Aldersgate or Fetter Lane

signs of the Spirit’s work in them. A number of these physical manifestations occurred in
people who were in opposition to these types of supernatural events. In this time period
there was a (partial) physical healing of a boy, 140 two exorcisms, 141 and a miraculous save
from a dangerous horse accident. 142 In addition, within a few days of January 1, 1739,
evidence of Wesley’s spiritual depression and angst disappeared, at least for the seven
month timeframe considered in this paper. Clearly something was spiritually happening
following the Fetter Lane meeting of January 1, 1739 that was not as apparent following
Aldersgate. It was in 1739, after the supernatural move of the Holy Spirit in John
Wesley’s life and his ministry, that the Methodist Revival that swept the world started.
Wesley’s hard work and achievements prior to 1738-39 would not be undervalued
as they are except for the remarkable movement of Methodism beginning with these
remarkable two years. Wesley had achieved as much or more than any typical clergy
person would hope to achieve in the first thirty-five years of their life. Yet, with the work
of the Holy Spirit, so much more is possible, as seen in Wesley’s life.
Methodist clergy in particular can fall into the trap of working hard for God rather
than relying on God to work hard for them. For instance, in the “Historic Examination for
Admission into Full Connection,” each person seeking admission into full membership as
an ordained elder is asked before the entire annual conference:
19. Will you observe the following directions?
a) Be diligent. Never be unemployed. Never be triflingly employed. Never trifle
away time; neither spend any more time at any one place than is strictly
40
140
Wesley, “February 9-17, 1739,” Works, vol. 19, 34.
141
Wesley, Works, vol. 19, “May 2, 1739,” 54-5 and “May 21, 1739,” 60-2.
142
Wesley, “June 24, 1739,” Works, vol. 19, 73-4.