Chapter XXVI: Last Days on Earth (3)

James Ireland, Esq., was one of Fletcher’s most loving and well-beloved friends. In an unpublished letter, addressed to Mrs. Fletcher, and dated “Brislington, November 6, 1785,” he says, Wesley had informed him he was about to write the “Life of Fletcher,” and had asked him to supply materials. In his reply, he had said, “I cannot assist _you_ to write the life of my dear friend, though I have ever respected and honoured you.” Mr. Ireland adds, that whatever information he can furnish he will send to Mrs. Fletcher, and leave it to her to use as she thinks best. He then proceeds:—

“I have often felt that I would have divided my last shilling with Mr.
Fletcher. We were once for months together, day and night; and when we
parted, we both wept. Such a soul I never knew; such a great man, in
every sense of the word. He was too great to bear the name of any
sect. Mr. Townsend, with whom I lately parted, speaks of him as the
greatest man that has lived in this century, and begs his life may not
be penned in haste.”

In another unpublished letter, also addressed to Mrs. Fletcher, and dated “October 6, 1786,” Mr. Ireland wrote:—

“I never saw Mr. Fletcher’s equal. On him great grace was bestowed.
What deadness to the world! What spiritual mindedness! What zeal for
souls! What communion with God! What intercourse with heaven! What
humility at the feet of Jesus! What moderation towards all men! What
love for the poor! In short, he possessed the mind which was in Christ
Jesus.”

“The Rev. Henry Venn, after reading Wesley’s “Life of Fletcher,” wrote as follows to Lady Mary Fitzgerald:—

“Yelling, March 3, 1787. Mr. Fletcher’s _humility_ was so unfeigned
and so deep, that when I thanked him for two sermons he had one day
preached to my people at Huddersfield, he answered as no man ever did
to me. With eyes and hands uplifted, he exclaimed, ‘Pardon, pardon,
pardon, O my God!’ The words went to my very soul. Great grace was
upon this blessed servant of Christ.

“_Love to man_ and bowels of mercies displayed in him a noble
imitation of his Incarnate God. He indeed thought a day lost, and
could find no rest in his soul, unless he was doing good to the bodies
and souls of men.

“_Love to the Lord._—How did it govern and flourish in dear Mr.
Fletcher! His admirable consort tells us, he scarcely was awake in the
night a moment without lifting up his soul to God in holy aspirations.

“I have seen Mr. Fletcher, for six weeks together, under a hectic
fever, sometimes spitting blood, when night after night he could rest
very little—_well pleased to suffer_—never complaining, never but
cheerful. Once, when I asked him how he did, ‘Oh!’ said he, ‘how light
is the chastisement I suffer! How heavy the strokes I deserve! I love
the rod of my heavenly Father!’ Like his Saviour, he could continue in
prayer, in the wood, all night long; and, like Him, lie prostrate on
the ground, pleading for grace to fulfil his ministry.”[644]

Footnote 644:

“Life of Rev. H. Venn,” pp. 578–584.

Between Fletcher and Joseph Benson there was a most intimate and confidential friendship. Benson, in a letter to Wesley, wrote:—

“As to _drawing_ the character of that great and good man, Mr.
Fletcher, it is what I will not attempt. I have been looking over many
of his letters, and observe in them all, what I have a thousand times
observed in his conversation and behaviour, the plainest marks of
every Christian grace and virtue.

“Perhaps, if he followed his Master more closely in one thing than
another, it was in _humility_. He was constantly upon his guard lest
any expression should drop, either from his lips or pen, which tended
to make anyone think well of him; either on account of his family, or
learning, or parts, or usefulness. He took as much pains to _conceal
his_ excellences, as others do to _show theirs_.

“He was a man of a _serious spirit_, one that stood at the utmost
distance from levity of every kind. Though he was constantly cheerful,
as rejoicing in hope of his heavenly inheritance, yet he had too deep
a sense of his own wants, and the wants of the Church of God, as also
of the sins and miseries of mankind, to be at any time light or
trifling.

“In _hungering and thirsting after righteousness_, he was peculiarly
worthy of our imitation. He never rested in anything he had either
experienced or done in spiritual matters. He was a true Christian
racer, always on the stretch for higher and better things. Though his
attainments, both in experience and usefulness, were far above the
common standard, yet the language of his conversation and behaviour
always was, ‘Not as though I had already attained, either were already
perfected; but I follow after, if by any means I may apprehend that
for which I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.’ He had his eye upon a
full conformity to the Son of God; or what the Apostle terms, ‘the
measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.’ Nor could he be
satisfied with anything less.

