End of Persecution.

he went to the church-yard, followed by thousands, and preached uninterrupted.

The era of persecution passed away, and the Methodists were suffered to take their own course, as we have more fully related in our sketch of John Wesley. Charles Wesley continued traveling over the kingdom, preaching and laboring, in connection with his brother, till 1756. After this time, his labors were chiefly devoted to Bristol and London.

Mr. Gwynne.

Peculiar Notions.

CHAPTER IV.

CHARLES WESLEY'S DOMESTIC RELA

A

TIONS.

T Garth, in South Wales, resided, in the early times of Methodism, Marmaduke Gwynne, Esq., a gentleman of rank and of fortune. He was a member of the Established Church, of the straitest sect. He heard of Howell Harris-the friend of Whitefield, and of the Wesleys, and who had begun, though a layman, to preach in the fields, and other "unconsecrated" places, in Wales, as his illustrious friends were doing in England. Mr. Gwynne was sadly distressed, and greatly alarmed, at this unheard-of irregularity. Being a magistrate, he resolved to interpose the authority of the realm, and stop the preaching of the unordained heretic. But, like a sensible man, as he was, he concluded to hear him for himself, before he used his authority. Accordingly, he put the riot act in his pocket, and went to hear Harris preach, intending to arrest him at the close of meeting, before the whole congregation.

A Change of Mind.

Harris and Gwynne.

But, while listening, a change came over the spirit of his dream. So evangelical was the doctrine, so zealous the manner, and so sweet the spirit of the preacher, Mr. Gwynne thought he resembled the apostles of Jesus. No sooner had Harris sat down, than Gwynne went up to him, in the face of the congregation, took him by the hand, told him he had come there for the purpose of committing him to prison; but instead of that, he now asked his pardon, and, to the utter consternation and blank amazement of the people, he invited him to go to his mansion to supper. This incident threw over Harris, and all the Methodists, a broad and impenetrable shield of protection. Mr. Gwynne was in place of the King in that region. Harris went home with him. The establishment was large and princely. Mr. Gwynne had nine children, and twenty servants. He supported a chaplain for his establishment, and usually had fifteen or twenty distinguished guests. His lady was heir to a princely fortune. She was a generous and kind lady, of superior talents and education. But she was as strict in her Church principles as her husband had been, and less susceptible of change. When she saw her husband bring Harris to the house,

Hears Wesley.

Mrs. Gwynne. and treat him with as much respect as if he had been the Archbishop of Canterbury, she thought he had lost his reason; and in consternation she left the room, and would not return till, Harris had left the house. Soon after this, a new affliction befell the good lady. Her daughter Sarah, an accomplished and beautiful girl of eighteen, followed her father, and became deeply interested in the new doctrine. The mother was in despair. She thought infatuation had seized her family, and irretrievable ruin must result. She found no relief but in tears.

After some time, she met a gentleman, who told her he knew John Wesley, at Oxford, and he was not so bad a heretic as was reported. She was also induced to read Wesley's "Appeal to Men of Reason and Religion." She then ventured to hear Harris herself. In a short time John Wesley himself came along. With him the lady was delighted. She entertained him with all the hospitality King George could have desired, and invited him to preach in her house.

Some two years after this, Charles Wesley arrived in Wales, on his return from a visit to Ireland. He was in very feeble health, be

Stops with Mr. Gwynne.

The Farewell.

ing worn down by labor and exposure. He had, some year or two before, met Mr. Gwynne, at Bristol, and in accordance with a promise then made, proceeded to the hospitable mansion, where he at once felt at home. He remained two weeks, in the midst of comforts, such as had not often fallen to his lot. He received the soothing attentions of the elegant family, and soon forgot his fatigues, recovered his health, and was ready again to face danger, and toil, and suffering.

Amid the elegant refinements of this hospitable family, Wesley passed his time in striking contrast with the toilsome days spent traveling over the rugged mountains of Wales, the rough roads of England, or the fenny bogs of Ireland. But he must be about his Master's business. One beautiful spring morning, he was preparing to take his departure for London. His horse was brought to the door, but not alone. There stood the noble steed of Mr. Gwynne, and the gentle pony of the beautiful Sarah. Wesley started, and father and daughter accompanied him along the mountain track, till they reached the plain, on the road to London. They then spoke the farewell words, shook the farewell hand and Wesley went on his way, while the