Biblioteca Digital Wesleyana - O mundo é a minha paróquia

Missions in Wesley's ministry

Odilon Massolar Chaves

===============================

It is allowed to read, copy and share for free.

Article 184 of the Penal Code and Law 96710 of February 19, 1998.

Books published in the Wesleyan Digital Library: 735

Books published by the author: 780

Cover:https://www.newstartdiscipleship.com/post/john-wesley-s-understanding-of-discipleship-and-spiritual-formation

Translator: Google

All glory to God!

Odilon Massolar Chaves is a retired Methodist pastor, with a doctorate in Theology and History from the Methodist University of São Paulo.

He is married to RoseMary. He has two daughters: Liliana and Luciana.

His thesis dealt with the Methodist revival in England in the eighteenth century and its contribution as a paradigm for our days.

He was editor of the official Methodist newspaper and coordinator of the Theology Course.

==============================

Table of Contents

· Introduction

· Highlights of the book's chapters

· The Mission in Georgia

· The horses, the chaise and the mission

· Mission and Persecution of Methodists in Jersey

· Wesley and the Mission in Guernsey

· Wesley's Mission on St.Mary's Island

· Wesley's Missions in the Isle of Man

· Wesley's Missions on the Isle of Wight

· Wesley and the Palatines

· The Beginnings of Methodism in Ireland

· in Wales

· Wesley's Missions in Scotland

· Wesley Preaches to Multitudes in Bristol

===============================

Introduction

"Missions in Wesley's Ministry" is a 40-page book based on his journal and books that covered the topic. Google's Artificial Intelligence (AI) has also made a great contribution.

"John Wesley, founder of Methodism, carried out intense missions in Britain, preaching tirelessly in the open air (his motto was 'the world is my parish'), organizing small study and prayer groups (the 'Methodist societies'), and advocating personal and social holiness, pushing for religious and social renewal through an active faith and works of mercy, despite the oppositions of the Anglican Church." [1]

Wesley went on missions to Georgia, the Isles of England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, the Palatines, etc. Bristol was a milestone in the early missions in England.

An example for the Church today.

The Author

===============================

Highlights of the book's chapters

The Mission in Georgia

"John Wesley's mission to Georgia (1735-1738) was a challenging experience that, although considered a personal failure for him, was crucial to his spiritual transformation, exposing him to the simple faith of the Moravians and culminating in his conversion, which led him to found Methodism, preaching salvation by faith and practical holiness to the world."

The horses, the chaise and the mission

"The horses and chaise in John Wesley's mission represent the unwavering commitment to itinerant evangelism and the tireless dedication to bringing the gospel message to all people, wherever they may be.

During his ministry, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, traveled extensively throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.[2]

Mission and Persecution of Methodists in Jersey

"Methodism was introduced to Jersey before the visit of John Wesley in 1787, and its followers faced considerable persecution and opposition from the Anglican clergy and some sections of local society." [3]

Wesley and the Mission in Guernsey

"John Wesley visited Guernsey on several occasions in the 1780s and 1790s, as part of his extensive missionary tours of Britain and the Channel Islands. His visits were instrumental in consolidating and expanding the Methodist movement in the islands." [4]

Wesley's Mission on St.Mary's Island

"Wesley visited the Isle of Wight a few times. The first time was a forced stop due to bad weather in 1735, on his way to Georgia (USA) as a missionary. He later returned in 1753 and for the last time at the age of 84, in 1787, with the intention of proceeding to the Channel Islands." [5]

Wesley's Missions in the Isle of Man

"John Wesley visited the Isle of Man twice, in May/June 1777 and again in May/June 1781. His "missions" were part of his extensive evangelistic efforts to found and organize Methodist societies throughout Britain and Ireland." [6]

Wesley's Missions on the Isle of Wight

"John Wesley visited the Isle of Wight on multiple occasions, initially facing considerable resistance but persisting in his efforts to spread the Methodist message. His first contact was in 1753, when he and his brother Charles were briefly detained at Cowes." [7]

Wesley and the Palatines

"John Wesley carried out extensive missions in the Limerick region of Ireland, focusing on the Protestant immigrant communities from the Palatinate region (Germany), who settled there in the early eighteenth century. [8]

The Beginnings of Methodism in Ireland

"John Wesley visited Ireland more than twenty times between 1747 and 1789, playing a crucial role in the establishment and growth of the Methodist movement on the island. However, the formal beginning of Methodism in Ireland occurred before its first visit, at the initiative of lay preachers." [9]

Methodist mission in Wales

"Methodism in Wales began as a distinct religious revival, which ran parallel to John Wesley's movement in England and had prominent Welsh leaders such as Howell Harris. John Wesley visited Wales and collaborated with these leaders, but the nature and development of Welsh Methodism followed a different path, mainly due to theological and linguistic differences." [10]

Wesley's Missions in Scotland

"John Wesley made several missionary journeys to Scotland and preached in several cities, but Methodism met with considerable resistance there and never established itself with the same force as in England or Ireland. Scotland had a strongly established Presbyterian religious identity (the Church of Scotland), which limited the growth of Methodism." [11]

Wesley Preaches to Multitudes in Bristol

"John Wesley's preaching in Bristol in 1739 was a fundamental milestone for the Methodist movement, as it was there that he began the practice of outdoor preaching, at the invitation of George Whitefield." [12]

