Wesley, John (1703-1791)

Hymns of Wesley and Watts: Five Papers

Hymns of Methodism in their Literary Relations

Wesley, John (1703-1791) -- from Wikipedia Article

John Wesley -- from The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge

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

Description: John and Charles Wesley, leaders of the Methodist movement, collectively wrote thousands of hymns and religious poems, with Charles writing the great majority. Among the best known hymns Charles Wesley authored are “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” As well as a compilation of some of the most important pieces of literature in the Evangelical Christian tradition, John and Charles Wesley’s Poetical Works offers the texts of hundreds of the most beloved hymns and songs in the English language.

Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff

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 (Author)

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