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Dixon, James, D.D.

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Dixon, Joseph, D.D.

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an eminent minister of the British Wesleyan Connection, was born at Donington Castle, Leicestershire, October 28, 1788. He became an earnest Methodist at the age of twenty; studied theology four years; was received into the ministry in 1812; served as a missionary at Gibraltar, in 1829; and discharged with unvarying vigor a ministry of over half a century in England. He was elected president of the Conference in 1841, and representative to the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1848. Being smitten with incurable blindness in 1856, he became a supernumerary in 1863, and died at Bradford, Yorkshire, England (where he took up his residence), December 28, 1871. Dr. Dixon had one of the most powerful and accomplished minds that ever graced the British Conference. In the meridian of his life his preaching was a fine example of the philosophical style; his sermons elaborated with care, dealing with great principles and logical sequences, expatiating upon the harmonies of the Gospel economy, and invested with an air of grandeur and an imposing mental attitude, and full of thought. Later in life there was a rich and sweet simplicity in his ministrations. With Watson and other lights of the Conference, he advocated the abolition of- slavery, in the West Indies, and some of his speeches on this subject were high examples of a burning logic and eloquence. He was a most bitter opponent of Romanism, and used the influence of his powerful voice and pen. in opposing its advances as well as the granting of constitutional privileges to its adherents. He took deep interest in public affairs, and had strong political views (he was a Tory). He was one of the defenders of Dr. Bunting during the "Warren" discussions. His powerful and sanctified mind, noble character, frank, genial, sincere, and serene piety, shining from out of the darkness of his deep affliction, made him to be venerated and loved throughout the whole Connection. Dr. Dixon published Methodism in its Origin, Economy, and Present Position (Lond. 1843; N.Y. 1853), besides a large number of sermons, lectures, and biographical sketches, for which see Osborn, Wesleyan Bibliography, s.v. His own life has been written by his son, Reverend R.W. Dixon (Lond. 1874).