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The journal of John Wesley: With an introduction by Hugh Price Hughes ; Appreciation of the journal by Augustine Birrell ; Edited by Percy Livingstone Parker
Author, evangelist, preacher, organizer, theologian, and pietist John Wesley is arguably one of the most important Christian voices of the 18th century. We continue to be influenced by him nearly three centuries later. He was a founder of the Methodist movement, and was used by God to spread the gospel to countless souls. The Journal of John Wesley is composed of 50 years of Wesley’s reflections. These writings offer a first person view of the thoughts, feelings, and prayers of a man whose intelligence and organizational skills were only surpassed by his enthusiasm for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
This edition features an artistic cover, a new promotional introduction, an index of scripture references, links for scripture references to the appropriate passages, and a hierarchical table of contents which makes it possible to navigate to any part of the book with a minimum of page turns.
This edition features an artistic cover, a new promotional introduction, an index of scripture references, links for scripture references to the appropriate passages, and a hierarchical table of contents which makes it possible to navigate to any part of the book with a minimum of page turns.
419 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1789
263 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
About the author
John Wesley
2,701 books252 followersJohn Wesley is recognized as the founder of Methodism. An acclaimed preacher, Wesley travelled extensively on horseback and drew large crowds for his outdoor sermons. A contemporary of William Wilberforce, Wesley was a strong voice opposing slavery in England and the United States. His influence upon modern Christianity can be seen by the large number of Methodist organizations in the Wesleyan tradition all over the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 9, 2020
While I do not regret reading this book, it was a hard read. It is his journal. No one writes a journal to entertain but to remember. It was very interesting in the beginning referring to his trip to America and comments on his mother's child-rearing technique. After that, much of it was in the form of we went "somewhere" and preached on a certain scripture at such and such a time to a crowd of so many people (usually in the thousands, with NO microphone!). He often preached to large crowds at 5:00 in the morning!!! He would frequently preach three times a day. The places he mentioned were for the most part, totally unknown to me. All this made for hard reading, but as I said, I do not regret reading this journal. It is the amazing story of God's provision and protection. When his horse stumbled, neither he nor the horse was seriously injured. When people were throwing stones and trying to break into the house he was in, he would be protected. He was as healthy at 80 as at 40. It is an amazing thing to see what God can do through and for a faithful, dedicated servant!
December 31, 2014
John Wesley goes about on a horse.
February 8, 2022
I wish I knew what kind of journal Wesley kept before listening to this mammoth. When I heard journal, I thought Wesley’s deep theological musings put down onto paper. Nope, this was a (mostly banal) day-by-day account of Wesley’s life spent field preaching across Europe and getting run out of town by “papists” and Calvinists, always with a specific comment about how much dirt he got on him in the kerfuffle (“only a spot of dirt, praise God!” “I was not much hurt, but what a splotch of dirt was cast upon my coat!” etc).
December 17, 2025
I was blessed and challenged as I read Wesley’s journal. He loved God & He loved people. I plan to read this journal more.
“Best of all, God is with us!”
“Best of all, God is with us!”
August 22, 2023
If you are interested in the origins on Methodism, or the works of a master evangelist, this massively abridged journal of an incredible man, John Wesley, is a great place to start.
Originally in multiple volumes, his journals spanning his adult life - covering 50 years & over 100,000 miles of field preaching on horseback, it has been condensed into this current form.
It has 2 introductions which nicely cover elements of Wesley's life that are excluded from the rest of the book; such as Wesley's influence and his family life. The latter 25% of the book is fascinating, either because of the selection of journal entries or Wesley just shared more of his observations and opinions as he got older. His faith in God is compelling and striking and inspiring, right until his very last breath.
Kindle format.
- It has a good interactive table of contents, as well as sub-tables of content.
- It has a footnote whenever a spelling or punctuation error was actually original to the journal as Wesley wrote it.
- Some of the footnotes shouldn't be there, they were just old English words not often used or with spellings that have changed since
- Some of the footnotes are not coded right so look like <=##&&
- There are lot of other distracting typos, such as an exclamation point written as 1 (such as Oh1 instead of Oh!); the letter m written as rn (such as hirn instead of him) and numerous others.
