MINETHORP, William Minethorp Died 1776

Extracts from Minutes of Conference 1765 - 1777

1765 – Stationed at Salop.

1766 – Stationed at Oxfordshire

1767 – Stationed at Norwich

1768 – Stationed at Dunbar

1769 – Stationed at Derbyshire

1775 – Received £5, 5s, 0 from the Preacher’s Fund.

1777 – What Preachers have died this year?

William Minethorp, near Dunbar : An Israelite indeed, in whom was no guile.

From “Early Methodism in and around Chester – 1749 -1812”

At the Conference of 1765, Manchester was included in the Lancashire Circuit, and Salop appears to have taken the place of Chester. The ” Assistant” appointed to the Salop Circuit was Alexander Mather, and the “Helper” was William Minethorp. The younger preacher’s course though not a long one, was full of honour. When he passed away in 1776 after 12 years of service, Wesley’s testimony of him was ” An Israelite indeed in whom was no guile! “

Letters of John Wesley

To William Minethorp                         

LONDON, November 29, 1776.

DEAR BILLY,–You have nothing to do with past sins. They are blotted out. Whoever tells you the contrary, answer him, ‘ Thou art a liar. Get thee behind me, Satan. I will not east away my confidence: Jesus hath lived, hath died for me.’ T. Rutherford told you the very truth. There are three causes of your inward trials: (1) bodily disorder, by means of which the body presses down the soul; (2) Satan, who does not fail to avail himself of this; (3) your own frailty in reasoning with him instead of looking to the Strong for strength. None can advise you as to your body better than Dr. Hamilton. I am afraid you cannot spare this money. Whenever you want it send word to, dear Billy, Your affectionate brother.

To Mr. William Minethorp,         At Chester Hall, Near Dunbar.

To Thomas Rutherford

LONDON, December 6, 1776.

DEAR TOMMY,–I am glad that you was in the neighborhood to pay the last office of love to Billy Minethorp. I had no doubt but he would die in peace, and it was good that he should die among those peculiar friends, who took care that everything should be done which possibly could be done for him. He was an honest, upright man. Now, Tommy, let us redouble our diligence! Let us do everything just as we would wish to have done it when we are stepping into eternity.–I am, dear Tommy, 

Yours affectionately;

No Comments

Start the ball rolling by posting a comment on this page!

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.