===============================

The Mission in Georgia

Between 1735 and 1737, Wesley was in Georgia as an Anglican missionary with specific objectives:

Evangelization of Indigenous Peoples: His main desire was to convert the native peoples (Creek and Cherokee), a task in which he encountered great practical difficulties and political impediments.
Pastoring Settlers: Served as pastor in Savannah, where his doctrinal and moral rigidity caused friction with the local congregation.
Seeking Personal Salvation: Wesley later confessed that he went to America "to save his own soul."[14]

"John's ministry among the colonists in Savannah began on March 7, 1736. John wanted to minister among the American Indians, but both parishioners and colonial leaders did not want their evangelism efforts to leave the colonists without a minister. Wesley did not feel that ministry to the colonists was his primary calling, but he tried to make the best of the situation."[15]

"The mission was considered by him a failure. He returned to England in 1738 feeling spiritually empty, but deeply impressed by the unwavering faith of the Moravians he met during a storm at sea.[16]

His experience of the warmed heart on May 24, 1738, and subsequently going through the so-called "Methodist Pentecost" on the vigil between December 31, 1738 and January 1, 1739, made a great difference in his life.

There was now a great assurance and power of God in his way and ministry.

The horses, the chaise and the mission

During his ministry, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, traveled extensively throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.[17]

Without the horses, Wesley's mission would be limited. "The chaise and horses were not mere vehicles; They were essential tools for his mission, allowing him to maintain a rigorous pace of travel and preaching, often delivering four or five sermons a day." ^{^[18]}

"It is estimated that over the course of his life, he rode horses 250,000 miles preaching the gospel."^[2]

Some books have been written on this topic, among them: "John Wesley and his horse" by Hulme, T. Ferrier; "A Strangely Heated Horse: John Wesley's Life Told by His Horses" by Ken Schenck and "John Wesley – Genius on Horseback" by Paul Cook.

Wesley had the purpose of spreading biblical holiness throughout Great Britain and used all possible means, among them: horse, chaise, fishing boat, cart, sloop, on foot, post-chaise (carriage), etc.

Horses for Wesley were special, to the point that he realized that horses liked music, that by letting go of the reins the horses did not stumble.

Wesley's horses had the following names: Maggot, Holey, Sophy, Grace, Georgy and Charlie.

Wesley perceived spiritual influence in horses. He prayed and his horse was healed. When there was a serious problem with the chaise pulled by the horses, Wesley noticed the action of demons and also of angels bringing deliverance.

He directed his preachers to treat their horses well.

Two of his mares were named Sophy and Grace.

Mission and Persecution of Methodists in Jersey

Such was the persecution that it was necessary for the king to intervene for the Methodists to have freedom of worship.

10 days preaching in Jersey

Wesley visited Jersey for 10 days in 1787 at the age of 84.

"One of his main problems with preaching in the Islands was his lack of French"

"Wesley spent the next ten days preaching in various places in Jersey, including the United Club's Long Room in St Helier. One of his main problems with preaching in the Islands was his lack of French. He records for August 23, 1787:

'I went to [Le Marais] St Mary's. No one in the house spoke English. Mr. Brackenbury interpreted sentence by sentence; and God owned His word."[20]

Jersey is not part of the United Kingdom. It is an island country near the French coast in the English Channel, but it is a British crown dependency.

Jersey is one of the smallest countries in Europe and the 226th in the world in terms of area.

Wesley placed such importance on the mission in Jersey that he sent two of the greatest Methodist leaders of the day to minister in Jersey: Thomas Coke and Adam Clark.

Both would become presidents of the Methodist Conference after Wesley's passing.

Wesley further appointed a Methodist preacher who knew French because it was the language spoken in Jersey along with English.

A story that reveals the love and extreme dedication of preachers in the expansion of the Kingdom of God and Methodism in Jersey.

Tributes to John Wesley and Methodist preachers are spread across the country.

Wesley and the Mission in Guernsey

"On March 3, 1787, Wesley wrote to Adam Clarke: "After staying a few days in Bristol, I am engaged in visiting the Midway Societies between Stroud and Chester. I must then hasten to Dublin, or I shall not have time to pass through the four provinces of Ireland. So we will not have a day to spare before the Conference. Possibly after the Conference I will be able to stay two or three weeks. And if so, I will move on to Southampton, to spend two or three days in Guernsey and as many in Jersey. We will do this if God permits."[22]

In his diary, Wesley recorded: "Tuesday, August 14, 1787—Sailing with a fair wind, we expected to reach Guernsey in the afternoon; but the wind turning against it and blowing strongly, we found it would be impossible. We then thought it best to enter the Island of Alderney; but we were very close to being shipwrecked in the bay." ^{^[23]}

"Then we went to prayer, and the wind sprang up instantly"

"When we were in the middle of the rocks," Wesley said, "with the sea rippling around us, the wind utterly failed. If this had continued, we would have hit one or the other of the rocks; Then we went to prayer, and the wind sprang up instantly. Around sunset we landed; and although we had five beds in the same room, we slept in peace." ^{^[24]}

"On the beach and I started to distribute an anthem"

"About eight I went down to a convenient spot on the beach and began to distribute a hymn," Wesley said. "A woman and two little children joined us immediately. Before the hymn ended, we had a tolerable congregation, all of whom were well behaved. Part, indeed, continued at a distance of fog or fifty yards, but all were quiet and attentive." ^{^[25]}

"This small circumstance can remove prejudice and open a more open path to the gospel"

Wesley wrote: "It happened (to speak in the vulgar phrase) that three or four who sailed with us from England, a gentleman, with his wife and sister, were near the governor's relations. He came to us this morning, and when I entered the room, he behaved with the greatest courtesy. This small circumstance can remove prejudice and open a more open path for the gospel." ^{^[26]}

"We arrive at the venerable castle, standing on a rock about a quarter of a mile from Guernsey"

"Soon after we set out and, after a very pleasant passage over small islands on each side, we arrived at the venerable castle, standing on a rock about a quarter of a mile from Guernsey," ^{^[27]} he said.

