It only remains, before concluding the present chapter, to notice Wesley’s _Arminian Magazine_. This, like the volume for 1778, was, to a large extent, controversial, Wesley believing that “there never was more need, in the memory of man, of opposing the _Horrible Decree_, than at this day; for thousands, in every part of England, were still halting between two opinions, and were exceedingly perplexed on this account.” Among other pieces, intended to refute the Calvinian theory, he republished his own “Predestination Calmly Considered,” which he first printed in 1752. There are interesting lives of Bishop Bedell, Archbishop Usher, and Dr. Donne, the last mentioned by Wesley’s own pen, though never included in his collected works. There are short accounts of ten of his itinerant preachers, accompanied by their respective portraits, many of which he pronounces “really striking.” There are ninety-three letters, most of which, says he, “are closely practical and experimental.” There are about seventy poetical pieces, one of which, “Henry and Emma, a Dialogue,” fills more than fourteen pages; a sort of love story, to which objections were not unreasonably raised. Wesley acknowledged that it was “not strictly religious”; but maintains that there was “nothing in it contrary to religion, nothing that can offend the chastest ears”; that it was “one of the finest poems in the English tongue, both for sentiment and language”; and that those who could “read it without tears must have a stupid and unfeeling heart.” All this might be true; but, with all due deference to Wesley, there can hardly be two opinions, that it was out of its proper place when inserted in the _Arminian Magazine_. FOOTNOTES: [320] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 117. [321] Manuscript diary. [322] Manuscript letter. [323] Manuscripts. [324] “History of Methodism in Halifax.” [325] Manuscript diary. [326] How is it that there are not more Methodists in Inverness now than there were ninety years ago, in the days of good old Duncan McAllum? [327] Boswell’s Life of Johnson. [328] _Methodist Magazine_, 1823, p. 777. [329] Ibid. 1856, p. 234. [330] Atmore’s “Methodist Memorial.” [331] _Methodist Magazine_, 1826, p. 244. [332] Ibid. 1789, p. 388. [333] These were Pawson, Rankin, and Jaco. The committee consisted of gentlemen appointed to manage the business of City Road chapel.--(Pawson’s manuscript.) [334] _Methodist Magazine_, 1789, p. 441. [335] _Methodist Magazine_, 1789, p. 387. [336] _Methodist Magazine_, 1825, p. 456. [337] _Methodist Magazine_, 1779, p. 240. [338] Lady Maxwell’s Life, p. 70. [339] Rutherford’s Life, p. 94. [340] Atmore’s “Methodist Memorial.” [341] Manuscript letter.