Chapter I: Preface

I have to express my obligations to the Rev. L. Tyerman for the help I have received in writing this little book from his life of Fletcher, published two years ago under the title of "Wesley's Designated Successor." Mr. Tyerman's labours in the sphere of Methodist history and biography are too well known to require any word of commendation from me. It may be enough to say that he has made it impossible for any one to study the history of the great movement with which the names of Wesley, Whitefield, and Fletcher are associated, without having recourse to his volumes. There may be differences of opinion respecting Mr. Tyerman's judgments upon men and things; there can be none whatever as to his patient, laborious research, and perfect honesty in the use of his ample materials.

I am also much indebted to my friends the Rev. George Mather, now of Falmouth, and Mr. George Stampe, of Great Grimsby, for the opportunity of examining a considerable number of Fletcher's manuscripts, hitherto unpublished. It was not to be expected that fresh light could be thrown on Fletcher's character, but these papers have enabled me to supply some links, and add a few details to the story of his life.

CONTENTS.

PAGE
CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY 1

CHAPTER II.

EARLY LIFE 10

CHAPTER III.

SETTLES IN ENGLAND.--HIS CONNEXION
WITH WESLEY AND THE METHODISTS 19

CHAPTER IV.

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE 34

CHAPTER V.

ENTERS THE MINISTRY 44

CHAPTER VI.

FIRST YEARS AT MADELEY.--DIFFICULTIES
AND DISCOURAGEMENTS 56

CHAPTER VII.

CONTROVERSY AND CORRESPONDENCE 73

CHAPTER VIII.

TREVECCA COLLEGE.--THE CALVINIST CONTROVERSY 95

CHAPTER IX.

WESLEY'S PROPOSAL.--FAILING HEALTH 119

CHAPTER X.

RESIDENCE IN SWITZERLAND 131

CHAPTER XI.

RETURN TO ENGLAND.--MARRIAGE 154

CHAPTER XII.

LAST YEARS 168

APPENDIX 193