Early Methodism in and around Chester : 1749-1812

Front matter

EARLY METHODISM IN AND AROUND CHESTER

Among the many ancient cities in England which interest the traveller, and delight the antiquary, few, if any, can surpass Chester. Its walls, its bridges, its ruined priory, its many churches, its old houses, its almost unique " rows," all arrest and repay attention. The cathedral, though not one of the largest or most magnificent, recalls many names which deserve to be remembered. The name of Matthew

Henry sheds lustre on the city in which he spent fifteen years of his fruitful ministry ; and a monument has been most properly erected to his honour in one of the public thoroughfares. Methodists, too, equally with Churchmen and Dissenters, have reason to regard Chester with interest, and associate with it some of the most blessed names in their briefer history. By John Wesley made the head of a Circuit

Preface

*1THE History of Methodism is not receiving less attentiori in our time than it formerly did. To the histories already issued, a much larger one than a?iy of them has just been added, the product of the pe?i of Dr. f. Fletcher Hurst, a Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church. This work, which is published in New York, comprises ?io less than ten large volumes ; the first three dealing with British Methodism, the others with Methodism i?i America a?id in its world wide extension. Great i?iterest attaches to these extensive surveys : but a number of smaller works, more limited i?i their range, and far more mimite in their researches, have been, and are still being, given to the public. These are records of Methodism within the limits of individual ci?'cuits. A list of more tha?i 150 such local histories was published in the "Proceedings of the Wesley Historical Society for March, 1897." These, of course, vary greatly iii their relative ?nerits. "Early Methodism in a?id around Chester," which Mr. Bretherton has prepared with much care arid patience, is an addition to the best of them.

The original part of this work was written many years ago by the Reverend, now the venerable, Benjamin Smith. The manuscript lay for a long time unpublished. It afterwards passed into the hands of Mr. R. Thursfield Smith, f .P., of Whitchurch, who introduced it to ?ny notice.

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The value of the work was at once appare7it to me, but, as much additional matter had been accumulated since its completion, and as the means of elucidating many obscure periods of the story had been discovered, it was thought desirable to revise the whole. This I began to do, but the pressure of other work compelled me to lay it aside. About this time Mr. Bretherton was appointed to the Chester Circuit. His attention was soon arrested by the records of the planting of Methodism in the city and neighbourhood, and his interest in them deepened as his i?iquiries continued. The opportune moment for the completion of Mr. Smith's work seemed to have arrived, a?id Mr. Bretherton was requested to undertake it. I have had the opportunity of watching Mr. Bretherton 's work from its inception, and the pleasure of re?idering him such aid as it was in my Power to give. He has been favomed with the constant help of that most successful collector of Wesleya?ia, Mr. Ihursjield Smith, who has both laid his large store of books a?id manuscripts tmder tribute, and by his wide knowledge and eficie?it counsel, has aided in securing for the work the completeness that distinguishes it.

Many of the historians of local Methodism have been depende7it mainly upon floating traditions and the recollectio?is of elderly people, for what additions could be made to the more general records. Mr. B%etherton, while availing himself of so much of this kind of help as was within his reach, has avoided dependence upon it, making diligent quest for original documents, and testing accepted authorities. He has ifitroduced fresh and interesting matter relating to Wesley himself and has searched the storehouse of the Magazines, and many comparatively rare papers and pamphlets, with many parts of the wide field of Methodist biography.

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A specially interesti?ig feature of this volume is to be found in the attention give?i to the early period of Methodist histoty, the bulk of the work relating to events which transpired before the year 1800. This was the heroic age of Methodism, during which its essential pri?iciples fou?id their most vivid illustratioji, — a period that deserves the thoughtful study of the Methodists of to-day. I earnestly hope Mr. B ret her 1 071' s volume will pro?note that study. Without hesitation, I give my hearty commendation to this work, trusting it may meet with a warm reception, not only in the neighbourhood of Chester itself but i7i all parts of the country.

RICHARD GREEN.

Edgbaston,

February, igoj.

TO THE READER.

The genesis of this work has been so fullyexplained by Mr. Green, that only a few words on the point are necessary from me. The materials from various sources so increased upon my hands, that I found it necessary to rearrange and rewrite the whole of the original manuscript.

The work of Rev. B. Smith was remarkably accurate, and without the foundation he laid, this volume would never have been undertaken. At the same time, I should say that all the authorities he used have been worked over anew, and there is hardly a statement in the book made without independent investigation.

