Memoirs of the Life and Labours of the Late Venerable Hugh Bourne
By a Member of the Bourne Family

The first published biography of the co-founder of the Primitive Methodist movement Hugh Bourne (1772–1852).

John Walford (Author)

9781108024983, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 13 January 2011

230 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.3 cm, 0.3 kg

Hugh Bourne (1772–1852) was a Methodist preacher who is best known as the co-founder of the Primitive Methodist movement. After converting to Methodism in 1799, Bourne became influenced by the evangelical American Lorenzo Dow (1777–1834) and together with William Clowes held an open-air evangelical meeting in 1807. Such gatherings were prohibited by the Methodist Conference, and the two were expelled by the Methodist Society in 1808. They formed the Primitive Methodist Connexion in 1810, with Bourne assuming a leading role in the movement. This volume, first published in 1854 and written by Bourne's nephew John Walford, contains a detailed biography of Bourne. Using private papers inherited on Bourne's death, his childhood, conversion and the founding of the movement are described, with his leadership of the Connexion also discussed. This biography provides valuable information concerning Bourne's life and motivations during and after the founding of the movement.

1. Ancestors
2. Homely diet and exercise
3. Goes to Mr. Cooper's school
4. Hears the Methodists at the ash
5. Wilderness of pain
6. A new chapter of events
7. Loss of means
8. Result of the conversation between the blacksmith and the collier
9. Hugh Bourne's fears and timidity
10. A revival of Primitive Methodism commenced
11. Hugh Bourne's first attempt at pulpit preaching
12. The two potters
13. 1803 opens new scenes
14. Remarkable men
15. A chapel built at Norton
16. Striking incidents to be noticed
17. Preparations for Norton camp meeting
18. Good results of the camp meeting
19. Trials and support
20. Labours of H. Bourne and W. Clowes in the early part of 1809
21. Camp meeting on Runcorn Hill.

Subject Areas: Social & cultural history [HBTB]