464-5.]

WELSH INDIANS, (or PADOUCAS), a ony supposed to have emigrated from ales in the 12th century, (300 years ore Columbus) under Prince Madoc; 1 whose descendants still reside on the ders of the Missouri, far to the westrd of the Mississippi. Several accounts to be found in Welsh and other hisies, and various letters have appeared different times in the Gentleman's and nthly Magazines. These accounts have n collected, with additions and rerks, in three pamphlets; two by the Dr. Jn. Williams, and one by the v. G. Burder, referred to below; and fact was confirmed in conversations h Gen. Bowles, the Indian Chief, when England; by Mr. Chesholm, from the ek Indians also, in his visit to Philaphia; and by Mr. Heckewelder, a ravian gentleman at Bethlehem. An tract of these and other accounts was ted in "The Weekly Register" for c. 26, 1798: (a work on nearly the e plan as the Philanthropic Gazette, 1 during the first year conducted by the he Editor); and some farther confirmawas received from Dr. Rogers of ladelphia.

The substance of all the above accounts that there is a nation of Indians of so ch lighter complexion as to indicate European origin: that their language Veish, at least radically so: that they e sacred books in that language (which e been seen by native Britons), though y have lost the art of reading: and t there are vestiges of the European among them, particularly remnants earthenware, &c. Several natives of les, and some descendants from that on in America, have expressed a at desire to go in search of this very ant country, and to commence a sion among them, which indeed was express object of Mr. Burder's pamet, but has not yet been attempted. rder's Welsh Indians, 8vo. 1797. Dr. Williams's Enquiry into the Truth of

the Discovery of America by Prince Madoc, and farther Observations on ditto, 1792. Weekly Register, 1798, pp. 32, 297.]

Dr. Jn. Williams, above referred to, was a Presbyterian minister, who resided latterly at Sydenham. Whether the Mr. Ed. Williams, who wrote some letters in the Gentleman's Mag. for 1791, was the minister of Oswestry, afterwards D.D. and tutor of Rotherham College, the Editor is not able to ascertain, but inclines to the contrary opinion.

Dr. Morse, (Author of the "American Geography,") who has paid some attention to this inquiry, says, "Father Reichard of Detroit informed me, that in 1793 he was told at Fort Charles, that twelve years before, Captain Lord commanded this port, who heard some of the old people observe, that Mandan Indians visited this port, and could converse intelligibly with some Welsh soldiers in the British army. Dr. Morse adds, the Mandan Indians (estimated at 1250 souls) live on the banks of the Missouri, a few miles on this side Mandan Fort.". [Morse's "Report to the Secretary of the United States on Indian Affairs," pp. 145, 252. Newhaven, printed 1722.]

This Fort Dr. Morse places in about 100 degrees of W. Long. (from Greenwich) and about 47 N. Lat.-Mr. W. Owen fixes the situation of the Welsh Indians between 97 and 110 degrees W. Long., between 37 and 43 degrees N. Lat., and far to the W. of the Missouri. On this subject, however, it may be remarked, that Indians frequently shift their stations, and maps continually improve: Dr. M.'s map is of the highest authority, and most recent.

"The (American) Religious Intelligencer," of Nov. 23, 1822, contains a Letter from Rev. E. Chapman, Missionary among the Osages, dated Arkansaw, July 5, 1822, which says, "From travellers of our acquaintance, and of undoubted veracity, we have lately received the following facts concerning some of the Indian Tribes of the Rocky Mountains," (W. Long. 107 to 112.) Mr. Chapman proceeds to describe several tribes, and then says, The Navahoes are a large nation living in the midst of the mountains, about 150 miles north-west of Santa Fe. They are extensive agriculturalists, and are immensely rich in flocks and herds. They possess, and work, the richest mines in N. America. They profess the Christian religion, and are taught

by their own native preachers. They were, probably, originally instructed by the Jesuits; but are now dependant on no other nation for the education of their clergy. May not this (says Mr. C.) be the Welsh colony spoken of by Mr. Stoddart?'

It is remarkable, indeed, that the Novahoes, though said to be a large nation, are not mentioned in the official report of Dr. Morse; but the probability is, that they are mentioned under some other name: there is no proof, however, of their being of Welsh or even European origin.

