METHODISM IN PORTSMOUTH.
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��tion other than the Christian ministry, to which he consecrated himself in early life, being profoundly impressed that he was divinely called to that work. In six weeks after becoming a disciple he attempted to fill an appoint- ment, and occasionally preached in halls, open fields and public streets, and was called the Young Enthusiast. His wife (to whom he was married when quite a young man) and his widowed mother, as well as many friends, opposed his ministerial aspira- tions and did not favor his emigrating to America. He, however, resolved on leaving Ireland, and in company with his brother William, who was a physician, embarked from Dublin in 1 8 19. His wife and children came to the United States a few years later.
The morning after reaching New York city he inquired for the Metho- dist preachers and was directed to Rev. Mr. Crowell, on Second street, who received him kindly but did not encourage his preaching. His brother, Dr. Maffnt. visited New England, go- ing as far east as Boston, stopping at New London, and attended a camp meeting at Hebron. On returning to New York he advised his brother to go to the eastern shores and preach in Connecticut. He started immediate- ly and at Thompson beheld the crowd- ed tents of Israel's camp, and nrn- gling with the happy throng, com- menced his ministerial career in America. He was appointed in 1S20 on the New London circuit, as a jun- ior preacher. His success was so great he was assigned to New London, New Haven, Middletown and Hart- ford, spending a full week in each place, preaching three times on the Sabbath and from four to five times week evenings.
Mr. Mafifitt united with the New England Conference in 1822, with which he was connected for ten years, occu- pying important stations and acquir- ing a notable reputation by his elo- quent diction and rare powers of ora- tory. He became very popular as the silver-tongued Irish poet-preacher, and
��was eminently successful in attracting crowds, moving the masses, and in- ducing large numbers to surround the altar for prayers and to commence a Christian life. Mr. Maffitt's meetings were always crowded. The churches where he preache 1 were filled to their utmost capacity long before the hour of meeting. Camp meetings were fre- quently the scenes of his greatest triumphs. In July, 1821, he preached at a camp meeting on Long Island to fifteen thousand people a sermon of wonderful eloquence and persuasive power. In September, 1821, on his- way to Boston, he stopped at Milford, Mass., where he electrified the assem- bled thousands at a camp meeting. At Boston, he preached at the Brom- field-street M. E. church. His fame had preceded him, and his efforts in that church were represented as over- whelming. In the spring of 1822 he returned to New Yo:"k city, where he labored for a short time with very great success. Returning thence to New England, he was heard with in- creasing interest for several years. Many of the older members of the church in Rockingham county, who attended the camp meeting at Kings- ton, N. H., in 1842, well remember that when Mr. Maffitt was preaching the rain descended quite copiously, but the large audience was so capti- vated by his earnest eloquence that they remained patient listeners, stand- ing with umbrellas spread for upward of an hour, until the service was con- cluded.
After leaving New England, he lo- cated in New York city, preaching and lecturing at his discretion.
In 1830 he edited a paper called The New York Cabinet, and issued several numbers. In 1831 he was without appointment, and began a re- markable career as an Evangelist in the Southern States. In 1832 he located, continuing his labors as an Evangelist. In 1833 ne issued, with Rev. Lewis Garrett, at Nashville, Tenn., a weekly journal called the West- ern Methodist, now the Chris-
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