Wesley and
reading books on his travels on horseback
Odilon Massolar Chaves
Copyright © 2026, Odilon Massolar Chaves
All rights reserved to the author.
It is allowed to read, copy and share for free.
Article 184 of the Penal Code and Law 96710 of February
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Odilon Massolar Chaves is a retired Methodist
pastor, with a doctorate in Theology and History from the Methodist University
of São Paulo.
Son of Rev. Adherico Ribeiro Chaves and Roza
Massolar Chaves.
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.
Table of Contents
· Introduction
· The Works of Nicholas Machiavelli
·
Mr. Law's book on the "New Birth"
· Martin Luther's famous book "Commentary
on the Epistle to the Galatians
· Dr. Cheyne's "Natural Method of Curing
Diseases"
· I read with great expectation, yesterday and
today, Xenophon's book, "Memorable Things of Socrates"
· The book I opened was his "Mysterium
Magnum," or "Exposition of Genesis."
·
Before I arrived, I finished Madam Guyon's
book, "A Short and Simple Method of Prayer," and "The Spiritual
Currents"
· On the way back to Bristol, I read the
astonishing book "The Life of Ignatius of Loyola"
· I spent a few hours reading an ingenious
book, entitled "The Foundations of Primitive Religion"
· On my way to Leeds, I read Dr. Hodge's book,
"The Epidemic in London"
·
We rode to Bristol. I took a look at Mr.
Prince's book "Christian History"
· I read about Andrew Frey and his book,
"Reasons to Leave the Brothers"
·
In my walking hours, I read Dr. Calamy's
book, "Compendium of the Life of Mr. Baxter."
·
On the way, I read Mr. Baxter's book, History
of Councils
·
I went to Canterbury. Here, I came across
"The Life of Muhammad"
·
I read Dr. Priestley's ingenious book on
electricity
· I went to Shoreham. Here I read the book of
Mr. Archdeacon Blackbourne, "The Considerations of the Penal Laws Against
the Papists"
· I have summarized Dr. Watt's beautiful book,
"Treatise on the Passions"
·
On a little journey I made in Bedfordshire, I
finished Dr. Burnet's book, "The Theory of the Earth"
· I read with great expectation Rousseau's
famous book, "On Education"
· As a result of reading Dr. Cheyne's book, I
decided to eat in moderation and drink water
· On his return from a trip, Wesley read a
Quaker's book on the slave trade
· I read Mr. Jenyns's admired treatise on the
"Internal Evidence of the Christian Religion"
· 'Simple Shallow master', as Shakespeare says:
wise, wise master rector, your advisor!"
· This week, while
traveling, I read Dr. Stuart's book, "History of Scotland"
·
Wesley read "On the Thoughts of
Pascal"
Introduction
"Wesley
and the Reading of Books on His Travels on Horseback" is a 31-page book
based on Wesley's diary.
Wesley had an
extraordinary discipline and habit of reading books while traveling on horseback.
"During
the more than 50 years he traveled around Britain to preach, John Wesley read
about 1,200 books while riding a horse. He let go of the reins and let the
animal walk while devouring works of theology, science, history, philosophy,
and classical literature."[1]
Among the
famous authors he read are: William Shakespeare, Pascal, Socrates, Machiavelli,
Martin Luther, Rousseau, etc.
On 27 May
1742, Wesley recorded in his diary: "I left Birstal, and on Friday the
28th arrived at Newcastle-upon Tyre. I read with great expectation, yesterday
and today, Xenophon's book, 'Memorable Things of Socrates.' I was utterly
astonished at his lack of judgment." [2]
Wesley was
highly critical of some authors. But others influenced him, such as the author
of a book on the slave trade.
For
some, there was an influence of Shakespeare's characters on Wesley. Samuel J. Rogal
wrote "The Literary Influence of Shakespeare upon Charles and John
Wesley", published by Amazon, in 2015.
"John Locke: The
English empiricist philosopher was one of Wesley's greatest intellectual
influences. Wesley read and studied deeply his philosophical essays, applying
the concept of the use of reason and empirical verification to his own
theology." [3]
Although
Wesley declared himself to be a man of only one book, the Bible, he constantly
read other books.
Among the
themes of these books are: theory of the earth, use of electricity in healing,
book of Scottish history, book on education, book on the history of Councils,
the Natural Method of Curing Diseases, on the "Thoughts of Pascal",
"The Life of Muhammad", "The Life of Ignatius of Loyola",
etc.
