Bell, George

Bell, George a Calvinistic Methodist, who was the first of John Wesley's followers to make a division in the Methodist societies, was a local preacher in Southwark, a man of heated imagination, who said he possessed a miraculous discernment of spirits. His doctrinal sentiments were high Antinomianism, mixed with enthusiasm. He first separated from the Foundery Society, with the Reverend Thomas Maxfield, in February, 1763, and was a member of his church in Princes Street, Moorfields,but soon afterwards set up as preacher himself, and took one of Mr. Wesley's preaching places, situated in Baker's Court, near Gray's Inn Lane, London. There he had many followers, and preached there many years. Bell's fanaticism obliged Mr. Wesley to expel him from the Foundery Society. He afterwards prophesied the destruction of the world on a certain day, against which Mr. Wesley preached, as great fear was created by the prophecy. The failure did not disconcert Bell, who continued his wild enthusiasm. See Wilson, Dissenting Churches, 3:418-419.