Chapter I: Preface

THE Story of John Wesley is one of which the world does not easily weary. There is perennial freshness in it. "Age cannot wither it." We may indeed almost affirm that it has an "infinite variety."

It is specially important that this remarkable history should be re-told for young people. The youth of England ought to be fully conversant with John Wesley's unique personality and immortal work.

John Wesley's name is far above mere denominationalism. He belongs to all the churches, for he belongs to the "Holy Catholic Church." He is a great national and historic figure. It has ever been claimed by some, whose authority is high, that John Wesley was the saviour of modern England. Surely there is large truth in this. The great religious leader was indeed one of the most potent political forces England has known. If there be even an approximation towards fact in such a claim, then how important for young England to know the record of a man so supremely distinguished.

Certainly, on any ground, these pages meet a distinct want; and I think it will be the judgment of readers, that they meet it admirably well. Here John Wesley's life is traced clearly, even to the point of vividness. The style in which the story is told, will be found to add to the intrinsic interest of the recital.

The author of this life of Wesley is thoroughly imbued with the spirit of her subject, nor does she forget to apply the lessons, with which this wonderful life-story is crowded.

If the _children_ of our land could be fired with enthusiasm for the truths John Wesley taught and lived, what a blessed outlook would there be for England!

We earnestly pray, that many a young reader may be stirred to the very depths of his being, by the narration here so attractively given. "'Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished."

DINSDALE T. YOUNG.

_Manchester,
June, 1895._

CONTENTS.

_Chapter_ _Page_

I. 1

II. 6

III. 10

IV. 13

V. 19

VI. 23

VII. 28

VIII. 32

IX. 35

X. 38

XI. 45

XII. 49

XIII. 54

XIV. 59

XV. 63

XVI. 68

XVII. 73

XVIII. 77

XIX. 82

XX. 86

XXI. 89

XXII. 92

XXIII. 98

XXIV. 102

XXV. 106

XXVI. 110

XXVII. 116

XXVIII. 120

XXIX. 123

XXX. 128

XXXI. 134

XXXII. 138

XXXIII. 142

XXXIV. 145

XXXV. 149

XXXVI. 152

XXXVII. 156

XXXVIII. 159

XXXIX. 163

THE STORY OF JOHN WESLEY.