Selections From The Journal of James Caughey

James Caughey was an Irish-born emigrant to the United States who was converted in the times of revival in 1830-31 in the ‘Burned-Over District’ and soon after ordained to the Methodist ministry. He experienced powerful revivals in Canada but it was his revival labours in Great Britain during the 1840’s, for which he is most well known.

His early ministry fitted him for the work that was yet to come. Ordained as an elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1836 he was groomed in revival practices and camp meetings. In July 1839 after reading and studying about the need of the power of the Holy Spirit in preaching he experienced a personal baptism of the Spirit.

His powerful preaching soon attracted invitations from farther afield and from 1841-1847 he was led to minister in England, mainly among the midlands and north among the Methodists. During this time he earned the title ‘King of Revivalist Preachers.’ It was during this time, when preaching at Nottingham, that William Booth was converted under Caughey’s preaching.

Caughey was a seasoned revivalist with a forceful personality, a sharp mind, a ready wit and an irresistible eloquence. His commanding height, keen eyes and strong features gave him a great pulpit presence. His preaching was simple and orthodox but shot through with insights and persuasive applications to his hearers. He effectively employed the American ‘altar call’ to bring is hearers to a decision for Christ but would also move around the hall passionately inviting sinners to the penitents bench to find freedom and forgiveness.