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 Ebenezer Blackwell, Castlebar, Ireland
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A partial letter from John Wesley to Ebenzer Blackwell concerning his wife opening and reading his correspondence while he away from England.A partial letter from John Wesley to Ebenzer Blackwell concerning his wife opening and reading his correspondence while he away from England. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Samuel Furly, York
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Samuel Furly concerning Mr. Drake, urging Samuel Furly to write to Mr. Drake as he is worried for his wellbeing.A letter from John Wesley to Samuel Furly concerning Mr. Drake, urging Samuel Furly to write to Mr. Drake as he is worried for his wellbeing. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Charles Wesley, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to his brother, Charles, detailing his concern for his brother's travels and behaviors.A letter from John Wesley to his brother, Charles, detailing his concern for his brother's travels and behaviors. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Charles Wesley, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to his brother, Charles, concerning testimony and judgement; urging his brother to heed his advice.A letter from John Wesley to his brother, Charles, concerning testimony and judgement; urging his brother to heed his advice. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Charles Wesley, Athlone, August 8, 1752
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to his brother, Charles, discussing his thoughts on predestination and asking his brother to explain his own views.A letter from John Wesley to his brother, Charles, discussing his thoughts on predestination and asking his brother to explain his own views. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Ebenezer Blackwell, Epworth, England
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Ebenezer Blackwell discussing his travels, how his wife has been handling this new lifestyle, and the struggles of Richard Ellison.A letter from John Wesley to Ebenezer Blackwell discussing his travels, how his wife has been handling this new lifestyle, and the struggles of Richard Ellison. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Mary (Goldhawk/Vazeille) Wesley, April 2, 1751
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to his wife, Mary, expressing his love for her and her daughter.A letter from John Wesley to his wife, Mary, expressing his love for her and her daughter. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to John Bennet, Bristol, March 12, 1751
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to John Bennet concerning his travel plans in the north of England in spring of 1751.A letter from John Wesley to John Bennet concerning his travel plans in the north of England in spring of 1751. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Ebenezer Blackwell, London
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Ebenezer Blackwell praising Elizabeth Miller, describing her virtues and esteem.A letter from John Wesley to Ebenezer Blackwell praising Elizabeth Miller, describing her virtues and esteem. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Ebenezer Blackwell, Dublin, April 20, 1748
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Ebenezer Blackwell advising him and his wife to trust in God's plan for them.A letter from John Wesley to Ebenezer Blackwell advising him and his wife to trust in God's plan for them. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Howell Harris, Newcastle upon Tyne, March 3, 1746
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to Howell Harris concerning disputes amongst the collective group traveling to preach in Plymouth and Cornwall.A letter from John Wesley to Howell Harris concerning disputes amongst the collective group traveling to preach in Plymouth and Cornwall. -
TextLetter from Charles Wesley to John Wesley
Wesley, Charles, 1707-1788A letter from Charles Wesley to John Wesley expressing concern over a number of people who he has identified as committing a "false issuance of Faith," warning his brother about the potentially harmful lies of one of these individuals, and musing about the preparedness for opening one's heart to God.A letter from Charles Wesley to John Wesley expressing concern over a number of people who he has identified as committing a "false issuance of Faith," warning his brother about the potentially harmful lies of one of these individuals, and musing about the preparedness for opening one's heart to God. -
TextLetter from Philipp Heinrich Molther to John Wesley, London
Molther, Philipp Heinrich, 1714-1780A partial letter from Philip Henry Molther to John Wesley requesting Wesley visit and deliver a sermon. Additionally, there are several other short notes: from James Hutton to a Mr. Felschig, from James Hutton to John Wesley, and from Joseph Verding to Mr. Felshig. The original letter is accompanied by a handwritten copy and a note on the history between the various writers and addressees.A partial letter from Philip Henry Molther to John Wesley requesting Wesley visit and deliver a sermon. Additionally, there are several other short notes: from James Hutton to a Mr. Felschig, from James Hutton to John Wesley, and from Joseph Verding to Mr. Felshig. The original letter is accompanied by a handwritten copy and a note on the history between the various writers and addressees. -
TextLetter from John Wesley to Susanna (Annesley) Wesley, July 6, 1738
Wesley, John, 1703-1791A letter from John Wesley to his mother relating a visit to Count Zinzendorf near Frankfort.A letter from John Wesley to his mother relating a visit to Count Zinzendorf near Frankfort. -
TextJohn Wesley's diary
Wesley, John, 1703-1791The diary of John Wesley, written primarily in a cipher. Each date includes an hourly calendar from 4am to 8pm.The diary of John Wesley, written primarily in a cipher. Each date includes an hourly calendar from 4am to 8pm.