Describing Guernsey

"The first thing I noticed about him were very narrow streets and extremely tall houses"

"The island itself makes a beautiful appearance, spreading out like a crescent to the right and to the left; about seven miles long and five wide; high land part, and low part. The city itself is boldly situated, rising higher and higher from the water. The first thing I noticed about it were very narrow streets and extremely tall houses. But we quickly went to Mr. De Jersey's, just a mile from town. "Here I found a very cordial reception, both from the owner of the house and from his entire family. I preached at seven, in a large room, to a congregation as deeply serious as I have ever seen." ^{^[28]}

"I had a very serious congregation at five, in a large room of Mr. De Jersey's house"

On Thursday, August 16, 1787, "I had a very serious congregation at five, in a large room of Mr. De Jersey's house," he said. "Its gardens and orchards are of a vast extent and wonderfully pleasant; and I know of no nobleman in Great Britain who has so much variety of the most excellent fruits; this he is increasing every year, whether from France or from other parts of the continent. How much fruit he has, you can conjecture of only one kind: this summer he gathered fifty pounds of strawberries daily, for six weeks together." ^{^[29]}

"In the evening, I preached at the other end of the city, in our own preaching house"

"In the evening I preached at the other end of town, in our own preaching house," Wesley said. "So many people were squeezing in (though not near everyone who came) that it was as hot as a stove. But this no one seemed to consider; for the Word of God was sharper than a two-edged sword." ^{^[30]}

Wesley at the Governor's house

Wesley recorded: "Friday, August 17, 1787.--I waited for the Governor and spent half an hour in agreement. In the afternoon, we took a walk over the pier, the biggest and best I've ever seen. The city is growing rapidly, new houses starting everywhere." ^{^[31]}

"I proclaimed to a large congregation, 'God is a Spirit'

"At night I did not attempt to enter the house, but stood near it in the yard, surrounded by tall, leafy trees, and proclaimed to a large congregation, 'God is a Spirit; and those worshiping him should worship him in spirit and in truth.' I believe that many were cut in the heart at this hour, and some not at all comforted." ^{^[32]}

On Saturday, August 18, 1787, Wesley and Thomas Coke dined at the Governor's house. "I was very pleased to find another company. We talked seriously for more than an hour with a sensible, well-bred, and pleasant man. In the evening, I preached to the largest congregation I have seen here," he said. ^{^[33]}

French Church

"I went to the French church, where there was a large and well-behaved congregation"

On Sunday, August 19, 1787, "Joseph Bradford preached at six o'clock in the morning, at Montplaisir les Terres, to a large congregation. I preached half an hour after eight, and the house contained the congregation," he said. "At ten o'clock I went to the French church, where there was a large and well-behaved congregation. At five o'clock we had the largest congregation of all." ^{^[34]}

Wesley's Mission on St.Mary's Island

Along with Methodist preachers, Wesley preached and established Methodism in several Channel Islands, among them are: Isle of Man, an island country in the Irish Sea; Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Wrigh Island in the English Channel.

Wesley wished, that it should be only for one day, to visit and preach in the Isles of Scilly.

He got support from two evangelists – John Nelson and William Shepherd – and traveled on a fishing boat and visited St. Mary's Island, which is part of the Isles of Scilly archipelago, off the southwest coast of Cornwall, England.

Today the Methodist Church is located in the town of Hugh Town, in St. Mary's.

In this book, we will learn a little about the life story of the preachers John Nelson and William Shepherd who accompanied Wesley.

Wesley preached in the streets to almost the entire city and many soldiers, sailors, and laborers. He distributed between "200 and 300 hymns and booklets". He met with the governor who also offered literature.

The next morning, he preached again. He referred to St. Mary's Island as "a barren and shady place," probably because it is a place formed of granite.

Today the archipelago of the Isles of Scilly, where St. Mary's Island is located, is called paradise because of its natural beauty.

Wesley's Missions in the Isle of Man

Wesley visited the Isle of Man in 1777 and 1781.

The bicentennial of his first visit was commemorated in 1977 with a couple of stamps, one of which is on the cover.

Wesley was called "The Apostle of the Isle of Man."

His trip to the country was marked by enthusiasm, an accident with a chaise, opposition to his preaching by the bishop, and his admiration for nature and the people.

It was the winds that carried the first Methodist preacher, called the "Weeping Prophet," to the Isle of Man.

At the time, the Methodist preacher said that the Island was a "nest of smugglers".

Today Methodism is the second largest Christian denomination in the country. The Church has played and "continues to play a very considerable role in the government and life of the island."^[1]

A small country, with a name that is not so well understood, with a somewhat complex political situation, with two official languages and a capital with the name of a man.