These are distracting, especially as at times there's a lot to concentrate on & it's the only thing preventing me giving it a 5 star review.
Originally in multiple volumes, his journals spanning his adult life - covering 50 years & over 100,000 miles of field preaching on horseback, it has been condensed into this current form.
It has 2 introductions which nicely cover elements of Wesley's life that are excluded from the rest of the book; such as Wesley's influence and his family life. The latter 25% of the book is fascinating, either because of the selection of journal entries or Wesley just shared more of his observations and opinions as he got older. His faith in God is compelling and striking and inspiring, right until his very last breath.
Kindle format.
- It has a good interactive table of contents, as well as sub-tables of content.
- It has a footnote whenever a spelling or punctuation error was actually original to the journal as Wesley wrote it.
- Some of the footnotes shouldn't be there, they were just old English words not often used or with spellings that have changed since
- Some of the footnotes are not coded right so look like <=##&&
- There are lot of other distracting typos, such as an exclamation point written as 1 (such as Oh1 instead of Oh!); the letter m written as rn (such as hirn instead of him) and numerous others.
These are distracting, especially as at times there's a lot to concentrate on & it's the only thing preventing me giving it a 5 star review.
December 31, 2019
Really good abridgement of Wesley's journal. It's not for everyone but it fleshes out Wesley and his theology.
April 8, 2020
What an excellent audiobook. Derek Perkins did a masterful job. John Wesley's journal is filled with insight and tales of exploit. Lots of interesting material. I read because I'm a lifelong Methodist and ordained pastor.
Quotes below:
Wesley encouraged people that God wouldn’t teach people further until they walked in obedience, doing what they already know is good.
When Bo Nash argued with Wesley, asking by what authority he preached. He said, By the authority of Jesus Christ, and the archbishop of Canterbury when he laid hands on me and said, Take thou authority…
The origin of our classes, for which I can never sufficiently praise God. the unspeakable usefulness of the institution has become more and more manifest.
“Oh let none think his labor of love is lost because the fruit does not immediately appear. Nearly forty years did my father preach here (Epworth).
Self-will is the root of all sin and misery. (Susanna Wesley). Grand religion is doing the will of God and not our own. The one impediment to our temporal and eternal happiness is this alone. The parent who studies to subdue it in their child works with God in the renewing and saving the soul. The parent who indulges it does the devil’s work.
1744 Conference who desired nothing but to save their own souls and those who hear them. We purged the society of those who did not walk in the gospel…I am now clear of the blood of these men.
To those who refused Wesley to preach in their church. Wesley said, Perhaps there is providence in this. God will not suffer my little remaining strength to be spent on those who will not hear me except in an honorable way.
Wherever the doctrine of Christian perfection is not preached, believes grow dead and cold. An hourly expectation of being perfected in love must be kept up. To expect it at death or much later is the same as not expecting it at all.
By Christian perfection I mean, Loving God with all our heart. Do you object to this? 2, A heart and life all devoted to God. Do you desire less? 3, Regaining the whole image of God. What objection to this? 4, Having all the mind that was in Christ. Is this going too far? 5, Walking uniformly as Christ walked. Surely no Christian will object to this.
I am 73 years old, and am able to preach as well as 23 years old. What means has God used to produce such an effect? Continual exercise and change of air. Constant rising at 4am. The ability to sleep immediately. Never losing a night’s sleep. Evenness of temper. I fret at nothing.
The mustard seed of Methodism has spread much in 50 years (England, Ireland, Isle of Whites, Canada/Newfoundland, America) They walk by one rule, knowing religion is holy tempers. Worshiping God not in form, but in spirit and truth.
Defending Methodism coming out of the Anglican church: We have out of necessity varied in some points of discipline by preaching in the fields, extemporaneous prayers, by employing lay preachers, by forming and regulating societies, and by holding yearly conferences. We did none of these things until we were convinced we could no longer omit them except at the peril of our soul.
Quotes below:
Wesley encouraged people that God wouldn’t teach people further until they walked in obedience, doing what they already know is good.
