The Methodist : $b a poem

** "The Methodist: a poem" by Evan Lloyd is a piece of political satire from 1766 that serves as a commentary on England’s socio-political climate during a time of shifting class structures and the rise of Methodism. The poem is a critique of the Methodist movement, using a satirical tone to explore themes of corruption and hypocrisy in society and within the church itself. Lloyd uses strong imagery to paint Methodism as a flawed and chaotic movement, while also criticizing what he saw as emotional excesses exhibited by followers and religious leaders; he suggests that vice is disguised as devoutness. With the portrayal of misguided lay preachers, he cautions against the consequences of allowing passion to outweigh reason. **