increased, he was constantly crying out for dying grace. Often would
he say, ‘O Mary, I am afraid lest we should have our good things here.
Let us look up. Let us live above all. We have one foot in the grave.’
He scarcely ever lay down or rose up without repeating—
“I nothing have, I nothing am;
My treasure’s in the bleeding Lamb,
Both now and evermore.
“There was scarce an hour in which he was not calling upon me to drop
every thought and every care, that we might attend to nothing but
drinking deeper into God. We spent much time in prayer for the fulness
of the Spirit, and were led to an act of _abandonment_ (as we called
it) of our whole selves into the hands of God, to do or to suffer
whatever was pleasing to Him.
“On Thursday, August 4, he was occupied in the work of God from three
in the afternoon till nine at night; when he came home, and said, ‘I
have taken cold.’ On Friday and Saturday, he was poorly; but went out
part of each day, and seemed uncommonly drawn out in prayer.
“On Saturday night, his fever first appeared very strong. I begged him
not to go to the church in the morning; but to let a pious
brother,[638] who was with us, preach in the yard; but he told me, it
was the will of the Lord that he should go. When I met a little
company of our pious women, on Sunday morning, I begged they would
pray that he might be strengthened. In reading the prayers, he almost
fainted. I got through the crowd, with a friend, and entreated him to
come out of the desk, as did some others; but, in his sweet manner, he
let us know we were not to interrupt the order of God. I then retired
to my pew. All around me were in tears. When he was a little
refreshed, by the windows being opened and a nosegay thrown into the
desk by a friend, he proceeded with the service. Going into the
pulpit, he preached with a strength and recollection which surprised
us all. In his first prayer, he said, ‘Lord, Thou wilt manifest Thy
strength in weakness. We confer not with flesh and blood; but put our
trust under the shadow of Thy wings.’
“His text was, ‘O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. How excellent
is Thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their
trust under the shadow of Thy wings.’ After sermon, he went up the
aisle to the communion-table, with these words, ‘I am going to throw
myself under the wings of the cherubim, before the mercy-seat.’ The
congregation was large, and the service lasted till nearly two
o’clock. Sometimes he could scarcely stand, and was often obliged to
stop for want of power to speak. The people were deeply affected.
Weeping was on every side. Notwithstanding his extreme weakness, he
gave out several verses of hymns, and uttered various lively sentences
of exhortation.
“As soon as the service was over, we hurried him away to bed, where he
immediately fainted. He then dropped into a sleep for some time; and,
when he awoke, he cried out, with a pleasant smile, ‘Now, my dear,
thou seest I am no worse for doing the Lord’s work. He never fails me
when I trust in Him.’ He dozed most of the evening, now and then
awaking full of the praises of God. At night, his fever returned, and
his strength decreased amazingly.
“On Monday and Tuesday, he lay on a couch in the study, was at times
very restless, but often slept. When awake, he was delighted in
hearing me read hymns, and tracts on faith and love. His words were
animating, and his patience beyond expression. I asked, ‘Hast thou any
conviction that the Lord is about to take thee?’ He answered, ‘No, not
in particular; only I always see death so near, that we both seem to
stand on the verge of eternity.’ Sometimes he would say, ‘O Polly!
shall I ever see the day when thou must be carried out to be buried? I
shrink at giving my dear Polly to the worms.’ Awaking on one occasion,
he said, ‘It was Israel’s fault that they asked _for signs_. We will
not do so; but, abandoning our whole selves into the hands of God, we
will there lie patiently, assured that He will do all things well.’
“On Wednesday, August 10, he told me, he had received such a
manifestation of the full meaning of the words, ‘_God is love_,’ as he
could not tell. ‘It _fills me_,’ he said, ‘it _fills me_ every moment.
O Polly! my dear Polly! _God is love!_ Shout! Shout aloud! Oh! it so
fills me, that I want a gust of praise to go to the ends of the earth.
But it seems as if I could not speak much longer. Let us fix upon a
sign between ourselves’ (tapping me twice with his finger). ‘By this I
mean _God is love, and we will draw each other into God. Observe! by
this we will draw each other into God._’ Sally coming in, he cried, ‘O
Sally! _God is love!_ Shout, both of you! I want to hear you shout His
praise!’ All this time, his medical attendant hoped he was in no
danger. He knew his disease to be the fever; but, as he had no bad
headache, slept much without the least delirium, and had an almost
regular pulse, the symptoms were thought to be favourable.
