John Wesley (1703–1791) And George Whitefield (1714–1770)

In the mid-eighteenth century, John Wesley and George Whitefield became famous through their revivalistic preaching. Although based on a Scripture, it differed from Reformed preaching in that it was not exegetical and did not place as much emphasis on correct grammatical, historical, and theological contexts. Instead, Wesley and Whitefield developed topics and presented applications for their listeners. Sin, grace, and reconciliation with God were their favorite themes. Wesley united this message with a zeal for sanctification. This style of preaching was directed particularly toward the poor, resulting in a tremendous movement for social and political justice. Toward the middle of the eighteenth century two men became known who have made illustrious the English preaching of their day. Whitefield and Wesley were both Oxford men and used their cultivation in that preaching to the masses that had been the glory of the Puritan period. Whitefield and Wesley began to preach to the human c…