Though Wesley strove to offer what he called plain truth for plain people, his characteristically 18th-century prose can be challenging for modern readers. This meticulous new three-volume edition of the standard sermons gently paraphrases archaic phrasing, simplifies some confusing sentence structures, and makes sparing abridgments where duplicative wording or examples obscure rather than clarify meaning. Preserving Wesley’s points, sequence, paragraph and sermon numbering, these judicious and respectful treatments help make the standard sermons accessible to contemporary readers without compromising Wesley’s voice, meaning or intention.
An ideal reference tool for pastors preparing sermons or classes in Wesleyan heritage and theology, they will also appeal to seminarians and other students, Methodists looking for a deeper understanding of Wesley’s beliefs, Christians seeking forthright guidance on the path to personal salvation, and general readers interested in exploring the thought of one of history’s most original, influential and inspiring religious minds.
Click on the images below to order any or all of the volumes:
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| Purchase Volume I here |
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| Purchase Volume II here |
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| Purchase Volume III here |
About the editor
Below, Charles Weaver speaks to book consultant and reviewer Suzanne Fox about Wesley and the process of creating this edition of some of his most enduring works.
Q. Wesley is, of course, historically significant as the founder of Methodism. What else—what personal characteristics or innovations—makes him meaningful to you?
A. I admire John Wesley because he struggled for years to gain a personal understanding and experience of salvation by faith, “the religion of the heart,” as he described it. He began with a more formal, “churchy” religion, which he pursued with great self-discipline and devotion—to the point of near-perfection. But in his mid-thirties, he realized that he was on the wrong track—that salvation was not something gained through religious effort, but something given through simple faith in Christ. His life and ministry changed dramatically. In these sermons, he shares his understanding of saving faith with his followers--across three centuries, on every continent. It turns out that he didn’t discover anything new; he simply rediscovered the Christianity of the New Testament, the Early Church, and the Reformation—but through the unique lens of his personal spiritual struggle as an 18th-century English clergyman. I am grateful to be a spiritual son of Wesley.
Q. Are these “standard sermons” the only sermons Wesley wrote or preached? If not, why are they designated “standard”?
A. No, he preached thousands of sermons during his ministry of over fifty years, and many more than these fifty-three were eventually published. Between 1746 and 1760, however, he published the forty-four that he felt best represented the heart of the Wesleyan message—for his preachers, his followers, and the general public. These were intended to provide guidance and parameters for all Methodist preaching. In 1771, he included an additional nine sermons which he felt deserved this status.
Q. Were these sermons actually preached as written, or were they a more literary project?
A. A few were based on actual sermon manuscripts; where and when they were preached is noted at the end of each. Most, however, were more like theological treatises, in sermonic form—based on topics he frequently preached, making points he typically made, but carefully constructed for publication. Wesley preached to a wide variety of Englishmen—from Oxford academics to miners, blacksmiths, shopkeepers, and farmers. He adjusted his preaching to his audience. These sermons were primarily written to be read, but Wesley’s deep convictions and spiritual fervor still shine through.
Q. As formatted here, the sermons include paragraph numbering. Tell us a bit about that.
A. I’ve simply followed the standard system used for his sermons, to allow the reader easy access to the originals. Individual paragraphs are marked by Arabic numerals; major sections within each sermon are marked by Roman numerals.
Q. When and why did you begin editing these sermons? How long did it take?
A. In retirement, I had made it a practice to read through the Bible each year, following a plan I had devised for myself. In January 2019, however, I decided to use Wesley’s sermons instead, knowing they were based on, and contained, copious amounts of scripture. By February, I realized I was paraphrasing and abridging Wesley’s 18th-century words and sentences, out loud to myself, the better to understand his meaning. By March, I was typing out my revisions. I had no idea where I was going with this project, but I felt compelled to keep on keeping on. I shared what I was doing with a handful of clergy friends. After finishing about twenty-five sermons, I decided to end the project at forty sermons, omitting the thirteen in the middle that are based on the Sermon on the Mount. In conversation with a would-be publisher, I was challenged to complete all the standard sermons—which I did. The whole project took about five years, off and on as life allowed; I never became a slave to the project. The actual paraphrasing and abridging took over three years; working with my book consultant much of two years.
Q. You describe these sermons as “gently paraphrased and sparingly abridged.” That sounds like delicate, painstaking work! Tell us a little about that approach.
A. I didn’t set out with that exact intent; it was only when I was well into the project that I realized that this described well what I’d done. Others, I came to realize, had rendered Wesley’s sermons, before me, into “modern English.” Though I’ve not read those, I sense that my revisions are more conservative and, hopefully, more timeless. I wanted Wesley to sound like Wesley, yet to be more accessible to modern readers. Archaic words and overly complex sentence structure have been “gently paraphrased and sparingly abridged.” I believe I’ve cleared away sufficient underbrush to allow clear passage through the forest, with an enhanced appreciation of its beauty and magnificence.
Q. What was the most difficult part of the editing process?
A. It was probably dealing with the complex sentence structure, simplifying and smoothing without losing nuances of meaning.
Q. What aspect of the work was most rewarding?
A. It was encountering Wesley himself through his writings: his sharp mind, his use of logic, his knowledge of scripture, his passionate heart, his evangelical outreach to the world. Wesleyanism has often been defined as the understanding of scripture in a balanced way—through the living tradition of the Church, a judicious use of reason, and a vital personal experience of salvation. It all came through, for me, in my work of revision.
Q. Were there any surprises along the way?
A. My main surprise was that I never tired of the work. Being retired, I had no deadlines; I had no notion, to begin with, how many of the sermons I’d complete; I had no thought, at first, of ever publishing my work. So, I had no pressure. I was doing it for myself. It was only when the work was well under way that I began to think of completing it and leaving it behind as my little contribution to the Wesleyan movement.
Q. What do you hope readers will take away from their encounter with Wesley and these sermons?
A. I hope they will be enriched spiritually. Any Christian will find guidance in his writings. Wesley is not sectarian, but draws broadly and richly from scripture and the great tradition of the Church; in addition, he has a logical mind and a vital personal faith experience. He appeals to the head and the heart. What many Christians feel or intuit in their hearts, Wesley explains to their heads, thus making their faith all the richer.