“On Thursday, August 11, his speech began to fail; but to his friendly
doctor he would not be silent while he had any power to speak, often
saying, ‘O Sir, you take much thought for my body; give me leave to
take thought for your soul.’ When I could scarcely understand anything
he said, I spoke the words, ‘_God is love!_’ Instantly he caught them,
and broke out in a rapture, ‘God is _love, love, love_! O for the gust
of praise I want to sound!’ Here his voice again failed. If I named
his sufferings, he would smile, and make the sign.
“On Friday, August 12, finding his body covered with spots, I so far
understood them as to feel a sword pierce through my soul. As I knelt
by his bed, with my hand in his, intreating the Lord to be with us in
this tremendous hour, he strove to say many things, but could not. At
length, pressing my hand, and often repeating the sign, he breathed
out, ‘Head of the Church, be head to my wife!’ Sally said to him, ‘My
dear master, do you know _me_?’ He replied, ‘Sally, God will put His
right hand under you.’ She added, ‘O my dear master, should you be
taken away, what a disconsolate creature will my poor mistress be!’ He
answered, ‘God will be her all in all.’ He had always delighted in the
lines—
“‘Jesu’s blood, through earth and skies,
Mercy, free, boundless mercy cries.’
“When I repeated them to him, he cried, ‘_Boundless, boundless!_’ and
added, though with great difficulty—
“‘Mercy’s _full_ power _I soon_ shall prove,
Lov’d with an everlasting love.’
“On the afternoon of Saturday, August 13, while a few Christian
friends were standing near his bed, he stretched out his hand to each
of them, and, to a minister, remarked, ‘Are you ready to assist
to-morrow?’ One asked, ‘Do you think the Lord will raise you up?’ He
strove to answer, ‘Raise in resur... raise in resur....’ To another,
who put the same question, he replied, ‘I leave it all to God.’ I
said, ‘My dear creature, I ask not for myself, but for the sake of
others. If Jesus is very present with thee, lift thy right hand.’ He
did so. I added, ‘If the prospect of glory opens before thee, repeat
the sign.’ He raised his hand again; and, in half a minute, a second
time. After this, his dear hands moved no more; but, on my asking,
‘Art thou in much pain?’ he answered, ‘No.’
“From this time, he entered into a kind of sleep, though with his eyes
open and fixed. Twenty-four hours, my dearly beloved breathed like a
person in common sleep; and then, at thirty-five minutes past ten on
Sunday night, August 14, his precious soul entered into the joy of his
Lord, in the fifty-sixth year of his age. I was scarce a minute at a
time from him, night or day, during his illness, and I can truly say—
“‘No cloud did arise, to darken the skies,
Or hide for one moment his Lord from his eyes.’
“And here I break off my mournful story. On my bleeding heart, his
fair picture of heavenly excellence will be for ever drawn. When I
call to mind his ardent zeal, his laborious endeavours to seek and
save the lost, his diligence in the employment of his time, his
Christlike condescension towards me, and his uninterrupted converse
with heaven, I may well be allowed to add, my loss is beyond the power
of words to paint.
“On August 17, his dear remains were deposited in Madeley churchyard;
amid the tears and lamentations of thousands, who flocked about the
bier of their dead pastor. Between the house and the church, they sung
these verses:—
“‘With heavenly weapons he hath fought
The battles of the Lord:
Finish’d his course, and kept the faith,
And gain’d the great reward.
“‘God hath laid up in heaven for him
A crown which cannot fade;
The righteous Judge, at that great day,
Shall place it on his head.’
“The service was performed by the Rev. Mr. Hatton, Rector of
Waters-Upton, whom the Lord moved, in a pathetic manner, to speak to
the weeping flock. At my request, he read the following paper:—[639]
“‘It was the desire of my beloved husband to be buried in this plain
manner, and, out of tenderness, he begged that I might not be present.
In all things I would obey him.
“‘Permit me, by the mouth of a friend, to bear my testimony, to the
glory of God, that I never knew anyone walk so closely with God as he
did. The Lord gave him a conscience tender as the apple of an eye. He
literally preferred the interest of every one to his own. He shared
_his all_ with the poor, who lay so close his heart, that, when his
speech was so gone that he could utter nothing without difficulty, he
cried out, “_O my Poor!_ What will become of my Poor?” He was blessed
with so great a degree of humility as is scarcely to be found. I am
witness, how often he has taken real pleasure in being treated with
contempt. It seemed the very food of his soul, to be little and
unknown. When he said to me, “Thou wilt write a line or two to my
brother in Switzerland, if I die,” I replied, “My dear, dear love, I
will write him all the Lord’s dealings with thee.” “No, no,” said he,
“write nothing about me. I only desire to be forgotten. _God is all._”
“‘His diligent visitation of the sick laid the foundation of the
spotted fever of which he died; and his vehement desire to take his
last leave of _you_, with dying lips and hands, gave (it is supposed)
the finishing stroke, by preparing his blood for putrefaction. Thus
did he live and die your servant.