“He was _meek_, like his Master, as well as _lowly in heart_. Not that
he was so by nature, but of a fiery, passionate spirit; insomuch that
he has frequently thrown himself on the floor, and lain there most of
the night bathed in tears, imploring victory over his own temper. And
he did obtain the victory, in a very eminent degree. For twenty years
and upwards before his death, no one ever saw him out of temper, or
heard him utter a rash expression, on any provocation whatever.[645]
And he did not want provocation, and that sometimes in a high degree;
especially from those whose religious sentiments he thought it his
duty to oppose. But none of these things moved him: no, not in the
least degree. The keenest word he used was, ‘What a world, what a
religious world we live in!’ I have often thought the testimony, that
Bishop Burnet bears of Archbishop Leighton, might be borne of him with
equal propriety: ‘After an intimate acquaintance of many years, and
after being with him by night and by day, at home and abroad, in
public and in private, on sundry occasions and in various affairs,—I
must say, I never heard an idle word drop from his lips, nor any
conversation which was not to the use of edifying. I never saw him in
any temper, in which I myself would not have wished to be found at
death.’ Any one, who has been intimately acquainted with Mr. Fletcher,
will say the same of him: and they who knew him best will say it with
the most assurance.

“Hence arose his readiness to bear with the weaknesses, and forgive
the faults of others: which was the more remarkable, considering his
flaming zeal against sin, and his concern for the glory of God. Such
hatred to sin, and such love to the sinner, I never saw joined
together before.

“He never mentioned the faults of an absent person, unless absolute
duty required it. And then he spoke with the utmost tenderness,
extenuating, rather than aggravating. None could draw his picture more
exactly than St. Paul has done, in the thirteenth chapter of the first
Epistle to the Corinthians. ‘He suffered long and was kind; he envied
not; acted not rashly; was not puffed up; did not behave himself
unseemly; sought not his own; was not easily provoked; he thought no
evil; rejoiced not in iniquity, but rejoiced in the truth; he covered
all things; believed all things; hoped all things; and endured all
things.’ It would be easy to enlarge on all these particulars, and
show how they were exemplified in him; but, waiving this, I would only
observe, that, with regard to two of them, _kindness_ to others, and
_not seeking his own_, he had few equals.

“His _kindness_ to others was such, that he bestowed his all upon
them: his time, his talents, his substance. His knowledge, his
eloquence, his health, his money, were employed, day by day, for the
good of mankind. He prayed, he wrote, he preached, he visited the sick
and well, he conversed, he gave, he laboured, he suffered, winter and
summer, night and day: he endangered, nay, destroyed his health, and
in the end gave his life also for the profit of his neighbours, that
they might be saved from everlasting death. He denied himself even of
such food as was necessary for him, that he might have to give to them
that had none. And when he was constrained to change his manner of
living, still his diet was plain and simple. And so were his clothing
and furniture, that he might save all that was possible for his poor
neighbours.

“He _sought not his own_ in any sense: not his own honour, but the
honour of God, in all he said or did. He sought not his own interest,
but the interest of his Lord, spreading knowledge, holiness, and
happiness, as far as he possibly could. He sought not his own
pleasure, but studied to ‘please all men, for their good to
edification;’ and to please Him that had called him to His kingdom and
glory.

“But I do not attempt his full character. I will only add, ‘_He was
blameless and harmless, a son of God, without rebuke, in the midst of
a crooked and perverse generation: shining among them as a light in
the world._’”

Footnote 645:

Wesley’s “Life of Fletcher,” p. 173.

Both Wesley and Benson insert this eulogium in their lives of Fletcher; but Wesley adds:—

“I think one talent wherewith God had endued Mr. Fletcher has not been
sufficiently noted yet. I mean his _courtesy_; in which there was not
the least touch either of art or affectation. It was pure and genuine,
and sweetly constrained him to behave to everyone (although
particularly to inferiors), in a manner not to be described: with so
inexpressible a mixture of humility, love, and respect. This directed
his words, the tone of his voice, his looks, his whole attitude, his
every motion.

“‘Grace was in all his steps, heaven in his eye,
In all his gestures sanctity and love.’”

The entry of Fletcher’s death, in the register of Madeley parish church, is a brief obituary:—

“Memorandum.

“John Fletcher, Clerk, died on Sunday evening, August 14, 1785. He was
one of the most apostolic men of the age in which he lived. His
abilities were extraordinary, and his labours were unparalleled. He
was a burning and shining light; and as his life had been a common
blessing to the inhabitants of this parish, so the death of this great
man was lamented by them as a common and irreparable loss.

“This little testimony was inserted by one who sincerely loved and
honoured him.

“JOSHUA GILPIN, VICAR OF ROCKWARDINE.”

The inscription on his tombstone was written by his widow, and is as follows[646]:—

“HERE LIES THE BODY OF
THE REV. JOHN WILLIAM DE LA FLECHERE,
VICAR OF MADELEY,
WHO WAS BORN AT NYON, IN SWITZERLAND,
SEPTEMBER THE 12TH, 1729,
AND FINISHED HIS COURSE, AUGUST THE 14TH, 1785,
IN THIS VILLAGE;
WHERE HIS UNEXAMPLED LABOURS
WILL LONG BE REMEMBERED.

