CAPTAIN THOMAS WEBB
The First Apostle of American Methodism

Captain Webb was a British army veteran of the conquest of French Canada that was most responsible for bringing Wesley's teaching to this continent. His rough and ready preaching was just the thing for the colonies. "His first appearance among them was in the public assembly, and as he wore the uniform of a British captain, the little society were fearful at first, that he had come to "spy out their liberties in Christ " but, when they saw him kneel in prayer and devoutly participate with them in their acts of devotion, their fears were exchanged for joy, and they hailed "him as a brother beloved." He was therefore soon invited to preach, which he did with great energy and acceptance.

His appearance in the pulpit in the costume of a military officer, with his sword either lying by his side or swinging in its scabbard, was a novelty that attracted much attention and excited no little surprise among the citizens who attended the meetings. His preaching, however, was in demonstration and power, and he generally related his own experience as an evidence of the truth of his doctrine respecting experimental religion." He preached in the colonies until the middle of the Revolutionary War, when he was forced to return to Britain since his obvious nationality became a great hindrance and danger to his work and family.
 

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