In his
diary on January 4, 1768, he wrote: "... I have read Dr. Priestley's
ingenious book on electricity. He seems to have carefully gathered and
assimilated all that is known on this curious subject. But how little is all
this! Indeed the use of electricity we know, at least in some degree. We know
that it is a thousand medicines in one, in particular that it is the most
effective medicine in nervous disorders of all kinds that have been discovered.
But if we point to the theory, we shall know nothing. Soon we are lost and
bewildered in the fruitless search." [4]
Some of
Wesley's statements in reading the books: "I read the surprising book...;
an ingenious book...; I summarized the beautiful book...; I read it with great
expectation...; I read a very different book...; I read the admired
treatise..., etc.
Sometimes
Wesley was indignant at the author. In reading a book, he said, "Whoever
the author is, he is very petulant, frivolous, cocky buffoon's hat; remarkable
for nothing but his immense conviction and utter contempt for
Christianity."
A stimulus
for us to develop the habit of reading in times of social networks that makes
research easier and discourages reading.
The Author
The Works of Nicholas Machiavelli
On my way home, I looked for the famous book (The
Works of Nicholas Machiavelli), and set out to read and consider them carefully
Wesley's Diary, 1737
"On January 26, I made my final farewell to
Frederica. It was not from some apprehension about my own danger, though my
life was threatened many times, but from the utter desperation of doing good,
which made me lament at the thought of seeing her no more. On my return home, I
sought out the famous book (The Works of Nicholas Machiavelli), and set out to
read and consider them carefully. I begin with a prejudice in its favour, being
informed that it has often been misunderstood and greatly distorted. I have
pondered the sentiments which were less common, transcribed the passages where
they have been inserted, comparing one passage with another, and endeavored to
form a reasonable and impartial judgment. I concluded that if all the other
doctrines which the devil has undertaken to write, since the letters have been
in the world, were collected into one volume, they would not attain this
object; and if a Prince could be formed by means of this book, which so calmly
recommends hypocrisy, infidelity, lying, and murder of all kinds, Domitian or
Nero would be angels of light, compared to this man. [5]
Mr. Law's
book on the "New Birth"
Riding to Bradford,
I read of Mr. Law's book on the "New Birth." Philosophical,
speculative, precarious, null, and vain! Oh, what a fall there is!
10/23/1739
– Tuesday. Riding to Bradford, I read about Mr. Law's book, on the "New
Birth". Philosophical, speculative, precarious, null and vain! Oh, what a
fall there is! "I waited, then, but they do not speak, because they have
stopped and do not answer anymore. I will also answer for my part, I will also
declare my opinion. (...) Let me not be a respecter of persons, nor use
flattering words toward man! For I do not know how to use flattery; soon my
Creator would take me." [6]
Martin
Luther's famous book "Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians
I set out
from London, and read, on the way, Martin Luther's famous book,
"Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians." I felt utterly ashamed!
How I could consider this book, just because it had been recommended by others,
or, at best, because I had occasionally read some of the excellent sentences
quoted from it!
15/06/1740
– Monday. I left London and read, on the way, Martin Luther's famous book
"Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians". I felt utterly ashamed!
How I could consider this book, just because it had been recommended by others,
or, at best, because I had occasionally read some of the excellent sentences
quoted from it! But what shall I say, now that I have judged for myself? Now
that I see it with my own eyes? Not only because the author does nothing in
disagreement, does not clear up any considerable difficulty, which is
altogether superficial in his remarks on many passages, confused and
embarrassed in almost every passage, but because it has every appearance of
mysticism, from beginning to end, and consequently always dangerously wrong. To
exemplify, in only one or two points: How he (almost in the words of Tauler)
disparages reason, right or wrong, as the irreconcilable enemy of the Gospel of
Christ! Taking into consideration that reason (the faculty so called), is
nothing else than the power of understanding, judgment, and dissertation? Whose
power is not to be condemned any more than seeing, hearing, and feeling. Again,
with what blasphemy does he speak of good works and the Law of God; constantly
linking the Law with sin, death, hell, or the devil; and teaching that Christ
delivers us from them equally. Since it cannot be proved by Scripture that
Christ has delivered us from the Law of God any more than He has delivered us
from holiness or heaven. Here (I understand) is the real source of the great
errors of the Moravians. They follow Luther to what comes and goes. For this
reason, "No work; no Law; no commandment." But who are you who 'speak
evil of the Law and judge it?'" [7]
Dr.
