Comments
VENN
dm. sizar (age 20) at ST JOHN'S, June 19, 1765. [Only] s. of Ralph, farm-bailiff, of Yorks. B. [Oct. 12. 1745], at Ingleby, Arncliffe, Northallerton. School, Scorton (the Rev. John Noble). ' Matric. Michs. 1765; Scholar, 1765; B.A. 1769; M.A. 1772. Ord. deacon (London) Sept. 24, 1769; priest, Feb. 24, 1771; C. of Ramsden Bellhouse, Essex, 1769. C. of Buckingham, 1771. C. of St Michael's, Macclesfield, 1772-9 (where the Methodist tone of his preaching caused him to be deprived of his curacy). V. of Christ Church, Macclesfield, 1779-99. A friend of John Wesley, who frequently preached in his church. An itinerant preacher for a time; instituted charity schools in his parish. Married (1) May 27, 1773, Ann Waldy, of Yarm, Yorks., and (2) Oct. 1776, Elizabeth Davy, and had issue by both marriages. Author, Collection of Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs; Sacred Literature; Portraits of Human Characters; A Plea for Religion and the Sacred Writings; The Nature and Design of Christianity; Discourses on Dreams and Night Visions; Strictures on Religious Opinions; A Key to the Prophecies; etc. Died Mar. 24, 1799, aged 54; buried at Christ Church, Macclesfield. (St John's Coll. Adm., III. 706; D.N.B.; G. Mag., 1799, I. 352.)