge. The guished into polemic, or those who possess controversial talents; casuistic. or those who resolve cases of conscience; experimental, those who address themselves to the feelings, cases, and circumstances of their hearers; and, lastly, practical, those who insist upon the performance of all those duties which the word of God enjoins. An able minister will have something of all these united in him, though he may not excel in all; and it becomes every one who is a candidate for the ministry to get a clear idea of each, that he may not be defi. cient in the discharge of that work

Bible should be well studied, and that, if possible, in the original language. The scheme of salvation by Jesus Christ should be well understood, with all the various topics connected with it. Nor will some knowledge of history, natural philosophy, logic, mathematics, and rhetoric, be useless. A clear judgment, also, with a retentive memory, inventive faculty, and a facility of communication, should be obtained.-4. They should be diligent as to their studies. Their time especially should be improved, and not lost by too much sleep. formal visits, indolence, reading useless

MINISTRY, GOSPEL, an ordinance appointed for the purpose of instructing men in the principles and knowledge of the Gospel, Eph. iv. 3, 11. Rom. x. 15. Heb. v. 4. That the Gospel ministry is of divine origin, and intended to be kept up in the church, will evidently

books, studying useless subjects. Every CLAMATION, ELOQUENCE, PREACH day should have its work, and every ING, and SERMONS, in this work; Dr. subject its due attention. Some advise Smith's Lect. on the Sacred Office; a chapter in the Hebrew Bible, and ano- Gerard's Pastoral Care; Macgill's ther in the Greek Testament, to be Address to Young Clergymen; Chry read every day. A well chosen system sostom on the Priesthood; Paxter's of divinity should be accurately studied. Reformed Pastor; Burnet's Pastoral The best definitions should be obtained, Care; Watt's Humble Attempt; Dr. and a constant regard paid to ull those Edward's Preacher; Mason's Student studies which savour of religion, and || and Pastor; Gibbon's Christian Mihave some tendency to public work.-5.nister; Mather's Student and PreachMinisters should be extensive as to er; Osterwald's Lectures on the Sacred their benevolence and candour. A con- Ministry; Robinson's Claude; Dodtracted bigotted spirit ill becomes those dridge's Lectures on Preaching and the who preach a Gospel which breathes the Ministerial Office. purest benevolence to mankind. This spirit has done more harm among all parties than many imagine; and is, in my opinion, one of the most powerfu! engines the devil makes use of to oppose the best interests of mankind; and it is really shocking to observe how sects and parties have all, in their turns, anathe-appear, if we consider the promises, matized each other. Now, while minis. that in the last and best times of the ters ought to contend earnestly for the New--Testament dispensation there faith once delivered to the saints, they would be an instituted and regular mimust remember that men always will nistry in her, Eph. iv. 8, 11. Tit. i. 5. think different from each other; that 1 Pet. v. 1 Tim. i. also from the names prejudice of education has great influ- of office peculiar to some members in ence; that difference of opinion as to the church, and not common to all, Eph. non-essential things is not of such im- iv. 8, 11; from the duties which are reportance as to be a ground of dislike. presented as reciprocally binding on mi Let the ministers of Christ, then, pitynisters and people, Heb. xiii. 7. 17. 1 the weak, forgive the ignorant, bear || Pet. v. 2, 3, 4; from the promises of aswith the sincere though mistaken zea-sistance which were given to the first lot, and love all who love the Lord Je-ministers of the new dispensation, Matt. sus Christ.-6. Ministers should be xxviii. 20; and from the importance of zealous and faithful in their fublica Gospel Ministry, which is represented work. The sick must be visited; chil-in the Scripture as a very great blessdren must be catechised; the ordinances administered; and the word of God preached. These things must be taken up, not as a matter of duty only, but of pleasure, and executed with faithfulness; MINISTERIAL CALL, a term used and, as they are of the utmost impor- to denote that right or authority which tance, ministers should attend to them a person receives to preach the Gospel. with all that sincerity, earnestness, This call is considered as twofold, diand zeal which that importance devine and ecclesiastical. The following mands. An idle, frigid, indifferent mi-things seem essential to a divine call: nister is a pest to society, a disgrace to 1. A holy, blameless life.-2. An ardent his profession, an injury to the church, and constant inclination and zeal to do and offensive to God himself.-7. Lastly, good.-3. Abilities suited to the work: ministers should be uniform as to their such as knowledge, aptness to teach, conduct. No brightness of talent, no su- courage, &c.-4. An opportunity afperiority of intellect, no extent of know-forded in Providence to be useful. An ledge, will ever be a substitute for this.ecclesiastical call consists in the election They should not only possess a luminous which is made of any person to be a mind, but set a good example. This pastor. But here the Episcopalian and will procure dignity to themselves. give the Dissenter differ; the former beenergy to what they say, and prove alieving that the choice and call of a miblessing to the circle in which theynister rest with the superior clergy, or move. In fine, they should be men of those who have the gift of an ecclesias prudence and prayer, light and love, tical benefice; the latter supposes that zeal and knowledge, courage and hu-it should rest on the suffrage of the peozuility, humanity and religion. See DE ple to whom he is to minister. The

ing to them who enjoy it, and the removal of it as one of the greatest calamities which can befall any people, Rev. ii. and iii. See books under last article.