About
John Wesley (1703-1791) was an English Anglican cleric and theologian, founder of the Methodist movement. Ordained in the Church of England, he led a methodical life of piety at Oxford, earning the nickname 'Methodists'. After a mission in Georgia, he experienced a decisive conversion in 1738 in London. He then preached in the open air, traveling thousands of miles on horseback and delivering an estimated 40,000 sermons. He published hymn collections, sermons, and theological writings. He organized the Methodist movement into societies while remaining formally Anglican. At his death, Methodism had over 70,000 members in Britain.
* 1703-06-17 — † 1791-03-02
Major works
- Sermons on Several Occasions (1746)sermon collection
- The Character of a Methodist (1742)treatise
- A Plain Account of the People Called Methodists (1749)historical account
- Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament (1755)biblical commentary
- A Collection of Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodists (1780)hymn collection
Key milestones
- 1738Conversion at a Moravian meeting on Aldersgate Street, London.
- 1784Ordination of Thomas Coke as superintendent for the Methodist work in America.
- 1791Death of John Wesley; the Methodist movement then had over 70,000 members in Britain.
Themes
Divine graceSanctificationReligious experienceMethodical practice of pietyItinerant preaching
Sources: britannica.com · gcah.org · methodist.org.uk