The Oxford Methodists : $b Memoirs of the Rev. Messrs. Clayton, Ingham, Gambold, Hervey, and Broughton, with biographical notices of othersTyerman, L. (Luke)
History
The Oxford Methodists : $b Memoirs of the Rev. Messrs. Clayton, Ingham, Gambold, Hervey, and Broughton, with biographical notices of others
By these arrangements, Ingham freed himself from an immense amount of
personal responsibility. His old friend, Wesley, was not only forming
societies, but ruling them. On the contrary, Ingham formed societies,
and left them to be ruled by others. By this means, Moravianism found
admission to the midland counties, and instituted a flourishing and
permanent Church in Yorkshire and the neighbourhood round about. Ingham
was left at liberty to be what he evidently liked,—an evangelist at
large. He was also helped by earnest co-adjutors. There were the Batty
Brothers,—Lawrence, William, and Christopher, of Catherine Hall,
Cambridge, sons of Mr. Giles Batty, a man of considerable respectability,
who resided at Newby Cote, near Settle. The three brothers were all
eloquent and popular preachers. Then there was John Nelson, the sturdy
Methodist, whom Ingham left behind at Birstal. Also David Taylor,
formerly footman to Lady Ingham,—a man who had been converted under
Ingham’s ministry, and who, notwithstanding certain vacillations, was
a great and successful preacher, and raised societies in Derbyshire,
Leicestershire, and in some parts of Lancashire and Yorkshire. Others
might be mentioned, if space permitted.
Ingham had no warmer friend than Whitefield, who watched the steps taken
by his old acquaintance with the utmost interest. The following letter
will not be considered out of place:—
“LONDON, _May 6th, 1743_.
“MY DEAR BROTHER,—Your very kind letter I had not the pleasure
of receiving till yesterday. It was very acceptable, and knits
my heart closer to you than ever. I love your honest soul,
and long for that time when the disciples, of Christ, of
different sects, shall be joined in far closer fellowship one
with another. Our divisions have grieved my heart. I heartily
approve of the meeting of the chief labourers together.
“I am just returned from a circuit of about four hundred miles.
I have been as far as Haverfordwest, and was enabled to preach
with great power. Thousands and tens of thousands flocked
to hear the word, and the souls of God’s children were much
refreshed.
“I am glad the Lord hath opened fresh doors for you, my dear
brother. The rams’ horns are sounding about Jericho; surely
the towering walls will at length fall down. But we must have
patience. He that believeth doth not make haste. The rams’
horns must go round seven times. Our divisions in England have
the worst aspect, while they are now united in Wales; but even
this shall work for good, and cause the Redeemer’s glory to
shine more conspicuously. This is my comfort,—‘The government
is upon His shoulders,’ and He is a ‘wonderful counsellor.’
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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