It is impossible to say here how much of this volume had a place in the Rev. B. Smith's manuscript : but it may be said briefly that the references to books and pamphlets scattered up and down the volume have all been introduced by myself, and in most cases represent material not known to him ; that Chapters VII. and VIII. are almost entirely new; that I have bestowed a great deal of labour upon the New Connexion controversy, in Chapter V ; upon the family histories in Chapter VI. ; and upon the Appendices. The selection of the illustrations was made by me.

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For these reasons I am told by those who entrusted me with this task, that I am fully justified in calling myself the author of the book. Mr. Thursfield Smith's words at the outset were very definite on this point. —

You and you only must carry this work out. If you think well, Rev. B. Smith's name and mine may be me?itio?ied in the preface. (22/4/99). When other work had turned me aside from this history for six months, he wrote again : —

/ have been a little anxious abotit the Chester History. Time rolls on. If the work is not carried through by you ?iow, I fear it will 7iever be done. I am 7J, and I thi?ik no one else can give you such help as I ca?i, having for years given so much attention to the subject. I mtist say that I heartily approve of your pla?is. Of course the work must be yozirs. The few words relating to Rev. Be?ijamin Smith and myself a?-e all that is desirable or necessary. In fact Mr. B. Smith has left the matter absolutely in my hands. You must be the " Master-builder. (24/1/00). No absolutely consistent system of arrangement has been practicable, owing to the unequal nature of the materials. The main scheme has been determined by the Methodist itinerancy ; and I have sought to group everything around the names of the various preachers appointed to the Circuit year by year. For this purpose their names are in dark type the first time they respectively occur. Perhaps non-Methodist readers should be warned that the Methodist year begins in September and not January. As Wesley's visits to Chester took place usually in the spring, a little confusion may arise in places unless this be borne in mind.

In the references to other Churches which have been inevitable, I have endeavoured to avoid anything that could give offence to Anglicans or Dissenters, or to members of sister Methodist Churches.

I have refrained from moralizing ; but many a moral has presented itself to my mind, and I am sure that there is much in these records at once to encourage and rebuke the successors of the early Methodists.

The work has been a labour of love, and I now send it forth in the hope that it may be of some service, especially to my many friends in and around Chester.

I take this opportunity of expressing my indebtedness to my colleague, the Rev. Thomas Moscrop, for reading the proofs ; to the Rev. John Telford ; and to many correspondents whose courtesy I have highly appreciated.

Little Sutton, Chester.

March, igoj.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

FACING PAGE

1 Portraits of the Revs. John Bowers, John Gaulter,

Richard Reece, and Samuel Bradburn

2 Composite Picture of the Moat House Farm at Alpraham,

with Richard Cawley's Class Ticket, Old Book Bunbury Church, and the inscription under the Pear Tree . . . .

3 A Letter from John Wesley to Jonathan Pritchard

4 Do. do. do ?

5 A Summary of the Circuit in 1788 in the handwriting

Andrew Blair ..

6 The Old Chapel at Neston

*7 Portrait of Alderman Henry Bowers

8 An Old Sunday School Hymn Sheet for 1799

9 Exterior of St. John Street Chapel . . 10 Interior of St. John Street Chapel. .

*n Portrait of Mr. David Jackson 12 The first page of the Circuit Stewards' Book, 1812

* From the Oil Paintings in the Vestry of St. John Strut Chapel

Title in

.liG of j>

M

II

With the following exceptions the plates were all made from photographs specially taken for me by Mr. J. F. Bland, of New Ferry. No. 12 was photographed by Mr. J. F. Holaway, of Chester.

The photographs of the farm at Alpraham, and of the book at Bunbury were executed by Mr. Harry Jones, of Liverpool, and kindly procured forme by Mr. William Littler, of Tarporley; Mr. J. G. Wright, of Wolverhampton, kindly gave me a photograph of the class ticket which he made from the original which he acquired from the lata Mrs. Francis Butt.

The portraits of the four ministers of Chester origin who attained to the Presidency of the Wesleyan Conference are taken from the Methodist Magazine.

Magazine means the periodical, first called by Wesley the Arminian Magazine, but now for a long time the Wesleyan Methodist Magazine. It has appeared monthly from 1778 till the present day.