HE EXERCISED HIS MINISTRY FOR THE SPACE OF
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS,
IN THIS PARISH,
WITH UNCOMMON ZEAL AND ABILITY.

MANY BELIEVED HIS REPORT, AND BECAME
HIS JOY AND CROWN OF REJOICING;
WHILE OTHERS CONSTRAINED HIM TO TAKE UP
THE LAMENTATION OF THE PROPHET,

‘ALL THE DAY LONG HAVE I STRETCHED OUT MY HANDS
UNTO A DISOBEDIENT AND GAINSAYING PEOPLE:
YET SURELY MY JUDGMENT IS WITH THE LORD,
AND MY WORK WITH MY GOD.’

---

“‘_He being dead, yet speaketh._’”

Footnote 646:

The inscription, given at the end of Wesley’s “Life of Fletcher,” is
slightly different. In an unpublished letter, to Mrs. Crosby, dated
August 16, 1788, Mrs. Fletcher wrote: “What was written on my dear’s
tomb was different from my directions, though done with a good design
to mend my language. I saw it not to be as good as my own, and had it
altered” (then follows the inscription). “Compare this with that in
Mr. Wesley’s ‘Life,’ and give Mr. Downes a copy of the right one.
Every one was much pleased with the change; and, indeed, I was never
at ease till it was done; but there were so many anxious to have it
right that they spoiled it.”

Another monument of Fletcher must be mentioned, erected in Methodism’s “Westminster Abbey”—the sacred old chapel in City Road, London. It is placed on the right-hand side of the communion table, immediately under a monument of Wesley. The sculpture at the top of it is a representation of the Ark of the Covenant. At one side are volumes, inscribed with the words, “Checks,” and “Portrait of St. Paul.” At the other side is an expanded scroll, with the motto, “With the meekness of wisdom.” At the bottom is a dove, hovering over pens and a roll of paper. The inscription on the tablet, composed by the Rev. Richard Watson,[647] is as follows:—

“SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
THE REV. JOHN WILLIAM DE LA FLECHERE,
VICAR OF MADELEY IN SHROPSHIRE;
BORN AT NYON, IN SWITZERLAND, THE XII. OF SEPTEMBER,
A.D. MDCCXXIX; DIED THE XIV. OF AUGUST, MDCCLXXXV.

A MAN EMINENT FOR GENIUS, ELOQUENCE, AND THEOLOGICAL LEARNING;
STILL MORE DISTINGUISHED FOR SANCTITY OF MANNERS, AND THE VIRTUES OF
PRIMITIVE
CHRISTIANITY.
ADORNED WITH ‘WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE PURE, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE LOVELY,’
AND BRINGING FORTH ‘THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT,’ IN SINGULAR RICHNESS AND
MATURITY.
THE MEASURE OF EVERY OTHER GRACE IN HIM WAS EXCEEDED BY HIS DEEP AND
UNAFFECTED
HUMILITY.
OF ENLARGED VIEWS AS TO THE MERIT OF THE ATONEMENT,
AND OF THOSE GRACIOUS RIGHTS WITH WHICH IT INVESTS ALL WHO BELIEVE,
HE HAD ‘BOLDNESS TO ENTER INTO THE HOLIEST BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS,’
AND IN REVERENT AND TRANSPORTING CONTEMPLATIONS,—THE HABIT OF HIS DEVOUT
AND
HALLOWED SPIRIT,—
THERE DWELT AS BENEATH THE WINGS OF THE CHERUBIM,
BEHOLDING ‘THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE FACE OF JESUS CHRIST,’ AND WAS
‘CHANGED INTO
THE SAME IMAGE;’
TEACHING BY HIS OWN ATTAINMENTS, MORE THAN EVEN BY HIS WRITINGS, THE
FULNESS OF
EVANGELICAL PROMISES,
AND WITH WHAT INTIMACY OF COMMUNION MAN MAY WALK WITH GOD.

HE WAS THE FRIEND AND COADJUTOR OF THE REV. JOHN WESLEY,
WHOSE APOSTOLIC VIEWS OF THE DOCTRINES OF GENERAL REDEMPTION,
JUSTIFICATION BY
FAITH, AND CHRISTIAN PERFECTION, HE SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDED,
LEAVING TO FUTURE AGES AN ABLE EXPOSITION OF ‘THE TRUTH WHICH IS
ACCORDING TO
GODLINESS,’
AND ERECTING AN IMPREGNABLE RAMPART AGAINST PHARISAIC AND ANTINOMIAN
ERROR,
IN A SERIES OF WORKS, DISTINGUISHED BY THE BEAUTY OF THEIR STYLE, BY
FORCE OF
ARGUMENT,
AND BY A GENTLE AND CATHOLIC SPIRIT; AFFORDING AN EDIFYING EXAMPLE OF
‘SPEAKING
THE TRUTH IN LOVE,’
IN A LONG AND ARDENT CONTROVERSY.

