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WALTON, AT THE GAZETTE OFFICE, ^ >^ 1865. m MAY BE HAD AT THE WE8LBYAN BOOK ROOM, TORONTO ; S. PIOKVT, MOMTRSAL, AND OV THE WSSLSYAN MINISTERS. CLASS MEETINGS: THEIR ORIOIN, „ . ♦ ITID J^T>'VJ^VTTJ^C3^JB&z BY / -A i EDWARD BARRASS, -V ,.:.|^^^'v„W.-;i^^:^- AtJTHOR OF A GALLERY OF DECEASED MINISTERa i:JH:£:R.BUOOK:£:, CANADA EAST: FEINTED BY i. 8, WALTON, AT THE GAZETTE OFFICII, ■.- -y '■'■■■\ ■ : - ' .''.'■■ V.%- . \-'-''-' '■ MAY'he had at the WESLEYAN book room, TORONTO; E. PICKUP, MONTKKAJ', ANUOy.THB WEeLEYAN MINISTEES. ■ -i i i'jn I T OO-I I > • • • •• > • > • J > - f * • • • •• • • • • - • • • > - > • • > • • • • ■* J • • • • • • '• - • THIS SMALL TREATISE 18 I>KI>IOA.XICJD TO^THJB REV. SAMXTEL D. BIOB, i,' i ' ,.vf O0-DBi.BCK4TB Of THK WESLSiiN OOirFBBiUrOl, 511^ /»'.(, 51615 ■■'•nv^ :. '.■^.^\-^' .f>. " There is such a thing as a denominational roology. There is a certain temperament, there are certain men- tal tendencies, from which, if a man is not content to remain a Presbyterian in Scotland, or «n Episcopalian in England, it may be predicted which section of the Christian community he will join. The Wesleyan body is the great absorbent of warm hearts and fervent spir- its. In the frequency of its devotional meetings, in the pureness and unreserve of its Christian intercourse: in the vigor of its responses, and the warming rapture of its hymns ; and in the benevolent vivacity which finds a post and employment for every member ; it meets many cravings of the young and ardent convert," Dr» James Hmnilton, *' Once in the week, or oftener, it is expected that ev- ery Methodist will meet with others, brethren in the Lord, for the purpose of enjoying the communion of saints. The joys and sorrows of the heart are laid open ; the dealings and ways of God are made known ; the progress of the Spirit's work in the soul is unfrtlded; the temptations and exercises of the life of faith Are de- tailed ; the Divine aflt'ectio s are quickened and reined by the exercises of praise and worship ; and the whole is sanctified by fervent and united prayer. Dr. Dixon, \fifxiiiZ .iilj- ^:>v> -s- -<^: >fififtv-J^=; ■wi •;.:•-■.; If ;-•'!.'■ The Metho( sential those C niainta time w membe el emeu in Met to nnot souls." Wei dium f( organi; we so a clerg ed— "^ Ast be ami odism be tilt Meetii "On< do, be to wea We ad gether for on be sa\ talk TN to gi\ and tc of yoi ces of were wanti togetl some Wf": '. V<):l(5. The Class Meeting is an institution peculiar to [ethodism. We rejj^ard this means of grat'i* as an es- jbential part of Christianity ; butdo nottlierefore, think those Cfinrches destitute of Cinistianity, who do not {maintain the institution in question. But at the same [time we consider that the omisniun is an injury to the [members of such cliurches, inasmuch as the social element of Christianity is not brought out so fully as in Methodist Churches, where they "speak often one to another," and ''declare what God hath done for their souls." ■.;.^i We think that the Class Meeting affords a better me- dium for the " communion of saints," than any other organization with which we are acquainted ; therefore we so far agree with the little girl, who was asked by a clergyman, " What is communion of saints?" repli- ed — "Attending Class Meeting, sir." ,.j«. As this institution belongs to Methodism, it may not>^ be amiss to notice its origin. The founder of Meth odism always designed to follow what he conceived tOj,*. be the indications of Providence. Respecting ClaSft Meetings he thus speaks : » *>r«»irk. -)u ' 'One and an other came to us, asking what they should ,jj do, being distressed on everj'^ side, as every one strovei ^^ to weaken, and none to strengthen their hands in God* " We advised them, 'strengthen ye one t.nother ; 'talk to- oi gether as often as ye can, and pray earnestly with, andiod for one another, that ye may endure to the end, and SQ c^ be saved. 'But,' thoy said, 'we want you likewise to,;,' talk with us often, to direct and quicken us in our wayjjo to give us the advices which you well know we need, .^g and to .pray with us as well as for us.' 'I asked, which ^tj of you desire this? Let me know your names and pla- ^j ces of abode.' They did so ; but I soon found that tney ,t> were too many to talk with severally as oftei> as they yg wanted it. Ho I told them. If you will all of you come,;*) togetherevery Thursday evening, I will gladly speind^^ some time with you in prayer, and give you the best ad-jj^'j ♦ f ot vice I can.' 