The Edition of Wesley's Journal quoted is that of 1809 — 13, in 17 volumes.

The capital letters appearing in brackets at certain places refer to the Notes printed on pp. 269 — 272.

Chapter I.— 1744 onwards. Early days at Bunbury and Aloraham. on. 1=25

and Alpraham, pp. 1=25.

A religious Society at Bunbury Church— The Cawley family of Moat^House Farm — Visits of John Wesley, John Bennet, C. Hopper — " Pear Tree " Preachers— The Brothers Sim — Mr. Samuel Smith — The Gardner family — Mr. S. Hitchen — Mr. J, S. Hitchen— William Darney's verses — Rev. William Jackson.

Chapter II. — 1747=1764. Introduction of Methodism into the City of Chester, pp. 26-57

John Bennet — Preaching at Huntington Hall and at Richard Jones' house in Love Lane — Barn Chapel in St. Martin's Ash — Wesley's first visit to Chester — Subsequent riot — Chapel destroyed — Another visit — A good Mayor — A friendly Vicar — Chester included in the "Manchester Round" — Mr. Jonathan Pritchard — Interesting Wesley letters — The early Preachers — Thomas Walsh and George Whitefield evangelize Chester — Further Wesley visits — He preaches at Mold, Tattenhall and Paikgate.

Chapter III.— 1764 = 1775. The Octagon Chapel: its erection and early years, pp. 58-115

The Chapel and site fully described — John Hampson opens it — The first Trustees — Mr. Thomas Bennett— Mr. George Lowe — The heroine of early Methodism in Neston — Chester included in the Salop Circuit, 1765 ; in the Cheshire Circuit, 1766 — Mr. Francis Gilbert entertains Wesley in Chester — The Gilbert family of Antigua — Wesley publishes Mary Gilbert's Journal — Thomas Olivers — Thomas Taylor — Samuel Bardsley — Conversion of Samuel Bradburn, the " Methodist Demosthenes" — The Cheshire North Circuit formed, 1770 — The Chester Circuit formed, 1771.

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Chapter IV- — 1776=1787. Extension within the City. Commonhall Street Preaching Room, pp. 116=139.

The previous and later history of the Room — (Matthew Henry's Chapel — The Queen Street Congregational Church — Jonathan Wilcoxen, etc.) — Several Wesley visits — Robert Roberts — John Murlin — The Rev. John Fletcher and the Rev. Melville Home — Richard Rodda — John Gaulter and Richard Reece, future Presidents, begin to preach.

Chapter V- — 1788=1797, The later visits and death of John Wesley. The formation of the Methodist New Connexion, pp. 140=174.

Particulars of the veteran's work in Chester — George Lowe — Thomas Brisco — The pioneer work of Miles Martindale in the Wirral — Mr. John Sellers — Death of John Wesley — Connexional unrest — Local controversies — Erection of Trinity Lane Chapel, 1794 — Financial details — It becomes an Independent Methodist Chapel, and in 1797 joins the New Connexion then formed — Extracts from contemporary publications.— Mr. James Parry.

Chapter VI.— 1798=1811. The Octagon Chapel: last years, pp. 175=224.

George Morley — The North Wales Mission — Owen Davies— John Hughes— John Bryan — Edward Jones (Bathafarn) — Formation of the Wrexham and Whitchurch Circuit — Extension at Mouldsworth and Kingsley — Mr. Joseph Janion — Alexander Suter — Francis West — The Neston Mission.

Some family histories and notable conversions.

The Williams family of Rackery, descendants and connections — Mr. Ambrose Williams — William Moulton (grandfather of the late Dr. W F. Moulton of Cambridge) — Mr. Collin Robinson — Mr. George

Walker, the earlier — Alderman Henry Bowers — Kev. John Bowers

Miss Sarah Broster — Classical academies — Dr. Birchenall — The Lowe family — Mr. Howie, and others.

The Post=Methodist history of the Octagon Chapel, demolished 1864.

The Rev. Philip Oliver's Trustees, etc.

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Chapter VII. — The commencement of Methodist Sunday and Day School work in Chester, pp. 225=242.

The Methodists early in the field — Commencement at the Octagon, 1782 — George Lowe — Thomas Bennett — Letter from John Wesley to Richard Rodda (1787) — Extracts from the public papers — The date discussed — Early accounts — Summary of events down to 1830 — Library records — The Chester Wesleyan Day School.

