The Journal of the Rev. Charles Wesley, vol. 1
Overview
The Journal of the reverend Charles Wesley begins in 1736, with Charles Wesley’s arrival at Frederica, a month after the brothers “first set foot on American ground.” A stirring account of colonial life, these journals provide a picture of his difficulties in Georgia, the happy scenes of Whit Week 1738, the first days of the Evangelical Revival with the triumphs of the field preaching, the perils of the mob, and the gradual spread of Methodism. Includes selections from his correspondence and poetry. Volume 1 covers the years 1736–1747.
- Provides a lengthy introduction by the editor
- Contains journal entries as well as hymns and poetry
- Details the life of a man who has an incredible influence on modern hymnals
- From March 9th, 1736, When He Arrived in Georgia, to December 2nd, 1736, When He Returned to England
- From December 3rd, 1736, When He Landed in England, to May 31st, 1738, When He Received the Christian Salvation
- From June 1st, 1738, When He Began to Inoulcate the Doctrine of Present Salvation by Faith, to the End of the Year
- From January 2nd, 1739, to November 6th, 1739
- From March 14th, 1740, to December 31st, 1740
- Form April 3rd, 1741, to September 22nd, 1741
- From January 2nd, 1743, to December 31st, 1743
- From January 1st, 1744, to December 30th, 1744
- From January 4th, 1745, to December 31st, 1746
- From January 1st, 1747, to December 28th, 1747
- Title: The Journal of the Rev. Charles Wesley, vol. 1
- Author: Charles Wesley
- Editor: Thomas Jackson
- Publisher: John Mason
- Publication Date: 1849
- Pages: 466
Thomas Jackson (1783–1873) joined the Methodist society in 1801 and from 1804–1824 he was an itinerant in the Wesleyan connection, occupying important circuits. He was professor of divinity in the Theological College at Richmond from 1842–1861. Jackson was the author and editor of numerous works, including The Life of John Goodwin, Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Richard Watson, A Library of Christian Biography, and The Institutions of Christianity.
About the Author
Charles Wesley (1707–1788) and his brother, John Wesley, were the principle leaders of the Methodist movement. Son of Susanna Wesley and Samuel Wesley, Charles was born in Epworth, Lincolnshire, England. He graduated with a master’s in classical languages and literature from Christ Church, Oxford, where he also formed the Oxford Holy Club. In 1735, Charles and his brother sailed to America where Charles served as chaplain to the garrison at Fort Fredrica. One year later he returned to England. Charles and his brother traveled Britain extensively, often preaching outdoors or in town halls. Although Charles and John never officially left the Church of England, the Methodist movement that they planted quickly spread across England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and to colonial America. Today, over seventymillion people belong to Methodist organizations in the Wesleyan tradition all over the world.
Charles Wesley is best remembered by his hymns, having written over 6,000 of them. Many have become standard classics, and are still used today—including “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” and “Soldiers of Christ, Arise.”