Allin, Thomas

Allin, Thomas one of the most honored ministers in the Methodist New Connection, and one of the most venerable for years and attainments, was born at Broseley, Shropihnire, England, Feb. 10, 1784. He had but a moderate education, but was converted at thirteen, and then saw the advantages of mental culture. Removing into Staffordshire, he became a useful local preacher, and in 1808 began to itinerate, though with distrust and hesitation. He had fine natural graces, exalted piety, and an affectionate disposition. His circuit life extended only to twenty-five years. A delicate constitution obliged him to become a supernumerary in 1833, having travelled in only twelve circuits, but for more than thirty years he rendered greater service to the cause of God in his retirement than he had done in his activity. He became distinguished as a preacher, and men of culture gathered from various churches to hear him in his later years; yet he was as diligent and faithful as a pastor as he was eminent as a preacher. For many years he was corresponding member of the annual committee which gave him the authority of a perpetual president in the Connection. He was president of the Conference in 1822 and 1846, and for many years secretary of the missions. In addition to these important duties, for some years before any college was established in the body, Mr. Allin guided the studies of a succession of young men who had been chosen for the ministry, and he was theological tutor to the Connection. He was also the author of several polemical publications, which were of great value when written, and a volume of chaste and elegant sermons, published after his death, was soon bought up. Paralysis overtook him at the age of eighty-one; but the serene, luminous atmosphere in which he lived enabled him to rally, and the childlike simplicity of his life made old-age delightful, even beautiful. His earthly pilgrimage closed at Cheadle, in all the calm of a summer sunset, Nov. 7, 1866.