[From Rosser History of Wesleyan Methodism in IoM, 1848]

LETTER SEVENTH.

 [This chapter is particularly valuable as it lists all preachers (travelling and local), numbers of members, chapels etc.]

Dear Sir

I now enter on my last letter on Wesleyan Methodism in the Isle of Man; and that you may have a clear and comphrehensive view of the work itself, - of the instrumentality by which it has been carried out on, - and of its progress and results, I now proceed to lay before you various lists and statements intimately connected with the whole subject.

LIST OF THE TRAVELLING PREACHERS WHO HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO LABOUR IN THE ISLE OF MAN

[This list is not included as it is subsumed under the list of all Wesleyan Ministers on the Island, as are the following lists of those who have occupied the Chair of the district; and those who have died prior to 1848]

NUMBER OF MEMBERS IN THE SOCIETY, &C., CONTINUED.

List of local, preachers in the Douglas and Castletown, and Ramsey and Peel, circuits, respectively, as published on the preachers' double plan for May, June, and July, 1848.

The letters e. and m. following the names shew whether the Preacher preaches in English or Manx.

DOUGLAS AND CASTLETOWN.

List of chapels and other preaching places in the Douglas and Castletown, and Ramsey and Peel, circuits, respectively, as published on the preachers' double plan for May, June, and July, 1848.

The letter before the name serves to describe the preaching place: c denoting chapel; s school house; r room; and h private house.

I have already alluded to the excellent character and great usefulness of the local preachers in the island. Several of them who were truly venerable for their age and experience, and esteemed " very highly in love for their works' sake," have passed away within the last two or three years; but there are still some remaining who can well remember, aid who love to review, the early conflicts and triumphs of Methodism in the Isle of Man. One of these devoted men attended a quarterly meeting of his brethren within the last twelve months, and when about to retire, with feelings which almost overpowered hind he addressed them as follows:-" It is sixty-six years that I have been on the list: I cannot hear, but, blessed be God, I feel. Be attentive to your work: itis the work of God. I could never bear to miss my plan. I feel very much when the preachers neg-lect to fill their places. God bless you!" He also spoke of having seen and heard Mr. Wesley, and made some very apposite observations on preaching; stating it as his opinion, that preachers should constantly endeavour to save souls, and carefully aim at reaching the hearts of their hearers. He thought they should make the application as they proceeded, and not leave it altogether to the end. Many of these valuable men still preach in Manx, and considerable numbers in our congregations, especially the aged, are very partial to it, and some of them are deeply affected when one begins to speak or pray in that language. The local preachers' plan for the spring quarter, includes both circuits, and comprehends the whole island.

I think I have already intimated that many of the inhabitants live to a good old age. I was considerably affected on having, very recently, to visit one, and administer to him the sacrament of the Lord's supper, who had received the sacred memorials of the Saviour's death from the hand of our revered founder, when he visited the island in the year 1781; but, of course, all those who were associated with the scenes and circumstances of that period must soon be numbered with the dead.

It is, however, a pleasing fact that, in very many instances, the children and children's children of the early Methodists in the Isle of Man take the places of their pious ancestors, and become decided and useful members of our society; and are thus "followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

The schools connected with our various congregations, and which contain about three thousand children, are well conducted, and generally in a prosperous state. Several catechumen classes have been recently formed, and many of the children and young persons furnish decided evidence of a work of grace.

The congregations connected with our different places of worship are, I believe, the most numerous of any in the island, and the regulars attendance of the people, even on the week-night services, and their devout behaviour in the - house of God, cannot but be gratifying to those who minister unto them the word of life.

The natives in general have very correct opinions on doctrinal subjects, and are pretty extensively imbued with Christian principles. Most of them are favourably disposed towards Wesleyan Methodism, and evidence a decided preference for its distinctive views and usages. It is reported that one of the dignitaries named in these letters, visiting and catechising the children in a school not very far from the episcopal residence, asked what was meant by the communion of saints ? after a moment's pause, a little girl replied, " It is meeting in class, Sir."

