Note 160 — REV. JAMES HERVEY, M.A., THE LITERARY PARISH-PRIEST.

From a long printed letter, of twenty-four octavo pages, we learn, that, this society was formed, as early as May 21, 1739, before the Methodist Societies were formed. Hervey refers to the “scaring reports, that had lately been raised concerning religious societies,” and proceeds to state their object, and their practices. The society at Bideford was, “by no means, in contradistinction to the Established Church, but in dutiful conformity to her.” He says, “Woodward’s rules we purpose punctually to observe, reading his exhortations distinctly and solemnly; offering up his prayers humbly and reverently; only with this difference, that some edifying book be substituted in the room of religious talk, not because we disapprove of religious conference, but because we think ourselves scarcely capable of managing it with regularity, propriety, and order. We set up no examination, nor require any confession before others; but hope to be constant, careful, and strict, in searching our hearts, and acknowledging our iniquities before the all-seeing God.”