Cheyne's "Natural Method of Curing Diseases"
I have
read part of Dr. Cheyne's "Natural Method of Curing Diseases," which,
I could not refrain, is one of the most ingenious books I have ever seen
03/12/1742
– Friday. I have read part of Dr. Cheyne's "Natural Method of Curing
Diseases," which, I could not help observing, is one of the most ingenious
books I have ever seen. But what Epicurean will ever care about it? Because
"man speaketh against good food and drink!" An ox in the congregation
[8].
I read
with great expectation, yesterday and today, Xenophon's book, "Memorable
Things of Socrates"
I left
Birstal, and on Friday the 28th arrived at Newcastle-upon Tyre. I read, with
great expectation, yesterday and to-day, the book of Xenophon, "Memorable
Things of Socrates." I was utterly astonished at his lack of judgment
27/05/1742
– Thursday. I left Birstal and on Friday, the 28th, arrived at Newcastle-upon
Tyre. I read, with great expectation, yesterday and today, the book of
Xenophons, "Memorable Things of Socrates." I was utterly astonished
at his lack of judgment. How many of these things Plato would never have
mentioned! But it may be well that we should see the shadows of the night also
from the brightest pictures in all pagan antiquity. [9]
The book I opened was his "Mysterium
Magnum," or "Exposition of Genesis."
I rode to
Beeston. Here I came across, once again, the works of a celebrated author, of
whom many great men cannot speak without ecstasy, and the strongest expressions
of admiration. I refer to Jacob Behmen. The book I opened was his
"Mysterium Magnum," or "Exposition of Genesis."
06/04/1742
– Friday. I rode to Beeston. Here I came across, once more, the works of a
celebrated author, of whom many great men cannot speak without ecstasy, and the
strongest expressions of admiration. I refer to Jacob Behmen. The book I opened
was his "Mysterium Magnum," or "Exposition of Genesis."
Conscious of my ignorance, I earnestly asked God to enlighten my understanding.
And honestly I considered what I read, endeavoring to weigh it in the scales of
the sanctuary. And what can I say, concerning the part I have read? I can and
must say the following (as clearly as I can say that two plus two equals four);
that it is the most sublime absurdity; inimitable bombastic language;
pretentious, without parallel! All a piece with his inspired interpretation of
the word Tetragrammaton (mistaking it for the inexpressible name itself,
considering it means only one word consisting of four letters), he observes
with such excellent gravity and solemnity, telling you the meaning of every
syllable of it. [10]
Before I
arrived, I finished Madam Guyon's book, "A Short and Simple Method of
Prayer," and "The Spiritual Currents"
I rode to
Epworth. Before I arrived, I finished Madam Guyon's book, "A Short and
Simple Method of Prayer," and "The Spiritual Currents." Ah! My
brother! I can answer your riddle, now I have used your heifer to plough
06/5 – Saturday. I rode to Epworth. Before I
arrived, I finished Madam Guyon's book, "A Short and Simple Method of
Prayer," and "The Spiritual Currents." Ah! My brother! I can
answer your riddle, now I have used your heifer to plough. The very words which
I have so often heard some of you use, are not yours, any more than they are of
God. They are only retold of this poor quietist; and that with the utmost
fidelity. Oh! Let you know how much wiser God is than man! Then you will
forsake quietists and mystics together, and, at all risk, keep the clear,
practical, written word of God. It is a long time since I was in Epworth, and
went to an inn in the centre of the town, not knowing if there was any left in
it who was not ashamed to be known to me. But an old servant of my parents,
with two or three wives, soon discovered me. I asked her, "Do you know any
one at Epworth who honestly desires to be saved?" She replied, "I
will, by the grace of God, and I know that I am saved by faith." I asked,
"So, have you the peace of God? Do you know that he has forgiven your
sins?" She replied, "I thank God that I know this well. And many here
may say the same thing." [11]
On the way
back to Bristol, I read the astonishing book "The Life of Ignatius of
Loyola"
On Wednesday and Thursday, on the
way back to Bristol, I read the astonishing book "The Life of Ignatius of
Loyola," surely one of the greatest men who was engaged in the support of
so bad a cause! I wonder that any man should judge him as a fanatic
16/08/1742
