also they resemble the productions of the most eminent men among his contemporaries.

Every effort has been made to include the whole of Mr. Wesley's original writings in the present edition. It contains upwards of twenty pamphlets, more than five hundred letters, and a large number of other documents, that were never embodied in any former collection of his works; and several of them are of superior interest and importance. Many of the letters are of great value; and the rest will serve to show the bent of the writer's mind, and the nature and extent of his correspondence; while, at the same time, they contain hints and allusions which serve to illustrate the history of Methodism in different places. In the last volume are given a list of the prose works which Mr. Wesley abridged from various authors, and another of the poetical publications of the two brothers. They exhibit the astonishing mass of information which the Founder of Methodism placed within the reach of the common people; and will assist those persons who wish to form a complete collection of the works which received his sanction. The prefaces connected with them, and which are here given entire, constitute an important part of his instructive writings. These lists may not be absolutely perfect. It is possible that some future editor may discover both original publications of Mr. Wesley, and tracts abridged by him from the writings of other men, which are at present unknown; but nothing has been overlooked through inattention.

Judging from internal evidence, the following tracts are believed not to have been originally writ

ten by Mr. Wesley; but as the means of ascertaining their authors were not at hand, they have been again inserted in his works :-" A Roman Catechism, with an Answer thereto;" (Vol. X., p. 86;) "The Origin of Image Worship among Christians;" (Ibid., p. 175;) and "Directions concerning Pronunciation and Gesture." (Vol. XIII., p. 478.)

Mr. Wesley published a few of his tracts under different titles; and lest any persons should suppose that they are not inserted in this edition, because some of the titles do not there occur, it may be proper to state, that the pamphlet entitled, "Cautions and Directions given to the greatest Professors in the Methodist Societies, 1762," was afterwards incorporated in the "Plain Account of Christian Perfection;" (Vol. XI., p. 427;) that the "Plain Account of Genuine Christianity, 1761," often reprinted,— which is perhaps the most beautiful of all Mr. Wesley's tracts,-forms the conclusion of his "Letter to Dr. Middleton;" (Vol. X., p. 67;) and that "The Dignity of Human Nature, 1786," is the first chapter of "The Doctrine of Original Sin," in answer to Dr. Taylor. (Vol. IX., p. 196.)

To the uniform edition of his works, which Mr. Wesley published, he appended translations of the greater part of the classical quotations with which they abound. This example has been followed upon the present occasion. His own translations are preserved; and when he has given none, the best that could be obtained from other writers have been adopted. The quotations themselves, which are sometimes given in an accommodated form, have been

carefully verified. In a few instances short notes are given at the foot of the page, where the subject seemed to require some elucidation. It would have been easy to increase both their number and length; but it was felt that there would be an impropriety in loading the volumes with such explanations as ought rather to be sought in biographical and historical compilations.

As Mr. Wesley's works are of a very miscellaneous character, a copious Index is indispensable in order to their general utility as books of reference. This also has been attempted; and no small share of time and labour has been expended upon it. Every subject of importance, and every person and place of any note, mentioned in these admirable volumes, it is presumed, may now be referred to without difficulty.

While every attempt has been made to render this edition worthy of the distinguished author, and of the Connexion of which he was the Founder, justice requires that the liberal encouragement which has been given to it should be acknowledged. The number of subscribers has regularly increased from the publication of the first volume; and, notwithstanding the agricultural and commercial distress which so generally prevails, two thousand copies of the work are now in circulation: A cheering proof of the esteem in which Mr. Wesley's incomparable writings are held, and of the respect which is cherished for the talents and virtues of that apostolic man. It is a favourable circumstance, that Mr. Wesley's works are completed precisely at the time when his Life by the Rev. Richard Watson has made its appear

ance. In that very instructive biography Mr. Wesley's doctrinal views are well explained, and the peculiarities of his character and conduct are defended with admirable ability and effect.

In publishing this edition of Mr. Wesley's works, it is presumed that the Methodist Connexion has only in part discharged a debt which has long been due to his memory. That debt will never be fully cancelled, until the tracts which he abridged from other writers shall be republished; and especially until a uniform edition of his poetical works, and those of his gifted brother, shall be given to the world. In addition to the volumes of hymns which they published, and many of which have long been out of print, Mr. Charles Wesley left in manuscript five quarto volumes of hymns on the Four Gospels, and Acts of the Apostles, revised for publication with the greatest care, both by himself and his brother, besides three other volumes of miscellaneous poetry; the whole of which are distinguished by his characteristic elegance and strength, and especially by a spirit of fervent piety. These compositions have lately become the property of the Methodist Conference, by purchase from his heir, and, with those which are already before the world, form such a body of devotional poetry as the Christian church has never seen.

The number of Mr. Wesley's publications may well excite surprise, when viewed in connexion with his incessant travelling, his uninterrupted ministerial labours, and the nature and extent of his pastoral cares. The works of such men as Mr. Baxter and Bishop Taylor are more voluminous than his original

compositions; but those distinguished men were compelled to spend the greater part of their lives in retirement: Whereas Mr. Wesley's life was one of the greatest activity. He published more books, travelled more miles, and preached more sermons, than any other Minister of his age; and the entire history of human nature does not furnish a higher example of laborious diligence in the service of God and man.

His style bears a strong resemblance to that of Addison; and for terseness, perspicuity, simplicity, and force, has perhaps never been surpassed. He regarded "a great book as a great evil;" and in all his publications, whether original or adopted, aimed at brevity. By this means he saved his own time and that of his reader, and secured the sale of his works among the poor: For, unlike those writers who are authors by profession, he has distinctly stated, that he never published anything for the sake of pecuniary advantage; but simply to defend the truth, or to convey instruction.

The assumed "ignorance" of Mr. Wesley's societies has often been a subject of allusion, and of illiberal remark: But the fact is, that the greater part of the common people of England were left with scarcely any knowledge either of religion or of letters. He taught them the nature and necessity of Christian piety; and at the same time made provision for their intellectual improvement. To explain and enforce practical godliness was his great concern; but in subordination to this, he laboured to excite a taste for elegant literature, and supplied persons in comparative poverty with the means of obtaining useful know