John Wesley This week's celebrations of the 200th anniversary of
the conversion of John Wesley are a tribute to a man who by his intellectual and spiritual powers would have been great in any age ; but it happened that he was born in a time which allowed his qualities to achieve their very greatest develop- ment. Even those who find the religion he preached un- sympathetic or-its social effects unfortunate cannot deny the ability and fervour with which his work was done ; and for the man himself and his writings there can be only admiration. There are many today who wish that a preacher of his type should arise again and revivify the religious life of the country as Wesley did ; certainly that effect could only be achieved by one who possessed not only his intellectual and practical gifts but his profound piety and sincerity and his appreciation of the intense suffering of the poor. Intense suffering needs violent remedies ; and Wesley preached a gospel that was like strong drink—and indeed for many , took its place. It is fortunate indeed that in the year of his bicentenary a real understanding of his work and the movement he founded has been made possible for those for • whom he preached, the poor, by the publication of the first volume of Halevy's great History of the English People, with its brilliant account of the significance of Methodism, at the price of 6d. ; for there could be no better way of ensuring that Wesley's name shall continue to have the understanding and admiration it deserves.
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