Wesley was surprised by the birds on the Island that sang all day.

The Isle of Man is one of the modern Celtic nations.

Methodism has always had great social and political influence on the Isle of Man, some being part of the House of Keys, which is the directly elected chamber of Parliament of the Isle of Man.

A trip back in time that is worth taking to learn about the beautiful history of Methodism on the Isle of Man.

Wesley's Missions on the Isle of Wight

"And when he landed he walked to Newport, where he 'found'. a little society in tolerable order"

Wesley visited and preached on the Isle of Wight, an island in the English Channel,

Wesley was on the Isle of Wight for the first time when he was on a mission to Georgia in 1735. He returned again in 1753.

On his last visit to the Isle of Wight, he was 84 years old.

The Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is situated just 3 km off the coast in the south of England, and is about 35 km long.[38]

Wesley visited the Isle of Wight on several occasions.

The first was on his trip to America in 1735. Then, in 1753.

"A congregation that was 'great and deep' sincerely"

By 1753 there were enough Methodists on the island to warrant a visit from Wesley.

In tolerable order

"On Tuesday, July 10, 1753, John Wesley embarked at Southampton for the three-hour journey to Cowes, and on landing he walked to Newport, where he 'found'. a little society in tolerable order."[39]

He said, "I went aboard a hoy, and in three hours they landed at Cowes, on the Isle of Wight," Wesley said. "Both exceeding the Isle of Anglesey, both in pleasantness and fecundity, and exceeding the rocks of Scilly. We went straight to Newport, the principal city on the Island, and found a little society in tolerable."[40]

Newportis a city in the county and capital of theIsle of Wight.” It is located in the center of the island, on the Medina River. It is the second largest city on the island, with a population of 24,000, slightly less thanRyde”.[41]

Wesley preached in the marketplace at five in the morning and was impressed by the presence of children.

God's Work Prospers

On Tuesday, August 9, 1753, "I crossed over to the Isle of Wight. Here too the work of God prospers," said Wesley. "We have a comfortable time in Newport, where there is a very teachable, if extraordinarily elegant, congregation."[42]

The next day, on Wednesday the 10th, "we walked to the ruins of Carisbrooke Castle," [43]Wesley said.

Carisbrooke Castle is a historic medieval castle.

Wesley comments on the castle

"It seems to have been extremely strong in the past, being on a steep climb," he [44] said.

Of Carisbrooke Castle, he said: "But even the little that remains is now quickly in ruins. In fact, the window through which King Charles tried to escape still exists; brought to my mind that whole series of occurrences in which the hand of God was so eminently viewed," [45] Wesley said.

New visit

In October 1753, Wesley again went to Newport and preached to "a congregation that was 'large and deep' considerately."[46]

Preaching to the marketplace

"To most of the city"

"The next day he went to Shorwell, where he declared: 'I have never seen a more fruitful country, or more pleasant, than the inland part of the island.' [47]

Shorwell is a village on the Isle of Wight.

Returning to Newport, Wesley went to preach in the marketplace "to the greater part of the city, and many who came from the surrounding villages," so he desired to give them regular oversight, saying, "If there were here to preach the word of God with power, a multitude would soon be obedient in the faith." [48]

High cost of transportation

Planning a visit to the island in 1758, Wesley complained of the high cost of transport: "I planned to go in a wherry to the Isle of Wight, but the watermen were so extravagant in their demands, that I changed my mind and went hoy; And it was well that I did, for the sea was so high, that it would not have been easy for a small boat to keep above the water."[49]

One wherry was water taxis, "a type of boat that was traditionally used to carry cargo or passengers on rivers and canals in England." [50]

They were horrified

On arrival, Wesley and his companions covered the three miles into Newport, "but were horrified to find the city, 'full ... with soldiers, the most abandoned wretches I've ever seen," [51] he said.

They cursed, swore "Yet he had a good hearing both that afternoon and the six the next morning, even though he was encouraged by the presence of some of the soldiers, one of whom, Benjamin Lawrence, walked with the preacher to the Wootton Bridge, telling him the way in which the French marauders were ravaging the island at that time." [52]

Preaching in the New Preaching House

A preaching house was opened in Newport on October 10, 1781, and Wesley went to preach explaining the nature of a Methodist Society. Few had any conception.

Your vision of today

Although there was some opposition to the local Methodists, Wesley noticed a change and said, "This place now seems ripe for the Gospel; The opposition is at an end. Let our preachers be men of faith and love, and they will see the fruit of their labors."[53]

Wesley and the Palatines

He described the Palatines he met as simple, artless, serious people.

First visit to Limerick and the Palatines

The Palatines were descendants of Germans who were persecuted and emigrated. Some went to Ireland.

His first visit to the Palatines was "in the course of his sixth Irish tour in 1756, when he visited Ballingrane and the neighbouring village which he at different times calls Newmarket or Pallas. On modern maps it is called Pallaskenry." [55]

Today Pallaskenry is a village in County Limerick, Ireland.