“‘He walked with death always in sight. About two months ago, he came
to me and said, “My dear love, I know not how it is, but I have a
strange impression death is very near us, as if it would be a sudden
stroke upon one of us; and it draws out my soul in prayer that we may
be ready.” He then broke out, “Lord, prepare the soul Thou wilt call;
and, O stand by the poor disconsolate one who shall be left behind!”
“‘Three years, nine months, and two days, I have possessed my
_heavenly-minded husband_; but now the sun of my earthly joy is _set
for ever_.’”
Footnote 637:
No doubt to attend Wesley’s Conference, which began on July 26.
Footnote 638:
No doubt, one of Wesley’s preachers.
Footnote 639:
Mr. Hatton also preached a funeral sermon, founded on Hebrews xiii. 7.
This is a very artless story; but it is not less valuable because of
that. Mrs. Fletcher sent a copy to Charles Wesley, together with the
following note:—
“MADELEY, _August 24, 1785_.
“DEAR SIR,—Enclosed you have an account of my feelings when I thought
myself dying, as did most about me. I prayed for strength to do
justice to my dearest, dearest love. I wrote it in one day, but could
not go over it a second time. Take it, then, as it flowed from my full
heart, without a second thought, and pray for your deeply distressed
friend. I cannot find your brother. I wrote to him at first, but have
got no answer.”[640]
Footnote 640:
Jackson’s “Life of C. Wesley,” vol. ii., p. 432.
Wesley, in his eighty-third year, was in the west of England, travelling
and preaching with surprising energy. On the day of Fletcher’s death, he
preached twice at Salisbury; then hastened to Shaftesbury, Castle-Carey,
Shepton-Mallet, Taunton, Collumpton, Exeter, and Plymouth; then went
right through Cornwall; and, on September 3, got to Bristol, in the
neighbourhood of which city he spent a month. On October 3, he came to
London; then made what he calls “a little excursion” into Hertfordshire,
another into Oxfordshire, and a third into Norfolk. Here, at Norwich, on
October 24, he found time to write a sermon on the death of Fletcher,
which he delivered in London on November 6. The sermon was published
immediately, with the following address “To the reader” prefixed[641]:—
“A consciousness of my own inability to describe, in a manner worthy
of the subject, such a person as Mr. Fletcher, was one great reason of
my not writing this sooner. I judged, only an _Apelles_ was proper to
paint an _Alexander_. But I, at length, submitted to importunity, and
hastily put together some memorials of this great man: intending, if
God permit, when I have more leisure and more materials, to write a
fuller account of his life.
“JOHN WESLEY.
“London, _November 9, 1785_.”
Footnote 641:
The title was, “A Sermon preached on the Occasion of the Death of the
Rev. Mr. John Fletcher, Vicar of Madeley, Shropshire. By John Wesley,
A.M.” 12mo. 32 pp.
The concluding paragraph of Wesley’s sermon must be quoted:—
“For many years, I despaired of finding any inhabitant of Great
Britain that could stand in any degree of comparison with Gregory
Lopez, or Monsieur de Renty. But let any impartial person judge, if
Mr. Fletcher was at all inferior to them? Did he not experience as
deep communion with God, and as high a measure of inward holiness, as
was experienced either by one or the other of those burning and
shining lights? And it is certain his outward holiness shone before
men, with full as bright a lustre as theirs. But if any should attempt
to draw a parallel between them, there are two circumstances that
deserve consideration. One is, we are not assured that the writers of
_their_ Lives did not extenuate, if not suppress, what was amiss in
them. And some things amiss we are assured there were, namely, many
touches of superstition, and some of idolatry, in worshipping Saints,
the Virgin Mary in particular. But I have not suppressed or extenuated
anything in Mr. Fletcher’s character. For indeed I knew nothing that
was amiss, nothing that needed to be extenuated, much less suppressed.
A second circumstance is, that the Writers of _their_ Lives could not
have so full a knowledge of them, as both Mrs. Fletcher and I had of
Mr. Fletcher, being both eye and ear-witnesses of his whole conduct.