'Thus aroso without any previous design on either side, what was called a society, very innocent name, and very common in London, for any number of people ussocliitiui; thomsolves together. The thing pro- posed iu aHsociatiiig themselves together was obvious. They wanted to "flee from the wrath to come," to assist each other in so doing. They therefore united them- selves in order to pray together, to receive the word of exhortation, to watch over one another in love, that they might help each other to work out their own salvation/' Wesley's Journal. In a short time such meetings were greatly multi* plied. Wherever Mr. Wesley went, the people desir- ed to have them ; but, then, he found it to be impossi- ble to attend to all himself; hence, ho saw that some- thing else was needed ; there existed a lack for which a supply was afterwards obtained. The case is thus stated : "When a large number of people were joined, the great diffloillty was to keep them together, for they were continually scattering hither and thither, and we knew not how to help it. But God provided for this also, when we knew not of it, , A year or two after I met the chief of the society in Bris- tol and enquired, *'how shall we pay the debt on the preaching house?" Capt. Foy started up and said, "Let every one in the society pay a penny a week, and it will be easily done." "But many of them," said one, "have not a penny to give." "True," said the Captain, " then fftit ten or twelve of them to me, let each of these give what they can weekly, and I will supply what is want- ing." Many others made the same oft'er. Mr. W. di- vided the society amongst those men who were designat- ed Leaders, assigning a class of about twelve persons to each." Not long afterwards, one of the Leaders told Mr. Wes- ley that on calling on one of the persons assigned to him he found him quarrelling with his wife. Another was found drunk. Mr. Wesley said, "This is the very thing we wanted. The Leaders are the persons who may not only receive the contributions, but also watch over the souls of their brethren." The society in London being Informed of this, willingly followed the example of that in Bristol; as did every society since that time, wheth- er in England or America, or elsewliere ; indeed^ wher- ever Methodism is known, this is its distinguishing pe- culiarity. Mr Wesley says : " This was the origin of our Classes, for which I cannot sutficiently praise Ood ; the unspeakable usefulness of the institution has ever since been more and more manifest." '%« .-:i-.. ■us (lesion innocent lumber of hing pro- obvious. ' to assist ed thorn- o word of tlmt tliey tlvution/' ''oumal. ly multi. pie desir- impossi- at some- br which > is thus ned, the fiey were we knew so, when 7 in Bris- ►t on the id, ♦♦Let Id it will e, "have I, •' then ese give is want- . W. di- osignat- rsons to [r. Wea- l to him her was •y thing nay not ver the ti being of that wheth- , wher- ingpe- igm of B God; is ever We beliovethat the events of the last one hundred ears have only confirmed the vIovh of Mr. Wesley egarding Class Meetings. Many hundreds, but for hem would never have become so well acquainted ith the deep things of God. The CIuf*8 Koom af- brds a fine opportunity for the cultivation of those ifts with which Jeliovah lias been plea.«cd to endow is creatures. Not a few, who have become eminent iu the church, have first begun to speak of the good- ess of God with their souls in the Class Meeting. At rst, probably, they were timid, but they became more emboldened as time advanced, and now they occupy important positions in the Church, and but for the oppor- tunities afforded, by speaking in class, they might have remained unknown, and the world have bt-eu deprived of their usefulness. "Through the grace of God our classes form the pillars of our work, and are in a con- siderable degree our Universities for the Ministry. [Dr. Coke. Here, too the young convert, by hearing others re- late their christian experience, receives information and encouragement to prosecute his passage to the skies, and we cannot conceive of a better mean for this purpose. How else can we know what progress persons are making in piety? True, we are command- ed to "exhort one another daily" ; but here we have, in the institution of the Class Meeting, an opportuni- ty more favorable for so doing, than any other that has yet been found