FOR TWENTY-FIVE YEARS, THE PARISH OF MADELEY WAS THE SCENE OF HIS
UNEXAMPLED
PASTORAL LABOURS;
AND HE WAS THERE INTERRED, AMIDST THE TEARS AND LAMENTATIONS OF
THOUSANDS,
THE TESTIMONY OF THEIR HEARTS TO HIS EXALTED PIETY, AND TO HIS UNWEARIED
EXERTIONS
FOR THEIR SALVATION:
BUT HIS MEMORY TRIUMPHED OVER DEATH;
AND HIS SAINTLY EXAMPLE EXERTS INCREASING INFLUENCE IN THE CHURCHES OF
CHRIST,
THROUGH THE STUDY OF HIS WRITINGS, AND THE PUBLICATION OF HIS BIOGRAPHY.

IN TOKEN OF THEIR VENERATION FOR HIS CHARACTER,
AND IN GRATITUDE FOR THE SERVICES RENDERED BY HIM TO THE CAUSE OF TRUTH,
THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED BY THE TRUSTEES OF THIS CHAPEL, A.D.
MDCCCXXII.”

Footnote 647:

Jackson’s “Centenary of Methodism,” p. 186.

No wonder that Wesley desired and requested Fletcher to be his successor; and no wonder that, while among his numerous publications there is only _one biography written by himself_, that conspicuous exception is “A Short Account of the Life and Death of the Rev. John Fletcher.“

Fletcher was distinguished for his genius; his learning; and his biblical and theological knowledge; but let all Methodists, throughout the world and as long as Methodism lasts, remember, in all their church-meetings and church-appointments, that “Wesley’s Designated Successor” was _pre-eminently_,—“A GOOD MAN, AND FULL OF THE HOLY GHOST AND OF FAITH.”

THE END

Hazell, Watson, and Viney, Printers, London and Aylesbury.

INDEX.

NAMES OF PERSONS AND PLACES.

Aberford, 119

Abergavenny, 184

Agutter, Rev. William, 144, 145

Appian Way, 162

Appleton, Mr., 22

Asbury, Francis, 3

Ashworth, Dr., 532

Atcham, 21, 22, 29, 31

Atlay, John, 340, 433, 545, 546

Atmore, Charles, 542, 545

Baratier, M., 145

Bardsley, Samuel, 548

Barnard, Mary, 74

Barry, James, 424

Bath, 102, 121, 172, 393, 420

Batley, 494, 496, 497

Bayley, Rev. Cornelius, 461, 462, 508, 542

Beaumont, John, 543

Beaumont, Dr. Joseph, 543

Bell, George, 84, 85, 90

Benson, Joseph, 3, 39, 157, 159, 166, 167, 175–177, 179, 182, 183, 209,
216, 220, 254, 255, 310, 326, 348, 355–358, 367, 370, 395, 462, 532,
533, 543, 546, 570–572

Bentley, Rev. Mr., 119

Berkeley, Dr., 534

Berridge, Rev. John, 51–53, 62, 172, 283–285, 294, 298, 307, 330, 334,
345, 371, 387

Berwick, 111, 154

Birches, The, 274

Birstal, 487, 517

Boothby, William, 442

Bosanquet, Miss, 15, 28, 93, 126, 400, 401, 410, 448, 463, 467,
479–497, 499, 529

Bosanquet, Claudius, Esq., 488, 492

Bosanquet, S., Esq., 479, 488, 490–492

Bosanquet, S. R., Esq., 475

Bosanquet, William, Esq., 492, 494, 556

Bourignon, Madam, 463

Bouverot, Rev. Mr., 531

Bradburn, Samuel, 266–268, 494

Bradford, 493, 494, 501

Bradford, Joseph, 327

Brammah, Mrs., 471

Brecknock, 181

Breedon, 100, 152

Brighton, 51, 111, 120

Brisco, Thomas, 487

Bristol, 31, 33, 34, 102, 131, 144, 158, 172, 180, 238, 242, 255, 330,
357, 388, 394–397, 519