Consequently, we know that his life was not sullied with any mixture
of either idolatry or superstition. I was intimately acquainted with
him for above thirty years. I conversed with him morning, noon, and
night, without the least reserve, during a journey of many hundred
miles. And, in all that time, I never heard him speak one improper
word, nor saw him do an improper action.—To conclude. Many exemplary
men have I known, holy in heart and life, within fourscore years. But
one equal to him I have not known: one so inwardly and outwardly
devoted to God. So unblameable a character in every respect, I have
not found either in Europe or America. And I scarce expect to find
another such, on this side eternity.”
Human praise could not be higher than this; and yet even the _Monthly
Review_, which had so often and so unjustly denounced the Methodists, in
its notice of Wesley’s sermon, remarked:—
“Mr. Fletcher was one of the most considerable among the Methodist
ministers of the Wesleyan division. We have long been acquainted with
his good character; and we firmly believe that the high encomiums here
passed on him were justly merited in their fullest extent.”[642]
Footnote 642:
_Monthly Review_, 1786, p. 79.
Scores of other eulogies have been written, but only four shall be added
here, and these by persons who were well acquainted with the man of whom
they speak.
The Rev. Joshua Gilpin’s elaborate biographical “Notes,” interspersed in
Fletcher’s “Portrait of St. Paul,” are too numerous and lengthened to be
introduced, but an extract from the last of them (the twenty-ninth) must
be given:—
“On the day of Mr. Fletcher’s departure, as I was preparing to attend
my own church, which was at the distance of nine miles from Madeley, I
received a message from Mrs. Fletcher, requesting my immediate
attendance at the vicarage. I instantly followed the messenger, and
found Mr. Fletcher with every symptom of approaching dissolution upon
him. I had ever looked up to this man of God with an extraordinary
degree of affection and reverence; and, on this afflicting occasion,
my heart was uncommonly affected and depressed. It was now in vain to
recollect that public duty required my presence in another place.
Unfitted for every duty, except that of silently watching the bed of
death, I found it impossible to withdraw from the solemn scene. I had
received from this evangelical teacher, in days that were past, many
excellent precepts with respect to _holy living_; and now I desired to
receive from him the last important lesson with respect to _holy
dying_. And truly this concluding lesson was of inestimable worth,
since so much patience and resignation, so much peace and composure,
were scarcely ever discovered in the same circumstances before.
“While their pastor was breathing out his soul into the hands of a
faithful Creator, his people were offering up their joint
supplications on his behalf in the house of God. Little, however, was
seen among them but affliction and tears.[643] The whole village wore
an air of consternation and sadness, and not one joyful song was heard
among its inhabitants. Hasty messengers were passing to and fro with
anxious enquiries and confused reports; and the members of every
family sat together in silence that day, awaiting, with trembling
expectation, the issue of every hour. After the conclusion of the
evening service, several of the poor, who came from distant parts, and
who were usually entertained under Mr. Fletcher’s roof, still lingered
about the house, and seemed unable to tear themselves away from the
place without a sight of their expiring pastor. Secretly informed of
their desire, I obtained them the permission they wished; and the door
of the chamber being set open, immediately before which Mr. Fletcher
was sitting upright in his bed, with the curtains undrawn, they slowly
moved, one by one, along the gallery, severally pausing as they passed
by the door, and casting in a look of mingled supplication and
anguish. It was, indeed, an affecting sight.
“And now the hour speedily approached that was to put a solemn
termination to our hopes and fears. His weakness very perceptibly
increased, but his countenance continued unaltered to the last. Mrs.
Fletcher was kneeling by the side other departing husband, the medical
attendant sat at his head, while I sorrowfully waited near his feet.
Uncertain whether or not he was totally separated from us, we pressed
nearer; but his warfare was accomplished, and the happy spirit had
taken its everlasting flight.”
Footnote 643:
Another writer, who was present, relates that the congregation sang,
or tried to sing, the affecting hymn which was composed and used at
the time of Fletcher’s dangerous illness in 1776 (see pp. 362 and
368). He further says, “I never was witness to a scene so impressive
and pathetic. Every breast felt, every countenance expressed, one
common sentiment. Tears, sobs, and suppressed groans showed how
sincerely the people esteemed their venerable pastor. When the hymn
was sung, there was a general burst of sorrow. Even those who had
spurned his instructions, deprecated his death as a public loss, and
expressed their grief with uncommon agitation.” (_Methodist Magazine_,
1802, p. 572.)
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.