out. A person once said to the Rev. W. Arthur, " It is ten years since I was receiv- ed into the Church, and during all that time no one has said a word to me about my soul." Had this person been taken to a Class Meeting, she would not have been ten days a member vthereof without being asked about the state of her soul, for the Class Meet- ing is instituted for this special purpose, to enquire " how their souls prosper." It is said that the late Professor Stuart of Andover College, being on a visit to a celebrated professional friend, who was a Methodist, and therefore went to d class, accompanied him ; aud though the class was led' by a man in a lowly condition, the effect produced op' his mind was thus expressed to his friend ; " I do not^ wonder that Methodists are so deeply experienced in* the things of God, if they are disciplined after this! fashion." We conceive that after the experience of a whole century, the Methodists are not prepared to abandon the Class Meeting : and though many are negligent in their attendance, it will be found as a general rule, that non-attendance is evidence of decay in piety.-r Those who are the most punctual and regular in class are generally the most deeply experienced in divine things. They feel "the love of God shed abroad in their hearts by ihe Holy Ghost given unto them ;?' and they are constrained to mal^e their humble confes- ^ sion, for the edification of one, another. No, \ye are not prepared to abandon, but rather by every means in our power, increase the interest in this mean of gr^ce, aud show its superior advantages to those who stand aloof. II. . THE UTILITY OF CLASS MEETINGS. i Class Meetings are of eminent advantage to all who wish to make progress in piety ; to "keep themselves in the love of God ;" and "to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord." 1. Tkeij prompt to examination. The apostle Paul in his second epistle to the Corinthians, said : "Exam- ine yourselves whether ye be in the faith." Commer- cial men often take an account of stock, in order that they may see how their business is doing. In all our seats of learning there are seasons for review, looking over the path that has already been trod, so that th« lessons may become familiar to the students, and that they may becojne well grounded in the various branch- es of their studies. ■■ each other. Surely, if a man is ever made glad by the counte- rs of Christ's; a-nceof his friend, it must be in the Class room. — rejoice and ^^7' then, do not all Christians avail themselves of le privileges of this sacred enclosure, and come and unity of be- immune together, like those in the generations of old, ere shut in ^^^^ spake often one to another, and the Lord heark- onwrcation ^^^y ^^^ heard it, and a book of remembrance was inilliar with written." Mai. 3:17. "A book of remembrance." ' have in the ^^^ Lord's Class Book.". (^Punshon.) I like a fam- How many sit in our congregations, and take part me paternal ^ ^^^ religious exercises, but they will not go further, le together '^^'^^ ^^^^ not connect themscdves with the Church. — 1 of gympftr' ' '^^^y ^^^ * selfish part, that is, supposing them to be When one *®^ieiou8. They conceal their light under a bushel. m They keep their brotherly feelings to themselves. The; do not expand their hearts, so ns to grasp even thosi. with whom they are sometimes familiar. They kee away from their father's house, and make the attemp: to go to heaven alone. ^\-S^fi.'J4't^:f^*;i^dfejK^ii .gi ^i^i* 3. The Class Meeting affords an excellent opportune ty for growth in knowledge. "Add to your faith vii tue ; and to virtue knowledge," said the apostle P( ter. In every one, more or less, there is implanted i thirst for information, a desire to become increasing All students know that while it is of vast impor ] tance to b*; familiar with books, so that we mayknoMMowu h the opinions and sentiments of master minds ; yet it i>» a boon of no small value, to have the opportunity oi conversing with intelligent friends. Indeed, we havt sometimes learned more, by an hour's conversaiiou, than we have acquired by a length of time devoted t( study. —■■:'■'■, '-':•' ^ '•■*,-.; .'v:;^*^-,;.;'t^/^t tility still w there been a liii with II dily ui memb spectii acqua ume, comm Ma Meeti hearts of di^ have hism you a you I that with distin ^K. Uk \o resist the foe, that thirsts for our 80111*8 destruction. Lgain and agaiu, when perplexed and sorrowful, the '^arm and ready utterrnce