William Grimshaw of Haworth

Sinopse

For twenty years in the mid-eighteenth century a scarcely-known village on the Yorkshire moors became one of the strongest centres of Christian influence in England. George Whitfield and John Wesley were often drawn there, along with many others. The explanation lay in the life and ministry of William Grimshaw, curate of Haworth from 1742 until his death in 1763. 'A few such as him would make a nation tremble', wrote Wesley, 'he carries fire wherever he goes.' Under Grimshaw's ministry the church's empty pews filled and non-attenders were startled to hear, 'If you will not come to church, you shall hear me at home'. Revival followed and persecution. But not even Grimshaw's opponents could deny that Haworth people now worked, and cared for their families, as they had never done before. What Charles Wesley called his 'triumphant love' was Grimshaw's supreme motivation. It led him to break through ecclesiastical rules and to preach far and wide: 'The most indefatigable minister of Christ that ever was in England' (William Romaine). It led also to his eagerness to help all -- Church of England or Dissenter, Moravian or Methodist, Arminian or Calvinist: 'I love Christians, true Christians of all parties. I do love them; I will love them; and none shall make me do otherwise.' - from dust jacket.