The first visit was on June 16, 1756. Wesley said: "In the afternoon I went to Ballingarrane, a town on the Palatines which came in the time of Queen Anne. They retain much of the temper and manners of their own country, bearing no resemblance to those among whom they live. I found a lot of life among these simple, artless, serious people."[56]

"John Wesley has always received a warm welcome from the Palatines"

"John Wesley always received a warm welcome from the Palatines, returning to preach among them several times. The Palatine were families who came to Ireland from Germany in 1709, and who settled mainly in County Limerick."[57]

Wesley visited Limerick every two years

Every two years Wesley visited the Palatines. Among these years are|:

· June 16, 1756

· June 23, 1758

· July 9, 1760

· June 4, 1762

· June 14, 1765

· May 21, 1767

· May 7, 1778

· May 13, 1789.[58]

Simple, artless, serious

"They were straightforward and free from deception"

"He described those he met as "simple, artless, serious" people. In other words, they were straightforward and free from deception. Subsequently he came to the area in the course of thirteen other voyages, sometimes including Courtmatrix, Killeheen, Kilfinnane, and on one occasion Adare.[59]

Wesley's visit to Adare

"Visited Adare and surroundings at least ten times"

"Adare has a long tradition of Methodist worship, and two and a half centuries ago, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, visited Adare and the surrounding area at least ten times between 1765 and 1778.

A strong local tradition says that John Wesley preached under an ash tree near the ruins of the Franciscan Abbey on at least one of these occasions. A stone now marks the spot, and since 1819, Methodists have held a field meeting every 77 years, on the first Tuesday in June.

The first Methodist chapel at Adare was built in 1794 on the north side of the road to Patrickswell in the town of Gortnaganniff." [60]

No words or profanities

"No Saturday break, no drunkenness"

Wesley realized "that in his communities there were 'no words or bad words, no Sabbath breaks, no drunkenness, no beer-houses,' and that 'his diligence turns all his land into a garden.'"[61]

The community grew

"Part of it went to America"

In 1765, Wesley lamented the attitude of his landlord. "As they could not obtain food or clothing here, with all their diligence or frugality, some of it is scattered up and down the kingdom [of Ireland] and part has gone to America."[62]

In 1760, a group emigrated to America, among them, Barbara Heck and her cousin Philip Embury, who had been a local preacher in Ballingrane, Ireland.

The Beginnings of Methodism in Ireland

"John Wesley visited Ireland twenty-one times between 1747 and 1789. On his last visit, in 1789, he preached under the Spanish chestnut tree."^{^[64]}

On his first visit, he landed at George's Quay on 9 August 1747.

George's Quay is a street and wharf in Dublin on the south bank of the River Liffey.

And George's Quay was given in honor of George III of England."^{^[65]}

This wharf is "very different from its present appearance, the railway had not been developed and there was no Customs House on the opposite side of the Liffey.

In fact, the north bank of the river was then quite undeveloped.

Its development came during Wesley's lifetime, and on those occasions in later years, when he arrived or departed from George's Quay, he would have noticed progress in building the Customs."[66]

First day of arrival

"The day of Wesley's first arrival was a Sunday, and that afternoon he preached in what was called the Evening Prayer at St. Mary's Church."

According to Wesley, it was a meaningless congregation.

"The Archbishop of Dublin strongly reproved and Wesley did not preach again in any parish church in the archdiocese."[67]

He preached in an old, abandoned Lutheran chapel

"A Lutheran chapel stood on the east side of Marlborough Street, and by 1747 it was no longer used by the Lutheran congregation."[68]

It was in this chapel that Wesley preached at his first Methodist meetings in Dublin.

A mob attacked the building

"Shortly after his departure from the city, a mob attacked the building, ripped the wainscoting off the wall and piled it and the furniture in the courtyard, setting the lot on fire."[69]

What is wainscoting?

"Wainscoting (or wainscoting) is a panel formed by rulers that covers the wall or ceiling of an environment. It can be made of wood, MDF, PVC or plaster."^{^[70]}

The panic occasioned by this soon subsided under the reassuring presence of Charles Wesley, John's brother, who arrived a week later and the Methodists used the repaired building for the rest of the century."[71]

First Methodist chapel

The first Methodist chapel in Ireland was built and opened in 1752 in Dublin.

"It was an almost square building with an internal porch, a gallery on three sides and furnished with bottomless benches. The men sat on one side of the building and the women on the other, and the room was carried up to the gallery, accessed by separate staircases at the corners. Above the chapel was a hall of the same size, divided into rooms by movable partitions, which could provide lodging for the preachers or meeting rooms of various sizes.[72]

Bishop's opposition

At the time of Wesley's first visit to Ireland, the Archbishop of Dublin, Charles Cobbe, was building a new house for himself in Donabate. Thither. Wesley rode on Tuesday after his arrival and spent two hours in debate with the archbishop, seeking to persuade him of the value of Methodist societies. It was unsuccessful."[73]

In Wesley's Journal, Tuesday, August 11, 1747, he said: "I waited for the archbishop at Newbridge ten miles from Dublin."[74]

Due to the archbishop's opposition, Wesley did not preach in any of the parish churches of the archdiocese after 1747.

Charles Cobbe (1686/7–1765) was Archbishop of Dublin from 1743 to 1765 and Primate of Ireland. He married Dorothea Levinge.^{^[75]}

As archbishop of Dublin, "he combined condemnations of the papacy, rebellion, and Wesleyan preaching, with a concern for educating the poor, supporting scholarship, and resisting penal legislation."[76]

14 hours crossing the Irish Sea

On his 21 voyages to Ireland, Wesley usually crossed the Irish Sea on the "Parkgate Packages", sailing ships.