of sympathy, or even a sim- de repitiou for our own comfort, of some well known, familiar portion of scripture, in the Class Meeting, has produced the most salutary eliect upon our mind, and 'e have gained an increase of knowledge that we did lot anticipate. The learned Dr. A. Clark, speaking on this subject, lays : " I have frequently learned more in a week, (han 1 have learned before in a month, il understood )reaching better, and getting acquaintance with my )wu heart, and hearing the experience of God's peo- Iple, 1 soon got acquainted with God himself." This [testimony is valuable ; and how many amongst us are ready to endorse every portion of it. We know of I what we speak, when we give our avowal as to the u- tility of Class Meetings. " We have been there and still would go." Many a passage of scripture has there been made plain to us, on which we have long been seerking light. It is said that when the eminent Robert Hall met with any passage of scripture, which he could not rea- dily understand, he always went to an aged woman, a member of his Church, and conversed with her re- specting it ; and in this way, he often gained a better acquaintance with different parts of the sacred vol- ume, than he could have done by consulting different commentators, -i -vfi. t.*"i .'^r^ -- V Many a duty has been m^de plainer at the Class Meeting. Many an insight have we gained into our hearts, while our faith has become stronger, our views of divine things have become more mature, and we have become strong in the Lord and in the power, of his might. O, Christians ! would you be strong, would you advance in knowledge and true holiness, would you become perfect Christians ; would you attain to that which even passeth knowledge, and be " filled with all the fulness of God," avail yourselves of this distinguished mean of grace ; come and hear Chris- w 'ii! : !l ti^ns tell of ** battles fought and victories won." Cohie and leamhow to war a good "-warfare." 4. Class Meetings tend to increase our piety. Chris- tians are to "grow in grace." How beautifully i»tbe growth of piety illustrated ! "First the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear." So many are the impediments in the way of spiritual progress, that we need to avail ourselves of every help in order to our j growth in divine things. Here we have to- "bear one another's burdens," to "admonish one another," to "provoke one another to love and good works, in hpnour preferring one another," and to increase our love to God and to each other. Where can we learn these- various duties better than in the Class Meeting ? Here we learn that our com- panions in the kingdom and patience of Jesus, as well as we, have to drink the bitter cup, and to eat the bread of affliction, and that in our sufferings there is nothing extraordinary. *' Perhaps, one i s sorely tempt- ed, the temptation presses hard upon hift spirit, wiUi such mighty fascination is it clad — in such newer blasr^ phemy does it ptompt him to indnlge, that he thinks surely this is a temptation that isJK>t common to men. But at the class that week a fellow traveller relates the bitter experience of the same suggestions, and the blest experience of deliverance from their power ; and a new song is put in their mouth, and he goes on bia way rejoicing. Another has been stricken with spir- itual paralysis — a wearisome torpor has seized him, a strange indifference has come upon his soul, — and as in the Class Meeting, he tells his tale of half-hearted- ness and sin, i^mid the counsels of the faithful^ and the prayers of the pious, the glorious presence ot the Sav- iour bursts in upon the chained one, and in all tfa^ strength and nobility of i^^iritual life,^ he walks afresh 'with God.'" *^There is an aged pilgrim, who for years has walk- ed and fainted not. Many a hill of difficulty has he climbed; many a valley of humility has he trodden — he has tales to tell of wary walkings on enchanted 15 >n." C)otae [ground — of hairbreath escapes out of the nets of the batterer — aye, and of ravishing prospects, from the Id^dtable mountains, and from the elevations of Pis- ih ; and, while his eye brightens, and his voice fal- ters, he tells also that he has never repented of setting >ut on the pilgrimage, and that the pleasures are sweeit- ir, and the toils less irksome, than when, in youth, he grasped the palmer staff, and strapped on the sandals." Who does not see in all this arrangement, what mu- tual and