Shropshire Saint

This study commemorates the two hundredth anniversary of John Fletcher's institution to the living of Madeley in Shropshire, the English parish he turned into the Mecca of Methodism during an incumbency of twenty-five years. Close examination of Fletcher's voluminous writings reveals him as a far greater and more fascinating man, priest, writer, theologian, and saint than even his admirers have asserted. While little that is new is to be expected in the biographical field--his story having been told many times--in other respects this Anglican-Methodist has never been appreciated as he deserves to be, and is today almost forgotten. Although he is considered an Evangelical, his ministry is an inspiration to pastors and preachers of all schools. His thinking is shown to be wide, deep, fresh, and yet remarkably balanced. In his use of English, he appears as a master. His writing challenges the standard of much of today's religious preaching and literature and proves to be an unexplored mine of great wealth for both the student of literature and the professional lexicographer.