Chapter I: Preface

In this book I have sought to present a faithful picture of village Methodism--a picture which I do not hesitate to say is being reproduced to-day, as far as Church work and beneficent piety is concerned, in many a village in this country. I have had, for more years than I care to count, an intimate knowledge of Methodist rural life. Nathan Blyth, Old Adam Olliver and his wife Judith, and some other characters in the book, not excepting Balaam, have, unconsciously, stood for their portraits; and I dare to say that those parts of the story which have to do with Methodist operations and influences, will not be considered as overdrawn by those who are most conversant with the inner life of the Methodist people. If it be asked why I have presented my pictures in fictitious frames, my answer is, that I was bound to follow my natural bent, and to allow my pen to pursue the lines most congenial to the hand that wielded it; that, of all kinds of literature, fiction is the most attractive, and as it is utterly useless to try to prevent its perusal, wisdom and religion, too, suggest that it should be provided of so pure a quality, and with so definitely a moral and religious bias, that it may not only do no harm but some good to the reader, who would otherwise go further and fare worse. I have honestly endeavoured so to write as to be able to quote dear Old Bunyan, and say,--

“This book is writ in such a dialect
As may the minds of listless men affect;
It seems a novelty, and yet contains
Nothing but sound and honest Gospel strains.”

The rapid sale of the former editions of “Nestleton Magna,” and the numerous criticisms to which it has been subjected, have given me a welcome and unexpectedly early opportunity of giving it a careful revision, especially in the rendering of the East Yorkshire dialect. It is now presented to the public in a new and much improved form, and at a price which will bring it within the reach of all classes. The liberal and spontaneous patronage, and the highly-favourable reviews which this my first venture has received, merit my hearty thanks, and encourage me to a new trial of skill in the same direction. According to the unanimous and emphatic testimony of a large jury of reviewers, “Aud Adam Olliver” is fully worthy of the esteem I have sought to win for him; I cannot, therefore, do better than quote the words of the godly old patriarch, in acknowledgment of their verdict and the popular approval, “Ah’s varry mitch obliged te yo’.”

J. JACKSON WRAY.

CONTENTS.

PAGE
CHAPTER I.
Nestleton Magna 1

CHAPTER II.
“Blithe Natty,” the Harmonious Blacksmith 5

CHAPTER III.
“Master Philip” 11

CHAPTER IV.
“Aud Adam Olliver” 16

CHAPTER V.
“Black Morris” 22

CHAPTER VI.
Philip’s Visit to the Forge; or, Love’s Young Dream 28

CHAPTER VII.
Kesterton Circuit and the “Rounders” 33

CHAPTER VIII.
Adam Olliver Begins to Prophesy 40

CHAPTER IX.
The Progress of Master Philip’s Wooing 47

CHAPTER X.
Black Morris is More Free than Welcome 53

CHAPTER XI.
Both Philip and Lucy Make a Clean Breast of it 59

CHAPTER XII.
Adam Olliver in the “Methodist Confessional” 66

CHAPTER XIII.
Squire Fuller Pays a Visit to the Forge 76

CHAPTER XIV.
Aud Adam Olliver “Sees About It” 83

CHAPTER XV.
Nathan Blyth is the Victim of a Gunpowder Plot 89

CHAPTER XVI.
Squire Fuller Receives a Deputation 98

CHAPTER XVII.
Dr. Jephson Gives an Unprofessional Opinion 106

CHAPTER XVIII.
Philip Fuller Makes a Discovery 112

CHAPTER XIX.
Black Morris is Taken by Surprise 119

CHAPTER XX.
Kasper Crabtree Falls Among Thieves 126

CHAPTER XXI.
Squire Fuller Hears Unwelcome News 133

CHAPTER XXII.
Lucy Blyth Makes a Conquest 140

CHAPTER XXIII.
The Dark Deed In Thurston Wood 150

CHAPTER XXIV.
“Balaam” is Taken into Consultation 157

CHAPTER XXV.
Nathan Blyth is in a Quandary 163

CHAPTER XXVI.
Dr. Jephson’s Prescription Works Wonders 170

CHAPTER XXVII.
Hannah Olliver’s “Young Man” 177

CHAPTER XXVIII.
Bill Buckley Sees an Apparition 183

CHAPTER XXIX.
The Story of the Dead-Alive 191

CHAPTER XXX.
Midden Harbour has a New Sensation 198

CHAPTER XXXI.
“Balaam” Declares Himself a “Spiritualist” 206

CHAPTER XXXII.
Piggy Morris Hears “A Knock at the Door” 212

CHAPTER XXXIII.
Squire Fuller Introduces an Innovation 221

CHAPTER XXXIV.
Lucy Blyth has an Eye on Landed Property 230

CHAPTER XXXV.
Aud Adam Olliver to the Rescue 239

CHAPTER XXXVI.
Sister Agatha’s Ghost 247

CHAPTER XXXVII.
Philip Fuller Boldly Meets his Fate 257

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Black Morris “Wants that Brickbat Again” 267

CHAPTER XXXIX.
Nestleton Puts on Holiday Attire 276

CHAPTER XL.
An Episode in a Methodist Love-feast 285

CHAPTER XLI.
The Revolution in Midden Harbour 292

CHAPTER XLII.
Aud Adam Olliver’s “Nunc Dimittis” 299

NESTLETON MAGNA.