glorious benefit there must be to all who take )art therein. The young are instructed by the experi- mce of the aged, and the aged are charmed and quick- lened by the enthusiasm of the young, He that is weak becomes strong, and the strong becomes like Da- Ivid's Lord. Who would not avail themselves of this valuable auxiliary of piety? Who would wish to eat their mor- sel alone ? To become desolate, cursed as the dewless hills of Gilboa. Man you are alone in the world, when you are not united with those who are *' contend- ing for the faith once delivered to the saints." You are a lonely traveller, a would be isolated Christian ; a single soldier. Come and unite with those who are travelling Zionward. Say, ^* I am a companion of all them who fear the Lord." 5. The Glass Meeting is an avowal of our resolution to be Christians. There are vast numbers who are on- ly outercourt worshippers. We would be afraid to say that they are destitute of piety, and yet they linger a- round the threshholds of our Churches from year to year, and refrain from identifying themselves with the people of God. We would remind such persons that they are exhorted in the Scripture to " confess Christ." We are assured that if we be " ashamed of Him before men, that he will be ashamed of us be- fore his Father, and before his holy angels." And yet again : "With the heart man belie veth unto right- cfDusness, and with the month confession is made unto ealvation." Now if this confession with the mouth is not iden- %e tifying ourselves with the Church, it certainly seemM very much like it. If one man can go to heaven with- out being identified with some section of* the Church, why may not all do so ? Moreover, how could there be H Church, if all were to remain isolated and alone, as many are doing ? ' See also, of what advantages such persons deprive themselves, and to what danger and risks they expose ^themselves ! "What would you think of a traveller who plunges unaided and alone into the tangled thick- et, whose every tree may cover a robber? What would : you think of a ship that has voyaged from the fleet, and forsaken the convoy, and if a storm arises, there is no friendly hand to launch the life-boat, or rescue the perishing? What would you think of a soldier, i who, confiding in his own prowess, spurns the disci- iplineof the regiment, and passes singly through the i- armies of the aliens, and if he should be surprised or t. stricken, he has no generous comrades to cover his re- ] treat, or bear him from the field, to " bind up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine." Now, this is just what you are doing who refuse to rcv^unect yourselves with with the Church, or make an •avowal of your discipleship. Can you remain out of the ark ? Will you peril your soul ? Will you endan- , ger your happiness? Will you risk your everlasting ' welfare ? Will you stand aloof? We appeal especially ' to you who are the children of Methodist parentage ! ; You have been reared at her altars, have been brought * so far in the pilgrimage of life. Surely, you will not / go to other folds. Surely you will not seek to be fed ' in other pastures. This is your home, your birth- I place. Come then, take one step more. Arise, and ^identify yourselves with that institution^ which, more * than any thing else, has tunded to make Methodism peculiar — has been its chief distinction from all other denominations. Come, show your attachment to the Church of your fathers, by assisting to build up that form of religion which they espoused. -•"■. >«f '-Iwi?^- ,f":»-:.' H"'"V->?: ■■■ '-^'t'^^' >i-''^"»?"'. '-*■*?*■'' \L.^4^-^i)X.-^'J:l-*^^>^ -^J,i,.V .-4;^'. sVU^'^-.. ■ifT'- HI. '■i ^ «T-1 OBJECTIONS TO CLASS MEETINGS. ' 1. Some say they are unscriptural. We are willing admit that we do not read of them in the Bible by kame. But, says Mr. Wesley, *' Upon reflection I (ould not but observe, this is the very thing which ras from the beginning said of Christianity, in earli- est times ; those whom God sent forth and preached ic Gospel to every creature. But as soon as any were jonvinced of the truth as to forsake sin and seek the rospel salvation, they immediately joined them toge- ther, and took account of their names, advised them [to watch over each other in love, and help each other [to work out their salvation." There are some things which are now looked upon [as essential to the prosperity of the Church, the names of which are never mentioned in the