This is volume one of four from Nathan Bangs' history of the Methodist Church. Bangs is considered by many to be one of the foremost historians in modern times, and his portrayal of church history is among the best ever written.
From the author's preface:
The following history has been compiled from Wesley's Works, the British and American Minutes of Conferences, Moore's and Watson's Life of the Wesleys, Asbury's Journal, Lee's History of the Methodists, the Life of Dr. Coke, Lee's and Garrettson's Memoirs, Abbott's Life, from historical notices and anecdotes of Methodism found in the Arminian and Methodist Magazines, the Methodist Magazine and Quarterly Review, the Christian Advocate and Journal, together with such original anecdotes and historical sketches as I have been able to collect from the lips of living persons.
With a view to do justice to his character, I have made Bishop Asbury the principal hero of the narrative, borrowing freely from his journals whatever might tend to throw light upon the subject and to present fairly and fully the active part which he took in the erection of this spiritual building. He was the father of Methodism in this country, and, as such, deserves a conspicuous place in that temple which his own hands contributed so effectually to erect, that his sons in the gospel and successors in the ministry may look to him as an exemplar for their imitation, and be stimulated and strengthened in their work.
Contents:
PART 1: Volume I, Book I, Chapter 1 – From 1766 to 1773 – A short account of the origin of Methodism in England – Of the Rev. John Wesley – His parentage, and first labor in the ministry.
PART 2: Volume I, Book I, Chapter 2 – From the introduction of Methodism into the city of New York, in 1766, to the landing of the first missionaries in 1769.
PART 3: Volume I, Book I, Chapter 3 – From the arrival of the first missionaries in 1769 to the first conference in 1773.
PART 4: Volume I, Book II, Chapter 1 – From The First Conference In 1773, To The Organization Of The Church In 1784 – From the conference of 1773 to the commencement of the war in 1776
PART 5: Volume I, Book II, Chapter 2 – From the commencement of the Revolution in 1776, to its termination in 1783.
PART 6: Volume I, Book II, Chapter 3 – An account of the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with some arguments in its defense.
PART 7: Volume I, Book III, Chapter 1 – From the Organization of the Church in 1784, to the First Regular General Conference in 1792.
PART 8: Volume I, Book III, Chapter 2 – From 1787 to 1791 inclusive
PART 9: Volume I, Book III, Chapter 3 – An Account of the several Annual Conferences, and of the General Conference of 1792.
