Thesis (Ph. D.)--Columbia University, 1918. / Vita. Bibliography: p. [175]-184.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Columbia University, 1918. / Vita. Bibliography: p. [175]-184.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Columbia University, 1938. / Vita. Published also as Teachers college, Columbia university, Contributions to education, no. 765.

This research looks at the emergence of the Primitive Methodist Connexion in the period 1800-1812, from a revival at Harriseahead, Staffordshire. It examines the ‘creation narrative’ the Connexion told about its beginnings, posing two questions: How influential was the first chronicler and founder of the community, Hugh Bourne, on subsequent accounts? Can a fuller story be told which places Primitive Methodist origins and Bourne’s early influences in a wider context? Use is made of contemporaneous material published by Bourne and William Clowes, the Connexion’s other recognised founder, their surviving MSS, extant records of the Burslem Wesleyan Circuit and Chester District, New Connexion, Wesleyan and Independent Methodist connexional records, as well as parish registers and later published accounts. An outline of Primitive Methodist historiography is given in the introductory chapter. Primitive Methodist origins are then re-examined in four phases. In the years 1797-1800, a context is set of division in Burslem Wesleyanism brought about by the emergence of the Methodist New Connexion. The formative years of Lorenzo Dow, John Riles and William Edward Miller are surveyed, and the influences they brought to bear on later events identified. In 1800-1804, when the revival gathered pace, the role of Daniel Shubotham, Bourne’s cousin, is re-assessed. Changes in the Burslem Wesleyan Circuit in 1805-1807 included the arrival of Miller and Riles, and the visit of American maverick evangelist Dow, and the impact on the revival of the resultant changing dynamics are explored. The aftermath of the revivalists holding a camp meeting on 31 May 1807 was a Wesleyan ban and a circuit dispute, causing rifts between Bourne, Shubotham and Clowes. This delicate subject for Primitive Methodist historiography is re-examined, as is the likely role of Superintendent John Riles, and the question of whether in 1808-1812 a linking of the camp meeting Methodists with the New Connexion was ever likely. In conclusion, three key influences upon Hugh Bourne in the emergence of Primitive Methodism are identified. Firstly the Methodist New Connexion gave a context for Bourne’s early ministry in a weakened circuit, and for the emergence later of a separate revivalist community. Secondly, Shubotham’s spirituality was influential for Bourne despite the fissure between them. Lastly, the ‘self-superintending’ ministry of Dow inspired Bourne to continue to hold camp meetings and divided him from Shubotham and Clowes. These second two factors are to be found in Bourne’s writings, but the dominance of his first full-length published account led to the forging of the Primitive Methodist creation narrative at an early stage. Attention to all three factors enables a contextually richer story to emerge.

Bibliography: leaves 96-100. / In 1988 Methodist people throughout the world were encouraged to commemorate the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the evangelical ·conversion of John Wesley. This thesis arises from a questioning of the exclusive emphasis placed by so many upon Wesley's Aldersgate experience. The question asked is whether Wesley's heart-warming experience was indeed the turning point of his theology and practice, or whether there were other equally important (or even more important) moments in his life. A fresh reading of Wesley has shown that the promotion of this one event in his life has led to a narrow focus which is not born out by his faith and practice. Not only were there many moments of decision in his life, such as the 1725 discovery of Jeremy Taylor's Rules and Exercises of Holy Living and Holy Dying, his submission· to become "more vile" through field preaching in 1739, or his 1784 decision to ordain priests, but each of such moments signified a change in the direction of his life. One such moment was Wesley's decision to respond to the American Revolution. This decision to enter the world of politics proved to be a turning point in his thought and practice, which holds unexplored potential for the political practice of the people called Methodist. It is therefore appropriate that during the anniversary celebrations of Aldersgate, Wesley's thought should be explored beyond the narrow confines imposed by this Aldersgate mania.

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the relationship between romanticism in literature and Methodism in religion, and to learn whether their common qualities are a matter of cause and effect or are merely parallel developments with a common source.

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