1992 Autumn LecturesBy John Little
The Wesleys were both tireless preachers of the gospel, mightily used in the Eighteenth Century revival. Charles is best known for his remarkable work as a Christian hymn writer. In his estimated 250,000 miles on horseback John was to establish a national network of methodist societies to follow-up new converts to Christianity.
As a minister of Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge, for 54 years Charles Simeon influenced a whole generation of Christian leaders. It has been said that his influence on the nation and the Church of England is incalculable.
Lord Shaftesbury had a profound contribution to social reform. He spearheaded countless campaigns to care for the mentally ill, to reduce working hours in factories and to stop children being sent down mines.
William Wilberforce is chiefly remembered as the reformer who campaigned for the abolition of the slave trade. He was at the heart of British politics for over forty years during the inflammatory times of the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.
William Carey as the “Father of Modern Missions” started the movement, under God, which was to make Christianity a truly global faith. His wide concept of mission embraced preaching, social, educational and translation work.