[342] Thomas Taylor, in his manuscript diary, remarks: “1780, January 14--I learned, that Mr. M‘Nab is excluded the connexion; but I cannot learn, that he has merited such treatment. A man who has been a credit to our cause, whose moral character is unblamable, and whose abilities are considerable, is expelled for his integrity and uprightness. Being very uneasy on account of the expulsion, I wrote Mr. Wesley respecting it.” [343] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 132. [344] Whitehead’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 372. [345] _Christian Miscellany_, 1849, p. 57; and “Wesley Poetry,” vol. viii., p. 415. [346] Whitehead’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 379. [347] Pawson’s manuscript. [348] Whitehead’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 380. [349] Atmore’s “Methodist Memorial.” [350] Manuscript. [351] “Life and Times of Lady Huntingdon,” vol. ii., p. 202. [352] Life of John Valton, p. 100. [353] _Methodist Magazine_, 1823, p. 737. [354] The assistant of the Limerick circuit. [355] _Methodist Magazine_, 1789, p. 387. 1780. Age 77 The year 1780 will always be marked in English history. The nation was steeped in guilt and misery. War was raging on almost every side. Trade was paralysed; and taxes intolerable. Popery had been established in Canada; and, by the repealing of the statutes of the 11th and 12th of King William III., had received great encouragement in England. The Protestant Association sprung into existence; and the Gordon riots followed. The details of these events are full of profound interest and instruction; but our limited space prevents enlargement. Suffice it to say, that, in this serious crisis, Wesley took an active interest. He writes: “1780. January 18--Receiving more and more accounts of the increase of popery, I believed it my duty to write a letter concerning it, which was afterwards inserted in the public papers. Many were grievously offended; but I cannot help it; I must follow my own conscience.” The following was Wesley’s unanswerable, though obnoxious letter. “A Letter to the Printer of the _Public Advertiser_, occasioned by the late Act, passed in favour of Popery. “CITY ROAD, _January 21, 1780_.