These sailing ships "provided a regular passenger service between Parkgate, near Chester, and Dun Laoghaire. The crossing would have taken at least 14 hours.

"Parkgate port was popular because it was easier to reach by road than the alternatives, Liverpool or Holyhead. However, the port silted up in the early nineteenth century and fell into disuse. Now it's a salt marsh."[77]

Methodist mission in Wales

Wesley was in Wales on several occasions from 14 October 1739 to 24 October 1790.

Wesley had to live with an environment different from the missions in other countries, especially in relation to language and Calvinism.

Early on, in 1739, in one of Wesley's first sermons, he showed how God exalted Jesus to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance and remission of sins.

The Welshman Howel Harris was an instrument for Wesley to visit and develop his ministry in Wales, despite the fact that he was of the Calvinist line. In the end, there was a Calvinist and an Arminian Methodist Church in Wales.

Wesley acted with diplomacy in everything, being a knight, a prince in Wales.

There was persecution of the Methodists in Wales and Wesley, as a prince, had to write, in 1744, a letter to King George II called "A humble message from the Societies of England and Wales from those who in derision are called Methodists".

It was not until 1800 that Thomas Coke sent Welsh-speaking Methodist preachers to Wales.

Wesley enjoyed an excellent lodging in a famous castle of Fonmon owned by earnest Methodists, who paved the way for his preaching in the country.

On August 25, 1763, in Wales, Wesley matured and said he was more convinced than ever of the importance of discipleship, of bands.

For him, preaching without uniting those who are awakened and training them in the ways of God, is only generating children for the murderer.

A story of Wesley's dedication in the midst of an environment different from the others in which he carried out missions.

Wesley's Missions in Scotland

The first time Wesley visited Scotland was in 1751. The last time was in 1790. For some, he visited Scotland 22 times. For others, "Wesley visited Scotland 23 times between 1751 and 1790."^[1]

There are several books about Wesley's travels and missions. One of them is by Samuel Rogal, who wrote "John Wesley's Mission to Scotland, 1751-1790 (Studies in the History of the Missions)", published on Amazon, January 1, 1989.

How did Methodism arrive in Scotland?

"Wesleyan Methodism was probably first brought to Scotland by government troops sent after the rebellion of 1745. John Wesley made the first of 22 visits in 1751 at the invitation of Bartemius Gallatin, commander of the dragoons at Musselburgh.

Wesley's second visit was to Glasgow in 1753, at the invitation of John Gillies, minister of Kirk College.

Over the next 20 years, a number of Methodist preachers preached to Scotland, including Christopher Hopper, Thomas Taylor, Thomas Cherry, Thomas Hanby, Duncan Wright, Duncan McAllum, Alexander McNab, and Robert Dall

They spread Methodism to several cities.

Among them are:Dunbar,Edinburgh, Leith,Perth,Arbroath,Dundee,Aberdeen, Moray coast andInverness, Glasgow, Greenock, Port Glasgow and Ayr.

Wesley had difficulties, struggles, but he always praised and referred to Scotland as a pleasant country.

Wesley visits Scotland for the first time

"A thick fog all the way"

Wesley and his companions left on April 24, 1751, bound for Scotland.

"Mr. Hopper and I took horses between three and four, and about seven came to Old Camus. Whether the country was good or bad, we couldn't see, having a thick fog all the way,"[80] Wesley said.

Wesley Preaches to Multitudes in Bristol

Wesley was invited by George Whitefield to help him preach in Bristol, where thousands of miners were concentrated. Wesley decided to leave the society in London and left for Bristol in 1739.

In Bristol, Wesley had to step forward in his ministry. He resisted preaching "in the fields," in the open air.

On Saturday afternoon, March 31, Wesley arrived at Bristol, "where I met Mr. Whitefield. At first I could hardly reconcile myself to this strange way of preaching in the fields, as Mr. Whitefield gave me an example on Sunday, for I have been all my life, and this hitherto, so attached to all the points that were considered according to decency and order, such were my prejudices, considered it a sin for a sinner to save himself outside the church."^{^[82]}

Starting the preaching

"I began to expound our Lord's sermon on the mount"

On April 1, 1739, "in the evening (Mr. Whitefield was away) I began to expound our Lord's sermon on the mountain (a rather remarkable precedent of field preaching, though I suppose there were churches at that time also) to a small society which was accustomed to meet once or twice a week in Nicholas Street."[83]

St Nicholas is a church in the centre of Bristol.

Wesley preaches to 3,000 people

"Speaking of a small eminence on land adjacent to the city"

On Monday, April 2, 1739, Wesley said, "At four o'clock in the afternoon I came forth to be most vile, and proclaimed in the highways the glad tidings of salvation, speaking from a little eminence on a land adjacent to the city, to about three thousand persons." [84]Wesley preached about: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor" (Luke 4:18-19 NIV).

At seven o'clock Wesley preached at a meeting of the "society in Baldwin Street: and the next day the Gospel of St. John in Newgate Chapel; where I also read the morning church service daily," Wesley said.[85]

Organizing bands and preaching to 1500 people

"In the evening, three women agreed to meet weekly, with the same intention as those in London, namely, to lay their faults on each other, and to pray for each other."