When Bo Nash argued with Wesley, asking by what authority he preached. He said, By the authority of Jesus Christ, and the archbishop of Canterbury when he laid hands on me and said, Take thou authority…
The origin of our classes, for which I can never sufficiently praise God. the unspeakable usefulness of the institution has become more and more manifest.
“Oh let none think his labor of love is lost because the fruit does not immediately appear. Nearly forty years did my father preach here (Epworth).
Self-will is the root of all sin and misery. (Susanna Wesley). Grand religion is doing the will of God and not our own. The one impediment to our temporal and eternal happiness is this alone. The parent who studies to subdue it in their child works with God in the renewing and saving the soul. The parent who indulges it does the devil’s work.
1744 Conference who desired nothing but to save their own souls and those who hear them. We purged the society of those who did not walk in the gospel…I am now clear of the blood of these men.
To those who refused Wesley to preach in their church. Wesley said, Perhaps there is providence in this. God will not suffer my little remaining strength to be spent on those who will not hear me except in an honorable way.
Wherever the doctrine of Christian perfection is not preached, believes grow dead and cold. An hourly expectation of being perfected in love must be kept up. To expect it at death or much later is the same as not expecting it at all.
By Christian perfection I mean, Loving God with all our heart. Do you object to this? 2, A heart and life all devoted to God. Do you desire less? 3, Regaining the whole image of God. What objection to this? 4, Having all the mind that was in Christ. Is this going too far? 5, Walking uniformly as Christ walked. Surely no Christian will object to this.
I am 73 years old, and am able to preach as well as 23 years old. What means has God used to produce such an effect? Continual exercise and change of air. Constant rising at 4am. The ability to sleep immediately. Never losing a night’s sleep. Evenness of temper. I fret at nothing.
The mustard seed of Methodism has spread much in 50 years (England, Ireland, Isle of Whites, Canada/Newfoundland, America) They walk by one rule, knowing religion is holy tempers. Worshiping God not in form, but in spirit and truth.
Defending Methodism coming out of the Anglican church: We have out of necessity varied in some points of discipline by preaching in the fields, extemporaneous prayers, by employing lay preachers, by forming and regulating societies, and by holding yearly conferences. We did none of these things until we were convinced we could no longer omit them except at the peril of our soul.
December 19, 2023
This journal has none of what myself and many reviewers here had expected. I felt, after 375 pages, relieved that I finished it due to an incredible boredom, not inspired in any way, would not recommend it to anyone, and can see no positive that this might have. A small exception being some ethnologists of the time or biographer of Wesley. Why is this? Let's start off with my expectations going in.
When we look to biographies and accounts of spiritual people we generally go in with some expectation of their interactions with this component. Questions they are having, problems they are going through, lessons they are learning, experiences they are having, and more. All of these, hopefully, enhance and inspire not only the author but ourselves. This often comes with an evolving understanding and transformation of the person and/or their ideals. In this case one would hope to see how the sermons and preaching came to be, the response of the people and his response in turn to reach more, and more. This is what is so lacking in this account.
We get teased with a little bit in the beginning about his fear of death. That he shouldn't be afraid of death at all and that being afraid of death makes him believe he isn't fully Christian because why would he be afraid when it is all in Christ's hands? This is further exemplified and amplified by him asking why none of the women or children were making noise or afraid and he was told "because they don't fear death". Unfortunately, as interesting as that struggle might have been we get no payoff. He was told "fake it until you make it", a very small description of some event that changed him (of which we learn nothing of), and then no more. Despite that all the way through the journals the value of quantity of life seems to have been a major point for him.
Even if we were to look away from our expectations one would hope that there would be numerous accounts of subjectivity and self-reflection. Of which this barely contains any. A few pages at most. I think is the core issue of this being so without life. It is as objective as possible and objective responses. Most of which is heavily redundant. If we removed away "dd/mm - went here via this method, preached here on "one sentence from bible", people either cause chaos and are drunken/primitive people or are peaceful lovely people" then we could remove more than half the book and probably close to 3/4 of it.
John Wesley is certainly an interesting person, but if you're interested in what he says, why he said it, looking for some insight into his mind, or anything like that then this book is not what you're looking for. I can't say for whom it is for.
