John Wesley’s New Year
How John Wesley Spent the New Year in 1785.
John Wesley (1703 –1791) preaching outdoors
From the Journal of John Wesley:
Saturday January 1, 1785. — Whether this be the last or no, may it be the best year of my life!
Sunday, January 2, 1785. A larger number of people were present this evening at the renewal of our covenant with God, than was ever seen before on the occasion.
Tuesday, January 4, 1785. — At this season we usually distribute coals and bread among the poor of the society. But I now considered, they wanted clothes, as well as food. So on this, and the four following days, I walked through the town, and begged two hundred pounds, in order to clothe them that needed it most. But it was hard work, as most of the streets were filled with melting snow, which often lay ankle deep; so that my feet were steeped in snow-water nearly from morning till evening: I holden it out pretty well till Saturday evening; but I was laid up with a violent flux, which increased every hour, till, at six in the morning, Dr. Whitehead called upon me. His first draught made me quite easy; and three or four more perfected the cure.
John Wesley was 82 years old at this time.
More from this blog
What John Wesley Actually Said About the Bible- John Wesley: The Original Design of the Methodists
John Wesley & Gerasimos Avlonites: Two Paintings
Nick Quient: Perfecting Holiness and the Promises of God: A Brief Exegesis of 2 Cor 7:1
Faith and the “Inward Witness”
John Wesley: The Whole of Christian Perfection- John Wesley: Why Aren’t All Saved?
- John Wesley: On Being Open to Correction
- A Test of Spiritual Experiences
- John Wesley: “Those Who Are Without”
- John Wesley: The Nature of Christian Salvation
- John Wesley on the Neglect of Private Prayer
Thanks for sharing. I have wondered how (and if) Wesley observed Good Friday. My scattered perusal of the diaries didn’t answer the question. Anyone here have insight on this? Thanks. Harriett
I don’t know myself, now that you mention it, but I can’t see why his observance of Lent would be any different than any other Anglican.