His coming to America was partly owing to tem. poral business, and, withal, feeling a particular desire to preach the gospel in America, he had given his word to a Methodist man in Ireland, that if he (Mr. Ashton) would come over to live in America, he would accompany him across the Atlantic. Mr. Williams was an Englishman, but not a travelling preacher at that time. At length he heard that Mr. Ashton had embarked for America, and, according to his promise, he hurried down to the town near to which the ship lay, sold his horse to pay his debts, and taking his saddlebags on his arm, set off for the ship, with a loaf of bread and a bottle of milk, and no money to pay his passage. His good friend Ashton provided for him and paid his passage, and they came over together. As soon as Mr. Williams landed he went to New-York, where he preached in Wesley's Chapel, before either of the other itinerant preachers came to that city. Although Mr. Williams had come to this country of his own accord, the preachers and people encouraged him in his labours in spreading the gospel. On the first of November he visited Mr. Pillmore in Philadel phia, and then went on to Maryland.

As soon as Mr. Boardman and Mr. Pillmore came to Philadelphia, they began their ministerial labours; and soon began to preach on the commons, or in the fields, in the open air, where some thousands of people gathered together to hear the word of the Lord. At the close of the month in which they landed Mr. Pillmore wrote a letter to Mr. Wesley, of which the following is an extract :

Reverend Sir,

J

Philadelphia, Oct. 31, 1769.

"By the blessing of God we are safe arrived here after a tedious passage of nine weeks.

"We were not a little surprized to find captain Webb in town, and a society of about a hundred members, who desire to be in close connection with you. This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.

"I have preached several times, and the people flock to hear in multitudes. Sunday evening I went out upon the common. I had the Stage appointed for the horse-race, for my pulpit, and I think between four and five thousand hearers, who heard with attention, still as night. Blessed be God for field-preaching! When I began to talk of preaching at five o'clock in the morning, the people thought it would not answer in America: however I resolved to try, and had a very good congregation.

"Here seems to be a great and effectual door opening in this country, and I hope many souls will be gathered in. The people in general like to hear the word, and seem to have some ideas of salvation by grace."

Some time after this, John King arrived from London. He waited on Mr. Pillmore in Philadelphia, and desired to be employed as a preacher: but having no licence from Mr. Wesley, nor any recommendation from the preachers in Europe, he could not be admitted. However, this young man determined to preach; and appointed to preach in the Potters Field. Some of the members of the society heard him, and told Mr. Pillmore that he appeared to be a good hearted zea. lous young man, and wished he might be encouraged. After examination he was permitted to make a trial before the congregation; and as he appeared to be engaged for God, he received a licence from the preacher to go down to Wilmington and exhort among a few people, who were earnestly seeking the Lord. This was the

beginning of his preaching in America. Afterwards he went down to Maryland, and with Robert Williams and Robert Strawbridge, began a good work in Baltimore county, and in some other parts of the state.

The preachers during the following winter, spent most of their time in Philadelphia and NewYork, one of them at a time, remaining in each city, and interchanging as they thought best for themselves, and for the people under their direc. tion.

1770.-In the course of this year, the preachers enlarged their borders, and preached considerably in thestate of New-Jersey; and went beyond New-York as far as West-Chester, and New. Rochelle, preaching the Gospel to many attentive hearers.

The Rules by which the societies were then governed, were the same that Mr. Wesley had previ. ously drawn up in England, and have with very little alteration been continued among us ever since, and are as follows:

The nature, design, and general rules of our united societies.

1. In the latter end of the year 1739, eight or ten persons came to me in London, who appeared to be deeply convinced of sin, and earnestly groaning for redemption. They desired (as did two or three more the next day) that I would spend some time with them in prayer, and advise them how to flee from the wrath to come; which they saw continually hanging over their heads. That we might have more time for this great work, I appointed a day when they might all come together, which from thence forward they did every week, namely on Thursday in the evening. To these, and as many more as desired to join with them, (for their number increased daily) I gave those advi

ces from time to time, which I judged most needful for them and we always concluded our meetings with prayer suited to their several necessities.

2. This was the rise of the UNITED SOCIETY, first in London, and then in other places. Such a society, is no other than a company of men having the form and seeking the power of godliness, united in order to pray together, to receive the word of exhortation, and to watch over one another in love, that they may help each other to work out their salvation."

3. That it may the more easily be discerned, whether they are indeed working out their own salvation, each society is divided into smaller companies, called Classes, according to their respective places of abode. There are about twelve persons in every class: one of whom is stiled The Leader-It is his business,

I. To see each person in his class once a week at least, in order

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1. To enquire how their souls prosper.

2. To advise, reprove, comfort or exhort, as occasion may require.

3. To receive what they are willing to give, towards the relief of the poor.

II. To meet the ministers and the stewards of the society once a week, in order,

1. To inform the minister of any that are sick, or of any that walk disorderly, and will not be reproved.

2. To pay to the stewards what they have received of the several classes in the week preced

ing.

4. There is one only condition previously requir ed of those who desire admission into these societies, a desire to flee from the wrath to come, i. e. a desire to be saved from their sins. But where.