WESLEYANS, Arminian Methodists, the followers of Messrs. John and Charles Wesley, of whom we have above given a pretty full account. We shall here add a brief summary of the character of Mr. John Wesley, by Mr. Southey, which should have immediately preceded the quotation there given. "Such was the life and such were the labours of John Wesley, a man of great views, great energy, and great virtues. That he awakened a zealous spirit not only in his own community, but in a church which needed something to quicken it, is acknowledged by the members of that church itself. That he encouraged enthusiasm and extravagance, lent a ready ear to false and impossible relations, and spread superstition as well as piety, would hardly be denied by the candid and judicious among his own people. In its immediate effects, the powerful principle of religion which he and his preachers diffused, has reclaimed many from a course of sin, has supported many in poverty, sickness, and affliction, and has imparted to many a triumphant joy in death."

Mr. Wesley himself, it may be added, from another biographer, (Dr. Whitehead)

travelled in the course of his itinerant and missionary labours, during fifty years, 225,000 miles, and preached 40,560 ser

mons.

WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY. See Assembly of Divines. To that account may, however, be added that the members were chiefly Presbyterians, with some few Episcopalians, six or seven Independents, and some members of Parliament.-[Morison's Th. Dict.]

WHIPPERS. See Flagellants. It should be added, that this "will-worship" was not, however, confined to this sect. Most of the religious orders in the church of Rome practise whipping. The Fathers of the Oratory in particular, on certain occasions,

scourge themselves in the dark, while the recite the 51st Psalm. [Hone's A Mysteries, p. 279.]

WHITEFIELDITES, a term of repr applied to those of the early Metho who sided with Mr. Whitefield and Calvinists. See Methodists. As but however, is said of Mr. Whitefield i above Article, we may venture to few more particulars. In 1741, on: Whitefield's second return from Are (which in all he visited seven ti difference arose between him a friend, Mr. John Wesley, on the istic doctrines, which the former re and the latter espoused with equal Mr. Whitefield, also, being excluded: the established churches, erected two chapels in London; one in Totter court-road, where he retained the c service; the other in Finsbury, cale Tabernacle, where the worship w cording to the form of the Independ and many other places were subseq erected. He preached also in house prisons, streets and fields, and de particularly in itinerating.

year

of he

As a preacher, Mr. Whitefield more popular than Mr. Wesley, be more diligent; the lives of both active and laborious in the extreme a period was much earlier put to Whitefield's exertions, for he died denly in 1770, in the 56th at Newbury Port, near Boston, England, and was there buried Whitefield was endowed with a br imagination, and with a voice of ordinary strength and melody; his in some instances was not only vehe but imposing; and his preaching, instances, commanded the admira even the first infidels of the age, whom were Bolingbroke, Chestes and Hume. His moral characte unimpeached, and was distinguish a trait of peculiar disinterestednes piety was unquestionable, and unsurpassed since the Apostolic His character is exquisitely da Cowper, from whom two or three co must not be withheld. "He lov'd the world that hated hi

The followers of Mr. Whitefield are upposed to have been as numerous as hose of Mr. Wesley; but not formed to so compact a body; many adhering › the church, where they could hear the ospel, and a far greater number joining le regular Dissenters. The only consierable body formed was under the paonage of Lady Huntingdon.-See Huntgdon.-[Haweis's Church Hist. vol. iii. Dok 18. ch. vi. Gillies's Life of Whiteeld.]

WICKLIFFITES, the followers of John Wickliffe, (or Wycliffe) the father of our nglish Reformers, and, in this country, the Morning Star of the Reformation." e was born in 1324, educated at Oxford, d, for defending the rights of the Unirsity, in 1360, was chosen Master of liol College, and appointed Warden of anterbury Hall. He was soon after tronized by the famous John of Gaunt, ake of Lancaster, by whose interest he sappointed one of the King's Chaplains, Rector of Lutterworth in Leicesterre. In 1372 he took his doctor's degree, 1 read lectures in divinity, in which he acked many of the errors of the Popish tem. He was considered a man of enterprizing genius and extraordinary rning. He began with attacking the enachments of the Pope and the Bishops, I declared that penance had no sort of our in the sight of God, unless followed a reformed life. He was a warm poser of absolution; for he alleged that elonged to God alone to forgive sins. also taught, that auricular confession ;not necessary to salvation; exclaimed inst indulgences, prayers to the saints, celibacy of the clergy, the doctrine of substantiation, monastic vows, and er practices in the Romish church. at perhaps gave most offence of all he taught, that "if ministers, in the cution of their office, do not act both word and example as God commandeth, r people are not bound to pay them es and offerings." He not only exed the laity to study the Scriptures, also translated them into English, in er to render the perusal of them more versal; but his New Testament only been printed. Latterly, the opposihe met with was so formidable and lent, that he is charged with some ming and equivocation, in order to his life, in which he claims rather pity than our censure. He died, ever, a natural death, in 1384. The wers of Wickliffe were also called

Lollards, which see. Evan. vol. i. p. 1, &c. Gilpin.]