There are several benevolent, Dorcas, tract, temperance, and bible societies in active operation, and which receive extensive countenance and support, and are productive of a large amount of both temporal and spiritual benefit.

The morals of the people in general are orderly and decent, and the holy Sabbath is perhaps no where observed with greater propriety and decorum.

Many of the evils, under which the island formerly groaned, have now in a great measure passed away. Not-withstanding the temptations which still exist to contraband transactions, instances of that nature seldom occur, and are justly looked upon As at variance both with the law, and the rule of general practice, and not as acts in conformity with either.

Many of the present race of Manx clergy are men who understand and love the truth, and labour with zeal and diligence in their sacred calling. Some among them would not suffer by comparison with pious and devoted ministers in any portion of the United Kingdom. For my own part, I cannot think of them but with great affection and esteem. The clergy who are not natives, including the present bishop of the island, are, upon the whole, men of an excellent spirit, genuine piety, and unwearied exertion. They cannot, indeed, but perceive that the island has been greatly benefitted by the blessing of God upon the labours of Methodism; and it will never operate to their disadvantage to regard us as brethren, and to look upon us as " fellow-helpers to the truth."

The people called Ranters, or Primitive Methodists, have a good number of chapels in the island; and in several places they have pretty large congregations, comparatively numerous societies, and promising Sabbath schools. Their ministers appear to be pious, diligent, and useful men. There are two Roman Catholic chapels; two belonging to the Independents; and two in connexion with the church of Scotland.

I have already repeatedly referred to the variations which have occasionally appeared in our annual returns, and to some of the causes by which such variations have been produced; and also to the great difficulty of fully carrying into operation certain portions of our discipline, especially as to some of our excellent financial arrangements. On this subject our Manx societies will still, as part of our great connexion, require the kind consideration of our conference and various committees, and I cannot for a moment doubt but that while some little indulgence is really necessary it will, though inconvenient, be cheerfully shown.

Some persons may have thought it strange that our annual increase has not continued to equal that which appeared in connexion with some of the early years of our operations in the Isle of Man; but a moment's consideration may serve to convince such that there is little or no ground for complaint or dissatisfaction on this head. When a field is first partially cultivated, some encouraging remuneration may be justly expected, and, as necessary operations are extended' it is not unreasonable to hope for a corresponding increase in the benefit derived; but, when the whole shall have been brought under cultivation, great labour and care may be necessary to secure the regular amount of benefit produced. It is not, my dear Sir, an unusual thing for a greater degree of apparent success to attend first efforts in connexion with the work of God, especially under such circumstances as were associated with early Methodism in this island, than that which evidently results from subsequent exertions in the sacred cause.

It is no small matter of joy and thanksgiving that our societies- continue to live in holy peace and Christian charity; maintaining their numbers, notwithstanding the many deaths and emigrations which annually take place; and adorning " the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." And, let it be remembered, that while a powerful impression has been long since produced upon the people at large, and such a change effected as must tend to prevent, except in times of extraordinary visitation, any very great and sudden accession in point of numbers, there are now many other zealous and faithful labourers in the field, especially in connexion with the established church. And though Wesleyan Methodism occupies a commanding position, and exerts an extensive and beneficial influence throughout the island, there are many more who share in the labour, and justly participate in the success. And if Christ be preached, and sinners saved, we " therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."

I must not forget to remind you that several of our very valuable and efficient ministers have been natives of the Isle of Man, or otherwise very intimately connected with it. Some of them have been recommended from this district, and two or three from districts in England.

