Highlights of Early Methodism in England

Introduction

• Focus on key developments that shaped early Methodism in England.
• Topics: Lay preachers, Wesleyan Conference, Ministry to the Poor.

Lay Preachers

• Emergence (1741): Lay preachers became prominent due to necessity at the Foundry.
• Thomas Maxfield: First lay preacher, authorized by John Wesley after proving his capabilities.
• Church Reaction: Anglican Church criticized lay preachers as unlettered.
• Wesley’s Defense: Strongly defended lay preachers in his writings.
• Notable Figures:
  • John Cennick: Started with school care, moved to preaching, joined Moravians.
  • John Nelson: Preached in Cornwall with Wesley.
  • Silas Told: Preached to prisoners, converted from slave trade.
• Women Preachers:
  • Mary Bosanquet: Extraordinary call to preach, married John Fletcher.
  • Sarah Crosby and Sarah Mallet: Women who progressed to preaching.

The Wesleyan Conference

• First Conference (1744): Organized by Wesley, not attended by Moravians or Calvinistic Methodists.
• Participants: Charles Wesley, Anglican clergy, lay preachers.
• Agenda: Doctrine, discipline, practice.
• Doctrine Focus: Fall, Repentance, Justification, Regeneration, Sanctification.

Ministry to the Poor

• Identity: Integral to Methodism's identity from 1740s to 1780s.
• Works of Mercy: Seen as means of grace.
• Encouraged Sacrifice: Hymns by Charles Wesley emphasized stewardship and sacrifice.
• Deed-Based Evangelism: Actively sought out the poor for ministry.
• Social Services Provided:
  • Soup kitchens, clothing and blanket collections, medical clinics, literacy classes.
  • Visitation of prisoners, Sunday schools, employment services.
  • Homes for orphans, unwed mothers, aged.

Health Care Initiatives

• Medical Dispensaries: First free public dispensary at the Foundry.
• Primitive Physic: Wesley’s medical manual providing home remedies.
• Electrotherapy: Wesley used electricity as a treatment method.
• Visitors of the Sick: Provided medicine and prayer.

Chapel Design and Operations

• Free Seats: No pew rentals, simple architecture to be inclusive of the poor.
• Example: The New Room in Bristol was plain and simple, reflecting Wesley’s intentions.

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These notes offer a comprehensive overview of the key themes and developments discussed in the lecture, organized by subtopics for clarity and ease of study.