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took to preaching in the fields, until spacious meeting-houses were built for them in London, Bristol, and other places.
In the year 1741, these leaders having differed on account of the doctrine of election, the Methodists separated into two parties; one section adhering to Mr. Whitfield, who contended for particular redemption; the other to the Wesleys, who were for universal redemption: the former being Calvinists, the latter Arminians. Many of the Wesleyan preachers, however, incline to Baxterianism.
The distinguishing principles of Methodism are,—Salvation by faith in Jesus Christ; perceptible, and, in some cases, instantaneous conversion; and an assurance of reconciliation to God, with which, they say, the new birth is inseparably attended.
NEW METHODISTS.
In the year 1797, a number of the followers of Mr. Wesley separated themselves from the great body of the sect, and formed what is called the New Methodist Connection. They accuse the original Methodists of having constituted a hierarchy or priestly corporation, and have thus deprived the people of those privileges which, as members of a Christian Church, they were entitled to. The New party profess to have promoted the union of ministers and people as much as possible, by establishing their church government on popular principles. They do not differ in their doctrines from the Wesleyan Methodists.
JUMPERS.
This singular practice of jumping during the time allotted for religious worship, originated among the Methodists in Wales, about the year 1760. Soon after this period, some of the more zealous itinerant preachers began to recommend groaning, and loud talking, as well as loud singing, repeating the same line or stanza over and over thirty or forty times; and even went so far as to encourage the people to put themselves in violent agitation, and finally to jump till they were quite exhausted, and unable to move. It is some consolation to real religion to add, that this unbecoming practice has greatly declined, and it is to be hoped, has been abandoned for a more reasonable service.
UNIVERSALISTS.
The Universalists, properly so called, are those who believe, that as Christ died for all, so, before he shall have delivered up his mediatorial kingdom to the Father, all shall be brought
