John Wesley

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John Wesley (1703-1791) was an Anglican clergyman, theologian, and one of the founders of the Methodist movement. His life was marked by a deep commitment to his faith, which profoundly influenced his actions and the development of Methodism.

Born on June 17, 1703, in Epworth, Lincolnshire, England, John Wesley was the fifteenth of nineteen children born to Samuel Wesley, an Anglican rector, and Susanna Wesley, a devout and well-educated woman. John's early years were shaped by his mother's strong religious influence, which laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to faith.

2 February 1709 - Wesley was rescued from a house fire - "like a brand snatched from the fire".

In 1714, at the age of 11, Wesley began his formal education at the Charterhouse School in London. He then went on to study at Christ Church, Oxford, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1724 and his Master of Arts degree in 1727. During his time at Oxford, Wesley was ordained as a deacon in the Church of England in 1725 and as a priest in 1728.

While at Oxford, Wesley, along with his brother Charles and a few other students, formed a religious group called the "Holy Club" in 1729. The group was dedicated to prayer, Bible study, and helping the poor. Their methodical approach to religious practice earned them the nickname "Methodists," which later became the name of the movement they founded.

In 1735, Wesley and his brother Charles embarked on a mission to the colony of Georgia in America, where they hoped to convert Native Americans to Christianity. However, the mission was largely unsuccessful, and Wesley returned to England in 1738, deeply discouraged.

On May 24, 1738, Wesley experienced a profound spiritual awakening during a Moravian meeting in Aldersgate Street, London. He described feeling his "heart strangely warmed" and receiving an assurance of salvation. This event marked a turning point in Wesley's life and became the foundation of his theology, emphasizing the importance of a personal experience of faith.

Following his conversion, Wesley began to preach the doctrine of "justification by faith" and the assurance of salvation. He traveled extensively throughout Britain, often preaching in open-air meetings to large crowds. Wesley's preaching was marked by his passion for social justice and his concern for the spiritual and physical well-being of the poor.

In 1739, Wesley established the first Methodist society in London, which served as a model for the formation of other societies throughout Britain. These societies were organized into "classes" for mutual support, prayer, and Bible study, and they played a crucial role in the growth of the Methodist movement.

Wesley's commitment to his faith led him to challenge some of the established practices of the Church of England. He advocated for the right of laypeople to preach and administer the sacraments, which was a significant departure from Anglican tradition. This eventually led to a rift between Wesley and the Church of England, although he never formally left the church.

In 1784, Wesley took a decisive step towards the establishment of an independent Methodist Church by ordaining two preachers for America and appointing Thomas Coke as "Superintendent" (later called "Bishop") of the Methodist societies in the United States. This marked the beginning of the Methodist Episcopal Church in America.

Throughout his life, Wesley remained committed to his faith and the Methodist movement. He continued to travel and preach until his death on March 2, 1791, at the age of 87. By the time of his death, the Methodist movement had grown to include over 70,000 members in Britain and 60,000 in America.

In summary, John Wesley's life was characterized by his unwavering commitment to his faith and the Methodist movement. His emphasis on personal experience of faith, social justice, and the importance of lay ministry contributed to the rapid growth of Methodism and its lasting impact on Christianity. Wesley's life and work continue to inspire millions of people around the world, and his legacy lives on in the Methodist Church and its numerous denominations.

Wesley's Context

John Wesley was born in 1703 in Epworth, Lincolnshire, England, during a period marked by significant social, political, and religious changes. The social and religious context into which Wesley was born can be characterized by the following key aspects:

1. The Restoration and the Glorious Revolution: Wesley was born in the aftermath of the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, which saw the return of the Anglican Church as the state religion. The Glorious Revolution of 1688 further solidified the Protestant nature of the English state, with the establishment of a constitutional monarchy under William and Mary, who were committed to upholding Protestantism.

2. The Church of England: The Anglican Church was the dominant religious institution in England during Wesley's time. It was characterized by a hierarchical structure, with the monarch as its supreme governor. The Church of England sought to maintain a balance between the Catholic and Reformed traditions, which led to tensions and divisions within the church.

3. Religious Dissent: Despite the dominance of the Church of England, there were various dissenting religious groups, such as the Puritans, Quakers, and Baptists, who sought greater religious freedom and a more radical reformation of the church. These dissenters faced persecution and restrictions, but their presence contributed to a diverse religious landscape.

4. The Enlightenment: The intellectual movement known as the Enlightenment was gaining momentum during Wesley's lifetime. This movement emphasized reason, science, and individualism, which challenged traditional religious authority and led to a growing skepticism towards organized religion.

5. Pietism and Moravianism: In response to the rationalism of the Enlightenment, there was a resurgence of interest in personal spirituality and religious experience. The Pietist movement, which originated in Germany, emphasized the importance of a personal relationship with God, Bible study, and a devout lifestyle. The Moravian Church, which had a significant influence on Wesley, was an important expression of this movement.

6. Social and Economic Changes: The early 18th century was a time of significant social and economic changes in England. The country was undergoing rapid urbanization and industrialization, which led to the growth of cities and the emergence of new social problems, such as poverty, crime, and public health issues. These changes created a context in which Wesley's emphasis on social justice and the spiritual well-being of the poor resonated with many people.