Bristol, Earl of, 401

Brooke, Robert, 506, 507

Brooke, Henry, 506, 507, 520, 521, 538, 552

Broseley, 363, 405, 430

Brown, Rev. Mr., 103, 107, 118, 331

Buchan, Earl of, 123, 275

Burchell, Mr., 10

Burnet, Rev. Mr., 119

Burslem, 548

Cartwright, Rev. Mr., 21

Cartwright, Molly, 442, 445, 446

Chambers, Rev. Mr., 47, 55

Chateau d’Oex, 426, 427

Cheek, Rev. Moseley, 515

Cheshunt College, 137

Chester, 267, 415, 429

Childs, Elizabeth, 272

Clarke, Dr. Adam, 268, 396, 548

Clarke, Mary, 33

Coalbrook Dale, 63, 64, 99, 363, 392, 430, 445, 527

Coke, Rev. Dr., 331–333, 433, 463, 466, 518, 530, 531, 542, 544

Coles, Elisha, 155

Conyers, Rev. Dr., 119, 417

Costerdine, Robert, 429

Cound, Mrs., 405, 430

Cownley, Joseph, 90, 358

Creighton, Rev. James, 544

Crisp, Rev. Dr., 194, 202, 214

Crosby, Sarah, 28, 33, 400, 467, 473, 475, 479, 480, 495, 573

Crosse, Rev. John, 461, 493

Cross Hall, 467, 486, 489, 494, 495, 502

Crowther, Jonathan, 82, 523

Dartmouth, Earl of, 353

Daventry, 532

Davies, Rev. Howell, 149–151

Dawley, 429, 503

De Bons, Mr., 489

De Champs, Mr., 11, 488

De Courcy, Rev. Mr., 472

Deighton, Rev. John, 497

De Luc, Mr., 511

Deptford, 418

Dewsbury, 433

Dickenson, Rev. Peard, 554

Dillon, Rev. Mr., 543

Dixon, Dr. James, 396

Dort, Synod of, 155

Downes, John, 90

Downs, Mr., 44

Downs, John, 44

Dublin, 221, 506, 508, 517–522, 530

Dunham, 54

Easterbrook, Rev. Joseph, 131–134, 144

Eddowes, Mr., 288

Edmondson, Jonathan, 152

Edmunds, Daniel, 403

Edmunds, Winifred, 558

Edwards, Richard, 14, 23, 31

Eells, William, 545, 546

Elliott, Sir John, 388

Elwall, Edward, 218, 219

Erskine, Lady Anne, 117, 120, 137, 149, 171, 174

Evans, Caleb, 334, 347–353, 357, 358

Everton, 51, 371

Fennel, John, 550

Ferrars, Earl of, 50

Fitzgerald, Lady Mary, 401, 473, 474, 501, 509, 540, 552, 558, 569

Fletcher, Henry, 11, 14, 18, 498, 559

Fletcher, Mrs., 502–504, 508, 512, 517–519, 521, 522, 539, 550, 553,
556, 558–565, 568, 569, 573

Fothergill, Dr., 390

Fox, Mr., 370

Furley, Miss, 44, 46

Garforth, Thomas, 498

Geneva, 7, 445, 454

Genoa, 160

Gilbert, Nathaniel, Esq., 36, 513

Gilbert, Rev. Nathaniel, 513, 514

Gildersome, 480

Gilpin, Rev. Joshua, 81, 160, 445, 455, 512, 515, 520, 567, 572

Glascott, Rev. Cradock, 120, 121, 135, 136, 154, 189

Glazebrook, Rev. James, 122, 124

Glenorchy, Lady, 174, 175

Glossop, 389

Glynne, Mrs., 22, 518

Gold, Mrs., 476

Good, Mr., 370

Gorham, Mr., 371, 372, 466

Greaves, Rev. Alexander B., 365, 366, 368, 384, 388, 389, 404, 414,
423, 431, 436, 438, 440, 445, 460, 461

Green, Rev. Mr., 14

Greenwood, Charles, 372, 373, 382, 390, 392, 409, 432, 433, 460, 516,
541

Greenwood, James, 372

Grimshaw, Rev. William, 97, 119, 384

Halifax, 494

Hampson, John, senior, 545, 546

Hampson, John, junior, 545, 546

Hanby, Thomas, 3, 542

Hare, Mr., 370

Harris, Howell, 148–151, 171, 182–184

Harwich, 141

Hatfield, 10

Hatherleigh, 121

Hatton, Miss, 90, 91, 95, 106–108, 111, 115

Hatton, Rev. Mr., 80, 513, 564, 565

Hatton, Samuel, 90, 91, 188, 429

Haughton, Mr., 78

Haworth, 119

Hay, 182

Helmsley, 418

Henderson, John, 144–148

Henderson, Richard, 145–147, 149

Hereford, Bishop of, 58, 389

Hern, Jonathan, 442

Hervey, Rev. James, 345

Hicks, Rev. Mr., 52

Hill, Noel, Esq., 489

Hill, Sir Richard, 40, 111, 120, 154, 189, 215, 219, 223–237, 241, 244,
248–252, 279–282, 285–295, 299, 303, 307, 311–313, 316–320, 322,
330, 334, 335

Hill, Rev. Rowland, 178, 186, 237, 241, 244, 245, 248, 287, 330, 334,
385, 387, 472