– Monday. I rode to Oxford, and the next day to Evesham. On Wednesday and
Thursday, on the way back to Bristol, I read the astonishing book "The
Life of Ignatius of Loyola," surely one of the greatest men who was
engaged in the support of so bad a cause! I wonder that any man should think of
him as a fanatic. No; but he knew the people with whom he had to deal, and,
setting out (like Count Zinzendorf), with the full persuasion that he might use
fraud to promote the glory of God, or (what he thought was the same thing) the
interest of his Church, acted in all things consistent with his principles. [12]
I spent a
few hours reading an ingenious book, entitled "The Foundations of
Primitive Religion"
I spent a
few hours reading an ingenious book, entitled "The Foundations of
Primitive Religion." In the first thirty pages, the author heaps up
Scriptures concerning the privileges of the Church
March 25,
1743 – Friday. I spent a few hours reading an ingenious book, entitled
"The Foundations of Primitive Religion." In the first thirty pages,
the author heaps up Scriptures concerning the privileges of the Church. But all
this whips the air, until he proves that Catholics are the Church, that is,
that the part is the whole. In the second chapter he brings many arguments to
show that Scripture is not the only rule of faith, at least not if interpreted
by private judgment, because private judgment has no place in matters of
religion! Because, at that moment, you are appealing to my personal judgment,
and possibly cannot avoid it. The foundation of your religion, as well as mine,
must necessarily rest here. First, you (as well as I) must judge for yourself
whether you implicitly follow the Church or not, and also what the true church
is, or not it is possible to take a step further. [13]
On my way
to Leeds, I read Dr. Hodge's book, "The Epidemic in London"
16/08/1748
– Tuesday. We left Newcastle. Towards Leeds, I read Dr. Hodge's book, "The
Epidemic in London". I was surprised: 1st. That he had not learned, even
among the symptoms he reported, that the first part attacked by the infection
was the stomach. 2nd. That he had so obstinately preserved a hot diet; though
he had continually seen the unhealthy success of it—most of the patients died
under his care. [14]
We rode to
Bristol. I took a look at Mr. Prince's book "Christian History"
February
28, 1753—Wednesday. We ride to Bristol. I have taken a look at Mr. Prince's
book, "Christian History." What an astonishing difference there is
between the manner in which God has conducted his work in England and in
America! There, above a hundred established clergymen, men of intellectual
development and experience, and of greater note for the sense of learning in
those parts, are zealously engaged in the work. Here almost every body of
clergymen of age, experience, and learning is zealously engaged against,
without name, without learning or eminent sense. And yet, through that great
number of honorable men, the work seldom flourished more than six months at a
time, and then followed a lamentable and general fall before its next revival;
while, that which God has wrought by these despised instruments, has
continually increased for fifteen consecutive years, and, though at some time
it declines somewhere, it will still more eminently flourish in others. [15]
I read
about Andrew Frey and his book, "Reasons to Leave the Brothers"
On Saturday, the 3rd, I read about Andrew Frey
and his book, "Reasons to Leave the Brothers". Most of what he says I
already knew, although I can't talk about them (the Moravians) in the same way
as he does
11/1/1753
– Thursday. I began by visiting the classes, although I was assured, through
the loss of my voice, that my bodily strength was not yet as restored as I had
previously imagined. On Saturday, the 3rd, I read about Andrew Frey and his
book, "Reasons for Leaving the Brethren." Most of what he says I
already knew, though I cannot speak of them (the Moravians) in the same way as
he does. I feel too sorry to be bitter! [16]
In my
walking hours, I read Dr. Calamy's book, "Compendium of the Life of Mr.
Baxter."
In my
hours of walking, I read Dr. Calamy's book, "Compendium of the Life of Mr.
Baxter." What a scene is unfolding here!
/4/1754 –
Wednesday. I performed all the services I could, and the next morning retired
to Paddington. Here I spent some weeks writing; going into town only on
Saturday evenings, and leaving it again on Sunday morning. In my hours of
walking, I read Dr. Calamy's book, "Compendium of the Life of Mr.
