John Wesley: A Plain Account of Christian Perfection

John Wesley (1703–1791) is the chief architect and source of inspiration to the teaching commonly referred to as Christian perfection. Among his many publications, the book that best summarizes his teachings on holiness is A Plain Account of Christian Perfection, as believed and taught by the Reverend Mr. John Wesley, from the year 1725 to the year 1777. For many years this timeless classic has been reproduced in various formats. Now, for the first time, John Wesleys A Plain Account of Christian Perfection is being offered in a definitive Annotated Edition by Mark K. Olson. This edition is volume one in a projected three volume series. The Annotated Edition offers the following: The entire text has been divided into chapters and verses for detailed study and cross-referencing. The introduction examines in detail when and why Wesley wrote A Plain Account. The verse by verse commentary discusses the history and background behind the text, offering unsurpassed explanation of Wesleys doctrine of perfect love. Five end notes address Wesleys early doctrinal development, the impact of Aldersgate on his perfection doctrine, many testimonies of attaining perfection, and other relevant material from early Methodism. Over 150 quotations from Wesleys sermons, writings, and letters offer unlimited clarification to his views on perfection. The insights of many Wesley scholars are included: Albert Outler, Randy Maddox, Kenneth Collins, William Greathouse, Thomas Oden, Harold Lindstrom, Stephen Gunter, H. Ray Dunning, Theodore Runyon, plus many others. A timeline details every event in Wesleys lifetime corresponding to A Plain Account. Several exhaustive indexes are included: scripture, annotation, subject, author, Wesley quotations, and two synonym indexes from Wesleys Journal and A Plain Account. The Essential Reading Section further empowers the study of Wesleys theology of perfection. Included are: o Twenty key sermons, along with their dates and locations in Wesleys Works (both the Jackson and Bicentennial editions). Wesleys most important writings on perfection, listing their date and location in his Works. 250 letters relevant to his theology of perfection. The index includes their date and location in Wesleys Works, with a brief description of their contents. Two additional volumes are planned in the series. John Wesleys Theology of Perfection will offer specialized studies for those wanting to dig deeper into Wesleys theology of perfection. The third volume, John Wesleys Doctrine of Christian Perfection, will present in systematic format every facet of Wesleys views on perfection. The projected release for both volumes is 2006 and 2007. Together, these three volumes will present one of the most thorough and exhaustive studies ever done on Wesleys most beloved, yet, most controversial doctrine.