John Oxtoby (

nickname A nickname, in some circumstances also known as a sobriquet, or informally a "moniker", is an informal substitute for the proper name of a person, place, or thing, used to express affection, playfulness, contempt, or a particular character trait ...

d "Praying Johnny") (1767–1830) was an English

evangelist Evangelist(s) may refer to: Religion * Four Evangelists, the authors of the canonical Christian Gospels * Evangelism, publicly preaching the Gospel with the intention of spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ * Evangelist (Anglican Church), a ...

and

Primitive Methodist The Primitive Methodist Church is a Christian denomination within the holiness movement. Originating in early 19th-century England as a revivalist movement within Methodism, it was heavily influenced by American evangelist Lorenzo Dow (1777–18 ...

preacher.

Life

The Primitive Methodist movement strove to return to the

Christianity Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion, which states that Jesus in Christianity, Jesus is the Son of God (Christianity), Son of God and Resurrection of Jesus, rose from the dead after his Crucifixion of Jesus, crucifixion, whose ...

as taught and practiced by

John Wesley John Wesley ( ; 2 March 1791) was an English cleric, Christian theology, theologian, and Evangelism, evangelist who was a principal leader of a Christian revival, revival movement within the Church of England known as Methodism. The societies ...

. Sixteen years after Wesley's death, the English Methodist Conference found itself divided. A group of zealous ministers were eventually expelled from the Conference for holding camp meetings and open-air services. The Primitive Methodists thought that, like the Wesley brothers, they followed the pillar of fire, rather than rational tradition, and favoured prayer. Chief among the Primitive Methodists' praying men was John Oxtoby, affectionately known as "Praying Johnny". Praying Johnny was not known for his culture or great intellect, he possessed neither. What he possessed was the

faith Faith is confidence or trust in a person, thing, or concept. In the context of religion, faith is " belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion". According to the Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, faith has multiple definitions, inc ...

that moves mountains. He was of average height, sharp features, light brown hair and brown eyes. His speech and words were not considered eloquent to the ears of men, yet they were always sweet to the Father's ear. "Six hours each day he usually spent on his knees, pleading with God, in behalf of himself, the Church and sinners." The Primitive Methodists loved to preach, pray, sing and shout. John Oxtoby was certainly no exception to this rule. "When travailing in anguish for a revival in the neighborhood in which he was laboring and when deeply anxious to see the glory of the Lord revealed, he spent many hours in secluded retirement; and has sometimes in this manner devoted whole days and nights to God."

References

* Leigh, Harvey & King, T.; ''The Life and Labours of John Oxtoby - Primitive Methodist Minister'', Conference Offices 1857, London, England. * Oxtoby, John; "Praying Johnny" (his autobiography) * Ritson, Joseph; ''The Romance of Primitive Methodism'' * Shaw, S.B.; ''Touching Incidents and Remarkable Answers to Prayer'' * Whittaker, Colin C.; ''Great Revivals'' {{DEFAULTSORT:Oxtoby, John 1767 births 1830 deaths Methodist evangelists Methodist Church of Great Britain people 19th-century English Methodist ministers 18th-century English Methodist ministers