Chapter VIII. — 1810 onwards. Erection of St. John Street Chapel, pp. 243=268.

Full details of early negotiations — The site described — Building accounts— Opening services — Remarkable ministry of John Braithwaite — The first Trustees — The later Trustees — Mr. Matthew Harrison— Later finance— Mr. Charles Simpson— Mr. David Jackson.

I. — Schedules of membership, with potes. II. — The Circuit Steward's Account Book. III. — Subscriptions to Connexional efforts. IV. — Subscriptions to St. John Street Chapel. V. — Welsh Wesleyan Methodism in Chester. VI. — Erection of City Road Chapel.

Chapter I

THE first germ of Methodism in the neighbourhood of Chester is to be discerned in a little company assembling from time to time in the vestry of Bunbury Church for the same purposes of religious conversation and Bible study as those which had brought together, a few years previously, the first Methodists, the " Godly Club," within the University of Oxford. In the early part of the eighteenth century there were, in some parts of the country, religious awakenings which prepared the way for the wider work of the Evangelical Revival. This was the case in England, especially in the Metropolis and wherever Dr. Woodward's societies took root ; in Scotland, at Kilsyth and Cambuslang ; in Wales, under the preaching of Howell Harris. At Betley, near Nantwich, there was a society similar to that at Bunbury, associated with the name of Richard Moss, afterwards one of Wesley's preachers ; and John Bennet speaks of a religious society " kept" in Chester. The gathering in the vestry met with episcopal approval. Janion, in a little volume on Cheshire Methodism which has furnished much help for this and later chapters,

says : —

I have heard my brother-in-law, Mr. Gardner, say,

that the Bishop of Chester was so much pleased with the account of this society at Bunbury, that, in order to encourage them in their laudable endeavours, he presented them with a copy of BurkitVs Notes on the New Testament. (A) When the society left the vestry for other places of meeting the book was chained up in the Church. It is there to this day, protected of late years by a grating. In 1744, when the meeting had been held for some time, the Clergyman began to regard it with some suspicion, and to fear that it would lead to a separation from the establishment. At length, through his determined opposition, it was removed to a room at Alpraham, and found a valiant supporter in Mr. Richard Cawley. He was born in 1716, and was the son of a Baptist gentleman, Mr. Stephen Cawley, who was, as appears from some family papers, High Constable. Mr. Richard Cawley, a man of character and weight, was well-fitted to defend the little evangelical cause and in due time to invite and entertain the Methodist preachers. In the earlier part of 1745, several letters were written by this gentleman to the Vicar. In these he gives an account of his conversion, justifies his connexion with the meetings at Alpraham, and evinces throughout a sound mind and devout spirit.

The character of Mr. Richard Cawley is dwelt upon with loving fulness in the early records. A zealous guardian of the intellectual and moral welfare of his household, no servant in his employ was ever allowed to remain ignorant of reading, an accomplishment much rarer then than now. It is said that he even reversed the usual order of things and paid boys to allow him to teach them their letters. As an interesting testimony to the respect he inspired it is recorded that the unenlightened clergyman sometimes tried to force an evangelical strain into his discourses to please this honoured hearer. Mr. Cawley had a set of rules printed for exhibition in his house and in those of his friends. How far these rules owe their form to John Wesley it is difficult to determine ; but they breathe the spirit of early Methodist morality so indisputably that they are here transcribed at length.

WE and our House will serve the LORD. For GOD IS LOVE. THEREFORE our Earnest Request is, THAT every one who comes here will conform to our few RULES, i. We have no time given to throw away, but to improve for Eternity ; therefore we can join in no conversation that is unprofitable, but only in that which is good to the use of edifying, ministering grace to the Hearers. Therefore

2. WE have nothing to say to the News of the Town, and of the Business of others : But we desire to hear of Things pertaining to the Kingdom of GOD.

3. Neither have we anything to say to the misconduct of others ; therefore, let not the fault of an absent person be mentioned, unless absolute necessity require it, and then let it be with the greatest Tenderness, without dwelling upon it. May GOD preserve us from a censorious and criticising Spirit, so contrary to that of CHRIST.

4. WE offer the right hand of fellowship to every one that cometh in the name of the LORD : But we receive not any to a doubtful disputation : But whosoever loveth the LORD JESUS in Sincerity, the same is our BROTHER, and SISTER, and MOTHER; we cannot but remember that GOD is LOVE.