On Wednesday, April 4, at Baptist-Mills (a sort of suburb or village about half a mile from Bristol) "I offered the grace of God to about fifteen hundred people."[86]

Beginning of the Band

"In the evening, three women agreed to meet weekly, with the same intention as those in London, namely, to put their faults on each other, and to pray for each other. At eight o'clock, four young men agreed to meet, in pursuit of the same design. How dare any man deny that this is (as to the substance of it) a means of grace, ordained of God? (...)".[87]

Preaching in Societies

"I have declared the Gospel to all, which is the power of God unto salvation, to everyone who believes"

On Thursday, April 5, 1739, "at five o'clock in the evening, I began in a society in Castle street, expounding the epistle to the Romans," said Wesley, "and the next evening, in a society in Gloucester-lane, the first epistle of St. John. On Saturday evening in Weaver's-Hall I also began to expound the epistle to the Romans, and declared that the Gospel to all, which is the power of God unto salvation, to everyone who believes"[88]

Preaching to 7500 thousand people

"About five thousand were in the afternoon in Rose-Green"

"At seven o'clock in the morning I preached to about a thousand people in Bristol, and then to about fifteen hundred at the top of Hannam-Mount in Kingswood (...). About five thousand were in the afternoon at Rose-Green (on the other side of Kingswood), among whom I arose and cried in the name of the Lord, If any man thirst, let him come unto us and drink. He who believes in me, as the scriptures have said so much, out of his belly will flow rivers of living water."

Preaching to 5,000 people in three services

"I offered about a thousand souls the free grace of God to heal their setbacks"

On Tuesday, April 10, 1739, Wesley went to Bath; "where I have offered to about a thousand souls, the free grace of God to heal their setbacks, and in the morning to (I believe) more than two thousand. I preached to about the same number, at Baptist-Mills, after noon on Christ , made of God unto us, wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."

Preaching to 800

"I preached in the house of the poor"

On Saturday, April 14, 1739, "I preached in the house of the poor; three or four hundred more in, and more than twice as much as without: to whom I explained these comfortable words, when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both," said Wesley.[89]

Preaching to 14,000 people in three services

"It rained heavily in Bristol, but not a drop fell on us"

On Sunday, April 15, Wesley said, "I explained at seven to 5 or 6000 by sons, the story of the Pharisee and the publican. About three thousand were present at Hannam-Mount. I preached in Newgate after dinner to a dishonest congregation. Between half past five we went to Rose Green: it rained heavily at Bristol, but not a drop fell upon us, while I declared to about five thousand, Christ our wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. I concluded the day by shouting to society at Baldwin treet."[90]

The ground has given way in society

"The weight of the people made the ground give way"

On Tuesday, April 17, 1739, Wesley wrote: "At five o'clock in the afternoon, I was in a small society in the Back-Lane. The room we were in was leaning downstairs; but the weight of the people caused the ground to give way, so that, at the beginning of the exposure of the pole that supported it, it fell with a great noise. But the ground did not sink any further, so that, after a little surprise at first, they quietly attended to the things that were said." [91]

After the Methodist Pentecost

It is essential to understand that it was three months after the so-called "Methodist Pentecost", between December 31, 1738 and January 1, 1739, that Wesley began to preach to the crowds in the "field",[92] in Bristol, and to witness various supernatural facts.

What can be seen today is that there was a great anointing in Wesley, the fruit of the "Methodist Pentecost", which brought conversions, brokenness, repentance, supernatural facts, healings, gifts and deliverance from demons.

Even after Wesley left the preaching site, the anointing of the Spirit continued to work in the people. So it was with a critical or zealous Christian weaver who went to find out if the phenomena that happened in Wesley's preaching were fact or illusion.

After Wesley had preached and retired from his seat, the weaver read a sermon from the chair and "changed color, fell down from his chair, and began to shout and beat himself against the ground." Everyone was scared, prayed and he recognized, later, that Wesley was from God. The weaver's pains ceased, he was set at liberty and said, 'Ay, this is he, whom I said was a deceiver of the people. But God has taken me too much. I said, it was all an illusion. But this is not an illusion."[93]

The secret was the anointing of the Holy Spirit that was in Wesley wherever he preached. The fact is that Wesley restored the doctrine of the Holy Spirit in England in the eighteenth century with the gifts of the Spirit.

In April 1739 alone, Wesley preached to about 45,800 people in Bristol, which is considered the birthplace of the Methodist Movement.

In May 1739, he preached to 39,500 people. In June, about 45 thousand people heard his preaching. A total in three months of about 131,800 people in Bristol.

Two remarkable facts began to occur in Wesley's preaching, from April 1739, in Bristol: the presence of thousands of people and spiritual phenomena with several people, which Wesley called external signs or signs and wonders as a result of the power of God.

[1] AI-Powered Overview

[2] AI-Powered Overview

[3] AI-Powered Overview

[4] AI-Powered Overview

[5] AI-Powered Overview

[6] AI-Powered Overview

[7] AI-Powered Overview

[8] AI-Powered Overview

[9] AI-Powered Overview

[10] AI-Powered Overview

[11] AI-Powered Overview

[12] AI-Powered Overview

[13] AI-Powered Overview

[14] AI-Powered Overview

[15] https://lansdowneumc.org/2018/05/03/john-wesley-goes-to-georgia/

[16] AI-Powered Overview

[17] AI-Powered Overview

[18] AI-Powered Overview

[19] AI-Powered Overview

[20] http://www.methodistheritage.org.uk/jerseyandguernsey.htm

[21] AI-Powered Overview

[22] https://members.societe-jersiaise.org/whitsco/method7.htm

[23] THE MAGAZINE of John Wesley. Edited by PERCY LIVINGSTONE PARKERCHICAGO, MOODY PRESS, 1951

[24]Ditto.

