John Wesley

Date of Birth: June 28, 1703

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: March 2, 1791

Biography

John Wesley, an Anglican cleric and theologian, is best known as the leader of the Methodist movement that began in the 18th century. Born in Epworth, England, Wesley was the fifteenth child of Samuel Wesley, a clergyman, and Susanna Wesley, who was known for her strong religious influence on her children. John Wesley was educated at Charterhouse School and Christ Church, Oxford, where he formed a small group of students who were derisively called the “Holy Club” because of their methodical devotion to prayer and study of the Bible. This group laid the foundation for what would become the Methodist Church. Wesley’s religious journey took a pivotal turn on May 24, 1738, when he experienced a profound spiritual awakening at a meeting on Aldersgate Street in London. This experience convinced him of the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, a belief that became central to his preaching. Wesley traveled extensively, often on horseback, preaching to large crowds in fields and open spaces, as many churches were closed to him due to his unorthodox methods. John Wesley’s organizational skills were instrumental in the growth of Methodism. He established “societies,” “classes,” and “bands” for followers to meet regularly, fostering a sense of community and discipline. His emphasis on social justice, including concerns for the poor and abolition of slavery, also marked his ministry. Wesley was a prolific writer, producing numerous sermons, theological treatises, and hymns. His works emphasized practical theology, personal holiness, and social ethics. Wesley’s impact on Christianity, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States, is profound, with Methodism becoming one of the largest Protestant denominations worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about John Wesley

1. John Wesley preached approximately 40,000 sermons in his lifetime.

2. He traveled over 250,000 miles on horseback to spread his message.

3. Wesley founded Kingswood School in 1748, primarily for the education of the children of coal miners.

4. His sermon “The Use of Money” is often cited for its advocacy of earning, saving, and giving generously.

5. John Wesley was an early advocate for preventive healthcare and wrote extensively on the subject in his book, “Primitive Physick.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Wesley

1. “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.”

2. “The best of it is, God is with us.”

3. “What one generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace.”

4. “Light yourself on fire with passion and people will come from miles to watch you burn.”

5. “Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on Earth.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Wesley was not known for accumulating wealth. He earned a considerable income from his publications but lived a frugal life, giving most of his money to the poor. His highest net worth is estimated to have been relatively modest compared to his earnings, as he practiced and preached about living simply and giving generously.