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Auction: 19025 - Ancient, Indian and Islamic, British and Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals
Lot: 1749

Methodist Missionaries in Ireland, Samuel Bates, Engraved Copper Token, 1786, figure seated on rock under tree preaching from scripture, rev. s. bates | 1786 in cursive script, 28.5mm, a few surface scuffs, otherwise charmingly hand-engraved, very fine, of historical interest; additionally, Centenary of Wesleyan Methodism, Silver medal. 1839, by C F Carter (BHM 1899; Eimer 1330), pierced for suspension, otherwise toned, very fine or better (2)

Samuel Bates was one of the first men to preach Wesleyan Methodism in Ireland. Although a native of Yorkshire, he settled in Charlemont in 1768 and began preaching to the surrounding areas. One such service in August of that year was interrupted by a "notoriously wicked young man" whose actions and melancholy were such that his friends thought him mad. After much patience, and with Samuel demanding a private meeting with him, the boy was "set at liberty, and a profound impression was thus made on the minds of many who were constrained to own the hand of God." After many years of circuiting and preaching around Cork and Limerick, and constructing a chapel in Charlemont, John Wesley wrote to Samuel in November 1785 showing his willingness to receive him into his itinerancy, being admitted by the summer of the following year, when he was stationed at Lisburn. It is likely this token was created during this time to commemorate this event. He would return to Charlemont for 1788-89, before moving to preach in Omagh until his death in 1803. His obituary recorded him as a man "of good sense, solid piety and deep experience. After suffering much in his last illness, he closed his life in the full triumph of faith."

Further reading:
"A History of Methodism", C H Crookshank, 1885
"A Consecutive History of the Rise, Progress and Present State of Wesleyan Methodism in Ireland", W Smith, 1830

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