Fletcher of Madeley

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

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Stampe, of Great Grimsby, for the opportunity of examining a considerable number of Fletcher's manuscripts, hitherto unpublished.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

CONTENTS.

PAGE CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY 1

CHAPTER II.

EARLY LIFE 10

CHAPTER III.

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

CHAPTER IV.

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE 34

CHAPTER V.

ENTERS THE MINISTRY 44

CHAPTER VI.

FIRST YEARS AT MADELEY.--DIFFICULTIES AND DISCOURAGEMENTS 56

CHAPTER VII.

CONTROVERSY AND CORRESPONDENCE 73

CHAPTER VIII.

TREVECCA COLLEGE.--THE CALVINIST CONTROVERSY 95

CHAPTER IX.

WESLEY'S PROPOSAL.--FAILING HEALTH 119

CHAPTER X.

RESIDENCE IN SWITZERLAND 131

CHAPTER XI.

RETURN TO ENGLAND.--MARRIAGE 154

CHAPTER XII.

LAST YEARS 168

APPENDIX 193

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.

There is reason to think that the interest felt in the Evangelical Revival of the last century, after declining for awhile, is again steadily increasing. It may be said that this quickened interest is but part of a larger intellectual movement, of a reaction, in which we have passed from undue disparagement of the eighteenth century to an exaggerated estimate of its importance and value. Nor is it likely, when eighteenth century forms of literature, philosophy, and social life are being studied with so much sympathy, that the most prominent event in its religious history would escape attention.

There is some truth in this, but it is not the whole account of the matter. The fact is, and we are continually being reminded of it, the consequences of the Revival are by no means exhausted. We are not yet at the end of its manifestations; and though some of its later forms have new and striking features of their own, their relation to the original movement is attested both by historic descent and by inward resemblances and affinities. So long as this is the case, and the Revival, or Reformation, of a century and a half ago is still amongst the living forces that influence society, the interest with which its rise and progress are regarded will continue. Active Christian spirits will seek to understand and respond to its newer developments; and others, whether in sympathy with those developments or not, will be obliged to take account of them, and assign them, as far as possible, to their true succession and order.