Thoughts on an Early Movement

Thoughts from the Beginning of a Movement 

Laurance Coughlan was an interesting character in our Methodist history. He was the preacher in Ireland who led Robert Strawbridge to Christ. Strawbridge became an itinerant Methodist preacher in Ireland, married a young Methodist girl, and immigrated to America, settled in Maryland where he established he first Methodist congregation in America and had a significant impact on the spread of the Methodist movement.

Coughlan was both ordained by a Greek Orthodox priest and an Anglican Bishop. He served as a missionary in Newfoundland. But he always identified as a Methodist, more of the Calvinist variety such as George Whitfield. 

Both he and Strawbridge were beset with controversy as they pursued their calling rejecting the strict accountability of the Anglican system. For example, Strawbridge was the first Methodist to administer the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper in America. He had no authority to do so, which caused Bishop Asbury some discomfort. However, Asbury endorsed Robert Strawbridge’s ministry and seems to have been a most supportive encourager to his ministry. 

But Strawbridge was most indebted to Coughlan. So many of the early leaders of the movement did not fit into the established image of a clergyman. The Methodist Movement was not always “decent and in order,” but lives were changed. Why? 

The writing of Coughlan (below) will give a hint. The Wesleyan movement was always Christo-centrist. 

LAURENCE COUGHLAN: AN ACCOUNT OF THE WORK OF GOD IN NEWFOUNDLAND

PREFACE.
TO THE
CHRISTIAN READER.

“THERE is nothing more pleasant and comfortable, more animating and enlivening, more ravishing and Soul-contenting, to a true Christian, than the frequent reading the Experiences of dying Saints; this discovers the Communion and Oneness that subsists between the Head and Members; Christ Jesus being the whole of Man's Happiness; the Physician, who heals bhis Soul's Sickness; the Wall of Fire, which defends him in all the Assaults of his Enemies; the Ark, which supports him in the Deluge of all his Diseases; the Rock, which sustains him under the heaviest Pressure; the Enjoyment, which solaceth him in the deepest Sorrows; while the Want of Christ distracteth Souls in the greatest worldly Abundance. Christ is the Pillar, whicH protects and leads his dear Children: He is the Heavenly Manna, which feeds the Lord's People; he is the brazen Serpent, which cures them of thIs sinful Venom, which the fiery Serpent hath infused into them: For Christ is the All in All, in whom Mercy is seated, and through whom, it is revealed and communicated to all that thirst after it.

Nothing can make that Man miserable, who hath Christ for his Portion; Christ being the only Well that is able to refresh and fill us, when all our Vessels, like Hagar's, prove empty Bottles. Christ is the only Conductor, who is able to lead his People through this Wilderness, and Red Sea of manifold Adversities; the only Companion to comfort us, when God calls us to pass through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. From hence it appears, that having Christ, we are secure; but, without Christ, all other Enjoyments are worth Nothing. Stand not therefore upon the Cost, whether Pains, or Tears, or Prayers, Peace or Wealth, Goods or Name, Life or Liberty; sell all for this Pearl: Christ is of that Worth and Use, that thou canst never overbuy him, though thou givest thyself, and all the World for him. The making sure of Christ is the Assurance of all the rest.”

Who will lead the next great Methodist movement in America? Will they fit the image of our current Elders? Will they operate outside the established system? 

Whatever or whoever they are, if their ministry is to be effective, it must be as that of Coughlan, centered on Jesus Christ and the salvation and transformation he brings to the life of the follower of Jesus.