In summary, the social and religious context into which John Wesley was born was marked by a complex interplay of religious, political, and intellectual forces. The dominance of the Church of England, the presence of dissenting religious groups, the influence of the Enlightenment, and the rise of Pietism and Moravianism all shaped the environment in which Wesley developed his religious beliefs and practices. Additionally, the social and economic changes of the time provided a backdrop against which Wesley's commitment to social justice and the spiritual needs of the poor found a receptive audience.

Key People In Wesley's Life

1. Susanna Wesley - John Wesley's mother, who played a significant role in shaping his religious beliefs and commitment to faith.

2. Samuel Wesley - John Wesley's father, an Anglican rector who influenced his son's religious upbringing and career.

3. Charles Wesley - John's younger brother, a close collaborator, and co-founder of the Methodist movement. Charles was also a prolific hymn writer.

4. George Whitefield - A fellow Anglican clergyman and friend of John Wesley, who later became a prominent evangelist in the Great Awakening in America.

5. Peter Böhler - A Moravian missionary who played a crucial role in Wesley's spiritual awakening and influenced his understanding of justification by faith.

6. Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf - A Moravian bishop and leader of the Moravian Church, who influenced Wesley's theology and practice.

7. Thomas Coke - Appointed by Wesley as the first "Superintendent" (later called "Bishop") of the Methodist societies in America, helping to establish the Methodist Episcopal Church.

8. Francis Asbury - A key figure in American Methodism, who worked closely with Wesley and helped to spread the Methodist movement in the United States.

9. Howell Harris - A Welsh Methodist preacher who collaborated with Wesley in the early years of the Methodist revival in Britain.

10. William Grimshaw - An Anglican clergyman and friend of Wesley, who supported the Methodist movement and helped to spread its influence in northern England.

11. Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon - A wealthy patroness of the Methodist movement, who supported Wesley and other Methodist preachers financially and through her influence.

12. John Fletcher - A Swiss-born Methodist preacher who was a close associate of Wesley and considered his designated successor, although he died before Wesley.

13. Richard Allen - A former slave and Methodist preacher who founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church, an important denomination in the Methodist tradition.

14. Mary Bosanquet Fletcher - A Methodist preacher and the wife of John Fletcher, who was one of the first women to preach in the Methodist movement.

15. John Cennick - An early Methodist preacher who later joined the Moravian Church, but remained an important influence on Wesley and the Methodist movement.

16. John Nelson - A Methodist lay preacher who was instrumental in spreading the Methodist movement in northern England.

17. Benjamin Ingham - An Anglican clergyman and early Methodist preacher who worked closely with Wesley in the early years of the Methodist revival.

18. John Gambold - A close friend of Wesley and an early Methodist preacher who later became a bishop in the Moravian Church.

19. John Bennet - An early Methodist preacher who worked closely with Wesley and played a significant role in the growth of the Methodist movement.

20. Thomas Maxfield - A Methodist preacher who was one of the first laypeople ordained by Wesley, reflecting his commitment to the importance of lay ministry.

Historical Figures Strongly Influenced By John Wesley

Several historical figures were strongly influenced by John Wesley, either directly or indirectly, through his teachings, writings, and the Methodist movement. Some of these figures include:

1. Charles Wesley - John's younger brother, who co-founded the Methodist movement and was a prolific hymn writer. Charles was deeply influenced by John's theology and ministry.

2. George Whitefield - A fellow Anglican clergyman and friend of John Wesley, who later became a prominent evangelist in the Great Awakening in America. Although they had theological disagreements, Whitefield was influenced by Wesley's emphasis on personal faith and evangelism.

3. Francis Asbury - A key figure in American Methodism, who worked closely with Wesley and helped to spread the Methodist movement in the United States. Asbury was deeply influenced by Wesley's teachings and organizational methods.

4. Thomas Coke - Appointed by Wesley as the first "Superintendent" (later called "Bishop") of the Methodist societies in America, helping to establish the Methodist Episcopal Church. Coke was a close associate of Wesley and was strongly influenced by his theology and leadership.

5. William Wilberforce - An English politician and leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade. Although not a Methodist himself, Wilberforce was influenced by Wesley's emphasis on social justice and personal piety.

6. Richard Allen - A former slave and Methodist preacher who founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church, an important denomination in the Methodist tradition. Allen was influenced by Wesley's teachings on equality and the importance of lay ministry.

7. Harriet Beecher Stowe - An American abolitionist and author of the influential novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Stowe was a member of a Methodist congregation and was influenced by Wesley's teachings on social justice and the evils of slavery.

8. Phoebe Palmer - A prominent American Methodist evangelist and writer who played a significant role in the 19th-century Holiness movement. Palmer was influenced by Wesley's teachings on sanctification and the importance of personal holiness.

9. William Booth - The founder of the Salvation Army, a Christian denomination and charitable organization that focuses on social justice and evangelism. Booth was influenced by Wesley's emphasis on the spiritual and physical well-being of the poor.

10. Martin Luther King Jr. - A leader of the American Civil Rights Movement and a Baptist minister, King was influenced by Wesley's teachings on social justice and the importance of personal faith in inspiring social change.

These historical figures, among others, were strongly influenced by John Wesley's teachings, ministry, and the Methodist movement, which had a lasting impact on Christianity and social reform movements around the world.