The Life Story of John Wesley

Originally Published in 1898\nWesley's life will therefore never cease to fascinate all readers, as it fascinated Samuel Taylor Coleridge. He belongs to the universal Church. One community bears his name; all Churches have caught his spirit. Erroneous views of his character are gradually losing ground. Southey himself was convinced of his mistake in describing ambition as one of Wesley's ruling motives, and no one would venture to repeat the charge. Other errors still hold their place. Miss Wedgwood speaks of Wesley's "cold self-sufficiency," and says that his brother Charles "was of a richer and softer nature" than he. Others have represented him as harsh and austere. The tribute of his friend Alexander Knox and the testimony of his niece, Miss Wesley, show him, however, in the most attractive light -- a man born to love and to be loved. For him there was no happy home, as for his brother; but if he had married Grace Murray, Miss Wedgwood's comparison would not have been possible. As to the charge of self-sufficiency, we must remember that Wesley was left alone at an early stage of the Revival. There is abundant evidence that he yearned for congenial fellowship, but that also was largely denied him. What could he do but brace himself for his mission? Must his very fidelity be turned into an occasion of reproach?
In preparing this volume, no available source of information has been neglected. The aim of the biographer has been to set the character and work of one of the greatest benefactors of his country and the world in a light which may attract general readers, and lead others to catch the spirit which moved the great evangelist. On disputed topics the writer has endeavored to express his own views in such a way as to give no cause of offence to reasonable men of any party. Some important and interesting particulars have been gleaned which are found in no previous Life of Wesley, so that the book will not, it is hoped, be without interest for all students of the Evangelical Revival.