Hymns of Methodism in their Literary Relations

Bett takes on a daunting task with The Hymns of Methodism in their Literary Relations. He seeks to investigate the theological and literary influences of John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church, and his brother Charles, who wrote hundreds of well-known hymns. First, Bett explores how Scripture directly influenced the Wesley brothers. Then, he looks for traces of ideas borrowed from the early church Fathers, the Christian mystics, and the liturgies of the church through the ages. Betts seeks out the brothers’ literary influences in the writings of their 18th century contemporaries, as well as literary classics of the previous centuries. The Hymns of Methodism offers a rare insight into the minds and times of John and Charles Wesley, the cornerstones of one of the most influential Christian denominations of the past 200 years.

Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff