PREFACE. THE recent publication of several Lives of the Rev. John Wesley having excited a very general desire to obtain an acquaintance with his views of Christianity as delineated by his own pen, has induced the compilation of this little manual. The design of the editor has been to give an unprejudiced view of the Methodist doctrines as developed and illustrated by its founder; sufficiently comprehensive to exhibit the complete outlines of his doctrinal system, and sufficiently compressed to be placed within the reach of all who desire acquaintance with its character and claims. The editor believes that no subject of importance in the Christian system has been over looked by him in this compilation; and he trusts that the systematised form which it assumes, and the comprehensive survey which it takes, will render it an acceptable volume to such as feel any interest in the affairs of that Christian community to which it relates. To the members of the Methodist body es- not pecially, the editor commends his work: indeed as superseding the place of Mr. Wesley's writings; bat as furnishing an accurate and comprehensive analysis of his doctrinal sentiments and theological system. |