Works by John Wesley
- Collection of Hymns, for the Use of the People Called Methodists
- Journal of John Wesley
Description: Author, evangelist, preacher, organizer, theologian, and pietist John
Wesley is arguably one of the most important Christian voices of the
18th century. We continue to be influenced by him nearly three
centuries later. He was a founder of the Methodist movement, and was
used by God to spread the gospel to countless souls. The Journal of
John Wesley is composed of 50 years of Wesley's reflections.
These writings offer a first person view of the thoughts, feelings, and
prayers of a man whose intelligence and organizational skills were only
surpassed by his enthusiasm for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Andrew Hanson
CCEL Intern
- Plain Account of Christian Perfection
Description: This book is an account of John Wesley's journey to understanding
the doctrine
of Christian perfection. Perfection is, according to Wesley, "purity
of
intention, dedicating all the life to God," In this book, he gives
a numbered
list, in chronological order, of the steps he took toward grasping
the
doctrine. He concludes that the belief is based on Matthew 22.36-40
("'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' Jesus
replied:
'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all
your mind' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second
is like
it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'"). Perfect love is the basis
of Wesley's
perfection doctrine, and it comes only through sanctification by grace
alone.
Any reader interested in delving into the doctrine or desiring to
live a more
Christ-like life should start with this Methodist classic by John
Wesley.
Abby Zwart
CCEL Staff Writer
- Poetical Works of John and Charles Wesley
- Sermons on Several Occasions
Description: Sermons on Several Occasions
is a collection of 141 sermons compiled into five series.
In his first series, John Wesley presents what the Bible
says concerning the way to heaven. In his second series,
Wesley sheds light on several important Christian
doctrines and practices. The first two series were edited
and organized for publication by John Wesley himself. And
while one can assume that Wesley is responsible for all of the sermons
in this book, it is important to note the circumstances under which the
final three series were published. Unlike the first two series, the
latter three series were published without Wesley's knowledge.
Consequently, the final sermons are not arranged by topic, and it is
possible that some of them are not Wesley's own compositions. Even so,
these additional sermons are very valuable contributions to the
collection as a whole. The final three series contain sermons on a wide
variety of interesting topics, including love, death, faith, and even
natural disaster. This collection, especially the first two series,
contains Wesley's most humble and honest attempts to teach truth to
those who seek it.
Emmalon Davis
CCEL Staff Writer
- Wesley's Notes on the Bible
Description:
Speaking about evangelical Christianity in the 18th century without discussing John Wesley would be like trying to drive a car without wheels. Wesley was a pietist, preacher, and pioneer of Methodism who is known not only for his organizational skills, but his ability to convict Christians of their need to live a sanctified Christian life. His Notes on the Bible is required reading for Methodist clergy, and a must have on the bookshelf of any Methodist or person who desires to walk the walk of Christian life.
Andrew Hanson
CCEL Intern
