Aldersgate or Fetter Lane

9
Wesley’s great concern for his salvation, or at least the assurance of his salvation,
led him to seek out the Moravian guidance of Peter Böhler in early 1738. Wesley became
“clearly convinced of unbelief, of the want of ‘that faith whereby alone we are saved’,
with the full, Christian salvation.” 29 When tempted by his lack of faith to stop preaching,
Böhler encouraged Wesley with the famous phrase, “Preach faith till you have it, and
then, because you have it you will preach faith.” 30 The next day, Wesley “began
preaching this new doctrine, … salvation by faith alone.” 31 Just a few weeks after this
encounter with Böhler, Wesley had his heart-warming experience on May 24, 1738 at
Aldersgate.
Back in London, Wesley became active in the religious societies which had some
Anglican clergy in attendance. On May 1, 1738, Böhler began a fellowship meeting at the
home of James Hutton, that later met at the Fetter Lane Chapel. Hutton, a London
bookseller, had been “earnestly awakened” by Wesley’s preaching on “The One Thing
Needful” just before Wesley’s journey to Georgia. 32 When Böhler left town, Wesley took
on a leadership role of this Fetter Lane society, although he was never the primary leader.
Heitzenrater writes, “Wesley viewed the establishment of this society as the ‘third rise’ of
Methodism.” 33 The work of Wesley in the early Oxford Holy Club now resulted in the
beginning formation of one of Wesley’s great achievements, society meetings.
29
Wesley, “March 5, 1738,” Works, vol. 18, 228.
30
Wesley, “March 5, 1738,” Works, vol. 18, 228.
31
Wesley, “March 6, 1738,” Works, vol. 18, 228.
32
Heitzenrater, Wesley, 76.
33
Heitzenrater, “Founding Brothers,” 36.