Thomas Maxfield (Methodist)

Maxfield, a native of Bristol from a poor background, was converted by John Wesley during his first visit to the city, on 1 May 1739.

In 1742, when Wesley left London, he gave Maxfield the charge of the Foundery Society, directing him to pray with the members and give them suitable advice.

Maxfield soon passed from praying to preaching, and Lady Huntingdon, who was an attendant at the chapel, was impressed by his talents.

[1] In June 1745 Maxfield, while preaching in Cornwall, was pressed for the navy; but the captain to whom he was taken refused to have him on board, and he was imprisoned at Penzance.

Maxfield had adopted a prediction made by George Bell, a fellow-minister, sharing his opinion that the world would end on 28 February 1763.

[1] Maxfield was now chosen preacher by a society in Snow's Fields, moving two or three years later to Ropemakers' Alley, Moorfields.

In February 1770 he met Wesley once more at the Countess of Huntingdon's house in Portland Row, where he preached against the doctrine of Christian perfection, which he had formerly upheld.

In 1779 there was more talk of reunion, but Charles Wesley insisted that an acknowledgment of fault on Maxfield's side was needed.

[1] Maxfield published:[1] Also A Collection of Psalms and Hymns extracted from various Authors, 1778; and a sermon, Christ the Great Gift of God and the Nature of Faith in Him, 1769.