Baxter." What a scene is here unfolded! In spite of the prejudices of
education, I could not but see that the Nonconformist has been used without
justice or mercy; and that many of the Protestants, bishops of King Charles,
have no more religion, nor more humanity, than the Catholics, bishops of Queen
Mary. [17]
On the way, I read Mr. Baxter's book, History
of Councils
I left for
Canterbury. On the way, I read Mr. Baxter's book, History of Councils. It is
extremely astonishing and would be utterly unbelievable, but his testimonies
are beyond all exception
08/05/1754
– Monday. I left for Canterbury. On the way I read Mr. Baxter's book, History
of Councils. It is extremely surprising and would be utterly unbelievable, but
their testimonies are beyond all exception. What execrable ordinaries have been
(no one can give them a softer title!) who have taken, in almost every age,
since Cyprian, the government of the church under their charge! How one Council
has perpetually cursed another, and delivered all to Satan, then as now, those
who do not implicitly receive its determinations, though generally trifling,
sometimes false, and often incomprehensible or self-contradictory! Surely
Mohammedanism has left them to reform the Christians! I know of no other than
Constantinople that has profited by the change. [18]
I went to
Canterbury. Here, I came across "The Life of Muhammad"
I went to
Canterbury. Here I came across "The Life of Mohammed," written, I
suppose, by the Earl of Boulanvilliers. Whoever the author may be, he is very
petulant, frivolous, cocky buffoon's cap; remarkable for nothing except his
immense conviction and utter contempt for Christianity
11/23/1767
– Monday. I went to Canterbury. Here I came across "The Life of
Muhammad," written, I suppose, by the Earl of Boulanvilliers. Whoever the
author is, he is very petulant, frivolous, cocky buffoon's cap; remarkable for
nothing except his immense conviction and utter contempt for Christianity. The
book is a dull, indigestible novel, being unsupported by any authority, since
Dean Prideaux (a writer with ten times his sense) makes reference to his
authorities for everything he promotes. [19]
I read Dr.
Priestley's ingenious book on electricity
In my
spare moments this week I read Dr. Priestley's ingenious book on electricity.
He seems to have carefully collected and assimilated all that is known on this
curious subject
In my spare time this week I read Dr. Priestley's
ingenious book on electricity. He seems to have carefully collected and
assimilated all that is known on this curious subject. But how little is all
this! Really the use of electricity we know, at least in some degree. We know
that it is a thousand medicines in one, in particular that it is the most
effective medicine in nervous disorders of all kinds that have been discovered.
But if we point to the theory, we shall know nothing. Soon we are lost and bewildered
in the fruitless search. [20]
I went to
Shoreham. Here I read the book of Mr. Archdeacon Blackbourne, "The
Considerations of the Penal Laws Against the Papists"
I went to
Shoreham. Here I read Mr. Archdeacon Blackbourne's book, "The
Considerations of the Penal Laws Against the Papists." In Appendix 198, to
my great surprise, I read these words said to have been written by a gentleman
in Paris: "The Popish faction boasts of the growth of the Methodists, and
speaks of that sect with ecstasy
12/20/1768
– Tuesday. I went to Shoreham. Here I read Mr. Archdeacon Blackbourne's book,
"The Considerations of the Penal Laws Against the Papists." In
Appendix 198, to my great surprise, I read these words said to have been
written by a gentleman in Paris: "The Popish faction boasts of the growth
of the Methodists, and speaks of this sect with ecstasy. How far the Methodists
and Papists are connected as to principle, I do not know; but I believe, beyond
all doubt, that they are in constant correspondence between them." It
appears that this letter was published in the "St. James's
Chronicle," but I never saw or heard of it, until these words were printed
in the "Canterbury Journal," as Mr. Blackbourne himself. And he
almost made them his own, through his faint note: "I would readily expect
some doubts might arise from it." In fact, he adds, "Mr. Whitefield
has taken proper care to prevent all suspicion of having any connection with
popery." Yes, and Mr. Wesley much more, since August 31st. [21]
I have
summarized Dr. Watt's beautiful book, "Treatise on the Passions"
I have
summarized Dr. Watt's beautiful book, "Treatise on the Passions." Its
one hundred and seventy-seven pages have become a useful summary of twenty-four
February
17, 1769 – Friday (Yarmouth). I have summarized Dr. Watt's fine book,
"Treatise on the Passions." Its one hundred and seventy-seven pages
have become a useful summary of twenty-four. Why do some people who deal with
the same subjects write such voluminous books? Among the many reasons, this is
the main one: we do not write from the same point of view. Their main purpose
is to make money, mine is only to do good! [22]
On a
little journey I made in Bedfordshire, I finished Dr. Burnet's book, "The
