GOD'S LOVE TO FALLEN MAN

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE


John Wesley was born at Epworth rectory in Lincolnshire, England,
in 1703. He was educated at Charterhouse school and in 1720 entered
Christ Church College, Oxford, where he graduated in 1724. He was
noted for his classical taste as well as for his religious fervor, and
on being ordained deacon by Bishop Potter, of Oxford, he became his
father's curate in 1727. Being recalled to Oxford to fulfil his duties
as fellow of Lincoln he became the head of the Oxford "Methodists," as
they were called. He had the characteristics of a great general, being
systematic in his work and a lover of discipline, and established
Methodism in London by his sermons at the Foundery. His speaking style
suggested power in repose. His voice was clear and resonant, his
countenance kindly, and his tone extremely moderate. His sermons wore
carefully written, altho not read in the pulpit. They moved others
because he was himself moved. At an advanced age he preached several
times a day, and traveled many miles on horseback. At seventy years
of age he had published thirty octavo volumes. He composed hymns on
horseback, and studied French and mathematics in spare hours, and was
never a moment idle until his death, in 1791.




WESLEY

1703--1791