ABSTRACT
George Whitefield’s Bristol ministry in 1739 was a dynamic affair, drawing large crowds and a base of dedicated followers. When Whitefield invited John Wesley to come to Bristol in support of the revival ministry, however, the initial stages of the ‘Free Grace’ controversy erupted. Wesley quickly superseded Whitefield’s position in the revival, drawing large crowds to himself and creating the framework for what would become the Wesleyan Methodist societies. This chapter argues that the chief means through which Wesley usurped Whitefield’s leadership was through the promotion of a divergent doctrine of predestination. Instead of Whitefield’s strongly Calvinistic doctrine, Wesley preached and taught one that was more distinctively Arminian. By creating a separate theological ‘brand,’ Wesley was able to distinguish himself and his societies from those of Whitefield while still remaining under the auspices of the Church of England. Wesley aggressively pursued the development of his societies by breaking with the Moravians at Fetter Lane, expelling those of a different opinion, and removing the Calvinist leadership that was present at Whitefield’s Kingswood school.