[25] Ditto.

[26] THE MAGAZINE of John Wesley. Edited by PERCY LIVINGSTONE PARKERCHICAGO, MOODY PRESS, 1951

[27] Ditto.

[28] THE MAGAZINE of John Wesley. Edited by PERCY LIVINGSTONE PARKERCHICAGO, MOODY PRESS, 1951

[29] THE MAGAZINE of John Wesley. Edited by PERCY LIVINGSTONE PARKERCHICAGO, MOODY PRESS, 1951

[30] Ditto.

[31] Ditto.

[32] THE MAGAZINE of John Wesley. Edited by PERCY LIVINGSTONE PARKERCHICAGO, MOODY PRESS, 1951

[33] Ditto.

[34] https://dmbi.online/index.php?do=app.entry&id=1197

[35] AI-Powered Overview

[36] AI-Powered Overview

[37] AI-Powered Overview

[38] https://www.qualviagem.com.br/ilha-de-wight-e-destino-diferente-para-conhecer-na-inglaterra

[39] http://woottonbridgeiow.org.uk/wightlife/wesleys.php

[40] Wesley, his own historian. https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/moa/AGV9079.0001.001?rgn=main;view=fulltext.Wesley, his own historian. Cincinnati: Hitchcock and Walden. 1870.

[41] https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Newport_(Isle_of_Wight)

[42] https://www.ccel.org/w/wesley/journal/cache/journal.pdf

[43] https://www.hurb.com/br/tickets/newport/castelo-de-carisbrooke-TKT-TOca4x

[44] https://www.ccel.org/w/wesley/journal/cache/journal.pdf

[45] https://www.ccel.org/w/wesley/journal/cache/journal.pdf

[46] http://woottonbridgeiow.org.uk/wightlife/wesleys.php

[47] http://woottonbridgeiow.org.uk/wightlife/wesleys.php

[48] http://woottonbridgeiow.org.uk/wightlife/wesleys.php

[49] http://woottonbridgeiow.org.uk/wightlife/wesleys.php

[50] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wherry

[51] http://woottonbridgeiow.org.uk/wightlife/wesleys.php

[52] http://woottonbridgeiow.org.uk/wightlife/wesleys.php

[53] http://woottonbridgeiow.org.uk/wightlife/wesleys.php

[54] AI-Powered Overview

[55] https://www.facebook.com/wesleyinireland/

[56] https://www.benner.org.nz/index.php/stories/benner-ireland-stories/204-the-palatines-in-ireland

[57] https://www.facebook.com/wesleyinireland/

[58] http://www.oldhaybaychurch.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2004-vol-12.pdf

[59] Ditto.

[60] https://www.facebook.com/AdareWalks/photos/a.457702334647023/1379501212467126/?type=3

[61] http://www.oldhaybaychurch.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2004-vol-12.pdf

[62] https://www.irishpalatines.org/about/methodism.html

[63] AI-Powered Overview

[64] https://www.wesleysheritage.org.uk/object/john-wesley-preaching-in-ireland/

[65] https://www.askaboutireland.ie/ reading-room/history-heritage/architecture/the-cork-camera-club-(pre/the-quays/georges-quay/

[66] https://www.askaboutireland.ie/reading-room/history-heritage/history-of-ireland/john-wesley-in-dublin/

[67] Ditto.

[68] Ditto.

[69] https://www.askaboutireland.ie/reading-room/history-heritage/history-of-ireland/john-wesley-in-dublin/

[70] https://www.vivadecora.com.br/ pro/wainscoting/

[71] https://www.askaboutireland.ie/reading-room/history-heritage/history-of-ireland/john-wesley-in-dublin/

[72] https://www.askaboutireland.ie/reading-room/history-heritage/history-of-ireland/john-wesley-in-dublin/

[73] Ditto.

[74] https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/whs/26-6.pdf

[75] https://www.mayhum.net/cobbe_charles.htm

[76] https://www.dib.ie/biography/cobbe-charles-a1776

[77]https://www.facebook.com/wesleyinireland/

[78] AI-Powered Overview

[79] AI-Powered Overview

[80] https://scotlandvisits.weebly.com/john-wesley.html

[81] AI-Powered Overview

[82]WESLEY, João. Excerpts from the Diary of John Wesley. São Paulo: Methodist Press, 1965, p.28.

[83] https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/evans/N22587.0001.001/1:18?rgn=div1;view=fulltext

[84] Ditto.

[85] https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/evans/N22587.0001.001/1:18?rgn=div1;view=fulltext

[86] Ditto.

[87] https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/evans/N22587.0001.001/1:18?rgn=div1;view=fulltext

[88] Ditto.

[89] https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/evans/N22587.0001.001/1:18?rgn=div1;view=fulltext

[90] Ditto.

[91] https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/evans/N22587.0001.001/1:18?rgn=div1;view=fulltext

[92] Open-air preaching was called preaching in the field.

[93] https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/evans/N22587.0001.001/1:18?rgn=div1;view=fulltext

Pesquisar este blog

Biblioteca Digital Wesleyana - O mundo é a minha paróquia

Comentários

Postar um comentário

Postagens mais visitadas deste blog