John Fletcher of Madeley (1729 - 1785) and the manifestation of Christ

Fletcher's ministry in the 18th century transformed the religious character of Madeley (Shropshire). Challenged by an influential parishioner who disputed his claim that a living spiritual encounter with Christ was essential to real Christianity, Fletcher wrote a series of letters to him, showing the history of such encounters, and their reasonableness to those who truly believe in Christ. Published after his death under the title "The Spiritual manifestation of the Son of God", this little booklet was instrumental in the conversion of Hugh Bourne, the founding father of the Primitive Methodism.