Theory of the Earth"
On a
little journey I made in Bedfordshire, I finished Dr. Burnet's book, "The
Theory of the Earth." He, without a doubt, is one of the first-rate
writers, both for intelligence and style; his language is remarkably clear,
unaffected, stimulating, and elegant
17/01/1770
– Wednesday. On a short journey I made in Bedfordshire, I finished Dr. Burnet's
book, "The Theory of the Earth." He, without a doubt, is one of the
writers of the first class, both in intelligence and style; his language is
remarkably clear, unaffected, stimulating, and elegant. And as to this theory,
no one can deny that it is well developed, and is consistent in itself. It is
highly probable that: 1. the earth rose from chaos, in some measure, as he
describes; 2. the antediluvian earth had no high and abrupt mountains, and no
sea, being a uniform crust which closed a great gulf; 3. the Flood was caused
by the breaking up of this crust, and its sinking into the abyss of waters; and
4. the present state of the earth, internal and external, shows that it must be
the ruins of the former earth. This is the essence of his two past books, and
so far I agree with him. I have no objection to the contents of his third book,
on the General Conflagration, but I believe it to be one of the noblest treatises
that exist in our language. It does not object much to the fourth, concerning
the new heavens and the new earth. The essence of it is highly probable. [23]
I read
with great expectation Rousseau's famous book, "On Education"
In my
leisure time and in the days that followed, I read with great expectation
Rousseau's famous book, "On Education". How disappointed I was!
Certainly the most consummate "buffoon's cap" I have seen under the
sun!
02/03/1770
– Saturday. In my leisure time and in the days that followed, I read with great
expectation Rousseau's famous book, "On Education".
How
disappointed I was! Surely the most consummate "buffoon's cap" I have
ever seen under the sun! How astonishingly full of himself! Whatever he speaks,
he pronounces it like an oracle. But many of his oracles are, of course, false,
such as the one which states that "little children never love older
people." No! Then they do not love their grandfathers and grandmothers?
Often more than their own parents? They really love all who love them, and with
more warmth and sincerity than when they become adults. But I object his temper
more than his judgment: he is a mere misanthrope; a cynic, above all. As much
as is his brotherly infidel, Voltaire, and almost as great presumptuous. But he
conceals his stubbornness and vanity a little better; since here he stares at
us continually. Concerning his book, it is absurd to the last degree, and is
not founded on reason, nor on experience. To quote particular passages would be
infinite, but any one may observe, concerning the whole, that he counsels what
is good, trivial, and common, only disguised in new expressions. And as to what
is new, what is really of itself, they are clearer than vanity for its own
sake. Such discoveries I always expect from those who are too wise to believe
their Bibles. [24]
As a result of reading Dr.
Cheyne's book, I decided to eat in moderation and drink water
Later, as a result of reading Dr.
Cheyne's book, I decided to eat in moderation and drink water. Then I began to
expel blood, which continued for many years. A warm climate cured me of this
06/28/1770
– Thursday. I can hardly believe that I am entering my sixty-eight years of age
today. How wonderful have been the ways of God! He has sustained me since I was
a child! From ten to thirteen or fourteen, I had little to eat but bread, and
not in abundance. I believe that this was very far from injuring me, so much so
that it laid the foundation of lasting health.
Later, as
a result of reading Dr. Cheyne's book, I decided to eat in moderation and drink
water. Then I began to expel blood, which continued for many years. A hot
climate cured me of this. Later, I was on the verge of death from a fever, but
it made me healthier than before. Eleven years later, I was in my third stage
of consummation. In three months, it pleased God to remove this as well. Since
that time, I have known no pain or disease, and I am now healthier than I was
forty years ago. This has God wrought! [25]
On his
return from a trip, Wesley read a Quaker's book on the slave trade
On my
return, I read a very different book, published by an honest Quaker, about that
execrable sum of all villainies, which is commonly called the slave trade
February
12, 1772 – Wednesday. On my return, I read a very different book, published by
an honest Quaker, on that execrable sum of all villainies, which is commonly
called the slave trade. I have read nothing like it in the heathen world, both
ancient and modern, and it infinitely exceeds in many instances the barbarity
which Christian slaves suffered in Mohammedan lands. [26]
Note: "The book that John Wesley read on
February 12, 1772 is called Some Historical Account of Guinea
(originally published in 1771): " Some
historical accounts of Guinea".
