This survey of the Wesleyan movement in the eighteenth century is the story of many people whose lives and thoughts are woven together in the developing theology, organization, and mission of Methodism. Wesley's own pilgrimage of faith is, of course, central to the emergence of Methodism, but we also see the contributions of many others, friends and critics alike, whose lives and thoughts helped shape the movement. Conflict as well as courage helped forge the distinctive Wesleyan emphases that constituted for them the 'scripture way of salvation.' We see the evolution of practical ways to nourish 'holiness of heart and life' through the development of societies and schools, classes and bands, conferences and clinics, and many other forms of organization and mission that eventually secure Methodism into the social and religion fabric of British society.
This book appropriately sets the study of John Wesley in the context of developing theology, organization, and mission of the eighteenth-century Methodist movement. Here we see John Wesley in relation to the Methodist people, and even come to know some of these ordinary people by name. Rich in historical detail, gleaned in part through years of editing Wesley's manuscript diaries, Heitzenrater's work concentrates on interpreting the larger patterns and meanings in the Methodist story. A major scholarly achievement, it is also lively, readable, and remarkably accessible. Students, teachers, and all who want to better understand the Wesleyan heritage will rejoice in the publication of this work.