When we look to biographies and accounts of spiritual people we generally go in with some expectation of their interactions with this component. Questions they are having, problems they are going through, lessons they are learning, experiences they are having, and more. All of these, hopefully, enhance and inspire not only the author but ourselves. This often comes with an evolving understanding and transformation of the person and/or their ideals. In this case one would hope to see how the sermons and preaching came to be, the response of the people and his response in turn to reach more, and more. This is what is so lacking in this account.
We get teased with a little bit in the beginning about his fear of death. That he shouldn't be afraid of death at all and that being afraid of death makes him believe he isn't fully Christian because why would he be afraid when it is all in Christ's hands? This is further exemplified and amplified by him asking why none of the women or children were making noise or afraid and he was told "because they don't fear death". Unfortunately, as interesting as that struggle might have been we get no payoff. He was told "fake it until you make it", a very small description of some event that changed him (of which we learn nothing of), and then no more. Despite that all the way through the journals the value of quantity of life seems to have been a major point for him.
Even if we were to look away from our expectations one would hope that there would be numerous accounts of subjectivity and self-reflection. Of which this barely contains any. A few pages at most. I think is the core issue of this being so without life. It is as objective as possible and objective responses. Most of which is heavily redundant. If we removed away "dd/mm - went here via this method, preached here on "one sentence from bible", people either cause chaos and are drunken/primitive people or are peaceful lovely people" then we could remove more than half the book and probably close to 3/4 of it.
John Wesley is certainly an interesting person, but if you're interested in what he says, why he said it, looking for some insight into his mind, or anything like that then this book is not what you're looking for. I can't say for whom it is for.
February 25, 2025
This was a wonderful read. Not only as a theologian looking into one's life and lived out beliefs, as well as development, but also as a history enthusiast and Methodist. There is too much to summarize, and luckily it's free online, but it was a great read. Just be wary on reading older English, some of the words no longer mean the same thing they used to. Here's a few highlights I noted down.
- I am impressed that they continue on “without hurt” as God showed Himself working among them. Even though, as Wesley brasley said shortly after this, “I was not a Christian.”
- P, 73 & following, I believe I now know why the education at Kingswood was so intense. The several cases of possession and exorcism are interesting.
- The persecution, was so fierce, yet Wesley was only strengthened knowing the words of the Lord promising these things would come.
- Monday, August 22, 1743 (London). “Before I reached Kensington, I found my mare had lost a shoe. This gave me an opportunity of talking closely, for nearly half an hour, both to the smith and his servant. I mention these little circumstances to show how easy it is to redeem every fragment of time (if I may so speak), when we feel any love to those souls for which Christ died.” Oh how this thought has influenced me in days past, the need to use our time properly. To love God and neighbor, and only for it to move me more.
- Wesley was a true example of how to loves on enemy, to the point I’m not even sure he truly saw them as an enemy so much as one in need of Christ’s love transforming their lives.
- I am impressed that they continue on “without hurt” as God showed Himself working among them. Even though, as Wesley brasley said shortly after this, “I was not a Christian.”
- P, 73 & following, I believe I now know why the education at Kingswood was so intense. The several cases of possession and exorcism are interesting.
- The persecution, was so fierce, yet Wesley was only strengthened knowing the words of the Lord promising these things would come.
- Monday, August 22, 1743 (London). “Before I reached Kensington, I found my mare had lost a shoe. This gave me an opportunity of talking closely, for nearly half an hour, both to the smith and his servant. I mention these little circumstances to show how easy it is to redeem every fragment of time (if I may so speak), when we feel any love to those souls for which Christ died.” Oh how this thought has influenced me in days past, the need to use our time properly. To love God and neighbor, and only for it to move me more.
- Wesley was a true example of how to loves on enemy, to the point I’m not even sure he truly saw them as an enemy so much as one in need of Christ’s love transforming their lives.
February 27, 2020
I loved reading this for 2 reasons: one is that it was fascinating to see a window into the world of the 1700's, and hear about many towns that we visited this year in Cornwall.
