John Wesley papers
The collection includes three of John Wesley's diaries. The original 1736 diary documents part of his trip to Georgia (1735-1738) with his brother Charles, and is written partially in the cipher they sometimes used in their letters. The other two diaries are photocopies of the 1735 and 1737 volumes held by Methodist Archives in London (which has since been transferred to the University of Manchester). The collection also contains correspondence of John Wesley pertaining to church business and theology, including correspondence with prominent Methodists and family members. Letters and manuscripts which are in print are noted in the container list at the relevant item. "Telford" refers to John Telford (ed.), The Letters of the Rev. John Wesley (8 vols; London: The Epworth Press, 1831). "Wesley Works" refers to Frank Baker and Richard Heitzenrater (eds.), The Bicentennial Edition of the Works of John Wesley (35 vols; Nashville: Abindgon Press, 1976- ). Other materials in the collection relate to John Wesley's life and ministry. This includes an affidavit against John Wesley by Captain Robert Williams. The affidavit concerns Wesley's failed romantic relationship with Sophia Hopkey during the time he was in Georgia and describes his repeated attempts to meet with her in private after her marriage to William Williamson. As a result of his actions, Wesley was tried by a grand jury, indicted, and released on bail. Before the trial was held, Wesley left Savannah "in a clandestine manner" and returned to England. Included is a pasted-in print copy of the excerpt from Wesley's diary that is a response to Captain Williams' statement and a handwritten copy of a letter written by Wesley to Williams. Other items in this series include an autobiographical sketch by Thomas Hanby, which contains John Wesley's manuscript corrections and John Wesley's epitaph on Dr. Dodd. The last item is an undated fragment consisting of a list of thirty-eight names and the church offenses they committed, including drunkenness, gaming, racing, dancing, railing, and scolding. The number of those expelled is totaled at the bottom.
-
TextLetter from John Wesley to Cornelius Bayley (spelled "Bailey"), near London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from Johnn Wesley to Cornelius Bayley (Bailey) agreeing to read over Bayley's manuscript and encouraging him to pursue his writing. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Christopher Hopper, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Christopher Hopper discussing John Hilton, the occurance of an earthquake, and the publishing of writings in support of Universal Redemption. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to "Sammy" Samuel Bardsley, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Samuel Bardsley supporting Bardsley's proposal to seek help from the preachers in the neighboring circuits. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Isaac Andrews [Scarborough]
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Isaac Andrews clarifying his thought that those who lived and died as Calvinists are not immediately damned, that most are in heaven, but that many who followed Calvinist teachings may have been led to choices that earned them a place in hell. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Mr. Burke, near Bristol
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to a Mr. Burke discussing Wesley's travel schedule for preachinng. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to John Bredin, Bristol
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to John Bredin discussing the assignment of preachers to various Scottish circuits. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Miss Lewin, Weardale
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Miss Lewin with word of his and a Mr. Saunderson's detainment in Edinburgh at the Tolbooth, with a few notes on various concerns of Miss Lewin's. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to John Atlay, Whitehaven
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to John Atlay informing him that Wesley will be sending him some financial assistance and offering him a job, should he find himself in need of better employment. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Peter Garforth, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Peter Garforth assuring him that Wesley will send word if he finds a person meeting his qualifications and advising him against getting involved with a woman who ascribes to predestination. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Hannah Ball, Bradford
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Hannah Ball explaining that she should not assume that there is only one possible interpretation of a piece of scripture and that her experience of faith and meaning are just as valid works of God as another interpretation or experience. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Hannah Ball, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Hannah Ball advising her to keep her faith strong in the face of seemingly diminished returns on her efforts and congratulating her on her work to bring Miss Hartly back to the pursuit of faith. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Matthew [Lowes], London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Matthew Lowes agreeing with Lowes on the best course of action concerning the care of his Circuit. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Mary Bosanque Fletcher, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Elizabeth Woodhouse advising her to share the "Instructions for Members of Religious Societies" and to use it as a guide in her own faith, thereby guiding her and others to salvation in Christ. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Elizabeth (Harvey) Woodhouse, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Elizabeth Woodhouse advising her to remain strong in her faith and belief that God places challenges before her in order to strengthen her, and to have hope that her husband may still come to understand her dedication to the Methodist perspective. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Elizabeth (Harvey) Woodhouse, Bradford
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Elizabeth Woodhouse encouraging her to continue to confide in Mrs. Hutton regarding her trials and to take care that not only her physical, but also her spiritual, health remains well. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to "Nancy" Ann Bolton
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Ann Bolton advising her to take moments of temptation to find her own strength and to be steadfast in her faith and belief in salvation, apologizing for being unable to visit, and urging her to write more frequently. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to "Jenny" Jane (Hilton) Barton [Shoreham]
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Jane Hilton urging her to be more open with him regarding her "trials" so that he can be more helpful in his advice and reminding her to always look to Jesus to be her guide. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Thomas Rankin, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Thomas Rankin discussing yearly subscriptions and the challenge of paying off a large debt when contributions are lower than expected. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to "My dear brother," [unaddressed], London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to "My dear brother," stating that only preachers who do not mention their opinion on predestination can preach with them, and urging the distribution of his books. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to "Peggy" Margaret (Dale) Avison, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to "Peggy" Margaret (Dale) Avison discussing sanctification and the ways in which those who are sanctified do not retain their sanctification. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to "Peggy" Margaret (Dale) Avison, Liverpool
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to "Peggy" Margaret (Dale) Avison detailing his travel itinerary and discussing the importance of virtues such as lowliness and meekness.
