Students of Wesley focus mostly on Wesley’s writings of theology and salvation. These would include his sermons, journals, commentaries, hymns, and major doctrinal works and correspondence. In these works we find Wesley’s theology spelled out in sufficient detail. However, interesting insights into Wesley’s thoughts on a variety of subjects is found in his more obscure writings. Below is a sample.
Please note, it is important to read Wesley’s thoughts in light of his 18th century British context. The writings below are situational and address specific issues of the day. It is therefore important to look for principles and lessons that are applicable to today.
Wesley’s Thoughts on Voting
Wesley lived before the rise of modern democracies with the exception of the American Revolution (However, the Constitution was not ratified till the end of his life). As an Englishman, Wesley was loyal to his king and country during the colonies break with the mother country. So, he did not support the American version of democracy. However, his thoughts on voting can be discerned from a tract he wrote to a freeholder that deals with the subject in his English context. Below is the 1748 tract and the same tract taken from the Jackson edition of Wesley’s Works.
Word to a Freeholder 1748
Word to Freeholder (Jackson Edition)
Wesley’s Thoughts on Sunday Observance
Today in the USA and in many other nations there is a casual attitude toward Sunday observance. Many believers observe Sunday as just another day in the week. In the following tract Wesley shares his thoughts in which he explain why it is important to treat Sunday as a special (holy) day.
Word to a Sabbath-Breaker
Wesley’s Thoughts on Preaching Politics
The concept of separation of church and state is ingrained in American political culture. Yet, many ministers use the pulpit to promote their political views. Should there be any boundaries or limits to this practice? Wesley’s tract on the subject is very short but offers some analysis on the topic. What do you think of his perspective?
How Far Should Ministers Preach Politics 1782
Wesley’s Thoughts on Protestantism
The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century reverberated down to Wesley’s day in the 18th century. The differences were as much political as religious. Most Englishman in Wesley’s day had a deep distrust of Catholicism, especially since the heirs of pro-Catholic King James II tried twice to overthrow the current Protestant monarchy in Wesley’s lifetime (1715 and 1745). Yet, Wesley found that many people who considered themselves Protestant had no idea of what the term meant. In the following tract Wesley explains the differences between the two forms of Christian faith and then challenges the reader to practice a real Protestant faith.
Word to Protestant 8th ed 1745
Word to a Protestant (Works, Jackson, vol. 11)
Wesley’s Evaluation of Culture
It is probably safe to assume that nearly everyone critiques the society in which they live. In the following tract Wesley shares his concerns about the current moral climate in British society. England was one of the most prosperous nations, yet Wesley looked behind the material wealth to express concerns over deeper issues. How much of his evaluation is pertinent to today?
Advice to an Englishman 1745
Advice to an Englishman (Works, Jackson, vol. 11)
Wesley’s Thoughts on Religious Profession
In Wesley’s day about 90% of the population were baptized members of the Church of England and the other 10% members of other denominations. The general culture was much more religious than what we see today. This led people to make religious professions yet show little evidence of authentic faith. While our context is different today, especially in the west, the same issue is remains relevant. How did Wesley deal with this issue. The following two tracts offer insight into how Wesley approached people whose profession of faith lacked authenticity.
Advice to Saints & Sinners 4th ed 1748
Word to an Unhappy Woman (Works, Jackson,vol.11)
[This post was taken with permission from the Featured Monthly Resources Page on Mark K. Olson’s website.]