The late Mr. William Radcliffe was born in the parish of Kirk Andreas, in Erebruary,1775. His parents were amongst the first members of our society in the Isle of Man. He himself was early brought to the knowledge of God. While very young he felt it his duty to call sinners to repentance. In January, 1795, his name was placed on the local preachers' plan, and he fulfilled his duties with great acceptance and success. Having had the disposition and opportunity to acquire a considerable degree of useful knowledge, he was qualified for more enlarged usefulness in the Lord's vineyard. In the year 1801, he offered himself as a candidate for the work of the ministry in the Methodist connexion, and in August of that year, left his native isle for the circuit to which he had been appointed by the previous conference. Mr. Radcliffe continued in the regular work for more than thirty years; and when obliged to retire from its more active duties, he still cultivated the same blessed spirit of holy zeal and deep humility which had eminently marked his course. He calmly fell asleep in Jesus, March 31st, 1835.

The conference record of Mr. Radcliffe says, " His labours proved honourable to himself, satisfactory to his brethren, and useful to the church. In him were united a cheerful and affectionate temper, and a,blameless conversation. His habits were studious, and his intellectual attainments considerable, especially in mathematics, and above all in divinity. His conversation was always pleasing, animated by a quickness of fancy, founded on good sense, and at all times instructive. With ministerial qualifications of a highly respectable order, he occupied several important stations in our connexion, much to the pleasure and profit of the people."

Mr. Charles Radcliffe, brother of Mr. William, went out from the Isle of Man in the year 1810, and pursued an honourable and useful course in the regular work, till the conference of 1848, when he retired on the supernumerary list.

John Gick was a native of the Isle of Man, and was called into our general work in the year 1821. "He laboured for several years as a missionary in the West Indies, where he suffered much from personal and family affliction; in con-sequence of which it was found necessary for him to return to his native land. His piety was sound, and characterised by simplicity and affection. His talents as a preacher were acceptable and useful; and he was faithful and diligent. In his last affliction he enjoyed great and uninterrupted peace with God through Christ; and exchanged mortality for life, May 28th, 1836."

Mr. John Corlett was most cordially recommended by the district committee of 1823, and the following year was sent to an English circuit. In 1825 he was appointed a missionary to Newfoundland, where he laboured for five years, when he removed to the West Indies, and has continued there as one of our greatly honoured and devoted missionaries to the present time.

Mr. John Cannell was called into the regular work in 1837, and appointed to the Douglas circuit. After labouring for six years in the Isle of Man he was removed to England where he still ministers the word of life with acceptance and success.

William T. Radcliffe, having spent some time at the Theological Institution, was entered on the minutes as commencing his itinerancy in 1838, and has been engaged in the faithful discharge of ministerial duties since that period.

William Tyson, a member of an English family in the Isle of Man, was admitted into the regular ministry of the connexion in the year 1816, and appointed to the West Indies, where he continues to labour.

George Edward Allen, son of the Rev. Samuel Allen, was recommended by the district committee of 1848, and accep-ted by the conference of that Year. He is now a student in the Theological Institution.

Mr. John Boyd, who entered our ministry in the year 1822, and laboured for ten Years in Newfoundland, and since his return in various English circuits, is also connected by family and birth with the Isle of Man.

The late Philip Garrett, also, was a native of Mona, and, as you very well know, a most excellent, intelligent, and faithful minister for many years. He commenced his labours in the year 1799 and continued, for more than forty-three years, to discharge the duties of his sacred office with fidelity and zeal. The conference record, after stating that he was born at Douglas, in the Isle of Man, proceeds thus:- " In early life he became truly devoted to God; his conversion was indisputable and clear, his piety was sincere and uniform, being maintained by a continued growth in grace, and an habitual and useful employment in the service of Christ. He entered the Christian ministry in 1799, which he was enabled to exercise with an unblemished reputation for upwards of forty-three years. He lived in a state of crucifixion to the world, and 'coveted no man's silver or gold, or apparel.' The poor of Christ's flock were the constant objects of his solicitude and care, by whom, and by the people of his charge in general, he v-as much beloved. He possessed great simplicity of character; his manners were affable and frank, and his professions without guile. He manifested strong sense, and exhibited great originality in thought and expression; his attainments in some departments of natural science were highly respectable; his discourses from the pulpit were often accompanied with much divine unction and power, which were graciously con-tinued as long as he was permitted to engage in the services of the sanctuary, so that he spoke of the last scene of his labours in connection with the militant church, as having been the happiest of his life. He was brought 'to death and to the house appointed for all living' by a lingering illness; but when informed that there existed no hope of his recovery, he said, 'I know it. I do not wish to recover, for I long to die.' A short time before his dissolution, he observed, ' My final hour is come. I am in sight of the port, and there are those that wait to welcome me: I rest on the great atonement, which has been the subject of my ministry.' He died January 31st, 1843, in the seventy-fourth year of his age."

