John Wesley and His Ministry (1)

In his wonderfully direct and compelling style J. C. Ryle explains something of John Wesley's beginnings, particularly concerning his mother, a woman of strong character. She, perhaps more than his father became of some significant influence upon Wesley's character as he grew.

This introduction to the life and ministry of John Wesley takes in the time he spent at Oxford University, and the formation of what became known as the Holy Club, a group of similar minded men, which also included men like George Whitefield and James Hervey.

Ryle also writes that Wesley 'knew very little of the pure Gospel of Christ' during his time at Oxford, and goes on to describe Wesley's acceptance of a position as a clergyman in the Colony of Georgia. Ryle goes on to say that 'for any good he seems to have done, his mission was almost useless.'

Wesley came back to England, landing in 1738, having learned a great deal about himself. The year of his return proved a significant turning point in Wesley's life, giving, as Ryle puts it, 'a direction to all his subsequent life.'