The Virtual Hermitary

Archive for March 3rd, 2010

Wednesday March 3, 2010
Romans 12:11-17

John and Charles Wesley were brothers and Anglican priests in the 18th century. They had a great desire to see a renewal of faith break out in the Church of England and in the American Colonies. They were nicknamed “Methodists” due to the disciplined spiritual practices of the first study group they organized.

Charles is best known for his hymn writing. John was the preacher, evangelist, and tireless organizer of Methodist societies. John was also known for his work in helping the poor and building schools so even the poorest children could get an education. One of the things I find most striking about John is that even as his earnings increased over the many years of his career, he continued to live on the same small amount that he earned when he first started out. All the rest was poured into helping others. What kind of world would this be today if all Christians practiced this type of self-discipline, simplicity of lifestyle, and generous charity towards others?

Although the Wesleys and their distinctive “Wesleyan” means of looking at the world led to the development of the current Methodist Church and many other denominations (e.g., Church of the Nazarene, Salvation Army, Wesleyan Church, and Free Methodist Church), Charles and John Wesley never split from the Church of England. They remained within the Anglican tradition, while at the same time urging a renewal in both personal and corporate spiritual life.

You can read John Wesley’s biography, his commentary on the Bible, many of his letters, his famous “Plain Account of Christian Perfection,” and other works at the Wesley Center Online. The Wesley Center also provides access to Charles Wesley’s journal and hymns.
Here is a prayer in honor of the Wesley brothers:

Lord God, who inspired your servants John and Charles Wesley with burning zeal for the sanctification of souls, and endowed them with eloquence in speech and song: Kindle in your Church, we entreat you, such fervor, that those whose faith has cooled may be warmed, and those who have not known Christ may turn to him and be saved; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.