Wesley Corpus

by John Wesley "Not as though I had already attained." TO THE READER [Preface] 1. SINCE the name first came abroad into the world, many have been at a loss to know what a Methodist is; what are the principles and the practice of those who are commonly called by that name; and what the distinguishing marks of this sect, "which is everywhere spoken against." The Methodist movement began in England in the late 1730s. The official church in England was the Church of England. John and Charles Wesley were ordained in this church (as had been their father Samuel), but in their Methodist work found themselves doing things differently than the mainstream church. The two most controversial things John Wesley did were (a) Preaching outside, and (b) traveling and preaching all over the country. In those days, everyone thought that God's work had to be done in a properly consecrated building (an official church building). Instead of waiting for the people who needed Jesus to show up at church, Wesley took Jesus to them. He commonly preached his first sermon at 5 am in the morning - to people on their way to work. He thought the message of Jesus was so important that he was willing to bend the rules to help people hear it. The official church also regulated where pastors did their work. A preacher was supposed to preach only in the church to which he was appointed, unless invited by the person holding the appointment. Wesley went everywhere. He did not invade other people's churches, but preached outdoors, in houses, and in rented buildings. All this was considered high irregular, even dangerous. These are key reasons why people - usually those in positions of authority - spoke against the Methodists. What activities can you imagine doing today that might bring people to Jesus - but be disapproved by people in power? 2. And it being generally believed, that I was able to give the clearest account of these things, (as having been one of the first to whom that name was given, and the person by whom the rest were supposed to be directed), I have been called upon, in all manner of ways, and with the utmost earnestness, so to do.