ABSTRACT
John Wesley left a considerable written record over his lifetime. His extensive catalogue of published literature, letters, Journal and sermons demonstrate his continuing interest in child-rearing and education. This chapter shows the century in which he was writing was one of considerable social, religious and economic change. It discusses the influences that helped shape Wesley's thinking on how children were to be raised and educated. The chapter demonstrates that his mother Susanna Wesley's educational thinking was more compassionate than some commentators have thitherto, and argues that John Wesley's upbringing at Epworth had an impact on his views on female education. Although his thinking resonates with Puritan and Lockean influences, the chapter presents evaluating non-Anglican influences, particularly the significance of Wesley's encounter with the Moravian Church. Samuel Wesley instructed his sons in Latin, Greek and classical literature, laying the foundation for their future learning at Westminster, Charterhouse and Oxford.
