WESLEY & MEN WHO FOLLOWED
By Iain H. Murray
Banner of Truth. 272 pages. £12.99
ISBN 085151835 4
This book is brief in its biographical details of John Wesley, for its larger purpose is with the spiritual explanation for both the rise and fall of Methodism.
Because of its subject, the whole book bursts with spiritual energy. Following his turning-point experience at Aldersgate Street in 1738, Wesley himself was constantly on the move right up until his death, preaching the gospel wherever he could. No amount of opposition seemed to daunt him. 'Especially in the early years of the revival, he was vehement, convicting and constantly evangelistic.' In the central section of the book we are then introduced to three representative Methodists of later periods. These are William Bramwell (1759-1818), who ministered in Yorkshire and Lancashire, Gideon Ousely (1762-1839), who was a firebrand for the Lord in Ireland, and Thomas Collins (1810-1864), who was constantly on the go for Christ from the Orkneys to Cornwall. These men were mad for Jesus Christ and knew true revival power from God. Their stories are thrilling.
The re-emergence of heavy shepherds
What would you think if you received a letter from your church leaders that read like this? ‘Are church members …