John Wesley (born June 17, 1703; died March 2, 1791) was an Anglican clergyman and co-founder of the Methodist Church in England. He was born in Epworth, Lincolnshire, to Samuel Wesley and Susanna Wesley. After studying at Oxford, he was ordained as a priest in 1728. During his time at Oxford, Wesley joined a religious study group that was mockingly referred to as the “Methodists” due to their systematic approach to faith. Under his leadership, the group expanded its activities, including providing social services for those in need.
Wesley later traveled to Georgia in North America to oversee the spiritual lives of colonists and Native Americans. However, he faced many challenges there and eventually returned to England. In London, he met the Moravian Peter Böhler, who helped deepen his faith. On May 24, 1738, during a Moravian meeting, Wesley experienced a profound spiritual conversion.
He dedicated his life to preaching salvation by faith, which attracted both followers and criticism. Facing resistance from traditional Anglican congregations, Wesley turned to unchurched populations, forming small groups for fellowship and support known as “bands.” He published rules for these groups and became an itinerant preacher, recruiting laypeople and growing the Methodist societies, which became a significant movement within Christianity.
Quotes by John Wesley
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can. “
“Let your words be the genuine picture of your heart. ~ John Wesley
Whosoever will reign with Christ in heaven, must have Christ reigning in him on earth.”
“The church changes the world not by making converts but by making disciples.”
“I have never known more than fifteen minutes of anxiety or fear. Whenever I feel fearful emotions overtaking me, I just close my eyes and thank God that He is still on the throne reigning over everything and I take comfort in His control over the affairs of my life. “
“What one generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace.”
“Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergymen or laymen, they alone will shake the gates of Hell and set up the kingdom of Heaven upon Earth.”
“We should be rigorous in judging ourselves and gracious in judging others.
Reading Christians are growing Christians. When Christians cease to read, they cease to grow.”
“In all cases, the Church is to be judged by the Scripture, not the Scripture by the Church.”
“People who wish to be offended will always find some occasion for taking offense. “
“Not, how much of my money will I give to God, but, how much of God’s money will I keep for myself?”