5. We neither receive nor Pay Visits on the LORD'S DAY, for we and our House desire particularly on that Day to serve the LORD.

6. WE do earnestly intreat every one to reprove us faithfully, whenever we deviate from any of these Rules, so shall we be as Guardian Angels to each other, and as a Holy mingled flame, ascend up before GOD. (Price One Penny.)

Prior to trie visit of Wesley, shortly to be recorded, much attention had been paid to the place by itinerant preachers in connexion with his organization, amongst them being John Bennet and John Nelson. Unhappily no details can be given of their work, but it is evident that by the influence of these and like-minded men the Society at Bunbury took on an increasingly Methodist tone, and was imbued with great respect for the leaders of the movement.

The Rev. William Grimshaw, Vicar of Haworth, in Yorkshire, nearly as much a Methodist preacher as his fellow- clergyman Wesley, says in a long letter to Charles Wesley, dated August 20, 1747 : —

Last week I struck out into Lancashire and Cheshire, Mr. Bennet bearing me company. We visited the Societies in Rochdale, Manchester and Holme in Lancashire, and Boothbank in Cheshire. At the same time we made a visit to Mr. Carmichael, a clergyman at Tarvin, near Chester. He says he received remission of sins last September; and, I believe, preaches the same truth to his people.

Probably Alpraham was visited in the course of this journey.

The Providence which brought the great Apostle of Methodism to the succour of this little company at Alpraham is full of interest. About the time of which we write there resided near Alpraham the parents of a servant maid, called Ann Smith. She was in the service of a lady who spent most of her time in London, occasionally resorting for a change to Bath and similar places. Ann Smith was led to hear Wesley, whose open-air preaching was attracting great attention, and was brought into the enjoyment of the great salvation. Mrs. Smith visited her daughter in London, and also heard the evangelists. On her return to Cheshire she told Mr. Cawley and others what she had heard, and informed him of the probable date of Wesley's next visit to the North of England.

In one of this young woman's letters quoted by Everett,1 she speaks of an earnest prayer that a place might be given her among God's people. Her subsequent marriage with Dr. Whitehead, the friend and biographer of Wesley, brought her the fulfilment of this desire.

Early in the autumn of 1749 Mr. Richard Cawley wrote to John Wesley inviting him to Alpraham to help them in the things of God. Wesley arranged to visit Mr. Cawley, and to preach on October 12. Other calls, however, prevented the accomplishmeut of his purpose on that day. As the announcement had been duly made, Wesley sent a supply to preach and to announce that he himself would be there on October 20th. Mr. Cawley wrote to him again immediately before that date to say that the Vicar of Acton would allow him to occupy the pulpit of his Church.

Everett records Mr. Cawley's opinion of the

preacher who supplied for Wesley : —

The person thus sent preached in such an engaging manner, and with words so inviting, that I believe that

1. Wesleyan Methodism i?i Maiichester, 1S27.

most who heard him were ready to praise God on his account. I must confess I never saw persons so affected before.

Everett thinks this was Edward Perronet, the brother of Charles Perronet and the son of the venerable Vincent Perronet, Vicar of Shoreham. Both brothers were itinerant preachers and laboured in union with Wesley for some years. Edward Perronet subsequently left the Connexion and resided as a dissenting preacher at Canterbury.

It should be noted that it was the marriage which took place on October 3rd, 1749, at Newcastle-upon-Tyne between Grace Murray, whom Wesley regarded as his own affianced bride, and John Bennet, which caused the alteration in Wesley's plans. The whole subject is treated at length in the standard books, and does not call for more than a passing mention here. The later engagement was duly fulfilled and is recorded at some length in the Journals : —

Friday, October 20th, 1749.— After preaching in the morning at Davyholme, and about ten at Boothbank, in the afternoon I rode on and between four and five came to Alpraham. A large congregation was waiting for me, whom I immediately called to seek God while He may be found. Many came again at five in the morning, and seemed just ready not only to repent, but also believe the Gospel.

Saturday, 21st. — By conversing with several here, I found we were not now among publicans and sinners, but among those who, a while ago, supposed they needed no repentance. Many of them had long been exercising themselves unto godliness, in much the same manner as we did at Oxford : but they were now thoroughly willing to renounce their own, and accept the righteousness which is of God by faith.

