Description

Charles Wesley is widely recognized as one of the greatest writers of the English hymn. Wesley is a figure of central importance in the context of the birth and early growth of Methodism. It was Wesley who first started the Oxford Holy Club from which the ethos and structures of organized Methodism were eventually to emerge. Wesley sought to spread, mainly through his preaching, the evangelical message across England, Wales, and Ireland. Eye witness testimony suggests that he was a powerful and effective preacher whose homiletic work and skill did much to establish and further the early Methodist cause. A case is made for the inclusion of the 23 sermons here presented and there is discussion also of the significant text - critical problems that have been negotiated in the production of this volume. Other chapters present a summary of Wesley's life and preaching career and seek to show by example how the sermons, no less than the hymns, are significant vehicles for the transmission of Charles's message.