Hill, Thomas, Esq., 11, 14, 22, 25, 29, 32, 35, 37, 41, 47, 54, 55, 58,
64, 488, 489

Hodson, John, 98

Holy, Thomas, 471

Hopper, Christopher, 3

Horne, Rev. Melville, 88, 126, 513–516, 555

Hotham, Sir Charles, 111

Hotham, Lady Gertrude, 49

Hoxton Square, 476

Huddersfield, 119, 121

Hull, 370

Hurrel, Miss, 400

Huntingdon, Countess of, 31, 32, 37, 44, 48–52, 56, 57, 59, 62, 64,
102, 111, 116–122, 125, 131, 134, 136, 137, 143, 149, 151, 155, 157,
164, 171, 172, 174, 175, 178–190, 192, 197, 209, 264, 299–302, 305,
310, 345, 357, 387, 393, 501

Ingham, Rev. Benjamin, 119

Ireland, James, Esq., 103, 104, 109, 115, 118, 120, 121, 137, 138, 140,
155, 156, 158, 160–162, 171, 189, 191, 192, 194, 197, 269, 299, 301,
348, 355, 365, 366, 378, 387, 388, 392, 393, 399, 407, 409, 410,
416–421, 424, 427, 436, 440, 444, 445, 447, 450, 460, 472, 549, 557,
569

Ireland, Miss, 107, 108, 138, 139

Jackson, Daniel, 519

Jackson, Thomas, 332

Janes, Thomas, 242, 243

Jobson, Dr., 505

Johnson, Ann, 474

Johnson, Dr., 146, 347

Jones, Rev. John, 141–144

Jones, Sir William, 146

Keen, Mr., 117, 137

Kinaston, Mr., 489

Kingswood, 31, 64, 131, 144, 147, 152, 157, 462

Kippax, 118–120

Knipe, Mrs., 418

Knowles, Dr., 420

Kruse, Mrs., 39

Kruse, Peter, 39

Lausanne, 435, 439, 440, 443, 447, 489

Lawrence, Sarah, 477, 518, 563

Ledsham, 153

Lee, Mr., 111

Lee, Thomas, 545

Leeds, 121, 465–470, 477, 481, 532, 541, 545–549

Lefevre, Mrs., 475

Lentzburg, 7

Lewen, Miss, 478, 479

Ley, Rev. William, 85

Leytonstone, 475, 476, 479, 489, 491

Liverpool, Lord, 401

Llanbister, 395

Llangollen, 518

Lloyd, Rev. David, 395

Lloyd, John, 171, 188

London, 11, 36–39, 41, 47, 49, 50, 84, 111, 114, 180, 242, 447, 573

Lowestoft, 369

Loxdale, Miss Ann, 462–464, 468

Ludlow, 78

Lyons, 447

Macon, 416, 417, 419

Madan, Rev. Martin, 52, 79, 119, 134, 215, 246, 324, 361

Madeley, 47, 55, 57–62, 76, 89, 93, 158, 191, 255, 258, 369, 373, 382,
389, 405, 415, 423, 429, 430, 450, 460, 489, 492, 502, 505, 526,
527, 530, 539, 551

Madeley Wood, 63, 64, 74, 76, 79, 83, 118, 255, 388, 403, 429, 430,
438, 526, 527, 547

Maidenhead, 152

Manchester, 461

Marseilles, 160, 416, 448

Mather, Alexander, 3, 99, 209

Matthews, Mary, 74, 76, 77

Maxfield, Rev. Thomas, 33, 39, 84, 85, 90, 91, 144, 180, 181

Maxwell, Lady, 220

Medhurst, Mrs., 119, 120

Minethorpe, William, 99

Montpelier, 155, 410, 414, 416, 447, 461

Moore, Henry, 412, 519, 542, 543

More, Miss Hannah, 146

Morris, James, 347

Murlin, John, 415, 477, 479

Nelson, John, 3, 517

Newcastle-on-Tyne, 356

Newton, Rev. John, 283

North, Lord, 437, 438

Norwich, 369

Nowell, Rev. Dr., 154, 206, 232

Nyon, 4, 7, 9, 156, 162, 415, 421, 424–427, 431, 434–436, 439, 443–446,
453, 455, 464, 488, 498

Oathall, 111, 112, 117

Olivers, Thomas, 3, 190, 208, 209, 232, 290, 335, 337, 339

Onions, Michael, 363, 385, 392, 432, 445, 446

Orton, Miss, 117, 171

Otley, 541

Owen, Rev. Mr., 189

Owen, John, 445, 446

Palmer, Robert, 388

Pawson, John, 3, 153, 242

Peckwell, Rev. Dr., 385, 387

Perronet, Charles, 252, 364, 365, 390

Perronet, Miss Damaris, 385, 389, 390, 407, 473

Perronet, Edward, 285

Perronet, Henry, 97

Perronet, Rev. Vincent, 364, 365, 385, 390, 407, 419, 430, 432, 447,
499, 500, 554, 556

