Whitfield and the Wesley Brothers. (Part 1)

In the eighteenth century, when England had become shrouded in spiritual darkness, three remarkable figures emerged as beacons of light: George Whitefield and the Wesley brothers, John and Charles. Charles was the 18th child of the Rev Samuel and Susannah Wesley. At that time, the established church had fallen into a state of religious decline, resembling heathenism. The clergy focused on natural religion, neglecting the doctrine of justification by faith championed by Luther. The Wesley’s, devout members of the Church of England, earnestly sought God’s favor through virtuous living and religious observance. However, their efforts were in vain, for they struggled to find peace and salvation.

In a providential twist, the Wesley’s’ spiritual journey led them to encounter a group of Moravian Christians aboard a ship bound for America. (Moravian Christian came from one of the oldest protestant movements in Germany tracing their heritage to John Hus who was burnt at the stake in 1415). Amidst a violent storm that terrified the English passengers, the Moravians displayed a serene trust in God, contrasting sharply with Wesley’s inner turmoil. This encounter marked the beginning of Wesley’s spiritual transformation. On the 24th of May 1738, guided by Moravian teachings, he embraced the concept of salvation through faith alone. This lead to a profound personal experience. The Moravians had read to him the introduction to Luther’s commentary on Romans. He had the  experience where he felt his heart “strangely warmed” and found assurance in Christ’s saving grace.

With this newfound understanding, Wesley’s life became a testament to God’s grace. His devotion to holiness and self-denial now transformed, becoming a result of faith rather than a means to attain it. Fuelled by his passion for the gospel, Wesley declared, “I look upon all the world as my parish,” embodying a fervent desire to share the message of salvation with everyone.

Wesley’s revival of faith was not an isolated event but part of a broader movement that included George Whitefield and other like-minded individuals. Despite their differences, these revival preachers shared a common purpose: to proclaim Christ crucified and lead souls to salvation. Their efforts were met with opposition, even from within the established church. Yet, through divine intervention, the revival found a way into the heart of the church itself. Some clergy members awakened from spiritual lethargy, becoming zealous preachers, and stagnant churches were revitalized.

This period was not without challenges. The differences between Whitefield and the Wesley’s initially threatened their unity. However, humility, forbearance, and mutual charity prevailed, allowing them to stand together against the tide of error and iniquity. They recognized the urgency of their mission, prioritizing the salvation of souls over theological disagreements.

In their relentless pursuit of God, these revivalists embodied the essence of true religion – a transformation of the heart and a life dedicated to God’s service. Their impact extended far beyond their lifetimes, laying the foundation for a spiritual awakening that would shape the course of Christianity. The Wesleyan revival, with its emphasis on faith, grace, and holiness, became a beacon of hope in a spiritually darkened world, inspiring generations to come. Through their unwavering faith and commitment, George Whitefield and the Wesleys rekindled the fires of divine truth and sparked a revival that historians agree, saved England a similar fate as that which happened in France during the French Revolution. TBC