Lessey, Theophilus

Lessey, Theophilus a distinguished English Wesleyan minister, was born in Cornwall April 7,1787; entered the regular ministry about 1808; and after laboring with great ability and success in most parts of the United Kingdom, was in 1839 made president of the Conference, and died June 10, 1841. Mr. Lessey was one of the most eminent preachers and eloquent platform speakers of his time, and was the familiar friend of James Montgomery, the poet, Richard Watson, and Robert Hall. Many instances of his remarkable eloquence are recorded, and many souls were saved by his preaching. — Wakeley, Heroes of Methodism, p. 396; Stevens, Hist. of Methodism (see Index). (G. L. T.)