Perronet, William, 389, 399, 415, 419, 425–428, 431–435, 439, 440, 444,
447, 499, 500

Pescod, Joseph, 466

Pewsey, 119

Pilmoor, Joseph, 3, 543, 545, 546

Pine, William, 191, 192, 349

Pool, John, 545

Power, Mr., 420

Powley, Rev. Mr., 119

Powys, Thomas, Esq., 111, 115, 189, 215

Preston, Mr., 370

Price, Dr., 219, 334, 350–353, 357, 358, 387

Price, Owen, 38

Priestley, Dr., 531–537

Pritchard, John, 545

Prothero, Rev. Mr., 65

Ramsden, Mr., 370

Rankin, Thomas, 3, 447, 464

Reader, Thomas, 320

Reading, 407

Richardson, Rev. Mr., 119

Ritchie, Miss, 400, 541

Roberts, John, 274

Rock Church, 76, 79

Rogers, Hester Ann, 467–471, 473, 485

Rogers, James, 397, 467

Romaine, Rev. William, 111, 122, 154, 174, 345, 472

Rome, 410

Roquet, Rev. James, 242, 243, 355, 366

Rowlands, Rev. Daniel, 148, 149, 151, 171, 172

Rutherford, Thomas, 3, 519

Ryan, Sarah, 28, 33, 35, 43, 46, 475–477, 480

Ryland, Rev. Mr., 119

Scott, Captain, 116–118, 120

Sellon, Rev. Walter, 101, 151, 187, 206–208, 219, 232, 252, 292

Serle, Ambrose, 294

Shadford, George, 3

Sheffield, 467, 471

Sherlock, Bishop, 32, 534

Shirley, Lady Frances, 49

Shirley, Rev. Walter, 50, 149–151, 171, 172, 174, 177, 179, 183, 185,
188–197, 201–204, 207, 209–215, 220–223, 229, 238, 239, 334, 345,
378, 385, 387

Shoreham, 385, 407

Shrewsbury, 22, 29, 31, 34, 97, 120, 136, 191, 288, 430, 518

Simeon, Rev. Charles, 551, 552

Simpson, Mr., 370

Simpson, Rev. David, 168, 543

Smisby, 152

Smith, William, 467, 497

Smyth, Mrs., 518, 519, 539

Smyth, William, 518, 520, 522

South Mimms, 10

Southey, Robert, 329

St. Albans, 14

St. Neots, 371, 372, 466

Stevenson, G. J., 209, 549

Stillingfleet, Rev. Edward, 133, 394

Stoke Newington, 372, 373, 382, 391, 403, 408, 409, 484, 552

Story, George, 3

Swedenborg, Baron, 531

Taunton, 320, 357

Tavan, Mr., 489

Taylor, Isaac, 329

Taylor, Richard, 479–482, 498

Taylor, Thomas, 3, 395, 542

Terry, Mr., 370

Thompson, William, 3

Thornton, Mrs., 402, 433, 516, 552

Thornton, John, Esq., 283, 284, 378, 388, 418

Toplady, Rev. Augustus, 154, 203, 206, 208, 232, 284, 294, 312, 324,
334–347, 451

Townsend, Rev. Joseph, 119, 132

Tranter, William, 503

Trevecca College, 116, 117, 121, 131, 134–137, 141, 144, 145, 148–151,
157, 158, 164, 171, 175–186, 209, 559

Tripp, Ann, 28, 477, 497

Tunbridge, 31, 32

Turner, Dr., 387

Valton, John, 496, 498, 516

Vaughan, Mr., 22, 29, 42, 268, 269, 353, 358

Venn, Rev. Henry, 52, 111, 119, 122, 133, 171, 172, 174, 371, 393, 394,
529, 569

Voltaire, 416, 452, 457

Walsh, Father, 215

Walsh, Thomas, 28, 30, 37, 38

Wandsworth, 36

Wase, William, 384, 388, 405, 429, 438, 442, 444

Washington, General George, 347

Watson, Richard, 574

Wellington, 99

Wem, 90, 95, 107, 177

Wenlock, 79

Wesley, Rev. Charles, 31, 32, 35–38, 41, 42, 44, 45, 47, 48, 50, 51,
55, 57, 62–64, 66, 76, 78–80, 84, 89–91, 96, 97, 129, 132, 141, 142,
152, 172, 180, 222, 285, 310, 327, 328, 346, 359–362, 367, 402, 433,
484, 511, 544, 556, 557, 565

