A History Of The Rise Of Methodism In America - Media Sabda Org

him to Ireland, and from thence to England about 1784. It was here that he embraced religion; and
became a member of the Methodist society in Bristol, where he was personally acquainted with Mr.
Wesley, and where he became a class leader and public speaker. While here he also knew Captain
Webb, who then resided in Portland, on the heights of Bristol -- that he built a Methodist chapel
there with his own means -- the Rev. Henry Moore laid the cornerstone, and the gentry of the place
put a cupola on it, and in the cupola a bell, the first that ever Brother Vanest saw devoted to such a
purpose.
Captain Webb's death was sudden, but not unexpected to him; for he had a presentiment that his
end was near, and had given directions concerning the place and manner of his interment, adding,
"I should prefer triumphant death, but I may be taken away suddenly; however, I know I am happy
in the Lord, and shall be with him, and that is enough." After supping and praying with his family,
on the evening of December 20, 1796, he retired to bed apparently well. Soon be began to breathe
with difficulty. He arose and sat up, his wife standing by him, but soon fell back on the bed, and
expired before any person could be brought into the room. He died without a struggle or groan. He
was about seventy-two years old at the time of his death.
Mr. Webb was buried at Portland Chapel, which he had erected, in Bristol. In the chapel there is
a tablet with his name inscribed upon it.
It appears that Captain Webb was in the habit of using the Greek Testament. Before he left
America he gave his Greek Testament to the Rev. William Duke. Mr. Duke presented it to the Rev.
John Bishop Hagany, who gave it to Bishop Scott, who now has this relic of the man who planted
Methodism in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
"Captain Webb was twice married. He had two sons, Gilbert and Charles. They were
half-brothers. They emigrated to America after his decease, and settled in Canterbury, orange county,
N. Y. Charles was a Quaker and a preacher, dressing and speaking in Quaker style. He always
professed great love for the Methodists. Gilbert did not profess religion. They lived and died, and
were buried at Canterbury. Some of their descendants are still living there." "Lost Chapters of
Methodism," p. 163.