This is a list of the sermonsofJohn Wesley, founder of Methodism. The first four volumes of Wesley's sermons include 44 discourses that are of special significance, while later volumes are also studied by Methodists for their doctrinal and moral teachings.
Sermons on Several Occasions is a collection of discourses or sermons published by Wesley, expounding on topics such as salvation by faith, the witness of the Spirit, the means of grace, and Christian perfection.[1]: 139 The 44 "standard sermons" are intended to equip Wesley's lay preachers with "a solid doctrinal basis and boundary for homiletical proclamation".[2]
The first volume was published in 1746. A second volume followed in 1748 and a third in 1750, making 36 sermons in all. A fourth volume was added in 1760, bringing the total to 43, and in 1762 a 44th sermon was inserted in the second edition of volume 3.[1]: 138 These four volumes are collectively known as Wesley's Forty-four Sermons. An additional 97 sermons were printed in several volumes.[3] Wesley was apparently influenced by the Anglican Book of Homilies, in terms of the form (i.e. using sermons as a primary means of communication) and content.[1]: 135–137
In 1763 Wesley prepared a 'Model Deed' for his preaching-houses, which guided who would be authorised to preach. This deed stipulated that preaching must be in accordance with the doctrines contained in his Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament and "the first four volumes of Sermons".[4] At this time he had compiled only the four volumes. The Notes and Forty-four Sermons remain the doctrinal standards (norms) of the Methodist Church of Great Britain.[5] These are marked * in the list below.