The second was just the enjoyment of the spirit of this person who dared to challenge the religious and social norms of the day. He didn't have the intent of causing trouble, but he also didn't back down when trouble came. There are too many stories to count of arriving in a town and being greeted by an angry mob hurling stones, who all became quiet and peaceful when he stood up and started talking to them. These were people who had been told they weren't welcome inside a church, so he went and met them outside instead
The second was just the enjoyment of the spirit of this person who dared to challenge the religious and social norms of the day. He didn't have the intent of causing trouble, but he also didn't back down when trouble came. There are too many stories to count of arriving in a town and being greeted by an angry mob hurling stones, who all became quiet and peaceful when he stood up and started talking to them. These were people who had been told they weren't welcome inside a church, so he went and met them outside instead
January 3, 2023
A 50 year record of constant evangelism and churchplanting. Inspiring for its consistency, character, and courage, but repetitious.
Remarkable points from his life:
He preached constantly at 5 AM apparently as a form of devotions for poor workers who did not have Bibles or could not read.
He traveled incessantly urging the men he trained not to stay too long in one place lest they become comfortable.
He was cursed and attacked in many places, yet if he found a group who would listen he endured hardship.
He married a wife, but did not devote himself to family. Saddest part of his life.
Remarkable points from his life:
He preached constantly at 5 AM apparently as a form of devotions for poor workers who did not have Bibles or could not read.
He traveled incessantly urging the men he trained not to stay too long in one place lest they become comfortable.
He was cursed and attacked in many places, yet if he found a group who would listen he endured hardship.
He married a wife, but did not devote himself to family. Saddest part of his life.
January 27, 2018
How can you sum up the totality of a man's life in a few words? It is a task of which I am immensely under-qualified. What I can say is that for me, I was deeply touched and moved by Wesley's journal. There is much to admire in the man and much wisdom to be found within these pages. I found myself deeply affected by Wesley's early entries and inspired by his later ones. Reading this was a six month journey for me and I would encourage everyone to join in that journey as well. Who knows what you may find.
July 20, 2017
This is an excellent collation of John Wesley's life via his own diary. I enjoyed how towns how we went back to that had thrown rocks at him later had churches and the town had turned around. It was very inspiring and prescient re Uniting Church of Australia later when ministers went astray and he had to bring them back on track or encourage them.
June 14, 2020
A holy man
Excellent autobiography of a holy man. Wesley’s legacy of holy living remains the outstanding contribution to Methodism. The book has a few errors, but doesn’t detract from the contents.
Excellent autobiography of a holy man. Wesley’s legacy of holy living remains the outstanding contribution to Methodism. The book has a few errors, but doesn’t detract from the contents.
September 30, 2021
What an encouragement to live life following Jesus and proclaiming His salvation for us. The many ways God answered prayers and provided protection during all of Wesley’s travels make me ready to step up my prayer life!
December 15, 2021
Fascinating that it seems that Wesley's ministry was mostly preaching in church or market or tent and most of his "success" happened in later years. His relationship with his wife was barely touched on in his journal and then she just left.
April 9, 2019
Good to finally have this classic read!
Want to read
January 6, 2022Recommended by Foster
February 22, 2023
What an amazing man who completely depended and trust God in everything!!! God kept him and used him to start an amazing work!!! Thank you for this book!!!
September 19, 2021
My copy of this journal was The [Abridged] Journal of John Wesley put out by Moody Press in 1952.
The editor tried to maintain “the atmosphere of tremendous activity,” in which Wesley lived by including the passages that show his tireless traveling and preaching, and by leaving out the rest. He recounts names of cities where Wesley preached and whether the response was receptive or icy. But the emphasis on Wesley’s actions ignores his heart (i.e., his passion for God, His word, and for lost people). Unlike Wesley’s sermons and letters, the journal comes off as flat and dry.
I have studied and taught Wesleyan theology for three decades. It seemed odd to me that this book contained no footnotes explaining the significance of some of his life events. Even if Wesley did not put her name in his journal, the random mention of a wife (entry 3/15/1752) should have been explained somewhere. Most people would not know who she was or that he was married for 20 years. On Nov 5, 1755 Wesley writes, “Mr. Whitefield called upon me. Disputings are now no more; we love one another and join hand in hand to promote the cause of our common Master.” The heartbreaking controversy between Whitefield and Wesley over doctrinal differences merited at least a mention in a footnote. Otherwise, the reader has no idea how crucial this diary entry is. The same goes for the very significant event mentioned in the Oct 31st, 1784 entry recounting how Wesley sent pastors Coke, Whatcoat, and Vasey to America to care for the Methodists there. Wesley had resisted leaving the Anglican church to form another denomination; ordaining these men to shepherd the American flock, was the first step of the Methodist movement toward becoming an official church.
