Who Was John Wesley?
John Wesley (1703–1791) was an English cleric, theologian, and evangelist best known as the founder of the Methodist movement. Along with his brother Charles Wesley, he led a revival within the Church of England that emphasized personal faith, holiness, practical Christianity, and social action.
Through his preaching, writing, and tireless missionary work, Wesley inspired a movement that would grow into one of the largest Protestant denominations in the world. His teachings on faith, discipline, and social justice continue to influence Christians and churches around the globe.
Best John Wesley Quotes
Here are 10 powerful John Wesley quotes that reflect his deep faith and commitment to practical Christianity:
- “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
- “Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.”
- “What one generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace.”
- “Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth.”
- “Earn all you can, give all you can, save all you can.”
- “Light yourself on fire with passion and people will come from miles to watch you burn.”
- “The best of all is, God is with us.”
- “Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry.”
- “When you set yourself on fire, people love to come and see you burn.”
- “Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils.”
John Wesley’s Enduring Legacy
John Wesley’s words and actions shaped modern Christianity with a focus on faith in action, social responsibility, and spiritual discipline. His dedication to preaching, charity, and education laid the foundations for Methodism and inspired social reform movements around the world.
Today, Wesley’s teachings remind believers that faith is not passive — it is to be lived out in daily acts of love, service, and devotion.