A gentleman, who had several years before heard me preach at Bath, sent to invite me to dinner, I had three or four hours serious conversation with him. O who maketh me to differ? Every objection he made to the Christian system has passed through my mind also ; but God did not suffer them to rest there, or to remove me from the hope of the Gospel.

I was not surprised when word was brought that the Vicar of Acton had not the courage to stand to his word: neither was I troubled. I love indeed to preach in a Church : but God can work wherever it pleaseth him.

Sunday, 22nd. — I preached at seven in Richard Cawley's house ; and about one at Little Acton.

Janion describes this interview more fully, and states that the gentleman referred to was Richard Davenport, Esq., of Calveley Hall.

Mr. Davenport sent for Wesley to the Hall, together with Mr. Stephen Cawley and the Rev. Mr. Lowe, the clergyman of the Parish ; and desired them to give him an account of the New Birth or Regeneration. Mr. Lowe laid great stress on water-baptism ; but Wesley dwelled rather on the genuine marks and fruits of that great work of God in the soul, observing that it implied an entire change of heart, from nature to grace, from siu to holiness, and from the love of this world to the love of God. Mr. Davenport was much affected and said, Mr. Wesley, I understand you perfectly well, but I do not understand Mr. Lowe at all. He also pressed Mr. Wesley to accept a piece of gold of the value of (?) ,£36, and offered to send him to Mr. S. Cawley's house in his own carriage, both of which offers he respectfully declined.

Mr. J. S. Hitchen, writing to Everett in 1827, said that the piece of gold was worth 36/-, and adds that Wesley was at last prevailed upon to accept it on the ground that it might help him in an emergency. He also stated that the Squite asked Wesley to promise to visit him upon his deathbed, and undertook in his turn to inform Mr. S. Cawley before anyone else, should a spiritual change take place in him.

It is from this visit that the definite commencement of Methodism at Alpraham must be dated. Wesley, at the request of the people, promised to send a preacher for the next week. This was the first step towards establishing a regular Methodist ministry in the place.

The visit of Wesley was soon followed up by one from Christopher Hopper, a well-known member of his band of itinerant helpers. These were required by Wesley to furnish him with a written account of their course and religious experience, upon being received into full connection with his work. Our public examination of candidates for Ordination is the outcome *of this practice. Many of the preachers also followed the example of their head in keeping full journals. The well-known six volumes of Lives of the Early Methodist Preachers were mainly compiled from materials thus provided by the itinerants themselves. On p. 200 of vol. 1 Hopper says : —

The latter end of the year 1749 I left the Dales, and the dear children God had given me. I rode to the Smeals, where I parted with my dear wife and friends, with melting hearts and many tears. In those days we had no provision made for preachers' wives, no funds, no stewards. He that had a staff might take it, go without, or stay at home. I then set out for Bristol. I called at Chester, Durham, Stockton, Thirsk, and Knaresborough, and found the Lord in every place. [In the course of this journey he preached at Manchester "in a little garret by the riverside." From Manchester] I rode through Chester, and joined a Society at Alpraham, and another at Pool. It was an humbling time among the opulent farmers ; the murrain raging amongst their cattle. They buried them in the open fields. Their graves were a solemn scene. The hand of the Lord was on the land. I visited the suburbs of Chester. God began a good work then, which has increased and continued to this day.

The labours of Christopher Hopper for a series of years were very extensive and successful. He formed some of the earliest societies in the North of England, visited Ireland several times, was the first Methodist preacher to go into North Britain, and travelled through a great number of Circuits in this country. There is a record of at least one further visit to Chester on his part, viz., July 26th, 1776. He passed away at the age of 80 on March 5th, 1802.

The next Methodist preacher to visit Alpraham was the celebrated John Nelson, the Yorkshire stonemason, one of the most valiant and worthy of the early evangelists. His visit also took place before the eventful year 1749 had come to an end. He seems to have been the first to preach in the open air at Alpraham. Both Wesley and Hopper had contented themselves, as previous itinerants had, with addressing the company that could be accommodated in the house of Mr. Richard Cawley's father, Mr. Stephen Cawley, of Moat House Farm. But with the growth of the work the numbers that came together were more than the house could hold. John Nelson boldly took his stand beneath a pear tree and addressed his hearers with his customary vigour. This place of preaching was often employed, and for a long time afterwards the Methodist preachers