WESLEY, John (1703-179l):
English founder of METHODISM who was influenced by German
MORAVIAN PIETY and ZINZENDORF. He experienced a dramatic CONVERSION at a PRAYER MEETING in
1738 at Aldersgate Street, London which led him to abandon controversial FORMS of Ministry
to preaching to workers and the poor in fields at Bristol the following year. A compulsive
traveller, he made hundreds of journeys on horseback preaching, making CONVERTS and
organizing Methodist SOCIETIES throughout England, Ireland and Scotland leading to the
creation of the METHODIST CHURCH in 1791. A strong opponent of slavery, author of
educational treatises, Biblical commentaries, etc., and twenty-three collections of HYMNS.
His Journal (1735-90) is both a spiritual classic and a vivid account of life in
eighteenth century Britain.
