History of Methodism in Ireland
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sx (Lfyf fyxmll Wwmfy ptawg ..J-^dUxX^yrsrO.iU...... A.M.U^ 3ApA.lt 8817 was taken. The date shows when this volume **** HOME USE RULES. Books not needed for instruction or re- search are returnable within 4 weeks. periodi- APR2 6f£?8 £' Volumes of cals and of pamphlets are held in the library as much as possible. For special purposes they are given out for a limited time. Borrowers should not use their library privileges for tbebene- fit of other persons. Books not needed during recess periods should be returned to the library, or arrange- ments made for their return during borrow- er' s absence, if wanted. Books needed by more than one person are held on the reserve list. Books of special value and gift books, when the giver wishes to it, are not allowed circulate. Cornell University Library BX8281 .C94 v.1 History of Methodism in Ireland, 3 1924 029 470 741 olin The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924029470741 WESLEY AND HIS TIMES. : HISTORY OP METHODISM IN » IRELAND. 19*01. $ WESLEY AND HIS TIMES. C. H. CROOKSHANK, M.A., Author of "A Methodist Pioneer" and "Memorable Women of Irish Methodism in the Last Century." BELFAST B. S. ALLEN, SON & ALLEN—UNIVEESITY HOUSE. London: T. WOOLMEB. 1885. A^^oftf ' DREW THEOl|gSGAL SEMINARY IjjfcRARY. 5 i "i- 1 i a* 3 rf) ''£0 is Jlflfecftonafeft? gnscriBeo to fl?e JtfUmorg of flnntt 2Sogle ©rooftgftanft, IflJjo greaffc? encouraged its puBftcatton, c c earnesfft? mtptoreo fi?e Jiotne GCesstug on its perusal, anb now, no 6ou6f, front t,. t§e Unseen ^orK> loo&s for an answer to £er praters. ; ; iSUcovUg of ©imsfttan moxk " What said the past ? A thousand spirits rushed To scan its records as they flitted by And e'en as if a seraph's voice had hushed Each earth-bom passion's wayward revelry, They looked with awe upon the hallowed scroll, Unfolding brightly to their inmost soul. " It spake of men, of holy men, who stood As angels 'mid the dreary waste around "Who sought to stem the wild and angry flood That spurned control and burst through every bound'; Of men who gloried in reproach and shame, And all things counted loss for Jbsu's name. " And think ye, as they traced these annals o'er, And marked the path this suffering phalanx trod, No burning zeal for Him whose name they bore Inflamed their hearts, their spirits raised to God ? That no sweet songs of grateful love arose " To Him who vanquished all their fathers' foes ? — PREFACE 'jlF?' E a long time many have felt deeply the needs be for a -i«t* detailed and reliable history of Methodism in Ireland. The interest and importance of the subject give it a claim on special consideration : and Christian people require to be in- formed about it in order to see the strong claim that Irish Methodism has on their practical sympathy. The only work published on this subject—that by the Eev. William Smith is fragmentary and exceedingly meagre ; while the interesting and valuable histories of Dr. Smith and Dr. Stevens, embrac- ing Methodism generally, afford Little space comparatively, to a small country like Ireland, however important may be the work effected here. Eich and ample materials for such a history have been available and accumulating, not only in the biographies and journals of those who lived and laboured in this country, and in the Methodist Magazines, but also, and especially in the Irish Evangelist and Irish Christian Advocate, which have rendered invaluable service by rescuing from oblivion numerous incidents in connection with the work of Methodism in Ireland. These various viii PREFACE. sources of information have been freely used, many unpublished MSS. examined, and the results carefully compared. Neither labour nor expense has been spared in order to secure in every respect, as far as possible, full and accurate details; and all unnecessary comments and reflections have been rigorously avoided, so as to leave the simple facts to speak for themselves. The continuation of this work will depend on the support which it receives. A Second Volume, bringing the history down to the close of 1819, is ready for the press, and will appear (D.V.) when this book obtains a sufficient sale to defray its publica- tion. Grateful acknowledgements are due and expressed for assistance kindly rendered by the Eev. Dr. Osborn, by ministers and lay friends of various Evangelical Churches, and especially by one who carefully and lovingly revised the manuscript, but whose hand has lost its cunning. C. H. C. Methodist Manse, Antrim, March 3rd, 1885. —— CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION. Success of Irish Methodism. The Eeformation. Policy of the British Govern- ment. State of the country in 1747. The Eoman Catholics. The Estab- lished Church—bishops—clergy—people. The Presbyterians—Arianism —the Seceders. No aggression. The Charter schools. 