If you are interested in John Wesley’s writings, don’t start here. Instead look up his 52 sermons (#21-33 are especially good expositions of Matthew 5, 6, and 7.)
The editor tried to maintain “the atmosphere of tremendous activity,” in which Wesley lived by including the passages that show his tireless traveling and preaching, and by leaving out the rest. He recounts names of cities where Wesley preached and whether the response was receptive or icy. But the emphasis on Wesley’s actions ignores his heart (i.e., his passion for God, His word, and for lost people). Unlike Wesley’s sermons and letters, the journal comes off as flat and dry.
I have studied and taught Wesleyan theology for three decades. It seemed odd to me that this book contained no footnotes explaining the significance of some of his life events. Even if Wesley did not put her name in his journal, the random mention of a wife (entry 3/15/1752) should have been explained somewhere. Most people would not know who she was or that he was married for 20 years. On Nov 5, 1755 Wesley writes, “Mr. Whitefield called upon me. Disputings are now no more; we love one another and join hand in hand to promote the cause of our common Master.” The heartbreaking controversy between Whitefield and Wesley over doctrinal differences merited at least a mention in a footnote. Otherwise, the reader has no idea how crucial this diary entry is. The same goes for the very significant event mentioned in the Oct 31st, 1784 entry recounting how Wesley sent pastors Coke, Whatcoat, and Vasey to America to care for the Methodists there. Wesley had resisted leaving the Anglican church to form another denomination; ordaining these men to shepherd the American flock, was the first step of the Methodist movement toward becoming an official church.
If you are interested in John Wesley’s writings, don’t start here. Instead look up his 52 sermons (#21-33 are especially good expositions of Matthew 5, 6, and 7.)
July 18, 2015
Longo.
Você precisa ser um leitor experiente e persistente para encarar este aqui e encontrar as pérolas escondidas.
Fala de dificultosas viagens a cavalo, de tempestades do mar e das turbas que sempre queriam interromper o pregador - e de como Deus permitiu que ele cumprisse sua missão infatigavelmente até os 86 anos.
O clima ruim do Reino Unido é um dos personagens principais destes registros do cativante fundador do Metodismo :P
__
"I cannot write a better sermon on the Good Steward than I did seven years ago; I cannot write a better on the Great Assize than I did twenty years ago; I cannot write a better on the Use of Money, than I did nearly thirty years ago; nay, I know not that I can write a better on the Circumcision of the Heart than I did five-and-forty years ago.
Perhaps, indeed, I may have read five or six hundred books more than I had then, and may know a little more history, or natural philosophy, than I did; but I am not sensible that this has made any essential addition to my knowledge in divinity. Forty years ago I knew and preached every Christian doctrine which I preach now".
On Sermons
Você precisa ser um leitor experiente e persistente para encarar este aqui e encontrar as pérolas escondidas.
Fala de dificultosas viagens a cavalo, de tempestades do mar e das turbas que sempre queriam interromper o pregador - e de como Deus permitiu que ele cumprisse sua missão infatigavelmente até os 86 anos.
O clima ruim do Reino Unido é um dos personagens principais destes registros do cativante fundador do Metodismo :P
__
"I cannot write a better sermon on the Good Steward than I did seven years ago; I cannot write a better on the Great Assize than I did twenty years ago; I cannot write a better on the Use of Money, than I did nearly thirty years ago; nay, I know not that I can write a better on the Circumcision of the Heart than I did five-and-forty years ago.
Perhaps, indeed, I may have read five or six hundred books more than I had then, and may know a little more history, or natural philosophy, than I did; but I am not sensible that this has made any essential addition to my knowledge in divinity. Forty years ago I knew and preached every Christian doctrine which I preach now".