The
author of the work was Anthony Benezet, a well-known French-American and
Quaker educator (member of the
Society of Friends) based in Philadelphia."[27]
I read Mr.
Jenyns's admired treatise on the "Internal Evidence of the Christian
Religion"
I have
read Mr. Jenyns's admired treatise on the "Internal Evidence of the
Christian Religion." He is undoubtedly an excellent writer, but whether he
is a Christian, a deist, or an atheist I cannot say
07/24/1776
– Wednesday. I have read Mr. Jenyns' admired treatise on the "Internal
Evidence of the Christian Religion." He is undoubtedly an excellent
writer, but whether he is a Christian, deist, or atheist I cannot say. If he is
a Christian, he betrays his own cause, asserting that "all Scripture is
not given by the inspiration of God, but its writers have sometimes been left
to themselves, and consequently have made some mistakes." No. If there is
any error in the Bible, there may be thousands. If there is a falsehood in this
book, it has not come from the God of truth. [28]
'Simple Shallow master', as Shakespeare says:
wise, wise master rector, your advisor!"
After preaching, a servant of Mr. — came and
said, 'Sir, my master excuses you from preaching any more on your ground; not
out of any disrespect to you, but he will be on the side of the Church.'
'Simple Shallow master,' as Shakespeare says: wise, wise master rector, your
counselor!"
He
read Shakespeare.
On
Friday, June 22, 1759, Wesley said, "I went to S—k and preached to my old
congregation of colliders on 'Why shall ye die, O house of Israel?' After
preaching, a servant of Mr. — came and said, 'Sir, my master excuses you from
preaching any more on your ground; not for any disrespect to you, but he will
be on the side of the Church.' 'Simple Shallow master,' as Shakespeare says:
wise, wise master rector, your counselor!"[29]
For
some, there was Shakespeare's influence on Wesley. Samuel J. Rogal
wrote "The Literary Influence of Shakespeare upon Charles and John
Wesley," published by Amazon, in 2015.
William
Shakespeare (1564-1616) "was a great English writer and playwright. He is
considered the national poet of England and the greatest playwright in world
literature".[30]
This week, while traveling,
I read Dr. Stuart's book, "History of Scotland"
This week,
on a trip, I read Dr. Stuart's book, "History of Scotland." He is a
writer indeed! Far above Dr. Robertson, as much as Dr. Robertson is above
Oldmixon
02/05 –
Sunday. 1786
This week,
on a journey, I read Dr. Stuart's book, "History of Scotland." He is
a writer indeed! Far above Dr. Robertson, as much as Dr. Robertson is above
Oldmixon. He asserts beyond suspicion, that the accusations against Queen Mary
were utterly groundless; that she was vilely betrayed by her own servants, from
beginning to end; and that she was not only one of the finest princesses in
Europe, but one of the most blameless; yes, and of the most pious women! [31]
Wesley read "On the Thoughts of
Pascal"
On Friday, October 13, 1752, Wesley read
"about Pascal's Thoughts. He asks, "What could induce a creature like
Voltaire to give a good word to such an author as this, unless he has written a
satire
On
Friday, October 13, 1752, Wesley read "about Pascal's Thoughts. He asks,
"What could induce a creature like Voltaire to give a good word to such an
author as this, unless he has written a satire? And so the fact that he is a
satirist can atone even for the fact that he is a Christian."[32]
Blaise
Pascal (1623-1662) was a "French philosopher, mathematician, physicist and
inventor, he was one of the most important thinkers of the Modern Era, having
produced a complex philosophical theory".[33]
His
famous phrase is: "The heart has reasons that reason itself does not
know."
[1] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[2] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[3] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[4] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[5] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[6] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[7] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[8] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[9] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[10] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[11] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[12] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[13] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[14] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[15] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[16] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[17] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[18] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[19] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[20] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[21] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[22] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[23] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[24] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[25] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[26] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[27] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[28] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora,
2017.
[29] https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/travellers/J_Wesley/11
[30] https://www.todamateria.com.br/william-shakespeare
[31] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[32] The Magazine of John Wesley. Edited by Percy
Livingstone Parker, Chicago. Moody Press, 1951.
[33] https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/biografia/blaise-pascal.htm
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