Preface

To every one who carefully studies Mr. Wesley’s character and history, it must appear that for nothing was this great man more distinguished than simplicity of purpose. From the time at which he obtained the salvation of the gospel, to the close of his eventful life, he was eminently a man of one business. He preached with almost unexampled diligence, he employed the press upon an extensive scale, during more than half a century, for the exclusive purpose of turning men from sin to Christ, and of building them up in holiness. To the same pious and benevolent objects his correspondence was directed. Notwithstanding the multiplicity of his engagements, he found time to write numerous letters to persons who solicited his advice, and cultivated his friendship. Many of these have been preserved. They consist not of idle gossip; nor are they intended to nourish a sickly sentimentality; but to urge forward his correspondents in the divine life, that they might attain all the mind that was in Christ, and make their calling and election sure. With the same design the following selections are published. They present an agreeable variety of subjects; and it is hoped will prove acceptable to a numerous class of readers to whom the entire works of the venerable writer are inaccessible. To the use of the closet, and of private reading, it is presumed, they are especially adapted.

The “Sketch of Mr. Wesley’s Character,” by which the letters are introduced, was published in Manchester, in the year 1791. It was appended to a sermon by Mr. Rodda, which was preached in that town on the occasion of Mr. Wesley’s death. It is in Mr. Bradbum’s best manner, and contains several interesting notices concerning the founder of Methodism which are not generally known. They are presented in an authentic form, as the result of personal knowledge and observation. For many years this valuable document has been out of print; and its repubhcation cannot but be acceptable to the devout and intelligent reader.

Thomas Jackson.
London, May 15, 1837.