scriptures. Take for instance, Sabbath Schools. Who does not think them necessary to the Church's welfare, and yet we never read of them by name in the Bible. And just so with Class Meetings. While we do not read of them by name, we think that the practices of Chris- tions harmonised with them. Look at the words which we have chosen for our motto, "Come and hear, &c." See the memorable Revival at Pentecost ! How do the practices of that day remind us of the Class Meeting. See Acts 2 :42— -47. Pay particular atten- tion to V. 42. Malachi 3 :16. Hear the words of Je- sus : " If two of you shall agree on earth, &c. S. Mat. 18 : 19. Where is there such agreement of this sort, as in the Class-Meeting? Look at the various Epistles in the New Testament : Heb. 8 : 13, 10 : 24, 25. Jas. 5:16. ■;» '^■<4,i}^{-)4iiin .\fvr-.!^^^i Bishop Simpson says : "Some time ago I was stay- ing with a family, the lady of which took special pains to tell me that she did not like class meetings. I said little in reply. On tlie evening of my second day's C ^ 18 M !! stay quite a number of friends came in, and the sub- ject of Christian experience came up, in which all joined, none more heartily than my hostess. After an hour so spent I turned to her and said : " Sister ■ we have had a class meeting to-night — a good one I think you must admit."* Instantly she replied. "It has been a good meeting, but I never had thought a class meeting could be held in such a way." 2. Class Meetings resemble the Confessional. We regard this objection as a libel, and are bold to assert that there is not the slightest resemblance whatever be- tween them. The Confessor is bound to the strictest se- crecy, and all manner of domestic and social circum- stances have to be communicated to him, without the sligthest reserve ; then, when this is done, absolution is improbable. No matter what the crime committed, the Confessor cannot divulge it, or, he will subject him- self to the greatest curse both here and hereafter ; that IS, according to the doctrine of the Church which has instituted the Confessional, and which it admonishes all the faithful to attend, without the slightest reserve. No matter of what deeds the poor deluded victim may have been guilty, they are assured of pardon on the ground of confessing the same to the Priest. Nothing of this kind can possibly occur in connec- tion with Class Meetings. No domestic or social se- crets are there revealed. No question is asked, and no remark is made that would bring a blush on any countenance. The Class Meeting is purely for spirit- ual improvement. Its only object is to assist in mak- ing our calling and election sure. The conversation or relating of experience, is not merely between the leader and the member ; or repeated between them a- lone ; but op^.nly, so that aH .present may hear, and become mutually benefitted and instructed. •;•.&•;;''*» ^.k^^ " Thousands of holy and happy Christians in the Church, can bear testimony to the value of these week- ly means of grace, and tens of thousands before the Throne, who have gone up through much tribulation, 19 \eet upon them with pleasure, in that land where ;ir works do follow them." Is. Many v)ho attend Glass Meetings are worse than iers who do not attend. We do not plead for abso- perfection in any, nor do we wish to convey the ^a that attendance at class necessarily ensures a per- i's salvation. All we contend for is, that they are ^aJ/uahle auxiliary means of grace., and that all who md them, and improve the advantages which they id out, are likely to become more spiritually mind- than they would otherwise become. fAs to the objection about want of consistency, the le might be made against every good institution it exists. How many have brought reproach upon [cieties of the most excellent kind, by their dishon- ty and treachery. Judas was a traitor, and there ^ve been many traitors since he " went to his own ice." Now and then, spurious coin is put into cir* ilation. In all probability this spurious money is ide after the same fashion as the current coin of the lalm ; but because the one is spurious, and the other |>od, you do not therefore reject the good. It would quite as consistent for you to do so, as it is to dispar-^ re the Class Meeting, because some who attend do k, in every instance, live correctly as you rightly, doubt, suppose they might do. ■ ' ^- - m -i • : [An accident occurs on the railway. Doubtless the irelessness of somebody has occasioned