Duncan Wright, Soldier, Methodist Preacher

Walsh was born in Scotland, 1736. He was set on a career in the army, which he joined in 1754. He believed that there was no way to be a soldier and a Christian, and was astonished at the soldiers who preached-- mostly because he knew the general wickedness that prevailed in the army.

An older soldier introduced Duncan to some Christian literature, and the young soldier began to fear for his immortal soul. Luckily, in Limerick where he was stationed, there was a society of Methodists, and after overcoming his fear (because everyone derided the Methodists), he met with them and was saved in April of 1756, he was saved from his sins by the grace of God.

For the next two years, Wright found himself greatly comforted by the acquaintances he made in the Methodist societies, including the chances to hear John Wesley and Thomas Walsh preach.

Walsh became a Methodist preacher under serious circumstances. The army in Ireland had decided to execute a deserter in every city, in order to scare people into remaining in the army after they had been kidnapped into the service. The lot fell on a 22-year old man, Joseph Newton. Wright made tentative efforts to bring Christian comfort to the young man's soul. He grew bolder as the hour of execution approached, and Wright notes, "everyone who saw him go to the place where he was shot could not but admire the serene joy that appeared in his countenance."

But Wright has an interesting note: from 1758-65 he was very depressed. He includes that note to remark that you dont have to be happy to preach! rather you must simply trust that in God alone is peace and joy "and refuse every other comfort."

Wright got out of the army because a superior officer thought it was a disgrace to have a preacher in his midst. And so Wright was "thrown out into the harvest."

Wesley began to be concerned for the Highland Scots who came from the mountains seeking work, but had no care for their souls because they did not speak English. He sent Wright, encouraging him to relearn Gaelic!
he started reading a Gaelic New Testament and began services for the Highlanders.

I am glad that such a spirit is still alive today!