Dr. Adam Clarke, in his observations on the nature and structure of the sun-dial of Ahaz, says, " This thought I communicated to the Rev. Philip Garrett, one of the preachers among the people called Methodists; of whose rare knowledge in the science of gnomonics, and ingenuity in constructing every possible variety of dials, I had already indubitable proofs, end requested trim, from the principle I had laid down, to try whether such an instrument could be constructed that might serve at once as a public tribunal, and as a dial, to ascertain all the inequalities of the Jewish division of time ?

" A more difficult problem in the science he was never called to solve. Though several had attempted to construct dials to Hew the mode by which different nations measured time, and among the rest the Jews; yet nothing properly satisfactory has been produced, although one nearly in same form of outline with the present may be found in Hutton's Mathematical Recreations, projected on a plane surfacies; which could not possibly show the ascending and descending of the shadow like that now before the reader, which the ingenuity of the above gentlemen has brought to almost as great a degree of perfection as can reasonably be expected."

Mr. John Moore, and Mr. Patrick Caley, were both employed in our ministry, but after two or three years, each desisted from travelling.

The following preachers have died in the Isle of Man:-

Charles Bland in the year 1804
John Braithwaite on a visit 1822
George Warren 1841
Nathaniel Elliott 1842
William Constable 1845,

In reviewing the introduction and progress of Wesleyan Methodism in the Isle of Man, ample proof will be found that it is the work of God, and those who stand connected with it, at the present time, may justly take up the exulting language of the venerable Wesley, and with grateful and adoring hearts exclaim, " The best of all is, God is with us."

I think, my dear Sir, that I cannot conclude better than with the following just and appropriate remarks, contained in Dr. Dobbin's observations, on the Principles and Career of Wesley. " If ever church originated in an unexceptionable source, it was this. If ever one could challenge its foundation as resting on the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone, it was this. If ever church was cradled, as its Lord was cradled, in supreme glory to God and good-will to man; if ever church at its birth was an incarnation of the first and chief command — my charity, the sum and end of the law, it was this church. — This is more than can be said of any of the great moral revolutions of this world. Almost all the more remarkable changes of human opinion, the truths as well the errors, have been mixed with a considerable alloy of hunan infirrmity in their origin and conduct. Envy and selfishness, and pride and ambition, have shown themselves, in various degrees, as moving powers in the world of thought and religion; and though the result under divine superintendence have been overruled to good, the process has been faulty. * * * * * * *

But here, alike free from the infirmities of aletharch, or heresiarch, free from selfish aim or end, unfraught with doctrinal pride, uninflated by youthful presumption, a few good men go forth, a second college of apostles, ordained with a like ordination, having the unction of the Holy One; and charged with the same divine mission, 'to seek and to save that which was lost, freely receiving from heaven, and freely giving in return. Suffice it to say that, baptised in such a laver as this, the Methodist church which has since attained a respectable maturity, has never renounced the principles that hallowed its early dedication, has kept: the whiteness of its garments unsullied by the pollutions of the world; has raised visibly every where the banner of mercy to the bodies and souls of men, and can say still as it professed then, 'I am free from the blood of all men.'"

I must ever remain,
  Reverend and dear Sir,
    Yours affectionately,
      J.R.

Douglas, May 24th, 1849

M.A.QUIGGIN, PRINTER, NORTH QUAY, DOUGLAS