John Wesley (1703-91) founded the Methodist movement, initially an offshoot of the Church of England, which grew into a major church in its own right. In doing so Wesley brought about the greatest religious revival of the 18th century. The name Methodism derives from the methodical approach Wesley adopted from the Bible for developing personal devotion. His decision to employ lay preachers and preach outdoor sermons on the Word of God to a mainly working-class population angered the Church of England. It led to a split and in 1795, after John Wesley's death, the Methodist Church was established. Wesley travelled over 250,000 miles across Britain, mainly on horseback, preaching over 40,000 sermons during his lifetime, often facing fierce opposition and persecution. He also spent two years in Georgia, USA, and was author and publisher of much religious material. His work and preaching was known to every branch of society. Today, the Methodist Church has spread to almost every country in the world with a membership of some 70 million. In this account, Keith Cheetham traces Wesley's life story and gives detailed information on important Methodist heritage sites and places visited by the great preacher and evangelist. Over 170 places to visit in Britain and Georgia, USA One general map, 7 location maps of Wesley's London, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland and 1 of Georgia Line drawings plus cross-references to maps throughout text On the Trail of John Wesley is a thorough guide to the life and places connected with a man whose work and religious achievements changed the religious face of Britain and established a worldwide Methodist Church.

This book employs a global history approach to John Wesley’s (1703–1791) political and social tracts. It stresses the personal element in Wesley’s political thought, focusing on the twin themes of ‘liberty and loyalty’. Wesley’s political writings reflect on the impact of global conflicts on Britain and provide insight into the political responses of the broader religious world of the eighteenth century. They cover such topics as the nature and origin of political power, economy, taxes, trade, opposition to slavery and to smuggling, British rule in Ireland, relaxation of anti-Catholic Acts, and the American Revolution. Glen O’Brien argues that Wesley’s political foundations were less theological than they were social and personal. Political engagement was exercised as part of a social contract held together by a compact of trust. The book contributes to eighteenth-century religious history, and to Wesley Studies in particular, through a fresh engagement with primary sources and recent secondary literature in order to place Wesley’s writings in their global political context.