After the holiday break, students and faculty at Greensboro College often begin conversations by talking about the books they have read during the holidays. Publishers always schedule release of books so they will be the hot sellers during the holiday season. (This year, my favorite book was Pat Conroy’s “My Losing Season.”) 

Many people enjoy reading a variety of authors; others read every word written by one or two favorite writers. One of my favorite Wesley historians is Luke Tyerman. He brings a great deal of personality to John and Charles Wesley and times of their lives. 

Tyerman closes his story of Wesley’s life in 1753 in his customary style. He lists the publications John Wesley had written during the year. Remember, I said he lists the publications written, not the publications read. How is this for a list of writings in just one year:

 1. Fourteen volumes (Vols. 20- 33) of the CHRISTIAN LIBRARY -- some 4,300 printed pages. Not bad for “a clergyman without money, and who was always traveling.”

2. HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS – “intended for the use of real Christians of all Denominations ….” For many years, this was *the* hymn-book of the Methodist meeting-houses.

3. An Extract from his Journal, 1743 to 1746. 160 pages.

4. THE COMPLEAT ENGLISH DICTIONARY. On the cover page, it claims to explain “most of those hard words which are found in the best English writers by a Lover of Good English and Common Sense.” And, “The Author assures you he thinks this is the best English dictionary in the world.” The work was intended for use by the unlettered Methodists to whom Wesley was introducing literature and scientific classics in his CHRISTIAN LIBRARY. 

These are the writings of one man in one year, two hundred fifty-two years ago. I am not sure I could even read that much in a year along with the regular duties of the year. Truly our Mr. Wesley was a remarkable person.

Craven E. Williams
President
Greensboro College
Greensboro, N.C.