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Description: | Following the Methodist and Evangelical revivals of the eighteenth century, Methodism went about transforming the moral character of the people. Although popular for its devotion to providing education for the poor, 'Methodism' also became a byword for a puritanical kill-joy and was often used as a term of abuse. This is one of a number of songs lampooning advocates of Methodism and other similar dissenting groups whose practices centred around preaching.In this song one particular 'ranter' takes a shine to his aunt, whom is visiting with the ranter and his wife. Conveniently there is only one bed in the household, and all three are forced to share. The wife, suspicious of her husbands desires lies awake, finally catching the ranter and his aunt in the act. In a rage the ranter attempts to throw his wife down the stairs, but is prevented by the neighbours. His actions are soon known throughout the neighbourhood and he is reviled as a hypocrite and adulterer.This song is part of the John Bell Collection. ; A collection of broadsheets on various subjects, with accompanying press cuttings and manuscript notes in the hand of John Bell. | Publisher: | unknown | Rights holder: | rights holder : Newcastle University | Subjects: | religion & adultery religious and moral | Temporal: | start=1801;end=1840; | Source: | Folk Archive Resource North East | Identifier: | farne:N0126501 | Go to resource |
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