John Wesley of Epworth: the First Great Awakening, Part Two

I. BRIEF CONSIDERATIONS FOR LAST WEEK'S BACKGROUND

A. The Age of Reason

1. Reformed evangelism after Calvin dwindles
2. Rigorous persecution from the Catholic church
3. Reason & worldly wisdom in the Enlightenment
4. Revival in Dresden among the Moravians

II. BACKGROUND CONTINUES WITH LIFE OF WESLEY

A. The Quest for Salvation

1. John Wesley born (June 17,1703), Epworth, Lincolnshire, England

• a. early life
• b. education & ordinations
• c. "enthusiasts" & "Holy Clubs"

2. Journey to Savannah, GA (1735-1737)

• a. trip across the Atlantic
• b. troubled decisions
• c. tactless discretions

3. Journey back to England (Dec 22, 1737)

• a. depressed and unsaved
• b. dubious counsel from Petrus Böhler (1712-1775)
• c. describes his "heart strangely warmed" (May 24, 1738)

4. Joining & un-joining the Moravians

• a. open-air preaching
• b. organizing the "Methodist Society in England"

5. Jeopardy from persecutions

• a. dismissive of Anglican rules & regulations
• b. doctrines & theological views
• c. disastrous marriage
• d. devout piety & charity
• e. death (Mar 2, 1791)
• f. denominations