A Pentecostal Season: The Methodists in England and America, Part 2
Methodists and Healing
John Wesley believed in divine healing, prayed for divine healing on a number of occasions, and testified to some cases of supernatural healings as a result of prayer.
In his Journal, Wesley wrote: “March 31, 1742. In the evening I called upon Ann Calcut. She had been speechless for some time; but almost as soon as we began to pray, God restored her speech: She then witnessed a good confession indeed. I expected to see her no more. But from that hour the fever left her; and in a few days she arose and walked glorifying God.”[43]
Again, “October 16, 1778. Immediately after, a strange scene occurred. I was desired to visit one who had been eminently pious, but had now been confined to her bed for several months, and was utterly unable to raise herself up. She desired us to pray, that the chain might be broken. A few of us prayed in faith. Presently she rose up, dressed herself, came down stairs, and I believe had not any farther complaint.”[44]
And again, “May 31, 1785. At eleven I preached in the avenue again. … Afterwards, a decent woman, who I never saw either before or since, desired to speak with me; and said, ‘I met you at Caladon. I had then a violent pain in my head for four weeks; but was fully persuaded I should be well, if you would lay your hand on my cheek; which I begged you to do. From that moment I have been perfectly well.’ If so, give God the glory.” [45]
John Wesley saw his horse healed three times as a result of prayer.
Theologian John Fletcher was the most influential person in Methodism next to John and Charles Wesley. He arrived at the conference for Methodist preachers at Bristol in 1777 near death. John Wesley knelt at his side and all the preachers joined him. Wesley prayed for Fletcher’s restoration to health and a longer ministerial career. Mr. Wesley closed his prayer with this prophecy—“He shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” Mr. Fletcher did recover and lived another 8 years.[46]
PR
This excerpt from The Supernatural Thread in Methodism: Signs and Wonders Among Methodists Then and Now (Creation House, 2013) is used with permission.
For Further Reading:
Experiencing Life in the Spirit: an interview with Frank Billman
The Holy River of God: Currents and Contributions of the Wesleyan Holiness Stream of Christianity reviewed by David Belles.
Watch: John Wesley and Pentecostalism: an interview with Frank Macchia
Daniel Jennings, The Supernatural Occurrences of John Wesley reviewed by Tony Richie.
Winfield Bevins, “Wesley and the Pentecostals”
This article will attempt to briefly discuss the historical development of Pentecostalism by making a special application of John Wesley’s contribution.
Category: Church History, Fall 2018
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