The Life of the Rev. JOHN WILLIAM DE LA FLECHERE, compiled from the Narrative of the Rev. Mr. Wesley; the Biographical Notes of the Rev. Mr. GILPIN; from his own Letters; and other authentic Documents. By JOSEPH BENSON. 8vo. London, 1817. The Works of the Rev. JOHN FLETCHER. In 10 vols. 8vo. London, 1815. The Works of AUGUSTUS TOPLADY, A. B. late Vicar of Broad Hembury, Devon. In Six Volumes, 8vo. London, 1794. The Enthusiasm of Methodists and Papists compared. In Three Parts. 2 vols. 12mo. London, 1754. The Doctrine of Grace; or, the Office and Operations of the Holy Spirit vindicated from the Insults of Infidelity and the Abuses of Fanaticism: with some Thoughts (humbly offered to the Consideration of the Established Clergy) regarding the Right Method of defending Religion against the attacks of either Party. In Three Books. In the Fourth Volume of Bishop Warburton's Works. Various Volumes of the Gospel Magazine. I am not conscious of having left any thing undone for rendering the present work as little incomplete as it was in my power to make it; and I have represented facts as I found them, with scrupulous fidelity, neither extenuating nor exaggerating any thing. Of the opinions of the writer, the reader will judge according to his own; but whatever his judgement may be upon that point, he will acknowledge that, in a book of this kind, the opinions of an author are of less consequence than his industry, his accuracy, and his sense of duty. 2 CONTENTS. BARTHOLOMEW WESLEY, great grandfather of John, John, son of Bartholomew, ejected and imprisoned. He dies early Samuel, son of John, leaves the Dissenters, and enters at Preaches against Popery under James II. Holds the livings of Epworth and Wroote John Wesley born at Epworth Providentially preserved from fire Mrs. Wesley holds religious meetings on Sunday even- ings, during her husband's absence Correspondence with her husband upon this subject His annual visit to the Charter-house CHAP. II. Officiates at Wroote as his father's curate Charles Wesley refuses to go to Ireland with one who Morgan, one of these first Methodists Birth and boyhood of Whitefield Officiates as drawer at his mother's inn Goes as a Servitor to Pembroke College, Oxford Their mode of life and self-examination John becomes acquainted with William Law The two brothers travel on foot, and converse in Latin Defends himself against the charge of singularity Reduces himself to a dangerous state of weakness His reasons for choosing to continue at Oxford CHAP. III. Death of Samuel Wesley the father 72 Laws of the colony Wesley's interview with the Moravian pastor Spangenberg His interview with Tomo-Chichi He preaches against vanity in dress Insists upon a rigid observance of the Rubric Charles becomes obnoxious to the people at Frederica Oglethorpe treats him unkindly Falls ill, and sends for his brother Is reconciled to Oglethorpe Returns to England Wesley in love with Sophia Causton The Moravians forbid him to marry her He repels her from the Communion Wesley exhorts Whitefield not to pursue his consequence of a lot which he had cast Becomes exceedingly popular in that city His qualifications as an orator Followed by crowds in London Excites jealousy concerning his doctrine Wesley arrives in London as soon as Whitefield leaves it 154 Wesley writes to Mr. Law, reproaching him for not hav- Mrs. Hutton complains to Samuel Samuel's remarks upon the conduct of his two brothers Wesley sets out for Herrnhut CHAP. V. |