Decline of Wesleyan Methodism.
THE Wesleyan Methodists some years ago came out as a body of reformers from the Methodist Episcopal Church. The movement was the result of the need of a higher standard, and deeper piety in the church. We have ever considered the Wesleyan body spiritually in advance of the other denominations of Methodists. But that body is approaching dissolution, being gradually absorbed into other denominations. Is this because other religious bodies have advanced, so that there is no longer call for a separate organization on their part? or is the spirit of reform and advancement dying out among themselves? It certainly is not the former. The Methodist, an independent organ of the M. E. church, in a late number says:— “THE Wesleyan body is undergoing a slow process of disintegration. In recent numbers of the American Wesleyan, the Rev. Drs. Lee and Prindle have taken leave of their old associates. The statement given by them of their reasons for uniting with our church is made at great length, and yet dispassionately. Dr. Prindle presents some startling facts of the decline of the church to which he has devoted so many laborious years. In not a few cities, the Wesleyans have become extinct. In New England, where, in 1845–6, nearly fifty ministers were stationed, they have not had for the last ten years, more than from five to eight appointed to Wesleyan churches. For several years, there have not been ten appointments in the entire connection that gave a competent support to their preachers. Some of the Wesleyans will no doubt unite with the Congregationalists, others with the (late) Methodist Protestant church, and still others with our own. The elder ministers, whose early life was spent with us, will be naturally most inclined to return to us. They may be certain of a hearty welcome.”