- [Middleton's Bio. Life by Lewis and

WILHELMINIANS, the disciples of Wilhelmina, a Bohemian woman of the 13th century, who resided in the territory of Milan. She persuaded a large number, that the Holy Ghost was become incarnate in her person for the salvation of a great part of mankind. According to her doctrine, none were saved by the blood of Jesus but true and pious Christians; while the Jews, Saracens, and unworthy Christians, were to obtain salvation through the Holy Spirit which dwelt in her; and in consequence all which happened to Christ during his abode upon earth was to be repeated in her person.-[Mosheim's Eccl. Hist. vol. iii. pp. 289, 290.]

WILKINSON, JEMIMA, followers of.
See Universal Friends.

WINCHESTERIANS, a name sometimes given to the admirers of the Rev. Elhanan Winchester, of the United States, a great advocate of the doctrine of Universal Salvation. He came to London between the years 1788 and 1792, and preached with considerable acceptance; after which he returned to his native country. Mr. W. was an Arminian (not a Rellyan) Universalist; and founded his doctrine chiefly on the universality of the Father's love, the atonement of the Saviour, and the divine decree for the subjugation of all intelligent creatures to Messiah. Mr. W. also maintained the necessity of regeneration; and contended that, as it was certain that all are not regenerated in the present life, therefore, there must be room for a farther process in the purification of fallen creatures in a future world; and that this would be effected chiefly by the means of punishment in the torments of hell, which in some cases might extend to "ages of ages," before the stubborn sinner would be purified thereby, so as to be received into heaven. Finally, however, he believed that not only all mankind, but even devils, would be restored to the divine favour, to holiness, and to happiness.

Beside the pulpit labours of Mr. W. he was indefatigable in supporting his principles through the press. For this end he composed, not only Dialogues and Lectures, but also "An Heroic Poem," on "The Process and Empire of Christ, from his Birth to the time when he shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father." This poem was first

delivered in four successive Lectures, at

the Chapel, in Chapel-court, Southwark, at which persons were admitted by tickets, only 1s. 6d. each, for the four lectures; but though the terms were so easy, they were thinly attended. They were next inserted in Mr. W.'s Philadelphian Magazine, and finally printed in a separate volume. We shall give a few lines merely as a specimen of his literary and poetic talents. After speaking of the New Jerusalem, as described by St. John in the book of Revelation, he says,

"Then will I sing, if God shall give me leave,

Those glorious periods, far remote from view;

Those ages of the Mediator's reign, Which shall not end till all things are subdued,

Redeem'd, re-headed, reconcil'd, restor❜d, And not one enemy to God is found Through all the regions of the universe." Mr. W. also attempted to found a "Philadelphian Church" in London, but, we believe, a domestic misfortune soon after induced him to return to America. He was a man of amiable character and correct life; but was as far from an accurate reasoner as a sublime poet. The writer asserts this on the authority of an unpublished correspondence in his possession, as well as from a perusal of his printed works. [Winchester's Dialogues on Universal Restoration. Lectures upon the Prophecies that remain to be fulfilled. The Philadelphian Mag. 1788.] See Universalists.

WORMS, the DIET of, A. D. 1521, is rendered immortal by the noble conduct of the great German Reformer. Being cited to appear at this Diet, some of his friends reminded him of the Council of Constance, and advised him not to go. He, however, boldly replied that he would go, though there were "as many devils as tiles upon the houses." It is even said, he was so far collected as to compose a German version of the 46th Psalm upon his journey.

