History Of Methodist Reform, Volume I - Media Sabda Org

He consented, and addressed a circular to the Irish preachers, but only one responded. The contention
raged and bad feeling was engendered on both sides. A Convention was held in Dublin, January 5,
1818, and the "General Principles of the Methodist Constitution" were adopted. Another was held
at Clones on the 27th of the same month, and ratified the Principles, and again at Dublin the
succeeding month, and so were organized the Primitive Methodists of Ireland, which both by its
abnormal history and its ecclesiastical plan differed essentially from the English Primitives. They
consider themselves a Society and not a Church, and like all secedent bodies adopted the features
of lay-delegation fully in their constitution with a liberal polity. In 1819 they reported 53 preaching
places; in 1836 these had increased to 107. They established a bi-monthly magazine and a Book
Room, and formed a Home Missionary Society. In 1819 they reported more than 12,000 members.
In 1830 their increase was but 2000. In 1839 they reported 16,000. In 1861 they reported but 14,247
members, 85 ministers, and 61 circuits. Tyerman calls it "A senseless schism." Perhaps it was.
Numerically they have decreased, and in the absence of data the causes cannot be declared. They
were not represented in the Methodist Ecumenical Conference in London, September, 1881. There
was no response from them in the Centenary of Wesley's death, 1891. In common with the Irish
Conference they no doubt suffered from the unparalleled emigration to America during the earlier,
and even later years. Averell lived until 1847, and Stevens pays a high tribute to his worth and
records his triumphant death. The Irish Conference largely recovered from the shock of this
controversy and have maintained the high character Wesley gave them. Ouseley, Graham, Reilly,
Hamilton are names, and specially Thomas Waugh, their "Bunting," which shine in the constellations
of Methodism. James Morgan, Richard Boardman, Andrew Blair, James McMullin, William
Robertson, William Peacock, Thomas Edwards, John McAdams, Thomas Johnston, George Brown,
Samuel Steele, John Hamilton, James McGee, Walter Griffith, Thomas Barber, Matthew Langtree,
Matthew Tobias, and William Stewart — all were heroes, and did much for the revival of
Protestantism in Ireland. An Irish Methodist carries his credentials with him over the world for
Christly fidelity and witty instruction. They have furnished its ministry on both sides of the ocean
with brilliant orators and successful revivalists.
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