Wesley, Rev. John, 1–3, 9, 16, 20, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 36, 50,
57, 59, 67, 82, 84, 90, 91, 96, 122, 129, 132–134, 136, 141, 148,
150–154, 157, 169, 173–177, 180–209, 220, 222, 224, 225, 231, 232,
234–238, 241–243, 256, 263–266, 270, 280–282, 285–289, 298, 304,
307, 310, 321, 322, 324–329, 335, 336, 339–349, 351–358, 369, 370,
372, 373, 380, 384, 392, 394, 395, 402, 408, 410, 411, 430, 433,
451, 460, 463, 465, 477, 484, 485, 497, 502, 508, 532, 533, 541–549,
551, 558, 566, 570, 572, 575

West Bromwich, 366

Whatcoat, Richard, 3

Whitefield, Rev. George, 31, 67, 114–116, 119, 121, 134–136, 148, 173,
174, 180, 186, 187, 204, 265, 345

Whitehead, Dr. John, 264, 265

Wilberforce, William, Esq., 146

Wilcocks, Samuel, 274

Wilkes, John, 270–273

Wilkes, Sarah, 272

Williams, Rev. Peter, 149, 150, 171, 172

Williams, Rev. William, 148-150, 171, 172

Wood, Enoch, 548

Wroxeter, 29

Yates, Mr., 523

Yelling, 371

York, 120, 370

York, Thomas, 403, 405, 424, 434, 438, 441

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Transcriber’s Note

The footnotes references in the text were erratic, frequently misaligning with the notes on each page, or missing altogether. The latter’s placement in the text is done here on a best-guess basis.

Footnotes have been re-sequenced numerically to be unique across the entire text.

The third full paragraph on p. 246 has a confusion of quotation near its end. It is unclear, by the context, where the last nested quotation should end, and so the confusion remains.

A similar confusion appears at the top of p. 296. A closing single quote appears at “we are for ever justified by _Christ alone_,[’]”. Either it is itself spurious, or the opening of that nested quotation is missing.

Near the bottom of p. 467, an extra space precedes the words ‘here given’ at the beginning of a line. The lengthy quotation that follows is assumed to be the description referenced, and the extra space has been removed.

In the Index, the entries for Bouverot and Downes have been placed in their proper alphabetic order.

Errors deemed most likely to be the printer’s have been corrected, and are noted here. The references are to the page and line in the original.

xiv.36 “_Driving_ Methodism and _Still_ Mysticism[”] Added.
19.34 I endeavoured to conc[ ea/eal] Replaced.
40.5 a distinguished and ancient family[.] Added.
41.1 [“]After my conversation Added.
41.39 [‘/“]I am here Replaced.
42.9 and ask, ‘Where are our hearts now?[’]” Inserted.
67.28 [“]He is our Creator Added.
90.27 the ancient town of We[nn/m] Replaced.
98.40 [“]‘Our life is a dream! Added.
105.22 Opposition gradually died[.] Added.
149.2 Howell Davies, rector of Prend[er]gast Inserted.
151.11 [“]‘Captain of Thine enlisted host, Removed.
155.9 [“]The Lord give you patience Added.
158.35 so [pu]blicly pledged Restored.
179.38 under the name of ‘Perfection.[’] Added.
193.29 to the Hon[.] and Rev. Author Added.
201.22 [“]One difficulty remains Added.
224.6 and second[l]y Inserted.
225.46 and mother Church[’/”] Replaced.
245.37 so plentifully heaped upon my head?[’] Added.
248.27 This d[r]eadful _sanbenito_ Inserted.
254.2 [“]APPEAL TO MATTER OF FACT Added.
287.15 quotations from Mr. Wesley’s ‘Minutes,[”/’] Replaced.
307.33 their [inamissable] title _sic_
320.23 and a Death Purgatory,[”] Added.
325.8 _good wo[r]ks_ Inserted.
340.24 [“]‘Come, buy my fine powders; come buy dem of Removed.
me;
354.20 two shillings a week.[’]” Inserted.
377.19 His wife,[’] the church of the first-born, Removed.
387.39 [“]They met and parted Added.”
417.13 is the decen[t] covering Restored.
423.38 [‘/“]We are all called Replaced.
464.3 “MADELEY, _Ju[u/n]e 24, 1781_. Inverted.
464.33 and affectionate Son in the Gospel[./,] Replaced.
469.10 and is [ ]here given almost without Removed.
abridgment.
476.20 the tranquillity of my spirit.[”] Added.
478.43 concerning Sister Bosanquet having £2,000.[”] Added.
482.7 sold for half it[s] value Added.
484.35 “A few weeks ag[s/o], I once more read Replaced.
496.18 O my God! Pray for me, O my friends![’] Added.
522.25 drink the cup of humility at your feet[.] Added.
525.23 horses use[s/d] by smugglers Replaced.
543.8 I shall not be moved[”] Added.
545.37 To the [ /l]atter, he exclaimed Restored.
546.13 Joseph Pillmoor, John Atlay, and William Inserted.
Ee[l]ls
577.29 B[a/u]rnet, Rev. Mr., 119 Replaced.