Irish RC from Ballylin(n), Co. Limerick who left the Catholic Church because of growing doubts about its doctrines and found the assurance of salvation among the Methodists. Like Elizabeth Bennis, he was influenced by hearing Robert Swindells preach in Limerick on St. Patrick's Day, 1749. Very soon he began preaching in Irish with great effect and in the face of fierce hostility; then moved to circuit work in England in 1752. He returned to Ireland, dying of consumption, in 1758 and died in Dublin on 8 April 1759. His Journal reveals a man who knew the highest peaks, and the lowest troughs, in his fellowship with God. Intense, introspective and self-critical, his early rising, constant preaching out-of- doors in all weathers and with little regard for personal health precipitated his premature death. John Wesley spoke of him as 'that man of God' and the best Hebraist he ever knew.

Entry written by: HMG
Category: Person
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