H

"Luther therefore appeared at Wo secured against the violence of his enemie by a safe conduct from the Emperor: on the 17th of April, and the day fo ing, pleaded his cause before that g assembly with the utmost resolution: presence of mind. The united pow threatenings and entreaties were empl to conquer the firmness of his purpos engage him to renounce the propos he had hitherto maintained, and to him to a submission to the Roman p But he refused all this with a noble nacy, and declared solemnly that he neither abandon his opinions, nor his conduct, until he was previous vinced, by the word of God, or the tates of right reason, that his of were erroneous, and his conduct unl When, therefore, neither promises threatenings could shake the const this magnanimous Reformer, he o indeed, from the Emperor, the lib returning, unmolested, to his home after his departure from the Diet, condemned by the unanimous s both of the Emperor and the prince was declared an enemy to the holy empire. Frederick, who saw the rising against Luther, used the be cautions to secure him from its For this purpose he sent three persons, in whom he could con meet him on his return from the order to conduct him to a place of These emissaries, disguised by executed their commission with the secrecy and success. Meeting with near Eysenac, they seized him and him into the castle of Wartenber as some have imagined upon p grounds, was this done without the ledge of his Imperial Majesty. retreat, which he called his Pate Saxon Reformer lay concealed dur space of ten months, and empler involuntary leisure in composition were afterwards useful to the w [Mosheim's E. H. vol. iv. pp. 55–

XED

XEDOXI and XENXI, two opposite sects among the Japanese; the former, believers in God and a future state (as the name implies,) were very religious, or

XED

rather superstitious, in their way downright Atheists, and conseq bertines.-[Broughton's Dict.]

YEZ

YEZIDES or JEZIDES, an eastern sect, called from their founder Yezid, or ezid, an Arabian prince, who slew two ons of Ali, Mahomet's father-in-law, for hich reason he is considered as a parride and a heretic, and his followers are tested by all the Musselmans. M. Le evre, (in his Theatre de la Turquie) in e last century, reckoned there were 00,000 of this sect in Persia and Turkey, iefly in the mountains of Sangara. They e of two sorts, black and white; the mer are their monks, or fakirs; the ter dress like the Turks, (with a small stinction) but are never circumcised, cept when compelled to be so by the ahometans; whom they hate so much, it when they curse any creature in their ath, they call it Musselman. They are re friendly to the Christians, because t oppressed by them. They profess to ieve both in the Bible and the Koran, : read neither, and are extremely ignot. They go in companies, like the abians, and often change their resince; but have no places of worship. ey are fond of wine, and sometimes 1 it" the blood of Jesus Christ;" from ich it is supposed they use it somees religiously: they wish also to be good terms with the devil, and there e do not speak harshly of him, but call "the great chief."--[Broughton's Dict. Jezides. Grégoire's Hist. vol. ii. pp. -422.]

YOG

YOGEYS, Hindoo Devotees, the same as the San-Jasiis and Sunyasees, explained above. They practise a variety of selftortures, and mortify the body in order to merit heavenly felicity, and obtain the immaterial nature of Brahma, the Supreme. In the Mahabarat a Yogey is thus defined: "The man who keepeth the outward accidents from entering the mind, and his eyes fixed in contemplation between his brows; who maketh his breath pass equally through his nostrils; · keeping his head, his neck, and his body steady without motion, his eyes fixed on the point of his nose, looking at nothing else around, &c. he is a Yogey-and is for ever blessed."

These Yogeys, in the practice of selfdevotion, cast themselves down on spikes stuck in bags of straw, walk on fire, pierce themselves with pins, and bore their tongues; but their most famous act of devotion is swinging by means of hooks drawn through their backs and sides, and fastened with ropes to trees, by which they will spin round very rapidly for half an hour or more. And some poor creatures, in order to be sure of going to heaven, (as they suppose) cast themselves under the wheels of the chariot of Jaggernaut, and are voluntarily crushed to death. Hindoos. 16-30.]

[Sketches relative to the Buchanan's Researches, pp.

ZAB

ABATHAITES, the followers of Zahai Zevi, (or Sabathai Sevi) a celebrated vish impostor, who appeared at Smyrna ut 1666; and, pretending to be the ssiah, promised to deliver the Jews, re-establish them in more than pristine Multitudes of his nation were eived by him, and many of his folers pretended to visions and prophetic acies. At length, falling into the ds of the Grand Seignior, he ordered to be placed as a mark for his archers, rove whether he was vulnerable or not,

L

ry.

ZAB

(as he pretended); to avoid which, Zevi turned Mahometan.

His sect however survived, and there is said to be still a remnant of them at Salonichi, who, while they profess to be Musselmans, observe the Jewish rites in secret, marry among themselves, and all live in the same quarter of the city, without communicating with the Turks, except in commerce, and in the mosques.

Zevi, it seems, had also adherents among the Jews of England, Holland, Germany, and Poland, some of which have remained