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.
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TextLetter from John Wesley to "My Dear Brother," [unaddressed], Birmingham
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to "My Dear Brother," stating the importance of a found epistle of a martyred apostle.A letter from John Wesley to "My Dear Brother," stating the importance of a found epistle of a martyred apostle. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to "My Dear Brother," [unaddressed], Dublin
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to an unknown addressee discussing how best to advise a young man and bring him into the Conference, Wesley's concerns over the Society, and a request to visit Cornwall, Wales, and the Isles.A letter from John Wesley to an unknown addressee discussing how best to advise a young man and bring him into the Conference, Wesley's concerns over the Society, and a request to visit Cornwall, Wales, and the Isles. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Ann (Foard) Thornton, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from Johnn Wesley to Ann Thornton discussing the writings of a Mr. Hutchinson.A letter from Johnn Wesley to Ann Thornton discussing the writings of a Mr. Hutchinson. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Henry Moore, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Henry Moore discussing the state of Arminianism and Calvinism in England and advising Moore on means of leading by example in keeping to the teachings of Methodism.A letter from John Wesley to Henry Moore discussing the state of Arminianism and Calvinism in England and advising Moore on means of leading by example in keeping to the teachings of Methodism. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Sarah Crosby
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Sarah Crosby discussing the accidental loss of part of an account that Crosby had sent to Wesley and requesting that Crosby send another copy so that a full transcription can be made.A letter from John Wesley to Sarah Crosby discussing the accidental loss of part of an account that Crosby had sent to Wesley and requesting that Crosby send another copy so that a full transcription can be made. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Charles Atmore, Bristol
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Westley to Charles Atmore giving an update on Wesley's plans for travel on the Colne Circuit.A letter from John Westley to Charles Atmore giving an update on Wesley's plans for travel on the Colne Circuit. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Francis Wrigley, Scarborough
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Francis Wrigley giving advice on how to proceed with assisting some of the people under Wrigley's spiritual care.A letter from John Wesley to Francis Wrigley giving advice on how to proceed with assisting some of the people under Wrigley's spiritual care. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Richard Rodda, Bristol
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Richard Rodda addressing his concerns regarding reproach for the Methodist's rules and manner of preaching, supporting the words of John Broadbent, and encourabing Rodda to continue his good work.A letter from John Wesley to Richard Rodda addressing his concerns regarding reproach for the Methodist's rules and manner of preaching, supporting the words of John Broadbent, and encourabing Rodda to continue his good work. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Robert Hall, Jr., Leeds
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Robert Hall, Jr., discussing recent changes in the preachers visiting and working the circuit with Hall.A letter from John Wesley to Robert Hall, Jr., discussing recent changes in the preachers visiting and working the circuit with Hall. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Mrs. Nuttal, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to a Mrs. Nuttal discussing the spread of God's word abroad, encouraging her to continue her study of the scriptures, and urging her to care for her physical health as well.A letter from John Wesley to a Mrs. Nuttal discussing the spread of God's word abroad, encouraging her to continue her study of the scriptures, and urging her to care for her physical health as well. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Mrs. Nuttal, Leeds
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to a Mrs. Nuttal praising her dedication to pursuing her faith as a Christian and encouraging her to join the Methodists so that she may be better guided in her pursuit.A letter from John Wesley to a Mrs. Nuttal praising her dedication to pursuing her faith as a Christian and encouraging her to join the Methodists so that she may be better guided in her pursuit. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Joseph Benson, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Joseph Benson discussing the concept of polygamy amongst early Christians, Wesley's future travel plans, and encouraging Benson to print copies of two of his sermons.A letter from John Wesley to Joseph Benson discussing the concept of polygamy amongst early Christians, Wesley's future travel plans, and encouraging Benson to print copies of two of his sermons. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Ellen Gretton Christian, Lambeth
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Ellen Gretton advising her on the nature of adversity and discussing his potential future travels.A letter from John Wesley to Ellen Gretton advising her on the nature of adversity and discussing his potential future travels. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Jane (Hilton) Barton, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from Johnn Wesley to Jane Barton expressing happiness at having had the opportunity to visit her and praising her and her family for their faith and devotion.A letter from Johnn Wesley to Jane Barton expressing happiness at having had the opportunity to visit her and praising her and her family for their faith and devotion. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Robert Lindsay, Bristol
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Robert Lindsay discussing the sail of a chapel and the feasibility of sending another preacher to Ireland.A letter from John Wesley to Robert Lindsay discussing the sail of a chapel and the feasibility of sending another preacher to Ireland. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to John Bredin, near Bristol
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to John Bredin encouraging him to continue his work on the circuit in Ireland and recommending he walk rather than ride between towns.A letter from John Wesley to John Bredin encouraging him to continue his work on the circuit in Ireland and recommending he walk rather than ride between towns. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to John Bredin, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to John Bredin encouraging him to continue his work with Samuel Bradburn in Ireland.A letter from John Wesley to John Bredin encouraging him to continue his work with Samuel Bradburn in Ireland. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Richard Freeman, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Richard Freeman responding to Freeman's questions on the concept of evil, the nature of the Devil, the creation of the world, the role of angels, and the role of Adam and humanity. This response is to "Letter from Richard Freeman to John Wesley".A letter from John Wesley to Richard Freeman responding to Freeman's questions on the concept of evil, the nature of the Devil, the creation of the world, the role of angels, and the role of Adam and humanity. This response is to "Letter from Richard Freeman to John Wesley". -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Mr. Ashton, Dunbar
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to a Mr. Ashton asking after his family and his well-being.A letter from John Wesley to a Mr. Ashton asking after his family and his well-being. -
TextLetter from Richard Freeman to John Wesley
Freeman, RichardA letter from Richard Freeman to John Wesley posing a series of questions on the concept of evil, the nature of the Devil, the creation of the world, the role of angels, and the role of Adam and humanity. John Wesley responded to this letter in "Letter from John Wesley to Richard Freeman, London".A letter from Richard Freeman to John Wesley posing a series of questions on the concept of evil, the nature of the Devil, the creation of the world, the role of angels, and the role of Adam and humanity. John Wesley responded to this letter in "Letter from John Wesley to Richard Freeman, London". -
TextLetter from John Wesley to "Sammy" Samuel Bradburn, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Samuel Bradburn requesting he travel to Bandon and Cork.A letter from John Wesley to Samuel Bradburn requesting he travel to Bandon and Cork.
