JOHN HOSKINS IN OLD PERLICAN, TRINITY BAY
Hoskins' account is part of the typical testimonial
literature prevalent among Methodists of the time and was
published in the primary outlet for such witnessing during the
outgoing eighteenth century, The Arminian Magazine. Hoskin's
presence in the Trinity Bay outport resembles a typical example of
the lay preacher with another profession, in his case that of a
teacher. Historically significant, however, is that the
attempt to have him ordained by the Bishop of London and the
bishop's subsequent refusal represent an important stepping stone
in the eventual separation of Methodism from the Anglican church.
His case was cited repeatedly as an example, when American
Methodists, in a mixture of desperation and independence, took
independent steps towards the ordinations of their clergy.
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