it. But you do \i object to travel by rail the next time you have a irney, because some friend of yours sustained an in- ry on the same route. You would be just as consis- it in refusing to travel by rail for the reason assign- ■, as to neglect class for the reason stated. [4. Many are good who do not attend these particular zetings. To this we do not pbject. Many who do k attend have not been taught their utility ; or per- Ips have not had the opportunity of testing their val- Moreover we believe that many who are now good [ople, would possess a much greater degree of re- jious enjoyment, were they to avail themselves of the Ml privilege of coinmuuiou with saints. Thoy act up rightly, from a consciousness of right. They have high sense of propriety, but their religious fecliii might be of a deeper and richer kind, were they t hold fellowship with brethren and sisters in Christ J< sus, a little more frequently. Class Meetings bri a] us direct to God ; give us sympathy with each other strengthen the bonds of brotherly love, and stimulai to the growth of holiness. The great and good Richard Watson says that *' li met in class for his own spiritual improvement. Tli class did not consist of the nobility and wise, or tli learned, or the wealthy, but mostly of poor people^ accustomed to daily labor." With these simple hearijj ed people, he met once a week, and often enjoyed gren spiritual refreshment and edification. The late Dr. Bond of New- York says : " We hav^ never seen a Methodist who wilfully neglected Clas Meeting, who did not lose his spiritual enjoyments ; and for the most part, he lost his religious character altogether." The Kev. R. Waller, of precious meni; ory, says : " When a perse a is opposed to Class Meer| ings, it will be found, that he has no clear sense God's favor, no close fellowship with God ; or tha* he is becoming cold and lukewarm, and that when /^ person is in a healthy state of soul, he will long fa^ them, and regard them as the most refreshing mean < of grace the Church possesses." Juitice Mc Lean, for several years the Chief Jusi tice of the United States, no matter how he might bi! situated, or what had engrossed his attent' >^), (kjri:i| the week, would be found xa the Class Rorar a' ' clock on the Sabbath m(A*ning, and a more . ^ent jii rist, distinguished statesman, or pious Christian, tb United States has not produced, D. 'injr the residence of the late Rev. S. Jackson, a Super. ' I Newcastle-on-Tyne, he had charge of i clas?., \'.:.!cli he met weekly. In these meetings be fore h© related his own experience, he usually made A few observations upon some passage of scripture, tj fl lich his thoughts had been turned durinj^ the week. member of the class describes these neetiug.< us the most privileged seasons" of her lift' ; so beau* il and so admonitory were his lowly \ ows of liim- If, and so kind and sympathising were the counsels administered." He diligently visited the me fibers his class. [The late Rev. James Methley, also in his Supernu- jrary days, w..^ *h .^ Leader of two classes, and dur- his last '^itl-'^L i\i. was heard to say, *' If I could lly get to tie Chap 'I and hear a sermon, meet my lass, '.I'd ViSii :. few sick people, my sphere of labor foul(^ magnificent." The late Rev. W. L. Thornton, M. A., thebelovod id honored President of 3 Conferences in one year, ^hose sudden death has cast a gloom over the Church, )twithstanding his multifarious duties while resident Loudon, was a Class Leader, and those who had the rivilege of being at Conference in Toronto last June, [1864,) will not soon forget the encomium he prououn- id upon the Class Meeting. We add nothing to these precious and valuable tes- Imonies in favor of Class Meetings. Thoy are wor- \y of serious consideration, and all who desire to perfect holiiiess in the fear of the Lord ;" or wish promote the welfare of the Church of Christ, can- not do better than pursue the course adopted by the be- )ved men whose names are here mentioned. They lave left us a legacy in their holy lives. May we be worthy descendants of such illustrious sires ! I ( ^•, • . t • c • «> • . < . • • • • • . . , « • • ' • • « ' 1 • 1. '- • »•< * • •• • k • • « . m \ m '*■ >''»•• t BY THE SAME AUTHOR. "A Gallery of Deceased Ministers." Price 37 1-2 cents — a few copies on hand. Preparing for publication and nearly ready — " A Gallery of Distinguished Temperance Men, Minis- ters and others." V '* ^•: rice 37 1-2 eady— " A QUj Mini 8- ^"'mt.