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

was not pleased with some who were preparing to throw dirt at the preacher. He afterwards learned
"to go through showers of dirt, stones, and rotten eggs."
In 1761 he had his first interview with Mr. Wesley. He had, before this, read Mr. Wesley's
published worship and had formed a most exalted opinion of him. When he saw him and heard his
voice as he was officiating in the market place at Morpeth, a crowd of ideas rushed upon him; and
while he gazed upon him his thoughts were, "And, is this the man who has braved the winter's storm
and summer's sun, and run to and fro throughout Great Britain and Ireland, and has crossed the
Atlantic Ocean to bring poor sinners to Christ? And blessed be God that I was privileged to see this
eminent servant of the Lord Jesus Christ."
In the latter end of this year, or in the early part of 1762, Mr. Rankin went to London, where he
had the benefit of Mr. Wesley's conversation and ministry. Having made known his willingness to
be a traveling preacher, Mr. Wesley sent him into Sussex circuit. While in London; he paid marked
attention to the close and pointed application to the consciences of the people, made by Messrs.
Wesley and Maxfield in their discourses, and in this matter made them his models. While in the
Sussex circuit he saw much fruit of his labor. In one day, from twelve to twenty persons were
brought to God. One of the persons visited on this day was Mr. Richardson, the curate of the parish,
who shortly afterwards went to London and labored with Mr. Wesley, and was a burning and shining
light to the day of his death.
Mr. Rankin continued to labor from this time under the direction or Mr. Wesley, for eleven years,
in England. In some circuits he saw great displays of saving grace, particularly in Cornwall, where
he and his colleague added about a thousand to the societies. 1772 he first met Captain Webb at the
Leeds Conference, when Mr. Wesley decided to send him to America. And he selected Mr. Shadford
for his companion. Mr. and Mrs. Webb arranged every thing respecting their provisions, and in the
spring of 1773 they sailed for America.
As the vessel came up the Delaware river, Mr. Rankin thought "the spreading trees with their
variety of shade, the plantations with their large peach and apple orchards, and fields of Indian corn,
was the most lovely prospect he had ever seen." He considered the Hudson, the Delaware, and
Susquehanna rivers, as grand beyond description. [4]
What would his admiration and wonder have been could he have seen the Amazon, the
Mississippi, the cataract of Niagara: and what may exceed them all in grand magnificence -- the
Mammoth Cave of Kentucky?
After landing in Philadelphia, where he spent a few days, he visited New York, and then returned
to Philadelphia and held his first conference.
Mr. George Shadford was a native of Lincolnshire, in England -- born January 19th, 1739. As he
grew up, his innate depravity began to show itself in bad words, and in acts of cruelty to inferior
creatures -- he was, also, much given to Sabbath breaking. Had there been no restraints upon him
he might have become a confirmed sinner; but, the fear of death, parental and ministerial influence,
checked him. He wished the minister, the Rev. Mr. Smith dead, because he hindered his sports on