1-11 CHAPTER I.—1747. The Oxford Methodists. Visit of Whitefield. The Moravians. The work in prospect. The first preacher that came to Ireland. His labours—success —preaching room. Wesley's first visit—his companion—reception by the Archbishop and clergy. The Society. Persecution. Arrival of C. Wesley and C. Perronet. Outdoor services. The weavers of the Liberty Dolphin's barn secured. First impressions of a gentleman concerning the Methodist*—his conversion. Extension of the work to the midland counties. - 12-24 CHAPTER H.—1748. Success in the provinces —C. Wesley's first tour—attack by a mob—triumphant ode. The work in Dublin—arrival of J. Wesley—the state of the Society. The country—cheering prospects. " A Letter to a Clergyman." English Conference—appointments to Ireland. Extension of the work to Cork and Bandon. Return of C. Wesley—Cork—his reception by the people—the Bishop—a Society formed. Excursions to adjoining country —Bandon Kinsale—a plenteous harvest—opposition—last service in Cork—return to Dublin. Tokens of a coming storm. Hymn of praise. - 25-44 CHAPTER m.—1749. The Highlanders—conversion of a pugilist. Methodism introduced into Limerick—Conversion of Walsh and Mrs. Bennis. Waterford. Wesley in Dublin—the provinces—notable conversions—riots in Cork—foolish " slander—" A Short Address to the Inhabitants of Ireland —revival meet- ings—female helper—" A Letter to a Roman Catholic." Cheering re- ports. T-he Palatines—the man that drove the devil out of the town female strife and what came of it—further extension. Continuation of the Cork riots—the Assizes—memorable presentment—sympathy - 45-60 —a X CONTENTS. CHAPTER IV.—1750. The riots—influence in high quarters—Lent Assizes. Visit of Wesley— crafty Antinomian—interview with a clever but dissolute woman—one who tried to make perverts and was herself converted—the work in the provinces—keepers of the peace—an opportunity well improved—a mayor conniving at a riot—peace at last—a retributive Providence—opponents roughly handled. A clergyman's sympathy artfully overcome—long — " journeys—persecutors punished " A letter to the Rev. J. Baily threatened dissent. Attempted murder. A saintly evangelist. Exten- sion of the work to the north. Military justice. Clerical intolerance. 60-77 CHAPTER V.—1751. Labours of Walsh—opposition—rescue by a clergyman. A liberal-minded vicar—letters to the Bishop of Meath. Visit of Whitefield—Dublin—the provinces—the north. Antipathy to the Church. Neglect of reading. Antinomianism. Conference inquiry. Two appointments. 77-86 CHAPTER VI.—1752. Mob violence. An intolerant magistrate. Erection of Whitefriar St. chapel —its treatment by the mob. Visit of J. Wesley—a defence of the Method- " ists—first Irish Conference—second chapel in Ireland—a backslider. A Short Method of Converting the Roman Catholics." First division in the Society. Conversion of two illustrious Palatines. 87-96 CHAPTER VII.—1753-55. Hostility overruled for good. Extension of the work through the military. Profanity on board a packet. " The Large Minutes." Conversion of an attorney. Young men in the Co. Leitrim. A valuable addition to the Society. Death of a leader. English Conference, 1754. Irish services in London. Convert from Popery. A would-be murderer subdued. An ineffectual yet fruitful effort. Separation from the Church discussed. The Conference, 1755. Conversion of a young man of promise. The army. Itinerants laid aside. - 97-107 CHAPTER Vni.—1756. Political disturbance. Wesley's visit—second Irish Conference—a Christian student charged with insanity—Hammond's Marsh chapel—an unfaithful itinerant—the Palatines—controversy with a rector—the Brookes. Ulster Mrs. Cumberland—mob violence. Conversion of Toplady. Itinerants in distress. 107-118 CHAPTER IX.—1757. Entire sanctification. Visit of Whitefield—narrow escape with life—remark- able prayer—an erratic career. The Conference. The work in Dublin. A shocking proposal. County Down—a blind girl enabled to see. A judicious clergyman. - 118-25 — CONTENTS. XI CHAPTER X.—1758. Conversion of a notorious sinner. Wesley's visit—the work in Dublin—the provinces—mob law—oonversion of the Hon. and Rev. W. Shirley—-illness of T. Walsh—the Conference—the Palatines—first death in the Irish itinerancy—Bandon chapel—Difficulties in getting out of port. Appoint- ments. The Work. Conversion of a condemned deserter. - 125-35 CHAPTER XI.— 1759. The work in Dublin—in Cootehill. Death of T. Walsh. The army. English Conference. Labours of Mr. Shirley—opposition—a clerical accuser con- founded—a waggish prelate—letter to Wesley. Attention of a nobleman to a dying itinerant. Little fruit. 135-39 CHAPTER XH.—1760-61. A clergyman itinerating. Dublin. A remarkable communication and its results. Conversion of a curate's wife. The germ of American Method- ism.