John Wesley

: For entries on other people named John Wesley, see John Wesley (disambiguation).

In Oxford and Georgia

The year of his return to Oxford (1729) marks the beginning of the rise of Methodism. The famous "holy club" was formed by John's younger brother, Charles Wesley, and some fellow students, derisively called "Methodists" because of their methodical habits.

Related Topics:
Oxford - Methodism - Charles Wesley

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During his early years, John had enjoyed a deep religious experience. His biographer, Tyerman, says that he went to Charterhouse a saint; but he became negligent of his religious duties, and left a sinner. In the year of his ordination he read Thomas a Kempis and Jeremy Taylor, and began to seek the religious truths which underlay the great revival of the 18th century. The reading of Law's Christian Perfection and Serious Call gave him, he said, a sublimer view of the law of God; and he resolved to keep it, inwardly and outwardly, as sacredly as possible, believing that in obedience he would find salvation. He pursued a rigidly methodical and abstemious life, studied the Scriptures, and performed his religious duties diligently, depriving himself so that he would have alms to give. He devoted himself to a godly life.

Related Topics:
Thomas a Kempis - Jeremy Taylor

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When, in 1735, a clergyman "inured to contempt of the ornaments and conveniences of life, to bodily austerities, and to serious thoughts," was wanted by Governor James Oglethorpe to go to the Province of Georgia, Wesley responded, accompanied by his brother and follower, Charles, and remained in the colony for two years, returning to England in 1738. He had had an unhappy love affair and felt that his mission (to convert the Indians and deepen and regulate the religious life of the colonists) had been a failure. His high-church notions and strict enforcement of the regulations of the church, especially concerning holy communion, did not appeal to the colonists; and he left Georgia with several malicious indictments pending against him for alleged violation of church law.

Related Topics:
James Oglethorpe - Province of Georgia

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