John Oxtoby

John Oxtoby (nicknamed "Praying Johnny") (1767–1830) was an English evangelist and Primitive Methodist preacher.

A call for revival presupposes the decline and weakness of the Church. The rise of the Primitive Methodists in the 19th century was the result of the decline of England's early Methodism. The Primitive Methodist movement, strived to return to the Christianity as taught and practiced by John Wesley.

Sixteen years after John Wesley's death, the English Methodist Conference found itself in conflict with some of its most zealous ministers. These ministers were eventually expelled from the Conference for holding camp meetings and open-air services. Many in the Conference considered such meetings out of order and void of proper supervision. What had been esteemed by Wesley had become despised by his successors. The Primotive Methodists thought that, like the Wesley's, they followed the pillar of fire, rather than the logical traditions of men which make void the commandments of God. In their view, this pillar of revival fire is always best seen from the heights of bent and callused knees.

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 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 Anwers to Prayer
• Whittaker, Colin C.; Great Revivals