On Sermons
February 16, 2017
In January I set out to read John Wesley’s journal. Over the years I have found great spiritual nourishment in reading the works from Christian saints through the ages: Theresa of Avila, Brother Lawrence, Julian of Norwich, John Calvin, John of the Cross and more. Since I consider myself “Wesleyan” in my theology, I figured I would read Wesley’s journal.
Four months later, I give up.
I still like Wesley. Wesley was an awesome person with a life to be admired by any Christian. Yet I found his journal, his account of parts of that life, boring. It started out well. Reading about his early life and his conversion experience at Aldersgate was both enlightening and encouraging. But once he was fully converted and got into the groove of his ministry throughout England…well, that is when the book got dull. It was a lot of “we preached here, then traveled there, then faced opposition, then we went over here” and so on.
One reviewer said that the last 1/4 or so breaks this monotony and is worth slogging through the rest to get to. I just couldn’t do it.
Sorry Mr. Wesley.
Four months later, I give up.
I still like Wesley. Wesley was an awesome person with a life to be admired by any Christian. Yet I found his journal, his account of parts of that life, boring. It started out well. Reading about his early life and his conversion experience at Aldersgate was both enlightening and encouraging. But once he was fully converted and got into the groove of his ministry throughout England…well, that is when the book got dull. It was a lot of “we preached here, then traveled there, then faced opposition, then we went over here” and so on.
One reviewer said that the last 1/4 or so breaks this monotony and is worth slogging through the rest to get to. I just couldn’t do it.
Sorry Mr. Wesley.
November 18, 2020
Although I read the introduction in May, I didn’t begin to read the main selections of his journal until last month. My highlights indicate that these are the dates which I read with focus & attention.
There have been a few editions of his volumes of journals but the one I have just read made his writing & thoughts very clear. The journal did bring the founder of Methodism to life for me. He can probably no longer be a man from the past.
A great deal of the practices he instituted like lay preachers & the annual covenant service are still practised by Methodists in today’s world in the United Kingdom. He valued diligence & commitment. As I was reading the entries, I thought he was like an 18th century version of St. Paul. He revealed similar attitudes & values as well as similar characteristics.
There have been a few editions of his volumes of journals but the one I have just read made his writing & thoughts very clear. The journal did bring the founder of Methodism to life for me. He can probably no longer be a man from the past.
A great deal of the practices he instituted like lay preachers & the annual covenant service are still practised by Methodists in today’s world in the United Kingdom. He valued diligence & commitment. As I was reading the entries, I thought he was like an 18th century version of St. Paul. He revealed similar attitudes & values as well as similar characteristics.
January 8, 2021
a wonderful man of God whom God saved from a fire as a child. His godly mother said he was a brand plucked from the fire Ms she was right. God used this man to preach the gospel and that he did, it is said he preached over 40,000 sermons. He rode across all of England on house back and used that time to read hundreds of books. The aim of this man was to glorify God, he wasn't interested in money or fame, he was interested in making God known, he was consumed by it. He was given the task of outdoor preaching which he didn't like but knew it was God's plan for him and would draw big crowds even over 20,000 at one time and his voice somehow carried so that all heard his convicting message.
May 14, 2010
My edition is 8 volumes and is not a Kindle Edition, rather it is edited by Nehemiah Curnock. It is a good read. We do not do journals today but during Wesley's days some did and his is very unusual. This is a fascinating read.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
November 10, 2020
It took me too long to finish this book, but finally did it. This book is not recommended to people looking for interesting stories. But this book shows the dedication and attitude of John Wesley. He also writes his observations on people and events, its interesting to see his perspective.
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October 29, 2014mentioned at church lay servant academy 2/1/14
October 14, 2016
It really is a journal. It is unbelievable what all Wesley went through in order to preach. Was treated worse than Paul.
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January 19, 2017Honestly, I didn't read the whole thing. But I found his honesty about his journey of faith very interesting and refreshing when I read it years ago.
May 30, 2019
The man of God
A very detailed journal of a greatly used man of God who proved how greatly a man can be used who totally gives himself to His Spirit and leading.
A very detailed journal of a greatly used man of God who proved how greatly a man can be used who totally gives himself to His Spirit and leading.
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